Valley Sentinel - 01-26-2023

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Review: Michael Perry’s new book

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Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to receive $20K grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to preserve and prolong the life of the Hillside Theatre Curtain at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This grant is one of 1,251 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling nearly $28.8 million that were announced by the NEA as part of its first round of fiscal year 2023 grants.

The Hillside Theatre Curtain, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is an iconic piece of architecture that has been a staple of Taliesin for many years. Created as a gift to Wright on his 89th birthday by the Taliesin Fellowship, the curtain captures the rural landscape of the area with Taliesin overlooking the Wisconsin River.

The grant will be used to install two sets of protective curtains in the front and the back of the original curtain, which will be hung on motorized tracks. This will help preserve the Hillside Theatre Curtain for display during tours and expand programming use of the theater to include live music, lectures, and performances.

"The restoration of the curtain is one of the last pieces needed to make the theater available for the public once again," said Stuart Graff, President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. "Grants like this one help us preserve Wright’s legacy while allowing his spaces to continue to flourish with

new life and ideas."

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, established by Wright in 1940, is dedicated to preserving Taliesin and Taliesin West, both on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for future generations. The foundation also aims to inspire people to discover and embrace

Riverway Board sets 2023 meeting schedule, moves to six meetings

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board met virtually on Thursday, January 12th, to conduct a regular monthly business meeting. The board adopted a motion to reduce the number of business meetings from twelve to six with a corresponding increase in the number of events available to the public designed to highlight features of the Riverway related to scenic beauty and natural and cultural history. Business meetings will be a combination of inperson and virtual with some meetings

being virtual only and meetings will be held at locations up and down the lower Wisconsin River valley. The dates of the 2023 LWSRB meetings are listed below with locations to be announced in February: March 9, May 11, July 13, September 14, November 9.

The guest speaker for the meeting was Brad Hutnik, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Silviculturist, who discussed research related to climate change adaptation strategies for forested lands in the Driftless Region. Hutnik said the research is

a cooperative endeavor between the public and private sectors, including academic institutions, and is intended to identify challenges and opportunities for woodland landowners as weather patterns continue to change in the coming decades. Models suggest there will be periods of heavier rains, longer droughts, less frozen ground, increased stressors, changes in species composition and challenges with new invasive plants and insects. Hutnik said preparing for these changes and understanding how to adapt in

an architecture for better living through meaningful connections to nature, the arts, and each other. The Foundation continues the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy by broadening access to his ideas, work and organic design principles, considered just as relevant today as in his own time, and provides new pathways for audiences to create beauty and connectedness in their own lives.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects in communities nationwide,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “Projects such as this one with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation strengthen arts and cultural ecosystems, provide equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, and contribute to the health of our communities and our economy.”

The restoration will be completed later in 2023 with programming beginning in 2024. For more information on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, visit FrankLloydWright.org. For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

managing your woods will be important for private landowners, public land managers as well as for the timber industry as a whole. The research will take place in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota and will include sites in the Riverway. For further information, contact Hutnik at Bradley.Hutnik@ wi.gov.

In other action, Mark Cupp, Executive Director, reported permits had been issued to Mary Burke for a solar panel

Katie Green profile: Minerva Montooth New Literary Section: Lexington & Jefferson

Photo courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

A picture of the curtain at the Hillside Theatre before recent renovation work.

Mark Cupp, LWSRB Executive Director

The (not so) Plain and Simple Correspondent: Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom

Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade and strategy. Gracious! It boggles the mind that even a goddess could possibly incorporate so many sterling qualities. As it happens, there is a human being who comes close. She lives at Taliesin — “Shining Brow”, named for the famous Welsh bard — and is in her 99th year. Still sharp as a tack, she is the last of the apprentices who knew Frank Lloyd Wright personally, as he gathered around himself what was named the Fellowship, the brainchild of the last Mrs. Wright. It was composed mostly of very young people who subscribed to his philosophy of Natural Architecture. They paid to come learn how to practice it and be a part of the close-knit, sometimes competitive circle that basked in his aura, sat at his knee.

Minerva Jane Montooth (née Houston) has been in residence at Taliesin since 1957 and in the years I've known her I've seen her demonstrate consummate skill at weaving through the maze, using all the attributes of the Goddess whose namesake she is. She doesn't always win the battle when up against opposing forces (say, when the School of Architecture’s lease on the Spring Green campus was terminated, sending shockwaves around the world), but always emerges unbowed, using considerable wisdom to think of another strategy. In that regard she is a fitting successor to FLW himself, who rarely took no for an answer.

It is a challenge to sum up Minerva in one page or ten. You will get the short version here. Soon after we met, I discovered a curious tie between us. Minerva, her twin sister Sarah, and red-headed husbandto-be, Charles Montooth, were all from the small burg of Rushville, Ohio, which was the birthplace of one of my greatgrandmothers. Like my ancestor, Minerva and Sarah were born on a prosperous dairy farm, one that was wiped out by the Depression. An early memory of Minerva's is walking past the failed local bank with her mother as a small child and observing confusedly that “the bank doesn't look crashed to me.” She and her twin have been described as being terminally shy when young, but both shed that liability abruptly once ensconced at Taliesin. She has said, “If I could talk to Frank Lloyd Wright, I figured I could talk to anyone.” Minerva's radiant smile and frequent laughs bespeak someone confidently at home in the world,

On the cover

“Forty Acres Deep” (2022) Photo/Illustration, by RT Vrieze/Knorth Studios

From the artist:

Compared to the other 3 books that we've designed for Michael Perry ("Peaceful Persistence", "Hunker", and "Million Billion"), this was a much darker departure for Mike. But as always, a beautiful, honest, and captivating read. There were many opportunities to create a cover based on the detailed visuals Mike provides throughout the book, but there’s a pivotal point in the story that we thought would make for a bold cover that evokes curiosity and worry. Knorth Studios is made up of two people, RT Vrieze (Designer/Art Director) and Chris Bartlett (Photographer/Videographer). We've been in business for almost 9 years now and throughout those years Chris has created a giant library of nature photography from the surrounding Eau Claire area from every season. This is where we pulled the photo for the cover of "Forty Acres Deep". The point of view for the cover is what I thought the scene from the book would look like from the opposite side of the "Forty Acres".

Once choosing the photo, I then begin to Photoshop the black smoke in over the untouched glistening field of snow. I wanted the cover to convey a message of "you never know what someone might be going through" and/or a Midwest winter version of the "The grass is always greener" philosophy.

— RT Vrieze of Knorth Studios

Submit your artwork or photography for cover consideration: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

able to enjoy an exchange with luminaries and just plain folks alike.

Charles Montooth, was four years older than Minerva – a “sort of Greek God” –who paid her no attention. Their parents and grandparents were friends but she only lit up on his radar screen later. Minerva went off to college at Northwestern, majoring in English (“the catch-all major”) and her twin to University of Chicago to study art, where Charles was also, trying to study architecture. To his frustration, the architecture curriculum consisted of reading the Great Books, nothing practical. During this time FLW came to U. of Chicago to speak and Minerva thinks Charles heard him. Certainly Charles walked past Wright-designed Robie House daily on the way to class and that sparked his interest enough to read Wright's book on Natural Architecture.

After college, Minerva went to New York City and got a job as a librarian for an advertising agency. Meanwhile, her twin began dating Charles in Chicago and they made their first forays to visit Taliesin. Then Minerva developed pneumonia and her twin suggested they go to Taliesin West for her to recuperate in the desert. That was a major turning point in her life. She was enthralled by the people and places she saw. The fickle finger of fate intervened when Sarah met Bill Logue, a student of economics at U. of Chicago, ditched Charles, who then focused on Minerva. They fell in love. “I was born under a lucky star,” she says.”What did I do to deserve this?” She is rueful about being second fiddle to her twin where Charles was concerned but there is no indication that he regretted how things turned out. When the Logues became members of the Fellowship they gamely assumed primary responsibility for the farm that produced the food eaten at Taliesin, and the twins were not parted again until Sarah died in 2014.

The apprentices and resident staff dwell in elegant surroundings of gardens, orchards, water features, vine-covered trellises and outdoor gathering spots, but have very small private living spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright apparently didn't believe in wasting valuable square footage on places where one spent time alone. His own private spaces were larger; he invariably served himself a bigger slice of the pie. He saw everyone as equals, but some were more equal than others, perhaps as George Orwell suggested. Minerva's apartment is next to what was Mr. Wright's beautiful art studio, which after his death was frequently used for art exhibits, and receptions. It sits silent now.

The apprentices had nothing but veneration for their leader. The ones I

knew who have now passed on, as well as Minerva, never referred to or addressed FLW as anything but “Mr. Wright.” Some rural neighbors and community members in towns and cities nearby tend to have an earthier, more cynical memory of a man who was tardy about paying bills or never did.

What magnetic property did FLW have that drew so many loyal young people to him? There was the revolutionary architecture, of course. But pain and privation often accompanied their labor and primitive living conditions at early Taliesin in WI and Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ. “They worked as unpaid slaves”, even paid for the privilege of being exploited, one whose family considered the goings on at Taliesin to be a “cult” told me. But they were also learning valuable skills, encouraged to be enterprising and creative, and there was plenty of time set aside for fun and frolic. Minerva giggled about once painting the mast and an amateurish figurehead on a tiny galleon built for a theatrical event on the pond, which was roundly criticized until she confessed to being the artist. “Oh, very nice,” the critic backtracked. Extravagant masquerades, dances, theater events inside and out, travel to exotic lands to work on architectural projects, and picnics entertained them. The day before FLW died in Arizona he joined his band of believers on a desert picnic.

Minerva has been the “social coordinator” at Taliesin for years, although she doesn't think of herself as organized. She became the one who issued invitations to formal dinners, worked out the guest list and seating arrangements to be most rewarding to the parties involved, and made sure there was entertainment – usually music – afterwards. Charles didn't like taking photos, so she captured the parties on film, too. She arranged the annual student “box projects” presentations, open to the public in the design studio of the School of Architecture, and the annual FLW birthday bash. Frequently there were guest lectures, plays, and music in the Theater to be publicized.

In 1962 she was asked to be amanuensis to Olgivanna Wright, helping her with writing and many summers were spent traveling with Mrs. Wright in Europe and Africa and around the US. As a result of an invitation to speak in So. Africa, Minerva became partial to giraffes. This was during apartheid, which offended them both so much that Mrs. W. got out of Dutchcontrolled Cape Town as quickly as she could, traveling north to the Serengheti to see the wild animals. Minerva's biggest travel disappointment is that she didn't get to go to Japan with Mrs. Wright. Mrs.

W. was angry that the beautiful hotel FLW designed, one that had been engineered to withstand earthquakes and had performed perfectly when major tremors hit the island, was slated to be torn down and a taller one with more rooms was to be erected in order to make more money. Mrs. W. went to rally support for saving the structure. Unfortunately, she wasn't successful and the landmark was destroyed.

One of the great highlights of life was in 1952 when she and Charles were invited to get married at Taliesin West, and Mr. Wright sat next to her at the wedding dinner, held in what was called the “cabaret”. A Presbyterian minister was called in from Tempe to officiate. Her parents came down from Rushville and “were horrified because in those days everyone had their wedding at home or in a church,” certainly not in a cabaret. She and Charles wed, unfazed, honeymooned in Mexico and soon produced three handsome children, two daughters and a son.

Another highlight occurred recently when Taliesin was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Governor Tony Evers came to present the plaque outdoors in the courtyard. “I liked him immediately. He made sure my chair was firmly planted on the stone walkway and we chatted like old friends. He was so unassuming. I told him I was sorry he didn't have a better legislature to work with and he said, 'Don't worry about it. We'll come out all right.'”

Charles Montooth always donated the profits from his architectural jobs to Taliesin and Minerva's work was unpaid. Now she receives a small stipend from officials at Taliesin West and depends on help from her grown children and well wishers to get by. As one of her longtime helpers, Renee LaFleur, chimed in to say, “It's a shame, after all the years of devotion she has given to this place!” The outrage widely shared at the demise of the School as it previously existed is not something Minerva is legally allowed to discuss but the rest of us can.

I asked Minerva if she were sad to be the last. I should have known the answer because it took weeks for her schedule to accommodate our interview. She interacts constantly with younger people and is in great demand. “I am never lonely. I get calls and texts from former apprentices from all over the country.” Several had arrived that day, in fact. She mentioned that she is frequently asked when she will take a vacation. “Every day is a vacation, so I never felt the need for a vacation. I'm so blessed. What did I ever do to deserve this,” she repeated. I hear the wonder in her voice.

A fuller, ongoing story of Minerva's life and career, can be read in the blog of photojournalist Mark Hertzburg, called “The marvelous Minerva” at wrightinracine. wordpress.com.

Katie, who until recently lived in Plain, has been writing for fun and profit since childhood. Self-described as opinionated, she writes in the interests of a more loving, better-functioning world for all. She may be reached at katiewgreen@icloud.com.

Katie Green

Katie Green, Columnist

Photo courtesy of Minerva Montooth. An undated picture of Minerva.

Meeting Our Needs — Part 2: Cookies

“Meeting Our Needs” is a series that acknowledges the organizations and individuals who work to make our communities better, stronger, healthier and more inclusive. We know we face challenges and divisions among us, but we miss and underestimate the essential goodness of rural Wisconsinites when we fail to celebrate those who are lifting us up in so many ways. Let us hear your stories, contact bpestel@msn.com to be included in this series.

There are a lot of ways for citizens to work to meet the needs of our communities. Here is one that may tend to escape our notice.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” The origin of this quote is uncertain, but Abraham Lincoln expressed a similar sentiment when he said, “You cannot help a man permanently by doing for him what he can do for himself.”

Anyone?

were described in a 2017 CBS special as Kriss’s partners in crime. Designated as such because if anyone in Wisconsin sold their home-baked cookies they could be accused of breaking the law and face up to six months in prison. So, these ladies began lobbying for a bill in the Wisconsin Legislature to lift the ban on the sale of home-baked goods.

When it became obvious that “The Cookie Bill” was never going to pass because Assembly Speaker Robin Vos refused to schedule a vote on the bill, they decided to sue the State of Wisconsin. In 2017, a Wisconsin court declared the ban on homebaked goods sold from a home without a commercial kitchen to be unconstitutional.

As of Dec. 2022, as a result of a ruling in a second suit, enterprising entrepreneurs can now add things like candy, fried donuts, dried herbs, and roasted coffee beans to the items they can sell. Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice, the organization that represented the plaintiffs, stated, “People shouldn’t need to buy or rent a commercial kitchen in order to sell fudge or candies… we see that the ability for people to sell these foods out of their home kitchen can often be the difference between whether or not they can pay their mortgages.”

our rural areas is an investment in meeting our needs.

Substitute woman for man in these statements and you’ll find a powerful example of using this philosophy to meet needs in our communities – and it’s right here in southwest Wisconsin. It might go something like this: “Give a person a cookie and they can eat for a day, let them sell their homemade cookies and they can help provide for their families for a lifetime.”

I got to know “The Cookie Lady” while walking in parades in 2018. Kriss Marion would be the first to say, “Not Cookie Lady, Cookie Ladies.” Lisa Kivirist and Dela Ends

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EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

Nicole Aimone

Managing Editor

Taylor Scott

Legal Editor

Gary Ernest Grass, esq.

Editorial Policy

On certain topics in areas of great community interest, the editors of the Valley Sentinel may take positions they believe best represent and serve the interests of the community. Any opinions or positions taken by the editorial board are separate and distinct in labeling and substance from the community journalism that appears in the rest of the publication and does not affect the integrity and impartiality of our reporting.

In a statement to CBS58, Marion made it clear how victory in this suit helps meet the needs of rural Wisconsin. Regardless of the arguments made against the measure, it was never really about consumer safety. Marion said, "Nonprofits could sell baked goods at fundraisers, so, this wasn't a matter of safety or a concern that home bakers didn't know how to keep their kitchens' clean, it was literally just to protect bigger business from startups,"

Selling from home can also allow enterprising entrepreneurs to eventually expand into small main street businesses. These small businesses are the heart and soul of rural Wisconsin, allowing those who love living in rural areas to stay and raise their families here. Large corporate enterprises have devastated the local small businesses in hundreds of small towns across Wisconsin, so anything that helps bring more small, local businesses back to

Supporting and expanding our local small businesses, owned by our friends and neighbors, benefits us all and increases the health and vitality of our communities. And Marion says that there is still more to do.

"This is a great New Year's gift," she said. "We really believe that Wisconsin should be the leader in local food; I think the time is right to keep pressing into this, we'd love to get it out of the courts and into the legislature, we'd love to have a bigger dialogue and get a Cottage Food Law in place that helps people, safely, exercise their freedoms to sell directly to consumers." Cottage foods are those that can be sold from a home kitchen and include a variety of items that do not need to be temperature controlled and are considered safe. Many states already have Cottage Food Laws that specify the regulations that allow anyone to start baking and cooking from their own home and selling those items directly to the public. These regulations vary from state to state, but most state lawmakers have seen

the immense benefits of backing cottage food legislation to help people get started in the food service industry. So why has Speaker Robin Vos refused to put a Cottage Foods Law up for a vote? Maybe we should press him on this, it is time to have this dialogue.

The freedom to make a living utilizing the resources available to us in the environment we love – what a compelling vision, and one that fits so perfectly into who we are and how we meet our needs. Keep fighting Cookie Ladies, and let us know how we can help.

How many other ways to meet our needs may have escaped our notice and deserve our support? Let me know at bpestel@msn.com.

Beverly is a retired professor. She lives in a remodeled farmhouse and tends 40 acres of woodland in Richland County. When not in the woods she spends her time reading, writing and enjoying the beauty of the Driftless Area.

publication with an accessible, hybrid model that allows anyone that wants to read local news to have access to it. We do not believe financial ability should be a barrier to reading local news.

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Beverly Pestel

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Barb Garvoille

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Katie Green

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From time to time the editorial board may select letters to the editor of a particular compelling community interest where a public figure or accountable public action is the recipient of criticism and allow, in the same issue, the subject of the criticism chance for rebuttal, with expounded independent input. The format shall be point, counterpoint and expert analysis. This community discussion shall serve as a moderated dialogue that presents multiple views of important community topics.

Beverly Pestel, Columnist

Beverly Pestel

Photo via the Institute for Justice (ij.org)

The "Cookie Ladies" celebrate a victory for Wisconsin home bakers.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

A special gift was given to us on August 16, 2022. This is when Public Law No.: 117-169 was signed into law by President Biden. This law is known as “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.” It does several things: 1) It reduces the country’s deficit and fights inflation, 2) It invests in domestic energy production, manufacturing, and reduces carbon emissions, 3) It allows Medicare to

Dear Editor,

As we look forward to the 2023 gardening season, the River Valley Area Community Gardens Board of Directors and Gardeners would like to thank the people of the River Valley area for your support. Whether you visited the Gardens, made a donation, or bought a spaghetti supper at the Shed, an ice cream cone at the Art Fair, a brat meal at one of our brat frys, a caramel apple at the RV School Fair, or a plant or two at our plant sales, we thank you.

For help and support in various ways, we want to thank Jim and Caryl Sprecher, Jerome Sprecher, Roger Reynolds, the Spring Green Lions Club for sponsoring the Spaghetti Dinner for the benefit of our future equipment shed, the Spring Green

Dear Editor,

As a resident of the Driftless Area I am writing to my neighbors and friends to talk about a candidate for Supreme Court on the primary ballot on 2/21/23. She is Judge Janet Protasiewicz. She has 35

Dear Editor, I grow silently angry every time I see an ad for erasing the bulging bags under your eyes, having whiter teeth, or forever getting rid of your belly fat. We spend an endless amount of time and money on cosmetics than we do about a silent killer among us.

I wish I could say I was fighting along Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine against the Russians when a bomb went off yards from me knocking me to the ground. I wish I could say I was a famous quarterback being thrown to the ground by some ugly defensive line- backer and I was taken to a portable tent on the side-lines.

In reality on March 4, 2019, I slipped on the ice in my garage and my head landed on the cement floor. After visiting two emergency

Dear Editor, We'll be able to meet Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Janet Protasiewicz Friday January 27, 1:45 – 3 pm at the Spring Green Community Center, 117 S. Washington St, Spring Green.

Dear Editor,

The most recently reported amount of surplus money the State Legislature is reported to have in their coffers is somewhere in the vicinity of $7.7 billion dollars. Imagine if Legislators had the foresight to use this money to accomplish good things for the citizens of this state and most especially for the people they were elected to represent.

I respectfully submit the following suggestions for your consideration as you determine what to do with our unexpected surplus:

• Send NO money back to individual taxpayers – Individually, the rebate money wouldn’t amount to much per citizen. Instead, use this once in a de-

Dear Editor,

For nearly 120 years, Wisconsin has formally embraced “the Wisconsin Idea (1904)”, a philosophy and tradition that holds that the role of Wisconsin’s public university system is to be actively involved in community life and to contribute its expertise and wisdom to improving the quality of life of Wisconsin residents. In 2015, Scott Walker’s attempt to abolish the Wisconsin Idea and replace it with a goal “to meet the state’s workforce needs” was received negatively by politicians and the public alike, and the Wisconsin Idea was re-

negotiate prescription drug prices. These are good things for lower- and middle-class Americans. This new law directly affected my family at midnight on December 31, 2022. Let me explain. My wife, Catherine, has suffered from Type II diabetes for some time now. It is a hereditary disease that runs in her family. On December 21, 2022, I picked up her prescription from Center Pharmacy for “Lantis.” This

Art Fair Committee, Cardinal IG, Peoples Community Bank, Doerre Hardware, TriCounty Building Supply, the Spring Green Community Church and Spring Green Community Center, WRCO radio, the Weekly Home News, Valley Sentinel, Hometown Supermarket, Oakwood Fruit Farm, Thrivent Financial, Prems Meats, Wendy Crary and Vikki Stingley at the Village Office, and Adam Reno. For support of the Busy Bees Garden Club, we would like to thank the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin for a $500 grant for raised beds, West Madison Home Depot for additional financial help with the raised beds and Culvers of Spring Green. In 2022 we had 45 gardening families on 84 plots of various sizes. There were 6 par-

years of legal experience which includes the Milwaukee County DA’s office and a decade as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Janet Protasiewicz’s record shows her to be measured in her approach to the law and able to be fair, just,

wards, having five staples placed in my scalp it was determined I had blood on the brain.

As a recovering TBI patient (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY), I along with 2.6 million other Americans every year injure our brains. Our brain resembles soft butter floating in our skull in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. When a head injury occurs, our soft brain is thrown against our hard skull often causing blood vessels to break and bleeding will occur, bruising of the brain occurs, lack of oxygen and the ripping open of brain cells.

This is an honest look into the mind of one survivor. TBI is a silent epidemic which needs to be brought forward.

I, with millions of others, will live with this injury till the day we die. The flood of blood

Judge Janet is the most experienced candidate on the ballot. She is a highly regarded Circuit Court judge who has a reputation for being fair and impartial. She is a strong advocate for women's reproductive rights, and is deeply concerned about

cade windfall wisely for the current needs of your own constituents.

• Reduce taxes by a small amount in order to avoid future financial shortfalls.

• Use this money to help public schools across the state, many of whom are experiencing financial difficulties due to the Legislatures’ inadequate funding & inflation.

• Support The Wisconsin Idea and see to it that the UW system, especially our local UW-Richland Campus and public education at all levels remains Congress’ top priority.

• Earmark money to fix state highways that are under your jurisdiction, especially State Highways 80 and 14 right

stored to that year’s budget proposal.

Over 50 years ago, the UW system agreed to establish a two-year campus in Richland Center. That campus has richly served the rural Richland County community.

• Richland County is one of Wisconsin’s poorer counties, its poverty rate of 13.4% being 4.69% higher than the national average. The UW campus has brought to countless Richland County residents an opportunity to begin a four-year degree program they could not otherwise have afforded.

is the medicine she needs to control her blood sugar levels. It cost $139.24 for a 26day supply. From January 1, 2023, we will pay $35.00 for a 30-day supply and capped at $2,000.00 for the year. These good things were provided by a Democratic President, a Democratic Senate, and a Democratic House of Representatives. All Democrats voted for this new law while not a single Republican in the

ticipants in our Junior Gardener program for students in grades 4 through 12. There were 26 students aged 3 through grade 4 who participated in our summer Busy Bees Garden Club.

We offered 5 gardening workshops open to the public including one on the development of a deep straw demonstration garden by Roger Reynolds. We donated 896 lbs. of produce to the Community Food Pantry of Spring Green with additional produce being donated to the Meadows Assisted Living facility and also placed in the kiosk on Westmor St. at the Gardens.

We are looking forward to an exciting 2023 as we build our new equipment shed and open more plots to gardeners. Registration for the 2023 gardening sea-

non-partisan and devoted to serving the best interests of all residents. She is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and she graduated from Marquette Law School. I strongly urge you to learn more about her and she is coming to our area this

on my brain affected all areas of my brain, the cognitive, attention span, the perceptual, expressing my thoughts, the physical, my speech and behavior, my irritability.

Since the accident, I fell just by bending over, ran into a metal garage without being able to stop my feet, not able to handle a conversation while typing, felt the floor was moving under me while I walk, cry uncontrollable, slur my words, television and bright lights will bother my eyes, answer sharply toward others, and had thoughts of ending my life. Brain injury needs to be taken more seriously by patients, the medical field, and families. I do feel sorry for those around me especially when these brief episodes happen. My brain has a mind of its own and at times I feel I have

voting rights and fair maps. She has 35 years of legal experience, and has been a Circuit Court judge for almost a decade following 26 years as assistant district attorney.

The upcoming primary election on Feb-

here in Richland County.

• Broad Band in the Driftless area is either inadequate or nonexistent. This service is key to our future needs and must be prioritized by the legislature to attract new businesses to our area, improve students’ ability to learn outside of the classroom, and to enhance everyone’s ability to actively participate in the wider global community.

• Provide incentives for citizens to install solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy creating systems to make us more independent from fossil fuels.

• Provide more money to local, city, and county governments so they can do their jobs well and are able to provide

• The UW campus has brought an international community of students to a rural area not otherwise easily exposed to other cultures.

• The UW campus has provided cultural opportunities to both students and the community at large – theater, concerts, lectures.

• The UW campus has brought jobs to a community with a declining population.

• In short, the UW Richland campus has achieved precisely what the Wisconsin Idea advocates in enriching the sur-

House or Senate voted for it! Republicans continue to support the profit driven Pharmaceutical Industry and insurance companies who make record profits year after year. We’ve made our choice when it comes to the political party who has our best interests at heart. An easy choice!

Lee D. Van Landuyt Hillsboro, Wisconsin

son is now open. Applications are available on our website at rvacg.org, or request them via our Facebook page or via email at info@rvacg.org. Phone requests may be made at 608-588-6040. Print copies are located in the INFO box on N. Westmor St at the Gardens.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with the food pantry plots and garden maintenance. If anyone would like to help, please contact us.

Please visit us this summer to take a walk through the Gardens or participate in our gardening workshops.

The RVACG Board of Directors

Rose Ellen Schneider, President Spring Green, Wisconsin

Friday, January 27, 2023. Check your community bulletin boards to learn more.

Zann Liljegren Mineral Point, Wisconsin

no say in the matter.

My brain injury took place nearly four years ago. Through brain exercises, the reading of Dr. Amen’s book, “The End of Mental Illness,” compassion of several close friends, I am much better off today. I am still unable to carry on long conversations, talk to another while I am typing or washing dishes, and experience mood swings. I need to stay focused on one thing at a time.

Approximately 160 Americans die every day from brain injuries.

Love your brain, be patient with those who have TBI.

Dennis Siebert Town of Sylvan, Wisconsin

ruary 21st is critical for establishing a fair, impartial, and balanced Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Marie Baker

Dodgeville, Wisconsin

needed assistance for their citizens. These are just a few of the more important items you might consider seriously to improve the lives of citizens you have sworn to serve during your time in office. We are one of the poorest areas of the state with much untapped potential. The decision is yours. If you put your constituents first, these underfunded or unfunded life-enhancing projects can make a real and positive difference to us all. Where does your sense of duty and responsibility lie? Hopefully, we’ll be pleasantly surprised by your decisions and actions in the very near future.

Lee D. Van Landuyt Hillsboro, Wisconsin

rounding community.

The current sabotage of the campus by starving it of resources — in the face of a $6.5 billion state surplus — is well documented. This dismantling of the campus deprives rural students of an opportunity for an affordable education and deprives the community of educated residents. Such an outcome is the antithesis of the Wisconsin Idea and an outrageous blow to our City and County.

Marilyn Martin Richland Center, Wisconsin

Reflections from Lost Horizon Farm — Whitewashing

Each edition, retired dairy farmer Barb Garvoille brings her musings on dairy farm life from her own years of experience on Lost Horizon Farm with her late husband Vince “Mr. Farmer” Garvoille. This mooving memoir focuses on 1980-2000, join Barb as she rises with the herd.

In the spring and in the fall, the interior barn walls were whitewashed. Whitewash was finely ground limestone that came bagged and would be mixed with liquid on site. To make a full day's work, the hired whitewasher would try to line up two farms in the same area. He (Lost Horizon Farm's whitewashers were always male) figured on completing one barn in the morning and a neighboring one in the afternoon. The whitewasher would arrive with his air compressor hitched behind his pickup truck and a large mixing tank in the truck box. The farmer would provide the water to mix with the whitewash and, of course, the farmer also paid for the whitewashing service. The cost was a dollar figure multiplied by the number of feet of barn wall to be whitewashed.

Whitewashing day meant a very early morning start and was met with optimistic thoughts about a flawless morning milking and chore routine, because, on that particular day, a person tried to adhere closely to a schedule to accommodate the whitewasher's start time. One also hoped for good weather with low humidity.

As soon as the cows had been milked and turned out of the barn, preparations for the whitewasher would begin. Anything that a person didn't want to be whitewashed had to be moved out of the barn: barn tools, calendar, breeding chart, feed pails and scoops, currycombs, calving ropes and the like. The diminutive barn refrigerator had to be unplugged and moved to a place in the milk house with a plug in; each of the drinking cups had to have a section of newspaper inserted between the cup and its paddle; all the cow trainers had to be taken down and stored outside; and the barn radio and the fencer had to be securely wrapped in a protective layer of plastic. The barn cats had been conditioned to the sound of compressed air, and as soon as the compressor was

turned on, they took themselves out of the barn.

It was understood that the whitewasher would come with a bevy of burlap bags, and it was part of his job to tie them over

the milking pipeline. With that done, the whitewasher would "blow the barn down." Dragging a long line of compressor hose behind him, he would blast every square foot of barn wall with air. Copious amounts of dust and dirt would create great clouds of matter that would be seen coming out of every window and door of the barn. Anything not secure would also be blown down: bits of hay or feed in wall cracks, the pencil someone had forgotten to put away, desiccated rodent and cat excrement, feathers, splinters of barn timber, dead insects and the sticky spider webs that held them.

The next step would be to spray the cleaned walls with a fresh coat of whitewash. (The whitewash mixture could include a spidercide; that was not an option at Lost Horizon Farm because of the health concerns we had regarding the chemicals used.) When his work had been completed, the whitewasher would take down his burlap sacks from the pipeline and store them in his truck, coil up hoses on his equipment, wash up in the milk house, receive payment, eat his lunch, visit with the farmer briefly, and then drive off to his next job.

The whitewasher's work was done, but the farmers' had just begun. A person had to walk in the barn with extra care because spilled whitewash was very slippery and contact with the still drying walls would mean clothing moistened with whitewash. The first job was to sweep the mangers

of all the fallen debris and shovel it into the gutter. The cow beds were checked for debris, and newspapers would be carefully taken off the drinking cups, wadded up and discarded. The cups and paddles would then be brushed off and cleaned further. The stainless steel pipeline, although it had been covered, was usually blotched with spots of whitewash that had seeped through the burlap bags. Its entire length would have to be washed off with soapy water. The barn lights were cleaned off as well. The coverings would be taken off the radio and fencer, and that plastic along with the whitewash bags that the whitewasher would leave in a pile in front of the milk house door would be carried to the farm dumpster. After these tasks were done, the walls of the barn would generally be dry enough to replace all the items that had been taken out of the barn earlier. The cow trainers would be wiped off, pushed into their highest position, and put back in place over each stanchion. Each trainer would have to be readjusted for each cow later in the day after the cows came into the barn for milking.

The barn looked just beautiful after whitewashing, and the clean brightness of it all made the cows appear exceedingly sleek. It definitely made the beauty of each animal more defined. As long as all

An update on sports coverage

You may have noticed that there has been no River Valley Blackhawks sports coverage this winter season.

Our student athletes are great. Our coaches are great. Our parents and community supporters are great. So what gives?

While we appreciate the engagement, stats, pictures and write ups we get from coaches (and we urge them to continue) — covering, compiling and laying out the multitude of sports that happen, as a bi-weekly, is…hard.

That’s not to say we’re not up for the task. We’re proud to have put together great sports stories, opinion pieces and coverage in prior seasons. However, it’s never been on the scale and consistency we’d like. With our limited manpower and resources, we

the barn items were placed in about the same position, whitewashing did not seem to faze the cows although some did pause to take an extra look at the refreshed appearance of the barn's interior.

Observant milk inspectors seemed amused by the sign above the barn door that said: "Caution: This barn protected by attack cobwebs." Whitewashing eliminated all the dust-outlined spider webs in the barn, but it was always astonishing how quickly and in what numbers nature’s pest controllers re-established themselves. Coincidentally (and fortuitously), one time the Federal milk inspectors came by the day the barn was being whitewashed. Being unable to do their evaluation that day, the inspectors came the very next day, Lost Horizon Farm literally sparkled and received the highest score possible: 100. Not only were the barn walls aglow, we were too!

Barb has called Lost Horizon Farm, just north of Spring Green, her home for the past 42 years. She is fond of all creatures (including snakes). Her joy stems from being able to be outdoors every day observing and treasuring the plant and animal life on her small piece of this planet. She loved milking cows and is proud to have been a dairy farmer.

truly believe that if we’re going to do it, then we want to do it right. We want to find the best balance of print and interactive, online sports coverage (both scholastic and community/club/intramural) that the community deserves.

To do that, we most likely will need a sports editor and an additional paginator to coordinate and compile what is involved. So we wanted to send out some feelers to see if there is a savvy, passionate community member or members that live and breathe sports that want to be empowered to take this on and make it their own. We understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we wanted to make sure our readers knew where we were and what we’re thinking too.

Stay tuned and let us know if you’re interested: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Barb Garvoille, Columnist

Barb Garvoille

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille

A sign warning of cobwebs found on the outside of the barn.

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille

A sign displaying whitewashing service from the year 2000.

Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

A recent photo shows the remnants of decades-old whitewashing, as Garvoille walks through the barn.

COmmunitycalendar

The Community Calendar is curated and designed by Julianna Williams. Events are subject to change, always check ahead for up-to-date information on any events you are interested in.

Events for January 27 - February 9

Saturday, February 4

Meet Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Janet Protasiewicz 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green Community Center, 117 S Washington St, Spring Green Judge Janet is running to fill the seat on the Supreme Court vacated by retiring Judge Patience Roggensack. Judge Janet will share the values she will bring to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and why her qualifications make her the best candidate in the February 21st 2023 non-partisan Primary and the April 4th 2023 non-partisan Spring Election.

Saturday, January 28

Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning. Preorders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact into.

LIVE MUSIC: Louka // Lawnmower 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W

Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door Join us for a special night with Louka Patenaude performing with John Christensen and Al Falaschi. Special guests Lawnmower will open the show. Louka Patenaude, a veteran of the Madison music scene, is a performing guitarist, teacher, recording studio artist, songwriter and composer. As a professional teacher, his career goes back almost 20 years. Lawnmower is a bluegrass-focused project that made its debut this summer.

Open Euchre 4:00 PM Arena VFW Hall 514 Willow Street, Arena For more info look up Arena VFW on Facebook $5 Entry fee. No Partner Needed.

Sunday, January 29

Winter Yoga 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Radiant Spirit Yoga, S7163 County Rd. G, Hillpoint ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com This series will help you build a regular movement and mobility practice based in the yoga traditions. Regular mindful movement can reduce your susceptibility to injury, contribute to your longevity, help you find some freedom, and just feels darn good.

LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic “Gentle” Jam 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green . 608-5880-707, karin@springgreengeneralstore.com, SpringGreenGeneralStore.com Free event This practice style jam is for learner and generous experienced players to make music together. We will practice leading songs, taking breaks, learning riffs, integrating our instruments with others, and generally making music with the expectation of learning and having fun.

Volunteer Orientation 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Miracles on Hoof/ CR Therapy Center, S10629 Wilson Creek Rd, Spring Green For more info look up Miracles on Hoof on Facebook If you are new or would just like to help out in a different way than what you have in the past please come join us for a barn tour and discussion of our mission, needs, and where you can help.

Friday, January 27 Tuesday, January 31

Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM . Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Fun stories, songs, and themed activities each week for children and their caregivers. Stories and songs 20-30 minutes followed by craft/activity. Children under 6 must be accompanied.

Movies, Munchies and More: Harriet 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Every Tuesday at 1pm, come to the Library for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and either a movie or a presentation. The incredible true story of one of America's greatest heroes, Harriet Tubman. From her escape from slavery to the dangerous missions she led, setting free hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad (rating: PG-13).

Wednesday, February 1

Funtivity Kits Available Today! 10:00 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org (608) 588-2276 Drop by to pick up a "FUNtivity" grab-and-go activity. Kits are geared toward children and families, and are available while supplies last on the cart inside the parking lot entrance doors.

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

WORKSHOP: Basic Skills for Garment Construction, Alterations, and Mends

4:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Registration is required for this event. Check online for the form. The 3-week course will be conducted by Nancy Cullen and Marge Hottmann and will give you as much one-to-one assistance as possible. These classes will provide you with some tips and practice to learn or improve your sewing skills.

Winter Yoga 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Wyoming Valley School, 6306 State Road 23, Spring Green ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com This series will help you build a regular movement and mobility practice based in the yoga traditions. Regular mindful movement can reduce your susceptibility to injury, contribute to your longevity, help you find some freedom, and just feels darn good.

Thursday, February 2

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome. Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

Friday, January 7

St. Luke Fish Fry 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM St. Luke Catholic Church - Plain,1240 Nachreiner Avenue, Plain stlukecatholicchurchplain.com . Stop by for our fish fry! Carry out available.

Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM . S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning. Preorders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact into.

Mindfulness: Discussion and Practice (Zoom Only) 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Virtual Event springgreen.com Our meetings will include discussions and short mindfulness exercises/practices. We will explore sitting, standing, lying down and moving mindfulness experiences. Find the zoom link online.

LIVE MUSIC: Dale Glaudell 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com Dale Eric Glaudell ( “Lonesome Dale” ) A solid musical performer in Wisconsin and the Midwest with over 40 years of show business under his guitar strap, Dale plays a mixture of hit songs, originals, old-time favorites, country and rock classics, with humor mixed in.

A Winter Cocktail with Edible Madison 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Convivio, 122 N Lexington St, Spring Green ediblemadison.com Please join us for a cocktail at The Speakeasy at Convivio in Spring Green to celebrate the winter issue of Edible Madison! Come find some warmth and good company and let’s talk about your favorite cocktail recipes. Featuring a guest bartender from Tattersall Distillery! Door prizes. Mixer specials for cocktails and mocktails.

LIVE MUSIC: VO5 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door VO5's only goal is to make people dance and they have been doing it for 17 years. The 10-piece band from Madison performs 70's disco and funk covers and some originals. performs hits by Abba, BeeGees, Ohio Players, Jackson 5 and many more along with tons of groovy originals from their a hot new album, Dance Originality.

Sunday, February 5

Winter Yoga 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Radiant Spirit Yoga, S7163 County Rd. G, Hillpoint ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com This series will help you build a regular movement and mobility practice based in the yoga traditions. Regular mindful movement can reduce your susceptibility to injury, contribute to your longevity, help you find some freedom, and just feels darn good.

LIVE MUSIC: 1st Sunday of the Month Jam at Trader's — Janna and the Junkyard Dogs 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Traders Bar & Grill, 6147 US Highway 14, Spring Green wisconsincanoe.com It's the first Sunday of the month, so you know what that means?! The monthly jam at Trader's!! Come on out and start your month off on a good foot with fun music and people, as well as great food at one of the best places around! All musicians and music lovers are welcome.

Women's Full Moon Sauna 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM E3048 Marble Quarry Road, Plain ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com Clear out some space with a sit in the sauna to welcome in the good energy of the full moon. Delight in shared conversation with our community. Please bring a towel, water and plan to wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Clothing optional in sauna, but towels are required. Free event. Register to RSVP and select arrival time.

Monday, February 6

Trivia Night 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Join us for a night of Trivia! Kyle Adams will host as we put teams together for a contest of trivia. Come for the prizes, stay for the fun! First Question at 7:00 - and it should last about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Winter Words 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Touchstone Theatre, APT, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Tickets are $20. If you need assistance with your order, email the APT Box Office at boxoffice@americanplayers.org. Winter Words provides room to explore stories that are new to us, with laser-focus on the language. Uncle Vanya By Anton Chekhov. Chekhov's revered story of tradition and transformation, filtered through the heart and mind of Nate Burger.

Tuesday, February 7

Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain kraemerlibrary.org Fun stories, songs, and themed activities each week for children and their caregivers. Stories and songs 20-30 minutes followed by craft/activity. Children under 6 must be accompanied.

Movies, Munchies and More: Father Stu 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Every Tuesday at 1pm, come to the library for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and either a movie or a presentation.Struggling to overcome his self-destructive tendencies, Stuart Long seeks a new path in the boxing ring. However, Long soon finds himself turning to a life of religion, eventually earning his priesthood on a quest to uplift others. Based on true events. (Rating: R)

Teen Game Time 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Come try out video games, board games and more! Designed for middle and high school aged teens.

Wednesday, February 8

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

WORKSHOP: Basic Skills for Garment Construction, Alterations, and Mends 4:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Registration is required for this event. Check online for the form. The 3-week course will be conducted by Nancy Cullen and Marge Hottmann and will give you as much one-to-one assistance as possible. These classes will provide you with some tips and practice to learn or improve your sewing skills.

Winter Yoga 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Wyoming Valley School, 6306 State Road 23, Spring Green ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com This series will help you build a regular movement and mobility practice based in the yoga traditions. Regular mindful movement can reduce your susceptibility to injury, contribute to your longevity, help you find some freedom, and just feels darn good.

Events for February 9

Thursday, February 9

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

WHAT’S HANGINg ? ongoing art exhibitions

Local Art at the Library: Wayne Farra and Maya Madden

Open until January 31st . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green .

Monday-Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM . Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM . Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Wayne Farra and Maya Madden, the artists behind No Rules Gallery in Spring Green, are exhibiting examples of their jewelry in the Glass Case Gallery. Their beautiful Cloisonne pieces, and gemstone rings and necklaces, which include unusual agates and jaspers, are available for viewing during regular library hours.

In the Community Room Gallery, In the Community Room Gallery, the featured exhibit is "Before Night Falls: Watercolors by Helen Klebesadel. Helen is an artist, educator, and activist who grew up in the Wyoming Valley area before moving to Spring Green in her later school years. Her studio is located in Madison, but her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally for three decades. This exhibit is available for viewing at any time during regular library hours when the room is not already in use.

Spring Green Fire/EMS Continues to Operate as COVID-19 Testing Site Through February

Public Health Sauk County has announced that the Spring Green Fire/EMS COVID-19 testing site will remain open until February 28, 2023. The site, located at 327 S Winsted Street in Spring Green, is one of several testing sites that have been provided to Sauk County residents in partnership with Baraboo EMS, Spring Green Fire/EMS, and Reedsburg Ambulance Service.

The Baraboo EMS and Reedsburg Ambulance Service testing sites have closed after January 12, 2023, but may reopen if community need arises. The Spring Green Fire/EMS site will continue to operate, providing free COVID-19 testing for county residents. To register for testing at the Spring Green Fire/EMS site, individuals should use the COVID Connect System, which can be accessed at https://covidconnect2.wi.gov/#/login. The system allows users to access their test results and requires additional registration at https://www.springgreenems.com/.

In addition to testing sites, there are also options available for ordering free at-home tests. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers one free package of five athome COVID-19 tests every month at sayyescovidhometest.org. The federal government also offers four free at-home COVID-19 tests at covid.gov/tests. Those who need help placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19, testing sites, or vaccines should contact Public Health Sauk County at 608-355-3290, select option #3, and leave a message. Public Health Sauk County’s COVID Response Team will make every effort to respond to inquiries within 24 hours, but please note that the phone is not monitored on weekends.

River Valley High School art exhibit at the Spring Green Community Library .

Open in February . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green .

Monday-Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green The show consists of artworks by high school students in grades 9-12 from a number of different visual arts courses. “Students in these visual arts courses come with a variety of knowledge and talent,” says their instructor, Kasey Maxwell. “My goal is to help them build fundamental skills while providing a safe space to investigate new subjects. Students are encouraged to explore several different mediums while finding personal influence and making connections between art and their everyday lives.” The exhibit is available for viewing during regular library hours. Please ask for the key to the community room at the circulation desk.

CIVICS & SERVICES CALENDAR

This calendar is a place listing (for free) the typical meeting dates for area governmental bodies, and Please email us with these meetings, or use the form on our Community Calendar page — let's build community together: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

January 27:

Meet Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Janet Protasiewicz 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green Community Center, 117 S Washington St, Spring Green Judge Janet is running to fill the seat on the Supreme Court vacated by retiring Judge Patience Roggensack. Judge Janet will run in the Tuesday, February 21st 2023 non-partisan Primary and the Tuesday, April 4th 2023 non-partisan Spring Election.

February 1: VOLUNTEER: Arena Pine Barrens Workday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Help us care for some of our state's most pristine public lands, State Natural Areas. Encourage native plants and animals to thrive by cutting brush, controlling invasive species, collecting seeds, monitoring rare species, and preparing fire breaks. Contact Jared Urban 608-228-4349 for information.

February 4:

Friends of the Library Book Collection 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org The Friends of the Spring Green Community Library will accept donations of gently used books for resale. Friends reserve the right to limit the quantity of items accepted and/or refuse donations that do not meet library needs.

February 6:

MEETING: Spring Green Community Library Board Meeting 5:00 PM . Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org The Library Board of Trustees meets each month, typically on the first or second Tuesday, at 5 PM. Changes to this schedule are posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The meetings are open to the public.

February 7:

Lone Rock Red Cross Blood Drive 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM 214 Broadway Street Lone Rock redcross.org

MEETING: Arena Village Board Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Village Hall, 345 West Street, Arena villageofarena.net Arena typically holds board meetings the first tuesday of the month.

February 8: MEETING: Village of Spring Green Board Meeting 7:00 PM Virtual event vi.springgreen.wi.gov

MEETING: Plain Village Board Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 510 Main Street, Plain villageofplain.com

February 10:

VOLUNTEER: Ridgeway Pine Relict Workday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Help us care for some of our state's most pristine public lands, State Natural Areas. Encourage native plants and animals to thrive by cutting brush, controlling invasive species, collecting seeds, monitoring rare species, and preparing fire breaks. Contact Bob

Art Fair applications due February 4

Artists are invited to apply for the Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair, taking place on June 24 and 25, 2023 in downtown Spring Green. The application and fee deadline is February 4, with applications accepted that are postmarked by midnight. Artists are reminded to send separate checks for the jury fee and booth fee.

Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent out on March 15, with image disks returned to accepted artists. For those not accepted, the booth fee check will be returned.

To apply, artists should fill out the application and mail it to the Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair Committee at P.O. Box 96, Spring Green, WI 53588. For any additional information not found on the event website, artists can email the committee at springgreenartfair@gmail.com.

For more information and to download an application, visit www.springgreenartfair.com.

River Valley School District invites community to join facilities task force

The River Valley School District has announced the initiation of a public planning process to assess all building code, maintenance, ADA, security, safety, and space needs required to deliver current and future curricula. The process will involve a significant investment, and the goal is to gather input from the community to determine the longterm vision for the school district and prioritize the necessary investment in a strategic manner that aligns with the Master Plan.

To facilitate this process, the district has enlisted the help of architectural and engineering firm FEH DESIGN. The firm will lead a public engagement process and assemble an Advisory Task Force made up of a cross-section of area residents, business representatives, related institutions, different demographic groups, and community leaders.

The task force will be responsible for: reviewing the Goals for Success that have been drafted by the Core Planning Committee members (School Board & Admin Team), identifying possible needs and solution options to study, developing criteria to evaluate potential solutions, the weighting of the criteria, participating in the planning workshop/ SPARK SESSION, prioritizing needs, and recommending to the School Board the preferred solutions to meet the needs and the community vision.

The public is invited to participate in this process, with the first kick-off meeting planned for February 2nd at 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria. Subsequent meetings are planned for February 15 at 6:00 PM, March 14 at 5:00 PM, March 15 at 6:00 PM, and April 11 at 6:00 PM in the High School Cafeteria.

If you are interested in being part of the Advisory Task Force or just want to attend the meetings, please join for the kick-off meeting on February 2nd.

We're excited to announce the soft launch of a semi-regular to regular literary section we've been inspired by other literary compilations to call Lexington & Jefferson

As the pivotal intersection of our community, we envision this as a place that celebrates the cross-section of our greater community. We envision it as a place of curated and submitted prose, poetry and more that showcase the talents of our community.

Introducing Lexington & Jefferson

Each edition we receive submissions of artwork, poetry, prose and other musings that we have trouble placing in the paper on their own and often have to simply hold or regrettably turn down. We hope this becomes a welcome place for them. This space will grow and change, as all things do, and we may eventually work with talented organizations, authors, experts and artists to curate this section - perhaps we'll compile and publish an

Lexington & Jefferson

An excerpt from... In the bleak midwinter

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

— Christina Rossetti

What Happened to my National News?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing your age. At the age of 81 I just naturally do it everyday with my beautiful aging marks on my face, my taste in music, the lack of quickness as I lift myself from the floor and the news.

Speaking of the news, what in sam hill is going on with the news? Watching the commentators is like watching a tag team wrestling match. Each commentator tries to outdo one another to see who can laugh the loudest, tell the most jokes and get the most airtime. The people behind the desk remind me of the Three Stooges, Mo, Curly, and Larry.

I realize our attention span has decreased since 2000. It is sad to report that a goldfish has more of an attention span than we do, 9 seconds to our 8.25 seconds. Women do better than men. The people broadcasting from the idiot box believe we need to be entertained with their constant interruptions and their belly laughs.

I firmly believe most of the overpaid personalities doing the news should spend their time on Saturday Night Live. I have a hard time believing when they are broadcasting serious news like the war in Ukraine when they spend the rest of the time doling vaudeville acts like Mo, Curly, and Larry.

Here goes that age thing again but give me real news reports like Walter Cronkite, Katie Couric, Edward Murrow, Jane Pauley, Bob Woodward, Christiane Amanpour, and Dan Rather. They can all crack a smile, but they knew how to deliver the news.

If we think we have to be “entertained” in order to hear the news, then we all need a wake- up call. To date, goldfish are still ahead of us when it comes to our attention span.

HOPEFULLY YOU GOT THROUGH THIS ENTIRE READ. IT TOOK MORE THAN 9 SECONDS TO READ.

— Dennis Siebert

American Players Theatre Announces New Play in 2023 Lineup

American Players Theatre (APT) has announced a change in its 2023 lineup, with the addition of a new play, "Mala" by Melinda Lopez. The play, directed by Rosa Joshi and featuring Nancy Rodriguez, will replace "Wolf at the Door," which will not be produced in 2023 but is expected to return in a future season.

According to APT, the change in the lineup was made due to "very exciting opportunities" for Director Melisa Pereyra. In a statement, the theater described "Mala" as a "gorgeous, funny, devastating, one-person play."

"You're going to want to add this gem to your summer schedule," the theater said in a statement. "Learn more on our website, and start making plans."

In addition to the change in the summer lineup, APT also announced that its schedule for its fall production, David Auburn's "Proof," has also been updated.

"We have less than two months to go before tickets go on sale to returning patrons," the theater said.

For more information on "Mala" and other plays in the 2023 lineup, as well as ticket sales, visit americanplayers.org.

annual literary journal, who knows.

We may also use this space for arts & culture news and submitted musings that don't quite fit within the bounds of a traditional column, profile or letter to the editor.

Get involved: If you're interested in submitting, curating or have ideas, please don not hesitate at all to submit them to us at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

LITERARY SECTION

Musings from the End of the Rainbow

Take a journey with me to the end of the Rainbow.

I grew up at the end of Rainbow Road, a beautiful and magical place in a River Valley, just outside of a town called Spring Green. Following are stories and reflections of a simpler time.....

Emma

There is no ending only where you choose to stop the story. With that in mind:

There is also no beginning only where you choose to start the story.

I could venture farther back and beyond, and perhaps someday I shall, but having come across a black and white picture of my great-grandmother, Emma, it occurs to me that she’s a very good place to start.

The picture I possess, is of her standing at a fence, chest high, holding, what appears, at first glance, to be an old watering can. Her hair, wrapped in a tight, upswept bun. A plain white apron and frock adorning her body.

Large and robust, she seems to grab attention, fear, respect, and loyalty immediately. A woman, I have no doubt, that silently ran her household with a stern authority of love.

Emma had a large bosom, that she used when slicing a loaf of bread, or at least I always imagine that she did.

I can see in my mind’s eye, her pushing the bread tightly up against her breasts, as she saws back and forth with a large knife.

I can see the crumbs falling to the wooden kitchen floor and scattering about her bare feet, as she slices one piece after another, preparing to feed her large family.

Steam rising into the air from the warm loaf as the smell of fresh baked bread fills the home.

Emma, fiery in spirit, yet soft and gentle in heart. My great grandmother that I’ve only met in my imagination, an imagination that stems from that old faded black and white picture.

This towering woman,

I can see her working the land alongside her husband and children, tending to the daily chores needed to survive.

It dawns on me that she didn’t know of the family that would spring forth from her, the legacy that she was slated to create. The kids, grandkids, and generations that would follow,

branching out; Living, and Loving, all because of her.

Even the kin before her, that paved the way, so that one day, she would be standing there watering the flowers in her lawn. A home and farm that would feel the footsteps of generations to come.

Our family’s soul is in this earth at the end of the Rainbow.

Many have skinned their knees here, have cried, have played, fought, laughed, and lived on the ground she once walked with those bare feet, her bosom rising and falling with each breathe she took.

The smell of that fresh baked bread filling the air, the same air that I breathe today so many years later. Bread, I sometimes still catch a whiff of.

I can feel her love for a family she would never know, yet a family that she nurtured with.

That old watering can,

That

large bosom

and That

heavenly fresh baked bread. Not the beginning, nor the end: Just a slice right out of the middle of the circle of life.

— Mary Lanita Schultz

WE'RE LOOKING FOR INTERNS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

Want to help build community? Know a college student that’s looking for a summer or fall internship for academic credit or to gain experience? Already attending village board or school board meetings and want to record or report on them? Want to engage with arts & culture, ag, businesses and other topics important to our community? Want to take scenic walks or drives delivering papers to subscribers and businesses? We have so many ideas to grow and do more for our community, but we need help, we CAN’T do it alone. If you want to be a part of something bigger please email us and let us know what your interests are: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Areas in most need:

-Graphic design (publication layout, visual story design, infographics), Sports reporting, Municipal meeting recorders/reporters, School board reporters, Social media posting/creation, E-newsletter, Website posting, Agriculture reporter/columnist (current events).

We have the infrastructure set up for most of these areas, we're just in need of manpower from passionate community members.

REVIEW: Wisconsin author Michael Perry releases new book ‘Forty Acres Deep’

"Nervous about this one," says Michael Perry. "Not sure how folks will take it. Or if I should have even written it."

"It'' refers to the rural Wisconsin author's latest book, a short work of fiction called Forty Acres Deep. Set in a world of stark wintry beauty, it tells the brief, unrelenting tale of a farmer's attempt to save the remains of his land and make sense of a world he no longer recognizes while pitilessly calling himself into account after the death of his wife and child.

"Despite that, there's some humor in there," says Perry. "I've been reading bits aloud at my shows and folks do laugh. Grim chuckles, not knee-slappers. But yah, mostly this one's not a lotta zippity-doo-dah." Due to the serious themes, Perry shared the manuscript with farmers and members of the agricultural mental health movement before committing to publish it.

Perry hatched the idea for the novella (a work of fiction shorter than a novel but longer than a short story) while fighting to save his two steel sheds from collapsing beneath a record-breaking snowfall. "I'm a softhanded writer with a couple pole barns mostly full of junk," says Perry, "As I sweated and cursed and kneed through the drifts, I kept thinking, what if I was a real farmer, fighting to save my livelihood? Barns went down all over the state that winter. It was no joke."

“In part I’m attempting to honor the old farming traditions,” says Perry, “but the main character is also fighting his own misguided sentimentality—the bullheadedness that keeps us hanging on when we should let go. As a farmer and a citizen he's facing suppressed rage and powerlessness in the face of change. As a husband, he's facing all

the ways you can fall short in a marriage even as you meet the standard definition. As a parent, he's confronting — or avoiding — the worst grief imaginable. And as a human he's brought face-to-face with those for whom the world offers no easy space."

In addition to touches of gallows humor, Forty Acres Deep is lightened by the farmer's side trips to town (including a hilarious showdown at a kerosene pumping station), his affection for torpedo heaters, a late tendency to speak his mind, and, in Perry's own words, "a delicate green shoot representing hope."

In credits at the end of the book, Perry cites musicians Sturgill Simpson, S. Carey, and Kathleen Edwards as influencing the book's tone.

expanded bio and back catalog can be found online at SneezingCow.com.

A profound sense of loss can grow from any of a number of things: the death of a child, a marriage gone cold, the loss of your land and livestock... Some people find faith, some seek support, and some go silent, conversing with themselves amid a fog of desperate hopelessness.

Michael Perry has written on serious subjects before, and when I picked up his latest at bedtime for a quick glance, I didn't put it down again until I finished it after midnight. Afterward I had two immediate thoughts. The first is that the author must be horribly depressed and is writing this as a path toward healing. The second is that Perry must have seen enough of this fog and wanted to raise awareness of what often goes undiscussed in an agrarian community. What happens here (in this book and this community) is not unlike places in Mexico and India where farmers lost their land, and suicide rates just kept rising.

of the way he turns those observations into humorous, heartfelt and relatable commentary. In his new novella, Forty Acres Deep, Perry's keen observations of farmers and farming shine a bright light on a crisis that has been building for decades - mental illness and social isolation. Our protagonist Harold has been on a slow downward spiral brought on by farming failures and debt, the loss of a child, the impenetrable wall between him and his wife, and crippling, untreated depression. Oh, and the snow. The higher the snowfall, the deeper the depression. The reader can feel the desperation and impending doom as Harold wages a futile war against the weather as well as his many demons. This is a book that the author felt compelled to write even though it is a great departure from his earlier works. This is also a book that everyone should read, especially those with ties to the farming community, in order to recognize the signs and reach out a hand to those afraid to ask for help. Very powerful, but unlike anything else Mike has written, so loyal fans may be surprised.

— Nancy Baenen Arcadia Books

Michael Perry was raised on a dairy farm and still lives in rural Wisconsin, where he volunteers as an emergency medical responder when he's not on the road performing as a humorist or with his band. He has written numerous bestselling books, beginning with Population 485. His

Perry's story carried me back to my uncle's farm in Nebraska. All his neighbors struggled economically, and when homes and barns were abandoned they eventually collapsed. Perry reminds us that many things go unrepaired in a hollowed out community. I think this could very well be the best book Mike has ever written. His deep understanding of the subject and characters is masterful, and with age his writing has matured from great to greatness.

— Todd Miller, Arcadia Books

Michael Perry is an expert observer of human nature. He is beloved because

Riverway Board sets 2023 meeting schedule, moves to six meetings

continued from page 1

project in the Town of Troy, Sauk County; to Mike Genthe for a timber harvest in the Town of Wauzeka, Crawford County; and, to Mark Stram for a timber harvest in the Town of Wauzeka and Town of Bridgeport, Crawford County. Extensions to

previously issued permits were granted to Gerald Bennett for a timber harvest in the Town of Orion, Richland County; to Bug Tussel for a fiber optic project at the STH 23 bridge near Spring Green; and, to Mike Finlay on behalf of the DNR for native plant community management at the Mazomanie Unit in Dane County.

CLASSIFIEDS

Agricultural Employment Opportunity

Seeking full-time field crew member to support ecological agriculture on our Spring Green farm. Duties include outdoor fieldwork, maintenance, and site management of integrated agroforestry systems.

$20-22/hr, starting late March. Application deadline Feb 1.

For more info, visit www.savannainstitute.org/jobs

Seeking office space

Valley Sentinel is seeking office space to rent or purchase in the downtown area of Spring Green before the end of the year.

Flexible ideas for the space include a newsroom, co-working space for small businesses and entrepreneurs, local retail/consignment, local art exhibition/gallery space and (eventually) working collaboratively with area businesses to provide extended hours coffee and potentially grab-and-go food.

Please let us know if you have any vacant or soon-to-be vacant commercial space, know of any space, or have any creative ideas or partnership opportunities, by phone at 608-588-6694 or by email at editor@valleysentinelnews.com.

We also currently have indoor publication racks available for businesses that would like them.

Cupp said the terms of Sauk County representative Gigi La Budde and Crawford County representative Lara Czajkowski Higgins will expire on May 1, 2023. Both individuals have expressed a desire to seek re-appointment. Cupp said he will work with the respective county boards and Governor Tony Evers on the appointment process. He

ISBN 9798985663808

Available now at Arcadia Books

noted a vacancy for an at-large position also exists.

The next business meeting of the Riverway Board will be Thursday, March 9th. Details on meeting location will be forthcoming but the meeting will convene at 5:00 p.m. Check the Riverway Board website for updates or call 608-739-3188.

B U S I N E S S

I N S I D E R

UPCOMING SPECIAL SECTIONS/EDITORIAL NOTES:

February 9, 2023:

Romantic Resources (Special Section) – Our annual Valentine's Day area resource guide. Wines, dinners, chocolates, stays - this section is what our business community makes it.

All special sections subject to change and participation. The more support and engagement we get, the more we can offer the community together.

— OPPORTUNITIES IN ALL OF OUR SPECIAL SECTIONS —

Presenting Sponsor of the section — $400 (1 available each special section)

A presenting sponsorship grants your logo and business name on the section itself. A sponsorship also includes a banner ad to be run within the section. Sponsor will also receive half off any sponsored article content within the special section.

Supporting sponsorships of special sections may be available at $200 for all benefits above, excluding banner (limited availability), but also including 50% off ads in the section.

Featured Business/Sponsored Articles — $200 for 1/2 page promotional article with 1-2 pictures ($100 if sponsor for the section) – Limited availability. Runs online as well.

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Michael Perry

Forty Acres Deep by Michael Perry

Summary

1,738,031

covid case activity level

Updated: 1/24/2023

This map shows the current CDC COVID-19 Community Level for each county in Wisconsin. Community levels measure the impact of COVID-19 illness on health and health care systems in communities. COVID-19 community levels can help communities and individuals make decisions based on their local context and their unique needs. Community vaccination coverage and other local information can also inform decision-making for health officials and individuals. Updated:

Percent of Wisconsin residents ages 5-11 who have completed the primary series by county

Vaccine Summary Statistics

Cases

Percent of Wisconsin residents who have completed the primary series

Graphic by juliAnna Williams

The Sauk County Gardener

February Tasks to bring our Gardening Ideas to Life

Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener

“The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.”

— Terri Guillemets

Here we are, on the cusp of February. As I write this, there is a good amount of snow on the ground outside, making it hard to believe that spring will be here before we know it. Believe it or not, there are plenty of things you want to do in February so you’re ready for spring planting.

Now is the time to get your seed starting setup organized so you are ready when it’s time to start planting seeds. This means checking that all your lights and heat mats work, you have plenty of seed starting mix, and that you’ve set up somewhere it won’t make a difference if things get wet. I speak from experience, last year I needed more room than I had on my

2023 All-American Winners

“A vegetable garden in the beginning looks so promising and then after all little by little it grows nothing but vegetables, nothing, nothing but vegetables.”

— Gertrude Stein

I spent some time this past weekend researching what seeds and plants I’m going to grow this year in my gardens. I not only like to look through seed catalogs, but I also like to consider the annuals, perennials and vegetables that were selected as the All-American Selections (AAS) for the year. I like to consider planting AAS winners for my gardens as they are “tested nationally and proven locally.” When I select them for my garden, I can expect to have exceptional garden performance. Last year, I purchased two Pepper Pot-a-peno plants that were 2021 All-

5-shelf seed-starting system. I covered our pool table with what I thought was a waterproof cover and set up my extra lights and heat mats. It turned out that I was wrong about the waterproof cover, and Scott had to do a bit of work to fix the damage I did to the felt. I’m not sure he’s going to let me use it again this year.

Review the seeds you plan to plant this growing season to see if and when they need to be started indoors. Our last expected spring frost date in the Baraboo area this year is May 12. Use that date and count backwards to figure out how soon you have to start seeds. I’m waiting for my artichoke seeds to arrive to get them started as they have a very long growing season and will need a good head start. Impatiens, vinca, pansies, and geraniums should be started from seed about the second week of February. The same goes for leeks and onions if

American Selections and had so many jalapenos I had to find homes for all my extras.

This year’s winners are definitely worth trying to track down. The first one I’d like to tell you about is Coleus Premium Sun Coral Candy. This multicolored coleus is the first seed coleus to ever win. The color is spectacular and holds its color well, even when grown in full sun. I was particularly excited by the fact that only three seeds are needed to produce enough foliage to fill a 14-26” container.

Another ornamental winner that I’m excited about is the Colocasia Royal Hawaiian Waikiki. Another name for a Colocasia is elephant ear and I use them a lot in my shade garden containers. This one has large glossy leaves with pink veins and creamy white centers, deep burgundy stems.

The Shoppe at Herbs Spices and More (7352 US Highway 14, Arena) is excited to announce the return of their popular soup and bread offerings. Customers can visit the store on Saturdays from 10am-4pm to purchase their selection or pre-order by calling 608-753-9000. The Shoppe offers a wide variety of soups and breads to choose from, which can be viewed on their website at www.herbsspicesandmore.com/soup. Owners Kate and Bob McQuade invite customers to come in and see what's available or to pre-order for convenience.

Have major updates to your business? Moving? Opening? Re-opening? Offering something you don’t normally offer during your regular course of business or having a pop-up?

Please submit your updates for consideration as we try to flesh out what this will look like and how to best drive engagement for our business community: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Remember, marketing is an important part of any event and business budget. These updates don’t replace advertising, but we’re happy to offer them as a business community service.

you’re starting them from seed.

January and February are also a great time to do some winter-sowing for seeds that need a chilling period/ stratification, or scarification. Stratification is a technique that mimics the winter conditions (i.e. long periods of cold temperatures) so the seeds will know when to germinate. Scarification cracks or weakens a seed’s tough shell. Perennial examples include: coneflower, black-eyed or brown-eyed Susan, foxglove, blanket flower, butterfly weed, milkweed, speedwell, tickseed, bee balm, and delphinium. Some hardy annuals to consider include Mexican sunflower, cosmos, Canterbury bells, cornflower, larkspur, china aster, calendula, sweet peas, snapdragon, and lupine. If you want to learn more about wintersowing, visit https://extension.psu. edu/winter-seed-sowing.

It's also time to start your tuberous begonias in pots. Check on your

Bonus - it’s a lush, compact plant that holds up in wind and rain.

Two new perennials made the 2023 list. The first new perennial to consider is Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre. The plant produces a prolific number of vibrant, golden-yellow blooms. Add this one to your garden if you want to have a low-maintenance, long-blooming, pollinator magnet.

The Leucanthemum Carpet Angel is a groundcover Shasta Daisy. This 3-inch flower with a frilly inner white bloom is only six inches tall but spreads to 20 inches wide. Both are hardy in zones 4a to 10b.

In the vegetable category, I’d suggest that local gardeners consider planting the Zenzei tomato. It’s a high-yielding, indeterminate Roma tomato that’s great for canning and freezing. It’s been developed to be more diseaseresistant to spots and blossom end

dahlias, geraniums, and other stored fleshy rooted plants for rot and desiccation. Toss any bad ones so they don’t spoil the rest. Take a walk outside and assess your trees and shrubs to see if any need pruning. It’s best to prune them when they are dormant.

Finally, make plans to attend PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Landscape Expo, February 10-12, 2023. This three-day event offers educational presentations, access to UW-Madison Extension horticulture experts, garden vendors, and more. It’s a great way to beat the winter blues while you wait for spring to arrive.

If you have any gardening questions, please contact the Extension Sauk County by emailing to trripp@ wisc.edu or calling the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension Sauk County office at 608355-3250.

rot. The plants also don’t need to be pruned. Another vegetable to consider is the squash kabocha Sweet Jade. What’s neat about this squash is the size. It’s essentially a single serving, (1-2 pounds), has high yields and stores wells, making it a great choice for gardeners who don’t want to produce large-sized squash. If you like watermelon, consider the Rubyfirm Watermelon. It’s a small, sweet, personal-sized watermelon, just the right size for one or two people. There are several other plants that made the 2023 All-American Selection list. To learn more about this year’s and past year’s selection, visit www.all-americaselections.org. You can also learn about the selection process, where to buy winners, and where the display gardens are where you can see the newest AAS winners growing.

Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener

An Outdoorsman’s Journal

Mark Walters, Columnist

Hello friends,

This week’s column is going to be all over the map because there is a lot to tell in the space that I have to tell it. So, I am at one of those “F and F” stores that outdoorsmen and farmers love. I am in the parking lot and a fella comes up to me and asks about The Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO) sticker on my truck. Next, he asks me if I remember who he is? I don’t, this happens a lot. Long story short it’s Mike Kindschi — who, along with his father Rick and brother Kurt, farms a couple of thousand acres near Mazomanie in Dane County. I met Mike back in 2002 at Judd’s Resort which is on Lake Winnibigosh in northern Minnesota. I was with a couple of buddies, we were fishing perch, not catching squat and Mike showed us where they were. Long story short, my new, old buddy tells me I am welcome to hunt pheasant or about anything I want on his family farm.

Friday, December 30th

High 27°, Low 17°

We’ll start with the tour, and it was a dandy. In Mike’s UTV I was shown the 2000 acres, which is over 3 miles

in length, has 17 miles of ditch, a trout stream, and a few ponds that have fish.

To make things even more perfect, the Kindschi farm is almost surrounded by public land known as the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Pheasant, duck, deer, turkey, goose and coyote country and yours truly has just decided he has a “new” best friend. Heck, I even gave my old buddy an elk roast and bear backstraps to seal the deal.

Interesting side note, this farm was a sauerkraut operation until the late 50’s when it burnt down. During WWII, German Prisoners of War were used to do much of the work and they were housed in Lodi. The prisoners became popular with the locals and after the war some of them settled in this area.

Secret note, other than the basics, I have done very little hunting type training with my 9-month-old golden retriever Red. After Michelle passed away last June training a pup to hunt was not a priority. There even is a chance she is partially gun shy. On the other hand, she is very smart, tough and likes me.

So, I began my walk which would cover ditch banks, unpicked corn, forest and brush, and lots of harvested land that was in soybeans or corn. I am well aware

that I may not see many pheasant as a brutal blizzard one week earlier had quite possibly killed them.

We had been walking maybe two minutes when Ruby and Red both broke through some ice on a ditch and I watched Ruby literally blast herself out by digging her front paws in the ice and lunging. Red was thoroughly enjoying her swim and was not able to do what her mother did, if I had not been there, she would have been a goner. I tried getting to her, but the ice was weak, and the water was over my hip boots. I had Ruby stay on shore, grabbed her collar for an anchor, spread my body on the ice, grabbed Red’s collar and gave her a jerk. All’s well that ends well.

So, I walk and the dogs are really trying to find something to chase but I am not seeing much sign of pheasant in the way of tracks in the snow. Now in the end, I would do this over two days but what I did see was a piece of land that I would like to explore a few times a year and maybe even bring some KAMO kids to hunt, fish or camp, and I think I can get permission to do that.

Ruby and Red did kick up some rabbits

and I was accurate, and Red had no fear of the gun and absolutely loved bringing the rabbits to me. This piece of property and the surrounding public lands, which are in-part being developed for duck and mourning dove, may well become a part of my outdoor smorgasbord.

No matter how good or bad your day is, the sun always comes up the next morning!

Sunset

Follow along the adventures of Mark Walters, a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in Necedah, Wisconsin. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman’s Journal, in 1989. It includes hunting, fishing, lots of canoeing and backpacking. He currently writes for around 60 newspapers on a weekly basis. He hopes you enjoy reading about his adventures!

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Photo contributed by Mark Walters Red’s first retrieve was a rabbit and she loved the experience.

Photo contributed by Mark Walters It’s a good thing someone was around to pull Red out of this mess that she got herself into.

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Ruby and Red at the end of a good day.