Valley Sentinel - 08-10-2023

Reunion Restaurant newest food option for Downtown Spring Green

Housed in a historical downtown building, Reunion seeks to bring food lovers a welcoming, locally-sourced dining experience

Local restaurateurs Kyle Beach and Leah Spicer, founders of Homecoming Restaurant opened their second dining establishment — Reunion — in mid-July. The restaurant has already become a destination restaurant to the River Valley area and beyond.

The history of the Neoclassical Revivalstyle building that Reunion calls home — The former location for the State Bank of Spring Green— dates back to 1915. The building has been registered with the National Register of Historic Places since July of 2010.

Many elements from the interior of the bank have remained intact, including the vault and the vault doors which Reunion now uses as a part of a unique room that patrons can dine in.

Following the closure of the State Bank of Spring Green in 1962, the building served as a studio for a local artist that

called the building The Treasury. Since then, it has been used as a restaurant, formerly Freddy Valentines and Last Leaf Public House.

Spicer and Beach use their collective knowledge, skill and care to continue to share co-management duties for both

Homecoming and Reunion.

Previously of Homecoming, Chance Spivey takes the helm of Reunion’s kitchen as lead chef. Spivey grew up in a small town near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina called Loris. Having roots and living in both North Carolina and South

Exit Interview: Closure of Lone Rock Bistro leaves a hole, Q&A with owner

Recently, the Lone Rock Bistro and Taproom (234 S Oak Street, Lone Rock) announced its closure, effective at the end of July. Opening shortly before the New Year in 2021, the Bistro offered different local tap beers and elevated American style food and cocktails. It quickly became an area favorite, winning Best New Restaurant in the Best of the River Valley reader poll, with several other wins in following years. This closure came on the heels of the turnover of Roarin’ 20’s Dining and Social Club and the closure of

Rocketman Pizza (1170 Main St, Plain), both co-owned and operated by Mike Haight after starting the Bistro. We asked Haight how he’s holding up, what happened and what the future of the food industry looks like in the area.

Q&A with Mike Haight, co-owner and general manager of Lone Rock Bistro and Taproom

Valley Sentinel: Roaring’ 20s, Rocketman Pizza, now Lone Rock Bistro and Taproom — that’s a lot in a short time, how are you feeling?

Mike Haight: I have mixed feelings. Roarin’ 20s was heartbreaking because after closing I found out that David [Moreno], who now runs his restaurant in that space, had been lying to my mother [co-owner Janet Haight] and I for the duration of our relationship and I will always wonder if we could have had a different outcome without him involved. The feeling of his betrayal is real and something that has taken a lot of reflection and work to process. As for the Bistro, my biggest sadness is that the village I live in is losing a good food option that I enjoyed. Sammi [Rose]

Carolina, Spivey attributes his love for food to his family. His grandmother and grandfather took him to eat at varying area diners and restaurants while growing up. Spivey’s mother encouraged him to continue cooking from a young age and he continues to share a close bond with her and his family that remain on the east coast.

Spivey encourages creativity with cuisine and on the colorfully plated meals that leave Reunion’s kitchen.

“I love making homemade pasta. I love everything about it; cracking the eggs, making a well of flour, the process of kneading it. The whole process of making food is just so fun,” said Spivey. “I love having and allowing for creative freedom within the kitchen for our staff and hope to create a relaxed environment. In the kitchen, I will have our staff come up to me and say, ‘Chance, how do we plate this?’ I say, ‘I don’t know, let’s find out’.” said Spivey.

Spivey and chef Christian Amador of Homecoming Restaurant met while serving as cooks in the same kitchen,

continued on page 10

and Justin [Scofield] had been running it since I left to do Roarin’ 20s and I was more or less just the landlord there for the last 2 years. When Roarin’ 20s closed I got more involved and we made some staffing changes and menu adjustments but it was too little too late to save the place. I'll forever be grateful to them for their efforts. We are all moving on with the other positive things in our lives.

VS: How directly or indirectly is this closure related to the closure of Roarin’ 20s and Rocketman Pizza?

continued on page 4

Amberly Mae-Cooper, Contributor

Photo by Amberly Mae-Cooper Chef Chance Spivey and co-owner Leah Spicer going over the newest menu at Reunion. Reunion recently opened at 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green, in the space formerly occupied by Last Leaf Public House.

Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

The Local-News Crisis Is Weirdly Easy to Solve

Restoring the journalism jobs lost over the past 20 years wouldn’t just be cheap—it would pay for itself

Zak Podmore did not bring down a corrupt mayor. He did not discover secret torture sites or expose abuses by a powerful religious institution. But there was something about this one article he wrote as a reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune in 2019 that changed my conception of the value of local news.

Podmore, then a staff journalist for the Tribune and a corps member of Report for America, a nonprofit I cofounded, published a story revealing that San Juan County, Utah, had paid a single law firm hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbying fees. Among other things, Podmore found that the firm had overcharged the county, the poorest in the state, by $109,500. Spurred by his story, the firm paid the money back. Perhaps because it didn’t involve billions of dollars, but rather a more imaginable number, it struck me: In one story, Podmore had retrieved for the county a sum that was triple his annual salary.

You’ve probably read about the collapse of local news over the past two decades. On average, two newspapers close each week. Some 1,800 communities that used to have local news now don’t. Many of the papers still hanging on are forced to make do with skeleton staffs as their owners, often private-equity firms, seek to cut costs. The number of newspaper newsroom employees dropped by 57 percent from 2008 to 2020, according to a Pew Research study, leading to thousands of “ghost newspapers” that barely cover their community.

For the past 15 years, I have been part of an effort to reverse this trend.

Editor's Column

We had the opportunity to meet Steve Waldman, President of Rebuild Local News and co-founder of Report for America (and author of the piece you see at right) during the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Convention in March. Waldman was speaking about his initiatives and the importance of rebuilding local news, especially in rural areas. He was interested in our model and our plans for the future. The piece you see at right succinctly explains the danger to our democracy posed by the closure of newspapers, large group or hedge fund-owned newspapers and the rise of ghost and skeleton-crew newspapers. Independent community newspapers have impact that ripples outward. I would have loved to have been a part of Report for America after college, opportunities like that help train the next generation of journalists. Now let's make sure there are independent local community newspapers waiting for them.

— Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief

That means I’ve grown used to talking about the threat that news deserts pose to American democracy. After all, the whole concept of democratic selfgovernment depends on the people knowing what public officials are up to. That’s impossible without a watchdog press. Researchers have linked the decline of local news to decreased voter participation and higher rates of corruption, along with increased

raised the pay of the city manager to $787,637 and that of the police chief to $457,000. The Los Angeles Times eventually exposed the graft, and several city officials ended up in prison. Prosecutors accused them of costing taxpayers at least $5.5 million through their inflated salaries. These salaries were approved at municipal meetings, which is to say that if even one reporter (say, with a salary of $60,000) had been in attendance, the city might have saved millions of dollars.

issue, on average.

polarization and more ideologically extreme elected officials. At this point, I can make high-minded speeches about this stuff in my sleep, with Thomas Jefferson quotes and everything. Recently, however, I’ve come to realize that I have been ignoring a less lofty but perhaps more persuasive argument: Funding local news would more than pay for itself.

Unlike other seemingly intractable problems, the demise of local news wouldn’t cost very much money to reverse. Journalists are not particularly well compensated. Assuming an average salary of $60,000 (generous by industry standards), it would cost only about $1.5 billion a year to sustain 25,000 localreporter positions, a rough estimate of the number that have disappeared nationwide over the past two decades. That’s two-hundredths of a percent of federal spending in 2022. I personally think this would be an amount well worth sacrificing to save American democracy. But the amazing thing is that it wouldn’t really be a sacrifice at all. If more public or philanthropic money were directed toward sustaining local news, it would most likely produce financial benefits many times greater than the cost.

What do government officials do when no one’s watching? Often, they enrich themselves or their allies at the taxpayers’ expense. In the 2000s, some years after its local paper shut down, the city of Bell, California, a low-income, overwhelmingly Latino community,

Sometimes the work of journalists prompts government investigations into the private sector, which, in turn, produce fines that go into the public’s bank account. After the Tampa Bay Times found that a battery recycler was exposing its employees and the surrounding community to high levels of lead and other toxins, regulators fined the company $800,000. A ProPublica investigation into one firm’s questionable mortgage-backed securities prompted investigations by the Security and Exchange Commission, which ultimately assessed $435 million in fines. A review of more than 12,000 entries in the Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards found that about one in 10 triggered fines from the government, and twice as many prompted audits.

In other cases, local-news organizations return money directly to consumers by forcing better behavior from private institutions. MLK50, a local newsroom in Memphis, teamed up with ProPublica to report that Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare had sued more than 8,300 people, many of them poor, for unpaid hospital bills. In response, the faithbased institution erased nearly $12 million in debt.

Of course, most journalism does not convert quite so immediately into cash on hand. The impacts may be enormous but indirect. One study of toxic emissions at 40,000 plants found that when newspapers reported on pollution, emissions declined by 29 percent compared with plants that were not covered. The study did not track the ripple effects, but it stands to reason that residents in the less polluted areas would have fewer health problems, which in turn would translate to lower medical costs and less lost work time. Another study, by the scholars Pengjie Gao, Chang Lee, and Dermot Murphy, looked at bond offerings in communities with and without local news from 1996 to 2015. It concluded that for each bond offering, the borrowing costs were five to 11 basis points higher in the less covered communities. That translated to additional costs of $650,000 an

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, WI Rep. Derrick Van Orden (Dis.-3) has proven that he is unfit for public office. During the wee hours of Thursday morning, July 27, his unchecked temper caused him to lash out at a group of teenage senate pages in the capitol rotunda. Senate pages are 16- and 17-yearolds who assist Senators. When Senators work late, as happened Wednesday night, pages are allowed to rest in the nearby rotunda.

Following Van Orden’s verbal assault, one of the pages wrote down his exact words. “Who the f--- are you?” Van Orden asked. One person said they were “senate pages.” Van Orden fired back: “I don’t give a f--- who you are, get out!”

He called the pages “jackasses” and

“pieces of s---,” and told them he didn’t “give a f--- who you are.” “Wake the f--up you little s----. … What the f--- are you all doing? Get the f--- out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s---],” Van Orden bellowed. “You jackasses, get out!”

The incident, which happened very early Thursday morning, outraged Senators who were working that night, calling the string of foul language “horrible.” Further, House members were shocked that Van Orden refused to apologize to the teenagers for his malicious attack.

Punchbowl News recently reported that “This is not the first time Van Orden has flashed his temper. He reportedly threatened a 17-year-old library page in his home state over a gay pride display

One academic tried to track the economic effects even further downstream. In his book Democracy’s Detectives: The Economics of Investigative Journalism, the Stanford professor James Hamilton looked at a series by KCBS in Los Angeles that uncovered a flawed restaurantinspection program. The exposé prompted L.A. County to require restaurants to display their inspection scores, which in turn led to a 13.3 percent drop in L.A. County hospital admissions for food poisoning. Hamilton estimated a savings of about $148,000. In another case study, Hamilton analyzed a series by the Raleigh News & Observer that found that, because the state criminaljustice system didn’t adequately keep track of those under supervision, 580 people on probation in North Carolina killed someone from 2000 to 2008. After the state implemented reforms, murders committed by people on probation declined. Applying the statistical “value of human life” used by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Hamilton concluded that society saved about $62 million in just the first year after the policy changes. The series cost only about $200,000 to produce.

Ideally, investment in local news would come from the federal government, which has more freedom to think long-term than cash-strapped states and municipalities do. The Rebuild Local News coalition, of which I am president, supports legislation that would provide a refundable tax credit for news organizations that employ local reporters, and a tax break for small businesses that advertise in local news. A new version of the bill was just introduced in the House of Representatives by the Republican Claudia Tenney and the Democrat Suzan DelBene. Civic-minded philanthropists focused on high-impact donations should also put money into local news, given the likely societal returns. It’s impossible to quantify exactly how much money would be generated for government and consumers by restoring the health of local news. But it’s nearly as hard to deny that the investment would pay off handsomely. And the savingdemocracy part? Well, that’s just gravy.

Steven Waldman is president of Rebuild Local News and a co-founder of Report for America. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is a member of the Rebuild Local News project. Support for this project was provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. This piece originally appeared in The Atlantic.

and demanded to know who set it up.

The page in question had set the display up. She told her parents she did not feel safe to return to the library for work.”

Who among us would keep our jobs if this sort of temper tantrum and foul language were used at our places of work? I suspect none. As a former teacher, I know I would have been immediately suspended and probably fired in short order. Van Orden unfortunately may keep his House seat until the next election cycle. But next November, he deserves to lose his seat and never hold public office again. He’s shown everyone he is UNFIT.

Lee D. Van Landuyt

Hillsboro, Wisconsin

Friday Fish Fry” (2023) Photo by Taylor Scott

Pictured is the Lone Rock Bistro and Taproom in its final days before closure. This Friday marked the last Friday fish fry at the Bistro.

Steven Waldman, Rebuild Local News

Steven Waldman

Meeting Our Needs — Part 13: 'You’re too honest.'

“Meeting Our Needs” is a series that acknowledges the organizations and individuals who work to make our communities better, stronger, healthier and more inclusive. We know we face challenges and divisions among us, but we miss and underestimate the essential goodness of rural Wisconsinites when we fail to celebrate those who are lifting us up in so many ways. Let us hear your stories, contact bpestel@msn.com to be included in this series.

separated these two men. And that got me thinking. Too many of us may be viewing the world through the wrong lens. What separates us may not be our politics, but our degree of adherence and commitment to the principles of tolerance. It may be more effective if we begin viewing ourselves as being either in, and loyal to, the Tolerant Party or the Intolerant Party.

When political party is overlaid on this more fundamental divide and a conflict results, loyalty to political party needs to be the one to be set aside. You can’t serve two diametrically opposed masters. At least you can’t if you choose to live your life in an internally consistent and rational world.

Let me go back to some definitions and then provide examples of what I’m seeing here.

On to the quotes. This quote is on page 11 of the indictment:

“As a conservative Republican…I voted for President Trump and worked hard to reelect him. But I cannot and will not entertain a suggestion that we violate current law to change the outcome of a certified election…I …swore an oath to support the U.S. Constitution… It would violate that oath, the basic principles of republican government, and the rule of law if we attempted to nullify the people's vote…”

and “would bring mutually assured destruction for every future election.” I’m trying to compose a response to this – I’m at a loss. I cannot fathom anyone defending the leader of the Intolerant Party followed immediately by an appeal to the principles of the Tolerant Party. How is this guy’s head not exploding?

These quotes should make our brains scream obscenities at us over the confluence of two such extreme opposites coming out of the same mouth. What is wrong with these guys?

I thought I was done with this series, and then I read the Jan.6 indictment of Donald Trump and the Paradox of Tolerance again reared its head. The evidence of criminal conduct seems overwhelming. OK, innocent until proven guilty, that’s the law; that’s a rule the tolerant must adhere to if our government has any chance of surviving and meeting our needs. So, no comment on the charges, all I’m going to do is analyze some quotes given by witnesses.

“You’re too honest” was Trump’s response to Vice President Mike Pence when Pence told him that under the Constitution he had no authority to reject or return votes to the states. “You’re too honest” is the response of an intolerant man to a tolerant man (at least he sounds like one at the moment). It is not the response of a Republican to a Democrat; party affiliation is not what

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EDITORIAL

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On certain topics in areas of great community interest, the editors of the Valley Sentinel may take positions they believe best represent and serve the interests of the community. Any opinions or positions taken by the editorial board are separate and distinct in labeling and substance from the community journalism that appears in the rest of the publication and does not affect the integrity and impartiality of our reporting.

The USA is a liberal democracy, which is defined as a system of government in which individual rights and freedoms are officially recognized and protected, the exercise of political power is limited by the rule of law. Under this system of government, because tolerance of differences and equal application of the rule of law must be paramount, the Tolerant Party must prevail.

Since the Intolerant Party is not restricted by the principles of equality and rule of law, and they write their own rules to suit themselves, we have a problem that brings us to the paradox.

The philosopher Karl Popper wrote: “Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.”

The result is that the Tolerant Party cannot survive unless it is willing to be intolerant of the Intolerant Party. (Every time I write or say this something inside my brain starts screaming obscenities at me - #$*#ing paradox!)

This is someone who very much appears to want to live in the Tolerant Party. He “cannot and will not” violate his oath to the Constitution, the basic principles of a liberal democracy, and the rule of law. Yet, in the same statement he identifies himself with a political party and as a man who “worked hard to reelect” the obvious leader of the Intolerant Party. His loyalty to a political party has put him in direct conflict with his desire to be a member of the Tolerant Party. This has to be a very uncomfortable place to live if he stops to think about it. How does his head not scream obscenities at him? I guess we can hope that it does.

On page 19 of the indictment is another quote:

“…I fought hard for President Trump…I think he’s done an incredible job. But I love our republic, too. I can't fathom risking our norms, traditions and institutions to pass a resolution retroactively changing the electors for Trump... I fear we'd lose our country forever. This truly would bring mutually assured destruction for every future election…And I can't stand for that. I won't.”

This one really makes my head spin. The man thinks Trump has done “an incredible job” but Trump has just asked him to take actions that lead him to say “I fear we’d lose our country forever”

The paradox of this is real and should make our brains scream at us. We should be thankful for those screams because they force us to stop, think and act with extreme caution. The tolerant will always struggle with the dilemma of when and how to stand up to the intolerant. The one thing that the tolerant should never avoid, however, is to denounce the positions and statements of false equivalences from the intolerant. It would seem the intolerant are incapable of hearing the screams of their own brains trying to deal with the inconsistency of their positions. The tolerant should be vigilant, hear those screams and do what they can to drown out the voices of the intolerant.

So, this is where we are. A liberal democracy must be a tolerant society, and if loyalty to the Tolerant Party does not supersede political party affiliation when the two come into conflict, our democracy is at risk. If people in political positions of power do not see the absurdity of trying to serve two diametrically opposed masters, our democracy is at risk. If citizens of voting age do not see the seriousness of this dilemma, our democracy is at risk. …Or maybe I’m being hyperbolic? What is your brain screaming at you?

Beverly is a retired professor. She lives in a remodeled farmhouse and tends 40 acres of woodland in Richland County. When not in the woods she spends her time reading, writing and enjoying the beauty of the Driftless Area.

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CHRIS HARDIE'S 'BACK HOME' COLUMN

Cleaning up memories

Chris Hardie, Columnist

There is nothing predictable about memories, which are sometimes as harsh as the strike of the hammer on the anvil and the next moment as soft as puffy clouds in the blue summer sky.

I’ve forgotten much more than I remember, which will not improve as I age, but every so often the gate that holds back my recollections opens up and they flood my mind.

my last connection to him.

Bit by bit, object by object, tool by tool, I began to sort. There was never any organizational system when it pertained to Dad and his tools – a trait I unfortunately inherited. There were other items stored in the cabinets and here are the ones that captured Dad in many ways.

Deer antlers: On the top of a storage cupboard were nine pairs of deer antlers from over the years. Dad loved hunting and saved his antlers. I smiled when I discovered that sometime a few years ago when he kept the garage door open all the time a bird had built a nest on the bottom side of one rack.

Pliers: Dad always carried pliers and after wearing out a few pockets, he opted for a leather holster he wore on his belt. The pliers were used for everything from pounding nails, fixing stanchions or even pulling a loose tooth if I complained (which I learned not to do after one or two times).

Such was the case the day after the third anniversary of my father’s death when I finally got around to cleaning the garage of my parent’s former house. It was exactly one year after my mother moved from the home, which has been put up for sale.

The rest of the house had been sorted and cleaned, but the garage was the last. It’s not that I lack things to do, but perhaps my reason for delay was because it was the final domain of my father. Maybe deep down I felt like it was

Tape measure: The second of his three tools that he always carried – along with a pocket knife – was a small tape measure. He never needed it for larger measurements – he knew the length of his strike and would just walk it off.

Ruler: This small metal measurer reminded me of him because it was a promotion for Sunbeam bread. Dad actually despised the bread – he hated the soft consistency – so he used the name for any kind of bread that he hated.

Baseball: Dad loved baseball. He played for local farm teams and was one heckuva pitcher. During high school he

worked on his uncle’s farm during the day and then would play baseball at night. He was a fan of the Milwaukee Braves and later the Brewers. I’ve written a story about how my brother Kevin and I lost his treasured baseball that he once caught at a Braves game.

Ax: This ax was used for butchering chickens. Dad would cut off the heads on a stump, I would dip them in hot water and pluck and Mom would eviscerate. It was a hot and smelly job, but the meat was delicious.

Level: There were several antique levels in the garage. Dad’s father was a skilled carpenter. Dad was not. He was extremely capable, but never had the patience for the fine finish work. He was definitely from the “it’s good enough” school of carpentry.

Christmas tree stand: Some years Dad

Exit Interview: Closure of Lone Rock Bistro leaves a hole, Q&A with owner

continued from page 1

MH: Rocketman was more or less a casualty of Roarin' 20s and lives on as Goodfellas Pizza at the [Rite Way Plaza] shell station with the old Pizza Manager at Rocketman, Rich, as the new owner. Our relationship with Rich was damaged beyond repair when we found out he was aware of David's plans to move into the Roarin' 20s space behind my back. So Rich is on his own. The Bistro is related in the way that when I met with my team after closing Roarin' 20s/Rocketman we decided that the stress of everything and the working to just break even, or even lose money at times, was not the best use of our lives.

people came out in our last weeks after announcing the closing to say goodbye and thank you. It was very hard for staff in the last few weeks and emotions were running high at times. I commend them for getting through it with grace. It's never easy to face the people you are letting down.

VS: What’s the future for the Bistro? For the building?

MH: Right now I am looking to do one of three things: 1.) rent it to a new operator, 2.) sell the building, or 3.) change the concept into something simple that can be run with bar staff only. My team has decided to leave the food business so it won't be a restaurant with myself, Justin or Sammi at the helm moving forward. My number is on the sign out front if anyone is interested. I'm working with my partner on the building and I expect to have this sorted out one way or another by Spring. I can't afford to just leave it empty.

VS: What does the Valley restaurant scene look like right now? What challenges and opportunities are out there for existing and prospective businesses?

losses in such a short time makes it very hard to give positive advice right now. VS: Please feel free to add anything else.

MH: We would like to thank all the people who have come out to support our adventures in the restaurant

would harvest Christmas trees the oldfashioned way by going out into his woods and finding a fir tree that would barely fit through the front door, much less into a tree holder. We had some of the more memorable – and ugly – trees. A few hours later and the job was done. I saved many of the tools – and the deer antlers – but there was plenty to throw away too. Objects and possessions are sometimes important, but it’s the memories that are the true treasures.

Chris Hardie spent more than 30 years as a reporter, editor and publisher. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and won dozens of state and national journalism awards. He is a former president of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Contact him at chardie1963@gmail.com.

business out here in SW Wisconsin. Meeting all the good people was the highlight of the experience. I would also like to thank you guys at the Valley Sentinel for all the support and attention you have given us throughout the years.

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There was quite a big mess to clean up financially from Roarin' 20s and that made putting resources into the Bistro more difficult.

VS: How did you come to the decision to close the Bistro? What precipitated it?

MH: Justin came to me and said that he and Sammi wanted to be done. My mother and I did not have the energy to take it on. So we closed.

VS: What has the community response to the closing been like?

MH: The community reaction was that of disappointment. Many many

MH: There is some hope in Spring Green. The people doing Homecoming are expanding into the old bank space on the main street there, so that is exciting. Also it looks like Anita's Cafe is moving from Arena into the empty space next down the road from Subway on HWY 14. There is a fairly new cafe in the Round Barn as well. As for the challenges — there are many, especially in these small communities. Staffing, cost of goods and utilities, small population density and so on. When it comes to opportunities there are many because there are places sitting empty. Some are even turn-key.

VS: Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs looking to get into the restaurant business?

MH: Right now is not the best time to ask me this. Coming off of so many

Interested? Send us your area(s) of interest and a resume to: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Want to help build community? Know a college student that’s looking for a summer or fall internship for academic credit or to gain experience? Already attending village board or school board meetings and want to record or report on them? Want to engage with arts & culture, ag, businesses and other topics important to our community? Want to take scenic walks or drives delivering papers to subscribers and businesses?

We have so many ideas to grow and do more for our community, but we need help, we CAN’T do it alone. If you want to be a part of something bigger please email us and let us know what your interests are: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Areas in most need:

-Graphic design (publication layout, visual story design, infographics)

-Sports reporting

-Municipal meeting recorders/reporters

-School board reporters

-Social media posting/creation

-E-newsletter

-Website posting

-Agriculture reporter/columnist (current events)

We have the infrastructure set up for most of these areas, we're just in need of manpower from passionate community members.

Mike Haight

Chris Hardie

Photo contributed by Chris Hardie Some of the items that once belonged to Chris Hardie's father that all have stories to tell.

Reflections from Lost Horizon Farm — Wilbur & C.B. Snowflake

Each edition, retired dairy farmer Barb Garvoille brings her musings on dairy farm life from her own years of experience on Lost Horizon Farm with her late husband Vince “Mr. Farmer” Garvoille. This mooving memoir focuses on 1980-2000, join Barb as she rises with the herd.

Wilbur

The neighbor did not have any resident cats to trim the rodent population infesting his hog stable. A trade was arranged. This neighbor got a pregnant barn cat, and we received Wilbur, a Spotted Poland China runt pig, for our end of the deal. At barely 2 pounds, Wilbur was very weak when he arrived. During his first night at Lost Horizon Farm, he struggled to drink the warmed milk replacer from his bottle. With medication, a cozy home, play time and lots of attention at feeding times from our daughters, his condition improved markedly. When we met the neighbor in town a few weeks later, he seemed very surprised when we told him Wilbur was doing well.

When he was little, the kids loved to bathe Wilbur in the bathtub and gently scrub his bristly hair with a soft toothbrush. They would also take him out of his blanketed dog crate and play with him. Pigs are very smart; it took only 24 hours for Wilbur to figure out how to use his snout to push open the latch on the dog crate! The latch had to be wired shut from the outside! Wilbur lived in his crate in the house for two weeks. At the end of that time period, the vet clipped his needle teeth, castrated him and repaired a hernia he had developed. As a follow up, Wilbur was given an injection to prevent an infection from his minor surgery. This medication initiated an intense case of diarrhea. Its smell was so overpowering and unpleasant and the spray pattern so widespread that Wilbur was unceremoniously scooped up and taken outdoors immediately to live in a bedded calf hutch. Wilbur grew rapidly on his ration of hog grower/ finisher and delighted in cookie treats (Oreos were his favorite). In fact, a cookie was as good as a lead rope for Wilbur; he would follow the children all around if he knew they had a cookie. As he matured, unlike the Wilbur in Charlotte's Web, our Wilbur's behavior became decidedly more like the barrow he had become. He began to "root" the children out of his way or push them with his dense, stocky body. His

attraction as a playmate diminished. A bowling ball was placed in his pen for enrichment, and he seemed quite content pushing that around. He retained his love for sweets which made it very simple to tempt him

onto and off of the stock trailer when he was taken to the local abattoir. No one in the family particularly enjoyed the meat from Wilbur. Afterall, he had been a beloved pet in his youth, and too many sweet treats had made his flesh more fatty than flavorful.

C.B. Snowflake

On a day Mr. Farmer had gone to collect our daughter Alyson at school, these two happened to see a firstgrader's mom holding a young lamb for “show and tell." Alyson continued to be so animated in her speech about the little lamb that the following spring we were prompted to purchase a newborn Corriedale from the same sheep producer. The children named our bottle baby, C.B. Snowflake. (The name was too lengthy and was soon abbreviated to C.B. or C.Brrr.). She was a vigorous lamb, eager for the sheep milk replacer fed to her through a special sheep nipple placed at the end of a glass soda pop bottle. Imprinted on the children, she would follow them around when she was released from her calf hutch. Later, with a collar and leash, she could be walked, just like a dog. In fact, the first time she was sheared, she was ''walked" right up to the shearer. Like most sheep, C.B. became almost catatonic while being shorn. Set on her rear, she did not struggle, and her wool came off in almost one continuous piece. Newly shorn, she enjoyed having her naked body rubbed. Whomever rubbed her had their hands much softened by the lanolin on her skin.

When C.B. was little and nursing, her thin, narrow tail would wag. After her tail had been docked, Alyson discovered that poking the apex of

the stubby, chubby tail that remained would make C.B. wiggle. One time, C.B. must have taken offense to one too many pokes, and she turned around and butted Alyson. The next thing we knew, Alyson was riding backwards on C.B. holding on to her wool! This unusual ride lasted for about 100 yards until C.B. had enough of her load, twisted, and bucked Alyson off. C.B. remembered this incident, and when anyone would get too close to her backside tail region, C.B. would quickly turn around, lower her head, and make as if she were about to charge.

Besides having her feet trimmed occasionally and having to be shorn in the spring, C.B. was a low maintenance pet and kindly surrogate nanny to many younger weaned calves. Some of the calves would want to nibble on her wool, but C.B. would simply butt them away. During the time Bird, the Belgian mare, was at the farm, C.B. shared the horse pasture with her. When Bird was

loaded on a trailer to leave the farm, C.B. walked right alongside the horse and had to be turned back. For days afterward, she bleated for her now absent companion.

C.B. lived a long sheep life, a decade, on the farm. The sheep shearer, Bruce, whose “real” job was working as a postal carrier, looked forward to coming to Lost Horizon Farm. Instead of a flock of sheep to shear, he had only one very gentle critter to do, and a farm family that appreciated his work and enjoyed conversing with him.

Barb has called Lost Horizon Farm, just north of Spring Green, her home for the past 43 years. She is fond of all creatures (including snakes). Her joy stems from being able to be outdoors every day observing and treasuring the plant and animal life on her small piece of this planet. She loved milking cows and is proud to have been a dairy farmer.

Barb Garvoille, Columnist

Barb Garvoille

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille

How many people have had a piglet in their bathtub?!

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille Wilbur coming for an Oreo.

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille Alyson and C.B. Note C.B. still has her long tail.

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille C.B. “sits” for the shearer.

COmmunitycalendar

Events for August 10 - August 26

Thursday, August 10

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock

Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Summer Programs at the Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock Summer Program Finale Tailgating Party! Lone Rock Fire and EMS will bring the fire truck and ambulance over to show everyone what they do. Lunch is provided. All are welcome to our events! Bring the whole family! We did have to cancel the water spraying portion of the day, but we'll still make sure it's fun for everyone! See you there!

CANCELLED: Taliesin Workshop 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com We will use this session to have a quick look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s cloverleaf home designs and how he thought we could live in community together. We will use this design as inspiration for our own simplistic cloverleaf/ community housing models as we envision a neighborhood design together.

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

Community Read Along 4:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com During this session, we'll discuss the second half second half of Wildwood. We'll read our favorite parts aloud, discuss the ending, and do a hands-on activity.

Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda wildhillswinery.com Join certified Yoga Instructor for Wine & Yoga every Thursday evening in summer! Lara offers a fun and relaxing yoga session in the beauty of our vineyard. Please bring a mat and water. $12 per person.

LIVE MUSIC: Point Five at Local Night 5:30 PM . Post House Garden, 127 E Jefferson St, Spring Green Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come enjoy a summer outdoor music series featuring different local artists every week! Grills will be fired and beverages available, so come and enjoy the best that River Valley has to offer!

LIVE MUSIC: Paul Bentzen and Doug Lloyd 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Paul Bentzen and Doug Lloyd have been making music together for over twenty years. They play a combination of traditional and modern bluegrass, old-time country, and old string band tunes. With Paul on 5-string banjo and vocals and Doug on guitar, they strive to keep alive that fine old summer tradition of front porch pickin' and singin'.

Biological Farming & Perennial Crops 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zimmer Farm, 6679 State Road 23, Spring Green driftlessconservancy.org Biological farming is an integrated farming system that employs natural biological processes to dramatically improve agricultural yields and reduce farm costs. Visit fields managed by the author of The Biological Farmer, plus a variety of perennial crops like elderberries and blueberries.

Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

SOLD OUT – LIVE MUSIC: Shitty Barn Session 295: Alisa Amador // Julia Blair

7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 Advance tickets sold out. That sald, tickets often come up that people can't use, so check out SH*TTY TICKET SWAP, which helps to connect ticket buyers and sellers Alisa Amador’s upcoming EP, Narratives, is a deep look at a person stumbling through life in two languages -- English and Spanish -- and in many states of mind about it all. On her debut solo album Julia Blair proclaims her fondness for self-expression and demonstrates her aptitude for dynamics: from the explosive nature of a pop hook to the firm, comforting grip of a lullaby.

Friday, August 11

St. John’s 45th Annual FunFest 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM . North Park, Spring Green stjohns-springgreen.org . Bounce houses, sandbox, turtle races, and soda ring toss. Food & Beverages, Adult Softball.

End of Summer Movie: Super Mario Bros. 5:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com From Nintendo and Illumination, we join Mario as he goes up against Bowser with the help of all his friends to stop his plans for world domination. Celebrate the end of the Summer Library Program: All Together Now with Super Mario Bros. the Movie Mario Bros. the Movie! Hosted after hours at the library with food, games and fun!

Wine Down Fridays 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda wildhillswinery.com Come enjoy live music and wood fire pizzas from our food truck. There is no cover, but we ask that folks support free live music by not bringing in outside food or drink. Family friendly! You may want to bring lawn chairs and blankets for extra seating. Relax, enjoy the music, take in the fresh air, have a glass of wine, and enjoy some delicious snacks from our tasting room while you wait.

Saturday, August 12

Lone Rock Market 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Under the Lone Rock Water Tower, 358 S Oak Street, Lone Rock For more information, look up Lone Rock Market on Facebook We will be hosting a variety of Farmer's Market and Craft Vendors at our Weekly Community Market Mid-May Through Mid-October. Any items you would like to see at future markets or if you are a Vendor that would like to participate in our future market please message or contact for more information 608-604-3537.

LIVE MUSIC: St. John’s 45th Annual FunFest 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM North Park, Spring Green stjohns-springgreen.org . Bounce houses, sandbox, turtle races, and soda ring toss. Food & Beverages, Adult Softball. Corn hole tournament 10 AM - $50 entry fee, Bingo 1 PM - 4 PM, Raffle - Grand Prize $10k 8 PM, Live Music: Best Practice 8:30 PM.

Spring Green Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning.

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

Saturday, August 12 cont.

LIVE MUSIC: Bluegrass Jam 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green . 608-5880-707, karin@springgreengeneralstore.com, SpringGreenGeneralStore.com Free event. All ages welcome! Bluegrass Jams will be held on the second Saturday of each month. While the weather permits they'll be held on our back deck. Bring your instrument and play along or come to listen; all are welcome.

LIVE MUSIC: Box of Rocks (Friends and Nick Ehlinger) at Local Night 5:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E Jefferson St, Spring Green . Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come enjoy a summer outdoor music series featuring different local artists every week! Grills will be fired and beverages available, so come and enjoy the best that River Valley has to offer!

LIVE MUSIC: King Cobra @ Keg & Kettle 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Keg & Kettle Bar, 104 S Oak St, Lone Rock For info search Keg & Kettle Bar on Facebook Join us for high energy vintage rock n roll and rockabilly at this super cool venue. They sometimes have a mechanical bull. Come to the show to find out!

Movies at the Park — Parent Trap 8:00 PM White Mound County Park S7995 Whitemound Dr, Hillpoint For more info look up White Mound County Park on Facebook . Sauk County Parks and Recreation presents Movies at the Park! Join us at White Mound County Park!

Sunday, August 13

Bingo at Baron Brook's 1:00 PM Baron Brook’s,122 E Jefferson St, Spring Green, Look up Baron Brook’s on Facebook for more info Free to play, lots of prizes to win!

LIVE MUSIC: Myles Talbott Dyad on the River Stage 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road, Spring Green wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join us outside on the River stage! Let’s welcome in the summer!

Monday, August 14

Lone Rock Market 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Under the Lone Rock Water Tower, 358 S Oak Street, Lone Rock For more information, look up Lone Rock Market on Facebook or call 608-604-3537 We will be hosting a variety of Farmer's Market and Craft Vendors at our Weekly Community Market Mid-May Through Mid-October.

Gloria Swansong 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com

Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door Gloria Swansong resurrects the great Dames of Broadway and Old Hollywood! From being NYC's premiere Judy Garland, to recreating your favorite iconic Hollywood costumes, to delivering show-stopping Broadway numbers - she'll always leave you wanting more. Never one to be left in the dust, Gloria Swansong is also a political SLAM poet and gives lectures on the history of queer fashion demolishing the gender binary. She speaks openly about her experience as a trans non-binary individual and happily educates audiences on gender theory and the modern trans rights movement.

Tuesday,August 15

Summer Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain kraemerlibrary.org Summer Family Storytime lasts about 30 minutes and is full of stories, songs, and followed by a simple craft. Geared toward ages 3-5, but older and younger siblings and friends are always welcome. All children must attend with an adult.

Movies, Munchies and More: Romancing the Stone 1:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Come to the library for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, a movie. Synopsis: A dowdy romantic-adventure writer is hurled into a real-life adventure in the Colombian jungle in order to save her sister, who will be killed if a treasure map is not delivered to her captors. She is helped out by a brash mercenary, and together they search for the priceless gem located in the map (PG, 1h 45m, 1984).

LIVE MUSIC: Nath Dresser 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Nath Dresser has been writing songs and performing since back when he lived in the Carolinas. For the past twenty-some years he’s been living in Wisconsin, playing in venues ranging from cafes and house concerts to the Sh*tty Barn.

Tech Drop-in 6:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Stop by the Library with whatever piece of technology is causing you grief. Together, we will figure out the answers.

APT: Talk Backs 9:00 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stay afer the play to chat with the cast. Free, afer the performance. This weeks performance: Anton's Shorts (7:30 PM).

Wednesday, August 16

Arcadia Book Club discusses "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann 10:15 AM This is a zoom book club meeting readinutopia.com In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe. Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off.

LIVE MUSIC: Mark Browning Milner 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Mark Browning Milner is a pop-jazz-rock-r&b-blues-folk-American-songbook singer-guitarist who takes classy and mellow songs from the 40s through the 70s and makes them his own.

Thursday, August 17

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Summer Programs at the Library 10:30 AM . Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock Miss Purdy and Nestor the donkeys, provided by Sandy Kramer.

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

The Community Calendar is curated and designed by Julianna Williams. Events are subject to change, always check ahead for up-to-date information on any events you are interested in.

Community

Events for August 17 - August 24

Thursday, August 17 cont.

Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda wildhillswinery.com Join certified Yoga Instructor for Wine & Yoga every Thursday evening in summer! Lara offers a fun and relaxing yoga session in the beauty of our vineyard. Please bring a mat and water. $12 per person.

LIVE MUSIC: Better Daze at Local Night 5:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E

Jefferson St, Spring Green . Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come enjoy a summer outdoor music series featuring different local artists every week! Grills will be fired and beverages available, so come and enjoy the best that River Valley has to offer!

LIVE MUSIC: Paul Bentzen and Doug Lloyd 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Paul Bentzen and Doug Lloyd have been making music together for over twenty years. They play a combination of traditional and modern bluegrass, old-time country, and old string band tunes. With Paul on 5-string banjo and vocals and Doug on guitar, they strive to keep alive that fine old summer tradition of front porch pickin' and singin'.

Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

SOLD OUT – LIVE MUSIC: Shitty Barn Session 296: King Pari // Def Sonic 7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 Advance tickets sold out. That sald, tickets often come up that people can't use, so check out SH*TTY TICKET SWAP, which helps to connect ticket buyers and sellers King Pari is an almost accidental project. Cameron Kinghorn (Nooky Jones) and Joe Paris Christensen (PHO) didn’t even set out to start a band. When Joe texted Cameron some jams whipped up on his tape machine, Cameron hit him back with “what is this? I want in”. Folk by definition, Def Sonic ( formerly “ All Good Things” ) exemplifies musical creativity. Twisting genres through an emotional performance, Def Sonic puts a unique spin on time-honored sounds, by mixing beats, samples/loops, & synths - while strumming & singing heartfelt melodies.

Friday, August 18

Wine Down Fridays 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda wildhillswinery.com Come enjoy live music and wood fire pizzas from our food truck. There is no cover, but we ask that folks support free live music by not bringing in outside food or drink. Family friendly! You may want to bring lawn chairs and blankets for extra seating. Handmade and hand tossed wood fire pizzas for sale made from scratch by the Halverson family! Relax, enjoy the music, take in the fresh air, have a glass of wine, and enjoy some delicious snacks from our tasting room while you wait.

Karaoke 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Join us the fourth Friday of every month for a night of Karaoke at Slowpoke. Janna Johnson hosts this night for the community to come together in song. Take a chance and come up on stage, or just cheer on your friends. We’ll get started around 8:00, and go until last call. That could be as early as 10:00 or as late as 2:00am. It all depends on you! No cover, but tips for our host are always welcome.

Saturday, August 19

Lone Rock Market 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM . Under the Lone Rock Water Tower, 358 S Oak Street, Lone Rock For more information, look up Lone Rock Market on Facebook . We will be hosting a variety of Farmer's Market and Craft Vendors at our Weekly Community Market Mid-May Through Mid-October. Any items you would like to see at future markets or if you are a Vendor that would like to participate in our future market please message or contact for more information 608-604-3537.

Spring Green Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning. Preorders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact into.

Mindfulness: Discussion and Practice (Zoom Only) 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Virtual Event springgreenlibrary.com Our meetings will include discussions and short mindfulness exercises/practices. We will explore sitting, standing, lying down and moving mindfulness experiences. Find the zoom link online.

Driftless Landscape Tour 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 Cty. Rd. C Spring Green taliesinpreservation.prg Rates Adult - $25, Student, Senior, Teacher & Military - $20 Children under 10 years old - Free Join us for a conversation about the interconnectedness of land and culture while enjoying an approximately 1-mile walk across the Taliesin property. Guests on this tour will explore the landscape that Wright felt so connected to and learn about the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the area while discovering what draws so many people to the Driftless Area. Ending time is an estimate only and varies.

Singing in the Country 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Witwen Park, S9855 County Rd E, Sauk City wormfarminstitute.org Join us in gathering with special guest Ben Fink in the historic tabernacle at Witwen Park for an interactive day of shape note singing, sharing, and learning. The event will feature a potluck lunch and an exploration of the connections between singing and democracy. No experience or ability required. For a community to function, everyone's voice must be heard.

LIVE MUSIC: Wildlife Forever — 6th Annual Summer Party 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hyde Store, 5314 County Rd H. Ridgeway springgreenlibrary.com Summer Raffle!

Tickets: 1 for $10 - 08 - 3 for $20 - first prize: Matthews V3x29 bow. Draw weight: 70 lbs Let-off: 85% Draw length: 29” Second prize: Vortex binoculars Drawing starting around 5:00 p.m. Do not need to be present to win! Horseshoe tournament beginning at 12 p.m. Contact Kenny Amble to enter 608-320-9908.

Riverway Board Field Trip 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Cruson Slough, West of Lone Rock on HWY 14, Richland County Mark Cupp at (608) 739-3188 or by e-mail at mark.cupp@wisconsin.gov The group will hike around the dike and bottomland forest to view the blooming plants and identify birds of the floodplain. Discussion of the DNR’s drawdown of Cruson Slough and Bakken’s Pond and associated management for waterfowl production will occur. Recently, some scientists have questioned the validity of the DNR’s management methods and cost-effectiveness of the decades-old techniques of dike repairs and draining the impoundments, which result in fish kills and predation of vulnerable endangered species, such as the starhead topminnow.

Sunday, August 20

LIVE MUSIC: 4PeteSake Day in the Park 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM North Park, Spring Green 4petesake.com Run/walk & Bike begins at 8:00 a.m. The entrance fee for each event is $30 or $25 each for families or 4 or more. Pickleball Tournament new this year. A staggered start will begin at 9am, however if you are participating in the run/walk or bike, your start time will be later. Please let us know if you are running/walking or biking. Fee to participate will be $25/person or $50/team, with all proceeds going to 4PeteSake. There will be a pool party from 10 until Noon. LIVE MUSIC: 11-12, Don Greenwood 12-1, Peatsmoke 1-2, Violet Palms 2-3, Sugar Mama and the Rent Check 3-4, Camela Widad 4-5, Jambidextrous 5-5:30, speeches 5:30-6:30, Solstice Jazz Band. Food And Beverages. Kid’s Area is open Noon – 5:00 p.m. The popular Cakewalk returns once again this year. Pay $1.00 for a chance to play. Walk the Cakewalk until the music stops and if you land on the lucky number, you may choose a delicious cake or other delectable desserts. The silent auction ofers nearly 200 unique items, including contributions from local merchants and service providers and artwork by local artists. The auction is open for viewing at 11:00 a.m., with tables closing at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 20 cont.

Sunday Salon 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Post House Park, Jefferson Street, Downtown Spring Green americanplayers.org A casual conversation with APT staff and leadership about whatever is on your mind. Free, no tickets required.

Flower Crown Workshop and Wine Tasting 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda wildhillswinery.com Florist and owner Delaney of Briarwood Flowers will lead our quests in a workshop where they will create their own gorgeous flower crown from her farm-grown flowers and blooms. All materials are included. Guests will also enjoy a wine tasting of eight delicious Wild Hills Winery wines. In addition, the experience includes a grazing box full of Wisconsin cheeses, meats, fruit, and other delights.

LIVE MUSIC: Psycherelic on the River Stage 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road, Spring Green www.wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join us outside on the River stage! Let’s welcome in the summer!

Monday, August 21

Lone Rock Market 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Under the Lone Rock Water Tower, 358 S Oak Street, Lone Rock For more information, look up Lone Rock Market on Facebook We will be hosting a variety of Farmer's Market and Craft Vendors at our Weekly Community Market Mid-May Through Mid-October. Any items you would like to see at future markets or if you are a Vendor that would like to participate in our future market please message or contact for more information 608-604-3537.

LIVE MUSIC: Big Night Out on the River Stage 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road, Spring Green www.wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join us outside on the River stage! Let’s welcome in the summer!

Rural Musicians Forum: Grupo Balanca 7:00 PM Performing Arts Pavilion, Westland Promenade, 114 Brodhead St., Mazomanie ruralmusiciansforum.org For more than a quarter-century, the Rural Musicians Forum has served the Wisconsin River Valley community and beyond.

Katie Dahl 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com $10 in advance Katie Dahl’s four albums of original songs showcase her creamy alto and trademark wit, as well as her unflinching authenticity. Her recent work finds her exploring more vulnerable territory than ever before, from anxiety to body image to the challenges of growing up queer in an evangelical church. Richly steeped in the American songwriting tradition, Katie navigates the muddy waters between the personal, public, and political with tenderness and dexterity.

Tuesday, August 22

Summer Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain kraemerlibrary.org Summer Family Storytime lasts about 30 minutes and is full of stories, songs, and followed by a simple craft. Geared toward ages 3-5, but older and younger siblings and friends are always welcome. All children must attend with an adult.

Summer Movie: The NeverEnding Story 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com . Bring the whole family to the Library for a fun movie. Enjoy the show with snacks and a drink. Synopsis: On his way to school, Bastian (Barret Oliver) ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called "The Neverending Story," Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by "The Nothing," a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive (PG, 1h 34m, 1984).

LIVE MUSIC: Tom Waselchuk, guitarist 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Singer. Songwriter. Band leader. Producer. Tom has lead the Dang-Its (Americana) since 1998, presented Sweet Dreams & Honky Tonks (a classic country music revue) since 2012, toured the US and Far East with Harmonious Wail (Gypsy swing, 2001-2011), and free-lances in many music genres: jazz, bluegrass, country, Irish, and folk music. Tom currently performs with his Americana vocal group, The Honey Pies.

APT: Talk Backs 9:30 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stay afer the play to chat with the cast. Free, afer the performance. This weeks performance: Romeo and Juliet (8:00 PM).

Wednesday, August 23

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM Spring Green Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

Book Discussion 2:00 PM Community Room, Spring Green Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com For August, we will be reading a short story collection: The Souvenir Museum by Elizabeth McCracken. Synopsis: In these stories, the mysterious bonds of family are tested, transformed, fractured, and fortified. A recent widower and his adult son ferry to a craggy Scottish island in search of puffins. An actress who plays a children’s game-show villainess ushers in the New Year with her deadbeat half brother. A mother, pining for her children, feasts on loaves of challah to fill the void. A new couple navigates a tightrope walk toward love. And on a trip to a Texas water park with their son, two fathers each confront a personal fear. With sentences that crackle and spark and showcase her trademark wit, McCracken traces how our closely held desires—for intimacy, atonement, comfort —bloom and wither against the indifferent passing of time.

Hike With Mike & Grace – The Lower Wi Riverway 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM County Road C across the street from the Taliesin entrance near 5481 County Rd C, Spring Green taliesinpreservation.org Join us for a series of naturalist-led hikes on the landscape that inspired Frank Lloyd Wright. These hikes will highlight southwestern Wisconsin’s geology, flora, and fauna as you take in the fresh air and scenic views. As Mike and Grace guide folks through the trail system developed on the estate, come along with us and learn why these are such an important piece of the estate and public access. We work in concert with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation—to turn back the hands of time so the woodlands, oak savannas, and prairies can once again thrive.

LIVE MUSIC: 4H 5:45 PM . American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org . John Haarbauer, Dave Hopper, Ned Hodgson, and Mark Hubanks make up the group 4H. Teir music is acoustic folk-rock, covering songs from the '60s and '70s.

APT: Talk Backs 9:00 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stay afer the play to chat with the cast. Free, afer the performance. This weeks performance: Anton's Shorts (7:30 PM).

Thursday, August 24

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

LIVE MUSIC: Solstice Jazz Band at Local Night 5:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E Jefferson St, Spring Green Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come enjoy a summer outdoor music series featuring different local artists every week! Grills will be fired and beverages available, so come and enjoy the best that River Valley has to offer!

Events for August 10 - August 26

Thursday, August 24 cont.

LIVE MUSIC: McCarty & Sanyer Violins 5:45 PM American Players Theatre, Picnic Area, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Leyla and Maureen are the two violinists of the Madison-based Camerata String Quartet. Maureen worked with great joy as an APT musician for five seasons during the early years when musicians were part of the APT staff.

Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

Friday, August 25

Trapper Schoepp //with Brother Galen 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance / $15 at the door “What’s most important to me is to be a link in the chain of folk singers before and after my time,” Trapper Schoepp says in light of his forthcoming album, Siren Songs. In 2019, the Milwaukee singer-songwriter published a long lost song with Bob Dylan called “On, Wisconsin” – making him the youngest musician to share a co-writing credit with the Nobel Prize laureate Starting off the evening is Brother Galen, a writer and performer who began writing music and songs after working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico for two years. Before his debut album On The Way, Galen toured and performed under various names. In music and film he has worked with Dua Lipa, D. Ozi, Mark Barry (Lord Huron) and filmmaker Rex Miller among others.

Saturday, August 26

APT: Inside Out Tour 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM American Players Theatre 5950 Golf Course Rd Spring Green springgreen.com $17.50 or free w APT insider card. Get a peek at APT’s inner workings during our two-hour walking tour of the grounds, costume shop, backstage, and more. You'll see all that goes into making the productions you ultimately see on the Hill and in the Touchstone Theatre. Stair-Free tour option availble.

APT Play Talks: The Royale 12:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org . $5 or Free with an APT Insiders Card . Jamal James (Jay in The Royale) and Rasell Holt (The Royale Movement Director) talk about how the poetry of movement tells a story in Marco Ramirez's The Royale.

2nd Annual UTV/ATV Ride and Steak Feed 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Arthur's Supper Club, E4885 US-14, Spring Green Spring Green Rod and Gun Club, S12314 County Rd G, Spring Green For more info look up Spring Green Rod and Gun Club on Facebook UTV/ ATV Scavenger with registration starting at 10am at Arthur's Supper Club and conclude no later at 5pm at the Rod and Gun Club. End your evening with a grill your own steak meal for $20.

Campfire Skits & Smores: Cub Scout Pack 38 6:30 PM Tower Hill State Park, 5808 County Rd C, Spring Green For more info look up Cub Scout Pack 38 on Facebook Come Join us for an evening of fun skits and delicious smores! and to learn more about Scouting in the River Valley!

SOLD OUT – LIVE MUSIC: Shitty Barn Session 297: The Sadies + Sally Timms & Jon Langford 7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 Advance tickets sold out. That sald, tickets often come up that people can't use, so check out SH*TTY TICKET SWAP, which helps to connect ticket buyers and sellers Without doubt or qualification, The Sadies are one of this continent’s greatest extant rock ’n’ roll bands — just as they have been for the last quarter-century. Versatile and imaginative, they skip from astral psychedelia to shuffling bucolics and leap from puckish pop to righteous garage-rock without losing momentum or mastery. Sally Timms was born in Leeds, England. She grew up in the Yorkshire dales, sang in the church choir and performed in poetry recitals as a child. In 1985 she joined the Mekons as a full-time member and has regretted it ever since. Unfortunately, the only way out of the Mekons is in a box, so she's still there. Known as one of the laziest women in show business, she frequently calls in favors from her more talented and successful friends so that she can dedicate more time to watching television and eating bananas.

CIVICS & SERVICES CALENDAR

WHAT’S HANGINg ? ongoing art exhibitions

Spring Green Community Library Art Exhibitions . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green Monday-Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM . Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM .

Lauren Thuli is the featured artist in the Community Room Gallery in August. She is a local artist who finds inspiration in everyday life, including landscapes, seasonal colors, flowers, and one of her all time favorites, the wonderful birds that surround us. No matter if she paints realistically or abstractly, her goal is to ultimately bring “life” to a painting. She typically begins with some degree of intentional direction and, at some point, spontaneity and discovery become an integral and invaluable part of her process as well. As Lauren describes “When the painting starts to sing back to me - at that moment, I put down my paints, brushes and palette knives, and smile.”

Having participated in many intensive workshops throughout the US, Lauren uses a variety of different mediums including oil, acrylic, pen & ink, watercolor and oil & wax. Her work has evolved over the years, as experimentation is a key motivating force for her. Many of her more recent abstract works are composed of individual panels collaged together, suggestive of landscapes and exemplifying the harmonious colors of nature Lauren grew up in a creative Greek family in Milwaukee and has lived in rural Dodgeville most of her adult life. With a degree in nursing and also the co-owner of a design & manufacturing company, Lauren has found that painting is a perfect outlet to further express herself. She has also taught drawing & painting to children for many years, who continually inspire her with their fresh approach and eagerness to create, not bound by technique or familiarity For the past 13 years, Lauren has donated one of her paintings to the Community Connections Free Clinic, which is auctioned off at their annual fundraising event. She will be participating in the Fall Art Tour for her 8th year, October 20-22, where her country studio overlooks a panoramic view of the rolling hills of Wisconsin. Her paintings are also exhibited at the Brewery Pottery gallery in Mineral Point. Lauren’s painting can be viewed during regular library hours when the Community Room is not in use. Please ask for the key at the circulation desk

This calendar is a place listing (for free) the typical meeting dates for area governmental bodies, and

Eric Hanson is the featured artist in the Glass Case Gallery with “Hardware Bikes (reCycles)” during the month of August. Eric tells about his show: "Having grown up in Baraboo in the 1950s and ’60’s, my hope is these motorcycle assemblages reflect the beautiful, industrial style of the time (Brook Stevens, Buck Rogers) using chrome, streamlined polished aluminum and stainless steel By chance or happenstance these flea market and garage sale parts (shrouded Taylor Tot strollers, electric drill bodies, old bicycle parts, fruit juicers, etc.) all seem to miraculously fit into the same useable scale Held together with hardware store fasteners (screwed) and spit (glued) they’ve evolved into somewhat successful dust collectors from an earlier more stylish era." Eric’s work is available for viewing during regular library hours.

Please email us with these meetings, or use the form on our Community Calendar page — let's build community together: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

August 11:

VOLUNTEER: Ridgeway Pine Relict Workday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Help us care for some of our state's most pristine public lands, State Natural Areas. Encourage native plants and animals to thrive by cutting brush, controlling invasive species, collecting seeds, monitoring rare species, and preparing fire breaks. Contact Bob Scheidegger 608-319-2083

August 14:

MEETING: Buena Vista Lions Club 7:00 PM Buena Vista Town Hall, 32886 3rd St., Gotham e-clubhouse.org Accepting charter members and filling club leadership positions

MEETING: RVACG Board 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM rvacg.org River Valley Area Community Gardens, 900 N. Westmor Spring Green Meeting will be held at the shelter at the Gardens. May bring lawn chairs for social distancing. In case of inclement weather, meet at the SG Community Church.

MEETING: Wildlife Forever ATV Club 6:30 PM Arena VFW, 514 Willow St, Arena For more info look up Wildlife Forever ATV Club on Facebook

August 17:

Richland Area Retired Educators’ Association (RAREA): Advocacy to Action!

9:30 AM The Phoenix Center, 100 South Orange Street, Richland Center Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. The breakfast/meeting cost will be $15 for RAREA members, their guests, and prospective members; this meeting is not open to the public. RSVP deadline for all attendees will be 12 noon on Monday, August 14, 2023, and should be directed to RAREA President Paul Murphey, 269 South Park Street, Richland Center, WI, 53581-2303; 608.647.6439 or pmurphey@mwt.net.

August 18:

DONATE: American Red Cross Blood Drive 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM . Cornerstone Church, 210 N. Lexington St., Spring Green redcross.org Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation.

August 21:

MEETING: Arena Historians 6:30 PM Mary's (Brisbane Hall), 175 US Hwy 14, Arena

For more info look up Arena Historians on Facebook Featuring Sawle Mill and Rosevale Farm, along with various members of the Sawle family. The meeting, which, as always, is free to the general public. We look forward to seeing you there!

August 23:

MEETING: Village of Spring Green Board 7:00 PM 154 N Lexingtion St, Spring Green Optional Virtual event vi.springgreen.wi.gov

August 28:

MEETING: Plain Village Library Board 6:30 PM 510 Main Street, Plain villageofplain.com

American Players Theatre Presents: Art in the Woods . American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green July 23 - October 8 Free, no tickets required Come early and explore this season’s creations! Art in the Woods is a series of art installations displayed throughout the APT property. Art that evokes conversation, that intertwines with our landscape, that sparks your imagination.

Lexington &

LITERARY SECTION

Some time ago, we announced the soft launch of a semi-regular to regular literary section we've been inspired by other literary compilations to call Lexington & Jefferson

As the pivotal intersection of our community, we envision this as a place that celebrates the crosssection of our greater community.

We envision it as a place of curated and submitted prose, poetry and more that showcase the talents

What is Lexington & Jefferson?

of our community. Each edition we receive submissions of artwork, poetry, prose and other musings that we have trouble placing in the paper on their own and often have to simply hold or regrettably turn down.

We hope this becomes a welcome place for them.

This space will grow and change, as all things do, and we welcome talented individuals, organizations, authors, experts and artists to help

curate this section - perhaps we'll compile and publish an annual literary journal, who knows?

We may also use this space for arts & culture news and submitted musings that don't quite fit within the bounds of a traditional column, profile or letter to the editor.

Get involved: If you're interested in submitting, curating or have ideas, please do not hesitate at all to submit them to us at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Musings from the End of the Rainbow

Take a journey with me to the end of the Rainbow. I grew up at the end of Rainbow Road, a beautiful and magical place in a River Valley, just outside of a town called Spring Green. Following are stories and reflections of a simpler time.....

Rainbow and Winsted

Driving to my childhood home, stirs up memories as I make my way down Rainbow Road. They flutter around in my head like moths drawn to a porch light. One memory has lurked in the shadows, dancing in and out of the light.

Any time I think I may be plucking more pieces of it from the lost recesses of my youth, it quickly slips away, back into the darkness.

Flipping thru old pictures recently I came across one of myself, snuggled up on our old plaid couch, my hair tousled, in my hand, an apple. A brown paper bag, barely visible, lay next to me. Just like that, with a flash, the memory came clearly into focus.

Many people turn at the corner of Rainbow Road, going out of town, with no realization of the treasure they are passing…, the history that sits unnoticed, unrecognized, but no doubt a part of more people’s childhood than just mine.

Louis’ Shell was a wonderland for scores of local children growing up.

Until we were old enough to begin riding our bikes to town it was such a treat when our folks would allow us to tag along. Anytime we were that lucky, a stop at Louis’ Shell, the corner gas station or rather the “candy” shop, made for an extra special day.

That is where, as kids, we were introduced to penny candy and ice cream cones as big as our heads.

Sitting on the corner of Rainbow Road and Winsted Street, at the edge of town, I consider it to be the beginning of the rainbow.

Back in those days, on that corner, was a gas station with round cylinder clear tubes that turned a golden wheat color when filled with swirling gallons of gasoline. Behind them, sat a small flat roof brick building with a large red and white Coca-Cola clock, proudly displaying the time for all that drove past. The building housed an auto shop, an upper two-bedroom apartment and most important of all…...

A little store that sold deliciously creamy ice cream and a wide variety of candy. Upon entering, to the right, towards the back corner, sat a red chair where the elders would sit and visit while we kids scoured through the candy, meticulously picking out the best and most value for the few coins held in our hands. Our small arms would reach up to the large glass doors that, once opened, gave us access to a world of sugary delight.

A Shimmering Light would Glow, Angels would sing Alleluia, and Trumpets would Sound as the doors were opened to an endless bounty. Smarties, Licorice ropes, Sugar Babies, Jaw breakers, Root beer barrels, Bazooka gum, Cherry Ju Ju coins, all did their part to cause the head spinning decision process to be even more daunting.

At the check-out counter, we would be presented with even more of a dilemma, as buckets of rich milky ice cream appeared to tempt our young and enthusiastic taste buds. Ten cents got you a double dip. There was Chocolate, Vanilla, Butter Brickle, New York Cherry, Maple Nut, Butter Pecan, Strawberry

But…… BLACK…RASPBERRY…RIPPLE… was far and away my favorite.

We didn’t get into town a lot, so if anything good can be said about being sick as a child, it was when my father would come home, I’d be covered by a huge blanket, laying on that plaid couch, a cold, wet, washcloth on my head, my favorite nightgown on:

The one with the small pink flowers that fell midway past my knees.

It was adorned with a thin pink ribbon that weaved in and out of the eyelets bordering the neckline. He’d pop his head around the corner and say, “I hear someone isn’t feeling good today.”

He would then proceed to pull a shiny red apple out of his pocket and declare, “This will keep the doctor away.” As we all had learned would happen next, slowly out of his pocket would appear: A small brown paper bag, the top crumpled down, the sides all wrinkled. In that plain, nearly torn, worn out bag (from sharing his pocket with a bulky apple no doubt), Was penny candy straight from Louis’ Shell.

I’m not sure what dad said when presenting us with the bag, probably because the excitement of receiving it blocked everything else out: including, for just a minute, feeling sick.

The next time you drive by the corner of Rainbow and Winsted listen carefully, you’ll probably be able to hear the laughter of children, Angels singing Alleluia, and for a moment, just a moment,

maybe your childhood memories will appear out of the shadows, and Dance into the Light.

— Mary Lanita Schulz

Reunion Restaurant newest food option for Downtown Spring Green

continued from page 1

while working in the Greater Lake National Park in Oregon. They bonded in friendship through common interests both loving cooking, food, sports and

best at, is great to see.”

“Reunion is great. Everyone is so supportive. Kyle and Leah, the whole crew, they are my rock. They keep me company, help validate me, encourage me, help me every day. They are all so supportive. We get to grow and learn together,” said Spivey. “We are glad to provide another option for downtown. We are going to keep focused on the food and continue to work hard and believe that we will be a great destination restaurant and provide great food for the Spring Green area.”

The name Reunion came after much thought. “We went over so many names and nothing felt right. We decided to name the restaurant after another event of togetherness… a reunion,” said Spicer.

“We literally can’t do this without each person on our staff. We are so grateful for the staff we have so it is all of us together.”

traveling. Spivey called upon Amador to join Homecoming Restaurant where the two worked side by side until the opening of Reunion.

“I truly think that Chance is one of the best chefs I have had the pleasure of working with. His love to create beautiful and delicious food is the best.” said Amador, “Chance and I have been good friends since 2018. He is a caring and loving guy. In the kitchen, Chance is one of the hardest workers and is consistently making people around him better. Being able to watch him work and do what he’s

Terry Buttke

Terry Buttke was born and raised further down the River in Mazomanie, and is now settled in our part of the Valley, in Lone Rock, where he takes great comfort in the wildlife at the park across the way from his mobile home. While his low vision keeps him from making clear visual distinctions, he greatly enjoys watching the animal antics as they move about, telling me about the deer and the bunnies who keep him entertained.

Terry describes himself as a “happy, good-looking guy” who is easy going and also un-willing to “take *&^% from nobody!” When things get hard, he goes to a quiet place (when he was young that meant climbing up into a pine tree in his childhood yard) to relax, chill out, and meditate until he can come back and try again.

Happiness seems to be Terry’s most likely emotion. He loves his life and while he, of course, still grieves the loss of his wife just 2 ½ years ago, he knows that she isn’t coming back, and that he has to move on. One step at a time, he tells himself. He believes that we all should have a positive attitude toward life. That doesn’t mean that things don’t make him sad. He wishes he had more money to take care of his needs; his low vision keeps him from working, and he is very appreciative of 4PeteSake and your contributions which are helping him take care of his home. Terry has had a lifetime of hard physical work, and now not being able to work leaves him grateful to the help he is receiving from his neighbors, and from 4PS.

Tony Cornelius

Tony Cornelius came back to the River Valley four years ago. His late wife had asked him to go someplace that made him happy when she passed, and our valley was that place for him.

As an Oneida tribal member he sees the land as a living place that gives him peace and comfort. His connection to his tribal roots, and the strength of his

A majority of the staff work between both Reunion and Homecoming, with the exception of each restaurant having a specific lead chef. Spicer and Beach are passionate about having a well trained staff, and compensating them accordingly.

“We do get a chance to employ a lot of people. We pay them well. We believe that paying people well enables them to have a better quality of life,” said Spicer. “We also believe that all of the jobs are equally important.”

Spicer says Reunion will have an elevated level of service compared to Homecoming, but will keep a comfortable and welcoming feeling for guests. Reunion

mother's values which seem to always be in his mind, keep him centered when the pain in his body tries to overwhelm. He has faith in the Great Spirit, finds solace in prayer to that Spirit, and has great respect for the life around him.

Tony began his life in the inner city of Chicago where he witnessed the gang and violence dangers in his neighborhood. Many of his peers from those early years have not survived.

He feels fortunate that at the age of 12 his mother heeded the call of her sister to help in her bakery, in Waterloo, and moved them to Wisconsin. The influence of his strong mother, and the beauty and safety of Wisconsin is profound in him.

The people of the RIver Valley, and Tony’s neighbors, are open and kind

will offer a robust menu that includes appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts.

The restaurant will have expansive cocktail offerings as well.

Much like Homecoming, Reunion will focus on serving farm-to-table fare, using locally sourced ingredients.

“Reunion is a really nice place to eat.

and willing to help. He feels incredibly fortunate to be here and is grateful to all who have helped him through 4PeteSake, which he says is a “great, great, great program!”

Tony knows that he has not always been the person he is now. However, he believes that he is now a caring and loving person. One who found asking for help difficult, and yet he needed the help. Due to multiple health issues he is unable to work, and the roof of his beloved home was leaking. He is very grateful for the help.

In addition to the help from 4PS, Tony is grateful for his friends–the one up north with whom he talks every other day, and the ones he encounters in the grocery store who express pleasure at

Good people, good food, a good night in a good community,” said Spivey. “We are happy to serve you some good food here in Spring Green.”

Reunion is currently open Monday through Thursday 4:30-9 p.m., and is located at 134 W Jefferson St. Spring Green.

seeing him. In spite of the sadness that he can’t do all the things he wants to, Tony leans into the things that make him happy–the sun shining on a beautiful day, his home, his family and friends, and the Great Spirit with whom he finds hope and love.

Please join your neighbors at The Day in the Park, Sunday, August 20, North Park, Spring Green, for music, games, food, fun, and a coming together of our communities to raise money for those who, through no fault of their own, are in need of a boost up. We hope to see you there! For more information please go to www.4PeteSake.com. Thank you.

Jennifer Moore-Kerr, 4PeteSake

Photo by Amberly Mae-Cooper Reunion and Homecoming co-owner Leah Spicer shares a laugh while going over the menu at Reunion. Reunion recently opened at 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green, in the space formerly occupied by Last Leaf Public House.

Chance Spivey

The Sauk County Gardener

The August Garden

Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener

“Now August comes with a dreamy haze of heat.”

— Gladys Taber

Although many in the area had lots of wind damage from the recent storm, fortunately we had very little damage at our home – just an overturned umbrella, a couple tipped over pots, and some of my tomato plants requiring additional staking. There was one benefit of the storm – 1.5 inches of rain.

The rain was definitely needed as many area gardens have been very dry unless they were watered. For many things we grow in our garden, water is very important at this time in the growing season. This is especially true for fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers to help prevent blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a result of calcium deficiency, so when tomatoes and peppers get too

dry, they don’t have enough water to transport the calcium to developing fruits. The best way to prevent blossom end rot is to maintain adequate and uniform soil moisture at the roots throughout the growing season. Tomato plants require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during the growing season. If you discover any fruit with blossom end rot, it cannot be saved. Dispose of the affected fruit and work to correct the calcium levels for the next round of fruit.

Although I am already getting yellow and red cherry and grape tomatoes, I’m waiting impatiently for the major bumper crop to ripen. I’m not dealing with the disease issues I’ve had in the past and my plants are exceptionally healthy this year. For our garden, it’s primarily a result of the dry weather and my watering technique as my plant leaves are not getting or staying wet and the plants have been pruned for

The Whys and Hows of Deadheading

“Off with their heads!”

— Queen of Hearts

(Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)

This is the time of year when I enjoy walking in my gardens after work, drinking a glass of wine, and checking to see what’s blooming. At the same time, I do quite a bit of deadheading. Deadheading can help your plants thrive, it doesn’t require much except your time, and can help create a longer blooming season. If you’re unsure of what deadheading is, it’s simply the process of removing the spent or dying flowers from a plant. It helps tidy up the plant’s appearance, control seed dispersal, and allows the plant to put its energy into producing more flowers instead of producing new seeds. If you want to encourage more blooms all summer long, deadheading is a technique you should learn to do correctly.

Use clean tools, especially with plants

prone to diseases. In the case of roses, I disinfect my gardening shears, pruners, or scissors with a quick spray of Lysol disinfectant spray. I wipe off the tool to remove the excess spray and then cut off the dead blooms. Clean your tool before you move to the next plant. You should also make sure the plant you want to extend its blooming season is a good candidate for deadheading. Zinnias, roses, cosmos, geraniums, petunias, and many others will continue to bloom if deadheaded regularly. A few perennials that may also provide a second bloom are Shasta daisies, spike speedwell, tickseed, and purple coneflower.

When deadheading, remove the flower stem right below the spent flower and above the next set of healthy leaves. Make sure to remove any seed pods that may have started to form. If your bloom had a long stem, you could also cut the stem way back to the bottom. Some plants need to be deadheaded more frequently so check regularly when you’re in the garden. If done properly,

Riverway Board to host field trip near Lone Rock August 19

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board will host a field trip at Cruson Slough in Richland County on Saturday, August 19, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. In case of severe weather, the field trip will be held on Sunday, August 20. Participants should gather at the boat landing at the westernmost end of Cruson Slough, which is located west of Lone

Rock on Hwy. 14. Look for the brown DNR signs.

The Riverway Board is partnering with the Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway for the event. Dave Marshall of the FLOW Science Team will start off the day with a fish shocking demonstration at the boat landing. He will discuss some of the rare and unusual fish of the backwater lakes, such as the

good airflow to prevent disease. If you can, water via a soaker hose and mulch heavily around your plants. When I planted our tomatoes, I put down paper all around the plants, weaved soaker hoses in and around the plants, and then added a very thick layer of straw mulch around the plants. No soil-borne diseases are able to splash up onto the bottom of my leaves.

As we wait for tomatoes, regularly harvest your beans, peas, and cucumbers (if the deer or rabbits haven’t eaten all of them.) Keep them regularly picked so they continue to produce for as long as you would like them. You may find you have to take regular, but smaller, cuttings of your broccoli as they can bolt quite quickly in the heat. In areas where you’ve already harvested the crops, there is still time to plant another crop of lettuce, spinach, and beets. You can also plant some of these quick growing vegetables - beans, basil, radishes, and arugula if you like. Plant

some plants will bloom all summer long. Here are a couple other tips to keep in mind. Deadhead after a heavy rain to remove the rain-damaged flowers and help speed up the growing process of new blooms. When deadheading, be aware that you may unintentionally scatter seed from already-formed seed pods. If you don’t want volunteers, make sure you gather up any seed pods as you deadhead. When fall’s cool weather comes around, stop deadheading. Those seed pods are a great food source for birds and other animals in the winter, plus they provide winter interest. Remember, there is no reason you have to deadhead as it doesn’t make your flowers healthier, it just helps keep your plants tidy and produce more blooms. Make plans to attend the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association’s annual “Terrific Tomatoes Tasting” on Saturday, August 26. It will be held at the Baraboo Civic Center from 10 am to noon. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and vote for your favorite tomato grown by master gardeners, many of which are

starhead topminnow and the pirate perch. The group will hike around the dike and bottomland forest to view the blooming plants and identify birds of the floodplain. Discussion of the DNR’s drawdown of Cruson Slough and Bakken’s Pond and associated management for waterfowl production will occur. Recently, some scientists have questioned the validity of the DNR’s management methods and cost-

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the seeds a little deeper than you did in the spring. You may need to provide the young seedlings additional moisture or shade from the hot sun. An added bonus is that later crops will miss the normal insect damage that affects earlier crops.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 26, and plan to attend the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association’s annual “Terrific Tomatoes Tasting Event.” It will be held at the Baraboo Civic Center from 10 am to noon. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and vote for your favorite tomato grown by master gardeners. Many of the tomatoes are heirlooms so you’ll have the opportunity to taste ones that are not readily available in the marketplace. You’ll also get to taste dishes that highlight tomatoes. The master gardeners will also share stories about their successes and failures from the growing season. Plan to join them and find a new favorite tomato for next year’s garden.

heirloom varieties. Master gardeners will also share stories about their successes and failures from the growing season. Come and find a new favorite tomato for next year’s garden.

If you’re interested in learning and improving your gardening skills, register for “Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundation in Gardening”. This online, complete-at-your-ownpace introductory course is offered by the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program. Registration is open until August 31 and the course runs from September 10 – December 9, 2023. This course is an approved learning opportunity if you’re interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. The Sauk County Master Gardener Association also offers limited scholarships to help offset the costs. For more information, visit: https://hort. extension.wisc.edu/foundations-ingardening/.

If you have gardening questions, visit the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association facebook.

effectiveness of the decades-old techniques of dike repairs and draining the impoundments, which result in fish kills and predation of vulnerable endangered species, such as the starhead topminnow.

For further information regarding the August 19 field trip, contact Mark Cupp at 608-739-3188 or by e-mail at mark.cupp@ wisconsin.gov.

Bigger than business card sized, full color, updated annually or for a flat $25 design fee. Perfect for top-of-mind awareness, runs under an attention-grabbing header.

Want to run it every edition at a discounted rate?

$750 for 6 months, $1000 for 1 year (36% discount)

Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener

Mark Cupp, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board

An Outdoorsman’s Journal

Mark Walters, Columnist

Hello friends,

This week I can say I am living on the edge of crazy. Last night my editor, Selina Walters told me that she had to move my deadline up 4 days. I decided to do my annual garden/ independent living story. Today an infection that I had in my hand spread to my left arm, shoulder and chest and it was taking me down in a heartbeat. I went to one clinic, then a hospital where good people tried saving the day. I just drove home from that and Selina needs this column because she lives in a super remote area, meaning no reception.

Also, Selina has held this position since she was a junior in high school and she is flawless.

The Garden! It’s not just a garden, it’s a way of life for me, kind of like heating with wood and having the stove in my living room. In the winter, my cattle are fed hay and grain in my garden which is next to my house. The hay that does not get consumed helps my sand to hold moisture in the summer. Northern Juneau County has some of the worst soil in the state, not my garden.

I know it’s not right but since I lost Michelle, the garden, my pond, the pups and firewood seem to be keeping me positive. I am dam good at gardening; and I have the right to be proud.

In a week I will start harvesting my first of four crops of sweet corn, and at about that same time my 26 tomato plants and five different types of peppers and onions and garlic will just be getting ripe for chili. Last year

I made and froze 26 gallons in either 1 quart or 1-gallon bags. I will use either elk, venison or bear burger, double bag the chili and Selina and I will have enough until next August.

Potatoes. I have 260 hills planted of Yukon Golds and Norland Reds. I still have some left from last year but have been sneaking some fresh “reds” for the perfect meal. Here is a very typical MGW meal. Norland Reds, either broccoli, peas, or green beans fresh from the garden and either fish fillets or venison, elk, or bear.

Selina is gone all summer and has been every summer since the end of her freshmen year at UWSP. Because I know how much she likes fresh veggies, I just planted a crapola load of broccoli, bean and peas that will be ready when she gets home in late August. The 3rd and 4th crops of sweet corn will also be here for her in September.

The chickens. I have grown a ton of zucchini of which though there is plenty now, the majority will be ready starting late August. Zucchini is fresh food for my hens.

The calves. Red my golden retriever pup loved the last group, and she loves this group as well and they love her. Red will hang out with them in their pen and in the pasture, she will taunt them into chasing her.

The Pond! The pond is 15 paces out my front door, it is work and a learning process. About all I can say is that it will be the best tv on earth and will be deep enough to provide me with some panfish for the table.

I will swim, ice skate, fish and most importantly, look at it!

In closing, you can only imagine how close I came to losing my health today

due to this infection. I have now been home from the hospital for a grand total of 2 hours. The pain will not let me sleep but it will pass, and the sun will come up in the morning! Now I gotta send my jibberish to my editor!

Sunset

Follow along the adventures of Mark Walters, a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in

Necedah, Wisconsin. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman’s Journal, in 1989. It includes hunting, fishing, lots of canoeing and backpacking. He currently writes for around 60 newspapers. He hopes you enjoy reading about his adventures!

Want to read more?

This winter the cattle that you see in the background will be where the garden presently is, that is one of the reasons Mark Walters has a very healthy garden.

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Photo contributed by Mark Walters

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Growing extra large zucchini is excellent for bread and fresh chicken feed.

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Just a part of Mark Walters garden that provides year round food.