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‘Living life as a full person’: New Public Allies leader stresses authenticity at work and at home | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
October 29, 2021
Adriana “Nanis” Rodriguez (left) with her fiancé, Amanda Avalos, and daughter, Alis. Rodriguez has big plans as executive director at Public Allies Wisconsin. (Photo provided by Nanis Rodriguez)
When Adriana “Nanis” Rodriguez joined Public Allies as an apprentice in 2009, she typically introduced herself to strangers as “Adriana.”
But “Nanis” was the childhood nickname that felt close to home, and it made Rodriguez feel safer.
“I didn’t want to enter a 10-month apprenticeship not being myself,” she said. “I asked people to call me ‘Nanis’ then and after leaving the program.”
Now as the new executive director of Public Allies,  a nonprofit with a 27-year history of developing civic change agents to take leadership roles in Milwaukee, Rodriguez said she is bringing her true self to the organization.
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“It wasn’t a matter of how can I fine-tune my authentic self as much as it was (with) how am I OK with showing up in a world that doesn’t want me to be this way and being happy with myself,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez  started her job in September. Her path to executive director has followed a professional journey that included three separate stints with Public Allies, completing her master’s degree and conducting ongoing doctoral research in urban education.
Along the way, she started and stopped a career in mental health services and started a family with her fiancé, Amanda, while “stepping into” her identity as a queer, brown femme.
Vanessa Pérez Topczewski, the associate dean of multicultural affairs and global engagement at Carroll University, met Rodriguez in a ninth grade P.E. class at Hamilton High School. Pérez Topczewski said she instantly felt a connection to Rodriguez.
“I was immediately drawn to her energy. We got each other’s humor, partiality for dark brown lipstick, and she had this relaxed, confident and authentic air to her — much like she does today,” Pérez Topczewski said. “I remember not knowing details about her, but she immediately felt like home.”
Rodriguez has spent a lifetime learning, and unlearning, her identity. (Photo provided by Nanis Rodriguez)
Pérez Topczewski and Rodriguez remain friends to this day, supporting each other through “navigating the complexities of young adulthood,” college and motherhood.
When talking about her success, Rodriguez is quick to credit her support system and upbringing, including friends like Pérez Topczewski but also her immediate family.
Her mother, Gloria, who Rodriguez said knew everyone on the South Side, found ways to give her children everything other kids had, even when the family’s material wealth did not match its social and emotional wealth. In turn, her two older brothers, Kiko and Eric, helped her with everything from “how to hold a baseball bat” to navigating and articulating her identity.
When Amanda Avalos met her fiancé in 2012, she said she instantly admired Rodriguez.
“Her style, in both personality and clothing, are simply put: Unmatched,” Avalos said.
The two now have a daughter, Alis, who turns 7 months old in November.  Avalos said Rodriguez’s qualities as a nurturer have always been present, but that she’s taking things up a notch.
“During our time together, I’ve seen Nanis really step into her light in so many areas of her life,” Avalos said. “She’s a perfect mom, a supportive friend, a present and loving daughter and sister, a brilliant executive director and a beautiful partner.”
Rodriguez studied psychology and Spanish at Marquette University. Right out of college, Rodriguez wanted to use her psychology degree to become a therapist. During her training, however, she ran into ethical challenges with the work she was tasked to do.
“I had to diagnose patients with something in order to get paid, and the DSM-listed symptoms were not culturally relevant,” Rodriguez said, referring to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders manual that therapists use to diagnose patients.
Rodriguez recalled a patient who talked to a deceased grandmother, a practice common in some parts of Latin America but seen as a symptom of a mental disorder in the manual.
“The fact that I had to do that to get paid, at that point in my life I couldn’t do it,” Rodriguez said.
Rather than go through with a practice she saw as immoral, Rodriguez joined Public Allies as an apprentice.
Public Allies is a national AmeriCorps organization with chapters in cities nationwide. Young leaders taking part in the program are placed at local nonprofit organizations as apprentices and receive both vocational training and complete a rigorous diversity, equity and inclusion program.
Here in Wisconsin, former “Allies” include County Executive David Crowley, State Rep. David Bowen and former Milwaukee school board director Paula Phillips.
Rodriguez said she has big plans for the organization’s future.
First, she will oversee the expansion of Public Allies into Racine and Kenosha. Previously, the organization was known as Public Allies Milwaukee, but after adding apprenticeship placements in Racine this year, it now goes by Public Allies Wisconsin.
In addition, Rodriguez seeks to increase the visibility of the organization’s network by expanding alumni mentorship opportunities and finding ways to place people in positions of leadership, whether they be in the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors or as activists.
Rodriguez knows that titles like “executive director” without tangible action are just titles, just like names without personal meaning are just names.
Rodriguez said when she first graduated, she would refer to herself as a “social justice educator” without fully articulating to herself what that title meant.
“The mistake was thinking it was just a job title,” she said. “When in reality my journey is around stepping into a full version of myself that lives this larger mission of liberation and joy and love.”
“When you are living life as a full person, challenging oppression becomes a part of who you are rather than a job.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
October 28, 2021

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: October 28, 2021

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Dwayne Burtin


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Post from Community: Connect business consulting in partnership with American Family Insurance — Office of Social and Corporate Impact launches inaugural STEAM & Dream City MKE Youth Summit | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Connect Business Consulting
October 29, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The free Summit will convene speakers and community leaders at NO STUDIOS to engage youth in workshops on mindfulness, leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic and justice tech through engaging programming. The Summit aims to equip participants with the tools to fearlessly pursue their dreams while presenting a range of perspectives around driving social change.  Partners include: YES, Milky Way Tech Hub, The Sherman Phoenix, Life Empowered Consulting, Journey House, Grateful Girls, and Hands at Home.
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There will also be time for fun social interactions during the Meet and Greet with Jacob Latimore and a Live DJ!
Agenda:
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Registration
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcome
10:00 AM – 11:50 AM: Breakout Sessions
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM: Lunch
12:50 PM – 1:40 PM: Breakout Sessions
1:40 PM – 2:10 PM: Live Chat with Jacob Latimore
2:10 PM- 2:20 PM: Wrap-up
2:20 PM- 3:10 PM: Jacob Latimore Meet and Greet / DJ Infotech
The conference will host Jacob O’Neal Latimore who is an American actor and singer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2016, Latimore released his debut album Connection. As an actor, he is best known for his roles in Black Nativity, The Maze Runner, Collateral Beauty, Detroit, and The Chi. Our hometown hero will be present to advance the conversation around helping our Youth advance their dreams.
Program Registration and overview:
https://bit.ly/YouthSummitMKE
ABOUT Connect Business Consulting
Connect Business Consulting (Nationwide)
Connect Business Consulting is a minority women-owned consulting firm that leverages 15+ years of managing large-scale corporate projects and strong ties in the community. We partner with corporations and community organizations to develop, plan, and execute Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) events and programs in the areas of STEAM, social and emotional wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

created: October 29, 2021

author: Connect Business Consulting


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
October 29, 2021


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Post from Community: Southside Health Center COVID-19 operations convert to drive-thru | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee Health Department
October 29, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Beginning today, October 28, 2021, the COVID-19 testing and vaccination services at the Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., will convert to drive-thru operations. Individuals should enter from 24th Street and will be directed by signage and staff.
COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson booster doses, and COVID-19 PCR tests available. Hours for this site will remain the same: Mondays and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12 – 6 p.m., and Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
More information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing can be found at Milwaukee.gov/coronavirus.
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author: City of Milwaukee Health Department


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Nov. 1 to Nov. 5 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
November 1, 2021
Learn how to make your own sugar skull and marigolds in a way respectful to Dia de los Muertos tradition. (File photo by Andrea Waxman)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. The Southside Health Center COVID-19 services are now drive-through: Ongoing
COVID-19 testing and vaccination services at the Southside Health Center, located at 1639 S. 23rd St., are now fully drive-through. For more information, including entrance instructions and site hours, click here.
2. Keenan Health Center hours will temporarily change this week: All week
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Hours for the Keenan Sexual Health Clinic, located at 3200 N. 36th St., are changing for this week. Often referred to as the “STI Clinic,” the Keenan Sexual Health Clinic provides sexually transmitted infection and HIV related services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Milwaukee and surrounding communities. Services are provided to anyone who is at least 12 years of age at no cost to the client. More information on this week’s hours can be found by clicking here.
3. County Board of Supervisors 2022 Budget Public Hearing: Monday, Nov. 1
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors is finalizing its budget for next year, and is asking for public input. The hearing starts at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1 and can be viewed virtually here. To provide testimony of 2 minutes or less, register here.
4. MATC Virtual Casa Abierta: Thursday, Nov. 4
Explore bilingual programs and student services at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, or MATC, at this year’s virtual Casa Abierta. Meet MATC’s new Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Eva Martinez Powless, meet bilingual program instructors, learn about support services for all bilingual students and get information on bilingual GED/HSED programs and ESL classes. Program will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4. Register here.
5. Pinto con Tinto: Canvas Calaveras y Cempazuchis: Thursday, Nov. 4
Join Latino Arts for a night of tapas, wine and painting. Participants will paint and take home their own canvas art of a beautiful Calavera (sugar skull) and Cempazuchi (marigold) design. Learn about the imagery and symbolism traditional to the Dia de los Muertos celebration as step-by-step instruction is given during this fun and engaging workshop. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Program is located at 1028 S. 9th St. and will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4. All participants must be 21+, tickets are $25 and include tapas, wine and art supplies.

created: November 1, 2021

author: Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
October 31, 2021

created: October 31, 2021


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Post from Community: Board of Fire & Police Commissioners to vote on the appointment of acting Chief Jeffrey Norman to the position of Chief of Police of the Milwaukee Police Department | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission
November 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The City of Milwaukee Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is in the process of considering Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman for the position of Chief of Police of the Milwaukee Police Department. The final step in the selection process will be for the Board to vote on whether to appoint Acting Chief Norman as the next permanent Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department. The vote is scheduled to take place at the Board’s next regular meeting on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners welcomes public comments at the beginning of this meeting. All FPC meeting notices are available on the City of Milwaukee Legistar System.
This will be a virtual meeting that will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Those who wish to view the proceedings can do so at http://city.milwaukee.gov/citychannel and use Live Stream 1. Those who wish to join the meeting for public comment can do so at: https://bit.ly/31YQeiP.
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Residents who are unable to attend this meeting may submit comments to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners by emailing them to fpc@milwaukee.gov.

author: Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission


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Post from Community: Clayborn Benson featured speaker at 15th annual Armistice Day program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Veterans For Peace
November 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The 15th annual Armistice Day event sponsored by Milwaukee Veterans For Peace will return to its traditional location in the rotunda of Milwaukee City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7pm but also will be available as a Zoom webinar.
Speakers will be: Kathy Kelly, an international peace activist and three-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Clayborn Benson founder and director of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum.
Clayborn Benson, founder/director of Wis. Black Historical Society & Museum,  is a photographer, historian, and National Guard veteran who had a 40-year professional career as a WTMJ-TV photojournalist. He produced an award-winning documentary film, Black Communities. a three-part film on black housing, migration, settlements and trade skills in the United States, Wisconsin and Milwaukee. During the production of this documentary that Benson realized that the history and heritage of African American people in Wisconsin was widely scattered and poorly preserved. That became the catalyst for him founding the museum to preserve and maintain the culture of African American Wisconsinites. His topic is” Blessings and Lessons of a Military Veteran.”
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Kathy Kelly’s half century of activism has at times led her to war zones and federal prisons. She co-coordinates Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a campaign to end U.S. military and economic warfare. Nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, she traveled to Iraq 26 times, remaining in combat zones during “shock and awe” bombing early in US–Iraq wars. She has been in Afghanistan nearly 30 times and as an invited guest of the Afghan Peace Volunteers, has lived alongside Afghan people in a working class neighborhood in Kabul.
Two acoustic musical acts, Frogwater, a multi-instrumental duo whose repertoire spans from Celtic tunes to Delta blues, and original material. and songwriter/poet Harvey Taylor, will perform. The event is free and open to all. Masks will be required.
Veterans For Peace sponsors the annual event as a reminder that Nov. 11 was declared Armistice Day as a day to promote world peace, but since being renamed Veterans Day often seems to celebrate militarism.
Register here for the webinar.

author: Milwaukee Veterans For Peace


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clayborn-benson-2.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 1, 2021

author: Name *


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Post from Community: Honoring the Heartbeat powwow event this Friday | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, Inc
November 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Honoring the Heartbeat: Mental Health & Wellness Powwow  |  November 5th, 2021
Attendees will be required to show proof of either Covid-19 vaccination or a Negative Covid-19 Test within 72 hours.
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In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we will be holding an event that focuses on the importance of mental health and wellness, culture as prevention, and reducing the stigma of asking for help.
Visit https://www.paysbig.com/what-to-expect for Masking policy from Potawatomi Hotel & Casino


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ce410fd3-8458-122f-f5cc-7e2238086ba1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 1, 2021


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Post from Community: Local high school seniors invited to apply for second annual MCTS Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee County Transit System
November 1, 2021
(Photo provided by Milwaukee County Transit System)
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
As part of its annual on-board tribute recognizing Rosa Parks and her contribution to the fight for equality and equity for all, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) invites local students to apply for its Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship.
The scholarship, now in its second year, is open to high school seniors in Milwaukee County who will attend a trade school, college, or university in Fall 2022. Students must complete an online application and submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult, and a short essay inspired by Parks’ quote, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Entries must be submitted by January 7, 2022. Three winners, who will each receive $1,000 towards their higher education, will be announced on Parks’ birthday, February 4, 2022. Details about the scholarship can be found here.
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For the sixth year of its on-board tribute to Parks, MCTS will keep a seat open on every bus in the fleet from Wednesday, December 1 through Friday, December 3. Each reserved seat will include a red rose and a special placard that features Parks’ photo and a message about her courageous act. MCTS’s effort has gained widespread attention on social media and inspired transit agencies across the country to implement similar initiatives.
Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, after refusing to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Her small act of civil disobedience led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation. In 2019, Milwaukee County became the first jurisdiction in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis. Since then, more than 80 communities have followed suit.

author: Milwaukee County Transit System


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 2, 2021

created: November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Art Museum Workers petition Board of Trustees for living wages and a fair first contract | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Anne Wiberg
November 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Eleven months after the certification of their union election with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), workers at the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) are sending letters to the MAM Board of Trustees in anticipation of the Museum’s annual membership meeting which was held virtually on Thursday, October 28th.
Their letters emphasize a renewed call to MAM leadership to provide living wages, increased access to health insurance, a workplace that fosters diversity and equity, and to achieve a first contract that recognizes the essential contributions of MAM workers to fulfilling the Museum’s mission and strategic direction.
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A public letter to the Board of Trustees is also being circulated on Action Network in support of the workers.  A link to sign the petition is available HERE.
MAM workers’ campaign to organize with the IAMAW reflects their dedication to MAM’s mission and their desire to strengthen the Milwaukee community.  Nearly 90% of MAM employees in the newly organized bargaining unit call Milwaukee County home.  To do the best work possible, and to lead in the arts and culture sector regionally and nationally, the Museum must begin by valuing its employee base equitably.
Without providing fair and living wages to its workers, the museum will not be able to recruit and retain a diverse staff across all departments that truly reflects the Milwaukee community. Counting just those employees covered by the contract, the Museum has lost over 120 cumulative years of experience in the past 4 months. Improvements in working conditions are essential to reducing turnover.
About the IAM – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, shipbuilding, woodworking, and other industries. To learn more, visit www.iamawd10.org or contact Alex Hoekstra, Directing Business Representative at hoekalex@yahoo.com or (920) 210-7754.

author: Anne Wiberg


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October 29, 2021


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Post from Community: The Secret Lives of Planets | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UW-Milwaukee Planetarium
November 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Journey to each planet to gather clues and explore the mysteries that lie within. Behold the latest discoveries of several spacecraft from Juno to Curiosity that puzzle us such as Jupiter’s ever-changing storms, Saturn’s intriguing moons, and Mars’ potential for life. We’ll take questions at the end of the program through the chat. Recommended for ages 4 and up. For questions about this event, please email planetarium@uwm.edu.
Registration link: https://uwm.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1705
Cost: Pay what you can
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Location: Virtual, Youtube

author: UW-Milwaukee Planetarium


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Secret-lives-square.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 1, 2021


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Join an intimate ‘Frank Talks’ event with Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and the Zeidler Group | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
November 2, 2021
Keith Stanley (left) and Maysee Herr will discuss their personal experiences during the pandemic from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. (Photos by Sue Vliet)
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service joins the Zeidler Group for the second consecutive month to collaborate on the intimate conversation series, “Frank Talks.”
NNS recently published a collection of essays called “A New Way Forward,” in which the local leaders reflected on lessons they drew from the pandemic and their vision for a better Milwaukee. This month’s virtual discussion, “Frank Talk: A New Way Forward (Part 2),” features Maysee Herr and Keith Stanley and will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Following the panel discussion, attendees have the opportunity to join small group breakouts to continue the conversation. Click here to register.
In case you missed it:
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OPINION: We created a support system during the pandemic. And we must keep it going.
OPINION: The pandemic revealed the gulf between the have and have-nots in business. Yet resilience continues to win.

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 1, 2021


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Post from Community: MATC To hold virtual open house Nov. 10-11 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Area Technical College
November 2, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Milwaukee Area Technical College will host two free, public virtual open houses for prospective students and their families from 6-8 p.m Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.  The events will be held on Zoom and will utilize breakout rooms to meet with program and department representatives. Spanish-speaking staff will be available.
Session One on Wednesday, Nov. 10, will focus on programs in the following MATC Pathways: Healthcare; Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation; and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Session Two on Thursday, Nov. 11, will highlight Business; Community and Human Services; Creative Arts, Design and Media; and General Education.
Attendees can:
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Visit matc.edu/openhouse to RSVP. For more information, call 414-297-6228 or write recruitment@matc.edu.
Ready to apply? MATC is waiving the $30 application fee for a limited time!

Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 25,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

author: Milwaukee Area Technical College


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November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: MATC to host public COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus Nov. 9 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Area Technical College
November 2, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Milwaukee Area Technical College will host a free, public COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. The clinic will be held in Room M605, of the Main Building, 1015 N. 6th St. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered.
Free vouchers for the parking structure at North 8th and West State Streets will be available, and snacks and wellness kits will be offered.
Walk-ins are welcome, but you may pre-register at tinyurl.com/6v5yzexd.
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The Pfizer vaccine may be administered to anyone 12 years of age and up with parental approval. Vaccines are free, but please bring your insurance card.
For more information on both clinics, call Dr. Veal at  414-297-8095.
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 25,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.


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November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: Northern Lights | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UW-Milwaukee Planetarium
November 2, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Enjoy the radiance of the night sky and colorful displays of dancing lights with a behind-the-scenes tour of the science behind one of nature’s most remarkable light shows. We’ll take questions at the end of the program through the chat. Recommended for ages 4 and up. For questions about this event, please email planetarium@uwm.edu.
Date: Friday, December 17, 2021
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
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Cost: Pay What You Can
Registration Link: https://uwm.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1706


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November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: Spectrum announces $40,000 in Spectrum Digital Education grants for Milwaukee nonprofits | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Spectrum
November 2, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Spectrum today announced Digital Bridge and YWCA Southeast Wisconsin have received a Spectrum Digital Education grant to help promote digital literacy, as part of its five-year, $7 million commitment to digital education in Spectrum communities across the country.
“We applaud both Digital Bridge and YWCA Southeast Wisconsin for their broadband education initiatives and for helping us support efforts that promote digital literacy in the Milwaukee community,” said Rahman Khan, Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of broadband connectivity products. “Through this partnership with both groups, the Spectrum Digital Education program is able to bring essential resources to those in need, and we look forward to working with them on this transformative project.”
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Digital Bridge will receive a $25,000 grant to support its Bridge Milwaukee program, which refurbishes donated computer technology and makes it available to area families in need. Since its inception, Digital Bridge has received $112,500 from Spectrum through the Spectrum Digital Education grant program, including first-year funding used to support the development of the Bridge Milwaukee program.
“Digital Bridge is honored to be named a Spectrum Digital Education Grant recipient for the 4th year in a row. Our focus has been taking technological resources donated by companies and refurbishing this business-grade equipment to get it into the hands of those who would otherwise lack access,” says Jeff Hanson, Executive Director for Digital Bridge. “With Spectrum’s continued partnership and grant funding, we’ve added a layer of education and access training with our Bridge Milwaukee program to help individuals confidently take the equipment and utilize it to improve their lives.”
YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, which offers the region’s most robust community-based adult education program, will receive a grant of $15,000 to support the integration of expanded digital skills training into its adult education services.  Building on a broader goal of improving overall digital literacy in the community, the grant will also support the initial development of a stand-alone, a la carte digital skills model.
Jennifer de Montmollin, Chief Program Officer at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, noted, “We are thrilled to receive this Spectrum Digital Education Grant, which will provide our existing adult education students opportunities to expand their digital competency, supporting further education and enhanced employment options. Spectrum’s support is vital as we develop digital skilling opportunities for them and future opportunities for the community-at-large.”
The organizations are two of 49 nonprofit organizations that Spectrum is supporting through 2021 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since launching Spectrum Digital Education in 2017, Spectrum has donated $7 million in cash and in-kind contributions for digital literacy programs reaching nearly 70,000 people in 20 states and Washington, D.C. More information about Spectrum Digital Education is available here.
“The grants awarded to Digital Bridge and the YWCA of SE Wisconsin are extremely encouraging,” said state Sen. La Tonya Johnson. “Spectrum is helping to provide digital skills training and access to technology at a challenging time, and I commend Spectrum for playing an important role in helping to bridge the digital divide in Milwaukee.”
Charter sponsors several philanthropic programs in addition to Spectrum Digital Education, including Spectrum Scholars, a scholarship for under-represented college juniors in financial need; Spectrum Employee Community Grants, which supports Charter employees’ local volunteer activities; and the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund, which supports small and minority-owned businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in financially underserved communities within the company’s footprint. More information about Charter’s philanthropic initiatives is available here.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than
31 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

author: Spectrum


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Spectrum_Logo_RGB.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 2, 2021


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There’s a new vendor for the state’s non-emergency medical transportation program. Here’s what you need to know and how to use it. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
November 2, 2021
Veyo, a non-emergency medical transportation service, is now the main vendor for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ transportation program. (Photo provided by Veyo)
Leer en español: Hay un nuevo proveedor para el programa estatal de transporte médico que no es de emergencia. Esto es lo que necesita saber y cómo usarlo.
On Nov. 1, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services switched to a new provider for its non-emergency medical transportation program.
Veyo, a medical transportation service currently operating in seven other states, will take over for the state program that provides rides, gas money and bus fare reimbursement for Wisconsin residents who receive BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid.
The program was previously managed by Medical Transport Management.
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Services are based on a rider’s circumstances. If you have a car and can get to the appointment but can’t afford gas, the program will reimburse you by the mile you traveled. If you have access to public transportation, the program will get bus tickets for a nearby route. If neither of these options work, the program will pick you up in a vehicle appropriate for your needs.
If you have a way to get to appointments and don’t need assistance, you won’t be eligible to receive services.
Adam Thomas, Wisconsin market director for Veyo, said one of the biggest changes will be Veyo’s digital platform. Riders will have access to an online portal that allows them to cancel or request a ride, gives them real-time information about their trip and allows them to message members of the Veyo team.
Riders can also sign up for optional text alerts and bring other people with them, such as children, legal dependents or support people. If you’re going to bring someone else, you do have to let Veyo know ahead of time when you schedule your appointment.
Veyo will also manage a critical care team to take patients to dialysis, cancer treatments and hospital and dental visits.
The Department of Health Services offers free non-emergency medical transportation services to recipients in the following programs:
How to get a ride or bus tickets
You can schedule an appointment by phone at 866-907-1493. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.
You’ll need to have the following answers ready:
You can also submit this information online at Veyo’s online portal. Riders will need to create an account and use their name, ForwardHealth ID, date of birth and email address.
Users will need to schedule their ride two business days before their appointment. Currently, same-day rides are available for those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations.
Urgent rides also are available for riders who do not need to call 911 but do need to see a doctor in fewer than two days. Those appointments can be requested 24/7 at 866-907-1493. They cannot be requested online.
How to get paid back for gas money
If you have a car but can’t afford to get gas, the state will reimburse you to get to your appointment.
To get reimbursed, fill out this trip log on the Veyo website to submit online. You can also print the trip log, which can be found here, and mail it to 8383 Greenway Blvd., Suite 400, Middleton, WI., 53562.
You will need:
How to contact Veyo
Call 866-907-1493 or visit the Veyo member portal.
To apply for BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid
Visit this link to apply online. Call 888-947-6583 for Milwaukee Enrollment Services. You can also visit the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center, 1220 W. Vliet St. to complete a paper form in-person.
You will need proof for the following:

author: Matt Martinez


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Latinx medical students get the word out about COVID-19 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
November 3, 2021
Members of the Latino Medical Student Association pose next to a mural on Milwaukee’s South Side. From left to right: Dr. Christian Hernandez, Raquel Valdes, Cristhian Gutierrez-Huerta, Ana Maria Viteri and Laura Carrillo. (Photo provided by Medical College of Wisconsin)
Leer en español: Estudiantes latinos de medicina hacen correr la voz sobre COVID-19
These Latinx students at the Medical College of Wisconsin want to become doctors for different reasons.
Ana Maria Viteri, co-president of the Latino Medical Student Association, was inspired by her mother, who did community outreach. Viteri, who was born in Ecuador and came to the United States at age 9, said she was motivated to go into medicine because of the disparities she saw in health care for the Latinx community.
Jessie Duarte, another co-president of the student association, which also is called LMSA, grew up in Salt Lake City as the son of Guatemalan immigrants. He often wondered how much easier it would have been for a Latinx doctor to address his family’s health concerns directly.
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Now, Viteri and Duarte both seek to make the vision of a healthier community a reality. Their first challenge: COVID-19.
Spurred by disproportionate rates of the virus, the Latino Medical Student Association, a national group with a chapter at the Medical College of Wisconsin, took to the streets on the South Side in late to do outreach about the vaccine and to provide information about COVID-19. The group has 80 members at the college. Viteri and Duarte head the eight-member executive board.
Their first stops were in South Side churches, speaking to congregations about COVID-19. Then they became regular fixtures at festivals and back-to-school fairs. At some events, they saw people walk straight from their table to go get vaccinated elsewhere at the festival.
Milwaukee’s South Side has seen more COVID-19 cases than any other area in the city. The 53215 ZIP code, home to Layton Park and Burnham Park, has seen nearly 12,000 cases, according to data from the Milwaukee Health Department.
The next closest is the 53204 ZIP code, containing Clarke Square and Walker’s Point, with over 7,800 cases, also on the South Side. In Wisconsin, the Latinx population has more cases per 100,000 people than any other racial or ethnic group, according to the Department of Health Services.
The team partnered with the United Community Center, an organization that provides services to the Latinx community on the near South Side, to do outreach and distribute pamphlets that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, Viteri said.
Youthful connections
Shary Perez, health research program coordinator at United Community Center, said that the students were instrumental in connecting with the younger generation. Many in the community were hesitant to get the vaccine because they still had a lot of questions about it, Perez said.
Viteri said medical lingo can be complicated even for budding medical students and breaking down advanced terms is crucial for getting the right messages out into the community.
Sometimes using analogies and illustrating medical concepts is more effective than explaining something scientifically, she said.
“They can translate not just into Spanish but also make it more understandable,” Perez said. “It’s important to have a simple conversation and not use big words.”
Viteri said that the group has run across people who were hesitant or flat out refused to get vaccinated. The members stress the importance of listening to their reasoning.
“Science is real, but so is history,” Viteri said. “We have to honor that some people have medical mistrust. But you navigate that through increasing visibility and access to health care.”
Many young people in the community didn’t think they needed the vaccine because they were healthy, Perez said, but having the medical students available to talk about their own experiences with it and the science behind it helped change minds.
‘People were proud of them’
Perez said having the opportunity to communicate with the students one-on-one without having to go to a doctor’s office made all the difference.
“People were proud of them,” Perez said. “They were proud to see Latinos working to get into medicine.”
Viteri stressed the importance of visibility in the community, not just by putting a familiar face to institutions like MCW, but also by helping to inspire the next generation of medical students to step into their shoes. Duarte said the group mentors pre-med students and visits local high schools.
“If I would have been able to see a Latino medical student, I think it would have been more motivating,” Duarte said. “Just being there and answering questions and saying ‘you can do it.’ Of course it’s tough. It’s a long road, but you take it step by step.”
The importance of that representation and cultural competence could make all the difference for a patient. Viteri said dealing with the virus in these communities can be “multifactorial” as residents might be living in multigenerational homes, have other medical conditions and work in jobs that they can’t afford to miss.
Understanding these challenges comes naturally to those living through them.
“That’s why we need more physicians of color,” Viteri said. “We need more physicians from underrepresented backgrounds, from immigrant backgrounds, from low-income backgrounds, because we bring that insight that is so unique and valuable that unfortunately you cannot learn in a classroom.”
As far as lessons learned through the outreach, Duarte said being attentive to the community’s concerns is something the group plans to practice as physicians.
“Just take the extra few minutes,” Duarte said. “Never be too good to answer the small questions. They can make a huge difference.”

created: November 3, 2021


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 2, 2021


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51634036089_4c8b4a5b35_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: Dancing with the start-ups | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
BizStarts
November 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The 2021 BizStarts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Celebration promises to be the greatest in Milwaukee’s history. Our theme, “Dancing With The Start-Ups” lends itself to a whimsical-kick-up-your-heels-and-celebrate-entrepreneurship, kind of evening!
We will be rolling out the red carpet on Tuesday November 16th at The Italian Community Center starting at 5:30pm and ending at 8:30pm with some of Wisconsin’s most recognizable stars, paparazzi. music, dancing, and a few tremendous surprises. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! Along with attending, hope you will consider supporting us with sponsorship. See various levels below. All have tremendous value.
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author: BizStarts


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BizStarts-Honors-Medal-2021-2-x-2-in.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 2, 2021


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Post from Community: First Stage presents the heartwarming classic A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage
November 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
This holiday season brings the joyful return of First Stage’s production of Charles M. Schulz’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS to the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater. Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, with stage adaptation by Eric Schaeﬀer, by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson, and directed by Artistic Director Jeff Frank, the play features an iconic score performed by Music Director/Pianist Paul Helm as well as 11 young performers in two different casts. As the beloved story goes: It’s Christmas time. Everyone in town is giddy with holiday cheer, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. He’s depressed with the commercialization of the season. Will directing the Christmas play help him get in the spirit of the season? Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. This is one holiday outing the entire family will treasure together! Sponsored by Associated Bank, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren. Performance runtime is approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 4+.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS runs November 20 – December 26, 2021 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206 or online at firststage.org.
“Charlie Brown is a study in perseverance and positivity,” shared Artistic Director/Director Jeff Frank. “No matter how many times Lucy pulls that football away, he has faith that one day he will boot that football through the uprights. No matter how many losses his team suffers on the baseball field, he remains hopeful that a victory awaits. All of us can identify with Charlie’s struggles. Life can be hard. We can lose our way and get discouraged. But this show reminds us that we are at our best when we come together, when we care for each other, when we take the time to really see each other. We all know it’s been a hard year and a half, and a time for reflection on what is meaningful in our lives. What better time to come back to an old friend like A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, whose message is as relevant now as when it was written over 50 years ago?”
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BIOGRAPHIES
Jeff Frank (Artistic Director/Director/Understudy for Mr. Backes) is recognized as one of the top directors in the field with an expertise in developing new work for theater for young audiences. He holds a BFA in Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an MFA in Child Drama from the University of Utah. Having served as First Stage’s Education and Academy Director from 1996 – 2003 and as First Stage’s Artistic Director since February 2003, Jeff remains committed to the power of theater to transform lives and is forever thankful to call First Stage home.
Paul Helm (Music Director/Pianist) is always grateful to be back at First Stage! Previous First Stage credits include BIG RIVER, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, BIG FISH, SEUSSICAL, U: BUG: ME!, MY SON PINOCCHIO, ALEXANDER . . . VERY BAD DAY, JUNIE B. JONES . . . MONKEY BUSINESS, THE HAPPY ELF, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD and THE QUILTMAKER’S GIFT. Paul has performed, directed and music directed with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Hippodrome Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, freeFall Theatre Company, Sacramento Theatre Company, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre and Bucknell University. Recent credits include MURDER FOR TWO, BRIGHT STAR, THE FANTASTICKS, SOUVENIR, CRAZY FOR YOU, THE COCOANUTS, SPRING AWAKENING, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, GUYS ON ICE and FOREVER PLAID. He was also a vocalist for DISNEY ON CLASSIC, a three-month symphony concert tour of Japan with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. paulhelm.net
ADULT
J.T. Backes (Snoopy) is beyond thrilled to be returning to the Todd Wehr stage with First Stage (LOVABYE DRAGON, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, BIG FISH and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL). Other favorite roles:  Bingo Little in BY JEEVES (Windfall Theatre), Jon in TICK TICK BOOM (Lake Country Playhouse) and Dickon in THE SECRET GARDEN (Soulstice Theatre). J.T is the Academy Headmaster for First Stage Theater Academy and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.
Jeff Schaetzke (Understudy for Mr. Helm/Director of Artistic Operations) has a long history at First Stage as a director, teacher, music director and actor, dating back to playing Romeo in 1996. Most recently, Jeff directed ELF – THE MUSICAL and the music for Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER THE MUSICAL. Other First Stage favorites include THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN THE MUSICAL, LOVABYE DRAGON, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL, ELLA ENCHANTED; BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL; BIG FISH (having also appeared as Edward Bloom); BIG, THE MUSICAL and many others. Jeff enjoys leading the Young Company trip to American Players Theatre; and he directed the Summer Academy’s Company Class production of LEGALLY BLONDE, JR. in 2019. A lifelong Milwaukeean, Jeff has enjoyed working with many Milwaukee theaters, including playing Father in Skylight Music Theatre’s production of VIOLET, and directing music for Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Skylight Music Theatre, Carroll University, UWM and Marquette University. Other credits: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s THE DALY NEWS, two seasons at American Players Theatre and a 22-year relationship at Dominican High School. Jeff is a 2014 inductee into the Wisconsin Theatre Directors Hall of Fame, and a 4-time Outstanding Musical Award Winner at the Overture Center’s TOMMY/JERRY Awards. He’s a proud graduate of North Central College and the Professional Theatre Training Program at UW-Milwaukee.
YOUNG PERFORMER CASTS
Young Performer roles are double cast. Young Performers in the Sparky Cast include: Nolan Zellermayer(Milwaukee) as Charlie Brown; Thatcher Jacobs (Fox Point) as Schroeder; King Z. Pollard (Milwaukee) as Linus; Patrick Kanter (Fox Point) as Shermy; Benjamin Poindexter (Franklin) as Pig Pen; Alice Rivera(Milwaukee) as Lucy; Lucy Halpern (Whitefish Bay) as Violet; Maura Kuhnen-Grooms (Shorewood) as Sally; Taylor Arnstein (Fox Point) as Freida; Lucia Harris (Fox Point) as Patty and Sharon Chumlea(Cedarburg) as Skater.
Young Performers in the Schulz Cast include: Edward Owczarski (Milwaukee) as Charlie Brown; Ben Nowacek (Wauwatosa) as Schroeder; William Swoboda (Whitefish Bay) as Linus; Collin Weise (Wauwatosa) as Shermy; Layton Lal (Whitefish Bay) as Pig Pen; Ailie Snyder (Milwaukee) as Lucy; Abigial Montie (New Berlin) as Violet; Lauren DeGroot (Menomonee Falls) as Sally; Reese Bell(Cedarburg) as Freida; Sydney McElroy (Milwaukee) as Patty and Lauren Edwards (Greenfield) as Skater.
The Artistic Staff for A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS includes: Jeff Frank (Artistic Director/Director);Chris Feiereisen (Choreographer); Paul Helm, Member of Actors’ Equity Association, (Music Director/Pianist); Martin McClendon (Scenic Designer); Jason Orlenko, USAA (Costume Designer); Noele Stollmack (Lighting Designer); Melissa L. Wanke, Member of Actors’ Equity Association, (Stage Manager) and Carrie Johns (Assistant Stage Manager).
Tickets start at $24 – Tickets may be purchased at firststage.org or through the Marcus Center Box Office, in person at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee or by phone (414) 273-7206 or toll free at (888) 612-3500. The number for TDD (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) is (414) 273-3080.
COVID Protocols: First Stage COVID safety protocols can be viewed here: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/safety-security/ – performances
Special events for A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Pay What You Choose Performance: Friday, November 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Pay What You Choose tickets are available on a first come, first served basis with a minimum suggested donation of $5 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on the day of the performance. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early.
ASL Interpreted Performance: Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
This performance will be sign language interpreted for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Assistive listening devices are also available at the Todd Wehr Theater.
Sensory Friendly Performance: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7 p.m.
A Sensory Friendly Performance with accommodations for families with children on the autism spectrum will take place on Wednesday, December 1 at 7 p.m. Sensory accommodations include lower sound, house lights up, a quiet area staffed by an educator experienced with the care of students on the autism spectrum and other developmental differences, and more. Tickets for Sensory Friendly Performances are $10. Order by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to reserve tickets. To learn more visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/sensory-friendly-performances/
FACT SHEET
About: A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
By Charles M. Schulz
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson
Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeﬀer
By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
Directed by Jeff Frank
Sponsored by Associated Bank, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
Location: The Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee
Live Performances: November 20 – December 26, 2021
Description: Come home for the holidays with First Stage and this treasured holiday classic. Everyone is giddy with Christmas cheer, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. Will directing the Christmas play help him get in the spirit of the season? Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. This is one holiday gift the entire family will treasure. Performance runtime is approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 4+.
Performances:
For more information, please visit firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

author: First Stage


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Post from Community: License Division hours to change effective Monday, November 8th | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee City Clerk
November 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The city’s License Division (Room 105 at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.) will open for normal business at 9:30 a.m.(instead of the usual 8:15 a.m.) beginning Monday, November 8th, City Clerk Jim Owczarski said today.
Mr. Owczarski said the change in the division’s normal Monday through Friday opening time will allow staff to better serve the public at this time.
“The License Division is working through some challenges related to staffing and having the later start will provide some much needed time for training and operational progress moving forward,” he said. “We ask those who are regular visitors to Room 105 to please make a note of the (opening time) change.”
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The License Division’s closing time will remain 4:30 p.m.
Per usual, applications and payments can also be submitted using the drop box located inside the City Hall rotunda (just outside the License Division, room 105).
Licensees can also still submit an application to the License Division using one of the following options:
Office of the City Clerk, License Division
200 E. Wells St., Room 105
Milwaukee, WI 53202
When submitting an application by one of the above means, please be sure to include accurate contact information. As always, License Division staff are available by phone Monday through Friday (during normal business hours) at (414) 286-2238.

author: City of Milwaukee City Clerk


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit
November 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
During this uneven recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, jobseekers are in high demand by local employers. Yet many jobseekers with barriers to employment still are finding that it’s difficult to find a good job with a pathway to a solid career. The Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, aims to connect jobseekers with up to 30 employers with immediate job openings—including the Milwaukee Bucks—as well as provide resources and presentations on removing obstacles that hinder career development.
The Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit will feature:
The Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit is sponsored by KOHL’s. Community partners include: Employ Milwaukee, Coalition on Lead Emergency, MATC, MICAH, Milwaukee Transitional Jobs Collaborative, Project Return, Running Rebels, Urban Underground, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, US Department of Justice Eastern District of Wisconsin, US Probation and Pretrial Services Eastern District of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Community Services, and Community Advocates Public Policy Institute.
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Jobseekers are invited to stop by the Milwaukee Career and Employment Summit between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee. A free lunch will be served and participants will be eligible for drawings for gift cards.
++MASKS ARE REQUIRED++
Registrations are welcome but not required at this link.

author: Milwaukee Career & Employment Summit


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Recreation Job Fair on Saturday, November 13, 2021 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Recreation
November 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
WHAT: Milwaukee Recreation is hiring part-time staff. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend a job fair on Saturday, November 13 from 10am – 2pm at South Division High School to speak with Milwaukee Recreation team members about various open positions. Applications will be taken on-site. Available opportunities include activity instructors, adult & youth sports officials, building & event staff, child care camps staff, coaches, scorekeepers, lifeguards and more. Some positions are open for high school students ages 15 and up. Interested candidates can also apply online today atmkerec.net/JobOpenings.
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WHERE: South Division High School, 1515 W Lapham Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53204
WHEN: Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
WHO: Any candidates interested in seeking part-time employment with Milwaukee Recreation.

author: Milwaukee Recreation


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 3, 2021

author: Dwayne Burtin


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41 years and counting: Project Return continues mission to support formerly incarcerated individuals | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
November 4, 2021
Pastor Joe Ellwanger helped found Project Return in 1980. The organization now serves more than 1,000 people a year. (Photo provided by Project Return)
It was 1980, and the social ministry committee at Cross Lutheran Church was looking for ways to better serve the community.
“We discovered there were three prerelease centers within a mile or two of our congregation, and that was an area of need,” recalled Pastor Joe Ellwanger, referring to the church located at 1821 N. 16th St. “Men and women were coming back from prison and could use some help.”
The group launched Project Return, an organization that for more than 41 years has helped people make a positive and permanent return from prison.
In the early days, volunteers took participants to the library, church, ballgames or even their own homes, said Ellwanger, a founding board member and volunteer for the organization.
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Stricter oversight from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections eliminated most of those types of activities, but Project Return, now located at 2821 Vel R. Phillips Ave., still provides employment, housing, drug and alcohol counseling, life skills training and other support to returnees.
One of its signature programs is Circles of Support, a peer-led group that provides mentorship and an emotional outlet for participants.
‘I was having a tough time’
Ray Mendoza, 51, learned about Circles of Support when he returned home after serving nearly 18 years in federal prison.
“I was institutionalized, dealing with the trauma of being incarcerated and trying to reacclimate myself to society,” he said. “I was having a tough time.”
He gave the group a try.
“We talked about daily things that you run across being a returning citizen that has an “F” for felony on your report card and about people not wanting to give you a chance,” Mendoza said. “They helped me get through those challenges and talk about stuff that I needed to get off my chest.”
Finding a support system is crucial to helping individuals avoid recidivism and turn around their lives, said Wendel Hruska, executive director of Project Return.
In the group, individuals discuss employment and housing challenges, the stigma of having been incarcerated and other issues such as how to repair damaged relationships, Hruska said. While they work to rebuild their lives, they are connected to supportive services at Project Return and in the community to help them avoid mistakes that can land them back in prison, he added.
“We’ll provide holistic care to meet the needs of these individuals,” Hruska said. “We can’t just focus on finding someone employment if they’re struggling with an addiction.”
Like Ellwanger, now 87, Hruska has been with Project Return for decades, joining the organization straight from college in 2000 through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.
At the time, Project Return was still headquartered in a back office at Cross Lutheran Church and had only two full-time employees. The organization has since grown to seven full-time staff members, most of whom have been incarcerated, and around 75 volunteers, he said. It serves more than 1,000 individuals annually, Hruska added.
Mendoza, who also works as a violence interrupter for the group 414LIFE, is a circle keeper for the Circles of Support group and hosts weekly meetings on Zoom.
“A lot of the guys look forward to meeting every week because we are a positive influence and encourage them to leave the stuff that got them in trouble alone,” Mendoza said. “They’re trying to change their habits and environments, and many in my circle have been successful in doing so.”
Circles of Support has expanded in recent years to include groups for women, families and others.
But it continues its core mission of advocacy.
“The voice of the returning citizens is really paramount to what we do as an organization,” said Hruska, adding that participants of Project Return have testified before the Legislature and built relationships with elected officials and other leaders. “That advocacy has changed the nature of our relationships with community partners and the Department of Corrections to where they now understand that they need the involvement of people that have been formerly incarcerated to make the changes that need to happen.”
It also helps to reduce the stigma in the community for returnees.
“We’re eligible for that second chance, and that’s why we were released from prison,” Mendoza said. “It’s really about people understanding that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, even though you made mistakes.”

created: November 4, 2021

author: Edgar Mendez


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NNS on ‘Lake Effect’: 5 things to do this November in Milwaukee neighborhoods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
November 4, 2021
5 Points Art Gallery + Studio, whose gift shop is seen here, is celebrating its third anniversary with a party. (Photo by Adam Carr)
NNS’s Adam Carr joined WUWM and Joy Powers of “Lake Effect” for the November installment of our monthly “5 Things” feature.
Listen to the interview here.
This month includes Ex Fabula’s in-person story slam around the theme of “Eutopia,” Hush Hush Reads book sale, a second “A New Way Forward” Frank Talks event with NNS and Zeidler Group, 5 Points Art Gallery + Studio’s 3-year anniversary party and the Women of Steel Diaper Drive.
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5 things to know and do the weekend of Nov. 5 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
November 5, 2021
Check out ReVibe this Saturday, a poetry, dance and music experience. (File photo provided by WoLF Studios MKE)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know.
If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Honoring the Heartbeat: A Mental Health & Wellness Powwow: Friday, Nov. 5
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center is hosting “Honoring the Heartbeat,” an event that focuses on the importance of mental health and wellness, culture as prevention and reducing the stigma of asking for help. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, 1721 W. Canal St. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours is required to attend.
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2. ReVibe Vol. II: a curated dance, poetry and music experience: Saturday, Nov. 6
ReVibe Vol. II is a curated performance experience, hosted by WoLF Studios MKE and the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, featuring emerging artists from Milwaukee and the Midwest. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the MARN ART + CULTURE HUB, 191 N Broadway. Tickets are $20 for the in-person show and $10 to attend virtually.
3. Hush Hush Reads Book Sale: Saturday, Nov. 6
Looking for a good read? A shirt? New tote? All of these items are available at Hush Hush Reads’ Book Sale from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2913 N. 76th St. Learn more about Hush Hush Reads here.
4. Pop Up Art Sale featuring Adjua Nsoroma: Saturday, Nov. 6
Milwaukee-based artist Adjua Nsoroma will be selling prints and original paintings at the Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. You can view some of their previous work here.
5. November Kujichagulia Culinary Market: Sunday, Nov. 7
The Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative is a collective of entrepreneurs working under the guidance of Kujichagulia, the second principle of Kwanzaa referring to “self-determination.” The November Kujichagulia Culinary Market will include food from local entrepreneurs. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 at the Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave.

created: November 5, 2021

author: Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 4, 2021


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Not many Black men work in early childhood education. Next Door’s Jeremy Walton wants to change that. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
November 5, 2021
Jeremy Walton reads a book with two of his students at Next Door. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
After seven years, Jeremy Walton finally feels like he’s back where he belongs.
After spending nearly a decade as an IT support technician for Next Door, an early childhood education organization in Milwaukee, Walton returned to the classroom as an educator in August.
“It’s going to reach farther than me helping people with their technology needs versus me helping develop human beings to become a better version of themselves,” Walton said. “You can always order a part for a laptop or a monitor, but you can’t order a new heart. You can’t replace a hurt emotion.”
Walton, 44, started working in early childhood education in 2001. He is a son of educators and volunteered in a classroom in the summer before his senior year in high school.
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The importance of being a Black man in the classroom, particularly for developing children, isn’t lost on Walton. Only 2% of teachers nationwide were Black men, according to a 2016 study from the U.S. Department of Education.
While kids in Walton’s classroom do what you might expect – read storybooks, have playtime, learn values like sharing and friendship—Walton said he seeks to nurture their developing brains.
“They don’t stay this size forever,” Walton said. “When I come here every day, I need to teach them right . . . because that can be the difference between an angry adult or an individual who is able to manage their emotions and navigate life a lot better.”
Walton sees his role in the children’s lives as important. In him, they have a role model to show them that it’s OK to show different emotions.
“Being masculine doesn’t always mean having a hard exterior, being devoid of emotion,” Walton said. “What it really means is that we need to be full of life. We can be nurturing, caring, compassionate, a protector, all of these different areas.”
Where men are a minority
Walton said he wanted to see more men step up and get involved with early childhood education, as there are few men in these positions. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 99% of preschool and kindergarten teachers were women.
Tracey Sparrow, president of Next Door, said this is partly because of an outdated social view that early childhood education roles are mostly for women. Many people misunderstand the importance of early childhood education and equate it with other forms of child care, she said.
“It’s the furthest thing in the world from babysitting,” she said. “You’re developing minds and brains of young children.”
Sparrow said Walton has tried to increase the number of educators personally. He volunteers as a mentor for members of The Literacy Lab, a national organization aimed at increasing literacy in the country The organization’s Leading Men Fellowship program specifically aims to place young men of color in early education positions.
The Rev. John Walton, Jeremy’s father and the pastor of Epistles of Christ Church, 2407 W. Nash St., said one of his son’s strong suits is having patience with kids.
“His heart has always been with teaching and training young people,” Walton said. “He has that fire, that passion, that drive to do it.”
Walton said that Jeremy’s work in his church speaks volumes about his dedication to the community. He’s organized bookbag drives, meal distributions and other events to help bring the church closer to residents.
“He saw so much need to try to reach out,” John Walton said.
For Jeremy, it’s simply a way to give back.
“I can’t save the world, but I can touch the lives of the eight families that we have and be an example,” he said.


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Post from Community: Black-led grassroots groups and faith organizations issue urgent call for changes | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
MKE Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity
November 5, 2021
Event leaders and supporters: Front row left to right- Elise Papke, UW-Milwaukee Zilber School of Public Health, Lisa Jones, Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH), Lorraine Halinka Malcoe, UWM Zilber School of Public Health, Jeff Roman, Office on African American Affairs. Back row left to right- Quinton Cotton, QDC Research and Policy Consulting Group, LLC, Ericka Sinclair, Health Connections, Inc., Darryl Davidson, Office of Community Engagement for the City of Milwaukee, Pastor Walter Lanier, Progressive Baptist Church, Pastor Terrence Moore, Kairos International Christian Church, Inc., Photo Credit: Lauren Otto, Science writer / media relations, UWM
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Nearly 50 concerned residents turned out recently as the MKE Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity presented its plan to improve life conditions and the well-being of Black families and communities in Milwaukee County. The group delivered its Community Change Agenda and Call to Action during an event at the MATC Downtown Campus.
“This Change Agenda demonstrates that the days of a top down approach are over,” said Jeff Roman, director of the Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs and a member of the Network. “It exemplifies that we [the Black Community] have the power to define, we have the power to advocate for, we have the power to act on, if equitably invested in and actively supported, we have the capacity and ability to act on what is best for ourselves, our families and our communities.”
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Outlined in the group’s agenda were several concepts related to Social Justice, Healing Justice, Black Liberation, Systems Change, and Black Cultural Lens, which they said should be used to develop solutions that will shift Milwaukee’s landscape and improve Black lives. Milwaukee County leaders have pledged to support their plans.
The group, established in January 2021 to address the impact of COVID-19 on Black families, includes Rozalia Harris, Elle Hill,Camille Mays, Vaun Mayes, Melody McCurtis,
Fardowsa Mohamed, Antonia Drew Vann, and several other Black Pastors and leaders of Black-led grassroots organizations. The MKE Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity was funded by the Zilber Family Foundation through the UWM-Zilber School of Public Health.
You can access the Community Change Agenda and Report here. Hear more from MKE Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity members here.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 5, 2021


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Post from Community: MATC, Carthage College, UW-Parkside and UW-Milwaukee receive national recognition for partnering for student success | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Area Technical College
November 5, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Education company EAB has named Milwaukee Area Technical College, Carthage College, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as winners of its national CONNECTEDness Award. The four institutions represent EAB’s Milwaukee-Kenosha Moon Shot for Equity Region.
Moon Shot for Equity is a national initiative that aims to close equity gaps within regional cohorts of two- and four-year colleges and universities by 2030. All participating institutions work together and with EAB to help more historically underserved students graduate from college.
EAB’s CONNECTEDness Award recognizes schools that build relationships across institution types, connecting community colleges, four-year schools, and the broader higher education community by forging connections in strategic and innovative ways to benefit students regardless of their institution.
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This is the eighth year that EAB has recognized outstanding achievements by colleges and universities. Awardees are chosen from among the colleges, universities, and individuals that use Navigate, EAB’s student success management system, or Starfish, the student success platform EAB acquired earlier this year.
“Students, faculty and campus staff are still learning how to access and deliver the right combination of online and in-person support services that are critical to student success,” said EAB President of Technology, Scott Schirmeier. “The winners of EAB’s 2021 CONNECTEDness Award have gone above and beyond in their mission to keep students on track to graduate at a time when the pandemic has completely upended the traditional student support model.”
“On behalf of our four Milwaukee-Kenosha Moon Shot for Equity colleges and universities, we are grateful and proud to receive this award,” said Dr. Vicki J. Martin, MATC president. “Eliminating equity gaps in the next 10 years is an economic, social, educational and moral imperative for our students, communities and our region. We are dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to transform their lives and livelihoods through access to educational excellence.”
The awards were presented at CONNECTED21, a three-day virtual gathering of thousands of student success leaders from progressive community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities.
At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,500 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across five major areas: enrollment; student success; institutional strategy; data & analytics; and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). We work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve. Learn more at eab.com.
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 25,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.


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Post from Community: Milwaukee County Healthy Start receives grant to provide car seats to pregnant women enrolled in the program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee County Healthy Start
November 5, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The Milwaukee County Healthy Start program has received a $1,500 grant from Independent Care Health Plan (iCare) to purchase and provide car seats to pregnant moms enrolled in the program. Healthy Start provides resources and support to reduce maternal child health disparities and improve birth outcomes for African American women, newborns and fathers in Milwaukee County. iCare grants community investment sponsorships to further the work of organizations like Healthy Start that serve vulnerable populations.
“We are thrilled to be able to extend our services to offer a limited number of car seats to our participants,” said Meagan Bella, prevention supervisor, Milwaukee County Healthy Start. “By purchasing the proper car seats, we are ensuring our participants have a safe way to transport their babies.”
Car seats are available to Healthy Start participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be enrolled in the Healthy Start program and can enroll by completing the sign-up form on milwaukeehealthystart.org or by calling (414) 292-4243. Healthy Start provides resources and support free-of-charge to African American women, infants ages 0-18 months and fathers/partners in Milwaukee County. Services include pregnancy support and education, baby care basics, new parent education, mental and behavioral health support and access to safety, housing, transportation and employment.
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“The work Milwaukee County Healthy Start is doing to improve birth outcomes and address health equity is important,” said Tony Mollica, iCare CEO/President. “The Healthy Start program is all about supporting healthy babies, so making car seats available is an important step for new parents.. We’re glad to be able to offer our support.”

author: Milwaukee County Healthy Start


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Healthy-Start-graphic-01.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 4, 2021

author: Name *


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Nov. 8 to Nov. 12 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
November 8, 2021
Near West Side Partners Executive Director Keith Stanley (left) and Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maysee Herr will speak from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 as part of the Zeidler Group’s virtual “Frank Talks.” (Photos by Sue Vliet)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Frank Talk: A New Way Forward (Part II): Wednesday, Nov. 10
In recent months, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service invited neighbors to share what they’ve learned during the pandemic and their visions for a better Milwaukee. Near West Side Partners Executive Director Keith Stanley and Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maysee Herr, will offer their reflections from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 as part of the Zeidler Group’s virtual “Frank Talks.” Register for free here.
2. 2021 Milwaukee Public Library Teen Art Contest: Now until Nov. 26
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The 2021 Virtual Teen Art Contest is here. Teens from 13 to 18 years old can enter their original art piece online now through Nov. 26 here. Submissions will be displayed online for one week (Dec. 6-10) during a virtual art gallery. The three submissions with the most votes will receive a $100 gift card to Blick Art Materials.
3. Milwaukee Career and Employment Summit: Thursday, Nov. 11
Hosted by Community Advocates, the Milwaukee Career and Employment Summit will feature testimonies from individuals who have overcome significant obstacles to employment and presentations by employers and agencies who have a track record of employing people with obstacles to employment. Over 30 employers with immediate job openings, including Kohl’s and Advocate Aurora Health, will be present. The summit takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. Register for free here.
4. Music Under the Stars: Friday, Nov. 12
Arts @ Large’s free concert series is back, this time featuring Party Marty and his student backing band. The event takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at 1100 S. 5th St. No registration or tickets are required. Attendees will be required to provide either proof of vaccination with their vaccine card or a negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours. Register here.
5. MIAD Black Space: Group Therapy Experience: Friday, Nov. 12
Black Space is an in-person space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black and Brown Womxn, Black and Brown LGBTQIA+, and Black and Brown Mxn. Friday’s sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Lia A. Knox, founder and CEO of Knox Behavioral Health Solutions and co-founder of Black Space. There will be three separate sessions for womxn, LGBTQIA+, and mxn from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at 1037 W. McKinley Ave. More details and registration here.
BONUS: November Virtual Coffee Connection: Wednesday, Nov. 10
Join the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce for a “Coffee Connection” virtual networking event on from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Grab a cup of coffee at home for an hour of conversation with your fellow Chamber members. Register here.
BONUS: Help keep NNS in business: Through Dec. 31.
We are in the second week of our annual fundraising campaign. As a nonprofit newsroom, NNS is focused on serving you rather than earning a profit. But we still have bills to pay, including ensuring that our professional reporters and editors earn a livable wage. Without them, there is no NNS. Please donate to our annual fund-raising campaign.

created: November 8, 2021


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
November 7, 2021

created: November 7, 2021


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Post from Community: All of Us research program collaborating to bring health equity to Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Leslie McAbee
November 8, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The pandemic has brought into immediate focus our individual and collective health, tasking us to find answers to an essential question: how do we more effectively care for ourselves and each other in this rapidly changing public health landscape? And how do we positively transform medical care for the long-term?
As part of a constellation of forces working toward better, more equitable healthcare in the US, the All of Us Research Program aims to answer these questions in partnership with…well, everyone. All of Us is a national effort run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create the largest, most diverse database of health information of its kind over a period of at least 10 years. Researchers can use this data to study health and illness so that ways of diagnosing, preventing, and treating health conditions can lead to improved health for generations to come.
At the local level, this national program is community-informed, relying on guidance from and collaborations with local leaders, organizations, and community members. These relationships ensure that the program is responsive, builds trust, and treats all involved as partners.
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Emerging from a year-and-a-half-long pause due to COVID-19, UW-Madison’s Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships in Milwaukee, led by director Gina Green-Harris, relaunched its enrollment efforts the week of September 13. (You can view the relaunch week’s Hour of Power series on the All of Us MKE Facebook page.) In re-entering the community, the Center is set to expand on its commitment to Asset Based Community Development, an approach that honors the strengths and assets of communities in Milwaukee, from businesses and schools to church organizations and the talents and skills of individual community members. In addition, a Community Advisory Board made up of local leaders and neighborhood champions provides guidance and access to networks and vital resources to help the Center realize the values of the program. “Our Community Advisory Board or CAB, as we call it, serves as the conscience of the All of Us UW team in Milwaukee,” Gina Green-Harris affirms. “Their knowledge of All of Us and the underserved communities in which they live and work ensures that we meet people where they are and honor their perspectives, experiences, and contributions to greater health equity.”
As the name implies, the All of Us Research Program seeks to enroll anyone who is an eligible adult (18 and older) and interested in joining. Studying data from a diverse group of people can help researchers learn more about what makes people sick or keeps them healthy because where we live, how we live, and our background can all affect our health. In the past, health research left out or even maligned many different groups of people, which has resulted in researchers knowing less about their health. The Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships’ All of Us site welcomes all prospective enrollees but has a special mission to educate, enroll, and empower underrepresented communities of color to be part of health research. Assistant Director for the UW All of Us team in Milwaukee, Dr. Bashir Easter, charts the path ahead for All of Us and its community partners in Milwaukee: “We first need to collectively invest time and resources in improving health literacy in our city, and then from this foundation, we plan to be part of empowering our neighbors to be advocates for their health and to have a significant role in the medical research that is made possible by the data the All of Us Research Program collects.”
UW-Madison’s All of Us site at the Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships is joined in Milwaukee by the Medical College of Wisconsin. Both sites operate as members of the Wisconsin Consortium, which also includes Gundersen Health System, the Marshfield Clinic, and sites overseen by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin was the ninth state to join the All of the Us Research Program in spring of 2018.
To enroll, go to JoinAllofUs.org or download the blue All of Us app.
Please also feel welcome to call our office at 414-219-3810 – option #1 to share your questions or to schedule your enrollment.
Partnership with All of Us extends beyond initial enrollment in the program, so be sure to follow us on our Facebook page and on Twitter @AllofUsMKE.

author: Leslie McAbee


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E039A9E6-8CC3-49B0-91F7-D90A27022C1B.JPG | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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November 5, 2021