Racine Kiosk

Face painting and giraffe visit Saturday at Zoo

2009-07-09T15:47:00.003-05:00

Free face painting and the zoo's giraffe mascot will be on hand at the Racine Zoo's Safari Saturday this week.

Children can get their face painted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the main entrance free with paid general admission. The Zoo’s Giraffe mascot, will also make an appearance at noon and pose for photos.

Upcoming activities for Safari Saturdays including craft and story hour with a Zoo critter on July 18 and Stuffed Animal Friend Health Check-up on July 25, where children can experience what it’s like to go to the doctor through their stuffed animal friends. Safari Saturday events are scheduled through Labor Day weekend.

Spectrum offers summer clay classes for children

2009-07-09T15:40:00.003-05:00

Two clay classes for children will be offered this summer at Spectrum School of the Arts on the Lake, located in the East Building of the DeKoven Center. Space is limited to eight students per class.

Older children from ages 11 to 14 can take “Cool Clay” from 10 to noon July 14 – 17. They’ll try their hands at the potter’s wheel and learn to throw pots as well as create other vessels and sculpture through fun hand-building techniques! The fee is $60. which includes all clay, glazes and firings.

Younger children from ages 6 to 10 can get their hands into clay with the “Creative Clay” class from 10 to noon July 27 – 31. After learning what clay can do with fingers and simple tools, these kids will make clay pots and sculpture. The fee for this class is $60. which includes all clay, glazes and firings.

Both classes are taught by Karla Johnston-Krase, a potter and teacher. To register for these classes, call Spectrum at: (262) 634-4345. Adult classes in clay are being planned for fall. Studio time for experienced clay artists is still possible this summer. For more information, call Spectrum.

Free car seat inspection scheduled

2009-07-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

The Safe Kids Coalition of Kenosha and Racine Counties will hold a free car seat inspection at Babies-R-Us, 2433 South Green Bay Road, on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Anyone who is responsible for transporting children is welcome. Because vehicle and car seat technology is always changing, caregivers are encouraged to get their car seats checked, especially if you are using the same seat for another child, it has been over one year since you have had it inspected or if you have changed vehicles. Wisconsin law now requires that all children under the age of 8 are in a car seat or booster appropriate for their age and size. Questions about these or other transportation issues, they can all be addressed at this event.

Nationally certified technicians will be on hand to help families install their seats, provide advice on what seats are appropriate for their children, and answer any questions about transportation safety. Each car seat check will take approximately 20 minutes and it is preferred that the children attend to ensure a proper fit.

If you are unable to attend the car seat check, please call Safe Kids Kenosha Racine at 262-687-3366 to schedule a check at another time or to receive a list of technicians.

Career Industries' art work at two art fairs

2009-07-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

Careers Industries’ Integrated Day Services (IDS) participants will have booths featuring their artwork at Maxwell Street Days in Burlington on Friday, July 24, and at the Starving Artist Fair in Racine on Sunday, Aug. 2.

IDS has a thriving art program with participants creating paintings, note cards, botanical plates, and hand painted silk scarves. Their work is displayed at area art fairs and at Careers’ facilities at 3502 Douglas Ave. in Racine and 161 Industrial Dr. in Burlington. Careers Industries enriches the lives of people with disabilities through work, care and community.

County Dems will meet July 13

2009-07-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

The Democratic Party of Racine County will meet on Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at Union Hall, 1840 Sycamore Ave.

At the meeting, the party will discuss summer events, current issues, future elections and a report from delegates who attended the Wisconsin Democratic Party State Convention. The meeting will also include updates on the Racine County Fair to be held July 22-26 and the party's August picnic. The meeting is free and open to the public, and interested individuals are invited to attend.

Case IH president and CEO to speak at YPR event

2009-07-07T14:23:00.002-05:00

The Young Professionals of Racine (YPR) are hosting an Executive Breakfast this Thursday, July 9, with guest speaker Randy Baker, one of CNH’s top executives. Randy will speak to the group about his career journey and how to successfully navigate your way up the corporate ladder.

Randy Baker has served as President of Case IH Agricultural Equipment since 2006. Prior to this position, he served CNH as Senior Vice President for Logistics and Supply Chain and Vice President North American Marketing. His background includes 20 years in the construction and mining industries.

The event starts at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by O&H Bakeries and time to network with others in attendance. The formal presentation will run from 8 - 9 a.m. The event location is CATI in Renaissance Park (2320 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant) in the main auditorium. The cost of the event is free for YPR members and $15 for non-members. Register online or with Krystyna at krystyna@ypracine.org or (262) 634-1931 (x24).

Interested in YPR or becoming a member? Check out what this vibrant organization is about at www.ypracine.org or call Krystyna (262) 634-1931 (x24) for more information.

New exhibits, receptions mark Gallery Night

2009-07-07T14:11:00.007-05:00

Downtown Racine will host the third of this year's Gallery Nights on Saturday, July 18, from 6 to 9 p.m., as 14 galleries along Sixth Street, Wisconsin Avenue, and Main Street celebrate summer and the fine arts,

Galleries will present new exhibits while offering refreshments and entertainment. Gallery Night is a free event, open to the public. Maps detailing gallery locations and exhibits are available at all participating galleries, as well as the Downtown Racine Corporation office at 425 Main St.

This month's participating galleries are:

Artists Gallery: A reception featuring photographer Robert Schnack will be held from 6-9 p.m. Photography was an escape from corporate pressures, but Schnack soon found enjoyment in recording the people and places he visited. His digital photography captures the vibrant colors of nature as well as the form and light of everyday subjects. Food and refreshments will be served, along with the opportunity to meet Schnack and other artists. 401 Main Street.

Art Metals Studio: Spring preview of exotic metals combined with diamonds and gemstones in wearable artwork created by Christopher Sklba and his staff. 332 Main Street.

Avenue Gallery & Frame: Large selection of artwork by local and nationally recognized artists. 402 Main Street.

Cobblestone Ltd.: The work of Sherman Groenke, along with many other artists. Also, check out "The Dance Studio Downtown" inside Cobblestone, Racine's newest form of art, ‘The Art of Dance!’415 Sixth Street.

Elements: Dr. Gaylund Stone will exhibit his landscape paintings, while Alex Mandli will show his newest ceramic works.409 Sixth Street.

Funky Hannah's Beads & Art: 'New Visions' from Marj Lacock. Meet the artist and see her new series of paintings. Also, Chicago artist Rick Smith, Bill Reid's witty sculpture and blown glass by Funky’s owner Amanda Paffrath. 324 Main Street.

Hot Shop Glass Studio & Gallery: Glass blowing demonstrations; watch as molten glass becomes art. 239 Wisconsin Ave.

Mathis Gallery and Conservation Framing: A new show titled ‘Indelibly Stamped,' featuring original rubber stamps and poems by American artists from the 1970s including Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, Tom Wesselman, Marisol, Allen Ginsburg and others. The edition was never completed making this group of works rare. 328 Main Street.

Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery: Hand crafted musical instruments by Nathan Mortensen; meet the artist and listen to him perform on instruments he created.Through building instruments, Nathan feels he is expressing creativity both visually and musically. 430 Main Street.

Northern Lights Gallery: A reception for Kenosha artist Joan Stanich from 6 to 9 p.m. Stanich, primarily an oil painter, prefers an impressionistic style and uses vivid colors for a touch of realism. During the reception, music by classical guitarist Andrew Lardner. 423 Main Street.

Photographic Design: Images by Carol Hansen and Brad Jaeck. 411 Sixth Street.

Plumb Gold Ltd.: Jewelry designed by Judy K. Olsen. On gallery night, a one-of-a-kind 97 carat boulder opal will be displayed. 322 Main Street.

Racine Arts Council: Barb Pelligrino will be the featured artist, along with works in progress by the Main Gallery Youth. 316 Sixth Street.

Racine Art Museum: Bigger, Better, More: The Art of Viola Frey, larger-than-life ceramic figures, some up to 12 feet tall, of sculptor and painter Viola Frey. Much of Frey’s work is autobiographical – telling the story of her friends and family. 441 Main Street.

Pianist Fumi Nishikiori Nakayama at Music & More

2009-07-07T13:46:00.003-05:00

Fumi Nishikiori Nakayama is one of three performers at Thursday's “Music & More” concert series. She will play selections from Beethoven and Haydn with violinist Ann LeMar Heide and cellist Andrea Nott.

The hour-long concert begins at noon in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave.

Ms. Nakayama is a regular piano soloist at the church. She teaches teaches at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee and freelances as a piano-harpsichord soloist and accompanist in Milwaukee and the Chicago area. In 2007, she received the Distinguished Musician Award at the Ibla Grand Prize competition in Ragusa, Italy.

The second act features jazz saxophonist Curt Hanrahan, performing with guitarist Jay Mollerskov and Tim Hanrahan on bass. Hanrahan is the head of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and performs with the Milwaukee Symphony. He has played in the Jimmy Dorsey, Nelson Riddle, Harry Connick Jr., and Frank Sinatra Jr. orchestras, and has performed with Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, and Tony Bennett.

Gary T. Ricchio will also perform on July 9. He is a professional classical guitarist, writes, records and produces his own music and teaches guitar. Gary comes from a musical family: his grandfather, Oscar Ricchio, was a member of the Ricchio Trio and started the family tradition; his father, Ted Ricchio, performed with the Trendells.

There is no charge to attend the concerts, but a freewill offering is accepted and will be divided equally between the Health Care Network, Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) and Racine Arts Council. First Presbyterian Church is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. For more information about “Music & More” contact the church office at (262) 632-1686.

Mars or the Moon back in Racine

2009-07-07T13:43:00.002-05:00

Indianapolis-based Mars or the Moon is back in Racine this Friday for the "Music for the Halibut" series at Festival Park. The six-member band performed in Racine June 17.

The group is comprised of Lani Williams and Joe Hart on vocals and guitar; Lenen Nicola on percussion and shaky toys; Kevin Silva on keys and vocals; Roger Osburn on bass and vocals; and Glen Hopkins on drums and craziness. Check out their MySpace page for a sample of their music.

Music for the Halibut is a new music series dreamed up by Rik Edgar of the Racine Civic Centre. It's a chance to hang out at the end of the work week, drink, eat and enjoy some good music. After a slow start, the concerts are picking up so head on down and support live music in Racine.

Free SafeAssured ID kits for seniors

2009-07-06T21:41:00.003-05:00

Free SafeAssured-ID kits are being offered to Racine County Residents age 55 and over, sponsored by the Racine Community Foundation and Marjorie L. Christiansen Foundation. .

The Volunteer Center of Racine County will use electronic technology to provide
picture ID, digital fingerprints, streaming video that shows gait and mannerism and voice print on a secure and encrypted mini CD with all sensitive information only available to law enforcement, and Amber Alert for children. No database is kept, and the holder of the CD can make missing posters. When given to law enforcement, encrypted information may be transmitted where necessary, providing peace of mind to caregivers, guardians and citizens in the event someone goes missing.

The procedure is free to seniors 55 or older and Racine County residents; $20 for others. The schedule is as follows:

July 8: Ridgewood Care Center 3205 Wood Road, Racine; seniors, to 4:30 p.m.
July 9: Walgreens Heath Tour, 4901 Spring St., Racine; noon to 6 p.m.
July 10: Lincoln School Historic Apartments, 1130 Carlisle Ave., Racine; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
July 29: Love Inc., 480 S. Pine St., Burlington; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 5: Ridgewood Care Center, 3205 Wood Road, Racine; seniors, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, go here.

Ken Peplowski's Benny Goodman tribute at Zoo

2009-07-06T17:00:00.004-05:00

Ken Peplowski’s Benny Goodman Centennial Celebration kicks off the 23rd Annual Animal Crackers Concert Series on Wednesday, July 8, at the Racine Zoo. Peplowski's presentation celebrates the music Benny Goodman made famous, including original arrangements by Fletcher Henderson, Jimmy Mundy and Dean Kincaide.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. For Animal Crackers concerts, zoo gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert’s two 45-minute sets kicking off at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the zoo, by phone at 262-636-9189 or on its website or from all Johnson Bank locations.

The concert will go on rain or shine. Food and beverages are available.

Wisconsin Photography 2009 opens at Wustum Aug. 9

2009-07-03T09:43:00.001-05:00

RAM's Wustum Museum Hosts
Wisconsin Photography 2009

On August 9, RAM's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts continues a Racine tradition with the opening of Wisconsin Photography 2009. Featuring 90 pieces by 45 Wisconsin photographers and video artists, this year's show will be on view at RAM's Wustum Museum through November 25, 2009.

Wisconsin Photography is a juried exhibition for photographers and video artists, organized by RAM's Wustum Museum since 1979. Thanks to the diversity of the state's artists, the exhibition continues to introduce the museum's visitors to a wide range of photographic media and artists' viewpoints.

This was the first year that RAM accepted digital entries. This innovation to the juried exhibition contributed to the large number of applications received from all over the state. Of 761 pieces submitted by 78 artists, less than a quarter of the pieces were chosen for this year's show. Nine new works from this year's competition will be purchased for the Racine Art Museum's permanent collection, adding to RAM's holdings of extraordinary Wisconsin artists. The Curator of Collections makes these purchases for the collection.

Exhibiting Artists by Wisconsin Community:
Cudahy: Susan Lukas; Fort Atkinson: Alison Dorval; Franksville: Anna Ross; Glendale: Murray Weiss; Green Bay: Mary Ann Carter; Kenosha: Paul Brnak; Lake Geneva: Caroll A. Pearson; Madison: Patricia Delker, Donald Sylvester; Manitowoc: J. Shimon and J. Lindemann; Mequon: George Lottermoser, Bernie Newman, Mark A. Stall; Milwaukee: Mark Brautigam, Ney Tait Fraser, Joel Jaecks, Gary S. Kampe, Robert Magill, Richard Yehl, Jessica Zalewski; Mukwonago: Bernard M. Spinelli; New Berlin: Robert W. Baron, Christine J. Sobczak; Oconomowoc: John Hart; Oshkosh: Erv Schroeder; Racine: Melissa Alexander, Thomas J. Aviles, Slawomir Bala, Eileen Black, James Charnon, Don Nels Johnson, James A. Kipfer, Jason W. Madson, Leonard Peterson, Lewis E. Schultz, Kim Smith, Marc Wollman; Salem: Gabrielle Bakanec; South Milwaukee: Amzel Jean Short; Shorewood: Janice Mahlberg; Sullivan: Lawrence W. Oliverson; Waukesha: JoAnn O'Hare; Wauwatosa: Eddee Daniel; West Allis: William Zuback; Whitefish Bay: Linda Schwam Merkel

Rod Slemmons chose the 90 pieces by 45 Wisconsin artists that are represented in Wisconsin Photography 2009. Slemmons is Executive Director at The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago.

The opening reception for this exhibition will be held at the Racine Art Museum's Wustum campus on Sunday, August 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. During the opening reception, Bruce W. Pepich, Executive Director and Curator of Collections, will host the awards presentation for this exhibition beginning at 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

RAM's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts is located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, just a few miles from Racine Art Museum's downtown location at 5th and Main Streets. As always, visitors to Wustum Museum enjoy free admission and parking. Wustum also boasts a long history of offering quality art programs to children and adults of all ages. Works from RAM's collection and exhibitions serve as inspiration for Wustum's excellent art programs. Art class listings for adult and children can be found online at www.ramart.org or by contacting RAM's Wustum Museum at 262.636.9177 for more information.

This exhibition is made possible by: Presenting Sponsors: Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, RAM Society Members, SC Johnson, The Hearst Foundation, Inc. and Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors: Racine United Arts Fund and Wisconsin Arts Board; Silver Sponsors: Walker Forge, Inc.; Bronze Sponsors: Arthur P. Haas Memorial Fund and Target

Registration begins Aug. 31 for adult volleyball leagues

2009-07-03T09:06:00.001-05:00

The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will be taking registration for adult Men’s, Women’s and Co-ed Volleyball. Team contract forms are available now.

Registration will be held on a first-come, first serve basis. Registration begins Monday, August 31 and ends Friday, October 2.

Volleyball Team Fee: $415 (includes six players)
Additional Player Fee: $ 31

Men’s & Women’s team must have a total of six properly filled out and signed player cards with proper fees.

Co-ed Volleyball teams must have three women and thremen. A total of six properly filled out and signed player cards with proper fees.

For information or questions, please call 636-9131 or visit the Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services Department, City Hall Annex, 800 Center Street, Room 127.

Adult basketball sign-ups for city league

2009-07-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will start taking registration for Adult Basketball. Team contract forms are available now.

Registration will be held on a first-come, first serve basis. Registration begins Monday,
August 31 and ends Friday, October 2.

Full Count Team Fee: $ 675 (includes seven players)
Additional Player Fee: $ 31

Basketball teams must have seven properly filled out and signed player cards with proper
fees.

For information or questions, please call 636-9131 or visit the Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services Department, City Hall Annex, 800 Center Street, Room 127.

City Softball Tournament registration begins July 6

2009-07-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will begin taking registration for the Men’s, Women’s, and 16” Annual City Softball Tournament starting Monday, July 6, 2009.

Deadline for entering the 2009 Adult Softball City Tournament will be Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. You must submit your signed roster on the forms sent to the manger, along with the entry fee of $80.

The tournament will be held the weekends of August 7, 8, 9 and August 14, 15, & 16 with the finals on Sunday, August 16th at Horlick Field.

For further information or questions, please call 636-9455 or 636-6452.

Fall city softball signup

2009-07-03T08:58:00.001-05:00

The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will begin registering softball teams for Fall Softball Leagues as of Monday, July 20, 2009. Team contract forms are available now. Deadline for registration is Friday, Aug. 7.

League Nights League Play

Monday Women’s 6 Competitive Teams & 6 Non-Competitive Teams
Tuesday Men’s 6 Competitive Teams & 6 Non-Competitive Teams
Wednesday Co-Ed 6 Competitive Teams & 6 Non-Competitive Teams

If there are not enough teams to make two leagues, teams will be combined to make one
league.

Thursday night will be used for make up games.

Team Fee: $575.00 (includes 11 players)

Additional Player Fee: $31.00

Teams must have 11 complete players cards and proper fees. Coed teams must have 5 men and 5 women, the 11th player can be a man or woman.

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department at 636-9131.

Youth camp July 13-23 at Family Service of Racine

2009-07-03T08:39:00.001-05:00

Horlick graduate and star athlete, Brian Mosley, 18, under the direction of Family Service of Racine's State Certified therapists has created an 8-day life skills summer camp, which he will facilitate for youths ages 8-11 at Family Service of Racine, 420 Seventh Street, July 13-23 M-TH 9am-2pm. Cost of the camp, called Camp RYA (Racine Youth Achieving), is $120 and participants must bring a bag lunch.

Brian and the FSR therapists will be working with the kids on team-building activities, art projects, community service skills, money management, self care and study habits.

Please call (262) 634-2391 to find out more.

Dragon Boat Festival makes sixth run here

2009-07-02T21:00:00.008-05:00

Johnson Bank Vikings practice in the Harbor Thursday

"Racine is the birthplace of Paul. P. Harris, founder of Rotary International."

That mantra of Racine's three Rotary clubs is modified these days to, "Stroke!" "Stroke!" "Stroke!"

For the next 10 days, as teams practice most evenings in the harbor and the Root River next to the Chancery, Racine is the home of dragon boats, colorfully decorated 20-oar sculls, that will participate in the Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival on July 10 and 11. Racine's sixth annual dragon boat festival will take place at Samuel Myers Park.

MEET THE TEAMS HERE

The free festival begins at 6:30 pm Friday night, July 10, with the parade of teams along Pershing Boulevard, led by colorful Chinese lion dancers who will perform the opening ceremony. The teams will make their way from 6th Street to the festival grounds, across from Gateway Technical College at on 11th Street. There will be a free concert on Friday evening at Samuel Myers Park. Food and beverages also will be available.

Dragon boat races begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and continue until about 5 p.m., culminating in the championship races. The best viewing is from Simonsen Park, along the hill on Main Street between Sixteenth and Fourteenth Streets. Food vendors will be at both Simonsen Park and Samuel Myers Park.

The Festival is a fundraiser for the three Rotary clubs of Racine, benefitting community youth organizations.

Friday's free concert will have two bands.

First up is Camio Camora, starting at 6:30 p.m. The band consist of Erin Lalor (bass) and Josh Krug (guitar and vocals), ex-members of Drift Away Hero; Kevin MacPhail (lead guitar); and Ryan Mooney (drums), ex-member of Eleventh Hour Onset. They have a new up beat pop-punk / hardcore style and hopefully give everyone who listens an eargasm so hope you enjoy the music these boys make.

They will be followed by the Twang Dragons, at 8 p.m. They’ve been tearing up stages big and small for a while, with self-penned tunes that fall somewhere between Johnny Cash and Tom Petty. Or think maybe John Hiatt or Steve Earle meets Chrissie Hynde if she sang all twangy-like.

Critics have called their music such things as “a little bit country, a little bit fire-breathin' serpintine grooving rocker” and “a combination of professional chops and let-it-all-hang-out abandon”. Whatever you call it, it's performed by musicians who write it and play it like they mean it. They also toss in covers from the man in black to criminally under-appreciated talents like Robbie Fulks, John Sieger and Lucinda Williams.

Beauty in the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, at Library

2009-07-02T15:26:00.003-05:00

The Racine Public Library will present, “Can We Really Be at Home in the World?—the Architecture and Life of Frank Lloyd Wright,” an illustrated talk by New York City architects Dale Laurin and Anthony Romeo. The public is invited to this free presentation on Tuesday, July 14, at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. at the Library.

A half century after his last project was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) and his architecture are loved and esteemed more than ever. This talk will answer the questions: “What makes for beauty in a work of architecture, and what does this have to do with our lives, our selves?” Learn why Wright’s designs—such as the Robie House and Unity Temple in Chicago, and his Wisconsin masterpieces: the Johnson Wax Building in Racine and his own home, Taliesin—are beautiful, and why they have so much meaning for people today.

Anthony Romeo and Dale Laurin each have over 25 years of architectural experience; both are on the faculty of the City University of New York’s (CUNY) College of Technology, where they teach architectural history.

Red, white and blue: Flags and cookies at the Zoo

2009-07-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

During the Racine Zoo's Safari Saturday this week, children brought to the zoo on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will receive a free flag with admission. Children can also decorate a star-shaped sugar cookie provided by O & H Bakery with red, white, and blue frosting at the Jungle Junction party pavilion.

“Cookie decorating is something fun and easy that children of all ages can do. Plus, waving a flag is something kids love to do to show their pride in our country, ” said Megan Frazer, Zoo marketing manager.

Future Safari Saturdays in July will have face painting and story hour with an animal.

Community for Change meets on July 11

2009-07-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

Community for Change will hold its July general meeting on Saturday, July 11, at Kurt Sports Complex, the former YWCA, at 740 College Ave. Racine. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for coffee with the meeting beginning at 10 a.m.

Topics include national health care reform activities and volunteer opportunities. There will be an update on the preparations for the Community Conversation on Health Care Forum on July 26 in Racine. Organizations and individuals interested in participating in the forum are encouraged to attend.There also will be a report and discussion on KRM and the RTA.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Marvin at the Dogs reunion at Monument Square

2009-07-01T22:46:00.003-05:00

Marvin and the Dogs will perform a reunion concert on Saturday, July 11, during Summer Nights at the Square. This free outdoor concert will be held at Monument Square from 7-9 p.m.

Marvin and the Dogs were a hot R&B band from 1979 to 1985 and cultivated a strong Midwest following. In the summer of 2006, the band released their first full length recording, “Live at George’s,” which captured the flavor and feel of their history.

Members of the band are Marvin Dykhuis, Richard Holly, Mark Paffrath and Randy Glines.

Summer Nights at the Square is in its third year of providing free outdoor concerts on the second Saturday evening of the month during June, July, August and September. All of the outdoor concerts are held from 7 – 9 p.m. at Monument Square. In the event of inclement weather, this concert will be moved indoors to Festival Hall.

Guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs.

Kal Bergendahl Project at Music on the Monument

2009-07-01T21:59:00.004-05:00

The Kal Bergendahl Project will perform at Music on the Monument on Friday, July 10. The free concert will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Monument Square.

The Kal Bergendahl Project is a group of musicians from Milwaukee to Chicago. The group’s founder and bassist, Kal Bergendahl, embarked on this project in 2005 to combine smooth, edgy jazz with soulful pop music.

Music at the Monument is celebrating its sixth anniversary of free summer concerts at Monument Square. The outdoor concerts are held every Friday through August. Chairs and umbrellas are provided. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved into the Red Onion Cafe located at 555 Main Street, inside The Johnson Building.

Racine's July 4 parade

2009-07-01T14:37:00.002-05:00

Racine's July 4 parade is one of the largest in the Midwest -- so big, in fact, that it has two starting times.

At 8:15 a.m. Saturday, the "pre-parade" of fire engines and motorcycles starts the fun.

At 9 a.m. the parade itself begins, at Goold and Main Streets, heading south on Main to 14th Street and then west to the Golden Rondelle.

At noon, at the conclusion of the parade, Festival Park will be the site of the 4th Jam for Uncle Sam, with live music by OCD, Bedlam and Supernaut, and food and beverages until far into the evening -- an event sponsored by the Racine Harley Owners Group. For details, follow the link above.

The city's fireworks display, at the lakefront, will begin at dusk.

Aid caravan bound for Cuba will stop in Racine

2009-07-01T10:44:00.000-05:00

A participant in the 20th Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba will discuss this controversial aid program in Racine on Friday, July 10, at the Cup of Hope coffee shop, 507 6th Street, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Pastors for Peace has organized over 50 caravans carrying material and medical aid to to Central America, Mexico, and Cuba. These caravans are meant to challenge the U.S. restriction against trade with and travel to Cuba.

The 20th "Friendshipment" caravan to Cuba will come through Wisconsin in early July, with stops in Duluth, Luck, Madison, Milwaukee and Racine. Sabine Caspar, a participant in the caravan, will speak in Racine.

Sabine Caspar, a native of Germany, has traveled on 12 of the Pastors for Peace caravans. A retired schoolteacher, she participated in work brigades in Nicaragua in 1986 and in Cuba in 1994. She has traveled with delegations to Western Sahara and north Kurdistan (southeast Turkey).

Those wishing to contribute to this effort should go to www.pastorsforpeace.org for information.