There is one sure way to put "home" into Hometown Rock, and the team at WKLH-FM 96.5 knows the way to do it. The change of name the station took on earlier this year was a reflection of the changing music on the airwaves, but it also is a better description of what the station can do for the community.

Case in point, the morning show team with Dave and Carole wrapped up another successful Miracle Marathon, for which all of the show’s participants and supporters got together to talk about the work at and raise funds for Children’s Hospital. In the 36-hour event, Dave Luczak, Carole Caine, Kevin "KB" Brant and others raised $1,316,726.

That’s a nice hometown impact.

"Little did we realize back in 1998 when we established the Miracle Marathon the kind of impact it would have on our community," Caine told the Tom Taylor NOW newsletter. "This is our 18th year as hosts of the Miracle Marathon, and we are so proud of our audience and our community that we are over the $22 million mark this year."

It is always amazing to see the reach that media has on those of us who consume it in different ways throughout southeastern Wisconsin. To see that reach do some good, that emboldens the soul.

NEW DIGS: As the summer blockbuster season starts to roll, Marcus Theatres is ready to unveil the fruits of some of the renovations that have been taking place at area venues.

The Majestic in Brookfield, South Shore in Oak Creek and the Southgate in Milwaukee have had work done to update the lobby and auditorium spaces.

"The new comforts and conveniences at the Majestic, South Shore and Southgate Cinemas are the latest in a number of renovations we’re making across our circuit to provide the ultimate entertainment experience," Rolando B. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Marcus Theatres, said in a release. "As the needs of our guests continue to change, we are thrilled to provide them with additional ways to relax, eat, drink and enjoy movies in our theatres."

Reel Sizzle is the new restaurant at the Majestic. It offers some items inspired from Hollywood and the diner scene popular in the 1950s. Think Americana.

The Take Five Lounge has been moved to the front lobby at the theater, as well.

South Shore Cinema will open its own Take Five soon and will have a new Zaffiro’s Express. Also, the theater now has DreamLounger recliners. In my opinion there isn’t a better seat in any venue as good as these. It takes some getting used to, but the response has been well received at Marcus’ Sheboygan location that opened an auditorium with the chairs in 2014.

South Shore is the second Milwaukee-area location – Menomonee Falls Cinema was the first – to feature DreamLoungers in every auditorium.

Southgate Cinema now has DreamLoungers as part of its brand new, SuperScreen DLX. In addition to the recliners, the auditorium has a larger screen and the Dolby Atmos multidimensional sound and speakers in the front, back, sides and across the ceiling.