Jim Taylor
Deputy Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designers Olivia Costello, Brandi Fier
Contributing Writers
Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager
Brent Hughes
Sales Manager Brad Hughes
Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes
Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Published
For our family, Venetian Fest has become one of those traditions that signals summer is beginning to wind down. It may still be warm enough for ice cream and afternoons at the beach, but once the carnival rides go up and the excitement starts building along the lakefront, it feels like one last celebration before school, routines and busy schedules return.
This year, I’m especially looking forward to sharing the experience with the people I love most. My husband and I will be bringing our two kids, Eli, 4, and Izzy, 2, along with my parents, better known in our family as Gigi and Papa. At my kids’ ages, everything feels magical. Watching their eyes light up at the colorful rides, hearing the music drift across the lake and seeing the fireworks burst overhead reminds me to slow down and appreciate these moments.
One of my favorite things about Venetian Fest is that there’s something for everyone in our family. The kids can enjoy the carnival and activities, my parents love strolling through the Arts & Crafts Fair, and my husband and I appreciate the chance to spend time together without having to travel too far from home. It’s a reminder that some of the best family memories are made right here in our own community.
I’m sure there will be sticky fingers from cotton candy, a few tired little legs that need to be carried and plenty of family photos that don’t quite go as planned. But years from now, those imperfect moments are the ones I know we’ll treasure most.
As summer begins to give way to fall, I’m grateful for traditions like Venetian Fest that bring generations together. Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or planning your first visit, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the five days of fun. There’s more information about the festival in our cover story.
Maybe we’ll see you along the lakefront, making memories of your own.
Enjoy the rest of your summer! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
By Peggy Werner
Agreat day on the water starts long before the boat leaves the dock.
Alanna Congdon, director of marketing at Gage Marine in Delavan, says regular boat maintenance, proper safety equipment, a pre-departure checklist, knowledge of boating regulations, and defensive boating habits all help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer on the water.
“We offer a free ‘Ladies on the Lake’ safe boating class each year in June and offer private lessons to those who would prefer one-on-one training,” she says.
A boating equipment checklist includes a life jacket for everyone on board, floatation devices, fire extinguishers, nighttime distress signals, a horn, anchors and chains, a tool kit, first aid kit, buckets, a flashlight and sun protection.
Driving defensively means avoid-
ing sudden or risky maneuvers that could catch other boaters off guard and allowing plenty of time and distance for them to react to your movements. Be sure you know how to stop your boat quickly in an emergency, and designate a passenger to serve as a lookout, especially in areas with heavy traffic or potential hazards such as submerged trees, rocks or other obstacles.
Following basic right-of-way rules can help prevent collisions on the water. When two powerboats are approaching head-on, both should steer to the right. Powerboats must also yield to sailboats by slowing down and altering course, typically to the right.
When crossing paths with another powerboat, the vessel that has the other boat on its starboard (right) side must yield. When overtaking another powerboat or sailboat, the boat being passed should maintain its course while the
passing boat safely moves around it. It’s also important to understand what different buoys mean, Congdon adds. They mark everything from underwater obstructions and restricted areas to safe navigation channels, hazards ahead and designated anchoring areas. It’s a good idea to store the Water Safety Patrol’s phone number on your own phone. On Lake Geneva, it’s (262) 245-6577. ❚
To learn more, visit gagemarine. com.
The walk of life is filled with unexpected cliffs, valleys and hilltops, and every kind of weather. But most of it plays out on unremarkable stretches of smooth terrain, under clear, if not sunny, skies.
How well we handle this journey has everything to do with what we pack. We must prepare ourselves not only for the unexpected, but also for the routine.
Christians often speak of “mountaintop moments” – those times our faith exhilarates us, often during a special event shared with other enthusiastic believers. We also move closer to God during times of crisis, relying upon our faith to get us from one moment to the next. Too, religious holidays, with their warm and familiar traditions, may rekindle our faith.
But it’s often during our day-to-day routines that we stray furthest from likemindedness with Jesus Christ. Ironically, these are probably the times when our faith matters most. During each routine day, we impact the people closest to us – family members, co-workers, clients, schoolmates, friends, neighbors. The choices we make daily – to emulate Jesus Christ or not – impact others profoundly. They also enrich or diminish the very fabric of our relationship with God.
It’s been said that our character is revealed by what we do when no one is watching.
Likewise, the authenticity of our faith is evidenced by the way we live each ordinary day. (Is there even such thing as an ordinary day? Every day is made by God, belongs to God, and is therefore extraordinary, whether or not we view it that way.)
Ephesians chapter 4 is a great place to learn which character traits most matter to God. It reminds us of our extraordinary position in this world and God’s expectations for us. Two chapters later, in Ephesians 6:10-20, we’re told how to best prepare ourselves for the long journey – which pieces of equipment to pack, and why they matter.
Life is a long walk, yet it seems to be completed in the blink of an eye. Here’s to making the most of every single extraordinary day. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
By Peggy Werner
For
56 years, Autumn on Parade has celebrated a small town in a way that grows bigger every year with new vendors, more attendees and a greater spirit of community pride.
“Our community has a special passion for this festival and all of the enjoyment it brings to people who visit from near and far,” says Meggan Dickson, marketing director and board member. “People save the date and plan special gatherings around the festival. There’s definitely a buzz in the air when fall comes around.”
This year’s event, themed “Autumn Antics,” runs Oct. 3-4, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday in downtown Oregon, Ill.
The heart of the festival has always been the market, a spectacle that grows larger every year. After starting with seven vendors, the market now has more than 200 booths surrounding the Ogle County Courthouse Square. New vendors and longtime favorites join each year, selling homegrown and handmade items such as fruits and vegetables, clothing, fashion accessories, quilts, baked goods, soap, jewelry, home decor, blacksmithing and artwork.
A food court features small businesses. Gyros, Chicago hot dogs, Mexican cuisine, kettle corn, cinnamon rolls, and horchata are just a few of the items you’ll find.
Autumn on Parade’s Fun Zone for kids includes a petting zoo, inflatables, interactive entertainment and more at the municipal parking lot on North Fifth Street. It also has quiet hours for sensory-sensitive individuals Sunday from 1-3 p.m. The Little Lambs Lounge is a quiet space with a diaper changing station and privacy for nursing mothers.
“We love seeing families unplug for a while and just enjoy being together. That’s really what Autumn on Parade is about: creating memories,” Dickson says.
A complimentary shuttle transports people between the festival and the Antique Tractor Show and Car Show, which had record attendance last year. Onlookers can see a wide variety of tractors, engines, and new and vintage cars Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. These shows are made possible by local farming families and Focus House, a Rochelle, Ill., treatment facility that provides a continuum of quality services for at-risk youths. The Tractor Parade begins at 4 p.m. and travels from the show to downtown.
Saturday’s free shuttle also takes festivalgoers to the Old English Faire at Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, where you can tour the castle and hear madrigal singers. The Faire is Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and features royalty, horses and jesters, plus food trucks and artisan vendors.
The crowd-favorite Harvest Time Parade begins Sunday at 1 p.m. and has around 100 entries, including marching bands, youth groups, tumbling acts, dance routines, Scout
troops, circus acts, vintage automobiles and tractors. Popular acts include the “Dancing Grannies” and the Jesse White Tumblers, who recently appeared on “America’s Got Talent.” A map of the parade route is online at autumnonparade.com.
Proceeds from Autumn on Parade go toward next year’s event while also supporting the community. Most recently, proceeds helped to fund local food banks, scholarships for college-bound seniors at Oregon High School, and a new bench near the Oregon Park District’s new baseball diamond.
Meanwhile, the community can support the festival in many ways, including sponsorships. Find more online at autumnonparade.com. While you’re there, show your support by purchasing festival merchandise with this year’s logo and themed merchandise from past years. Items include T-shirts, hats, scarves, sweatpants, shoulder bags, totes, fanny packs, tumblers and coffee mugs.
“These are shipped right to your home in time to show your support for the festival,” says Dickson. “Bring the festival logo travel mug and get it filled at our coffee vendor.”
You can also buy raffle tickets. Past winners have won four- and five-figure cash prizes, says Dickson. “It’s a great way to be a winner and at the same time help offset costs for future festivals.”
Dickson has a long history with the Autumn on Parade Festival. Born and raised in Oregon, she began by helping her mother, Debbie, a longtime volunteer and parade president, until she retired last year. Dickson’s dad, John, is on the committee and helps with facilities and the food court. Her brother, husband, and three sons also help with behind-the-scenes tasks. Dickson officially joined the committee five years ago to run their social media pages, and that led to her present roles.
“When your family is involved, you’re involved,” Dickson says. “Our family has always put a high priority on civic duties. And whether you’re from the area, have moved here or once lived here, everyone enjoys the festival and wants to be a part of it.” ❚
By Steven Bonifazi, deputy editor
Plenty of restaurants survive by chasing what’s next.
Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn, W349 N5293 Lacy’s Lane, in Okauchee, has thrived for nearly six decades by knowing exactly what it is.
Perched conveniently on the shore of Okauchee Lake, the Bavarian supper club has been a Waukesha County landmark since 1967. It’s the kind of place where families return for anniversaries, birthdays and Friday fish fries, now across three generations of diners and owners.
Lisa Marks, who took ownership two years ago, is the granddaughter of founders Hans Weissgerber Sr. and his wife, Maria, German immigrants who opened the restaurant on the old Lacy’s Resort property. Today, Marks proudly carries forward the iconic family business alongside her husband, Tom, and her sons Julius and Augie.
Marks’s father, Hans Jr., grew the Golden Mast Inn in stages – a fireplace room, a beer garden, a sunroom, the European courtyard and fountain, lakeside banquet halls and a gazebo that now host weddings and large events for up to 250 guests.
Much of the building is salvaged history. Hans Jr. collected travertine from Milwaukee’s old Performing Arts Center, plus stone arches and stained glass from the Parker Mansion on Oconomowoc Lake and the Redemptorist Seminary on Lac La Belle, and built it all into the structure.
“I don’t even know what kind of architecture you’d call it,” Marks says. “This is the Hans creation.”
If the building holds the history, the staff keeps it consistent. The Golden Mast’s longest-tenured employee has been there five decades; a dozen more have passed 15 years. That longevity, Marks says, is what lets the kitchen and dining room feel the same year after year.
Maria did: a traditional European approach built on stocks, marinades and patient seasoning. German classics anchor the menu, from a roasted half duck with crackling skin and spaetzle to a sauerbraten, select beef marinated and served in Mr. Weissgerber’s flavored gravy with red cabbage.
But the menu has broadened with the lake crowd. A baked 6-ounce salmon fillet arrives under a bourbon-maple glaze with crisp spinach and a double-baked sweet potato, one of four to five seafood dishes that rotate regularly. A casual small-plates menu draws boaters off the water, with items like an ahi tuna tower of rare, sesame-tossed tuna with cucumber, tomato and seaweed under avocado, ginger and a wasabi cream with real kick.
“We learn their names, what they want to drink and where they like to sit, and it becomes like family,” Marks adds. “That’s the culture, and that’s why we can consistently keep things as good as they are.”
At its core, the kitchen still cooks the way Hans and
The Friday fish fry, meanwhile, hasn’t budged in decades. The all-you-can-eat fried and steamed cod in a light breading comes with potato pancakes, coleslaw and rye.
“There are few places left that still do a true Wisconsin all-you-can-eat fish fry,” Marks says.
That permanence feels especially rare on the water. Okauchee Lake once had some 40 bars and restaurants. Today, there are eight to 10.
For Marks, it’s about continuing the legacy, through the culture of consistency, unique improvements, and that family feeling with staff and guests.
“It is with great pride and gratitude that my family and I can welcome you to the Golden Mast,” she says. “We look forward to serving you for hopefully many more generations. Prost!” ❚
Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations, call (262) 567-7047 or visit thegoldenmast.com.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Assummer begins to wind down, Lake Geneva gears up for one last unforgettable celebration. Venetian Festival, happening Aug. 19-23 this year, brings five days of family fun, live entertainment, delicious food and one of the Midwest’s most spectacular fireworks displays to the city’s lakefront. For more than six decades, this beloved festival has become a tradition many families use to mark the unofficial end of summer.
Presented annually by the Lake Geneva Jaycees, Venetian Fest fills Flat Iron Park, Library Park and Seminary Park with activity. From carnival rides and games to live music, artisan vendors and community events, there’s something fun for all ages. The celebration culminates on Sunday evening with the iconic lighted boat parade across Geneva Lake followed by a breathtaking fireworks display that lights up the shoreline.
The Lake Geneva Jaycees founded Venetian Fest in 1962 with the goal of creating a community celebration while raising money to support local charitable organizations. More than 60 years later, that mission remains at the heart of the event.
Proceeds from the festival are reinvested throughout the community, benefiting local schools, youth organizations and
many other nonprofits. Festival admission is free, but every brat purchased and carnival ride enjoyed helps support organizations that make the Lake Geneva area stronger yearround.
One of Venetian Fest’s greatest strengths is its ability to appeal to every age group.
Families with young children can spend hours enjoying the colorful carnival midway, where classic rides and games create lasting memories. Wristbands are available for advanced purchase at venetianfest.com.
Throughout the festival grounds, the aroma of sweet treats fills the air. Local favorites and festival classics make it easy to grab lunch, dinner or a quick snack between activities.
Adults can gather in the festival’s lively beer garden to enjoy cold beverages while listening to live music and taking in the festive atmosphere. This year’s lineup features a variety of regional favorites, including Lunch Money Bullies, The Toys, Nashville country artist Kelly Daniels, Terry Byrne Band, Too Hype Crew, Rock Central, Big Al Wetzel Band and the Venetian All Stars. With everything from classic rock and country to hip-hop, party hits and local talent, the entertainment offers variety throughout the five-day festival.
Meanwhile, the popular Arts & Crafts Fair transforms beautiful Library Park into an open-air marketplace featuring more than 90 artists and craftspeople from around the country. The fair takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving visitors plenty of time to browse handcrafted jewelry, home décor, paintings, woodworking, pottery, photography, specialty foods and unique gifts while enjoying stunning views of Geneva Lake. Admission is free.
Beyond the rides and entertainment, Venetian Fest offers activities that encourage community participation.
Friendly competitions like the Baggo (cornhole) tournament bring together teams of all skill levels. Teams can register in advance at venetianfest.com, with prizes awarded to the top finishers. Families can also enjoy the popular Touch a Truck event, where children can climb aboard emergency vehicles and heavy equipment while meeting the people who operate them.
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the annual Car and Bike Show, featuring an impressive lineup of classic cars, motorcycles and custom vehicles, while the Lake Geneva Water Ski Team showcases its incredible talent with a high-energy water ski show on Geneva Lake. These crowd-favorite events add even more excitement to an already packed festival schedule, giving visitors something new to experience throughout the weekend.
As memorable as the daytime festivities are, Sunday evening is when Venetian Fest truly shines. Beginning at dusk on Sunday, Aug. 16, decorated boats begin gliding across the water in the annual Venetian-style lighted boat parade. Each vessel is transformed with colorful lights and creative decorations, reflecting brilliantly off the calm lake as spectators gather along the shoreline.
From browsing handmade goods at the Arts & Crafts Fair to enjoying live music in the beer garden, Venetian Fest offers something for visitors of every age.
across the water to create a spectacular finale ending five days of celebration. The display draws visitors from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and beyond, making it one of the region’s signature late-summer attractions.
The parade celebrates Lake Geneva’s rich boating heritage while creating a magical atmosphere that has become synonymous with the festival itself. Families stake out their favorite viewing spots early, bringing lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy one final summer evening beside the lake.
Immediately following the boat parade comes the moment everyone has been waiting for. The Venetian Fest fireworks display is widely regarded as one of southeastern Wisconsin’s premier fireworks shows. Brilliant bursts of color explode high above Geneva Lake, with reflections dancing
While the fireworks may be the grand finale, the true spirit of Venetian Fest is found in community connections. Neighbors reunite, families begin new traditions and visitors experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes Lake Geneva such a beloved destination. Volunteers work countless hours behind the scenes to ensure the event runs smoothly, demonstrating the community pride that has sustained the festival for generations.
Whether it’s your first visit or your family’s annual tradition, Venetian Fest offers the perfect opportunity to soak in everything that makes summer in Lake Geneva special. ❚
For more information, visit venetianfest.com.
By Stephanne N. Grimoldby
Men tend to wait until they have significant symptoms before seeing a physician. Sometimes, that’s too late. Dr. Jake Hamaker is a Rockford native who’s finishing his residency in Indianapolis and expects to begin working at Beloit Health System in late August. This May, Hamaker practiced under a sleep medicine physician and learned that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is underdiagnosed and extremely relevant to men.
It often goes hand-in-hand with other common issues, like erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, increased nighttime urination, hypertension and obesity. And, those with sleep apnea have higher risks for blood clots, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and hypertension. Nearly two-thirds of people who have a stroke also had OSA.
One of the biggest symptoms – snoring – is commonly ignored.
“As a society, we often play off snoring as something that gets you kicked by your partner in the middle of the night, but we are uncovering lots of evidence that it’s perhaps a sign of a more significant problem,” Hamaker says.
OSA is a sleep disorder where the airway involuntarily closes during the night. This causes a lower oxygen level in the body, which then prompts the body to awaken.
“It’s silently doing a lot of damage to you overnight, and you’re not realizing it,” Hamaker adds. “If you had that kind of oxygen drop at an office visit, we would send you to the hospital.”
A sleep study is the diagnostic gold standard for OSA, Hamaker says. The equivalent of a hotel room is set up at the hospital: a quiet, relaxed environment where patients can wind down for an evening’s rest.
Hospital staff hook up the patient to a variety of sensors, including a pulse oximeter to measure overnight oxygen levels and an EEG to look at REM sleep versus non-REM sleep.
“As long as you get 4 to 5 hours of rest, we can get enough data to analyze,” Hamaker says. “I’m looking for the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to see how many episodes you are having in an hour. If you’re above a certain threshold, you may have mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea.”
For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, the top treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine.
The secondary treatment is weight loss, with many insurance companies now covering GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound.
“The idea behind that is you’re taking away one of those parameters – the BMI higher than 35,” Hamaker says. “If you lose a bunch of weight, it might help your sleep apnea go away. A patient who was 300 pounds, if they go on a CPAP because they have sleep apnea, then they go on Zepbound and a year later they’re 200 pounds. They may do another sleep study and not need their CPAP anymore. It can reverse.” ❚
To learn more, visit beloithealthsystem.org or call (608) 364-5011.
By Peggy Werner
Dan and Angie Farmakis, owners of Splashtime Pools and Spas in Elkhorn, have built a successful business while dedicating themselves to helping children and families thrive.
The family business specializes in above-ground and in-ground pools, hot tubs, saunas and accessories, offering everything from new installations to maintenance, repairs and equipment upgrades. But for Dan and Angie, the family business has always been about more than pools. The couple served as foster parents for more than a decade, adopting four children and opening their home to many others. Today, three of those children work alongside them at Splashtime Pools and Spas.
Now, they’re expanding their impact by launching Splashtime Cares, a nonprofit organization that will accept donations from individuals and businesses to support Rise Up Resources,
the foster care closet they opened in March at 5788 Wisconsin State Hwy. 11, Unit C2. While Splashtime Cares is still working toward official nonprofit status, the organization is already laying the groundwork to serve more children in need.
Having been foster parents, Dan and Angie are well acquainted with what kids need.
“Foster kids don’t have much and usually come into the system with only what they are carrying in a backpack or suitcase,” Angie says. “They need everything, including shoes, clothing, bedding, underwear, and more.”
The closet has already helped several foster children, and while donations have begun to come in, the
goal is to expand its reach. Achieving nonprofit status will allow Splashtime Cares to accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and qualify for federal and state tax exemptions, providing more resources to support children in foster care. ❚
For more information or to get involved, visit RiseUpResources.com.
By Chris Linden, executive editor
There’s a good reason M.J. Miller
Jewelers in Barrington is still standing after 58 years, and it starts with integrity, quality and service.
It goes back to a lesson Michael J. Miller learned early, when he met one of the world’s most prestigious jewelers.
“He said, ‘I will give you one piece of advice: Even I, Harry Winston, can’t own everything, but everything I own will be the best,’” recalls Miller. “If you can provide the best and take care of your clientele, then their children and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will continue to support your business.”
Miller stands behind every piece of jewelry he sells, whether it’s a $300 engagement ring or a $3 million necklace. Every diamond is certified by the Gemological Institute of America and every gemstone is verified by the American Gem Lab. He’s gathered an
impressive collection of colored gemstones over the years, after visiting many mines and meeting many of the world’s top gem cutters.
“I have other major jewelers in Chicago calling me up and saying, ‘Mike, do you have this emerald, or ruby or sapphire?” Miller says.
One thing you won’t find here is a lab-grown diamond, which is more than the big-box retailers can say. The reason is simple: lab-grown diamonds have no value. Genuine stones hold their value for generations, which is why Miller has helped many clients to upgrade their diamonds over the years.
Education is a major part of the sales process, and because Miller’s team designs, builds and services any kind of jewelry, they have plenty of expertise to help a client find exactly what they want. The store also carries watches, fine crystal and gift items by
the likes of Mackenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater. Miller also contributes to local charities in the Barrington area and beyond.
“I have clients in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries, because we treat people right, we take care of their needs, give them the best quality we can and then service whatever they buy,” says Miller. ❚
M.J. Miller & Co. is located at 123 W. Main St. in Barrington. Call them at (847) 381-7900.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
For 160 years, The Harvard State Bank has been more than a place to deposit money or secure a loan. It has been a trusted community partner, growing alongside northern Illinois families, businesses and neighborhoods through generations of change.
Founded in 1866, just one year after the Civil War ended, the bank has weathered world wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession and the rapid evolution of technology. Today, The Harvard State Bank serves customers from four locations in Harvard, Hebron, Rockford and Oregon, continuing its tradition of community banking across northern Illinois. Yet through every chapter of its history, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to serving its communities with integrity and personal relationships.
“Reaching 160 years is an extraordinary milestone, and it’s one we don’t take for granted,” says Phillip Lehmann, president and CEO. “We’ve always believed in building relationships over transactions, and we’ve been able to evolve with the times without ever losing the values and identity that have defined The Harvard State Bank.”
When the bank first opened its doors, most customers were farmers, merchants and tradespeople, and nearly every transaction happened face-to-face. Today, customers can manage their finances from a smartphone, transfer money instantly and access accounts around the clock. While banking has changed dramatically, Lehmann says customer expectations have remained consistent.
“They still want exceptional service, honest advice and a financial institution they know they can trust,” he says. “That’s been the foundation of The Harvard State Bank for 160 years.”
Remaining an independent, locally owned community bank has also played a significant role in the institution’s lon-
Remaining
gevity. Rather than focusing on short-term gains, the bank has emphasized responsible decision-making, sound financial management and investing in the communities it serves.
Because decisions are made locally, the bank can respond quickly to customers’ needs while maintaining a personal approach that larger financial institutions often struggle to provide.
“Our customers are more than account numbers – they’re our neighbors,” Lehmann says. “We see them at schools, churches, community events and local restaurants.”
That community connection extends beyond banking services. Throughout its history, The Harvard State Bank has supported local organizations, businesses and economic growth, recognizing that its success is closely tied to the success of the communities it serves.
As the bank looks ahead, it continues investing in technology, including online and mobile banking and enhanced security measures, while remaining committed to personalized customer service.
“The best banking experience combines modern convenience with trusted local relationships,” Lehmann says.
To commemorate its 160th anniversary, The Harvard State Bank is celebrating by giving back. Its “160 Acts of Kindness” initiative encourages employees to volunteer and support local organizations throughout the year. The bank is also hosting customer appreciation luncheons in Harvard and Oregon to thank the customers whose loyalty has made the milestone possible. For Lehmann, the anniversary is ultimately about gratitude.
“We recognize that trust is something that’s earned every day,” he says. “We’re proud of our history, but we’re even more excited about the future and continuing to serve our customers and communities for generations to come.” ❚
By Wesley Willow
Summer is a season of reflection and renewal, and this year it carries special meaning at Wesley Willows. On June 16, the community celebrated its 60th anniversary—a remarkable milestone that stands as a testament to its mission, employees, and the generations of residents who have called the community home. It was also an opportunity to reflect on how Wesley Willows continues to evolve, honoring its roots while meeting the changing needs of today’s older adults.
At the heart of that legacy is Willows Arbor, the original building that opened when Wesley Willows first welcomed residents six decades ago. Today, Willows Arbor is home to Wesley Willows’ Assisted Living residents and serves as a vibrant example of how tradition and innovation can live side by side. One of the most distinctive features of Willows Arbor is its offering of spacious one- and twobedroom apartments—an increasingly important option for today’s older adults. Many residents arrive with full, active lives that include the latest technology, electronics, creative hobbies, and cherished furnishings collected over decades. The ability to bring these meaningful items into a new space helps ease the transition from a longtime home, fostering comfort, independence, and continued engagement.
That sense of thoughtful balance continues at Hunt Terrace, a small community within the Assisted Living Community. With just 36 private apartments, Hunt Terrace offers a more intimate setting and serves as a happy medium between traditional Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. Residents enjoy the reassurance of 24-hour supportive care while maintaining a strong sense of autonomy and connection. A beautiful outdoor courtyard provides a peaceful place to gather, while chef-inspired dining offers three nutritious meals each day.
Equally important is the focus on whole-person wellness. Willows Arbor and Hunt Terrace offer a robust calendar of activities designed to keep residents engaged and to promote greater brain health and well-being throughout the day. From enriching educational programs and social opportunities to outings, chapel services, and fitness classes, residents are encouraged to stay active, curious, and connected to the world around them.
Choosing an Assisted Living Community is about more than care; it’s about confidence, connection, and peace of mind. Wesley Willows understands how important it is to find an Assisted Living Community that feels like home. Not only do residents of Willows Arbor and Hunt Terrance find comfort and fulfillment, but their family members enjoy knowing their loved one is in a place that feels right.
Wesley Willows’ 60th anniversary is more than a celebration of years; it is a celebration of lives well lived and of a community still growing strong. Want to experience Wesley Willows firsthand? Please call (815) 316-1500 or email info@wesleywillows.org to ask questions and schedule a visit. A conversation or visit can offer clarity, reassurance, and insight into how Willows Arbor and Hunt Terrace help residents to celebrate life.
Lake Geneva Magic Show
Recurring event; see website for times. Enjoy magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining performance. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, 100 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva, (262) 2480505, lakegenevamagic.com.
Scenic Boat Tour on Delavan Lake
Thru Sept. 6, Fridays 1 p.m., Saturdays 3 p.m., Sundays noon. Embark on a 1.5-hour cruise aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, a double-decker tour boat. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes along the shoreline and enjoy a cash bar. Lake Lawn Resort Marina, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, lakelawnresort.com.
Disney’s ‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’
Thru Sept. 6, see website for times. Talented performers bring Disney magic to the stage with beautiful costumes, great dancing, and sweeping music including the unforgettable hit song “Let It Go.” Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com/2026-season/frozen.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
Thru Oct. 29, Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans and vendors offer some of the area’s very best products. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, horticulturalhall.com.
Train Rides on the East Troy Railroad Thru Oct. 31, Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a 14-mile scenic train ride. East Troy Railroad Museum, 2002 Church St., East Troy, easttroyrr.org.
Venetian Festival
Aug. 19-23, Wed.-Fri. 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat. & Sun. noon-midnight. The annual festival features family entertainment including an arts & craft fair, carnival, live music, water ski show, beer tent, and a baggo tournament. Sunday features a traditional Venetian-style lighted boat parade followed by the area’s largest fireworks display above Geneva Lake. Flat Iron Park, Seminary Park & Library Park, downtown Lake Geneva, venetianfest.com.
Lakeside Literary Festival
Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This celebration of books, creativity and community includes an author fair, kids’ writing workshop, and featured speakers including Hannah Morrissey, author of “The Black Harbor Suspense” series. Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, visitlakegeneva.com.
Walworth County Fair
Sept. 2-7, see website for times. Step into the
sparkle of tradition at the 177th Walworth County Fair, themed “Glitter and Gold: A Fair to Behold” this year. From thrilling grandstand entertainment and live music to classic fair food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court Street, Elkhorn, walworthcountyfairgrounds.com.
Honeycrisp Fest
Sept. 4-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Celebrate one of the most anticipated weeks of apple season by picking crisp, juicy Honeycrisp apples. Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, royaloak.farm/events.com. ❚
