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‘Don’t give up’: 5 adult learners share advice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
December 31, 2021
These adult learners share why they wanted to pursue their GED and what keeps them motivated. (Photos provided by sources)
Returning to school as an adult can be overwhelming. From finding the right program to the schoolwork itself, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to find the motivation to keep going.
These five students reflect on why they wanted to pursue a general education development or high school equivalency diploma and share advice for fellow learners.
Are you interested in pursuing your GED or HSED? Read: It’s never too late: Six adult education programs in Milwaukee.
Name: Teresa de la Cruz
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Program: Journey House
(Photo provided by Teresa de la Cruz)
Teresa de la Cruz is obtaining her GED for her three daughters. When they’re struggling in school, she wants to help them. It’s also been a dream of hers to continue her education.
De la Cruz is a student at Journey House, which offers a program for adults looking to obtain their GED.
Upon completing the program, de la Cruz hopes to change careers. She currently works as a cleaner at a school, but her hope is to open a child care center.
The program can seem hard in the beginning, but it gets easier.
“You can achieve your dreams,” she said. “You think you can’t, but you can.”
The Journey House program is great, she said. The teacher Juan Lopez is very helpful, and students can receive one-on-one help.
Name: Silvia Vidrio
Program: Journey House
(Photo provided by Silvia Vidrio)
Growing up in Mexico, Silvia Vidrio’s dream was to go to school, but school was expensive, and her town didn’t offer a proper education. When she came to Milwaukee, Vidrio’s dream became a possibility.
Vidrio is taking GED classes through Journey House. She’s been in the program for three years. Her goal upon completing the program is to get a better job and provide a better life for her family. Although she’s not sure what she wants to do yet, one of her ongoing homework assignments is to think about it.
Juan Lopez, the adult educator at Journey House, is the best part of the program, Vidrio said. When she begins to doubt or struggle, Lopez is there offering words of encouragement. Journey House also offers a lot of support, she said.
Her biggest piece of advice to adult learners is to try.
“You have to try, and little by little, you’re going to be motivated,” she said.
As Vidrio prepares for her math exam, she’s taking her own advice to heart to not give up.
“If someone has this dream, don’t stop there,” she said. “Keep fighting and moving forward.”
Name: Tonie Mankunas
Program: Milwaukee Area Technical College
(Photo provided by Tonie Mankunas)
For the past 20 years, Tonie Mankunas has been working on obtaining her high school equivalency diploma at Milwaukee Area Technical College. This past fall, she entered the school’s 5.09 High School Completion Program. Mankunas is the first person in her family to complete high school.
For her it’s about proving she’s more than her past struggles. Her children and her friends have been a constant source of support.
Mankunas plans to attend MATC for college and study sign language interpretation.
Her advice to adult students is to not give up. People may think a diploma is just an inconsequential piece of paper, but it symbolizes more than that, she said.
“Don’t give up,” Mankunas said. “No matter how hard it is, just don’t give up. Keep going no matter what.”
Finding the right teachers played a critical role in Mankunas’ success in the program. They understood her problems and helped her bypass them to get her to the place she’s at today.
MATC is an extremely special school, she said.
Name: Josefina Romero
Program: Journey House
(Photo provided by Josefina Romero)
When Josefina Romero was 11 years old, she had to leave school. Her family was struggling to put food on the table, and they needed her to work. She’s been working ever since then. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Romero lost her job and she decided it was time to focus on her goals.
“I realized I was always thinking of others and not of myself,” she said. “I want to do this for me.”
Although she has been in the United States for 26 years, Romero had never heard of education programs for adults. Her niece and sister-in-law connected her to the GED program at Journey House and shortly after, she began taking the courses online.
Education leads to opportunities, she said.
Her goal for now is to complete the program. It’s difficult, she said, and sometimes she struggles to balance her education with her other responsibilities such as work and family.
Romero’s advice to students to students is to realize that they’re not alone in the struggle.
Name: Enrique Gonzalez
Program: Journey House
(Photo provided by Enrique Gonzalez)
Education is important to Enrique Gonzalez. On the practical side, obtaining his GED could lead to a better job and will help him maintain his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals card, but he’s also learning a lot. Gonzalez is using the knowledge he’s gaining in classes such as math and U.S. history to apply to his everyday life.
Gonzalez participated in Journey Houses’ GED program, which helps students prepare for their GED exams.
The hardest part is sticking with it, he said, but Journey House does a good job at explaining things and making it understandable.
Sometimes adults are scared to return to school because they don’t want to give a wrong answer, Gonzalez said, but everybody is there to learn, and nobody cares if someone gives the wrong answer.
“If you want it, you can achieve it,” Gonzalez said.
In case you missed it: ‘I put that bookbag on and did what I had to do’: How adult learners can put high school behind them.


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51769686086_b70366c6f8_c | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
December 30, 2021

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: December 30, 2021

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

author: Dwayne Burtin


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
December 30, 2021


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51769926523_571a1de0f8_c | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
December 30, 2021


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51770567665_54a3dfeb7b_h | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
December 30, 2021


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Our favorite stories of 2021: A harvest of riches: Meet some of Milwaukee’s finest urban farmers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
December 31, 2021
Milwaukee is home to numerous urban farmers, including Claribel Morales, who started gardening in the summer of 2018. (Photo by Sam Woods)
Sam Woods
Of all the stories I wrote in 2021, my piece on Milwaukee’s urban farmers was my favorite.
For a couple of weeks in September, seemingly all I did was run around taking photos and interviewing residents about their craft.
I learned so much from these farmers (and the ones who did not want to be photographed but wanted to share their story) about building community through food, tips for growing certain crops and, most important, that growing food is more about the process than the product.
Read: A harvest of riches: Meet some of Milwaukee’s finest urban farmers
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created: December 31, 2021

author: Sam Woods


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Our favorite stories of 2021: She wanted to bury her stillborn son. But no clothes fit him. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
December 31, 2021
Hazel Jones makes donation bags with burial gowns and caps for families who have lost children. Here, she holds a bassinet she made for donation. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Matt Martinez
Milwaukee is a city that has seen more than its fair share of heartbreak.
The city, as wonderful as it may be in many aspects, sees tragedy on its streets, in its homes and in lonesome hospital rooms.
Milwaukee’s infant mortality rate is an example of this. According to the Milwaukee Health Department, 120 babies in the city died before they reached their first birthday in 2017.
The rate, historically, has been higher for Black mothers. In 2019, the Black infant mortality was 12.4 per 1,000 live births, as compared with 3.3 for their white counterparts.
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These are some of the heartbreaks you’ll find in Milwaukee.
But what you’ll find a lot more of here are survivors: people who pick up the pieces and turn their grief into love for others. People who build communities with those who have been down the same road and felt the same pain.
I had the honor of telling one of their stories this year. Hazel Jones’ son, Mattie Jones, was delivered stillborn. When she tried to bury him, she couldn’t find any clothes small enough to fit the child she’d carried with her for 20 weeks.
Amid struggles and turmoil, Jones decided that no parent should have to bury their child like that. In 2012, she began making “memory bags” containing burial gowns, basinets and clothes for parents who lost their babies.
Fast forward a few years, and the mission has remained. A constant flow of donated wedding dresses and fabrics has enabled Jones to continue in her work as well as establish a community of bereaved mothers and parents who have lost children at that age.
She does it all in Mattie’s Memory.
Read the story here.

author: Matt Martinez


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matthew-martinez | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
December 30, 2021


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20219190496_7e67f1cd43_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 3, 2015

created: August 3, 2015

author: Adam Carr


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 3 to Jan. 7 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 3, 2022
Family-friendly winter activities are back this week. (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. COVID-19 testing: ongoing
Looking for COVID-19 tests? Testing locations and hours are available here.
2. Make snow art with the kids: Monday, Jan. 3
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Looking for something to do with the kids? Check out activities at the Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center, 1130 N. 60 St. Rent paint and toboggans from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, Monday, Jan. 17 and Feb. 14. Parent must attend with their child.
3. Premiere of “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play baseball n Negro Leagues: Tuesday, Jan. 4 to Jan. 30
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents “Toni Stone,” the story of the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. The play runs from Tuesday, Jan. 4 through Jan. 30. Tickets available for shows here.
4. Engaging BIPOC youth in literature: Wednesday, Jan. 5
Teachers and tutors are welcomed as Milwaukee Public Library shares ways to infuse BIPOC authors and literature into a curriculum using LibraryNow. The virtual event runs from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5. You can register here.
5. Winter hiking in the Menomonee River Valley: All month
If you’re looking to snowshoe, cross-country ski or hike in the snow, check out winter hiking trails within the Menomonee River Valley here.

created: January 3, 2022


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 2, 2022

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Post from Community: Tickets now on sale for St. Ann Center African Ball | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care
January 3, 2022
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.
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will host its Third Annual Indaba African Ball on Saturday, Feb. 5, at its Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave. The ball is a fundraiser for the Indaba Band Shell, a popular entertainment venue located on the Bucyrus Campus grounds.
“We’re committed to providing free, quality entertainment that’s easily accessible to families in our community,” said Gloria Miller, St. Ann Center’s special events director. “Money raised at the ball will fund stipends for local artists during our 2022 summer series.”
Kicking off Black History Month, the ball begins at 5:30 p.m. when guests gather in St. Ann Center’s beautiful two-story atrium, showcasing African-inspired décor. Featured entertainers include Christopher’s Project, led by saxophonist Chris Pipkins, a three-peat winner at New York’s Showtime at the Apollo. The group has opened for legendary national acts as diverse as the Temptations, George Benson and The Supremes. The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Pan Ensemble will also perform the rhythms of calypso.
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The evening’s menu includes African and Caribbean-flavored hors d’oeuvres by Events by Day. Guests are encouraged to wear African or Afrocentric attire and to participate in an impromptu fashion show and photo booth. Also featured will be jewelry creations by Sr. Edna Lonergan, St. Ann Center president, and a marketplace vendor selling African clothing and decorative items. In addition, outstanding community leaders will be honored in the Hall of History Makers.
The Indaba Band Shell, which seats 250, is planning a 14-week concert series, running every Wednesday evening from June through August. The Swahili word “Indaba” refers to a gathering space to discuss issues affecting the village. “This neighborhood is filled with talented people, and we are thrilled to provide them a stage,” said Lonergan. “It’s also a magnet, attracting Milwaukeeans looking for family-friendly entertainment.”
St. Ann Center’s world-renowned day care program serves children, frail elders and people with disabilities all in the same home-like setting. The Bucyrus Campus, opened in 2105, is a replication of the original St. Ann Center located on Milwaukee’s south side.
Tickets for the Indaba African Ball are $65 per person and can be purchased at StAnnCenter.org/IndabaBall. For more information, contact Gloria, at 414-210-2428 or email gmiller@stanncenter.org.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 3, 2022


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OPINION: More than a resolution: Community members set intentions for 2022 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
January 4, 2022
Jenny Lee, Emilio De Torre and Angela Harris. (Photos provided by writers)
While many plans for 2021 were disrupted, its twists and turns offered many lessons.
As we begin 2022, community members reflect on the past to set intentions for the year ahead.
‘I don’t want to waste my time’
(Photo provided by Jenny Lee)
Jenny Lee is a stay-at-home chef and former newspaper journalist.
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I don’t want to waste my time. That’s the lesson I’ve learned in 2021.
Not wasting time can mean checking off tasks on my list. Not wasting my time can mean watching the same TV show for the millionth time with my son because I’m happy when he’s happy. Not wasting my time can mean taking a moment to breathe and enjoy the peonies blooming in my yard. Not wasting my time can mean helping a candidate win.
My intention for 2022 is to frequently ask myself: “Am I happy? Am I content right now?” The goal is yes.
If I’m not content, the next questions are: “What can I do to change this? How can I help? How can I not waste my time?”
In case you missed it: OPINION: My parents didn’t teach me how to deal with racism. But I will teach my son.
Let’s ‘advocate for the educational spaces ALL our students are owed’
(Photo provided by Angela Harris)
Angela Harris is an MPS teacher, MPS parent and chair of the Black Educators Caucus MKE.
The year 2021 represented a powerful opportunity in education to create more equitable education policies and practices. Additionally, we were afforded the opportunity to stray away from the “business as usual” that has perpetuated opportunity gaps in learning and disproportionality in discipline for our most marginalized BIPOC students.
We’ve seen teachers and students transition from virtual learning during a pandemic to in-person learning amidst a pandemic. Our new normal became classrooms with plastic dividers, students in masks and sanitizing stations in our hallways.
Educators are experiencing what some may call our most stressful year ever. This has included dealing with attacks on teaching historically accurate truth through anti-Critical Race Theory legislation and bills like AB/SB411 while simultaneously managing the social and emotional needs of both ourselves and our students amidst navigating teaching and learning in a pandemic.
Through it all, our BIPOC students have continued to demonstrate resilience, and educators have shown a steadfast dedication to demand the educational spaces our students deserve. We resisted attacks, pledged to teach the truth, kept our students safe during a pandemic and faced down the responsibility of restoring pandemic-related learning loss.
The federal and state government invested in education in unprecedented ways through ESSER funding, dollars specifically aimed at COVID relief in our educational landscape. This represents an opportunity for families, students and the greater community as a whole to expect continued accountability of one’s school district and members of the school board.
If we are to see change in our community, it must first begin in our classrooms and our collective voices can ensure that those changes begin to happen in 2022.
As I set my intentions for the new year, I reflect on the qualities I would like my scholars to possess as they leave my classroom, and on a broader scale, the qualities that they should possess when they graduate high school. If they are to be critical thinkers, imaginative, represented, joyful and embraced in their full humanity, I — and we — must continue to advocate for the educational spaces that allow for just that.
Approaching a new year means another opportunity for myself as an educator and members of the community to advocate for the educational spaces ALL our students are owed.
The most underused resource in education in Milwaukee has been our families and community. Let 2022 be the year we change that.
In case you missed it: OPINION: ‘Disappointing and enraging’: MPS isn’t doing enough to involve community in spending $506 million
‘If we can’t enjoy our lives, then the bad guys have won’
(Photo provided by Emilio De Torre)
After serving 14 years at the ACLU of Wisconsin, Emilio De Torre is the executive director of the Milwaukee Turners and also sits on the steering committee for the National Lawyers Guild of Milwaukee.
I’ve spent a long time mulling over the mess we’re leaving behind in 2021 and what I hope 2022 will bring us.
I’ve loved every bit of my “first” year as the executive director of the Milwaukee Turners. The people, the bridges we’re building, the vibrant ideas and smiles of folks working together for the sake of a better Milwaukee — it’s everything. Frankly, it’s hard to separate myself from the work we do here, and I don’t think I’d want to even if I could.
My fellow Turners and I have to recommit ourselves to the spirit of the Turner mission and see this hall flourish as a central hub for ALL Milwaukeeans. The potential gets my heart racing every day. I’m putting all my chips on seeing us continue to grow and be a progressive venue for mind and body. This includes the tavern and the incredible music and marriages that happen weekly in the Turner Ballroom. Where else can you lift weights, climb rocks, have a deep conversation about real equity, get a tasty meal and see a concert all under a 140-year-old roof?
On the other hand, I’ve enjoyed intentionally making time away from work to focus on my family and friends. As a workaholic, it’s hard to carve time from responsibilities, and, of course, it’s hard to operate under the looming thought of tasks undone. Finding a good balance to take care of my obligations, my family and friends, my health and my sanity is a high priority for 2022 — partially because I see how not managing this has led to misfortune in the lives of others, but also because the results are better all around.
Now I just need to do something about those pesky feelings of guilt.
So in hindsight, I want to continue building equity with other people committed to this shared dream; continue exercising with my friends and family, and yes, that includes Beat Saber on the Oculus; eat good food; and scroll through memes and cat videos in between justice transformation work.
Honestly, if we can’t enjoy our lives, then the bad guys have won, haven’t they?
In case you missed it: OPINION: Before we pick the next chief, let’s fix Milwaukee’s broken system of policing

created: January 4, 2022

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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A ‘place of peace and balance’: The Zen Den brings alternative healing methods to the North Side | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
January 6, 2022
Greg Powell II and Camille Mays use singing bowls at their healing space, the Zen Den. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
What does peace of mind look like to you?
If the answer is a quiet room lined with yoga mats, Tibetan singing bowls and house plants, you may have had the same idea that Camille Mays and Greg Powell II had when they created the Zen Den.
The Zen Den provides a home for art therapy, sound therapy, meditation, among other things.
“It’s really about things to focus on to put yourself in a place of peace and balance,” Mays said. “You can focus on your breathing, you can focus on your art and expressing yourself that way, or just meditating . . . it’s just that moment of stillness.”
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The Den is made possible by a partnership between of Peace Garden Project MKE, a wellness initiative focused on providing healing, coping and wellness tools, and Mental Health America of Wisconsin, a nonprofit focused on mental health advocacy.
The Zen Den, located at 3910 W. Lisbon Ave., is in one of Mental Health America’s outpatient locations thanks to a partnership with the organization. It is next to United Methodist Children’s Services.
People can spend time decompressing with a variety of activities, including tending to plants or meditating. Mays said one of the Den’s goals is to help people find activities that improve their mental health.
The blueprint for the Zen Den before it became a reality, drawn by Greg Powell II, is on display at the space. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
‘A safe place’
The Zen Den is for anyone who just needs a place to relax or to get away, Powell said.
“We just wanted it to be a safe space,” Powell said. “It’s quiet. Yet “it’s big enough that we can have sound baths and art and yoga mats all in the same place.”
Mays leads sessions for the sound healing baths. In a demonstration, the room is filled with tones and hums. Singing bowls are tapped and struck with a wooden mallet, causing a harmony between sounds in the room.
The vibrations reverberating off the bowls help to align water in the body, Mays said. The therapy can be used to soothe anxiety and depression.
Powell provides art training at the space across many mediums, including painting and drawing. An artist himself, Powell has been making sketches and expressions since he was a young boy. It’s made a difference in his life as he’s navigated challenges, he said.
“It’s been there through some ups and downs of life,” Powell said. “Art’s been a constant.”
Mays said the Zen Den exposes people to alternative healing methods. In particular, she wants to help those who have been overstressed by the pandemic.
“I hope to help the healers,” Mays said. “We encourage people who are suffering from burnout, people who are out in the community, community members who suffered a loss – people who are looking for ways to just have some type of self-healing or reset.”
Mays is no stranger to trauma. In November 2019, her son Darnell “Booka” Woodard was killed during a drug deal. NNS told her story last year as she shared how she has tried to heal after Booka’s death.
Mays, who arranged flower arrangements for the families of gunshot victims to have at vigils, turned to some of these same healing methods to process her own grief.
The Zen Den will be at its physical location until March, with the potential to be able to stay there long term. Whether she can stay in the space or not, Mays plans on continuing the mission. Ultimately, she said, she’d like to create a mobile Zen Den in a vehicle that can be driven around.
Martina Gollin-Graves, president and CEO at Mental Health America of Wisconsin, said the Zen Den brings alternative healing methods into a community that does not have much access to them.
“It gives families in the community a chance to seek and experience and discover,” Gollin-Graves said.
For more information
The space operates from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are encouraged for those who want a full sound bath or art session. You can reach out to mysingingheartvibes@gmail.com or call 414-795-4645.
The space is also open to anyone who wants to walk in without participating in a session.

created: January 6, 2022


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 5, 2022

created: January 5, 2022


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51718460510_f2ebdc1b1b_k (2) | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 5, 2022


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5 things to know and do the weekend of Jan. 7 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 7, 2022
“Julia White” by Tom Jones is featured in the “No More Stolen Sisters” exhibition at the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts. (Photo provided by Walker’s Point Center for the Arts)
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 .
1. “No More Stolen Sisters” exhibit: Through March 11
See “No More Stolen Sisters,” an exhibit at the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts that brings together artworks representing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirits. The opening reception was canceled, but you can still see the exhibit in-person through March 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday at the center, 839 S. 5 St. More information and a list of exhibited artists here.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Community donation drive
A community donation drive is taking place through Jan. 24. Items needed include diapers, wipes, tissue, toothpaste, paper towels, detergent, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Information on where to drop off items can be found here.
3. Positive parenting workshop: Saturday, Jan. 8
The Islamic Society of Milwaukee and the Muslim American Society Milwaukee are organizing this in-person workshop on positive parenting techniques influenced by the Quran and Sunnah. Babysitting and light refreshments are provided. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at  the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, 4707 S. 13th St. Register here.
Reopening of the Bookseller & Cafe:
The Milwaukee Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., is celebrating the reopening of the Bookseller & Café from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7 and Saturday, Jan. 8. Enter on Wells Street. Bookseller customers will get a free gift with purchase (while supplies last).
5. Black and Brown trans masc support group: Sunday, Jan. 9
Meet other Black and Brown masculine-aligned transgender folks virtually from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9. The gathering is organized by Sun-Seeker MKE Collective. Click here for more information.

created: January 7, 2022


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 6, 2022


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UPDATE: What you need to know about the Right to Counsel program that helps residents avoid evictions | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 7, 2022
The Right to Counsel program has served more than 444 residents since September. (File photo by Adam Carr)
Leer en español: una versión traducida de este artículo está disponible debajo de la versión en inglés.
Milwaukee’s Right to Counsel pilot program, also known as Eviction Free MKE, has been working to slow the pace of evictions since September.
The program provides no-cost legal representation for residents facing eviction or foreclosure. It has served 444 people from its start through December, but Legal Aid of Society of Milwaukee Executive Director Colleen Foley believes it can do more.
“We’re busy, but we want to tap into more people,” she said. “We want to assure we’re helping people the way we want to.”
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The program not only provides legal service, but it also provides a social worker to connect people to other services they need.
Here is what else you need to know
The program provides an advocate to help tenants identify and evaluate their legal rights and obligations. Program leaders plan to help by linking both landlords and tenants to available funding, negotiating disputes and accessing wraparound services. The goal is to decrease eviction filings and significantly reduces the public costs associated with the court, criminal justice, and human service system response to evictions. Ultimately, the program seeks to ensure the legal system works in a fair and just manner and that no one side dominates.
Is the program available to everyone?
No. Right to Counsel Milwaukee is for Milwaukee County residents at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. That’s $25,760 for one person and $53,000 for a family of four.
Who is responsible for the program?
United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County provides administrative leadership, including fundraising, communication and outreach, while the Legal Aid Society provides legal advice, representation and community legal education. Legal Aid has hired 10 new lawyers, two paralegals and two intake specialists for the project.
How can people make this process easier for themselves?
1. You can call the hotline at (414) 892-7368 or you can use the website.
2. Have information ready in advance. Applicants will be asked to provide the following during the application process:
Applicants should be prepared to discuss their monthly income and other financial information
Is there anything else people should know?
Remember that a vast majority of court hearings are still taking place virtually, so you will have to find access if you don’t have it. This is something you’ll have help with from the program.
Who can I call for financial or legal help if I’m worried about eviction?
El programa piloto Right to Counsel de Milwaukee, también conocido como Eviction Free MKE, ha estado trabajando para reducir el ritmo de los desalojos desde septiembre.
El programa brinda representación legal sin costo para los residentes que enfrentan desalojo o ejecución hipotecaria. Ha atendido a 444 personas desde su inicio hasta diciembre, pero la directora ejecutiva de Legal Aid of Society of Milwaukee, Colleen Foley, cree que puede hacer más.
“Estamos ocupados, pero queremos aprovechar a más personas”, dijo. “Queremos asegurarnos de que estamos ayudando a las personas de la manera que queremos”.
El programa no solo brinda servicios legales, sino que también proporciona un trabajador social para conectar a las personas con otros servicios que necesitan.
Esto es lo que más necesita saber
El programa proporciona un defensor para ayudar a los inquilinos a identificar y evaluar sus derechos y obligaciones legales. Los líderes del programa planean ayudar vinculando tanto a los propietarios como a los inquilinos con los fondos disponibles, negociando disputas y accediendo a servicios integrales. El objetivo es disminuir las solicitudes de desalojo y reduce significativamente los costos públicos asociados con la respuesta de los tribunales, la justicia penal y el sistema de servicios humanos a los desalojos. En última instancia, el programa busca garantizar que el sistema legal funcione de manera justa y equitativa y que ningún lado domine.
¿El programa está disponible para todos?
No. Right to Counsel Milwaukee es para los residentes del condado de Milwaukee en o por debajo del 200% de las pautas federales de pobreza. Eso es $25,760 para una persona y $53,000 para una familia de cuatro.
¿Quién es el responsable del programa?
United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County brinda liderazgo administrativo, incluida la recaudación de fondos, la comunicación y la divulgación, mientras que Legal Aid Society brinda asesoramiento legal, representación y educación legal comunitaria. Legal Aid ha contratado a 10 nuevos abogados, dos asistentes legales y dos especialistas en admisión para el proyecto.
¿Cómo pueden las personas facilitar este proceso?
1. Puede llamar a la línea directa al (414) 892-7368 o puede usar el sitio web .
2. Tenga la información lista con anticipación. Se les pedirá a los solicitantes que proporcionen lo siguiente durante el proceso de solicitud:
Los solicitantes deben estar preparados para discutir sus ingresos mensuales y otra información financiera
¿Hay algo más que la gente debería saber?
Recuerde que la gran mayoría de las audiencias judiciales todavía se están llevando a cabo de manera virtual, por lo que tendrá que encontrar acceso si no lo tiene. Esto es algo con lo que tendrá ayuda del programa.
¿A quién puedo llamar para obtener ayuda financiera o legal si estoy preocupado por el desalojo?

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 10 through Jan. 14 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 10, 2022
Tickets are on sale for St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care’s third annual Indaba African Ball. (Photo provided by St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care)
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. Health and wellness donation drive for youth: Ongoing
Pathfinders, a youth development and crisis intervention organization, is looking for health and wellness items, including first aid kits, allergy medicine, cold/flu medicine, cough drops, Q-tips, body spray, rubbing alcohol and Band-Aids. Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4200 N. Holton St. Email dlee@pathfindersmke.org with a drop-off time and a list of items before dropping off.
2. Free virtual driver’s education class: Monday, Jan. 10 through Thursday, Jan. 13
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The Greater Milwaukee Urban League hosts a free driver’s permit class, which will be held virtually from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10 through Thursday, Jan. 13. Additional classes and eligibility information can be found here.
3. Muskego Way Forward community meeting: Monday, Jan. 10
Meet your Muskego Way neighbors and discuss neighborhood topics during a virtual meeting from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month. More information here.
4. Meet the artists behind “MALA”: Thursday, Jan. 13
Meet the artists behind “MALA,” an upcoming Milwaukee Chamber Theater play written by Melinda Lopez. This event is free and runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13 at Latino Arts, 1028 S 9th St. You can RSVP here.
5. Tickets on sale for St. Ann’s Indaba African Ball: Ongoing
Tickets are on sale for St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care’s third annual Indaba African Ball. The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 5 on the Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave. The ball is a fundraiser for the Indaba Band Shell, a popular entertainment venue located on the Bucyrus Campus grounds. Click here for ticket information. You can also contact Gloria at 414-210-2428 or email gmiller@stanncenter.org.
BONUS: Meals for school-age children available at MPS sites: Now through Friday, Jan. 14
Learning virtually? All school-age children can grab meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from today through Friday, Jan. 14 at these MPS sites.

created: January 10, 2022


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 9, 2022

created: January 9, 2022


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NNS on ‘Lake Effect’: 5 things to do this January in Milwaukee neighborhoods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
January 10, 2022
Nearby Nature Milwaukee’s Steven Hunter will be co-leading a winter healing hike on a section of the Oak Leaf Trail. (Photo by Adam Carr)
NNS’s Adam Carr joined WUWM 89.7-FM, Milwaukee’s NPR and Joy Powers of “Lake Effect” for the January installment of our monthly “5 Things” feature.
Listen to the interview here.
This month includes weekly volunteer nights from DreamBikes; a play preview from Latino Arts and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre called “HERE2PLAY”; Nearby Nature Milwaukee’s winter healing hike; and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, including the Milwaukee Public Library’s virtual offerings; and a meeting of Your Move MKE’s hip-hop chess club.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!


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Post from Community: First Stage kicks off the New Year with THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage
January 10, 2022
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.
First Stage, one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, returns to live performances this January with a heartwarming production of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater. Based on the award-winning book by Christopher Paul Curtis and adapted by Cheryl L. West, with original music by Paris Ray Dozier and directed by Brandite Reed and Jeff Frank, this journey into the deep South in 1963 reminds us of the importance of family, love and laughter to get through challenging times. Ten-year-old Kenny chronicles the events of a fateful summer for the Watson family of Flint, Michigan. When Kenny’s older brother Byron starts getting into too much trouble, Mama and Daddy decide the family needs to pay a visit to Grandma Sands in Alabama to set him straight. Mama, Daddy, Kenny, Byron and youngest sister Joetta set out on a cross-country journey, heading south and toward a moment in American history where the world seems to change before their eyes. Supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Performance runtime is approximately 70 minutes, with no intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 8+.
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963 runs January 21 – February 13, 2022 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets start at $21 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.
Co-director Brandite Reed shared this about the play: “THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM is the perfect piece to make my directorial debut at First Stage. It’s a timeless work of art that illustrates the foundation and strength of the African American family throughout the direst of times in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. During rehearsals, I get a sense of nostalgia watching the young performers and wonderfully talented cast of adults bring this 1963 classic to life. For me it is perfect timing to show our communities of today, how the love and the strength of family can transcend adversity of any kind. I am very thrilled to be directing this piece alongside Artistic Director Jeff Frank. Together, I feel we can highlight all the important but beautiful moments this story has to offer.”
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Co-Director and Artistic Director Jeff Frank added: “The Watson’s Go to Birmingham – 1963 is one of my favorite books of all time. It is laugh-out-loud funny. The self-proclaimed “weird” Watsons are an amazing family; and it is a joy to spend time with them. We follow young Kenny’s journey as he tries to make sense not only of his mixed-up family, but also the mixed-up world in which he lives. In his search for perspective, Kenny provides us all with a deeper perspective on family and on our collective history.”
BIOGRAPHIES
Christopher Paul Curtis (Author) is an American children’s books author who was born in Flint, Michigan. He is known for the Newbery Medal-winning Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963. The latter was adapted for a TV movie of the same name, which aired on the Hallmark Channel in 2013.
Cheryl L. West (Playwright) adapted THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963 based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel. Other plays include FANNIE: THE MUSIC AND LIFE OF FANNIE LOU HAMER, LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET, SHOUT SISTER SHOUT, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, PULLMAN PORTER BLUES, and JAR THE FLOOR. Her plays have been produced in England, off-Broadway, on Broadway (Play On!) and in numerous regional theaters around the country, including Seattle Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Old Globe, the Goodman, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis), Seattle Children’s Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Asolo Rep, Merrimack, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, Bay Street Theatre Festival, Syracuse Stage, Cleveland Play House, South Coast Repertory, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Off‐Broadway’s Manhattan Theatre Club and Second Stage. She has written TV and film projects at Disney, Paramount, MTV Films, Showtime, TNT, HBO, CBS, BET and is the Webby-nominated writer for the original web series Diary of a Single Mom. Ms. West is currently preparing a revival of Broadway-bound JAR THE FLOOR, and working on commissions for Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis), Goodman Theatre and Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Brandite Reed (Co-Director) is making her directorial debut at First Stage. She grew up in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville and studied classical and jazz music at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She was introduced to musical theater through community arts organizations such as African American Children’s theater and Milwaukee Inner-city Arts Council. She performed in Black Arts MKE’s 2018 & 2019 productions of BLACK NATIVITY at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. At Skylight Music Theatre she was seen in THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE FULL MONTY and THREE SISTERS NAMED FLO at Skylight’s Cabaret. Reed is currently a Teaching Artist at Black Arts MKE, First Stage and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
Jeff Frank (Artistic Director/Co-Director) 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.
Paris Ray Dozier (Composer) is a composer, lyricist and recording artist from Encino, California whose works span across Hip-Hop, R & B, Pop and Musical Theater genres. Born into a musical family, he became accustomed to creative expression at a very young age. Dozier’s career began when he was 15, after attending the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in West Hollywood, CA where he performed in Shakespearean productions. Paris went on to write songs for artists on Disney Music Group’s Hollywood Records, where he was also signed as a singer-songwriter and producer. Soon after his tenure at Hollywood Records, Paris became the musical theme writer and co-host for B InTune TV, which aired on the UPN Network, ABC Television, NBC and Fox. Paris has done work for Above Average Productions’ The Kicker; the online comedy platform of Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels and SNL’s co-head writer, Bryan Tucker. Paris produced the music for the musical comedy sketch Hold ’Em Back starring SNL star Keenan Thompson. Paris also composed the music, lyrics and original scores for various plays and musicals including IN THE BLOOD, LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET, THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, GIRLHOOD, MR. CHICKEE’S FUNNY MONEY and X MARKS THE SPOT. In 2018, he was brought on as the composer for the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Empower Youth project. Paris continues to work on a variety of endeavors, ranging from commercial Hip-Hop/R & B recordings to musical theatre projects.
ADULT
Cynthia Cobb (Grandma) returns to First Stage after last being seen in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and THE WIZ. Other credits include PORGY AND BESS, GERSHWIN AND FRIENDS, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Charlaine and Armelia), SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ (B.J.), TINTYPES (Susannah), BLUES IN THE NIGHT (The Lady) and THE ALL NIGHT STRUT (Woman 2), all at Skylight Music Theatre. Other credits include: CAROUSEL (Carrie) at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP (Mary) at Drury Lane Theatre, ELMER GANTRY (Epatha) at Marriott Theatre at Lincolnshire, COWGIRLS (Lee) at Northlight Theatre and SHOWBOAT (Queenie) at Gateway Playhouse.
Krystal Drake (Mama) cultivated her craft of acting at UW-Milwaukee, where she earned a degree in Theatre. Krystal has also studied acting at the renowned Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Los Angeles, CA. Past theater credits include: THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS (First Stage); PRIDE & JOY THE MARVIN GAYE MUSICAL (New Day Entertainment); STRANGE SNOW (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre); PIPPIN (Skylight Music Theatre); NUBIAN STORIES (Renaissance Theaterworks) and THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE (Children’s Theater of Madison).
Sherrick Robinson (Daddy) is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and thrilled to be back at First Stage! He has appeared on stage for Skylight Music Theatre (HAIR), First Stage (LUCHADORA, HOLES), Forward Theater (SKELETON CREW), Children’s Theatre of Madison (SHREK THE MUSICAL, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL), and has appeared in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival, Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and THE ISLAND. sherrickrobinson.com
YOUNG PERFORMER CASTS
Young Performer roles are double cast. Young Performers in the Flint Cast include: Reece Davis (Milwaukee) as Kenny; Ryon Davis (Milwaukee) as Byron; Amira Harris (Milwaukee) as Joey and Miles Coppage (Wauwatosa) as Buphead.
Young Performers in the Birmingham Cast include: Zephaniah Singh Ponder (Brookfield) as Kenny; Michael Loomans (Slinger) as Byron; Paisley Luna (Mequon) as Joey and Jonathan Edwards(Milwaukee) as Buphead.
The Artistic Staff for THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963 includes: Brandite Reed (Co-Director); Jeff Frank (Artistic Director/Co-Director); Sydney Lynne Thomas (Scenic Designer); Jared Gooding (Lighting Designer); Zak Stowe (Associate Lighting Designer); Kevin O’Donnell (Sound Designer); Ron S. McCan (Costume Designer); Lyndsey Kuhlmann (Assistant Costume Designer); Melissa L. Wanke, Member of Actors’ Equity Association, (Production Stage Manager) and Megan Harris (Assistant Stage Manager).
Tickets start at $21 – 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 and updates can be viewed here: firststage.org/covid-19-safety-protocols/#performances.
Special events for THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963
Pay What You Choose Performance: Friday, January 28, 2022 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: Saturday, February 12, 2022 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: Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 4 p.m.
A Sensory Friendly Performance with accommodations for families with children on the autism spectrum will take place on Saturday, January 29 at 4 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: THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963
Based on the book “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis
Adapted by Cheryl L. West
Original Music by Paris Ray Dozier
Directed by Brandite Reed and Jeff Frank
Location: Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee
Live Performances: January 21 – February 13, 2022
Description: Ten-year-old Kenny chronicles the events of a fateful summer for the Watson family of Flint, Michigan. When Kenny’s older brother Byron starts getting into too much trouble, Mama and Daddy decide the family needs to pay a visit to Grandma Sands in Alabama to set him straight. Mama, Daddy, Kenny, Byron and youngest sister Joetta set out on a cross-country journey, heading south and toward a moment in American history where the world seems to change before their eyes. Performance runtime is approximately 70 minutes, with no intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 8+.
Performances:
For more information, please visit firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.
About First Stage
First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves nearly 2,000 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012) and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education and the arts for its Next Steps program for students on the autism spectrum (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). firststage.org

author: First Stage


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Looking for a job? Here are 5 places that can help you. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 11, 2022
Nonprofit organizations and job centers are here to help job seekers prepare for, apply to and secure jobs. (Photo provided by Dwayne Sampson)
Leer en español: ¿En busca de un trabajo? Aquí hay 5 lugares que pueden ayudarte.
Finding a job can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
Nonprofit organizations and job centers throughout Milwaukee help job seekers find employment opportunities.
Here is a list of places that help job seekers.
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Did we miss a job center? Post it in the comments below or send an email to amartinez-ortiz@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line ‘Job Centers.’
Employ Milwaukee
Employ Milwaukee, 2342 N. 27 St., offers career and training services to individuals seeking employment opportunities from job placement programs to talent development programs to temporary employment. Individuals can work with Employ Milwaukee to choose a program that best suits their needs. The classes include workshops on résumé and interview preparation.
Social Development Commission
The Social Development Commission helps Milwaukee residents find job opportunities by connecting them to employers and helping them build their résumés and more. The organization offers two programs: Absolute Advantage, a 10-week program that prepares students for a career in construction; and ChefStart Culinary and Job Readiness Program, a six-week program where students acquire the necessary skills to cook in a commercial kitchen.
YWCA
YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin, 1915 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, provides a plethora of services including a job center. The center has internet, employment leads, employment and training-related self-assessments and more. Individuals can also receive help with their résumé. For more information on the Opportunity Advancement Center, call 414-267-3291.
The organization’s Women’s Professional Image Program helps women prepare for interviews and offers them access to professional attire through its donation closet. For more information on the program, call 414-267-3970 or email boutique@ywcasew.org.
WRTP BIG STEP
WRTP BIG STEP, 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave., connects employees and employers in the manufacturing and construction industries. The organization’s career services program offers tutoring, pre-apprenticeship training certification and exposure to various careers. For more information, call 414-342-9797 or email milwaukee@wrtp.org. In case you missed it: NNS Spotlight: Nonprofit paves the way for diversity in the construction, manufacturing trades
Job Center of Wisconsin
The Job Center of Wisconsin helps job seekers look for jobs, create résumés, apply for jobs and partake in education and training opportunities. The center focuses on industry jobs, including agriculture, energy, finance, health care, manufacturing and trucking. To contact the Milwaukee location, call 414-874-0300 or email milwaukeejobcenters@dwd.wisconsin.gov.

created: January 11, 2022

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 10, 2022


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Post from Community: Bronzeville named one of the New York Times’ 52 places to visit in 2022 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
January 11, 2022
(File photo by Adam Carr)
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.
Recently the New York Times released its annual list of places for travelers to visit in 2022, and this year’s theme was “52 Places for a Changed World.” This list sought to include places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution, and I am incredibly proud that the 6 District’s own Bronzeville was included on the list.
The article (which can be found here) notes that, “Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district is again distinguishing itself as a center of African American culture…Symbolic of this reinvigoration is the reopening next year of America’s Black Holocaust Museum…Nearby, businesses like Gee’s Clippers (a barbershop housed in a 1930s bank) and the Bronzeville Collective (a retail space featuring local Black brands) elevate African American artistry, while the newly opened Maranta Plant Shop, Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe and soon-to-open Niche Book Bar prove that Bronzeville is back.”
I want to thank the countless people, community groups, neighborhood leaders and other stakeholders who have contributed to the revitalization of Bronzeville over recent years. This recognition is yet another way to validate the hard work and dedication of all those involved.
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The momentum in Bronzeville is continuing, as a great number of additional projects and enhancements to the neighborhood are underway, and I look forward to all the great things on the horizon.
Whether you live locally or are a visitor to our great city, I would encourage everyone to heed the advice of the New York Times and make Bronzeville an addition to your travel destination list this year.

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 11, 2022


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Film dedicates February to Black History Month 2022 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Black Lens
January 11, 2022
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 nationally renowned Black Lens program, Milwaukee Film will once again devote film and event offerings in February to celebrate Black voices, culture, and experiences for Black History Month, presented by Northwestern Mutual, the nonprofit announced on Tuesday.
Six feature screenings, two shorts programs, and four unique events that showcase the Black experience will be available in-person for participants to engage with.
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From a local film showcase and networking social for Black creatives to kick off the month off to a weekend conversation with wellness influencer Shelah Marie of Love & Hip-Hop Miami, an alluring documentary featuring Black icon Arthur Ashe, and the Milwaukee premiere of “The Loyola Project,” there is something for everyone.
“I know it sounds cliché, but this year, our fourth Black History Month celebration, is special,” said Geraud Blanks, Chief Innovation Officer for Milwaukee Film. “In 2021 the program was virtual, so to be back in person, with all we are dealing with as a community, while challenging, feels more significant than ever.”
Tickets are officially on sale for individual films and shorts programs starting Tuesday, January 11. Prices are $12 for the general public or $9 for Milwaukee Film Members. More information on tickets for Black History Month films, and details on events is available at mkefilm.org/bhm.
Black History Month program films include:
Zola • The One and Only Dick Gregory • Citizen Ash • Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America • The Loyola Project • Sankofa • “Black Love Through a Black Lens” shorts • “Family Matters” shorts
Black History Month event highlights include:
This year’s robust Black History Month program builds on the work of Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens program, which has presented films and events featuring Black filmmakers and community leaders since 2014. In 2019, Milwaukee Film established its Cultures and Communities initiative to engage the entire community in the nonprofit’s mission and programs, including Black Lens.
In addition to the presenting sponsorship from Northwestern Mutual, Black History Month programming is presented with widespread corporate and community support, including from the following organizations: Kohl’s, Molson Coors, Cuna Mutual, WE Energies Foundation, and UWM Student Union Sociocultural Programming.

author: Black Lens


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BHM2022_ProgramGuide | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 11, 2022
BHM2022_ProgramGuide


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BlackLensBHM2022 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 11, 2022


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Post from Community: Nominations sought for 25th annual Mayor’s Design Awards | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Department of City Development
January 11, 2022
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’s Department of City Development is accepting nominations for the 25 Annual Mayor’s Design Awards that will recognize design excellence and notable Milwaukee development projects.
“For 25 years, Milwaukee has witnessed tremendous growth and activity. New buildings, outdoor spaces, attractions, and landscaping add to the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “These awards celebrate the innovative efforts that make our city a great place to live, work, and have fun. I am encouraging folks to nominate the deserving projects that build stronger communities and move Milwaukee forward.”
Recipients of the award are honored for adding value to their neighborhoods by restoring, constructing, or enhancing their properties in a way that respects the urban fabric and contributes to the character of their surroundings. Awardees range from large iconic buildings, to small business storefronts and community-led public art installations.
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Nominations are encouraged from the public and from individuals or organizations involved in the nominated project. Worthy projects must be located in the City of Milwaukee and must have been completed (or nearly completed) any time prior to December 31, 2021. Submissions must be submitted by March 31, 2022, at milwaukee.gov/MayorsDesignAwards/NominationForm.
Additional information and answers to specific questions are available by email at mayorsdesignawards@milwaukee.gov.


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228446328_3090747384482636_3403720272893765410_n.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 10, 2022

author: Name *


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Post from Community: First Stage announces Pay What You Choose Schedule for remainder of 2021/22 season | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage
January 12, 2022
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.
First Stage, one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, is committed to broadening its reach and deepening its impact throughout the community. As part of this commitment, First Stage offers Pay What You Choose performances for select productions. 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. Tickets may be pre-ordered by phone only at (414) 267-2961. To find out how to reserve tickets for community organizations, please contact First Stage at ticketmaster@firststage.org.
2021/22 PAY WHAT YOU CHOOSE PERFORMANCES:
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963
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Friday, January 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
THE DANCING GRANNY
Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS
Friday, March 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
MACBETH
Friday, April 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL
Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET
Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Please contact the First Stage Box Office at (414) 267-2961 with questions and to order in advance, or go to firststage.org/events-tickets/tickets-offers/pay-what-you-choose/ for information.
Please note: Ticket availability is limited, and seat location is subject to availability. There are no refunds or exchanges available for Pay What You Choose performances, and the special rate cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets or in combination with other ticket offers, or towards a Family Package or Family All-Access Membership purchase. Please note, Pay What You Choose performances and dates are subject to change.
COVID Protocols: First Stage COVID safety protocols can be viewed here: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/safety-security/ – performances
About First Stage
First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves nearly 2,000 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012) and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’sEureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education and the arts for its Next Steps program for students on the autism spectrum (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). firststage.org.

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Post from Community: Milwaukee Excellence names Rodney Lynk Jr. CEO | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Excellence
January 12, 2022
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 Excellence board of directors today announced the promotion of Rodney Lynk Jr. to chief executive officer of the school. Lynk Jr. was a core founding member of the school as chief academic officer and assumed interim leadership of the school in September.
During Lynk Jr.’s tenure as chief academic officer, Milwaukee Excellence earned a five-star rating – the highest possible – from Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction’s 2021 report card over three consecutive years. Milwaukee Excellence has also seen consistent enrollment growth since its founding, and now serves more than 700 sixth through eleventh grade students.
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“We are proud of Rodney’s commitment to excellence, proven results and engaging leadership style,“ said Bill Mahler, Jr., chair of the Milwaukee Excellence board of directors. “Rodney has been an integral part of developing the mission and curriculum of Milwaukee Excellence that has led to our students’ continued growth. We are confident in a bright future for our school and students and are excited to continue working with Rodney and the leadership team to drive Milwaukee Excellence’s increasing performance and impact.”
“Serving Milwaukee’s youth through education has always been a passion of mine and I am incredibly fortunate to be in the position to work with wonderful colleagues, parents and supporters to impact so many lives,” said Lynk Jr. “My goal is to continue making Milwaukee Excellence a beacon of hope for our students and inspiring others to join our journey to elevate the prosperity to all of Milwaukee through the power of education.”
Lynk was born and raised in Milwaukee, is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering, and is currently pursuing his PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining Milwaukee Excellence, Rodney was the principal at Southside Community Prep, a high achieving Rocketship Public School.
About Milwaukee Excellence
Milwaukee Excellence is a tuition-free, public charter school approved by Milwaukee Public Schools serving 700 sixth through eleventh grade students. Milwaukee Excellence has received a five-star rating from Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction’s report card for three years in a row, is a 2019 National ESEA Distinguished School and is recognized as one of the top 100 Title I schools in America. To learn more, follow Milwaukee Excellence on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

author: Milwaukee Excellence


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Journeys: From the corporate world to baking entrepreneur: Alan Goodman’s story | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 13, 2022
In 2019, Alan Goodman won the Rev-Up MKE pitch competition. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
“Journeys” is a new feature that looks at the career paths taken by our community entrepreneurs. Know of someone we should feature? Please send your suggestions to amartinez-ortiz@milwaukeenns.org
A few years ago, Alan Goodman attended a cookout at a friend’s house. He brought some bread pudding – a specialty of his – for dessert.
Dr. Bruce Hamilton, the party’s host and his friend, pulled him aside during.
“You should be selling this,” Goodman recalled Hamilton telling him. At the time, Goodman worked in the corporate world, but Hamilton’s words and seeing the other guests enjoy his dessert inspired Goodman to do just that.
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In October 2018, Goodman launched his business, A Goodman’s Desserts, which features cookies, bread pudding, cakes and other baked goods.
From punishment to reward
“My approach is to break something and rebuild it,” Alan Goodman says. “I want to be able to change something on the fly.” (Photo provided by Alan Goodman)
Goodman’s first foray into the world of baking started when his parents caught him playing basketball instead of studying at the library. As his punishment, Goodman cooked and baked alongside his mother.
“After I started doing it, I enjoyed it, and I became the family baker,” he said.
Before launching his own business, Goodman researched what it would take to be an entrepreneur and spoke with other entrepreneurs.
“The entrepreneur community in Milwaukee, particularly the young African American community, were an inspiration,” he said.
He reflected on how his corporate skills could help him as an entrepreneur, what he could produce on a mass scale and what the market needs were. In doing so, Goodman landed on cookies – since they are easier to package and store – and bread pudding, which is also easy to store and an uncommon dessert in the Midwest.
Goodman sold some stock he had for his seed money. He then connected with Caitlin Cullen, the former owner of Tandem, about using the restaurant’s commercial kitchen.
He walked into the restaurant as a customer, Cullen said, and one day he brought his bread pudding and asked if he could make his baked goods here. The answer was yes.
Goodman is a personable and cool guy, Cullen said, he brings his humanity into his business with his honesty and vulnerability.
“He’s always been someone I’ve been rooting for,” she said. “Seeing him continuously succeed is really awesome.”
Elmer Moore, the executive director of Scale Up Milwaukee, an initiative that works with and supports local entrepreneurs, met Goodman a few years ago after joining the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Milwaukee alumni chapter. Goodman also participated in Scale Up’s SPARC growth-training program.
Goodman was as much a resource to his peers in the SPARC program as he was a student, Moore said, adding that Goodman’s interest and desire to continue learning are important for anyone but especially entrepreneurs.
“What I like and admire about him are also the parts that make him a good businessperson,” Moore said, noting that he’s unquestionably thoughtful, focuses on serving people and is detail-oriented.
‘Being nimble-minded’
Treats from A Goodman’s Desserts were served at the Fiserv Forum during the NBA playoffs and finals after Goodman connected with Peter Feigin, the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo provided by Alan Goodman)
Goodman learned early on to decide what he wanted to do and what he didn’t want to do. For example, most bakers aspire to be brick-and-mortar, but Goodman decided it wasn’t for him.
“My approach is to break something and rebuild it,” he said. “I want to be able to change something on the fly.”
Entrepreneurs have to do what’s best for them, Goodman said, and their choices may not always follow the general model.
“It’s about being nimble-minded and not getting stuck in one direction” he said. “You’re able to shift. You’re the captain of the ship; you want a 360 view of your business.”
In addition to his business, Goodman is an instructor of quality engineering and technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and he’s looking into starting a webinar series. It’s smart to have multiple sources of income, he said.
‘Your business is you’
His advice to other budding entrepreneurs is to learn how to pitch.
“Your business is you,” he said. “Being able to communicate that effectively is important.”
His second piece of advice is to not compare your business to the success of others. Success looks different for everyone, he said, and every business model is different. For some it’s a side hustle, for others it’s their main hustle, and for others it’s their retirement plan.
Goodman’s success is in part due to his relationships.
“Relationships are based on how you treat people,” Goodman said. “And I’ve always been raised to treat people well.”
Doors that may not be open to him directly are open to others who can vouch for him, he said. As such, it’s important to him that his businesses give back.
“You should want to do that because people have helped you,” he said. “It’s important for a business to give back. Whatever you choose, be sincere.”
Another key to his success is his confidence to take big swings with his business. It’s why he’s applied to and won local and national contests such as Rev-Up MKE; met Daymond John from “Shark Tank”; and connected with Peter Feigen, the president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum.
Goodman’s conversation with Feigen led to A Goodman’s Desserts being served at the Fiserv Forum during the NBA playoff games and finals.
“Stepping out of my comfort zone with my business is probably the thing I’m most proud of,” Goodman said. “The worst someone can say is ‘no,’ and that’s fine. But it’s not going to happen if you don’t ask.”
In case you missed it: As a teen, he was forced to bake. Now it’s his passion (and business).

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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 12, 2022


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51801924976_“My approach is to break something and rebuild it,” Alan Goodman says. “I want to be able to change something on the fly.”(Photo provided by Alan Goodmane9b80333ac_c | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 12, 2022


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5 things to know and do the weekend of Jan. 14 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 14, 2022
The City of Milwaukee is giving away N95 masks, like the one worn above, while supplies last. (File photo by Sue Vliet)
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 .
MLK weekend activities
Jump at the Sun hosts a series of events related to tobacco-use prevention this weekend and is looking for volunteers. The events are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 through Sunday, Jan. 16. Volunteers must be vaccinated, boosted and wearing masks. More information and registration here.
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2. Black Lives are Sacred MKE: Saturday, Jan. 15
Honor Dr. King’s legacy through continued action in support of racial justice and the dignity of the human person starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. The event will begin at the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the intersection of North Martin Luther King Drive and West Walnut Street.
3. Auditions for Vertical Essence Dance Company: Saturday, Jan. 15
Children ages 4 to 18 years old with an interest in learning ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and more are encouraged to try out for Vertical Essence’s dance team from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at 527 N. 27th St. Vertical Essence is a youth organization that focuses on keeping youth off the streets by exposing them to the art of dance Register for free here.
Yoga with Yani
Children ages 5 to 8 years old can sign up to learn yoga from one of their peers, Yani. The first class starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 in person at 6414 W. Capitol Drive. Virtual classes are also held on Thursdays. Tickets are $15 and are available here.
5. Wiggin’ Out Improv Comedy Show: Sunday, Jan. 16
Milwaukee’s biggest comedians compete for the biggest laughs at this improvisational adult comedy show. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Sherman Phoenix, located at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Tickets are $15 and available here.
BONUS: The City of Milwaukee is providing 500,000 N95 masks: Friday, Jan. 14
The City of Milwaukee is giving away N95 masks on a first-come first-serve basis at locations listed here. The city said that the supply of masks is not expected to last until the end of Friday, Jan. 14.

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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 13, 2022


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OPINION: We need to preserve our county parks. Here’s how. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Marcelia Nicholson, Guy Smith and Rebecca Stoner
January 14, 2022
Children play in the splash pad during Moody Park’s reopening in 2015 (File photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s note: Have something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
Marcelia Nicholson, Guy Smith and Rebecca Stoner
The past few years have reinvigorated our love of parks, many of us realizing that the only way to be with our loved ones safely is outside. We meet on park benches, picnic tables, walks on nature trails or even on a swing set. Parks are one of the few free, accessible recreational spaces that remain in this country.
It would be a terrible shame to lose them.
Yet, some days, that feels like where we are. You may have seen press in recent years about the fiscal challenges facing our Milwaukee County Parks System. The facts are stark. Our County Parks have half of a billion dollars in maintenance, building repair/replacement and other project costs, yet only receive around $10 million in capital project dollars annually.
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According to a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report, Milwaukee County has seen a consistent, 30-year decline in funding, leading to our parks department having one-third of the staff it had in the 1980s, but it has the same acreage to manage. With over 15,300 acres of land to manage, that means each Parks Department employee is responsible for managing 28 Lambeau Fields.
To make matters worse, the parks that have seen the most disinvestment are in neighborhoods that have already fallen prey to a history of oppressive systemic forces that encouraged racially discriminatory practices toward Black and brown communities. That means that many Milwaukee neighbors, especially our neighbors of color, have fewer vibrant, safe, free outdoor spaces to gather.
The way forward
While many articles about our parks system don’t move beyond doom and gloom, those of us working closely with our County Parks see a different story. There is immense energy, countless people loving our parks and a movement that has been building for decades to save this incredible asset that is a defining feature of our county.
We see the newly re-formed friends group at a North Side Milwaukee park that is hosting events, planning to capture the rich oral history of their neighbors and reinvigorating their sometimes-underutilized park. We see the South Side resident who can single-handedly tell you the history of every park in his neighborhood and has attended all the community meetings to voice his opinion and stay up-to-date on what is going on in his parks system. We see the nonprofit organizations throughout our parks system that lease County buildings and provide free youth programming, activities and events for neighbors. We see the residents at a West Allis park that bring families together every year with a pancake breakfast in the park.
Building a parks movement is the way forward. We’ve seen the potential and now is an opportune time to grow the movement and get even more Milwaukee County residents involved. We believe there are a number of tangible things we can do to move forward.
First, leveraging partnerships. The Milwaukee Parks Foundation, founded in 2019, is focused on supporting Milwaukee County in leveraging even more partnerships. Whether its programmatic partners, like Journey House at Baran Park and the Urban Ecology Center at Washington and Riverside Parks, donors, volunteers or a combination, everyone has a part to play. The Milwaukee Parks Foundation is building infrastructure to be able to harness this energy and bring more resources to our parks.
Second, through grassroots engagement. Residents can get involved in friends groups through the Park People. Friends groups are local, grassroots groups consisting of energized residents who take on park projects and activities. Residents can join – or start their own – friends group. The Milwaukee Parks Foundation aims to set aside some funding to support grass roots, resident-led events and activities in 2022, and Milwaukee County has long looked favorably on the friends groups and works to support them when possible.
Third, we need to prioritize the resources we do have. By investing in communities that have seen the most disinvestment, we can have a deeper impact on our parks system. A thriving, healthy, sustainable parks system is key for every community in Milwaukee County. When we think about all the recreational sports leagues, family cookouts and annual events that happen in our neighborhoods, parks come into focus as an important element of our community. The organic, positive social interaction fostered by our parks is hard to replicate and it is a part of living in Milwaukee County that should be available for all residents, no matter their ZIP code.
Not only is prioritizing this resource the right and just thing to do, but it will have effects that reverberate throughout our parks system and is in alignment with Milwaukee County’s vision of becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin through achieving racial equity. It all adds up to an intentional investment of precious resources of funding, staff capacity and community energy into supporting the health and wellness of our community, rooted in racial equity.
Lastly, and arguably most important, we need to continually advocate for sustainable funding. The Wisconsin Policy Forum will be seeking feedback through the second iteration of its report to identify the best approach. In addition to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, Preserve Our Parks has been a tireless advocate for more park funding. Whether it’s voting in leaders that champion green space equity, or supporting Milwaukee County’s efforts to secure additional funding via a local option sales tax (see Move Forward MKE), we residents have more power than we know.
What will it take? YOU
The challenges facing our County Parks system are complex and varied, but we are not doomed. Consistently, across the country, local governments are being squeezed and asked to do more with less. Local leaders have faced myriad challenges and a changing landscape due to political stalemates, injustice, COVID-19, climate change and so much more. Suffice it to say, Milwaukee County is not alone. Through a combination of leveraging partnerships, grassroots engagement, prioritizing equity and finding creative sustainable funding sources, we can forge a new path forward.
It will take all of us to build this movement. Whether it’s cleaning up trash in your local park, getting involved in a friends group, holding your elected officials accountable for investing in our green spaces or bringing more friends to your favorite park – our parks are for US. If they are to remain that way, we will need to truly foster that collective ownership and all do our part.
Marcelia Nicholson is chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board; Guy Smith is executive director of Milwaukee County Parks; and Rebecca Stoner is executive director of Milwaukee Parks Foundation.


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parks | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 13, 2022


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 17 to Jan. 21 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 17, 2022
Danceworks is hosting a workshop Monday for children in 5K through fifth grade who are off from school. (Photo provided by Danceworks)
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. Get a free smoke detector: Ongoing
If you need a smoke alarm, call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at (414) 286-8980. Arrangements will be made for Milwaukee firefighters to come to your single-family home or duplex to deliver a smoke alarm for free. They also will install the alarm if the residence is COVID-safe. In case you missed it: How to avoid fires and stay safe this winter
2. Collaborative City Art Project: until Jan. 31
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Let your inner architect shine as you draw your ideal city block, which will then be combined with other submitted blueprints for this Milwaukee Public Library project. Submissions are due Jan. 31. More information here.
3. Virtual job fair: Wednesday, Jan. 19
A free online job fair runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Register here. In case you missed it: Looking for a job? Here are 5 places that can help you.
4. Sixth Aldermanic District Town Hall: Thursday, Jan. 20
Ald. Milele Coggs is looking for residents of her district, which includes parts of Harambee, Hillside, Brewers Hill and Borchert Field. The virtual town hall takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20.
5. Danceworks School Day Off Workshop: Monday, Jan. 17
Danceworks is hosting a workshop for children in 5K through fifth grade on days off from school. The theme is around the world, and the workshop features music, dance and traditions from a different country. The class will take place at the studios, 1661 N. Water St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17. Click here to sign up.

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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 16, 2022

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Post from Community: Children’s Community Health Plan and Health Connections to hold free COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinics in Milwaukee this month | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Children's Community Health Plan
January 17, 2022
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.
We want to support you and your family by making the COVID-19 vaccine available in your community. Individuals 12 and older who receive a vaccine or booster at a CCHP vaccination clinic will . Individuals ages 5-11 will These clinic events are open to the entire community, and vaccines are available for all eligible individuals. The COVID-19 vaccine saves lives.
WHO: Community members ages 5 and older needing first or second COVID-19 vaccinations; community members ages 12 and older needing booster COVID-19 vaccines. All eligible individuals will be vaccinated regardless of ID, documentation or insurance status. Children ages 5-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
WHAT: Children’s Community Health Plan (CCHP) in partnership with Health Connections is hosting several upcoming COVID-19 mobile walk-in vaccination clinics. Free COVID-19 testing is also available.
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WHERE:  Clinics will be held at the following dates and locations:
Learn more here.

author: Children's Community Health Plan


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vaccine-clinic-alt.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 13, 2022


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Five ways to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 17, 2022
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Milwaukee. (File photo by Edgar Mendez)
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and although the day is a federal holiday, Monday would not be complete without reflection or action.
Here are five ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
1. MLK Day Milwaukee Health Fair
Jump at the Sun, the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network and others are hosting a health fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1530 W. Atkinson Ave. Health awareness games and prizes, food giveaways, COVID testing/vaccinations and flu shots will be available. In addition, $50 gift cards for first dose and $25 gift cards for second dose and boosters can be expected while supplies last.
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The groups also are hosting a virtual workshop for public policy advocacy at noon. Click here for more information.
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Tu B’Shvat: food, environmental and racial justice
Not only is it Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but it is also Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees. Celebrate both of these together at this panel discussion on food justice, environmental justice and racial justice featuring Venice Williams and Michelle Dobbs and hosted by Tikkun Ha-Ir. The virtual event begins at noon. Click here to register and for more information.
3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 21st Annual MLK justice program
This two-part program begins with an in-person gathering at 1 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue at the intersection of North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West Walnut Street. This event will include civil rights songs and listening to the words of Dr. King performed by Andre Lee Ellis as well as reflections on the day’s meaning.
The second part of the day’s justice program is a virtual event beginning at 7 p.m. that features a panel discussion on racial justice. Click here for more information.
4. MLK Day 2022 at the Milwaukee Public Library
The Milwaukee Public Library is hosting a live virtual program for Martin Luther King Jr. Day featuring community partners such as the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, MKE Black, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Village Drum Company and more. The program begins at 1 p.m. on Facebook.
The Milwaukee Public Library also has an array of resources related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the bottom of this page.
5. Dr. King Birthday Celebration at the Marcus Center
The 38th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is virtual this year, beginning at 1 p.m. on the Marcus Center website.