April/May/June 2005

© Dept. of Public Works, City of Milwaukee

It’s Official! City of

Milwaukee Beats

Guinness Book of

World Records for

Longest Line of

Cans!

The City of Milwaukee hasbeen recorded in theGuinness Book of World

Records for the longest continu-ous line of aluminum cans.Official word from theGuinness Book of WorldRecords was received on March15, 2005. The record attemptwas made as part of the “Cansfor Cash” contest the City hadentered into sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors andNovelis, Inc. in November, 2004.

On Saturday, November 13,2004 at one of the City’s

Mayor Barrett, DPW Accepts $10,000

for National Recycling Contest

Mayor Tom Barrett, DPWCommissioner Jeff Mantes,Environmental Services

Superintendent Preston Cole, andRecycling Specialist Mary Bengschwere present on March 15th toreceive a $10,000 check for winningthe U.S. Conference of Mayorsand Novelis, Inc. sponsored“Cans for Cash” contest. Thiswas the first year for the contest.

The City of Milwaukee wontwo categories of the contest,each worth $5,000 — the city that col-lected the most aluminum cans duringthe two-week contest, and the city thatuses the most innovative ideas to pro-mote recycling. Milwaukee competed inthe top division of the competition,which was for cities with populations of250,000 or larger. The final tally for cancollection was 559,977 cans or 280 tonscollected from November 2–15, 2004.

“It is an honor to win the inauguralCans for Cash Contest,” said MayorBarrett. “This contest was the first steptowards launching Milwaukee’s 2005recycling efforts, and the $10,000 grantis going to be used towards citywiderecycling education and promotion.”

Activities used to increase recyclingduring the competition included analuminum can education and collectionprogram with Milwaukee PublicSchools elementary schools, and anattempt to break the Guinness WorldRecords for the longest line of aluminum

cans. Additionally, specially labeled“Cans for Cash” recycling containerswere located throughout the city.

Ms. Judy Sheahan, ExecutiveEnvironment Policy Director for the U.S.Conference of Mayors, was on hand tocongratulate the City of Milwaukee forwinning the contest, and Ms. BrendaPulley, Vice President, CorporateCommunications and Affairs, Novelis,Inc., presented the over-sized check toMayor Barrett.

Recycling remains a top priority forthe City of Milwaukee and theEnvironmental Services Division.During the past few years, recyclingparticipation has been slowly eroding.Steps have been taken to reverse thetrend in 2005 by implementing newrecycling programs initiatives. Since thebeginning of the year, overall aluminumrecycling numbers are about 350 tonsabove the same period last year.

U.S. Conference of Mayors

honored the City for its

innovative campaign

Mayor Tom Barrett places the last can onthe line to create the “world’s longestcontinuous line of aluminum cans.”

(Left to right) Preston Cole, Environmental Services Superintendent,Brenda Pulley, Vice President, Corporate Communications andAffairs, Novelis, Inc., Jeff Mantes, Commissioner, DPW, JudySheahan, Executive Environment Policy Director for the U.S.Conference of Mayors, Mayor Tom Barrett and Mary Bengsch,Recycling Specialist pose with over-sized $10,000 check. The City ofMilwaukee won in both divisions of the Can for Cash contest.

Continued on back page Continued on page three

2

DO

n Tuesday, April 12, 2005, MayorTom Barrett honored Milwaukeenative Colonel Robert J.

Modrzejewski by renaming theCleveland Avenue Playground toModrzejewski Playground. The mayorwas joined by Modrzejewski’s family,friends, and members of the WisconsinChapter of Vietnam Veterans, thePolish American Congress, MilwaukeePublic Schools Recreation Division,Department of Public Works Buildings& Fleet Division and many others towitness the dedication. The play-ground is located at 1020 WestCleveland Avenue, near the neighbor-hood he grew up in.

Robert Joseph Modrzejewski wasborn (July 3, 1934) and raised inMilwaukee. He began his military careerwith the United States Marine Corpswhen he was 23 years old. He foughtin the Vietnam War and rose to theranks of Colonel. On March 12, 1968,during a ceremony at the White House,President Lyndon B. Johnson presentedthe Congressional Medal of Honor toRobert Modrzejewski “for conspicuousgallantry and intrepidity at the risk ofhis life above and beyond the call ofduty”, during Operations Hastings.

Colonel Modrzejewski spent mostof his early childhood living on thesouthside of Milwaukee. Much of hisspare time was spent at the play-ground near his house playing baseballand basketball. In his speech at thededication, the Colonel spoke of thedays when a portion of the playgroundwas flooded during the winter and theneighborhood kids would skate there.He also learned how to swim atCleveland playground.

The Colonel received his Medal ofHonor for his participation inOperation Hastings. Over a three-dayperiod, July 15–18, 1966, in an enemyinfested jungle area, his companyestablished a blocking position at amajor enemy trail network. Right afterlanding, his company encountered areinforced enemy platoon in a wellorganized defensive position. ThenMajor Modrzejewski led his men in thesuccessful seizure of the enemy pla-toon which contained large quantitiesof ammunition and supplies. Thatevening, a numerically superior enemyforce counterattacked in an effort toretake the vital supply area, thus set-ting the pattern of activity for the next2.5 days. The enemy assaulted thecompany in overwhelming numbers,but each time was repulsed by the

Marines. The second night, enemystruck in battalion strength, and majorModrzejewski was wounded. Althoughexposed to enemy fire, and despite hispainful wounds, he crawled 200 metersto provide critically needed ammunitionto an exposed element of his commandand was constantly present whereverthe fighting was heaviest. Thisoccurred despite numerous casualties,a dwindling supply of ammunition,and the knowledge that they weresurrounded. The then Major skillfullydirected artillery fire to within a fewmeters of his position and courageouslyinspired the efforts of his company inrepelling the aggressive enemy attack.His unit also withstood another majorattack although they were vastly out-numbered and weakened by the previ-ously fighting. Major Modrzejewskireorganized his men and calmlymoved among them to encourage anddirect their efforts to heroic limits.

During his speech at the dedication,Colonel Modrzejewski said that he wasnot a hero, that he was just doing hisjob like all the other members of thearmed services, and like those who areserving today.

“Colonel Modrzejewski sets anexample of athletics, outdoor recreation,and patriotism that we can all follow,”said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Through hismilitary career and dedication, he hasdefended our country and our freedom.Modrzejewski Playground will serve asa reminder of his accomplishments.”

Mayor Tom Barrett, Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewskiand his nephew Kevin Bilello. Kevin Bilello wasinstrumental in getting the name of the playgroundchanged for his uncle.

Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewski stands underneaththe sign of the playground rededicated in his honor.The playground is one block through a neighbor’syard from his original home in Milwaukee.

Colonel Modrzejewski signed autographs for the crowdof veterans, family, friends and fans that attended theceremony. Colonel Modrzejewski retired after serving30 years in the Marines. He then taught ReserveOfficers Training Corps (ROTC) and physical educa-tion for seven years. The Colonel and his wife Diane, arenow enjoying their retirement in San Diego, California.Colonel Modrzejewski is Secretary on the Board ofDirectors for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Mayor Barrett Dedicates Playground to

Colonel Robert J. ModrzejewskiFirst Wisconsinite to Receive Medal of Honor for Vietnam War

Mayor Tom Barrett was joined byother elected officials and dig-nitaries at the Center for

Veterans Issues, Ltd., 3330 West WellsStreet, in celebration of Arbor Day,April 29, 2005. This year’s Arbor Dayprogram was a dedication ceremonyhonoring Thomas H. Wynn Sr., co-founder of the Center for VeteransIssues, which opened VETS PlaceCentral in 1992.

In addition to the tree dedication,there was an “honoring of the land”performance by the IndianCommunity School and a performanceby the Texas Bufkin Academy choir. AVETS Place Central veteran performeda poetry reading.

VETS Place Centralprovides holistic servicesand transitional housingfor up to 75 veterans.Through their “VeteransUnited for CommunityService Program,” veteransand community membersunite to provide volunteerservices to the community.VUCS brings veterans andthe community together,united around the issues ofhomelessness, youth, andthe elderly while focusingon the training andempowerment of all return-ing veterans.

Also attending theArbor Day program werePresident of the CommonCouncil Willie Hines,Alderman Robert Bauman,and Sheriff David Clarke.Thomas H. Wynn Jr., putsome of his father’s ashesaround the small tree sothat as it grew his fatherwould become a part of it.His son, Thomas H. WynnIII helped to plant the tree.

2005 marks the fortiethconsecutive year that the

City of Milwaukeehas celebrated ArborDay at area schoolsand facilities, and forthe twenty sixthyear, Milwaukee hasreceived nationalrecognition as a“Tree City-USA” bythe National ArborDay Foundation.Tree plantings andceremonies tookplace in each of the15 aldermanic dis-tricts in celebrationof Arbor Day.

3

Mayor Tom Barrett addresses the crowd at one of the 40th Annual Arbor DayPrograms at a tree dedication in honor of Thomas H. Wynn, co-founder of VetsPlace Central. Several neighborhood school children attended the event, as wellas members of Thomas Wynn’s family, friends, other veterans’ groups andcommunity organizers.

Young men from the Indian Community School perform an “honor-ing of the land” ceremony as part of the City's 40th Arbor Day cele-bration.

Thomas Wynn III helps to plant the tree dedicated in his grandfather’s honor.

Mayor Tom Barrett Participates in 40th Annual Arbor Day Program

Tree Dedication to Honor Thomas H. Wynn Sr., Co- Founder of VETS Place CentralD

garages, located on 30th and RubyStreet, 59 volunteers gathered to lineup aluminum cans to beat the previousrecord, which had stood at 27,378.Volunteers lined up cans for 2.5 hourson tape that had been placed on thefloor. The event was videotaped forverification and two independentsources had to sign papers as witness-es of the event. The total amount ofcans lined up was 33,952 cans or 1.35miles. Mayor Tom Barrett placed thelast can on the line, which had beensigned by volunteers.

More than a hundred stations acrossthe country, including ESPN Zone, car-ried spots heralding Milwaukee’saccomplishment.

Guinness Book of RecordsContinued from front page

Tape was put on the floor of the empty garage toform a line for the cans to be placed.

Printed on recycled paper.

In the Works is published quarterly by the City of Milwaukee, Department of Public Works

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Administration DivisionNew HiresTheresa M. Allen, Accounting Assistant II, ParkingJeffrey J. Darling, Parking Meter Technician, ParkingPromotionsArlanda M. Freeman, Personnel Payroll Assistant IIRichard S. Jensen, Communications Assistant III, ParkingMaureen S. Vargo, Communications Assistant III, ParkingStephanie D. Washington, Communications Assistant III,

ParkingTharics S. Winters, Communications Assistant III, Parking

Infrastructure Services DivisionNew HiresKarrin A.Farrenkopf, Office Assistant I, UndergroundSergio W. Heredia, Engineering Technician I, ConstructionDemetrius D. LeFlore, Engineering Technician I,

UndergroundNoah P. Olejniczak, Engineering Drafting Technician I,

UndergroundPaul J. Ristau, Engineering Technician I, ConstructionPromotionsWillie J. Croom, Laborer, Electrical ServicesDebra J. Gross, Electrical ServicesRicardo G. Hernandez, Electrical Mechanic, Electrical ServicesAnthony J. Kotecki, Civil Engineer II, UndergroundThomas J. Landre, Civil Engineer III, TransportationJohn Loftus III, Civil Engineer II, TransportationDennis J. Miller, Electrical Services Manager-Senior,

Electrical ServicesFrank G. Pero, Laborer, Electrical ServicesTerrence J. Slama, Engineering Drafting Technician II,

TransportationMark A. Wynn, Laborer, Electrical ServicesRetirementsWayne J. Blaszczyk, Cement Finisher, Streets & BridgesRobert Gallo, Bridge Laborer Crew Leader, Streets & BridgesAnthony G. Sardina, Street Repair Supervisor, Streets &

Bridges

Operations DivisionNew HiresByron D. Butler, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationMichael D. Cintron, Operations Driver/Worker, Sanitation

Aniese, Clay, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationJames L.Connor, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationGentle Dills, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationDavid W. Donohue, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationJoseph P. Harris, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationChristel Hart, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationDonnie Joiner, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationAlan Jones, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationDonald Kustelski, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationPatrick A. Liebsch, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationGerald D. Lierman, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationVincent Lopez Jr., Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationDante L. Nash, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationKenneth Nunnery, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationBobby Philips, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationAbsalom D. Refeld, III, Operations Driver/Worker,

SanitationKurt A. Sherwin, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationBrian Singleton, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationAndre Starks, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationRonald J. Thelaner, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationPromotionsKirk L. Black, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationTracey L. Phillips, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationEdward L. Roundtree, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationMichael T. Strehlow, Operations Driver/Worker, SanitationChristopher A. Taylor, Operations Driver/Worker,

SanitationGina A. Santiago, Accounting Assistant II, AdministrationRetirementMichael Cyrulik, Sanitation Supervisor, SanitationAlvin Godfrey, Security Guard, FacilitiesThomas W. Strankowski, Field Service Mechanic

Milwaukee Water WorksPromotionsRichard L. Geldon, Water meter Technician IIGary K. Gibson, Water Distribution ManagerBen Glatzel, Water Distribution SupervisorDorothy J. Triplett, Water Distribution LaborerRetirementJohn F. Wensierski, Water Distribution Laborer

PEOPLE IN THE WORKS

National Recycling ContestContinued from front page

According to the Aluminum Association, aWashington based trade group, aluminum is themost valuable material in the household recyclingbin. Last year nearly $1 billion was paid forrecyclable aluminum beverage cans, yet nearly 50percent of all aluminum cans produced were notrecycled.