Courier Hub The
Stoughton
Inside See a full schedule of events Pages 3 Preview the Tour of Homes
Thursday, November 30, 2017 • Vol. 136, No. 19 • Stoughton, WI • www.unifiednewsgroup.com • $1
Pages 4, 5
Victorian
HOLIDAY 2017
Courier Hub
StageWorks Projects presents
The
Nutcracker
Do
n’t
Mi
ss
Fun for the Whole Family!
December 2nd 1:30pm & 7:30pm
Stoughton High School Auditorium
608-873-0717 • www.stoughtonperformingarts.com
adno=546577-01
2
November 30, 2017
Victorian Holiday
www.connnectstoughton.com
Celebration welcomes the holiday season Much to see, do around Stoughton AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
Victorian Holiday has reached a milestone. The annual weekend, which has helped ring in the holiday season through a celebration of tradition in Stoughton has returned for 25 years, and will return Dec. 1-3. Some long-loved traditional events are returning, such as the Holiday Homes Tour, opening gala, fire truck parade and visits from santa, along with the market at the Chorus Public House, which made its first appearance last year. Stoughton Chamber of Commerce executive director Laura Trotter, who has been with the chamber for five year, said that she is impressed with the way downtown businesses have supported each other during the holiday weekend. And as the sounds of the Madrigal Singers caroling down Main Street blend with the lights and decorations, Stoughtonites can walk around town and take in the sights while enjoying the activities. “I always say one of the more fun things that happens is the horse and carriage rides, and that’s a new(er) event, so I’m really glad to see it coming back again,” Trotter said. “And a fan favorite is the holiday truck parade.” Throughout the weekend, Stoughton Rotary Park will display thousands of lights around the fire department down to the gazebo. Sponsored by the Stoughton Fire Department, the lights are
File photo by Kate Newton
Lila Yellowbird, of Stoughton, holds on tight to her brother Royson, while sitting on Santa’s lap last year at the Community Building. set to holiday music and can be seen throughout the month of December. The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library will hold its book sale fundraiser throughout t h e w e e ke n d a s w e l l , open at the library from 7 - 8 : 4 5 p . m . T h u r s d a y, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday and 1-4:45 p.m. Sunday. Though the weekend doesn’t officially kick-off until the opening gala and fundraiser Friday night, the Thursday night Love Light ceremony is also seen as the start of the Victorian Holiday events. Held at Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St., from 4:30-5:30 p.m., the event honors current or former members of the military, friends and loved ones. For a donation, attendees can submit a name of someone they’d like to honor. Those names are then read while the trees are lit up outside of the hospital – viewable from the warmth of the Bryant Health Education Center, where the program
File photo by Scott De Laruelle
Reese Bark, Ellie Trotter and Broderick McCloskey lead the Madrigal Singers down Main Street as they sing from store to store last year.
Madrigals perform Thursday, Saturday
is held. The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers will start their weekend of performances Thursday, joining Music on the Mezz at the library at 7 p.m. The Madrigal Singers will make another appearance at the library, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. That will be followed at 9:45 a.m. with their downtown caroling, in full period costume. And once the official activities begin Friday, the weekend offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that can be sure to inspire the holiday spirit.
The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers will help usher in the holiday season with some oldschool caroling and entertainment as they make they way downtown Saturday. The group is performing
at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in the cozy confines of the Stoughton Public Library, for a “Music on the Mezz” session. The group will also perform there at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. The Saturday morning
concert at the library will precede the Madrigals’ annual Victorian Holiday downtown tour, as they will go caroling in various shops and stores from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Scott De Laruelle
Kicking it off The opening gala, which marks the beginning of the annual Victorian Holiday weekend full of festivities, will be held from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. The historic funeral home at 206 W. Prospect St. will transform into a winter wonderland filled with holiday trees and decorations to kick off the Victorian Holiday celebration. Gala coordinator Amy Ketterer has been involved with organizing the event for 15 years, and said this will be the 10th year the event has raised money for the American Cancer Society. Ketterer is a volunteer with ACS and said that even though the organization doesn’t have an office in Stoughton, it still has direct ties to the community. “I remind people that they are (local) because I am, and the volunteers that work on behalf of them are right here,” she said. “That means a lot to me because every single year I do this, I meet more people who are surviving this disease. It’s phenomenal to see how many people
Friday Victorian Holiday officially starts with the annual Holiday Gala and Fundraiser. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 206 W. Prospect St., all money collected will go toward the American Cancer Society. Between the gala and the Tour of Homes fundraiser that also will raise money for ACS, gala coordinator Amy Ketterer said she has a goal to raise
Turn to Holiday/Page 7
Happy
Holidays!
If You Go What: Victorian Holiday Opening Gala When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Where: 206 W. Prospect St. Info: amy.ketterer@gmail. com
suffer from it but go on to live (with a) good quality of life and long lives.” The event will feature a basket and paddle auction, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Second Swing Around will return this year, sharing its vintage 1940’s style swing music. “Somebody can come to the event Friday night and they can enjoy it for all it is and spend very little money but know that if it’s a bottle of water or a glass of wine at the bar, or bidding on something at the auction, or the (suggested) $5 donation at the door, everything pulled in
On the Web For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit:
cancer.org goes to the American Cancer Society,” Ketterer said. Though the gala has become a Victorian Holiday tradition in the last several years, it wasn’t always the opening event for the weekend celebration. “There was the Victorian Ball, but when that ceased to exist we saw the hole on Friday night in the grander schedule of Victorian weekend, so we thought it could be a great kickoff event that could be something that brings people out, gets everyone together and is festive and gets people ready for the weekend that is loaded with events,” Ketterer said. For information, contact Ketterer at amy.ketterer@ gmail.com. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
Stoughton Hairstyling would like to thank all of you for a wonderful 2017! May you and yours have a Very, Merry Christmas!
adno=548437-01
Karla, Amy & Kathy
608.282.6000 | 400 W. Main St, Stoughton | home-savings.com
Stoughton Hairstyling 248 W. Main St, Stoughton
877-CUTS (2887)
adno=546583-01
www.connnectstoughton.com
November 30, 2017
3
Victorian Holiday
Schedule of events
Friday, December 1
• 9 a.m., Friends of Stoughton Public Library book sale, library, 873-6281 • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stoughton Floral open house, 168 E Main St., 873-6173 • 5:30 p.m., Holiday light show, Stoughton Rotary Park, Sixth and Jefferson Streets, stoughtonwi.com • 6:30-10 p.m., Opening gala (suggested $5 donation), 206 W. Prospect St., amy.ketterer@gmail.com
Saturday, December 2
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cookie Walk, United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave., 873-3273 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stoughton Floral open house, 168 E Main St., 873-6173 • 9 a.m., Friends of Stoughton Public Library book sale, library, 873-6281 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Second Chance Animal Advocates bake sale, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St., 205-6636 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Victorian Holiday arts and crafts show and sale, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St., stoughtonwi.com • 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Livsreise holiday tree and mitten display, 227 W. Main St., 873-7567 • 9:30 a.m., Music on the Mezz performance with the Madrigal Singers, library, 873-6281 • 9:45 a.m. to noon, Madrigal Singers Caroling, Arts District downtown, stoughtonwi.com • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Winter Artisan Market, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St., choruspublichouse. com/info • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stoughton Village Players holiday open house, 255 E. Main St., stoughtonwi.com • Noon to 3 p.m., Santa’s Workshop by Stoughton Kiwanis, Community Building, 320 North St., stoughtonwi.com • 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Horse-drawn carriage rides ($5 per person, $20 per family), West Main Street at South Division Street, stoughtonwi.com • 1:30 p.m., StageWorks Projects Inc. presents “The Nutcracker Ballet” ($15), Stoughton High School auditorium, 600 Lincoln Ave., stoughtonperformingarts.com • 5:30 p.m., Holiday fire truck parade of lights and party, 401 E. Main St., stoughtonwi.com • 5:30 p.m., Holiday light show, Stoughton Rotary Park, Sixth and Jefferson Streets, stoughtonwi.com • 7:30 p.m., Stoughton Opera House presents Ho Ho Joe and the Stanton Holiday Show (tickets $17), 381 E. Main St., 877-4400 • 7:30 p.m., StageWorks Projects Inc. presents “The Nutcracker Ballet” ($15), Stoughton High School auditorium, 600 Lincoln Ave., stoughtonperformingarts.com
Sunday, December 3
• 8-11:30 a.m., Breakfast with Santa ($8, $4 kids under 10), Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Hwy. B, stoughtonwi.com • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stoughton Floral open house, 168 E Main St., 873-6173 • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Victorian Holiday arts and crafts show, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St., stoughtonwi.com • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Second Chance Animal Advocates bake sale, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St., 205-6636 • 1 p.m., Friends of Stoughton Public Library book sale, library, 873-6281 • 2 p.m., Music on the Mezz performance with Liquid Courage, library, 873-6281 • 3-7 p.m., Victorian Holiday Tour of Homes ($25 advance, $30 at the door), 309 Garfield St., 215 N. Division St., 619 Greig Trail, 1780 Skyline Drive, amy. ketterer@gmail.com • 5:30 p.m., Holiday light show, Stoughton Rotary Park, Sixth and Jefferson Streets, stoughtonwi.com
Photo submitted
StageWorks Projects Inc. will offer two opportunities to see its production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” during Victorian Holiday weekend.
StageWorks presents ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
T h e N u t c r a c ke r w i l l return to the Victorian Holiday celebration, as Stoughton High School will host two performances of the famous ballet this weekend. Nearly 80 performers will sing and dance their way across the stage during performances at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, featuring returning performers and entire families from all over southern Wisconsin. Coleen Kehl, executive and artistic director for both StageWorks Projects and Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts, described the “mysterious and magical” arrival of Uncle Drosselmeyer, the focus of the
If You Go What: StageWorks Projects, Inc. presents “The Nutcracker Ballet” When: 1:30, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Stoughton High School auditorium, 600 Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $15 Info: Stoughtonperformingarts.com storyline. “His magic begins with dancing dolls, gifts for all the children and a ‘Nutcracker’ doll for Clara,” she described in an email to the Hub. Though the classic ballet
On the Web For more information about StageWorks Projects Inc., visit:
Stoughtonperformingarts. com has been in production for several years, some changes were made to bring the performance a little bit closer to home. “Since we are based in Stoughton, we leaned into the Norwegian heritage and renamed our Mother Ginger and her Bon-Bons to Mother Lena and her Krumkake,” Kehl wrote. This season’s production boasts new choreography and an additional “Angel” soloist. “There is always a new
approach to choreography and staging from one season to another,” Kehl wrote. “This keeps the performance and performers fresh in addition to showcasing the individual talents of each performer.” The ballet is staged every year in rotation with an original ballet version of “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets are $15 for both children and adults and are usually available up until the day of the performance. They can also be purchased in advance by calling the Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts at 8730717 or online at stoughtonperformingarts.com. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
Wishing You and Yours A Blessed Holiday Season!
Dr. Brady Haferman
PROGRESSIVE family eyecare
608-873-2020 105 Kingslynn Rd., Stoughton www.progressivefamilyeyecarewi.com
F AMILY O WNED & O PERATED S INCE 1869 206 W Prospect Ave 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com
adno=546580-01
Make sure to use your benefits and flex dollars before the end of the year.
adno=549497-01
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
4
November 30, 2017
Victorian Holiday
www.connnectstoughton.com
Tour of Homes gives back to the community AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
T h e To u r o f H o m e s returns to Victorian Holiday Sunday, and tour organizer Amy Ketterer has another reason to be excited this year. Ketterer has volunteered with the tour for the last 15 years, and for the first time, her home at 619 Greig Trail will be among the featured homes. The event raises funds for the American Cancer Society and will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the four homes around Stoughton. Tickets in advance are $25 and can be found at McGlynn Pharmacy, 100 E. Main St. They can also be purchased at the door of any home on the tour the day of, but are an extra $5. A volunteer with ACS, and a coordinator of the opening gala event, Ketterer said the tour is something she looks forward to every year. “Over the years, I have lost a lot of friends and colleagues to the disease, so what’s just as important to me is honoring the legacies of those people,” Ketterer said. “But the people who are still living with it are such a huge part of why we do what we do.” Before the tour became a fundraiser for ACS, it was run by the hospital and then R Olde House Society, Ketterer said. “So it has been around for years and years, and when they stopped doing it, we saw the opportunity to turn it into a fundraiser,” Ketterer said. Now, all money collected during the event will go directly to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland. “It’s not about how big or glitzy the house is, that’s not it,” Ketterer said. “It’s about having the heart to do it, because it is for a great cause.” Three miles separate the homes, so be prepared to walk or pack up in the car to avoid potentially blustery weather. Read the descriptions of each of the four homes on this year’s tour, submitted by the hosts:
The Luke Stoughton Home, 215 N. Division St., is featured on the Tour of Homes this year.
Photo submitted
If You Go What: Tour of Homes When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Where: 309 Garfield St., 215 N. Division St., 619 Greig Trail, 1780 Skyline Drive Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door Info: amy.ketterer@gmail. com
309 Garfield St.
We are really excited to participate in this year’s Stoughton Holiday Tour. As a breast cancer survivor, having family and friends that have lost their battle to cancer, participating in an American Cancer Fundraiser is an honor. Raising money for research is going to be our best bet on beating this horrible disease. My home was built in The home at 309 Garfield St., owned by Kim Lockwood, is featured on the tour. 1900. Based on the Historical Registry it was considstripping wallpaper, paint- never a dull moment. ered a Queen Anne H.W. 14 years. Since we moved into the ing and refinishing floors. The holidays are a speCollins House. We’ve lived house, we’ve done a lot of We remodeled the family cial time of year, which I in the home for just over room, adding windows and enjoy hosting and all the chaos that goes with it. I a patio door. My family surprised me can’t say I really have a the year I was diagnosed theme at Christmas, I feel with cancer by adding an each room takes on a life of awesome deck on the back its own. From the dancing of the house. It was a great Santa to the singing Grinch place to rest after chemo along with my favorite Norwegian Heritage The The Norwegian Heritage Center isfor the whole family! treatments that summer. 4-foot penguin — and let’s Center is for the whole The last few summers, not forget the grumpy old family! addition In addition tohundredsIn of artifacts and vintagetoimages, we’ve spent a lot of time 1950s Santa. hundreds of artifacts and in the yard. We’ve added Decorating for the holvintage images, westorybooks havewith we have exciting interactive kiosksand several storage buildings idays and baking is one of exciting interactive kiosks along with creating multi- my favorite times of year ple flower gardens. along with sharing the short accounts of Norwegian Immigrants and storybooks withwhosettled short in I hope you have a warm holidays with family and accounts of Norwegian and welcoming feeling friends. the Stoughton area. We havewho a “Mapsettled Wall’ where you Immigrants incan when you step into our We look forward to sharthe Stoughton area. We home. The sunroom is one ing our home with all of build a sample auditorium have a immigrant “Mapjourney. Wall’Ourwhere of my favorite rooms to you. you can build a sample sit quietly and listen to the offersa large selection ofjourney. videos.Please Our call usat immigrant birds sing. We watch the – Kim Lockwood auditorium offers a large abundance of rabbits roll6088737567 formore information or visitour website: selection of videos. Please 9:30 am- 4:30 pm ing around in the yard (eat- 215 N. Division St. call us atwww.livsreise.org 608-873-7567 for ing my flowers), squirrels The Luke Stoughton Piomore information or visit our chasing the chipmunks and neer Home is coming alive 277 West Main St. website: www.livsreise.org let’s not forget the sandhill again this Christmas with a cranes wondering around new focus. Last year during Stoughton, WI 53589 adno=548501-01 in the back yard. There is the Holiday Home Tour, the
Tuesday-Saturday
Photo submitted
Stoughton Historical Society re-created a Yankee pioneer Christmas taking place around 1860. This year, we invite you to tour the home as the residents trace their roots back to Norway during the holiday. The setting for this year’s Holiday Home Tour event is between 1870 and 1900, when Stoughton saw a tremendous influx of Norwegian immigrants. Christmas meant so much to these newcomers who were holding on to their homeland traditions while adopting some new traditions from a very different place called Wisconsin. The Stoughton Pioneer Home is one of the Stoughton Historical Society’s three museums and is only open for special events. Research for this celebration was provided by Livsreise, our museum and the Stoughton Public Library. We are pleased to be part
Turn to Tour/Page 5
www.connnectstoughton.com
November 30, 2017
5
Victorian Holiday
Tour: Skyline Drive home has views of Capitol Continued from page 4 of the Victorian Holiday celebration and are excited to share our community’s past with all of you. See you on Dec. 3. – Stoughton Historical Society
619 Greig Trail So many times, as we drive through neighborhoods that aren’t exactly old but aren’t quite new, we realize it’s sometimes challenging to imagine what is characteristically special about a 30-something-year-old home. However, personally, just when we catch ourselves thinking this, we smile at the ways in which we have made our house our unique home. We are the second owners of this cozy home and since 2005, we have worked together to turn it into the space that makes us most comfortable. The screen porch, which was added in 2009, is our three-season haven. The bookcase on the upper floor, built in 2010 by my parents, Glenn and Mary McNaughton, has been a dream come true. And the kitchen remodel in 2016, which nearly doubled our working counter space, makes every day in it joyful. Our lower level is intentionally designed for relaxing and entertaining. We love to play card games, and the staging you will see on Dec. 3 is tremendously common in our home. This year, we are thrilled to be decorating for the holidays with such a deep and purposeful reason. We are eager to share our home with you, honored to support this great cause and sincere in wishing you a lovely and safe holiday season. Thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society. – Tony and Amy Ketterer
1780 Skyline Drive Our home is located on the north side of town near the intersection of Hwy. B and Skyline Drive, and we are honored to participate in the 2017 Holiday Home Tour in support of the American Cancer Society.
The style of our home is a Cape Cod by Madison architect Frank Riley, who designed the Madison Club, as well as many homes in the Maple Bluff area. Commissioned by Stoughton local businessman and entrepreneur, Clark Osterheld, the home was completed in the early 1930s on a knoll with views to the State Capitol on a clear day. After a decision to make a life change and move from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago, we conducted an extensive search around the Madison area to find a home that was different from others on the market. On a crisp October fall day, we turned down the tree-lined drive wrapped in golden autumnal colors and knew it was the place. We were immediately drawn to the home for its warmth, unique woodwork and charming character. Located on Skyline Drive, the home narrowly escaped significant damage from the 2005 tornado and was vacant for almost two years prior to us purchasing the home in December 2007. Over the past 10 years, we have been lovingly restoring this “project home” room by room, inside and out to reflect its historical significance while keeping true to traditional details. As with many older homes, we encountered many surprises along the way but have enjoyed bringing the home back to life. We are the fourth owners of this beautiful home. Longtime Stoughton residents may have memories of playing on the property with the families of Clark Osterheld and Kenneth and Fran Kingery. Mr. Osterheld has been recognized on the Stoughton Hall of Fame for his work with hydroelectric power and the construction of the Dunkirk dam. As the inventor of an “efficient” electric water heater in the late 1940s, the original model is still on display in our basement today. Mr. Kingery, also an inventor, was a renowned author and a strong supporter of youth programs in the Pleasant Springs/Stoughton area. Although an ongoing “work in progress”, we invite
Photo submitted
The home at 619 Greig Trail, owned by Amy and Tony Ketterer, is featured on the tour.
The home at 1780 Skyline Dr., owned by Brent Eastabrooks and Todd Cieslak, has a Capitol view on a clear day. you to explore and appreciate the uniqueness of our home. Throughout the tour, volunteers will share stories of the home that we have collected over the years. – Brent Eastabrooks and Todd Cieslak
Get Connected
Photo submitted
Victorian Holiday Satturdday Eventts at the Bank
Find updates and links right away. Search for us on Facebook as “Stoughton Courier Hub” and then LIKE us.
Trusted Care. Close to Home. Happy Holidays!
Stoughton Hospital Emergency & Urgent Care 608-873-6611 Urgent Care 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily including holidays
Stop in at our Downtown Location to enjoy:
Inside:
y Visit Santa!
I Band & Orchestra Performance by River Blu Students w Free tasty sweets & treats onsider stopping into one of our oces & isiting our “Giving Trees”. Now through Dec 31st , we’re collecting donations & non- perishable food items for arious organiations, including the local
Downtown Location Lake Kegonsa Location
www.msbonline.com
207 South Forrest Street 608.873.6681
3162 County Road B 608.873.2010
adno=546581-01
stoughtonhospital.com
Community Banking Since 1904
NMLS# 596586
adno=546579-01
Food Pantries & The Stoughton Holiday Fund!
6
November 30, 2017
Victorian Holiday
www.connnectstoughton.com
Chances to meet Santa AMBER LEVENHAGEN
If You Go
Unified Newspaper Group
If You Go What: Breakfast with Santa When: 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Where: 700 County Hwy. B Info: Stacey Wright, 669-2501
File photo by Scott De Laruelle
Dan Prueher of the Stoughton Village Players was a busy man last year, serving as unofficial SVP tour guide as he showed people the theater’s backstage and some inside information on how the group changes scenes so quickly. Here, he points out to Sakari Wenc, of Stoughton, the hinges on a set piece, which are used when a quick setting change is needed.
Go behind the scenes
207 S. Forrest St., will also offer a chance to take pictures with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. He will also make an appearance after the Holiday Fire Truck Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, at the fire station, 401 E. Main St. For information about the Santa workshop, call Stacey Wright at 6692501. For information about the breakfast with Santa, visit stoughtonwi. com.
Stoughton Village Players to host open house Dec. 2
Ever been inside Stoughton’s first movie theater, built nearly 100 years ago? The old Badger Theater – now home of the Stoughton Village Players Theater – is the setting for a holiday open house during Victorian Holiday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. People will get a chance to see a variety of holiday performances and learn
shopsaintvinnys.com • facebook.com/Vinnys-Stoughton
We wish all a very happy holiday season!
adno=549873-01
Plan your special holiday gathering with us or simply take some time away from the holiday hustle to enjoy an evening out.
Open Wed.-Sat. at 11a.m. Closed Sun., Mon. and Tues. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New year’s Day. Open New Year’s Eve:11am
www.springersonthelake.com
open house, though this year, Prueher said they are excited to include musical performances in the historic venue. The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers will perform at 10:15 a.m and 12:15 p.m., with Linda Kunz and friends taking the stage at 11:15 a.m. and the Stoughton Chamber Singers Small Ensemble closing
Get in the holiday spirit at the Opera House as Ho Ho Joe and the Stanton Holiday Show roll through Stoughton on their tour across the Midwest. The holiday show features spoken word poetry, theater and festive songs. California-based Joe Craven and Wisconsin native Stanton West will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Opera House, 381 E. Main St. The show is a “celebration of the season,” paying tribute to a “diversity of traditions,” according to a news release. Craven was awarded the 2009 Folk Alliance Far-West Performer of the Year award. A former museum curator, he has created music with a variety of musicians from around the
who realized “he would never quite fit the mold, embraced his uniqueness, picked up a right-handed guitar and What: Ho Ho Joe and the Stanton started playing it upside-down,” the Holiday Show release said. West is in his 20th year of perWhen: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 forming, and is frequently featured Where: Stoughton Opera House, on Simply Folk, a Wisconsin Public 381 E. Main St. Radio show, and Car Talk, a National Info: stoughtonoperahouse.com Public Radio show. He has performed with dozens of Tickets: $17 artists, including Greg Brown, Pieta Brown, Johnsmith, Trampled by Turtles, The Lowest Pair, The Pines and world, such as Jerry Garcia, David Charlie Parr. Lindley, Alison Brown and David Tickets are $17 and can be ordered Grisman. by calling 877-4400 or online at He joins folksinger Stanton West stoughtonoperahouse.com. who “sees the world from the perspective of a six-and-a-half-foot tall, Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber. left-handed, freckle-faced redhead” levenhagen@wcinet.com.
If You Go
Celebrate the Holidays with Savings! December 1st-23rd
‘Tis the Season to Sparkle & Shine
• 10% off gift cards $50 or greater • Full service salon and spa including massage, skincare, makeup,
◆ Custom Design/Full Service
waxing, nails and hair.
Jewelry/Repair.
• 20% off retail, if you buy 2 or more products. Great assortment of natural and organic products including essential oils, body care and makeup.
◆ Paying Top Dollar for Your
Unwanted Gold, Silver & Coins
• Free gift with purchase of every gift card $50 or more. Full size farm house fresh hand cream with every gift card $100 or more.
◆ Watch Batteries ONLY 3.99
213 S. Division St., Downtown Stoughton
873-5542 cornerstonespa.com
adno=548588-01
139 E. Main St, Downtown Stoughton 608.873.3529 ◆ shopds.net Mon.-Fri 10am-5:30pm; Sat. 10am-2pm
adno=546578-01
Shop Saint Vinny’s Holiday Shop in Stoughton
New Winter Hours:
more about the theater, as well as the current residents, voted Madison Magazine’s “Best of the Burbs” theater group. “We like to let people know why that is and why that’s so special,” SVP veteran Dan Prueher told the Hub. Last year was the first time the group hosted the
things out at 1:15 p.m. Prueher said the group had fun last year serving as tour guides through the old theatre, showing people around and in some cases providing some fun handson work with stage props. “There were a ton of people that hadn’t been in our theater or were just curious about the behind-the-scenes stuff backstage; to see kind of how we do lights and sounds and all those types of things,” he told the Hub last week. “We thought that was a great opportunity to just open the theater up and just take em on a tour. It’s such an asset to have such an historic theater.”
Opera House hosts holiday show
t
(608) 205-9300
What: SVP Victorian Holiday Open House When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Stoughton Village Players Theater, 255 E. Main St. Info: stoughtonvillageplayers.org
Unified Newspaper Group
y d n re
3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton
If You Go
SCOTT DE LARUELLE
Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber. levenhagen@wcinet.com.
OR
Traditional
What: Santa’s Workshop When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Community Building, 320 North St. Info: stoughtonwi.com
adno=546584-01
Kris Kringle plans to step away from the North Pole to meet with families during Victorian Holiday weekend. Families with small children can visit Santa’s workshop at the Community Building, 320 North St., from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The event is free for kids with an adult. There will be live music, cookie decorating, face painting, craft tables and a chance to visit and take a picture with Santa. The event is coordinated by the Stoughton Kiwanis Club and the Stoughton High School Key Club. There will also be an opportunity for children and families to enjoy breakfast and meet with Santa during Breakfast with Santa at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 C o u n t y H w y. B . O n Sunday, Dec. 3., from 8-11:30 a.m., there will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, milk, juice and coffee. The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers will perform at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids under 10. All proceeds from the event will benefit the music program. McFarland State Bank,
www.connnectstoughton.com
November 30, 2017
7
Victorian Holiday
Selbuvotten ‘Knitted-mitten’ display open through December AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
Holiday: Victorian Holiday events run throughout the weekend Continued from page 2 $7,000 for the organization that coordinates the annual Relay for Life of Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland. There’s a $5 suggested donation at the gala door, but Ketterer said they do not monitor that. There will be an assortment of “beautiful” complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar with wine and beer, a paddle auction and a vintage swing dance music performance by Second Swing Around, which has performed the event for several years.
Saturday Families don’t have to venture too far from downtown to find plenty of activities – both indoors and out – for everyone to enjoy. Santa will take a break from working at the North Pole to visit with children a few times throughout the day. He will be at McFarland State Bank, 207 S. Forrest St., for pictures and a middle school band performance from 9 a.m. to noon. He will then head to his workshop, sponsored by Stoughton Kiwanis, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Community Building, 320 North St. There will be an opportunity to take pictures with him, enjoy live music, cookie decorating, face painting and crafts. The event is free for kids with an adult. He will also be at the fire station after the fire truck parade at 5:30 p.m. River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St., will open at 9 a.m. with the Second Chance Animal Advocates Bake Sale and
the annual River Bluff arts and crafts show and sale. SCAA is a local non-profit and thrift store that raises money to help support vet bills for local pets. The bake sale will offer a variety of baked goods, doggie treats and candy. There will also be pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and hot beverages. A vintage popcorn maker will also be on site. Both events run until 4 p.m. Livsreise, 277 W. Main St., will offer a Norwegian focus, with decorated Norwegian holiday trees and collection of Selbuvotten mittens. The mittens were made by descendants of Norwegian immigrants in the Stoughton area, some dating back over 100 years. The exhibit will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Local artisans will display their products and artwork again this year at the Chorus Public House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with live music featuring traditional Irish singer Andreas Transo. The event is organized by the Stoughton Community Farmers Market. Also beginning at 10 a.m. is an opportunity to see a different side of the Stoughton Village Players, as the group will offer tours of its historic theater, built in 1921, until 2 p.m. Those looking to see something on stage can see one of two performances of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” at 1:30 and again at 7:30 p.m., by StageWorks Projects Inc. The ballet features 80 performers from around southern Wisconsin and will be held at the Stoughton High School auditorium, 600 Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $15
and can be purchased online by visiting stoughtonperformingarts.com. The Opera House, 381 E. Main St., will also offer a special holiday show. Ho Ho Joe and the Stanton Holiday Show will perform starting at 7:30 p.m. The performance features holiday music, spoken word and theater. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 877-4400. Back outdoors, new horse carriage rides will offer an idyllic view of the Main Street holiday decorations, and Victorian Holiday participants can catch a glimpse from behind a pair of Clydesdale horses. Starting at Division Street, carriage rides will run from 12:303:30 p.m. and are $5 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds will go towards the American Family Children’s Hospital and the Badger Childhood Cancer Network. The Holiday Fire Truck Parade of Lights doesn’t start until 5:30 p.m., but parents can take a pit stop at The Next Generation, 161 E. Main St., between 1-3 p.m. for children’s activities. The fire truck parade begins at Hoel Avenue and West Main Street, and continues down Main Street with no sirens. The trucks make their way to the fire station, 401 E. Main St., for the after party. Attendees can enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies, a performance by the city band and face painting.
Sunday Though Sunday isn’t as
busy as Saturday, a few long-celebrated Victorian Holiday featured events will return to wrap up the weekend. Santa will make his final appearance for breakfast at Christ Lutheran church, 700 County. Hwy. B, from 8-11:30 a.m. For $8, or $4 for kids under 10, enjoy all you can eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit and beverages. The Madrigal Singers will perform every hour starting at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event go to the SHS music program. There will be a final Music on the Mezz performance featuring Liquid Courage, a four-member barbershop quartet from Madison’s Capitol Chordsmen Choir at 2 p.m. and will be held at the library. Four beautifully decorated homes, featured on the Victorian Holiday Tour of Homes, will be open for tours from 3-7 p.m. Tickets in advance are $25 and can be found at McGlynn Pharmacy, 100 E. Main St. They can also be purchased at the door of any home on the tour the day of, but are an extra $5 at that time. All money collected will go directly to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland. For a full schedule of Victorian Holiday events, visit stoughtonwi.com. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
Photo submitted
An exhibit featuring Selbu mittens will be on display at Livsreise during Victorian Holiday weekend.
The Ultimate Holiday Gift…
Wisconsin Style!
We ship anywhere. Stop in or call today!
• 140 Unique Varieties of Cheese • Cheese Gift Boxes - Always Enjoyed, Never Returned • Artisan Cheese Trays to Complete Any Holiday Party/Occasion • Fresh, “Squeaky” Curds Every Thursday • Fresh Lefse Hours: M-F 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun Closed
183 E. Main St., Downtown Stoughton • (608) 873-1777
Order online at cheesers.com
Ship Early For Christmas Delivery
Wishing you the Happiest Happy Holidays of Holidays & a Prosperous New Year! Thomas M Fendrick Financial Advisor .
1609 Hwy 51/138 Ste 102 Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-8502 www.edwardjones.com
Victorian Holidays Bake Sale
at River Bluff Middle School Saturday, Dec. 2 • 9-4 pm Sunday, Dec. 3 • 9-2 pm Lunch also available: Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hot beverage.
adno=546574-01
All proceeds go to animals in need!
Member SIPC
Serving Dane and Rock Counties since 1948
Terra Herale Owner
608-256-5189
adno=546576-01
Photo by Kate Newton
adno=548758-01
Happy Holidays & A Prosperus New Year from:
adno=549402-01
Dave Hornung and daughter Evie, of Stoughton, stop by to say hi to Tilly after taking a carriage ride last year.
Norway has a long knitting tradition that can be seen around this time of year in warm, intricately detailed sweaters. The knitted Selbu mitten, “Selbuvotten,” has its own history dating back to the 19th century, and more than a dozen will be on display at Livsreise, 277 W. Main St., through the month of December, starting during Victorian Holiday weekend. Marg Listug, manager of Livsreise, said she had been thinking about something “beautiful” to add next to the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree display during Victorian Holiday weekend, and stumbled onto a guide for knitting the mittens that was offered at a Stoughton Recreation Department class in September. “We polled our staff and volunteers to find mittens and they are all on loan from them,” she wrote to the Hub in an email. “Some have been gifts, one pair came over with an early Stoughton immigrant over 100 years ago, some have been knitted
by family in Norway and some have been purchased when on vacation in Norway.” The history of the mitten is well-documented, according to a news release explaining the patterns and origins of the garment. On a cold winter Sunday in 1857, two sisters wore handmade knitted mittens to their regular Sunday church service, and “it was the mitten patterns and expression that virtually revolutionized Norwegian knitting traditions.” “ T h ey b e c a m e ve r y popular among the locals with attempts to outdo each other in the beautiful design work,” the release explained. Traditional Norwegian knitting patterns include Setesdalkofte, Marius sweater, Fanakofte and Selbuvott. But the mittens had two-colored star patterns that were an up-and-coming trend at the time. The patterns took names from parts of daily life, such as “the Coffee Bean Rose,” or “the Tree Rose,” according to the release. In addition to the display, there will also be a presentation by Allan Holzhuter about the process of knitting Selbu mittens at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. For information about the exhibit, visit livsreise. org.
8 Victorian Holiday - November 30, 2017
Wishing you a blessed holiday season filled with joy, love and much peace.
We Take Care of Your Family by Taking Care of Your Family’s Car
(608) 873-8800
Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. Closed
1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton • conantauto.com Friend us on Facebook • Home of the 2 year, 24,000 mile warranty
adno=548997-01