The Brookfield Scene

The recent economic downturn has people feeling uneasy and anxious.  We may attribute some of this to our patterns of "living large".  Collectively, much spending has focused on our wants, not our needs.  Easy money (credit cards, loans and mortgages) has encouraged us to spend now - not later.

Our parents and grandparents were more conservative than we are today.  They valued owning things outright.  Their homes were affordable and often had low (or no) mortgages.  These generations saved for larger ticket items such as furniture, appliances and cars.  Everyday purchases were made with cash, not plastic.  Families ate dinner together - at home.  Dining out was something special.  

Our lifestyles have changed over the years.  Living less large will be a challenge for many.

Bunnies are either hated or loved.  The garden variety of bunnies take pleasure in eating our garden's baby plants. (I'm sure they enjoy them just as much as we enjoy baby spinach, baby corn, baby carrots and other tender vegetables.)  The bunnies that are loved are the domesticated variety, often referred to as 'rabbits'.  Well, if you have or want a pet rabbit, you can learn much, much more about them next Saturday.

Just attend Rabbitopia II at the Elmbrook Humane Society (Brookfield).  Rabbit expert and trainer Heather Mohan-Gibbons, will teach clicker-training techniques.  Classes are at 11:30 am and at 1:30 pm. Class space is limited.  Call 262-782-9261 to reserve your seat.  Admission $5. (kids 12 and under free). Rabbits in cages are welcomed.  Their nails will be trimmed and scent glands cleaned.

Adoptable rabbits and accessories will also be available from 11 am to 3 pm.  There's no charge for looking. Elmbrook Humane Society is conveniently located just west of Barker Rd.at 20950 Enterprise Avenue, Brookfield.

There's a curious relationship between bunnies and Halloween.  Or really, pre-Halloween activities.  They happen on the same date - October 25, and staff and animals from the Elmbrook Humane Society are involved.

The first annual Harvest Fest is sponsored by the business at Village Court Shopping Center from 10 am to 3 pm.  It's free.

This fun event features face painting, food, raffles, music and cart rides for kids and adoptable animals from Elmbrook Humane Society.  Free Pumpkin Decorating Contest at 11 am; Children's Costume Contest at Noon; "Best Animal Friend " Costume Contest at 1 pm. and Raffle Drawing at 2 pm.

Village Court Shopping Center is at 890 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove.

Elmbrook Humane Society and the Vetter Denk are combining forces for a not-to-be missed event on Thursday, October 23 from 7 to 10 pm.

Reserve your space no later than October 20. Call Cathy Reilly at 262 751 4494. $30 per person.  Please leave your pets at home.  

BARKitecture is a fundraiser for Brookfield's Humane Society.  If you cannot attend, please consider a tax-deductible donation.  http://www.elmbrookhumanesociety.org