There seems to be a definite coolness in the mornings, even if the mercury hits 80 in the afternoon, that tells me fall is here. The perfect weather for our Harvest Fest this Sunday. This is a new event that we hope will be well attended. It's a chance for children and adults alike to appreciate what fall has to offer and gather with neighbors before we hunker down for the winter.
 
Night time trick-or-treating will again be on October 31st from 6-8pm. Please remember to turn on your outside lights if you will be handing out treats.
 
Thank you to Kris and Jim Gehrke for hosting our latest TGIF on September 19th. I know it will be a lot of fun, but as I write this, it is still a few days away. We'd love to keep these going through the colder months, so if you are interested in hosting, please pick a date and give me at info@damonwoods.org.
 
While it seems early to be thinking about Christmas, the order form for the yard trees is included in this newsletter. The tree pick up date, which will again include a visit with Santa, Christmas Carols and the cookie exchange, is set for December 6th. Last year we had a record number of households participating and the streets looked really beautiful. This year I'd like to see even more! Please take a few minutes to order your tree now so you don't forget. For your convenience, you may again send in your 2004 membership early with your tree order.
 
It was a great summer in Damon Woods, and it seems like it is shaping up to be a fine fall. I hope to see all of you at one or more of these events.

--Karen McNeely

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUP
Starting this fall the playgroup is dividing into two groups to better serve playing indoors. The list is sorted by parents last name and split into an A-L group and an M-Z group. Both groups meet on the same day at different houses. Please attend the playgroup according to your last name. On special occasions the entire playgroup will meet. Those dates are also noted below. In the winter we will take a look at how this new schedule is working and tweak it accordingly. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we can better serve our wonderful playgroup, then please email info@damonwoods.org. Play group meets from 9:30 to 11:30 and the hostess provides light refreshments. See you all this fall.

SUCCESSFUL NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN WALK
Thank you again to all of our neighbors for opening your backyard gardens to the neighborhood this past summer for the Damon Woods Garden Walk. We hope you enjoyed showing your gardens as much as neighbors enjoyed seeing them. We appreciate that some of you generously gave up a summer weekend away so you could take part. You undoubtedly planted many a seed for garden improvements that soon will be sprouting in the neighborhood, helping to keep Damon Woods beautiful. But that beauty goes beyond appearances. Events that bring neighbors together help all of us more profoundly understand what makes our neighborhood beautiful.
 
We hope to build on this year's success and continue this wonderful event with the suggestions that hosts and participants have. If you have any suggestions, please e-mail them to info@damonwoods.org or contact any board member.

LOWELL DAMON WOODS ASSOCIATION EVENTS 2003

• Night Time Trick or Treat-October 31, 6-8 p.m.
• Christmas Tree & Cookie Exchange-December 6
• Winter Party-Date to be determined
• TGIFs-We need volunteers host to keep this going! Contact Karen McNeely if you are willing to host soon or in the future. 

CONTRACTORS LIST
We have received good feedback about the contractors list. Several new projects have been started and completed using contractors found in the list which was created from our neighbors referrals.

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
At the September board meeting, the following members were elected to as officers of the board:
 
President - Karen McNeely
Vice President - Bill Duyser 
Treasurer - Richard Stollberg
Secretary - Karen Roy

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? Pass it on to Larry Kopperud at info@damonwoods.org for inclusion in the next newsletter.

THANK YOU, AND A WARNING
Thank you to everyone in Damon Woods for the kind words expressed since Sept. 6th when yellow jackets fatally attacked our two Schipperkes, Dodger and Winnie.
 
Dodger and Winnie had been with us many years and were pretty well known in the neighborhood. They marched several years with the neighborhood association float in the 4th of July parade, as well as with the neighborhood team in the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk.
 
Dodger and Winnie were out in our backyard for just a few minutes that Saturday morning when the attack occurred. Maybe they disturbed a nest that we didn't know existed. Even if we had known that the nest was out there, we're not sure we would have given it a second thought.
 
Yellow jackets always have been a late-summer nuisance, but we never took the threat very seriously. This year, however, yellow jackets have been more aggressive than usual because of recent unusually dry weather.
 
With this experience, our advice to neighborhood pet owners is to not let your pets out of sight while outside. Besides spraying the nest, one other step we've taken that we think has been effective is setting out traps. Our daughter Jeannie borrowed this idea for creating traps: Cut off the top third of a two-liter plastic soda bottle; pour about a cup of fruit juice into the bottom portion, along with a piece of meat; turn over the top of the bottle and rest it in the bottom so the small opening allows yellow jackets in, but not out.
- The Vogel Family.

NEW NEIGHBORS
Michael and Lisa Jackson, N. 83rd St.
Laura Fiese, Jackson Park Blvd
Janice Boettcher, N. 83rd St.

NEW BOARD MEMBER - LAURIE LEHMAN
My husband Chad and I moved onto Jackson Park Blvd in October 1999. Since then, we have added two new additions to our family, Kaitlyn (age 3) and Austin (4 months). I work in the technology department at FlexBen Corporation in Mequon and Chad teaches third grade in West Allis. I like to read, play volleyball, travel and spend time with my family. We are enjoying everything that the Damon Woods neighborhood offers.

NEW BOARD MEMBER - MARSHALL MURRAY
In November of 1992 my wife, Jo Ann Gray-Murray, son, Sean Murray and I moved to Wisconsin from Massachusetts. Two years before, we came to Milwaukee to visit Jo Ann's sister, Jeri, and while we were here, I decided that Wisconsin might be a nice place to live if Jo Ann and I could find work in the area. Just by chance, I had the opportunity to interview for a job in the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office with E. Michael McCann while we were in Milwaukee for our visit with Jo's sister. D.A. McCann offered me a job in his office as an Assistant DA but I could not move to Milwaukee until my middle child, Stacey Gray, finished high school. Our oldest daughter, Kimberley Gray, was already in college at Connecticut College and Stacey had one year of high school left before she would eventually go to Duke University. Once Stacy was settled at Duke, we made our move from Williamstown, MA to Milwaukee.
 
I started my career at the DA's Office in Milwaukee on November 10, 1992. Jo Ann had already been working at the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education at UWM Milwaukee since October of 1992. Sean was eight years old and he was in elementary school in Glendale where we had taken up residence in an apartment building.
 
Jo Ann did not feel that the Glendale apartment was adequate for raising a young boy who had a lot of energy and just loved to run. The house that we owned in Williamstown was a old farm house on a 3 acre lot and Sean had all the room that he needed to play with his soccer ball which he loved to kick in our back yard. Jo started to look around for a house during the spring of 1993. One day, while looking for a house that she saw in an ad, we got lost and ended up on Stickney Avenue. As we sat in our car, we noticed that there were two houses for sale on the block, so we decided to take a look. The second house that we looked at was the house that we now live in at 7636 Stickney Avenue. We brought our home from Elin Bjorkman and Jeff Enders, who bought a home across the street, in April of 1993. We loved the house and the area. Wauwatosa reminded us of the Boston area where we had lived for many years.
 
Our girls finished college and decided to move to New York City where Kimberley is a corporate vice president at JP Morgan Chase and Stacey is a lawyer in private practice. Sean now is a sophomore in college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina where he plays /Division 1 soccer. Sean graduated from Tosa East where he played varsity soccer for three years. He has had the opportunity to play soccer in both Mexico and Brazil with the '84 Region 2 Boys Olympic Development Program.
Since moving to Wisconsin, Jo Ann has taught at UW-Milwaukee and Beloit College and worked at the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence. While at these various jobs, she completed a doctorate degree from MIT in Urban and Regional Studies. She now works out of the home running a successful consulting business in development planning.
 
My life took a big turn in an unexpected direction in November 1999. Governor Tommy Thompson appointed me to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court Bench. Prior to becoming a judge, I had served the Milwaukee county community as a Court Commissioner for three years. I have spent most of my judicial term at Children's Court and recently I rotated downtown where I preside in one of the three domestic violence courts. When I am not in court or at home, you can usually find me on a soccer field. Presently, I am the Administrative Director for the WYSA Girls and Boy's Olympic Development Programs. I also served as the '87 Boys ODP Regional Team Administrator and I have had the opportunity to travel to Italy and Costa Rica with these talented soccer players. So, as you can see soccer has become my hobby and on any given day you may find me watching or refereeing a game.
 
Today, Jo Ann and I are empty nesters. The children are grown and we are enjoying having more time to be together and growing older gracefully.
 

	Autumn Along the Ave, Oct 18, Noon-3:00 p.m.
	Trick or Treat in the Village, Oct 25 , 1:00 p.m.
	Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec 5, 5:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION COUNCIL LIAISON
Our neighborhood association is looking for a volunteer to be the liaison with the NAC. Responsibilities include attending the NAC meeting every other month and reporting back to our board. Email info@damonwoods.org if you are interested..

POSSIBLE SCHOOL CLOSINGS BEING DISCUSSED
Some of you may have read in the Wauwatosa News Times that there is an advisory board called the Tosa Committee that is making recommendations on how to balance the School board budget. The article outlined that one of the possible solutions being explored was the closing of one of the elementary schools, possibly Wilson. What the article did not state was that Lincoln School is also being suggested for closure.
 
It is unclear how strongly a school closing is being considered. If you read the minutes of the Tosa Committee's meetings (the September 18 minutes were not published as of this newsletter's press time), there are very few specifics. The minutes to the September 15 School Board is silent on the Tosa Committee's work.
 
If either of these schools is closed it would impact not only the children of the closing school , but also the classroom sizes and the use of the buildings receiving additional students from the closed school, as well as the property values of the houses in the area. It has been stated that if one of the schools closes, the city is under no obligation to provide school buses.
If you need specific information or wish to ask questions, please
contact your school board members:
 
Tim Taff (Board President) taffti@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Eileen Donohoo - Vice President donohoei@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Thomas Forbes - Treasurer forbesth@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Katherine Metzger metzgka@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Daniel O'Brien - Clerk obrienda@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Buffy Stephan stephbu@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Lois Weber weberlo@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
 
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT SUCCESSFUL AGAIN
On Tuesday, August 5, the Wauwatosa Police Department, in cooperation with the Wauwatosa Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee, hosted the 9th Annual "National Night Out Against Crime" event at Hart Park. Once again our sponsors, volunteers and participants rose to the challenge. Wauwatosa's 2003 "National Night Out" celebration was clearly one of the most informational, entertaining, and well attended events of its kind - not only in the metro Milwaukee area but quite possibly the nation.
 
The numbers speak for themselves. This year's flashlight walk against crime attracted almost 4,000 registered participants and the entire day totals are estimated at over 7,000. Behind these numbers is a strong statement. Wauwatosa is a community unified against crime and interested in prevention, education and cooperation toward that end.
 
Many thanks again to the many people who helped make NNO 2003 a great success. Together we made a difference, and all who helped or participated in any way should be proud of their efforts.
 
- Officer Paul Leist
  Wauwatosa Police Department
  Community Support Division

HIGHLANDS TOUR OF HOMES IS OCTOBER 4TH
One of the largest houses in the Washington Highlands, a threestory Tudor Revival built for the then-president of Miller Brewing Co., is one of six featured on this year's Wauwatosa Historical Society's Tour of Homes on Saturday, Oct. 4.
 
The "Highland Classics II" tour will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, $12 in advance are available at the Kneeland-Walker House or Little Read Book Store at 7603 W. State Street. They may be ordered by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope, along with payment, to the Wauwatosa Historical Society, 7406 Hillcrest Dr., Wauwatosa, WI 53213.
 
On tour day, tickets will be $15 at Don and Mary Jo Layden's home on Washington Circle and James and Kathleen Rushmer's home on Revere Ave. Infants and children under 10 are not permitted on the tour. For information about the tour, call 774-8672.
 
The Laydens' 5,488-square-foot home was built in 1930-31 for Frederick "Fritz" Miller and features seven bedrooms and a coach house with living quarters. Other homes on the tour are those of Michael and Dana Galiga on Alta Vista Ave., Todd and Jan Graveline on Martha Washington Dr., Michael and Maureen Klein on Alta Vista Ave., and Tom and Nancy Gazzana on Washington Circle.

ATTENTION THEATRE PATRONS!
Many of you may be surprised to learn that Wauwatosa has it's own community theatre group. The group, founded in 1958, was appropriately named the Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa (VPW). For many years VPW performed at the Plank Road School located on the Milwaukee County grounds. The building was demolished and since then the group has lead a somewhat nomadic existence.
 
This year the organization will make it's home at the Wauwatosa West High School Theatre.
The Village Playhouse 2003-2004 season opens with "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest", on the weekends of October 10-11 and October 17-18. The play, written by Dale Wasserman, is based on the novel by Ken Kesey. Fans of the Academy Award winning movie will not want to miss this show. Caution, this show contains adult language and situations.
 
Their second production will be "The Kings Rabbits." For the past few years VPW has produced a play for the Wauwatosa Recreation Department's Children's Theatre Program. Wisconsin playwright Donna Kay Kohls has written an original script for the Village Playhouse, based on a Norwegian folk tale. The performances are scheduled for December 13, at Wauwatosa East High School, December 20, at Wauwatosa West High School and January 11 in West Allis.
 
The Spring production, slated for March 12-13 and March 19-20, 2004 is the British comedy "Comic Potential" by Alan Ayckbourn.
 
Rounding out the season on June 4, 5, 11 & 12 is the 19th Annual Original One Act Play Festival. This festival is VPW's unique contribution to original theatre in Wisconsin. Plays are chosen for staging from scripts submitted by Wisconsin playwrights.
 
The Village Playhouse is always looking for people interested in supporting community theatre in Wauwatosa. Whether your interests lie in acting, stage crew, set construction, lighting, marketing or simply enjoying a performance; the Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa would love have you join us. For more information, contact the VPW Hotline at 414-297-9697 or email msteimle@wi.rr.com
- Meg and DJ Lee

FASTTRAC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COURSE
This wonderful opportunity is being offered in Wauwatosa, beginning September 25th. Affordable business course helps you create a plan from your idea, and put your plan into action. Sponsored by the Wauwatosa Economic Development Corporation, 414-259-9915. For more information: http://www.wedc.net
 

News In Lowell Damon Woods
 

SEPTEMBER TGIF PARTY
The Mexican theme for this TGIF party brought out twenty neighbors for great food and excellent drinks. Although the weather turned out to be chillier than anticipated, the TGIF gathering at Jim & Kris Geherke's was a blast. And, thanks to Mike Collins, there was Mexican beer to enjoy!
 
Everyone mingled throughout the night. We are hoping to continue the TGIF parties and hope to have further information in upcoming newsletters. If you are interested in hosting a TGIF party, contact any of the board members.

FRIDAYS ARE FOR FUN!
There is nothing more fun than a party to bring neighbors together. 
Damon Woods neighbors met at Jim and Kris Gehrke's home on Friday, September 19, for a TGIF Party. 
Pictured (left to right), Kevin Rea, Kris Gehrke, Mark McNeely, Lauren Rea & Holly Dobson.

AUTUMN ALONG THE AVENUE
This event is presented by the East Town Tosa Business & Merchant's Association East Town Wauwatosa, and will take place along North Ave. between 68th and 69th Streets on Saturday, October 18th from 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m.
 
Explore all that autumn has to offer in East Town Tosa! Fun for the whole family, including a hay maze, food, entertainment, pumpkin sales and a costume parade for kids and pets, led by McGruff the Crime Dog. Begin your holiday shopping early and take advantage of special offers from the businesses along the Avenue. Don't miss it! For more information, contact Pam Haefner at 414-476-8640.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed for East Town's Autumn Along the Avenue, October 18th. About ten fun loving, able-bodied adults and teens are needed early Saturday morning to set up the hay maze. From 12 to 3 p.m. about twelve helpers are needed for one hour shifts to supervise children's activities and to help with cleanup. Call Jill for more information, 414-259-9915.

BUILDING A PATH AT THE DAMON HOUSE
Brian Bloczynski (left) and Tom Krause of Church Street were among volunteers who recently worked on extension of a garden path on the grounds of the Lowell Damon House Museum. While the neighborhood association continues its efforts to restore gardens surrounding the museum, the Milwaukee County Historical Society is making major repairs to the grounds.

KEEP INFORMED OF NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS!
If you want to stay informed about what is happening in the Lowell Damon Woods Neighborhood Association more frequently, consider joining the LDWNA e-mail list. Send an e-mail to damonwoods@topica.com with subscribe in the subject. If you changed address or internet service provider, the above will work to change your address.

NEWSLETTER AND FLYER DISTRIBUTION
THANK YOU-The following neighbors delivered the August newsletter: Pam Christopherson, Peter Hovel, Phil Kroner, Chad & Laurie Lehman, Mary Lorch, Linda Merklein, Sophie Prange, Frank & Joanne Shansky, Richard Stollberg, and Dave Vogel. If you would like to help deliver, contact Karen McNeely. If you would like to help deliver, contact Karen McNeely at info@damonwoods.org.