Near West Side Partners and the United Methodist Children’s Services are hosting a community cleanup on Saturday, Dec. 12. (Photo by Near West Side Partners)
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. Milwaukee Public Museum: At home stargazing: Friday, Dec. 11
The Milwaukee Public Museum is temporarily closed to the public, but it has found a way to bring its planetarium show “Wisconsin Stargazing” to your home. Milwaukee residents can explore Wisconsin’s night sky from sunset to sunrise from the comfort of their homes. This week’s show is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Tickets cost $10 per household but are free for members. Ticket holders will receive a link to the livestream before the show. Click here to view previous planetarium videos.
2. Community cleanup: North 27th Street: Saturday, Dec. 12
United Methodist Children’s Services and Near West Side Partners are hosting a community cleanup starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. The organizers plan to clean up North 27th Street and will meet at Tiefenthaler Park on North 27th and West Cherry streets. Masks, gloves, garbage bags and pickers will be provided.
3. Family craft day at Vibez Creative Arts Space: Saturday, Dec. 12
Vibez Creative Arts Space, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is hosting a family craft day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Participants can craft in person at the studio or pick up a to-go kit. To order a kit, click here. The kits include materials to make ornaments.
4. “Hip-hop & Health”: Sunday, Dec. 13
Local elected officials and musicians are coming together to present “Hip-Hop & Health,” an event focused on promoting health information in the Black and brown community. The event will take place virtually over Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Those interested are encouraged to register by Saturday, Dec. 12. There will be a panel discussion, live music and more.
5. Support Milwaukee’s 13th annual holiday drive: Ongoing
The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County have teamed up once again to host the 13th annual holiday drive. This year, donations will be made to Hope House of Milwaukee and the Guest House of Milwaukee. Items needed include household necessities, essential clothing items, baby supplies, nonperishable food items and more. Each group has made an Amazon Wish List. Click here for Hope House and here for Guest House. Monetary donations can be made to the drive’s GoFundMe page or checks can be addressed to the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation and mailed to: Attn: Nick Ramos, City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 201, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Bonus: Free holiday portraits: Sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 15
It has been a long year and NNS wants to end it on a sweet note by celebrating our community — that means you!
Our photographers will be taking free family portraits just in time for the holidays.
On Dec. 19 and 20, photographers from NNS will meet families in our community at their front door for a physically distant photo shoot. After coordinating a time, all you need to do is get dressed up in your holiday best and the photographer will take a keepsake photo of you and your family in front of your home.
Afterward, we will share a digital version of the photo with you and include it a gallery on our site.
Curious what this might look like? We did a similar physically distant photo shoot for the Class of 2020, with the results in this gallery.
To sign up, fill out this Google Form. Deadline to participate is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Bonus: Make it your business to keep NNS in business
The Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is conducting our annual fundraising campaign. As a nonprofit newsroom, you are never charged to see our work. Yet our labor is not free. Our staff needs and deserves to be paid. Please support us so we can continue telling the stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Donate here.
Bonus: The latest coronavirus coverage from NNS
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporters are hard at work bringing readers up-to-date information regarding coronavirus. Stay informed on coronavirus by following us on our Facebook page and subscribing to our daily newsletter. All coronavirus related articles can be found on this landing page. If you have a question or concern about coronavirus, send them in our way. We’re here to serve you.
Thank you!