Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Executive
Senior Editor
Managing Editor Jim Taylor
Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designer Ashley Smith
Contributing Writers Melanie Kalmar, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager
Sales
Hughes
Advertising Sales Representatives
As the editor of Smart Living Lakeside, it’s been an honor to share stories that celebrate the people, businesses and traditions of the Lake Geneva area. Each issue has been a chance to spotlight the unique spirit of our lakeside communities, and the joy for me has always been knowing these stories found their way into your hands. From celebrating familyowned businesses to shining a light on local events, I’ve loved connecting with you, our readers, through these pages.
With that said, I want to remind readers that this is a seasonal publication, and after this issue, we’ll be taking a pause until next year. This is not a farewell, but simply a break. I know our team will use it as a chance to step back, refresh, and return with new energy and ideas to make our publication even stronger for the future.
I can’t express enough gratitude for our readers, contributors and advertisers who have supported this magazine along the way. Your encouragement has turned a vision into something real and meaningful. You’ve proven that local stories matter, and that shining a light on our neighbors enriches us all.
While these pages will be at rest for a little while, the spirit of Smart Living Lakeside remains very much alive. I look forward to the day we pick up again, ready to bring you more of the stories and inspirations you’ve come to expect.
So, for now, it’s simply “see you later.” Thank you for reading, for believing in this magazine, and for being such an essential part of the story. Until we meet again next May, keep living smart, keep living local, and keep celebrating this beautiful place we call home.
With gratitude,
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Building a lasting home requires a foundation of more than concrete. It needs trust.
That’s the guiding principle for Elkhorn native Greg Ingersoll, owner of Wausau Homes Elkhorn, who’s spent more than three decades in the trades.
“Building a home is not an easy thing to do,” he says. “We’re working with people’s dreams, expectations and timelines, so having trusted relationships with subcontractors, partners and inspectors in the industry is key.”
Those connections run deep for Ingersoll. Many of the subcontractors he works with are longtime friends and fellow small business owners he’s partnered with for decades. His wife, Julia, helps run the office, and sons Ross and Spencer handle project management and on-site coordination.
Trust also means delivering on promises, starting with a process that
minimizes surprises. Before construction begins, every finish is selected, from flooring and paint colors to doorknobs and light fixtures. This avoids vague allowances and helps homeowners lock in an accurate budget.
That clear communication is paired with careful customization. Ingersoll’s team designs each home to fit the owner’s vision, whether that’s an openconcept ranch-style home, a nostalgic A-frame, a modified pre-existing plan or a new design from the ground up.
Efficiency is another trust-builder.
Wausau Homes’ panelized construction system allows walls, floors and trusses to be pre-framed off-site while the foundation is prepared. Crews can assemble a weather-tight structure in as little as five days once the foundation is ready.
Ingersoll and his staff partner with the Elkhorn Area School District on hands-on projects, building everything
from picnic tables for Elkhorn’s Veteran Park to food collection boxes for area pantries. He believes trust starts with integrity, a core value that extends through his team and subcontractor network.
“If I don’t have integrity in who I am as a person or business owner, I shouldn’t be in business,” he says. “We’re always working for somebody, not just ourselves, so we try to build that trusting relationship before we build them their home.” ❚
To learn more or schedule a visit, call (262) 379-1616 or visit wausauhomes.com/elkhorn.
The walk of life is filled with unexpected cliffs, valleys and hilltops, and every kind of weather. Most of it plays out on unremarkable stretches of smooth terrain, under clear, if not sunny, skies.
How well we handle this journey has everything to do with what we pack. We must prepare ourselves not only for the unexpected, but also for the routine.
Christians often speak of “mountaintop moments” – those times our faith exhilarates us, often during a special event shared with other enthusiastic believers. We also move closer to God during times of crisis, relying upon our faith to get us from one moment to the next. Too, religious holidays, with their warm and familiar traditions, may rekindle our faith.
But it’s often during our day-to-day routines that we stray furthest from likemindedness with Jesus Christ. Ironically, these are probably the times when our faith matters most. During each routine day, we impact the people closest to us – family members, co-workers, clients, schoolmates, friends, neighbors. The choices we make daily – to emulate Jesus Christ or not – impact others profoundly. They also enrich or diminish the very fabric of our relationship with God.
It’s been said that our character is revealed by what we do when no one is watching.
Likewise, the authenticity of our faith is evidenced by the way we live each ordinary day. (Is there even such thing as an ordinary day? Every day is made by God, belongs to God, and is therefore extraordinary, whether or not we view it that way.)
Ephesians chapter 4 is a great place to learn which character traits most matter to God. It reminds us of our extraordinary position in this world and God’s expectations for us. Two chapters later, in Ephesians 6:10-20, we’re told how to best prepare ourselves for the long journey – which pieces of equipment to pack, and why they matter.
Life is a long walk, yet it seems to be completed in the blink of an eye. Here’s to making the most of every single extraordinary day. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
By Peggy Werner
WhenMother Nature says the boating season is over, it’s time to prepare for winter.
In business for more than 70 years, the award-winning Reed’s Marine, 174 WI Hwy. 50, Delavan, not only helps customers find the perfect boat, but they also offer all the services to keep a boat in top condition.
“Winterizing a boat is by far the most important routine service an owner needs to do every year,” says Jason Shallcross, co-owner. “Routine maintenance will keep your boat running in tip-top shape all season long. The most crucial time to get your boat winterized and out of the water is when there are three consecutive nights below freezing and the daytime temperatures don’t exceed 40 degrees.”
The cold weather can have a bad effect on an engine with water still in it. Left too long, the water will freeze,
expand and crack the engine block. Even the sun’s rays can be harmful.
“Just like sun’s damaging effects on skin, boat surfaces can begin to oxidize, crack and rot from too much exposure,” Shallcross says.
He and his brother are the third-generation owners/ operators of the business, which specializes in new and used boat sales, boat storage and a wide range of services including gelcoat and fiberglass repair, cover and upholstery restoration, fall hull chem-washing and more. They proudly feature top brands such as Chaparral, Chris-Craft, Manitou, Premier and Rinker.
owners can do on their own, Shallcross says. Certain manufacturers have timeframes on changing out wearable parts like water pump impellers or oil filters, or completing services like oil changes, tune-ups and more. ❚
While a boat is under warranty, all maintenance must be completed by a factory-trained professional. Once the warranty expires, there are some things
Schedule your boat’s winterization and maintenance at boatreeds. com, where you can learn more about Reed’s Marine’s services, explore top boat brands or book your appointment.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
As summer fades, the Lake Geneva region transforms into a breathtaking display of autumn colors. Crisp air and golden leaves create the perfect backdrop for everything from outdoor adventures to cozy lakeside relaxation. Whether you’re craving high-energy thrills or a peaceful stroll by the water, our region is wonderful to enjoy during the fall.
One of the best ways to soak in the scenery is along the Geneva Lake Shore Path. The 21-mile walkway winds past historic estates and tree-lined stretches bursting with color. For a different perspective, hop aboard a Lake Geneva Cruise Line boat or the Lake Lawn Queen on Delavan Lake. These narrated cruises showcase the area’s architecture and history while you enjoy the fall foliage from the water.
If you’re looking for a bigger thrill, try taking in the scenery at fast speeds or from above. Lake Geneva Scooter Tours
meander along country roads, while zip-lining and high ropes courses at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures offer a heartpumping way to see the trees ablaze with color. For an unfor-
gettable experience, book a hot-air balloon ride with Lake Geneva Balloon Company and watch the sunrise or sunset over a quilt of autumn leaves.
On the ground, the area offers plenty of outdoor recreation. The Adventure Center at Grand Geneva Resort has miles of trails for hiking and biking, while Avant Cycle Café rents bikes and e-bikes to help you explore scenic backroads. For a nature-immersive escape, head to Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, in Williams Bay, where wetlands and boardwalks let you wander through vibrant seasonal landscapes. Golfers can take their game to the next level at Geneva National or Grand Geneva Resort, where championship courses are surrounded by stunning fall views.
No autumn trip is complete without a true taste of the harvest season. Pearce’s Farm Stand, in Walworth, is a local favorite for its corn maze, produce and fresh apple cider doughnuts. Nearby orchards like Elegant Farmer, in Mukwonago, Royal Oak Farm, in Harvard, Ill., and Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, in Elkhorn, offer apple picking, homemade pies and seasonal wines.
Families and animal lovers can also enjoy unique wildlife experiences. Safari Lake Geneva remains open through October 31, featuring zebras, ostriches, bison and more on a drivethrough safari. For something different, the Dancing Horses Theatre, in Delavan, puts on an equestrian show that’s fun for all ages.
If you prefer a slower pace, the Lake Geneva area is equally perfect for quiet moments. Cast out a line for trout or bass with a local fishing guide or simply sip a seasonal latte at Inspired Coffee.
For family-friendly fun, Scarecrow Fest is a community celebration happening Sept. 13 in downtown Delavan. Expect a festive atmosphere with scarecrow displays, food trucks, sidewalk vendors, kids’ activities and more.
If you’re heading up north, the city of Whitewater hosts the Fall Color Festival on Sept. 27, featuring cycling and running events along the John Muir Bike Trails – great for active visitors wanting to mix fitness with fall scenery.
For a splash of community flavor, don’t miss the Downtown Lake Geneva Fall Wine Walk, happening Nov. 2 with check-in at The Bottle Shop. Guests stroll the charming downtown streets while sampling wines, enjoying snacks and picking up keepsake glasses and gift bags, all while supporting local programs.
From peaceful shoreline walks to adrenaline-pumping ziplines and farm-fresh treats, the Lake Geneva area in the fall is a destination where adventure meets relaxation. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic weekend or a foodie escape, these lakeside towns offer a season full of golden memories. ❚
Learn more about fall events and activities at visitlakegeneva.com.
By Peggy Werner
Although flooring is often a home-
owner’s last consideration in home renovation projects, it has the power to completely transform a space – sometimes serving as the single change that gives a room an entirely new look.
“Flooring and painting make the biggest transformation in a home because it covers the largest area,” says Brian Fell, owner of Fell’s Flooring, 5785 WI Hwy. 11, Elkhorn.
The store specializes in helping people get the look they want at an affordable price. No job is too big or small, whether it’s a small room in a house or a huge rennovation in a highend hotel.
“I always recommend that people shop for what they love,” Fell says. “If it doesn’t fall within your budget, we will find something that works for the right price.”
The locally owned family business is in its third generation of owners and specializes in all kinds of flooring including carpet, hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, vinyl and laminate.
When shopping for new flooring, Fell encourages customers to take their time when considering the many styles, types and colors of flooring available for each room.
He recommends shoppers take samples home to see how they look at different times of the day. A floor visualizer app helps customers compare and get a realistic idea of what the finished product will look like.
Luxury vinyl continues to be a popular choice. It’s durable, waterproof and comes in a variety of looks including hardwood, marble, stone, ceramic and tile. It’s warmer to the touch than ceramic tile and not as slippery as tile when wet.
“Since it became available, the manufacturers of luxury vinyl are always looking for ways to improve the product,” Fell says.
Although luxury vinyl could go in any room, people generally still choose carpet for the bedroom and tile for bathrooms. Tile sizes are increasing to avoid the look and upkeep of grout, Fell says, adding that color trends are shifting away from greys to other shades of neutrals in cream, beige and tans. ❚
To schedule an appointment for a free consultation, contact Fell’s Flooring at (262) 723-4090 or visit fellsflooring.com.
By Peggy Werner
Faith Christian School is bringing some culinary heat to its biggest fall fundraiser. Six local chefs showcase signature dishes in the fourth annual Iron Faith Live Cookoff, set for 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the school, W5525 Hwy. 67, Williams Bay, Wis.
Guests cast their votes for the People’s Choice award, and the top two chefs advance to a high-stakes round, where they create a dish from mystery ingredients. A panel of three area chefs judge their final creations.
“Lake Geneva has lots of great restaurants and chefs and this event is a great way to highlight them,” says Jason Gebbink, advancement director of the school and creator of the event.
The fundraiser is modeled after the culinary game television shows “Chopped” and “Iron Chef,” where contestants have to create dishes with surprise ingredients.
The goal is to raise $100,000 to help lower tuition costs for 15 to 20 of the most financially needy students in grades pre-K to 12 attending Faith Christian. The school is the only private Christian high school located in Walworth County.
Chefs participating in the contest are from Elena Catering, Magpie’s Den & Pen, Owl Tavern, 1878 on the Lake, Oak & Oar, and one more to be announced. The event includes other food and drink available for free, including two large charcuterie tables, an Italian soda bar, a non-alcoholic mixed-drink bar, a coffee bar and served dessert. Organizers will raffle off a couple of high-priced items and feature a silent auction with about 30 donations from local businesses.
At Faith Christian, education is more than just academics.
“It’s about shaping hearts, minds and lives for Christ,” Gebbink says. “The
mission is to teach them what Jesus calls us to do, which is to love the world and serve the people in it. Through strong community, intentional discipleship and unwavering faith, we equip students to grow in their identity as sons and daughters of Christ, preparing them for a lifetime of purpose and influence.”
Faith Christian School is not affiliated with any one church or denomination. The staff and students represent more than 50 area churches. ❚
Event tickets are available at faithchristianschool.org.
By Peggy Werner
Riga-Tony’s, 5576 State Road 50, Delavan, combines generations of family traditions with a fresh twist of modern ideas. Founded almost 25 years ago as a small Italian deli, the business has always focused on authentic flavors and family recipes.
Rose Cardinale started it all with an Italian bakery on Chicago’s south side, carrying those beloved traditions with her when the family moved to Delavan. She passed those traditions along to her daughter, Joanie, and sonin-law, Joe. When they retired, their son Anthony and his cousin Michael and his wife Tiffany took over the business about four years ago.
“We want to continue the tradition and make it our own,” Tiffany says. “We are focusing on branding, connecting with the community and making Riga-Tony’s the go-to destination for authentic Italian Food, a full deli
and imported goods you can’t find anywhere else in the area.
“We are here to bring authentic Italian flavors, classic recipes and quality ingredients to the Geneva Lakes area,” she continues. “We want to be the place people can count on for a true Italian experience.”
The signature dishes are among the most popular menu items and include Italian beef, homemade meatballs and house-made Italian sausage. They offer three to four specials each week and post them on Facebook and Instagram. In addition to a wide selection of Italian favorites, there is a full Italian deli and a catering menu for any occasion.
“The name is a blend of family and flavor,” Tiffany says. “With several Anthonys in the family, ‘Tony’ was a natural fit, and ‘Riga’ is a playful nod to rigatoni, one of our favorite pastas.”
Riga-Tony’s hosts two large events each year – one during the Fourth of July weekend and another in October for Oktoberfest. Future plans include expanding the catering menu and deli items, hosting various community events and adding on more specialty imports to make the restaurant “the ultimate Italian experience.”
Summer hours until Labor Day are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sundays. ❚
To learn more, call (262) 740-2540 or visit rigatonysdelavan.com.
By Melanie Kalmar
Few moments signal the arrival of fall more than that first glimpse of Richardson Adventure Farm’s intricately designed cornfield maze – billed as the “world’s largest.” This year’s theme, “Back to 1985,” honors the debut 40 years ago of the movie “Back to the Future.”
If you’re feeling brave, try zigzagging through the entire 10.4 miles of corn maze trails or choose to explore just a small section. Either way, this is a “checkpoint maze,” so there are no dead-ends to confuse you.
“People think, ‘Oh, that is too big. I will never go,’” says George Ricardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy, his brother and sisterin-law, Robert and Carol, and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen. “But all trails loop around and connect with each other, and there is a giant, 50-foot observation tower right at
the entrance that’s lit at night. You can head toward the tower and get out in 5 to 10 minutes.”
Come for the cornfield maze and stay for the wide variety of attractions – new ones are added each year – that make Richardson Adventure Farm an annual tradition for children and adults.
“Many pumpkin farms like us are mostly geared toward parents with little kids, and we get a lot of those,” says Wendy Richardson, George’s wife. “But we also do a great job of entertaining 20-, 30-, 40-year-olds and grandparents because we have wideopen spaces and plenty of fun things to do.”
While you’re exploring the farm, try touring the grounds aboard the farm’s train, take a ride on an old-fashioned carousel, watch the pig races, or take a wagon ride and stop at the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin.
The season never gets old for the Richardson family, who’ve been caring for this farmland since 1836.
“People are energizing,” George says. “It’s so much fun to be on site and see all of the millions of smiles we help create.”
The farm open for activities Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 26. ❚
Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road in Spring Grove. To find the latest updates, visit the farm’s Facebook page or see richardsonadventurefarm.com.
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Window treatments come in many styles, but few offer the level of energy-efficiency, privacy, control and value that come with plantation shutters.
What exactly is a plantation shutter? It’s a frame with movable slats that sits over your window. They’re typically installed inside your home, so you can control the amount of light coming through. Move the slats up or down to block light, put them in the middle to let in some light, or open the frame and bathe in sunlight. They’re popular for every room in the house, including entryway windows.
“With drapes, blinds or roller shades, they’re either all closed for privacy or all open for light,” says Joshua Kierzyk, of Sunburst Shutters of Chicago. “With shutters, you control the amount of light coming into the room, because all you have to do is control the angle of the louvers.”
Sunburst Shutters of Chicago has been installing this type of window treatment for more than 35 years. Though the team also handles custom blinds, drapes and shades, their most enduring seller is the Polywood shutter.
Fashioned from a durable composite material, these shutters and frames have a baked-on UV coating that won’t fade. They have a lifetime warranty and the best energyefficiency rating on the market – one that makes them very cost-competitive with other products.
“Our shutters are the only window treatment I have heard of that qualifies for an energy tax credit,” says Kierzyk. Polywood shutters are produced in Wausau and then custom-assembled at Sunburst’s Huntley, Ill. warehouse,
where owners Natalie and JayAre Clark stand behind their team’s work.
“These shutters come with a lifetime warranty, so as long as the customer owns the home their product is fully covered,” says Kierzyk. “People just call us and we’ll take care of it. We’ve done warranty work on shutters that are a couple of years old and some that are almost as old as me.” ❚
For a free consultation, call Sunburst Shutters at (847) 697-4000 or visit sunburstshutterschicago.com.
Concerts at Phoenix Park Bandshell
Recurring event thru Sept. 13, select Saturdays and Sundays. Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy a free concert. Phoenix Park Bandshell, 111 E. Wisconsin St., Delavan, phoenixparkbandshell.com.
Lake Lawn Queen Boat Tours
Recurring event thru Sept. 27; see website for times. Climb aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, Delavan Lake’s iconic cruise boat, for a memorable experience on the water. Lake Lawn Resort Marina, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, (262) 728-7950, lakelawnresort.com.
Lake Geneva Farmers Market
Thru Oct. 30, Thurs. 8 a.m-1 p.m. Farmers, artisans and vendors offer up some of the area’s best foods and crafts. Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, (262) 248-4382, market@horticulturalhall.com.
Fall Harvest Fest Trains
Weekends Sept. 6-Oct. 26. Combine a ride on a historic electric train with fall fun at The Elegant Farmer’s Autumn Harvest Fest, with day passes good for all trains between the East Troy Depot and The Elegant Farmer. Trains depart hourly starting at 10 a.m. from East Troy and 11 a.m. from The Elegant Farmer, with the last
trains leaving at 3 and 4 p.m. respectively (note the 4 p.m. does not return). East Troy Railroad Museum, 2002 Church St., East Troy, easttroyrr.org.
Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’ Select dates Sept. 11-Oct. 26; see website for times. This bright, brassy, boisterous musical comedy is filled with colorful costumes, breathtaking dancing, side-splitting humor and a musical score featuring hits such as “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “Surrey With the Fringe On Top,” and the title number “Oklahoma!” Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.
Scarecrow Fest
Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll Delavan’s Brick Street to see scarecrows on display all day and vote for your favorite while enjoying free admission and parking, a craft and vendor fair, sidewalk sales, kids’ take-home crafts, food trucks and more. Downtown Delavan, visitdelavanwi.com.
Fall Classic Car & Tractor Show
Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy a free day of fun with more than 100 displays of vintage tractors, modern equipment and classic cars. There’s also live music and concessions for pur-
AppleFest offers U-Pick apples, wagon rides, orchard tours and more at Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard in Harvard, Ill.
chase. Pearce’s Farm Stand, W5740 N. Walworth Road, Walworth, pearcefarms.com.
AppleFest at Royal Oak Farm
Weekends Sept. 20-Oct. 12; see website for times. AppleFest offers a full harvest experience with U-Pick apples, wagon rides, the Amaze ’N Apples tree maze, orchard tours and more. Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, royaloak.farm/events.
Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show
Sept. 27 & 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Geneva Lakes Boat Show returns with vintage and classic boats plus a boat parade Saturday at 4 p.m. The Abbey Resort Marina, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, genevalakesboatshow.com. ❚
