I had mixed feelings when I pulled into my driveway this evening. While I was frustrated at having to park 20 feet from the front of my garage, I had to laugh when I saw bikes, helmets, skateboards, scooters, and other signs of spring in our driveway. A bit early, perhaps, but maybe that will help move things along.

This is an important time for the neighborhood association as we are in the middle of our membership drive. We have been successful in increasing our membership each of the last three years, and we hope to continue the trend. The dues you pay help support this newsletter and the many other activities of the association. If you have not yet joined this year, please fill out the membership form in this newsletter. If you need a new form, you can download one from www.damonwoods.org. Help us make this the best year yet!

Other critical support for our newsletter comes from the many local businesses that purchase advertising. In addition to our many loyal supporters, we have two new advertisers in this issue, State of the Art Import Auto Repair on State Street and The Lutheran Home on North Ave. Please let all of our advertisers know how much you appreciate their interest in our neighborhood. Their continued success is important for Wauwatosa.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the selection of Charlie Causier as this year’s Tosa Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Among his many activities, Charlie is a founding member and former President of the Lowell Damon Woods Neighborhood Association. His many contributions have certainly improved our neighborhood and enriched our community. Thank you, Charlie, and congratulations!

--Phil Kroner

PLAY GROUP
Hostesses for April/May are:
April 11 - Caytee Griffin
April 25 - Ann Fee
May 9 - Laura Buege
May 23 - Betsy Daniels
All moms with infants and preschoolers are invited to join this informal gathering. Coffee, juice and snacks are provided by the hostesses! For more information, email info@damonwoods.org.

BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 22, 7:30 PM
Tom & Jeanine Schoen

Driving Mr. Albert , by Michael Paterniti
"Mr. Paterniti tells a hilarious story of driving across the United States with the man who did the autopsy on Albert Einstein, and KEPT HIS BRAIN!" 
"A spectacular journey across America through the mind and heart of a redoubtable writer with a singular voice and vision, and with two of the most unique characters as mates - Einstein as you have never known him before, hovering like a giant sun over the passengers carrying his brain, and Dr. Harvey, an eccentric, enigmatic real life Frank J. Parnell ("Ever heard of the neutron bomb?")."
- Above excerpts from Amazon.com reviews.

NEXT BOARD MEETING
The neighborhood association’s next board meeting is at 9 a.m. on May 11th at Jitterzz. Come and have coffee and offer your ideas.

TEEN ROCK CLIMBING OUTING The dates have been tentatively set for rock climbing. We will first climb at Adventure Rock on 212th and Capital Dr. on Thursday, June 13th to go over basics of rock climbing and then on Saturday, June 22nd we will climb the bluffs at Devil’s Lake. This activity is open to teens. Email info@damonwoods.org if you are interested.

Charlie Causier, past president of the Damon Woods Neighborhood Association, will be honored as Wauwatosa’s Distinguished Citizen of 2001 at a dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Blue Mound Country Club. The public is welcome. Tickets, at $35 each, are available at the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s Kneeland-Walker House, 7406 Hillcrest Dr. (774-8672). The historical society and our association nominated Charlie for this award because of his 26 years of service to Wauwatosa on many fronts.

Here are excerpts from Charlie’s nomination:

From guidance of Wauwatosa’s “big picture,” to grassroots involvement in neighborhoods, city schools, his church and civic affairs, Charlie Causier has been a major player in the city’s past, present and future. “Because of the quality of his work, in leadership on the city Plan Commission, Charlie has been a part of every important development decision over the past 20 years,” said former Community Development Director Gordon Rozmus.

Charlie and his wife, Kathy, moved to Wauwatosa in 1975 and chose to remain, as their family grew, because of the city’s neighborhoods and community center – the village area – as well as the housing stock and schools. Charlie soon was entrenched in a wide variety of activities that furthered those interests – the city’s Plan Commission (he is its longest-serving member), the Improvement District and Village Task Force, the Wauwatosa Preservation Commission, and the Wauwatosa Historical Society. When the Committee on the Preparation of the Comprehensive City Plan was re-constituted in the late 1990s, Charlie was named its chairman. In December, Charlie was “part of the selection panel for hiring a community development director,” said Mayor Theresa Estness. “He offered advice as to what criteria should be included in candidates’ backgrounds and helped develop a hypothetical scenario for a development issue that each candidate was asked to address.”

His knack for getting to the heart of matters and his knowledge of government procedures have served Wauwatosa’s institutions well. Former alderman and fellow plan commissioner Tom Schultz said of Charlie: “His extensive knowledge of urban planning, combined with his long-time living in Wauwatosa and all sorts of civic activism, makes his contributions very important. At the Plan Commission, he focuses discussions and brings them to conclusions.” 
“Charlie has wedded historical perspective with an urban planning professionalism,” said Fred Olson, a former history professor of Charlie’s and Wauwatosa’s 2000 Distinguished Citizen. Olson credited Charlie as the person most responsible for the Wauwatosa Historical Society obtaining the Kneeland-Walker House and thus “preserving for the foreseeable future probably the most single important building in the city.” In four terms as the society’s president – and 21 years of very hands-on membership – Charlie was instrumental in raising one-quarter-million dollars to purchase the house for an educational center in 1987. As chairman of the society’s Preservation Committee since 1979, he helped turn the house into a Victorian showplace and community role model for historic preservation. Several other buildings have been designated as landmarks or nominated to the National Register of Historic Places largely because of Charlie’s efforts. Olson also noted that about 25 years ago, Charlie produced the first walking tour guide of Wauwatosa’s historic village area.
When Wauwatosa’s historic village area was filled with vacant buildings in the 1970s, Charlie worked on the planning committee for the Village Improvement District, leading to his appointment to the Village Task Force. Charlie has handled ticket sales for TosaFest since the popular festival was conceived to encourage economic development. “This is a tremendous undertaking,” said Tom Kirchen of the Village Task Force. “All the Wauwatosa groups that benefit from TosaFest should be grateful to Charlie.”

In 1995, Charlie was among a core group of organizers of the Lowell Damon Woods Neighborhood Association, conducting the all-neighborhood meeting at which the association was created, helping to write bylaws, and serving terms as vice president and president. The association has become one of the most vibrant of the city’s more than 20 neighborhood associations. 

Charlie’s dedication to preserving the city’s past, and his thoughtful, skilled planning for its future, have created a distinguished legacy for future generations of Wauwatosans.

PAUL VOGEL EARNS SCOUT EAGLE RANK
Boy Scout Troop 21, of Wauwatosa, recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout to Paul Vogel., of  Pleasant Street.  Paul, a junior at Marquette University High School, earned the 110th Eagle Scout award in Boy Scout Troop 21. For Paul’s Eagle Service Project, he organized and led a group of volunteers in the construction of a 120 foot path of crushed stone through the woodland gardens of the historic Lowell Damon House Museum. Paul planned the project, presented the plan for approval to Milwaukee County Historical Society and then supervised 20 volunteers who completed the project. The project required more than 100 hours of service work over two days, removing sod and dirt, grading the base, installing
path edging, and filling it with crushed stone. The stone path helps set the gardens apart from the lawn and attracts visitors to the grounds of the museum,  which is located in the home. Paul is active both in Scouts and at school as the high school newspaper sports editor, Patrol Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, Troop Historian, Troop Guide, and 2001 National Boy Scout Jamboree Troop Historian. He earned many Scouting awards.

OBITUARY: ROBERT ADAMS 
February 8, 2002
Age 71 years, husband of Inge (nee Verhoeven). Dear father of Robert (Mary) and Karin (Steven) Awve. Dear Opa of Henry, Andy, and Will. Dear brother of James (Adeline), George (Marian), and Guste (Delores). Further survived by in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bob was a retired Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy; a Veteran of the Army in the Korean Conflict; retired as a Sgt. Major in the Army Reserve (5091st Reception Station); long time member of the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church; member of the Milwaukee Male Chorus-Legion of Song. Bob was active in the Lowell Damon Woods Neighborhood Association and helped with gardening at the Damon House. Bob and Inge lived on Aberdeen Court until about a year ago. 

CONGRATULATIONS!
Alec and Holly Dobson of Stickney Ave. are the proud parents of Casey Ann, born Monday, Feb. 25. They also have a 22-month-old son, Matthew.

	Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 30th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
	Hart Fest - May 17th & 18th
	Green Market - Cancelled
	Bike Race - Sunday Jul 17th to Aug 22nd
	Summer Nights Concert Series - Every Tuesday evening, Jun 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16,23 & 30. 6:30 p.m - 9:30 p.m.
	National Night Out - Tuesday Aug. 6th
	Hot Time/Cool Village - Aug 22, 23, 24
	Tosa Fest - Sep 6,7, 8
	Halloween Trick or Treat in the Village - Oct 19, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p. m.
	Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House - Saturday, Dec 7, afternoon

NAC NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION COUNCIL
Representatives of the 22 neighborhood associations in Wauwatosa meet six times a year to exchange information. The minutes are posted at http://www.wauwatosatomorrow.org. Wauwatosa Tomorrow is a group of private citizens who, since 1990, have been instrumental in the development of neighborhood associations in Wauwatosa. Meetings of the Neighborhood Association Council are open to the public. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 8,from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Firefly Room of the Wauwatosa Public Library. 

EXPLORE WAUWATOSA!
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, but sometimes it can get a little boring.
The Wauwatosa Health Department, in cooperation with the Wauwatosa Neighborhood Associations, has produced a booklet, Best Walks in Wauwatosa Neighborhoods. The publication highlights 14 different walks of various distances, along with walking tips and resources. Call the Wauwatosa Health Department at 479-8939 to request your free copy. Quantities are limited.

The Wauwatosa Health Department will also have a small supply of the booklets available at their booth at the Recipe for Life event on May 2, 2002 at Hart Park and at Tosa Night Out in August.Tosa Tonight (the summer concert series people) has 500 tickets for sale for an upcoming Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Game. Tickets are $10.00, of which $4.00 will go toward the Tosa Tonight fund for building an outdoor performance pavilion at Hart Park.

HOST FAMILIES SOUGHT FOR FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
The Wauwatosa Chapter of AFS Intercultural Programs is seeking host families for foreign exchange students for the 2002-2003 school year. High school students from any one of 55 countries will arrive in the United States in mid-August and live with Wauwatosa families for the school year.

AFS exchange students have strong academic records and speak English. They are eager to learn about American culture and to participate in a wide range of high school activities. AFS students go through an extensive screening process to ensure the best possible match with a host family. AFS provides each student with free medical insurance coverage.
Host families can include couples, with or without children; single people, with or without children; and couples whose children no longer live at home. Local AFS volunteers screen all prospective host families. AFS provides host families with an orientation and a support system. For more information about hosting an AFS exchange student, contact Ellen Matteson, at 414-259-1762.

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA is anon-profit, volunteer-based organization founded in 1947 by volunteer ambulance drivers from WWI and WWII. AFS provides people with the opportunities to gain the knowledge, practice the skills and acquire the attitudes to live productively and harmoniously in a multicultural, global society. The organization’s network of 100,000 volunteers works with over 10,000 students in 55 countries each year.

CRIME STOPPER TIPS
All bicycles belonging to city residents are to be licensed with the police department. Registration is free and easy. The registration card can be obtained at the police department (open 24 hours a day), the fire department, or Johnson's Sporting goods. Reminder: always keep your bicycle locked, even in your own yard. If you have any questions regarding bicycle safety, contact Wauwatosa Police Community Support, 471-8430.

Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and remove valuables (if removing valuables is not an option at the time, place the items in the trunk). The majority of thefts are from vehicles that are not locked. Items of value that are in plain view make your vehicle even more susceptible.

JACKSON PARK BLVD. CONSTRUCTION
Construction is beginning 3/22/02 on Jackson Park Blvd. Children should not play on or near the construction sites and vehicle. Residents are asked not to move construction barriers or drive on closed streets (the city has said they will not completely close the street). The police department also asks that drivers "slow" down and use extra caution in the area. Pedestrians need to be extremely careful as well.

RECIPE FOR LIFE
The Wauwatosa Health Department is sponsoring a free community event on Thursday, May 2, 2002 at Hart Park Community Center. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, 60 to 70 percent of all cancer cases are directly linked to our daily dietary and lifestyle choices. This evening event will help you gain a greater understanding of nutrition as a whole. A dietician and area chef will prepare recipes and displays from local organizations and businesses will be set up. Some lucky participants will win some great door prizes. Call the Wauwatosa Health Department at 479-8939 to register.

RECIPE FOR LIFE
Thursday, May 2, 2002
Registration and Displays 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Program 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Hart Park Community Center
7300 Chestnut Street
Wauwatosa, WI

FREE CANCER PREVENTION AND SCREENING PACKETS
An excellent packet of information about cancer prevention and screening is available form the Wauwatosa Health Department. This free folder includes brochures on breast, prostate, skin and colorectal cancer, as well as two great booklets from the American Cancer Society on nutrition and exercise. Call the health department information and referral nurse line at 479-8939 to request copy.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Froedtert Hospital invites you to become a Volunteer Associate. Their Open Your Heart... Volunteer campaign is for friends who desire to share their skills, time, and talents with patients, visitors, and others. Learn more about volunteering at Froedtert by calling
805-5012, or by visiting their website at www.froedtert.com/hr/volunteering.

TOSA NEWS
The Business Improvement District has an exciting year planned.
Saturday, March 30 is the Easter Egg Hunt. May 17 and 18 is Hart Fest (volunteers wanted). Throughout the summer, painted and decorated rocking chairs will adorn the streets of the village.

On August 17, there will be a juried art fair and music fest. See their website for details (www.wedc.net).

News In Lowell Damon Woods

RUSS HOME FEATURED
In case you missed it, the cover feature in the Sunday, March 17, 2002 Journal Sentinel real estate section showcases Steven and Michelle Russ’ conversion of their side-by-side on Stickney into a single-family home. The article mentions the Lowell Damon Woods neighborhood. If you would like to read it, you can access it on line as www.jsonline.com under the archives, or use www.damonwoods.org to link to jsonline.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION COUNCIL (NAC) FLOAT
Tom Pluster of the Flag Center, which recently relocated to 2954 N. 117th, has volunteered to create a float for the 4th of July parade to publicize the NAC. He is looking for 2 or 3 people per association to distribute fliers at the parade promoting neighborhood associations, and for two people per association to ride the float. The Plusters will donate all materials and construction time for the float.

EFW WALK/RUN
The Educational Foundation of Wauwatosa's annual Walk/Run is being held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, starting at Hart Park. The event raises funds for Tosa schools. With a minimum of 25 participants, a group can have their name appear on the run's T-shirt. You may register online at www.wauwatosaschools.org.

ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
June 20-21
The time has come again to start cleaning out all of those nooks and crannies, get that pricing pen ready, and – hopefully – sell it all at our All-Neighborhood Rummage Sale. Rain or shine, everyone can get in on the springtime fun on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21. Balloons will mark sites operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Each year it seems that there are sales on just about every street in the neighborhood! Hopefully we’ll be able to continue and expand that streak! Participating rummagers will receive an inventory list and locator map (that can be copied to distribute to rummagers) showing all of the sale sites. We will also be advertising in the Journal Sentinel, through flyers at local businesses, and with signs all around the neighborhood on the days of the sale. 

Even if you’re not into the selling or buying, these still will be two great days to stroll the neighborhood and meet with your neighbors.

Deadline for Sellers: We need $2 per household to pay for advertising costs and an inventory of your chief sale items by Saturday, June 12. In the next newsletter, there will be a sign-up form. Once you are signed up, you’ll be able to pick up balloons on or after Wednesday, June 19th to mark your sale and the inventory/map sheets that you can copy.

Preparation for Sellers: Email info@damonwoods.org if you have any questions about the sale or to let us know in advance that you plan to participate. Feel free to combine sales with neighbors. We encourage involvement of children in popcorn or lemonade sales.

What Didn’t Sell: Unfortunately, we learned last year, that there aren’t any non-profit organizations that can handle the volume of leftovers that we usually have from our sales. If you want to have someone pick up things at your house, please make that contact on your own. If you need ideas of who to call, email info@damonwoods.org for some numbers.

WINTER PARTY
The winter party was held Saturday February 23rd at the Kneeland Walker house and a great time was had by all who attended. For the third year, entertainment was provided by Katie Duyser and Veronica Alzalde, seniors at Wauwatosa East. There was plenty of great food and drink, a fun get-to-know your neighbor game with gift certificates from local merchants, as well as a beautiful flower arrangement from The Flower Lady as prizes. The only complaint was that the evening went too quickly. A special thanks to JoAnne Marks who did a lot of the leg work, and to Rachel VerDuin, Paul & Sophie Prange, Richard Stollberg, and Mark & Karen McNeely who made sure the night went smoothly. 

CUB SCOUT PINEWOOD DERBY
Boy scout Pack 474 held their annual Pinewood Derby January 22nd. For those of you who are not familiar with this event the boys are given a basic block of pinewood (hence the name) axles, & wheels and are challenged to fashion race cars, with the Derby being the big race night. This year, there was an unprecedented three way tie for first! Lowell-Damon Woods was well represented among the winners. One of the first place winners was Bracken Heiges from Stickney Ave. The runner up was Nathan Rockenbach also from Stickney Ave., Tyler Leising from Woodland Ave. won for best craftsmanship, and Daniel McNeely from Jackson Park Blvd won for most creative design. The three first place winners as well as the winners for craftsmanship and creativity will go on to the regional competition on May 4th. 

SPRING CLEAN-UP AT THE DAMON HOUSE
Neighbors once again will get together for annual spring cleaning of the grounds surrounding the Lowell Damon House Museum from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27. The museum is at 2107 Wauwatosa Ave. Our rain date is Sunday the 28th, at 1 p.m.

Please join us for the neighborhood association's role in "Public Lands Day," a clean-up day in parks, along rivers and other public properties. Volunteers will be rewarded with coupons for free admission to the Zoo or a county park swimming pool.

Clean-up volunteers should bring a rake and wear gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and thick soled, closed shoes. We'll also need volunteers to haul away a bag or two of leaves and debris. We're always looking for fresh faces. If you've never before joined in on a Damon Woods activity, here's a chance to find out more about what the association is all about and meet more of your neighbors.

The Wauwatosa Beautification Committee is seeking volunteers from the Damon Woods neighborhood to help maintain shrubs and perennial beds throughout the city.
Because of funding cutbacks at the state level, as well as in he city budget, maintenance of the planting bed areas and future plantings are in jeopardy. The committee is looking for volunteers who would be willing to devote a few hours during spring or into the summer to pull weeds, divide perennials or mulch a bed. It's a great opportunity to meet other perennial enthusiasts, learn more about plant care, or gain experience in design and plant selection.
The beautification committee sponsors an annual garden tour to raise money for its projects. The committee donated generously to our neighborhood association's garden work at the Lowell Damon House Museum last year. Noteworthy plantings by the beautification committee are at the Library and City Hall, the Millennium Garden at the west end of the Harmonee bridge, the Pocket Park in the Village, at the police station and fire stations, and at the eight "Welcome to Wauwatosa" signs.

The beautification committee was formed in 1993 and is not funded by any governmental agency. It depends solely on individuals who have an interest in beautifying Wauwatosa, especially in high-visibility areas that feature perennials and annuals for multi-seasonal color displays.

If you are interested in volunteering your time with others, please call Kristi Gruenhagen of the Wauwatosa Beautification Committee at 258-6340.