Our branch in “Tosa” stays busy with events that engage the close-knit community. Branch Manager Mary Rose Balzer brings us up to date with the latest news. Our featured branch last time was Lake in the Hills.

The Wauwatosa team: Jennie Schlei, Lynn Fehr, Jazmin Vela, Kyle Vaclav, and Mary Rose Balzer.

Personnel
Mary Rose Balzer, Branch Manager
Lynn Fehr, Personal Banker
Jennifer Schlei, Assistant Branch Manager–Operations
Kyle Vaclav, Teller
Jazmin Vela, Teller

What is your community like? What’s it known for?
In Wauwatosa, you will see families out with their strollers, walking their dogs, and riding their bikes. The outdoor seating at many area restaurants and cafés really gives Tosa a warm community feel. Events are held throughout the year, such as Tosa Tonight Concerts (held throughout the summer), Tosafest, Diva Day, Chillin’ on the Avenue, the Firefly Art Fair, the Independence Day parade, the farmers’ market (which runs throughout the summer), and Tosa’s All-City Read, just to name a few.

What annual or regular events are big deal at the branches?
The biggest event we sponsor is the Tosa All-City Read. The goal of this event is to have a large majority of people participate by reading the same book. This is our third year participating, and the book this year is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Book clubs are set up throughout the community and hosted by several business. The numerous activities for the All-City Read are determined by the theme of the book; there is also a meet-and-greet with the author. A “battle of the bartenders” is held, and celebrity judges from the community select the best concoctions. I’ve been on the judges’ panel for the past two years.

What are some important moments or people in the branches’ history?
Back in 1994, the branch went through a major renovation, which many of our customers seem to remember fondly. The branch was torn down, along with an apartment building, and a new building was built. For many months, employees came to work in a trailer on the lot. It was cold, and even the pipes froze. Jennie Schlei remembers having to walk down to the gas station just to use the bathroom.

Does your branch have any favorite or special customers?
All of our customers are special, but we do have a few who stand out. Our celebrity customer is Gino Salomone — “Gino at the Movies.” We enjoy hearing stories of his encounters with many famous actors and actresses. You can also see him on TV at “Real Milwaukee” on Fox 6. We also have a customer who bakes homemade dog treats for us. They are always in shapes that reflect the holiday or season at that time. Barb Brandt, who is also retired from North Shore Bank, not only makes us treats but also still delivers them to many, many of our customers.

Any personal celebrations or milestones among the people at your branch recently?
Jennie recently celebrated 25 years with North Shore Bank; We also need to mention that she completed her first half marathon in July and finished third in her category. Jazmin Vela graduated from MATC this May, and we are all proud of her. Lynn Fehr becomes an empty nester this month — all three of her kids have moved to California. And after being short for months, we were so happy to have Kyle Vaclav join our team at the end of June.

Is there some music, or a TV show or movie or book or anything that’s notably popular among the people at your branch?
One of our favorite shows to discuss on Tuesday mornings is The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. The staff also shares a common interest in camping and one day may do a branch campout. We have also tried our teambuilding skills at iCombat.