Peanuts . . . naturally
The Kenosha Public Museum will host a new exhibit starting on Saturday, January 26th. It’s called “Peanuts . . . Naturally.” Featuring the comic cartoon artwork of Charles M. Schulz, it’s a light-hearted look at Schulz’s exploration of the natural world through Peanuts comic strips, videos, objects, and interactive stations. The exhibit will be on display in the Touhey Gallery until April 28th. There are also Peanuts items for sale in the gift shop.
“Reviving the dream through education”
Arthel Howell, chief of police of the city of Racine Police Department, keynote speaker
“Reviving the Dream Through Education” was the theme of the 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration which was held earlier this afternoon at the Madrigrano Auditorium at Gateway Technical College. The room was packed with supporters, award winners, and their families.
The celebration started out with a video entitled, “Martin, Can You Hear Us?,” sung by Elaine Biggs, courtesy of YouTube. The words repeated, “Martin, can you hear us crying? Can you hear us now?”
Jacqueline Morris, chair of this year’s committee, then made the introductory remark that they were happy to honor Dr. King on President Obama’s second inauguration day. Today is the observance of Dr. King’s birthday, and this is Gateway’s 19th annual celebration.
Other Kindness Week activities
In addition to the Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration being held today at the Marigrano Auditorium at Gateway Technical College, 3520 – 30th Avenue, at 12 noon, there are other Kindness Week activities planned throughout the upcoming week:
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
The Kenosha Unified School District Theatre presents “Dessa Rose,” a musical drama about a white woman and a black woman in 1847, at 6 pm, at Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Road. A discussion on race relations in the community will follow. There is a $5 admission fee.
“Around the Corner with John McGivern”
The City of Kenosha will be featured in an upcoming episode of “Around the Corner with John McGivern” on Milwaukee Public Television. The public is invited to attend a preview of the program, hosted by McGivern, at 7 pm on Monday, January 21st, at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 – 56th Street.
The program will be presented at 7 pm on Thursday, January 24th, on Channel 10. The show will be repeated at 8 pm on Friday, January 25th, on Channel 36.
McGivern, an Emmy-winning actor and broadcast personality, explores communities and neighborhoods in the area during a series of 13 half-hour shows this season. An interview with Mayor Keith Bosman is included in his
presentation on Kenosha. Other highlights include the area museums and businesses, the downtown district, charter fishing, and Velodrome bike racing.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., observance
There will be a19th annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration on Monday, January 21st, at 12 noon. The celebration is called, “Reviving the Dream through Education.” It will take place at the Gateway Technical College Kenosha Campus Madrigrano Auditorium, 3520 – 30th Avenue, in Kenosha. Doors open at 11:15 am, and a reception will follow the program. The keynote speaker will be Arthel Howell, chief of police of the city of Racine Police Department.
Northwoods League meeting
One of the team owners, Vern Stenman, addressing the crowd.
There were about 150 people present at the Northwoods League Baseball meeting, which was held tonight at the Civil War Museum. Mayor Keith Bosman and members of the league signed the lease agreement. Refreshments, including brats, popcorn, peanuts, soda, water, cotton candy, and bacon glazed doughnut cheeseburgers, were served.
Play ball!
The Northwoods Baseball League is hosting a “Kenosha Baseball First Pitch” event this evening at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue, in downtown Kenosha. The public is invited to see the league’s plans for its Kenosha team, including renovations of Simmons Field. The free program starts at 6:30 pm.
The event will feature music by our own K-Town Dixie Ramblers (for the first hour), children’s games and ballpark food — including something they call a “Bacon Glazer Doughnut Cheeseburger.” There will also be popcorn, brats, peanuts, and cotton candy.
Louisiana travelogue on Friday
Another travelogue in the Kenosha Public Museum’s 76th annual season will be shown on Friday, January 18th, at the Reuther High School Auditorium, 58th Street and Sheridan Road, in Kenosha. It’s entitled, “Hello Louisiana/Bonjour Louisiane, presented by Monty and Marsha Brown. They will be narrating the digital presentation. It starts at 7 pm, and it’s free and open to the public.
Other upcoming travelogues include:
- February 8, 2013 – The Heart of San Francisco, by Sandy Mortimer
- March 8, 2013 – Afghanistan and Pakistan, by Marlin Darrah
- March 22, 2013 – The Great Trans-American Train Ride, by Doug Jones
A travelogue is a professional 90-minute presentation shown on a big screen with one intermission. It documents interesting places around the world, describing art, music, architecture, culture, and history from a first-person perspective. Travelogues are produced in an enhanced digital format and narrated live by the filmmaker.
Travelogues open the world for people of all ages, enhancing student classroom experiences and enabling adults to relive (or plan for) vacations and business trips around the world.
For more information, call (262) 653-4140, or visit: KenoshaPublicMuseum.org.
Mayor’s Youth Commission clothing drive
http://www.mchenrycountyturningpoint.org
The City of Kenosha Mayor’s Youth Commission is sponsoring their third annual winter clothing and food drive from January 8th through the 15th, 2013. The group is seeking donations of new and gently used winter clothing for all ages, along with hygiene supplies, non-perishable food items and new undergarments.
Donation boxes are located at the following locations:
- Piggly Wiggly, 7600 Pershing Blvd.
- Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Avenue
- First Assembly Church, 10700 – 75th Street
- Kenosha Public Library, 1500 – 27th Avenue
If you have questions or need assistance with donations, please contact Kimberly Voss at (262) 818-7077.
Legosaurus labs
http://www.henrylim.org/Stegosaurus.html
Tomorrow, on Saturday, January 12th, at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, there will be five Legosaurus Labs sessions. The museum is located at 5608 Tenth Avenue. Times for the labs are 11:15 am, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, and 3:45 pm. The 11:15 am session is full. There is still space available in the other four sessions.
Join father and son Lego builders David and John Xandegar in a 30-minute Creativity lab using some of their more than 1 million bricks to create your favorite dinosaur. The Xandegars will provide assistance and some instruction during the labs. Three winners will be selected from all the participants, and the winning creations will be on display at the DDM. Only the three winners will get to keep their creations.
These sessions are open to children ages 5 to 12 with an adult. The cost of each session is $5, or $2 for Friends of the Museums.
Lance Middle School to perform in Wisconsin Rapids
The following announcement regarding an upcoming out-of-town performance by The Lance Middle School eighth grade Symphonic Band was released by the Kenosha Unified School District today:
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Civil War lunchbox lecture
General Rosecrans (left) rallies his troops at Stones River. Illustration by Kurz and Allison (1891).
A Civil War Museum program will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 11th, at 12:00 noon. It is part of the Second Friday Lunchbox Lecture series, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It is a free program sponsored by the Milwaukee Civil War Roundtable and the Iron Brigade Association. It takes place in Freedom Hall at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue, in Kenosha.
Friday’s lecture is entitled, “The 36th Illinois at Stones River.” Tom DeFranco presents an account of the January 1, 1863, Battle of Stones River. At the Battle of Stones River, the 36th Illinois engaged in a desperate fight. A veteran regiment from Northeast Illinois, they had already seen action at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Perryville, Kentucky.
Museum gets in on Second Saturday events
The Kenosha Public Museum will start to participate in the Second Saturday events that have been taking place in downtown Kenosha. The first of the events will be held this Saturday from 6 to 9 pm. It’s called, “Hot Jazz on a Cold Night.”
In conjunction with Downtown Kenosha Second Saturday, enjoy great exhibits, music and refreshments at the museum. This month, it’s antipasto and art! Come and hear the jazzy sounds of Synergy, have appetizers, and help create an indoor public art mural. You can also visit the museum exhibits.
Tickets are $20 per person, or $15 for friends of the museums. Two drink tickets are included in the ticket price. Call (262) 653-4140 for tickets.
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Two other upcoming events include:
- February 9 – Kenosha Public Museum – It’s Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown! From jazz to ragtime to pops, Preludio Strings sets the mood with music. Throw in chocolate treats of the delectable kind, and the celebration begins! Also, be sure to check out the “Peanuts. . .Naturally” exhibit.
- March 9 – Civil War Museum – The Luck o’ the Irish – A bit o’ blarney, the lilt of Irish music, and light refreshments by Ashling on the Lough will have your Irish eyes smiling! Be sure to see the exhibit, “Keith Rocco: Capturing the Past.”
Simmons Island Lake Michigan News Year’s Day swim 2013
/West Jacobs photo
West Jacobs shared some photos of the brave souls who took a swim in Lake Michigan off Simmons Island on New Year’s Day.
For many of these hardy folks, this is an annual tradition.
West said the water temp was a relatively balmy 31 degrees, but the air temp was just 14 degrees. Net result? COLD!
Diver Dan’s shop assisted with the annual event. Thanks to West for sharing his photos. (See more photos by clicking link below.)
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Next KACVB First Friday event is Jan. 4
The Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau issued the following press release regarding the next First Fridays event at the I-94 Visitor Information Center:
The Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau kicks off the new year with another First Fridays event on January 4th. Winter travelers taking a break from the road and local residents alike are invited to stop by this fun, tasty, and informative Open House at the KACVB’s I-94 Visitor Information Center.
Frost fest at the Kenosha Public Museum
Frost Fest is a free drop-in program for children with adults at the Kenosha Public Museum. Sponsored by the Friends of the Museums.
Animals in Winter
Wednesday, December 26th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Find out how animals survive and stay warm in the winter. Make animal tracks to discover what animals visit your yard. Help our feathered friends by making some bird treats.
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Thursday, December 27th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Learn about the holiday “Kwanzaa,” celebrated December 26 through January 1st. Make a Kwanzaa pasta necklace. Create a family tree. Weave a mkeka mat. Play African musical instruments.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 28th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Let’s welcome 2013! Make a New Year’s hat and a noisemaker for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Make a peace dove. Decorate a wall calendar to keep track of all those important 2013 dates.
Call the museum at (262) 653-4130 with any questions.
New second Saturday events to begin on January 12
The City of Kenosha will present a new series of entertainment at the Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum this winter, tying in with Second Saturday specials in downtown Kenosha.
Second Saturdays with the City begins on Saturday, January 12th, with “Hot Jazz on a Cold Night,” featuring music by Synergy from 6 to 9 pm at the Kenosha Public Museum. People may contribute their talents to an indoor public art mural,visit the museum exhibits, and enjoy antipasto appetizers.
On Saturday, March 9th, the festivities move to the Civil War Museum, for “The Luck o’ the Irish” party. A bit o’ blarney, the lilt of Irish music by Jeff Ward, and light refreshments by Ashling on the Lough will have your Irish eyes smiling. Be sure to see the exhibit, “Keith Rocco: Capturing the Past.”
Cost is $20 per event and includes refreshments. A discounted price of $15 is available to members of Friends of the Museums. For further information, or to purchase tickets, phone the museum at (262) 653-4140.
BeExposed! to the Arts at the Rhode – holiday concert and art celebration
On Friday, December 21st, starting at 6 pm, at the Rhode Center for the Arts, located at 514 – 56th Street, in Kenosha, the Kenosha Art Association will be presenting The Kal Bergendahl Project Holiday Concert and Art Celebration. The suggested donation is $5.
Melodic variety is a key element of the KBP’s style, as a live show features pop and soul vocal melodies incorporated with instrumental melodies led by the saxophone, guitar and bass. This variety creates an intriguing musical texture that can be led by any member in the band.
The Kenosha Art Association’s mission is to promote art, art education, and art appreciation in the greater Kenosha area. Visit their website at: http://www.kenoshaartassociation.org.
Kenosha symphony concert
Join the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra for their 73rd performance season of
“A Tradition of Musicianship” with their new conductor, Robert Hasty. The concert will take place on Sunday, December 16th, at 3 pm. It’s called “Holiday Fare,” and it will be held at the Historic Reuther Auditorium, 913 – 57th Street. The concert features classic holiday songs (and classical music), a visit from Santa, a delicious bake sale, plus… take your ticket to Mangia restaurant before or after the concert for a free glass of prosecco wine! Cookies, wine and Christmas music – sounds like the perfect way to celebrate a Packers victory!
Call (262) 654-9080 for more information. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and seniors, $5 for students. At the door, the prices are $20 and $5. Visit www.kenoshasymphony.org.
Playground fundraiser a huge success
The Kenosha Dream Playground Project held its first fundraiser at the Moose Lodge last night. Tammy Conforti and Jaime Forsythe are the two ladies spearheading this project. Conforti said, “We had an amazing day! We shared a meal with 400 people. A big thank you to everyone who attended our first fundraising event.” Forsythe’s comments were: “Great turnout for Pasta for a Playground! We had a wonderful rainy day enjoying great food and seeing many friends, old and new.”
A big thank you to the Kenosha Moose Lodge for donating $10,000 to the project. Below are some pictures from the event, which were provided by Tammy Conforti:
Victorian Christmas at the Civil War Museum
Join the Civil War Museum on Saturday, December 8th, as they explore the traditions and activities involved in the Victorian Era celebration of the Christmas season. The activities run from 11 am to 4 pm, and listed below is the schedule of events:
11 am to 4 pm – Visit the Winter Camp of a Civil War Soldier
See how Civil War soldiers celebrated the Christmas holiday and survived the cold of winter with living historian, Steve Acker.
11 am to 4 pm – Family Craft Activities
Make calling cards, dance cards, and other 19th century Christmas crafts.
Another travelogue on Friday night
On Friday night, the Kenosha Public Museum presents another travelogue in the series, “Ghost Towns of the Wild West.” The presenter is Gray Warriner. This will take place at the Reuther Auditorium, 58th Street and Sheridan Road, in Kenosha. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. Admission is free, and seating is unreserved.
Other upcoming travelogues for the 2012-2013 season include:
January 18, 2013 – Hello Louisiana/Bonjour Louisiane, by Monty and Marsha Brown
Somers FD and Explorers post to host open house Dec. 5
The Somers Fire Department, 7511 – 12th Street, Somers, and the Exploring Division of the Three Harbors Council will be sponsoring a city-wide open house on Wednesday, December 5th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This event is for teenagers from 14 to 20 years old interested in a career in fire and rescue services. Exploring is a unique career discovery program for young men and women. It provides students with an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career fields and network with professionals already working in this field. Students will get a hands-on experience that will help them to determine whether or not this particular career field is right for them. Students will develop valuable networking contacts with professionals working in the fire service and get to know other teenagers and young adults sharing the same interests and aspirations.
Exploring can be the first step in identifying career possibilities, while having fun in an exciting and educational environment.
International Holiday coverage
Earlier today, the Kenosha Public Museum hosted the International Holiday. Vendors such as Mavra’s Greek Oil, St. John Chrysostomos Monastery, MGV Harmonia German Men’s Chorus, the Kenosha Indian Association, the Kenosha Korean United Methodist Church, Sons of Norway, the Knights of Lithuania, Napoleana Tea Company, and Lighthouse Lacers.
Performances included the Heritage Musick & Daunce Society Recorder Consort, the MGV Harmonia German Men’s Chorus, Korean Dance and Drumming, and the New Image Chorus.
“Pasta for a Playground”
The Kenosha Dream Playground Project is holding a pasta and meatball dinner on Sunday, December 9th, from 12 noon to 6 pm. All proceeds will benefit the project. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. The event will be held at the Kenosha Moose Lodge, 3003 – 30th Avenue, in Kenosha. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Jaime Forsythe at (262) 697-1077. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
There will be silent auction items, and Kenosha Dream Playground official t-shirts will be on sale for $10. If you would like to donate any items for the raffle, please call the number above.
Kenosha Public Museum hosts International Holiday
The Kenosha Public Museum is hosting an International Holiday on Saturday, December 1st, 2012, from 11 am to 3 pm. Listed below are the details:
DaimlerChrysler Hall Vendors
- Museums Staff: Italian Meatball Bombers, Cookies, Cold Beverages
- Mavra’s Greek Oil: Bottled Greek Olive Oils and Gift Baskets
- St. John Chrysostomos Monastery: Greek Pastries, Breads, Pies, Crafts, Christmas Items
Gallery of trees exhibit
Yesterday was the opening day of the 2012 Gallery of Trees at the Anderson Arts Center, 121 – 66th Street, in Kenosha. This is a collection of designer-decorated trees, wreaths, mantelpieces, and centerpieces. This is an annual exhibit, truly one of Kenosha’s greatest holiday events.
All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the operations budget and the on-going restoration of Kemper Center and the Anderson Arts Center. The Gallery of Trees would not be possible without the support of the underwriter, Snap-on, its patrons, and all of the sponsors, as well as the dedication and efforts of the Kemper volunteers and decorators. They thank everyone, one and all.
Visitors could vote for their favorite tree, and raffle tickets can be purchased to win the trees and other display decorations.
All of the Kemper Center family wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday Season and a great new year!
Click below for more pictures:
Gallery of trees opening night
Get in the holiday spirit by visiting the Gallery of Trees Opening Night at the Anderson Arts Center. This event showcases numerous professionally decorated trees, wreaths and mantelpieces, which have been donated by area businesses and supporters, and then will be sold by silent auction to raise funds for the Kemper Center.
This year’s gala takes place on Saturday, November 24th, at 6 pm. Tickets are $25.
If you can’t make it that night, at least go see the trees. The Anderson Arts Center will be open from Sunday, November 25th through Sunday, December 2nd, 2012. The hours are: weekends from 1 to 5 pm, and weekdays from 1 to 7 pm. Free admission.
Contact the Anderson Arts Center for further information at (262) 657-6005.
Stay safe on Black Wednesday
Stay safe on Black Wednesday. Shop with a discount on Black Friday at Forever Grateful Resale Boutique and Art Gallery, 5000 Seventh Avenue, and help the Hope Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
Please help spread the word!
Stay safe on Black Wednesday, one of the biggest party nights of the year. College students are back from college, and the roads are not safe the night before Thanksgiving.
Parents, don’t let your underage youth drink. “Kids will be kids” is not the appropriate answer to underage drinking. Let kids live to be adults.
Lightin’ up downtown Kenosha and city tree lighting
http://www.downtownkenosha.org
The city of Kenosha kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 23rd, 2012. Enjoy magical lights and holiday cheer as downtown shops stay open late with family-friendly activities, special holiday entertainment, and fabulous gifts you won’t find at those other Black Friday sales.
Event Schedule
4 to 5 pm – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue. Join Mayor Keith Bosman and Santa Claus in a holiday celebration featuring music by Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, and the jazz band, Synergy. Two lucky children will be selected to join Santa and the mayor to light the outdoor tree.
5 to 9 pm – Visit Santa on the Streetcar. Board the Kenosha streetcar, decked in holiday style, for pictures with Santa. Be sure to bring your wish list and your own camera. Rides are FREE from 5 to 9 pm. Streetcar stops are on 54th and 56th Streets in downtown.
5 to 9 pm – Lightin’ Up Downtown. Watch downtown lightin’ up. Activities, carolers, entertainment, promotions, and specials are the bright side of this Black Friday.
