The Brookfield Scene

Now that I have your attention, consider this cause for paws.  The Elmbrook Humane Society is located in Brookfield just west of Barker Road on Enterprise Drive.

It's a stopping point for many displaced cats and dogs, and other creatures.  The staff and many volunteers give these pets tender, loving care.   The humane society is very successful at finding new homes for these animals.  Its adoption rate is 98%.

Many people and businesses provide financial support for the shelter.  Some youngsters learn about giving early in life. Scouts have collected items that dogs and cats need. Preteens have asked that contributions be given to the Elmbrook Humane Society instead of toward birthday gifts.

Support arrives through animal adoptions, donations and in-kind contributions of care-giving supplies.  Canned pet food, KMR kitten milk replacement, and paper products are always needed.  Check the current wish-list at http://www.ebhs.org/.

There are other ways to support our local humane society's mission:

1. Shop at (or donate items to) Well-Bred Bargains resale shop in Elm Grove.
2. Buy a ‘Waggin' Wheels Car Raffle ticket' for $20.
3. Attend the 2008 "Wag Fest" on Saturday, September 20.
4. Volunteer at the society.
5. Consider sponsoring the event. 

Many families mark Memorial Day with picnics, parades and planting flowers.  Memorial Day provides a four day weekend, and a time to reflect on our family's traditions.

When I was a child, it was tradition to cut lilacs and visit the cemeteries in Brookfield.  At that time Brookfield seemed so far away. We visited the grave sites of my grandparents at Wisconsin Memorial, and the grave sites of my great-grandparents at Oak Hill Cemetery.  The small Oak Hill Cemetery was not well tended.  Poison Ivy was prevalent.  We would scrub ourselves with homemade lye soap when we got home.

When I visited Oak Hill Cemetery last year for its Memorial Day Service, I learned that the grounds had been maintained through the kindness of neighbors.  The annual Memorial Day Service (conducted by the Behling-Kutchera American Legion Post 296) takes place Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.

Take time to visit this historic cemetery at 3500 N. Brookfield Rd and reflect on your family's history.

The story of “Ten Chimneys & The Lunts” will be told by Mike Drew, award winning writer and former media columnist, on Monday, May 19, 2008.

Wonderful tours of the beautiful estate are given at Ten Chimneys from May through November. 

A GPS system has greatly improved my odds of getting to the right place.  It is helpful when traveling beyond one's ‘comfort zone.’  For example, getting from point A to point B in Waukesha has always been a challenge.  For years, my subconscious voice has said, “You’re going to get lost” – and I invariably have.

A recent trip to Waukesha was more pleasant – thanks to the GPS.  But its directions to WalMart led me to Sam’s Club (on 164). 

Recent trips to Franklin, Hales Corners, Milwaukee’s lake front and Menomonee Falls have been more interesting because of the GPS.  I have found myself traveling on roads less traveled. I was amazed to find a more efficient route to Hales Corners, and a more scenic route to Milwaukee’s lake front.