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. 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!”

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.

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.” 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.

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

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.