Letter to the editor:
I would like to thank the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation for recognizing me with its Making Fort Special award. It is an incredible and humbling honor.
I’ve been involved with Fort Atkinson since I was a teenager — just a few short years ago — when I attended church here. I enjoyed Fort then as we held youth banquets at the Fort Atkinson Hotel and attended art shows in the early days of the Fireside.
And I still enjoy our city.
I was thrilled to be hired as director of instruction for the School District of Fort Atkinson and even happier when Vern and I were able to move here in 1993. We enjoyed all aspects of Fort Atkinson. We especially enjoyed being involved with the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson and the completion of the “Puppy Serenade” statue in Rock River Park and drinking fountain on the bike trail. Then, while we were walking on the bike trail, the dream of a K-9 memorial was sparked. I regret that he wasn’t here to share that special day with me for the awards presentation, but I know he was there in spirit.
None of this could have happened without involvement of a number of individuals and groups: the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson; the Parks and Recreation Department, including Scott Lastusky, Rudy Bushcott and Brooke Franseen; Mark Dziewior, the sculptor; Dan and Mary Juday; the American Legion and other veterans groups; our local legislators, who helped create Wisconsin’s K-9 Veterans Day, and everyone who donated time and money to the projects.
Thank you to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation for taking a leap of faith in our projects and for this very unexpected recognition. I appreciate Fort Atkinson and all that it provides to its citizens.
I can’t end without this request. I’ve been told that I am a fundraiser. With that in mind, I have K-9 Smitty plush dogs for sale. Every penny goes to support our police department K-9 Unit.
Smitty and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Mabel Schumacher,
Fort Atkinson
Mabel Schumacher, pictured center, attends an “afterglow” gathering with friends which she hosted at the Hoard Historical Museum. The event was held after an awards ceremony Thursday during which Schumacher, as one of three recipients of the Making Fort Special award, was honored by the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation. At the Hoard Museum, Schumacher, a retired director of instruction for the School District of Fort Atkinson, gathered with two retired district administrators, Jim Fitzpatrick, at left, and Jerry McGowan, at right. Also pictured, at Schumacher’s left, is Diane Aschmann, a former assistant director of public instruction serving the School District of Fort Atkinson, and Ute McGowan, to the left of her husband, Jerry.
Chris Spangler photo.
Letter to the editor, file photo/Kim McDarison
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