Support A Bay View Skate Park At Restaurants 6/21

Participating businesses will make a contribution to the Bay View Wheel Park proposed skate park when you visit them on Friday, June 21.

Finding ways for kids to be able to get exercise is ever more important. Skateboarding is a very accessible activity that doesn't cost a lot to get into, and its a very social activity as well. Since kids can do it whenever they want, not needing two teams or multiple people, they can just pick up and go do it. Plus it's 'cool'. About the only thing needed other than a board (and hopefully a helmet and pads) is a place to do it. I am a big proponent of giving people official places to do their thing, so that its setup for their best safety and they aren't infringing on other areas causing disruption.

The Milwaukee are has seen good response lately to new skate parks with ones in Wauwatosa, West Allis, Estabrook Park, and more. Now Bay View is getting in on the action after having been working on it since 2010. Bay View Compass has more information on the history and the current plan to create one in Sijan Park.

Check out these establishments and let them know you're there for the WHEEL PARK!

Burnhearts | Cafe Lulu | Sugar Maple | Cafe Corazon
Fuel Cafe | Comet Cafe | Hi Hat/Garage | BelAir | Balzac | Finks

Men's Health Planned Parenthood Helps Men Too

It's Men's Health Week again, time to pass along some tips and resources.

Did you know? While more commonly known for assisting women, Planned Parenthood also provides services to men. You can check out what they can do for you here.

From Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin: Did you know that their health centers provide sexual and reproductive health care for men, like STD testing and treatment? Their doors are open to everyone.

One of the most important services available for men is Testicular & Prostate Cancer Screenings. I know may men don't like going to the doctor, for many reasons, but at PP you can setup an appointment just for this check up.

If you have questions or need assistance with reproductive or sexual health services, it may be a less intimidating or embarrassing outlet, instead of going to a regular doctor, sitting in a general practice waiting room, etc.

Former Packers Ride To End Bullying

At an event that I organize, I was able to meet Earl Dotson at a booth for Henderson Helps, an organization founded by William Henderson, former - Super Bowl winning - Green Bay Packer. He was there promoting a motorcycle ride coming up this Saturday June 15: Henderson's Ride For Hope. The cause: raising awareness and money for anti-bullying programs, something dear to my heart. You can tell these guys are truly caring about kids, Earl came by and visited the students of the BUILD Moto Mentor program to encourage them in their work.

Blind Runner Completes NYC Half-Marathon With Aid of Guide Dogs

Photo cr. Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Thomas Panek, President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, used dogs from the organization he manages to run in and complete a half-marathon in the New York City Marathon.

Because of the length of the run, three dogs did a relay each taking a leg of the race to help Panek run and finish. Waffle, Westley and Gus, all Labradors, accompanied Panek and each got a medal for completing in addition to Panek.

In an NPR interview, Panek explains that for a time he stopped running due to the dangers. "There was a long time where I was too scared to run. I was just afraid to get out there. And I had run in the Chicago Marathon. And about midcourse, I ran into a stake that was in the ground, didn't see it." He tried running with people to assist, but he missed the freedom of running alone when he wants to, like when he walks with a guide dog and can go anywhere at his whim.

I love the connection of humans and dogs, I can't imagine my life without one (or more) and am always inspired by the service that dogs can provide to us.This is another great story on how dogs can help people conquer things they can't do on their own.

Colectivo & Bucks Partner On Charitable Coffee

Come see what's brewin'... Oh sorry, wrong team, still, the play on words, I had to. The Milwaukee Bucks and Colectivo Coffee are partnering on a limited-edition Bucks Blend Coffee that will be featured as Colectivo’s Coffee of the Week from Monday, Feb. 25 – Sunday, March 3 at all 13 Milwaukee-area Colectivo locations. Prior to that, the coffee will be available for sampling and purchase at Bucks games tonight and Saturday, Feb. 23, at each Bucks Pro Shop location at Fiserv Forum. In addition, one-pound bags of Bucks Blend Coffee are also available for purchase on a limited basis at shop.bucks.com. One dollar from the sale of each one-pound bag will go to the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation.