Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Photo Essay: Santa Cycle Rampage rolls into town

Posted by Editor | Dec 5, 2016 |

Hundreds of Santas rode bicycles across Milwaukee on December 3, participating in the annual Santa Cycle Rampage that has attracted visitors from as far away as Boston. The route began at Cranky Al’s Bakery at 69th and North Avenue and finished at the Lakefront Brewery along the Milwaukee River. The slow, 5.5 mile group ride down North Avenue started 16 years ago and has continued to grow in interest and participation. The tradition of people riding around Milwaukee dressed in Santa suits has spread holiday cheer through neighborhoods and communities along the route. The idea originated to get riders...

Photo Essay: Inside the Germania Building

Posted by Editor | Dec 2, 2016 |

Designed by German-trained architects Schnetzky & Liebert, at the time of construction the Germania was the largest office building in the city of Milwaukee. On its 120th anniversary this year, it remains one of the oldest structures downtown, built a year after City Hall. “When we looked at projects that can be true to the community and offer a benefit, we have never found a project like Germania. It’s not just bricks and mortar. We do build buildings, but we prefer to build opportunities. We prefer the build up people, we prefer to give them hope. This building mean...

Talgo returns with economic boost for old industrial corridor

Posted by Editor | Nov 29, 2016 |

A celebration to welcome the return of the Spanish train manufacturer, and honor a local champion for the transit industry, was held at the recently upgraded Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MIS) on November 22. The reception was hosted by All Aboard Wisconsin (AAW) and took place aboard the Caritas, a private passenger railcar that was originally built in 1948 by the Pullman Company. The Caritas was completely refurbished at a 37th and Villard industrial facility on the Northside of Milwaukee in 1983. “So 35 years later, I find myself back aboard a familiar railcar at the fully remodeled Milwaukee Intermodal...

Interfaith supporters hope Ramadan exhibit will ease Islamophobia

Posted by Editor | Nov 24, 2016 |

A community gathering of faith and civic leaders was held for the new photo exhibition about the Islamic holy month, on November 21 in the rotunda of Milwaukee City Hall. “The Spirit of Ramadan” photographic exhibit has toured internationally, with a mission to promote the understanding of Muslim cultures and people, and their diversity. Featuring images that celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the exhibit arrived in Milwaukee during a time of post-election uncertainty for the local Muslim community. “I was aware of this particular international photo contest and always considered the possibility of having it come to...

Tree lighting kicks off the 2016 holiday season

Posted by Editor | Nov 21, 2016 |

Milwaukee flipped the switch on 2016’s holiday extravaganza, with the official Christmas Tree lighting on November 17 at City Hall. Unseasonably mild weather supported a night of festive celebrations, with high of 72° earlier in the day. The event marked the 103rd continuous year of a Christmas tree celebration in Milwaukee. After New York city, it is the second oldest type of observance in the United States. Previously held at Red Arrow Park for many years, the tree lighting tradition returned to its original location at Wells and Water Streets, in the City Hall planter. “The City Christmas Tree...

Standing in solidarity against DAPL on National Day of Action

Posted by Editor | Nov 19, 2016 |

November 15 was a National Day of Solidarity with Standing Rock and against the Dakota Access Pipe Line (DAPL) and Milwaukee residents took part to show local support. The day of rallies started outside of the Wells Fargo Bank on 100 E. Wisconsin Avenue, with the public request that the financial institution pull its funding out of the DAPL construction. Wells Fargo is one of several national banks financing the pipeline being built by Energy Transfer. “We are here because Wells Fargo Bank is a funder of the Enbridge Pipeline that is endangering the Missouri River, the source of...