not gone, not forgotten

I began my working my new schedule this month. I've learned that the older I get, the harder it is to adjust to a different hours. I've liked the earlier hours but with my active family- all with somewhere to be- all the time- the days are never ending. Non-the-less the active downtown Waukesha continues to produce note worthy news.

Last Thursday the BID voted in their new president, Roger Igelski. He will be replacing Vicki Hekkers and her devoted service to Waukesha. Vicki, a successful business woman, wife & mom, commercial investor and downtown Waukesha resident has served the community in countless ways. I truly hope, for the city, that her heartfelt presence does not diminish. Roger has accepted the new position modestly. As a business owner and career counselor at WCTC he will not only be the new BID president but has also accepted the lead position in the Waukesha Downtown Business Association. A husband & father, Roger is also very involved with his church leadership. He is sure to contribute positively to our downtown.

Have a fabulous day!

my morning latte'

I heard it would be. They warned us. I knew it was inevitable. But I was still in denial. Regardless we woke up to several inches on the ground. After my initial 'great now I need leave early for work, scrape the car, blaaa, blaaa, blaaa' and the sky began to lighten the black night leftovers, I saw that it was actually kind of... well, it was pretty.

Apparently the snow arrived around 3. It sure fell quickly because when I got up around 5:45 there was a lot on the ground already.

We had a lot of fun downtown yesterday. I noticed that the spirits were high in the community. Lots of family and friends meeting to check out some of the newer shops, tour The Clarke Hotel and watch the parade. As we sipped our hot apple cider with whipped cream-drizzled with caramel (yummy) we listened to the carolers singing across the street. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Another great reason to live in Waukesha. We have a great community!

At the 5 Points, we heard the familiar ringing of The Salvation Army. Not shy, I have seen them all over town. They are not the only group trying to encourage giving. Food banks are reporting that 'record numbers' of people are using them. Some of the downtown businesses are trying to help out by having bins to collect non-perishables.

Hunters are happily out in droves. They, too, can help feed the hungry by donating their meat through 'Target Hunger'. If they do, they will not need to pay butchering fees. (I think we really do make it almost impossible for anyone to be hungry in Waukesha.)

Heroin is recognized as a BIG problem in Pewaukee. The community is putting together programs to help fight this growing issue.

Have a Great Day! Drive safely.

Ho ho ho

See you at the Parade today.

Dress warm.

It's going to be a chilly one.

I'm thinking of chaning my latte'

I know most of us are better at adapting than others. Most have moved on. Gotten onto 'other' news. Truth is... I don't really want to read the papers these days. I don't want to know what is going on in the news. I don't want to hear Dave and Carol talking about world events on my morning show at WKLH. I have politics burn out.

I'm sure it's temporary and that soon I will bounce back. But for right now... I'm not going to read about the horror in the Congo, the injustices in Iraq, the pitiful state of Waukesha's not for profits. I don't want to know.

Bad mood. No, not really. But as the saying goes (with my little tweak) this girl just wants to have fun!

Can anyone relate?
Most bloggers have moved right on to the next topic. There are so many to cover. I, however, will choose the happenings downtown for my topic.
I am SO excited about this years Christmas parade. (not really sure why, maybe because I just need to get away from my politically depressed state) BUT... I really hope you are planning on attending.

I have volunteered to hand out jingle bells to the parade visitors. Don't forget to say 'hi' if you see me. Then, after jingling all the way (which is the theme for this years parade) I plan on stopping by one of The Clarke Hotel spots for a warm cup of 'Carmel Apple Cider' or Allo' Chocolate for some hot cocoa. Yummmmy!
The route has been posted.

I've heard good reports about the sushi bar. But I have to admit that I haven't visited yet. It looks as though the 3 sisters have opened at Sadie Brueners old place (i think I spelled that wrong, but I don't know HOW it was suppose to be spelled) on the 5 points. But I didn't see any 'We're Open' signs. AND the new gallery on Clinton and South is open. Nice.
I'm going to stop by the 3 sisters today and see if they offer yoga. I think it may be the answer to chilling out after this stinken election and before the Christmas shopping. (I really don't have a bad attitude)

Hope you and yours are doing well. Stay warm and don't forget to put windshield wiper fluid in your car. (nothing like not being able to see out the front window because you have a snowy, salty mess on it.) I am NOT in a bad mood!!!

my morning latte'

Good Morning.
Drudge

• I'm glad to be in America this morning. I'll bet the Burma activist, Nay Myo Kyaw wishes he were also. This blogger gets a sentence in prison for poetry.
• You won't be able to keep your cold to yourself for long. Google is under surveillance by the govt. Don't you just LOVE being watched!
• Catholic Bishops have made a vow to fight Obama's abortion laws. Just say NO to murder.

JSOnline: I still don't like the new look at JSOnline. I need too many clicks to find where I am going and the dates are not posted on the stories. Just for whatever it's worth... Money seems to be the bottom line in the following two stories regarding our children and our elderly. Hey, if we start compromising their programs to save a buck that is then spent on social services catering to the unemployed and drug addicts coming to our town from larger cities... we are a really screwed up city!

• Money continues to be a consistent problem in our schools. The Waukesha School District is looking into different options to re-construct our children's educational system.
• Senior citizens meal programs to be consolidated.
• Chicago investors make bad on deal in Waukesha.

So as I'm reading the news today, I notice a repeating theme in some different publications. Lake County Living prints this article about food pantries. The Waukesha Freeman prints this one about donations for the Volunteer Center. So my question to you is: If donations for these services are down... let's say the food pantry for example. What will these people who use the services do as a result? Who do they serve?

" The Food Pantry serves Waukesha County residents who are unemployed, working poor, and/or underemployed; individuals with disabilities; those with health issues and related costs; the elderly; and children." The Food Pantry of Waukesha

Crime will inevitably go up, right? I mean I've worked in food pantries before. Yes a lot of the people are just going through a tough time and need a temporary crutch to get out. But the majority of folks were the chronic unemployed.

Okay, you've heard me rant about this before, don't bother complaining unless you are willing to become part of the solution. What's my solution??? We become a community with responsible accountability! There it's that simple. If my neighbor looses his job due to the liberal govt. extending loans to unqualified buyers because it looks good on their resumes'... and he (my neighbor) can't find anything else. I, as part of his community, would help. Send out the word at my place of employment, help him update his resume, offer to get together occasionally. Whatever! AND if they are struggling to put food on the table I would buy him some groceries. Isn't' that the golden rule???

Why have we gotten so caught up in our fence lines that we have lost community? Can't we go beyond our 'now established' comfort zone and create a new one that includes community? Listen, I don't want the govt. playing robin hood with my hard earned buck. But I do know what it's like to need a crutch. We need each other. I don't want the government to be our extended family. That's our neighbors job. It's just what I think.

my morning latte'

Good Morning and happy Monday! I hope your weekend was fabulous.

This morning I woke up to the thermostat kicking in and the comforting sounds of warm air blowing throughout my home. Although it was too early to see the sun, I know it would have filled the room because all of the leaves on the Maple trees out back have found the compost pile. It's the one consoling thought during the cold winter months regarding the dead looking trees surrounding our home... that now we can see the sunshine through the windows.

Breakfasts, sack lunches, showers and a pot of coffee. Kisses good morning, kisses goodbye. Have a great day. Whew. It's November again. We are already thinking of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. (at least we are at our house)

My hands have all the tell tale sign of colder weather. I'm slathering on more lotions and cuticle creams. I've used up the rest of my Good Scents 4 Her patchouli/rose lotion and need to get more. I've had to switch to my fall/winter face care system and after examining my fall and winter wardrobe over the weekend found that I desperately needed to go some shopping to update my closet. (eeks!) I even needed to update my shampoos, finding something more moisturizing. This dry, blowing air is reeking havoc. LOL!!!

Given the concerns us Wisconsinites lived through last year. Meaning SNOW and lots of it, I was relieved to see this headline: Winter likely to be more mild than last year's. This year we are going to be more prepared. I've already been shopping for shovels, salt, scrapers and am filling my trunk with my emergency kit. (this is a first for me)
Boomertown has left thousands in the bust. Baby boomers all over have been counting on Boomertown to help out financially. When I checked out their site it looked as though they were just re-doing their site. "An all-new boomertown.com is coming soon... In the last 8 years Internet technology and web communication have changed greatly. We see these changes as an opportunity to take our original format and re-shape a whole new site. Something even more dynamic. One which better embraces the concept of a boomertown!" But according to the article posted on JSOnline, the Better Business Bureau has received over 100 complaints regarding Boomertown.


To find the following along with other headlines check out The Waukesha Freeman:

• Sheboygan resident 9 million dollars richer today.
• 24 year old man gets himself shot and killed in Mequon
• Pike Lake hero's

Have a Fabulous Day!

my morning latte'

T.G.I.F... I say sincerely. What a week!

At this point we press a head and learn from what was left behind.


I've learned to stay involved.
We plug into our communities especially the areas we are passionate about. (no passion left? that's okay too but stay involved anyway)

• Are we complaining to our neighbors about city issues? Go to the city meetings.
• Do we have compassion for the homeless? abused? Visit social service agencies and learn more. But be wise, balance that out with other information sources as well.
• Are we seeing our schools/churches/hospitals/ etc... going in directions we love or hate? Get on the boards. Join the PTO, visit sites, volunteer.

But stay involved.

It was in my junior year D.E.C.A. class at Waukesha South when I learned this valuable lesson: Unless you are willing to become part of the solution, stop complaining about the problem. In other words either be quiet or get involved. It was a good lesson.

Drudge: We can thank Biden for the heads up. International crisis is looming over our nation to welcome Obama to his new home. Obama campaign workers are mad about not getting paid.

Fox News: Accepted offer for the White House chief of staff. Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel will fill the position

JSOnline: Former Hartland, Arrowhead student gets pleads guilty for killing his girlfriend.

Exactly what Waukesha needs right now... MORE low income housing. And we are getting it. The Waukesha County Affordable Housing Task Force announced that they are going to move forward to make more affordable housing here in Waukesha. I wonder what they are going to do with the extra crime that follows? What about the drugs? Are they going to address the maintenance of these properties down the road? Because one drive downtown to any of the Pine Point apts. or most of the Berg properties will show us that what we need is NOT more low income properties, but to clean up the properties we already have. Then maybe those respectably working low income residents will feel safe enough to inhabit them.

Lake Country Reporter: Merton schools will see a make over.

Waukesha Freeman: Short takes on developing stories: Waukesha profiled on America's most wanted, Milwuakee woman boards Brookfield bus to start fight, more on the Frame Park deal, keeping kids safe from Internet porn.

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

my morning latte'

What a gorgeous November morning. I can hardly believe we have temps. in the 70's on 11/03 in Waukesha County. I've been having 'turtle' response Internet time, which in turn has delayed my posting.

JSOnline

• I know this sounds 'anti-community' but I don't believe more money is the answer to solve the problems that are addressed by our Waukesha social service agencies. Yes we need a strong financial base to help these agencies succeed. The real problems tend to stem from poor 'corporate' organization. One of our major social agencies located here in Waukesha is inviting Milwaukee's problems into our small downtown Waukesha... and asking us to give more money to fund it. No more! I'm tiered of big city gangs, drugs, prostitution and lack of accountability in our community. I'm more than willing to support, both financially and otherwise, programs that are addressed to Waukesha. Stop asking for my finances and glorifying verbiage to manipulate your programming towards Milwaukee servicing and telling me it is for Waukesha. In the mean time Waukesha is suffering and people needing those services here are going without.


• Bandannas are out of the schools. Local schools are 'tightening-up' their dress code policies.
  

  "...What's not fine are the pops of cleavage occasionally displayed up top..."

  I want to know why a 16 year old girl needs a push-up bra to begin with? Just asking....


• 11th hour moves to be made. Hey, it's not over til it's over.

Waukesha Freeman

• How much does your vote count? Some are saying about $8. Candidates spend $8 for every vote
• Haws expanding?

Drudge

• Palin wants to know more about why this is just surfacing. Obama is planning on bankrupting the coal industry.
  
  


• Ohio Coal Association is seeing through the smog of Obama/Biden rhetoric.
• Obama's illegal aunt found. But where is his uncle?

my morning latte'

Good Morning. I hope that your coffee is especially good this morning.

Living Lake Country

• Will the Hwy 94 and C interchange loose it's trees for another development? It looks like there will be a proposal for a 25 acre development. Didn't they JUST finish development projects over there?
• Lisbon residents get to choose. Drive on a decent road or lower taxes. One or the other.
• Pewaukee man found a way to boost his economics in tough times. Unfortunately for him it's illegal to grow pot out of your house.
• Both Kettle Moraine and Oconomowoc planning for lots of absentee ballets.

Waukesha Freeman

• Catholic Memorial principal gets ruckus for posting presidential sign. Parents found his choice of candidate 'non-catholic'.
• Here are the listings for some Haunted Houses to put some scare into your weekend.

JSOnline

• Students in the ElmBrook school district may be getting an 'ear' and 'eye' full of Rated R material in the classroom.
• Man found driving drunk, for the 10th time, in Hartland area. He knows it's wrong so what does he do? He switches seats with his girlfriend. Now that's love. (I have an idea Brian, don't drink. You obviously can't handle alcohol well.)
• The Clarke Hotel photo gallery posted by JSOnline.

Drudge

• While countless businesses are laying off and even closing their doors, Exxon Mobil reports its LARGEST quarterly profit ever.
• Starbucks may have hit the bottom of the bean.

Have a fabulous morning!

my morning latte'

Fox News:

• Because we haven't seen enough yet, let's market a 30 minute commercial to sellout to those without an opinion. We will be seeing more of Obama than we can stomach... I don't know about you, but my stomach has been hurting for months.
• The LA Times, the heart of Hollywood, the place where a large portion of Obama funds have come from and the place where media peer pressure originates, is refusing to release the video where Obama praises "a Chicago professor who was an alleged mouthpiece for the Palestine Liberation Organization while it was a designated terrorist group in the 1970s and '80s." Here is a link to the original story as it went out.
• Greta Vas Susteren wants an answer to a questions she posts to Obama. Will he answer it?

JSOnline:

• McGee gets his sentence. "With time served and credit for good behavior, McGee can expect to be done with his federal prison term in about 4 ½ years. He also was ordered to pay $107,433 in restitution.". Do you think this is a fair sentence? "McGee, 39, was convicted by a jury in June on nine counts that included bribery, extortion, attempted extortion and trying to hide a $30,000 transaction" By John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel
• The Waukesha School board finally passes its budget. When it comes to education, I wish we could have a money tree growing. Lots of cuts are being made in all districts now. Lot's of programs going out the door. Parents-stay involved with your kids.
• Waukesha County looking to spend $9.5 million in radio upgrades. No, really!

Drudge Report:

• TRICK OR TREAT: GALLUP SAYS OBAMA +2
  

my morning latte'

If you haven't visited in a while you might think that you were directed to a different site. In fact JSOnline has changed their format. To me it feels like changing around the furniture in the bedroom. You wake up in the middle of the night, forgetting the new layout and whack your toe on something. I didn't like it because I had to click 3 times to get to where I used to only need to click once.

• This is one way to get your husband to be quiet. If you don't mind the possible 73 year prison sentence.
• She thinks she is overworked and underpaid. Making $48,000 and claiming to be pulling in more than that at a waitress gig she had to take to pay back the hundred grand she racked up in college. Welcome to being an adult honey. Now put on your big girl panties and deal with it!

Lake County Reporter

• "Economic crisis? Not in City of Delafield - Major development proposals planned for city
  Although, according to conventional wisdom, the national economy is heading into the tank - if it has not already arrived there - three multimillion-dollar development projects are expected to be presented to the Plan Commission this week."
• This dentist doesn't think his kids should eat their candy. He will pay them $1. per pound. This just seems wrong. Although I don't ever remember having candy around all the time like kids do today. If, on the rare occasion, I found a dime or quarter (yes I remember when candy bars only cost a dime) I would walk up to the Stop-n-Go that used to be on Manhattan Dr. and get a marathon bar. Do you remember how big those things were? That would last a week... well unless my little brother found it. Now kids are rewarded with candy for everything in schools, clubs... yaada, yaada.
• What sickos are out there getting off on children. I've said it before... there is a special place in hell for you perverted %#*!@

Waukesha Freeman

• The grandfather of Kelly Graf is mad because the community dropped the ball. I would be too.
• More on the Great Gatsby.

From The New York Observer, some very important fashion news. Apparently Project Runway hasn't done a lot to help Christian's line which doesn't seem to be bringing in the dough.

out of sorts

Today began with a last minute decision to attend the meeting at city hall regarding plans for rental and owner occupied housing. After that I became disheartened with downtown politics. Tonight I'm just frustrated with all politics. I'm feeling somewhat deflated and so my post today is also touched with the flavor of a defeatist attitude.

I am about to turn it all off and watch Dancing with the Stars while I tune out the political commercials.

Could it be??

Yesterday we played a little afternoon hooky. We wanted to visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and experience the Titanic Exhibit. I was really interested in the artifacts that were recovered. It was fascinating to not only see the artifacts themselves but also the footage and photos of how it was recovered. I tend to get involved with individual stories of the passengers, which made the experience a little emotional for me. I would recommend this trip but plan to spend some time there and bring your reading glasses.

We also stopped by Carrabba's Italian Grill. It's the second time we ate there. It was FABULOUS! Loved the food. Although our waitress wore too much perfume, which in turn made my drink taste like her perfume. By the time my dinner arrived I had forgotten all about it.

After a little carting around of the kids (whom did not join us for our 'hooky afternoon') we did some shopping and came home to watch a movie. I'm not a huge fan of 'scary' movies. Mostly because I can't stand suspense. I am that horrible person that sits in the middle of the theater and talks to the movie. I scream too loudly and grab whomever is closest to protect me from the crazy demon on screen. Since I am running out of victims to join me, I just don't go much anymore. But I remember, a million years ago, when the Jason and Freddie movies first came out. I remember, as a teenager, watching the terrifying scenes of hopeless murder and almost escapes. They freaked me out!

Last night Halloween was on t.v. We watched with our kids and to my surprise, it was stupid! Not only was it stupid but it wasn't even scary. My question then raises. Was it not scary to us, to me because we have been so desensitized by all the violence surrounding us? I mean I remember being freaked out just by the music. Geez! I didn't even need a cartoon to help me sleep. (tee hee hee)

my morning latte'

If you have woken up a bit chilled this morning please check out this recipe for cocoa loco. Yummy!

JSOnline

• Finally! Waukesha County wants to cite welfare, housing cheats I think this is long overdue as I've heard the 'i don't care, society owes me' words and attitudes come from downtown Waukesha residents using state and federal benefits for housing.
• Another lovely incident here in Waukesha by a former Milwaukee resident. Parents charged in disruption. Give me a break. Cussing and batting their arms around in the school, in front of classrooms filled with kids. Are we waking up to the possibility that Waukesha is just not big enough for both Waukesha and Milwaukee?
• This democratic family gets creative to detour vandals. Instead... Vandals leave a calling card. I think this lesson was learned. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. each others property, boys.

Waukesha Freeman

• If you might be out of town, or just busy...Why wait until Nov. 4 to vote? Go for it now. I think I will.
• I love 'happy' stories. This is one of those. Fire victims finding comfort in support from community. There is something really wonderful about a community rising up to help those who really need a temporary crutch of help. Good Job Waukesha!
• Here is another great example of the hero's of community coming to the aid of someone needing help. Bystanders thwart carjacking in Palmyra

Toni Braxton was Sent Packing from Dancing with the Stars last night.

An afternoon cup of tea

I spent an exciting afternoon yesterday downtown Waukesha. One of my stops was touring The Clarke Hotel and The Black Trumpet restaurant... and I have to say, wow!
We have all been anticipating what it will be. Will it work, won't it? How will it help business? Who is going to stay there? Why Waukesha? Again I say, wow.
Let me begin with the kind of thing most gals notice right away, the color scheme, the decor, the atmosphere. It was comfortably modern. Inviting and warm colors. State of the art appliances and fixtures. Gorgeous. The problem... now I really want to redue my obviously out of date and under decorated home. Dang it!

Also around the city yesterday was a notice that Katydids is soon to be ready at its new location at 401 W. Main Street. (across from Ottos) Check out her link at: http://www.katydidshomedecor.com/ for updated photos and fall shopping. Right away the high celiengs, arched entry, and added kitchen space captures attention. I am looking forward to the opening.

Only 2 weekends left for the Waukesha Farmer's Market. I'm not sure what the weather is suppose to be like this weekend, but with only a few weeks before trick-or-treat, it's a good time to stop by and look for pumpkins and fall decorations.

I heard that our sushi bar will be most likely be open next week or the week after. I need to add that I'm not a huge fan of raw fish, but willing to try it out anyway. Lot's of good reviews so maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.

The mystery has been solved. The three sisters moving in at the 5 points, or is it 4 sisters?? heck I also heard there were 5 of them, anyway, the sisters moving in the 2 vacant spots by Dave's restaurant are not REALLY sisters. Like... omg, there was no resemblance anyway! They are proclaimed 'spiritual sisters' and will be doing rake, yoga, massages, etc... It looks as though they are building a studio in the larger space and going to be selling retail products in the smaller one. They will try to open in December (i think).

My morning latte'

Lake Country Living:

• I've seen a few of these buzzing around town. They definitely warrant a second look. Electric cars could hit streets soon - Eco-friendly vehicle needs new ordinance first
• Man sent to jail for pretend bomb at City Hall; Pewaukee man was 'hearing voices,' attorney says (I have no comment for this)
• Now I don't understand the question. The answer is NO, but Woman questions public urination
• I pass this building a few times a week. The project sure seemed to move quickly. Aurora's exterior nearing completion - Hospital still on target for January 2010 target date.
• This looks like a fun evening. I might see you there. Wind symphony costume ball beckons
• Erin Lamb has fun in the earliest hours, cold, dark and wet. (While I am still in my fantasy dream state) Camp kicks you out of bed, into shape

Waukesha Freeman

• Addison man killed in farm accident Our prayers go out to the family and friends.
• Alleged victim of racism may sue West Bend School District
• Police need your help finding the mysterious dammer. Man damming Bark River caught on hidden camera
• I love this one. Cheapest gas around: Dozens get gas in Wisconsin Rapidsfor 35 cents after mistake

JSOnline

• Darryl E. talks about City of Waukesha short of money for Sunset Drive center
• Oconomowoc-area businesses to air green practices
• Vrakas proposes continued funding for Waukesha County alcohol court

Have a great day! Maybe I'll see ya in town today. I have to do some birthday shopping.

Help is needed

Have you ever needed a little help? For most of us it is embarrassing, humiliating, humbling to NEED help. It forces most to do things that they wouldn't normally do under normal circumstances. Unfortunately we are hosting, in our community, a large number of folks who NEED help. They can't afford groceries, toiletries, diapers. Without places like the Food Pantry of Waukesha County, what would they do? What would YOU do? Resources low, kids hungry, credit exhausted?
Well... I am a true believer in what goes around, comes around. You reap what you sow. Are we investing in our communities or contributing to the despair of others?
Now in case you are wondering, and for those of you who know me well, I'm not a believer in enabling unhealthy lifestyles. I.e.: give a drunk cash for his/her next bottle. Instead, I truly subscribe to healthy accountability. Sometimes, however, our very basic needs need to be met before ANY help can be received. Not a single one of us is beyond hard times, especially in today's economy. Besides, it's easy to help. Really.

I am asking if you would you consider hosting a food/diaper drive in your neighborhood or place of employment? I've done this and it's really a no sweat way to help out others. The Food Pantry of Waukesha County makes it even easier by offering free downloads and assistance to help get you started.
Check out their site at: http://www.foodpantryofwaukeshacounty.org/food_drives.html for information. "If you have any questions or require any type of assistance in coordination a food or fund raising event, contact Michael Jonas, Associate Director at 262-542-5300 or Michael.wfp@tds.net ."
Oh, and did I mention that since The Food Pantry is a non-profit, you can get a donation form for your taxes???

coming soon

I am looking forward to the the doors being open. You will, most definitely find me there. If you've been to farmer's market at all this past summer you may have tasted the talents going into The Black Trumpet.

The Black Trumpet is now taking reservations. Located inside the new and soon to open, The Clarke Hotel on 314 W. Main Street in Waukesha, The Black Trumpet promises

"classic world cuisine to the modern American palette".

The combined talents of Andy Ruggeri (Owner) and Dean Schmit (Executive Chef) mesh 'tradition' with 'creativity'. Using local, organic ingredients and offering more than 1000 different local and international wines.

• Lunch: Monday - Saturday 11am to 2pm
• Dinner: Monday - Sunday 5pm to 10pm

The opening date is December 1st. Call: 262-549-3800 to make your reservation. http://www.theclarkehotel.com/

Feed the Hungry

I am ashamed to say that not until recently, like the past 6 or 7 years, have I been aware of some of our communities services. Yeah we already know, by default, about our schools, churches, hospitals... yaada, yaada... But not necessarily other stuff.

I have been involved in social services, on several levels, for the past few years. Those experiences has forced me to learn about our Waukesha resources. While at the last Art Crawl downtown on Oct. 3rd. I asked a few people if they knew about any of them. Shelters? Clothing? Food? Most people were oblivious to our resources, just as I had been. Soooo, I would like to invite readers to learn more about our community here at Blog-Waukesha Talks. Please give them a call, check out their site, or stop by. First stop... Food!

• Organization Name: Food Pantry of Waukesha County
• Location: 215 W. North Street, Waukesha
• Phone: 262-542-5300
• Who Do they serve: "The Food Pantry serves Waukesha County residents who are unemployed, working poor, and/or underemployed; individuals with disabilities; those with health issues and related costs; the elderly; and children."
• Hours of Operation: Donation Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 am-4 pm Additional evening hours provided on Thursday: 6-8 pm Saturday: 9:30-11:30 am Pickup Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 1-3 pm Thursday: 1-3 pm 6-8 pm Friday: 1-3 pm Saturday: 9:30-11:30 am
• Website: http://www.foodpantryofwaukeshacounty.org/index.htm
• Tag Line: End Hunger
• Mission: "Hunger hurts. It denies dignity, lessens human energy and impairs the potential of people to succeed."
• Did You Know?: That the Food Pantry is not a government agency, but a freestanding, nonprofit organization that distributes food - donated and purchased food as well as surplus U.S. government food.

A little about the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. According to their web-site the pantry 'serves approximately 5,752 people each month from all parts of the county.'

Special Events:

• What: Celebrating A Community That Cares:The Food Pantry of Waukesha County’s30th Anniversary Event
• Invitation Reply Card
• When & Where: Sunday, October 26th, 3:00 p.m.Country Springs Hotel & Resort

Here is a copy of their newsletter from Summer/Fall 2008

If you are involved with a non-profit in Waukesha that you would like to see featured here, please e-mail us at: waukeshablogger@gmail.com. All posted information from this post was found at: http://www.foodpantryofwaukeshacounty.org/index.htm

Homecoming

Ahhh... homecoming week. I remember the class color wars, senior stunt day, pep rally, working on the float, a week of organized chaos leading up to the well cheered game and finally the dance.

Now that my kids are in high school I get to re-live it all through their eyes. We have had the closets emptied looking for outfits for 50's day, pajama day, crazy hair day and color wars day. One of my sons was in the pie-eating contest earlier this week (who's bright idea was that? What a mess and in the middle of the school day. He smelled like day old bakery for 2 days) and the following day the class tug-of-war.

Carroll University http://www.cc.edu/ is also celebrating Homecoming this week. Expect a fun crowd to be lining the streets. Carroll has around 3000 students that will be out and about the celebration. The parade begins at 10 am tomorrow. The route will head west down Main st. Here are the streets on the route:

• Main-Clinton, to Wisconsin, to East, to College, to Barstow, to Cook.

Barstow will be closed from 9am-5pm.
Have Fun!