Fox Valley events give charities a boost

Rock 4 Wishes concert - Kasey Steinbrinck post-crescent article — Rock for Wishes

Written for The Post-Crescent March 25, 2010

A trio of entertainment events taking place this weekend will allow you to have fun and feel good about yourself at the same time. If you want to rock, tempt your taste buds or laugh the day away, you can do it while supporting important local causes.

Rock for Wishes

The Make-a-Wish Foundation will get a helping hand from seven local bands playing a benefit concert at The Wave Ballroom in Grand Chute this Saturday.

Rock for Wishes got its start three years ago when members of the band Hindsight approached Brad Christenson about helping to organize an event that would allow local musicians to give back to the community.

“Make-a-Wish was kind of skeptical that first year,” Christenson admits. But Rock for Wishes has been successful. The event raised more than $8,000 last year, and there are high hopes for 2010.

“We think we’re going to have an even better year than last year,” Christenson said.

Those who arrange and perform in the fundraiser each year found out how their hard work has made a difference. Money raised in 2009 helped build a gazebo for a boy with a rare skin condition who was unable to leave his home.

“It still felt like he was going outside but he was able to protect himself from the sun and wind,” Christenson said.

Christenson thinks Rock for Wishes has a solid musical lineup this year with Wavelength opening things up at 4:40 p.m. and the bands Verona Grove, Lesson Learned and Half Empty taking the stage between 10 p.m. and 1:40 a.m. Since it is an all-ages show, there will be games and entertainment for children starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at The Wave and are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Visit http://www.rockforwishes.org for more information.

Flanagan’s Beer and Wine Festival

This Saturday marks the 20th year that Appleton business owner Pat Flanagan has hosted a beer and wine tasting in the Fox Valley. With more than 100 brews and dozens of wines to sample, the event is sure to present even the most sophisticated palette with something new to savor.

“You walk in the door and it’s like a kid in a candy store for beer and wine lovers,” Flanagan said.

The festival started after Flanagan’s father passed away in 1990. Jim Flanagan used to hold a St. Patrick’s Day parade around this time every year. Instead, Pat decided to hold a beer and wine festival each spring to honor his father.

In the past, Flanagan chose a few charities to help. Now he distributes funds raised at the festival throughout the year because of the number of requests for assistance he receives.

A few of the charities the event has benefited include March of Dimes, United Way and Habitat for Humanity. The festival’s Web site indicates more than $800,000 has been distributed to 37 non-profit organizations over the past 20 years.

Flanagan says if you want to learn more about beer and wine, there’s no method more effective than tasting it for yourself. As owner of Flanagan’s Wine Review and Flanagan’s Stop and Shop liquor store on College Avenue in Appleton, he knows a thing or two about the products.

“I learned more from tasting the wine in two months than I did in two years reading beer and wine magazines,” Flanagan said.

There will be brewery and winery representatives available to answer questions along with people from area cheese factories. You can find out what cheese pairs best with certain beers and wines. New at the festival this year is a gourmet soda section with designated drivers in mind.

Flanagan’s Beer and Wine Festival takes place at Grand Meridian, 2621 N. Oneida St., Appleton, from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit http://www.flanagansbeerfest.com for more information.

28-Hour Marathon of Comedy

Starting Friday at 7:30 p.m., the folks at ComedyCity in De Pere will try to keep the laughs going for more than an entire day. It’s all to benefit The Angel Fund and Families of Children with Cancer.

ComedyCity co-operations manager John Egan said some members of the improv troupe take shifts while others try to last the event’s full 28 hours.

“It’s just a constant adrenaline rush; you don’t realize it,” Egan said. “It comes kind of natural to most of us.”

Last year the event raised more than $5,000. “But our overall goal is a million dollars,” Egan joked.

Some members of ComedyCity will collect pledges for every hour they can continue to perform. Money also will be raised through a raffle that includes Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers tickets as well as autographed Green Bay Packers items.

“Actually, we’ve got a Brett Favre jersey this year. We’ll see how that one goes,” Egan said.

You can purchase raffle tickets by visiting http://www.comedycityonline.com or buy them at the event. ComedyCity will hold its usual 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. shows as part of the 28-hour Comedy Marathon. It all takes place inside their new home at The Sports Corner, 500 Grant St., De Pere. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Egan said these performances will actually be theme shows. Look for ComedyCity’s version of March Madness, “Survivor” and “The Apprentice.”

Admission is free if you stop by any other time during the marathon, but you are asked to make a donation or purchase raffle tickets.

Governor Jim Doyle won’t seek third term, but still has goals to accomplish

Written for Examiner.com August 17, 2009 – View Original Article Online

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle confirmed reports he would not seek a third term. He announced at his Monday morning news conference in Madison he thinks limiting his service to two terms is a “national norm” that “serves a good purpose.”

“But I am not going to go Brett Favre on you. I am announcing my decision now to allow other candidates to step forward and get going.” Doyle’s reference to Green Bay’s indecisive quarterback got a laugh from those in attendance.

The two-term Democrat kept his thanks to family, staff and supporters somewhat brief. He said today’s announcement was not for emotional goodbyes. Doyle made it clear he intends to complete his current term, and seemed to rebuke the idea that he would become a ‘lame duck.’

Doyle expressed the belief that by not running in 2010 he would be able to focus on governing rather than a reelection campaign. The Governor said he feels a lot can be accomplished in his final year-and-a-half in office. This could become a reality considering both the State Senate and Assembly have a Democratic majority. The party could decide to push through legislation for Doyle’s approval, seeing that it’s possible a Republican candidate could win the gubernatorial election in 2010.

Doyle touted some of what he called his major accomplishments in recent months. They included the state’s smoking ban, renewable energy plans, and partnership rights for same sex couples. Some have pointed to Doyle’s falling approval rating as a reason why he may be unwilling to run in 2010. This morning, Doyle told reporters it was too early to tell if that would have been a factor, and added he thought he would have run a good campaign.

As for his future, Governor Doyle said he still hasn’t made up his mind. However, he told reporters he informed the Obama administration he wants to stay in Wisconsin. There had been speculation Doyle could receive some sort of position with President Obama’s cabinet. Doyle also said he would have liked to delay today’s announcement until January, but realized that could negatively affect Democratic candidates and their campaigns.

Names on the short list for the Democratic gubernatorial ticket in 2010 include Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton of Green Bay, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett is recovering in a Milwaukee hospital after getting injured when stepping into a fight to help a woman at the state fair this weekend. Meantime, Milwaukee police say the man accused of hitting Barrett with a pipe has been arrested. No Democratic candidates have officially announced their candidacy. However, Lt. Governor Lawton told the Associated Press in March of 2008 she would consider running in 2010 if Doyle decided not to seek a third term.

Two prominent Republicans have already entered the race; Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumann of Nashotah. Both spoke out about Doyle’s decision before the announcement this morning. The Republicans talked over the phone with WTAQ’s Jerry Bader on his morning radio program in Green Bay.

LU honors filmmaker for documentary on Liberia’s unsung heroes

Pray the Devil Back to Hell poster

Written for The Post-Crescent March 15, 2010

The documentary film “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” illustrates how ordinary people can cause incredible change when they band together. Abigail Disney, the producer behind the award-winning film, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Lawrence University on Thursday.

“Pray the Devil Back to Hell” tells the story of how a group of Liberian women helped end a bloody civil war through prayer, peaceful protest and pure determination.

During the war between the forces of president Charles Taylor and the rebel group that opposed him, both sides committed horrific acts against the people of Liberia. Thousands were displaced and fled their homes to refugee camps because of the violence. Many others were raped or had limbs amputated. Young boys were used as soldiers and fed addictive drugs to coerce them into service. It’s estimated 300,000 people died during the two civil wars from 1989 to 2003.

Disney and director Gini Reticker made it their mission to make a film showing how the war came to an end. The story is told through the voices of the women who pressured the warring factions to finally hold peace talks.

Abigail Disney interviewed by writer Kasey Steinbrinck for Post-Crescent — Producer Abigail Disney

“It just amazed me that I had never heard of it before,” said Disney of what the women accomplished. “Right in front of my eyes, I could see it being forgotten.”

She learned about the bravery of the women while visiting Liberia in support of the nation’s current and first female president, Ellen Sirleaf. Sirleaf’s election was also aided by the actions of the Liberian women.

Disney is the grandniece of Walt Disney and has dedicated much of her life to philanthropic work. That includes work with the Roy Disney Family Foundation and the Global Fund for Women, and she is president of the Daphne Foundation in New York City.

“She came to our attention principally because of the film, which had received a lot of critical acclaim,” Lawrence professor of government Claudena Skran said.

“Pray the Devil Back to Hell” has won numerous awards, including best documentary at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival in 2008. It was also featured on the PBS program, “The Bill Moyers Journal,” last year.

LU held several screenings of the film throughout January. The final showing will take place in the Warch Campus Center cinema at 1 p.m. Thursday. It will be followed by a Q&A session with Disney. Before the screening, Disney will receive her honorary degree and deliver a convocation titled “Peace is Loud” at 11:10 a.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel.

“I’ve heard very positive reactions from students,” Skran said. “I think the students were very interested in learning about that region and about the role of this group in ending the war.”

The leader of that group of women was social worker Leymah Gbowee. Disney describes Gbowee as a middle class woman who’s life went downhill during Liberia’s civil war.

In the film, Gbowee says she had a dream in which she was commissioned to gather the women of her church together to work for peace. She started a movement involving hundreds of women who lined the street the former president traveled every morning.

Wearing white T-shirts and holding signs with peace slogans, the women would stand and sing by the road day after day. Eventually, Gbowee took a delegation of women to peace talks in Ghana. The women used their numbers to barricade leaders inside.

“It stunned me how courageous these women had been,” Disney said. She also saw courage in the women when it came to dealing with religion in Liberia. While the movement began in a Christian church, Muslim women also were a part of the protests from the beginning. Muslims and Christians stood side-by-side in prayer, focusing on their shared goal for peace and forgiveness.

Both Disney and LU’s Skran hope “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” will inspire those who see it.

“On one level I think it shows that individual groups can make a difference in politics,” said Skran, who has spent time in both Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone. “Secondly … people in the United States have a lot to learn from the courageous political activities taking place in other countries.”

“People have really felt charged up and ready to try something,” Disney said. “Whether it’s picking up litter on the sidewalk or helping an old lady cross the street or something more heroic like protesting a war.”

McCain Palin Campaign Stop (TV News Package)

McCain Palin Kasey Steinbrinck TV news package script

Written for WLUK FOX 11 – September 5, 2008

MICHELLE

MCCAIN AND HIS RUNNING MATE, ALASKA GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN, CHOSE THE MILWAUKEE SUBURB OF CEDARBURG FOR THEIR FIRST BIG PUSH FOR VOTES. SUPPORTERS CAME OUT TO SEE THE SO-CALLED “STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS” IN DROVES…

TAKE PKG

NATS Please welcome Gov. Sarah Palin, Mrs Cindy McCain, and the next president of the United States, John McCain.

THE MCCAIN PALIN TICKET CAME TO CEDARBURG RIDING HIGH ON THE EXCITEMENT OF THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION, AND THE NOMINATION OF JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT. HIS RUNNING MATE – SARAH PALIN -CALLED THE MILWAUKEE SUBURB THE RIGHT CHOICE TO KICK THINGS OFF.

Palin:( 21:05:35) So it fits that we came right from that convention to small town America.

BOTH REPUBLICANS HAD HIGH PRAISES FOR THE OTHER. PALIN PUSHED McCAIN’S REPUTATION IN THE SENATE — WHILE HE EXPRESSED EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE SURPRISE RUNNING MATE CHOICE HE WANTS TO SEE BECOME THE FIRST FEMALE VICE PRESIDENT.

McCain:( 21:17:02) And I’m happy to be introduced by her, and I can’t wait to introduce her to Washington, D.C.

Palin:(21:12:58) John McCain doesn’t run with the Washington herd, and that’s only one reason to put the “maverick of the senate: in the White House.

THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE TOUCHED ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES FROM HIS THURSDAY NIGHT SPEECH AT THE CONVENTION — INCLUDING COMPARING HIS POLICIES AND SENATE EXPERIENCE TO BARACK OBAMA’S.

THE ARIZONA SENATOR TOLD SUPPORTERS THAT THE NATION WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH WHAT HE CALLED TOUGH TIMES.

McCain:(21:23:37) My friends, Americans are ambitious by nature, It’s tough and it’s hard. We’ve faced challenges before. We can do this, and we will do this, and don’t believe those who tell you that we can’t.

McCain:(21:25:21) I’ve reached out my hand to those on the other side of the aisle to work for a common good. Senator Obama never has.

BUT OBAMA CAMPAIGN ADVISERS SAY THE DEMOCRAT HAS PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE, AND WILL BRING NATIONAL UNITY.

GIBBS: Barack Obama has the judgment and the temperament and the skill to bring this country together and to work across party lines because he’s done it in every job he’s had.

THE REPUBLICAN TICKET TRIED TO PROMOTE OPTIMISM AND CHANGE WHILE SPEAKING TO A CROWD OF MORE THAN ONE-THOUSAND PEOPLE IN THE STREETS.

THE ARIZONA SENATOR TOLD SUPPORTERS THAT THE NATION WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH WHAT HE CALLED TOUGH TIMES.

END PKG