Wonders of Walworth County for Spring 2019

Wonders Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC and The Beacon

Spring 2019

WALWORTH COUNTY

of

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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

SPRING 2019

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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

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’ rockin ...

Area concert series features tribute bands and local talent

By Chad Hensiak CORRESPONDENT

The Walworth County Fairground is a non-profit organization on a 90-acre plot in Elkhorn containing a heated activity center, barns, historic buildings, a racetrack, campgrounds and more.

As general manager to the fairgrounds, Larry Gaffey is always looking for new ways to raise money for the upkeep of the property. So, in 2017, he called upon his prior experience in concert promotion and management and decided to create a concert series named Rock the Barns.

He said he and his staff noticed other musical venues in Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison were having success featuring tribute acts so that’s how he chose bands and genre for Rock the Barns.

“Upon noticing there was also a resurgence of rock-n-roll acts in other local clubs, I decided to focus on hiring the best rock tribute bands from all over the country,” Gaffey said.

“Then, to give our shows a unique twist, I hooked up with Chris Buttleman from the Lake Geneva House of Music to find local

talent to open every show, and just like that, Rock the Barns was born,” he added.

With the first two seasons now under his belt, Gaffey said he considers Rock the Barns to be a success and the revenue generated by the shows is helping to offset the cost of operating and maintaining the independently owned and operated Fairgrounds.

Rock the Barns’ first two seasons featured top tribute bands such as Strutter (KISS tribute), The Prince Experience (Prince tribute), Nightrain (Guns n Roses tribute), Battery (Metallica tribute), Back In Black (AC/DC tribute), Think Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute), Eliminator (ZZ Top tribute), and Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute).

Along with top-notch tribute acts, shows have featured local bands WaxLips, Mixed Company, Wise Jennings, among others as well as colorful laser light shows provided by Laser Fusion.

Fans from throughout the area appear to enjoy the concerts, with many of them leaving positive comments on Facebook and considering that many of the shows have sold out.

When asked what was next for Rock the

Eliminator, a ZZ Top tribute band, headlines a Rock the Barns concert on the Walworth County Fairgrounds in February. Fairground officials say the concert series has been a success, drawing large crowds. For details and tickets, visit walworthcountyfair.com.

DAVE DRESDOW Wonders of Walworth County

Barns, Gaffey said the third season is already in the works.

“Although I cannot give any hints as to what tribute bands we will hire for the next season just yet, I can say our office has been receiving as much as ten submissions from bands each day,” he said.

Gaffey also said he plans to remain

The

flexible and is not limited to booking only tribute bands because if the right opportunity presents itself, he would certainly check it out.

For more information on the Rock the Barns concert series visit walworthcountyfair.com under “events” or follow on Facebook.

Wonders of Walworth County

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC and The Beacon 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 GENERAL MANAGER: .....................................Sue Z. Lange EDITOR: .....................................................Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: ................Heidi Schulz GRAPHIC DESIGNER: .....................................Jen DeGroot ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ......................Vicki Vanderwerff SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING: ............ Karen Dubinsky

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On the cover The annual Nick Van Dyke Memorial Shamrock Shuffle gets underway March 16 at Lauderdale Landing in Elkhorn. People from throughout the area showed up to support the cause, which this year, in addition to going toward local scholarships and other causes, included a donation to the Elkhorn Area High School FFA in memory of Nick Sergi, a local farmer who died last fall and was always a participant at the shuffle. (Dave Dresdow photo)

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Answering the call WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

SPRING 2019

SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County

Among the many volunteers that give of their time at Open Arms Free Clinic are these women, from the left, JoAnn Kiemen, Ruth Anne Morava, Eleanor Mon-

Open Arms Free Clinic relies on volunteers

tano, Rosie Cambray, Janet Wells, Dottie Lock, Pat Stranc and Bea Schauer (the volunteer featured in the accompanying story.)

“

If you feel you should do something, then do it. Come talk to me… what you have to offer may be exactly what we’re looking for.”

– Sara Nichols, Executive Director

By Cathy Kozlowicz CORRESPONDENT

hen it’s time to retire, many people may be ready to leave the grind of working 40-plus hours a week for the flexibility that a part-time career can offer.

But sometimes a career where one has put in sweat, blood and tears – and is work a person is truly passionate about – it can be tough to give up, especially if that experience can empower people and the community.

Many retired folks do just that by volunteering at Open Arms Free Clinic in Elkhorn. The clinic’s mission is to serve the health and wellness needs of the

uninsured, low income and underinsured with compassion and understanding. It’s open to people who reside or work in Walworth County and who meet eligibility requirements.

For some, including Executive Director Sara Nichols, the clinic is a dream come true.

“I was given this opportunity to live my dream after meeting Father Dan Sanders, founder of Open Arms Free Clinic,” Nichols said.

Sanders said he had the idea for a free clinic in his mind – and heart – for years and finally decided to share it while being honored at a luncheon in May 2011.

“Timing is key. There were thousands in need and there were thousands who wanted to help but didn’t know how. It’s as simple as neighbors helping neighbors,” Sanders said.

Bea Schauer, now 91 years young, is one example of the neighbors Sanders is referring to. She has used her nursing and Spanishspeaking skills to volunteer at Open Arms since 2012. She began her nursing career in the 1940s and after 70 years in the field, now is giving back to the greater community by volunteering at Open Arms every Tuesday and Thursday.

Schauer interprets medical information between doctor and patient, comforts and

encourages patients to feel at ease through the medical process and helps patients follow-up with prescriptions and setting the next appointment. She’s considered a volunteer who goes above and beyond her “job” description.

She was a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Janesville until 1953, when she began raising eight children along with her husband on a farm west of Delavan. After 12 years spent raising a family, she returned to a 30year nursing career with Aurora until 1995.

When she finished her career with Aurora, Schauer continued to help others by serving as a Spanish-speaking volunteer interpreter for the hospital system where she volunteered at many clinics.

Her parents emigrated from Mexico and settled in Fond du Lac, where Bea was born.

She was one of 11 children and learned the value of hard work at a young age, working with her family in the sugar beet fields at the age of 10. She and three of her sisters pursued nurses training after high school.

Schauer, according to a highlight from Open Arms, “has been able to not only interpret medical things between a doctor and a patient at Open Arms, she has also

See OPEN ARMS, Page 6

SPRING 2019

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

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HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County

New Beginnings Association for the Prevention of Family Violence is applying for a conditional use permit for a shelter at 20 N. Church St. – the single story building above – in downtown Elkhorn. As a result of concerns and questions

with safety and location brought up at a plan commission meeting in November, New Beginnings is working on addressing those concerns and hopes to return to the plan commission in April.

Need for domestic violence shelter not an issue But there are concerns about potential location in Elkhorn

By Cathy Kozlowicz CORRESPONDENT

While the community appears to be divided on where a domestic shelter may end up in Elkhorn, people are united about the importance of such a facility.

“It is the location that is the problem,” said Elkhorn resident Julie Taylor, who owns properties that would be adjacent to the shelter. “It is a residential area.”

The new shelter is proposed at 20 N. Church St., in downtown Elkhorn across from the Walworth County Government Center and Elkhorn Police Department and within walking distance from the library, coffee shops, consignment stores, schools and restaurants.

New Beginnings Association for the Prevention of Family Violence hopes to return to Elkhorn’s plan commission meeting in April, for a conditional use permit application to allow a shelter, according to executive director Heidi Lloyd. This building was owned, operated and used by Aurora Lakeland and would be donated to New Beginnings, contingent upon the permit being approved.

The proposed shelter would have five suites, and be able to house 12 to 20 women and children about five days to two weeks, Lloyd told the plan commission in November.

At that meeting, there was a public hearing in which plan commission members said they wanted to see more information from New Beginnings APFV such as statistics regarding shelter locations and threats to violence against victims with similar locations.

Lloyd said they are working on addressing the concerns and answering people’s questions.

A petition to reject the CUP had been circulated and presented containing 62 signatures. The Elkhorn Independent obtained a copy of the petition through an open records request and more than 90 percent of the signers live within close proximity of the proposed shelter in Elkhorn, including nine property owners who live on Church Street.

The wording on the petition stated the signers supported the overall mission of New Beginnings APFV but that the use for emergency, short-term housing would pose a safety and hazard risk to the residents of the neighborhood and would “significantly impair the values of nearby residential properties and would generally be harmful and adverse to, and wholly inconsistent with, the existing, single family residential character of the neighborhood.”

At a Feb. 20 county meeting, the Health and Human Services Board recommended

the county board approve a resolution endorsing the mission of New Beginnings APFV, Walworth County Administrator David Bretl said.

“The proposed resolution does not take a position on the appropriateness of the zoning. We have not drafted a resolution at this point,” Bretl wrote in a Feb. 28 email to the Elkhorn Independent.

Is a shelter needed?

New Beginnings APFV Board president Janis Scharnott said about two and a half years ago, a woman came in and did not have access to a shelter.

“After exhausting all the alternatives, we had to drive her two hours for one. And then we had to pick her up for meetings.

One of the new board members said, why don’t we have a shelter,” she explained.

That led to New Beginnings APFV forming a committee for a feasibility study for a potential of a domestic violence support center to include a shelter. As a result, the plan is for a domestic violence support center to be built in 2020 in Elkhorn. The proposed shelter, which will be staffed 24 hours a day, will include temporary suites for up to five families, ranging from an individual adult to a family with several children, offices for

professional staff, programming space for support groups, educational seminars and financial and job planning. Emergency stays can be one night to several weeks.

Lloyd said a committee did a study about the feasibility of the shelter and determined the former Aurora building was in a good location. While Aurora is offering to donate the building, Lloyd said the financial impact of the donation was not the deciding factor but the location of it was.

In 2018, the New Beginnings APFV helped 664 individuals related to domestic violence. The domestic violence cases ranged from 669 in 2012 to a high of 704 in 2017. In addition to domestic violence, the agency helps approximately 300 survivors of sexual assault or abuse per year.

New Beginnings APFV began as the Association for Prevention of Family Violence in 1978. Last summer, the Board of Directors voted to change the name to New Beginnings APFV. The current building, which is used for administration, outreach and counseling is at 735 N. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn. Current services in that building include legal, advocacy, a 24-hour crisis line and safety planning.

See SHELTER, Page 6

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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

• Open Arms

(Continued from page 4)

been able to comfort and encourage patients so that they feel at ease through the process.

“Open Arms is blessed to have Bea… She both brightens the day and provides a sense of peace to all who work with her or who are served by her. And Bea is blessed each week to continue her life’s passion and purpose with people who need and value her skills and love,” it states.

Nichols said there are countless ways people can help, and for those wanting to volunteer – even if they’re not sure in what capacity – it’s an answerable call.

Other area clinics Below is a list of other clinics in the area that offer free or reduced costs when requirements are met: Jefferson County – Rock River Free Medical Clinic, 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson. For more information, call 920-674-7442; Kenosha County – Community Health Center has three Kenosha locations, 1330 52nd St.; 6226 14th Ave.; and 4536 22nd Ave. For more information, call 262-226-4320; Racine County – Community Health Center, 2405 Northwestern Ave., Racine. For more information call 262-886-0474;, Waukesha County – Eagle’s Wing Free Clinic, 225 Eagle Lake Ave., Mukwonago. For more information, call 262-385-9211.

• Shelter

SPRING 2019

“If you feel you should do something, then do it. Come talk to me… what you have to offer may be exactly what we’re looking for,” she said.

How you can help In addition to those with experience in medical, dental and counseling fields, there are numerous ways people can sign on to help in several areas, including clerical, intake screener, housekeeping, fundraising, data entry, patient advocacy, interpreting, bookkeeping, receptionist, case management, maintenance, marketing and technical/trade experience.

The clinic is 100 percent funded by donations, grants, foundations and fundraising events and in addition to onetime gifts, there are options for pledges as well as legacy and corporate giving and gifts of stock.

Nichols said people are sometimes surprised at how far their monetary donation can go at the clinic.

“It still holds true that every dollar donated is $10 of medical care given,” she said.

Nichols said part of the challenge is getting the word out about the important work being done at the clinic.

“I think people don’t understand we see people with chronic diseases and save peoples’ lives with our preventative care,” she said.

“It’s such a great place for our patients and our volunteers. And it’s amazing to be part of.”

(Continued from page 5) “We are trying to establish a good place of life (for them),” she said.

Opinions on isolation

Taylor, who owns two properties at 12 and 16 N. Church St., which are adjacent to the proposed shelter, addressed concerns with the plan commission.

Her home at 12 N. Church St. has been in her family for five generations and dates back to the Civil War. About a year ago, she told the plan commission, she began restoring 16 N. Church St. as a bed and breakfast.

Taylor said the shelter should not be between historic homes and said at the Nov. 1 plan commission meeting the proposed site is not an idea location for transients. Taylor said a shelter would be better on Highway NN, near the sheriff’s department and some of the other county resources in that area.

But Lloyd said further isolation is not the answer.

“Survivors of domestic violence have often been isolated from friends, family and their community. The Church Street location would give families access to stores, restaurants, the library, parks and churches. These are resources that most of us take for granted as we go about our daily lives. The location will show these families they are not alone. Together we will offer help and hope. It’s like one big community hug,” Lloyd said.

Scharnott echoed that, saying it’s important that people who are getting out of a domestic violence relationship not be isolated in the community.

“Isolation was how they have been controlled. They have been kept away from others. They need to feel safe and supported by the community,” she said.

Scharnott said that the families would be able to use the library with their kids, visit some of the consignment shops and even walk to the drugstore.

Neighborhood safety Taylor said she is concerned about the neighbors being safe with a domestic violence shelter in it.

“Stalking of women is very common for the abuser,” Taylor said, adding that the proposed location would not be a safe area with children around and suggested a rural area like Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, near hospitals or an industrial area, would be more suitable.

But not between historic homes, she said, because of concerns about safety.

Elkhorn resident and an eight-year volunteer at Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Dan Alder, said at the Nov. 1 plan commission meeting that though the police department is across the street from the proposed shelter, it’s not adequately staffed at night. He also cited concerns with mistaken identity and of abusers searching for the victims.

In a Feb. 7 letter that published in the Elkhorn Independent, Taylor wrote concerns with having a shared driveway with the shelter and said the county park across the street was “a perfect location for a stalker along with all of the surrounding residential landscaping.”

The danger, she wrote, is why shelters are located in industrial parks near jails and hospitals.

Lloyd said early in the process for determining a location for the shelter, the team at New Beginnings APFV explored the location by the county campus on County Highway NN. “But we quickly dismissed the idea for many reasons,” Lloyd said, explaining that a neighborhood that’s partly residential would offer normalcy and healing, and

Leave your mark There are many ways to volunteer from giving blood to donating to the food pantry. In Walworth County, the following opportunities are available: Lakeland School – help in the library, classroom, swimming pool or computer lab; Lakeland Health Care Center – therapy/activity assistant, outings or shopping trips with residents, bring well-behaved pets to visit, share a talent, lead worship services, provide music or entertainment; Aging and Disability Resource Center – dining center or Meals on Wheels volunteer, senior visitor, Medicare Minute volunteer, Medicare Part D open enrollment assistant, court-appointed guardian; Health and Human Services (children’s division) – educational mentor, assist with clerical duties, oversee and support community service hours, provide child care during foster parent training; Public Health – hand out forms and line numbers at immunization clinics; clerical support, health care emergencies and disasters (Walworth County Medical Reserve Corp.); UW-Extension – 4-H leaders and fair assistants, master gardener, gardening/ planting programs, office mailings and newsletters, financial coaching; Sheriff’s office/jail – minister to inmates, literacy council, clerical duties; Public Works – join volunteer workdays at county parks.

For more information, contact Colleen Lesniak, volunteer services coordinator, at 262-741-4223.

Open Arms Free Clinic is at 205 E. Commerce Ct. in Elkhorn and is open Mondays through Thursdays. To qualify to use the clinic, patients cannot have health insurance, must have a household income at or below 200 percent federal poverty level and must live or work in Walworth County.

New patient registration is offered every Wednesday from 2 to 7 p.m. (walk-in only); potential new patients should bring a photo ID, proof that they live or work in the county,

household income verification (a month of check stubs, unemployment check stub, social security or disability award letter) and available tax forms.

For more information about Open Arms or to inquire about volunteer opportunities available, call 262-379-1401 or visit openarmsfreeclinic.org.

would offer access to places – parks, churches, the library – that could enrich their lives, not to mention that very few domestic violence victims have vehicles.

Nov. 1 meeting about property values for homeowners in the area.

“Particularly to the property owners on each side of this building who have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars recently renovating these historic singlefamily homes on each side of the building.

The financial hardship to these Elkhorn residents would be unfair to say the least,” he wrote.

Chuck Coleman, who lives on Church Street, said he has no objection to a counseling service at the proposed location but permitting the “temporary housing of domestic violence victims in the facility would fundamentally alter the character of the neighborhood and adversely impact the residential image of the City Square,” he wrote in a letter to the plan commission Nov. 1.

There was also some concern as to whether a shelter will meet the zoning and ordinances requirements.

“The proposed use is a permitted conditional use in the T-1 Transition District,” City Zoning Administrator Bonnie Schaeffer said, adding that New Beginnings APFV is addressing the questions and the concerns presented at the plan commission meeting.

“When that additional information is received, the request will be put back on the plan commission agenda for review and action,” Schaeffer said.

Scharnott said New Beginnings APFV has worked with an architect, a security specialist and landscaping in efforts to make the shelter to look appealing.

“We are taking a step back and considering their concerns. We are hearing the feedback and concerns. We want this to be a positive thing for the community,” she said.

“We want to be good neighbors,” she added.

Trying to end the cycle “These families need to feel part of their community, not shunned by it. If families did attempt the long walk from the county grounds to Elkhorn, it would be along the same path used by inmates of the Walworth County Jail who have work release,” Lloyd said.

She also said New Beginnings APFV is having a firm do a safety study.

“They are the experts,” she said, and as such are looking at the location and making recommendations as to what kind of locks, cameras and other safety issue.

“There have been some emotional thoughts about an abuser coming in and shooting me or my dog,” Scharnott said of concerns about the proposed location in Elkhorn.

She said fencing will feature locked entrances, a staff member will be there 24 hours a day, and that the lighting will meet the codes.

“The security concern is overblown.

Domestic violence is always behind closed doors. They (the abusers) want it to stay private. Once a victim is in public, it is a huge step in eliminating the problem,” Scharnott said.

“The whole idea is to stop the cycle of violence,” she added.

There is concern among neighbors that having a shelter will provide a different image to the neighborhood.

Bill Leith, broker-owner at Coldwell Banker Leith & Associates at 102 N. Wisconsin St. said while he supports the mission of New Beginnings APFV, he shared concerns in a letter submitted to the

Staff writer Heather Ruenz contributed to this story.

Serenading IN THE moonlight SPRING 2019

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

Page 7

Symphony Orchestra performs annual gala concert

By Tom Ganser

CORRESPONDENT

Feb. 16 was a chapter-turning day in the history of the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Gala, held for a first time at the Grand Geneva Resort.

The event, attended by 220 supporters of the orchestra, included a full-plated dinner preceded by an open-bar cocktail party featuring LGSO musicians in small ensembles. During the dinner, Lauren Hayes offered a wide range of musical arrangements for the harp.

Other firsts for the evening included a live auction called by Dale Folkers of Elkhorn, an opportunity for attendees to raise their paddle to make a cash donation, and a raffle for a pearl necklace donated

by Chinawest Jewelers of Lake Geneva that was won by Watertown resident Debra Schwinn.

The auction items included a twohour cruise for up to 20 people aboard the Sea Lark, a custom 81-foot vessel built in the tradition of Lake Geneva’s graceful steam powered 1890 era yachts; music for a party provided by Bill’s Little Big Band; a premiere tour for up to 10 people at Studio Winery; rounds of golf for up to four at Lakewood Golf Club and one of Grand Geneva’s four courses;

tickets for a Milwaukee Bucks game; and a signed Green Bay Packers football commemorating the Packers’ 100th season.

Following the dinner, LGSO Music Director David Anderson led the orchestra of volunteer musicians from throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in a performance of the second movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

The performance gave the audience a taste of the LGSO’s performance of the symphony March 16 at Young Auditorium on the University of WisconsinWhitewater campus. The concert was sponsored by Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.

The theme for the Feb. 16 gala was “Moonlight Serenade” and Anderson pointed out, “We’ve structured the entire musical portion of the evening to find as many was as we can to serenade you through song … Something from an opera, something from Broadway, and a folk music piece.”

Delivering on Anderson’s promise and accompanied by the LGSO, Rachel Wood sang “Harbanera” from the opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet and Brian Leeper offered a rendition of Aaron

See GALA, Page 9

TOM GANSER Wonders of Walworth County

Ann Curry Ruff and Jack Ryan take to the dance floor during the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra gala.

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Page 8

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

SPRING 2019

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Galerie Matisse offers original fine art from around the world. Matisse Too carries fun, handcrafted art and home accessories. Noure’s Oriental Carpets showcases hand-woven oriental carpets of the finest quality. New World Wine Shop is Lake Geneva’s premier purveyors of boutique wines from around the globe.

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• Gala

SPRING 2019

Page 9

(Continued from page 7)

Copland’s arrangement of the well-known folk song, “Simple Gifts.”

Wood and Leeper, who serve as vocal instructors at UW-Whitewater, then teamed up in “If I loved you” from the 1945 Broadway musical, “Carousel.”

“We are already looking toward how we can take the gala up a notch next year and cement this as the go-to event in the Geneva Lakes winter season,” Rob Keefe, LGSO president and a bassoon player with the orchestra since 2004, said. “I want to thank everybody in this room for being part of this event. There’s no orchestra anywhere in the world that can exist without the solid base of sponsors and supporters in the community. The ticket revenues do not cover it. It’s because of the folks in this room and others that we’re able to do what we do and bring it to the community.”

Keefe focused his comments on the educational outreach efforts of the LGSO as the “bigger picture” of the orchestra’s mission “beyond just putting on great performances.”

“We’re committed to making this part of the world, this part of the region, an artistic hub and a center for the arts and music in the Midwest,” Keefe said. “So how do we create a sustaining movement for that? We have to start with the kids. A big part of our mission involves support for education, support for the kids in the community and music education among our youth.”

Keefe shared that the LGSO has created private music scholarships for students, stating, “For any child that comes to us, regardless of ability, we will fund half of the price of private lessons for the first series of lessons with a qualified professional teacher to get stated on their instrument in the right way. And for those kids who can’t afford the other half, we’ll pay for the whole thing. Getting them started on their instrument in the right way with a qualified professional teacher.”

He added that this scholarship program, which complements a scholarship awarded to a Badger High School graduate pursuing music studies, will also serve to build a demand and market place for music and education in the area.

Another new outreach program being launched April 6 is the “Area Strings Festival” at Lake Geneva Middle School for students in elementary and middle school orchestras from Burlington, Lake Geneva, and Antioch, Illinois.

The day’s activities will include a break out session on skills for string players, including vibrato, shifting, and sight reading, along with the rehearsal for performing two pieces with the students’ Serving You For 60 Years

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

own school orchestra, as well as a piece to be performed by all the orchestras together.

All selections prepared will be performed in a concert for parents at the end of the day.

In concluding his remarks, Keefe told the audience, “Your investment tonight not only supports having all nine Beethoven symphonies played live in Walworth County, and things that you don’t often hear in this part of the world, like Mahler’s Second Symphony, but also it goes to support generating this center of musical excellence that we’re trying to create in our part of the world.”

During the evening, Grace Eklund took the opportunity to highlight Ulla Brunk’s support of the LGSO. “When Ulla realized the (goal) of the orchestra was not just to play, which she thoroughly enjoys,” Eklund said, “but (also) educational, it really piqued her interest and she became the presenting sponsor of the Gala.”

The evening concluded with a “frosting on the cake” performance by the LGSO Swing Band. John Ludy Puleo joined with the band for several vocal numbers and Rachel Wood sang “Orange Colored Sky,” the 1930 Jonny Edwards classic song popularized by Nat King Cole and his daughter, Natalie.

In what has become a tradition, residents of the Lake Geneva area took advantage of the opportunity to put their ballroom dancing lessons to the test thanks to the live big band sound – increasingly a rarity – of the LGSO Swing Band.

Ann Curry Ruff, from Delavan, welcomed the opportunity to dance to the LGSO Swing Band last year and again this year when she was joined by other students who, like her, have taken ballroom dance lessons at Innovations Dance Studio in Burlington.

“The LGSO gala truly is a significant fundraiser and important community event, but even more significant for folks who like to dance, it is an opportunity to dance to the music of the amazing LGSO Swing orchestra,” Ruff said. Their big band sound even included the strings section this year.

That doesn’t happen every day and is why I put the date for the gala on my calendar a year in advance. In fact, Jack Ryan, a dance instructor from Milwaukee who was my guest this year and unexpectedly met up with one of his prior students at the Gala, plans to promote next year’s Gala to all of his students.”

Lake Geneva resident Eileen Weyrauch is the principal flute for the LGSO and has played with the orchestra since its earliest days.

TOM GANSER Wonders of Walworth County

Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra Swing Band vocalist, Rachel Wood, sings “Orange Colored Sky” at the Feb. 16 Moonlight Serenade gala fundraiser at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva.

“To have a symphony of this caliber, with a conductor that is intelligent, kind and is more dedicated than any one I know in our town is amazing. There are people who are finding out this is Lake Geneva’s best secret. We attract many players from

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For information about the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, including its Chamber Music schedule, visit www.

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Belfry will get nostalgic

Theater loads up on tribute acts for 2019 The Belfry Music Theatre has released its 2019 summer and fall lineup of shows, introducing many new acts to its stage, including a Queen Tribute all the way from Denmark.

The Belfry also has a number of fan favorites returning from previous years’ sold out performances including American English, Dean Z as Elvis, On the Border — The Ultimate Eagles Tribute and Broadway star Franc D’Ambrosio.

This year’s lineup of 33 different performers will also be the largest number in a season to date and that is before the Christmas season is announced on June 7.

They have also expanded their membership programs, adding benefits such as free seating upgrades, priority ticket access, waived ticket fees, and much more. Tickets to their shows go on sale to the public April 1, with members having the ability to purchase as far as a week in advance.

Here is a look at their complete summer and fall lineup for 2019:

SPRING 2019

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

Page 11

On The Border, The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, will thrill Belfry Music Theatre audiences for four days, Aug. 28-31.

American English – Beatles Tribute, June 7-9 Opening their season for the third time at The Belfry is American English, which has sold out every one of their performances at The Belfry so far.

Voted “Best Tribute Band” at Beatlefest for three consecutive years, American English takes audiences back in time with all the sights, sounds, and memories through every era of the band’s history to masterfully perform note for note every Beatles hit fans know and love.

Fire & Rain – The James Taylor Experience, June 12-13 The members of Fire & Rain - The James Taylor Experience have been touring the country in various groups for the better part of the past three decades, and have now come together to pay tribute to a man whom many consider to be the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarist the world has ever produced. The result is a night of fantastic songs and brilliant guitarwork, starring Greg Pitts, a performer who’s look and sound will take fans back to the early days of James Taylor’s career.

The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute performed by Shawn Gerhard, June 14-15 Starting his music career in the 90s, Shawn Gerhard was greatly inspired by Garth Brooks as Garth began redefining country music of the era. Having opened for some of country music’s biggest stars, such as Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, and many more, Gerhard is

SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County

now a nationally recognized Garth Brooks tribute artist, and has even had Garth’s own keyboard player, Dave Gant, go on tour with him.

Abbacadabra – A Tribute to ABBA, June 20-23 Returning to The Belfry for the third year in a row, Abbacadabra promises to continue the momentum by performing 20 of the group’s greatest hits in full ABBA fashion and flair. Fans aren’t able to sit still in their seats as songs like S.O.S., Super Trooper and Dancing Queen are re-created with such precision that everyone thinks he or she is listening to the originals. The melodies of Fernando and Chiquitita [sic] will rekindle feelings of first love. Take a Chance on Me and Voulez Vous will lift people out of their seats to dance.

Ron Vincent sings Cat Stevens, June 26-27 After his US debut at The Belfry in 2018, Ron Vincent returns to their stage all the way from Australia. Vincent Sings Cat Stevens is the only act of its kind officially approved by Yusuf/Cat Stevens as the messenger of his music. Vincent bears not only an uncanny resemblance to Stevens, but also his hauntingly beautiful vocals and performance style translates to one of the most authentic and entertaining shows honoring this artist the world has ever seen.

Paul Revere’s Raiders, June 28-29 One of the most popular and entertaining rock groups of the 60s, Paul Revere and the Raiders enjoyed seven years of chart-topping action and sold records in numbers that competed with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Now known as Paul Revere’s Raiders, the band, led

by Paul Revere’s son Jamie, with Darren Dowler on lead vocals, has continued touring in memory of Paul Revere and his amazing legacy.

Chicago Rewired – A Tribute to Chicago, July 3, 5-7 Chicago Rewired is the Premier Chicago Tribute Band. With every band member carefully hand-picked to replicate the sound and style of one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock groups in history, no one will find a better tribute to Chicago’s timeless music that is the key to great memories for so many people. Having sold out their previous shows at The Belfry, Chicago Rewired returns for a third run over the holiday weekend.

Souled Out – A Motown Soul Sound Tribute, July 10-13 Souled Out is a musical ensemble that specializes in the great Motown and

Soul sounds of the 70s. Souled Out is the ultimate tribute in musical nostalgia that weaves its way through the era of soul with authentic choreographed dance routines and outstanding musicianship. Whether flawlessly reproducing the hits of the Temptations, or energizing a room with the energy of Earth Wind and Fire, Souled Out is a show like no other.

Peter, Paul, and Mary Alive, July 17-18 Returning to The Belfry from 2016, “Peter, Paul, and Mary Alive” is the only tribute group in America dedicated to the original musical arrangements of Peter, Paul, and the late Mary Travers. With music selections spanning all the decades and the same instrumentation and vocal replication of the famous trio, this tribute guarantees the best quality of performance and message that resonated with audiences from the 60s through today.

Sounds of Summer – A Beach Boys Tribute, July 19-20 Returning from two sold out shows during their first appearance at The Belfry in the 2017 season, Sounds of Summer is a Beach Boys tribute based out of Indiana.

The show includes more than 30 familiar hits and tells the story of America’s band.

See BELFRY, Page 12

Page 12

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

• Belfry

SPRING 2019

Jay White performs Neil Diamond in Concert, Aug. 20-25 in a sixday fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease with the Midwest’s only presentation of The Sweet Caroline Tour.

(Continued from page 11)

These two sets of first cousins have captured the familial sound of The Beach Boys. They have toured the country playing a variety of theaters, festivals, and concerts and performed an hour-long special on AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands,” broadcast live from Hollywood.

Tusk, The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, July 24-27 Returning to the Belfry from sold-out runs in 2017 and 2018, the five seasoned and well-respected musicians comprising Tusk have been making music together in various combinations and styles for more than 25 years. It seemed only fitting they should come together to form the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, and pay homage to a group that dominated the music charts for so many years. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, Tusk leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved, top-selling bands.

A Tribute to Elvis, Performed by Dean Z, July 31-Aug. 4 Dean Z is the winner of the 2013 international Elvis Tribute Artist competition. He has traveled all over the world and continues to headline in Las Vegas, dazzling audiences with his perfect Elvis persona. The King of Rock and Roll lives on as Dean Z takes fans on an eclectic musical journey into the bygone eras of soul, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and rhythm and blues.

Tribute to Buddy Holly performed by Zachary Stevenson, Aug. 7-8 Zachary Stevenson is an award-winning actor, musician and writer. Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, Stevenson was called a “dead ringer for dead singers” by the Victoria Times Colonist for his portrayals of Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Phil Ochs and roles based on Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 2018, he won the Jeff Award in Chicago for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical) for the Buddy Holly Story, a role he’s perfected in more than a dozen productions across Canada and the United States.

The Four C Notes – Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Aug. 9-11 Pioneered and headlined by John Michael Coppola, best known for his appearance in Chicago’s long running production of the Broadway smash hit “Jersey Boys,” The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s only tribute dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This is the group that set a Belfry Theatre record for “Fastest Sold Out Show” in 2018, so fans shouldn’t wait to reserve tickets.

CSN Songs – Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Aug. 14-17 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, CSN Songs’ musically

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dynamic performance takes audiences back to a time that will never be forgotten.

All of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s musical compositions are highly respected

by CSN Songs and reproduced live as closely as possible to the way they were originally written, recorded and performed throughout the group’s musical career.

Tony Award winners Sutton Foster, Terrance Mann, Shuler Hensley and more, Melissa shares an intimate experience of life and stories from Broadway songs both old and new.

Jay White performs Neil Diamond in Concert, Aug. 20-25

Ted Vigil has often been described as John Denver incarnate. With an uncanny resemblance in looks and vocals, Vigil has made quite a name for himself performing Denver’s timeless music all over the world. Having won multiple national and international talent contests, Vigil has also played for John Denver’s own “Windstar Foundation” in Aspen, Colo. He also performed with the late Steve Weisberg, John Denver’s guitarist from 2010 to 2014, and in 2016 Ted was part of the Kings of Country Tour in Australia, touring 20 cities from coast to coast.

Jay White is returning to The Belfry for a six-day fundraising concert for Parkinson’s with the Midwest’s only presentation of The Sweet Caroline Tour. For more than 25 years White has continued to stretch his singing and acting talents by paying tribute to Neil Diamond. His eight-year run headlining on the Las Vegas Strip is the longest ever by a solo tribute artist. In 1996, and again in 2002, White and Neil Diamond met before his Vegas MGM appearances where Neil told Jay to: “Keep up the good work,” and autographed a photo, signing: “Jay, keep singing, so I can stay home and relax: Your friend in music.”

This is the only Neil Diamond tribute in the world endorsed by the legend himself.

On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, Aug. 28-Sept. 1 On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute from Charlotte, N.C., continues to be touted as the most authentic sounding Eagles tribute band in the country. They perform shows all over the U.S. and their passion, showmanship and precise attention to replicating the details of The Eagles Music, has earned them critical acclaim, name recognition and a very loyal following. They reproduce the recordings of the Eagles catalog with stunning guitar work, lead vocals, and harmonies that have been said to capture the feeling of a real Eagles concert.

The Doors of Chicago – Tribute to The Doors, Sept. 4-5 Never met Jim Morrison? Come out to the Belfry and get a chance when you see the Doors of Chicago, an authentic Doors tribute band that replicates the sound and look of The Doors.

Neon Circus – Tribute to Brooks & Dunn, Sept. 6-7 The undisputed kings of the ’90s linedancing craze, Brooks & Dunn are not only the biggest selling duo in country music history, they have sold more records than any other duo in any genre. Neon Circus has been successful in continuing the legacy of the country music icons with the help of RK Ford (Ronnie Dunn) and Tim Johnson (Kix Brooks). Neon Circus has accurately recreated Brooks & Dunn’s exciting live show down to the last detail, performing hit country anthems like My Maria, Neon Moon, and Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

Judy Garland performed by Melissa Minyard, Sept. 11 Paying tribute to the great Judy Garland, Melissa heads to the Belfry for a one-night-only special performance.

From Les Misérables on Broadway to performances around the world, Melissa Minyard has captured hearts with her amazing voice and intimate connection with her audience. Having starred opposite

Frontman Keith Call has all the moves and swagger of Mick Jagger, and along with his partner in crime, Bernie Bollendorf, who portrays rock and roll outlaw Keith Richards, they complete the duo notoriously hailed as “The Glimmer Twins.” From the signature saxophone solo in Brown Sugar, to the unforgettable backing vocals in Gimme Shelter, every last detail has been accounted for by this eight-piece band. Classic Stones Live performs all the songs that are staples of any Rolling Stones show in original tunings.

Just One Look – Tribute to Linda Ronstadt, Sept. 20-21 Master vocalist Holly Aprecio and her band perform the perfect tribute to the multiple Grammy winning pop/rock singer.

Mirroring both the look and the voice flawlessly, Holly is a picture-perfect match for Ronstadt. Returning from the 2017 Belfry season, this Seattle based multitalented group of professional musicians has been called the greatest touring tribute to Linda Ronstadt, bar none.

Jay Gates Impersonates – Tribute to Barry Manilow, Sept. 25-26 No stranger to the tribute world, Jay Gates’ impersonation of Barry Manilow has “Fanilows” agreeing this act is rapidly becoming the show to see. Be it the classic Copacabana, singalong Can’t Smile Without You, or show-stopping Even Now, Jay’s faithful representation of Barry’s voice, combined with a jaw dropping visual portrayal and multimedia presentation, always leaves audiences wanting more.

Tennessee River – Tribute to Alabama, Sept. 27-28 Tennessee River is the first and only tribute band that has the vocal skills to do Alabama’s music justice, with their new hybrid of contemporary cross-over music melding a fusion of the rural and urban sounds of modern-day country and blues with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

Tennessee River stays true to the essence of Alabama’s music, taking their charttopping songs and bringing Alabama’s music alive again for a whole new generation of country music fans.

Page 13

in Dallas, Texas, playing Zachary high-energy shows across Stevenson the country since 2012. This performs a five-piece band delivers Tribute to Buddy a musically immersive Holly Aug. 7 and Journey experience, focusing 8 at The Belfry on the overall sound, solos Music Theatre. and most especially the soaring vocals that make Journey so iconic. The key to their spot-on sound is capturing the unmistakable voice of Steve Perry. Fans often tell them they close their eyes and truly believe Journey is in front of them, which is one reason they continue to grow a devoted following every time they play.

John Denver, performed by Ted Vigil, Sept. 12-15

Classic Stones Live – Tribute to The Rolling Stones, Sept. 18-19

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

Tribute to Hank Williams performed by Zachary Stevenson, Oct. 16-17

The Official Blues Brothers Revue – Tribute to The Blues Brothers, Oct. 2-3 There have been many imitators through the years, but there is only one duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues.

Discovered in Las Vegas, performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty capture the infectious humor and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd walked the stage.

Franc D’Ambrosio sings the music of Andrew Lloyd Weber, Oct. 4-5 Best known for his Broadway role as The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” Franc D’Ambrosio has more than 2,300 performances under his belt, and held the title of “World’s Longest Running Phantom” for nearly a decade. Franc also played the role of Anthony Corleone in the Godfather III, and sang the Academy Award-winning theme song “Speak Softly Love” for both the film and original soundtrack.

In May 2018, Franc was honored to receive a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the third annual Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala. Franc returns from his Belfry debut in the Christmas 2018 Season, during which audiences said D’Ambrosio left them absolutely stunned with his musical abilities.

Little Texas (Original Artist), Oct. 9-10

One of the most popular country bands of the early ’90s, Little Texas was influenced by modern country outfits like Alabama and Restless Heart, as well as country-rock groups like The Eagles. Since their debut album in 1992, Little Texas has sold more than 7 million albums, earned 3 Grammy nominations, won a CMA Album of The Year award and earned the title, “The Hardest Working Band in The Country,” by playing more than 300 shows a year.

Infinite Journey – Tribute to Journey – Oct. 11-12 Infinite Journey is an international Journey tribute band based

Returning for the second time in 2019, Zachary is taking off the glasses and putting on the cowboy hat for a one-of-akind tribute to Hank Williams. See Aug. 7-8 for the bio on Zach Stevenson.

Everly Set – Tribute to The Everly Brothers, October 18-19 Returning after two sold out shows in 2018, The Everly Set stars acclaimed NYC singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller in a tribute to The Everly Brothers.

The Everly Set presents everyone’s favorite Everly Brothers hits, as well as rarities and Everly-influenced classics, all sung with the supercharged Everly harmonies that influenced The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Hollies, and the Bee Gees.

Queen Machine – Tribute to Queen, Oct. 23-24

Direct from their home country of Denmark, Queen Machine is one of Scandinavia’s most popular bands and has often been hailed as one of the best tribute bands in Europe. Since the inception of the band in 2008, Queen Machine has been playing for an ever-increasing number of people at festivals across Europe as well as a string of sold-out concerts on tours both at home and abroad, including concerts with The National Symphony Orchestra of London.

Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire - Oct. 25-26 Critics say the nationally touring show Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire provides an Earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard their unforgettable songs.

Lead vocalist Thomas “Chazz” Smith created Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire in 2011 with the vision of honoring the beloved Earth Wind & Fire hits he and millions of others listened to while growing up. The 10-piece aggregation includes a full horn and rhythm section to reproduce the infectious grooves created by EWF’s Verdine White and Ralph Johnson.

Full event details, membership information and more can be found on The Belfry’s newly designed website at www.belfrymusictheatre.com. Tickets to all events go on sale online on April 1 at 12:01 a.m. All evening shows will start at 7 p.m. There is plenty of conveniently located free parking. The fully airconditioned Belfry Music Theatre is located six miles west of Lake Geneva, just south of the intersection of Highways 50 and 67, north of Williams Bay.

Page 14

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

SPRING 2019

East Troy RR debuts picnic trains Railroad opens its 112th season this month

The East Troy Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization run by volunteers committed to the operation and preservation of historic trolleys and interurban railcars.

The living-history museum runs electric trolleys and interurban rail cars on the last remaining piece of the original interurban network that operated in the state.

The railroad was retired by The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company because of lack of ridership by 1939. Since everything from gas to groceries came in to East Troy by the railroad line, the town passed a referendum to purchase the remaining 7.5-mile stretch of track and overhead for freight purposes.

The Village of East Troy operated the railroad until the year 2000 when it was purchased by the Friends of East Troy Railroad. Today, the East Troy Electric Railroad has 32 pieces of equipment with more than 500 members worldwide, 110 active volunteers and 15,000 visitors each year.

The railroad has more than 30 refurbished railroad cars, 15 of which are in operation. The cars include Chicago, South Shore and South Bend interurban cars, a Sheboygan interurban car, and streetcars from Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

Today, rail cars travel a 10-mile trip through beautiful Southeast Wisconsin on the weekends in the warmer months.

Visitors may board at either the depot in East Troy or at The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. The depot museum also gives kids a chance to be a trolley motorman, discover the joy of model layouts and learn about electricity.

The East Troy Railroad opened for the season with the Bunny Train.

Trains will run on Saturdays and Sunday from April 27 to Nov. 3 this year and on Fridays and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Trains depart

Stop by for a visit The East Troy Depot is at 2002 Church St., East Troy.

For more information, visit www.easttroyrr.org.

East Troy Railroad’s Milwaukee Streetcar 846 posed in the sunset for the 2018 Night Photo Shoot.

The railroad opened for its 112th season in April. The 2019 Night Photo Shoot is set for Sept. 21.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN MCGRATH Wonders of Walworth County

hourly on the weekends and every two hours on Fridays.

Cost to ride the train is $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors (65 and older) and military (with ID), $8 for kids age 3 to 14 and kids younger than two ride for free.

Tickets are good all day for as many trips as desired.

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

For a full schedule and/or more information, visit www.easttroyrr.org.

New this year

The East Troy Railroad has done away with its Pizza Trains for the 2019 season, replacing them with Family Picnic Trains.

The rains are designed for families with children with a menu that appeals to all ages. The Picnic Train trip includes a stop at Byrnes Park, so kids can enjoy the playground equipment while the train crew is preparing for the return trip and dessert.

The cost for the Picnic Trains is $26 per person, including a rainbow colored

popcorn appetizer, all beef hot dogs with assorted toppings, served with kettle crunch potato chips, pickles and grape bunches. Dessert is a strawberry shortcake stack layered in a clear cup with a lollipop garnish. The cost includes bottomless soda and gratuity. Sales tax is not included.

Restrooms are available on board.

Picnic Train Schedule: 4:30 p.m., checkin/boarding; 5 p.m., departure; 6:30 p.m., return. Note that the picnic trains leave 30 minutes earlier than other dinner trains.

EAST TROY RAILROAD 2019 EVENTS BEER TASTING TRAINS May 25, Sept. 7

CHICAGO DAY July 13

Enjoy five different beers while traveling the route of the East Troy Electric Railroad.

The trains run as a joint event with Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake. They feature Michael Rehberg from Black Point as the beer tasting host, and hors d’oeuvres from Toothpicks, the railroad’s. This 2-1/2 hour event starts and finishes at the East Troy Depot. Book seats online under our Dinner Train heading at easttroyrr.org.

Celebrate Chicago’s railway history with a revival of the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend railroad of 90 years ago.

The railroad has six operating South Shore cars, originally built in the 1920s, plus 1924 Chicago Elevated Cars that we hope to have running. Several National Park Rangers from Indiana Dunes National Park will be on hand to explain the history of the South Shore Line. Join in for a funfilled day reliving Chicago rail history.

RAILFAN DAY/RAILFEST June 22

MILWAUKEE DAY Sept. 21

On Railfan Day the railroad takes out all it equipment out of the barn and puts it on display. Visitors can ride a different rail car on each trip of the day. Once again this year, the railroad is offering fun, family activities like face painting, model railroad car building, speeder rides on our industrial spur, miniature train rides, and operating model railroads.

The East Troy Railroad is home to one of the last original streetcars of The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company still in operation.

On Sept. 21 the railroad will celebrate Milwaukee’s rich rail history during Milwaukee Day. In addition to the 1920 built streetcar, which once whisked residents in the greater Milwaukee area to

the ballpark and shopping, they will have TMER&L’s 1907 line car (D-23) which is equipped to repair the overhead line and to respond to trolley emergencies.

Also featured during the weekend is L8, a steeplecab locomotive built in Milwaukee in 1935 that once moved coal cars to and from the Port Washington power plant.

NIGHT PHOTO SHOOT Sept. 21 The railroad will host the fourth annual Night Photo Shoot, for photographers who enjoy trains and who also enjoy the unique photos that result from shooting in low light. The historic railcars are stages in a setting sure to produce some outstanding photos. This event is limited to 30 participants.

CHRISTMAS PARADE TRAIN Dec. 7 Special heated passenger cars will pick up riders from Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago and transport them behind

the East Troy Railroad’s Santa Train to the Division Street crossing in East Troy. Riders will be able to walk to the East Troy Village Square for the community Christmas tree lighting. The trolley will leave at 8 p.m. from the East Troy Depot to take riders back to Elegant Farmer.

The event is co-sponsored by the East Troy and Mukwonago Chambers of Commerce. Tickets can be purchased online at easttroyrr.org.

CHRISTMAS TRAINS Nov. 30 Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 The magical ride takes a half hour from our East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy, to Santa’s workshop located at the Elegant Farmer. Here children can visit Santa and get a photo taken with the jolly elf himself! Santa’s Workshop wouldn’t be complete without some hot chocolate and cookies. Children receive a special gift on the return to East Troy.

SPRING 2019

WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY

Page 15

Standing tall and proud Whitewater’s Territorial Oak Site added to local landmarks list

The Whitewater Landmarks Commission recently designated the Territorial Oak Site at the northwest corner of Main and Franklin streets as a local landmark.

The site includes a bur oak tree dating to 1800 or before that was used as the fixed point from which U.S. federal land surveyors platted the village of Whitewater in 1836.

Known as a survey or witness tree, it marks the site of Whitewater’s “point of beginning.” In the April 30, 1987, edition of the Whitewater Register, which commemorated Whitewater’s founding, a sesquicentennial celebration was held at the oak tree.

The newspaper reported “when state surveyors made their measurements in Whitewater, the natural objects they used as a reference point were two bur oak trees at what is now the corner of Main and Franklin streets.”

A 12-inch circumference Territorial Oak was cut down in 1923 and a marble slab marker was erected there. The second bur oak, which exists today, reportedly measured a circumference of 16 inches in the 1830s and has grown to 11 feet in circumference today. A marker and plaque located on the terrace with information about the Territorial Oak was donated by the local volunteer fire

department in 1962.

The tree has split in two, and while it remains massive, one of the leaders had to be removed for the tree’s stability and safety for passersby on the sidewalk.

Currently, the tree is in decline and while it still produces leaves and acorns, the upper branches remain bare. Local elementary school students have harvested the acorns and planted them, producing bur oak saplings that are the “grandchildren” of the Territorial Oak. The tree has been adopted as a symbol of the city. It has been featured on the official city stationery and appears on the Whitewater mural located at Whitewater and Center streets.

The Whitewater City Council nominated the Territorial Oak as a historic state of Wisconsin tree on Feb. 1, 1981, adding to its significance.

Local historian Kori Oberle prepared the nomination of this site.

The Whitewater Landmarks Commission encourages citizens to consider nominating additional historic sites, buildings and residences for consideration as landmarks.

The designation of the Territorial Oak Site as a local landmark is the 25th such designation in the city.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County

The Territorial Oak Site sits at the corner of Franklin and Main streets in Whitewater.

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