Here's The Bourbon Recipe I'm In Love With. Yum

Last weekend, I had an old fashion at Brewport, which was Bullitt Rye, marmalade, root beer, and pomegranate grenadine. I tinkered with it a bit, and alternated clementines and Mango Tango for the bitters and sweetness, and wola, I created a Mt. Pleasant variation.

I was fried when people started to arrive, but the gifts of bourbon were greatly appreciated. It truly is remarkable how many variations of whisky, rye, and bourbon there are - and I believe the guests got into them all. I bought three kinds, but a good four brands were brought to my house for the festivities (as a return).

Pam won the Derby pot and Ken got the remaining (for having the last-placed horse). After several weeks of non-stop work, spending an afternoon cleaning the house for company was much needed, even though it quickly returned to its original state of chaos.

And I'm thankful to the Great Whatever for parting the clouds and letting the sun outside so most of the anarchy could be on the patio.

But today is for grading. I need to be non-stop in assessment mode so I can catch up to the two weeks I've spent going, going, and going. It's been fun, but I'm looking forward to 24 hours with nothing on the agenda so I can go back to nerding out.

Ah, Kentucky. I enjoy your rituals so much more now that I've been ten years gone!

And They're Off! Writing in the Limelight with Award-Winning Words

Today's the 2nd Annual Writing in the Limelight event at the Fairfield University Bookstore at 11 a.m.. This year, I'm highlighting six Caldecott, Newbery and National Book Prize winners and finalists to encourage young people (and their families) to write like the "prose."

We will be coloring and dreaming like Javaka Steptoe in his children's book, Radiant Child: The Story of a Young Artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

We will be exploring the power of storytelling like Jason Reynolds does in Ghost (one of Lossine's favorites).

We will be mesmerizing ourselves with Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank The Moon through creating a one-of-a-kind setting to introduce a mysterious character.

We will be tapping into dialogue with Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also a Star,  exploring a single situation for all the talk that comes with it.

Of course, I can't help but bring back the "I Believe" poem from Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming and, in love with the power of lists, I have to shout-out to my friend Kwame Alexander and his soon-to-be prize-winning book The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in the Game Called Life. We will be writing our own rules for what's most important to us.

The young people (and their families) who attend will be introduced to all these great pieces of work, and invited to choose one they wish to use as they develop their own writing in this fast-paced, motivational workshop.

Ah, we arranged a Mic, too. Why?

We have several young readers coming who published their writing in POW! Power of Words, our anthology of student and teacher writers. They will be there to perform their pieces composed last summer. The megaphone will also be available to any and all who write on-the-spot at the Bookstore event.

I'm looking forward to it!

And This Nerd Finds Himself Totally Exhausted on a Rainy Friday

I have to acknowledge that this post is inspired by a Facebook post offered by my Louisville sister, Meredith Sewer (Annie) who reminded me of this film yesterday. I grew up worshiping this film and the ultimate "Revenge of the Nerds" storyline.

Yes, Lewis, Gilbert, Poindexter (loved Poindexter, Worser, Booger, Lamar, Takashi, and the crew offered hope for the geeky, the dorky, the pathetic, and the studious while I was a young man hoping for a place in collegiate life.

Of course, I saw Annie's post when I was trying to perfect a Rye/root beer/mandarin drink in preparation for a Derby party. In two attempts, I realized I'm not only a nerd, but I can be a tipsy nerd rather quickly.

And while watching Scandal, my weekly guilty pleasure, I realized how much I need to revisit this film to see just how successful I've been pushing forward in a nerdy life.

The exhaustion of the semester has caught up to me and I'm sad that I cut my hair and can't quite capture the Poindexter of my dreams.

Enjoy the music. Today is a grading day for me! And tomorrow, Writing in the Limelight  at Fairfield University Bookstore!

So Thankful to @BPEFinc and for the Support from @FairfieldU

Marge Hiller said I could only have 3 minutes and I typed my thoughts onto a page (which usually equals 3 minutes). I know, however, I improvised a lot when I asked for a skee-wee from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters in the audience and when I wanted Coach Sydney Johnson to keep blowing into his whistle (he wouldn't want to see me play basketball..ask Abu and Lossine...they know how I can't do two things and once and dribbling and shooting are impossible for me to do simultaneously while moving).

I also know I ranted about the danger of the single story that is too often told about Bridgeport students and teachers, and asked everyone to think about the beauty of heterogeneity and diversity in the city. That was unprompted, but the Principal who won a leadership award before me was so passionate that I felt I wanted to keep her narrative going. She LOVES her teachers and students. She radiated what an administrator's VISION should be.

I'm waking up this morning still shaking my head that yesterday even happened. I am so honored to be named recipient of the 2017 Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership Award. I know I left script often, but this is the heart of what I had to say. I am so thankful to everyone behind this (and even more appreciative that it wasn't a practical joke).

Well, as I told the incredible Marge Hiller after I received a letter naming me as this year’s recipient, “You’ve got to be crazy. What are you people thinking? Your announcement totally surprised me and I’m still shaking my head in disbelief.”  

But then I started thinking about the Ubuntu philosophy the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University embraces and I started thinking about the wonderful teachers and administrators I’ve been fortunate enough to work with through Bridgeport Public Schools, including Beard Award recipients Ana Batista, Kathy Silver, Greg Pacific, and Shaun Mitchell. And I started reflecting on having the great fortune of teaching Arlette Johnson, this year’s Beard winner, and seeing what magic she accomplishes with her students at Multicultural Magnet. 

And then I figured you’d wonder what Ubuntu actually was. So, here’s what it means. Ubuntu translates as, “I can be me, because of who we are together.” It parallels Fairfield University’s mission of Men and Women for others, and our dedication and devotion to local and global communities.  

The work I’ve been privileged to do with through my role as the Director of the Connecticut Writing Project is the absolute result of who we are together. This includes Sydney Johnson and the Fairfield University Men’s Basketball Team, Rony Delva and Upward Bound, administrators who stand behind the work that I do and who encourage me to do it, Melissa Quan from the Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement, my colleagues in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, the brilliant Carol Davis and Dr. Elizabeth Boquet who stand at the helm of Poetry for Peace, and Dr. Yohuru Williams, who will continue to be an inspiration to me at Fairfield University, even though he is moving on to bigger and better things.  

It is not only Fairfield University, however,  that has become part of who THIS is together. We are the work of the Bridgeport Higher Education Association and the unification of Sacred Heart University, University of Bridgeport, St. Vincent’s and Housatonic Community College who works with Fairfield University to provide support for Bridgeport Public Schools. As individual institutions, we can only do so much. As a cohort of like-minded dreamers, we can impact the greatest change.

Ah, the Lorax speaks for the trees, and I tell everyone Crandall speaks for the teachers and the students. They come first, and that is why I’d also like to shout out to William King, Jessica Baldizon, Claudia Connor, and the youth from Ubuntu Academy, who inspire me in all that I do. They have been my heart in Connecticut and I love them for it. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you the following question, “Shouldn’t we be reshaping the curriculum to meet the needs of our kids rather than shaping our young people to meet the needs of curriculum? 

That's as political as I will be, although I want everyone to know (and this is a room of educators so I’m sure they’ll agree)…Our students are so much more than a test score.
So thank you.. Thank you, Elizabeth M. Pfirem for leaving the legacy of your passion to all of us in Fairfield County. And thank you Bridgeport Public Education Fund for acknowledging not just me, but everyone who can be blamed for making this whacky, energetic, and out-of-the-box thinker who he is. After all, I am, because that’s who we are together.  

There’s still so much more work to be done! Let’s get out there and do it.

And with that, I'm off to work. Time to make the donuts!

I'm walking out of my house this morning, looking to the sky for anvils (call me Wile E. Coyote) and speeding trucks. A few weeks ago, when I learned I was receiving the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Award I celebrated, but knew I would be punished (because I understand everything is in balance). Soon after, my basement flooded and it took out my hot water heater. I had it coming.

Today is a big day - a BIG day, and that is why I'm extra cautious as I depart my Stratford home. Out of the blue, totally unexpected, and totally shock-inducing, I received the following letter,

Dear Bryan, 

On behalf of the Faculty Welfare Executive Committee and the CT State Conference Executive Committee, I am writing to tell you that you have been selected to receive the 2016-17 George E. Lang, Jr. Award! Congratulations! 

This award is presented to you by the CT State Conference of the American Association of University Professors. The Conference asks the FWC/AAUP Executive Committee to choose a Fairfield faculty member who, early in his or her career, has shown awareness and appreciation of fundamental AAUP principles including academic freedom, tenure and shared governance. The award is presented at the CSC-AAUP Annual Spring Meeting which will be held at The Graduate Club in New Haven on May 12. (All details are in the attached flyer). I am unable to attend the Annual Spring Meeting this year, but FWC/AAUP Vice President Jocelyn Boryczka (the recipient of the very first Lang Award in 2008) will present the award in my absence. 

I hope you are able to attend the CSC meeting on May 12, and I’m especially sorry to miss it, but I have a son getting a Ph.D. in Illinois this year, and I haven’t yet figured out how to be in two places at once. I am copying Flo Hatcher on this email. Flo is the Executive Director of the CSC-AAUP and she will want to know your entrée choice :) 

Sincerely, and mucho congratulations! 

Irene 

FWC/AAUP President

Um. Okay. Me? I didn't see this one coming and I'm totally honored that they would recognize the vision I have at Fairfield University and see my work with K-12 schools as valuable to the welfare of the entire faculty. To be honest, I'm the lucky one. I've learned so much, SO MUCH, from my role as the assistant professor who sits on the faculty salary committee and negotiates with administration. The individuals, my colleagues, who have mentored me and showed me passion, drive, institutional knowledge, and excellence far surpasses anything I've been able to contribute.

Even so, I am thankful and completely honored. I have so many role models on our campus who have led the way. I follow in their foot steps.

And today, I'm looking out for meteors, tsunamis, tornados and copperheads. I hate to be superstitious but my life (and that one episode of Seinfeld) has kept me superstitious about good news. In short, I'm just touched.

It Wasn't All Bills! My Mailbox Thanks You, @SenatorDuff

There's a ritual on Mt. Pleasant that requires me to get out of my car, meander to the mailbox, and find out what shenanigans advertisers and collectors are up to these days. Now that my Sock of the Month gifts have ended (I'm wearing my Squid socks today - thanks, sis!), I'm used to the predictable disappointment of flyers, BJs and Kohl's coupons, and bills, bills, and more bills.

Receiving letters seems like a blast from the past.

That is why I was startled by the professional looking off-white envelope that came in yesterday's mail. I caught a glimpse of the golden seal, but  quickly moved it to the back of the pile in fear of what it could be. Official letters with gold lettering  usually mean certified mail and bad news. I scratched my head and thought, "I had jury duty in January.  Is there something Chitunga hasn't told me?" 

I shuffled away the ads for greener grass and pizza, and moved the United Illuminated bill to be placed in the yet-to-be-paid pile on the kitchen table. Eventually the inevitable happened and the thicker envelope came to the surface. I looked at my dog and said, "Well, here it is." 

Ah. It was from State of Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk and Darien. Since I've arrived to Connecticut he's been a tremendous supporter of the writing project and the work we do with kids. He's a tremendous champion of literacy initiatives in the state and I was extremely proud to receive a letter from him, especially about this:

Dear Dr. Crandall Bryan 

 Congratulations on receiving the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Civic Leadership Award from the Fairfield Community Foundation and the Bridgeport Public Education Fund! I am very happy to hear the news. I regret that commitments in Hartford prevent me from being present on May 3 to congratulate you in person. 

Your involvement and advocacy on behalf of those you serve at the Connecticut Writing Project are well known. The award represents the teachers and students from the area and around the world that you have touched. You may not be completely aware of the impact you’ve had on our schools in the area and the teachers who you’ve helped to “recharge” through your programs. Truly, this recognition is well deserved and well earned.

Once again, please accept my warmest congratulations. I wish you the very best on this day and look forward to speaking with you soon. 

Congratulations, My friend!

Senator Bob Duff with CWP-Fairfield Teachers, 2014
(Darien, Norwalk, Greenwich, Westport, Bridgeport, Redding
and Dar Salaam, Tanzania)

He signed it "Bob," of course.
(When I learned that the Governor of Connecticut was not seeking reelection I sent a quick note note to Senator Duff to say, "I've got your back should you ever want to run." It's not his intention, but I remain a fan because he looks out for teachers. He looks out for students. He pays attention to his communities).

The letter touched me, especially with the news of the award and the time he took to send a note (I'd hang it on my wall, but guess what? I go up for tenure this year...it's totally going into my dossier).

I am feeling thankful and proud for the work I'm able to do with so many. The recognition simply inspires me to work harder!

It's Derby Week, Monday, and Well....I'm Off. Here We Go!

I accomplished a lot this weekend, really I did. Of course, I did two days in the office, because I knew I needed to get ready for the week ahead. It would be one thing to be double booked every day, but I am triple booked, so I'm heading out the door in full sprint mode (with prayers). I got this. I can do it. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

And I'm fueled. I skipped doing FaceTime with Chitunga last week, because neither of us had time, but we got an opportunity to catch up last night (two more weeks and he he's home!). I'm on the other end of where he is, as he has papers and finals and I'm assigning papers and finals, so we're doing this sprint together. The finish line is when he comes to Connecticut on the 12th and then I can assign him house chores (actually, we're planning a break to see my cousin in Long Island).

All my undergraduate projects are in and need to be graded. One more graduate course and then they will turn in work needing to be graded. Book chapter heading to press, new book chapter outlined, and presentations all set. Snap, I even have next week's Student and Teaching Celebration ready to go. The one thing I still need to work on, however, is Saturday's Writing In The Limelight family event at the Fairfield University book store. As soon as Wednesday comes and goes, I'll be able to focus on that.

I'm going as fast as I can. The week is chasing after me, but I invested a lot on Saturday and Sunday. At some point I'll collapse, but there's no time for that now. There's too much needing to get done.

So, bring out the Derby horns. I'm galloping ahead.