Message from the Mayor:
I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support and well-wishes our city receives as we move forward after the tragic events of August 5th, 2012. As I attend meetings outside of Oak Creek, go to high school football games or other public functions, people reach out, asking, how our city is doing. My response is usually that we are doing the best we can, trying to address specific community needs while making sure that the proper resources are in place for those most affected. Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s office, have provided significant help and aid to our Temple families, and for the community at large, and will continue to do so as long as that help is needed. I’ve been supported by a group of Mayors across the country who have also been impacted by mass shooting events, and there is a story in Sunday’s L.A. Times on how that common bond has brought these city leaders together. Here is a link to that story.
Tuesday marks the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, and I will be attending several memorial services honoring that day and the many victims of those attacks. The first is an early morning service on the lakefront at the County War Memorial’s Fitch Plaza. I will join County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett at 7:30am to lay a ceremonial wreath in the reflecting pool, and to ring the bell of the USS Milwaukee-1906 in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Later in the evening, I will be joining community and law enforcement officials at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation for a forum on the link between 9/11 and similar events, including the attack on the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek.
In the wake of the Temple tragedy, Oak Creek High School is developing a garden in front of the high school to honor the memory of the lives lost on August 5th, 2012 which will include a plaque, and native prairie flower plantings to symbolize the efforts of the student body to “cultivate unity and racial tolerance necessary for a healthier community.” If you are interested in participating in this project, please call David Timmer at 414.768.6117 or email at d.timmer@oakcreek.k12.wi.us. The site development will take place on Saturday, September 22nd from 9am-12pm at the main entrance to the high school.
A planning meeting for interested volunteers in my Mayor’s Fitness/Weight Loss Challenge will be held this Wednesday evening from 6-730pm in the Common Council chambers at City Hall. If you would like to help with any aspect of this community-wide initiative please stop by and offer your services. Many local health and fitness professionals have stepped up to participate, and this kick-off meeting will begin the process of coordinating and planning efforts. Join us and help Oak Creek get fit!
This week, please remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice…and honor their memories by doing something positive.
Steve