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Here's part of a letter I received via email from Milwaukee Brewers Mark Attanasio, Chairman and Principal Owner. It's always good to know that even the peons, like me, get some attention from the "big guys"! Also, it's great to see his commitment to the organization and players like Chris Narveson, grandson of Dodgeville's own Elaine Narveson.
For the first time in my seven seasons as owner, this letter begins with a November date. We played deep into October, and then we all learned firsthand what former Major League Baseball Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti meant when he wrote about baseball: "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart."
Together we have gone from our first .500 season (2005) to our first winning season (2007), to our first playoff appearance (2008), to our first Central Division title (2011) and NLCS appearance (2011). In my 2008 letter, I gave you my commitment to try to make that post season the "first in a lifetime," not a "once in a lifetime" event. I am gratified to have made good on that pledge within three seasons. (Only the Phillies, Yankees and Rays have qualified for more post season appearances in the last four years.) In the movie Field of Dreams, James Earl Jones says that baseball "reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again." There are 106 days until Spring Training. We all will be working hard in the hope that it "could be again" in 2012.
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We have received some publicity on our "Best Of" promotion that we ran recently. Here's something I received from Dave Bigler, Bigler's Cleaning Service of Dodgeville - voted Best Cleaning Service".
Mike: This could only happen in a small town like ours. I read that Bigler Cleaning Services got top honors for Best House Cleaning Service and that Cindy Johnson came in 2nd. I'd like to provide "The Rest of the Story". Cindy Johnson is my sister-in-law (my wife's sister) and has been employed by Bigler Cleaning Services since 1985, so she has been trained by the best. However, she was so well trained that she also has her own cleaning service. So I've found that the best way to control your business competition is to marry into the family and then hire them.
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The Iowa County Humane Society will be holding a silent auction "Fun" raiser at Dodger Bowl Lanes Sunday form 1-3 p.m. There will be a lot of items up for "silent"auction and there will be some fun things like face paining, bake sale, raffle, lunch, etc. all going on at the same time. The Packers don't play until Monday night, so a stop out could net in helping out a good cause and having a good social hour or two also!
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I received word that the Golden Crown Chinese Restaurant will be opening back up on Thursday, November 17 in Dodgeville with a new name - Great Wall Buffet. The buffet will be served every day all day. Oh, you will still find ruth at the helm!
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I had a chat with Ed Hill - Hill's Pub that is at the former Thym's location. He opens at 3 p.m. daily and has some entertainment at certain times.