Photos of Hales Corners Veterans Memorial Dedication

My photos of the Hales Corners Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony on 5/27/12 can now be seen on Facebook by clicking here. To read the original press release that went out for this event, click here.

I also have plenty of photos of the Hales Corners Veterans Memorial groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on 9/11/11. To view those photos, also on Facebook, click here.

Best,

Aaron Robertson

Hales Corners Veterans Memorial Dedication This Sunday, 5/27/12

HALES CORNERS MEMORIAL POST #299

Clifford’s Supper Club (414-425-6226)

10418 W. Forest Home Ave,

Hales Corners, WI. 53130 

For More Information, Contact: Nancy Christopher-Wilkes, 414/698-4915 or nwilkes@wi.rr.com

 

 

For Immediate Release

 

 

HALES CORNERS HONORS AMERICAN SERVICEMEN WITH DEDICATION CEREMONY OF NEW VETERANS MEMORIAL THIS WEEKEND

 

From the Civil War to Present Day, Personalized Memorial Bricks Line the Newly Built Veterans Memorial

HALES CORNERS, Wis., (May 21, 2012) -- The little Village that could has now raised more than $200,000 in a tough economy to erect a stunning Veterans Memorial and will honor American servicemen in a Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, May 27, 2 p.m., at Hales Corners Park. Spearheaded by a World War II Veteran and a 15-year-old Eagle Scout, the campaign to build a Five-Pointed Star Memorial, honoring the five branches of the United States Military – Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force, is now complete and lined with memorial bricks of loved ones dating back to the Civil War to present day. Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, commander of the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin's highest ranking officer, is the guest speaker.

            "We chose this weekend so that families could gather together on a holiday to pay tribute to our fallen and the active duty men and women who serve to protect our freedom," says Howard Hingiss, World War 11 veteran and retired Hales Corners Police Captain and co-chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee. "It will be a joyous celebration with inspiring music and invocations and a party for the community that has made all of this possible."

            Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with a performance by solo artist Julie Ruka until 2 p.m. The Dedication Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. with the Whitnall High School (WHS) Choir singing the National Anthem, followed by a military flyover of EAA Warbirds, WWII fighter planes.

            Organized by the Hales Corners American Post Legion 299 and VFW 10394, the ceremony will include a flag raising by Honor Guard, a 21-gun salute and a re-dedication of the rock that was placed at Hales Corners Elementary School on Arbor Day in 1946 to honor those who served during WWII. The rock has been carefully moved and placed at the Veterans Memorial. Additional speakers include: Co-chairs Howard Hingiss and Mitchell McGlinn, a sophomore at WHS, Joe Huber and Harold Bolstad from the Veterans Memorial Committee, Mark Herr, partner from Plunkett Raysich Architects and Village Trustee Don Schwartz, who is the Master of Ceremonies.

            Members of the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization to raise awareness and enlist public aid for the needs of injured service members, and the Patriot Guard Riders, a non-profit national organization of motorcycle enthusiasts created to oppose the Westboro Baptist Church and attend funerals to honor fallen US military personnel, will also be in attendance.  Immediately following the dedication, food and beer will be served, followed by entertainment by one of Wisconsin's best Country Top 40 Bands, WAMI winners Geoff Landon and the Wolfpack, from 4 to 8 p.m.

            This is a year of many milestones for the Village of Hales Corners, which is celebrating 175 years since it was settled. It is also the 81st anniversary of the Hales Corners American Legion, the 70th anniversary of the Hales Corners Women's Auxilliary and the 60th anniversary of when the Village was incorporated.

            Plunkett Raysich Architects is the Milwaukee architectural firm that designed the Veterans Memorial. Each of the Memorial's Five-Pointed Stars are equally placed in a circle so that no military branch can be viewed above another and to represent the responsibilities of each branch to work together to serve and protect the interests of the U.S. The Pentagon-shaped memorial focuses inward, while the Five Points of the Star reach outward with five paths that connect to nature and other points of interest within the park, including the library and pool.

            At the center of the memorial is a lighted U.S. flag on its own white plinth, which is symbolic of the human sacrifices made to God and Country. Brickwork encircles this plinth. Families and other groups can remember and honor veterans for their military service by purchasing a brick and having it inscribed with the names of their loved ones. The “tribute” bricks can be purchased for as little as $100 for an 8 X 4-in. brick and up to $5,000 for a 24 x 24-in. brick. The bricks are periodically installed in the spring and fall. More than 600 bricks are currently in place.

               

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Don Schwartz Announces Candidacy for Milwaukee County Board, District 9

DON Schwartz for Milwaukee County Supervisor – 9^th District

For More Information, Contact:

Nancy Christopher-Wilkes, 414-698-4915 or

nancy@platypus-ad.com

For Immediate Release

HALES CORNERS VILLAGE TRUSTEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR

9TH DISTRICT MILWAUKEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Donald G. Schwartz Vows to Protect Taxpayers’ Interests and Promote Streamlined County Government

Donald G. Schwartz

HALES CORNERS, Wis., (January 5, 2012) -- Hales Corners Village Trustee Donald G. Schwartz announced, today his intention to run for the 9th District Milwaukee Country Supervisor seat in April.   Schwartz, who has been a Village Trustee for 9 years and has a long history of working in the private and public sectors, says he will capitalize on his successes in building public-private partnerships to more efficiently deliver services throughout Milwaukee County.

            "In order to address the County’s structural deficit, we need new and creative ways to operate county government," says Schwartz.  "I will start by identifying priorities in each community and looking at ways to implement with fiscal responsibility and by building public and private partnerships.  In Hales Corners, we've made community improvements in tough economic times without raising taxes and going further into debt."  Schwartz also favors restructuring the County Board, including reducing the number of supervisors and evaluating board responsibilities in context with other County and municipal governing entities.

Schwartz cited as his priorities fiscal responsibility, economic development and governance changes to make the County Board more accountable to citizens. “County government has become far too dysfunctional,” Schwartz added.  “I will work for a reduction in the size of the County Board to reduce overall costs and focus on policy-making and not micro-management.” 

            Schwartz cites his leadership in several community projects that have involved local residents and businesses working with government entities to enhance the community without incurring additional government spending and debt.

·         The Hales Corners Pool.  For nine years, Schwartz has spearheaded efforts to keep the pool open as president of the Friends of Hales Corners Pool.  In 2007, the Friends entered into an agreement with the Village of Hales Corners and the Milwaukee County Parks Department to lease the pool and cover any shortfalls.  That year, residents and local businesses raised more than $104,000 to cover insurance requirements and make capital improvements.  The pool is currently debt-free.

·         The Hales Corners Veterans Memorial.  Hales Corners was able to reach its goal of raising $140,000 to build a Veterans Memorial in Hales Corners Park in a partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks Department, the Village of Hales Corners, American Legion Post #299, VFW Post #10394, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop #598, and the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce.  The memorial will be unveiled in May

Year-round aluminum can recycling and fundraising program.  Schwartz coordinated the program between the Whitnall School District, the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Hales Corners Pool.

·          Aly Dudek International Ice Rink.  Plans are underway to build an Olympic-sized rink in Hales Corners Park. Aly, a resident of Hales Corners, is a member of the U.S. Short Track Speedskating team and won the Bronze medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

            Schwartz has also been representing Village residents and businesses for more than five years in efforts to block the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's extensive plans to widen Hwy. 100, which would have displaced homeowners and local businesses. A compromise was struck that saved residents’ homes from being demolished.

            "I'm very proud of these accomplishments and the willingness of residents, community organizations and businesses to work in tandem with government to better our community," adds Schwartz.  “I want to build upon these achievements to address the significant challenges facing Milwaukee County."

            In addition to Friends of Hales Corners Pool, Schwartz currently serves as president of the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce, which he helped reorganize in 2003.  He is also a professor of political science at Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.  Schwartz has been a Village Trustee since April 2003. 

            Schwartz previously served as vice president, client relations at Plunkett Raysich Architects. Prior to moving back to Milwaukee, he served as president of Ceiling Restoration Services in Washington, D.C.  Schwartz received his master's degree from Georgetown University. and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 

            A Friends of Don Schwartz account has been opened at Tri City National Bank in Hales Corners and Oak Creek.  A primary election will be held on February 21 for the 9th District, which includes all of Hales Corners and most of Franklin and Oak Creek.

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Hales Corners Veterans Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony Photography

I attended today's groundbreaking ceremony for the Hales Corners Veterans Memorial. It was a beautiful and moving tribute.

Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of September 11th, the ceremony was not only a fitting tribute to those who have worn the uniform of our nation's Armed Forces, but to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day and to all public servants who put on a uniform, be it police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders.

Speakers included Hales Corners Village Trustee Don Schwartz, who also serves as president of the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Hales Corners Pool; Hales Corners Village President Bob Ruesch; U.S. Representative Paul Ryan; State Senator Mary Lazich; State Representative Mike Kuglitsch; and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

Also speaking were Hales Corners Veterans Memorial Committee co-chairs Howard Hingiss, a World War II veteran and retired Hales Corners Police Captain; and Mitchell McGlinn, a Whitnall High School student and Eagle Scout candidate.

To see my photography of the Hales Corners Veterans Memorial groundbreaking ceremony, click here. 

--Aaron Robertson, president, Intrepid Innovations Inc.

Hales Corners Veterans Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony on 9/11/11

HALES CORNERS MEMORIAL POST #299

Clifford’s Supper Club (414-425-6226)

10418 W. Forest Home Ave,

Hales Corners, WI. 53130

For More Information, Contact:

Nancy Christopher-Wilkes, 414/698-4915 or nwilkes@wi.rr.com

For Immediate Release

HALES CORNERS VETERANS MEMORIAL GROUNDBREAKING

TO TAKE PLACE ON 10th ANNIVERSARY OF 9-11

Memorial Committee Reaches 96 Percent of Fund-raising Goal

HALES CORNERS, Wis., (August 26, 2011) – Having reached more than 96 percent of its goal to raise $140,000 to build a Veterans Memorial in Hales Corners Park, the Veterans Memorial Committee announced today that there will be a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, between the Hales Corners Library and Hales Corners Pool on 116th St.  Congressman Paul Ryan, State Senator Mary Lazich, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Hales Corners Village President Bob Ruesch will be among the guest speakers at the event.

             

With the aid of two, 25,000 matching grants from the Holz Foundation and Messmer Foundation, the committee has now raised more than $135,000.  The campaign has been led by Howard Hingiss, a WWII veteran and retired Hales Corners Police Captain, and his Co-Chair Mitchell McGlinn, a Whitnall High School student and Eagle Scout candidate. 

             

The campaign began in February 2010.  Plunkett Raysich Architects, a Milwaukee architectural firm, released renderings of the proposed memorial.  The design incorporates a Five-Pointed Star to honor the five branches of the United States Military – Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force.  Each star point is equally placed in a circle so that no branch can be viewed above another and to represent the responsibilities of each branch to work together to serve and protect the interests of the U.S. 

             

The Pentagon-shaped memorial focuses inward, while the Five Points of the Star reach outward with five paths that connect to nature and other points of interest within the park, including the library and pool. 

At the center of the memorial is a lighted U.S. flag on its own white plinth, which is symbolic of the human sacrifices made to God and Country.  Brickwork encircles this plinth. 
 

The Memorial Committee hopes to raise the remaining $5,000 through the purchase of "tribute" bricks.  Families and other groups can remember and honor veterans for their military service by purchasing a brick and having it inscribed with the names of their loved ones.  The “tribute” bricks can be purchased for as little as $100 for an 8 X 4-in. brick and up to $5,000 for a 24x24-in. brick. 

For inquiries into purchasing a "tribute" brick or to make a donation, residents can visit http://www.halescorners.org/veteransmemorial.  The Veterans Memorial Committee will hold a Dedication Ceremony on Memorial Day in 2012

Hales Corners Veterans Memorial

HALES CORNERS MEMORIAL POST #299

Clifford’s Supper Club (414-425-6226)
10418 W. Forest Home Ave,
Hales Corners, WI. 53130

For More Information, Contact:
Nancy Christopher-Wilkes, 414/698-4915 or nwilkes@wi.rr.com

For Immediate Release

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO BUILD THE HALES CORNERS VETERANS MEMORIAL

Community has Formed an Intergenerational Band of Brothers to see Project through Completion

HALES CORNERS, Wis., (March 24, 2011) – A World War II Veteran and a 15-year-old Eagle Scout have formed an unlikely band of brothers to lead the campaign to build a Veteran’s Memorial in Hales Corners Park. As Co-chairs of the Veterans Memorial Committee, Retired Hales Corners Police Captain Howard Hingiss and Whitnall High School Freshman Mitchell McGlinn are hoping to break ground no later than Veteran’s Day in November 2011. For that to happen, it will take the support of the Village of Hales Corners residents to build it, brick by brick.

Plunkett Raysich Architects, a Milwaukee architectural firm, released renderings of the proposed memorial earlier this month. The design incorporates a Five-Pointed Star to honor the five branches of the United States Military – Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. Each star point is equally placed in a circle so that no branch can be viewed above another and to represent the responsibilities of each branch to work together to serve and protect the interests of the U.S. The Pentagon-shaped memorial focuses inward, while the Five Points of the Star reach outward with five paths that connect to nature and other points of interest within the park, including the library and pool.

At the center of the memorial is a lighted U.S. flag on its own white plinth, which is symbolic of the human sacrifices made to God and Country. Brickwork encircles this plinth. Families and other groups can remember and honor veterans for their military service by purchasing a brick and having it inscribed with the names of their loved ones. The “tribute” bricks can be purchased for as little as $100 for an 8 X 4-in. brick and up to $5,000 for a 24x24-in. brick.

On Tuesday, March 29, at 6 p.m., a special concert honoring veterans will be performed by the music and band students at Edgerton Elementary, 5145 S. 116th St. Members of the VFW Post #299 will be in attendance in full regalia to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and The Star Spangled Banner. Architectural drawings of the Veteran Memorial will be on display and the community will be able to ask questions and purchase “tribute” bricks.

The Hales Corner Veterans Memorial Committee has raised more than $55,000 to date, but will need to raise an additional 85,000 to reach its fund-raising goal of $140,000.

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