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NEIGHBORS
A Publication of the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce EASTTROY.ORG
MARCH 2020
VOLUME 31, EDITION 1
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Faces of
East Troy
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Faces of East Troy
A community in motion By Vanessa Lenz EAST TROY CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When we came up with the concept of “Faces of East Troy,� we set out to put together a piece reflecting the unique voices and experiences of our town. The final result not only focuses on the individuals and groups whose experience and knowledge makes them leaders in our community and beyond, but also provides some unexpected (and warmly-welcomed) perspective. Getting a chance to know the people behind some of our local organizations, biggest businesses, beloved shops and attractions, was also a chance to bring new energy as a new decade begins with lots of talk that
See FACES, Page 2
Things to do this
Spring MARCH 1 - Art Show & Band-O-Rama East Troy Schools 5-12th grade music concert, 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 1, East Troy High School, 3128 Graydon Ave., (262) 642-6760.
7 - Seed Swap
9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7; Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, N8030 Townline Road, (262) 6423303, ext. 107
7, 8, 13, 14, & 15 – ‘The Gin Game’ Off the Square Players performance 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8 and 15, Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St. $15, East Troy House & brownpapertickets.com, (262) 642-7100. Â
13-15 – National PI Day  March 13-15, Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St., 5-inch Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag for just $3.14 (reg. $6.99), elegantfarmer.com.
15–BeginnersBeekeepingWorkshop 9 a.m.- noon, Saturday, March 15 at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, W2493 County Road ES featuring instructor Dan O’Leary, $40 (advance), $50 (day of), michaelfields.org.Â
15 – Cookie Decorating Edible watercolors cookie decorating class from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15, Hive Taproom, W2463 County Road ES, thehivetaproom.com.
20 – Parents Night Out Friday, March 20, East Troy Area Community Center, 2040 Beulah Ave., featuring activities for kids, ages 4-12, $15, (262) 642-2266
21– Kiwanis Club Family Breakfast
These are the movers and shakers of 2020, the Faces of East Troy: (clockwise from top left) Jamie Rohrer, East Troy Lights; Ryan Hammerel, head brewer at East Troy Brewery & Tim Guild, head brewer & owner at The Hive Taproom; East Troy High School NASA Hunch Club (from top left) Tara Johnson, Carly Goetsch, Abigail Manthey, Caitlin Hunter, Maddy Otto & Christina Nolting; Dan O’Leary of Honey Valley Beekeeping; Greg Jennings, President and CEO of Wisconsin Oven Corporation; Mary Nicoson, Vice President of First Citizens State Bank- East Troy Office & Joe Klarkowski, Town of East Troy Chairman, both of Tri-Troy Alliance & East Troy Community Foundation Electric Trail Project; Ryan Jonas, East Troy Electric Railroad President; Carissa Chanos, owner/ artistic director at Infinity Dance; Dan Moody of Home on the Square and Eileen Suhm, Village of East Troy Administrator.
DITHER STUDIO Good Neighbors
Kiwanis Club of Greater East Troy family breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Saturday, March 21, East Troy High School, 3128 Graydon Ave., $5 (12 and older), $3 (ages 5-11) & free (under 4).
See THINGS TO DO, Page 3
Page 2
GOOD NEIGHBORS
MARCH 2020
Q&A: Ready to revitalize EILEEN SUHM
East Troy Village Administrator Eileen Suhm, Administrator and Executive Director of the Community Development Authority, has been at the helm of the Village of East Troy for five years. She began as the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer and has held various positions with the Village, including involvement with zoning, development and Plan Commission. She has been hard at work on many of the village’s priorities while enjoying her role as part of the East Troy community. Q. What are your top goals for East Troy in 2020? A. • Facilitate a financial management planning update with the Board and our financial consultants. This is important because it assists with prioritizing goals and establishes how the Village will fund the projects associated with those goals. • To assist the Community Development Authority, which was formed in January 2019, with carrying out their top priorities in my role as the Executive Director. Their top priorities include establishing a façade grant program, revolving loan fund program, and working on Main Street revitalization. • Continue work to secure additional development in Tax Incremental District 4, the land south of Honey Creek Road and our existing business park. • Work with staff to determine how we will upgrade the Village website so this can be incorporated into a future budget. We would like the site to be easier to navigate and a more effective communication tool. Q. The Village of East Troy has been increasingly embracing the power of business partnerships. How has the village worked to improve collaboration? A. The Board, as well as staff, have approached opportunities to work with businesses as a collaborative partnership. Listening, identifying common goals, and determining how we can work together to reach those common goals is a priority. In addition to this approach, the Village Board authorized forming the CDA. This is a group that dedicates their time to focusing on development, redevelopment, and aiding business growth. There have been efforts to retain more resources for new business, as well as growing businesses. Through the Village’s Connect Communities membership with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance membership, and formation of Tax Incremental Financing Districts we have more resources available for businesses.
A. The projects that are always most fulfilling are those where I have an opportunity to help somebody. In a business sense it is exciting to help business owners realize their dreams. More recent examples include being involved in the Community Development Investment Grant process with the East Troy Brewery and seeing them be awarded a grant of $250,000 through WEDC, assisting LD’s BBQ through the approval processes and seeing Leon’s new restaurant open, and working with Knoll Precision to build their new location for their expanding operations in the business park. This does not diminish experiences or the value of other businesses or developments I have seen come to fruition, these are simply recent examples. On a citizen level, the most fulfilling projects include educating the public about local government and how they can get involved. This can be as simple as answering a resident’s questions to working on the Youth in Government Program or with the St. Peter’s Brickbusters FIRST Lego League. Q. What do you see as the most significant opportunities in East Troy as we look to the future?
A. Location, Location, Location! We have close access to many natural features and beauty including state forests, recreational trails, and lakes. In addition, we have unique amenities such as the East Troy Railroad and Alpine Valley is close by. This is all accompanied by easy access to more urban areas such as Milwaukee. Another significant facet that East Troy can continue to capitalize on is our founders’ and subsequent Village planning, which has resulted in something that is an opportunity today. The historic area of the Square will be preserved while Highway 20 serves as a bypass for this area. The newer industrial development is occurring south of the interstate, which is segregated from this historic area and most of our residential developments. We also have two freeway access points within the Village, which will continue to assist with smooth traffic flow as we see more development. Another opportunity we have is people. We have business owners, community members, numerous civic groups, and a Chamber of Commerce with many of creative ideas who have been dedicated to making the community what it is and continually improving it. This makes East Troy an easy community to love and more desirable to future residents and businesses. In addition, we have a Board that is looking at the big picture and planning for the future.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Good Neighbors
Dan O’Leary embraces an organic and natural approach to beekeeping, harvesting around 2,500 pounds of honey each year.
Q&A: Bee-ing a Beekeeper DAN O’LEARY
others to natural, sustainable practices of keeping healthy bees all year long.
Dan O’Leary has been a beekeeper for Honey Valley Beekeeping for over 20 years. He took on the hobby full-time after retiring from his plumbing and heating business O’Leary Heating & Plumbing. In recent years, O’Leary has become well known for connecting and equipping beekeepers with the concepts, knowledge and best management practices needed for sustainable beekeeping – work with a critical benefit as one-third of the food we eat relies on honeybees for pollination.
Q. Why was it important for you to share your love of bees and educate your community on the art of beekeeping?
Q. How did you get into beekeeping?
Q. Is there anything East Troy residents can do to help the bees?
Honey Valley Beekeeping
A. I come from a long line of beekeepers. My grandfather, father, sister and son were all beekeepers in the community in the past. I wanted to be able to carry on the tradition and offer a high-quality, natural honey for myself and others. Q. How has beekeeping changed since you started?
A. I feel that the bees are a unique, social unit that teach us so much about nature. I want to inspire others, especially the youth, to enjoy and respect this interaction with nature and give them an opportunity to understand the best things about becoming a future beekeeper.
A. They can support bees and all pollinators by planting flowers, trees, etc. that can create a diverse source of pollen and nectar. Also, they can become aware of the dangers of using pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and GMO seeds that create a toxic environment for the bee.
Q. What’s your favorite A. There is more focus on the bee health due way to eat honey? to increased overall loss of bee population. Q. What makes East Troy great? A. Right out of the hive! Second best is a Winter loss averaged less than 10 percent nice big chunk of natural comb honey along when I started vs. today beekeepers are A. It is home. Not in the sense that it is a place with a slice of artisan bread. Pure, raw honey experiencing up to 50 percent average loss. where I own a house, in the sense that it is a community where my family feels welcome and So, this has increased my attention and many is great on anything. where we prefer to send our children to school. Q. What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have worked A lot of the things I mentioned about significant opportunities make East Troy great, on during your time as Village (Continued from front page) but most importantly it is the people that make Administrator? East Troy is hitting a thrive during a “Faces of East Troy” release East Troy great! prime time. party. The individuals Meet the featured “Faces of East Troy” featured in the “Faces and leap into the new year from 3 to 5 p.m. of East Troy” are on Saturday, Feb. 29 at The Hive Taproom, finding a way to work W2463 County Road ES. Stay for a together and the crop performance by Brothers Quinn from 6 to 9 of leaders is full of p.m. fresh ideas to push For details, visit easttroy.org or RSVP to East Troy forward. vanessa@easttroy.org. Some arrived at just the right time to see East Troy on the Vanessa Lenz rise. Some have been ‘FACES OF EAST TROY’ PARTY sharing their passion WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29 and commitment to East Troy for decades. All said they can’t wait to see where the WHERE: The Hive Taproom, W2463 community is heading. County Road ES Join us in celebrating East Troy and this INFO: easttroy.org group that works hard to see their community 3238 Main St.
• Faces
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Q&A: What’s on Tap RYAN HAMMEREL East Troy Brewery
TIM GUILD
The Hive Taproom East Troy is making its mark in Wisconsin’s flourishing craft beverage industry thanks to the work of two brewers whose drinks have quickly gained rave reviews and become local favorites. From clean and crisp basics like Pale Ale to a classic IPA to a stout garnished with cocoa powder and espresso ground coffee bean, Hammerel has been serving up an impressive selection of craft brews to thirsty patrons since the opening of East Troy Brewery in December of 2018. Tim Guild and his wife Ayla opened The Hive Taproom in summer of 2018 establishing a loyal following to its taproom, one of Wisconsin’s only meaderies. As head brewer, Guild is a reformed technology junkie /engineer /consultant who has found his niche making people smile while producing small batch session meads, honey kombucha & soda elixirs. The Hive’s beverages feature local everything: honey, hops, produce. Q. What got you interested in brewing? A. Ryan: Two things come to mind… First when I started 12 years ago, there was not a lot available in the craft beer world. There were a lot of imports, which were great, but as far as locally sourced craft beer there were limited varieties so I wanted to create something different in the sense that I could control the outcome of a product to my liking based on the ingredients I used. Brewing beer was something that was interesting and fun in itself. As I became intrigued with the idea I bought a Mr. Beer kit for my dad for Father’s Day and started a fun hobby that ended up becoming a passion. Tim: The ability to use both my science and creative background to create something delicious that makes people happy. It’s very satisfying to play such an important role in maximizing the return our patrons get back for their time and money when they’re ready to relax and have a great time with like-minded people. Q. We love that the “hot” factor of the craft drink market has hit East Troy. What makes the craft brew party so appealing? A. Tim: I see it as an extension to my living room. There’s nothing quite like sharing a connection with people, and in this case it’s an experience and vibe. The craft Session Mead, and great music, definitely play an important role in our experience as well. Ryan: I believe it’s the fact that the local community and surrounding area have the ability to come in and enjoy an in-house made product with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s the Wisconsin sourced
GOOD NEIGHBORS
Page 3
ingredients to the spent product being donated to local farms as feed for their animals, we are completing a large circle of shared experience. Also the market is booming and continuing to grow. Having a quality product with a back story is huge for people that have not been able to experience less than a decade ago. Q. With a constantly evolving brewery scene, how do you work to thrive/stay ahead? A. Ryan: When looking at the industry today the two things that come to mind when brewing are, creativity and consistency. Whether it’s creating a beer brewed with maple syrup and blueberries, to adding spices like grains of paradise, coriander or cinnamon, we as brewers have the ability to play around with ingredients to make something unique which wasn’t practiced for many years. The factor that I believe keeps East Troy Brewery thriving in such a large market is the consistency of product. We are able to have a set list of core beers we replicate so people that want to come in and enjoy our Imperial Milk Stout or Pilsner that they love so much can come in and do so year round. Tim: By providing spaces that focus on social responsibility and community building through the creation of world-class experiences and beverages. Q. What are your priorities as a brewmaster (i.e. looking for the next flavor, sustainability, local focus, etc.)? A. Tim: To continue developing truly unique products that push the limits for what people expect from an alcoholic beverage. Ryan: My top priority even before we opened has been the local focus - make what the people enjoy drinking. There were countless hours of extensive research in developing our beers prior to opening. Between brewing multiple different styles of beer and getting the feedback, to fine tuning and replicating recipes we wanted to make sure we were providing our customers with a product they would enjoy. We keep up with the trend as far as new beers that are hot in the market are concerned but it’s the consistent core base that the locals keep coming back for. Q. Where do you get your inspiration as a brewer? A. Tim: The great outdoors….Oh, and drinking lots of our product. Ryan: Two people stand out to me as far as an inspiration. First is Greg Piecora from a brewery in Florida. My father and I visit a friend who lives in Orlando as a tradition & during one of our visits we stopped at a brewery called Wop Hops where I met Greg. I was always interested in the idea of working at a brewery but was hesitant because of the stable career in the automotive industry which I had for years. During a conversation with Greg at his
VANESSA LENZ Good Neighbors
The Hive Taproom’s head brewer and owner Tim Guild (left) and East Troy Brewery’s head brewer Ryan Hammerel teamed up to produce a special collab brew for the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual East Troy Brewfest. The event will return May 24, 2020.
brewery he told me if he could have he would have jumped into the industry 20 years ago which kicked started me into looking for an opportunity at a brewery. Second would be John Harrison from
• Things to do
(Continued from front page)
25 – Read & Feed
Glass, 2884 Main St.
InkLink Books’ Read and Feed, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2894 on Main, 2894 Main St. featuring Quan Barry, author of “We Ride Upon Sticks” & four-course, wine paired dinner. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m., March 3 at InkLink Books, 2890 Main St., (262) 6429607.
25– St. Peter’s Casino Night
Pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon & activities from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 28, Camp Edwards YMCA Camp and Retreat Center, N8901 Army Lake Road, Breakfast tickets are $6 (adults), $4 (4-12) & free (under 3), campedwards.org.
27-29– ETHS Spring Play
“Curious Savage,” 7 p.m., Friday, March 27 & Saturday, March 28 & 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, (262) 642-6760.
APRIL 1– Wine Class at Ivan’s 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St.
4– Family Resource Center Egg Hunt 9 a.m., Saturday, April 4, Little Prairie Primary School, 2109 Townline Road, featuring egg hunt, activities, photos with the Bunny. RSVP to easttroyfamily@gmail.com. East Troy Electric Railroad Bunny Train, April 4, 5 & 11. Departures from East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., featuring photos with Easter Bunny, activities & live bunny and chick displays, $17 (adults), $14 (ages 3-14), $8 (0-2), easttroyrr.org.
11– FFA Consignment Auction East Troy FFA Alumni auction, 10 a.m., Saturday, April 11, East Troy High School, 3128 Graydon Ave., (262) 642-7892.
Wisconsin Oven Corporation has been an active member of the East Troy Community for over 45 years. Throughout our history we have been involved in the community through volunteer work, charitable contributions, and community renovations.
12– Bunny Jump Skydive Milwaukee’s Easter Bunny Jump, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Sunday, April 12, W1341 County Road L featuring egg hunt, photos at noon, jump at 1 p.m., skydivemilwaukee.com
13,14,20–Cheep,CheepEaster Celebration April 4, 5 & 11, Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St., Mukwonago, featuring Easter Bunny, baby chicks & Easter specialty foods, elegantfarmer.com.
19– Cocktail Class
www.wisoven.com 367183
St. Peter’s Catholic Church & School, 3001 Elm St., 6-11 pm., Saturday, April 25, (262) 642-5533.
ONGOING
28–MapleSyrupFamilyFunDay Live Music at the Hive
4, 5, 11 – Bunny Train
Celebrating Over 45 Years
Delafield Brewhaus. I got a life changing opportunity working as an assistant brewer for John. He was able to share with me 20 plus years of experience while I worked under his wing at Delafield.
The Global Glass & Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St., East Troy, class, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19. Tickets at The Global
The Hive Taproom, W2463 County Road ES, will host live music from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays in March and Open Mic on Sundays this spring. Dates include: March 7: Sneezy; March 14: 3 A.M. Saints & Ghosts in Color; March 21: Smooth Blues Band; March 28: Indigo Canyon; March 29: Open Mic; April 4: Paulie & the Poorboys; April 11: Brothers Quinn; April 18: Matt Meyer Duo; April 25: Would You Kindly? and April 26: Open Mic, thehivetaproom.com.
Picture Lady The East Troy Area Historical Society, 2106 Church St., will host its Picture Lady series, presenting a famous artist’s work from 1-3 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month, March 7 (Ansel Adams), April 4 (Norman Rockwell) and May 2 (Georgia O’Keeffe) through August, easttroyhistory.org.
Trivia Night The Hive Taproom, W2463 County Road ES, will host Tim’s Taproom Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. The Hive will also feature Team Tournament Game Night (most) Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Yoga & Pour: (most) Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., thehivetaproom.com.
Yoga on the Square Connect mind, body, and spirit with certified yoga instructors Julie Scurek and Elizabeth Weinkauf at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays with 60-minute beginner’s yoga classes at 2890 Main St., 2nd floor, above InkLink Books, $12. Bring mats and water.
Bingo at East Troy House East Troy House, 2093 Division St., will offer bingo on Thursday nights, featuring $5 special martinis from 5-9 p.m. and Bingo from 7-9 p.m., (262) 642-7100.
SmartIPAnts Trivia East Troy Brewery, 2905 Main St., will host SmartIPAnts Trivia Mondays at 7 p.m. Buy any app and get 2-4-1 house brews, easttroybrewery.com.
Senior Movie The East Troy Area Community Center, 2040 Beulah Ave., will host a movie for seniors from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month featuring free popcorn and a movie. Enter via Division Street Parking Lot, Door 7, (262) 642-2266.
Page 4
GOOD NEIGHBORS
MARCH 2020
Q&A: Six Bright Stars
Q&A: On the move
EAST TROY HIGH SCHOOL NASA HUNCH CLUB Maddy Otto, Abigail Manthey, Christina Nolting, Caitlin Hunter, Carly Goetsch & Tara Johnson
CARISSA CHANOS Infinity Dance
With the goal of sharing its deep love of dance with more people, Infinity Dance expanded to East Troy at the start of 2019. From the beginning, owner and artistic director Carissa Chanos has made it her goal for the boutique-style studio (coowned with her mom Gina) to be a fixture within the East Troy community. With a new studio at 3278 Main St., expanded class offerings & dance performances (all in less than a year), she’s well on her way.
Six East Troy High School students have joined the exclusive NASA Hunch projectbased learning program and will spend the rest of the school year trying to build something they are hoping will be adopted for use aboard the International Space Station. The all-girls group is confident they can pull it off and we will all be cheering them as they set their sights on an invite to present their findings to NASA experts at Rocket Park in Houston (for the third straight year) & as they continue their studies in engineering. Q. How did you get involved in the NASA Hunch Program? A. Our siblings and friends had always been involved in the program and it sounded interesting. We all knew one another before doing the program so once we all learned that we would be doing together it drove us to be even more committed to it. Q. We understand the Hunch Program tasks students with building something NASA has never successfully attempted before. What have you worked on to date & how long does it take? A. We developed a fruit preservation chemical technology, a collapsible sleeping chamber and this year a lunar sleeping rack for the ISS. The process generally takes around six months.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Good Neighbors
East Troy High School’s NASA Hunch Club members (from left) Maddy Otto, Abigail Manthey, Christina Nolting, Caitlin Hunter, Carly Goetsch and Tara Johnson are hoping to travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to present their findings to experts for the third straight year.
Q. We love to hear that an all-girl group from East Troy High School was asked to join this exclusive program. How can we empower other girls to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics? A. Inspiring girls to explore options outside of the stereotypes & giving opportunities to girls to explore STEM programs just like HUNCH Q. How do you blend skills you’ve learned through the Hunch program into your everyday life and future plans?
A. • Problem solving!!! • Working as a team in high pressure settings • Presentation skills • How to deal with rejection • Adapting ideas • Communication with professionals • Time management Q. What is your group’s goal for 2020? A. Our main goal for this year to make it to the final presentation in Houston, Texas. We want to have a successful presentation and prototype. For our senior year it’s really important to us to have a successful season.
Q&A: Connecting Communities Mary Nicoson
East Troy Area Community Foundation
Joe Klarkowski Tri-Troy Alliance
Tri-Troy Alliance members Joe Klarkowski, Town of East Troy Chairman, and Mary Nicoson, Vice President of First Citizens State Bank and East Troy Community Foundation board member, are on a mission to connect communities. Touting the connectivity, health and economic benefits, the two have led the push to create the community’s first Multi-Use Recreational Trail. Plans call for the proposed 7-mile Electric Trail to start at the Village of East Troy Mill Pond Park, go through Town Hall Park and end at Indianhead Park in the Village of Mukwonago. The majority of the trail would be built along the East Troy Electric Railroad with the remainder on Town, Village and County road right of ways. Nicoson and Klarkowski plan to continue
their work, seeking support and partnership from stakeholders in 2020. The trail project will require the cooperation between five government entities, including Walworth County, Waukesha County, Village of East Troy, Village of Mukwonago and Town of East Troy. Q. Why do you want this path? A. The construction of a Multi-Use Recreational Path is a beneficial amenity to our communities and visitors. The conceptual plan to construct the path parallel to the existing railroad tracks running from the Village of East Troy to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago is a vision of connecting communities while promoting healthy lifestyles and economic development. Q. How will the project be funded? A. State and Federal Grant opportunities are being applied for to accommodate the majority of costs. The project will also need a mutual
contribution from the counties of Walworth and Waukesha, as well as the Town of East Troy, Village of East Troy and Village of Mukwonago, a massive amount of fundraising activities, as well as the support pledged by the East Troy Area Community Foundation, Inc. Q. Trails improve wellness opportunities & address important quality of life issues. Can you explain how a recreational path can also link regions & draw visitors? A. The “Connect Communities” is a prevailing goal for this project as well as creating a venue of activity for the camps, parks & tourism. The three communities have a lot to offer. When completed, this trail will also have connections to the east & west and potentially to the north & south. The local and regional bicyclists will be welcome and drawn to the trail.
See CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, Page 6
Q. How did you make the decision to teach dance as a career? A. Dance runs in my blood. It always has been a huge passion for my family, and I continued to fall in love with the art form the more classes I attended. When I started as an assistant to help instruct classes, a spark had ignited for me to teach. Seeing a student accomplish a new skill leaves me with such fulfillment that continues to drive my passion to do what I love to do. Q. How would you describe Infinity’s dance aesthetic? A. When you join our studio, you become a part of our family. We’ve created an atmosphere that has a boutique look and feel, and with our intimate class sizes, it allow our instructors to have one to one touch points with our students so they feel a more personalized experience when they walk through our doors. Q. Why did Infinity decide to make the move to East Troy? A. When exploring the option of relocating, the authentic and encouraging culture of the East Troy community best matched our values of who we are. Q. Why is a dance studio such an important element of East Troy? A. Dance is a great artistry to dive into because it focuses on discipline, organization, creativity, leadership and so much more! It is a way of moving our body as an instrument of expression and communication that challenges us to work outside our comfort zone. Our goal for our students is to gain a new found confidence that I feel is of upmost importance in childhood development. Q. What is the best thing about East Troy? A. The community, hands down! Since we opened in East Troy in June, everyone has been so supportive, kind and excited to have us here. The profuse amount of love we feel has our hearts overflowing with joy!
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MARCH 2020
GOOD NEIGHBORS
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East Troy Lights 2020, a communityoriented interactive light show, will kick off on Dec. 5 at the Santa on the Square celebration and Bob Barutha Memorial Tree Lighting and continue through the month of December. Get details at easttroylights.com. JAMIE ROHRER Good Neighbors
We are beyond fortunate to have such an amazing community. I can only hope to see East Troy continue to grow and thrive: to see more people get involved and make East Troy their home. Every individual matters and can make a difference. East Troy Lights is just another step in this process. Q. What is the timeline you are looking at for this project & how can we help?
Q&A: Let there be light(s) JAMIE ROHRER East Troy Lights
Jamie Rohrer is the co-founder of Dither Studio and co-owner of Corvia Technologies. He can often be found at East Troy Chamber events either in a pirate costume or stormtrooper outfit. He’s an out-of-the-box envelope pusher combining his love for East Troy, background in business and technology expertise to lead East Troy’s newest venture: East Troy Lights – plans for a spectacular interactive light show on the square. Q. What is East Troy Lights & who is involved?
was not publicly announced, hundreds of people either saw the show live, on Instagram/ Facebook, or had the chance to interact with it at www.easttroylights.com. With where the light show is at today, taking the show to the next level for 2020 is a highly logical next step. We already have the technology and we already have a fabulous community itching to make some lights blink. All we need to do is just do it! Q. How are the defining characteristics of the East Troy Village Square factoring into your light show planning?
Q. Why is the development of the light show a priority for 2020?
A. While we want the light show to eventually encompass all of East Troy (the snowflakes along Main Street, the schools, the houses, and the businesses), the square offers a number of unique advantages as an initial starting place. Firstly, we plan to launch the light show during the Dec. 5 Santa on the Square event/ tree lighting. This will allow the thousand or more people there to immediately enjoy and interact with the lights. Secondly, the principle of concentrated impact. That is to say, if we took all the lights in all of East Troy, on all the houses, on all the buildings, on all the trees, and put them in one spot, the light show would quite likely be one of the largest light shows in the state. This is the idea behind making a concentrated impact. The square is an ideal location for us to concentrate our initial efforts. Finally, and most importantly, the square has a 360 view which maximizes the lights-tovisibility ratio (okay, fine, we just made this up, but it actually makes sense!).
A. Well, I wouldn’t say it’s a priority per se, but we are extremely excited about what we accomplished with the proof-of-concept light show in 2019. Although the proof-of-concept light show
Q. Where do you see this community, and especially the East Troy Village Square, heading & how do you hope the light show will play a role?
A. East Troy Lights is a community-oriented, interactive, Christmas light show project! In order for it to be successful, we need everyone involved – the businesses around town, volunteers to help put up lights and build control boxes, and donors to help fund the endeavor. Vanessa Lenz - director of the East Troy Chamber - dreamed of creating a light show for years. But it wasn’t until 2019 that we had the chance to finally make the idea a reality. Already, multiple business on the square have gotten involved (East Troy House, Sauced - the new pizza shop on the square, & East Troy Brewery), the East Troy School district, Allan Integrated Control Systems, as well as interest and inquiries from numerous other organizations.
A. I believe communities don’t just exist, but that they take continual effort to maintain, grow, and foster. Communities require passionate kids and passionate adults to drive them forward. The idea behind East Troy lights is to offer everyone - old and young - an introductory opportunity to get involved. Whether using the buttons on the website to control the lights on the buildings, or climbing a ladder to help hang the lights, East Troy Lights reshapes how East Troy looks (if even temporarily).
A. Our timeline is to be done before Christmas! Just kidding...kind of. Actually we plan to show off this year’s light show on Dec. 5 at the annual East Troy Christmas Tree lighting. We plan to have the light show available until Christmas with a light show playing every night. Breaking down the timeline, we are currently working with Allan Integrated Control Systems and the students at East Troy High School to have the control boxes finished by the end of summer and hope to have a simulation environment setup around this time to test out light show scripts. We are looking for people who want to help hang lights, write light show scripts, build decorations, sponsor, or donate. Basically anything involving Christmas lights.
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MARCH 2020
Q&A: All Aboard RYAN JONAS East Troy Electric Railroad President
East Troy has always been synonymous with the East Troy Electric Railroad. The famous attraction draws 30,000 visitors a year looking to get that oncein-a-lifetime vintage trolley ride aboard the 111-year-old East Troy Electric Railroad – Wisconsin’s last original electric railroad line Current president Ryan Jonas has been ever-present and key to the railroad’s current success with a focus on working together and strengthening the railroad’s vitality for generations to come.
also made an effort to get locals to ride the rails. Can you tell us why everyone in the 53120 zip code should love the East Troy Electric Railroad?
A. The railroad itself is such an important piece of history that built East Troy. Many people don’t realize that before the railroad came to town, East Troy didn’t have electricity. It also cut the travel time into Milwaukee from two days via horse and carriage to two hours. The railroad was also a U.S. Mail route and transported freight for many years. Today, it brings 30,000 people into our community, stimulating our economy and exposing guests from all over the world to our community. Q. What are some of the defining characteristics of the Q. Why is the continued East Troy Electric Railroad? development of the East Troy Electric Railroad important A. Our museum offers a familyfor East Troy? friendly atmosphere that fosters memories that last a lifetime. I am A. As a resident of East Troy myself, I extremely privileged to work alongside am amazed at the growth on and off the many dedicated volunteers who work square. There is a momentum that has tirelessly to ensure a great guest been built in the past several years that is experience. It never ceases to amaze me how diverse talents of our volunteers are. both exciting and fun to be a part of. The railroad has connected cities together for over 110 years and will Q. What do you have continue to do so for years to come. The planned for 2020? more we can expand operations and offerings, the more people we will bring A. In addition to favorites like our into our thriving community. Bunny and Christmas Trains, we will be expanding our dinner train Q. Tell us about your offerings for 2020 with several new favorite trolley? themed events including a “Local” Motive train highlighting some local A. Although I like each of our cars favorites including Grassway Organics, Hometown Sausage, The Hive Taproom for different reasons, I remain partial to our Milwaukee Streetcar, 846. My and of course some Elegant Farmer grandparents and great-grandparents Apple Pie for dessert! lived in Milwaukee and utilized the streetcar system on a regular basis to get Q. The railroad continues around. I like thinking of how they might to grow as a top tourist have sat in those very seats years ago. attraction, however you’ve
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SARAH MANKE Good Neighbors
Home on the Square’s general manager Dan Moody welcomes customers to East Troy’s one-stop gift shop, located on the north side of the East Troy Village Square, adjacent to InkLink Books.
Q&A:
Sometimes more, never less DAN MOODY
Home on the Square Home on the Square, located at 2888 Main St., is the latest new business to claim a spot on the East Troy Village Square and the first gift shop to grace downtown East Troy since recent revitalization efforts began. The about 1,200-square foot new shop, owned by longtime East Troy business owner JoAnn McCormack and Dan Moody, who has worked in the fashion and entertainment industry for more than 15 years, features the latest garden, home and gift items sourced from a mixture of the East and West coasts and Wisconsin-based artists and companies. Q. What drew you to the East Troy Village Square? A. The Square is having a Renaissance and the word has gotten out. People from surrounding towns are coming to see what East Troy has to offer. The Square embodies the sense of community that we are known for. Q. How do you work to create a great in-store experience? A. My business partner, JoAnn McCormack and I have worked very hard to create
an environment that is welcoming and unassuming. I do my best to make a connection with everyone who walks through our doors. Also, I spent about a week on our playlist. Q. What excites you the most about East Troy? A. The small-business boom has brought a collection of like-minded people to the area who want to use their skill sets to progress the great community that already exists in East Troy. Q. Where do you think downtown East Troy is heading? How does your work play a role in that future? A. You can easily spend an entire day in downtown East Troy and we are becoming a destination for weekend getaways. I want to be able to offer people something that they can say “check this out, I got it in East Troy!” Q. What is the nicest thing a customer has said to you? A. My favorite compliment has always been non-verbal and it’s when a customer starts bobbing their head to the shop’s playlist.
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Q. This endeavor has created an immense amount of cooperation. How have you worked to increase collaboration? A. This overnight success is almost four years in the making. The villages and towns have been very receptive to the community improvement aspects of the project. It has also led to the creation of the Tri-Troy Alliance,
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which has been active in cost saving. The towns of Troy and East Troy and Village of East Troy are indeed working together. Q. What is the next step? A. We are rendering the results of the first of many grant applications. A memorandum of understanding has been drafted and we are waiting for a few parties to sign.
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Q&A: Taking charge GREG JENNINGS
President and CEO Thermal Product Solutions, Wisconsin Oven In summer of 2019, Greg Jennings was appointed to the role as President and CEO of Thermal Product Solutions, parent company of Wisconsin Oven Corporation. He succeeded longtime CEO Dave Strand after his retirement announcement. Jennings hit the ground running with an engaging leadership style that relies heavily on collaboration and partnership. He brings a unique perspective with experience in both Fortune 500 and private companies. He previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at TPS since 2013.
MARCH 2020
fortunate to work with some truly incredible leaders, the most recent of which was Dave Strand. Dave provided me with a wealth of industry knowledge and a prime example on how impactful positive interaction within a company and community can be. Upon Dave’s retirement, I was appointed CEO of Thermal Product Solutions and Wisconsin Oven, and am looking to continue community involvement efforts that Wisconsin Oven is known for. Q. What are some examples of how Wisconsin Oven Corporation innovates (i.e. how Wisconsin Oven provides equipment to the aerospace industry)?
A. Wisconsin Oven is a company that has always done a tremendous job of evolving based on market needs. Recently, we have worked with industry leaders in the most demanding of industries, aerospace and privatized space travel. To meet the requirements in this industry, Wisconsin Oven has had to develop equipment never before manufactured, including the largest composite oven in the world. Additionally, we are looking to be market Q. Can you share a bit about the leaders on IOT, providing more data and background you bring to your new connectivity than ever before, launching in role? 2020. A. I have always been drawn to manufacturing. Q. What are some things Being able to see a tangible product that is Wisconsin Oven Corporation has going to help the customer meet their needs is done to integrate into the local very gratifying. community? My career has been within various industrial manufacturing businesses, domestic and A. In 2019, Wisconsin Oven contributed to international, with a focus on finance and 36 different organizations in, or around, East business operations. Troy. These organizations include police and Throughout these roles, I have been very fire departments, numerous school programs,
To those we serve, thank you for your trust. Dana Rygiewicz, owner/director
sports programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many more. We also partner with the United Way of Walworth County. This partnership allows our employees to contribute directly to the United Way through payroll, and ensures that these donations get disbursed within the county. And during the holiday season, we collect food for the East Troy Food Pantry and we adopt a family for Christmas. Q. Being one of the largest employers in East Troy, how do you view your role as leaders in the community? A. Being one of the largest employers in the community allows for a number of opportunities to make a positive impact for our employees and the community. For our employees, Wisconsin Oven does not just provide a job, we look to provide a family style work environment, company
A. East Troy has a unique mix of small town feel, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit. This mix allows for the community members and businesses to interact and contribute in a progressive way, with everyone looking to make a positive impact. Although, I have lived in the area for only three years, there have been several businesses established and many venues to bring business and community leaders together through the East Troy Chamber. I’m excited to see the years to come for East Troy.
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