The Oak Creek Lions have made donations from the proceeds of the 49th annual Labor Day Lions Fest!

To date the Oak Creek Lions have raised approximately $1.3 million in 49 years. The most recent donations have been to Wisconsin Lions Foundation, $1,000; Wisconsin Lions camp at Rosholt, $1,300; Center for Blind and Visually Impaired children, $1,500; leader dog for blind program, $4,000; the SightFirst II program to help stamp out blindness throughout the world, $4,000; our district hearing program, $1,000; blind outdoor leisure program; $1,000; Cudahy free diabetes program, $1,000; Wisconsin eye bank, $500; Lions charities national foundation, $ 4,000; youth outreach programs, including $10,000 for high school scholarships; high school renaissance program, $1,000; other youth programs, including Little League, youth football and high school projects. $3,000; high school stadium renovation project, $1,500; four blood drives per year, $1,000; salvation army food baskets and pantry, $4,000; free breakfast with Santa, $1,500; Fourth of July parade, $800.

 Among other projects are  nursing- assisted living home visits, community health screenings, eye exams and eye glasses for needy students, and sick room supplies for free use through cooperation of Fire Station #2. Other monies are budgeted for  any other needs that may come before board during the year.

Thanks to all who attend our annual Labor Day Lions Fest - this makes these donations possible!

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Bloggers comments as to how high school sports have changed through the years: No more three- or four-sport athletes!
At one time, anyone that was able to play multiple sports did so. Now starting football players chose not to play the next year.

“The team isn't going to be any good.” “I don't like the coach.” “I don't want to play on the line!” On and on!! One wrestler did not wrestle because his brother did not like a coach?? He now regrets not wrestling!

The girls basketball team problem may be quite complex – I don't profess to have any answers. The coach, whoever that might be, is in charge: “the boss.” Players do not chose who starts or plays.

Sometimes parents become involved; that part of the game has changed greatly!

Now I have a question, but only if what I read in the press is correct! I am telling you that I think there is more to this than is printed. The principal of the high school chooses the coach!? There has to be more to this, and I am sure there is.
Gone are the days when to make the team was an honor. The coaches ran the show. I do know personally players who chose for one reason or another to leave teams; they are now long out of school and regret not sticking w/ the sports program. "Too late now!"

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The 18 percent voter turnout was disturbing to this blogger!

"It is a privilege to vote!" This is a crucial time in our city. We will have three new alderpersons, two one-term sitting alderpersons! All voters should be as informed as possible. A voter forum for mayor is being worked on but not completed as we “go to press"!

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Vegas security flaw!

A few years back I was returning from Vegas "to visit my money." My traveling buddy Wayne and I went to check in together. We both put our IDs and tickets on counter together! All OK with the agent.

IDs and tickets were given back to us. We proceeded to bag and ticket check in, getting separated in the 1,000-plus herded travelers. This blogger gave my ID and ticket to agent sitting on a high stool - very professionally, she held my ID and ticket looking very closely. I was waved through gate! Wayne was about 20 feet away not yet checked.

I looked over to him and he waved; I waved back. Now get this: He had my driver’s license and his ticket! That means I got through with his ID and my ticket! He had noticed this and was trying to let me know he had my ID. I kept walking as I was herded along in a group. His heart was beating hard: What would happen when agent looked at my license and his ticket? My ID and ticket were perused closely also? He was also waved through the gate!! Two incompetent “make-believe" agents!

We both could laugh as we met after going through X-ray area! But what would have happened if this checker agent had caught this flaw - how do you explain this to security? - as I was far ahead going through X-ray check.

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The presidential stimulus speech! I did listen to part of speech as I was on the road traveling. I did watch the replay on Fox later that evening! Wow, I am speechless about the speech! Health care for everyone … education for everyone who chooses … tax cuts for everyone earning less than $250,000! One hour and 10 minutes more!

It is not that this blogger did not like all he heard. I just don't understand how this can be done? I must have skipped this class in school!

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Wrestling coach Jim Hauerwas was retired after 32 years!! I hope everyone knows and appreciates what the job all entails: travel at Christmas and New Year’s … scouting continually, while dealing with internals! (Jim’s family operated a service station that is Speedway now.)

Formally Hauerwa ran Brothers service station on Howell and Puetz. I first met Jim when he was in diapers! Thanks for your 32 years of service and 53 years of friendship!!

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On the local level, the residents have spoken and the Oak Creek Community Center has responded: There will be a farmers market in the parking lot this year!  The first rummage at the center sold out spaces three months ahead of time!

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What a beautiful softball field at East Middle School, north along Shepard Ave. Check this out! A football field with lights is also under construction on the school site. This blogger likes everything he sees about the new middle school! The layout, color and landscaping!

The best to all