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About 200 people gathered for a Riverwest “alumni” get-together on Sept. 23. People who have moved away reconnected with those who have stayed here in the neighborhood, and their stories filled the dining room out at Alioto’s Restaurant on Mayfair Road. Local historian Tom Tolan was on hand, as well as Greg Borowski, author of First and Long, the story of the experimental merger of the Shorewood and Messmer high school football teams. People also heard about the latest developments of the Messmer schools. Riverwest Connection is a new publication for those who enjoy reminiscing about our neighborhood way back when. The first issue, just out last month, was printed by the Schramka family, which had a funeral parlor on East Burleigh. It highlights such things as the 20 Club, an early Riverwest baseball team, the 100-member St. Mary Czestochowa Melody Band, made up mostly of harmonica players, and the reflections of Fr. Gene Jakubek, a well-known Jesuit who grew up in this neighborhood. Those who’d like to get a copy of Riverwest Connection or find out more about future “alumni” gatherings should contact Paul Schramka at 262-251-3130.
by Jackie Reid Dettloff