A Virtual Cup of Coffee with Brian Gilmore '82
In addition to a lifelong career as a youth counselor, Brian Gilmore is an independent filmmaker. His project, "Dog Days of Winter," won the International Skiing History Association’s Film Award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Historical Record of Skiing” and was an official selection for over 20 film festivals across the country and worldwide. He and his daughter are currently working on a short film, "Koans," the story of Janet Gilmore’s (EGR ‘50) six-decade struggle with anorexia. Their book, "Koans: Starving to Find Fulfillment," was recently published and available through the Grand Rapids Library.
You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
Wow, a very tough question. I’d have to go with Jersey Junction since we both came into existence in 1963 and my mom took me there throughout my childhood until I went on my own with friends throughout the 70s and early 80s. Then it was my turn to take my kids there throughout their childhood during our summer visits from Washington state.
While so much has changed in Gaslight Village, Jersey is a living time capsule and reconnection to growing up in EGR. I remember Mrs. Van Allsburg would get a kick out of saying, “Well, if it isn’t little Brian Gilmore,” playfully embarrassing me when I walked in with my high school buddies trying to be cool, since she served me my kiddie cone when I needed to step on the stool to look into the ice cream case to make my choice, which I believe was Superman or bubble gum in my single digit years.
What was your path from East Grand Rapids to where you are now in life?
I attended Drake University with a handful of fellow EGR grads. I quickly found my calling in mentoring and counseling youth as well as an interest in film/video production. I started to pursue a graduate degree in Film Production at Boston University, but ended up getting a Masters Degree from Michigan State in Child Development where I met my wife and, to the grief of most my family, was converted from a Wolverine to Spartan loyalist (though I cheer for both unless they are playing each other). We ended up in New Hampshire throughout the mid-90s where I worked as a community outreach worker and counselor for The Mathew Program, a fantastic nonprofit serving youth and families. That opened the opportunity to return to West Michigan for a few years as Executive Director for Camp Blodgett in the late 90’s. My wife and I ended up in Bellingham, Washington, in 2000 to be closer to her family and started a family of our own, including our amazing daughter and son. After moving to Bellingham, I served as a program coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters and then acquired a Masters in School Counseling from Western Washington University. I continued my youth service career, enjoying work as an elementary school counselor and youth behavioral health counselor from 2004 until just last year.
What specific thing did you learn in East that has enabled you to be successful?
One of the most important things I learned from my upbringing in East was the importance of community, especially in valuing others and making and appreciating connections that provide a deep sense of belonging.
We were so fortunate to have the teachers and opportunities that we had. I truly felt we were all looking out for one another as we grew up in such a special place. I was shaped by that experience. In all of my youth advocacy opportunities, I have tried in turn to contribute to building a community where all participants and staff feel a sense of belonging and value. The sky is the limit if those two components are in place.
What were you like in school?
While I struggled academically, I loved and looked forward to coming to school every day and being with my peers. I felt our class of 1982 had an amazing group of individuals. I did have closer friends but they were very different in many ways from each other and I truly adored everyone. I don’t think I could be pocketed as being a part of any clique and hopefully a friend to all. I think it helped that I did sports, band and orchestra, and student council, which opened me up to closer connections with a huge variety of peers.
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
I adored and am thankful for so many teachers. We really were privileged to have such great educators. While not a teacher, our Vice Principal, Bert Bleke, was an amazing mentor for me. Mr. Bleke saw and encouraged leadership skills he saw in me and like so many other educators at East, actively pushed and took interest in every student's growth and success. I believe he was my advisor during my years as a class officer in student council. My junior year, he noticed that I was not running for any position and he called me to his office to ask why. I gave some cynical, moody teen answer about how student council was more of a popularity contest and officers just wanted the title. He wrote me in to a representative position and said, "Well, you are going to change that." While Barr was coaching on the field, McCoy in the band room, I felt Mr. Bleke was ever present and coaching daily throughout the hallways. Because of him not letting me give up on student council, I stepped out of my comfort zone and ran for Senior Class President the next year, which leads to some of my signature memories at East.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
I knew when I ran for Class President that if elected, I would have to give the student commencement speech, which was very intimidating. However, I knew if I took the challenge, that experience would be something I would be forever proud of. Being Class President senior year was a stepping stone for so much to come. As a 2.4 GPA student, I did not draw any self-confidence from academics but found more beyond the books to feel good about myself and potential. With Bert Bleke’s encouragement and belief in me, I was given an opportunity to see myself as a leader, which led to having the confidence to apply to colleges and take many more healthy risks in my life.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?
Don’t be in such a hurry to move through time. It suddenly starts moving pretty darn fast on its own and all those cliché things adults seemed to constantly repeat actually are nuggets of wisdom.
Do you stay in touch with many people from East Grand Rapids?
Yes, even before Facebook and email, our class has stayed very connected. Many classmates have married and almost all have kept their connection to East, whether they live close or far away. I have way more friends from high school than any other period in my life and a week doesn’t go by that I don’t connect with someone from East. The more non-East people I have talked to, the more I realize how rare this is and what an ideal childhood community we lived in.
What advice do you have for young East alums who are just starting out?
Use your privilege and opportunities you have been gifted to do good in the world. Measure your value by the impact you make for other people’s lives and well being.
Who else would you like us to have a virtual cup of coffee with?
All my classmates have valuable life insights and wonderful life experiences. My longest friendship started in a sandbox by Heather Pool when we were two: Cantor Randy Herman, Class of ’82 continues to have a fascinating life.
Bonus question: What are you glad we didn’t ask you about?
Who were the masterminds and inside collaborators to our senior prank?
