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NEWSROOM * CIRCULATION * ADVERTISING
Thursday
September 2010
9
Blog Archive
The 'George Washington of Oak Creek'
He earned farming and the down-to-Earth attitude to the office of town chairman and mayor. He was considered a man of vision. He was elected to a town supervisor from 1932 to 1936 and town chairman in 1950. On Dec. 27, 1955, he became Oak Creek’s first mayor. He held the office until retiring in 1972.
His colleagues said it wasn't necessary to push him into action. He was methodical, and once he decided on a course of action, you couldn't budge him from it.
Abendschein visualized Oak Creek as a well-planned city with fine homes and nice streets. Oak Creek has a park named after him on Drexel and Clement avenues. In Abendschein’s honor, the city also dedicated Arthur Avenue, and Veronica Avenue was named in his wife’s honor.
Uncle Art died on May 27, 1974. As I was growing up I remember him as a fun guy - a great "kidder" who was always smiling and liked to smoke his pipe. He played the violin in a local band called the Hillside Cowboys.
* * *
Oak Creek has recently lost a "strong advocate" for the city. His name is Richard Hay. Dick was Oak Creek’s first city engineer. After seven years as engineer, he moved into a private business.
The betterment of the city was always on his mind as he wrote editorials, spoke at council meetings and strongly supported the referendum for high school expansion. He was truly the main "driver" in the fundraising that made the Oak Creek Community Center a reality.
Thanks, Richard!
* * *
The Oak Creek girls basketball team sure look good! They are now ranked in state. Their only lose was to a top-ranked team by only 6 points. For anyone interested, the game against Franklin on Jan. 29 at Franklin is a “must see!”
* * *
The city is getting tough – as it should – with a proposed new hotel on 13th Street north of Ryan Road. More brick and mortar; less composite material.
It is too bad the Qdoba Mexican restaurant building slipped through the cracks. Too little brick and a lot of glass and fake material. This blogger can't see one good thing about this building. The colors don't coordinate, the back of the building abuts Howell Avenue, and close to the sidewalk there are gas meters and electric meters facing Howell.
The gas meters must pass code but this blogger remembers when Southland Lumber in South Milwaukee burned after an auto hit the meter. This building was not on a through street!
* * *
Hey, what about the Packers?! Can team "chemistry" beat the NY Giants? This blogger says Pack 25, Giants 13!
Battalion chiefs in our small city?
I don't believe they go to accidents and paramedic calls routinely, which make up majority of the fire department calls at the present time. No one appreciates the fire and police departments more than myself. They are progressive and second to none in training.
Let’s analyze this decision of battalion chiefs, which was on the fire department’s “wish list."Personally, I don't think the fire department thought this idea would pass the majority of alderpersons. “What the heck? We'll try. The power plant will be providing more money soon!”
Three fiscally prudent alderpersons would not buy this boondoggle! One alderperson who voted for battalion chiefs voted completely out of past record - past decades of deep thinking - fiscal responsibility were priority for city.
Local pols say this may be first time ever this alderperson voted yes, which led to passage. Many times a lone no vote - or a few times a minority of two - but never leading to majority. This was the alderperson’s reputation.
Was it the firefighter’s son’s plea for battalion chiefs just before crucial vote? I don't know. I do know it is way to early to consider battalion chiefs in our small city with mostly residential homes and some two-story buildings. This blogger feels that in about 30 years it could possibly be considered a topic.
So what happens? This will cost millions of dollars - starting now rather than years from now, when it would make more sense.
“Power plant money to city" is being spent before it is received! The city will receive $2.5 million dollars a year when the first new unit comes on line in 2009. The city garage is going to be enlarged and updated, which is very much needed. The city hall complex will become a reality someday, also very much a priority. This money is already being factored in to be used for these updates!
Our neighbors – South Milwaukee and Franklin, for example - have large new projects to pay for. South Milwaukee has new high school and sports complex. Franklin has new police-city hall-library complexes to pay for. Their taxes increase just like ours, but here’s the kicker: they don't have the benefit of a $2.5 million windfall.
How about the City of Oak Creek biting the fiscal bullet and build like our neighbors did. How about showing on our tax bill how the $2.5 million payment from power plant affects the city budget and how it helps each taxpayer! After all, it is a payment that no other city receives! It would give accounting to taxpayers of the City of Oak Creek!
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Girls hoops, Woodman's & more...
The Oak Creek girls basketball team finished in the top eight teams in state!
There were times when they were not ranked in top 20 in area, but this blogger knew better as he stated in early and mid-season blogs. I'd like to congratulate the new first-year coach and the whole team, but I must single out a very special athlete: Britney Zietlow.
This young lady started on varsity as a freshman point guard. For four years she lead by example. An excellent ball handler-passer-shooter with ice water in her veins when it came to shooting free throws.
Rae Lin D'Alie of Waterford now plays for the University of Wisconsin, and Miss Zietlow has the same skills. Thanks for sharing your skills with the fans for four years.
Staying with the Oak Creek High School news, look for the football team to use more of a passing attack!
Also, congrats to the JV cheerleaders and varsity cheerleaders. Both won first place at state. The varsity team is at the nationals as we go to press! The best of luck!
Woodman’s grocery store is getting ready to open. This was a very good catch for our city! Customers from a large area will visit our area, which will help other businesses, such as restaurants and fast-food places.
Costco is looking in Oak Creek area. They say they are “Number 1 in lowest prescription prices.” Hopefully they can be persuaded to come here. The Delphi plant, which is closing, is on Costco’s "look" radar screen. A decision on whether an on-off ramp is built on Drexel and I-94 will help seal a deal also.
The Ace Hardware store on Howell Avenue is also a nice addition to our city. A knowledgeable staff, along with a great selection of supplies and services is what caught this bloggers eye!
Of some early concern to this blogger is narrow street access in Ace-Woodman’s car wash and gas pump area. A four-way stop & a three-way stop are within a stone’s throw. Seems not very friendly to traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. Hope it looks better when snow melts!
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Selling Oak Creek water...Win-win?
If city of Milwaukee decides to sell water to western suburbs, it would generate $4.3 million in revenue to assist Milwaukee taxpayers. Selling water is a business for most water utilities as it helps its city at budget time.
Now, $4.3 million won't cure Milwaukee’s tax problems, but it does help. It's a win-win for Milwaukee and Waukesha, Elm Grove, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls and New Berlin – its western neighbors.
Our city fathers think differently about a request from village of Caledonia, our neighbors to the south, to buy water from Oak Creek. Oak Creek currently sells water to Caledonia for the Caddy Vista and Crest View sanitary districts. This service helps Oak Creek at budget time to the tune of $ 300,000 per year.
The Caledonia request makes the most sense as Oak Creek’s water is approximately three blocks from the Caledonia border and Oak Creek’s border on 13th Street, south of PPG.
Our city said no with a 3-3 tie by aldermen and the mayor breaking the tie vote.
The popular thinking seems to be that the I-94 corridor would develop faster than Oak Creek’s due to cheaper property costs. This won't happen! If Oak Creek does not sell water to Caledonia, Racine will. Or additional wells will supply the area.
Refusing Caledonia’s request will not keep potential developers from building in Caledonia, something more important will: There is no sanitary sewer to this area. Oak Creek has sewer and water to the I-94 corridor.
Oak Creek’s sewer and water utility currently pays approximately $1.1 million to the city to assist city budget at tax time. Water utilities look for more customers as it is such a good source of income - especially if capacity is available, as it is in Oak Creek’s case. The operator in charge just adjusts the pumps’ output accordingly.
You make the call!!
The payments due the city in 2009 from power plant have been spent on a well-needed expansion of city Highway Department headquarters. The city hall-library-fire department project could use some more revenue, such as from Oak Creek’s utility.
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Welcome Woodman’s!
Pick ‘n Save said they lowered prices on 5,000 items as Woodman’s opened! The person in our home who does shopping still prefers Piggly Wiggly and Pick ‘n Save!
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How many people have yet to discover Nick’s on 13th St., south of Rawson. This restaurant gets an A++ from this blogger!
Save room for homemade pies and my favorite – chocolate éclairs!
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Don't forget the Oak Creek firefighters spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 11, at the Oak Creek Community Center. It’s from 4 to 8 p.m. spaghetti, garlic bread and homemade desserts…all for a good cause!
See you there!
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The History of Downtown Oakwood, Wisconsin - 1872-2008
Four times a year, the Studers threw a gala party for friends and neighbors. Other parties were held year around on third floor dance hall or outdoor pavilion. The first Studer party was held on the second Christmas after it opened and became an annual event for 40 years.
Probably the best and biggest shindig was the annual Fourth of July parties. Preparations began days in advance. Families and friends were pressed into service. Someone had to trim the wicks and clean the chimneys of the kerosene lamps that were used to light the ballroom and pavilion. Hundreds of dishes had to be washed because two meals were to be served. The ballroom floor had to be scrubbed and waxed. Water was heated on two stoves on the first floor and carried to the third floor. The floor was scrubbed on hands and knees. Bushels of potatoes had to be peeled; cabbage made into coleslaw; beets pickled; and prize dill pickles were set out.
Henry Hoppe cut 150 pounds of steaks and roasts, and another 150 pounds of sausages and a half dozen smoked hams! Cakes by the score were baked the day before the picnic. It was a job that lasted well into the night.
Ice cream was also made the day before the picnic. Patrons of the bar were coaxed into turning the crank with Studer providing free drinks for those who helped. When the ice cream was hardened, it was stored in the ice house.
The beer wagon from Miller Brewery in Milwaukee came out the day before, July 3. The drivers boarded up the horses and stayed for the picnic, returning to the brewery on July 5. Over 12 barrels of beer were usually consumed. Pies were made the morning of the picnic -- usually strawberry and lemon meringue.
Neighbor girls waited on the tables where a meal could be bought for 50 cents. The midnight meal cost 25 cents.
It was a day to enjoy. The men gathered to talk about their crops and the weather, and drink beer. They had contests of strength and wrestling, and told stories that got better as they drank beer. A man exclaimed the strength of one named John Kavanaugh from Franklin and another man said, “Yup, I saw him carry a cow into the barn to be milked!”
The ladies gossiped, exchanged recipes and showed off dresses that they made for their little girls. The boys threw firecrackers at the girls’ feet. One year, Hoppe made a huge fake firecracker with a stove pipe. He plugged the ends, wrapped it in red paper, he added a fuse of rope and put it in the roadway. He lit it and the folks scattered!
After supper, the dance began in the grand ballroom. One of the most popular bands was the Eddy Hess brass band, made up of local boys. Another popular band was the Treishman band. The lively Schottische and the two-step shook the whole floor. Mike McDonald, who called the square dance, danced while doing so!
The bar was set up in a corner of the ballroom. The band got free drinks. One band member who had too many made a remark about a big Irishman from Carrolville. The Irishman grabbed the band member’s guitar and smashed it over his head. Fights were the norm. It was part of the picnic!
The young men -- Irish from Carrolville, Bohemians from Caledonia and Germans from Oak Creek -- usually looked forward to each year’s confrontation. Dancing continued until dawn when the diehards hitched their wagons and headed home, knowing it wouldn't be long before the end of August and the harvest dance – at Studers!
Sure brings back memories….
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Students Deserve More Recognition
Wouldn't the new OakCreekNOW.com Web site be an ideal venue? As I travel through Wisconsin, these awards are front-page in local papers. These are passed on to "grams and gramps," "uncles and aunts," friends, etc. Let our students stand and be proud! Julie Becker at Oak Creek NOW would be the contact.
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How about the Oak Creek High School girls softball team? They are among top eight teams in state again, going to Madison to compete for the state championship - "the best to the team and coach Vance!"The Oak Creek girls basketball team was among the top teams in state, also advancing to state playoffs. The boys baseball team is very good again this year - just got home from an extra-inning win over a top Franklin team!
Wouldn't it be nice to have Oak Creek have three teams advance to state competition in the same year?
* * *The Oak Creek Lions go on call 24/7 for the month of June to transport "eyes," or corneas. The club is one of few to participate in this project. A somewhat typical transport might be to pick up eyes at a local hospital, then proceed to Johnson Creek - about half way to Madison - where a Lion will pick them up and transport them to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital or Marshfield Clinic, etc.
I just received a call; I will pick up three sets of eyes tomorrow morning at Johnson Creek at 6 a.m. Two sets go to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa and one set to St. Luke’s Hospital on 27th Street. The containers are sealed, so as you make your transfer, you wonder exactly what is in the seat next to you! A great feeling comes over you as you return to your home.
* * *The new city highway maintenance building is under way. It is very much needed, as it is the hub of city maintenance. It is money well spent as the old building. It was worn, too small and out-dated!
* * *I have two hopes for new construction and renovation. I don't want to see hodge-podge buildings in back – and I want to see brick-and-mortar construction, not composites. A "reno" like the city sewer utility building would be perfect. No more Qdoba Mexican restaurant-type buildings - like the one on Howell and Puetz - are needed for our city. Just a little thinking out loud.
* * *Revaluation of your property is mandated by the state when it is too low compared to actual value, or market price for your property. This results in 100 percent assessment. With our depressed home market, assessments are now "over assessed." A typical $270,000 property now sells for $30,000 to $40,000 under assessed tax value. My sources are local Century 21 agents and homeowners who cannot sell their homes.
* * *Take in a free concert at the Oak Creek Community Center this summer. June 11 is the first of four concerts, with Chasin' Mason from 7 to 9 p.m.
No charge; bring your own refreshments, chairs, blankets, neighbors, friends, kids, etc. Call 768-5840, the center.
* * *Have a nice summer!
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Story of the cannon on Forest Hill Avenue -- and Favre update!
Yes, that cannon on Forest Hill Avenue belongs to this blogger. A fellow crew member at the Oak Creek power plant named Barney said, “Tiger, I have a cannon at Americana Antiques in Racine on Airline Road. I have to have it moved.”
We headed to Franksville (Brossman’s Bar). As customers entered, they had to pass my truck with the cannon on the back. What a topic of conversation - jokes and laughs. One farmer wanted to buy it! Nothing doing; it was my treasure.
Upon arrival at my home, my wife Joan said, “WHAT are you going to do with that?”
I had ideas – patriotic – like paint it red, white and blue. I acquired a parking lot light pole from Schaumberg’s Liquor Store in Oak Creek. Turned it into a flagpole. Underground wiring with landscaping lights and shrubs and flowers are what passers-by see today.
After about two years of the cannon being on loan from Barney – “I couldn't part with it,” a conversation piece, and jokes about why I had it (I did warn fellow citizens that I could hit their property, as I was on a "crack" artillery unit at Fort Sill, Okla. - which is true!") - I paid Barney $200 for the cannon in 1971.
The gun is registered at the Racine County Courthouse, I am told; this was done at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Many interested people stopped through the years - I did not know any history of cannon at all – and some said they would get back to me with info! They “had connections”; no one ever stopped back after 37 years. I said, “What the heck, it’s just Tiger’s cannon! That’s good enough for me!”
Two months ago a retiree from Delco stopped on his Harley. He said, “I'll find out info for you!” "Sure!” I thought.He cracked the almost 40-year mystery for me; he went to Wikepedia, and wham! Japanese-type, 98-antI-aircraft gun, built in 1938, 20 mm range of 5,500 meters, altitude of 3,500 meters, 2,500 manufactured, unknown how and why it is in the United States?
* * *
Thanks, Betty Kopplin, for 25 years of aldermanic service. To be elected that many terms shows your dedication to your constituents.
Betty always did her homework before council meetings - often voting in the minority. She voted her conscience. Wishing you the best of health!
* * *
The Oak Creek High School baseball team just finished beating rival Franklin for the third time this year. Great pitching, wonderful defense, and timely hitting are Coach Holler’s team’s strength as they march to a possible state tournament berth! Stevens Point, July 30 and 31.
* * *
Look for a very interesting new City Hall-Library proposal!
UPDATE: Brett Favre -- say it isn't true!
What a sad, sad way for a future Hall of Famer to put a flaw in a career he said was over! Through tears, he said the rigors of getting in shape, team meetings, off-season film sessions, along with not wanting to miss his daughters' sporting events, led him to choose to retire. I believed him and personally was good with that decision.
After watching the New Your Giants game -- reading the hype about the Packers were the all-around better team (Green Bay was favored as a cold-weather team) -- Brett's body language during the game told me he was through. There was his last chance to move the team after a miss chip shot field goal by the Giants, his zombie-like movements in the cold and his slumped shoulders walking off the field as he could not get a first down.
Jerry
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Blogger Finds Wallet That Can Never Be Returned
This blogger was helping a friend open a new warehouse -- shipping and selling collectibles such as Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Mattel products.
The opening of the new business meant opening volumes of case boxes and stocking shelves. Ater a day of opening boxes of all sizes, cases and cases of empties were piled high. Clean up for the day meant breaking down boxes flat to fit in Dumpster.
When we were nearly done, I saw a wallet on the floor. I asked Rhonda and Carol, my supervisors, if it was theirs. As the three of us were the only persons present that day, the answer was “no, it was not our wallet!”
I then opened the tri-fold snap billfold. No name or identification whatsoever in the wallet. It looked relatively new, with the company name Li-Ling stamped in leather and the name Hungun embossed in a cloth divider in bill area.
It contained nine bills – six smaller in size & three much larger. The smaller sizes consisted of three that said 1 yi jiao, two that said 2 er jiao and one 5 wu jiao. The larger sizes were two 50 wushi juan and one 100 bill dated 1999.
All had the words, “Zhongguo Renmin Yinhang,” printed on the top of them.
Upon further inspection of found wallet, a double folded new 2 er jiano (1980) was neatly tucked in "mad money" slot in trifold. Most cases were shipped from China or Japan.
This blogger checked for every possible clue to find a name or company trying to find the owner! Nothing remotely could be found.
I often wonder how this loss affected the owner. Is this one week’s wage or two? Or one month or more? Would this have bought an automobile? Did the family go without food or maybe a roof overhead?
I would have liked and would have done everything possible to get it back to owner.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
New postal facility and more!
Traffic
problems are sometimes overstated. When AC Delco and later Delphi were built, Oak Creek police officers
had to direct traffic on 13th and Drexel, and Howell and Drexel. Later, Drexel Avenue was
widened and new traffic signals installed. Traffic problems were not
overwhelming after that.
The pros: Many new jobs. (Don't ever believe that there will be fewer jobs --
such as when workers retire – because mail will increase forever!
Also remember this is government run.) New homes and buyers for existing homes
along with new businesses
And
expanding businesses already built will help tax base for the city.
The cons: No taxes will be paid to city for government building. “Not in my
backyard is a natural mentality.” Join the thousands of us! Here is the
financial “kicker" that is being worked out with Cobalt, the project team!
The city owns considerable “land-locked” land that post office needs.
This blogger is interested to see how this money is used -- spent to pay for a
city project - it is gone! If somehow the money can be annuitized to make a
yearly payment to city, it would take the place of lack of tax payment to city
from post office.
Whether this blogger thinks this is the best use for land does not come into
play! Many surrounding communities are waiting with open arms to secure this
type of project!
* * *
It is nice to see that Abendschein Park on Drexel in Oak Creek is in the planning stage to be improved
and expanded. There have been “porta potties" for 28 years, along with no
water to area. It is time.
* * *
The Oak Creek
girls softball team plays on a field that meets no standards whatsoever. This
is at the high school: right field is up a hill, left field is down hill. There
is no scoreboard, so only the scorekeeper knows the inning and the score!
* * *
I sure like the new Oak Creek Middle School East. It is a beauty! Be proud of
your school system. Any student that wants to learn will.
* * *
The high school band started to practice about two weeks before school started
and I hear them practice many nights.
* * *
Three Oak Creek
sports teams went to state Division 1 tournaments this year: girls
basketball,
girls softball and boys baseball. That’s quite a feat!
* * *
Let’s all back the high school football stadium improvement committee. A new
building at the northwest corner of stadium will house new restrooms, a
refreshment stand and players rooms.
Later a new turf will be installed that will replace the grass. Unlimited amount
of football games of all ages could be played on this field. This will be done
through donations -- no tax payer money! Backing is needed.
* * *
I sure enjoyed the summer concerts at the Community Center. Families with
blankets and coolers and lounge chairs. Neighbors, friends and families having
fun and free entertainment.
* * *
The city pig-chicken roast was the best attended yet. Hopefully, this
continues to grow. See you next year at Miller
Park, north of Oak Creek High School!!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Visit to Mexican Orphanage a Real Eye Opener
A few years back, this blogger went on an eye glass mission to Mexico with a group of Lions from around the state. I stayed in McAllen, Texas, a Mexico border town, for an extra day!
Two Lions couples asked me if I'd like to join them on a planned visit to a Catholic girls’ orphanage in Mexico. They had brought school supplies, writing paper, books, clothing and playground toys from Wisconsin. A van with proper credentials picked us up at our motel in McAllen. This was done to get into Mexico legally without an act of Congress!
Our trek of about two hours brought us to a high wooden gate -- electrically operated. We entered. It was a very dark evening. We were met by a nun who was about 4 feet-something. She was warm, stern and in charge -- all noted instantly.
We unloaded supplies that were donated. Happiness and smiles all around. Our group headed on a tour.
I noted rolled barbed wire, such as on prison fences on high walls, at the orphanage. This is to keep the “unwanted” out. Next we met happy, smiling, exuberant girls -- all wanting to show us their school work! Everything was in English. They were proud of their grades and skills in math, writing, reading, etc. So many happy, spontaneous young girls.
Part of our tour took us to the laundry room -- no frills with concrete walls and floors. Each girl was responsible for her own wash. The sinks were concrete, too, with a built-in washboard to scrub clothes. There were two electric dryers, which helped, but far too few to dry all the clothing. The large, dim laundry room had its own smell of dampness that I’ll never forget.
The resident girls had headed to a play area. We entered the area and happy giggles, laughter and all-around fun abounded!
We were told some orphans were dropped off as infants. Some, for example, a brother and sister, were abandoned when they were 2 years old. Others at various ages up to age 16 were abandoned completely. In some cases, one parent died and the other parent may have been addicted to either drugs or alcohol.
A major problem, we were told, is that the older orphans upon entering were street wise and they would try to steer younger orphans the wrong way. Yes, peer pressure exists here also!
As we were getting ready to leave, a young girl clutched my arm and began walking with me. It was a short distance as she was called back. I knew that she would have liked to have left for a loving family!
This blogger has heard of and read about orphanages…but it pales with an actual visit!
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Freedom is not 'Free'
However each of us voted, we all have to back him for the next four years. That is what makes America so great: We get a chance to vote, and the candidate with most votes is president. Not backing the president-elect would be detrimental to all citizens of United States.
Especially before he is sworn in and becomes the new commander in chief of the United States.
This blogger is deeply concerned about Barack Obama’s loyalty to America. His refusal to wear a flag lapel pin, but more so his refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Barack as reported did not have a stable family relationship as a youth and not above average wealth, yet he attended Columbia University and Yale University.
He now lives in a home reportedly worth $1.6 million!
Does he not realize how this was possible? Only in the United States>
How could this be possible? Many lives were lost fighting for our freedom.
This freedom did not come “free.”
This blogger would like to share just a few happenings that shaped his respect for the flag and his love of the USA, the freedoms he is thankful for, as so many lives were lost to maintain our freedoms of today.
When this blogger was about 6 years old, during World War II, my mom, dad, myself and two younger brothers walked to a school meeting in the town of Oak Creek. The family auto stayed at home.
Gasoline was rationed. Dad received gas ration stamps to take car to work only. If you used all your stamps for the month, you could not get gas from any station.
I attended Hillside Grade School. If Mrs. Klevenow - our only teacher for all eight grades - chose you to put up the U.S. flag for that day, it was an honor!
“Remember, don’t let the flag touch the ground,” we were reminded! On Veterans Day, the whole school stood at attention, facing the east, for one minute to remember our soldiers.
Later in life I remember how things were in Russia: no freedom at all. If a store received a shipment of Levi jeans, for example, lines were long only to find out they may have sold out before you got to the front. Grocery stores had little on shelves; many did not have any money to buy anyway.
This is just a small example of freedom compared to no freedom!
I am proud to be an American.
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There's A Whole Lot Going On
Your Oak Creek Lionsfest profits were at work as $4,400 was donated to Oak Creek Salvation Army for food for the needy at Christmas. Seven containers of food were also donated.
* * * * *
Four hundred kids, parents and grandparents attended a free breakfast with Santa at Oak Creek Lower Legion Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Santa, Wiggles the Clown and Christmas stockings were the highlights.
* * * * *
There were 320 football players, parents and other family members at the year-end banquet/award ceremony at the Oak Creek Community Center. Youth football played at the Legion grounds in Oak Creek is proving to be a great feeder program to the high school team. This blogger still is wondering how the Franklin team consistently finds the talented passing offense.
* * * * *
The 2009 Oak Creek girls basketball team looks great. They have a possible Division 1 recruit, along with a Drake recruit, plus a nice surrounding cast.
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This blogger waited way too long to go to a high school swimming meet. Sixteen laps in the pool resulting in a winner by a fraction of a second! Very exciting!
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Former Brewer CC Sabathia is gone to New York Yankees. The Steinbrenners, who own the Yankees, paid more for Sabathia and another pitcher than Mark Antanasio paid for whole Brewers team!
Is there something wrong with this picture?? Ya think?!
It is reported that Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets is "sore" that he wasn't offered a negotiated contract during the last season. A nice thank you card from Ben to the Brewers thanking them for paying him during four years of “fragility” would be more appropriate.
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This blogger made a trip to Vegas with three executive-type people to attend a convention. Yup, the blackjack dealers never change! The dealer had four 21s in a row with the blog person sitting with 20s each time!
All construction has stopped in Vegas: casinos, malls, condos, etc. The cranes sit high and there are no workers in sight. Due to money crunch, it may be years and much rust of iron before these projects start up again!!
We went to Lake Mead…the water is down 60 feet. Also went to the Hoover Dam. A new bridge is being built over the Colorado River and it may be another wonder of the world. At present, all traffic goes over the Hoover Dam, which has been a top concern since 9-11. The new bridge under construction is a must see if you’re in Vegas.
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In the last election, in Milwaukee, a mandatory pay for sick days for employees of Milwaukee business owners passed. I understand why it passed -- something "free" fits in there somewhere! How did this get on ballot?? If the person is now a good reliable person at work, they are now mostly treated accordingly. The unreliables would remain unreliable and just abuse the sick days!
Take this to the bank, this will never fly! That being said, the ordinance cannot be repealed or amended for two years!! Any idea how this will play out?? I don't, but I will tell you many businesses cannot absorb this “perk”!
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How about this Hoan Bridge talk about tearing the bridge down to make way for a street level roadway!! Is this blogger the only one that knows the behind-the-scene story? I’ll share it with you. The former union "czar" who was in charge of getting and overseeing roadway construction in Milwaukee is now the person handing out these contracts from Madison. He is an appointed head of the Department of Transportation. The Zoo Interchange project, look for wider I-94 re-do and the groundwork for other projects, like the Hoan Bridge, etc.
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What is green burial? The Floyd and Jerry volunteer team from Oakwood Rest cemetery were caught off guard with a call from a grave owner asking about "green burial." Turns out, after investigating the request, that there is such a thing that is legal. It is up to the cemetery to decide if they will allow it!
What is it? A burial with no embalming, no vault and no casket. Just a bag! Google "green burial" for more info!
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How about a "thank you" to the Oak Creek Power Plant for the $2 million-plus check to help stabilize our Oak Creek taxes for 2009?!
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Jerry
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