Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

The FREEMAN Brookfield & Elm Grove THIS MONTH INSIDE DECEMBER 2013 COVER TO COVER Some holiday book suggestions By Josh Perttunen Freeman Staff 3B Sightless, deaf baby unites family 5B Barbara Eash antiques column 6B Calendar of events 4A PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WAUKESHA, WI PERMIT NO. 3 Central senior wins state championship BROOKFIELD – The gift of a book is timeless, said Mary Habib, a children's librarian with the Brookfield Public Library . But readers don't need to wait until the calendar says so to open their hearts to the holiday spirit. "Coming to the library is like being a kid in the candy store," she said. "It's all free and patrons can take home what they want. A book is something you can take your time with. You can notice the beautiful details in the artwork. You can build and use your imagination." Habib shared just some of the titles that are in the holiday rotation at her library The selections . are a combination of classic tales that have been re-illustrated and original stories with a familiar message. Hello, Brookfield & Elm Grove! Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Jingle off the page Holiday books at Barnes & Noble in the Brookfield Square Mall. Thumpety-thump-thump, thumpety-thump-thump. It's been more than 60 years and the story of "Frosty the Snowman" is still going strong. In the latest version of the tale, Kenny Loggins performs songs that complement a picture book illustrated by pastels artist Wade Zahares. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is another song that lends itself to beautiful images. Almost every holiday, artists try their hand at depicting the 12 drummers, 11 pipers, 10 lords, nine ladies, eight maids, seven swans, six geese, five rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. The latest effort is written and illustrated by Susan Jeffers, who is no stranger to holiday tales. She also wrote and illustrated "The Nutcracker" six years ago. Quentin Blake adds a splash of color and whimsy to a recent interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol." "'The Polar Express' is also a favorite," Habib said. "Patrons ask for it every year." For the grown-ups, adult services librarian Nan Champe said she is a fan of John Grisham's 2001 holiday story "Skipping Christmas," which was adapted three years later into the movie "Christmas with the Kranks." See BOOKS, PAGE 2A 234001001 UNIQUE JEWELRY and GIFTS Visit the River's End Gallery for gifts from local and recognized master artists. You'll find original art to fit your style. Original Art / Accents / Gifts Home Décor / Home & Business Design Service Studio Glass Art • Original Paintings • Jewelry • Sculpture • Crystaline Now 2 Locations! Village Court – 890 Elm Grove Road., Elm Grove 380 W. Main Street, Waukesha Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm Village Court – 890 Elm Grove Road., Elm Grove 262-780-1191 380 W. Main Street, Waukesha 262-896-8875 235296002 A variety of holiday books available at the Brookfield Public Library. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaukeshaFreeman Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WaukeshaFreeman ADMIRATION FOR AN AMERICAN VETERAN BY COMFORT KEEPERS Word of Mouth A friend of Mike's had his own medical problems and had tried on home care service after another and was very dissatisfied until he tried Comfort Keepers. He spoke so highly of his care that when Mike needed help to remain at home, he remembered his friends referral and called Comfort Keepers for himself. Mike has had strokes, heart attacks, and amputations over time. He has endured long stays in hospitals & nursing homes but he is always grateful to be able to be in his home. Not only did Mike serve honorably in the Army, his career spanned 30 years at AT&T. Mike just returned home from another month in the hospital and his positive attitude for being alive is evident when he states "it could be worse." What a spirit of gratitude! Mike says "he loves his Debra and Comfort Keepers ability to increase or lower hours according to his needs and his budget. Mike's daughter lives 100 miles away. She has peace of mind now that she has seen firsthand how good Comfort Keepers is and is totally at ease knowing her dad is being well cared for. Mike has had to adapt to his need as an amputee and he is able to function with the help of Comfort Keepers. Mike is an inspiration to Comfort Keepers as to how we should live our life and appreciate all our blessings. Thanks Mike for serving our country! Why Comfort Keepers? Comfort Keepers' creed "to treat each and every client as if they are a family member," best matched local Comfort Keeper's franchise Shar Meller's own philosophy and Christian values. According to Shar, each caregiver has been screened, bonded, insured and trained with credit, motor vehicle and criminal background checks performed. Bonding insurance gives their clients peace of mind and takes away the fear of having a new person enter the home. Want to make a difference in a senior's life? Become a Caregiver - Call Comfort Keepers TODAY! Mike and his Comfort Keeper Debra Comfort Keepers Ranked #1 in Senior Care! Comfort Keepers, a Sodexo Brand, has more than 700 national owners. In 2013, the company was ranked as the #1 franchise network in the Senior Care Segment by Entrepreneur Magazine. There are 15 Comfort Keepers' franchise owners in Wisconsin who work together as a team on a day-to-day basis to make a difference in the lives of seniors and those who are disabled. Caregivers, like Debra, are screened, bonded and insured with credit, motor vehicle and criminal background checks. Interactive caregivers, like Debra, are Comfort Keepers' best asset, and along with its continuous training program, are the reason Comfort Keepers has built the reputation it has. Personal care services include: incontinence care, bathing, overseeing medications, meals, transferring and Hoyer Lift. Comfort Keepers also specializes in legal live-in care, Alzheimer's care, respite care and interactive caregiving. Choose up to 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. Comfort Keepers' creed is to "Treat each and every client as if they are our own family member." Serving Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. 414-858-9400 www.comfortkeepers.com Ranked the Top Senior Care Agency in America Open 7 days a week – Mon.-Thurs. 11am- 6pm; Fri. 11am-7:30pm; Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. Noon-4pm RSVP@RiversEndGallery.com • WWW.RiversEndGallery.com Brookfield & Elm Grove This Month is free and will arrive in your mail the first week of each month. In each month's edition we will take an in-depth look at an issue, person or other story in the community. We will also provide other important information such as community activities and updates on local stories. We encourage you to subscribe to the daily Freeman for coverage of Brookfield, Elm Grove and the rest of our area. To subscribe, to reach one of the editors with story ideas or for photo reprints, call 542-2500. We hope you enjoy this month's edition. – Freeman editors 235519061 "Keeping the Comforts of Home"

• Cover