Easter Seals relocates headquarters to West Allis
Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin has completed the relocation of its headquarters to a one-story, 25-000-square-foot space located at 222 S. 114th St. in West Allis.
 
The nonprofit organization, which serves individuals and families impacted by disabilities, moved its administrative offices and Adult Day Program as well as its Milwaukee’s Child Development Center into its new facility at the end of February after purchasing the site last October.

“We’re running at full throttle already within the organization,” said Bob Glowacki, chief executive officer of the organization.

Easter Seals’ South Milwaukee Administrative Offices and Adult Day Program were previously located at 1016 Milwaukee Ave. in South Milwaukee. The Child Development Center was previously situated at 3090 N. 53rd St. in Milwaukee.  

By merging the different arms of its organization, the nonprofit aims to streamline its operations to better serve its clients and cut down on costs.

With the consolidation of its departments, the updated systems at the new site, the reduced travel costs to the site, and the reduced need for capital expenditures to support its building infrastructure, the organization projects it will save more than $80,000 in operational expenses each year.

The new location also positions Easter Seals in a more convenient location for existing and new clients.   

“The idea of kind of getting together at one site helped us to kind of center ourselves strategically within the community where there’s more lives that we can touch,” Glowacki said.

About 2,000-square-feet of the new space is devoted to administrative services, and the rest will cater to adult and child services. In preparing the site to accommodate Easter Seals’ disability services, the organization’s renovations included building out an adult day space, creating new bathrooms, constructing a fully accessible kitchen, adding a gross motor playroom for kids, and structuring a family waiting room and conference rooms.

Construction was completed by New Berlin-based Luterbach Construction.

While Easter Seals has its programming in motion at its new location, it will hold an official open house Wednesday, April 17. The event, open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature tours of the new facility and a ribbon cutting.

For more information about Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin, visit http://wi-se.easterseals.com.

comment »

Bright Lights, Big Dreams Gala to award scholarships to aging foster kids
Lad Lake will raise funds for Wisconsin youth aging out of the foster care system during its sixth annual Bright Lights, Big Dreams Gala on Thursday, April 25.
 
Lad Lake pushes life skills development and independence within the programs it offers at-risk youth and families throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

The gala will benefit selected students within the organization by providing them scholarships, which underscore the organization’s emphases on education, independent living, outreach and residential services.

“Our young people are special to us, and we want them to know how proud we are of them for reaching their personal goals,” said Gary Erdmann, chief executive officer of Lad Lake, Inc. “Most of our youth have beaten incredible odds, sometimes feeling as if they were alone in the world. Bright Lights, Big Dreams is our way of showing these young people, especially those aging out of the foster care system, that not only do we are, but there is a community of people rooting for their success.”

According to Lad Lake, more than 5,000 Wisconsin children age out of foster care each year. The organization’s Connections program offers support to many of these children with housing, clothing and basic necessities.

Lad Lake aims to serves more than 1,800 children and families each year.

The Bright Lights, Big Dreams Gala will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at COA Restaurant, 5750 N. Port Washington Rd. in Bayshore Town Center.

In addition to Mexican cuisine from COA, the event will feature live music and speeches given by scholarship winners.

For more information about the gala, contact David Borash at 414-339-8910 or davidborash@ladlake.org. [HYPERLINK]. For more information about Lad Lake, visit www.ladlake.org.

BizTimes Media is serving as a sponsor of the event.

comment »

United Way in Waukesha County names chairs for 2013 campaign
United Way in Waukesha County announced that it plans to change its annual campaign for 2013. This year’s campaign will have three chairmen.
 
This year the campaign tri-chair will be three professionals all associated with GE: James Ambrose of GE Healthcare Financial Services, Robert Hutchinson of GE’s Waukesha Gas Engines, and Robert Reilly of GE Healthcare.

Two years ago John Robertstad of ProHealth Care and Joan Shafer of We Energies operated the campaign as co-chairs and last year it was a singular job done by Michael Erwin, President of Tailored Label Products.

“This year we are mobilizing the corporate citizenship of GE to improve lives,” said Michelle DuBord, United Way in Waukesha County Director of Investor Relations. “GE employs hundreds of people in Waukesha County and is our largest corporate supporter. We are really excited about the potential the tri-chair brings to the table this year.”

Ambrose is the president of GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services, Equipment Finance where he leads the business, which has operations across the U.S. and Latin America. Ambrose has spent 31 years with GE and has lived in Waukesha County since 1999.

“The United Way embodies the GE spirit of giving back to our communities,” Ambrose said. “This tri-chair opportunity to bring three divisions of GE together to help Waukesha County is unique and affords us the ability to do something on a larger scale together.”

Hutchinson became the Vice President of Global Service for GE Waukesha Gas Engines when Waukesha Gas Engines was acquired by GE in 2011. He is responsible for the development, management, and growth of GE Waukesha Gas Engines global services business. This includes responsibility for parts sales, training, and product services and service information.

“Being a new addition to the GE family is exciting in and of itself, but having the opportunity to work with Rob and Jim on something new for all of us is an exciting prospect,” Hutchinson said. “The staff at United Way is energized and we are all looking forward to bettering the community together.”

Reilly is the Chief Marketing Officer U.S. & Canada for GE Healthcare. He has worked globally across GE’s industrial businesses over the past 20 years and has spent the last 11 years with GE Healthcare in Wisconsin in a variety of commercial roles.

“I am excited to work with my fellow GE colleagues,” Reilly said. “I think the different segments we work in will help us bring a different perspective to the table and create lasting impact on the work we are doing with United Way.”

The annual United Way campaign runs from September through December. Visit www.UnitedWayWaukesha.org for more information.

comment »

Video highlights famed Waukesha musicians
To drum up excitement for the June 9 opening of its “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” exhibit, the Waukesha County Museum has pieced together a music video featuring Sam Llanas, cofounder of the rock band The BoDeans.
 
Llanas, like Paul, is a Waukesha County native who stepped into the national music spotlight and largely influenced the songs of today.

“It’s always been an honor to say that Les Paul and I come from the same hometown,” Llanas said. “Since the museum is bringing Les’ personal items back to Waukesha and giving them a permanent place for the public to view, I’m honored my song will be used to support their mission.”

The video captures Llanas performing his original song, “The Way Home” at local stomping grounds like Cutler Park, downtown Main Street, and Prairie Home Cemetery where Paul is buried.

The museum approached Llanas, who is a member of the exhibit’s advisory board, about the music video as a way to creatively advertise the exhibit.

“It was…the perfect medium to promote our music-related exhibit,” said Kirsten Lee Villegas, president and chief executive officer of the museum.

The “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” exhibit, which has been in development for nearly a decade, will display one-of-a-kind artifacts including Paul’s guitars, clothing, personal writings and inventions.

While some of the artifacts belong to the museum and will remain a permanent part of its collection, others are on loan from private collectors as well as the Les Paul Foundation.

“The whole goal of the exhibit is to share Les Paul’s story, and really he is the perfect ambassador to share the story of the American dream,” Villegas said. “Here he was a little kid who grew up in a small Midwestern town and went on to really change the world of music as we knew it with his creativity and inventiveness and of course he was just a phenomenal musician as well.”

The exhibit will also include a 500-square-foot Treasures Gallery that will showcase various artifacts on a rotating basis.

“We hope people are inspired to learn more about who Les Paul was and the impact he made and why his story matters to them,” Villegas said.

Prior to opening “Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha” June 9, the Waukesha County Museum will host a private opening on Saturday, June 8. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 262-521-2859 or visit www.lespaulexperience.org or www.waukeshacountymuseum.org.

The Waukesha County Museum is located at 101 W. Main St. in Waukesha and is typically open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors age 62 and older, and $3 for kids ages 6 to 17. Kids age 5 and under and college students with their ID are granted free admission. Museum members can see exhibits for free year round.  

To view Llanas’ tribute music video, click here.

comment »

Milwaukee Rep names new managing director
Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced that Chad Bauman of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C., has been named managing director, effective June 1.
 
Bauman, who currently serves as associate executive director at Arena Stage, will be responsible for all day-to-day operations and jointly lead the 180-member staff at The Rep.

He also will oversee fiscal management, leadership development and administrative and technology functions at the nearly 60-year-old Milwaukee-based theater company. 

Judy Hansen, president of The Rep’s Board of Trustees, said Bauman is the ideal candidate for the position and has the experience needed to strengthen The Rep’s ability to continue its mission as an important community asset and position it for further national recognition. 

“Chad’s experience in helping bring to the stage some of the best theater being performed in America will be a significant addition to our already strong team,” Hansen said. “His skills in strategic planning, team building and leadership made him a standout candidate among the wonderful pool of theater professionals that were interested in this prestigious position.” 

Hansen praised board member Rob Manegold for successfully chairing the search committee that identified Bauman. “Rob and his colleagues on the search committee did a great job in evaluating the impressive pool of potential candidates that reflect The Rep’s growing reputation in the national theatrical community,” she said. 

“Our committee looked at many potential candidates and talked to a lot of theater professionals in trying to identify the best and the brightest for this key leadership position, and we are thrilled that Chad will be joining us later this year. He brings new energy, excitement and enthusiasm to a job that is critical to our continued artistic success. We are pleased to welcome him to Milwaukee Repertory Theater,” Manegold said. 

“I’ve learned a lot in my work at Arena Stage, and I’m ready to step up to the next level and work with an incredibly talented group of artists and other professionals under the leadership of one of America’s most talented artistic minds, Mark Clements,” Bauman said. “Mark and I clicked when we met each other, and I’m honored to be joining a company whose reputation is growing based on the excellent body of work that they are offering theater goers. I look forward to becoming part of the Milwaukee community.”

comment »

Milwaukee Biz Blog: Tours highlight economic value of creative cluster
With institutions such as Discovery World and the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and arts groups such as Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee's creative industries cluster has been a rising force in the growth of the region's economy, according to the cultural leaders of Creative Alliance Milwaukee (CAM).
 
To highlight Milwaukee's creative industries and their broader economic impact, the nonprofit membership organization has developed what it likes to call "Creative Milwaukee Experience" tours.

Read more in Monday's Milwaukee Biz Blog by BizTimes reporter Erica Breunlin.

comment »

Nonprofit Calendar

*Sunday, April 14, through Sunday, April 21, Young Professional Week will hit Milwaukee with a number of events and themes that highlight recent developments in the city, offer networking opportunities for professionals and empower individuals to become active community members. Themes throughout the week include Milwaukee Day, Sustainability in a Modern City, The Silicon Valley of Water, Women in Leadership, Innovation in Milwaukee, and more. For a complete listing of events and prices and more information about organizations participating in the festivities, visit www.ypweek.com.

*Tuesday, April 16, BoardStar Inc. will host a workshop on the importance of creating a board orientation manual. The workshop will teach participants what should be included in a board manual and the templates that can be used to ease the process of putting a manual together. B. Denise Patton, president of BDP & Associates, will lead the workshop. Attendees should bring their organization’s existing orientation materials. The workshop costs $50 for BoardStar members and $75 for nonmembers. It will start at 9 a.m. at Pathfinders, 4200 N. Holton, Ste. 400 in Milwaukee. For more information or to register, visit www.boardstar.org.

*Tuesday, April 16, the Waukesha County Business Alliance and 26 local nonprofit organizations will present a Networking After 5 program titled “Crowne Jewels of Waukesha County.” The event, open to the public, will give attendees a chance to network with area businesses and connect with nonprofit representatives. It will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Milwaukee – West, 10499 Innovation Dr. in Wauwatosa. Cost to attend is $15 for Alliance members and $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit www.waukesha.org.

*Wednesday, April 17, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Greater Milwaukee Chapter will hold its April Monthly Social. This month’s free event will feature a backstage tour of the Milwaukee Rep. The tour group will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 108 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee. Twenty spots are available on the tour and will be secured on a first come first serve basis. Following the tour, YNPN will meet at 6:45 p.m. at Rock Bottom Brewery for drinks and networking. Rock Bottom Brewery is located at 740 N. Plankinton Ave. #1 in Milwaukee. To register for the theater tour, visit www.ynpn.org/milwaukee. Email info@ynpnmke.org with additional questions.

*Wednesday, April 17, Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin will team up with Rock Bottom Brewery for a Spring Lager Tapping. The event is part of Easter Seals’ promotion of April as Autism Awareness month. For $5, attendees can sample Rock Bottom’s menu and also try two beers. Proceeds raised will support Easter Seals Autism Services. The event will be held at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 740 N. Plankinton Ave. #1 in Milwaukee, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

*Saturday, April 20, the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau will hold “ShredFest” at which businesses, organizations and individuals can shred old documents for free to help prevent the threat of identity theft. The event will take place at the Layton State Bank West Allis branch, 10427 W. Lincoln Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants are limited to three boxes per car. Event sponsors include Layton State Bank and Proshred Security. Other shredding events will be held in Green Bay and Madison. For more information, visit www.wisconsin.bbb.org/shredfest.  

*Saturday, April 27, the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee will host an Earth Day celebration free and open to the public. The event will include classes and activities such as a neighborhood cleanup, family portraits, a clothing sale, a community rummage sale and more. All activities will be held at the nonprofit organization’s main office, 2819 W. Richardson Pl. in Milwaukee, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To reserve a table for the rummage sale, call Jerri Washington, financial manager, at 414-933-6161 ext. 163. For more information about the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, visit nhmilw.wordpress.com.

*Saturday, April 27, St. Aemilian-Lakeside will host Cirque du SAL to raise funds in support of young adults who are aging out of foster care. The event will feature aerial dance, casino games, music, dancing a raffle and more. The event will be held at the Historic Pritzlaff Building, 333 N. Plankinton Ave. in Milwaukee, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at www.st-al.org. For more information about Cirque du SAL, contact Sandy Engelhardt at St. Aemilian-Lakeside at 414-465-1396. 

comment »

Milwaukee Habitat announces new program
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has laid the foundation for a new $20 million Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) that will provide both construction resources and financial support to Washington Park homeowners in need of home repairs.
 
The NRI, modeled off a program designed by Habitat for Humanity International, will allow homeowners occupying their homes to apply for zero interest, partially forgivable loans of up to $15,000 to fund essential home repairs addressing doors, windows, roofs, weatherization, painting, flooring and dry walling.

The program will place a particular focus on home repairs needed to correct code violations and enhance energy efficiency. It will also target households with elderly or disabled occupants, single parents, U.S. military veterans, and large families of five or more members.

“Through our traditional home building model and our new Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, Milwaukee Habitat continues its ongoing work to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods through new and existing homeownership,” said Brian Sonderman, executive director of Milwaukee Habitat.

Parallel to all Habitat for Humanity home-building efforts, the NRI will require participants to invest sweat equity into their home or another Habitat home alongside Habitat volunteers and subcontractors.

Beyond providing assistance to individual homes, the NRI will include a broader neighborhood focus to address community issues such as public safety, youth development and homeownership rates. This holistic component within the program will establish partnerships between Milwaukee Habitat and other area nonprofits and agencies to make strides toward solutions for these critical neighborhood issues.

Solutions may include cleaning up alleys, cutting back bushes and installing solar neighborhood streetlights, said Melissa Herguth, development director of Milwaukee Habitat.   

“It’s more to go outside of building and construction and to look at what the neighborhood and residents and homeowners need to have it be a thriving neighborhood,” Herguth said.

In identifying the right neighborhood to launch the NRI, Milwaukee Habitat toured eight city neighborhoods before selecting Washington Park.

“It’s a neighborhood of great need, but (it) has great assets, too,” Herguth said.

While Washington Park faces high crime rates and prostitution and is littered with abandoned and foreclosed properties, it contains a base of Habitat homeowners, a strong neighborhood association, higher owner occupancy rates than other neighborhoods, and a number of nonprofit initiatives geared toward neighborhood development.

“We’re joining an effort that is already in existence that we are complementing,” Herguth said.

As the program is rolled out, Milwaukee Habitat aims to either expand it from the epicenter of Washington Park or duplicate it in separate neighborhoods.

The nonprofit hopes that by initially concentrating efforts on one area, it can make a substantial impact on the local economy, homeowner occupancy and crime reduction, Herguth said.

The NRI will likely roll out over the next three to five years with financial support from local agencies and corporations such as Joy Global, The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Brewers Community Foundation.

Milwaukee Habitat is seeking additional funding for the program as well as applicants in need of repairs. For more information, interested homeowners can call the organization’s homeowner hotline at 414-255-3565.

comment »

Kohl’s to fund $2 million grant in honor of National Go Green Event
Kohl’s Department Stores, based in Menomonee Falls, will celebrate the company’s fourth annual National Go Green Event by donating $2 million in corporate grants to nonprofits across the country focused on serving youth.
 
In addition to grant funding, Kohl’s will launch nationwide volunteer efforts with support from its employees to benefit selected nonprofits and projects promoting environmental efficiency and sustainability.

“Kohl’s National Go Green Event brings together our commitment to giving back and to environmental responsibility in a way that is meaningful for our associates and our communities,” said John Worthington, Kohl’s chief administrative officer.

The campaign, held each April, features philanthropic initiatives in recognition of both National Volunteer Week (April 21-27) and Earth Day (April 22).

Kohl’s has funded more than $6 million in grants to nonprofits through its philanthropic initiatives enacted during the month of April over the past four years on top of its associates’ volunteer hours.

“We are proud of our associates’ efforts to make a positive impact where they live and work and once again look forward to each and every one of our more than 1,100 locations participating as they did last year,” Worthington said.

In Milwaukee, Kohl’s employees will celebrate National Go Green by collaborating with Growing Power to cultivate an urban farm and community gardens.

Other environmental projects for National Go Green include cleaning up the beaches of Sandy Hook, N.J.; working with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Edgewood, Md.; and assisting with cleanup of the Austin Zoo in Austin, Texas.

comment »

MYSO conductor announces retirement
After 48 years of leading the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), conductor Ronald Melby will step down from the podium in May.
 
Melby began his music career at the West Allis School District as an orchestra director for grades K-8. He also directed Nathan Hale High School’s orchestra until 1995.

MYSO Founder Milton Weber initially hired Melby to take command of the youth organization’s third orchestra, the “Training Orchestra.” In 1985 Melby took charge of the youth orchestra’s second full symphony orchestra, known today as the MYSO Philharmonia.

The Philharmonia ensemble consists of 155 members, mostly in grades 9-12.

“Ron Melby has been vital to the success of the MYSO program,” said Carter Simmons, MYSO artistic director and music director of the Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia. “He has always demanded high musical standards and brings to the podium a thorough knowledge of how to teach each instrument. He has shaped the very important role of MYSO’s second symphony orchestra and its importance to the organization and has played a pivotal role in Philharmonia’s success. He has been helpful to the entire MYSO staff and so supportive to me as a conductor and as a friend.”

Melby will conduct his final youth orchestra performance on Sunday, May 19, at a concert titled “Melby’s Melodic MYSO Finale.” The performance will begin at 3 p.m. at Shattuck Auditorium at Carroll University, 218 N. East Ave. in Waukesha, and will showcase the musical talents of MYSO’s String Orchestras North & Central and Percussion Ensemble along with Melby’s Philharmonia students.

Tickets for the finale cost $12 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors at least 60 years old. Tickets will be available at the door. Discounted tickets will also be available for purchase through the MYSO office until May 15.

MYSO will celebrate Melby’s career at a reception after the concert. To RSVP for the reception or order tickets, call 414-267-2906.

For more information about additional MYSO concerts, visit www.myso.org.

comment »

U.S. Bank exec named board chair of LISC
Lisa Glover, executive vice president and director of community affairs for U.S. Bank, has been named chair of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) advisory board in Milwaukee.
 
Glover has been active with LISC in Milwaukee for the past five years and serves as chair of the audit committee for LISC’s national organization.

LISC focuses on economic, safety, housing, educational and financial independence needs of Milwaukee neighborhoods.

“As the area’s largest bank and employer of more than 3,500 people locally, it’s our responsibility to give back to the community,” Glover said. “Organizations like LISC are on the ground, really making a difference in our neighborhoods and I am honored to be a part of their efforts,” Glover said.

comment »

Thiensville Farmers Market to feature more goods at a new location
The Village of Thiensville Farmers Market will return this June at a new location with a new focus on drawing more people and offering a broader supply of food harvested by local farmers and goods crafted by local residents.
 
The market, which dates back to about 1990, has been in decline the past few years without much oversight or organization. In recent years, it has consisted of a couple of farmers' stands with tents.

This year, the Thiensville Business Association is taking a more proactive approach to pull together a farmers market experience that is family friendly, brings the community together and slows patrons down.

"What we're hoping to do is to create an environment that's more of an experience for people," said Marc Mrugala, Thiensville Business Association president.

The market, which will relocate from a vacant parking lot on Main Street to the Village Park on Elm Street near the Milwaukee River, will feature food demonstrations, coffee vendor options, meat vendors, dairy vendors, bread vendors, and arts and crafts.

Additional amenities will include electricity, onsite restrooms and potentially live music.

"We're completely revamping it," Mrugala said.

In revamping the market, the Thiensville Business Association will ensure the market is well worth the farmers' time and efforts.

"We need to make sure that if they're out there investing their time and energy that it's profitable for them," Mrugala said.

The Thiensville Business Association also aims to put Thiensville on the map through the community-wide market.

With a population hovering just above 3,200, according to the 2010 census, the village has not developed a strong business reputation or gained much attention from people passing through the downtown.

According to farmers market chair Jesse Daily, owner and partner of Thiensville-based Core Consulting, between 7,000 and 20,000 commuters travel through the village each day.

"We're really trying to capitalize on that and direct people to where our market is," Daily said.

To promote the new and improved market, Daily has led a marketing initiative with the help of 20 community volunteers. Along with issuing direct mailing and creating signage, the team has developed a Facebook page and is in the process of setting up an account on LinkedIn and designing a Webpage for the market. Daily has also arranged for the Thiensville farmers market to become part of the Farm Fresh Atlases of Wisconsin.

The marketing team has also established a partnership with the Thiensville-Mequon Lionfest where team members will promote farmers market changes. The festival runs June 7-9, the week before the market debuts.

"We want it to be the best farmers market in the greater Milwaukee area," Daily said.

The farmers market, which will be funded by individual vendor stall fees with additional support from the Thiensville Business Association, will run every Tuesday from June 11 to Oct. 29. The market will be operated in two shifts, one from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a second from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., to accommodate working professionals.

Vendors interested in participating can contact Daily at ThiensvilleFM@gmail.com. Businesses interested in contributing sponsorships to the market can contact Mrugula by phone at 262-242-2830.

comment »

Black is new owner of the Milwaukee Wave
Jim Lindenberg announced Wednesday that he has sold the Milwaukee Wave Professional Indoor Soccer Team and the team’s Wave of Hope Foundation to Sue Black, who was named president and chief executive officer of the team in February.
 
Lindenberg has owned the Milwaukee Wave since 2009 when he took over for Charlie Krause. Lindenberg said he decided to step down from the team after Black approached him about taking over ownership last month.
 
Lindenberg introduced Black as the new team owner at a press conference Wednesday morning.
 
“(Black’s) network in the community is very, very strong,” Lindenberg said. “She’s gotten results in the past, and she’s got a lot, a lot of energy. So I think she’s the perfect candidate to lead this to another level, another direction.”
 
Lindenberg said Black’s energy was a particular factor in his decision to name her the new owner. 
 
“(With) the passion that she had to be in this position, she convinced me that I should hand it over to her,” Lindenberg said.
 
Black became the official owner of the team Friday. Lindenberg would not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. 
 
“I think it’s going to be a really fun ride,” Black said. “We’re going to ride this wave to a whole new level.”
 
Moving forward, the new owner will focus on giving Milwaukee Wave team players the recognition they deserve for both their accomplishments on the field and their philanthropy in the community.
 
“As much as I’m excited about the team and the Wave, the Wave of Hope and giving back – it’s really going to be motivating,” Black said.
 
Lindenberg said he is not certain of his next career step but said he will remain in Milwaukee. He will continue consulting Black to ensure the transition is completed smoothly. 
 
Prior to the Milwaukee Wave, Lindenberg owned wire, cable and tubing manufacturing company World Class Wire & Cable from 1994 to 2008. He currently runs JML Holdings, a Delafield-based commercial and residential property broker, and Lindy Enterprises, a business consulting firm also located in Delafield.  
 
The Milwaukee Wave has been coached by Keith Tozer for the past 21 years. The team represents the longest-running soccer franchise in North America.
 
Black is the former director of the Milwaukee County Parks.

comment »

Brewers launch new community initiative
The Milwaukee Brewers have announced a new community initiative called “Beyond the Diamond,” which features a series of community outreach events that will take place throughout the season.
 
The program is built around a partnership between Brewers players, coaches, wives, alumni and team personnel working hands-on in the community. The community events will be funded in part by Brewers Community Foundation and focus on the areas of health, education, recreation and basic needs.

"Our players, coaches and staff participate in hundreds of events throughout the year, activities that contribute to bettering the communities we live in throughout southeast Wisconsin and beyond," said Brewers chief operating officer Rick Schlesinger. "Our Beyond the Diamond initiative will highlight a broad spectrum of significant events, those that will feature collective contributions from our players, coaches and staff members all season long."

"Beyond the Diamond" events this year will include "S.C.O.R.E. for Excellence Day," hospital visits, a playground build, and a Habitat for Humanity project. Each month from May through August, all players, coaches and team personnel will be divided into groups to attend one of the following community outreach events:

* May 8 (Basic Needs) Habitat Build-a-thon: Brewers players, wives, staff, alumni will assist organizers from Habitat for Humanity and residents of the local community to build a home. The event is sponsored by the Brewers wives, Ryan Braun, and Brewers Community Foundation.

* May 21 (Education) S.C.O.R.E. for Excellence Day: Brewers players and alumni will visit a middle school and deliver the important message of S.C.O.R.E. T-shirts and game tickets will be given to the selected school along with a $5,000 donation, sponsored by Brewers Community Foundation. S.C.O.R.E., an acronym for School, Community, Opportunities, Role Models and Excellence, is the Brewers signature character education program.

* June 6 (Health) Children's Hospital visit: Brewers players and alums will make bedside visits and take Brewers memorabilia to the pediatric patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa.

* July 22 (Recreation) KaBoom Playground Build: Brewers wives, staff and alumni will assist organizers from KaBoom and residents of the local community to build a new playground at the Northside YMCA. Brewers players will also attend the ribbon cutting; thank the volunteers, hand out Brewers Buddies tickets and take group photos with volunteers and supporters. The playground build will be sponsored by Brewers wives, players and Brewers Community Foundation.

* August 20 (Health) VA Hospital visit: Brewers players and alums will visit and have lunch with patients at the VA Hospital near Miller Park.

comment »

Nonprofit Calendar

*Saturday, April 6, the Milwaukee Art Museum will host Yoga @ the Museum from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The monthly yoga session, presented by the museum and omTownYogis, caters to all skill levels. The museum, located at 700 N. Art Museum Dr. in Milwaukee, will open for attendees at 7:45 a.m. Pre-registration is preferred and is available until 5 p.m. on Friday at http://omtownyogis.org/. Walk-ins will also be accepted depending on space. Attendees must bring their own mat. A $15 donation is encouraged to support the museum and omTownYogis’ Annual Grant Fund. For more information Yoga @ the Museum, contact Jennifer Kobe, special events coordinator at the museum, at jennifer.kobe@mam.org. 

*Saturday, April 6, Autism Speaks Milwaukee will hold “Walk Now for Autism Speaks,” a community awareness day that will feature an indoor walk, a business resource fair and the Milwaukee Bucks Center Court Entertainment. The walk, which is free and open to the public, will promote April as Autism Awareness Month and will support funding for autism research. The event will be held at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St. in Milwaukee, beginning at 9 a.m. Following the walk, Autism Speaks Milwaukee will join the Milwaukee Bucks for their 7:30 p.m. game against the Toronto Raptors. Discounted tickets are available for walk participants. For more information, visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org.

*Tuesday, April 9, the Milwaukee Public Museum will hold its monthly Lunch & Lecture session. April’s lecture will focus on “How Did Life Rebound After Earth’s Largest Extinction?” with a presentation by Dr. Margaret Fraiser of UW-Milwaukee Department of Geosciences. The session will include an optional pre-lecture docent tour of the museum’s “The Third Planet” exhibit at 10:30 a.m. The lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Gromme Lecture Hall, and lunch will follow in the Garden Gallery at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $19 for museum members and $24 for nonmembers. Members interested in the lecture only can attend for free, and nonmembers can attend for $5. Registration is required by calling 414-278-2728. The museum is located at 800 W. Wells St. in Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.mpm.edu. 

*Wednesday, April 10, the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee will present a free legal clinic at Marquette University Law School, 1215 W. Michigan St. in Milwaukee. The clinic will offer nonprofits assistance with filings, fundraising registration, bylaws updates, contracts, negotiations, employment law and more from M-LINC attorneys and attorney volunteers. The clinic will run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Interested nonprofits must book a clinic appointment. To schedule an appointment or find more information, contact Karin Holmberg-Werner, director of Marquette Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations, at karin.werner@marquette.edu or 414-288-5536.

*Tuesday, April 16, BoardStar Inc. will host a workshop on the importance of creating a board orientation manual. The workshop will teach participants what should be included in a board manual and the templates that can be used to ease the process of putting a manual together. B. Denise Patton, president of BDP & Associates, will lead the workshop. Attendees should bring their organization’s existing orientation materials. The workshop costs $50 for BoardStar members and $75 for nonmembers. It will start at 9 a.m. at Pathfinders, 4200 N. Holton, Ste. 400 in Milwaukee. For more information or to register, visit www.boardstar.org.

*Wednesday, April 17, Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin will team up with Rock Bottom Brewery for a Spring Lager Tapping. The event is part of Easter Seals’ promotion of April as Autism Awareness month. For $5, attendees can sample Rock Bottom’s menu and also try two beers. Proceeds raised will support Easter Seals Autism Services. The event will be held at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 740 N. Plankinton Ave. #1 in Milwaukee, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

*Saturday, April 27, St. Aemilian-Lakeside will host Cirque du SAL to raise funds in support of young adults who are aging out of foster care. The event will feature aerial dance, casino games, music, dancing a raffle and more. The event will be held at the Historic Pritzlaff Building, 333 N. Plankinton Ave. in Milwaukee, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at www.st-al.org. For more information about Cirque du SAL, contact Sandy Engelhardt at St. Aemilian-Lakeside at 414-465-1396. 

comment »

NWM helps low-income residents file taxes
Northwestern Mutual employees are donating their time and expertise this tax season to help lower-income Milwaukee residents complete their taxes and file them electronically.
In offering assistance, Northwestern Mutual is working with the Social Development Commission under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a national program that has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Along with trained VITA volunteers, Northwestern Mutual employees assist residents in need at the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center in the city's Muskego Way neighborhood.

The philanthropic push is fueled by Northwestern Mutual's engagement with "Building Neighborhood Capacity," an initiative to advance the missions of nonprofits contributing to neighborhood development in Milwaukee's MetCalfe Park, Amani and Muskego Way neighborhoods.

"We're connecting local residents with our employees to simplify tax season and build relationships in the community we serve," said John Kordsmeier, president of Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

Program volunteers are onsite at the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center each Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through April 11.

Taxpayers of households that earn less than $56,000 annually are eligible to receive free tax guidance.

Throughout its 12 years of providing assistance with tax preparation, VITA has helped distribute more than $100 million in refunds and credits to taxpayers. Last year, the program completed more than 15,000 tax returns.

comment »

Milwaukee Film opens call for film festival entries
Milwaukee Film is seeking submissions for the fifth annual Milwaukee Film Festival, scheduled for Sept. 26 through Oct. 10.
 
The nonprofit organization will accept films of any genre and length through Monday, June 24, and does not require a fee for filmmakers interested in participating.

“Last year, our lack of an entry fee received a great response from the film community,” said Jonathan Jackson, artistic and executive director of Milwaukee Film. “We’d much rather see filmmakers use that money to complete their vision. And for us, it provides a much wider pool of films from which we can build the best festival possible.”

The winner of the festival’s Cream City Cinema Award, awarded each year to a Milwaukee filmmaker, will be ushered into Milwaukee Film’s Filmmaker-in-residence program. The program provides filmmakers the resources including mentoring, equipment and a production package, to create a film to debut at the festival.

The festival will award a separate $2,500 prize to the winner of the international Fiction Film Competition, which is judged by a panel of film professionals. Additional awards are distributed to filmmakers according to audience ratings.

The 2013 film festival will also bring back The Milwaukee Youth Show, which features short films created by filmmakers age 18 and younger.

To access the festival’s entry form and find more information about competition guidelines and eligibility, visit http://mkefilm.org/call-for-entries.

For more information about the Milwaukee Film Festival, visit www.mkefilm.org.

comment »

Celebrity golf tournament to benefit orphaned children, Brewers Community Foundation
The fifth annual Davey Nelson Celebrity Golf Tournament has been set for Monday, June 24, at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Sheboygan.
 
The 18-hole tournament, hosted by Brewers Director of Alumni Relations and FOX Sports Wisconsin broadcaster Davey Nelson, will benefit Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa, a nonprofit organization that gives orphaned children impacted by the AIDS epidemic a home and additional resources to support their future. Tournament proceeds will also be donated to the Brewers Community Foundation.

The tournament, slated to begin at 10:30 a.m., is accepting groups of four for registration. Each group will be matched with a celebrity golfer to create five-person teams who will play in a Scramble Format. Top golfers will receive team prizes.

The event will also include a golf clinic directed by American Club golf pros, a putting contest, a buffet brunch, a cocktail reception, auctions and dinner.

Registration costs $2,500 for foursomes and $150 for individuals interested in attending only the cocktail reception and dinner. The tournament will be capped at 30 groups.

The tournament will feature a separate preview golf experience at Whistling Straits on Sunday, June 23, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner in the Championship Locker Room.   

Whistling Straits is located at N8501 County Rd. LS in Sheboygan.

To register for the tournament and find more information about the preview event and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.brewers.com/davey.

comment »

Grant to fund new position at Food Pantry of Waukesha County
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County to support the nonprofit’s continued increase in demand for food.
 
The grant will help fund a community outreach assistant position. This role will be responsible for assessing client needs, providing community members in need information and directing them to other community resources to help them sustain their basic needs.

The Food Pantry of Waukesha County serves more than 6,500 individuals with food each month. Forty percent of those it benefits are children.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation funded more than $725,700 through its first quarter competitive grants.

comment »