St. Patrick's Day is coming soon and our local Garlic Mustard Pickers will be performing three times in March. The band will be playing first in South Milwaukee, then St. Francis and finally in Cudahy.

The first gig is on Sunday, March 14th at the Grant Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 100 Hawthorne Ave in South Milwaukee. This is the annual "Pullin' O' the Green" which is an annual fundraiser for Friends of Grant Park. This is South Milwaukee's best Irish party! The event lasts from 4:30 to 8 pm. Check out the details at www.fogp.org for info on where to buy advance tickets ( $10) which will guarantee you seating for either the 4:30 or 6:30 dinner. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $12 subject to availability. Buy advance tickets to make sure you don't miss this great party.

On Wednesday, March 17th (St. Pat's Day) the band will perform at Carleton Grange Pub at 3807 S. Packard Ave in St. Francis. This event will start around 6 pm and last until 9 pm. ( I just ate there a few days ago; their fish is incredible and they have an interesting variety of beers).

On Thursday, March 18th the band will perform for the 2nd time in two days. This time the band will play at Sheridan's Cafe at 5133 S. Lake Dr. in Cudahy. ( I also ate there recently and the food is exceptional). The band will play from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. I know I don't want to miss this one.

I am looking forward to seeing the band at all three of these performances and hoisting a Guiness in their honor! ( And I'm not even Irish !). Hope to see you there.
 

I have made a New Year's Resolution to keep my mind active by reading one book per month starting in Dec. 2009. In December I read "The End of Food" by Paul Roberts and in January I read "The End of Oil" by the same author. I checked out both books from the Cudahy Family Library. ( I strongly recommend both of these books).

In one section, Roberts talks about what he calls "Hidden Economic Costs'. For example, consider the cost of burning coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal is actually a very dirty fuel and produces massive amounts of pollution. Economists and power company executives will consider many factors when trying to determine the cost of using coal to produce electric power. The cost of purchasing the coal is an obvious cost. Other costs include the amortized cost of building the power plant, labor and production costs, plant maintenance, pollution abatement, etc etc etc.

There are, however, "indirect costs" that are more remote and not paid directly by the power company. Consider, for example, the effects of pollution. Suppose a person contracts lung cancer as a result of pollution from the power plant. The costs of treating the cancer will never be directly paid by the power plant even though the pollution from the plant contributed to or caused the cancer. Instead, the costs are paid by the health insurance company which must then raise their premiums to cover the increased number of lung cancer claims. There is also a cost of lost productivity; the person cannot work at their job while being treated for the cancer. If they have to retire early, there is the increased cost paid in disability or lost income.

This analysis made me think of the economic benefits of our parks and the "hidden" costs of neglecting or losing them. We all know there is an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stress-related illness in our nation. There is a "hidden" benefit to using the parks: Exercise prevents these things. By the same token, lack of exercise does lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and stress. Health insurance companies must pay the costs of treating these illnesses--which is an enormous cost--and raise premiums as a result. We all know all how health insurance premiums have risen. They have been rising faster than inflation for a long time.

I would like to ask people to consider these costs. I also work out at the South Shore YMCA (especially in the winter) but not everyone can afford a health-club membership. Also, some people don't like to exercise indoors and prefer a more natural outdoor setting. Suppose we closed all the parks and sold the land to developers to build more stores. People would not have a convenient place to walk their dogs, to run or walk, to ride their bike or even to just spend a quiet moment away from the traffic, stress and bustle of life. Their health would decline. Stress-related illness, along with illnesses caused by too much food and too little exercise, would increase, leading to higher health-care costs, higher insurance premiums and an increased number of disability claims.

Is it possible our parks actually are saving us all money? It is probably impossible to calculate the true savings but I believe they are. One way of dealing with our nation's health-care crisis, for example, would be to continue to maintain our parks so that people can maintain their health and experience less health problems.

In economics, external costs are called "externalities". See the following for more info on external costs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externalities#Negative

I hope everyone had a chance to read the article "Sales of County Parkland Suggested" in Tuesday's paper. In case you missed it, here is the link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/80633172.html

You all know by now how I feel about this idea! The idea of selling County Parkland was simply suggested in an audit report and is not, as far as I know, being seriously considered by the County Board. This would be my worst nightmare if it were to become a reality.

I can't believe anyone could even suggest such an insane idea. The County Parks are a priceless resource. I love our parks and I would be devastated if any part of them were sold only to become yet another strip mall, parking lot or condo development. Yes, we need those things but we also need park area where people can walk their dog, run, bike or rollerblade. People have picnics in the summer. Kids go swimming at the pool ... well, I guess I am repeating myself because I have said this all before.

I find the idea terrifying.

I know times are tough financially but there has got to be a way. I hope you value the parks enough to find this idea offensive, as I do. If you are truly offended by even the suggestion of selling parkland please make your voices heard. Our parks have tremendous value which exceeds the "highest and best" real estate value!

As I watched Manny Pacquiao defeat Miguel Cotto last Saturday to win the WBO Welterweight Boxing Championship I thought of the other "boxing match" between Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway.

What a fight!

I hope everyone had the opportunity to read the two editorials in Tuesdays paper.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/70231157.html

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/70231117.html

It is very clear these two men have radically different visions of how our County Government should function in coming years.

I wonder how Cudahy residents feel about this issue. What is your opinion? Would you be willing to pay a little bit more in taxes to avoid Lakefront parking meters, to keep bus routes and the bus call center, to maintain County Parks and keep Community Centers open, or would you prefer that these services be eliminated in order to reduce or maintain property taxes?

I would also like to refer readers to my Nov. 3rd article on "Finding the Will to Support our Parks". A couple readers made some very interesting and thought-provoking comments to the article. I hope everyone has a chance to give this issue some serious thought.

Thanks for reading!

A couple of readers wrote to me and asked me if I follow any special diet as part of my training. The answer is "yes and no". I do not count calories but I try to eat healthy, nutritious food as much as possible and avoid processed or manufactured foods. I am a firm believer in the "caveman diet"; i.e., I try to eat foods that come directly from a plant or animal source.

In addition, I am trying to eat as much fish as possible to get the maximum effects of Omega-3. I love fish and am trying to eat as much of it as possible. I eat fish almost every day. My favorites are salmon and herring, although I will eat almost any kind of fish.

In addition to fish, I try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, berries, seeds and rice. I do eat meat, but not every day. I love bacon, sausage, chicken and turkey but I choose fish over meat or poultry most of the time. I do not use any type of vitamins or Omega-3 supplements. I don't think there is anything wrong with vitamins or Omega-3 capsules, but I feel that I eat enough vegetables and fish to get the required nutrients directly from food. Some researchers believe, however, that a person can't really eat enough fish to satisfy the body's need for Omega-3. More research is needed to determine the optimal amount of Omega-3 and whether or not this requirement can be met through food alone.

I also drink a lot of green tea ( about four or five cups per day). I don't drink milk and the only foods I avoid are dairy products, junk food and candy. Other than that, I will eat almost any type of food.

I have found that by following this type of diet I can eat as much as I want, I feel great and my running performance is greatly improved. I am not a food fanatic and will make exceptions --- especially around the holidays!

Here is some research from Jeff Galloway's website on nutrition and running: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/nutrition/index.html

I got up early on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd and grabbed the paper on my front porch. (I have a personal computer in my living room, but I am old-fashioned and prefer reading the actual paper copy of the newspaper rather than reading it online!) I was deeply moved by two inspiring stories of hope, courage and determination. Both of these articles were written by well-known runner Tom Held.

The first article was a front-page follow-up story on Jenny Crain. Jenny Crain was an elite runner who was training for the Olympics when she was hit by a car while running on Milwaukee's East Side. The accident occured on Aug. 21, 2007. I did not know her but I remember reading about it in the paper and I donated to her recovery fund at the 2007 Lakefront Marathon expo at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). This was a horrible accident and everyone was shocked that an elite runner could be struck down so quickly. It seemed like such a senseless tragedy.

Tom's follow-up article tells the story of Jenny's gradual recovery and struggle to regain her health. I felt truly inspired by this brave woman's ongoing struggle and her determination. You can read the full story at http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/68792107.html

On the same day there was an amazing story of a woman who lost her left leg in a motorcycle accident but is running at a competitive level including ultra-marathon races (exceeding 26.2 miles). Amy Palmiero-Winters was hit by a car while driving her Harley-Davidson in 1994. Her foot was crushed and after more than two dozen surgeries Doctors were forced to amputate her leg in 1997.

I would imagine that most people would give up on running after such a devastating injury. Amy, however, has stepped up her game and is vigorously engaged in running at a competitive level. She has set records in the 50-mile run. She is the world's first female amputee to finish a 100-mile ultra-marathon. Amy actually won that race as the female winner which is a staggering accomplishment.

I think she is a true inspiration to everyone who aspires to run. Have you ever felt that you were too old, too fat or too tired to get out and run? I think we all have at one time or another. The next time I feel like skipping a workout because "I'm too tired" I'm going to think of Amy and her fantastic commitment to the sport.

I think her extraordinary commitment extends to all areas of life. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the stresses and pressures of everyday life? Economy got you down? Don't have the energy you once did? Try to visualize running 50 or 100 miles -- with an artificial leg! Her story is a true testamony to the power of the human spirit. You can read the entire story at http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/67698852.html

I truly admire the spirit, determination and courage of both of these outstanding women. They are my heroes. If you would like to donate to the Jenny Crain Make it Happen Fund you can mail a check to the address below or drop off at any M&I Bank Branch.

Jenny Crain - Make it Happen Fund

c/o M&I Bank, attn: Barb Stafford

50 S. 6th St, Suite 1000

Minneapolis MN 55402

I hope everyone will take the time to read John Gurda's article in Sunday's Crossroads section:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/67770412.html

This editorial really struck a chord with me. I hope everyone will read it although I'm sure those who want taxes cut at all costs will disagree with it.

Gurda asks the question, "What's going on here? Why is local government in such dire fiscal straits?" I have often wondered why the local governments, particularly our County government, have such a difficult time making ends meet. Obviously the pension scandal and resulting aftermath had a lot to do with it. But I believe there is more to it than that. There is also a lack of will; people seem to always come up with money for everything else but complain endlessly about having to pay for parks, libraries, the museum and zoo, etc. even though it is a relatively small expense. The County government is the most striking example.

I hope people find the will to preserve these priceless services and we do not see a further erosion of our local governments.  

(The following is a letter from Mayor Ryan McCue):

October 9, 2009

Dear Neighbor,

Our country is facing the worst recession since the great depression and the City of Cudahy is not immune from its effects.  Our residents are tightening their belts and stretching every dollar. Therefore, the City of Cudahy must do the same.         

The 2010 recommended budget is balanced and allows for the quality city services that residents want and expect to continue. I am proposing to cut general fund expenditures by $242,385 or 1.85 percent. Total general fund expenditures will be $12,814,302, which equates to a two percent tax levy increase. A homeowner with a $160,000 home will see a $23 city tax increase, which is less than $2 per month. 

With our country’s economy in flux, I have projected that the city’s revenues will decrease significantly. In 2010, the State of Wisconsin will cut Cudahy’s shared revenue by over $171,000. It is important to keep in mind that since 2004, the state has cut Cudahy’s shared revenue by nearly $500,000.  I am also projecting a loss of over $231,000 in interest on our investments.

I have accepted the suggestion to remove the hydrant rental from the property tax levy and shift it to the water bill. Currently, anyone not paying property taxes does not pay for the hydrant rental, yet they receive the benefits. This change will spread the cost in a more equitable manner to all property owners. The shift also allows Cudahy to maintain its vital fire, police and public works services while keeping property taxes in check.   

Most communities have already shifted or are proposing a shift of the hydrant rental. Even with this change, Cudahy’s Water Utility rates will still remain in the bottom half of other Milwaukee County communities.

In an effort to improve our snow plowing operations, I am proposing to spend $79,173 or 43 percent more on snow and ice removal.  Due to the backlog of tickets and forfeitures, which total over $800,000 in our municipal court system, I am proposing the hiring of a part-time clerk. This position will pay for itself due to the increased collection of outstanding fines. 

We hope to have the recommended budget online for residents review at www.ci.cudahy.wi.us. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at 414-769-2222 or mccuer@ci.cudahy.wi.us

Sincerely,

Ryan McCue, Mayor

Hello Readers! I hope you are having a great month and enjoying our beautiful autumn weather. There is some exciting news to report this week. Three-time Strongest Man title-holder Bill "Kaz" Kazmaier will demonstrate his feats of strength at  the Anytime Fitness Cudahy facility on Monday, Oct. 12th. The demonstration will begin at 6:30 pm.

"Kaz" will be pulling a fire truck and rolling a frying pan with his bare hands in addition to speaking and signing autographs. He will also pose for photos with attendees.

Sounds like a fun time for the whole family! I will definitely stop by to check it out. If you would like more info contact Anytime Fitness Cudahy at (414) 483-1921. The facility is located at 5879 S. Packard Ave (next to Pick-N-Save). You can also access the site at  http://www.anytimefitness.com/en-us/clubs/864/Cudahy-WI-health-club or e-mail at  jennifer.moreau@anytimefitness.com . 

In other news, Al's Run is this Saturday, Oct. 10th. Once again, Sydney's Angel Army will be running and walking to raise money for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The team run and walks in honor of Sydney who survived serious complications of eye surgery thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at Children's Hospital. If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/angelarmy2009.

Hello readers! I hope you have been enjoying our fantastic autumn weather. Finally some warm temperatures! What happened to our summer? Oh well, at least we are having an awesome fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 26th, the Garlic Mustard Pickers will be performing at First Congregational Church in South Milwaukee. (The Church is at the intersection of Pine and Chicago). The Church will be having a Harvest Dinner and the GMP will be playing at around 6 pm.

If you like wine like I do ( I am a huge fan of reds) you won't want to miss the Wine Tasting at South Milwaukee Public Library. The Garlic Mustard Pickers will be playing from 7 to 9:30 pm. The cost is $20. You can buy tickets at the library, at Parkway Floral and at M&I Bank. Sounds like a party!

In other news, tons of people have been walking, running and biking on the Oak Leaf Trail. The weather has been perfect and everyone is enjoying the parks. Did you notice the mileage markers on the trail? They were installed by members of the Badgerland Striders to help people more accurately estimate their mileage.

That's all for now. Stay active and keep running, walking and bicycling!

The Sheridan Park Friends will be walking in the Park on Sunday, Sept. 20th. What a great opportunity to get out of the house, meet some neighbors and enjoy our beautiful autumn weather! The walk will start at the pavilion (area 1) just after the Packer Game (about 3:30 pm). The walk will make use of a new walking trail that was developed as part of an Eagle Scout service project. Everyone is invited so get your walking shoes and join in the fun!

Did you know the City of Cudahy has a new business development website? I didn't either until today. The address is www.cudahy4business.com . Check it out! I found it to be very interesting and informative and I'm sure a lot of people do not know about it yet.

In other news, the Garlic Mustard Pickers will be doing a "Music in the Parks" performance in Grant Park on Thursday, Aug. 20th. The performance will start at 6:30 pm at Picnic Pavilion # 5 (where the July 4th fireworks are done) and last until about 8:30 pm.

The performance will be held "rain or shine" because the pavilion provides shelter from the weather. Bring a picnic supper and enjoy some fine Celtic music! In addition, the Friends of Mill Pond will be selling hot dogs, soda and desserts. The "Music in the Parks" concerts are sponsored by your Milwaukee County Parks.

Hello Readers! I hope all of you had a chance to take your dog swimming at the Sheridan Park Pool. I took my dog, Jet, although she was scared and didn't really enjoy it too much. She was able to swim but seemed afraid of the water. I think she was also a little nervous being around so many unfamiliar dogs. She seemed happy afterward, however, and I gave her a little ice cream as a special treat for being so brave!

Our neighborhood Park Friends Groups are busy maintaining our wonderful County Parks. First, the Sheridan Park Friends will be meeting on Monday, Aug. 24th, at 6:30 pm at the Sheridan Park Pavilion. The group is led by Patricia Jursik and will be discussing plans for a Park Watch, an Autumn Equinox Lakeside Trail Walk, and a Buckthorn Weed-Out plus any other ideas members may bring. The public is invited. If you are interested contact Patricia at patricia.jursik@milwcnty.com or (414) 278-4231.

The Grant Park Friends are also pulling Buckthorn. The group will be having both morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, Oct. 17th and Saturday, Nov. 14th. The morning sessions will begin at 9 am and the afternoon sessions at 1 pm. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of Picnic Area 1. Buckthorn is an invasive weed that is spreading rapidly and these efforts will help control its spread.

Does your dog like to swim? Not sure? Why not bring your dog to the Sheridan Park pool on Sunday, Aug. 16th? The Sheridan Park Pool will be open to dogs from 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Your dog can swim for $5 before the Parks Dept drain the pool for the season! For more info call (414) 257-Park (7275). Admission pre-sale is on the day before from 1-5 pm.

Cool waters offers the Doggie Dip on Monday, Sept. 7th from 6:30 to 8 pm with admission pre-sale on Sunday, Sept. 6th from 10 am to 6 pm.

For details:
www.county.milwaukee.gov/DoggieDip11404.htm

 

The Cudahy Lions Sweet Applewood Festival was graced with excellent weather and had a huge turnout! Thanks to everyone who came to this event and helped make it a success. As always, I ran into a lot of people I knew and everyone had fun.

A number of people asked me how I did in the Cudahy Classic 5/10 Race. I finished the 10-mile race in 1:31:35 ( one hour, 31 minutes and 35 seconds) which is an average pace of 9' 10" per mile. My son finished in 1:22:29 which is an average pace of 8' 15" per mile. There was perfect weather and everyone enjoyed the race.

Hello faithful readers. I hope you all survived the Patrick Cudahy plant fire and evacuation. What a disaster! My home is in the area that was evacuated. Although I was at work at the time my wife, son and dog had to leave the house and go to my brother-in-law's house in Oak Creek. Thank God no-one was seriously injured or killed.

In other news, the Cudahy Lions Club is once again hosting the Sweet Apple-Wood Festival. The festival is being held from Friday, July 31st through Sunday, Aug. 2nd. What a great time! There will be lots of fun for all ages including great food, music (live bands), rides and a chance to meet friends old and new. Every year at this festival I seem to run into people I haven't seen in years including people from outside the area. ( Of course, when I say "outside the area" I'm talking about West Allis, Wauwatosa, etc.).

Raffle tickets are on sale now and will be sold at the festival. The tickets are 3 for $5 and prizes include big screen TV's as well as cash prizes. You do NOT need to be present to win. The festival is held in Patrick Cudahy park -- yet another example of the importance of our priceless County Parks.

There is actually a lot going on that weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 1st, you can rediscover South Milwaukee's Lakefront by going to the Grant Park concessions Grand Opening Event "Blues on the Beach". There will be food, beer and soda and live music from 2 - 8 pm. Why not go to both the Sweet Apple-Wood Festival and "Blues on the Beach" ! No-one can say there is nothing to do on this weekend!

And if that is not enough excitement for you, the Badgerland Striders 5 & 10 mile race will be held on Sunday, Aug. 2nd in Sheridan and Warnimont Parks. I always enjoy this race; it is one of my favorites. I usually do the 5-mile race although I did the 10-mile last year. (The 10-mile race last year was the State Championship 10-mile run for the Wisconsin Chapter of the RRCA). If you really love to run you can't miss this spectacular event.

A couple readers wrote to me and asked for more info on our local Garlic Mustard Pickers. This awesome Celtic Band will be playing on Thursday, July 23rd at the "Evening on the Avenue" in South Milwaukee. The "Evening on the Avenue" is being held on Milwaukee Avenue between 10th and 11th. The band will be playing from approx. 7 to about 8:30 pm. The band will be playing again at First Congregational Church at Chicago Ave and Pine Street. (The mass starts at 10 am).

In related news, I ran in the "Storm the Bastille" run on July 9th. This run is part of Bastille Days at Cathedral Square County Park. It was perfect weather -- cool and low humidity. There were tons of people and a good time was had by all. This race is unique in that there are beer stops along the course where you can stop and have a beer when you're running. ( I waited until after the run was over !). I go to Bastille Days every year and always enjoy it (although I don't think the Chicken Wrap and beer I had after the run were authentic French foods).

Did you notice I mentioned no less than FIVE of our beautiful County Parks in this article? (Patrick Cudahy, Grant, Sheridan, Warnimont, and Cathedral Square). I hope everyone appreciates the value of these parks, without which the events described above would not be possible.

There is lots of exciting news to report this week. First, Debbie Branger and her family will be operating the concessions stand at Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee. This is a beautiful sandy beach and offers a great opportunity to swim in Lake Michigan or just hang out and get a nice tan. The concessions will be open Monday - Friday from 3:30 to 8 pm and Saturday - Sunday from noon to 8 pm. What  a fun time!

And speaking of fun, mark your calendar for Thursday, July 23rd for South Milwaukee's "Evening on the Avenue". The event is centered around the area of Milwaukee Ave and 10th Avenue and runs from 4 to 9 pm. The Friends of Mill Pond will be selling Duck Race Tickets. There will be music, entertainment, children's activities and food. And for those who have contacted me asking for more info on our local Garlic Mustard Pickers -- this band will be playing some fine Celtic Music at this event! I know I will not want to miss it. 

On this same day ( Thursday July 23rd ) you can attend the South Milwaukee downtown market centered around 11th and Milwaukee Avenues. This event will be held each Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. There will be fresh produce and bakery for sale. For more info go to www.SMDowntownMarket.org .

Last but certainly not least, the Cudahy Lions will be hosting the Sweet Applewood Festival in Cudahy Park from July 31st to Aug. 2nd. This event is always a lot of fun with exceptional food, great bands, games and rides. What a great community festival! Come and enjoy the festival and support the Cudahy Lions. I have gone to this every year for many years and always see a lot of old and new friends. Hope to see you there!

I was reading the usatf.org site and came across an amazing bio of a woman who has excelled both academically and in endurance running. I was truly inspired by the story of this amazing runner who has excelled in endurance sports despite spinal chord difficulties. Her story is truly amazing and she is an inspiration to runners and athletes throughout the world. I feel she is truly a hero although most people have never heard of her.

http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/MountainUltraTrail/Terjesen_Siri.asp

http://www.econ.mpg.de/english/staff/egp/terjesen

The Friends of Sheridan Park has new leadership and has been reinvigorated. The Friends Group has a new focus on maintenance, safety and activities in Sheridan Park. The revamped group will be meeting on Monday, June 22nd, at 6:30 pm at the Sheridan Park pavilion (near the pond). All are invited to attend and to get involved in this re-formed Friends Group.

The Group is sponsored by The Park People, Milwaukee County Parks and by County Supervisor Patricia Jursik. If you would like more information please feel free to contact Patricia Jursik at (414) 278-4432.

I hope everyone will consider getting involved in cleaning and maintaining this beautiful park. I walked my dog there this morning; we saw a deer (my dog wanted to chase it) and we both really enjoyed the walk. There were people running, walking and bicycling. It will be great to have an active Friends Group committed to this wonderful park.

Here is some research that was done on the use of bike racks on buses:

http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/site/images/uploads/BFW_Bike_Racks_on_Buses_News.pdf