Phoenix Park Bandshell’s Summer Soundtrack A Smarter Approach to Aesthetic Care
Building Homes to Last for Generations “Lakefront & Lakeside
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Executive
Senior
Managing
Deputy
Graphics
Graphic
Contributing
General
Advertising
If you’re looking to mix it up a little more, there are a couple of spots worth adding to your list. Historic Attractions in Roscoe is one of those places you can wander through for hours without realizing it, and Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove is packed with seasonal fun (you’ll find even more on page 35 and on page 26, respectively).
At this stage of life, I’ve come to appreciate how much you can get out of a single day close to home. You don’t always need a big trip… sometimes you just need a little sunshine, a good plan, and a place worth going. Have a great month! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Lori Gajdzik
Yari Esquivel
Phoenix Park Bandshell’s Summer Soundtrack
By Peggy Werner
In
its 20th year, the Phoenix Park
Bandshell in Delavan has seen tremendous growth, making it an award-winning destination for music and fun, says Alan Buchholz, vice president and treasurer of the allvolunteer organization that supports the music venue.
“Music heals the soul and has a positive influence on community spirit,” he says, adding that through the years, the bandshell’s success has “exceeded all expectations.”
From Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, Thursday nights are dedicated to spiritual “Praise in the Park” music. Saturday evenings feature classical, jazz, pop/rock and tribute bands. All shows begin at 7 p.m. The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra performs 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.
“Our primary purpose is the musical entertainment because we have
found that draws the most people,” Buchholz says. “Most Saturday shows draw thousands of people. It’s a big block party that involves the entire community and brings in others from as far as 50 miles away.”
This year’s Saturday schedule features a variety of tribute bands, honoring the music of The Beatles, Eagles, Neil Diamond, Foreigner, John Mellencamp, Chicago, Led Zepplin, Luke Bryan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan and Pink Floyd. Other performers include the Joe Baer Band, a Rock & Roll Variety Show, and Ladies Must Swing. Each show opens with a local vocalist singing the national anthem.
To honor America’s 250th anniversary, 10 days of patriotic music take place June 26 to July 4.
“We believe free, quality music promotes a degree of culture otherwise not easily attained,” Buchholz says. ❚
New this year is a larger concession area for more efficient, faster service.
Visit phoenixparkbandshell.com to see a full schedule, to volunteer, and make suggestions for entertainment.
The Phoenix Park Bandshell hosts a packed schedule of entertainment this summer.
The Invitation
Humans have a long, bloody history of trying to “perfect” one another. Jesus said, “You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NIV)
In Colonial America, many Christian sects that had been persecuted in Europe felt free to persecute their fellow colonists.
Boston Puritans hanged Quaker missionaries; Virginia required all to attend Anglican services or be humiliated in public stocks; Eight of the 13 British colonies mandated tax-supported state churches, etc.
With the First Amendment, our founding fathers rebuked government’s role in this tyranny by following the example set by God, Who grants us free will to choose our own spiritual fate. Scripture tells us:
1. There’s one God above all beings, the Creator of life, love, light and truth.
2. God loves us and yearns for our freely given love in return but does not compel us to worship Him. In the Old Testament, God provided laws to His people, the Jews, for their own good. But he recognized that man’s sinful nature had put distance between Himself and man. He devised a plan whereby all people, not only Jews, could choose reconciliation to Him made possible by His son Jesus Christ, the “second Adam,” who, unlike Adam, lived in perfect loving obedience to God.
3. God wants us to choose to spend time with Him in prayer, worship and scripture, and to imitate Christ because we love Him.
4. God wants us to love other people unselfishly, to value them as He does and to invite (not force) them into His family.
When asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus replied:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 10:27a)
True Christianity is the very opposite of one group imposing its beliefs on another through government or any other means. It is loving God, loving people and inviting them to join God’s family. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
1878 on the Lake: The Meal Meets the Moment
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Ina region known for its scenic beauty and abundance of dining options, 1878 on the Lake doesn’t try to compete on noise or novelty. Instead, the upscale restaurant at 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, leans into something far more enduring: experience.
“The vision was to create a signature dining experience that reflects both the history and natural beauty of Lake Lawn Resort,” says Assistant General Manager Gianny Darias. “We wanted a space where guests could enjoy refined, thoughtfully prepared cuisine, while feeling connected to the lake, the property’s heritage, and the sense of escape that defines the resort.”
That intention is felt immediately, not just in the sweeping lakeside views, but in the pacing, the service, and the way the entire experience seems to unfold effortlessly.
This is where 1878 distinguishes
itself. It’s not simply about what’s on the plate, though the menu certainly holds its own with expertly prepared steaks, Walleye Piccata, and a standout Bone-In Short Rib. It’s about how those elements come together with the surroundings to create something cohesive. The lake isn’t a backdrop; it’s part of the meal. The atmosphere isn’t staged; it’s comfortable and quietly refined.
In an era where dining can sometimes feel rushed or transactional, 1878 on the Lake takes a more deliberate approach. Attention to detail, from lighting and decor to the cadence of service, creates a sense that guests are meant to linger. And that may be its greatest strength. It invites you to slow down.
The restaurant also plays a larger role within the resort itself, serving as a culinary anchor that elevates the entire stay. Whether marking a special
occasion or simply escaping for a weekend, it adds a layer of excellence to the whole experience.
Ultimately, 1878 on the Lake succeeds because it understands something simple but often overlooked: great dining isn’t just about food. It’s about how a place makes you feel.
“Our goal is for every guest to leave with a lasting memory and a desire to return,” Darias says. ❚
To reserve a table, visit lakelawnresort.com.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LAKESIDE
Dining at 1878 on the Lake elevates one’s stay at Lake Lawn Resort.
Elkhorn: Where Spring Feels Like a Getaway
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Spring in Elkhorn arrives with color, energy and a clear invitation to get outside again. That’s how Kate Abbe, marketing director for the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, describes the seasonal shift in this Walworth County community.
“We trade in our winter jackets for wind breakers and dust off the golf clubs and hiking shoes,” she says.
In Elkhorn, spring is less about a date on the calendar and more about a return to everyday life outdoors. Lakes open back up, and with them comes fishing, boating and water skiing just around the corner.
“It feels welcoming to stroll through downtown and see the tulips popping and hear the birds calling,” Abbe says.
That sense of welcome extends to patios reopening across town, where restaurants like Duesterbeck’s Brewing
Co., Annie’s Burgertown, the new Happy Times Pub and Evergreen Golf Club become seasonal gathering spots again. In Elkhorn, outdoor dining is part of the rhythm of spring.
The season also kicks off a full calendar of events that define the community’s personality. The Spring Food Truck Festival is May 16, the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is May 17, and Saturdays on the Square launch a 15-week market season beginning May 23, now featuring live music every other weekend.
Elkhorn has a full calendar of fairs and festivals happening this spring and summer.
“It’s a small town with big fun,” Abbe says of Elkhorn’s identity, and it shows up in everything from Ribfest in July to Oktoberfest in October, with cookouts, fairs and festivals filling the months in between.
Shopping and local boutiques add another layer of charm, while golf courses, trails, lakes and nearby attractions across Walworth County keep weekends packed.
“Come enjoy the charm of spring in Elkhorn, where fresh blooms, local shops, and ‘small town, big fun’ make every day feel like a getaway,” Abbe says. ❚
Building Homes to Last for Generations
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
There’s something deeply personal about building a home in a place tied to childhood summers and weekends on the water. That sense of legacy is exactly what has shaped the work of Jorndt Fahey LLC, a custom home building and renovation company that has spent more than two decades shaping dream homes throughout the Lakes Area. Owned by Bryan Jorndt, Doug Jorndt and Dan Fahey, the company has earned a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity and a personal approach to every project.
What sets Jorndt Fahey apart is simple but powerful: the owners are involved in every detail. Rather than handing projects off to site supervisors, the three principals are on-site themselves, guiding every phase of the build.
“Our projects are an experience, not just another task,” they explain. This
mindset resonates with homeowners looking for trust, accountability and a builder who treats every project like their own.
That hands-on dedication is especially meaningful in the Lake Geneva area, where many homeowners are building spaces intended to last for generations. Whether it’s a summer vacation home or a forever home, today’s homeowners want thoughtful design, timeless craftsmanship and outdoor spaces that invite the beauty of the lake indoors.
For Jorndt Fahey, that vision begins with partnership. From the earliest planning stages, budgets, timelines and expectations stay aligned from start to finish. It’s a process built on communication and trust.
Looking ahead, Jorndt Fahey remains committed to blending timeless design with modern innovation. Their
mission is not simply to build beautiful houses, but to create homes that families will cherish for generations. As they put it, their passion lies in “building legacy homes for great families.”
“We take pride in the idea that our craftsmanship stands the test of time,” they say. “There is something incredibly meaningful about knowing that the work we do today will still be appreciated, lived in and cherished 100 years from now.” ❚
To schedule a consultation, call (262) 607-6121.
The owners of Jorndt Fahey LLC work on site for all projects.
The Tulip Field is Aglow at Richardson Farm
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Spring is finally here, and its colorful showcase is on full display at Richardson Adventure Farm’s annual tulip festival. At a time when the landscape feels muddy and drab, the 10-acre tulip field at this Spring Grove farm is fully aglow. Vibrant yellows and reds, dark purples, lively oranges and whites greet visitors to this annual gathering, which now enters its sixth year.
“The colors are just wow. It’s really amazing to see,” says George Richardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen.
Visitors from years past will recognize rows upon rows of colorful tulip blossoms, more than 43 varieties in all and totaling nearly 1 million flowers. New this year, there’s also a fresh arrangement of tulips planted in the shape of a butterfly and tulip blossom. With nearly 450,000 bulbs planted on this sloping terrain, it’s sure to catch a few eyes, says Richardson.
“It’ll be pretty noticeable from a distance,” he adds.
Since it started in 2021 with 300,000 tulips, Richardson Adventure Farm’s spring gathering has become a mustsee attraction for families throughout northern Illinois and southeast Wisconsin. It now boasts more than 1 million tulip blooms, a colorful sight that beckons people to take photos in
abundance. In fact, you’ll spy many families with children all dressed up, moms and dads snapping pictures between rows of flowers or at the many “selfie stations” posted throughout the field. Dogs are invited, too, so long as they’re on a leash and they play well with others.
“It puts a smile on our faces to watch people walking around just going, ‘Wow, look at these colors,’ and kneeling down among the tulips to take pictures,” says George. “It’s just a billion pictures they’ll take. It’s so fun for us.”
Down near the pond, there’s a collection of lawn games –think Connect Four and giant Jenga – set amongst food trucks serving everything from gourmet poutine to pizza, burgers, smoothies and Ninth Hour Brewing draft beer, produced at a local brewery co-owned by Robert Richardson’s son-in-law.
“We try to keep things family-friendly and low tech, so people can just enjoy being outdoors,” says Wendy Richardson. “You can walk around the lake and just feel the springtime excitement.”
Every year, the Richardson family finds new varieties to amaze their guests, and after a recent trip to Amsterdam, they’ve brought home some real showstoppers.
Tulips aren’t known for having a rich scent, but the pomponette and novi sun are, and their deep yellow color invites
The tulip fields at Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, are rich with the colors of more than 1 million flowers from more than 40 varieties.
(Tom Funk photos)
a good sniff. Double-colored tulips are also stealing the show, with combinations that are sure to amaze. The Miranda doubles up red and yellow in the petals, while Etched Salmon mixes streaks of pink and white in a blossom that looks more peony than tulip. And then there’s palmyra, with its deep purple hues that look more like black or deep maroon in the right lighting.
New this year, look for signs around each row, and additional boards that tell the story of the tulip, from its discovery in Persia to its gold rush in the 1500s and its current dominance upon the Holland landscape.
The scene is so beautiful at Richardson Adventure Farm that many visitors like to take a little piece of it home with them. In fact, every visitor is invited to snip one flower for themselves. They can cut additional blossoms for $2 apiece, or they can take home a potted arrangement of bulbs at the gift shop.
Additional gifts and goodies are on display at the gift shop barn, where you can stock up on fresh popcorn, fudge and garden art.
While you’re there, you might also spy the Richardson family’s newest coming attraction: an octagon-shaped barn they rescued from a nearby farm. The historic property, built by the same family that invented the vertical silo, is currently being rebuilt and modernized while retaining original timbers. The Richardsons anticipate it’ll be ready for the autumn season when they open the Adventure Farm grounds.
“It’ll be a really nice place to get indoors, sit down and have some food or a drink, and there are windows all around, so you can watch the train go by and watch kids jumping on the big pillow, and all of the other activities on the farm,” says George.
The magic question is always, “When will tulip festival begin?” Opening day was April 22, but in general, the answer is never for certain because like everything on the farm, it depends upon the weather. Tulips start to wake up from their
hibernation once the temperature reaches 40 degrees. Every day the average temperature is over 40, the tulips grow a little more, until they reach about 320 “growing degrees.” By midApril, the farm typically reaches 262 growing degrees.
“On average, we’ll start seeing one or two blossoms popping out in the first or second week of April, and then it’s usually that last week of April when you get a couple hundred thousand blooming,” says George.
Adds Wendy: “The leaves are beautiful to watch, too. They’re different shades of green, and some have striping in the leaves. It’s so interesting to see the shades of green poking up.”
Stay up to date on news by following Richardson Adventure Farm on Facebook or by joining the farm’s newsletter at richardsonadventurefarm.com. The season generally lasts until the middle of May.
Once the farm is open, it’s best to be prepared. Dress for the weather, and expect it to be slightly chillier and windier in the open field. Expect some mud and uneven terrain, as well. After all, this is a farm field. Those who are less mobile can hop on a trailer ride for an easier view of the farm.
Tulip Festival is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the gift shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for anyone 13 and older, $17 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. Parking is free.
“It’s such an exciting, colorful, beautiful season,” says Wendy. “All of the seasons are beautiful out here.” ❚
Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove. Find the latest details on Tulip Festival and opening day at richardsonadventurefarm.com.
Unlike a botanic garden, the fields at Richardson Adventure Farm are planted so visitors can sit right in the middle of the flowers.
Photo opportunities abound at Richardson Adventure Farm for adults, children and well-behaved dogs.
70 Years of Lyle’s TV & Appliance
By Peggy Werner
Lyle’s TV and Appliance Inc. is in its 70th year as a locally owned family business. For four generations, it has expanded and grown to meet customer needs from start to finish.
“We are the longest-lasting independent dealer in Walworth County and our slogan is, ‘We are so much more than an appliance store,’” says Sue Schinke, co-owner with her husband, Tom. “We take care of our customers for the life of their purchase, and we meet their needs by keeping up with the latest trends and technology, and by offering the best prices.”
The couple’s children and grandchildren also work at the business.
Lyle’s recently expanded its operations with the purchase of an off-site warehouse, complementing its existing facility at 17 S. Washington St. in Elkhorn, which features a 16,000-square-foot showroom. The
showroom also highlights some of the latest AI-powered appliances, including ovens equipped with cameras that can identify food and automatically cook it to perfection, Schinke says.
Lyle’s not only sells appliances and electronics, but they also have their own factory-trained technicians to service and repair equipment. The installation team delivers and sets up equipment and makes sure everything is working properly before leaving. They take away old appliances and offer extended service plans with a variety of financing options available. They also specialize in installing all indoor and outdoor audio and video, home theater, home networking, video surveillance, structured wiring, intelligent lighting and motorized shades.
Sue says their approach to business is following in the footsteps of her father-in-law, the original owner.
“He was an extremely ambitious and motivated man,” she says. “He believed in doing everything right the first time because the customers are the family’s bread and butter. He firmly believed if you take care of your customers, the business will take care of you.” ❚
Lyle’s is open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; It’s closed Sunday. Visit lylestv.com to learn more.
Lyle’s TV and Appliance in Elkhorn has prioritized customer service since it opened 70 years ago.
A Smarter Approach to Aesthetic Care
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
In a world saturated with quick fixes, Dr. Jen Yeager is building something far more intentional. As a boardcertified nurse practitioner and founder of Medical Grade Aesthetics, 136 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 101, Beloit, Yeager has created a practice rooted in medical expertise, long-term strategy and a personalized approach to care.
“Medical Grade Aesthetics was born from a clear gap between transactional med spas and truly comprehensive, medically driven aesthetic care,” Yeager explains. Rather than offering one-off services, her team focuses on integrating advanced aesthetics and regenerative treatments into cohesive, results-driven plans.
That philosophy is shaped by Yeager’s extensive medical background. Every treatment begins with understanding the “why” behind a patient’s concerns, whether it’s
collagen loss, muscle movement, skin quality or hormonal changes.
“We’re able to treat aging at its source, not just its surface,” she says, resulting in outcomes that feel natural, refined and lasting.
This approach sets Medical Grade Aesthetics apart from traditional spas. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation, followed by a customized plan that may include popular services like collagenstimulating treatments, advanced injectables for facial balancing, skin resurfacing procedures and laser hair removal. Increasingly, patients are also seeking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and wellness optimization, reflecting a broader shift toward feeling as good as they look.
Education plays a central role. Yeager and her team prioritize transparency, ensuring patients fully
understand their options. The goal is not transformation for the sake of appearance, but helping patients feel confident and in control of the aging process.
“At Medical Grade Aesthetics, we’re proud to say we’re not focused on trends, we’re focused on timeless results, delivered with precision and intention,” Yeager says. ❚
To request an appointment, visit medicalgradeaesthetics.com.
Dr. Jen Yeager provides medically driven aesthetic care.
New Exhibits, Big Expansion, 25 Years Strong
By Peggy Werner
Because of one man’s passion and commitment to the past, Historic Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, is celebrating its 25th anniversary and a promising future.
Alexandria Walls, museum director, has worked with owner Wayne Lensing for almost four years and has been instrumental in the museum’s transformation. Most recently, they broke ground for a 12,000-square-foot building that will house a first responders exhibit, including a fire truck from Harvard that was used in the Great Chicago Fire in Oct. 1871.
In other exhibits, new artifacts include the rope that tied back the curtain at Ford’s Theatre the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated; additional photos of the Mario Brothers and a 1955 Ice Princess car in the TV & Movieland exhibit; and clothing and weapons from George
Armstrong Custer, known for his reckless bravery during the Civil War era, in the Wild West exhibit.
Many activities are coming up at the museum.
“Cruise Night” resumes on May 13 from 5-8 p.m. and continues every second Wednesday of the month through September. More than 200 vehicles, from classic 1950s models to today’s custom builds, will be on display, complemented by live music, food trucks, local vendors and discounted museum admission.
“Gangsters and Getaways” is June 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and features presentations by the museum’s Chief Historian Tony Farrell, who shares his in-depth knowledge of museum items. Historical presenter and actress Michelle Gibbons of Peoria will talk about Bonnie and Clyde.
The museum has the world’s
largest collection of presidential and world leader’s limousines and the largest collection honoring the life of President John F. Kennedy. Other exhibit rooms include The White House, World Leaders, Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame, Turn of The Century, Famous Cars and Stars, and World of Speed. ❚
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, go to historicattractionsmuseum.com.
Historic Attractions, in Roscoe, connects people to history’s highlights.
When Buying Fine Jewelry, Trust is Everything
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Just about anyone can sell you jewelry, but you’ll get what you pay for. If you’re looking for fine jewelry, with authentic stones that never lose their value, your best starting point is with a jeweler you can trust.
“Find a jeweler who has been in business for 10 years or more and deals in fine jewelry,” says Michael J. Miller, owner of M.J. Miller Jewelers in Barrington. “How many people come in to buy an expensive ring and really know what they’re doing? One of the most important aspects of my business is educating our clientele.”
Miller has been selling fine jewelry for 58 years, and his client list includes all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. He’s traveled to many of the world’s gemstone mines and he knows gem cutters across the world.
So, when someone walks in looking for a ring, bracelet, necklace, watch
or other fine jewelry, Miller can answer any question. But first, he wants to know what interests the customer. From there, he can help them narrow down their choices.
“It’s a question of what you want and what you want to spend,” says Miller. “Do you want a yellow gold, white gold or platinum setting? Do you want the biggest, most affordable stone or do you want deep flawlessness?”
Miller carries a wide variety of gemstones and diamonds, each certified by the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Lab.
One thing you won’t find at M.J. Miller Jewelers is a lab-grown diamond, because it doesn’t hold its value. Real diamonds and gemstones hold their value for generations, and reputable jewelers like Miller will allow clients to trade up for larger stones. Not so with lab-grown products.
Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s important to care for it. Just like your car gets regular service, your jewelry needs occasional checkups, too.
“We build everything, so we can do any services – refinish it, repolish it, whatever you need,” says Miller. “You go to Tiffany and Co. because you need your ring resized, they’ll send it away and it’ll take a week or two. We’ll do it in an hour.” ❚
M.J. Miller & Co. is located at 123 W. Main St. in Barrington. Call them at (847) 381-7900.
Not All Screens Are Created Equal
By Peggy Werner
When shopping for a new television or sound system, many consumers turn to big-box retailers expecting convenience. But according to the team at Primetime Audio and Video, what’s often missing from those experiences is the guidance needed to choose products that truly fit a home’s space, lighting conditions and lifestyle.
Primetime Audio and Video has been in business for more than 30 years and has the experience, training and knowledge to help customers make the right choice.
“Our locally owned business provides free in-home consultations, professional installation, and we ensure the equipment is right for the room and lifestyle of the customer,” says Keegan West, sales and system designer.
“We ask a lot of questions about room size, lighting and what people like to watch on TV,” adds General
Manager Dirk Dutton. “A lot of factors go into getting the right product for a home, and most places don’t know what questions to ask and they are not experts in the products they carry.”
Primetime specializes in televisions, TV accessories, home audio speakers and much more. They also offer a complete range of custom installation services for home theaters, media rooms and more.
“We know what products perform best based on their quality and reliability,” West says. “To stay in this business as long as we have, people have learned to value our opinion and expertise. Many of our customers have been with us for a lifetime. We sell more expensive products than a lot of box stores because we know what goes into that pricing.”
Primetime’s newest and most expensive television is a 115-inch
Samsung Micro RGB screen that sells for $30,000 and is one of only a few on display in the country. “People are just blown away by the size and picture quality,” Dutton says.
Everything the store carries is on display, and its listening rooms give people a more realistic feel for how a screen or sound system will look in their home. ❚
To see special offers or learn more, visit primetime.com.
Primetime Audio and Video sells high-end products that most big-box stores don’t.
Look for Quality on the Showroom Floor
By Peggy Werner
Furniture stores come in all types,
but few can match the level of quality and customer service that come with a mom-and-pop store.
The difference is readily apparent at Strode’s Furniture, where most of the showroom floor is furnished by more than 50 Amish builders from the Shipshewana, Ind., area.
“We are not like any other store. We want to get to know our customers and their families and meet their needs, not just sell them something,” says owner Bob Wozinak. “Our focus on quality is why we are now working with third generations in some families.”
Strode’s can furnish every room of a house, and they’ll also special-order outdoor furniture. They carry area rugs, lamps, artwork, ceramics and other home decor to complement.
Customer service is backed up by well-trained salespeople and an interior
designer who can speak about the construction of the furniture and answer most any question. They’re also quick to educate shoppers on how this furniture is made and what separates it from mass-produced box-store products.
For one thing, the direction of the grain in a solid wood table should be consistent throughout the piece.
If it isn’t, that could be an indication there’s particle board or veneer hiding inside – something you won’t find in an Amish-made piece. Shorter screws used on thinner wood tend to fall out, Wozniak says, which is why Amish craftsmen use thicker wood to accommodate longer screws. Dovetail joints in the corners are another sign of durable construction.
The Amish craftsmen behind these pieces use a multi-step process that includes sanding several times, staining, drying, and sealing before applying a
final top coat with a hardener for durability.
“The Amish don’t cut corners when it comes to workmanship,” Wozniak says. “They consistently turn out good products because of their work ethic and religious beliefs. I know when I place an order there will be no quality issues.” ❚
For more information, call Strode’s Furniture at (847) 669-3500.
Strode’s Furniture is known for having a wide selection of Amish-built furniture.
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.
‘Hairspray’
Thru May 31, see website for times. Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Hairspray” is a story about acceptance and inclusion during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a story of equality told with humor and heart, ’60s rock ‘n’ roll, and high-energy dancing. Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.
Train Rides on the East Troy Railroad
Thru Oct. 31, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a 14mile train ride on the only remaining electric interurban tracks in Wisconsin. East Troy Railroad Museum, 2002 Church St., East Troy, easttroyrr.org.
In-Water Demo Days
May 2-3 & 9. Experience the boats you have been thinking about buying the way they are meant to be experienced … on the water. Get behind the wheel, explore features, and feel how different boats handle before making a
Entertainment & Events
decision. Jerry’s Majestic Marine, 352 Lake St., Fontana, jerrysmajestic.com.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
May 7-Oct. 29, Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors offer up some of the area’s very best products. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, horticulturalhall.com.
Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra
May 16, 7 p.m. Presenting Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture No. 2;” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Russian Easter Overture;” and Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” which captures the pioneer American spirit. Big Foot Performing Arts Center, 401 Devils Lane, Walworth, bigfootfinearts.org.
Yerkes Observatory Open House
May 21, 6-8 p.m. This open house has telescopes on the South Lawn, presentations, food and educational activities. Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay, yerkesobservatory.org.
Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Lawn Resort
May 22-24. Enjoy a full schedule of indoor and
Yerkes Observatory, in Williams Bay, has an open house May 21 from 6-8 p.m. featuring telescopes on the South Lawn, presentations, food and educational activities.
outdoor activities, sunset lawn games, familyfriendly programming and live entertainment. Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, lakelawnresort.com.
Garden Fair
May 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Purchase annuals and perennials while supporting the Fontana Gar den Club’s efforts to raise money for local education programs and scholarships. Pearce’s Farm Stand, W5740 N. Walworth Road, Wal worth, visitlakegeneva.com.
