Happy Easter to all who read the blog; the supporters and the critics alike!

We take the time out of our busy lives to pause and reflect on what is important in our lives.  Family, friends, and health, to name a few.

We will use today as a chance to spend time with family to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

No matter what religion you are or what beliefs you have, please take the moment to reflect on the wonderful lives we, at times, take for granted.

May the sun shine down on you and your loved ones this glorious Easter day!

Sincerely,

The Hollenbecks

I wish everyone a safe Good Friday and Passover!

God Bless Everyone!

Instead of just focusing on the 4th of July with a committee, I think the Cudahy committee’s name and purpose needs to change and evolve to the Special Events Committee.

Changing to the Special Events Committee would allow that committee to work on Halloween, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day and July 4^th.  There is much more than just the 4^th of July to do.

Imagine if the city took an active role instead of a passive role for Christmas.  Yes, we have breakfast with Santa and 2008 was a good showing for it minus the Mayor not being there.  However, as a few people have suggested that the tree lighting ceremony be moved to the library on a Saturday and have a weekend celebration.  It makes it more community instead of city hallish (Hellish).  You know, stuffy!

You could have Christmas Carols. 

Have people buy ornaments to place on the tree. 

Have breakfast with Santa.

Maybe if there is snow a contest of create the best snowman.

Pay to throw a snowball at an elected official for charity.

Sell hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

Night sledding

Bonfire

Ice Skating

Seek donation money for horse and carriage rides.

Parade down Packard Ave.

See if local business would like to donate money for lights and decorations.  Create a synergy between the citizens, government and business.  The triad of trifectas’.

The committee could look at all of the holidays to make it more community in nature to get more community involvement.

There might be local businesses that would donate time or money let say for Halloween that currently do want to donate for July 4^th.

Why put all the eggs in one basket and hardly nothing the rest of the year?  If you want to engage and encourage the citizens of Cudahy, start thinking outside the box.

Side Note – I was just emailed this:  Forming a civic celebrations committee is another campaign promise that Mayor McCue has not fulfilled!

If you said, "President's Day,” you are technically wrong.

The real legal name of the third Monday in February is still "George Washington’s Birthday"

His actual birthday is February 22, 1732 and since Feb 22^nd would move around the calendar on different days, the government wanted it to be celebrate it on the third Monday in February to make it easier and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday February 12, 1809 was added and we pay tribute to all presidents.

Here is the technical explanation:

Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22).

In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the third Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.

Please Note: The Federal statute designates this day as Washington's Birthday, President Nixon issued a proclamation declaring the holiday as "President's Day" in 1971.  President Nixon erroneously believed that a Presidential proclamation on the matter carried the same weight as an Executive Order.

Since that change in 1971, the common term has been "President's Day".

George Washington, born February 22, 1732 in Virginia, was a natural leader, instrumental in creating a united nation out of a conglomeration of struggling colonies and territories.  The first president of the United States of America is affectionately honored as "the father of his country."

http://www.usemb.se/HOLIDAYS/Celebrate/george.html

Guest Blogger - Carrie Hollenbeck (my wife)

May your Christmas be filled with joy and laughter.  May you feel the warmth of love from family and friends.  Allow your thoughts from the hustle and bustle to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  For without the birth of Jesus Christ, we would not have miracles to believe in.  May Christmas find you and your family happy, healthy and warmhearted. 

If you have small children or grandchildren, look deep into their wide eyes in the amazement of Christmastime.  I looked into our daughter, Ria, now 2-1/2, eyes as we talked about Christmas.  As I quietly spoke to her as she was snuggled up in her bed, her eyes opened as wide as I’ve ever seen them as she listened to me talk about the days ahead.  It wasn’t the presents she was focused on, but the “wonder” of Santa.  The curiosity of how he will make it to all of her friends’ houses. 

As I continued to tell her that Santa can only come to her house if everyone is asleep, her hands moved up closer to her mouth with excitement.  She nodded enthusiastically when asked if we should leave Santa a snack.  As I kissed her goodnight, she softly said, “Santa will come and wake me up to see me”.  I quickly told her that Santa would not be able to visit as he needed to deliver all the presents to her friends and he could only do so, if they are all asleep.  She closed her eyes tight and pulled her blanket up, but with the smile on her face, I know she dreamt of him last night.

Santa is something to believe in.  As our daughter gets older, we know that someday she will no longer believe.  However, she will have replaced the fictional Santa with the true meaning of Christmas and understand why we really celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the reason we really believe in miracles.

“… the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart” –as spoken by Santa in Polar Express

Warmest Blessings,

The Hollenbecks

A favorite holiday tradition in southeastern Wisconsin is driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations.

Take a drive down Candy Cane Lane in West Allis to see more than 300 homes decorated for the holidays.  Do it soon because it is only open until Dec. 27.

Visitors can drive through the neighborhood from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

It doesn't cost anything, but people can make a donation that will go to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund).  When I drove through, Star Wars characters were accepting the donations.

Candy Cane Lane is located north of Oklahoma Avenue between 92nd and 96th streets.

It is best to enter on Oklahoma and turn right on to 93^rd street and follow the long lines of cars.  I say best because you cannot make a left turn on to Oklahoma and this way you are always making right turns.

I will also be posting up pictures from Cudahy houses soon as well.

 

While every country has a July 4th, not all have Independence Day.  On July 4, 1776, we claimed our Independence from Britain, the Red Coats, in most ways our parent country.

The 4th of July is a time to be proud of America no matter which side of the aisle politically you are on.  It is for the Red, White, and Blue.  It is a time of flag waving.  A time for picnics, parades and marching bands.  A time for fireworks and a time of reflection.

I hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday!