The title of this blog conjures up memories of childhood when we’d tell a friend, “Meetcha at the corner,” and we would walk or pedal our bicycles to that meeting place.
These days I’ve been meeting up with some of my blog readers by e-mail, and I thought I’d devote some blog space to those contacts.
After one of my blogs was published in the CNI NOW paper, I heard from Amber Rauter-Stockton of Oak Creek. She asked if I remembered her from 30 years ago when she and her grandmother, Mary Schubert, took piano lessons from me: “We STILL, to this day, talk about those lessons,” Amber wrote. “She now lives in Mesa, Arizona, but our memories of your piano lessons always bring our thoughts together when we can't be together in person.”
I loved the enthusiasm of Amber’s e-mails so will reprint excerpts from them here: “I now live in Oak Creek. I have two wonderful kids: Jackie, 16, and Kyle, 9. I still drive past our old house [on Scherrei Drive]. I loved that neighborhood! I still play a little piano. In fact I picked up an old 1900's high back piano from the Salvation Army about two years ago that I plan on refurbishing, but it's still sitting until I have time.”
In response to my question, Amber wrote a follow-up: “Yes, I’m working for the Oak Creek schools (Cedar Hills) as a Food Service Worker. I LOVE the hours, and am able to be home with the kids for summer! After high school, I worked as a Technical Service Representative for an environmental firm. We were a sort of "broker" to dispose of various company's hazardous waste materials. That was an interesting job I had for approx. 7-8 years. Then I became a mom and I'm happier than ever!
“I thoroughly believe that if all moms could stay home with their kids, the world would be a happier place. Not to be the ‘50s mom’ but to be home and supportive. Even I, at 39 years old, look back and think, ‘What has happened to things?’ I remember when kids played outside until dark. I remember when teenagers didn't NEED cell phones. The world is too fast! Kids should slow down and take more piano lessons!
“I've actually taught my daughter a little piano over the years too! She has the ‘basics’ down. My son - well, he's more the "drummer" type if you know what I mean!”
Thanks for writing, Amber, and thanks for sharing happy memories and happy news.
Then I heard from Kristen Wilhelm – a name familiar to everyone in this area concerned about preserving our natural environment. Kristen wrote nothing about herself – just wanted to say she enjoyed my blog about “Shaking a Stick at All Those Sticks.” In case you didn’t already know, Kristen received the “Conservationist of the Year” award by Gathering Waters organization last year. She is featured in “Our Heroes” on the
Gathering Waters website. A founding member of the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy, Kristen is also Vice-Chair of the City of Franklin Environmental Commission, and staff member with the River Revitalization Foundation. Quoting from that webpage: “Through Kristen’s vision, tenacity and passion for land protection, Milwaukee County citizens are guaranteed access to pristine natural areas in the heart of expanding urban development. Most recently, Kristen worked tirelessly over the course of several years to protect the Fitzsimmons Woods area in the City of Franklin. Franklin Woods is made up of more than 20 acres of high quality maple-beech forest, containing woodlands, wetlands, and rare flora and fauna, and was purchased with the help of Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Funds by the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy in February 2006.”
Also included on that website are these remarks from Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor: “We believe Kristen Wilhelm not only qualifies for Conservationist of the Year, but is a perfect example of a concerned citizen becoming involved in improving her community. Through her hard work, dedication and passion for conservation of natural resources, Ms. Wilhelm has without a doubt improved the quality of life for citizens of Franklin and its surrounding communities.”
In an earlier blog I praised visionaries Charles Whitnall and Alfred Boerner who helped preserve parkland in the Milwaukee – metro area. I think both of those men would be proud of Kristen Wilhelm’s efforts in the 21st century. I know I am.
Another person I’ve been happy to meet at the “Internet Corner” is John Michlig, who wrote to tell me he enjoyed my blog, “B.C. - Before Computers (there were typewriters).” He also updated my Computer Age lingo: “I think the new email-age colloquialism for ‘CC’ is ‘Courtesy Copy,’” he said. Thanks, John, for that update.
I learned in future e-mail correspondence that John is a full-time professional writer and author of books about popular culture. You can find out more about him on the website www.fullyarticulated.com with a link to his blog, “Sprawled Out,” related t
