|
Greater Burlington and Waterford community blog
May 2008
Saturday May 31, 2008
Posted by: mebbers at 9:40AM CST on May 31, 2008
Please vote to help a family in need! This is the easiest way to do your good deed today.
Copy the link into your address window.
http://ivillage.waidev5.com/electrolux/site/index.php?page=photos&id=31440
Click the Vote button and feel good about doing a good deed:)
Thanks,
Molly Ebbers
Friday May 30, 2008
Posted by: Mike Moore at 12:14PM CST on May 30, 2008
This post submitted by Christina Weigler: Join Partners2 for their Monday, June 2nd meeting on gender specific classrooms at BHS. Mr. Zeman, a BHS Science teacher, will be presenting on his experiences this year with gender specific science classrooms. We are seeing more advanced and proficient test scores in classrooms with one gender. Here are some other observations: less "off task" or socializing behavior in gender specific classrooms, fewer negative talk and put downs in the classroom, girls are participating more than boys in the voluntary participation to sign up for the classes, and 54% of the students mentioned that the other sex was "distracting" in other classes. P2 meeting to be held in the BHS library from 6:30 to 7 PM with Mr. Zeman presenting from 7 to 8 PM. Partners2 will be considering the goals and objectives for the upcoming school year. Meeting for parents and students!
This blog is open to anyone with something to say about Burlington or Waterford. Feel free to post! VOTE your way to help a family in need!
Posted by: mebbers at 9:21AM CST on May 30, 2008
VOTE STARTING TODAY AT 5pm!
I NEED you to vote. We are working to help the family of a nine year old who is fighting her second battle with leukemia.
At one point they hired a contractor to dig a basement under their home, he dug half the basement, did not shore up the home, took their money and never came back. Consequently parts of the home collapsed into the hole that was left. The home suffered immeasurable damage. I am working to have the home repaired and to update what we can as the home was purchased as a fixer upper prior to Meaghan’s first battle with cancer. With the relapse, as you can imagine, there will be no money. The project is underway. We just had an architect decide the home was salvageable but with a lot of work. We have a contractor onboard to repair damage and are beginning to get tradesmen to volunteer time. We are also looking for materials. All I need from you is a vote. Please vote starting at 5pm May 30th through June 6th for them to win a kitchen makeover. PLEASE, PLEASE forward to friends and family, I did not send to the whole district so send to people you think would help and ask them to take one minute to vote to help this family. The winner of the contest is based on number of votes. This family needs something wonderful to happen for them. You can help in two minutes. Click on the link and vote, forward to anyone you can think of. http://ivillage.waidev5.com/electrolux/site/index.php?page=photos&id=31440 Thursday May 29, 2008
Posted by: carolann at 2:31PM CST on May 29, 2008
I will agree that choc feast is just one big expensive carnival. The people of Burlington lose out on having the feast in town, with all the overtime and expense that the people have to pay the police. The carnival is just to costly for the average family. 3.00 for Water. Most of the vendors were from out of town. The local ones they don't want in because they might compete with the carnival. Why can't we leave Memorial Day alone and for the veterans and have the festival on the third weekend of may. This is terrible of how we treat the people that gave their lives for us. We couldn't even make it over for the ceremony at Echo park lets not bow down to the carnival and return the feast to its own weekend.
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Posted by: Mike Moore at 6:57PM CST on May 28, 2008
This post submitted by Mark Wefler, president of the Racine Ski Club, which had tests done earlier this month to see how loud the dirt bikes on its Town of Burlington property were: Background: The Racine Ski Club was founded in 1926 and was comprised mostly of Norwegian immigrant ski jumpers. In the early 1950’s the Club purchased land out in the county that could be used for their ski jumping activities and competitions. During the late 1960’s when dirt bikes started to become popular in the U.S., members started bringing their kids out during the summer to ride. There were even a few AMA sanctioned hill climbs in the early 1970’s on the property. Members have continued to ride on the property during the summer months and ski and tube during snow season. This consisted of recreational riding on trails and a small mx practice track. The surrounding area was all farm land at one time and the riding was not a problem.
Recent Situation: About 2004 the surrounding property was sold and turned into residential lots with several large homes built nearby. In April of last year one of the new home owners filed a noise complaint with the county that effectively stopped our riding on the property. The new home owners acknowledged that they were aware of the dirt bike riding activities prior to their purchase and construction of their home.
The property is zoned recreational and the club was under the impression that our recreational riding was acceptable under the current zoning. The county recognized that the activity was a reasonable use of the property and approved a conditional use permit in December 2007 to allow it. The Town of Burlington also reviewed it and the town planner recommended approval of the permit since they also recognized that it was a reasonable use for the property.
Test Ride: On May 10th a test ride was performed by club members at the request of the town board and nearby neighbors to assess the impact of noise created during riding. During the test ride property line sound measurements were recorded and analyzed by an acoustical engineer and town board members visited several nearby locations to observe the sound levels. The findings indicated that the background sound levels were only increased slightly by 2 DB at the property line and well below HUD standards and that the sound could hardly be heard by some of the concerned neighbors in nearby developments. The town board approved the conditional use permit at their recent town meeting.
The current status of our riding: The mx practice track has been eliminated but we the Club members still be able to enjoy trail and trials riding on the property under a very limited riding schedule. The riding should be at a level that minimizes the impact to neighbors so that both groups can coexist. Hopefully this will set an example of how two dramtically opposed groups can work out a compromise to the satisfaction of all.
What does dirt bike riding and skiing have in common? More than you may think. When you analyze the body movements, muscle requirements, skill and balance the two have much in common. In fact the two sports have been sharing similar activities for years. Free style skiing has led to free style mx riding. Motocross has led to skier cross and boarder cross. Many professional top level skiers such as Darron Rahlves and Herman Maier, “the exterminator”, also compete in dirt bike events in the summer. Both sports involve speed, balance, and adrenaline. Virtually all of our dirt bike riding members are also avid skiers and snow boarders.
The Racine Ski Club is a limited membership non profit family oriented club. We have a lighted ski hill served by a rope tow. Besides skiing at our own hill, we also ski at local hills and hills up North. We also team up with other local ski Clubs like the Snomads for Western ski trips. The Club annually contributes toward sending a disabled youth skier to Colorado for a week of skiing at the disabled ski center at Winter Park. The Club also contributes to local food pantries during the holiday season and contributes annually to the MS society. Members volunteer in a variety of local community activities ranging from youth sports to civic interests. Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the club, they can contact me at mwefler@wi.rr.com A SWEET Experience
Posted by: write2thepoint at 6:02PM CST on May 28, 2008
My husband, son,
and I went to Chocolate fest on Saturday, and my goodness, the crowds
were huge. Must have been the great weather—as I recall the weather is
generally not so good for this festival, so this year must have made
Bil Scherrer and the other organizers quite happy. While they had a ton of rides and games, we never made it into the actual chocolate tent as the lines were extremely long and I have so little patience. For those who did make it in, tell me—how was it? What did they have and how did the annual sculpture look? Did you have a chance to sample a lot of free chocolate? Got to hear Dawn Soeth's- Burlington High School's orchestra play and they did quite a nice job. There was a guy on one of the stages who was supposedly able to read minds—but I stayed away from that exhibit as I don't agree with that sort of thing. The chainsaw carvings were quite impressive and it's amazing to see how quickly these guys were able to create such nice designs. Anyone check out the Blue Devils Football team obstacle course? It looked like a lot of fun for the kids. The only real disappointment was the arts and crafts area—I think there was a total of about 4 booths and they were shoved in the rear of the festival near the helicopter rides and the Blue Devils event. We stayed for a few hours and went home—am curious to hear how the nightly entertainment and Friday's fireworks went—so let me know about your experience. GREAT ChocolateFest
Posted by: Early Bird at 10:05AM CST on May 28, 2008
After reading a couple negative articles about ChocolateFest, I just had to submit something positive. I thought it was great! The Chocolate Experience Tent has the Nestle Creation and this year it was a giant Treasure Chest. (To fit with the theme - "Pirates of the Chocolate Be'an") There was a a Bake-Off, Chef Demonstrations, and a Chocolate Eating Contest sponsored by a local dentist. Plus, LOTS of stuff geared to kids and family. There was a Kiddie Parade, a Chocolate Mural, Chocolate Olympics, a Treasure Hunt, and something called Project Yum-Way; which was a kid's fashion show using candy wrappers. For the adults, there was a wonderful Chocolate Indulgence on Saturday which they told me was a Chocolate and Wine Tasting Event. {sorry we missed that} Also, there was a ChocolateFest Geocache, which I am not in to, but my friends I was with were. We bought something called a Chocolate Chip Taster Ticket, and we could sample five different chocolate items from the various vendors. We ended up buying something from each of them. The tent was air-conditioned, which made it very comfortable to browse. Yes, we had to spend a few dollars to get some great chocolate; but that's how it works at most fairs and festivals. At the State Fair, they don't hand me a free cream puff, but I got a free chocolate Chip cookie at ChocolateFest! ChocolateFest was packed with entertainment as well. There were four stages of entertainment, and not just noisy bands. There was hypnotists, magicians, jugglers, BMX demos, music, and once again, lots of stuff geared towards kids. Yeah there was a carnival, and I am not too crazy about them; but this one was different. The rides were clean, the people running them were very pleasant, and at was a very enjoyable experience. There were lots of food vendors with a lot of variety. Not repeats of the same old thing. As we walked the grounds we were amazed how clean everything was. The clean up crew they had were constantly wiping off tables, sweeping up pieces of paper and emptying trash cans. We have been to places where the trash cans were over-flowing and garbage was all over the place. Not so with ChocolateFest. The people at the information booths were very helpful if you had a question. The booklet they handed out when we got there is one of the best and most informative I have ever seen. When I read through it I learned that every single person is a volunteer. Not even their top administrative people are paid. To me, that is impressive. As we were leaving on Sunday I just had to say something to one of the ChocolateFest people working there. There was a man who looked very sunburned and was trying to direct cars in and out of the parking lot while telling the people walking in to please stay out of traffic and walk close to the curb. Still he took the time to listen to me, and thanked me for my comments. I asked how long he had been involved with ChocolateFest and he told me ten years. When I asked what role he played, he told me he was the general chairperson. I laughed and thought he was kidding with me until I noticed his name tag. Wouldn't you know, it WAS the chairman! I recognized his name from the brochure. Can you believe that? A big community festival like ChocolateFest, and the general chairperson is out there directing traffic. He probably could have been riding around in a golf cart like some of the people we saw, but he wasn't. He was working and sweating like everyone else. He told me he was giving relief to one of the older volunteers. He also said it was giving him perspective on how this end of the festival operates. So, to the people who spoke 'sour grapes' about ChocolateFest, I say "open your eyes, ears, and all your sense." There is plenty of great things at ChocolateFest if you talk a good look! We will most definitely be back next year.
Tuesday May 27, 2008
Posted by: DKH85 at 8:27AM CST on May 27, 2008
My family has always wanted to go! We went Friday night. It was a HUGE disappointment! We stayed 45 min and left. My kids wanted to see CHOCOLATE. The chocolate tent was a joke.
You pay for parking,you pay to get in, then you pay for the food, then you pay for the rides, then you pay to taste test a few vendors chocolates!!!! Maybe the rest of the schedule was more chocolaty and people felt that it was worth it....not my family. It should be advertised as a carnival/fair with a chocolate theme, not that chocolate is the main focus! :( Friday May 23, 2008
Posted by: Mike Moore at 5:37PM CST on May 23, 2008
This post submitted by Karen Dahl: REMINDER; THE BENEFIT FOR THE FAMILY OF PAM ROBERTS IS BEING HELD THIS SATURDAY MAY 24TH AT 2PM AT THE BUNKER LOCATED AT 29224 EVERGREEN CIRCLE WATERFORD, WI. PAM WAS MURDERED 2/26TH/2008 AT COOP'S TINY TAP WHILE SHE WAS WORKING. SHE LEAVES BEHIND AN ILL HUSBAND AND FAMILY THAT DEPENDED ON HER. THE BENEFIT IS TO HELP HER HUSBAND WITH FUNERAL EXPENSES, AND DEBTS THAT PAM LEFT BEHIND, SHE WAS THE MAIN BREADWINNER. A NEWS UPDATE IS ATTACHED. Clean out those bottom-feeders
Posted by: Mike Moore at 3:47PM CST on May 23, 2008
This post submitted by Sue Pettit: Fox River C.A.U.S.E.(citizens against underwater silt and erosion) is sponsoring a "Carp Round Up" on Saturday, June 7, 2008. A bounty of $1 per carp(6 inch minimum length)will be paid. Fish can be caught by any legal means on this free fishing day in Wisconsin. No license or registration is required. Carp caught in the Fox River or Tichigan Lake should be brought between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00 pm to the DNR launch, 31421 Bridge Drive in Waterford for counting and disposal. The launch is next to the Fox River Landing and just west of the Fox River. The CAUSE has been working to clean up the Fox River and Tichigan Lake for over 10 years. Runzheimer International sponsored efforts to get the carp out in 2007 and over $400 was paid out. This year, Runzheimer International sponsored several activities that provided funds for the Carp Round Up. Funds not used in the Carp Round Up will go into our fish stocking program for Tichigan Lake and the Fox River. For more information call Sue at 262-895-3205 or www.frcause.info.Community Project
Posted by: mebbers at 9:02AM CST on May 23, 2008
I am working with a family whose daughter has just relapsed with leukemia at the age of eight. She has spent over half of her life battling cancer! In the meantime her hard-working mom and dad hired a contractor to dig a basement under their home. The contractor dug half of the hole, did not support the house, took their money, and never returned. The damage done to the home is extensive. The fireplace, family room floor and closets fell into the hole. The rest of the home suffered extensive damage. The inside of the home also suffered water damage from being open to the elements.
We are working to repair and remodel the home for this family. We are looking for trade people willing to donate some hours to repair the damage. We are looking for material donations including furnishings and decorating ideas. We need food and drink to feed the crews working on the project. We need publicity for the companies and corporations we hope will be donating.
This is a great opportunity for our communities to come together and help a family in need. This family is very humble, they have asked for nothing but deserve something wonderful to happen for them.
Any ideas are always welcome.
Molly Ebbers
mebbers@wi.rr.com
Wednesday May 21, 2008
Posted by: write2thepoint at 5:50PM CST on May 21, 2008
Anyone heading out to Chocolatefest this weekend? Besides the Chocolate, what are the best events to see? Admittedly, I still have a bit of trouble combining the event with Memorial Day services, I don't know, maybe I am old, but I feel that some of the reverence is lost by combining a festival that surrounds chocolate and the obvious long term financial advantages for a certain Chocolate factory in Burlington with remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. That said, the festival is this weekend and we will be bringing family to the event on Saturday--what should we see first? Tuesday May 20, 2008
Posted by: write2thepoint at 9:28PM CST on May 20, 2008
While I believe it is important to complain, it is equally important to compliment, and this blog is designed to give the good along with the bad and the ugly. There is one grocery store that I love to shop at in at Burlington, and each time I am in there I am treated as if I am a member of their family. In fact, my son and I have celiac disease and the store owners are always so gracious and thoughtful to order just what it is we need for our diets. Imagine how horrified they were to learn of my blog when they do such a wonderful job ensuring that all the employees treat their customers with respect and the utmost consideration. The blog concerned the staff so much, that the manager of the store phoned me today to see if there was anything he could do to make my shopping experience better--he was relieved when I told him it wasn't their store. Well, Gooseberries--your store rocks! Whenever I am on your side of town, I stop in for the great service, great food, awesome samples, and amazing cooking classes! Keep up the great work! This idea has me intrigued--I think I'll begin reporting a bit more on the great and not so great service around town. Monday May 19, 2008
Posted by: Mike Moore at 11:09AM CST on May 19, 2008
This post submitted by Joseph Baker in the form of a press release. He has a Web page detailing his support for Ron Paul, or you might have read about his brush with police: Joseph William Baker, Republican Candidate for US Congress 1st District in the Republican Primary reports that he is not being recognized to speak about resolutions at the State Republican convention today in Stevens point. Both Bob Geason and Representative Scott Gunderson will not recognize Mr. Baker to speak to any resolutions being voted on by the assembly of Republican delegates. "My free speech is being violated." People need to know that there are those within the party who still oppose the Nomination of Senator John McCain and rather suggest that the Delegates to the National Convention may abstain from voting in the 1st two rounds, then vote for Ron Paul on the third round. Baker has been an outspoken oponent to the Income Tax, the war on terror, the Federal Reserve. Baker is running a write in campaign to sidestep the possible hacking of the voting machines. Baker has filed a note with the state to require the municipalities to tabulate and segregate write in votes for himself.
This blog is open to anyone who has something to say about Burlington or Waterford. Feel free to post! Remember to Buy a Poppy
Posted by: write2thepoint at 10:04AM CST on May 19, 2008
With Memorial Day just around the corner, our country at war and my son serving in Baghdad with the Fox 2/24 Marine Reserve--please take a few moments and pay tribute to all of our soldiers living and dead by purchasing a poppy. VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) are selling poppies to help commemorate Memorial Day. Made by disabled veterans, the poppies are sold and proceeds benefit the veterans. This is another way you can thank those who fought for your freedom in a war. Buy a poppy for Memorial Day. All over the city, the VFW Women's Auxiliary are selling the red poppies at places such as Pinecrest, the post office, Gooseberries, Pick and Save and WalMart. If you get a chance, put a couple of bucks in the can and be grateful for these brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Regardless of whether you believe in the current war or not is beside the point--the key is these military men and women are voluntarily placing their lives in jeopardy for the benefit of others and that is commendable. And for Ryan--if you please keep him in prayer for his safety--I would greatly appreciate it. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. — John McCrae Thursday May 15, 2008
Posted by: write2thepoint at 7:53PM CST on May 15, 2008
Is it just me, or are people getting ruder every single day? Just yesterday I went into a Burlington Grocery store and not only was I not greeted at the check out, but the clerk and the bagger carried on a conversation by themselves all the while throwing my items down the conveyor belt. When the last item was tallied up, the clerk just stood there with her hand out for the money. After giving her my money, she hands me my receipt and change and said "there ya go." What? No........Hello, how are you today? Did you find everything you needed? No ......Thank you for shopping here when you could have gone to the bargain place across town? Nothing Why is it that the place across town where you bring your own bags and bag your own groceries is friendlier than the upscale store? Does paying a higher price mean you deserve the snob treatment? I don't get it. I remember people that the people who bagged your groceries also carried them to your car. I remember the time I broke my leg 20 years ago that the manager of the grocery store delivered my groceries. I remember a genuine gratitude for my business I remember friendly conversation....is this progress? I don't get it-do you? Wednesday May 14, 2008
Posted by: write2thepoint at 11:36AM CST on May 14, 2008
Despite
our snowy and rainy introduction to spring--has anyone else had the
pleasure of seeing some of the the most awesome birds as we have? This has been an amazing year for us so far with Black Capped Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, at least 5 species of Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Mourning Doves, Cedar Waxwings, Red winged Blackbirds and my personal favorites, the Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings and the Scarlet Tanager. I am accustomed seeing the Orioles each year and catching a brief glimpse of the Buntings that generally stick around for a couple of weeks, but this year they seem to be much more prolific than usual and I hope they stay for more of the summer. The Scarlet Tanager is one I have not seen in at least 8 years, so when this little flock of 6 arrived on Mother's Day, well, I could hardly contain myself. While we have a yard that is well....for the birds and the perfect haven for feathered friends of all varieties, I was wondering if our sightings were unique or are others having the same awesome experiences as we? Let me know--I might pop over to your backyard with my binoculars. Tuesday May 13, 2008
Posted by: write2thepoint at 6:51PM CST on May 13, 2008
JTimes You would think I’d be a wild-eyed gibbering genealogy junkie. I mean my brother has traced our lineage back to Irish royalty. On the other side, he has traced our family back to Finland in the 1300s with one of our relatives constructing a church in Finland. One of our relatives, Raymond Cunningham was a priest and related to the Cunningham’s of the old Buick Garage in Burlington across from the old Pharmacy Station. My great grandparents, Leonard Smith used to own the Electric Company. I can think of a couple of reasons, actually, why ancestor hunting has never made my adrenaline spurt—one is that I am quite lazy and content to learn of our lineage vicariously through my brother. Second, I have always been more interested in looks, lives, and personalities, than in dull names and dates. Your garden –variety family tree chart omits all the good stuff, like musical ability, sense of humor, and tendency to go bald. However, since my brother has traversed backward through our family, it has become, well—intriguing. Through his research, I have learned that there are personalities, purposes, and exciting lives behind the dates and names. My interest is piqued….how about you? Ever wonder if you have royal blood? Whether your ancestors invented something phenomenal? What does your name mean and how did you get it? Genealogy is a sure way to learn about the good, the bad and the ugly in your family tree. Studying your ancestors can help you to solve some of the poignant questions that have percolated in your mind for years. Resources and help to study your past are at your fingertips and as close as the Burlington Public Library. Microforms Librarian and Outreach Coordinator, Lori Bessler from the Wisconsin Historical Society will be speaking at the library on May 21 at 7 p.m. 166 E Jefferson Street. Since 1988, Bessler has worked at the Wisconsin Historical Society and lectured throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest on genealogical topics for over 15 years. She has researched family history for over 30 years. Those interested in genealogy and history are invited to attend this free and informative presentation. Registration is not required. For more information, contact the Burlington Public Library at 262-342-1130 or email pburling@burlington.lib.wi.us Monday May 5, 2008
Posted by: Mike Moore at 5:05PM CST on May 5, 2008
Submitted by Lori Hintz, this post is the text of a letter sent out soliciting donations for additional basketball courts at Karcher Middle in Burlington: The Karcher Beautification Project is again active and seeking your involvement. You may recall Karcher Middle School was established as a grades 7 & 8 building in 2000 when the new Burlington High School was completed. At that time, a limited amount of money was used for the recess exercise needs of middle school children. Every day there are two lunch periods of which about 90 students go outside for a midday break: some stand/sit/walk around talking with friends; some play the game 4-square on boards painted on the blocked-off Street; dozens would like to play basketball, but our one hoop only allows this exercise opportunity for a few -- we need more hoops. I am now working to address this concern by adding to the KMS campus an outdoor basketball court- high school regulation size plus border- with four (4) goals/hoops and soccer goals/nets on an area along Wainwright Avenue adjacent to our Break Yard (see enclosed photos). I am hoping for your financial support to complete this project yet this spring (2008). Although secondary to Karcher’s needs, it is still important to note that Karcher Middle School campus is in an area of Burlington lacking exercise areas/parks for middle and high school-aged kids and adult citizens. And, Karcher Courts will be a great attraction to all the community in evenings and summer months. The Karcher Beautification Project has a strong reputation for citing needs and addressing them quickly. In 2001, Karcher Courtyard was renovated in to a beautiful garden classroom; 2002 saw tables and bike racks for our Karcher Break Yard; and the Karcher Front Walk with world map was completed in 2003. I am pleased to tell you that all those areas are doing well, thanks to volunteers and donations. No tax dollars were/are spent on Karcher Beautification Projects. Burlington area service groups and corporations have always been very generous donors and supporters of school improvement projects. Now, I am hoping for your financial support with Karcher Courts. The proposed budget (enclosed) shows this to be an ambitious project. I am hoping that you will help with a part of the project so that Karcher Courts is a reality yet this spring, 2008. Thank you for taking the time to consider helping this project. Please phone me if I can further explain the Karcher Courts plans. I hope to hear from you soon. Lori Hintz |
About This Blog
Welcome to the community blog on the Burlington and Waterford areas.
 0 rating(s)
Older Posts
Latest Entries
Loading...
 |
Leave a Message
Leave a Comment
Request a Friend
