EDITOR
Washington Caldwell School student Isabella Beaudry splashes color on Clayton Novotny during the 2019 Waterford Area Color Run Sept. 29. Washington Caldwell School classmates and friends joined with other area school children for the annual event hosted by Waterford’s Woodfield Elementary School PTO.
Waterford, Wisconsin
our town 2019-20
An annual publication of WATERFORD POST & SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 • www.myracinecounty.com GENERAL MANAGER: Sue Z. Lange
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz
EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff
EDITOR: Tracy Ouellette
PAGE DESIGN: Jen DeGroot
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: call (262) 763-3330.
On the cover: Visitors to the
Tichigan Lake Lions Club’s 12th Annual Car Show walk among some 130 classic cars and trucks on display for the Aug. 25 show at Waterford Town Park. (Photo by Maureen Vander Sanden)
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Our Town by Tracy Ouellette
One of the draws to the area is the event schedule. The communities host several unique opportunities to enjoy the local flavor. In the summer, the annual Fourth of July parade in Waterford is a big draw for visitors who join in with the community’s Independence Day celebration. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church also hosts its annual Country Fair in early June and the chamber’s Full Moon Four Miler and Half Moon Mini Miler Fun Run is held in the beginning of August. Add to that the fine fishing, boating and bike trails in the area, and it’s clear why people often say Waterford is a “destination.” Fall in the village features Absolutely Waterford’s River’s Edge Art Walk and the annual Lion Club’s chicken barbecue dinner. The holidays are also celebrated in style, when the first Saturday in December comes around and the spirit of the season fills downtown with the annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by Absolutely Waterford. At the end of the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in on fire truck to light the village Christmas tree in the library and visit with the children. So, the welcome mat is out and we look forward to seeing you!
SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
Welcome to
The Waterford area, which includes the Village and Town of Waterford, Village of Rochester and the Town of Norway offers small-town living a short distance from big-city amenities. Only 30 minutes from Milwaukee, the western Racine village and surrounding towns are growing daily. Waterford began as a town of commerce in the 1800s because of its proximity to the Fox River. The waterway provided the perfect source of access and power for early settlers. Early settlers came to what would become the Village of Waterford in the late 1830s, led by Levi Barnes and Samuel Chapman. Because of its location on the Fox River, by the 1920s the area became the largest village in western Racine County and a hub of commerce and industry. Today, the area is home to about 8,000 people, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The community and the village have grown in the past 150 years with the additions of an industrial park, business park and downtown districts. The villages of Waterford and Rochester offer downtown districts with shopping and restaurants designed to make visitors feel right at home.
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OUR
GOVERNMENT
Village of Waterford 123 North River Road Waterford, WI 53185 262-534-3980 www.waterfordwi.org Administrator 262-534-7912 Assessor 262-534-3003 Attorney 262-534-6611 Building Inspection 262-534-7911 Clerk 262-534-3980 x 223 Court 262-534-3980 x 233 Engineers 262-348-5600 Fire Chief 262-514-7019 Library 262-534-3988 Police (non-emergency) 262-534-2119 Police and Fire (emergency only) 911 Post Office 262-534-3255 Public Works 262-534-4069 Recreation Department 262-514-8200 x1131 Safety Building 262-534-3911 Treasurer 262-534-2980 x 224
Village Board The Village Board meets the second Monday of the month (fourth Monday as needed) at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall. The Village Board trustees are: Don Houston, president Andrew Ewert* Brent Hess* Troy McReynolds Tamara Pollnow Robert Nash* Pat Goldammer * Term ends in 2020.
WATERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Town of Waterford
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415 N. Milwaukee Street Waterford, WI 53185 262-534-2350 www.tn.waterford.wi.gov Assessor 262-534-3003 Attorney 262-534-6950 Building/Electrical/Plumbing Inspector 262-534-9236 Clerk-Treasurer 262-534-2350 Court 262-534-4880 Engineers 262-348-5600 Fire Chief 262-758-8965 Police (non-emergency) 262-534-2119 Police and Fire (emergency only) 911 Post Office 262-534-3255
Public Works Department 262-534-5705 Recreation Department 262-514-8200 x1131 Sanitary District No. 1 262-534-4646 Sewer Emergency 262-534-2031 Waterford Waterway Management District 847-921-9087
Town Board The Town of Waterford Board meets the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Supervisors are: Tom Hincz, chairman Nick Draskovich Dale Gauerke Teri Jendusa Nicolai* Tim Szeklinski* *Term expires in 2020.
Town of Norway 6419 Heg Park Road. Wind Lake, WI 53185 262-895-6335 www.townofnorway.org Administrator/Treasurer 262-895-6335 Assessor 262-542-3332 Building Inspector 262-895-2732 Clerk-Treasurer 262-895-6335 Fire & Rescue (nonemergency) 262-895-7533 Municipal Court 262-895-3652 Parks & Recreation 262-895-6180 Police (non-emergency) 262-895-2195 Police and Fire (emergency only) 911 Public Works Department 262-895-6335 Post Office 262-895-6078 Sanitary District No. 1 262-895-6400
Town Board The Town of Norway Board meets the second Monday of the month in the Main Hall at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Supervisors are: Jean Jacobson, chairman Robert Helback Timothy Hansen Michael Lyman Ralph Schopp
Village of Rochester 300 Spring Street P.O. Box 65 Rochester, WI 53167 262-534-2431 www.rochesterwi.us Assessor 262-534-3003 Building Inspector 262-534-2431 x 306 Clerk-Treasurer 262-534-2431 x 301 Fire Department (nonemergency) 262-534-3444 Library 262-534-3533 Racine County Sheriff (nonemergency) 262-534-5166 Police and Fire (emergency only) 911
Post Office 262-534-6100 Public Works 262-332-1017 Zoning Administrator 262-534-2431 x 305
Village Board The Village of Rochester Board meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Village Board trustees are: Edward Chart, president Nick Ahlers Gary Beck Doug Webb Chris Bennett* Russell Kumbier* Chris Johnson* *Term expires in 2020.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS OUR
Absolutely Waterford, Inc. 102 E. Main St. (262) 534-5911 www.absolutelywaterford.org
Waterford Lions Club P.O. Box 84 Waterford, WI 53185 www.waterfordlionsclub.org
American Legion Post 20 P.O. Box 65 Waterford, WI 53185 (262) 534-6225
Waterford-Rochester Senior Card Club (262) 514-2474
Food Pantry – Community United Methodist Church 455 S. Jefferson St. (262) 534-2313 Fox River CAUSE 5950 N. River Bay Road Waterford, WI 53185 (262) 895-3205 Lions Club of Waterford P.O. Box 84 Waterford, WI 53185 (262) 534-5344 Lions Club – Tichigan Lake 6710 Big Bend Road (262) 895-6268 www.facebook.com/ TichiganLakeLionsClub Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce 102 East Main St. (262) 534-5911 chamber@waterford-wi.org Waterford Area Kiwanis Club 5646 Parliament Lane Delavan WI 53115 (262) 728-3711
Waterford Youth Baseball and Softball Association 8309 Parkside Lane (262) 534-1984 www.waterfordyouth baseball-softball.com Tichigan Senior Citizens Club (262) 514-2864 Tichigan Sno-N-Go Snowmobile Club P.O. Box 216 Waterford, WI 53185 (262) 895-2989 VFW Post 11038 Aspinall-Bair-Stober Post 29224 Evergreen Drive (262) 763-9075 VFW Post 10441 Tichigan Memorial Post 8330 Fox River Road 414-355-3179 Kulchar-Fohr Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 8343 (262) 895-2153
t h g i r b s e n Shi CAR SHOW
FOR LOCAL GIRL
Lions Club raises $18,000 for cancer patient’s education
WINNING WHEELS Here is the list of award winners from the Tichigan Lake Lions Club Car Show. • Best Interior: Jimmy & Patti Scardino, 1940 Ford • Best Paint Job: Gil Pierre, 1949 Chevy Deluxe • Best of Show: Phillip Kolter, 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2 + 2 • Best Engine Compartment: Tom Ettenhofer, 1930 Ford Coupe • President’s Choice: Terry Knurr, 1966 Chevy Corvette • Kid’s Choice: Richard Gemoll,1965 Pontiac Catalina convertible
by Maureen Vander Sanden CORRESPONDENT
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
ore than 1,300 collectable and antique cars rolled into Waterford Town Park Aug. 25 for the community’s largest summer event – the Tichigan Lake Lions 12th annual Car Show. It was a record-breaking year, according to Lions Club member Jim Imme, chairman of the car show. “The skies were sunny, weather was cooler and the people were amazing,” he said. What started at the Lions’ Civic Center parking lot in 2007 with 30 cars, has grown to become one of the largest oneday show car events throughout the state, Imme said, adding that this year’s volunteer-driven event surpassed all his expectations and goals. The array of colorful cars lighting up the park was an impressive sight for the thousands of spectators to take in, but it was
See SHINES BRIGHT, Page 6 The Clyde Family – Mackenzie (from left), Pat and Courtney receive a check to help 8-year-old Mackenzie’s fight against brain cancer. Courtney explained that the gift will help her daughter today and in years to come as they are now able to enroll Mackenzie into a private school that will focus on strengthening her cognitive skills which have been compromised by radiation treatment.
MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Our Town
5
• Shines bright
(Continued from page 5)
one little girl’s smile and the outpouring of support for her that the organizer says won Best of Show.
is scanned every three months to watch and see what happens with them, as well as meets with her radiation oncologist, neuro-oncologist, endocrinologist, rehab science doctor, and many more, to monitor and assist with long-term side effects,” she explained. Radiation to the brain at this young age has seriously damaging side effects, according to Courtney. Mackenzie now suffers from short-term memory loss and other cognitive issues such as slow processing. Doctors have recommended Mackenzie receive weekly tutoring as well as specific school interventions to help her learn. The support from the Lions Club will help with Mackenzie’s education, something Courtney said, “we are so incredibly grateful for.” With the monetary gift, the Clydes will be able to meet some of the learning challenges cancer has presented and they have enrolled her in a private school that has smaller class sizes and much-needed, one-on-one support. “When the Lions Club, and its wonderful community, come together to give such an amazing gift to a family such as ours, they are not just blessing
Benefit recipient Eight-year-old Mackenzie Clyde, who is currently battling brain cancer, received more than $18,000 from 383 Chevy Stroker engine raffle ticket proceeds to help her in her fight. This gift, according to her mom Courtney Clyde, “is a huge and unbelievable blessing.” In May 2018, after experiencing severe headaches, vomiting and eventually losing her ability to walk, Mackenzie and her family received a shocking diagnosis. She had cancerous tumors in her brain known as Medulloblastoma. Since the discovery, she has undergone brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, and has had an array of “horrific” side effects that Mackenzie’s mom says will impact her for a lifetime. Though she has had aggressive treatment, Mackenzie’s battle is far from over, Courtney said. “…Treatment did not get rid of all her tumors in her brain and spine, so she
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Giving back to children like Mackenzie has been a humbling experience to the many volunteers who have joined the cause, according to organizers. Each year, the local Lions seek out a child in need of support and raise funds for months leading up to the annual car show. Next year’s car show is scheduled for Aug. 30. In addition to Mackenzie’s gift, Tichigan Lions will give to Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt and to the Brittney Cayemberg Foundation. Cayemberg was the recipient from the first Lions car show held in 2007. Known as “Little Mouser,” at 3 years old she was diagnosed with cancer and later succumbed to the disease at age 16.
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us in this moment, but also helping support us for a lifetime of challenges that our child will face,” Courtney said. “It is literally a gift that will stay with us for many years to come as we work to support Mackenzie on a journey filled with challenges and unknowns.”
COLOR THEM
humongous Waterford’s signature oversized Adirondack chairs along the river at the village’s Huening Park received a facelift in 2019 thanks to a collaborative effort from Absolutely Waterford and Fox River Christian Church-Waterford. “The chairs have been painted with a hint of the beach in fresh blue and green,” said Absolutely Waterford Main Street Manager Dawn Brummel. In hopes of promoting the village on social media, photo ops on and around the chairs will include #WaterfordWI which was carefully stenciled near the top of the oversized seats by the volunteers. More than two years ago, Joshua Bowser, a Waterford Union High School 2017 grad, was looking for an Eagle Scout project to complete as part of his work with Boy Scouts of America. At that time, former Village Administrator Rebecca Ewald suggested he build the larger-thanlife Adirondack chairs, which have proven to be a hit among locals and visitors. Bowser tackled the project with great enthusiasm and built a pair of chairs that sit sturdy and proud along the Fox River today, according to Brummel. “The inspiration and skill of Rebecca and Josh illustrates the lasting effect of working together to improve a community,” she said. Bowser raised the money to build the chairs from local businesses and community members, and with the help of the village’s Department of Public Works, placed them in the park in summer of 2017. Absolutely Waterford, a Main Street America community, purchased the paint and supplies and worked with Bowser to see through his vision, according to Brummel. Fox River Christian Church’s Community Impact Team stepped forward to work with Absolutely Waterford, after local art students were unable to finish them due to a number of challenges including the inability to move the chairs into the classroom. FRCC Impact Team leader Karen Stirmel said she and her team were excited to work on this project. “Our church wants to find ways to love on the community,” she stated, “and this is
Fox River Christian Church’s Impact Team leader Karen Stirmel helps paint one of the oversized Adirondack chairs in Waterford’s Village Hall Park in 2019. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
one of many ways to show we care. God provided a great day for painting by the river.” The decision was made to go with a simple design of just two colors along with the hashtag. They are now complete and ready for visitors to enjoy, she said. Bowser stated previously that the chairs will become a landmark in the community, drawing people to the park to take their picture and enjoy the river.
His statement has become reality, according to Brummel. “And now the chairs will be even more popular since they are sitting bright and beautiful,” she said. “Whether you come for River Rhythms every other Thursday evening, enjoy an outdoor activity hosted by the library, or come for a picnic by the river, take time to sit in the chairs. Snap a photo, post online and share the memory. Everyone is welcome,” Brummel added.
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Church group gives oversized Adirondack chairs a facelift
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story & photos by
Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
Frank and Barbara Zielinski, of Mukwonago, have been coming to Creative Spaces Studio in Waterford for about a month and say they are planning many more trips. The couple are seen here working on stained-glass projects.
create
WATERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
A SPACE TO
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Area art studio offers room for imagination
Mother-daughter team of Barbara Hayes (right) and Donna Fearing opened up Creative Spaces Studio in Waterford in December 2018. The studio offers space for clients to come in to create with sewing, stained glass, fused glass and mosaic.
It’s heard all over as a way to move forward in life and create joy – Try something new every day. For one mother-daughter team, providing a space for people to do just that has become their mission. Donna Fearing and Barbara Hayes opened Creative Spaces Studio LLC, in Waterford in December combining Hayes decades of sewing/quilting experience with Fearing’s glass
works knowledge to offer a workshop space for people who may not have the ability, or desire, to craft at home. “It’s all about sharing our passion with others,” Fearing said. “My mom has been sewing for years, I remember watching her as a young child. I learned stained glass in high school and fused glass in college. And we thought, why can’t we combine this and share it with others?” Hayes said they had a “soft” opening of the studio in midDecember, just to see how things would work and were thrilled when the concept just took off. “It’s been great,” Hayes said. “Word of mouth spread fast.”
“People were really excited something like this came to town,” Fearing added. In fact, things have been going so well, Hayes said she “has her eyes” on an even bigger space for the future. “That’s the grand dream,” Fearing said. “To have a space big enough to expand and add things like metal working. This is just start, a way to get our foot in the door.” “But we would stay in Waterford,” Hayes said. “And that’s in the future, right now we’re here and ready to create.”
Get sewing
Working with glass
Fearing teaches methods of mosaic, stained glass and fused glass at the studio,
Barbara Hayes, owner of Creative Spaces Studio holds up one of the quilt projects underway in the Waterford art studio. Hayes handles the sewing side of the of the business and her daughter, Donna Fearing, is in charge of the glass works projects.
which carries supplies needed for projects. “We have a lot in stock,” Fearing said. “We can order too, if that’s what they need.” Barbara and Frank Zielinski live in Mukwonago and found the studio last month and have been coming regularly to work with stained glass. Frank Zielinski is experienced with the medium and has enjoyed re-igniting his passion. “I can’t say enough about Donna, she’s just great,” he said. Barbara Zielinski agreed, “We’ve really enjoyed it, I think this is our third time here and Donna is always so helpful.” “We’ll be back,” Frank Zielinski added. Because learning to work with glass or
Creative Spaces Studio owner Donna Fearing helps Frank and Barbara Zielinski, Mukwonago, with their stained glass projects. The studio has open hours for creating and also offers classes on Saturday afternoons.
a quilt can be somewhat intimidating for a first-timer, Fearing said they hold classes, usually on Saturday afternoons, rotating through the mediums over the weeks. “It’s not necessary to take a class, but we do it to offer some structure and make it accessible to everyone,” Fearing said. “We want people to feel free to drop in during our open hours to create. They don’t have to go to the classes, when we’re open, you can come in and create.”
Other ideas
The studio also specializes in reclaiming old furniture and adding special touches. “It’s about making something old new again,” Hayes said. “We have the room for people to bring in big projects to work on in here. We can help you turn that old cabinet into something special.” They also have a space for canvas painting. The women are also there to assist with parts of project that people don’t want to do or are still uncomfortable with. “Some people need help with certain parts and we can step in and do that if they want,” Hayes said. “We’re here to help,” Fearing added. “We want people to come in and create with us and anything we can do to make that happen is OK with us.” The studio will also book private parties, whether it’s a family gathering or a scout group. Call 920-421-3688 for more information. Creative Spaces Studio is at 401 N. Milwaukee St., Waterford. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. For more information and class schedule, visit www.creativespacesstudio.net or find them on Facebook.
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
In the meantime, there is plenty of creating to be done with the two women. The bright and airy studio on Milwaukee Street has sewing space for making quilts and other projects, complete with fabric to purchase. “We’re going to be getting in even more fabric so people don’t have to chase around finding what they need. They can still bring in their own, too, but we’ll have more here,” Hayes said. “That’s one of the things we’re expanding on.” Hayes’ quilting experience can be invaluable for people of all skill levels in the craft. Hayes also has a long-arm quilting machine and offers that service to customers should they desire. “It’s in my home and I just take the quilt tops there and they can have it done any way they want,” she said. Hayes will also help people learn how to use their own sewing machines with private lessons. “And we have machines here for people to use,” she added.
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story & photos by
Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
Community United Methodist Church in Waterford turned 150 year old in 2019. One of the first houses of worship in Waterford, Community Church is dedicated to making disciples of Christ and serving the community’s needs. The church is growing and recently added St. James United Methodist Church in East Troy to its regional ministry.
WATERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Community Church celebrates 150 years of service
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ommunity United Methodist Church takes its name seriously. From the earliest days, the congregation has reached out to the community and been an active member of Waterford. “We’ve been part of the community from the very start, one of the first churches here. We share the same history,” said the Rev. Bill Busch, senior pastor at Community Church. That community focus is what keeps the 150-year-old church relevant in 2019. “We’re here for all those fun activities like VBS, or if someone wants to get married, or needs to lay a loved one to rest, or just needs some assistance from the food panty. We’re just here for what people need,” Busch said. “I remember when Pastor Garcia was here, everyone in the community, from the farmers to the police dispatch, knew they could call him in an emergency and he and the church would
Community United Methodist Church is at 455 S. Jefferson St. in Waterford. The original church was built on Main Street, where the building still stands. This photo is from the files of the late Ruth Albee, a church member.
respond,” Busch added. Building relationships is how the church accomplishes its purpose – to make disciples of Christ. “That’s why we’re here,” Busch said. “To bring people the Good News and help them discover their purpose in life. And we do that by opening our doors and our hearts and inviting everyone into our family.”
The mission
The future
As the church celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2019 it is transitioning into a larger, regional ministry. Last year, the church added Servant Community Church in Sullivan to its ministry plan and on July 1, 2019, St. James United Methodist Church in East Troy was the newest church to join the church’s regional ministry. The churches in the regional ministry operate as independent churches, under the Community Church umbrella. Resources, the preaching team and some staff are shared. The East Troy and Waterford churches are also coordinating sermon series. “When I first came back here in 2016, I asked people how they viewed this church and they consistently told me we were a ‘regional ministry’ and drew members from a wide area. This is a continuation of that,” Busch said. The regional ministry looks to the change landscape and growing diversity in Waterford and surrounding communities as it builds. “Can we get ready for the change that
Gail Biesiadny (from left) narrates “The Long Story Short” as Glenn Langusch, Rob Podeszwa and Debbie Moore act the scene out during the 2007 Vacation Bible School. The annual VBS is the church’s largest outreach event and has attracted thousands of children over the 50-plus years since its inception.
Richmond said one of the goals for the church is to provide a place for families to I believe be together as a whole unit. “More and more, I see parents pulled God is away from kids, with school, sports, etc. We want to be a place for families calling this to find respite from that and just be together,” Richmond said. “I just took my church to elementary-age kids on a mission trip and it was great! I want to give people chances something to do that and more with their families. I much want to bring back the ‘village’ that I hear THE REV. people 20 to 30 years older than me talk greater.” BILL BUSCH about.” Richmond said things have become fragmented in today’s world, even at is coming and can we do things to properly church. minister to the community that’s evolving “How come Bible study isn’t around us? I think we can,” Busch said. somewhere parents bring their children? “If a church doesn’t change and it loses its Don’t we want our kids seeing us studying connection with the community, it dies off. God’s word? Isn’t it our responsibility This is my seventh church and this church, to teach them this is important? I want by far, has the most potential, perhaps to give families a place where they can the greatest potential, to really make an worship, study, fellowship together,” impact in the community as things change. Richmond said. “We’re an extended family and we need Building families to care for each other. As long as I’ve been With the expanded ministry and the here, this is a place where hurting people congregation at Community growing, the come and I wouldn’t want to be a church church is building on its family ministry to that wasn’t like that,” she continued. serve everyone, of any age. “The heart of this church has always “We’re looking at the whole family,” been its passion for people. We’re not Busch said. “I believe God is calling this perfect, but when people walk in these church to something much greater. If we doors, they feel the difference,” Busch are going to be a church that’s effective, said. we need to reach out to all ages and races, and become a vibrant place of worship.” Editor Tracy Ouellette is a member of Christian Education Director Krystal Community United Methodist Church.
“
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Community Church’s mission statement is simple – Glorify God, Encourage One Another, Share Jesus – which are the three tasks Jesus set his followers on: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27 NIV) and “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 NIV) Busch said the only way to accomplish the mission is to connect with people, whether it’s during a time of trial or jubilation. “One of the things that is different from other churches, including the ones I’ve served at, is the incredible sense of family we have here,” Busch said. “It’s not that it doesn’t exist elsewhere, because it does, but here, at Community, there is a sense of acceptance, of belonging and of family that is really different than other churches.”
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SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
CORRESPONDENT
Waterford FFA students work on the ‘46 Farmall H at the the Ehrhart Farm shop in Union Grove during a cold winter night. The restoration project took about six months to complete.
Students take ’46 Farmall from beleaguered to brilliant Students in the Waterford FFA are cultivating skills beyond the classroom and cornfields, with the local organization’s most recent tractor restoration project. FFA Chapter President Kevin Ehrhart has led his peers though six months of tinkering and detailing to unveil a lustrous red 1946 Farmall Model H that the group is now raffling off.
Proceeds will go back into the local FFA for agriculture promotions and future restoration projects, according to the club president. The concept was started a few years ago by Ehrhart’s brother Justin, who, with the FFA, successfully restored a 1940 John Deere B and an early ‘60s Oliver 770. The experience, according to the FFA leader, has been a great way for members to work on something all future farmers love, while honing valuable life skills. “Besides the actual mechanical tractor building, there is a lot of practice with setting the budget, and working through things to stay under the budget,” Ehrhart explained. “From the start, it is made clear that we (restore) the tractor for the
learning experience.” Work on the most recent project began in the Union-Grove-based Ehrhart farm shop at the start of the year, with the FFA team of seven spending two to four nights a week working on the tractor until it was completed in mid-July. The search for a machine worthy of new life begins close to home and with certain features, the Waterford Union High School senior said. “We want a decent sized tractor, but not one that is too large, because the restorations can quickly become very expensive,” he explained. A complete
See RESTORED, Page 15
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Restored to glory 13
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SCHOOLS
Waterford Union High School
Waterford Graded School District
www.waterforduhs.k12.wi.us 100 Field Drive Waterford 262-534-3189 Waterford Union High School has been educating students since 1905. Today, the school has an enrollment of more than 1,200 students who enjoy learning in a sunny, open facility. A broad-based curriculum with more than 150 courses is in place to provide all types of educational opportunities for every student, from advance placement courses to vocational education. Recent 10th-grade standard test and ACT test scores place Waterford students above the state and national average. The graduation rate is 97 percent, with about 82 percent of graduates pursuing some type of education after high school.
www.waterford.k12.wi.us 819 W. Main Street Waterford 262-514-8250 The Waterford Graded School District offers a comprehensive K-8 curriculum that is aligned with the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards, and adheres to a student-first philosophy. Waterford is recognized statewide for its outstanding public education system. The district is characterized by above average student performance, teachers equipped with a variety of instructional strategies and excellent facilities. Students also benefit from a low student-to-teacher ratio and a district philosophy that is committed to meeting the needs of all students.
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A T R ADITION OF T RUST
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WATERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
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Rae Ann Arrigoni Realtor
Legacy Realty Group
401 N. Milwaukee St, Suite 1 Waterford, WI 53185 Call/Text: 262-305-6907 raeann@trustinlegacy.com
I have been assisting buyers and sellers in the community since 2004, and am eager to be a part of your next move.
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Local dairy farmer, Frank Henningfeld, teaches fourth-grade students about the dairy industry at an Ag Day station May 3. Students had the opportunity to learn many basic facts about the dairy Industry during the event hosted by the Waterford High School FFA. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
North Cape School District www.northcape.k12.wi.us 11926 W. Highway K Franksville 262-835-4069 North Cape School District is a K-8 elementary school located west of I94 on highway K and is a feeder school to Waterford Union High School. North Cape School. North Cape School focuses on a rich curriculum experience that challenges the students to think critically and problem solve in preparation for a global economy. North Cape School District Exceeds Expectations on the Wisconsin State Test, the Forward Exam.
Drought School District www.droughtschool.net 21016 W. Seven Mile Road Franksville 414-425-6020 Drought is a small public school with a private school atmosphere of small class sizes. Students at Drought are high performing, with the majority scoring at or above state proficiency in all core subjects. The unique combination of old-school charm along with the rigor of modern day standards make Drought an ideal school for children to learn and prosper.
WashingtonCaldwell School District www.washcald.com 8937 Big Bend Road Waterford 262-662-3466 Washington Caldwell is a 4K through eighth-grade school district in Tichigan (Town of Waterford). Washington-Caldwell infuses technology in all grades with 1:1 iPads in third through eighth grade. Several programs are available during or after school including Project Lead the Way, National Junior Honor Society, Lego Club, and K-Kids/Builders Club (community focus).
Catholic Central High School www.cchsnet.org 148 McHenry Street Burlington 262-763-1510 www.facebook.com/ CatholicCentralHS/twitter. com/cchstoppers Catholic Central High School, a four-year parochial high school, is an alternative choice to public schools for the Waterford and Burlington area. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Catholic Central serves the 17 area parishes and is committed to providing a Catholic-based education.
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tractor, with all the sheet metal intact, as well as a motor and transmission that are “in decent shape” are also on the checklist. “If we can find them for a decent price, or if they are donated to the project, it is always a huge plus,” he added. Community State Bank, the project’s major sponsor since the program began in 2016, donated the initial purchase cost. The Farmall restoration came in at $7,500. Besides maintaining a budget, the restoration process itself can be meticulous, according to Ehrhart. “We take the tractor apart methodically, making sure that all parts are put with the other parts that go with it,” he explained. “Each night we designated a person to be the camera person. That is very important, so that we knew exactly how the parts go back together. As we took things off, we cleaned them and inspected them for any broken pieces or damage. If it was broken, we had to determine if we would try to fix it or replace it with another one. The engine was completely disassembled, and many parts inside of it were replaced with new ones. We had to sandblast every part, which cleaned any rust and old paint from them. We then started to piece the tractor back together, and eventually we took it to the paint booth, and put two coats of primer and two coats of red paint on it.” While the students primarily work on the tractor, Ehrhart said the group receives a lot of necessary support to get the job done properly. “We try to do as much as possible by ourselves, because our goal is to learn the skills and details of the projects,” he said. “However, when we ran into things that we could not figure out or do ourselves, we contacted local people and a few local farm equipment dealers, and they helped us.” Additional support comes in the form of marketing and promotions from Community State Bank, as well as paint and supplies from Union Grove NAPA. Ehrhart Farms Inc. provided shop space and Bonner Farms in Kansasville provided a paint booth. Mike’s Repair Services in Burlington provided many parts and “lots of knowledge,” Ehrhart said. The students also spend their time at community events, such as the Tichigan Lake Lions Car Show and Union Grove’s Super Saturdays showing the tractor to help promote ticket sales. Showing the tractor and seeing impressed tractor enthusiasts makes for proud moments, the project leader said. “We have a lot of fun (restoring the tractor), but it can be very trying when things don’t seem to be working. However, the result of a beautiful looking tractor makes it well worth the time,” Ehrhart said. The tractor was raffled off Sept. 15.
Waterford FFA President Kevin Ehrhart backs the organization’s restored ‘46 Farmall H into a space during the Tichigan Lake Lions Car Show Aug. 25. Besides the mechanical work that students put into the tractor, they have been busy showing the machine at area community events to promote raffle sales. MAUREEN VANDER SANDEN Our Town
Waterford FFA Chapter President Kevin Ehrhart takes photos of the 1946 Farmall H before it was brought back to its former glory.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
• Restored
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OUR
AREA CHURCHES
Baptist
Lutheran
Honey Creek Community Baptist Church (American Baptist) 35512 Washington Ave. Honey Creek 262-534-3585
Living Water Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod) 6525 North Milwaukee Ave. Wind Lake 262-895-3700 www.livingwaterlutheran.com
Catholic
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 145 South 6th Street Waterford 262-534-3639 www.stpeterswaterford.com
Community United Methodist Church 455 S. Jefferson Street Waterford 262-534-2313 www.extremefaith.org
United Church Of Christ
Nondenominational
St. Clare Catholic Church 7616 Fritz Street Wind Lake 262-895-2729 www.stclarewindlake.org
North Cape Lutheran Church 2644 124th Street Franksville 262-835-2206 www.northcapelutheran.org
First Congregational Church of Rochester 103 South State Street Rochester 262-534-6582 www.fccrochesterwis.com
Fox River Christian Church 238 E. Main Street Waterford 262-332-7047 www.foxriverchristian.org
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 305 South First Street Waterford 262-534-2255 www.saintthomas waterford.org
Norway Evangelical Lutheran Church 6321 Heg Park Road Wind Lake 262-895-2281 www.norwaylutheran church.org
United Methodist
Grace Church 257 Kendall Street Burlington 262-763-3021 www.gracechurchwi.org
Caldwell United Methodist Church 8504 Caldwell Road Waterford 262-363-2630 www.caldwellumc.org
IMPORTANT NUMBERS OUR Utilities Diggers Hotline: (800) 242-8511 Electric WE Energies – Customer service: (800) 242-9137; 24hour emergency service: (800) 662-4797 (electric, lights) or (800) 261- 5325 (gas, odors, leaks, appliance repairs)
WATERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
Telephone TDS Telecom: 262-534-5101 Cable Television Companies • Spectrum customer service: (800) 892-4357 • DirecTV customer service: (800) 630-5795 • Dish Network (TDS Telecom) customer Service (888) 634-8410
Airports • Burlington Municipal Airport 703 Airport Road Airport manager Gary Meisner (262) 763-6600 • East Troy Municipal Airport Highways 20 and L Airport manager Walter Watkins (262) 642-5008
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Garbage pickup/ recycling • Village of Waterford: John’s Disposal Service Inc. (262) 473-4700 • Town of Waterford: Advanced Disposa (800) 232-0860 • Village of Rochester: ASDA Enterprises (262) 539-2086
Newspapers Weekly • Waterford Post (262) 763-3330 Daily • Racine Journal Times (262) 634–3322 • Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (414) 224-2000
Post Offices • Waterford Post Office, 218 N. Milwaukee St., 262-534-3255 • Rochester Post Office, 208 W. Main St., (262) 534-6100
Bark for Life
Deputy Kurt Clemens of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department and K-9 Nox lead the fifth annual Bark for Life walk at Waterford High School in May. Attendees and their dogs enjoyed games, demonstrations, contests. The event has raised more than $37,000 to date benefitting the American Cancer Society according to event organizer Nancy Smith. CHAD HENSIAK Our Town
“Every bottle of wine has its own unique story.” – Randy Larson, Spirits of
Raise a Glass by Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
Spirits of Norway Vineyard owners Randy and Sandy Larson stand by some of their Brianna grapes, which are used to make their white wines.
AREA VINEYARD FINDS ITS NICHE Tucked away at the end of a back country road in the Town of Norway sits a small vineyard with a big following. The Spirits of Norway Vineyard isn’t big, about one acre, but that’s all owners Sandy and Randy Larson need to produce their “fruit-forward” wines. “It’s just us most of the time,” Sandy said. “We have help at harvest time,” Randy added. “We post on our Facebook page that we need volunteers and people step up. Sandy puts on a nice lunch for everyone and everyone who volunteers is gifted a bottle of wine.” Originally, the vineyard was going to just be a garden, Randy said. “Sandy wanted a garden and I asked her what she wanted to grow. She said some tomatoes for salsa and maybe some grape vines,” Randy recalled. “So, she did some research online about grapes and took a trip out to a local store, The Purple Foot, for a book on growing grapes. “Karen (Lau) owner of the store asked Sandy what she was going to do with her grapes and Sandy said, jams and jellies and Karen said, ‘Why not wine?’ And that’s was pretty much it.”
Randy said he and Sandy felt led to create the vineyard. “We would go to church and the scripture reading would be about wine in some way. ‘I am the vine.’ ‘Go forth and produce.’ It was clear this was what we should do,” Randy said. You can grow grapes in Wisconsin? Randy said many people are amazed that grapes grow well in Wisconsin. “We grow cold-climate grapes which do really well here,” he said. The Larsons grow Marquette, Brianna and Petite Pearl grapes to produce red and white wines. One of Randy’s passions is teaching people about grapes and the winemaking progress and the vineyard often hosts tours and classes where he and Sandy can share their knowledge. Randy is also the president of the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association. “When I became president one of my first ideas was to have a wine week in Wisconsin,” he said. And this year that happened.
See VINEYARD, Page 18
WATETRERFORD OUR TOWN • 2019-20
TRACY OUELLETTE Our Town
Norway Vineyard owner
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TRACY OUELLETTE Our Town
Spirits of Norway Vineyard wines have earned several prestigious awards, including a gold medal in the 2018 San Francisco International Wine Competition for “Attitude Adjustment,” which is part of the vineyard’s Estate Collection.
• Vineyard
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Wisconsin Vineyard Week was celebrated throughout the state the week of July 14 to 20. Sandy and Randy hosted wine-making classes all week long at the Spirits of Norway Vineyard and participated in a wine tasting in River Hills to wrap up the week. Winning awards For a small winery in Wisconsin, Spirits of Norway has racked up an impressive list of awards, including a gold medal in the 2018 San Francisco International Wine Competition for “Attitude Adjustment,” which is part of the vineyard’s Estate Collection. “That’s not supposed to happen,” Randy said. “A small, boutique vineyard from Wisconsin isn’t supposed to win gold medals in San Francisco, wine country.”
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The Larsons say their wines win awards because they are different and have a broad appeal. “Our wines are fruit-forward and people like that,” Randy said. “We use tanks to age our wine, not oak barrels, so our wines are more fruity than oaky, which people like,” Sandy said. “We do use oak chips, because wood is an important component to wine, but our wines are more fruit focused.” “When I ask people what they drink they often tell me, I don’t drink reds, I don’t like the taste and they can’t identify what taste they don’t like, but it’s usually the oak. And then they try our reds they’re amazed. I can’t tell you how often I’ve hear someone say, ‘That’s the first red wine I’ve liked.’” Buying wine The vineyard can’t sell wine onsite
because the property is zoned agricultural, so Spirits of Norway’s retail store is online at its website. Some area liquor retailers and grocery stores also carry their wines. “Gooseberries carries our wines and Timer’s in Racine; Muskego Beer and Liquor and Malicki Piggly Wiggly’s in Racine and a few others,” Sandy said. “We encourage people to ask their local liquor and grocery stores to carry our wines so they can purchase them.” The Spirits of Norway wines have been in high demand as word of the vineyard has spread, often through word of mouth, the Larsons said. Their wine truck can often be found a local festivals and events. “It’s a mobile billboard for us,” Sandy said. “Churches and festivals will buy our wine and we let them use our truck to serve it. We keep everyone up to date as to where the truck is on our Facebook page.”
Above: The Spirits of Norway Vineyard is in the Town of Norway in Racine County. The wines produced at the vineyard use cold-climate grapes – Marquette, Brianna and Petite Pearl – that grow well in Wisconsin. At left: The red wines from Spirits of Norway Vineyard are not as “oaky” as most reds because the vineyard produces “fruit-forward” wines and doesn’t use oak barrels to age its wines. TRACY OUELLETTE Our Town