whna.net
from haircuts to fromage page 4 meet your neighbors page 8 Heights Air BnB page 10 Summer library activities page 12
THE MAGAZINE OF THE WHNA Summer 2019
WHNA 2018-2019 board of directors PRESIDENT Beth Lappen The Highlighter is a quarterly publication of the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. Washington Heights includes Highway 175 to North 60th Street and from Vliet Street to North Ave. You can expect your Summer Highlighter online in early June. To submit an article, please contact Jane at janeekonkel@gmail.com.
727.0345
VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Drillas 839.5233 TREASURER Eric Gesell
949.1577
PAST PRESIDENT Ann Navin 477.9528 SECRETARY Brandon Taylor
870.1339
REPRESENTATIVES AREA 1 Ryan Stasiewicz 364.3295
EDITOR Jane Konkel
AREA 2 Trent Muller
LAYOUT & DESIGN Nicole Julius
AREA 3 Patrick Simonis 262.844.6232
ADVERTISING MANAGER Lynita Wolf
CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Haig Debbie Knepke
559.6773
Lyra O'Briend Jonathan Rupprecht
AREA 4 Simon McConico 306.1422
DISTRIBUTION Sarah Drillias
AREA 5 Beth & Mike Lappen 727.0345
LIAISONS VLIET ST. Pat Mueller
AREA 6 Lyra O’Brien
RAINBOW ASSOCIATION John Elliot 414.248-3270
861.0387
AREA 7 Tom Rutenbeck 453.3453 AREA 8 Andy Robinson
745.9463
AREA 9 Alexa Pagley 262.444.3274 Brandon Taylor 870.1339 AT-LARGE EVEN YEARS Eric Anderson 771.7977 Dan Caruso 773.405.7071 Sabrina Eder 262.719.7477 Alec Knutson 414.412.3139 AT-LARGE ODD YEARS Jon Parks 342.4669 Matthew Mangerson 715.490.1647
COMMITTEES NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY Dominique Leupi 720.473.2765 Sharon Heffelfinger 801.1307 COMMUNICATIONS VACANT GREEN COMMITTEE Beth Lappen 727.0345 HOUSING/APPEARANCE Tom Rutenbeck 453.3453 MEMBERSHIP Trent Muller
839.5233
THE MAGAZINE OF THE WHNA Fall 2018
YOUR PHOTO HERE!
SPOOKTACULAR! page 4
BOULEVARD BASH RECAP page 8
HALF CENTURY OF HIGHLAND LANES page 14 and more!
Fall2018WHNAHighlighter.indd 1
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You could be the next Highlighter cover photographer! on’t forget to submit your best summer D Heights' photos for consideration – on Facebook or to janeekonkel@gmail.com.
Highlighter online at www.whna.net Do you want the Highlighter emailed to you? Contact membership@whna.net.
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559.6773
WHNA PHONE NUMBER: 939.4622
AREA 5 HOSTS 2019 SPOOKTACULAR
whna.net
933.5589
FROM THE
PRESIDENT by Beth Lappen WHNA President
Dear neighbors, I feel compelled once again to write about gratitude. I know it was only six months or so ago since I wrote about it around Thanksgiving, but so much has happened in these months that followed that it may as well have been a year. I wrote that piece before knowing what our organization would face in 2019 and, certainly, before knowing how anyone would react. I will admit that I was pretty darn sure that the neighborhood, in general, would rally despite the bad news. But there was still a nagging fear that the Association could not withstand the terrible blow or subsequent finger-pointing. Of course, we all have rightfully experienced anger, however we have not allowed it to trump the good in us. Your Board and several faithful volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got right to work to try to ensure we could continue with all that sets our neighborhood apart. The rest of you responded with kindness and supportive words and deeds. I was overwhelmed at the annual meeting. Everyone demonstrated such great interest and pride and care for their neighbors and neighborhood. For that, I am so very thankful. And proud. And rejuvenated. I believe I am now seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot yet be sure exactly how distant it is, but I am hopeful that we can soon put all of this behind us. And I can look forward to the day where we can tell the whole story of how WHNA grew stronger in the face of adversity. Will you join us as we write the next chapter? Stay tuned.... there are always opportunities to help! See you soon! Beth
community Contacts
THIRD DISTRICT NON-EMERGENCY ��������������� 933.4444 CRIME PREVENTION �����������������������������������������������935.7733 GRAFFITI HOTLINE �������������������������������������������������� 286.8715 BLOCK WATCH ���������������������������������������������������������� 588.5619
The deadline to submit articles and ads for the summer issue of the Highlighter is Wednesday, September 11, 2019. HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO INCLUDE IN OUR FALL HIGHLIGHTER? Email the Highlighter editor at janeekonkel@gmail.com to let us know!
The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association is looking for a skilled graphic artist for layout and design of the Highlighter magazine. Knowledge of Adobe InDesign and basic page layout skills are a plus. This is a perfect opportunity to build a portfolio or just give back to your neighborhood. The magazine is published 4 times each year; this is a volunteer position. If interested, please email adartwork@whna.net. Washington Heights Highlighter, Summer 2019 ❖ 3
From Haircuts to Fromage by Jon Rupprecht
Raise your hand if you used to get your hair cut at L & A Barbers at 58th and Vliet. See; there’s a whole bunch of us! As you may know, Lori & April moved on from there a few years ago, and now what’s coming in their place is Charles E. Fromage. So who is this Charles guy? Well, it’s best if I don’t reveal that identity yet, but I will tell you this: it’s not a guy. There is a photographer by that name somewhere in France, but that’s a different story. In our case, Charles E. Fromage is the name of a really cool bistro, due to open soon at 5811 W. Vliet Street. Its proprietors are Honore Dugan Schiro and her husband Tony. You can learn about this unique new Washington Height business on their website: charlesfromage.com. There you will read what prompted Tony and Honore to open their bistro: they were looking for “a quiet place close to our west side home to stop and discuss the evening” after attending various events. “There were few options for us.”
This web site also gives us Tony & Honore’s business motto: “Where an adult can be an adult”. I assure you, this has nothing to do with “adult entertainment”, but it has a lot to do with the name of this bistro. – You may be catching on by now; if not, further help is coming. This bistro – they also speak of it as a salon – will be a very civilized place, but also warm, intimate, casual and certainly not stuffy. Besides various wines, beers, soft drinks and coffee, four “S” ’s will also be offered: Salads, Snacks, Spreads and Sweets. The initial menu lists intriguing items such as Fromage EVOO, Capalatina, Rosemary Marcona Almonds, Cannoli Chip and Dip and Assorted Chocolates. Yum! But then it’s a bistro, so not only does this involve the conversations mentioned above, but also games. Cribbage is their trademark game, with cribbage boards available, plus cards will also be on hand for Sheepshead – and maybe Bridge - plus chess and checkers sets. Game on! Arrangements have been made for outdoor seating of up to 12 people; indoor seating will be at the bar as well as at two 2-top tables. There are hopes of developing the open flat roof for additional outdoor seating. Will they be open in winter when outdoor seating is out? That is planned, pending Fromage patronage in those months. Tony and Honore have both been teachers. Honore is still teaching English and theater at Brookfield Central High School; Tony is retired after teaching math and science for 21 years in various MPS schools, plus 5 years in Japan. On their web site you will notice their charming, almost cuddly logo. This mouse with a French beret was designed by their daughter Fiona. She no doubt got her artistic talents from her dad. In fact, a special art exhibit was held in April at Charles E. Fromage, featuring Tony’s paper collages, for which he melts various colors of crayons and covers his creations with a glaze; a rare and attractive art form indeed. Tony and Honore have some Washington Heights connections. Honore’s sister, Marye Beth Dugan, has owned and operated Rainbow Books at 57th and Vliet for many years. A few blocks east
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of that is the Gietl Sign Company, who will be painting the name on their front window. Kim Strautmann of Merci Mimi, less than a block away, painted the bar and the frame of the mirror behind it. And around the corner from Kim is Valentine Coffee, now the official coffee at Charles E. Fromage. So then, what about that mysterious name anyway? As it turns out, it was mentioned briefly, with some hints, in the Highlighter about a year ago in connection with some other new businesses opening up in our neighborhood. But at that time there were serious doubts about Charles E. Fromage actually materializing, due to various obstacles. Thankfully those obstacles have been overcome, and Tony and Honore are hoping to open around the Memorial Day weekend, after putting the finishing touches on Charles. Charles? If you’re still wondering, think of his common nickname, find the English translation for fromage, and remember their business motto above (substitute “kid” for “adult”), as well as the fact that games are involved. There you go; congratulations! Honore gets the credit for this cleverness, and we get the smiles! Tony and Honore, with part-time help, will be open for business on Monday, Thursday and Fridays from 4 – 11 PM, on Saturdays from 10 AM to 11 PM, and on Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. We’ll see you there!
by Debbie Knepke • The Tusk menu includes a Heights Burger, Uptowner Prime Rib, and Drunken Boar Puller Pork at 5513 W. North Avenue. • Bubble wrap was originally designed as wallpaper. • New born babies cannot cry tears for at least two weeks. • The 8th Annual Brewers mini-marathon is September 28th? • The average adult brings fingers to the nose, mouth, or eyes about 16 times an hour. • There is a video game business called Battle Box Studios at 5431 W. Lisbon Avenue. • A lazy fly ball that’s easy to catch in the outfield is also known as a “can of corn”. • If you get caught downtown with no quarters at a parking meter than only accepts coins, you can pay with a credit card on the MKE PARK app. • Since January Mekong Café on 60th & North Avenue is offering it’s famous buffet seven days a week between 11 am and 2:30 pm. • If you have questions about lead safety, visit LeadSafeMKE. com. • The largest snowflake was 15” across. • About 400 people in the United States are named ABCDE, all of them girls, according to the Social Security Administration. • You cannot beat the prices at the thrift and consignment store at 5624 W. Vliet Street called Job Development Resale Center. Be sure to ask about the details about how the owner uses some of the proceeds to help people find gainful employment. • Cotton candy was invented by a dentist.
Washington Heights Highlighter, Summer 2019 ❖ 5
Washington Park Wednesdays’ 2019 Summer Concert Series Twenty-nineteen marks the third official year of the revamp for the Washington Park Wednesdays Summer Concert series. The series is spearheaded by community members of Washington Park Neighbors who purposefully tie in a sundry of professional and creative collaborators. This season is again posed to provide Milwaukee and the communities surrounding the park with an intentional and unique line-up of local, regional and nationally renowned music, art and culture. The curated themes are largely what differentiate WPW from other area music concert series. This approach gives the park’s audience an extra layer from which to choose how they spend their evening of free entertainment. This year’s themes see the return of crowd favorites like Farm to Park (July 10), V¡VA! (July 17), Carnival (August 7 ) and Old School (Aug 14). Continuing in the vein of reimagined takes on familiar themes Ride On gets new life breathed into it with The Student Body, a supergroup curated by Milwaukee musical kingpin, Klassik (July 24); Likewise Venus Rising, the season opener which traditionally features all-femaleled projects, this year is partnered with Cactus Club in Bayview; Which, if you are not aware, is one of a handful local venues that are, in their own right, positioning Milwaukee within the culture curve. The series will again draw from the region and beyond pulling dynamic acts like DJ Boyfrrriend (Madison) and Revel in Dimes (NYC) in their seminal Milwaukee show. Innovative partnerships that continue to inform and inspire the program’s architects this year go beyond curating the music. Many programming elements are made possible in part by support from neighborhood companies (and actual architects) like Quorum and essential neighbor initiatives like Uptown Crossing. With organizations like The Black Lense Film Series, an arm of Milwaukee Film, guiding the pervading film elements to the park’s Live! Art night (July 31), cultural cooperatives like FREESPACE tying in city’s creative youth and the MSO conducting the series’ first soft open (June 12), the extent of collaboration is incalculable. However, the organizers continue to be certain that aligning collaborators, sponsors and artists understand, embrace and epitomize the mission driving the series which is essentially to bring diverse and accessible programming excellence to the West Side and to Milwaukee housed in the revered setting of Milwaukee’s historic bandshell and Olmsted park. This intentionality has not gone unnoticed as Washington Park Neighbors took home a 2019 People’s Choice for Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) in April. Nominated for the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award after only its second year of operation, Washington Park Wednesdays was in the company of some major community players with funding and people power that were well-beyond its own. This award is a significant indicator of how the park program is being received by the very people for whom the program exists its audience. Nicknamed the People’s Park, Washington Park’s rich
history, unique geography and its architectural and natural scope has a lot to live up to and it seems to be doing just that. If a MANDI People’s Choice Award wasn’t proof enough, WPN held its first fundraiser for the park series at Dandy on Vliet. Many of the park’s Summer vendors like Pete’s Pops, Press. Waffles and Venture Brewing Company provided refreshments. Venture created a special “Bandshell Beer” for the event that continues to sell at their tap room on North and at area restaurants with one dollar from each sale going to WPW programming. Music, of course, was central to the event. There was a preview of what’s to come from the young jazz savant K-Stamp, who will open for Revel in Dimes at Carnival on August 7. There was also a rare appearance from the acid jazz trio Dead Dove that shares a drummer with the Violent Femmes. Milwaukee media artist WC Tank rounded out the evening’s showcase with his entertainment acumen. The community response was exceedingly generous and the organizers eagerly took the opportunity of an intimate gathering to thank the park’s people personally. But intimacy and gratitude are integral parts of what makes Washington Park Wednesdays so extraordinary. As large as the stage is and as vast as the field and seating appear, there is an indisputable closeness one feels when attending this series. The warmth on these Wednesdays isn’t just from the setting Summer sun...
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CONCERTS AT 6PM
JUNE 12 SOFT OPEN WITH THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA JUNE 26 VENUS RISING - CACTUS CLUB PRESENTS - ZED KENZO / DJ DRIPSWEAT SAEBRA & CARLYLE / SHLE BERRY / DJ BOYFRRRIEND JULY 10 FARM TO PARK WITH THE UEC - RUTH B8R GINSBURG / DAVID WAKE WITH URBAN EMPRESS & THE URBANITES JULY 17 V!VA WASHINGTON PARK! CURATED BY BROWNS CREW FEATURING MARIACHI MONARCAS
JULY 24 RIDE ON WITH THE STUDENT BODY - A NIGHT OF FUNK, FUSION & BODY POSITIVITY FEATURING KLASSIK / ARAM FERIANTS / NO SEATBELTS / IMMORTAL GIRLFRIEND JULY 31 LIVE! ART - THA DMC PRESENTED BY THE BLACK LENS FILM SERIES AUGUST 7 CARNIVAL at the BANDSHELL - REVEL IN DIMES (NYC) WITH SPECIAL GUEST K-STAMP / MEMBERS OF DEAD MAN’S CARNIVAL AUGUST 14 OLD SCHOOL VS. NEW SCHOOL DANCE PARTY - DOC B AND DJ BIZZON AUGUST 21 SEASON FINALE - CELEBRATING MILWAUKEE HIP HOP WEEK WITH DEVIN DROBKA AND BARRY PAUL CLARK OF FIELD REPORT & ARGOPELTER www.washingtonparkneighbors.com
@wpwmke on Facebook
Meet Your Neighborhood Neighbors Chris & Hillary Hau by Lyra O’Brien
The stately 1918 Bungalow on 50th Street is the house Chris and Hillary Hau call home with their two daughters. It’s an exceptional blend of old world charm with beautifully updated accents. Converted back from a duplex to a single family home, the hard work and loving care is so special that it’s highlighted in a book called Updating Classic American Bungalows. It was that special combination of mixing the past with the present, that the family found so appealing. “I like merging the old with the new. We still have the beautiful leaded glass and all the spectacular woodwork, but it’s blended with the new kitchen and upstairs bedroom space. We have tall ceilings in the back of the home, an updated kitchen and bedroom space. With all of these features, the house is very unique,” stated Hillary Hau. Chris, a Principal at Quorum Architects, and Hillary, a nurse, bought their home from friends in 2003. Even before buying the home, the family says they were already sold on the neighborhood. “We knew Washington Heights was centrally located. She’s five minutes from work and I’m five minutes from work. When we go places or go out, this is where all of our friends want to meet first because we are so close to everything. We are the meeting place for everyone, and people just love the area,” said Chris Hau. Hillary said she wasn’t familiar with older homes prior to living in the Heights. She said she grew up in a ranch from the 1970s, but knew her house was the one as soon as she walked through the front door. “I couldn’t helping thinking these homes are all so great in the Heights. I walked into my home and thought ‘WOW’. This house is so different and special. Really, every home in this neighborhood is so distinctive. I love walking around because you can see how every home is so different, and I always see something that’s rare and new,” said Hillary Hau.
dinner there. The living room can be for reading or board games. The family room is where we want to watch a movie together. The kitchen is central for bringing everyone together.”
Q. What work have you done to your home? Chris Hau: “We renovated the porch, and the deck. We updated the master bathroom, we finished the basement, created a work area and a kid’s play area. We placed new siding on the garage and installed insulation throughout the home. We reconfigured the outdoor area to give us more outdoor living space. We have completed one major project for every year we’ve lived in this home. Now we think we are done for a while and will focus on maintaining the home for years to come.” Q. Tell me about your neighbors. Hillary Hau: “We’ve really gotten to know our neighbors, and have become close during the years. Our neighbor Lorraine is Grandma Lorraine to our girls. How special is that?! Our neighbor Diane is amazing and has been here 30 plus years. People that live here, stay here, and we are grateful for that.” Q. What do you love best about living in Washington Heights? Hillary Hau: “It really is the people. Not just in our neighborhood, but also at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School, where our girls go to school. As we meet more people, we continue to make more friends. Also, it’s nice to see all the new families moving into the area. They really seem to want to live here and take pride in the homes they are purchasing. We appreciate that and welcome them into our neighborhood.”
Q. What is your favorite room in the house? Chris Hau: “I really enjoy the whole house, not just one room. I just enjoy different spaces during different times of the day. We use the dining room in the morning to eat breakfast as a family and watch the sunrise. Our porch is East facing, so you get all of that sunshine. The back porch is West facing, so we grill out or eat
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Q. How has the neighborhood changed? Chris Hau: “We are fortunate to have two really strong commercial corridors here with North Avenue and Vliet Street. Those local business are vital to supporting our neighborhoods. The transformation on both streets has been incredible and a big reason why the area continues to attract new families to buy homes here. I felt so strongly about that I became involved with the North Avenue Business Improvement District about a decade ago. A strong business community helps maintain a strong neighborhood community. It’s working and will continue to build on its own growth. It’s been fun to see both streets become so popular and successful. I look forward to seeing how much more this area grows in the future.” If you are interested in featuring your home in the Highlighter, please contact Lyra O’Brien at lobrien@firstweber.com or (414) 861-0387.
Washington Heights Highlighter, Summer 2019 ❖ 9
Hosting Happiness on Airbnb by Barbara Haig
With its stately homes and comfy duplexes – and proximity to downtown – Washington Heights is a perfect place for out-of-town visitors who want an authentic Milwaukee experience. And many residents are helping them by listing their homes, apartments and spare rooms on vacation rental websites such as Airbnb. In 2018, some 344,000 people used Airbnb homes in Wisconsin, up 64% from 2017. Airbnb public affairs officer Ben Breit says there’s no data for Washington Heights alone, but local hosts say it’s clearly a popular destination, especially with the Democratic National Convention coming in July 2020. Residents started sharing their properties for many reasons. Longtime Heights neighbor Becky Steimle says she thought it would be a fun second income as her children moved out. “I’ve always thought I’d love to run a bed and breakfast. Airbnb lets you do that and makes it super simple – but without having to cook people breakfast, and you can adjust your Airbnb availability as you wish. I also love the fact that my house is making money for me while I’m working,” says Steimle, a writer and producer. Steimle rents the entire basement space of her house on 49th Street just off Washington Blvd. “Because it’s only five steps down from ground level and we had it finished about 15 years ago, it’s really nice and bright. Entering off the back patio gives guests their own private entrance, then it’s one big space, with a short hall, laundry room and full bath. It has a sitting room area and a bedroom/sleeping area for two people. There’s a nice gas fireplace for added coziness,” she says. Molly Nilssen offers one bedroom and a shared bathroom at her home on 52nd Street. “When I bought the house, my sister was staying with me for a brief time and encouraged me to create an Airbnb profile. I thought it would bring in more money per month than a roommate, and it offers more flexibility than a permanent roommate,” she says. Glenn Reinle has invested quite a bit into his duplex on Vine, offering both three-bedroom units on Airbnb and HomeAway/ VRBO. “I used to just rent out my apartment, but this seemed to make more sense. I love talking with people, and it’s great when I get
repeat visitors. I have been hosting a regular group from Georgia for seven years throughout the entire two weeks of Summerfest. We end up going out for dinner during their stay. It’s a really good relationship,” he says.
KEEPING NEIGHBORS IN THE LOOP All of the hosts say they are very open with their neighbors about the arrangements. “I love my neighborhood – I grew up here and my parents are still two blocks away from me,” Nilssen says. “I have joked with my neighbors at different block events about what they must think of me, having people coming in and out of the house all the time. Most of the neighbors actively reassure me that it’s no bother and it’s good on me to make money.” “They love it. I get contacted by people in the neighborhood who have parents coming to visit. And they look out for any problems. If someone is too loud, Melissa and Jake let me know,” Reinle says with a laugh. “All my neighbors are excellent people, and there’s been zero reason for anyone to have any issues,” Steimle says.
BE MY GUEST It’s the guests that keeps Airbnb fun for the hosts. “My experience with Airbnb guests is that most of them are really friendly, want recommendations and, most of all, are extremely appreciative of your hospitality,” Steimle explains. Some of her guests have included: • A couple from Chicago who heard many good things about Milwaukee in the summer. • A Marquette dental professor relocating here, looking for a permanent home. • Two sisters who came from up north for a James Taylor concert. • A couple hitting Wisconsin on their quest to visit all 50 states. “The majority of people I never really even meet. A lot of my guests are here during the week for business trips, Medical College interviews, traveling nurses or other traveling jobs, or looking for a place to rent after moving here for a new job,” Nilssen says. She adds, “Some guests are more interested in being social, so I have conversations with them. I have met some incredible people, had some amazing conversations, learned about all different cities and jobs and perspectives, and I’ve even become lasting friends with a few guests. For the most part, though, at the price I offer, people just want a place to sleep and shower and be on with their plans.”
DNC INTEREST
Guests at Becky Steimle’s Airbnb enjoy a quiet patio setting.
If two adult travelers were considering an Airbnb for July 2019, a recent check indicated 10 units in Washington Heights, with prices ranging from $29 for a bedroom in a shared house to $301 for an entire house with eight beds. A year later – during the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee – only four listings were available, from $78 for a “college-type dorm room with 4 beds” to an entire house for $1,500.
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“Hosts can list their homes for as long or as little as they want,” explains Airbnb’s Ben Breit. Reinle actually has blocked out those dates for now. “When the conference was announced, I was bombarded with requests. Now I’m looking at what people in Philadelphia did during the 2016 convention, I I’ll see how I want to handle it - maybe offer a shuttle to the Fiserv Forum. I don’t want to miss out on it!” he says. Steimle has raised her normal fee of $54 to $100 for the two weeks surrounding the DNC, and Nilssen says she has bumped up her $37 price significantly. “I’m just so excited for the event in general, and with luck it might bring me a little more good fortune!” she says.
JOIN THE CROWD If the thought of sharing your home during the DNC or any other time sounds intriguing, all three encourage others to consider becoming a host and offer this advice: Becky Steimle Tips: Start by really looking at your space and seeing what you need to do to make it guest-worthy. You may spend several hundred dollars just for new bedding, a coffee maker, area rugs; your space might need a fresh coat of paint, so think about that. Think like a traveler – what would you want in your space, what amenities, how would you want to be welcomed. Take good photos to make your listing really appealing and accurate – that’s important. Learn the Airbnb ropes – how they want you to do things. Be responsive to your guests’ emails and texts – answer right away. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you can also achieve “Superhost” status and move toward the top of Milwaukee searches. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – you need to feel comfortable with the people who will be staying in your house. Basically, if you like people and like meeting new people, you might really like hosting Airbnb! Glen Reinle Tips: Don’t have back-to-back guests because you have to clean – and look for dust bunnies! Be sure you’re aware of the hidden costs if you have a separate unit from your home. You’ll have to pay heat/air conditioning, cable and other utilities even if you don’t have guests. Screen people – if they don’t say why they are coming, don’t approve them as guests. Have a guidance book for guests and ask them to be conservative about utilities – turn off lights and AC when leaving. Offer fruit, bagels, refreshments to make them feel at home. Molly Nilssen Tips: Although the concept might seem strange or even scary at first, if you do it right, Airbnb can be an amazing opportunity. You can set the boundaries (physically and socially) for how you want the experience to be. It’s a great income (I couldn’t afford my mortgage without it). Any excuse you have to not do it, can be overcome. There are so many listings with so many different scenarios and just as many people looking for all kinds of different things. You can set your dates and block off unavailable days. If you’ve ever been curious, or had any interest in hosting, I say go for it. I’ve loved it! Of course, not everything about hosting is rosy. Reinle tells a horror story about an opera diva who stayed for a week with small children and caused a huge mess, but he’s really only had two bad experiences in several years. “It’s important to be aware that this isn’t
Glenn Reile’s Airbnb features an extensive garden.
just a money-making thing. Is it easier to have tenants? Probably, but if you’re a social person, it’s a lot of fun,” he says. Another issue is homeowner’s insurance. Airbnb offers Host Protection Insurance, which “will act as primary insurance and provides liability coverage to hosts and, where applicable, their landlords, subject to certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions.” But according to the Insurance Information Institute, it’s best to check your policy if you are renting your property as a business. Airbnb has additional hosting advice on its website - https://www. airbnb.com/trust Despite the potential downsides, the hosts say it’s a great way to show off the neighborhood. “I say that it’s a beautiful, historic, tree-lined-street kind of neighborhood where people walk dogs, socialize and are friendly, and that it’s home to the original Harley and Davidson homes,” says Steimle. “I note the easy proximity to downtown, the Summerfest grounds, the Medical College, etc. I let people know this neighborhood is safe, but as in any city setting, we are all wise to exercise caution walking at night, parking, etc. Most people already know that.”
2018 WISCONSIN AIRBNB FACTS • 344,000 people used Airbnb homes in Wisconsin, up 64% from 2017. • Wisconsin hosts made $41 million in supplemental income in 2018, compared with $25.2 million in 2017. • There are 5,400 Airbnb hosts in the state. • The Wisconsin counties with the most Airbnb guests: Metro Milwaukee – 71,000; Dane – 44,000; Door – 21,000; Walworth – 16,000.
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS? Beyond Airbnb, websites such as Bookings, HomeAway/VRBO and FlipKey/TripAdvisor offer home rentals. Read a comparison of the services on Evolve – http://bit.ly/WH5-19
Washington Heights Highlighter, Summer 2019 ❖ 11
Summer Library Activities: Robots, Reptiles, Recipes – and Reading! by Barbara Haig
After our cool spring, it’s really heating up at the Washington Park branch of the Milwaukee Public Library. Activities for kids and teens are starting, summer reading programs are underway, and adults are lining up to borrow the free WiFi hotspot to take on vacation. JeTaun Colbert is the branch manager, now in her second year at Washington Park. “Things are going really well,” she says. “I’m particularly encouraged when kids come into the library. They’re always so excited to see what we have to offer – the books, puppets, and especially our big robot in the children’s area.” Colbert says there are activities for everyone, including a full day set aside to teach teens how to design and program their own video games.
WASHINGTON PARK LIBRARY HOURS Mon 10 AM - 8 PM
Fri
10 AM - 6 PM
Tue 12 PM - 8 PM
Sat
10 AM - 5 PM
Wed 12 PM - 8 PM
Sun CLOSED
Thu 10 AM - 6 PM Closed July 4 Closed August 31 – September 2
PROGRAMS FOR TODDLERS TO TEENS “We’re hosting a Game Jam Day on Monday, June 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Teens are welcome to stop by to talk to professional game developers who will show them how to use the software and equipment we’ll have right here,” she explains. “They also can enjoy snacks and just hanging out with other gamers. You don’t need any experience – they’ll get you going.” Kids can create submit their games online and win prizes. For information, visit http://www.mpl.org/summerreading/teens/ gamejam.php For toddlers and their caregivers, weekly story times on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. provide the right introduction to the library. “Everyone enjoys stories, songs and games all designed to help those little people develop the skills they need to begin reading,” Colbert says. Kids ages 6-12 have a full range of activities on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., including sessions with a magician, line dancers, live reptiles and space experts. On other days, they’ll have hands-on projects building a remote-controlled robot, making moon sand and pizza (not on the same day!), and playing Wii U. Parents can drop off children ages nine and above, Colbert says, otherwise they must be with adult. “Teens are welcome, too, as long as they are well-behaved. They’ll find plenty to be interested in,” Colbert adds. A brochure with the entire summer schedule is available at https://www.mpl.org/content/pdfs/kids_ Calendar_Summer.pdf
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
TEMPORARY MOBILE HOTSPOTS AVAILABLE Just moved to the Heights and haven’t established your Wi-Fi connection yet? Grandkids coming for a week and you don’t have Internet? Need to take an online test while you’re on vacation? The Washington Park Library has a free solution! The library now offers mobile hotspots for 10-day checkout. These hotspots – about the size of a cell phone – provide mobile, high speed, WI-FI Internet access via T-Mobile for up to 10 devices simultaneously. Adult Milwaukee County residents can check out hotspot kits with a valid library card and state ID for 10 days, with no renewals or reservations. Overdue or lost technology will be deactivated and borrowers fined.
FREE VIDEOS, BOOKS & MUSIC ONLINE Did you know that you can legally play music and videos, or read magazines and books – if you have a valid Milwaukee Public Library card? Go here for information: https://mpl.org/digital/ downloads.php
Adults, teens and kids each have their own summer reading programs, which provide incentives for time spent reading traditional books, e-books, magazines or other materials – all available to anyone with a library card. Teens are awarded for activities such as making recipes, designing emojis and writing poetry. Prizes include free pizza coupons, books and tickets to local activities. Participants in each program can sign up any time, and the challenges last through August 30, with a free Brewers game on August 25. That means there’s plenty of time to pick up a novel at the library, or download a book if you’re going on vacation. For more information on all summer reading programs, go to www. mpl.org/summerreading, Colbert says the Washington Park Library is a great spot for adults to use computers, or just sit and read during the heat of the summer. “We’re hoping to start an adult book club here in the fall. I’d love to find out what people want to read and discuss. Just send me a note at jmcolbe@milwaukee.gov.
12 ❖ Contact us at highlighter@whna.net or visit us online at www.whna.net
Washington Heights Highlighter, Summer 2019 ❖ 13
Boulevard Bash
Saturday August 24th from 1 to 7 PM
Mark your calendars for the 2019 Boulevard Bash. It will be held this year on Saturday, August 24th from 1 to 7 PM. Don’t miss this chance to socialize with your Washington Heights neighbors and enjoy great area food from Kettle Range Meat Co., McBob’s and Pete’s Pops just to name a few. Relax and listen to music at the stage area. Join in on the 50/50 raffle fun and the silent auction. A great variety of artists and vendors will be on hand for you to meet, greet and shop local! Returning favorites will include Washington Heights resident James Steeno, winner of this year’s Wisconsin State Fair poster, as well as Cream City Caramels,
Ruckus & Glee, and Cards By Anne. Watch for new offerings like Brew City Pickles and international award winning hennah tattoo artist Hands of Hennah by Anita. The foam block playground by MKE Plays will return, as well as other kid friendly activities. It takes a village (or an awesome neighborhood!) to coordinate and host this popular celebration of Washington Heights. Interested in volunteering? Contact sabrina.d.eder@gmail.com. Want to participate as a vendor/artist/crafter? Contact JeanA5822@ yahoo.com.
14 ❖ Contact us at highlighter@whna.net or visit us online at www.whna.net
Shanahan shenanigans
Our sincerest apologies for neglecting to include Tom Shanahan's photos in the spring issue of the Highlighter.
Tom's parents on theri wedding day with his oldest brother Allen.
Tom and his wife.
Catch of the day on an annual Lake Michigan fishing charter.
Elmer and Julia in front of St. Sebastian's at Tom's parent's wedding.
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