5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: Aug. 12 to Aug. 17 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 12, 2019
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Back to School Block Party: Tuesday, Aug. 13
The Big Serve is hosting its second annual Back to School Block Party, at Johnson Park, 1919 W. Fond du Lac Ave., on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The party includes a complimentary book bag for kids, food, games and more. The block party starts at noon.
2. Venice Williams celebrates 30 years in Milwaukee: Wednesday, Aug. 14
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For the past 30 years, Venice Williams has been a vibrant part of the Milwaukee community. Celebrate Williams in Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Guests are invited to bring a dish they associate with their ancestors to the potluck. The celebration starts at 6 p.m.
3. Milwaukee County 2020 budget open house: Thursday, Aug. 15
County Executive Chris Abele is inviting Milwaukee residents to join an open discussion on the 2020 budget on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the McGovern Park Senior Center, 4500 W. Custer Ave. The event includes a presentation on the budget followed by an opportunity for the public to comment. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the presentation to begin at 7 p.m.
4. Grand reopening of Columbia Playfield: Saturday, Aug. 17
Milwaukee Recreation is reopening Columbia Playfield, 1345 W. Columbia Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 17. The playground, which was recently upgraded, has a new walking path, splash pad, play structure, basketball courts and more. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5. Sherman Perk Coffee Shop 18th anniversary: Saturday, Aug. 17
Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, 4824 W. Roosevelt Drive, is celebrating its 18th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 11:30 to 2:30. All are welcome to join.
Bonus: Watch NNS on Facebook Live: Tuesday, Aug. 13
On the third anniversary of Sylville Smith’s death and ensuing unrest, we are hosting three conversations in Sherman Park that feature activists and advocates connected to the Sherman Park community.  These will be broadcast on Facebook Live through our page on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Here’s the tentative lineup:
11 a.m.:  Activists Vaun Mays, Gab Taylor and youths from Sherman Park
Noon: Sedan Smith (Sylville Smith’s brother), activist Markasa Tucker, members of UBLAC
1 p.m.: ACLU’s Jarrett English, community advocate Camille Mays and City of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention’s Reggie Moore
(All groups are subject to change.)
Click here to find us on Facebook and here to submit your own story on Sherman Park.
About Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Ana serves as NNS’ newly created community engagement reporter and is responsible for writing stories that help our readers navigate their lives as well as making sure they know the fun things that are happening in their neighborhoods. You can  email her here or call (414) 604-6397.
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