News about what’s happening in Wauwatosa from the Neighborhood Association Council. If you have an event of interest to the community, send your article idea to eblast@WauwatosaNAC.org.
Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
Now through March 27
Be sure to visit the Greenhouse Annex at the Mitchell Park Domes from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays to buy local produce, baked goods, honey, meats, cheese, grains, handmade soaps, prepared foods, beverages & more. Please visit http://www.mcwfm.org/covid19 to get updates on vendors and how they’re keeping everyone safe.
7th Annual Tosa for Tots
Now through December 11
Drop off new, unwrapped gifts for kids to help make this Christmas a special one. Choose a gift request from the virtual Angel Tree at TosaForTots.org. Collection sites include Ruckus & Glee, Wisconsin Athletic Club, Saz’s, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Ruby Tap and more.
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Decorations
November 27 through December 26
Take a drive or stroll down Candy Cane Lane (from Montana Avenue on the north to Oklahoma Avenue on the south, and from 96th Street on the west to 92nd Street on the East) to see a stellar display of holiday lights and spirit, along with entertainment and Santa. Lights are on 6-9 p.m. on weekdays and 5-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. Donations are accepted for the MACC Fund.
Drive-Through Holiday Light Show
Now through January 3
Pile the family in the car and view some of the most spectacular lights and season decorations in Milwaukee at the Holiday Light Show at Boerner Botanical Gardens, daily from 4:30-9:30 p.m. through January 3. Purchase tickets in advance at the Facebook event page.
Milwaukee Makers Market
Saturday, November 28 and December 20
You’ll find some of your favorite Tosa artists at this art, craft and maker fair at Discovery World, 500 N. Harbor Drive, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s sure to be something for everyone on your shopping list. More information can be found on the Milwaukee Makers Market Facebook page.
Holiday Tree Lighting in the Village
Friday, December 4
The annual Wauwatosa Village Holiday Tree Lighting celebration returns to the parks in the center of the Village on Friday, December 4. The tree is located in Root Common Park, right across from Niemann’s Candies and Anodyne Coffee. Watch for activities to be announced on the Wauwatosa Village BID website and Facebook page.
Virtual Santa Cycle Rampage
Saturday, December 5
Wannabe Santas and elves will be partaking in a virtual Rampage this year. All are invited to purchase some Rampage gear and bike with their bubble-worthy friends whenever and wherever they feel comfortable doing so on December 5. No streets will be closed off. Get full details and purchase gear on the Wisconsin Bike Federation Facebook page.
Holiday Ornaments and Cocoa
Wednesday, December 9
Grab a make-and-take kit from the Wauwatosa Public Library’s Children’s Department and join them online at 3:30 p.m. for a virtual craft party. More details will be available on the Children’s Library’s Facebook page.
Little Miss Ann with the Tosa Children’s Library
Friday, December 18 Log onto Facebook Live (facebook.com/tosakids/) at 10 a.m. for a fun, interactive program with Little Miss Ann, an award-winning children’s musician. Kids will be inspired to sing, clap, jump, dance and count to Ann’s reimagined classics and soulful originals that explore topics like animals, culture, individuality, hope, counting & community. Ann Torralba is an instructor at Chicago’s iconic Old Town School of Folk Music. She’s made five albums and has played concerts all over the country.
Ice Castles Lake Geneva
January 15 through February 28
Explore caverns and tunnels made entirely from ice, then race down an ice-carved slide and squeeze through crawl spaces and slot canyons. With fountains, thrones, wishing wells, and more, you’ll be mesmerized by this unique, and family-friendly attraction at Geneva National Resort. See times and purchase tickets on the Ice Castles Facebook event page.
Tosa’s All-City Read Events
For more information about the book and events in February, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com and follow the All-City Read on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TosasAllCityRead/
A (Virtual) Evening with Author Abdi Nor Iftin
Tuesday, February 2
In Call Me American, Iftin recounts his childhood in war-torn Somalia and how he escaped to America—first by way of the movies and, years later, through a miraculous green card. Join this relaxed conversation with him as he answers readers’ questions about his life then and now. On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events.
The Immigrant Experience: A Panel Discussion
Thursday, February 4
Join the audience as a panel of immigrants living in Milwaukee talk about what made them come to America, how that journey transpired, and what they found when they arrived. They’ll touch on topics such as expectations vs. reality, assimilation, prejudice and acceptance. On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events.
Somalis in Milwaukee
Monday, February 8
Like many American cities, Milwaukee has a vibrant Somali community. Find out how Milwaukee has welcomed them and how they keep their culture alive as they strive to make Wisconsin their new home. On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events
Immigration Today
Wednesday, February 10
Immigration law is not only complex, it’s also constantly evolving. Marquette University Law School Associate Professor Ed Fallone will talk about the nuts and bolts of immigration law and answer your questions about what changed under the last administration and what might be happening next. Fallone has helped form three nonprofits serving the legal needs of immigrants in Milwaukee.
On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events.
An Open Discussion about Islam, Muslims and Contemporary Issues
Thursday, February 18
Othman Atta, Director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, presents a frank discussion about Islam, Muslims in the U.S. and abroad, and issues such as fundamentalism and women’s roles in Islam. There will be plenty of time to ask questions. On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events
Henna 101
Tuesday, February 23
Before Somali weddings and holidays, it’s customary for a woman to get her hands or feet decorated with intricate patterns in henna. Learn about this tradition, then get step-by-step instructions on how to create a henna pattern on yourself or a brave friend or family member. Each participant will get a tube of henna in advance. On Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events.
Book Discussions
If you’d like to talk about Call Me American with your fellow Tosans, join us at any of these discussions, free and open to the public. To reserve your place, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com/events.
Book Discussions:
Sunday, February 7, 3:30-5 p.m.
Zoom book discussion
Thursday, February 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Zoom book discussion
Monday, February 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom book discussion
Monday, February 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
Socially distanced at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church ELCA, 12012 W. North Avenue
Thursday, February 25, 1-2:30 p.m.
Zoom book discussion
Black History Month Celebration
Thursday, February 18
Join your neighbors virtually from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. for guest speakers, school-aged performers, singers and drummers. This is a family-friendly event. Watch the Tosa Together Facebook page for further information about this and other events.
