Lake Life Sheboygan | 2024 Spring

Em von der Ruhr

725 Blue Harbor Drive Sheboygan, WI 53081

blueharbor.com

marketing@blueharborresort.com

@blueharborresort

er at Blue Harbor Resort -of-all-trades. She above all else because he will dream up next. in tourism and her ator for Best Version Magazine, she is excited n to life!

Em is the Marketing Coordinator at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI A recent graduate of St Norbert College, Em studied Communication and Media Studies alongside Art and uses these skills at work, continuously aiming for new levels of creativity. Em loves working visually with graphics and design, and loves writing just as much She is excited to take on Lake Life Sheboygan alongside her blog, Emagining Sheboygan.

WELCOME TO SPRING IN SHEBOYGAN

If you’re anything like us, you are ready for spring! Thankfully the winter was fairly mild, except for that one storm to end all snowstorms, temperatures are starting to rise, and the daylight is increasing We’re ready to unveil more curated content to get you thinking spring.

Our feature article is Make Your Spring Break Count with tips to make your time in Sheboygan memorable for the whole family In this issue you’ll also explore spring break style, keeping the kids busy, and do a little spring cleaning on your wellness routines.

Take a day trip for a quintessential

Wisconsin Supper Club experience this spring or stick around town for our hoppin’ spring events including the inaugural Taste of Sheboygan to benefit the Sheboygan County Food Bank Check out Food for Thought for a spotlight on that and get to know Lynn Poyten from The GameBoard in our Local Spotlight feature.

We invite you to join us for new beginnings and feel the spring vibes in Sheboygan!

Editor-in-Chief

Get out and explore! Whether you were born and raised here or have just arrived, spring is a great time for a new Sheboygan experience. Head down to Kohler-Andrae for a little off-season adventure, learn about maple sugaring at Maywood Environmental Park, or take in a show at the Weill Center.

When you visit Relish Kitchen Store, SEAS, Mini Mocha, The Beacon Restaurant, or even schedule a mini-photo session with Elliott Mann Photography & Video, tell them you saw their ad in Lake Life Sheboygan.

Shake off your winter doldrums and try something new! I look forward to seeing you out and about in Sheboygan!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Jake and Shamar are prepping fruit displays in our banquet kitchen for a huge event for more than 500 guests during February. This will be wonderful practice for our upcoming bountiful Easter Brunch Buffet in the Conference Center at the end of March!

MakeYour SpringBreakCount

Story By Em von der Ruhr & Lisa K. Adams

Cover Photography provided by Blue Harbor Resort

Additional Photography provided by businesses

Tips to make your time in Sheboygan this spring memorable for the whole family.

Spring break is fun, fast-paced, and…fleeting!

Spring break 2024 is just around the corner, and everyone is desperate for it These long winter months with little sunlight, postholiday blues, and feelings of burnout and cabin-fever leave us itching for a week of relief and something fun to look forward to.

That relief could be in the form of a getaway trip, fun outings, even just a break from the routine of school, work, and the draining productivity expectations we set for ourselves. Ultimately, spring break is fun, fast-paced, and fleeting!

Let’s face it, with all the built up anticipation, this break comes and goes faster than we’d like So in an effort to make your spring break count, we’ve put together a list of tips to help make this time memorable for the whole family

ADD VARIETY

all your experiences blend together into one activity Break up that waterpark time with excursions.

Mix it up! Do some research ahead of your trip and learn about everything the area has to offer You might want to create an itinerary for everything you want to fit into your week. Break down the amount of activities and sight-seeing by the days you have or plan to spend mornings after breakfast exploring town followed by lazy afternoons lounging poolside

Another reason you should include variety into your spring break is so that you avoid burnout. Yep, that’s right, burnout Eight hours of waterpark fun might seem like a fantastic idea on day one and by day three you will be ready to jump

into Lake Michigan just for the shock to your system. The goal is to feel refreshed when the break is over. Allow yourself to mix things up and maximize the time you’re on break

TRY NEW THINGS

Add diversity to your spring break by trying something new during your trip You could try a new food, a new experience, a new town, or a new interest. What is the culture like where you are visiting?

Is there a popular cuisine, or family owned restaurant? Check out our Wisconsin Supper Clubs article on page 11 for ideas Discover what restaurants, cafes, and bars are loved by the locals Hello, Wisconsin Supper Clubs! Why not opt for the signature dish or drink, instead of ordering the same thing you would gravitate towards back home? The Daver burger at d Cabin at Green Acres is ir best-selling hmashed burger and was tured on Wisconsin odie™ It’s topped with utéed onions and ushrooms, peppered con strips, then othered with homemade eso cheese

It’s easy to hyper-fixate on something new and excit to do in a new place, but refrain from doing the sam activities day-in and day-o When you’re reflecting on your spring break memories, you’ll risk having 6

In a similar vein, what experiences are unique and popular or valued by the locals? Start looking into new things to try that are important to the area you are visiting, even if they are a little bit outside of your comfort zone. In Sheboygan that would have to be surf lessons whether you brave Lake Michigan with EOS Surf Shop or ride the waves indoor on the Riptide double surf simulator in Breaker Bay Waterpark

n looking for new adventure, you may stumble upon a truly unique experience you wouldn’t have heard of if you stayed hunkered down for the duration of spring break. Who knows, you may learn more than you expected about yourself during your spring getaway ART PRESERVE

RIPTIDE SURF SIMULATOR

Familiarize yourself with what makes the area unique Sheboygan is an outdoor lover’s paradise with Kohler-Andrae State Park within a fifteen-m drive There you’ll disc one of the last natural preserves along the La Michigan shoreline wi majestic sand dunes, m of golden beach, and a abundance of wildlife recreational activities explore

Maybe you’re not usually into stuffy art museums, but Sheboygan is home to an internationally-renowned collection of over thirty-five artist-built environments. You may wonder, what is an artist-built environment? This term describes a unique form of art making that significantly transforms a space. They are usually site-specific and may include sculpture, painting, and found objects, among other forms. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center Art Preserve building itself is a work of art and must-see when visiting Sheboygan!

BRIGHTON JEWELRY

DON‘T FORGET A TREAT

Although memories are the real treasures from any experience, don’t forget to treat yourself to a little something extra to commemorate spring break 2024. Stop by Relish Kitchen Store in downtown for a Nora Fleming Collectibles serving dish and pick a mini to remind you of this trip Or explore the Brighton Jewelry collection at The Boutique right here at Blue Harbor Resort and you’re sure to find a memento you’ll treasure for years to come.

KOHLER-ANDRAE

You may find a souvenir or special gift for yourself, but your treat doesn’t have to be something physical. It can take the form of an extra special drink or dessert you can’t get or wouldn’t allow yourself to indulge in back home. I know personally I will never forget the Florida Key Lime Pie I treated myself to during a spring break trip to Clearwater, Florida.

Capturing the precious memories from this spring break may be the best treat of all. Freeze that vacay feeling in time with a professional mini photography session. Sparing just thirty minutes away from the fun, you could walk away with digital images to keep the fun going throughout the year. Print your vacation photos on magnets, put them on a coffee mug, or make a calendar. It’s a treat you’re sure to cherish again and again

During your vacation, keep an eye out for what speaks “special treat” to you. Don’t force a gift or souvenir that will end up in the donation pile a year from now. Follow your heart and you’ll know it when you see it!

BONUS TIP: LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Let’s be real, in today’s world it can be quite difficult NOT to document your life on social media and this is certainly the case when we travel. You can’t resist that irresistible urge to share how much fun your family is having in your photos, the spectacular views your friends will want to see, and the absolutely perfect weather

There’s nothing wrong with sharing vacation photos on social media, but don’t lose focus. Even if you return to the same place every year, you’re only on spring break 2024 once Stay present in the moment, not glued to your screen, so when the perfect moment arises you’ll recognize it’s photo-worthy because you are truly experiencing it and want to hold onto that feeling forever.

So there you go, those are my tips and suggestions to take advantage of your spring break! Make the most of this spring getaway so when it’s all over and you return to your daily routine, you’ll really feel like it was a break.

EXPLORE MORE SPRING BREAK IDEAS

blueharborresortcom/spring-break

Destination Imagination

Story By Em von der Ruhr

Springtime is a time for blossoming, change, and growth. Parents know better than anyone that along with all this comes energy! The kiddos are excited about the nice weather, playing outdoors again, and eagerly anticipating spring break. Playtime during the spring can be a whole different beast, so check out these Sheboygan activities to help kids burn off a little steam, while giving mom and dad a break

ABOVE & BEYOND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

We can guarantee that Above & Beyond Children’s Museum lives up to its name; this multilevel indoor play-oasis will captivate your kids’ imaginations for hours. There are countless different activities, stimulating interactions, and plenty of space for the kiddos to get their zoomies out With three levels of exhibits to explore, the kids will never get bored

Additionally, there are spaces for parents to sit and relax, while keeping an eye on the kids and their exciting discoveries. If the weather is nice during your visit, there is even an impressive outdoor playground where kids can climb on and in a giant purple octopus. The best thing about the Purple Octopus Playground is that it’s ADA friendly!

MINI MOCHA

Mini Mocha Play Café in downtown is appealing to both children and adults in that it’s an indoor play-haven for the kids and a café with food, coffee, and non-coffee beverages for the parents

The space inspires imagination for kids to play and have fun with other kids, and for adults to socialize, and relax. They even offer free Collectivo drip coffee, tea, and free wi-fi during your visit.

The Play Café is the perfect way for the kids to exercise their imagination while you get a break from chasing them around

Mark your calendars for more late spring fun because Bookworm Gardens opens May 1st!

REACH OUR AUDIENCE WITH ADVERTISING

We are committed to sharing the Lake Michigan experience of Sheboygan, WI, and want to showcase your business to our readers and guests

*Ads due on the 10th of the same month

Learn more: blueharborresortcom/lake-life-sheboygan-advertising

LEARN MORE

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Spring Break Style

Story & Photography

By Em von der Ruhr

With the changing of the seasons comes the changing of your wardrobe: spring style is here, just in time for spring break! We’ve compiled some of our top spring style picks from The Boutique at Blue Harbor Resort to inspire your spring wardrobe and introduce some possible new pieces into your closet From women’s and men’s fashion and swimwear, to vacation style and waterpark wear for the kiddos, we’ve got your entire spring break trip covered.

THE “JUST ARRIVED“ OUTFIT

The perfect combination of comfort and style, you’ll want something cozy, but cute, for your day of travel. A stylish backpack is most practical for a couple of hours on the road or in an airplane. Match your pants or your top with the bag to immediately elevate your look from comfy to effortless

POST-POOL FIT

You can’t go wrong with a relaxed fit tee to toss on before bed or after hitting the pool. Pair it with a baseball cap to finish off the low effort look. As a bonus, we tossed in a red chain to match perfectly with the red in the Blue Harbor logo.

VACATION-WORTHY BRAGGING RIGHTS

We already know the kiddos will ask for a special souvenir, why not get them matching t-shirts to wear once they are back to school? If they get squirrelly while you‘re shopping, grab plushies to match their new shirts. The kiddos get a new stuffed toy for vacation and a little distraction to get through your shopping excursion until it‘s time to hit the waterpark!

SWIM WEAR FOR DAYS

Forgetting a swimsuit is not going to prevent anyone from getting a pool day. The Boutique has you covered. Spring break is all about bright, fun, and unique, so pick out something that feels like vacation

Check out everything The Boutique has to offer at blueharborresort.com/the-boutique.

WISCONSIN SUPPER CLUB Quintessential

Experiences

Story By Lisa K. Adams Photography Provided by Red Cabin at Green Acres

If you ’ re not from Wisconsin, you may be wondering “What are supper clubs?” These restaurants are typically family-owned, offering a combination of fine dining along with a casual atmosphere and old-fashioned hospitality.

Many supper clubs have a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the mid-20th century, when supper clubs were at their prime. They often feature dim lighting, cozy décor, and elements like wood paneling, leather booths, and a fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere

A separate lounge area or bar is a critical element where patrons can gather to socialize and unwind, because a supper club is more than just a restaurant, it’s a place for generations to gather, to host celebrations, to meet new friends or catch up with old. At a supper club, you’re in for a leisurely dining experience where you can relax and enjoy your meal with good company without feeling rushed You’re actually encouraged to linger over drinks before, during, and after your meal!

At a Wisconsin supper club, you're likely to start your evening with cocktails like a

a Brandy Old Fashioned at the bar before heading to the salad bar or being served a relish tray alongside homemade soups, including French onion. Entrée selections usually feature a fish fry, prime rib, steak, seafood, and traditional comfort foods like fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and if you're lucky... combo plates! For dessert, ice cream drinks like a pink squirrel or grasshopper are an absolute must.

With several classic Wisconsin Supper Clubs within driving distance from Blue Harbor Resort, you might as well stay a few days to explore a couple!

RUPP’S ON WASHINGTON

Family-owned and operated, Rupp's on Washington celebrates good food and old fashioned hospitality, the way it should be

Rupp's features a Friday Fish fry with lightly breaded lake perch as well as prime rib au jus served Saturdays. Finish off your meal with one of their favorite desserts, the Schaum Torte and Rum Cake.

RED CABIN AT GREEN ACRES

This family-owned American restaurant features flavors best described as “Country Comforts with Big City Tastes™.” Nowhere else in the county will you find a restaurant offering you 20 unique sides, prepared right in their kitchen, full of flavors, with ingredients and methods to avoid gluten

One of their most popular entrées on the menu is the hand-cut, Choice Angus Teres Major Steak Medallions They do feature a traditional Friday Fish Fry and Slow-Roasted BBQ Ribs and Choice Angus Prime Rib with a unique encrusted garlic schmear on Saturdays

SCHWARZ’S SUPPER CLUB

Schwarz's Supper Club is located in Calumet County, the Supper Club capitol of the Midwest A family-run establishment, Schwarz's stands out for their steaks, which are hand-cut on site. They go through a ton of meat a week, 900 pounds of which is their prime rib

you have to try Grandma Schwarz's pickled mushrooms in your old fashioned They debuted back in 1957 and today they mix up ten pounds of these sweet pickled mushrooms every week, so they must be doing something right You can even buy a jar to take home with you.

THE BEACON RESTAURANT

Not your typical Wisconsin supper club, but we have supper club flair during our Good Old Fashioned Happy Hour & Fish Fry on Fridays. Plus! Guests will have the opportunity each week through March 22nd to register to win tickets to the SOLD OUT Charlie Berens Good Old Fashioned Tour at the Weill Center!

Whatever Wisconsin supper club you choose, you‘ll get more than just a meal. Step back in time to enjoy classic cuisine and connect with others in a welcoming and comfortable setting.

MORE SUPPER CLUBS

blueharborresort.com/ wisconsin-supper-clubs

It may stound strange, but

Local Spotlight

Story Lisa K. Adams

Photography Provided By The GameBoard, Photos by Jess LLC

exclaimed Lynn Poyten, sole owner of The GameBoard, “This quaint city is much more than a 'small town'!”

As with many successful businesses, The GameBoard began from a very personal need. In 2000, Lynn’s son, Erik, was identified as having a severe speech delay. Later he was diagnosed with dysgraphia, which is a neurological writing disorder. The staff at school began therapy using board games available on the mass market to engage Erik, but he quickly bored of those games based on luck

A little research revealed European-style games requiring deeper strategy and more critical thinking. For six years, Lynn worked with Erik one-on-one, with his teachers, and even brought this new gaming concept into classrooms to share with Erik’s classmates To say this was a time of intense passion mixed with tears would be an understatement, but perseverance resulted in progress as well as a realization that others could similarly benefit.

In 2006, The GameBoard was unveiled as a solution to bring innovative game play to all, stimulate brain development, and advance critical thinking. Lynn imagines it is what an old-world Victorian game store would have been, but you’ll see their unique twist on the lifestyle of game aficionados everywhere from their website to the moment you walk over their threshold in the heart of downtown Sheboygan

Each of the employees at The GameBoard have specialties and interests that drive their passion. Many of them have experience working with individuals who have different

ways to absorb information ranging from learning issues to dementia, Parkinson's, and brain health disorders

For Lynn, her biggest inspiration is her son Erik, but she enjoys helping other families as they navigate the world of table top games to build a new adventure filled with laughter and joy! She loves people and games and magically brings the two together harmoniously. Besides running the store, she travels the world speaking at many conferences and seminars about brain games and building community

Lynn and her husband Mark, have been married for 32 years. They have three adult children: Erik, Rachel (Jordan), and Alex. They all enjoy building Legos, going adventuring, and as you would expect playing board games

As one of 28 industry professionals worldwide asked to share their experiences, Lynn’s chapter on brain health can be found in the anthology “What Board Games Mean to Me,” by Donna Gregory and you can learn more about the origin story of The GameBoard at the Library of Congress!

Located at 621 N 8th Street in Sheboygan, The GameBoard is THE destination for strategy, imagination, and gaming since 2006. Their goal is to curate games for those in all stages of life, with awareness that we all have a unique way of learning. Not just a store... it’s a destination you truly have to see to believe. Learn more at thegameboard.com.

WELLNESS Spring Cleaning

By Em von der Ruhr

Photography Provided by Businesses

As the winter melts away, we are all eager for a refresh to enter the new season. The cold and colorless weather of winter often leaves us feeling in need of a good cleaning, whether that be in our house, our car, our office space, or within ourselves. We are exiting the season of hibernation, of staying indoors and laying low, and bidding a fond farewell to the sluggishness of the last couple of months. You’re probably overdue for well-deserved wellness to get your body and spirit energized as the days begin to stretch longer and more light returns Sheboygan offers a variety of ways to indulge in wellness activities and treatments that you’ll want to give a try before summer is upon us and we’re off to the races again!

Photography provided by Kohler-Andrae State Park

REIKI

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice used to help the patient relax, destress, relieve pain, boost the immune system, and more

A reiki practitioner uses their hands as a conduit of what is believed to be the "life force energy" that flows throughout the body, often times without actually touching the client directly.

The goal of Reiki is to aid in healing and discovering balance in all aspects; physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Give a reiki session a try this spring at Reflections Spa and Salon to boost your energy levels and decrease negative tension you may be holding onto from the winter.

REFELCTIONS SPA

725 Blue Harbor Drive, Sheboygan blueharborresortcom/spa

FLOAT

Float tanks are filled with 1,200 pounds of Epsom salts, allowing the body to float with ease while you relax, detox, and refresh

Floats are a popular form of wellness practice that’s been proven to help reduce pain and inflammation while the Epsom salt replaces magnesium in the body, lowering blood pressure levels and helping to regulate your circadian rhythm.

If you use Epsom salts in your bathtub at home, you’ll love the Float Doctor. This deeply relaxing experience will help kick-start your mind and body wellness this spring!

FLOAT DOCTOR

640 South Pier Drive, Sheboygan floatdrnet

YOGA

Yoga is used to relax your mind, body, and soul, ground you, and help you find balance.

Yoga is an ancient lifestyle practice that can take many different forms.

Elevate Yoga features yoga classes virtually and in person that are welcoming for all levels of experience. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you’ll discover classes meant to help you achieve a calm and relaxed state mentally and physically while stretching and moving your body.

Their mission is to help you develop a good relationship between body and mind.

ELEVATE YOGA

617 N 8th Street, Sheboygan elevateyogallccom

For more wellness inspiration, visit blueharborresort.com/wellness-retreat.

MAR 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

4pm-9pm

GOOD OLD FASHIONED HAPPY HOUR & FISH FRY

@ The Beacon Restaurant

Come for happy hour to enjoy a variety of old fashioned cocktails featuring Berens Old Fashioned Brandy and stay for a classic Fish Fry, with breaded perch, baked or beer-battered cod $26 adults, $14 children 14 & Under Call 920457-9810 for reservations

Register to win tickets to Charlie Berens Good Old Fashioned tour each week through March 22nd. blueharborresortcom/dine

MAR 9

11am-1pm

LUNCH WITH THE BUNNY

@ Emil Mazey Hall

The UAW Local 833 Women's Committee is hosting the 2nd annual Lunch with the Bunny There will be cookie decorating, a 50/50 drawing, raffles & baskets, coloring pages, a craft station, and of course you can take your picture with the bunny! Donations are welcome uawlocal833.org

Find even more spring events at: blueharborresort.com/spring-break

HOPPIN’

Spring Events

MAR 15 5pm-11:30pm

MAR 16 1pm-11pm

INDOOR ICE BOWLING CLASSIC

@ Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center

Join the fun with bowling, live music, beer, brats and prizes at the 37th annual Indoor Ice Bowling Classic! Proceeds support local youth hockey players and figure skaters No cover charge for live music icebowling.org

MAR 16

Doors 7:30pm | Show 8pm COMEDY NIGHT WITH JAIME SHRINER AND ALEXA JAEGER

@ Hops Haven Brew House

Known for her quick wit and engaging storytelling, Jaime Shriner is sure to have you in stitches throughout the evening Tickets $15 hops-havencom

MAR 16

1pm

ST PATRICK’S DAY SNACKS KIDS COOKING CLASS

@ Relish Kitchen Store

In this class, your budding chefs (ages 8-12) will get comfortable in the kitchen and have a ton of fun learning how to make St. Patrick’s Day themed snacks with Chef Trevor. $40 per person relishkitchenstorecom

MAR 16

10am-3pm

WELCOME SPRING CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR

@ Horace Mann Middle School

Come out and shop a variety of area vendors all while supporting Sheboygan Theatre Company! In addition to local crafters and vendors, STC will have a rummage sale of odds and ends pulled from props and costumes stcshows.org

MAR 17

Breakfast 9:30am-12:30pm

Activities until 1pm FLAPJACK DAY

@ Maywood Environmental Park

Celebrate maple sugaring season with a pancake breakfast featuring Maywood's own maple syrup Breakfast includes all-youcare-to-eat pancakes and a beverage Sausage and beverages available à la carte Activities include tours of the sugar house and maple forest, lumberjack games with Camp YKoda, maple snow cones, and more Proceeds benefit educational and maple sugaring programs. Cost $5-$10. Day of ticket sales cash or check only. maywoodsheboygan.com

MAR 17 3pm

THE LITTLE MERMEN

@ Weill Center

The ultimate Disney tribute concert for Disney fanatics of all ages. The band performs in full costume with a repertoire covering nearly a century of musical canon, including favorites from The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Frozen, and Encanto Tickets $10-$15 weillcentercom

MAR 22 & 29

8am-4pm

FLANNEL FRIDAY DAY CAMP

@ YMCA Camp Y-Koda Spring is in the air (almost!) and it's time to bring on the fun!

Enjoy this camp while school is out with your favorite games & activities with friends! This event is for ages 4-13. Cost $45-$55 sheboygancountyymcaorg

MAR 31

10am-2pm

EASTER BRUNCH BUFFET

@ Blue Harbor Resort

Your family will enjoy HoneyGlazed Ham and Buttermilk Fried Chicken, along with a variety of pastries, seasonal fresh fruit, and salads Also featuring a Chef's Carving Station with SlowRoasted, Mustard-Rubbed Prime Rib, Made-to-Order Omelets, and Chef's selection of desserts. Save the date for Mother’s Day Brunch May 12th!

blueharborresortcom/easter

APR 9 5pm-7pm

TASTE OF SHEBOYGAN

@ Blue Harbor Resort

Enjoy an evening of good food, camaraderie, and the chance to win door prizes while helping support the Sheboygan County Food Bank Tickets $25 blueharborresortcom/taste-ofsheboygan

APR 12-14

WORDHAVEN WRITERS

RETREAT

@ Blue Harbor Resort

Sara Biren & Kelly D. Holstine join forces to lead this retreat with a theme: Reawaken. Discover and nurture the parts of yourselves that still need to be expressed and make new connections in order to enrich your writing wordhavenbookhouseshoplightspeedcom

APR 25-27 7pm

APR 28 2pm

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

@ 8th St. Ale Haus Taproom

Brittish Playwright Tom Stoppard, who went on to write the screenplay for Shakespeare in Love, takes on a satirical, behind-the-scenes perspective of the two somewhat minor characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet Presented by Studio Players Tickets $15 stcshowsorg

MAY 3 7:30pm

LITTLE WOMEN

@ Weill Center

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, this Broadway series show will leave audiences filled with a sense of adventure and joy as well as heartache, but ultimately will lift the spirit. Tickets $55-$85 weillcentercom

MAY 4

8pm-10pm

SPRING CANDLELIGHT HIKE

@ Kohler-Andrae State Park

Listen to the springtime night sounds as you enjoy a selfguided walk on torch-lit trails. After your hike, enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages around the campfire dnrwigov/topic/parks/name/kohler andrae/

MAY 11

10am-5pm

SPRING SPIRIT FAIR

@ Lakeshore Lanes

Doors open at 9am just to book appointments with readers and body workers. Readings range from $20-$60. Admission is one non-perishable food item per person or cash donation for the Sheboygan County Food Bank. spyraleventscom

MAY 11 & 12

9am-5pm

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

@ Bookworm Gardens

Celebrate the mother in your life! Explore the beauty of spring at the Gardens with birds chirping, flowers blooming, and stories being read Mothers choose a Bookworm-inspired gift to take home (while supplies last) Admission $8-$12, Mothers and those 2 and younger are free. bookwormgardens.org

MAY 19

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE

@ Downtown Sheboygan

This motorcycle ride features classic and vintage style motorcycles with participants dressed dapper to ride and raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research gentlemansridecom

*Events subject to change. Check websites for complete details.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY FOOD BANK

By Lisa K. Adams

For over 40 years, Sheboygan County Food Bank has existed because of the kindness and determined efforts of volunteers Liz Kroll began operating the Food Bank from her home, counting on the community to open their hearts, kitchen freezer spaces, and warehouse cooler doors.

“What a crazy ride this has been,” says Liz, “I’m grateful to all of those who helped make the food bank what it is today. So many volunteers, so many ideas, so many people who saw the vision and continually helped where help was needed.”

Through the years, the mission to lead Sheboygan County’s efforts to increase the food security of its residents, by distributing healthy emergency food and fostering innovative partnerships, has not changed. The Sheboygan County Food Bank now distributes food through its core programs, Food for Thought for Kids, the Herb Kohler and Natalie Black Community Cafe, Food+ for Neighbors, and Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry, as well as in partnership with food pantries and other organizations in Sheboygan County, to make sure nutritious food reaches thousands of families, seniors, and children

With steady inflation and reduced government support in 2023, low-and-middle income families felt the rising food, transportation and housing costs the most. With the end to increased SNAP (FoodShare) benefits in March of last year, local families were set to abruptly lose extra dollars intended to help them through the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bottom line was that more kids would be at risk for hunger on the weekends and the Food Bank knew they had to do something about it.

With the implementation of their Fund Food for Thought crowdfunding campaign, they leaned on the community to help spread the word. For just $5 donors could provide fresh fruit and other easy-to-eat food for one child for one weekend and for $200, donors could support one child for the entire school year In just about five weeks, 93 donors helped raise $90,000 to feed 450 kids across 24 schools.

Overall, in 2023, the Food Bank served an average of over 5,300 families each month through the Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and network of partner organizations – a staggering 63% increase over 2022.

Approx. Sheboygan County Children

Experiencing Hunger

Children Under 6 Living in Poverty within the City of Sheboygan

How You Can Help

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers 12 years of age or older can help with light food prep, set up, serving lunch, greeting guests, and clean up at the Community Café at St Luke United Methodist Church over the lunch hour Monday through Saturday Volunteers who are able to lift at least 30 pounds, can assist with the onsite, drive through distribution Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings at the Sheboygan County Food Bank.

HOST A FOOD DRIVE

Food drives are the best way to help make a difference for local families and the Food Bank will even provide a food collection box and help you organize all the details

PLANNED GIVING

Pounds of Food

Distributed in 2023

Include Sheboygan County Food Bank in your estate planning and leave a legacy of compassion in Sheboygan County.

DONATE

Cash donations go a long way in the hands of the Sheboygan County Food Bank Donate online or make checks payable to Sheboygan County Food Bank and mail to 3115 N 21st Street, Suite #1, Sheboygan, WI 53083.

ATTEND TASTE OF SHEBOYGAN

This year Blue Harbor Resort is holding the inaugural Taste of Sheboygan event on Tuesday, April 9th with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Sheboygan County Food Bank Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle to split with the Food Bank while sampling the best of Sheboygan County restaurants and businesses. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online in advance.

For more information about ways to give, visit sheboygancountyfoodbank.com/ways-to-give.

Photography provided by Sheboygan County Food Bank.

For

Photography Contest

Congratulations to Sarah Pfeifer, who submitted the winning spring photograph displayed on the cover!

If you have photography that seasonally showcases Sheboygan, WI, submit it by scanning the code on the left One winner will be selected to have their photography featured in an issue of Lake Life Sheboygan!

Those 18+ may submit one entry in the Summer Campaign by 5/16/2024!

Blue Harbor Resort

725 Blue Harbor Drive | Sheboygan, WI 53081

blueharbor.com/lake-life-sheboygan marketing@blueharborresort.com

@blueharborresort

Spring Photography Contest Winner: Sarah Pfeifer