Sept. 2002 This Active Life -- People

Keeping a Cool Head

Paul Grein

When they do their jobs well, the saying goes, nobody notices them.

Michigan member Paul Grein, a sports official for 40 years, agrees that devotees of this avocation must share a love for the sport, the willingness to be out of the limelight, and thick skins.

"You have to keep a cool head and ignore the catcalls from fans who get on your case," says Grein, a former English and social studies teacher in Bay City who retired in 1989. In four decades, he hasn't heard many original wisecracks, he says; "keep your day job" being one of the many clich?s he endures.

For Grein, who officiates high school basketball, football, and softball, the job's rewards don't come from the game check but from "knowing when I left the field or the court that I gave 100 percent of my ability and was totally impartial." Sports directors have recognized Grein's skills by tapping him for numerous post-season tournament assignments, which go only to the top officials.

Sports have changed in many ways since Grein began officiating. "The players are much more athletic and much quicker," he says. "They're also much more competitive." Students who played several sports often stick to one sport now, playing it year-round. Grein senses that players "seem more wound up," as if more than just a win or loss is riding on their play.

Grein also observes that today's parents are more vocal about criticizing the coaches, especially over how much playing time their son or daughter gets. And coaches don't mind redirecting some of the barbs to the officials. "One coach called me the 'metallic' official," Grein says. "I asked him to explain. He said, 'you've got gold in your teeth, silver in your hair, and lead in your rear.' Ouch."

As long as Grein can physically keep pace, though, his easygoing temperament means he'll be blowing a whistle a long time yet.

A Smile for Kids' Future

Carol Transou

As a teacher in Johnson City, Tennessee, Carol Transou noticed how children with dental problems often were teased and, as a result, shied away from classroom activities that brought them attention.

"You might have children who do really well, but when you call on them, they put their hand over their mouth, or they won't go to the front of the class," says Transou. "You know that teasing is the reason; it's not that students can't do the work, it's just too painful for them." Poor children were predominantly the ones who couldn't have their dental problems corrected, Transou adds. "I don't think children should have to pay that price if some of us can help."

That memory pushed Transou to launch Project Smile, a local program that provides selected low-income students with dental care and braces. The Sunshine Lady Foundation gave an initial grant of $10,000, provided that Transou raise a matching amount locally. Johnson City dentists, following the lead of Dr. Jeff Banyas, a former student of Transou's, agreed to help with routine care. And all five local orthodontists committed to outfit students with braces at cost. The students' parents pay a nominal fee or an equivalent in-service, and Project Smile picks up the rest of the tab--about $2,000 per child. The first group of children to participate are now beginning their treatment.

Transou found that her years of teaching helped considerably when she began raising funds for the program. "My first talk was to a Kiwanis Club," she says. "I looked out into the audience and saw four or five students I had taught. When I began to speak, their heads started nodding in agreement right away." One of them suggested another group she could speak to--and the fundraising campaign was rolling. "Teachers have tremendous organizational skills and are not even aware of how many contacts they have," she says. "Doors open for you because you've been a teacher." Transou has raised over $50,000 so far.

"I'm hoping we can help to make some life changes for students," she says. "One never knows how things will turn out. But this could certainly be something that gives a child an opportunity for a better life."

Lighting the Home Fires

Mildred Wilkerson

Mildred Wilkerson drives her Orlando, Florida, neighborhood. Passing the Orange Center Elementary School, the kids in the extended day program are romping on the brand new playground, and the 15 renovated homes gleam in the sunlight--beautiful! The children are safe. The neighborhood is clean. As a matter of fact, it's a model community.

A resident for over 40 years and a former educator in that same community, Wilkerson has seen the neighborhood evolve from its earliest stage when she and other young professionals came in to start and raise families, through a period of decline, to its current time of renewal. Wilkerson's neighborhood has earned recognition as National Neighborhood of the Year during her tenure as president of the neighborhood homeowners' association.

Since her retirement in 1994, Wilkerson's efforts have earned $70,000 in grants for computers and books for the elementary school she once taught in. She also won seven city grants for neighborhood improvement, resulting in programs for home renovation, latchkey kids, parenting classes, and elder mentors who take the community's youth on trips and other events. Extending her service beyond her own neighborhood, she serves on the Citizens Advisory Board for the city of Orlando and bore the Olympic torch through Orlando before the 2002 Winter Games.

"Protecting the safety, health, and success of our children should be our most important mission," Wilkerson says. "I would hope that citizens in every community would get involved and make a difference in the lives of our children."

--Lorinda Bullock