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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015
Brett Rechek
4 To Our Readers 6 Feature An Entrepreneur 10 Cookie 12 Social Luxury of Beer 13 Lines from Upstream
Owner and operator of Rechek’s Food Pride since 2004, Brett has been married to JoDee for 29 years. They have 3 sons, Jake 27, Nick 25, and Hunter 17.
Trina Justman Reichert A Mayville, Wisconsin native and avid lover of mood-evoking storytelling both on the stage and in print, Trina is also the Manager of Main Street Mayville.
14 Toy Cars
James Lipps
16 Stump the Beaver
Founder/co-owner of The Camo Brotherhood, James is married with 3 kids and lives in Beaver Dam. He enjoys the outdoors, photography and wood burning.
18 Viewfinder
The Camo Brotherhood
22 Festival of Trees 23 This & That “Time Capsule” 24 Historical Society Charlie Starkweather 27 View from the Kitchen 28 Christmas in Cusco 365 30 Feature Artist Elwood Lee
Bob Frankenstein Historian, author, and advocate for the soldiers that courageously protect our country, community history tugs at his heart and is one of the great joys of his retirement.
Julie Hogan Owner of a 6-acre spiritual retreat center in Beaver Dam, her passion and mission is of loving service to the world community for the betterment of all people.
Karla Jensen A freelance writer and published playwright, Karla is Director of Auxiliary Programs and Outreach at Wayland Academy and teaches writing at the Seippel Center.
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The MAGAZINE Well here we are: - Volume 4 Issue 6 Wie geht es dir? Wow - the next issue will be our 25th to begin our 5th year of the magazine. Over 1300 articles published between the print magazine and the website. I would try to count all the words but that may take too much time. We are thrilled to be able to do what we do. The ability to give you a place to share your stories is really fun! I am always amazed by the stories that are submitted. This issue was one of those that just assembled itself. I would be having coffee with a writer and serendipitously someone would walk in that they knew. As we got to talking they would say, “Have I got a story for you!” It is music to my ears. The stories in this issue all started with that familiar phrase. Please don’t be shy - your story has a place in LocaLeben. The story of The Camo Brotherhood happened by pure accident. I was perusing online for some used camera equipment and found James selling a GoPro. We arranged to meet and in his email I noticed his signature, Co-Owner The Camo Brotherhood. I made sure to ask him about it when we met and sure enough we ended up having coffee for an hour and a half. By the end he was our featured photography story and I had a new camera. There are a lot of stories that will pull at your heartstrings in this issue. From Brett Rechek sharing his dad Jerry’s journey of entrepreneurship to the tradition the Senior Center Woodshop has of making Toy Cars for kids every Christmas. How can you not be proud of this community? In particular – make sure to check out the story of Cookie on page 10 - almost 50 years as Mayville’s Santa. There are almost no words to describe how cool it is – so I had to put him on our cover. Stories are everywhere. The people who you pass in the grocery store or coffee shop all have something to be proud of. Advertisers are what make this little magazine possible - please support these folks - as they are busy trying to make a living just like the rest of us … To those who have contributed to PWYW - we thank you and are so pleased that you enjoy the magazine … Cheers!
Cover: “Cookie” (Melvin) Collien Photo courtesy of the Mayville Historical Society A perfect setting with softly falling snow, Santa walked up and down Main Street Edgar G. Mueller, Photographer, Mayville, Wisconsin
VOLUME 4 - IssUE 6
EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Erik Dittmann
Jim Dittmann
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Preston Bowman COPY EDITOR
ADVISOR
Kathy Dittmann
Emma Sutter
LocaLeben The Magazine is mailed bi-monthly to 16,014 homes and businesses in Dodge County. An additional 2,500 copies are available for FREE at all public libraries in Dodge County and any advertiser in LocaLeben.
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READER SERVICES LocaLeben is Local Life. We invite you to share your stories in LocaLeben. All stories in LocaLeben are written by people like you. Phone: (920) 306-1189 Email: content@LocaLeben.com Mailing Address: N8369 S. Sunset Pt. Rd. Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Designed in Beaver Dam. LocaLeben The Magazine is published in Beaver Dam, WI by LocaLeben LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LocaLeben The Magazine is Copyright (c) 2015. No portion may be reproduced, in whole or in part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the expressed, written consent of LocaLeben LLC.. LocaLeben The Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.
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BRETT RECHEK
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M
y father Jerry Rechek was born on March 15th in 1943. He was the oldest of six children. At a very young age, he learned responsibility, helping to raise his brothers and sisters. Living on a farm in those days was not an easy life. His parents Eugene and Chrysanta both worked factory jobs in addition to the farm to help make ends meet. Even so, money was extremely tight. After graduation in 1961, Dad was drafted, but a Baker’s cyst on his left knee kept him out of the service. He got a job at Maysteel, the factory his father worked at, but he knew after a very short time that factory work was not in his blood. Strong, basic values guided Dad in his passion for life, and business. He was hired at Krogers in Waupun as an apprentice meat cutter in 1962. When that store closed in 1963, he was transferred to Milwaukee and worked there until a drop in business forced his hours to be cut to the point of not being able to afford rent. He quit that job and started working for McGowans Meats as an apprentice meat cutter, but he was getting married in October of 1964 and a full-time position at Super Valu in Fond du Lac became available, so he worked there for about a year. When a position in Waupun as a police officer was posted, offering more money, Dad applied. Their first child was on the way, and he needed the extra income. He survived the interview process and was awarded the job of night patrolman for the City of Waupun. With an extra mouth to feed at home, the income was still not enough to cover the bills, so he applied at Lauer’s Food Mart in Waupun for a part-time stocking and bagging position. During the next year, he worked nights at the Waupun Police Department and five hours a day at Lauer’s Food Mart, but the police business was not for him. His goodhearted nature made it an extremely difficult job. All his friends called him “Barney Fife” and tested him to give them tickets. However, my dad was always thankful for the time that he was able to spend as a police officer; until his dying day he always had the utmost respect for those who chose to serve their community, and led him to his life of community involvement. He was committed to giving back to the community even before he owned his own business. A full-time opening in the meat department at Lauer’s Food Mart was offered to Dad in 1966, and he most graciously accepted. He became manager of the meat department in 1970 and served in that capacity until 1975, when the store manager left to start his own business. At that juncture, Dad pursued and was granted the opportunity to be store manager. This was his dream job! In his hometown, a poor farm boy was going to work with a shirt and tie on, managing a successful business. He did this so well that when a management position opened up at one of their larger stores in Fond du Lac in 1979, he was offered that job. He was very skeptical; after all, he was in his dream job in his hometown. So he said, “No, thanks.” John Lauer was quite insistent and asked him to write a list of things he would need to make the move. My parents sat down and wrote up a list that they thought the Lauers would never agree to. John Lauer carefully examined the list, looked up and said, “Ok, you start in Fond du Lac next week.” Dad was always sorry he did not ask for more. However, there was one special contingency that he had included in his requests. If a new store was ever put in Waupun, he would receive
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Brett and Jerry Rechek in the late 1980s at a food show
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for the store’s supplier, the Nash Finch Company. Mom was extremely worried about the new venture. Before, everything was comfortable, and now there was lots of risk. Dad took a $100 per week pay cut to start with and said to her, “Don’t worry, honey. I will not allow this to fail!” I had been the frozen food and dairy manager at the Beaver Dam location since September of 1984. We worked lots of hours to keep the store afloat, but it seemed like we were just treading water and barely able to make ends meet. Then, in 1988, the building attached to the store became available. Dad decided to expand and added Granny’s Deli. Mom began learning how to run a deli department with the help of the deli advisor from Nash Finch, Irene Scheers, and the co-manager Donna Kastien. A small bakery department was also added at that time. These two departments made the difference, and the business started growing. Pick N’ Save had opened in town in July of 1987. Dad said that was the main reason for adding the deli and bakery, so his store could compete. In 1988, Lofberg’s Super Valu Jerry Rechek with Little Oscar, circa 1970 closed, as did Bergeman’s Shop Rite, but it was still very difficult in the smallest store in town. In 1994, Dad heard that the old Monarch property was first chance to return to his hometown and manage it. For two going to be developed with a new grocery store as the anchor years he managed the Lauer’s store on Johnson Street in Fond du store. Sentry & Super Valu were both interested, and Dad knew if Lac. He was not happy in the larger town, but made the best of it. he did not get the nod to build that new store that his little store Then, in 1981, opportunity knocked again. Lauer’s announced the would surely not survive. With the help of the Nash Finch Comacquisition of a bigger location for their Waupun store. Dad was pany and the Horicon Bank, he was able to obtain financing. In ecstatic to go back to his hometown! 1995, Dad received the bid to build his new store, and Rechek’s The Lauer brothers’ business was comprised of four stores Food Pride opened in May of 1996, fulfilling a lifelong dream. in 1982 when the three brothers split up. Two of the stores were Dad had always been in awe of the support of the commulocated in Fond du Lac; Steve Lauer assumed control of one and nity and vowed to give as much back as possible. We started a golf Bruce Lauer, the other. John Lauer retained the Waupun store benefit for Unified Catholic Parish Schools, which later became and the store in Beaver Dam, and Dad started to oversee both the St. Katharine Drexel School. In the 11 years of the benefit, stores in 1983. The Beaver Dam store was struggling mightily, over $300,000 was raised for the school. We started a scholarship barely keeping the doors open. Dad spent more and more time program for employees, and since 1996, over $65,000 has been at the Beaver Dam location trying to get it turned around, and in given in scholarships to our employees. Many local non-profit January of 1985, John said to him, “What do you think we should organizations benefit from the scrip program, and the fundraising do with the Beaver Dam store?” Dad replied, “I’d sell it if I was stand has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars. All in all, over you!” John convinced him that with the right man in charge, the 1.5 million dollars has been donated back to the local community store could be a success! since 1996. Jerry Rechek’s 20 Rules to Live Your Life By In February of 1985, Dad Dad’s philosophy Jerry carried this card in his pocket at all times convinced Mom that if was very simple, “Treat they were ever going people like you want to to own their own busibe treated.” In everyday ness, this was the time. life and in business! EvThey put their house in eryone is created equally Waupun up for sale, beand should be treated gan looking for a new the same. Everyone dehome in Beaver Dam and serves a chance to be moved to Brook Street, happy. Another favorite near the hospital in Beasaying of his was, “If you ver Dam, late in 1985. think you can’t, you’re The name of the right. If you think you Beaver Dam store was can, you might! You’ll changed from Lauer’s never know if you don’t Foods to Rechek’s Jack try.” In business, he al& Jill. At first people ways wanted to offer a thought my father Jerry terrific product at a fair was Jack and my mother price. He used to tell all Marcia was Jill, but Jack associates that the cus& Jill was a trade name tomer is the reason for
8
our business. They are never an inconvenience; without the customer, there is no store, so the customer is our boss. Make sure they are happy when they leave, so we see them again. Dad was very proud to be part of the Dodge County community. He served on several local boards including the YMCA, the St. Katharine Drexel Endowment Fund and Green Valley Enterprises. He encouraged all employees to be involved in their local community and participate in local events. He encouraged students to be involved in their school activities and made sure management worked around school schedules as much as possible. His mission was the youth of Dodge County. He would often say, “Remember, it’s for the kids; they are our future!” He was proud of each and every person he worked with. Even when the job did not work out for that person, he would tell them that not every job was for every person, and that was a good thing because if we all Jerry Rechek with his fully restored BSA motorcycle, June 2015 liked the same thing it would be an awfully boring world. Then he would shake their hand and wish them the best of luck, and he ♦ truly meant it. returned to strength and back to Beaver Dam. Over the next six In January of 2008, Dad was diagnosed with a very rare years, he faced cancer with the same courage as he faced adversity bone cancer. They gave him one year to live. Well, that was comin life. He simply refused to quit! He lived life to the fullest even pletely unacceptable to him. He had too much to do yet. He went though he had to endure several more surgeries, more chemo, and to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Texas for major He always had a smile on his face and was still more radiation. reconstructive surgery. The cancer was in his sternum. They re- concerned about others than himself. moved most of his sternum along with a portion of his rib cage. Dad shook my hand for the last time on the afternoon of They grafted skin off his thigh and put it over the opening♦along Friday, June 19, 2015. I said goodbye, no, see you soon, to my with grafted pigskin. He stayed in Houston for six months receiv- mentor, my best friend, my father, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. The world of you, Dad. ing chemotherapy. This nearly killed him, but he refused to give is a better place because up. With Mom being his rock and awesome caregiver, he slowly
♦ ♦ There will be extra features at many ongoing, annual events And there will be some special, one time only anniversary events ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
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TRINA JUSTMAN REICHERT
F
or the past 47 years, kids of all ages in the Mayville area know just one man as Santa. His is the face held up against all other faces of Santa. None other measures up to the jolliness of his Ho-Ho-Ho, the twinkle in his eye, and the gentleness of his smile, quite like his. A lifetime resident of Mayville, “Cookie” (Melvin) Collien never applied to be Santa. He didn’t grow out his beard hoping for the gig someday. He was summoned. In high school he was called down to the principal’s office and was informed that the man who had been “playing” Santa could no longer do it and they had agreed that young Cookie would be the perfect replacement. Now, nearly 50 years later, Mayville area residents could imagine no other. He has been in charge of bringing Christmas and a taste of the North Pole to Mayville’s downtown parade, has graced countless bank and library lobbies, and fondly recalls the holidays in the old Ruedebusch Department store, among others.
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An intimate conversation between Randy and Linda Tarr and Santa Photo: Edgar G. Mueller Heather Elsinger is pictured below with Santa
When asked what makes a good Santa, Cookie’s response is simple: Love. He loves “kids and older folks” as they are the people who “get Christmas.” Cookie has a room in his home dedicated to his Santa garb. He has three full suits ready at all times. You won’t find him complaining about gearing up, he looks forward to the transformation, and even the “beard burn” won’t cause him to fuss. Making people smile may be easy when you’re wearing a Santa suit, but Cookie seems to live his life in the same manner. His late wife suffered from MS for 20 years and he cared for her through it all, through the blindness and literally carrying her through the wheelchair bound years. Was it the heart of Santa or the heart of Cookie that gave him strength? The two seem almost impossible to differentiate. Cookie would love to shake your hand, offer up a candy cane, and hear all about what you want Santa to bring you this Christmas. And with that twinkle, he will have even the coldest of hearts believing he can make all of your wishes come true. All photos are courtesy of the Mayville Historical Society.
Santa greeted young visitors Sandra (7) and Linda (9), daughters of the Gerald Hoffmans of Horicon (1970) Photo: Edgar G. Mueller
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MATT KENEVAN
W
hen I was a kid running around Beaver Dam, I imagined the year 2015 would look like The Jetsons – a space-age utopian life where everything was made easy. With the push of a button, George and Jane Jetson or Rosie the Robot could do or make anything in mere seconds, creating all the time in the world for family and leisure. Sure, we’re not driving personal spacecrafts (though the Pope Mobile resembles the Jetson aerocar), but in a lot of ways we’re almost there: The Future. Video communication with people across the globe is as easy as opening FaceTime or Skype apps. We have 3D printers, robots that do surgery, and self-driving cars. Technology is allowing us to accomplish daily tasks at lightning speeds, but this hasn’t necessarily translated to more free time for family and leisure. Thankfully, the holidays bring with them an old-fashioned sense of tradition that lets us unplug. As busy and hectic as modern times may be, it’s the one time of year that still has the power to make time stand still for a minute while watching the first snowfall, to gather with family and friends, and share cookies made the old-fashioned way. In many respects, seasonal craft beers are similar to those holiday cookie recipes. One would not bring Chips Ahoy or Oreos to a holiday party. Not because there’s anything wrong with those cookies, but because they’re just not special enough for the occasion. There is a story to tell with each tradition of baking cookies. There are special ingredients and techniques in making them turn out well. There is a pride in sharing them. It’s the same with craft beer. Winter seasonals are very different from the year-round
beers. They feature spices and flavors that would not be found in year-round beers: pumpkin, nutmeg, coffee, toffee, chocolate, or molasses. Instead of refreshing and light, they’re rich and robust. And there’s tradition – many a winter beer style recipe originates back to the “old country.” If baking the perfect holiday cookies or fruitcake isn’t in your wheelhouse, we here at The Beer Dabbler hereby give you permission and encouragement to bring the gift of a nice winter seasonal beer to holiday gatherings as a socially acceptable substitute. There is a huge selection of winter seasonals out in the market. Some of the Wisconsin standards include Capital Brewery Winter Skål, Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout, Lakefront Brewery Holiday Spice Lager, New Glarus Cabin Fever, and Stevens Point’s St. Benedict’s Winter Ale. Of course, nearly every brewery in Wisconsin has a winter seasonal, so choose yours according to your personal criteria. Always pay attention to ABV; some winter seasonals are sneaky high in alcohol. Bring some two- to four-ounce tasting glasses so that friends and family can taste a variety without getting schnockered. Getting back to the future… It has been such an honor and delight to write for LocaLeben magazine these past couple of years! The beer business is booming and my business has grown three times in size of what it was two years ago. Since I don’t yet have the capability to push a button and automate everything, I am going to hand off this column for somebody else to take a turn at writing about beer, but I may come back from time to time as a guest columnist. Until then, keep up the good work in exploring craft beer.
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TERRY AND KAY APPENFELDT
T
he Christmas cars are coming! That is the atmosphere in the Senior Center woodshop these days. The Senior Center woodshop designs, handcrafts, and builds a new Christmas car each year. The cars are handed out along the parade route at the Holiday Parade by Santa’s elves (Senior Center volunteers). Christmas cars have been handed out since 2002 as a gift from the Senior Center to children along the parade route. Each car puts a smile on a child’s face at Christmas. Currently, there are close to 800 cars in storage ready for distribution. The Beaver Dam Senior Center woodshop opened at the Third Street location on October 2, 1974. The woodshop workers did furniture repair and basic woodworking with Norm Reier and Jason Merritt serving as the woodshop managers. In 1985, woodshop manager Don Kopff had a personal vision and dedication to restore the Eastern bluebird population in Dodge County. He dedicated the woodshop to building nesting boxes so these birds would have new homes. Nesting boxes were made from donated wood from friends, lumberyards, and contractors. To make the nesting boxes and the return of the bluebird a success, Don and members of the woodshop developed bluebird trails. Woodshop volunteers would contact local farmers to gain their permission to put up the trails. Bluebird nesting boxes were donated by the woodshop, and each trail was completed when 10 to 15 boxes were placed on a fence line on fence posts. As you travel Hwy 151 toward Madison, the bluebird restoration sign remains to show the start of the trail on that highway. Their project was so successful that the Senior Center woodshop was featured on WKOW-TV Channel 27, which filmed their success in restoring the bluebird
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population. After that appearance, the project went national. Orders for the nesting boxes came from all over the United States and shipments went out on a weekly basis. Believing in conservation, Don expanded to building nesting boxes for tree swallows, wrens, wood ducks, and swallows. Woodshop manager Rich Krahenbuhl instituted a toy project in 2000. The woodshop handcrafted toy blocks for children. The primary purpose was to give the bagged toys to children in Beaver Dam Community Hospital. The project expanded when Norma Krahenbuhl researched patterns to make toy cars. After a pattern was selected, cars were made out of donated 2 x 4s. The Christmas cars were born in 2001 when 50 bags of cars from the Center were distributed to local children at Christmas.
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Ken Hardinger, John Schmid, Orville Sette, Robert Horne, Rich Krahenbuhl and Terry Appenfeldt are pictured above, left to right, in the Senior Center Woodshop Woodshop and toy car photos: Jim Dittmann
Woodshop manager Jim Schwartz instituted bluebird and wren building kits in 2003. The original bluebird and wren nesting boxes were divided into sections and packaged with instructions for construction. Jim traveled to 4H groups, Boy Scouts, summer recreation activities in the park, school groups, Cub Scouts, and other groups taking his hammers to help children build a birdhouse. Children were told about how to preserve the birdhouse and how to attract the bird that would live there. In the absence of an assigned woodshop manager in 2006, Christmas cars were built under Ken Hardinger’s direction. Then in 2007, woodshop manager Terry Appenfeldt instituted one-of-a-kind handcrafted wood projects. Using their creative talent, volunteer workersdesigned and built handcrafted display cases for the Police Department and Mayor Kennedy. An extensive assortment of other items constructed includes bookshelves, presentation plaques, pier sections, handcrafted children’s puzzles and games for the DNR and the DIY program for the Community Activities and Services Department for the City of Beaver Dam, a replicated Rambler excursion steamship, a gun cabinet, free libraries, garden benches and a clock. The clock was built to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Senior Center in 2010. It was designed, handcrafted and built in the Senior Center Woodshop by Terry Appenfeldt, Lewis Terlisner and Rich Krahenbuhl. Eight different Senior Center woodcarvers designed the fixtures featured on the face of the clock, which represent the various programs at the Center. Bob Stafford donated his time to put the timing mechanism into the clock, which continues to occupy a special place in the main room of the Center at Third Street and will be moved to the Watermark. The woodshop has contributed handcrafted items for Wings Over Wisconsin, the Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association, and has also designed and handcrafted the plaques for winners of the Holiday Parade each year. They have participated in the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) workshops for over 30 years. This year the woodshop volunteers helped organize a Bird City celebration that helped the City of Beaver Dam meet the criteria for continued certification as a Bird City. The volunteers continue to make bluebird and wren nesting boxes and kits, kestrel houses, wood duck houses, butterfly houses, bat houses, and bird feeders. They build birdhouses with children, and they do small repairs for the disabled and for senior citizens. Look for the elves on December 5 at the Holiday Parade beginning at 5:30. On the parade route, the elves see grandmas and grandpas who collect the cars for their grandchildren, and children hustle with open bags so they don’t miss getting their car. The woodshop has been told that many people have collected the cars since 2002 when the first cars were distributed. For those that miss the parade, a small amount of cars are held back for distribution at the Senior Center and Recre5 EVENT ation Building at 114 East Third Street, but don’t wait long, Holiday parade Info @ www.LocaLeben.com they go fast.
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Borg, the Iroquois greatly expanded their beaver trapping territory – defeating or assimilating a vast number of Indian nations.
THE BEAVER
Mitzi from Beaver Dam writes: Dear Stump, a few months back you mentioned the Beaver Wars. Were those the same as the French and Indian Wars? Answer: No, the Beaver Wars (also called the French and Iroquois Wars) began 50 or maybe 100 years before the French and Indian Wars. There was no declaration of war, so the actual date the Beaver Wars began is hard to pin down. Mitzi asks a follow-up question: Why were they called “the Beaver Wars”? Answer: As you may know, beavers were almost hunted to extinction in Europe. So, American beaver pelts were in huge demand. The Iroquois Confederacy wanted to supply beaver pelts to the French. However, the enemies of the Iroquois refused to allow them to deal directly with the French. What’s more, the French were providing firearms to the enemies of the Iroquois, which put the Iroquois at a substantial disadvantage. So, the fair-minded Dutch (who were already trading pelts with the Iroquois) began providing firearms to the Iroquois. Well, the Iroquois became a warrior nation, not unlike the Borg of Star Trek fame, and like the
Inquisitive Mitzi asks a final question: What kind of culture did the Iroquois have? Answer: The Iroquois had a few remarkable characteristics: (1) They were farmers, cultivating corn, beans and squash, which allowed them to store food and survive the long winters. (2) Women had powerful roles in Iroquois society – for instance, children were born into the clans of their mothers. Women held most of the property. The elder women of each clan were highly respected and could actually control the selection of the chief. Heck, the women could even impeach a chief who wasn’t performing! (3) As mentioned above, the Iroquois practiced assimilation. For instance, family members mourning the deaths of loved ones were entitled to ease their pain by capturing and adopting “replacement humans” from their enemies. (4) The Iroquois Confederacy was governed by the Great Law of Peace, which embodied federalism concepts also found in the US Constitution. Concurrent Resolution 331 acknowledges the contribution of the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations to the development of the US Constitution. Monopolizing Mitzi asks one more final question: Given that beavers gave rise to the huge expansion of the Iroquois and given that the huge Iroquois Confederacy gave rise to our Constitution, is it true that beavers are ultimately responsible for the Constitution of the United States of America? Answer: A++
You’ll See Insurance Differently.
a ft C i y Gc i a l a d e oli Sp H
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Serving Beaver Dam and the surrounding communities since 1976.
Happy Holidays from all the staff at:
920-885-3312 www.c21affiliated.com
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130 Park Avenue | Beaver Dam 920.885.5589 myknowledgebroker.com
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JAMES LIPPS
T
he Camo Brotherhood, where do I start? The Camo Brotherhood (TCB) was a way for me to become immersed in the outdoors when I couldn’t be. I have health issues due to a pituitary adenoma. Due to side effects from my tumor and medications, I stopped hunting for about eight years. The tumor, combined with my medications, cause me to not feel the best most days, and I gave up on something I loved to do. Then one day an amazing friend, more like a brother, decided it was time for me to return to doing what I love. Rod Wolf took me back into the outdoors. When we go out hunting, he is with me all the way into the woods and back out. He never leaves my side and makes sure to find places that are easy enough for me to get in and out. Since
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I have started back into hunting, I have found myself again and enjoy the peace and calming of the woods. We have started doing more hunting camps, what we like to call the TCB Deer Camp and Turkey Camp, together and with other friends. It is all about the memories and comradery with great friends and family that makes it so special. I thought this would be an amazing way to show my three children not to give up on the stuff you love; it shows them if you have enough heart and passion, you can do anything you want. I started this hunting group as a way to be in the outdoors through the eyes of other hunters and outdoor enthusiasts and to share with hunters what is happening in other states. Through their stories and pictures, I feel as though I am in the woods with
them. Did I expect this to become what it has? No, I did not. I started with just a couple friends, but it has evolved into an amazing experience with 22,000 Facebook followers. The Camo Brotherhood is a group of people from different parts of the country that have come together to share their passion for the outdoors and hunting. We currently have eight Pro Staff members on The Camo Brotherhood team, three from Wisconsin (co-owner Rod Wolf, Rudy Sennhenn, and co-owner James Lipps), two from Kansas (Will Butterworth and Brandon Otta), two from Missouri (Sharon Day and Nick Woodward), and one from Texas (co-owner Nate Hardaway). This whole team consists of an amazing group of friends that truly love the outdoors. We are all average hunters doing what we love, while sharing with others why we love the outdoors and hunting. It isn’t about the harvest, even though that is a bonus. It truly is about creating memories with family and friends. Kids are the future of hunting and TCB believes it is our responsibility as hunters to teach kids the values and responsibilities of the hunting world. Without the proper teaching and showing them how to respect the outdoors, we could see a big diminish in the hunting field, so we feel it is very important to get kids into the outdoors. To see the smile on a child’s face when they see a deer, turkey or any animal in the wild for the first time is amazing. It is hard for us serious hunters to accept that sometimes we will go to the woods and not realistically have the opportunity of shooting a deer or that the chances could be lessened because there is someone else with you that likes to move a lot and is a little noisy. Once you accept this and just watch them enjoy being there with you, you can have the time of your life. If you have a child that would like to experience hunting, please feel free to contact us Upper left, The Camo Brotherhood Camp; lower left, Nate’s son Austin; below is Co-owner James Lipps and opposite page is Co-owner Rod Wolf
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11 Reasons to List During the Holidays
1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! 2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you! 3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you! 4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays! WANT THE OTHER 7 REASONS? GIVE US A CALL
919 DeClark St. Beaver Dam Office: 920-356-9930 Cell: 920-210-8245 WWW.FREDKAPINGREALTY.COM
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James Lipps with son Brandon (left)
Pro Staff member Nate Hardaway’s son Ethan
at our email address (thecamobrotherhood@aol.com) and we will see what we can do to make that possible. Another great group of people we love to help is veterans and disabled veterans, those who have made sacrifices to keep us safe as American people. We have two veterans on our team. Rudy was in the Navy and Nate was in the Marines. We want to honor our country’s wounded veterans’ patriotism and their sacrifice by helping to get them out hunting, fishing and doing outdoor-related activities. TCB wants to raise public awareness about the great benefits that hunting and the outdoors actually has on the mental and physical disabilities of our country’s wounded men and women. We appreciate their loyalty in defending the great United States of America. We will continue to help out our veterans however we can. What it all comes down to is a passion for the outdoors and the love of nature, the serenity of sitting in the woods and watching as nature goes by, the calming effect of the Rod Wolf and James Lipps with James’ son Ayden
Sharon Day, Pro Staff member, The Camo Brotherhood
sounds and wind in the air. Just knowing that each time you are out there you are getting closer to Mother Nature and all she has to offer. If you respect her, she will in turn take care of you.
All photos courtesy: The Camo Brotherhood
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out our website at www.thecamobrotherhood.com. If you would like to get in touch with us, you can email us at thecamobrotherhood@aol.com.
IT’S PAIN SEASON. We can help with any ailments you get from the hunt.
ஃ U.S. News & World Report Silver Nomination Award-BDHS ஃ State of Wisconsin Advanced Placement Pacesetter School Award-BDHS
Including: -There’s a duck shoulder ache -Pheasant field leg pain -10,000 cast wrist pain -pulling the dock in bad back -shootin’ behind ‘em mid back stiffness -can’t sit still back ache -bucket butt
ஃ 2 Federal Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence ஃ 12 Wisconsin School of Recognition Awards
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BARB SCHREINER CAMPBELL
M
y inspiration for Festival of Trees happened while visiting family. We attended the City Holiday Festivities in Wausau and I had immediate visions of bringing this type of event back to Beaver Dam. I thought it could provide an avenue to help people, and I began investigating local organizations. This was how I learned about Church Health Services (CHS). I learned from Dr. Mike and Lois Augustine that CHS was a faith-based program that provides and promotes whole person health through clinics, congregations and community. Little did I know, my husband, Mike Schreiner, would be diagnosed with cancer and pass away shortly thereafter. I became someone who benefited from the spiritual support of CHS. Thirteen years later, I am still doing Festival of Trees for my late husband, my community, and for a great organization. I truly believe our community is a better place for having CHS here. For the past 12 years, Festival of Trees has been at Landmark Credit Union (formerly Dodge Central Credit Union). This year our committee had visions for change. We decided to be bold and move the event to Old Hickory Golf Club. Many things will be different. The event will be held on Saturday, November 28. Cocktails begin at 5:30 with a sit-down dinner at 7:00. We will have a silent auction, as well as a live auction with auctioneer Jeff
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Kitchen. We are also happy to offer delivery on Sunday for all trees over 5 feet tall. Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased at Landmark Credit Union in Beaver Dam, Mayville, Juneau, and Fall River; Clyman Village Hall; Fresh Heir in the Park Village Shopping Center in Beaver Dam; Old Hickory Golf Club; and from committee members Barb Schreiner Campbell, Betsy Zuhlke, Kathy Swenson, Hamer Campbell, Jim Dais, Kris Kohlhoff, Denise Fitzsimmons, Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Pat Ninmann and Bev Beal-Loeck (CHS liaison). Tickets are $45 per person. If you are interested in donating, becoming a sponsor or have any questions, please contact Barb at 920-392-1212 or send her an email at 1209barb@gmail.com.
EVENT Festival of trees
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Info @ www.LocaLeben.com
We are so excited about this year! Every year has been better than the one before. Our donations are spectacular! A vintage sleigh and Santa, a Christmas golf surprise, some razzle-dazzle, trees galore, homemade bake goods and much, much more. Please join us.
With that in mind, here is a list of things that certainly would have been placed in a 1980s Time Capsule for posterity:
DAVE BOWMAN
W
e are in the midst of a noteworthy anniversary, the likes of which has never been seen! Well, not really, but it is a fun anniversary nonetheless. October 21, 2015, was the date heralded in the classic 1989 movie Back To The Future Part II, the date on which Marty McFly and Doctor Emmett Brown arrive in the future to correct a flaw in the mythical timeline. The movie makes note of events and fads that would occur in 2015. Some of the predictions as depicted in the story have come to fruition. In 2015 we now enjoy the luxury of flat screen television, videoconferencing, 3D movie experiences, holographic discs, and drones. Nike is currently working on a self lacing athletic shoe, a hoverboard is being developed, and Pepsi is even getting in on the historic moment with a limited issue of “Pepsi Perfect.” And even though the blockbuster Jaws 19 has not graced our movie screens, the Marvel Comic movies are currently at 42 and counting. However, some things predicted for 2015 are a little off the mark, such as pay telephone booths, which have gone the way of the “Princess Phone,” a fax machine in every home, and Marty McFly’s two-tie style business attire.
- “New Coke” - what was Coca-Cola thinking?
- Videocassettes of classic 1980s television shows such as Charles in Charge, Freebie and the Bean, and Gilligan’s Planet; music videos by Wham, Milli Vanilli and big hair metal bands; ABC’s Peter Jennings interrupting General Hospital to announce the return of “Coke Classic” - fans of Luke and Laura I am sure loved that one!
- Cans of aerosol hair spray for the “Farrah Fawcett look.”
- 3-¾ inch G.I Joe Action Figures - Joe, what did they do to you? You cannot even accessorize these things with uniforms, frogmen outfits, and special ops gear. Give me the 12 inch tall, jointed, iconic G.I. Joe anytime! - “Preppy” clothing - dock shoes, ribbon belts, polo shirts with the prerequisite Alligator crest insignia, and sweaters required to be tied around the neck. - “Valley Girl” Slang Book: “No Duh” - “Gnarly” “Radical” - “Righteous” - “I’m Sure/So Sure.” And when future generations open the capsule, one can only imagine the first reaction to this peek into our late 20th century culture – “Great Scott!”
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BOB FRANKENSTEIN
S
omething special was happening during the 1920s to the 1950s. A fellow named Charlie Starkweather might be seen around town carrying a funny looking square box with a hand crank on it. He called it a moving picture camera and proudly said it could capture people dancing, children playing, or even horses at work. His hobby would capture the events of everyday life including construction of the Hotel Rogers in 1928 and the new wastewater plant during the depression. He also memorialized Beaver Dam’s famous Maddy Horn skating in races on Beaver Dam Lake in 1933 and construction of the new water tower in 1937. His movies document the shortages of World War II and even catch German prisoner of war soldiers housed at the Dodge County fairgrounds in Beaver Dam playing soccer in 1944. (These are the only known pictures of Camp Beaver Dam.) Friends in the fire and police department let him know about crucial fires or depression-era demonstrations or riots, and he would faithfully capture and title these moments of local history. He captured winter fun activities, dreaded snow removal and summer highway construction. His moving pictures caught a time-line of local mechanical history beginning with hand tools, waterpower, horsepower, steam power, and then the gas engine. In addition, he preserved a vision for future generations of cutting and harvesting ice from Beaver Dam Lake. (Ice was used in cedar iceboxes before refrigerators to keep food cool.) His movies were silent black and white, but when you viewed them they spoke to you. In his movies Mayor Mary Spellman shares a smile with you, you may attend a 4-H picnic, or you might picnic and climb the rocks with his family at an iron mine near Iron Ridge. He caught the warmth of home life, family birth-
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All photos courtesy: Dodge County Historical Society Pictured below: Charlie Starkweather 1877-1961
days and puppies bounding around the porch. You might attend the 1936 World’s Fair with him or have the pleasure to meet Charles Lindberg in Madison in 1937. He also preserved Starkweather Lumber Company history, which was located on the corner of Spring and Mackie Streets. The lumberyard was first established by Sam and Newell Hodgeman in 1858 and purchased by Courtney Starkweather Sr. in 1872. The material and fuel yards were located at 130-132-134 East Mackie, smack dab on top of the land where Thomas Mackie, the first settler in Beaver Dam, built his cabin. He caught the self-conscious smiles of employees at work or play and documented the horse and wagon deliveries of lumber and coal timeline to modern trucks. Company buildings also adapted with the times from local sources to railroad delivery. Charlie’s movies would capture his company’s building projects on film too. The end of World War II brought a homebuilding boon. The Depression (no money) and the War (no material) deprived this community of the means to build housing. Now people would have both the money and the material to build a home and raise a family. His company pioneered whole new housing developments and built well-constructed homes, 12 or 15 homes at a time, mostly on the north side of the city. York and Pleasant Streets, Winn Terrace,
200 Front St. Suite 1C2, Beaver Dam
920.960.3000 www.systemsaroundyou.com
LOW TO ZERO IMPACT TREE SERVICE CERTIFIED ARBORIST
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Starkweather Lumber Company’s first office building, 1872-1918
Sloan Circle, MacArthur Drive, and North Spring streets were among those he chronicled with his camera. The Starkweather Company also built the subdivisions of Courtney Acres and Sunset Heights. The company built and financed a home, barn, or store building for you and even created an early easy pay plan. During the Depression, the company would deliver your order of coal or lumber by horse and wagon (they had nine teams) and give you a free Christmas tree so you had extra money to make your child’s Christmas nicer. His movies have been preserved thanks to a donation to the Historical Society. The original home movies were loaned to the museum by Charlie Starkweather’s granddaughter Corinne Mencer. June Haver MacMurray kindly financed the conversion project to VHS tapes that were then skillfully edited by Roger Noll. Some time later, they were copied and digitalized and put on DVDs by volunteer Bob Frankenstein. This time the magic of sound was added giving them a whole new dimension. Visitors to the museum can now enjoy them on big screen TV. This writer had the pleasure to know Charlie Starkweather from the early 1940s as a Frame from film archive of the P.O.W. Camp boy. Charlie was tall, quick to smile, and had the ability to make children feel 10 feet tall. He came to the Leipsic 4-H meetings at the Leipsic School twice a year. (We preferred meeting for 4-H at the old Leipsic School be-
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cause it had an in-house rather than an out-house. Instead of a hole in the ground outside, there was a collection tank in the basement inside. Jackson School was nearby but had an out-house.) He would hand out 4-H fair awards to us children and install newly elected officers after which he would narrate his cherished movies for us. We were fascinated by the movies and captivated by his humor. I remember one of his family’s saddest days came the spring of 1942. His son Courtney Jr. and Dr. Schoen were practicing bombing at the sod airport just north of De Clark Street. They would dive down and drop small flour filled sacks into a white circle on the ground. Unfortunately, the plane lost lift and smashed into the ground shattering Dr. Schoen’s hip and severely injuring Courtney. Courtney would die of his injuries within a few days. (The broken propeller from the crash is now in the museum.) Charlie lost two wives to illness in addition to losing his son, so he carried a heavy burden behind his ready smile. Charlie was also a great fan of Beaver Dam and did not miss a chance to promote business or recreation. Charlie surely left his mark on Beaver Dam! There are and were several excellent homebuilders in Beaver Dam, but none left a bigger footprint. The Dodge County Historical Museum features a Veteran’s Museum, a Native American exhibit, a dinosaur exhibit, Old Beaver Dam exhibit, Old Dodge County exhibit, Old Jackson School exhibit, Famous Personalities exhibit, Beaver Dam’s first automobile and special rotating exhibits during the year. We also have a great Research Room with thousands of documents and pictures that bring old Beaver Dam to life. If you would like to schedule a tour, call us at 920-887-1266. Located at 105 Park Avenue in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, we are open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. If you are looking for adventure, come on in!
twice a year, though I will say that while it’s good, it’s still not as good as Grandma’s.
If you are interested in any of the Polish delights men
tioned above, email me at smokehauscatering@gmail.com for recipes, tips or to share tips on recipes you may have. Until next time, have a safe and fun holiday season! Wesolych Swiat!
CHEF RON DOMBROSKI
C
3 # Ground Beef hristmas is almost here, which means you are planning your 2 C Cooked White Rice Christmas festivities, shopping for gifts or looking forward to GOLOBKI 2 Eggs Christmas Break. Being that I’m Polish, I’m looking forward (GA-WUMP-KI) 3 Heads of Cabbage to the Wigilia and all of the fantastic food…Golobki, Pierogi, Salt & Pepper to taste (S&P) Borscht, Kielbasa, Makowiec…the list goes on. Growing up in 15 Red “B” or Salad Potatoes a Polish family, we ate most of these items daily, but some♦ were 2 Large Cans of Cream of Tomato Soup specific to the Christmas feast. As the years passed, some fami 2 Large Cans of Diced Tomatoes ly members moved away, grandparents passed away and the tra- dition and food that I came to know and loved disappeared with Cut cabbage in half and steam until soft and tender - separate leaves. Mix ground beef, rice, eggs and S&P. them…until now. out steamed cabbage, fill with a scoop of beef mixture and roll up. Last year I was invited by some members of the Polish Lay Cut potatoes in half and arrange in pan with cabbage rolls. Heritage Club to lend my skills as a chef to a couple of events: The Mix tomatoes and soup, add S&P to taste. 9th Annual Polish Heritage Club Christmas Bazaar and also the Pour over cabbage rolls. ♦ Wigilia Dinner (December 5th – Madison Turners). Heaven! I Cover and bake at 350 for about an hour or until potatoes are tender. had never really given my native food a thought after my GrandEnjoy with some nice Polish Rye! ma Zosia passed, as she was one of the best cooks I’d ever known and made everything that I held so dear (from memory nonethe less). Now I get to indulge in all of my childhood favorites at least
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
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JULIE HOGAN
N
estled in the outskirts of Cusco, Peru is a non-profit school and shelter called Uñacha. The shelter serves and cares for children in the district of Quiquijana, an area often referred to as the “peasant communities.” The children from this area live in extreme poverty. The illiteracy rate among this community is 33.8%. The levels of chronic malnutrition have been recorded at 50.5% in children from birth to the age of five. Health and wellbeing is a key condition for a child’s development and chronic malnutrition often results in death. The community of Quiquijana donated the land for the shelter that began with the help of the Kinderhelfe-Cusco Association, the Inti Association of Luxemburg Kidermissions and an organization called Populorum Progresio. Local nuns and priests run the shelter. They have the spirit and passion to serve the poor and needy, the children, who in some cases are abandoned by society and the government. Uñacha currently serves 42 girls and 73 boys ages four to fifteen. The free development of their personality through care, protection, and fulfillment of fundamental rights is encouraged because of the high risk of vulnerability in their social and family environments. The mission of the school/ shelter is to provide these children with education and trade skills
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that include working with computers, baking, and creating textiles so they may find jobs to support themselves and their families. The hope is to maintain and improve jobs in the rural communities because the increased level of migration to urban areas for jobs is devastating the area. The goal of the school/shelter is to provide 200 children with viable working skills by 2020. Additional goals are to assist with access to healthcare and their development on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. The children have to walk an average of four to eight hours to attend school so they are housed at the shelter from Sunday through Friday afternoon. There is a genuine need for additional resources at the shelter and items of comfort for the children because of this extraordinary situation. They are away from their families the majority of the week; as you can imagine, this is quite a challenge beyond the responsibilities of their schoolwork. Chris Condori Huanca and Theresa Nehring, the owners of Top Peru Trips, a tour company in Cusco, Peru, along with myself, Julie Hogan of Reconnect Spiritual Sanctuary in Beaver Dam, created a program called Christmas for Kids in Cusco 365. Our mission is to provide the children with necessities such as coats, hats, shoes, socks, and other clothing that will help to keep them
warm and healthy as they make the long journey each week to be able to attend school. We also recently coordinated a book drive on behalf of the school to promote literacy. Our team delivered books and other educational materials in Spanish and English in late October in hopes to jump-start their school year; a video link of our visit can be viewed on LocaLeben.com. In December, each child will be given a small toy or gift so that they may know the spirit of Christmas through your loving and generous donation. Together we can embrace and help to empower the children so they can build the promise of a future for themselves.
If you are moved to make a loving donation, you can do so through PayPal at perutoptrips@gmail.com or by contacting me, Julie Hogan of Reconnect Spiritual Sanctuary, at julie@reconnectspiritually.com or calling 920-342-8955. Please note that most of the items will be purchased in Peru to support the local merchants and economy. The shipment of items may also be possible; please call to discuss. Your donation gives back on many levels, and we thank you from VIDEO the depths of our hearts in Munay, un@ www.LocaLeben.com conditional and unbound love.
3 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating 1
Drink a glass of water before you sit down for meals.
2
Strive to make your plate 50% fruits and veggies.
3
Take a walk after large meals.
CALL US
Contact a Beaver Dam Women’s Health provider to make an appointment and get wellness advice that’s tailored to you.
920.885.6090
BDWomensHealth.com 705 S University Ave., Suite 300, Beaver Dam, WI
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KARLA JENSEN
I
n the movie, Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox’s main character Marty McFly appears on stage with his guitar and lets loose. The audience, circa 1955, is definitely not ready for a musician from the ‘80s who makes the guitar scream, the room pulse and his feet moonwalk...they are in awe. In getting to know Elwood Lee, he is a lot like his ‘80s counterpart, Marty; a hometown musician with a youthful countenance and an unlikely maturity, personally and musically. Elwood Lee was a child prodigy musician, making music for hire since his early teens. His grandfather, also an accomplished musician, influenced him tremendously, and they played together during his youth and young adulthood. Elwood still owns his grandfather’s Silvertone acoustic guitar – the same one that set his life on a course filled with music. Now, barely into his thirties, Elwood is a throwback to a time gone by; an old soul who goes back in time effortlessly. His time machine is his talent, and the highway, his music. He consumes and releases energy of the ages in song and sound, a DeLorean parked right here in Beaver Dam. Elwood’s career would make a cat’s nine lives look brief. “Sometimes I say that I’m an old man at 32,” he says, because of his experience, for which he is grateful. He has lived his music, explored his passions and continues to challenge himself musically as often as he can. His Twitter account outlines his many titles, defining him as a guitarist/singer, multi-instrumentalist, musician-for-hire, songwriter, record producer, spark plug, firecracker, and free thinker. “In the entertainment industry, I am a renaissance man... I do many things and do them well. I am proficient on many instruments,” he writes. Twitter’s a perfect place to voice
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his few words because he’s also an introvert and would rather hear music than chatter. Despite being known locally, Celebrity is a four-letter word to this musician - Elwood would never consider himself as such. Conversely, he displays a “nice guy” exterior, and carries on pleasant and intelligent conversation. Far from the stereotypical self-absorbed music business narcissist, he comes across grounded and unpretentious. He has a wickedly funny and unexpected sense
of humor. Hearing him wax poetic, even about simple matters like what he’s cooking for dinner, is like listening to a well-written, lyrical book on tape. He has an impressive command of the English language, and his speech has a compelling rhythm all his own. Music fits Elwood like a glove. He has mastered nearly 20 instruments ranging from the mandolin to maracas. These include but are not limited to guitar, bass, drums, keyboards (including piano and organ), mandolin, steel guitar, dobro, harmonica, violin, autoharp, and banjo. He can also hear a song once and recall it in the photographic sense, relying less on reading music, more on hearing. He loves the challenge of a “face-off” on stage with skilled fellow musicians, he shares, because this kind of competition pushes all involved to a higher level of craftsmanship. “Iron sharpens iron,” he says with a grin. Elwood Lee is proud of his music heritage and his bands, including the country Elwood Lee Band, which existed for 17 years, and more recently his Under the Gun Band, a classic rock group. He has made a lasting name for himself and his band by winning a top position, fourth place out of the recognized top six, at the Hodag Music Festival “Battle of the Bands” in 1999. (Hodag is a well-known country music festival in Rhinelander, Wisconsin that celebrated 38 years in 2015. The festival attracts top local bands from across the Midwest and major label artists such as Neal McCoy and Big & Rich.) This milestone launched him into a busy, full-time music career on the road at the age of 15. He would go on to compete in other years at Hodag as well. “These kinds of competitions are very high pressure,” Elwood shared. “It was nerve-wracking, but playing with other seasoned musicians, they said, ‘Let’s just do this!’ and we did. I felt encouraged, especially because many of our fan base came out to see us. Some other competing bands also had kind things to say.” In 2003-2004, he learned to play the steel guitar. “I’d been putting feelers out for years, trying to find a teacher. I eventually acquired a steel guitar of my own and purchased four or five lessons from a friend and mentor, Eddie Rivers, to learn the correct technique. There’s more to it than you would think!” This helped move him up yet another rung on the marketable musician ladder, as if he needed one more reason. Rivers would leave Beaver Dam for Austin, Texas in 2004, after being hired by the Grammy-nominated western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel. “I’m privileged to know Eddie and was lucky to hang with and learn from him while he was here in town,” says Elwood. Another musician who has influenced Elwood is Leo Kottke, a talented fingerpicking guitarist in the genres of blues, jazz, and folk music. Of Kottke, he says, “Leo blew my mind when I first heard him. He sounded like three guys playing at once!” Elwood makes no bones about his ability to learn from the greats in music, those in the past and those in the present. He studies them like the final is tomorrow. Skilled as a songwriter, Elwood has penned at least 20 original songs. “Probably five of them are actually good,” he says. He’s a perfectionist, striving to be the best he can be. No disappointing the audience, his bandmates or himself. He makes music to make others feel happy and forget their cares. In 2010, Elwood produced an album by Native American recording artist Bobby Bullet. He arrived on that session as a fiddle player, but owing to his expertise, he ended Onstage in Rhinelander, Wisconsin at the Hodag Country Music Festival Battle of the Bands, 1999
Dining Hours Tuesday 5:00pm - 9:00pm Friday 4:30pm - 9:00pm Reservations encouraged, but not required.
920.887.7179
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SUCCESS STORY! STORY! SUCCESS Looking to Buy Home? Looking to to Buy Buy aa a Home? Home? Looking Thinking of Refinancing? Thinking of of Refinancing? Refinancing? Thinking
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Eddie Rivers and Elwood Lee, December 2000
up being named as the record producer, a feat he is proud of and that he states he enjoyed tremendously. “Bobby knew what he wanted to achieve musically, but wasn’t sure how to put it into words, so I began spit-balling ideas with him until we found the sound that made him smile. The song Bigfoot had a straight ahead rock beat, but Bobby was seeking a totally different feel. ‘Like Bigfoot meets John Travolta’ as he put it. So we took it to the disco!” Elwood says with a laugh. The resulting album and title track Bigfoot would win Bobby Bullet two NAMA awards in 2010. Elwood would go on to play multiple instruments on and co-produce
Bullet’s 2011 album The Crooked Tear and 2012’s Justice in Time, using many unorthodox recording techniques and instruments to achieve unique sounds. Bullet would come to say of Elwood, “Together, we zeroed in on the true Bobby Bullet sound.” In 2014, Elwood competed in the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre’s (BDACT) Beaver Dam Singing Star and placed in the top three. He tweeted, “What a thrill!” and continued to congratulate others in the winner’s circle. “I wholeheartedly support BDACT and their new building.” He added, “It just needs to happen. It’s time.” Prior to that event, he also appeared in the summer BDACT musical Grease in 2003, playing electric guitar in the pit, and on stage in the role of Johnny Casino. Most recently, in October, Elwood stood side by side with legendary musician and guitarist Paul Cotton of the group POCO appearing in Lindsay Gym at Wayland Academy. This is one of those magical moments that Elwood says has been a significant moment in his career. “I love playing with people more skilled than myself – ‘slinging the hash’ as Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones would call it. Paul Cotton is someone I have always looked up to, and it’s almost surreal to hear that voice and that guitar line and look up and see him there on stage, not 10 feet from me! And then he turns, points, and says, ‘Take it, Elwood!’ Knock me over with a feather.” In those performance opportunities, Elwood’s outwardly “Private: Do Not Enter,” reserved personality vanishes on stage where he becomes improvisational and spontaneous. In a Peter Pan-like moment where few traces of adulthood remain, Elwood becomes an enthusiastic youth who reveals details about his collection instruments and love for30 electric guitars and 3.5” of x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: pt 3.5” x 2.5” |3.5” Maximum Size:Font 30 pt x 2.5” | Font Maximum Size: 30 pt
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Elwood Lee in the fall of 2001
vintage amplifiers. He name drops brands of drum sets and a lineup of classy guitars, mentioning his favorite Epiphone and Yamaha FG-series acoustics, vintage “Airline” Archtop, Fender Telecaster and Gretsch Electromatic electric guitars like mistresses he has loved. “My love of amps is something of a sickness,” Elwood chuckles at himself. “I’m an avid tinkerer and I’m a sucker for gadgets. I own at least nine different guitar and bass amps, including new, vintage and rare models. I tend to like the big ones,” he says. He admits to shopping Craigslist to find his best deals and steals. His most recent find is a Roland “Cube” amplifier with built-in effects. “With the Cube, all I need is my guitar, a cable and that amp; I’m set to go. I call it ‘going barefoot’ because it’s so simple.” During solo guitar shows, he employs a digital loop pedal, a tool that helps him to fill out his sound. The loop pedal was created by another of his heroes, Les Paul. (Paul hailed from Waukesha, Wisconsin and left his mark as a musician, artist, and inventor, pioneering the solid-body electric guitar and multi-track recording.) “As a collector, I make it my practice to always have a purpose for specific items and never own more than one or two of the same thing. I’m looking for items with a unique sound, and my guitar collection is a prime example. I try to play my guitars and other instruments equally, in rotation. They all need love and attention, the touch of hands. If they just sit in a closet, the sound
becomes lifeless. Especially the acoustic instruments.” Modest, succinct, and encouraged, this man has remained friends with nearly everyone he has played with and has expanded his sphere of influence. “I do believe that the life of a musician is highly glamorized. Like the Peace Corps, being a musician is the toughest job you’ll ever love. I’m satisfied making enough money to get by, not necessarily get rich. I’m always headed towards my next adventure and don’t mind the travel. I am comforted by the sound of the highway.” He continues to set goals he’d like to reach and strives daily to move toward those goals, to make a career out of his passion. Already seems he has and well. What’s he listening to on his own iPod? In true Renaissance-man fashion, he doesn’t use iTunes or an iPod. He listens to country artist Sturgill Simpson, the American rock bands Assembly of Dust, Foo Fighters, and Augustana, Dwight Yoakam, and Ryan Adams. He often takes referrals from friends on good music and watches late night television to witness up and coming musicians. Elwood thanks his mother for allowing him to get into her vinyl record collection to expand his depth of music sounds and history. “Early on, I didn’t care for rock and roll. Then I started listening to albums from The Byrds, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Joe Walsh and the James Gang.” Vinyl won him over. “Nothing else sounds like vinyl... on a good vintage stereo; it’s like the band is there in the room with you.” Elwood’s mother, Mary Flaherty, has served as his manager, van driver, road manager, and booking agent. From purchasing merchandise to booking hotels, she is accommodating to the band and her son’s needs and remains flexible. Elwood handles the finances and has since the start. Despite so much talent, there is no convincing Elwood Lee that he is music royalty. He won’t hear of it. There is something completely charming about an artists’ humility when he captivates audiences but has no head in the clouds or room for fan girl behavior. A kind word is good enough to keep him moving forward, and that’s where he’s headed today. Into a bright future, maybe even back in time, with his heart and hands on so much music. Elwood shares his gratitude when a fan says, “Hey, Elwood, I really enjoyed your music the VIDEO & MUSIC other night.” He graciously offers his @ www.LocaLeben.com thanks and moves on.
Pictured below, left to right, at the 92.5 WBWI Hodag Semi-final in Richfield, Wisconsin: Steve Baker, bass; John Yonkee, drums; Elwood Lee, guitar; Steve Doiel, guitar; and Duane Millard, piano
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wo new family practice physicians, both offering childbirth services, are now seeing patients at Columbus Community Hospital and the Dean Clinic in Columbus. Collen Cassidy, MD and Chris Kleppe, DO both joined the active medical staff at Columbus Community Hospital in September. Dr. Cassidy grew up in a town, much like Columbus, of about 5,000 people as one of 11 children. “I wanted to find a clinic that was connected to a hospital, where I could offer obstetrics, and where I enjoyed the people. Columbus offered me all of those things,” said Dr. Cassidy. Dr. Cassidy received a BA in Biology and Chemistry from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She received her MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Columbia-St. Mary’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a member of the Wisconsin Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians. “I chose Family Practice with obstetrics because I really like every age group. I like building a relationship with the individual and also getting to know the family so I am able to treat them to the best of my ability,” said Dr. Cassidy. Dr. Kleppe, the son of a veterinarian, grew up in Monroe and is happy to be starting his practice in Wisconsin. “Columbus reminds me a lot of home,” said Dr. Kleppe. “I’m looking forward to taking care of the needs of the community.” Dr. Kleppe received a BS in Genetics, Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin and a MS in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He received his DO from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois and completed his Internship and Residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Waukesha, Wisconsin where he served as Chief Resident. “I enjoy being able to take care of the whole family, starting with the newborn,” said Dr. Kleppe. “I think people then
gain trust of you as a doctor and value your opinion because of the relationship you form with the family.” Dr. Cassidy and Dr. Kleppe are currently seeing new patients. To schedule an appointment or for more information call the Dean Clinic in Columbus at 920-623-9611. Dr. Kleppe and Dr. Cassidy will join a team of compassionate physicians offering an individualized birthing experience at CCH. They include Heather Kennedy, DO, and Mark Torres, DO, FACOOG, OB/GYN, both located in the Dean Clinic, and independent physician Elizabeth Larson, MD, who sees patients in the Columbus Clinic. Dr. Larson and the CCH Women’s and Childbirth Services nursing team are certified to perform water births at CCH. “The exceptional care and personal attention we give to the moms and babies will always be what sets the birthing experience at Columbus Community Hospital apart from what you will find anywhere else,” said Rachel Svendsen, CCH Women’s and Childbirth Services Manager. At 350 square feet, labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) suites at Columbus Community Hospital provide plenty of space for visitors and family. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with soaking tub and a separate walkin shower, as well as a flat screen television. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are provided for increased comfort following delivery. Each room also features a sleeper sofa, an iPod docking station, rocker gliders, mini refrigerator, flat screen television with DVD and enhanced natural light. A same floor C-section suite, designed specifically for obstetrics patients, means surgical staff is ready and waiting just down the hall. A family lounge and nutrition center is available for loved ones. A Skytron wireless remote control lighting system provides optimal lighting for physicians during delivery. Stateof-the-art newborn resuscitation equipment is in each LDRP. Tours are available on a continuous basis. To schedule a tour, please call (920) 623-2200 and ask to speak to someone in our Women’s and Childbirth Services Department.
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CURRENT JOB OPENINGS - HORICON PERMANENT FULL-TIME POSITIONS Industrial Pipefitter, Tool Room Machinist - $22.99 Machine Maintenance, Tool & Die Maker, Electrician - $24.32 Journeyman card or equivalency required experience in industrial setting (Overtime after 8 hours)
FULL-TIME Year-Around POSITIONS Press Operators and Welders Average compensation w/incentive pay $16-$18 per hr Assemblers Average compensation w/incentive pay $15-$17 per hr (OT Available)
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A Madison area
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Columbus, WI PERMIT NO. 73
Top Performer
According to Health GradesŠ, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, Columbus Community Hospital is a top performing, high quality hospital for patients being treated for Total Knee Replacement
Hip Replacement
To learn more about the Prairie Ridge Center for Orthopedic Excellence and how our team of surgeons and qualified staff can help you, visit our website or give us a call. We look forward to taking care of you. For more information about Healthgrades, visit http://www.healthgrades.com or download the Healthgrades iPhone app.
1515 Park Avenue, Columbus WI 53925 920-623-1200 or 920-356-1000 columbuscommunityhospital.org