Wonders
of WALWORTH
COUNTY Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
Spring 2016
Page 2
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
SPRING 2016
STUDY TO LOOK INTO POTENTIAL USES FOR
White River Park barn Friends of White River Park
looking to engage Peter Scherrer Group for study of barn BY Kellen Olshefski STAFF WRITER
The Friends of the White River Park group is getting the ball rolling on the White River Park barn project with a little help from Walworth County. Walworth County Director of Central Services Director Eric Nitschke said during the Feb. 15 Walworth County Parks Committee meeting county officials had met with the friends group and Peter Scherrer about the next steps for the barn. Nitschke said the county is looking to work with the friends group to bring Scherrer on board the project to complete some background work. The Peter Scherrer Group, based out of Burlington and formed as a father-daughter team in 2009, primarily focuses on real estate development and construction as well as consulting services related to real estate and facilities solutions. At this point, Nitschke said the county isn’t spending any funds on the project, though it is doing it in partnership with the group, as it is the county’s barn. He said the
hopes are for Scherrer to provide for some research on architects, what could possibly come of the barn and do some of the initial documentation and the steps needed to find and raise funding sources for the project. “Really, the idea is that we’re going to continue to move forward, but the friends group is going to contract with Mr. Peter Scherrer to start the process of doing some of the initial planning for the barn itself,” he said. Citizen-member Merilee Holst said when the county first started looking at the barn, the idea was that classrooms and the like would be downstairs, though wanted to know more about plans for the barns upper level. Nitschke said the general thought process is doing the legwork to find an architect to look at various uses for the barn, be it a place to rent out or a place for learning. However, what he said needs to happen before those discussion can be had is data needs to be gathered regarding costs, architectural renderings for what the barn could like and structural and internal upgrades needed. “That’s where there’s a preliminary
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FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
More than 100 people gather in 2014 as part of a grand opening celebration at the White River County Park on the site of Duane Clark’s former farm in the Town of Lyons. Since then, the Friends of the White River County Park group has formed and is now undertaking the renovation of the barn.
engagement letter with the Peter Scherrer Group with various steps and the county is working with the friends group to walk through those steps,” he said. Once they reach the point of determining a specific use for the barn, Nitschke said the county would be much more involved in the project. “Right now, it’s more of a data, information gathering to get to the donation and funding portion of this,” he said. County Administrator David Bretl said the Walworth County Board previously approved authorizing the friends to conduct the study, as well as naming the barn after Walworth County Board Chairwoman Nancy Russell,
providing funds are raised to complete renovations. Bretl said the both the committee and County Board would see the project again, being the county has to approve not only donated money, but the business plan and architectural plan. While he said he’s not exactly sure what plans are for gathering input from the community and board members, he said he wouldn’t be surprised if the barn ended up being a nature and learning center on lower floors and some type of room or rental on the upper level. “That will be up to the direction that you provide and the board as well,” he said.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 3
off the
TRACY OUELLETTE Wonders of Walworth County
Bill Melvin Jr. (left), owner of Erik Buell Racing in East Troy, and Erik Buell with the first 2016 Erik Buell Racing motorcycle on the East Troy village square. The bike, which rolled off the line March 17, will be donated to charity. Production at the East Troy plant is underway and Melvin said he is looking forward to a successful future.
Erik Buell Racing bikes back in production BY Tracy EDITOR
Ouellette
When Erik Buell Racing locked its doors in April 2015 and went into receivership, laying off 130 workers, many people thought it was the end of the line for the motorcycle production company. It was the second time Buell had closed its doors, the first in 2009. And while the company came back from the 2009 bankruptcy, bringing the plant back online in 2013, its success was short lived and by early 2015 the company ceased production and once again, went into receivership. Buell Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith said the goal was always to bring the company back, but because of complication on the legal side, what they hoped would be a three- to four-month receivership, turned into a 10-month process. Then, in January of this year, the company was sold to Liquid Asset Partners LLC, a Grand Rapids, Mich., liquidation company. What happened next couldn’t be predicted by anyone. Instead of selling off the Buell assets, which is what liquidation companies do, the new owner, Bill Melvin Jr., asked how quickly could the Buell motorcycles be put back into production. Melvin, a motorcycle enthusiast, and owner of several Buell racing bikes, didn’t want to sell the company for parts, he wanted to put the globally known bikes back on the line. And he wanted to do it now. “Out of all the companies we see, Erik Buell Racing was one of the most viable, healthy companies with a strong team and a good, really good, product,” Melvin said. “It was ready to restart.” Melvin said it was an easy decision to open the plant again.
“They had built a great thing here and we said go and do what you do best,” he said. “We make the greatest American sport bike in the business and it’s built right here in East Troy.” Melvin said he’s grown to love the community and travels here frequently for the business and for the people. “I feel right at home here,” he said. “We share the same values and sense of humor. I love visiting and going to the local restaurants on the square.” Once the decision to reopen Buell was made, things moved quickly. “Within two to three days of Bill buying it, we were moving,” Smith said. “The first thing we did was get parts out to people who needed them.” Smith said Melvin was excited to be part of the rebuilding of Buell. “I think this was like a lifelong dream for him,” Smith said. “He has a huge collection of vintage bikes and a lot of Buells. With this being the only American sports bike company, I think he gravitated toward that.” Melvin said it was important to him to produce the bikes in America. “The first bike off the line had to have an American flag on it,” Melvin said. “We’re going to donate it to charity. Something with a military theme, but we haven’t quite decided which one yet.” Buell’s involvement Smith said Erik Buell is still very much involved in the day-to-day operations and they call him the “soul of the company.” “We couldn’t do this without his knowledge of the racing industry and engineering,” Smith said. “Our bike is an American icon and it’s because of Erik. We have to hold that close to move the company forward.
“Erik is our soul when it comes to product decisions. He has such a long history in racing and with Harley Davidson, he was the head of racing for years, he’s in the motorcycle hall of fame for crying out loud. This doesn’t happen without Erik.” What’s next? Smith said the company is ramping up production slowly with about 25 bikes expected off the line in March and 40 to 50 in February. The goal is to put out 500 bikes this year and expand on for 2017.
Wonders
The of Walworth County A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR: ........................................................... Tracy Ouellette EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: ........................................Sharon Soch CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ......................................... Sue Z. Lange ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: .............................Vicki Vanderwerff SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING: .................Karen Dubinsky
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On the cover A goldfinch gets a drink. (ROBERT MISCHKA PHOTO)
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
“It’s a very modest start,” Smith said. “But we need to be careful. With our history, we need to build up consumer confidence and we need to build up that confidence with our suppliers.” The plant employs about a dozen people at the moment, but as production increases, so will the workforce. “We will double that easily this year,” Smith said. “We need to be smart and prudent with every step we take, but we will be building up.” Smith said he wanted the community to know the company is here to stay and committed to the community. He said many former employees volunteered their time to help get things back up and running
SPRING 2016
and for the media event and open house March 17. He said they couldn’t have done what they did without their help and wanted the community to know they were dedicated to giving back as much as they could. With the financial resources of Melvin and his company, Smith said this time Buell would make its comeback stick. He said he knew how important it was to East Troy and the community that has always supported the company. “When word started getting around that something was happening here, we had people literally knocking on our door asking what they could do to help,” Smith said.
TRACY OUELLETTE Wonders of Walworth County
Erik Buell Racing Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith describes how Buell motorcycles are hand-build around the engine. Smith said the company is putting out one to two bikes a day and will slowly ramp up production over the next several months with the goal of producing 500 bikes this year.
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Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis said. “I am thrilled they are finally open.” Sean Patel, owner of the Delavan Super 8, purchased the hotel from Stonecrest Hospitality in November 2013 and originally announced he would open a new hotel at the site in May 2014. Patel said the rehabilitation of an older building turned out to be a bigger project than he anticipated. Patel said an older building being reopened as a new business must meet modern standards and the building presented several unforeseen challenges in bringing it up to state code. For example, Patel said, he discovered after much of the drywall was completed that the building’s electrical system needed to be replaced. He said the new sheetrock had to be ripped out and replaced after the electrical system was brought up to code, and that resulted in an eight-month delay. Patel said part of the problem with the electrical system was that the previous owners began remodeling the building before deciding to pull out of the project and they did not do it correctly. He also said some of the vendors he hired to do the work did not finish on time. “Although it took longer than originally thought to open, I believe it was a bigger project than anyone really thought until work actually began to remodel it,” said Alderman Ryan Schroeder, chairman of the Downtown Delavan Project Management Team. “I’d rather the project take a little longer and get done right than the alternative, which was no one perhaps stepping up to take on this challenge,” he said. “The hotel would have remained unoccupied and perhaps condemned down the road.” “It was a lot of work to refurbish that building,” Nieuwenhuis said. “They encountered more things than they •HOTEL from page 2
envisioned.” Patel said he took on the project as a business opportunity and he said the city and the state helped make the project possible. He said the city worked with him on parking space behind the building, and the state provided a $200,000 grant through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Patel will continue to own and operate the Delavan Super 8. Patel also owns the Microtel Inn in Janesville and a Days Inn in Madison, all under the name Best Hospitality LLC. “The business owners downtown are very happy we are open,” Patel said. “People will come to the hotel and visit other businesses and shops.” “It will bring in a lot of people to stay there and to visit other local businesses,” Nieuwenhuis said. Patel said Baymont, which signed on as the franchise for the new hotel early in the process, has been very nice to work with. “They patiently waited for us, and they are very happy we are open,” he said. Front office manager Daiana Niemier said business has been good since the opening. Patel said all 60 guest rooms are open including king suites with wet bars and standard rooms with two double beds. A continental breakfast is complementary with a night’s stay and the 100 percent smoke-free hotel offers free Wi-Fi. The hotel boasts that it is surrounded by entertainment and is well located for business trips to the Delavan area. The hotel will offer two meeting rooms that are not open yet. The hotel will also offer a fitness room and its own restaurant and bar called Arcadia Bar and Grill that will serve traditional American food. Two retail spaces are available for other local businesses on the first floor. Patel said he is working on filling those spaces.
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SPRING 2016
SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Katelyn Rosenow, a sophomore at Delavan-Darien High School, is seen with many of the items collected for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Marshfield during Relay for Life of Walworth County’s event last July. Rosenow’s drive for Hope Lodge was part of the reason Relay For Life of Walworth County won the Community of Hope award at this year’s Wisconsin Relay For Life Leadership Conference.
hope
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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I want to continue giving back by making sure that others have the very same opportunity to have these programs.” - Katelyn
Rosenow, Relay For Life of Walworth County
Walworth County Relay for Life brings home coveted award from Wisconsin conference BY Kellen Olshefski STAFF WRITER
For Relay For Life of Walworth County, what was a day of learning, inspiration and sharing ideas at the 2016 Wisconsin Relay For Life Leadership Conference ended with a big surprise: winning the Community of Hope award. The annual award is given to an event that successfully implements mission-related activities in order to positively impact the cancer burden and increase American Cancer Society awareness in their community, and demonstrates that through leadership, initiative and creativity in programming. Heidi Schulz, a cancer survivor and
team captain of the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life team, said the Event Leadership Team of Walworth County set a goal at the beginning of the year to focus on the American Cancer Society mission. She said they chose to focus on two key areas: promoting awareness of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and achieving ACS CAN CLUB recognition, and educating members about Hope Lodge and collecting needed items. The minimum nationwide standards at the event level for CLUB recognition include designating a volunteer or staff member to track results and distribute CLUB •see materials and the recruitment of at HOPE page 10 least 40 American Cancer Society
SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Rosenow displays an award at the Relay Leadership Conference on Feb. 20 after accepting the Community of Hope Award for the Relay For Life of Walworth County.
Fusing passion WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
with
SPRING 2016
life
Area artist works with fused glass, aims to create art while encouraging others to join her
hat began as a passion has fused itself into a business that’s peaking the interest of residents throughout the area, just like the glass artwork that draws them through the doors of the small Elkhorn studio and shop in the first place. Debbie Pflanzer, owner of Firefly Art Glass in Elkhorn, said she first delved into creating artwork by fusing glass about six years ago. An art major and graphic designer, she said she was burnt out on the graphic design path she was on. Chatting about pottery kilns while speaking with the art teacher at Tibbets Elementary School in Elkhorn, she said the conversation soon turned to glass kilns. “I went home and started looking through books on Amazon,” she said. “I was like, oh
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Area artist Debbie Pflanzer, owner of Firefly Art Glass in Elkhorn, works on a glass birdbath, placing pieces of copper which will be fused between two pieces of glass.
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my God, I love this stuff.” Pflanzer started taking classes on fused glass artwork, trying to learn as much as she could while continually increasing her passion for the artwork and it wasn’t too long – only about four to five months – before she had a glass kiln of her own and home studio in the basement. Creating art in her basement, Pflanzer was taking her creations to art shows, selling them to friends and giving them away as gifts, all the while continuing classes in the art form. “I took more classes, just learning different things, and I’d go back home and try all the techniques I had learned,” she said. “It was like, there’s no going back. I just loved it so much. It doesn’t even seem like work; it’s just fun.” With customers wanting to come to the studio and people wanting her to teach them the art, Pflanzer said she knew she wanted a more permanent shop and studio, somewhere outside of the home where she could more readily invite the public in. While originally looking at studio spaces with the Geneva Lake Arts Association, Pflanzer said she saw the open space at 39 N. Wisconsin St. while visiting Bernie’s Pub and Grill, just down the hall and stairs from her shop. “I just thought, that would be so perfect,” she said. “I talked it over with my husband and we decided it’s time to try it and move the studio out of the house.” Pflanzer opened the shop in December. In addition to having her own place, it allowed her to open a space where people would come specifically for her glass artwork and not to simply browse all of the artists at shows. And as a bonus, she no longer had to worry about packing and traveling with glass artwork. “People come here and they’re interested,” she said. “Here, it’s the select people who really are interested in my artwork.” Outside of creating artwork, Pflanzer also creates jewelry, and is completely open to doing custom pieces and orders for customers. She even offers her services and studio to help other fused glass artists get the materials and space they need. As for the future, Pflanzer aims to continue growing, getting the word out to the community that it’s an enjoyable art and encourage people to come and join her. “It’s something that’s really fun to do and it’s a nice alternative for Elkhorn,” she said.
Firefly Art Glass Firefly Art Glass LLC, can be found at 39 N. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn. The shop and studio is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. To see more of Owner Debbie Pflanzer’s artwork, learn what upcoming classes are being offered or to check out artwork available for purchase online, visit fireflyartglass.com. Pflanzer can also be reached at the store at (262) 723-2030.
“It’s something new here, it’s different. I think if people realized that, they’d really enjoy learning more about it. “You see them walking by and they look in the window and I just want to yell, come on in!” Additionally, she said she’d like to increase her inventory and as the shop grows, to find a little help so she can prep for classes and free her up to do more artistic things. “If I had my way, I’d just be playing with glass all day,” she said.
Working with glass “You start with glass,” Pflanzer said. With a sheet of glass, specifically – which for the record, comes in many different colors and patterns, not just clear. Pflanzer said she starts with an idea, cutting the glass to fit her needs and different molds. “Basically, I just do what comes to mind,” she said. “Sometimes the glass will have different patterns and I’ll work with that.” After gathering her materials, Pflanzer lets her inspiration direct which way the project will go next. To be clear, Pflanzer said fused glass artwork differs from both stained glass and glass blowing. With fused glass artwork, the artists creates different layers of glass and then through the use of a glass kiln, fuses, or melts, the layers together to create a spectacular piece of art. Pflanzer said it usually takes a couple of runs through the glass kiln to finalize a piece, noting the first time through is usually fusing all the pieces together into one flat piece. From there, the fused flat piece is then run through the kiln again, this time in a mold, forming the glass into bowls, plates or for instance, a bird bath, like Pflanzer was working on recently. “It just takes different temperatures for each process, so you can’t do it all at one time,” she said. Pflanzer said it’s a long process, which has to be done carefully, slowly heating and cooling the glass to avoid shattering. However, Pflanzer said broken glass is also a great thing in itself, noting glass is a reusable art medium. “That was one of the things I really liked about glass,” she said. “You have very little waste. I keep even the smallest pieces to use as decorative elements and other things.” Furthermore, while the glass has a decorative purpose, Pflanzer said all of the glass she uses is food safe and she tries to make things that can have multiple uses. Unlike some pieces one might find at big box stores, she said these are made in the United States, right here in Southeast Wisconsin.
Teaching others When looking for a permanent shop, Pflanzer said she had a lot of people
Flat pieces of glass are layered with little bits and pieces of broken glass to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. After layering the glass, Pflanzer fuses the piece in a glass kiln.
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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“
If I had my way, I’d just be playing with glass all day.” – Debbie Pflanzer, owner Firefly Art Glass
interested in learning the artwork from her. want to know about breaking the glass and As a result, Pflanzer now offers classes, how it fuses together, gives you a general offering multiple classes, each different and idea and lets you go with it.” at a different price point, on multiple nights In addition, Nancy said Pflanzer’s right of the week, truly making it available for just there to help give you the technical pointers about everyone. to make sure a piece fuses together properly Classes change each month and to really create a stunning piece of art. Pflanzer said she has an email list and From there, Nancy said Pflanzer has sends information out to students each said from the get-go once students get more month, informing them of the upcoming comfortable, they’re more than welcome to classes she’ll be offering. Information and come and use the studio space to work on registration for upcoming classes can also be their own projects. found on her website at fireflyartglass.com. Nancy said the pair will definitely be So far, Pflanzer said classes have been returning for more classes in the future – popular, with numerous students returning. having already booked their next class – and While she said the classes are open to all – will continue to bring and encourage others men, women and children – she does request to come. parents don’t bring too young of children to “It’s just so much fun,” she said. “Once classes where they are actually cutting glass. you get into it, it’s a great project to do with However, she said she does offer walk-in your daughter or for a girls’ night out. It’s classes for younger students, where they can really just a nice, relaxing time.” come in and build things like a night-light or a pendant, or take on a smaller scale project. But don’t just take Pflanzer’s word for it; listen to what her students have to say. Nancy Allen and her daughter Faith, 11, both of Delavan, have now attended two classes and look forward to attending more. Furthermore, they look forward to bringing others with them. “We wanted to do something different and we wanted to spend some quality time together,” Nancy said. “My daughter talked me into it. She said, ‘Mom, let’s just try it, it looks like a lot of fun,’ and it actually really is.” Nancy said what they’ve really enjoyed about the classes so far is while there is a set project, Pflanzer gives them the basic tools and the knowledge to complete the project and then encourages them to let their inspiration complete the rest and really make a piece of art that reflects them. “She kind of gives you the general idea, but then she encourages you to personalize it, KELLEN OLSHEFSKI Wonders of Walworth County make it your own,” she said. “It Pflanzer uses this glass kiln to fuse her artwork was really cool that she wasn’t together. The kiln heats up the glass and melts it tolike, ‘Oh no, this is our project, gether. Once cooled, Pflanzer can then use a mold we’re going to do it like this.’ “She tells you everything you to turn the artwork into a plate, bowl or other things.
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SPRING 2016
Black Point recruiting volunteers for 2016 Black Point Estate, the historic house museum on Geneva Lake, is recruiting volunteers for the 2016 season. In 2015, about 7,500 people attended programs at the estate, which is owned by the State of Wisconsin and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Attendance to this lovely estate has steadily increased since we’ve opened. We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteer support but we are always seeking additional help,” said Black Point Director David Desimone. “Welcoming visitors to the historic property is a lot like having company on a daily basis. There is a never-ending list of chores and tasks that need completed. “We anticipate another very busy year and hope to recruit additional volunteers so that we can provide the best possible visitor experience.” Volunteers at Black Point can learn about the history of the region, make new friends and give back to the community. Multiple opportunities are available to volunteers including giving tours and arranging flowers. New volunteer training will begin in April. Registration is open now. Black Point volunteers said the history and the visitors are among the perks of volunteering at the estate. “The people are so nice and it is a wonderful experience greeting the many visitors each day” said Lois O’Brien, Black Point’s resident piano player. “Working with the other staff members and researching the rich history of the Seipp family and Geneva Lake creates a strong feeling of friendship in the support of keeping history alive,” said Burlington resident Tom Yoder. Volunteer Jan Palzkill said she looks forward to each day at Black Point because she learns something new every time. Retired teacher Diane Thompson said volunteering allows her to share her knowledge. “I am still teaching only this time with different material and to a variety of people,” she said. “Not only is giving a tour rewarding, but getting to know the staff and volunteers has been fun. We have researched various topics, formed a book club and often gone on historical outings, which have strengthened our friendships. I would encourage anyone to become a docent and discover a new world.” Volunteers can register by contacting volunteer coordinator Jill Westberg at (262) 248-1888 to learn more.
STATE OF WISCONSIN PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Black Point Estate is recruiting volunteers for the 2016 season. The historic museum on Geneva Lake is open for tours during the summer season.
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Classic cars line the parking lot of Annie’s Burger Town in Elkhorn during the spring of 2014, with the drive-in’s sign indicating carhop service has returned for the summer months.
Serving up the ‘50s all year round
Elkhorn drive-in features carhops delivering nostalgia However, Halpin said, catering isn’t just a solution for the winter months either, noting they cater numerous While some operate only seasonally, outside events and even take their pizza Jeff Halpin, who owns Annie’s Burger wagon to the fair and flea markets. Town in Elkhorn with his wife, said “That’s where we’ve been able to the decision to keep their drive-in open grow more business,” he said. “But it year-round is driven by many factors. feels like the restaurant can’t push too Closing in the winter gave the family much more out of here on some days.” an opportunity to travel, Halpin said. Halpin said he and his wife – who Now, with their children being involved came from a restaurant background – in school activities, they decided they like the drive-in style setup and Annie’s might as well be open year-round. Burger Town offered them something a “A little bit coming in is better than little bit different. nothing coming in,” he said. “It wasn’t a breakfast crowd, it The Halpins have owned Annie’s wasn’t a lot of indoor seating, it was Burger Town for 23 years. It was more fun,” he said. “It’s fast-paced, previously owned by Annie and Dan that’s for sure, but it’s a little bit more Harkness, who ran it for about 17 laid back.” years, according to Halpin. He said When it comes to the summer the restaurant has been a staple of the months, Halpin said they’re typically community, originally opening as a five to 10 times busier. The carhops Dogs ‘n’ Suds around 1958. have been a huge draw for their “We’ve been here for a long time, business. I feel like we’re pretty rooted in “Once we get the carhops going, Elkhorn,” he said. “As far as history that seems to be the draw,” he said. “It’s and small-town appeal, we’re that.” nostalgic and everybody likes that. The business remains family owned, Halpin said he’s often thought with Halpin having most of his children about offering drive-through service work there, with the exception of their – something that would help them in 3-year-old daughter. the winter months – but fears it would On surviving as a drive-in through detract from the carhops in the summer. the winter months, Halpin said Annie’s “In the summer, that’s our thing, and Burger Town has turned to delivery that’s why we’ve always stuck to it and and even catering, noting Thursday promoted it.” morning they catered to a group at the Halpin said the drive-in typically Dancing Horse’s Theatre just outside of starts carhop service around May, when Delavan on Highway 50. extra help is available from local high “We deliver and we do some catering, school and college students. He said so that keeps us going,” he said. they get a lot of people coming in from BY Kellen Olshefski STAFF WRITER
area lakes during the summer. “It’s fun to see…I have people coming in that worked for me as kids bring their kids in,” he said. Halpin said they also get a fair amount of walk-in traffic and crowds coming from events such as baseball games. Halpin said the business has stuck with a traditional American-style drivein menu, selling ice cream, various sundaes, shakes, malts and even continuing to make it’s own root beer. With prices of food rising and quality seeming to drop, the Halpins are taking more control, roasting and slicing their own Italian beef, smoking their own pulled-pork barbecue and even using their own homemade breading on onion rings and chicken strips, for example, Halpin said. With peoples’ eating habits changing the drive-in has also adapted by adding healthier alternatives, such as salads and wraps, to the menu. Halpin said Annie’s used to host classic car shows on Sunday nights, straying away from Saturdays when their friends, who owned Michael’s Drive-in in East Troy (now Gus’s Drive-in) hosted classic cars. “We didn’t want to take anything away from them, so we were Sunday nights, and then Sunday nights kind of got to be a rougher night to do things,” he said. Halpin said he now tries to focus one or two big car shows each year. Annie’s Burger Town is at 645 N. Lincoln St., in Elkhorn.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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Cancer Action Network members at each event. Events meeting the standards receive a banner to display at events and a sticker for each year they achieve the goals set by the program. Events that reach 100 members receive a certificate signed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network President and event exceeding 200 members are acknowledged at the National Relay for Life leadership summit. Schulz said to achieve CLUB status, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network staff and volunteers attended the Walworth County Relay kickoff last year, came to relay meetings to talk about the network and promoted it via Facebook. At last year’s relay, a spokesperson spoke during the opening ceremony, set up a table and visited each campsite. As a result, Schulz said Relay for Life of Walworth County was able to sign up more than 40 members. •HOPE from page 5
Walworth
Lafayette
Delavan
SPRING 2016
190232
Sugar Creek • Elkhorn • Millard • Richmond • Turtle Lake
Hope Lodge As for the needs drive for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Marshfield, Schulz’s daughter, Katelyn Rosenow, is working with the help of Meghan Havill, staff specialist with the American Cancer Society’s Madison office. Hope Lodge provides a free housing for adult cancer patients and their caregivers who travel to Marshfield for cancer treatment typically not available in their home communities. Cancer patients at the non-medical facility receive support from professionals, families, friends and other cancer patients and a wide variety of cancer programs and services are available to help build moral during cancer treatments at the nearby Marshfield Clinic. Rosenow, a sophomore at Delavan-Darien
High School, reached out to Hope Lodge and after messaging and promotion of the lodge throughout the year at meetings and through social media, set up a needs drive for last year’s Relay for Life event. The needs drive table included testimonials from guests, a needs list, facts and the number of nights provided to Walworth County residents at the lodge. Last year’s event even featured a “Hope” lap when teams could drop off items as they passed the table and the DJ read facts about the lodge. This year will mark Rosenow’s seventh year participating in the Relay for Life team led by her mother and composed of friends and families of the Walworth County Cloggers. Schulz said Rosenow has been an active member of Relay for Life of Walworth County’s Event Leadership Team since she was 11, has acted as a co-chair on the Luminaria and entertainment committees, and has also co-chaired the Entertainment and Activities Committee with Elkhorn sophomore Ryan Marks. “Katelyn and Ryan have worked together to bring the fun to the event,” Schulz said. “She has attended Relay For Life leadership conferences for many years, but never had the surprise of walking to the stage to accept an award for the Walworth County Relay that she and so many others put so much time and hard work into planning.” This year’s annual Relay For Life of Walworth County will be kick off at 5 p.m. on July 15 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., in Elkhorn. All are welcome to attend and those interested do not have to join a team to participate. The event continues through the night into July 16. “Please plan on joining us at the Relay For Life of Walworth County to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer,” Schulz said.
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Things to do April
SPRING 2016
12 to 3 p.m. at 611 E. Geneva St. featuring children’s activities, blow-up fun house, food, raffles and m ore. Radio station Lake 96.1 will be doing a remote broadcast from the event. Proceeds to benefit Elkhorn Area High School. (262) 743-1800 27-29 The East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce’s 25th annual Community-Wide Rummage Sale; 40th annual Corn and Brat Roast and Brewfest. Roasted sweet corn, brats, hot dogs, burgers, soda and beer, and live entertainment East Troy village square on Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (262) 642-3770, easttroy.org
28 Lutherdale Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lutherdale Camp, N7891 Highway 12. Ticket cost for adults is $12, $7 for children 12 and younger. (262) 742-2352
27 Lutherdale Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lutherdale Camp, N7891 Highway 12. Ticket cost for adults is $12, $7 for children 12 and younger. (262) 742-2352
23 Earth Day Celebration – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gateway Technical College, 400 Highway H, Elkhorn, featuring a recycling center, live entertainment, raffle and door prizes, child-friendly activities, indoor farmers market, workshops and demonstrations. gtc.edu/celebrate-earth-day
30 Memorial Day Parade – downtown Elkhorn beginning at 11:30 a.m. (262) 2032434
29 Lutherdale Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lutherdale Camp, N7891 Highway 12. Ticket cost for adults is $12, $7 for children 12 and younger. (262) 742-2352
May
1 Bustle Hustle 5K Run/Walk and children’s 1K race – 8:15 a.m. at Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle. Participants receive a T-shirt, museum admission voucher and a healthy snack. Prizes awarded to top finishers in each age division, and all 1K youth runners. Call (262) 594-2922 for registration costs and to register
30 East Troy Memorial Day parade, 10:30 a.m. steps off at the intersection of Beulah Avenue and Union Street. The parade ends on the East Troy village square where Memorial Day observances. A ceremony at the graveside of East Troy’s most recently deceased veteran will follow the ceremony. (262) 642-3818 30 Lauderdale Aqua Skiers performance – Future team at 5:30 p.m., main team at 6 p.m. on Don Jean Bay. www.aquaskiers.com
June
1, 15 Limber Timbers Square Dance Club – dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Darien Senior Center, 37 Park St., Darien. Cost is $5 per adult, $2 per child. (262) 275-6373 or www.limbertimbers.org 3-5 Lady Legends Ball Club’s “Swing Into Summer” fast pitch softball tournament at Mitchell Youth Baseball Complex, 3090 Graydon Ave., East Troy. Teams are comprised of players from southeastern Wisconsin and seek to field teams for advanced softball play while teaching kids the skills and discipline necessary to enhance individuals, teach solid sportsmanship and team play in a competitive setting. The tournament will consist of 30 to 40 teams for girls 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U. For more information or registration forms, go to www. ladylegendsballclub.com 3, 10, 17, 24 East Troy Farmers Market, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the East Troy Village Square. Vendors selling homegrown and local produce, specialty items, meats, baked goods, crafts, live music and activities. (262) 642-3770 4, 11, 18 Minneiska Water Ski Show Team performs at 7 p.m. on Whitewater Lake at Scenic Ridge Campground, N7991 R & W Townline Rd., Whitewater 4 Vintage Base Ball: Eagle Diamonds – 10
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
Page 11
a.m.-5 p.m. with game at 1:30 p.m. Celebrate America’s favorite pastime and enjoy an old-fashioned game at Old World Wisconsin, S103 W37890 Highway 67, Eagle. (262) 594-6300 www. oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org 4, 5 Wisconsin DNR Free Fun Weekend – Free entry to state parks and forest, free DNR trails, free fishing on all Wisconsin waters and free ATV/UTV vehicle riding on public trails open to such uses. No license required. 4, 11, 18, 25 Walworth County farmers market – Veterans Park on the downtown square, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (262) 723-7733 6, 13, 20, 27 Lauderdale Aqua Skiers performance – Future team at 5:30 p.m., main team at 6 p.m. on Don Jean Bay. www.aquaskiers.com 10 Night Under the Lights – hosted by the Elkhorn Parks and Recreation Department, 5 p.m. at Harris Park, Wright Street. (262) 741-5114 10, 11 Rummage sale – city-wide in Elkhorn Although we make every attempt to provide accurate information regarding area events, dates and times may change or events may be canceled. We suggest verifying event locations and times before you finalize your travel plans.
4 Opening Day of Fishing Season – on all inland Wisconsin waters. Licenses and regulations apply. 6 Kentucky Derby Party – 1:30-6p.m. at Evergreen Golf Club, N6246 Highway 12. (262) 723-5722
4, 18 Limber Timbers Square Dance Club – dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Elkhorn Area Middle School, 627 E. Court St. Cost is $5 per adult, $2 per child. (262) 2756373 or www.limbertimbers.org 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 “42nd St.” – performance by Lakeland Players, Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday performances at 3 p.m. at the Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. Call for ticket cost. (262) 7285578 or www.lakeland-players.org 14 Open Door Elkhorn – downtown business open house, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Elkhorn. (262) 723-5788 or elkhornchamber.com 15 Antique Flea Market – at 7 a.m. at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, Highway 11, 7 a.m. Cost is $5. (414) 525-0820 or www.nlpromotionsllc.com 20, 27 East Troy Farmers Market, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the East Troy Village Square. Vendors selling homegrown and local produce, specialty items, meats, baked goods, crafts, live music and activities. (262) 642-3770 20, 21 Demolition Derby at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. (262) 723-3228 21 Educators Credit Union Block Party – from
One of the East Troy Electric Railroad trains makes its way back into East Troy on the line from Mukwonago. Regular rides operate from April to November with regular service into Mukwonago’s Indian Head Park.
East Troy Railroad announces 2016 schedules Railroad adds more trains, plus a new stop at Indianhead Park in Mukwonago
The 2016 schedules for the East Troy Railroad Museum include more trains, more dinner trains, and a longer route that includes a stop at Indianhead Park in Mukwonago. Riders boarding at Indianhead Park will purchase their tickets at the Elegant Farmer station, which will be staffed on most weekends this year. The first day of the regular operating season was April 30. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains depart from East Troy at: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Trains depart from Indianhead Park at: 10:40 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m.,
1:40 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. All trains will continue to stop at the Elegant Farmer store and deli. Trains will depart the Elegant Farmer for East Troy at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
More dinner trains, new theme trains The popular dinner trains and pizza trains will continue, and there are several new “theme trains” designed to appeal to just about everyone. Dinner trains offer four-course meals with table settings on linen tablecloths. Pizza trains are more casual, family affairs that also feature a more attractive price tag. Theme trains offer something inbetween and feature Italian, Mexican, German or Classic American fare. Visit the East Troy Railroad Museum website for more information and to book your reservations. Reservations are required for all dinner trains.
Special events Special events planned for 2016 include: • Railfan Day, June 25 – Each train will run with a different set of railroad cars. Remember that tickets are good all day, so passengers can ride as many trains as they want. • Chicago Day, July 16 – The South Shore cars will be featured in a joint event with the National Park Service, including interpretive staff and rangers. This year is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. • Milwaukee Day, Sept. 24 – The railroad will feature its Milwaukee and Sheboygan street cars with various TMER&L equipment on display. • Christmas Trains, Nov. 26 through Dec. 18 – The popular round trips to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer. For more information, visit www. easttroyrr.org or call (262) 642.3263.
FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
7 East Troy Lioness Club’s Kentucky Derby Party from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ivan’s Backstage, 2087 Division St. Watch the derby, raffles, games, free tap beer and house wines and more. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. (262) 642-5480
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
SPRING 2016
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