FALL 2026
The enduring connections between Shorewood teachers and students
Dear Neighbors,
Each year, stories about unique learning experiences, exemplary teaching and community involvement that make a lasting difference in the lives of Shorewood students inspire all of us. This past year was no exception, but national recognition of two District staff members stood out. Along with Amanda Jamerson, who was named National Associate Principal of the Year by the National Secondary School Principals Association, the Shorewood School District is immensely proud to celebrate Eric Mathews, recipient of the prestigious Amherst College Swift Moore Teaching Award. You can read more about the award, and the nomination of Mr. Mathews by a former student, on page 13. We have also shared information about the Shorewood Student Profile on page 28, created with our communitybased Strategic Planning Committee. It contemporizes the leadership, character development, citizenship, and other values and priorities that have long distinguished our schools, and it has become an inspiration for students. They see themselves and each other as global citizens, collaborators and lifelong learners, and we hope community members will as well. Our 2025-2026 Annual Report recaps the important work we are doing to support students as they build the skills they need to thrive now and in the future, and I hope you will visit our website to view the publication. In partnership, Laurie J. Burgos, Ph.D. Superintendent Shorewood Today is published four times a year with support from our community of advertisers as well as the Village of Shorewood, Shorewood School District, Shorewood Business Improvement District, Shorewood Community Development Authority and Shorewood Foundation. EDITOR: Jennifer Anderson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jennifer Anderson, Carrie Wettstein DESIGN: Jennifer Rueth PHOTOGRAPHY: Patrick Manning ADVERTISING SALES: Michelle Boehm The deadline for reserving advertising space for the winter 2026 issue of Shorewood Today is October 28 on a space-available basis. Please contact shorewoodtoday@shorewoodwi.gov for more information. Shorewood Village Manager: Rebecca Ewald Shorewood School District Superintendent: Laurie Burgos, Ph.D. Shorewood Business Improvement District Executive Director: Janet Henning Shorewood Foundation Board President: Melissa Marschka For more information, visit: Village of Shorewood: villageofshorewood.org Shorewood Business Improvement District: shorewoodwi.com Shorewood School District: shorewoodschools.org Shorewood Foundation: shorewoodfoundation.org
On the cover: Bella Lozier (SHS ‘22) stands with Eric Mathews, SHS science teacher and ‘02 graduate. Lozier nominated Mathews for Amhert College’s Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Award, which he was awarded last spring. See article on page 13.
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SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
happenings
10 Ask an Expert
21 Do-Gooder
38 A Look Back
Building a community of women
The Shorewood Theater was a local hot spot
WHAT TO KNOW
WHAT’S GOOD IN THE ’WOOD
SHOREWOOD SPOTLIGHTS
4 News
14 Foundation Feature
13 District Alumni Profile
6 News Business
24 Village Feature
16 Hi, Neighbor
9 On the Move
28 District Feature
30 Business Spotlight
How to be a one-car family
IN EVERY ISSUE
Federal funding helps pay for safer streets Four Paths Yoga is designed for new and expecting moms Midlife Midwife relocates to the Shorewood HUB
Focusing on community well-being
What to know about the Oakland Ave. reconstruction Profile outlines expectations for students
Celebrating the bonds between teachers and students Nick Hardrath breathes new life into Shorewood’s fallen trees RJ Builders has over 30 years’ experience with Milwaukee home remodeling
WHAT TO DO 18 Village News
Prep your native garden this fall
23 Library Corner
Sign up for your library card in September
36 Shorewood Connects Volunteer to prepare a neighbor’s yard for winter
Get the latest update on the Oakland Ave. reconstruction project, see page 24. SHOREWOOD TODAY 3
VillageNews Planning Ahead for a Safer Capitol Drive
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ver the next several years, Shorewood will work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through funding provided by the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Beginning with preliminary design work in 2027, the Village will study intersections along E. Capitol Dr. from the Milwaukee River to N. Maryland Ave. to identify improvements that calm traffic and better protect vulnerable road users. Proposed enhancements include curb bump-outs, high-visibility crosswalks, centerline hardening, intersection daylighting, traffic signal upgrades and leading pedestrian intervals. Construction is anticipated to be completed by 2031. The $3 million grant will cover 80 percent of project costs, with Shorewood providing a local match of up to $600,000, including design services. Final costs will depend on the completed designs. The project is part of Milwaukee County’s nearly $25 million SS4A award to improve safety on some of the
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county’s most hazardous roadways. Officials estimate the planned improvements could reduce crashes by as much as 60 percent while saving more than $27 million in crash-related costs over the next 20 years. In Shorewood, six intersections along Capitol Dr. — Estabrook Pkwy., Wilson Dr., Morris Blvd., Oakland Ave., Murray Ave. and Maryland Ave. — will receive safety enhancements. Between 2018 and 2022, this area experienced one fatal crash, three crashes that resulted in serious Officials estimate the injuries and 56 additional crashes that caused minor planned improvements or possible injuries. A similar SS4A grant could reduce crashes by application has also been as much as 60 percent.” submitted to support bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Oakland Ave. south of Capitol Dr. as part of the Village’s planned 2030 reconstruction project. WisDOT also plans a pavement preservation project for E. Capitol Dr. in 2033. Current plans include pavement grinding, concrete panel repair and replacement, joint repairs, and curb ramp upgrades. The Village is evaluating opportunities to coordinate improvements to underground infrastructure, including lead service line replacement, water main replacement, storm and sanitary sewer upgrades, and traffic signal cabinet replacements. n
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Photo by Patrick Manning
NEW BUSINESSES Four Paths Milwaukee 4000 N. Bartlett Ave. fourpathsmke.com
For Molly Dixon, movement has always been part of her life. The Shorewood native grew up swimming at the Shorewood Swim Club and biking everywhere before discovering a passion for yoga. Now, she’s bringing that passion home with Four Paths Milwaukee, a boutique studio offering prenatal and postpartum yoga and fitness with the motto, “Movement for the Four Trimesters and Beyond.” Dixon began teaching at Healium Hot Yoga in Bay View but found her niche while pregnant with her own children. Wanting to exercise safely, she pursued specialized prenatal training. While Dixon has a particular passion for supporting women through the prenatal, postpartum and postmenopausal stages of life, Four Paths welcomes clients of all ages and experience levels. Private instruction and Reiki sessions are also available. The minimalist studio is designed to help women slow down and reconnect. Her goal is simple: clients should leave feeling better than when they arrive — energized, restored and recharged. n
Photo by Patrick Manning
Laurie Reisener Counseling Services
4050 N. Oakland Ave., Ste. 219 414.212.5645 lrrcounseling.com
Laurie Reisener was a registered nurse for over 20 years providing home-based care, often to patients with significant barriers to accessing mental health care. She saw firsthand how the realities of trauma and systemic inequities affected not only the physical health of her patients, but also their emotional well-being. When she decided to return to school to become a therapist, it was with serving this group in mind. “I walked alongside people navigating chronic illness, pain and the quiet, often unseen impact of trauma,” says 6 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
Reisener. “I saw that what we carry emotionally lives in the body. When it goes unspoken or unsupported, it can shape our health, our relationships and how we move through the world.” Reisener worked for a group practice after receiving a master’s in professional counseling prior to opening her practice in Shorewood. She is often joined there by her trained therapy dog Maslow, a friendly Sheepadoodle with a sweet, calming presence. n
Photo by Pearl Nemeck
For Madeline Roderick Cornejo, beauty has always been about more than appearances — it’s about helping people feel confident, cared for and completely at ease. That philosophy is at the heart of D’Mai Beauty Studio, her new salon on E. Capitol Dr. Born in Peru and raised in Milwaukee, Cornejo discovered her passion for makeup while in high school, experimenting with bold looks featuring intricate floral designs and vibrant orange eye shadow. After becoming a licensed aesthetician and commercial makeup artist, she worked at Blush Beauty, where owner Jhousy Leon became an important mentor. That encouragement inspired her to pursue her dream of opening her own business. She even returned to school to study marketing so she could successfully build her brand. Today, D’Mai Beauty Studio specializes in makeup artistry, customized facials and a range of lash services, placing a strong emphasis on lash health through meticulous hygiene and high-quality products. n
D’Mai Beauty Studio
1808 E. Capitol Dr. 414.212.5257 dmaistudio.com
SHOREWOOD TODAY 7
Photo by Patrick Manning
NEW BUSINESSES
Allie Killed the Set 4016 Wilson Dr.
alliekilledtheset.square.site
For as long as she can remember, Allie Koco, owner of nail salon Allie Killed the Set at 4016 Wilson Dr., has been creating art. After years of doing nails for herself and friends in high school, she realized nail artistry could combine her creativity with her love of caring for others. She honed her skills at Neroli Salon & Spa, where she learned that a great nail appointment is about far more than polished nails. By incorporating aromatherapy, massage techniques and thoughtful attention to detail,
she strives to create an experience that helps every client unwind and feel at ease. A self-described perfectionist, Allie is known for meticulous nail art and custom designs that reflect each client’s personality. Whether it’s creating intricate seasonal themes or painting tiny Bucky Badger mascots to celebrate a grandchild attending UW–Madison, she loves bringing creative ideas to life. “I just love a good theme when it comes to nails,” she says. n
Photo by Patrick Manning
Lin Nails
3551 N. Oakland Ave. 414.335.6059 linnailsmke.com
The recently opened Lin Nails brings a fresh blend of luxury, artistry and hospitality to the southern end of Oakland Avenue. The salon is owned by husband-and-wife team Ahn Chau Le (Lexie) and Brendon Smith, whose journey began seven years ago when they met in Vietnam. Inspired by Le’s Vietnamese heritage, the salon reflects the country’s rich artistic traditions while embracing the calming principles of feng shui. Inside, guests find a thoughtfully designed space filled with Vietnamese artwork, 8 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
warm gold accents and elegant details, from gold velvet curtains to the salon’s signature gold oak leaf logo — a nod to the nearby Oak Leaf Trail. For Le and Smith, creating beautiful nails is only part of the experience. Their goal is to offer exceptional quality in a relaxing atmosphere where every client can enjoy a little pampering. “We want every customer to feel a family welcome,” says Le. n
ON THE MOVE
Midlife Midwife MKE 3970 N. Oakland Ave Ste. 703 414.212.5645 midlifemidwifemke.com
Alyson Lippman, owner of Midlife Midwife MKE, has moved her practice to the HUB building from its previous location down the street in the School of Rock building. Lippman says the larger office in the HUB allows them to continue providing comprehensive, personalized care with more staff, expanded hours and additional services. “The bright, home-like space is warm and welcoming so that people feel comfortable when coming in to talk about challenging topics, including all things women’s health, midlife, perimenopause, menopause, gynecological and sexual health,” says Lippman. n
THE BEST CARROT CAKE IN TOWN.
SHOREWOOD TODAY 9
ASK AN EXPERT
How to Be a One-Car Family BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
S
andie Pendleton and his wife Terese moved to Shorewood over 35 years ago, attracted in part by the ease of getting around on foot or by bike. Back when Sandie worked every day downtown and Terese often commuted to Waukesha, they and their four children always had two or even three cars. But when their children grew up and moved out, and their work lives became more flexible, Terese and Sandie questioned whether they really needed two cars. While both still work full-time — Sandie for Pendleton Legal and Terese for UWM — for the last six years they have owned just one car. Here’s what they learned, and how it’s worked for them.
What are the benefits of being a one-car household?
We saved money by getting rid of the second car. According to AAA, on average a new car costs about $50,000 and about $11,500 per year to own and operate. That all adds up.
And the downsides?
Very few. When we discussed going to just one car, we anticipated that there would be times when both of us wanted to use our one car. But that rarely happens; in fact, only twice in six years. When it did, we rented an extra car for a few days, and each time that only cost us a few hundred dollars. So expense-wise we’ve come out way ahead.
Did you consider going completely car free?
We did, and we know there are lots of people in Shorewood who do that. I’ve been an advocate for biking for many years, so I admire folks who get around car free. But at this stage of our lives, with both of us still working and our kids living all around the country, we decided going completely car free isn’t a good option for us now.
Other than financial considerations, what else shaped your decision?
Cost wasn’t at all our primary consideration. Both of us want to live greener lifestyles and contribute less to global warming. We see its effects, and it’s clear that heavily car-dependent lifestyles are a big contributing factor.
What other advice do you have for others who want to minimize their dependence on cars? A good bike, either standard or e-bike, makes it easier! A bike trailer and paniers help, and I admire those Shorewood families with kids (and just one car) who have invested in a cargo or long-tail bike to get around town. Biking around Shorewood consistently improves our moods and we’ve tried to be mindful about our car use for years. The old question from WWII — “Is this trip really necessary?” — is one we still ask ourselves. Do we want or need to drive to the mall or a big-box store if we could bike instead and get it in Shorewood or order it online? We’re hoping the Village’s greenway project makes it even easier to get around Shorewood via bike or on foot. n Sandie Pendleton, a longtime advocate for cycling in Shorewood, bikes just about everywhere he needs to go in the Village. 10 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
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DISTRICT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A Teacher’s Real and Lasting Impact
Amherst College honors Eric Mathews with a Swift Moore Teaching Award
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BY CARRIE WETTSTEIN | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
s a senior at Amherst College, Isabella (Bella) Lozier (SHS ‘22) had the opportunity to nominate an influential secondary teacher for Amherst’s Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Award, named for the college’s first president and his wife. Bella nominated Eric Mathews (SHS 02), who has been a member of the Shorewood High School faculty since 2016. He was one of three teachers selected by a committee of Amherst students, faculty and staff, and was honored at this year’s commencement ceremony. Bella’s nomination speaks to the influence Mathews had on her life and goals and the importance of the District‘s Promise. “Eric Mathews is the kind of teacher that changes lives. Not in a soapboxy, preachy, larger-than-life way, but rather through insistent little things that you don’t see until one day, you realize that your life has been changed,” Lozier writes. “In the classroom, Mr. Mathews finds a way to engage every single student regardless of ability or Isabella (Bella) Lozier (SHS ’22) and Eric Matthews (SHS ’02) share a mutual regard that led to interest. From hands-on labs to grueling quizzes in Lozier nominating him for a prestigious award. anatomy to class periods spent entirely outside beside the Milwaukee River, his impact on my Mathews, we would all describe the trip with two words: life and my fellow classmates extends far life changing,” writes Lozier. beyond just teaching. Besides his “As I prepare for life after Amherst, I plan to pursue Eric Mathews is the teaching. This was never something Mr. Mathews told leadership of the rock climbing club and track team — two fixtures kind of teacher that me to do — nor something I envisioned as an incoming of my high school experience — he student — but now I can clearly see that my desire is in changes lives.” continues to show up for me and large part because Mr. Mathews showed me the power — Bella Lozier my fellow students after our time and impact of teaching.” at Shorewood High School.” Reflecting on the award, Mathews says, “This recognition Bella also wrote movingly about her experience in Waterhas reinforced my belief in the synergistic power of teaching, shed Wisdom, an interdisciplinary learning experience coaching and leadership. Bella was a student in my AP where students learn about the Milwaukee River watershed environmental science class, a leader on the track and field through art, physical education, environmental studies and team, and a deeply invested adventurer on Watershed English. Led by Mr. Mathews and SHS colleagues, the course Wisdom. This award will help ensure that I continue to ends with an eight-day canoe trip on the Milwaukee River. nurture this educational ecosystem at Shorewood High School Bella wrote, “For myself and the hundreds of other students and seek meaningful ways to provide students with opportuwho have had the privilege of taking the class because of Mr. nities in the classroom, through adventure and in athletics.” n SHOREWOOD TODAY 13
FOUNDATION FEATURE
Investing in a Healthier Shorewood Foundation grants strengthen community well-being
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BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
he Shorewood Foundation is posting practices at helping residents build healthier home. By combining lives by investing in projects that hands-on learning support personal wellness, environwith convenient mental stewardship and community collection opportuniconnection. Through grants that ties, the program encourage active living, sustainable hopes to establish practices and education, the Foundacomposting as a tion is demonstrating that a healthy lasting feature of the community extends far beyond doctor Farmers Market and visits — it includes the parks people inspire long-term gather in, the food systems they support environmental habits and the natural spaces they share. throughout the “All of these initiatives grew out of community. Over the summer, the Shorewood Foundation sponsored free yoga our Shark Tank event, where residents The Foundation classes in Atwater Park taught by instructors from Move More Yoga are invited to bring forward ideas that also helped residents and Strive Fitness. can make Shorewood an even better prioritize physical accessible to anyone interested in place to live,” says Melissa Marschka, health through free outdoor yoga and participating. president of the Shorewood Foundafitness classes offered at Atwater Park Another grant-supported effort is tion’s board of directors. “It’s incredibly during June, July and August. Led by expanding awareness of the imporrewarding to see community members instructors from Move More Yoga and tance of native plants and biodiversity identify needs, develop creative Thrive Fitness, the classes welcomed throughout Shorewood. Working solutions and then help participants of all experience through the Shorewood Conservation those ideas come levels and provided Committee, the initiative educates to life with Founan opportunity to residents about how native landscapes Being able to provide free exercise in one of dation grants.” support pollinators, wildlife and One initiative Shorewood’s healthier ecosystems. classes in a beautiful outdoor making an most scenic Educational signage placed in setting overlooking the lake public spaces. immediate impact Village gardens and an informational is from the “We had people insert in this magazine help explain the was a real gift.” business Compost tell us that attendcritical role biodiversity plays in — Kat Just, owner of Move More Yoga Crusader, which ing the outdoor maintaining ecological health. The projbrings composting education and classes we held at Atwater Park was ect encourages homeowners to collection to the Shorewood Farmers one of their favorite things to do this consider native plantings in their own Market through October. Foundation summer,” says Kat Just, owner of Move landscapes, creating a network of funding provides compost bins for More Yoga. “Being able to provide free environmentally beneficial spaces both vendors and shoppers, making it classes in a beautiful outdoor setting throughout the community. easy to divert food scraps from landfills overlooking the lake was a real gift, and Together, these initiatives reflect the while creating nutrient-rich compost we are so grateful to the Foundation for Shorewood Foundation’s broad vision that benefits local soil and plantings. making it possible.” of community wellness. Whether Just as important as the bins themBeyond improving strength, flexibility helping residents stay active, reducing selves is the educational component. and cardiovascular health, the classes food waste or strengthening the local A Shorewood High School student fostered social connection by bringing environment, these grants support representative is on site during each neighbors together around a shared healthier habits while creating opportumarket to answer questions, explain commitment to wellness. Removing nities for neighbors to learn, connect proper composting techniques and financial barriers through Foundation and invest in the long-term vitality of encourage residents to adopt comsupport ensured the programs were the Shorewood community. n
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SHOREWOOD TODAY 15
Hi, Neighbor
Giving Shorewood’s Trees a Second Life BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
Owner of The Urban Craftsman Nick Hardrath transforms old trees into functional works of art.
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otherwise end up as mulch, wood chips or in a landfill. or most people, a tree that has reached the end of “Shorewood’s DPW delivers the trees to us that they its life is little more than a pile of logs waiting to be remove as part of their regular chipped or hauled away. For Shorewood resident Nick Hardrath, The quality and character of the forestry program,” Hardrath explains. “Then we remove the bark, mill and it’s the beginning of a new story. wood is much superior to trees kiln dry the wood, getting it ready to As owner of The Urban Craftsman, Hardrath has built a business that were grown strictly to harvest.” be made into something new.” It’s a mission that feels especially around transforming locally sal— Nick Hardrath, owner of The Urban Craftsman fitting in Shorewood, a community vaged hardwoods into handcrafted whose love of its tree canopy is reflected right in its name. furniture that will be cherished for generations. His partnerRather than seeing those beloved trees disappear forever, ship with the Village gives new purpose to trees that would
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Hardrath gives them a second life. “These are urban trees that may be 200-plus years old in some cases,” he says. “The quality and character of the wood is much superior to trees that were grown strictly to harvest.” Growing up near Manitowoc, Hardrath spent countless hours alongside his father, a homebuilder and remodeler. “I always had a hammer on my hip,” he says with a laugh. He later studied industrial design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) while simultaneously earning a business minor at Marquette University through the schools’ reciprocity program. While working for the pioneering Milwaukee design firm Brook Stephens, Inc., Hardrath began designing and building furniture as a freelance maker for friends and family. What started as a hobby quickly outgrew his garage, leading him to relocate into a large warehouse in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood to start his own business. Today, The Urban Craftsman creates everything from dining tables and bars to restaurant furnishings, often producing dozens of custom pieces for commercial clients. Hardrath is largely self-taught as a woodworker, but credits his design education with giving him an eye for proportion, scale and timeless design. He especially enjoys creating dining tables. “Those pieces are passed down through generations,” he says. “Families and friends gather around them for years.” The warehouse also serves as a public urban lumberyard. Woodworkers and DIYers can browse locally harvested ash, cherry, walnut and other hardwoods, selecting boards for their own projects or commissioning custom furniture. His work has attracted some unique commissions, including 500 custom cribbage boards for Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens and an elegant walnut display case for movie props that were featured in the 1964 James Bond classic movie Goldfinger. Today, one of the business’s most unusual projects occupies a significant portion of the building: the Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 6 NBA Finals court, stacked nearly to the rafters, waiting to be repurposed into one-of-a-kind creations. The Urban Craftsman will celebrate its 10th anniversary this September 26 by hosting Urban Wood Fest, an annual regional event celebrating local urban forestry, sustainable lumber and woodworking craftsmanship, alongside Doors Open Milwaukee. The event will feature music from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, food trucks, live woodworking demonstrations and an opportunity for visitors to experience firsthand how fallen urban trees can become lasting works of art. n
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VILLAGE NEWS
Fall Gardening Tips BY JOEY SPRAGUE FOR THE SHOREWOOD NATIVE GARDEN CLUB
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PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITNEY POTHARLA
all is a great time to plant because it gives plants a chance to establish their roots before putting lots of energy into top growth. Consider planting some shrubs or trees that are native to this area. They will be more resilient in increasingly challenging weather. Fall is also a good time to convert some turf grass area into a future spot for a native plant bed. Mow the grass as low as you can, cover it with cardboard secured with landscaping pins or weights, and top that with a mulch of straw. In the spring you can just cut holes in the cardboard to set in your new plants. Before you cut back stems of plants where the leaves have died off, check to see if the stems are hollow and could be used by bees and other beneficial insects for overwintering. If you have hollow stems, consider cutting back to varying heights (6”-12”), which will meet the needs of different creatures while creating more visual interest. Like dried stems and grasses, fallen leaves provide the cover that wildlife need to make it through the winter. Add some to the leaves that have already fallen on your garden beds, being careful to make sure the cover is still light enough to let some air and moisture through. Create a soft landing for larvae of moths, butterflies and other beneficial insects by gathering some leaves around your trees, going out to the drip line, if you can, and being careful to leave breathing room at the base of the trunk. If you have turf grass, a thin layer of shredded leaves is a nitrogen-rich lawn food. Run over them with your lawnmower to break them up a bit. If you use a push mower, try putting the leaves in a trash can and chopping them with your lawn trimmer. Any leftover shredded leaves will be a great addition to your compost. Water some Dutch white clover seeds into your turf grass, they will feed your grass nitrogen while their blooms will feed bees. n
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SHOREWOOD TODAY 19
THANK YOU
TO OUR 2026 PREMIER SPONSORS
RECREATION FEATURE
Supporting Our Schools and Community BY ERIN CROSS
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SHOREWOOD REC. DEPT.
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VISIT SHOREWOODWI.COM
20 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
hen you think about Shorewood Recreation & Community Services, camps, swim lessons, classes and sports leagues likely come to mind. Those programs are certainly a big part of its work, but they’re just one part of the story. Every day, recreation programs support the District’s mission and strategic plan. A child makes a new friend at camp. A teenager leads a group lesson. A parent finds a program that makes a busy week a little easier. A neighbor meets someone new at a fitness class. These moments may seem small, but over time they help create a sense of belonging for young people, a critical indicator for student achievement, well-being and healthy development. In addition to extending the culture of belonging from the schools to afterschool and other activities, the department also fosters the development of skills and knowledge that the next generation of leaders will need. Each year, more than 150 teens and young adults work for the District, and for many it is their first job. Working as lifeguards, camp SHS juniors Marcello Hunt and Mason Bollinger shared their love of sports counselors and program with summer activity participants. instructor, these young people learn responsibility, teamwork, communication and management skills. They also learn that the way they treat others can shape someone’s entire experience. They aren’t just helping run programs; they’re creating spaces that support and include everyone. The department also works to make fitness and wellness accessible. Whether someone is using a fitness center for the first time or has been exercising for years, the objective is simple: create a place where people feel comfortable walking through the door, asking questions and working toward their goals. As the department updates equipment, it’s intentional about selecting pieces and making improvements that serve people with different abilities, mobility needs and fitness goals. Recreation programming is often measured by the number of programs offered and participation statistics. In Shorewood, success also looks like a child who feels included, a teenager who grows into a confident leader or a resident who feels comfortable as a beginner. Those are the experiences that stay with people long after the program ends, and they’re what the department hopes to build every day. n
Do-Gooder
The Power of Connection A backyard sauna brings women together BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
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piphanies can occur in the strangest places. For Village resident Paige Hammond, the revelation happened in a sauna. “The first time I experienced a traditional Finnish sauna, something just clicked,” says Hammond. “There was something incredibly grounding about disconnecting from the noise of everyday life and reconnecting with myself and those around me. I left knowing I wanted that feeling to be part of my everyday life.” Shortly after a trip to Finland, Hammond and her husband Mike installed a barrel sauna they purchased from Costco behind their home on Cramer St. Hammond’s enthusiasm for the sauna was such that she was determined to share it with others. She posted a message on Facebook inviting fellow Shorewood women to join her in “sauna sessions,” and the reaction It was immediately clear was instant and enthusiastic. “It was immediately clear that women in Shorewood that women in Shorewood were looking for were looking for opporopportunities to gather.” tunities to gather,” says Hammond. “In the sauna, — Paige Hammond connection happens easily. All pretense falls away when you’re sitting together sweating through the heat.” The sauna sessions quickly grew into myriad group get-togethers started by other like-minded women, including nature walks, a book club, crafting sessions at the lakefront and a sing-along that left Hammond’s face aching from non-stop smiling. She dubbed the group “Shorewood Women’s Social,” and new ideas for ways to gather regularly pop up on the group’s website, shorewoodwomen.com. “Building community in Shorewood alongside so many incredible women reminded me how much potential already exists within our village,” says Hammond, manager of marketing and communications for the Milwaukee Public Market, where community-building is also a central part of her work. “Sometimes all it takes is creating opportunities for neighbors to come together.” For Hammond, the opportunity to use her sauna as a gathering space for women has grown into a movement that has been featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and on CBS’s Sunday Morning Spotlight. Being a part of the resulting community is deeply rewarding. “What started with a backyard sauna has become so much bigger than I ever imagined,” she says. “I’m excited to see Shorewood WomPaige Hammond’s backyard sauna was the catalyst for creating opportunities for women to get together. en’s Social continue to grow through new gatherings and by welcoming even more women.” n SHOREWOOD TODAY 21
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LIBRARY CORNER
Calling all Teens
H
ey, teens, do you have ideas? Because we want to hear them! Join the Shorewood Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB), and help shape the library with your ideas for programs, events and spaces for teens. You’ll earn volunteer hours, meet other teens, enjoy free snacks and make a real impact in your community. TAB meets on the first Tuesday of every month, starting October 6, from 4 – 5 p.m. Ready to make your voice heard? Pick up an application at the library today! n
Explore Wisconsin’s Haunted History
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n Thursday, October 1, the Shorewood Public Library will welcome authors Mitch Goth and Brandon Rugzie for a behind-the-scenes look at their book 30 Haunted Nights in Wisconsin, a guide for visiting 30 of the state’s most enduring legends, if you dare. The event will be held in the Shorewood Village Center at 6 p.m. Expect stories about spooky mansions, abandoned factories, haunted theaters, and eerie back roads across the state. A question and answer session and book signing will follow the discussion. n
Celebrate the Season with Books and Friends
O Photo by Patrick Manning
n Saturday, November 21, Boswell Book Company proprietor Daniel Goldin will give his annual Holiday Book Talk highlighting must-reads to look out for this season. The event will be held in the Shorewood Village Center at 10 a.m. Boswell booksellers will be on hand if you wish to purchase gifts for any of the book lovers on your list (or yourself). A portion of all book sales will be donated to the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library. n
September is Library Card Sign-up Month
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eptember is National Library Card Sign-up Month, making it the perfect time to join the thousands of Shorewood residents who already enjoy everything the library has to offer. If you don’t have a library card, there’s never been a better time to sign up. Getting a library card is quick, free and easy. Just stop by the Shorewood Public Library with a photo ID and proof of your current address (such as a lease or utility bill), and you’ll be ready to go in just a few minutes. A library card is one of the best values in the community. In addition to borrowing books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and more from the library, you’ll have access to materials from libraries throughout Milwaukee County. Your card also unlocks valuable online resources, including Consumer Reports Online, as well as thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, digital magazines and other downloadable content. A library card is more than just a way to borrow books — it’s an investment in lifelong learning, academic success and endless opportunities to explore new ideas, develop new skills and save money. n
Residents gathered to meet miniature therapy horse Sawdust at the Shorewood Public Library’s Summer Celebration in July. SHOREWOOD TODAY 23
VILLAGE FEATURE
What to Know About the Oakland Ave. Reconstruction BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE
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e gathered the experts to answer the most pressing questions Village residents have about the reconstruction of North Oakland Ave.: Rebecca Ewald, Shorewood Village manager, Leeann Butschlick, director of the Shorewood Department of Public Works, Eric Miller, the dedicated public involvement contact from De Vor Communications, and Roger Tam, construction project manager from Benesch, the project’s engineering firm. Here are the top five questions residents routinely ask.
When will this be over? According to Tam, the project is on schedule, and the road will be available for use November 6, with a final completion date of December 4 to finish the curb bump outs and other punch list items. Removal and replacement of the underground water mains, public and private lead water services, and other private utility infrastructure make this a major project, says Butchslick, and there are many challenges to working in a tight corridor that remains open to traffic. The goal is that this is a generational project with a road surface that has an expected life of 40-60 years. How will the finished project be different? Aside from the upgraded underground utilities, improved drainage and replacement of lead service lines, Oakland Ave. will have curb extensions at most intersections. Also called “bump-outs,” they make streets safer by slowing vehicle turning speeds, improving sight lines between drivers and pedestrians, and reducing the time pedestrians spend in the roadway, which can be particularly helpful for children, older adults and people using mobility devices. There will be other safety measures added, such as RRFB or pedestrian-activated warning lights used at crosswalks to increase driver awareness, at the intersections of Elmdale Ct., Jarvis St. and Glendale Ave., along with enhanced bicycle accommodations. 24 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
What can I do to help the businesses along the route? Go to them, says Miller. Preferably walk there, so you can explore other businesses you might otherwise miss. They are all open for business and need the community’s continued support. Why is this taking so long? To use Butschlick’s analogy, if you’ve ever remodeled a kitchen, you know work happens in stages; the electrical, plumbing and drywall require different people and equipment, and they can’t all happen at the same time. While many contractors on the Oakland Ave. project do overlap to increase efficiency, sometimes there’s a lag while equipment and materials are brought in, the removal of old concrete takes longer than expected or any of the many ways a project can hit a brief snag the way your kitchen remodel does. This project is also like a kitchen remodel in that just as you wouldn’t remodel your kitchen one wall at a time, you can’t remodel a road, with all its connected underground infrastructure, one block at a time. It’s an inconvenience for the entire stretch from Capitol Dr. to Glendale Ave. to be torn up, but tackling the project piecemeal would be highly inefficient and economically impossible. Where can I get more information? Miller is your direct resource and developed a website with loads of current information at oaklandavereconstruct.com. You can scan the QR code below to visit the site or to sign up to receive weekly email newsletters. Miller is available at info@oaklandavereconstruct.com or at 262.933.0467, and he makes every effort to respond quickly. “We are grateful for people’s patience and to everyone who’s going the extra mile to patronize the businesses along that corridor,” says Ewald. “When the project is completed, I know the whole community is really going to enjoy the improvements.” n
Our History Beneath the Streets Photos courtesy of the Shorewood Historical Society.
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horewood got its first paved road back in 1913 when it was still called East Milwaukee. When the Village’s population exploded from 300 residents in 1900 to 13,479 in 1930, thousands of feet of underground water and sewer lines, like the one above from the early 1920s, were installed. Today, the majority of the community’s waterlines are original and date back to the early 1900s. While the Village began replacing the lead pipes years ago, a 2027 federal law will mandate all lead service lines be replaced by 2037. “We didn’t get here overnight,” says Rebecca Ewald, Shorewood Village manager. “But now that we’re here, we’re taking a ‘complete streets’ approach, replacing the outdated infrastructure below ground and tackling tasks above ground, from the road surface to pedestrian crosswalks and bike lanes to the streetlamps and trees.” n
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North Shore Pharmacy 1421 EAST CAPITOL DRIVE SHOREWOOD, WI 53211 414.962.9665 Workmen repairing Lake Drive in 1931.
NORTHSHOREPHARMACY.ORG SHOREWOOD TODAY 25
BID FEATURE
It Takes a Village
Shorewood rallies around businesses during Oakland Ave. construction
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BY JENNIFER ANDERSON
oad construction can be one of the biggest challenges a small business faces, disrupting traffic, limiting parking and making customers think twice before stopping. But in Shorewood, a coordinated effort involving the Shorewood Business Improvement District (BID), the Shorewood Foundation, local organizations and community partners is working to ensure businesses along the northern Oakland Ave. corridor emerge from the interruption stronger than ever. The construction affects approximately 115 businesses between Capitol Dr. and Glendale Ave., with retailers and restaurants feeling the greatest impact, according to Janet Henning, BID director. Recognizing those challenges long before the first orange barrels appeared, the BID began planning years in advance. “Five years ago, A selfie from Noah Newman, one of the many residents who participated following the allocation in the Shorewood Foundation’s of grants from the Small “Spot It Shorewood” campaign. Business COVID Relief Fund, the BID began setting aside funds in a money market account as a financial safety net,” says Henning. “We are grateful today that we had the foresight to do so.” That careful planning has enabled the BID to establish a $300,000 business continuity grant fund, supplemented by an additional $50,000 from the Shorewood Foundation, bringing the total available assistance to $350,000. The BID will distribute the full amount among businesses that can demonstrate they have been negatively affected by the construction. The funds may be used to help offset a range of expenses such as rent, employee wages or additional marketing efforts. “We’re incredibly grateful for the grant offered by the Shorewood BID,” says Jackie Creighton, clinic manager at Structural Elements® MKE. “It will help us continue moving our business forward during a time when the road construction has made things more difficult, and it reinforces that we’re not navigating these challenges alone.” The financial assistance is only one piece of a much 26 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
broader strategy. “It truly takes a village to support these businesses,” Henning said. “People may not always see everything that happens behind the scenes, but our team of people is working hard to support the small businesses that bring vibrancy to our main street.” To encourage customers to continue shopping locally, the BID launched a six-month Shop Shorewood advertising campaign through Radio Milwaukee and OnMilwaukee.com, reminding residents that businesses remain open throughout construction and highlighting the Village’s unique, independently owned businesses. The BID also hired a dedicated marketing professional to manage social media, provide regular construction updates and spotlight local businesses. Shorewest Realtors has joined that effort by regularly featuring Shorewood businesses through its own social media channels. Helping customers navigate the construction zone has also been a priority. The BID installed directional signage at both ends of the project to guide visitors to available parking and produced a one-page construction parking flyer that businesses can share with customers. Before work even began, every affected business received a four-page construction readiness guide packed with practical tips for preparing for months of road work. Community organizations have stepped up as well. In the spring, the BID partnered with Shorewood’s Public Arts Committee to present the Art Walk, pairing local artists with businesses along North Oakland Avenue for an evening celebrating culture, conversation and community. “The Art Walk was a huge success for us,” says Creighton. “We welcomed more visitors to our clinic that day than on any other day this year.” The Shorewood Men’s Club has moved its meetings to various restaurants and bars, helping direct business to local establishments. The Gentlemen of Shorewood’s Shorewood 12 Bike Ride has intentionally incorporated stops at businesses along the construction corridor, bringing participants directly to impacted merchants. Even longtime community events have adapted. Rather than losing Shorewood’s place in the prestigious Tour of America’s Dairyland series, the BID, in connection with Shorewood leaders and organizers, redesigned the route for the annual Shorewood Criterium Classic bicycle race to accommodate the construction while preserving one of the village’s signature events.
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The artist Soul showcased her multi-media fashion-inspired art at Posh Collective during the Shorewood Art Walk. It was one of many events designed to drive traffic to the businesses affected by the N. Oakland Ave. road reconstruction.
Meanwhile, the Shorewood Foundation’s “Spot It Shorewood!” campaign encouraged residents to visit businesses by hiding the Foundation’s new logo throughout participating locations. Customers who found the logo become eligible to win gift certificates to BID businesses, creating another incentive to shop locally. The Shorewood Farmer’s Market has also created a rotating business booth giving impacted merchants another opportunity to connect with customers outside the construction zone. Henning says much of the support has happened quietly. Sympathetic landlords have offered flexibility on rent or space improvements, and community members have vowed to spend their money in Shorewood whenever possible to help their favorite businesses stay afloat. “Everyone is stepping in however and wherever they can,” she says. While road construction is temporary, Shorewood leaders hope the community’s response will have a lasting impact. Through financial assistance, creative marketing, special events and a shared commitment to shopping local, Shorewood is demonstrating that supporting small businesses truly is a community effort. n SHOREWOOD TODAY 27
DISTRICT FEATURE
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE:
Shorewood’s Student Profile
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BY CARRIE WETTSTEIN | PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOREWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Compassionate Citizens cornerstone of the District’s strategic plan, the new student profile defines the Students across all grade levels worked to Our Promise academic, social and emotional understand the experience of others and The Shorewood School District is competencies every learner needs to develop commitments to justice, sustainan inclusive community that values, develop to navigate higher education and ability and equity through community supports, and challenges every career pathways, as well as lead a life as an service and collaborative learning projects. student so they thrive now and informed and engaged citizen. The profile During the 2025-2026 school year, SHS in the future they choose. was inspired in part by the Shorewood and SIS orchestra students worked with the Violins of Hope project, and SHS Chamber School Board’s “Overarching Result,” which states Orchestra members played instruments that belonged that “Our students are leaders who challenge themselves to Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. to grow and achieve academically, pursue their passions, navigate change, learn continuously and contribute to the common good.” The student profile is not a policy document or a marketing tool. Students and teachers are making it is a living, breathing part of daily school life.
Critical Thinkers Winners of the 2026 Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers’ (WSST) essay competition wrote about the impacts of climate change. SHS students studied computational chemistry, DNA transcription, data analysis and the anatomy of the modern hagfish in the UWM Research Internship Program. SHS students also participated in Legislative Semester, researching and writing bills, discussing current political issues, and immersing themselves in committees, leadership elections and other aspects of a legislative session. Collaborators Collaboration was central to the Lake Bluff Elementary School’s sixth grade Democracy in Dialogue project. Shorewood students partnered virtually with peers in New Jersey and Hawaii over the course of the 2025-2026 school year and created digital museum exhibits that explore identity, community and American democracy. The Shorewood Public Library hosted an exhibit of this America 250 project, with students serving as discussion leaders. Lifelong Learners Curiosity, creativity and a love of learning need to extend beyond school walls, and past graduation. Through the 2026 Shorewood Reads program, SHS students hosted book club discussions with Village residents that offered diverse perspectives and life experiences. Atwater Elementary School’s Annual Veteran’s Day Appreciation Program provided a meaningful opportunity to learn from family members, friends or neighbors who have served our country in the military. 28 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
Chrissy Body, SHS ‘26, showcased her artwork at the Advanced Placement Art Night in the spring. The District’s Student Profile challenges Shorewood students like Body to pursue their passions and become lifelong learners.
Global Citizens Ten Shorewood High School students traveled abroad during the summer break to Costa Rica, Spain, the Czech Republic, Japan and Australia through CIEE High School Abroad programs. CIEE programs immerse students in local language, arts, science, sustainability and cultural experiences. One of the oldest AFS chapters in the country, Shorewood High School also celebrated the 75th year of our international student exchange tradition and continues to offer the Seal of Biliteracy and Global Scholars credentials to qualifying students.
Agents of Change Taking ownership and responsibility for learning is central to agency. At Atwater, student-led conferences encouraged students to reflect on their own academic progress alongside their families. At Lake Bluff, student ambassadors taught their peers how to resolve conflicts peacefully using mediation strategies, ensuring their school is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. n
Hosting Celebrations of Life
Cassie King
Pre-Arrangement Specialist Call for more information or to set up an appointment.
cassie@feerickfuneralhome.com
2025 East Capitol Drive | 414.962.8383 FEERICKFUNERALHOME.COM
SHOREWOOD TODAY 29
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Bringing Craftsmanship and Creativity to Renovations RJ Builders, Inc. takes a hands-on approach to projects
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BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
or more than 30 years, RJ Builders at 4316 N. Oakland ence working as an independent remodeling contractor. A Ave. has helped homeowners transform their spaces graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s fine arts program, early on while preserving the character that makes Milwauin his career he crafted women’s jewelry and developed kee’s older homes so special. Today, the design-build an artist’s eye for detail that carries through every project. remodeling firm is led by partners Kevin After working with RJ Builders as a These homes were built to supplemental contractor, he bought into Kysely and Ann and Tom Gaeta, whose complementary talents and shared last, and we always try to the business eight years ago and now commitment to quality have earned the oversees daily operations, coordinating honor that craftsmanship.” subcontractors while also performing some company a reputation for exceptional — Kevin Kysely, craftsmanship and personalized service. of the work personally on the jobsite. Co-owner of RJ Builders, Inc Kysely has over three decades’ experiThat hands-on approach is one of the
Kevin Kysely and Ann Gaeta bring their hands-on expertise and well-honed skills to bear with every project they take on at RJ Builders, Inc. 30 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
company’s biggest differentiators. Because he knows every homeowner personally and monitors every phase of construction, potential problems are addressed immediately instead of being lost in layers of management. “If there’s a problem, they know they can just call me,” he says. Gaeta brings the design expertise. A Marquette University graduate in marketing and psychology and an artist, she first worked with RJ Builders while remodeling the North Shore home she owns with her husband, Tom. RJ Builders did not have a designer on staff at the time, and she enjoyed the process so much that she later flipped a home in Whitefish Bay with the RJ team. Impressed by the experience, she and Tom, who manages the company’s accounting and administrative work, became partners in the business. Today, Gaeta is an award-winning designer whose work has helped the firm earn NARI (National Association of Remodeling Industry) Gold Awards at the local, regional and national levels as well as design accolades from Milwaukee Magazine and the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). As a full-service design-build firm, RJ Builders handles projects ranging from powder rooms and mudrooms to duplex conversions and additions, although kitchens remain its specialty. Gaeta has seen trends come and go and today’s homeowners embrace more personality in their homes, with richer colors, mixed metals and less perfectly matched finishes replacing the pristine all-gray and all-white palettes that dominated for years. “The spaces now span a variety of styles and aesthetics and are designed for clients’ needs and style preferences,” Gaeta says. Few contractors know Milwaukee’s century-old homes as well as RJ Builders. Whether uncovering sinks tucked inside closets, correcting decades of unconventional electrical work or carefully blending modern conveniences with historic details, the team understands how to preserve a home’s charm while making it work for today’s families. “People who built these homes back in the early 1900s didn’t just slap them together or they wouldn’t still be around,” Kysely says.” “These homes were built to last, and we always try to honor that craftsmanship.” That respect guides every renovation. The company intentionally limits itself to no more than five projects at a time so every client receives personal attention. Kysely admits he wouldn’t sleep well otherwise. Together, Kysely, Gaeta and their trusted network of longtime subcontractors have created a collaborative, enjoyable remodeling experience where design comes first, quality is never compromised and many clients become lasting friends. n
SHOREWOOD TODAY 31
32 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
Annual Parade Honors Independence Day
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horewood celebrated the Fourth of July in classic community style, with neighbors lining the streets for a parade filled with red, white and blue. The parade is sponsored every year by the Shorewood Foundation, which partnered with Enigma Properties to provide the fireworks display later that evening. The annual tradition brought together families, friends and familiar faces for a festive day of hometown fun. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the celebration.
Photos by Annysa Johnson SHOREWOOD TODAY 33
Senior Resource Center (SRC) Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 9 am – 1 pm or by appointment. Unless otherwise specified, all programs are held in the Shorewood Village Center (lower-level library). For registration, please call 414-847-2727 or email src@shorewoodwi.gov.
Ready to Play?
Mondays • 1 — 3:30 pm
Join us for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition! Reconnect with familiar faces or meet new friends while enjoying classic card and board games like bridge, cribbage, chess, Rummikub and Scrabble. Free to attend. No registration needed — just drop in!
In-Person One-to-One Tech Support by Appointment Fridays • 10 am — 1 pm
Schedule a 50-minute appointment with a tech tutor. Bring your portable device and learn how to make better use of your cell phone, laptop, iPad, etc. FREE! Appointments required.
Balance and Fall Prevention Thursday, September 10 • 1 — 2 pm
Join Trina Worby, PT for an interactive workshop combining education and exercises to support balance and prevent falls. Free! Pre-registration encouraged.
Brain Power Hour
Fourth Tuesdays • 1 – 2 pm
Join us for a 60-minute interactive workshop using evidencebased activities to stimulate the mind and body. Free! Pre-registration required. Sept. 22 Brain Gains Through Travel
Oct. 27 Kidney, Brain, and Heart: A Dynamic Trio for Health Nov. 24 Fun Facts About the Heart and Top Foods Cardiologists Want You to Avoid
Tech Connect Series
Wednesdays • 10:30 am – 12 pm
Programs are FREE! Pre-registration required.
Sept. 23 Understanding Internet Plans — It’s not all about speed! Learn basic terminology, Internet speeds for different kinds of activities and tips for saving money.
Oct. 28 Streaming & Smart TVs — Learn the basics of streaming, how to watch live TV without cable, and how smart TVs and streaming devices can let you watch videos from the Internet on your television. Nov. 25 Cloud Storage — Learn the basics of cloud storage — how to store your files remotely for better accessibility, reliability and protection. We’ll cover what it is, why it matters and demonstrate some popular services you can use.
34 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
Women of Shorewood with Karen DeHartog
Wednesday, September 30 • 10 – 11:30 pm
Discover the stories of remarkable women who shaped Shorewood’s history. Presented by Karen DeHartog. Pre-registration encouraged.
Medicare 101
Wednesday, Oct. 8 • 1 – 2:30 pm Understand the A, B, C and D of Medicare
Learn how to enroll and get free enrollment assistance. Presented by State of Wisconsin Health Insurance Assistance Counselors (SHIP). No sales. Unbiased information you can trust. Pre-registration encouraged.
Book Nook
Tuesday, Oct. 20 • 1 – 2 pm
Here’s a fun, casual opportunity to discuss some of your favorite books — and perhaps discover your next great read.Library Program Room. Pre-registration appreciated.
Spooky Dance Party!
Wednesday, Oct. 28 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Get ready to Monster Mash the day away with spooky tunes played by the Fashionably Late Combo, tricks and treats! Come as you are or come as you aren’t; costumes are appreciated! Please pre-register with $5 payment required.
Military Legacy of Mexican American WWII Veterans of Small-Town America Veterans Day, November 11 • 10:30 am — 12 pm
Author Maria Cruz shares stories from her memoir. Veterans will receive complimentary coffee and donuts. Suggested donation: $3 at the door. Pre-registration encouraged.
Safeguarding Your Future: Legal and Financial Essentials Tuesday, Nov. 17 • 6 – 7:30 pm
Join Shorewood elder law attorney Megann Hendrix for an overview of essential estate planning tools designed to protect your financial future and ensure your decisionmaking rights are preserved. Pre-registration appreciated.
North Shore Health Department Blood Pressure Check/Ask A Nurse Wednesday, Nov. 18 • 11 am — 1 pm
The North Shore Health Department will be on-site to take your blood pressure and share resources. SHOREWOOD TODAY 35
ShorewoodEvents Shorewood Farmers Market
Masterworks Concert
Celebrate the flavors of fall at the Shorewood Farmers Market in Estabrook Park. Shop fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan foods and handcrafted products while enjoying live music and a welcoming community atmosphere. The market accepts SNAP/Quest benefits and is a pet-free event, except for service animals. Visit shorewoodfarmersmarket.com or follow the market on Facebook and Instagram for weekly vendor updates.
Enjoy an evening of exceptional music as Shorewood High School’s Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir join the Shorewood Recreation Department’s Choral Arts Society for this annual performance. Held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the concert showcases the remarkable talent of Shorewood’s student and community musicians.
Sundays, Sept. 6 – Oct. 25 9:30 AM – 1 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 27 7 PM
Village Trick-or-Treat and Night of the Ghost Train 7th Annual Shorewood 12 Bike Ride
Saturday, Sept. 12 9:12 AM – 9:12 PM
Part bike ride, part community celebration and all for a good cause, the Shorewood 12 Bike Ride combines friendly competition with fundraising for local charities. Modeled after Riverwest’s legendary 24-hour race, participants earn points by stopping at Shorewood businesses while completing the 12-hour event. Whether you’re riding, cheering or supporting the cause, it’s become one of the Village’s most spirited traditions. To learn more, visit thegentlemenofshorewood.com.
The Shorewood Waters Project Annual Fish & Feather Festival Saturday, Oct. 3 11 AM – 3 PM
Discover the beauty of the Milwaukee River during this free family-friendly festival at Hubbard Park. Explore interactive exhibits highlighting local wildlife and conservation, enjoy hands-on art activities for kids, live music, food and educational displays from environmental organizations. While you’re there, stop by the Hubbard Park Beer Garden to round out a perfect autumn afternoon. 36 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
Saturday, Oct. 31 Trick-or-Treat 1 – 4 PM Night of the Ghost Train 7 – 9 PM
Trick-or-Treat has moved to Saturda y! After the little ones have filled their goodie bags, head over to the Ghost Train for a community gathering in celebration of the Ghost Train’s epic evening ride.
Shorewood Connects Fall Yard Clean-Up Saturday, Nov. 7 9 AM – Noon
Lend a helping hand while connecting with neighbors during this annual day of community service. Volunteers are paired with older adults and residents with disabilities to rake leaves and prepare yards for winter. To volunteer, contact the Shorewood Senior Resource Center at 414-847-2727 or src@shorewoodwi.gov
Out & About in Shorewood
New Zealand’s George Jackson, winner of the Shorewood Criterium’s professional men’s race, greets some enthusiastic fans at the finish. Photo credit Mitchell Vincent. Young July 4th parade-goers get their bikes ready for the festivities at the decoration station sponsored by Little Sprouts Play + Café. Photo credit: Annysa Johnson.
Shorewood High School Principal Tim Kenney leads a tour during June’s All Class Reunion picnic. Photo credit: Shorewood School District.
Team River Dogs gathers after a game: Henry Graham, Sebastian Holguin Profita, Oliver Stoffel-Brown (game Golden Glove Award winner), Tripp Graham, Joe Popalisky and Clay Moss. Photo credit: Hart Moss. SHOREWOOD TODAY 37
Shorewood A Look Back Shorewood Theater Building a Community Hub
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he Shorewood Theater, on the southwest corner of Oakland Ave. and Lake Bluff Blvd., opened on September 10, 1927. It served as a focal point for community recreation and businesses for over 30 years. The large Mediterranean-style building filled most of the block between Marion St. and Lake Bluff Blvd. and included five shops, including a barber shop and a florist, a bowling alley, and nine offices on the second floor. A skating rink was installed later, and a tavern was added to the bowling alley in 1933. The biggest draw, however, was the theater itself. It was ornate and
The Shorewood Theater building, designed by architect H.D. Werwath, at the corner of Lake Bluff Blvd. and Oakland Ave. in the 1940s.
Currently, the Metropolitan apartment building, built in 1968, and Einstein’s Bagels fill the space once occupied by the Shorewood Theater building.
lavishly decorated like many theaters of the era. Longtime Shorewood resident Margaret Sankovitz frequently attended the theater’s Saturday matinees in the 1940s. “For 10 cents, my friends and I could watch a cowboy movie, Abbott and Costello, cartoons and coming attractions. During the war, the price of admission was sometimes 10 wire coat hangers.” The movie theater portion of the building closed in 1952, a victim of the rise of television. The bowling alley and other businesses remained until 1966. At that point the facade was badly cracked and deemed too expensive to repair. The building was razed and the bricks were used to fill in a ravine on Lake Drive. n
For more information about Shorewood's history, see the digitized word-searchable Shorewood Herald newspapers at shorewoodhistory.org. 38 SHOREWOOD TODAY FALL 2026
SHOREWOOD E CAPITOL DRIVE
GLENDALE BAYSHORE
SHOREWOOD TODAY 39
The Village of Shorewood 3930 N. Murray Ave. orewood, Wisconsin 53211-2303
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 4741 Milwaukee, WI
Village of Shorewood 3930 N. Murray Ave. Shorewood, Wisconsin 53211
EDGE OF THE CITY AND HEART OF EVERYTHING
Shorewood Fall Calendar SIS = Shorewood Intermediate School | SHS = Shorewood High School
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
TUES. SEPT. 1 First Day of School for all Shorewood District Schools
THUR. OCT. 1 30 Haunted Nights in Wisconsin 6pm, Shorewood Public Library
THUR. NOV. 5 Safe Online Shopping 2pm, Shorewood Village Center
THURS. SEPT. 3 Our Great Lakes in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities 6pm, Shorewood Public Library
SAT. OCT. 3 Fish & Feather Festival 11am-3pm, For details, see page 36.
SUN. NOV. 8 Pathways to Publication with Local Author Jeannée Sacken 1pm, Shorewood Village Center
TUES. SEPT. 1 Back to School Bash 3:30pm, Shorewood Library
SUN. SEPT. 6 Shorewood Farmers Market 9:30am-1pm, Estabrook Parkway. Runs through Oct. 25. SAT. SEPT. 12 Shorewood 12 Bike Race 9:12am-9:12pm. For details, see page 36.
MON. SEPT. 14 AI & Consumer Protection 2-3pm, Shorewood Public Library
SAT. SEPT. 19 Stone Soup Shakespeare Presents The Merry Wives of Windsor 6pm, Library lawn
FRI. & SAT. OCT. 2 & 3 SHS Homecoming Weekend Festivities
WED. OCT. 7 National Walk or Bike to School Day
SUN. OCT 11 Milwaukee River Kayak Adventure with Forward Outdoor 1:45-3:45pm, Registration required: Text 414-588-0617. MON. OCT. 12 Back to Craft: The Art of Labor by Hand 6pm, Shorewood Public Library SAT. OCT. 17 Shorewood Waters’ Adopt-A-River Cleanup 9-11am, Estabrook and Hubbard Parks
SAT. NOV. 7 Shorewood Connects Fall Yard Clean-Up 9am. For details, see page 36.
FRI. & SAT. NOV. 13 & 14 SHS AFS Showcase 7pm, SHS Gensler Auditorium
TUES. NOV. 17 Holiday Consumer Protection 2pm, Shorewood Village Center SAT. NOV. 21 Holiday Book Talk with Daniel Goldin 10am, Shorewood Public Library
THUR. OCT. 22 How & Why We Age: What is Happening on the Inside? 2pm, Shorewood Public Library
THUR. OCT. 22-SAT. OCT. 24 SHS Fall Play 7pm, SHS Gensler Auditorium
SUN. OCT. 25 Last day of the Shorewood Farmer’s Market 9:30am-1:30pm, Estabrook Park
TUES. OCT. 27 SHS Masterworks Concert 7pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. For details, see page 36. THUR. OCT. 29 Kids’ Halloween Bash 3:30pm, Library Program Room SAT. OCT. 31 Village Trick-or-Treat 1-4pm
SAT. OCT. 31 Night of the Ghost Train 7-9pm
SAVE THE DATES! SAT. DEC. 5 • The Shorewood BID’s Winterfest • SUN. DEC. 6 • The Shorewood Arts & Crafts Fair