Monday, October 11, 2021

Village of Whitefish Bay Official Weekly Newsletter
Message from the Village President, Kevin Buckley

I'm delighted to share that WFB was named as one of the seven winners of the prestigious 2021 National Roadway Safety Award for a variety of safety improvements throughout the village.  Pedestrian, cyclist, and auto safety is a long process, and we’ll never be done finding issues and improvements. What we can be proud of is that Bay has a great team, from John Edlebeck our Village Engineer, his staff and consultants, to our police officers who all remain vigilant.

One thing I missed from last week: School Board Appreciation Week.  The pandemic forced unpredictable issues upon our school district and our village was fortunate to have school board members who served the public with extraordinary talent and dedication.  Great thanks to Anne Berleman Kearney, Sandy Saltzstein, Kristin Bencik-Boudreau, Brett Christiansen, Lynn Raines, Nate Christenson, and Pam Woodard. -kb

To subscribe to our newsletter, click here. For daily updates, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Why Is The Village Hall Phone Ringing?
What is the status of the LED streetlight program (10/11/21 update)? Last week the Village Board approved the LED streetlighting project. Based on community feedback the Board cose to use utilize the 20 watt 2700K LED lamps on residential roadways and 30 watt 2700K LED lamps on collector roadways. Installation will take place in early 2022.

Where can I find information about fall loose leaf collection? Public Works will begin loose leaf collection on Monday, October 18 (weather permitting). Collection is typically weekly, but there is no specific collection schedule. Collection is dependent on crew availability and the volume of leaves to be collected. Click here for details and instructions.

When is the next brush chipper collection? Brush/Chipper material will be collected by Village crews next week (beginning Monday, October 18).

Have a question? Send us an email or give us a call at (414) 962-6690.
Village Meeting Agendas:
Last Week's Meetings:

  • Monday, October 4, 6:00 p.m., Village Board Room

  • Thursday, October 7, 5:30 p.m., Village Board Room
This Week's Meetings:

No meetings last week. For other meeting agendas and minutes, please visit the Agenda Center page.

Please take note that some meetings are currently in-person and some meetings are virtual.
Whitefish Bay Wins National Safety Award:
Whitefish Bay was named last week as 1 of 7 communities nationally to win a 2021 National Roadway Safety award presented by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF).

Thanks to various improvements made to streets, signage, traffic signals, and pedestrian crosswalks over the past five to six years, the number of crashes in Whitefish Bay has decreased by 39%—that equates to about 257 fewer law enforcement responses, 480 vehicles not damaged, and eight pedestrians or bicyclists spared from being struck by vehicles.

Specific improvements include dynamic speed feedback signs, additional yield signage, a “Danish Offset” pedestrian crossing, high-friction surface treatment on busy roadways.
According to the RSF website, the purpose of this biennial competition is “to recognize roadway safety achievements that move the United States towards zero deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. The competition acknowledges successful engineering solutions that agencies have integrated into their roadway safety programs.”
Update from PD - Coffee With A Cop:
The Whitefish Bay Police Department is pleased to invite the community to have Coffee with a Cop on Friday, October 15 at the Whitefish Bay Starbucks. The Police Department will be there from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve.

The goal is to bring police officers and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other. There are no speeches and no agendas. Stop by and get to know some of our officers.
Public Works Project Updates:
Klode Park Beach:

Work is nearing completion at Whitefish Bay’s Klode Park Beach to address previous storm damage and ongoing erosion—and to help protect this beloved community resource for years to come. Following construction, damaged grass areas will be restored and reseeded.
Consaul Commons:

Work has started at Consaul Commons, the public area between Gerhard’s Kitchen and Bath Store (402 E Silver Spring Dr.) and The Bay Restaurant (342 E Silver Spring Dr.). The space will soon be transformed into a more usable, inviting space where the community can gather, enjoy live music and host other family-friendly events.
Municipal Parking Lot Project:

Work is also nearing completion on the Marlborough Drive Municipal Parking Lot (aka: Winkies Lot). This project expanded the existing parking with installation of a new permeable pavers. These permeable pavers with an underdrain system help filtering out pollutants as well as reducing the storm water quantity generated through the detention of stormwater during rain events. This project was funded by MMSD Green Solutions Fund.
The Great Pumpkin Festival:
Save the date for Whitefish Bay's favorite fall tradition -The Great Pumpkin Festival. Read below for new details on the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation's annual autumn event.

Dates: Wednesday, October 27, to Saturday, October 30, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly. Sunday, October 31, 2021, there will be a lighted display only from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with no activities.

Please note: There will be no carving of pumpkins on site.

Locale: Old School House Park (5240 N. Marlborough)

Details: Help decorate Whitefish Bay's iconic park with carved pumpkins during this festive, fall tradition! Beginning Saturday, October 23, drive up to our convenient, self-service pumpkin pick-up on North Idlewild Avenue. Choose your favorite pumpkin from the patch. Next, take your pumpkin home to carve, it's time to be creative! Be sure to include a hole in the bottom, about 3-4 in diameter so it can be lit up. Then, starting Wednesday, October 27, bring your pumpkin back and we will display your creation for all to see! Carved or decorated pumpkins can be dropped off at the same North Idlewild Avenue location. Volunteers will be on-site nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to prepare the lighted display.

Activities: Enjoy music, food, and drinks nightly while you view the amazing pumpkins decorated and carved by your Whitefish Bay neighbors! Take a stroll through the 'Frightfish Bay' Halloween displays and check out the artistic giant-pumpkins carved by local master carvers:
  • Melanie Ariens
  • Suzanne LaFleur
  • Lee Saberson
  • Chris Steele
  • Bill Stevens 

Visit Whitefish Bay’s own Jack Pandl’s tent for delicious food, sip an adult beverage from Lakefront Brewery at our beer tent (cash and card accepted), and dance the night away to music from local artists. Here’s the music line up:
  • Wednesday, Pat McCurdy
  • Thursday, Jake Williams
  • Friday, Wire & Nail
  • Saturday, Xposed 4Heads 
Save the date for these other spooky October Village events:

  • Treat-or-Treat Silver Spring Drive: Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participating businesses offer treats for kids in the company of at least one parent or guardian on the Saturday before Halloween. There’s something “sweet-in-stores” for everyone on Silver Spring Drive. Event hosted by the Merchants of Whitefish Bay.
  • Village Trick-or-Treat: Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the Village. Block parties are not permitted the day of Trick-or-Treat.
Updates from the Whitefish Bay Library:
Library Hours for Fall:
  • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • October 11: The library will be open from 1:30-8:30 p.m. Please note that the library will open late on Monday, October 11 due to staff training.

Outdoor All Ages Storytime, School House Park: We will be continuing outdoor storytime into September and October, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., through October 14.You can learn more about the dates and register on our website.

Teen Take and Make: Beaded Mask Chains, Wednesday, October 13, 3:30 p.m.
Grades 6-12: Pick up a Take and Make kit for making your own beaded mask chain. We'll include all the materials you need, as well as instructions. Pick-up begins at 3:30 p.m. at the YS desk.

Outdoor Crafting: Craft Stick Yard Turtles, Wednesday, October 13, 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Grades 2-5: Using craft sticks and yarn, we'll make some adorable turtles! Weather permitting. Registration is required.

Christina Clancy- Author Event, Tuesday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.: This is an in-person event and registration is required. Whitefish Bay Public Library, along with Boswell Book Company, present an evening with author Christina Clancy. Clancy is the author of Shoulder Season, as well as The Second Home. Boswell will be on hand selling copies of both books.

2021 Photo Contest Winners: Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Photography Contest. We are having a reception for the winners on Saturday, November 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Winning photos will be on display. Click here for more information.
Community Spotlight:
Whitefish Bay Garden Club Update: On Wednesday, October 6, the Grand Reopening of Silver Spring Park took place with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the park. This project consisted of replanting the park with native plants, creating a rain garden and a bioswale, and providing signage for education on native plants. The goal of the park is to keep rainwater where it falls, to provide plants for pollinators and other wildlife, to create a beautiful passive recreation park for all to learn about native plants, and to allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Village of Whitefish Bay collaborated with the Whitefish Bay Garden Club during a five year process. Thanks were given to the groups who helped with the creation of the garden including major funding by the Fund for Lake Michigan, design ideas by Margarete Harvey, and landscape design and implementation by Carrie Hennessey and her team from Johnson’s Nurseries. Please come and visit the newest park in the Village.
Whitefish Bay Farmers Market:

Last week! The Farmers’ Market, a ‘Simply Unbeetable’ event, is held in the Aurora Parking Lot, 325 E. Silver Spring Drive. The market runs Saturdays through October 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for more details!
National Rx Take Back Day:

The next National Rx Take Back Day will be October 23, 2021. This event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country. The event will be at Whitefish Bay Village Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 23, 2021.
Sweetwater Update:

It’s that time of year again! While appreciating the fall colors, make a plan for dealing with those leaves once they drop. Want to make dealing with your autumn leaves easy this year, but don’t know where to start? Visit https://bit.ly/manage-leaves to learn how to dispose your leaves in a way that prevents stormwater pollution!

When left on paved surfaces, leaves can brew a “Phosphorus Tea” – leading to scummy rivers and lakes. Whitefish Bay is committed to preserving our natural amenities - learn how we help you to dispose of your leaves by clicking here.

Consider mulching your leaves (chopping them up or running them over with your lawn mower) and putting the debris around your trees and gardens for the winter. Nutrients in the leaves can then return to the oil and plants instead of waterbodies.
NSHD Healthy Highlight 10/5/21 - Fire Safety Week:

Five fast fire safety facts from the American Red Cross:
  1. Children under age five are twice as likely to die in a home fire.
  2. Child-playing fires are the leading cause of fire deaths among preschoolers.
  3. About 300 people per year are killed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.
  4. Over half of home child-playing fires start in a bedroom.
  5. Children also start fires by playing with candles, fireworks, stoves, and cigarettes.

Be prepared and practice fire safety in your home and with your children. Five preparedness tips from the American Red Cross include:
  1. Keep matches, lighters, and other ignitable substances, secured, out of the reach of children, and only use child-resistant lighters. 
  2. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and what to do when they hear it. 
  3. Practice your home fire escape plan with your children several times a year. 
  4. Practice stop, drop, and roll and low crawling often!
  5. Smoke alarms save lives!

Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Having a working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

Additional information, including fire prevention, safety tips and checklists can be found by visiting:
Health Department Immunizations (Appointments Required):

We provide vaccinations for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Please call us at 414-371-2980 to find out what vaccines we have available and to make an appointment.

Upcoming Health Department Blood Pressure Screening
(Walk-ins Welcome): 

  • NSHD Shorewood Office: 2010 E Shorewood Blvd. On the 4th Wednesday of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Lydell Community Center: 5205 N Lydell Ave, Whitefish Bay. On October 12, November 9, and December 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

  • Lois & Tom Dolan Community Center: 4355 W. Bradley Rd, Brown Deer. On the first Wednesday of the month from 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Other Community Links:
Village of Whitefish Bay | Phone: (414) 962-6690 | Fax: (414) 962-5651