By Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer Published Dec 28, 2014 at 9:17 AM

It’s always tough for me to write these annual recaps as I generally don’t like to look back. It’s not where I’m going and while there are lessons and memories in our past, forging ahead with optimism is where I like to be. 

But, the year 2014 is fading so I present a few memories, favorites and fun that made the year tick for me. 

Team: This is an easy one for me.  As a fan and long time season ticket holder, the Bucks have me at hello. So, this year’s been one for the ages.  A sale, a draft pick that could (despite his recent injury) rejuvenate the franchise, a new coaching staff, new people coupled with seasoned veterans in the organization and a path to a new arena.  The amazing civic loyalty and commitment of Senator Kohl, new owners, exciting players and cool positioning have us all believing that the future is truly green and growing.  Go Bucks.  #ownthefuture

"TV": I’ll put "TV" in quotes, because it’s not really TV anyone. It’s streaming video content on all platforms and 2014 had some very good programming. I loved the final season of "The Newsroom."  Say what you will about Sorkin, but the finale on HBO was perfect and while he may still think that cable news matters more than it does (seriously, I haven’t watched cable news in 10 years) he weaves a great story, builds tight characters and his call for a renaissance of civility is something we can all embrace.  Other great watches this year?  "Louie," "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," and "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel."

Development shift: I finally felt that 2014 saw the culmination of 10-15 years of hard work that was all about positioning and building Wisconsin’s most important neighborhood, area and destination, Downtown Milwaukee. Greater Downtown is primed for take off and the projects, people and passion are there. Northwestern Mutual, the Couture, the Streetcar, new hotels, new apartments, Bublr bike rentals and more.  Downtown is on the move and in 2014 it really started to take hold.

Movies: "The LEGO Movie" and "Big Hero 6."  See them both.  Simply great movies.

New restaurant
: So many wonderful new restaurants in 2014. So many.  Love the trends, risks and clustering that's happening in and around Milwaukee.  I can’t, though, stop thinking about Storyhill BKC.  A great concept, wonderful design, easy, cost effective kids menu and crepes that make your mouth water.  The owners of Maxie's and Blue's Egg did it right and now I only ask that they do a second BKC location on the East Side or Shorewood. 

Books
: I like to read and the iPad makes sampling a ton of books so easy.  I really enjoyed "The Hard Thing about Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz, "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success," by Phil Jackson and while I don’t read a ton of fiction "Suspicion" from Joseph Finder was fast and fun.

Charitable series: I’m not a huge NFL fan, but you gotta love what Aaron Rodgers and David Gruber have created with itsaaron.com.  Really compelling, honest content that gives back and creates community.  Kudos. 

Surprise: No one saw the UWM to MU move for Mike Lovell coming. It’s been an amazing one, though. Great for greater Milwaukee, wonderful for Marquette and seemingly a perfect fit for Dr. Lovell and his family.  Onward and On Marquette! 

Person: It’s easy to pick a "celebrity" or person who was "in the news" in 2014, but for me it was my family, friends and you that made 2014 rock.  People care in greater Milwaukee and they step up, do work and get stuff done.  You made the year great and are called to do so again in 2015. 

Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.

He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.

Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.  He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.  

He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.

He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.