South Milwaukee Blog

From Crusherfest to showcasing beautiful local gardens — that’s how we roll in South Milwaukee!

More details on the June 22 South Milwaukee Historical Society Garden Tour & Art Fair here. It’s one of my favorite events of the year.

The tour also got love in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. From the story …

Patti Bergeson, president of the South Milwaukee garden tour on June 22, said gardens in her area are also looking lush due to the rain and are likely to look even better in the weeks to come.

“Everything is getting super green and lush, including the lawns. … The rain is helping, but people are a little behind. They can’t get out there and manicure their gardens like the want to. But it’s not a crisis if they are a little behind because avid gardeners know what they need to do. They want to be proud of their gardens, so they will try extra hard to get them on point for the tour.”

Bergeson said her tour has an eclectic group of gardens ranging from large to small city lots that use all available spaces to add color and beauty to the yard. Included are ponds with waterwheels, fairy gardens, decorated sheds and rock accents.

“All of the gardens are wonderful habitats for birds and small wildlife and are labors of love, which add hours of enjoyment to the lives of the gardeners,” she said. “The gardeners combine ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials with annuals to create wonderful spaces for entertaining and enjoyment.”

A variety of flowers, artwork and hardscaping will be visible.

“At one home the homeowners created an outdoor living space for summer,” she said. “There’s a destination hosta garden where tourgoers can buy hostas, and a stop at Wil-O-Way in Grant Park where gardens were recently renovated by master gardeners. At that location a local artist will also be painting a shed with flowers and will transform it into a beautiful flowerscape,” she said.

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.

THIS IS CRUSHER COUNTRY!

• Thousands Gather for Unveiling of Da Crusher Statue (TMJ4)
• Da Crusher Statue Unveiled in South Milwaukee (WISN)
• “He Would Have Loved it.” Da Crusher Statue Unveiled During Crusherfest in South Milwaukee (Fox 6)
• Wrestling Legend Da Crusher Honored With Bronze Statue in South Milwaukee (CBS 58)
• Bronze Crusher Statue Revealed at South Milwaukee’s Crusherfest; Daughter Says It’s ‘The Best Possible Image’ of Him (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Behold Da Unveiling of Da Crusher Statue (Milwaukee Record)

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It takes a city to build a statue.

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Drink local. Start your day with a coffee at my favorite local coffeehouse, and then try our very underrated collection of bars in South Milwaukee, from sports bars like Moran’s Pub and The Tap Room, to neighborhood taps like Slick Willie’s and Tracker’s Pub & Grub. Pro tip: While at Moran’s, say hello to Milwaukee’s Most Okay-est Bartender. Then stop by Van Eimeren-Kolonka American Legion Post #27 for a drink — and thank a veteran.
6. Shop local. Check out some of our terrific local retailers. You’ll see some at Crusherfest itself, including Gecko Leatherworks and Milwaukee Sausage Co., but there are plenty of others on Milwaukee Avenue on beyond. Stained glass? Yep. Award-winning jewelry? Check. Local flowers (hello, Parkway Floral and Mari’s Flowers)? Absolutely. Military collectibles, disc golf supplies, local art and game stores? Sure. (We have two game stores, Pink Bunny Games and Board Game Barrister.) Disc golf accessories, at Acetime? Of course. A terrific locally owned Ace Hardware? Indeed. Our small retailers are the backbone of South Milwaukee — see for yourself. (And be sure to buy tickets to the upcoming South Milwaukee Garden Tour when you’re at the flower shops.)
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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 …

The media coverage around Crusherfest continues to amaze. Here are some of the headlines from the past week or so …

• “This Is Crusher Country”: South Milwaukee Prepares To Honor Local Wrestling Legend (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• Milwaukee Commemorates “Da Crusher” With Life-Sized Statue (TMJ4)
• 5 Things Wrestling Fans Can’t Miss at Crusherfest in South Milwaukee This Weekend (NOW)
• Old Foes Remember “Da Crusher” Ahead of Inaugural Crusherfest (TMJ4)
• Here’s Why One Turkeyneck Thinks Da Crusher Was the Greatest (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Buckle up for This Weekend’s CrusherFest with Lovanova’s Bruising “Da Crusher” (Milwaukee Record)
• Crusherfest Set for South Milwaukee (Spectrum News 1)
• Meet the Greenfield Man Da Crusher Called the “Polka King” (NOW)

And here are some other local headlines, including a South Milwaukee connection to the freeway-closing police standoff in Oconomowoc …

• Woman’s Facebook Live Video from Inside Stolen Van Offers More Details on Tuesday’s I-94 Police Standoff (Journal Sentinel)
• Mandatory Milwaukee: Seven Bridges Trail is a Slice of Scenic Serenity in an Industrial Suburb (Milwaukee Record)
• Garden Tours Across Wisconsin Will be Lush and Colorful Thanks to Abundant Rain (Journal Sentinel)
• Silver Alert Has Been Cancelled for Missing Oshkosh Man (NBC 26)
• Kids in Crisis: Bullying is Everywhere, But Data on it Isn’t. Could Tracking Help? (Journal Sentinel)

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!

More details on the inspiring story here …

More details here ..

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.

More details on the ongoing work here.

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.

Here is the PDF flyer, with survey links.

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, work the plan.

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.

I was proud to declare June 1, 2019, Katie Manzeck Day in South Milwaukee, in support of this special young woman and her battle against cancer.

We proudly led Saturday’s The Rockin Revs Bike Blessings for Childhood Cancer ride, which attracted more than 100 motorcyclists in hopes of raising thousands of dollars for the Manzeck family.

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!

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It takes a village to erect a Crusher statue!

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!?

Please join us for our annual celebration, and consider supporting the Rotary Club of Mitchell Field on their Flags for Heroes project.

Our event includes a formal flag retirement ceremony, music from the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, refreshments and more.

See you June 14!

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.

Thanks to Sara and Aaron for hosting!