WHNA Spring 2013 Highlighter

The NewsleTTer of The whNA Spring 2013

www.whna.net

easter egg hunt registration page 5

community gardens page 10

safety UPdate page 14

guys just want to brew beer page 17

signs of spring on north avenue page 18

and more!

INsIDe:

whNA 2011-2012 board of directors

The Highlighter is a quarterly publication of the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. Washington Heights includes the area from Highway 41 to N. 60th Street and from W. Vliet Street to W. North Ave.

You can expect your Summer Highlighter in mid-June. To submit an article, please contact Matt, [email protected] or Jane, [email protected].

EditorS Jane Konkel & Matt O’Neill

layout & dESign Nicole Julius

WritErS Jim Bolstad Barb HaigMary Jumes Carol JustinJane Konkel Larry KilmerDebbie Knepke Matt LossMary McGrath Liz MonfilsJon Rupprecht Cindy ScheuingHeidi Steeno James SteenoEd Szopinski Rachael B. Winkley

PhotograPhErSJim Bolstad Jane KonkelJames Steeno

advErtiSing ManagEr Corbett Reinbold

nEWSlEttEr diStributionVacant

CollatorSThanks to all who help us collate the High-lighter. The next collation date is in June.

PresidentLarry Kilmer 899.1082

Vice-PresidentHeidi Steeno 475.6274

Past PresidentDan Cody 324.6056

treasurerJohn Augustyniak 467.3146

secretaryStephanie Moffett 305-2824

rePresentatiVesarea 1Jane Konkel 949.1577

area 2Scott Silet 774.0048Gary Haertlein 257.7634

area 3Mike Graf 445.1190

area 4Jim Grote 430.0332

area 5Larry Kilmer 899.1082

area 6Dan Cody 324.6056

area 7Nick Bambulas & Sofi Thorne 745.4410

area 8Corbett Reinbold 213.9730

area 9John Augustyniak 467.3146Mark Drzewiecki 476.1858

at-Large – eVen yearsAnita Duschak 732.2177Stephanie Moffett 805.2824Dan Stotmeister 444.6328Nora Trinidad- Scholle 369.2630

at-Large – odd yearsKevin Ronnie 732.9932Vivienne Tait 442.5444Jon Rupprecht 476.1947

LiaisonsVLiet st.Heidi Steeno 920.639.1476

north aVe.Vacant

rainbow associationMary McGrath 258.2991

other rePyouthWendy Baker 453.4760

seniorVacant

committeesbLock watchGary Haertlein 257.7634

housing/aPPearanceLarry Kilmer 899.1082

membershiPMary McGrath 258.2991

website (communication)Geri Miller 774.0701

green committeeJoan Janus 476.3606

ADVERTISER INDEXSinclair Firestone ..........................................................4The Dogwalker .............................................................. 5Westside Artwalk ........................................................7Washington Heights Pet Sitter..........................9Mount Olive Lutheran Church .......................9Lacquer Nail Salon ................................................... 11Gross Property Services, LLC ......................... 11McBob’s Pub & Grill ................................................13St. James Lutheran Church ...............................15T.R. Martin Builders .................................................15Shelter Real Estate .................................................... 16John F. Graf Heating & Sheet Metal .......... 17Wauwatosa Catholic School ............................ 18Puhl’s True Value ...................................................... 19St. Sebastian PAL Program ................................. 19Art & Soul Gallery ...................................................20Four Corners of the World ............................... 21Joyce Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. . 21LandCrafters .................................................................24Stella’s Salon & Spa...................................................24The Wonder Bar .........................................................24

froM The PresIDeNTLarry Kilmer, WHNA President

Brrrrr! After two years, winter has finally hit the Heights. For my fellow corner-dwellers, the extra few minutes to shovel two sidewalks was especially difficult this winter. Although very cold, this winter has provided great opportunities to explore our neighborhood and our parks through the true lens of a Wisconsinite. Whether it was snowshoeing with friends, dusting off your grandpa’s old toboggan, or watching your first dogsled exhibition at Washington Park, it was a fun winter.

With winter comes spring and with spring in the Heights comes a variety of great neighborhood activities. First of all, I want to thank all of the volunteers, especially Laura Burke, all of the neighborhood businesses that donated great food and drinks, and all that attended this year’s wine tasting event. Upcoming events for spring include the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Annual Neighborhood Cleanup event, and our annual Washington Heights Neighborhood Association meeting. This year’s annual meeting will be held at the Washington Park Pavilion (Urban Ecology Center) on Thursday May 9th from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. Please keep an eye out for more information on other great activities taking place over the next few months.

Finally, as we enter the third month of this still fresh new year, I encourage you to consider becoming a member or renewing your membership to the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. The fee is only $15 per person or $25 per family for a year membership. Benefits to you include discounts for Spooktacular, the Wine Tasting Event, the Easter Egg Hunt, and many more neighborhood events. Additionally, you have the opportunity to run for an elected position on the Board of Directors where you will have the ability to take a leadership role in our community’s events. View your membership as an investment in your community. Your investment helps fund the great events mentioned previously, helps maintain our sense of community, as well as support local organizations and businesses in our neighborhood. Check out our website, www.whna.net, for a membership application or stop by the Membership Committee booth at an upcoming neighborhood event.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions, 414.899.1082 or [email protected].

Happy Spring, Larry ❀

Highlighter online at www.whna.netDo you want the Highlighter emailed to you?

Contact [email protected].

YOUR PHOTO HERE!

The NewsleTTer of The whNA Spring 2011

www.whna.net

youcouldbethenextHighlightercover

photographer!Don’t forget to submit your best

spring Heights photos for consideration – on Facebook or to

[email protected].

ANNUAl MeeTING

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

6:00 – 8:30 PM

Washington Park Pavilion (Urban Ecology Center – cars enter from N. 41st St.)

The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association will hold its annual meeting:

All Washington Heights neighbors are invited.

Washington Heights Highlighter, Spring 2013 ❖ 3

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easter egg hunt by Cindy Scheuing

It’s time for the annual Washington Heights Neighborhood Association Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 23 at 11:45 am. The hunt only takes a few minutes, so don’t be late. We have confirmation from the Easter Bunny that she will be attending, so bring your cameras to capture the moment.

Your child must be registered in order to participate in the egg hunt. Registration will take place on SUNDAY, MARCH 17 at Cold Spoons Gelato on Vliet Street from 12-2pm. Note that this is a DIFFERENT time from years’ past. The cost of the event will be $3.00 per child for WHNA members and $5.00 per child for non-members. For those of you who need to renew or obtain a WHNA membership, we will have volunteers available at registration to accommodate you. Please make every effort to register your child on March 17, so that we will have an accurate count for the hunt. The exact location of the egg hunt will be revealed at registration.

If you are unable to register on March 17, or have any questions, please call Cindy at 414.405.5990. Also, contact Cindy if you are willing to volunteer to stuff eggs or are able to help set up on the day of the event. See you there. ❀

N . A . T . I . O . N . A . LGOLD MEDAL WINNER

Easter Egg Hunt Registration

EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday, March 17, 20132:00–4:00PM

Cold Spoons Gelato5924 W. Vliet St.

Saturday, March 23, 2013Location disclosed at time of registration.

The Dogwalker

“loves your dog when you can’t”

(414)[email protected]

www.dogwalker.homestead.com

SERVING WAUWATOSA&

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS

The Dogwalker RatesOur rates are among the lowest in the Milwaukee area. Please note that if we walk your pet 5 days a week the 5th day is free.

*DAILY RATES* PER WALK RATE: 1/2 HOUR 1 HOUR Single dog 12.50 18.75

Double dog 18.75 25.00

Triple dog 25.00 31.25

• There is an additional $2.50 charge for walks on weekends and holidays. • We will consider overnight pet sitting for our regular clients at our discretion. • Rates vary based upon the number of pets. Pets outside of Wauwatosa and Washington Heights may be considered for an additional charge. Call us for details.

*WEEKLY RATES* PER WALK RATE: 1/2 HOUR 1 HOUR Single dog 50.00 75.00

Double dog 75.00 100.00

Triple dog 100.00 125.00

What Our Friends Say“It’s great to know our pets are taken care of when we can’t be home. Thanks Jack & Jodi!” - Carli D.

“The Dogwalker has proven to be extremely dependable and reliable. Our pets love Jack & Jodi!” -Jerry M

“Fiona & Mac are very happy on their walks with the Dogwalker.” - Chris M.

“I’ve been working with Jack and Jodi for a couple of months now and they have been absolutely wonderful! Very flexible and very easy to work with. They do a terrific job with my dog and he absolutely loves them. They have amazing prices for working in a large city and are extremely trustworthy. I would recommend their services to anyone. Thanks!” - Jeanette G.

“Jack & Jodi are amazing - They have watched my elderly cats and my birds for a few years now when we go away in the summer for almost 2 weeks. You can count on them and their loving compassion for animals really shows. They offered customized care that included giving daily pills and spent time with my very friendly cats all at a fair and resonable price. I have and will continue to recommend them to my friends and neighbors.” - Scott & Alicia

I highly

recommend the

DOGWALKER yeah, The DOGWALKERis a real “Cool CaT”

I love my walks with the DOGWALKER


fABUlA-oUs TIMesby Jon Rupprecht

You’ve got five minutes to tell your story, on stage, in front of a full house of 200 lively listeners. How does that sound?

Well, if you missed the inaugural “story slam” at the Times Cinema on January 15th, you can come to the next Ex Fabula event there on April 17th and tell your own story — or just listen and watch if you prefer; you won’t be disappointed either way.

Ex Fabula was organized in October 2009 when Adam Weise, Amy Schleicher, Leah Delaney, Matt Sabljak and Megan McGee met at Maharaja restaurant to discuss organizing a public storytelling opportunity here in Milwaukee. In their first season they hosted seven storytelling events at seven different locations in five distinct Milwaukee neighborhoods. Since then, they’ve held these story sessions — “slams” — mostly in River West and Bay View; January 15th was their first venture into Washington Heights. They were well received by a theater full of eager story tellers and active listeners, and it looks like we’ve made it onto their venue rotation.

The Latin phrase Ex Fabula means “from stories (fables)”. There is an intended similarity to the popular Moth Radio Hour on NPR, though in this case the stories are shorter and related spontaneously. Be sure to explore their website, exfabula.com to learn more about this unique endeavor. Or you can Google Ex Fabula and find the

Linda Cieslik waits to greet you when you enter the newly renovated Times Theater.

interesting Morning Blend TV interview with Megan McGee on January 15th , the day of their Times event.

Without the Times we may not even be aware of Ex Fabula. Our iconic neighborhood theater re-opened on December 28th, after being closed for remodeling since February. The new management offers us not only regular first-run movies, but also special events from time to time, with exciting groups like Ex Fabula making appearances. And judging by the full house on January 15th, this is an idea whose time has come for the Heights.

Watching a movie or event at a generic theater is one thing; coming to the Times is quite another. We know how rare this older type of independent theater has become. Linda Cieslik, who works with special programs and events, points out that we have the wonderful bonus in the Heights of having our own, private

6 ❖ Contact us at [email protected] or visit us online at www.whna.net

The Vliet Street Business Association invites you to visit www.WestVliet.com, a new website dedicated to promoting the businesses and events that take place on Vliet Street. Here you will find a comprehensive listing of all the businesses that call Vliet Street (from 43rd to 60th Streets) their home. Additionally the website features event information on street-wide events such as Westside Artwalk and Holiday Happenings, as well as information on special events presented by individual Vliet Street businesses.

The business association hopes that the new website will become a valuable resource for the residents of the neighborhood, as well as a way to attract a wider audience from outside the neighborhood to the numerous events that take place throughout the year on Vliet Street. The new site also includes information on the Vliet Street Business Association, becoming a member and taking part in events. The digital edition of the Westside Guide also resides here, along with advertising information and more.

You might be surprised to find that Vliet Street from 43rd to 60th Streets is home to more than 75 unique businesses and organizations. Besides being known for its thriving art scene and unique dining venues, it also is home to a variety of distinctive services and retail shops. Take a moment and check out the new site and get to know all that Vliet Street has to offer We hope that you visit WestVliet.com often, as well as take a moment to drop by the storefronts! ❀

Check out wesTVlIeT.CoM by Heidi J. Steeno

neighborhood theater. She observed that often people leave the theatre by saying “Thanks for having us.” You won’t hear that at a mall theater. She says that “It feels like bringing people into our parlor,” and that there’s “a warm, friendly, home-style feeling” when coming to a movie or event at the Times.

The building itself was originally constructed as an automobile service garage, but was converted into the Time Trans-Lux Theatre in the 1920’s. Trans-Lux referred to the new rear-of-screen projection system, reportedly the first of its kind in Wisconsin. The review on the historic poster in the lobby points out that the original owners “spared nothing to make the Times Theatre the most modern and up-to-date theatre possible.”

The lobby of our re-opened Times Cinema has been completely re-modeled, while the original art deco design features have been retained. Beer is now available on tap, and two screens are available for advertisers. If you miss Alfred Hitchcock, he is currently in storage, awaiting a decision on his fate. In the theater itself the 200 seats are new, and there is a stunning new sound system.

Besides the Times, the Rosebud Theater in Tosa is also owned and operated by Neighborhood Theater Group, LLC. In addition, this group is restoring the splendid Avalon Theater in Bay View, which they hope to re-open sometime this year, after its many years of dormancy.

Having the Times in the Heights puts us in an elite group. Let’s put ourselves in the seats there! ❀

Fri. • April 265pm to 9pm

Sat. • April 2710am to 4pm

www.westvliet.com

art entertainment food

2013

Vliet Street • North Avenue • Martin Drive

presentedby:

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION



Tell us about your family!Maggie: Rick and I have four children, two boys and two girls.

Riley James (13) is in 7th grade at St. Sebastian. Tanner Joseph (12) is second in command and in 6th grade at St. Sebs. Geraldine Grace (aka G.G.) turned 5 in September is enrolled in the Sebs afternoon 4K program. Lastly, lovely Genevieve Francis is almost 2 and still gets to stay home with mom until further notice. We do have one pet, Charley, our little French bulldog whom some has been telling us needs a friend. We’ll see…

You’ve transformed your home on Washington Boulevard.Maggie: When we purchased the home seven years ago, it was a

three-family residence. Built in the 1920s as a single family home, it was our mission to bring it back to its original grandeur. Wow…what an undertaking! Still a labor of love in progress, and it probably will continue to be for a long while. As we took our home literally down to the studs, I recall Rick in a state of absolute awe with regard to the way masons and builders used to construct homes. It was a craft and a true art that has unfortunately been lost to time.

Maggie, you’re from Washington Heights. What is it that makes people want to stay?

Maggie: I grew up on 52nd and Vliet in the most picture-perfect Milwaukee bungalow, and it is where my parents, Mary and Carl Sherer, still reside. My youngest sister is house-hunting (keep your fingers crossed) will hopefully find a place to call home here soon! Rick and I chose to move into this area for a number of reasons. I would be lying if I didn’t say that a big reason was to be close to my parents. Having four children with grandparents close is a luxury and a blessing! We looked on the east side, the north shore, and in the Heights. We wanted our children to be able to step out of the front door and walk to school, to be able to play with neighborhood kids without having to set up scheduled play dates, and to feel they are part of a community. The Washington Heights encompasses all this for our family and much more. Living in the city of Milwaukee is just plain cool! There are actual sidewalks, bike lanes, parks galore; we are amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, and that truly makes us feel alive!

Where are your favorite places to go in the neighborhood?Maggie: Urban Sense! Urban Sense! Urban Sense! Dan and Chris

are amazingly talented and totally available. I have Urban Sense on speed dial for our home, and Rick has Urban Sense on speed dial for The Moderne’s lobby décor and other business events. Thanks mom for introducing us! Rick and I also love Café Perrin…best mushroom Swiss burgers and pecan rolls! We have to mention the Highland Café for always serving fresh brewed Alterra coffee and Cold Spoons for our family gelato fixes. Rick’s only complaint is that Cold Spoons should always carry his favorite flavor – toasted almond. Also…really want to check out James Steeno Gallery.

Meet rick and Maggie Barrettby Barb Haig

I worked with James for years and know, first hand, what a true talent he is!

Rick, you are known for your leadership in the development of downtown projects such as The Moderne and The Couture. Why has your company invested so much in the development of Milwaukee?

Rick: A few people can make a difference, and I want to be one of the FEW. In my opinion, Milwaukee is in the embryonic stage of being great. I have been fortunate enough to travel and live in many cities and have chosen Milwaukee as our home to raise our children because of its amazing potential. We have many of the traits here that make cities great, but few of the drags that people from other cities are forced to accept.

You live down the block from the mayor and the director of the department of city development. How does living in the area impact your business efforts?

Rick: I would consider my relationship with both the mayor and Rocky as healthy, but business-like. Both of these very busy men believe that the homefront in the Heights is truly a haven and not an acceptable place to discuss business. All business discussions have always taken place at city hall and DCD headquarters respectively. We all share a passion to make this city better than when we arrived and share in the drive to dream big.

sins forgivenweekly

5327 W Washington Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53208

414.774.2200 www.mtolivemke.org

Sunday Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 AM Saturday Worship at 6:00 PM

Sunday Broadcast on WJYI AM-1340 at 9:00 AM

M o u n t O l i v e l u t h e r a n c h u r c h

Laura Burke • 414-708-0415

Washington Heights Resident for 18 yearsBlock Watch Captain for 10 years

Pet Care & House SittingIn Home Pet Nail Trimming $10.00


“(Maggie) played power forward during her years at Sebs, which meant she got the ball low and had to battle against bigger girls. She was a great rebounder and had a knack for getting to the free throw line. Maggie was physically strong, and played hard in practice and in games. She was also mentally tough and didn’t let missed shots or disappointments get her down… I would hope that Maggie has been able to pass on her competitive spirit and ability to persevere in difficult situations. Her friendship to those close to her and ‘can-do’ attitude would also serve them well.” Jim Matthias, who coached Maggie from 5th-8th (1988-1992).

Sports were very important to both of you growing up. Maggie played basketball at Sebs and Rick played baseball for the Orioles organization. Have you passed the love of sports on to your children?

Rick: The love of sports is alive and well in this Barrett family. Both older boys are three-sport athletes, and we do not see that changing. Sports share the same parallel with business because they both demand hard work, and invariably those who work harder in sports, like business, succeed. We are not relentless drivers to our children on the sports front but rather respond reactively to our kids’ drive to play. Both Maggie and I want our children to learn the most important aspect of sports… teamwork. It is always what separates the good from the great … and the great from the super. Many times you see that both team chemistry and leadership can take the place of talent or athletic prowess. Our family loves the UNDERDOG by nature…!

What would you like to improve about the neighborhood?Rick: We would like to continue to promote ourselves as one of

the most cohesive neighborhoods that leads by example. I believe the neighborhood schools and parishes need to grow here. It is my opinion that the schools similar to St. Sebastian need to flourish with growth and continued effort toward the future. If you are not growing and improving, you are atrophying. The younger leaders, including myself, in this neighborhood need to step up and enhance what the elder statesman here have nurtured from a school and parish perspective. ❀

During the 1990s, Rick Barrett (right) played with the Baltimore Oriole’s minor league. He’s with coach Lenny Johnston and another player.

Back row: Maggie Sherer, Lori Dillon, Margaret Blum. Front Row: Jenny Gaunt, Jackie Linane, Jessica Eckert, Nicole Lanza.

Bloomin’ and groomin’by Carol Justin

Good news for the Washington Heights gardeners and neighbors. The Bloom and Groom event will return this spring!

Co-sponsored by City of Milwaukee and Lowes Home Improvement Centers, Bloom and Groom brings hundreds of beautiful annual and perennial flowers to neighborhoods throughout the city and sold to residents at incredibly low prices.

Last year the Green Committee combined our plant sale with a host of other activities, including: WHNA garden tour, coffee and bake sale, Master Gardener tips, homemade fertilizer from worm castings and other Green informational booths. The program was truly a success and the Green Committee looks forward to sponsoring this event again.

At this time the city is still finalizing plans for this year’s Bloom and Groom so we are unable to give you detailed information. We do expect our sale will be on a Saturday in May at the WHNA Community Garden on 49th & Lloyd. All plants will be sold on site that morning without preorder. Information including plant selections, prices and specific times will be available through the WHNA e-newsletter, Facebook page and in flyers at neighborhood businesses.

So get those gardening tools ready! Watch for more information and get ready for the best WHNA Bloom and Groom event ever! ❀

washington heights Community Garden by Jim Bolstad

The Washington Heights Community Garden announces their annual meeting and sign up day for plots for the 2013 growing season. We welcome you to join our garden this year!

Anyone interested in renting a garden plot must attend the meeting on Sunday, March 24, 3:30-4:00 pm at the home of Jim and Joey Bolstad, 2105 N. 49th St. to discuss garden plans, rules, and organization of the Community Garden.

After attending the meeting, gardeners from 2012 will be given priority to sign up for a plot and pay $20 for the seasonal rental. This will be the first opportunity to rent plots for 2013; there will

be no advance sign-up/payment. Any remaining plots will be made available to new gardeners

on a first-come, first serve basis. You’ll be listed in the order you arrive. Attend the meeting and bring your $20 payment.

Checks should be made out to Milwaukee Urban Gardens, please.

We are looking forward to a fourth year of productivity. Hope to see you there! ❀

Washington Heights Community Garden two lots north of Lloyd and 49th Street.


2013 Boulevard BashCall for Artists, Crafters, Businesses & Organizations

You’re invited to exhibit at this year’s Boulevard Bash taking place on Saturday, August 24 from 2–8pm. This neighborhood-wide event is a great way to introduce yourself and your offerings to the neighborhood. We are looking for both established storefront businesses, restaurants, and organizations, as well as home-based business vendors to participate. Artists and crafters of all styles and mediums are encouraged to participate. Space is limited and priority will be given to businesses and artists from Washington Heights.

artiStS & CraftErSPlease contact Heidi Steeno for participation information.Email: [email protected]: 920.639.1476

buSinESSES & organizationSPlease contact Jean Anderson for participation information.Email: [email protected]: 414.771.7977

rEStaurant & food vEndorS Please contact Jesse R. North for participation information.Email: [email protected]: 414.640.3414 ❀

Lower level of Bay View’s unique Delaware House2499 S. Delaware Ave. (minutes away via the Hoan Bridge)

www.lacquer-nails.com

Lynna Chirafisi, Owner

25% OFFyour first visit!

y full service manicures and pedicuresy Gel polish and Gel Enhancements y 11 year’s experiencey clean, private, quiet environmenty gift certificates available

For an appointment with Lynna, call414.517.8942 or [email protected]

WHNA_LacquerAd:Layout 1 10/29/12 3:12 PM Page 1


highlighter ContactsAdveRTiSing infORMATiOn [email protected]

or 206.349.5393WHnA vOiCe MAil .................................................. 297.9617HigHligHTeR ediTORS ..........................................................

[email protected] or [email protected] or 949.1577

HigHligHTeR diSTRiBuTiOn ............................. 771.7977RAinBOW ASSOCiATiOn ...................................... 258.2991

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

community ContactsTHiRd diSTRiCT nOn-eMeRgenCY ............... 933.4444CRiMe PRevenTiOn ...............................................935.7733gRAffiTi HOTline .................................................. 286.8715Ald. Willie HineS ...................................................286.2221Ald. MiCHAel MuRPHY .........................................286.2221BlOCk WATCH .......................................................... 588.5619

UPCoMING eVeNTsMarch

MaY

MAR. 17 ................ eASTeR egg HunT RegiSTRATiOnSunday 12:00-2:00pm • Cold Spoons Gelato

TueS., MARCH 19 ...........vlieT STReeT HAPPY HOuR5:30-6:30pm • Presented by Vliet Street Business As-

sociation at O’Brien’s Pub, 4928 W. Vliet Street.Mix and mingle with business owners from

Vliet Street and members of the WHNA board. Share you comments, questions and suggestions

at this information happy hour event.

MAR. 23 ...............................................eASTeR egg HunT 11:45AM • Location disclosed upon registration.

SAT., MARCH 23 .gRAnd OPening evenT AT WeST end COnSeRvATORY

1:00-4:00pm • 5500 W. Vliet StreetLive entertainment, refreshments,

ribbon cutting, open house

MAR. 24 ......................COMMuniTY gARden Sign-uP3:30-4:00pm • 2105 N. 49th St.

MAY 9 ..................................... WHnA AnnuAl MeeTingUrban Ecology Center • 6:00-8:30pm

MAY 12...........................................HAPPY MOTHeR’S dAY

HAve A neigHBORHOOd evenT YOu’d like TO inClude in OuR SPRing

HigHligHTeR CAlendAR?Email the Highlighter at [email protected]

to let us know!

APrIlfRi., APRil 5 .........OPening ReCePTiOn Of uRBAn

inTeRSeCTiOn 6:00-9:00pm • A group art show exploring elements of urban living, at James Steeno Gallery, 5700 W. Vliet St.

Exhibition April 5 through April 20

APR. 17 ............................ex-fABulA @ TiMeS CineMAVisit exfabula.com for more info.

APR. 20 ...........AnnuAlneigHBORHOOd CleAn-uP8:00am–12:00pm • Accent Childcare (47th and Vliet) •

Pitch in by collecting and removing trash from our neighborhood • Bring gloves • Interested volunteers

contact Larry Kilmer, at [email protected]

APR 26-27 .......................SPRing WeSTSide ARTWAlkFriday 5:00-9:00pm • Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Visit facebook.com/westside.artwalk.wi for more info.

Support Washington Park on July 31st by participating in The Park People of Milwaukee’s 4th annual “Run for the Parks” 5k run/2k walk.

The proceeds from this family-friendly run will benefit Washington Park. Details to come at:

http://RunForTheParks.com

June–AugustJune 1 ......WASHingTOn HeigHTS RuMMAge SAle

June 16 .......................................... HAPPY fATHeR’S dAY

JulY 10 – Aug. 28 ........ WedneSdAYS AT THe SHell

JulY 31 ...............................................Run fOR THe PARk


Washington Heights Neighborhood Association (WHNA) is grateful for its approximately 585 current members. Many of these members have also expressed a willingness to be on the association board of directors and assist with sponsored events.

Currently there are an additional 345 people whose WHNA memberships have lapsed — memberships have not been renewed for over 90 days after their membership expiration date!

Are you a lapsed member?When each of you became a member, or renewed your

membership in WHNA, you receive a letter from me, thanking you for your support and you receive a membership card. This card displays your membership expiration date.

When your membership renewal date is approaching you receive three renewal notices including membership forms with which you can update contact or volunteer-interest information.

Where are your renewal forms? Perhaps in your “to-do” file? Perhaps in that drawer with the assorted debris and items to be repaired?

Please consider this as a gentle reminder that it’s time for you to put WHNA membership renewal back on your to-do list.

If you can’t find your renewal form you can certainly print one from the WHNA website whna.net and mail it to the address found on the form.

Don’t forget that only current WHNA members may pay the discounted membership price for wonderful events throughout the year including the Winetasting event on March 2! Membership Committee members will be present to document your membership status and determine your ticket price.

If the dog ate your membership renewal form, or if you are uncertain as to whether your membership is lapsed, you may call 414.217.1571 and leave a message including your first and last name. I will return your call and report your membership status to you. ❀

where Are YoU?by Mary McGrath, membership chair

renewwHnA

**New for 2013 Season**Tailgate Package

McBoB’s PuB & Grill4919 W. North Ave. • 414-871-5050

Ride our free Shuttle to Brewers Games! New for 2013 Season

Tailgate Package

Hot Dog, chips & 1 can beer+ $5.50

Brat, chips & 1 can beer+ $6.50

Nachos & 1 can beer+ $4.50

**2013 Tailgate Special can be made for travel on McBob’s Shuttle with proof of same day game ticket or for dine in to watch

any 2013 season televised live Brewer’s game.

Ask for our “shuttle card” and earn a FREE BEER!

Join McBobs for the 4.16.13 Brewer’s Game!call or stop in & ask about ticket deal

Plenty of Free Parking(+pint can of beer choice MGD, Miller Lite or Coor Lite)

GO Brewer’s!

Washington Heights has been invited to participate in

The Neighborhood Art Fair. JunE 30, 2013

fondy MarkEt

2200 W. fond du laCThere will be 100+ Artists.

Fees:Tables - $30

Tents - $40

We are looking to have all artists signed up and fees paid by May 1st.

If you are an artist interested in participating, please send your “Request to Participate” to [email protected] along with pictures of your work. This is a juried art fair.If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Percival (aka: Percy the Potter)

[email protected]


Most of us are pretty content to live our lives without intentionally hurting other people. We go to work, shop, fix our houses, take our kids to the park or library, have friends over for a meal or party, read the paper, meet with our beer-brewing or book club friends, go to movies, volunteer at meal sites, donate to charities, take care of our grandkids and other family members and a host of other things. Then wham! From out of nowhere, minding our own business, we become the target of a crime.

Very few things spark feelings as strong as those from becoming a crime target – anger at being violated, the temporary loss of a sense of safety, and feelings of vulnerability. It’s pretty common for targets to have a desire to get even, to become grief stricken or develop other physical symptoms. Most professionals will suggest that if your response to the crime is strong and prevents you from living your normal life and from sleeping, you should see a counselor or therapist.

I’ve lived in Milwaukee for most of my life and the Heights since 1989. I read the paper, listen to the radio and used to watch local news, so I’m constantly reminded that crimes happen – however, far less in the Heights than in other parts of the city. It seems like Milwaukee crimes occur in cycles where a particular kind of crime seems to occur for a few weeks or months then disappears for a while.

Knowing that the cycles come and go, seems little consolation to those of us who are targets, but as a neighborhood during a cycle, it helps to remember the bigger picture. This doesn’t mean that we accept crime as a given, only that we keep current cycles in perspective and do something about it.

Doing something about it is what stops crime cycles. We are fortunate in the Heights to have two hard-working Aldermen — Willie Hines (15th district) and Michael Murphy (10 district), a responsive police district (3rd), an involved Community Liaison Officer — Officer Kong, and the Yahoo crime notification group all poised to help us fight crime when it occurs. And can you believe they all work together? They do.

Our Aldermen are members of the Yahoo crime-reporting group. So is Officer Kong. When we post crime reports or suspicious activity they learn about it at the same time as other subscribers. As a result of the Yahoo crime postings during three previous crime cycles our Aldermen and 3rd District officers sponsored and attended community meetings where they described the strategies they were taking to end the current cycle. In most cases the cycles ended due to the reporting by residents and stepped up police patrols that were armed with locations, methods, and sometimes descriptions of the perpetrators. In several cases there were arrests that coincided with the end of another cycle. The system works!

We all like seeing our patrol officers drive and bike through the neighborhood. But they can’t be everywhere all the time. That’s where we come in! In a strong neighborhood, the residents become the eyes and ears of the police when they report suspicious actions,

safety Update: The system works!by Ed Szopinski

Monthly CriME and SafEty MEEtingThe 3rd District Police staff host a crime and safety

community meeting on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm at the District station. Each meeting includes a special presentation with time allotted for questions and answers. All neighbors from the 3rd District are welcome.


vehicles, or even a crime in progress. Every call adds to the data that the aldermen use to monitor the situation and police use to locate the perpetrators.

rEPort SuSPiCiouS bEhaviorIt’s easy to make that ONE CALL. THATS ALL you have to

do. To report something suspicious call the police non-emergency number (933-4444, select option 9) and report what you saw. When you call give the facts of what you saw and heard – anything more becomes a distracter for the dispatcher. If the dispatcher needs more information, she will ask for it. If you need an officer to respond in person, tell the dispatcher. But keep in mind that non-emergency situations are assigned a lower priority so it will likely be a long time before an officer responds.

If you want other neighbors to know about suspicious behavior you can also post a message on our Washington Heights Crime Yahoo Group. Marty Radocha started the group over 10 years ago with the purpose of informing residents about suspicious people, situations, and vehicles as well as to report other crimes and hopefully, prevent additional crimes from occurring. Thanks to Marty’s vision, we have a tool to use to become a strong and involved neighborhood.

It’s so uplifting to watch those news magazine shows where a strong woman (it usually is a woman) stands up to crime or gangs to save the neighborhood. It’s great TV, but it’s also a model that shows the power of people who decide to do something. In our neighborhood it’s still pretty simple – watch and be observant; when you see something suspicious or disorderly, call it in; and if you are part of the Yahoo group, write it up. It’s easy to help us become a strong neighborhood when all you have to do is report what you see. ❀

JoIN The YAhoo GroUPYou need an email address in order to join the Yahoo

group. On the WHNA home page click on the Block

Watch and Safety title to get a link to the group. You can

use this link to go there directly – groups.yahoo.com/

group/WashingtonHeights. Click on the “Join This Group”

link and follow the instructions.

PosTING To The GroUPOld timers will remember Jack Web who starred in the

Dragnet TV series in the 50’s. Jack seemed to draw the

cases with pretty young talkative women and became

famous for the line; “The facts mam. Just the facts.”

When you post, give as many facts as you can about

the situation you are reporting – what happened; general

location (e.g. 1400 block of 51st); time of day; and a

description of what or who you saw.

[email protected]

Contact us today to discuss your project!

Home RemodelingInterior and Exterior

Building Maintenance

New Construction

St. James Lutheran Church

• •

•

•

•

2028 North 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI Pastor Peter Kassulke, 414-453-5770 www.saintjames-mke.org


SuMMEr CaMPThe Urban Ecology Center has an award winning, professional,

environmental education staff who teach students in grades K4 – 12 during the school year. These same educators will engage your kids in topics and activities that will encourage curiosity and discovery this summer through The Urban Ecology Center Summer Camps.

Students attending Highland, Hi-Mount, Mount Olive, Neeskara, and St. Sebs are Neighborhood Environmental Education Project partner schools and are given scholarship priority. Visit urbanecologycenter.org/summercamp for more information.

SWiMMing lESSonS Nearly 60% of African-American children can’t swim and fewer

than 2% of USA Swimming’s nearly 252,000 members, who swim competitively, are black. The Washington Park Partners think this is unacceptable. They are working with Milwaukee County, The Red Cross, and Milwaukee Recreation to bring swimming lessons back

what’s happening In washington Parkby Jane Konkel

to the Washington Park Pool for the summer of 2013. A variety of water safety and swim classes — taught by Red Cross certified water safety instructors (WSIs) — will be offered. Ways to improve the community pool — including creative scheduling, additional open pool hours, and free/reduced admission are also in the works.

WEdnESdayS at thE ShEll We’re currently planning the summer music series. Concerts

will start on July 10th and run Wednesdays — from 6:00 to 8:30 — through August 28th. This year is going to be better than ever! Highlights include:

• PorkintheParkFor a small fee, attendees will sample and select their favorite specialties from local chefs specializing in all things pork.

• ThemednightsHow about an evening devoted to dogs, a costume night, or community dance night with instructors to help those of us with two left feet?

• MorefoodvendorsWe’re hoping to have the Vliet Street Community Green Market, as well as a few other food vendors to provide additional food options.

• RunFortheParkRun or walk for Washington Park on July 31st! After the run, participants are invited to the VIP area for a sampling of wine and snacks during the concert. Proceeds of this 5k fun run and 2k walk will be used for improvements in Washington Park.

Folks are gearing up for summer. Look for details about summer activities in Washington Park in the summer Highlighter. ❀

Shelter Real Estate.com

With HUNDREDS of homes

Call Tim 414.258.3570Call Tim 414.258.3570Tim Stemper , T i m @S h e l t e r R e a l E s t a t e. com

Owner - Broker - Advisor

SOLD in Washington Heights!


something’s Brewing in the heights Or, How I Get Away with Drinking Beer on Saturday Afternoonsby Matt Loss

A few weeks ago my good pal Jane asked me why I brew my own beer when I can walk to the local liquor store and buy just about any flavor I want. There are many reasons: making my own is much less expensive than buying, I get tremendous satisfaction from making something myself, and my inner alchemist can create my own concoction just like when I was a 12-year-old mad scientist playing with my chemistry set. But for me, the best part is the comraderie of friends, the brew, and sampling the results, good and awful — although I will have you know there is little awful beer, sometimes it’s just bad.

This is the story of how we began brewing, or “How I Get Away with Drinking Beer on a Saturday Afternoon.” The first step to home brewing starts with a change in one’s beer consumption. This change usually occurs by simply trying something outside your usual, lite beer comfort zone. Soon we start exploring the various styles of beer; Lagers, Pilsners, American Pale Ale (APA), India Pale Ale (IPA), and Belgians. Within these styles are almost limitless variations. At some point the explorer will be asked by another explorer, “Do you brew your own?” No, say you “Is it expensive and difficult to get started?” Not at all! Just hitch a ride to your corner homebrew supply store (yes, they really exist), ask the friendly counter person for advice, then pick up a starter kit. They run from about $50 clams for a one-gallon kit, to about $150 simoleons for a deluxe five-gallon kit. You will still need a few things such as bottles, a large pot for boiling your wort (raw mixture that will be fermented into beer), and a large propane burner like the ones used to deep-fry turkeys. What I would suggest here is asking friends and neighbors if they have any of this stuff you can “borrow.” I think we all know that deep-frying a turkey sounds great, until you deep fry said turkey and have to deal with the mess and disposal of three gallons of used oil. Somewhere in your circle there is a burner waiting to be doing something truly worthwhile, like helping you brew beer. I also know that you can even use the turkey pot (my friend Kurt did for a long time). Just make sure it is thoroughly cleaned. No one wants deep fried turkey ale. With these basic tools in hand, along with a $25 – $30 pre-fab beer kit, five gallons — that’s two cases — of sweet, sweet brew will be yours in just four weeks.

WAIT! You say, “My wife is not going to allow me to spend a weekend afternoon watching water boil in the garage.” Oh yes she will, because you are going to use the classic “All my friends are doing it,” argument of the 12-year-old. Because face it, 12 years old is really when most men stop maturing mentally; we’re just held in check and goaded forward by the women or significant others in our lives. But, that’s a story for a different article in a different kind of newsletter. Based on the weight of your argument, or whining, you’re in.

What to do now? You’ve collected your supplies, gleaned information, asked advice, and are ready to take the big step of brewing your own. Check the weather; 20 – 80 degrees F are ideal temps. Calm winds, rain or shine, pull the car out of the garage and set up your stuff. Did you call a few friends to come over? This is an important step. Without friends, you’ll be viewed as a lonely old man hanging around his garage drinking and watching a pot boil. Don’t want that! You’ve got a group over, bought some beer in the style familiar to what you are brewing, pretty soon wort is boiling, you are stirring, adding ingredients, friends are getting involved, putting down a few beers. This is Great! The key to the whole thing is after about four weeks you have beer that is bottled and ready to go. Round up this same group to come over to share the fruits of your labor. You may need to do this a couple more times but I guarantee you will get more friends on the brew train. Soon, there will be organized brew dates in someone’s garage accompanied by curious Washington Heights’ neighbors.

What is beer? Simply a combination of water, grain, hops and yeast, mixed together, boiled, and fermented. Nothing special. What IS special, is getting together with friends, watching water boil, drinking beer, and telling stories (mostly about beer). That’s what’s special. And that’s why I home-brew instead of walking to the liquor store. ❀

Watching wort boil are Matt Loss (age 12), Ray Sachs, Kurt Young-Binter, and Chris Rexroat.

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Phone 445-1190

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signs of spring: Interiorscapes & welkesby Barb Haig

It’s a jungle out there. Impersonal cubicle farms. Hospital caverns with meandering hallways. Stuffy offices with beige walls. What’s the best way to make them friendly, personal, and more productive?

Plants and flowers, of course. That’s why Interiorscapes and Welke’s House of Roses have been in business across the street from each other 56th & North for decades, often working in tandem to bring beauty to the great indoors.

Interiorscapes provides professional plant rentals and care at more than 600 locations throughout Wisconsin. Jon Neuman, one of the owners, says the Washington Heights facility is a good central location. “We have a large service area, and the location near the freeway is great,” he says.

The company employs 25-30 people, depending on the season. Neuman, who was involved in creating the first Business Improvement District along North Ave., says it’s difficult to work in a tough economic environment.

“We’re all commercial sales and rentals. If there’s no new commercial building, there are no new opportunities. When an office tower gets built, they’ll contact us to bring in plants and take care of them, and the companies that are moving in,” he says.

Even though Neuman’s work focuses on commercial properties, anyone can purchase plants during Interiorscapes’ plant sales, held the first Saturday of the month. Dozens of plants returned from rental accounts, in addition to the popular succulents he brings in specifically for the sale, are offered priced at $2 up to $150. Milwaukee magazine honored the sale with a “Best of…” award, and it continues to draw people from throughout the area.

gEnErationS of CarEDave Lang started working at Welke’s House of Roses when it

was located on 3rd and Garfield. He was just five years old, but it was his grandfather’s store and the whole family pitched in.

“They delivered flowers in Model Ts, on streetcars, or in wagons with kerosene heaters,” he says. In the 1960s, the family business wanted to expand west and purchased the current building from a former florist, Marilyn Bauer. Lang used to walk to work, and he says the family feel of the neighborhood mirrors the family approach to their business – including their occasional collaboration with Interiorscapes.

“We go back and forth. If one of their installs needs fresh flowers, we’ll help them out. Or we’ll refer plant rental opportunities to them,” he explains, adding that he hopes other retail businesses see the potential of the collegial atmosphere on North Avenue.

Lang’s daughter Nikki Lemler is the fifth generation operating the store, and she says she’s proud to keep the family tradition alive.

“Great community, great neighbors – we love it!” she says. At least one other long-time employee, designer Linda Czechowski,

Interiorscapes has a 600 gallon tank that acts as a “rain barrel.” Water is collected from the roof and used to for the plants in the shop. We maintain a worm bin to accept any food waste we produce; some plant material is also fed to the worms. Excess plant material is put in bins that are picked up by a waste hauler – this material is used in their composting operation.

GREEN THOUGHTS

On track to be Wisconsin’s first Catholic elementary school with International Baccalaureate PYP Authorization*

• Faith-based education in grades K3 through 8.• All children receive art, music, phy ed, and Spanish.• Advanced technologies, including Smart Boards in all classrooms.• Onsite childcare before and after school.

Visit www.wauwatosacatholic.org or call (414) 258-9977* Currently an International Baccalaureate “candidate” school.


Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff Custom Paint Mixing Pipe Cutting and Threading Key and Glass Cutting Window & Screen Repair Small Engine Repair Lock Re-Keying Many Other Services

M – F 8:30AM – 8:00PM SAT 8:30AM – 5:00PM SUN 10:00AM – 3:00PM

Celebrating 40 Years In Business Celebrating 41 Years in Business

is a Washington Heights resident, and the company is involved in many neighborhood sponsorships and activities.

The key to staying in the same location is keeping it fresh, Lemler says, and being aware of the constantly changing tastes and trends. For instance, they developed a Mother’s Day membership club especially for those forgetful people who want to remember to send flowers to mom once a month.

Lemler says her team also recently updated its website welkes.com to allow for easier ordering and to tell about the company’s history. With Dave’s eight-year-old granddaughter helping out in the store, it’s only time until the sixth generation takes over. ❀

hEalthy PlantS• When plants are present in offices, companies reported a 12%

increase in worker productivity.

• Health complaints related to sick building syndrome are reduced by 23% on average when plants are included in office designs.

• Surgical patients recover more quickly when plants are present, and they often require less pain medication.

• Plant-filled rooms contain over 50% fewer airborne molds and bacteria.

interiorscapes.com


DIVersITY IN The heIGhTsby Larry Kilmer

I recently had the pleasure of submitting an application for a national urban planning award for the Washington Heights neighborhood. In doing so, I took some time to gather data and immerse myself in the incredible diversity of the Heights. I gathered data from the 2010 US Census*for income and racial data, the METRO MLS website for home sale data from 2012, and a landlord phone survey for rental data. I have developed a few graphics to depict just a few of the impressive numbers that I found… I encourage everyone to dig even deeper. ❀

* US Census: www.census.gov** I had to make educated estimates on two of the census tracts because they

overlap one other neighborhood

DIVERSITY IN THE HEIGHTS, Written by Larry Kilmer

I recently had the pleasure of submitting an application for a national urban planning award for the Washington Heights neighborhood. In doing so, I took some time to gather data and immerse myself in the incredible diversity of the Heights. I gathered data from the 2010 US Census*for income and racial data, the METRO MLS website for home sale data from 2012, and a landlord phone survey for rental data. I have developed a few graphics to depict just a few of the impressive numbers that I found**. I encourage everyone to dig even deeper. Enjoy…

* US Census: www.census.gov ** I had to make educated estimates on two of the census tracts because they overlap one other neighborhood

Art Gallery & Yoga StudioFusion of Art Gallery & Yoga Studio, Fine Art, Jewelry, Pottery, Art Glass, Works from Local Artists & More

Gallery Hours Tuesday - Friday, 12 pm - 5 pm Wednesday, 12 pm - 8 pm Saturday, 9:30 am - 5 pm Sunday, 12 pm - 3 pm

5706-08 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 P: 414-774-4185 W: www.artsoul-gallery.com


mem

ber

Four Corners of the World is a great place to shop and support both a local business as well as Fair Trade. We carry all sorts of unique

merchandise from developing countries including coffee, chocolate, tea, jewelry, home décor, music instruments, and accessories.

As a resident and neighborhood realtor, I have been asked to provide a report on our area market. I am once again happy to see that the Washington Heights continues to maintain its overall stability.

Upon submission of this article, as posted in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there are currently 33 active properties on the market (down considerably from last year at this time); 23 single families, eight duplexes, and two commercial properties of which only six are in short sale situations or foreclosures. For the second year running, our sold totals are ahead of the previous year at the same time and overall prices have remained stable.

We continue to have a wide range of property options from dirt cheap — needs just about everything to willing to pay the price just because it’s that lovely.

If you’re thinking about a move, it’s still important to consult with your real estate professional to fully discuss all of your options, because you should understand all of your choices before you decide what will work best for you. ❀

• There is a Washington Heights Bicycle Club getting the “Great people of the Heights out on bikes together”” Check out the Washington Heights Bicycle Club Facebook page to learn about rides and where to go to just hang and chat about bikes and biking experiences.

• The Washington Heights Rainbow Association will attend the Brew City Bruisers event on May 11th at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Call Mary at 414.258.2991 for more information.

• You can attend specialty fitness classes at The Transformation Room at 5425 W. Vliet Street – owned by neighbor trainer Linda Schenkelberg. Click here to learn more http://www.transformationroomfit.com.

• The Washington Park Library - which opened in 2003 at 2121 N. Sherman Blvd - is the City of Milwaukee's largest neighborhood library at 20,000 square feet.

• The bronze statue of Baron Frederick von Steuben which stands outside the Washington Park Library was commissioned in 1921 by the Steuben Society to commemorate the German hero of the American Revolutionary War.

• The GED was implemented during World War II for veterans who never completed high school. It wasn’t until the 1970s that nearly every state offered the same opportunity for those who could not finish high school.

• The original building at 5309 W. North Avenue – that now houses the Outreach Advancement Center School – was built in 1931 and considered one of the most premier funeral homes in the state. This particular location boasted the largest display of caskets in the state, and had one of the first automatic lawn sprinkling systems in the area. ❀

The state of real estate in washington heightsby Mary Jumes, CRS

Did you know?by Debbie Knepke

414-774-2446

Joyce Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

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Je�ery JoyceLicensed · Bonded · Insured

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Youth Coloring and Art Contest is a hitby James Steeno

Looking for inspiration? It lies over a hilltop in Washington Park. It is the Washington Park Band Shell, the centerpiece for the youth coloring and art contest sponsored by the Vliet Street Business Association. The contest took place the later part of 2012 and went on display during the December Holiday Happenings. Scores of colored, markered, glued and glittered entries carried the creative energy and inspired vision of our neighborhood young artists to the storefronts of Vliet Street. Each work was given special consideration and voted into three levels — based on mastery of art materials, craftsmanship, and beauty — by a former grade school art teacher with several years of experience and participation in youth art projects.

4 & undEr CatEgoryFirst: Aiden (Age 4)

5-6 CatEgoryFirst: Briyonna (Age 6)Second: Dimiya (Age 5)Third: Gracy (Age 6)

7-9 CatEgoryFirst: Sebastian (Age 8)Second: Chantel (Age 7)Third: Ben (Age 9)

PEoPlE’S ChoiCEAge 7 and upHamilton

PEoPlE’S ChoiCEAge 6 and underSimone

3d CatEgoryIsabel

Isabel, an enthusiastic collector of shells, created a 3D miniature masterpiece of the band shell complete with an audience of shell characters sitting and dancing on blue shell sets enjoying a concert played by shell musicians. Her hysterical play on words is a clear winner. ❀

SimoneIsabel is a regular at Wednesdays at the Shell in Washington Park.

A special thanks goes out to all participating artists, teachers — who encouraged their students to participate, businesses — who hosted window viewing space, and neighbor volunteers — who made the whole process happen. The finished entries are like the tip of an iceberg, with the vast majority of the project hidden beneath the surface. It is precisely that off the record impassioned group of neighbors that makes the Washington Heights a special place. The art is the proof. The results are in.


Some of my earliest memories of growing up involve standing in a hot kitchen, canning fresh vegetables from the family garden with my mom and grandma. At the time, I did not think much about what we were doing—it was a way of life. I eventually moved away to college—and away from tradition—towards the college mess hall and nearest convenience store.

Shortly after college graduation, however, I rekindled a passion for cooking and rediscovered the value of fresh ingredients, and my childhood canning memories surfaced. After expressing a desire to keep family tradition alive, my grandma gave to me all of her water bath canning equipment that was sitting in her basement collecting dust. She also passed along some mason jars, and I was set. Or so I thought. I believed having the equipment in my possession would transform me into an expert canner. Then, concerns of mold, and yeast, and bacteria took over. And, grandma would not be standing over the oven with me. To say I became quite nervous is an understatement.

Before I talk you out of canning, the first thing that you need to know is that anyone can do it. Once you’ve got the equipment, equip yourself with a good guidebook. My first go to book was the Ball Blue Book (freshpreserving.com). I relied heavily on the recipes and instructions therein, diligently following the recipes precisely as they were written. I will admit that, after I heard all 13 lids “pop” on the first ever batch of salsa that I made, the “I don’t know if we’ll actually eat this” thought invaded my mind. We waited a few days, we ate some salsa, we waited some more, and neither my husband nor I got sick. Success!

Now, as you know or have been told, the reasons for canning are numerous. Let’s start with the most basic and obvious reasons. Canning is more economical than shopping the shelves at the nearest supermarket. Additionally, canning offers you the benefit of knowing that the freshest, tastiest, and healthiest food is making its way to your family’s table. An overwhelming sense of accomplishment pulses through you as the chill of fall begins to set in, and you marvel at the array of colors that line your pantry

shelves. Plus, canned goods make extraordinary gifts at Christmas time, birthday time, and basically any time.

For me, though, there’s a much more powerful reason to can. Canning presents an opportunity to connect, both with the Earth and with the family and friends that surround you. Preserving homemade goodness is a process that involves growing, harvesting, preparing, and simmering. Through this process, you learn, you make mistakes, you make roots for new family traditions, and, of course, you create stories along the way.

To capture all of these wonderful benefits as best and in the most meaningful way that I could, I created a canning journal. In this journal, I record details such as what I canned and when, how many tomatoes, apples, peppers, etc. I used, at what price I purchased them if they came from the market, and what my yield was. These nuances always help for planning purposes the next year. I also include notes about what not to do next year and what to do differently next year, i.e., use quart jars instead of pint jars.

Because a canning journal would be incomplete without including the stories you make along the way, my own journal includes disappointment over missing peach season, details of my trip to the apple orchard with my husband, and the night when our dog, Roy, indulged in a bowl of milk after scavenging seeds from kitchen floor during a hot pepper canning session. Finally, there is the story of spending an entire day at the farmhouse with my husband, his family, and my family making 156 half-pints of apple butter to pass out as favors at our wedding.

One day, I hope to pass along this rich and wonderful tradition just as my mom and grandma passed it down to me. Every time I set out on a new canning project, I think of my grandma in her kitchen using the same pot that now sits on my stovetop, and I know that each pint of goodness is filled with a little more love than it would be otherwise. Through canning, you are able to bring the abundance of the summer and fall harvest—and the love that went into preserving nature’s bounty—to your table when there is ice in the trees, snow blankets your garden, and next year’s growing season still seems ages away. ❀

Canning Memories Preservedby Liz Monfils


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