Message from the Mayor:
As we approach the 4th of July holiday on Wednesday of this week, it’s important to reinforce the ban on the use of fireworks in the City of Oak Creek. Sparklers, fire crackers, bottle rockets, and other fireworks can be dangerous not only to the person using them, but also to friends, family, and neighbors. Given the extremely dry conditions we’re experiencing, it is important that all of our residents refrain from using personal fireworks to avoid starting fires, and causing injury. The official Oak Creek fireworks display will go on as scheduled at dusk, and will be closely monitored by the Oak Creek Fire Department. Enjoy the daylong activities celebrating our nation’s Independence Day, kicking off with the annual parade beginning at Edgewood School at 9:00am. This year’s parade honors our World War II veterans, some of whom will be riding along with the elected officials and other units.

On Wednesday of this week I visited local organic farmers Dave Kozlowski and Sandy Raduenz, owners of Pinehold Gardens on Elm Road in Oak Creek. Using a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, their 21 acre farm provides fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables, while educating the public on the importance of using sustainable food and energy systems. It’s a great local success story, with some important connections to the restaurant community in our area. Dave told me they work with many local chefs and restaurant owners to supply their kitchens with fresh produce, including Sanford’s in Milwaukee. For more information on their business, go to www.pineholdgardens.com.

On the visit, I also picked up some gardening tips from Dave and Sandy for my own garden, which features 150 tomato plants, and a variety of squash, beans, eggplant, and pumpkins. With the lack of rain in June, it’s been a challenging year for big and small gardens alike. Here’s a picture taken this weekend. Despite the drought, everything is still green and growing.

I held my second “Meet the Mayor” this Saturday, June 30th, at the Oak Creek Library with Jill Lininger, our City Librarian. About 30 residents joined us for a great Q&A about the city, the plans for a new library at the Drexel Town square site, and some of our technology initiatives, including our new Facebook page, and continued updates to our city website. Look for news on my next “Meet the Mayor” meeting coming soon.

Saturday afternoon I attended the 3rd Anniversary Celebration of Bella Vita Day Spa in the Market Place, and met owner Debra Brill and several other Market Place shop owners. It was a great opportunity to visit the shops in the Market Place and to meet some residents, and if you haven’t been there in a while, plan a visit for a unique shopping experience.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Thanks to our veterans for their service to our country.

Steve