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Compiled by Janice Christensen

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KEEP AN EYE ON THE RIVERBANK –

There have been reports of some motorbikeson the river trails recently,

 

 

and reports of campfires on the mud flats on the west bank of the river near Locust St. If you see these activities, you can contact Sheriff’s Dispatch (non-emergency) directly at 414.278.4788. The Milwaukee River Work  

 

Group has been working to create a “shared use” philosophy for our river trails so that a number of different uses can co-exist peacefully. However, the input they have received from residents emphasizes that there should be no motorized vehicles on the trails. The shared use philosophy entails shared responsibility too, so let’s all help by reporting this misuse, and protect our trails for everyone. 

 

BLIFFERT HARDWARE STORE – As soon as the asphalt dries on the parking lot, Bliffert’s shiny new Hardware Store will open its doors in early May at 1014 E. Chambers (a scant block west of Humboldt and across from Alterra). Whatever you need, they’ll stock – so stop in and make it your very own neighborhood hardware store. Check out the money-saving coupon on page 2 – “because we love you and the big boxes don’t.” For more info, call14.264.5700 or bliffertlumber.com. 

 

CENTER STREET FAMILY FUN – No need to wait for summer for a street festival. Don’t miss the family fun as you explore the SoLo District (south of Locust) in the walking tour of the Center Street area on May 31 from 4-7PM. Check out the article page 3. 

 

CRAWLIN’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD – The Riverwest Pub Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Here’s your chance to have some fun and make some memories… that you might even remember. Check out the ad on the back page for full details. 

 

YES, VIRGINIA – there will be a Locust Street Festival… We have been receiving a lot of inquiries at the Currents office, and yes, Locust Street Festival will indeed be happening this year! The mailing we received declares that the Locust Street Festival of Music & Art will take place on Sunday, June 14, 11:30 AM to 7 PM. Contact Linda Maslow, Festival Coordinator, 414.899.2302. 

 

SCHOOLKIDS! WE NEED YOUR HELP! – Do you get a new backpack every year? Could we have your old one? The YMCACDC is collecting used backpacks at the end of this school year. They will clean them and fill them with school supplies to give away to kids who need them next fall. They hope to give away 3,000 backpacks next August. If you would like to help collect backpacks at the end of this year, call Jan Christensen at 414.430.4795 or watch for the “Backpacks for Strong Kids” collection boxes at area schools. Kids can make a difference with this donation! 

 

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY – Off the Grid, in collaboration with Holmes Elementary School, is having a community help day on Friday, May 8 from 12 to 3PM. Join in and help kids learn how to build and manage a rain garden. They will be planting small plants in the Holmes Garden, located across the street from the school on the 2400 block of Buffum St. On Saturday, May 9, join in to help shape and plant the Clarke Street Commons rain garden on the corner of Richards and Clarke. 

 

RUMMAGE-O-RAMA – It’s time to start thinking about what to donate to the Riverwest Neighborhood Association Rummage Sale. The sale is scheduled for June 13-14. Location will be friend Rosemary’s garage and driveway at 3278 N. Humboldt Blvd. Remind your neighbors, too – this might be the year you finally get that area rug! All proceeds go to the RNA – this is the group’s most successful fundraiser. A few guidelines: No clothing (they just get too jumbled). Furniture is ok. “Interesting” stuff is welcome! Please hold the items at your own house until the week of the sale – look for directions on where to take items in the June issue of the Currents. Questions? Contact Lorraine Jacobs at jacobslm@sbcglobal.net