Around Your Corner

by Anne Fisher 

The Bay View Neighborhood Association will hold a membership networking and social event at 6:30 pm, Thursday, May 15^th at The Sugar Maple bar, 411 E. Lincoln Avenue.

BVNA members, potential members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend.  This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, the BVNA Board and find out what’s going on in the community!

The Sugar Maple boasts 60 American microbrew beers on tap, along with a smoke-free atmosphere. Triskele’s Restaurant will provide the hors d'oeuvres.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization which exists to maximize the quality of life for individuals and families, and to promote economic development in Bay View through activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  .  The BVNA was founded in 2004 and currently has over 150 members.  For further information, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org.

by Dana Jones

Thanks to Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, April 22^nd is now known as Earth Day around the globe.  The Environment and Transportation and Public Spaces Committees of the Bay View Neighborhood Association have teamed up to bring a handful of activities to our neighborhood in honor of Earth Day and Earth Week.  Earthweek.org has declared the theme for 2008 to be Global Change/Local Action.

Pre-registration appreciated: http://mkeriverkeeper.org/milwaukeerivercleanup/reg.htm

Learn more about Seminary Woods: http://www.mkeconservancy.org/localpartnerships.html

Bay View Neighborhood Cleanup - Saturday, April 26th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Meet in the parking lot of Bay View United Methodist Church, 2772 S Kinnickinnic Avenue.  Garbage bags and gloves will be provided.  Lunch will be provided courtesy of Klement’s Sausages.  Sign in at the registration table and learn about targeted cleanup areas.  Youth groups, schools, and church groups are encouraged to attend.  Free admission coupons for Milwaukee County Recreation facilities will be provided to volunteers.

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Presentations - Presented by Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers - Saturday, April 26^th, 12:30 and 2 p.m. - Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers will offer two power point presentations on how we as citizens can help reduce storm water runoff that pollutes our lakes and waterways.  These presentations will take place at the Bay View United Methodist Church, 2772 S Kinnickinnic.  No registration required.  Come to one or both!

Environmentally Friendly Lawn and Yard Care:  2 p.m. – 3 p.m. - This presentation raises awareness of the environmental impact of green lawns. It provides environmentally friendly lawn care techniques, including soil testing, composting, and minimizing use of herbicides and insecticides, and introduces feasible alternatives to green lawns.

New officers were elected to the Bay View Neighborhood Association Board of Directors.  The new executive committee consists of president Patty Pritchard Thompson, vice president Mercedes Chavez, treasurer Dana Jones and secretary Anne Fisher.  Earlier in the month, district representatives, committee chairs and at-large members were elected.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a 501c3 charitable organization entering its fourth year of success in a vibrant, hip neighborhood.  With the help of its many volunteers, made up of both residents and local businesses, the BVNA has accomplished and continues to sponsor the Chill on the Hill summer concert series in Humboldt Park, nighttime trick-or-treat, the Winter Fun in Bay View event, KK Holiday, neighborhood clean-ups and beautification projects.

The BVNA looks forward to continuing its mission to maximize the quality of life for Bay View residents and promote economic growth though activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  For further information, please contact Patty Pritchard Thompson at 414-297-9783 or bayviewneighborhood@gmail.com.

The Chill on the Hill concert series in Humboldt Park is looking to book music for its Tuesday night lineup.  A wide range of musical genres is sought:  if your band plays rockabilly, salsa, swing, country, reggae, campesino, jazz, blues, polka, Irish music or something else entirely, the BVNA wants to hear from you!  Sound will be provided for bands and lineup will be completed by April 1^st.  Final band selection will be made by the Chill on the Hill planning committee.

Bands are required to arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 for sound check and will perform from 6:30 until 8:30, allowing for two sets with one 15 minute break.  Certain dates will have an opening act from 6:00 until 6:30 comprised of local school groups.

Please send media kits or web links containing the following:

1. Band name
2. Band contact person information (name, email, phone number, mailing address)
3. Band music sample (myspace page or other web link, or recording)
4. Band references (minimum of two professional references from previous bookings;  include name, contact information and website)
5. Band fee – remember, sound will be provided.  Please note whether your rate is negotiable
6. Date preferences – Please choose two possible dates;  the committee will assign a date from the options provided
7. Let us know what your Bay View connection is, if any

The Chill on the Hill concert series is a family-friendly event with the goal of providing an eclectic and diverse musical mix for the community to enjoy.  Concerts draw a large audience of music fans from Bay View and beyond;  average concert attendance is 400.

For further information, please contact Carol Voss at cvoss8@wi.rr.com with “Chill on the Hill” in the subject line of your email or call (414) 339-3045.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization which exists to maximize the quality of life for individuals and families, and to promote economic development in Bay View through activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  .  The BVNA was founded in 2004 and currently has over 150 members.  For further information, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org.

by Jenn Rollings

The Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Annual Meeting was held February 18th at beautiful Mercy Hill Church in Bay View’s Hide House.  After a recap of BVNA successes and discussion of upcoming events, new members were elected to the board.

Board members for 2008 are as follows:

District 1:  Karen Block

District 2:  Patty Thompson

District 5:  Dana Jones

Districts 3 and 4 remain open.

Safety Committee:  Ann Phillippi

Public Spaces Committee:  Stephanie Harling

Communications Chair:  Jennifer Rollings

Environmental and Transportation Committee:  Christa Marlowe

Membership Committee Chair remains open.

At Large:  Mercedes Chavez

At Large:  Jennifer Bickel

At Large:  Carol Voss

At Large:  Mary Fisher

Past President:  Anne Fisher

The Bay View Neighborhood Association would like to thank everyone who braved the weather to attend our annual meeting and cast your votes.  Special thanks go out to new board members Mary Fisher, Karen Block and Ann Phillippi.  We thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to the community!

The Bay View Neighborhood Association owes a debt of gratitude to outgoing members this year:  Membership chair Jane LeCapitaine is relocating to New Hampshire and her insight, creativity and drive will be sorely missed.  Vice President Michelle Wright has been a tireless volunteer and represented District 4 for three years.  At Large board member Heather Ryan is largely responsible for bringing Night Time Trick or Treat back to Bay View.  We have loved having you all at the BVNA and wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

If you are interested in filling an open position on the Bay View Neighborhood Association Board, please contact Anne Fisher at (414) 297-9783 or visit our website at bayviewneighborhood.org.

#  #  #

Schedule:       

8:55-9:15pm        Seat: Aldermanic District 14
                                Candidates: Andrew Reid, Tony Zielinski (inc.)
9:20-9:40pm        Seat: Judge, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 40
                                Candidates: Rebecca Dallet, Jeffrey Norman

by Jenn Rollings

The Bay View Neighborhood Association would like to thank everyone who bundled up and braved the elements to attend the 6^th Annual Winter Fun in Bay View event on February 10^th.  Thanks to massive coordination efforts by Public Spaces Chair, Stephanie Harling, residents enjoyed children’s games, live music and many other activities, including the first annual Chili and Soup Challenge.  Amongst some very tough competition, restaurant participant Challenge winner was Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant for their delicious tortilla soup.  Conveniently located at 2258 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, we highly recommend you stop in and order a bowl to see what all the fuss was about.  You’ll be glad you did!

Resident Challenge participant and newly elected at-large board member Mary Fisher won for her black bean chili.  Ms. Fisher has graciously agreed to share her winning recipe with Bay View for your dining pleasure.

Mary Fisher’s Award-Winning Black Bean Chili: 

3 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup green pepper
2 - 3 cans black beans - rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can tomato sauce
1 large can crushed tomatoes
5 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cumin
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ginger
 
Mix spices together and add to browned meat, onion, green pepper, beans and tomatoes.  Simmer and serve!

Resident Challenge participant and aspiring chef Leah Gray of Hales Corners earned an honorable mention for her chili and we look forward to welcoming her back next year!

The Bay View Neighborhood Association wishes to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Winter Fun in Bay View event so much fun:  The Soup Otzie’s, G. Groppi’s Food Market, LuLu Cafe and Bar, Wild Flour Bakery, Sven’s European Café, Bella’s Fat Cat, Klement’s Sausages, South Shore Park Watch, The Milwaukee Wave, Rainbow Randa the Clown, John Stanos, Triskele’s Restaurant, Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant and VISIT Milwaukee.  We thank you for your community investment and support.

CONTACT:

Stephanie Harling

Public Spaces Committee

414-297-9783

stephharling@hotmail.com

The Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Chill on the Hill outdoor concert series is one of Bay View’s many gems.  Live music can be found at the Humboldt Park band shell Tuesday nights in summer where friends and families congregate to relax and enjoy the sounds of an eclectic mix of music from week to week.

Summer may seem like it’s a long ways away given the falling snow and further falling temperatures, but it’s time to get planning!  The Chill on the Hill committee could use a few extra hands to plan dates, schedule bands and brainstorm!  The first meeting will be this Tuesday, February 26^th at 6:30 at Highbury Pub’s backroom.

BVNA business member Highbury Pub is located at 2322 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, so grab yourself a beverage and pitch in!

by Jenn Rollings

This year’s Bay View Neighborhood Association annual meeting included a special awards ceremony to honor the businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Bay View Neighborhood Association (BVNA) and for the Bay View community.  The Good Neighbor Award, Volunteer of the Year went to BVNA member Brian Van Klooster for his tireless work championing the Bay View Bash.  The Good Neighbor Award, Business of the Year was presented to Bay View Homes for their instrumental support of the BVNA mission.  Bay View Homes was also recognized along with Columbia St. Mary’s Bay View Family Health Center for their much-appreciated financial support of the Chill on the Hill concert series.

In addition to elections and awards, the Bay View Neighborhood Association voted on a new tagline.  Catchy “53207 – it’s a Lifestyle” was the clear winner, reflecting the community pride of Bay Viewers.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association would like to extend our gratitude to the recipients of the Good Neighbor Awards, as well as all of the good neighbors, volunteers and businesses who support our mission and the community of Bay View - thank you.

by Jenn Rollings

The Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, February 18th at the Hide House, 2526 S. Greeley St.  The meeting will start at 6:30 with a recap of our 2007 accomplishments and preview of this year’s coming attractions followed by board nominations and elections and volunteer awards.  A coffee and cake social will round out the evening’s activities.  Members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend – stop by, speak up or just listen in.

Nominations for open board member positions will be accepted up to and including the evening of the meeting, followed by the elections.  Positions are for two years and nominees must be members of the Bay View Neighborhood Association.  The 2008 board positions up for renewal are the Membership Committee Chair, Safety Committee Chair, representatives for districts 1, 2 and 4, as well as two at-large board member positions.

Board elections will be followed by a vote on the new Bay View Neighborhood Association tagline and awards will be given to honor the BVNA Individual Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year and the Mary Morris Trailblazer Award.

After much deliberation, the Bay View Neighborhood Association’s board of directors has decided to put the Bay View Bash “on hold”. 

The Bay View Bash event was created in 2004 with the vision of a neighborhood block party. The goals of the Bash included neighborhood fellowship, increased exposure to Bay View businesses, and to raise funds for the ongoing mission-based activities of the Bay View Neighborhood Association (BVNA).  The Bash has grown in attendees and attractions, drawing people from every corner of Milwaukee.  However, the board has come to the difficult conclusion that the event has grown beyond the core focus of the Bay View Neighborhood Association.   

Due to the increasing commitment of resources as well as the increased liability of the event, the value and benefit to both the BVNA and the community was reevaluated.  “The BVNA truly appreciates the hard work of Event Chair Amy Carlson, and her entire planning committee over the past four years, as well as the hundreds of volunteers who have helped make the Bash happen each year.  We will all miss the music, food and fun.” states board president, Anne Fisher.  Carlson stepped down from her volunteer role in January. 

It is anticipated that this change will enable more energy to be expended on current BVNA events such as the Winter Fun in Bay View event, Chill on the Hill summer concert series in Humboldt Park, the KK Triangle Beautification Project and KK Holiday as well as new projects such as rain garden planting and home winterizing for elderly Bay View residents. 

“We hope that this decision will open doors to both new and existing volunteer activities that fit within our mission.  The BVNA is looking forward to opportunities for growth and fellowship for our neighbors.  We’re eager to focus our energies on supporting the passion of our members for quality of life issues like neighborhood safety, a healthy environment, facilitated transportation and parking, educational opportunities and economic development in Bay View,”  according to Fisher.

CONTACT:

Anne Fisher, President

414-297-9783

bvnapres@yahoo.com

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization which exists to maximize the quality of life for individuals and families, and to promote economic development in Bay View through activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  .  The BVNA was founded in 2004 and currently has over 150 members.  For further information, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org.

Ok, so it’s going to be cold on Sunday, but at least it won’t snow!  So dress warm and show your support by stopping by the Winter Fun in Bay View event this Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00 at South Shore Pavilion, 2300 South Shore Drive.

Top five ways to keep warm at Winter Fun in Bay View:

5. Free-flowing coffee and cocoa courtesy of Sven’s Café
4. Donate non-perishable food items at the food drive to benefit the Bay View Community Center’s food pantry – it’s heart-warming
3. Break a sweat with your children while decorating cookies, playing games and building snowmen
2. Think warm thoughts as the kids have their picture taken with a fire truck, among other photo opportunities
1. Delight in the deliciousness by sampling the goods at Winter Fun’s First Annual Chili and Soup Challenge

And don’t forget that you can bid on silent auction items, enjoy live musical entertainment, including the Fritsche drum line and enter your thoughts into the Bay View Neighborhood Association’s tagline contest!

See you Sunday!

For more information, check us out online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org

By Jennifer Rollings

The Bay Neighborhood Association (BVNA) will hold their 6^th annual Winter Fun in Bay View festival on Sunday, February 10^th at the South Shore Pavilion, 2900 South Shore Drive, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.  This is a fun-for-all-ages neighborhood event designed to bring Bay Viewers together.   Stop by with a non-perishable food item and see what Bay View has to offer!

This year’s Winter Fun in Bay View includes the first annual Chili and Soup Challenge.  Participants include Bay View Family Restaurant, Lulu Café & Bar, Palomino Bar, Riviera Maya, Groppi’s Food Market, Soup Otzie’s and Wild Flour Bakery, but non-professional chefs are encouraged to participate.  If you can’t cook, it doesn’t mean you can’t judge:  $3.00 buys you the opportunity to cast your vote.  Winner will be announced at 3:30 p.m.

Visit community organization booths, enjoy musical entertainment including the Fritsche drum line and bid on silent auction items throughout the event.  A mascot race will be held and don’t forget to enter your suggestion for the Bay View Neighborhood Association’s new tagline in the Tagline Contest!  Additionally, non-perishable food donations will be collected at the food drive, benefiting the Bay View Community Center’s food pantry.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization which exists to maximize the quality of life for individuals and families, and to promote economic development in Bay View through activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org

by Anne Fisher

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is accepting annual nominations for several two-year board positions.  By joining the board of The Bay View Neighborhood Association, you will have an opportunity to make an important impact in your community.  Projects include co-sponsoring a candidate forum, organizing neighborhood clean ups, planting rain gardens, organizing a Bay View National Night Out and developing a home winterizing Saturday for elderly Bay View Residents.

Elections will take place at our annual meeting on February 18^th at the Hide House, 2526 S. Greeley Street. Nominations for open board member positions will be accepted up to and including the evening of the meeting, followed by elections.

If you are interested in more information about our organization, board positions available, or nominating someone or yourself for one of these positions, please visit our website.  Information about the positions, committees and the nomination form are available on the “About Us” page.

The Bay View Neighborhood Association is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization which exists to maximize the quality of life for individuals and families, and to promote economic development in Bay View through activities that facilitate an attractive, safe and diverse neighborhood.  The BVNA was founded in 2004 and currently has over 150 members.  For further information, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org.

CONTACT:

Anne Fisher, President                         

(414) 297-9783                                              

bvnapres@yahoo.com 

Bay View Compass and Bay View Neighborhood Association Sponsor Candidate Forum

The Bay View Compass and the Bay Neighborhood Association are sponsoring a candidate forum on Tuesday, February 12 at the Lake Express Terminal Lobby, located at 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive.

The event begins at 7:00 pm and is open to the public.

Candidates for the contested Aldermanic District 14 seat (incumbent Tony Zielinski) and County Supervisor District 14 seat (incumbent Richard Nyklewicz, Jr., who is retiring) are forum participants.

Candidates for Aldermanic District 14 are Arthur Kimball, Andrew Reid, and Tony Zielinski and for County Supervisor District 14, Jason Haas, Steven Kraeger, Christopher Larson, and Sebastian Raclaw.

Candidates will be asked questions prepared by BVNA, the Bay View Compass, and from members of the audience. Bring a question to ask your next County Supervisor and Alderman—this is your chance to quiz the candidates about the issues and policies that matter to you!

The forum moderator will pose questions to the candidates, and it is anticipated that a representative from the League of Women Voters will be present.

Another forum will be presented prior to the April 1 General Election. Candidates for Milwaukee Mayor, Milwaukee County Executive, and the winners of Aldermanic District 14 and County Supervisor District 14 primary will be invited to participate. For more info, consult bayviewneighborhood.org or bayviewcompass.com after February 19th.

The Bay View Compass is a free, monthly community newspaper established in 2004 that serves Bay View.