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CreativeMornings is for the community, by the community. Between now and January 3rd, we welcome you to submit your nomination(s) and help shape our upcoming year together!

Instructions

  • Please submit ONE response for EACH nomination
  • Feel free to self-nominate
  • Keep in mind the CreativeMornings Manifesto as you cast your nominations
  • FORM CLOSES JAN. 3RD!

Category notes

🎶 PERFORMANCE ARTISTS
That’s right! We are trying something new this year. We’re envisioning singers, musicians, spoken word poets, dancers—you name it!—gracing the stage for up to 5 minutes to kick off our events.

🪢 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Which organizations, groups, hubs, businesses should we collaborate with in 2025? Could a CreativeMornings event help build off or promote other aligned missions? This could be contained in just one CM event or embedded throughout the year!

🎤 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Who has a story to tell? Wisdom to impart on us? Keynotes are prepared, ~25 minutes, and in front of a crowd of at least 100, so having prior public speaking experience is encouraged!

📍 VENUE HOSTS
Where should we gather this year? Venues must hold up to 75 *seated* people and be in the Milwaukee area. Think outside the box! We can provide chairs + tech if needed.

🔦 30 SECOND PITCHERS
We curate a handful of pitchers each month to share (in just 30 seconds!) who they are and what they want the rest of us to know about. We’ve heard about films needing funding, upcoming events and exhibitions, business to support, open jobs and talent for hire… the list goes on!

Any questions? Feel free to reply to this email or DM us @milwaukee_cm.

Have fun! 🧡 
The CreativeMornings Milwaukee Team

In 2025, we plan on giving a damn. We will continue highlighting important stories in our city, sharing the stage with our neighbors, and curating joyful moments for all to bask in. 

Globally, CreativeMornings chapters are run by a team of volunteers, “an engine of generosity,” as Tina likes to call it. For the Milwaukee chapter volunteers, each month is greeted by a group text from Katie. It’s guaranteed to start out with a Hey gang!!!, include praises from last month, and kick us into gear for the event ahead. 

The volunteers in our group range in skillset, age, gender, and availability. But all fiercely believe in the CreativeMornings Manifesto. Some of our volunteers work on things behind the scenes (like writing this newsletter for example, or creating content for our instagram). Others are reliably there on Event Day to rearrange furniture, pick up and set up breakfast and coffee, and check in attendees. There are also videographers, photographers, and illustrators that volunteer their talents to the team. 

If you would like to give a damn with CreativeMornings this coming year, please submit your application before our Team Orientation, which is being held on Sunday, 12/15. 

Hope to see you soon! Otherwise, we are excited to see you at the check-in table in 2025 :)

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

To our sweet community…

CreativeMornings founder Tina Roth Eisenberg likes to say that our organization runs on an “engine of generosity” — and we’re here to tell you that CM/MKE is running full steam ahead. This warm and fuzzy feeling was palpable when we all gathered together earlier this month to celebrate our Common Thread. We’re simply overwhelmed (and overjoyed!) with gratitude for how all of YOU showed up that evening, and throughout 2024. 

Photos by Holly Schisler 📸

A heartfelt thank you to our kind neighbors who donated 40+ raffle items, selfless volunteers, talented caterers (Simple Eats MKE with greens provided by Hundred Acre), venue hosts (we love you Ryan and Jess from Dandy!), brave CMers who shared their stories of connection with us…and the list goes on and on. To all who collaborated to make this event happen: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We could not do this important work without you.

And the gift does keep on giving…we’re happy to share that CM/MKE donated 10% of raffle ticket sales to raise $245 for THE CR8TV HOUSE, an organization that preserves the rich history of Black families on Milwaukee’s north side. Follow along on instagram  @thecr8tvhouse.

VIEW FLICKR ALBUM

2024: Reawakened Year in Review 🌟

This year we…

  • Hosted eleven events in 8 different zip codes across Milwaukee
  • Saw an average of 132 attendees per event
  • Served about 1,300 cups of Discourse Coffee
  • Heard 35 pitches from community members
  • And listened to 9 unique keynotes (📸 Portraits by Linda Smallpage!)

WATCH PAST TALKS

Share your feedback, share your story 💭

Every CM/MKE endeavor is a collective experiment run by our spirited volunteers, generous community partners and open-hearted attendees. As we continue to reflect on the pure magic of this past year, we take profound comfort in your generosity. We are in awe of your willingness to contribute your time, treasure and talent — and to continuously trust in the power of human connection..

Tina also likes to say that “creativity is a discipline of optimism.” Thank you for sharing your hearts with us. Thank you for sharing your hope with us. We look forward to another year of gathering in community to celebrate meaningful connection right here in our beautiful city. 🧡

So, what’s on the horizon? Next week we’re opening 2025 nominations (partnerships, keynote speakers, community pitchers) and our 2025 volunteer applications.

In the meantime… 

  • Help us capture magical moments: Did CM/MKE touch your heart in some way this year? We want to hear from you! Any feedback? Share your thoughts on 2024 programming. 

2024: FEEDBACK FORM & STORIES


With gratitude and love, 
Annie & Kelly

CreativeMornings 2024 Year in Review

Happy November, beloved CMers!

Our peppy volunteer team has been buzzing all over the city collecting some incredible raffle items for Wednesday’s big fundraising event! 🎟️🐝 We can’t wait to share all this local goodness with you, all donated by our very own creative community. <3 

There are still 52 tickets left for Common Thread: A CreativeMornings fundraiser (@ Night)! If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, please head to Eventbrite to purchase yours today — and bring a friend!

We know this week will be a busy one, but we’d love to gather to celebrate the inspiring makers in our community and give you a warm hug (and plenty of high fives, of course)! A reminder that the event is on Wednesday, Nov. 6. at Dandy in Washington Heights, from 6-8pm. 

Tickets are $30 (one drink included). Here’s what to expect:

  • A wide variety of 40+ local raffle items donated by our very own CM/MKE community, from restaurant gift cards and art supplies baskets to CBD treats and a Historic Milwaukee walking tour.
  • Delicious food catered by Simple Eats MKE (with greens donated by Hundred Acre) and drinks at Dandy’s bar (first one comes with your ticket)!
  • Weaving our common threads together on a special loom with local artists Natalie Derr & Rebecca Zastany Wilson. 
  • Story sharing from members of our community on stage, telling us what CM means to them <3 If you’d like to share yours, this form is for you!
  • A fun CM photo booth to make mems all night!

Also, a reminder that 10% of raffle sales will be donated to THE CR8TV HOUSE, so Symphony and her team can continue preserving the rich history of Black families in Milwaukee. 

Can’t wait to see you on Wednesday!

Xo,
CreativeMornings/MKE Team

That’s right, folks. This November we want to see our morning people at night! We’ve hosted ten events since our reawakening in January 2024, serving 1,312 cups of coffee (thank you, Discourse!). There is a lot to celebrate: ten amazing keynote speakers, 10 venue hosts, dozens of 30 Second Pitchers, and of course: all of YOU!

We can’t wait to see you, dance with you, and celebrate creativity in all its forms!

View more details & get your $30 ticket today—tickets are limited!

Event branding by CM volunteer Alexa Seybold (Studio Heist)

CreativeMornings Milwaukee is all about shining the light on our communities. We believe that everyone is creative, everyone is welcome, and we’re all connected.

Throughout our year of reawakening, we’ve sought to celebrate Milwaukee’s creative talent, create an open space to connect with other big-hearted individuals, and bring you to different zip codes so we can reinvest on our neighborhoods.

Has CM/MKE made an impact on you this year? We want to hear from you! We’re collecting stories around how our community has touched the lives of many, whether you made a new friend, got a business referral or accomplished something new — please share your special moments with us so we can celebrate them on Nov. 6! ✨

SHARE YOUR STORY

Exterior photo by beloved CM'er, John December.

About the venue, by the venue

Dandy is a literal ma & pa business (owned by Jess & Ryan). It’s a vintage shop in the front and an event venue in the back!

Stuff for sale: It’s all pre-1980s (with the exception of some clothes), typically found within a 20-mile radius of Milwaukee. Think furniture, decor, lighting, art, clothing, textiles and oddities. Yes, Mid-Century, but also things before and after!

Space for rent: If you visit the store, you’ll probably spot an unassuming path to the venue (if we’re not already teasing the handful of things for sale back there).

An accidental speakeasy, that’s just how the former heating company operated in this 100-year-old property. The front bar was an auto lift, the wood walls were demoed from other parts of the building.

We kept everything we could and added the rest — first, for our wedding. Then, to gradually establish Dandy as a two-part business. 

Address
5020 W Vliet St
Milwaukee, WI 53208

*Plenty of free street parking!

Our theme for November is THREAD.

It was chosen by our Derby chapter in the United Kingdom, illustrated by Carla Dee, and is presented by our global partner Adobe.

This month, we are celebrating our beautiful community. Thank you for adding color, texture, and warmth to our collective tapestry!

Hello CM Fam! 

Can you believe that tomorrow is our chapter’s last CreativeMornings (in the morning!) of the year?! This will be our 10th month with you since our reawakening in January. Our hearts couldn’t be fuller. 

Tomorrow is going to be so dang special. From the theme, the venue, our keynote speaker, and 30 Second Pitchers… we can’t help but see the poetry of it all from our view behind the curtain. We’re excited to share with you so soon!

Friendly reminder to please release your ticket if you are no longer able to attend. And on that note, don’t forget to register if you haven’t yet and plan on coming! We love seeing your faces on the registration list :)

Yippee! See you so soon.

XO,
CreativeMornings/MKE TeamPsst… if you attend tomorrow’s event, you will be the first to hear more details about our CreativeMornings (@Night!) Fundraising Event on Wednesday, November 6th. Otherwise, for the rest of you: tickets for that event will be released at 10am on Monday, Oct. 21. Spots are limited- so set your calendar reminder!

🌟 Attention CMers! 🌟
We are hosting just two more events this year, and taking December off to rest and reflect. October will be the last of our regular programming and in November we are hosting a very special CreativeMornings fundraising event (at night!). Save the dates & see you soon!

CreativeMornings ft. Symphony Swan
@ Sherman Phoenix
Friday, October 18th
8:30-10:00 AM
.

CreativeMornings (@Night!): A Fundraising Event
@ Dandy
Wednesday, November 6th
6:00-8:00 PM
$30/ticket, details coming soon!

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Register to hear Symphony Swan!

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, October 18th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Sherman Phoenix – 3536 W Fond du Lac Ave; Milwaukee, WI 53216

Register now!

Learn about Symphony Swan

Symphony’s journey reached a pivotal milestone with THE CR8TV HOUSE, Inc., a project inspired by the loss of her parents, transforming her childhood home into a haven for Black and Brown artists.

This initiative breathes new life into a northside space, serving as a grassroots arts institution that will host exhibition and studio space, art residences and an emerging community archive. Through this non-profit organization, Symphony is championing the infusion of art into Milwaukee’s northside. Her community impact is profound, reflected in her role as a trustee on the boards of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Signature Dance Company and Life reDefined. Symphony’s unwavering commitment has garnered prestigious recognition, including the Gener8tor Art Grant and the esteemed title of 2023 Shepherd Express Milwaukeean of the Year.

Harnessing her extensive professional and educational background, Symphony utilizes art as a powerful catalyst for positive change. Her unwavering commitment to family, art, and community serves as a guiding light, inspiring others to embrace creativity for impactful transformation.

Visit symphonyswan.com for more about our keynote speaker. 

Our theme for October is VISION.

It was chosen by our Riyadh chapter in Saudi Arabia and illustrated by Razan Alshalan.
How do you see the world? How do you want to change it?

Vision refers both to the sense of sight and our ability to imagine the future. Are you focused on the little details? Can you see the big picture?

As we age, our eyesight begins to deteriorate; seeing objects up close gets more difficult. And as we gain experience, what we want to accomplish evolves. Will your life grow darker or brighter?

Each creative act involves seeing something in your mind’s eye then attempting to make it a reality. A painter, an architect, and every other type of artist or craftsman has a vision for their work. What message, emotion, or impact do you want to convey in yours? 

You are your own visionary. What do you want to see?

Photo by John December

About Sherman Phoenix

In 2016, civil unrest broke out in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee after a fatal police shooting rocked the community. In the following weeks, community conversations identified the need for safe, welcoming neighborhood spaces and from those conversations, the idea for the Sherman Phoenix rose out of the ashes.

Today, Sherman Phoenix is home to over 25 businesses, of which people of color own 96%, and 63% are women-led. In addition to these businesses, Sherman Phoenix supports over 50 local entrepreneurs by offering a monthly pop-up marketplace to showcase their services, merchandise and culinary items. In total, the small businesses employ over 75 residents.

Sherman Phoenix proves that translating conversation into action opens powerful possibilities. They demonstrate that it is possible to repair the harms of our past and lift up the possibilities of our future when we commit to working together and being the change.Parking & Directions
🅿️ There are 65 parking spaces in the parking lot attached to Sherman Phoenix, and plenty of nearby street parking!
🚌 Sherman Phoenix is located off the 66, 35, and BLUE lines.

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Love letter recap from our REFLECTION event!

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

Howdy, CMers!

On the morning of Sept. 20th, we cozied up at The Bindery, a repurposed book factory in Bay View that helps artists design and print their own creations by hand. It’s one of those timeless spaces where you can’t quite tell what year it is and you don’t really care what time it is…what a beautiful space for some quality reflection. A venue that “was built specifically to celebrate,” there’s no shortage of natural light, lush plants or local art installations. The space carefully merges the past and future, balancing the promise of modern creativity with a reverent nod to the building’s rich history. 

We kicked things off local illustrator and our dear friend Rachal Duggan (@radillustrates) guided us through a fun self-portrait drawing exercise as we all took a look in the proverbial mirror and explored some self-reflection together. Y’all did great! Rachal regularly hosts drawing workshops, sells cute prints in her shop and even has a Patreon. Oh, and don’t forget to hire her for all your booty portrait needs!

Next, we heard from The Bindery’s founder and managing director Zach Lifton, who shared just how multifaceted the space is, serving as a drop-in coworking space where creatives can rent specialty print equipment or meeting rooms and facilitate community programming or access 1:1 trainings.

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

As I’m getting older, reflection is something that’s really important to pay attention to…just stopping and pausing in our life to listen to that little voice inside of us. —Nydia Maurás-Jones

Nydia is a founding partner of Odvant Creative, a branding and design studio located in Milwaukee. She’s an intuitive, collaborative designer who delivers transformative strategies and designs that help small businesses and nonprofits stay aligned with their purpose. Nydia is a fierce advocate for a variety of causes and serves on the Board of Directors for Islands of Brilliance, Milwaukee Diaper Mission, and Teens Grow Greens. 

As soon as Nydia graced the stage, her positive energy was palpable and we immediately felt her high vibration. With her infectious sense of humor, Nydia reflected on how her late diagnosis of ADHD led her to pause her busy life, observe and practice discernment so she could better listen to the voice inside of her. As she began to pay attention more, Nydia found that she could then take action and change behaviors — a cause and effect that had been missing from her life. 

As Nydia got more intimate with her own patterns, she discovered how perimenopause symptoms were deeply impacting her. As she started to research more, Nydia discovered that 75% of age-related diseases are likely influenced by menopause in one way or another (and how much we need to talk about this)! Nydia also reflected on encouraging her daughter to believe herself through the cycles of life, shedding things that no longer serve her. She reminded us that we can change the story at any time as we filter our choices through our own values, goals, needs and desires. Thank you for the important reminder that we all have the power to listen to the voice inside us, Nydia! 

Watch Nydia’s talk. ⤵️

Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

Odvant Creative is a Strategic Branding & Design Agency. They empower mission-driven small businesses and nonprofits with the tools you need to make a lasting impact on your customers.Follow Odvant on Instagram + visit their website!

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Bay View Printing Co. — This woman-owned design studio is a 105-year-old letterpress print shop rooted in collaboration and community. Scott Town and Daniela Valle shared updates from this neighborly printing outfit, which offers drink & ink workshops, pop-up printing events, custom printing and full scale design services. Subscribe to their newsletter or follow @BayViewPrintingCo to find out the next events are coming up!

Kelly’s Greens — If you haven’t been to this woman-owned cannabis boutique…boy, does @kellys_greens owner Erin Kelly have some transcendent treats for you. Visit our friend Erin on North Avenue in Tosa for some handcrafted, small-batch gummies, beverages and cookie to support with sleep, pain relief, anxiety, inflammation, relaxation and more.

MILK Comic Fest — The 3rd annual indie comic fest happened this last Sunday 10/6 at The Cooperage. Illustrator and animator Quinn Blackshere shared details about this playful gathering: free and all ages are welcome, supporting creatives from all over the Milwaukee area. MILK Comic Fest also hosts free drink & draw events at the Sugar Maple every month. Keep your eye out for the next one on IG: @MILKcomicfest!

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Give to our chapter!

Big thanks to our local partners:

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Event details
🗓️ Date
: Friday, September 20th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: The Bindery – 347 E Ward St; Milwaukee, WI 53207

REGISTER NOW

Learn about Nydia MaurĂĄs-Jones

Since 2014, Nydia Maurås-Jones has been a Founding Partner and the Director of Strategy for Odvant Creative, a local branding and design studio. Nydia is an intuitive, collaborative designer who delivers transformative strategies and designs that help small businesses and nonprofits stay aligned with their purpose. She specializes in identity design, brand strategy, messaging development, and untangling complex problems.

Prior to being a designer, Nydia was a Special Education teacher working in Brooklyn, NY, Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI. Unknowingly, she first applied design thinking skills while creating specialized teaching tools for her neurodiverse students. The materials were often improvised with minimal supplies. She learned that observing, asking questions, and being brave enough to try new things are the best problem solving tools.  

Nydia received a Bachelor’s degree in Education with Moderate Special Needs from Boston College and another Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She graduated with honors and student loans from both programs.

In 2019, Nydia co-founded Rev Collective with Dena Nord, Kate Pociask and Angela Damiani. Rev Collective focused on connecting women and nonbinary individuals to help them find a safe space to be vulnerable about their professional and personal lives. Although Rev Collective closed, the mission of connecting people remains important to Nydia. 

When she is not working, Nydia serves on the Board of Directors for Islands of Brilliance, Milwaukee Diaper Mission and on the Advisory Board for Teens Grow Greens. She has also worked closely on several local political campaigns, and often volunteers at her kids’ schools. 

Our theme for September is REFLECTION.

It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.

Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.

Without reflection, there can be no personal growth. Learning from our past yields greater wisdom and happiness. But don’t let self-awareness turn into self-absorption. Take heed of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own handsome reflection in a pool of water. 

Reflecting on difficult moments can be painful but also healing. When our Oklahoma City chapter selected this theme, they mentioned a reflecting pool at the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that was designed to help people reflect on how they were changed by that tragic event. 

Pondering the world around us and following our curiosity adds depth to our creative work. As William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, the purpose of acting is “to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to nature.” While George Bernard Shaw said, “you use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” (Although Bertolt Brecht countered, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”)

Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.

Photo by John December

About The Bindery

The Bindery is a multifaceted creative venue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our small team designs and engineers new book and print-media from scratch (and repairs books from the past). We work with authors and artists who want quality, unique creations built by hand from the finest materials.

We operate out of a repurposed, heritage book factory that we share with a core group of creative tenants. Modern, private office space, and a 2,000 sq/ft events venue are available to the public within our unique, historic establishment.

Click here to schedule a tour!

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Our next gathering is something special!

Our August event will be a little different from our regularly scheduled programming. Join us in the Performance Space and Community Room at Discourse Coffee Workshop + Radio Milwaukee for an interactive event.

Event details

🗓️ Date: Friday, August 16th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Discourse Coffee Workshop @ Radio Milwaukee | 158 S Barclay St, Milwaukee, WI 53204

REGISTER NOW!

Our theme for August is RITUAL.

It was chosen by our Charlottesville chapter in Virginia and illustrated by Matt Smithson. Rituals add meaning and a deeper sense of connection to our lives. They allow us to practice mindfulness and reflection. Unlike our daily routine and habits, rituals have the power to inspire us. Brushing your teeth is routine. Going for a morning walk would be a good habit. And writing a gratitude journal could become your morning ritual. The key is to act with intentionality.

Our CreativeMornings events have their own rituals. Getting a cup of coffee creates an opportunity to say hello to someone new while you wait your turn in line. Reading our manifesto out loud reinforces our beliefs that everyone is creative, and everyone is welcome.

What rituals do you practice in your relationships, your spirituality, and your creative work? How do they heighten your sense of purpose and belonging in this world?

Learn more about the theme: RITUAL. 

Photo by John December

Learn about Radio Milwaukee

Radio Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing diverse music programming and fostering community engagement. It owns two stations, 88Nine and HYFIN, and is committed to connecting the community through music, stories, and events, while spotlighting local talent and reflecting Milwaukee’s rich cultural diversity. Beyond radio, the organization serves as a community connector, bringing people together through the power of music and storytelling.

Our Community Partners

Learn about Discourse Coffee Workshop

Discourse opened its all-day café, its third Milwaukee iteration, at the Radio Milwaukee studio in March of 2024. The cafe offers a thoughtfully curated menu of classic and craft drinks — including creative and experimental choices — as well as pastries, snacks and sandwiches. Discourse describes itself as “A motley crew of baristas, bartenders, artists, cooks, scientists, music nerds, and renegades, who pen liquid stories that celebrate the people, places, and things that occupy our hearts. They’re driven by a fervent desire to explore the unknown, with a focus on sustainability and seasonality.” 

Learn about Lilliput Records

Lilliput Records hosts a fully functioning mini vinyl shop with a collection of over 800 titles for sale in the Discourse cafe. Lilliput Records’ flagship shop is located just off of Brady Street at 1669 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202. It is an independent, locally-owned record store focusing on new vinyl and cds, offering an ever growing pre-owned section. They also house stereo equipment and audio accessories. Their mission is to be a community based space, providing a safe place for all!

Support our chapter!

CreativeMornings Milwaukee is on the lookout for community-builders looking to actively support our events. We are looking for 2024 sponsors to support us in breakfast, activities and operation expenses. Our events are not possible without financial support from our community, and we need assistance to remain our events free and accessible for everyone.

Our team is 100% volunteer-run, and any support is greatly appreciated! Contact our team at milwaukee@creativemornings.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Tell me more

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Big thanks to our partners

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