Fight against invasive species

Invasive species reduce ecosystem diversity and influence the population of birds, mammals and insects that depend on them. Because of them, we lose the native wildflowers, shrubs and trees that are the heritage of the southeast Wisconsin deciduous flood plain woods. And in the larger context, they affect the fishing, hunting and forestry of Wisconsin.

Racine is fortunate to have many volunteers who care about our parks and natural spaces and have worked hundreds of hours managing invasives in 2009. Thanks to them we were able to tackle honeysuckle, buckthorn, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and other weedy plants in Colonial Park, Island Park, Kirkorian Preserve, Johnson Park Dog Run, The REC, River Bend Nature Center, Riverside Park, Barbee Park, DeKoven Woods and the Horlick Dam boat launch.

This year we were also able to plant native trees and forbs on the Root River at Horlick Drive, thanks to the Kenosha Racine Land Trust http://www.krlt.org/. We planted more than 100 oak saplings in Colonial Park, a gift of the MillionTrees Project http://www.livinglandsandwaters.org/milliontrees/default.htm. We hope to do more restoration work in 2010.

We are grateful to our many partners, including the Mayor’s Renew Racine Initiative, Kortendick’s Ace Hardware, Racine County Public Works, Racine County Workforce Development Center and their E3 summer youth employment program, Gateway Technical College, Root-Pike WIN and most especially the City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, who chip and remove all the brush we cut.

If you are interested in joining us, or you have a favorite space that needs help, you are invited to look for the Weed Out! Racine spring schedule at http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org/segg/WeedOut.htm.

Melissa Warner, coordinator

Weed Out! Racine

Well-deserved tribute to veterans

Those men and women who have served in our armed forces sacrificed much and endangered their lives while representing the United States here and overseas. So it was fitting and proper that they be remembered for such a time so dedicated.

On Veterans Day, both Fratt Elementary School, 3501 Kinzie Ave., and the Applebee’s Restaurant on Green Bay Road did not forget. Principal James Hass and key staff person, Susan Yonkovich, organized and conducted a respectful and most appreciated tribute to our veterans involving the entire school. A number of local veterans were invited to be honored by the staff and student body, and to share their unique service experiences with individual classes of students. These young people were exposed to glimpses of history they would not otherwise experience and given a chance to ask questions. The commemoration ended with Hass and Yonkovich, along with select members of the school’s student council, sharing lunch with the veterans at Applebee’s Restaurant, where a free meal was provided to any veteran attending their establishment that day.

Veterans appreciate it when citizens remember the price paid by some for the defense of the many. So a heartfelt thank-you goes out to the staffs of Fratt Elementary School and Applebee’s Restaurant.

Harry Harrington

and Barry Uhlenhake

Racine

Parks, buses are both ‘must’ items

Bob Bradley makes some viable points in his commentary of “Not willing to give up parks for buses.”

The board is looking to close a $440,000 deficit, rather than raise taxes a smidgen. Yes, the parks are a “must.” But the bus is also a “must” and is currently running a schedule that accommodates 20,000 rides a year on the Douglas Avenue business corridor. If the board is reluctant to raise taxes for good services, I’m confident they could find cuts in something really “bad” within a $12.5 million budget.

He points out the value of the parks for kids, which I believe most all Caledonians agree with. The meeting on Nov. 3 had numerous speakers for retaining the bus and the board heard one in favor of parks. It should be pointed out that the bus and park people were amalgamated on the importance of the two issues. There is no war here! Nor will one start.

These are two valuable budget items.

Bob insinuates that the numerous bus speakers were a push for KRM and bus ties. His statement sounds like a “giveaway” as being anti-RTA and making the bus a martyr to destroy any future RTA chances. That may satisfy some constituents, but the future of Caledonia is in our hands now. A bus, which currently connects remains a necessity, with or without the RTA.

The kids and parks that Bob mentions in the commentary are our responsibility. “What about our grandkids” is often heard. Well, if one keeps saying no to infrastructure and connectivity, it virtually guarantees a bigger dilemma for “catching up” when it’s their turn to take the reins.

That is, if they still want to live here!

Al Dandeneau

Village of Caledonia

Applebee’s thanks

What a nice surprise for Applebee’s Restaurant to again honor us veterans. The management and staff deserve a big thank you for the delicious meal and service. All in attendance enjoyed themselves. It would be nice if other restaurants in our area consider honoring Veterans Day next year.

Dick and Kurt Luedtke

Racine