5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Dec. 26 to Dec. 30 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
December 26, 2022
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
Celebrate the beginning of Kwanzaa with entertainment, dancing and drumming, vendors and discussions on issues in the Black community. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26 at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, located at 2620 W. Center St. This event is free. More information here.
Learn more about the principles of Kwanzaa and support a retreat for Black individuals and families by participating in this read-a-thon. For each day of Kwanzaa, there will be readings related to the day  curated by Race and Faith and Rooted MKE Bookstore. The fee for materials is $35, and proceeds go to support the Black Joy Retreat. More information about the retreat here.
The inaugural reading takes place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26 at Rooted MKE Bookstore, located at 5312 W. Vliet St.
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Calling all endurance swimmers! Milwaukee Recreation has organized three distance swimming competitions of 1,650 yards, 1,000 yards and 500 yards designed for all ages to compete, have fun and promote a healthy lifestyle. There will also be a section available for open water polo. The fee to participate is $16 for adult Milwaukee residents and $8 for youth. The set of competitions will take place from 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the South Division High School pool, located at 1515 W. Lapham Blvd. More information on page 32 of Milwaukee Recreation’s winter activities guide here. You can also register by calling 414-475-8180.
Volunteers are also needed for lane timers, recorders and referees for water polo. Contact Elyse Heinrich at heinric@milwaukee.k12.wi.us to volunteer. Hot cocoa will be provided for all attending.
Take part in this guided conversation on perspectives of relationships from men and women at this event from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29 at Lux on 3rd, located at 2712 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. This is a free event. More information here.
New businesses and existing businesses looking to expand can find assistance through this one-time grant program from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or WEDC. These grants are available to for-profit businesses and nonprofits. The application deadline is Saturday, Dec. 31. More information here.
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