Then Again

Posing as a grandson -- who needs money to get out of jail in Canada because of a fishing violation -- apparently is a successful scam operation.

In my last blog I had described how a friendly young guy claimed to be my grandson, Jim. He tolld me that he and his buddies unknowingly were fishing on hallowed Indian grounds in Ontario, and now he needed money to get out of jail. .

He said he had a cold and I was completely convinced I was talking to Jim with a cold. Fortunately I had no cash available to contribute. I told him I would have to sell some stock and that would take four days to clear. When I suggested he call "Uncle Mark," he suddenly hung up.

Calls among my family members located Jim at his desk at work, followed by my call to the New Berlin Police Department. Checking back with an officer last week, he said there had been no other similar complaints.

But there are a many reports about "grandparent scams," listed on the internet.

For instance, a Massachusetts newspaper reported that a third resident had fallen prey to this telephone scam and two of the victims lost more than $9,000. Their grandsons supposedly were arrested in Canada for fishing without a license and the grandmothers needed to wire money immediately from either Wal-Mart or U.S. Bank.

Or the caller might say there was some type of motor vehicle violation.

The Pittsburgh Gazette noted a grandmother, who walks with a cane, drove to Wal-Mart to wire $1,000 in bail money. Then she was contacted a second time. Becoming suspicious, she called her grandson’s mother and learned he was at work. The scammer still had the nerve to call her a third time.

When in doubt about a request for money, police advise asking the caller how to reach him and that you will call him back. If he doesn’t do that, it’s a sign he is up to no good.

It is amazing how much information there is about each of us on the internet, including the names of our family members. So this guy who called me actually knew I had a grandson named Jim.

Shortly after this scam attempt, my son Mark was in Montreal, Ontario. Telling a business associate about my phone call, he  replied that this type of arrest would never happen there. He jokingly explained that if the Indians caught you on their hallowed grounds, they probably would shoot you and the police would never know about it.

This guy was so clever. I answered the phone and he said, "Hi, this is Jim."

I’m thinking, this is Grandson Jim letting me know if his family will be coming over for Easter dinner.

His voice sounded a little deeper, but he noted that he had a cold. I agreed that I could hear it in his voice. We conversed just like it really was my grandson. He told me he actually was calling from Canada. When I asked where he was in Canada, he said he was in Ontario on a fishing trip with his buddies.

That was kind of a surprise, but he does come up to our cottage with his buddies, so I suppose this could happen.

Then he told me they didn’t know they were fishing on hallowed Indian land and they were picked up and arrested. He wanted to know if I cold help him out because he did not have money to pay the fine, and emphasized I would get my money back.

I explained that I didn’t have any money available right now, and flippantly added "try calling Uncle Mark." Then we suddenly were disconnected.

I e-mailed my son, "Uncle Mark" at work. He, in turn, called Lori (Jim’s mother.) Lori called me and was surprised that Jim had not tried to call her. Then she thought he probably decided to call his father instead.

At the time I was wondering if I should feel honored that I was the first one Jim thought of calling.

Lori then called her husband, who suggested this is a scam. She thought she would check to see if Jim was at work, and he answered the phone. He was not in Canada.

She then called me back and told me to call the police, which I did. The officer asked if I have caller ID. Unfortunately I don’t, and there were several calls in between.

A person gets used to seeing scam attempts on the computer – but not on the phone!

So I want to warn others to beware of any phone calls from stranded persons needing money wired to them. And I still can’t believe how comfortable I felt talking to this guy, thinking he was my grandson.

If you missed the candidates’ forum last Saturday -- sponsored by the Rotary Club of New Berlin -- you still have a chance to view it on tape in the City Hall chambers. But you are asked to call the clerk's office at 262-786-8610 to check when this room is available.

We also had the backing of the New Berlin School District, which provided the site -- the New Berlin West High School library -- as well as setting up tables and chairs and taping the proceedings.

Everything was clicking, including the participants. When I contacted the two mayoral candidates and the four people running for School Board, all could participate that day.

Even the weather cooperated. And for those candidates anxious to get out on the campaign trail, they only had to be committed for a little more than an hour. Mayor Jack Chiovatero and Ald. Ted Wysocki, a former mayor, each were looking to serve a second term. They competed from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the School Board candidates.

Susan Manley previously had served a term on the School Board and Paul Lincoln Scheuble was an alderman. Although their competitors, Keith Hastings and Peggy LaSalle, were new to politics, they bravely held their own in the barrage of questions from moderator Tom Koller, Rotary president.

If you prefer going on line for candidate information, the School District provides the following:

School Board -- http://nbps.mediasite.com/nbps/Viewer/?peid=d549be38a54b4a22a3805d9f3c56c1b7

With the election for New Berlin mayor and the New Berlin School Board coming up April 7, voters are encouraged to see our candidates in person by attending a public forum, sponsored by the Rotary Club of New Berlin.

It is being held Saturday, March 14, at the New Berlin West High School library, 18695 W. Cleveland Ave.

Starting at 1 p.m. New Berlin Mayor Jack Chiovatero will be competing with his challenger, Alderman Ted Wysocki -- who wants to regain his position as mayor, which he lost to Chiovatero four years ago.

Then, at 2 p.m. the candidates for the New Berlin School Board will introduce themselves, and voice their opinions about various issues.

Competing for two positions on the school board are the top four winners of the six candidates who ran in the recent primary election. Listed in alphabetical order are Keith Hastings, Peggy LaSalle, Susan Manley and Paul Lincoln Scheuble.

Manley is a former school board member and Scheuble is a former District 4 alderman. He also ran for mayor in this primary election.

Voters will be provided index cards to write questions for the candidates. Ushers will collect these cards and hand them to Rotary President Tom Koller, who is serving as moderator.

Each candidate will be given a chance to reply to the questions at their session. The forum will end at 3 p.m.

The forum will be covered by John Schultz of New Berlin NOW, and it will be filmed to be viewed on the city Web site at www.newberlin.org/

Volunteering can have unexpected rewards. While attending a recent Lion/Lioness convention I wandered into a talk about diabetes. As I entered, the speaker (a chef) was asking for volunteers to wash the pots and pans he would use in his demonstration of low calorie cooking.

Wow! A New Berlin Lioness friend, Frenchi Trottier-Wasielewski, was the first eager helper, along with three others. Then this chef relented and announced that because of their willingness to help, he really just needed them to sit at a table up front and taste his cooking.

Although I’m not a diabetic, I really did find his talk interesting. He emphasized that the miracle food for fiber is a can of beans, and although it’s important to use mono-unsaturated oil – they really should go easy on the oils.

He advised adding flavor with herbs and spices – fresh spices, preferably in leaf form. And if anyone has any spices in McCormick cans, these really are old because the firm has not used these cans for ages.

That struck home. Later, when I checked out my spice shelf, I had five of them. And if the same goes for the French’s and Durkee brands, that makes three more.

When Frenchi was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last June, she was told her sugar count was at stroke level. Since then she has been attending classes, counting carbs and following a serious weight loss effort.

But getting back to the food tasting, she said the main dish included chicken, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, red and green peppers and white kidney beans. "It was delicious and only eight carbs per serving."

Since diabetics are allowed 60 carbs per meal, that left room for dessert, which was only 22 carbs. It consisted of pound cake, sugar-free chocolate and raspberry sauces, and a fat free whipped topping. To this he added fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.

"It was fantastic," Frenchi said, adding that the chef was "very entertaining and informative."

And since it is extremely important that diabetics check their blood at different times a day, every day, those attending received a free diabetics’ meter.

When driving past Holy Apostles School in New Berlin, most would be surprised to learn that 19 of the seventh graders are involved in "Engineering the Future."

Under the direction of their teacher, Lisa Rodriquez, five teams of students entered the Future City Wisconsin Regional Competition sponsored by a non–profit, volunteer organization known as the Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee (ESM).

During this event, held Jan. 24 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Holy Apostles had the most teams registered to compete. Rodriguez noted these five teams had been working since the beginning of the school year to complete all the requirements, sometimes staying after school until 5 p.m.

Based on this year’s theme, they were asked "to create a self sufficient system within the home which conserves, recycles, and reuses all existing water sources." Each group was involved playing the Sims City computer game, writing an essay on the theme, writing an abstract of their model city, creating a model city, and during the competition, presenting their city along with their essay ideas.

Rodriguez said the students needed to work on time management and team building, as well as how to work as a team. In the process they had fun learning about engineering and practicing communication skills they will need later in life.

Their future cities and team participants include:

Bay City,  created by Nick Popp, Jared Pope, Lucas Porubsky, Chirs Setzke, Dallas Thompson and Mitch Wendt.

Holy Angels, created by Jacob Binash, Jake Lubenow and Nolan Diffley.

Jinx. created by Hannah Kinzer, Kate Nieberle and Jessica Roback.

Link City, created by Sebastian Berge, Paul Heyman and Luke Theisen.

Riverview, created by Meredith Braza, Rachel Fiedler, Emily Kern and Elizabeth Schwemmer.

Holy Apostles took four awards. Jinx received two -- the Exemplary Model Award sponsored by American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Project Planning Award sponsored by Project Management Institute. Bay City was named Best Use of Plastics sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, and Holy Angels was awarded Best Use of Recycled Materials sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers.

In reference to judges, Mark Juds of New Berlin organized the judges and the criteria for the Best Power System Award and he served as a general preliminary round judge. He was given a business card by a member of Jinx

.Since the competition is only open to seventh and eighth grades, Rodriguez added, "I can’t wait until next year when they come with more great ideas and enthusiasm, as well as the experience of what it is like to compete in the Future Cities competition."

The Rotary Club of New Berlin cannot put an end to a series of murders that keep interrupting their annual dinners. In fact, members guarantee it will happen again during their third annual murder mystery dinner and silent auction, "Hulas and Homicide."

This year’s fundraiser places you in a tropical setting Saturday, Feb. 28, at the New Berlin Banquet & Conference Center (formerly Kuglitsches), 16000 W. Cleveland Ave. Cocktails at cash bar start at 5 p.m., followed with a buffet dinner at 6:15 p.m.

Then, while everyone is having a good time, it always happens. One of the characters is murdered. This time someone decided to end the career of a woman known as a "hula honcho" right on the night of the extravaganza.

Dinner guests are invited to become detectives. Clues are gathered by interviewing the suspects (played by some Rotarians and friends) as they visit each table.

Of course you still have plenty of time to visit and revisit the buffet table, which features three entrées

Proceeds from the event support local programs that the club sponsors. A major project has been providing a second floor resource center for the New Berlin Library. The club also supports local educational intiatives and contributes to the New Berlin Food Pantry.

The Rotarians also are sponsoring a forum for mayoral and school board candidates Saturday, March 14, at New Berlin West /Middle/High School, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Tickets for the murder mystery are available through members, by contacting Steve Wattles at 262-786-9897, or email murdermystery@rotaryclubofnewberlin.com. Tickets cost $40. Tables of eight are available for a discounted amount of $300.

Here’s a chance to give yourself a Christmas present that could save your life.

Through Life Line Screening, being offered Tuesday, Jan.13, at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church in New Berlin, you could possibly ward off strokes and vascular disease.

Health service coordinator Rob Ray recently told members of the New Berlin Rotary Club that stroke is the number one reason that people move into nursing homes and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

However, according to the National Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. He explained that through these tests they identify plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, which is the leading cause of strokes.

They also test for abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis. Added to the package is their new heart rhythm screening for atrial fibrillation.

"The key is knowing what’s happening inside your body so something can be done about it," Ray said, noting that family physicians are limited by insurance companies in ordering specific tests. He encouraged annual screenings and sharing the results with your physician.

Asked if they have doctors performing these tests, Ray explained that trained technicians are operating this ultrasound technology, just like in the hospitals.

To encourage yearly screening, returning customers are offered a $10 discount to their special packages.

Blessed Savior Church is located at 15250 W. Cleveland Ave. You can schedule a screening by calling Life Line Screening toll free at 1-888-751-1131.

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New guidelines for hunters

Years ago I was horrified to see hunters shooting guns while walking along our back property line. Even if it they were using a right-of-way between lots, it was way too close for comfort. I quickly retrieved my little ones into the house

We lived east of Sunny Slope Road, but soon after that, hunters had to stay west of Calhoun Road, away from residential areas.

Now shotgun hunting is no longer permitted in New Berlin. This ruling was adopted by the Common Council Oct. 28 when it approved changes to Ordinance 1211-1 entitled "Discharge of Firearms Restricted."

Hunters who go to the New Berlin Police Department to obtain a weapons discharge permit will find it only applies for bow and arrow hunting. The words, "shotgun with size of shot no larger than No. 7 ½," are blacked out on the permit.

Lt. Linda Dane noted there is one exception. It’s for those who want to use a shotgun "to destroy wild animals and birds that damage growing agricultural crops." However, this still involves obtaining permission from the landowner, as well as a permit from Police Chief Joe Rieder.

Although New Berlin is one of the area communities which allows hunters to cut back the deer population, Dane said the department gets complaints from residents about hunters overstepping the boundaries by hunting in or near their back yards.

According to the application, bow hunting is allowed in New Berlin on parcels of land a minimum of five acres and located west of Calhoun Road.

South of National Avenue the boundary extends eastward to Moorland Road. Then south of Beloit Road it moves further east to Sunny Slope Road.

Of course this excludes parks, school property and all city and federal property. The code also restricts use of bow and arrow within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling without the consent of the property owner.

Last Tuesday the Common Council also approved an ordinance to allow residents with physical handicaps and those who are age 65 or older to hunt deer with powerful crossbows.

Dane added that bow hunting for deer closes during deer hunting with a shotgun, but then re-opens until the end of the year. And that’s when hunters will be getting another license.

John McGivern Live – one of the funniest shows around -- will be presented as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of New Berlin. McGivern, a popular local comedian, will perform Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the Eisenhower High School Auditorium, 4333 S. Sunny Slope Rd., New Berlin.

This is the guy you see on TV, sitting on his front porch steps, advertising his performances at various downtown theaters.

On the Web site, McGivern is described as "a comedian, writer, actor and producer all rolled into one." It notes he draws his humor from his lifetime experiences, especially from the East Side of Milwaukee.

This is his second annual appearance for the New Berlin Rotarians. During his previous show, held at Eisenhower a year ago, I had never heard such sustained laughter from an audience.

I recall thinking that this is more than just recounting everyday experiences. This is his skill in relating these happenings through the tone of his voice and his body language. And then there is the contagious laughter of everyone else.

He also teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and at Alverno College, where his students learn to transform moments from their lives into compelling and entertaining stories.

Also appearing will be Dave Luczak of WKLH FM radio.

The Rotary Club of New Berlin supports the New Berlin Library, among other local organizations, as well as the international Rotary project to cure polio.

Tickets are available for $35 through Chairman Dan Christianson, 262-784-3080, or online at www.rotaryclubofnewberlin.org. Tickets also will be sold at the door.

Unless you are a cribbage player, the perfect score of 29 will not mean much to you. But for New Berlin resident Senia Eliasson, coming up with this score this was a most exciting moment.

Eliason recently was dealt three 5s and a jack of clubs. That, in its self, is terrific.

Then, when the dealer cut the cards and turned up the 5 of cubs, her perfect hand was complete.

By making use of the fourth 5, her score shot up to 28. Then, because her jack of clubs matched the suit of the turned up card, she got the extra point for what is known as "nobs," thus attaining the perfect count of 29.

She was told that getting a score of 29 is comparable to a golfer getting a hole in one or a double eagle.

"I did not realize I had this," she said, until one of the men in the group pointed it out. Although he has come close at times, he told her that he never had a 29. The next time they met he presented Eliason with a creative award he had made, displaying the cards in her hand, along with the turned up 5 of clubs.

All this excitement occurred while Eliason was playing cards with her Thursday group at Village at Manor Park Senior Center in West Allis.

Another amazing part of the story is that this perky lady willingly admits she is 97 years old – better stated as 97 years young.

She recalls having enjoyed various card games since about 1930 – around the time she got married. Her favorite games include Rummy, Smear, 500, and Pinochle. She also participates in functions at the New Berlin Senior Center.

Eliason has her own private living quarters at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and Doug Johnson. This spirited woman often does her own cooking in her kitchenette, complete with a microwave oven.

When Eliason brought the good news home to the Johnsons, Dorothy said she was not aware of this honor, but Doug knew all about it. Also, this explains why some cribbage boards are in the shape of the number 29

After I left, Eliason was heading out for her daily walk in the subdivision. When friends have asked her if she walks with her daughter, she has been known to reply. "Dorothy walks too slow."

Mention the presidential election and it brings flashbacks of waiting in long lines at the polling places.

However, the outlook should be much improved for this election, Tuesday, Nov. 4. In fact, New Berlin City Clerk Marilyn Gauger, assured election officials for our seven voting districts that changes have been made to help accommodate the rush.

One important option involves residents themselves, by providing them extended hours for registering and absentee voting at City Hall before the election.

City Hall normally is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the hours when many residents are at work.

Now, during the two weeks prior to the election, City Hall will be open Mondays and Wednesdays until 7 p.m. These hours only apply for the Monday and Wednesday of Oct. 20 and 22, and the Monday and Wednesday of Oct. 27 and 29.

The day before the election -- Monday, Nov. 3 -- City Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other days remain at 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Gauger notes these hours can be viewed on Channel 25.

There also is good new for us poll workers. During the last presidential election we had to process boxes and boxes of these absentee ballots. This involved giving each a voter number and running it through the voting machine – amongst the waiting residents.

Now these absentee ballots are being processed at City Hall. Thanks, staff workers.

During the September primary many voters had to have their ballots destroyed and were given another ballot to try again. This was because they had crossed over (voting for more than one party.)

This will not be an issue this time. In fact, if you choose to declare a party, the machine automatically will count all candidates in that party, plus any you mark in other parties.

Now, the most important thing is to be sure to vote!

New Berlin members of the Milwaukee Showcase Chorus are proud to announce its concerts are moving to the New Berlin area. Saturday, Nov. 1, the chorus and its guest performers will be presenting "Come to the Cabaret" at the New Berlin Banquet & Conference Center (formerly Kuglitches), at 16000 W. Cleveland Ave. The program starts at 7:30 p.m.

The chorus, directed by Frank Marzocco, will host five quartets -- including Marzocco’s male quartet. Two special guests are the renowned jazz piano legend, Frank DeMiles, and emcee Paul Wolf.

This concert takes on the cabaret format where the audience is seated at tables. The ticket price of $15 includes beer, soda and snacks.

Concerts previously were held at Mount Mary College. which borders Wauwatosa.

Last year the chorus was honored to participate in the 8^th Annual International Russian Barbershop Harmony Festival in St. Petersburg, which was held the third week of August. We performed in the awesome great concert halls of St.Petersburg. And as we were warned, the five concerts were filled to standing room only, and the Russians treated us like rock stars.

During our final concert about 30 Russian women singers had been invited to sing with us a favorite number, "Till the End of Time," for which we had struggled to learn the last verse in Russian.

Joining me from New Berlin were Jeannette Schupp and sisters Nancy Oleinik and Sharon Gagnon who grew up in New Berlin. Another member, Libbie Jansen, is from Muskego.

Advance tickets are suggested, which are available from members. Tickets also can be purchased at the door or by contacting Linda at 262-549-0453, or lmarzocco@wi.rr.com.

When a retired New Berlin doctor recently participated in a simulated airplane crash, he had the opportunity for role reversal -- taking the part of a victim.

Dr. Arthur Angove, who many remember as head surgeon at the former New Berlin Memorial Hospital, was taking the part of a passenger on a plane that supposedly crashed upon landing at Crites Field in Waukesha.

This was Wednesday, Sept. 17, when a BAC 111 owned by Jack Safros was to have crashed landed west of runway 28 at 5 p.m. Involved in the simulation were UW-Milwaukee students, pilots and their wives, nurses from Waukesha and Elmbrook Hospitals, as well as the Fire Departments, Police Departments and EMT’s from New Berlin, Waukesha, West Bend and Hartland.

Angove was among those who reported to the airport conference room at 3 p.m. where they were made up with their injuries. His were bruises.

He took his position in the plane, which was sitting on the taxiway and grass. The alarm went out at 5 p.m. and he noted that police and ambulances were already arriving a few minutes later.

Angove was told he had been hit on the head by baggage, which knocked him out of his seat. However he was trapped because he was being restrained by his seat belt.

This is when he found himself on the other end of the triage. With the bruise on his head, he was given a yellow delayed tag. But then he had to play a more serious role of having a hematoma – bleeding in the head. "They caught that and changed me from delayed to immediate," he said.

He was strapped onto a stretcher, with his head secured in a thickly padded restraint, and transported to Elmbrook Hospital. After being checked out, he was transferred to holding in surgery.

"I closed my eyes and was acting like I had a stroke," he said. "The head of nurses said I did such a good job of acting they thought I was a real patient." He attributed this to knowing how to act out the symptoms.

Angove praised the staff for first noticing he was bruised and then picking up that he was seriously injured. He recommends other doctors participate in a simulation and take the role of the victim.

A circulating email states there are four easy ways to identify a stroke. But don’t be too sure you are safe, especially if you are a senior citizen.

Sunday, Aug. 17, was a most beautiful day at Shawano Lake. I had gone for a long walk with guests at my cottage, followed by a swim to cool off. I was drying my hair, holding the dryer in my right hand, while stretching my left hand behind my head, brushing my hair in an upwards motion.

Suddenly I dropped the brush and my left arm became useless. Was this a stroke? Remembering the emails, I followed the STRO pattern. I Smiled, Talked, Raised my arms and even stuck Out my tongue straight.

When I showed my friends I could do all these things, I was convinced it must be a pinched nerve. Nothing hurt.

But then, doesn’t a pinched nerve hurt? I brushed that off.

We were about to fix lunch when my friends suddenly decided to gather everything together and we were on our way home. I had driven up with my son, Mark, who had already left, so I was riding home with the foursome. I was thankful I had not decided to drive up alone in my car.

The next morning my doctor tested my heart. That was fine. He figured there was an 80 percent chance that I did not have a stroke, but because I am a senior, there was a 20 percent chance it was.

He ordered a MRI, which showed I had a "tiny" stroke, smaller than the common TIA. There also was some brain damage. Oh no, I need all my brain cells.

Since I am left handed, the first week was a challenge. Of course, right away I used my credit card at the clinic for the co-pay, and actually had to draw my name on the form.

The computer was another challenge. My little finger wanted to land on the caps lock, and the ring finger would drag along giving me multiple letters. But golfing worked fine. And within a week the arm was nearly recovered.

So what’s this STRO procedure good for? The doctor replied, "for big strokes." And should I have gone to urgent care in Shawano? "No. he said. They would not have recognized the stroke, just as he didn’t until he saw the MRI results. So now I am taking some additional medication.

Is there a city employee you know who should be recognized for giving outstanding service to others?

Here’s your opportunity to nominate this person for the 11^th Annual John W. Bauer Award for Municipal Excellence. It will be presented by Mayor Jack Chiovatero, Thursday, Oct. 9, during the annual Employee Recognition Barbecue.

Nominations must be submitted to the mayor’s office by Friday, Sept. 12. Fellow employees, supervisors, aldermen or citizens are encouraged to apply. To do this, you must submit a written description of no more than 500 words explaining how this person has provided outstanding customer service to fellow employees as well as city residents.

An Employee Recognition Committee, comprised of 10 city employees, will individually rank the nominees. The ranking will be tabulated and the results will be announced at the barbecue.

This award dates back to May 1998, when Bauer retired after 30 years of service as an engineer and building maintenance manager. During his retirement party he was cited for "his commitment to get the job done, as well as his outstanding service to internal and external customers, " according to Karen Nork, executive assistant to the mayor.

Continuing this tradition, the John W. Bauer Award has been bestowed to the following:

1998 -- Paul Leuthold, director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry

1999 – Ralph Chhipman, accounting manager

2000 – Robert Schulpius, director of Facilities Management

2001 – Daniel Nordyk, police chief

2002 – Patrick Madison, streets patrol worker

2003 – Patt Kure, Police Department social worker

2004 – Pat Herrmann, Human Resources/Safety administrator

2005 – David Jeske – park supervisor

2006 – Donald Ullman, streets manager

2007 – Denise Bohringer, bookkeeper

It amazed me how many of these people I have known, and I agree, they are well deserving.

Now it is your chance to nominate this year’s recipient.

Fans of the awesome musical group, Kids of Wisconsin, may want to attend the 40^th Kids Reunion Show at State Fair this Sunday, Aug. 10.

This special two-hour performance will take place on the Toyota Main Stage. At 5:45 p.m. an alumni band, created by 22 former members who gathered for this event, will be on deck to warm up the crowd. The current Kids will follow at 6 p.m.

Their celebration actually starts on Saturday when all alumni and current Kids sing the National Anthem at 6:05 p.m. at the Brewer’s game. They also will sing "Prayer for Peace" during their concert.

As a reporter I had interviewed members from New Berlin. I recall that Tim Blotz, an Eisenhower High School trumpet player, was planning to become a broadcast journalist. He later appeared at the anchor desk of a Fox Valley TV station which we watch at Shawano Lake. We admired how he spoke with precise diction.

Then he was gone. But while visiting my college roommate in Albuquerque, N.M., she noted they had a news anchor from Wisconsin. It was Tim. Of course I specified that he was from New Berlin. Tim has since moved on.

Back when director Mark Azzolina was organizing the Kids, our New Berlin West band director, Hoyt Johnson, urged our son, Mark Juds, to apply. We took him and his trombone to the technical college in Appleton for the tryouts. He made it, as well as another New Berlin West student, Scott Rindt.

Sunday, Scott’s brother, Steven, who plays bass, will be joining Tim and Mark in the alumni band.

Another New Berlin pair of brothers , Darryl and Eric Mielke, both played the bass guitar with the Kids. They were graduates of Nathan Hale High School. Darryl was in the band for a year, but Eric did a three-year stint until he exceeded the age limit.

Eric said he always kept returning, first as an assistant technical director, and then as technical director/stage manager. No matter what he was doing, he said he always kept a flexible schedule for the Kids.

He played his bass on cruise ships and in various bands. He worked with sound for school musicals, and then specialized in sound in college and working for the world’s largest audio company.

After 20 years, he still can be seen working the sound board for the Kids’ performances.

Will he continue? Two years ago he said it depends on his job opportunities. He might be back next year. Than, again, he might not.

General admission tickets for the show cost $10 and are available at the State Fair box office.

It seems like the New Berlin Lions Club always has been selling corn at State Fair -- probably because this project dates back further than most residents can remember.

This club, which was chartered through Lions International in 1950, got its start roasting corn at the Butler Frontier Days in 1957, according to Lloyd Bornemann, Lions publicity chairman. .

He recalls they became affiliated with State Fair in 1958 and built their present structure in 1974 when the state mandated that all buildings and stands be of a permanent nature.

What’s really great about this project is the involvement of our community. During the 11 days of State Fair-- from July 31 through Aug. 10 -- the Lions will be bussing a crew of approximately 55 volunteers per shift. With two shifts a day, that’s adds up to 1,210 volunteers, in addition to members of our Lions and Lioness clubs.

For years I belonged to a local organization which considered it a civic contribution to sign up for an evening on the corn line. Since I became a Lioness eight years ago, I’ve enjoyed being on deck for several shifts in one of the soda booths or helping to keep the butter pots going.

Bornemann notes that they have sold as many as 166,000 ears of corn a year. Now, to meet cost increases from their suppliers, the Lions are raising their price for a cob from $2.50 to $3.

After last year’s corn sales were added to the previous total, the club had donated a total of over one million dollars to various charities. They support Lions International, Wisconsin Lions Camp located at Rosholt in central Wisconsin, plus many needy organization throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

To express their gratitude to their volunteers, the Lions invite all adult workers to a steak dinner at the VFW Post the second Saturday of September. The workers who take the shuttle bus also have entered the fair free of charge and are served food at the site.

Through the years the Lions also purchased 7.1 acres of land between Lincoln and Cleveland Avenues where they built the first New Berlin Public Library, now the Community Center. The rest of the land was donated to the city for Lions Park.

Bornemann adds that the club was instrumental in establishing the first volunteer fire department in New Berlin, it organized the New Berlin Blood Bank, and it was the first Wisconsin Lions club to become active in national need for bone marrow screening .

It isn’t a festival without food and beverages, and the Fourth of July is no exception. When the New Berlin Lions and Lioness and the Prospect Lions become involved, you can be assured their profits support our community.

Thursday morning, July 3, the New Berlin Lioness will be on deck to set up their food tent with the help of their Lions, who sell beer and wine coolers at the next tent.

Leah Strahl, who heads a committee of eight Lioness, said they will start cooking at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, to be ready to open at 5 p.m. They will serve until the park closes at 11 p.m. On July 4 they are open from noon until after the fireworks, again at 11 p.m.

To cover all these hours most of the members sign up for shifts. Their menu includes hot dogs, barbecue hot dogs, chili dogs, cheese dogs, cheese nachos and a favorite – their barbecue pork sandwich plate served with chips and pickles.

Strahl, a former caterer, invited the committee to taste her special hot dog sauce, which won unanimous approval. Lion Claude Johnson is credited with making the chili sauce.

They also serve Strahl’s famous chocolate chip cookies, along with other favorites -- oatmeal raisin cookies and those made with M & Ms. Water, soda and juice are available, and Strahl notes the 100 percent juice comes in small bottles, handy for children.

Two members have worked with the Fourth of July Commission, correlating their plans and prices with other groups. After planning their menu, they purchase the food, enough to serve from 700 to 800 people. The meat is purchased the day of the event.

The New Berlin Lions will have Cornelius riding on their float. This is the large blown up sign from their State Fair corn roast site, which also will serve as a marker for their tent. The Lions also hand out free ice cream bars to the youngsters.

Both the New Berlin Lions and Lioness tents are located on the west end of Malone Park.

Meanwhile, you can find the Prospect Lions stand on the east side of the park, where they are selling corn, beer and some food items.