Wonders
RACINE COUNTY of
Spring 2022
Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
Page 2
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
SPRING 2022
for Preserved posterity
Seno Conservancy offers natural respite, educational programs
by Sandra Landen Machaj
CORRESPONDENT
t is the beauty of nature – the green grasses, multi-colored flowers, the beautiful canopy of trees, and the unique wildlife that brings many outdoors. Away from the hustle and bustle of developed lands we often seek refuge in the open lands when possible. Who doesn’t enjoy a day hiking through forests, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature and especially the magnificent canopies of the trees towering overhead? The Seno K/RLT Conservancy, on Highway P south of Burlington, is a non-profit land conservation agency that serves both Kenosha and Racine counties to protect land in its natural state for the benefit of people and nature. They do this by protecting land in perpetuity from development. “In addition to protecting the land from development, the Seno K/RLT Conservancy also produces a variety of outreach programs many of them with the Kenosha Parks Alliance and Southport Park,” said Stacy Santiago, Executive Director of Seno K/RLT Conservancy. Before it became the conservancy, Dr. Elvira Seno established a tree farm on her late 1880s farmstead of 127 acres. She wanted the land to be maintained as accessible and used for an education center that focused on sustaining forestry. She, along with her brother, planted an additional 50,000 trees. In her estate plan for the farm, she included a monetary gift to renovate the barn so that it could be used for the educational classes she believed were
top: The Tamarack Marsh at Seno Woodland Management Center. right: Board President, Mark Lesko, shares information with members of the Sierra Club, Southeast Gateway group, during a guided tour of Seno Woodland Management Center Property. left: This award-winning burr oak tree at Seno has been identified as being over 200 years old. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SENO K/RLT Wonders of Racine County
important to educate people on the need to protect the land. Thus, the Seno Center was created. Meanwhile Dr. Shirley Peterson who owned a vacation property about three miles from the Seno Center was of a like mind. She wanted to preserve her woodlands and wetlands, which she named Drumlen Farm, and encourage environmental education. She too donated her 83-acre farm to the foundation along with generous funds that were turned into an endowment to support environmental programming.
Protecting 1,200 acres In 2014 the Seno Foundation and the Kenosha Racine Land Trust merged and today as Seno K/RLT Conservancy the group protect more than 1,200 acres of land within Racine and Kenosha Counties. “Some of the land is owned by the conservancy and other parcels are protected by conservation easements. The conservation easements protect the land in perpetuity from development while ownership is maintained by the individual,” Santiago said. “The conservancy offers the owners advice on care with guidance to
protect the land.” The Seno K/RLT Conservancy offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults. Some of these programs are offered as community outreach programs with the Kenosha Parks Alliance. Many are held in Southport Park or other Kenosha and Racine parks, allowing local children to learn about nature while remaining in their own neighborhoods. Many schools attend field trips held at Seno K/RLT Conservancy and the children • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Places to go, things to do, people to see SPRING 2022
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
Page 3
Check out what’s happening in western Racine County
With the weather warming, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the area’s offerings. Here’s some of the
and a variety of geologic wonders, including kames. There are also other parks and rest stops along the way.
GOLFING
WINERIES
Browns Lake Golf Course 932 Browns Lake Drive • Burlington 262-763-6065 • Hhfairway.com
ÆppelTreow Winery and Distillery 1072 288th Ave. • Burlington aeppeltreow.com
Browns Lake Golf Course’s manicured fairways and contoured greens stretch for 6,449 challenging yards. Opened in 1921 the course has had 90 years to mature and provides a memorable experience for all players. Our friendly and courteous staff will cater to your needs as you prepare for you round. For tee times and reservations contact our golf shop at 262.763.6065
“ÆppelTreow” is Old English, and is a play on words for “true to the apple” or “apple truth,” according to owner Charles McGonegal. The name is pronounced “Apple true.” ÆppelTreow is Wisconsin’s only winery and distillery. It is well known for producing perry, which is pear cider produced in the English tradition. The pears are specifically to be used for producing perry, and offer properties and flavors that can’t be faked by using other pears. McGonegal said he imagined ÆppelTreow as a fruit winery, but the facility produces cider, perry and spirits. “I think that Wisconsin can grow a better apple than it can a better grape,” McGonegal said. “I admire the folks growing their own grapes, but I find through personal experience they make very good brandy.”
Brighton Dale Park and Golf Course 830 248th Avenue • Kansasville 262-925-8004 • Golfbrightondale.com
The original 27 holes of Brighton Dale Golf Course opened in 1972. Because of problems with drainage the course was revamped in 1992 with an additional 18-hole golf course, along with an added practice range and putting green. The clubhouse was also renovated at that time. Brighton Dale consists of three separate courses, each with its own features. White Birch and Blue Spruce are 18 -hole, par-72 courses that measure 7,000 and 6,700 yards, respectively. The third course, Red Pine, is a 9-hole par-36 course of 3,512 yards. Professional golf lessons are available. Private or semi-private lessons are offered under the direction of General Manager Dan Drier or by Head Golf Professional of Kenosha County Doug Shulski. Rivermoor Golf Club 30802 Waterford Drive • Waterford 262-534-2500 www.rivermoorgolfclub.com
Rivermoor began its history in June of 1929 as the Waterford Woods Golf Course. Over the years the golf course has progressed into one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s most popular courses. In October 2008, Rivermoor Country Club became Rivermoor Golf Club. The property was purchased by a group of local partners. Since the purchase, the property has seen many upgrades. The first major project was completed in April 2009. A new sports bar and restaurant was opened and quickly became the hot spot in Waterford. For your comfort and viewing pleasure, a fabulous deck was built overlooking the 18th green. The comfortable deck provides a great area to enjoy lunch or dinner while watching golfers finish their round. Rivermoor Golf Club is a semi-private facility offering memberships and also open for public play. Members also enjoy many golf and social events throughout the year. Ives Grove Golf Course 14101 Washington Ave. • Sturtevant 262-878-3714 • www.ivesgrovegl.com
Ives Grove Golf Links offers 27 holes of premium golf. Designed as a links-style course, players encounter 110 bunkers, nature areas and rolling greens. With a yearround practice facility, Range Time LLC, fully stocked pro shop and an experienced golf shop staff, we will be able to put you at
Biking and hiking trails abound in western Racine County. From the White River Trail to the Seven Waters Trail to the multitude of county and municipal park trails, there’s always a place to enjoy the great out doors. STOCK PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
ease as you prepare for your round. For tee times and reservations call the golf shop at 262-878-3714 or book online. BIKING AND HIKING White River Trail
Locally, one the most well known trails is the White River State Trail. A 12-mile crushed limestone trail, it follows a former railroad bed and connects the City of Elkhorn to Burlington, also passing through the historic villages of Lyons and Springfield in the process. The trail also extends east from Highway 142 in Burlington to Kansasville and can be accessed from the Burlington High School/Gateway Technical College campus. The trail requires an affordable daily or annual state trail pass, for those 16 and over, which can be purchased in any of several points along the path, including the communities it touches. Maps of the trail are also readily available at these points as well as online. Scenic views of farmland, wetlands, waterways and the natural countryside are part of it’s charm and it’s many access points give riders a wide choice of options in how far and where they want to ride along the trail. These access points also provide convenient places to park. Pedal & Cup
There is a great access point to the White River Trail located just off Highway 120 in Springfield. The Pedal & Cup, a bike rental shop and cafe is in Springfield’s historic railroad depot, 1722 N. Highway 120 Springfield (262-249-1111), is just five minutes north of Lake Geneva. They not only rent bikes, but also serve gourmet coffees, smoothies, ice cream and cold drinks. There are also biking and souvenir shirts and handcrafted gifts inside the historic depot. Check out their web site at www.pedalandcup.com. You can also find them on Facebook-search: pedal and cup. The Pedal & Cup is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seven Waters Trail
Another rails to trails project, the Seven Waters Trail, took several shorter trails and consolidated them under one name once they formed a continuous route. This trail runs from Riverside Park in Burlington up through Waterford, the Town of Norway, into Wind Lake and further on into Muskego. Just across the Wisconsin/Illinois border in Richmond, Illinois, riders will find the McHenry County Prairie Trail that stretches 26 miles from the Wisconsin State Line to Algonquin, Illinois. The Prairie Trail follows the former Chicago and Northwestern rail line that ran from Kane County into Wisconsin. From this trail, users have access to over 100 miles of trail network including the Hebron Trail, the Fox River Trail, the Great Western Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path. There are several points of interest along the Prairie Trail including the crown jewel of the district, Glacial Park, a 3,200-acre site and home to the Lost Valley Visitor Center. The natural area contains prairie, savanna, marshes, a bog, Nippersink Creek
Spirits Of Norway Vineyard 22200 W. Six Mile Road • Franksville 414-430-0128 www.spiritsofnorwayvineyard.com
Spirits of Norway Vineyard is in the Town of Norway. The vineyard utilizes the rich growing soil for its cold climate-hybrid wine grapes. Randy Larson President of Spirits of Norway Vineyard has chosen several popular varietals to locally grow in their vineyard. Marquette, Petite Pearl, Marechal Foch, Frontenac, Noiret and Leon Millot are red grape/red wine varietals, while Brianna, Frontenac Blanc, Catawba and Somerset make up the white grape/white wines. As professional wine makers crafting high quality wines in their Boutique Style Craft Winery, Spirits of Norway Vineyard has earned several prestigious international awards. The highlight in 2017 were two Gold Medals for Brianna in the New York World Wine and Spirits International Competition and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Visit the website for upcoming events, to schedule a tour and more information.
Wonders of Racine County A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411
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On the cover: Area children get a hands-on lesson in composting and recycling during a spring program hosted by the Rochester Public Library. Kan-Do 4-H Club member Victoria Van Dan led the program. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Page 4
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
SPRING 2022
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WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
Page 5
AN ABANDONED
AIR BASE
Bong Recreation Area once considered for military use
authorization from President Dwight Eisenhower, the planned Air Force base drew opposition from landowners and municipalities. The Brighton Town Board and the City of Burlington both expressed concern over problems such as land acquisitions from farmers, environmental issues, loss of an area cemetery and forcing residents from their homes. Additionally, the planned air base brought concerns from residents in neighboring communities, like the Town of Dover. The Post recalled a meeting at the Dover Town Hall, where 800 farmers filled the building, and presented pressing questions to Brig. Gen. William H. Wise of the U.S. Air Force.
By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER
ichard Bong State Recreation Area features a variety of attractions for people, regardless of who they are, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 4,515-acre multi-use recreation area, which sits in the Town of Brighton in Kenosha County, boasts 217 campsites, a nature center, lookout tower, birding, hunting, canoeing, fishing and hiking, among a series of other recreational opportunities. Other opportunities, the DNR states, consist of eight trails ranging from 0.7 to 8.3 miles with different terrains as well as scenery. “Hikers have more than 16 miles of trails to explore, through a variety of habitat,” the DNR states. Bong Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, also features areas for fishing on Wolf Lake as well as opportunities to swim along a 200-foot beach on the sprawling land near highways 75 and 142. The massive state park, according to Burlington Historical Society records, became a designated recreational area during an Oct. 9, 1966 dedication ceremony. While thousands of people have visited since then, participating in multiple activities, the story of Richard Bong State Recreation Area began much earlier as a U.S. Air Force base abandoned by the federal government. And what about the recreation area’s namesake, Richard Ira Bong, who grew up in northern Wisconsin?
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, was named in honor of a World War II veteran and initially planned as an Air Force base. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
‘Will you take my farm?’
The Richard Bong State Recreation Area features many attractions, ranging from miles of hiking trails to campgrounds, and a new a Nature Explore Classroom. The classroom presently closed to the public, but is nearing completion. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
Air Force ace
Richard Bong, also known as “Dick,” earned induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1986 after a short – but well-decorated – career as a World War II Air Force fighter pilot. Maj. Bong, born in 1920, spent his childhood growing up on his family’s farm near Poplar, Wisconsin, about 20 miles southeast of Superior, the Aviation Hall of Fame states. Bong finished among the top in his high school class while participating in 4-H, angling waterways, and hunting. He even played the clarinet in the marching band while participating in several sports. Bong, however, found his first exposure to aviation in 1928 when then-President Calvin Coolidge vacationed and established a summer White House near Superior. “(Coolidge) received his mail every day by airplane. Dick was fascinated,” the Aviation Hall of Fame states. “Later he recalled that the mailplane ‘flew right over our house and I knew I wanted to be a pilot.’” About a decade later, in 1938, Bong still maintained his career mission of becoming a pilot while attending Superior State Teachers’ College. Shortly after, Bong enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps, around the time the United States entered World War II. “Dick became America’s all-time Ace of Aces, downing 40 enemy planes in the Pacific theater of the war while flying P-38 fighter planes,” the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center states. “His many decorations for outstanding skills and extraordinary courage included the Congressional Medal of Honor.” Bong, however, saw his life cut short at 24 years old after being killed while testing the first Lockheed jet fighter plane in 1945. Bong, who returned to the United States to marry Marjorie, suffered the fatal crash in Southern California.
The Burlington Standard Press, which published a 1969 retrospective of Bong’s story, reported the accomplished pilot woke up with a plan, including a movie with his wife. “I’m taking up one of the new planes today,” he told his wife. However, in the afternoon, a “Shooting Star roared down a Lockheed runway. Four minutes later, one of its jet engines exploded, the plane crashed, and Dick died.” Bong died with 500 air combat hours as the holder of 26 decorations, according to the Standard Press, which reported he was buried with full military honors. State officials began honoring Bong with memorials such as renaming the Superior municipal airport in his name. The Burlington Standard Press, however, asked one compelling question. “In what way did the nation posthumously honor its ‘ace of aces?”
Rumors, opposition
The Defense Department, looking for a prospective Air Force base, reportedly began surveying land around Kansasville in 1955, which resulted in several months of rumors. Federal officials, at least according to a 1961 report from the Saturday Evening Post, found the area as an ideal location because its near Milwaukee and Chicago. “…it was hard to argue with a military decision that here was the best place to locate planes which might someday rise to save Chicago and Milwaukee from destruction,” the Post stated. U.S. Sen. Alexander, of Wisconsin, vaguely declared in an address a new airfield would be built “near Racine” and wanted to “try to have it named for Richard Bong.” The U.S. House of Representatives eventually adopted an amendment, which came from Rep. Lawrence, of the First Congressional District, to a military bill designating the ‘proposed Kansasville airfield as the Richard I. Bong Air Base.” For the next five years, including final
However, the Town of Dover escaped unscathed, with the Air Force selecting land in the town of Brighton. The Town of Brighton lost nearly 25% of its tax base as the federal government began purchasing land from farmers and caused existing property owners to see increases on their tax bills. “Well, it’s a sad story – and for many, a nightmare,” the Standard Press reported in 1969. “Some 300 persons were upheaved from 58 farms to provide a 5,420-acre site for an $83 million (before inflation) air base that wound up as a grand boondoggling bust.” The boondoggling bust, according to the Standard Press, happened in 1959 when the Defense Department abandoned the plan after investing about $25 million (before inflation) on the incomplete base. Today, there are still remnants of the incomplete base, with a footprint of an unfinished runway viewable through aerial photography. After the government abandoned the project, there were many options considered for the location, including serving as a fouryear University of Wisconsin campus. The University of Wisconsin, however, decided on a location near Petrifying Springs in the town of Somers in Kenosha County that became known as UW-Parkside.
Bust to boom
The federal government in 1960 declared the Bong Air Base as surplus, turning to the land over to the State of Wisconsin and donating parcels to area school districts, including Westosha Central, Wilmot Union High School and Burlington Area School District. While Westosha Central and Wilmot sold their parcels, according to previous Southern Lakes Newspapers articles, BASD still uses its land as a forest for educational activities and cross country meets. Most of the land eventually became known as Richard Bong State Recreation Area. “Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is named after Richard I. Bong, a Polar, WI, native who was America’s leading air ace during World War II,” the DNR states. “The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for the 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.”
Page 6
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
SENO CONSERVANCY
SPRING 2022
• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
sparkle in the natural learning environment. Their eyes widen as they discover bugs and “critters” up close. They enjoy the wonder of butterflies and nature at its best. Programs teach them many things about nature that those who spend their time in the cities never learn. “One of our programs focuses on the five senses and is geared to children from 4 to 6 years of age. Science based programs, such as our Land of Ice and Fire program, for ages 11 to 14 years, looks at geology and glacial formation,” said Santiago. “Art in Nature for children 4 to 12 years can be a community outreach or as a field trip. The children focus on observation skills as they create an outdoor art project.” Maple sugaring season Last year the Seno K/RLT Conservancy hosted a new program on maple sugaring. It was open to children and adults to teach the traditions of the annual spring ritual. Many children, and some adults are not aware that true maple syrup actually comes from the sap of the maple tree. This year the same program was presented in early March and was open to children and adults. The program focused on the traditional process of making maple syrup, a process that has been a part of Wisconsin’s history for centuries. The process itself goes back to the history of the Native Americans who lived in this area long before the European immigrants arrived. Participants learned how to identify a maple tree, the first step in learning to tap a tree and when it’s time to tap the tree. “It is the time when there are still freezing nights and warmer days to allow the sap to flow when tapped,” Santiago said.
In addition to learning to tap the tree, they were taught the process of sap to syrup and the traditional sugaring techniques. The event ended with gathering around a fire and enjoying some storytelling. Outdoor events If you are looking for a unique setting for a private event, consider renting the buildings of Seno. The buildings and grounds are available for events such as showers, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. For weddings, the facility best accommodates 100 to 150 guests. Food must be catered as there is only a limited small kitchen, best for keeping items warm not for cooking. A tent can be setup on Memorial Field if there is a need to accommodate more guests. Parking becomes limited as the guest numbers increase. Riding together is always encouraged. Contact Seno K/RLT for more information about holding an event on the grounds. Seno K/RLT is a non-profit corporation and as such is dependent on donations by both corporations and individuals to cover the costs of maintaining the conservancy and presenting the many programs that teach others about nature. Memberships also help support Seno K/RLT. Members a newsletter that is published twice a year to keep up to date on all that is going on at Seno K/RLT. Under the direction of new board President Mark Lesko, who has been both a long-term board member and Seno volunteer, the group is working together to provide more learning experiences for both while working to protect the natural spaces
These students visited Seno Woodland Center for a fall field trip. COURTESY OF SENO K/RLT Wonders of Racine County
from development in perpetuity. “To do this work we are always in need of volunteers,” said Santiago. “Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. They do everything from actual work on the property to see that it continues to prosper, to suggesting tree and plant ideas. They may also work with the field trips and provide educational materials. “ Volunteers are always welcome and
needed. As weather warms, take the time to visit Seno K/RLT and enjoy the beauty of the area. It trails are open dawn to dusk. There is no fee but donations are gratefully accepted. Seno K/RLT is at 3606 Dyer Lake Road (Highway P), Burlington. Additional information is available by calling 262-5393222, or online at www.senokrlt.com.
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WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
Page 7
Family
Parents and daughters make smiles brighter By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER
hen Tim Smith began working as a dentist – ironically, for his father, of all people – he got a piece of sage advice. “My dad always used to say, ‘wait till you’re seeing the children’s children,’” Smith said. Now, not only are Tim and his wife, Sharon Ruetz-Smith – both dentists with separate practices – seeing generations of patients, their childrem have followed in their footsteps as well. Tim Smith followed his father, who inherited the business from his father, into dentistry. While in dental school at Marquette University, Tim met Sharon – who decided to be a dentist as well. She opened her own practice in Waterford, where she works to this day. Four daughters through high school later, three of the four – Allison, Michelle and Maggie – wanted to pursue careers in the health field. While Michelle went into business and the fourth daughter, Kelli, went on to become a teacher, both Allison and Maggie ended up graduating from Marquette’s dental school. Allison (now DeLorme) went to work with her father, while Maggie (now Meyer) went to her mother’s office in Waterford. “There was never any pressure to go into dentistry,” Maggie explained. “Mom and Dad were just like, ‘Do what you want to do.’” “But they’re happy that we did,” Allison added, her father fist-pumping on the other side of the room, the whole family together for the weekend.
The parents first – or the grandparents? Tim Smith will be the first to admit that dentistry runs in the family blood. Not only was his father a dentist, but his mother’s father was as well. “I kind of cut my teeth on dentistry,” Tim said, pun likely intended. “We would get together, and my grandfather and my dad would talk dentistry.” Oh, and let’s not forget the two uncles and Tim’s brother – all of whom are dentists. “These girls kind of grew up around it,” Tim admitted. When it came time for college, Tim ended up at Marquette – first for his fouryear undergraduate degree and then for the five-year dentist (or DDS) program. When asked what he loves about the business, his answer is straightforward – he gets to work with his hands and be creative. “It’s a bit like a watchmaker,” Tim explained. “We’re working in a small space. That is the fun part of it. You tear it all down and you build it back up.” Sharon, meanwhile, met Tim at Marquette in 1980, through a mutual friend.
Dentistry runs in the Smith family. Shown here are, from left: Tim Smith, Sharon Ruetz-Smith, Allison DeLorme and Maggie Meyer. JENNIFER EISENBART Wonders of Racine County
Tim Smith is shown here with his daughter, Allison DeLorme. The two dentists work together in Burlington.
Sharon Ruetz-Smith and her daughter, Maggie Meyer, are shown here. The two dentists work together in Waterford.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
As it turned out, they made a pretty good pair – and Sharon, who was in the dental hygiene program at Marquette, decided to pursue her DDS as well. The two were married in in 1984, after Tim graduated from dental school. Tim then went to work at his father’s office, while also working in Delavan to guarantee himself enough work. The couple lived in Milwaukee until Sharon graduated in 1985. “When I graduated, we’ve been in Burlington ever since,” Sharon said.
Two practices While both became dentists – and the two became partners – the details needed to work together never came together. As Tim explained, he had to work at more than one office to get enough work at that point in time. Sharon, meanwhile, was contacted by Mike Casey to work for him in his Waterford office. The building both Casey
and Ruetz-Smith are in – now two separate practices – was built about 30 years ago, something Sharon remembers because, “I was pregnant with Kelli.” Tim took over his father’s practice in the mid-1990s. Both have been running their own offices since.
Enter the kids It may not be surprising that, with four daughters, all ended up working for one or both of their parents at one point or another. “My mom trained me in assisting,” Allison explained. All four had other things in common, too. All four were standouts on the Catholic Central High School girls volleyball, all graduated after being part of at least one WIAA Division 4 state volleyball championship team, and all were at the top of or near the top of their classes. The first to graduate, Allison headed for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The
other three – Michelle, Kelli and Maggie – would all end up at Colorado State for their undergraduate degrees. Allison was the first to discover dentistry would be her future career, though both she and Maggie are clear that there was no pressure from their parents. “When I first started at Madison, I explored all different kinds of health fields,” Allison said. “I knew I wanted to do something health-related. I kept coming back to dentistry and thinking it would be a really good fit for me.” Allison graduated from Wisconsin in 2011, with a Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders, and applied – and was accepted to – several different dental schools. In the end, Marquette won out, and she graduated in 2015. She started working for both her mother and father right out of college, splitting time in the two offices. She has worked the last two to three years exclusively in Burlington. Maggie, meanwhile, graduated from CCHS in 2014 and considered several schools – some to continue playing volleyball, others just for school – before heading to Colorado State. “I liked the mountains,” Maggie explained. “And my sisters were out there. It was a huge blessing to have my two older sisters there.” She earned a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science, but like Allison, she discovered dentistry would be her future. Some in-person experience at a local dentist’s office drew her in and Maggie was hooked. She remembers sitting on the beach with her father, on a family vacation, nearing graduation. Tim questioned her as to what her health care choice would be. And while neither Allison nor Maggie felt any pressure from their parents, there was acknowledgment from both Sharon and Tim that both daughters would be good at the job. “You think you know your children,” Sharon explained. “It seemed like really good fits (for both).” Maggie graduated and started working with her mother in the summer of 2021. The way family became dentistry – and dentistry became family – is evident in how all four talk about one another. “I think it’s really cool,” Tim explained. “They’re fourth-generation dentists. It really warms my heart.” Sharon remembers working while being pregnant with each of the girls – and now some of those patients are being seen by the daughters. “We know their life, and they know our life,” Sharon explained. “They trust them right away. We’re very happy to have our kids working with us.” Allison added, “Maggie and I are very fortunate to have the mentorship early in our careers from our parents. It’s the best mentor, because it’s your parents.” Maggie agreed, saying, “You didn’t have to building a trusting relationship. It was already there.”
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h t f e o K y i e n l g l s a V W7593 Townhall Road Sharon,WI 53585
Santuary and Retreat We are accepting new memberships, please visit our website for information: www.votk.org
• 6 month membership for Individual is $75, Family $100 • 1 year for Individual is $150, Family $200 • Senior Membership, 63+ years are 1/2 Price Members may visit the VOTK animals on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. You MUST be a member to visit
We educate the general public concerning the bond between human and non-human animals in the natural world. We are a private non-profit tax exempt charity, 501(c)3
Follow us: instragram: valleyofthekings11 facebook.com/groups/votkbigcats • facebook.com/votkbigcats
PHONE: (262) 736-9389 415199
Donations and membership payments can be made through Paypal.me/votk