Don't miss out on all the fun this week in South Milwaukee. We've already had a great couple of days so far - Grant Park's 100 year celebration, the bicycle races Tuesday, the spaghetti dinner Wednesday...  and there is a lot more to come: 

Evening on the Avenue, Downtown South Milwaukee, 10^th & Milwaukee – Main Event 4-9pm 
Children’s activities, entertainment, music, activities, food, beverage, merchant displays, sales, giveaways, raffle to benefit Human Concerns, and much more! 

South Milwaukee Downtown Market  3:30 - 7:30 PM
11th and Madison Ave.

Plus the car cruise on Friday, the parade and duck race on Saturday and Lionsfest at 16th and Rawson all weekend. Find all the information here:

www.southmilwaukee.org/heritage.htm

It's going to be a fun Heritage Days Week, and this bicycling event is sure to please! The International Cycling Classic is back!

A number of races – with competitors ranging from amateurs to international professionals – are planned starting the morning of July 20, culminating with the pro race around 6 p.m. The course will start/finish at 9^th and Milwaukee Ave.  Eddie Van Geyse, who was the Italian villain in the movie Breaking Away is the race’s entertaining announcer.  Each race will take competitors on a unique 2.8-mile road course looping through the Oak Creek Parkway, into Grant Park, past the Bucyrus headquarters and finishing in downtown South Milwaukee on Milwaukee Avenue.

The day, however, is about much more than cycling. It’s also a day of family fun.

A number of special events are planned to coincide with the Classic, including a Kid’s Activity Zone sponsored by the South Shore YMCA and Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group. A special South Milwaukee Downtown Market – the outdoor street market that has taken off in popularity since its launch last July – is also planned.

Volunteers are needed!

Bucyrus International Cycling Classic

www.SMBikeRace.com

Contact: Danielle Devlin

Phone: 414-762-4114 or ddevlin@biz.wi.rr.com

About the International Cycling Classic/SUPERWEEK Pro Tour Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic is now the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the world with races in cities from De Pere in northern Wisconsin to Chicago. The event, formerly known as Superweek, has a long-running tradition of international participation. Each year, a European contingent travels overseas to compete in the Classic, many of whom are emerging stars on the European racing scene.

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is back even bigger and better in 2010, starting on Thursday, June 3rd thru October 14th. Join them as they celebrate downtown South Milwaukee with an event that promises food, fun and a festive atmosphere for everyone. Rain or shine Thursdays 3 to 7:30 p.m. in June, July and August. Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. in September and October 11th and Milwaukee Avenues in downtown South Milwaukee.

The outdoor street market begins June 3 and will be held every Thursday afternoon and evening through October 14 on 11th Avenue south of Milwaukee Avenue near the heart of South Milwaukee’s city center. This year there will be more seating for patrons and more stalls for vendors.  Bucyrus International is also offering a part of their parking lot for the market and this year there will be music too!  http://4thdistrict.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2010-return-press-release-2.pdf 

You can keep up with what's going on at the market by joining them on Facebook or checking out their website at:  http://www.smdowntownmarket.org .

This is a very cool interactive map that shows where all the farmer's markets are at in Southeastern Wisconsin.  You can also print out a list of them.

http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/92425519.html

I'm including below an email I received from Pat Jursik who represents the 8th District (St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, and 2 wards in Oak Creek).  Sounds like a fun time!

Dear Sheridan Friends and Community Leaders:

We invite you to join Sheridan Park Friends at their annual meeting.  We will meet this Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at Sheridan Pavilion Area #1 (near the pond) for free refreshments and pot luck breakfast.  At the meeting, you will hear planned activities for the summer and into fall, view the parks slide show presented at their award winning ceremony and meet other park enthusiasts;  All are welcome and please plan to invite other interested friends!

We hope to see you there!

Thanks,
Pat Jursik
 

I'm including below an email I received from Pat Jursik who represents the 8th District (St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, and 2 wards in Oak Creek).  Sounds like a fun time!

Dear Sheridan Friends and Community Leaders:

We invite you to join Sheridan Park Friends at their annual meeting.  We will meet this Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at Sheridan Pavilion Area #1 (near the pond) for free refreshments and pot luck breakfast.  At the meeting, you will hear planned activities for the summer and into fall, view the parks slide show presented at their award winning ceremony and meet other park enthusiasts;  All are welcome and please plan to invite other interested friends!

We hope to see you there!

Thanks,
Pat Jursik
 

We stopped here the other day for a quick bite, mostly because we were in the mood for a good burger and we didn't have a lot of time.  I hadn't been here since it's been Chicago Avenue Gyros, but I had heard good things about it.  I used to live really close to this place when I was still in high school.  Back then it was still a drive-in and one of my friends worked there - so I spent a lot of time there. 

The place hadn't changed a bit, except a new coat of paint, a bigger menu, and no more drive-in.  There are a few tables and booths inside with picnic tables outside.  You order at the window inside.  My boyfriend ordered a huge gyro and I got a bacon burger and fries.  The food came out quickly, and is very reasonably priced.  My burger was very good and HUGE!  The fries were good too.  Mike said his gyro was as good as any he'd get in Chicago.  That's saying a lot since he's a big fan of the various ethnic foods in Chicago.

They serve Greek, Mexican, and American food.  I also noticed that they serve ice cream, malts and shakes, and sundaes.  I'll be stopping again this summer to try one of their sundaes.  Yum.

513 N Chicago Ave, South Milwaukee, WI   414-571-9970

 The Bob Kames Foundation Jazz Festival returns April 16 - 18. The festival will include three evenings of performances. On Friday, April 16, Eric Marienthal will take the stage with special guest Brian Culbertson. Ramsey Lewis will perform Saturday, April 17 and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band returns on Sunday, April 18. Tickets are $45 per performance. Special discounts are available if you purchase more than one show. For more information, contact the Box Office at 414-766-5049 or visit webpage: www.southmilwaukeepac.org/ or  www.bobkamesfoundation.org/mainframe.html

The annual Jazz Festival has provided thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to High Schools and Middle Schools. These funds are used to provide instruments, instrument repair, lessons, music and other related music items. Their main fundraising is through the annual Jazz Festival, sponsors, raffles and private tax deductible contributions. This fundraiser is especially important this year since many of our school music programs could be cut due to budget constraints. This is a great way to support our school music programs and stuents!

There is a one-day Downtown Spring Market and Business Fair on Saturday, April 10, at Bucyrus International HERITAGE BLDG, (located across the street from the SM Library) just 1 block North of 10th & Milwaukee Ave in South Milwaukee.

The market, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Building, will feature many of the same vendors found at the summer version of the market, including produce, food, jewelry, art and craft vendors.

It will also feature a South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce Business Fair showcasing some of the city’s top merchants

BONUS: The Bucyrus Museum will be open for viewing

Want to exhibit? See the vendor form at: www.smdowntownmarket.org/

I took most of this from Patricia Jursik's latest newsletter, but I'm sure she won't mind me passing this list of things to do in the next month or so..

Saturday, March 6 – Family FREE Day at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm

All visitors receive free admission. The parking fee remains in effect. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7 – Winter Pow Wow
Presented by Indian Summer Festivals. Traditional Pow wow with grand entries at 1 and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. Native marketplace, art, and traditional food. Prayer ceremony on Sunday at 10am with FREE entry for those who attend. Admission: general $7, ages 60+ $5, and children 12 and under FREE. At Wisconsin State Fair Park, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, 640 S. 84^th St. (gate 5), West Allis. 414-604-1000 or www.indiansummer.org

Sunday, March 7 – Inside the County Board, 9-10pm

Tune to 1130 WISN for an in-depth look at actions of the County Board of Supervisors. Airs the first Sunday of each month. This month will focus on the Lake Parkway 794. Podcasts will be available at county.milwaukee.gov/insidethecountyboard

Tuesday, March 9 – Friends of Mill Pond meeting, 6:30pm

Special guest Brian Russert will introduce the Milwaukee County Park's Natural Areas Program that is actively applying restoration ecology and engaging communities throughout the system's 10,000 acres of natural areas. Brian will use a slide presentation to overview the breadth of the program, where it is working, and how individuals can get involved with the management of "their" natural resources.  Brian will speak at 6:30pm, immediately before the meeting. At Marquette Manor (2409 10^th Av, South Milwaukee). 571-1191

Thursday, March 11 – Grant Park “Park Watch” meeting, 6pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-7262

Thursday, March 11 – Friends of Grant Park meeting, 7pm

At Grant Park Clubhouse (100 Hawthorne Av, South Milwaukee). 764-0612

Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14 – Behind the Scenes at the Zoo

Visit the small mammals and aviary kitchens, the off-exhibit lion den, big cat toys, and the sensory safari. Tours are free with regular admission and are held 10am-2:45pm. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Saturday, March 13 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Noon

Parade route follows Wisconsin Av. east from 3^rd to Plankinton, north along Plankinton and 3^rd, and Juneau east to Water St. in Downtown Milwaukee. www.saintpatricksparade.org

Sunday, March 14 – Pullin’ o the Green, seatings at 4:30pm or 6:30pm

Join Friends of Grant Park in their annual benefit to preserve and enhance Grant Park. Admission gets you food, beverage or a beer, and an evening of great music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Regular admission: $12 adults, $3 children. Reduced-price tickets ($10) will be available in advance at local businesses, including Parkway Floral, Wild Flour Bakery, and Nona’s Café. At Grant Park Clubhouse, 100 Hawthorne Av., South Milwaukee. Contact 764-0612

Tuesday, March 16 – Cudahy Lions Blood Drive, 2-6pm

At Cudahy Family Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy. Call 421-0276 for info / appointments.

Tuesday, March 16 – Music Under Glass, 6:30-8:30pm

Leroy Airmaster with Steve Cohen (blues, jazz). Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Regular admission applies. 649-9830 www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

Wednesday, March 17 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at the Carlton Grange Pub, 6-9pm 3807 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis (just north of Howard Av.) www.carletongrange.com

Thursday, March 18 – St. Patrick’s Day party at the Kelly Center, Noon

The party starts at Noon with entertainment by Pat Gong Duo, door prizes, and lunch served by South Woods at 12:30pm. Payment of $12 for lunch is due by March 10. At Kelly Senior Center, 6100 S. Lake Dr., Cudahy. 481-9611

Thursday, March 18 – The Garlic Mustard Pickers play at Sheridan’s Café, 6:30-8:30pm

5133 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy. Reservations recommended: 747-9800 www.sheridanhouseandcafe.com/TheCafe.htm

Sunday, March 21 – St. Francis Association of Commerce Spaghetti Dinner, 11am-6pm

At St. Paul Church Hall, 1720 E. Norwich Av., Milwaukee. Tickets can be pre-purchased at Fixx Coffeehouse, 3558 E. Sivyer Av., St. Francis (Just off of Packard Av., between the Carleton

Grange Pub & Foamation Cheesehead Factory).

Tuesday, March 23 – Frank P. Zeidler Memorial Lecture, 7pm

Media expert, associate editor of the Capital Times, and Washington correspondent for The Nation, John Nichols discusses the 2010 book that he co-authored with Robert McChesney, entitled “The Death and Life of American Journalism: The Media Revolution that Will Begin the World Again.” At Centennial Hall, Milwaukee’s Central Library, 733 N. 8^th St., Milwaukee.

Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28 – Breakfast & Lunch with the Bunny at the Zoo, 9am-4:30pm Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles. At Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. milwaukeezoo.org 256-5466

Save the date! Saturday, April 10, South Milwaukee Downtown Spring Market and Business Fair, 10am-3pm At Bucyrus International, 1100 Milwaukee Av, South Milwaukee. www.smdowntownmarket.org

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ongoing:

Music Under Glass, Tuesdays and Thursdays until March 18, 6:30-8:30pm

Enjoy the new lighting of the domes with light shows at the break and following the concert. Regular admission applies. At The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. 649-9830. Check out the schedule of music at: www.county.milwaukee.gov/FloralShowampEventSc10360/MusicUnderGlass.htm

Taken from the southmilwaukee.org/eVents newsletter:

South Milwaukee’s "Fresh Water Days" Planned for Thursday and Friday

Interest Grows To Help Businesses Affected by Water Emergency

A few weeks ago my blog asked you to post what you are most proud of in South Milwaukee.  There were some great things listed.  A few that came up several times were:

Grant Park and our beautiful green spaces, our great festivals, the various clubs that do great things for the city and parks, the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the Little League, our schools, and Bucyrus Erie.

I love all these things about South Milwaukee.  In high school I lived very close to Grant Park and spent a lot of time there. I walked to the lagoon to ice skate in the winter, watched the kids play at the little league park, marched through the city streets in the So Milwaukee High School Band, and my first job was at the BE Club (now Papa Luigi's II).  Bucyrus Erie employed my father and step-father - and many of my friend's dads.  A picture I painted still hangs in the library. I think what brought me back to live here as an adult is the small town feel and the friendly residents.  It's close enough to my job and it's easy to get there via the 794 Parkway.

All these sentiments were echoed in the comments listed at www.southmilwaukee.org/guestlog.htm . Won't you check it out and post some of your own?

Recently I posted a blog about the things I remembered about the South Side that were my favorites and many of you responded with your own.  That was really fun!  Sometimes it's much too easy to focus on all the bad things that happen - so lets continue to focus on the good for a little while as we ring in the New Year. . .

Teaming up with Alderman Jim Shelenske, we thought we'd create a place for you to list all the things about South Milwaukee that you are proud of.  Post your comments here:  "Top 100" Things to be proud of in South Milwaukee.  We'll gather them up and create a summary.  We already added a few to start us off . . .

While you are there, check out the South Milwaukee.org website.  Jim put this together some time ago and updates it.  It is a great place to check out what's going on and when, city information and news, and he'll even send it to your email account if you sign up there.

Happy New Year to everyone, and THANK YOU for continuing to read my blog.

-Wende

Monday, December 21st, at 7:30 PM the annual South Milwaukee High School Yuletide Festival Concert at the South Milwaukee PAC 901 15th Avenue.  Free!

People will be on hand to collect items for Human Concerns also. 

If you love the Christmas Feaste, you’ll love this concert. This concert has a new format and features the performance groups from the Ye Olde Christmas Feaste, and will feature a new joint work by Clare Grundman called "Three Noels." In SMHS music tradition, the concert will end with the singing of Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus". All are invited to attend, sing and to get yourself into the holiday spirit. 

I miss these things about the South Side. How many do you remember?

Gimbels and JC Penney Outlet at Packard Plaza, Lloyd's Lunch (in SM), Grebe's Bakery (SM), IHop (Cudahy), Greg's Pumpkin Tree (Cudahy), the 41 Twin Drive-In, Majestic theater, Garden Theater, the Spectacle of Music (the old way with the parade and competition), Big Boy's and Taco Bell (in SM), ice skating at the lagoon, walking the RR tracks to get from one end of SM to the other, the "pit" behind SM High, Miss Awe, the BE Club (my first job!), Ladish, when the City of South Milwaukee Offices was an elementary school, And the ROCKETS (especially when they beat the Packers), Black Bear Soda in Cudahy,  and picking apples in the abandoned orchard which is now Bender Park on Ryan Road.  Now that I'm thinking about it, there are way too many to mention them all here...Can you tell I went to So Milwaukee High School?  I'm not telling how long ago it was though!

Looking for a quick, but healthy meal this week? Dine at the Cousins in South Milwaukee on Thursday, December 10, and not only feed your hunger, but support the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. 10% of ALL sales will be donated to the SMPAC to assist with educational programming for the 2010-2011 Season.

Chck out the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center's website:   http://www.southmilwaukeepac.org/

I've always liked going to Goodwill or the Salvation Army stores to see what they have, pick up a few books, get some clothes for the grandkids.  Lately these stores have become very busy!  I pulled into the parking lot of the Goodwill store on 27th Street and almost every parking space was taken!  I know that around Halloween these stores are great places to put together a costume, but this started a few months ago.  Yes, the economy has prompted a lot of the business, but I also think that "thrifting" has become kinda trendy.  I'm on the young end of the baby boomer generation, but the nostalgia factor of the 1970's doesn't escape me.  It's really cool to see some of those old fashions. And, as my boyfriend points out, electronic equipment from that timeframe has become really valuable for collectors.  He's always scoping out the thrift stores for good quality speakers, old stereo equipment, and albums.  Just check out some of that old stuff listed on E-Bay, some of it goes for some serious coin. 

So we have hit up all the thrift stores we could find on the south side, but I was hoping we missed a few. We've stopped at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Value Village. I went looking for the few I knew of up by Mitchell Street, but they have been closed.  We also found a small one on Layton at 27th Street.  Are there any others?  Let me know! 

Coalition to Save the Hoan
Town Hall Meetings

Monday, September 21, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
South Shore Park Pavilion
2900 S. Shore Drive, Milwaukee
With Representative Sinicki and County Supervisors Dimitrijevic and Larson

Thursday, September 24, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Lions Community Center
3476 E. Howard Av., St. Francis
With Mayor Richards, Representative Sinicki and County Supervisor Jursik

Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 S. Howell Av., Oak Creek
With Mayor Bolender and County Supervisor Jursik

Sign a petition to help save the bridge
Learn about the Wisconsin DOT’s desire to demolish the bridge
Give brief comments to elected officials

Testimony limited to 2-3 minutes per citizen, depending on meeting. Extensive written comments may be submitted to your elected officials.

Do not let this be decided behind closed doors! Make your voice heard! Join the Coalition!

For more information, visit www.county.milwaukee.gov/Jursik/SavetheHoanBridge.htm
or contact Supervisor Patricia Jursik, 414-278-4231 or patricia.jursik@milwcnty.com

Tomorrow night, South Shore constituents will have a chance to learn about plans for the Hoan and make their voices heard.  Don't let this change go by if you have something to say about it.

Coalition to Save the Hoan
August Town Hall Meetings

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
South Milwaukee Council Chambers
2424 15th Av., South Milwaukee
With Mayor Tom Zepecki and Sup. Jursik

Thursday, August 27, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
Cudahy Public Library, Winter Garden
3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
With Rep. Sinicki and Sup. Jursik

Sign a petition to help save the bridge
Learn about the Wisconsin DOT’s desire to demolish the bridge
Give brief comments to elected officials

Testimony limited to 3 minutes per citizen. Extensive written comments may be submitted to your elected officials.

Do not let this be decided behind closed doors! Make your voice heard! Join the Coalition!

For more information, visit www.county.milwaukee.gov/Jursik/SavetheHoanBridge.htm
or contact Supervisor Patricia Jursik, 414-278-4231 or patricia.jursik@milwcnty.com

With a name like Fun Fest, it's gotta be fun, right?  In fact this festival has been going on for 30 years.  Even though I'm writing this late, there is still today to experience a little fun.  Today's schedule has a wide variety of music, starting with a polka mass, then bagpiper music, swing, and rock (IMt. Olive 5 to 9pm).  

Roasted chicken dinners start at noon - stop early because they sell out every year.  While you eat your chicken, there is a beer special  today only from noon to 2pm, tap beer is $1!

A new addition, a pong tournament (with water, not beer) will be played with 32 teams on 8 tables.  Maybe the parents can beat the college kids!  :)  Starts at 1pm.

If you bought raffle tickets, the winners will be drawn at 8pm tonight.  You need not be present to win.  My mom buys tickets for all of us each year, so I think this year, it's my turn to win.  I just feel it.

http://www.dmfunfest.com/30th.php

The new Grant Park Concessions stand at the beach in South Milwaukee is celebrating by featuring live music on Saturday August 1st!  Stop by to enjoy the music.  They are currently open Monday - Friday from 3:30 to 8 pm and Saturday - Sunday from noon to 8 pm.  You don't have to wait until August 1st to enjoy the beautiful lakefront beach and the concessions.

Evening on the Avenue: Check out music, entertainment, children’s activities, food, community vendors and resources. A raffle will benefit South Milwaukee Human Concerns. Enjoy Celtic music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers. Visit the Friends of Mill Pond to purchase Duck Race tickets and other items. Come to Milwaukee Avenue at 10th Avenue in South Milwaukee from 4 to 9 p.m. for an evening of fun on July 23!
 

South Milwaukee Downtown Market Launches July 23: The new South Milwaukee Downtown Market will open on the same night as South Milwaukee’s Evening on the Avenue on July 23. Stop by 11th and Milwaukee Avenues each Thursday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., for fresh produce, bakery, flowers, and other offerings from area vendors and entertainers. Visit http://www.SMDowntownMarket.org .

Heritage Days Parade: 11am In South Milwaukee Saturday, July 25

Great Duck Race: Saturday, July 25 –, 2pm Below the Mill Pond dam, South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee Lions Fest: July 24-26 – Friday, 4:30-11:30pm fish; Saturday, 11am-11:30pm ribs; Sunday, Noon-8pm chicken, 16th St. & Rawson Av., South Milwaukee https://www.wilions.org/southmilwaukee/lionsfes.htm

2009 Fourth of July Celebrations (Saturday the 4th unless otherwise noted)

South Milwaukee: . Schedule of Events at the Brown Pavilion, Grant Park  • Areas 5 & 6. Sponsored By: City of South Milwaukee. Schedule: 10:00 a.m. – Call to Colors; 10:10 a.m. – Kids Bicycles and Coaster Decoration Parade; 11:00 a.m. – Kids races, games and penny scramble followed by free ice cream and Cracker Jack for ALL KIDS!! 9:30 P.M. – Spectacular Fireworks Display. Food will be served by The South Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Beverages will be served by the Johnny Mo’s Bar & Grill. PJ’s Variety will be there selling candy, snap pops, etc. in the brown pavillion. Live Music from 1 p.m to 9:15 p.m.

Cudahy: parade, noon, starting at Packard and Grange avenues and continuing east on E. Layton Ave. to S. Lake Drive. Ceremonies, entertainment, activities starting at 1:45 p.m., Sheridan Park. Fireworks, 9:20 p.m.

St. Francis: parade, 10 a.m., heading south on Barland Ave., east on Denton Ave. to Packard Ave., south on Lunham Ave. and then east to Milt Vretenar Park. Activities at the park include ice cream, parade awards, a petting zoo, food and music; fireworks, around 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sheridan Pavilion, Area 1, at the farthest east end of Layton Avenue, Cudahy

The Bluegrass Allstars use banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, upright bass, and vocal harmonies.  Some of their favorite tunes are Rocky Top, Dueling Banjos and the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies.  Cudahy favorite Dan Nimphius, former owner of Dan's Pickaway Parlor in South Milwaukee, is a member of this group.

Sponsored by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.  Kudos to the Friends of Patrick Cudahy Park for their efforts to bring a Milwaukee County Parks concert to Cudahy for the first time!  Also supported by County Supervisor Patricia Jursik.

The Lawson Building in South Milwaukee (behind the Fire Department) is being demolished this week.  The buildings behind the original tiny brick building were an eyesore and plans have been in the works for awhile to tear it down.  A memorial to the history of the buidling is to be built once the area is cleaned up.

There are plenty of Italian restaurants around here, and Barbiere's opened up a new location in downtown South Milwaukee just recently.  Out of curiosity, I took my mom there Saturday for dinner.  I've eaten at their other location before, and their food has always been very good. 

Their storefront used to be a small lunchtime deli type place that was only open during the noon hour  to serve the Bucyrus Erie lunch crowd.  I had asked the store owner once why they didn't stay open for dinner and he said that they only wanted to concentrate on the lunch crowd.  South Milwaukee is a tough place to have a restaurant it seems, as many don't stay very long.  My thought is, if you want customers, you need to be open at the times that people want to eat - which means dinner time and beyond.

I was really surprised that Barbiere's took over the other side of the building too, and opened up seating in the back of the building also. The wood floors and old brick wall are nice touches.  The other side has a full bar with tallbacked wooden chairs and a classy look.  It looks inviting and I have a feeling that the bar will draw some regular customers.  The clean open look combined with the wood and brick is a warm and comfy combination.

I had their lasagna and mom had spaghetti.  Both were very good.  The waitress was attentive and pleasant. There were several other tables filled, and as we were leaving it was getting busier. The whole experience was very good, and I think I'll go back soon to check out the bar area while I wait for a pizza for take-out.

They have great hours, basically 11am to 11pm and the bar is open till regular bar close time.

 Barbiere's Italian Inn, 1021 Milwaukee Avenue, So. Milwaukee, 414-764-1234

www.foodspot.com/barbieressouth/

A few weeks ago I noticed a small yellow sign on a sign pole around 10th and Milwaukee Avenues in South Milwaukee.  I don't think I've ever seen the sign before, being yellow it caught my eye as I drove past it.  It struck me as very odd to see the words "Yellowstone Trail" on it, when we were nowhere near Yellowstone National Park. I briefly thought to myself that I should look that up - then promptly forgot about it.

Today I was looking for something else about South Milwaukee and stumbled on a link for the Yellowstone Trail.  There it was again!  How could they be connected?  I clicked and read about it.  Did you know that there was a trail - a bunch of dirt roads really - that went from the east coast to the west coast?  It was originally created in 1915 to promote the newly emerging automobile industry and it ran right through South Milwaukee! 

You can read about it yourself at: http://www.southmilwaukee.org/yt/history.htm

From Press Release March 1, 2009:

The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation is holding a fundraising event on Saturday April 25 2009, called the Aicardi Party.  This is a Beer and Wine Tasting Event that is open from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI  53154.  There will be door prizes, a live auction, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and background music.  Immediately following the event, the Neil Diamond Tribute Show will begin!   The show is available only to the Aicardi Party event attendees.

The silent and live auction items include several autographed sports memorabilia, in addition to many other unique packages.  The silent auction ends at 10:15 p.m., with auction item pick up beginning at 10:30 p.m.

For event attendees only, there will be musical entertainment by Karl Commers in the Neil Diamond Tribute until midnight.  Go to www.neildiamondshow.com to get a glimpse of his talent!  

To register in advance, please download the registration form from the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation website www.aicardisyndrome.org, or call Terry or Linda Tveita at (414) 232-5374.  Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door the night of the event.  Due to limited space, it is highly encouraged that individuals register in advance.  The event is open to the public, but attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the wine and beer tasting.

Please come and enjoy some great wine and beer, while supporting a great cause.  All money raised at the event will go to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation.  The Foundation is staffed solely by volunteers, and all money raised goes directly to the Foundation to support the Foundation’s efforts.

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Aicardi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder identified by the French neurologist, Dr. Jean Aicardi, in 1965.  The number of identified cases of children with Aicardi Syndrome is very difficult to calculate accurately, but is estimated at 300-500 worldwide.  Aicardi Syndrome is characterized by the absence of the corpus callosum, seizures, poor muscle tone, and retinal lesions.  Aicardi Syndrome only affects females.

The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in August 1991.  The Foundation is funded by private donations and various fundraising events.  The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation provides funds for families of affected girls, newsletters and support, and ongoing research to find a cause and cure.  The WI Chapter of this Foundation was organized by the parents and friends of Serena Tveita, Oak Creek WI.

As the historical Lawson Building at 909 Menomonee Avenue in So. Milwaukee awaits its demolition fate, plans are being made for a memorial to be erected in its place.  A request for proposals is out for artists to submit their rendering of a memorial that incorporates the style and materials found in the old building that used to be a rubber manufacturer, an airline manufacturer, a tile company, a pottery maker, and most recently an auto repair shop. 

The history of the building is pretty interesting.  I found out about it when I was looking at the pictures on the lobby wall of the So. Milw PAC.  I was surprised to learn our little city housed a company that was building the first airliner for long distances and to carry airmail.  Then I ran across the plans for the memorial when I was looking at the So. Milw Community Development website. http://www.southmilwaukeecda.com/projects_22_0_1.pdf

 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn5302/is_20080717/ai_n27921819

 http://www.milwaukeecountyhistsoc.org/historic_landmarks/landmarks_SouthMilwaukee.html

In case you didn't know, South Milwaukee has a Performing Arts Center.  It was built a few years ago as part of the South Milwaukee High School expansion and it is a hidden gem.  In addition to serving the school system and local groups for events, it draws many fine performers to entertain you.  I had been told that the theatre had great acoustics, and they were right, the sound is awesome.  This is nothing like the high school stages you are used to seeing in a school, it's a modern performing arts center attached to the school that is not too small, not too large, and very classy.  It has a great open lobby area to gather in before the show and it looks out over the high school commons area below. 

 Recently I got involved in volunteering at the SMPAC and it's been a great experience.  Besides the satisfaction of volunteering, you get to see the show for free when you do it. It's easy, flexible, and you get some great perks for doing it.   

I had the priviledge of seeing Tommy Emmanuel, an awesome guitarist from Australia, and next week I'm going to see the phenomonal piano player Alpin Hong.  Check out all the upcoming performances at:  http://www.southmilwaukeepac.org/ . 

901 15th Avenue
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Administrative Office Phone: 414-766-5048
Box Office Phone: 414-766-5049
Fax: 414-766-5005

Ever since Dunkin' Donuts pulled out of Cudahy many years ago, we've been without a south side franchised donut shop.  I was pretty excited to learn that South Milwaukee will have one by the new Aldi's on the south side of town, and I was really surprised to read last week that another one was pre-approved to build in Oak Creek.  That piece of news made me wonder, are we really getting two Dunkin' Donuts that close together?  I understand that the demographics of each area and traffic patterns are completely different, so the company must have thought they can make a go of both stores?

This what I'd like to know, are they are still going to build in South Milwaukee?  Now that I was expecting to see it built there, I'd be disappointed  to find out that they decided to move the location to Oak Creek.  Don't get me wrong, I love Oak Creek and it's growing so fast that it could use one there, I just don't want to loose getting the location at South Milwaukee.

 http://www.oakcreeknow.com/watch/?watch=27&date=9/10/2008&id=45950

I'm taking my mom out for brunch for her birthday this coming weekend, but instead of going to all the regular places around here, I wanted to find a good brunch place.

I've heard about a brunch at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, and I'm sure there's some good ones in downtown Milwaukee, but I am unfamiliar with any notable ones in this south side area. 

Any recommendations? 

The Papa Luigi's/Salvatore's Pizza place in South Milwaukee is more than just a place to go get a fish fry or pizza.  It's a full service party place!  If you've been around the area for awhile, you'll remember that it was the old Bucyrus Erie Club - the cafeteria/bar/recreational place for the employees of BE.  In fact, the BE Club was my first employer back in high school! 

The general layout of the place is the same, with the endearing old bowling lanes, banquet hall, upstairs gym, and bar/dining area.  It's a perfect place for a kids birthday party - there's bowling and video games with a large area set with long tables for the kiddies to sit at. The pizza is good (had it several times) and the bar area has a nice big screen TV for watching the ball games. Their banquet hall can accomodate 200.  I'm not sure if you have to reserve time to use the gym upstairs.

This is their 2nd location - the first being in Cudahy, but the South Milwaukee location has the "family fun center". 

1919 12th Avenue, South Milwaukee  764-6111

3475 E Layton Avenue, Cudahy 483-6111

As you know, Mexican food is my favorite and I like to spend my money close to home in order to promote local business.  There are two places that are relatively new around here that are quietly serving great Mexican food and I think it's about time that we give them the recognition that they deserve.

 La Serenata - 4978 S. Packard Avenue, Cudahy.  I had been driving by this place for a few months now and if you aren't really looking for it, you don't notice it.  On the outside, there is large lettering that spells out the name, but no other indication that it's Mexican (unless you look closely at the windows).  I took my mom there one day for lunch because we were curious - not knowing for sure if it was a restaurant.  When we walked in we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the place, lots of room for diners and there is a large oval bar in the middle.  The walls are brightly painted and the decor is definitely Mexican.  It was like discovering a hidden treasure - not expecting the pleasant inside compared to the non-descript outside.  But we still had to sample the food.

It was quiet in the place, we were probably their first customers for the day.  The waitress was very helpful with the menu which was extensive.  There were a lot of choices for different meats and sauces and dishes not often found in many of the typical south side Mexican restaurants.  The prices were reasonable too.  When our food arrived, I couldn't believe the size of the plates and the portions!  I could not finish it all and had to ask to get it wrapped up.  The rice and beans were very good and my enchiladas were great.  My mom loved her dish also.  We picked up their take out menu and the waitress gave us a punch card that is sure to keep us coming back.  The food rivaled any of the near south side restaurants that we'd normally go to when we need our Mexican food fix, so if you live south of the south side, try out La Serenata.

Azteca Restaurant - 9th and Milwaukee Avenue, South Milwaukee. This is the restaurant that used to be located in the gas station at 10th and Marquette.  I was a fan of the place when they were making do in the gas station because they were not one of those fast food places that served bad food for people on the run - they were serving authentic food out of a tiny kitchen and trying to make a name for themselves.  Even then they did daily specials.  The fuchia purple building on 9th and Milwaukee is their new home and they have really hit their stride.  They remodeled the old Chinese restaurant and put in really nice booths and new decor to make it uniquely Mexican.  I was thinking that they must be estatic to have a large kitchen and nice dining room.  Their menu has been expanded and they cleverly advertise their daily specials on a cute catcus sign that they put outside on the sidewalk.  Alcohol is served also.  The food was as good as ever and when we went on a Friday night for dinner the place was crowded, practically every table was full and there are a LOT of tables.  They were adequately staffed to handle everyone that walked in the door.  From my previous posts I complained about the lack of businesses in downtown South Milwaukee - this is one of the success stories. I'm rooting for them!

Thanks everyone for your comments on my previous coffee shop blog!  I agree that So. Milwaukee needs to rev up their main street and get some businesses in there that people really want and NEED to go to - in order to drive foot traffic there.  A drive through coffee shop won't happen there because buildings would have to be torn down, and a regular coffee shop would have a problem with parking because there are no lots.  The best solution is to revamp the area and remodel the buildings.  Cudahy's Packard Plaza area and going north a bit from there needs help too. 

I was talking about this with my sister and we could list a number of businesses that we'd love to have close to us because we'd go browse....  a kids and maternity reconsignment shop, a book store, thrift shop, organic foods/health foods/vitamins, a farmer's market, cell phone shop, garden shop...  we could go on and on. 

Another problem I have with the area is that by the time I'm driving through there after work, most everything is closed!  If the stores close up shop by 5-6 pm, it doesn't do the residents any good.  If we truly are a bedroom community, then closing before we get home doesn't help generate sales!

The one bright spot about the area are the restaurants.  For the new ones I want you to know that we're cheering for you and hope you are a success!  There are 2 mexican restaurants that I will talk about in my next blog, So. Milwaukee's Azteca and Cudahy's La Serenata.  Mexican food is my favorite - and if I don't have to go far to get it, all the better!

Every workday I drive by the empty storefronts along Milwaukee Avenue (in So. Milwaukee) and wonder why one of them isn't a drive through coffee place like Dunn Brothers, or dare I say ...Starbucks?  South Milwaukee may not seem savvy enough for a Starbucks, but I know if there was a specialty coffee shop that serves coffee fast as I am on my way to work, I would certainly frequent the place. 

I noticed a new cafe that is about to open on 10th Avenue (the old Grebe's - Yea!!!) and I hope that they can fill part of this need.  McDonald's certainly provides morning coffee quickly, and many gas stations too.  But it really would be nice to have a drive through alternative to McDonalds.

I hear that Dunkin' Donuts wants to open by the new Aldi's on the south side of South Mlwaukee and I'm really happy about it.  I just wish they had picked the downtown area to locate it - and include a drive through.  I don't drive south out of town when I go to work and I suspect not too many people do. Most of us are headed to Milwaukee to work.

Until then I'll continue to brew my own at home - and hope!  

China Chef - We had a taste for chinese food the other night so stopped at China Chef 1224 Milwaukee Ave in South Milwaukee.  I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu, but even more surprised by the taste of the food.  It was really good, and my date said that he hadn't had better Egg Foo Young anywhere.  They proudly tell you that the chef has won the "Top 10 Chef in China" competition. Of course they give you so much that it is enough for three meals.  What I liked the best was the waitress - she was so friendly and seemed genuinely glad to serve us.  It's not often that you get waitstaff that really seems happy to see you.  The delivery guy was busy for a Tuesday night - making several deliveries while we were there.  They send out coupons in the local Valpak mailers and if you are around during lunch time, they have a lunch buffet M-F from 11am-2pm.

Two Ladies Cafe - A few weeks ago my mom and her "senior sleuth" friends stopped at the Two Ladies Cafe, 924 E Rawson Ave, Oak Creek, for breakfast.  This restaurant has changed hands a few times over the years, but we hope that the new owners can make a go of it.  The name is cute - it is named for the two ladies that own it - a mother/daughter pair.  Mother is the cook, daughter is the waitress.  They have previous restaurant experience, running a So. Milwaukee restaurant for many years.  Mom says the menu for breakfast alone is huge and the portions are gigantic.  They are open daily 5:30am - 8pm serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, carryouts and a Friday fish fry.  They can now also serve cocktails.  I noticed their sign outside also says that they cater.  I'll be stopping in myself soon...

There is a rumor in South Milwaukee that if you want a great burger, you must go to CHEVY"S ... This new resturant recently opened and is reminence of a small soda fountain, 50's type theme. So Mom and the SENIOR SLEUTHS had to go check it out for lunch. The verdict is that the angus burgers were great.. french fries thin and not greasy, chilli also tasty. Mom could not resist a malt, which was thin enough to drink through a straw for a change.  Prices reasonable, staff friendly, will visit again. Drop in Chevy's on Milwaukee Avenue and judge for yourself....