Category Archives: Community

December 15, 2014 · 11:31 pm

Fitness Challenge: Stuff The Sleigh 5K Set For Saturday Through Grant Park

Here’s a chance to get fit during the holidays … and help out Human Concerns.

The Stuff the Sleigh 5K is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday at Wil-o-Way Grant Park. The run/walk, which benefits Human Concerns, includes a route that takes it through the park.

Learn more here … and don’t forget to like the Mayors’ Fitness Challenge Facebook page for more information on all Challenge events. There is still more than a month left!

More details from the organizers …

SUPPORT SOUTH MILWAUKEE HUMAN CONCERNS

During the holiday season we always like to help those locally around us. You can do your part in a number of ways……

1) Come RUN / WALK the South Milwaukee Stuff The Sleigh 5K on Saturday 12/20 10:00am in our very own Grant Park. — Sign up online at www.stuffthesleigh5k.org — Walk / Run starts at Wil-o-Way Grant Park 207 Lake Drive South Miwaukee, WI 53132 — Sign up right away so you get a shirt!! — Bring 2 non-perishable food items and you will be entered into the drawing at the end of the walk/race. The more you bring the more entries you get !!

2) Bring non-perishable food items and put them in the bin in the front at City Hall 3) Volunteer to help with the walk / run. — You can do this by signing up under volunteer tab on the website www.stuffthesleigh5k.org — You can call Lisa Van Netzel at 414-531-4163 — You can email: tristin@5kevents.org

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December 8, 2014 · 5:04 pm

Lighting Up Downtown For Christmas

SMLights_0024 small SMLights_0009 small SMLights_0022 small SMLights_0003 small SMLights_0005 smallA hearftelt note of thanks to the South Milwaukee Community and Business Association (formerly the chamber) and everyone who contributed to our new downtown Christmas lights this year …

I think they look terrfic, and have heard from plenty of people who agree. There are more than 60 new fixtures in all.

The association and its members are great community partners, stepping up to improve South Milwaukee in ways big and small. This is a great example, and much appreciated.

And thanks to Shannon Wucherer Photography for providing these images. Shannon’s studio is at 914 Milwaukee Ave., and you can learn more about her busines on her Facebook page. Really good stuff from another successful Milwaukee Avenue business.

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December 6, 2014 · 4:50 pm

Mark Your Calendars: “Around The Corner” Premiere Event!

20140731_150456It was a blast having John McGivern and John Gurda in town last summer shooting “Around the Corner.”

The end result? See for yourself as McGivern and Gurda return to our fair city for the premier of the South Milwaukee episode on Monday, Feb. 23, at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

The program starts at 7 p.m., after a special performance of the South Milwaukee Municipal Band.

Mark your calendars — and look for more information soon on how to get (free) tickets.

This will be a really fun community celebration. I hope to see you there!

The actual episode airs on Milwaukee Public Television on Thursday, Feb. 26. See the season trailer here.

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December 1, 2014 · 10:32 pm

YMCA Files Reorganization Plan

Check out coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Business Journal. And here is the press release.

So, what does it mean for the South Shore Y? From the Business Journal story …

The buyer of the Wauwatosa, Greenfield and Menomonee Falls branches was the YMCA of Central Waukesha County. The Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA in Saukville was sold to the Kettle Moraine YMCA of West Bend.

Three other properties the Milwaukee Y owns will be placed in a trust until the properties are sold with proceeds going to the bank group. The properties are: undeveloped land in Franklin, the downtown Milwaukee branch in the Plankinton Building condo and the South Shore branch in Cudahy. …

The Milwaukee Y will focus on health and wellness and youth development not directly related to academics. The organization will emphasize swimming classes, corporate and community wellness, senior wellness, before and after-school care, day and overnight camps. The Y will continue running the following branches: downtown Milwaukee; at the Parklawn city of Milwaukee housing project; 1350 W. North Ave.; 9250 N. Green Bay Road in Brown Deer; and 3244 E. College Ave. in Cudahy.

 The South Shore branch in Cudahy could close if a buyer cannot be found, Tolan said.

I’ll keep you posted.

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November 20, 2014 · 10:23 pm

Thanking Our Board And Commission Members

Tonight, I had the pleasure to be a part of South Milwaukee’s Commissioners’ Banquet, our annual opportunity to formally recognize the public servants who do so much good for our city.

We have more than a dozen boards and commissions, all filled with volunteers, I am so grateful for their work.

As I told the crowd …

I love South Milwaukee, both our proud past and our promising future. I know you do too.

What a great story we have to share … and it’s a story we should all be proud of because it’s one we’ve all helped write, and continue to write every day.

When it comes down to it, it’s a story of our people … a story of dedicated community servants who have given of their time and talents to make South Milwaukee a better place.

There are more than 160 of those people in this room tonight … and I’m excited and honored to recognize them and their commitment to making a difference.

We could not do any of this without you.

You can learn more about our boards and coMmissions here … and you can apply to join one yourself with this application.

We are always looking for volunteers, those willing to bring a special skill or interest to bear in helping make their city a better place to live, work and play. Are you ready to step up?

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November 17, 2014 · 10:13 pm

2014 South Milwaukee Christmas: Mark Your Calendars!

Update: Added information on a special choir concert at Sts. Peter and Paul.

Christmas in South Milwaukee is a special time of year …

And that starts with all the special events happening around town.

Here’s a roundup … if I missed any, please let me know and I’ll add them.

  • Saturday, Nov. 22: South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting. Stop by from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for a visit with Santa, music, hot drinks and more at Heritage Park on 10th and Milwaukee Avenues. Learn more here.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: South Milwaukee Christmas Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas. The traditional South Milwaukee Christmas celebration begins with the Lions’ Christmas Parade starting at 12:30 p.m. at 12th and Milwaukee, continuing west on Milwaukee, then south on 15th Avenue to City Hall. Following the parade, enjoy all the festivities at City Hall, including pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, food and more. The city Christmas tree is lit at 5 p.m., following a performance by the South Milwaukee High School Madrigal Singers. Learn more about the parade at www.smlions.org, or to be in the parade, call Jim at 414-651-2221.
  • Saturday, Dec. 6: South Milwaukee Christmas Market. The indoor version of the Downtown Market returns to South Milwaukee High School with more than 50 vendors selling arts, crafts, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Hours (new this year) are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live holiday music is also scheduled, including a holiday performance by Horns A Plenty at 11 a.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more on the market’s Facebook page.
  • Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14: Ye Old Christmas Feaste.This tradition of 36 years will be held at the high school. This three-hour event magically transports you to 15th century England for Christmas merriment with a seven-course meal. Pre-dinner music starts 4:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 5. Cost is $30 per person or $170 for a table of six. For more information, click here or call the high school at 766-5100.
  • Sunday, Dec. 14: Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church Christmas choir concert. Showtime is 4 p.m. for this special show, as the Milwaukee Circle Choir will be presenting “Love Came Down at Christmas: A Cantata of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.” This show features traditional carols in both Polish and English. Free Admission. Handicapped accessible by lift chair. Refreshments will be served after the show. The church is 1308 15th Ave.

 

Also, the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center has a full holiday lineup,with the following shows …

Have a happy holiday season!

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November 10, 2014 · 9:47 pm

Recognizing Our Veterans

Tuesday is Veterans’ Day, and I wish all veterans — those serving now or those who have served — a blessed day.

I thank you for your service — especially my late grandfather, a World War II Navy veteran, and my stepfather, a Vietnam War Marine veteran — and ask others to do the same by taking part in the Veterans’ Day ceremony on Tuesday morning, Nov. 11.

Local veterans will be meeting at the American Legion Post #27 at 10:30 a.m., and at 10:45 they we will do a “light march” from the Post to the South Milwaukee War Memorial.

The 30-minute ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the memorial, located just north of Tony G’s Grant Park Garage.

A light lunch will be served at the post following the ceremony.

(In the case of inclement weather ensues, the ceremony will be held at the Post.)

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November 8, 2014 · 10:47 pm

Shoreline Park Meeting Set For Tuesday

The public is welcome to attend a second public information meeting around a potential Lake Michigan shoreline park planned for 18 acres south of the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The meeting, in an open house format, begins with a presentation at 5:30 p.m., followed by time for questions and answers with the consultant hired to prepare options for the site and city personnel.

From the letter sent to area residents …

The first public information meeting, held in May, included two development concepts. A revised concept has been developed which includes the following elements:

  • Primary entry from Bay Heights Road with approximately 10 parking spaces and access path.
  • Secondary site access from Marina Road with approximately 8 parking spaces created where Marina Road turns south with a pedestrian access path.
  • Improved primary pedestrian path to the beachfront designed to meet ADA requirements with accessible beach extension.
  • Secondary paths with stair structures, overlooks.
  • Extension of the storm sewer system on the north side of the parcel to reduce bluff erosion, and reduce velocities to protect coastal wetland.
  • Stormwater bioretention by using rain gardens as a natural area to control and treat stormwater run-off.
  • Stabilized bluff plantings.
  • Areas of mowed open space.

Learn more about the earlier plans here.

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November 6, 2014 · 4:42 pm

Holiday Bazaar Set For Saturday

It’s time to start thinking Christmas (my favorite time of year to be a South Milwaukeean).

South Milwaukee’s holiday events kick off this Saturday, Nov. 8, with the Holiday Bazaar at the Grobschmidt Senior Center.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features homemade crafts, delicious baked goods, wonderful raffle items, and a white elephant/rummage sale. Lunch is also available.

Admission is free.

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November 3, 2014 · 5:12 pm

Reaching Out: Trinity Lutheran To Host South Milwaukee Coaches’ Forum, Blood Drive

A couple of events coming up at Trinity Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee (my church) …

The community is more than welcome at both — in fact, encouraged to attend.

First, we’re proud to announce our next Speaker Series event, which features two South Milwaukee coaching legends: John Galewski and Stan Druckrey.

The pair have combined to lead young student-athletes for more than 60 years — Galewski a state Hall of Fame baseball coach who also led the South Milwaukee football team until this year; Druckrey (a Trinity member) the high school’s longtime girls’ track and co-ed cross-country coach – touching hundreds of lives along the way.

Come hear from both on Sunday, November 23, as they share stories from their decades in coaching and life lessons for athletes and non-athletes alike. There will also be plenty of time for Q&A. The event starts at 4 p.m., after the Packers’ game, and all attendees are invited to a free simple supper afterwards. Tell your family and friends , and bring a guest or three for what should be a memorable night. Go Rockets!

Also, the Trinity Caring Ministry Team is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, Nov. 22. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and folks can sign up by visiting www.bcw.edu/trinitysouthmilwaukee. Here is an event flyer.

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October 29, 2014 · 5:02 pm

Reminder: Trick-Or-Treating Is Friday Evening

Just a reminder, as Rocketober comes to a close …

South Milwaukee’s official trick-or-treating time is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 — Halloween evening.

Please leave your porch lights on if you plan on participating (and I hope you do). And stay warm!

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October 23, 2014 · 10:09 pm

A Rocketober Saturday To Remember In South Milwaukee

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10714067_694186337318358_5168643598416810070_oSaturday is another great day to be a South Milwaukeean! Here is the list of Rocketober events …

  • It all starts with the South Milwaukee Little Kickball and Costume Contest, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little League complex.
  • Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., it’s the downtown trick-or-treating scavenger hunt. (To participate, print the scavenger hunt game card image above or stop by one of the participating businesses to pick one up.)
  • From 5 to 9 p.m., it’s the South Milwaukee e-Lions and Friends of the Mill Pond Halloween House at the Mill Pond.
  • And don’t forget about Trunk-or-Treat at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. That’s from 2 to 4 p.m.

Check out the full Rocketober schedule here. And like our Facebook page.

We’ll see you Saturday!

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October 21, 2014 · 8:40 pm

Going Pink For A Great Cause

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Thanks to South Milwaukee Police Chief Ann Wellens, the South Milwaukee schools and many, many others for helping make Justice for a Cure Day another great success.

That check in the photo is for $5,178.49 — money raised through the hard work of local students through a variety of activities and events held today and in recent weeks.

Great work. Inspiring. And a terrific tribute to those who are fighting the battle against breast cancer, those who have won it, and those who have lost it.

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October 20, 2014 · 9:31 pm

Rocketober Update: Downtown Trick-Or-Treat Scavenger Hunt Highlights Busy Saturday

It’s another busy week of Rocketober …

I want to specifically call out South Milwaukee’s downtown trick-or-treating event this Saturday. More than 30 businesses are taking part.

It’s a scavenger hunt!

Simply start by stopping at one of the participating businesses, get a game card (or print one off here), and have each additional business you stop at mark that you were there. Turn in completed game cards at I Can’t Resist Kids Resale and be entered to win prizes. Downtown trick-or-treating hours are 3 to 6 p.m.

We hope to see you and your family there, supporting our local merchants and having some fun along the way. Then, be sure to stop by the Mill Pond Halloween House, from 5 to 9 p.m.

A full list Rocketober events this week:

  • Tuesday: Justice for a Cure Day
  • Friday: Human Concerns Haunted House; SMPAC Presents Imago Theatre “Frogz”
  • Saturday: South Milwaukee Little League Kickball & Costume Contest; Trunk or Treat at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church; Downtown Trick-or-Treating Scavenger Hunt; Mill Pond Halloween House; Human Concerns Haunted House
  • Sunday: Mill Pond Halloween House

Check out the full schedule here, and here is our Facebook page. And thanks for your continued support of Rocketober!

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October 16, 2014 · 10:50 pm

Rocketober Update: Cemetery Tour, Haunted House Starts Friday — And Donate A Pumpkin

Rocketober is in full swing, and here are a few updates …

  • Tales & Tombstones, the historical tour of the First Congregational Cemetery, is set for 6 p.m. Friday.
  • The Human Concerns Haunted House also kicks off Friday night at 821 Marion Ave. Hours are 7-11 p.m.
  • The South Milwaukee PAC is also hosting its Arena Dance Main Street Project show on Saturday. It’s a unique mix of community recollections with dance — something I was proud to contribute to this week. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
  • And don’t forget about the Great Pumpkin Display! The South Milwaukee E-Lion’s Club and Friends of the Mill Pond are excited to host the family-friendly Halloween House at the Mill Pond on Oct. 25-26. Ahead of the festivities, they are asking folks to bring a carved pumpkin to light up at the Mill pond. They will provide the light. Just bring your carved pumpkin to the Mill Pond from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Oct. 18., or leave it in front of building. Pumpkins will be displayed inside the warming house.

Check out more details on Rocketober on our Facebook page, and here is a full schedule.

Next up:  A big day on Saturday, Oct. 25, with events at South Milwaukee Little League and downtown in addition to the Mill Pond.

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