spring 2014 whna highlighter

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE WHNA Spring 2014

www.whna.net

Welcome Brew city gardens to vliet street page 6

HELLO bloom gallery and creative ground on north avenue page 9

UEC signs five-year lease in washington park page 11

Spring Calendar page 12

Let’s explore hawthorn glen page 14

New column: dogma page 23

and more!

WHNA 2013-2014 board of directors

The Highlighter is a quarterly publication of the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. Washington Heights includes the area from Highway 41 to North 60th Street and from West Vliet Street to West North Ave.

You can expect your Summer Highlighter in late June. To submit an article, please contact Jane at [email protected].

EDITOR Jane Konkel

LAYOUT & DESIGN Nicole Julius

ADVERTISING MANAGER Corbett Reinbold

CONTRIBUTORS Eric AndersonLaura BurkeLaurel CutrightBarbara HaigTanya Ingvoldstad OteroMary Jumes

Willie KaridisLarry KilmerDebbie Knepke Mary McGrathTom RutenbeckJon Rupprecht

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTIONStephanie Moffett & Mark Drzewiecki

COLLATORSThanks to all who help us collate and deliver the Highlighter. The next collation date is June 11, 2014 at Art & Soul Gallery.

PRESIDENTLarry Kilmer 899.1082

VICE-PRESIDENTNora Trinidad-Scholle 369-2630

TREASURERJohn Augustyniak 467.3146

SECRETARYStephanie Moffett 305-2824

REPRESENTATIVESAREA 1Jane Konkel 949.1577

AREA 2Gary Haertlein 257.9634

AREA 3 David Johnson 671.9101

AREA 4 Jim Grote 430.0332

AREA 5 Larry Kilmer 899.1082

AREA 6 Rachael B. 699.0539 Winkley

AREA 7 Nick Bambulas 807.6425

AREA 8 Corbett Reinbold 213.9730

AREA 9John Augustyniak 467.3146Mark Drzewiecki 476.1858

AT-LARGE EVEN YEARSAnita Duschak 732.2177Stephanie Moffett 805.2824 Dan Stotmeister 444.6328 Nora Trinidad- Scholle 369.2630

AT-LARGE ODD YEARSMary McGrath 258.2991Ron Quimby 202.9063Tom Rutenbeck 453.3453

LIAISONSVLIET ST.Heidi Steeno 920.639.1476

NORTH AVE.Larry Kilmer 899.1082

RAINBOW ASSOCIATIONTerri Coughlin 258.4351

OTHER REP YOUTHWendy Baker 453.4760

SENIORVacant

COMMITTEESBLOCK WATCHGary Haertlein 257.9634

HOUSING/ APPEARANCETom Rutenbeck 453.3453

MEMBERSHIPMary McGrath 258.2991

WEBSITE John Augustyniak 467.3146

GREEN COMMITTEEJoan Janus 476.3606

ADVERTISER INDEXSinclair Firestone ..........................................................4Four Corners of the World .................................. 5St. James Lutheran Church .................................7Stella’s.....................................................................................7Art & Soul Gallery ................................................... 12Gross Property Services ....................................... 17Puhl’s True Value ...................................................... 19T.R. Martin Builders ................................................ 19Shelter Real Estate ....................................................20Joyce Heating & Air Conditioning ............20Mount Olive Lutheran Church ....................20Himalayan Yoga & Meditation ....................... 21Kerry M Heuer House Cleaning ..................22Milwaukee Executive Realty • Kendall Karst ..........................................................22Urban Sense ...................................................................22Washington Heights Pet Sitter.......................23Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin ...............24

FROM THE PRESIDENTLarry Kilmer, WHNA President

This winter is one for the books. I can’t remember the last time I went a week without shoveling since November. Even though it’s been cold and snowy, it was still a fun winter. Habitat for Humanity Milwaukee reported their Washington Heights donation drive was a success, the Urban Ecology Center’s Winterfest at Washington Park was attended by over 500 people, and this year’s Wine Tasting event is shaping up to rival last years’. Additionally, our neighborhood has been in the political spotlight with the former Common Council President, Willie Hines, representing Area 3, stepping down and the new Common Council President, Michael Murphy, representing Areas 1, 2, and 4-9, being appointed by the Council in February. Even with all of this activity, Heights residents have a very exciting spring ahead of us.

This spring we are planning our annual events including the Easter Egg Hunt, the Neighborhood Cleanup event, and our Washington Heights Neighborhood Association meeting. We will be hosting the annual meeting at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center again this year on Thursday May 8th from 6:00-8:30pm. Please plan on attending.

Outside of our annual events we have two very exciting opportunities. Last fall John McGivern and his MPTV show, Around the Corner with John McGivern, visited the Heights. Our neighborhood will have a sneak peak opportunity at the Times Theatre on Monday April 7th at 7:00pm. The episode will air later in the week putting our neighborhood on display for all MPTV viewers. The other great opportunity is with the organization Historic Milwaukee, Inc. Each year HMI selects a neighborhood to host their Spaces and Traces event. This year the Heights was selected. On Saturday, May 17th, from 9:00-5:00, tours and other events will showcase residential, civic, and commercial spaces throughout the Heights. Please get this event on your calendar.

Finally, as always, I encourage you to consider becoming a member or renewing your membership in the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. The fee is only $15 per person or $25 per family for a year membership. Benefits to you include discounts for Spooktacular, the Wine Tasting Event, the Easter Egg Hunt, and many more neighborhood events. Additionally, you have the opportunity to run for an elected position on the Board of Directors where you will have the ability to take a leadership role in our community’s events. View your membership as an investment in your community. Your investment will help fund the great events mentioned previously, help to maintain our sense of community, as well as support local organizations and businesses in our neighborhood. Check out our website, www.whna.net, for a membership application or stop by the Membership Committee booth at an upcoming neighborhood event.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions, 414-899-1082 or [email protected].

Happy Spring,Larry ❅ ✿

Highlighter online at www.whna.netDo you want the Highlighter emailed to you?

Contact [email protected].

The NewsleTTer of The whNA Summer 2013

www.whna.net

TrANsforMATIoN TIPs page 6

heAlTh & wellNess weeK page 7

ProGressIVe CoMMUNITY heAlTh CeNTers page 9

wAshINGToN PArK BANDshell TUrNs 75! page 10

rUN for wAshINGToN PArK page 13

MeeT The PrIesTers AT The GreeN MArKeT page 16

and more!

INsIDe our health & wellness issue:

YOUR PHOTO HERE!

You could be the next Highlighter cover photographer!

Don’t forget to submit your best summer Heights photos for consideration – on Facebook or to [email protected].

HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO INCLUDE IN

OUR SUMMER HIGHLIGHTER? Email the Highlighter editor at

[email protected] to let us know!

ANNUAL MEETING

Thursday • May 8th, 2014 • 6:00 – 8:30 PM Urban Ecology Center

(Cars enter from North 41st Street)

The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association will hold its annual meeting: All Washington Heights neighbors are invited.

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WISCONSIN EMISSIONTEST SITE

Preparing Your Home for saleby Mary Jumes, CRS

While I hate to see any of our neighbors move, sometimes life brings a change that makes a change in location necessary. Here are some helpful hints that I have shared with clients when they need to prepare their home for sale.

THE EXTERIORLAWN: Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked, and edged.

TREES/SHRUBS: Prune & shape them to compliment your house.

FLOWERS: Consider adding seasonal flowers.

SIDEWALKS/DRIVEWAYS: Sweep & wash to remove debris, dirt, & stains. Repair & patch any cracks.

PAINTING: Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.

DOORS/WINDOWS: Check to see that all doors & windows are in good working order. Clean & paint doors if necessary, wash all windows, & replace any broken or cracked window panes. Screens should be free of any tears or holes. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

ROOFS/GUTTERS/DOWN SPOUTS: Check for loose or missing shingles. Clean out gutters & downspouts. Touch up peeling areas on gutters.

THE INTERIORATMOSPHERE: When placing yourself in the buyers’ shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Create the atmosphere of your home as a shelter, a place that is safe & warm, and in good condition.

SMELL: Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse affects on potential buyers.

COLOR: Be cautious when selecting colors when painting or replacing carpet. The key is to promote your home to the largest segment of the buying market as possible.

LIGHTING: Take advantage of the natural lighting by cleaning windows, opening shades, & drapes. Increase the wattage in bulbs & make sure fixtures are clean & in good working order.

WALLS: Check for peeling paint, loose wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.

FLOORS: Clean carpeting & rugs. Clean & polish tile, linoleum, & wooden floors. Consider refinishing wood floors if necessary.

CLOSETS: Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Empty them of any non-essential items & pack them for the move.

FURNITURE: Arrange furniture to give a spacious feeling. Consider removing furniture from rooms that are too crowded. Avoid clutter. Pack up knickknacks -- both to protect them & give the room a more spacious feel -- but leave a few to give the home a personal touch.

WOODWORK: Clean & polish if necessary.

BATHROOMS: Cleanliness is the key! Consider replacing worn shower curtains, clean & repair caulking. Clear off countertops. Clean & organize cabinets. Consider bringing out your best soaps & towels. Add a plant for color & freshness.

FIREPLACE: Sweep & clean the fireplace. In cool weather, you are welcome to have a fire going during showings -- it creates a great atmosphere.

DINING ROOM: Consider adding fresh or silk flowers, or setting the table with an attractive arrangement.

KITCHEN: Avoid clutter. Clean & organize storage space and counter tops. All surfaces should be clean & fresh.

BASEMENT/ATTIC: Be sure stairs are cleared, well-lighted & that the handrail is secure. Remove & dispose of any items that will not be moved with you. Pack other items neatly in boxes.

GARAGE: Sweep & wash floor. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE: Remove (and replace if applicable) any items that will not be included in the sale of the property (i.e. that special antique light fixture).

It’s best to consult with a real estate professional before you engage in any major changes with your property. What you think is perfect may need a slight adjustment, and what you “hate” may be perfect for current home buyers’ needs. ✿

Washington Heights Highlighter, Spring 2014 ❖ 5

URBAN GARDEN SHOP OPENS ITS DOORS ON WEST VLIETBrew City Gardens sets up shop just in time for spring growing season

If the term “black gold” means more to you than a reference to petroleum, you may be interested in a new store that recently opened its doors in the West Vliet Business District. Brew City Gardens, located across from Washington Park at 4307 West Vliet Street, offers supplies for urban gardeners, including bagged compost (AKA “black gold”), worm composting systems and live “red wiggler” composting worms, seeds that are organic and nonGMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), used garden tools and equipment, and other urban homesteading products, along with information about composting and gardening.

Brew City Gardens was started by a University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, Master Composter and urban gardener who lives in Washington Heights. She and Steve opened the store

to equip people with the resources necessary to build healthier communities by returning waste to the earth, restoring the health of urban

soil, and building gardens that create beautiful, sustainable urban spaces.

The owners hope to serve a special type of gardener with their store: the neighborhood gardener interested in growing healthy heirloom, nonGMO, and organic plants in small urban spaces. Unlike the big garden centers with rows upon rows of engineered gardening chemicals, Brew City Gardens was designed to reach the “locavores” and “transitioners” interested in living more sustainable, holistic lives, starting with their backyard gardens.

Maximizing the growth potential of small spaces is Brew City Gardens’ specialty. Live in a duplex with a concrete slab for a backyard? Brew City Gardens offers products and services like raised beds and vertical gardens that allow folks to grow just about anywhere, and grow a lot by using compost and worm castings to enrich soil and improve plant health and productivity. Don’t have space for a big backyard compost bin? Brew City offers all the products necessary to use worms to create beautiful, rich compost indoors, year round.

Brew City Gardens is positioning itself to be a gardening resource for the surrounding neighborhoods. They will offer regular classes on a variety of gardening topics and are also open to suggestions for classes. Classes will be targeted at both beginning gardeners and more experienced gardeners who want to learn more about specialized topics.

Stop by Brew City Gardens if you have questions or need some red wigglers, compost, seeds or other gardening supplies. The store is also looking to collaborate with the community in creative ways. If you have suggestions, locally-crafted organic gardening products to sell on consignment or other ideas for the store, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Visit Brew City Gardens at www.BrewCityGardens.com or follow BCG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrewCityGardens and on Twitter at twitter.com/brewcitygardens for the latest store updates, product information, event announcements, gardening tips and ideas and much more.

Brew City Gardens is a proud member of the Vliet Street Business Association. ✿

6 ❖ Contact us at [email protected] or visit us online at www.whna.net

Keeping Seb’s Greenby Barbara Haig

Saint Sebastian’s is involved in a number of other environmentally friendly recycling projects:

Aluminum Can Drive: During Earth Week, students bring in bags of aluminum cans. Planners Jen Sveda and Lisa Misky keep track of how many pounds each class brings in. The grade with the most pounds at the end of the week gets a pizza party. Over the last four years, they have collected an average of 1,210 pounds for an average of $660 a year for the school. The students also get to guess how many pounds will be collected for a chance to win a Cold Spoons gift certificate.

Scrap Drive: For several years, Steve Biasi and his team have worked with Cimco Recycling on this fundraiser. W a s h i n g t o n Heights neighbors are encouraged to clear out their basements and garages and bring in absolutely any old metal junk, including gutters, grills, metal furniture, aluminum cans, pots and pans, ladders, appliances – if it’s got metal, they want it! This year’s event is Saturday, April 26th (the Saturday after Easter) on the St. Sebs parking lot from 8:00am - Noon.

Toner/Electronic Recycling: Dave Blanchard and his wife Christie Kessler gather toner cartridges, ink cartridges, cell phones, laptops and other small electronics for recycling. Anyone can deposit items in collection boxes located in the school office and church. Since 2005, the school has earned a little over $3,000 through this program.

Holiday Lights: Public school students enrolled in the High School Faith Formation program collect burned-out holiday lights from Thanksgiving through the end of January, then take carloads of the useless wires to Cimco for recycling. The proceeds are donated to local and global charities. ✿

SAVE THE DATE!Our annual scrap drive is Saturday, April 26th (the Saturday

after Easter) on the St. Sebs parking lot from 8am-noon. Start clearing out your basement and garage of any old metal junk you no longer need or want. Please spread the word to your extended family, friends and neighbors to save their stuff, too! More details coming soon. If you have any questions, contact Steve Biasi at [email protected] or 414.232.5965. ❅ ✿


Come bloom with us!by Tanya Ingvoldstad Otero

There is something blooming in Milwaukee. Last November a new art business opened on the edge of Washington Heights, in the Uptown Business district. If you haven’t already stopped in at Bloom Gallery and Creative Ground, 5205 W. North Ave., now is the perfect time to do so.

WHY BLOOM?Maybe you feel something is missing in the daily grind of life.

Everyone has dreams and desires. We all need to tap into our creativity and experience joy. What stands in our way? It could be family responsibilities, work, income, self doubt or uncertainty about what our personal dream is and how to start stepping to it. Maybe you simply want to have a good time and try something new!

Bloom is the collaborative vision of three friends – Gina Nygro, Vicki Strobel, and me, Tanya Ingvoldstad Otero. Together we found a common passion for art and creative expression and a desire to share that passion with others. As partners at Bloom Gallery and Creative Ground and as mothers we know all about putting dreams on the back burner, but also about choosing to take steps toward more joy and fulfillment of those dreams. The

result of taking steps has led to the opening of a warm, welcoming place where people of all ages and skill levels can participate in art creation and be supported by one another.

WHAT IS BLOOM? The Gallery is a collection of locally made art, jewelry and

wear-ables. Over 40 Wisconsin artists are represented, some from our own neighborhood. Part of Bloom’s mission is to make art ownership accessible to the community by offering a wide range of styles and prices.

Another part of Bloom’s mission is to make art creation accessible. Pass through the gallery and enter the Creative Ground to find kids and adults alike inspired to light their creative fires. Try your hand in an acrylics painting class or simply drop in, purchase a canvas, and have a go at it. Maybe you’re a little earthy and you’d like to play with clay. You can have a one-time clay experience or take a six-week hand building ceramics class. Each Friday, there is a special Tot Pop Art hour for preschoolers and caregivers to come make masterpieces. The Creative Ground is also a wonderful space, for art parties for all kinds of celebrations. Our specialties: kids


birthday parties and adult social gatherings! Guests can do guided painting, create with clay, and make recycled art or just about any project you can imagine.

Sunday is a community open studio day. You can bring your own supplies or purchase some of ours and create in good company. Whenever you stop by, a Bloom artist is always available to give guidance and help you get your creative mojo flowing.

As we grow we hope to offer exciting community events, and this summer Bloom plans to provide amazing art programming for kids.

Bloom is just beginning to tap into the creative energy of the Washington Heights neighborhood. Bloom, along with our neighbors Samara Garden and Gifts and Cream City Furniture, is making the 5200 block of W. North Ave. an art destination. Come see us! We are open to new ideas for events and classes and learning how best to continue to grow and serve the community. Check out our website: [email protected] and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomcreativeground Hours: Th, F: 10am—4pm, Sat: 10—5, Sun: 12—4 ✿


Summer Camp Adventures in Washington ParkLaurel Cutright, Environmental Educator, Urban Ecology Center

One of the most thrilling things coming up at Washington Park this year is summer camp! Last year educators and interns taught twelve camps, for K4 to middle school students. Camp subjects range from our popular Trailblazer program—where kids discover a new habitat each day examining the animals and plants that make it their home—to Early Adventurers for three- to four- year olds. This camp is for kids who are not quite ready for summer camp alone. Up to two kids can join a parent, grandparent or other adult for some marvelous mornings. We discover Washington Park participating in activities including hiking, stories, games and songs.

One yearly camp that I was fortunate to teach was Wet n Wild, which offers swimming lessons each day at the Washington Park pool. A local swim instructor helped the campers improve their already existing skills and gain brand new ones. Watching those first and second graders gain confidence and encourage each other was inspirational for me, and I loved that the camp was small enough to let me work with each student individually, both in and out of the pool. The Washington Park pool was a great resource for us all week, and that final Friday of camp we got to enjoy another of Milwaukee’s great resources: a trip to Grant Park!

The best part of my summer camp experience was taking nine fifth and sixth graders on an overnight expedition to the Southern Kettle Moraine. All week we focused on team building and survival

skills, and then spent two days swimming, hiking, preparing classic camping meals, roasting s’mores…and, of course, hiding in our tents from a sudden—though luckily very brief—thunderstorm. At night we went out on a no-flashlights-allowed night hike, and experienced the mystery and spooky calm of a meadow filled with fireflies. I’ve never heard fifth graders so quiet! It was the first time sleeping in a tent for half of our campers, and I know that they will treasure the memories as much as I do. Best of all, I get to do it all again this summer!

To find out more about Washington Park Urban Ecology Center Summer Camp please contact Shameka Tyler at [email protected] or 414-964-8505 ext. 159. For a camp brochure, visit our website www.urbanecologycenter.org or stop by our Washington Park branch at 1859 North 40th Street. ✿

10 ❖ Visit us online at www.whna.net

UPCOMING WASHINGTON PARK LIBRARY PROGRAMS

We held our Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss party on March 5! Be sure to look for our new book club kits. Check out ten to 15 books of the same title and a study guide for up to six weeks. Titles include The Hunger Games, The Catcher in the Rye, Maniac Magee and more. Please call Milwaukee Public Library’s Ready Reference Department for individual titles at 286-3011.

HoursMonday: 10am-8pmTuesday & Wednesday, 12 to 8pmThursday & Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, 10am-5pm

OngoingAfter School Kids Club: Tuesdays 4-6:45pm Artist Working in Education: Tuesdays 6-7:30 Teacher in the Library: Monday – Thursday 3:30-6:30pmAdult Tutoring: Saturday 12:00pm, Monday, Wednesday 3:30-6:30pmJob Help: Wednesdays 12-3:00pmAdult Basic Skills (how to take the bus, learning to read, use a phone): Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00pmPreschool Story Time: Fridays 10:30-11: 15am

March1 – Play & Learn (Pizza Parlor), 10:30am2 – Job Help, 4:00pm4 – Using Books to Encourage Positive Behavior, 6:00pm5 – Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!, 6:00pm6 – Drop in Job Help, 10:00am8 – Play & Learn (Recreation)8 – Using Books to Encourage Positive Behavior, 10:30am13 – Healthy Snacking, 4:00pm13 – Teen Poetry Slam! 6:00pm15 – Play & Learn (Kindermusik), 10:30am22 – Play & Learn (Post Office), 10:30am26 – Family Game Night! 6:00pm29 – Play & Learn (Bakery Shop), 10:30am

the UEC growing strongWillie Karidis, Branch Manager, Urban Ecology Center Washington Park

On November 7, 2013, the Milwaukee County Board voted unanimously in support of a five-year lease agreement with the Urban Ecology Center to allow 24/7 full use of the entire Washington Park Pavilion. What does this mean for the Community of Washington Park and for operations here at the Urban Ecology Center? Lots!

Extended Hours! We are particularly excited to be more available to visitors. On January 2nd, the Urban Ecology Center’s public hours were extended to 12pm – 6pm, Tuesday through Friday. Saturday remains the same: 9am to 5pm. Opportunities will increase for members to borrow our lending equipment, visit Lake Wisconsin, the animal room and get warm in our facility. We’d love for you to stop by to visit us, explore the park, or enjoy a mug of hot coffee.

A More Welcoming Entrance! No more confusion finding our front door; we are moving the entrance to the east door of the building. This is the door you see when you walk up the service drive from our parking lot off of 40th Street, with an awning announcing “Urban Ecology Center.” Walk in and you will see our new front desk with Visitor Services Specialist, Terrance Davis, ready to greet you and show you around.

Rent the Pavilion! You are able to rent the Washington Park building through the Urban Ecology Center facility rental program. Rent out a portion of the Washington Park branch for any of your special events, and you will be able to experience the magic of this space. The building rental options include a kitchen, a large room with a stage and options for small and large meetings. For further information, please contact Robert Miller at 414.964.8505 ext 156, [email protected].

Additional Programming! Another critically important benefit of leasing the entire building is our ability to schedule additional programming in Washington Park. From increasing participation in our school partnership program, hosting more B’earthday parties, and increasing the number of youth, family and adult programs, we will be able to engage more people than ever before.

We envision breathtaking growth over the next few years extending our mission. But expanding our programs means that we need your help! There has never been a better time to get involved with volunteering here at Washington Park. We offer individual,

school and group opportunities, from volunteering at the front desk, to serving on the Center’s Washington Park Advisory Council, to large scale land stewardship projects. If you are interested in volunteering please plan to attend one of our volunteer orientations at any one of our branches, then the fun begins!

This is truly a thrilling time for Washington Park. We are looking forward to going on this new, sensational journey together. ✿


UPCOMING EVENTS

highlighter ContactsADVERTISING INFORMATION [email protected] WHNA VOICE MAIL .................................................. 297.9617HIGHLIGHTER EDITOR .............................................................

[email protected] or 949.1577HIGHLIGHTER DISTRIBUTION ............................. 771.7977RAINBOW ASSOCIATION ...................................... 258.2991

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

community ContactsTHIRD DISTRICT NON-EMERGENCY ............... 933.4444CRIME PREVENTION ...............................................935.7733GRAFFITI HOTLINE .................................................. 286.8715BLOCK WATCH .......................................................... 588.5619

MARCHMARCH 20 WHNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGSt. Sebastian’s Meeting Room, 7pm

APRILSAT., APRIL 5 BAG IT!Rosebud Cinema

SUN., APRIL 6 EGG HUNT REGISTRATIONCold Spoons Gelato, 12-2pm

MON., APRIL 7 AROUND THE CORNER WITH JOHN McGIVERN PREVIEWTimes Theater, 7pm

SAT., APRIL 12 EGG HUNTWashington Park

SAT. APRIL 19 NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UPAccent Childcare Parking Lot, 47th & Vliet. 8am-12pm

APRIL 25–26 WESTSIDE ART WALKEvent info at WestVliet.com

SAT. APRIL 26 EARTH DAY CLEAN UP / VOLUNTEER DAY AT UEC IN WASHINGTON PARKTime?

MAYTHURS. MAY 8 WHNA ANNUAL MEETINGUrban Ecology Center, Washington Park, 6–8:30pm; See page 3

WED. MAY 14 LAST DAY TO SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR SUMMER HIGHLIGHTERSend articles to Jane at [email protected]

MAY 17 SPACES AND TRACES TOURWashington Heights, 9am–5pm; See page 21

SAT. MAY 31 BLOOM & GROOM COMMUNITY GARDEN

JUNETUES. JUNE 3 OPENING NIGHT OF NOW WE PRAISE CONCERT SERIES IN WASHINGTON PARKSeries runs through 8/26

JULYWED. JULY 2 OPENING NIGHT OF WEDNESDAY AT THE SHELL IN WASHINGTON PARKSeries runs through 8/27

Art Gallery & Yoga StudioFusion of Art Gallery & Yoga Studio, Fine Art, Jewelry, Pottery, Art Glass, Works from Local Artists & More

Gallery Hours Tuesday - Friday, 12 pm - 5 pm Wednesday, 12 pm - 8 pm Saturday, 9:30 am - 5 pm Sunday, 12 pm - 3 pm

5706-08 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 P: 414-774-4185 W: www.artsoul-gallery.com


St. Sebastian’s Secret Gardenby Barbara Haig

Drivers speeding by St. Sebastian Church on 55th Street probably don’t know they’re passing near a quiet place built in honor of a longtime Washington Heights neighbor – and a tribute to the parish’s commitment to the environment.

The Reflection Garden is located near the entrance to the school parking lot, south of Vine Street. It was constructed by students and volunteers using ideas from the Urban Ecology Center and designed by school grandparent Mary Utschig as a memorial to a wonderful parishioner, school mom and neighbor, Paula Krier, who passed away in 2009 after a battle with cancer.

“In the old days it would have been the area where school kids parked their bikes,” says Leah Sealey, who helps maintain the garden. “Anyone is welcome to quietly visit the beautiful perennials, raised beds, Native American medicine wheel, brightly colored paving stones, and the lovely weeping mulberry tree that was planted in Paula’s honor.”

COLLECTING BAGS TO WIN BENCHSealey is spearheading a new project to both recycle film plastic

bags and wrap and compete for a Trex bench made of recycled plastic that will be placed in the garden. Cardboard bins are located at both church and school entrances for people to place clean plastic grocery bags, plastic film from toilet paper or water bottle cases, Ziploc-type bags, bubble wrap and other types of film plastic. St. Sebs hopes to gather the most amount and win the $500 bench.

“I am so amazed at how willing and excited people have been about this challenge. By the end of January, we had collected more than 500 pounds, but our deadline is March 30,” Sealey said. “After March, folks should take their film plastic to Pick ‘n Save or other collection sites.” Contact Leah with questions – [email protected] or 414.774-0836.

CARE FOR CREATIONThe green space is just part of St. Seb’s efforts to be, as Pope

Francis said, “protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.” The church also raised funds for new energy-efficient boilers and is working on other renovations that will save energy and water. Additionally, its scrap recycling projects have raised more than $14,000 since 2007 and kept tons of metal from landfills.

“We feel that our care for this planet is the job of each person who populates the earth. Simple efforts can greatly benefit all if we take the time or effort to accomplish one or two small areas in the beginning. As stewards, we at St. Sebastian can start by tackling the light switches and leaky faucets and move on from there, showing that our beginning concerns do make differences. Then we look further to see what more can done,” said Fr. Richard Aiken, pastor. ✿

Captions, top down: Middle school students help get the garden ready for planting. • Colorful mosaic stones found throughout the garden were created by students under the guidance of Art & Soul’s Sue Heeley. • Raised beds and perennials provide green space for visitors.

Lydia Pruhs and Reed Burzynski bring in cans during Earth Week


Hawthorn Glenby Jon Rupprecht

Sometimes the attractions that are closest to where we live are the last ones that we explore; sometimes we ignore them completely. So let me introduce you to Hawthorn Glen. Even if you do make use of it, there’s a lot of interesting history and a pleasing variety of uses and attractions that are not widely known in this special spot bordering our neighborhood, and which can make it uniquely alluring to us.

Maybe we can start with a famous tourist attraction: Niagara Falls. The ridge of rocks over which Lake Ontario empties itself into the St. Lawrence River is called the Niagara Shelf, or more technically, the Niagara Escarpment. Interestingly, this ridge winds its way westward all the way to Wisconsin – all the way to Hawthorn Glen. When you walk on McKinley Avenue along the northern boundary of the Glen, you are walking on top of the Niagara Escarpment, which doubles here as the northern bluff of the Menomonee River.

The land now occupied by Hawthorn Glen was originally used – from 1889 to 1926 – as a gravel pit. Gravel pits extended west from the Glen all the way to at least 68th St. You may recall the gravel quarry on the northeast corner of 68th & State Streets where a supermarket was built in the early 1960’s – now Metcalfe’s Sentry. It is thought that the bluff which we now see paralleling State Street well off to the north originally came all the way to the street, as it still does at the Glen from Hawley Road to 60th Street. Apparently this bluff was leveled by these quarries all the way from the Glen to 68th Street, and the quarries were replaced with small industries, commercial establishments, and most recently, housing. The hills that surround Hawthorn Glen on its north, east

and south sides are simply the remnants of this original bluff, the walls of the original quarry.

Then there are the springs. Neeskara School was built in 1927 right over the top of Neeskara Spring, and its flow was put underground, just like the larger creek that flows out of the Washington Highlands at 62nd and Vliet. A Neeskara Springs restoration project is underway on the north hillside of Hawthorn Glen, where the spring’s underground flow re-emerges. A grand opening for the finished project is anticipated for this summer.

Naturalist Rory Braun told me that at least three other springs also flow out of this hillside, depending upon the amount of rainfall. A few years ago a glass water bottle was found in the Glen with the word “Neeskara” molded into it; you can see this bottle in the Glen office. This spring water was so clear and pure that it was bottled and sold as a positive alternative to Milwaukee’s municipal water supply in those days. While our city water has improved greatly since then, the Neeskara Spring water is still clear and cold, even on a hot summer day, and very inviting; it has passed some initial tests for purity. It flows year-round, even on the coldest winter days and in the driest summer weather.

A new retention pond for the hillside springs was recently dug by hand at the bottom of this hillside. In wet weather its overrun will not flow onto the field itself but first into a newly formed marsh and rain garden, and finally into a nearby manhole after the heaviest of rains. Incidentally, this hillside is also a true fen – basically, a hillside marsh – a topographical feature which is quite rare in Wisconsin.

Front view of Hawthorn Glen Headquarters, showing the lintels


When you approach the main entrance of the Glen’s attractive Tudor-style headquarters building, you notice the lintel beams built into the brick. These are not just ordinary beams. One account says that they are beams from the old roadway on the original 27th St. viaduct. An even more compelling story contends that they are historic logs that once served as planks on the old Watertown Plank Road just a block to the south, now called West State Street there. In either case, some interesting history!

A resolution by the City of Milwaukee in 1997 designated this building as The Martin Schreiber Nature Center, dedicated to the memory of the widely-respected gentleman who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, then as Milwaukee’s 7th Ward alderman for 32 years, 12 of them as Common Council President. The Schreiber family is still an active patron and supporter of the Glen.

This building was constructed in 1934. Not too many years later it was seriously damaged by a fire, but it was re-built using its original walls, and what is now the museum portion was added to the south end of the building. In this portion you will notice that the interior walls are painted in beautiful natural scenes; this ongoing project was begun in 2005 by staff members and by students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. MIAD students have a continued presence at Hawthorn Glen, serving as tutors for this kind of painting.

Hawthorn Glen received its name in 1946, shortly after being deeded by the City to Milwaukee Public Schools. With that name, it must contain a lot of hawthorn trees, right? Well, it used to. I remember my first hike around the glen over 50 years ago when the red hawthorn berries—like small apples—virtually littered the ground. But thanks to another “thorn” tree, an invasive species known as buckthorn, hawthorn trees are much less prominent now, though they are making a slow comeback. There is currently a major buckthorn removal project which aims, among other goals, to give the hawthorn trees a decent chance for revival.

Hawthorn Glen also has a fair number of ash trees, which are threatened by the emerald ash borer. And besides the buckthorn, it has its share of other invasive species, including garlic mustard, exotic honeysuckle and Siberian elm. But Hawthorn Glen now provides part-time summer employment for urban youth through a partnership with the Earn and Learn program of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board. These youth are engaged in an invasive species removal project, which is fighting and to some extent winning this battle.

Hawthorn Glen first opened in 1926, and remains a unique location in Milwaukee, neither a County nor a City park. It is operated and funded by MPS through its Milwaukee Recreation division, and its official title is an Outdoor Education Center. MPS similarly operates Potters Forest at Whitnall Park, Oak Ridge Farm near Dousman, and Palmyra Camp near Palmyra. Milwaukee Recreation and naturalists from Hawthorn Glen also operate out of Lapham Peak State Park near Delafield and the two planetariums at Hamilton and Madison High Schools.

Hawthorn Glen is designed and operated primarily for children, and around 13,000 children make good use of its 23 acres every year.

The museum

These interior walls are hand-painted in beautiful nature scenes.

l - r: Attendant Paul Mueller, Naturalist Allison Heller, Naturalist Rory Braun


The general public is also welcome to utilize it, but given its special designation, the Glen has controlled entry. You may have seen the pedestrian entrance at 58th and McKinley, and you may have been frustrated by the lock on its gate. This gate is open during weekdays, but is locked after 3pm and on weekends. You can still enter from the parking lot down below on 60th Street, but no trespassing is permitted after dark. Also, while the staff loves dogs, given the somewhat delicate nature of the Glen’s environment as well as the presence of children, dogs are not permitted in the Glen, as is the case on all MPS properties.

In that connection, it was pointed out that there are more “wild” animals in the Glen than one might expect. Coyotes have been spotted within its borders, as well as fox, deer, opossum, raccoons, red-tail hawks and coopers hawks, plus the more common rabbits and woodchucks. A few years ago in the Glen a deer gave birth to twin fawns, as witnessed by attendant Paul Mueller and his family.

The Glen’s Little Nature Museum is home to many species of indigenous wildlife that have been injured or orphaned and are now used as education ambassadors. The museum is open to the general public on weekdays from 4-5:00pm, and on weekends from 11:00am till noon and from 3-4:00pm.

So then what goes on at Hawthorn Glen? I remember the beautiful spring Saturday over 50 years ago when the field was covered with over 100 of us kids with our chess boards. Three or four chess experts circulated through the crowd, making a move

on each board and then proceeding to the next. I lasted only three or four moves till I was check-mated, but that didn’t spoil the experience or its memory.

Today Hawthorn Glen offers a full range of educational and recreational activities and programs, for both private and public schools. For example, it lists 18 field trips in its guide for K3 -12th grade students, plus numerous other offerings – including naturalist-led narrated classes – for youth, teens, adults and seniors included in MPS’ 64-page winter “Recreation Guide”.

The Glen is active during the summertime also. Glen manager and head naturalist Anne Duffy reports that field trips are still conducted for child care facilities, year-round schools and various summer camps. Week-long “Earth Discovery Camps” are offered in June and July, and numerous other summertime programs are offered for families.

For further information or to make use of any of Hawthorn Glen’s wide array of offerings, you may contact them at 414.475.5300, or go to their web site, www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net . To arrange a field trip, register for a class, reserve a picnic area or obtain a permit for use of the facility, call Priscilla at 414.647.6050. But whatever you do, be sure to stop down at our Glen. Walk the Arboretum Trail through the woods; look at the springs, pond, marsh and rain garden; explore all the displays in the office and museum; educate, recreate and refresh yourself at Hawthorn Glen! ✿

Hawthorn Glen Naturalist“Mountain Man” John Dawson


Hillside fence with Neeskara Springs projectBottom left: Another painted museum wall, with aguarium

Attendant Paul Mueller; Manager & Head Naturalist, Anne Duffy Classroom/exhibit hall

WEDNESDAYS AT THE SHELL START ON JULY 2! Relax with your friends Wednesday nights at the Washington Park Bandshell. Check your Summer Highlighter for the announcement

of participating bands. Series runs through August 27.



Housing and Appearance – Holiday styleby Tom Rutenbeck

This year we recognized the Holiday in the Heights season by selecting nine decoration award winners, one from each of the nine geographical areas within the Heights. Each of the nine areas presented several homes having attractive displays worthy of consideration, but only one from each area was selected for award.

Award winners were selected by the criteria of overall pleasing visual effect, inventiveness and originality of presentation, and

display of Christmas Holiday spirit. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of the homes in the Heights that displayed bright and colorful Holiday outdoor decorations this season. Sincere congratulations to each of the award winners. Award winners have been further recognized by framed presentation certificates, and also by gift certificates to Welke’s House of Roses. Finally, genuine thanks go to Welke’s, who generously contributed to the face value of the gifts.

AREA 1: 1627-29 N 50th St. DELBERT SLOWIK and ANTHONY CANFORA

AREA 2: 2016 N Hi Mount Blvd CARL and BETTY NILSSEN

AREA 4: 2106 N 53rd St. • TIMOTHY McELHATTON and BARBARA ARMSTRONG

AREA 5: 5216 W Washington Blvd. RICHARD and CHRISTINE MARCOUX

AREA 3: 2112 N Hi Mount Blvd MARTIN and MELISSA SCANLAN

AREA 6: 1537-39 N 52nd St. JOHN and NANCY REUTER

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BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A TRUE VALUE

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M–F 8:00AM – 8:00PMSAT 8:00AM – 5:00PM

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Friendly, Knowledgeable StaffPipe Cutting and ThreadingWindow & Screen RepairLock Re-Keying

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1525 N. 68th St.Wauwatosa, WI 53213Phone: (414) 476-0833


AREA 7: 5801-03 W Washington Blvd. DAVID HAIDLINGER

AREA 8: 1845-47 N 58th St. EDWIN and VICKI KRIESCHER

AREA 9: 2136 N 57th St. DAVID and SIMONE FLISS

PRESENTS THE 2013 HOLIDAY IN THE HEIGHTS AWARD FOR AREA 0 TO 5500 Washington Heights Dr. John and Jane Doe Your home was selected for its Holiday decorations, which showed pleasing design, inventive presentation, and – of course – holiday spirit!

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Housing and Appearance Chairperson

WELCOME BACKby Mary McGrath, Membership Chair

Since summer, there has been a notable growth in current WHNA memberships with numbers markedly increased from comparable dates last year. These numbers include people whose memberships have “lapsed” – some for multiple years!

This Membership Chairperson has enjoyed trying to determine a cause for this increased interest and renewed support of our organization.

Perhaps one key factor is neighborhood enthusiasm for being together and appreciation for an organization that creates those opportunities.

We certainly partied and visited at Washington Park Wednesdays at the Shell. We were introduced to neighborhood vendors and businesses, met new neighbors (including babies and dogs), and enjoyed a variety of performance offerings.

How about “Boulevard Bash?” This was certainly a time to meet new neighbors and party with our friends. We were able to benefit from informational booths and treats from our local vendors.

Is there anything more to say about “Spooktacular” – a time when adults and children reveal our true fantasies in the dark of night but safety of blocked-off streets and extensively-decorated houses.?

Recent membership “counts” show that some neighbors have memberships on the Benefactor level; showing support with donations of $100. Sixteen neighbors have taken out memberships at the Business level.

Most memberships are at the Family/Partner level with many memberships paid for multiple years.

WHNA does not want to lose you as a member. Renewal notices are sent at a time when your membership will become overdue.

If you have any questions about your membership, or can’t remember whether your membership is current, please send an e-mail to: [email protected] for a quick response. ✿

414-774-2446

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5020 West Vliet St · Milwaukee, WI 53208

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5327 W Washington Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53208

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Sunday Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 AM Saturday Worship at 6:00 PM

Sunday Broadcast on WJYI AM-1340 at 9:00 AM

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WHNAMEMBERS


DID YOU KNOWSubmitted by Debbie Knepke

• The name Milwaukee comes from the Native American word Milliocki meaning gathering place by the water.

• The Urban Ecology Center is celebrating Earth Month in April. Reinvigorate your focus on service with a commitment to the environment and the Washington Park community. Visit urbanecologycenter.org for more info.

• The public education offered at Milwaukee French Immersion School on 52nd and North is the same education offered at private schools in Chicago and New York with annual tuition ranging from $16,000 to $29,000 per year. Visit www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/school/mfis

• We have endured the coldest winter on record in 32 years.• For every dollar you spend at a locally owned business, more

than 68 cents remains in Milwaukee. For every dollar spent at a chain, only 14 cents is recirculated.

• One in five American adults cannot access or use the internet, according to ProLiteracy.

• Milwaukee residents recycled over 24,000 tons of household materials in 2012. Keep your recyclables out of the trash. Visit www.MilwaukeeRecycles.com

• Our District 10 Alderman Michael Murphy has taken over as the new Milwaukee Common Council President. Learn more at city.milwaukee.gov/District10

• You can report a pothole online by visiting www.milwaukee.gov/mpw.

• We are one of seven areas in U.S. Cities know as Washington Heights. The others are in New York City Orange County, Chicago, Roanoke, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

• I am looking for fun and interesting tidbits about our neigh-borhood for this quarterly column. If you have something to share, please email it to me at [email protected]. ✿

EXTERIOR ONLY5925 W. NORTH AVENUE TULLGREN BUILDING

EXTERIOR/INTERIOR1. 2019 N. HI-MOUNT BLVD WASHINGTON T. AND IDA WERNER HOUSE (1919)

2. 2105 N. 49TH STREET LOUIS SCHIEBLE BUNGALOW (1915-16)

3. 1734 HI-MOUNT BLVD (1916)

4. 2106 N. 53RD STREET (1923) RUDOLPH AND ANTONIE SCHIER HOUSE FRENCH BUNGALOW

5. 5130 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. (1925) AUGUST REISWEBER HOUSE

6. 5005 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. THEODORE RICHTER HOUSE (1924)

7. 1801 N. 59TH STREET (1927)

8. 5835 W. ELLIOTT CIRCLE

9. 5231 W. WASHINGTON BLVD (1928) FRANK HOCHMUTH HOUSE

10. 1750 NORTH HI-MOUNT LOUIS AND MARY NEHRBASS HOUSE (1915)

11. 1800 N. 60TH STREET LOUIS AND ELEANOR SCHEICH HOUSE (1927-28)

12. 1727 N. 49TH STREET MARTY AND TRISH RADOCHA HOUSE

SAVE THE DATE! Spaces & traces tour returns to washington heights • Saturday, May 17, 2014Visit www.historicmilwaukee.org for more information or to purchase tickets


SATURDAY AUGUST 23rd, 2014 BOULEVARD BASH

The 2014 Boulevard Bash will be held on Saturday August 23rd. You don’t want to miss this increasingly popular event! Last year’s event offered you 55 local artists and vendors! You will also be treated to great food, live music, silent auction, fashion show, 50/50 raffle and more!

If you are an artist or vendor in Washington Heights or surrounding neighborhoods and would like to participate this year, contact Jean Anderson at 414.771.7977 or [email protected] for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

Everyday arrangements •Weddings • Sympathy

5402 W. Vliet St. • Milwaukee, WI 53208

VISIT US IN OUR NEW LOCATION – 1 BLOCK EAST OF HAWLEY!

Expanded retail filled with unique gifts

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The State of Real Estate in Washington Heightsby Mary Jumes, CRS

The Washington Heights continues to maintain its overall stability and is showing signs of market appreciation.

At this writing, as posted in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), there are currently 27 active properties on the market; 11 single families (one with an active offer), 14 duplexes (six with accepted offers), and 2 commercial properties. Our sold totals are on pace with last year’s totals.

We continue to have a wide range of property options, and while we are starting to see positive price increases, it’s still important to consult with your real estate professional to discuss the current market and how it impacts your property. ✿

Dog MaPets improve our lives in the Washington Heights

I walk a lot in Washington Heights. It never ceases to amaze me how many pet owners there are! Pets are so good for our health. They help us get up and go, they inspire us (or beg us) to go on more walks, jogs, and trips to the park. Our furry friends do a wonderful job helping us burn extra calories.

Studies have shown that overall, pets are good for our health. Pet owners live longer, are less stressed, and have fewer heart attacks. Dogs are four-legged chill pills! It’s no coincidence that there’s a yoga position called Downward Facing Dog. Pets make such great stress-reducers. Contact with the dog reduces our stress level nine times longer than the contact itself. You spend five minutes with

your dog, it gives you forty-five minutes of having a healthier system. Coming home to a dog who has treated the couch like a chew toy will not lower stress. But those are typically situations in which operator error (i.e. human training) is to blame.

I will leave you with a few interesting dog facts. Dogs often hesitate before going out in the rain. It’s not because they’re afraid of getting wet, but because the rain amplifies sound and hurts their sensitive ears. And why do dogs pant? Dogs only have sweat glands on their feet, they cannot lose heat rapidly by perspiring from head to toe like people do. Instead, the dogs sweat by panting, which removes body heat by evaporation from the surface of the tongue. Dogs also pant when they are nervous or excited. ✿

Look for Laura’s Dog Ma column in your summer Highighter delivered mid-June.

N . A . T . I . O . N . A . LGOLD MEDAL WINNER

Easter Egg Hunt Registration

EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday, April 6, 201412:00–2:00PM

Cold Spoons Gelato5924 W. Vliet St.

Saturday, April 12, 2013Location disclosed at time of registration.


Laura Burke • 414-708-0415

Washington Heights Resident for 18 yearsBlock Watch Captain for 10 years

Pet Care & House SittingIn Home Pet Nail Trimming $10.00

Be a kid hero. Be a treatment foster parent.On any given day in Wisconsin, 6,000 children are living in foster care while their families take time to heal. When children must leave their homes, either temporarily or permanently, they need to be part of a secure and loving family.

Become a treatment foster parent for children with emotional, behavioral, physical or medical challenges.

For more information, call (414) KID-HERO or visit kidhero.chw.org.

We will not refuse an application or deny approval based on race, religion or sexual orientation.

© 2014 Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. All rights reserved. PDF 140134 0114

My foster parent is there for me 24/7.

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spring 2014 whna highlighter

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