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Art in the Park
In a world where we’re constantly rushing, I love how high-quality art invites us to pause. Take in the moment; ponder deeper thoughts. No matter how messy or discouraging life may feel, art has a way of cutting through the noise and reminding us of our shared humanity. It offers a sense of hope and beauty when we need it most.
This is especially true with juried art, where works are selected through a competitive process by a panel of experts. Juried shows highlight not only the skill of the artist, but also the thoughtful curation that brings together a diverse yet cohesive collection of work. When you experience a juried exhibition or event, you’re seeing pieces that have been carefully chosen for their quality, originality and impact. It’s art that has something to say, and says it well.
Lake Geneva’s Art in the Park, coming up soon at Flat Iron Park (more details in our cover story), is one of the area’s most anticipated juried art events. This two-day festival transforms the park into an openair gallery, featuring more than 90 artists from across the country. Attendees can explore everything from fine paintings and photography to jewelry, ceramics, glasswork and woodcraft.
But the event is about more than just buying and selling. It’s about fostering a love of art in the community. Visitors can meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and maybe even discover a piece that speaks to them personally. The event also features food vendors and interactive children’s activities, making it a celebration of creativity for all ages.
In a world where mass-produced goods dominate, juried art reminds us of the beauty of the handmade and the value of originality. By supporting juried art events like Art in the Park, we’re not only investing in local and national artists… we’re investing in the cultural heartbeat of our community.
Hope to see you there!
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Backyard Courts Made Easy
By Melanie Kalmar
Flexcourt gives new meaning to the words, “play ball.” Its custom play surfaces for basketball, pickleball, shuffleboard, volleyball and other sports eliminates the need to travel to a park or recreation center for pick-up games with friends.
A division of Plastic Parts International, Flexcourt has helped many families to bring their visions to life. Basketball legend Dwyane Wade, of the Miami Heat, sought out the company when he wanted to build a backyard basketball court and padded play area for soft landings.
But you don’t have to be an NBA star or own a large piece of land to have your own Flexcourt. These play surfaces are priced for the masses and customizable to fit spaces of all sizes.
“You can have a 10-by-10 slab of concrete in your backyard and pop up a court,” says Chelsea Brearley, marketing
director at Flexcourt. Although NBA regulation-sized surfaces require a larger amount of space, the majority of Flexcourt customers are average families with young children and middle-aged consumers who don’t go that big.
The process begins with customers providing dimensions and a vision. There’s just one caveat: in order to lay down a play surface, the customer needs to have an asphalt or concrete pad beneath – or, they need to hire a company to install one before their Flexcourt arrives.
The fun part is designing the play surface for specific activities. Courts can be striped for one or multiple games, Brearley says.
“They might want to go with a basketball court, but as pickleball is trending, they stripe it for that, too,” she says. “It’s our most popular combination.”
Once a customer’s vision and dimensions are noted, the specialist designs a template and reviews color options. Upon customer approval of the final template, the product ships within four to five weeks.
Customers can ask a Flexcourt professional to install the play surface, but a majority choose to install it themselves.
“We have a video on YouTube that highlights how fun it is for families to put together,” Brearley says.
Included in the price of each play surface is a 16-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and UV color fading. ❚ For more information, visit flexcourt.com.
FlexCourt systems are used in parks and backyards across the region.
In His Image
God is spirit and we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Spirit has no gender or appearance.
Our human bodies are wonderfully made, but temporary. God is far more concerned about the content of our minds and hearts than our physical appearance.
Scripture has little to say about physical appearance except when it directly relates to the narrative. For example, Esau was hairy and ruddy, a fact which helped his twin brother, Jacob, to cheat Esau from his birthright; Goliath was “a giant,” which caused David to rely upon his faith when slaying him; and Esther was a beautiful Jewess, which helped her to gain favor with an antisemitic king.
The Bible records many instances when people are influenced by physical appearance (i.e. Jacob loved beautiful Rachel more than weak-eyed Leah), but in no place does God favor or disfavor people based upon their appearance.
It’s revealing that scripture provides no physical description of Jesus Christ. Every way in which we’re told to emulate him is related to character, not looks.
How foolish and evil it must be to God that humans persecute one another on the basis of traits no person can control; the skin color, gender and looks with which we’re born.
After Christ came and made the holy spirit of God available to all who choose to believe and receive it, Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 NIV).
In the Old Testament, when God sends Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint a new king of Israel, Samuel wrongly assumes one of Jesse’s older, bigger sons is God’s choice. God tells him, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 NIV)
To be imitators of Jesus Christ, we must do likewise. ❚ –Janine Pumilia
Smart Investing, Mindful Tech: FORM Wealth
In today’s financial world, two major trends are reshaping the client experience: more advisors are outsourcing investment management, and more firms are integrating artificial intelligence. While both may offer convenience or scale, they can also create distance between the advisor and the client, and between the strategy and your real goals.
At FORM Wealth, we believe differently.
We believe your advisor should do more than manage the relationship. They should be accountable for your investment strategy, empowered to make decisions, and supported by smart technology, not replaced by it.
Ownership Over Outsourcing
A growing number of advisors now outsource portfolio decisions to third-party managers. That might work for the firm, but it raises real concerns for clients: Who’s actually making the calls? Who’s watching the risks? Who really understands your needs?
At FORM, the answer is clear: we do, with you in mind.
We take a different approach by taking full ownership of your portfolio strategy through our discretionary advisory service, TR Vest™. Every decision is grounded in research and intentionally structured using our blended model approach, which combines strategic asset allocation with active oversight and ongoing adjustments based on capital market expectations. It allows us to maintain discipline while also making thoughtful changes when needed.
Technology That Supports, Not Replaces
That same philosophy guides our use of artificial intelligence. We don’t use AI to make decisions. We use it to inform them.
AI helps us analyze trends, process data faster, and uncover insights that enhance your financial plan, but your advisor is still the one making the call. Why? Because decisions about your future should be grounded in more than just math. They require context, values, and a deep understanding of your life — your Family, Occupation, Recreation and Mission.
In short, AI helps us work smarter. It handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes so your advisor can spend more time focused on you.
The FORM Difference
Whether it’s investment strategy or the tools we use, our approach always comes back to this: responsibility, personalization, and relationship.
• We don’t require a new risk questionnaire every time we rebalance.
• We don’t pass you off to outsourced managers.
• We don’t let algorithms dictate your financial future. Instead, by using TR Vest™, we are fully empowered and responsible for your investment outcomes. That’s what we mean when we say FORM is built for your whole life, not just your portfolio.
If you’re curious about how we invest or how we use technology to serve you better, just ask. We’re always happy to talk. ❚
262-686-3005 431 Geneva National Ave. S., Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Important disclosure information: https://www.formwealth.com/disclosures
Four Lakes Athletic Club Builds Community
By Peggy Werner
Four Lakes Athletic Club (FLAC) is
more than a gym full of equipment. It’s a place where people feel welcomed and cared for while meeting fitness goals, meeting other people and giving back to their community.
The newly updated 65,000-squarefoot facility has six indoor tennis courts, an indoor running track, multi-purpose gym, aerobic area, cardiovascular training center, free weights, circuit training and Hammer Strength brand equipment.
Last year, three major renovations included the installation of air conditioning for the indoor tennis courts, more strength training equipment and multiple areas to use equipment, a renovated lobby and brand-new locker rooms, says Andy Sieberer, one of the managing partners, who has been with the facility for 14 years.
“Going to the gym should be the best part of everyone’s day,” he adds.
“Leaving here, everyone should feel better and have had some good interaction with people, whether a young athlete trying to improve his or her performance or a senior who enjoys the social interaction as much as the exercise.”
New members receive a free assessment with a personal trainer to learn their lifestyle, activity level and changes needed to meet certain goals. They also are introduced to equipment and how to properly use it.
FLAC also offers small group training, group fitness classes, junior and adult tennis lessons and leagues, and exclusive member events. Six fulltime tennis pros and some part-time staff teach lessons to those ages four and older. The oldest player at FLAC is 91, Sieberer says. Leagues are available for all ages and abilities.
In addition to caring for members, FLAC gives back to its community.
Every Thanksgiving morning the facility hosts a family run, where a portion of the proceeds and donated nonperishable goods are collected for the Elkhorn Food Pantry. The athletic club has also given donations for silent auctions and helps other organizations raise money for different causes.
“We are always looking at ways to give back,” Sieberer says. “We are part of the community and want to be as involved as possible. The more we can help, the better.”
To learn more, call Four Lakes Athletic Club at (262) 743-2000. ❚
Updated spaces and a close-knit culture turn workouts at Four Lakes Athletic Club into something members look forward to.
Art in the Park Returns with Creativity, Charm
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Eachsummer, downtown Lake Geneva’s Flat Iron Park transforms into a lively outdoor gallery brimming with creativity, color and local charm. White tents line the grassy park, artists prep their booths and a hum of excitement carries on the breeze. Children dart between hands-on activities while collectors scout for new treasures – all with Geneva Lake shimmering just steps away.
Now celebrating its 45th year, Art in the Park returns Aug. 9-10 for a weekend of juried fine art, creative exploration and small-town spirit. More than 90 artists from across the country exhibit original work including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, pottery and woodworking. There is also intricate glasswork, wearable art and imaginative mixed media creations, each reflecting the artist’s individual style and craftsmanship.
“It’s one of the few fine art fairs in this area,” says Sarah McConnell, president of the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation, which organizes the event. “We jury everybody in. The vendors come from across the country from places like Texas and Florida, but many are from the Midwest and about half are repeats. They love it.”
Unlike traditional craft fairs, Art in the Park is carefully juried to ensure each booth showcases handmade, artist-cre-
ated work. The process helps preserve the event’s reputation for quality by keeping out mass-produced items and focusing on original artistry. Applications are reviewed each spring and must include photos of both products and booth setups. McConnell, a watercolor artist, recruits participants throughout the year.
“When I go to other art fairs, I’ll take cards and call them about Art in the Park,” she says. “If I see something I like, I want it to come to Lake Geneva.”
Flat Iron Park’s location, just a stone’s throw away from Geneva Lake, adds natural charm and convenience to the weekend. Artists can park their vehicles near their booths for
From sculptural woodwork to wearable art, each booth at Art in the Park showcases the artist’s personal craft, no mass-produced pieces allowed.
(Geneva
easy setup, and a steady breeze off the lake helps keep things comfortable for vendors and guests alike.
To ease the morning rush, artists begin setting up their tents on Friday evening. Many return Saturday morning with less to do for a calmer, more enjoyable start to the day.
Wrigley Drive is closed for the weekend and transformed into a mouthwatering food truck lane, where the scent of barbecue, tacos, brats and more drifts through the air alongside shaded picnic seating, a water station and a variety of soft drinks. The local Boy Scout troop delivers meals to exhibitors – a thoughtful service that doubles as a fundraiser.
Each morning, volunteers greet artists with breakfast and coffee, thanks to community donors including Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly and Sentry Foods. Behind the scenes, the show is run entirely by volunteers, with months of planning and hands-on work required to bring it to life. The event is coordinated by Art in the Park Director Jeff Russart, who has led those efforts since 2023.
In the center of the park’s gazebo, the Just for Kids Fun area offers hands-on activities including scratch art, maskmaking and bead stringing. Sponsored by the Neal & Dotsy Heffernan Art Scholarship Fund and the Rotary Club of Lake Geneva, this creative corner provides take-home projects and space to sit down and create on-site.
“It’s fun and not messy, so parents don’t have to worry about their children’s clothes,” McConnell says. “Sometimes the adults will sit down and do it, too.”
Art in the Park also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation (GLAF). Proceeds from vendor fees and a two-day silent auction help support GLAF’s year-round operations, including its downtown gallery, Gallery 223. Participating artists donate pieces to the auction, which offers new items each day. Bidding closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Located in the park’s pavilion, a dedicated exhibit features artwork by GLAF members and contributors to Gallery 223. The members-only area acts as a mini fair that gives regional artists a chance to showcase their talent, McConnell says.
“If you want to get real, true local art, that’s the place to go,” she adds.
GLAF is entirely volunteer-run, and it takes a dedicated team to bring the event to life each year.
“We start very early, around 5 or 6 a.m.,” says McConnell. “Everybody pitches in.”
Visit Lake Geneva also provides key support through an annual grant, which the foundation uses for marketing and outreach across the Midwest. The fair draws thousands of visitors over the weekend, adding to the city’s already bustling summer energy.
Since parking in downtown Lake Geneva can be a challenge, especially during the busy summer season, a free shuttle service running every 20 minutes from the Home Depot lot off Highway 50 makes it easier for visitors to access the fair without the parking hassle.
Though live music has made appearances in past years, organizers have shifted the focus squarely back to art.
“Vendors want to be able to talk with customers without competing with speakers,” McConnell says. “It’s not a music festival, it’s an art festival.”
The result is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.
“You get the early shoppers at 10 a.m., then later you see the families, the dogs and the kids,” McConnell says. “Everybody seems to have such a good vibe. It’s always very pleasant.” ❚
For more information on this year’s Art in the Park, visit genevalakeartsfoundation.org.
Flat Iron Park’s lakefront setting turns into a pop-up gallery during Art in the Park, where visitors explore booths filled with juried fine art just steps from Geneva Lake.
Waterside Adventures Begin at Gage Marine
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Step onto a boat in Geneva Lake, and it’s possible Gage Marine helped to make it happen. After all, this familyled company has been connecting people to the water since 1873.
“Our roots trace back to transporting goods and guests across the lake during its early resort-town era,” says Marketing Director Alanna Congdon. “Over the decades, as Lake Geneva grew from a seasonal retreat to a vibrant year-round community, we evolved from a marine service provider into a custodian of tradition and curator of experiences.”
Today, Gage Marine draws visitors and locals to the lake through narrated cruises, boat sales, marina services and waterfront dining.
When it comes to narrated boat tours, many highlight the lake’s architectural wonders and historic estates.
The Gage Boat Club helps members to enjoy the freedom of boating without the responsibility of ownership. PIER 290, the company’s lakeside restaurant in Williams Bay, operates year-round with seasonal menus, live music and cozy winter igloos.
Among Gage’s most popular offerings is the U.S. Mailboat Tour, a Lake Geneva tradition dating back more than a century. Each summer, from June 15 through Sept. 15, mail jumpers leap from the boat, deliver the mail to lakefront homes and then sprint back aboard – while the boat keeps cruising.
“We truly love the tradition of the U.S. Mailboat Tour,” Congdon says. “We are honored to be one of the last mail routes delivered via boat, and one
of the very few that allows passengers on that boat.”
Gage Marine has grown alongside the community as more residents, young families and businesses arrive.
“We have definitely seen a lot of growth in Lake Geneva,” Congdon says. “A lot has changed, but the families and tourists that are coming for a week or weekend, looking to experience beautiful Lake Geneva, are still the same.” ❚
For more information about Gage Marine, visit gageboats.com.
Gage Marine provides narrated cruises, boat sales, marina services and waterfront dining at Geneva Lake.
(Gage Marine photo)
Asphalt or Stone Drive? For Some, It’s Both
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Withchoices like decorative asphalt and durable paver stones, it’s easy to dress up a home’s entrance in a hurry.
Perhaps the easiest place to revitalize a home driveway is with a fresh sealcoat. Of course, it restores that slate-black appearance to a driveway, but it has other benefits, too. Because it smooths the surface of asphalt, sealcoat makes the drive easier to sweep and plow, and it resists things like gas, oil and road salts.
“Best of all, properly sealed asphalt will more than double the life of your pavement,” says Megan Miller, marketing manager for Kaplan Paving.
Once cracks, ruts and damage place a driveway’s condition beyond repair, it’s time to look at replacement. Traditionally, asphalt and concrete were always top-of-mind, but with recent advancements in asphalt, this
product has risen to the top of many families’ preferences.
For one thing, asphalt tends to be one of the most affordable and costeffective options available in the long run, says Miller.
It’s durable enough for boats and RVs, and it’s a fairly flexible material. It also adapts well with fluctuations in temperature and moisture, as happens commonly in the Midwest.
Asphalt is by no means the only choice. Durable paver stones, like those produced by Unilock, create attractive surfaces on everything from driveways and walkways to retaining walls, pool decks and outdoor kitchens. A homeowner can use them across the whole drive or create a “ribbon” of bricks to frame an asphalt stretch.
What product is right for your home? Miller believes there are nine essential factors to selecting the right
surface. It starts with budget, durability and design, but it’s also important to consider drainage, timeline and personal preference.
Perhaps the most important factor, though, is whom you hire, because disreputable companies proliferate in this industry. Kaplan Paving has stood by its work since 1979.
“When you hire the right people, you ensure quality workmanship and timely completion on your job,” says Miller.
To schedule a free estimate or learn more about a new driveway, call Kaplan Paving at (847) 949-1500. ❚
Reed Furniture Provides Options & Quality
By Peggy Werner Reed Furniture,
820 N. Wisconsin
St., Elkhorn, specializes in making home furnishing ideas come to life.
Joe Reed, co-owner with his brother, Jim, is the sixth generation of the same family working in the business, and says people today are not just looking for a simple piece of furniture – they want something that meets their expectations.
“Today, people do a lot of comparison shopping,” he says. “They have a lot more ideas about what they want, and more knowledge about products, design, colors and trends than ever before because of social media and home shows on television.”
For that reason, Reed Furniture carries dozens of brands of furniture, with items on display in a 20,000-squarefoot showroom. Most furniture is made in America and can be customized, which gives the customer freedom to
choose from a variety of fabrics, styles, sizes and other special features.
When looking for quality furniture, there are many things to consider such as the materials used, how the furniture is constructed and finished, and the overall design, Reed says. Look for solid wood frames, durability in the construction and upholstery fabric, denser foam cushions, sturdy joints, and smooth and even finishes.
One of the oldest family-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin, Reed Furniture was founded by John Reed, who opened the store in 1865 in Palmyra, Wis. The store moved to Elkhorn in 1871 and has been at its present location since 1955.
Through the years, Reed Furniture has evolved. In the beginning, the store sold wallpaper, blinds, carpeting, framing, home interior services and even undertaking services. In 1871, the
furniture store and funeral home were split into two separate businesses. Reed Furniture specialized in furniture and carpeting until 1990, when they decided to focus just on furniture.
“People want good quality at a good price, and to see a wide selection,” Reed says. “Our goal always is to make people happy. We have many multigenerational customers who tell me they bought from my grandfather. We don’t work on commission or pressure people. We are just here to help.” ❚
To learn more, visit shopreed.com.
Reed Furniture carries dozens of brands of furniture for every room in the house.
Becoming a Patient at Beloit Cancer Center
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Dick Johnson never thought he’d be a patient at the very hospital where he’d volunteered for more than two decades. But in 2023, he wasn’t able to donate blood because his blood counts were a little too low.
For a while, his doctor simply monitored his blood counts, but eventually she sent him to the Beloit Cancer Center to see Dr. Walter Vogel, an oncologist and hematologist.
“He did some testing and said we’re going to continue to monitor for six months. At the end of that six months – we’re now into the fall of 2023, in October – he said, ‘I would like you to do a bone marrow biopsy,’” Johnson says. “Beloit Clinic sent the results to Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, and the test results came back that I had acute myeloid leukemia.”
Within days, Vogel had Johnson transferred to the Carbone Cancer
Center at the University of WisconsinMadison – the two hospitals are affiliated – and he underwent his first round of chemotherapy.
For a while, Johnson drove to Madison for weekly labs. Eventually, after prescribing a new medication and seeing good results, his doctor transferred him back to Beloit.
“So, instead of having to drive to Madison two to three times a week for labs, I could go to the Beloit Cancer Center, which is only a mile from my house,” Johnson says.
“We feel blessed that in a city the size of Beloit we have the cancer center,” Johnson adds. “I’ve been a volunteer at the hospital for 22 years. I’m just pleased that if I have to do this journey, I can do it with them.”
Unfortunately, Johnson is no longer in remission. It might seem like a grueling ordeal for him – and his
wife, Charlotte, but Johnson remains positive and grounded.
“I’m doing OK,” he says. “I have my days where I’m pretty tired – leukemia can wear you down a bit – but I’m honestly feeling pretty well. I’m happy to be doing it the way I’m doing it.”
That means receiving top-of-theline care in his hometown, at his home hospital system, with his home doctors: right place, right time, right people. ❚
Dick Johnson feels a true connection with his new oncologist, Dr. Edward Nabrinksy of Beloit Health System.
Yin Yoga & Facials
Ongoing, Thurs. 11 a.m.-noon. In this recurring class, enjoy a yin yoga practice. After the last pose, move into Shavasana with facial masks and serums that repair and replenish skin. Healing Grounds Center, 7510 288th Ave., Salem, (262) 586-0199, healinggroundscenter.com.
Live Music Weekends at Studio Winery
Ongoing, Fri.-Sat. 5-9 p.m. Soak up blues and classic rock tunes, performed by local talent. Light bites available for munching. Studio Winery and Geneva Lake Distilling, 401 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-9100, genevalakedistilling.com.
Lake Geneva Ghost Walks
Recurring daily at 7:30 p.m. Expert guides lead you through shadowy alleys and historic sites, sharing chilling tales of local legends, unsolved mysteries and ghostly encounters. Lake Geneva Ghost Walks, 515 Baker St., Lake Geneva, (833) 446-7813, americanghostwalks.com.
Concerts in the Park Series
Recurring event thru Aug. 8, Thurs. 6-8 p.m. Free outdoor concert series features various musical acts. Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, visitlakegeneva.com.
Concerts at Phoenix Park Bandshell
Entertainment & Events
Recurring event thru Sept. 13, select Saturdays and Sundays. Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy a free concert. Phoenix Park Bandshell, 111 E. Wisconsin St., Delavan, phoenixparkbandshell.com.
Lake Lawn Queen Boat Tours
Recurring event thru Sept. 27; see website for times. Climb aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, Delavan Lake’s iconic cruise boat, for a memorable experience on the water. Lake Lawn Resort Marina, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, (262) 728-7950, lakelawnresort.com.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
Thru Oct. 30, Thurs. 8 a.m-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best foods and crafts. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, (262) 248-4382, market@horticulturalhall.com.
Neon Nights Musical Festival
Aug. 1 & 2, Fri. & Sat. 3-11 p.m. This electrifying festival lights up the night with an unforgettable weekend of country music magic. The lineup includes Travis Tritt, Gary Allan, Lonestar, Neal McCoy, Gretchen Wilson and more. Walworth County
Hawk’s View Golf Club, a par 72 championship layout with stunning elevation, hosts a golf event “fore” a cause Aug. 12.
Fairgrounds., 411 E. Court Street, Elkhorn, (262) 723-3228, neonnightswi.com.
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
Select dates thru Sept. 7, see website for times. This fishy fable of Ariel and her friends will capture your heart with its irresistible songs. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, (920) 563-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Fore! A Cause Golf Outing
Aug. 12, 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Your game supports residents of Inspiration Ministries — empowering people with disabilities to thrive. Hawk’s View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva, (262) 222-5093. ❚
