RNA RUMMAGE – Donations are needed for the annual RNA Rummage fundraiser on Sat & Sun, July 20 & 21 at 3278 N Humboldt. Items may be dropped off on the front porch beginning July 12. Volunteers are needed to help set up on Friday evening, July 19, during the sale, and to take remaining items to Goodwill on Sunday afternoon (trucks/vans needed too!). To help out, contact Jessica at jessica@my-rna.org or Judie at jpapadakis@wi.rr.com.

 

CAFÉ VOCAR – Due to unexpected electrical and plumbing delays, the June opening of Café Vocar (932 E Wright) got pushed back a couple of weeks. An Outdoor Patio Grand Opening is planned for July 4th, but also check cafevocar.com for updates. Much More on next Page!

 

DEEP ECOLOGY – A day of mindfulness and reflection on the planet’s ecological crisis will be led by Margaret Swedish and Rodney Sanchez on Sat, July 20, as a benefit for the Alberta Tar Sands Pilgrimage. The Tar Sands Walk in Canada is a spiritual gathering focused on healing the traditional territory of first nation peoples ravaged by oil pipeline expansion and pollution. “We believe that our politicians are out of touch and have no idea what it is like to live day-to-day in a place that has been made toxic by out of control tar sands development. It is important for them to experience this place, to drink the water, breathe the air and hear from the people who are quickly losing hope for a livable future for their children and grandchildren,” said Chief Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (find out more at acfnchallenge.wordpress.com). For more info, see ad on Page 9.

MARCH ON WASHINGTON – Were you at the March on Washington in August, 1963? The Milwaukee Public Library will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech with an exhibit and event in August. If you have stories, photos, or memorabilia to share, send an email to webmaster@mpl.org with “March 50” in the subject line.

BOOKS WANTED – Once again gently used books, CDs, and DVDs are needed for the annual All Saints’ Hunger Book Sale (Aug 1-6). Donations may be brought to the rear entrance of the church (818 E Juneau), Mon-Thu, 9AM-1PM until July 23, or call 414.271.7719 for larger pick ups. All proceeds are donated to help fight hunger here and throughout the world.

SEEING STARS – Summer is the perfect time to spy on the diamond sky with the Urban Stargazers on Thu, July 11, 7-8:30PM in Riverside Park at the Urban Ecology Center (1500 E Park Place). There will also be free stargazing with telescopes at the UWM Planetarium on Tue, July 10 & 24, 10-11PM (weather permitting). At the Lunar Light show on Fri, July 12, 19 & 26, 7-8PM, learn about earth-moon-sun interactions that result in spectacular events such as solar & lunar eclipses, ocean tides, and different phases of the moon. For more info & directions go to planetarium.uwm.edu.

PEACEMAKERS’ DAY CAMP – Youth ages 6-12 learn peacemaking skills in a safe, fun environment at the Peacemakers’ Day Camp, July 15-19, at the Friends Meetinghouse. Campers gain confidence in themselves as peacemakers through play, discussion, projects, helping others, and interacting with nature. Children 12 or older may also participate as teen helpers. The camp is only $25; for more info and application, go to milwaukeequakers.org/peacemakers or call Chelsea at 414.704.4642.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT – “Out to Lunch – the Fresh Food Variety Show” explores urban gardening and healthy eating with music, comedy, and arts workshops . The free show, being presented around the city, pops up in Riverwest on Wed, July 31, 2PM at Snails Crossing Park (Bremen & Burleigh). A rain location is available if needed. More info at milwaukeepublictheatre.org.

FREE LUNCH – For hungry kids ages18 and under, free meals are available until mid-August at schools, parks, and rec centers throughout the city. Check impactinc.org for locations, dates, times, and whether breakfast, lunch, and/or supper is being served.

TAMARACK SCHOOL – Parents interested in Waldorf education are invited to a free Open House and Tour of Tamarack Waldorf School (1150 E Brady) on Tue, July 30, 6:30-8:30PM. Enrollment is now underway for the 2013-2014 school year. More info at tamarackwaldorf.org or call 414.277.0009 (see ad Page 7).

MAKE A PARADE – Milwaukee Public Theatre is again hosting free Make-A-Parade Workshops. Creations are used in neighborhood celebrations and public parades throughout the summer. Drop in anytime through July 24 (Wed, Noon-3PM; Thu, 5-8PM; Sat, 11AM-2PM) at MPTs Artivity Place in the Shops of Grand Avenue/Plankinton Building (161 W Wisconsin Ave). More info at milwaukeepublictheatre.org or call 414.347.1685.

CENTER ST DAZE – Save the date for Center Street Daze Festival on Sat, Sep 7 with Art Cart Races, pool tournament, great music, car shows, kid’s activities, and amazing local vendors – fun for the whole family! For more info or to be a vendor or sponsor, email centerstreetfestival@gmail.com. Also visit centerstreetdazefestival.com

HANK AARON RUN – The popular Hank Aaron 5K Run/Walk is coming up on Sat, Aug 10. Proceeds benefit the Hank Aaron State Trail. To register, see ad on Page 9.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION – Round up your hazardous waste items (pesticides, turpentine, automotive, etc) and drop them off at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Sat, July 27, 8AM-2PM at Shorewood High School (1701 E Capitol Dr). For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items, go to mmsd.com or call 414. 225.2066.

FIREWORKS – A reminder that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Milwaukee, even if they were purchased outside of the City. Any item that emits smoke, a bang, or sparkle is considered illegal and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine of $500 to $1,000 for an adult who uses or consents to the use of fireworks by a minor. Stay safe and leave it to the experts!

CITY HALL CLOSED – City Hall and most city departments, except for police and fire services, will be closed on Thu, July 4 for the holiday and Fri, July 5 for an unpaid furlough day. Offices re-open on Mon, July 8.

WAKE UP CALL – The planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. –David Orr