Please join us for the South Milwaukee’s annual Flag Day ceremony on Wednesday, June 14, outside the Grobschmidt Senior Center.
The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. at the gazebo.
It will feature a flag retirement ceremony featuring local veterans and scouts, music from the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, and refreshments.
Rawson Elementary students will also read select writings answering this question: “What does the flag mean to you?”
See you there!
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From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …
At approximately 7:08PM this evening, SMFD responded to 622 Montana Avenue for a reported house fire. Upon arrival, black smoke was issuing from the second floor windows and initial reports were that all occupants were out of the building. SMFD crews advanced a hoseline into the second floor and encountered a fire burning in a front bedroom. The fire was extinguished and the area was overhauled. Mutual aid was provided by the Cudahy, Saint Francis, Oak Creek and 128 ANG fire departments. The 2nd floor suffered moderate damage from the smoke and fire while the first floor received water damage from the extinguishment efforts. No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.
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It’s hard to believe this is the ninth season!
The South Milwaukee Downtown Market opens for 2017 on Thursday, June 1, and runs every Thursday 3 to 7 p.m. at 1101 Milwaukee Avenue in downtown South Milwaukee. Week one music is from the Wisconsin Academy of Music Jazz Ensemble.
From the market website …
Area residents looking for a unique shopping experience travel to downtown South Milwaukee, where they find an eclectic mix of merchants selling fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, art, jewelry and everything in between. They also find a sampling of area restaurants, live entertainment and special events, making the South Milwaukee Downtown Market a true destination for families, foodies and everyone in between.
It’s a simple yet ambitious vision – one we bring to life every week at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market. See for yourself, and join the dozens of local vendors and hundreds of regular customers who eagerly await each market.
It’s exciting to see how far the market has come since we launched it in 2009. See for yourself this and every Thursday this summer.
More details on the market Facebook page.
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From the South Milwaukee Police Department …
Just a reminder that the SMPD is hosting another City Wide Block Watch Meeting this Thursday, June 1st @ 6:30. The event is once again in City Hall Council Chambers. In this meeting we will cover Opiates and Drug related crime. We will be having a special guest speaker, Investigator Rivamonte, who will be giving a presentation on opiates for you. I hope to see you all there!
We had a good turnout for the first of these meetings — please attend!
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The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center has announced its 2017-18 season series lineup, and it’s another terrifically unique collection of performers.
One reason I love that SMPAC is that it challenges our artistic sensibilities, broadening our horizons by bringing to town artists we may not otherwise get a chance to enjoy. From blues to community storytelling to swing to magic, this lineup does that.
The SMPAC is a competitive advantage for our city. Shows like this are why.
Subscriptions (four shows or more) are for sale, with individual tickets going on sale July 24. More details on the Performing Arts Series here.
From the press release …
Fri., Sept. 15, 7:30 pm – The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue
There have been many imitators, but there is only one duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues. Discovered in Las Vegas, performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty capture the infectious humor and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd walked the stage. Backed by a powerhouse band, they’ll give you a show to remember, packed with classic hits from the Blues Brothers catalog, including Soul Man, Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago, and more. Join us pre-show in the lobby for our season premiere kick-off party and bring a few bucks for a pork sandwich before the show!
Thurs., Oct. 12, 7:30 pm – A.J. Croce in Croce: Two Generations of American Music
Adrian James Croce is a bluesman who performs primarily from the keyboard. His father was the artist responsible for Time in a Bottle (written for A.J.), Operator and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. Two Generations of American Music presents a selection of A.J.’s own tunes alongside his father’s, plus vintage folk, blues, R&B and early rock ’n’ roll that inspired them both. A.J. honed his piano skills as a boy, while recovering from a brain tumor that left him partially blind. His career began at age 18 opening for B.B. King. Today, he strikes a fine balance between paying heartfelt homage to his father’s artistic legacy and injecting the songs with his own spin and personality. The performance will feature guitarist Michael Bizar, bassist David Barard and Tony Morra or Gary Mallaber on drums.
Fri., Nov. 17, 7:30 pm – Ex Fabula: Risking It
Ex Fabula is committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling. The organization was founded in 2009 when Adam Weise, Amy Schleicher, Leah Delaney, Matt Sabljak, and Megan McGee launched the storytelling series in Milwaukee. They agreed that true, personal stories have a unique power to create connections between individuals, and hoped to magnify that power through live events to provide meaningful local experiences. The fledgling organization was christened “Ex Fabula” – Latin for “from stories.” Risking It will feature Ex Fabula curated tellers, plus selected members of the community sharing their own true, personal stories. Community and student storytelling workshops will precede the event. While you may have attended an Ex Fabula StorySlam or workshop, or heard their radio show on WUWM, Risking It will feature stories never told before that you won’t want to miss!
Thurs., Dec. 7, 7:30 pm – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy jazzes up the season with their patented Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party, boasting both original tunes and their own smokin’ hot versions of Yuletide favorites from their album It Feels Like Christmas Time. Fans in search of toe-tapping, brass-honking, high-energy holiday swing revival need look no further. Dressed to the nines in their trademark zoot suits and brandishing upbeat favorites like Go Daddy-O and Mr. Pinstripe Suit, as well as holiday classics such as Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Merry Christmas Baby, and All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth), be ready to celebrate this holiday in swingin’ style! They’ve sold out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center and appeared on TV shows from Leno to Conan, and Dancing with The Stars to Superbowl XXIII.
Fri., Jan. 26, 7:30 pm – Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
Master illusionist Vitaly Beckman has mystified fans from all over the world, including Las Vegas superstars Penn & Teller whom he successfully fooled in their TV show, Fool Us. From bringing pictures and drawings to life, to erasing people from their own driver’s licenses, Vitaly’s signature illusions leaves even the most jaded audience awestruck. Vitaly breathes innovation and artistry into the field of magic. He invented and designed every single illusion in his stage show, An Evening of Wonders, treating spectators to a theatrical entertainment not seen anywhere else in the world. You will witness the elegant rendering of the impossible, while being charmed by Vitaly’s engaging personality. An Evening of Wonders is ideal for audiences ages 8 and up.
Fri., Feb. 16, 7:30 pm – Turtle Island Quartet: Bird’s Eye View, The Legend of Charlie Parker
Turtle Island Quartet has been a singular force in the creation of bold, new trends in chamber music for strings since 1985. They fuse the classical quartet esthetic with contemporary American musical styles in a way that honors both. In Bird’s Eye View, the two-time GRAMMY® winning Turtle Island Quartet pays homage to the visionary brilliance of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. The genius of his improvisations almost single handedly catapulted jazz from pop style into art music, indelibly altering the musical landscape of America. Iconic Charlie Parker classics such as Ornithology, KoKo and Dewey Square are juxtaposed with original responses by quartet members, and intertwined with other thematic pieces from the bebop era and beyond such as Sonny Rollins’ Airegin, Bird Calls by Charlie Mingus and Too High by Stevie Wonder.
Fri., March 16, 7:30 pm – Federspiel
Federspiel is a seven-piece ensemble comprised of all students of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. They have utterly incredible technical skills combined with a youthful and charming freshness to their musical arrangements. Creativity, spontaneity and joy is high on the members of Federspiel’s list of priorities. Their particular style is defined by the origins and backgrounds of each individual musician and creates the unique sound of the band. Federspiel`s self-penned compositions contain pop-elements as well as arrangements of traditional Mexican music or the zither as a solo instrument. Some of their arrangements include percussive elements or even yodeling, which originated in the Alpine region of Austria, Federspiel’s home. Their genre of music doesn’t exist within the parameters of folk, world or traditional music, so the style of the ensemble is described best by the name: Federspiel or “feather game.”
Fri., April 13, 7:30 pm – Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets: Now in Technicolor
Wisconsin’s premiere four-part harmony group includes the sharp-suited foursome of Reginald T. Kurschner (high tenor), Don Lobacz (first tenor), Tommy Lueck (baritone), and Aaron Schmidt (bass) along with their live band. In Now in Technicolor, the Four Guyz revive musical memories from the 50s, 60s and 70s radio and TV. This high-octane show is delivered in the style expected from the Four Guyz, including charming choreography and comic banter. They’ve performed at numerous regional theatres throughout the midwest and appeared on Fox6’s WakeUp, WTMJ’s The Morning Blend, WISN’s Season To Celebrate Special, and WUWM’s Public Radio The Lake Effect.
Filed under South Milwaukee
Check out these South Shore headlines …
And here is the latest South Shore NOW police blotter.
Filed under South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with the annual Memorial Day ceremony set for Monday, May 29.
At 10:35 a.m., there will be a procession from American Legion Post 27 to the Veterans Memorial at 10th Avenue north of Rawson.
A ceremony starts at 11 a.m., with a welcome, opening prayer, a guest speaker, guest singer of the National Anthem, laying of the wreaths, and a closing prayer.
Lunch will follow at the post, 920 Monroe Ave.
Thanks to the South Milwaukee Veterans Council for organizing this event. The council is a corporation of five chartered veterans service organizations in South Milwaukee: the American Legion Post 27, AmVets Post 4, Catholic War Veterans Post 672, Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 49, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3742.
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There is something for kids of all ages at the South Milwaukee Public Library this summer. And it starts with the June schedule … 
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So far, more than 1,100 people have responded to the community-wide survey on public safety. If you are one of those people, thank you. If you aren’t, there are still a few days left to share your thoughts.
You can take the survey online or by paper copy through this Friday, May 26:
Surveys were mailed to all city residents at the beginning of May. The unique code printed on the survey can be used only once. To obtain a second survey for another adult in your household, please call 768-8051.
The City of South Milwaukee is evaluating several funding options to maintain the first-class fire and police services residents have come to expect, and we need your feedback to determine how best to proceed with future budget decisions.
You can learn more about the challenges facing the city in my blog post from earlier this month. I also encourage you to read the assessment of public safety funding options, which we developed to provide additional details.
Your voice matters.
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Exciting news: South Shore Family Chiropractic is planning a new building on College Avenue — a more than $1 million investment in the redevelopment of South Milwaukee.
Owner Dr. Steven Scheuing brought his plans before the Plan Commission on Monday night, where we scheduled hearings on both rezoning necessary for the development (June 20 before City Council), and the potential sale of city land for $75,000 (June 26 before the Plan Commission). We also discussed potential tax incremental financing assistance for the development, recommending up to $225,000 in support.
BizTimes posted a story on the development earlier today. Said Dr. Steven …
“My lease is up at the end of the year, and it has been my lifelong dream of owning my own property and location. This is just all of the right combination of factors. … We’re still in the planning phase, but we’re very excited to get all of the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. I’m hoping to be in the new building by the first of 2018.”
The proposed 6,368-square-foot building would be built on a combination of city-owned land near 11th and College Avenues and an adjoining privately owned parcel that once housed Sahagian Auto Body. It’s an exciting reuse of this property — a development that should be a terrific gateway for people as they enter the city.
But here’s what has me more excited: This is the latest great example of a successful local business choosing to grow in South Milwaukee. We should all be proud of that.
Dr. Steven is investing in South Milwaukee’s future. I’m hopeful the city can invest in his.
I’ll share more updates on the project as it continues through the approval process. Learn more about South Shore Family Chiropractic here.
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Check out some photos from our Arbor Day festivities over the past month — a partnership between the city and South Milwaukee School District to educate elementary students about the benefits of trees and plant a tree on each school property.
Thanks to Street Superintendent Dan Ratajski for driving the program, and I look forward to continuing it for years to come.
Planting four trees per year is a nice win for the city and the environment. But it’s the fact we’re touching hundreds of young lives that has me most excited about this effort.
Happy Arbor Day!
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From the South Milwaukee Police Department …
Filed under South Milwaukee
One building, one successful small business at a time. That is how we’re going to turn around Milwaukee Avenue, and downtown South Milwaukee.
And it’s happening.
The latest example is Mari’s Flowers, which is moving from Brady Street to 905 Milwaukee Ave. and opening in the next couple of months.
You may know owner Mari Cucunato. She started CZ Flowers in downtown South Milwaukee almost two decades ago, adjacent to Cafe Zarletti, the restaurant she and her former husband co-owned. Both the flower shop and restaurant moved away in the early 2000s — and now Mari is coming back home.
“I am very excited about returning and investing in such a honest, charming, quaint Main Street,” Mari tells me.
Mari is investing significantly in her return. She bought the building at 905 and vacant property to its east — it is one parcel — and has already begun extensive remodeling work the city is supporting with a $30,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant.
The city council approved the grant earlier this month.
Among the upgrades she’ll be making are an entirely new facade, new windows and roof, and extensive interior renovations, including installation of an ADA-compliant bathroom, new flooring and updated plumbing and electrical.
Mari tells me she will have “the same fun, artistic atmosphere she has on Brady,” selling flowers, gifts, wine and champagne, with occasional wine tastings. She’ll also offer floral design classes.
Look for more details soon, and please join me in welcoming Mari back to town!
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From the South Shore regional office of Interfaith Older Adult Programs Inc., serving South Milwaukee, Cudahy, St. Francis, Milwaukee’s southeast side and Bay View (and based at Trinity Lutheran Church in town) …
Can you spare two hours each month and drive an older adult to a medical appointment? Yes – you read that right – just two hours each month. That is one drive. Interfaith Older Adult Programs has an immediate need for volunteers to join our Once a Monthers group. Interfaith provides services at no charge to older adults – thanks to help from volunteers. We have more than 900 clients and more than 250 volunteers. Services we provide include transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and small errands. We also pick up groceries for home bound older adults, do small home chores for older adults like fixing leaky faucets and lawn mowing. We also visit and telephone older adults to alleviate loneliness and isolation. Last year, our volunteers provided 5,246 rides to medical appointments, the grocery store and for errands. You could be one of those volunteers! We would give you about one week notice and ask if you can take a certain transportation request. You can always say yes or no but we just ask that you say yes once each calendar month. Helping older adults remain living in their own homes, in your neighborhood, not only helps the individual in need but also strengthens the entire community. If this interests you (and I hope it does), please email or telephone Vicki Jensen at vjensen@interfaithmilw.org or 414.762.1998.
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The announcement came earlier this month by Character.org. Well done!
From the press release … 
Character.org, the nonprofit organization that validates character initiatives in schools and communities around the world, today designated 83 schools and 4 districts from 21 states as 2017 National Schools and Districts of Character.
The School District of South Milwaukee is the only Wisconsin district currently designated as a National District of Character. South Milwaukee School Superintendent Rita Olson announced the news at a recent staff meeting. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and relentless focus on character that our schools and community support. We are committed to educating the whole child and this is one way that we prepare our students for a successful future,” remarked Olson.
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South Milwaukee Blog 