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Peninsula Pulse Sept. 3-10, 2021

In this issue

  • Framed

    Eagle Tower peeks out from the treeline as the people atop it take a peek at the water below. Photo by Tad Dukehart.

  • Server of the Week: Sue Fisher at The Camp Store at Nicolet Beach

    She’s always ready with a smile, Or a hug if you’ve known her a while. The campers stop by Every day to say hi To Sue – The Camp Store’s mama to all.

  • Program Shares Memories of Childhood in Jacksonport

    What was it like for children living in Jacksonport during the mid-20th century? What were their days and school days like? These questions are the focus of “Growing Up and Going to School in Jacksonport,” a Jacksonport Historical Society program to be held Sept. 15, 7 pm, at the Jacksonport Town Hall, 3365 Cty V […]

  • Meet Your Server: Mackenzie Schneider

    Acupuncturist by day, server by evening, Mackenzie Schneider takes pride in knowing that her day revolves around helping others have their best day possible. Between shifts, she shared a little about keeping pace with one of the busiest seasons the restaurant industry has seen, her passion for sustainable and local food, and what she enjoys […]

  • Bits & Bites

    It’s Wine Time, Baby Wine lovers, rejoice! Did you know that “autumn” is Latin for “to drink wine”? Don’t quote me on that.  On Sept. 11 and 18, 11 am – 5 pm, Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery’s Fall Wisconsin Wine Festival will celebrate the harvest with wine, food and music. Wine will be available […]

  • Earth-friendly Agriculture: Climate Change Coalition Presentation Explores Perennial Grains

    What if farmers and other landowners could plant crops that came back on their own for two years or more, needed fewer chemicals, prevented soil erosion and eliminated the annual planting season?  Mary Smythe – one of the founders of the Climate Change Coalition of Door County – has a close tie to the push for and […]

  • Trinette Gordon Receives P.E.O. Grant for Nursing

    Trinette Gordon – a Northeast Wisconsin Technical College student whom the P.E.O. Chapter DF of Sturgeon Bay (peointernational.org) has sponsored – has earned a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant.  Gordon is pursuing an associate degree in nursing. She received her certification as a licensed practical nurse in 2016 as a stepping stone to reach her goal […]

  • Letter to the Editor: ‘Saving Babies’ Won’t Get You to Heaven

    OK, it’s time to grow up. There is no big white guy “somewhere out there” that we can’t see, ready to deny us heaven for our shortcomings. No doubt there is likely a creator who is a master scientist: biologist, botanist, chemist, physicist, etc., etc., but no one master to “please” or “displease.”  So stop […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Investigation of November Election a Wild-Goose Chase

    The Wisconsin Republican legislature is planning an “investigation” of the November election, using taxpayer funds for attorney fees, travel, communications and “data analysis” of voting machines in Wisconsin. The investigation will cost $676,000 in tax dollars for what? A wild-goose chase, given that the election has been investigated numerous times, all challenges showing no evidence […]

  • Honor Flight: A Cathartic Welcome Back

    by Joe Knaapen Ninety-nine military veterans flew out of Appleton International Airport the morning of Aug. 31 to tour Washington, D.C.: the Capitol, White House, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial and more. We came home that same night to a greeting typically reserved for the winners of the Super Bowl. The trip, Mission […]

  • New Owners Step Up for Iconic Restaurant: Newlyweds Preserve and Update the Nightingale Supper Club

    August 2021 will be remembered as a huge month in the lives of two young Door County natives and also in the history of a business that dates back to 1913. Keeping the Nightingale in the family, Farrah Tafacory and her fiancé, John Heikkila, finalized their purchase of the supper club from Tafacory’s stepfather, Dave […]

  • Pianist Jodie DeSalvo Delights at Miller

    Concert pianist Jodie DeSalvo will take center stage Sept. 17, 7 pm, to play the Miller Art Museum’s grand piano during a concert featuring classical pieces such as Clair de Lune, Malagueña and Rhapsody in Blue. Donations will be appreciated during the intermission.  DeSalvo has been a Birch Creek faculty member for more than 20 […]

  • Classical, Jazz Favorites Flow at Birch Creek

    Birch Creek has begun its Fall Concert Series. The next performance, on Sept. 11, 7 pm, will feature pianist and Birch Creek Symphony Session faculty member Jodie DeSalvo. She’ll present Classical Favorites, including works by Debussy, Beethoven and George Gershwin. On Sept. 18, 7 pm, Birch Creek faculty members José Encarnación, saxophone, and Dane Richeson, […]

  • Less Is More in Northern Sky Theater’s Whatever Happened to Karl Janko?

    A Small-Town Mystery Comes to Life It’s a classic case of whodunnit. Or maybe “whoknowsit” is more appropriate in the the case of Northern Sky Theater’s newest work, Whatever Happened to Karl Janko? Now playing at the outdoor amphitheater inside Peninsula State Park, the musical comedy/mystery written by Matt Zembrowski is one of three original […]

  • Romance in D Is a Treat for The Ears at Peninsula Players

    Love Blossoms from Words, Music There’s something wonderful about sitting two great actors down at a table and letting them act the heck out of a conversation. Good actors can cry on command or make an audience roar with laughter, but great ones can engage you completely in an extended scene of one-to-one conversation. It’s […]

  • PODCAST: The Withdrawal from Afghanistan from A Commanding Officer’s Perspective

    Door County Pulse Podcasts · The Withdrawal from Afghanistan from A Commanding Officer’s Perspective Debra Fitzgerald talks with Egg Harbor resident and retired Marine Lt. Col. Craig Harvey, a 24-year veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq and a year of duty in Afghanistan. They cover the execution of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, how […]

  • WELL OWNERS NEEDED FOR GROUNDWATER STUDY

    Door County – UW-Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center is conducting a groundwater study in Door County as a continuation of the studies it undertook in fall 2019 and 2020. The goals are to build a database of groundwater quality in Door County and to educate property owners about the importance of testing well water. […]

  • Honor Flights Resumed

    Northeast Wisconsin – Veterans from northeast Wisconsin are once again traveling on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built in their honor.  Old Glory Honor Flights took an 18-month hiatus during COVID-19, but they resumed Aug. 31 with Honor Flight Mission 54, flying 99 veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars from […]

  • Housing and Retail Project Coming to Baileys Harbor

    Some positive news for housing in northern Door County is on the horizon as a Baileys Harbor business owner is set to take a big swing in the center of town.  Todd Haleen, owner of Lakeshore Adventures, will break ground Sept. 13 on a redevelopment of his property next to Cornerstone Pub to create three […]

  • Weekend Meal Program Begins in Sturgeon Bay

    Boys & Girls Club of Door County (BGCDC, bgcdoorcounty.org) will begin a weekend meal program in partnership with Sturgeon Bay Community Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Tadych’s EconoFoods. The drive-through pickup program will begin Sept. 3, 4:30-6 pm. Anyone who is in need of weekend meals may pick up a family meal kit […]

  • Get Ready for Spaghetti During JAK’s Place Fundraiser

    JAK’s Place will host its annual spaghetti-dinner fundraiser Sept. 28, 5-7 pm, as a pickup-only event this year. The dinner includes salad, garlic bread, spaghetti, beverage and dessert.  Supporters may also bid on items such as a sailing tour on the Edith M. Becker, a signed Green Bay Packer football and a Door County Folk […]

  • Walk Benefits PATH of Door County

    A St. Peter’s Cares Walk – sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 108 W. Maple St. in Sturgeon Bay, on Sept. 11, 8:30-10:30 am – will benefit PATH of Door County, an organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for recreation and community integration for children and adults with special needs. The one- to two-and-a-half-mile walk has a staggered […]

  • Refunds Available for Canceled Luncheon, Style Show

    The Scand Auxiliary and Bargains Unlimited have decided to cancel their Sept. 13 luncheon and style show at Gordon Lodge. Those who paid by check will receive their check back by mail. Those who paid with cash may pick up their refund at Bargains Unlimited, 10578 Applewood Road in Sister Bay, during regular business hours, […]

  • 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Maritime Lighthouse Tower

    The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay is honored to host the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Sept. 11, when participants will climb the stairs of the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower 10 times, recalling the 110-story World Trade Center. Each climber will carry a remembrance card of a first […]

  • Stepping Up to Preserve Door County’s Maritime Heritage

    story and photos by Tim Sweet Some people are destined to make a positive difference during their lifetime, and Paul Schumacher is one of those special individuals. Schumacher, 70, serves as the volunteer leader for the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ (FOPPI) historic preservation committee. A retired engineer, he devotes seemingly countless hours to […]

  • Write On Institutes New COVID-19 Policy

    In light of the surge of COVID-19 cases around the country, Write On, Door County (writeondoorcounty.org) has instituted a new COVID-19 policy to help protect presenters and attendees. Participants in all in-person programs will be required to show proof of vaccination prior to the start of the event. Those who are unable to be vaccinated […]

  • Indie Bookstore Tour: Fair Isle Books

    Year opened: 2015Location: 1885 Detroit Harbor Road, Washington IslandOwner: Deb Wayman I’m always impressed by the number of books that owner Deb Wayman manages to fit into her store, considering its small size. It reminds me of someone’s personal library – maybe a little tight and full, but with a really cozy feel. There is something […]

  • September Reading Recommendations

    Looking for something to pick up as we approach the autumn shoulder season? Check out these recommendations, and maybe you’ll find your next favorite read! The Map of Knowledge: A Thousand-Year History of How Classical Ideas Were Lost and Found by Violet MollerRecommended by John Maggitti, co-owner, Novel Bay Booksellers I fancy myself something of […]

  • Peninsula Poetry: John Patrick Redell

    John Patrick Redell retired in Sister Bay a couple of decades ago after working in construction as a surveyor, engineer and supervisor in various places around the United States. Poetry is his way of solving other, more important problems. He had not shared his poems widely until he came to Door County, but now he’s […]

  • Kathleen Beck Comes Full Circle at Cappaert Gallery

    Cappaert Contemporary Gallery was the longtime home of Dovetail Gallery, where artist Kathleen Beck sold her own egg art and represented many other artists. In 2015, Ginnie Cappaert purchased the 1872 log home that houses her Cappaert Contemporary Gallery and studio space. The two artists have continued a friendship, and the gallery now represents Beck’s […]

  • Ellison Bay Pottery’s ‘Almost Perfect’ Sale Returns

    On Sept. 11, 10 am – 4 pm, you’ll find pottery that’s slightly imperfect – but still functional and beautiful – under the tent during Ellison Bay Pottery’s 22nd “Almost Perfect Pottery” sale. Past sales have been two-day events, but this year’s one-day event will be held both in person at 12156 Garrett Bay Road in Ellison Bay […]

  • Degenhardt Gallery Honors 9/11 Anniversary

    To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Degenhardt Gallery is hosting a special memorial exhibit Sept. 3-17.  Owner Patty Degenhardt was the artist part of a team that submitted a work to the 9/11 memorial competition, and on display will be the submission board, a sculpture maquette that was part of the submission, and […]

  • Contemporary Art Tour Features Three Galleries

    Three festive receptions will run concurrently Sept. 11, 3-7 pm, at Idea Gallery, Martinez Studio and Cappaert Contemporary Gallery during this year’s Contemporary Art Tour. Now an annual event, it shows the diversity of the county’s contemporary-art scene as the galleries feature both their owners’ artwork and recent works by the artists they represent. Idea […]

  • ‘The Infinite Sphere Of Nature’ Opens at Woodwalk

    Woodwalk Gallery’s newest exhibit, The Infinite Sphere of Nature, will be on display Sept. 5 – Oct. 3, featuring the distinctly different styles of three artists. Attend the opening reception Sept. 5, 12-3 pm, to see their work, have some refreshments and enjoy live music by George Sawyn, 12:30-2:30 pm. Plein air oil painter Tom […]

  • Edgewood’s Exhibit IV Opens with Sept. 4 Reception

    Edgewood Orchard Galleries will host a reception to open its Exhibit IV, running through Oct. 5, on Sept. 4, 4-7 pm. Refreshments will be served in the courtyard, and the featured artists will give short talks about their work at 5 pm.  The season’s fourth exhibit highlights the work of four artists. Iowa clay artist […]

  • ‘Contemporary Landscape’ Completes Hardy Gallery’s Season

    The Hardy Gallery’s final exhibit of the season – Contemporary Landscape: Colorist, Formalist, Tonalist, on display Sept. 4 – Oct. 10 – will present a rich survey of new paintings and drawings by Rodger Bechtold, Paula Swaydan-Grebel and Brian Sindler that representational painter Craig Blietz has curated. “It highlights three artists who paint at the very […]

  • Plum Bottom’s Trunk Show Highlights Jewelry, Glass

    Plum Bottom Gallery’s End-of-Summer Trunk Show will feature exclusive collections by Hannah Wong and Laurel Grey for one day only: Sept. 4, 10 am – 3 pm. Wong creates contemporary, yet classic jewelry in hand-detailed sterling silver and gold combinations. Her designs are inspired by forms found in nature, architecture and topographical maps. Grey grew […]

  • Go Behind the Scenes of ‘National Geographic’

    Who doesn’t love National Geographic? Indulge your passion when the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay presents two free discussions featuring Dustin Renwick, story content editor for National Geographic Partners; and Erika Skogg, explorer with National Geographic, on Sept. 9, 10:30 am and 6 pm.   During the first program, Renwick will discuss his journey into […]

  • Nut-Free School?

    Gibraltar school district looking into ban on tree nuts and peanuts Discussion of turning Gibraltar into a “nut-free school” appeared on the school board’s agenda this month, and it sounds unusual if taken out of context. But it’s a topic the school officials were not taking lightly. Neither were parents of students with severe allergies […]

  • Mask Update at Area Schools

    Washington Island’s school district has joined Gibraltar’s in issuing orders for all students and school employees to wear face coverings as a COVID-19 prevention protocol, at least for the beginning of the school year.  Door County Medical Center’s Dr. Amy Fogarty, a pediatric adviser for Door County schools, said that as of Aug. 20, she […]

  • A New Home for Fine Art: Jim Riead establishes Door County Arts Guild Gallery

    Jim Riead has transformed his former beauty-salon building into Door County Arts Guild Gallery – a stop for fine art along Highway 42 between Carlsville and Egg Harbor – and five local artists were present to share their art during a recent opening reception.  Riead’s method of selecting art to include in his gallery was straightforward: […]

  • Never Be Afraid to Experiment: Tony Staroska’s ever-evolving sculptures

    At the Juddville Clay Studio Gallery, Tony Staroska and Rebecca Carlton work mostly in clay, creating sculptural forms and decorative tiles.  When he got started, however, Staroska did what he calls “production work” – mugs, soup bowls and other practical and salable objects – for about 10 years. Then he shifted his schedule to do […]

  • Processing America’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan

    It’s normal to question the meaning of service, experts say. A guide to local, state and national resources. Many veterans are having a hard time processing America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, and Jared Spude is no exception. The 2008 Southern Door graduate spent a year with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in the Nangarhar Province […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Angel

    Meet Angel (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=48123458), a two-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This handsome kitty was rescued from a hoarding situation and happens to have FeLV (feline leukemia virus), which impairs his immune system. He’s showing no symptoms at this time; all he needs is a loving friend […]

  • Marina Fest Returns This Weekend

    What better way to enjoy the long weekend than with a stop at Sister Bay’s Marina Fest? New this year are the kids’ pedal-tractor pull and food from Pig In or Pig Out and The Dog House. And, because the festival organizers have more great live music than they know what to do with, the […]

  • Bike This: Potawatomi State Park Roads

    A light rainstorm in a state park where trees provide some shelter against the elements may not deter the average hiker from proceeding with caution to trek through a trail. An off-road path that’s already laden with rocks and tree roots and beginning to get muddy, however, may not accommodate a cyclist’s tires, even when […]

  • Escape the Crowds and Set Sail with Bella Sailing Cruises

    Featured Tour Guide: Tom Schroeder They show us all the hidden treasures of Door County, from hiking trails to water views, historical tidbits to adventurous excursions. There’s no doubt about it: The tour guides of the peninsula help to make the Door County experience anything but a run-of-the-mill vacation itinerary. This week we feature Tom […]

  • Meet Nighttime Birds of Prey at ODBS

    Open Door Bird Sanctuary (ODBS) will host a family-friendly event, Raptor Rambles, on Sept. 10, 6-8 pm, when participants can meet and learn about nighttime birds of prey. Following a casual, sloppy-joe dinner and campfire in the picnic area, attendees will set out in small groups with trail maps to discover various owls out on […]

  • Wilderness Days Are Back at Newport Sept. 4-5

    Newport State Park will host Newport Wilderness Days Sept. 4-5. This event began in 1992 as a way for the members of Newport Wilderness Society (friendsofnewport.org) to showcase the park. On Sept. 4, participate in coffee on the beach, 8:30 am; “History of Newport: Out of Wilderness into Wilderness,” 9:30 am; a Signs of Autumn […]

  • Tag Monarchs at Crossroads

    Hike the 1.4-mile Field Trail at Crossroads at Big Creek on Sept. 2, 4 pm, during a time when the area is at its most colorful. The hike offers a floral kaleidoscope and expansive views with some gentle hills. Set your alarm early to join the naturalist for a bird hike Sept. 3, 7:30 am. […]

  • Obituary: Dr. Thomas W. Tully

    September 29, 1927~August 29, 2021 Dr. Thomas W. Tully, born September 29, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Peacefully died August 29, 2021 in Lake Forest, Illinois at the age of 93. Longtime resident of Park Ridge, Illinois and 38-year Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Resurrection Health Care, Chicago, Illinois. Preceded in death by his parents […]

  • Obituary: Francis Joseph Kern

    January 31, 1935~August 26, 2021 Francis “Fritz” Joseph Kern, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Thursday morning, August 26, 2021 at Cardinal Ridge Residential Care. He was born January 31, 1935 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Frank Sale and Eleanor Ann (Marik) Kern. Fritz graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the Class […]

  • Obituary: Charlynn Carol Hansen

    November 9, 1948~August 25, 2021 Charlynn Carol Hansen, 74, of Sturgeon Bay, died after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. She was born November 9, 1948 in Camanche, Iowa, daughter of the late Charles “Bud” and Jeanette (Hugunin) Hansen. After graduating from Camanche High School with […]

  • Obituary: Mercedes B. Deakin

    July 4, 1929 ~ August 26, 2021 Mercedes B. Deakin, 92, of Sturgeon Bay died at her home on August 26, 2021.  She was born July 4, 1929, in Illinois to Joseph and Vera (Silim) Basco.  Mercedes married Harry Deakin, he preceded her in death on December 4, 1982.  Mercedes enjoyed gardening, hiking, kayaking, knitting, […]

  • Obituary: Betty Jane (Barbeaux) Castagna

    March 22, 1927 ~ August 23, 2021 Betty Jane Castagna, 94, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully on Monday morning, August 23, 2021 at Cardinal Ridge Residential Care. She was born March 22, 1927 in Sturgeon Bay, daughter of the late Frank and Louisa (Corbisier) Barbeaux. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School with the Class […]

  • Obituary: Mary Horn

    April 29, 1930 ~ August 17, 2021 Mary Catherine Horn, 91, Hales Corners, WI, died peacefully in her sleep, on August 17, 2021. Mary was born April 29, 1930 at Altdorf, WI to Casper and Cecelia (Kelly) Huser.  Given her unending desire to learn to read, a special dispensation was made which allowed Mary to […]

  • Obituary: Donald “Donnie” J. Maleport

    May 29, 1939 ~ August 15, 2021 Donald “Donnie” Joseph Maleport, 82 years old of Brussels, WI died Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Brookwood Baptist Hospital in Birmingham, AL. He lived in Alabama with his daughter, Kelly Maleport Clifton, during the last year of his life. He was born May 29, 1939 in Sault Ste. […]