Category Archives: Community

New Date: “Frozen” Showing Sept. 25 At The Farmers’ Market

I can hear “Let it Go” running through my head already …

We have a new date for the Guardian Credit Union Movie in the Market showing of “Frozen.”

It’s Thursday, Sept. 25, following the South Milwaukee Downtown Market, around 7 p.m. This means it will done by in plenty of time to get the kids (including mine) to bed for school the next day.

The movie was cancelled last month due to the threat of inclement weather.

Mark your calendars … and get ready to show off those Anna and Elsa dresses.

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Celebrating 100 Years

cropped-anniversary-header

A big congratulations to Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, which is celebrating 100 years in 2014.

We honored the church with a proclamation at Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting.

And the church has scheduled a couple of events in September to celebrate …

  • Sunday, Sept. 7: Centennial Open House and Taste of Poland. Noon to 3 p.m. at the church.
  • Saturday, Sept. 20: Mass at 11 a.m. at the church, followed by a banquet at the Knights of Columbus hall.

Learn more here, and join me in wishing happy anniversary to this community institution and its members.

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Farmers’ Market Health Fair Set For Thursday

More than 20 health-related vendors are expected at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market’s annual Health Fair, set for this Thursday, Sept. 4. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m.

The event is presented by South Shore Family Chiropractic.

Learn more on the market Facebook page and in this flyer.

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Urban Forestry Update

The city is making real progress as we begin to implement our urban forestry program.

Our Engineering and Street Departments — among others — are working hard to take on this new city service, and I’m proud of what’s they’ve done. As I’ve written before, I think this is the right thing to do, and I wholly support our work in this area. In fact, I want to see us expand it, creating a true urban forestry program that includes added manpower and a clear replanting plan.

But first things first: tree removal and pruning. Here is an update on how those are going …

  • Since the council adopted the revised tree ordinance and policy in May, a tree inventory has been used to identify trees that the Street Department could potentially remove based on diameter, equipment, training and experience (typically trees 16 inches in diameter and less). Street Department personnel had to review each tree and have removed 35 trees this season, as of August 15, inlcluding a number downtown.
  • We have begun more focused work in the First District, as this will be done in phases. The Engineering Department has reviewed all trees identified as dead or in poor condition to determine if trees are considered public or private under the adopted city ordinance. Some property owners were sent a letter stating that a tree is in need of removal or pruning, or that the tree was considered private, but that its condition was potentially hazardous.
  • In all, there are 75 “public” trees in the First District that should be removed based on their condition, ranging from 17 to 49 inches in diameter. The trees (28 ash, 11 silver maple, 12 Norway maple and other species) are dead or in very poor condition.
  • Another 24 public trees are identified for pruning due to dead branches or other issues (height).
  • We are now seeking a contactor to remove the 75 trees, including stump removal, and do pruning work. Removals will be done by Dec. 1, weather permitting, with stump grinding possible in 2015.
  • Work is expected to move to the Second District in 2015.

Our city engineer has also put together a good Q&A document about our urban forestry efforts. Check it out here.

And I’ll continue to keep you posted on the progress we’re making.

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Filed under City Services, Community, Urban Forestry

More Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

And NOW has published a new police blotter.

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Farmers’ Market, Outdoor Movie Cancelled

From the South Milwaukee Downtown Market Facebook page

Today’s farmers’ market and the Guardian Credit Union Movie in the Market this evening are cancelled due to storms. Sorry for any inconvenience, but we’ll see you next week. And stay tuned for more details on a makeup date for the movie.

Please help spread the word, and I’ll keep you posted.

Sorry, “Frozen” fans.

 

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This Week’s Outdoor Movie: Frozen

10368242_773209552701638_756388576200149557_n (1)Join us for the second Guardian Movie in the Market this Thursday at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market.

This week it’s “Frozen.”

Showtime is around 8 p.m., and Guardian is offering free popcorn.

Thanks to Guardian for their sponsorship of this terrific community event!

Check out photos from last week’s movie — including the terrific shot above — on the Guardian Facebook page.

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What’s Up: Local Church Milestone, New Book From Local Author, Recycling Drive, Health Fair

Rounding up some local news and headlines from around South Milwaukee …

  • Sts. Peter and Paul National Polish Catholic Church is celebrating 100 years this year. Happy anniversary! Learn more about the anniversary and its Sept. 7 open house here.
  • South Milwaukee children’s book author Janet Halfmann has published her 40th book, “Animal Teachers.” Congratulations, Janet! Learn more here.
  • The Friends of Grant Park are holding an electronic and aluminum recycling drive from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday at City Hall. Learn more here.
  • The Health Fair is returning to the South Milwaukee Downtown Market on Thursday, Sept. 4. Learn more here.

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Community Night Out Is Wednesday!

Update: Start time is 5:30 p.m. I was wrong in a previous post.

This is always a good time, with games, food, raffles, demonstrations and more … followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

Festivitites start at 5:30 p.m. behind City Hall.

Learn more on the city’s Facebook page … and like the page while you’re there!

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Fitness Challenge Coming To South Milwaukee

We can all stand to get fitter and lose a few pounds. Especially me.

That’s why I’m proud to join with the mayors of Oak Creek, Cudahy, St. Francis, Franklin, and Greenfield to present the South Suburban Mayors’ Fitness Challenge.

The goal: Improve the health of our local communities by partnering with wellness-focused businesses and organizations to put on a series of free fitness, educational and social events.

Stay tuned for a list of participating businesses and organizations, but it promises to be a good group — and a great community-building event.

Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi developed the concept for the Challenge in 2012 to not only get area residents on the path to wellness, but also to promote area businesses that were already committed to that mission.

The inaugural Oak Creek Challenge, which focused on weight loss, took place between November 2012 and February 2013. More than 450 residents signed up to participate, and 15 events — including workouts, nutrition workshops, and cooking demonstrations — were hosted. As a community, Oak Creek cumulatively lost nearly 1,000 pounds. The second Challenge, which focused on overall fitness, began in September 2013 and finished in January 2014. More than 700 people registered, and 34 different events were held, building on the successes of the first year.

I am proud South Milwaukee is part of the third Challenge.

More information is to come, including signup information and details on a kickoff event in September. Start by liking the Challenge Facebook page, where you can check out regular updates once we get going.

For more information, you may also contact South Milwaukee Health Administrator Jackie Ove, who is leading this effort on our end. (Thanks, Jackie for your support.)

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Show Off Your Talent For The SMPAC’s 10th Anniversary

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, and they want local residents to be part of the show.

The SMPAC’s “10th Anniversary Gala: An Extravaganza of Local Talent!” is set for May 1, 2015. Ten performers will be chosen for the show, with auditions to be on October 29.

From the SMPAC …

Tomas Kubinek will be our Master of Ceremonies and we invite you to take part in this unique and heartfelt performing arts extravaganza. Indulge your creativity with this community driven theatre, vaudeville, musical and “who-knows-what” curated and performed by you and other, like-minded patrons of the SMPAC community.

Check out an application here, and here is a schedule of upcoming SMPAC events. It’s an impressive list. 

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Back From Vacation: Catching Up On The Past Week

Back to blogging … and back from Disney … and here is what was waiting in my email inbox.

First, the South Milwaukee Fire Department responded to a house fire Monday …

At approximately 5:38 this evening, SMFD responded to a 9-1-1 report of a basement fire at 1717 Edgewood Avenue.  Upon arrival, heavy smoke was seen coming from the house and SMPD reported that two adult, male occupants had self-evacuated prior to their arrival.  SMFD crews advanced hose lines into the basement and found significant heat and zero visibility conditions.  The fire was located and quickly extinguished, but not before the basement suffered significant heat and smoke damage and the first floor suffered moderate smoke damage. Mutual aid departments were called to provide support at the scene and to handle any additional calls that may have come in. Preliminary investigation identified the area of origin, however, absent a thorough inspection of the electrical system, a definite cause could not be identified.  The fire will remain under investigation until more information is learned. The occupants had an alternate place to stay, so the services of the Red Cross were not necessary.  No injuries were reported.

There were also these local headlines …

NOW also published a new police blotter.

And word that the South Milwaukee Police Department is taking part in the Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on Top program, where one of our officers will be sitting atop to the new South Milwaukee location from 6 to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 15, to raise money for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Here is a flyer.

And, finally, in case you missed it, before I left I was a proud participant in the Ice Water Challenge, benefiting the Andrew Wszelaki Memorial Foundation. Check out my video on my Facebook page — and be sure to check out images from City Clerk Jim Shelenske’s attempt at last Thursday’s South Milwaukee Downtown Market.

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Here Is The Meet The Mayor Schedule For The Rest Of 2014

It’s been a pleasure hosting these so far, and I look forward to continuing the community conversation through additional Meet the Mayor sessions this year. Here is the upcoming schedule …

  • Saturday, August 23: Moxie Fitness*
  • Thursday, September 25: South Milwaukee Downtown Market
  • Saturday, October 18: Sorce Martial Arts
  • Saturday, November 15: Mears Sports Auctions
  • Saturday, December 13: Emerald City Catering

The market session is from 4 to 6 p.m. The other four are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mark your calendars, and I’ll see you there.

And thanks again to Azteca Restaurant, Studio One Art Glass and Max A. Sass & Sons for hosting my first three events.

*Note: This is a date change from previous communications.

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New Leadership For South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

Farewell, Chad Piechocki. Welcome, Rachel Sorce.

Rachel is taking over for Chad as director of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the SMPAC announced this week.

Chad will be missed, as he becomes the managing director of Present Music, an ensemble performance group. He was a visionary, focused on big ideas that have helped the SMPAC grow into the community treasure it is today. I was impressed with him from the start, and his passion, dedication, hard work and creativity were always evident.

Rachel – most recently the SMPAC’s marketing director and box office manager — brings those same qualities into the role, and she will build on the strong foundation to make the facility and its performances that much better.

I’m excited for the future of the SMPAC. I hope you are too.

From Chad’s farewell statement …

It has truly been an honor and pleasure to lead SMPAC over the past four years and with your support help facilitate its continued growth. Thank you to the many patrons, subscribers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, students, families, teachers, administrative staff, technicians, community members and SMPAC Council who supported me and SMPAC along the way. My fondest memories are those moments right before the curtain went up when the audience and artists were hanging in anticipation of what was about to happen on stage. That energy is something that I believe can only happen with a live performance. It has been an inspiration to witness the responses of thousands of patrons over the years and to bring the brilliance of the performing arts to students and community members of various walks of life. The success of the past 10 years is a testament to what can happen when a community of people works together to fulfill a dream of many generations. South Milwaukee will always have a special place in my life. I hope to see you at an upcoming show during the 10th anniversary season! 

From Rachel’s statement …

I’m excited about this opportunity to serve SMPAC in an expanded role as Director and work towards helping SMPAC reach its greatest potential for enriching lives with performing arts. I look forward to our 10th Anniversary season and all of the wonderful experiences that will be brought to life on and off our stage.

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Around One More Corner For McGivern: Stop By Thursday’s Farmers’ Market

936083_665101006904116_3176988201231805785_n 10385490_664556933625190_7808335229584731613_n 10561612_664555783625305_6319595337757207953_n 10577082_664195156994701_7456079397241422769_n 10440738_664555170292033_8978761211395073099_nFrom all reports, the filming of the “Around the Corner” feature on South Milwaukee is going really well.

From Azteca Restaurant to the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center to Grant Park, McGivern and his crew have been all over the city this week, and it’s great to have them.

I can’t wait to see the episode when it airs next February. It should tell a great story.

But first things first: There’s still one more day of filming left. Want to check it out? Stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market when it opens at 3 p.m. on Thursday and say hi. It’s good timing for McGivern, as the market returns to its new-and-improved 1tth Avenue location … with a giveaway of market bags to attendees.

Learn more here, and stay tuned for more on the “Around the Corner” premiere event at the SMPAC in February.

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