Becoming president of our neighborhood association has made me reflect on why I love living and raising my family in Wauwatosa in general and specifically in Lowell Damon Woods. I think the word that sums it up best is community. To me, community goes hand and hand with involvement, whether you're a family with small children, seniors whose children are grown, singles or a couple just starting out.

In these crazy, over-scheduled days, many people say they don't have time for involvement. It may seem ironic, but I find the opposite to be true. Involvement develops friendships, networks and mentors. It's extra eyes and ears on your house when you are away or on your children when you step inside for a moment. It's advice from an expert or borrowing muscle from a novice. It's about all of us caring about one another.

My goal for the next year is to have even more involvement from everyone in the neighborhood. Today the board members discussed reinstating neighborhood gatherings, the garden walk and more. I'm asking all of you to support these ideas and to help us come up with more. If you have an interest (even if you've brought it up before), contact a board member, give Larry a blurb to put in the newsletter, send a message to our e-group and post a message on the discussion board. And if you see a message on something that interests you, take the time to respond to show your interest, even if you are unable to attend at that time.

On a final note about involvement, I'd like to thank Phil Kroner for his involvement as neighborhood association president for 2 years and as a board member prior to that. Thank you to our new board members for stepping up; Melita Biese, Betsy Daniels, Anne Fee, and Karen Roy, as well as to our continuing and past board members who remain involved.

--Karen McNeely

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUP
Playgroup has been meeting regularly throughout the summer and has seen great attendance.  Usually 20-30 parents and children attend playgroup for a morning of snacks, coffee, conversation and play.  Playgroup starts at 9:30 and ends at 11:30 with families coming and going throughout the morning.  It is a fun group, and we are always looking for new friends to play with.  If you have any questions or would like to attend a future playgroup, call Betsy Daniels (443-2048) for information, or come join us one of the following mornings this fall.  It is a great way to get to know neighbors that have young children and to get out of the house.  

Join us soon for some fun!

If anyone is interested in joining the playgroup, please email info@damonwoods.org. 

BOOK CLUB The next club meeting is November 21, 7:30 pm, at Tom and Jeanine Schoen’s home. The book is Death and Restoration by Iain Pears. This 288 page book is available in paperback.

A Madonna icon of no apparent value is stolen from an ancient monastery in Rome . But why? And when? Enter art expert Jonathan Argyll, and Flavia di Stefano, a member of the Rome police's art squad. Set in a dusty but gorgeous old neighborhood in the streets of Rome , this tale is filled with subplots: a blackmailed grandmother risking her life and reputation to save her young granddaughter, an ancient order of monks moving reluctantly into the modern century, an ancient legend that seems to have come to life. Throughout the tale, Pears walks a delicate line, allowing the reader to slip into the aura of the past, and to wonder at the possibilities of real backing for old superstitions. The suspense of the novel is sustained by the careful revelation of the central art-theft plot; in turn, each major character becomes the narrative center and offers an expanded understanding of the events at San Giovanni. In the end, the novel is a perfect melding of a tightly composed mystery plot, witty dialogue, and a realistic sense of character. Email info@damonwoods.org for more information.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
 
Karen Roy
I was born in Milwaukee and at age 9 moved to the Cleveland Ohio area, then Cedar Grove, NJ at age 10, and age 16 moved to Bellevue, WA. I joined the Army at 18 for three years and was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. I spent two years in Yakima, WA doing clerical work and was in the Army Reserve. I re-enlisted for four more years in the Army and was assigned to Fort Benning, GA. I attended evening classes through Troy State University Extension and earned a degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. After leaving the Army, I spent two years as a civilian clerk at Fort Benning (in the same job I had as a "soldier"!) and a year as a Mail Clerk for the US Army Ranger camp, located at Eglin AFB, FL. 
In 1987, I moved "home" to take care of my grandfather (Arnold Schillding) who, along with my grandmother, Dorothy, had lived on Jackson Park Blvd since 1940. (Grandpa passed away in 1995; my grandmother passed away in 1985). Michael and I purchased the home from the estate in late 1995.
I met my husband, Michael, in 1991 and we were married May, 1992. We have no children, just three cats.
I became gainfully employed with the City of Wauwatosa Police Department in February, 1989 as a Desk Clerk and have since moved to the Records Division.
My hobbies include reading, cross stitching, fishing, bird watching, and scrapbooking. We also enjoy camping and cruises.

Anne Fee
I am a native of northern Illinois who moved to Wisconsin following law school. After a short stint as the legal advocate at a domestic abuse shelter I joined the Racine County District Attorney's office, where I remained as an Assistant DA until March 2001. I am married to Pat Fee, who is also an attorney, and we have three children - Daniel, age 5, Janet, 3, and Franklin, 18 months - who are my current occupation. After living in downtown Milwaukee for a number of years, Pat, Daniel and I moved to our home on Church Street in 1998.

Melita Biese
Melita M. Biese has lived in Wauwatosa for over twenty years. Her three grown children who now live in British Columbia, Boston and Colorado Springs, all grew up in the Mother Goose house on Church Street which is now on the National Registry of Historic places. 
Melita is a partner at Murphy, Gillick, Wicht & Prachthauser, specializing in medical malpractice litigation. This has so far been able to support her Bridge habit, a game that is disrespectfully played weekly at her house by the Ladies of Church Street.
Melita also serves as a Trustee of St. Bernard’s Parish where she is active in several church and school committees.

Betsy Daniels
When my husband Chris and I moved to our house on Stickney, we had no idea what kind of neighborhood we had moved to. We were thrilled to find out it was a great one. Now seven years later I am on the board of the neighborhood association. My name is Betsy Daniels and I am pleased to be working towards making Lowell Damon Woods even better. I am currently working at home raising our three children Drew (3), Brian and Megan (both 1 1/2). When I am not chasing toddlers, I enjoy cooking, sewing, going for bike rides and reading. Prior to the birth of our children I was a middle school teacher and plan to return to teaching when our children are in school. I look forward to becoming more involved in the neighborhood. If you have any ideas or suggestions you would like to pass along to the board, email them to info@damonwoods.org.

NEXT BOARD MEETING
The neighborhood association’s next board meeting is at 9 a.m. on November 9th. The location will be announced on the Web site. Come and offer your ideas.

WHY JOIN THE LOWELL DAMON WOODS 
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION?

You help to support:   Winter Gathering and Summer Picnic The Easter egg hunt, our Christmas tree tradition, nighttime trick-or-treating Continuing restoration of gardens at the Lowell Damon House Museum, and other maintenance projects The newsletter, with informative articles on neighborhood and city events And, most of all, a sense of neighborhood

NEWS TO SHARE?
Has someone in the neighborhood had a birth ? Do you know of new neighbors moving into the neighborhood? How about newsworthy items about your neighbors.  Email info@damonwoods.org for inclusion in the next newsletter.

2002 YARD OF DISTINCTION

Ten years ago, a big pine tree and an unsightly, dark brown fence dominated Jill and Kent Morins’ backyard at the corner of Underwood and Woodland streets. Grass grew right up to the stone cottage’s foundation in front, flanked by some overgrown yews. Over the years, imagination, hard work, and a knowledgeable neighbor’s advice have transformed the Morins’ property into a “2002 Yard of Distinction.” “The second year we were here, after we had cleaned everything up, I called Deb (Karpfinger, a.k.a. “The Flower Lady”). `Can you help?’” Jill recalled. “We walked around the back yard and talked. I had taken photos of plants I liked at Boerner Botanical Gardens, and she and I came up with a plant list. I bought the plants and set them out. She’d point to where the plants should go, and I’d put them there. That took a Saturday morning and was the bones of the back garden.

“Deb was right when she said, ‘You’ll gain more confidence as you go along. Be organic, and have good soil.”

Kent, who has done much of the digging, bore the brunt of Jill’s increasing confidence as she created more and more garden spots around the yard. Nearly all of the gardens’ plants are perennials, and now Jill spends most of her (and Kent’s) gardening time moving plants around and cutting back shrubs. This year, a few shrubs were added, some pots were filled with plants, and tomatoes were planted.
Kelsey, 15, and Nick, 12, did most of the garden work in last spring, Jill said.

“I’d love to get rid of most of the lawn,” Jill said. “But that won’t happen until the kids go to college, or I retire.”

Photo and story by Chris Vogel
 

NAC NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NEWS

	A pig roast, “Pork-Toberfeast,” will be held at State Fair Park to benefit Children’s Hospital and the Hart Park performance stage fund. The roast is sponsored by Bunzel’s Meat Market, Leff’s Lucky Town, and Venture Architects. Tuesday, October 1, 2002, 4:30 – 8:00 PM, State Fair Park at the Youth Dorm patio, $50 per person ($40 is tax deductible). For tickets call Venture Architects, 271-3359.
	The Rotary Club has promised to raise $1 million towards the performance stage at Hart Park.
	The Wauwatosa Historical Society is conducting a tour of homes in Washington Highlands, Saturday, October 5, 10:00 to 4:00. Tickets are $12 at the Little Read Book.
	A town hall meeting will be held Monday, September 30, at the Lutheran Home, from 7 to 10 PM. The topic: “Help us create a new vision of the Wauwatosa East North Avenue District. Offer your ideas on zoning rules for the business district to the mayor and other civic leaders.”
	There is a vacancy in the Block Watch on the 2000 block of Church St.
	The police department is looking for additional board members for Crime Stoppers.
	There is an excellent book on building styles in Wauwatosa by Sharon Eiff. Copies may be purchased at the Planning Department or checked out at the library.
	The NAC will organize a “town hall meeting” in the near future to discuss the situation at Mayfair.
	North Avenue Appliance will be closing. It will be renovated by a Wauwatosa business wishing to expand.

News In Lowell Damon Woods
 

SPEEDERS ON YOUR BLOCK?
Are you concerned about speeding on your block? Call the police department and request a free "Thank you for Slowing Down" sign which you may place on your front lawn.

FREE MONEY! FREE STUFF
Help Lincoln Elementary School by collecting and turning in General Mills Boxtops for Education (each is worth 10¢) and Campbell's (and other participating brands) labels (worth points toward "stuff"). Bins are located in the hallway, just south of the office at Lincoln School. The boxtops program has added eligible products and the Campbell's encompasses a variety of brands. Please check labels, or look at signs on bins to familiarize yourself with eligible product. 
We will determine goals for each program later this year. Here are some suggestions to maximize what we collect for our school:

• Put your kids on the boxtop/label patrol, they will be diligent a finding them.
• Collect at church or at work.
• Ask grandparents to contribute.
• Ask a neighbor without school age children to participate and offer to drop off for them.
• Use bonus coupon certificates (there are some on select McDonalds Happy meals). Even if you do not have all of the qualifying labels, please drop them off. I have tons of labels that I can always match up!!
• Find a cute basket for collecting your labels and boxtops. *Call Karen if you know a business that would be willing to be a collection site. She will provide a box and do regular pick-ups.
• If you are an online shopper, register and shop through www.boxtops4education.com. Participating merchants will give a percentage of each sale to Lincoln, plus it's an easy place to access many popular sites.
• School budgets are tight and we all pay taxes, but labels are free! Peel them off & drop them off and we all benefit!!!
  Any questions or suggestions, email them to info@damonwoods.org. 

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION
THANK YOU—The volunteers who stuffed and delivered the August newsletter were Mary Lorch, Chad Lehman, Peter Hovel, Sophie Prange, Michele Teofilo, Susan, Mariscal, Peter Muller, Diane Kaiser-Rockenbach, Pam Christopherson, Richard Stollberg, Colleen Poblocki, Beth Brown, and Bev Washcovic.

If you wish to help distribute newsletters or flyers please e-mail info@damonwoods.org.

ADOPTION
A special flyer publicizes National Adoption Month coming up in November. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, please pass this on. Or, please print and post in your schools or places or worship. Thank you.

DAMON HOUSE GARDENS HELP NEEDED
Volunteers from the neighborhood continue to meet at the Damon House at 9 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month through October to work on the gardens on the grounds. The house is at 2107 Wauwatosa Ave. Stop by and lend a hand for an hour or so.

The house is open for tours from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays and 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Admission is free, but donations to the Milwaukee County Historical Society always are appreciated. What a great way to learn about the history of your neighborhood and Wauwatosa .

LET'S GET SPOOOOKED!!!! TRICK OR TREAT OCTOBER 31, 2002

Please join your fellow Damon Woods neighbors and participate in our annual nighttime Trick-or-Treat event on Thursday, October 31, 2002 from 6-8 p.m. All you have to do is leave your porch light on to participate so children and their parents know witch houses to go to!!! Let’s make it extra fun for the kids and decorate our houses to their scariest! Parents, let’s keep it safe and travel along with the young ones. Any questions, email to info@damonwoods.org.

CUB SCOUT PACK 474 FUNDRAISER
Cub Scouts from Lincoln school will be selling discount coupon books for Boston Store's November 23rd Community Day event. The books sell for $5.00 and each contains six coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase, plus an entry for a drawing for a trip for 4 to Lake Powell , Arizona . Coupon books should be available for sale late October or early November. For more information or to purchase books, contact any Cub Scout or email info@damonwoods.org.

TIRED OF TELEMARKETERS?
According to an article in the Sept 9th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, you can stop those annoying telemarketer phone calls by registering with the State of Wisconsin to be on the "No Call" list for telemarketers. To do so online, go to: http://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/home.asp

NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEER OPENINGS
Please consider being the organizer of one of the groups or functions listed in the adjacent contact list. It’s fun and it brings us together as neighbors. Contact any of the board members if you are interested, or email info@damonwoods.org.
 

 
Looking for a fun day’s outing with the family?  Here are a few of our favorites.

The Madison Farmer’s Market on the Capitol Square .  Spend the morning shopping at the market, pick up lunch (bread, cheese, apples, cookies) and picnic on the Capitol steps. Then, take a tour of the Capitol, walk down State St. , and visit the Madison Children’s Museum (web site: http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/), rated one of the 10 best children’s museums in the country by Child magazine. Then, explore the trails at the Arboretum (web site: http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/arboretum/), or have fun with the kids at the free Vilas Park Zoo, or at the enormous play structure in Winnequah Park (Menona).  Finally, have a burger and an ice cream at Ella’s on east Washington – its marvelous menagerie of motorized mechanisms will keep the kids entranced.

Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay (920-391-3671)– a fifties-style amusement park, with toddler rides (boats, cars, planes, ladybugs), a Ferris wheel, several dizziness-producing rides for the older kids, bumper cars (Yes!), a carousel, a train, a wading pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a wildlife sanctuary.  There is no admission fee, and rides are only 20 or 40 cents.  For four adults and four children, we spent a total of $25 for an entire day’s rides.

Circus World Museum in Baraboo (web site: http://www.circusworldmuseum.com/)– a three-ring circus, a parade rides, a wagon museum, and a wonderful coin-operated calliope.  Or, spend a day at Devil’s Lake State Park, and take the Merrimac Ferry across the Wisconsin River .

Menominee Park in Oshkosh , just north of downtown on the shores of lake Winnebago – carousel, miniature train, paddleboats, canoes, a small zoo, swimming beach, and the most fantastic, intricate outdoor play structure I have ever seen.

The Discovery Center Children’s Museum in Rockford . IL (web site:  http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/). Two floors of indoor, hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, plus a wonderful outdoor wooden play structure.  Enough to keep even the adults interested.  Rated one of the 10 best children’s museums in the country by Child magazine.

Navy Pier in Chicago (web site: http://www.navypier.com/ ) – “Offering visitors more than 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions, Navy Pier is host to an unparalleled array of family-oriented events and entertainment” – plus a children’s museum, rides, an IMAX theater, miniature golf – no shortage of things to fill an entire day.

For a great book on family activities in Wisconsin , see Wisconsin with Kids by Kristin Visser and Jerry Minnich, Prairie Oak Press, 1997.  For Milwaukee activities, see the web site of Milwaukee Moms (web site: http://www.milwaukeemoms.com/), which has a calendar of events and classes, and a rating of Milwaukee-area parks, among other things.

Do have your own favorites to share? Send them to info@damonwoods.org.