Pictured above: Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve in the Town of Grafton. |
|
 |
Dear Chamber Members,
Leaves are beginning to turn colors, pumpkins are being placed on doorsteps and Halloween decorations making an appearance. My favorite time of year, Fall, is officially upon us, bringing crispness to the air and the beautiful colors of the season. Again the Chamber has been faced with hard decisions on seasonal events, but I am continually amazed by the creativity that Pam, Sarah and Annalise show as they approach each event, striving to find alternatives to what we have all known and loved to participate in. Fun changes are in store for Celebrate Grafton's Fall In to Grafton, with mini golf around Downtown Grafton – a new activity – and the continuation of Bank Five Nine's pumpkin derby.
We also had some changes with our Golf Outing, combining it with our Annual Meeting, which was postponed from this past Spring. It still was a fabulous event and well attended – kudos to the committee for putting together a fun filled, yet safe event. So, as we move through these Fall days and yet another season with our “new normal” under the reigns of the COVID pandemic, be safe, continue to shop local and appreciate those around you, even when they may have different views than you. A quote that recently caught my eye seemed appropriate for these times “Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have”- Unknown.
Sincerely,
Mary Karnitz
Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce
Board President
|
|
|
|
Fall Into Grafton
Saturday, October 3rd
Grafton Trick - Or - Treat
Saturday, October 31st
5-8 p.m.
Daylight Saving
Sunday, November 1st
Election Day
Tuesday, November 3rd
|
The Village of Grafton is in the final stages of preparing a new Zoning Ordinance and Map. The purpose of this project is to modernize zoning regulations, ensure high quality development, encourage reinvestment, and implement the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The Village is seeking input from the business community on the proposed Zoning Ordinance and Map. Visit the link below for an informational video, the draft Zoning Ordinance, draft Zoning Map, and current zoning regulations.
\
or 262-375-5303 with questions or comments.
|
|
|
|
Thank you to The BOG for hosting our Annual Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 29th and to all of our amazing event sponsors
- Grafton Meijer (Healthy Snack Sponsor)
- Bank Five Nine (Golfer Giveaway Sponsor)
- Cornerstone Community Bank (Mulligan Sponsor)
- Port Washington State Bank (Beverage Cart Sponsor)
- And all of our hole sponsors!
We were so pleased to present an event to our Chamber and community members during these unprecedented times! We hope you had a wonderful time of friendly competition on a great golf course!
|
|
Now for our Honors. Congratulations to our award winners! A community is only as great as its leaders, and Grafton, WI is so great because of you all! We thank you and we’re so fortunate to honor you for the significant contributions you have made to every member in our community!
Our 2020 Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners are:
- 2020 Outstanding Business: Cornerstone Community Bank
- 2020 Outstanding Community Partner: Chief Bill Rice
(Village of Grafton Fire Department)
- 2020 Outstanding Public Servant: John Safstrom
(Newly Retired Village of Grafton Parks and Recreation Director)
- Outstanding Career Educators: Sandy Giuliani, Carl Hader
and Lori Mathias
(Newly Retired Grafton School District Teachers)
Thank you also to our event sponsors Bank Five Nine, Cornerstone Community Bank, and Port Washington State Bank, and to
The Bloomin' Olive for the beautiful floral centerpieces!
|
|
We have created a Covid-19 Update page as a resources for chamber members, businesses, and community members to access. You'll be able to find information regarding updated hours and policies about restaurants & bars, medical services, retail, attractions, hospitality and financial institutions in Grafton.
If you have information about your business that you would like us to update, please email Annalise Jasinski at celebrate@grafton-wi.org with the details.
Furthermore, this provides a central hub to helpful links from state and federal officials regarding tax credits, small business loans, Covid-19 F&Q's and so much more. Click on the button to access the Covid-19 Updates website.
|
|
As we work together to build a stronger economy that includes all of us, our ingenuity and tenacity, even through COVID-19, will help us forge ahead to turn challenges into possibilities. Every day, we’re all innovating with new ways to work, learn and live. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All Innovating Contest, will support those taking it to the next level, celebrating the individuals who own, run or started businesses to take COVID-19 on. They hustled to meet their customer’s needs or anticipated what new ones might be.
Innovation can come from many directions – a small business that offers new ways of dining; a precision machining shop that tweaks a new part for ventilators; or a startup that’s using software to improve e-learning. The contest is designed to reward as many of these ideas as possible, with approximately 195 awards up to $68,000. The We’re All Innovating Contest will help offset costs incurred between March 1 and those anticipated through Dec. 30, 2020.
The deadline to submit your innovative solution is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.
|
|
|
|
Best Version Media has an exclusive offer for fellow Chamber members please CLICK HERE to view their flyer.
|
|
|
|
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County is taking its bowling event virtual! Bowl for Kids' Sake will be held during the last two weeks of October! Check out their flyer for details on this twist on their popular event.
|
|
|
|
Compassus is in need of non-medical hospice volunteers to help with friendly visits and other various needs. Please view their flyer HERE for further details on what volunteers do. Fill out the volunteer form ATTACHED here to get started.
|
|
|
|
Freedom Physical Therapy is hosting a blood drive this month. Please CLICK here to view the flier and please consider donating blood!
|
The Grafton Education Foundation is excited to host a virtual event "A Night of Giving" fundraiser, sponsored by US Bank - a live webcast will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday October 3rd and will support the Grafton Education Foundation. Read more about the event by clicking here and find out how to register and join in on the fun to support our school district and its dedicated staff!
|
|
|
|
Ozaukee County Historical Society has a tour through the Haunted Village. It will be a lantern lit walk, with 10 in a group and will be appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Please CLICK HERE to view their flyer on the Haunted Village event happening October 23rd and 24th.
|
|
|
|
Ozaukee Economic Development invites you to take a moment and read their Fall newsletter by clicking here, highlighting our 2020 Outreach Event. Also- further information will be coming out soon on our 2020 Virtual Economic Forecast.
|
|
|
|
Ozaukee Family Services invites you to a FREE virtual presentations - for more details or to register, Click HERE.
Dads Reading to Their Children
Monday, October 5, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (via Zoom)
“Dad and Kid Reading Night” not only encourages fathers to read to their children but also provides ideas, tools, and advice for making it fun for the whole family. Books are carefully chosen both to reflect the father-child dynamic, and to facilitate a lively activity. Get ready to read, move and have fun!
Facilitated by Andy Smith, a local music teacher and Director of Music.
Mindfulness made Real & Simple
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (via Zoom)
Learn seven ways to promote mind-body and good brain health. This presentation is for you if you want to:
- Connect to the present
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and the intensity of your negative emotions
- Feel more grounded
- Let go of what you can’t control
- Improve sleep
- Reduce likelihood of conditions related to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes
- Live a longer more connected life!
Presented by Jennifer Strom, MA, LPC, Assistant Clinical Director at North Shore Center, LLC.
|
Sahale Ale House will be hosting Ein Kleines Oktoberfest (A Little Oktoberfest). We’ll still have great German-style beer and plenty of Oktoberfest cheer! Kenny Brandt will be here from 2-4 pm providing tunes you can’t help but dance to, or at least tap your foot! Come hungry AND support a good cause! The Grafton High School Cheer Team will be having a brat fry on our patio. We’ll be pouring THREE German-style brews: Luftkuss Oktoberfest, Shot In The Dunkel (Munich Dunkel) and Wisconsinade (our Sumac Gose)! So mark your calendar, bust out your lederhosen or dirndl and come celebrate the best beer fest! Saturday, October 3 from noon to 9:00 pm. Visit https://www.sahalebeer.com/ for more details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
