Entries Tagged 'Downtown Kenosha' ↓

by Colleen Kappeler

When people first think of downtown Kenosha, professional acting training may not be what comes to mind! What a blessing for Kenosha, and surrounding areas, that a well-trained coach settled and began work here. From the upstairs of the Pollard Gallery on most afternoons you can hear the echoes of children’s voices. What sounds like play (and I know from experience they love it as much as play) is really acting training in progress. Maureen Cashin Bolog, who uses the Chubbuck Technique to train actors of all ages, specializes in more than just getting work for actors. She creates new life experiences and a new approach to life.
The Chubbuck Technique teaches “actors to use the obstacles in life, not to spiral down into despair, but to propel themselves up to WIN their objectives,” Bolog explains. She is repeatedly told that her Acting Technique class is “life changing.” Adults and children who have taken this class apply their new knowledge and abilities to films, commercials, competitions and scholarship awards. Even those who do not aspire to acting learn self-confidence as well as how to be creative, funny, and interesting people. “Learning to act well requires a person to open up to experiencing life more fully,” Bolog explains. She’s had people drive from as far as four hours away to attend weekly classes with her. Being in the middle of Milwaukee and Chicago, which both offer acting opportunities, serves her well.
As for Bolog she loves what she does and is passionate about – something that everyone who knows her can see for themselves. “I think being an acting coach is my calling. It’s something I decided I wanted to do in 1987. I am passionate about it.” Bolog moved to Los Angeles for six years to study acting and continues to return to California to train with Ivana Chubbuck, who works with Academy Award winning actors. “I want my actors’ skills to be competitive with those successful actors on the coasts,” she says.
Downtown Kenosha offered not only a good location between two major cities, but was affordable and welcoming for Bolog. “I love being in the Pollard Gallery loft….Judy Rossow, Milt Smith, and the volunteers of the Rhode truly serve the community with creating opportunities for artists and people who want to experience the arts.” Being self-employed, working downtown added another dimension to her business as well,

“I feel part of a team of people who care about the arts and care about Kenosha.”

Whether you, your children, or someone you know is interested in pursuing acting or in gaining any number of skills (like self-confidence and pubic speaking), Actor’s Craft offers what you need. In an encouraging, enthusiastic, and energizing atmosphere, Bolog helps people move forward into confidence, no matter their choice in careers.

Picture courtesy of Joe Barr

by Colleen Kappeler

Bella Ancora, such a catchy little name for this adorable boutique. In you walk and see gorgeous brick walls, a tin ceiling and wood floors. All refinished. You look around and see everything from elegant dishware to adorable handmade bows for little girls’ hair. As you begin searching the store for that unique item that just fits your personality, you feel two tiny arms wrap around your legs and look down to see the littlest shopkeeper in Kenosha – twenty-month-old Aurelia!

Not only will Aurelia hand out hugs to unsuspecting shoppers, but she’ll babble her “hellos” and light conversation as you shop. Need an opinion on what colors little girls are into? Ask Aurelia. Need something special for a friend’s newborn? Ask Aurelia. She’s her mother’s little helper, and biggest gift.

Only eighteen months ago, when Aurelia was two months old, her mother, Tina, got the opportunity to buy Bella Ancora. When her husband asked if she could handle a baby and a business she simply said, “I don’t know. I never had a baby or a business before.” Owning a boutique was a dream Tina had if her acting career didn’t take off. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Breast feeding while handling customers was no piece of cake, nor is Aurelia’s increasing milestones like walking around and getting into everything. From it all Aurelia has learned to be comfortable with people and Tina gets to spend these early years with her daughter by her side. “Trying to regulate meals and snacks, bottles and diaper changes, and the occasional temper tantrum all while the public is roaming around is enough to long for daycare occasionally. I would be lying if I said different.” But bringing Aurelia to work is both a choice and necessity. Day care is too expensive in the end, and it’s hard to imagine not “giving each other hugs” all day long. “I hope Aurelia realizes that the decision to bring her to work is for both of us. I WANT to be with her. We are lucky that I can do it.”

Dear Readers,

After contributing to past issues, I’m proud to be involved in the re-launch of this magazine. My family has deep roots in Kenosha, going back to when the city was still in its infancy. Although well over a century has passed since then, one thing has remained throughout the generations: the passion to create a thriving community. For an example of this in action, you needn’t go much further than the downtown, harborside and Union Park areas of Kenosha. So many local organizations, artists, business owners, residents and others continue to work tirelessly to continue to transform this idea into a reality. While not all have long histories in the city, a spirit of collaboration often ties together life-long and newer residents, and the more recent result has been an exciting revitalization in these areas.
Whether it’s business owners who greet you by name each time you visit or residents who take an initiative to create positive
change, the community is being enriched in myriad ways. Of course, there’s still work ahead. But it’s important to appreciate
and enjoy the progress that’s already been made. Stroll along the lake, stop for lunch or a cup of coffee, and visit the
local shops. Enjoy any of the events that local organizations support, or take in the art at a gallery. I could go on, but honestly,
it’s more fun to explore for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re a resident or visitor–bundle up against the chill, head on
out and enjoy!

–Lisa Adamowicz Kless

Winter Edition of the Downtown Magazine
Click HERE to download a pdf file of the magazine, or click any of the following links to read the articles in this issue.

• What Can We Do? A 3/50 Overview
• A Family Affair—True Confessions . . .
• Downtown Memories . . .
• WHAT’S THIS CAT’S STORY?
• Romancing Kenosha
• A Guide to Downtown Kenosha Bloody Marys . . .
• All I want for Christmas . . . Can Be Found in Downtown Kenosha
• Theatre, Dance, Art & More :: Classes For Children . . .