The Gift Itself Announces May Class Schedule

The Gift Itself, 125 N. Broadway, has developed the class schedule for the month of May!! Due to popular demand we are now offering classes every week as well as open to the public studio hours. Wednesday's, Thursday's, and Saturday's throughout the month are dedicated to our new list of classes as well as open studio hours. If you are interested in taking our classes, be sure to register two days in advance. Open studios are walk in only, no registration is needed. We offer our adult open studio nights for those 21 and older on the second and third Saturday of the month. If you have any questions, please email us, or give us a call 920-433-9171. Come on in and play with us!

May 2, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 6, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 7, 2009
WIRE WRAP CLASS 5:30 - 7:30 Choose from our selection of stones and wire and we will explore the basic steps to create a wire wrapped pendant. No experience is needed! You will also have an opportunity to purchase more wire wrapping supplies after class. $40.00 per person. Instructor: Rachel Sowinski

May 9, 2009
RIVET CLASS 11 - 1 pm.  Learn to connect different flat materials together (without heat or glue) to create a pin to wear or a push pin for a cork board. Materials used will be copper, aluminum and color laminant. $40.00 per person. Instructor: Michelle Zjala Winter

May 9, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 9, 2009
ADULT NIGHT, 5:30-9 pm Open Studio for all over the age of 21. Time to play, learn and socialize! Grab a friend, a bunch of friends, or your sweetie and stop by The Gift Itself, spend the evening creating.Â
B.Y.O. Welcome. Costs vary with the project you select.

BIG PERSON AND ME CLASSES, Whether it is Mom and me, Dad and me, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt or just a great, big person, these classes will be geared toward adult/child projects, with a project to create and take home.

May 13, 2009
Big Person and Me DECORATE YOUR TREASURE TOTE 1-3 pm You and your child artist will create a special tote for your treasures. The tote can be decorated with paints, sequins, buttons, feathers and more. Have fun and spend time together. $15.00 per pair of people. Instructors: Michelle Zjala Winter and Rachel Sowinski

May 13, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 3 - 6 pm. Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 14, 2009
RIVET CLASS 5:30 - 7:30 pm.  Learn to connect different flat materials together (without heat or glue) to create a pin to wear or a push pin for a cork board. Materials used will be copper, aluminum and color laminate. $40.00 per person. Instructor: Michelle Zjala Winter.

May 16, 2009
CARVE A CHARM CLASS 11 - ? Bring your ideas of a favorite symbol. Learn to carve a wax to create a personal charm. No experience needed. Al will guide you though the wax carving process and teach you about the lost wax casting of jewelry. Your wax will be cast in sterling silver and finished by our staff and will be ready for pick up the following week. Gold is available upon request. $125.00 per person. Instructor: Allen Buch.

May 16, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 16, 2009
ADULT NIGHT, 5:30-9 pm Open Studio for all over the age of 21. Time to play, learn and socialize! Grab a friend, a bunch of friends, or your sweetie and stop by The Gift Itself, spend the evening creating.Â
B.Y.O. Welcome. Costs vary with the project you select.

May 20, 2009
Big Person and Me WE DID IT TOGETHER 1 - 3 pm. On a canvas you and your child artist will create a memorable artwork. NO previous art experience needed! the instructor will lead you through the steps to draw, glue or paint to develop your own stylized piece. It is truly a back and forth between the adult/child pair. $20.00 per pair of people. Instructor: Michelle Zjala Winter

May 20, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 3 - 6 pm. Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 21, 2009
MOSAIC VOTIVE CANDLE HOLDER 5:30 - 7:30 pm. You will learn the basic techniques of mosaics, forming tiles, and design. NO previous experience needed. $25.00 per person, includes all materials and instruction, and you will take home a finished piece (after it is grouted by our staff, one week for drying time) Instructor: Rachel Sowinski

May 23, 2009
WIRE WRAP CLASS 11 - 1 pm. Choose from our selection of stones and wire and we will explore the basic steps to create a wire wrapped pendant. No experience is needed! You will also have an opportunity to purchase more wire wrapping supplies after class. $40.00 per person. Instructor: Rachel Sowinski

May 23, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 27, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 3-6 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select.

May 28, 2009
MOSAIC PENDANT ON SLATE, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. We will teach you the basic techniques involved in creating a mosaic however we will be working on small slate that we will turn into a pendant to enjoy anytime!$30.00 per person. Instructor: Rachel Sowinski

May 30, 2009
ANYBODIES STUDIO, 1 - 4:30 pm Open studio for all, come and play, experience a new technique, or do something familiar, cost vary with the project you select

New Menu and Hours at Monzu Bistro

Monzù Bistro, located on 154 N. Broadway, is expanding the menu items the business offers. Owners, Jennifer Bukouricz and Benjamin Jeanson offer an eclectic mix of fine French, Italian, & American cuisine. Starting April 1, 2009, Monzù Bistro will offer a further variety of entrées, hors d oeuvres, and hours. Additional menu items include Sicilian-style strip steak with brandy mushroom jus, Herb-grilled chicken with leek, tomato and artichoke ragù, and Linguini pesto with roasted mushroom ratatouille. New hors d oeuvres include Pork roulettes with herb crostinis and Spinach and feta phyllo.

Monzù Bistro’s expanded hours are Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This change was in part due to customer suggestion. “Our customers liked what we had to offer and suggested more hours, which lead to our decision to expand their menu as well,” said Bukouricz. Monzù will continue to sell its box lunches and cakes.

To celebrate the changes, Monzú Bistro will host an open house on Thursday April 9, 2009starting at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and sample the new menu items. Please RSVP at 920-639-9869 or email jenn@monzubistro.com

Monzù offers carry-out with full entree menu available either hot or ready-to-reheat at the customer’s convenience. Free delivery to downtown area.Menu is on the website at monzubistro.com.

For more information, call or email Jennifer or Benjamin at Monzú. Phone 902.639.9869, email jenn@monzubistro.com or benjamin@monzubistro.com.

Join Urban Frog April 2

You + The Urban Frog = Co-op

What’s a Co-op?

A Co-op or Cooperative is a business entity that exists for the primary purpose of meeting the needs of its members-in this case, people who are passionate about healthy, sustainable food.

Why the Change?

* Opportunity to Grow
More Local Offerings
Green Grocery
Educational Classes & Social Gatherings
Community Kitchen
* Access to Community Resources and Talent

* Stronger Support Base

What’s in it for me? Why might I want to get involved?

* Continued enjoyment of healthy food in a vibrant & fun atmosphere

Unique menu
Caters to a Diverse & Creative Clientele
* Membership DISCOUNTS at The Urban Frog

* Wholesale/Retail Outlet for Local Farmers

* Ownership Status
Have a voice and be part of the process of running a business
Fulfill the desire to own your own business…Find a spot in the Co-Op.

Want to Know More?

Join us Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 5pm for an informational meeting that explains what a cooperative is, how an Urban Frog Cooperative might work and answer any questions you have for us. Enjoy a dinner on us as we discuss this exciting change. Unable to attend? Just call or email us and we’ll put your name on our e-mail list so that you can receive regular updates on what’s happening with the co-op.
Stay Healthy!
Terry Wojcik & The Urban Frog Crew
Ph. (920) 490-1170
Email: theurbanfrog@gmail.com
Stay Healthy!

KaVarna On The Move

Ka Varna has announced they will be moving from their current location at 112 S. Broadway. The good news is, it's just up the street! Here's what they had to say in their latest e-newsletter:

"We have been waiting to make a certain announcement for a very long time. Today we can announce, officially, that we will be moving Kavarna Coffeehouse to 143 N. Broadway this June. After nearly two years of being preoccupied with our next step, we have finally made it. The lease is signed, the I's are dotted, the floorplans have been drawn up in CAD, and we are extremely excited.

"143 N. Broadway is one of three Egyptian Revival buildings built in Wisconsin during the apex of art deco eclecticism. What we've been told is that in 1930, the auto part company AC Delco had a competition among its dealerships and the facade was the prize. We haven't been able to verify the story yet, if anyone out there knows anything about this, we'd love to hear from you. If it's true, the winner of the contest was located on Broadway. Seventy eight years later, we are the beneficiaries of someone's auto part sales skills.

"The new building will allow us to increase the scope of what we do. With roughly three times as much space, we will be able to seat more people, accommodate large groups, begin catering, function as a performing arts center, open a delicatessen, increase retail, and a dozen other things. We come up with new ideas for the space almost every day. But best of all, we will be remaining with our friends in the Broadway District, where (as someone pointed out) we belong.

"Our current building has served us very well for almost ten years. But as we approached the end of our lease, we realized that our dream had outgrown the 1600 square feet at 112 S. Broadway. As much as we continue to appreciate the character of the space, at this point we are far more conscious of its limitations. It's time for 1930's nightclub nights, chamber music, competitive square dancing, fringe theater, and indoor croquet tournaments. So, we wish 112 S. Broadway well and we hope that it has many happy, future occupants!"

Calling All Volunteers...

Congratulations to all who helped make the Broadway District a better place, and Helped us win the GAMSA award. This is an incredible honor—and well deserved. It’s plain to see why Green Bay is one of the best communities. Every volunteer, business owner, sponsor, donor, and partner who has helped over the years deserves a pat on the back!

SO: We are celebrating this Friday March 6 starting at 3:30 pm at Titletown.
Stop by anytime—we’d love to see you and say thanks in person.

WE WON!!!

Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2009) — The National Trust Main Streets Center presented On Broadway, Inc., of Green Bay, Wisconsin, with one of the five 2009 Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA) during its annual National Main Streets Conference in Chicago on March 2, 2009. On Broadway, Inc., an official Main Street community, has been working in partnership with the City of Green Bay, local residents, property owners, the business community, and others in the city to spur reinvestment, support historic preservation, maintain a high quality of life, and grow the local economy.

The GAMSAs recognize exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing America’s historic and traditional Main Street commercial districts. Since its inception in 1995, On Broadway, Inc., has recruited hundreds of volunteers, attracted 89 net new businesses, spurred the creation of 907 net new jobs, worked to lower high crime rates, helped in the rehabilitation of 91 historic structures, and experienced $4,269,970 in public investment and $49,943,503 in private investment.

In addition, On Broadway, Inc. has become a visionary developer—a complex role for a small nonprofit to play. In 2007, the organization purchased the vacant 22-acre Larsen Canning Co. site and is developing it into a mixed-use community, both through rehabilitation and new construction. This project will add eight blocks to the downtown and upon completion has the potential to add $100 million to the city’s tax roles. On top of that, the project is a contender for LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

On Broadway, Inc., has been using the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Four-Point Approach®--a comprehensive preservation-based economic revitalization strategy. What was once a dilapidated part of Green Bay has become the leader of historic preservation in the city, as well as a trendy destination for shopping and entertainment.

“On Broadway, Inc., is a true innovator. Faced with high crime and nuisance businesses, the organization proved that having a vision and the support of the community can completely transform a neighborhood,” said Doug Loescher, the director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “This Main Street program has become a model for other communities to follow for sustainability.”

A national jury composed of previous award winners, community development professionals, representatives from government and foundations, and journalists who are active in community economic development and historic preservation evaluated the semifinalists and selected the five winners.

GAMSA winners demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts based on the following selection criteria:
• Active involvement of the public and private sectors;
• Broad-based community support for the revitalization effort;
• Quality of achievements over time;
• Innovative solutions to significant problems;
• Commitment to historic preservation;
• Evolving track record of successful commercial district revitalization;
• Comprehensive revitalization effort: activity in all four points of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization;
• Economic impact of the revitalization program; and
• Successful small business development.

The five winners receive national recognition for their excellence, a bronze plaque, and certificate commemorating the award, and GAMSA road signs as entrance markers to their award-winning commercial districts.

The four other GAMSA recipients include Federal Hill Main Streets in Baltimore; El Dorado Main Street in Arkansas; Downtown Livermore, Inc., in Livermore California; and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc., in Delaware.

The National Main Streets Conference is the premier conference on preservation-based commercial district revitalization and an annual showcase of best practices, tools, and great ideas to create dynamic, livable places. National experts and practitioners in preservation-based commercial district revitalization convened in Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton from March 1-4, 2009. The 2009 National Trust Main Streets Conference is hosted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Illinois Main Street, in partnership with the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and AT&T.


PUBLIC: To register, or for more information about the 2009 National Main Streets Conference, please visit www.mainstreet.org/conference, or call 202-588-6219.

Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their traditional historic commercial districts. The Main Street Center leads the preservation-based community revitalization movement and has proven that historic preservation and community-driven economic development effects lasting change. Currently active in more than 1,200 downtowns and neighborhood business districts, Main Street programs have generated more than $44.9 billion in new investment since 1980. Participating communities have created 370,514 net new jobs, 82,909 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 199,519 buildings, leveraging an average of $25 in new investment for every dollar spent on Main Street initiatives. For more information about the Main Street program and its widespread successes over the years, visit www.mainstreet.org.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.

Partners in Education Youth Apprenticeship Program Applications

Partners in Education Youth Apprenticeship Program Applications Being Accepted

The Partners in Education (PIE) Youth Apprenticeship Program is entering its 15th year working with high school students and area businesses and industries to grow our future workforce. The class of 2011 is currently completing the applications, with a due date of March 2, 2009. Applications should be submitted to the school to work coordinator in their district.

“It is exciting to know there are more than 200 high school sophomores exploring the opportunities Youth Apprenticeship offers them. In times of economic hardship, students are looking to their future and wanting to get a head-start on their careers, “said Melinda Pollen, Youth Apprenticeship program manager at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “Despite businesses operating in a lean fashion, the truth of the matter is that, in five years or so, our baby boomers will be eligible for retirement. These students, the ones that are in high school, taking post-secondary classes at NWTC, and receiving hands-on training in our community, can help to fill the gaps we will have in most every industry, from auto to welding to information technology to health care and engineering.”

There are currently 72 high school juniors and seniors working at 49 businesses throughout the Greater Green Bay Area. There are 20 additional students, taking classes at NWTC, for whom we are looking for worksites. If your business is interested in learning more about the Youth Apprenticeship Program, or would like to get involved, please contact Melinda Pollen (593-3407; mpollen@titletown.org) or Nancy Schopf (593-3413; schopf@titletown.org).

The Education and Leadership department includes programs such as Partners in Education (PIE), Leadership Green Bay and Current Young Professionals. PIE’s most prominent programs include the Golden Apple Awards, Brown County Teen Leadership, Youth Apprenticeship, WisCareers, Career Expo and Educators in The Workplace--programs designed to strengthen the economic future of our community.

Established in 1882, the mission of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic and community development. Chamber programs include Advance, Partners in Education, Leadership Green Bay, Brown County Teen Leadership, Current-Young Professionals Network, Good Government Council, the Highway 41 International Development Program, and the Small Business Council.


For more information about the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its programs, call 437-8704 or visit www.titletown.org.