Author: Staff

Milwaukee Blacksmith searches for new home on short notice

The Milwaukee Blacksmith lost their building and needs help to obtain a new one to keep their family business going. Family businesses run like most families. Paycheck to paycheck. When obstacles come up it can be hard to find a way to keep going. The Milwaukee Blacksmith’s landlord sent an email telling the Knapp Family that they would have to be out of their iconic shop by the end of February. They were given only 20 days notice to relocate. For Kent and Shannon Knapp, supporting both their business and family means there isn’t always an emergency fund to...

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Historian John Gurda featured at upcoming Milwaukee events

Milwaukee historian and author John Gurda will share stories from his latest book at a free public event on February 27. The Garden District Neighborhood Association’s Historical Committee will host a special program at the Tippecanoe Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library, 3912 South Howell Avenue. The talk will showcase excerpts and illustrations from Gurda’s book Milwaukee, City of Neighborhoods, and present an interesting take on the city’s history. “The Garden District is excited for John Gurda to share his work with the community,” said Alderman Terry L. Witkowski. “His newest book sheds light on how Milwaukee became a...

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To reduce food waste Balzac offers weekly family meal

According to the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, upwards of 60 million tons of food waste is created each year, with 40 million tons going to a landfill. The restaurants of the MojoFuco Group are working to reduce food waste with new initiatives in 2017. On Sundays, beginning on February 19, Balzac will offer complimentary plates with a drink purchase. The unique dishes will be created from kitchen scraps and leftovers from the week, and be offered from 10:00 p.m. until close or the prepared food is gone. “We want to do our part to bring awareness to the issue...

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WWBIC promotes savings week to teach better financial habits

With more societal encouragement and support, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to set a financial goal, make a plan, and save automatically. Wisconsin Saves, the local initiative of the national America Saves program, is a social marketing campaign that encourages individuals to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. The goal of the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is to reach as many Wisconsinites as possible with one powerful message: saving more will build wealth. “WWBIC has been a part of America Saves Week and Wisconsin Saves since it started in 2007, leading the efforts with Wisconsin Saves,” said...

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Trend shows increase of local anti-Semitic incidents

Last year included an extraordinarily high number of local anti-Semitic incidents, with a 60% rise in reports over 2015. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation just completed its 2016 Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents. Mirroring a dramatic rise in anti-Semitism across the globe, and increased acts and expressions of bigotry surrounding the U.S. presidential campaign, last year included an extraordinarily high number of local anti-Semitic incidents. “We should all be vigilant against this rise in hate and extremism,” said JCRC Director Elana Kahn. “We see from history that when communities allow people to be targeted...

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12 films Milwaukeeans can watch related to Black History

Black History month is the perfect time to binge watch movies about the African American experience. However, this list of 12 recommendations was selected by the Milwaukee Independent staff, with the idea that viewers could watch one film on the first Monday of every month over the course of a year, instead of just in February. There are plenty of other amazing films not presented here, particularly from the 1980s and the past few years, that highlight different aspects of African American life and culture in the United States. We wanted to keep the list simple and achievable. While...

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