Neighbors-1108 August 2011

Neighbors Stories of interest from your community!

FAIR FUN! Marquette and Portage County Fairs in Action!

August 2011 Vol. 1, Issue 6

THIS ISSUE Master Garden Dangerous Work!

Maritime Museum

Neighbors Table of Contents August 2011, Vol. 1, Issue 6

Deb & Troy Abey transformed their yard into a serene oasis.

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FEATURE ARTICLES

COLUMNS

8 Fair Fun!

4 Together

Marquette and Portage County Fairs in action!

Thoughts from Jim Faivre, Neighbors’ publisher.

20 Master Garden

6 Grounded

Deb & Troy Aeby’s beautifully landscaped world of perennials, shrubs, fairies, fire pits, Zen, woodcarvings & more!

Ruth Johnson, Neighbors’ Editor, reflects on daily life.

26 Dangerous Work!

30 Day Trips-Wisconsin’s

A+ Tree Service takes on the jobs others dare not with crew safety always the driving factor.

Maritime Museum Rich, naval history revealed plus other local favorites.

Neighbors-August 2011

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“Our 4 Generation of Macks!”

“For over 20 years, Paramount Farms has counted on Mack tractors’ dependability and durability. Scaffidi’s great sales and service team and extended service hours make Macks an even better fit for us.” ~ Bob Berard, Paramount Farms

Left to Right: Robert Markley (Scaffidi Trucks), Bob Berard (Paramount Farms) and Joe Ebben (Scaffidi Trucks) with Paramount Farms’ Mack trucks from Scaffidi Trucks.

“Mack’s mDRIVE 12-speed automated manual transmission is awesome! Our drivers love the way they shift and ride.

We like the lower driveline maintenance costs.” ~Bob Berard

Stevens Point, WI (888) 414-4629 Tomahawk, WI (866) 978-1347

Together County fair season is in full force! I encourage you all to attend at least one county fair because the wealth of activities is so diversified there is something for everyone.

Area fairs feature livestock/agricultural competitions; Midways with food, rides and amusement booths; Grandstand entertainment, music and performances; tractor/truck pulls; demolition derbies; fireworks; 4-H agricultural, home skills, arts and crafts exhibits; volleyball and other sports tournaments; children's activities and much more!

We personally contribute to both the Portage and Marquette County fairs because we believe they are the frontline for the next generation of farmers. We bid on several 4-H market animals auctioned at the fairs, often securing the winning bids as shown in these photos.

So next time you see that big Ferris wheel, stop and take a spin. Experience the world of county fairs for yourself!

Happy trails and blue skies for all!

Jim Faivre

Above: Gabe Kingsley and his duck caught my eye at the Marquette County Market Youth Meat Animal Auction. How could I resist his John Deere attire? Gabe is the son of Rod and Dana Kingsley of Wisconsin Dells. The two Marquette County Fairest of the Fair Queens are also shown. Bottom: We purchased Hannah Wagner’s Reserve Grand Champion market steer at the Marquette County Market Youth Meat Animal Auction. Hannah is the daughter of Clark & Pat Wagner of Westfield.

Publisher, Neighbors jim@journeywi.com

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Neighbors-August 2011

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL! SATISFYING PAVING NEEDS ACROSS CENTRAL WISCONSIN    

Residential Agricultural Commercial EVEN Railroads!

B&B Paving Co., owned by Jim & Marilyn Benjamin, earns many new customers via current customer referrals.

Our work stands the test of time and the heaviest loads, whether they are simply pedestrians or fully loaded semis and trains!

“We get the job done right the first time, every time!”

EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE, REASONABLE RATES & FREE ESTIMATES!  SITE PREPARATION  ASPHALT PAVING  PARKING LOT, DRIVEWAY, PATIO & WALKWAY PAVING  ON-SITE PULVERIZING  PAVEMENT REMOVAL & RECYCLING (We can even recycle your existing driveway in place.)  ASPHALT REPAIR

James & Marilyn Benjamin 6817 Johnnies Lane Stevens Point, WI 54482

(715) 592-4775

Neighbors EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGN & PRODUCTION CIRCULATION & WEB MANAGEMENT Ruth Johnson

journey@journeywi.com 715-347-3755 www.journeywi.com

Grounded Summer is travel time and recently I traveled to Grand Marais, MN, near the boundary waters and Lake Superior, accompanied by my son, Mike (above right), to attend my daughter, Martina’s baby shower.

Along the way, we stopped for photos at some fast-moving rapids.

It reminded me about Neighbor’s Day Trips columnists and the wild whitewater rafting trip they will be taking down the Menominee River Niagara Rapids in Niagara, WI. They cover their adventure in their September Day Trips column.

That prompted me to reminisce about several of the other great places and people we have featured in the last five issues of Neighbors magazine.

What a wealth of interesting things there are to explore in Central Wisconsin. People often ask if we will ever run out of ideas and I rather doubt it. Five years from now, we still will have barely scratched the surface.

We cover it all – from honeybees and berries to cucumbers, Gypsy Vanner Horses, county fairs, chainsaw art, millet, 4-H and FFA, growers of all kinds and even rodeos!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Thank you for reading Neighbors.

Warm regards,

Ruth Johnson Editor, Neighbors Magazine Left: One of Deb Aeby’s lovely fairy gardens.

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Neighbors-August 2011

MARQUETTE COUNTY FAIR! Focus on Agriculture

by Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-August 2011

Rich experiences! That is what you will take away from your visit when you attend almost any county fair across the nation.

Primarily rooted in agriculture, county fairs are a great way to bring rural and urban sections of represented communities together in one huge multi-day event.

Most Midwest fairs still promote local agriculture and the Marquette County Fair is a great example of how to advocate farm life in general, particularly in regards to helping encourage participation by 4-H clubs and other organizations.

4-H Livestock competitions involve horses, cattle, pigs, poultry and small animals.

(Continued on Page 10) Opposite Page: Maggie McGwin, daughter of Ken & Julie McGwin, Montello, WI, poses with her Reserve Grand Champion Hog pictured with Jeffrey and Ross Manthey, Manthey Farms, purchasers of the hog.

The Marquette County Fairest of the Fair Queens appear at right. Top: The centerpiece of Marquette County’s fairgrounds is undeniably their beautiful, round barn, one of the few such barns still standing. Middle: The Midway is not just about rides – it is also the wonderfully delicious, not always good for us, great food and treats! Bottom: Marshall Walker, son of Paul & Diane Walker, kneels beside the rabbits he and his sister raised for their project. His sister’s rabbit won Reserve Grand Champion.

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Neighbors-August 2011

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That is not all - arts, crafts, photography, baked goods, fruits, vegetables and flowers all fall under the watchful eyes of experienced judges who award ribbons to the prize-winning entries.

Throw in exhibits, rides, family activities, helicopter rides, entertainment, tractor/truck pulls, firefighter races, car show, mud drags and more and soon, you have a mixture of fun that is sure to appeal to any age group, gender or interest level.

HEARTFELT THOUGHTS Ask any 4-H or FFA student who participates in the market animal activities and they will gladly share what their 4-H efforts have meant to them.

Jim Faivre purchased Hannah Wagner’s Reserve Grand Champion market steer auctioned off at the Market County Youth Meat Animal sale.

(Continued on Page 11) Top: Hannah Marzahl, daughter of Greg & Cindy Marzahl of Oxford, won the highest honors with her Grand Champion Hog, which was purchased

by Napralla Tires of Montello. Eileen Napralla and the Marquette County Fairest of the Fair Queens are represented in the photo along with Greg Marzahl, who is feeding Hannah’s pig its favorite treat, vanilla wafers.

Middle: Kolton Gohlke, son of Jon & Kim Gohlke of Endeavor, won the Grand Champion Market Class award for his 20 lb. turkey. Bottom: Right after shearing, the sheep can be chilled, even in the warm weather. Many of the 4-H participants raising lambs have dressed their sheep in Slinky wraps, which help the sheep maintain body temperature. Quite the fashion mavens!

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Hannah, daughter of Clark & Pat Wagner, Westfield, sent Jim Faivre a beautifully written letter to express her thanks and expressed her thoughts on 4-H involvement, “4-H has given me so many great opportunities over the years, such as being involved in this auction experience, trips and meeting so many new people.”

“It’s a learning experience all its own and I really enjoy it.” Hannah continues. “Working with my steers has been very rewarding and even more so, because of people like you.”

Like many other students who earned money from the auction, Hannah plans to put the money from the sale of her steer, towards college at UW-Madison.

Many county fairs have options for bidders to allow the 4-H student to keep their award money as well as their animal. This allows participants with winning champions, to compete at their state fair for further honors.

(Continued on Page 12) Top Left: Parker Lindner, son of Jason & Gina Lindner, Wisconsin Dells, sold his market hog to John Crawford, Crawford Oil & Propane. Gotta love that John Deere shirt & hat! Top Right: Paris Lindner, daughter of Jason & Gina Lindner, Wisconsin Dells, sold her Reserve Grand Champion turkey to the Wisconsin River Co-op represented by Rob Shields. Middle: The Fair offers booth space for regular vendors such as Dave Robinson, Super Bowl I and II winner, Pro Bowl MVP of the Green Bay Packers and Royce Boyles, promoting their book, The Lombardi Legacy: Thirty People Who Were Touched by Greatness. Bottom: Tiffanie Timme, daughter of David & Tonya Timme of Endeavor, won First Premium ribbon for her John Deere 4-H quilt, which she will be taking to the Wisconsin State Fair competition.

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FAMILY CHAMPIONS Hannah Marzahl, daughter of Greg & Cindy Marzahl of Oxford, who raised the Grand Champion Hog, explained her daily regimen, “In regards to 4-H projects, my Dad always says you get what you put into it.”

“I got up at 5:30 am every morning to walk my pigs. As a 4-H member, the responsibility for any project belongs to you. If you don’t do it, you probably won’t get good results.”

Hannah could not have found any better inspiration than her dad, Greg, since his business, Marzahl Prospects, provided not only the Grand Champion Hog, but also the Reserve Grand Champion Hog (from the same litter), raised by Hannah’s close friend, Maggie McGwin and Champion Market Lamb, raised by Katie Chapman.

Hannah Marzahl also had a Reserve Champion Market Lamb with a lamb purchased from Chad Kohlman.

If you have a chance, there are still many County Fairs scheduled from now until fall – stop by and experience the rural way of life up close and personal.

Top: Larry’s Chicken Inn, like other local businesses, supports the Marquette County Fair’s Youth Animal Auction by bidding on livestock and he won the bid on this steer. Bottom: This First Premium award winning horse attracted several young bystanders, potential equestrians, who approached slowly and waited for the horse to lower its head and let them pet it. Horses are always a big attraction at the fairs.

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Neighbors-August 2011

HAERTEL MONUMENTS Rock Solid in Central Wisconsin www.haertelmonuments.com

Since 1901, Haertel Monuments' considerate, caring staff has helped families just like yours, design and produce unique memorials of lasting beauty. We can transform photos like the ones shown here into ceramic keepsakes for a personal display or added to a memorial for your loved ones. Sabrina Erdman, Almond, contributed these photos to show her family history through the generations.

Top Left: Sabrina’s maternal great grandparents, Czetsaw and Charlotte Warzynski. Top Right: Sabrina’s maternal grandparents, Raymond & Rosemary Warzynski. Second from Top: Raymond & Rosemary with their daughter & Sabrina’s mother, Patricia. Third from Top: Sabrina’s parents, Larry & Patricia Tullberg. Fourth from Top: Sabrina’s first communion. Fifth from Top: Sabrina & Paul Erdman’s wedding photo. Bottom: Sabrina, Paul & their children.

STEVENS POINT 5361 Highway 10 East (715) 344-6577  (800) 472-4515 (Toll Free) stevenspoint@haertelmonuments.com WISCONSIN RAPIDS 1915 Baker Drive  (715) 423-2370 wisconsinrapids@haertelmonuments.com

PORTAGE COUNTY FAIR! Amherst, WI

by Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-August 2011

John Deere on top! The two John Deere entries in the Portage County Fair’s Super Farm Tractors category easily scooped up First and Second place honors in the tractor pull event.

Poltergeist (shown at left), a JD 4455 owned by Bob Gray of Princeton, won First Place with a distance of 332.79 feet!

Chad Mares of Black Creek, garnered Second Place with a JD 8210, Imagine That (shown above), pulled a distance of 332.46 feet.

If you have never seen a tractor pull in this category, you are really missing out. The crowd-thrilling exhaust they generate fully matches the raw strength of these amazing Ag equipment bad boys.

The greater and darker the volume of exhaust that poured out, the more the crowd loved it. The whole event sparks a thrilling camaraderie as everyone cheers on their favorite!

(Continued on Page 16) Opposite Page: No fair is complete without the midway full of carnival games and rides galore. This Page: Imagine That, a JD 8210 (above), placed Second in the Super Farm Category while Poltergeist (right), a JD 4455, won First Place in the same division.

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WOMAN POWER Meanwhile, a dark horse emerged in the Stock 4x4 Pickup, 6500# & Under, Truck Pull category, when Ashley Raab, the only female in this segment, won third place with her 1984 Chevy pickup. She pulled a distance of 274.4 feet in front of a packed crowd on either side of the track, who cheered wildly when they realized a woman was at the wheel.

FAIR SPONSOR For more than twenty years, Jim Faivre has served as a sponsor for the Portage County Fair. According to Jim Faivre, “We see this fair and the 4-H and FFA students along with the general farm population it attracts, as being the lifeline of agriculture.�

(Continued on Page 17) Top: Ashley Raab, the only female in the Truck Pull Stock 4x4 Pickup, 6500# & Under, won third place in front of a packed crowd on either side of the track.

Middle: Mary Turner, Amherst FFA, shows off her pigs while a little girl checks out pigs in the pen behind her. Bottom Left: Katy Rutz, Amherst High School senior, poses with her pigs. Bottom Right: Five-year old Balin Wojtaleicz (below left) won the Portage County Fair Pedal Races. He is shown on his prize, a new John Deere toy-riding tractor. His brother, Cade (right) enjoys an imaginary ride on a John Deere lawn tractor. Both boys are sons of OJ & Beth Wojtaleicz.

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“ We believe the kids who exhibit their market animals at the fairs, are encouraged by the recognition, awards and money they earn, which helps spurs them towards an Ag career, thereby continuing the cycle of farm life,” continues Jim. “The kids who show and market their animals at the fairs and other avenues have a great opportunity to secure funding and scholarships for their agricultural education efforts.”

“County fairs host tons of activities and interest for the non-farming community as well,” states Jim. “These fairs help introduce all ages to the world of agriculture.”

Top Left: Katie Schude (Left) and Danielle Dykes (right), take in the fair activities.

Danielle was highlighted in two Neighbors magazine issues due to her FFA activities.

Top Right: Lindsey Wogsland shows off her spring calf, Ryder. Middle: Lindsey’s sister, Kristine, handles Emmalou, who was also a spring calf. Both sisters are with Nelsonville Zippy Zees 4-H...Bottom: Shane Adams checks out the livestock barns with his parents, Larry & Lisa. Shane was featured in Neighbors’ Portage County Business Council Ag Awards article when he won an Agri-Business scholarship for the cattle business he started while still a high school senior.

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Neighbors-August 2011

Pete Sanderson

Crepuscular Rays Over Lime Lake Eastern Portage County, WI Imagine having your own Pete Sanderson Limited Edition print!

Renowned landscape photographer, Pete Sanderson, offers prints from his multi-faceted collections, which he believes epitomize the unique beauty of Wisconsin.

Pete Sanderson

Pete Sanderson will personally print and sign each 11”x14” pigmented ink jet print on cotton paper.

The average rate for Pete Sanderson’s prints is $60.00/each.

PETE SANDERSON’S PHOTO COMMENTARY: “Sitting on a hill along the western edge of Lime Lake, I watched the sun rise. I began to notice beautiful yellows as the sky was punctuated with shadows, cast as the sun streamed through the clouds. These crepuscular rays are often referred to as God Rays.”

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TO ORDER, CALL OR VISIT Koerten's Fine Framing & Gifts, 2501 Church St, Stevens Point, (715) 341-7773.

Prints are available for personal pickup at Koerten's Fine Framing& Gifts or can be mailed for an additional $10.00 to cover shipping and handling.

Neighbors-June 2011

Other Pete Sanderson Images at Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts

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Neighbors-June 2011

MASTER GARDEN Fairies, Fire Pits, Zen & More!

Deb & Troy Aeby’s Garden in Plover, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-August 2011

Fairy Gardens! Deb Aeby’s penchant for creating fairy-themed garden spaces, a favorite of mine, captured my attention on an ad for the14th Annual Garden Parade sponsored by the Portage County UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program.

I immediately contacted Deb, who lives in Plover, to see if it would be possible for me to shoot some photos of the fairy gardens. She was kind enough to arrange a photo session.

When I arrived at Deb’s home, I realized the enormity of her landscaping efforts encompassing perennials, ponds, shrubs, fairies, bridges, several paths, fire pit, Zen area, woodcarvings, pergolas and much more!

Deb, a UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, is the genius behind this garden paradise, which she first began twenty-six years ago when she moved into her home, right after her marriage to Troy Aeby.

(Continued on Page 22) Opposite Page: Deb has a beautiful fairy-themed section of her gardens. Top: Troy builds the bridges, arbors and other hardscaping in the yard while Deb handles the garden design/plantings. Middle: Deb and Troy's joint efforts, which also highlights one of Troy’s wood sculptures. Bottom: Deb achieves impact by planting several of the same kind of plants together and repeating groupings of flowers throughout the yard.

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She initially earned her Master Gardener’s certification by completing 36 hours of UW-Extension courses.

She maintains it with a minimum of ten hours public education and 24 hours of volunteering in youth and community education and/or support services annually.

Troy encourages her green thumb and contributes to her projects by building whatever hardscaping components she needs such as gates, bridges, arbors, woodcarvings, benches and other seating.

Deb, who also worked at Lensmire’s for three years, shares a few of her favorite tips: 

There is never just one way to plant. Gardening is all about exploration and inspiration, so visit as many gardens as you can. Talk with others who like to dig in the dirt, check out the many fine gardening magazines and websites and just get started.

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Top: The garden is adorned with beautiful fencing, for privacy as well as to keep Deb’s biggest nemesis, the deer, out of the garden. Middle: Troy built this man-cave fire pit area, including all the seating. Bottom: One of Deb’s miniature fairy gardens is housed in an antique, repurposed child’s wagon.

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Read the plant's tag and believe it--allow enough space for the mature specimen, plant it in light and soil requirements listed and give it “Three Strikes.” if it doesn't perform after that, it is out!

Give it away or add it to the compost bin.

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Repeat plants that do well throughout your garden, in multiples of three, five or seven.

Divide most perennials every three to four years.

It is a great way to continue the rhythm you established in your garden and save money.

Deb says, “I save money on my passion by ‘shopping my yard’, continuously, transplanting or dividing every variety imaginable.”

“You can also multiply your elements by taking cuttings of shrubs or plants, coating the ends in root hormones and planting them in a pot of enriched soil. After a year, you can put the pot outdoors for a few months and then transfer the plant to the ground in your desired location,” suggests Deb. (Continued on Page 24) Top: Troy’s pergola serves as the garden’s centerpiece. Middle: Deb “paints” her gardens with a lot of greenery accented by punches of color. Right: Every garden needs a pond and Deb’s is spectacular!

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“After a year, you can put the pot outdoors for a few months and then transfer the plant to the ground to your desired location,” suggests Deb. “The more ‘selfpropagation’ you can do, the greater number of plants you will have to cover a larger expanse.

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Deb’s ‘oasis’ was a pure labor of love and was not accomplished overnight. However, the payoff is quite visible and provides years of tranquility and outdoor enjoyment.

Top: One of Deb’s special container fairy gardens. Bottom: Another gorgeous vignette accented with a sculpture water feature and stepping stones.

Neighbors-August 2011

“First impressions mean everything in our business.”

Scott Kollock, Owner Vista Royalle Campground, Bancroft, WI

“I use Eric Beggs Construction (EBC) for all my projects because I know I’ll get attractive, professionally designed, well-built results that last for years.

Eric Beggs Construction Inc. Locally Owned & Operated Serving Central Wisconsin for 20+ Years HOME & COMMERCIAL REMODELING/BUILDING Roof repair, window installation, concrete flatwork, decks, patios and fireplaces.

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Eric’s team built our storage garage, maintenance building, concrete flatwork, bathroom/shower house and now three deluxe rental cabins, which renters love so much, we are adding more in the near future. Quality counts and EBC gets my vote!” ~ Scott Kollock

DANGEROUS WORK A+ Tree Service Stevens Point, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-August 2011

Tricky business! That’s how Stacy Kizewski, owner of A+ Tree Service & Lawn Care, describes the risks involved in felling large trees and limbs.

According to Stacy, “so many different factors go into determining how and where to drop big trees, that even when you are a professional, one wrong move can cost you your life.”

The storm-damaged trees and property renovation project shown in this article, also involved Stacy and his crew cutting down a large, 80-foot tall split trunk tree that was extremely close to the residents’ garage.

(Continued on Page 28) Left: Stacy Kizewski just cut the top off a storm damaged tree while William Kizewski manages its descent with a rope. Stacy and his crew are one few area teams skilled enough to rope limbs safely.

Top: While it seems William is being engulfed by the treetop, he is actually well behind it. However, this photo demonstrates what can happen to an inexperienced tree handler. Middle: Stacy Kizewski of A+ Tree Service & Lawn Care with one of his work trucks.

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VALID CONCERNS “There was no margin for error because it required the bucket truck to take off the top part first,” explains Stacy. “There was only one way to position the truck and bucket in the narrow space between tree and garage, leaving me no escape route.”

“I had an extremely close call when the tree top came down because it chose to tilt a little off kilter, brushing the bucket and landing not exactly where I planned,” continues Stacy.

WORKING SMART Stacy learned how to properly handle and manage major trees and limbs, particularly roping and other safety procedures when he worked for five years with Asplundh Tree Expert Company, a nationwide firm, which contracts with power companies like WPS and Alliant.

“Working with a major company gave me the extensive training and experience required to succeed at this dangerous field,” states Stacy.

“I see many amateurs attempting tree care without any background or advanced forestry training,” stresses Stacy. “This is definitely a business, which demands trained workers.”

FORWARD THINKING Stacy developed easy-to understand hand signals for further safety when he is in the bucket.

“Communication and visual connection with your crew is vitally important when you are working on any tree, but storm-damaged ones suffer from increased tension particularly when you have branches bent over or trunks snapped halfway.”

“We stay in constant contact so we have no question of who is doing what and when.”

(Continued on Page 29) Top: Stacy Kizewski (middle) takes a deep breath while surveying the stump of the tree that nearly hit his bucket. William Kizewski (left), Stacy and Aaron Gaetz (right) are a close-knit team and call themselves, ‘The Wolfpack’, which is emblazoned on the back of their shirts. Middle: Aaron loads cut logs since the team also handles cleanup, a big job when big trees are involved. Bottom: William maintains tension on the roped branch while Stacy cuts with the pole saw. The tree on right was damaged in a recent storm by a large limb, which split off from the tree on left, behind Stacey’s bucket.

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“This year’s bad storms have been a big worry for me because often, I am often called to assist after a nonprofessional is injured or even killed,” explains Stacy.

“Whether the entire tree or just a limb has fallen, broken or twisted, the tension is so great that once you relieve it by simply cutting a branch or two, the entire thing can completely shift or break apart with the cutter caught in the middle – not a good situation for anyone.”

“You need to properly judge height, weight, leaning direction, diseases, hollow spots, weather impact, tree tension, season – just a few of elements which affect the route of the tree when it falls,” Stacy maintains.

“You also have to grasp the big picture because every step impacts your safety. You learn to always expect the unexpected, like pedestrians entering safety zones, even if the area is roped or coned off,” Stacy further states. “SAFETY FIRST is more than a slogan – it is a lifesaver!”

Above: Some of the logs from the seventy-foot+ trees that had to be cut down due to storm damage. Below: Both of the two trees in the foreground were cut in sections all the way to the ground because they were too badly damaged to recover or survive. The split on the firs tree was too large and the second tree, hit by the falling limb, suffered severe damage, too.

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Neighbors- August 2011

Day Trips

By Heather Kizewski & Ann Marie Worzalla

WISCONSIN’S MARITIME CAPITOL ALL ABOARD! It immediately piqued my interest when my brother said, “If there were palm trees, you would think you were in the tropics!”

Referring to Manitowoc’s sandy beaches and vast views, his words caused me to consider it as a Day Trip destination.

Then I discovered the Maritime Museum was also there and that we could tour a fully restored WWII submarine, the USS Cobia.

I knew at that point, we would go and that this trip would be a very noteworthy and meaningful experience.

Welcome to Day Trips!

Inspired by an authentic passion for travel, each month we will share a unique adventure accomplished in one day; no overnight bags required.

We are sisters-in-law from Stevens Point and Amherst, whose families are involved in potato farming, so we are firmly entrenched in Central Wisconsin.

For more than six years, we ventured forth in search of unique destinations – it is amazing how far you do not have to go to experience the moments we often seek in faraway lands.

We hope to spark your wheels into motion. You are only a day trip away!

Above: Sisters-in-law, Heather Kizewski (left) & Ann Marie Worzalla (right).

STARTING OUT Taking this trip just prior to the Fourth of July felt patriotic. Luckily, we had a warm, breezy summer day to explore! While strolling through a quaint flea market, we heard, Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters playing on someone’s radio, setting the mood for our day.

Lake Michigan’s panoramic views in Manitowoc provide an energetic ‘seaport charm’ reminiscent of Kennebunkport, Maine.

On the lake, in the hazy distance, we saw the Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse and the S.S. Badger, the largest car ferry operating on the Great Lakes.

The Dennis Sullivan, a large, 137-foot long boat docked at the Maritime Museum, resembled a pirate ship. It is the only recreation of a 19th Century, three-mast Great Lakes cargo schooner.

(Continued on Page 31) Top Left: The USS Cobia’s tower. Below: The Maritime Museum houses information about historical ships like the USS Robalo, a Gato-class submarine, built and launched in Manitowoc in May 1943, but which was sunk July 1944, by a mine in the Balabac Strait. SPECIAL NOTE: Click here to go to Day Trips’ Facebook page.

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USS COBIA The USS Cobia possesses local and national significance as an icon of Wisconsin’s shipbuilding heritage and since it is, a GATO-class fleet submarine similar to the 28 subs built in Manitowoc during WWII. While it is the same class of sub built by Manitowoc shipbuilders, the USS Cobia is a product of the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut.

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE In the wide hallway where everyone meets for the tour, there is a life-size photo of USS Cobia crewmember, First Class Seaman, Ralph Clark Huston, Jr. Ralph was mortally wounded on February 26, 1945 during a two-hour gun battle involving two Japanese vessels in the Pacific Ocean.

The next morning, Ralph was buried at sea. He was only nineteen years old. At right is an enlarged letter that he wrote to his mother, “Dear Mom, Well I am here and so far I like it. The boys I am with is a swell bunch. I get my clothes tomorrow. I start my boat training Thursday.

Write as soon as you can. I had a good time coming up on the train. Love, Jr.” Although Ralph’s fate was sad, it was a virtuous reminder of the deeper meaning behind what we were about to tour.

USS Cobia also sank a troop transport carrying Japanese tank battalion of twenty-eight tanks.

The US Marines considered both of these events critical to their success in capturing Iwo Jima six months later.

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Our guide, Don was serious and thorough as he educated us on the construction and history of the USS Cobia, which was first launched November 28, 1943.

USS Cobia began the first of six war patrols in June 1944 and sank thirteen Japanese vessels for a total of 20,000 tons of enemy shipping.

By July 1944, the USS Cobia established itself in the annals of WWII sub history by attacking an enemy convoy bound for Japanese-held Iwo Jima.

Above: Ralph Clark Huston, Jr.’s wrote this letter to his mother before he died in the line of duty on USS Cobia. Left: USS Cobia, a Gato-Class fleet sub and centerpiece of the Maritime Museum, www.wisconsinmaritime.org, impacted Iwo Jima’s WWII success.

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The steel deck was baking hot and while descending into the first hatch I felt mild panic, but the feeling subsided moments later.

SURVEYING THE INTERIOR We visited the torpedo rooms, wardrooms, crew’s quarters and engine room. Traveling on, we saw the kitchen/dining areas, a room with a typewriter and a closet-like bathroom.

Don educated us on the sophisticated functions of the hundreds of levers, meters, gadgets and buttons.

Ann Marie commented how she could not imagine “trying to learn the ropes of such a place.” I could not agree more. It amazed me that this is a seaman’s way of life for several months at a time.

The Cobia’s Overnight Education Program offers a rare opportunity to experience a taste of submarine life first-hand, a unique alternative to traditional camp-outs.

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COUNTING THE WAYS The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company built 28 subs for the U.S. Navy. More than 7,000 men and women worked around the clock, 365 days/year.

Twenty-five of these subs saw action in War II and together, sank 132 Japanese ships. Four Manitowoc subs were lost at sea: USS Robalo, USS Golet, USS Kete and USS Legarto.

The Maritime Museum’s History Gallery delves deeply into ship construction history from flooring and pneumatic tools to navigational devices, which I found quite fascinating.

I especially enjoyed reading about the octant, invented in 1731, which was the first fully reliable instrument for determining latitude subsequently followed by the sextant. Both instruments measure altitude of the sun or a star above the horizon.

(Continued on Page 33) Below: Gearheads go crazy aboard USS Cobia where they can closely examine the sub’s many instrumentation panels and inner workings.

Neighbors-August 2011

(Continued from Page 32)

MARITIME MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN The Children’s Waterways provides an opportunity for children and adults to launch boats on a miniature model of Lake Superior, sail through the Sault Ste. Marie locks and continue onto Lake Michigan and Green Bay. You then reverse and navigate Wisconsin River’s waterfalls from its northern headwaters all the way downriver to the Mississippi.

The Little Lakefarer’s Room provides interaction with periscopes, maritime games and reading material.

Children don waders or lab coats in the Aquatic Species Investigation Lab where they pretend to be a Great Lakes fisheries biologist and examine aquatic invaders influencing waterway ecosystems.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE After all the walking, we next searched for ‘the perfect place’ to dine, hemming and hawing for a good five to ten minutes, directly across the street from The Courthouse Pub, near Manitowoc’s impressive courthouse. We were unsure of the word ‘pub’ assuming it was more of a tavern versus being a full-fledged restaurant.

Better yet, our bill, which was designed to look like a parking citation, was under $30 for both of us!

(Continued on Page 34)

When we finally made up our minds to walk in, I figured we would walk right back out, which we have done many times, but the moment we were greeted, I knew I was wrong.

Above: USS Cobia’s dining area. Bottom: The Courthouse Pub’s exceptional, historic mural backdrop and rich atmosphere.

The incandescent lighting and vintage décor exceeded our expectations, especially the sepia-toned mural behind the bar.

The friendly hostess was kind enough to seat us, even without reservations. Our table was elegant and Tom, our server, was patient, friendly and knowledgeable.

Both Ann Marie and I chose the tenderloin with wild mushrooms. Several times, Ann Marie said, “It is just like butter, it melts in your mouth!”

It was amazingly tender, served with garlic mashed baby reds and grilled vegetables and garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

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Neighbors- August 2011

SWEET ENDINGS On our way back to the car, we investigated Beernsten’s Confectionary, a candy store we noticed when we first drove into town.

Much to our surprise, it was beyond any other candy store either of us had ever visited. Toward the back are black walnut booths and arches with beautiful lighting and wonderful ambience.

Ann Marie referred to her caramel cashew cluster covered in chocolate, as ‘euphoric’. My butter almond toffee was divine and gone before I even started the car.

(Continued from Page 33)

After we returned home, I discovered The Courthouse Pub had received the Wine Spectator’s Magazine Award of Excellence for their interesting selection and wide variety of wines.

It was not surprising, considering their attention to detail in regards to dining and unforgettable décor, but also their exceptional customer service –the kind you rarely find nowadays; the kind you do not forget.

Above: USS Cobia’s stainless steel ship’s galley kitchen. Bottom Left: A small cross section of Beernsten’s Confectionary delights! Bottom Right: The sub’s oval-shaped hatchways provide watertight integrity for the ship.

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FINAL REFLECTIONS As always, everything seemed to fall into place on its own and there is nothing we would have done differently.

We both look forward to bringing our children to the Maritime Museum. I am considering an overnight excursion with my husband and daughters on the U.S.S. Cobia, maybe this fall.

For now, we are working on convincing our husbands it is worthwhile to drive two hours for dinner at Courthouse Pub and make a beeline to the candy store afterwards.

Neighbors-August 2011

Enjoy that ‘Up North’ feeling without the drive, alongside the Wisconsin River.

Order favorites like Black Angus burgers & JUMBO fried shrimp. Eighty different kinds of ice-cold beer & handcrafted Bloody Marys. Happy Hour weekdays 2-5pm, live bands on summer weekends!

Anchor Bay Bar & Grill

(715) 423-0010 anchorbaybarandgrill.com 3460 North Biron Dr, Wisconsin Rapids

TUES-SUN (Closed Mondays) Dining 11am-9pm Bar 11am-Close

Home of Miller's Fresh Garden Peas Wide array of mostly Wisconsin based fresh produce, fruits, berries, jams & jellies, honey, flowers, meats and cheeses, Wollersheim and Door County wines and more.

715-249-3060

N4317 Elizabeth Lane Hancock, WI 54943 pmillerfarms@gmail.com www.grammamillersmarket.com

Open 7 days, 9:00am-5:00pm

EXPERIENCE THE SILVER COACH! The only authentic railroad car restaurant in Central WI! Steeped in history since 1940, the Silver Coach seats 70 and offers romantic, private dining for two. Elegant, delicious cuisine provides unforgettable dining! Seasonal outside patio dining available.

RESERVATIONS: (715) 341-6588 38 Park Ridge Dr, Stevens Point (Half Mile W of I-39 & Hwy 66/10 Interchange)

MONDAY -SATURDAY (closed Sundays) Lounge: Open 4pm  Dining: 5pm-10pm

www.silvercoachrestaurant.com

If you love berries, Lakeview Berry Farm is heaven! Pick your own rainbow of strawberries, blueberries, currants, gooseberries and red, black, purple and gold raspberries.

(715) 457-2704 lakeviewberry@hotmail.com www.lakeviewberryfarm.com Mon-Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm

Your prime destination for steaks, seafood and cocktails served with exceedingly friendly service in a relaxed, Northwoods atmosphere.

Our signature entrée, Prime Rib, is available nightly. Dine in for our traditional Friday Wisconsin Fish Fry or use our convenient Friday “Fish on the Fly” drive-thru. We offer GLUTEN-FREE & GARLIC-FREE options.

(715) 341-7714

redmillsupperclub.com

1222 County Rd HH W, Stevens Point Mon Tue-Thurs Fri Sat-Sun

Closed 5:00-9:00 pm 4:00-9:30 pm 5:00-9:00 pm

U-PICK AMAZING BIG SWEET BLUEBERRIES! Ripening Soon!

(Mid July-End of August)

Watch for the opening notice on our website, Facebook page and our farm roadside signs Over 14,000 blueberry plants with more than eight varieties on 12 acres. We provide buckets or bring your own. Lots of fun!

525 County Rd J North, Stevens Point

RURAL BARNS Wisconsin Farmsteads Stevens Point, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-August 2011

Rustic gems are scattered all across Wisconsin. Farmsteads dot the rural landscape, complete with barns, corncribs, grain bins, silos, storage sheds and other outbuildings.

Some are newer but most have been around for generations. With a little help, they could last another 50 to 100 years.

Built to last, older barns particularly have large, hardwood timbers not available today for any price.

Old barns and building add beauty and personality to a rural acreage. Additionally, they can be adapted for a number of practical uses. The best part, however, is the lifestyle quality of farm life overall.

Opposite Page: Round barns are always an area attraction because so few of them were built and even fewer still exist.

Above: It is always nice to find older barns that have been maintained properly and are still standing as a result. Middle: Suburban homesteads have spilled over, almost on top of this farmstead. Bottom: An attractive, typical setting of large barns, outbuildings, silo and farmhouse.

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Neighbors-August 2011

Journey through Wisconsin SUMMER SPECIAL: Save 20% on 1-Year print/online subscription!

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Save 30% on 2-Year print/online subscription!

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SPECIAL NOTE: Until further notice, we are no longer processing credit cards due to the number of Internet security concerns occurring in today's e-commerce.

VIA CHECK: Print this page and send with your check to Journey Publishing LLC, 7374 Lepak Lane, Custer, WI 54423.

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JOHN DEERE FAN FOCUS

by Ruth Johnson, Editor

Above: Pete Arnold, Wisconsin Rapids, Rudolph, WI submitted this photo. "There is nothing like cutting grass over a green John Deere hood. We took a break over the July th 4 weekend to take this three-generation, ‘first John Deere we owned’ picture.

Back row is me, Pete Arnold with a 1961, 2010 John Deere. Next, my son, Jim Arnold, with his LT 166. In the front row, my granddaughter, Elizabeth, waiting to reach the pedals on her John Deere tractor."

Right: Chad Mares of Black Creek, garnered Second Place at the Portage County Fair Tractor Pull with a JD 8210, Imagine That (shown above), that pulled a distance of 332.46 feet.

Chad is pictured here with his son, Connor, another John Deere enthusiast.

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Neighbors-August 2011

SERPENT ALERT While scouring the countryside for candid photos, I spied this JD4055, peeking out on the highway between cornrows, like a lone sentinel guarding the corn.

I backed up to photograph it and that is when I saw it - the legendary corn serpent who watches over the fields, perhaps swallowing unwary trespassers.

Perhaps the Hodag is a distant relative!

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Neighbors-August2011