YOUR INPUT WANTED – In the next few weeks there will be volunteers knocking on your door and asking you to answer some survey questions about neighborhood concerns. Please give them your feedback – this is part of the process to create a new five-year plan for federal Community Development Block Grant funding. In addition, please mark your calendar for a community meeting on Wed, April 8, 6-8 pm at Gordon Park Pavilion. We will be participating in an additional survey process at that time. Let’s be heard!

MAD CITY CHICKENS – A sometimes wacky, sometimes serious look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From experts and authors to a rescued landfill chicken or an inexperienced family that takes the poultry plunge even a mad scientist and giant hen get into the act - it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom. Don’t miss it or [insert your own corny joke about egg on your face here]. Wed, April 22, 7:30 pm, Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden, 1855 N Commerce St. FREE!  -

THE TEMPLES OF NADIR – This original, locally produced play about race and solidarity will have its debut at Milwaukee’s Alchemist Theatre. Written and directed by Eric Theis, the show runs from Thu-Sat, April 16-May 2. Tickets are $15 every night except April 16 which is “Pay What You Can” night. Tickets available at bayviewlounge.com (go to Events Calendar). Also see the ad on page 7. FOR YOUR LIBRARY – The Selma of the North, by Patrick Jones, tells the story of the civil rights movement in Milwaukee from 1958 to 1970, focusing on the open housing campaign in 1967 led by Father Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council and Commandos. Ask for it at one of your local bookstores, like Woodland Pattern on Locust Street west of the River, Peoples Books on Locust Street east of the River, or Boswell Books (formerly Schwartz Books) on Downer.

STIMULATE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD – At the Center Street Business Walk on Sun, May 31. Neighbors who want to buy local, save the date and look for more info in the May Currents. If you make or sell goods and would like a space on the street, contact Ruth Weill at 414.350.2107 or ruthweill@ gmail.com.

NEWEST DUET – Josh Rauen, of the Denny Rauen guitar family, just had their second set of twins. Pam and Denny are proud to introduce their newest grandbabies: big brother Hunter Adam and one minute younger Savannah May!

LOSS OF A FRIEND – Longtime Riverwest resident Thomas Hawes, age 56, died of pneumonia on March 16. Even though he lived at 2556 N Weil, he always called the Uptowner his “living room.” Fittingly, a memorial service was held there March 25. He is survived by one daughter, Kayla.

CHILDREN AND FOOD ALLERGIES: FACT AND FICTION – COA will host a nurse practitioner specializing in food allergies in children on Tue, April 14 at 10:00am in the Family Center. No fee. Questions? Call Kris at the Riverwest Health Initiative at 414.263.8383, x139.