Wake Up! Waukesha
Jay, who has lived in the Waukesha area for over 20 years, is an active volunteer who has served on numerous local boards and committees. He's married to Colleen with three kids having gone through the Waukesha schools. He is the VP of a local distribution company.
When things go really right - A Marriott Story...
On August 27th, our oldest daughter, Kelly, is getting married to a wonderful young man, Chris, from Monroe, WI. As these events go, there has been a phenomenal amount of planning and a myriad of details which have been handled – mostly by Kelly and her Mom (My wife – Colleen). As the date nears and the stress…I mean anxiety…grows, it’s inevitable that ‘hiccups” will happen. And, just like in business, it’s often the handling of these miscues which makes the difference moving forward. Such is the case with the Milwaukee Marriott West in Pewaukee which is hosting the reception.
What do Quad/Graphics, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, the drummer for rock supergroup U2, black raspberries, and Kathy Bero have in common? NuGenesis Farm in Delafield!
My pre-conceived notions of organic foods revolved around "healthy lifestyle, home-grown, and free of pesticides". I never really gave thought to organic foodstuffs as "disease preventers". The NuGenesis Farm Project in Delafield is ambitiously working to heighten awareness while expanding the knowledge base of the tremendous potential in selecting foods in the fights against crippling diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, asthma, and a legion of others.
National Volunteer Week is fast approaching...and Waukesha needs you!
April 10 - 17 is National Volunteer Week, and if ever there was a reason and a season to volunteer - this is it.
M & I Bank Executives receive million dollar payouts while tens of thousands suffer...
Are you kidding me?!
What's "Right" with Healthcare...
Most cancer survivors contend with lingering issues. In my case, the most noticeable include lack of saliva as well as lymphedema - both a direct result of my radiation treatment. The lymphedema is readily managed via a 15 minute nightly routine. The saliva glands, which were directly in the field of radiation, stopped working normally in the very first week of treatment with the doctor's caveat "Well, the saliva will come back...somewhat...". Assuredly - he over-promised.
Mike McCarthy NFL "Coach of the Year"? Hardly - It's Ted Thompson's team...
OK...There is a real chance that Mike McCarthy will be "NFL Coach of the Year". That simple sentiment raised a rancorous yet bemused debate recently.
Reflecting back while looking ahead...
The Holidays are now fading in our rear-view mirrors while at the same time we resume our trudge moving toward Spring. For our family, the memories are surprising...
Spancrete Shutdown - Both sides...
Spancrete announced they are "temporarily" closing their Waukesha plant and shifting production to their Valders location...and this should be completed by the end of the year.
Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas gets an "A+"!
In my Board time with the Waukesha Education Foundation (WEF), the Telecommunications Director at Waukesha West – Ms. Chris Beck, and I “birthed” a TV program called the Education Connection. This program has given its’ students real-life responsibilities in filming and editing for a variety of interview subjects for local channels 13 and 25. People kind enough to spend time have included Former Governor Lee Dreyfuss; Former Waukesha Mayors Carole Lombardi and Larry Nelson; the Directors of the Waukesha County Community Foundation, the Waukesha Museum and the Waukesha Civic Theatre; and, in 2005, newly appointed Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas.
A daughter is engaged - And I feel like the "Father of the Bride..."
Sunday, August 22'nd, my oldest daughter Kelly accepted an offer of marriage from her (now) fiancée Chris Hoesly.
Is Mayor Scrima looking for the "Deus ex machina" in his Waukesha tragedy?
Deus ex machina...A deus ex machina (Latin for "god from the machine"; plural: dei ex machina) is a plot device whereby a seemingly inextricable problem is suddenly and abruptly solved with the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new character, ability, or object.
We can still learn from the children...
Recently I acted as emcee for a "Home Run Derby" in Brookfield as part of the Brookfield Bulldogs "Backyard Bash" Tournament. Various local celebrities joined in the fun including the Marquette Golden Eagle, Bernie Brewer, Brad Beach from The Wave, and even an over-sized Rocky Rococo. Teams attended from all over Southeastern Wisconsin and Illinois.
Tick...Tick...Tick...The new Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima could be a time bomb!
Let me start with, I heartily endorsed past Mayor Larry Nelson for a variety of reasons.
Plan for a Great Waukesha Summer!
With Spring poking its' head out, it is time to look forward to Summer and all the Waukesha area has to offer.
Mayor Larry Nelson is logical and only qualified choice for 2010
First - I live in the Town of Brookfield and cannot vote for a Waukesha Mayor - but I have many vested interests in the City of Waukesha where the results of this Mayoral contest will have an impact. Now...on to my endorsement for the next Mayor of Waukesha....
Life as a student in London
Our youngest daughter Caitlin is a junior at UW LaCrosse and a graduate of Waukesha North. She is conducting her studies this semester at the London Metropolitan University.
How do Waukesha Political Priorities measure up against the Nation's?
Waukesha's upcoming Mayoral primary election has 4 candidates - each with their own platform and agenda for the future of their City. After reading about their concerns, it is obvious they care about the Community they live in. A full-time vs part-time Mayor differentiates one of the candidates. The ongoing "Waukesha Water/Radium" issue shows differences of opinion on the plan and urgency of this looming challenge. There are other items and areas where the candidates differ and agree including job development, retaining businesses, housing, etc...
Does Waukesha have an ally in the 2 main WI Gubernatorial Candidates?
It was announced today that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will be running for Governor of Wisconsin. He will probably be pitted against current Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.
Will this be good for Waukesha?
First-Time Homebuying in Waukesha...
Our oldest daughter, Kelly, has joined the ranks of Waukesha Homeowners. It was her stated goal approximately 1 year ago to save enough money and buy her own home. Last Thursday she achieved this milestone.
"National" Healthcare will save money?
Our president proposes and asks for bi-partisan support of his National Healthcare proposal on nation-wide television. He asks for this support while blasting Republican programs, people, and past policy decisions.
Albanese's Roadhouse - A Family Dining Tradition
Summer's arrival drives different behavior patterns in all of us. Many more outdoor activities beckon including the Brewers, Summerfest and many other lakefront festivals, fishing, backyard barbeques, Downtown Friday Nights in Waukesha and countless others.
I need a "printed" newspaper!
Tonight, a news story highlighted the challenges facing traditional newspapers across the Country. The Boston Globe, an old-line almost historical newspaper is in a bitter fight with its' ownership and unions, and it is ugly...
Using long-neglected gift cards...
My wife and I are have been going through our "Gift Card Envelopes" more frequently these days. Let me explain why....
The Stimuli Plan needs some tweaking...
First - Regardless of political beliefs and persuasions - I really want our Government to succeed in turning this economy around. This is one of those moments in history where solidarity is critical, and it should take precedence over Party loyalties. But my patience has been tried...and it hurts, and it goes to the core of the various elements of the Stimulus Plan.
Outrage towards our legal system over the Mark Benson case...
The traditional news outlets have to "report the facts". The editorials and opinions on subject matters are carried elsewhere in their contents. But what about the human side of some of these stories?
"The end of chemo...and a new phase"
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is the 9'th blog on my journey)
"Mid-Term review ..."
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is the 8'th blog on my journey)
"Don't let the first two weeks fool you..."
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is the 6'th blog on my journey)
Let's finally get on with treatment of my cancer...
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is 5'th blog on my journey)
Unbelievable Support Received...
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is 4'th blog on my journey)
Communicating the message of Cancer...
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is 3'rd blog on my journey)
"Alone...With Cancer..."
(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is 2nd blog on my journey)
"Jay Walt - You have Tongue Cancer - Stage 4..."
At 1:45 PM on Friday September 5th, 2008, my future changed.
Terry Sutter - A quiet presence
Waukesha is a community of caring and giving. One would be hard-pressed to find a community equal to ours where the outpouring of generosity and volunteerism is omnipresent. Often, the same individuals and companies give...and give...and give.
Today's Pain - Tomorrow's Gain?
Gas at $4.15/gallon. Utility bills skyrocketing while they lobby for increases. Grocery bills which climb, noticeably, on a weekly basis. Flooding which impacted tens of thousands in SE Wisconsin and which will strain State budgets in the coming year(s). GM announces eventual closure of Janesville plant. "Upside-down" in one's mortgage is a phrase many now understand. Iraq. Midwest Airlines struggles in the fight of its' life to stay aloft. Lake Delton disappears in a couple hours. A continuing weather cycle which started early December and continues to plague us with storms of greater than normal intensity seemingly every 4-7 days. 401K plans never were designed for today's economic climate And now...Mosquitos!!
Rep. Scott Newcomer and a lesson in the "Red Herring" marketing technique...
Recently State Rep. Scott Newcomer wrote a guest opinion in another publication which was titled: "Wisconsin’s school systems should teach money management." Scott used April, which is recognized as Financial Literacy Awareness Month, as the springboard highlighting the need to raise financial understanding through the school systems.
Mayor Larry Nelson - Worthy of scorn or support?
Today I read about Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson delivering his version of a "State of the Union" address to the Common Council. Basically a recap of his first two years serving as Mayor, his presentation covered many of the positive developments which occurred during this time frame.
Polarization in Politics
Are we really to be defined by an overly-simplified classification of "Republican or Democrat?"
Merry Christmas!
This is the time of year to reflect, and a time to prioritize the important things in one's life. It's also the perfect opportunity to appreciate and respect how many positive things happen around us in the Waukesha area. Things may not be perfect here, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. Stay focused on these positives in 2008 - It's a better place to expend your energies.
A big dose of Holiday spirit from a dinky little tree...
A small Christmas tree appeared outside my office this afternoon. 18" tall, it was fairly non-descript. Two or three strands of lights, and I felt the pressures of the afternoon lift ever so slightly. What a nice feeling!
A gentleman visitor from the U.K. meets a "phenomenal" steak at Palmer's Steak House
When you think steak - Do you immediately think Mo's, Coerper's 5 O'Clock, Butch's, Eddie Martini's, Flemings, or Mr. B's ?
