April is here. The recent snow and cold will give way to warmer spring weather soon! Please be extra careful of pedestrians and bicyclists as everyone begins to enjoy outdoor activities. 

Village staff and the Board have been meeting with We Energies to review the impact and steps forward resulting from the January snow event. Thank you to residents who took the time to express their concerns to Trustees and in writing. Representatives of We Energies attended the March Committee of the Whole (“COW”) meeting and reviewed projects being launched over the next two years to improve the performance and redundancy of the electrical grid and tree trimming within the Village. The Board expressed the frustration residents experienced during the January outage and more recent outages and the need for improved and accurate communication and updates related to outages. Key takeaways from the meeting include:

• We Energies will provide an update to the Board every six months, at a minimum, on the overall progress on projects and tree trimming activities.
• We Energies will provide an assessment of the electrical equipment age versus expected useful life and review impact.
• We Energies is reviewing their outage reporting and communication across their service region to make improvements.
• Increased awareness of the need to follow through on resident requests for tree trimming.
• Village staff will report to the Board all outages monthly, including reasons and corrective actions taken.

To facilitate this process, I ask residents to review the electrical lines and power poles on their property and send pictures via e-mail to the Village. The Board is seeking to document and expedite actions, as well as provide visual documentation to the Public Service Commission, to increase the pace of improvements. 

Finally, residents can help facilitate We Energies projects by allowing contractors timely access to their property. Additionally, as construction projects commence, there may be a need for new or modified easements on your property as power lines are buried. Please work with the We Energies outsourced service provider to complete this process timely. 

Please express your interest to serve as a volunteer committee member using the online form available on the Village’s website here to participate in guiding the direction of the Village. Appointments are made to various Committees each spring.

The Sustainability Committee is bringing focus to outdoor lighting and will be sharing best practices over the coming months. As a reminder responsible outdoor lighting encompasses lighting that is useful, targeted, low level, controlled and warm colored. Separately, the Birders of the Grove are keen to help our feathered friends during the spring migration. One way residents can help is to participate in Elm Grove's "Lights Out" initiative. This voluntary program encourages residents to dim or turn off non-essential outdoor lighting during the peak migration period of April 15-May 15 (and again in the Fall). See our Birds & Lights webpage for more ideas. Dark skies are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and migration patterns.

Finally, Third Space Brewing presented a proposal to extend the partnership for the beer garden in the park at the March COW meeting. There is mutual interest to continue the partnership and discussions will continue. 

Let’s welcome spring and get outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather!

President Koleski

Caroline Heights/Watermain Update

Watermain construction will commence in April on the water loop connecting the existing watermain back to Wauwatosa. After completion of the water loop, lateral installation will commence. For weekly updates, please continue to refer to the Village website for updated information on the project here.

Notice letters have been sent to all properties in the area where construction will be occurring to finalize the loop with details about the process and a preliminary timeline. Notice Letters will also be sent to property owners who have elected to connect to the system.

Highland Drive North Pedestrian Pathway

The Public Works/Utility Committee reviewed the bids received from contractors for the pathway project. After thoughtful discussion, the Committee recommended to the Village Board approval of C. W. Purpero, Inc. for this project. The Village Board of Trustees then voted to accept the recommendation of the Public Works/Utility Committee and approve the bid submitted by C.W. Purpero. Village staff and engineers continue to work with the railroad and other regulators to finalize the permits and design documents.

The Board is aware of the need to limit the disruption to local traffic as these projects commence. Visit the Village website here to see up-to-date documents.

Department of Public Works Seasonal Brush Pick-Up to Begin in April

The Village Public Works Department picks up brush on a scheduled basis three times a year. Beginning the week of April 15, Area 1 will be picked up followed by Area 2 and Area 3 in the following two weeks. Area 4 will be picked up the week of May 6. Refer to this map to determine your area number and pick-up schedule.

Remember to place your brush on the roadside by the Sunday night preceding your pick-up week and remember to stack brush piles in piles 6' in length or less. Please also remember to separate any logs from the brush pile and keep them 3' in length or less.

We Energies Grid Hardening

Many things can cause a power outage, including vehicle accidents, severe weather, wildlife and vegetation. More than a quarter of outages are the result of fallen trees or limbs, or trees growing into power lines. 

Severe weather, coupled with the emerald ash borer crisis that is killing trees across Wisconsin, has caused more frequent power outages from tree contact than We Energies has experienced in the past.

Due to the growing population of emerald ash borer beetles, many trees outside of the company’s normal trim zone are falling, causing outages and damaging distribution equipment. The crisis affects not only ash trees — many other dead trees have fallen and caused outages, as well. 

Many customers do not realize they are responsible for trees on their property. We Energies recommends property owners start spring yardwork by surveying their trees, looking for dangling branches and anything that appears unhealthy. Next, they should take note of the power lines near their homes. If any limbs or branches are within 10 feet of the primary lines, they should contact We Energies at 800-242-9137.

If property owners need help removing trees, We Energies can help by making the area safe for a private tree contractor to perform the necessary work. Customers can contact the We Energies for a tree inspection, and the forester will let them know what type of assistance, if any, is needed to safely remove a tree.

We Energies also is implementing solutions to strengthen and improve its grid, which includes: 

• Trimming trees on private property that are too close to distribution equipment.
• Installing cutting-edge technology that identifies outages and redirects power.
• Burying miles of power lines. 

In addition, in 2023, We Energies started a 10-year storm-hardening plan, approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, to speed up the company’s grid-strengthening efforts, including burying even more power lines.

We Energies 2024 System Improvement Projects in the Village of Elm Grove

The enclosed map shows the location of upcoming We Energies system improvement projects planned in the village of Elm Grove. We Energies will update property owners throughout the construction process to ensure they are aware of any service impacts. During the final planning stages, all customers within the project boundaries will receive a series of letters in the weeks before construction. These letters will:

• Provide a general project description and include a We Energies representative to contact with questions.
• Inform property owners of how their property may be affected by this work.
• Prepare customers for any necessary natural gas service interruption. If natural gas service will be interrupted, a We Energies representative will contact the customer in person to coordinate service interruption details.
• Describe property owner responsibilities to locate and mark private utilities.

These letters will always include contact information for the project. Please reach out to them at any time when you have questions about the information included in the letter. Representatives for We Energies will be happy to talk through the project with you and/or make a site visit.

We Energies maintains a 24-hour customer service phone line for residential service. Call 800-242-9137 with any inquiries.

Protect Our Stormwater!

Consider planting native plants this year! They offer numerous benefits, including improved infiltration, natural pest resistance, and reduced water needs. Native plants’ deep root systems act as nature’s filtration system, trapping and absorbing pollutants before they reach out water sources. This natural process significantly reduces the harmful chemicals that can contaminate our streams, rivers, and lakes. This is because unlike non-native counterparts, native plants thrive without the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

By eliminating these harmful substances from our gardening practices, we prevent them from leaching into our waterways during heavy rains, preserving our freshwater ecosystem! To learn more about native plants and how to protect our shared water resources, visit the Respect Our Waters website here. 

See details on the Village Beautification Committee's tree, shrub, and plant sales here.

Be a part of the new pier in Village Park!

If you would like to be a part of the newly installed pier near the northeast corner of the pond, please consider donating to complete the fundraising efforts! We are excited for this new amenity for residents to enjoy!

Donations can be made via cash, check or credit card at Village Hall or by credit card online here and selecting "Donate to Village Pond Pier".

Join us for the Annual Clean-Up of Underwood Creek

Would you or your children like to get involved in keeping Elm Grove a beautiful place? We could use your help with our annual clean-up of Underwood Creek at the Village Park on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. - noon! This effort is part of the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Adopt A River Program, in conjunction with the Elm Grove Beautification Committee. Anyone who owns waders and is comfortable entering the stream is encouraged to do so, but entering the stream is not required. At 11:45 a.m. there will be a group photo of everyone at the Park entrance.

The small creek that runs through the Village is part of the Milwaukee River basin. The entire basin is being restored to a natural state and Salmon have already been spotted just south of Sendiks! If we can do our part by removing litter and plastic debris it will greatly contribute to a healthy, thriving ecosystem not only in the park but in the entire Village.

Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. Most of the cleanup will be along the shore of the creek and in the Park. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Register before April 4, 2024 to receive a FREE Milwaukee River Keeper t-shirt on clean-up day! Please be sure to choose your t-shirt size on page two of the web form. Anyone under 18 will have to have a parent or guardian sign up for them. Sign up here!

For more information contact John Schindler at 414-630-3230.

Elm Grove Earth & Arbor Day Events Brought to You by Elm Grove Beautification Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Elm Grove Green Team on April 27, 2024

Remember to attend the expanded Earth Care Fair on April 27, 2024! For the fourth year in a row, we will have a celebration at the Elm Grove Park with a kids tree climb, 31 vendors, food & drink, live music and more, with an indoor option in case of inclement weather. And start the day off right by dropping off allowable items at the Recycling Event at Tonawanda Elementary from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., also on the 27th. A list of acceptable items is included on the flyer and ranges from electronics to home goods to bicycles - save the date and hope to see you there!

A Message from the Beautification Committee

Invasive Species Task Force

Can YOU help Elm Grove bring home the SEWISC (Southeast WI Invasive Species Consortium) traveling trophy for the 2024 Pull-a-thon? Either reach out to join in our fun-loving Invasive Species Task Force that meets once per week for just one hour or submit your own totals on our easy Google form: 2024 Elm Grove Pull-a-thon. Together we can make our community better! Our weekly meet-ups will likely start on April 7, 2024 - get on the email list to be included!

Birders of the Grove

Did you know there is a group of bird loving village residents that meet every other month to help work on bird conservation within our community and help support Elm Grove's Bird City Wisconsin High Flyer status? The next meeting is Monday, May 20, at 9:00 a.m. in the Park View Room of Village Hall. No time to join us, but you want to help do your part? Partake in our first Lights Out Elm Grove initiative! Watch our feathered friends' migration at BirdCast and know that you're making a difference!

Plant Sales

The Beautification Committee has three separate sales for you to choose from this year - don't be afraid to choose all three! If you have questions about any of them, do not hesitate to reach out! More information available on the village website here.

A Message from the Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee has created a simple one-page guide for recycling. We hope you find it useful and an easy reference for your household.

Clothes Dryer Safety

Doing Laundry is most likely part of an everyday routine. Did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.

FACT – The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.

• Have the dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove the lint that has collected around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
• Make sure air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
• At least once a year, clean lint out if the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryer in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
• Clothes that have come into contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry, then can be washed and dried as usual.

For further information, go to www.nfpa.org/education.

Musician David Landau

Friday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.

Young children will enjoy this blend of silly jokes, active songs and familiar music. Kids of all ages and their caregivers are welcome. Recommended for ages 2-7. Come celebrate National Library Week!

Old Family Photos in the Digital Age

Wednesday, April 17, 1:00 p.m. 

Learn options for scanning photo prints and slides into digital picture files for sharing and other uses. Topics include workflow, how to get and stay organized, and how to back up your pictures onto other storage devices, whether you have a computer or not. Information on computer use is for Windows PC computers. Presented by C.T. Kruger. 

Death Defying Acts: The History of the Circus

Monday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. 

Barnum may be the biggest name, but he was only a small part of the story. Join storyteller William Pack on a fantastical journey through the history of the circus, from Phil Astley's creation of the modern circus in 1768 to Dan Rice, "the most famous man you've never heard of" to the incredible feud between Barnum and the Ringling Brothers. You'll hear stories of triumph, disaster, and the grand adventure of the traveling circus. Experience the story of those who gave their lives to show business and became legends in the process.

2024 Elm Grove Junior Guild Scholarship Essay Contest 

The 2024 Elm Grove Junior Guild Scholarship Essay Contest is open to all high school seniors who meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Graduate high school in June 2024
2. Reside in the Elmbrook School District -or- attend Brookfield Central or Brookfield East High School

Essay topic: Discuss how you have been a leader in your community. What have you learned and how will you use that knowledge in your future communities?

Two awards will be presented – $2,000 and $500.

IT IS THE FINAL DAYS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS! Applications are due Monday, April 8, 2024. Check out the essay application here for further instructions.

Memorial Day Parade 

Please join us on Monday, May 27, 2024 for the annual Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade!

The application for community members is now open -- please visit our website.

We look forward to celebrating our veterans on this 2024 Memorial Day - Grateful Hearts on Display!

Tonawanda Elementary

Tonawanda Elementary was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, March 13th, as parents, teachers, and students gathered in the cafeteria and later, at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, for a mesmerizing musical performance titled "Summer Camp" This enchanting production was the culmination of weeks of hard work, dedication, and artistic collaboration among the young talents of Tonawanda Elementary. The musical was directed by Victoria Vorpagel and Chorus directed by Tonawanda Music Teacher, Emilee Deck. 

Pilgrim Park Battle of the Books Wins State Championship

The Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) recently hosted the statewide Battle of the Books (BOTB) competition, and Pilgrim Park Middle School tied De Pere for first place, taking home the coveted state championship title! PPMS was one of 166 middle school teams from across Wisconsin to participate and was represented by students Ellie Grogan, Evelyn Roush, Lilly Meyer, Siddarth Vasudevan, and alternate Akshara Alwala at the state tournament.

“These students continued to push themselves and support each other, and I’m so proud of how far the team has come since we started in October,” reflected PPMS Library Lead & BOTB Advisor Kim Liepert. “We had over 30 students on the team this season and they all pushed their team to be their best.”



The statewide Battle of the Books program is designed to promote a love of reading among students by encouraging them to read a variety of books and remember information about the plots, characters, and settings of the books. Congratulations to all the student readers on your great work in the competition!

Brookfield East Student Advances to International German Olympiad Competition

Brookfield East High School sophomore, Avery Lauenstein, who won the second round of the International German Olympiad on Saturday, March 2. After advancing to the national round, Avery beat the top 15 German students in the country at a tournament in Chicago.

“Avery is an outstanding student and consistently shows her determination, motivation, and dedication both in the classroom and beyond,” said Kelsie Pattillo-Miller, BEHS World Languages Teacher. “Avery represents the best of Elmbrook school and academic excellence.”

Avery will represent the United States in the international competition this July in Göttingen, Germany, where she will work with and compete against high school students from 75 countries. Her trip will be fully funded by the Goethe Institute. Congratulations to Avery and best of luck on the world stage! You can see Avery in action at the Chicago event in a video here.

Elmbrook Historical Society Annual Dinner

Western Racquet Club

1800 Highland Drive, Elm Grove, WI 53122

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

A cash bar will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by dinner and a speaker, Emeritus Professor Kurt Dietrich from Ripon University, will talk about Wisconsin Jazz musicians. He is a retired jazz trombonist. His latest book is about The Life of Al Jarreau.

The ticket price for members is $45.00 and $50.00 for non-members. Tickets include dinner, beverage (coffee, water, tea) and gratuity.

See our website for more information here. 

Reservations and prepayment required by April 10, 2024.