April 2021

INSIDE

Vol . 33 No. 4

COMPLIMENTARY COPY • Since 19 89

APRIL 2021

A SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE QUOTES & COTTON CHOCOLATE FOR A CAUSE

THE COLORS OF SPRING It’s time for planning and planting

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Advertiser’s index Railway sets schedule for 2021...................................4 Remembering veterans.................................................5 Get your garden going........................................ 11 Studio gala features cupcake battle......................................23 The funding power of chocolate.........................................25 Dining Directory.............................................26 Consignment and resale shops...................................28 The story of Quotes & Cotton..................................30

ON THE COVER

April flowers Early spring flowers like these tulips emerge to explode the dreary drag of the Wisconsin winter and bring a splash of colorful hope as they signal renewal and warmth. Local greenhouses and garden centers stand ready to assist all gardeners in preparation for the planting season.

See page 11.

FILE PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

Abbey Springs...................................................14 Allied Senior Services................................10 Always Remember That.........................28 Aronson Fence Co........................................20 Assisi Homes of Kenosha...................... 23 Baker House.......................................................26 Best Bargains..................................................... 22 BoxDrop Elkhorn.............................................16 Breezy Hill Nursery.......................................16 Burtness Chevrolet Buick GMC.......24 Caravelle Lighting..........................................16 Carpets Plus Outlet.......................................10 Chances..................................................................26 Chris’ USA.............................................................26 Delavan Rotary Gardens Foundation.............................18 East Troy Brewery................................ 22, 26 First Citizens State Bank...........................19 Ginger Blossom................................................14 Gino’s East Pizzeria.................................6, 26 Green Grocer & Deli....................................26 Heyer True Value..............................................8 High Prairie Landscape Supply.........17 Jonathan’s on Brick Street.....................26 Keefe Real Estate.......................................... 27 Koch’s Kuts...........................................................10 Komfort Heating & Cooling..................20 Local Folks Restaurant & Pub............26 Luisa’s Restaurant...................................6, 26 Lyle’s TV & Appliances, Inc....................12 Mars Resort.........................................................26 NL Promotions LLC........................................8 Palmer Fundraising.......................................10 Pats Services.....................................................24 Reesman’s Excavating..............................32 Reflections of the Past..............................28 Sandy’s Upscale Consignment........28 Sportsman’s Pub & Grub........................26 Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance............ 2 Thielmann Group............................................31 Thomas Greenhouse................................. 23 Tru Blue....................................................................14 Veteran’s Truck Line....................................24 Waterfront Pub and Eatery...................26 Westenn Heating & Air..............................18 Westside Landscape Products.........18 Wilson Farm Meats.........................................6

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Ed Nadolski ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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The Spirit of Geneva Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed from I-94 through west Kenosha County, to and including the Geneva Lakes area in Walworth County, Richmond Illinois, plus Burlington and Waterford in Racine County.

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East Troy Electric Railroad announces 2021 schedule

Officials at the East Troy Electric Railroad say they are optimistic that 2021 will be the year that things start to return to normal, and the schedule for the year will look normal to regular visitors.

“We are eager to get rolling in 2021 and I am hopeful that we will be able to return to normal operations as the year progresses,” East Troy Railroad Museum President Ryan Jonas said. “Initially we will be observing all the safety measures that let us operate safely last year, including face masks, socially distant seating, and online ticketing prior to your visit.”

Safety precautions will be followed to start the year, assuring the safety of the visitors and volunteers, according to a press releases from the railroad.

Bunny Trains got things rolling this spring, starting March 27, and feature the railroad’s dinner train cars with pinpoint ionization systems in place to filter and clean the air.

The railroad will seat groups in a socially distant way and masks are required to board and ride the trains.

The first day of the regular operating season is Saturday, April 24. During the regular season, trains will depart from East Troy at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, trains will depart from the East Troy Depot at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Friday trains start running on May 28, using the Sunday schedule.

All trains will continue to stop at the Elegant

Farmer store and deli. However because of our safety protocols, all passengers will need to purchase tickets for a round-trip starting and ending at the East Troy Depot and we will not be boarding new passengers at the Elegant Farmer.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at website at easttroyrr.org.

Dine while riding

The popular dinner trains will return, initially with socially distant seating, and this year the railroad is offering four Sunday Brunch Trains.

Dinner trains feature elegant three or fourcourse meals with beautiful table settings on linen tablecloths. Menus and pricing vary; check the website for details.

Sunday Brunch Trains feature breakfast casseroles, pastries and a fruit cup, plus juice or coffee. The cost is $45 per person and the brunch trains will run on June 20, July 18, Sept.

12 and Oct. 10.

Visit the East Troy Railroad Museum website for more information and to book reservations. Reservations are required for all dining events.

Special events planned

The Bunny Trains kick off the railroad’s special events on March 27. New for 2021, the RAILROAD • CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

The East Troy Electric Railroad’s regular season opens April 24. Face masks and social distancing will be required. The railroad got a jump on the season with the annual Easter Bunny trains, which began March 27.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

4

APRIL 2021

Remembering ourVeterans POPPY SCULPTURE TO HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED

by Maureen Vander Sanden

are unaware of the powerful tribute these poppies pay.

CORRESPONDENT “So many people just walk right past you and the days leading up to Memorial don’t even know the meaning of this flower,” she Day, Mary Schlehlein joins other supporters from American Legion said. “This is about honoring our veterans.”

Auxiliaries nationwide in passing The poppy emerged as a national symbol of sacrifice following World War I, after the out millions of red poppies to publication of the 1915-poem Flanders Fields raise money for veterans while (see box on back page) which tells of battlefield educating about their somber scenes filled with poppies sprouted among symbolism. carnage.

The experience of standing outside of businesses in her hometown of Lake Geneva with In 1920, the poppy became the official flower the dainty, bright, crepe-paper flowers in hand has of The American Legion to memorialize the made Schlehlein realize that still too many people soldiers who fought and died during the war, and

In

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

American Legion Auxiliary volunteer Mary Schlehlein and Lake Geneva sculptor John Larkin show his 3-foot aluminum poppy that was nixed from the poppy sculpture, which will be unveiled May 1 in Library Park.

The single poppy — deemed too large for the final project — was donated to the Legion and is currently sitting in meeting hall headquarters at 735 Henry St. in Lake Geneva.

MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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in 1924, distribution of poppies became a Legion national program.

“Our auxiliary unit is very passionate about teaching not only our community but the kids, what the poppy flower means, and why we honor our veterans on Memorial Day,” Schlehlein said.

Auxiliary members like Schlehlein have been supporting and celebrating veterans since the national organization was established in 1919. In her 50-member unit, the women prepare and serve meals monthly for veterans, organize their city’s Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, and reach out to youth in the form of scholarships and quizzes, among other efforts.

For more than two years, she and others

in American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 have been working with a local artist to bring the poppy to Lake Geneva on a much larger scale.

On May 1, the city will see the unveiling of a 7-foot-tall, aluminum poppy sculpture along the shoreline at the peaceful Library Park – a piece Schlehlein said will serve as a reminder to those who stroll past “what these many men and women gave up for us.”

The auxiliary pitched self-trained sculptor John Larkin, Lake Geneva, to carry out its vision. He didn’t hesitate to take on the project, even offering his talents free of charge.

“I was humbled and honored when they approached me with the idea of building

this sculpture to memorialize our veterans,” he said. “Recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans is extremely important.”

Though the poppy memorial is a vision of the local group, and was inspired by a similar piece in Norfolk, England, called “Poppies in Steel,” Larkin said he has had a “great deal of freedom with design and fabrication.”

This is his first outdoor public piece. His previous works are sprinkled across the county – including a 6-foot-long map of Geneva Lake on display at the Boathouse Bar and Grill, and more recently, a tree of life sculpture at Open Arms Free Clinic in Elkhorn.

Larkin is a commercial airline pilot who said he has discovered he enjoys the

from left: John Larkin explains the process of putting one of 13 poppies together. Each flower has nine overlapping flowers and 21 stamens and has been painted by UltraCoat in Elkhorn with powder coating, which will withstand the outdoor elements; Renderings created by local artist Sparky Lundberg provided Larkin with the auxiliary’s vision for the sculpture that will be unveiled Saturday, May 1. Lundberg is well known in the community as a retired art teacher at Badger High School.

MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

7

Wear a poppy proudly

challenges of the creative process and “making something from nothing.”

His proudest piece is an aluminum sunflower with 80 The American Legion petals he created for his mother Auxiliary will be distributing for her 80th birthday. poppies for Poppy Month “For me, the result of a throughout May. Unit 24 creative project is not always volunteers will be outside of readily apparent at the beginning.

Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly, It sometimes requires a thought100 E. Geneva Square, Lake provoking process in order to Geneva, May 11, 12, 14, 15, overcome design challenges and 16, 18, 19 and 21 to 23. material limitations,” he said.

Donations collected from Such was the case in the the poppies are separate beginning stages of his large from the sculpture project poppy sculpture. and will go directly to Rough sketches provided a area veterans, through starting point for the sculpture organizations including but before he got to work laying out not limited to the Wisconsin the sheets of aluminum to begin Veterans Home in Union cutting.

Grove, The Fisher House After fabricating his first and Zablocki Memorial flower for the piece, Larkin in Milwaukee, homeless realized the 3-foot poppy was far female veterans fund, and too big if the 12 other uniquely the Dayton Care Center in shaped flowers were going to be Kenosha. included – 13 flowers to represent the 13 stripes of the American flag.

So, the artist scaled the flowers down and made other changes to create a more “harmonious balance of structure and artistry.”

The first poppy may not have been the right fit for the park piece, but Schlehlein said it’s perfect as a standalone sculpture

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Aluminum poppies await powder coating, which will give them a brilliant red and black finish. The artist included a scratch-like texture to catch more light.

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The Poppy Story After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. According to the American Legion, scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy.

The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.”

The poem was written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D., a Canadian who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit. He was inspired by a cluster of poppies that sprang up shortly after the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915.

According to history writer Sarah Pruitt, McCrae tended to the wounded and got a firsthand look at the carnage of that clash, in which the Germans unleashed lethal chlorine gas for the first time in the war. More than 87,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing in the battle (as well as 37,000 on the German side); McCrae’s friend, Lt. Alexis Helmer, was among the dead.

On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day. On May 28, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living service men and women.

Source: legion.org

for the Legion’s yard at 735 Henry St. The artist donated it to the legion and it’s currently sitting inside the headquarters’ meeting hall.

After revising the size of his flowers, Larkin developed an assembly-line system to create each, with their 21 black stamens and nine overlapping, bright, red petals.

The brilliant color of the flowers was achieved with powder coating – a robust paint job made to withstand the elements, completed by UltraCoat in Elkhorn at no cost.

Larkin said he and the auxiliary members are grateful for UltraCoat’s color contribution, explaining that when he began to seek quotes for the paint, he was told by other companies the job was too entailed and costly.

John Lapajenko, who owns UltraCoat, said that in the more than two decades he has been in business, he’s enjoyed giving back to area communities in various ways – from making an iron cannon used for Civil War re-enactment appear bronze, to painting kneeling soldier-cutouts for a local VFW chapter.

“It’s just part of being a good, corporate citizen,” Lapajenko said.

“My father served and my uncle was a command master sergeant, so I have a soft spot (for the poppy project),” he added.

His production manager, Ray Sabin, has been the point person for the poppy project and is a veteran as well.

Sabin served the U.S. Army in Vietnam from ’71-’77. Assisting with the poppy project, he said, “It’s pretty cool.”

“It’s a way of representing and thanking veterans – past, present and future. This is a great project done by a great organization,” Sabin said.

The unveiling The Saturday, May 1 unveiling ceremony in Lake Geneva’s Library Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. with detailed planning still in the works.

Schlehlein said the auxiliary is still fundraising for the sculpture installation, which will include lighting and landscaping. Donations can be sent to: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24, Attn: Poppy Project, P.O. Box 13, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.

In addition to the unveiling, Schlehlein said the auxiliary plans to gather again by the sculpture following the Memorial Day

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, Dec. 8, 1915

“

We owe everything to all our veterans. They give their lives for us every day.

”

– Mary Schlehlein, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24

parade that her group organizes, among a number of other veterans’ outreach community events and projects.

“Our whole group is passionate about serving and helping out veterans as much as our small group can,” she said. “We owe everything to all our veterans. They give their lives for us every day.”

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Blooming

Brilliant Garden centers ready to help color your world

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

April is the time when thoughts of blooming flowers and plans for this year’s vegetable gardens fill one’s mind, as spring replaces the cold weather of winter.

To help you in your quest for the perfect gardens we have sought advice from some of the best garden centers in the area – Breezy Hill Nursery in Salem, Burlington Garden Center in Burlington, and Pesche’s Greenhouse and Floral Center in Lake Geneva.

“Preparing for summer gardens This large display of outdoor flowering plants at Breezy Hill in Salem helps customers decide on the varieties and colors they wish to add to their flower gardens.

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starts long before it is time to plant,” said Walter Uebele, owner of Burlington Garden Center. “Before the snow is finished melting, is a good time to really look at your yard and notice where it melts first. It is telling you where the ground has warmed. Stay off that ground while it is thawing to avoid compacting the soil. Where the snow melts first is usually the spot that receives the most sunlight. This is the spot that you will want to choose for plants requiring the most sunlight.”

Whether planting a flower bed or a vegetable garden, knowing where to find the sunniest spots and the amount of time the sun shines over that area, will help to decide what plants to choose for the garden.

The right tools

COURTESY OF PESCHE’S GREENHOUSE Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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Everyone has garden tools but too often they haven’t been properly cleaned and put away for the winter. Now before planting season arrives is the time to clean your tools if you haven’t done so in the fall, and lubricate those that need it. It may also be time to consider purchasing some new tools to replace those that are not in good shape, or add new ones to your collection.

When purchasing new tools for your planting needs, purchase good quality tools, according to local gardening experts. They will not need replacement as frequently as inexpensive, poorly manufactured ones. Breezy Hill, Burlington Garden Center, and Pesche’s all carry a top line of garden tools and their staffs will guide gardeners in choosing the correct tools for their needs.

“Starting your own plants from seed is a way to get a head start on your annuals and vegetable plants,” said Lisa Johnson, horticulturalist with Breezy Hill Nursery.

“Now is the time to get started so they are ready to be transplanted outside when planting season is here.”

“Outdoor planting season for this area is considered to be after May 15, when the final frost should have occurred and the soil has had time to warm,” said Uebele.

“The outside soil should be 50 to 55 degrees for best results,” added Johnson.

from top: Customers at Breezy Hill may browse through a large display of evergreens to determine which ones are needed to replace those that have been damaged through the winter; Hanging baskets add color to all areas of a home. They are available in a variety of flowers and colors that will add beauty to your porch or patio; A walk through the greenhouse at Pesche’s, with its large variety of blooming annuals, makes picking out the color scheme for your flower garden, hanging basket, or window box enjoyable.

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“Many prefer to wait until Memorial Day weekend to be certain that the soil has warmed sufficiently.”

Preparing the soil

Soil bed preparation is important to have a healthy garden, according to Johnson who like Uebele does not recommend trying to turn the soil when it is still too wet as it will clump. Adding compost should be done for healthy bed preparation.

“Raised beds are often a good choice for new gardeners. It is easier to control the soil and can be started now as the soil is not as cold,” shared Johnson. “Since they are a bit higher from the ground, they are also easier to work.”

“Vegetable gardens are at an all time high in popularity both last year and again this year, as many are tired of staying in their homes and looking for an outdoor activity,” said Shanna Marx of Pesche’s Green House.

Many of the vegetable garden items that are popular and easy to grow in this area include tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers carrots, beets, squash, and pumpkins. Some of these can be started indoors with seeds then transplanted outside in the warmer weather.

For information on starting seeds indoor, visit Burlington Garden Center’s website, burlingtongardencenter.com, and view the video by Uebele on starting seeds indoors.

“Don’t overplant. Three tomato plants may be all that you need for your family.

Plant more if you are going to freeze or can some of the tomatoes,” said Uebele.

“Try to get different varieties that mature at different times. Some of our favorites are Celebrity that matures early in the season and Big Slicer which has a later maturity.

By choosing different varieties there will be ripe tomatoes to enjoy all season.”

Johnson added, “We recommend that herbs be started inside, while some crops such as beans, lettuce, carrots and beets will do well even if planted outside as seeds.”

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Plant your favorites

Whatever vegetables your family enjoys, add them to your garden. You will be surprised by the variety of vegetables you can provide for your family’s enjoyment, the experts suggest. Try growing Brussels sprouts or Swiss chard, carrots and even your own onions. Introduce your family to vegetables that are new to them.

There is such a difference between homegrown fresh vegetables than vegetables found in the grocery store.

Remember that lettuce grows quickly. A row 1-1/2 feet in length is enough for most families. As it matures, additional lettuce may be added for later harvest.

Sweet corn matures in 80 to 92 days. The bi-color corn is recommended as among the sweetest and tastiest ears of corn. As it is being planted, it is sure to bring up memories of fresh corn on the cob being

COURTESY OF PESCHE’S GREENHOUSE Spirit of Geneva Lakes

from top: Perfect for flowerboxes and planters, the new Fragrant Falls Peach Begonia, will bloom all summer and has a soft peach fragrance. It is one of two scented begonias available this year at Burlington Garden Center; Pansies are a favorite flower to plant in flowerbeds or in a planter. They are colorful, bloom early, and are tolerant of some of the cooler weather seen in late spring and early summer.

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roasted on the grill, then slathered with melted butter, salt, and pepper and enjoyed with family and friends.

Make the vegetable garden a family affair. Children will be proud of vegetables they grew. They will be more willing to try a new vegetable that came from their own hard work in the garden.

“When putting out the young and tender plants, covering the plant with a one-gallon plastic milk bottle will prevent damage from wind, rabbits, and frost,” suggested Uebele.

Flower power

While planning and planting your summer vegetable garden is enjoyable and leaves one waiting for the fruits of your efforts, it is the flower gardens that tend to give more instant gratification. Watching the early spring flowers first peeking out of the brown flowerbeds or even coming through an April snow, the urge to plant those flowerbeds and turn them into an array of color takes over.

When the tulips, snowdrops, and crocus pop up early in spring, they do so because they are bulbs, which have been planted in the fall. Don’t start to plant this year’s annuals too soon, wait for that end of May date so they don’t die as fast as they are planted.

Annual flowers are now growing in the greenhouses at garden centers so that they will be ready to fill your flower boxes and flower gardens when the weather is right.

“One of the earliest flowers that handles the cooler weather is pansies. Their bright vibrant colors bring your planters to life,” said Marx. “Alyssum with its small compact white flowers is also tolerant of the cooler weather and work well in flower beds, planters, and, hanaging baskets.”

There are so many varieties of annuals that choosing ones to give a colorful look may seem to be difficult. Sort out which flowers require high sun and those that do well in partial shade. Then look at the height each variety attains and the colors.

“There are a variety of ways to design the flowerbeds and planters. Start by arranging the shorter plants in front, increasing in height as one moves toward the back. Color is what appeals to you.

You may arrange them in color drifts or spread a variety of colors throughout,” recommended Johnson.

There are many annuals that do well in this area. Geraniums remain one of the favorites coming in a variety of colors including the traditional red, pinks, and whites. The ivy geraniums are beautiful in hanging baskets.

Scent-sational

Begonias are another hardy annual that works well alone in a hanging basket or

Imagine sitting on a bench such as this one in your flower garden and reading a book or just watching the birds and the flowers. This bench is available at Burlington Garden Center.

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planter or mixed with other varieties of flowers. They flower all season, as many flowers will do, if deadheaded when the bloom dies. They grow well in shady areas.

“Begonias while beautiful to look at do not have any scent,” said Janet Kosut, head of the Greenhouse at Burlington Garden Center. “That is until this year when a new variety has been created, which does have a scent. There are two varieties, one known as Fragrant Falls Peach and the other Fragrant Falls Lemon. The peach has a peach colored bloom and the scent of peach while the lemon has a yellow flower and a lemon scent. Try this new variety for a new look and scent from your flowers.”

Annuals are usually planted by Memorial Day to take advantage of a long blooming summer. Perennials, which return year after year, can be planted throughout the season.

Spring is also time to look at your Evergreens and trees and assess the damage that has been done over this past cold winter.

“If you need to replace evergreens, replace with indigenous species to have healthy growth and less chance of insect manifestations,” said Uebele. “Flowering trees such as lilacs and forsythia should not be pruned until they have bloomed for the season. To do so will remove the blooms for this year.”

By putting some work into your gardens now, your flowers and trees will be beautiful for the entire growing season.

The start of the planting season is a good time to inspect and replace garden tools as needed.

Burlington Garden Center offers a display of the latest gardening tools.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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MAIN WHITEWATER WHITEWATER WEST WEST OFFICE 1058 St. 1058 W. Main Street 207 W. Main StreetP.O.W.BoxMain 177 Whitewater, WI 53190 Whitewater, WI 53190 Whitewater, WI 53190 262/473-3666 (262) 473-3666 (262) 473-2112

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THEY CAN GET YOU GROWING Here’s a closer look at three area garden centers that stand ready to help customers get their gardens in top shape this growing season.

Breezy Hill Garden Center

7530 288th Ave., Salem 262-537-2111 breezyhillnursery.com

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Breezy Hill Garden Center began as a small design/build firm in 1980 owned by Jerry and Colleen Epping. Over the years it has grown to a multifaceted landscape firm. The location in Salem provides everything needed to make your property beautiful and functional.

They offer fresh plants, trees, and shrubs and decorative items from their gift shop.

Landscaping services including the creation of outdoor kitchens, stone fireplaces, and ponds along with designing proper trees and their placement.

Burlington Garden Center 5205 Mormon Rd., Burlington 262-763-2153 burlingtongardenccenter.com

Burlington Garden Center opened in 1976 and is owned by Walt Uebele. It offers a complete line of fresh plants, seeds, landscaping, and decorative items for your garden along with a staff that will help design for your flowerbeds. Customers are invited to come in and view all the plants for both inside and outside your home. Order online and pick up at the Garden Center. Classes are offered.

Check website for current classes.

Pesche’s Greenhouse Floral Center and Gift Barn W4080 Highway 50, Lake Geneva 262-245-6125 peschesgreenhouse.com

COURTESY OF BREEZY HILL NURSERY Spirit of Geneva Lakes

from top: As planting season nears, it is time to pick the seeds needed for the flowers

and vegetables that you plan to grow this year; Now may also be the time to freshen your indoor plants. Perhaps add some blooming ones. Plants indoors also help to keep the air clean. This display is at Breezy Hill Nursery in Salem.

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

This year Pesche’s will be celebrating 51 years serving the residents of the Lake Geneva Area. They offer a complete gardening center with a vast array of plants, seeds and garden décor. With 20 greenhouses on site, they have the growing space to accommodate over 1 million plants.

They offer something for everyone from the beginner to the skilled gardener. They also offer flower arrangements for your home or for weddings and sympathy arrangements and seasonal décor.

21

RAILROAD • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

OPEN to the PUBLIC - No Membership Fee

6515-352nd Ave, New Munster, WI

262-537-4407 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 8-4, Sun 9-4 Visit Our Cash & Carry Outlet

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railroad is running trains from East Troy to a “Concerts in the Park” series at Indianhead Park in Mukwonago on June 11, July 9, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11.

Other special events planned for this year include: Railfest/Railfan Day – June 19. Each train will run with a different set of railroad cars. Many of the historical cars will be on display and there will be face painting and popcorn in the East Troy Depot.

Chicago and Military Day – Aug. 14. The railroad’s historic South Shore and Chicago Elevated cars will be featured and railroad officials hope to have interpretive staff and rangers available from the National Park Service.

Beer Tasting Train – Sept. 4. The railroad will have a joint dining event with the Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva, featuring beer tasting, beer history, beer trivia and amazing hors d’oeuvres while visitors ride the rails.

Harvest Fest Trains – Sept. 10 to Oct. 24. Take a train to Harvest Fest at the Elegant Farmer. Tickets must be purchased in advance for these popular trains.

Christmas Trains – Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. The railroad plans to run its popular round trips to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer again in 2021.

For more information, visit www.easttroyrr.org or call 262-6423263.

About the railroad

CASH & CARRY Office: 262-537-2639 Deli: 262-537-2991 Meat/Butcher: 262-537-2993

Wholesale Food Service Bar & Restaurant Distribution Or Stock Your Pantry

The East Troy Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to engaging visitors in the heritage of electric interurban railways and trolley systems through restoration, preservation and operation of historic equipment. The railroad maintains and operates historic railroad cars on track completed by The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company (TMER&L) in 1907.

The East Troy Depot is at 2002 Church St., East Troy.

CASH AND CARRY WHOLESALE FOOD SERVICE BEST BARGAIN SPECIALTIES/ MEAT RAFFLE HEADQUARTERS

Best Bargains Inc. Cash and Carry Best Bargains Inc. offers a cash and carry policy for all of our goods. A term coined in World War II, in modern times, this term means you can enjoy lower prices by paying with cash and loading all the goods yourself to take to your home or business. Our policy is simple and straightforward.

For large quantity orders for restaurants and other businesses, cash and carry means we do not deliver the goods, but taking them back with you yourself allows you to experience a lower cost. Pick out your cart, shop at your own pace and pay for your purchase as you leave. We do not have a minimum purchase amount for bulk items and do not have to buy a certain amount to receive discounts.

All of our products provide you with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Best Bargains Inc. can provide you with wholesale prices rather than retail. While we don’t deliver, our friendly associates can help you locate the best products for your needs and inform you when new items will be shipped to the store. We can also accommodate special orders.

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Studio 84 to host Gala Night Plans Cupcake Battle and Mother’s Day fundraisers

the arts for people with disabilities.

For details on the Spring ReLeaf Gala Event and to order cupcakes, visit Studio 84 online at studio84inc.org.

The public is invited to join Studio 84 (virtually) for its annual Gala Night with a bonus Cupcake Battle Fundraiser on April 17. The virtual gala is free to attend as it always has been when everyone gathered in person.

As a fundraiser the studio will have bakers competing for the honor of the public’s vote as the best decorated and the best tasting cupcakes. People can purchase cupcake tickets at studio84inc. org. Only 48 cupcakes tickets will be available and they sell for $20.

Participants will receive up to a dozen cupcakes and can pick them up curbside on April 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at Studio 84 in Whitewater.

Enjoy meeting some of the studio’s artists as they talk about why they love art and a few other things. Gala attendees may shop for all their favorite artist’s items during the event.

Money raised from this event will go to help support Studio 84 programming in

Mother’s Day Basket fundraiser

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Honor mom, grandma, or someone who is like a mother by gifting them with a special gift from Studio 84. Each gift comes with a specially designed mug, of your choosing, a box of 10 notecards, chocolates, a cupcake and cookie created just for the occasion from SweetSpot Bakehouse in Whitewater.

Gifts can be ordered on Studio 84’s website for $30. Only 36 baskets are available. For an additional donation in honor of the basket recipient the studio will include a special card that lets them know.

Proceeds from this event will go to help support the studio’s programming services in the arts for people with disabilities.

Curbside pickup will be available from noon to 2 p.m. May 8 at the studio, 121 W Center St., Whitewater.

For more information or to place an order, go to the Studio 84 website.

Studio 84 in Whitewater is having a Mother’s Day gift basket fundraiser to help fund the studio’s programming services in the arts for people with disabilities.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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THE FUNDING POWER OF The larger chocolate bars offered for sale

by World’s Finest Chocolate are sold for $2 each. They come in a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate, almond and caramel.

ITTED

SUBM eneva

it of G

O Spir

PHOT Lakes

Chocolate

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

The name World’s Finest Chocolate is familiar to most of us as the product of one of the premier fund-raising programs, particularly popular with schools.

Many readers have probably sold World’s Finest Chocolates as fundraisers in their youth and may now be working with their children when World’s Finest Chocolate bars are the fundraiser chosen to support their school or extracurricular activities.

World’s Finest Chocolate began as a chocolate company founded in Chicago

by Edmond Opler, Sr. around 1939.

He originally named his new chocolate company, Cook Chocolate Company.

By 1949, Opler had created a division of the company that produced high quality chocolate bars under the name World’s Finest Chocolate. These chocolate bars were so successful that the company changed its name to World’s Finest Chocolate in 1972.

When Edmond Opler, Sr. retired in 1988, his son, Edmond Opler, Jr., who had worked in the company for many years, became next in line to run the business.

Today it is still run by the Opler family with SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

World’s Finest Chocolate has become popular tool for local groups the third generation in charge.

Living up to its name

A company that chooses World’s Finest Chocolates as its name must be very proud of the quality of its product. And that’s certainly the case in this instance. To assure that their products are high quality and that their chocolate bars are consistent in taste and quality, company officials closely control the entire manufacturing process.

They source their cocoa beans from their own cocoa farm in St. Lucia to assure consistent quality. The recipe comes together to provide a rich and

25

creamy chocolate bar.

Brian Palmer has been the distributor of World’s Finest Chocolates for southeast Wisconsin for more than 20 years, providing fundraising assistance to a variety of groups.

“We offer an easy way for organizations to raise money for all of their of projects,” Palmer said. “We provide a quality product that is offered for sale at $1 or $2 per bar making it affordable for most people.”

According to Palmer, most fundraisers fail to be as successful as World’s Finest Chocolate because of the high cost of the items the students are required to sell.

While the cookie dough, popcorn, and wrapping paper fundraisers may provide useful products, the items can cost up to $25 per item.

World’s Finest Chocolate bars are easier to sell than a higher priced items, Palmer said. Most people want to help kids who are doing fundraising for their organizations but may not be willing

or able to purchase a $25 item.

How it works

“Under normal times we begin by meeting with the person in charge of the fundraiser – the PTA president for school fundraisers, a Scout leader, or the parent in charge of baseball or soccer teams – to work with them on developing a fundraiser program,” said Palmer.

The meeting begins with Palmer explaining how the program works.

Because they have been overseeing fundraisers for so many years, the program is based on experience and is well organized. He will go through the steps of how to develop the fund-raising project and the benefits of working with World’s Finest Chocolate to accomplish fundraising goals.

“We offer prizes and rewards for those excelling at selling the candy bars, which keeps the fund raisers motivated,” he said.

“We will help decide how many candy bars

they need to sell to meet their fundraising goal. We arrange a delivery date, so much of the work is on us not the volunteer parent. When the fundraiser is over, I will arrange pickup of items that need to be returned.”

The school or parent group decides how long they want the fundraiser to last – usually 10 days for short sales to four weeks for longer ones. Often it depends on the amount of money the group hopes to raise.

Schools may be trying to raise funds for such items as computer systems, new playground equipment, art or music supplies or other needs of the school not in the school’s budget. Baseball, basketball and soccer teams are always in need of new uniforms, as well as equipment or funds for transportation to out of town games. Whatever the need for a fundraiser, World’s Finest Chocolate can provide the funds needed when

Dining Directory

jonathan’s on brick street • 116 E. Walworth St., Delavan. 262-725-7715. www.Jonathansonbricksreet.com. Stop in for a warm inviting atmosphere and great food. Try one of our crafts, spirits and wines.

Fish and seafood are always fresh. Delicious mouth watering steaks. Famous Fish Fry on Fridays. Prime Rib on Saturdays. Live Entertainment on select Fridays. Reservations are required and highly recommended nightly due to COVID restrictions. Hours: Bar opens at 4pm daily. Dining Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 4:30-10pm; Sun. 4-8pm.

D, $$$, FF,  (

the green grocer and deli • 24 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay. 262-2459077. www.greengrocergenevalake.com Organic grocery store with a deli. Serving sandwiches made with Boars Head meat and cheese, homemade soups, salads and pizzas, wine, beer and cocktails. Dine in, Carryout or delivery. Open 7 days a week. L, D, $-$$  ( east troY breWerY • 2905 Main St. on the Historic Square, East Troy. 262-6422670. www.etbrew.com 1892 bank turned brewery/restaurant. Craft beer and a great menu. Find us on Facebook. Wed.-Sun. 4-9pm with Brunch Fri-Sun Noon-4pm.

L, D, $$, GF, FF 

Ke y 26

Information is subject to change. Please contact individual restaurant for more information.

Call for Carry Out & Delivery Options

the baker house • 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-4700. Lake side dining in an elegant 1885 Queen Anne Victorian. Full Bar. Sunday Brunch. L, D, $$$, GF,  (

local folks restaurant & pub • 39601 60th St. (Slades Corners), Burlington.

262-539-3200. Open 6am every morning!

B, L, D, $, FF, 

Waterfront pub & grill • 408 State Rd. 50, Delavan. 262-728-4700. www.waterfrontdelavan.com Like us on Facebook and join us on Untappd. Serving fresh salads, wraps, signature sandwiches, juicy burgers, Friday Fish Fry & Saturday Prime Rib. Full wrap around bar with 20 beers on draft and gaming corner. Dine-in, take out and drive-thru available. L, D, $-$$, FF, 

sportsman’s pub & grub • 25313 W. Loomis Rd., Wind Lake. 262-8951055. Beautiful lake view and patio for dining.

Best Prime Rib in town. Well known for our thin crust pizza. Delicious 1/2 lb. burgers. We do a popular hand-breaded Fish Fry. Boat rentals/launch. Live bait shop on premises.

L, D, $-$$, FF 

chris’ usa • 724 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. 262-763-9968. Popular Friday Fish Fry. Beer Battered or Baked Cod $9.95 All You Can Eat • Perch Dinner $10.95 • 2 Piece Fish $6.50. $$, FF chances food & spirits • 205 W. Main St., Rochester. 262-534-2772. www.chancesfood.com Call early for reservations. L, D, $$$, FF,  ( luisa’s • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva. 262-537-4795. Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in, carry out, delivery, catering available, call ahead & will have it hot ready to go. D, $$ 

gino’s east of chicago • 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-2525. www.ginoseastlakegeneva.com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$ mars resort • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva. A classic Wisconsin supper club “nestled on the shores of Lake Como.”

Open 7 days a week at 11am. Out of this world ribs and spectacular sunsets! Reserve one our our Igloos on our “Fire and Ice” Deck for a truly unique experience. We created special platters that are sure to please all of our guests. Enjoy our Piano Bar for fun Friday and Saturday nights. Call 262-245-5689 today and visit www.mars-resort.com to view our menu. L, D, FF, $$ 391855

B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner NC: No credit cards accepted $: Mostly under $10 $$: Mostly under $20 GF: Gluten free $$$: Mostly under $30 FF: Fish Fry (: Reservations requested  : Alcohol served : Kids menu SR: Senior menu

APRIL 2021

everyone works together, Palmer said.

Logistics changed in 2020

This year, due to the pandemic, the event kickoff will not begin with a full school assembly. In an effort to maintain social distancing, the students will watch a video kickoff in smaller groups. The video will explain the program to the students along with the prizes offered for reaching certain sales levels.

The chocolate bars are packed in a variety pack of up to six different styles.

Each box contains 60 bars. They include six dark chocolate bars, 12 caramel bars, 12 almond bars, 12 crisp bars, six milk chocolate bars, and 12 wafer bars.

The candy can be delivered with case personalization using the organization’s name, logo, fund raising URL, and even include your school or team colors.

If one or more of these chocolate bar varieties are not what certain groups prefer, they are able create customized chocolate bar cases. Boxes can be customized to contain the bars thought to be most appropriate for the sale.

Working with Palmer, the fundraising coordinator will determine the amount of product needed to meet the fundraising goal. Once that is determined the cases will be shipped to the school. Any unopened boxes can be returned at the end of the fundraiser, but due to the popularity of the

A large donation World’s Finest Chocolate is delivered to health care workers at Aurora Sinai Hospital.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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LA GRANGE | $824,900 One of the best locations on the lake! Great swimming and sunsets right across the street from the golf course - best of both worlds! Four BR, 2.5 BA two story with a walkout lower level. Features an updated galley kitchen with dinette, living room with a wonderful lake view, large deck and screened porch. Master bedroom has a full bath, plus three more bedrooms and full bath on the second floor. Main floor laundry for easy access. Dry boat house with deck above offering extended lake views. Two car garage with storage closet off of lower level. MLS#1701402

MILL LAKE | $299,000 One of the last lakefront lots left! This lakefront lot features 65’ of frontage on a small bay minutes off of Mill Lake. Level lakefront yard leads to your pier. Lot is wooded with slope ideal for walkout lower level. Build the home of your lakefront dreams!

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HONEY CREEK` | $679,900 An ‘Up North’ retreat...right in Honey Creek! You won’t have to drive hours to enjoy peace and quiet in this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Custom built Tamarack log cabin. Nestled on 5+ acres, this home is the full package. Enjoy the open concept design - bright and airy interior Tamarack wood log walls, hardwood flooring, and custom finishes throughout. The master bedroom boasts an en suite bathroom, complete with radiant heating in the ceramic flooring and jacuzzi tub, with views of nature. Two additional bedrooms offer flexibility for bedroom space, or home office space. The living room and kitchen offer a welcoming atmosphere - a wood burning fireplace provides both coziness and the ability to heat the home with wood-burning external boiler. 40 x 50 pole barn with water. MLS#1725836

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

WILLIAMS BAY | $59,900 Within walking distance to all of what Williams Bay has to offer, you’ll find this private wood just under an acre (0.90) lot at the end of a dead end street. Possible walk out lower level could be incorporated into the design of your dream home.

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27

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APRIL 2021

chocolate bars, large returns are rare.

Other options

While the World’s Finest Chocolate bars are the best known of the company’s products, they are also known for their Continental Collection items, which are often used for corporate gifts. These individually wrapped pieces of chocolate include such selections as pecan patties, caramel rolls or chocolate almonds. These selections usually sell for $7 to $8. For some of the sales, the students may get a catalogue of these higher end items that can be ordered.

So why choose World’s Finest Chocolate for your fundraiser? The program provides a high rate of return. If you order 700 cases and sell them, your group will receive a 50% profit. Not in need of that many, order 50 or more cases and receive a 45% profit. Even smaller groups that only need to order less than 50 cases will still receive a 40% profit.

There are no upfront costs and public and Catholic schools are automatically preapproved for credit. Other credit worthy schools, organizations, and individuals can apply for credit.

A profit guarantee is included. According to the website, if your group doesn’t earn as much as your previous similar fundraiser, World’s Finest Chocolate will match the previous profits plus add an additional 10%.

“Most organizations are so pleased with the outcome of their fundraiser that they hold a fundraiser yearly,” Palmer said. “In addition to the money earned for selling the chocolate bars, there are also incentives for those who meet their goals.”

An easy sell

In the past, students going door to door often sold the candy. Due to the pandemic and other safety concerns, today most of the candy is sold by the students to family and friends.

Parents will often take the candy to work to sell to co-workers and sometimes place it on their desk where co-workers will purchase them especially if they are in need of an afternoon snack.

In the past, they have also been allowed to sell their candy bars in front of grocery stores.

This past year that has not been a good option, although with increased vaccination and the reduction of active COVID-19 cases, this method of selling may return.

Chocolate has a shelf life of about one year if it is properly stored, meaning some people buy an ample supply to last them months. It must remain wrapped and kept in an environment of 65 to 70 degrees. It’s the antidote to a chocolate lover’s cravings.

“Last year because of the pandemic, I donated 60,000 chocolate bars to local frontline workers and first responders as a thank you for their hard work during this difficult time,” Palmer said.

To learn more about setting up a fundraiser, visit the website worldsfinestfundraisers.com or contact Palmer at 708-533-1985.

from top: World’s Finest Chocolate representative Brian Palmer (left) with member of the Algonquin, Illinois, Police Department as he donates boxes of World’s Finest Chocolate to first responders; Most people enjoy a chocolate treat and World’s Finest Chocolate was happy to donate boxes of chocolate bars to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

29

Wearing their hearts on their sleeves What started online leads to a storefront selling T-shirts

by Mike Ramczyk CORRESPONDENT

Quotes & Cotton is simple concept.

Friends Megan Swederski and Allie Zusan sell T-shirts that are cotton, with quotes on them – “Support Local” to name one.

The women, both in their early 30s, had a grand opening at their store in downtown Burlington in late February, 12 months after starting their business online.

Thanks to social media prowess from Zusan combined with creative clothing designs from Swederski, Quotes & Cotton built a following.

Slowly, word got around, and, according to Zusan and her husband Ben, the company generated approximately $40,000 in its first year.

Not too bad for something two friends just did for fun.

A little more than 365 days later, Quotes & Cotton was part of a downtown Burlington district, which has seen Low Daily, The Runaway, Hopscotch Cakery, The Loop Commons, Hansen’s, Rooted Hair Co., the Jean Dibble Portrait Studio and Rustic Roots all open their doors either right before the COVID-19 pandemic or during.

It’s a good time to be a business owner in Burlington, and the hits keep on coming.

Swederski and Zusan hope to ride the wave.

A chance encounter On a chance encounter, Zusan’s oldest child of three, Henry, needed a children’s photographer.

OK, Henry didn’t need photos, but Allie was looking to do something nice for the family.

All jokes aside, it turned out Swederski was a professional photographer shooting mostly children’s photos, and they hit it off during their photo shoot.

“She booked me, and that’s how we met,” Swederski said.

“We became instant friends,” added Zusan.

In 2019, the women took a “girl’s trip,” and Swederski said that’s how the idea of Quotes & Cotton materialized.

They drove to the Quad Cities in Iowa – Davenport, to be specific – because they like finding small, cute stores in different towns and shopping – like a lot of people like to do.

“Specialty clothing,” Zusan said.

“We want people to come here and find 30

Business owners Allie Zusan (left) and Megan Swederski recently opened their T-shirt shop at 615 N. Pine St., Burlington. The two started the business as an online venture a year before opening the traditional store.

MIKE RAMCZYK Spirit of Geneva Lakes

something where they can dress up, they can dress down...it started as Simply Stated Tees, which started in February 2020.”

Storefront becomes reality “In Davenport, we were like ‘Gosh, we love this, we could totally do this,’” Zusan said.

Swederski said they were just going there to shop for Christmas presents, and magic ensued.

“We went to dinner and started drinking too much wine,” said Zusan, who was halfserious about the drinking but 100% about their passion for shopping.

Swederski designs every shirt, and each one is inspired by a quote or some other simple message.

All shirts that have words on them are designed by Swederski and Zusan.

The stuff without words? They get those garments from a wholesaler.

There’s been plenty of local love from APRIL 2021

other area businesses. Hansen’s Screen Printing of Elkhorn makes their visions realities, since Swederski uses Adobe Illustrator to create her idea visually and then sends it to Nate Hansen.

“We couldn’t find a storefront back in September, we literally woke up one morning and decided we wanted a store,” Zusan said. “We are definitely taking a risk. No loans or anything, we are all selffunded.”

The women rent the space from the Rizzo & Diersen law firm, located in the same large building but wrapped around to the west on Milwaukee Avenue.

“We signed our lease Nov. 1, my husband painted, and it was a done deal,” Zusan said.

“We had everything designed and ready to go.”

Quotes & Cotton is at 615 N. Pine St., Burlington. You can find it on Facebook and Instagram, or on the web at quotesandcotton. com.

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