SUMMER & FALL 2022 MAGAZINE
IT’S YOUR CITY
EVENTS ARE BACK! ELITE BIKE RACE COMES TO TOWN Mark your calendars
WHAT’S BREWING
New Cof f ee Shops & Bre w e ri e s
MEET CHUCK!
Senior Center Member Highlight
westalliswi.gov
WELCOME 2020-2024
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All City buildings will be closed on Saturday, May 28; Monday, May 30; Saturday, July 2; Monday, July 4; Saturday, Sept. 3; and Monday, Sept. 5. The Library and Public Works yard will also be closed on Saturday, July 2.
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r Dea rs, hbo Neig
West Allis Mayor and Common Council
Mayor
Dan Devine 414-302-8290 ddevine@westalliswi.gov
First District
Angelito Tenorio 414-737-0210 atenorio@westalliswi.gov Vincent Vitale (H) 414-545-5659 (C) 414-737-0657 vvitale@westalliswi.gov
Second District
Tracy Stefanski 414-750-4867 tstefanski@westalliswi.gov Martin J. Weigel 414-704-6350 mweigel@westalliswi.gov
Third District
Suzzette Grisham 414-841-2787 sgrisham@westalliswi.gov Danna Kuehn 414-559-6830 dkuehn@westalliswi.gov
As I write this message to you during a rather gray spring, I’m very much looking forward to our upcoming summer and fall. Busy summer and blustery fall bring us so many good things: Independence Day festivities, Summer Concerts in our beautiful parks, the legendary Wisconsin State Fair, the hustle and bustle of our Farmers Market season, and so much more.
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Kevin Haass 414-704-1164 khaass@westalliswi.gov
Mayor of West Allis
414-302-CITY
In May of 2022, the City implemented 414-302-CITY (2489), the single access telephone number for all City Hall services and information. The purpose of 414-302-CITY (2489) is to streamline public access to City government. The most commonly called telephone numbers and requested services are available through 414-302-CITY (2489). However, residents must still dial 911 for all emergency calls. We have also implemented additional, memorable numbers for common requests. For voting and election information, please dial 414-302-VOTE (8683). For West Allis Farmers Market and any inquiries, please call 414-302-FARM (3276). These direct lines will route you to the correct department to get your questions answered.
Rosalie L. Reinke 414-543-0587 rreinke@westalliswi.gov
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City Staff have been meeting regularly with internal and external stakeholders to expand rodent abatement efforts – an issue I know many of you care about. Public education in this area is key to our success, and we encourage everyone to help a neighbor in learning about tried-and-true mitigation tactics that will assist the City’s efforts.
You are encouraged to explore Sincerely, the Downtown West Allis Fair Food Crawl
Thomas G. Lajsic 414-327-2661 tlajsic@westalliswi.gov
Fifth District
As we pass quarter one of the calendar year, I’m taking in all the progress we continue to make for West Allis. At the time of this writing, our Recreation Department is hard at work on a very special inclusive and accessible playground at 2450 S. 68th St., which I know many parents are excited to see their children use.
We continue to see exciting growth in Makers Row as local businesses choose our City for their expansion. Our Development team is hard at work making West Allis a convenient option for businesses, and we are Looking forward to our event season, seeing the many fruits of their labor. I wanted to note a few new, or With Summer 2022 upon us, I look forward to seeing reimagined, events: you all out enjoying our great City. Perhaps with a Pete’s • A La Carte returns this June • Free Mental Health events are Pop in hand, enjoying the much-missed sunshine. If nothing else, please come out to our first-ever available throughout May • The Tour of America’s Dairyland Cheese Wheel Classic bike race June 21 outside the race officially comes to town (our West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. This beloved Midwest race will be bringing national and international own Cheese Wheel Classic) • Makers Markets will take place at professional cyclists to the streets of West Allis, and you are invited to cheer them all on. our beautiful Farmers Market
Fourth District
Daniel J. Roadt 414-321-7264 droadt@westalliswi.gov
And Halloween Week programming has expanded (much to my excitement!)
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
CONNECT WITH US Questions or comments? Email communications@westalliswi.gov
N O W
H I R I N G
The City of West Allis is Hiring!
Why work for West Allis? We offer an unbeatable benefits package and generous paid time off. In addition, employees who live in West Allis earn an additional 3.5% on top of the standard hourly pay range. Continue reading for a taste of available positions. You can apply for these and other positions now at westalliswi.gov/careers.
Temporary Seasonal Laborers
Make the most of our gorgeous Wisconsin summers by working outdoors as a Temporary Seasonal Laborer with the West Allis Department of Public Works. These full-time seasonal positions offer great work hours from spring through early fall (start and end dates are flexible) and can lead to full-time, year-round employment, if interested. Learn more about public works operations and gain new skills in customer service, landscaping, road painting, sanitation work, and more. Seasonal positions are also a perfect opportunity for students to gain meaningful summer employment and get a glimpse of what it takes to maintain a local municipality. Open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Candidates must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license. Learn more and apply at westalliswi.gov/careers.
Sanitation & Streets Division Crewmember
The Department of Public Works is also hiring Crewmembers for its Sanitation & Streets Division. Pay is $21.07 to $24.08 per hour for this permanent, full-time position, and includes the following incentives: • • •
$1,500 hiring bonus $2/hour extra pay while working sanitation/recycling routes Pay incentive for completing routes ahead of schedule
The Crewmember position is perfect for someone who enjoys working with equipment. Tasks include manually loading refuse and recyclables into collection vehicles; operating large trucks and special purpose equipment; collecting or moving leaves and snow; and more.
Join Us!
Would you like to be part of something important? From Election Workers to Crewmembers (and everything in between!) our employees strive to give their best to our community. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this mission, visit westalliswi.gov/careers, where you can learn more about these and other career opportunities. Come see why West Allis is the new destination community in Southeast Wisconsin!
BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS
THE CITY CHANNEL
The City Channel continues to be an outlet for important local programming. The City Channel is available through Spectrum Cable, on channel 25, and is also found on AT&T channel 99. West Allis Common Council and Committee meetings broadcast live on the City Channel. Interested in following the Council meetings live and you don’t have Spectrum? We live stream our meetings on our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/westalliscitychannel. City Channel programming is continuously being updated. Current and ongoing series include: White House Chronicle, Into the Outdoors, Discover Wisconsin, Cooking and Kids, Spacecast Weekly, Ted Talks, and Fall of Civilizations. New program schedules are posted weekly; sign up for schedule notifications at westalliswi.gov/notifyme.
2020 Beautification Winner
The Department of Public Works Forestry Division provides staff support for the Public Beautification Committee and sponsors the annual awards for Best Porch, Patriotic Display, and Commendable Property. Properties selected are honored at a ceremony in September. In addition to the award, a sign is posted at each property, and the City’s Communications Department creates a video highlighting each property. Videos may be viewed on our City YouTube channel, the City channel, and on the City website. Nominate your favorite properties at westalliswi.gov/beautification. Nominations Due: Commendable Property: June 15 Best Porch: July 15 Patriotic Display: three business days prior to Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY!
Sponsorships are a wonderful way to invest in the City of West Allis and support the events and attractions that make our community a great place to live, work, and visit. When you join us as a sponsor, your contribution stays right here in the City, so you can see and experience the difference your gift makes.
create educational healthy-eating resources, and most importantly, support local family farmers.
deepen our connections with one another as we look to the future of our growing community. Our events truly bring the community together all year round, and we invite you to be our partner as we continue to show the world #thatswhywestallis.
Our parks provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation for the citizens of West Allis. To learn about the parks your gift will support, visit westalliswi.gov/parks.
Parks Sponsorship
Home to over a dozen City-owned parks, West Allis has many great places to get outside! Our Department of Public Works also maintains the trees, boulevards, and landscaping Imagine the joy on a child’s face at City facilities such as West Allis watching the Independence Day Farmers Market and West Allis Public Fireworks. Feel the cool shade Library. provided by our parks’ tree cover. Think about how West Allis Farmers You can play an important role in Market supports local farmers and supporting our parks and green provides fresh food to our diverse spaces and helping to keep West Allis community. You have the power to beautiful. Sponsorships are critical make sure these beloved West Allis investments needed to sustain and amenities are here for generations to improve our parks and landscaping. come. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels so you can Events Sponsorships With more than 60,000 residents find the sponsorship opportunity and hundreds of businesses that call that works for you, whether you’re West Allis home, we are brimming an individual, family, non-profit, or with opportunity to strengthen and corporate partner.
Farmers Market Sponsorships
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Serving thousands of area residents weekly and featuring more than 50 farm and food vendors throughout the year, the West Allis Farmers Market is preparing for more growth in numbers of customers, vendors, and sales as we plan for the 2022 season. While vendor fees cover the basic cost of operating the Market, funds from sponsorships are used to improve your experience at our market and for maintenance of the market structure year-round. Your support will go directly to programs that will increase the presence of local music, expand our events, It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
Learn More About Our Sponsorship Opportunities Today!
Sponsorships are available for individuals, households, businesses, and organizations, so whatever your budget, a sponsorship option is available for you. Even the smallest gift can make a big impact! Explore our sponsorship opportunities at westalliswi.gov/sponsorships or contact Chelsea Famularo at events@westalliswi.gov.
SPONSORS
The West Allis Christmas Parade is supported entirely by donations and the generosity of our sponsors.
GRAND MARSHALL •
WaterStone Bank
SANTA CLAUS •
B&K Bar Supply
GOLD STAR • •
Forward Disability Attorneys Mandel Group
SILVER BELL • • • •
Chr. Hansen City of West Allis Clinicare Corporation West Allis Knights of Columbus
On behalf of the West Allis Christmas Parade Committee, thank you to all the groups and individuals that volunteered their time and efforts to participate in the parade. Special thank you to the West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation and Community Services Department, the West Allis Police Department, and the West Allis Public Works Department for their efforts in making this a safe and successful event.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, 4:45 p.m.
The West Allis Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition and the premier nighttime Christmas parade in Southeast Wisconsin! Enjoy marching bands and live performers, creative floats and vintage vehicles, meet elves, cartoon characters, and of course, wave to Santa Claus himself at the end of the parade! To learn more about 2022 West Allis Christmas Parade sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at wachristmasparade.com.
The annual City of West Allis Independence Day Parade kicks off on Friday, July 1, at 7 p.m. Come grab your spot along the parade route which starts on Greenfield & 77th St. heading east, then south on 70th St., concluding at Orchard Ave. Enjoy marching bands, dancers, and performers galore! Join us for round two of the festivities on Monday, July 4, with the Independence Day Fireworks presented by Festival Foods. Come and grab your seat in the Wisconsin State Fair Park Grandstands for live entertainment starting at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks starting after dark.
For more information, visit westalliswi.gov/events. It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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May 7-Nov. 26, 2022 Tuesdays & Thursdays: Noon-6 p.m. Saturdays: 1-6 p.m. Founded in 1919, the West Allis Farmers Market is one of the largest and oldest continuously operating markets in the state. All our farmers raise what they sell, bringing you the freshest produce grown in Wisconsin. Don’t forget to check our schedule for a variety of other events throughout the season! 6501 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 westallisfarmersmarket.com
HEADS UP!
Temporary Farmers Market Parking Changes
The City wants to let residents and visitors know about temporary alterations to parking around the West Allis Farmers Market. Why the temporary changes?
66th Street Gets Improved Infrastructure
Next to the Farmers Market, S. 66th St. will be closed from W. National Ave. to W. Mitchell St. due to a street infrastructure project taking place until late July. This much-needed project will include reconstruction of an old road and the utilities that run underneath.
Exciting Business Development at Makers Row
Commotion on W. National Ave. is actually the sign of exciting new business development! SoNa Lofts and the Mandel Development of Makers Row (including restaurants and cafés) are each part of the positive, progressive economic development and growth at the City. The SoNa Lofts portion of the project will include the construction of approximately 110 market-rate apartment units and approximately 5,177 square feet of retail space in one three-story building. The Makers Row portion of the development, which will take place along S. 66 St., will include two buildings anchored by Valentine Coffee’s new headquarters at the corner of S. 66 St. and W. National Ave. Heaven’s Table BBQ, Dairyland, and Lola’s Empanadas have been added to the list of tenants that’ll set up shop at Makers Row, a food and beverage-based development being built in this Six Points neighborhood.
Where It’s Recommended to Park for Now
We recommend you check out our own lot with access off of 65th St., at 6501 W. National Ave.; the church parking lot at 6420 W. Mitchell St.*; and the school parking lot at 6213 W. Lapham St.; in addition to available street parking.
Planned Signage & Communications
We have a plan to easily guide you to available parking in our lot, nearby lots, and on nearby streets with wide communications and signage. In total, there are 184 dedicated parking lot spots for the public to take advantage of among available lots. For more information, visit westalliswi.gov/farmersfaqs. *City of Faith Church has agreed to share their parking lot at 6420 W. Mitchell St. (approximately 40 stalls), one block south of the market and you can continue to use Horace Mann School’s teacher parking lot (50 stalls) half of a block east of the market, during non-school hours.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
FOOD TRUCK
JUNE 17 JULY 15 JULY 29 AUG. 19 SEPT. 2 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 30
FRIDAYS FREE • FAMILY FRIENDLY • OUTDOOR • ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
5-8 P.M.
WE
RKET A M S R E M AR . ST ALLIS F ONAL AVE ATI 6501 W. N
LIVE MUSIC
National
NIGHT OUT 2022
Monday, July 25th 5-9 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market 65th & National Ave.
National Night Out (NNO) is a family-friendly event hosted by the West Allis Police Department and sponsored by Aurora Health Care. Enjoy music, inflatable attractions, coloring contests, concessions, and much more! • Health fair, sponsored by Aurora • K9 and SWAT demonstrations • Bike helmet give-away • Carnival games
Community Clean Up
Saturday, May 14, 2022 9-11:30 a.m. West Allis Police Department Substation The Community Services Unit of the West Allis Police Department is looking for volunteers to help clean up our city. Please join us for our Community Clean-Up. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Substation, 6900 W. National Ave., at 9 a.m. for sign in, supply pick up, and location assignments. The clean-up will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided to volunteers. Please note that all volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Any questions can be directed to Lt. Johnson at jjohnson@westalliswi.gov.
We Need Your Help!
We are looking for volunteers to help at NNO with ticket sales, raffle sales, table cleaning, garbage, and event tear down. Please contact Lt. Johnson at jjohnson@westalliswi. gov for more information or to sign up! It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 6-8 P.M.
2022
JUNE 23 AUG. 25 JULY 21 SEPT. 8 More information at westalliswi.gov/events.
2022 Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race Route
June 21
Tour of America’s Dairyland
An exciting new leg of the 2022 Tour of America’s Dairyland is hitting the streets of West Allis! This annual 11-day bike race was founded in 2009 and brings tours to 11 different communities in Southeast Wisconsin, making it the largest competitive road cycling series in the nation. Tuesday, June 21, will feature a Becher Street neighborhood route for the “Cheese Wheel Classic” sponsored by West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. Make sure you join the crowd to cheer on the racers and the West Allis community! More information at westalliswi.gov/toad.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
Cafe Hollander Tosa Village Classic Photo Credit: Tour of America’s Dairyland
SISTERS IN SPORT & BUSINESS:
If you didn’t know that West Allis is home to elite cyclists and international racers the Schneider Sisters, Samantha and Skylar, you now have a special piece of trivia up your sleeve. It will come in handy with the crowds flocking to West Allis June 21 for the very first Cheese Wheel Classic bike race, part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) series this summer. An impressive duo, Samantha is an 11-time National Champion in cycling and Skylar is a Junior World Championship Silver Medalist and Elite Pan-American Championship Medalist, among many other accolades. “We're thrilled about the ToAD race coming to West Allis! We've traveled the world racing but always dreamed about racing in our hometown, so it will be extremely special,” say the sisters.
Enjoy Homemade Bakery Atop Their Rooftop Patio
Sisters in family, sport, and now business, Samantha and Skylar are opening the aptly dubbed “Bread Pedalers,” a community-centric bakery and café in West Allis, "We’ve had to be fluid with our timeline…We have a goal set now to open our doors sometime in May 2022. It has been so exciting watching the renovation progress as our visions and dreams for The Bread Pedalers are literally coming to life,” they said. Located at the intersection of Greenfield Avenue and 92nd Street, it was important for the sisters to have their business in their hometown. They’ve set out to create a unique space to share with locals and travelers alike: "As professional cyclists, we've had the opportunity to travel and live abroad while racing. We're taking inspiration from around the world as we design the bakery and café space. The rooftop patio and bike parking space were essential to our plans as we want The Bread Pedalers to become a destination. The rooftop will certainly be a big attraction as it will increase the amount of seating.” What started as a weekly bread club in 2020 is on its way to a fully-fledged enterprise – currently the sisters offer online merchandise and goods (buy at thebreadpedalers. com), and eventually an in-house, rotating menu of bread, bakery items, coffee, tea, and other drinks. "As a way to bring in some funding for our renovation as well as support other small businesses, we launched an online market which will be updated frequently. It has been such a pleasure to put in orders with other small businesses, and to actively put our money where our mouth is when it comes to supporting small businesses,” they explained. Find carefully selected gifts and treats, among them playful cards, their very own custom Anodyne coffee blend, themed shirts and kitchen towels, and many more thoughtful curations.
‘Not Afraid to Take Whisks’
The Bread Pedalers is a dream allowing Samantha to bring her real estate and business practice into play, along with Skylar’s passion for bread making. This year the sisters will also be reuniting as teammates as they race professionally with L39ION of Los Angeles. To put it another way, they will be traveling the country to compete at the highest level on the number one ranked team in the U.S. Be sure to stop by the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe on Tuesday, June 21, to cheer them on in a race they love.
For more information, visit westalliswi.gov/toad. It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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SUMMER HELLO BECHER BASH
Saturday, May 14 Participating West Allis Businesses
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Monday, May 30, 11 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 6900 W. National Ave.
DINE & DASH
Saturday, June 4 Participating West Allis Businesses
MAKERS MARKET
Wednesday, July 20 West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W. National Ave.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Monday, July 25, 5-9 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W. National Ave.
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR
Thursday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 14 Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St.
SMALL PLATES
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6-9 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W. National Ave.
ART ON THE PLAZA
Friday, Sept. 9, 5-8 p.m. West Allis City Hall Centennial Plaza, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
WAWM Recreation Department Events
Summer Outdoor Movie Night Series: Friday, June 10: Liberty Heights Park, 1540 S. 62nd St. Friday, July 8: Klentz Park, 2601 S. 72nd St. Friday, Aug. 12: Mitchell Elementary, 10125 W. Montana Ave. Family Campout at Klentz Park: 2601 S. 72nd St. Friday/Saturday: July 22-23 Classics at the Creek: Honey Creek Park, 8405 W. National Ave. Wednesdays: June 22, July 13, Aug. 24
COVID-19 & WEST ALLIS EVENTS
While we hope to host these events in 2022, we continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and will adjust our events schedule accordingly. Visit westalliswi.gov/events for the latest updates or subscribe to receive events information at westalliswi.gov/notifyme.
HARVEST FAIR
Friday, Sept. 23-Sunday, Sept. 25 Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St.
PAWTOBERFEST
Sunday, Sept. 25, Noon-4 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W. National Ave.
BLOCKTOBERFEST
Saturday, Oct. 1 Becher Street from 68th-70th Streets
HALLOWEEN WEEK
Saturday, Oct. 22-Monday, Oct. 31 Various locations and activities throughout the City of West Allis
TRICK OR TREAT
Saturday, Oct. 29, 4-7 p.m.
Have a Happy Halloween in West Allis Downtown! On Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to Noon, the businesses of West Allis Downtown will be opening their doors to trick or treaters! Even though candy is only for kids 12 and under, this is an event the whole family can enjoy! For more information, visit westallisdowntown.com/Halloween-hunt.
AUTUMN TIME It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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WEST ALLIS A LA CARTE IS BACK! SUNDAY, JUNE 5
West Allis A La Carte returns on Sunday, June 5. After a two-year hiatus, Downtown West Allis Inc. is ecstatic to be bringing back their popular West Allis A La Carte! Known as the biggest block party in West Allis, Greenfield Avenue between 70th and 76th Streets will be filled with music, 20+ food stops, local vendors, and more from Noon to 5 p.m. the first Sunday in June! For more information, visit westallisdowntown. com/west-allis-a-la-carte.
TASTE OF THE FAIR AT THE FAIR FOOD CRAWL WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3
Back by popular demand, the Downtown West Allis Fair Food Crawl returns this summer to kick off Fair Week! Starting at $15, attendees can try local restaurants’ take on their fair favorites including cream puffs, grilled cheese, sliders, and more! Tickets go on sale early May at westallisdowntown. com/fair-food-crawl.
DOWNTOWN WEST ALLIS CLASSIC CAR SHOW SUNDAY, OCT. 2 This year’s Classic Car Show is Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with classic cars, food, music, and good times! If you want to show off your car in the show, you can register your vehicle starting mid-July at westallisdowntown. com/classic-car-show. There will be no day-of registration.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
westallislibrary.org
Summer Activities, Lego Club, Teen Programs, Adult Programs, and Fall Story Time Registration
Visit the West Allis Public Library this summer to check out books, programs, and more for everyone! The library’s Summer Reading Program begins on June 1 for all ages. Kids, teens, and adults can register at the library or online at westallislibrary.beanstack.org and earn prizes and raffle entries by reading this summer. Join us on Wednesdays, June 22 through July 27, for special family shows at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. There will be live animals, music, and more! Shows are planned to be held outside of the library. In the event of inclement weather, shows will move indoors. Storytime will move back outside this summer, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Starting June 14, kids of all ages can listen to stories, sing songs, and have tons of fun with Miss Mary.
WEST ALLIS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
JOIN US!
Have you missed Lego Club? It has returned! Kids in K-5th grade can join us at the library to free-build with the library’s Legos. Then, we’ll display the Legos in the Children’s Department for the month, before doing it all over again. Lego Clubs are 2-3 p.m., on Saturdays, June 11, July 2, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 1. Registration is required. We have teen programs for all types of interests: Anime Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Friday Fun, Pageturners, Tie Dye, Decades Prom, Random Fandom, and a back-to-school event! We will also have teen Lit Loot with a new theme each month! Adult programs offered this summer include Getting Crafty, Coloring Club, Books & Coffee, Nonfiction Book Club, and Friday Film Club. We will also be bringing back yoga with Susie Melott of Yoga Is Served! Lit Loot boxes will be available this summer in June, July, and August. If you have not yet had the chance to enjoy a Lit Loot box and would like to be registered for one of the summer months, please contact Desirae at 414-302-8540. Mark your calendar! Registration for Fall Storytime begins on Tuesday, Sept. 6. We have storytime sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Visit westallislibrary.org, or stop in the library for the full schedule. For a complete listing of our programs please visit westallislibrary. org/events. Circulation: 414-302-8503 Reference: 414-302-8500 Children’s Department: 414-302-8502 Library Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. (Oct.-April) Library Closures Memorial Day weekend: Saturday, May 28 & Monday, May 30 Independence Day: Monday, July 4 Labor Day weekend: Saturday, Sept. 3 & Monday, Sept. 5
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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WHAT’S BREWING IN WEST ALLIS
Photo Credit: Ope! Brewing/Instagram
OPE! BREWING
Remember that this summer also sees two new breweries added to the West Allis roster. Ope! Brewing launches at 6751 W. National Ave. with a 13,000-squarefoot space. This includes a 15-barrel brewhouse, 6,000 square feet of taproom, and a half-acre beer garden complete with yard games. Expect their opening this summer.
PERSPECTIVE BREWING CO. Ethiopian Brews setting up in the old space of Schroeder Used Books & Music
ETHIOPIAN COFFEE SHOP
In coffee news, a new shop is planned at 7629 W. Greenfield Ave., with renovation work to begin this spring. What makes this spot different? This distinctly Ethiopian coffee shop plans to bring intense flavor and freshness to the forefront.
Brothers Dan and Ben Naus are opening Perspective Brewing Co. at 7508 W. Greenfield Ave.! Their space includes a 1,500-square-foot taproom, a beer garden, and a barrel brewing system. You’ll find European-style beer, of note their Belgian ales, on tap. Perspective is due to open this spring.
Co-owners Thomas and Amina Bell will open the shop in a 978-squarefoot space once occupied by Schroeder Used Books & Music. This corner storefront will include table and bar seating and a prep kitchen. The Bells have stated that “coffee from Ethiopia is known for its bright fruited and floral flavors. These coffees typically have a light to medium body and complex flavor notes.” Service will not only include coffee drinks and teas, but pastries, soup, salads, cold sandwiches, fruit, and healthy options.
KINDLY COFFEE
New coffee shop Kindly Coffee will prioritize employing people with special needs. The idea came from the incredible bond between co-owner Sydney Tucker and her sister Emma; a connection strengthened over coffee. With Emma’s passing, Sydney decided to honor her little sister’s memory with a passion project you will find at 1205 S. 70th St. this June. New businesses like this have been made possible by the City of West Allis Economic Development team and available grants.
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Photo Credit: Perspective Brewing/Instagram
TRAVELING BEER GARDEN COMES TO WEST ALLIS
The Traveling Beer Garden, run by Milwaukee County Parks, begins in May and runs through September. For more information visit: travelingbeergardens.com. ROLL OUT THE BARREL TOUR Greenfield Park: Aug. 3-Aug. 21 2028 S. 124th St. Sydney Tucker prepares for opening Photo Credit: Kindly Coffee/Instagram
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
PASS ME A PINT TOUR McCarty Park: July 6-July 24 8214 W. Cleveland Ave.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
WEST ALLIS RESIDENT HIGHLIGHT
Senior Center Member
MEET CHARLES (CHUCK) CHAPETA ABOUT CHUCK Well, this July I’ll be turning 96 years old, and it will also be my 6th skydive! My birthday is July 6 and we have gone skydiving the last five summers. I was born in 1926 and raised in Chicago, and raised Catholic, as well. I’m a veteran; I joined the Navy when I was 17-and-a-half years old and was aboard the U.S.S. Alcyone. I was in Tokyo Bay during the peace treaty signing, actually. I do wear my World War II Veteran hat wherever I go; I eat with this hat, I go everywhere with my hat. AFTER WWII When I was home after the war, in ‘46, I was very lucky to get the jobs I had. I could never have done all that by myself. I had help. Did you ever see an 8th-grade graduate becoming plant manager or plant foreman? No. It was my faith. I was raised Catholic, and raised my own family Catholic, as well. COMING TO WEST ALLIS My daughter Shirley has been with me ever since I sold my house in Florida in 2018, and came up here close to her. My second wife had passed away, and I had all kinds of bad things happening. So I moved up to Wisconsin. And my daughter Shirley is known at the hospital as my “boss”! They call her the boss. I moved to West Allis in 2019. I had lived in Florida for 25 years previously. I lived with Shirley and my grandaughter briefly, but they both work and volunteer so dang much that I was in the house all by myself! So after a few weeks they found me a place at Library Square Senior Community. I’ve lived there 5 years and I run games in the dining room, and call the bingo. I make it a point to do things that make me feel better, and that make people laugh. Laughing is good for your health!
WATCH CHUCK’S INTERVIEW! If you enjoyed this interview, hear more from Chuck during our video interview.
Chuck holding a photo of himself skydiving
SENIOR CENTER A couple years ago, Shirley brought me to the West Allis Senior Center and introduced me to exercising. She showed me how you take care of people in the class (where we don’t push anybody! ha!) and I’m her assistant. I also used to help with the Christmas cookies. I did help this past year making the to-go lunches during the pandemic, but I can’t stand in one place for too long because my back won’t let me, so I didn’t do it for too long. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 EXERCISE! I help lead the Arthritis Exercise Classes with Shirley three times a week. It is held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We’re helping each other in the class relieve any pain and improve our flexibility. I’ve been doing this for the last couple of years. There were 19 people here today and that was very good! It’s good to see people coming because we all need it. I don’t overdo it; my muscles will tell me to take it easy if I do. When you get older, your body doesn’t work as fast as your brain. I often talk out loud and coach everyone through the exercise. I tell everyone how good they are, and that they’re getting better every day! SKYDIVING WITH HIS HEART DOCTOR We go skydiving through Skydive Midwest in Sturtevant. The first time I ever went, I went with my grandson. I told him if he could get away from work for one day, I would pay his fare, and we went. It was fun, and then I keep trying to get other people to go with me! I went with one of my daughters a different year, but she didn’t take to it too well because of motion sickness. Last year I went with my heart doctor, Dr. Lohr. I had my knee replaced a few years ago, and I also owe a lot to both my heart doctor and my daughter as I’ve been in the ER a couple two-tree times. When you’re up there, the houses are so small; they look like postage card stamps. And I always dive with this fella named Kazu. It was just excellent. Everything from the free fall, to the calm you feel. The first time I went, was the best time. You fall, oh, thousands of feet – before the parachute deploys. I look forward to it every summer, and that’s what keeps me going. It’s amazing, the feeling you get. And my heart doctor, she told me I’m no longer her patient – I’m her friend. Chuck with his daughter, Shirley
Arthritis exercise class at the Senior Center
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER
WELCOMES NEW INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT FAIRVIEW PARK
The West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to share the construction of our new inclusive playground and accessible park pathways at Fairview Park, located at 2450 S. 68th St. The newly expanded playground is designed so that all that want to play, can. The existing playground equipment that is onsite is designed for children ages 6 and under, which limits the number of kids that can be served. Additionally, accessibility challenges exist for access to the playground equipment and swings. Our department secured the assistance of Parkitecture, leaders in park planning and design, to help with the design phase. Feedback and input was solicited from neighbors and members of the immediate community who helped to provide direction with planning and designs. Proposals received were shared with the community who had the opportunity to vote for their preferred design. We received such an overwhelming response, which helped make the selection process easy. We are excited to partner with BCI Burke and Lee Recreation for the purchase and installation of the playground equipment, as both are located right here in Wisconsin! Funding for the new inclusive playground was built into the annual budget and fund balance. The new playground will feature a vibrant, fun and engaging modular structure with climbing tower, an orbitinclusive spinner, orb rocker, roller hill slide, hill climbers, new swing set bay, and a zip line. The new poured-in-place surfacing will provide a cleaner and safer play environment, than the current wood chips. A number of accessible pathways will also be installed throughout the park property to increase access to all of the park amenities. The new playground will hopefully bring visitors to the park from all around West Allis and West Milwaukee. Project completion is scheduled for early June and you can follow the construction and progress on our website at wawmrec.com.
INTERSECTION PROJECTS COMING SOON Locations • 60th & Greenfield • 76th & Becher • 92nd & Lincoln Overview The proposed project will implement traffic signal upgrades to improve safety at these three intersections that currently have a higher crash rate than the statewide average. Schedule Construction is anticipated to start in spring of 2022. Work is scheduled to be completed by fall/ winter 2022. Traffic Impacts/Staging Highlights • 92nd & Lincoln intersection: Reconstructing concrete pavement and underground utilities along Lincoln from S. 91st St. to S. 93rd St. • Stage 1: Close the east leg of the intersection from 91st to 92nd and detour Lincoln to the north along Becher from National to S. 84th St. in May and June. • Stage 2: Close the intersection of 92nd & Lincoln and detour both Lincoln and 92nd Street on 84th St. between Becher and Cleveland from June to August. • Stage 3: Close the west leg of the intersection from 92nd to 93rd and detour Lincoln along Becher from National to S. 84th St. again from August to October. • •
76th & Becher intersection: Underground utility work is necessary therefore S. 76th St. pavement will be overlaid with asphalt. Close the entire intersection and detour both S. 76th St. and Becher St. along National, 84th, Lincoln, and 71st from June to September.
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60th & Greenfield: Minor signal work only. There will be single lane closures from June to August with a temporary signal to keep the roads open to traffic.
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Access will be maintained during construction.
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These dates may change due to supply chain challenges contractors are experiencing with some materials.
Modifications to No Parking sign locations: When left turn lanes are lengthened the no parking areas need to be extended to avoid conflicts between traffic and parked vehicles. No parking signs may shift during construction.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
Stop The Stigma
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mental health is essential to overall wellbeing. It is important to recognize the challenges in life that impact mental health, find ways to reach out to give and receive support and create healthy routines. It is time to Stop the Stigma! Join us for a variety of activities to learn about practical tools to improve mental health and increase resiliency. For more details, visit aurora.org/events, keyword MH Stigma, call 888-863-5502, or use QR code.
Stop the Stigma continued
Drumming Event Tuesday, May 24 6:30-7:30 p.m. West Allis Recreation Department, 2450 S. 68th St. Have fun participating in a drumming session with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music! Registration: wawmrec.com or call Linda at 414-604-4911
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662 HELP (4357) SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 Mental Health America mhawisconsin.org NAMI namiwisconsin.org Impact 211 impactinc.org Apps: Calm, Sanvello, Moodfit, MoodMission, Happify
Resilience: Bouncing Back Thursday, May 5, 6-7 p.m. West Allis Recreation Department, 2450 S. 68th St. Presentation with open discussion to follow at 7 p.m. Registration: aurora.org/events Keyword: MH Stigma or by calling 888-863-5502 Friday, May 6 1-1:25 p.m. Exploring Mental Health through Balletic Movement 1:30-2 p.m. Slow Flow Yoga for Relaxation Wisconsin Athletic Club West Allis location 1939 S. 108th St., West Allis Registration opens April 1: Call Wisconsin Athletic Club, West Allis at 414-321-2500 Note: People can register for one or both. West Allis Recreation Family Night Wednesday, May 11, 6-8 p.m. West Allis Recreation Department, 2450 S. 68th St. Family night with a variety of activities planned from line dancing, stretching, puzzles, coloring, a walking ,activity on the track, and more. Registration: wawmrec.com or call Linda at 414-6044911 Teen Mental Health Break (For students in grades 6-12) Tuesday, May 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. West Allis Public Library, 7421 W. National Ave. Learn some simple stress-relieving activities to help them focus and relieve tension through simple journaling activities to work out tough emotions and brainstorm activities that will help relieve stress and increase mindfulness. Registration opens May 3: online at westallislibrary. org/events or by calling 414-302-8500
Community Health Assessment
The West Allis Health Department has launched the Community Health Assessment (CHA). The purpose of the CHA is to identify the community’s current health status, needs, and issues through data collection and analysis. This information is then used to determine where resources should be allocated to best meet the community’s needs. We invite you to take the survey and be part of the change! If you reside, learn, work, play, or worship in West Allis or West Milwaukee, your participation is needed.
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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West Allis Spotlight
THE INFAMOUS
ROD NELSON
If you mention the name Rod Nelson in earshot of West Allis, many would immediately picture the friendly neighborhood cop they knew for 21 years. But Rod Nelson, recently retired, wasn’t always a police officer. In fact, for 20 years prior to his service, he was a printing press operator at Badger State Printery – “I was very good at printing, but I was inside all day long, and I didn’t really like it,” Rod explained. He decided to start over and go back to school.
“I did my college homework at the same time as my kids did theirs, and then I took the West Allis job in 2000.” With his associates degree in Criminal Justice from Milwaukee Area Technical College, he knew he wouldn’t have to look far for his dream role: “West Allis was always my first choice. I like our people. I like our City. It’s very similar to me. We’re the kind of people that are willing to bust our behinds and work very hard.” To Serve, Protect, & Play Rod was born in West Milwaukee but lived in West Allis for 60 years before moving upon his retirement. Rod was known for spreading joy while checking up on the public, and took the
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
service part of his oath very seriously. When asked his favorite achievement, he quickly claimed the best moments “were to help somebody and not have them know who did it or where the help came from,” and keep it secret, and if not secret, a surprise. Rod was a member of CAAD, the Community Alliance Against Drugs: “All it really was, in my opinion, was a group of people that got together, and we shared with them what it was like to just hang out. We prompted parents to understand that you can have a really good time with your kids, without drinking, without smoking.” Rod is quick to admit he would not only tease his colleagues at the Police Department, but he’d routinely tease the public as well. Case in point – April Fools’ day. Choosing to Whistle While You Work “I didn’t like to use the radar gun, but when I had to, I used it on April Fools’ Day. I pulled over four or five different cars and I would, you know, give them the same spiel that I would give everybody that day. Take their driver’s license, ask about their record, tell them ‘Well, not so sure about that record now,’ go back to my car, wait a spell, and come back and tell them ‘April Fools’.’ These people, they just gasped and laughed. And you know, I didn’t get any complaints. And they remembered something meaningful that day about driving. That was pretty fun.” “It’s kind of like the old saying ‘whistle while you work,’ right? Right? I mean, every day isn’t a whistling day, but that’s pretty much up to you. I choose to whistle.”
From the Schools, to the Streets Not everyone would request a demotion, but that’s exactly what Rod did partway through his career, to continue to do the type of police work he loved: “In my case, I actually moved up to Sergeant and was in the schools. But, I didn’t feel like I was being used. I asked to go back down to Corporal, because I could get more accomplished.” Reflecting on where he made an impact, he recalls Liberty Heights Park: “That was one of the places we used to have all kinds of problems with. I spent a lot of time there. When I’d go down there, I’d watch the basketball games. It got to a point where I didn’t even have to ask the kids anymore not to smoke cigarettes on the playground. Before, I would just walk up to them quietly to say, ‘Can you just go to the other side of the fence and do that?’ And after a while, they would do this to each other. You know, addressing them that way, let people kind of self-police themselves, too.” Blessed with the Best in West Allis Since retiring, Rod has moved up to Wild Rose, Wis., with the goal of spending more time with family, including his daughter in the military, when she is able, and to travel and see the wide world beyond West Allis. With one parting sentiment, Rod expressed, “I was blessed to be a police officer, but it didn’t make me better than anybody else. My goal was just to try to make people comfortable.” To read the full article, with more from Rod, please visit westalliswi.gov/ rodnelson.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICER
The WISH Program Women Initiate Self-Healing & Hope Domestic Violence Support Group WISH is a support, empowerment, and educational group for women who are in an abusive relationship or have been in an abusive relationship. The group helps women gain support, insight, and strength from other women who have experienced domestic violence. WISH provides a safe place to learn about the cycle of violence, gain self-awareness, and heal. All services are free and confidential. The program is offered through the West Allis Police Department, in partnership with the Woman’s Club of West Allis. Topics Include: • Different types of domestic violence • Personal growth and healing • Building healthy relationships • Self-awareness and boundaries • Effective communication skills • Self-care and healing • The effect of domestic violence on children WISH support group meets once a week on Mondays from 6-7:30 p.m. To reserve a space or for more information, call 414-302-8065.
Please welcome Corporal Scott Poklasny as our newly appointed Community Resource Officer. Cpl. Poklasny graduated from D.A.R.E. Officer Instructor Training Program in February. The West Allis Police Department, along with the West Allis/West Milwaukee School District, supports this program and its efforts to assist youths with sound judgment and decision making, including but not limited to resisting drug and alcohol abuse. He will begin teaching the new D.A.R.E. curriculum to 5th grade students beginning in September of 2022.
West Allis-West Milwaukee Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit program organized and supported by citizens concerned with preventing and solving local crime. This helps keep our communities a safe place to live, work, and play. If you want to help our local law enforcement with information you know about a crime, or a person who has committed a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-476-CASH (2274). You can remain anonymous. If an arrest is made you become eligible for a cash award up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers meets once a month to determine awards.
SUPPORT WISH TODAY! The impact of domestic violence on the community, families, and an individual is long lasting. Together, we make it possible for women to gain the courage and strength to live free of violence and abuse. Generous donations have helped to sustain the WISH Program. Donations can be directed to the West Allis Police Department, C/O Holli Stephens, 11301 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, WI, 53227. Checks can be made payable to the City of West Allis (“For WISH” in the memo). The tax identification number for the City of West Allis is 39-6005651. On behalf of the WISH Program of the West Allis Police Department, we express a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the support.
EASY CRIME PREVENTION TIPS Thieves are people of opportunity. Let’s make it a bit more difficult for them by doing these three things: • Prevent a theft from your car: Lock your car doors, especially when parked in the alley or on the street. • Prevent a garage burglary: Lock your side door, also known as a service door or pedestrian door and close your overhead door. • Prevent being a victim of a scam. If you do not recognize the phone number on your phone, DO NOT answer it. If it is important, they will leave a message. If you feel you may have been scammed, visit ftc.gov/passiton for more information. If you would like a group presentation on scams that are common today, please contact Lt. Johnson at jjohnson@westalliswi.gov.
WEST ALLIS P LICE
News Report
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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ELECT I ONEWS N POLLING, ELECTION, & REPRESENTATIVE INFO Polling Location Change
Due to the 2020 Census, please be aware that the wards in the City of West Allis have changed due to redistricting. This affects where you vote on election day. Please visit myvote.wi.gov for more details related to your polling location, voting options, future elections, and more.
Who Are My Elected Officials?
Find out what district you live in and who your alderpersons are by using myvote. wi.gov. Select the My Voter Info tab and then type in your first name, last name, and date of birth to see who your elected officials are. For more information on your alderpersons, visit westalliswi.gov/ commoncouncil.
POLLING PLACES EFFECTIVE FEB. 17, 2022 •
WARDS 1, 2, 3: Senior Center, 7001 W. National Ave.
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WARDS 4, 5, 16: Recreation Center, 2450 S. 68th St.
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WARDS 6, 17: McCarty Park Pavilion, 2567 S. 78th St.
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WARDS 7, 8, 9, 10: City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave.
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WARDS 11, 20: Mother of Perpetual Help, 2322 S. 106th St.
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WARDS 12, 13, 14: Central High School, 8516 W. Lincoln Ave.
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WARDS 15, 21, 22: Lane Intermediate School, 1300 S. 109th St.
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WARDS 18, 19: Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School, 9501 W. Cleveland Ave.
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WARDS 23, 24, 25: Nathan Hale, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
2022 IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES September
21: Deadline for county clerks to deliver ballots and supplies to municipal clerks for the General Election. 22: Deadline for municipal clerks to send absentee ballots to electors with valid requests on file for the General Election. (UOCAVA deadline).
October
Upcoming Elections in 2022
Please make note of these dates for upcoming 2022 elections: • Fall Primary: Tuesday, Aug. 9 • General/Gubernatorial Election: Tuesday, Nov. 8
Continued
2022 IMPORTANT SUMMER/FALL ELECTION DATES June
22: Deadline for county clerks to deliver ballots and supplies to municipal clerks for the Partisan Primary. 23: Deadline for municipal clerks to send absentee ballots to electors with valid requests on file for the Partisan Primary. (UOCAVA deadline).
July
12: Last day to establish residency for the Partisan Primary. Electors moving after this date may vote from their prior address. 18: First day for special voting deputies to conduct absentee voting for residents in nursing homes and authorized care facilities for the Partisan Primary. 20: Deadline to register to vote by mail or online to vote in the Partisan Primary. After this date, electors must register in person in the municipal clerk’s office or at the polling place. 26: In-Person Absentee Voting begins. July 26, 27, 28, 29; August 1, 2, 3, 4: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; August 5: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
August
4: Deadline (5 p.m.) for regular and overseas electors to request absentee ballots by mail, online, email, or fax for Partisan Primary only. 5: Deadline (5 p.m.) indefinitely confined and military electors not on active duty away from their voting residence to request absentee ballots by mail, online, email, or fax for the Partisan Primary. 5: Deadline (5 p.m.) for calendar year absentee ballot requests to be submitted by mail, online, email, or fax to receive absentee ballot for Partisan Primary. 5: Deadline (5 p.m.) for electors to register to vote in the municipal clerk’s office. 7: Last day for electors (except hospitalized electors and sequestered jurors) to make application in person for absentee ballots. 8: Last day (5 p.m.) for special voting deputies to conduct absentee voting for residents in nursing homes and authorized care facilities for Partisan Primary. 9: Partisan Primary: Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 9: Deadline (5 p.m.) for military electors on active duty away from their voting residence to request absentee ballots. 9: Deadline (8 p.m.) for all absentee ballots to be delivered to City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., which is the Central Count location.
11: Last day to establish residency for the General Election. Electors moving after this date may vote from their prior address. 19: Deadline for electors to register by mail or online to vote in the General Election. After this date, electors must register in person in the municipal clerk’s office or at the polling place. 25: In-Person Absentee Voting Begins. Oct. 25, 26, 27, 28, 31; Nov. 1, 2, 3: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Nov. 4: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Watch the election results as they are submitted to the Milwaukee County Election Commission.
Visit city.milwaukee.gov/ election/electioninformation/ electionresults to view the election totals as they are submitted by each municipality. You will need to refresh your internet browser periodically. We will also be posting the combined totals from the polling places and central count at westalliswi.gov/ elections.
The DANGERS OF PRESSED PILLS The West Allis Fire Department would like to call attention to the potentially lethal consequences of buying medications from non-regulated marketplaces such as Snapchat, eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, friends, co-workers, or acquaintances. According to NBCNews.com, many drug dealers are utilizing social media sites to advertise and sell their drugs, including Snapchat, the social media app popular with teens and younger people (Solon, 2021). Snapchat’s parent company Snap responded to this, saying that it is hiring more staff to police profiles and report drug-related activity to police, including the DEA (Solon, 2021). Still, the threat remains, particularly to the younger generation and those who utilize social media more. Reference: Solon, Oliva. When one pill kills. The Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Bureau has identified a recent increase in the number of overdoses occurring on what are called “pressed” pills. Many times, these pills are masqueraded as simple, OTC medications, such as Tylenol, but in fact contain much deadlier substances. This includes fentanyl, a drug that is 100 times more potent than morphine and roughly 50 times more potent (and lethal) than heroin. These pills can contain several kinds of drugs - both legal and illegal - that are then “pressed” together and shaped into a harmless-looking pill to be sold on the street or online. Machines and equipment that make these counterfeit pills are abundant, enabling drug dealers to make money while hiding their illegal trade.
HELPFUL TIP! Working smoke alarms and having a home escape plan are basic fire safety essentials but there is more you can do! Close before you doze! Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped. For more information, visit closeyourdoor.org.
FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS
Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get out
of control and turn dangerous. Fire spreads very quickly and the smoke can be thick. Fire is hot! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. If you inhale this super-hot air, it will scorch your lungs. Fire is dark! Fire starts bright, but quickly makes black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented, and unable to find your way around your home. Fire is deadly! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door.
STAY POWERED UP!
Electricity powers each day whether it is our coffee pot in the morning, drying our laundry, or a battery keeping our cell phones alive. While electricity makes our life easier, that kind of power needs to be used safely so we can keep taking on the day. Take care when energizing your day and follow a few simple safety tips: • Use devices and appliances that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. • Use devices and appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes proper use, charging (if necessary), and maintenance. • Unplug devices once fully charged and unplug small appliances when not in use. • Ensure all devices, appliances, and accessories are in good condition. Take any damaged items to a qualified repair center or safely dispose of the item and purchase a new one. • Stop using the device or appliance if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, or odd noises.
WAFD We s t A l l i s F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
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GARBAGE AND RECYCLING FOR: MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, AND LABOR DAY
Due to holidays, garbage and recycling collection crews will be working on an adjusted schedule. Below is a chart to help you determine when to set out your garbage and recycling. Find your scheduled collection day, then set out your garbage and/or recycling on the first day listed. If your items are not collected on the first day listed, collection will take place on the following day.
MEMORIAL DAY 2022
Black Week
Scheduled Collection Day
Adjusted Collection Day (If not collected on first day listed, collection will take place the following day)
Monday, May 30
Tuesday, May 31
Tuesday, May 31
Tuesday, May 31 and/or Wednesday, June 1
Wednesday, June 1
Wednesday, June 1 and/or Thursday, June 2
Thursday, June 2
Thursday, June 2 and/or Friday, June 3
Friday, June 3
Friday, June 3
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2022
Red Week
Scheduled Collection Day
Adjusted Collection Day (If not collected on first day listed, collection will take place the following day)
Monday, July 4
Tuesday, July 5
Tuesday, July 5
Tuesday, July 5 and/or Wednesday, July 6
Wednesday, July 6
Wednesday, July 6 and/or Thursday, July 7
Thursday, July 7
Thursday, July 7 and/or Friday, July 8
Friday, July 8
Friday, July 8
LABOR DAY 2022
Black Week
Scheduled Collection Day
Adjusted Collection Day (If not collected on first day listed, collection will take place the following day)
Monday, Sept. 5
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Tuesday, Sept. 6 and/or Wednesday, Sept. 7
Wednesday, Sept. 7
Wednesday, Sept. 7 and/or Thursday, Sept. 8
Thursday, Sept. 8
Thursday, Sept. 8 and/or Friday, Sept. 9
Friday, Sept. 9
Friday, Sept. 9
CITY-ISSUED GARBAGE CARTS ON SALE NOW!
Order now until May 31 to get 50% off the regular purchase price. Any home in West Allis that does not have a City-issued garbage cart must have one by June 1. You may have up to two garbage and recycling carts per household. You can learn more, and purchase here: westalliswi.gov/ garbagecart. 2022 Garbage & Recycling Booklet is Available online for you to download and keep on hand. Visit westalliswi. gov/dpw.
Please note: City of West Allis offices are open on Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, Oct. 10
The Municipal Yard and Morgan Avenue sites will be closed for drop-off, DPW offices will be closed and garbage and recycling will not be collected on: Saturday, May 28; Memorial Day, Monday, May 30; Saturday, July 2; Independence Day, Monday, July 4; Saturday, Sept. 3; and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. Questions regarding your collection may be directed to the Sanitation & Street Division at 414-302-8800 or the Recycling Office at 414-302-8831, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by viewing information on the City’s website at westalliswi. gov/dpw.
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It's Your City: West Allis, Wisconsin
Rodent Abatement Actions & Plans by the City
The City has provided increased funding for nuisance animal abatement and control, and so far in 2022 also taken concrete actions to explore how to disrupt the rodent reproductive cycle, the possible involvement of a pest control company, and to research advanced trapping tools. Key Actions Taken Prior to 2022: • Creation of rodent control program workgroup. • Allocation of additional funding for pest control services. • Issued violations and citations for non-contained refuse/containers. • Removed brush and overgrowth from many locations. • Routine inspection and education of residents/businesses. • Rec Department made strides to keep food served in one area. • Bait stations installed at buildings and transfer station and in sewers. • Purchased rodent-proof trash receptacles for the Farmers Market. • Landlord Training sponsored by the Police Department. • Resident Letter created; Property Owner Violation Letter created.
Planned Actions for 2022 & On: • Bimonthly reports to the License and Health Committee. • Hiring of pest control vendor to address a hot spot. • Conduct walk-throughs in neighborhoods. • Place door hangers & direct mail to residents in hot spots. • Produce Public Service Announcements (PSA) Key Actions in Progress by the City Now: relating to how residents can take action. • Develop public education and awareness campaign. • Create short videos showing the baiting done by • Identification of hot spots. City staff. • Weekly meetings of rodent control workgroup. • Acquire additional funding and create ongoing • Creation of rat identification qualifications of rat infestations. education and campaigning. • Review of current processes and educational materials. • Add an Insect and Rodent Control Food Safety • Installation of rodent-proof trash receptacles for the Farmers Market. Fact Sheet to the website. • Creation of inspection checklist. • Create brochures for all licensed food establishments on preventing rat harborages and For more information and how to help with rodent infestations, visit westalliswi.gov/ratprevention. the consequences of not doing so.
BRUSH COLLECTION: MAY 9 (RED WEEK) - OCT. 7 (BLACK WEEK)
Brush is woody material from trees, shrubs, and trimmings from bushes. On recycling day, up to one cubic yard of brush will be collected. Brush will not be collected during the holiday weeks of May 30, July 4, and Sept. 5. For amounts larger than one cubic yard, call the Sanitation and Street Division at 414-302-8800 for a charge and collection. Place between the sidewalk and curb, cut brush into lengths of 5 feet or less, and put smaller pieces of brush in a box or can marked “brush.” Do not put brush in bags and do not mix yard waste into brush piles.
Dedicated to Our People and Our Communities Be something greater. Be Quad. Quad is proud to be a part of the West Allis Community. This publication is printed by Quad.
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NEW RESIDENT GUIDE
WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS! Request a copy online today!
The New Resident Guide is a helpful guide providing a variety of information about the City of West Allis. This includes your Common Council, City Departments, West Allis Farmers Market, and ways to get involved in the City. The City of West Allis welcomes you and your family. Thank you for choosing to call West Allis home! To view the New Resident Guide online or to request a copy, visit westalliswi.gov/ residentguide. Or stop by the West Allis Public Library at 7421 W. National Ave. (hours vary) to pick up your copy.
AB O U T I T’ S Y O U R C I T Y
It’s Your City is published by the City’s Communications Department. This publication highlights the positive news, stories, and events in the City of West Allis. It’s Your City Monthly, an electronic supplement to the print newsletter, is emailed monthly.
Subscribe at westalliswi.gov/notifyme Contributors Aurora Jennifer Bartel Chelsea Famularo Rachel Gintner Lt. Jessica Johnson Jonathan Matte Deyana Petrick Brenda Schmid City Staff WAWM Recreation & Community Services Department West Allis Downtown/BID West Allis Library
Editors Jennifer Bartel Rachel Gintner Rebecca Grill Jonathan Matte Tracey Uttke Design/Production Jennifer Bartel Photo Editor Jennifer Bartel
Sign up to receive emergency text or email notifications at westalliswi.gov/civicready Want to know what's happening in the City? Sign up for the latest news at westalliswi.gov/notifyme