March 2023 Spirit

GREEN

IT’S COMIN’ UP MARCH EVENTS

Editor’s note: With uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and its potential to disrupt events throughout the area, readers are advised to call ahead to verify dates and times.

March 1 to 8, 15 to 22 and 29 to April 5: Ballroom Dance Classes –Badger Community Education is offering ballroom dancing lessons at Lake Geneva Middle School, 208 E. South St., Wednesdays 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Instructors Richard and Virginia Travis have performed dance around the world and appeared on various TV shows in the late 1960s and 70s. All skill levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Registration required at 262-3482006. Cost is $63.

3 to 5 Steel Magnolias: The Lakeland Players will present Steel Magnolias at the Historic Sprague Theatre, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 and available at 262-4413924.

12 and 13 Open auditions:

The Lakeland Players are having open auditions for their upcoming production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Auditions will be at 5 p.m. March 12 and 7 p.m. March 13 at the Historic Sprague Theatre, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Performances are set or May 12, 13, 14, 19 and 21. Be prepared to read cold from the script. Know the music and bring shoes for dancing.

13 Monday Movies with Black Point Estate: Enjoy a critically acclaimed film at the public library every second Monday from November to April. Each film session will include an introduction by Dave Desimone of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Desimone will lead a group discussion following each film. Here is the schedule: The Great Dictator; March 13; The Battle of Algiers, April

10. Movies all begin at 2 p.m. at the Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main Street.

Ongoing events

Tristan Crist Magic Theater –609 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. One of a kind performer that wows audiences with with, jaw-dropping illusions and gut-wrenching escapes! For show dates and times call 262-248-0505 or visit www.lakegenevamagic.com.

Dancing Horses Show – at The Dancing Horses Theatre, 5065 Highway 50, Delavan. This dazzling spectacle features an array of horse breeds that perform alongside their trainers in this cavalcade of equestrian artistry. Visually stunning, and performed in a state-of-theart, 300-seat theatre. For show dates, ticket prices and additional information call (262) 728-8200, or visit thedancinghorses.com

Abominable Snow Race – Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, N3232 County Road H, Lake Geneva. The Abominable Snow Race is a winter obstacle race set in the trails and hills at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures. Fun for the whole family, our five-mile course with 20 winterthemed obstacles challenges you to connect with your inner Yeti.

The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including area chambers of commerce and the Walworth County Visitors Bureau, and contains events available as of press time.

Events, dates and times may change or events may be canceled. We suggest you visit verify event times, dates and locations prior to making travel plans.

GENERAL MANAGER Sue Z. Lange EDITOR IN CHIEF Tracy Ouellette

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Heather Ruenz

SALES

Pete Hansen

Tamera Hamilton

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR

Lindy Sweet

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.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY HAS A RICH HISTORY Green Celebrating the

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

s the month of March opens, we appreciate that it is the month of green. The time when the snow begins to melt and some patches of green may begin to appear in our yards. But frequently these little bits of green are short lived as we never know when another snow storm may appear and cover them.

The true green that appears in March is the green clothing that appears on everyone as the middle of the month approaches, specifically March 17, the feast of St. Patrick of Ireland.

On this day, everyone becomes a bit Irish as they join in activities honoring St. Patrick and enjoying traditional Irish foods.

In some communities, especially those with high Irish heritage, the tradition of honoring St. Patrick’s Day is not only a day

but often a weekend event, highlighted with parades, music festivals, dressing in green, enjoying traditional Irish foods, and Irish beverages, including green beer, drinks made with Jameson’s whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Irish coffee.

Below the border, that is in Chicago, there traditionally are two Irish parades –the Northside Irish and the Southside Irish parades – to honor both Irish communities in the city. They are also known for dying the Chicago River Green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Here in Wisconsin, the tradition of honoring the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day continues, without quite as much fanfare, even though everyone becomes Irish for the day and enjoys Irish food and music.

The story of St. Patrick of Ireland goes back in time to 387 A. D. when Patrick, the man who was to become the Bishop of Ireland and the patron saint of Ireland was believed to have been born. There is question as to whether he was born in

Ireland or in Britain. At that time Ireland was ruled by the Roman Empire and Patrick’s father was believed to be one of the rulers of the Empire.

According to legend, a raiding party of Ireland’s pagans and Druids managed to kidnap Patrick when he was about 14 years of age from his family’s estate in Britain and forced him to live among them as a slave. He remained in captivity until he was about 20 years of age when he escaped and was reunited with his parents.

When he returned to his parents in England, he also returned to his studies of Christianity and began to study for the priesthood. His plan was to return to Ireland and convert them to Christianity.

When he was ordained a bishop, Patrick felt he was able to begin his journey back to Ireland and work on his conversion of the land. It was not a job that he would begin alone, as he and other members of the clergy traveled to Ireland to begin the

The 2022 winners of the Trivial Blarney competition, hosted by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, at Matheson Library display their trophy.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

conversion. They were extraordinarily successful in converting the country to Catholicism, making Ireland the most Catholic country of the time.

With the work of converting the Irish, many myths and legends appeared concerning Patrick and his fellow priests. One of the best known which persists even today is that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.

History tells us this was not necessarily true, as Ireland was not known for having a large number of snakes. Some believe that the “snakes” he removed were the pagans who denied the value of Christianity. Yet, even today, many statues of St. Patrick depict him with snakes.

St. Patrick is believed to have passed away in Ireland around 460 A.D. on March 17. This date began to be celebrated in Ireland as a religious feast and to honor him after his death.

When the Irish began to immigrate to the United States, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day became more a celebration of Irish heritage. The day became a time of enjoying traditional Irish food and drink, the wearing of the green, and social activities and parades.

There is disagreement between Boston and New York as to who had the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Bostonians claim that Irish soldiers serving in the English Unit in Boston were homesick and held the

first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1737 but it was not repeated regularly.

Officially New York began holding St. Patrick’s Day parades in 1762 and have continued to host them since that time. Today they continue to claim that they were the first to have parades on St. Patrick’s Day.

Food and drink

While today we consider corned beef and cabbage the traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day meal, it was not a meal that originated in Ireland, but rather with the immigrants in New York. In Ireland the Irish traditionally ate the boiled potatoes and cabbage, but did not have any meat as it was too expensive for them to eat on a daily basis.

Upon settling in New York, where there was a large Jewish population, the Irish immigrants discovered corned beef which was relatively inexpensive and enjoyed by their Jewish neighbors. Because it was affordable, they began to eat it with their boiled cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

Today it is thought of as the most popular Irish food but it is not the only traditionally Irish food that people enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. Shepherd’s Pie is also a popular Irish dish created out of beef and sometimes lamb, vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes.

The corned beef and cabbage platter is often accompanied by fresh rye bread or Irish

soda bread to complete the meal. Corned beef sandwiches, on rye bread, and Reuben sandwiches also appear on many menus to be enjoyed during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. While many restaurants have corned beef and Reuben sandwiches on their menu, the corned beef and cabbage platter is usually only seen around St. Patrick’s Day.

Traditionally, adult beverages enjoyed with the corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day include Irish beers often colored green for the occasion, Jamison’s whiskey which is created in Ireland, and for a dessert treat, Bailey’s Irish Cream.

The tradition on St. Patrick’s Day is to raise your glass and share the traditional Irish toast “Slainte” which means to your health. It is the season to raise your glass with friends and offer the toast to their health even if it is not an alcoholic drink you are sharing.

Here in the Southern Lakes region of Wisconsin there are no scheduled parades but that does not mean the residents will not be celebrating on March 17.

Here are some area activities and restaurants known for their Irish food in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day:

Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce

at 6 p.m.,

On March 18

the Elkhorn chamber will hold the third annual Trivial

This team at the 2022 Trivial Blarney competition take the wearing of the green seriously from their green shirts to their green leis. SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Blarney at the Matheson Memorial Library. Teams of eight will compete for the coveted Trivial Blarney Trophy. Purchase tickets in advance; $250 per team. Team members will receive a St. Patty’s themed meal and green beer. Contact Elkhorn chamber for more information and to purchase tickets, www. ElkhornChamber.com.

Delavan Lions Club

The Delavan Lions Club will hold their 60th annual St. Patrick’s Dinner on March 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Geneva Ballroom at the Lake Lawn Resort. This buffet dinner will include corned beef and cabbage, and baked chicken. Tickets can be purchased from Delavan Lion’s Club members or at the Lake Lawn front desk or at the door. Cost is $25 for adults, $12 for children age 4 to 10; kids age 3 and younger eat for free. Discount for early purchase.

Egg Harbor Cafe

827 W. Main St. Lake Geneva • 262-248-1207

Located in downtown Lake

Geneva on Main Street, Egg Harbor is a favorite place to enjoy breakfast to start the day. Their egg selections always please whether eating them for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.

On St. Patrick’s Day, add an order of the corned beef hash that will be added to the menu for that day and begin your celebration of St. Patrick’s Day

Mars Resort

4098 South Shore Drive Lake Geneva

Located on the shore of Lake Como, this popular resort will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with the addition of corned beef and cabbage to their menu.

The Irish platter, will include corned beef cooked to perfection, paired with boiled cabbage, and boiled potatoes and carrots. The regular corned beef and Reuben sandwiches will be on the menu also.

While they are not planning on serving green beer, they will have a variety of Irish beers on hand for customers to enjoy. They will also be offering a

Competing in the Trivial Blarney competition builds up an appetite for Irish food, which is featured at the event.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

number of drink specials on St. Patrick’s Day. Among these is the Irish Bomb, a combination of Jamison Whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Guinness beer. Not for the light of heart or those driving.

Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn

352 Lake St. • Fontana • 262-275-3222

Located on the shore of Geneva Lake in Fontana, Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn remains a favorite casual spot for friends to get together to enjoy one of their great hamburgers and a casual drink. On St. Patrick’s Day, at Chuck’s, everyone becomes Irish for the day. Leading their menu will be Irish Stew, the traditional corned beef dinner and Reuben sandwiches.

Fitzgerald’s Genoa Junction

Highway B • Genoa City • 262-279-5200

The famous octagon house, known for its fish boil, will have an additional choice on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day March 17. The traditional corned beef

and cabbage, potatoes and carrots will be cooked outdoors in their large cauldrons to celebrate the day.

Enjoy your meal with a glass of green beer or one of their other full service cocktails.

Foley’s Irish Woods

W3905 Highway 50 •Lake Geneva

Head to Foley’s Irish Woods on March

17 to enjoy a variety of Irish dishes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

In the bar and grill, the green beer and corned beef sandwiches will make the perfect lunch.

In the main dining room, the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner will be available. The restaurant will also be serving Shepherd’s Pie, and bangers and mash, which are sausages served with mashed potatoes.

right: Enjoy a corned beef sandwich or boiled dinner at an area restaurant this St. Patrick’s Day.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

above: Attendees at the 2022 Trivia Blarney event take a break and enjoy some green beer.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Finding that special home

AREA REALTOR SPECIALIZES IN LAKEFRONT PROPERTIES

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

If you have been following the real estate market over the past couple of years, you are aware of the many changes involved in finding and purchasing a home.

Whether you are looking to upsize your current residence, downsize to a more manageable home size, relocate, or finally purchase that second home, or finding the home of your dreams, contacting a realtor to help walk you through the process is always the first and most important step in your process of acquiring that desired home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels in years, reaching an all-time low of 2.65% according to Freddie Mac. This low rate brought out buyers but unfortunately for them the number of properties available for sale could not keep up with the demand.

In 2022, inflation pushed rates up. It is expected that, as Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell, has hinted there are expected to be declines in the rates in the near future. The current rate is about 6.5% said Jerry Kroupa, real estate broker in the Elkhorn Lauderdale Lakes area. In spite of the higher rates, sales continue although there is still a shortage of properties on the market.

Kroupa has been a real estate broker in the Elkhorn, Lauderdale Lakes, Kettle

above: Broker Jerry Kroupa and his associate Andrea Cummings in the reception area at @properties/Christies International Real Estate. The area provides a pleasant welcome to customers looking to purchase or sell a property. top: The newly opened office of @properties/ Christie’s International Real Estate on the square in Elkhorn is at 102 N. Wisconsin St.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

@PROPERTIES Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Moraine area for more than 40 years and is the leading real estate agent on Lauderdale Lakes.

We reached out to Kroupa who works for @Properties/Christies International real estate out of its newly opened Elkhorn office which is on the square in downtown Elkhorn.

Kroupa said selling homes has been a very busy experience the past couple of years.

“We have especially been selling second homes. Most of the buyers are looking for homes on the water making Lauderdale Lakes a popular spot,” Kroupa said. “Lauderdale Lakes property prices are comparable to those on Delavan Lake. This makes them a good alternative to homes on Geneva Lake with their much higher costs.”

Many of those searching for that vacation property come from Illinois especially from the City of Chicago and its northern suburbs. The distance from Chicago and its northern suburbs is short enough for the owners to come up for a weekend or a few days when not able to spend a longer period of time.

“The majority of homes on Lauderdale Lakes are single family homes. Cost of these homes are based on size of the lot and the size of the home along with their location on the lake,” Kroupa said. “The cost of a home here on the lake ranges from about $600,000

to $2 Million.”

What are shoppers looking for in a vacation home?

Kroupa said they are not looking for a little cabin on the water but a full three- to fourbedroom home with three or more bathrooms. They are truly looking for a complete second home to enjoy with family and one large enough to allow them to invite friends and relatives up to enjoy time at the lake.

“Today’s buyer is also highly educated about the market. They do their research and reach out with questions appropriate for their buying interests,” Kroupa said.

Those looking for lakefront properties are those who enjoy all the water sports, including summer activities such as boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, or just sitting on the deck enjoying the water view, Kroupa said. They may also enjoy winter outdoor activities on the water such as ice fishing, ice boating or ice skating.

The past couple of years have caused a dramatic change in how customers shop for properties, both second- and fulltime homes. With limited inventory and properties selling quickly, decisions have to be made even more quickly, Kroupa said.

“In the past, prospective buyers would visit many homes until they found the house that was perfect for them and had everything they wanted. With the small number of

properties on the market within their price range, choices may be more limited,” Kroupa said. “When you find something that meets a majority of your needs, move on it quickly. Nothing stays on the market long.”

Also be prepared to pay more than the listing price. There are often multiple offers for a property, especially if it is a desirable property, and may result in a bidding war, Kroupa said. So, if one is serious about purchasing that property, be ready to place your best offer as quickly as possible.

Everyone knows when it comes to real estate that location, location, location is the most important factor in a purchase. This is true when purchasing that second home. Buyers want to be sure that the property offers the activities that are important to their family.

“Most of the people who come to purchase a lakefront property come with a specific lake or a couple of lakes in mind. They often pick the lake based on the exposure they have had on that lake. They may have been up to the lakes with family and friends so they know what is available both in activities and the types of homes located there,” Kroupa said.

While most think of a second home as being a summer home, that is not always the case. Some people may be looking for that summer home but others may also want

A beautiful waterfront home surrounded with mature trees is one of the homes sold by @properties/Christie’s International Real Estate. The perfect second home to enjoy.

@PROPERTIES Spirit of Geneva Lakes

winter activities also. Fortunately choosing a second home in the Wisconsin area allows one to participate in both summer and winter activities.

“The Kettle Moraine area is another area that attracts people looking for a second home. It is a popular place for hiking and mountain biking along with road biking in the summer and enjoying the nearby lakes. It is also as popular in the winter as it is in the summer. It is a favorite place for cross country skiing and winter hiking,” Kroupa said. ”It is another area in which we sell many properties.”

Kettle Moraine State Park offers groomed trails and beautiful scenic vistas to enjoy while skiing in the winter or hiking and biking in the warmer weather. This makes it a great area for a second home or to live year round.

“When making an offer on a property, always include a home inspection as part of the offer,” Kroupa said.

Buyers need to know what problems to expect if any and hopefully the owner will be open to some remediation if problems are found and the owner wants the sale to go through, Kroupa added. If they aren’t and it is a major problem, having the results of the inspection as part of the offer will allow the buyers the leverage to not follow through with the sale.

In addition to selling lakefront second homes, @Properties/Christies International also service buyers and sellers looking to

replace their permanent home. With an office in Elkhorn they are ready to help you successfully sell your current home and to help you find the right home for you to purchase.

“Many of our clients return as their home needs change and it is not unusual for us to work with them on 2 or three homes in their lifetimes,” Kroupa said.

According to the MLS, there were 103 sales of single family homes in Elkhorn in 2022. The sales prices ranged from a low of $135,000 to a high of $599,000 with an average price of $306,000 making Elkhorn an affordable community for a family.

Presenting a home for sale and pricing it correctly can present the property as the most desirable in its price range. @ properties/Christies International offers these suggestions for preparing your home for the market:

• Start by decluttering your home, clean it, and organize. Everyone collects excessive items when they have lived in the home for a while. Now it is time to clear the clutter;

• Maintain the exterior of the home. First impressions are important;

• Paint inside and out as needed;

• Make any needed repairs;

• Brighten your home.

• Remove pets from the home; and

• Hire a home inspector.

Following these suggestions will make your home attractive to buyers and should

help to make your sale proceed in a timely manner.

@Properties began in Chicago when realtors Mike Golden and Thad Wong recognized the need for better service and support for both agents and clients. They set out on their own in 2000 to establish @properties.

The company grew over the next two decades into one of the largest brokerage firms in the country. The company acquired Christie’s International Real Estate global network in 2021. The company continued to grow and opened offices in many new locations. It continued to expand, and improve, and looked to promote a true love for the properties that would become a family’s home.

The Elkhorn office opened in December 2022 in the city center. The white single story building at 102 Wisconsin St. with the name @properties/Christie’s International Real Estate out front.

The office is staffed with office manager Don Shea (847-833-8572), Broker Jerry Kroupa (262-949-3618), agents Lynn Haman (262-949-3124) , William Russell (262-228-2700), Kate Rozman (2362-9938293 and Sales Agent Andrea Cummings (262-492-8082) who are all available to serve you and answer your questions.

Visit @properties on the square, 102 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn or visit them on line at www.lakehomeswi.net.

Set slightly back from the waterfront on a small rise, this home listed with @properties/Christie’s International Real Estate has a beautiful view of the lake and ample room for a pier to dock the boat.

@PROPERTIES Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Caring for your furnace and air conditioning units

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Whether it is summer or winter, owning a home requires keeping track of all the maintenance needs necessary to keep a home safe and comfortable for the family. The most significant systems that require attention and maintenance are the heating and air conditioning systems that keep homes and families warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Local heating and air conditioning companies in the area all seem to agree that a yearly cleaning of the furnace and air conditioning systems is one of the most necessary maintenance needs to ensure that they will function properly throughout the season. Additionally, changing the furnace filter both during the summer and winter contributes to a well-functioning system.

Two local heating and air conditioning companies in the Southern Lakes region shared information to help homeowners receive the best performance out of their heating and air conditioning systems regardless of the season.

Westenn Mechanical

Ray Alberth, who has many years of experience in the heating and air conditioning field, is the owner of Westenn Heating and Air Conditioning in Elkhorn.

“Yes, the first important step in maintaining a healthy furnace and air conditioning system is a yearly cleaning at the beginning of the season. That must be followed by the changing of the air filters as needed, monthly for the 1-inch filters and every six months for

Nicole Mane, office manager and Nick Romain, technician at Komfort Heating and Cooling display one of the new furnaces available.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

the thicker filters,” Alberth said.

Furnaces and air conditioners are relatively big ticket items when it is required to replace them. With proper care and yearly maintenance cleanings the furnace should last 15 to 20 years before replacement is necessary, Albreth said.

“These yearly service cleanings help avoid costly breakdowns in the furnace or air conditioner during the season when it is most needed. The cleanings increase the efficiency of the furnace,” Albreth added. “Homes with pets may need to change filters more often.”

Albreth said the brand of furnace or air conditioner as long, as it is a reputable brand, is not as important as whoever does the installation. A proper installation, with proper fittings generally ensures product longevity and prevents premature failure.

“Know your installation company,” Albreth advised. “While it is not necessary to replace both the furnace and air conditioner

at the same time if only one is in need of replacing, having an installer who is familiar with the equipment and knows how to provide correct fittings is necessary.”

This past winter has been very difficult for most homeowners with the rise in gas heating prices bringing heating bills to all-time highs. Albreth said there are some steps that can be taken to help maintain a comfortable home and keep the heating or cooling bills in line.

“If you plan to be out of the house for six to eight hours or more during the day, decrease the temperature setting,” he said. “Lowering the temperature 8 to 10 degrees while gone will make a significant savings on your heating bill. There are many new types of thermostats that can also help you control the temperature with minimum effort even if you aren’t home.”

How often have you left the house for the day or a weekend and an hour or so down the road you realize you forgot to turn

the thermostat down? With the new Wi-Fi thermostats you can change the temperature in the home even before you arrive through your phone.

“Using geo-fencing, some of these thermostats will raise the temp in the building as you approach. This is a favorite for second homes as the temperature can be regulated as you advance closer to the property. When you arrive, the temp is just where you want it,” Albreth said. “With many thermostats able to be adjusted through your cell phones, controlling the heat or cooling in your home or second home becomes easy. The temp can be raised a bit at a time so that you don’t get it up to the temperature you want it to be long before you arrive.”

Most people enjoy sleeping in a little cooler atmosphere so turning down the heat before going to sleep will also help keep the cost down and allow you to sleep comfortably.

above: Fittings for a new furnace or air conditioner are fabricated at Komfort Heating and Air Conditioning specifically for the unit that is being installed. at right: Westenn’s store room holds a variety of piping and connections needed to keep your heating and air equipment working for you.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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MLS 1819679

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1781758 - 2 acres and 700’ of level frontage on Green Lake. 2 homes, main house is a stone 2 story with 6 BR, 3 BA, large eat-in ktch. 2 BR, 1BA stone cottage. Multiple piers, 17 x 29 garage, gated entrance, majority of the property protected by metal fence. $2,059,700

1786817 - Lauderdale Lakes 1.77 acre wooded corner lot with slope located on Cane Dr. Ideal country/lake location with access to boat launch. Close to Kettle Moraine trails. $99,700

above: Choose from a variety of new programmable thermostats which can be easily adjusted through your cell phone. Westenn Mechanical will help you choose the one that offers you the services that work best for you. at right: Westenn Mechanical is easily located at 990 Koopman Lane, Elkhorn. Komfort Heating and Cooling is located at 5384 Highway 11 in Elkhorn.

Winter time, when the furnace runs full time, tends to dry out the air and the furniture in a home. To combat this, it is suggested that a whole house humidifier be added if there is not one already in place to help make you more comfortable.

“Having a humidifier set at 35% to 45 % humidity will make you feel warmer at a lower temperature,” Albreth said. “Having humidity in the house is especially important if you have wood floors and fine wood furniture. The humidity, if kept at a constant level, will keep the wood from drying out and if you have a piano, it will help it stay in tune.”

If there are cold zones in a home such as one room that is always colder than others, this may be caused by improper insulation or not enough vents in the room. One way to increase the warmth of the room is to install a gas fireplace in that space. This will allow one to turn it on when needed and not run it when the space is at a comfortable temperature. It also adds visual warmth to the space.

For rooms that are too hot in the summer, a split-system air conditioner may be what is needed. These systems have a unit outside and a control for the air inside on the wall, looking somewhat like a window air conditioner but it is set in the wall.

These are especially good for homes that do not have forced air heat but have the boiler system and therefore don’t have ducting that a forced air system has.

Westenn Mechanical is at 990 Koopman Lane, Elkhorn. Reach them at 262-723-4955 or visit them on line westennheatandair.com to schedule an appointment

Komfort Heating and Air Conditioning

Komfort Heating and Cooling Inc. also makes its home in Elkhorn and has for more than 40 years.

Although it may seem early in the season to think about air conditioning, Nick Romani, a Komfort Heating and Cooling technician, said it is the time to make a call to schedule an air conditioner inspection and cleaning to be ready for the upcoming cooling season.

“Now is also the time to clear the area around the air conditioning unit. Remove all the dead brush and leaves that are near the unit to prevent them from blowing into the unit and clogging the fan blades. Also remove bushes that are growing around the air conditioner,” Romani advised. “Bushes restrict the air flow needed for the air conditioner to provide the best cooling.”

Komfort Heating and Cooling offers additional services that need to be considered on a frequent basis.

The clothes dryer vent is often

overlooked by homeowners. Just as it is important to have the air conditioner cleaned yearly, maintaining a clear dryer vent is also needed. Schedule a dryer vent cleaning when scheduling the air conditioner service.

How do you know that your clothes dryer vent needs to be cleared of the debris that builds up inside it? One of the first signs you may notice is that the clothing takes longer to dry. If the load takes longer than 40 minutes to dry, the vent may need to be cleaned.

If the clothing removed from the dryer feels exceptionally hot to the touch, it to is a sign that the dryer vent is in need of attention. Cleaning the vent is important as blocked dryer vents are frequently the cause of home fires. Cleaning the vent when you service the air conditioner will lessen the chance of a dryer fire.

“The air ducts in your home may also be in need of cleaning,” said Nick Malmin, administrative assistant at Komfort Heating. “Not every home owner thinks about the need to have them cleaned, while others

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

may worry about the need for cleaning them more often than needed.”

Malmin said they do not usually need to be cleaned yearly but only when dust has collected in them. Old houses need them done more often and homes with pets may need to do it at least every five years.

“Having the vents cleaned will result in better air filtration for the whole home,” Malmin said.

Regular cleaning of both the furnace and air conditioner are important for clean air in a home. In addition to regular furnace cleaning, Romani reminds home owners to be careful to keep objects such as salt blocks or heavy boxes off the drain line from the furnace.

“If the drain line is crushed due to weight on it, water backs up into the furnace and may cause damage,” Romani added.

To keep the cold air out in winter, close all the drapes at night and to keep the heat out in the hot weather, keep windows and drapes closed during the day while the air conditioning is on. Also remember to shut off the rooms that you don’t use to cut down on heat or air usage. The exception to closing off a room you don’t use in winter is if it is a room with running water such as an extra bathroom or kitchen. If it is truly cold the pipes could freeze.

Komfort Heating and Cooling is at 5384 WI-11, Elkhorn. They can be reached at 262-723-2662. Visit them online at comfortheating.com.

Ray Albreth, owner of Westenn Mechanical Contractors, stands beside one of his company trucks. Westenn installs and services heating and air conditioning units.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

On the garden path

New winning flower and vegetable varieties

It’s never too early to start planning new additions to this year’s gardens and containers. Start compiling your list now so you are ready to place your seed order or buy plants early when the selection is the greatest.

Consider including a few AllAmerica Selections winners. These plants have been “tested nationally and proven locally” for their superior performance in home gardens and containers. Grow a few of these 2023 flower winners for a new look to some long-time favorites.

by Melinda Myers CONTRIBUTOR

The strong stems of Doubleshot snapdragons produce a plethora of stunning orange flowers all season.

Coral Candy Coleus is part of the Premium Sun series of coleus. It is the first coleus grown from seed to be selected as an AAS Winner. This uniformly compact coleus has unique narrow, serrated, multicolored leaves. The AAS judges found this variety maintained the color even when grown in full sun. It performed well all season and had almost no flowers. You will only need three seeds to fill a 14 to 16” container.

Bring a bit of the tropics to your garden, patio, or balcony with Royal Hawaiian Waikiki colocasia. This beautiful elephant ear wowed the judges with its sturdy burgundy stems and large glossy leaves featuring pink veins and creamy white centers. Waikiki reveals these striking colors earlier than other variegated colocasia. This compact variety holds up well in wind and rain.

The stunning orange flowers of Doubleshot snapdragons will have you looking for spaces in the garden and containers to include this winner. This 18to 20-inch tall snapdragon features openfaced double flowers that start out in shades of orange and orange-red transitioning to a dusty shade as they age. Its strong stems produce lots of flower-filled branches all season long that don’t break off in high winds.

Blue By You salvia is bursting with bright blue flowers from late spring into fall when spent flowers are removed. This perennial blooms up to two weeks earlier than similar varieties already on the market. It was tested over three seasons, including winters and proven to be hardy in zones 4b to 9a. It is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, makes a great cut flower, is

suitable for containers, and is heat tolerant. All this and it’s less favored by deer and rabbits.

Make space in the vegetable garden for the high-yielding Kabocha Sweet Jade winter squash. The fruit weighs between one and two pounds, making it perfect for single servings of squash, as an edible soup bowl, or added to a variety of Asian-style dishes where a sweet, earthy nutritious squash is typically recommended. Roast, bake, or puree Sweet Jade’s deep orange flesh that has a dry texture with a sweet flavor.

Grow San Joaquin jalapeno pepper when looking for big harvests in a short timeframe. This means you’ll have lots of peppers available for canning, pickling, and serving roasted and stuffed to large groups of guests. Leave them on the plant longer, allowing them to turn a beautiful red while

maintaining their flavor. These thick-walled peppers have just a hint of heat at 2,500 to 6,000 Scoville units.

Make room in your gardens and containers for these and other winning varieties. Adding new introductions that have been trialed by horticulture professionals across North America helps increase your gardening success.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released “Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition” and Small Space Gardening.” She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www. MelindaMyers.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICAN SELECTIONS Spirit of Geneva Lakes

balloon Larger than life Artistry

Lake Geneva to host Big Balloon Build in March

by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Sara Meyer, owner of Lake Geneva-based Wisconsin Balloon Decor, always wanted to host The Big Balloon Build since she first participated in the larger than life event in Indiana.

Sara Meyer

She recalled her initial exposure to the event, where dozens of artists from around the world filled a Vincennes venue, which she said she found impressive.

“It was the largest installation I’ve ever been a part of, which was incredible,” Meyer said. “But when I saw the impact the event was having on the community, I knew I wanted to bring it home.”

That event raised $120,000 for local charities.

Considering the tremendous impact and artists’ displays, Meyer applied to host the event in Lake Geneva.

If you go…

WHAT: The Big Balloon Build

WHEN: March 23 to 26

WHERE: Covenant Harbor, 1724 W. Main St. (Hwy. 50) Lake Geneva

TICKETS: www.wisconsin balloondecor.com

After the application process, The Big Balloon selected Meyer and Wisconsin Balloon Decor to serve as host for the 2023 event, which will be held at Covenant Harbor March 23 to 26.

All proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit groups Inspiration Ministries

and Inspired Coffee, both of which serve people with disabilities. Kunes RV will serve as signature sponsor, which played a critical role in helping Lake Geneva host The Big Balloon Build – the third time it’s being held in the United States.

“After the location is selected, it’s up to the host to find a venue, local charity and sponsor to support the event,” Meyer said. “So, without Inspiration Ministries as the charity, RVPanda and Kunes RV as our

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presenting sponsor, and Covenant Harbor as our location, the event wouldn’t be possible.”

Tickets went on sale last month for the build, which will include a breakfast, comedy show and an invite-only balloon popping party.

The comedy show slated for 7 p.m. on March 24 will feature award-winning Kerri Pomarolli, who has worked with other comedians including Jay Leno, Jim Carey and Jerry Lewis.

“She’s been featured on the Tonight Show 29 times and has appeared on nearly every major network,” a news release states.

Sara Meyer, owner of Wisconsin Balloon Decor, will present The Big Balloon Build set for March in Lake Geneva.

PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Schedule of events

Friday, March 24

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Local school children in grades 1 through 4 will visit

• 7 p.m. – A night of “In-Tents” laughter with award-winning comedian Kerri Pomarolli

Saturday, March 25

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Ultimate Balloon Experience (Includes a buffet breakfast and a visit with the Easter Bunny in his burrow)

• 1 to 8 p.m. – General admission to the build (guests are asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food for the Fill the RV Food Drive to benefit local food pantries)

Sunday, March 26

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Ultimate Balloon Experience (Includes a buffet breakfast and a visit with the Easter Bunny in his burrow)

• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – General admission to the build (guests are asked to bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Fill the RV Food Drive to benefit local food pantries)

• 6 p.m. – Invite-only balloon popping party

Exploring the outdoors

Meyer said the event will bring in 75 balloon artists from all the over the world and promises to transform the Covenant Harbor Jackson Family Center gym into a magical experience designed with more than 100,000 balloons.

This year’s theme – “Inspired by the Great Outdoors” – will feature plenty of larger-than-life balloon arrangements and artists will use expressions from nature, according to Meyer.

“We are creating 20-foot tall trees, giants butterflies overhead, waterfalls and campgrounds, animal families, and of course, a burrow for photos with our Easter Bunny,” she said. “With 75 artists working eight hours a day for four days, that’s 2,400 man-hours from some of the most talented artists in the world. The result will be unimaginable.”

Other features planned include a lifesized RV, hiking paths and campsites.

Meyer said while people will experience the outdoors, the best part of the event is that it’s global.

She contaced artists friends and peers in the industry all of whom own and operate their own businesses.

“The best part of working with balloon

Sara Meyer and her company, along with Kunes RV as signature sponsor, will bring The Big Balloon Build to Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva March 24-26. The event will allow visitors to stroll through colorful displays created with thousands of balloons. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit groups Inspiration Ministries and Inspired Coffee, both of which serve people with disabilities.

artists is that they are all very creative. So the skill and talent will be mind-blowing, but so is the story telling. It will feel like you are walking through a child’s storybook,” Meyer explained.

The artists will complete the build on March 23 and turn the Covenant Harbor gymnasium into a “woodland wonderland” for visitors attending the event.

“The builders come for the experience and out of generosity,” Meyer said. “I will absolutely be traveling to future builds around the country to pay it forward.”

Community collaboration

The Big Balloon Build took collaboration, including support from sponsors, as well as promotion from Visit Lake Geneva.

Receiving support from sponsors boiled down to reaching out to both businesses, Meyer said.

“They saw the vision immediately and wanted to be involved. It was a total blessing because without them we probably wouldn’t have been selected,” Meyer said. “Not only were they excited about the balloons, but the idea that the entire event gives back to the community. They are also sponsoring the Friday school visits so hundreds of children in Walworth County will get to be the first to enjoy the build.”

Once approved as the location, Visit Lake Geneva stepped in and helped promote and

support The Big Balloon Build, Meyer said. Additionally, as part of serving as hosts, Meyer and Wisconsin Balloon Decor selected Inspiration Ministries and Inspire Coffee as the lead beneficiaries of the event. Meyer, of Lake Geneva, said she chose those two nonprofits because both organizations have a mission to help adults with disabilities meet their objectives.

Inspiration Ministries, according to a news release, is a place where residents can grow, work, mature in their faith, and lead productive joy-filled lives.

“We’ve enriched the lives of adults with disabilities who call Inspration Ministries home for more than 70 years,” the news release stated. “We believe in opening a world of possibilities for people with disabilities.”

Inspired Coffee is a neighborhood coffee shop in downtown Lake Geneva that employs people with disabilities who are trained and coached with a goal of being placed into a fully integrated work setting.

“The Big Balloon Build is 100% dedicated to the charity and it’s the most important component. Without the proceeds going to a good cause, I don’t think we would have the community or artist support that we are seeing,” Meyer said. “When people get to enjoy what they are doing and give to charity, it’s a really powerful combination.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of Geneva Lakes

DiningDirectory

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 avail., call ahead & will have it hot ready to go. 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, $$

LOCAL FOLKS RESTAURANT & PUB • 39601 60th St. (Slades Corners), Burlington. 262-539-3200. Open 6am every morning! B, L, D, $, FF,  

PINE STREET CAFE • 141 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI 53105. 262-763-9800. Homestyle food made from scratch daily using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner. Fish Fry Every Friday. Sunday 6am - 3pm. Monday - Saturday 6am - 8pm. $$, B, L, D, FF, 

FRED’S PARKVIEW • 596 N. Pine St. Burlington, WI. 262-763-8370. “World’s Best Burgers.” Bone-in Wing Night On Tuesdays. www.freds-burgers.com. $, L, D, 

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

Call for Carry Out & Delivery Options

CHRIS’ USA • 724 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. 262-763-9968. Popular Friday Fish Fry. Beer Battered or Baked Cod with your choice of potato pancakes or french fries and coleslaw. Perch Dinner Available. $$, FF

EAST TROY BREWERY • 2905 Main St. on the Historic Square, East Troy. 262-642-2670. Go to www.etbrew.com for an updated menu. Historic 1892 bank turned brewery/restaurant. Craft beer and a great menu with seasonal specials. Find us on Facebook. Wed.-Thurs. 4-9pm; Fri.-Sat. 12-10pm; Sun. 12-6pm. L, D, $$, GF, FF

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

MARCH 2023

Who is Martha Hayden?

Martha Hayden is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She studied in Austria with the Expressionist painter, Oskar Kokoschka.

Hayden divides her time between New York City and Sharon. She is included in many public collections, including those of the Museo do Arte Moderno, Sao Paulo, Brazil, California College of Arts and Crafts, the Brooklyn Museum, The British Museum Library, and The Yale University Library. She has shown at the Art Institute of Chicago, Milwaukee Museum of Art, Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, El Paso (Texas) Museum and many others. Her work has been in over 450 regional and national exhibitions.

Source: MarthaHayden.com.

A familiar view for Hayden Painting of next door brings area artist award from RAM

by Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

For decades, Sharon resident Martha Hayden has shared her artwork locally, nationally and even internationally.

A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Hayden’s paintings range from still lifes to plein air to the mural at the Beloit Municipal Building –Wisconsin’s largest landscape painting.

But Hayden kept her latest honor in state, as she earned the RuthAnn Pettibone Memorial Purchase Award

at the recent Racine Art Museum’s Watercolor Wisconsin 2022 statewide competition.

Hayden’s piece, called “Red House in Summer,” was announced Dec. 11 at the preview reception and awards ceremony at the Racine Art Museum’s Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Art.

Hayden said the red house – located next to hers in Sharon – is something she has painted hundreds of times. She continues to revisit the home because of the “tower” at the top of the house and its

coloring.

She said she painted this version from her back porch and utilized the contrast between the greenery and the red of the house.

“When you really look at it, it’s a pretty spectacular house,” she said. “It’s a good lesson in reds. When you get up close to it, it’s not really red at all.”

Hayden used gouache for the painting, a different kind of watercolor. Gouache doesn’t absorb into paper in the same way watercolor and other paints do. It remains

This painting by Sharon artist Martha Hayden, entitled “Red House in Summer,” was recently purchased by the Racine Art Museum as part of its permanent collection through the Watercolor Wisconsin 2022 statewide competition.

on the paper’s surface, in a thick and opaque layer, which allowed her to come back and continue to alter the colors as needed.

The painting will now be part of the permanent collection at RAM – one of a few of Hayden’s works that are there.

Sharon has proved to be an ideal location for Hayden, who moved there in 1962 and has considered it her home since.

“It’s a very pretty area,” she said. “Sometimes I wish I had gone farther north. I still think it’s a good location.”

The location is more or less central to Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago, she said, allowing her to exhibit in all three cities.

“We needed a place to work,” she added. “It was an abandoned house, so it’s been an incredible amount of work.

“It’s been worth it,” she said.

Plans for the future continue to include travel for Hayden, who will paint outdoors this summer along with one of her daughters.

She is also planning on participating in the 57th Street Air Fair in Chicago in June – the oldest art fair in the Midwest.

“This was the first one, and it’s still going,” Hayden said.

RuthAnn Pettibone Memorial Purchase Award winners can be found at the Racine Art Museum’s website, ramart. org.

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