La Causa Charter School, 1643 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee, will open an expanded facility in order to serve more students and expand its services to one of Milwaukee’s most challenged neighborhoods. The school will begin the 2009 school year with the grand opening of its $2.4 million expansion today.

“Our expanded facility and curriculum enhancements will provide more resources for our students, giving them better access to a hands-on, interactive learning experience,” said George Torres, president and chief executive officer of La Causa, Inc. “We are positive proof that our education system can work for students from all backgrounds.” 

The bilingual elementary and middle school has experienced growing enrollment since first opening in 2001, and the new structure will accommodate the influx of 100 new students when classes begin in September, bringing the total student enrollment to 600. 

“We primarily serve families on Milwaukee’s south side, and because many of our parents are not fluent in the English language, they rely on our guidance and resources," said Torres. "This school expansion reflects our progress, growth and commitment to providing a strong foundation for both families and children.”

The new, three-floor facility adds 15,000 square feet to the school and features a digital video production and media center, science and robotics labs, new library and music centers, a family resource center and more.      

LaCausa Charter School was also recently awarded a two-year student achievement guarantee in education (SAGE) contract by the Milwaukee Public School district. The contract requires a school to have a 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio. The contract has created 10 new teaching positions in addition to the 9 staff positions already created from the expansion of the school.

In addition to the charter school, La Causa features an Early Education and Care Center for children between the ages of 4weeks and 12 years old, a Crisis Nursery and Respite Center, Family Resource Center, and social services.

The Milwaukee law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP launched an internal campaign titled “Catch the Bug” designed to increase the level of volunteerism and participation in other hands-on activities that aid in strengthening our communities. 

“While many of those who are less fortunate benefit from our current community initiatives, we feel there is always room to do more,” said Josh Gimbel, a Michael Best partner who participates in the Catch the Bug Committee and the firm’s Community Outreach Committee. “As we continue the campaign, we hope that more employees catch the volunteer bug and the desire to do more to help others.”

Michael Best has long since participated in community outreach through sponsorships, donations, board membership, pro bono and other unique activities.

Since January, the firm’s Catch the Bug Committee has provided Michael Best employees with monthly activities through which they can donate their time and/or talent to a community initiative. The firm’s monthly initiatives included:

Kyle's Korner, a children's grief support center in Wauwatosa, recently received a $300,000 gift from the Reiman Foundation of Greendale.

The three-year gift will fund Kyle’s Korner’s growing demand for its grief support programs for children.

"This generous gift from Roy and Bobbi Reiman will ensure that our programs and services will be available for all those in need, and that no one will be turned away. It allows us to continue to offer this support free of charge to grieving families," said Kate Dineen, director of development and community relations for Kyle's Korner. "We feel honored that our mission is being recognized in this significant way by the Reimans. Their generosity also made it possible to purchase our own facility in 2004."

The non-profit facility has experienced a sharp increase in the number of families from across the greater Milwaukee area seeking bereavement support for their children who have experienced the death of someone close.

Kyle's Korner began in 2001 by offering its programs in donated space on the second floor of a funeral home.

"We learned of the unique and meaningful work being done by this group of dedicated people, and recognized the need for a proper facility to carry out their mission," Bobbi Reiman said. "This is a very good program. We've seen the significant and lasting impact these services have on the children who have lost a loved one. We also hope to shine a light on Kyle's Korner so other donors will join us in supporting the center's work. There are many angels out there and we think this is a mission worthy of their attention."

Kyle's Korner has been expanded to include the description "The Reiman Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Their Families." The center offers a warm and homelike setting where children and teens learn to share their feelings, experience healing and develop hope for the future. The program design is unique in the Milwaukee area. It serves as an early intervention and prevention strategy that reduces the risks of emotional and behavioral problems that can develop in children and teens left with unresolved grief. Special groups are offered for those experiencing a loss due to a death by suicide or homicide. All support groups are free and ongoing, and open to children 3 to 18 and their families.

Clients come from throughout the greater Milwaukee five county area. The Kyle's Korner mission is to help grieving families learn lifetime coping strategies so they can reach their potential; rebuild and reconnect as a family; enjoy healthy productive lives; and make positive contributions to their community.

Jewish Family Services will present the 5th anniversary Masterpiece Style & Speed Showcase at Veteran’s Park on Milwaukee's lakefront, Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23. The event will offer the public an opportunity to view several hundred collector cars traveling to Wisconsin from around the U.S. and across three continents.

“The Masterpiece has something for everyone -- a ‘must see’ event for car aficionados, art lovers and families looking for an affordable day trip or stay-cation to Milwaukee’s lakefront,” said Leon Flagg, chairman of the Masterpiece. “This year’s 5th anniversary celebration will be the biggest yet, with many of the top names in automotive history well represented.”

This year’s Masterpiece roster is filled with vehicles headlining museum exhibitions around the world – from antiques and classics to historic race cars and muscle cars. Many of the vehicles in the Masterpiece are among the few of their kind left in existence and several are valued in the millions of dollars.

More than 150 automobiles from several dozen car clubs will be on hand representing Mercedes, Mustang, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar as well as American hot rods and European Exotica.

“We’re thrilled to bring this breathtaking event to the community in support of our agency’s programs,” said Sylvan Leabman, president and chief executive officer of JFS. “Cars were invented to improve the quality of one’s life, and that purpose mirrors what JFS does for so many.”

The Masterpiece will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug 23. One day tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15, and two-day passes are $20. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free.

Name: Jason Kayzar

Title: president

Company: MC2, Inc.

Company address: 1106 S. 1st St. Milwaukee, WI 53204

Company web site: www.mc2wi.com

Industry: Telecommunications (Wireless)

Education: Some college (UWM)

Family: Wife: Cheryl; and kids: Paige, 18; Dylan, 16; Isabella, 9 and Blake, 3.

Hobbies and Interests: “Cycling/Fitness – specifically riding and racing single speed mountain bikes.”

Favorite book and/or movie: “Sadly, I have a very short attention span so my tastes and favorites change regularly, but I can always watch Glengarry Glen Ross.”

Favorite musician/band: “I am very passionate about music, I have over 26,000 songs on my iPod right now, and I like every genre. A couple of my current favorites are Ray Lamontagne and Rufus Wainright.”

Favorite place to visit/vacation: “Anywhere where the temperature is warm and the drinks are cold.”

Favorite local restaurant: “I could live on Mexican and/or seafood. Anything on the menu at La Fuente or Eddie Martini’s lobster bisque comes to mind.”

Words to live by: “When you want to know how well you’re doing, ask your father-in-law.”

What is your core philosophy for doing business? “I love doing business in the Midwest, because we’re all about relationships. Whether it is co-workers, clients or vendors, I like to do business with people that I truly enjoy spending time with. We’ve been fortunate enough over the years to pick and choose the best of the best.”

Who is your role model and why? “My father-in-law. He lived for his family, paid cash for everything, thoroughly enjoyed his life and left this world with a standing-room-only funeral. That’s a role model.”

What was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? “I tried dancing in public once. That’s pretty funny.”

Gore is new executive director of Brewers Charities

Cecelia Gore has been named to the new position of executive director of Brewers Charities Inc. (BCI), the charitable arm of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Gore joins the Brewers organization after serving as the program director of the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation for the past four years. She began working for the foundation in 2001 and spent five years as the program officer.

In addition, Gore is active in the community and serves on the boards of directors for several Milwaukee-based companies and is president of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin.

"Cecelia brings many impressive qualities to her new position that will enable her to help lead our Brewers Charities efforts," said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers executive vice president of business operations. "She brings significant experience and expertise to her new role and she will be a great addition to our senior leadership team."  

In her new role, Gore will lead the development of the team's philanthropic efforts through Brewers Charities, whose mission is to support activities and programs targeted at youth recreation, scholarship and education throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Milwaukee Brewers organization, and I look forward to advancing the goals of Brewers Charities," Gore said. "Brewers Charities has had a significant impact on our community, and my focus will be to strengthen and continue the current proactive direction."

Gore, a Milwaukee native, is a graduate of Alverno College, where she earned a B.A. degree in business and professional communication and a master's degree in business administration.

In addition, Brewers Charities president Lynn Sprangers will transition into a new consulting role to senior management for the club. As president of Brewers Charities since its formation in 2000, Sprangers has been responsible for developing or growing a wide variety of annual fundraising events, including the 5K Sausage Run/Walk, Evening With Hank Aaron, the Selig Scholars program as well as other programs that support youth baseball, ballfield improvements, military personnel, financial literacy and breast cancer research in partnership with players, coaches, local companies and foundations.

"Lynn has always been very instrumental in the direction of Brewers Charities in leading the team's charitable concepts, and she has worked diligently in shaping the goals and commitments of this program," Schlesinger said. "She is highly respected throughout the community and deserves a great deal of credit in being the foundation for BCI during its formative years and we are happy that she will continue to contribute to our organization."

Benjamin is new president of Milwaukee Jewish Federation

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation has elected Jerry Benjamin as its new president.Benjamin, a principal at Glendale-based A.B. Data Ltd., has long been active in Jewish causes in Milwaukee and has served on the federation’s board of directors for more than a decade.Benjamin succeeds Bruce Arbit, who served as president for three years.Other officers elected at the organization's annual meeting include: vice presidents Frederick Croen, Idy Goodman, Betsy Green, Moshe Katz, Keith Lindenbaum, David Lubar and Mitchell Moser; treasurer Marci Taxman; and secretary Scott Sampson. The mission of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people, enhance the quality of Jewish life and build a strong and unified Jewish community in Milwaukee, in Israel and throughout the world, through the development of community wide financial support, planning and allocations.

Health Care

ProHealth Care Medical Associates recently welcomed obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Brenton. Dr. Brenton sees patients at its locations on Summit Avenue in Oconomowoc and in Hartland. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

ProHealth Care Medical Associates also added dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Miller, now seeing patients at its Mukwonago location at the D. N. Greenwald Center. Miller has re-joined ProHealth Care Medical Associates after being in Florida for a year.

Alica Rizzo has joined Axiom Health and Fitness in Brookfield as a personal and group trainer. Rizzo is certificated by the American College of Sports Medicine as a fitness specialist. Along with her personal training at Axiom, Rizzo also is an exercise specialist at Aurora Medical Center.

Froedtert Hospital, Wauwatosa, recently announced its 2009 Professional Nursing Clinical Excellence Award Winners. The Nursing Excellence Awards are peer nominated and recognize staff who consistently exhibit excellence in the clinical setting at Froedtert Hospital. The 2009 Nursing Excellence Award winners are: Martina Adams, Heather Cannon, Ann Marie Erickson, Julia Rakowski, Jill Sontag, and Cheryl Wilson.

Insurance

Integrated Risk Solutions, Pewaukee, recently added Mark Miner to its staff. Miner has 22 years of risk management/risk control experience.

Legal Services

Von Briesen & Roper, s.c., Milwaukee, recently announced that Daniel Welytok has joined the firm as a shareholder. Welytok focuses his practice on business, tax, capital structuring, financing, information technology, mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit and nonprofit issues.

The law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee recently announced that Isaac Roang has been elected vice president of the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra board of directors and will also serve as the chair of the board's Governance Committee. He has served on the Board of the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra since 2008.