The Brookfield Scene

The story of “Ten Chimneys & The Lunts” will be told by Mike Drew, award winning writer and former media columnist, on Monday, May 19, 2008.

Wonderful tours of the beautiful estate are given at Ten Chimneys from May through November. 

A GPS system has greatly improved my odds of getting to the right place.  It is helpful when traveling beyond one's ‘comfort zone.’  For example, getting from point A to point B in Waukesha has always been a challenge.  For years, my subconscious voice has said, “You’re going to get lost” – and I invariably have.

A recent trip to Waukesha was more pleasant – thanks to the GPS.  But its directions to WalMart led me to Sam’s Club (on 164). 

Recent trips to Franklin, Hales Corners, Milwaukee’s lake front and Menomonee Falls have been more interesting because of the GPS.  I have found myself traveling on roads less traveled. I was amazed to find a more efficient route to Hales Corners, and a more scenic route to Milwaukee’s lake front.

There was comparatively little development in Brookfield west of Highland Drive.  Local grocery stores included Grasch Foods, Food Farm (in Elm Grove and at Ruby Isle).  Neither Elmbrook Memorial nor Brookfield Square had been built.

Brookfield has grown by leaps and bounds since then. Bluemound Road exploded with business, complete with sidewalks and street lights.   In recent years, homes have become bigger and lots have become smaller. The “Brookfield Concept” described on the city’s website seems to emphasize open, green space.  Check it out at http://www.cityofbrookfield.com/index.asp?nid=66.  It doesn’t seem to correlate with today’s development.

As you speed down Bluemound Road, you may notice a large white barn and small two story home on a patch of green.  You'll find this gem on the north side of the road just east of Janacek Road (about 192^nd Street).  If you are more familiar with Best Buy and Menards, Eble Park is just across the street.

This 40 acre patch of green is courtesy of Florence Eble.  At one time, her family farm extended across Bluemound Road, and a barn was on the south side of the road.  Eble donated her forty acres to Waukesha County as a permanent green space.

Florence's Garden provides a welcome respite for drivers speeding past. Passers-by are enthralled by the flower, herb and vegetable gardens at Eble Park.  Some are stopped in their tracks by the season-long beauty in Florence's Garden.  Produce harvested from the vegetable garden is donated to a Waukesha County food bank.

The gardens are cared for by a dedicated group of Master Gardener Volunteers.  In case you haven't heard of "Master Gardeners," each person takes (and pays for) horticultural training by UW-Extension Agents.  In return, they collectively dedicate thousands of hours to gardens in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties each year.

This Saturday, you may see dozens of master gardeners working at Eble.  If weather permits, they will be taking perennial plants from the vegetable garden and potting them.  The plants were donated by master gardeners last fall and grew in the unused garden until now.  In the next few weeks, similar "digs" are scheduled at many, many homes. Thousands of perennials will be sold on May 17, 2008 at State Fair Park DNR area as part of the 13^th Annual Perennial Plant Sale.

Master gardeners volunteer at the Milwaukee County Zoo, State Fair Park, Havenwoods State Park (Milwaukee County) and also at Eble Gardens, Old World Wisconsin and Ten Chimneys (Waukesha County).  They also tend gardens at many other locations and care facilities throughout the metropolitan area.

Brookfield has a few hidden delights right in its own backyard.  One is the "Nature Center" just west of Brookfield East High School's soccer field.  The Nature Center includes 17 acres of land and two ponds.  The school district maintains trails around the ponds, through the mesic prairie, open dry prairie and woodlands with a wooden bridge across a marsh. Volunteers from the Elmbrook Garden Club have planted and maintained plantings of native plants around the visitor center/classroom for over twenty years.

Why would a local garden club get involved in this project?  Well, the 35-member group supports community service projects and outreach programs for youth. As an affiliate of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., it aids in the protection and conservation of natural resources, promotes civic beautification and encourages the improvement of roadsides and parks.  Then again it may be the children's delight when they visit.

A visit to the Nature Center is part of the field trip curriculum for all Kindergarten through 6^th grade classes.  Activities are led by a naturalist/Brookfield East High School Biology Teacher, Greg Wolfe.  Children and the parents who accompany them thoroughly enjoy their visits.  The students study trees; insects; bones, skulls and skeletons; birds, seeds and pods, the pond community, and satellites in the environment.

Brookfield Park & Recreation also holds its fishing classes at the Nature Center's ponds.  High school classes and Scout troops use the center as an outdoor classroom as well.                                              

After nurturing native plants for so many years, garden club members were dismayed when school district construction damaged a prairie planting - not once, but twice.  The first time, the district installed a water line to the visitor center; the second time was during the construction of a concession stand near the soccer fields.  The work was done without any warning to rescue the plants.

In the fall of 2007, the Elmbrook School District provided $900 for the purchase of native plants to restore the damaged plantings.  The Elmbrook Garden Club also applied for and received a $300 grant from the Principal Financial Group Civic Development Grant Program, "Lets Go Native."  This grant money is to be matched by the garden club and other community contributions.  The $600 will be used to purchase additional plants, labels and for split rail fencing to protect the plants.  It is the only garden club in Wisconsin that received a grant.

The National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) established the grant program under the sponsorship of the Principal Financial Group Foundation Inc. to boost civic development across the nation by planting natives.  NGC is a not-for profit organization composed of 50 State Garden Clubs and the National Capital Area, 7,183 member garden clubs and 221,943 members as well as International Affiliates from Canada to Mexico and South America.

The goal of this project is to restore the plantings around the visitor center, to increase the diversity of plants at the nature center and to educate visitors -- young and old.  For more information about joining the Elmbrook Garden Club, touring and/or working in the nature center contact Judy Newman, newman9641@aol.com Community Coordinator.

Over the next two weekends, you'll have a chance to enjoy the 23rd Annual Original One-Act Festival" staged by the Brookfield Players and Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa.  It all takes place at our beautiful Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (Brookfield).

 It's a must-see event which feature's Wisconsin's most talented playwrights, award-winning directors and phenomonal casts.  The five one-act plays are:

 Six Characters in Search of An Audience by Matthew Lovison; directed by Tom Zuehlke

The Difference Dies by Mary K. Ryan; directed by Laura Kohn-LaPinske

Strangers in The Afternoon by Marion H. Youngquist; directed by Robert Lee

A Negotiable Position by Daniel Loebl; directed by Pat Hitt

The Pick Up by Ken Drzakowski; directed by Mark Wyss

The dates to remember are April 5 & 6 and April 11 & 12.  8 pm. Fridays; 2:30 and 8 pm. Saturdays.

Adults $15; Seniors & Students $13.  Group rates are available.  Tickets are available at the box office or online www.wilson-center.com. 

Taxpayers in the Elmbrook School District (SDE) have a second chance at approving a referendum for SDE high schools on April 1.  Two groups independently developed recommendations for the 2008 referendum.  One group (sponsored by SDE) included district/board representatives.  The second group did not.

Let's compare the 2007 and 2008 referendums.

Last year's recommendation was presented as "needs based."  However, it was a two-part referendum (one for the high schools themselves and another for the athletic stations).  The combined price tag: $108.8 million.  Both referendums were resoundly defeated.

This year's referendum is also "needs based" but it includes both schools and athletics. The price tag: $62.2 million. 

Last year, the school district used a comprehensive and expensive information campaign to sway voters.  This year, SDE is apparently presenting "just the facts".  They apparently feel more confident with this year's referendum proposal.

How do the two referendums differ?

The schools have been downsized from 2007 in terms of student body and square footage.  Classrooms are smaller, but they are being more fully utilized.  The buildings' square footage cost is higher $683.41 (2008) vs. $425.00 (2007).  The financing rate is lower (5% vs. 5.5% last year). Based on the average Elmbrook home value ($321,000) the building tax will be lower $170 vs. $326.

When you vote April 1, carefully consider all the facts and the "needs."   The building tax is only one element of school taxes; school taxes are only one component of overall property taxes.

The Town of Brookfield announced plans for development of the "Bluemound Road Corridor."  The area is bounded by Barker Road, I 94 and Bluemound Road and extends east of Poplar Creek.  The development covers about 80 acres. It includes the properties owned by Marcus Corporation and Menards. 

The Corridor plans include 4-8 story commercial buildings and 2-4 story multi-family units.  Since the plans were announced, the town has sought public comment and met with property owners. Town officials believe it's important to work with the business owners - to meld the visions of the town and business owners together.  There is a strong desire to achieve positive acceptance about the development. Indeed, suggestions about roadway placement and project flexibility have already been integrated into the consultant's plans.

The goals of the development plans are to address problems of circulation (pedestrian and automobile), maintain property values and provide an inviting consumer environment.  Plans for the Bluemound Corridor Node accomplish all three.

Traffic circulation will be improved by two additional east/west roads (parallel to I94) and a north/south road (beneath high-tension lines). Sidewalks will encourage foot traffic between the businesses and offices.

Taller structures (4-8 and 2-4 stories) provide more business / office space.  This yields a more economically-viable development while positively impacting property values. A planned parking structure will reduce the need for large asphalt parking lots.

An inviting consumer environment is provided through urban style architecture.  Ground level stores will have large windows, and include eateries and service providers. It's possible that a person working in an office or business could spend his/her lunch hour within the same complex.

The Town of Brookfield's administrator, Rick Czopp, said, "Government should be slow and deliberate because of the future impact on the community" and a desire to achieve positive acceptance.

The town's plans are consistent with Waukesha County's development plans.  The town is one of 27 communities that are collaborating with the county.

There are no plans for tax incremental financing (TIF or TID) for this development.  These designations are typically used in distressed areas.  The town did use TIF funds for the environmental clean up of the new Palladium Theatre site.  The ground had become contaminated by underground diesel storage leaks.

The Town of Brookfield will look much different in 10 years.

On Monday, March 17, you have a chance to hear Tom Ramstack, the author of Brookfield: A Fine and Fertile Land, speak about the rich history of the Brookfield and Elm Grove areas.  Our area began as a farming community in 1839.

Tom grew up in Elm Grove and heard his father's stories about the people in the Brookfield Township.  His quest to learn more - and a desire to write a book - resulted in a twenty year search of historic records and a two-volume book.

The free lecture is sponsored by the Elmbrook Historical Society. It's at 7 pm at Brookfield's Park & Rec Senior Community Center, 2000 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield.  The meeting is open to the public. Copies of Brookfield: A Fine and Fertile Land will be available for purchase.  Ramstack will sign copies.

Call (262) 782-4057 for more information.

There have been two pleasant events in Brookfield and Elm Grove in the last few days.

In Brookfield:  Burleigh Elementary staged its production of "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" at the Wilson Center.  230 energetic fourth and fifth graders were on stage for a play written and directed by Mrs. Bart. Creative costuming, props and scenery accented the young student's talents.  Parents, other students and teachers, and volunteers helped create a delightful and inspiring event.

In Elm Grove: The Friends of Elm Grove Library held its 22nd Annual Used Book Sale from March 6 to March 9.  Over 20,000 items were donated to the sale and nearly that many were sold.  The FOEGL book sale committee did an excellent job in organizing this year's fund raiser.  The organizers are a dedicated and energetic group.  They engage many, many people in organizing the books, CDs, DVDs and audio tapes. They also recruit volunteers to staff the 24 sale hours.  All proceeds from the sale are used to expand the Elm Grove Library's collections.

The sense of community - and an common cause - helped each group excel.

Sunday is the last day of the Friends of Elm Grove Library's used book sale.  All purchases (except for the "Collector's Table" and auction items) are included in the $4-A-Bag sale.  Fill an entire grocery bag full of hard cover or paperback books for just $4. A good selection of fiction, biographies, history, business, religion, self-help, children's and cook books are available.  And add CDs, DVDs or audiobooks to the bag.  There is no limit on the number of bags you can take - for just $4-A-Bag.

The sale runs from Noon to 4 pm in the lower level of the Elm Grove Library at 13600 W. Juneau.  All proceeds raised by the non-profit Friends' group are used to expand the public library's collections.

Admission is free.

There will be a huge used book sale at the Elm Grove Public Library next week.  The 20,000 books, CDs and DVDs and other media have been accumulated by the Friends of the Elm Grove Library - in a small area of the basement.  By Wednesday, March 5, volunteers will have organized and moved the vast collection to two rooms of the library's lower level.  The Elm Grove Library is located at 13600 Juneau Boulevard in Elm Grove, WI. 

Book lovers, avid readers and book collectors will find a huge assortment of books - fiction, non-fiction, children's books, biographies, history books, reference books in all genres as well as an amazing assortment of audio books, used music tapes, CDs, DVDs, books on tape and puzzles for sale.

Everything will be sold at very reasonable prices - 50 cents for small paperbacks, $1.50 for hardcover; special books, tapes and videos at $2.00 and up.  Highly collectible and rare book items will be featured at a table of specialty items. Other unique books will be available through a silent auction.

A "Friends Only" Preview Night takes place on Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. for members of the Friends of the Elm Grove Library.  Please note:  Memberships may be purchased at the door.

The 22^nd Annual Used Book Sale opens to the public on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 9 am. to 6 pm.  Admission is free.

Saturday March 8, 2008 the book sale continues with a Half Price Sale* from 9 am. to 5 pm.  Prices for books and all other materials will be reduced in half.  (*Excludes the specialty and silent auction items.)

Sunday, March 9, 2008 is the $4-A-Bag Sale*.  The Bag Sale* begins at Noon and continues to 4 pm.  Each bagful can be filled with books (and other items) and bought for $4.  Everything must be sold.  There is no limit on the number of bags an individual can buy.  (*Excludes the specialty and silent auction items.)

The chairmen of the 22nd Annual Used Book Sale are Kathy Baptie, Karen Dahlman, Connie Pavletich, Pat Ruttum and Carla Stensberg,

The Friends of the Elm Grove Library is a non-profit organization founded in 1984.  It has over 200 members. Proceeds of the book sale will be used to update the Elm Grove Library's collections. 

Last week, the City of Brookfield's plan commission held a meeting about the proposed Fountain Brook Crossing development on Moorland & Greenfield Ave.  Billed as the "city's tallest building" and located at one of the many city's "gateways" this structure will generate more tax revenue for the city.  The meeting was a show and tell because the attendees were not allowed to speak.  They were, however, allowed to provide written feedback. Twenty-nine (of the 30) attendees' comments were negative.

Although the city says it listens, the plan commission apparently doesn't.  Its members are Mayor Speaker; Aldermen Mark Nelson, Rick Owen and Gary Mahkorn; Jennifer Donze, Kevin Wahlgren and Paul Wartman.

Just a week later, the Common Council approved the general plan and rezoning. The developer now has six months to provide his plans.

There are many other development plans in the works.  Be sure your voices are heard.

There have been several headline making articles about the city lately.

In terms of planning and development, the city is considering annexing vacant land at its northwestern gateway.  The land currently lies within the town of Brookfield.  I met with Dan Ertl, department head, in fall.  At that time Ertl said the city does not actively solicit annexations (that is, it is not the aggressor).  Evidently, though, this additional property would make that portion of the "city's gateway" more viable.

The newly proposed gateway building at the corner of Moorland and Gateway has an overly large footprint.  It has little green space.  Kyle Prast has effectively shown the size of the footprint by overlaying various buildings on the GPS map of the building site.

Mayor Speaker has objected to having the donated art work displayed in front of the library along Calhoun Road. The art work is currently placed behind the library where no one can enjoy it. Speaker's concerned about the "some" people who may not approve or appreciate the art.

He has also raised the perennial concerns about the level of service provided by the county's centralized dispatch system.

Last week, in an unusual gesture, the mayor proposed that the city share more of the cost to widen all of Greenfield Road.  There is a half-mile stretch west of Brookfield Road that narrows to two lanes. This section of the road is along the Town of Brookfield.  It wasn't widened because the town felt the cost-sharing the state had proposed was disproportionate.

Speaker's rationale for kicking in more?  Alleviating potential accidents at the narrowed section and a more equitable cost-share. At the time the state apparently  included land the city had annexed from the town!  City aldermen rejected Speaker's proposal.

Many NOW readers have probably resolved to "get more organized" in 2008.  As you begin to declutter, recycle your used books and audio-visual materials.

The Friends of Elm Grove Library, Inc. will gladly accept your donations of used books, CDs, DVDs, Videos, etc. for its used book sale.  (No textbooks please.) Just drop off your donations before March 1 at the:

Elm Grove Library - Front Desk  * 13600 Juneau Boulevard * Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Proceeds from the non-profit Friends' annual book sale directly benefit the library and extend its outreach to the community. You will be helping a good cause, extend an appreciation of reading, and you can ask for a donation receipt for tax purposes. 

Also, mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Used Book Sale on March 7 through 9, 2008.  A members-only preview night takes place on March 6.  If you aren't already a "Friends" member, join on (or before) March 6 for a huge selection at great prices.

The City has announced its 2008 community improvements.  Beware the barrels.

We will be experiencing inconveniences soon as the state begins reconfiguring Bluemound Road between Moorland and Barker Road.  The goal: a safer highway.  This will be accomplished by closing medians to limit left turns.  Construction will start at Moorland; work will be done in sections.  About the time this road work moves to Calhoun Road, construction will begin on Calhoun Road south of Bluemound.

The road will be widened to four lanes and include a median and sidewalks.  This will be accomplished by "taking" the front yards of properties along the road.  Once the sidewalks are in, we should see more pedestrian traffic.  The widening of Calhoun Road will signal VK to finalize his plans for the 80 acre "Ruby Farms" property.   While the city seems to know VK's vision/plan it has not been shared with the community/taxpayers.

Brookfield Square will be adding two new businesses - a restaurant (2008) and a furniture store (2009).  Parking is already at a premium at the mall.  These additions will contribute more parking lot congestion.  The improvements at Brookfield Square are intended to make the shopping center competitive with the proposed Pabst Farms.

A recent Journal/Sentinel article about the Pabst Farms proposal likened the shopping experience to the upscale Mayfair and Bayshore malls.  Sorry, Brookfield.

We cannot forget the city's two new fire stations - on Calhoun Road at Greenfield and Capitol Drive. Ironically the Calhoun/Greenfield station will be on a four lane road with medians.  The Calhoun/Capitol location will not.

Let's hope your New Year's resolution included (a) no left turns except at controlled intersections and (b) more involvement in the city's plans.

Property tax bills will be arriving in the next two weeks.  It's something to look forward to -- and a gift from our taxing authorities.

Remember, municipalities, county government, school board and vocational schools all share a bit of the pie. Because property assessments are generally increasing, it's an even larger bite. The full impact is softened by the state tax credit.  Broadly speaking, each taxing entity raised their budgets about 3% or more.  The Town of Brookfield decided not to its increase their tax rate (not budget).

At budget time in the real world, some businesses mandate budget cuts in specific areas or departments to mitigate the impact.  Others use zero-based budgeting.  Funding must be justified.

Reportedly there are funds within the city's and school system's budget that are unallocated.  "Slush" might be an advantageous word given recent weather.  The city and school system are reluctant to use those funds because that will lessen their ability to get more money next year. In the meantime, taxpayers are paying more than is needed.

Remember that as you reach into your wallets.

Happy holidays.

Each family builds its own traditions for the holiday.  Some are carried over from past generations and are cherished. Some are newly adopted.

This year, make time for "Christmas at the Inn" on December 1 and 2. The Dousman Stagecoach Inn, built in 1843, will be decorated for the 1840s holidays.  Inside, you'll find feather trees, an old-fashioned Christmas tree with handmade ornaments, a collection of precious baby dolls in vignettes, antique cooky cutters and more amid a fully furnished Stagecoach Inn.

Taste test some of Mrs. Brown's soup, cornbread and homemade baked items. Enjoy music of the recorder, dulcimer and guitar that fills the air. Especially for children are Father Christmas' stories and hands-on crafts. Adults may enjoy the bake sale (with jams and jellies) and a silent auction of gift baskets.

On Saturday, December 1 only:

• Holiday photos will be professionally taken in an antique sleigh. The sitting fee ($39.95) is a donation to the Elmbrook Historical Society and includes admission to "Christmas at the Inn."  Call Nancy Rubly, Portraits on Pilgrim, (262-860 0777) for an appointment.
• Stephen Parr's "Charles Dickens Reads" at 2 pm.
• The Rosewood Quartet (led by music teacher Dr. Denice Haney) will perform at 2:30 pm. The 8th grade Quartet members are also members Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. 

The Dousman Stagecoach Inn, at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway (between Bluemound and Gebhardt Rds.) is Brookfield's only building on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is cared for by the Elmbrook Historical Society a 501(c)(3) organization.

December 1 - 10 am to 4 pm.; December 2 - Noon to 4 pm.  $4 Adults, $1 Children (5 or older).  Onsite parking.

Call 262 786 2321 for more information or check www.ElmbrookHistoricalSociety.org.