Waukesha is a community of caring and giving. One would be hard-pressed to find a community equal to ours where the outpouring of generosity and volunteerism is omnipresent. Often, the same individuals and companies give...and give...and give.

My work on and with several area boards allows me to interact with many concerned, involved citizens. Many of these people serve on more than 1 board at a time. While some might be motivated by networking, most donate their time, ideas, and energies as a means of giving-back. Most never look for thanks or recognition.

In that vein - Is there someone/anyone who has volunteered more time on local boards than Terry Sutter? A transplant from Shorewood (Whitefish Bay?) sometime in the distant past, Terry has either met, dined with, helped bank, served with, volunteered at, or just generally been a part of so many groups and functions that I use him as my personal "White Pages" when contact is needed with someone.

Unquestionably his original involvement started with the intent of expanding his contacts for his chosen banking profession. Years passed and...something happened! He went from being a superficial "glad-hander" who viewed every new contact as another depositor/borrower to a diligent, knowledgeable Board member who just happened to be in banking. I honestly believe this transformation was almost a "Scrooge/Tiny Tim moment" as Terry sensed the satisfaction which comes from meaningful volunteerism.  

And, unbeknownst to many, while Terry was giving back to others in need, his own family had pressing needs - his wife struggled for many years with Alzheimer's. Terry was her principal care-giver at home. Alzheimer's is incredibly mean-spirited: it takes away wonderful minds while leaving the physical shell as a grim reminder of it's "visit". There is no break - no magic pill - no cure. Just an inexorable march to an emotionally-draining finish. And the "journey" for family and friends can be solitary, gut-wrenching and exhaustive. During this time, Terry's devotion and service to his wife was unwavering...yet he found a balance in his life with his Community service.

So you ask - Why single Terry Sutter out when there are countless others also deserving of recognition? 

Because he is the real deal and can serve as a model for others. Sure, he is still in banking, and yes, he might, at a volunteer function, still trip into some networking opportunity (and for these rare occasions, his partner Sandy handles details that Terry would probably miss...). Regardless - his experience and input are invaluable. And as years pass, I have come to respect and admire his dedication to Waukesha - his adopted homeland. His input is felt and respected at many levels.

In short - Don't be fooled by his almost curmudgeonly demeanour: it masks a quiet presence. A presence which is emblematic of the moral fabric of our Community.     

Recently State Rep. Scott Newcomer wrote a guest opinion in another publication which was titled:  "Wisconsin’s school systems should teach money management."  Scott used April, which is recognized as Financial Literacy Awareness Month, as the springboard highlighting the need to raise financial understanding through the school systems.

Well written, his column acknowledges the need for (and lack of)  parental advice in these matters. It goes on to state "less than half of college students polled said their parents made a conscientious effort to teach them.I find it inconceivable that such a vital topic is left out of the school system and placed solely in the hands of the public. As parents, many of us often times find ourselves puzzled by the task of assisting in our children’s math or science homework. Despite this truth, the majority of college students cite parents as their primary source of information on money management, yet less than a quarter of them feel prepared for the financial challenges awaiting them. This illustrates the fact that additional education from schools is needed in order to improve the quality of the information flowing in the public sphere."   "...I feel that each individual school district, if it is not already doing so, should strive to implement financial education requirements."

Please stop there!   Yes!  -  Yes!  -   NO!

YES - Rep. Newcomer is correct that there is a need for better understanding of financial matters for our youth. Issues grow more complex daily and the financial challenges and machinations facing this generation are significant. Simply - there is much to learn and little done about it.

YES - Rep. Newcomer is correct in calling attention to the frustrating stats which reflect that only a minority of college students feel prepared for the oncoming financial challenges. The grim realities are that parents do not have a "warm and fuzzy" when working with their own children in these areas. The best teaching tools would be a family's own finances, but many parents truly do not want their offspring delving too deep into their checkbook, investments, credit card obligations, etc.. No further explanation is needed for most parents...

 NO! - Rep. Newcomer is absolutely incorrect in his thoughts that each school district should strive  to implement financial requirements! While I totally agree on the need for basic training in finances, I challenge Rep. Newcomer on where the responsibility lies. Every news publication in this State has weekly articles, stories, letters to the editor, and more which bring into laser-like focus the core issue - The State Education System is broke! The current funding formula demands cuts and improvisations to school budgets across the State!  Waukesha has been particularly hard-hit for many years, and there are no "Bright Tomorrows" on the horizon here.

The breakdown between Scott and myself occurs because... These Districts cannot currently fund the State mandates for education! The very last thing on the agenda for most districts these days is adding curriculum at additional costs. Heck - I favor many areas where I believe education in the early years will pay dividends for our youth for years to come: Renewed second language emphasis; expanded tech-ed offerings (the building trades are worried about the coming years); basic home computer maintenance; career planning; current world politics; and the list goes on...

The chasm in thought processes between us is succinctly demonstrative of the issues we as constituents and voters face with many of our State representatives. Unfunded State mandates to school districts are a major contributing factor to many school budget dilemmas. Now we have, in a very deft pen-stroke, a local State Rep doing more of the same. His identification of the need is good: His avoidance of taking a leadership position at the State level to get it fixed is sad. And finally, his "challenge" to the Districts to implement these courses is a classic "Red Herring"  technique of misdirection...

Truly, we deserve (and desperately need) better from our local elected officials in Madison. Maybe early "Financial Literacy" classes would have helped them...

Today I read about Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson delivering his version of a "State of the Union" address to the Common Council. Basically a recap of his first two years serving as Mayor, his presentation covered many of the positive developments which occurred during this time frame.

This occasion pushes the question: Should "Mayor Larry" be judged by his own assessment, or should public and media comments singlehandedly frame our opinions? 

The Mayor has unquestionably been tremendous fodder for the local media. From his footwear choices, to travels which invariably conflict with some meetings, to unabashedly wearing his Democratic loyalties on his (short) shirt sleeves, Mayor Larry has certainly taken his share of criticisms from many corners. Ok...Maybe it wasn't politically expedient being photographed at an Obama rally with your new Administrator in tow - during normal working hours. Why - he even had the audacity to try to protect the budgets of several Waukesha municipal services from cuts in this era of "taxation hell!" 

On the flip side - Go to most established community charity fund-raisers; The Mayor will usually be there lending support. Walk through Downtown during an Arts Crawl - Larry will be talking to anyone who will listen. Need to add "gravitas" in getting a new local event off the ground? Ask Mayor Nelson for his help and he will step to the plate whether speaking or just attending. When Waukesha needed decisive action on the critical "water" issue, Mayor Larry was in Madison lending his support, and then took a couple days of intense politically-driven media poundings for taking a stand... When the ugly realities of education funding rears its' (to some) ugly head, the Mayor will flat-out come forward and reiterate the value of a quality educational product within one's Community.

QUICK!  How many cities were named as "One of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People in the United States" by America's Promise Alliance? For the second consecutive year? The answer: Only Waukesha in SE Wisconsin! And Waukesha Mayor Nelson was there proudly beating the drums to garner attention for the Community.

HERE'S ONE!  Name the last higher-ranking public official who will return phone calls and emails, and then go on, albeit interminably at times, about the great things occurring in Waukesha - The (trick) answer? Both Mayor Nelson and his predecessor Mayor Carol Lombardi. Interestingly, he will even ask your opinion on local issues...

It's obvious Larry Nelson enjoys being Mayor. He also truly believes the role of mayor extends far beyond presiding over Common Council meetings. His unflagging support for all things "Waukesha" is demonstrated on a daily basis. Is the Mayor outspoken on many issues? YES!! Does he bring that same frank and earnest approach to the public table on behalf of Waukesha? YES!! Will he continue ruffling feathers? YES!! And will he maintain that unmistakable air of individuality during his tenure? YES!!

Mayor Larry Nelson will walk the path he believes in. With over 50,000 people in this Community, I am sure he will find someone who disagrees with almost every single thing he says or does. His persona will continue to draw attention to any gaffes - large or small. But his heart belongs to the City...and one must respect that.

I held reservations about "Larry as Mayor"... I still harbor suspicions about his "Crocs" footwear (or whatever those things are...). Waukesha is a fiercely proud, individualistic, political, diverse Community. Why would you want your mayor to be any different?

"It's not over till the fat lady sings..."

This winter past is a reminder that we do indeed live in Wisconsin. Several of the most recent winters often arrived late; brought out snowblowers only 2-4 times; and left early. Having had between 9' and 10' of snow, many of us are crying "Uncle".

Regardless of how I personally feel, there are many who have benefited from the white plague above. Start with the dedicated plow drivers who kept their equipment running and streets clear against long odds. Their well-earned OT preceded the wonderful tax season. And when they collect OT, the State is there ready to collect taxes on the extra income. And as long as we are in a tax-paying mood - peruse your gas pumps for how much more petrol was used plowing and how much we pay in gas taxes. The State thanks you, the plow drivers thank you, salt companies really thank you.

Auto body shops? Full for weeks to come. Car part vendors are having a banner year and...more wages with more State taxes. Small appliance repair shops fixed snowblowers and never gave much thought to lawn mowers. Windshield fluid companies had to invest in more blue dye because we all know spraying snowy and icy windshields is faster than a defroster. The company that makes the reflectors tarred onto our highways will be filling replacement orders for the ones who fell victim to constant plowing.

Other (unintended) profiteers? - Chiropractors with long lines of "shovel-backs" waiting to get in; replacement mailbox manufacturers; landscapers waiting to fix lawn-scarring from the municipal plows; TV weather-people who get more air-time than national or local news reporting; roofers contending with ice dams, and many more.

Me? I am screaming "Uncle"!! ...Enough!!  Give me the dull grey-green of an emergent lawn. Let me switch garage places between snowblower and lawn mower.Allow us the pleasure of driving without a constant coating of road spray. Who do we call to explain we are sorry and won't do whatever it is we did wrong to get this much snow?

I just checked again and...no... the "Fat Lady" isn't singing - she's at her real estate agent's office and looking at cheap Florida housing.  

     

POLITICAL:

Are the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates collecting money, re-grouping, and catching a spirited 2'nd wind for the home stretch? (Or has everyone, including the press, lost complete interest because they all are starting to sound the same?)

When will someone explain why being "Tough on Crime?" is so vitally important in the Gableman vs Butler Supreme Court election? (And no..."just because" doesn't work for me)

Why has Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson (a declared Democrat) suddenly become a lightning rod for Republican criticism? (Is it possible the GOP finally added up presidential primary results in Waukesha and realized Democrat votes far outnumbered the Republican faithful?)

COMMUNITY:

Waukesha School Superintendent David Schmidt is retiring. There will be a "send-off" luncheon at the Country Springs Hotel on April 10'th. Co-sponsored by the Waukesha Education Foundation and the Waukesha Chamber of Commerce, there are more groups offering plaudits than time available for speakers. A nice tribute to a man who will be missed. Call the Chamber for details @ 262-542-4249.

Retired Waukesha North Marching Band Director Jim Doepke remains active during retirement. He has announced his desire to play the National Anthem on the trumpet at all Major League Ballparks. Commissioner Bud Selig has endorsed this and we wish Jim the very best!

Kudos to the various Departments of Public Works who kept the streets clear this winter. Let's try to remember the costs connected with this year when their budgets are blown by the end of the third quarter.

We in Waukesha will all feel the loss of Senior Journal Sentinel Editor Bruce Gill who passed away at the young age of 56. He was instrumental in bringing the Waukesha Bureau the resources to showcase the goings-on in our Community. He will be remembered as a class act.

FAMILY:   

Upcoming trip to Mexico with four families holds promise of relaxation, sun, warmth, friendship, and many memories for the upcoming year. (Why do "Dirty Monkeys" and "Miami Vice" beverages only taste good in warm climates?)

Spring Fever has gripped our family. How long before the ice is gone from Okauchee Lake??

 

HELP WANTED – VOLUNTEER BOARD POSITIONS

Where are our next Waukesha Community board members going to come from? What will motivate them to run for various Board positions? And…Are they the “right” people for the positions open?

Volunteerism and Board participation can be a rewarding experience. My wife and I have met many tremendous people in our endeavors, and we have experienced the personal fulfillment which can accompany giving-back to the Community. In fact, we are also now (proudly) seeing our children mirror these efforts with their own participation in a host of activities.

Board membership, be it a School Board, City Common Council, County Board, Non-profit Board, or one of the legions of opportunities out there, takes time, dedication, and demands sacrifices. These 3 requirements immediately rule-out most who feel their lives are already overloaded. The remaining “potentials” must now sense they have something to offer, something to give back… something to make a difference. Translating one’s personal thoughts into actions often requires a kismet-like intervention. “Hey – your professional work experience would really help us out on our local Plan Commission…” or “You really should, given your knowledge and expertise, consider serving on such-and-such Board…” or the most common “I spoke with so-and-so and they are looking for someone to get involved and I think you would be great at that…”

At that point, most pass, but many “take the plunge” and get involved. If the opportunity is a good match-up between their personal skill set and expectations, people will stay involved and eventually realize the satisfaction from their efforts. If the person and Board position are a bad fit, for whatever reason, resentment and negativity can follow. These situations do occur and should not necessarily reflect poorly on either the person or the position – It just might not have been the “right” fit. Also, the person should not be dissuaded from considering future, different opportunities.

Sidebar: The “wrong” fit can and does happen when the “wrong” person jumps in. Negative, disrespectful, non-compromising, closed-minded individuals who only get involved because of a single-issue often poison the effectiveness of an entire group. Unfortunately, these few can taint the experiences of many. Remember, anyone can be a critic - not everyone can be a leader…

This is where the “Right Person” aspect enters. Regardless of what anyone tells or promises you, volunteerism is spelled “T-I-M-E”. Nowadays local Boards don’t need people who attend monthly meetings, offer comments, and leave saying “See you next month”. Boards desperately need “Doers” willing to offer time, energy, and fresh perspectives. Assuredly, if you volunteer in a personally meaningful area, you will magically find the time to make significant contributions. …And you will volunteer again!

Why? …Why write this column? …Why reach-out? Because too many of the same people are being repetitively asked for their time and monetary donations; Because too many Waukesha-area volunteers are (OK - only mildly) showing their age and starting to look to look forward for other life-opportunities; Because the area’s many needs for new, fresh volunteers is ongoing; And finally, because the lifeblood and spirit of our Communities is a direct reflection of the people behind the scenes making it all happen.

”Help Wanted – Apply now! Full benefits!

WOW!!

That sums up the Town of Brookfield July 4’th Celebration.

Unquestionably the largest, most enthusiastic assemblage- ever descended on Marx Park to commemorate/celebrate our Country’s cornerstone date! And what a celebration it was…

A parade where bright smiles and festively-decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, and kids of all ages marched (almost) in unison to Marx Park…
Town Chairman Keith Henderson leading the Pledge of Allegiance…
Thousands respectfully joined singing the “Star Spangled Banner”…
Games for all from new-born crawling contests to egg tosses for adults…
Incredible, reasonably-priced food cooked hot on the spot!...
Pies, cakes, and “sweets to eat” – Many donated from Town area businesses…
Dixieland Jazz from The Bourbon Street Stompers…
The Town Fire, Police, and Highway Departments contributing and interacting with all…
Huge trees being shredded and pulverized in the blink of an eye by the Town tree-chipper (now forever to be known as “Jaws”)…
Pie-eating contestants, male and female alike, contending for the most-coveted Town Golden Pig trophies while square dancers danced…
Finally, a “Fire Department Hose-Down” put the perfect finishing touch to a day of fun and memories…

My thanks to the dozens of volunteers; to the Town Parks, Rec, and Celebration Department and Committee; to the Police, Fire, and Highway Departments; to the Town Board; and to the local donors/businesses who contribute year after year…

Lastly, the entire Town of Brookfield should congratulate itself for their show of Community support and enthusiasm. Families of all ages gathered together capturing the spirit of the day is a wonderful thing to witness.

It was a great day, and remember – Less than 12 months ‘til next year!

I just can’t take the political “non-speak” coming from some of “our” local elected officials much more at this time…

State Representative Rich Zipperer comes to a Town of Brookfield Annual Meeting; addresses the attendees; extols his day of toils including “pushing” through legislation which is later found to have no chance of success in the Senate…Great – nice day’s work…And he seems like a nice guy. He then welcomes comments and questions.

When asked about the issue of education right here in Waukesha, he offers – “We’re perceived by the rest of the State as already getting more than our share…” When asked again for a direct answer on what he is doing for his Waukesha area, he replied “you needed everybody on board before the process could start!” HUH ?!? A consensus before you start?? That smacks of back-room deals at the State level! He never answered the question! …Period!

State Senator Mary Lazich recently produced a guest editorial in a local competing Waukesha paper which ran probably 800 words or so. She gave a compelling fact-filled recitation of how much money is given to education in Wisconsin and how much more funding schools get here than elsewhere.
And that was it!!! No plan of review; no desire to get further involved; no cognizance of the Waukesha District’s plight right now; not even a glimmer that other Districts are in trouble right behind Waukesha. I kid you not! Pull the article and you can almost hear her near-tears plight that the State is not responsible – “they give education a lot of money”!

Have some fun with this particular Senator – Go back a month or so ago when seniors were (ridiculously) barred from Bingo at Southridge…Follow her riding in on a white stallion to save her seniors while she pounced on the State Bureaucrats (her own…) to fix this ridiculous law!! And she was certainly not publicity-shy as she trumpeted her every move, effort, and comment to any and every available press outlet.
The results:
Bingo (a strong senior voting bloc) – She will move mountains to “right this misapplied miscarriage of common sense and justice”!
Education (students, our future, taxes) – She will adamantly hide behind “The State gives a ton of money to education – it’s not my problem…”

Enough – I will state my true beliefs: Taxes are high enough; there is a lot of money given to education funding; and there are other needs at both the local and State levels.” And I continue…”And our State leadership is desperately needed to revamp their own State mandates while getting together in a non-partisan effort to save the long-term quality of education!”

PSSSSTTT - Here’s a tip…Try getting all education shareholders together and start a dialogue towards problem-solving this issue right now.

…It’s really starting to resemble the Scott Jensen era of “non-involvement” for the Waukesha constituents again…

Watch a “Miracle” in the making!

The new Marcus Majestic Theatres on Springdale Rd. are to open the beginning of May. Many of us drive by without a sideways glance except to see if they are open yet. Others – tradespeople by the boatload – turn on-site early and leave late. The aggressive schedule set by the Marcus Corp. demands daily 110% efforts as the clock ticks down.

Will they finish on-time? Of course! Many of us have noticed the same frenetic activity around the Parade of Homes models just before opening, and they somehow find a way to make it happen!

Nonetheless…Watch the Majestic and follow how close to the wire this one is coming down to…And then go see movies in the most state-of-the-art theatre in America when it opens.


On another note Congratulations to Milwaukee County’s corporate counsel Mr. Bill Domina. Milwaukee’s gain was Waukesha’s loss when Bill left Waukesha to join Scott Walker’s cabinet. His Waukesha school Board leadership along with his countless charity works are even more appreciated in hindsight. Bill was, along with Sue Black, recognized by this paper as the type of quality people you build your leadership team on. Congratulations.

I agree.

Good luck Marcus, and we miss you Bill!

“The times – they are a’changin’…”

That title from Bob Dylan’s 1964 album rang through my head this weekend as the Town of Brookfield (TOB) initiated its’ 2007 Park & Recreation Summer program enrollment. Reflecting back to the early ‘90’s when Sheila, Roger, Mike, Art and I were re-inventing the TOB recreational opportunities, I was struck by both the changes and similarities between then and now.

Parents, mostly moms, used to line-up and flood the “Early Bird” Saturday registration to ensure their kids were guaranteed a spot alongside their buddies on specific baseball team rosters. “First-Come/First Serve” was the order of the day. Kids trailing along were anxiously speculating on how their team would do back in the days of the Waukesha County Land’O’Lakes league. There was an abundance of volunteer coaches and everyone looked ahead to a Waukesha Summer battling the bruisers from Vernon, Mukwonago, Eagle, Genesee, Wales and North Prairie.

Schedules by age and gender were set, and refs hired by the County. The “Puddles, Dewdrops, and Raindrops” teams criss-crossed the County playing a modest (by today’s standards) number of baseball and soccer games, 1-2 per week. Kids of all abilities were encouraged to join in the fun of recreational, inter-Community sports. Standings were kept by the County and trophies presented at the end of each season. Many the slow-to-develop “last kid picked” were found to eventually mature into future high school all-stars. Their early interest was kept alive by the County’s rules which insisted all kids played regardless of ability. Hundreds of kids from Brookfield were the beneficiaries of these programs.

Today, opportunities for children’s’ participation still exists in instructional and T-Ball as well as the Land’O’Leagues (LOL) framework. Similar to the old, now disbanded (for budget reasons) Land’O’Lakes league, the new LOL still maintains that “recreational” feel to it. Unfortunately the local enrollment numbers are down as more parents now direct their kids to “select teams”. These are teams where the caliber of play and instruction are at a higher competitive level and where the youth athletes play 80 or more games in a season. Don’t get me wrong - These “Select Teams” exist, and are indeed flourishing, because of demand. Parents and students want and receive more in the way of instruction, competition, and practice. The student athletes become better at an earlier age.

Maybe it’s sentimentality. Maybe it’s the desire to turn the clock back. And maybe it’s the unsettling feeling that today’s “Select Team” kids will be adults in just a few short years. And maybe it’s because we know they will be competing at a high plane for the rest of their professional careers. One could argue “Select Teams” prepare the children for the competitiveness of the “Real World”. But is it wrong to suggest that they are kids once, and for a very short time at that? “Select” obviously works for many, but the old Land’O’Lakes seemed to strike a balance which offered more time for other child-like experiences.

Today’s young parents want the best for their kids just like we did 10-15 years ago. These kids will make it through just like we did many years ago. And who knows, maybe this hyper-competitive model will provide benefits far beyond anything I can foresee right now. After all, “The times are a’changin…”, and the TOB Park and Recreation Program will continue to evolve with the changes.

…But a large part of me longs for what now seems to be a kinder, gentler of times…

A Saturday, January 27’th article in another news publication reveals one unfortunate set of circumstances which, in turn, resulted in another foreseeable set of reactions.
 
Last year, an Arrowhead basketball player was suspended for 90% of the season for disciplinary reasons. Ironically this student, Charlie Chapman, found his suspension lifted exactly in time for the sectional playoffs. Extremely talented on the court, he literally helped carry an already strong Arrowhead team deep in the State Tournament. Imagine – a suspension for your star player which penalizes him so severely that it results in him only being able to play in the biggest showcase of the year! 
 
Last week, the Arrowhead basketball team, minus Charlie (he is not on the team this year), played Waukesha North. Several students were wearing self-created “Where’s Charlie” T-shirts with prison bars over the name. They obviously were still smarting from the knowledge that Charlie’s suspension had ended “just in time” for him to dominate last years’ playoff game resulting in a North loss.
 
The shirts? Obviously in bad taste. The high school years help kids hopefully understand differences between good and bad judgment. Two tee-shirt wearing North students were ejected (suspended?) from the game and that’s where the story should end.
 
It doesn’t…
 
The following in the same news story:
 “I absolutely refuse to talk about something like this. It’s ridiculous to talk about,” said Geoff Steinbach, Arrowhead’s athletic director (AD). “If you got a problem with that, you can just call the (expletive) superintendent.” This - the same AD who handed down the 90% suspension. The Arrowhead Superintendent was unavailable for comment (probably not real happy with being referred to by one of his employees as the “expletive” superintendent)…
 
With Geoff’s politically astute statement in mind, the following, from the article: .,.” Chapman was sentenced in September to serve a term of probation after taking a girl’s car in November 2005 without her permission and crashing it. He was found later that day with a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent. He also was ordered jailed for 30 days after being found drunk in a park while his case was pending. 

He was suspended for 90 percent of the 2005-06 basketball season but returned to lead the Warhawks to a berth in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1 finals. He was then suspended from the team for one year – essentially ending the junior’s high school athletics career – last spring after testing positive for marijuana as part of a court-ordered drug test…”
 

????   90% Suspension??? You are (expletive - it worked for Mr. Steinbach) kidding me?? What do you have to do to get a 100% or a 96.5% or a 92% suspension with the preceding as a benchmark for a 90%??? This is so transparent that all politically-correctness leaves

Following are my intuitive thoughts on what could happen to the following individuals and/or what they would like to see in the coming 2007 year. Remember, these “wishes” or “events” have not been confirmed, nor are they official, but the “best guess” method is usually quite reliable…

Larry Nelson: Waukesha Mayor - Another (28) on-call snowplows. A fresh, radium-free water supply for generations to come. Kinder/gentler bi-partisan approaches to the Waukesha political process. “State outlaws talk radio except between 3:00 – 3:20 a.m... In the future, Talk Radio can only be broadcast on Hartford’s polka station”


Keith Henderson: Town of Brookfield Chairman - The chance to “re-plan” the Bluemound road development before every driver/visitor to the Town experiences the State’s new “no left turns in medians” plan.(Aaaaarghhh!!!) Enjoys breakfast with a congenial, forthright, forward-thinking, openly honest Mayor in a like-named adjacent City – then realizes the “other guy” didn’t bring his wallet and expects Keith to pay for both.

Dan Vrakas: Waukesha County Executive - Slips on icy City of Waukesha street adjacent to Moreland Blvd which allegedly remained unplowed for “3 weeks”! Hits his head on pavement. Awakens, curses Mayor Larry Nelson, and finds he has an epiphany which reveals to him the true and correct size for future County Boards. The County Board, in a true showing of equanimity, overwhelmingly welcomes his new plan for 172 Supervisors…

David Schmidt: Waukesha School District Superintendent - A non-partisan, Statewide “call to arms” where politicians, unions, and educators roll-up their sleeves together and…have a marathon bocce ball match on the lawn of the State Capitol. Finishing off with a beer, the combatants emerge “liking each other”, and present a new, immediate, equitable plan for education funding in Wisconsin

Rodney Stillwell: Town of Waukesha Chairman - Wakes up one day and realizes that allowing the School District to sell its’ property might actually improve his carefully crafted curmudgeonly image while generating additional tax dollars for his Town. New image emboldens him to announce he’s running for Town chairman for a 27th term.

John Cramer: Waukesha Civic Theatre Managing Director - Street signs on every County highway pointing out directions to the home of live theater in Waukesha – The Pix! An epidemic of “word of mouth” suddenly spreads the quality of this homegrown treasure to the ears of the uninformed…

Karen Richards: Waukesha BID (Business Improvement District) Director – Garter snakes are found in quantity within Pabst farms development. Construction halts (for next 4 years) while DNR debates, and debates, next step. National retailers have shelving, fixtures, and merchandise “en-route” diverted to Waukesha where every available square foot is leased at top dollar for years to come. Existing Downtown merchants sub-lease to the “chain stores” and retire handily off of the profits. National Retailers then find that Downtown Waukesha is captivating. This emboldens the City to build a $100,000,000+ Town Center with Cosmic Records signed on as first anchor tenant...

Mark Maley: Journal/Sentinel “NOW” Editor - Gets latest data pertaining to “hits” the “NOW” sites generated in December. Decides to recruit additional Community bloggers. Starts new program by adding “all residents with computers living in houses on east sides of streets”. Plan is met with skepticism by his bosses until the March “hit count” shows 42% improvement. Mark immediately signs-up anyone living on West, North, and South sides of streets. Plan backfires as there are only 2 hits for Southeastern Wisconsin in the entire month of August. It appears everyone was now too busy “writing blogs instead of reading them!


That’s it for me…I’m on hiatus for a couple of weeks as we are off to Pasadena to watch and enjoy my youngest daughter marching in the Waukesha Northstar Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

While it’s often difficult to put a dollar value on a great experience, I recently had a wonderful encounter at John’s Drive-In in Waukesha. For the low, low price of $2.67 (plus tax), a world class mug of root beer and hot dog were enjoyed!

John’s Drive-In has been at 1317 Arcadian Avenue since 1937. While their menu has expanded over the years to suit changing tastes, it feels good to go back to the basics: hot dogs and root beer.

A friend and I recently enjoyed a warm, sunny lunch at John’s. We were immediately greeted by a gregarious woman behind an old, wooden sliding screen. We begged for an opportunity to peruse the hand-lettered menu board. Our order was taken instantly and we were directed to the side window to wait. After 2-3 minutes, our order was called out and we retreated to one of the 10 picnic tables covered in red and white gingham tablecloths.

Fortunately, we had chosen the “here” (vs. to-go) option for our root beer. This ensures you receive your root beer in a chilled mug. And that mug makes a tremendous difference in the root beer lover world. My medium root beer had condensate dripping down the outside of the mug. This wet mug allows for the perfect blend of foam and liquid. Incredibly smooth, the foam seems to act as an appetizer for the chilled auburn liquid that follows. Obviously the product of years of experimentation, John’s has achieved Root Beer Euphoria. I suggest ordering one size larger than you would normally - it’s that good!

There are many sandwich and snack choices. Our selection of brats and dogs seemed “just right” for the occasion. The brat had all the grill markings of an open flame, and was accompanied by a bakery fresh bun. My dogs were rolled in wax paper and served on steamed buns. Both choices were a wonderful complement to our mugs of root beer.

John’s is a “throwback” place where the food and drinks take center stage. The menu offers enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. You can even purchase “John’s Drive-In” t-shirts. Travelin’ from afar? John’s has root beer in quarts, ½ gallons, and gallons to-go.

The “John’s Drive-In” experience in Waukesha is waiting for you!



If you have a “hidden gem” of your own, email me and we will do our best to showcase it.