by Vince Bushell
A Catholic boy comes back to work in the old neighborhood. That’s one way to look at the path of Jim Wilson, the new organizer hired by the YMCA CDC for Riverwest. He says proudly that he was baptized at St. Elizabeth’s by Father James Groppi. Although I did not ask him his present religious association, I know from experience that 12 years of Catholic schooling leaves an indelible impression on a man. Jim is a Milwaukee native. His family has roots on 11th and Hadley Streets. Although his education took him out of the immediate area and he now lives on Honey Creek Parkway, his childhood memories are vintage west of the river. He fondly remembers going to get Wally’s home made sausages on Clarke and Booth. And Roseanne’s — oh, the pain, so many good things gone by the way. And, by the way, Jim wants to help bring some new good things back. He says he’d like to do these things, “facilitate redevelopment of the area. See more business comeback and the housing stock returned to its glory — I’d like to help with that.” Right now he is “working to identify how to work with the neighborhood.” Got any suggestions? Give him a call. His most recent work experience was with Milwaukee County where he worked for the County Board and the former County Executive doing constituent services and business development. He is an athlete and likes to work out, went to Carroll College on scholarship, and has gardened since he was nine. Be sure to stop in at the Riverwest YMCA CDC office at 604 E. Center St. and welcome Jim Wilson back to the neighborhood. He can be reached at the YMCA CDC office, 263-1380. Riverwest Currents – Volume 2 – Issue 6 – June 2003
by Vince Bushell