West Side Stories

Happy Halloween everyone! Oh, what’s that you say? It’s only Saturday and Halloween is Tuesday? But, you’re wrong, because the Wauwatosa Village Trick or Treat was today from 1:30 to 3:00 pm and tomorrow, Sunday, the so-called Wauwatosa “city-wide” trick or treat is from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. (Inconveniently during a Packer game, I might add.) Then on Tuesday, my neighborhood, and many other Tosa neighborhoods are having traditional trick-or-treating at night. Are you confused? Yeah, me too. It’s getting so that I feel sort of pressured to have a bowl of candy next to my front door for the entire month of October.

I do understand that the Village Trick or Treat is for kids to visit businesses in the village, so I really didn’t have to worry about costumed visitors today. But I think the days of the daytime city-sponsored trick-or-treat have sort of passed us by. In our neighborhood, and in our last Tosa neighborhood, we have trick-or-treat on Halloween night. Just like in the good old days. This has gone on for years. In fact, I haven’t participated in daytime trick-or-treating since my college sophomore son was a toddler. Back then, it was all about fear and I don’t mean ghost stories. Hospitals opened their radiology labs for kids to get their trick-or-treat candy x-rayed. Gosh, isn’t that a sweet childhood tradition? I don’t know if trick-or-treating has gotten safer or if we’ve just all worked together to make it a little less creepy.

I guess what’s changed is that here in Wauwatosa, neighborhood associations have turned Halloween night into a community-building event. Parents don’t usually just send their kids out alone. They walk along with them and get selective about whose doorbells they’re ringing. Neighbors take the opportunity to set the mood and sometimes set up fire-pits and gatherings with friends. It’s a great time for the kids and the parents. And now that my kids are older, I love answering the door and asking the kids about their costumes.

So I ask you, fellow Tosans. Do you think Wauwatosa should do away with the city-wide trick-or-treating on the Sunday before Halloween? Are you’re like me, and you get one, maybe two trick-or-treaters on that afternoon and you almost wish you could put a sign on your door saying that you’re participating in the neighborhood trick-or-treat instead of the city-wide version? Maybe I’ve got this all wrong. Maybe there are Tosa neighborhoods or Tosa families that still need the city-wide trick-or-treating. If so, share your thoughts. E-mail me at westsidestoriestosa@yahoo.com.

I realize that I should be thankful that I don’t yet qualify for Medicare, but when I opened my Sunday paper this morning, I couldn't help but feel a little envious of those that do. You see, Humana is putting on an event to promote their Humana 2007 Medicare Advantage Health Plan. They’re gathering Medicare recipients at local movie theaters, giving them a “preview” of their new plan and then (here’s the part that makes me jealous) they’re treating them to a free showing of Casablanca on the big screen. One of the theatres is the AMC Mayfair 18 right here in Tosa. Dang!

I know this is practically cinema heresy, but I’ve never seen Casablanca, on a big or little screen. I understand that it is a landmark film that spoke to an entire generation of moviegoers. I also realize that I’m not in that generation, which may be why I’ve never seen this film. And so, on 10/25 and then again on 11/1, they’re showing Casablanca on a big screen, practically in my backyard…and I can’t go. Double dang!

Actually, I can go, if I find a friend or a family member on Medicare and I’m willing to sit through Humana’s preview. The truth be told, I’m not. But, I’m telling you that if you’re on Medicare and you love movies, here’s your chance to enjoy what I’m told is a wonderful film. Hmm…I wonder if there’s free popcorn too?

At the risk of being disliked by most of the teens in Wauwatosa and not just the teens in my own house, I’d like to go on record as saying that I disagree with letting kids use iPods or other MP3 players in school. 

An article in today's Journal Sentinel talks about the Arrowhead school district restricting the use of personal music players on school property. The article goes on to interview Tosa East principal Nick Hughes and several Tosa East students about the policy at Wauwatosa East, which, in my opinion is a cop-out.

The article states that: “Students at Wauwatosa East High School used to not be allowed to roam the halls with their iPods in tow. But after a lengthy staff debate this year, Principal Nick Hughes said the school officials decided to allow students to listen to their music in the school's common areas and in classrooms, if a teacher approves.”

Principal Hughes explained: "It was a daily battle last year to remind kids between periods to put their headphones away, to put their iPods away. I equated it to like a test day at a Best Buy."

Look, I’m not anti-iPod. I own one. In fact, there are three in our household and I purchased all of them. They’re an amazing mixture of technology and art. But what bothers me is that they provide our kids with another way to tune out their environment and disengage themselves from others. In today’s culture of senseless school violence, why are we giving kids more ways to disconnect from each other and isolate themselves? Is it just because it’s easier that way? Is it that painful to walk down the hall or sit through lunch without the sound of The Killers or Justin Timberlake pounding in their ears?

I have no doubt that Principal Hughes and the teachers and administrators at Tosa East have a Herculean job. Being the caretakers of a great high school must be daunting, even on a good day. But I’d rather hear about them building bridges between students, instead of solitary cocoons with earbuds.

“Food is our Common Ground” This is the quote, or at least part of the quote that you see when you walk into the Pick ‘n Save on 70th and State Street in Wauwatosa. Well, food may be the common ground, but the stores from which we buy the food are anything but common. In fact, in the last couple of years, Wauwatosa has quietly become the unofficial Gourmet Grocery Store capitol of southeastern Wisconsin.

It all started when the Metcalf brothers saved us from the mistake that was Rainbow Foods on 68th and State. (I know it’s harsh, but did you ever shop there? Really, I think I’m being kind.) They renovated the place and turned it into a very upscale full-service grocery store. Then, Sendik’s took over the former Kohl’s grocery store on North Avenue and, aside from their parking issues, became the darlings of the Pasadena Neighborhood. Then came another Sendik’s (but it’s the other Sendik’s which is way too confusing for me to ever figure out) at 124th and North Avenue, promising us even more swankiness. And now, we can throw Pick ‘n Save into the mix. And I say to all those other stores: Game on!

I visited the almost completed, newly-renovated Pick n’ Save tonight for the first time since they took over the former Walgreens space next door. I walked in the door and my jaw dropped. This is one serious gourmet grocery store. I was alone, but I couldn’t help but say out loud: “Whoa!” (Actually, I probably said something more colorful, but this is a PG-rated blog, so I’ll keep it clean.) I never was a “Pick ‘n Saver,” but I may reconsider that position. This store is amazing. I’ve never seen aisles so well-labeled. They even had a sign that read: “Salty Snacks.” Holy hotcakes, you mean I can actually narrow-down my snack cravings like that? I was in a hurry, but what I saw was incredible.

So, the challenge is on, Metcalfs and Sendiks. There’s an old player that’s had an Extreme Retail Makeover and it seems like you’re all going to have to bring your “A” game in order to carve out a piece of the Tosa Gourmet Grocery Market. It’s a crowded place lately. In fact, it’s uncommonly crowded.

I’d like to give a shout out to the angels in our community – The Crossing Guards of Wauwatosa. Thank you. I know you’re paid for your efforts, but it can’t be much and it can’t be enough. Every day, you’re on our corners, 35 of them, jumping in front of traffic and leading our children safely across streets and through intersections. On the list of thankless and somewhat dangerous jobs, this has to be pretty high. We take you for granted. You’re just always there, regardless of weather. On the days when I’m snuggled into the heated driver’s seat of my car, holding on to a steaming cup of coffee, you’re standing outside in the rain, snow, sleet and wind, looking out for our children and probably hoping and praying that the young executive on the cell phone focuses on your raised arms and not his phone call. Despite your bright clothing, you are not well-protected. Your vest is not bullet-proof and your hat isn’t hard. And although you meticulously set up cones and signs in busy thoroughfares, none of it can keep you from injury if a vehicle failed to yield in your presence. But that’s not usually your first thought. It always seems like you’re thinking of the kids first, often brightening their day with a smile, a greeting and possibly a question to engage them before they sleepily head off to school. You don’t have to add that last part, but you just do. And some of you even take the time to wave to us, the drivers. The people that could easily put you in harm’s way if we’re not careful. I think the least we can do, all of us – kids and parents is to thank you. And as drivers we should give you a brake.

For about the next week or so, a couple of mass merchant giants will be swirling around Wauwatosa in a big way. Tomorrow, October 7th, Lowe’s opens at 12000 W. Burleigh. Next week, Friday, October 13th, the new Best Buy at 2401 N. Mayfair Road will open. Although I’m more likely to spend significant time at Best Buy, the Lowe’s opening is a big relief to me and my family. Why? Well, it’s kind of an odd story.

You see, in our house we watch a lot of televised sports. And after a while, you get used to seeing the same commercials over and over. Mostly, I ignore them, because as a homemaker, I’m really not the demographic that they’re targeting. Sometimes, like when I see the beer commercial where men are throwing away their beer paraphernalia and the bottle opener keeps repeating “Beer Me!,” I mute the volume. Other times, I leave the room. But there’s one commercial that usually airs during sporting events and features the voice of Gene Hackman. Gene tells us, in that great “Hoosiers” voice, how great Lowe’s is. And every time that commercial is on the air, I shout at the TV: “BUT WE CAN’T SHOP THERE BECAUSE WE DON’T HAVE A LOWE’S!!” This annoys my family immensely, which is why they’re probably grateful that Lowe’s is opening in Wauwatosa.

Lowe’s will have to really bring their “A” game in order to compete against Home Depot right up the street or the terrific small hardware stores such as Robertson’s Ace Hardware or Puhl’s True Value. It will be interesting to see whether they swing for the fences or strike out.

Where Has McDonald’s Gone?

This is such an odd question that it seems strange to even ask, but nobody seems to know what happened to the McDonald’s in the food court in Mayfair Mall. Even on light traffic days, McDonald’s was always the busiest counter in the food court. They closed several months ago with no signs or indication when or if they’ll ever reopen. As someone who has complained to their corporate headquarters about the poor level of service at this particular location, maybe this is a good thing. Then again, the mall walking/stroller riding toddlers at Mayfair won’t be getting a Happy Meal anytime soon. I miss the days when the McDonald's was located at Center Court at Mayfair and overlooked the skating rink. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen again, but it's fun to remember anyway.

It isn't pretty but this pile outside my front door this morning looked suspiciously like...snow! My husband and I (and much of Wauwatosa) were awakened this morning at 5:00 am by the sound of golf-ball sized hail pounding down upon our house. I guess this is just nature's reminder that winter is just around the corner. I don't know about you, but I'm not really ready. Then again, I never am.

If you haven’t dined out recently, you may not have noticed that it’s Homecoming Season. Yes, it’s that time of year when you can enjoy your dinner in jeans while the patrons at the table next to you are wearing formal gowns and suits. Last night, at Maggiano’s Restaurant at Mayfair, my family and I had front row seats for this seasonal spectacle. What a sight it was and how different from my high school days.

First, I was pleased to see a group of girls in lovely dresses dining sans dates. I wanted to run up to them and shout: “You go, girls!” How refreshing to see that these young women didn’t need a date to enjoy the dance. As someone who went to an all-girls’ high school and only went to one dance, I found this change to be welcome and long overdue.

Then, there was the traditional table of three couples who hadn’t been clued into the “boy-girl-boy-girl” seating tradition. The girls stuck together and giggled as the boys valiantly attempted conversation while garters cut off the circulation in their arms.

Finally, there was a very unique table of three girls, one boy and a dad. At least I’m pretty sure he was a dad. He had a well-groomed goatee, his suit fit better than the boy’s did, he looked a bit old for high school and I’m pretty sure that his credit card had his name on it. Somewhat surprisingly, the kids seemed OK with him being at the table, rather than awkwardly embarrassed at having to “hang” with a parent.

It’s fun to watch these groups as they embark on their special evenings, but I can’t help but shake my head at the “over-the-top” nature of it all. The dresses that the girls were wearing were spectacular, as were their jewelry and hairstyles. It was hard not to make a mental tabulation of the cost of such an evening. Don’t get me wrong, I love special occasions and, as you know, I do love my shopping. But I wonder how difficult it will be to top these events as these kids become adults. Will their weddings be a letdown and is the Homecoming dance a breeding ground for future “Bridezillas”?

My son’s high school had a tradition for their winter dance. The boys would take the money that would be used for tux rental and donate it to a charity. I loved that idea. Why not have the dance, but scale back on the pomp and circumstance and give back a little at the same time? In our culture of more and better, it’s unlikely to be the next big thing, but it’s worth considering. Of course, I'll probably be first in line with my daughter to buy that spectacular dress when her turn comes around. And you are welcome to remind me to eat my words.