Coaching is a difficult job, and there is no clear way to succeed in it. One cannot copy another who is a winner, for there seems to be some subtle, secret chemistry of personality that enables a person to lead successfully, and no one really knows what it is. Those who have succeeded and those who have failed represent all kinds – young and old, inexperienced and experienced, hard and soft, tough and gentle, good-natured and foul-tempered, proud and profane, articulate and inarticulate, even dedicated and casual. Most are dedicated, some more than others, but dedication alone is not enough. Some are smarter than others, but intelligence is not enough. All want to win, but some want to win more than others, and just wanting is not enough in any event. Even winning is often not enough. Losers almost always get fired, but winners get fired, too.

He is out in the open being judged publicly almost every day or night for six, seven, or eight months a year by those who may or may not be qualified to judge him. And every victory and every defeat is recorded constantly in print or on the air and periodically totaled up.

The coach has no place to hide. He cannot just let the job go for a while or do a bad job and assume no one will notice as most of us can. He cannot satisfy everyone. Seldom can he even satisfy very many. Rarely can he even satisfy himself. If he wins once, he must win the next time, too. In the end, almost certainly, he will be fired.

They plot victories, suffer defeats, endure criticism from within and without, and brook rumors that they are on their way in here and out there. They neglect their families, travel endlessly, and live alone in a spotlight surrounded by others.

Theirs may be the worst profession – unreasonably demanding and insecure and full of unrelenting pressures. Why do they put up with it? Why do they do it? A few retire, but most hang on desperately, almost unreasoningly. Why? Having seen them hired and hailed as geniuses at gaudy party-like press conferences and having seen them fired with pat phrases such as “fool” or “incompetent,” I have wondered about them. Having seen them exultant in victory and depressed by defeat, I have sympathized with them. Having seen some broken by the job and others die from it, I have been moved to write this blog.

We are just one coaching family. We care more than you will ever imagine. Some players see that instantly. Others reflect upon graduation. Some have taken 10 years to say, “wow, he's not so bad.” No matter how many haters there are in the crowd, we will always look past you. Keene's will carry on for the love of the game. No matter the record we will always be winners.

Pirates Protecting Keene Island--See Below

Conscience Effort

When I first met Coach we had nothing but fun. Couples that hung out with us, I think for the most part, would agree we knew how to kick back. Somewhere between I-Do, two children and job stability we got real serious. Serious like 97% of the time. Recently we vowed to make a conscience effort to play more. This play encompasses the classroom, the gym, my work place and most importantly neutral territory--home.

Friday I called a round table with the boys. While munching on the after school snack of choice Justice, Cameron and I plotted a way to kick off the weekend. Justice said, "lets pretend we are pirates on our own island." Sounds good. Cameron said, "guns." From this deep family meeting we decided to summon daddy to a fight on our island when he got home from practice. I wrote the note while Justice told me what to say. Around six o'clock the garage door went up and the boys were in action. While hiding in the tropical lagoon (also known as the entryway) I am pretty sure Cameron peed his pull up. Potty training is for the weak. Who cares. He was a pirate.

The hall was dark. We figured the forbidden stranger was reading our note on the door to Keene Ko Mo. All of a sudden the door downstairs and pow--pow---pow. There was more laughing and giggling at the bottom of the stairs than I had heard in months. Success--Play more, even if you must make a conscience effort!

P.S. Heard they had ice cream in practice Friday too...must have been something in the air.

Fake It

Yep, I fake it. I fake it all the time.


As leaders we often have to appear interested in our employee’s information, when in actuality we could care less. It’s my time to be a Golden Globe actress with the art of professionalism. Like Nike says, just do it. It makes everyone engage. It only takes a second to stop. Even when you don’t feel like speaking in the hallway, smile and fake it. When an employee gets a “win”, congratulate 'em. When someone is eating lunch alone, you invite then to your table. Sometimes taking the extra second to just act interested can engage an employee to pass it on. Before you know it, you might not have to fake it anymore.


I fake it with my kids. I sing good morning songs to Justice and Cameron every morning—even when I don’t feel like sunshine and rainbows. Sometime faking it can trick yourself into feeling it. I get to perform the role of strong and not tired on a nightly basis. I fake being a good cook with the tricks I pick up from the Internet. I also get to fake having things under control, when in reality I am swirling from the within.

Faking it also plays a role in behind the bench. I get to pretend I don’t hear downbeat comments. I get to close my eyes to dagger looks across the gym. I also get to fake I am not effected by rumors. I get to fake when I know people are purposely ignoring me. But your right, the program is probably that interesting or you needed to stare at your watch when I walked by to make eye contact. I would say--coward. And that's not faking. I get to fake being excited about hate mail. I get to make excuses why Justice cant get the mail anymore, just in case. I also get to fake not knowing exactly who sent it. I am smiling in the gym, and faking it right now.

After graduating top of the class from faking 101; I heard a sermon while driving Justice to Lincoln Elementary. The preacher was challenging Christians to pray for your enemies. What? Pray for people who cause pain and adversity? At first I was faking to be listening, but then I tuned in deeper. Pray for my enemies.... I got quiet on Jackson Street. Tears went down my cheeks. Justice asked, "Mom, are you praying again? Did Jesus just spank you?" It was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. Two people I never have to be fake with, Coach and God. It was like he whispered to me in that very moment, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." That's exactly what I am going to do. Set an example to my children to love our enemies. I asked Justice who the meanest kid at school was...and we prayed for him before we got out of the car. Yep, eyes closed, head bowed and neither of us were faking....

2012, its finally here. Isn't this supposed to be the year to end all years? Only if your Mayan, wait a second--aren't they all gone anyway?

Keene's rang in the new year at Fun City. We had a great time. Watersides, pizza, games and together time only 45 short minutes away from home. The boys were, brace yourself, abnormally perfect the entire time. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays-not to metion the tournament- its always nice to let your guard down and just be.

First stop was the water park. Justice was like an dolphin. Cameron;alittle more shy. He wanted to hold my hand everywhere. The only hand Justice wanted to hold was these six little girls celebrating a 6th birthday. He was in rare show-off form. He braved it up and went down the yellow enclosed water slide. I could not believe he wanted to take this tunnel of darkness. Off he went. Yes, waiting at the bottom like a freaked out expected mother--SLASH--he came out of the midnight with a huge grin. Probably Justice's proudest moment to date. Grandpa Dana WOULD have had a heart attack. On a side bar he is afraid of water--let alone a water slide. Sorry Dad--outed ya. Anyhoo. When my brave JC came out of the water I asked him if he was scared in the darkness? "Nope mom. Jesus held my hand all the way down." Now THIS was my proudest moment.

Speaking of Praise God--my Fun City experience finallied with a surprise appointment at the spa. Yes, Coach Keene always has something up his sleeve. The quiet smell of rosemary and mint entered my senses as soon as my body entered the door. One word, amazing. I had 90 minutes of experience from aromatherapy to scrubs to hot stones to massage. Just thinking of it makes me want to go back. If you ever get to Fun City--make a stop at the spa. It could be my "fun city ritual" now...

A 2011 ritual that I am taking into the new year starts when my garage door goes up. Every morning on my way to work I spend 8 minuetes of time with God. This is my time to pray for peace, pray for my family, ask for guidance, and submit him to set me free from areas that consume me. I can't tell you all the answered testimonies I have encoutered during this eight minuetes of highway.

Lastly, speaking of testimones--NBA players, Artist, and Olympian Christians have been finding ways in their game to honor God forever. I have to wonder if Tim Tebow was Muslim or Jewish would his religion be so controversial? I witnessed tonight's ESPN commentator's mocking his post touchdown prayer with a huge smirk on all five of their faces. Why are Christian's not allowed to publically surrender to God, but we as a country allow so many other religions the freedom to practice? Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I have often wondered in the quiet of the Star Spangled Banner right before tip off what conversation is going on with Coach and God. His head is always bowed. He eyes closed tight. Even Justice follows this lead. I have to think he is praying for the saftey of his players, peace to lead his troops, and heart to motivate them in the right way. This is his quiet highway. Maybe God is holding his hand like Justice in the tunnel.

Justice Ringing In The New Year With a Splash...

Cameron Was Daddy's Co-Pilot Saying, "Faster..." The Entire Time!!

Life In The Fast Lane With Justice At Fun CIty!!

CHEESE!!!!!

Cameron Lovin The Frog Slide

Cameron Cheering For The Chargers...

Justice Spent All Week At The Holiday Tournament--Cried When We Lost Like A True Team Player...

Reflection

Today while on a gum search in Coach's bag I found this old email I sent him folded up. The paper was wrinkled. The corners were torn. Not to mention the once white paper was dingy. The email was dated February 19, 2011. The significance of the date was the sectional title IW played against QND. This short note has multiple meanings. I was touched he had kept it. I was moved he has read it more times than one by the dirty prints left behind. I thought it was time to share my note to the blog world....


Coach Keene,

When tonight’s game starts--give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want it to be. But wanting to be something isn’t enough; dreaming about it isn’t enough; thinking about it isn’t enough. You have to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your might and all your heart and all your soul, because nobody is going to hand it to you.

Success does not come to you---you go to it. I am proud of your swagger, I am impressed with your leadership, I am intimated in your will to win, and I am overcome by your love of the game. Passion makes every detail important. Tonight, take some time to enjoy the “small detail” of everything you, as a coach, have overcome this year. Not to mention the success you have molded. It took years to get to this point. Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…

Your biggest fan,

Mrs. Coach Keene




.......How often do we actually stop and reflect on all our hard work? Do we wait until New Years Eve to evaluate the last 12 months? Or do we wait until tip off of a 8 year run? I think Keene's push and push; really never stop to think how far I have moved the needle. This needs to change.

I asked our whole family what their New Years Resolution was....

Justice, "Spent more time with Dana." Just a side bar--my dad comes every night to see the boys...How much MORE could the kid possibly get. Anyhoo--

Cameron, "Candy..." Just what the low key kid needs, more sugar.

Andrea, "Find Healthy, physically and mentally." I plan to continue to work hard with my trainer in 2012 and take a day every month to do something for me.

Zach, I will just plead the 5th on his....

As for our Family's New Years resolution....“Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…”

Happy New Year!!!

Twas The Night Before Christmas....Keene Style

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, well, except for Coach Keene...
As the game film was playing on the flat screen he stare,
In hopes that the basketball elves would soon offer care..


The Keene children were nestled all snug in their beds,
with visions of jean jackets dancing in their heads....
While mom at her computer and I getting a snack,
Had just settle our minds for a short winters nap...


When out at West Adams there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter...
Away to my window tons of snow in a flash,
I tore open my phone and gave it a lash ...



This year was almost over, now new fallen snow,
gave yet another day to prepare before meeting our opponents below....
But what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a new "competitive attitude" from our family we hold dear...



With our foursome press as the driver, so lively-so quick,
I know at this moment what made our family tick..
More rapid than eagles the closer they came,
I whistled and shouted and called my vision by name...



Go Zach, Go Andrea, Go Justice, Go Cameron,
You only need each other and the rest will roll...
To the Top of the Leader board, To The Top of the Poll
Now Dash Away, Dash Away, Dash Away All...



They spoke not a word and went straight to work,
Filled the board of life with points and turned with a jerk..
Coach Keene laying a finger aside of his head,
and giving a nod, they dropped another opponent like lead..



Coach sprang back to West Adams and gave them a whistle,
and away the family flew like a down of a thistle...
But I heard coach exclaim, as the they dribbled out of sight,
"Your heart has the answer, now follow that light!"


Merry Christmas from Our Family To Yours.....

BIG THANK YOU to Ashleigh Burgess Photography---She did a great job on our family pictures! More to come...

My Boys and Basketball---Our Life!

Sign Language

As a person who believes that the glass is half-full, would you believe that I have days when I don’t know how I am going to make it. There are days when I wonder if I am making a difference here on earth or at best just being an annoying echo.

It is in these rare moments, and I do mean rare, when someone will e-mail me or call out the blue with the greatest words of encouragement. How did they know that their words were just what I needed to hear at that exact moment? Did they have ESP or were dialed into a higher power? Well, whatever caused them to take a minute and make a positive contribution deposit into the soul of another is powerful, I am forever grateful.

The Keene’s received a gift this holiday season. The present was strategically wrapped and left on our driveway. The symbol had more significance than just three words carefully painted. The card handwritten by the author was genuine. The writer thanked us for kind gestures, meaningful tweets and blogs of inspiration. It could not have come at a more divine time.

Being a coaching family is never easy. It’s not all about the W’s and L’s; it’s how you play the game of life. In two thousand eleven this family has played more run and gun defense than Grinnell ever intended when this style was created. Our legs are worn-out but our effort is solid and our heart bleeds school pride. A life lesson we teach the boys--finish everything you start. As parents we must live those values at work and home too.

A couple of take-a-ways from our special present---

1-STOP---One of the weaknesses of being controlling and urgent you want to go 100 miles an hour 24 hours a day. One speed….urgent. We must remember in our dwelling to STOP and smell the roses. Change is the only thing constant in this world and when we are going so fast how can we enjoy the experiences.

2-RED---Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. No matter what you see on the side lines or in the office our family cares more than you could ever imagine. Coach and I give everything to facilitate our teams to be successful, on and off the court. We teach and hold people accountable. I urge you to look deeper than the plays being called on the sideline. I insist you to look at the full picture of what happens in the office. Nine times out of ten you will find both of us going the extra mile behind the scenes. Don't be so quick to judge our heart when its gives off high energy heat everyday. Who doesn't want to warm up by a high energy personality?

3-OCTAGON—This eight sided sign represents the eight parts to our Keene values; Faith-Marriage-Children-Family-Careers-Household-Opportunities-Risks. Just like everyone in the world these eight values are always shifting in importance. Sometimes hourly. One thing will never change is our commitment to each other. No matter how nutty it gets, the day always ends at home with the people who matter most. I have a goal—never let "it" steal OUR family time. Basketball can turn our octagon into a circle of madness. Often I have to be the advocate for the kids or myself—-and I can be quite persuasive! No one will ever value time like we do at home. Ever. Managing our octagon is a full time job.

4-DON’T STOP BELIEVING—This motto has been adopted as our family mission statement for a few years. Opportunities are always present. Occasionally it’s hard to recognize the sun for all the clouds. Then---God sends a sign.

Yep, Did you hear that? God sent a sign...Don't stop believing--Ever. The clouds are beginning to part because opportunity is already calling.

Not feeling the Christmas love this season. I am trying to over compensate my anger with spending to much dinero on the boys. And yes I have. I think they will have more Christmas gifts to open on Jesus's birthday than all the years combined. And guess what? I don't really care. Very UN-Keene like. Mind you I have not been in a store yet. Just me and the computer. Coach has been so wrapped up with basketball I realistically only have one day to hit the mall. This Sunday--I will probably be so tired from single parenthood from the entire week, including Saturday, I will just throw in the towel. I need to clarify, not angry with Coach. You will just have to wait until my book comes out in August next year to find out....

Speaking of angry, to the man who yelled after the game tonight he, "wanted to kick in that coaches teeth and teach him a thing or two"....your 0-11. Get a life buddy. WOW, and we wonder why the youth of America is screwed up. People like this Einstein are raising them. Not to mention the man from Galesburg that tried to start a fight with my two year old. I am not kidding. What is the world coming to?

On a note from Albert Einstein he once said, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." No matter what you do in life someone will try to steal your joy. Although a very hard lesson when we lead from the heart we must remember the valuable rule of what YOU can control. No one can take your passion, your drive, your heart, your desire, your love of the game, your smile, your motivation, your goals, your ability, your competitive edge, your student of life attitude, your connections, your risk taking path, your professionalism, NO ONE--and I mean NO ONE, can take those things from you. Lead great spirit, don't change for the mediocer. One day you will lead greatness and this is just a stop along your path.

Well--gonna hit the bed. I am exhausted. Until we see a light at the end of this tunnel I will just continue to spend to much money on Christmas....from my computer.

P.S. Asking Santa for an attitude adjustment for 2012.

Seeds of Thanks

The boys and I collected acorns and planted our thankful tree in the living room one day after school. All four of us sat around the kitchen table and labeled the leaves with things that are important to us. Justice used his best penmanship and Cameron shouted this thoughts. Coach very strategically placed a "understanding wife" on the back of this "healthy family" leaf. I think that might have been more of a request than a praise. Anyhoo, it was fun and the boys were very proud when we planted the tree inside the vase.

What am I thankful for? I thought about this question for a few hours. I guess the answer is--Seasons.

Seasons of friendships, seasons of school, seasons of children, seasons of careers, seasons of basketball, seasons of family, seasons of life. I am thankful for all the ups and downs along the way. In all the seeds that have been sown that have led me to this new season of gratitude. Without all the periods that have come before there could not be this time, this stage of life, this clarity about what is really important. Each seed sprouted an idea, an experience, a part of who I am today. And today, I am even more grateful for life's blessings, for the love that exists, for the love that remains when friends and family have passed, and for the love that will be.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Keenes!

Justice was "reading the paper" and Cameron was watching Bubble Guppies...

Justice's Family Tree---creative leaves, dont ya think?

Flowers from Coach Keene Delivered Before Tip Off Of The First Game This Year! Yes...I was home with the kidos--at the gym behind the bench in spirit!

Buzzer Beater

Every time I think about sitting down there is a buzzer going off at my house. Microwave, stove, washer, dryer, phone, doorbell, alarm clock, you name it--its buzzing. Funny thing about it, I can never catch up. Only two solid weeks in to basketball the only buzzer I wish I was hearing is the elevator door closing to my private Hilton suite to rest. I am tired. Sometimes I wish there was a buzzer in my head that told me when I took on to many projects. Ding--overload.

Speaking of all time buzzer beaters--its a tradition at Keeneville when you leave our house, you honk to say good by. The boys stand on the porch like little puppies and wait for it. Justice says the more times you honk the more the driver loves you. Well, we all honk. We have honked for a good year. Grandmas, Grandpas, friends, Aunt Ashley--did I mention even the handyman we hired honked. Seems like most honkers are enjoying the blast of the horn as they drive down Adams street. Almost like a licences to be loud. The only people who don't appreciate the beep beep of the horns are our neighbors. I should mention these are the same neighbors that when I took them a housewarming gift they barely opened the screen door like I was the riff-raff across the street. They also don't wave, EVER. Can you say not neighborly. Guess they did not find any humor in our honks because they contacted Century 21 for a huge for sale sign. Yeah--can you say fun police.

Justice and Cameron have their golf clubs packed up for the winter and are in total basketball mode again. Justice is back to his stat book and Cameron on the clock. Our basement is currently converted into a basketball arena with the scorers table. Pencils are sharp and the possession arrow is plugged in. Justice made 98 points in two minute last night. As soons and the timer buzzed, he thew himself on the floor. "Whats the problem?" Justice with tears rolling down his face, "I was trying to beat the buzzer and make 100." Rule of life #98--try again. This kid is so competitive.

Speaking of the two monsters, pretty sure a bell was dinging in my head yesterday at Kmart. Coach and I ran in just to look at their Christmas trees. Ten minutes--tops. The boys were like animals. Screaming, grabbing, hitting each other, knocked over the reindeer...it was beyond words. It was a buzzer beater moment once we got back into the car. (deep breath)

Buzzer beater moments rarely happen during the season. I can remember one buzzer beater moment in Carthage Bluegirl history we Keenes are STILL scarred about to this day. Anyhoo, everyday there is a buzzer moment in Keeneville. If its not something for me to do, it something for me to referee. Its a good thing I have a whistle to call a time out and re-group. Week three---Here we go!

Summer Trip Helps Chargers---Quincy Herald Whig

By FRANK CASH
Herald-Whig Sports Writer


CARTHAGE, Ill. -- Nearly everyone involved in the Illini West girls basketball program would agree one of the highlights of the year is when the team takes its annual summer trip.

For the last four years, the Lady Chargers have loaded the bus and gone to team camps at Tennessee, Duke, North Carolina and Michigan State.

This past summer's trip to Louisiana State University might have been the best of them all.

"It was unbelievable," Illini West senior Katelyn Jacoby said. "Great campus, great facilities. Plus, we got to go to New Orleans one day."

The trip to Bayou Country was beneficial in another way. It helped the upperclassmen bond with the incoming freshmen.

"That really helped us," senior Lauren Gronewold said. "We got to know the freshmen we didn't know yet. And they got to know us and learn how to be more comfortable with us."

That could pay off more than normal this season.

Don't be surprised if some of those freshmen -- particularly Michaela Gronewold, Josie Finch, Aubrie Carlisle and Shelbi White -- see some varsity action.

Illini West returns seven letterwinners from last year's 26-3 Class 2A sectional semifinalists, but there may be times when the freshmen are called upon.

"We've got a lot of experience back, but a lot of that is role-playing experience," Illini West coach Zach Keene said. "There will be times, especially early in the season, when we may need a freshman on the floor for a stretch. I think they'll be ready."

The loss of Graci Bastert may require Keene to call up some of the freshmen earlier than he would like. The sophomore point guard was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her lower back earlier this fall and isn't expected to play until mid-December.

Bastert, the first player off the bench last year, averaged 7.6 points and three assists per game.

"Right now, about all Graci can do is shoot free throws," Keene said. "We could speed her along, but it's one of those things where you have to look at the big picture. Do you want her playing now or do you want her healthy later on?"

Despite not having Bastert available, there hasn't been an Illini West team this far ahead of the learning curve in the program's five years of existence.

"That's been a big help," Lauren Gronewold said. "We worked on a lot of stuff this summer and everyone got on the same page so we didn't have to start at the beginning once practice started."

Don't be surprised if Illini West is a little faster-paced this season. The Lady Chargers graduated the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder in 6-footer Carter Wear.

Wear, who is playing at St. Ambrose, averaged 19 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season and was a two-time all-stater. She scored in double figures in the last 34 games of her career.

"Always in the past, it was â Give Carter the ball, let her score,'" Jacoby said. "Now, we'll need to be a little better with our perimeter shooting. It should open up some of the offense."

Wear didn't always score to be effective the past three years.

"A lot of times, teams would key on Carter and that would open up opportunities for Lauren and some of the other players," Keene said. "But now it's time to pass the torch. There are three girls out there who played an awfully lot last year who are ready to take it."

And they want to help the Lady Chargers take the next step. No Illini West has yet to win a sectional championship, one of this year's goals.

"What it comes down to is do these girls believe in themselves," Keene said. "Do they have what it takes to make that next step? Do they have the focus, the desire, the determination to continue the tradition? If they work hard, I think they can do it."

Outstanding Caregiver of 2011

In celebrating the month of thankfulness the State of Illinois gives an outstanding caregiver award. Over 120 Supportive Living Communities compile their best of the best stories and submit hoping their employee will win this great honor.

My phone rang yesterday at 4:15. My assistant says, "OMG Andrea, its someone from the State of IL Department of Aging." Yes, when you manage a state regulated anything, anytime you hear the word S-T-A-T-E you get alittle hot and bothered. I answered with my most relaxed voice.

"The is Maureen and your applicant was chosen as our 2011 Outstanding Caregiver of the Year. There was no doubt after the 1400 applications the picture you painted was the clear winner! Congrats---" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH----So excited. We get to travel to Chicago and be honored by the Governor at a luncheon. I am so happy, but mainly honored to have this special lady as an employee.

Here is the letter---ENJOY!

White tennis shoes dazzling, check.

Apron pressed to perfection, check.

Life-size beam on her face, check.

This is the daily check list 72-year-old Mary Bice checks off before clocking in as a server at Grand Prairie Assisted Living. Mary is full time in the dietary department as well as full time in the customer service division. Mary exemplifies what it means to be significant in senior’s lives.

The best part of waking up at Grand Prairie is Mary Bice’s coffee brewed to perfection. She greets every residents with a colorful, “good morning” and definitely means it. Mary knows the residents likes and dislikes when it comes to mealtime almost compared to the back of her hand. As soon as Ruth walks in Mary places her “usual” with the cook and serves it fresh with a grin. Mary turns Grand Prairie’s dining room into mom’s kitchen table and makes you feel like family. Mary, just like mom, knows when something is on a residents mind. She has an approach of helping to ease their disposition. Sometimes it’s a cup of her famous hot chocolate, now and again it’s a hug, and from time to time she shares a few tears. Mary is real. Mary is a 72 year old wonder.

Mary’s attention to detail is immaculate. She mentors the young servers on the proper way to wash, launder and fold the table cloths. Mary teaches this in a way the servers want to do their best. Mary can be a leader without being the leader. That is special. Mary is so particular about creating a family atmosphere in the dining room she is often caught clocking out to finish last minute details before she leaves for the day. Yes, clocking out to make Grand Prairie shine.

My expectations are high as a leader. Mary’s expectations are high as a server. I have heard the later years of life are called “the golden years.” Mary is the spokes lady for what I hope to be at 72. She chooses to spend her time giving back to her peers, teaching the next generations a skill or two, and making peoples day-everyday. Thank you Mary Bice, you are a gift to our community.

Super Proud Of This Note In JC's Backpack Today...He's Come ALong Way From August 25th!

Our Rocket Landed at Grand Prairie...Nothing Like Making Our Residents Smile on Halloween!

I've Turned Into My Mother---Pictures on the front porch....Love these little spacemen!

School Parade---One Small Step For Justice!

Trick or Treating Aunt Ashley and Tyler...