November 2010
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Upcoming Events in Downtown Fond du Lac
Dreams Come True at As You Wish
Home for the Holidays
Options are endless
at Cujak’s Wine Market and Bar
Top: Sara Cujak, owner of Cujak’s Wine Market and Bar, 47 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, taps a self-serve keg of balsamic vinegar in the store. Along with wines, Cujak’s sells extra virgin olive oils and vinegars from all over the world, wine accessories and customized baskets that can be filled and presented for any occasion. The Reporter photos by Patrick Flood
Dorothy Bliskey Special to The Reporter
and wine sampling in a variety of ways.
palates and promote wine education.
Although her prior career was in teaching out-of-state, Cujak sensed something different in her future. A career switch sent her sailing into wine country — literally, when she decided to open a wine-related business.
The ability to teach remains with her, but now it’s in the form of wine education. She educates customers oneon-one in casual conversations as well as in classes she teaches at her shop once a month.
Two years later, she moved the business a couple of blocks north to expand her offerings. Her newest location at 47 N. Main St. has become a good fit for her dream business — Cujak’s Wine Market and Bar.
Wine education
Stocked with a number of hand-selected wines ranging from $5 to $100 a bottle, the market also sells extra virgin olive oils and vinegars from all over the world, wine accessories and customized gift baskets that can be filled and presented for any occasion.
“I grew up with wine. My father taught me how to make it. I also worked in fine dining where we had to take classes and know how to pair wine with food. I used to attend a lot of wine-tasting events and, ultimately, I’ve become the wine expert among my friends.”
Her knowledge of wine is also spread through her Wine of the Month Club, which has more than 60 members, and at private wine tastings she orchestrates at area events and in private homes. The private tastings have become quite popular and require a two-week notice.
The new location also created the right space for adding a wine bar — one that could be utilized to create camaraderie
Cujak’s goals for her business are to offer great wine without the huge price tag, provide a great selection for all
When Sara Cujak opened her Wine Market and Bar in downtown Fond du Lac in 2006, she envisioned a multitude of activities and shop selections centering on wine.
“This is what I got excited about. You don’t start a business unless you are excited about it,” she said. “I had other ideas, but none got me excited.
Normal business hours at Cujak’s Wine Market and Bar are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although normally closed on Sundays and Mondays, Cujak’s will be open on certain Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the holidays — Nov. 22, Dec 13 and Dec 20. For more information, visit www.cujakswinemarket.com, or call (920) 922-2499. You can request an e-mailed newsletter for updates.
“They can select the wines or I can choose for them, depending on their palate and price range,” Cujak said. Members in the Wine of the Month Club taste and learn about wines and receive benefits such as discounts and gifts. “Once a year, I do a blind tasting for members,” Cujak said. “They really enjoy doing it, and they vote on their favorite wine for the following month.”
Wine Bar The Wine Bar is open any time Cujak’s is open for business. An attractive glasstopped bar with wine corks embedded beneath the glass graces the front of the shop. It’s the perfect spot to take a break with friends and try some wine. Customers at the Wine Bar can purchase a glass of wine, a flight of
wines or sample the “wine of the moment.” A bottle of wine can be purchased and sipped at the bar, with a small corkage fee added. A cheese platter is also available for purchase with the wines. Dining is a possibility at Cujak’s Wine Market and Bar, even though food isn’t prepared there. “We invite customers to enjoy wine in our establishment along with a meal they have purchased at a nearby business we partner with such as Fond du Lac Seafood and Joe’s Fox Hut,” Cujak said. “We can get pretty busy with that, so be sure to call us for reservations. We can seat about 15 people.” With the holidays fast approaching, a few highlights include holiday specials starting Nov. 22 and free wine tastings on Saturdays, Dec. 4 through 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Extended hours for the holiday season will find Cujak’s open Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We are open for last-minute wine needs for your Thanksgiving dinner,” Cujak said. New on the horizon are free wine tastings starting in January every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. The tastings will feature new wines in stock. Customers will get free samples of the two feature wines and a discount when purchasing them.
November 2010
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Dreams come true at
As You Wish Hours at As You Wish are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call As You Wish at (920) 926-0510 or e-mail Kathy Gieschen at Kathy@asyouwishwi.com. More information is also available online at www.asyouwishwi.com.
Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter Kathy Gieschen likes to think of her downtown shop, As You Wish, 117 S. Main St., as a boutique for fine paper, stationery and custom designed invitations. She opened the shop 11 years ago after ending a career as a graphic designer in a corporate setting. As You Wish is her dream come true. “I’ve always loved paper, art and designing things, so this type of business is a perfect match for me,” Gieschen said. “It became my creative outlet and allowed me to bring some wonderful, new, up and coming products to the town where I live. I wanted my store to be different, and the name implies that you get what you want at As You Wish because we design it especially for you with your input and ideas.”
cards and stationery. Unique greeting cards that pop up into three-dimensional scenes are popular. Christmas cards that mail flat but pop up to form a delicate paper snow globe can become the gift, offering a decorative holiday touch. “We are currently working on personal and corporate holiday cards and invitations, said Gieschen, noting that holiday photo cards are popular. “Just bring your photo in or e-mail it, and we’ll design your card,” she said. A select gift line also has a boutique look and feel. Women of all ages are drawn to the fancy and decorative gift boxes, unique purse hangers, candles, beautifully designed wallet clutches and working women’s lunch bags that have the look of a designer purse.
Gieschen, who has a college degree in art and communications, creates personalized designs for customers on any type of invitation, announcement or personal greeting cards. In addition, she carries top-quality pre-designed invitations and stationery.
For children, there are books, unusual baby gifts, kids’ party supplies and the popular Japanese puzzle erasers.
“In the beginning, I thought my store would be mainly retail, but I learned that people really wanted my custom design and printing services,” she said. “My background has come in very handy.”
“We also invite people to bring in gifts from elsewhere to be custom wrapped by us,” said Gieschen. “It’s a nice idea for those gifts that warrant a bit more special wrapping and presentation.”
Sample books When entering the store, customers will see a dozen or more sample books filled with pre-designed invitations and announcements. Adjacent display boards known as InScribe Boards hang from the wall and open like pages in a book to give customers additional options for pre-designed invitations and companion pieces such as Thank You’s, reply cards and place cards. “I got this line in because I was backlogged with doing personal designing for customers,” she said. “I needed help with a quality pre-designed line.” A signature component of her shop is the array of special papers and envelopes, along with boutique-style
Gift wrapping Gift wrapping is free for anything purchased at As You Wish.
A fee is charged for wrapping gifts that are brought in to the store. Customers come from quite a distance. “Many of my bridal customers will make the trip from Chicago and Milwaukee to have us design and print all their wedding stationery,” Gieschen said. “Because I prefer to work with couples myself, they get a level of service that I would expect if I were in their shoes.” The inventory in Gieschen’s shop stems mostly from gift and stationery shows she attends in New York City, Chicago and Seattle. “Our niche, and what brings people in, are the beautiful and amazing papers we carry from around the world,” she said. The downtown is a location she prefers as well. “It’s charming,” she said.
Making the list, checking it twice... JJewelry Watches W Wedding & engagement rings W C Clocks G Gemstones & more!
As You Wish, 117 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, sells fine paper, stationery and custom designed invitations. In addition, the shop offers fancy and decorative gift boxes, unique purse hangers, candles, wallet clutches and working women’s lunch bags. The Reporter photos by Patrick Flood
We have lots of Gift Ideas for the Sports Enthusiast!
Fine Antiques to Collectibles Continuous Changing Merchandise
Our Uniquely Designed Corner Cafe Features... Cedar Crest Ice Cream Homemade Soy Candles Grandma Mary’s Homemade Soaps
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A name you’ve trusted since 1922.
Located in Historic Downtown District (920) 921-2475 105 N. Main St., Fond du Lac Open: Mon-Thurs 8am - 5pm; Fri. 8am; Sat 9am - Noon
921-4202 I 179 SOUTH MAIN STREET
HOURS: M-F 9-8; SAT 9-4; Open Sundays Dec. 5, 12, 19 from 11-4
Experience Downtown Fond du lac is published by The Reporter, Fond du Lac. Contents of this section are published for The Reporter. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of The Reporter. For more information, contact Michael Mentzer, managing editor, at 920-907-7910 or e-mail mmentzer@fdlreporter.com.
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General Manager/Executive Editor: Richard Roesgen Managing Editor: Michael Mentzer | Contributing Writer: Dorothy Bliskey Photography: Patrick Flood & Justin Connaher | Graphic Artist: Heather Nohr Advertising Director: Joe Bembnister | Advertising Manager: Jen Memmel Circulation Manager: Greg Fyvie | Regional Ad Production Center Manager: Tina Tweedale
November 2010
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For more information on what’s happening in downtown Fond du Lac, call 920.921.9500 or log on to www.downtownfdl.com Sunday, November 21 Harry Potter Party FDL Public Library , McLane Meeting Room. 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Free. The last HP movie starts in the theaters on November 19. Do you remember characters from the past? How about all of the horcruxes? 6th - 12th graders are invited to an all HP afternoon at the Fond du Lac Public Library. Trivia, games, snacks and prizes. No registration required.
Wednesday, November 24 Windhover Wednesday featuring The Honey Mooners Windhover Center for the Arts, Windhover Center Cafe Gallery. 11:30 - 1:30 pm . Free Admission . Windhover Center patrons can enjoy some of the area’s finest music and enjoy fantastic cuisine served up by Fond du Latte. Free Admission!
Sunday, November 28 Aromas of Thanksgiving A Spicy Turkey Harvest Craft Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac , 51 Sheboygan Street. 10am - 4pm . FREE with paid admission . Trot on over to the museum
to decorate your turkey with all the smells of Thanksgiving. Along with paid admission children can shake, paint and sprinkle spices all over their cut out turkey, then take it home to display and spread holiday aromas!
Wednesday, December 1 Windhover Wednesday featuring Joe & Janice Windhover Center for the Arts , Windhover Center Cafe Gallery. 11:30 - 1:30 pm . Free Admission . Holiday Sing -a- Long! Windhover Center patrons can enjoy some of the area’s finest music and enjoy fantastic cuisine served up by Fond du Latte. Free Admission!
Saturday, December 4 Home for the Holidays Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Activities start at 8 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa. Starting at 10 a.m. carriage rides, Santa’s reindeer corral, and carolers. 11:00 will kick off the Downtown Chili Crawl. Festivities will continue throughout the day. Downtown Chili Crawl Gallery & Frame Shop. 11 am - 2 pm . Purchase your ticket at the Ramada ($10) .
Do the downtown Chili Crawl and vote your favorite chili. Cost includes a FREE t-shirt. Stop in and samples Brian’s homemade chili, made with home grown ingredients. yum yum. Christmas Around the World: See Santa! Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac , 51 Sheboygan Street. FREE with paid admission . Santa will be visiting the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac as a part of Christmas Around the World sponsored by Citizen’s First Credit Union! Holiday Parade of Lights Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership. 4 p.m. Parade Theme – “May your Christmas wishes come true”
Tuesday, December 7 Big Band Tuesday Windhover Center for the Arts , Windhover Center Great Hall. 7:30 - 10 pm . Free Admission . A night of Big Band music featuring Lighthouse Big Band! Free admission. Cash bar. Concessions for purchase to benefit Fondy Music Parents.
Wednesday, December 8 Windhover Wednesday featuring Jana Holland Windhover Center for the Arts , Windhover Center Cafe Gallery. 11:30 - 1:30 pm . Free Admission . Holiday Songs! Windhover Center patrons can enjoy some of the area’s finest music and enjoy fantastic cuisine served up by Fond du Latte. Free Admission!
Saturday, December 11 Wine Class
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Cujak’s Wine Market & Wine Bar, LLC. 6 pm to 7.30 pm . $10 . Come and learn something about wine. The class starts off learning about some aspect of the wine making process or wine skills. It then moves on to tasting three wines. We learn what aromas and tastes you may get from the wine. We also learn about the winery. Those wines are then on sale for that night only. Christmas Around the World: Decorate a FREE Ornament! Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac , 51 Sheboygan Street. FREE with paid admission . Come and decorate an ornament at the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac as a part of Christmas Around the World sponsored by Citizen’s First Credit Union.
Wednesday, December 15 Windhover Wednesday featuring Doc & The Jazz Box Windhover Center for the Arts , Windhover Center Cafe Gallery. 11:30 - 1:30 pm . Free Admission . Holiday Jazz! Windhover Center patrons can enjoy some of the area’s finest music and enjoy fantastic cuisine served up by Fond du Latte. Free Admission!
Saturday, December 18 Christmas Around the World: Enjoy FREE Cookie Decorating! Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac, 51 Sheboygan Street. FREE with paid admission . Come and decorate your very own cookie at the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac as a part of Christmas Around the World sponsored by Citizen’s First Credit Union!
Deck the Halls! • Nov. 26, 27 & 28
Fri. & Sat. 8am - 5:30pm • Sun. 12noon - 3pm
%off all Fall and 20 Christmas wreaths and Swags Free Ornament with Purchase! Enter to Win $500 Gift Card with Purchase!
920 906 9632
WI-5001215735
33 S. Main St. Downtown Fond du Lac
WI-5001212161
Mon.-Thurs. 8-5:30w•w w.Friday b o t a n i c8-5 a l s o n•m Sat. a i n . c o8-3 m • Sunday 12-3
Save the Date!
Breakfast with Santa Saturday Dec. 4 Two Seatings 8:00am and 9:30am Let the Ramada help with your holiday entertaining!
Served in the Crystal Ballroom
Book your holiday parties early whether it’s for a corporate party or family get-together
Children $7, Adults $9 Children under 3 FREE with Adult
• Seating up to 300 • Great Food, Restaurant & Lounge
Breakfast buffet includes eggs, French toast sticks, smiley hash browns, sausage, juice & cereal.
• Private Bar
1 - Beadalotta
8 - Kitz and Pfeil
2 - Botanicals
9 - Krail Jewelry
3 - The Clothes Line 4 - Fond du Lac Antique Mall
Something Special in the “Heart of the City” WI-5001215773
1 North Main St., Fond du Lac www.ramadafdl.com 920.923.3000
11 - Ramada Plaza Hotel
5 - Fox Valley Savings Bank
12 - Trinkets and Treasures
6 - Gallery and Frame Shop
13 - The Wood Sampler
7 - Jacks Team Sports Ask about our Gift Certificate & Incentives for your holiday gift giving
10 - Lillian’s
14 - Woods Floral and Gifts
Our “Advertising Hot Spots” displays the locations of our valued advertisers in this special section. You can easily find their locations on the map and then find their ads within these pages to find the great specials and deals that they have to offer you!
November 2010
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Home
Holidays
for the
Saturday, December 4 Downtown Fond du Lac Downtown Fond du Lac will host Home for the Holidays, a day of holiday entertainment and old-fashioned fun on Saturday, December 4. Start the day with a great breakfast and photo shoot with the man in red at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Reserve your spots for either seating, 8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will include sausage, bacon, fruit, breads, French toast sticks, cheesy scrambled eggs, hash browns, potato casserole, mini quiches and a Christmas cookie. Cost: $7 for children, $9 for adults (inclusive of tax and service charge); children under 3 are free with a paid adult. Space is limited. Call the Ramada for reservations, (920) 923-3000.
up at Hopper’s Silkscreening and All Star Trophy, 77 N. Main Street, to turn in your votes and receive a Chili Crawl t-shirt. The downtown business with the winning chili will be awarded a prize and will get a year’s worth of bragging rights! Finish the day by taking in downtown Fond du Lac’s biggest and best parade, the KFIZ Holiday Parade, with step-off time at 4 p.m.
art
After breakfast, head to the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, 51 Sheboygan St., where kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 3 p.m. Kids will be treated to an early Christmas gift, candy canes and hot cocoa. The Children’s Museum Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is $4.25, but there is no charge to visit with Santa
New snowman sculptures by Terry Redlin
Downtown businesses will welcome shoppers with great sales on unique holiday gift items. To add ambiance and fun, shoppers can enjoy free carriage rides, visit live reindeer on Forest Avenue and sing along with carolers from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Custom Framing Since 1975 Mark you calendar – Annual Downtown Chili Crawl
Warm up with some chili by participating in Downtown Fond du Lac’s second annual Chili Crawl. The crawl will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Buy your crawl pass for $10 at Mid Town Pub, located inside the Ramada at 1 N. Main Street, then stop at the 10 participating businesses to taste and judge their concoctions. Finish
Saturday December 4th”
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 – 7:00pm Tues, Thurs, Sat: 9:30 – 5pm Open Sun: 10 – 3
Just a few of the Name Brands in our store today! y
Gallery & Frame Shop
Treat yourself to affordable luxury at
womens consignment
94 S. MAIN ST | FOND DU LAC | 921-1144
13 East First Street, FDL • 922-3371
www.galleryframe.net
Tues-Fri 11-5, Wed until 7, Sat 10-3
Holiday Bargains!!
70-Ct. LED Light Set
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Santa’s Elves are here to help fill your Christmas list
99 Your Choice
reg. 12.99
• LED bulbs for 80%-90% energy savings • 20-year/100,000-hour lifespan • Choose multi colored, white or warm white • Indoor/outdoor usage T 749 426, 083, 126 174 B12 While supplies last.
Great Gift Ideas! Real Wood, Real Value
• Handcrafted Solid Wood Furniture • Dining & Bedroom Sets • Home Decor & Crafts
COSCO
Black Padded Folding Chair
Same retail family at this historic location since 1916!
•Scented Wax • Collectibles • Webkinz • Holiday Decor & More!
9
99 reg. 19.99
• Comfort Contoured padded seat & back • Strong 2-cross brace construction • Long-lasting powdercoated finish W 128 289 F6 While supplies last.
40 E. First Street (FDL Store Only)
• Many Amish Items • Children’s Furniture • Painted Pine Furniture • Curtains & Valances
Coupon expires December 3, 2010 or while supply lasts.
WI-5001215132
47 S. Main Street, Downtown Fond du Lac
922-5667
40 E. First St. • 923-8263
OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 8-8; Sat. 8-5; Sun. 9-2
WI-5001215764
Kick Off Your Holiday Shopping Fun At Lillians! Black Friday Frenzy is Back!
Everyone loves Demo December. Watch how to make simple projects for the holidays that do not require a lot of time or money--free project sheets are always available for these projects. We will be offering Free Demonstrations every Saturday for the Month of December! Check our website, www.beadalotta.com, for weekly updates!
FROM HIGH GLOSS LIPSTICK TO HIPSTER APPEAL, LILLIANS CAN MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON SING AND SIZZLE! THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST ACCESSORIES $20 AND UNDER!
Think Stocking Stuffers...
We would also like to give a BIG Thank You to all of our longtime and new customers for supporting us over the last 4 years! Look for Anniversary Celebration news on our website (that means giveaways!).
The new ION Bud & Pod watches, fun card cubbies, leather gloves cable knit jockey hats, cuff bracelets, and SCARVES everywhere! FIND NEW BIG BUDDHA® AND OTHER HOLIDAY HANDBAG DESIGNS, FAUX LEATHER JACKETS, CHUNKY CABLE KNIT SWEATERS, CARDIGAN VESTS, PONCHOS WRAPS. Wear them with your favorite pair of denim or leggins!
© 2010 Lillians Holdings, Inc.
116 SOUTH MAIN ST., DOWNTOWN FOND DU LAC 920-926-9663 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-4 • Saturday 10-2 Or by appointment
COME IN FOR DEMO DECEMBER!
Select items ONLY $10 while supplies last... • Cardigans in all the fun colors...$10 BUCKS! • Faux fur neck mufflers...$10 BUCKS! (department store prices are $38+) • Funky stretch rings...$10 BUCKS! They scream “GET IN EARLY!”
the hippest shoppe in town!
WI-5001217604
New items arriving! Custom orders • Free local delivery
®
November 2010
Nov. 26 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 Dec 9-12
www.lilliansshoppe.com �
Black Friday, 10am-6pm, Great $10 deals! Sat 10-5 Sat 10-5 Thurs 9-8, Fri & Sat 9-5 & Sun 11-4
171 S. Main St., Fond du Lac • 920-322-1844 www.lillinasshoppe.com/fonddulac
920-322-1885 www.beadalotta.com
WI-5001215052
Grand Opening Sept 9th - 12th - 12 S. 3r d Street Grand Forks, ND
21 E. 2nd Street • Suite 101 Downtown Fond du Lac Parking & Entrance are in the rear
36 N. Main St. • Fond du Lac
922.6780 • woodsfloral.com WI-5001217658
Hours: Tues-Friday–11am-5pm and Sat–10am-3pm
WI-5001215712
WI-5001215002
Holiday hours (effective 11/26/10)
WI-5001215107
For more information on Fond du Lac’s Open House Weekend, visit www.downtownfdl.com
Step into this season with a pair of boots from
framing