The Capitol Theater set to be razed 02/03/2021

Historic 1928 Movie Theater

 

Originally, this theater was built for both sound & silent movies. There was a Wurlitzer organ inside, and would bring in people from literally all over the planet to see & hear the organ play during silent movies and other shows. I vaguely remember coming to this theater in it’s original format, being that I lived in Tokyo until 1977, and visited Racine about 4 times from the time I was born before permanently living here.

In 1976, it was “twinned”. The organ was removed, to accommodate two smaller theaters and renamed The Park. At first, it was part of the Marcus Theaters that hosted a variety of movies along with Racine’s other theaters which only had 2-4 screens each. When Westgate & Regency theaters opened, the other theaters closed, and this one became a value cinema. During my teen years, it was a nice spot to meet friends, whether to see an affordable movie or to start an adventure going elsewhere.

On 01/19/2021, Racine’s City Council met virtually, with a public portion regarding this historical building. We had 6 votes in favor of saving the building, 8 votes opposed. 1 absent. If we could possibly call or email our mayor & alderman, that would be appreciated greatly.

Please call/write to thank them for supporting the theater:

• District 1 – Coe – Jeff.Coe@cityofracine.org 262-637-0531
• District 2 – Jones – Mollie.Jones@cityofracine.org 262-634-2971
• District 9 – Jung – Trevor.Jung@cityofracine.org 262-721-6400
• District 11 – Land – Mary.Land@cityofracine.org 262-456-6585
• District 6 – Peterson – Jeffrey.Peterson@cityofracine.org 262-321-4410
• District 13 – Taft – Natalia.Taft@cityofracine.org 262-234-5225

Please call/write to those who voted no, and ask them to reconsider their position to see if a special meeting can be called to put a 3 month hold on the raze. This would be very helpful in being able to come up with the funds. Please be respectful, we can draw more with honey than vinegar.

• District 7 – Horton – Maurice.Horton@cityofracine.org 262-770-8377
• District 15 – Lemke – Melissa.Lemke@cityofracine.org 262-994-8943
• District 5 – Levie – Jennifer.Levie@cityofracine.org 414-364-2192
• District 14 – Meekma – Jason.Meekma@cityofracine.org 262-488-4694
• District 10 – Peete – Sam.Peete@cityofracine.org 262-230-2017
• District 4 – Santiago – Edwin.Santiagojr@cityofracine.org 262-822-8302
• District 3 – Tate – John.TateII@cityofracine.org 262-770-5183
• District 8 – West – Marcus.West@cityofracine.org 262-930-2200

Here is a sample message:

Dear Mayor/Alderman (Insert Last Name);

Thank you for your hard work you do for the citizens of Racine. As a constituent, I am asking you to reconsider the raze order of the Capitol Theater on February 3. Please hold a special meeting to make a new motion, and encourage you to visit the building since it has a landmark status. I’d like to request a 3-month pause to give citizens a chance to raise money for repairing the building envelope. Preservation Racine is actively doing a pledge drive, as well as a charity Go Fund Me to help pay for the project. I support the project/organization. There is also a petition that has several hundred signers who also support saving the theater.

There is already enough pledge money for the first round of roof repairs, and for portions of the needed exterior brick work! A New Orleans style music group, STELLA, has offered to do a fundraising performance here to help Save the Capitol-Park Theater! Thank you again, for your time and efforts.

Sincerely, (Your Name)

Not present: Please ask him where he sits on the issue & ask if he can support it.

District 12 – Perez – Henry.Perez@cityofracine.org 262-676-2364

Mayor Cory Mason – Webform here – 262-636-9111

For the pledges, if the building is razed anyway, you don’t give up anything. With the fundraiser, the monies will go to Preservation Racine to go toward helping other historical buildings. Let’s keep a part of Racine history. For more up to date information, please visit Friends of the Capitol Theater on Facebook. Thank you for reading & your support!

The twinned Park theaters

The Capitol Theater: A Part of Racine History

The Capitol, built in 1928, just before WWII broke out, with an old Wurlitzer organ that was built in. It could show both sound & silent movies. In 1976, the organ was sadly taken out, “twinned” to create 2 smaller theaters that was renamed The Park (for it’s proximity to Washington Park & Park High School) would become one of the 1st Value Cinemas where older movies would come back at a cheaper price for people to watch. Being that I lived near there, I’ve seen many movies, used it as a meetup place, and so many fond memories of the architecture… In the fall of 1987, not long after I graduated high school, it closed down. The current owner wanted to be able to use one theater for movies and the other as kind of a museum and collected a lot of Racine antiques. But, due to health problems (that I can relate to), things happened… Here are some important links, in hopes local people especially, or those who would be interested in future visiting to have a look at what we’re missing out on.

How ornate, intricate, majestic, antique, unique, awesome, so many different adjectives come to mind...  I remember wanting to come in, possibly to see an old movie, or maybe the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or whatever it could be. I think it would be neat to go in dressed as a flapper, just to celebrate the era this was erected.

I remember wanting to come in, possibly to see an old movie, or maybe the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or whatever it could be.  I think it would be neat to go in dressed as a flapper, just to celebrate the era this was erected.

To learn more about The Capitol/Park Theater, please visit the website - there is an option to be able to pledge money to help restore the building. If nothing happens, you won’t be asked to give the pledge.  A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise funds to buy the building. It is a tax-deductible donation, and if the building ends up not being acquired for the purposes of Preservation Racine, which an organization that works to preserve historic landmarks, buildings, and more, locally.  You can passively support the organization on Facebook.

Please also consider signing the petition to send to the Mayor of Racine, WI & City Council of Racine right here.  I encourage local & regional people to sign & share a memory by commenting. Those who support keeping & updating the building is especially encouraged to comment, especially if there is a design to visit or share an experience of lost local history near you that you wish you still had. Thanks in advance for reading & hopefully supporting!

This is our last chance!  The raze could start as early as 02/03/2021.  City Council decided that on 02/19/2021.  We are asking everyone to write their alderman to please put a 3-month pause on razing the theater.  The aldermen who voted no are:

District 7 - Horton - Maurice.Horton@cityofracine.org

District 15 - Lemke - Melissa.Lemke@cityofracine.org

District 5 - Levie - Jennifer.Levie@cityofracine.org

District 14 - Meekma - Jason.Meekma@cityofracine.org

District 10 - Peete - Sam.Peete@cityofracine.org

District 4 - Santiago - Edwin.Santiagojr@cityofracine.org

District 3 - Tate - John.TateII@cityofracine.org

District 8 - West - Marcus.West@cityofracine.org

Please send a big thank you to those who voted yes:

District 1 - Coe - Jeff.Coe@cityofracine.org

District 2 - Jones - Mollie.Jones@cityofracine.org

District 9 - Jung - Trevor.Jung@cityofracine.org

District 11 - Land - Mary.Land@cityofracine.org

District 6 - Peterson - Jeffrey.Peterson@cityofracine.org

District 13 - Taft - Natalia.Taft@cityofracine.org

Not sure if he was not present or abstained:

District 12 - Perez - Henry.Perez@cityofracine.org

Whether you agree or disagree with their vote, please be respectful.  We catch more bees with honey than vinegar.

*Fun Fact* - A New Orleans style music group, STELLA, has offered to do a fundraising performance here to help Save the Capitol-Park Theater!

Blogophilia 40.13: The Day We Met

Marvin Martian‘s blog topic parameters HERE

Blogophilia and how it works, Over Here

Hard Bonus (2 points): Include a quote from the movie Roman Holiday

Easy Bonus (1 Point): Use the name of a winery

I don’t often remember a lot of details from The Day We Met. Mostly the vibe, whether I felt connected to the person or not, most people have to grow on me, yet, many will remember something I said or did, when I feel like I’m just being me, chilling near the water.

I’ve had my life experiences, which includes some travel, music performance, college, other forms of arts, being a mom, working, etc… Some good, some not, many people find some of these things interesting or not quite get get it. I don’t mind talking to people about the various things, even though I think many people are just too polite to ask questions. Maybe they’re too busy on their devices, scrolling – putting their heads together – laidback & talking about the posts they see… I doubt if anyone would ask, “How much would a real interview with this dame be worth“? Not much, probably, it would be more about the craft beer breweries, Spirits of Norway Vineyard, and Wisconsin cheese… Or maybe I’d just run through the fountains or dip my feet into the pool.

Maybe it’s okay to park it somewhere comfortable to contemplate what we’re going to do next. I, for one, would like to sell my Sony stereo & JVC speaker system – I literally have no room for it in my tiny little house, and I’d like to be able to afford to buy some specialty food items for the holiday dinners coming up. These are things I can’t necessarily find locally, and the outlets that have them know what to charge. So, this is a good way to be able to allow someone else to have a nice sound system in their house for a really good price, and I’d be able to buy my stuff…

Patch cords are included!

With the holidays coming, I’d like to be able to help promote places where you’d be helping small businesses (the owners & staff themselves) so people can still get their gifts while helping other people get theirs in one swoop… And don’t forget, I can do your resume, to score you the interviews!

Kira Treolar – Owner of Rustic Stone Jewelry & Gifts – unique, handmade jewelry of all kinds, as well as crocheted items and more. Please visit the shop on Etsy and have a look for yourself!

Laura Fogelson – Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant – it’s not just makeup for women. It’s skincare, for all ages, male and female, to help look & feel your best. Please go checkout her MK Store!

Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts – Practical to fun gifts, all Racine! Good for home, your friends, out of town friends & family! Online shopping can be done HERE.

Wilson’s Coffee & Tea – it’s my favorite coffee shop. Specializes in premium, fair-trade coffees from around the world as well as a nice variety of teas. Please check out their website.

Bendtsen’s Bakery – is an authentic Danish bakery, which started with 2 friends who came from Denmark. They have the best kringle in the Racine area & outside of the Old Country! Order some, or come pick some up! You won’t be sorry!

Nissi’s Cake Room – is a unique bakery located in the West Racine business district. They offer the things that aren’t necessarily available at your standard bakery. Please check this place out, Nidia’s chemistry background sure pays off in her delicious goodies. Considering she started at the onset of the pandemic, her bravery for doing this makes it so I’d want to support this place.

Or, maybe the people you know already have everything they need & could possibly want… Please consider making a donation to one of these organizations in their honor:

Racine Literacy Council (RLC) – this is a place where great things happen. Whether it’s to help you get your HSED, citizenship, help with attaining your driver’s license, pass college entrance exams, polish up your reading & writing skills to get you the promotion you need, or help you connect with the young children in your life through reading, RLC has so many things going, you can’t be anything but excited for the success stories coming from here!

Eco-Justice Center – run by Dominican nuns, they practice green & organic farming practices, and have a place for various animals like alpacas, goats, chickens, and other fowl. They have educational events year around, for adults and youth. There are even summer internships for teens, who want to learn about farm corps, farm to table events, and more. Please check Eco-J out for yourselves!

Willow Creek Ranch – they offer therapeutic equine therapy for both developmental & physical disabilities which greatly impact the participants in positive ways. Those with spinal injuries learn how to walk, nonverbal children start to communicate, and it’s a benefit to the horses, who bond with their humans. WCR-LLC is a worthwhile cause.

Hospitality Center of Racine – offers supports in so many ways, it’s amazing what a small organization can have such a huge impact. The biggest service offered is the meal site, where people can come get a complete meal for breakfast & lunch, M-F. Before the shutdown, lunches served 60-100 people… Since March, that number starts at 120. Other services provided are a clothing bank where those in need can fill out a form to turn in at the beginning of the week, and at the end of the week, get a bag of clothing & personal care items as well as laundry services, referrals to other needs like medical & dental, transportation, support, and more. What is profound, is that during the shutdown, a group of about 20 individuals are doing this – on their own time – to make all of this happen. The Hospitality Center is quite an awesome place.

Veteran’s Outreach of Wisconsin – located on the north side of Racine, offers a Tiny Homes project for displaced veterans to help get everyone on their feet, as well as an extensive food pantry for families of veterans who are in need. Be a hero for those who served through VOW.

Topic: Christine

Picture: Rebecca R.

Caption: 1) poolside 2) chilling near the water 3) busy on mobile device 4) scrolling 5) putting our heads together 6) laidback 7) through the water fountain 8) into the pool 9) park it 10) contemplate

Covid Holiday on a budget (updated):

*Canceled* Carrie Decker - storage unit sale at Red Dot Storage in Sturtevant, WI on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 - My sincere apologies!  She stood me up, when I'm just trying to help her sell stuff so she can try to get her stuff paid for. *Canceled*

So many of us are struggling these days, and we all want to do something for our families.  Here are some great ways to save money for your own holiday shopping purposes as well as help out someone else to get theirs done, as well.

Kira Treloar - Rustic Stone Jewelry & Gifts - unique, beautiful & handcrafted jewelry & more.  Please check out her Etsy Store now!  You will love the items there on Etsy.

Laura Fogelson - Mary Kay professional skincare - It's not just for women, more than makeup.  There are skincare regimens from antiwrinkle to reducing scars to evening out skin tone & age spots.  She can cater it to whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin types, and match your complexion while she's at it.

Mary Mollerskov - Wild Bloom Arts - A talented artist & photographer, has a lot of really neat, beautiful & original artwork to display & show off on your walls.  Because you can meet her in person, you're guaranteed a story to go with the decor in your home!

Mike Phipps - computer repairs for your desk or laptop.  He guarantees his work and is much more affordable.  He also has PS1, WII, and other video game units (with games), movie DVDs and more.  Please inquire to see what he has in store for you.

Lika - Professional Resume Services - current special:  25% off of all services from Black Friday to 12/23/2020.  I also have a Sony stereo with JVC surround speakers for sale $225 complete or best offer.

Professional Resume Services

Need help getting a resume together?

Have experience but can’t get it quite right?

Little to no paid job experience?

Have a resume but not getting interviews?

Resumes with Lika can help you.

Professional looking resumes & CV’s.

Proceeds help support child advocacy.

Reasonable & affordable rates.

Please inquire about getting your resume done today –  If you're on Facebook, you may contact me at Professional Resume Services.  If you're on LinkedIn, please contact me, here.

Guaranteed to get past the ATF’s and increase the number of interviews you get.  Email to get price quotes to fit your budget.

Packages can include the following:

·         Resume to get through online application systems

·         A concise version to bring to interviews

·         Cover Letter written in your “voice”

·         Future support to update your information

·         Templates to ensure current versions are being used

·         Crash courses & other resources to help keep you on top of your game $50

·         Professional people can get basic support on their LinkedIn profile  $75

Basics start at $75.00 (2 resumes or 1 resume & 1 cover letter) and go up from there, depending on what you want added.  Payment plans accepted, depending on situation.

2 resumes & Cover Letter $100

Crash courses include mock interviews, how to dress/present at interviews, how to write a cover letter to get hiring managers to look at your resume, a look at your new resume after you’ve updated it, starts at $25 & up.

Need gifts? Please support local businesses & people!

During this pandemic, we could all use a break.  With holidays coming up, some of us are wondering how we're going to pull it off, and not that gift-giving is the most important, but, let's face it, it's nice to do, or at least have a little extra to do something nice with the family.  So...  here it goes.

A fun morsel in the West Racine business district is Refined Salvage & Pallet Design, where you can find some fun, interesting, unique items for your house, as a gift, and these are perfect for those who just got into their 1st home!

While you're there, stop by at Wilson's Coffee & Tea, because they really have the best coffee, and stop in to get some kringle at Bendtsen's Bakery.  They definitely have the BEST kringle, this side of the Atlantic.  Then there's Gold Bear Trading Company, all here in the same business district, on the same side of the street.  Please don't forget to check out the new bakery, which offers items that aren't at the Danish places, and pick up your Christmas cookies from Nissi's Cake Room!  

Downtown, there's Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts, perfect for out of town people you're sending gifts to.  Their items range from pictures to T's to coffee mugs, all featuring Racine, WI!  I remember stopping in at Plumb Gold LTD as a college student when I'd ride the bus all over, and would walk down to check them out.  They just expanded, and have a 2nd store, called Plumb Silver.  I haven't been there, so I'd love to check that out someday as well.

I also have friends who could use a boost for the holidays, and here are some of what they can offer...

Kira T - Rustic Stone Jewelry & Gifts - please order on Etsy for your unique gift to your special gals in your life!

Mike Phipps - for your computer needs - he can fix your laptop & desktop at a great price, guarantees his work, & is better than many of these places where you spend an arm and a leg for...  When you message him, please also ask about vintage gaming units & classic games he has available.  Perfect again, for gift giving this holiday season!

Laura Fogel - She is a professional Mary Kay dealer, and can help you from skincare to makeup, men & women both!

Lika's Professional Resume Services - ask me what I can do for you, so you get an interview, even during this pandemic.  You're worth the investment, right?  Do it for you!

Because I need money, just to get to the end of the year...  I'll have to figure out next year after the 1st...  I also have these items for sale.  Please message me - lika.yvi@gmail.com if you're interested:

Greenbay Packer men's medium leather jacket - $30:  

Vinci R tenor saxophone - $250:

Sony Stereo with JVC speakers - $225 takes it all or individual components at prices listed below:

Sony stereo system - $150 if buying sony set
Sony receiver - $75
Sony dual cassette w/ radio - $30 - sold
Sony 6 - CD changer - $50
The stand is free, if purchase above, or $20 just for the stand

JVC surround speakers - $150 set
Bar style woofer SP XC 33 - $30
Subwoofer SX pw100 II - $65
Surround speakers (4) - $60 for all 4 or $40 for 2 or $20 for 1
Cord hook up & remotes available. Free if purchase the above, ask about ala carte pricing

It's been pampered, kept in pristine condition. Nonsmoking home.

Available 12/01/2020 - $500/month & $250/deposit, all utilities included, month to month lease. Looking for a responsible & liberal roommate, preferably female, to rent a furnished bedroom. All common areas are shared, including the laundry area. Interviews to discuss expectations & basic background checks with references needed.

Call or E-mail to schedule an interview & application to rent.

Any & all help is greatly appreciated!  Thank you in advance.

Backyard Bunny & More!

I've been a proud homeowner for a little over a year.  We went from renting a full-sized house to a smaller house, and still trying to downsize a lot of things.  One thing that I miss about a regular size house is having a decent front porch to sit on.  I used to love sitting out under the awning to sip on coffee, watch the traffic, watch the rain, etc.  Of course, unless it was a summer gathering, our backyard was totally underutilized.  My "new" house is a small ranch, and while we do not have a front porch, we do have a back patio.  I'd like to expand upon it, but for now, this will do.

Sitting out back often, with tea, coffee, ice water, etc. it's interesting, because now, with the various things we put out, such as the lettuce parts that we tear off, torn up bread crusts, and whatever other stuff we decide to put out, I get to watch the birds come to feast in my yard.  One of the regulars we get is a rabbit, which I named Loofah.

While never close enough to touch, this rabbit, along with a lot of squirrels, will get relatively close, with multiple people from my house sitting out on the back picnic table.  They're cute.  

Even being more of a summer girl, I enjoy the different colors of the seasons and will sit outside for some fresh air & a seasonally appropriate beverage throughout the day.  Of course, it won't be nearly as much during the winter, which will be here soon enough.

I'd like to make a few suggestions, with the winter holidays coming up, to support local businesses, authors, and more.  Here are a few I'd like to highlight:

Judy Obuchowski - embroidered t-shirts - Please click her name to contact her on Facebook, and for a sneak peek at how she works, embroidered.  Here is a sample of what she can do:

Laura Fogelson - independent Mary Kay dealer - Please go to her MK page to order, and ask questions.  She has the knowledge to help you get the skincare you need and has products for both women and men.  Here is me, glowing, with the various products I have used.

Barb Caffrey - Author & Editor - Also experienced as a reviewer of writing.  Please click on author or editor for whichever service you'd like to hire her for, she is a technical writer.

Mike Phipps - PC Repair - he can do much better than your big box stores, is affordable & reasonably priced, and guarantees his work.  He can work on your desktop and laptop.  If your computer isn't fixed to your liking, bring it back, he'll look at it again, no extra charge.

Lika - professional resume services - please see the 1st comment to see what I charge for what types of services.

My good friend, Soldwolf, is an author hoping to break into the realm of being published.  His first major writing is a military sci-fi in the making, called Meeting the Parents.  I have highlighted some chapters in previous blogs.  To get a quick recap - It is a story about an earth hero, who is betrothed to his love, who is from the planet of Tamal.  As the news hits the Morning Edition (2), he gets a Big Sister Interrogation 3 (times as what he thought - 5), and who doesn't want to meet the lovely Grandmother (12)?  With a lot of Journeys & Preparations (22) for the Meetings & Arrivals (31), the Plans & Tours (37) are a lot to take into account.  Don't be alarmed by the Opening Moves (43).  Please go ahead and read, with enough interest when the story is done, Deviant Art might just hook him up with an editor & help get this published into a real book.

Here is a synopsis of the two most recent chapters:

Hammer Punch 2 - 52

The assignment went a little bit too smoothly for comfort.  Things need to be looked into a little bit deeper.  Information coming in, so far so good.  A new fleet is coming in, status unknown...  Friendly? Foe?  Disloyal?  Pirates beware, this isn't their day.  

Will the good side be able to intercept this group & keep everyone safe?  Will they succeed in keeping their own crew intact?  Will the allies show up on time?  A snafu to thwart the hero's defenders in this part of the universe?  The big weapons are limited.  The enemy is set to attack...  Will the planet of Tamal be saved?  Oh, the intensity!  

Have a read for yourself to find out...

Hammer Punch 3 - 53

The pirates are trying to sneak past into Tamal territory...  But is the one heavy ship outgunned?  Are there smaller & faster pods running interference for them?  Who knows...

In the meantime, what do you do with a cute herbivorous Tamalni child who wants grilled cheese sandwiches?  

Injury stats are coming in...  Can the medic deal with all of them?  Maybe they should have an emergency holographic doctor to help out like on Star Trek: Voyager.  What do you think?  To find out, read all about it!

Until next time...