Tag: peanut butter and jelly

A VITAL COMMUNITY

Time is one thing that always moves on. In the photo above you see the intersection of the streets of 70th and Greenfield in the city of West Allis taken in the early 1900s. The Bank is still there. It is now BMO Harris, not First National. It also doesn’t look nearly as cool though. The building that says Schurs was for a moment a diner called Skelly’s that served delicious greasy breakfast. I recall walking in there and always smelling eggs and toast. The street lights also look a great deal different.

Some people may lament over the passing of time and the changes it creates. Not only is this a fools endeavor, as the only thing constant is change, but it robs us of a chance to focus on some of the positives. Yes, the bank looked far more impressive to me in the picture above than it does now, but it also has a little seating area it didn’t have before. I sure love little places that you can stop and get breakfast and would have loved to go to Skelly’s with Margie. What is there now is a nice place called Urban Joe’s. Not only do they serve wonderful breakfast and great coffee, they do so with a smile.

2 great local businesses

It certainly doesn’t do us harm to fondly remember the businesses of yesteryear, but let us celebrate and support the businesses of today. We may not have a Shur’s or Skelly’s anymore, but we do have plenty of other amazing businesses. We have Peanut Butter and Jelly Deli where you can explore the crazy possibilities of creating things with… you guessed it peanut butter and jelly! Trust me when I tell you that you will be in for some delicious surprises. There are also great gyms like Peak Physique where you can learn everything from kickboxing to yoga and so much more. Ricky, the owner, is passionate and knowledgeable about fitness and would love to help you.

Supporting local businesses is one way to have a vital and healthy community. What I think is even more important and constructive is to get to know and support your neighbors. There are plenty of fun and exciting ways in which to do this. True, we may never go back to the days of leaving our doors unlocked, but we can make our towns a lot friendlier and safer by connecting with those in our community.

Supporting local businesses and getting to know their owners like Mike from Peanut Butter and Jelly Deli and Ricky from Peak Physique is a good start. I suggest adding connecting with other neighbors through groups on social media such as Facebook and Nextdoor. You can also join local community groups. We have several in my city such as East Allis Association and Women’s Club of West Allis. There are countless others that all represent one possible fun way to get to meet and know your neighbors. Taking classes at your local recreation center is another great way to meet those who live near you. Even simply taking a walk through the neighborhood can introduce you to a host of new smiling faces.

Everyone wants a safe, strong and vital community. It is up to us to create it. Support local business, get to know your neighbors and join groups that make a difference. Be a part of the solution and you will feel better about the town you live in.

IT IS THE SIMPLE THINGS

This is Margie and I at a new local restaurant called ‘The Peanut Butter and Jelly Deli’. It is exactly what the name implies, a restaurant that serves mainly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I must confess when I heard the concept I thought it a bit foolhardy. After all, you can go you the store and buy all the ingredients to make several sandwiches for under $10. I couldn’t imagine this being a very astute business model.

As I began to look into what the place had to offer I became intrigued. Lots of different nut butters created fresh in house. A literal multitude of jams, jellys and preserves. Flavors ranging from sweet to savory. Even a peanut butter soup!

Margie and I decided to give this a try. As we walked in we were greeted very warmly. Partly because I discovered my good friend Jodi works there, but mostly because that was the atmosphere they worked hard to foster.

The owner was not only very patient, but helpful. After all it is not everyday decisions like if you have to add bacon to your peanut butter and banana sandwich, or the ethical consequences of combining pineapple jelly with cashew butter and bacon. Which me and Margie did respectfully.

The sandwiches were served in a humble pie tin. The were accented with a slice of bread and apple butter both very tasty as well. The decor was simple and almost rustic. A lot of wood, exposed duct work and lots of room. Even the men’s room was clean and comfortable.

There were other items to compliment your meal. Including cupcakes from another local business, cookies and the aforementioned peanut butter soup. I happened to raise an eyebrow when hearing of this dish. The owner, eager to dispel any trepidation, kindly offered us a sample. It was to die for! Who would have guessed? Not me. My only misgiving was the coffee was French roast, which I don’t think should be allowed to be called coffee.

After leaving and reflecting on our day, it occurred to me what made this all work. They were not trying to do something crazy and unique, but do something simple and do it well.

It reminded me of life. Sometimes those of us striving to be great think that involves a grand plan or something new. True greatness can often be found in doing the simple things great and with great love.