Every wall and corner of Jim and Verdell De Yarman’s house is testimony to their longtime commitment to Riverwest. Framed pictures of family and friends, gifts and souvenirs from international houseguests and Jim’s landscape paintings decorate the nooks and crannies. Seated in their living room, Jim, a retired machinist, and Verdell, a lifelong activist and volunteer, talk about their lives in Riverwest, where they have lived for 56 years. They have two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Neighbor Spotlight
The monthly neighbor spotlight.
Posted inNeighbor Spotlight
Katy Van Dunk
Katy Van Dunk has lived in Riverwest almost her entire life, but that’s doesn’t mean she has been a Riverwester for 50 years. In fact, she’s lived in the neighborhood for nearly 14 years, and as a young resident, she’s got some insights to share.
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Robin Leenhouts
Robin Leenhouts isn’t sure if she is worthy of the Neighbor Spotlight. “I don’t know if I’ve been such a good neighbor,” she says with a surprised laugh when contacted for an interview.
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Celeste Spransy
When Celeste Spransy, armed with a degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, moved back to Milwaukee, she called the art critic at the Milwaukee Journal and said: “I’m a new artist in town and you should come up and visit me.”
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Antler
A conversation with Antler starts with a walk down to the Milwaukee River. Dressed in jeans and boots, his ample white beard framing his face, the 58-year-old Riverwester could be taken for a lumberjack. But as he speaks of coming to the river on winter nights to immerse himself in the icy silence, there is no doubt that the gentle-voiced man is the infamous Milwaukee poet.
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