THE SHAPE UP SHOPPE BAY VIEW HISTORY - Interview
​
Dennis and Julie Newman love the Bay View area and have supported it through thick and thin for 35 years. Dennis's family has been here since the early 1900's [seriously] and he convinced Tosa Julie, an urban girl at heart and his friend at the time, to consider making Bay View home to her business in 1981. Yes; now Bay View is trendy and the hipsters love it; but in the day it wasn't considered the ideal neighborhood. Students graffiti-ed the store front daily and the Newman's waited in their car drinking coffee until the high school bell rang and then painted over it...daily. They tried to get the alderman to move the bus stop closer to the school [and are still trying with no help] after students rocked a Tosa member's car with the mom and small children it in bringing her kids to the shoppe daycare. Cars have been stolen, and crime was common. But a member had a great idea; if you can't beat them join them! Put chalk out and paint a chalk board on the store front! It worked and the chalk board is still there to remember the old days. Dennis Newman became the percussion leader and Drum Line Director for BVHS for many years and took them to 1st Place in competition and built a wonderful relationship with the students. The Newman's helped to build Bay View by convincing three other female owned businesses to move to Bay View and six families to move to Bay View. They had three Shape Up Shoppe Tosa locations but consolidated to Bay View. They urged many Tosa, Brookfield, Oconomowoc, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood residents to give Bay View a try and many are still members! Julie Newman was trainer to the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers Dance Team and many other teams and put Bay View on the map! After hearing the comment that her business was located over the "bridge to no where" she campaigned and did the warm up for over 200 runs and got the word out that great businesses are in Bay View. The Newman's purchase gift certificates from any new business in Bay View and send their members to support neighboring businesses DAILY!
Volunteerism is essential to the Newman's and little know fact, were honored with "Volunteers of the Year Award" two consecutive years. They prefer not to get into details. After having homeless people sleep in their business doorway that became one area of hands on involvement which included their kids. Their children were also "volunteered" by their parents to sing for para vets, senior centers [not the plush locations] join inner city choirs, and share the company of urban groups so that they could enjoy all types of people and live equality...trying to not shelter them to Bay View. Church and community volunteerism is ongoing and there are hundreds of diverse examples that remain private. They are involved with eleven urban schools or groups. The Newman's will not say "no" to anyone.
Family is everything! The shoppe currently hosts many mother-daughter teams. The kids tumbling classes of the past have even been taught by older siblings. Children of members have their birthday parties at the shoppe. Children of members are in parades with the shoppe. The Newman's children have had members for babysitters and they have babysat for members. And yes, the Newman children "volunteered" to clean the shoppe for years! Bay View students are not vital adults and shoppe members. Julie's mom was involved for many, many years and is greatly missed by all. Just this year the shoppe hosted a tear-jerking Mother/Daughter Valentine class. When the shoppe does a team menu, spouses often join in the menu and do the cooking and get involved and support their significant other. Family is everything.
I am a daughter of a member that decided to write this article for credit for my journalism class after hearing it was the Shape Up Shoppe's 35th anniversary. I came there as an infant in the day care and it will be with great pleasure and honor to join the Shape Up Shoppe upon graduation.
nameless by request
FUN STUFF TRIVIA has ended...last week for a laugh at answers before removed
24. How many years have we been giving demos at the Bay View Bash? 6, 8, 10, 12 CHOOSE ONE Answer: 12
Winners: Mary Otto, Zil, Efta, Kay, Betsy, Mary O, Lisa P, Foster, Laurie Swaff, Izzy, Janay
funniest answer "huh? there's a shelf across from the desk?"
25. Where were all of those trophy's won on the shelf across from the desk?
Answer: All are from the US Bank Stair Climb for CF, most of the 1st place are Kris or Dennis! The shoppe was a sponsor for several years and provided the warm up for over 10 years. See Gallery page. Chantel and Tron were the first 5 year olds to enter. It is still held in Nov
Winners: Bridge, Mary O, Lisa P, Zil, Christie, Chantel, Wendy, Laurie Swaff, Kay, Izzy, Janay & joy
26. Tell in a few words; what was the group "The Jazzettes"?
Answer: Instructors that performed our routines, in formations at various venues from conferences to bars!
Winners: Bridge, Lisa P, Mary O, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, Laurie Swaff, Janay
FUN and FUNNY ANSWERS: "...who performed events in leotards" ",,,highly trained dance team...." "Jazzy exercisers"
"....at bucks games" "a kids program offered by the shoppe in the day"
27. When all classes were downstairs, what was in the room we currently hold classes in [prior to the remodel]?
Answer: 2 apartments. [we gave them a year notice before we gutted it]
Winners: Bridge, Lisa P, Mary O, Christie, Wendy S, Kay, & joy...not even my daughters??
28.When we offered Sat Boot-Camp at 4pm at both the Tosa and BayView locations,
those classes had more people in attendance than the 8am jams offered at both locations. True or False
ANSWER: True, we had to have people leave
WINNERS: Bridge, Zil, Mary O, Lisa P, Christie, Foster, Wendy, Laurie Swaff, Kay & joy
29. In one of my fashion shows [Back to School Attire] I hired Kenny Weber from Brickyard Gym to be the principal but he couldn't get the choreography so I had to let him go [with pay] & replace him with Dennis. True or False [this is not in any way meant as a cut on Kenny]
ANWER: True [Dennis looked more like a cop than a principal with his huge mustache ugh]
WINNERS: Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Mary O, Lisa P, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, Izzy, Betsy, Janay & joy
30. When I first opened the BV shoppe I lived in Tosa, and several times could not find it. True or False
ANSWER: true - in my defense there was no 794 bridge
WINNERS: Bridge, Mary Otto, Mary O, Lisa P, Efta, Christie, Foster, Wendy, Laurie Swaff, Kay, Izzy, Betsy, Janay & joy
GOOD LUCK ON THIS LAST SET. IT'S BEEN FUN. WITH ALL OF THIS REMINISCING IN HONOR OF OUR 39TH ANNIVERSARY,
I WANT TO THANK
DENNIS - FOR FINDING THIS LOCATION & INTRODUCING ME TO THE WONDERFUL WORK ETHIC OF HIS BAY VIEW BUDDIES
ALSO FOR THE BACK-BREAKING WORK OF REMODELING THIS BV LOCATION MULTIPLE TIMES & BUILDING ALL 4 TOSA LOCATIONS ALMOST SINGLE HANDED, ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS! ALSO FOR THE MILLION OTHER THINGS HE DOES.
DAVE - FOR KEEPING THE BV LOCATION IN BUSINESS. IF WE HAD TO PAY THE HIGH PRICES OF A HUGE ELECTRICAL COMPANY WE SIMPLY COULD NOT EXIST. WE WOULD HAVE TO RETURN TO RENTING A SMALL ROOM SOMEWHERE.
ROBIN KITZROW-FOR GETTING DEN HIS MPS JOB 15 YEARS AGO, SO WE COULD MAKE IT FINANCIALLY
MONIQUE MILLER -FOR GETTING ME MY JOB 15 YEARS AGO SO WE COULD MAKE IT FINANCIALLY
KRIS NARDI- FOR BEING A TEAM PLAYER AND SUPPORTING WHOLE HEARTEDLY ALL CHANGES, DECISIONS, ADVENTURES, CONCESSIONS, PROGRESSIONS AND EVERY DRAMA IT TAKES TO KEEP A SMALL BUSINESS [OF ALL WOMEN LOL] ALIVE
ALICE [MOM] - FOR TELLING ME I WAS TOUGH ENOUGH TO DO THIS AND FOR JOINING THE TEAM A FEW YEARS INTO IT AS
OFFICE MANAGER, AND DOING A FANTASTIC JOB OF RUNNING THE TOSA SHOPPE FINANCES & STAFF, FOR VERY LITTLE PAY
MY DAUGHTERS- FOR NOT MAKING ME FEEL GUILTY FOR PUTTING THE SHOPPE FIRST THEIR ENTIRE LIVES AND WORKING 10 HOURS 6 DAYS A WEEK & MISSING SO MUCH. ALSO FOR YOUR HELP OF CLEANING THE SHOPPE ENDLESS HOURS. SORRY I LOST YOU IN THE SHOPPE NAY WHEN YOU WERE 3 AND I MADE YOU STAY UNDER THE SPIRAL STAIRS FOR HOURS IN YOUR "OFFICE" OMG
[16]True or False. We offered a midnight class for 1 year at the Bay View location
Winners: Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Foster, Chantel, Lori Swoff, Izzy, Janay, Amalia, Jackie D
We did! I taught a mon/weds for a year for 2nd shift nurses from St Luke Cudahy and all members were welcome
[17]True or False. Instructors did a cable TV show for a Scuba Dive company to show exercises wearing flippers, in the 80's
Winners: Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, Kay, Carol, Janay, Robin, Amalia
True - for the laugh of your life, it is still on YouTube - A scuba store on North Ave Tosa hired us. We are in flippers and thongs!
[18]Only 1 Boxer, ever, was quick enough to give trainer Dennis a black eye. Hint-she is a current instructor so no asking trainers
Winners: Bridge, Christie, Chantel, Wendy, Izzy
Instructor Mo! She is fast and strong. Izzy said to say thanks for those of you that guessed her.
[19]Which instructor was in one of our fashion shows 9 months PG in a unitard?
Winners: Mary Otto, Efta, Izzy, Foster, Lori Swoff, Izzy, Janay, Amalia, Jackie D, Christie
Kris Nardi- I will have a pic in the bamboo room for you!
[20]Which instructors husband came and gave professional advice on workout shoes at a wellness clinic we held?
Winners: Bridge, Zil, Christie, Wendy, Carol, Mary O
Kris Nardi- her husband managed the Foot Lockers and was nice to come help us when we decided we should start wearing shoes!
[21]True or False. I sang at 2 instructors weddings in the late 90's?
Winners: Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Chantel, Lori Swoff, Kay, Izzy, Janay, Robin, Amalia, Betsy
True - this was in the days I was choir director for 3 of my church choirs. I was honored to sing for CJ and for Tracy
[22]True or False. 25th shoppe anniversary party was held at the post on KK that was just torn down and Den's band played
Winners: zero
Trick question. We have NEVER had a shoppe anniversary party. We did have a bday party for me there and Den's rock band TRUC played at summerfest for a 20 year reunion and played at my party first to get the kinks out.
[23]True or False. Hui is our 5th neighbor to rent the space next door to us
Winners: Zil, Chantel, Izzy, Carol, Robin
False - there have been 9-12 tenants in that space, that the owner can even remember- He thinks there were a few more, like office people. Fun Fact, The BUILDING owner, family friend, stood up in our wedding, Hui is number 9-12 he estimates. And prob not the last.
You never know..our members have ordered approximately 1000 meals to date - [he still won't throw us a free roll up, ha-neighbors!]
Pagers Plus, Leather & More, Threadworks Embroidery, Scents Candles, Nail Salon, Seamstress Sew, Vapor, Antique Unique, Sausage Restaurant
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Our 1st year open, we all worked out barefoot. TRUE; It was the "thang" [now we all have Plantar Faciatis]
Winners-Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, A Hunn, Lori Swoff, Izzy
8. Our cardio floor upstairs absorbs 50% skeletal shock FALSE! You all walk by our patented floor poster DAILY! I announce it in class often! Winners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Christie, Wendy, A Hunn, Lori Swoff, Izzy - the rest of you look at the poster.
9. When I first opened, I only rented, and it was just the space where our weights are now. TRUE, and we worked out around those support beams [poles] and everytime someone opened the door we got a rush of cold air. Members had to be on time to take class.
Winners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, A Hunn, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Izzy, Betsy
10. Our float only won first place in the South Shore Water Frolic parade 2 years out of many TRUE. We won the 2nd year we entered when I sponsored 3 "bathing beauties" and Den's family band played. We won years later, 2011-ish when we had our kids gymnastic team leading us, and our Belly Dance class trailing us. We had boxers on the float, Janay sparring with Dennis behind the float,
Kris and Chantel jumping rope and doing push ups the entire parade along side the float [while doing shots]
and Becky S [4:30 class] hot daughter carrying the banner. What a fun time! See pictures at the shoppe and on gallery page.
Winners- Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Izzy, Betsy
11. The Shoppe was coed the first [approximately] 14 years, designated class times TRUE
Winners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Lisa P, Mary o, Efta, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Izzy, Betsy
12. When I announced that I was changing the club to strictly women, the hate mail was from women, not men
TRUE sadly. Some women are haters of strong women but support women that they view weaker than they view themselves.
2 lawsuits, won them both but lots of attorney fees and a wasted summer. The worst part is that my mom got to teach Chan
how to ride a bike while I stressed on sunny days missing my little daughter.
WInners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Chantel, A Hunn, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Carol Man, Betsy
13. My brother met his wife at the shoppe, 2 trainers married a member,
1 member was engaged to a male trainer and then married a member instead TRUE, YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP! The "funny" part is, the 2 trainers that married a member, MARRIED THE SAME DUDE! 1st one divorced him, the next one married, now divorced.
The 2 trainers started as friends. We also had a trainer in the 2000's that married a dude our 3rd trainer divorced.
My brother, after dating multiple trainers, is still with his wonderful awesome member wife!
Winners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Lori Swoff, Carol Man, Izzy
14. For the 1st approximate 5 years, when signing up for classes, members had to choose the time; no switching or make-ups
TRUE- many, MANY facilities offering yoga, or dance classes are still like that. Community centers are as well.
Winners- Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Carol Man, Izzy, Betsy
15. Day Job-I am the Wellness Director for a company of 1000 employees and recently celebrated my 15-year anniversary there
TRUE and I love the employees. It is so rewarding to help them lower cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI and more -
in this economy / high taxes /extra fees for businesses, it allows me to keep the Shoppe going strong. In the beginning there was not an annual garbage fee, sign fee, banner fee, boiler fee, fire extinguisher fee and more and more arg. Worth it! Love shoppe members!
Winners: Bridge, Mary Otto, Zil, Lisa P, Mary O, Efta, Christie, Foster, Chantel, Wendy, A Hunn, Lori Swoff, Kay A, Carol M, Izzy, Betsy
3. Who was the second instructor? The first instructor was Debbie Valentino.
Answer: Janine Rozina Also known as Janine Sijan -Sijan Field is named after her brother, a war hero. Janine is the force that brought childcare to the shoppe which we had for 17 years. The artwork of the woman's head with flowing hair above the exit of the locker room was done by her brother and auctioned, we won the piece for $300. We see Janine every year at the bash. Winners. Lisa P Mary O
4.How many total SUS locations have there been?
Answer: 5 Bay View, Lisbon Ave., Mayfair Road by Mayfair Mall, Bluemound Road now Batzner , 64th and North - Winners 1. Bridget
5.We have done it all, but which of the following were offered LESS than 5 years? Hint- less than 5
Tanning=15 years , Vitamin Sales=4 years, Childcare=17 years, Yoga=6 years, Zumba=1 year, Step Aerobics=15 years, Kids Tumbling=7 years, Kids Birthday Parties=9 years, Kids Irish Dance=2 years, Massage=6 years, Fashion Shows using Instructors=5 years,
Aerobic Demos at various venues=9 years, Summerfest Performances=5 years, Half-Time Marquette Shows= 1 year,
Sponsoring the Polar Bears [plunge] and offering a bus to members=6 years, Christmas caroling by bus-6 years,
Training the Milwaukee Admirals=7 years
Answer: Vitamin Sales, Zumba, Kids Irish Dance, Marquette Shows [fun story- got kicked out by a nun] Winners- zero
6. How many warm-ups for runs or events have we done? IE: Dino Dash at the Museum, Turkey Trot, Fox Run etc.
1-25 26-50 51-75!!!!!! 76-100 Winners: Zil, Mary Otto, Bridget, Tarin, Efta, Andrea G
1.Can you guess any of the tunes from session #1? Dare you to make a playlist! One winner - Bridget
1. Attitude Dancing-Carly Simon 2.Your Everything-Andy Gibb 3. Women-Ohio Players 4. He's So Shy-Pointer Sisters
5. Dancin Round and Round-Olivia Newton John 6. Upside Down-Diana Ross 7.Walking in Rhythem - Blackbyrds
8.You are the Sunshine of My Life- Stevie Wonder 9.Jessie-Carly Simon 10. Knock on Wood-Gloria Gaynor 11. Baby Baby-Linda Ronstadt 12.Last Dance-Donna Sommer
2.Do you know what year BoxBag was added and why? Two winners, Mary Otto and Bridget
1991 - Reason: I was having a really hard time losing baby #1 weight after gaining 50+ pounds. I knew Dennis was a great trainer [he gave me training sessions at the Eagles Club in the day] so I asked him to train me. We boxed and the weight fell off - I asked if he would please consider helping other women and since he was a pro-boxer, I knew he would be extra effective! It was a yes