RIVERWEST FOLLIES! – Come on out for a great night in the neighborhood with local talent, a Radio Show, and plenty of family fun and food on Sat, March 15 at Falcon Bowl (see banner story)
COMMON COUNCIL CHANGES – With the sudden resignation of Alderman and Common Council President Willie Hines on Feb 1, the Common Council unanimously voted Ald Michael Murphy as the new President on Feb 11. Murphy is the longest serving alderman (since 1989) and was chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee since 2004. Ald Nik Kovac is now the new Chair of the Finance Committee. Kovac, with a Harvard math degree, has been on the committee since his election in 2008 and became vice chair in 2012. Ald Joe Dudzik is the new vice chair of Finance and Ald Terry Witkowski replaces Murphy. Hines has taken a position with the Milwaukee Housing Authority as the Associate Director, and a special election to fill his seat is scheduled in April (see the Ballot Box for more info on the candidates).
ARTISTS OF THE YEAR – Big Congratulations to Barbara Leigh, cofounder of Milwaukee Public Theatre, and Evelyn Patricia Terry, artist and educator, on being selected Artists of the Year by the City of Milwaukee Arts Board. Alderman Michael J. Murphy, chair of the Arts Board, said the board was pleased to recognize two women with deep, meaningful roots in Milwaukee’s artistic community. “Milwaukee has benefited not only from their lifetime body of work, but the ripple effects from the mentoring and professional opportunities they have provided to other local artists,” he said. Barbara Leigh and MPT have coordinated parades, plays, and art happenings in neighborhoods all over Milwaukee for decades. For a splendid array of past and present events, go to milwaukeepublictheatre.org. The works of Evelyn Patricia Terry, “the matriarch of the African-American artist community,” may be found at the Milwaukee Art Museum and in hundreds of private collections around the world. To view a gallery of her art, go to evelynpatriciaterry.com.
DIFFERENCE MAKERS – Several residents, a block club, and a community organization were honored at a town hall meeting by Ald Milele Coggs for making the district a great place to live, and each was presented with a 2013 Dr. James G. White 6th District Difference Makers Award. Honorees included Ruth Weill, a past co-chair of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association and tireless Riverwest activist, residents Betty Speed, Julia Doyle, and Albert Cole, the Grover Heights Neighborhood Association (Block Club), and Milwaukee Health Services (Organization). “It takes a certain amount of love and respect for one’s community and neighbors to tirelessly do positive things without regard for what reward or gain may come of it,” she said. “That selfless attitude and generosity of spirit and energy is what the Difference Makers Award is all about, as it truly embodies the beliefs and actions of the late Dr. James G. White,” Alderwoman Coggs said.
EARTH HOUR – Use your power to make change a reality for one hour on Sat, March 29, 8:30-9:30PM. Earth Hour is a “lights out” event in cities around the world where individuals and communities turn off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. More info and event ideas at earthhour.org.
POWER DOWN WEEK – In the spirit of Earth Hour, this year’s Power Down Week is planned for July 6-13. It’s a group DIY event that began in Riverwest and has expanded with happenings all around the city. Interested in getting involved? Contact Zahner at 414.339.6992 or powerdownweek.com.
DOMINION CLOSING – After almost three years of eclectic art shows, Dominion Gallery (804 E Wright) will be closing at the end of March. DG was voted “Best Hidden Gem” (Shepherd Express 2012) and “Best in Show” by Riverwest Artwalk 2012. Stonie says the building was sold recently and she decided not to renew her lease. There’s a big sale going on all month, so be sure to stop by and say hi (see ad Page 9).
ReTHREADS – Big changes are in the works at ReThreads. The Humboldt store will close on April 12 and re-open in June at a new location in Shorewood. The Humboldt store will convert to a home goods and furniture store called “ReFurnish” and could be open as early as June. Take advantage of the 25% off moving sale to scoop some fabulous fashions (also see ad on back page). The Bay View store will remain shuttered until these two locations are zipped up.
SOLE SALVATION – Looking for great shoe fashions that fit your budget? Sole Salvation will be opening in March at 1693 N Humboldt on trendy Brady Street. The shop will carry new and used footwear and accessories for men, women & children. They are currently taking gently used items on consignment, so clean out your closet and call 414.475.7333 to set up an appointment (see ad Page 10).
CALL FOR POETS – Art Night Books (artnightbooks.com) announces a call for poems on love and social justice for its first ever chapbook competition! Up to three unpublished poems, 26 lines max, may be submitted by midnight on March 31 to angievasquez13@sbcglobal.net (no fee to submit). Include a short bio up to 50 words. Selected poems will be published and available at a reading in May 2014, and contributors will receive two free copies. Also see ad on Page 5 about the book release and reading of collected works by Angie Trudell Vasquez and Devin Trudell at Woodland Pattern on Sun, March 23.
CALL FOR CANDIDATES – The Riverwest Co-op is seeking dedicated members to run for several open spots on the Board of Directors. Being on the Co-op’s board means having a voice in defining strategic vision and policies. The Board has nine members, each serving three year terms. Board members must be able to attend monthly meetings, participate in one or more of the Co-op’s committees, and be available to close the store a few times per month. If you are interested in running and would like more information, contact Ellie at elliej@riverwestcoop.org. You are also welcome to attend the Board meeting at 7PM on March 26 or April 23 at 829 E Clarke. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting on Sun, May 4.
NOAM CHOMSKY – Spend an evening in the enlightened company of Noam Chomsky at the Milwaukee premiere of “Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?” The 88-minute film is a series of hand-drawn animated interviews with esteemed linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky by Michel Gondry, the man behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep. Screenings are Fri, Feb 28, 7PM, Sat., Mar 1, 7PM, and Sun., Mar 2, 5PM, ($4-$6) at the UWM Union Theatre (2200 E Kenwood).
CINCO AT CENTRO – Centro Cafe (808 E Center) is celebrating five years of boffo food in Riverwest! Now thru April 30, come in for the “532$12 Dinner Special” with dinner and wine (or beer) for just $12 on Mondays & Tuesdays. Also try out the Happy Hour from 5-7PM, Mon-Thu (see ad page 9).
ROCKABILLY CHILI – Got cabin fever? Bust out the family and get yer chili on at the annual WMSE Rockabilly Chili Contest & fundraiser extravaganza on Sun, March 2 at MSOE ’s Kern Center, 11AM-4PM. Chili samplings are provided by 50 local restaurants including our own Riverwest Co-op Café, the defending best vegan chili champs. More info at wmse.org
SOLAR BAY VIEW – Building on the success of Solar Riverwest last year, Solar Bay View will be the focus in 2014 for the group buy program. In 2013, more than 30 solar installations went up on rooftops around the City. Solar Bay View is being led by the Riverwest Cooperative Alliance with support from the City of Milwaukee’s solar program, Milwaukee Shines, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). The program is open to Milwaukee-area residents outside of Bay View, but its main focus will be within the neighborhood. The enrollment period is from February to April and is open to residential and commercial property owners. For more details and upcoming education sessions, visit SolarBayView.org.
FRIDAY FISH FRY –It’s Lent and Catholic East School is again dishing up dine-in or take-out dinners on Fridays from March 8 thru April 11, 4-7PM ($5-$9). Enter at 2480 N Cramer (just south of Ss Peter & Paul Church). Catholic East is supported by five parishes: Old St. Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, SS. Peter & Paul, St. John’s Cathedral, and Three Holy Women.
EASTSIDE MUSIC TOUR – Get your groove on at the second annual Eastside Music Tour on Sat, March 1, 3-11PM on Brady Street. Over 80 musical acts at 30 different locations will showcase a variety of singer-songwriters, DJs, and bands at various Brady Street coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Find all the lineup details, venues & tix at eastsidemusictour.com. Proceeds benefit the Brady Area Foundation for Art and Education.
GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP – Nationally known composer Rawn Harbor returns to facilitate a workshop on Sat, March 15, 8:30 AM-3:30PM at St Francis (1927 N. 4th S). “Rawn Harbor offered a Gospel Music Workshop at St. Francis last year, and he was far-and-away the favorite of the attendees who called for a return appearance,” St. Francis Pastor and event organizer, Father Mike Bertram, explains. Open to anyone who appreciates Gospel music, especially choir members, directors, cantors, and pastors, register by calling 414.374.5750 x10 or stfrancismil@gmail.com; $10 fee includes all music materials, a light breakfast, and lunch.
RIVERWEST PUB CRAWL – The annual pub crawl returns on Sat, March 29 for another great tour of Riverwest bars and pubs. Registration is from NOON-2PM at Art Bar (722 E Burleigh). Advance tickets may be purchased at Art Bar, Stonefly, and The Gig after March 1 (for more info see ad on Page 7).
HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – The city is offering a Homebuyer Assistance Program for those interested in buying and fixing up city-owned foreclosed properties. The program provides forgivable loans up to $20,000 to assist with rehab costs. More details about the program and a list of upcoming information sessions may be found at city.milwaukee.gov/HBA or call 414.286.5610.
SUMMER INTERNS – Online applications are now being accepted for the city’s 2014 Earn & Learn Summer Youth Internship Program. Applicants (ages 16 to 19) selected for a city government internship will work 20 hours a week for eight weeks and earn $7.50 per hour. Applications will also be accepted in early Spring for job slots administered by the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board. MAWIB accepts paper applications from youth ages 14 to 21. To learn more about each program or apply for an internship, visit city.milwaukee.gov/SYIP and fill out an application by April 4.
ECO SCHOLARSHIPS – The Steve Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to assist students interested in attending college, technical college, or other training courses to study renewable energy, energy efficiency, or sustainable living topics. Students should be able to show prior interest and/or education in the field. High school students, college students, and non-traditional students are invited to apply for the scholarships. For more info and to apply (by April 15), go to midwestrenew.org/scholarship.
FREE BUS RIDE – Leave your car keys at home and ride the bus for free on St Patty’s Day, Mon, March 17 from 6PM to the end of regular service. Sponsored by Miller Lite; more info at MillerLiteFreeRides.com.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME – Remember to set your clock ahead one hour – and lose an hour of sleep – on Sunday, March 9 when Daylight Savings time returns until Nov 2
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