What an amazing turnout for Crusherfest, as we celebrated a local icon in a way that will be remembered for years to come.
I am so happy for the Lisowski family, and so proud of this city.
I can’t wait to see what’s next!
My goal: To become famous for hosting one of the most unique festivals in the country, and being home to a beautiful work of art that perfectly honors this larger-than-life man. This weekend was only the beginning.
And more than anything, that’s what I love most about the effort to erect the Crusher statue in downtown South Milwaukee — that it inspired a community to work together toward a singular goal worthy of a great man.
I saw it as Chris Smith first approached a few of us at City Hall with this crazy idea, expecting we might see this day come 10 or 20 years from now, not less than 24 months later.
I saw it shortly after the idea went public and viral, and hundreds of people donated for the statue in days, often $5, $10, $25 at a time, and a couple — including South Milwaukee’s own Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home — coming in at $10,000.
I saw it as momentum built around getting this done, and this formerly crazy idea from our city attorney quickly became real, as in, “South Milwaukee is really going to get a Crusher statue … how ’bout that?”
I saw it with the Lisowski family, who has been so supportive as this has ramped up, and remain so today.
I saw it as South Milwaukee native Beth Sahagian, sculptor Tom Holleran and the team at Vanguard Sculpture Services eagerly took on the project — with their work of art to be unveiled today for the world, and generations to come, to enjoy.
I saw it as we began work on figuring out where to put the statue, settling on a city-owned parking lot that 100 years ago was Depot Park, a community gathering place that will again proudly used that way again, right in the middle of our successful weekly farmers’ market.
I saw it as Crusherfest plans started to take shape, as Chris Smith and Crusher Foundation supporters started work on organizing an event worthy of the “Wrestler Who Made Milwaukee Famous.”
I saw it as the site plan progressed and buildout began, as the transformation from a soul-less patch of asphalt to what you see today went from idea to reality in about four weeks — a remarkable feat that only happened due to the hard work of dozens of volunteers, our city engineer, and companies like Butch Miller Construction, Kujawa Enterprises Inc. and EK Construction.
I see it today, as dozens of volunteers, local businesses and organizations step up to put on this event and make this day even more special.
Indeed, today this big bet on our proud past and promising future pays off with a beautiful, bold and lasting tribute to our most famous native son, someone who was the epitome of the traits that continue to make South Milwaukee such a special place.
Hard work. Dedication. Community pride. Kindness. Family first. Fun.
We have a terrific story to tell in South Milwaukee, one that is uniquely ours and absolutely authentic. Da Crusher is a part of that, and we proudly celebrate him, his family and everyone who made this happen both today and in the years ahead as every fan who visits this new local landmark shares their Crusher photo with the world.
We, as a city, united behind a big idea in a way that not many communities would. We wrote this chapter of our story, together, and today we share it with the world.
I can’t be prouder to say … This is Crusher Country!
Thousands of people are headed to Crusherfest this weekend, and that’s incredibly exciting for our city.
If you’re new to South Milwaukee, welcome! And if you’ve been here before, welcome back!
Here are 10 things to do while you’re in town … and anytime of the year, really. Let’s go, turkeynecks!
Visit Grant Park. From the terrific Seven Bridges urban nature trail to the bustling beach area — including burgers, custard and beer at Ferch’s Beachside — to the county’s oldest golf course, this iconic park is a community treasure. Discover it for yourself this weekend.
Check out the Crusher display at the South Milwaukee Library. Get a look at a teenage Reginald Lisowski in old South Milwaukee High School yearbooks, and see old newspaper clippings, programs, and other items from his professional wrestling career, thanks to this partnership with MEARS Monthly Auctions. The library, 1907 10th Ave., is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and weekdays.
Work off that turkey leg. Bike or walk (or drive) the Oak Creek Parkway, with a stop at the Mill Pond, site of the former mill, around which our city was born. On Sunday, join a walking tour — “Suburban Soles — Nature Thru the Lens,” observing nature through photography, starting at 10 a.m. at Grant Park Area 5.
Eat local. Get on Yelp for a list of our local restaurants. From authentic local Mexican, Chinese, Italian and Jamaican food to gastropub and American staples to sausage to rolled ice cream, there are a lot of local dining options to consider, after you check out the vendors at Crusherfest, of course (many of which come from South Milwaukee, including Azteca Restaurant and Milwaukee Gourmet House, China Chef and The Tap Room). Pro tip: Try the garlic bread at Barbiere’s Italian Inn South Milwaukee, just feet from the statue.
Take a trip to the past, with a drive through the historic Grant Park neighborhood. Some of my favorite homes in the city can be found along Fairview, Hawthorne and Emerson Avenues. Our oldest homes — and oldest church and cemetery — are near Fairview and Hawthorne.
Bless your dog. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1314 Rawson Ave., is hosting Bark’s at St. Mark’s on Sunday, with a church service starting at 9 a.m. Details here. Then head to Crusherfest for the polka mass!
Attend a Crusherfest after party. It’s on Saturday night at Borak Entertainment, our new nightclub, just a block from the statue, where you may also be able to get a dance lesson or two.
Take in the market, and a show (next time). OK, there aren’t any public performances this weekend at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, but I can’t leave this off a “must-do” list in South Milwaukee. We are rightfully proud of our PAC, and you can see why with their recently announced 2019-20 season. More details here. And I must plug the South Milwaukee Downtown Market, held every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. into October, at Crusher Plaza. Check out more than 40 vendors, grab dinner, listen to weekly live music and get a picture with Da Crusher! We take live outdoor music seriously in South Milwaukee, too …
I had the pleasure of meeting of meeting Frieda Abosovski recently, and she told me about this terrific fundraiser in honor of former Rocket student-athlete Albert Nazifi. It’s open to the public, so please check it out!
From the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission …
In 2019 SEWRPC staff continue to make progress on the plan, with work continuing on Chapter 4—Inventory Findings. The Chapter will include an extensive review and analysis of all available surface water quality data, which will be evaluated in light of our completed field observations in 2016 and 2017. Chapter 4 also will include a summary history of the mill pond and dam, an inventory of the biological data, channel conditions, and a habitat assessment for the streams in the watershed, and an estimate of pollutant loadings to the stream. The Chapter provides a historic and “existing conditions” assessment of the Oak Creek watershed which will lay the groundwork for recommendations and strategies for restoration, which will be presented in Chapter 6 of the plan.
The SEWRPC staff anticipate the next Advisory Group meeting to review Chapter 4 sections to be in fall 2019.
From Milwaukee County, following the closure of Interfaith …
Eras Senior Network, a community based nonprofit organization, is providing interim support services to the Neighborhood Outreach Program (NOP) in Milwaukee County. The Board of Directors of Eras thanks all community stakeholders for their input as we work together to define and serve the needs of all older adults in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.
The South Milwaukee meeting is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on June 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2507 5th Ave.
I asked Brian Morrison to pull together a list of all the live music this summer in South Milwaukee, and I wasn’t prepared for the result — it’s even more than I thought! Thanks, Brian, for taking this on.
And enjoy some sweet sounds this summer!
Have music to add to this? Send it along, erikbrooks32@gmail.com.
Teddy is looking forward to it! From St. Mark’s Episcopal Church …
Everyone is invited to bring their friendly-social dog to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1314 Rawson Avenue in South Milwaukee on Sunday, June 9th from 8:30-11:00AM. Meet new friends in a great environment of food, fellowship and fun!
Father Steve Kuhl will be conducting a Free outdoor service and Dog Blessing at 9:00AM. After the Dog Blessing, the Congregation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church invites you to enjoy our complimentary picnic and share the morning with the friendly folks of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and our Bark’s Buddies-local pet-friendly businesses and organizations (see our webpage for an updated list of Barks Buddies on May 31st).
Local Pet friendly businesses and organizations will be participating in our Barks at St. Mark’s Event giving you a great opportunity to visit their on-site displays for information and merchandise. There is even a silent auction area where guests have an opportunity to bid on an array of “Excellent Things to Experience in the Midwest” and so much more at this fun event!
Remember to Smile for the camera! Our “Puppyrazzi” Photographers will snap pictures of you and your dog for a fun keepsake and special memory of the day.
*For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we ask that ONLY friendly-social dogs that like people and other dogs attend. All Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, short-leashed, and under their pet-parent’s supervision and control at all times.
Have a plan: Bring stakeholders together
to determine your vision for the future, and what it will take to achieve that
vision. Work the plan: Bring to life the goals and objectives that make up your
plan, delivering on the collective vision for a more promising future.
We are doing it with our 2035
Comprehensive and Downtown Plan, and we will do it with the Oak Creek Watershed
restoration plan. Now, I’m proud to say we’re employing this strategy in city
government with our first strategic plan in decades, maybe ever.
After months of discussions with the
common council and our department heads and employees – including a full-day
planning retreat last fall – we consider this our mission and vision …
Our mission: Our mission is to
deliver exceptional city services to ensure a high quality of life and enable
growth.
Our
vision is to be the desirable South Shore community where people want
to live, work, visit, and invest.
And here is how we will get there — the
five priorities where we feel we need to spend our time, and taxpayer money, as
your city government …
Accelerate Economic Development: South Milwaukee is recognized as a premier community along Lake Michigan by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, developing and retaining a diverse mix of employees & employment opportunities, and maintaining beauty in the built environment.
Strategically Invest, Improve, and Maintain Public Infrastructure/Facilities: South Milwaukee has a safe and effective infrastructure that provides a framework for optimal community enjoyment.
Enhance the Effectiveness of External Processes: South Milwaukee is high-performing, efficient, effective and known for its service excellence.
Enhance the Effectiveness of Internal Processes: South Milwaukee is high-performing, efficient, effective and known for its service excellence.
Provide a Safe, Secure, and Health Community: South Milwaukee is recognized as a community that provides exceptional public safety services.
Check out a draft plan summary here. And here is the feedback form.
We welcome your feedback. Did we get it right? Let us know.
We will emerge from this process with a
shared vision for city government, and then use the plan as a foundation for
our employees, upon which they will build their own goals and objectives,
making it part of a performance culture at the city.
Will this be perfect? No. Will we have
to regularly refine our plan to adapt to changing realities and city needs?
Absolutely. But as novelist Andy Weir says: “A good plan today is better than a
perfect plan tomorrow.” I hope you agree this is a really good plan, one long
overdue.
It was inspiring to see so many strangers (and some South Milwaukee friends and family as well) step up to help Katie … and I was proud to join with my dad in being a small part of it.
Learn more about the ride, and Katie’s story, here. And donate today!
I was so happy to see more than a dozen volunteers show up this weekend to lay bricks at Crusher Plaza, in preparation for Crusherfest next weekend.
A big and special thanks to Miller Construction, KEI – Kujawa Enterprises, Inc., and EK Construction LLC for all of their support — and to our city teams for their work as well. I was proud to be a small part of it this weekend, too, with my son.
And, to Chris Smith: Thanks for your continued vision and leadership in making this project come to life.
This is a grassroots community effort, one we will all be proud of because we built it, together. How about ‘dat, South Milwaukee!?
Reposting due to an inaccurate date listed in the previous post. Please disregard the previous post.
It’s time for another Coffee with the Mayor!
Join me from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, at Avenue Coffeehouse, 911 Milwaukee Ave. for an open discussion on what’s happening in South Milwaukee.
There is no set agenda, and pretty much anything is fair game. So bring your questions, comments or concerns and grab a drink while you’re there.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Education (SOE) in partnership with the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership (WCEP) is pleased to announce the Wisconsin schools recognized in 2019 for their personal, creative successful initiatives integrating character education into the curriculum. SOE understands the value of WCEP’s mission to promote the intentional, proactive effort by public and private K-12 schools and school districts to instill in all Wisconsin’s students, core universal ethical values such as integrity, honesty, fairness, responsibility and respect for themselves and for others. Character education enables these accomplishments.
Six schools win awards: one for becoming a National School of Character (NSOC) and five for Promising Practices as State Schools of Character.
Wisconsin schools participating in Character Education (CE) annually promote and succeed in doing something adults often fear to attempt-make the world a better place. CE is not a program; rather CE is a practice amongst the entire school community. The purpose of the practice is to improve the emotional, caring environment necessary for terrific academic achievement and opportunities to exercise becoming good citizens as the students grow up. Dedicated teachers, staff, eager students and their caring families purposefully team up to improve their worlds in all categories.
Yearly, some schools arrive at exceptional ideas. They are recognized statewide as Promising Practice Winners. A statewide panel judges each school’s idea to be so successful they deserves to be shared with others. The schools’ innovative practices exemplify the following basic principles that Schools of Character adhere to.
Those principles promoting core ethical and performance values as the foundation are from Character.Org Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education:
Define “character” comprehensively to include thinking, feeling and doing.
Use a comprehensive, intentional and proactive approach to character development.
Create a caring community.
Provide students with opportunities for moral action.
Offer a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, develops their character and helps them to succeed.
Foster students’ self-motivation.
Have an ethical learning community that shares responsibility for character education and adheres to the same core values that guide the students.
Foster shared leadership and long-range support of the character education initiative.
Engage families and community members as partners in the character-building effort.
Assess school culture and climate, the functioning of its staff as character educators, and the extent to which its students manifest good character.
Here’s how winning schools around the state responded this year.
SOE congratulates the following schools for their achievements.
National School of Character Category
South Milwaukee High School Veteran’s Day Program
Students work all year for this special day for veterans including a reception and gifts for veterans using fund raiser money. The program has grown from 75 students to well over 200 students and the recent Veterans Day program honored 100 veterans.
They will be honored at the Character Education Conference held at Alverno College on June 19-20, 2019.
It’s Da Crusher, of course! Shot the night of Crusherfest, as we unveiled this statue to the world. Do you have a photo you’d like to share on the blog? Send it along.
South Milwaukee Blog 