Before the final poems that I’ll be posting in my tenure as the Racine Writer-in-Residence, I want to say thank you to all the readers who have visited over the past six months. I would also like to invite everyone to attend the Open Mic & Performance Showcase I’ll be hosting as my community project…
Category: Community-building
Racine city transit: Equity, safety and service remain top priorities
City of Racine Transportation and mobility director Trevor Jung provided evidence to refute criticisms that public transit fails to serve areas of the city that had been subject to red lining.
Acknowledging the limitations of some routes’ evening and weekend availability, Jung said the city is constantly looking for savings solutions to address budgetary constraints and opportunities to improve service.
In addition to a September job fair highlighting employers and services along Ryde Racine routes, an upcoming regional transit review that includes public input could inform future improvements.
Unsafe, infrequent & far from home?
A longtime Racine bus rider and a former candidate for elected office offer criticisms of current city transit policy.
Still RYDE-ing the bus
Racine public transit director Trevor Jung faces challenges to keep Racine public transit ridership headed toward growth In his first two years as Director of Transportation and Mobility for the City of Racine, Trevor Jung has worked in tandem with Mayor Mason’s Paris Climate Accord pledge by increasing bike, scooter and pedestrian accessibility, while he’s…
On an Island in the Root River
A wide, mowed pathway takes you past two large stretches of colorful prairie grasses and pollinator plants, out to a clearing along shoreline overlook where you might see a great blue heron perched on the discarded Piggly Wiggly shopping cart on the opposite bank. Bees of various sizes and a range of patterned butterflies flit from bud to blossom.
“I’m so glad to hear that,” volunteer Dave Hecht says from under his tan straw hat when the thunder rolls.
Revolution Poet-Style Now!
by Jessie Lynn McMains 100 Thousand Poets for Change began in March 2011. It started with just a few people, who had the idea to get poets (and other writers, and artists, and musicians, and activists of all stripes) together to raise their voices in solidarity. To act as megaphones shouting for peace and sustainability,…
Magic Gardens
by Jessie Lynn McMains On the north wall of the Nielsen, Madsen, and Barber building, at 1339 Washington Avenue, there is a mosaic mural. Whether you are driving or walking past, it is impossible to miss. Strange beings loom out at you—mermaids, creatures with fish where their arms should be, beings whose limbs and eyes…
What I Wanted to Say …
by John Bloner, Jr. This is my final article as Racine Writer-In-Residence as I will hand off its baton to the next honoree on July 1st. Thank you to ArtRoot, the Osborne & Scekic Family Foundation, Nick Ramsey, and the Racine Literacy Council for their support and encouragement. Over the past six months, the Krazines,…
Forget Paris on the Seine. I’ll Take the Louvre on Lake Michigan
Would you rather have a brat or a baguette? A Kouign-amann or a Kringle? Paris with its Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo is 4,100 miles away from here, and who needs the Louvre Museum when you can experience fine art (and engage in much more) at the Louvre on Lake Michigan, better known as Spectrum School of the Arts and Gallery? Spectrum is located within the historic DeKoven Center campus in Racine, WI at 2050 Wisconsin Avenue and has served southeastern Wisconsin with culture, education, entertainment, and fellowship for over 40 years.
Seeking the Next Writer-In-Residence
Calling on all writers, age 18 and older, from Kenosha and Racine County. ArtRoot, a committee of artists and advocates, is accepting applications for a six-month tenure as Racine Writer-In-Residence. You can download application information and materials HERE. The person selected to receive this honor will serve from July 1-December 31, 2021 and receive a $1,200 stipend (75% upfront and 25% upon completion of expectations and an evaluation form.)
ArtRoot Writer-In-Residence 