OCTOBER 2020

Autumn Bride inside

Vol . 32 No. 10

COMPLIMENTARY COPY • Since 19 89

CRISP, SWEET AND TART Apples and autumn go hand in hand

WATER PATROL MARKS 100 YEARS FIND YOUR PERFECT CATERER FALL ADVENTURE AT THE ORCHARD

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Made on site you’ll love our apple cider and award winning wines.

With 13 apple varieties pick us, pick fresh, pick Apple Barn.

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Visit our website for fall store hours and picking schedule.

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Advertiser’s index

Dinner on the rails.................................................4 Apple orchards offer fall fun...........................................5 Autumn Bride.....................................................9 Caterers make the day complete.................................. 11 Wedding venues abound in area..................................... 19 Dining guide...................................................22 A century of water safety.........................................25 New brewery is a family affair....................................30

ON THE COVER

An apple a day There’s some truth behind that old adage. Not only are apples good for you, they are a seasonal treat that offers a range of flavors for every preference – from sweet to tart. In addition, apple orchards offer great family outings each fall for those who like to pick their own or those who prefer to simply pick up a bag of locally grown apples. And what’s better than a warm cup of cider on a crisp autumn day? See page 5 for more on our local orchards.

Abbey Springs.................................................14 AeppelTreow Winery.................................6 Allied Senior Services.............................28 Always Remember That..........................8 AMB Roofing & Sheet Metal.............24 Apple Barn Orchard and Winery..... 2 B&J Tree & Landscaping.........................6 Bella Vita Banquets....................................21 Best Bargains...................................................18 Brightonwoods Orchard...........................8 Bruno’s Liquors...............................................12 Burtness Chevrolet Buick GMC..... 10 Caravelle Lighting....................................... 10 Carpets Plus Outlet, Inc............................8 East Troy Brewery.......................................22 Evergreen Country Club........................16 Foley’s Irish Woods...........................22, 26 Ginger Blossom............................................22 Gino’s East Pizzeria.............................12, 22 Hafs Road Orchard....................................24 Jonathan’s on Brick Street..................22 Keefe Real Estate........................................28 Koch Kuts............................................................26 Luisa’s Restaurant.............................. 22, 28 Mars Resort.......................................................22 Mia Faccia...........................................................20 Oh My Gauze....................................................31 Pats Services Inc...........................................14 Reesman’s Exc. & Grading..................32 Riga-Tony’s........................................................22 Sandy’s Upscale Consignment.........8 Saxony Manor, LLC....................................20 Sophisticatering.............................................14 Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub...........22 Stowell’s Catering Service...................14 The Bottle Shop.............................................18 The Jewelry Center....................................18 Treasure Hut......................................................16 Wilson Farm Meats...................................24 Ye Olde Hotel............................................... 22

FILE PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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The

Spirit IS A PUBLICATION OF

GENERAL MANAGER

Dining in style East Troy Railroad resumes dinner trains

The East Troy Electric Railroad has resumed offering the railroad’s popular dinner trains.

Only a limited number of tickets are available to assure that passengers can be seated a safe distance from other groups on the train. The railroad has installed new air filters and air ionization systems to improve passenger safety.

“We’ve installed new air filters and a pinpoint bipolar ionization system in both of our dining cars,“ East Troy Railroad Museum President Ryan Jonas said. “This combination will reduce the risk for spread of any viruses and provides a clean, fresh and comfortable environment for our unique dining experiences.”

Five dinner train events are planned for the fall 2020 season; they include: • Oct. 3 – Oktoberfest with German sauerbraten, brussels sprouts, bacon and dessert; • Oct. 10 – Autumn Glow with Tuscan chicken or whisky-glazed brisket, potatoes and dessert; • Oct. 17 – Sweetest Day is sold out; • Oct. 24 – Adult Halloween, featuring wear a favorite costume to enjoy cider marinated short ribs or a bourbon brown sugar chicken quarter, potatoes and dessert.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.easttroyrr.org/dining-service where diners will be able to select the desired dinner trains and read more about the details

of the menu for each of the available trains.

Harvest Fest update A new schedule and available tickets have been posted for trains traveling to the Elegant Farmer during weekend Harvest Fest events, which continue to Oct. 25.

Passengers will have time to shop before re-boarding their train to return to East Troy.

Passengers must purchase tickets ahead of time for a specific train during this time.

The railroad recommends that riders return to the Elegant Farmer by car to enjoy activities requiring more time, such as apple picking, hay rides or the corn maze.

About the railroad The East Troy Railroad Museum operates 14-mile round trip train rides from its historic East Troy depot and museum to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago, with a stop at the popular Elegant Farmer store and deli.

The railroad is celebrating 113 years of riding the rails through southeast Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine countryside.

The not-for-profit museum is operated, maintained and managed by more than 130 volunteers dedicated to engaging visitors in the heritage of electric interurban railways and trolley systems through restoration, preservation and operation of historic equipment.

For more information, visit www. easttroyrr.org or call 262.642.3263.

The East Troy Railroad will feature its popular dinner trains this fall. Space is limited to allow for social distancing and the trains are filling up fast, so book a spot as soon as possible.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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OCTOBER 2020

Sue Z. Lange EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ed Nadolski ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Heidi Schulz SALES

Pete Hansen Tamera Hamilton SPECIAL SECTIONS

Karen Dubinsky DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Tom Flatow

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.

Send all correspondence to:

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Explore an Orchard APPLE SEASON HAS ARRIVED

by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

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he Wisconsin Department of Tourism calls exploring an apple orchard a ritual for many people young and old.

Travel Wisconsin, the official Department of Tourism website, said the routine began as a fall attraction for children has now included elements ideal for any family member.

“What started as a tradition mostly for children has grown into a favorite fall activity for everyone,” Travel Wisconsin

says on its website.

The fall activity, according to the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, officially launched in late August.

The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, a nonprofit organization, consists of 122 member orchards statewide.

“The trees are heavy with ripening apples and it’s time to plan a visit to your favorite orchard,” said Anna Meanner, executive director of the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association in an Aug. 26 news release.

The nonprofit group lists several options in the Southern Lakes Newspapers region on its website including orchards in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth and Waukesha counties.

Brightonwoods Orchard, 1072 288th Ave., Burlington, is one of nine members

listed and has been in business for seven decades.

Travel Wisconsin named Brightonwoods Orchard among the top five orchards to visit in the state. The tourism agency highlighted Brightonwoods’ homemade jams, jellies and freshly pressed apple cider.

Brightonwoods Orchard is a state- and federal-certified producer of apple cider.

Established in 1950 as a weekend retreat, Brightonwoods Orchard grew from a hobby orchard spanning three acres to nearly 20 acres, according to co-owner Bill Stone.

Stone owns the orchard with his wife, Judith, and Judith’s sister, Paula Puntenney.

Brightonwoods, which employs 15 staff members, places an emphasis on preserving heirloom varieties while

Zachary Reinzel, of Brightonwoods Orchard, picks a few apples off a tree on the Town of Brighton property in Kenosha County.

JASON ARNDT Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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introducing newer breeds.

Additionally, Brightonwoods carries Wisconsin cheese products, spreadable cheese from Glas All Natural Products and locally produced honey.

AeppelTreow Winery and Distillery is a separate business on-site at Brightonwoods Orchard and produces apple and pear fruit wines, hard ciders and dessert wines.

Stone said visitors should expect a favorable crop for the apple orchard season because of low disease impacts and relatively consistent weather.

“The crop, overall, looks excellent this year,” said Stone. “I talked to some of my friends in the area, out of the area, and everybody seems to have a good crop.”

Apple Storage Tips • Store a small quantity of apples in a plastic bag before placing them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator set between 34 and 40 degrees.

Don’t allow them to freeze.

Apples can absorb odors from other foods, keeping apples in plastic bags prevents this and helps apples retain their own moisture.

• Apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated. One or two days sitting on a counter top and the fresh crunch of your apple is lost forever.

• Lemon juice helps prevent apple discoloration.

Sprinkle a little lemon juice on sliced apples before adding to salads.

Safety precautions The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has changed normal routines for nearly all industries in Wisconsin.

But the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association and members like Brightonwoods Orchard have taken extra precautions to ensure a safe outing for families.

“The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association held a COVID-prepared webinar for our orchards,” Meanner said.

“They are ready to offer you a safe, fun experience.”

Brightonwoods Orchards is requiring visitors to wear masks inside all buildings and encourages six-foot social distancing guidelines.

Unlike previous years, sampling of cider, apples or cheese will not be offered.

Brightonwoods Orchard still offers benefits for visitors, including families, such as leisurely strolls through the orchard.

“We closed our treehouse, but we have walking trails and orchard trails, if they

Source: The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association

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want to get some exercise,” said Stone, adding Brightonwoods is not a pick-yourown orchard.

Brightonwoods Orchard encourages families to visit and has seating available for people who look to stay around a bit longer.

“Exploring an orchard is a family thing, we have picnic tables scattered further apart (for them),” Stone said.

He suggests wearing a long-sleeved shirt or carry insect repellant under cloudy skies to ward off mosquitoes. The mosquitoes typically stay away when there is sunshine.

Stone, meanwhile, said Brightonwoods Orchard saw an encouraging start to the season during the first weekend Aug. 29 and 30.

“Sales were almost identical. It was amazing and the same as last year on the same weekend,” he said. “That was encouraging.”

Bursting with flavor Vibrant colors, multiple apple varieties, including the popular Honeycrisp, will greet visitors when they head to Brightonwoods Orchard.

“They should see a lot of different colors – green apples, yellow apples, orange apples,” Stone said.

Honeycrisp apples were produced from a 1960 cross of Macon and Honeygold as part of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program intended to create a highquality product.

Today, millions of Honeycrisp apple trees are grown across the United States and Canada, according to the University of

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Minnesota. “Honeycrisp is crisp, juicy, tart and packed with flavor,� Stone said.

Other varieties at the orchard include Zestar, Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Americus Crab, Red Cortland, and many more breeds.

Brightonwoods Orchard, as of Sept. 3, has more than 15 apple varieties on sale with more coming up as the fruit ripens in the field.

The orchard operates 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily until November.

For information, visit www. theapplebarn orchardandwinery. com or call 262-728-3266 for information.

Hafs Road Orchard, Genoa City In operation since the 1930s when it had 400 trees, Hafs Road Orchard has expanded since Richard and Debbie Polansky bought the 14-acre plot in 1982.

Hafs Road Orchard, W632 Hafs Road, Genoa City has more than 40 varieties of apples including the Honeycrisp. The orchard has more than 1,000 Honeycrisp trees on the property.

The orchard is open noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more information, visit www.hafsroadorchard.com or call 262-279-3638.

Nearby Orchards The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association has searchable list of nearby orchards accessible online at www.wisconsinapplegrowers. org.

Here is a brief look at other area orchards:

Apple Barn Orchard, Elkhorn

FROM TOP: Brightonwoods Orchard offers many trails for customers during operating hours. Visitors will see many colors and hues as they walk through the orchard; Brightonwoods Orchard features many apple varieties and an assortment of colors.

JASON ARNDT Spirit of Geneva Lakes

The Apple Barn, W6384 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn, is an orchard owned by Steve and Judy Jacobson on land the family has owned since 1848.

While the Apple Barn offers apples, there are other items available for purchase, such as baked goods from pies to cobblers and muffins.

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Food makes the celebration complete

Autumn Bride

The right caterer makes for a perfect wedding day

by Sandra Landen Machaj

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CORRESPONDENT

hile there are a variety of caterers available to provide the food for a perfect wedding, not all create the same quality of foods or styles of dinners.

Each caterer has a unique manner of creating memorable meals and food presentations.

Every couple planning a wedding has a different thought about what they need to produce their perfect day. They pick a venue that reflects their style, whether it is an elegant ballroom or one of the more casual barn venues that have become popular in recent times. In addition, they must find a caterer that will produce just the right dinner for their wedding guests.

The place to begin your search for that perfect caterer – who will produce the meal of your dreams for your guests – often begins at the venue itself. They will have a list of preferred caterers that have worked well with them in the past.

Recommendations from friends or family who have used specific caterers and were pleased with them may also be among the first steps in finding a caterer.

Here is a closer look at two of Spirit magazine’s preferred caterers:

Sophisticatering Located at 8048 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, Sophisticatering has been providing catered meals not only for weddings, but also for anniversaries, family reunions, and business meetings for 28 years. They are known for their high quality, healthy, organic meals where everything is made from scratch.

When Matt and Annette Flynn opened Sophisticatering in 1992, they came into the business with a different business plan. They planned to serve only fresh foods that would be produced from quality green and organic

The wedding cake of your dreams can be created by Sophisticatering using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

ingredients – a plan that they have followed for all these years.

“We wanted food that not only looked good but was tasty and healthy,” said Annette Flynn.

They start with the finest quality they can obtain. Their meats are always USDA choice or prime cuts. Fish and seafood are wild caught, or if they do have to purchase farm SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

raised, they use well-tended farms that do not add hormones or colorings. All produce is organic and when possible locally grown.

“Everything we serve is made from scratch. All the soups, sauces, and salad dressings are made fresh the day of the event. The bread and rolls are also baked the day they will be served,” shared Matt Flynn.

“Even all the sausages are made on site,

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never purchased and are made with choice or prime cuts of meat and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, many of which are grown by us.”

The first step is to have the couple come in for a consultation to discuss food choices, style of serving and number of guests.

Annette will work with the couple to choose a menu that will meet their style and budget.

With the popularity of barn weddings, many couples also often choose a barbecue for their dinner. Sophisticatering has a large smoker and grill, which can be transported by truck to the venue site. Thus, everything is cooked to perfection right on site and gives the feeling of an open-air barbecue as the aroma of the smoking meats permeate the grounds.

For the more traditional style wedding meal, entrees of chicken, beef, pork or fish can be prepared in a variety of ways. Ethnic preparations are always available. The food may be prepared on site depending on the venue’s kitchen or cooked at Sophisticatering’s high-end professional kitchen and transported via their heated truck to the site.

Often it is a combination of preparation.

The foods are partially cooked then transported to be completed on site. Cold items that need to be transported are moved in the refrigerated truck to keep them cool and crisp.

Buffets have always been popular way to feed many people in an organized way.

Food displayed on the long buffet tables, according to Annette Flynn, is still one of the most attractive choices for weddings.

For the more formal meal, the traditional plated dinner may be the choice. They also offer a combination, where the salad is served at the table and guests go to the carving station for their entrée.

This year has been very different from past years, according to Annette Flynn.

“We began the year with many weddings booked as couples picked their unique dates for 2020. Then the COVID pandemic hit and many of the weddings were cancelled or rescheduled for later in the year. Some have been rescheduled two or three times and now many of the weddings that were to have occurred this year are scheduled for next year.

“Because of the social distancing requirements, many of the weddings that have been held are reduced in size, going from 200 guests to 50,” she continued.

“Some venues, closed for a time and when reopened had very limited capacity.

The social unrest in Kenosha resulting in burning and closing of additional venues has also contributed to cancellations of weddings and business events.

“There does now seem to be an upturn in holding events. We recently catered a Hawaiian Party to celebrate a 90th birthday.

Dates for 2021 are filling up and if the pandemic settles down it will be a very busy time as couples who planned to be married

this year will have their weddings next year along with those who originally planned 2021 weddings.”

As they move forward, safety precautions including gloves and hand sanitizer are provided at all events.

Contact Sophisticatering at 262-6203663 or visit their website sophisticatering. com for more information about their services.

Located at W1127 Spring Prairie Rd., Burlington, Stowell’s Catering is another local caterer that is a favorite of many area venues. It too has a long history of providing quality foods for weddings, business events, and other gatherings.

While Marvin and June Stowell began food service with a stand at the Walworth

County Fair in 1964, Stowell’s consider the beginning of their catering business as 1971 when they served their first catered dinner to the Walworth County Holstein Association.

Their reputation for providing good food at a fair price grew until they soon outgrew their home kitchen and in 1975 built a catering kitchen on site. By 1989 the kitchen was enlarged to handle their increasing business.

Brenda Stowell-Harkness, granddaughter of Marvin and June, is the third generation of Stowell’s Catering to run the business.

“We offer a large variety of home cooked comfort foods, that will provide a beautiful and tasty buffet for any gathering, whether a wedding, family reunion, or business event,”

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Stowell’s Catering

Autumn Bride

FROM TOP LEFT:This buffet table is full of beautiful and healthy vegetables along with fresh-baked rolls; Each of these elegant individual desserts is the work of Sophisticatering. Using the highest quality ingredients, each dessert is the perfect end to your meal; At the beginning of this buffet table created by Stowell’s Catering a variety of salads and rolls are displayed including fruit salads and traditional salads.

COURTESY OF STOWELL’S CATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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she said.

Wedding planning often begins up to a year in advance. Once the couple has chosen a venue, they will come in to meet with Brenda or another of Stowell’s staff to discuss the foods they would like served.

Food choices can be difficult, but with more than 40 salads, 10 potato choices and numerous appetizers, along with a variety of entrees, it would be hard not to find preferred foods on the menu. All of the items on the menu are made fresh on site at the kitchen.

While Stowell’s Catering offers a very

Fine food for your big day

large menu, they will work with the couple to put together a menu that is unique to them. If there is a special request, they will do their best to provide it.

“Usually we will meet with the couple to choose a caterer about one year in advance,” Stowell-Harkness said. “The caterer is booked about the same time as the venue is selected to be sure that the caterer has the same date open. If they choose us for their caterer, they will return about four to six months before the event to select their menu.

Changes must be finalized 10 days before the event.”

Among the meats offered in their packages are beef tips with mushrooms and onions, roast or barbecue beef, ham,

meatballs, chicken prepared in a variety of ways, turkey and polish sausage with kraut. Their basic package provides two meats and six sides for the buffet dinner but additional sides or meats can be added along with hors d’oeuvres for an additional charge.

“For weddings, the beef tips are among the most popular meat choices. For the picnic venues pulled pork is at the top of the list,” said Stowell-Harkness.

Stowell’s Catering prepares all its items from scratch at their professional kitchen and then transports the items to the venue

Autumn Bride

There are a variety of Caterers that provide wedding meal services in the Geneva Lakes area.

Here is a listing of some of the caterers that are available for events at local venues.

Bubbs BBQ/All Occasions Catering W230 S8855 Clark Street Big Bend • Bubbs.com 262-662-4201

Celebration on Wells 422 S. Wells Street Lake Geneva Celebrationcatering.net 262-248-2555

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

COURTESY OF STOWELL’S CATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Chef David’s Catered Events 2301 63rd Street Kenosha • Chefdavids.co 262-925-8800

Geneva Lakes Catering The Ridge • Lake Geneva Genevalakescatering.com 262-249-3849

Gooseberries Catering 690 W. State • Burlington Gooseberriesmarket.com 262-763-5070

Sperino’s Accustom Catering 720 N. Wisconsin Elkhorn • Sperinos.com 262-723-4646

FROM TOP LEFT: At Sophisticatering, all the breads and rolls served at an event are baked from scratch on the same day. These handmade rolls and breads are a favorite; With a variety of tasty and attractive salads offered by Stowell’s Catering, it might be difficult to choose just one; A large wedding sometimes requires more than one large buffet table to allow guests to be fed efficiently.

COURTESY OF STOWELL’S CATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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Autumn Bride

in insulated boxes. When placed on the buffet table the hot foods are placed in chafing dishes with sterno warmers to keep them hot.

Staff will prepare a variety of salads, vegetables, and entrees on site. The desserts and wedding cakes are purchased elsewhere by the couples and brought in.

Today’s bridal couples are veering away from the traditional wedding cake, according to Brenda. “Many of them are now more into cupcakes or individual desserts.

But if they do choose to bring a traditional wedding cake, the staff will cut it for serving.”

Like many businesses, Stowell’s was idled by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This year we were basically shut down for three months, from March until June due to the pandemic,” said StowellHarkness. “Everyone kept cancelling their events and rescheduling them. Some were rescheduled several times. Many of the events have been held now but many of them have been on a

much smaller scale.”

“One of the changes that has come out of the COVID pandemic has been the way the buffet is served, she added. “No longer do guests place their own food on their plates. Now five servers place the food on the guest’s plates, thus avoiding the chance for contamination by many people handling the serving spoons.”

Stowell’s has offered catering services for three generations and continues to offer homecooked comfort foods for the enjoyment of all. And they still have a booth at the Walworth County Fair each summer.

“Our staff (members) are all long-term employees who take pride in their work. They really want to be here and all returned after the long time off this summer,” added StowellHarkness. “They enjoy serving people and helping to make each event special.”

Visit Stowell’s website at Stowellscatering.com or call for more information at 262-7638316.

FROM TOP: The beautiful presentation of fresh fruits, vegetables and hot appetizers gives guests many choices for their meals; This commercial smoker offered by Sophisticatering can be attached to a truck and brought to a venue. It is large enough to hold all the meats needed for the event. Barn weddings frequently feature barbecues.

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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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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Autumn Bride

It’s never too early to book a

Venue

Events of 2020 show the value locking in your date The wedding venue world was thrown in chaos earlier this year when the coronavirus pandemic resulted in governmental orders prohibiting large gatherings.

Once venues reopened, couples who had weddings on the calendar during the summer and fall seasons had to decide whether to trim the guest list to allow for diminished capacity or reschedule well into the future in hopes the restrictions would be lifted.

All the rescheduling has put a strain on the availability of many venues. The lesson of the pandemic is that it’s never too early to book a reception venue and lock in a preferred date and location.

The Geneva Lakes area offers a wealth of choices

for weddings – from intimate to epic.

Whether it’s an outdoor setting or an indoor event for 400 the area offers some of the best venues that will leave a lasting memory long after the “I dos” are uttered.

Here’s a closer look at a few of Spirit magazine’s preferred wedding venues:

Abbey Springs

When looking for the place to hold a wedding and reception, Abbey Springs in Fontana will have everything to make that special day, the day of your dreams.

A beautiful, canopied outdoor venue overlooking the well-manicured golf course creates a special spot for wedding ceremonies at Hawk’s View Golf Course in Lake Geneva.

COURTESY OF HAWK’S VIEW Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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While there are several amenities that draw couples to Abbey Springs to celebrate their wedding, it is the lakefront wedding space that entices many.

Being part of a golf course community the grounds are impeccably groomed. The grass is green and weed free while decorative flowers, bushes and trees add to the beauty and serenity of the space.

Once the ceremony is completed, there is no need to rush from the waterfront.

Adjacent to the white tent pavilion is the Boat House, which is made available for the bride to use as a Bride’s Room for the entire day.

The main clubhouse banquet room, on a hill across the street from the lakefront ceremony platform, will hold up to 200 guests and has a dance floor for the reception.

Because of the many windows along the sides of the room, there are beautiful views of the golf course.

The room is warm and welcoming with its windows, vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams. The room appears light and airy. A fireplace adds a warm and cozy feel to the room.

The elegant wooden bar, built specifically for this room covers an entire wall and adds to the ambience of the room. With its long bar, it will easily accommodate those ordering drinks.

While Abbey Springs is a private club, it is not necessary to be a member to hold an event here. In addition to weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, baptisms, corporate events, and golf outings may also be arranged.

Depending on the size of the event, it may be held at the waterfront in the white tent or in the ballroom. For smaller events the Yacht Club dining room may be just the right size.

Abbey Springs is at 1 Country Club Lane in Fontana. Reach them by telephone at 262-275-6113 or visit abbeysprings.org for a preview of the facility.

Bella Vita

Just like you.

Bella Vita Banquet and Convention Center offers a beautiful and unique venue that strives to create weddings that are fit for dreams.

The venue is in New Munster, although the official address is 34816 Geneva Road, Burlington.

While Bella Vita has been at this location for many years, Brian and Heather Boeckenstedt purchased the venue in 2015 from Heather’s father when health issues forced him to retire.

Each of the three ballrooms is named after members of Heather’s family, who were instrumental in starting the family business. The rooms vary in size and décor giving the bride and groom different options for their wedding.

Let us prepare you for one of the most treasured days of your life. We understand the importance of traditions as well as letting your unique personality shine through on your wedding day. Relax, enjoy and be pampered by our professional, caring staff.

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Autumn Bride

The garden settings at Bella Vita with a wood pergola to frame the couple, the relaxing sound of the waterfall and the beautiful plantings make for a very picturesque wedding. White ceremony chairs are placed on the stamped concrete patio for guests.

Bella Vita remains a family business with Brian, his wife Heather and their three teenage children, Bryce, Brandon, and Brielle, all hard at work making sure that everything goes as planned.

“Heather is in charge of the menu, food and kitchen,” Brian said. “Everything is made from scratch. Many of the items are made using Heather’s family recipes which have been passed down for generations.

Contact Bella Vita Banquet and Convention Center at 262-537-4066. Or visit at www.bellavitabanquets.com or on Facebook.

Evergreen Golf Club

outdoor venue for the ceremony is your choice, the wedding ceremony will be held out on the stone patio against a background of lush landscaping and a gently flowing waterfall. An indoor ceremony can be held right in front of the windows, taking advantage of the landscaping in the background.

When a wedding is held the entire building is off limits to anyone but those associated with the wedding.

The reception room can hold up to 290, but not more than 250 is recommended if there is to be a sit down dinner – 220 for a buffet.

Evergreen offers both plated and buffet dining options.

The plated meals include a salad, fresh rolls and butter, two side dishes and coffee.

The choice of the entrée determines the cost. There is a wide variety of entrees which include, chicken, fish, beef and pork and vegetarian choices.

The buffet can be set up in one of two ways. The traditional long buffet or the The dining room at Evergreen is dressed for a formal wedding with custom-colored napkins and Action Station arrangement. With the Action Stations smaller serving stations are flowers to coordinate with bridal party colors. set up in various parts of the room, each NAKASATO PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EVERGREEN

Evergreen Golf Club, just north of Elkhorn on Highway 12, has the amenities for the perfect wedding.

The main clubhouse is set on a beautifully landscaped hill surrounded by manicured lawns and plantings of perennial flowers and prairie grasses. Entering the reception area of the building, the view into the main banquet room reveals a spacious room with 15-foot ceilings and beautiful chandeliers. It is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style.

Touches of cherry-stained accent panels bring a warm cozy feeling to this large room, which will hold up to 290 persons.

The far end of the room is a wall of glass – windows in the prairie style with wood trim – looking out to the beautiful stone patio and a cascading waterfall.

Today many couples choose to exchange their vows at the reception site. If an

with a specific portion of the meal. This encourages guests to intermingle.

Appetizers can be ordered to be butlerpassed or to have stationary platters. Many of the butler-passed items are hot appetizers while the stationary platters include cheeses, vegetables, dips and bruschetta.

Evergreen Golf Club is at N6246 Highway 12, three miles north of Elkhorn.

The telephone number is (262) 723-5722 or visit their website www.evergreengolfclub. com.

Hawks View

Because it is situated on such a vast, scenic landscape, Boesch said Hawk’s View Golf Course serves as an ideal spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Weddings at Hawk’s View offer a beautiful landscape and an enchanting Rustic Elegant feel.

Among the amenities offered at the facility are: • Picturesque overlook • Terrace Garden for covered outdoor ceremony • Indoor ballroom with a view of the

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262-537-4066

34816 Geneva Road Burlington, WI 53105

www.bellavitabanquets.com 269839

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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Dining Directory

SPRECHER’S RESTAURANT & PUB • 111 Center St., Lake Geneva. 262-248-7047. www.sprecherspub.com Online ordering now available. Happy hour specials Sun.-Fri. Craft beers and gourmet sodas. America’s favorite family brew pub. L, D, FF $-$$  (

RIGA-TONY’S DELICATEZZI ITALIANO • 5576 C State Rd. 50, Delavan (in the Dairy Queen Plaza). 262-740-2540. www. rigatonysdelavan.com. Call for our hours.

L, D $ MARS RESORT • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-245-5689. A classic Wisconsin Supper Club on the shores of Lake Como.

Newly updated Piano Bar, live music on the Weekends. Open daily: 11am. Out of this world ribs and spectacular sunsets! L, D, FF, $$ 

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EAST TROY BREWERY • 2905 Main St, East Troy. 262-642-2670. Fresh made from scratch menu. House made beers, cocktails & wines. L, D $$  GINO’S EAST OF CHICAGO • 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-2525. www.ginoseastlakegeneva.com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$ FOLEY’S IRISH WOODS RESTAURANT • 2.5 miles west of Lake Geneva on Hwy. 50 262-245-6966. Dinner Specials Wed. Corn beef & cabbage. Thurs. lamb shanks braised in stout. D, FF $$  LUISA’S • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva. 262-537-4795. Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in, carry out, delivery, catering avail., call ahead & will have it hot ready to go. D, $$ 

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

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YE OLDE HOTEL HISTORIC BAR & RESTAURANT • Minutes from Lake Geneva in downtown Lyons, WI 262-763-2701. Great Food with Great Friends at a Great Value. Open Wed.-Sun at 4pm. Like us on Facebook for daily specials. D 

JONATHAN’S ON BRICK STREET • 116 E. Walworth St., Delavan, WI. 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 and Saturdays. Friday night reservations for parties of 6 or more. Hours: Bar opens at 4pm daily. Dining Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 4:30-10pm; Sun. 4-8pm. D, $$$, 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 381084

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Autumn Bride

grounds and golf course during your reception • Customizable menu • Shuttle bus for the wedding party and guests’ convenience • Bridal Suite included –It’s the perfect place to get ready on-site • Experienced on-site wedding consultant “It’s a one stop shop for the bride and groom,” a manager for the facility said.

“And we run a banquet business as well, so that’s available, on site.”

One of Hawk’s View’s popular amenities is a 15-passenger shuttle bus that is available to transport guests for weddings and other functions.

The guest threshold can run as high as 300 persons.

“We have a really flexible banquet hall facility, so there’s a lot we’re able to do to meet people’s needs,” the manager said said.

Hawk’s View Golf Club is located at 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva.

For more details, visit Hawk’s View’s website at www.hawksviewgolfclub.com or call (262) 348-9900.

CORINNA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Lake Lawn Resort

Formal or casual, large or small, Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan has the staff and the facilities to make your wedding wonderful as well as memorable in any season of the year.

Several buildings dedicated to the care and comfort of the resort’s guests reside on 250 acres of beautiful lakefront real estate that includes wooded areas, a golf course, and a long exquisite waterfront with a marina. Interior spaces include 32,000 feet of reception area that accommodates gatherings as intimate as 20, or as large as 500 people.

During spectacular weather, guests can spill across manicured lawns, enjoying the kiss of gentle summer breezes gliding across the lake, or revel in sunlight tinted by the brilliant colors of hardwoods as they change to autumn dress. Lovely shades of peridot and jade return to the trees in spring, and there are large windows from which to watch sparkling snowfalls in the winter.

Lake Lawn’s ballrooms and reception spaces are decorated with an understated elegance that is a hallmark of its décor.

Lovely ivory-hued wallpaper with subtle tiny pale golden leaves graces the walls of its reception areas. The huge support beams that prove this resort is truly built in the lodge style are painted pale beige. The hint of blue in the carpet picks up the sapphire of Delavan Lake, visible outside most of the south-facing windows. Everything here reflects the rustic nature of woods and water, including the lovely ceramic tile featuring a tree that highlights the fireplaces near the front desk.

FROM TOP: The head table is placed in front of the barn wood accent wall in the Lorenzo Room at Bella Vita. The lanterns on the wall have LED flickering lights that reflect against the wood. The head table is lit with under-table lighting that adds a bright glow; Whether you prefer your reception outdoors or indoors, Lake Lawn Resort offers several different options that will fit your desires and the size of your wedding party.

COURTESY LAKE LAWN RESORT Spirit of Geneva Lakes

They offer extraordinary menus unique to Lake Lawn, all made special touches.

Find Lake Lawn online at www. lakelawnresort.com. The Resort’s address is 2400 East Geneva Street, Delavan.

Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room

The Monte Carlo Room next to Sperino’s not only offers banquet dining for 100 to 350 people, but also has a dance floor and a curtained stage.

This banquet hall is available to provide complete private use of room, bar, and gazebo area for you and your SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

guests.

At the Monte Carlo Room, guests can count on many different features to enhance their celebration or gathering.

Among them are: on-site ceremonies; outdoor canopy entrance; ample parking; attached alcove bar; Italian crystal chandeliers; large permanent dance floor; raised stage with curtain; state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment; complete food, bar, and beverage catering service.

A variety of menus is available to fit the desires of couples.

Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room is north of downtown Elkhorn at 720 N. Wisconsin Street Visit their website at www.sperinos. com.

23

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Celebrating a century

COURTESY OF GENEVA LAKE WATER SAFETY PATROL Spirit of Geneva Lakes

100 YEARS OF THE GENEVA LAKE WATER SAFETY PATROL

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

For the Geneva Lake Water Safety Patrol, 2020 is a special year, as they commemorate 100 years providing education and assistance to ensure the safety of the ever-growing lake community.

Each year residents and visitors spend time enjoying the water activities of Geneva Lake while some without proper training in water safety, put themselves in danger.

Traveling around the waters of Geneva Lake, members of the Water Safety Patrol can be seen daily in their distinctive white boats with red trim as they circle the lake. Offering assistance to other boats in need or safety information to help prevent accidents, they help keep boaters safe.

Water patrol is just one of the activities that continue to be provided by the Water Safety Patrol. Many of the swimmers at the beaches have been taught to swim in lessons received from the Water Safety Patrol. On the beaches, lifeguards trained and hired by the patrol watch over those in the water. Safety on or in the water remains the top priority as it has for the last 100 years.

“The Water Safety Patrol has enjoyed longevity because each year we look to improve our services. We continue to make the lake safer and to protect more lives,” said Ted Pankau, who has served as director of the Water Safety Patrol for the past 30 years.

By 1920 Geneva Lake had become a favorite summertime community for families from Chicago, Rockford and Milwaukee, as they sought refuge from the heat and contaminated air of the cities. It was a place to enjoy the beauty of the lake while

FROM TOP: Residents line the piers dressed in red to honor the Water Safety Patrol as it takes a lap around the lake this past summer in honor of the Water Safety Patrol’s 100th anniversary; From its early days, the Water Safety Patrol realized the need to promote safety with posters and brochures. They also provided swimming lessons and lifeguards.

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

COURTESY OF GENEVA LAKE MUSEUM Spirit of Geneva Lakes

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Promoting your business in the right publication is essential to growth and overall success.

Knowing that your message is reaching your intended audience is what makes The Spirit of Geneva Lakes uniquely effective. We can create an image that is both creative and compelling!

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COURTESY OF GENEVA LAKE WATER SAFETY PATROL Spirit of Geneva Lakes

spending time boating and swimming on hot summer days.

As visitors built their summer homes on the shore of Geneva Lake and enjoyed the many activities that life on the waterfront offered, it did not take long to recognize the lake could also be a dangerous place if safety was not practiced.

Origins of the patrol Simeon B. Chapin a well-known businessman with a summer home on Geneva Lake, worried about the safety of visitors when enjoying the lake. In an effort to make their time at the lake safer, Chapin founded the Water Safety Patrol in 1920.

Chapin began with placing safety posters around the area reminding visitors of the need for water safety. He initiated a number of swimming classes which were offered free of charge to all who were interested.

No one was ever excluded.

Local residents supported Chapin’s efforts and donated money to allow him to continue to hire instructors. He began with a few instructors and over the years the numbers increased.

Today, according to Ted Pankau, many more swimming classes are offered but a nominal fee is charged. Classes are taught at seven different beaches along Geneva Lake. The classes are all taught by instructors following the American Red Cross guidelines. Classes are available from beginner levels through advanced swimmer and lifeguard training is also available.

COURTESY OF GENEVA LAKE MUSEUM Spirit of Geneva Lakes

By 1925 the WSP was still offering swimming classes and had begun providing lifeguards to some of the Geneva Lake beaches. The patrol also purchased its first patrol boat. Originally the boat was used as an extension of the lifeguard services to offer rescue services to boaters on the lake.

“Lifeguard service is something we continue to offer,” Pankau said. “Today we provide lifeguards for four public beaches, Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana and

Linn and six private beaches by contract.”

As the number of boaters using the lake increased, there so did the need for rescue and assistance. The boat fleet continued to increase in size from the single boat to the six boats that now make up the Water Safety Patrol’s fleet. The later boats were twin-engine vessels with more rescue capabilities. Today, one classic wooden boat built in 1966 remains in the fleet.

Pankau said the boat patrols are there

From the top: This is one of the six Water Safety Patrol Boats that crisscross Geneva Lake always alert for danger to boats and visitors whether they are on a boat or in the water; The role of the Water Safety Patrol grew as more visitors enjoyed the waterfront, beaches became crowded and safety became a concern.

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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BLUE SPRING | $449,900 Lakefront home featuring southern exposure on 65’ sand frontage offering great swimming. Inside this clean 2 BR, 1 BA ranch you’ll find vaulted ceilings in Living Room and Bedrooms. Living room with brick fireplace and door that leads out to brick patio offering extended lake views, Galley kitchen and dining area off living room.

Lakeside has deck and lannon stone patio ideal for lounging in the sun. Deep 240’ lot with mature trees and 22 x 23 detached garage plus storage shed. Family Room can be used as a bedroom. Views of Kettle Moraine forest and short drive to John Muir Mountain bike trails and Nordic hiking. Minutes to downtown Palmyra . Ready for Summer fun!

MLS#1693305

ICE

RICHMOND | $169,900 Affordable 2 bedroom plus, two bath Ranch home with walk-out lower level. Inside you’ll find a wood burning stone fireplace in the Living room, Dining room with slider to deck and galley kitchen. Lower level feature Master Bedroom with full bath, family room with access to patio and possible 3rd bedroom. Bring your finishing touches and design ideas to make this house your home! Short walk to Lake Lorraine and boat launch - enjoy paddle boarding, skiing, boating, fishing, and more! Relax on the deck and enjoy all of the beauty nature has to offer.

MLS: 1705474

ING

MILL LAKE | $429,900 Outstanding views of Mill Lake await the new owner of this open concept 2 BR, 2 Bath unit.

As soon as you walk inside you are greeted by the lake through the wall of windows that lead to the deck. Kitchen featuring large breakfast bar, SS appliances, wood flooring open to dining area and living room with gas fireplace and mini bar with refrigerator. Master bedroom with updated bath features a large walk in tile shower with glass doors, double vanity with granite top, and the second bathroom updated as well. Enjoy grilling and relaxing on the deck lakeside. With this unit you do not have to go outside to get to the indoor pool or clubhouse.

Easy access to one of the best sand beaches on Lauderdale Lakes. Common areas include indoor pool, tennis courts, work out room and club house.

MLS#1708072

LAUDERDALE LAKE | $549,900 Outstanding Lauderdale Lake Access home located within short distance to boat slip. Inside this 4 BR, 3 BA open concept ranch home w/ walkout LL you’ll find wood floors throughout main level, Living Room w/ vaulted ceilings, fireplace and back bar w/ sink. Updated kitchen w/ large breakfast bar, granite tops and SS appliances, dining area w/ access to stone deck, Master BR suite w/ vaulted ceilings, fireplace and bath w/ whirlpool, separate shower, double vanity w/ granite top, foyer w/ vaulted ceiling. LL family room features walk out to patio, fireplace, back bar w/ sink, 2 bedrooms, full bath, large laundry storage room and work shop. 3.5 attached garage w/ golf cart door. Cool Hill Park association lakefront park short distance away. Situated on wooded lot just under an acre.

MLS: 1693520

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MIDDLE LAKE | $619,900 Located on Middle Lake with 77ft of frontage you’ll find this updated 3 BR, 2.5 BA 2 story with walkout lower level. Inside, find new flooring throughout, LR with vaulted ceiling with sky light and soaring stone fireplace, kitchen with dinette and dining room lakeside with slider to deck. Main floor master with vaulted beamed ceiling and fireplace, master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Upper level has loft overlooking LR, 2nd and 3rd BR plus full bath. Family room walkout to deck with separate Rec Room, work room and large storage area. Lot is wooded and private featuring Sunsets. MLS: 1696368

OCTOBER 2020

EVERGREEN GOLF COURSE | $399,700 Overlooking Evergreen Golf Course on a quiet street you’ll find this amazing updated 4 BR, 3 Bath home that would make the perfect year round or vacation home. Inside you find a dream kitchen with hardwood floors, granite tops, SS appliances, large breakfast bar, deck access and adjacent to formal dining room, Living room with vaulted ceilings, wood floors, skylights and fireplace, Master BR with vaulted ceilings, incredible bath with walk-in glass shower, soaking tub and marble vanities, 2nd BR with vaulted ceiling and main floor laundry. LL Family room walkout to cement covered patio, FR featuring fireplace, wet bar with two beverage fridges and custom cabinetry. LL also has 4th BR, 3rd bath w/ ample storage. Professionally landscaped and 3 car attached garage with tons of parking.

MLS#1647249

to provide for the safety of the boating community. They begin with education. If the WSP observes unsafe activities, they are there to encourage the boater to discontinue such actions.

Many of the calls for assistance are because of mechanical problems such as a dead battery or running out of gas. Often the patrol boat will need to tow the disabled boat to shore.

More serious calls for help include crashes, sinking or capsized boats, or medical emergencies that may occur on a boat. The newer boats are customized to make rescues easier especially when dealing with disabled passengers or those suffering from a medical emergency and need to be transferred to the patrol boat.

Education efforts In an effort to prevent accidents and fatalities, the patrol boats will often pull up to a boat to educate them on safety if they spot them behaving in an unsafe manner.

They do not give tickets, that is the job of the police who also patrol the lake. The patrol boats work with the police boat and can contact them if needed.

Notifying boats on the water when dangerous weather is moving in, is provided by the patrol. The boats begin to circle the lake with a red flag flying and flashing red lights. This procedure, known as “running the reds,” is to notify boats on the lake of dangerous storms coming in and the need for all boats to return to their docks for their safety.

The Water Safety Patrol boats patrol the waters of Geneva Lake daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., keeping an eye out for those in the water or on boats that may be in danger.

The patrol also is on call at night to offer assistance to those in need.

Although the water patrol began with a few members teaching swimming, the organization has continued to grow through the years. There are now about 80 members on staff to provide all the services needed to provide safety on the waters of Geneva Lake.

“We are fortunate to have many longtime members of the Water Safety Patrol, many of them who have served 20, 30 or even 35 years,” Pankau said.

Joining up When joining the patrol, most of the members start by teaching swimming and move their way up to life guarding and finally to the boat crew. Since this is primarily a summer job, many of the members especially those teaching swimming and serving as lifeguards are college students who come back year after year.

After all, what summer job could be better than spending days on the beaches of Geneva Lake? As college graduates, some

When not in use, the Geneva Lake Water Safety Patrol boats can be seen docked at the pier in front of the agency’s office in Williams Bay. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

return to work weekends while many in the teaching field return to spend summers working for the Water Safety Patrol.

The Water Safety Patrol is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and depends on donations and fundraising for its financial support. As the organization has grown, more emphasis has been placed on the need to raise funds to continue to provide the ever-increasing needs of safety.

most elegant, fundraisers. Held George Williams College on the shore of Geneva Lake, the majority of attendees arrive by boat, either their own or one of the Gage boats rented for the evening to pick up visitors from around the lake.

This year the program was different as the coronavirus pandemic precluded the presence of everyone gathering together.

Instead of the dinner dance, the patrol had a silent auction, which was opened for one week in August. A live auction via live stream and people could watch a variety of Commemorating the 100 year videos of the Water Safety Patrol over the anniversary of the Water Safety Patrol, the 100 years on Aug. 7. book “Running the Reds,” a history of the “We have also been one of the charities Water Safety Patrol was published. The book was written by local writer and former that benefit from the yearly Santa Cruise charitable event,” Pankau said. “Each year member of the Water Safety Patrol, Anne Morrissy, who worked with a committee of we work on fund raising campaigns in the Geneva Lake area to continue to support seven patrol members. Morrissy said work our work.” began on the book in 2017 when research on the early days of the patrol began.

“It was with help from the Geneva Lake Museum and the Lake Geneva library and other local libraries that we were able to In 2002, the headquarters of the Water uncover old photos and newspaper articles Safety Patrol was moved to their new about the early years of the Water Safety home on the campus of George Williams Patrol,” Morrissy said. “We interviewed College of Aurora University in Williams over 50 former patrollers and many of them Bay. The building was built by the Water received pages in the book which were Safety Patrol on land leased to them by the titled ‘In Their Own Words.’ The book was university for 99 years. truly a group effort.”

When entering the parking area from The coffee table-style book contains Outing Street the Water Safety Patrol more than 200 photos of the Water Safety building is obvious. The whimsical Patrol over the years. The cover shot was placement of the prow of a boat, which photographed by Victoria McHugh. appears to be protruding out of the wall as The book is available for sale at if it just ran through the building, will lead local businesses and available on line at one to the office with a smile. watersafetypatrol.org. Profits from the book The Water Safety Patrol is at 451 benefit the Water Safety Patrol.

Outing St., Williams Bay. For more The annual Nautical Night Dinner and information, call 262-245-6577 or visit Dance is one of the patrol’s largest, and watersafetypatrol.org.

‘Running of the Reds’

Headquartered at George Williams College

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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All in the family

by Mike Ramczyk

CORRESPONDENT

LOW DAILY BREWERY OPENS IN BURLINGTON In 2014, Tim Sullivan decided he wanted to become a brewer.

So Tim and his wife Claire, both 33-year-old Burlington High School graduates, moved to San Diego, where Tim attended the University of California-San Diego.

While in school, Tim got a job at Karl Strauss on the bottling line, and he worked his way up to brewer.

Claire’s job took them to Oregon, and Tim worked for another popular craft brewery.

“In the 90s, there was kind of a (craft brewery) boom, and that kind of dwindled out,” Tim said “Then, in the beginning of the 2000s, it really started kicking into high gear, and for the last 10 years, it has been insane growth.”

Tim said staying in his hometown and starting a brewery to serve his community was important, and he got to a point where he became an expert brewer and wanted his own place.

Like father, like son Enter dad.

Bob Sullivan, Tim’s dad, bought the former Burlington Standard Press building, on North Pine Street, in 2019, because Tim expressed interest in starting a brewery in Burlington.

Bob’s brother, Paul, owns Lavelle Industries and The Coffee House in Burlington.

And Tim’s brother Patrick hosts the Tall Tales music festival, so entrepreneurship runs in the family.

“Home for me is Oregon, and that market is so saturated,” said Claire, who grew up in the state. “Portland is a large city, so real estate’s different. We really wanted a place where we 30

could make an impact on the community and make positive change, and we were able to have a bigger stake here.”

“Tim grew up here. I lived here for awhile. We have roots here, so it always seemed like a natural choice. It’s kind of amazing how supportive everyone’s been so far.”

Tim and Claire are bringing their craft beer expertise and love of community and family to small-town Burlington, where Low Daily brewery held its grand opening in September.

What’s in a name?

Where did that unique name come from?

“A great friend of mine was living in L.A., and I was working in San Diego,” Tim said. “Shortly after I became a brewer for the first time, I drove up to hang out one weekend, and I brought some beer that I made.

Me and my good buddy were hanging on his rooftop, and we saw across the street an ad for an old hotel that said ‘low daily and weekly rates.’”

“As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be the name of my place if I ever opened one up. At that point, I had zero intention of opening one up. It just clicked.”

Claire said they’ve come up with other options for names, but Low Daily always stuck.

“Now, it’s so special to him, and it’s so special to me, it could never be another name,” she added. “For the person that hears it the first time, they’re like ‘What the heck does that mean?”

Claire said the vision is to help out the community, so it will be a gathering place for people.

But it’s so much more than a brewery.

There will be yoga, running

Low Daily Brewery owners Tim and Claire Sullivan are joined by their son Flynn, 15 months, at the facility in downtown Burlington. The brewery opened in September.

MIKE RAMCZYK Spirit of Geneva Lakes

and kayaking clubs – along with a variety of fresh beer and snacks.

There are five large brewing kettles at the brewery that shine with a silver, shimmery glow.

The Echo Lake dam, which is in view through a fence from a large slab of blacktop behind the building. Lush trees and the railroad tracks offer a scenic backdrop for a place that will emphasize outdoor dining.

Inside, there is a long, handcrafted bar with a tap, and the words “Low Daily” exposed on historic brick.

There is a lounge area with couches, and there is a dining area with high-rise tables and lower, circular tables.

“There aren’t many places around here with this large of a beer garden,” Claire said. “There is nice ambiance.”

“It’s super-friendly vibes and a knowledgeable staff. We are hiring people with a passion for craft beer.”

OCTOBER 2020

A family affair For Tim, out of the gate, there may not be a “flagship” beer, but he will experiment with different brews and flavors.

Tim said that community support has been strong, and family support has been strong, too.

Along with helping clean up the old building, Bob often watches Tim and Claire’s 15-month-old son, Flynn, while the couple worked diligently to open the doors of the brewery.

“My dad’s in business, and reaching out to him has helped,” Claire said.

“If we ever have questions, we’re totally able to reach out.

My dad made the bar inside, he’s a carpenter, and my stepmom tiled the back of it.”

“My little brother and his wife did all of our branding and the logo. It’s been a family adventure for sure.”

“It’s certainly a family business.”

225 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, Wis. • 262-248-2827 Also in St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, & Naples, Fla.

WWW.OHMYGAUZE.COM

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES

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