It's Your City Winter 2017 - YEAR IN REVIEW
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2018 CITY BUDGET YEAR IN REVIEW HOLIDAY CALENDAR
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It’s Your City Winter 2017
Thank you for reading the winter issue of “It’s Your City,” the West Allis
Welcome
community newsletter. Thank you to our residents for their positive
feedback on the autumn redesign of “It’s Your City.” We’re glad you like
the changes and hope you enjoy this issue as well.
The holiday spirit is starting to settle in to West Allis. Leading up to
Thanksgiving, you’ll find many opportunities to give back to the
community and help your neighbors, especially those who may be
struggling at this time of year. The Community Breakfast of Thanks and
Giving, food drives, and other ways to help are all around us. Please
consider sharing what you can with those who may need a little extra
kindness this time of year.
My family and I are looking forward to the busy Christmas season, and
hope you’ll join us at the fantastic West Allis events that help us
celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year.” In addition to our
incredible Christmas Parade, this year we’ll be welcoming a new
Christmas market to the West Allis Farmers Market. Read on to find out
more about this unique new holiday event.
As we look ahead to the start of the new year, the future is bright for
West Allis. The City’s Five Year Strategic Plan has set a positive,
progressive map for our City’s growth over the next few years. Young
families and new businesses are choosing to make their homes in West
Allis, and these new additions are energizing and strengthening our
community. We have so much to be proud of, and none of it would be
possible without the passion for our City that residents like you show
every day.
Season’s greetings, happy holidays, and best wishes for a healthy and
happy 2018.
Mayor Dan Devine
2008 ‐ Present
ddevine@westalliswi.gov
2016 ‐ 2020 West Allis Mayor and Common Council
Mayor Third District
Dan Devine Gary T. Barczak
414-302-8290 414-774-0495
ddevine@westalliswi.gov gbarczak@westalliswi.gov
First District Michael May
Michael J. Czaplewski 414-460-6442
414-475-1705 mmay@westalliswi.gov
414-604-9452
mczaplewski@westalliswi.gov Fourth District
Thomas G. Lajsic
Vincent Vitale 414-327-2661
414-545-5659 tlajsic@westalliswi.gov
414-388-5059
vvitale@westalliswi.gov Daniel J. Roadt
414-321-7264
Second District droadt@westalliswi.gov
Cathleen Probst
414-687-3129 Fifth District
cprobst@westalliswi.gov Kevin Haass Front row: Daniel Roadt, Gary Barczak, Mayor Dan Devine, Vincent
414-704-1164 Vitale, Thomas Lajsic. Back row: Kevin Haass, Martin Wiegel,
Martin J. Weigel khaass@westalliswi.gov Cathleen Probst, Rosalie Reinke, Michael May, Michael Czaplewski
414-704-6350
mweigel@westalliswi.gov Rosalie L. Reinke
414-543-0587
rreinke@westalliswi.gov
Questions or comments?
Connect with Us Contact communications@westalliswi.gov
It’s Your City Winter 2017 2
2018 City Budget
The City of West Allis is committed to providing a living and working environment
throughout the community that is focused on providing citizens and businesses a
coordinated, efficient, effective, and responsive level of services. Careful budget
planning, reflected in our 2018 budget, will continue to make these services possible.
The City of West Allis budget is a collaborative budget created by the Mayor with input
from City leaders, City departments, and residents. Guided by the City’s Five Year
Strategic Plan, the 2018 budget seeks to maintain high service levels even as the costs
to deliver services increases. The City aims to find more efficient, cost-effective ways
to deliver these services.
2018 Budget Highlights to Support Strategic Goals:
Brand, image, and promotional development with marketing firm (funded by tourism funds).
#1 – Image/Brand/Destination Develop marketing plan for West Allis Farmers Market.
The City of West Allis will become the “preferred municipality Streetscaping, including public art program.
in the Milwaukee Metropolitan area, the state, and the Strengthen and expand library programming opportunities.
country” for visitors, residents and businesses through
focused rebranding, marketing and promotion actions. Storefront and commercial space improvements.
Alley lighting conversion.
#2 – Quality of Life IT security.
The City of West Allis will promote the quality of life for resi- Property maintenance and blight elimination activities.
dents by ensuring a safe and healthy community. (Public Emergency Critical Incident Training and notification.
Safety, Health, Private and Public Infrastructure, Aesthetics,
Sense of Community)
Provide all Building Inspection permits online.
Increase the number of housing rehabilitation loans and grants.
Redesign City website with citizen-centric platform.
#3 – Citizen Engagement Strengthen digital media as part of communications programs.
The City of West Allis will increase citizen engagement to Initiate credit card payments for public works services.
facilitate a sense of community, belonging, and ownership Online voter registration and voter outreach and promotion.
for citizens.
Virtual City Hall development (online 24/7 access for information and city services as
appropriate).
Update financial policies.
#4 – Economic Vitality and Sustainability Improve software utilization for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
The City of West Allis will protect the organization’s fiscal Implementation of loan and contract management software.
well-being through long-term planning and fiscal analysis. Execution of Six Points and Element 84 Developments, Towne Center Planning.
Further, proactive and well-planned development and
Remain qualified for the State’s Expenditure Restraint Program.
redevelopment opportunities will be promoted and
maintained. Meet the State’s Levy Limit restraints.
Redistribute staff positions to align with City priorities.
#5 – Excellence in Government Provide Finance training for non-finance staff.
The City of West Allis will continually review the best methods Reduce and eliminate postage costs through use of electronic applications and internet.
for effective and efficient service delivery by utilizing Reallocation of positions to engineering, municipal court and IT department.
continuous improvement and LEAN operation techniques.
Focused training for improved technical competencies.
Innovation and service excellence is expected and
employees will be held accountable and rewarded for such. Update purchasing process for efficiency and effectiveness.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 3
West Allis: 2017 in Review
January MilwaukeeFood.com’s Traveling Food Truck Tour makes the
first of five stops at the West Allis Farmers Market. The Tour
The Common Council votes to adopt the Five Year offers food from Milwaukee’s best food carts, as well as
Strategic Plan, guiding the City’s operations through entertainment and games.
2021. Five strategic goals with measurable, defined
actions to support them define the decisions the City will Recycling carts roll into West Allis, replacing the old blue bag
make over the next five years. system. By October, recycling will increase by 45% in the City.
February July
The City of West Allis Building Inspection and The Mayor’s Challenge begins, challenging West Allis to move
Neighborhood Services Department joins Houzz 30 minutes a day for 30 days. 509 participants log a collective
(houzz.com). 389,175 minutes of activity.
March Beautiful weather on July 28 brings thousands of people to
National Night Out at the West Allis Farmers Market.
The West Allis Fire Department receives its new off-road Organizers serve 1,200 hot dogs, 720 slices of pizza, and
ambulance. The ambulance, one of only three in the 2,600 cans of soda and bottled water at the busy festival.
state of Wisconsin, allows paramedics to access patients
in difficult environments such as construction zones, Mason J. Pooler, a 15-year veteran of the West Allis Fire
along the Hank Aaron Trail, and in crowded situations Department, is appointed Fire Chief.
such as the State Fair. Grants offset the purchase of the
vehicle for the department. August
The West Allis Fire Department teaches hands-only CPR at
April
the Wisconsin State Fair, arming hundreds of Fair-goers with
Beloved West Allis pizza restaurant Big Ebe’s celebrates the ability to save a life.
its grand re-opening at 1329 S. 70th St. West Allis’ first
craft microbrewery, Westallion Brewing Company, opens The twelfth annual Settlers Weekend welcomes several
to the public. thousand guests over its two day run, offering historical
re-enactments, refreshments, and historical demonstrations.
May
September
Glenn Rieder, Inc., a Milwaukee based provider of
architectural millwork and custom interior finishes, The first Wood and Wings festival is held, hosted by the
breaks ground on its new West Allis facility at 1960 S. Downtown West Allis Business Improvement District.
67th Place. Hand-painted wooden table sets are auctioned off, and a
chicken wing tasting competition crowns Ka-Bobs Bistro, 6807
June W. Becher St., and TomKen’s, 8001 W. Greenfield Ave., with
awards.
West Allis A La Carte takes over downtown West Allis on
Sunday, June 4. Food vendors, entertainers, games, and October
craft beer delight over 10,000 attendees at West Allis’
largest festival. The West Allis/West Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce hosts
Porktoberfest, a pork cuisine sampling event at the West Allis
Farmers Market. Attendees enjoy pork dishes, craft beer, and
live music.
Eight Bublr® Bikes bike share stations are opened across the
City. Mayor Devine, Bublr representatives, and community
officials attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 17.
November
The Community Breakfast of Thanks & Giving is held on
Monday, Nov. 20 at the Hampton Inn & SuitesTM. Proceeds
and non-perishable food items are donated to West Allis food
banks.
December
The first Christkindlmarkt is held at the West Allis Farmers
Market on Dec. 1 and 2, providing a unique outdoor holiday
shopping experience.
Glenn Rieder Ground Breaking May 19, 2017
It’s Your City Winter 2017 4
Holiday Calendar
Tuesday, Nov. 14 Holiday Choir Concert
Saturday, Dec. 2: Holiday Highlights Tuesday, Dec. 12 Winter Orchestra Concert
7 p.m. Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate, 9501 W.
7 p.m.Lane Intermediate, 1300 S. 109th St.
Cleveland Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Christmas Market 1 - 9 p.m.
www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Thursday, Nov. 16 Holiday Orchestra Concert
West Allis Farmers Market
Tuesday, Dec. 12 Winter Choir Concert
7 p.m. Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate, 9501 W. Christmas on the Ave. 1:30 - 4 p.m.
7 p.m.Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W.
Cleveland Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Downtown West Allis Lincoln Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Monday, Nov. 20 Community Breakfast of
Santa’s Café 1 - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 Winter Sing
Thanks & Giving
City Hall Art Gallery 9:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Franklin Elementary, 2060
7:15 a.m. Hampton Inn & Suites, 8201 W.
S. 86th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Greenfield Ave. westallisfoundation.org Christmas Tree Lighting 4 p.m
Wednesday, Dec. 13 Band, Orchestra, &
Nov.1—25 Shop Small West Allis City Hall
Prelude Strings Winter Concert
www.downtownwestallis.com/events Christmas Parade 4:45 p.m. 9:30 a.m. & 2:15 p.m. Jefferson Elementary,
Nov. 25 – Dec .26 Candy Cane Lane Greenfield Ave. 7229 W. Becher St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
6 - 9 p.m. weekdays; 5-10 p.m. Saturdays & Wednesday, Dec. 13 Band, Orchestra, &
Sundays. 96th St. to 92nd St., Montana Ave. to Wednesday, Dec. 6 Winter Sing & Chorus Prelude Strings Winter Concert
Oklahoma Ave. www.candycanelanewi.com Concert
1:30 & 6 p.m. Madison Elementary, 1117 S.
Thursday, Nov. 30 Band & Choir Holiday 9:30 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m. Pershing Elementary 104th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Concert School, 1330 S. 47th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Wednesday, Dec. 13 Band, Orchestra, &
7 p.m.Lane Intermediate, 1300 S. 109th St. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Winter Band Concert Prelude Strings Winter Concert
www.wawm.k12.wi.us 7:30 p.m. West Allis Central High School, 8516 2:15 & 6:30 p.m. Wilson Elementary, 8710 W.
Friday, Dec. 1 Christmas Market W. Lincoln Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Orchard St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
4:30 – 9 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 Thursday, Dec. 7 Winter Concert Wednesday, Dec. 13 Winter Concert w/West
W. National Ave. westallisfarmersmarket.com Allis Central High School Orchestra
9:30 a.m. & 2:15 p.m. Wilson Elementary, 8710
Saturday, Dec. 2 Christmas Market W. Orchard St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us 7 p.m. West Milwaukee Intermediate, 5104 W.
Greenfield Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
1 - 9 p.m. West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W. Thursday, Dec. 7 Gr. 7 & 8 Winter Band
National Ave. westallisfarmersmarket.com Concert Thursday, Dec. 14 Band, Orchestra, &
Prelude Strings Concert
Saturday, Dec. 2 Christmas on the Avenue 7 p.m. Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate, 9501
W. Cleveland Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us 9;30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Horace Mann
1:30 - 4 p.m. Greenfield Ave. 70th - 76th St. Elementary, 6213 W. Lapham St.
downtownwestallis.org Thursday, Dec. 7 Winter Band Concert www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Saturday, Dec. 2 Christmas Tree Lighting 7 p.m. West Milwaukee Intermediate, 5104 W. Friday, Dec. 15 Suburban Singers: “The Joyful
Greenfield Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Sounds of Christmas”
4 - 4:30 p.m. 7525 W. Greenfield Ave.
www.westalliswi.gov Friday, Dec. 8 Suburban Singers: “The Joyful 7:30 p.m. Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 12012
Sounds of Christmas” W. North Ave., Wauwatosa.
Saturday, Dec. 2 Christmas Parade www.wawmrec.com
7:30 p.m. West Allis Central High School, 8516
4:45 p.m www.westalliswi.gov W. Lincoln Ave. www.wawmrec.com Friday, Dec.15 Band, Orchestra, Chorus, &
Prelude Strings Winter Concert
Saturday, Dec. 2 Pictures with Santa Friday, Dec. 8 Suburban Concert Band
9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Hoover Elementary
10 a.m. - Noon LaFollette Park, 9418 W. Wash- 7:30 p.m. Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. 12705 W. Euclid Ave., New Berlin.
ington St. friendsoflafollettepark.com Lincoln Ave. www.suburbanbands.com www.wawm.k12.wi.us
Tuesday, Dec. 5 Primary Winter Sing Monday, Dec. 11 Band, Orchestra, Prelude Saturday, December 16 Polar Express
Strings Winter Concert Storytime and Movie
9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Jefferson Elementary, 7229
W. Becher St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us 1:30 & 6:30 p.m. Walker Elementary, 900 S. 1:30 p.m. All ages welcome. West Allis Public
119th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Library, 7421 W. National Ave.
Tuesday, Dec. 5 Gr. 4 & 5 Winter Sing www.westalliswi.gov
Tuesday, Dec. 12 4K, 5K, Gr. 1 & 2 Winter
1:30 & 6:30 p.m. Horace Mann Elementary, 6213 Concert December 19 Band, Orchestra, Chorus, &
W. Lapham St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Prelude Strings Winter Concert
9:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Longfellow Elementary, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. General Mitchell Elementary,
Tuesday, Dec. 5 Gr. 6 Winter Band Concert 2211 S, 60th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us 10125 W. Montana Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
7 p.m. Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate, 9501 W. Tuesday, Dec. 12 Band, Orchestra, Prelude
Cleveland Ave. www.wawm.k12.wi.us Saturday, Dec. 31 CAAD New Year’s Eve
Strings Winter Concert Family Night
9:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Pershing Elementary, 1330 6:30 p.m. West Allis Central High School,
S. 47th St. www.wawm.k12.wi.us 8516 W. Lincoln Ave. Facebook
@WestAllisCAAD
It’s Your City Winter 2017 5
Christmas in West Allis
Christmas on the Avenue Starts the Season
“We think of Christmas on the Avenue as the real kickoff to the
holiday season,” remarks Emily Eineichner, promotions coordinator
for the Downtown West Allis Business Improvement District
(DWABID). Christmas on the Avenue allows downtown West Allis
businesses the opportunity to throw open their doors and welcome
the community to celebrate the season. Activities, refreshments,
hayrides, music and more make this family-friendly day a highlight
of many families’ Christmas calendars.
The 2017 Christmas on the Avenue will be bigger than ever as the
event marks its ninth anniversary. More than twenty businesses are
participating this year, and the build up to the big day begins in late
October, when BMO Harris Bank kicks off their sponsorship of a
coloring contest for school age children. Kids can color through
November, for the chance of winning a ride on a wagon in the West
Allis Christmas Parade. The DWABID displays all of the kids’
artwork in downtown shop windows during the holiday season.
Crosspoint Church, 11000 W. Oklahoma Ave., will warm up
Christmas on the Avenue guests with free s’mores, and tasty treats
will be sold by the West Allis Celebrations Committee at Santa’s
Café, which will be set up in the City Hall Art Gallery, 7525 W.
Christmas on the Avenue 2016
Greenfield Ave. A storyteller portraying Charles Dickens will be on
hand to share an adaption of “A Christmas Carol,” and activities
including crafts and holiday-themed games will entertain visitors
throughout the day. Music will be performed by the Suburban Coming Together for Tree Lighting and Community Sing
Singers, as well as the Swing Street Big Band. Children can also
write and mail their letters to Santa, and enjoy complimentary sweet As Christmas on the Avenue winds down, the community
holiday treats. gathers in Centennial Plaza at West Allis City Hall to join voices
with school choirs in singing favorite Christmas carols before the
Special guests straight from the North Pole will also be on hand at City Christmas tree is lit. From Oct. 25 – Nov.15, West Allis
Christmas on the Avenue this year: live reindeer will visit Eden children have the opportunity to donate a non-perishable food
Garden and Pets, 1439 S. 70th St., to provide photo opportunities item at City Hall or the West Allis Public Library to West Allis
so families can preserve the memories they make at Christmas on food banks, in exchange for an entry ticket into a drawing to be
the Avenue. the child who helps Mayor Dan Devine light the tree. The winner
joins Mayor Devine at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, after which
Mayor Devine is escorted to State Fair Park to begin the
Christmas Parade.
West Allis Christmas Parade Lights Up the Night
The West Allis Christmas Parade is southeastern Wisconsin’s
premier night-time Christmas parade, drawing over 5,000
spectators each year. The parade begins at the 81st St. State
Fair Park entrance, proceeding east on Greenfield Ave.
Planning an event this complex takes a team of dedicated
volunteers, who begin work on the event in summer. The West
Allis Christmas Parade Committee selects a theme, with 2017
featuring “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The committee
organizes the event, recruits performers and additional
volunteers, and fundraises to support the parade, which can cost
up to $18,000 to stage and is funded entirely by donations and
sponsorships.
As the parade takes to the street, costumed characters entertain
and delight the crowds lined along Greenfield Ave. Marching
bands play familiar holiday music, while sparkling floats decked
with glittering glide up the street. Camels and donkeys
accompany the nativity float Epikos Church, 6229 W. Greenfield
Ave., sponsors each year. In keeping with the “Rockin’ Around
the Christmas Tree” theme of 2017, this year’s parade will have
Tree Lighting and Community Sing 2016 a lively rock n’ roll spirit.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 6
One thing spectators will not see at the West Allis
Christmas Parade is candy being thrown from floats.
Dianne Eineichner, president of the DWABID and
Christmas Parade Committee, shares why:
“Safety is our number one priority at the parade. A
nighttime parade does come with some visibility
challenges, and with large crowds, animals, floats and
unpredictable weather, the last thing we want to risk is
a child running into the parade route for a piece of
candy and being injured. We want to ensure everyone
stays safe and has a great time, so we ask our parade
participants not to throw items into the crowd.”
As always, the parade ends with Santa and Mrs. Claus
waving to the crowd as elves help collect children’s West Allis Christmas Parade, 2016
letters to Santa.
New Christmas Market Arrives for 2017
A new event joins the West Allis Christmas festivities Be Part of the Tradition: Join or Support the
this year. Mark Lutz, owner of the West Allis Cheese
and Sausage Shoppe, 6832 W. Becher St., is bringing West Allis Christmas Parade
the first-annual Christmas Market to the West Allis
Farmers Market grounds.
The West Allis Christmas Parade is supported entirely by donations and
sponsorships from businesses and individuals who are passionate about
keeping this event alive in the community.
“This event will be very
Volunteers are needed to help make the parade memorable in 2017. Join
special and unique to the cast of characters entertaining crowds along the parade route, or be
one of Santa’s elves and collect children’s letters to Santa as the parade
the area,” says Lutz. moves along Greenfield Ave. Costumes and instructions are provided to
all volunteers. Volunteers must be available on Friday, Dec. 1 in the
evening to attend an orientation.
Sponsorships are available for as a little as $10, and all sponsorship
levels include recognition on the City’s website. Sponsors at the $1,000
Inspired by open-air European markets, the Christmas level and up enjoy reserved seating for the parade, plus additional
Market will offer gourmet food and specialty gifts for recognition opportunities.
sale, as well as live music, carolers, craft beer, and
more. Christmas Market attendees can warm up with To donate to the parade, learn more about sponsorships, or to volunteer,
hot chocolate and Glühwein, a German mulled wine visit www.wachristmasparade.com
served warm. Cozy fire pits at the Market will let
guests gather together to share conversation, food,
and drink with one another. “We don’t know what the
weather will bring, but a little chill is great for the
Christmas spirit,” says Lutz. Santa’s Café Warms Hands and Hearts
Vendors selling handmade soaps, jewelry, ornaments,
leather products, and unique gifts will offer their wares Christmas in West Allis would not be
alongside local candy makers, spice and seasoning complete without a visit to Santa’s Café,
producers, and other specialty food retailers. The held in the City Hall Art Gallery. The West
Christmas Marketwill provide guests a memorable Allis Celebrations Committee will sell
experience in holiday gift shopping, with over 60
savory chili, comforting chicken noodle
vendors expected to participate. The Christmas Market
will be open on Friday, Dec. 1 from 4:30 - 9 p.m. and soup, delicious cookies, hot coffee, soda,
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 - 9 p.m. and hot dogs to warm up guests. All
proceeds from Santa’s Café go towards
“This event will be very special and unique to the
area,” adds Lutz. the Celebration Committee’s Veterans’
Fund, which provides opportunities to
recognize and honor veterans for their
service.
Santa’s Café is open to the public from
For more information about these events, visit 1 - 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.
www.westalliswi.gov.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 7
Meet the Suburban Singers
“It’s the most! Wonderful time! Of the year!” the common purpose of sharing ourselves and our passion for
music with each other, and then sharing music with the larger
The singers’ voices swell and lift, singing the familiar holiday song on
community. It doesn't get much better than that!”
a Tuesday night in November. Behind a music stand, director
Patricia Eby raises her eyebrows, exaggerates a smile, and leads in Suburban Singers member Casey Arnold agrees. “I've been
the altos, silently encouraging them to sing with joy as they enter heavily involved in music since I was ten years old, and I love
with their part. The West Allis Suburban Singers, a community choir being a part of the Suburban Singers because it gives me an
administered and supported by the West Allis-West Milwaukee outlet to continue singing,” Arnold explains.
Recreation and Community Services Department, are hard at work
preparing for their Christmas concert. “This is a great group of people to spend Tuesday evenings with.
There is serious music, there is fun music, and it's always a good
time learning new things,” she adds.
“In a world of division and The Suburban Singers operate in a two-semester cycle annually.
Fall semester typically begins in early September, and the spring
individualization, choir brings us semester begins in early January. The choir rehearses for three
to four months in preparation for their concerts, meeting weekly
together for the common purpose on Tuesdays for two hours at West Allis Central High School.
Rehearsals begin with a vocal warm up and stretches to get the
of sharing ourselves and our singers focused and ready to rehearse. Eby then works through
the more difficult pieces of music early in the rehearsal, wrapping
passion for music .” ‐ Patricia Eby up with easier selections. “The songs we learn are a challenge in
the beginning, but by concert time we are ready to entertain, and
that’s the reward of this program,” says choir member Sherry
Dobson.
The choir performs a diverse selection of music at their concerts.
The Suburban Singers are a mixed chorus of men and women, The Christmas concert will explore the story of the Nativity as the
ranging in age from young adults through seniors. The choir has Suburban Singers perform seasonal music from Medieval through
been creating beautiful music for over thirty years, and is made up of modern times. The concert will also include traditional holiday
both West Allis residents and non-residents, experienced singers favorites, including an audience sing along of favorite carols.
and novices. University of Wisconsin Music Professor Emerita, Familiar pieces to audiences include “It’s the Most Wonderful
Patricia Eby, is a recent transplant to West Allis from Fond du Lac Time of the Year,” “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time,”
and the Suburban Singers’ new director. She joined the group in and “Mary, Did You Know?” The Singers have been hard at work
September. on some of the more difficult pieces since September. Members
bring a wide range of musical backgrounds to the group; knowing
“The opportunity to work with a community organization brings how to read music is not required for members to join the choir.
different rewards and challenges,” notes Eby, who is also director of
choirs at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa. “Community “If you like to sing, can carry a tune, aren't afraid to hold a piece
choirs make a "community within a community" through singing. In a of music (whether or not you can read it), want to work hard, and
world of division and individualization, choir brings us together for
Join the Suburban Singers
The Suburban Singers’ spring semester begins Tuesday,
January 9. New singers are welcome. The spring concert will be
held on Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Male singers are particularly encouraged to join.
No prior musical experience is necessary.
Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 7 – 9 p.m. at West Allis
Central High School.
Music is provided.
Choir members furnish their own dress for concerts.
Membership fees apply.
Visit www.wawmrec.com/community_clubs/suburban_singers
Suburban Singers Director Patricia Eby for more information.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 8
want to feel a sense of contributing to a community of singers, you’re
welcome to join the Suburban Singers,” encourages Eby.
Laurene Bobadilla, who has been singing with the Suburban Singers since
1983, also encourages new singers to join the group. “I would invite anyone
with a love for music to join us,” she says. “Together, we learn, we reach out
to our community, we enjoy each other’s company, and we make ourselves
and others happy with beautiful music.”
The Suburban Singers Present:
The Joyful Sounds of Christmas
Friday, December 8
7:30 p.m.
West Allis Central High School, 8516 W. Lincoln Ave,
Friday, December 15
7:30 p.m.
Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 12012 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Enjoy a live Nativity and caroling prior to this concert from 5 – 7 p.m.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door ($8 for seniors). Order online at
www.wawmrec.com/community_clubs/suburban_singers
It’s Your City Winter 2017 9
WAFD News
On Saturday, Sept. 23, members of the Best Hardware for the Most Safety
West Allis Fire Department (WAFD)
went door-to-door to increase fire The alarms that were installed were of the
safety awareness and provide smoke highest quality, with a sealed, 10 year
and carbon monoxide alarms free of lithium ion battery. Sealed batteries help
charge. If residents agreed, the WAFD ensure that the batteries will not need to
would enter homes, answer general be changed for several years and that
questions, and evaluate their existing residents are unable to remove the
alarms. If an alarm needed batteries, batteries for use in other devices, or
was out of date, or malfunctioning, the because of accidental activations due to
detector was repaired or replaced. things such as burnt food. Installing
Alarms were installed on each level of highest-quality alarms ensured that those
the home, and in each bedroom. residents whom have been proven to be
Combination alarms or carbon at the highest risk are now safer.
monoxide detectors were installed in
homes that had natural gas appliances.
The WAFD was joined by Mayor Dan Community Support Makes It Happen
Devine, Alderperson Cathleen Probst, This life saving initiative is only possible
Alderperson Dan Roadt, and Police due to the generosity, dedication, and
and Fire Commissioner Amy Heron. support of the community and its partners.
The Red Cross, partnering with the
Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin
Targeting At-Risk Areas (PFFW), donated 300 smoke alarms as
The WAFD identified certain part of a state-wide program to improve
neighborhoods that experienced higher fire safety known as WisSafe. Batteries
levels of fire calls in the city by looking Plus graciously donated 9-volt batteries
Q: Isn’t it the landlord’s responsibility to
at five year benchmarks. The area that for the event. The West Allis Health
Department was awarded a grant that install smoke and CO alarms?
was focused on, 92nd St. east to 84th
St. and Burnham St. south to Lincoln helped purchase combination smoke and Yes, state law requires property owners to
Ave., experienced 28 fire calls in the carbon monoxide alarms. Finally, the
install smoke and CO alarms in their
past 60 months. Within this area, the West Allis Downtown Business
properties. However, tenants are expected
WAFD was able to visit 46 homes Improvement District raised $600 at this
year’s West Allis A La Carte to purchase to maintain these alarms (proper cleaning
installing 120 smoke alarms and 43
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for and battery changing.) It is also the tenants’
combination (smoke and CO) alarms.
the community. responsibility to notify the property owner
when an alarm needs to be replaced. For a
wide range of reasons, many rental homes
Future Projects do not have an appropriate number of
In the future, West Allis Fire Depart- working smoke or CO alarms. The WAFD
ment and its partners are hoping to chose to address all homes within the
provide residents with a higher level of district and not just owner occupied homes.
protection for cooking fires. Cooking If rental units had been excluded from the
fires are one of the leading causes of program, a good portion of the district would
house fires in our city, and the nation. have been unprotected, thus defeating the
Installing smoke alarms is a great first purpose of the initiative.
step in creating a fire safe culture, but
does nothing to prevent fires.
There is a product available on the mar-
ket that magnetically mounts above At Home Check List:
stoves and acts as a fire extinguishing
system for the home. These products, Smoke detector
on each level of
known as Stovetop Firestops, are easy home.
to install and cost approximately $35
Smoke detector outside of each
per unit. If funding can be secured, the bedroom.
next round of smoke alarm installs may
CO detectors on floors with CO
incorporate the installation of these sources (gas stoves, etc).
products as well.
Members of the WAFD Distributing
Replace alarms/detectors every 10
years.
Smoke Detectors, Sept. 23, 2017
Replace batteries every six months.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 10WAPD News
Good Witnesses are Safe Witnesses
Crimes are frequently solved as a result of a partnership between the community
and its police department. We rely on you! This partnership is vital to keeping our
community safe. The West Allis Police Department encourages citizens to call at the
first sign of suspicious activity.
Being a good witness does not mean putting yourself or others in danger. The type
of crime committed won’t tell you what type of suspect you are dealing with. Being
a good witness will give the police the opportunity to apprehend the suspect(s) as
quickly as possible. How exactly can you be a good witness to a crime? The
Community Services Unit has some tips:
If you see a crime in progress, call 911. If possible, and without endangering
yourself, continue to monitor any activity you can observe. During this stressful time,
it’s important for you to remain calm so you can clearly answer the dispatcher’s
questions. K‐9 Diesel Retires from Force
Where are you? The most important information you can give a dispatcher is West Allis Police Department announced the
your location, as accurately as possible. They need to know where the retirement of K-9 Diesel. Corporal Ryan McNally
emergency is/has happened. and German shepherd Diesel have been partners
on late nights since 2009. They worked their last
Keep it simple. Dispatchers can only send help as fast as they can determine shift on the evening of Sept. 23. Diesel will retire to
what exactly is going on. The faster you can tell them exactly what happened, Officer McNally’s care. We wish him a long and
the faster they can send help. happy retirement, and thank him for his service.
Safety is the MOST important thing. Your safety, the safety of those involved,
and the safety of those responding to a call are of the utmost importance. If
there is a dangerous incident at the location that you are calling
from….LEAVE!!! Make sure your environment is safe for you to be calling from
information or to join CAAD.
and let dispatchers know right away if there is something that can hurt them or
you, or would increase the cautious approach of those responding to the call.
Remember, your safety comes first! Don’t be afraid to call the police department.
Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility! With your help, we can keep our
community safe.
Tobacco and Alcohol Compliance Checks
The West Allis Police Department is again teaming with WI WINS and the WAWM
Community Coalition to conduct compliance checks of local businesses. During the
third quarter of 2017, the WAPD conducted these checks to local businesses
licensed to sell alcohol and tobacco.
For tobacco, the check was completed through the use of a 16 year old who CAAD New Year’s Eve Family Night
attempted to purchase nicotine products from each business without an ID. Out of
11 randomly selected businesses, we are proud to report all 11 of them denied the Saturday, Dec. 31 6:30 ‐ 10 p.m.
transaction. A tavern check was also completed through the use of two 19 year
Community Alliance Against Drugs (CAAD) and
olds. Out of ten randomly selected taverns, we are proud to report all 10 of them
the WAPD invite you to their annual New Year’s
denied the transaction. Congratulations and thank you for helping us in the fight to
Eve party! Ring in 2018 at a fun, family friendly
keep our youth tobacco and alcohol free.
celebration. Free for CAAD members, nominal
For businesses licensed to sell alcohol, two checks were completed through the use entrance fee for non-members. Visit
of an 18 and 19 year old without an ID. Out of 26 randomly selected businesses, 24 www.westalliswi.gov for information, or call 414-
of them complied and required an ID for the purchases. Unfortunately, two 302-8050 for more information or to join CAAD.
businesses did complete the transaction and sold alcohol to the underage person.
Join the Citizen Police Academy this Spring!
The West Allis Police Department will be offering the next Citizen Police Academy begin-
ning March 2018. The Citizen Police Academy is a free, ten-week program, one night per
week from 6 to 9 p.m. designed to provide citizens with a first-hand look at the operations
within the police department. For more information or to register, visit www.westalliswi.gov/
police or call 414-302-8050. Registration will begin in mid-December. Citizen Police Academy, January 2017
It’s Your City Winter 2017 11Health Department News
Join the Maintain, Don’t Gain Holiday
Challenge! Community Health Assessment Moves Health Forward
The West Allis Health Department is required by the State of Wisconsin and
Keep those extra
commissioned by the West Allis Board of Health to facilitate the development
holiday pounds at of a Community Health Assessment (CHA) every five years. The health
bay - register for the department collaborates with community partners to not only develop the
Move More, Weigh assessment but to continually update and revise it every year or as needed.
Less “Maintain, The report is an effort to determine the current health status of the West Allis
Don’t Gain” and West Milwaukee communities.
Challenge this The objectives of the assessment are to:
holiday season. It is
Gather specific baseline data on
a free, online weight maintenance program offered behavioral and life style habits,
from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. This risk factors, and disease
seven-week program includes weekly e-newsletters, conditions existing in West Allis
daily tips, healthy recipes, and small ways to and West Milwaukee.
increase physical activity during the holidays. Small Compare the health data of our
steps can lead to big changes! residents to state and national
measurements, and to previous
Help our community meet its objective to maintain community health assessment
healthy body weight, become physically active and data.
eat more fruits and vegetables. Together we can be
healthy this holiday season!
View health trends for the West
Allis-West Milwaukee community.
Sign up today at
Use the assessment to develop
www.westalliswi.gov/maintaindontgain and monitor the West Allis-West
Milwaukee Community Health
Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Farmers Market Season Ends Nov. 25
The West Allis Farmers A recent update of the assessment is the revision of the Tobacco, Alcohol,
Market season is coming to and Drugs chapter. This standalone document can be found on the City of
a close Nov. 25. 2017 was a West Allis website. Included in this report are two interactive mapping apps
fabulous season full of developed by the City of West Allis Information Technology department that
luscious fruits, vegetables, show the following:
fresh meats and eggs, Narcan Administered Map: Shows the approximate locations where
honey, herbs and plants, Narcan has been administered by the City of West Allis Fire Department
flowers and hanging and the approximate location of drug related deaths in Milwaukee
baskets. The Market hosted County.
fun events like the Traveling OWI Stop, Test & Arrest Map: Displays OWI (operating while
Food Truck Tour, Curds & intoxicated) arrests that have occurred in West Allis as well as the
Kegs, National Night Out, location of liquor licenses in the City.
the Big Latch On and We welcome feedback on all of our assessment and planning documents.
Porktoberfest. A reminder They can be found on the City of West Allis website at www.westalliswi.gov/
that the Milwaukee Winter communityhealth.
Farmers Market will be held in the Greenhouse These documents and continuous updates to these documents occur through
Annex at the Mitchell Park Domes this year. Visit the contributions of a collaborative partnership between a variety of
their website at http://www.mcwfm.org/. community members. The West Allis Health Department is always asking,
“Who else should be at the table?” Community members are invited to join in
Plan to join us on Saturday, Dec. 2 as we host the the many community coalitions charged with updating the Community Health
first-ever West Allis Christmas Market! Assessment and meeting the Community Health Improvement Plan
objectives. If you are interested in learning more about the Community Health
Visit www.westallisfarmersmarket.com for the latest Assessment and Planning and the coalition work being done, visit
Farmers Market news, recipes, and event www.westalliswi.gov.
information. The Market will re-open on May 5, 2018.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 12Rodent Control Starts in Your Own Back Yard
The City of West Allis is a unique
community with a common problem
that most urban communities have. Residents can take these steps to
This problem is rats. help prevent rodent infestation in
The City, like most others, has their yards and property:
seen an increase in reports of
rodent sightings over the last five Composting: please reference the West
years. The increase in reports may Allis Revised Municipal Code for rules
be due to milder winters, increased governing composting. Compost serves
awareness among residents, and as shelter for rodents, as it generates
inviting living conditions in the City heat, allowing them to create burrows
that allow rats to thrive. Rats need under compost piles that help them
food, water and shelter, which can survive the cold Wisconsin winter. Do
be available in one or multiple not compost any food waste.
yards. The more resources rats
have, the more likely they are to Environmentalists Sewer Baiting as Part of the City’s Bird baths should be dumped out be-
have bigger and more frequent fore nighttime; they serve as a water
Rodent Control Program.
litters. A common misconception is source.
that only vacant properties attract
rats; in actuality, well-maintained properties are the ones that offer the food, water and Leaves, branches, and compost can be
shelter rats seek. taken to the Municipal Yards to avoid
The City started its own rat awareness campaign that includes educating the public on how them piling up on properties, especially
to deter rats found in their yards. The West Allis Health Department puts out door hangers between garages. This serves as
near areas where rodents have been sighted. During the winter months, the West Allis shelter for rats.
Health Department conducts sewer baiting in areas where road work is planned and in
areas where rat sightings have been Harvest vegetables and fruit regularly
confirmed. from gardens. Pick up fallen fruit from
the yard.
Rat sightings can be reported online at
www.westalliswi.gov/letushelp, or by calling Bird feeding is a huge attraction for
the West Allis Health Department at 414-302- rats. Rats love birdseed. If you can not
8600. When contacting the Health Department
keep the ground clean and remove all
regarding a rat sighting, the following is
seed from the ground, it will serve as a
needed to conduct an effective investigation:
food source for rats. If you have rats,
Caller’s name. you must stop feeding the birds.
Caller’s phone number. Contain trash and recycling. Keep the
trash and recycling containers clean by
Address of resident. periodically cleaning them out (use a
Address of the sighting. hose and some soap). Keep trash and
recycling cart lids closed at all times. If
Investigations of the neighborhood can give the lids are damaged or ill fitting, call
Fallen Fruit Attracts Rats. Pick Up
the inspectors a good idea of the issues. the City Public Works Department and
Please note, however, that the West Allis arrange for a replacement cart.
Fallen Fruit and Vegetables to
Health Department cannot enter private
Avoid Attracting Rodents. property to investigate for rats. Avoid junk and clutter in the yard.
Environmentalists may only investigate along
property perimeters, unless the homeowner has given permission for them to enter the Pick up dog poop daily, especially
property. If rats or their burrows are sighted on the property, the property owner will receive before nighttime.
a letter requesting action be taken to deter rats from the premises. If action is not taken, the
property owner will be required to hire a pest control professional at his/her expense. If you choose to use a rodenticide/poison,
please follow the directions from the
Many residents resort to the internet to look up possible tactics to get rid of rats. However, manufacturer on the label. Use caution
only trust information from sources and websites ending in “.gov” or “.edu”. While
around pets and young children.
prevention is the best defense, professional pest control experts are recommended if rats
are spotted inside your house or if recommended abatement efforts fail.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 13Public Works News
DPW Ready for Winter Weather
As early as April, the salt dome at the DPW yards had begun to be major emergency thoroughfares (view these locations at
filled with salt. This storage unit can hold up to 7,000 tons of salt, www.westalliswi.gov). Normal alternate side parking is allowed
which our crews need to keep our streets and alleys safe in winter in residential areas, and regular overnight parking restrictions
weather. The City also uses brine, an anti-icing product that is apply.
applied to streets before a snow event to prevent ice from forming on
the road surface.
Crews will begin full scale plowing operations when three inches or
more of snow have fallen during a single weather incident. When a
full scale plowing operation goes into effect, the City declares a snow
“I just have to say, I've lived in
emergency. Snow emergency announcements are then broadcast Wisconsin since 2006 and I've never
through media channels and the City’s website and social media
outlets. had the pleasure of living in a city like
That’s when crews hit the streets. Up to 45 pieces of equipment are West Allis, where DPW crews do such
part of these operations, and up to 70 staff members may assist with an awesome job before, during and
preparation, coordination, and plowing. Crews routinely drive three to
four times on each main street, residential street, and alley, putting after the snow of keeping our
thousands of miles on snow removal vehicles during heavy snow
events. Drivers drive in 12 hour shifts and/or a combination of 16 roadways relatively safe for travel.
hours driving and working each day of a snow emergency per CDL Awesome job City of West Allis DPW!”
rules.
– Aaron S., via Nextdoor.
After the snow has stopped falling, main streets are plowed down to
bare pavement, whereas minor streets are plowed down to snow
pack and then treated with a salt and sand mixture. It can take up to
ten hours for crews to complete curb-to-curb plowing.
Help crews get the job done by obeying snow emergency parking Learn more about snow emergencies and view parking
restrictions. During a snow emergency, all parking is prohibited on regulations at www.westalliswi.gov.
Recycling Carts Pay Off!
From July - September of 2017, West Allis collected 45% more recy-
clable material than the same period in 2016, and the new recycling
carts - and our awesome residents - are responsible!
Recycling Cart Reminders
Plastic bags of any kind - blue bags, shopping bags, plastic film,
etc. - are NOT recyclable. Do not place them in your cart.
To recycle shredded paper, place the shreds in a paper bag,
fold to close, and place in your recycling cart.
Store your recycling cart in back of your property; City
ordinances forbid storing carts in front of a property.
Place carts for collection after 6 p.m. on the day prior to the
scheduled day of collection and remove by 8 p.m. on the
scheduled day of refuse collection.
Recycling carts are City property; do not write on, spray paint, or
otherwise deface them.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 14Holiday Collection Schedules Municipal Yard Holiday Hours
Below is a chart to help you determine when to set out your refuse and The Municipal Yard will be closed for drop-off, DPW offices
recycling during the holidays. Find your regular pick up day, then set out will be closed, and refuse and recycling will not be
your refuse and/or recycling on the adjusted day. If your items are not collected on:
collected on the first day listed collection will take place following day.
Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24
Holiday Collection Schedule for Thanksgiving,
Saturday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 25
Christmas, and New Year’s
Saturday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan.1, 2018
Scheduled Collection Day Adjusted Collection Day
The Municipal Yard will be open to accept drop-off
(if not collected on first day listed, materials on Saturday, Nov. 25.
collection will take place the following day)
City of West Allis offices are open for Martin Luther King
Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, and Presidents’ Day on
Monday, Nov.20 Monday
black week
Monday, February 19.
Tuesday, Nov. 21 Monday and/or Tuesday Be aware that inclement weather may further alter
Wednesday, Nov. 22 Tuesday and/or Wednesday
collection schedules.
Questions regarding your collection may be directed to the
Thursday, Nov. 23 Wednesday and/or Thursday
Sanitation and Street Division at 414-302-8800 or the
Friday, Nov. 24 Monday (November 27) Recycling Office at 414-302-8831, weekdays from 7:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
Visit www.westalliswi.gov for more information.
Monday, Nov. 27 Tuesday
red week
Tuesday, Nov. 28 Tuesday and/or Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 29 Wednesday and/or Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 30 Thursday and/or Friday
Friday, Dec. 1 Friday
Monday, Dec. 25 Tuesday
red week
Tuesday, Dec. 26 Tuesday and/or Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 27 Wednesday and/or Thursday Where is my 2018
Thursday, Dec. 28 Thursday and/or Friday Refuse & Recycling
Friday, Dec. 29 Friday Guidelines Booklet?
Monday, Jan. 1 Tuesday Watch your mailbox
black week
Tuesday, Jan. 2 Tuesday and/or Wednesday
for the 2018 Refuse & Recycling
Wednesday, Jan. 3 Wednesday and/or Thursday
Guidelines Booklet, which will be
Thursday, Jan. 4 Thursday and/or Friday
mailed to you at the end of the year.
Friday, Jan. 5 Friday
New Water Utility Rates Ensure Clean, Reliable Water Delivery
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved new rates for the West Allis Water Utility, ef-
fective Oct. 1, 2017. The average resident will see a rate increase of just $5.84 per quarter. This small in-
crease has large impacts on the ability of the Water Utility to deliver clean, reliable water.
The City of West Allis is committed to investing in our water delivery infrastructure by replacing aging pipes to
ensure safe, healthy water is delivered to homes and businesses. The City is also leveraging new technology
that will help detect leaks faster, allowing for less wasted water and more efficient repair of our systems.
Want to keep your water bill in check? Conservation is your best bet. The lower your consumption of water,
the lower your bill will be.
Pay your quarterly utility bill or set up automatic billing online at www.westalliswi.gov/payutilitybill.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 15Library News
Library Events
Thursday, Nov. 9 6:30-8 p.m.
Fandom Series: Marvel vs. DC. For
grades 4 – 12.
Monday, Nov. 13 10 a.m. Hallowed
Grounds: America’s Overseas Military
Cemeteries. Ages 18+.
Thursday, Nov.16 6:30 p.m. Library
Makers: Polka Dot Slime!
Grades K5 – 5.
Friday, Nov.17 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Teen
Friday Fun. Ages 12 – 18.
Top: West Allis Library Today. Inset: West
Wednesday, Nov. 22 6:30 p.m. Free
Allis Library on 75th & Orchard ca. 1914 Movie: Cars.
Monday, Nov. 27 10 a.m. Cuba
During Castro’s Funeral presented by
Loni Kagen. Ages 18+.
Tuesday, Nov. 28 6:30 p.m. Toddler
Celebrate the Library’s 110th Birthday!
Cinema.
On July 28, 1907, and the West Allis Library was officially opened! Celebrate
110 years of reading and learning Dec. 4 - 10 at the Library. Stop in for trivia, Tuesday, Dec. 5 6:30 p.m. Pajama
prize drawings, and more. Visit www.westalliswi.gov/library for more Jam Storytime. All ages welcome.
information. Thursday, Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. Star
Wars Night. All ages welcome.
Monday, Dec.11 10 a.m. Christmas
in Yellowstone. Adults 18+.
Friday, Dec.15 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Winter Reading at the Library! Teen Friday Fun. Ages 12 – 18.
Saturday, Dec.16 1:30 p.m. Polar
Read books, win prizes! Express Storytime and Movie. All
ages.
All ages. Details will be available in Wednesday, Dec. 27 2 p.m. Free
Movie: Despicable Me 3.
early January.
Monday evenings 6:30 - 8 p.m.
(through Nov. 20) Art Cart family
crafts at Library.
First Saturday of every month 2 - 3
p.m. Lego Club. K5+.
Save the Date:
4th Annual Harry Potter
Book Night
Thursday, Feb. 1
It’s Your City Winter 2017 16Business News
Nominate Outstanding Local Businesses for
Rotary Club Award
The Four-Way Test Award is given out annually to any
West Allis/West Milwaukee business demonstrating
exceptional application of all aspects of the four pillars
of Rotary International, the Four-Way Test.
1. Is it the truth?
Nolte Organ Building Brings Beautiful Music to Churches, Homes 2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
One of West Allis’ most unique businesses 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
operates out of a 5,000 square foot If you know of a business or businesses that goes
workshop at 5242 W. Electric Ave. Here, above and beyond to contribute to the community,
John Nolte, his son Benjamin, and a small follows high ethical standards, and goes the extra mile
team of skilled craftspeople put their talents for their customers, the Rotary Club of West Allis
to work building, repairing, and maintaining would appreciate hearing about them. The Rotary will
some of the most beautiful instruments in the consider all nominations and award its Four-Way
world: pipe organs. Test recognition to this year’s most deserving. To
After working with pipe organs in Minnesota nominate a business for this prestigious award
for more than twenty years, John Nolte contact:
joined Milwaukee’s American Organ Supply Brenda Merschdorf
Co. (AOS) in 1973. In the years following, 3333 S. Sunnyslope Road, Suite 105
Nolte honed his knowledge of pipe organ New Berlin, WI 53151 262-784-3673
building and in 1987, founded John M. Nolte
Pipe Organ Building and Design. Visit the Rotary Club website for more information
at www.westallisrotary.org
In 2000, Nolte’s son, Benjamin, became a partner in the business and Nolte
Organ Building has been going strong ever since.
Today, the company services over 150 pipe organs in the
area, including those at churches, colleges and
universities, and even the beloved organ at Organ Piper
Pizza, 4353 S.108th St. Nolte Organ Building has also
built stunning custom-crafted instruments for private
residences across the country. The company offers a full
range of services including tuning and maintenance,
major and minor repairs, cleaning, and complete rebuilds
and additions.
Mayor Devine visited Nolte Organ Building on Sept. 8,
2017 and enjoyed a tour of Nolte’s facility and a history of
organ making, a profession which traces its history back
to ancient Greece.
“We’re so pleased that Nolte Organ Building chose to
make their home in West Allis,” says Mayor Devine. “It’s
an honor to have a business so respected in its field, with
national and international contacts, rooted right here.” Mayor Devine with Ben Nolte (Left)
Learn more about Nolte Organ Building at and John Nolte
www.nolteorgans.com.
It’s Your City Winter 2017 17West Allis Health Department Inspection Reports Available Online
With outstanding coverage in 2017 in “Milwaukee Magazine,” “Edible Milwaukee,”
Onmilwaukee.com, and other food-centric publications, West Allis’ reputation for
exceptional and diverse dining options is on the rise. The City proudly boasts
delicious cuisines ranging from Latin, Mexican, Peruvian, New Orleans Cajun, Italian,
Greek, Indian and Chinese cuisine to scrumptious bakeries, sandwich shops,
pizzerias, specialty food stores, candy shops, ice cream parlors, wine shops and
microbreweries.
The West Allis Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, conducts the
licensing and regulation of public restaurants, retail food establishment, food
operations, vending machines, and other establishments not food-related. These
services are provided to optimize the health of West Allis residents and are
accessible to the public.
Check to see how your favorite establishment fared on their last inspection at: Fall Events Big Successes
www.westalliswi.gov/healthinspection Thank you to everyone who attended the
Get out and #rediscoverwestallis as you taste something new! first annual Wood & Wings on Sept. 16,
2017. This event raised over $2,000 for
beautification efforts in the downtown and
the planting of new trees throughout the
City of West Allis. Kab-Bob’s Bistro and
Uncle Ned’s Offers Unique Holiday TomKen’s were the big winners in the wing
Shopping competition, taking home prizes for judges’
choice and people’s choice, respectively.
Mayor Devine visited Uncle Ned’s DWABID would like to thank their sponsors:
Consignment, Liquidation, and Estate Hoppe Tree Service, Old National Bank,
Sales, 1412 S. 73rd St., in September. Two Men and a Truck, B&K Bar Supplies,
This unique antique store offers 4,400 Model Empire, West Allis Dental Care,
square feet of one-of-a-kind collectibles Diane’s Designs, and Blue on Greenfield
and vintage items. Uncle Ned’s also offers for their support with this new event. They
on-site estate sales to assist in the emp- would also like to thank the West Allis
tying/selling of the physical inventory of an Forestry Department for giving them an
estate. Visit unclesonline.com for store opportunity to bring a new, unique event to
hours, events, and more information. the city that highlights all the great things
happening in West Allis.
The Oct. 1 Classic Car Show was the
biggest to date. The West Allis Downtown
also hosted its annual Halloween Hunt on
Oct. 28, with over 700+ families trick or
treating at more than 30 downtown shops.
Shop Local, Win Big This November
West Allis Downtown is the perfect place to
start your holiday shopping and kick off the
winter season. Beginning Wednesday
Nov. 1, West Allis Downtown will start their
Small Business Saturday celebration by
Chr. Hansen: Global Business in the Heart of West Allis encouraging you to keep your receipts from
any non-franchise, locally-owned West Allis
Chr. Hansen, 9015 W. Maple St., is a global bioscience company that develops natural solu-
store. On Saturday, Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25
tions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. The company has been from 2 - 4 p.m., visit one of their receipt
around since 1874 and has more than 3,000 dedicated employees in more than 32 countries. drop-off locations. For every $10 spent
Chr. Hansen aims to deliver innovative natural solutions that advance food, health and locally from Nov. 1 through Nov 25,
productivity. The company develops and produces cultures, enzymes, probiotics and natural participants will receive one drawing ticket
colors for a rich variety of foods, confectionery, beverages, dietary supplements and even for one of our prize baskets worth over
animal feed and plant protection. $100 each. Some prizes include, but are
not limited to, restaurant gift cards, jewelry,
Chr. Hansen is the owner of one of the world’s largest commercial collections of bacteria,
t-shirts, and even a one night stay at the
numbering almost 30,000 strains. They refer to them as “good bacteria”. From this collection Hampton Inn & Suites- Milwaukee West!
bacteria are screened, selected and improved to meet specific requirements in food, dietary
supplement, animal feed and plant protection. For more information and receipt drop-off
locations, visit
Chr. Hansen also develops and produces natural colors for the food industry, originating from www.westallisdowntown.com/events.
natural sources like berries, roots and seeds. More than 1 billion people around the world
consume the company’s natural ingredients every day. There’s a good chance that you
had a bite of Chr. Hansen this morning! www.chr-hansen.com
It’s Your City Winter 2017 18You can also read
