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Milwaukee and Irpin, Ukraine to sign Sister City agreement

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Later this week Milwaukee and Irpin, Ukraine will sign a Sister City agreement to foster friendship and collaboration between the two cities. The signing ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 15 at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Common Council Chambers, 200 E. Wells St. The City of Milwaukee’s Sister Cities Committee Chair Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II will be joined by Mayor Tom Barrett and Irpin Mayor Volodymyr Karplyuk for the signing ceremony.

The Sister Cities International signing agreement will develop a stronger relationship between the two cities, encouraging the exploration of educational, economic, and cultural opportunities and understanding for the cities’ mutual benefit. The two cities will collaborate to tackle issues that affect urban residents globally- business, health care, education, and tourism. The newly established friendship will foster the dialogue necessary to strengthen foreign relations on a municipal scale while providing possible solutions to global issues.

“The City of Milwaukee has been looking forward to this partnership with Irpin for quite some time. This agreement marks the beginning of a relationship that will strengthen the global community and foster a greater understanding of both Ukrainian and American culture,” said Alderman Stamper. “I would like to thank the Sister Cities Committee, Mayor Karplyuk and his team, and Mayor Barrett for helping turn this friendship into a reality.”

The signing program will feature remarks from Alderman Stamper, Mayor Barrett, and Mayor Karplyuk as well as Boris Nayflish of Griffon Brands, Inc. and Father Vasyl Savchyn and Joseph Spolowicz from St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Other members of the Sister Cities Committee will also be in attendance.

Milwaukee is officially affiliated with Sister Cities International, a program with more than 50 years of promoting people-to-people diplomacy. As a result, Milwaukee’s city-to-city relationships, including former friendship cities and unofficial sister cities, are now moving forward. Medan, Indonesia, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea, Galway, Ireland, uMhlathuze, South Africa, Zadar, Croatia, Tarime, Tanzania, and Bomet County, Kenya are Milwaukee’s current Sister Cities.

Bar Associations Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Open Housing Marches and Passage of Fair Housing Act

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This program will highlight the events that led to the fair housing marches and eventually the passage of the Fair Housing Act.  The speakers will address fair housing issues on a local and national level and discuss whether or not the promise of the Act has been fulfilled.  In addition, the speakers will look at national fair housing success stories and what the future holds for Milwaukee.  Magistrate Judge Patricia J. Gorence is moderating a panel of experts who include:

•Earl Bracy, Psy.D., Bracy Psychological Services LLC and 1967-68 fair housing marcher
•James H. Hall Jr., Esq., Hall, Burce & Olson S.C. and NAACP Milwaukee president
•Diane L. Houk, Esq., Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP (NY) and formerly of the Civil
Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice – Housing & Civil Enforcement Section
•Kori Schneider Peragine, Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.

Program guests are invited to view the display, “Crossing the Line: The Milwaukee Fair Housing Marches of 1967-68,” which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Milwaukee’s civil rights marches by examining the practices and prejudices that led to segregation in Milwaukee and chronicling the school desegregation and fair housing movements of the 1960s.  The display was created by the Wisconsin Historical Society and can be viewed by the public in the federal courthouse atrium from March 13-15.

 

Event: The Promise of the Fair Housing Act 50 Years Later:  A Look at the Past, Present and Future

Date:   Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Time:  3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Place:  Federal Courthouse, 517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee

Registration:  http://bit.ly/FairHousing50

Dr. Eve Hall and Paula Penebaker honored with Professional Dimensions’ Sacagawea Award

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Milwaukee area trailblazers Dr. Eve Hall and Ms. Paula Penebaker honored for their professional achievements and community contributions

MILWAUKEE, Mar. 8, 2018- Nearly 600 people marked International Women’s Day Thursday night by celebrating two trailblazing women at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.

Professional Dimensions, a membership organization of inclusive women leaders who use their power to help each other and advance the community, presented the 2018 Sacagawea Awards to Dr. Eve Hall, President and CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League and Paula Penebaker, President and CEO of YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin. Hall and Penebaker were selected for their career accomplishments, commitment to community and support of the advancement of women.

“Paula and Eve reflect the courage, tenacity and grit of Sacagawea, “ said Karen Vernal, President of Professional Dimensions and President and CEO of Vernal Management Consultants. “Like Sacagawea, they have each been guides for hundreds of people who have been in the rough, unchartered waters of life. We celebrate each of them and express our deep gratitude for all they have done for the people of Milwaukee and beyond.”

In addition to honoring Milwaukee’s trailblazing women, proceeds from the 2018 Sacagawea Awards Dinner will increase the impact that Professional Dimensions’ Charitable Fund will have on their 2017-2019 project with Pathfinders’ New Paths Program.

Dr. Hall and Ms. Penebaker were presented with custom art pieces created by artist Kristin Thielking, Professor of Sculpture and Glass at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Thielking created three unique pieces of art for the event, one for each winner, and one that will reside in the Professional Dimensions Sacagawea collection at Alverno College.

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL DIMENSIONS

Founded in 1978, Professional Dimensions is a membership organization of more than 350 inclusive women leaders who use their collective power to help each other and advance the community. Guided by four tenets, Leadership, Diversity, Community and Networking, Professional Dimensions cultivates relationships between women of all backgrounds, ages, industries and experience levels.

ABOUT PATHFINDERS

Pathfinders’ mission is “Empowering Youth, Changing Lives”. The organization brings safety, hope and healing to low-income youth facing homelessness, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, mental health issues and crisis through innovative and transformational services. They reach nearly 7,000 young people and their families annually. It is the only organization uniquely positioned to reach runaway and homeless youth who have experienced family conflict or rejection.

In 2017, Pathfinders launched New Paths, its program to support youth who have been victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. This emerging, multi-disciplinary and cross-community initiative will raise awareness of these issues and enhance the ability of the Milwaukee community to help those who have been victimized. Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund provides an immediate injection of start-up funds to support this new program.

ABOUT THE SACAGAWEA AWARDS

Professional Dimension’s Sacagawea award was created in 1982 to recognize two trailblazing women who exhibit the spirit of Sacagawea. The award is named for the Native American woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their legendary 1804-1806 search for the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. This prestigious honor acknowledges exceptional leadership by “Women Who Inspire,” and embraced opportunities to hone their skills and strive toward excellence by conquering daily challenges through career achievements.

Influential Milwaukee women to be honored on city website, cable channel

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In honor of Women’s History Month, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs announced that starting next week the City of Milwaukee will be honoring notable women in the city’s history with a series of informational vignettes that will run on the front page of the city’s website and on the City Channel.

“Milwaukee is blessed to have such a richly diverse group of influential women who are leaders across a wide array of sectors, and they are international leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, civil rights icons, and more,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “We are paying tribute to them and recognizing the contributions that our sisters have made to this city.”

The Women’s History Milwaukee initiative will highlight several iconic local figures in history. During this informational campaign, the official city website (city.milwaukee.gov) will feature photos and facts about the women of Milwaukee’s history, and these same informational vignettes will also run regularly during City Channel programming.

The initiative will complement Girls’ Day at City Hall, the annual event that Alderwoman Coggs organizes to expose young women to career options in public service, engage them in their community and inspire them to achieve. The 8th Annual Girls’ Day at City Hall is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 14, and more information is available atmilwaukee.gov/district6/girlsdayreg.

NOTE: Registration for Girls’ Day 2018 is CLOSED.

Bloom and Groom program helps spruce up Sherman Park

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As spring approaches, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey encourages city residents to participate in the Sherman Park Community Association’s 8th Annual Bloom and Groom Sale. The neighborhood association will be selling a variety of flowers and seeds for city residents’ gardens.

City residents interested in beautifying their own yards with fresh flowers can fill out a Bloom and Groom order form. Residents can order seasonal flowers, including petunias and geraniums, vegetables, or grass seed for their yard. Completed order forms and payment must be submitted by March 19. Orders will be fulfilled and ready for pick up on May 19.

Alderman Rainey sees this flower sale as a new way to take on beautification projects in the 7th District. “Milwaukee’s residents take pride in their neighborhoods, and planting fresh flowers is an easy way, but significant way to beautify the neighborhoods we care so much about,” said Alderman Rainey. “I encourage 7th District residents to spruce up their gardens by planting a few flowers and enjoying the spring sunshine.”

For more information on the Sherman Park Community Association’s Bloom and Groom initiative, please contact the Sherman Park Community Association at (414) 444- 9803 or [email protected].

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Hosts YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

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Tammy Baldwin yesterday hosted Carrie Wall, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, and YMCA representatives to discuss the importance of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Senator Baldwin has been a strong partner to the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee for making a difference in the lives of kids and families in the community.

Alderman Stamper encourages 15th District residents to attend the Washington Park Job Fair

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Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II invites 15th District residents to visit the 1st Annual Washington Park Job Fair and Resource Event at Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St.

The job fair will be held on Monday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the event, participants can talk directly with hiring managers and company representatives from businesses in the Milwaukee area. Sponsoring organizations will also be on-site to match participants with careers in their field. Participants can learn more about training and permanent and seasonal job openings in a variety of areas, including manufacturing and customer service.

Attendees should dress in business attire and bring a current resume to share with company representatives. Computers and additional guidance will be available to help participants with online applications.

“The 15th District is full of professional talent, and the Washington Park Job Fair is a valuable opportunity for district residents to show off their qualifications and find a career path that suits them,” said Alderman Stamper. “We have great businesses lined up to participate, and I encourage all city residents to make the most of this event.”

Public lead safety initiative moves forward

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qimono / Pixabay

A resolution increasing education about lead-in-water has been recommended for approval by the Milwaukee Public Works Committee. Alderman Tony Zielinski, who sponsored the legislation, says the Milwaukee Water Works will be required to provide lead safety public education materials to occupants of the properties serviced by lead lines on an annual basis. Previous to the resolution, renters did not receive lead education materials on how to protect their families from the toxic effects of lead.

The measure is the latest in efforts by Ald. Zielinski and Sherrie Tussler, who both co-chair the Milwaukee Nutrition & Lead Task Force. It is a companion to Ald. Zielinski’s legislation in 2017 that requires greater educational efforts from the City’s Health Department about lead-in-water. The resolution that passed today would direct the Milwaukee Water Works to match the same standards as the Health Department regarding notifications. This includes drinking water safety initiatives, websites, social media messaging, printed materials and outdoor and media advertisements.

Ald. Zielinski said the resolution also requires Water Works to promote NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified lead filters as the most thorough means of lead-water safety and requires a warning to the public of the risk of exposure from failing to adhere to flushing guidelines.

“Exposure to lead can damage the kidneys, nervous system and reproductive system,” said Ald. Zielinski “Lead is especially harmful to fetuses and young people whose brains are in development, potentially compromising their ability to learn for the rest of their lives.”

Lead service lines make up about 74,600 properties in the city, including 68,300 residential. In total, that’s about 54% of all residential properties in the city.

The legislation will now go before the full Common Council when it meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27 in the third floor Common Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

BLMA Black Panther viewing and Talk Back

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Two-hundred MPS students will attend a viewing Thursday of the film Black Panther, then participate in a Talk Back. In partnership with the MPS Black & Latino Male Achievement office, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey believes this movie is important for young people who rarely see images showing strong and heroic Black male characters.

“When young people see movies portraying people that look like them, it becomes part of how they view themselves,” said Alderman Rainey, chair of the Black Male Achievement Advisory Committee.

Following the March 8, 10 a.m. showing at Marcus North Shore Cinema—Alderman Rainey and chaperones will discuss with the students some important themes from the movie.

“Our event goes beyond a self-esteem boost for these young people. We will have a chance to delve into the legacy of colonialism, global anti-blackness and Afrofuturism,” said LaNell Ramey, director of the MPS Black & Latino Male Achievement office. “And I’m encouraged with the box office success Black Panther is having, Hollywood is finally realizing the power and influence these types of films can have!”

The event sponsored by Alderman Rainey, MKE Kitchen Cabinet, Marcus Corp., Go Riteway Bus Co., and JCP Development. It is supported by Council members, Ashanti Hamilton, Milele A. Coggs, José G. Pérez, c, Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, and Chantia Lewis.

NYC based design studio, Zero, opens Milwaukee office in the Third Ward

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NYC based Zero Studios has opened a second location in Milwaukee at 172 N. Broadway in the Third Ward, housed inside the historic firehouse building. The digitally-led creative studio specializes in design, branding and marketing. Their clients include Versace, Farfetch, Stones Throw Records, Buffy Inc, Foursquare, & SodaStream.

 

Zero describes their approach and intent behind the new Milwaukee office thusly: “As a strategic design partner, we craft digital-first experiences and marketing platforms. We believe in simplicity and that the best brands are often the simplest ones. Our expansion to Milwaukee was a natural decision. For the past year our remote team in MKE has grown – as well as our midwestern client partnerships. We aim to offer the young creative talent in Milwaukee, and the midwest, an opportunity to create beautiful and meaningful work for contemporary brands.”

 

Their fresh, simplicity-focused aesthetic and light-hearted approach reflects the makeup of the Zero team: young creative talent who believe in purpose-driven big ideas.

 

Founding Partner & Creative Director Mark Goldstein and Partner, Associate Creative Director & Brand Strategist Chelsea Atwell have strong Midwestern roots and worked in Milwaukee for a combined total of 17 years. Atwell was born in Elkhorn, WI and grew up in the Delavan area. She graduated from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. While in Milwaukee, Goldstein was also involved in the music community and ran an independent music blog and concert promotion entity, Seizure Chicken.

 

Goldstein and Atwell moved to NYC where Goldstein met Zero Founding Partner Joseph F. Delaney III while working together at NYC advertising agency Wondersauce. Atwell led design for digital advertising and video on the digital team at Hillary for America in Brooklyn, New York.

 

With the Milwaukee location, Zero will expand their content production capabilities with in-house video and photography – as well as strengthen their core service offering of digitally-led design, branding and marketing.

 

“We’re excited to do business in a city we know and love. Having lived there for 10+ years and and really come into our own there, Milwaukee is a special place to us. The city has a lot of history and is flush with creative talent and inspiration. We look forward to being back and contributing to the community in a meaningful way.” says Partner and ACD, Chelsea Atwell.