Message from the Mayor:
Memorial Day is typically the start of traditional summer here in Wisconsin, and it also marks the day we salute those members of the military who died in the service of their country. On Monday, May 28th, I had the honor of speaking at the Veterans tribute at Forest Hill Cemetery’s War Memorial along with veterans from Meyer-Dziedzic—Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8482 and Oelschlaeger-Dallmann—American Legion Post #434. Here is an excerpt of my comments from the ceremony.

Of all the holidays that bring us together as Americans, this day, Memorial Day, has the greatest significance to me, for it represents and honors the ultimate sacrifice of the heroes who make possible all the other holidays we celebrate. We also honor those men and women who put on the uniform of a soldier, whether they’re fighting terrorism, or promoting freedom and democracy around the world for those who do not share the same rights as we do.

On Wednesday evening, May 23rd I attended the Senior Scholarship Night for Oak Creek High School. 175 students were honored, 74 received money from organizations, and 44 were awarded scholarships from colleges totaling nearly 1.8 million dollars. Congratulations to the Class of 2012! At the Scholarship Night I heard tremendous stories of community service and volunteerism, and a prime example of that was the 2012 Relay for Life event held at Knights Community Stadium at Oak Creek High School on Friday, May 18th. Student Council Advisor Tara Novak, who teaches science at OCHS, and student co-chairs Margaret Splinter and Sydney Krimmer, coordinated more than 1500 participants and 94 teams to raise almost $50,000.00 for the American Cancer Society. Thanks to all those who volunteered, donated, and participated at this important event.

Summer weather also means yard work, and City Forester Rebecca Lane asked me to pass along some tips for insuring that our city trees stay healthy and strong in the stress of the hot, dry summer conditions. Watering your trees is the greatest factor in insuring that a tree survives, but also take extra care when mowing or weeding near the base of trees. Additionally, don’t spray weed killers around tree trunks as they can stunt growth and eventually kill the tree. With Emerald Ash Borer taking 20% of our urban tree canopy, it’s important that every tree we plant has an opportunity to grow.

As I noted last week in my Mayor’s message, I’m kicking off the nominations for the 2012 Mayor’s Landscape Award on Friday, June 1st. These awards will honor those residents and business owners who do their part to beautify and enhance the look of our city through flower and tree plantings, and creative landscaping ideas. Tehan Brothers Nursery at 1515 East Rawson Avenue has agreed to be a corporate sponsor of the event, donating gift certificates to the resident winners of $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd, and $50 for third. Winning residents and businesses will also receive a plaque noting their achievement. Nominations will close on June 30th, with selections made in mid-July. Start planting those annuals and perennials, and let’s make Oak Creek an even more beautiful place to live and work!

Here is a link to the nomination form.

Steve Scaffidi
Mayor
City of Oak Creek