Category Archives: Community

by | September 8, 2013 · 4:59 pm

Out In The Community

Fire hydrant smallerIf you were driving around town today, you may have noticed (they were hard to miss) the yellow “God’s Work … Our Hands” shirts. They were on the backs of more than 150 members of Trinity Lutheran Church, as we fanned out across South Milwaukee and the area to do community service projects.

This is a picture of me and the family painting a few of the city’s more than 600 fire hydrants. Others picked up garbage, harvested vegetables at the Hunger Task Force farm, cleaned up at Human Concerns, painted benches the South Milwaukee arboretum, even wrote letters to soldiers, among other projects.

If you’re looking for a church that is committed to making a difference, try Trinity. It’s an amazing group of people led by an amazing pastor — and I’m proud to be a small part of the congregation.

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by | September 7, 2013 · 11:07 pm

Free Knowledge: Community Invited To Presentation By Local Historian, Author Gurda On September 22

We’re bringing a Community Lecture Series to my church — Trinity Lutheran in South Milwaukee — and the community is invited.

Our first two speakers are noted Milwaukee historian John Gurda on Sept. 22, and award-winning local children’s author Janet Halfmann on Nov. 3 Both Sunday events start at 4 p.m., to be followed by a simple supper, and they are free and open to the public.

Gurda has authored 19 books on local history and will bring his “Making of Milwaukee” book and television documentary to life with a fascinating examination of the people, places and events that have shaped the Milwaukee area.

Halfmann, who lives in South Milwaukee, has authored more than a dozen children’s books, including critically acclaimed titles like “Little Skink’s Tale,” “Fur and Feathers,” “Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish” and “Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?” She will speak about her journey to becoming an author and share tips of for aspiring writers.

Both authors will also sell and sign copies of their books.

I hope you can stop by!

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by | September 4, 2013 · 10:35 pm

Reminder: South Milwaukee Health Fair Is Thursday

Here are 20 more reasons to stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market this week.

The South Milwaukee Health Fair, presented by South Shore Family Chiropractic, is set for 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the market (11th and Milwaukee Avenues downtown).

More than 20 health-related vendors are expected, in addition to the more than 40 traditional market merchants.

Just added to the Health Fair lineup: Danielle Zirkel, a healthcare outreach specialist at Community Advocates of Milwaukee. She’ll be at the market from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a stage presentation at 4. She’ll take questions about the Affordable Care Act.

Learn more on our Facebook page … and see you at the market!

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by | September 4, 2013 · 7:22 am

Trick-or-Treating Set For Halloween, Again — And Hopefully For Years Ahead

City-sponsored trick-or-treating will again be held on Halloween in 2013 — and beyond.

The South Milwaukee City Council voted 6-2 on Tuesday night in favor of annually holding trick-or-treating from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 31. This year, it will be on a Thursday evening.

I voted yes for the same reasons I voted yes in 2012. Check out my previous post for more.

The action Tuesday night goes a bit farther than the vote in previous years. The key word in what we passed is “annually.” By adding that language, we hopefully create some sense of consistency going forward.

Yes, future councils can change the time again, but it would now take a new vote — and hopefully a strong reason to change — to do it. Otherwise, things should stay the same in 2014 and beyond.

This certainty is important because one very legitimate argument against trick-or-treating on a weeknight is kids’ schedules. They are full, and some may miss this annual activity because of a practice or other event.

My hope: Coaches and activity leaders will see the action of the council Tuesday night and, when possible, not schedule events for Halloween night. Why? Because Halloween night is trick-or-treating night in South Milwaukee — a community celebration that brings families and neighborhoods together for one night a year.

What do you think of this action? Post your comments below, and vote in my new poll.

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by | September 1, 2013 · 10:10 am

Is Halloween Trick-Or-Treating A Trick Or Treat?

That’s the question the South Milwaukee City Council will debate again on Tuesday night.

We have this discussion every year, and you’ll recall that in 2012 we approved changing city-endorsed trick-or-treating hours to Halloween evening — in that case, a Wednesday night, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Not surprisingly, the change drew a lot of response. I found most feedback to be positive, and the (admittedly unscientific) poll I did on this showed clear support — 45 of 51 voters supported the change to Halloween. But support was certainly not unanimous, and I heard from those people loud and clear.

Check out comments here and here, and you can see my rationale for voting the way I did in that last link.

Based on what I would call a successful test last year, I intend to support Halloween trick-or-treating again this year, which would put it on a Thursday night.

But I’d like to know what you think, too. Am I wrong on this issue? What should we consider changing for trick-or-treating in 2013? Post your comments below!

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by | August 21, 2013 · 7:20 am

It’s Community Night Out Night!

Just a reminder to stop by City Hall tonight for the annual South Milwaukee Community Night Out celebration.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends with fireworks. In between are all sorts of terrific family-friendly activities.

Learn more in my previous post … and thanks ahead of time to the South Milwaukee Police Department and all of the volunteers who work behind the scenes to bring this celebration to life.

See you at Community Night Out!

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by | August 9, 2013 · 12:53 pm

Open Thread: Would You Recommend South Milwaukee To A Friend?

I’ll be taking a few days off from blogging, returning early next week.

In the meantime, let’s keep the debate going with comments on the following question …

Would you recommend South Milwaukee to a friend looking for a new home, or to a businessperson looking to start up or relocate? If so, why? If not, why not?

Post your comments below … and vote in my new poll. 

Thanks again for reading. I hope you like what you see here.

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by | August 6, 2013 · 1:37 pm

New Job For Tim Sullivan

Tim Sullivan, the former head of Bucyrus International, is heading to Pennsylvania to become CEO of Gardner Denver Inc.

The Business Journal has the story.

Here is the press release. From it:

“I am enthusiastic about leading Gardner Denver and I am confident in the near- and long-term potential of the business,” said Mr. Sullivan. “Gardner Denver has a highly diversified business portfolio of market-leading products and solutions, strong customer relationships and a passionate team of highly talented employees. Under Michael’s leadership, the Company expanded its global footprint and leveraged its best-in-class technologies to become a worldwide industry leader. I look forward to working closely with the Board and leadership team to refine the Company’s strategy, enhance performance and build upon the Company’s positive momentum. I believe Gardner Denver is very well positioned to capitalize on the many opportunities ahead.”

 Post your comments below!

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by | August 5, 2013 · 11:00 pm

South Performing Arts Center Brings More Concerts To Farmers’ Market

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is going strong … and if you haven’t had a chance to swing by this year, the next couple of weeks would be a good time to start.

For starters, produce is in (big time), in addition to our well-rounded lineup of other vendors — including plenty of dinner options.

Then there’s our music. We have shows every week, but the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is bringing a pair of concerts to the market starting this week.

First up, it’s noted guitarist Jim Green on August 8. Then it’s the OPUS Jazz Band on Thursday, August 15. Both shows start at 4 p.m.

Learn more in this press release, and tell your family and friends. And if you haven’t like the market on Facebook yet, please do. Visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/smdowntownmarket.

See you Thursday!

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by | August 1, 2013 · 11:19 pm

Enjoy A Little South Milwaukee At The Wisconsin State Fair

Like most people, we have our Wisconsin State Fair routines — regular stops we make as we visit each year.

The big slide. Something from the Wisconsin Products Pavilion. Cheese curds. Cream puffs. Lemonade. The animal barns. The pig races. Maybe the sky glider. Those are just a few of the ways we enjoy the fair.

I’ll be adding a couple other attractions to that list this year.

First, Parkway Floral has a space in the Horticultural Building.

And Patrick Cudahy is celebrating 125 Hours of Bacon — with a local flavor. From the Patrick Cudahy Facebook page …

We’ll be celebrating our 125th anniversary with “125 Hours of Bacon” from August 1-11. Each day we will be at the fair handing out free bacon treats, coupons, recipes and more. Stop by and get your picture taken in our Say Hey Photo Booth. We’ll be there all day through the duration of the fair. And don’t miss Patrick Cudahy Day on August 9th for a day of delicious samples, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, giveaways, and more! Check out the schedule for details on Patrick Cudahy Day.

The South Milwaukee connection: Emerald City Catering is providing bacon-themed samples at the Patrick Cudahy booth throughout the fair, including a couple really unique ones on August 9: maple bacon- and cream cheese-stuffed French toast and Celebritzza (cheese sauce, bacon, ham and pepperoni on a pizza crust). The local caterer is also providing the “world’s largest bacon-shaped cake” on that day. 

Be sure to stop and smell the bacon (and the flowers).

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by | July 31, 2013 · 4:59 pm

Duck!

duck1 duck2 duck3An update on Saturday’s Great Duck Race from the Friends of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse …

Bundled against the cold, several dozen fans cheered and blew duck whistles to encourage their ducks as more than 800 plastic duckies drifted down the slow moving Oak Creek on Saturday afternoon.  At the end, duck number 556 won the $500 first prize for Richard Thinnes;  duck number 475 won $250 for Todd Grant; duck number 638 won $150 for June Ortiz and duck number 24 won the $25 lame duck award for Jude Westergard. Classic Cargo International, Inc. won the corporate duck race. They will display the traveling trophy for a year.

 The 9th annual Great Duck Race was a fundraiser for the “Friends of the Mill Pond & Oak Creek Watercourse, Inc.”. Eighteen scouts from Oak Creek helped.

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by | July 30, 2013 · 9:43 pm

More Headlines — And A Police Blotter

Check out these South Shore headlines …

And NOW has published a new police blotter, including this …

A 21-year-old South Milwaukee man was arrested for disorderly conduct while armed at his residence in the 1700 block of Milwaukee Avenue around 7:30 p.m. July 26, after he attempted to confront a man armed with a gun at 17th and Milwaukee avenues, just down the block. The aggressor accused the man and his wife of staring at him while he was riding his bike down the street, got off his bike and walked toward them while pulling out two knives. The 58-year-old South Milwaukee man with his wife pulled up his shirt to reveal a holstered pistol and, quoting the film “The Untouchables,” advised the man that he should not have brought a knife to a gunfight. The man rode away on his bike, but was found and arrested at his residence with both knives. Marijuana paraphernalia was also found at his residence, for which he was cited.

And this …

Two South Milwaukee men, 47 and 48 years old, were arrested for disorderly conduct outside of their residences in the 1200 block of Milwaukee Avenue around 4:30 p.m. July 21, after a fight between them. The older man pounded on the younger man’s door looking to fight, and the younger man came outside with a gun and chased the other man.

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by | July 29, 2013 · 10:22 pm

More Ways To Celebrate: Heritage Days Is Over … And South Milwaukee Community Night Out Is Next

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 21, for South Milwaukee Community Night Out.

The South Milwaukee Police Department website has more details on the event to be held at the city administration complex …

On August 21, 2013, the South Milwaukee Police Department once again will host the Community Night Out.  Hundreds of people will attend the festivities, play games, learn about safety, enter raffles, enjoy a good meal, and watch the fireworks.  The Community Night Out is a great chance for citizens of all ages to meet the various public safety workers in their community. Hope to see you on August 21st from 5:30-9pm!

Tell your family and friends … and see you there!

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by | July 28, 2013 · 10:17 pm

Heritage Days: So, What Do You Think?

Heritage Days 2013 wrapped up this evening with Lionsfest.

From the firehouse spaghetti dinner and Evening on the Avenue to Lionsfest and my first time at the Great Duck Race, my family and I had a great time this week.

Of course, I’d like to know what you think.

  • What’s your favorite Heritage Days event? Why?
  • Where can improvements or changes be made to existing events?
  • What would you like to see added (if anything) to Heritage Days?

Post your comments below … and join me in thanking all of the dedicated volunteers who make Heritage Days happen every year. It takes hundreds of people to pull this off, and let’s not take them for granted.

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by | July 27, 2013 · 1:28 pm

New To The Blog? Welcome

My family and I just got back from the Heritage Days Parade, where we handed out more than 1,000 flyers promoting South Milwaukee Blog.

My goal: Continue to build readership and further spread the word about what is happening in our city.

So, if you’re new to the blog, welcome. I hope you like what you see.

And what you’ll see are daily (or almost daily, sometimes multiple times each day) updates on news and information from around South Milwaukee and the South Shore.

You’ll also see viewpoints on some of the local issues of the day. If I support something, I’ll tell you why. If I don’t, I’ll tell you why — and then give you a chance to weigh in too. Please join that conversation by commenting on my posts and voting in the polls.

South Milwaukee Blog is approaching 250,000 page views since I launched it in 2009. For that, I owe a big thanks to my readers over the years. Please keep reading … and tell your family and friends.

I launched this website to keep people informed on what’s happening in South Milwaukee, good and bad. I look forward to delivering on that promise well into the future.

Let me know what you think.

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