The Westown neighborhood received a great addition in March when Kincaids opened its doors at 1110 North Old World Third Street, the former home of the Third Street Pier.

The seafood restaurant and chophouse, which is based out of Seattle,  offers an array of lunch and dinner entrées with a beautiful view of the Milwaukee River.

Earlier this month, Westown was invited to participate in a friendly competition against East Town in a "Fish, Cheese, and Brat Throwdown" event, which was held to promote the restaurant's grand opening. Representing Westown was Board President Mike Kenney, Vice President Joan Bartels-Farrell, Treasurer Steve Costello, Officer Keith Cameron from the Milwaukee Police Department, Mike Kleber from Towne Investments, Inc., Jeff Sherman from OnMilwaukee.com, Cornelius Holt from Connections Tickets, Westown Staff--Stacie Callies and Ashley Schmitt, and Milwaukee Bucks' Mascot, Bango the Buck.  Each team lined up gauntlet style and threw fish, cheese, and brats back and forth. Westown took home the gold at the competition, along with a $3,000 prize donation from Kincaids. To read Jeff Sherman's recap of the event on OnMilwaukee.com, click here or watch the Youtube video here.

Westown is excited to welcome this restaurant as a new member!

Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library Named Among Top 10 in US

Noted author and National Public Radio book commentator Nancy Pearl named Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library as one of her favorite public libraries in the United States. Her comments, reported by Tim Smight, posted to the USA Today website on March 6, 2008:

"This grand old library, built in 1898, displays French and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. Several additions help comprise the block-long building that stands today. "Two things that make a visit here most unforgettable are the grand staircase and the domed rotunda that separates the building's east and west wings," Pearl says. "The library has all the bells and whistles that today's modern users expect, yet it still gives the impression of being a cherished old friend."

"I am pleased and proud that Nancy Pearl chose our Central Library to include on her very exclusive list of favorites," said MPL Library Director Paula Kiely. "Of course, we at MPL couldn't agree more with her, and extend an invitation to Nancy to come back soon for a visit."

"Milwaukee has one of the greatest library systems in the country," said Mayor Tom Barrett. "Our Central library is a beautiful architectural landmark and serves as the gateway to resources, information and entertainment for residents throughout the region. I invite you to discover – or re-discover – our Central Library over and over again."

Visitors to Central Library may take a tour of the 1898 building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. The library is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, October through April.

For a complete list of Nancy Pearl's favorite public libraries, click here.

The Westown Association is announcing a thrilling lineup for the return of River Flicks in 2008! Downtown Milwaukee's only free outdoor movie series kicks off on Friday, August 1st at dusk (approx. 8:15pm) and will be the first four Fridays in August at Pere Marquette Park on Old World Third Street, between State and Kilbourn.

The Westown Association is once again offering family-friendly entertainment this summer by presenting movies of a G and PG rating. Movie-goers can enjoy the show on a 40-foot movie screen with surround sound in the park.

August 1st: Wizard of Oz (1939) Rated G
Starring: Jundy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr

August 8th: Bee Movie (2007) Rated PG
Voices by: Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Renee Zellweger, Kathy Bates
 
August 15th: Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) Rated G
Cast: Art Carney, Dabney Coleman, Gregory Hines, Joan Rivers

August 22nd: The Goonies (1985) Rated PG
Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen

Movies start at dusk and pre-show entertainment begins at 7pm. Bring a blanket or a chair, and leave the rest to us.