UW Prof PESTA to Speak in West Bend on COMMON CORE 1/5/2014

You keep hearing the buzz words "Common Core," 

but you're not really sure what it's all about, right?

Do you have kids in public school?  Grandkids?

Do you pay taxes?

Do you care about the future generations affected by today's educational standards?

This is for YOU!

And it's FREE!

COMMON CORE: DANGERS AND THREATS TO AMERICAN LIBERTY AND EDUCATION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

6-8 P.M.

THE COLUMBIAN, WEST BEND

3245 Lighthouse Lane

GUEST SPEAKER:  Dr. Duke Pesta

Dr. Pesta testified at the Common Core hearing on 10/16/13 in Fond du Lac.

View the YouTube video of his testimony HERE.

SEE ATTACHED FLIER FOR MORE INFORMATION

**SPACE IS LIMITED - GET THERE EARLY!**

Recaller Taints West Bend Memorial Day Parade

Our family attended the Memorial Day parade in West Bend.  We witnessed many, many servicemen, young and old, representing all branches of service.  We were humbled by their presence and honored to be the recipient of the freedom that comes with sacrifice.  Vintage cars, military vehicles, new 'vettes passed by.  Elected officials walked, waved and lent time to honor this day of remembrance.

And then there was the lone recaller......

An older man riding a three-wheeled bike.

He had a large sign across the back of his cycle that read "Recall Walker."

Shame.

A true spoiler to a solemn and honorable event.

Who let this happen?

Here are a few pics of those who served, along with a "thank you" to all military personnel, past and present.

Transparency in Wisconsin's School Districts. What's YOUR District's Rating?

Our West Bend School District received a "D" for lack of transparency with information concerning:

• TAXES
• MEETINGS
• CONTRACT
• AUDITS
• PUBLIC RECORDS (ouch!)
• BACKGROUND CHECKS (double ouch!)

Unfortunately, this is the norm across the board. (Only four districts receiving anything higher than a D.) If our kid came home with a report card that had D's in every subject, justified it by saying it's what everyone else got, that wouldn't sit well, would it?  Same goes for this report card. We can do better.  We should do better.

What did YOUR school district get?  Click HERE to find out!

VOTE TOMORROW - POLLS OPEN AT 7 A.M. - INFO HERE

POLLS OPEN AT 7 a.m., and close at 8 p.m.

Don't know where to go to vote?  Click HERE.

I am personally endorsing:

Presidential Candidate:  Rick Santorum

School Board member:  Vinney Pheng   The other candidate to vote for to keep liberal candidates (Sizer/Beaver) out would be Carl Knepel.

District #8 Supervisor (Town of West Bend):  Jeff Geib

Here is a map of all the solid CONSERVATIVE candidates in your area.  Just click HERE. (This includes most of southeastern Wisconsin, so utilize this map even if you are NOT in Washington County.)

Other great choices for conservative supervisor candidates in your respective districts are:

District #2:  Jim Becker (opposing Herb Tennies)

District #6:  Bob Milich

District #11:  Mike Parsons

District #12:  Brian Krebs

District #20:  Tom Neibler

District #21:  Tim Michalak

District #22:  John Bulawa

District #24:  Bill Meyers

District #29:  Mark Bertieri

SANTORUM PASSED THROUGH WEST BEND SUNDAY

Erroneously reported below (my source email was incorrect), presidential candidate Rick Santorum passed through West Bend TODAY.

Click HERE for full report on SANTORUM'S WEST BEND VISIT.

RICK SANTORUM IN WEST BEND on MONDAY 4/2

RICK SANTORUM

IN 

WEST BEND 

MONDAY from 1 to 2 
CORRECTED TIME: 
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

RIVERSIDE BREWERY AND RESTAURANT

255 SOUTH MAIN STREET

DUGGAR FAMILY IN WEST BEND SATURDAY - TOMORROW

LAST MINUTE NEWS FLASH!!

The DUGGAR FAMILY of TLC's "19 Kids and Counting"

will be making a short-notice appearance THIS

SATURDAY at First Baptist Church in West Bend at 

6:30 p.m.

• Music
• 
  
• Testimony
• 
  
• Q&A Time

SPREAD THE WORD!

BECKER takes VICTORY in Wash. Cty Supervisor Primary

Dave Krochalk - 59 - 12.74%
Jim Becker - 203 - 43.84%
Herbert J. Tennies - 199 - 42.98%
Write-in Votes - 2 - 0.43%


Looks like District #2 is ready to move on. 


Congrats to Becker!

OPEN ENROLLMENT - The "other" school choice

OPEN ENROLLMENT (welcome to the WB school district, by the way) applications are now available at the DPI website from today until April 30.

"Wisconsin's inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend school districts other than the one in which they reside."

Click HERE for the brochure, information and application.

Looking for choices other than public schools? West Bend/Jackson has plenty to offer!

St. John's Grade School (K-8)
Holy Angels Grade School (K-8)
Living Word Lutheran High School (Jackson)
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School (Jackson)
Morning Star Lutheran Grade School (K-8) (Jackson)
David's Star Lutheran Grade School (K-8) (Jackson)
Good Shepherd Lutheran School (K-8)
St. Frances Cabrini Grade School (K-8)
St. Mary's Grade School (K-8)

Washington County Supervisor Meyers Goes Live

Washington County Supervisor, Bill Meyers, has created a new website that lends transparency to County Board meetings, County Budget, Salaries, and more. Meyers has been a hard-working, people-oriented, conservative worker for the county. This is just one more way for him to help people become connected with the government in their community.

From Bill:

Four years ago, when I first ran for the County Board, transparency in government was one of my key issues. I have worked very hard to force county government to share information and started a website several years ago just for that purpose.

I just launched a new website, http://www.CountySupervisorBill.com to focus more on current issues and respond better to constituents’ questions.

I think government should be by, of, and for the people and I am proud to be working for folks to make it that way.

The "Scoop" on Washington County Elections

From Owen Robinson "Boots and Sabers":

"The filing deadline for local elections was yesterday. Here’re my quick takes on my local governments:

City of West Bend

All of the odd numbered districts are up this year. Districts 1, 3, and 5 have incumbents running unopposed. District 1 is conservative Tony Turner. District 3 is conservative Ed Duquaine. District 5 is moderate/liberal Alan Carter.

District 7’s incumbent was a liberal and she chose not to run for reelection. Running for the seat is a single candidate, Adam Williquette. Adam is a conservative.

So… the West Bend Common Council was a majority liberal/moderate board a few years ago with a liberalish mayor. Now 6 of the 8 seats and the mayor’s seat will be held by staunch conservatives. Not bad… not bad…

West Bend School Board

This slate is pretty disappointing. There are two seats up for election. One is currently held by a conservative, Tim Stepanski. The other is held by a liberal, Kris Beaver. Stepanski has chosen not to run for reelection. Beaver is.

Besides Beaver, three other candidates have filed to run. Carl Knepel is a younger guy who professes conservatism, but doesn’t have any track record. Therese Sizer is a staff attorney at West Bend Mutual and former teacher. I don’t know much about her except that she doesn’t travel in local conservative circles. The final candidate is Vinney Pheng. He ran last year and lost in the primary. He’s a solid conservative.

So what does it mean?"

READ THE REST OF THE SYNOPSIS HERE

West Bend SENDIK'S: The Party and The Secret

(Fresh string beans 99 cent/lb. See below.)

I had my first opportunity to get over to the new Sendik's Food Market in West Bend today. If you haven't been there yet, you're in for a treat. The store is arranged in traditional Sendik's style with a vast array of perfect produce that pleases the eye from the moment you begin the walk through the store. Dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, all neatly stacked with an outrageous plethora of selections. The staff is extremely courteous and friendly, whether it's someone who is stocking products or serving behind the meat/bakery counters, checking out, bagging...

Here is what I noticed most profoundy...it was like going to a party. The countenance of the employees was catching in a most festive manner. Couples, families and friends were chatting and laughing in nearly every aisle. It was what one could document as a "warm and fuzzy" experience. :-)

Now, for the secret....

From time to time I am known to drop in on the Sendik's in Germantown to get a glob of their homemade pizza dough. Actually, it's not Sendik's per se, it's made by Sciortino's Bakery in Milwaukee, and the stuff is phenomenally mouth-pleasing. I normally make all my own yeast breads, doughs, rolls, etc. I seldom stray from anything short of scratch bakery. This is the one exception, and rightfully so. I cannot make a better pizza crust. Simple as that. I believe this dough is made with a high-gluten flour. The flavor, texture and eye appeal all add up, and the price is right, too, at $1.97 for one crust that makes an 18"-20" diameter pizza. I'm adding a picture of what was left of our lunch today. This crust is so easy to work with. Just lightly grease your pizza pan with shortening (Crisco; not oil, and not cooking spray). Gently stretch the dough, then lay flat on pan and work it to the edges with your fingers. It's extremely pliable and I have never torn a single crust. Spread on your favorite sauce, toppings and cheese... Bake at 400 until golden.

You'll find the secret pizza crust near the Bakery in the cooler where the cakes are stored, bottom left shelf.... shhhh!!!!

TRIED SOMETHING NEW:

Sendik's had out a sample of their own recipe of "Vidalia Onion Summer Tomato Salad Dressing." No MSG, low in sugar, 0 fat, 40 calories per 2 Tbsp, superior flavor. Yep. I bought it.

Sendik's has already gotten off to a great start in West Bend (click and scroll down to "Rain Gardens Lauded"). It's easy to ascertain why.

A COUPLE OF OTHER DEALS WORTH MENTIONING:

GIGANTIC blackberries are 99 cents/lb. Wow ---no limit!

Fresh string beans - 99 cents/lb. Freezing some today. (See mess o' beans above.)

W-C3 Group Tells ALL RE: County Budget

From W-C3:

Washington County Board held a rare evening meeting to approved County's $118 million budget. When Supervisor Mark McCune tried to introduce his $1,000,000 budget cut amendment, County Board Chairman Herbert Tennies found McCune out of order refusing to let him speak.

 The Chairman then refused to allow an amendment citing HIS authority to make up rules. A motion was made to allow the Board to vote on the Chairman's decision. Supervisor William Meyers, Richfield said, "The U.S. Constitution Article 1, Section VIII established the rule of law over the rule of any man. You don't get to just make up the rules, Mr. Chairman." To which the Chairman responded, "Yes, I do!"  19 of the 30 Supervisors agreed and voted in favor of the Chairman, making Washington County the first Hugo Chavez-style republic in Wisconsin. With this vote, the narrative of a functioning democracy is no longer allowed. Under Tennies, Washington County now will only allow dissent so long as those dissenters agree with the Chairman.  Supervisor Mike Bassill, West Bend said, "This action sets a dangerous precedent for the future." One Supervisor, who asked to remain unnamed, stated, "Meyers is the real problem here. You need to go along to get along. He won't do that!"  Video of the meeting is available by contacting Mike Ryan, West Bend Community Television Coordinator, (262)335-5157, wbcctv@ci.west-bend.wi.us. Additional information is available by contacting W-C3 at http://www.w-c3.org/contact.php or by calling 262.628.2940.

Washington County Budget Proposal On Line

Washington County Supervisor Mark McCune, Erin, a long time advocate of smaller government, has requested a levy reduction for 2012 of $1,000,000. McCune said, "I have gone on record several times outlining my belief that Government needs to shrink going forward, and I believe the County should start this next year with my proposed reductions."

A spokesperson for W-C3, Washington County Conservative Citizens, when asked for a comment on the proposed cuts, said he had not seen the specifics but "for 2011 Washington County has a $2.85 per thousand tax rate compared to Waukesha County is at $1.97 and Ozaukee County is at $1.74. $2,000,000 would be better."

For copies of Supervisor Mark McCune's budget proposal or additional comments or questions, the Supervisor may be contacted directly atwashsupervisor@nconnect.net or W-C3 at bill.meyers@w-c3.org or 262.628.2940.

Get the Groupon Deal for Local Restaurant

Latest local Groupon - 50% off at Riverside Brewery and Restaurant in West Bend.

Great food and atmosphere. Patio overlooks Wisconsin River.

Passing on the savings - HERE.

Limited offer.

It's a banana bread kind of day....

Cedarburg's Strawberry Festival is Sweet

Spent Saturday strolling Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg. It certainly cannot be complained that attendance was anything less than impressive. The streets were overflowing with young and old, walkers and strollers, wheelchairs and wagons. The weather was more than cooperative at a warm mid-80-degree range. If you aren't in a hurry, the crowds won't be too intimidating. What I like about this festival is that the booths are juried, and whoever does the selecting finds the most unique and intriguing vendors. The jewelry artisans displayed enticing pieces that had women packing out the booth. I noted that feather-weaving in the hair was a popular (if not up and coming) fashion. Every few seconds there were wafts of brats, burgers, gyros, kettle corn (which we were informed can now be purchased at Sendik's) to entice the palate.

We settled on sharing a strawberry brat, only to be disappointed by the lack of flavor and mushy texture - our only disappointment of the event. We made up for it with a bag of kettle corn, my husband's favorite. :-)

There were some interesting bird feeders that were coconuts fashioned into fish. Artists showed impressive talents and it was eye candy just to stop and gaze at the different media offered throughout the festival streets.

I took a few pics just for fun.

Yes., please.

Self-explanatory. :-D

Everyone came out to enjoy this marvelous fest

on a delicious sunny summer day.

No Wisconsin festival would be complete without these...

The Greek food booth had the most amazing treats...

and lines of people ready to purchase.

West Bend School District Serves Up Sex/Drug Survey for 11-year-olds???

Please make it stop.

From "What's New in West Bend Schools":

Sex and Drug survey for kids 11-18 years old

How would you like your son or daughter to go to school and be asked:


During your life, with whom have you had
sexual contact?
A. I have never had sexual contact
B. Females
C. Males
D. Females and males

During the past 3 months, with how many
people did you have sexual intercourse?
A. I have never had sexual intercourse
B. I have had sexual intercourse, but not
during the past 3 months
C. 1 person
D. 2 people
E. 3 people
F. 4 people
G. 5 people
H. 6 or more people

If you attempted suicide during the past
12 months, did any attempt result in an
injury, poisoning, or overdose that had to be
treated by a doctor or nurse?
A. I did not attempt suicide during the
past 12 months
B. Yes
C. No

These questions are found on the upcoming survey sponsored by the West Bend School District, and your child will be filling it out unless you opt them out. The complete survey can be found at:http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sspw/pdf/yrbs09hsques.pdf
It has been updated for this year.

Parents received a letter this week informing them of the survey and advising them to fill out a form if they want to OPT OUT their child, and return the form to the school. No return envelope was provided. The date of the survey was not given. If a parent fails to return the form their child is automatically going to be a participant in this anonymous survey. The school district asks that all students take part in the survey.

I have a few questions myself.

1. If the district insists on asking such questions of our children, shouldn't the option be to OPT IN and not OPT OUT?
2. How many children will participate in this survey without parental knowledge?
3. Is this a good use of our tax dollars and class time?
4. What thoughts enter a child's mind when such questions are posed?
5. How can a parent decide if they want their child to participate when the survey was not included in the correspondence?

READ MORE HERE

EAGLE FORUM hosting candidate forum for City Mayor/Alderman

Eagle Forum of Wisconsin - Washington County will be hosting a candidate forum on Friday, February 4, at the West Bend City Council Chambers, 1115 S. Main Street.  The moderator will be Randy Melchert, political analyst, grassroots coordinator and new media specialist for conservative organizations. This forum is designed to be an opportunity for candidates to share their views with the West Bend community, and will provide a brief meet and greet time following the forum.

Agenda:

6:30 PM - District 4 Alderman candidates

7:15 PM - Mayoral candidates

According to Washington County Chapter president, Ginny Maziarka, Eagle Forum is offering this event as a community service to the greater Washington County area.  The forum will be aired multiple times on the West Bend Community Cable channel, reaching West Bend on Charter channel 99,  Washington County / Dodge County / Sheboygan on Charter channel 987, throughout Milwaukee on AT&T uVerse channel 99, as well as online for later viewing.

You can run, but you can't hide...

...if you're a flamingo in Wisconsin.