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Ava Carmody

Multimedia Journalist, Traveler, Philanthropist

My Articles

Media Milwaukee •

Leonard Foster Missing: Beyond the Frame; 30 Years Gone

The winter of 1994 was especially brutal, with what was described as the 1994 North American cold wave occurring over the Midwestern and Eastern regions of the United States. When 20-year-old Leonard Demarcus Foster went missing that winter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, became colder.

Friends and family called him Mark – referencing his middle name, Demarcus. He was last seen on Dec, 17, 1993, nearly three decades ago. But recollecting on that winter, with mountains of snow covering the streets of Mi...
Media Milwaukee •

UW-Milwaukee Planetarium: Indigenous Star Stories and Language Revitalization

What do we see when we look up at the night sky? Do we automatically remember the stories and voices of the past? These stories speak of traditions, adventure, and lessons that Indigenous cultures have passed down for generations. The stories of the stars and the languages that share them are precious, not only for the sharing of education now but for that of future generations.

On the evening of November 15th, UW-Milwaukee’s Manfred Olson Planetarium hosted Indigenous Voices, a light show feat
Shepherd Express •

Fifth Annual Feminist Flea Market at UWM’s Entrepreneurial Center

Celeste Carroll, also known as Celeste Bernadette, stands by her booth with handcrafted star earrings, stickers, and brightly colored prints on display. Her neon green patterned bellbottoms highlight the big yellow flower earrings hanging from her red hair; she perfectly matches her artwork displays. A degree in graphic design and a lifelong love for creative play brought her to the December 1 Feminist Flea Market in the UW-Milwaukee Lubar Entrepreneurship & Welcome Center, promoting her small b
Shepherd Express •

Champions of Magic Coming to the Marcus PAC

Experience live entertainment like never before with Champions of Magic—a show full of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects delivered by an ensemble of world-renounced original magicians. They are coming to Milwaukee for the first time, Jan. 13-14 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center

Champions of Magic started in the U.K. in 2013. Described by the press as “The Avengers of Magic,” the show features family-friendly, spectacular magic that can’t be seen anywhere else. They include
Shepherd Express •

Life of Country Star Loretta Lynn Celebrated Through New Comic Biography

On Oct. 5, TidalWave Comics published Female Force: Loretta Lynn, a 22-page debut comic biography written by Wisconsin author Ryan McCall with art by Martin Gimenez. The graphic novel follows the life of award-winning country singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn, focusing on her rise to wild success and her fight to get there.

TidalWave Comics publishes a comic line called “Female Force” that features trailblazing women in history. The print publishes creative comic biographies on outstanding and
Shepherd Express •

Local Talent Showcased at Shorewood Artists Guild’s Annual Show

The 2nd Annual Shorewood Artists Guild Show, “Art at the Atrium 2,” will highlight the work of more than a dozen talented artists. Photography, drawings and paintings, playful sculpture, elegant oils and multimedia pieces will be on display. Visual pieces made by nationally and locally recognized Shorewood artists, with all works curated for professional quality and craftsmanship.

In 2018, the Shorewood Artists Guild was founded out of a sense of community. According to Sangeeta Patel, one of t
Shepherd Express •

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule for 2022-2023 Season

Families with children who need sensory accommodations can experience the joy of inclusive theater through this season at First Stage’s Sensory Friendly Performances. These performances will feature a welcoming environment including modified lighting and sound, accommodating house rules, smaller audience size, and available quiet areas staffed by educators experienced with the care of students with autism and other developmental differences.

First Stage also offers an opportunity to see the act
Shepherd Express •

Milwaukee’s Palermo’s Surfer Boy Pizza Competes for ‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin’

Palermo’s Pizza in Milwaukee has partnered with Netflix and Walmart to bring Surfer Boy Pizza, from hit Netflix Show “Stranger Things,” to the shelves. Launched in May of this year, it has seen wild success. So much so that Palermo’s Pizza has entered the product into the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Contest.

When thinking about entering The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Contest, John Leonardo, Palermo’s director of marketing said, “We thought it was a no-brainer entering it in the contest
Shepherd Express •

Landmark Lanes Celebrates 95 Years of Serving Milwaukee’s Finest

A comedy show, movie-screening, game night and pizza party will all be rolled into one week-long celebration in the honor of East Side gem, Landmark Lanes. The historic bar-bowling alley is marking its 95th anniversary.

Nightly events will be held at Landmark from Sept. 26 through Sept. 30. The venue is called “The Underground City” for good reason, as it’s home to a 16-lane bowling alley, 10 pool tables, three separate bars, darts, a music venue and a bunch of retro arcade games. There’s plent
Media Milwaukee •

Finals Season and Therapy Dogs: Pets Helping People Visits UWM

With students bracing for finals, a moment away from the crinkling of papers and clicking of pens is necessary for the wellness of many. Pets Helping People, a Milwaukee organization that brings and provides training for therapy dogs around Southeast Wisconsin, visited the UW-Milwaukee campus to alleviate stress for students during finals season.

On the evening of December 4th, a line of students grew outside of UW-Milwaukee’s conference center. The conference center is located in the Student U