Category Archives: Community

June 23, 2014 · 8:57 am

Celebrating A South Milwaukee Home — And The Garden Tour

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel comes a nice feature on the South Milwaukee home of John and Patti Bergeson, which you can see for yourself as part of the upcoming South Milwaukee Historical Society Garden Tour.

From the story …

When John and Patti Bergeson went house hunting nearly 17 years ago, their dream house was a fixer-upper. No way did they want a house in perfect condition. Because both work in construction and are do-it-yourselfers with lots of energy and creative ideas, they wanted a home they could put their stamp on.

They got their wish when they found their late 1890s farmhouse in South Milwaukee. Even though they’ve been working on the home’s interior, exterior and green spaces nearly nonstop since they bought it, there’s still plenty to do.

“We have 50 projects going on at once,” said, John, who goes by “Rock.” We do everything ourselves. … We have no time to rest.”

And don’t forget about the Garden Tour on June 28!

 

 

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June 20, 2014 · 6:49 am

Happy Anniversary: South Milwaukee PAC Plans Special 10th Anniversary Season

10th anniversaryHard to believe that it’s been 10 years …

The SMPAC announced its 10th anniversary performing arts series this week, and it’s another good one.

From the press release …

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) announces the 10th Anniversary Performing Arts Series.

“Our 10th Anniversary Series features 10 shows that highlight topics relevant to our hometown and surrounding community. It will be the busiest, most diverse and engaging season in our history. Each show speaks to a memory of our city’s proud past, reflects on a shared experience, or brings hope and optimism for a bright, creative future,“ says Chad Piechocki, SMPAC Director.

“Some shows are celebratory and entertaining, while others address important social issues like the changing nature of Main Street or what it means to be “broken” yet inspired,” says Piechocki. “We strive to bring together diverse audiences and foster a deeper connection to our world and with one another. To this end, we’re planning a season finale that engages our patrons as key collaborators. Our 10th Anniversary Gala will be a variety show curated by patrons within the SMPAC community, featuring Tomas Kubinek as Master of Ceremonies.”

Season series tickets are now on sale, and please consider buying one or three, or at least attending a few shows. This is a terrific facility, with  mix of terrific performances we are lucky to have in our city.

And one other note: I want to wish Chad, the SMPAC director, well. Chad is headed to Present Music, a Milwaukee-based ensemble music organization. I’ve gotten to know Chad quite well the past few years, and his passion, energy, creativity and willingness to embrace big, bold ideas will be missed in this community.

Good luck, Chad. You leave a strong foundation for whoever comes after you.

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June 11, 2014 · 5:50 pm

Farewell, Mr. Nowak

Former South Milwaukee teacher and Rawson and Blakewood principal Erv “Mick” Nowak passed away this week.

Here is his obituary, and the online tributes show the impact this man had.

From the obituary:

His career in education spanned 34 years in South Milwaukee – as both a 6th grade teacher and math teacher at Parkway for seven years and then as principal of Rawson and Blakewood elementary schools. His philosophy was “do what’s best for the children.” Known to his students as “Mr. Kickball,” Erv was full-time pitcher and refereed the popular lunchtime recess games.

Erv was known for his flawless penmanship, likely the result of all the practice he received penning the thousands of hand-written notes he mailed to each and every student on their birthdays. He spent countless hours writing these notes on index cards, always with a reference to what made that child special and unique. He remembered former students and their families by name, even decades after they had been at one of his schools.

Please keep the Nowak family — and all who knew him — in your prayers. The visitation and funeral are Friday at St. Matthew’s in Oak Creek.

Did you know Mr. Nowak? Post your comments below.

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June 10, 2014 · 8:17 pm

Now Showing: Outdoor Movies

Outdoor movies are returning to downtown South Milwaukee.

I am excited to announce that Guardian Credit Union Movies at The Market have been scheduled for three Thursdays this summer and fall at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market: Aug. 14 and 21 and Oct. 9.

Showtime is approximately 8 p.m. for the August shows and 6:30 p.m. for the October movie, which concludes the market’s popular season-ending Fall Family Festival event.

We’ll announce the movies in coming weeks, but for now mark your calendars!

I can’t thank GCU enough for stepping up with the donation for the movies – and thanks as well to the farmers’ market for hosting them. It’s great to have this family event returning to downtown South Milwaukee.

These types of partnerships are exciting to see, and you will see more of them with me as mayor. Learn more here.

 

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June 9, 2014 · 8:17 pm

Rising Above Politics To Get Stuff Done

10415585_10203912583604704_2955800412544252098_nI pledge to live by every word I said in this BizTimes cover story.

More importantly, I’m excited to see South Milwaukee included in the company of Oak Creek, Wauwatosa and Waukesha. It’s an honor to stand next to my colleagues and share goals built around common sense, apolitical approaches to solving problems.

Indeed, South Milwaukee is “open for business” — and I’m committed to work together to move this city forward, no matter your politics.

Here’s to a promising future!

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June 8, 2014 · 10:29 pm

Flag Day Ceremony Set For Thursday

Please join me for the city’s annual Flag Day ceremony this Thursday at City Hall.

The brief ceremony starts at 6 p.m. at the gazebo outside of the Grobschmidt Senior Center. It will feature a flag retirement ceremony, music from the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, food and refreshments.

Check out the event listing on the city’s Facebook page for more information.

See you there!

(Flag Day is actually June 14, but we typically hold this event on a weeknight.)

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June 5, 2014 · 11:14 pm

Meet The Mayor: Join Me Saturday At Studio One Art Glass

What’s on your mind? Let me know.

Don’t forget to stop by Studio One Art Glass from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, for the second Meet the Mayor session.

No topic is off limits, so bring your ideas, concerns, complaints, compliments … or just stop by and say hi. And check out some of Kim’s terrific handmade glass pieces while you’re there.

Studio One is at 1333 Milwaukee Ave.

Here are two other upcoming sessions, each from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Saturday, July 12: Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home, 1314 Manitoba Ave. Mike and company have done a lot with the former St. Mary’s School, and it looks great. See for yourself on July 12.
  • Saturday, August 16: Moxie Fitness, 1234 Milwaukee Ave. Stop in learn more about some of the cool programming Tori and Cindy are offering.

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June 4, 2014 · 10:20 pm

Volleyball Returns To Grant Park — And That’s Just The Start

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This photo is from the Grant Park Beach Facebook page.

Yes, there’s new life at the beach this summer, with four new volleyball courts now up and plans for the reopening of the concession stand, rentals and more. Volleyball leagues are forming now. Register here.

Stay tuned for more information — I promise, it’s really good stuff, for both Grant Park and the entire City of South Milwaukee.

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June 4, 2014 · 5:14 pm

Business As Usual At South Shore Y

I just spoke with the interim director of the South Shore Y in Cudahy, and she assured me it’s “business as usual” at the location as the organization enters bankruptcy.

Membership, classes, hours, etc. will remain the same during the bankruptcy process.

“We will operate as we always have,” she told me.

Learn more about what’s next — and check out a Q&A — here. From it …

Operations at each of these centers and Camp Matawa will continue without interruption through the bankruptcy process. The YMCA of Central Waukesha County and Kettle Moraine YMCA are very strong operators. If these transactions are approved, they intend to not only run, but help improve, our West Suburban, Tri-Country, Southwest and Feith Family Ozaukee Y’s. We hope to find similar partners for the South Shore Y and Camp Matawa …

We are open for business as usual during the bankruptcy process. Our intention is that all programs, camps, classes, etc. will continue to operate as normal. Ultimately, our belief is this plan will help reestablish a strong, healthy Y in Milwaukee while preserving the majority of our centers, programs and staff. 

I wish the best for the South Shore Y — and the entire organization. It does so much good in our community, in each community it serves, something my family has witnessed first hand. For example, the Y teaches 9,000 kids to swim each year. My two kids were two of them. So was I.

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May 26, 2014 · 10:12 pm

Catching Up: Sprucing Up The Veterans’ Memorial, Farmers’ Market Music, Police Blotter And More

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10390420_10204284094401582_5727843710078687454_nBack to blogging after the long weekend …

  • First, a big thank you to the volunteers — and Milwaukee County Parks workers — who stepped up to spruce up the South Milwaukee Veterans Memorial over the weekend. Yet again, the community steps up. Be sure to stop by the memorial on 10th Avenue north of Rawson to check out the fruits of their labor — and pay your respects.
  • Second, the South Milwaukee Downtown Market has announced its June music lineup, and it’s terrific. I’ve long thought that this aspect of the market is undervalued. Free, live music every Thursday during the summer is something pretty unique across the region, especially in the suburbs. This alone should be a reason to check out the market each Thursday. Here is the announcement.
  • NOW has a new police blotter, including this disturbing (yet heartwarming, in a way) item: “On May 18 police received a report of a young boy caring for a deer on a porch in the 1900 block of Seventh Avenue. The boy told police that he witnessed four teenagers beating the baby deer with a stick near the lagoon. Police turned the fawn over to the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehab Center.”
  • And Caterpillar announced a dealer transaction for its Alabama and northwest Florida territory. From the press release:  “Caterpillar has announced similar transactions with other dealers over the last several months. Caterpillar continues to hold discussions with other Cat dealers that have mining activity in their territories and will continue to operate the former Bucyrus distribution business until the transitions have occurred in a given territory.”

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May 23, 2014 · 3:41 pm

Historical Society Plans Plant Exchange, Garden Tour

Some news from the South Milwaukee Historical Society …

First, the society is planning a plant exchange on Saturday, May 31, at the society, 717 Milwaukee Ave. Hours are 9 to 11 a.m., rain or shine.

What is a plant exchange, and how can you participate? From the society ..

It’s easy! Bring a plant or plants (perennials, shrubs, vines) from your garden in a pot marked with the type of plant and whether it is sun/part sun/shade. The more variety the better! And it’s not limited to plants!! Bring seeds, bulbs or even garden tools. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other gardeners.

 Please RSVP to either Patti Bergeson at 414-768-9549 or pbergeson@wi.rr.com, or Vicki Maloney at 414-530-6020 or vmaloney@wi.rr.com. 

And don’t forget the society’s annual Garden Tour set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. Learn more here.

Learn more about the society here. And here is more about the Civil War book they have for sale.

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May 21, 2014 · 10:57 pm

What A Year At The South Milwaukee PAC

Chad and his team have a terrific recap of the year that was at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center … and some information on what’s to come, including a June 10 10th anniversary season announcement.

(Hard to believe it’s already been 10 years, right?)

Check out the newsletter here, and please continue supporting this community treasure.

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May 19, 2014 · 4:25 pm

Memorial Day Ceremony Planned

While there isn’t a parade this year, South Milwaukee will still honor its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day.

The city’s Memorial Day ceremony is Monday morning, May 26, as attendees gather at the American Legion Hall Post #27 at 10:30 a.m. and walk to War Memorial park for a ceremony starting at 11.

The South Milwaukee High School and Municipal Bands will play, and there will be a memorial wreath laying and an award presented for South Milwaukee Veteran of the Year.

Learn more here … and please keep everyone who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country in your thoughts and prayers this Memorial Day (and every day).

The Legion hall is at 906 Monroe Ave. War Memorial Park is near 10th and Rawson Avenues. 

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May 15, 2014 · 11:29 pm

128th Honors Former South Milwaukeean

Thursday night brought one of my favorite events of the year: the 128th Air Refueling Wing Civic Dinner Dance. And the event had a local flavor.

Among the honorees from retired Chief Master Sergeant Tom Ludka, a former South Milwaukee resident who, along with his wife Barb, still has strong roots in the community.

Ludka, who spent nearly 30 years in our fair city, was inducted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame, which was established in 1982 as a way to honor “enlisted or commissioned airmen who have greatly contributed to the success of the mission of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.”

That certainly sums up Chief Ludka, whose biography is as impressive as his commitment to community. Congratulations!

The Honored Citizen recipient was Richard Paradowski of St. Francis.

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May 14, 2014 · 9:19 pm

REAL Academy Makes A Real Difference

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South Milwaukee High School’s REAL Academy — an alternative school within a school serving high-need, at-risk, special education youth — is a terrific example of education innovation, a sign of the district’s commitment to do everything in its power to educate all students and engage all students in the community.

Here is a recent example provided by academy teacher Joanna Rizzotto …

On Friday, May 9th, students from the South Milwaukee High School REAL Academy participated in rain garden planting and water quality testing at Grant Park in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and the Great Lakes Alliance.  Students surveyed the natural areas, planted a rain garden in a parking lot median near picnic area 3&4, and evaluated the health of water on the beach and in creek beds.  This was the third event the students have participated in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks to prevent erosion and work toward coastal restoration at Grant Park.  Earlier in the year the students planted trees and removed invasive species.  Grant Park is a South Milwaukee community treasure.  The REAL Academy students will continue the partnership with Milwaukee County Parks into next school year and are proud to contribute to the stewardship of a park they use often and know so well.  

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