Muskego's Most Interesting People 2011

I have a rare privilege to meet many different people in this city, and each new discovery helps to give Muskego depth and character. In thinking of a 'top 5' these are the people that rise to the top, in no particular order:

Joe Schroeder, Superintendent of Muskego-Norway Schools

Joe has had a full plate as superintendent, but in 2011 started off by being named superintendent of the year.  MNSD has had its share of challenges, but even those who have been staunchly opposed to the referenda on building a new school offer that they believe he's a man of integrity. Despite the convoluted navigation of Act 10, MNSD suffered relatively little impact to jobs, and recent negotiations for insurance coverage have received thumbs up from teachers representative.

I don't imagine Joe to fall into bitterness over the recent defeat at the polls, and I will be interested to see what MNSD can come up with to address present issues in its older schools.  I've said that he's a person that I feel smarter after speaking to him and asking questions, and join many others in realizing what an asset the city schools have in placing him at the helm.

Armenta Kolkoski, Charter Member, Muskego Woman's Club

If there ever was an organizational MVP, it's Armenta. Present when the club was granted its charter in 1961, she remains an active, relevant member of the organization that has become as much a part of the landscape of Muskego as its signature yellow tulips.

I had the honor of interviewing her in the summer, and was happy to soak in her wisdom on life and serving one's community. She's also a walking history book, offering insights to Muskego's past. It's obvious that the club still seeks her counsel, and rightly so. She's a living witness to the evolution of women in the community, and no doubt continues to mentor those around her about their roles in the future.

Muskego's Common Council

The seven-member council along with the mayor has its distinct divisions, and while individually I have no doubt each is there to do the right thing, what their definitions of right are vary greatly. The result is often spirited and at times heated debate, with each side having strong arguments to bring to the table. For contentious issues like development, spending and even innocuous issues like what the function of meeting minutes are, debate is a good thing.

While some may criticize the council's tendancy to 'rubber stamp' any resolution, the 4-3 decisions indicate that passage doesn't come without debate, which if the voters are watching, help everyone to learn what all sides of the issues are, and vote accordingly in elections. Next year will present the potential for shifts on the council, and it will be interesting to watch what the dynamics will bring.

Julie Frahmann, Director, Muskego Food Pantry

In a fairly comfortable community, 300 families now seek the services of the Food Pantry, located in Muskego's business park. This is an amazing number, considering it didn't exist two years ago.

Much like a start-up business, challenges and demands could wither the heartiest of CEOs, but to meet Julie is to meet a woman with peace and purpose at her core. Any given Thursday is a flurry of activity, but Julie maintains that she loves what she does, and she does so with grace and strength, which her volunteers have obviously picked up on as well. 

Lisa Alberte, Director, Acres of Hope

Speaking of women with a purpose, Lisa is a one-woman crusade for helping brain injured patients. She has developed a formula that combines the serenity of a pastoral surrounding with group home therapy that has begun to gain interest nationally.

Lisa too faces challenges in making sure she can keep the lights on and the animals fed. She also battles a convoluted insurance system for the veterans that she helps treat. That this type of facility exists nowhere else is surprising. That it exists for us in our own backyard is a treasure.