Just when I think no one's reading these blogs, I'll get a message from someone who is. And here are two of them to think about:
Dear Suzanne,
Your point about Shorewood spending money on pesticides vs. spending money on plowing sidewalks is a good one. I know that recently someone had publicly complained about dandelions “ruining” expensive landscaping, but I don't understand all-out battles against nature that require toxins that get tracked into our homes. Then again, I think a field of dandelions is quite lovely, just like the natural gardens around Shorewood and the beautiful wildflowers and weeds along the bike path.
If Shorewood wants to boost itself as a walkable neighborhood, the snowy, icy sidewalk situation in winter needs to be addressed. Last winter, many senior citizens in Shorewood were upset that often people don't shovel until long after it snows, either because they're at work, or their snow shoveling service is lax about how quickly they shovel-or maybe some businesses, homeowners, and landlords just don't care all that much. I live near the library and senior center and last winter often the nearby sidewalks were covered with snow and ice long into the evening after a morning snowfall. Why spend money putting toxins into our environment instead of clearing sidewalks so senior citizens don't slip and fall?
And speaking of being health conscious, what about the health benefits of shoveling with an old fashioned shovel? I try to shovel my driveway and both sides of our corner lot rather than wait for the management company to arrive, just to get a nice upper body workout in the fresh air. I've even run a shovel down the sidewalk for a couple of blocks-as far as I could go before I pooped out. I'm finding that shoveling can be a wonderfully quiet and peaceful activity, with the only sound being the snow shovel scraping against the sidewalk and the “poof” of a shovelful hitting a snow bank. I know shoveling can get “old” after a few snowfalls, but hey, that's true of using a stair machine, too. Something for Shorewood residents to think about this winter-a great workout in the fresh air, a chance to perform a random act of kindness for your neighbors . . . a little shift in perception could be a good thing. And doesn't a stint communing with those cold, white flakes sound lovely now that it's August?
Nancy
I think we should try to create an ordinance prohibiting duck hunting in Shorewood. I don’t think you'd have much of a problem finding supporters…
Here's the Milwaukee Ordinance: Chapter 63 Parks and Parkways
63-13. Hunting or Trapping.
No person shall engage in trapping or hunting within any park or parkway without a written permit from the department.
63-21. Fish, Waterfowl and Game Birds.
2. Waterfowl and Game Birds.
No person shall kill, injure or attempt to injure or unnecessarily
disturb any waterfowl or other birds or animals, wild or domestic,
within any of the parks or parkways. No person shall rob or disturb the nest or eggs of any bird or other animal therein.
Do you have any idea how to get this started?
Marie S
