Join Vecinos Unidos for an installation of community painted ceramics at the Jardin del Pueblo on Saturday. (Photo provided by Vecino Unidos)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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. Vigil for Jason Cleereman: Friday, Oct. 2
Last week, Jason Cleereman, a beloved community leader best known on the South Side, was shot and killed. Walker Square Neighborhood Association, Southside Organizing Center and Ald. José Pérez are hosting a vigil at Walker Square Park, 1031 S. 9th St., starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Participants can join the vigil in-person at the park, through a car caravan or via Facebook Live. For additional information about the car caravan, contact Clarissa at clarissa@socmilwaukee.org or 414-301-2644. To speak at the vigil, contact Nicole at NicoleLHMeirose@gmail.com.
2. Fall pumpkin market in Washington Heights: Saturday, Oct. 3
5ive Seasons Farm is hosting a fall pumpkin market at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Christian Day School, 5327 W. Washington Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. The market will take place come rain or shine. In addition to pumpkins, there will be gourds, corn stalks, mums and more. Attendees are asked to wear a mask.
3. Milwaukee Urban League ballot bash: Saturday, Oct. 3
The Milwaukee Urban League is hosting a ballot bash, an event where residents can learn about voter registration, absentee voting and early voting. The bash will take place at the Midtown Pick ‘N Save, 5700 W. Capitol Drive, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. If you are interested in volunteering, click here.
4. Art and harvest celebration at Jardin del Pueblo: Saturday, Oct. 3
Vecinos Unidos or United Neighbors is hosting an art and harvest celebration. The group is inviting people to the installation of the ceramics painted in August. There will be food and music. The celebration is taking place at the Jardin del Pueblo, 1102 S. 21st St., from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.
5. Step-by-step painting class: Sunday, Oct. 4
The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall, 4511 S. 6th St., is hosting a step-by-step virtual and in-person painting class from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. Participants will be painting a picture of stacked pumpkins. To purchase tickets and supplies, click here. If participants choose to attend the class virtually, they can use their own supplies or order the complete package (pickup and shipping are available)
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** Vigil for Jason Cleereman Postponed **
Dear family, friends, neighbors, and community members:
In light of the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in Wisconsin (in which the near southside of Milwaukee has been one of the hardest hit communities), reduced capacity in hospitals, and the governor’s plea yesterday for people to stay home, we’ve made the difficult decision, but one that we believe is the most responsible, to postpone the vigil to a time when we can more fully and safely express our grief and our gratitude for all that Jason has done for this community.
Please stay tuned down the road for further communication.
In the meantime, please join us in our commitment to honor Jason’s legacy by working to nourish and support this beautiful community. Become a master gardener, a bee-keeper, join your neighborhood association, work for immigrant rights, be a kind and caring neighbor, parent, partner, friend and colleague, and always stand up for what is right. More to come on specific ways to get involved.
Please consider supporting Jason’s family:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-jason-cleereman
Sincerely,
Walker Square Neighborhood Association
Southside Organizing Center
Alderman José Pérez