In this issue
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Being outdoors, enjoying a summer day…we look forward to this all winter long. But now, add in the heat and humidity, and summer may not be so lovely anymore.
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Lake Michigan-Huron is low – in fact, the Army Corps of Engineers reports June was about a foot and a half below average depths – but there might be a way to fix it.
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Horseshoe Bay Farms Earns Historic Designation
Horseshoe Bay Farms is now on the National Registry of Historic Places. The iconic buildings of the farms, owned by Glenn and Barbara Timmerman, were added to the registry last month after two years of research by Glenn Timmerman that unearthed old photos, stories and film footage.
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• The Wisconsin Cherry Growers announced that even though this year’s cherry crop is much lower than usual, Door County cherries are available for purchase this season.
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What’s Coming Up in Door County
• The following meetings have been rescheduled due to the Fourth of July holiday: • Sister Bay parks committee will meet on Monday, July 9 at 3 pm • Sister Bay utilities committee will meet on Tuesday, July 10 at 7 am • Sister Bay plan commission will meet on Thursday, July 12 at 5:30 pm • Liberty Grove board meeting will meet on Wednesday, July 18 at 7 pm • Teachers from all five Door County school districts will be meeting from July 23 – 26 to coordinate the content of their English Language Arts curriculums.
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Ridges Range Light Closer to Preservation
Thanks to two generous members Marge Binder and Sarah Wright, The Ridges Sanctuary now has the funds needed to undertake a sorely needed full restoration of the Baileys Harbor Lower Range Light.
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Making Fresh Food More Accessible
Getting fresh, local food can often prove to be costly, but the city of Sturgeon Bay has started a new program that will hopefully help those with low incomes eat a little better.
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New Rules Aim to Produce More Compost
Door County’s two municipal composting sites are under new rules adopted in June by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wisconsin composting facilities can now can take more material, can easily apply to accept food scraps and can voluntarily test their product to meet “Class A” standards.
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The immigration policy change announced by President Barack Obama June 15 may not change much for undocumented immigrants.
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By the Numbers: Door County and Illegal Immigration
3,000 Minimum estimate of the Hispanic and Latino population of Door and Kewaunee counties if undocumented immigrants are included
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The Immigration Debate – and Why it Matters to Door County More than You Think
Door and Kewaunee counties are home to an estimated 2,800 undocumented immigrants from Mexico who have become an indispensable part of the workforce on farms, in kitchens, and in the peninsula's service industry.
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YMCA’s Child Development Center Near Capacity
While long lines are a pretty common occurrence during Door County summers, they’re rather unheard of when it comes to opening up a childcare center, says Angie Bosman, Director at the YMCA’s new Child Development Center in Sturgeon Bay.
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Q&A with Sturgeon Bay Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak
Marty Olejniczak heads up the City of Sturgeon Bay’s Community Development department, which is responsible for reviewing and approving new city development. Matt Ledger sat down with Olejniczak to talk about some of the issues that are currently on his department’s radar.
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A change to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has re-started discussion about the economics of conservation in Door County. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was established by the state in 1989 to provide grant money to communities and non-profit organizations looking to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat.
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Not many times does the discussion of “Dynasty” enter the boundaries of Door County sports. To be labeled a dynasty, a team must win multiple championships, usually three to four, and almost always win them in succession.
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Strivers Gymnast Sophia Pollman Brings Home National Championship
Sixteen girls from the Strivers Gymnastic Team competed at the YMCA Gymnastics National Championships in Milwaukee and all 16 girls placed in the top 20.
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All-star game results and regular season standings
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Northern Door Volleyball League Standings, Results and Schedule
June 27 standings and upcoming schedule
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Education and Entertainment at Peninsula Players
In conjunction with its productions, the Peninsula Players will offer public tours of its stage house and all-weather audience pavilion. Free backstage tours will begin at 2 pm on July 8 and 29; August 5, 19, and 26; September 9 and 30; and October 7.
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Sidesplitting Twists and Turns in “The Nerd”
There are few plays that make you squirm in your seat while your laughing at the antics up on stage. The Nerd, a Broadway hit by Larry Shue, currently playing at Peninsula Players, does just that.
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Don’t Let That ‘Folklore’ Fool You
American Folklore Theatre. If you are like me, and you grew up sitting in our outdoor amphitheater in Peninsula State Park, the name alone can conjure up a whole slew of emotions and can even awaken your senses.
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Discovering the Door County Rap Scene
Brittany Jordt: When did you start rapping?Alex Sowinski: I was about 12 or 13 years old. I was really getting into spoken word and poetry.
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Michigan’s waves boom / like the kettle drum in a symphonic prelude.
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“Excuse me,” Amber squeezes between a busty, freckled woman sipping on a Bloody Mary and a toddler streaked with sunblock crouching over a tossed Tootsie Roll.
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American Life in Poetry: Column 366
I don’t think we’ve ever published a poem about a drinker. Though there are lots of poems on this topic, many of them are too judgmental for my liking.
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Growing up in front of a camera has ironically led me to a budding career behind the camera, shooting photos of most everything I do. Check out how I documented my busy weekend around the county in this week’s Weekend ReCAP.
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One of the most exhilarating, unnatural acts of my summer thus far may be adorning my body – my shoes, my wrists, my neck, my belt loops, my helmet – with neon glow sticks and leaping off a 20 foot platform…in the dark.
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The Door County Folk Festival will present a fun-filled and educational weekend of music and dance from July 11 – 15. The festival attracts hundreds of participants from around the U.S, Canada and other countries.
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Q&A – Questions and Artists – Bonnita Budysz
Bonnita Budysz is an internationally known artist and art instructor who has returned to her Wisconsin roots. Her paintings are done with brilliant color and bold brushstrokes in the Russian Impressionistic tradition.
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Charlotte and I, along with our good friend, Kevin Swagel, had a magical and purely serendipitous experience six years ago along a seldom-traveled back road south of Sturgeon Bay.
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3 Myths About Door County’s Chicago Connection
You can take the boy out of Door County, but you can’t take the Door County out of the boy. This is abundantly clear when I catch up with old friends from the peninsula who, like me, now live in Chicago.
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Another Dose of Independence Info
Author’s note: Last issue I made casual mention of writing interesting snippets of American history in honor of Independence. While I was expressing a preference to avoid doing so again (I have done this in the past), several readers (enough to persuade me) politely requested such a column.
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Robosquirrels and Dung Beetles
A team of researchers in California studied the interaction between ground squirrels and their main predator, rattlesnakes. These squirrels have evolved behaviors to thwart being eaten by the snakes.
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Article posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 2:06pm
8 Years, the average length a stock was held in 1960.
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Fire District Exploratory Committee Begins Evaluation
Welcome to the Notes from the Grove, providing Liberty Grove residents and visitors tid bits of information about goings on in town government.
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Article posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 1:50pm
“Energetic affection” is promised to the families adopting these two young dogs. Each is filled with joy when meeting new people, having new adventures, and then curling up with loved ones at the end of the day.
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Coordinated Community Response Column
We have all been bystanders, or will become future bystanders, who have or will witness an act of violence sometime in our lives. Bystanders have a range of involvement in most violent assaults.
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Dedication of Bas-Releifs at St. Michael the Archangel
On July 8 at 12 pm, a newly commissioned bronze logo bas-reliefs will be unveiled and dedicated at Stella Maris Parish’s St. Michael the Archangel in Jacksonport.
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Adult Day Services Offered in Northern Door
Nor Door Adult Day Services of Sister Bay is a state-certified Adult Day Program that provides a safe environment for a loved one to spend the day. Adult Day Programs allow older adults to stay in their homes, stay as independent as possible and allows caregivers a break.
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Jacksonport Parks Committee Holds Benefit Pig Roast
The Jacksonport Parks Committee will hold a Benefit Pig Roast, prepared by DC Custom Meats, in Lakeside Park on July 7 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. Visitors and residents are invited to attend the roast to support Lakeside Park improvements.
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Gala Fundraiser for the Jacksonport Historical Society
The Jacksonport Historical Society will host a Gala Fundraiser on July 21 at Mr. G's Logan Creek Grille in Jacksonport. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with appetizers, entertainment by The Bittorf Brothers and a silent auction.
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FSA Reminders for Producers and Landowners
Producers are reminded to submit their annual acreage report to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office by July 15. “Producers must file their reports accurately and timely for all crops and land uses, including prevented and failed acreage, to ensure they receive the maximum FSA program benefits possible,” said Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin FSA executive director.
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CHIPs Continues at Northern Door YMCA
Northern Door Health & Wellness Ministry continues its Community Health Information Program (CHIPs) with the latest series of presentations covering "Your Mind, Your Memory and More.
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United Way Scholarship Recipients
United Way of Door County announces the recipients of their scholarship program. Awards are given to high school seniors who demonstrated strong community involvement during their high school career.
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Egg Harbor Marina Announces Addition of SailAnyWay
The Egg Harbor Marina announces the addition of programming and equipment to support sailing enthusiasts of all abilities. Mike Stapleton, U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor and founder of SailAnyWay, Inc.
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The Door County Fair’s deadline to pre-register for Open Class entries with the UW-Extension Office is July 23 at 4:30 pm. Open class exhibitors are residents of Door County of any age.
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United Way of Door County recently hired Sara McKillop as the new Fund Development Director. The primary responsibility of this position is United Way’s annual campaign.
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Stoneman-Schopf Agency Purchases Baylake Insurance Agency
Baylake Bank recently announced an agreement was reached for Stoneman-Schopf Agency, Inc., to purchase its subsidiary, Baylake Insurance Agency, effective July 1.
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First Fridays to Benefit Renaissance Faire on July 6
First Fridays in Sturgeon Bay continues on July 6 and the highlighted nonprofit is the Door County Renaissance Faire. Local businesses will have expanded hours with some of them open until 8 pm.
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fm 106.9 the Lodge presents rock veterans the BoDeans in concert on July 6 at 8 pm at the Door Community Auditorium. The BoDeans have recorded 11 albums, including their debut album that led them to winning a Rolling Stones readers’ poll as “Best New American Band."
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Gibraltar Grill Hosts Free Music Concert Series
The Gibraltar Grill’s 2012 Free Music Concert Series began on June 30 with Cookee. Originally from Colorado, Cookee performs all the golden oldies from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
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Cavern Beat Brings Fab Four Style to Peg Egan PAC
Cavern Beat, one of America’s most distinctive Beatles tribute bands will take the stage at the Peg Egan Performing Art Center’s Sunset Concert Series on July 8 at 7 pm.
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Woodwalk Concert Series Celebrates Release of Dahl’s “Leaky Boats and Paper Birds”
On July 6, the Woodwalk Concert Series presents the Annual Wise Women Songwriters Show. Jenny Bienemann, melaniejane, Jeanne Kuhns and Mary Mattson will preform and Andria Nikoupolis Weliky will open the show with belly dancing.
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Leahy and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Performing at DCA
Door Community Auditorium (DCA) presents Leahy, Canada’s “first family” of Celtic music, on July 13 at 8 pm. Performing an explosive style of music driven by fiddle, dance and vocals, Leahy has created its own signature blend of Celtic, country, rock, pop and folk music.
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Harmony by the Bay Concert Series Features Howard Levy
2012 Grammy winner Howard Levy and special guest blues guitarist and singer/songwriter Chris Siebold take the stage at the Harmony by the Bay Concert Series at Martin Park on July 11 at 7 pm.
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History Speaks Lectures at Ephraim Village Hall
The History Speaks lecture will take place each Tuesday of July at the Ephraim Village Hall starting at 7:30 pm. The programs are a chance to provide insight into Door County history.
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Mike Orthober Adds to “Seasons of Life” Display
Master taxidermist, Mike Orthober of Egg Harbor, will be at the Door County Historical Museum on July 14 much of the day mounting a specimen for the museum’s “Seasons of Life” display.
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Crossroads Welcomes Explorers of All Ages
Exploration is the theme at Crossroads in early July, and there are numerous programs for explorers of all ages. The Door County Historical Society invites the community to enjoy Sunday in The Village each Sunday between 1:30 – 3:30 pm.
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Country Western Line Dancing at Carrington Pub
The Carrington Pub & Grill announces the addition of line dancing to their summer 2012 entertainment line-up. On Wednesday nights throughout the summer, they will host country western line dancing.
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Gibraltar Talks Presents “Meet the Warrens”
The next “Gibraltar Talks” history program will be held on July 12 at 7 pm at the Old Gibraltar Town Hall in Fish Creek. Historians Nan and Jerry Krause will present “Meet the Warrens.
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Corner of the Past Hosts “Garments of Our Foundation” Reception
Award-winning theatrical and opera costume designer Kنrin Kopischke will present historic renderings of Door County women at an opening reception at the Corner of the Past Museum in Sister Bay on July 8 from 2 – 3 pm as part of Sister Bay’s Centennial Celebration.
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Cockroaches and Dragonflies Featured at The Ridges
July programs at The Ridges feature cockroaches and dragonflies. On July 9 from 2 – 3:30 pm author Shelly Clark Geiser will read from her book of poems, The Cockroach Monologues.
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Talking Tombstones at Peninsula State Park
Alice Hotz Apfelbach (portrayed by Peninsula State Park Volunteer Erin Solawetz) wears a replica 1920s bathing suit as she shares her stories at Talking Tombstones.
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Olde Ellison Bay Days Contest Winners
The 2012 Olde Ellison Bay Days Festival, held June 22 – 24, had more than its usual share of winners. The Parade Marshal’s plaque and $250 went to The Clearing for its “Folk School” float; Door of Life Christian Church of Sister Bay won the Most Inspirational plaque and $150 for its vintage fire engine flying “On Fire for God” banners; and a plaque and $100 for the Funniest entry went to the Swedish-American Children’s Choir.
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Door County Maritime Museum’s Classic & Wooden Boat Festival Events
The Door County Maritime Museum Classic & Wooden Boat Festival is making its annual call for entries. The festival is scheduled August 4 – 5 and features a remarkable assortment of vessels with judges’ awards for power, sail and self-powered boats.
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Viva la Cottage Hosts Vintage Market
Viva la Cottage will host a vintage market on July 14 with a select group of 23 vendors from around the Midwest. Mini-design galleries with a selection of vintage décor, garden accessories, jewelry, and handmade items, will be nestled amid the gardens surrounding Viva la Cottage from 10 am – 5 pm.
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Partnership Brings Sailing Camp to Egg Harbor
The Team Leadership Center, the Village of Egg Harbor and the Door County YMCA jointly announce a partnership that brings a half-day sailing camp program to the Egg Harbor Beach.
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TAP Hosts Theatre Workshops and Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets
The first of a series of theatre workshops for all ages at Third Avenue Playhouse begins on July 7 at 10 am with Clown Class 101. The workshop leader is Dan Klarer, currently appearing in the American Folklore Theatre productions of Victory Farm and Cheeseheads, the Musical.
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Pen Players Showcases the Work of Young Playwrights
Peninsula Players Theatre will present readings of four short plays by Door County students on July 9 at 7 pm. The free public readings, directed by Players company members Karen Janes Woditsch and Neil Friedman, showcases the work of young writers who participated in the Players’ new initiative, The Play’s the Thing.
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Door County Idol Competition Moves to Southern Venue
Door County Idol (DCI) is moving its 2013 show to a new venue, the Southern Door Community Auditorium. The competition has been held at the Door Community Auditorium for the past eight years, but youths from all sections of Door County have asked for the show to move to their locations.
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Birch Creek’s Symphony Series Closes with “Red Hot in July”
Birch Creek Music Performance Center announces bassoon faculty member and featured soloist John Gaudette will close the symphony series with “Red Hot in July” on July 6 at 8 pm and July 7 at 6:30 pm.
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AFT’s Casting Call for Creative Kids
American Folklore Theatre (AFT) Announces “Creative Kids Day” will be held on July 20. Kids will have a chance to look behind the scenes of a professional theater at AFT in Peninsula State Park.
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Recent golf league results from around the county.
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The ability to get out of greenside bunkers successfully depends on three basic fundamentals: 1) correct setup; 2) proper technique; and consistent entry point into the sand.
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“In every woman…there is a Queen.” This quote headlined the fifth annual Queen for a Day golf event, proving that 148 queens teed it up Monday, June 25 at Idlewild Golf Course.
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Congratulations to Cecile King
A hectic life that’s pressure packed, so I’ve been told, So here at Idlewild when the last putt is rolled, Playing golf calms the nerves and keeps the body sound.
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Aveleda Alvarinho Minho 2010 Portugal
This winery was established in 1671 and has been family owned for over 300 years. They make nearly a dozen different wines, with this Alvarinho being their flagship white.
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Article posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 9:57am
The five Door County islands – Washington, Plum, Detroit, Pilot, and Rock – are a part of what island chain?
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Article posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 9:51am
Cancer (June 22 – July 22): If you experience turbulence while visiting your palm reader, contact your plumber and do not discount his advice. This may include a warning that only you can decipher and only during the waxing moon cycle.
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Overheard, Shout Outs and Pet Peeves
Are there tid-bits of conversations you’ve heard while standing in line at the grocery store, serving a table, or walking down the sidewalk that make you smile, cringe or laugh out loud?
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Article posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 9:45am
Dear Miss Manners, I'm confused. I see those little yellow sings in the middle of the road all over Door County that say, “Yield to pedestrians.” Yet, I can't tell you how many times I've seen people standing at the side of the road, in a crosswalk, right by one of those signs as the cars continue to stream by non-stop! Perhaps I'm used to a college town where pedestrians have rights and cars respect them, but what's the deal?
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This little girl hula-hooped along to an impromptu song Willy Porter performed during his Peg Egan concert on June 24. “It was cool and the crowd was most definitely digging the tune,” said the photographer, Michael Cox.
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Did you know that the dairy industry in Wisconsin is a $26.5 billion industry? There are over 11,000 dairy farms, 1.25 million cows, 1,215 cheesemakers, and over 210 dairy plants.
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Detjen Named Artist in Residence
Award winning sculptor Randy Detjen has been named artist in residence at Wisconsin Cheese Masters in Egg Harbor. A woodcarver for more than 40 years, Detjen specializes in “wall sculpting,” creating large-scale plaster relief murals for residential and commercial spaces.
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Door County Outdoor Painters Visit Sand Bay
Door County Outdoor Painters recently enjoyed their regular Wednesday morning paint out at the Sand Bay commercial fishing dock. Fishing tugs provided them inspiration to create Door County images reminiscent of days gone by.
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Amish Quilt and Craft Show at Mr. G’s
The Amish Quilt and Craft Show will be held at Mr. G’s Hall from July 12 – 15. The show features over 100 Amish quilts, rugs, wall hangings, pillows, baskets, dolls, home decor and gift items.
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Silk Lamps on Display at Santa Fe Shop
Barbara Woods of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has experience in the textile industry that dates back 27 years and includes designing and constructing everything from ski parkas to large tents.
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Plum Bottom Pottery will host “Feast,” their annual summer art extravaganza on July 13 from 6 – 9 pm. This year’s event will feature the Cajun themed stylings of Pamela Moore and the latest porcelain pottery and sculpture by Chad Luberger.
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Ten years ago artist Matthew Kirk hosted his debut exhibit at Mr. Helsinki restaurant in Fish Creek. This August the artist returns for a more mature show born of a decade of experiences creating in Door County, Milwaukee and New York City.
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New York Jewelry Artist Displays
Ephraim’s Fine Line Designs Gallery announces a trunk show featuring jewelry artist Keith Lewis will be held July 6 – 8. The gallery will have the full collection of his work of modern, colorful, kinetic-inspired jewelry created in his small studio in the Hudson River Valley.
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Roberts Brings Bold Color to Glas
The month of July brings the work of Will Roberts to Glas Coffee in Sturgeon Bay. Roberts’ work is flooded in color; it’s bright, bold and full of energy.
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Alchemy Fields Hosts Nautical Assemblage Workshops
Alchemy Fields will host two assemblage workshops taught by artists from Assemblage Studio of De Pere, Wis. On July 21 from 9 am – 4pm, Teresa Ann Gifford, artist/owner of Assemblage Studio, will teach “Boat Theatre Assemblage.
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Judi Ekholm recently completed “A Treasured Path – The Ridges of Door County, Wisconsin,” an oil painting on linen. The new painting is available for purchase and may be viewed at the Ekholm Gallery, located at 3913 Little Spring Road in Fish Creek.
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A Second Life to Discarded Materials
The Flying Pig Gallery of Algoma welcomes Dan Casado to their line-up of talented artists. Casado resides on the volcanic island of El Hierro, one of the seven Canary Islands of Spain.
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DCAL Announces Anniversary Celebration and Artists of the Week
The Gallery of the Door County Art League (DCAL) and Connie Glowacki's Watercolors with Spirit Gallery will celebrate their anniversaries at the Top of the Hill Shops on July 7 from 3 – 5 pm.
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Jewelry Trunk Show at Edgewood
Edgewood Orchard Galleries will host a jewelry trunk show for Kentucky jeweler Julie Shaw from July 6 – 8. The show will run from 10 am – 5 pm each day.
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“Through the Cabin Door” Wins Writing Award
Through the Cabin Door by Richard E. Carter has received the Council for Wisconsin Writers Ellis/Henderson Outdoor Writing Award for works published in 2011.
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New Book Celebrates Richness of Midwest
100 Artists of the Midwest takes a fresh look at 100 living artists from the Midwest, including local artist Jim Rose. The book explores the artists’ personal stories and inspirations, along with several examples of their works.
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Opening Reception for Fine Line’s Exhibit III
Oil painter Pamela Murphy and ceramic sculptor Stephanie Evans will exhibit works in Fine Line Design Gallery’s Exhibit III. Evans creates history and stories through the medium of clay, specifically through dress forms.
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The sun is not as bright, the laughs are not as loud, and the smiles are not as wide in Sister Bay today. Dick Daubner, one of the village’s most beloved personalities, died in his home June 29 at the age of 65.
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Pitcher Riley Spetz helped Egg Harbor open up a two-game lead in Door County League play when the team topped West Jacksonport 13-0 on July 1. Sister Bay, Washington Island and Kolberg are all tied with 5-3 records.
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$20.2 billion The value of the Wisconsin dairy industry 99 The average size of a Wisconsin dairy herd today 52 The average size of a Wisconsin dairy herd in 1992 12,710 Number of licensed dairy farms in Wisconsin today 31,286 Number of licensed dairy farms in Wisconsin in 1992 99 Percent of the state’s dairy […]