Milwaukee 1stopmom

Potholes, Potholes and more Potholes

2008-05-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

I hate these freaking potholes

Ok, I just have to say it. These potholes all over the city is ridiculous!! Every street I drive on is full of them. You can't even try to go around them because there are pots there too. These potholes are ruining my van. I need to get an alignment but why? I will just hit another pothole and it will mess up my van again. I wonder if there are even any plans to fix them. These potshole are by no means small and I am sure I am not the only person this bothers.

Now I feel a little better.

Shred Fest

2008-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like me, you have lots of stuff that needs to be shredded. And I mean lots. It is so hard fro me to find the time to set down and shred stuff. Or maybe it is because I really don't want to sit down and shred years of credit card preapprovals, bank statements and other personal documents.

Lucky for me the Better Business Bureau is sponsoring "ShredFest" on Saturday May 3, 2008. Even better it is free!!!!

Attend one of the three statewide events listed below, and you’ll receive free, on-the-spot document shredding and advice from the BBB on protecting yourself from ID thieves.

Wauwatosa
M&I Bank, 7501 W. North Ave.
From 7:30 am to 10:30 am

Madison
M&I Bank, (Hilldale location) 401 N. Segoe Road, Madison
From 9 am to 12 pm

Appleton
M&I Bank, 3901 E. Calumet St., Appleton
From 7:30 am to 10:30 am

There is a limit of 10 boxes per car.
For more information, contact the BBB's Susan Bach at 414-847-6085.

The Saturday Free Clinic

2008-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Saturday Free Clinic is a program for the uninsured and underinsured in the community.

Saturday Free Clinic
c/o Columbia St. Mary's Family Care Center
1121 E. North Ave.Milwaukee, WI 53212

Saturdays at 8am. Walk ins only. First come first served. It is best to get there before 8am to get a good place in line.

Prostate cancer screening

2008-04-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Most hospitals offer a free prostate cancer screening once a year.

At Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, free screening is available Monday through Friday.The screening is always in the same location, and men are allowed to call in to reserve a time or stop by and sign up if they’re already in the hospital. The expert staff will check each patient’s PSA level (a blood test that looks for the level of prostate specific antigens that may indicate cancer) and examine the prostate gland free of charge.

To schedule an appointment, call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.

Location: Urology Clinic, Froedtert Hospital East Clinics, lower level

I'm Back

2008-03-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am back. I have been working so hard on my other blogs and website I forgot all about Milwaukee 1stopmom. But I am back full of new information.

Stay tuned.

Waukesha JanBoree

2008-01-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Came across this on the web and thought I would share.

The Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department announces the 23rd annual Waukesha JanBoree will take place Friday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. The three-day festival, occurring throughout Waukesha County, will offer more than 30 free winter activities for adults and children alike.

The theme for southeastern Wisconsin's premier winter festival is "Gotta' Dance" where snow and winter events will abound with a touch of Hollywood. "Dancing is the universal language of fun," said Sue Harter, Waukesha Parks, Recreation & Forestry Supervisor and JanBoree organizer. "We'll have plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy many styles of dance at the JanBoree this year and even some opportunities to learn all of those steps you never thought you could."

The JanBoree will kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday, January 18 at Lowell Park, 2201 Michigan Avenue, from 4 to 6:00 p.m. with a live broadcast on TODAY'S TMJ4 with Chief Meteorologist John Malan.

On Friday, Jan.18, the dancing kicks off with "Jump Up,' A Kinetic Koncert for Kids."
On Saturday, Jan. 19 teens in grades seven through 12 can warm up with some faced paced dancing entertainment from 1 until 3:00 p.m. at the Public Library Teen Zone, 831 North Grand Avenue, during "Dance Dance Revolution." Families and JanBoree-goers of all ages will be sure to enjoy "Dancin' at the Pix" at the Waukesha Civic Theatre, 264 West Main Street, from 1 until 3:30 p.m. Many varieties of dance will be represented during this show including ballet, ballroom, hip hop, jazz, and tap. Audience members will have the opportunity to win free dance lessons from the studio of their choice.

The Radio Disney Street Jam will take place from 1 until 2:00 p.m. also on Saturday at the Schuetze Recreation Center, 1120 Baxter Street. Audience members will dance up a storm in the theme of High School Musical. All of these events are free and open to the public.
On Sunday, Jan. 20 go to "the windy hill" better know as the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha and get ready to learn all the avenues of dance for free! Check the web site for a complete listing of dance styles and times.
For more information on the Waukesha JanBoree log on to the JanBoree website at http://www.janboree.org/index.html

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

2008-01-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

There are so many places in Milwaukee that can provide help to those who need it. A lot of time people just do not know where to look. Twice a month I am going to provide information about services that are offered in the community.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

830 North 19th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53233

414-344-2211

The individuals MRM serve must address often-heartbreaking needs, generally in academic, relational, and vocational areas. MRM offers life-change opportunities through 3 program outreaches:

Safe Harbor—outreach to homeless men

Joy House—for homeless women and their children

CrossTrainers Academy—Christian School for inner city youth

Individuals served by MRM often must address deep needs, including:

academic, relational, and conflict issues

abuse histories

limited skills and vocational opportunities

addictions

MRM programming takes an integrated approach to addressing those needs. A safe, supportive environment Crucial assistance, encouragement, and opportunities to secure a self-sufficient, stable future Classes (adult and youth) in a variety of computer-based and instructor-led formats. Assistance for program graduates in connecting with employment, education, housing, childcare, and healthcare resources.

Enrichment Opportunities

Field Trips
Reaping benefits beyond educational value, excursions to venues such as the zoo, Old World Wisconsin, sporting or theater events, etc. also enable MRM children to succeed in new social settings, connecting to a community larger than the inner city.

Teen Internships
Offering leadership training, mentoring, and success experiences, MRM teen internships also supply quality teens as visible role models for younger children.

Community Service
Service opportunities (neighborhood clean-ups, school/nursing home projects, etc.), develop youths' awareness that all of us can offer genuine help in some way. Teens also can earn funds toward extended service opportunities (i.e., construction in remote Mexico or work at an Oklahoma camp for Native American children).

Camp Retreats for Teens
Occasional weekend retreats provide relational opportunities in an informal setting, while also enabling teens to experience basic recreation many of us take for granted (hiking, swimming, campfires, etc.).

Adult Enrichment Opportunities

Family Time
This event allows homeless mothers and their children to enjoy each other and strengthen relationships through non-demanding activities, such as crafts, creative writing, games, movies, etc.

Career Exploration Inventories
Addressing homeless mothers' struggles with fear, doubts, and even crippling despair, these inventories help them target personal skills, education, experiences, and interests. Identified strengths are aligned with potential jobs, careers, or further education, enhancing future employment success.

Phoenix Seminar
Offered to resident men in small-group format, this in-depth seminar facilitates development of practical skills such as communication, time management, etc. Participants also identify character traits vital to success, and personal patterns hindering these traits. Consistently rated as one of our most beneficial, life-changing opportunities.

How to get involved

Pick'n Save's We Care Program

Designate our code #512400, and each time you use your Pick'n Save Advantage Plus Card, MRM receives a cash rebate! The more you use your card, the larger the percentage MRM receives.

Matching Gift Program

More companies, particularly large corporations, are now conducting their own campaigns for employee giving. To encourage giving, companies will often "match" your gift, making the total double or even triple your contribution. Please check with the Human Resources Director at your company to make sure that Milwaukee Rescue Mission is included in your company's listing of approved charities. If not, please talk with your campaign coordinator and contact Milwaukee Rescue Mission for assistance.

United Way Campaign

Funds can be designated to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission through the United Way "Donor Choice" option. If your company participates in a United Way campaign, check the "Donor Choice" directory to verify that the designated number for the Mission is still #50625.

Community Baby Shower

2008-01-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S TMJ4 is sponsoring the Community Baby Shower, a charity drive aimed at providing important goods to less fortunate infants in Southeast Wisconsin. They are asking that you help provide any of the following:Diapers - Baby formula New infant clothing or blankets - Other much needed baby supplies

Drop off any of these desperately needed goods at any participating Sentry Foods store or any participating Columbia St. Mary's hospital or clinic location.

For a list of participating Columbia locations, please go to

http://www.wkti.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.todaystmj4.com

Please be a part of the TODAY'S TMJ4 Community Baby Shower!

2008 Community Baby Shower recipients
La Causa Family Resource Center • Healthcare for the Homeless • Family Support Center New Horizon Center • Gerald L. Ignace Center • Pregnancy Support Connection, Inc.Loves Inc. - Burlington • YWCA - Racine Teen Parenting Program • Jefferson County Public Health St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference of St. John the Evangelist • Ozaukee Family Services East Troy Food Pantry • Walworth County Public Health • Youth and Family Project

If you or someone you know could benefit from the TODAY'S TMJ4 Community Baby Shower, please visit the following locations:

La Causa Family Resource Center

804 W. Greenfield Ave. - Milwaukee(414) 647-5971

Healthcare for the Homeless

210 W. Capitol Drive - Milwaukee(414) 727-6320

Delinquent taxes

2008-01-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

I came across a interesting website today. It is a site that lists delinquent taxpayers who owe over $5,000 in taxes. http://www.revenue.wi.gov/delqlist/alldlnqA.html

I know I should be sleeping

2007-12-31T01:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok since the kids have been off for winter break my sleep schedule is all messed up. Yes I should be asleep but here i am eating banana now laters, surfing the net, and watching a I Love New York marathon. I know, I know but it is one of my guilty pleasures.Since ~~tomorrow~~ today is Monday, the Milwaukee Public Museum is free. Tj is the biggest dinosaur fan I know. He will truly love to spend the morning there. But I am not sure what DH has planned for tomorrow. Oh wow, i almost forgot, I need to do hair!! Both of the girls want thier braids redone. It is such a long process but I have to do it. I still need to decide on a menu for New Year's Eve. I want to make it special for the kids. Maybe I will make my special mac and cheese. Jazz has been requesting it for a while now.

Let It Snow

2007-12-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well the snow has started. It has been snowing most of the day. It isn't so bad but maybe i feel that way because I do not have to go out in it.:) Luckily it is light and fluffy. The kids were dying to go out in and they had a ball. Even the dog was out playing with them.

The streets near my house have not been plowed yet but i got my fingers crossed. DPW has been doing good so far and I hope they clean it up.

Happiness

2007-12-27T19:38:00.001-08:00

I was reviewing my "blogs" and found this on one I do not use much anymore and decided to repost this.

I was watching The View as I do every morning.(unless of course I get behind on watching my dvr!) Happiness was one of the hot topics and it got me to thinking. How do i define happiness? and I really had to think. It so easy to immediatly say what you think people want to hear. I mean of course the obvious things make me happy. The health and happiness of people I love and care about. But what little thing brings a smile to my face?
So here is my list:

a really good book I stumbled across
when my husband is proud of me
getting great bargins ( i always remember my best bargins!)
my computer working with no problems (now this is rare)
a really good shake
buying hair ( i get excited every time i walk into the hair store and see all those wigs)
a challenging video game that i finally beat
when my husband tells me he loves me
when my daughter says I am her best friend
when my kids hug me
when people accept me for who I am
a really good movies that makes me think
just being silly
Christmas
pretzels from Sam's Club (my favorite snack)
fries from JJ Fish or the fries from checkers with bacon and cheese
shopping for my kids

New Years Eve

2007-12-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of people hear New Years Eve and the first thing that comes to mind is PARTY!!! Lots of fun and alcohol. Well for me that is not what comes to mind because I am not a "party" person. Now that Christmas is over I have been trying to think of different things to do with my family to bring in the new year.

Searching the internet I found some pretty good ideas at Onmilwaukee.com:

Enjoy a New Year's Eve breakfast at the Betty Brinn Museum with Curious George! The continental breakfast is served at the Museum from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by open play in the Museum and the opportunity to create your own New Year's party hat in the Artist's Studio before the big countdown to 10 a.m. The countdown includes a ball drop, "sham"pagne toast and cookies. Tickets are $7 for Museum members, $9 for non-members and free for children younger than 1 year. Call (414) 390-KIDS (5437), ext. 240, for tickets.

Celebrate the big 100th Anniversary Celebration with skating and a fireworks display on New Year's Eve at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Activities begin at 11 a.m. with skating at Slice of Ice, and later, the County Executive counts down to '08 with a fireworks display at midnight.

The Harlem Globetrotters return to Milwaukee's Bradley Center to play two "games" on Dec. 31 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Get tickets at bradleycenter.com

Ring in the New Year with the Paradise Landing New Year's Eve Waterpark Special. The package includes passes to the indoor water park, and a breakfast buffet on New Years Day for up to five people. Special activities will be available for everyone to enjoy. More, www.paradiselanding.com.

For an alcohol-free New Year's celebration, join the party at the Coffee House, 631 N. 19 St., for the annual New Year's Eve Acoustic/Spoken Word Open Stage. Older children will enjoy this. Come to perform or just for the fellowship, snacks, punch, party hats and noisemakers. The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and it's free.

Ring in the New Year under the Domes. Join other families as they usher in the New Year at this family-fun event. See the holiday floral show, listen to live music, and enjoy the antics of comedians and magicians. Food and drink available for purchase. Event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, call (414) 649-9830.

The Community Alliance Against Drugs (CAAD) unit in West Allis hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve event at West Allis Central High School. The cost is $5 per person or a family rate of $20. The event runs from 6:30 until midnight, and features a magician, jugglers, movies, rock climbing, open swim, ping pong, basketball, volleyball and an inflatable obstacle course with a moon walk for younger kids. Also, card games, chess matches, arcade games and cheap eats (pizza, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn soft drinks, water, candy.) At midnight, balloons drop from the ceiling. Call the West Allis police department for more info, (414) 302-8000.

Milwaukee public library policy change

2007-12-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of the Milwaukee Public Library System. I go twice a week. Going to the library to borrow books, movies, games and even puppets is one of the ways the my family of 6 saves money. Well coming with the new year is a policy change concerning holds. I am not sure how I feel yet but so far it is not good.

The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Public Library faced some difficult budgetary choices for 2008. In order to preserve the most critical library services, purchase new and replacement materials, and support staffing levels to maintain library hours, a policy change affecting media holds requests has been initiated.

Holds requests have more than doubled since 2002, and have exceeded 500,000 in 2007. Of the growing number of holds requests received by the library, media requests represent a significant portion and require considerable staff time to locate and process. Staffing available to process these requests has not increased to meet the demand. The following change is necessary to meet City budget reduction targets, and will result in more popular media items becoming available for MPL customers.

Effective January 2, 2008:

The following media items owned by the Milwaukee Public Library will no longer be holdable:

1. All feature films and television programs on DVD and VHS
2. Music CDs in the young adult and adult collections

The following media items owned by the Milwaukee Public Library will continue to be holdable:

1. All non-fiction DVDs and videos classified as educational, informational and/or
instructional
2. All children’s CDs

Other items such as books, audio books, and CD-ROMs will continue to be holdable.
However, the maximum number of all items that may be requested at any one time is now 20 per library card holder, down from 40.

Are we being too politically correct?

2007-12-13T11:19:00.001-08:00

Part of my daily routine is watching The View. I watch the news when I get the kids ready in the morning but I like watching The View because I like to hear the different sides of issues that are discussed. I really like it now that Whoppi and Sherri are on there because they are staying true to themselves and being honest about their opinions.
But anyways, before I get anymore off track, Barbara Walters showed the different Christmas cards she got from other famous people. She then went on to make a statement that she thought it was interesting that the card was religious. Why? I mean whatever your beliefs are you should be able to express them. I don't believe it means you are trying to "convert" anyone or cram your religion down any one's throat. It seems like the world is so busy trying to be politically correct that people are losing themselves.

Christmas dinner

2007-12-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

Saw this on fox6 this morning, thought i would share the info

Special Christmas Dinner
Package Sales!

Saturday, Dec. 15th
12pm-3pm

Monday, Dec. 17th
3pm-5pm

Did you miss the ordering deadline for our Christmas Dinner Package? Not to worry! We are holding two special sales at our main warehouse, located at 13111 W. Silver Spring Drive in Butler, WI, just one mile west of Highway 45 on the south side of the street. $22 each. First come, first served. No phone orders, please. Questions? Call 800-548-2124.

Jinx!!

2007-12-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, i did not see that storm coming! I am not sure why, I am usually on top of stuff like that. I feel like I jinxed myself concerning that storm. A few days ago I was telling my dad that last year I was caught off guard by a snow storm that resulted in 3 days off of school. I didn't have lunch for the kids or things to keep them busy. That taught me a lesson because now I always keep extra food in the freezer as a backup for lunches and i have started a pretty nice collection of board games, workbooks,crayons, paper, glitter and glue to keep the kids busy if there is an unexpected school closing.

I do have to admit though, It sure was a pretty sight watching the snow fall.

School Closed!!

2007-12-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, no going to see the christmas lights today. School is closed and the snow is really falling. We were hoping we would be able to still go but it is going to take some time cleaning up this snow. We have a long driveway plus live on a dead end street and the city usually pushes the snow directly in front of our driveway. That is when they remember to snow plow our neighborhood. Hopefully my DH will feel like going this weekend

Christmas light displays

2007-12-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

Well, now that Christmas is almost here it is time to go looking at all the pretty lights. Every year I try to go but never make it so year I am going for sure!

One of the places I am going to try is Country Christmas at the Country Springs Hotel. It seems affordable at $15 a carload plus there is a coupon that you can use to get $6 off. The coupon is at myfox6milwaukee.com in the entertainment section.
It has been going on for about 12 years and is said to be the largest holiday light event in Wisconsin. After you drive through 40 acres of at least a million lights you can get out of your car and visit Christmas Village and The Streets of Bethlehem.

I am kinda excited, i will be going tomorrow to check it out

HOURS & DATES
November 21 - December 31, 2007

Sunday - Thursday 5 pm - 9 pm
Fridays & Saturdays 5 pm - 10 pm
Holidays 5 pm - 10 pm

LOCATION
Country Christmas is located on the Country Springs Hotel property.
2810 Golf Road
Pewaukee, WI 53187
262-547-0201

A useful new site

2007-12-10T05:47:00.001-08:00

I was surfing the internet as usual looking for a new site to explore and I found one. It is nearbynow.com. This site is a really good idea. The way it works is they partner with local malls so you can compare shop without leaving home. It even tells you the availability of the product you are searching for. The is a map included that will show where the stores are located in the mall that carry what you need.

The only 2 malls included are Mayfair Mall and Brookfield Square but that is a good start.

Christmas in Milwaukee

2007-12-09T21:51:00.001-08:00

Check out the Christmas displays, tours, and lights in Milwaukee.
A Grand Avenue Christmas
2000 West Wisconsin Avenue
414-931-0808
November 17, 2006 to January 14, 2007.

Each year, over 10,000 visitors take in the Pabst Mansion�s nationally recognized holiday displays, including a 15 foot Christmas tree and traditional Victorian decorations throughout the mansion.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
November 16, 2006 - January 7, 2007

Milwaukee lights up annually.

In Cathedral Square Park, a display named "Community Spirit Park" has a 50-foot tree with changing lights and a number of other fresh evergreens. Twenty area schools will decorate the park with ornaments reflecting themes of peace, love, unity, and preservation.

At Pere Marquette Park, "Holiday Central" features kid-friendly activities and 3-D sculpture, while animated light scenes and giant sculptures light up "Make the Season Bright" at Zeidler Union Square, along with the Giant Red Teddy Bear.

Twas the Night before Christmas
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory "The Domes"
November 20, 2005 through January 2, 2006
The Floral Dome has decorated trees and a ton of poinsettias, plus holiday musical performances through December.

Holiday Happenings at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Famous People from Wisconsin

2007-12-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Bet you didn't know these people were from Wisconsin

Charlotte Rae
Spencer Tracy
Zucker Brothers
Gene Wilder
Chris Farley
Jane Kaczmarek
Liberace
Orson Welles
Daniel J. Travanti
Harry Houdini
Bradley Whitford
Don Ameche
Mark Ruffalo (from "You Can Count on Me")
Jerry Harrison
Eric Benet
John Ridley (author, wrote "Stray Dogs")
Willem Dafoe
Douglas MacArthur
Campbell Scott
Joe McCarthy
Oprah Winfrey
Iceberg Slim
Kato Kaelin
Jackie Mason
Latrell Sprewell
Nick Van Exel
Kristen Johnston
Chris Noth (Mr. Big in Sex & the City)
Al Molinaro
Les Paul
Steve Miller
Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum)
Al Jarreau
Tony Shalhoub
Tom Snyder
Kurtwood Smith (dad on That '70s Show)
D.B. Sweeney
Howie Epstein (one of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers)
Frank Lloyd Wright
Joe Puerta (of '70s popsters Ambrosia)
Tom Wopat
Peter Weller (Robocop!)
Chip Zein (Howard the Duck!)
Jane Hamilton
Jacquelyn Mitchard
Larry Watson
Tyne Daly
Fred MacMurray
Psychic Jeane Dixon
Lynn Fontaine
Alfred Lunt
Uta Hagen
Deidre Hall
Susan Hawk (from Survivor)
Julie Stoffer (of Real World)
Kathy Kinney (of Drew Carey Show)
Timbuk 3 (The Future's So Bright...)
Miss America Terry Meeusen (1973)
Gena Rowlands
Concetta Tomei (from Providence)
B-movie star Shannon Whirry
Da Crusher
Georgia O'Keeffe
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Judge William H. Renquist
Golda Meir
John Muir
Thornton Wilder
Owen Gromme
Amy Pietz (of Caroline in the City)
Father James Groppi
Leland Sklar (Jackson Browne's bassist)
Bill Berry (REM)
Chordettes (Mr. Sandman)
Butch Vig and Garbage
Bobby Hatfield (Righteous Brothers)
Woody Herman
Kevn Kinney (Drivin' N Cryin')
Speech (Arrested Development)
Jane Wiedlin (The Go Go's)
Colleen Dewhurst
Sean Duffy (The Real World)
Jill Eikenberry (LA Law)
Peter Graves
Robert Bloch (he wrote Psycho)
Ron Kovic (Born on the Fourth of July)
Aldo Leopold
Carl Sandburg
Peter Straub
Greta Van Susteren (Fox News Network)
James Lovell
NPR's Jackie Lyden
Skater Dan Jansen
Racing driver Dick Trickle
Golfer Andy North
Tom Hulce (Amadeus Oscar nominee)
The Ringling Brothers
Edna Ferber
Skater Eric Heiden
Red Wilson

Candy Cane Lane

2007-12-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

The West Allis neighborhood bounded by Oklahoma and Montana Avenues and 92nd to 96th Street is transformed into a winter wonderland in December to benefit the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc.)

For the 22nd year, neighbors will join together to show the spirit of the holiday season during "Sharing Christmas." The holiday lights will be aglow from Nov. 30 - Dec. 28, 6-10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. People come from all over the Midwest to drive or stroll through this uniquely decorated neighborhood. The event is free, but visitors may leave a donation if they wish. These donations translate into a perpetual gift of hope and life for children with cancer.

Throughout the month a variety of other entertainment is also offered. Scheduled to appear:

December 11 - Meet your Milwaukee Buck's Energee! Dance Team from 6-9 p.m.

December 12 - Meet Jane, Kidd and producer Tony from 99.1 WMYX's Jane and Kidd in the morning from 6-7:30 p.m.

December 13 - West Allis Mayor Jeanette Bell helps ring in the holidays from 7:30 - 9 p.m.

December 14 - Say thank you to your Wisconsin Vietnam Vets. They continue to serve their community!!

December 14 - The Annual Mascot Night! Now that's what we call fun!

December 15 - Talented artists carve ice blocks into art in front of neighborhood homes at 10:00 a.m. Come stroll through the neighborhood to see them before they're gone!

December 15 - Old Wisconsin Sausage Night - tasty treats will be distributed. Old Wisconsin will donate 10% of their sales to Candy Cane Lane so stock up on all your favorite holiday party snacks!

December 16- Meet members of the new Milwaukee Bonecrushers arena football team from 6-7:30 p.m.

December 17 - The Diamond Dancers - the Professional Dance Team of Milwaukee's Major League Baseball Team.

December 19 - West Allis Mayor Jeanette Bell helps ring in the holidays from 7:30 - 9 p.m.

December 20 - Meet 94.5 WKTI's morning team of Matthew Blades, Erin Austin and A.J. from 5-7:30 p.m.

December 20- Greenfield Middle School choir members and their families will sing carols from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

December 21 - We know they can handle the heat, but how about the cold?!! Meet West Allis' fire fighters and bring the kids to see their fire engines, ladder company engines, and paramedic units. Great, safe fun for the whole family.

The MACC Fund is leading the fight against childhood cancer and related blood disorders. The primary beneficiary of MACC Fund support is the Midwest Children's Cancer Center, located at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Research is also conducted at the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Rent Assistance

2007-11-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

This Section 8 Program is a federally funded program administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. The Section 8 Program often referred to as the Rent Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to help low and moderate income families rent privately owned housing. The rental subsidy known as a housing assistance payment is paid directly to the property owner or designated payee each month. This program is available to a limited number of families and allows them to pay approximately 30% to 40% of their income towards their monthly rent. The program pays the balance of the rent directly to the landlord in the form of a monthly check.

Regulations require that the Rent Assistance Program must determine that the requested rent for each unit be reasonable . The regulation further requires the program to compare the requested rent to private sector units which are similar in size, type, quality, and amenities which are located in the approximate vicinity. The Rent Assistance Program also compares the unit's assessed value when making rent reasonableness determination. If the requested rent appears to be unreasonable, program staff will contact the owner and enter into rent negotiations. If staff is unable to amicably negotiate the rent with the owner and the tenant wishes to remain in the program, the tenant must seek suitable housing elsewhere.

How the participant's portion of rent is calculated:
The gross rent is not limited by the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is defined as rent including utilities and all maintenance, management and other services which are determined annually.

Federal regulations do not allow participants to spend more than 40% of their income on rent and utilities.

Contact Information
General Inquires: (414) 286-5650
Mailing Address: 5011 W. Lisbon Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53210

Program Manager (414) 286-5630

Debra LaRosa (414) 286-5647
Leases and Contract, Unit Inspections

Gerald Hobson (414) 286-5660
Applicant Eligibility, Partcipant Re-certification

Assefa Damte, Ph.D (414) 286-5636
Background Screenings, Managing High TTP, Move Requests, Client Hearing Requests, Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Pooja Dhaliwal (414) 286-5640
Waiting List, Portability, Statistics and Website Content

Heat and Electric Assistance

2007-11-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides home heating assistance to eligible households. Indian tribal agencies and community agencies under the direction of the Division of Energy. Operating primarily with federal funding, the program provides assistance to approximately 140,000 households annually.

Heating Assistance
WHEAP heating assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season (October 1 through May 15). It is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s heating costs, not the entire annual cost of heating a home.
The amount of heating assistance benefit depends on the household’s size, income and heating costs. In most cases the heating assistance benefit is applied directly to the household’s bill with the fuel supplier.

Electric Assistance
WHEAP electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season to eligible households. It is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s electrical costs.
The amount of the electrical assistance benefit depends on the household’s size, income, and electric costs. In most cases the electrical assistance benefit is applied directly to the household’s electric account.

Crisis Assistance
A household may be eligible for crisis assistance if it has no heat, received a disconnect notice from its heating fuel dealer, if it is nearly out of heating fuel and does not have any way to pay for its heating needs, or if a heating emergency can be avoided. WHEAP crisis assistance provides both emergency and proactive services.
Emergency services may help a household during the heating season from October 1 through May 15. These services can include the purchasing of heating fuel, providing a warm place for a household to stay for a few days, or needed furnace repair or replacement.

Proactive WHEAP services are available through the entire year to avoid future emergencies. Proactive services include training and information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on money management, providing payments to fuel suppliers when a household agrees to a co-payment, and other actions to help avoid future emergencies.

How to Apply

Households must complete a Home Energy Plus application through the local WHEAP agency. Households need to provide information on their income and heating costs.
For more information call: 1- 866-HEATWIS (432-8947).

Times are hard

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The last couple of years have been hard for my family. The cost of living keeps rising, heating bills are so high it is not even funny, our car is constantly broke and our family of 6 has needs that grow every day. However we are blessed because my DH has a really nice job but sometimes we still need help. Unfortunately we are what I call the working poor. We make too much to qualify for various low income programs because these places usually use your income before taxes even though you do not bring that income home. After deductions and taxes we are low income and need help. It was not easy to find help and sometimes it hard to ask so I decided to post any useful information I may come across.

Things to do this winter

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1. Venture inside The Domes
2. Sip wine or drink a pint in front of County Clare fireplace
3. Enjoy a romantic carriage ride Downtown
4. Ski on the frozen Milwaukee River (at your own risk)
5. Cross country ski in Grant Park
6. Go sledding at Northpoint
7. Toboggan at your favorite park
8. Ice skate at Red Arrow Park
9. Fondue!
10. Bumper ski behind a friend's car (carefully in a parking lot, please!)
11. Tell Santa what you want at Bayshore Town Center
12. Do donuts in an Pick 'n Save parking lot
13. Warm up the tummy with Soup Bros. soup
14. Hot chocolate at Alterra or after dinner drinks at At Random
15. Winter golf
16. Ice fishing
17. Snowmobile at Bong Rec Area
18. Build an igloo on the lakefront
19. Take the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day
20. Snow suits/moon boots
21. Heat up in the sauna at The Tubs
22. Enter an ice sculpture contest
23. Cruise around Winter Gallery Night
24. Tailgate at Lambeau Field, but keep those mittens on
25. Tour the Pabst Mansion
26. Slurp some tasty matzo ball soup at Benji's
27. Take in the lights on Candy Cane Lane
28. See "Twelve Days - A Milwaukee Christmas" at the First Stage Children's Theater
29. Cut down your own Christmas tree
30. Celebrate Kwanzaa with your community
31. Call the chimney sweep and clean out all those ashes
32. Erect a Festivus pole
33. Go to Loop, buy yarn and make your own scarf
34. Take a tropical vacation
35. Make (naked?) snow angels in the front yard
36. Buy a new board at Moda3
37. Winterize your car
38. Catch rays in a tanning bed
39. Take in the holiday scene at Holy Hill
40. Get chili powder at the Spice House
41. Brew your own beer
42. Stay at home and snuggle up
43. Chop the icicles off your gutters
44. Get out the snow blower and go to town
45. Shovel your elderly neighbor's sidewalk
46. Grow a beard for warmth
47. Buy de-icer for your glove compartment
48. Hitch your pup to a sled and take a free ride
49. Cover up your toes with warm, wooly footies
50. Be happy you don't live further up nort, eh
51. Go Christmas caroling
52. See "A Christmas Carol"
53. Build a snowman
54. Don't eat the yellow snow
55. Play some snow football
56. Learn to curl
57. Bake Christmas cookies
58. Donate to Coats for Kids
59. When forecasters predict a "dusting," expect five feet of snow
60. Figure out when it's a parking "Snow Emergency"
61. Write a letter to Santa
62. Wear the sweater Grandma got you last year
63. Turn up the heat and have a Hawaiian party
64. Pack on the pounds, hide it with big sweaters
65. Count down till wonderful day when pitchers and catchers report
66. Tour art galleries and buy something to hang in the living room
67. Check into a B&B in Door County
68. Go winter camping
69. Frolic with your dog at Runway Dog Park
70. Tour the Carmex factory, and stock up for winter
71. Drink some Lakefront holiday brew
72. Have yourself an Edgar Allan Poe moment and curl up with a spine-tingler from Mystery One Bookshop
73. Spark up a snowball fight with the neighbor kids
74. Treat your wind-burned skin to a day of pampering at White Sage Spa
75. Prevent your brain from becoming slush, take a class at UWM
76. Whiskey warms you from the inside
77. Relive your high school days with a good mall-crawl, minus the big hair and rolled jeans
78. Donate toys for tots
79. Play pond hockey on Lake Ernie in Franklin
80. Decorate your tree while listening to your favorite Milwaukee bands
81. Invent a new snow sport. Snow croquet? Ice bowling?
82. Call your grandma or grandpa. They're even more lonely and cooped up in the winter
83. Put a snowball in your freezer to throw at someone (gently) in July
84. Drink mulled wine
85. Snowshoe in Doctor's Park
86. Plan a holiday party
87. Roast chestnuts on an open fire
88. Go to a warm tavern, and drink cold beer
89. Watch early morning soccer at Highbury
90. Insulate your attic
91. Pack up your skis and head Da U.P.
92. Write to Summerfest requesting bands for next year
93. See great college hoops at MU or UWM
94. Figure out the difference between winter storm watch and winter storm warning
95. Finally put those old photos in albums
96. Take the laptop to Cathedral Park and Wi-Fi it up in the snow
97. Swirl candy canes in your hot chocolate for a peppermint-chocolatey treat
98. Help the St. Benedict ministries feed the hungry
99. Make an ornament out of popsicle sticks in memory of the good old days
100. Stay in, log on and write crazy Talkbacks or Readers Blogs at OnMilwaukee.com

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