Category Archives: Community

by | July 31, 2014 · 8:20 pm

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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by | July 30, 2014 · 10:31 pm

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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by | July 27, 2014 · 8:42 pm

Honoring Our World War I Veterans

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a terrific story in Sunday’s edition about the efforts of two local American Legion Posts to keep the memories of World War I veterans alive.

One of them is right here in South Milwaukee: Van Eimeren-Kolonka Post 27.

From the story:

Cudworth Post 23 was housed in a mansion on Milwaukee’s east side for many years. When it burned down, the post built another in the same block of Prospect Ave., but it was sold two decades ago. Now the post’s offices are above a restaurant in Glendale. Members meet each week for breakfast.

While the Van Eimeren post — it still is in the same building across from the Caterpillar factory in South Milwaukee — was and is known as a blue-collar, working-class post, Cudworth’s membership drew from the ranks of lawyers, doctors, businessmen and judges who had served in the military.

Cudworth boasts some famous members — Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Billy Mitchell and Ken Keltner, the Cleveland Indians third baseman credited with making two impressive defensive plays that helped snap Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.

Cudworth post members helped start Badger Boys State, Camp Legion in northern Wisconsin and American Legion baseball leagues in Wisconsin. Like all American Legion posts across the U.S., both the Van Eimeren-Kolonka and Cudworth posts continue to work on behalf of veterans by furnishing honor guards for funerals, organizing educational programs for youths and lobbying for veterans issues.

Membership in both posts is dwindling as World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans die and younger veterans don’t join, a problem for all veterans organizations.

At its peak in the 1980s, the Cudworth post had more than 5,000 members. Now it’s around 400. Van Eimeren-Kolonka’s membership is 235, half the size during the 1950s.

“Every generation of veterans thinks their war is unique and their problems are unique, which is true, but what you have to go through is pretty much the same,” Ludka said. “Veterans organizations are places where you can meet people who have had the same experiences.”

Thank you to our local veterans for this important work … and for their service.

The post is located at 920 Monroe Ave. and has a website and Facebook page.

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by | July 27, 2014 · 7:58 pm

South Milwaukee Heritage Days: A Shoutout To Our Volunteers

So, Heritage Days 2014 are over. What a week!

The DARE Golf Outing. St. Luke’s Ice Cream Social. Firehouse Spaghetti Dinner. Evening on the Avenue. Heritage Days Parade. Great Duck Race. South Milwaukee Lionsfest.

I had the pleasure of attending all of these, and each was special, true celebrations of our great city.

But let’s keep in mind that none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of dozens (hundreds?) of volunteers. I know time is tight and demands are high, but South Milwaukeeans always seem to come through, and not just during Heritage Week.

To all of our volunteers, I say, “thank you.” Your efforts are always appreciated.

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by | July 24, 2014 · 10:51 pm

A Great Evening On The Avenue

10580097_10204728628874666_3175624908039396866_n 10579993_10204728997683886_2619082084093857961_nWhat a great night to be a South Milwaukeean.

From the Sorce Martial Arts open house to the demonstrations to the freebies to the music, Evening on the Avenue was a big success — and my first opportunity to be in a dunk tank. 🙂

Next  up: South Milwaukee Lionsfest, starting Friday, and the Heritage Days Parade and Friends of Mill Pond Duck Race on Saturday. Drama at the Depot also continues at the train station downtown Friday and Saturday evenings.

One note: I’m told the parade is bigger and better than ever this year, with more than 120 entrants. Look for me and my family on the fire truck!

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by | July 23, 2014 · 8:41 pm

Heritage Days In Full Swing

20140723_172409Monday was the DARE Golf Outing, Tuesday the St. Luke’s Ice Cream Social. Tonight, the Firehouse Spaghetti Dinner. It’s been a great week so far, and we’re just getting started.

Thursday, it’s Evening on the Avenue, including the South Milwaukee Downtown Market and Drama at the Depot. Friday, Lionsfest starts. Saturday, it’s the Heritage Days Parade and Duck Race.

Bring it on! Learn more here.

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by | July 20, 2014 · 8:53 pm

Getting People To Slow Down

20140720_200421American Family Insurance — the Jim Incledon Agency — has again stepped up with a donation of “slow down” yard signs to the city. Want one or three for your neighborhood? Contact South Milwaukee Police Lt. Chad Milow at 768-8060 or by email.

Thanks to Jim and American Family for the continued partnership — and the joint commitment to make our neighborhoods safer.

The Incledon Agency is located in Sunrise Plaza in South Milwaukee, 2410 10th Ave.

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by | July 18, 2014 · 8:04 pm

Can You Help At Lionsfest?

The more I’ve gotten involved with the South Milwaukee Lions, the more it’s become clear: It takes a village to put on Lionsfest.

And we need your help. Interested in volunteering for a few hours? Sign up here.

From grill to games to servers to cleanup, there is lots to do. Please consider helping out at the Lions’ biggest annual fundraiser.

Check out the full Lionsfest schedule here on Facebook. And we’ll see you next Friday through Sunday!

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by | July 16, 2014 · 9:58 pm

Celebrating South Milwaukee Heritage Days

Heritage Days are the best days of the year to be a South Milwaukeean. And with a full roster of events, there is something for everyone, including a few exciting new additions for 2014.

Here is a list …

Monday, July 21

DARE Golf Outing

The big annual fundraiser for the South Milwaukee Police Department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program is held at Oakwood Golf Course, with lunch and beverages included. A raffle is also planned. Cost is $80 per person. To sign up, contact Officer Lewison at 768-8060. Learn more in my previous post.

Tuesday, July 22

Ice Cream Social

The event is from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 2200 18th Ave. There will hot dogs and brats, a raffle and band concert. And ice cream, of course.

Wednesday, July 23

Firehouse Spaghetti Dinner

Dinner is served from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for this outstanding community event held at the South Milwaukee Fire Department, 929 Marshall Court. Di Carlo Trattoria & Pizzeria caters.

Thursday, July 24-Saturday, July 26

Drama at the Depot

In a new Heritage Week event (and hopefully an annual one) outdoor performances are planned for 7:30 p.m. each night at the 121-year-old railroad station at 11th and Madison Avenues. Musicians, dancers and more are scheduled as part of this collaboration between the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center and The Battery Factory. Learn more in my previous post. Performances are free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

Thursday, July 24

Evening on the Avenue

What a great collection of downtown events! Food, music, demonstrations and much, much more are on the agenda for the big annual downtown street party, as well as Drama at the Depot and the South Milwaukee Downtown Market. Also scheduled: the grand reopening of Sorce Martial Arts, which is celebrating its terrific expansion and renovation.

Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27

Lionsfest

The South Milwaukee Lions’ biggest annual fundraiser features food, music, rides, games and plenty of family fun. There is a South Milwaukee High School all-class reunion and car show Friday night, and Family Day on Sunday, with lots in between. Here is the Facebook page.

Saturday, July 26

Heritage Days Parade

The city’s biggest parade runs from 8th and Milwaukee, west on Milwaukee to 16th, then north to Lionsfest, with dozens of entrants and surely lots of surprises. Look for me and my family on the fire truck.

The Great Duck Race
This is a really fun event for a great cause put on by the Friends of Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse. Ducks set off in Oak Creek at 2 p.m. from 15th and Milwaukee.

Learn more about all of these events at www.smheritagedays.org. And I’ll see you around town!

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by | July 12, 2014 · 10:52 pm

South Milwaukee Youth Theater Stages “Annie” And “Seussical”

South Milwaukee Youth Theater is a terrific local organization, one that I’ve gotten to see firsthand through the acting and singing talents of my two children the last two summers. The fruits of their labor are coming up the next two weekends, with shows at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

  • The junior cast is staging “Annie” on Saturday, July 19, with shows at 1 and 6 pm. Look for my two kids in this one 🙂
  • The senior cast is putting on “Seussical” at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.

Tickets for all shows  are available now the the SMPAC box office or before the shows.

Get a sneak preview of both shows at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market on Thursday, July 17, starting around 3 p.m. The kids will be performing a few numbers for attendees.

Also, the SMYT is holding a benefit car wash on Friday, July 18, at South Milwaukee High School, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5. All proceeds go towards props and make-up purchases for the two SMYT productions.

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by | July 11, 2014 · 4:13 pm

Free Lunch For Kids This Summer At Two South Milwaukee Schools

Lakeview lunchKids can get a free, healthy lunch at two locations this summer.

The South Milwaukee School District is again offering free lunch at the high school, through the federal Summer Food Service Program. The program started June 23, and on days when summer school is in session, they are regularly serving more than 300 kids. It continues through August 8.

Learn more here.

Also, through the resourcefulness and volunteer spirit of several area residents, lunches are also being offered at Lakeview each weekday this summer, thanks to a partnership with the Hunger Task Force and Salvation Army. Here are more details from Diane Carrier, who has helped lead the effort … the latest example of South Milwaukeeans stepping up to make a real difference.

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by | July 9, 2014 · 5:27 pm

Outdoor Movies: So, What’s Playing?

I’m excited about the return of outdoor movies to downtown South Milwaukee — and even more excited now I know the films that will be showing.

Guardian Credit Union — which has graciously donated to make this event happen — has chosen three great titles for the Thursday evening flicks following the South Milwaukee Downtown Market …

  • August 14: The Lego Movie
  • August 21: Frozen
  • October 9: Hocus Pocus

So, mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more information as the movies get closer.

(FYI: Don’t remember “Hocus Pocus”? Here is more information on what sounds like a fun family-friendly Halloween movie, which caps off the market’s annual season-ending Fall Family Festival event.)

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by | July 5, 2014 · 12:40 pm

July 4th Celebration: What Did You Think?

So, we tried a few new things at this year’s July 4th celebration, including the Mayor’s Picnic (free lunch for all attendees) and the addition of bouncy houses.

Just wondering … what did you think of the event this year? What should we consider adding in 2015, or taking away? Any other changes we should consider?

Post your comments below!

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by | July 3, 2014 · 5:11 pm

Join Us For A Fun 4th!

Looking forward to seeing folks at the new-and-improved July 4th celebration at Grant Park tomorrow …

See the full schedule and more information here and here.

The day starts around 10 a.m. with the bike judging and continues with games, the penny scramble, bouncy houses, and the Mayor’s Picnic (free lunch for all attendees) — ending with fireworks around 9:30 p.m.

Thanks again to our sponsors:

  • TASC Services, which has donated to make the free the lunch happen;
  • Max A. Sass Funeral & Cremation Services, which is supporting the bouncy houses; and
  • Emerald City Catering, which is serving the lunch and offering food and drink sales all day down at Picnic Areas 5 and 6.

P.J.’s Variety Store will also be there selling candy, and there will be free temporary tattoos for the kids, courtesy of the South Milwaukee Rec Department. And we’ll have DJ music throughout much of the day.

It should be a fun time, with great weather. I hope you can make it!

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by | July 2, 2014 · 10:43 pm

Up For A Nice Walk Through Town?

Here’s a good opportunity to get a weekly walk in this summer …

Alderpersons Lisa Pieper and Joe Bukowski are leading a series of walks from City Hall to the South Milwaukee Downtown Market each Thursday starting July 17. Meet at City Hall at 6 p.m.

Here is the flyer.

Thanks to Alderwoman Pieper for leading this initiative and for the support of the South Milwaukee Fire and Health Departments in making it happen!

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