What’s Nu, December 2017 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

What’s Nu, December 2017

Book: Milwaukee native’s harrowing experience

Milwaukee native Myles “Mick” Levine is the subject of a book about his family’s harrowing experience.

“The Levine Project,” a new non-fiction book on an Arizona contractor’s alleged “campaign of terror” against his clients, features Mick as one of the victims.

Mick was born in Wisconsin and graduated in 1965 from John Marshall High School in Milwaukee. He attended University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago.

The book is co-authored by Mick’s wife, Karen Levine. In the book, a contractor’s promise of “a couple of days work” to repair a driveway becomes a nightmare of harassment, destruction of property, terror and attempted murder.

A basic construction job leads to destruction of private property as well as the personal lives and peace of mind for the Tucson residents, according to the book. Acts of personalized domestic terrorism culminate in a terror-filled flight to safety from a toxic cloud that forced the evacuation of an entire neighborhood.

“The Levine Project” is an effort to document Mick and Karen’s struggle against a man focused on a personal vendetta and then a decade-long battle for justice in state and federal courts.

The co-author of the book is Dan Baldwin, the award-winning author, co-author or ghostwriter of more than 60 books. It was published in August by Trafford Publishing in hardback, paperback and ebook formats.

Contract extension for Mark Shapiro

MILWAUKEE – The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center Board of Directors announced that JCC President & Chief Executive Officer Mark Shapiro has signed a contract extension to continue serving as the head of the non-profit, social services agency.

The extension, which goes into effect immediately, ensures that Shapiro will lead the $13 million wellness, education, and community services organization through 2022.

“This is a good day for both the Milwaukee Jewish community and the Jewish Community Center,” said board chairman Jamie Miller in a statement.  “This contract is a testament to Mark’s commitment to our inclusive mission, the exceptional performance of the JCC under his leadership, and the board’s optimism for continued community service in the years ahead.”

“I say every day that I’m blessed to be the president & chief executive officer of the JCC – and today is no exception,” said Shapiro.  “To be a member of this community, entrusted with the resources and obligations to bring this great mission to Milwaukee – and alongside friends and family throughout this community – is among the greatest honors of my life.”

Shapiro was named president & chief executive officer in November of 2014, after serving as executive director. Prior to joining the JCC, Shapiro served as assistant director of JCC Camp Chi in Chicago and owned a small business in the private sector. Shapiro is a member of the Jewish Community Centers of North America’s Board of Directors. He studied psychology at Indiana University and lives in Bayside with his wife and daughters.

Market cuts some kosher items

SHOREWOOD – Some kosher products have been cut from Metro Market in Shorewood due to lower sales, but Mequon Metro Market can be counted on for Roundy’s Supermarkets’ largest kosher selection in the Milwaukee area, according to a Roundy’s spokesman.

“As you may have noticed, we have done some remodeling in our Shorewood store and when we do remodels, we optimize space across all categories within the store,” said James J. Hyland, vice president of communications and public affairs for Roundy’s Supermarkets in an email. “Although we are not eliminating kosher as a category, if certain products had low sales in general, their space got reduced.”

He said the kosher products eliminated in Shorewood had lower sales but that “we are not eliminating kosher as a category in Shorewood.”

Drop point for books and toys

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Jewish Federation is once again a drop-off location for new toys and books for children served by the Milwaukee Child Advocacy Center and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Through December, the collection barrel can be found inside the front door of the Helfaer Community Service Building, 1360 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee. View the wish list and guidlines at https://tinyurl.com/ycgsy3hq. The Child Advocacy Center is recognized as a safe place for children and adolescents who may have been abused.