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Social Security and OIG launch public service announcement campaign | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Social Security Administration
March 20, 2019
The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) launched a joint Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign addressing a nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. Social Security and the OIG continue to receive reports from across the country about fraudulent phone calls from people falsely claiming to be Social Security employees. Calls can even “spoof” Social Security’s national customer service number as the incoming number on the caller ID. The new PSAs will air on TV and radio stations across the country to alert the public to remain vigilant against potential fraud.
“We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account information to unknown people over the phone or Internet,” said Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “If you receive a call and are not expecting one, you must be extra careful – you can always get the caller’s information, hang up, and contact the official phone number of the business or agency the caller claims to represent. Do not reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you.”
Social Security employees do occasionally contact people–generally those who have ongoing business with the agency–by telephone for business purposes. However, Social Security employees  threaten a person or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent and people should not engage with the caller. If a person receives these calls, he or she should report the information to the OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online at .
“These calls appear to be happening across the country, so we appreciate SSA’s partnership in this national public outreach effort,” said Gail S. Ennis, the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “Our message to the public is simply this: If you or someone you know receives a questionable call claiming to be from SSA or the OIG, just hang up.”
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The new PSA addressing the telephone impersonation scheme is available online at  and below:

author: Social Security Administration


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Voices of Resistance: The United States, Social Movements, and the Role of Women | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jewish Museum Milwaukee
March 20, 2019
Women have been instrumental in social and political change in the United States since the first European settlers arrived on the shores in North America. From the Founding period forward, women have had important and often under-examined roles in advocating for and moving towards political change of all kinds. Abigail Adams famously admonished her husband, John Adams, not to forget the women in this new nation and the new form of government.
Over the past two centuries, women have led different kinds of resistance movements, with differing political ends, from advocating for the abolition of slavery, to advocating for the right to vote; from advocating for prohibition, to advocating for collective bargaining and safe working conditions; from advocating for the ERA to advocating against the ERA, and many, many other areas within our political, social, and cultural lives.
Join Lilly Goren for an important exploration of women’s voices, their engagement, and their advocacy which has had significant impacts on the lives we all lead today. As we are starting to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment in the United States, exploring the role of women and “resistance” is particularly timely.
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Lilly J. Goren is professor of political science and global studies at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She teaches American government, the presidency, politics and culture, gender studies, politics and literature, and political theory. Her research often integrates popular culture and literature as means to understanding politics.
Her published books include Mad Men and Politics: Nostalgia and the Remaking of Modern America (Bloomsbury Publishers, March, 2015, co-edited with Linda Beail); Women and the White House: Gender, Popular Culture, and Presidential Politics (University Press of Kentucky, 2012, co-edited with Justin Vaughn)—winner of both the 2014 Susan Koppelman Book Award and the 2014 Peter C. Rollins Book Award; You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: Women, Politics, and Popular Culture (University Press of Kentucky, 2009); and Not in My District: The Politics of Military Base Closures (Peter Lang, 2003), as well as articles in Politic & Gender, Society, Political Research Quarterly, White House Studies, and The Forum: A Journal of Applied Research in Contemporary Politics, and she served as guest editor, with Justin Vaughn, for a special issue of White House Studies on the presidency and popular culture in 2010.
Offered in connection with Pictures of Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman, an exhibit on display at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, March 29 – May 26, 2019.

source: news-milwaukeenns

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

author: Jewish Museum Milwaukee


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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March 19, 2019

author: Name *


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City officials to address concerns over lead in water | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
March 21, 2019
Spectators at City Hall listen intently to a presentation about lead poisoning in Milwaukee in February. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
City officials, including representatives from the Health Department, Milwaukee Water Works and the Department of Public Works, will answer questions about lead in the water at 9 a.m. Friday, March 22 during a special meeting of the Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee at City Hall.
According to Ald. Bob Donovan, chair of the committee, “lead water issues have been a primary concern for many years in the community, and community organizations and public officials have been disappointed in the lack of response from city departments in addressing questions and concerns.”
Representatives of the Freshwater for Life Action Coalition and the Get the Lead Out are expected to raise concerns over whether the city is doctoring maps to give residents false impressions about lead, and whether a spike in infant deaths along North Avenue could have been caused by lead exposure.
The meeting, which will be held in Room 301-B at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., is open to the public. You can also watch the meeting live on the City Channel (Channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse), or you can stream it live at https://www.city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25.
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author: Edgar Mendez


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 21, 2019

author: Adam Carr


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Do you know your diabetes status? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Moises Rivera
March 21, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, is American Diabetes Alert Day, a time to encourage individuals to learn their diabetes status. Diabetes — a disease that affects more than 29 million Americans — is especially prominent in Wisconsin, where 40 percent of adults are expected to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Twenty-eight percent of adults in our state, including many Latinos, have diabetes and they don’t even know it.
For a time, I didn’t know it either, but now, I’m learning first-hand how hard it is to live with diabetes. One of the reasons I became diabetic is because I was a smoker. Smoking is a leading cause of Diabetes. What made things worse is I continued to smoke after I had diabetes, and now need larger doses of insulin to control my blood pressure and face other serious health issues.
Thankfully, I quit smoking and am now a member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network, which works to educate Latinos in Wisconsin about the dangers of tobacco use. Now I work to help others avoid developing health problems like I have. I let them know about the connection between diabetes and smoking. Even if you never smoked, finding out your diabetes status could help you get treatment or avoid the disease altogether. But, if you do smoke, it’s even more important that you get tested. Better yet, get tested and quit today. It could save your life!
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author: Moises Rivera


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Here’s how to protect yourself against tax scams | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Madison Marx
March 21, 2019
It’s prime time for tax scams and tax identity theft.
If your phone rings and someone on the other end demands your Social Security number or says you have an unpaid tax bill and threatens you with a penalty, the person on the other end of the line is probably a tax scammer.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself this tax season:
The IRS will not call you
If you get a phone call threatening you with arrest or asking for your Social Security number, hang up. The IRS will never call you to demand immediate payment, and it will never threaten to arrest you for unpaid taxes. Similarly, ignore emails as well.
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Don’t accept payment instructions
Don’t accept specific payment instructions. The IRS offers many payment methods, and you can choose the one you want.
File early
If scammers get your Social Security number, they won’t be able to use it to file a phony tax return and claim your refund if you’ve already done that.
Use security software
Be sure you have an updated antivirus security program and a firewall installed on your computer or device. Also be aware if you receive an email with a link to a software update. It could be from a scammer trying to trick you into downloading a data-stealing computer virus.
Protect your personal information
Don’t carry around your Social Security card or leave sensitive documents lying around.
Contact the IRS if you think you’ve been scammed
Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. If you believe someone has used your personal information to file a tax return or steal your identity, contact 800-908-4490.

author: Madison Marx


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 20, 2019


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New youth workforce innovation center launches in Lindsay Heights neighborhood | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Neu Life Community Development
March 21, 2019
What: Neu-Life Community Development is launching a work-focused youth center to equip youth with the credentials and skills they need to secure employment and post-secondary educational opportunities.
Who: The event is hosted by Neu-Life Community Development, a near north-side nonprofit whose mission is to empower children and youth with skills and strategies to make better life choices. Employ Milwaukee’s Chief Development Officer, Robert Cherry, will make opening remarks in addition to Neu-Life Executive Director, Jody Rhodes.
Why: The consequences of youth unemployment, especially among youth of color, makes workforce development programming a priority for Milwaukee and for Neu-Life Community Development.
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Who Should Attend: Lindsay Heights Youth and their families, volunteers, donors, agency partners and community members are invited to attend.
When: Thursday April 4, 2019  6-7:30 P.M.
Where: 2014 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53206
To learn more about this event, please visit www.neu-life.org

author: Neu Life Community Development


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Next Door recruiting volunteer readers for Community Read with Me on April 30 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Next Door
March 21, 2019
Next Door — a leading provider of high quality early childhood education in Milwaukee — is looking for volunteer readers to fill up 60 classrooms with more than 600 children for a Community Read with Me event on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. This special occasion is part of Next Door’s 50 Anniversary celebration this year and hopes to raise awareness about the importance of building childhood literacy in the first five years of life.
“Exposing children to books and reading is so critical in the early years because their brains are developing so rapidly at this time,” said Next Door President Dr. Tracey Sparrow. “Through early exposure to literacy, the children begin to build an understanding of what a book is, how it works and how much joy reading can bring to their life!”
Here’s what you need to know:
In addition to the volunteer reading program, every Next Door student will receive a free book to take home on April 30th and help grow their home library.
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The Community Read with Me program is the latest event tied to Next Door’s 50th Anniversary celebration this year. Next Door is hosting a year-long anniversary campaign to celebrate this major milestone and raise community awareness and support for Next Door’s early childhood education programming for central city families. That programming includes multiple literacy initiatives such as Next Door’s popular Books for Kids program, a Literacy Coach in Residence for teachers and a new cohort of Marquette University students serving as early literacy tutors for our students.
About Next Door
Next Door supports the intellectual, physical and emotional development of children by partnering with their families for success in school and the community. We serve nearly 1,700 children, from birth to five years old, with three locations and 11 partnership sites in Milwaukee’s central city. Through home- and center-based programs, Next Door strives to create a long-term foundation for success by closing the achievement gap for children living in poverty. Our highly qualified team provides critical educational support during a child’s most important developmental years with a focus on academic achievement, building social-emotional skills, and helping children become better prepared for school.

author: Next Door


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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March 21, 2019


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The Role of the Church in the Civil Rights Movement: Past, Present and Future | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Marquette University
March 21, 2019
You are invited to join CM CARES, the Church Mutual Insurance Company Foundation, and Marquette University for a complimentary ecumenical forum dedicated to promoting understanding and peace through thoughtful discussion.
The church has played a key role in the civil rights movement both historically and in present day events. Join fellow Marquette alumni, parents, students and friends as well as community members as we explore the past, present and future of this relationship from a variety of engaging presenters.
Friday, April 12, 2019
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12:45 p.m. Registration/Check in
1:00 p.m. Program and Dialogue
4:00 p.m. Reception
Marquette University campus
Exact location to be determined.
Register online today to secure your spot at the forum discussion.
Please direct any questions or special needs to Emily Curley at emily.curley@marquette.edu or (414) 288-3407.

author: Marquette University


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‘We’re still kids:’ Young girls speak about life in detention | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
March 21, 2019
Two youths housed at the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center spoke with a reporter about the harsh realities of life in confinement. (Photo by Allison Dikanovic)
Editor’s note: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service has not published the names of youth in the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center in order to protect and respect the youths’ privacy.
It’s Friday night, and two teenage girls are getting ready for their evening plans. They each put on a maroon crew neck sweatshirt to match their baggy khaki pants and slide on shiny black sandals over their gray socks. Neither is wearing makeup. Their hair is not styled.
The girls open the large, teal metal doors and emerge from their concrete-floored rooms to greet their friend who is coming to hang out.
Visitors are limited at the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center, and friends aren’t typically allowed unless they are of a certain age and get special permission by a child’s case worker to be considered family who can visit at specified hours.
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The guest is Claudine O’Leary, not a peer, but rather a full-fledged adult. She’s a volunteer with cotton candy pink hair and a gentle smile who has worked professionally with vulnerable youth for more than 25 years and runs her own consulting business called Rethink Resources.
Similar to all high school students that I have ever met, after saying hello, the girls quickly asked O’Leary if she had brought any snacks.
Unlike most high school students I know, they were equally as excited about the chilled bottled water that she brought as they were about the hot chips. They said the tap water from their rooms was lukewarm and “stale.”
The cream cinder block walls were largely empty, besides a few maps and lists of rules. A pile of Bibles sat stacked in the corner. An open Monopoly board sprawled out on one of the tables. In the center of the room a large desk towered where a correctional officer sat. Earlier that evening, she was playing board games with one of the girls.
Girls stay in the detention center if the court determines that they pose a significant risk and need to be kept in custody before their court date for an alleged offense. They may also need to stay in detention if they are waiting for a spot in a residential placement to open up for them, or sometimes if the court determines that it is unsafe for them to go home.
Each Friday night, O’Leary facilitates a girls’ group called Real Talk, and one week this winter, she invited me to join her.
O’Leary said that many of the girls stay in detention for several weeks, and sometimes months. The Wauwatosa School District provides education, but otherwise programming is sparse. She said that numbers of youths in detention are lower in the winter months, when youths can more easily avoid police contact.
Two girls staying at the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center passed the plush talking piece back and forth as they shared their thoughts on youth justice reform. (Photo by Allison Dikanovic)
O’Leary stays in contact with the girls after they leave detention and said she is often one of the most consistent sources of support in the girls’ lives as they move through the youth justice system and have changing case workers, judges and probation officers. She said she personally knows nearly all of the young women at Copper Lake youth prison, as well as girls who have been placed in group homes and residential treatment centers throughout the state, and sometimes out of state.
One of the girls, who had recently celebrated her 16th birthday inside detention, showed me the few possessions she had in her room: a couple of romance novels and a slip of paper with O’Leary’s phone number on it.
As I’ve been reporting on the pending changes to the youth justice system in Milwaukee as lawmakers plan to close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, I have become increasingly curious about what the youth in the system want to see changed. O’Leary said that to her knowledge, none of the young people in detention has been consulted in the reform process, and when she invited me to join her group, I jumped at the chance.
Though the voices of these two girls, one 15 years old and the other 16, are not representative of all of Milwaukee’s youths in the system, they offer a glimpse into perspectives we don’t often hear, and I think it’s important to share them with you, our readers.
O’Leary facilitated a discussion, passing around a plush sea creature as a talking piece.
This is what the girls had to say about the state of the youth justice system and changes they would like to see in their own words:
“It’s too far out. I’d rather be here knowing that my mama is safe and she’s at home, not too far from here.”
“When you put females all in one big facility like that. It doesn’t turn out right.”
“When there are a lot of kids in one place, and they’re locked in, you just get angry. It doesn’t work out, especially when people know each other and might get into fights.”
“I think it should just be more of a home environment… It should be like, if I’m gonna be here for a while, I don’t want it to feel like jail. I’m not saying it should be more lenient, but it should be more comfortable… They should be more understanding.”
“I feel like for me, once you’re in the system, that’s it. It’s hard. You’re always going to have something.”
“Whatever you do, they’re just going to put you in a harder situation. It’s not going to get better.”
“I just felt trapped. Once I started being in here—this is my third time in here—and I’ve been coming in and out of here since August, and it’s February. Most of the time, it was my fault. The first and second times, those were my fault, but this time, I didn’t even do anything. I had a warrant that I didn’t know of from August.”
“They’re just petty with you on bracelet. They’re just petty. Everything you do, you just come back here, no matter what.”
“I don’t see an end, unless you’re 18, but then if you’re 18 and still coming in and out of here you’re going to go to County.”
“My first case, I was a party to a crime. They put me on a bracelet and sent me to a group home. I wasn’t having any problems with my mama. I wanted to go home with my mother, but that’s what they did, and I just feel like ever since then, it’s been downhill, because for me, I just don’t like people tracking me like that. I had a big ankle monitor on my leg. I felt like a dog. I had to charge it. I had to make sure it didn’t get wet in the shower.”
“It can’t be wet because they’ll charge you for that, and then you’ll come back here (to detention) because they’re going to think that you’re tampering with it. You can take a shower, but you can’t take a bath. You can’t swim in pools, none of that.”
“You have to sit there for two hours and 45 minutes every day for it to charge. You have to charge it, or it’s a violation, and three violations get you back in here for 10 days.”
“You get violations for everything, if your bracelet is dead, if you’re court-ordered to go to school, you can’t leave school property, not even to go to McDonald’s or the gas station or something.”
“The most embarrassing thing about it that is makes the metal detectors go off at school. That’s not cute. It’s embarrassing. They pat you every time. You have to take your shoes off and everything just to get into school.”
“Rather than sleeping on mats and stuff, we should have beds, not fancy beds, but we should be more comfortable.”
“They should improve the food. They should put more seasoning in the food. I never had tasteless meat until I came here.”
“We need better soap. I need the kind of soap that I use when I’m out. Switching soaps is not good for me or my skin.”
“They should let us listen to music or have a radio in our rooms. That’s really calming for me and helps me cope. A lot of people here are on sleep meds because they’re not used to being here. Maybe music would help.”
“They should let our parents bring in their phones, because it allows other people to visit you through Facetime. I would go crazy here if I didn’t have visitors.”
“We need more supportive people around. There should be more support, like more people coming to check on you, more people we can talk to.”
“I think they should have a therapist here to talk to kids.”
“I wish there were more activities. It would even help to have somebody to just draw or play cards with us or something.”
“It helps me to have somebody to talk to to tell me that it will be all right.”
“It is cold in the rooms. The blankets are thin and scratchy.”
“I  wish I heard from my P.O. more. She said she would help me, but I never see her.”
“I would rather do a female MCAP, because they can get home passes and have a lot of groups and activities. If you’re a female and you have severe charges, they send you to Copper Lake.”
“There should be classes like how to do hair and different things that could become jobs or how we could get employed later.”
“I left my group home because the staff there was disrespectful to me. They would come in my room and look through my stuff every day, which felt disrespectful to me. One of the girls had a disagreement with a staff member, and then they called her a little b___.”
“The environment they put group homes in doesn’t work. Like for me, the group home I was at was on 12th and Atkinson. Me personally, whenever I’ve done anything bad, it’s usually around Atkinson, Concordia, Keefe, Ring, right around there. I would rather have a group home out on Silver Spring or Mill Road rather than on 12th and Atkinson.”
“If you put me somewhere on 12th and Atkinson and I come home from school, they know it’s me. They need to stop putting me in places that I know. If you put me on 90th and Mill Road or something, I don’t know anything about that place, so I’m going to stay in the group home. It’d be safer for me than leaving, because I don’t know anything about that area.”
“It’s almost like they’re trying to see us fail by where they put us.”
“If you knew there are pimps next door, why would you keep me in the same environment?”
“I remember at one group home I was at, we had to duck because there was shooting… They’d say, go down, go down. You shouldn’t be used to that. You shouldn’t have to stay at a group home where they tell you to get down because people are shooting outside.”
“Put me somewhere without violence, well, everywhere has violence, but put me somewhere that’s safer.”
“Put me somewhere with more supportive people around me, someone to look after me.”
“Even if they’re not your kid, we should be treating everyone like they’re our own kids. If I were them, I would treat each kid like they were mine. Everybody would have respect. There would be no going back and forth about it.”
“We’re still kids, at the end of the day, and we’re not used to this. No matter how many times you come in here, you’re not going to be used to it.”

author: Allison Dikanovic


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46957814062_3335922482_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 21, 2019


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‘He was asking for help but nobody would listen:’ Milwaukee inmate’s death raises alarms about Corrections facilities | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
March 22, 2019
Wallace Wilson is one of 17 former inmates known to have died at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Photo by Ryeshia Farmer)
The death of an inmate in the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility has prompted concerns about safety at the facility while a new report alleges other serious lapses by Wisconsin Department of Corrections staff.
William Leary on Sunday became the 17th person to die at the facility during its 18 years of operation, said Sen. Lena Taylor, who released a statement expressing frustration about the 51-year-old’s death.
“There are systems put in place that should prevent unnecessary loss of life and access to prompt medical care when an emergency arises …  I remain concerned about many of the issues that have plagued the facility for years. Whether overcrowding or poor heating conditions, MSDF remains a source of discontent,” wrote Taylor in a statement this week.
An autopsy was performed Monday, and though the official cause of death hasn’t been made public, the medical examiner’s report mentioned a handwritten note from Leary that stated jail officials were not helping him. Leary’s reported plea echoes concerns highlighted in a new report by the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee-Milwaukee, which detailed problems within Wisconsin jails and prisons.
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On top of that list of problems at Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities was the deaths of inmates. Inmates quoted in the report said corrections’ staff regularly ignored desperate pleas from prisoners.
“He was asking for help but nobody would listen….How many people have to kill themselves before change comes,” read a statement from an anonymous inmate.
The inmate was referring to a suicide that  occurred Sept. 1, 2018, at Columbia Correctional Institute in Portage, Wisconsin.
Forty three inmates died in custody in 2017, and 66 died in 2016, according to the report, which criticized the Department of Corrections for failing to be transparent about those deaths and the work or recommendations of the long standing Committee on Inmate and Youth Deaths. Representatives of the Department of Corrections did not respond to a Neighborhood News Service request for comment about Leary’s death or the report.
Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee-Milwaukee, has been involved in the #closeMSDF campaign, a movement to shut down the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility that launched in 2017.
The campaign has gained traction recently, and the group plans to deliver a list of demands to Gov. Tony Evers’ office on March 26.


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Solution found for W. National Ave. food truck issue | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Bob Donovan
March 22, 2019
A customer waits for his food at Taqueria Arandas taco truck. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Alderman Bob Donovan said today he believes Common Council legislation prohibiting food trucks from operating along W. National Ave. is no longer needed, as an amicable solution has been found that satisfies his concerns.
Alderman Donovan, chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee, said he met with food truck operators on Thursday morning March 21 – along with Celia Benton of Layton Boulevard West Neighbors (LBWN) and the Silver City Business Association that operates along W. National Ave. – and a vacant lot was identified that will solve the issue near S. 36th St. and W. National Ave.
“A verbal agreement and handshake by all parties was made on Thursday morning March 21 at 11:45 a.m.,” said Alderman Donovan. “Today at 4:30 p.m., a written agreement was signed by these same parties.”
“The vacant lot will provide a good location for the food trucks and this particular issue now, in my mind, is solved,” Alderman Donovan said. “By working with the food truck operators, the impacted businesses along National Ave. and Celia Benton from LBWN (who represents the Silver City Business Association), we were able to solve this problem with a resolution that works for all concerned parties.”
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The legislation authored by Alderman Donovan and approved by the full Council prohibits food trucks from operating on West National Avenue from South Layton Boulevard (S. 27th St.) west to the city limits (South 39th Street). “I would also like to thank my colleagues for their unanimous support, because I’m sure that it was the threat of a ban that led to all parties agreeing to this reasonable resolution,” Alderman Donovan said.
Alderman Donovan publicly thanks the two food truck operators, Celia Benton from LBWN, and the Silver City Business Association for their help to put the issue to rest.

author: Ald. Bob Donovan


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BBB advice on handling door-to-door solicitors | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
March 24, 2019
Spring has finally arrived, and solicitors offering asphalt services, home repairs and sales of magazine subscriptions – among other products and services – will be making the rounds and may wind up on your doorstep.
Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin (BBB) reminds people to be alert and have a plan in place when it comes to door-to-door solicitors.
“Never hire on the spot! Be sure to do your research and check with BBB”, says Jim Temmer, BBB Serving Wisconsin CEO/president. “Unfortunately, we see complaints every year, year after year from regretful homeowners. There are plenty of reputable, local businesses that will deliver their product and services within budget and in a timely manner.”
Though many door-to-door salespeople operate honestly and represent reputable businesses, there are others who are looking only to make a sale and move on as quickly as possible.
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BBB recommends the following advice on how to handle door-to-door solicitors:
Ask for identification. A reputable seller will provide you with all the information you request, including ID and a business card. Pay close attention to the vehicle they are driving. Is there signage? Is the license plate local? Write this information down.
Verify the individual and the company. If you are interested in a product or service, get everything in writing including price, contract duration and all other terms and conditions as well as the company’s business address, phone, and owner’s name. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Then research the company yourself and contact them directly to verify the salesperson is an employee. Check out free BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org.
Inquire about licensing. Does your city require door-to-door salespeople to have a license? If so, have they secured their solicitor’s license? Ask to see it.
Read the contract closely. Get all promises in writing and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line. Never pay with cash.
Don’t be pressured. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics. Always take time to think about the offer and comparison shop.
Do the math. Paying $30 to $40 per month for magazine subscriptions may not sound like much, but if the contract runs for two years – or longer – charges can add up fast. Make sure you have an idea of what the average subscription costs for any magazine that interests you. Most magazines have detachable postcards inside with some of the lowest rates available.
Know your rights. The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives the customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made at their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Along with a receipt, salespeople should also include a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.
Steer clear of asphalt firms that say they have leftover asphalt from another job. A classic tactic of less-than-reputable asphalt firms is to tell consumers they have “extra asphalt” leftover from another job and offering to perform the work for a minimal cost. Professional asphalt contractors know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. They rarely have leftover material. It’s also a good idea to get multiple estimates before choosing any contractor.
If you have a complaint against a door-to-door solicitor, file a complaint with BBB at bbb.org as well as with your local police department. Report scams and fraud to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.

author: Wisconsin Better Business Bureau


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5 things you need to know this week in Milwaukee: March 25-March 30 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Elyse McFeggan
March 25, 2019
All good things must come to an end: Milwaukee’s winter farmers market will conclude Saturday, March 30. (File photo by Katie Hassemer)
1. Milwaukee Public school board candidates forum, Monday, March 25
The candidates for the Milwaukee school board will attend a forum on racial equity and leadership. The forum will take place from  at St. Matthew C.M.E. Church, 2944 N. 9th St. The MPS school board election take place April 2. (Here’s an explainer on the elections.) Questions for the forum will be provided by the Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, Uplifting Black Liberation and Community, African-American Civic Engagement Roundtable and the Milwaukee PTA Council. Audience members can submit questions during the forum.
2. Lunch and Learn: Let’s taco-bout it, Monday, March 25
Latino Arts, Inc. and Meat on the Street are hosting an event from  11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 1028 S. 9th St.  There are opportunities to learn more about the history of tacos and to try tacos from Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, Mazorca and Meet on the Street. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
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3. Visual Journals and Narrative Stories with Artist-in-Residence Celeste Contreras, Wednesday, March 27
The 2019 Gathering Art, Stories and Place artist residency in collaboration with Artists Working in Education will begin with workshops from  at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Participants will explore codexes, zines, artist journals, artist books, traditional books and nontraditional books. Each participant will be able to create a book in numerous forms, as well as learn and interact with artists, art books and art forms. Resources will be provided for participants. Learn more about the project here.
4. District 6 Milwaukee Police Department crime analysis meeting, Wednesday, March 27
Officers will discuss major crime trends for the month. The meeting . at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave. To find out what district your home is in, check out the City of Milwaukee’s website.
5. Winter farmers market’s final day, Saturday, March 30
Milwaukee’s winter farmers market concludes Saturday, March 30. From  a farmers market will be held in the greenhouse annex at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. There will be an array of fresh foods and drink. You can find more information on the Milwaukee winter farmers market’s website.
The Democratic National Convention will take place in Milwaukee: Find out how to work it!
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez announced earlier this month that the DNC will take place at Fiserv Forum from  Milwaukee residents will have numerous volunteer and job opportunities. Sign up to volunteer or apply for a job here.

author: Elyse McFeggan


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 24, 2019


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Presentations of the 2019 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award and commendation for MCTS bus driver’s bravery | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee
March 25, 2019
WHAT: Presentation of the 2019 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award to Ms. Bria Smith. A student at Franklin High School, Ms. Smith currently serves as President of the City of Milwaukee Youth Council, and has brought forward her concerns about gun violence to and shared her call to action with a national audience.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 26 – 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: City Hall – Vel R. Phillips Ante Chamber – 3rd floor located adjacent to the Common Council chambers
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WHAT: Presentation of a commendation to MCTS bus driver Shannon Johnson. Mr. Johnson witnessed a serious motor vehicle accident while on duty and with the help of others, pried open the vehicle door and pulled the driver to safety, thus preventing potential further injury.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 26 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: City Hall Common Council chambers – 3rd floor

author: City of Milwaukee


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Area leaders to discuss Gov. Evers’ budget at March 28 viewpoint lunch | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Policy Forum
March 26, 2019
Milwaukee-area leaders will discuss the impact of Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed 2019-21 state budget on Thursday, March 28, at a Viewpoint Luncheon presented by the nonpartisan, independent Wisconsin Policy Forum.
The discussion will begin with the Forum’s analysis of the Governor’s proposed budget followed by a panel of local leaders who will speak to the wide range of possible impacts for the state’s largest metro region. Scheduled speakers include:
Suzanne Kelley, President, Waukesha County Business Alliance
Mary Jo Meyers, Director, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
Mark Mone, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Maxine White, Chief Judge, First Judicial District of Wisconsin
The discussion will be moderated by WPF President Rob Henken.
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The luncheon will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. The panel discussion is expected to start at about 12:15 p.m.  A mult-box will be available for audio.
A copy of WPF’s State Budget Brief can be downloaded here.

author: Wisconsin Policy Forum


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Early voting for 2019 Spring Election sees increased voter participation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee
March 26, 2019
With one full week of early voting still to occur, Milwaukee’s early voting numbers have already surpassed numbers from previous Spring Elections.
As of Sunday, March 24, over 1,500 people had early voted in the City of Milwaukee, exceeding Spring Election numbers from last year and a comparable election in 2015.  In 2015, 882 people voted early in Milwaukee.  In 2018, just under 1,500 people early voted.
“Greater access to voting equals increased voter participation, which is great for democracy,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, “Milwaukee will continue to invest in an early voting schedule that ensures that all city residents are presented with the opportunity to cast a ballot in every election.”
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In 2016, a ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson lifted restrictions placed on early voting by the Wisconsin Legislature and allowed municipalities to implement early voting schedules that met the needs of their residents.  Since that ruling, Milwaukee has offered early voting at multiple sites and with extended evening and weekend hours.
Early voting will continue in Milwaukee though Saturday, March 30, at the Midtown Center (4162 N. 56th St.), Zablocki Library (3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.) and the Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway.  Hours of voting are Monday through Friday, 9AM until 6PM, and *Saturday (10AM until 2PM).  Early voting will not be available on the Sunday or Monday preceding the election.  Residents can vote at any of the three sites.  *Pre-election voter registration ends Friday, March 29.
“We expect a strong turnout for the April 2 election,” said Election Commission Executive Director Neil Albrecht.  “Early voting provides anyone with a schedule concern the opportunity to cast their ballot early, but also reduces crowding and wait time at polling places on Election Day.”
Milwaukee residents are encouraged to preview their ballot prior to voting at Milwaukee.gov/election.  Contests and candidates in this Spring Election cycle are non-partisan, meaning the candidates do not identify with a political party.


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Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Medical College of Wisconsin advance community-based partnership | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
March 26, 2019
(Photo courtesy of Greater Milwaukee Foundation)
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation have established a joint vision for impact, selected a developer and announced the future neighborhood and home of their community-based partnership as it moves forward into development stage.
The shared vision is “a Milwaukee that is equitable, healthy and thriving for all.” Achieving this vision requires focusing on places where investment has been scarce and supporting people of color, who are disproportionately affected by disparities in the community. Together, the Foundation and MCW will:
“This partnership is an extension of our fundamental commitment to supporting people throughout our community in their desire for greater opportunity and a high quality of life,” said Ellen M. Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “The course of that journey is to be charted together with community, based on values and goals we share. We look forward to that process and to identifying other partners whose goals align.”“Our support for this initiative is to help shape Milwaukee as one of the healthiest and safest cities in the nation,” said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and chief executive officer of MCW. “Health is largely determined by social factors, including social determinants, genes, behavior, and healthcare. In partnership, we will address determinants of health to benefit communities.”
The partnership, encompassing the initiative formerly known as Flourishing Lives, will enable MCW and the Foundation to bring complementary expertise to bear on a range of strategies to invest in the educational, social and economic well-being and health of people across Milwaukee. The next step will be to host a neighborhood gathering – an opportunity to join with residents of the community for refreshments, conversation and beginning relationships that place their ideas and priorities at the center of forthcoming plans.
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The site chosen is in the Halyard Park neighborhood, at 2153 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The location will be home to MCW’s community engagement programs as well as the new headquarters for the Foundation. Future opportunities for convening space, programming and additional local partners are expected to amplify community impact.
The site was once home to Gimbels-Schuster’s Department Store and received major additions in both 1914 and 1950. The natural façade of the historic building will be restored in the redevelopment process.
Royal Capital Group is the chosen development firm for the initiative. The firm led MCW through the discovery phase. Royal Capital Group has deep experience in Brewer’s Hill and the surrounding Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Halyard Park offers glimpses of history for both organizations.
The Halyard Park neighborhood is named for Ardie and Wilbur Halyard who, in 1924, established Columbia Savings and Loan, the first such institution owned by and serving African Americans in Milwaukee. It offered people of color the opportunity to establish a mortgage loan for home ownership. In 1974, to commemorate Columbia Savings and Loan’s 50th anniversary, the Wilbur and Ardie A. Halyard Fund was created at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The fund provides financial scholarship support to African American students preparing for careers in business or finance. The Halyards continue to be remembered for their pivotal role in Milwaukee’s history and as enduring advocates for improving housing and living conditions for the city’s African American community. The Foundation has a deep history supporting Milwaukee neighborhoods. Specifically in Halyard Park, Harambee and along King Drive, the Foundation and its donors have invested more than $5 million in the last five years alone.
For 34 years, from 1898 to 1932, one of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s predecessor institutions (Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons, which became the Marquette University School of Medicine) was in Halyard Park in a building located just blocks away on the southeast corner of Fourth Street and Reservoir Avenue. At the very top of the building in faded letters it reads “Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons.” It continued there until 1932, when the Cramer Building was opened on the Marquette campus. Next to the medical school was its dispensary (now called outpatient clinics) where medical students observed as faculty physicians treated indigent patients. Across the street from the medical school was St. Joseph’s Hospital, the medical school’s primary teaching hospital.
“This initiative is a place-based investment strategy and a sustained commitment to the community,” said Dr. Raymond. “This isn’t about a building; it’s about the impact that it will have on people’s lives. Collaboration and sustainability will be critical to success.”
“Milwaukee is experiencing a development boom and a rising economy, but that doesn’t mean the benefits are reaching those in our community most in need,” Gilligan said. “Through strong partnerships and an intentional focus on equity, however, we can build on the momentum surging from downtown and work with community to ensure more and more people have access to the opportunity they need to thrive.”

author: Greater Milwaukee Foundation


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 26, 2019


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Kohl’s donates $5 million to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to enhance mental health services | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kohl’s
March 26, 2019
In support of the company’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform focused on family health and wellness, Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) announced it will donate $5 million, over four years, to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to help launch a multi-year mental health strategy to improve mental health services for Wisconsin kids and their families. The grant will directly address the state’s need for greater access to mental health services for children and generate awareness about the impact a child’s mental health has on his or her holistic well-being.
“Kohl’s shares Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s commitment to children’s health and wellness, and we’re proud to elevate our nearly 20-year partnership with this amazing institution,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer. “We applaud the efforts Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is making to break down barriers and increase access to services and resources that support mental wellness by addressing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and other issues that so many kids across the country face today.”
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin will devote Kohl’s funding to mental health access, early detection, prevention, education, and awareness through the expansion of school-based mental and behavioral health services, introduction of new and refined system-wide screening tools, mental health programming research, and an awareness campaign.
“This incredibly generous gift will jumpstart numerous initiatives and expand programs that strengthen our mental health strategy,” said Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “We are so thankful that Kohl’s believes in our vision that Wisconsin kids will be the healthiest in the nation – physically, mentally, and socially. Sadly, Wisconsin ranks extremely low in meeting the mental health needs of our kids.”
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Since 2000, Kohl’s and Kohl’s Cares have donated more than $15 million to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The long-standing partnership between Kohl’s and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is rooted in creating new and exciting programs focused on kids’ health and education. Most recently, Kohl’s and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin launched Mission: Healthy Kids, a program that helps Wisconsin kids and families learn how to eat right, stay fit, and feel good about their bodies.
Kohl’s has a deep commitment to improving the health and wellness of families in its hometown. For more than 30 years, the company has given nearly $115 million to local nonprofit organizations to address critical community needs through its best-in-class volunteer program, grants to 15 hometown partners and six affiliate partners, Kohl’s Hometown Giving Program, and Kohl’s Field Trip Grant Program. Kohl’s donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to support happier and healthier communities nationwide.
For more information on Kohl’s commitment to family health and wellness and the company’s CSR efforts, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.

author: Kohl’s


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Milwaukee Series novels | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Urban Anthropology Inc
March 26, 2019
Mystery writer Sienna Jacks and publisher MECAH Publishing announce that all the net proceeds from the upcoming Milwaukee Series novels will be donated to Urban Anthropology Inc. to fund neighborhood museum exhibits. The first book in this series is now out, entitled . See details at http://mecahmilwaukee.com/Fiction.html
Novel synopsis: Two young anthropologists, trying to convince a local nonprofit to sponsor a neighborhood house museum, must show that the historical occupants of the house were representative of Milwaukee’s Brady Street, and that they project positive images for the neighborhood. Their efforts are boosted by a personal journal left behind by one of the home’s occupants—Giuseppe Russo. But as the young anthropologists translate and transcribe the journal, they learn that Giuseppe had been banished from his former community in the Third Ward. Are they about to stumble on information that could kill the project—or something perhaps even worse?
The next two books to be published in this trilogy take place in old Bronzeville and Milwaukee’s Old South Side
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author: Urban Anthropology Inc


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NNS Video: Watch Mitchell Street come alive with breakdancing | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
March 26, 2019
Although breakdancing started in the Bronx, it came to Milwaukee early on. Hip-hop later followed, combining a variety of styles. Most of them were on display at a reunion of Milwaukee’s founding fathers of modern street dancing.

author: Mark Doremus


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 25, 2019


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People’s Choice Award encourages the public to vote for Milwaukee improvement projects and leaders | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
LISC Milwaukee
March 26, 2019
Right now, through April 10, 2019 the public can learn and vote for outstanding community projects in Milwaukee. The Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award is an online voting campaign highlighting 10 projects and 2 leaders selected by a volunteer Selection Committee. Three People’s Choice Award winners will be announced at the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation on April 11, 2019, at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. Winners will receive $1,000 and the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award.
The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs) recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that enrich Milwaukee neighborhoods. The awards pay tribute to the people and organizations working tirelessly to make Milwaukee a great place to live, learn, work and grow.
The online voting campaign will run from March 25- April 10, 2019. The voting site will be hosted by Urban Milwaukee at http://urbanmilwaukee.com/mandivote The top three entries will each receive $1,000. Each entry is featured with an article and video on the voting site.
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Since 1999, LISC Milwaukee has hosted the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI). The MANDIs highlight the unsung heroes working hard to revitalize Milwaukee’s most distressed urban neighborhoods. This Oscar-style event is attended by 800 civic leaders including neighborhood residents, nonprofits, private sector leaders, and elected officials. The MANDIs have grown into the premier event for the community development world, and it tells the much-needed story of what’s positive in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. The MANDI Selection Committee includes a panel of 40 volunteers.
Hosted by US Bank, the MANDIs will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at the Potawatomi Event Center. A cocktail hour will be held from 4:30-5:30pm followed by dinner and awards from 5:30-7:30pm. The evening will close with a music by DJ Shawna and desserts from 7:30-9:00pm.
MANDI 2019 Finalists (Descriptions Follow)
recognizes a public space that helps build the community. Finalists include:
recognizes an organization for their commitment and effectiveness over time. Finalists include:
recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration. Finalists include:
recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem. Finalists include:
recognizes a real estate project that advances the community. Finalists include:
recognizes a program that stimulates economic and business development. Finalists include:

author: LISC Milwaukee


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Community mourns the death of Milwaukee icon, legendary volunteer Gwen T. Jackson | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
March 27, 2019
Tireless volunteer Gwen T. Jackson believed that “paid staff get a paycheck and volunteer staff get a payback.” (Photo provided by American Red Cross of Wisconsin)
Tireless volunteer and Milwaukee icon Gwen T. Jackson died Sunday at age 90.
Jackson, who was retired from her position as human resources vice president at Brills Colony Men’s Clothing Store, spent much of her life serving the community as a volunteer at a number of organizations. They included the Girl Scouts of America, YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin, Department of Aging and, most prominently, with the American Red Cross, where she served as chair emeritus of the Milwaukee chapter until her death.
She first joined the American Red Cross in 1961, beginning as a volunteer with the Service to Military Families Committee. She eventually assumed numerous leadership positions within the organization, including serving as chairwoman of the African Famine Relief Committee and the Minority Initiatives Committee. She supported efforts to provide support during Hurricane Hugo and the Gulf War.
In 1988, she became the organization’s national chairwoman of volunteers, the pinnacle of volunteer positions at American Red Cross, and helped to implement the results of a study that looked at a downturn in volunteerism and offered plans for growth. The implementation of the study became a national model for volunteer engagement.
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In 2007, an endowment was founded in her honor at American Red Cross. Last year, the Red Cross honored her during African-American History Month.
The 21st Street School on West Hadley was renamed the Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School in 2009.
According to a biography on Jackson from the Milwaukee Public Schools website, she coined the phrase: “Paid staff get a paycheck and volunteer staff get a payback.”
Jackson also served as a long-time advisory council member for the Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center, which posted a statement on Facebook about her death Monday.
“She was dedicated to Milwaukee and particularly the young people within our community. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will continue,” read part of the post.
Mark Thomas, CEO and Southeast chapter executive of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, also issued a statement on Jackson.
“Gwen’s decades of service came to embody all that the American Red Cross stands for, from her beginnings in support of our military, to efforts she led in volunteer engagement, famine relief, diversity, health services, and more. Our thoughts are with Gwen’s family at this time. May they find solace in the immeasurable positive impact Gwen has had and continues to have in Milwaukee and across the United States,” wrote Thomas.
A visitation for Jackson will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 29 at Central United Methodist Church, 639 N. 25th St., with a funeral service starting at noon. Jackson will be interred at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

author: Edgar Mendez


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Compete Milwaukee program boasts positive employment results, launches 2019 application season | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee
March 27, 2019
Jobs are an integral part of growth and prosperity for every city neighborhood. The City of Milwaukee is a proud partner in providing unemployed and underemployed residents with the training they need to connect to employment opportunities. Mayor Tom Barrett and Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton invite qualified city residents to apply starting now for Compete Milwaukee transitional jobs.
Through Compete Milwaukee, participants work in a variety of jobs in City departments, while at the same time receiving job readiness training and career counseling.  To date, 85% of participants have found unsubsidized employment following their transitional job work experience, putting them on a path to family-supporting jobs.
“I am pleased with the success of Compete Milwaukee in helping people stay in the workforce and climb their career ladder,” said Mayor Barrett. “Compete Milwaukee gives residents valuable work experience in City departments and increases the City’s ability to serve our residents. I encourage qualified residents to apply to this program and take advantage of this great opportunity.”
“Compete Milwaukee is the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Marcus Ford, a 2016 participant.  “When I started my transitional job with UMOS I worked on a streets crew filling potholes.  I was successful in my work experience that season, but I really wanted to be a City worker.  Being in Compete Milwaukee motivated me to gain a CDL permit.  I applied for the City Laborer position and the rest is history.  I tell everybody about Compete Milwaukee.  If you want to change your life like I did, apply for this opportunity today”.
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This year, The City of Milwaukee, in collaboration with the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) and other local workforce development partners, will provide approximately 50 six-month, mainly construction based, transitional jobs to qualifying unemployed residents.
Eligible individuals who successfully complete pre-placement requirements will earn $11.32/hour performing a wide variety of general laboring duties within the Department of Public Works, Department of Neighborhood Services and Port Milwaukee.
Individuals interested in applying for the Compete Milwaukee transitional jobs MUST meet the following requirements:
Interested applicants should contact UMOS’s Hector Lerma at 414-389-6234 to determine eligibility. For more information, visit city.milwaukee.gov/competemilwaukee


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2019 Compete Milwaukee UMOS Final Flyer 31819 copy | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 27, 2019

author: Adam Carr


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Urban Ecology Center moves forward with Washington Park plans | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Analise Pruni
March 27, 2019
The Urban Ecology Center branch in Washington Park plans to raise $12 million for a new community boathouse and an additional $2 million for other much-needed improvements such as a new parking lot, sidewalks and repairing the footbridge over the lagoon. (Photo by Analise Pruni)
After several months of deliberation, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has approved  a long-term lease for the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park as the center plans to raise $12 million for a new community boathouse and an additional $2 million for a new parking lot, sidewalks and repairing the footbridge over the lagoon.
“It’s good to know that we have the support that we need,” said Ken Leinbach, the center’s executive director. “It’s really good to have worked out the complicated details to a point to where we can move forward.”
Concerned community members have called for a historic designation that would institute guidelines for the Urban Ecology Center’s relationship to park land.
Terrance Davis, visitor services specialist at the center, is happy that the Urban Ecology Center can move forward with its plans. “Anytime you plan something and you can execute it is always a great feeling,” Davis said. (Photo by Analise Pruni)
“We’re still moving forward” on the process, Michael Carriere, an urban historian and Washington Heights resident, said in an e-mail.
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Carriere submitted the original proposal for the park’s historic designation in December.
Washington Park was designed in the 1890s by renowned American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
“The Olmsted firm’s plan for our parks was for the turn of the last century,” resident Jose M. de Jesús said in a community post on social media. “Were they to be around today, I’m sure they would have a different vision.”
Leinbach said the historic designation was a separate matter from the terms of the lease.
“The historic designation is really between the city and the county; we’re a player in it,” Leinbach said. “We’ll dig into the historic designation next.”
Over the past two years, center representatives have been working with County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson, holding community listening sessions to decide what would best benefit the residents who use the park.
“Our continued partnership with the Urban Ecology Center will bring major improvements to Washington Park facilities and new programming opportunities for residents to enjoy,” Nicholson said in a news release. “The Urban Ecology Center’s investment in Washington Park will benefit county residents for years to come.”
The boathouse serves as a hub for activities in Washington Park and expanded community programs would accompany the new building.

author: Analise Pruni


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33597216668_2e70d358a4_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 26, 2019


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‘I will not die young:’ Youth summit tackles drugs and violence | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Analise Pruni
March 28, 2019
Two students attempt to walk down the hallway wearing “impairment goggles” that blurred their vision in a way that a person impaired by drugs would experience. (Photo by Analise Pruni)
It was a simple request.
Raise your hands if you’ve ever lost a friend or family member to violence.
Hands across the room shot up.
Though it was a day dedicated to discussing drugs, other weighty issues were tackled during the third annual Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Youth Summit. The event drew nearly 100 youths and several community leaders earlier this month to the Neu-Life Community Development, 2014 W. North Ave.
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This year’s summit included five workshops aimed at giving youths alternatives to doing drugs, namely marijuana.
Destiny Yarbrough, an assistant teacher at the center, lead a workshop on “Being marijuana free.”
“The main goal of the workshop is to inform the youth about the dangers of marijuana, because marijuana is really popular with the youth right now,” Yarbrough said. “We’re just trying to let them know, marijuana is not good, it’s not safe, and it’s really harmful.”
Several organizations, including the United Community Center, Drug-Free Communities and Safe and Sound, ran workshops that showed fun and engaging alternatives to drugs. One workshop demonstrated simple ways to make healthy foods and another gave the kids a crash course in karate.
Keynote speaker Kwabena Antoine Nixon tells young people to do their best. “The worst of the worst they show of us is always going viral,” he says, adding “there’s nothing more empowering than changing your story.” (Photo by Analise Pruni)
Other students donned “impairment goggles” that blurred their vision in a way that a person impaired by drugs would experience and attempted to walk a straight line down the hallway. They zigzagged into the walls and each other with their hands out like drunken zombies.
Jody Rhodes, chair of the summit’s Marijuana Work Group, said this year’s marijuana-centered theme has to do with the recent local and national news coverage discussing general policy changes, including making the drug legal.
“I think it’s more because it’s in the media, talking legalization, and that it’s all natural and that’s just not true for kids,” Rhodes said. “No matter what happens with legalization, marijuana will never be good for kids’ brain at all; their brains are still developing until they’re age 24.”
Kwabena Antoine Nixon, a poet, author and opening speaker, walked around the room and asked everyone to tag their selfies on Snapchat, Instagram and other social media with the hashtag #iseeyou in a show of solidarity.
“The worst of the worst they show of us is always going viral,” Nixon said. “They always talking about a young man being shot; they always talking about a young girl being abused; they always talking about how bad the 53206 and all these neighborhoods are.”
Nixon told the group that the most powerful thing a young person has is his or her mind, and that reading, writing and “programming” were the keys against fighting ignorance.
“That’s why music is called programming.” Nixon said. “If I keep playing something over and over again and I say ‘death is around the corner,’ and you play it five times a day, 20 times a day; what’re you going to think? Death is around the corner.”
Before the group dispersed, Nixon left them with three pieces of advice, and a poem that resonated powerfully throughout the room.
He said that first, you’ve got to have a vision for your life.
“There are people who vote on prisons, and they’re building one upstate,” Nixon said. “So if you don’t know where you’re going, there’s somebody somewhere else that knows where you’re going, and they’re waiting for you.”
Second, pay close attention to your circle.
“They say show me your five friends, and I’ll show you where you’ll be in five years,” he said.
Third, change your story.
“There’s nothing more empowering than changing your story,” he added. He told the group to repeat after him. “My destiny is not to die on the block. My destiny is to control this world. It belongs to me! And I will not die young.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 27, 2019


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Catching up on The Domes controversy: Could they be demolished? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
March 29, 2019
The Mitchell Park Domes have long been an iconic structure in Milwaukee, but high repair costs could lead to their demolition. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to more clearly reflect the costs of repairing and rebuilding The Domes.
The Mitchell Park Horticulture Conservatory, better known as the Milwaukee Domes, has long been an iconic structure in Milwaukee.
Originally a private greenhouse attached to the Mitchell family mansion, The Domes became a staple on Milwaukee’s skyline in 1967 when construction on the final building was completed.
A report recommends the buildings be demolished.
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Here’s what you need to know about The Domes’ potential demolition and past repairs.
What did the report say?
The Gallagher Museum Services conducted the report, which examined the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory and the possibility of integrating the Milwaukee Public Museum with The Domes.
The report recommends demolishing The Domes. A new facility for the Milwaukee Public Museum would be built with the potential for a greenhouse to be attached.
The Milwaukee Public Museum is working on a $100 million campaign for its new facility. A combined facility would cost at least $300 million, according to estimates by Gallagher Museum Services.
What is going to happen?
At this point, no official decision has been made.
The Domes are considered a park facility, which means the county board must approve the changes. If The Domes and the Milwaukee Public Museum were to integrate, there could be a change in governance.
County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, a member of the Domes Task Force, is against the demolition. Ortiz-Velez represents the 12 District, which includes Mitchell Park, where The Domes are located.
“My position is to restore and repair the domes,” Ortiz-Velez said.
Ortiz-Velez, who grew up on the South Side, said she is open to the idea of having the new Milwaukee Public Museum facility built in Mitchell Park.
Last year, Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic and County Executive Chris Abele said they are open to the possibility of building a new space for the Milwaukee Public Museum in Mitchell Park.
The Domes Task Force has requested its own study and is awaiting those results.
How much would it cost to repair the Domes?
To put things in perspective, the original cost for The Domes reached $4.5 million. Construction began in 1959 and ended in 1967, which allowed the county time to raise the funds.
In 2006, the blast on Falk Corp.’s property in the Menomonee Valley  killed several people and damaged the glass structures of The Domes. Two years later, repairs were made with the aid of $500,000 in donations.
In 2016, all three domes were closed for repairs. Pieces of concrete had fallen in 2008 and 2015. As part of the fix, wire mesh was installed inside the glass structure. At the time of the re-opening, Abele said that the fixes were only a temporary fix.
What do The Domes mean to Milwaukee?
When the project began in 1955, 33 architects competed to design the conservatory. Donald L. Grieb, an architect based in Milwaukee, won the competition.
In 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named The Domes a National Treasure.
Ian Bautista, the executive director of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative and member of The Domes Task Force, said The Domes are intimately intertwined with the culture and identity of Clarke Square and Milwaukee. He believes their removal would have a negative psychological effect on the neighborhood.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 28, 2019


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5 things you need to know this week in Milwaukee: April 1 to April 6 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Elyse McFeggan
April 1, 2019
Leaders Igniting Transformation and The PEAK Initiative are hosting a youth leadership event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Salvation Army West Corp. 1645 N. 25th St. (Photo by Adam Carr)
1. Kilbourn Avenue tunnels and South 35th street bridge will close starting Monday, April 1
There will be repairs to the Kilbourn Avenue tunnels and the South 35th street bridge over the next eight months, beginning Monday, April 1. This will cause partial to full closures daily. For more information on how this may affect your commute, visit the Kilburn Tunnels Rehabilitation Project information page.
2. MPS school board election, Tuesday, April 2
MPS will hold school board elections Tuesday, April 2. To find out your district number and polling location, check here. Polling is open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Here is an explainer of the election and what it means for Milwaukee residents.
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3. Taxes are due soon, and MATC is here to help, Thursday, April 4
Milwaukee Area Technical College is offering free help with 2018 tax returns Thursday, April 4. To register, go to the first floor of the atrium of the student center at 700 W. State St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Taxpayers with a household income of $54,000 or less are eligible for MATC accounting aid. For a list of what to bring, visit MATC’s website.
4. Washington Park Wednesdays to host fundraiser for concert series, Thursday, April 4
Washington Park Wednesdays will host a fundraiser for its summer concert series. The event, “Party for the park,” will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at Dandy, 5020 W. Vilet St. There will be free food and drinks for purchase from Vennture Brew Company. The summer concert series lineup will also be revealed. For more information, check out the Washington Park Neighbors website.
5. Leaders Igniting Transformation, PEAK Initiative host youth leadership series, Saturday, April 6
Leaders Igniting Transformation and The PEAK Initiative are hosting a youth leadership series. April’s theme is “March Madness.” The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Salvation Army West Corp., 1645 N. 25th St. Click here to register. Participants are able to choose which two breakout sessions to attend, to personalize the experience. There will be workshops, networking opportunities and prizes.


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28872459717_b2727bed28_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 31, 2019


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As school board election nears, students tell us what they love and what they want to see changed at MPS | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
April 1, 2019
Students leave South Division High School at dismissal time last week. As another crucial MPS school board election comes up Tuesday, we asked students what things they like and what they want to see improved at their schools. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
School’s in session. And the students are in charge.
Ahead of Tuesday’s school board election, we asked MPS high school students to tell us what they like about their schools and what changes they would like to see. (Here’s an explainer to prep you for the election.)
Here’s what they said:
Joya Headley, a Milwaukee School of Languages senior:
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“One thing I like about my school is that it is diverse in not only students but in minds. A lot of people think differently and they have different priorities and … a lot of students do care a lot about their future.
Joya Headley, Milwaukee High School of Languages senior, attends a Milwaukee Youth Council meeting at City Hall. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
“One thing I don’t like is that it’s not as diverse in staff. Some teachers can’t relate to the students’ experience.”
“I also wish that there were more resources for students who are often targeted for behavioral issues — more restorative justice, more opportunities for students to do community service.”
Alannah Jones, a Ronald Reagan High School sophomore:
“One of the things I love about my high school is how diverse it is in cultures and ethnicities.”
“The main thing I would like to see changed is for the school to pay as much attention to mental health as they do to physical health and have more qualified therapists involved in school and not just a nurse or an adviser.”
Greta Garcia Jalil Melendez, a senior at Milwaukee School of Languages:
She loves the opportunity her school gives her to build her German language skills, a passion of hers since preschool.
She would like to see her school building repaired — broken floor tiles are exposing students to asbestos, she said — and old, worn-out textbooks replaced.
Eliedith Camacho, a South Division High School junior:
“I like that the students are from many different cultures — Muslims, African-Americans, Mexicans, Asians. I like that I can learn about their cultures.
“There is nothing I would change about my school.”
Shayla Velez, a South Division High School freshman:
“I have a lot of friends here. Some of the teachers are nice. Some of them are kind of mean, but most of the teachers, they’re nice and they’re there for you.
Like all but one of the South Division students interviewed, Velez objects to the school’s phone policy, but added, “There’re a lot of good things about the school.”
She also wants to see the bathroom policy changed. “We can’t go to the bathroom for last hour most of the time. We have to stay stuck in the class,” and that makes it hard to concentrate on schoolwork.
Sean Cardona, South Division High School junior:
“I don’t have any problems with South, to be honest. I like the sports, especially tennis, golf and soccer.”
Amir Hamza, a South Division High School junior:
Hamza, a Muslim immigrant, said the school offers ESL classes and a multicultural club that’s fun and good for his community.
He would like students to be given their phones at lunch because not having them “is boring — we can’t go anywhere and there’s no TV or anything.”
Also, for students like himself who cannot eat meat, he would like to see more lunch choices. “I’ve been eating PB & J (peanut butter and jelly) every day since I was a freshman.”
Jonheim King, a South Division High School junior:
“I like that they’ve got all types of sports. I play basketball, football and golf. I like some of the teachers.”
King would like to see the school’s cellphone policy changed.
SCHOOL BOARD BASICS
Who’s running for the school board?
Among the candidates are parents, teachers and former teachers, community activists, a former teachers union president and professionals in other fields.
Stefanie Dugan and Bob Peterson are running for the at-large seat being vacated by Terry Falk.
Shyla Deacon and Marva Herndon are running in District 1 for the seat being vacated by Mark Sain.
Erika Siemsen is challenging incumbent Wendell Harris in District 2.
Catrina Crane and Sequanna Taylor are competing for the vacant District 3 seat.
Kathryn Gabor and Megan O’Halloran are competing for the District 8 seat being vacated by Carol Voss.
The Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, the teachers union, has endorsed Peterson, Herndon, Siemsen, Taylor and O’Halloran. Read this Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story for more on the issues.
Find your board district.
What you need to know to vote:
All polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To vote in Wisconsin you must:
To see if you are registered to vote, to find your polling place and hours and to see a sample ballot, click here and enter your name, date of birth and address.
If you are not registered, you may register at your polling place on election day. To register you must show proof of residence.
To vote you must show a photo ID. Although you often hear the term “voter ID,” there is no specific voter identification card. Instead, voters must show one of the forms of identification listed here.
MPS by the numbers:
2018-19 budget: $1.17 billion
Per student spending: $10,122 (latest figures are for 2017-18)
Approximate enrollment: 75,000
Economically disadvantaged: 82%
Special education: 20%
Sources: MPS District Enrollment and Demographics and MPS Fact Sheet

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 31, 2019


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47505696161_f08374b7c1_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 31, 2019


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Milwaukee County unveils plan for Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake replacement facility | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
April 1, 2019
Milwaukee County has released a visual rendering of its proposed facility to replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth prisons. (Image courtesy of Milwaukee County)
Milwaukee County has submitted an official grant proposal to the state for its plan to open a secure center for youths, adhering to the initial timeline laid out in the bill that will close and replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth prisons.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are discussing a bill that would delay the closure of the youth prisons by six months, pushing it from January 2021 to June 2021, as reported by the Journal Sentinel. Much of the reasoning for proposing a delay has been the concern that counties did not have enough time to plan for the role they will play in the process of replacing the youth prisons.
“Part of our reasoning for submitting was to demonstrate our commitment to readiness,” said Mary Jo Meyers, director of Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. She said Milwaukee County was the first county in the state to present a plan to the juvenile corrections grant committee.
Milwaukee County is proposing a $41.14 million, 50,000 square feet facility with 40 beds for youths whom judges deem a risk to public safety but not a Serious Juvenile Offender. Youth in the Serious Juvenile Offender program will be housed in a state-run facility, which will also be in Milwaukee. The grant proposal is for the cost of the facility, startup costs for corresponding programming, staffing and training. Ongoing operational costs will come from both the state and the county.
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Meyers said the proposed facility is just “one step” of the county’s effort to improve outcomes of the young people who go through the criminal justice system and that she hopes to dedicate more resources to its “front end” supports for youths to prevent them from needing to be placed in corrections in the first place. As the state bill stands now, these grant dollars are limited just to building new facilities.
“Our desire is to have a reformed system where we wouldn’t spend so much on bricks and mortar,” Meyers said. “But our commitment is to follow the legislation as it’s written out as a way to bring our kids home as soon as possible.”
Fifty-seven Milwaukee youths are at Lincoln Hills or Copper Lake, according to a statement issued by County Executive Chris Abele on Friday.
The county released visual renderings of the proposed facility, which appears to resemble a school or office building. At various community meetings, Milwaukee residents have expressed concern about seeing a new building that looks like a prison pop up in their neighborhood.
Meyers said the facility will include natural light, colorful paintings, classrooms, green spaces and a health clinic.
“We’ve done all the work on how it needs to be laid out to be both aesthetically pleasing and safe and secure,” Meyers said. “It’s quite pleasant. It’s actually nicer than most buildings that you see… I think people will be pleasantly surprised.”
Milwaukee County has yet to determine a site for this new facility. Meyers said the City of Milwaukee is working to help the county find land to build on, but that the county has already looked at more than 70 sites. Gov. Tony Evers recently announced that the state would build its youth facility for Serious Juvenile Offenders on the location the county had originally selected.
Inside the facility, Meyers said the county plans to provide education, mental health treatment and vocational training programs. The county is talking with Milwaukee Public Schools about a partnership and is planning to partner with local business leaders to develop job training programs in areas such as cosmetology, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
In addition to building a new secure center for youth, Milwaukee County included funding to renovate the part of the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center that is utilized for the Milwaukee County Accountability Program in order to make the space “feel more treatment-like and less of a detention facility,” according to Meyers.
Advocates raised concerns about the proposal.
“It’s beautiful, but it’s too big,” said Sharlen Moore, co-founder of advocacy organization Youth Justice Milwaukee. “What they’re planning on building falls in line with large institutional settings that will just be wasted dollars.”
“We definitely want to make sure that young people are brought home from Lincoln Hills as soon as possible, but based on the decline in arrests across the country, large-scale institutionalized models are extremely costly, and they don’t yield high results,” she said.
This national decline in youth arrests is reflected in Milwaukee. According to data from Milwaukee County, the number of Milwaukee youths placed in state correctional facilities has decreased by 56.5 percent since 2011, and since 2011, law enforcement has referred 19.7 percent fewer youth to the Milwaukee County Department of Youth and Family Services.
The state juvenile corrections grant committee met last week and has yet to release any guidelines about when or how Milwaukee’s County’s grant application will be processed, and any funding proposal would also need to go through the state’s Joint Committee on Finance for approval.
For more on the issue, read our explainer.


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Alderwoman Coggs announces 11th Annual Freedom Essay Scholarship Contest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
April 2, 2019
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is challenging recent Milwaukee high school graduates to analyze the concept of “freedom” for the 11th Annual Freedom Essay Scholarship Contest. The scholarship is open to current and recent high school graduates from Milwaukee who are college- bound.
The topic for the essay is “freedom,” and it provides graduates with an opportunity to define what it means to them. They are encouraged to share their ideas to end prejudice, oppression, discrimination, sexism and violence, on a global scale. The suggested length of an applicant’s essay is 1,000 words or less.
Applications are being accepted now until the close of business on August 9, 2019. One $500 scholarship will be awarded and the winning essay may be published, Alderwoman Coggs said.
“I am excited to announce the return of our annual Freedom Essay Contest,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “Every year, this contest allows our students and future leaders to explore what freedom means to them. I encourage everyone who meets the requirements to apply and help us to continue to celebrate the lessons and history of freedom that have been passed down to us.”
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Applications are available online at milwaukee.gov/District6/FSECRegistration. Paper applications will also be available at city libraries, many high schools and colleges, and the following are drop-off locations:
The contest is open to students who reside in the City of Milwaukee and attended a public, private, parochial or home school, or who participated in a high school correspondence program in the city. Preference will be given to residents of the 6th Aldermanic District.
Additional contest rules, complete details and submission requirements are contained within the application. For more information, please contact Akuwa Dantzler at (414) 286-8640.

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 2, 2019


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Celebration puts Milwaukee’s female artists in spotlight | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sue Vliet
April 2, 2019
Art lovers from across the area came together last month to celebrate SWAN Day MKE 2019, an exhibition that was part of the 12 annual international Support Women Artists Now Day. More than 100 female artists from Milwaukee were invited to participate in the March 23 opening.
This year’s theme was “Water: Reflection, Ritual & Resource” and the show will remain on display until June 1st at the Urban Ecology Center, Menomonee Valley, 3700 W. Pierce St.

author: Sue Vliet


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2019 Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Robinson
April 4, 2019
BlackSpaceMKE is an urban art cooperative with a very basic principle of spreading the message about cooperative economics.  In an effort to raise awareness about social entrepreneurship and garner support of black owned businesses BlankSpaceMKE has established Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week.  The week will take place Sunday, April 14  through Saturday April 20, 2019.  There are over 30 black owned restaurants located in the greater Milwaukee area and in celebration of the effort to increase social entrepreneurship restaurants will be featured and highlighted during each day of the week.
Black Restaurant Week is not a new project. Cities across the country often host an annual restaurant or dining week during which they offer deals or menu specials to bring in new customers. BlankSpaceMke hosts decided that to bring this same movement to the city of Milwaukee. Locally our city has developed programs such as Recycle the Black Dollar and All Black Everything that enhance the access and spread knowledge about minority owned businesses. In this project, we hope to direct attention to thriving restaurants that could benefit from the exposure and marketing.
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For the 4th year in a row BlankSpaceMke (founded by black women Symphony Swan & Bridget Robinson) have launched a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurship of our locally owned eateries and want to direct patrons to restaurants that they can support.
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We have done this at no cost to the restaurant owner or to the sponsors!! This is a grass roots effort to engage Milwaukee in building wealth in our community. We do not profit from this event.
Last year many of our participating restaurants realized significant sales increase (some almost doubling in daily sales), a surge in media attention and a boost of new customers from the week.
How does the week work?
We have researched local black owned restaurants and asked them to allow us to include them in the project. With their permission, we use data collection from the week to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative economics and the significance of the local dollar to sustain businesses.
We then ask residents of Milwaukee and surrounding communities to visit one or more restaurants on the list. Patronize! Spend money! Eat good food! And document your attendance by “checking in” on social media using the hashtag #MBRW19 and taking a photo of your receipt. We also ask that you residents will share their experience at the end of the week. We track all of this data for our final community report.
How do the meet ups work?
Different organizations and groups (sponsors) have agreed to dine in together at a local restaurant in support of the week. They also agree to help us spread the word and mission about the project. This is a great way to fellowship and build community and learn more about the work they do. The meet-ups are merely a dining suggestion. We encourage customers to visit any of the restaurants on the list to experience all that the Milwaukee Black Restaurants have to offer.
Join us for a KICK OFF celebration of the 4 Annual Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week on Sunday, April 14 hosted by The Bronzeville Collection located at 339 W. North Avenue between 4pm – 6pm. Mix and mingle with black restaurant owners and patrons and enjoy sweet treats of Delicious Bites.
End the week with us during the Wrap Up Community Forum of Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week on Saturday, April 20, 2019 hosted by Vibez Creative Art Space located at 3536 West FonduLac Avenue (inside of the Sherman Phoneix) between 11am – 1pm.
BlankSpaceMKE is an urban art cooperative aimed at empowering the community to work together to strengthen values of entrepreneurship by way of fundamental cooperative economics. We believe that a community motivated to invest in themselves while embracing models of shared collective consciousness can build relationships that will sustain business and improve socio economic conditions. BlankSpaceMKE looks to offer long term resources and serve as a hub for small business owners who share in the vision of economic collaboration.
For more information about BlankSpaceMKE’s Black Restaurant Week including a lineup of restaurants visit us at https://blankspacemke.weebly.com/ or contact us at blankspacemke@gmail.com

author: Bridget Robinson


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MBRW19.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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April 1, 2019

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IndependenceFirst to host adaptive video gaming open house April 6 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Melanie Hupfer
April 4, 2019
IndependenceFirst will host an open house to debut its innovative new adaptive e-sports program, IndependenceFirst Place, on Saturday, April 6. The event will bring together people with and without disabilities to try out the latest in adaptive video gaming equipment. The open house will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the agency’s main office located at 540 S. 1st St. The event is free and open to the public.
Adaptive video gaming equipment is making gaming more accessible than ever before, facilitating participation in the gaming community for people with disabilities.
Seria playing using adaptive controller (Photo courtesy of IndependenceFirst)
“Too often, people with disabilities are excluded from peer activities,” stated Chris Hege, IndependenceFirst Youth Leadership Coordinator and e-sports program developer. “This can be highly detrimental to self-confidence and personal growth. IndependenceFirst Place will use the power of e-sports and adaptive controllers to help bring people together to foster inclusion and facilitate empowerment.”
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Video games and e-sports specifically have been shown to promote socialization and increase self-esteem; help build teamwork and improve cooperation skills; enhance creativity, decision-making and problem-solving abilities; and improve self-advocacy, perseverance and resilience.
To RSVP for the event, or to request accommodations, contact Chris Hege at 414-226-8367 V/Relay or chege@independencefirst.org.
About IndependenceFirst: Metro Milwaukee’s FIRST nonprofit resource when people have questions regarding access and disability. We offer more than 20 programs and services for people with disabilities of all kinds, in all age groups. Over 50 percent of internal staff, management and board members are individuals with disabilities. www.independencefirst.org

author: Melanie Hupfer


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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April 2, 2019