As you’ve likely experienced firsthand, the Oakland Ave. reconstruction project currently underway in our village has brought temporary disruptions — detours, noise and changes to familiar routines. I want to sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as this important work moves forward.
Projects of this scale are never easy, but they are essential investments in the long-term vitality of our community. When complete, these improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, infrastructure and the experience of living, working and spending time in our village. We are building for today and for the future generations who will call this place home.
During this time, I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses. Many of our shops, restaurants and service providers are open and eager to welcome you, even amid construction challenges. Choosing to shop and dine locally helps ensure that they remain strong and resilient — now and long after the project is finished. Every visit, purchase and recommendation makes a difference.
Thank you again for your cooperation and for believing in the promise of what we are building together. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this project with all of you.
In gratitude, Rebecca Ewald, Village Manager
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, Maria Campbell
DESIGN: Jennifer Rueth
PHOTOGRAPHY: Patrick Manning
ADVERTISING SALES: Michelle Boehm
The deadline for reserving advertising space for the summer 2026 issue of Shorewood Today is April 15 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: Four key players in the Shorewood road reconstruction world: Daniel Heyen, Public Works superintendent; Arthur Ircink, Village trustee and chair of the Public Works committee; Leeann Butschlick, director of the Department of Public Works; and Rebecca Ewald, Village manager, recreate a local version of the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover.
SHS
Village
Former SHS soccer player is dedicated to healing other
Woman’s
Check
Melissa
Village assessor is not the taxman
long and winding road, see page
Village News
New Village Assistant Manager Hired
Shorewood’s new assistant Village manager, Nicole Berzin, started her career in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., after graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University. Initially hired as a senior recreation department aid in 2020, Berzin quickly worked her way up the ladder to the job of communications director for the town before deciding to return to where she grew up near Gurnee, Ill. When the job in Shorewood became open, Berzin was excited about the prospect of working for the Village. “I’d heard amazing things about
Shorewood,” she says. “When I came for my interview, the energy was great. I could tell that the Village staff was a tight-knit group and that it would be a good culture fit for me.”
Berzin is enthusiastic about getting to know members of the community and has enjoyed exploring the area with her yellow lab Lambeau. Rebecca Ewald, Shorewood Village manager, has been delighted with the new hire.
“The transition has been very smooth,” says Ewald. “Nicole is so skilled and learns so quickly, it feels like she’s always been here.” n
Village Develops Financial Assistance Plan for Lead Line Replacement
The Environmental Protection Agency has mandated the replacement of all lead service lines within the next 15 years, and Shorewood is the first North Shore community to offer homeowners assistance with their portion of the replacement costs. The development of the Utility Private Lead Service Replacement Program (LSRP) has been a long time in the making, with Village trustees voting to fund 50 percent of the costs for the private side replacement in 2022.
The LSRP offers the following support for property owners:
• Financial coverage for up to 50 percent of the owner’s replacement costs.
• Owners can finance their cost through a loan that breaks their payments into 12 equal installments on their monthly utility bills.
• Owners can pay off the loan early with no penalty, and past-due balances will be added to property tax bills.
“We’ve been working hard to find ways to help property owners with this cost because we know it’s significant,” says Shorewood Village Manager Rebecca Ewald. “But 70 percent of our community has lead service lines, and the law requires we replace them.”
To pay for both the loan and its half of the replacement costs, the Village will raise water rates this year and next, with the average residential homeowner seeing increases of approximately 30 percent in 2026 and six percent in 2027. A homeowner who paid $110 per quarter for their water bills in 2025 would see that bill increase to $140 per quarter this year and to $150 per quarter next year.
Almost half of the Village’s watermain were installed before 1940, and many are showing their age. Most are made
from cast iron, says Leeann Butschlick, director of the Shorewood Department of Public Works, and “cast iron doesn’t last forever.
“It weakens, corrodes and gets thin spots, and the water pressure can cause the pipe to blow out.”
Watermain breaks are costly and disruptive, and Shorewood has had over 50 of them in the last five years. The short-term cost to residents will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime expense that will result in a significant and necessary upgrade to the community’s water system.
“We understand that people need to plan their finances and their lives,” says Ewald. “We will develop a schedule for when we will be in each neighborhood, which is dependent on the watermain conditions. Many of our lines are 100+ years old, and we’ll need to start with the ones that are showing the worst wear.”
In addition, the multi-year sewer reconstruction project continues and, to fund it, Village Trustees voted in 2019 for rate increases in 2020, 2022 and 2024, with another increase of 22 percent this year. Residents can expect an additional sewer rate increase in 2028 to support the completion of remaining sewer infrastructure projects. n
Nicole Berzin
This worn-out lead pipe on display in Village Hall shows the condition of many local water mains.
Giving Back: How to volunteer in the Village
Shorewood residents are generous with their time and energy, often looking for ways to contribute to their community. Here’s a list of many of the local organizations within the Village that are looking for volunteers.
Village Boards:
For more information and an application visit villageofshorewood.org
Board of Appeals
Board of Health
Board of Review
Community Development Authority
Conservation Committee
Design Review Board
Elder Services Advisory Board
Human Relations Commission
Library Board
Parks & Public Spaces Committee
Plan Commission
Police Commission
Public Art Committee
Recreation Advisory Committee
Other Shorewood Organizations:
Eastside Senior Resources: essmilw.org
Election Inspector: villageofshorewood.org
Friends of the Library: shorewoodlibrary.org
SEED Foundation: seedfoundation.com
Senior Resource Center: villageofshorewood.org
Shorewood Business Improvement District: shorewoodwi.com
Shorewood Care Network: email shorewoodcarenetwork@gmail.com
The annual yard clean-up is a great way for the whole family to volunteer together.
Village Forms Domestic Violence Prevention Panel
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO CREDIT NALINI SUNDARARAJAN
Last summer, Shorewood Police Chief Heather Wurth reached out to Andria De Toro, the North Shore high risk advocate for the Sojourner Family Peace Center, the largest nonprofit provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin. It had been only a few days since the Village’s second domestic homicide in as many years, and Chief Wurth was searching for ways to bring the community into a broader discussion on the problem of intimate partner violence.
“We knew there were a lot of big feelings around the issue,” says Wurth. “And while we couldn’t specifically address the details of these homicides, we knew that residents wanted information on the reality of domestic violence in our community.”
With the help of Ann McCullough McKaig, Village president, and Anjum Alden, community organizer and founder of the Shorewood Community Network, Wurth organized a panel of experts for a public forum last October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The panel included Sojourner CEO Carmen Pitre, Wurth, McCullough McKaig, De Toro, District counselor Julie Wells and Bennie Higgins, director of educational programs at the Alma Center, which works with domestic violence offenders to change their behavior.
The panel’s theme, “The Power of Connection,” came about because so many residents had asked what they could do in the aftermath of last summer’s homicide. “We need to educate our community about what domestic violence looks like and the role people can take in observing, reporting and
supporting,” says Wurth. “People don’t want to get involved because they’re worried about being wrong, but what if they’re right?”
During the evening’s event, each panelist brought their unique knowledge and experience to the conversation.
Wurth shared the police department’s protocol for handling domestic violence calls in the Village, noting that every call is reported to Sojourner and is given a Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) score. That score is determined by the answers to 11 questions that help to identify whether a situation is likely to end in homicide.
Pitre urged attendees to understand how they can help victims. “Victims need to hear three things above all: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. I’m here for you,” she said. “That support can change everything.”
From his work at Alma, Higgins shared insights from the perpetrator’s perspective, noting that those who abuse are often victims of violence themselves. The center’s work focuses on education and teaching empathy and respect, especially toward women. “Our culture tells men they need to conquer women,” he said. “Movies and media reinforce that message every day.”
Wells spoke of the programs within the schools to teach students about consent and healthy relationships starting in eighth grade, and McCullough McKaig drew on her background as an activist, community leader and professional trained in violence impact and prevention. In addition, two survivors of domestic violence shared their personal stories with the group, describing how trauma bonding made it difficult to leave their abusers and the lengths to which they had to go to get the courts to believe them.
The panel was part of a broader awareness campaign coordinated by Alden through the Shorewood Community Network Facebook group, which focused on sharing resources, connecting community partners and fostering ongoing education.
Galvanized by the event’s success, organizers plan to host it again this October. In addition, they are working with the other municipalities along Milwaukee’s North Shore in the hopes that each will plan their own similar event.
“The goal is to have local teams in all seven municipalities,” says Wurth. “And, ultimately, we’d like to see every municipality in Milwaukee County have a panel like this.” n
Bennie Higgins from the Alma Center brought an important perspective.
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Kristen White opened her business with a plan to combine all the best parts of the high-end luxury and medical spas where she’s worked over the course of her career. The result is Wellness 414, a healing space within Dr. Zhou’s Acupuncture Wellness Center at 4601 N. Oakland Ave. White offers treatments like stress relief massage, Reiki healing sessions and customized body contouring.
White has been interested in body work and therapeutic techniques since she was a young girl experimenting with essential oils. “I always had an interest in the natural world and felt that plants could heal,” she says. “I use techniques like cupping, aromatherapy, low-level light therapy, acupressure — whatever the body needs — to release stress and help you connect with yourself.”
A graduate of Nicolet High School, White trained at Dr. Zhou’s East-West Healing Arts Institute in Madison and traveled to China to study foot reflexology. During her over 20 years in the field, she worked in local spas such as Luxe and founded her own business, Healing Hands, providing chair massage for high-stakes poker players while they competed at Potawatomi Casino. White is frequently brought in to provide chair massages for special appreciation events at area businesses.
“I love bringing massage and wellness to a new community,” White says. “I enjoy using my skills and intuition to find the right solution for each individual.” New clients can use the code WELCOME15 for $15 off their first session.
by
Shorewood’s Multiline Insurance Agency, a full-service independent insurance agency owned by Mark Samse, has moved from its long-time storefront location on Wilson Dr. The agency, which also employs Samse’s son Jack, is now at 1425 E. Capitol Dr. in the space that previously housed Posh Collective.
With over 25 years serving the community, the agency will now have room to grow as the father-son team continues to serve its clients with the same personalized care and knowledgeable service it has since its inception.
Photo
Patrick Manning
Shorewood Woman’s Club Celebrates 90th
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO FROM SHOREWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY ARCHIVES
In its early days, the Shorewood Woman's Club provided a space where local women could gather outside the home to socialize and organize service projects.
The Shorewood Woman’s Club recognizes its 90th anniversary this spring with a luncheon on April 16 that will spotlight notable women throughout the Village’s history. Founded in 1936, the club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), which got its start in the late 1800s after reporter Jane “Jennie June” Cunningham Croly was denied entrance to a press conference for Charles Dickens because she was a woman. Croly decided to start a club just for women, and today the organization has 2,600 chapters around the world.
Like its parent organization, the Shorewood club is “dedicated to improving local communities through volunteer service.” Paramount within this mission is a commitment to education. For many years, Woman’s Club members held classes for the domestic workers of local families on Saturdays and taught in the evenings at the vocational school located in the high school. The group has long provided scholarships to worthy young women and hosts public speaker events on everything from the birds of Wisconsin to women in law enforcement.
In its early years, the club was a sanctuary for local women, many of whom were highly educated and accomplished, but had been relegated to the home by society and cultural norms. The club gave them a chance to socialize with like-minded neighbors and channel their intelligence and energy into worthy community projects.
“These women were shut out of the workforce,” says Gayle Gold, longtime member and the club’s treasurer. “The club was their outlet and enabled them to do important work.”
Shorewood’s Pat Mueller, a Woman’s Club member for over 75 years, was honored in 2022 with one of the GFWC’s annual “Jennie” awards for “outstanding commitment to club, family and community.” She credits the club with keeping her from going “bananas” from too much time in the house with young children.
Woman’s Club members tend to do their good works behind the scenes. For years they managed a thrift shop in the lower level of Village Hall and held annual rummage sales and wearable arts sales to raise money for scholarships. Members regularly volunteer at Sojourner Family Peace Center, Meta House and Kinship Community Food Center, and the club also hosts candidate forums during local elections.
While the club “tends to fly under the radar,” according to Gold, the celebration in April will be a chance to look back on its long history of sisterhood and service. As the GFWC official poem “A Collect for Club Women” reminds them, It is the little things that create differences, That in the big things of life we are one.
To learn more about the Shorewood Woman’s Club, its monthly speaker series and information on how to join, visit shorewoodwc.org n
Do-Gooder Daniela Price and Diego Murphy
SHS students bring a youthful perspective to Conservation
Committee
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
When the Shorewood Conservation Committee meets, two of the youngest voices in the room are also among the most enthusiastic. Shorewood High School students Diego Murphy, a senior, and Daniela Price, a junior, have long been passionate about the environment and have been embraced by a group that has welcomed their youthful energy and serious commitment.
“Diego and Daniela are a great addition to the committee and offer an important perspective,” says Rebecca Ewald, Shorewood Village manager. “They also help to bring the schools into the discussion and share what we’re doing with their classmates.”
The interest in nature and conservation is not new for either student. Murphy grew up making regular trips with his siblings to the Urban Ecology Center and taught himself how to grow edible mushrooms as a middle schooler. Price regularly hikes state parks with her family, foraging for bramble berries along the way that she turns into pies and jams.
The experience of being on the Conservation Committee has given them a chance to work alongside other Shorewood residents whose commitment and expertise they’ve come to deeply admire, such as nationally renowned bird expert Chuck Hagner and environmental attorney Linda Frank. They’ve also learned about proper meeting procedures, complete with agendas and Robert’s Rules of Order.
Murphy, who is also on the track & field and cross-country teams and volunteers as an English tutor, credits his world geography class at Shorewood Intermediate School with inspiring his desire to contribute to conservation efforts at a local level. The class, taught by Wisconsin 2023 Teacher of the Year Sarah Kopplin, focuses on student-led project work and developing civic engagement skills.
Price was also inspired by a class she took, in this case her Environmental Literature and Science course, which included field trips to rock climb at Devil’s Lake and backpack through Newport State Park in Door County. A reporter for the SHS newspaper Ripples, Price has also written about sustainability issues, including an opinion piece that encouraged her fellow students to forge greater connections with the natural world.
“Even though we may only be a small part of the system, our decisions have an impact,” Price wrote. “Nature is more than just the thing outside your window. Nature is home.” n
Daniela Price and Diego Murphy were inspired by coursework to join the committee.
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Foundation Names New President
Melissa
Marschka has a long history of commitment to community
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
When Shorewood resident and new board president for the Shorewood Foundation Melissa Marschka uprooted her young family from her hometown of Lancaster, Pa., to move to Milwaukee, she thought her time here would be limited.
“We moved here for my husband Chris’ job in 2013 and planned to be here only a few years before moving back to Pennsylvania,” she says. “Then we just fell in love with Shorewood.”
Marschka, who previously worked in business development and earned an MBA from Penn State University, became involved in the community right away by co-chairing the Plein Air public art festival in 2014. “It was a great way to meet people in the community,” she says.
Tank. She had first been exposed to the organization when she co-chaired the Plein Air festival and wanted to be a part of making events like that one happen.
“The Foundation is the group that gets to put the icing on the cake within the Village,” says Marschka. “Shorewood is such a great place to live, and the Foundation invests in the community-building events that help make it great.”
From there, Marschka joined the Shorewood Recreation Department Advisory Board, became the enrollment director at the Whitefish Bay Shorewood Preschool, and was the force behind the yearbook and publishing center at Atwater Elementary School.
Marschka also began working at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, starting off as a part-time scholarship coordinator and moving up to her position today as the associate executive director of the organization. “It’s been such a great experience because it expanded my world outside the Village,” she says.
In 2021, Marschka joined the board of the Shorewood Foundation working on development and events like Shark
As president of the Foundation’s board of directors, Marschka will be focused on continuing to bring awareness of the organization to the community. She wants people to know that the board exists not just to financially support events like the Shorewood Feast and Farmers Market, but also to be there when people need a helping hand. She points to the small business relief fund that the Foundation organized that gave thousands of dollars to local businesses during the Covid shutdown, as well as its response to food insecurity last fall.
“We’re here for the fun, and we’re also here when the community needs help,” she says.
Marschka is deeply grateful to live in a village where her two daughters can walk to school, with supportive neighbors and engaged community members like her cohorts on the Foundation board.
“If we hadn’t landed in Shorewood, we probably would have gone back to Pennsylvania,” says Marschka. “There are so many reasons why it’s a privilege to live in such a unique place.” n
Melissa Marschka dove into local volunteerism after moving to the village in 2013.
The Village Assessor
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
Shorewood’s assessor, Brandon Rusch with Accurate Assessor, plays a critical role in ensuring property values in the Village are calculated fairly and accurately. His evaluations of Shorewood’s homes and businesses help assure that essential public services like our library, schools, roadways and emergency response are funded in a way that is equitable for all residents.
What factors go into determining property taxes?
Every other year is a Village-wide revaluation year, when we look at all properties in the community to make certain that assessed values line up with current market values. The real estate market changes every year so we adjust assessments by looking at recent comparable sales in the Village. The location, size, age, amenities and condition of the property also help determine the assessed value.
2025 was a revaluation year, so we looked at annual sales data, as well as individual properties that are either new construction or have undergone remodeling to determine the assessed value of each home. In non-revaluation years, we only look at new construction or renovated homes. What impact does the assessment have on property taxes?
Assessors do not determine the property taxes; those are set by the Village based on the budget it develops. The assessed value we calculate is used for tax purposes to ensure the tax burden is being distributed fairly, and it’s a process that is required by state statutes.
Once the budget is set, the total taxes needed is divided by the total assessed value to create a mill rate. Your taxes are determined by multiplying the mill rate with the assessed value of your property.
What home improvement projects result in increased valuations?
If the work done was simply maintenance, the valuation remains the same, so projects like roof replacements, replacing carpets or flooring or swapping out old appliances for new ones do not trigger a value change.
However, if the changes increase the market value, like adding an addition or renovating a kitchen, that results in an increased assessment. We always look at permits that were pulled and often do a home inspection.
property assessments.
What if I don’t agree with my property’s assessment?
We hold open book sessions after the new valuations are mailed to property owners during the summer. You can come to any open book session to discuss directly with me how your assessment was determined and ask any questions about the process. If you are still not satisfied, you can request a formal hearing in front of the Board of Review, which is made up of five volunteer members, all of whom are Village residents. n
Rusch can be reached for further inquiries at 920.749.8098 or brandonr@accurateassessor.com
Village Assessor Brandon Rusch is happy to meet with residents to go through their
Patrick Fuller, MD
Julie Fuller, MD
Jill Bresnahan, MD
Bridget O’Brien, MD
Perry Krumenacher, MD
Jennifer Twente, MD
Julianna Patel, MD
Shoreview Pediatrics is an independent physician-owned practice providing care from birth through college. For over 40 years, Shoreview
accepting new patients.
Open to All, So All Can Be Well Shorewood Community Fitness Center encourages personal training
BY MARIA CAMPBELL | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
At the Shorewood Community Fitness Center (SCFC), fitness is about more than workouts and equipment — it’s about people. The fitness center’s personal training program is a living expression of its mission “Open to all, so all can be well” and its values of accessibility, connection and wellness.
Personal training at SCFC provides individualized coaching and dedicated support for residents at every stage of their fitness journey. Whether someone is new to exercise, returning after an injury or illness, managing a chronic condition or working toward a specific goal, personal training offers a welcoming, supportive path forward. By tailoring programs to individual needs, abilities and goals, trainers help remove common barriers that can make fitness feel intimidating or out of reach.
A defining strength of the program is its inclusive, meet-you-where-you-are approach. Trainers work with clients ranging in age from teens to older adults, designing programs around a wide variety of goals. Common goals include improving strength and flexibility, managing weight, increasing energy, reducing stress and supporting overall wellness. Trainers also work with younger clients who want to learn proper weightlifting techniques and with individuals who require programming around medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
All trainers at the fitness center are required to hold either a degree in kinesiology or a nationally recognized personal training certification or be on the path to pursuing one of those requirements. “In addition, all trainers must complete an internal training and onboarding process before working independently with clients,” says Kosta Ebben, SCFC coordinator. “This
program establishes clear standards for safety, professionalism, exercise selection and client communication, ensuring consistency across the personal training program.”
Every client begins with a fitness assessment to establish a safe starting point. Exercises, weights and progressions are customized to the individual and adjusted over time, helping members feel confident and supported as they build strength and mobility. This personalized approach is especially valuable for residents who may feel unsure in a traditional gym setting.
Accessibility is also a core focus. SCFC keeps personal training pricing affordable so that these services are available to more Shorewood residents, not just those who can afford premium fitness options elsewhere. This commitment reinforces the belief that high-quality wellness opportunities should be available to the entire community.
For personal trainer Matt Bilsborough, this community-centered environment is what makes SCFC unique. He began
personal training while earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science and continues to train part-time while working clinically as a cardiovascular diagnostic exercise physiologist.
“What I enjoy most about working at SCFC is being involved in the community and helping people move better and feel more confident about their bodies,” says Bilsborough. He notes that training in a community-based fitness center offers a welcome variety that private gyms often lack. “I work with people from 13 to 90 years old, all with different abilities and goals,” he says. “It’s less about fitting into a mold and more about meeting people where they are.”
Beyond physical improvements, clients often experience increased confidence, stronger social connections and greater ease with everyday activities like carrying groceries or playing with grandchildren. Through personalized coaching, compassionate trainers and a strong sense of community, personal training at SCFC brings its mission to life. n
Fitness Center trainers Matt Bilsborough and Costa Ebben enjoy working with community members of all ages and abilities.
Growing Greener
Hydroponic farm spurs critical thinking about food systems
BY MARIA CAMPBELL | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
In a corner of Shorewood High School, fresh lettuce and basil are growing next to where students learn, eat and lead. The District’s Flex Farm hydroponic garden is more than an innovative growing system; it is a living example of how education, sustainability and community partnership can come together in meaningful ways.
For Fork Farms sales representative and Shorewood alum Jared Holan (Class of '18), the partnership with SHS is especially personal. “It’s an honor,” says Holan. “Shorewood provided me with so much over the years, and I’m grateful to be able to apply those experiences right back into the District.”
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The Flex Farm system allows students to grow fresh produce indoors using hydroponic technology that requires 98 percent less land and water than traditional farming methods. Currently, students are growing and harvesting lettuce and basil with plans to add cherry tomatoes and strawberries. All harvested produce is returned to students through the school’s food service program. To date, the program has produced more than 1,000 heads of lettuce.
According to Israel Taylor, the District’s Food Service director, Flex Farm represents both a philosophical and practical investment. “The hydroponic garden is the epitome of healthy, sustainable living,” says Taylor. Awareness of Flex Farm is still growing. Students who learn that the greens in their salads and sandwiches are grown onsite often express a deeper appreciation for the freshness and the care it takes to produce them.
That care is most visible through the work of the students. Junior Ira Blackmore serves as Flex Farm’s manager and oversees everything from nutrient management to harvesting. “Before this project, I had a vague idea of where our lettuce came from,” says Blackmore. “It never occurred to me that it would come from our own school.”
Managing the system has not been without challenges. Early setbacks included a filtration failure that wiped out an entire crop, ongoing pest issues and leadership transitions. But those obstacles have become learning opportunities. “Fixing these issues has
made me very detail-oriented,” Blackmore said. “Even a small problem can kill all the lettuce.”
Those lessons reflect what Fork Farms sees as the value of hands-on food education. “This type of experience does so much more than teach students,” says Holan. “It offers ownership, engagement and something tangible at the end.”
Beyond the classroom, Flex Farms offers a broader understanding of sustainability and food systems. Innovative approaches in indoor farming introduce students to diversified, resource-efficient methods that could shape the future of agriculture. “Education is the only way to change how people think about food,” says Taylor. “Many don’t realize there are more sustainable ways to grow produce.”
Looking ahead, District leaders, Fork Farms and students see it becoming a staple of Shorewood’s educational landscape. As awareness increases and student participation grows, so does the potential for deeper community connection, through learning, collaboration and shared purpose. n
Carolyn Davis, EdD - Psychotherapist
The Flex Farm lets students grow fresh produce indoors using hydroponic technology.
SHS Associate Principal Honored with Top Award
BY MARIA CAMPBELL | PHOTO BY MARIA CAMPBELL
Amanda Jamerson, associate principal at Shorewood High School, was selected by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) as the 2026 Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the Year. This statewide honor recognizes exceptional leadership that strengthens school communities, supports student learning, and fosters safe, inclusive and collaborative environments.
Jamerson has made a lasting impact during her time at SHS, where she has led schoolwide efforts focused on student well-being, relationship-building, and the development of a restorative and equitable school culture. Her work has helped to create an environment where students feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed.
Equity is central to Jamerson’s leadership. As the school’s Building Equity lead, she founded the Equity Leadership team and has guided professional education for staff, helping to integrate culturally responsive practices across classrooms and programs. She also leads the African American Youth Initiative, a regional program that supports mentorship, leadership development and college readiness for African American students throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
“Ms. Jamerson’s impact on our school has been extraordinary,” said Tim Kenney, SHS principal. “Her leadership has shaped a culture where safety, belonging and achievement go together. She has empowered both staff and students to lead with empathy and excellence.”
Jamerson received a $1,000 award to support a project of her choice at SHS, and she will represent the state at the national level in Washington D.C., this spring. n
Task Force looks at District Financing
Community group begins work on long-term sustainability
BY MARIA CAMPBELL
The Shorewood School District’s task force on long-term financial sustainability officially began its work with a meeting in January. The community-based group was formed as part of the District’s strategic plan and is focused on exploring ways to ensure Shorewood schools remain strong and sustainable in the future.
The task force will examine the long-term financial challenges facing the District, such as enrollment trends, revenue limitations and rising costs. During the initial meeting, members reviewed the task force’s purpose and charge and began building a shared understanding of the District’s financial landscape.
The group will engage in structured workshops, scenario planning and financial modeling through the spring. Opportunities for public engagement are built into the process, including a community session scheduled for March 2, giving residents a chance to learn more and share their perspectives.
The task force’s work will ultimately result in recommendations to the school board that reflect both fiscal realities and community values. Updates, meeting materials and opportunities to participate will be shared on the District website, shorewood.k12.wi.us n
Shorewood's Amanda Jamerson was awarded Wisconsin's Associate Principal of the Year.
Dr. Beth Shaker Massi ‘02
Athletics and academics shaped a future in healing
BY MARIA CAMPBELL
For one Shorewood graduate, a childhood immersed in athletics and a community that championed teamwork laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career in sports medicine. A proud Shorewood alumna from the class of 2002, Dr. Beth Shaker Massi now lives outside Tampa, Fla., and works as a sports medicine physician. She still laces up her cleats for weekly soccer matches and was part of the U.S. team that competed in the World Medical Football Championships last summer. The annual tournament features international teams of doctors competing to promote physical and mental health.
Stay active, stay curious and stay connected. Whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, those early experiences matter more than you realize.
Dr. Beth Shaker Massi, ’02 Shorewood Alumni
Bohdan Nedilsky for their mentorship. “My coaches were not only motivating but taught me a lot about perseverance, discipline and leadership,” she says. Her first job as an umpire for girls’ softball sparked her early sense of confidence and community responsibility. Beyond athletics, school spirit and comraderie played a significant role in her high school experience. “There was always a sense of support from families and the broader Shorewood community,” she says, fondly remembering spaghetti dinners before games and weekend fundraising car washes.
Shaker Massi’s journey began at Lake Bluff Elementary and continued through Shorewood High School. “I played sports year-round, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball and track,” she recalls. At SHS, she focused on volleyball, basketball and soccer, crediting coaches Jim Grassi and
Academically, teachers like French teacher Dana Blumberg, math teacher Patrick Tyrell and chemistry teacher Keith Heidmann left lasting impressions. “Mr. Heidmann would rewrite lyrics of popular songs to teach us chemistry,” Shaker Massi recalls. “Learning was fun and engaging.”
But it was the time she spent rehabbing ankle injuries with athletic trainers that set her on a medical path. “It opened my eyes to how science and physical recovery intersect. I began to understand the mechanics of the body and the importance of teamwork in healing, just like in sports.”
That connection between sports and healthcare deepened through college, medical school and a fellowship in sports medicine in St. Petersburg, Fla. She later joined the University of Minnesota and Fairview system, treating everyone from kids with broken bones to aging adults managing arthritis and back pain. “Healthcare is a team sport. Doctors, physical therapists and patients each play a role.”
Today, her work blends critical care with community outreach. A typical day might include morning workouts at F45, visiting rehab clinics and shuttling her kids to various activities. And she still plays competitively, recently representing the U.S. in an international soccer competition.
Her advice to current Shorewood students: “Stay active, stay curious and stay connected. Whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, those early experiences matter more than you realize.” n
SHS alum Dr. Beth Shaker Massi played on the U.S. team at the World Medical Football Championships last summer in Dublin, Ireland.
Groomed to Perfection
Vanity Fur keeps local tails wagging
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
It was a typical Friday evening in downtown Shorewood. The big Italian looked handsome and nonchalant while nearby a petite beauty looked up at him with big brown eyes that had melted many a heart. It wasn’t working.
Leo the spinone was too busy enjoying the attentions of a professional to be swayed by the charms of the tiny cavapoo. It was haircut time at Vanity Fur Grooming Boutique, where for 18 years pet owners have brought their beloved dogs and cats to be cleaned, trimmed and showered with affection.
Owner Cori Bliesner has been in the business nearly her whole life, starting out as a cashier at a Havahart Pets in Racine when she was a teenager and quickly moving into grooming, where she found her calling.
“I always loved animals,” says Bliesner. “So after I graduated from high school, I went to grooming school and then worked for lots of professional groomers in Milwaukee.”
Vanity Fur Grooming Boutique
4429 N. Oakland Ave.
414.962.4240
vanityfurmilwaukee.com
Bliesner always had her eye out for a space where she could open her own grooming business, and when her old hair salon at 4429 N. Oakland Ave. put a ’’For Lease’’ sign in the window, she jumped on it, opening Vanity Fur in 2008. Then when neighbor Goody Gourmet moved a few years later, Bliesner expanded her business into the former popcorn and candy store’s space, doubling Vanity Fur’s square footage.
The staff of groomers at Vanity Fur is deeply committed to each pet’s experience and tailor their style to maximize each pet’s comfort and minimize their stress. “Sometimes that means I’m standing in front of a dog with a spoonful of peanut butter while the groomer does her job,” says Bliesner. “We really focus on how we can meet each animal where they are and advocate for them when their owners aren’t here.”
Vanity Fur offers a variety of services for pets, from nail trims and ear cleanings to a full bath, brush out and haircut. “People like to think of it as a spa day for pets, however, most of the pets don’t love it,” admits Bliesner. “They would rather be home on the sofa or playing outside, but you can tell they feel better after they are groomed, and they leave with their tails wagging.”
Over the course of 18 years in the Village, Bliesner has gotten to know many people’s families along with their pets, and that has been one of her “favorite things.”
“I love it when kids peek in the window to see the dogs on their way home from school,” she says. “I’ve watched some of those kids go from being in strollers to walking to high school. Shorewood has been such a fun place to have a business.” n
Shorewood may not have an official historian, but unofficially, the title can really only go to one person:
Karen de Hartog. The longtime educator, volunteer and Shorewood resident has developed a vast wealth of knowledge about the Village and is the go-to person for nearly any question people may have about its 126-year history.
De Hartog grew up on the western edge of the state in the tiny town of Glenwood City, Wis. Her parents were educators — her dad taught history, and her mom was an elementary school teacher — and de Hartog followed in their footsteps after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After several years of teaching high school, de Hartog and
her husband John moved to Milwaukee for his job with M&I Bank. They settled in Shorewood to raise their two daughters, Rachel and Josie.
De Hartog took a job at the Milwaukee Blood Center, where she gained leadership and organization skills that would prove useful. Within the Village, she worked as a volunteer coordinator, organizer of the 4th of July “Family Day” celebration, advisor to the SHS yearbook and editor of a quarterly Shorewood Bulletin newsletter, among other pursuits.
Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and grew increasingly interested in the backstory of the Village in which she was raising her family.
“Because of my dad, I was always interested in history,” says de Hartog. “Growing up, our family vacations were always to a historical spot like Gettysburg, and I’m sure I was influenced by seeing how enthralled he was by these places.”
Another influence was Shorewood High School social studies teacher Sonja Ivanovich. Ivanovich was a legend at SHS, where she taught for 32 years and whose passion for history and politics lit a fire for generations of students. Ivanovich served as president of the Shorewood Historical Society, and she encouraged de Hartog to become involved.
In the ensuing years, de Hartog served as board president for the Society and has been a resource for many Village leaders. She has been a key driver of many of the board’s major initiatives, from a crucial reorganization of the Society’s archives to the revamping of the newsletter and development of the group’s website.
Bob Dean, a fellow member of the Society and a former president, is awed by all that de Hartog has learned about the background of the Village. “Her reservoir of knowledge about Shorewood history is an invaluable resource that she has enthusiastically shared for many years,” says Dean. “Karen has earned her legacy as a capable, reliable and respected leader in our community.
“She is the ultimate community volunteer."
De Hartog frequently makes herself available for talks and lectures about Village history, from its architecture to its notable residents, and she always leaves her audience hungry for more.
“I have kind of cemented this idea of myself as a storyteller,” says de Hartog. ““And we have a good story to tell here in Shorewood.” n
Resident Karen de Hartog was instrumental in the renovation of the Historical Society archives.
One-Stop Spot for Oakland Ave. Reconstruction Info
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
The Village has enlisted the help of De Vor Communications to create a website that offers up-to-the minute information on anything residents want to know about the North Oakland Ave. reconstruction project.
The site, oaklandavereconstruct.com, is updated regularly and offers an overview of the project, a frequently asked questions section, a documents library, a traffic impact section and maps of public parking. Residents and business owners can sign up for a weekly email with updates and forecasts. Visitors can also get an eagle’s-eye view of the project with drone footage of the reconstruction.
With the reconstruction project pushed back multiple times, Oakland Ave. is showing its age.
In addition to the website, Eric Miller from De Vor will be available to respond to questions throughout the project and he encourages residents to email or call him directly. His contact information is listed on the website.
“My job is to be a direct source of information and to take all the engineering lingo and turn it into something people can understand,” says Miller. "If you call, I’ll either answer or, if I’m busy, it will go to voicemail, and I’ll call you back as soon as I can; there’s no phone tree.”
Miller asks that “If callers have concerns about anything, I urge them to call me directly rather than asking workers on the project site. They may not have the most up-to-date information, and if there’s an issue, I can contact the correct people right away to do something about it.” n
For project information or questions: oaklandavereconstruct.com info@oaklandavereconstruct.com 262.933.0467
Locals Provide a Lifeline
Businesses need community support during Oakland reconstruction
BY JENNIFER ANDERSON | PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER TINKER
Local business owners along the North Oakland Ave. corridor have one message for Shorewood residents:
WE‘RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
With road reconstruction expected to take the rest of the year, businesses are eager to get the message out that they need the patronage of locals now more than ever.
“For our small businesses to survive, we need people to make an effort to spend their money locally,” says Janet Henning, director of the Shorewood Business Improvement District. “We have a vital, vibrant business district full of character thanks to our small businesses. We hope residents will show how much they value it.”
The Shorewood BID encourages the use of public parking lots alternate modes of transportation and parking on side streets when possible. Henning wants to remind people that with the exception of several weeks for paving, the street will not be closed to traffic and only parking will be affected.
“There are several parking lots on the south side of the reconstruction, such as at Walgreens and Metro Market, along with the 4450 N. Oakland lot, which are available for public use,” she says.
SHOP women’s boutique at 4524 N. Oakland Ave. has been in business for 19 years in Shorewood, and its owner Liz Sumner hopes residents will be especially intentional about where they shop over the next year. “We have an exceptionally loyal customer base that helped us survive the E. Capitol Dr. reconstruction in 2010 when we were located there,” says Sumner. “I feel confident we will survive 2026, but we hope residents will consider Oakland Ave. first when they
plan their shopping and dining outings over the next year.”
Three Lions Pub at 4515 N. Oakland Ave. is known by many as the city’s premier soccer bar, particularly when the World Cup rolls around every four years, as it will again this June. With the United States hosting the tournament, excitement is building nationwide and interest in the sport is expected to grow. Historically, the pub has arranged for the portion of Oakland Ave. in front of the pub to be closed to traffic so it can host a large-scale viewing party for the championship match.
“This would have been one of our busiest summers,” says co-owner Christopher “Tink” Tinker. “The energy around the World Cup being in the U.S. is huge, and we’re staying positive and focused on finding creative ways to bring people together.” Tinker says the pub is exploring the possibility of hosting an outdoor viewing of the final match at Lake Bluff Elementary School, and he encourages people to visit threelionspub.com or its Facebook page for information.
The Village has long touted its “walkability” and now is the time to prove it by putting feet on the pavement. Nat Davauer, owner of Draft & Vessel at 4417 N. Oakland Ave., says he knows it might be a hassle, but it’s worth it to support the businesses.
“I hope people won’t forget about us,” he says. “It may be dusty or inconvenient, but even if the roads are messed up, people can still walk.” n
Three Lions Pub is exploring the idea of hosting a World Cup Finals watch party, like this one from 2022, at a different location.
n Promote your
or celebrate a loved one in
n Ads are available for the summer issue of Shorewood Today on a space-available basis until April 15.
n For information or to place an ad, email shorewoodtoday@shorewoodwi.gov.
Kicking Off Shorewood Reads
Community-wide program focuses on novel Happiness Falls
BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR NOAH WECKWERTH | PHOTO BY PATRICK MANNING
We didn’t call the police right away.” Those are the electric first words of Happiness Falls, by New York Times bestselling author Angie Kim. Published in 2023, the novel takes center stage this spring as the featured title for Shorewood Reads 2026. Launched in 2011 and held periodically since, Shorewood Reads is an initiative of the Shorewood Public Library and the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library to bring our community together around one book, with six weeks of programs, discussions and shared stories, culminating in a day of events with the author on April 23.
The official schedule of festivities kicks off March 12 and includes events exploring police procedures and myths, Angelman’s Syndrome (a rare neuro-developmental disorder that serves as a focus of the story), and the science of happiness. There will also be a local author panel, several book discussion groups throughout the Village, an escape room experience at the library, a series of community walks centered around cultivating joy and an interactive art installation that asks, “What is happiness to you?”
The key date for Shorewood Reads is April 23, with three events at the library featuring Kim. Through these events, she will discuss her journey as an author, the creation of the book, and explore its many themes and questions.
Through a partnership with the Shorewood Business Improvement District, free paperback copies of are available in many Shorewood businesses while supplies last. Copies are also available for check out at the Shorewood Public Library and for purchase at Boswell Book Company.
Shorewood Reads is sponsored by the Shorewood Public Library and the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library, with support from the Lange Bequest, Boswell Book Company, Shorewood Connects and the Shorewood BID. All Shorewood Reads events are free and open to the public. Visit shorewoodlibrary.org to see the full schedule.
Shorewood
Reads Events
Book Discussions
Thurs., March 19, 11am
Wed., April 1, 7pm
Thurs., April 2, 9am, North Shore Boulangerie
Thurs., April 9, 7pm, Shorewood High School
Tues., April 14, 1pm, Afternoon Book Club
The Lost Manuscript: A Library Escape Room
Thurs., March 12, 3:30 - 7:30pm and Thurs., March 26, 12:30 - 4:30pm
Stroll for Smiles Fri., March 13, at 7am and 12pm
Local Author Panel Sat., March 21, 1pm
Law Enforcement Myths and Procedures
Wed., March 25, 6:30pm
Happiness: What It Is and How We Grow It
Tues., March 31, 6:30pm
Becoming a Writer Later in Life (with Angie Kim)
Thurs., April 23, 10am
Overcoming the Bias of Equatin Verbal Fluency with Intelligence (with Angie Kim), Thurs., April 23, 2pm
An Evening with Angie Kim Thurs., April 23, 6:30pm n
Assistant Director Noah Weckwerth with copies of Shorewood Reads' selected novel Happiness Falls
Shorewood resident, Megann S. Hendrix , JD, founded Sage Legal Group to provide compassionate legacy planning and to guide clients and their families through difficult life stages.
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Contact Sage Legal Group for compassionate guidance. Whether planning for the future or facing a transition, your peace of mind is our priority.
LEGACY PLANNING WITH HEART
From left to right: Attorney Emily Harriman, Attorney Emily Hall, Founder & Attorney Megann Hendrix, Admin Team: Heather King, Stephanie Bachman, and Zoe Knoernschild
Senior Resource Center
The SRC offers activities and information to support a vibrant and healthy community for residents age 60 and older. Unless otherwise specified all programs are held in the Shorewood Village Center (Lower-Level Library). For registration or information about our other programs, please call 414-847-2727 or email src@shorewoodwi.gov. Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 9 am – 2 pm or by appointment.
In-Person One-to-One Tech Support by Appointment
Fridays • 10 am — 1 pm
Schedule a 50-minute appointment with our tech tutors. Bring your portable technology and get help learning how to make better use of your cell phone, laptop, iPad, etc. FREE! Appointments required.
Shorewood Blend
Wednesdays, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, May 6 • 10:30 — 11:30 am
Join us for coffee and conversation about Shorewood with people in the know.
Mar. 4 Candidate Meet & Greet — Local Village Trustee and School Board Candidates
Apr. 1 Village Manager Rebecca Ewald
May 6 Chief of Police Heather Wurth FREE! Pre-registration is appreciated.
Brain Power Hour
Tuesdays • 1 – 2 pm
Join us for a monthly 60-minute interactive workshop using evidence-based activities to stimulate the mind and body.
Mar. 24 Six Types of Normal Memory Lapses and Why You Needn’t Worry
Apr. 28 Strategies and Techniques That Help Improve General Memory
May 26 Best and Worst Foods for Brain HealthMediterranean/MIND Diet FREE! Pre-registration required.
Tech Connect
Wednesdays • 10:30 am — 12 pm
Mar. 25 Everyday Uses of AI
Apr. 22 Passwords, Passkeys, and More
May 27 Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs at a Glance
Personal Transformation
Wednesday, Apr. 8 • 10:30 am — 12 pm
Presented by Dr. Phillip Chard, a nationally recognized psychotherapist, columnist and speaker. FREE! Pre-registration encouraged.
(SRC)
North Shore Health Department
Blood Pressure Check
Wednesday, Apr. 15 • 11 am — 1 pm
A nurse from the North Shore Health Department will be on-site to take your blood pressure and share resources.
Do You Have Questions About Dementia?
Wednesday, Apr. 15 • 6 pm
Shorewood is a Dementia Friendly America community, committed to supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. This work is led by the Dementia Awareness Work Group (DAWG). Come meet the group, learn about local resources and bring your questions.
Medicare 101
Thursday, Apr. 16 • 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. FREE! Pre-registration encouraged.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Wednesday, Apr. 29 • 10 — 11:30 am
This 90-minute workshop will help us learn what legal documents are needed throughout our lifespan, what preparations you can make on your own and when you need an attorney. With Sue Bronson, family mediator. FREE! Pre-registration required.
Book Nook
Tuesday, May 12 • 1 — 2 pm
Calling all bookworms! Here’s a fun, casual opportunity to discuss some of your favorite books — and perhaps discover your next great read. Discussion facilitated by Shorewood librarian Kayla Champagne. FREE! Pre-registration appreciated.
Shorewood Historical Society Archive Potpourri
Wednesday, May 13, 10 • 11:30 am
Come to the Village Center to view a thoughtfully curated selection of items from the Shorewood Historical Society archives, each telling a unique piece of our community’s story. Presented by Shorewood Historical Society President Kathy Kean. Pre-registration encouraged.
PETTalk: Pet Psychic!
Thursday, May 14 • 10:30 am — 12:30 pm
A fun and curious look at animal communication and what pet psychics do. No pets please — this event is just for their humans! Pre-registration encouraged.
Shorewood Events
PEEPAPALOOZA 2026
Friday, March 13 through Friday, April 10
Starting Friday, March 13, residents can pick up a package of Peeps bunnies and an official contest entry form (while supplies last) at the Shorewood Public Library. Then, create your best music-themed Peep diorama, and submit it by Thursday, March 26. Voting runs through Friday, April 10. Rally your fans and don’t miss your chance to show off your creativity.
Shorewood Shenanigans
Saturday, March 14 NOON
Three Lions Pub at 4515 N. Oakland Ave. will once again host its annual festival of all things Irish, Shorewood Shenanigans, on Saturday, March 14 beginning at noon. The event, held in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, will include live music, menu specials with Irish-themed food and beverages, and heaps of blarney. For more information, visit threelionspub.com.
Swing with Shorewood 2026 Gala & Auction
Saturday, March 14 6:30 PM
The Shorewood SEED Foundation will host its annual evening of entertainment and celebration in support of the Shorewood School District March 14 at St. Kate – The Arts Hotel beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include food and drinks, dancing, and both silent and live auctions. The gala is the main fundraising event for the organization, which has raised money for the district for over 20 years. For more information, visit shorewoodseed.org
Annual Men’s Club
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 9 AM
Email shorewoodtoday@shorewoodwi.gov if you have a Shorewood event you would like to promote.
The Shorewood Men’s Club will once again host an Easter egg hunt for children of all ages on Saturday, April 4 in Hubbard Park from 9 – 11 a.m. The lawn and hills of the park will be covered in eggs waiting to be collected, and even the Easter Bunny may make an appearance. For more information, visit shorewoodmensclub.org.
All-District Art Show
Thursday, April 16 6-7:30 PM
The library will host the Shorewood School District’s Annual Art Show, showcasing student artwork from kindergarten through 12th grade. This one-of-a-kind event is the only opportunity to see creativity from every grade level come together in one grand exhibition.
The All-District Art Show begins with a reception on Thursday, April 16 and runs through Thursday, May 14.
Shorewood High School Spring Musical
Thursday, April 30 — Saturday, May 2
The SHS Drama Department will bring that old razzledazzle to the stage for its spring musical Chicago. Packed with sizzling choreography and iconic songs, the musical showcases the talent and hard work of the student cast and crew in the high school's Gensler Auditorium.
Shorewood Art Walk Pairs Artists with Oakland Businesses
The Shorewood Public Art Committee has organized a Village arts walk on Thursday, May 14 from 5-8 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Designed to both support local artists and encourage people to visit businesses along the north Oakland Ave. corridor during the street reconstruction project, the event will use retail spaces to host the artists and their work for the evening.
Artists of all stripes are encouraged to apply to be paired with a business through the committee’s website, shorewoodarts.org, and committee chair Laura Huebner hopes to showcase a variety of styles and mediums during the event.
“It doesn’t have to just be visual art,” she says. “We’d love to feature the performing arts as well, such as poetry reading or musical performance.” In addition, the committee welcomes young artists and expects to pair them with businesses that cater to children and families.
Artists whose work is accepted will be partnered with participating businesses “based on fit” says Huebner, and she encourages each business to make a fun, successful evening out of it, through promotions or by offering refreshments. “All along, our hope has been to get more foot traffic into these businesses during the reconstruction and engage the residents with a walking event that they can take at their own pace.”
Shorewood businesses interested in hosting an artist can visit shorewoodarts.org for more information. n
Shorewood A Look Back
Oakland Avenue: Shorewood’s “Main Street”
Oakland Avenue is Shorewood’s oldest named street. In 1835, it was designated as a section line by surveyors and became a path (probably very muddy) for farmers and land speculators to use when traveling to and from Milwaukee.
According to legend, Oakland was named in 1877 by a Milwaukee boy named Willie Selby when the road, formerly called High Street, was extended north past his family’s farm.
Near the end of the 19th century, Oakland was used by Milwaukee residents to reach the Pabst Whitefish Bay Resort, Mineral Springs Park in Shorewood and summer cottages along the lake. In 1898, the Milwaukee Electric
Railway and Light Co. (TMER&L) extended streetcar service from Milwaukee north along Oakland Avenue to Day Avenue in Whitefish Bay.
“Streetcars brought residents out of cramped homes and gloomy shops in Milwaukee to the spacious shores of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River,” wrote historian Loren Olsen. “The urge for suburban living literally rode in on a trolley.”
Given its long history, the road surface and surrounding utilities have been resurfaced or reconstructed numerous times. Changes in transportation, both public and personal, required adjustments, and hundreds of potholes have no doubt been filled. The last major reconstruction was in 1996. n
Streetcars brought people from the city north to the Village beginning in the late 1800s.
This photo of the view looking north up Oakland Ave. from the southern edge of the Village shows a road that had only recently been paved.
Village of Shorewood
3930 N. Murray Ave. Shorewood, Wisconsin 53211
Shorewood Spring Calendar
SIS = Shorewood Intermediate School | SHS = Shorewood High School
MARCH
MON. MAR. 2 Michelangelo: The Agony and Ecstasy of the Divine One Art History Lecture 6pm, Shorewood Village Center
TUES. MAR. 3 Craft & Chat 10:30am, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
TUES. MAR. 3 Band JAM-boree 6pm, Gensler Auditorium
THUR. MAR. 12 Shorewood Reads Kick-Off Shorewood Public Library. For details, see page 29.
THUR. MAR. 12 SIS & SHS Choir Concert 7pm, North Shore Presbyterian Church
FRI. MAR 13 Peeps Diorama Contest Begins 9:30am, Shorewood Public Library. For details, see page 32.
SAT. MAR. 14 Shorewood Shuffles: Board Game Event 10:30am, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
SAT. MAR. 14 Shorewood Shenanigans 12pm, Three Lions Pub. For details, see page 32.
SAT. MAR. 14 SEED’s Swing with Shorewood 5:30pm, St. Kate – The Arts Hotel. For details, see page 32.
THURS. MAR. 19 Shorewood Woman’s Club Presentation, Shorewood’s Nature Preserve 1pm, Kingo Lutheran Church
TUES. MAR. 24 District Orchestra Festival 7pm, SHS Arena
THURS. MAR. 26 Shorewood Shuffles: Board Game Night 5:30pm, Library Program Room
APRIL
SAT. APR. 4 Shorewood Men’s Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt 9am, Hubbard Park. For details, see page 32.
TUES. APR. 7 Spring Election 7am-8pm, Visit myvote.wi.gov for polling locations.
SAT. APR. 11 Shorewood Shuffles: National Board Game Day Edition 1pm, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
MON. APR. 13 Caravaggio: A Sinner and the Painter of Miracles Art History Lecture 6pm, Shorewood Village Center
TUES. APR. 14 Family Fun: STEAM Night 3:30pm, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
THURS. APR. 16 Shorewood Woman’s Club 90th Anniversary Luncheon 11:45am, Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, downtown Milwaukee
THUR. APR. 16 District Art Show – Opening Reception 6-7:30pm, Shorewood Public Library
THUR. APR. 23 Shorewood Reads Keystone Events and Author Talk 1pm, Shorewood Public Library. For details, see page 29.
TUES. APR. 28 Craft & Chat 10:30am, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
THURS. – SAT. APR 30-MAY 2 SHS Spring Musical, Chicago 7pm, Gensler Auditorium
MAY
SUN. MAY 3 Publishing Workshop with Jeannee Sacken 1pm, Shorewood Village Center
SAT. MAY 9 Shorewood Shuffles: Board Game Event 10:30am, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
TUES. MAY 12 Family Fun: STEAM Night 3:30pm, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
THUR. MAY 21 Shorewood Woman’s Club Art Project 1 pm, Kingo Lutheran Church
TUES. MAY 26 Craft & Chat 10:30am, Shorewood Public Library Program Room
WED. MAY 27 SHS Orchestra Concert 7pm, Gensler Auditorium
Supporting our local businesses during road reconstruction, page 26.
