ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP

Wisconsin Humane Society 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. 414-264-6257 The Wisconsin Humane Society has become so efficient at rehabilitating and finding healthy homes for animals that this year it moved on to more ambitious endeavors. In an unprecedented offensive in the war against puppy mills that brought international attention to their cause, this summer the Humane Society bought out and shut down the Puppy Haven Kennel, the state’s largest and most notorious breeder, and set out to find homes for more than a thousand of the mill’s dogs. I speak from personal experience in saying that those beleaguered dogs are in good hands—this spring I adopted a jovial puppy from the Humane Society, so I’ve seen firsthand the thorough lengths to which it goes to prepare both pet and pet owner for a happy coexistence. (Evan Rytlewski) Runners-up: Companion Animal Resource and Adoption, Happy Endings No Kill Animal Shelter

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Hupy & Abraham, S.C. 100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1100 414-223-4800 When the chips are down, many readers in need of legal aid turn to the firm of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. Renowned for vigorously advocating on behalf of clients from all income levels, H&A is especially beloved by bikers who have been wronged either by inattentive motorists or their own insurance companies. An outstanding corporate citizen as well, the firm supports such noble causes as Second Harvest of Wisconsin, children’s public television, the Milwaukee Urban League and research to fight breast cancer and juvenile diabetes. (Brian Muilenburg) Runners-up Criminal Defense: Alex Flynn, Frank Gimbel Runners-up Personal Injury: Gruber Law Offices, Habush Habush & Rottier

DIVORCE LAWYER

Bruce Peckerman Peckerman & Klein 920 E. Mason St. 414-271-9300 Hopefully you’ll never need to call him. But if you’re on the verge of tossing your spouse’s belongings out the window and changing the locks (or worse), give Bruce Peckerman a call. Shepherd Express readers say you should hire him before your soon-to-be ex does. (Lisa Kaiser) Runners-up: Hupy & Abraham, Gruber Law Offices, Bob Roth/Bonnie Abramoff (tie)

LOCAL ACTIVIST

Molly Rose Mahoney Molly Rose Mahoney is remembered as a tireless advocate for the disadvantaged, whether it was volunteering with homeless and at-risk youth in Milwaukee or working with nuns in Sierra Leone.

Mahoney had a full scholarship at Mount Mary College where, before her death in August, she inspired her fellow classmates with her efforts toward creating a better world. (L.K.) Runners-up: Project Q, Cream City Collectives

LOCAL CHARACTER

John McGivern John McGivern, a nationally known actor, writer and comedian, is the most recognizable figure in Milwaukee theater today. In addition to a number of annual one-man shows, McGivern often appears in full-cast theater productions and does regular monologues for local TV and radio. His work this season includes a holiday-themed one-man show, Winter Tales, at Next Act Theatre. (Russ Bickerstaff)

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR

Aaron Kopec of the Alchemist Theatre The Alchemist Theatre is an ingenious institution: a combination bar/theater that inhabits its dual roles with equal proficiency.

The theater is far and away the most comfortable of its size in the city, with chairs so cozy you could fall asleep in them (if the shows being produced there were not so engaging). Meanwhile, its friendly staff, eclectic décor and smoke-free bar—along with the growing community of actors, writers and musicians who are making The Alchemist their first-stop shop for the arts—contribute to this unique establishment’s ever-present atmosphere of bohemian bonhomie. (Jason Powell) Runners-up: Juanita Cordova, Ward Fowler

MILWAUKEE ALDERPERSON

Nik Kovac Nik Kovac triumphed in a close and closely watched election in April, thanks to tireless campaigning and loyal grassroots supporters. In the short time he has been in office, he is certainly doing a great job to be selected by the Shepherd readership. Kovac has promised to include residents in decisions about development—a hot topic in his East Side and Riverwest district. (L.K.) Runners-up: Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski

MILWAUKEEAN OF THE YEAR

Mark Attanasio Perhaps an indicator of how much the team lifted the spirits and imaginations of the citizenry this summer, our readers picked Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio as Milwaukeean of the Year. Since buying the team in 2004, Attanasio has made many bold (and expensive) moves to transform “The Crew” into a playoff-caliber squad. Far from an absentee proprietor, Attanasio is unafraid to take risks (such as late-season coaching changes), and can often be found in the stands, cheering alongside the ticket-buying masses. (B.M.) Runners-up: Aaron Kopec, Tom Barrett

MILWAUKEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Marina Dimitrijevic Marina Dimitrijevic, who represents the always-changing Bay View neighborhood, offers boundless energy, a commitment to the environment and fair budgets, and a concern for the elderly and those in need. First elected in 2004 when she was only 22, she has matured into a powerful force with ahead-of-the-curve progressive ideas. (L.K.) Runners-up: Gerry Broderick, Luigi Schmidt

MILWAUKEE LANDMARK

Milwaukee Art Museum 700 N. Art Museum Drive 414-224-3200 The Santiago Calatrava addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum gained international attention—not only from architectural scholars, but also from ad agencies eager to use its distinctive birdlike configuration (or is it a sailboat grounded on the shore?) as a visual hook. More importantly, it has become the symbol of Milwaukee and a must-see for out-of-town visitors. An art museum, of course, is ultimately important for the art it houses and the role it plays in its community. The Milwaukee Art Museum boasts a collection that includes

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