Exclusively Yours - June 2023

Photo courtesy Vince Condella

Merrill Hills Estates is an exclusive new community in Waukesha that will feature a handful of estate-sized homesites. There are multiple homesites that are ready for you to build your dream home. This new community backs

1/2 Acre - 1 plus Acre Lots Available n Minimum Size: 2,000-square-foot Ranch n Minimum Size: 2,600-square feet, Two Story Individual Well and Septic n Private Roads n Private Golf Carts n Low Village of Waukesha taxes Waukesha School District n Golf Course ViewsOak Forest Lots n Protective Covenants

up onto the Legend at Merrill Hills private golf course. Those who purchase a lot at Merrill Hills will be eligible to receive a complimentary, non-refundable, full golf membership buy-in valued at $25,000. ONLY 9 HOMESITES REMAIN www.merrillhillsestates.com

Tony Wendorf ~ Agent Profile

With over a decade as a Licensed Psychologist, I have learned that people desire strong interpersonal relationships. Those relationships are built upon trust and integrity. I aspire to bring those qualities to my real estate business. Outside of real estate, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. I am very active in our faith community, and enjoy leading an active lifestyle. I enjoy traveling and love sports of all kind, specifically golf and football. Go Pack Go! 262-719-0676. twendorf@firstweber.com

JUNE

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

Vince Condella n Contributing

Lynn Darnieder Photographers

John Kimpel

Lee Wickersheimer

Lisa Witt

Kristie Zach

Advertising Sales 262-250-1503

Editorial Correspondence 262-250-1503

Digital edition @: www.eymag.com

Exclusively

MayHouse Collection

NEST New York, where mood is elevated and scent is celebrated. Founded by fragrance pioneer Laura Slatkin in 2008, NEST luxury fragrance artfully blends notes of the familiar, the exotic, and the unexpected.Our mission is to offer a fun compelling shopping experience. We offer a well-curated and unique mix of home, fashion, beauty and floral. Bring in this ad and receive 20% off your NEST purchase. 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

Key Pieces

The summer season rings the alarm for nature to awaken with the Sid Dickens Collection. T440 Sweet Song is a songbird sitting on its perch waiting for the day to break. T444 Forget Me Not is the flower of undying love and connection forever. T373 Metamorphosis flutters into a beautiful journey to celebrate true glory. These tiles make beautiful gifts for any occasion. Over 100 in stockand featured at Key Pieces, W282 N7148 Main Street, Downtown Merton, www.keypiecesdecor.com, 262-337-1728.

Picardy Shoe Parlour

Ready for the season? Picardy Shoe Parlour is a purveyor of fine women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. Carrying the most extensive collections found anywhere. Towne Shops Of Mequon 11005 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon. 262-241-6578. Galleria West BLuemound 18000 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield. 262-784-3434.

Picardy Shoe Parlor

Shoe Parlor

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE

JUNE 2023 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 8

Digital edition @ www.eymag.com

5, 27 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, The American Alchemy and Hamilton’s Ladies Apparel both of Ripon and Picardys Shoe Parlour of Mequon and Brookfield.

8 Living Color

Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive aesthetic.

12 Premium Lake Frontage

On Beautiful Lac La Belle

The lovely lake home on Mary Lane in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, features coveted, premium water frontage and exceptional views of beautiful Lac La Belle. By Anne Kaiser

15 Welcome To Summerfest 2023!

Summerfest will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2023. To commemorate this iconic milestone, the festival is planning some special promotions for the anniversary year.

17 A Versatile & Multi-talented Career

For former broadcasting meteorologist Vince Condella, retirement has offered an opportunity to return to his lifelong interest in music, particularly guitar performance.

By Anne Kaiser

19 MayHouse Closet

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

21 Unparalleled Quality On Okauchee Lake

Rare top floor unit with panoramic views of Okauchee Lake! An architectural masterpiece. Almost 2,800-squarefeet of luxury and custom design.

23 Delicioso!

From a cup to a full size party pan, Cocoa Tree of Mequon, can satisfy your craving for something cold this summer. Their gelatos and dairy-free sorbets are made in-house and are sure to hit the spot when the heat is at its peak.

30 God’s Corner by Gertrude M. Puelicher

Cover photo courtesy Vince Condella

color LIVING

UPGRADING YOUR HOME DESIGN is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.

While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspiration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.

After experiencing the Valspar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the

collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.

“Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home,” said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sherwin-Williams. “Aside from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an engaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes.”

Color Trends to Consider

Many of this year’s popular nature-inspired designs are all about finding comfort, embracing a flexible lifestyle, rediscovering joy and leaning into

the growing DIY movement. The most trend-worthy, forward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful colors that evoke positive energy and lasting change.

Comfort & Contentment

If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, consider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a space cozy like a soft blanket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown undertones that suggest gentle contentment.

Calming Restoration

Tap into the calming tones of nature with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great outdoors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.

Healthful, Mindful Living

Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health consciousness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with uplifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar’s Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow undertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.

Connections and Joy

Establish spaces where you can celebrate

MayHouseCollection

EVE LOM

The power of natural botanicals to deliver multi-seasonal, efficacious, and indulgent spa-level skincare. Bring in this ad and receive 20% off your EVE LOM purchase. Exclusions may apply.

relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your being.

Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow undertone suggesting new life with uplifting qualities.

Natural Balance

Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space creates a soothing ambiance. Consider a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.

Inspirational Thought

A work-from-home or crafting space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natural terracotta that sparks individuality and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an on-trend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication. n

More colorful ideas at www.Valspar.com. ~ Family Features

Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

Lien Team Real Estate

Your Real Estate Advantage for 40+ years

#1 All Company Sales @ First Weber for 2022

N52W35002 Lake, Unit 301-Oconomowoc

Rare Top Floor unit with panoramic views of Okauchee Lake! An architectural masterpiece. Almost 2,800-square-feet of luxury and custom design. Brand new and comes fully furnished and professionally decorated plus auto shades and shutters. Private garage and boat slip. Big foyer and art gallery. Primary Suite with 2 huge WIC’s and spa like bath with skylights. White washed beamed ceilings and gorgeous wide planked flooring. Gourmet kitchen with huge Island and top of the line appliances. An entertainer’s dream! Walls of windows wrap around the great room and dining room plus a Brazilian Ipe wood deck with stunning views! 2 guest suites with baths and lots of closets. Private boathouse with rooftop deck and storage units for all of your lake gear. Enjoy 350 feet of shoreline. Unparalleled quality and finishes! $2,395,000

N7W29697 Thames, Delafield

Lake Country living in Dover Bay! Architectural masterpiece built by Regency Builders! Fantastic open concept Contemporary with over 6,000-square-feet of quality and detail. Loaded with hardwood floors, ceramic tile, stainless steel railings and accents. 3 story foyer looks at dual winding staircases to a loft overlooking the 3 story great room with a walls of windows towering over the 3.39 acre estate! 1st floor primary suite with 2 way gas fireplace and a spa like bath and hot tub room! Den/Office has BIBC’s with secret access to the master bedroom. Gourmet kitchen with Island and snack bar plus big dinette and buffet. Formal dining room off the Foyer. 3 bedroom suites upstairs with 2 full baths. Walk-out lower level offers entertainer’s dream with walk-in wine room cooler, rec room and wet bar, game room and fabulous theater room! Community Lake, beach, and tennis! $1,375,000

14900 San Raphael, Brookfield

Welcome to paradise in the heart of

Brookfield!

One-of-a kind 2 story offers over 4,500-square-feet of luxury and custom design plus 4.5-car garage. Great room addition with vaulted ceilings, wet bar, den/study with built in desks and cabinets for your family! Patio door to your outdoor oasis and living center. In ground pool, hot tub, water feature and cabana with half bath and 2nd laundry. Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets, huge walk-in pantry, granite Island and sitting area. 21 foot dining room! Family room with natural fireplace plus an awesome mudroom with cubbies. 500-square-foot primary suite with giant walk-in closet and updated spa like bath with separate stainless steel and soaking tub plus double sinks. 2nd floor laundry plus 3 big additional bedrooms and a private home office! Lower has big rec room and exercise room! $899,000

For complete listing details & more… please go to www.LienTeamRealEstate.com

Jeff Lien | 414-807-4800 | jeff@jefflienteam.com

PREMIUM LAKE FRONTAGE ON Beautiful Lac La Belle

THE LOVELY LAKE HOME at N60W39640 Mary Lane in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, features coveted, premium water frontage and exceptional views of beautiful Lac La Belle.

Located on approximately 0.59 acres, this welcoming, sun-filled 3,200 square foot lake home includes three bedrooms and three full baths. This two-story home features a pleasant contemporary light blue-gray Hardiplank exterior, with large windows and a screened porch on the main level.

The home is accessible via a paved drive. A detached three-car garage offers a convenient attached gardener’s shed. Here, garden enthusiasts will find attractive white wood storage shelves, cupboards, and countertops for plants, pottery, and associated gardening equipment.

Homeowners will relish the home’s level, well-maintained, landscaped private yard. Expansive verdant lawn stretches from the home down to 100 feet of prime, clean frontage on the clear, scenic waters of Lac La Belle. A pier offers easy access to the lake for boating, swimming, and relaxation.

A spacious, sun-infused living room offers homeowners a relaxing spot to visit with guests or retreat at the day’s end. A light stone wood-burning fireplace anchors one end of

the room; a natural light wood mantel and attached storage shelves and cupboards offer attractive space for displaying art collections or cherished books. A natural light oak hardwood floor complements the pale creamy golden walls in this room, further accentuating the feeling of sunlit warmth in this central living space.

Sliding glass doors open from the living room out onto a peaceful screened porch. Special screening offers no vision blockage in this restful haven. Here, homeowners and their guests can appreciate the beautiful lake views while relaxing in the comfort of home.

An outdoor 40-foot-long wood deck is accessible from the home’s main floor as well. Here, homeowners will find an ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the property while entertaining or relaxing. The deck provides a prime spot for comfortable patio furniture, planters, or a fire pit.

The interior informal dining space adjacent to the kitchen features access to the deck via sliding doors framed in pleasing light wood moulding. The location of the sliding doors facilitates a relaxed flow of movement between indoor and outdoor spaces on warm days. The open concept kitchen alongside this space further allows for easy

by Anne Kaiser

If you would like more information on this property, contact Pat Bolger of Pat Bolger Realty Group. 262-313-8797.

G Quality, Comfort & Style

entertaining as well as daily comfort for homeowners.

The home’s kitchen offers attractive new white cabinets accented with light-colored wood. A tile floor complements the warm tones of the natural wood, while a rolling kitchen island provides additional workspace and an infusion of cheerful red color. A window above the kitchen sink allows sunlight to enter the kitchen, while ample natural light from the living room beyond easily flows into and warms this space as well.

A second living room on the home’s main floor can also serve as a more formal dining space, with elegant light-toned walls, light long-board tile floors, and a white tile fireplace. Tall windows in this room allow the presence of the natural beauty around the home to permeate the room, infusing it with peaceful energy and natural light.

A den or office room on the main floor offers an easy and comfortable workspace in the convenience of home. Light-colored walls and large windows create a relaxing, uplifting feeling in this room. The home’s main-floor laundry room is conveniently situated through a door located within the office. The main floor bathroom is also located next to the office.

In addition, homeowners will enjoy the special hot tub room accessible through sliding glass doors connected to the home office. Wood walls and a neutral gray tile floor enhance the sense of nature in this space, while windows and skylights allow natural light to warm the room.

This pristine lake home includes a large master bedroom and two additional bedrooms on the upper floor. The home’s spacious, freshly painted master bedroom extends the full width of the home, and provides stunning north-facing views of the lake beyond.

The bedrooms offer comfortable havens for relaxation and retreat, with sunlit windows and plush carpeting. The home’s upper floor also includes ample closet storage space and two bathrooms, one in the master bedroom and another in an open upper hall adjoining the bedrooms.

The lovely home located at N60W39640 Mary Lane in Oconomowoc provides a restful natural location with stunning lake views and a beautifully designed interior; this home would be ideal for year-round living or for those seeking a lakeside retreat close to the amenities of a metropolitan area. n

WELCOME TO SUMMERFEST 2023!

SUMMERFEST® PRESENTED by American Family Insurance is all about bringing you shows you’ll brag about and moments that you just can’t miss. More stages and picture-perfect spaces on the lakefront, local eats, drinks, shopping, and even an all-new children’s area for your up-and-coming little rockers. Summerfest will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2023. To commemorate this iconic milestone, the festival is planning some promotions for the anniversary year.

Whether you’re coming here by plane, train, boat, car, or bus - it’s easy to get to Summerfest. Located in Downtown Milwaukee, we’re only a 10-minute drive from Mitchell International Airport.

As a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) Wisconsin corporation we appreciate your support of Summerfest.

12 Stages Of Live Music

Countless Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, One Hit Wonders, Innovators and Entertainers have performed on our stages for over 50 years. Learn about our stages that have kept live music fans coming back year after year for more. The American Family Insurance Amphitheater is the cornerstone of Summerfest hosting the music industry’s hottest stars and for the music fan who wants that unparalleled live music experience. A separate ticket is required to see the headliners in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, but your Amphitheater ticket also includes same-day

admission to the festival grounds and stages.

In addition to the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, we also have multiple festival stages on our grounds.  See more performers becoming legends on our festival stages with one of our ticket / multi-day pass options. Please note Festival tickets/passes are not valid for admission to American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows. A separate ticket is required to see concerts in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, but your Amphitheater ticket also includes same-day admission to Summerfest. Visit our FAQs for more information.

Experiences

Summerfest offers immersive experiences for fest-goers looking for something to do before the headliners hit the stage. Check out what’s on the water from the shore, relax and enjoy the sounds of Summerfest with some wine with cheese at the Summerfest Corkscrew, create memories with pictureperfect backgrounds, or visit the daily sports activities at the Gruber Law Office Sportzone.

Eat + Drink + Shop

Great music isn’t the only thing to enjoy at Summerfest. Our food lineup is deeprooted in local tradition featuring many local Milwaukee favorites and is just as diverse as our headliner lineup.

Looking for band merch or a Summerfest memento to remember your day, you’ll find shopping around every corner with over 100

marketplace vendors. Including the talented artisans of Summerfest where you can get your face painted, caricature drawn, or your hair wrapped with your favorite colors. Not at the festival? Shop online now.

Summerfest Tech

Leveraging the Summerfest brand to showcase technology, Summerfest Tech intends to champion the regional business community and spotlight Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub. Allowing Summerfest to diversify and enhance programming around relevant tech topics for the community to convene and connect.

Private Parties

Create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience by hosting your employee outing, client reception, family reunion, or even an extra rockin’ birthday bash at the World’s Largest Music Festival®. View our Summerfest Private Party locations.

Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Start those Summerfest traditions early and bring your whole family to the fest. Create memories of fun and laughter with the family-friendly lineup at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park. Age-appropriate playground equipment will serve toddlers, preschool-age through school-age children. The Northwestern Mutual Community Park aims to be one of the most accessible playgrounds in the entire state of Wisconsin. Check out all the features. n

If you love women’s designers footwear, apparel and accessories, look no further. We carry the most extensive collections found anywhere. TOWNE SHOPS OF MEQUON 11005 N. Port Washington Rd. 262.241.6578

A Versatile & Multi-talented Career

by Anne Kaiser

MILWAUKEE’S FORMER METEOROLOGIST VINCE CONDELLA

FOR MANY PEOPLE, a shift into retirement brings opportunities to expand existing interests and explore new ones. For former broadcasting meteorologist Vince Condella, retirement has offered an opportunity to return to his lifelong interest in music, particularly guitar performance.

Music was savored in Vince Condella’s home as he grew up, though no one besides one of his older sisters played an instrument. “…We had plenty of albums and 45s and listened to the radio a lot, mainly top 40 AM radio out of Chicago,” Condella recalled.

Condella’s passion for music and music performance grew from this early exposure. As a boy, he initially took piano lessons, but rapidly decided to switch to playing the guitar. He explained, “In the mid-1960s, it was all about The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the British Invasion in general. The guitar became front and center in the music scene, so as a ten-year-old, the switch to guitar was natural.”

At open mic, Blueburg Cafe, Cedarburg Cultural Center.

Condella then purchased an inexpensive electric guitar; in his words, “We all wanted to be The Beatles!”

Condella’s interest in the guitar flourished. He played solo guitar, and then, during his undergraduate years of college at Purdue, he performed in an acoustic guitar band. Once he began his career as a meteorologist, he “hardly touched the guitar.” But during retirement, Condella has enjoyed further exploring and developing this expressive skill. He explained, “Once I retired, I was able to spend more time

with music, and it reignited my passion for the guitar and music in general.”

Currently, Condella enjoys performing solo as well as with other musicians. “Most of the people I collaborate with, I met at open mic,” Condella explained. “It’s fun to jam with others.” Open mic, or the Blueberg Café, aside from a few months off in the summertime, meets once a month on Wednesday evenings at the Cedarburg Cultural Center. Condella enjoys playing in this venue, as well as at the Buechler Farms open mic in Belgium, Wisconsin, held every Wednesday evening during summer.

OWN AMasterpiece

The Fine Art

“Starving Artist Sale” in Downtown Waukesha.

June 16-17 and June 23-24 (Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm) hundreds of original paintings on sale by local artists.

Condella’s fellow musician collaborators are primarily guitarists as well, though one fellow performer, Don Gibson, additionally plays several Native American flutes and the dulcimer. In the weeks and months to ahead, Condella and Gibson will perform at: SIP MKE in Mequon, Thursday, June 22, from 7-9 p.m.; Art of Joy in Cedarburg, Saturday, July 8, from 4-6:15 p.m.; and in fall, at Sahale Ale Works in Grafton, Saturday, November 25, from 5-8 p.m.

In Condella’s words, “I mostly play wellknown tunes, but on rare occasion, I will perform an original song I have written…” He favors a “wide range of music,” but particularly enjoys the work of “singer-songwriters” such as John Prine; Bob Dylan; James Taylor; Joan Baez; Chris Stapleton; Lucinda Williams; P!nk; and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. “Songwriting is such an art, and those who do it well have a great gift they are sharing,” Condella explained. As for his own musical interpretations, he said, “I enjoy taking a popular song and adapting it to guitar and harmonica in order to make it sound a bit different, yet recognizable.”

When performing a tune, Condella said he “always [tries] to put [himself] in the mind of the songwriter. What were they feeling and experiencing when they wrote the song? What might it mean for them, and what does it mean to me?”

Music performance has created numerous positive community connections for Condella. Playing music for elderly populations is a particular favorite for Condella. He stated, “I have had family members in senior living residences and saw the power of music. As we grow older, music plays an important part of remembering our lives. We connect songs to certain stages of our [lives].” For this reason, and because he “wanted to spread that joy,” he chose to reach out to a variety of senior living residences through phone calls and emails. Condella has performed at Milwaukee Catholic Home on the East Side of Milwaukee; Newcastle Place in Mequon; Wright House (now StoryPoint) in Mequon; Hamilton House in Cedarburg; and Elizabeth Residence in Bayside.

He relishes audience involvement, and described his passion in this way: “I do enjoy playing for an audience, especially if they can sing along to familiar tunes we all know. That’s the fun part, getting the audience involved. That’s one of the things I love about performing at senior living residences. Music is universal and everybody holds a favorite tune in their memory. To see people’s faces light up when they hear a familiar song is priceless.”

For Condella, the role of music teachers

“Birch in the Meadow” 11"x14" framed.

MayHouse Closet

Capture the essence of a vibrant garden with beautiful florals.

Trina Turk, Misa, Tolani, Jessie Liu.

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. Bring in this ad and receive 20% off your women’s fashion purchase. Exclusions may apply.

cocoa tree confectionery

Keep cool with

Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-7pm; Sunday, 11-5pm Monday Open By Appointment Only

and mentors has been profound. “Music educators are some of my biggest heroes,” he reflected. “They do such important work with students of all ages. Developing the creative side of the brain is just as vital as helping expand the scientific and analytical side.” He recalled with appreciation the roles that both his guitar teacher at a local music shop and his middle school band instructor played in his development as a musician. As a seventh and eighth grader, he played the baritone horn, and recalled that his band teacher helped him “learn the joy of playing music with others.”

Playing and performing music is an uplifting, positive and creative experience for Vince Condella, one that connects him to his own expressive voice and to the community. “I do feel a sense of creativity when I strum chords or pick out a lead melody, especially if it is a new tune that I am writing or a series of chords I am putting together,” he explained. “I feel like the [possibilities] are endless.”

Condella summarized his experience of music and being a musician in these words: “Music brings me joy and, especially for older songs, brings me back to a time of my life when I first heard the song. Music creates memories. I see that in the audience when they begin to tap their toes to the rhythm or begin to sing along. That’s a wonderful connection that I really treasure.” n

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

Unparalleled Quality On OKAUCHEE LAKE

RARE TOP FLOOR UNIT with panoramic views of Okauchee Lake! An architectural masterpiece. Almost 2,800-square-feet of luxury and custom design. Brand new and comes fully furnished and professionally decorated plus auto shades and shutters.

Luxury features include a private garage and boat slip, a big foyer and an art gallery. There is a primary suite with 2 huge WIC’s and a spa like bath with skylights.

White washed beamed ceilings and gorgeous wide planked flooring. Gourmet kitchen with a huge Island and top of the line appliances. An entertainer’s dream! Walls of windows wrap around the great room and dining room plus a Brazilian Ipe wood deck with stunning views!

2 guest suites with baths and lots of closet space. The private boathouse has a rooftop deck plus storage units for all of your lake gear. Enjoy 350 feet of Okauchee Lake shoreline. Unparalleled quality and finishes! n

Delicioso!

Summer sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth!

We at cocoa tree confectionery believe that ‘serving size’ is all about perspective.

From a cup to a full size party pan, we can satisfy your craving for something cold this summer season. Our gelatos and dairy-free sorbets are made in-house and are sure to hit the spot when the heat is at its peak. We can cater your next event with pans of custom flavors, made fresh and delivered to your door. But who cares if the pan is for a party of one?

Like we said-‘serving size’ is all relative…

cocoa tree confectionery 1330 west mequon road mequon • wi • 53092

262 • 643 • 4692

cocoa-tree.com

cocoa tree confectionery @cocoatreeconfectionery

Tuesday through Saturday, 11-7pm

Sunday, 11-5pm MONDAY, OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

KITCHEN REDESIGN An Old Meets New

OLD MEETS NEW, Kitchen remodel in the Historic Paine Lumber Building in Oshkosh, WI. on the Fox river.

When client friends came to me with their condo project in this historic building, I was thrilled to design and include the old historic beams in the space with the new contemporary look that my clients wanted.

Utilizing the Dura Supreme contemporary line called Bria, I used a Horizontal Textured gray and white door style on the perimeter of the kitchen surrounding the island done in a charcoal maple vertical grain finish.

The island is a substantial statement in the kitchen, the multi tiered island with the arch back panel and several glass doors done in stainless steel added to the contemporary drama of the space.

The island lights up with several under counter lighting features to enhance the space for evening entertainment.  The soaring levels in this condo allow you to view the island from above with all its splendor.

This island is truly an entertaining dream for those that love to cook and have the company gather around at the same time.  The luxury vinyl plank floors help to bring in the rustic beams and set off the neutral color palette. With in heat flooring, the commercial textured LVP floors are perfect for the space and durable for this boating river front lifestyle. Please see entire pictures on my HOUZZ site. n

Cabinet Supreme By Adair

www.cabinetsupreme.com ~ 262-533-3100

By appointment only.

The Ottoman Society

Shh...There’s no need to whisper in the presence of these Harvard Crested Tiffany Style Reproduction Library lamps. Guaranteed to be a classic addition to any home. 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 theottomansociety.com

Gallery THE

River’s End Gallery

Starving Artist Painting Sale. Hundreds of paintings of all sizes are on sale at River’s End Gallery in Waukesha. All original paintings are by high quality Midwest artists. The oil painting pictured here is by Anthony Soskich and is named “Wisconsin Meadow” is 36" x 48" with a beautiful frame. What makes this a Starving Artist Sale has to do with the low prices. For example, 8x10 oil paintings unframed are as low a $75. Join us for the event on June 16-17 (Friday and Saturday) and again on June 23-24 (Friday and Saturday). Show hours are 10am – 4pm on each day. River’s End Gallery, 380 W. Main St., Waukesha, www.RiversEndGallery, 262-780-1191. Open Wednesday – Saturday.

Cabinet Supreme By Adair

Specializing in cabinets, mantels and custom built-ins for your home. A diversified background allows us to accommodate cabinets for new construction as well. The level of care and expertise we provide makes Cabinet Supreme a great place to land with your project. Working with home owners and building professionals to provide Cabinets for the home owners needs. Excelling in cabinet design for all aspects of the home. 262-533-3100. W359 N5002 Brown Street, suite 111, Oconomowoc, WI 53006. www.cabinetsupreme@gmail.com. By appointment only.

HOUZZ best of design and best of service 2022, 2023

Merrill Hills Estates

THIS EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY nestled alongside the lush countryside of The Legend at Merrill Hills private golf course has only a handful of estate-size homesites plats available. Once these remaining few are sold–they’re gone! This is your chance to be part of The Legend and the community that has evolved offering excellence in every aspect of luxury living. Whether you’re golfing or relaxing at one of the three pool complexes or taking advantage of an exceptionally prepared dinner, discoverwhat opulent living is all about. Your new home is right around the corner.

THE LEGEND at Merrill Hills Estate community living provides an exceptional list of amenities that are  “built-in” to this unique opportunity of a lifetime. Land parcels range between ½ acre to just shy of  1 acre and include a complimentary full golf membership buy-in valued at $25,000.

Start Building Your Dreams Today. What Are You Waiting For?

This rare opportunity  is available on a firstcome-first-serve basis and won’t last.

Private roads, private golf carts, community living experiences surrounded by golf course views and  several with Oak Forest settings provide a relaxed and comfortable living to calm stress and make  weekend living an everyday reality. Several homesites border an Isolated Natural Reservation Area  with conservation easement in the back, providing an abundant, lush environment.

The Legend at Merrill Hills is Wisconsin’s only private Club to feature 54 holes of golf which can be  experienced in the comfort of ‘your backyard’ once you begin building your new home.

Extraordinary  benefits for families such as social, pool, fitness, tennis and pickleball, in addition to a fantastic  restaurant just outside your doorstep will make everyday

living special and convenient. Members and families enjoy an award-winning Junior Golf program and the opportunity to participate and excel in the sport they love. The fellowship and togetherness form friendships that last a lifetime.

Exclusive membership once you begin creating your dream includes access to the sister clubs  consisting of The Legend at Bristlecone Pines, The Legend at Brandybrook and The Legend of Bergamont  in Madison. Experience the best of blissful living right in your own backyard.  n

Contact Tony Wendorf & Associates at First Weber Realtors at 262-719-0676 for a tour of The  Legend at Merrill Hills Estates. Inspiration awaits. Preview and select your ideal spot here at Home. Merrill Hills Estates and get started today building the home of your dreams. What are you waiting for?

GOD’SCORNER

by Gertrude M. Puelicher

THIS IS THE SEASON when an invisible Presence covers the land with a healing grace. The forest floor is an Oriental carpet of delicate colors: yellow violets as well as purple, creamy white trilliums with long green leaves, frail hepaticas with the faintest lavender tints, and spring beauties stretching far back into the forest as far as the eye can reach, a melody of dainty shades of pale pink! Along the Giant Pine Road in a startling brilliance of yellow blooms and lush green leaves carelessly rooted in tiny roadside rivulets, the marsh marigolds demand attention.

Only he who has no at-oneness with what goes on around him could miss the love pouring forth from the land. We are inclined to think of love as an emotion that exists only between humans, or between humans and an extension such as animals or a hobby or an interest. Not so! The land sends forth more love than we are capable of absorbing. Drop a seed into the ground and like a fetus in a mother’s womb, it comes forth as a splendid new life, loving and beloved. Take an amaryllis bulb, brownish and dry, give it some care and within weeks it becomes a giant plant with magnificent blooms.

The land takes pride in its capabilities and love for us as it gives forth of its very best. It needs praise for what it accomplishes. It needs appreciation just as we do. It craves conversation with us. It longs to be understood. Have you ever watched the reaction of your garden as you

admired its beauty and told it so? Plants and flowers have a subtle way of letting you know that they are listening and understanding. A tiny tremor runs through them. We, in our superiority as humans, may think a bit of a breeze has come up, but what nonsense. It is our garden of growing things talking to us.

One can visualize the scoffing eyebrows, the cynical expressions of the amused. How stupid, they are saying. How utterly boring! What nonsense in a practical world! Yet back in 1807, there was published a sonnet by the wellknown English poet, Wordsworth. He said, “The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in Nature that is ours; we have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!”

Without question we have given our hearts away when we no longer appreciate the invisible Presence that covers the land as well as us with its healing grace. The Soul and Spirit of the land are as real as your own Soul and Spirit. The creative Principle is a spiritual activity, one we cannot afford to ignore. It involves all life, human, animal, vegetable, mineral.

In Psalms we read, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” As we accept and rejoice in our oneness with God and in our oneness with the land, with all growing things, with all life, so shall we see the goodness of the Lord and be at peace. n

Pat Bolger knows how to navigate an ever-changing real estate market.

With 20 years of experience and over $30 million in sales in 2022. Pat’s a trusted advisor for your every real estate need.

LAC LA BELLE Set on a large well-groomed level lot this home has some of the best lake frontage and some of the most spectacular views in all of Lake Country. This wonderful lake home features large living spaces perfect for family living and entertaining. The house has been nicely updated and meticulously maintained. The main level has 2 fireplaces, cook friendly kitchen, great room, family room office, mud room, bedroom and a screened in porch. Upper offers huge main bedroom suite, 2 additional bedrooms and 2 baths. The garage has an attached gardeners shed and the yard is extremely well landscaped and private. Perfect for year round living or a lake retreat. $2,100,000

ACCEPTED OFFER

MEQUON Charming Colonial nestled on the River Club of Mequon golf course. 5/6 bedroom home has a lot to offer. 6th bedroom is on first floor and used as a den with wet bar. Upstairs boasts oversized primary suite and en suite. 4 additional large bedrooms up. Let your imagination run wild and finish the lower level of your dreams. Convenient 1st floor laundry/mudroom. 2.5-car garage. Great schools, low taxes and exceptional neighborhood! $520,000

OCONOMOWOC One of Oconomowoc’s finest Victorian Homes is now for sale after 56 years. This home has so much charm and character with 9 foot ceilings along with custom mill work to trimming out doors, windows and ceilings. The grand staircase leads up to a very multi-purpose set of rooms with at least 3 bedrooms. This home is in great shape with new windows, roof/gutters, furnace/AC and much more. The unique interior with decorative stone enhances the updated laminate flooring. The gazebo is also a wonderful place to gather with your whole family $369,999

ACCEPTED OFFER

PEWAUKEE This gorgeous 3 bedroom condo in the most convenient location. Meticulously kept with open concept great room/kitchen/dinette. Parquet hardwood floors through the entry hall and kitchen. Stainless steel appliances. First floor bath has a place for laundry. Three huge bedrooms, landing and extra storage closet upstairs. Private deck and balcony for peaceful outdoor living. Unfinished lower level just waiting for your ideas. Pewaukee Schools and Pewaukee Beach are both just 2.5 miles away! Hurry, this won’t last. $350,000

MILWAUKEE Location. Location. Location. A short walk to Tosa. Minutes from the Zoo, the Medical College and directly across the street from Dryer Field!

Full of charm and character this 4 bedroom 2 bath Colonial has been lovingly updated and maintained. The home features beautiful hardwood floors, updated woodwork, ceramic tile in the baths, finished lower level and a private yard with deck for relaxing. $275,000