Valley Sentinel - 12-14-2023

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Thursday, December 14, 2023 | Vol. 4, No. 23 FREE, Single-Copy

Inside this edition

Arcadia Books to close for renovations

Presented by Prem Meats

BLAZE ORANGE BOARD

Community Calendar and your guide to holiday events!

Pages 1, 10

Enclosed

Pages 6, 7

Arcadia Books—(at) the heart of the community—seeks to rebuild in more ways than one

As Arcadia Books closes for three months for renovations, its coffee shop—The Paper Crane—closes for for good Amberly Mae-Cooper, Contributor

Arcadia Books in the heart of downtown Spring Green is a great literary destination and charming bookshop. The beloved and independent local bookstore resides at 102 East Jefferson St in the corner building, which dates back to 1872.

The beginning of the New Year will ring in some vital and important changes for Arcadia Books, they will be closing January through at least the beginning of March for some foundational renovations.

These months will be transitional as vital construction takes place in Arcadia’s lowest level - the basement. With the pouring of new cement and building of new support systems for the lowest level where books and other business essentials are stored.

Much of the floor of the bookstore and coffeeshop areas will be taken away and rebuilt. The new columns from the base level of Arcadia will help support the brand-new flooring of the main bookstore level and will have the similar feel.

Built in 1872, the building has previously served as a grocery store, paint store, flower shop and post office.

“We will be making all of the construction renovations with very high-quality

Photo by Amberly Mae-Cooper Nancy Baenen, on left, manager of Arcadia Books enjoys light hearted and memorable moments with Jenn Jensen of The Paper Crane, this holiday season. work and wonderful quality workers. It is something that needs to get done; so, we will take the time to do it right. The renovations will make it so the building can last another hundred years,” said Nancy Baenen, manager of Arcadia Bookstore.

Baenen has been at Arcadia since day one, upon its opening in 2011.

“Owner, James Bohnen remains committed to keep this a place that everyone feels welcome and an open space for people of all ages; from all of our older fellers, middle schoolers and other students,

really people of all ages come here. He is so committed and dedicated to keep this dream going.”

During the downtime for renovations, Arcadia will not be out of service completely. It will still maintain business through its website, readinuptopia.com, allowing for a continuation of services including curbside pickup and requested delivery for local customers.

“Arcadia is the best curated bookstore that I have ever been in. I always work really hard to find the best books. We

always want everyone to feel welcome here,” said Baenen. “Arcadia just means so much to me, I don’t even know if I can put it into words. So many kids have grown up in the store. It is such a special space where people have come to celebrate all kinds of things; students do their homework; many come to read and have a cup of coffee. I can’t imagine this town without Arcadia.”

The coming of changes for the New Year at Arcadia Books also rings a sadder tiding for patrons that have come to love the Paper Crane, the Kitchen at Arcadia Books. For five years the owner of the Paper Crane, Jenn Jensen and the entire Jensen family has brought forth an exceptional and well-established coffee shop. The Paper Crane has brought coffee, delectable treats and grab and go food options to bookshop patrons for half a decade.

The moment the structural engineer declared… “It has to be done,” regarding the need and importance of the major construction of the foundation and floors of Arcadia Books-began the momentous and difficult decision for Jensen - serving as a catalyst for the changing of seasons in the story of her life and the story of the Paper Crane.

“James, just created this lovely bookstore. When the opportunity arose, I was

continued on page 10

JJ’s K-Pop Up warms Homecoming with Korean/American fusion during the winter months Amberly Mae-Cooper, Contributor Jay Anderson of JJ’s K-Pop Up is now serving his Korean/American fusion food within Homecoming Restaurant at 242 N Lexington in Spring Green while Homecoming takes a hiatus over winter as owners Kyle Beach and Leah Spicer focus on Reunion Restaurant.

JJ’s K-Pop Up will be serving the flavorful

fusion cuisine of Anderson’s design for 4 months—December through April. He has casual homey dining in the main and the vast dining area of the restaurant and is also adding a unique new dining experience near the kitchen area which will offer new views while dining. They will be serving his homemade herbal hot tea as a complimentary service

from open to close. The homemade herbal complimentary tea service offers many herbal blends including: lemon verbena, lemon balm, goji berry, reishi mushrooms, lemon zest and lemon twist.

Anderson’s flagship menu item is his well loved, flavorful Korean Brats; an item that has made Anderson renowned in the area. Some of his other

specialties include: curry dishes, fried beef dumplings and loaded Kimchi fries.

Anderson said JJ’s offers gluten free and vegan options as well.

JJ’s K-Pop Up offers a warm and cozy dining experience with food also available to go. Anderson’s supportive wife,

continued on page 11

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Commentary/Opinion

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

OPINION/EDITORIAL

The (not so) Plain and Simple Correspondent: Support Your Local Businesses Katie Green, Columnist December is "Small Business Month" — As it happens, this household follows that path all the time. Making a mental catalog of all of the one-of-a-kind, small-time entrepreneurs we patronize, there are almost no exceptions to small businesses as places where we drop our modest cash outlays. At this time in life, cured of acquisitiveness by age, lack of space, and the promptings of conscience, we limit our expenditures to the necessities: food, clothing, and a little something for mental stimulation and news sources (such as this newspaper) that enable us to be informed, participating citizens.

Our clothing, yarn, and notions come from places like Nina's Department Store in Spring Green or the General Store.

The latter dishes up excellent lunches, as well, and imports organic veggies, eggs, and such for those who prefer their edibles without pesticides and additives.

Maybe you've ferreted out sources of your own in the River Valley and beyond.

We belong to two organic co-ops, a dairy and meats business near Loganville, and one Madison.

At the moment I am anxious about the fate of Arcadia Books in Spring Green, which I hear has to temporarily close to make structural repairs. This is tragic news for bookworms (and as a cafemeeting place for eggheads with time on their hands) who purchase only from independent bookstores such as Arcadia or Ocooch Books & Libations in Richland Center. Libraries are great to introduce

you to a range of books, but sometimes one just has to OWN a great book that will be read repeatedly and (sacrilege?) underlined, wept over, laughed in recognition at certain passages, awed by its excellence.

The vitamins that keep our battered bodies together come from independent providers such as Panacea, our occasional prescriptions from local pharmacies.

Forget Amazon! Stiff Walmart!

It is sometimes confounding to assess the changing patterns of one's life as it lengthens into old age. We no longer travel much. Trips to the grocery store or to see family and friends pretty much sums it up. Instead, we travel far and wide by phone and by book, radio, and newspaper. We eat at home almost exclusively so when we go out it is a Big Deal. In fact, this past weekend we had two uncharacteristic adventures: first, we were treated to a delightful concert of a male a cappella chorus at UW called The Mad Hatters, founded in 1997 and now a beloved institution at the university. The son of friends has sung with them all four of his undergraduate years and is the group's manager. That made it personal.

The young men are from all over the Midwest, mainly Wisconsin, but one is from a tiny town in Vermont where we lived for a period long ago, making it doubly personal.

Secondly, afterward we repaired to an eatery named Silk Road (the old trade route from the Eastern European republics to China), just opened by an

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Interesting comments from Village Board members at the Dec. 4 Arena Village Board meeting. How is two years not enough time for a Board member to grasp, at least, the basic understanding of how a municipal budget process works, how Committee and Board meetings should be run? To listen to Board members say they’ve only been around 2 years and that, that is not enough time to begin to grasp things is a cop out. These are the same Board members who come to Board meetings unprepared and have relied upon one person for answers to their questions.

You’re a Village Board member, take the initiative and contact people/companies that you have questions about. Why do you rely on the Village Clerk for your answers? Why vote on issues you do not fully understand?

Board member Tammy Erspamer accused me of not knowing what is going on, because, according to her, I’m not attending meetings. Well Tammy, how could you miss me? I sit in the front. Which meeting would you like a recording of? I also send the recordings to other sources to keep them informed.

Board member Melissa Bandel accused me of voting yes [when I was on the

On the cover

“Snow at Arcadia” (2021) Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

Cover illustration image traced by Julianna Williams.

Submit your artwork or photography for cover consideration: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

board previously] to fund EMT’s based upon calls for service. That is wrong, I voted against it and not because I was against funding EMT’s. I voted no because I did my research and realized the Village couldn’t afford it. I was the only no vote. Board member Bandel also stated that things were not done correctly when I was President. I have one question. You were on the Finance Committee at that time. Why did you vote yes to approving financials and budgets?

immigrant couple featuring a Tajikistan menu. The husband cooks, the wife is the wait staff. It is a bare bones endeavor as they begin this journey. It is a fitting Advent story, if you are familiar with the Christian calendar, in which the church begins a new year during which the adherents pursue “a new heaven

Katie Green and a new earth” with hopeful hearts... although the couple is Muslim, their hearts are hopeful of a new chapter in lives that have been full of stress. During a lull in serving early diners, I noticed the wife sitting on a stool, leaning wearily against a wall, eyes closed. As it turns out, she is also a graduate student working on a master's degree and is burning her candle at both ends. She is a convert to her husband's religion. They both are college graduates and have

I asked for an audit when I was on the Board in 2020-22. If you are willing to state that things haven’t been done correctly, do an audit. This Village needs a thorough one!

As one example of not thoroughly researching things. For the Lift Station project, a company was hired who admitted they had not done a project this size or worked in sand. Instead of taking a step back and reconsidering, the Board voted to approve. The lift station was not a “must do” project. I

intriguing, meandering backgrounds – she is a native of Bolivia, brought up in different religions.

That got me thinking about the huge amount of courage and savvy – some would say foolhardiness – required of those who launch a small enterprise of any kind, but especially a food business.

Cafes and restaurants come and go with bewildering rapidity. Even if you offer a valuable service or product, the whims of the public or the state of the economy, even such untoward events as floods, tornadoes and civil unrest (riots, mass shootings, and random violence) can wipe you out in a moment. The Japanese have an expression –mono no aware – meaning “melancholy at the fleeting nature of things” that seems appropriate not only for business but for life itself.

But let us not rest in melancholy. Steer your mind away from the ugliness and horror that dominates the news now and look for the things bright and beautiful that rise above it. A dove perched on the tree outside our kitchen window this morning, an emissary from Something bigger and better than ourselves. I'd swear it cooed Peace on Earth, Good Will to All Creatures. So be it.

Katie, who until recently lived in Plain, has been writing for fun and profit since childhood. Self-described as opinionated, she writes in the interests of a more loving, better-functioning world for all. She may be reached at katiewgreen@icloud.com.

think a lot of people are aware of how that project has gone.

Village of Arena Board members, you are responsible for knowing policy and procedures, being informed and doing the research. If you don’t know, then your leadership and you, yourself, are to blame.

Paul Pustina Arena, Wisconsin

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Commentary/OpInIon

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023 Page 3

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Public Education — Part 7: The Anchor for Democracy Beverly Pestel, Columnist The right to an education at the government’s expense may be one of the most important rights given to us by the Founding Fathers. It was a while in coming and, arguably, it has never lived up to their aspirations. Following the progression and development of public education, however, allows us to understand where we’ve been, and where we may be going. More importantly, analyzing it carefully may be critical to ensuring a prosperous future for all of us.

So, here we go...

Beverly Pestel The convergence of history and current events has set alarm bells off in my head.

We are off on a bit of a sidetrack this issue and I’m questioning as to whether I am over-reacting, but I fear I am not.

I’m reading Schoolhouse Burning: Public Education and the Assault on American Democracy by University of South Carolina law professor Derek W. Black.

To be fair, I also read a piece published by CATO Institute (founded as the Charles Koch Foundation in 1974) which is highly critical of the book. Whenever possible both sides need to be evaluated, but I have to admit I didn’t find the CATO critique compelling. Ideological positions are worth considering, but documented facts are the baseline for taking positions, and I found Professor Black more detailed and referenced than CATO. The CATO piece includes quotes but no references to where they can be found and fact checked. On the other hand, 18% of Black’s book is the Notes and References that document the narrative.

Black refers to the education “reformers” of the Jim Crow era questioningly and focuses almost exclusively on the fight

for equal funding and access to public education and its essential nature to maintaining our democracy. He writes: “At our founding, in our most significant constitutional moments, and during our most serious political challenges, the commitment to public education— to the right to education— has served as the ideological and practical anchor for democracy.”(p. 65) “Because public education has for so long served as the foundation of our democratic norms, it has also served as a battlefield for those who resist democracy or seek to bend it toward their own ends rather than the greater good…” (p. 25) I’ve been reading about the school conditions in the South and in many large cities during Jim Crow. Court decisions overturned the laws enacted during Reconstruction that provided equal education for all. State tax policies were manipulated to fully fund wealthy neighborhoods and severely underfund poor neighborhoods. A “separate but equal” hypocrisy provided high quality education to whites and underfunded, understaffed, crumbling schools for Blacks. The political maneuvering to hinder the education of the Black population, documented in court decisions, direct quotes and written manuscripts is undeniable. Intimidating, threatening, and too often deadly actions by fellow Americans to keep other Americans separate and unequal by any means is something that ugly only begins to describe.

I was going to leave the political attacks on education at that until hearing the breaking news from Liam Beran in The Daily Cardinal on Nov. 29. The suggestion of UW System President Jay Rothman that campuses with low-income students “shift away” from liberal arts programs is blood curdling. Reflecting on this and the other current attacks on public education brought this disturbing 1946 confessional by the German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller to mind: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade

unionist. obviously have the wrong person leading Then they came for the Jews, the UW System as well. and I did not speak out— We dare not forget the words of Thomas Because I was not a Jew. Jefferson (Bill for the More General Then they came for me—and Diffusion of Knowledge, 1778): there was no one left to speak for "…experience hath shewn, that me.” even under the best forms [of I do my best to avoid paranoia and government], those entrusted overstatement, but sometimes reality with power have, in time, and slaps me in the face and makes me admit by slow operations, perverted it that what I am thinking is neither of those into tyranny; and it is believed things. that the most effectual means I retired early from my university of preventing this would be, teaching job for one reason – what I was to illuminate…the minds of being pressured to do was malpractice. the people at large, and…give Years of state budget cuts had left the them knowledge of those facts, public universities struggling to meet which history exhibiteth, that, financial demands. As a result, we were possessed thereby… they may be being pressured not to fail anyone – the enabled to know ambition under school needed their tuition. Don’t give all its shapes, and prompt to exert anyone less than a “C” if they need that their natural powers to defeat its grade to continue in their major – we can’t purposes…" give the state legislatures more excuses to We need to consider the possibility further defund us. that the weakening of education is not The decades-long budget cuts at the K-12 a coincidence, is not an honest attempt level have been just as draconian and just to balance the budget, but has been a as destructive. strategy wielded by the powerful to make In the last year, three 2-year UW System us less able to see and respond to the slow schools have or are closing because of perversion of our democracy into tyranny. state budget cuts. Multiple other 4-year Those powerful need our compliance to campuses are drastically cutting staff maintain their power. The statement of because of budget cuts. UW System salary Rothman seems to rhyme with what South raises authorized in the Wisconsin budget Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond are being denied because the Republican- said in 1858: “In all social systems, there dominated Wisconsin Legislature doesn’t must be a class to do the menial duties, to like the diversity, equity and inclusion perform the drudgery of life.” That class, he policies of the UW System. And now UW said, needed little intellect and little skill, System President Rothman has suggested but it should be strong, docile and loyal – that campuses with low-income students a class of “them”, that when uneducated, “shift away” from liberal arts programs will be compliant to the tyranny of the – programs that include the literature, powerful “us”. history and civics that are essential to Professor Black is not being hyperbolic sustain a democracy. when he writes, “If education becomes the It seems that the powerful are no bystander in a political power struggle, longer attempting to deny educational democracy could lose the tool it needs to empowerment only to Blacks and other heal itself.” (p. 37). minorities as they were in the Jim Crow Education is not a weapon, but it is era, now they are targeting many of the essential tool to defend against the you, your kids, and your grandkids as enemies of democracy. It is the enabler well, making the achievement of an of the “them” to know the ambition of the education that empowers them as citizens powerful and exert their natural powers to more difficult. In Richland County we defeat tyranny. have already reached the final stage of Niemöller’s confessional…

Beverly is a retired professor. She livesNEWSPAPE BETTER When they came to close UW-Richland – in a remodeled farmhouse and tends 40 CONTEST AWAR there was no one left to speak for us. acres of woodland in Richland County.

This happened because we had elected When not in the woods she spends her people for Assembly and State Senate enjoying W I S C Otime N S I Nreading, N E W S PAwriting P E R A Sand S O C IAT I O N F the O U N D AT I O N who refused to respect education and beauty of the Driftless Area. Beverly may support our civic and economic needs. We be contacted at bpestel@msn.com.

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS EDITION EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Graphic Design Literary Contributor Agriculture Columnist Nicole Aimone Julianna Williams Mary Lanita Schulz Barb Garvoille Managing Editor Democracy, Society & Edu. Columnist Taylor Scott Beverly Pestel Community Contributor Editorial Intern Legal Editor Community Columnist Amberly Mae-Cooper Alex Prochaska Gary Ernest Grass, esq.

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Page 4

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

Commentary/OpInIon/Community

My Mother’s Journey—RVHS musical ‘Bright Star’ connects on a personal level Karen Scott, Contributed I had no idea when I bought tickets for the River Valley High School musical, Bright Star, how much of a connection that I would have with it. It tells a “sweeping tale of love and redemption… in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.”

With its main setting in 1946, it was a time when my parents were young, newly married, and my dad had flown bomber planes in World War II for the Army Air Force. Just like Billy in the musical, my dad was determined to make a future and put himself through college.

Even though the acts in 1946 served as a connection for me, it was the flashbacks to 1923 that really resonated with me. My mom, Jacqueline “Jackie” Larson (née Quinn) was born May 15, 1925 to a Swedish mother and an Irish firefighter. Her mom was very protective and strict with Jackie, while she was the apple of her father’s eye, spoiling her as much as he could under her mother’s watchful eyes.

As she grew up, she became an accomplished dancer, and her parents—living on a modest income during the Great Depression—would do without so she could dance and have costumes.

She was an only child, but was always told she had a twin brother who died as a baby. While growing up she had many visits with cousins that lived out of state.

At one of these visits, they would tell her that she was adopted. Jackie confronted

Photo contributed by Karen Scott The author, at left, in Racine with her new-found cousins, Mary and Annette. her mother, and she vehemently denied it. Over the years, things just didn’t add up. Her birth certificate was not issued until she was 5 years old. That same birth

certificate said also that her mother was 8 years younger than she claimed—which,

August 5: While biking past The Frozen Local, a young girl refused to be shown up by her friend who was telling her about the store’s delicious ice cream. "Yeah, I know all about the ice cream shop," she bragged in a perfectly flippant voice. "My mom knows the people who own it."

do!”

September 16: Customers and employees alike stepped outside of the Slowpoke Lounge to admire a rainbow at the back end of a late-summer storm.

As if designed by an advertising firm, the rainbow’s arc ended directly over Hardware Hank.

November 7: In a neighboring town, I caught the end of a piece of juicy gossip: “I shouldn't say that; it's not very nice, but it's very factual."

November 11: A man helping his wife put leftovers in a takeout container asked her if she wanted to “compartmentalize” them.

November 26: I heard a new response to the typical Midwestern comment that rain or snow is “really coming down”: “Better that than going up!”

Grace Vosen August 9: A woman meeting her friend at Arcadia, when asked how big a teacup she wanted, answered: “A big, honkin’ one – we have a lot of catching up to

Grace Vosen is a writer and conservation educator living in Spring Green. She blogs about both the human and nonhuman communities of our region at DriftlessGrace.com.

Security, and cutting Medicare while taking free taxpayer trips is NOT the way to convince us that the sky is falling under the Biden administration. Instead of the insinuating, the lying… how about DVO coming up with some solutions? Criticizing is easy…solving is more difficult.

Does DVO really care about veterans, seniors, babies? I don’t know…I have my suspicions when he voted to KEEP Santos in Congress…instead of listening to his own party’s analysis about Santos’ ethics. (Hmm…I think I used a bit of inference there…)

governments and lack of insight into our evolving technologies and enterprises needs to be amended to allow for local needs and to encourage entrepreneurial innovation. Legislators must amend this proposed bill and pass it so Wisconsin can benefit from federal charging station funds.

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Driftless Grace — Spring Green Gleanings II

Grace Vosen, Columnist 2023 marked my second year of writing down humorous things I overheard in Spring Green as a tribute to the writer August Derleth. Without further ado, here are this year’s “gleanings.”

March 3: At a trendy restaurant in a nearby town, my friend and I had barely been seated when a man at a nearby table informed us that the beer flight was too expensive and we wouldn't want to order it.

March 17: A customer at a cafe told the server that she’d heard a certain entree was very good. Without thinking, the server replied: “Hmm - interesting!” We shared a laugh when the customer had left.

April 10: Passing the door of a local watering hole, I listened as a man entered the bar and was greeted by a rowdy chorus shouting, “Oh no!”

May 16: I reconnected with someone I taught about chimney swifts two years ago. She shared that she had convinced everyone in the outdoor seating area

at Homecoming to watch the birds one night. She persuaded them that the creatures flying into the building’s chimney were birds and not bats. I was pleased that my “discovery” of the swift roost has extended beyond me, and that the birds were considerate enough to return for another year.

June 15: Said one Molter's employee to another at the end of a shift, "I'm going to sleep like a sedimentary rock at the bottom of the ocean." I also heard the nickname “Motown” proposed for this store that is rapidly transforming from Hometown into Molter’s.

June 23: On the night before the Art Fair, when the announcement came that vendors could start setting up, I listened to the music of hundreds of tent poles being put together on the pavement the world's largest windchime.

July 22: After finding the local business he was looking for, a highly specific tourist remarked to his family: "They need a larger sign! That's like an 11-by17 piece of paper!"

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I recently received an email from Rep. Van Orden stating that inflation is costing $709 per household more than two years ago. I wondered…where did he get that figure? How was it determined?

What exactly constitutes a “household”?

I contacted his office and was told that the answers were in his email…so, digging further, the one fact that he quoted was from the New York Post, Aug. 25, 2023.

In it, the author, an acclaimed economist, Mark Zandi, did in fact say that.

What Van Orden failed to say, was that the Core Consumer Price Index that

Zandi uses EXCLUDES food and energy prices. So what is driving that $709 increase?

Well, if you bought a new car, or bought a new house…those things all cost more.

A lot more. But does that affect all the households in Congressional District 3?

I think very few people bought a new car or a new house.

So, while in essence DVO is somewhat correct, the inference in his email was that we were all hurting more, and hurting a lot. The inference!! From the New York Post, I copied this from Mr. Zandi…”Zandi concluded his analysis with: “The deeper I dig into last week’s infla-

tion statistics, the more confident I am that inflation will be back to the Fed’s inflation target by this time next year. And this without more interest rate hikes, a recession, or even much of an increase in unemployment.”

So is inflation still with us? Yes. Is it as bad as DVO inferred? No. DVO claims he is working to lower government spending. If this is true, why does he continue to take junkets to Germany and to Israel?

It was almost laughable that a first term Representative carried any weight with the Israeli government….c’mon, admit that it was a fun trip paid for by taxpayers. Putting scare into people regarding their budgets, cutting WIC, cutting Social

Dear Editor, I am pleased to see Senator Marklein and Representative VanderMeer proposing legislation allowing sales of electricity for car charging by the kilowatt-hour by non-utilities.

However; the proposed law has two problems.

First, limiting the source of charging electricity to utilities discourages innovation and enterprise. In Florida

entire subdivisions are being built utilizing solar electricity and batteries, not electrical utilities. Law should not predetermine what Wisconsin's evolving technology and innovative entrepreneurs can or cannot do to serve the public. I can imagine the Wisconsin company Generac, for instance, considering designing an independent solar charging station, if it were legal.

Secondly, prohibiting local govern-

ments from services that municipalities may need to promote business access and citizen convenience is short sighted. Local governments have decades of experience with parking facilities and parking meters and municipal charging stations may be exactly what is needed. Limiting local governments is an unnecessary part of this state legislation.

Legislation that shows distrust of local

Dear Editor, The twice impeached former President unveiled his “Big Lie” by falsely claiming on August 17, 2020 that “The only way we’re going to lose this election is if the election is rigged.” He did this to cast doubt on the results of the November 2020 election.

When he lost, this “Big Lie” took firm hold of many Republicans. Millions ac-

cepted his “Big Lie.” His supporters attempted to overthrow our democracy on 1/6/2021 by storming the halls of Congress leaving destruction and death in their wake.

Republicans also advanced the “Big Lie” by meticulously planning to send false electors to our capital to cast votes for the losing candidate. Sixty-plus court cases have found that there was

no fraud anywhere in the nation-wide electoral process.

Ten fraudulent Republican electors attempted to enter our State Capital Building to cast their illegitimate votes.

Luckily, they failed. On 12-6-2023, these fake electors disavowed their attempt to overturn Trump’s 2020 defeat; their latest measure of accountability for Trump’s plot to undermine the Elec-

Barbara Voyce Lone Rock, Wisconsin

Bill Dagnon Baraboo, Wisconsin toral College in seven vulnerable swing states!

Now, Trump is once again at our door.

Our democracy is at stake. He’s told us so. Believe him! Get involved. Actively support democracy!

Lee D. Van Landuyt Hillsboro, Wisconsin

Commentary/OpInIon/Community

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023 Page 5

CHRIS HARDIE'S 'BACK HOME' COLUMN

Learning about AI Chris Hardie, Columnist

Back in the days when I ran newsrooms, I was fond of telling folks that the simplest definition of news is “what people are talking about.”

Chris Hardie I was reminded of that when I stopped in recently at Borgen’s Restaurant in downtown Westby for a cup of coffee. Two elderly gentlemen sipping the same social lubricant as myself were deep in discussion.

Apparently one or both may have been a tad hard of hearing, because the conversation was loud enough for most folks to hear, including yours truly, who is hard of hearing.

The conversation varied from politics to the weather, but then ventured into a fascinating discussion about one of the hot topics of the day.

“I don’t know why everyone thinks AI is something new and wonderful,” said the man whose name was Ole and he spoke with a slight Norwegian lilt. “It’s been around for hundreds of years.”

“It has not,” countered his companion named Ted. “It really didn’t start until the later 1950s.”

Ole shook his head vigorously. “It’s been around for longer than that. But vhat most folks forget is that Vernon County and Vestby was one of the main locations for AI.” I am not an AI geek, but I had never heard that Westby was one of the pioneers in one of the most amazing developments in our technological world today. I was eager to hear more.

“‘Tvas the early 1940s when it really took off around here,”Ole explained. “Vernon County Breeders, it was called, and then it became Tri-State Breeders and later, oh vhat was it called, Accelerated Genetics.

I should know. I milked cows for many years.”

I just about sent a mouthful of coffee across my table but managed to swallow and stifle my laughter.

Ted looked a little confused.

“But Ole, I heard that you somehow use AI with your computer. Do you spose that’s for photos and directions?”

“Aack, you don’t need a computer to do AI,” Ole scoffed. “Roll up your sleeves, put on a good plastic glove up to your shoulder and you’re in and out in no time. I never had any computer to tell me what to do.

That’s B.S.” “I just don’t understand why I keep hearing about things like bots, chat and computers,” Ted said. “What does that have to do with AI?” “It could be those farms that milk with computers, which I still don’t understand,” Ole said. “But it took a while for me to get used to the idea that we didn’t need a bull in with the herd all of the time when we had frozen straws from different bulls.”

“By the way,” Ole continued. “Did you hear about the young bull and the old bull who were standing on top of a hill overlooking the herd? The young bull started to shiver and said to the old bull, ‘I’m getting cold. I think I’ll go to the barn to warm up.

Are you joining me?’

“No,” said the old bull. “I think I’ll just go and slip into a jersey.”

“You’ve told that joke a hundred times, Ole, but it’s still a good one,” Ted chuckled.

I was finished with my coffee at this point and walked past Ted and Ole’s table. I had to set the record straight.

“Pardon me for interrupting, gentlemen, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation about AI. While I too grew up on a farm where AI was used, the AI they are talking about now is not artificial insemination but artificial intelligence. It’s using computers to replicate human intelligence

and to solve problems.”

Ole and Ted stared at me for a couple of seconds letting what I said sink in.

“Vell, that may be true,” Ole replied. “But it’s hard enough finding natural intelligence these days. We don’t need artificial intelligence.”

“You’ll get no argument from me,” I said.

“Love your bull joke, by the way.”

What would AI do?

So after I wrote my tongue-in-cheek story about Ole and Ted (who are indeed made up characters), I asked ChatGPT to “write a story about two old Norwegians who mistake AI for artificial insemination.”

Within a few seconds, here is what resulted: In the quaint village of Vik, nestled between majestic fjords and snow-capped mountains, lived two old friends, Olaf and Ingrid. Both had weathered the storms of life, their laughter echoing through the narrow cobblestone streets as they approached their twilight years.

One crisp autumn morning, Olaf and Ingrid gathered at the local community center to discuss the latest news and catch up on each other's lives. The village had recently embraced technological advancements, and a new AI system had been installed to streamline various processes.

As the duo chatted about the changing times, a poster caught Olaf's eye. "AI: The Future of Our Village," it proclaimed, with a detailed illustration of a computerized brain. Perplexed but intrigued, Olaf tugged Ingrid's sleeve and pointed at the poster.

"Ingrid, have you heard of this AI thing?

They say it's the future!"

Ingrid squinted at the poster, her weathered hands adjusting the glasses perched on her nose. "AI? What in the name of Odin is that?"

Olaf, always the adventurous one, suggested they attend the village meeting that evening to learn more about this mysterious AI. The duo arrived at the community center, where a young tech enthusiast named Erik stood at the front, eager to educate the villagers about the wonders of artificial intelligence.

My Mother’s Journey—RVHS musical ‘Bright Star’ connects on a personal level continued from page 4

until her mother retired, Jackie didn’t realize that her mother had always lied about her age. There was a picture of her deceased twin in an obituary with his death being in September of 1925, but he did not look to be 4 months old but rather a newborn.

My mother was only 18 when she met my dad, Raymond. As luck would have it, his friend Adolph, from Black River Falls was visiting him and they had gone out roller skating at the same rink my mom was at. After fretting and hesitating about asking Jackie to skate, my dad’s friend Adolph finally told him, “Ray, either you ask her to skate or I’m going to!” That was the push he needed! After that night they became a couple and fell in love.

After marrying and my dad serving his time in WWII as a pilot, they settled down in Racine. Jackie became very close to her new mother-in-law Esther. They would share many laughs over the years.

At one point Esther shared the news that her coworkers had told Jackie that she was adopted. Even Esther’s best friend Betty, told her she heard Jackie came from Michigan, I believe she told her, but I think she meant Minnesota. Without Jackie’s mother admitting the truth, and the lack of DNA tests at the time, there wasn’t much for my mom to go on.

I found out after her death she had requested adoption records from the state of Wisconsin, as I had before, but according to them, no legal adoption of her existed in the state of Wisconsin.

Fast forward to 2016, I had decided to do

a DNA test on my mom for Christmas to see if she really was adopted. At this point she was suffering from dementia and was closing in on the age of 92. Finally, in February 2017, we had her spit in the vial Ancestry had given us to get the DNA. Seems easy, but to get her to spit enough into a vial to produce enough DNA for the sample was like pulling teeth. After what seemed like a better part of an hour, we got the sample we needed and prayed it wasn’t contaminated or anything so it would be accepted.

After weeks of waiting, the results came back and the sample was good! What I found out is she had DNA matches from both Minnesota and the Racine area of Wisconsin. The Racine area did not surprise me, but the people she matched to did. There was no Swedish nor Irish in her DNA! She was mostly English with some German in her. This proved that she indeed was adopted and my grandparents that raised her were not her biological parents as they were full blooded Swedish and Irish. I was not sure at this point she understood, but I told her she had relatives in both Minnesota and Racine.

This was the beginning of the attempt at unraveling the mystery behind how my mom came to be. I was a novice to ancestry and DNA and my degree in Biology did not prepare me for the journey I was about to begin. The first step was to become a member of Ancestry, then hours upon hours of research to figure out who she was and where she came from.

Unfortunately, my research didn’t pan

out anything before my mom joined my father on August 11, 2017. She never knew who she really was or where she came from.

Shortly after my mom died, I got a message on Ancestry from someone that asked if we were related. I explained it was my mom’s DNA that she had matched.

Her mother had died just a couple weeks before mine did.

The rest is a blur, but after a lot of research with my limited knowledge I figured out who my mom’s biological grandparents were on each side. One side was from Minnesota and the other from the Racine area. I was able to eliminate some of the aunts and uncles on each side by the DNA of her cousin’s children, but there was no clear evidence who was her biological mom and dad on either side.

The only connection I found is one of the Minnesota aunts, who was married, moved to Racine for a while along with her youngest sister. She never had any children, so there is no DNA to test to see if she was a possible biological parent.

She was a high school student and then would have been 18 the year my mom was born. By the 1930s census she was back in Minnesota. As for the two possible fathers on the other side, one was married and the other one’s grandson did not test very high as a likely match.

The Racine side there was another prospective biological mother, but she never had any children either. For the Minnesota side, the one brother is ruled out as his son tested as a 1st cousin to my mom, the only other possible father was married

Erik explained the potential benefits of AI, from automating mundane tasks to predicting the weather. However, the nuances of the technology eluded Olaf and Ingrid, who exchanged puzzled glances.

The confusion deepened when Erik mentioned the term "artificial insemination," emphasizing how AI could revolutionize agriculture and animal breeding. Olaf and Ingrid exchanged another set of bewildered looks, their minds conjuring images of technological wizardry in the realm of fertility.

After the presentation, Olaf approached Erik with a furrowed brow. "Young man, we don't quite understand this AI business.

Are you telling us it's some kind of magical device for helping cows have calves?"

Erik stifled a laugh and clarified, "No, no! AI stands for artificial intelligence. It's about smart machines and computers, not cows having babies. It's like a clever friend who can help us do things more efficiently."

Olaf and Ingrid, still scratching their heads, exchanged a relieved chuckle. "Well, we thought this AI was some newfangled way of bringing life to the fields. But clever machines, you say? Perhaps they can help us figure out these contraptions," Ingrid mused.

As Olaf and Ingrid left the community center, they may not have fully grasped the concept of AI, but they embraced the idea of a smarter, more efficient future. Little did they know that their charming mix-up would become a cherished tale passed down through the generations, reminding the villagers of the day Olaf and Ingrid thought AI was the key to helping cows start families.

I have to admit, the AI work is pretty impressive. It missed some of the nuances of AI. And it needs a joke or two.

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. the year my mother was born.

There just isn’t enough evidence on either side to pinpoint a biological parent and even having a “search angel” try and figure it out didn’t find any more answers either.

Like Alice in Bright Star, my mom’s biological mother could not, or was not allowed to raise my mom, and likely my mother was the only child she would ever have. Anyone who knew of the circumstances surrounding this is long gone.

Strange that my mom went to the same high school as some of her first cousins (mother and aunt of the women who originally contacted me on Ancestry), yet she had no clue that she had so many relatives within a short distance of her. How she would have loved all the girl cousins she had! One cousin in fact looked so much like her people who knew my mom mistook her yearbook picture as my mom.

Through the years of research, I have met and corresponded to a few different relatives from my mom’s biological family. I also have helped two cousins find their biological fathers that were related to my mom. One of my cousins’ dads, who would be my mom’s 1st cousin, is still alive in Canada and her son is an actor that starred in the Home Alone movie franchise as a child and, more recently, on the Netflix series Working Moms and Anne with an E. I may never know who my mom’s biological parents are, but I will always be curious about the circumstances her parents faced. Whether she was placed

continued on page 8

Page 6

Community

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

COmmunitycalendar

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.

Events for December 14 - January 18 Thursday, December 14 Late Fall Yoga 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . Embrace the a fluid transition to fall.

Move mindfully, breathe fully, rest deeply, and nourish your body and mind with group yoga. Classes are all-levels and will be adapted for the individuals that attend regularly.

Drop-ins are welcome. Build your own series for $17/class (five or more) or $20 per single drop-in. Payment is appreciated but you are always welcome to come no matter your financial situation. Register online.

Storytime 10:30 AM . Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock . lonerocklibrary.wordpress.com . 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.

Family Caroling 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . Come one, come all—even if you normally only sing in the shower! Let’s spread some traditional cheer at the library and as we stroll to nearby businesses. Song sheets will be provided. Dress for being outdoors. In case of inclement weather, we may keep the singing indoors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver.

Family Fun Night! 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM . Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Join us for Family Fun Nights at the Library! Each month we will have a fun themed activity for families to drop in to do. Join us this week for Gingerbread House Building!

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.

Pre-season Bingo @ Arthurs Supper Club 6:00 PM . Arthur's Supper Club, E4885 Us Highway 14 And 60, Spring Green . For more information, look up Arthur's Supper Club on Facebook . Free to play. Please no one under 21. Regular bingo season starts in January. Call ahead to reserve a table 608-588-2521!

Saturday, December 16 Santa’s Workshop 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM . Arena VFW Hall 514 Willow Street, Arena . For more info look up Ewing-Olson VFW Post 9336 on Facebook . Ewing- Olson VFW Post 9336-Arena and Wildlife Forever ATV Club are partnering up this year to bring back Santa's WorkShop. Kids will be able to shop for gifts for their families, pets and grandparents!! The gifts are donated from community members, some items brand new and some used items. Parents are asked to make a donation for their child's purchases, whatever they feel is appropriate. (50 cents to $1 per item.) Come and help them shop.

Gift wrapping is included. Santa will be stopping by for a visit!

Spring Green Winter Farmers Market 10:00 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.

Stories with Santa 10:30 AM . 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they read stories (and maybe—just maybe—listen to a few holiday wishes). Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while you’re here.

Don’t forget to post your letters to Santa in our special red mailbox too!

LIVE MUSIC: Don't Mess with Cupid - Funky Christmas 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM .

Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . Come on down for a Funky Christmas with Don't Mess With Cupid, an 8 Piece Soul group based out of Madison, Wisconsin, led by Kevin Willmott. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

Sunday, December 17 Late Fall Yoga 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM . Radiant Spirit Retreats Yoga, S7163 County Rd G, Hill Point . ruralremedy.com . Embrace a fluid transition to fall. Move mindfully, breathe fully, rest deeply, and nourish your body and mind with group yoga. Classes are all-levels and will be adapted for the individuals that attend regularly. Drop-ins are welcome. Build your own series for $20 per single drop-in. Payment is appreciated but you are always welcome to come no matter your financial situation. Register online.

Intro to Tarot Class with BillieJo Scharfenberg 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM . North Earth Crystals & Gifts, 124 W. Jefferson St, Spring Green . northearth.com . Are you interested in learning more about Tarot cards and the art of reading them? Join us for this two hour introductory class to get you started. BillieJo Scharfenberg began her journey with The Tarot in 1996. She uses her proficiency and knowledge to help clients make better life choices via the unique format and interpretive insights the cards offer. She has read Tarot cards professionally, both for individuals and groups, for nearly twenty years. She brings her experience, a combination of study and practical knowledge, as well as a keen devotion to the practice, to each reading in order to help you navigate your life path. $35 for the two hour class. Walk-in registration will be taken as availability allows, however, slots fill up quickly, so please call 608.588.3313 to reserve your seat.

Euchre 6:00 PM . Dave's On Main, 1170 Main St, Plain . For more info look up Dave’s on Main on Facebook . Join us every Sunday for Euchre!

Monday, December 18 A Night of Words 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . An open mic. Friends sharing words. Watch. Listen.

Speak. Share. Maybe you have a favorite poem, or passage from a book you’d like to share. Or maybe you write your own and are ready to share it with the rest of us.

Maybe you just want to tell a story. Or maybe you just want to listen. It’s all good. Let’s hang out and share words together. Poetry. Stories. Original work and old favorites.

This and that. A Night of Words.

Tuesday, December 19 Movies, Munchies and More — Catherine Called Birdy 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. Movie Synopsis: The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever, and adventurous and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways. Her imagination, defiance, and deep belief in her own right to independence put her on a collision course with her parents. When the vilest suitor of all arrives, they are presented with the ultimate test of love for their daughter.

(PG-13, 1h 48m, 2022).

SESSION FULL: Moving Senior Bodies 4:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . Join Upland Hills Health professionals Rosie Morrey, APNP, and Jennifer Day, COTA, for weekly classes focusing on balance and strength training to promote healthy aging.This session is full. We are planning on doing more sessions, so please check back after the new year.

Late Fall Yoga 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . Embrace the a fluid transition to fall.

Move mindfully, breathe fully, rest deeply, and nourish your body and mind with group yoga. Classes are all-levels and will be adapted for the individuals that attend regularly.

Drop-ins are welcome. Payment is appreciated but you are always welcome to come no matter your financial situation. Register online.

Wednesday, December 20 Book Discussion 2:00 PM . 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com .

For the last Book Discussion of 2023, we will be having a bookish party. Bring your favorites from the year, books you are looking forward to reading before the year ends, or books that you are excited about for 2024. We will have cupcakes!

Teen Time: Teen Advisory Board 4:00 PM . 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . Teen voices needed! Come tell us what you'd like the Library to offer. This will be a monthly opportunity to share ideas on Library programing and materials that you see!

Bingo 6:00 PM . Dave's On Main, 1170 Main St, Plain . For more info look up Dave’s on Main on Facebook . A cozy restaurant where you are welcome to have a drink. Join us every Wednesday for Bingo!

Thursday, December 21 Late Fall Yoga 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . Embrace a fluid transition to fall. Move mindfully, breathe fully, rest deeply, and nourish your body and mind with group yoga.

Classes are for all-levels. Build your own series $20 per single drop-in. Payment is appreciated but you are always welcome no matter your financial situation.

Storytime 10:30 AM . Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock . lonerocklibrary.wordpress.com . 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.

Spiral of Lights 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . Please join us for our first community Spiral of Lights on the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, in the Community Room.

All are welcome! Children may walk alone or with a parent/ caregiver. No one is required to walk; it can also be a wonderful experience to watch others. We will have walks happening every 30 min from 4-7pm. Each walk should last about 20-30 minutes.

If you arrive and the door to the community room is closed please wait until it reopens and the next walk begins.

Winter Solstice Observance Slated For Frank’s Hill 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Frank’s Hill, STH 193, Muscoda . To learn more about the solstice event or for directions, contact Dave Martin at (608) 739-4198 or Mark Cupp at (608) 739-2179. . Weather permitting, area residents are invited to join the festivities and remember events of the past year.

A moment of silence will be observed for those who have passed away since the last trip around the sun. Following the sunset, attendees are welcome to gather around the campfire to share stories and learn more about Frank’s Hill.

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.

LIVE MUSIC: Eric Tessmer 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . Join us for this special solo performance featuring Eric Tessmer, an American blues guitarist. A Richland Center native, Tessmer developed his love of music playing instruments with his family. Tessmer moved to Texas after high school, and he quickly garnered a formidable reputation there for his fierce fretwork and explosive live performances. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Friday, December 22 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 star ted 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.

Tween and Teen Movie 4:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.com . We’ll be featuring Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, with popcorn and cocoa.

Saturday, December 23 Spring Green Winter Farmers Market 10:00 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.

very V

BLAZE ORANGE BOARD

WINNERS 2023 BIGGEST BUCK 1st Place

BEST YOUTH HARVEST

1st PLACE Mason Staggs, age 14 of Iowa County harvested this buck opening morning at 7:30 a.m.

John Mueller, of Dodgeville, harvested this buck in Green county opening day. “He made the mistake of coming out of the timber before dark,” said Mueller. “He has 14 points and is 19 inches wide.”

Photo contributed by Matthew Johnson

Photo contributed by John Mueller

2nd PLACE

2nd Place

Shayla Klingaman, age 11, harvested her first deer, an 8 pointer with a 14.5 inch inside spread, with a Savage 243 in the woods of Bear Valley. Shayla has been hunting with her father since she was 4 years old and this year was her first year with a mentor license.

Kylie Morrey, 18 of Spring Green, harvested this 13 point buck “with 2 extra stickers that don’t quite count as points” in Muscoda.

The buck has a 19” spread and was missing his left eye!

“We nicknamed this buck ‘Grandpa’ when we saw him on the trail cams… he’s an old deer,” said Morrey.

Photo contributed by Ashley Klingaman

Photo contributed by Kylie Morrey

3rd Place

3rd PLACE “First and foremost hunting is a serious deal at the Stapleton farm,” says Heather Stapleton. “This is my husband Justin and our 2 boys. My husband has put in hours building his tree stands and making sure they are mouse free, he hates mice. And then having them in his perfect spot. He waited for that perfect buck 8 years and opening day his efforts were rewarded. Iowa county, 12 pointer.”

Owen Wilson, 11, shot his first buck, an 8 pointer, on October 8 of the youth season in Sauk county.

Photo contributed by Heather Stapleton

Photo contributed by Bradley Wilson

BEST VIEW OUT IN THE FIELD

BIGGEST DOE 1st PLACE

1st PLACE Forrest Reno, 7 of Lone Rock, harvested this doe, his first deer, on private land in Richland county during the Youth Season.

Photo contributed by Adam Reno

Kylie Morrey, 18 of Spring Green, captured this view in Muscoda.

Photo contributed by Kylie Morrey

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS!

2nd PLACE “It’s always peaceful hunting the pines,” says Curtis Johnson, of Arena, who took this unedited view at 0.5 zoom.

VALLEY SENTINEL’S

PRESENTED BY

BLAZE

ORANGE

BOARD Photo contributed by Curtis Johnson

AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

3rd PLACE Sunrise from the tree stand on November 22.

BIGGEST BUCK BIGGEST DOE FIRST PRIZE FIRST PRIZE - VORTEX Triumph 10x42 binoculars - VORTEX Triumph 10x42 - onX Hunt Elite membership binoculars - Free Deer Processing at Prem Meats - onX Hunt Elite ($165 value) membership - Hunters Specialties Rubline Grunt Call - Free Deer Processing at (donated by Kate’s Bait) Prem Meats ($165 value) SECOND PRIZE SECOND - onX Hunt Premium membership PRIZE - $50 Prem Meats gift card - onX Hunt Premium - Grave Digger Whitetail Doe Estrous membership Scent (donated by Kate’s Bait) - $50 Prem Meats gift card - $10 Kate's Bait & Sporting Goods gift - $10 Kate's Bait & Sporting certificate Goods gift certificate THIRD PRIZE THIRD PRIZE - onX Hunt Premium membership - onX Hunt Premium - $25 Prem Meats gift card membership - Buck Bomb Scrape Generator (donated - $25 Prem Meats gift card

by Kate’s Bait)

Kate's Bait and Sporting Goods Some prizes may also include various Vortex and Henry Rifles swag.

Winners will be contacted by email for pickup options.

BEST YOUTH BEST VIEW OUT HARVEST IN THE FIELD FIRST PRIZE FIRST PRIZE - Henry Single Shot Youth Rifle in - Vortex Triumph 10x42 .243 (H015-243) binoculars - Vortex Bantam 6.5x32 youth - onX Hunt Elite membership binoculars - $50 Prem Meats gift card - onX Hunt Elite membership SECOND PRIZE - Free Deer Processing at Prem - onX Hunt Premium Meats ($165 value) membership - $50 Straka Meats gift card - $25 Prem Meats gift card SECOND PRIZE - $10 Kate's Bait & Sporting - onX Hunt Premium membership Goods gift certificate - $50 Prem Meats gift card THIRD PRIZE - $10 Kate's Bait & Sporting Goods - onX Hunt Premium gift certificate membership THIRD PRIZE - Grave Digger Whitetail Doe - onX Hunt Premium membership Estrous Scent (donated by Kate’s - $25 Prem Meats gift card Bait) - $10 Prem Meats gift card

Photo contributed by Joe Schwarz

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Kate’s Bait Annual Ice Fishing Derby January 20th, 2024

Registration is $15 per Adult and $5 per Kid (15 and under) Fish Any Body of Water You Want Fishing Time: 6AM-1PM on January 20th, 2024 Register and Weigh-Ins at Kate’s Bait 3916 State Road 23, Dodgeville Categories (Adult and Kids categories separate): Most Panfish (Best Stringer of 10) Memory Maker Award- Largest Award for each: Crappie, Bluegill, Perch, Bass, Northern, Walleye Smallest Fish of the Day Held During WI FREE FISHING WEEKEND

Cash Prize Payouts

For a full list of details go to www.katesbaitdodgeville.com Click on the “Annual Ice Fishing Derby” tab

Tiffani Reno, of Lone Rock, harvested this 8 point buck in Sauk county on private land opening weekend. Tiffani Reno, from left, is pictured with her sons, Forrest Reno and Cael Reno.

Photo contributed by Adam Reno

Mike Hawley of Cooper Landing, Alaska shot this 8 point buck on the last day of regular gun season in western Dane county. It has a 15-3/4 inch inside spread. He used his trusty .280 to make the shot, dropping the buck in its tracks.

Photo contributed by Joe Schwarz

Todd Wilson, 13, shot this 4 pointer on October 7 during the youth season in Sauk county.

Photo contributed by Bradley Wilson

The evening hunt on November 18 in western Dane county.

Photo contributed by Joe Schwarz

Alyssa Nachreiner, age 14 of Plain, shot this one sided buck on the last day of the season.

Photo contributed by Nathan Nachreiner

“A Cut e Above Th Rest!”

Daniel Wunnicke-Ready, of Spring Green, captured this view of a buck in Sauk county, west of Plain.

Photo contributed by Daniel Wunnicke-Ready

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Straka’s venison sausage products are made with only FRESH beef and pork and only the finest blend of spices and seasonings available, then hickory smoked. All products are vacuum packaged in a custom, E-Z Open packaging that you can’t get anywhere else. Stop in with your deer or your boneless trim and start enjoying the best tasting sausage products you’ve ever had. Remember, quality takes time. Orders are processed in the order we receive them. Have a great 2023 deer hunt, HUNT SAFE! NOT accepting Whole Deer Carcasses.

Always accepting boneless trim & skinned, quartered deer.

Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri : 8:00am - 5:00pm Wed : Closed Sat : 8:00am - 1:00pm Sun : Closed

We accept Snap cards

On the Hunt for Views

These pictures were taken over the 9 day regular gun deer hunting season in Clyde.

Photos contributed by Brian Freel

Bill Ishmael harvested this buck south of Spring Green in northern Iowa county on opening day, Nov. 18. “Note the Wisconsin DNR eartags in both ears,” said Ishmael. “This deer was one of about 1,100 captured and tagged by the DNR in Iowa county during a 4-year deer research project that ended in late 2020.”

Photo contributed by Bill Ishmael

Justin Weers, 33 of Richland Center, harvested this buck, his first buck, in Bear Valley.

Photo contributed by Justin Weers

Ryland Schwarz, age 12 of Black Earth, shot this 6 pointer during the October youth hunt, 10/7 at 7:15 am. He was hunting in far western Dane county. Shot using a .243 topped with a Vortex scope. Ryland turned 12 that Wednesday, so after a few years of mentor hunting this was his first solo sit.

Photo contributed by Joe Schwarz

Krista Dolan, 40, harvested this 8 point buck on private land in Iowa county.

Photo contributed by Krista Dolan

Bronson Perkins, age 13 of Richland County, harvested this buck on his grandparents’ farm in rural Blue River.

“He had a 200-yard shot and got his first buck, an 8-pointer. Everyone was excited at the farm that Bronson accomplished this goal on the first day of hunting,” said Liz Perkins. “Bronson is a 7th-grade student at Richland Center High School. He enjoys hunting, boating, football, basketball and soccer.”

Photo contributed by Liz Perkins

This view was taken in Clyde over the 9 day regular gun deer season by Amanda Freel.

Photo contributed by Amanda Freel

Wyatt Nachreiner, of Plain, harvested this ten pointer just north of Plain on the evening of the November 18.

Photo contributed by Nathan Nachreiner

“Looking back from my stand at the home farm when the sun is rising and the wood furnace was just stoked,” says photographer Kelly Yanke. “Morning Glory” — taken in Sauk county.

Photo contributed by Kelly Yanke

12 year old Brayden from rural Spring Green with his very 1st buck from opening weekend of the 9 day rifle season, harvested in Columbia county.

Photo contributed by Kyle Maie

Nine point buck by RVHS sophomore, Jesse Sanftleben, age 16 of Arena. The buck was harvested on November 19 from the property of his grandparents, Jim and Deb Sanftleben, near Hollandale in Iowa county.

Photo contributed by Dana Sanftleben

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Community Events for December 14 - January 18 Monday, December 25 FREE: Christmas Day Dinner! 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM . The Woods Bar & Grill, 320 S. Oak St - Lone Rock . thewoodslonerock.com . Call 608-583-2625 to schedule delivery within 2 miles. Orders must be placed by December 15th.

FREE: Christmas Day Dinner! 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM . Trader's Bar and Grill , 6174 US-14, Arena . springgreen.com . We will be Serving a Free Christmas Day Dinner.

Take Out Only. Delivery available locally. Please call ahead at 608-588-7282 to reserve your meal. Contributions are accepted. All donations will go to the Arena Food Bank.

The Askevold family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 27 Winter Break Gaming Drop-in 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Drop in with friends to play and explore various gaming including VR Oculus, Sphero Racing, and various table-top games.

Thursday, December 28 Winter Break Gaming Drop-in 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Drop in with friends to play and explore various gaming including VR Oculus, Sphero Racing, and various table-top games.

Friday, December 29 Winter Break Gaming Drop-in 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Drop in with friends to play and explore various gaming including VR Oculus, Sphero Racing, and various table-top games.

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

Page 7

WHAT’S HANGINg ? ongoing art exhibitions

Spring Green Community Library Art Exhibitions . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green . Throughout December. New Exhibitions in January Monday-Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM . Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM . Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM Charles Munch is exhibiting a retrospective collection of his Christmas cards in the Glass Case Gallery throughout December. Munch, a resident of Bear Valley, describes himself as a professional artist known for his “colorful, semi-abstract landscapes populated by animals and people”. Munch started making Christmas cards when he was in high school. First he supplied his parents with cards to send out. Later he supplied his siblings as well with the commercially printed cards. There was a new design each year—a print run of 500 was not unheard of. He started to design his most well-known holiday cards after he moved to the area. They were pieces of cut black paper glued to a white background. He became much involved with the printing—mixing inks and often adjusting the color multiple times until it was right. This satisfying relationship with Hynek Printing in Richland Center continued until the printer converted to digital presses.Munch’s cards are available at Ocooch Books in Richland Center and at Abel Contemporary Gallery in Stoughton. His paintings can be seen at Abel Gallery and at Tory Folliard Gallery in Milwaukee and on those galleries’ websites.

His holiday cards are available for viewing during regular library hours.

Sunday, December 31 New Years Eve Dinner 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM . Reunion, 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green . reunionspringgreen.com . Delicious scallops or prime rib. $77.77 for a five course meal. Drinks and gratuity not included. This is a ticketed event.

LIVE MUSIC: New Year's Eve Extravaganza 7:30 PM - 1:00 AM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . 2023 is almost over but a new year is just around the corner. Let’s celebrate in style with Violet Palms and Sugar Mama and the Rent Check. We’ll rock the house and dance the night away.

LIVE MUSIC: New Years Eve at Wisconsin Riverside Resort 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM .

Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Rd, Spring Green . wiriverside.com .

608-588-2826 or message on Facebook for Reservations . Join us to ring in the New Year with live music from 3 Souls! Filet, Salmon, and Shrimp Fettuccine dinner specials, and a complimentary galss of Champagne at midnight!

Tuesday, January 2 Yoga with Rural Remedy 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Thursday, January 4 Yoga with Rural Remedy 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Sunday, January 7 Yoga with Rural Remedy 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM . Radiant Spirit Retreats Yoga, S7163 County Rd G, Hill Point . ruralremedy.com . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Tuesday, January 9 Yoga with Rural Remedy 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Thursday, January 11 Yoga with Rural Remedy 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Saturday, January 13 WORKSHOP: Cake Science — Vanilla 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Homecoming, 242 N Lexington St, Spring Green . savortherivervalley.org . For more information, please contact Patti Peltier savor@savortherivervalley.org . Participants will learn how to read a recipe, tips and tricks, and the science behind each ingredient and method involved in making a cake. Step-by-step cake and buttercream preparation will be demonstrated, and students will have the opportunity to ask questions. Students will prepare a cake to enjoy at home. Water and a small snack will be provided. The cost is $60 per partici-

Sunday, January 14 Yoga with Rural Remedy 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM . Radiant Spirit Retreats Yoga, S7163 County Rd G, Hill Point . ruralremedy.com . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Monday, January 15 Auditions for “A Year with Frog and Toad” 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . The Gard Theater 111 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green . For questions and further information, please contact Patrick Hagen, hagenp2@gmail.com . River Valley Players announces auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical A Year with Frog and Toad. The musical will be produced March 15-17 and 22-24 at the Gard Theater. Auditions will be held 1/15, 1/16 with possible callbacks on 1/17. Based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel, A Year with Frog & Toad follows two amphibious best friends on their delightful adventures through the four seasons. Emerging from their winter slumber, Frog and Toad embark on a seasonal journey filled with gardening, swimming, leaf-raking, sledding, and valuable life lessons. As inseparable companions, these friends celebrate the unique qualities that make each of them special. The musical A Year with Frog and Toad has a vaudeville quality with jazzy elements. Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant, and enchanting show for the whole family.

The River Valley Stitchers Annual Country Christmas Quilt Show will grace the Community Room Gallery throughout December. The Stitchers continue to thank our Vets by presenting those who are residents of Greenway Manor and the Meadows with quilts on Veterans Day. At the show, they’ll be showing their start on next year's quilts.

The group has started working on one quilt with the whole group making the blocks at a meeting. Along with the quilts for the Vets, the River Valley Stitchers will display some of their latest art work. Quite a variety of styles, techniques and colors is to be found.

Their work can be viewed at anytime during regular library hours when the Community Room is not already in use. Please ask for the room key at the circulation desk.

CIVICS & & SERVICES SERVICES C A L E N DA R

This calendar is a place listing (for free) the typical meeting dates for area governmental bodies, Please email us with these meetings, or use the form on our Community Calendar page — and let's build community together: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Thursday, January 18

December 20: MEETING: Village of Spring Green Board Meeting 7:00 PM . In person and virtual event . 154 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green . vi.springgreen.wi.gov January 2: MEETING: Village of Arena Board Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . Village Hall, 345 West Street, Arena . villageofarena.net . Arena typically holds board meetings the first tuesday of the month.

January 8: MEETING: Spring Green Library Board Meeting 5:00 PM . Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.org .

January 9: MEETING: Lone Rock Village Board Meeting 7:00 PM . Village Office, 314 E Forest St, Lone Rock January 10: MEETING: Caucus of the Village Board — Village of Spring Green 7:00 PM .

Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green . springgreenlibrary.org .

MEETING: Plain Village Board Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . 510 Main Street, Plain . villageofplain.com

Yoga with Rural Remedy 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

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.

Tuesday, January 16 Yoga with Rural Remedy 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 WI-23 Trunk, Spring Green . ruralremedy.com . More information and registration details online.

Auditions for “A Year with Frog and Toad” 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . The Gard Theater 111 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green . For questions and further information, please contact Patrick Hagen, hagenp2@gmail.com . River Valley Players announces auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical A Year with Frog and Toad. The musical will be produced March 15-17 and 22-24 at the Gard Theater in Spring Green. Auditions will be held 1/15, 1/16 with possible callbacks on 1/17.

“The good stuff.”

Page 8

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

Commentary/AGrIcuLture

Reflections from Lost Horizon Farm — The Unusual, The Unexpected and The Funny (Part 3) Barb Garvoille, Columnist 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.

be put into the gutter to help absorb its watery load. Finally, wet bedding under cows had to be removed and replaced with dry bedding. A malfunction in the drinking cup had caused quite the ripple effect and an extraordinarily tardy start

Morning Barn Surprises: Sometimes, a day on the farm would begin with a surprise just as soon as a person opened the barn door .............

Showering Cows Water for the cows flowed through an overhead galvanized pipe that ran the length of both sides of the barn. Via a pipe at a right angle to this overhead pipe, there was a shorter section of pipe that fed water into each cow's drinking cup. Water pressure to the barn was excellent; whenever a cow would depress her drinking cup's paddle, water would whoosh into her cup. During one night, the overhead pipe, silently deteriorating in a section midway down the barn, had developed two pinhole-sized leaks.

When we opened the barn door, our ears were greeted with the whizzing sound of rapidly moving water, and our eyes were astonished by the sight of two cows that had been showered all night by water spraying from the leaking overhead pipe.

Miraculously neither one of these soaked cows got sick. Their wet bedding was replaced with dry straw, and their bodies were towel dried. The nocturnal showering had cleaned a lot of the dust and dirt out of the animals' hides. When thoroughly dry, those two cows stood out from the herd because of the extra sheen to their hair coats.

Cows in a Lake When the barn door was opened on another morning, the gutters were filled to overflowing with water, and the barn looked like an inland lake. The paddle on a cow's drinking cup had stuck open. All night long, water had filled the drinking cup that, in tum, had overflowed and had filled the mangers. Water in the mangers had then flowed downhill along the alleyway and into the gutter. Water had flowed underneath the manger curbing and onto the cows' bedding as well. The wet feed in the mangers had to be swept into the gutter. In addition, an enormous quantity of bedding had to

Barb Garvoille to the morning milking!

Naughty Escapees The rounded base of the stanchion release lever was at the perfect level for the cow in the stanchion beside it to use as a kind of a scratching finger. If that cow itched herself too energetically, she would cause an untied lever to slip out of its catch. Further scratching would easily push the lever up. The result of that would be nirvana for an entire row of 10 cows. Their stanchions would slide open, and those cows would have free run of the barn all night long.

Loose cows would do things like bunt and break open bag after bag of barn lime from the two ton stack of it near the barn doorway. (The bovine perpetrator of this offense could sometimes be identified by her white powdered forehead.) There would be piles of spilled and sometimes soiled lime to clean up.

The lime spreader and hand tools, like forks and barn scrapers, would be found tipped over (usually in the gutter!).

There would be cow pies in all the places there shouldn't be; evidence of the cows' meandering. If a person had forgotten to close a gate to the manger or if a cow had walked right through an open stanchion into the manger, there would be cow pies and urine pools polluting feed in the manger. The barn clock would be a target; some cow's curious stretching to sniff or lick it would knock it off its peg on the barn beam. Cows would usually investigate the box that housed the telephone. In brushing past it, they would knock the wooden housing askew. One time the telephone

My Mother’s Journey—RVHS musical ‘Bright Star’ connects on a personal level continued from page 5 by the Catholic Church or if it was a legal adoption is still a mystery. The only hope I have left is, after 100 years, Minnesota opens its adoption records.

I hope in another year, I will have my questions answered.

Karen Scott is a resident of Arena and president of the River Valley Music Boosters. She’s had three sons graduate River Valley High School, including the managing editor of this paper, as well as another set to graduate in 2024. When not doing ancestry she works as a landscape designer for Olson Toon.

Photos contributed by Karen Scott The author's mother Jackie, on left, compared to her unknown cousin, Lucille, on right.

Both grew up in Racine, unbeknown to one another.

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille Cows at rest in the barn after a nocturnal escape! had been knocked completely out of its housing; the receiver and a good portion of the extra long phone cord were in the gutter. (We jokingly guessed afterward about whom the cows had tried to call: .. a cow on another farm, a good looking bull ??) Eventually, the exploring and adventure seeking cows would tire. In the morning, a person would find some cows in different stanchions, some cows lying crosswise under stanchion dividers, and some cows asleep in the walkway. Naughtiness was tiring after a while.

A bovine night junket spelled more work in the morning. The first step was to direct each cow back into her usual stanchion. Then all evidence of the evening's adventures had to be cleaned

up, and things put back in their proper place.

After their nocturnal escapades, the naughty escapees were noticeably tired out, and, after the morning milking, seemed to sigh more deeply as they lay down in their own stanchions. It was almost as if they were glad to be back in their right place.

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.

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille When a cow put pressure on the paddle with its muzzle, water would fill its drinking cup.

Community/arts & cULtUre

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023 Page 9 What is Lexington & Jefferson?

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 cross-section of arts in our greater community.

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

Lexington & Jefferson

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

LITERARY + ARTS & CULTURE SECTION

“Ker-plump” “Ker-plump”. Our excitement building as we neared the bottom. By now we had been

our way down the steps for over an hour, still listening to mom in the kitchen. No doubt Musings from the Endslowly of inching the Rainbow she knew we were making our descent, as by this time, Lori and Becky had not so quietly joined the “Step Parade”. In true Christmas tradition once we did make it to that eighteenth and final step, The Best Gift Eversheepishly Received peering into the kitchen, mom always feigned surprise.

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.....

The Best Gift Ever Received

Christmas morning brings with it a joy and magic, that forChristmas a child, is morning unmatched. kidsisup already? Why I didn’t even hear you!” brings with it a joy and magic, that for“You a child, unmatched.

I remember waking up so very early: Breathlessly and excitedly whispering with sisterearly: Lulu,Breathlessly trying to and excitedly The steps were in with the front hallway: I remember waking up my so very whispering my sister Lulu,Separating trying to the living room with its sparkling blue and green tinsel determine, as a team, when the proper time was to start determine, our descentasdown the when eighteen that a team, the steps proper time was to start adorned our descent down the steps that Christmas treeeighteen and glittering cache of newly placed toys from Santa to the right and the kitchen separated us from the sparkling delights and miraculous wonders ofus Christmas separated from themorning. sparkling delights and miraculous wonders of and Christmas morning. with mom her awaiting cinnamon rolls to the left. Every ounce of our beings wanted to rush to the right and glimpse at our awaiting piles. Santa never “had time” to wrap presents for so many kids so he’d I, in my faded royal blue onesie, all zipped up, tattered plastic soles covering feet all andzipped Lulu, in I, in my faded royal my bluebare onesie, up, tattered plastic soles covering my bare feet and Lulu, in just stack them neatly in small piles. Each child’s name on a tag handwritten by Mrs. Claus placed her once bright cherry red matching one, the cuffs pushedher uponce to right below herred elbows.

Uponone, awaking, I pushed up to right below her elbows. Upon awaking, I bright cherry matching the cuffs prominently on top. It would have been so easy to take just One, Tiny, Little, Quick, Peek, but even at the would scurry over to her bed, both of our heads matted with unruly tuffs of to hair. crossof legged would scurry over herSitting bed, both our heads matted with unruly tuffs of hair. Sitting cross legged young ages of 5 and 6 we knew going to the left was the wisest choice. under a tented blanket, with hushed enthusiasm we’d yammer on about what we thought Santa may under a tented blanket, with hushed enthusiasm we’d yammer on about what we thought Santa may have brought us during the night. There was nary a soundhave coming fromusthe otherthe kids: TomThere and Bob, brought during night. wasno nary a soundDad, coming from thedinner other kids: andofBob, no hot instant Folgers, and a fresh from the oven sitting at the table,Tom a cup steaming doubt already out doing chores; Becky, and Lori, surprisingly stillalready asleep?out Donata, the third doubt doing occupying chores; Becky, and Lori, surprisingly still asleep?

Donata, occupying cinnamon roll, would glance over atthe us.third “Hey kids, got any plans for the day?” bed in our room was an unmoving lump, strands of straight, brown, outlump, fromstrands of straight, long, brown, hair protruding out from bedlong, in our room hair was protruding an unmoving Silence. beneath the frayed quilted bedspread. Our excitement forbeneath what may at thequilted bottom of those eighteen thelie frayed bedspread.

Our excitement for what may lie at the bottom of those eighteen steps and around the doorway into the living room blocked outand anyaround potential or movement that room blocked steps thenoise doorway into the living out anydid potential noise or movement that “Melvin, you hear anything last night?

I could have sworn I heard some clopping hooves” Mom may have been taking place in the other rooms. may have been taking place in the other rooms. would tease.

Spurred on by our united bravery, yet mostly, by the impossibility of being to hold out for moment Spurred on by ourable united bravery, yetamostly, by the impossibility of being able from to hold forofaus moment Giggles would escape theout five as we wiggled about in excitement. longer, we’d tip toe together: Hand in hand, past Donata’slonger, lump, we’d stifling as we tried tipour toegiggles together: Hand in to hand, past Donata’s lump, stifling our giggles as we tried to “Boys will in soon”floorboards.

Dad would state matter-a-factly. navigate our way along the upstairs hallway without creaking the old floorboards. hallway without creaking navigate ourwooden way along the upstairs the oldbewooden

a cinnamon roll?” Mom would say as she held the platter out.

We’d sit at the very top step listening to mom downstairsWe’d in thesitkitchen, preparing for listening Christmas at the very top step to mom downstairs“Want in the kitchen, preparing for Christmas morning. First, it would be just one step that we’d allow ourselves slide a soft morning.to First, it down. would With be just one “Ker-Plump” step that we’d allow ourselves to slide down.

With a soft “Ker-Plump” Our attention shifted with the sound of the side door opening and the boys noisily stomping in. our small bodies glided in unison. our small bodies glided in unison.

“Come on hurry up” we’d yell to them in unison.

One down, seventeen to go….

One down, seventeen to go….

After what seemed like another hour, while the boys washed up and nearly a lifetime since I first crawled “Do you suppose I’ll get an easy bake oven” I’d whisper. “Or getsuppose a spirograph” would ponder.

“DoI’llyou I’ll getLulu an easy bake oven” I’d whisper. “Or I’ll Lulu’s get a spirograph” Lulu wouldour ponder.

The moment arrived. upon bed before beginning descent: “Ker-Plump” “Ker-plump”: Two more steps, fifteen to go….

“Ker-Plump” “Ker-plump”: Two more steps, fifteen to go…. a nod of approval from Mom and Dad there’d be a mad dash into the promised land of childhood With

dreams and fulfilled fantasies. thirteen to The smell of warm cinnamon rolls filled the air. “Ker-plump, another two down, thirteen TheKer-plump” smell of warm cinnamon rolls filled the to air. “Ker-plump, Ker-plump” another two down, go… go…

Santa always put our piles in the same place. Mine and Lulu’s to the left of the tree, Bob, Donata, and

Tom’s thealong right, the Becky, and Lori’s smack in the middle.

A soft creak would catch our attention as Donata appeared and creak crept would along the hallway railing, quickly A soft catch our attention as Donata appeared and to crept hallway railing, quickly but quietly slipping down the first three steps. but quietly slipping down the first three steps.

As shiny as ever, there it sat: My Easy Bake Oven!! The cellophane wrapped accessory pack on the floor

Plip, plip, plip, just like that she was only two steps abovePlip, us. plip, plip, just like that she was only two steps abovenext us. to it, little round baking pans, spatulas, chocolate, and vanilla cake mixes. Lulu screeched with glee at the sight of her spirograph. We all giggled with joy as we dug into our piles, enthusiastically shouting Now and then faint muffled sounds of talking would freeze us; and fearful that wemuffled may besounds discovered and would freeze Now then faint of talking us;every fearful that we may be discovered and out item. ordered back to bed. ordered back to bed.

Mom and Dad, standing, sipping their coffee in the doorway, smiling as they took in our youthful After a few more discreet slips down the steps, we’d happen upon the line discreet of brightly filled stockings After a few more slips down the steps, we’d happen upon the line of brightly filled stockings excitement. ascending the staircase in order; from the eldest child’s atascending the top, tothe ours at the very bottom. staircase in order; fromAlways the eldest child’s at the top, to ours at the very bottom. Always with the same items: Apples, Oranges, a wide variety of Whole Nuts, Candy Canes, andOranges, colorful ribbons As wonderful as the colorful of toys were on those magical Christmas mornings of my childhood, with the same items: Apples, a wide variety of Whole Nuts, Candy Canes, andpiles colorful ribbons of Hard Candy. of Hard Candy.

It is the slow descents down the steps with Lulu by my side that I hold as, “Ker-plump” “Ker-plump”. Our excitement building as we neared the bottom. By now we had been The Best Gift Ever Received. slowly inching our way down the steps for over an hour, still listening to mom in the kitchen. No doubt she knew we were making our descent, as by this time, Lori and Becky had not so quietly joined the Together we shared the excitement of an unknown future as we dreamed of what lies ahead, not “Step Parade”. In true Christmas tradition once we did make it to that eighteenth and final step, realizing at the time that it is the journeys shared together that make the trip worth taking. sheepishly peering into the kitchen, mom always feigned surprise.

— Mary Lanita Schulz “You kids up already? Why I didn’t even hear you!”

The steps were in the front hallway: Separating the living room with its sparkling blue and green tinsel adorned Christmas tree and glittering cache of newly placed toys from Santa to the right and the kitchen with mom and her awaiting cinnamon rolls to the left. Every ounce of our beings wanted to rush to the Patrick Hagen, River Valley Vicepiles.

President right and glimpse at ourPlayers awaiting Santa never “had time” to wrap presentswith for so opportunities many kids so he’d to provide students just stack them neatly in small piles. Each child’s name on a tag handwritten by Mrs. Claus placed River Valley Players is sponsoring a grow in confidence as performers and prominently on top. It would have been so easy to take just One, Tiny, Little, Quick, Peek, but even at the Theater Arts Workshop for high school participants in theater making. young ages of 5 and 6 we knew going to the left was the wisest choice.

River Valley Players to offer Theater Arts Workshop for high school students

students on Friday, February 16, 2024 The day begins with hands-on sitting at the dinner a cupThis of steaming hot instant Folgers, and a fresh from thepresented oven atDad, River Valley High table, School. all-day improvisation activities by cinnamon roll, would glance over at us. “Hey kids, got any plans for the day?” workshop is for new and experienced Scott Rawson of the Improv Lab in high school actors and those students Baraboo. This will be followed by a Silence. interested in theater production. It will panel discussion on careers with theater “Melvin, did you hear anything last night? I could have sworn I heard some clopping hooves” Mom

professionals from American Players

Theatre.

Lunch is provided. The afternoon session will include breakout sessions

on auditioning for musical theater with a director of Jerry’s Ensemble and Capital Theater, Gail Becker and Artistic Director of Capital Theater Andrew Abrams; monologue preparation with

Patrick Hagen, River Valley Players; and designing for the theater. The day will conclude with an open mic led by Marnie Dresser, River Valley ARTS, where participants can sing a song, present a monologue, or recreate an improv activity

continued on page 11

would tease.

102 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green curbside pickup and shipping Jan-March 2024 2023’s Bestsellers at Arcadia Books Offering only 608-588-7638 | www.readinutopia.com “Boys will be in soon” Dad would state matter-a-factly.

“Want a cinnamon roll?” Mom would say as she held the platter out.

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Our attention shifted with the sound of the side door opening and the boys noisily stomping in.

“Come on hurry up” we’d yell to them in unison.

After what seemed like another hour, while the boys washed up and nearly a lifetime since I first crawled upon Lulu’s bed before beginning our descent: The moment arrived.

With a nod of approval from Mom and Dad there’d be a mad dash into the promised land of childhood dreams and fulfilled fantasies.

Santa always put our piles in the same place. Mine and Lulu’s to the left of the tree, Bob, Donata, and Tom’s to the right, Becky, and Lori’s smack in the middle.

As shiny as ever, there it sat: My Easy Bake Oven!! The cellophane wrapped accessory pack on the floor next to it, little round baking pans, spatulas, chocolate, and vanilla cake mixes. Lulu screeched with glee at the sight of her spirograph. We all giggled with joy as we dug into our piles, enthusiastically shouting True: A Novel Tom Lake: A Novel Forty Acres Deep Demon Copperhead out everyStill item.

Maggie Ginsberg

Michael Perry

Ann Patchett

Barbara Kingsolver

the forty-year-old son she abandoned as an infant, shows up on her porch. Fiercely independent, Lib has never revealed her son's existence—or her previous marriage—to her husband, Jack.

in bed and snow threatening to crush the last life from his dwindling farm, he takes drastic steps toward a fresh start.

and the lives parents have led before their children were born. Both hopeful and elegiac, it explores what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart.

Bean Trees, a brilliant novel that enthralls, compels, and captures the heart as it evokes a young hero’s unforgettable journey to maturity.

Mom and Dad, standing, sipping their coffee in the doorway, smiling as they took in our youthful Lib Hanson is confronted by her When farmer Harold wakes to Tom Lake is a meditation on From the acclaimed author of excitement. painful past when Matt Marlow, find his wife dead beside him youthful love, married love, The Poisonwood Bible and The

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder David Grann From the author of Killers of the Flower Moon, a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival, and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth.

Upcoming Events + Book Club

Giggles would escape from the five of us as we wiggled about in excitement.

Arcadia Book Club discusses:

"Middlemarch" by George Eliot Jan. 17th, 2024 @ 6:00PM - 7:00 PM Register at readinutopia.com/events

Page 10 Thursday, deCember 14, 2023 Arcadia Books—(at) the heart of the community—seeks to rebuild in more ways than one continued from page 1 so thankful to get to become a part of it.

Arcadia is a very well curated, independent bookstore. It has been a great gift to the community. My time here has been a total dream come true,” said Jensen.

“James really set the stage for me to grow and have such great experiences. I feel so blessed, grateful and humble.”

In addition to the assorted iced and hot coffees, espresso drinks, hot teas and other beverages, The Paper Crane has served a versatile menu over the years which has included delicious soups, stir-fry’s, creative cuisine, grab and go meals. Jensen became well-known for her chocolate chips cookies and her Scoffins; scone and muffin, made in both savory and sweet flavors. Jensen’s relaxed and easy-going personality and interest in the lives of her patrons and community brought meaning into each cup of coffee and every shot of espresso.

Her hopes to contribute to make a gathering space where people could feel welcomed and comfortable together; strangers, new friends, old friends could all be greeted with a warm welcome and friendly word and genuine care in a comforting and peaceful place, said Jensen.

“This was my dream; to get to do this, for many years… it’s hard to walk away from. I’m really going to miss everyone.

I’m going to miss Nancy terribly, all of the kids and everyone here so much,” said Jensen. “It is sad for our family; every single one of us has worked here, even my husband… my whole family in different ways but we are leaving on a good note of success. Change can be a good thing; getting to the point of accepting it can be hard. It’s been so successful. Everyone has been so supportive. It has been a beautiful, long goodbye. I really thank the Spring Green community for everything… for the friendship, the support for sharing their stories and to be a part of their stories. We will miss everyone.”

“She will be leaving… we are going to miss Jenn terribly. She made this place so special for people of all ages. She is a

fantastic cook with an amazing palette.

We will just all miss Jenn so much. It has meant so much to have her here,” said Baenen.

Currently, Arcadia Books will reopen in March 2024 without the Paper Crane, however the business could come into new ownership and reopen.

Recently, someone left a note in front of the book store in chalk, "Love lives here".

Noting the “love note” in a recent newsletter, Baenen said: “As we're talking about the upcoming construction project and what we will do to replace the Paper Crane Café when Jenn ends her five year run at the end of December, one item is always at the top of our list: maintaining our community. We love being a ‘third space’ for people of all ages, a place where everything feels welcome and safe.”

Baenen suggested those looking to connect during the renovation sign up for Arcadia’s email newsletter, which includes book reviews and new releases, as well as shares the details of their virtual monthly book club.

“We'd like to hear any ideas you may have about how you'd like to stay connected during the two to three months we'll be closed for in-store shopping bookseller videos on our website with recommendations or maybe in-person book reviews held at another space in town?” said Baenen. “We're open to your ideas!”

January’s book club book is Middlemarch by George Eliot. To register for book club and to find out more about Arcadia’s virtual and in-person events, visit readinutopia.com/events.

“We appreciate your support, patience and kindness so much. It will be hard for us to forgo in-person visits for a few months, but this work absolutely must be done,” said Baenen. “We are already looking forward to the day that we open the door for you to step back inside and see what's new.”

To follow along with Arcadia’s building renovation updates, visit readinutopia. com/building-renovation-project.

Community/arts & cULtUre

Coffee, Books, Community.

While Arcadia Is Closed

Arcadia Books is at the heart of the Spring Green area (quite literally). They provide a space for coffee drinkers, book readers and community spirit to flourish.

Since Arcadia’s physical store will be closed for renovations January-March, we decided to make a list of local suggestions can fill some of the gap left by Arcadia’s temporary absence. This list isn’t allinclusive, we’ll post this on our website as well and welcome additions from businesses that we’ll keep updated. This is just a start, always check ahead for hours, offerings and events.

-Alex Prochaska, Editorial Intern

ARCADIA BOOKS - 102 E JEFFERSON ST, SPRING GREEN BOOKS: Order from their online store at readinutopia.com -- receive by mail, curbside pick-up, or local delivery!

COMMUNITY: Weekly newsletter and monthly book club over Zoom

CONVIVIO - 122 N LEXINGTON ST, SPRING GREEN WED-SAT 10AM-5PM (FRI 10AM-7PM) COFFEE: Espresso, cappuccino, lattes - seasonal drinks, hot chocolate, mochas. Downstairs lounge open for coffee!

BOOKS: Cookbooks & gift books COMMUNITY: Cocktails, Fridays 4-7pm.

Potential author events with Arcadia Books TBD.

SPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE - 137 SOUTH ALBANY ST TUE-FRI 10AM-3PM, SAT-SUN 8AM-3PM COFFEE: Espresso, brownies & bars - soups, salads, sandwiches - weekend breakfast - local cheeses!

COMMUNITY: Live music Saturday afternoons!

KELLY’S COFFEE - E4830 US-14, SPRING GREEN MON-SAT 6AM-2PM COFFEE: She has got it!

NECTAR BAKERY - 136 ALBANY ST, SPRING GREEN FRI-SUN 8AM-3PM (CLOSED DEC. 25 THRU JAN) COFFEE: They have also got it! (Plus baked goods.)

NINA’S - 143 E JEFFERSON ST, SPRING GREEN MON-FRI 10AM-5:30PM, FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 11AM-4PM BOOKS: Specifically, knitting & kid’s books!

OCOOCH BOOKS & LIBATIONS - 130 S MAIN ST, RC WED-SAT 10AM-5PM BOOKS: Literature & liquor sold here!

SLOWPOKE - 137 W JEFFERSON ST, SPRING GREEN THU-MON 5:50-10:30PM COFFEE: With and without alcohol.

BOOKS: Small library at the bar, not for purchase.

COMMUNITY: Weekly events, visit slowpokelounge.com karaoke, trivia, open mic nights & more!

SPRING GREEN COMMUNITY LIBRARY - 230 E MONROE ST COFFEE/COMMUNITY: Every TUE at 1pm, enjoy a cup of coffee, a sweet treat & a movie!

BOOKS: There are books at the library!

GRANDMA MARY’S CAFE - 175 US-14, ARENA KEG & KETTLE RESTAURANT - 104 S OAK ST, LONE ROCK

ALEX

COFFEE/COMMUNITY: Yes, for both of the above. But we ran out of room and the graphic is too cute.

Photo via Arcadia Books Recently, someone left a note in front of the book store in chalk, "Love lives here".

Outdoors & Recreation/Community/arts & cULtUre

Thursday, deCember 14, 2023 Page 11

The Sauk County Gardener Poinsettia & Houseplant Care Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener “The poinsettia is Christmas’s perfect flower. It’s beautiful and festive, and it reminds us that the holiday season is a time for joy.”

— Unknown December 12th was National Poinsettia Day. This date was selected to honor Joel Poinsett, the man who first introduced the plant to the United States and Paul Ecke, the father of the poinsettia industry. I can’t get over the variety of colors that poinsettias are now available in. Our church had some amazing blue poinsettias on display this past weekend and there were even some really spectacular magenta ones at the grocery store. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to readily available color options for this popular Christmas plant – there are over 100 different varieties. I’m a bit of

a traditionalist and I decorate our home in reds and greens, so the standard poinsettia is my preferred choice.

Whatever your color choice, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your poinsettia happy and pretty through the holiday season. It’s a tropical plant that doesn’t like the cold. So after you purchase it, take care to get it to your car to protect from the wind and cold and definitely don’t let it set in your cold car while you run one more Christmas errand.

Once you have your plant at home, it needs the right location to stay beautiful throughout the season. It needs about 6 hours a day of bright, indirect light to avoid having the color fade. Your home temps will most likely have the right temperature (65 - 70 degrees F) but avoid a drafty location.

The most common cause of death is

overwatering. The key is to only water when the soil is dry and then don’t let the plant sit in water. Most purchased plants come wrapped in beautiful foil, but unfortunately it tends to hold water. In this case you have a couple options: (1) take the plant out of the foil and place it on a plant saucer so it can drain well or (2) simply cut holes in the bottom of the foil so the water can drain and then place it on the plant saucer. There is no need to fertilize while the poinsettia is in bloom.

Overwatering is also the most common cause of death for indoor houseplants. As you care for your houseplants this winter, remember to decrease the watering of all your houseplants in the winter, especially if they are plants that “summered” outdoors on your patio or deck. In the fall and winter, the seasonal light levels have dropped off

and there is no wind to hasten evaporation.

Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Feel the top 1-2 inches of soil and water when that is dry. When you do water, water thoroughly. I like to place my plants in a sink-full of water and let them soak.

Wait until the air bubbles stop coming up, empty the sink and let the water drain out of the plant. You may also need to reduce the frequency of watering as well. Another thing to consider is humidity. Once your furnace is running, the air can get quite dry in your homes. Using a humidifier not only helps you, but your plants will thank you as well. If you don’t run a humidifier, bathrooms and kitchens are typically areas of higher humidity, assuming they fit all your other plant needs. You should also decrease fertilizing as plants typically need less fertilizer under low light conditions.

JJ’s K-Pop Up warms Homecoming with Korean/American fusion during the winter months continued from page 1 Xinxuan bakes the delicious chocolate chip cookies for the establishment.

They also offer an array of beverages in addition to tea, including: coffee, organic juice boxes, cans of pop as well as Sprecher root beer, Lotte Milkis, Chi Forest sparkling waters, beer and wine selections and more.

Recently, Anderson hired the gentleman in charge of designing and creating Goodfellaz Pizza and Rocket Man, Rich Peterson, to do pizza all day on Sunday (hours listed below) and for dinner on Monday nights. Gluten free crusts from local Tortilleria Zepeda will be available. They are looking forward to

bringing fresh and flavorful foods to the area as a dining option for the coming months.

Hours of Operation for JJ’s K-Pop Up - within Homecoming Restaurant in downtown Spring Green 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sundays and Mondays 10 a.m. opening time is always coffee/ tea and baked goods 11 a.m. is the start of lunch entrees For more information, please stop in and see them soon.

Photo by Amberly Mae-Cooper Pictured left to right at JJ’s K-Pop Up within Homecoming Restaurant are Zeiah Schilz-Rivera, Owner Jay Anderson and pizza aficionado Rich Peterson.

River Valley Players announces auditions for musical 'A Year with Frog and Toad' Patrick Hagen, River Valley Players Vice President River Valley Players announces auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical A Year with Frog and Toad. The musical will be produced March 15-17 and 22-24 at the Gard Theater in Spring Green.

Auditions will be held January 15 and 16 from 7-9 p.m. in the Gard Theater 111 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green, with possible callbacks on January 17.

While this show is for children and

adults, the production will cast adults and teens (13 and older). Audition materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to auditions. Please prepare/ or sight-read from the provided materials.

A short dance combination will be taught during the audition.

Hannah Jo Anderson will direct A Year with Frog and Toad. Rehearsals will be Monday through Friday, although actors may not be called every day. There will

be some weekend calls for technical rehearsals.

Based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel, A Year with Frog & Toad follows two amphibious best friends on their delightful adventures through the four seasons.

Emerging from their winter slumber, Frog and Toad embark on a seasonal journey filled with gardening, swimming, leafraking, sledding, and valuable life lessons.

As inseparable companions, these friends

celebrate the unique qualities that make each of them special.

The musical A Year with Frog and Toad has a vaudeville quality with jazzy elements. Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant, and enchanting show for the whole family.

For questions and further information, please contact Patrick Hagen at hagenp2@gmail.com.

River Valley Players to offer Theater Arts Workshop for high school students continued from page 9

from the morning’s session with Rawson.

River Valley Players President John Christensen said, “We are excited to offer this workshop to high school students.

Our goal is to help students develop their knowledge of theater arts. We are also interested in building bridges between our organization and the theater program at the high school.”

The workshop is funded by River Valley Players and River Valley ARTS. Registration will begin at the high school in January. Enrollment is limited to 20 students. The cost is $15.00. Students

receiving free or reduced lunch will receive a scholarship to cover the costs of participation. Contact Patrick Hagen at hagenp2@gmail.com for more information.

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Page 12 Thursday, deCember 14, 2023

Outdoors & Recreation

An Outdoorsman’s Journal Mark Walters, Columnist

The Red Brush Gang/Second Week of Deer Camp

Hello friends, It is over until next fall or about 335 days from now, and that is the fun and games The Red Brush Gang has while staying at our temporary home in the Meadow Valley Wildlife Area in northern Juneau County. There are hundreds of square miles to explore and the entire last 7 days of the deer gun season is all drives for the gang and they are extremely physical, sometimes wet, and these days as much as I hate to say it, we are the last ones to the dinner table and there isn’t much meat. In simple terms, where we hunt a very solid population of wolves have consumed many of the deer before we arrive and especially as the years pass.

Friday, November 24th High 27°, Low 14° Today most of the gang came back to camp and our total amount of guns for the season would be 21. So far, we have whacked one buck, as embarrassing as that is to say I have always told it like it is in this column.

On Monday we started our drives, and they are generally in one-mile squares and though we may be the best, we are pretty good at what we do and our past has shown it. On Monday we did not see a buck. On Tuesday we did not see a buck.

Today we hunted a very unique area where there has been a long term project to restore the Little Yellow River in The Necedah National

Wildlife Refuge and the project is being undertaken by the staff at the refuge. I have hunted the banks or should I say dikes of this river since 1971 and it is very interesting to see what is happening.

With the restoration there is a lot more water on what would be the outside of the dikes and it is very obvious that with fresher and more water more habitat is being created.

On the other hand, I was in what would be the deepest water today on our first drive and this water was frozen but not quite enough to hold my weight.

Towards the end of the drive, I broke through in mid-thigh deep water and when I tumbled forward, both of my feet crisscrossed and got tangled in some red brush under the ice. Simply put, I was floundering. My nephew Riley Schuster had to come in for an ice rescue. On the next drive I fell forward in the same situation, did not require an ice rescue and when we made it back to the truck at the end of the day, my clothes were froze solid.

Saturday, November 25th High 29°, Low 18° The best part about not getting any deer is that we are well aware that we get to go to camp and have as much fun until well after midnight as possible.

There is not a complaint about our lack of success, or should I say empty deer pole. If you have been reading this for very many years, you are well aware, we used to fill the pole.

This year, as usual our buck contest ended on Monday night and as unbelievable as it may sound, Tim

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Future Red brush Hunters Elise Mianecki 11 and Jordan Moll 8 love staying at camp.

Photo contributed by Mark Walters The Red Brush Gang took down camp until next November and as usual, pegged out the funmeter on a daily basis this fall.

Rittmeyer won the “Buck Cup.” He will now get to put his name and the size of his buck on, which was a fork horn and dare I say, 4 points smaller than the next closest buck on the cup. Tim loves his wife and children and especially himself, but the loving, hugging and kissing the Buck Cup got every night and especially the fact that yours truly did not win, made it appear that this was the best week of his life. Tim also wanted everyone to know that he got the only buck in camp.

Today, we drove new country in much drier land, and we all had a good feeling before and after our day. We had the kids take charge (25 to 36 year olds) and us old timers just followed orders.

On our last drive a buck was actually spotted and even a bullet was flung in its direction but to no avail as it was wearing a bullet proof vest, naturally on the same drive a wolf was also spotted.

Tonight was the traditional “Saturday Night Party” this is the end of season we need to go home, or should I say, we are sad its over shin-dig. Very late in the evening, the last men standing were myself, my 43-year-old nephew Shane Schuster and my nemesis - 27-yearold Bryce Kies who is a Necedah kid that joined this camp in high school and comes every year on the second weekend. Bryce is a wildland fire fighter and lives in Idaho. Bryce wrestled in high school and in a club while attending UW Madison. After a couple of super tasty PBR’s I just knew my 62-year-old body/brain could give the punk a good butt whuppen! Well folks I had the same luck after several matches with Bryce as I did getting a buck this year.

Anyhow, I scared him so bad he’s headed back to Idaho and in 11-months we will all be headed back to camp.

Hopefully the local wolf population all

goes Vegan and maybe we will get 2 bucks next year!

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!

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Red Brush Hunter, Trent Schuster negotiating water just about to the top of his hipboots.

Want to read more?

Check out previous weeks’ columns at www.outdoorsmansjournal.com

THIS BANNER AD Sponsorship IS AVAILABLE "An Outdoorsman's Journal" is a paid syndicated column written by professional outdoorsman and Necedah native Mark Walters.

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