Silver Spring Neighborhood Center

Silver Spring Neighborhood Center hosting voter registration event this Friday

October 8, 2020 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

On Friday, October 9^th from noon – 6:30 p.m. the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center (SSNC) will host a “Voter Registration Sensation” event for area residents. Common Council President Cavalier Johnson is urging those still needing to register to vote, and looking for socially distant fun, to stop by the event. The free event will take place outdoors on the SSNC basketball courts located at 5460 N. 64th Street, and will include in-person voter registration assistance, voting information, refreshments, a variety of music and entertainment, as well as a free screening of the movie Selma at 7 p.m. Masks are strongly encouraged and proper social distancing measures will be in place.

Proper proof of residence is required for voter registration and acceptable forms include: a current and valid Wisconsin Driver License or state ID; any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit; a utility bill for the period commencing no earlier than 90 days before Election Day; bank or credit card statements; and a paycheck or paystub. For a full list of acceptable proof of residence documents please click here. Residents can also register to vote online with a valid diver license or state ID at www.MyVote.WI.gov.

“I want to thank the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center for hosting this voter registration event less than one month before Election Day,” said President Johnson. “I’m asking all residents to make sure they have a plan to vote on Nov. 3^rd, whether it is by mail or in-person, and registering to vote is the first step in that process. There are plenty of options available but deadlines are quickly approaching.”

The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is October 14^th. Voter registration can be completed in-person at a local clerk’s office through 5 p.m. on October 30^th. Residents can also register at their polling place on Election Day with a photo ID and proper proof of residence document.

Pete’s Market, City Officials Help Spread Holiday Cheer For inner City Families

December 17, 2018 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

As chestnuts roast on an open fire and Jack Frost nips at our noses, the city is decorated with lights and trees every where you look. Houses are illuminated by Santa Claus figurines; shopping malls are crowded with thousands of patrons looking to catch seasonal sales. I have been in and out the malls myself, while enduring the shopping madness (long lines/ sold out items etc). I was not as bothered by those things as I was by a young mother I had seen. The African American woman was in the mall with her 2 children, who were asking about pictures with Santa, and what they were getting for Christmas. She responded “it is too expensive come on” as they raced to the bus stop.

Indeed the cheapest pictures I found in the city were $10 dollars per child, not to mention the time and money it takes to get to most shopping malls if you are on the bus. With children’s toys getting pricier the year, “expensive” is an understatement. It is because of these reasons that the two events I will mention were so important in our community.

On Saturday December 15^thfrom 11am to 1pm, Alderman Chevy Johnson and Senator Lena Taylor paid host to a toy drive at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. Children received teddy bears, hats, scarves, mittens and toys at the drive only costing them a smile. It was the 2nd annual holiday event hosted by Johnson who has been heavily involved with the neighborhood. Combined with his commitment and Senator Taylor’s natural ability to connect with children and her warm smiles, the children felt at home.

After that event from 2 pm to 4pm at Pete’s Market hosted “pictures with Santa”. Not only is the location unique, but Santa himself was played by an African American man, something rarely seen. The pictures were also free, saving parents at least 10 dollars per child.

Both events were a success helping to serves well over 100 families. I am not sure if the mother from the mall made it, but the events helped so many like her. Thank you to all who have done something to help those in need.