Martin Drive E-News

October 2008

Vliet Street Community Green Market

Sundays 11am to 3 pm extended as weather permits

Please come to the market on Sundays. The market is being extended at the request of the request of the produce vendors. So help them with the harvest by coming out to purchase their wares.

Night Time Trick or Treat

Friday October 31st

This year the ever-loved night time trick or treat falls on Halloween. Preparations and planning are taking place now. We will need help with registration, delivery to treating homes, and security monitors. Please contribute to this uniting event.

Call For Block Watch Captains

On the last Thursday of every month, at 6 pm there is a Captain’s meeting at the third district. Everyone is invited. At the meeting, they go over crime info and discuss different types of crime and prevention ideas. There is an initiative to increase and reinvigorate Block Watch Groups with training and support. If you are interested in starting a block watch on your block or even with the homes immediately around you home, contact. Officer Lemmie at 935-7238.

Please consider starting a block watch. Watch out for and report any suspicious activities. And, follow these safety rules: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not leave valuable things in your car. Block watches are proven to lower crime and raise the quality of life in neighborhoods.

We have had a more incidents of crime recently. Our crime stats are still very, very low for the City of Milwaukee and compared to all the areas surrounding us – north, south, east, west. We have low rates. That is why I want everyone to continue to look out for your neighbors. Keep it safe in this neighborhood.

The economy is at an all time low, we are on the route of the scrap metal scavengers, colder weather is coming, the bridge construction has changed traffic patterns, changing who travels thru this area and these are all things that influence crime in the area. Right now, we all need to reach out and form connections with our neighbors and watch out for each other.

CELEBRATE FAIR TRADE MONTH ON WEST VLIET STREET

October 8, Fair Trade wine and chocolate tasting at Perpendicular Wine Bar, 5000 W. Vliet, at 7pm featuring a speaker from Divine Chocolate Company.

October 10, Free Poetry Reading and Entertainment by Jim Schley and Jesus Villa at 7:00pm at Art and Soul Gallery.

October 11, 1 to 2 pm, Free Story Time with Rainbow Booksellers at Art and Soul Gallery.

October 16, 7 pm: Rev. Vincent Busch will speak on the current "Culture Clash" or "Ways that money can enhance or hinder a Substance Economy". Rev. Busch works with the Subanen Tribe in the Philippines to design products that encourage the use of traditional skills in making jewelry in order to be economically sustainable. Event sponsored by Four Corners of the World at 5407 West Vliet Street.

October 17 and 18, City Wide Gallery Night and Day at Art and Soul.

October 23, 7-8:30 pm: Rishi Tea Tasting and presentation on Fair Trade Tea by Rishi Tea Company staff sponsored by Four Corners of the World at 5407 West Vliet Street. Please RSVP to 443-9606, if possible.

October 24 and 25: Celebration of Sustainable Art and Crafts from Wisconsin and numerous developing countries at the Four Corners of the World Fair Trade Store at 5401 West Vliet. Local artist Dara Chappie will exhibit art made by recycling. Go to www.milwfairtrade.org for Citywide events.

Got the Utility Bill Blues?

We energies can shut off your utilities if you have past due balances until Oct. 15. If you face having, utilities shut off here are some things you can do.

Contact the utility company immediately to make a payment plan. If you cannot reach a payment agreement, contact the Public Service Commission’s Consumer Affairs @ (800) 225-7729.

If you need help paying your utility bill, there is financial assistance available for income eligible households thru the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) at (866) 432-8947 or online at www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov

There is a comprehensive listing of the State’s energy assistance programs at (800) 522-3014 or online @ www.energyhelp.wi.gov.

Foreclosure Prevention & Assistance

Do not be afraid to reach out for help. There are more and more foreclosures coming up. If you need help, reach out and be persistent in requesting help. Some resources for help with foreclosure are:

Homeowner Preservation Foundation Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE Acorn Housing Corp. 414-444-6902 Housing Resources Inc. 414-461-6330

We must be the change we wish to see. – Ghandi No one ever became poor by giving. Anne Frank

Pat Mueller

Heritage West Properties

Martin Drive Neighborhood

414-933-5589

In July, officials in Washington voted to provide badly needed financial relief and spare many Milwaukeeans who are facing foreclosure as a result of the national mortgage meltdown. As part of the legislation, H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, up to $4 billion in funds will be made available to stabilize neighborhoods hit hardest by the mortgage crisis and help residents stay in their homes.

While Milwaukee is faring better than many municipalities across the country, we are not immune to the national mortgage crisis that is shuttering homes, creating major increases in vacant homes susceptible to fire, vandalism, blight and criminal activity. Senator Herb Kohl and Congresswoman Gwen Moore worked hard in pushing this legislation.

Foreclosure Prevention & Assistance

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are more and more foreclosures coming up. If you need help, reach out and be persistent in requesting help. Some resources for help with foreclosure are:

Homeowner Preservation Foundation Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE Acorn Housing corp. 414-444-6902 Housing Resources Inc. 414-461-6330

Harley’s 105 Anniversary

Harley’s 105th Anniversary is celebrated in Milwaukee Aug. 28 to 31. If you have not been around for a Harley anniversary, expect a little noise as at least 350,000 Harley riders roll into town to take part in the festivities. We are so lucky to have Harley Davidson as a Milwaukee employer and a benevolent neighbor; I say bring on the noise. Its a few days and it is a small concession. Harley has been very good to this neighborhood and this area. Their foundation has sponsored many restorations in Washington Park and the neighborhood. If you would like to join in the festivities, we are all invited to the Street Party on Wed. the 27. Highland Boulevard will be closed the lion’s share of the day for a kick off party hosted jointly by Harley and Miller. We have been invited to walk over, so join in.

Pat Mueller

Heritage West Properties

Martin Drive Neighborhood

414-933-5589