Archive for tag Attractions and events
December 21, 2011 at 12:24 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
For the past 39 years, the downtown M&I Bank has had a great Christmas display which attracts both young and old. Each year, there is a new theme, but the main characters stay the same. The characters are the centerpiece of the display, and they are life-size stuffed animals, made by the world famous Steiff Company in Germany. The brand trademark is the button in the ear of each animal.
The display originally started when the marketing director for the bank went to New York City. He visited FAO Schwartz and bought a few animals for a holiday display at the bank, and it grew from there. Today there are almost 50 animals that get new clothes and new looks each year.
This year's "It's Toy Time," brings a life-size workshop to the bank lobby, with animals carving nutcrackers, stuffing teddy bears and making all kinds of toys.
In February each year, the bank president chooses the theme and the staff get to work designing the set, the costumes and carrying out the plan. The weekend of Thanksgiving, 50 or so employees work the entire weekend setting up the display.
This display has become a tradition for many. Grandparents and grandkids, teachers and students come to look, then years later come back with the next generation! Many families take their holiday photo here, or stop before a performance of the Nutcracker or Christmas Carol
When I heard that M&I Bank was bought by BMO Harris, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to this display. So happy to hear that BMO Harris embraced the tradition and even sweetened the attraction by donating $5 for each visitor who strolls the lobby to view the animal fun. The Hunger Task Force will certainly welcome that donation this year! Will you have a chance to visit the bank and enjoy this holiday treat? I will be taking my grandkids on Christmas Eve! They have great holiday hours! December 1st through January 5th recurring daily. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The display will be closed after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th and Saturday, December 24th; and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 5th.
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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December 13, 2011 at 10:58 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
You may have noticed the construction on the southeast corner of Pilgrim Road and Main Street. Menomonee Falls is getting ready for the new Walmart Neighborhood Market. Right now work is being done on the water main and as well as demolishing the former Piggly Wiggly supermarket and other vacant space at Pilgrim Village shopping center. The former BP gas station and the movie theater will be razed as well. Minuteman Press has moved to the Falls Plaza II shopping center on Appleton Avenue. Sounds Audio has moved into the Neu’s building on Ridgeway. Both were tenants in the building being razed. The portions of the shopping center leased to Friends of Nature pet supply store and Otto's Wine and Spirits will stay.
The new Walmart Neighborhood Market claims to offer a quick and convenient shopping experience for customers who need groceries, pharmaceuticals and general merchandise. The items they will carry include:
- Fresh produce
- Meat and dairy products
- Frozen foods
- Dry goods and staples
- Health and beauty aids
- Stationery and paper goods
- Drive-through pharmacy
- Deli foods
- Bakery items
- Canned and packaged goods
- Condiments and spices
- Pet supplies
- Household supplies
- One-hour photo center
Along with the new Walmart Neighborhood Market, we will also see remodeling at the existing Schlotzky's Deli. Both Friends of Nature and Otto’s Beverage Center will have their storefronts revamped. The Walmart Neighborhood Market will bring life to a section of the Village that has needed attention for quite some time. If you are thinking of making a move to Menomonee Falls, or someplace nearby - we are here to help!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: 
Colleen Kuchta
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December 01, 2011 at 11:00 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
I remember when I was little, our parents would bundle us up and go "for a ride" and look at Christmas lights. Certain neighborhoods would go all out and have some fantastic displays.
In Germantown's Windsong subdivision, and annual event coming up this Sunday evening is the Luminary Night. A good majority of neighbors participate with thousands of beautiful luminaries lining the streets, drives and sidewalks. Many also have elaborate lighting displays. The subdivision organizes it, and the neighbors all help help, including the scouts who along with Santa will collect food and cash donations for the local food pantries. This year those who come by will have a chance to vote on their favorites!
Windsong Subdivision is located 1/4 mile east of Pilgrim Road on Donges Bay Road; or 1/4 mile west of Fond du Lac Avenue on Donges Bay Road, in Germantown.
If you are in the mood to check out some other holiday favorites, check out this list and convenient map. It includes some favorites like the Miller Valley, Candy Cane Lane and Cathedral Square.
Elves aren't the only ones working this time of year! I am available for your real estate needs this holiday season.
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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November 27, 2011 at 11:22 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Take a bit of time to enjoy the many lights and Christmas Trees in Milwaukee. A few favorites of mine are Cathedral Square Park (shown in photo). With Christmas carols playing in the air, you can view not only the large tree of lights, but lovely trees decorated with ornaments made by students of various schools throughout the area. If you're hungry, step across the street to Elsa's and enjoy a lovely park view while having one of their delicious pork chop sandwiches!
The venerable Pfister hotel will have a beautiful tree in the lobby, in view of the quaint lobby bar which serves hot cider. Enjoy a cup while the piano player rings out festive Christmas tunes!
And of course, across from Red Arrow Park on Water Street, you'll find the magnificent City of Milwaukee Christmas tree, donated each year by a family in the city--just gorgeous! You can ice skate outside in front of the Starbuck's or check out the newly opened Bartolotta's Gastropub.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: 
Lisa Rossetto
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November 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
Thanksgiving is not even here yet, but for many of us, we cannot help but look forward to Christmas. The Village of Menomonee Falls is the same way. This year, Christmas Downtown will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011. From noon to 4 p.m., participating businesses will have open houses; there will be entertainment groups, carolers and $2 horse & wagon rides next to Associated Bank. Santa will be giving out goodies to boys and girls from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. - compliments of the Mason Lodge 183. At 4 p.m. in Centennial Park, the four corners of Appleton & main, The Christmas Tree Lighting will take place.
After all of the fun and festivities downtown, you can line up on Main Street or Appleton Avenue for the Annual Christmas Parade at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a donation (non-perishable food or money) for the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry - volunteers will be walking along the Malkins Carpets truck to collect your gifts. The treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow, because Santa will be at the end of the Parade, ready to welcome the Christmas Season!
Whether you celebrate Christmas, or hold true to another tradition, we hope to see you there!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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November 03, 2011 at 12:02 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
The Village of Sussex needs your help to solve a mystery - they lost their turkey! Actually, it is a laminated picture of a turkey, and the fun will run from November 8-22, 2011. Sharpen your detective skills and get ready to hear clues on the parks recorded line at 414-297-9090. Clues will be updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4 p.m., but be careful not to miss a clue because they will n
ot be repeated! One lucky winner will receive a gift basket filled with goodies. The parks line will let participants know when the turkey has been found.
If you are looking for a community like Sussex to call home, contact us!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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October 24, 2011 at 02:21 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta, Menomonee Falls
The Village of Menomonee Falls always has something fun to do for the whole family, and Halloween is no exception! This year, the annual Halloween Downtown will be held on Thursday, October 27th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children will be able to Trick or Treat at the participating stores in the Village Centre. While children (under 12) are Trick or Treating, they can also participate in a fun Scavenger Hunt put on by the downtown businesses.
The fun does not stop there! The Spooky Walk Through Lime Kiln Park is a great way to finish the evening. The Spooky Walk will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 27th. Accompany of Kids has set the theme for this year's spooky walk. The spirited adventure begins behind A.J. O'Brady's, in the municipal parking lot. When our daughter turned 11, we took her and her friends on the walk as part of her birthday party - we still talk about all of the fun we had!
On Halloween, October 31st, the Village-wide Trick Or Treat will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Remember to put safety first when using candles to light your pumpkins, and never light them near dried flowers, leaves, corn stalks or crepe paper. Also, make sure you are visible in the dark, use reflectors, flashlights & glow sticks to make you and your children more visible. Some of our local roads and sidewalks are under construction so be careful, but most of all - have a safe and happy Halloween!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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October 17, 2011 at 12:03 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Head over to charming Whitefish Bay for their annual Pumpkin Festival, running October 27th through October 31st. It is located at the Old Schoolhouse Park, across from the WFB Library on Marlborough Drive. Click here for details.
Posted by: Lisa Rossetto
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September 21, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Whether its Laverne & Shirley working at the brewery, the Hamms bear at the land of sky blue waters, or the argument of "tastes great - less filling," beer definitely has a deep rooted history in Milwaukee! This weekend, Oktoberfests in Milwaukee won't be too hard to find or celebrate!
There are several different Oktoberfest in Milwaukee opportunities from historical to fun. And if you are wondering why its called Oktoberfest, but falls in September, you will have to check in on Monday's blog for the explanation!
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| photo credit DiscoveryWorld.org |
An educational look at beer can be found in the Legacies of Milwaukee Northside Brewing History Tour, which includes:
- Visit several historically significant brewery sites, tide houses, cooperages, etc. in Schiltz Park, Brewers Hill, Riverwest neighborhoods, and beyond.
- Special tour and lunch at Stonefly Brewery in Riverwest.
- Featuring an inside tour of Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale and Big Bay Brewing Co. in Shorewood.
If you are more athletic, try the Oktoberfest downtown at Pere Marquette Park and compete in the beer run. Balancing a brat in one hand and beer (or root beer) in the other, runners will cover a 1.5 block area and see who will win the Brat Trot! This family and pet friendly event offers food, beer and fun!
And for the true Germans looking for their fill of Spanferkl, rollbraten, kraut and beer in very large (mass) glass steins, Bavarian Inn (Glendale) hosts an annual Oktoberfest that can't be beat! The outdoor park with covered beer hall hosts hundreds of diners, drinkers and dancers. The roasting barn will see pigs, chickens and brats roasting on fiery hot coals. Desserts feature Black Forest Torte and Bienenstich a delicious honey and almond covered cake. Saturday the popular Alte Kamaraden Band from Freistadt will be performing. Bring your tablecloths, steins and pitchers and plant your family for the evening and enjoy! We've gone to this since our son was five days old, so to say it is a family tradition for us might be an understatement! Look for me, and say hi if you go!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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September 21, 2011 at 12:58 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki, Area Attractions & Events, Germantown
Germantown, Wisconsin is the place to be this upcoming fall weekend! September 24 and 25, 2011 will be the annual Germantown Hunsrucker Octoberfest event, held at Dheinsville Historic Park at the intersections of Holy Hill Rd, Hwy 145 and Maple Ave. Come partake in this free festival event with tons of activities for all to enjoy. Saturday afternoon enjoy Radio Disney 1-2:30 p.m. and the Dheinsville Dachshund Dash at 3 p.m. Stay around for some authentic German Bier and foods featuring pork, brats, potato pancakes, custard, roasted nuts and more. Sunday at noon enjoy the bake sale and the classic car show noon to 3 p.m.
Other attractions are the 5th annual Bier races and the Wisconsin Power Reunion Exhibit, plus kids activities like pumpkin painting and bounce haus too! Take a tour of the Bast Bell Museum and view 5,000 bells! Bring a non perishable food donation for ½ off admission to the museum, something you don’t want to miss.
The history of Dheinsville, a historic settlement, all began in 1842. The walking tour that is available will educate you on Germantown’s Oldest Settlement.
I’ll be there on Saturday enjoying the afternoon events with my family and then helping to serve some of our great German food from 4 to 9 p.m. Stop by and enjoy a German Bier or wine and say hello. Prost!
Posted by: 
Ann Lebiecki
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September 19, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Pink is the color this week as Milwaukee preps for its 13th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Sunday September 25th.
This national fund raiser event expects more than 16,000 people to walk and run for a cure for breast cancer. You couldn't find a more beautiful spot to hold an event like this. The azure blues of our Lakefront will be accented with all shades of pink this week in honor of the event.
The Calatrava addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum will be lit in pink. Lincoln Memorial Drive will sport giant pink ribbons on lamp posts compliments of Komen sponsor Kohls Department Stores. All this leads to the big event on Sunday morning. If you haven't registered yet, there are a few chances for in person registration this week. September 23rd & 24th at the Petit National Ice Center and at the lakefront on race morning.
On race day, be sure to plan time to visit exhibits on the grounds of the art museum. Lots of free giveaways, healthy snacks and info on breast cancer.
One of my favorite parts of this race would be the high school cheerleaders along the 5k route cheering support for the participants. Another is the opportunities to remember loved ones who are fighting the disease and those who have sadly lost the battle. This memorial last year brought tears to my eyes. But nothing beats the finish line. Watching the healthy cross hand in hand with a survivor. Watching doctors and nurses cheer patients on to the finish. All survivors crossing the finish receive pink roses!
Will I see you Sunday? You should recognize me, I'll be wearing pink!
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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September 18, 2011 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki
Normally, I write about housing topics. However, I would like to tell a story about service since it's what a seller pays for when selling real estate and a buyer receives when purchasing a home.
While in Chicago the other day, I had to make a decision as to where to go for lunch. I thought I would make lunch my main meal of the day and go somewhere a bit special.
I chose on my day to enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio of the Peninsula Hotel. Now, real estate-wise, it is a beautiful piece of property-striking golden marble floors in lobby, thick oriental carpets, large outdoor patio with plush, comfortable, peaceful seating.
When I was to be seated, the host asked my name for reference. Shortly after being seated, the bus boy addressed me as Ms. Rossetto and would I like bottled water or tap?
Then, the waiter came to take my order and again addressed me by name, welcomed me and proceeded to treat me as though I was a guest at his home. I ordered my drink and entree and remarked to myself that the tab was going to be similar to a bill from a number of chain restaurants where I have also dined.
Yet at a loud noisy chain, not only does no one ask for my name or call me by my name, the servers don't even introduce themselves to me! The service is rushed and the servers ask questions in a robotic way, rather than in a genuine, caring way.
Think about where you spend your money. Yes, often times we are buying a product, however, part of the product should include the service and the experience. Go get the most for your money when listing your home or when purchasing one. After all, you've worked hard for it!
Posted by: Lisa Rossetto
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September 02, 2011 at 11:17 AM · Posted under Colleen Kuchta
Saturday, September 10, 2011 The Village of Menomonee Falls will hold its Annual Falls Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Safety Fair will take place at the Menomonee Falls High School, located at W142N8101 Merrimac Drive in Menomonee Falls. The Fair will include Fire Apparatus displays, Police displays, games, Sesame Street Puppet Show, Silent Auction, 911 simulators, Survive Alive Trailer, Flight for Life and many more displays. There will also be a commemoration in honor of the 10 year anniversary of the attack on our country on September 11, 2001. Please consider attending this special ceremony at 9:30am in the High School auditorium.
This year, the fair will also feature a “D.A.R.E. to CARE” Walk. The Walk will help raise funds to assist in keeping the D.A.R.E. Program in our schools for future years. The Walk will be held at the Fair starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the Walk will begin at 7:45 a.m. Walkers are asked to make a $10 donation, and will receive a “D.A.R.E. to CARE” t-shirt for their participation. Click here for more information.
Another fun event at the High School, will be the Menomonee Falls Neighborhood Watch "Silent Auction." This is your chance to bid on a wide variety of items, as well as, gift certificates and services donated by businesses in the Milwaukee area. Auction items will be on display in the gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The winning bidders will be contacted after the event to make arrangements for pick-up/delivery and payment. The items may be purchased by cash or check, but no credit or debit cards will be accepted.
Be sure to mark this day on your calendar, it is sure to be fun for the whole family!
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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September 01, 2011 at 01:13 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Living in Milwaukee has many special benefits, one of them is our Lakefront and all it has to offer. From Grant Park in Cudahy to Doctors Park in Fox Point, and a ton of places in between, our Lakefront is a treasure. So for the last hurrah of summer, why not visit the Lakefront and enjoy one of those places!
Bradford Beach has some new features the past year or two. On a recent visit with a friend, we enjoyed comfy chaise lounges with thick cushions and an umbrella. There are small cabanas, paddle boards and kayaks also for rent. During full season there is wait staff available! In the same location are quite a few beach volleyball nets for the active set. The old beach house has a grill and fountain, and there is a tiki bar right on the beach for some serious heat relief.
McKinley Marina is just packed with beautiful boats this time of year. The Milwaukee Sailing Center has some events for those interested in trying to sail. Bartolottas has a custard and hamburger stand right at the bottom of St Marys hill, and their new Harbor House is a great restaurant for that special occasion.
No one can miss the Calatrava, an addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum 10 years ago, this Santiago Calatrava design is unique to say the least. The Brise Soleil, is the wing like structure that opens and closes several times a day. Go hang out on a Saturday and you will see one wedding party after another show up for their photo shoots! The art museum is frequent host to large special exhibits, many which make only 1 or 2 other stops in the US.
Pier Wisconsin offers a Great Lakes Aquarium, and a great walking path. On the south side of Pier Wisconsin, you might find the Dennis Sullivan sailing ship docked. For a fee, you can go for a sail.
Now you are as far south as Henry Maier Festival Park, home of Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, and ethnic festival most summer weekends. Germanfest is a family favorite!
Take some time and check out our beautiful Lakefront this weekend. There truly is something for everyone. Park and walk around, or bring your bikes. If you would love to live near the Lakefront, there are many options from condos with lake views, to mansions on Lake Drive. I'd be glad to help you find your new home along the lakefront! Call me or text 414-588-4907, or email
Posted by: Pat Tasker
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August 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Colleen Kuchta
We all know that the present economy is in a poor state, and there are people in need. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that people in our own communities are in need, too. I recently helped a friend by bringing her to the Sussex Food Pantry. Just walking in the door helped put things into perspective for me. I saw families and individuals getting food, clothing and household items that they could not afford to buy. One woman asked when the school supplies would be coming so she could send her children to school with some basic necessities.
The Sussex Food Pantry is located at N63W23626 Silver Spring Drive, Sussex. Donations may be dropped off at the Food Pantry from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.mm Monday through Friday. Pantry distribution hours are Mondays 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They take food, clothing, personal hygiene items, pet supplies and basic housewares. For more information, you can call 262-246-9860. The Menomonee Falls Food Pantry is located inside the SDMF District Office at N84W16579 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls. The Pantry is open to residents of Menomonee Falls, Germantown, Colgate, Lannon and Richfield Tuesday & Thursday 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m. They take food and personal hygiene items. Call ahead to drop off donations at 262-251-4912.
If you would like to donate clothing or children's items in the Menomonee Falls area, you can bring it to Holy Cross Lutheran Church located at W156 N8131 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls. There is a department called the Northwest Trading Post, which offers gently used clothing in infant sizes through size 14-16. They also offer toys, high chairs, baby seats, strollers, play pens, buggies, car seats, diapers, formula, etc.when available. If you are in need of assistance, you are asked to bring one or two cans of food for the local food pantry in exchange for the clothing. For more information, call Northwest Trading Post at 262-251-2963. They take donations Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and are open weekdays 1:00 to 2:30 in the afternoon or from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening. If you are unable to come during the scheduled times, please call for other arrangements.
Donating items you no longer need or use is a great way to help someone in need. If you know of other places near you that take similar donations, be sure to support them!
Thanks and God Bless,
The Kuchta's, Kelly & Colleen
Posted by: Colleen Kuchta
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