There’s perhaps nothing that defines humanity as much as the fact that we are problem solvers.  Whether it’s medicine, logistics or other needs within the community, the human condition seems to hold the answers to helping one another live better, more prosperous lives. This week, let’s celebrate the problem solvers within our community: the past, the present and the future.

Past

Last week, Becker’s high school robotics team traveled to Houston to compete in the World Championships and once again the team and its coaches represented this area well.  Robotics has been championed as the “varsity sport of the mind” and don’t let the fact that the team has qualified for the Worlds six times fool you: getting there is no easy task. Yes, I am for sure biased since I helped establish the team ten years ago. But these students continue to impress with their focus on solving problems that are put forth by each year’s challenge. Sometimes the 100-plus pound robot needs to hurl objects at a target, while at other times it needs to climb a structure.  Many times, it needs to do both.

For any of the curmudgeons out there who subscribe to the “these kids nowadays” complaints, take the time to look up the team and see their accomplishments. You would be amazed by the intellect, creativity and real-world problem solving skills that are demonstrated by this elite level team. Just take a minute to look up the sponsors and you will see that there are literally dozens of businesses who help fund our local problem solvers because the goals and ambitions of the participants and coaches line up perfectly with what our companies will need in the future. Yes, indeed, Becker is home to one of the best groups of problem solvers in the United States - and they’ve been doing it for ten years.

Present

Head Coach Jason Baune and the Becker girls softball team have a statewide reputation as a top program, as evidenced by their nearly routine trips to the state tournament (including a state championship a year ago). But in my estimation, it’s their dedication annually to the “Strike Out Cancer” game that is even more impressive. This year, they are teaming up with the Bulldog baseball team and will be hosting an event on May 13 to raise funds for a local woman who is once again battling cancer. You can see the details elsewhere in this week’s paper and all over social media.

These fine students and their coaches are today’s problem solvers and it’s a good lesson once again as to the power of high school activities. They see a purpose and a value in serving others and in stepping up to help solve problems that affect way too many people in our area each year. As our community has always done, let’s all step forward to reward their efforts and help them make a difference.  Because that’s what problem solvers do... they make a difference for others.

Future

Often times, when people think of our Veterans, we think about those service men and women who have selflessly served our country in the past and have fought so hard to guarantee our freedoms as Americans.  And that service should be celebrated, recognized and honored... freedom should never be taken for granted.

But here’s a huge kudos to the Becker American Legion, Post 193, as they have focused their attention to the future.  To our next generation of Veterans, war heroes and service members whose dedication to the community doesn’t end with their discharge from the Armed Forces.

Our community has a problem in that our local Legion doesn’t have a permanent home. It’s a complicated issue, one that involves an expired 99 year lease and land/building ownership that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. However, the solution is not that complicated and can be remedied in the near future with the continued cooperation of both City and Township officials.

Veterans are problem solvers and these Legion members are ready, willing and able to solve the problems with their building through the seeking of Grant funding and other volunteer opportunities.  They just need to be given the chance to do so. Our local elected officials, who are also problem solvers, need to step up to the plate and get this taken care of so our Veterans can continue to serve our community.  This should be done in a matter of months, not years.

Solving problems works best when teams of humans do what humans do best - work together to solve problems.  Let’s unite behind their efforts in our local community!