Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Oldest Polish church in America nearing completion of restoration work

Posted by Editor | Jul 2, 2017 |

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, dedicated to the Polish martyr and saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów, is the oldest Polish church in America. Although Poles had been trickling into the south side of Milwaukee for several years, it was not until 1866 that they were numerous enough to organize a Roman Catholic parish. Thirty families bought a small brick church, formerly owned by Lutherans, and dedicated it to St. Stanislaus. They had come to the city to escape religious perception in Poland, and made many sacrifices to establish their own place of worship. Like many historic churches, Saint Stanislaus suffered from...

Alexis Twito: Giving comfort in times of trauma

Posted by Editor | Jun 30, 2017 |

Standing as a bridge between police who struggle to express compassion while applying enforcement of the law and a grieving community raw with pain and limited resources to cope are the 51 Chaplains of The Salvation Army. The unique and first of its kind program in the nation is coordinated by Pastor Alexis Twito, who has seen the powerful and healing impact of creating trust between the diverse faith community, police, and marginalized Milwaukee residents by building relationships with trust and striving to do the most good. | Q&A with Alexis Twito Milwaukee Independent: What is the fondest memory of...

YouthBuild trains future workforce with neighborhood construction

Posted by Editor | Jun 28, 2017 |

“Despite working very long and hard, the crew was happy to give the extra effort. And for our part, we hope they will have picked up some additional skills for general construction labor.” – Don Callen Members of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)’s YouthBuild construction training crew recently had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with a seasoned construction team that is installing a massive underground stormwater detention system in the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood. Funded through the U.S Department of Labor and contracted locally by Employ Milwaukee, HACM’s YouthBuild program is a non-residential, community-based alternative education...

Coalition for safety and connectivity showcased at Promise Zones Ride

Posted by Editor | Jun 26, 2017 |

The first Promise Zone Bike Ride was held on June 17, starting and ending at Garden Homes Square Park, in an effort to help connect communities and improve access to public resources. The 5-mile ride was a slow paced excursion that encouraged families to join. The route went through historic neighborhoods, past the Century City Tower and Century City I development, near major employers including DRS Power & Control Technologies and Integrated Mail, near schools including Samuel Clemens, Milwaukee Collegiate Academy, and Hope Christian School, and along natural environmental amenities including Lincoln Creek and the Oak Leaf Trail. “Families...

Beth Handle paddles a historic course along Milwaukee River

Posted by Editor | Jun 23, 2017 |

Growing up around water and seeing how the Milwaukee River was on the way to becoming a recreation destination, Beth Handle launched her Milwaukee Kayak Company in 2013. The startup offered kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard rentals that provided residents and visitors with a healthy, safe, fun, relaxing, and unique opportunity to explore Downtown Milwaukee and area waterways. Four years later, her business continues to grow as developments and leisure interests align along the downtown river. | Q&A with Beth Handle Q: How did your work at Laacke & Joys inspire and prepare you to start the Milwaukee Kayak...

Welford Sanders Historic Lofts move forward with a $21M renovation

Posted by Editor | Jun 22, 2017 |

State and local officials joined community leaders and industry partners for a combined ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremony at the Welford Sanders Historic Lofts on Juneteenth Day. The celebration marked the opening of the renovated office space and beginning of construction for the residential portion of the project, which is located at 2821 N. 4th Street. The project is named in memory of former Martin Luther King Drive Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) executive director, Welford Sanders, who passed away unexpectedly in May 2015. “This project demonstrates the important role public-private ventures play in our state’s economic development,” said...