Exclusively Yours - February 2023

ExclusivelyYours

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2023

VOLUME 76 ISSUE 4

Ed Liermann n Publisher

Ed Liermann n Sales Director

Timothy Scott Starr n Creative Director

Jeanne Rieland n Account Executive

Sammy Ketchum n Account Executive

Gayle Marvel n Office/Production

Anne Kaiser n Contributing

Timothy Jay Writers

Craig Mattson

Mary Murphy

Brittany Santos

Lynn Darnieder n Contributing Mark Jay Photographers

John Kimpel

Lee Wickersheimer

Lisa Witt

Kristie Zach

Advertising Sales 262-250-1503

Editorial Correspondence 262-250-1503

Digital edition @: www.eymag.com

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Exclusively Yours Magazine (ISSN 0888-0298) is published twelve times a year—monthly—by Lifestyle Media Group, LLC. 7434 Lannon Road, Lannon WI 53046-9746. Telephone 262-250-1503. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Milwaukee, WI and other mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Exclusively Yours, 7434 Lannon Road, Lannon WI 53046-9746. All rights reserved. This magazine accepts no responsibility for manuscripts or photo transparencies not accompanied by return postage. All printed material is copyrighted by Lifestyle Media Group, LLC 2021. Any reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without written permission.

MayHouse Collection

Periwinkle Vine Pattern glazed stoneware from Park Hill Collection. Celebrate all of life’s incredible moments through beautifully crafted home décor. Our mission is to offer a fun, compelling shopping experience. We offer a well-curated and unique mix of home, fashion, beauty and floral. Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. Suite 106, Oconomowoc, WI. 262-354-8100. www.mayhousecollection.com. Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

Gallery the

River’s End Gallery

This hart shaped dish sculpture is a three dimensional studio glass sculpture by Karen Ehart. Karen begins by making an original sculpture, then she cuts, fires, torches and smashes pieces of glass with color to make up the composition. Each piece takes many hours of patient experimentation. You can find this piece and others by Karen at the River’s End Gallery, 380 W. Main St., Waukesha, www.RiversEndGallery.com. 262-780-1191.

Third Point Of View

You will never know how much crystal and stone variety and magnitude awaits you at Third Point of View in Bay View area of Milwaukee, WI, until you go! Shown here is the popular Labradorite, known as the “Bringer of Light.” Also known to protect against negative energy, banishes fears and insecurities, called the stone of transformation, inner worth, intuition and perseverance. Lastly known to relieve anxiety and brings calm. Learn and see much more at Third Point of View, 1134 South 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI. Call 715-313-3131 for more information, or check www.3rdpointofview.com, facebook and instagram.

Exclusively Yours

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2023 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 4

Digital edition @ www.eymag.com

5, 29 The Gallery

Browse offerings from a few of our area’s finest shops and businesses.

6 Fashionable Destinations

Fashion awaits at The Garment Shop, Cambridge, plus American Alchemy and Hamilton’s Ladies Apparel both of Ripon, Wisconsin

8 Tahitian Interlude

Crowned by dark emerald peaks and fringed with powdery white beaches rimming turquoise lagoons, the heavenly islands mirror everyone’s idea of what a South Pacific paradise should be. by Randy Mink

12 Philanthropy Kickstarts A Cure

Experts say philanthropy kickstarts novel cancer research that leads to cures. Started as the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse in 1998, WBCS, Inc. is marking 25 years as a allvolunteer charitable organization with a mission to advance breast cancer and prostate cancer research.

16 Creating Personality

Art is an integral part of many home spaces, lending a unique personality, beauty, and character. Hamid Dehbod and his family are passionate about the intricate, beautifully crafted rugs and are dedicated to sharing these rugs with customers in Southeast Wisconsin. by Anne Kaiser

19 MayHouse Closet

MayHouse Collection of Oconomowoc has you covered this winter with latest attire! Stop by MayHouse and view our collection of fashions for all ages.

21 Proud To Be Shorewest

Charitable contributions to the community have been at the foundation of Shorewest Elmbrook/Wauwatosas’ philosophy throughout the company’s long history.

25 2023 Greater Milwaukee Auto & Truck Show

The 2023 Greater Milwaukee Car & Truck Show races into town with the latest cars, crossovers, trucks and more from a variety of manufacturers. Held this year at The Wisconsin Center, February 25 through March 5.

30 God’s Corner by Gertrude M. Puelicher

i n terlu de TAHITIAN

CROWNED BY DARK emerald peaks and fringed with powdery white beaches rimming turquoise lagoons, the heavenly islands mirror everyone’s idea of what a South Pacific paradise should be.

Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia, synonymous with romance and barefoot escapism, appeal to the Robinson Crusoe in all of us. In 1768, French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville wrote: “I thought I was transported into the Garden of Eden.”

Custom-made for honeymoons and special anniversaries, this sultry outpost of France has been immortalized in passionate prose, powerful paintings and Hollywood films. The enchanted isles inspired the mythical Bali Hai in James A. Michener’s 1947 “Tales of the South Pacific”, a bestseller that became a legendary Broadway musical and hit movie. “Mutiny on the Bounty”, the 1932 novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, also revealed the face of Polynesia, as did French artist Paul Gauguin,

by Randy Mink

whose dream-like depictions of Tahitian women today fetch millions.

The Polynesians, a tall, brown-skinned people, are known for their hospitality and love of life. For many outsiders, the image of a Tahitian woman is a supple, raven-haired beauty vigorously swaying her hips to the beat of drums in the uninhibited tamure dance that has enthralled generations of tourists.

French Polynesia, a collection of 35 islands and 83 flat, coral atolls scattered across an area the size of Western Europe, lies south of Hawaii and midway between South America and Australia. While Hawaii draws seven million visitors a year, only 200,000 make the long journey to Tahiti and her sister isles. This remoteness keeps French Polynesia an exclusive destination, but ambitious resort development in recent years has increased its profile and launched a tourism boom.

When people refer to Tahiti, they generally mean the Society Islands, a chain of volcanic green “high” islands that includes Tahiti,

Beautiful Bora Bora after sunset

Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a. French Polynesia also counts four other less-visited archipelagos, each culturally and climatically distinct. French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken at hotels, shops and restaurants.

Modern tourism took root in 1960, when the French government built Tahiti’s first international airport. The islands soon became a jet-set playground, thanks in part to publicity generated when Marlon Brando and crew flew there to film a remake of “Mutiny on the

Bounty”. The actor later married his Tahitian costar and lived on his private atoll, Tetiaroa.

Tahiti, the largest, most populous and most historically significant in the Society group, offers fine resorts (some on black-sand beaches) and the islands’ only golf course. Travelers who thrive on urban excitement appreciate the lively mix of European, Polynesian and Chinese cultures in Papeete, the main city. They enjoy the sidewalk cafes, excellent French restaurants and waterfront meal wagons (les roulettes). These rolling eateries lend a carnival atmosphere at dusk, serving everything from flaming crepes to ham sandwiches on crusty French baguettes.

AMasterpiece

Marché Municipale, Papeete’s public market, is a must-see slice of Tahitian life brimming with fruits, vegetables, meats and bakery goods. For souvenir hunters, popular items include coconut and vanilla products, shell and wood handicrafts, and the colorful, tie-dyed pareu, a wraparound sarong favored by resort guests.

The Gauguin Museum, next to the Botanical Garden, chronicles the Post-Impressionist’s life in the islands he called home from 1891 until his death in 1903. The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands is a superb showcase of flora and fauna, culture and history.

Soon after landing on Tahiti and perhaps spending a night or two there, most visitors head to one of the other Society isles for a relaxing resort stay away from the hubbub. Your thatched bungalow might be on a palmstudded beach, in a tropical garden or perched above a crystal clear lagoon. Overwater villas, built on stilts over the coral reefs, are the most prized accommodations, featuring decks with steps that lead to a shallow lagoon; some units have glass floor panels for viewing marine life.

Islands like Moorea and Bora Bora are surrounded by protective barrier reefs that create calm lagoons ideal for diving and snorkeling. A crashing surf is usually not part of the picture. Excursions to the lagoons’ outlying motus (uninhabited islets) provide snorkel gear, lunch with wine, and most importantly, an escape from civilization. Four-wheel-drive expeditions explore the major islands’ lush, mountainous interiors.

Moorea, blessed with travel-poster scenery, is a favorite Hollywood backdrop, even for plots that don’t take place in the South Pacific. Its jagged peaks and spires reach into the clouds, forming a spiny, dinosaur-like profile. Belvedere lookout point affords panoramas of Moorea’s two great bays and valleys rich in breadfruit, pineapple, guava, mango and papaya. The coastline’s 36-mile circle road makes for a comfortable day trip, with time for stops in villages along the way.

Tiki Theatre Village, a key Moorea attraction, offers a sumptuous dinner buffet and Tahitian dancing, plus demonstrations of tapa-cloth making, tattooing and other crafts. Aside from dance shows, nighttime entertainment in the islands is limited.

Besides scuba diving and snorkeling among the reef-dwelling manta rays, turtles and iridescent fish, Moorea and Bora Bora hostelries offer a wide range of water sports. Choices range from kayaking and sailing to waterskiing and windsurfing. Traditional outrigger canoes are

Continued on page 15

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We donated $31,250 back to the community in 2022

Top 0.001% Sales in Wisconsin ~ 14 Transactions for $3,996,900 in Sales Volume Through January

Lindsey Bendler ~ Agent Profile

Lindsey Bendler worked in the golf industry before turning to real estate. She brings a passion for creating personal relationships with clients and always going the extra mile! Lindsey grew up in the Lake Country area–in her free time she enjoys being outdoors–hiking, camping, kayaking and more. Lindsey can be contacted at 262-347-7337 or by email, lindsey.bendler@firstweber.com

Amazing Opportunity at the Legend at Brandybrook

Rare opportunity to own an amazing home for under a million dollars in the Legend at Brandybrook Golf Course Community! This sprawling ranch boasts amazing panoramic views and is located on the 4th hole on the golf course. This 4,000-squarefoot home has a gas fireplace, 3 car garage, vaulted ceilings, and a huge master walk in shower! Enjoy your views from the patio or entertain your guests with a finished basement with full bar area. Take advantage of the close proximity of the fitness center, swimming pool, and outside tennis courts. This property has it all and will not last.

Schedule a private showing today! $959,900

WBCS~25TH ANNIVERSARY

Philanthropy Kickstarts A Cure

EXPERTS SAY PHILANTHROPY KICKSTARTS novel cancer research that leads to cures. Started as the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse in 1998, WBCS, Inc. is marking 25 years as a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer charitable organization with a mission to advance breast cancer and prostate cancer research. To date, WBCS has had a $117.74 million research impact to defeat these common and still deadly diseases.

How has this happened? By staying laser-focused on our mission. By partnering with Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center scientists. By engaging generous sponsors, donors, community partners and dedicated volunteers. By collaborating with welcoming homeowners and talented design professionals who’ve transformed each home into a Showhouse. By holding events and bringing awareness that research takes money, and research brings cures. Look at what all of us have accomplished together!

In this series of eleven articles, homeowners, designers, leadership volunteers, and others who’ve made significant contributions through WBCS to invest in cures, share their experiences.

John Edbauer and Judy Gehl Showhouse Co-Chairs

John Kimpel

WBCS Photographer Northwestern Mutual Foundation Showhouse Sponsor

GE Medical Systems

Showhouse Sponsor

Froedtert & Medical College of Wiscsonsin

Gala Sponsor

We begin the series this month by featuring our generous year 2000 Showhouse homeowners, Claudia Gavery and Raymond Gavery, MD (1940-2021).

2000 Showhouse Homeowners

IN 1998, CLAUDIA GAVERY opened the front door of her home to find WBCS founder Nancé Kinney and realtor Cecilia Abrams standing there. They wanted to talk about using her Eastside mansion as a WBCS Showhouse. Little did Claudia know this was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the many designers, committee members, volunteers and others who make up the successful WBCS organization. Claudia, a current WBCS board member and co-chair of the WBCS Design Committee, shared memories when her home was the 2000 Showhouse. She and her husband, Raymond Gavery, MD (1940 – 2021), owned the stunning limestone mansion at 3000 East Newberry Boulevard that became the third Showhouse for a Cure

After speaking with Nancé and Cecilia, Claudia made a decision to volunteer for WBCS to learn more about the organization. Less than a year later, her home became the next Showhouse. Claudia said she experienced many benefits from being involved as a WBCS homeowner,

stating, “One of the best things about offering my home as the Showhouse was meeting so many great people.”

Another benefit was working with the designers. Claudia shared, “Everything the designers did was so personalized. They were so kind and they wanted us to appreciate what they were doing in each room.”

As an example, Dr. Gavery admired Winston Churchill, so one designer created a Churchill bathroom complete with a vintage typewriter. A beautiful mural of Claudia's beloved Westies was painted inside the iconic British public telephone booth located in the pub.

Claudia feels passionately about the WBCS mission. At the time of the 2000 Showhouse, her sister had undergone a double mastectomy and a close cousin had lost her battle to breast cancer.

Twenty-three years later, Claudia is still active with WBCS. She is a board member, and has served on many committees including the nominating, gala, design and house committees.

Claudia remarked, “It is easier getting homeowners to donate their homes since I have done it myself. I have the experience of going through the process and can answer questions of potential Showhouse owners.”

Asked if she would donate her home again, she said, “Most definitely! I think you meet wonderful people. Your home is being used for a very good cause. You get your whole family involved, and it is fun.”

If you are interested in offering your home as a future WBCS Showhouse, please send an email to WBCS@breastcancershowhouse.org.

2000 Showhouse Designers

THE 2000 Showhouse for a Cure is one of the most memorable of the Showhouses for the designers and for visitors. Betsy Peckenpaugh (uncommon walls and Optimist Bazaar) and Margaret Weis (Calico) were the designers for the third floor ballroom that was reimagined as a London tea room.

They remember coming to the project when many of the rooms were already in the process of being installed and being challenged by the parameters of the room’s use and the colors that had already been chosen. As Betsy says, “I like parameters placed by the budget and existing items–it makes for more interesting designs. And having parameters makes it easier to design from.”

They were up to the challenge, pulling together fabrics for the tea room table skirts and napkins and employing Betsy’s legendary talents as an artist by custom painting the wall panels.

This was the first Showhouse for Betsy and Margaret. Coming in late, they did not have a chance to meet many of the other designers. But, over the years they say, the camaraderie has grown and although there is little exchange of ideas at the beginning, as the designs mature and fabrics, furniture and accessories are selected and ordered, the exchange increases. When asked about the design cohesiveness of the Showhouse, neither Betsy nor Margaret thinks it is a surprise. Not only is the highly talented group of designers up to date on the current colors, design trends and styles but feel that all of the designers, to some degree. are influenced by the home’s architecture.

Both Margaret and Betsy say they usually have a broad-brush idea for the room design pulled together in about a half hour, then

they probably spend as many as 40 hours selecting fabrics, furniture and accessories. Betsy shared that the one thing that continues to amaze her is the amount of time it takes to install the room (about 6 weeks starting April 1) and how physically demanding it is to move the furniture into place and back out again after the Showhouse closes.

And why do they do it? Why has each of them designed rooms in at least 19 of the 23 Showhouses? Margaret spoke of Calico’s support of fabrics, furniture and accessories. That, coupled with Betsy’s artistic talents, has been a very successful combination for creating their beautiful and interesting rooms. Both designers agree the WBCS mission motivates them and fuels their passion as a design team to help ensure the success of each Showhouse for a Cure. n

Continued from page 10 also available. Shark-feeding forays let snorkelers watch as a guide hand-feeds small reef sharks in a roped-off area of the lagoon. Many vacationers, however, are content to simply lounge around the swimming pool or nap in a hammock slung between coconut palms.

It would be hard to argue with James Michener’s contention that Bora Bora is the world’s most beautiful island. The very name evokes magic. Colors of its wide encircling lagoon, created by varying depths, range from the palest turquoise to the deepest blues. Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, twin peaks of sheer black rock, are never out of sight. Jeep excursions spotlight cliffside views and weathered cannons that were manned by U.S. servicemen in World War II.

Bora Bora has the islands’ most luxury resorts and keeps adding more. A posh Four Seasons property opens later this year, joining InterContinental, Sofitel, Aman Resorts and other luxe brands. The new St. Regis Resort

Bora Bora boasts five, two-bedroom overwater villas with private swimming pool built over the lagoon—a first in French Polynesia; other lagoon

units sport a Jacuzzi on the deck. Le Meridien guests can swim with hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles in the resort’s Turtle Sanctuary.

Huahine, a relatively undiscovered isle in the Society group, charms travelers with the flavor of Polynesia as it used to be. Sightseers can visit a vanilla plantation and smell the aromatic beans, the island’s leading cash crop, and roam the ruins of ancient stone temples (or marae) at the former royal village of Maeva.

Fragrant vanilla plantations also dot tiny, arid Taha’a, a popular port of call for charter yachts. Gauguin lived for a time on a motu off Taha’a. Sister isle Raiatea, another yachter’s haven, boasts a complex of 19 temples at the Taputapuatea archaeological site.

Cruise aficionados can choose from a number of options in the Society Islands and beyond. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ stylish, 330-passenger Paul Gauguin sails year-round from Papeete, offering seven- to 10-day circuits to Bora Bora, Moorea and other islands. More than half the cabins have private balconies, and there’s a retractable water sports platform for activities like kayaking and waterskiing. The allinclusive price covers wine, spirits and gratuities.

Princess Cruises’ 670-passenger Tahitian Princess is the largest cruise ship in the region.

The majestic Star Flyer, Star Clippers’ tall sailing ship, just entered the market, making Papeete its homeport. For 170 guests, the air-conditioned vessel artfully blends 21st century comforts with the romance of the clipper-ship era.

For the ultimate in pampering, sign up for a week aboard Bora Bora Cruises’ Tu Moana or Ti’a Moana, a pair of 226-foot, Australianbuilt super-yachts. Only 20 of their 30 cabins are made available for each cruise. Rooms are refreshed multiple times a day, and wet swimwear is taken away each evening, washed and dried and returned at dawn.

Adventurous travelers can sign up for two-week voyages on the Aranui III, a working freighter that steams from Papeete to the rugged Marquesas Islands, a part of French Polynesia 930 miles away. Noted for waves that slam against sheer cliffs and black-sand beaches, the wild archipelago was featured, on the TV reality show “Survivor”.

Whether you prefer the comfy confines of a swank resort, or remote corners where few tread, you can find your own personal ShangriLa in the spellbinding islands of the South Seas.

For more information on French Polynesia, contact your travel agent or Tahiti Tourisme, www.tahititourisme.ca/en-ca/ n

Creating Personality FOR

YOUR HOME SPACES

ART IS AN INTEGRAL PART of many home spaces, lending a unique personality, beauty, and character to individual rooms and the living space as a whole. Whether homeowners create their own art, collect the work of local artists, or travel afar to bring back cherished pieces from around the world, the way we decorate and embellish our living spaces can be both functional and spiritually uplifting.

Many people might think first of paintings, photographs, or prints when visualizing the art for their home. But high quality, hand-woven rugs can also lend a stunning aesthetic value to the home, while simultaneously offering warmth and functionality.

Hamid Dehbod and his family are passionate about the intricate, beautifully crafted rugs of their Iranian homeland, and are dedicated to sharing these rugs with customers in Southeast Wisconsin.

Founder and owner of the Persian Rug Gallery at 309 West Silver Spring in Whitefish Bay and the Oriental Rug Gallery at 11005 West Bluemound Road in Wauwatosa, Hamid Dehbod enjoys sharing the history of his stores’ magnificent array of rugs with customers. Through an extensive selection of rug-related services, he helps educate homeowners about the care, display, and preservation of these beautiful functional works of art.

Hamid and his family are highly devoted to their successful family business; in addition to her other job as a college teacher of electrical engineering, Hamid’s wife helps part-time at the rug galleries. Hamid’s father performs many of the repairs on customers’ rugs, while Hamid’s sister does much of

by Anne Kaiser

the administrative work at the rug galleries. Hamid’s brother-in-law runs the Oriental Rug Gallery. Together, the family ensures that their customers always receive the highest quality service and products.

Rugs found at the Dehbod family’s two lovely showrooms may be categorized by design, a process that simplifies the rug selection process for potential customers. Hamid explained that rugs and their designs fall into one of four categories: traditional; tribal; transitional; and vintage, or antique.

Traditional style rugs tend to be very classic in color and design, sometimes featuring medallions or heavily bordered patterns.

Tribal rugs are typically made by nomadic village-dwellers, and often are pictorial in nature, depicting symbols of animals or trees that the weavers might have seen. Transitional rugs, according to Hamid, form a connective bridge between the Old and New Worlds, and “incorporate…classic design in a modern style.” These rugs might include non-medallion designs with a modern flair, as well as abstractions.

Hamid is proud to offer each category of rug for sale in his shops, stating, “We have rugs from all four corners of the world.” Traditionally, rugs might be considered Persian (from Iran), or Oriental, Hamid explained. Rugs from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey are considered Oriental rugs.

“Everything here is authentic, hand-knotted wool, wool and silk, [or] silk,” Hamid said. He explained that wool is most practical; particularly for homeowners with pets, wool lasts longer and is easier to clean. The process of cleaning any high-quality, handmade rug is important to the longevity and care of the

rug. Hamid encourages his customers to stay away from rented carpet cleaners, as these can negatively affect the colors and fibers of the rugs. Instead, he encourages rug owners to seek out the traditional hand-cleaning service provided at his rug galleries.

The Persian Rug Gallery and Oriental Rug Gallery offer repair, cleaning, and appraisal services. “We can provide anything from A to Z in [the] industry of rugs,” Hamid explained. “We do a lot of evaluation for value of rugs,” he added. “[We] can consult to sell or trade

rugs, or consign for them to sell.” Hamid’s business can purchase rugs outright or offer consignment services, or customers can trade or upgrade old rugs for newer ones.

The Persian Rug Gallery and Oriental Rug Gallery also sell paddings to place beneath the rugs. Hamid noted the benefits of using padding in conjunction with the rugs; this important underlayment offers homeowners protection from sliding, while simultaneously adding a layer of comfortable cushioning and enhancing the warmth of the rugs.

Hamid’s businesses are affiliated with top interior designers, allowing him to offer

customers additional insight and expertise in selecting the ideal rug for their homes. Hamid noted, “Picking out [a] rug…can be overwhelming. We would like to make things easy for customers, especially those who have supported us in southeastern Wisconsin.”

Customers will find a variety of handpicked sizes and shapes of rugs in all styles from around the world at both rug galleries. Hamid stocks many runners, as he fills many custom requests for customers’ stairs, as well as a large selection of round rugs, which are popular for kitchenettes and dining rooms. He further stocks a large selection of twoby-three foot rugs, which customers often prefer for kitchens, powder rooms, and as colorful accent pieces alongside a bedroom space. For those seeking rugs for northern Wisconsin homes or cabins, Hamid finds that five-by-seven foot and six-by-nine foot rugs are often popular. Customers often furnish their suburban homes with standard eight-by-ten foot and nine-by-twelve foot rugs, so Hamid stocks a lovely selection of these rugs, which are ideal for living or dining room spaces. For the convenience of customers, rugs come in a variety of shapes, from round to octagon, rectangular and square.

Rugs such as the ones found at Hamid Dehbod’s Persian Rug Gallery and Oriental Rug Gallery are an art form deeply embedded in the culture of their provenance. Rugs such as these have been made for hundreds of years, and exceptional time, care, and love go into their creation. According to Hamid, some museums house remnants of the oldest surviving rugs; older rugs still in use are often quite valuable, as their quality remains, even after as much as 200-300 years of use.

Many hours of care and labor go into the making of even a two-by-three-foot rug, which may take several months to complete. Hamid pointed out that many spiritual teachers, yoga studios, and meditation instructors select Persian or Oriental rugs because of the palpable sense of love and spiritual energy that go into the rugs’ creation.

These unique rugs, often hand-knotted in villages, possess a unique and abiding beauty and spiritual quality. Speaking about the crafting of each rug, Hamid explained, “You have to have patience in order to do it. It’s done with love, love from the heart. The hand-woven rugs are made with love and passion from the families sitting by the loom… Handmade rugs have a spiritual meaning; people sit for months by the loom. Imagine the stories [these] rugs could tell.” n

MayHouse Closet

Escape to the tropics…

Balmy days spent in swimsuits and breezy cover-ups take you from sandy beaches to a walk amongst the palms.

Johnny Was California Resort 2023

MayHouse Collection

Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza

W359 N5002 Brown St., Suite 106 Oconomowoc, WI. 262-354-8100. www.mayhousecollection.com

Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

Proud To Be SHOREWEST

A Long History of Charitable Giving at Shorewest Elmbrook/Wauwatosa

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS to the community have been at the foundation of Shorewest Realtors’ philosophy throughout the company’s long history. Through involvement in such beneficial giving activities, the members of the Shorewest team, such as at its Elmbrook/Wauwatosa office, complete a positive cycle of support and goodwill.

According to Deborah Brown, Sales Director and Broker at Shorewest Realtors Elmbrook/Wauwatosa office, “At Shorewest, we believe that giving back to the communities we serve is the highest form of thank you we can give in return for the support we receive.” At Brown’s location, those gifts back to the community have taken several forms over the years, with a special focus on local charities and participation by Shorewest’s agents. “We focus on things in the communities that we serve that allow our agents to participate in the event. “ For the Wauwatosa office, Brown cites local events including Tosafest and Hartfest, Tosa Parade, and Prosit Tosa, as well as smaller events

sponsored by Shorewest agents.

“As a company, our community involvement covers both humanitarian and educational {out}reach and includes over 50 charities that we help to support,” Brown stated.

Additional favorite charitable partnerships include Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, and Food for Families, as well as “any fun event like the Shorewest Golf Outing…anything that gets our agents out and about with people and that makes an impact in a life,” Brown explained. Annually, the Shorewest company participates in the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse. The Wauwatosa Shorewest team also actively supports the Wauwatosa Historical Society. According to Brown, “Both of these events allow volunteerism that also makes a difference.”

Annually, the Shorewest company participates in the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse. The Wauwatosa Shorewest team also actively supports the Wauwatosa Historical Society. According to Brown, “Both of these events allow volunteerism that also makes a difference.”

The longest standing charitable partnership for the Elmbrook/Wauwatosa Shorewest office began 39 years ago, and is shared with a unique and special charity, Christmas is for Kids (C4K). C4K was originally begun by a Shorewest agent, Del Rohr, and now continues through the generous work of his daughter, Christine Caponigro and the work of numerous Shorewest volunteers. Brown described the work of C4K and their positive impact on the community: “What started as a small way to support less fortunate children has grown to helping over 300 needy kids have a great Christmas. They are provided with age appropriate gifts, a chance to meet Santa, games and face painting, stockings full of fun, and necessities and lunch. It’s a great experience for all who attend and for those who volunteer.” Shorewest looks forward to celebrating the 40th year of this partnership of giving this coming Christmas season. Shorewest actively fundraises in support of the annual C4K event throughout the year through rummage sales, chili cook-offs, and silent auctions, donating all proceeds to C4K. In 2022, Shorewest agents volunteered their time at the Tosafest beverage tent, then donated back all of their tips to C4K.

Ceiling | Lights | Lamps | Wall Lights | Outdoor Lighting | Fans | Home Accents

FIRST WEBER LAKE COUNTRY’S DECEMBER SALES & LISTING LEADERS

Sales Leaders

Total Units ~ Listings Sold & Sales

Individual ~ Kimberly Stark

Team ~ Fritz Team

Sales Units ~ Sales Only

Individual ~ Kimberly Stark

Team ~ Fritz Team

Total Volume Listings Sold & Sales

Individual ~ Devin Piehl

Team ~ Fritz Team

Individual Agents Who Achieved A Million In Sales For December ~ Pending Sales

Devin Piehl ~ $1,752,000

Renee Kasper ~ $1,546,000

Teams Who Achieved A Million In Sales For December ~ Pending Sales

Fritz Team ~ $1,237,600

December was an outstanding month for our office thanks to the dedication and hard work of every single agent! These are the people you want in your corner! Roger Rushman, Abby Hauke and Sarah Venes, Managing Brokers.

Chosen’s

Join

support kids in foster care. For More InformationVisit our event webpage at www.choseninlove.org/gala

Sat, Feb

2023 at

PM Davians, N56W16300 Silver Spring Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051

Kimberly Stark

The Fritz Team

Renee Kasper

Devin Piehl

Brown described the experience offered by the C4K charity in this way: “The stories of our C4K kids are so touching; these are kids who would not have anything under the tree if not for this charity. So many times we hear that brothers and sisters make sure that their sibling is getting a gift and are willing to give up theirs. Of course, everyone gets a gift! Or, they don’t want to open the gift at the party but instead want to take it home to at least have something to open on Christmas morning. Anyone who has ever volunteered for the party always comes away feeling like they have made a difference. Who is not changed by a child’s joy?”

Brown recalls other moving examples of families positively impacted by Shorewest’s holiday-season charitable giving. One, a widowed single mother, working multiple jobs and raising three children under the age of 11, benefited profoundly from the assistance of food donated through Food for Families, one of the organizations supported by Shorewest donations. “The help we were able to give them was literally the difference between life and death,” Brown said. “Putting a meal on the table or going hungry.”

For Shorewest, forging charitable community partnerships has been ongoing, starting with its inception as Wauwatosa Realty and continuing to the present day. As a company, Shorewest is always looking for new opportunities to give back to the community. This year, Shorewest will sponsor the Christmas Market in Tosa for the first time. “The market will focus on supporting local businesses and give our agents an opportunity to volunteer on an individual basis as well,” Brown said.

“One of the many reasons that Shorewest has been successful over the years is our agents, who believe in a company that gives back. A local company with local roots that understands the need of each community they are part of is a rare thing, and we are ‘Proud to be Shorewest.’”

Shorewest values its community and charitable partnerships as integral to its successful business. “Being allowed to be a part of people’s lives during a real estate transaction is a privilege that has made Shorewest the largest brokerage in southeast Wisconsin,” Brown explained. “Along with that goes a responsibility to support the communities where our clients

have chosen to purchase homes. Giving back is just a natural response to that privilege. Our agents live in many of the communities they serve, and are part of the fabric of those communities, so, of course, they want to be involved in whatever ways they can to support where they live and work.”

For those looking to establish charitable partnerships, Brown recommends, “Find partnerships that align with your core values and that give the most opportunity to reach as many people as possible.” As for Shorewest’s ongoing mission of community involvement and support, Brown noted that the company plans to “continue with our great history of giving back. It is something this company has always done and will continue to do, and as a general rule, does without much fanfare except for the appreciation of the charities we support. Our mission and joy is in the giving.”

Brown concluded, “One of the many reasons that Shorewest has been successful over the years is our agents, who believe in a company that gives back. A local company with local roots that understands the need of each community they are part of is a rare thing, and we are ‘Proud to be Shorewest.’” n

2023 FERRARI 296 GTS

2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV

2023 GENESIS GV60

830 cv Ferrari V6 hybrid powertrain that debuted in the 296 GTB. Plug-in hybrid system maximizes usability and driving pleasure.

GV60 is Genesis’ first electric vehicle based on a dedicated EV platform. Features Genesis Crystal Sphere, a Shift By Wire system (SBW) that informs drivers of driving status.

Expected GM-estimated 400-mile range on a full charge offered on Work Truck (WT) and RST. Up to 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering with up to 1,300 pounds of payload on RST4

2023 FORD MUSTANG MACH-E

Take Charge of Your Life. Goodbye gas. Hello freedom. The high-performance all-electric Mustang Mach-E® SUV gives you 0–60 thrills, expansive range and zero emissions. Access BlueOval™ Charge Network for worry-free charging on the go

2023 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR BLACK LABEL

Featuring Twin-Turbocharged 3.5L V6 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™. Interior features Tri-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with Rear Auxiliary Climate Controls and Vents.

Gallery the

Riverview Antiques

A Chinese moon cake mold. This unique piece is on display at Riverview Antiques, located at 2045 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 11 am-4 pm. For more information call 414-278-9999, or go to www.RiverviewAntiqueMarket.com.

Oriental Rug Gallery

New colors imposed on ancient Persian designs are the focal point for our new 2023 collection of high-end Hand-knotted rugs.  Our new collection contains some of the most decorative and unusual rugs ever woven; all with organic hand-spun wool and all-natural dyes. Whether you’re in the market or just love rugs–stop in to see, feel, and marvel at these true works of art. Stop by or call to make an appointment to view this collection. Oriental Rug Gallery, 11005 West Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa. 414-727-0007. www.rugsmilwaukee.com.

The Ottoman Society

Rustic Storage - Whether you are looking for a unique buying experience or a friendly place to sell your treasures, The Ottoman Society is Milwaukee’s fine furniture consignment shop.  13408 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122  Just behind Great Harvest Bread.  262-786-1786 or visit

www.theottomansociety.com

GOD’SCORNER

AN OMINOUSLY EARLY darkness—a 25 degree drop in temperature—a far-off howl that in seconds became a roaring 61 mile per hour wind—the crash of a pine on the drive—a terrifying ball of fire—pyrotechnics followed by sputtering flame and then total darkness—a power outage that was to last for 24 hours while public utility crews scoured the area in search of scorched and fallen wires.

Indoors, candles and old-fashioned kerosene lamps elongated shadows. Flashlights flickered back and forth to wood piles as fireplaces suddenly became important. The thermometer registered 19 degrees, and what warmth there was in the house had to be maintained. Too dark to read. No power for television. Nothing left but to gather around the fireplace and talk.

“It was the strangest feeling,” said a young man in his late twenties. “Here sat Mom and Dad and I, all alone, the storm so bad, nothing to see but the dark

by Gertrude M. Puelicher

shapes of trees blowing every which way, each candle lighting up only its own little spot, the house cooling off in spite of the fireplace, and you know what it made me think of? When my brother and I were little kids, after supper, we’d sit on Dad’s lap and he’d read to us. Sometimes he’d make up stories about things he’d seen in the woods or tell us Bible stories. Sometimes he’d sing to us, and Mom would join in from the kitchen. I feel sorry for today’s kids. The only stories they get are the ones on TV or in the movies.”

Is it possible that progress is the cattle prod that is destroying us? Push a button and we download a television show for convenient viewing. Electronic eyes open gated driveways and garage doors without our stepping out of the car. We have moved from the joy of simple living to the pressures of a technological age. And with this much vaunted progress we have lost the happiness of family

togetherness. We have forgotten we have blessings for which to give thanks.

As a child I attended a Methodist Sunday School that I enjoyed principally because of the martial tone of the hymns. My favorite was “Count Your Blessings,” and I counted them with fervor. The little reed organ gave forth with a chord, the entire Sunday School rose, and we swung into “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, See what God has done.” I’m fairly certain I never knew just what my blessings were nor what God had to do with them, but what a strutting impetus that tune had, and how we loved to sing it.

Are you submerged in problems? Are you agonizing over pressures not of your making? Sit down, my friend, and count your blessings. Count them one by one. You’ll be amazed at what God has done and is doing not only for you but for all who are willing to accept Him. n