05/29/2026
A few weeks ago, I found out that the Digital Arts program beginning in the 2026–27 school year was going to half-time. For those of you who know me, I truly believe God placed me there in 2020. At that time, He knew what I needed before I did. This has been an incredible experience, one for which I am deeply thankful.
After struggling with what to do, I realized that returning to a schedule of 11:30 to 3:00 kind of ruins the day for other things. It costs the same to drive, which is frustrating given the high price of gas. But this is the part that hit me the hardest: there is no opportunity for program growth. It would become a job of putting round pegs in round holes, rinse and repeat … and anyone who knows me knows I’m usually trying to invent a new peg entirely.
After much prayer and talking it over with Brenda, I have decided to retire from teaching at the Montcalm Area Career Center as of July 31, 2026.
Dang… that is hard to say, as I was hoping for a couple more years. But the cards in my hand changed. The good Lord has a plan for me, even if I wish He would occasionally share the outline ahead of time.
To all the students: thank you. It has truly been my honor. One of the greatest blessings has been watching your confidence grow. Don’t let anxiety and fear stand in your way. You can do this. You have to do this.
Work life is hard, and you never know what is going to happen. Put yourself out there. You are responsible and accountable for your own life, and your success depends on you. Yes, it will be difficult at times, but you are capable. I have seen so much growth in all of you. Go for it. And remember: nobody really has life figured out. Some people are just better at looking calm while internally buffering.
To the staff and administration at the MACC: thank you for your help and support during this part of my journey. It has been a joy and an honor to be part of a team dedicated to helping kids grow.
Retiring from the school only means leaving the Digital Arts program. I am not retiring from DW Video. I love what I do, and in this next chapter I will continue helping businesses with content creation and transferring video, film, slides, and audio memories into digital formats. Basically, I will continue saving old media from basements one VHS tape at a time.
The Discover Montcalm Podcast is approaching 200 episodes, and a couple of spinoffs just might happen sooner rather than later.
My direction has changed a bit, but my desire to help people is as strong as ever. I will continue to beat things with sticks and hopefully not get arrested. :-) The Jus Jammin Guys will continue keeping classic rock alive — proving that loud guitars, questionable moves, and back and shoulder pain can all exist together. So stop out sometime and see us live.
God bless all of you. Thank you.
dw
p.s. Thank you, Brenda. I will love you forever and a day!
Keep in touch:
The Jus Jammin Guys - follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToMyBasementJusJammin
Discover Montcalm Podcast https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast
DW Video https://www.facebook.com/dwvideomultimedia
