Franchise Opportunities in Milwaukee, WI

Here are 15 farmers markets across southeastern Wisconsin to check out this summer for produce, entertainment and more.

WISCONSIN — As summer lurches back into our region and the warmth draws us outside, there will be plenty of opportunities to check out farmers markets each week in southeastern Wisconsin.

Fresh produce, handmade foods and music are the hallmarks of markets in the Badger State, with more unique vendors expected at many, like flowers, honey, eggs, body care and meats. Some markets also accept SNAP/EBT or a FoodShare match program.

Some highlights will include: a recurring free vegetable sampling table at Oak Creek's market, a makers market every so often at Greenfield's market, a European style market in Racine, extended seasons at some Milwaukee markets, and more.

Here are 15 farmers markets to check out this season in southeastern Wisconsin:

Oak Creek

Drexel Town Square, 361 W. Town Square Way, Oak CreekMay 14 to Oct. 22Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., GreenfieldEvery Sunday from May to October, closed May 29Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shorewood

Estabrook Park, 4400 N. Estabrook DriveJune 19 to Oct. 30Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

South Milwaukee

1101 Milwaukee Ave., MilwaukeeJune 2 to Oct. 13Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.

New Berlin

15055 W. National Ave., New BerlinEvery Saturday from May to OctoberSaturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monument Square, Main Street between 5th and 6th Streets, RacineStarts June 30, then on the last Thursday of each month, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 294:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Whitefish Bay

Aurora Parking Lot, 325 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish BayJune 11 to Oct. 15Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

West Allis

6501 W. National Ave., West AllisFirst Saturday of May to Saturday after ThanksgivingTuesdays and Thursday 12-6 p.m., Saturdays 1-6 p.m.Closed Thanksgiving day.

Waukesha

St. Paul Street and Madison StreetMay 7 - Oct. 29Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Wauwatosa

7720 Harwood Ave., WauwatosaJune 4 to Oct. 15Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.Sneak peek May 28

Brookfield

Brookfield Central High School, 16900 W. Gebhardt Road, BrookfieldMay 7 to Oct. 29Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Riverwest

2700 N. Pierce St., MilwaukeeJune 5 to Oct. 30, closed July 3Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fondy Market

2200 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee

Early SeasonMay 7 to June 11Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.June 18 to July 2Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Regular SeasonJuly 9 to Oct. 30Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Late SeasonNov. 5-19Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brewery District Farmers Market

925 W. Juneau Ave., MilwaukeeJune 10 to Oct. 28Fridays, 3-6 p.m.

Village Park, N87 W16749 Garfield Drive, Menomonee FallsJune 1 to Oct. 12Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m.July 10 to Sept. 11Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The promotions seek to give back to the community in exchange for free admission to Summerfest, a news release from the festival said.

MILWAUKEE, WI — Summerfest's familiar daily admissions promotions are back for 2022, with numerous ways for people to give back to the community in exchange for free entry to the festival.

In the past three years, 14.5 percent of people attending the festival have done so through an admission promotion, according to a news release from Milwaukee World Festival, Inc, Summerfest's parent company. For 2022, Summerfest is running on three weekends across nine days: June 23-26, June 30-July 2, and July 7-9.

"Whether it is bringing peanut butter on opening day, donating books for kids, or showing your college pride, there's a way to get involved and support the community each day of Summerfest," said Don Smiley, the president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc, in the news release.

Many big names like American country singer Jason Aldean, pop artist Justin Beiber, influential rapper Lil Wayne and rock icon Rod Stewart will play different nights at the American Family Amphitheater, the festival said, with many other artists scheduled to perform at ground stages across the festival.

Most shows can be seen with a general admission ticket, while bigger names may require an additional ticket.

Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day With FOX 6 MilwaukeeJune 23, 12-3 p.m.

People who arrive between 12-3 p.m. can donate at least two jars of peanut butter for a free ticket that is valid during the time and day of the donation.

People can also visit http://www.hungertaskforce.org/Summerfest until June 10 to donate $10 to Hunger Task Force in exchange for an offer code for 1 free ticket valid on June 23 between 12-3 p.m. The tickets can be redeemed online at the Summerfest Store.

Lou Malnati's Children's Fest Day with TMJ4 and 99.1 The MixJune 24, 12-3 p.m.

Everyone arriving between 12-3 p.m. will be admitted for free. The day will be filled with family-friendly Children's Fest activities, including Lou Malnati's "Map of Fun" and the "Family Fun Package" drawing.

Briggs & Stratton Mary Lou's Closet Supply DriveJune 25, 12-3 p.m.

This program will help to support Mary Lou's closet, a program that provides hygiene supplies to local youth. The first 1,500 people who arrive between 12-3 p.m. and donate new deodorant, feminine hygiene products or socks, with a minimum total value of $10, will get a free ticket valid on the same day and time.

Throwback Thursday by Pick 'n SaveJune 30, 12-6 p.m.

Admission will be $5 and beverages will be 50 percent off, except for frozen drinks, specialty coffee and smoothies. Pick 'n Save shoppers can earn four tickets for every $50 spent at Pick 'n Save and Metro Market locations until Tuesday. The offer, printed at the bottom of your receipt, can be redeemed at the Summerfest ticket window on June 30, 12-6 p.m.

Generac Military Appreciation DayJuly 1, 12-6 p.m.

Active-duty military personnel and veterans can present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, or a driver's license with veteran classification at a certain turnstile at any gate for free entry along with four family members on July 1 from 12-6 p.m.

Kinship Community Food DayJuly 1, 12-3 p.m.

The first 2000 people who donate three non-perishable food items at the Mid Gate will receive one free ticket valid that day and time. Preferred items include cooking oil and fruit snack packs.

Northwestern Mutual Make A Child Smile DayJuly 2, 12-3 p.m.

The first 2500 people who donate new or gently used children's books with at least a $10 value will get one admission ticket valid that day and time. Early readers for children and picture books are preferred.

Silgan Community Food DriveJuly 7, 12-3 p.m.

The first 2000 people who donate three non-perishable food items during this promotion will receive one free ticket for that day and time. Canned vegetables and fruits would be appreciated.

Direct Supply Seniorfest DayJuly 7, 12-4 p.m.

Everyone who is 60 or older will get a free ticket when they present their ID. Older adults who take advantage of the promotion will also get a voucher for $2 off a food or non-alcoholic beverage purchase of over $10. Wheelchairs will also be provided free of charge during this promotion to older adults.

Show Your College Pride Day With OnMilwaukee, CW18 and My24 MilwaukeeJuly 8, 12-3 p.m.

Everyone who arrives between 12-3 p.m. wearing a shirt or a hat that represents a participating college or university, plus people who present their high school ID, will get one ticket valid the day and time of the promotion. Shirts and hats from these colleges are accepted:

High school students who complete a FAFSA by July 8 will get one free ticket as well during the promotion.

Summerfest Fan Appreciation DayJuly 9, 12-3 p.m.

Everyone who arrives between 12-3 p.m will be able to get in for free. The first 30,000 people who arrive will also get a free ticket for Summerfest 2023.

Summerfest's App From Pepsi

A free ticket valid for Thursdays and Fridays is being offered to the first 10,000 people who download the Summerfest app from Pepsi, limited to one ticket per device.

Summerfeast at Pick 'N Save

You can get two free general admission tickets with the purchase of $25 in participating items when you use your Fresh Perks card at Pick 'n Save and Metro Market stores between May 25 and June 14.

More information is available at PicknSave.com/Summerfest, or Metromarket.net/Summerfest.

To redeem the offer, bring your receipt to the Summerfest ticket windows on any day of the festival.

Versiti Donate Life Drive

Everyone who donates blood during the month of May at a Versity Blood Center mobile drive will get one free general admission ticket.

More information about the many promotions is available on Summerfest's website.

The first of two lunar eclipses in North America, including Wisconsin, may have multiple lunar phenomenons.

WISCONSIN — The lunar eclipse due over Wisconsin on Sunday has the potential of becoming a blood red full flower moon and also a supermoon, depending on who you ask.

The moon will possibly turn blood red during the first of two lunar eclipses this year, according to NASA. This is also a "supermoon" event, an optical illusion where it looks bigger in the night sky.

Stargazers may be on edge watching the weather forecast as the National Weather Service reported a 40 percent chance of rain in the Milwaukee area on Sunday night.

Luckily, the Badger State is close enough to the eastern half of the U.S. that will be able to see the lunar eclipse at every stage, NASA said. South America will be able to see all of the stages, but people in other parts of the U.S. will be able to see totality but not all stages.

This celestial event hasn't been seen over the U.S. since the turn of the decade, AccuWeather reported. The total eclipse may be the top astronomy event of 2022.

Here's what to expect in Wisconsin.

Moonrise over Milwaukee is 7:54 p.m. and the moon will be its fullest at 11:14 p.m., according to Timeanddate.com.

The partial eclipse starts at 9:59 p.m., according to NASA's projection. The face of the moon will get gradually darker until totality peaks at 11:11 p.m. Sunday. Totality will last about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the eclipse is over at 12:55 a.m. Monday The moon will continue to shine until dawn, setting at 5:39 a.m. Monday.

Are you in a region with inclement weather? NASA will livestream the lunar event.

Lunar eclipses only happen during a full moon, when the moon is opposite the sun in its orbit of Earth. In a full moon, the sun fully illuminates the face of the moon. During an eclipse, the entire moon enters the darkest part of Earth's shadow.

In a penumbral eclipse, the moon passes through the outer part of Earth's shadow, only slightly dimming the surface of the moon. In a partial eclipse, the moon enters Earth's darkest shadow, the umbra, causing some of the moon to darken significantly.

"Blood moon" is a descriptive rather than technical astronomical term, though The Old Farmer's Almanac says the phrase is "hyped" and that a fully eclipsed moon is orange, or copper-colored like a penny, but not blood red. The moon's color at totality can also vary depending upon the amount of dust, volcanic ash or other particulate matter in the atmosphere, and because of cloud cover, according to Space.com.

Weather permitting, the lunar eclipse is worth staying up late to watch, even if it isn't a supermoon.

"Supermoon" isn't an astronomical term either, but rather one coined by astrologer Richard Nolle, who calls a full or new moon a supermoon when it is at 90 percent of its closest point, or perigee, to Earth. Under Nolle's definition, four full moons meet supermoon criteria: a new or "stealth" moon on Jan. 14, full moons on June 14 and July 13, and a new moon on Dec. 23.

However, Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist who worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center, uses slightly different criteria. He says the May flower moon is the first of four supermoons in 2022. He also counts the June 14 and July 13 full moons as supermoons. Unlike Nolle, Espenak says the Aug. 12 full moon will be a supermoon (bad news for Perseids meteor shower fans, because the supermoon and the peak of the summertime favorite coincide).

Either way, a supermoon isn't bigger, and it doesn't even look that much bigger in the sky when compared to a normal full moon. While it can look larger when it's close to the horizon, that's due to "the circuitry in your brain," according to Universe Today which explained "it's an optical illusion … so well known that it has its own name: Moon illusion."

Although most often called the full flower moon, the May full moon is also known as the corn planting moon and the milk moon in the United States. In Asia, it is known as the Vesak Festival Moon because it corresponds with Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima, a Buddhist holiday that marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.

The actual date of the Vesak festival depends on the calendar used in different countries and regions, but generally falls on or near the day of the May full moon.

If you miss the eclipse this month, the second 2022 total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8 will be visible across the Americas, Oceania and Asia.

Ascend Talent Strategies, Milwaukee-based Industrial Organizational Consulting Company Adds Staff After Record Year of Double-digit Growth

Ascend Talent Strategies, an industrial organizational consulting company based in Milwaukee, Wis., has named Travis Messmer a business psychologist and consultant for the firm after a record year of double-digit growth for the company.

Messmer graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a double major in marketing and psychology. He received his Master of Science in Applied Psychology from USC. Previously, he was a consultant with Catalyst Strategies, the Los Angeles Fire Department – Air Operations, and an IT recruiter and account manager for TEKsystems. Messmer was also a 11-year U.S. Army veteran, Black Hawk company commander and helicopter pilot, and intelligence officer.

Russ Barcelona, Ph.D., co-founder and business psychologist at Ascend Talent Strategies, said, "Travis signals our growth of our ATS brand and portends the future value proposition to clientele and the communities we serve."

Ascend Talent Strategies was founded by Robert Young, Psy.D., Russell Barcelona, Ph.D., and Julie Unite, Ph.D., to help leaders, organizations, and family businesses, to unlock the power of their employees and potential new talent. From leadership assessment, development and succession planning, to executive coaching and team effectiveness coaching, Ascend's founders utilize their combined experience of over 100 years to provide evidence-based insights into the most challenging and ambiguous people issues.

Travis Messmer said, "Working with Ascend is a dream come true. Ascend has an amazing team of Ph.D. and Psy.D.-level consultants who help make better, data-driven decisions on assessment, selection, and coaching. I'm looking forward to bringing my perspective from my master's in Applied Psychology at USC, years of working in assessment and selection from the perspective of a recruiter, and my experience as a military leader to help other leaders make better, data-driven people decisions to improve the person-organization fit."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The Ascend Talent Strategies business and organizational psychologists dive deep, working collaboratively with clients to help them identify, develop, and lead the most important and misunderstood part of any organization – people. Our consulting team are more than talent experts – they are experts in using talent to generate tangible business results. Whether working with company leaders, teams, organization, and family business, Ascend's professionals can help unlock the power of people and the potential of talent.

For more information, contact Robert Young at 414-888-4287 or by email to [email protected]. Ascend Talent Strategies is located at 735 N. Water Street, Suite 712, Milwaukee, Wis. 53202. Additional information on the company is available at www.ascend-ts.com

Retailers in Wisconsin had to put limits on how much baby formula people can buy amid a national shortage.

WISCONSIN — While federal officials work to address the nationwide baby formula shortage, some retailers in Wisconsin had to limit their sales due to heavy demand. Walgreens, Target and CVS had to limit sales due to a shortage partly due to the Abbott Nutrition recalls of certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formula brands.

Baby formula out-of-stock rates were 43 percent in the beginning of May, up from 40 percent in late April and up from 30 percent in early April, according to analysis firm Datasembly. The firm looked at formula supplies from 11,000 U.S. retailers, including in the Badger State.

Here's what's going on with local retailers in Wisconsin.

Residents experiencing food insecurity can call 211 or look online for their nearest food bank. Click here to search for food banks near you.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it is working to resolve infant formula shortages that started almost a year ago due to supply chain issues. Until supplies can be replenished, parents who can't find formula are urged to work with their local food banks and pediatricians.

Asked about the shortage on Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters the agency was working "around the clock." Psaki highlighted specific steps the agency is taking to address the shortage, including working with manufacturers to increase production, optimize supply lines and increase product sizes. The agency is also trying to make it easier to import formula and is taking steps to increase supply, especially for specialized formula, Psaki said.

The recalled baby formulas were produced in Sturgis, Michigan, at Abbott's largest manufacturing plant, which was shuttered in February due to contamination concerns. Formula produced at the plant was linked to two infant deaths, prompting an investigation by the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recall especially hurt parents who rely on WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), a special supplemental nutrition program. Abbott brands are among those covered by the WIC program, and the company's woes have trickled down to consumers.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf said in a statement on the agency's website that it recognizes consumers "are frustrated" by the shortages and that "ensuring the availability of safe, sole-source nutrition products like infant formula is of the utmost importance to the FDA."

Among the solutions the agency is exploring are streamlining paperwork and opening the door for more baby formula imports.

Pediatricians warn against DIY formulas or watering down formula, which can cause seizures in infants.

"It is a particular worry about parents doing substitutes or trying to stretch the formula out," Dr. Magna Dias, a pediatrician and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine, told NPR last month. "And there's a couple of worries there. One — your baby may not be getting enough nutrition if you're not giving them all the calories that they need.

"And then the other thing is that babies — when they're little, their kidneys are not mature. And for that reason, they need that perfect formulation. Otherwise, it could actually cause them to get very sick and have to come to the hospital."

Pediatricians say breast milk is best for infants, but if that's not an option, formula is the best option.

"For babies who are not being breastfed, this is the only thing they eat," Dr. Steven Abrams, of the University of Texas, Austin, told The Associated Press. "So it has to have all of their nutrition and, furthermore, it needs to be properly prepared so that it's safe for the smallest infants."

Switching brands is OK for most healthy infants, but parents whose babies need specialized formulas should talk to their health care providers before making a change, pediatricians advise.

To address the shortages, Chicago-based Abbott is increasing production at its other manufacturing plants, and is bringing jet loads of formula from its plants in Ireland to the United States.

"Unfortunately, many of those very specialized formulas are only made in the United States at the factory that had the recall, and that's caused a huge problem for a relatively small number of infants," Abrams said.

The FDA said Abbott is still working "to rectify findings related to the processes, procedures and conditions." Other infant formula makers are "meeting or exceeding capacity levels to meet current demand," the agency said.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.