Wonders
of
WALWORTH COUNTY
Winter 2022
Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
Page 2
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2022
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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ON THE
Former NBA player works to connect kids with the land
by Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
Marcus Landry, former Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers player, who retired from the NBA last year, is hard at work down on the farm – in East Troy. The newly formed Beulah Family Homestead Farm officially opened in December. “I decided to retire from the NBA eight months ago and I was always interested in farming and the land and animals and different things like that,” Landry said. “I knew this is what I wanted to do.” Landry said he’s been involved with agriculture for several years, teaching people about the land and working to provide fresh food for those in need in the inner city. “I even ended up starting a food pantry in 2019 at my local church on the south side of Milwaukee,” he said. His move to create the Beulah Family Homestead just seemed like a natural progression of his work to bring awareness of farming, especially to the inner city kids and adults who may not have had a chance to experience life on a farm. “I feel like farming has become sort of a lost art,” Landry said. “It needs to come back. The main thing I feel like a lot of kids feel the only opportunity, especially in the inner city, is to dribble a basketball. There’s so much more out there than that! “I want to give them the opportunity to see someone like myself, who has played in the NBA for 12 years, that there’s so much more out there.” According to a news release, the Beulah Family Homestead was established to help revitalize the community by integrating agriculture and sports; with the vision of cultivating stronger relationships through planting
Marcus Landry, former NBA player, lives on the Beulah Family Homestead Farm in East Troy with his family. The farm’s mission is: “to provide a platform to enhance opportunities for underprivileged youth and families as well as to educate youth and families, including athletes about the importance of agriculture to help build self-sustaining homes.” SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth Country
(agriculture) and playing (sports) with the intent to provide lessons and skills to help build a solid family foundation. The mission of the farm is to provide a platform to enhance opportunities for underprivileged youth and families as
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On the cover: Sculptors competing in 2020 U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship as part of Lake Geneva’s Winterfest work late into the night to complete their frozen masterpieces.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2022
Winter Wonderland
Ice Castles opens in Lake Geneva
Winterfest runs Feb. 3 to 7 in Lake Geneva Visitors crowd into Rivera and Flat Iron parks in downtown Lake Geneva to catch a glimpse of the snow sculptors at work during Winterfest. The city will host its 27th annual event Feb. 2 to 6. FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Snow sculpting again takes center stage
Lake Geneva is poised to host its 27th annual Winterfest Feb. 3 to 7 featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. As the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States, Winterfest will welcome some of the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country to again highlight the annual festival Visitors are invited to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour round-the-clock competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures, according to Visit Lake Geneva. In addition to the snow sculpting, visitors can enjoy more wintery fun during Winterfest, including a downtown ice sculpture tour, s’mores and bonfires on the beach. Go to visitlakegeneva.com and search for Winterfest for additional information.
Ice Castles, the frozen winter wonderland what has attracted thousands to the Lake Geneva area in winters past, is set for another run in 2022. The frozen attraction is slated to open in January and will again be located at Geneva National Resort, 1091 Hidden Cottage Circle, Lake Geneva. This is the fourth year for the attraction in Wisconsin. Opening is dependent on weather conditions with long stretches of freezing temperatures needed to accommodate construction of the attraction. The photo-worthy Ice Castles will last into late February or early March, weather permitting. Dates and hours will be available online at icecastles.com. The award-winning winter attraction is built on site using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists, according to the company that sponsors the attraction in four cities across North America. The frozen structure includes breathtaking LEDlit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and more. Ice Castles also plans to offer sleigh rides as part of the Wisconsin attraction. Ice Castles will again observe some COVID-19 protocols to promote health and safety, according to the company. Employees will wear masks and masks are recommended for guests when interacting in common areas. The attraction is also designed to make use of social distancing. Tickets (ages 12 and older) are currently listed at $21 Monday through Thursday and $27 Friday through Sunday. Tickets for children (4 to 11) are $16 weekdays and $22 weekends. Tickets may be available on-site if Ice Castles is not sold out. On-site prices are subject to higher rates. For guaranteed entry and the lowest price, buy tickets online in advance. Ice Castles also has attractions in Colorado, New Hampshire and Utah.
Each sculpture starts as a massive block of snow and the sculptors turn it into a work of art during the 72-hour competition. FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
The highlight of Winterfest in Lake Geneva is the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship, which features teams from across the county. The teams engage in a 72-hour competition to create the winning sculpture.
Tunnels and slides like this one are among the many features of the Ice Castles structure.
FILE PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
COURTESY OF ICE CASTLES Wonders of Walworth County
Time to hit the slopes WINTER 2022
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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Area ski hills offer a variety of runs for all abilities Skiing and snowboarding remain popular among outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to be relegated to the couch during the winter months. For the men, women and children who hit the slopes each winter, the thrill of racing down snow-covered hills is a feeling unlike any other. The Southern Lakes Area features several ski hills including The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort and Alpine Valley Resort. The area also features several opportunities for cross county ski enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at the area’s skiing options:
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva 7036 Grand Geneva Way • Lake Geneva COURTESY WILMOT MOUNTAIN Wonders of Walworth County
The Mountain Top has 21 ski runs covering more than 30 acres of downhill ski runs with a 211-foot vertical. The ski and snowboarding offerings are suitable for all levels, according to staff at The Mountain Top. Some additional amenities and services offered by The Mountain Top include: • Skiing and snowboarding all winter long with The Mountain Top’s snowmaking capabilities • Three chairlifts and two carpet lifts. • Six-acre Terrain Park with dedicated lift. • Lessons offered by professional ski instructions for kids and adults • Equipment rentals • Trolley transportation from guest rooms at Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge Lodge After a day in the snow, skiers and snowboarders can relax and enjoy a warm fire, hot beverage and food at the Leinenkugel Mountain Top Lodge. There are a variety of stay and ski packages offered at Grand Geneva. For hours and lift ticket prices, visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort COURTESY WILMOT MOUNTAIN Wonders of Walworth County
11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot (262) 862-2301 • www.wilmotmountain.com The 25 unique runs at Wilmot Mountain offer varied terrain for all skiers and snowboarders – from novices stepping onto the snow for the very first time to experts looking to further push themselves and their sport. The resort has snowmaking equipment for its 120 acres of skiing terrain to go along with seven lifts, two conveyor lifts and four progression terrain parks. For those who aren’t up for skiing or snowboarding, Wilmot resort offers snow tubing with 22 lanes of fun and two
conveyor lifts. Wilmot also offers lessons through its dedicated ski and snowboard school area and Walt’s Tavern for a place to warm up, relax and enjoy casual dining and drinks. Wilmot posts conditions along with hours and lift ticket prices on its website at wilmotmountain.com.
Alpine Valley Resort W2501 Highway D • Elkhorn (262) 642-7374 • www.alpinevalleyresort.com
Alpine features 20 slopes that range from beginner to expert mogul runs with 388 feet of vertical skiing. The longest run is 3,000 feet. The hill also includes three terrain parks, which offer a variety of rails, boxes and snow features. Alpine offers classes for beginners to well-seasoned skiers and riders. If you are looking to get back on the slopes or to brush up on your skills, one of Alpine’s qualified instructors is eager to help. The resort also offers equipment rentals. Alpine Valley also offers a variety of food and drink choices for skiers, including a café and coffee shop, an outside bar and grill on weekends and the Valley View Lounge for full service dining. Conditions, hours and lift ticket information are available at alpinevalleyresort.com.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Big Foot State Park 1550 S. Lake Shore Drive • Lake Geneva The park entrance is at 1550 S. Lake Shore Drive, one mile south of the city of Lake Geneva. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing allowed. Bring your own equipment.
Geneva National 1221 Geneva National Ave. South Lake Geneva • (262) 245-7000 Enjoy cross country skiing over the Gary Player Course. Complimentary ski rental available to Geneva National Resort guests. Trail is open depending on weather and snow accumulation.
White River County Park 6503 Sheridan Springs Road Lake Geneva • (262) 741-3114 With nearly 200 acres and two miles of frontage along the White River, this park features walking trails, cross country skiing and more.
from top: Children of all ages can enjoy learning to ski at Wilmot Mountain. The special children’s area gives them a safe place to learn to ski; Tubing is a fun activity for all young or old. The tubing hill at Wilmot Mountain has divided lanes to protect the tubers from crossing into each other’s space, making it very safe; The Geneva Lakes Area features three full-service ski hills, including The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort. COURTESY OF GRAND GENEVA Wonders of Walworth County
One word at a time
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2022
Walworth County Literacy Council has big goals for the future
by Dave Fidlin CORRESPONDENT
It
started with one person’s desire to help. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Since its founding in 2003, the Walworth County Literacy Council has operated with a simple, direct mission – to give adult residents lacking literacy skills the necessary tools to gain a base understanding of English. From Executive Director Lilly Barrett’s vantage point, the power of knowledge is one of the fundamental necessities of life. “You need health care, you need food and you need education,” Barrett said. “They’re all critical.” Barrett, who emigrated to the U.S. from Croatia, speaks from experience. “I can empathize with learning another language and the challenges of acclimating,” Barrett said. Since its founding nearly two decades ago, the literacy council has served more than 2,000 people. But Barrett and others intricately involved with the organization say the figure merely scratches the surface. Yessica Gonzalez is among the students who received assistance through the literacy council. The Mexican native holds a degree in international medical science and attained the skills needed to
work in the U.S. as a chemistry biologist and pharmacist. “The tutors are amazing,” Gonzalez said in a video posted on the literacy council’s website. “They will work with you in your personal goals. They will work with you and walk by your side.” Honing in on growing the organization to greater heights was a topic the literacy council’s board of directors delved into at a recent retreat. “We have seen the tremendous need in this county,” Barrett said. “We want to grow with that need. With the exception of the pandemic, we have always had a waiting list of students.” Because of Walworth County’s relatively rural nature, the literacy council has stepped in to provide resources that might otherwise be commonplace in larger urban settings. From the get-go, volunteers have been a backbone to the organization’s program efforts. While many of the approximately 65 volunteers serve as tutors, Barrett said the literacy council seeks a range of skill sets. Most of the people serving come from a background in education. “However, that is not a requirement because all skills are welcome,” Barrett said. “When we match a student, there might be someone who is interested in improving their writing skills, including the emails that they send at work.
Walworth County Literacy Council students Rosalda Hernandez (from left), Teresa Venegas and Ana Cecilia Sarabia study English with tutor Gail Baccetti (not pictured) at the Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn. Cecilia is also studying for her U.S. citizenship test with Mary Lafrenz, another WCLC tutor. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
By the numbers of
Walworth County residents:
44% – Fall into the classification of asset limited income constrained employed (ALICE) 16% – Lack basic literacy skills 10.6% – Fall below federal poverty level, earning $25,100 or less for a family of four 9% – Do not have a high school diploma Source: Walworth County Literacy Council
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Someone with a business background in that instance might be helpful.” Over time, the literacy council has served students in a variety of settings. In addition to providing English as a Second Language services, the organization helps people attain GEDs, citizenship and adult basic education services. For all the challenges the pandemic brought this past year, the literacy council helped four Walworth County residents attain citizenship status. The literacy council also has partnered with the Walworth County Jail, with volunteers helping incarcerated people with such fundamental education skills as reading, writing and math. “It’s not a degree program,” Brigette Kutschma, a board member, said in a video on the literacy council’s website. “But it’s something to get them started, it’s something to get them interested, something to empower them to believe that maybe I can change when I’m released.” As with many aspects of life, the pandemic has brought challenges to
Walworth County Literacy Council founder Judy Stone (left) and Lilly Barrett at a ceremony honoring Stone as Literacy Advocate of the Year, Wisconsin Literacy, 2018. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
the literacy council. But Barrett said the determination of volunteers and the students receiving services allowed for quick pivots and the organization’s core • CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Learn more
More than 1 million people in Wisconsin need help building literacy skills. For more information, visit wisconsinliteracy.org.
WINTER 2022
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
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Big hopes FOR THE future Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless to expand with allocation of ARPA funds by Dave Fidlin CORRESPONDENT
i
n all corners of the United States – urban, suburban and rural – homelessness is a real issue for people of all walks of life. Walworth County is no exception to this phenomenon. The nearly 35-year-old Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless is bursting at the seems, quite literally, as organizers try meeting an ever-growing list of needs out of a former roadside motel in Darien. The venue holds the distinction of being Walworth County’s only shelter open year-round. “Right now, we have 108 households on our waiting list, for 12 units, and that includes 66 children,” Beth Tallon, public relations manager with Community Action, said of the challenges at the Twin Oaks facility. Beloit-based Community Action has been running the venue since 1993. A recent announcement from Walworth County officials, however, will help pave the way for Twin Oaks’ future as the beginning stages of constructing a new shelter get underway. Plans are in motion to allocate federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act toward an expansion project that is expected to begin next year. When the allocation of ARPA funds for the benefit of Twin Oaks was announced Sept. 21, Marc Perry, executive director of Community Action, expressed his gratitude in a statement. “We truly appreciate the willingness of the Walworth County administrator, county staff and board of supervisors to recognize the important need and for continuing to support our work,” Perry
said. “We will have more information … regarding our future plans for the facility.” Tallon said Twin Oaks largely has been sustained through private, individual donations. The infusion of ARPA funds has sparked hopes of not only maintaining the shelter’s existing goals, but also expanding on them. “We haven’t set a specific number yet, but we’re looking to make it larger so that we can serve more people,” Tallon said. “We have pie-in-the-sky ideas.” Speaking to some of the lingering big-picture thoughts, Tallon elaborated, saying, “Ideally, it would be great if we were able to have an emergency shelter where people could come in, when we have a polar vortex going on, and we could get them out of the cold. We’d be providing that temporary spot.” The existing venue, constructed in the 1930s when it operated as the County Line Motel, has served Twin Oaks well, Tallon said, but it also has its limitations beyond minimal space. Only one of the rooms, for example, currently offers the accessibility that syncs up with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “It’s a good building, but when you • CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 From the top: Shelter manager Jim Stahl stands outside the shelter, which is a former motel. Twin Oaks has single- and family-sized rooms as well as shared spaces available to residents including a kitchen and living room; The current community space at Twin Oaks includes living room couches and chairs, books, a TV and desks as well as computers; Twin Oaks relies on donations and among the features outside at the homeless shelter are a large back yard along with a play area for kids, picnic tables and a board walk. HEATHER RUENZ Wonders of Walworth County
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GRATEFUL TO BE …
Getting back to normal by Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER
any small town in America, some of the most identifiable figures tend to be your high school sports coaches. Add in a state title, and well, at least a little bit of star status is mixed in with the deal. Jim Henriott, the former girls basketball coach at Elkhorn Area High School, understood what leading his team to a state title in 1997 meant. Perhaps what he didn’t know was how it would come back to him in the future. After a series of health issues this past year that started with heart problems and led to triple bypass surgery and then an odyssey of rehabilitation (with COVID-19 thrown in for good measure), Jim was left in a wheelchair as his body attempts to heal. On Dec. 4, though, friends and family of Jim and his wife, Darcie, gathered at Delavan Lanes for a nine-pin tap fundraiser to help address the numerous bills the two have been left with. While the fundraiser brought in a significant amount of money to address those bills, for Jim, it was the chance to reconnect with former players, friends and family after six months of isolation that truly meant the most to the recovering former coach. “Once I got there and saw the people there, the people who came, it was overwhelming,” Jim said.
In
Health issues
Jim retired from basketball coaching in 2015 – about three years before he would also retire from his full-time job at the Walworth County Jail. By 2018, he needed back surgery, which precipitated his retirement. Around that time, he was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease – a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that can be treated but not cured. He is also diabetic. Recovery from the back surgery was slow, both Jim and Darcie explained. “I would get on the treadmill, I’d go two to three minutes at a crack and then I’d get tired,” Jim said. He also said his legs sometimes gave out and he would fall on and off. The fatigue really began to weigh on Jim, but it wasn’t until March of 2021 that things hit a crisis level. On March 17, Jim discovered that that he could not support his weight or even get back out of bed following another fall. This time, Darcie needed to call for help to get him back up. The next morning, “he couldn’t even get out of bed,” Darcie said. Looking back, Darcie said she and Jim should have put “two and two together” sooner, but Jim’s diabetes had clouded the issue. He was taken to Mercy Walworth County Urgent Care, but then was transferred to Javon Bea Hospital Riverside (Mercy’s hospital in Rockford, Illinois), where he was diagnosed with significant heart issues. One artery was 80% blocked, while two other arteries had partial blockages.
The year 2021 will go down as being seemingly endless for the Henriott family, after Jim Henriott (center) had numerous health issues, including heart problems and COVID-19. The former Elkhorn girls basketball coach is shown here with friends at a fundraiser for him in December. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
“They had to find a place for us,” Darcie said. “They tried to do the stents.” But the hospital didn’t feel capable of dealing with the triple bypass surgery, and he was transferred to Edwards Heart Hospital in Naperville, Illinois – a suburb of Chicago. From there, he went to Van Matre Health Rehabilitation in Rockford. He had just been transferred to Holton Manor in Elkhorn when he tested positive for COVID-19. That was the beginning of a medical odyssey of grand proportions, which saw Jim in the hospital for COVID-related pneumonia, complications with his diabetes, intestinal blockages and a UTI. It was also a struggle trying to find a balance between Jim’s treatments for Parkinson’s and diabetes. Jim and Darcie both said that he was finally taken off all his medication. Doctors then began adding back medications they felt he needed most. They also tried new medications and changed Jim’s diet. The end result? Six months later,
Jim still cannot move his left leg and is confined to a motorized wheelchair. His overall health is finally good, so long as his Parkinson’s and diabetes are monitored and his medications given properly. The big day in both Jim and Darcie’s life was Oct. 18 – the day Jim was finally able to come home. Both hope he is there to stay for a good long while. “As long as I can physically take care of him,” Darcie said.
Moving forward
The long-term ramifications of Jim’s illness mean that he will require treatment at home. As a result, he and Darcie are facing an ever-increasing number of bills for everything from an electric wheelchair to a hospital bed to lift equipment since Jim is still rehabilitating. Darcie also needed to get a wheelchair van. But while the bills and medical issues are ongoing, the six-month stretch was
Page 9
also difficult emotionally. “Your visits were through the windows of your hospital room,” Jim said. “I couldn’t even get the (vaccine) shot to get things started.” Darcie added, “I couldn’t get down there every day. We’ve been married 29 years and been together 31. Overall, we’re together quite a bit. I was like, ‘oh, I get the house to myself.’ “I didn’t like it.” The couple is starting to pay off the large number of bills – which are extensive. As Darcie explained, each ambulance ride (and there were many) was over $1,000. She has taken to balancing her work with coming home to check on Jim at lunch and making sure he has all he needs. Jim, meanwhile, can work in the kitchen with the electric wheelchair and out to the mailbox to get the mail. Physically, he has a long way to go, “but mentally, I can still function.” He’s also making progress physically. He is able to move his right leg, and he is undergoing occupational and physical therapy each week. He’s now gotten some movement back, where seven weeks ago, he had none. “Everything is going to be in tiny, tiny steps,” Jim said. “Some is better than none. The goal is to get to a walker.” But with the cost of the equipment, friends and family started working on ways to help the couple pay off the bills. A GoFundMe page was established (Jim’s Journey) – and then came the idea of the fundraiser. People signed up in teams to bowl, and there were silent auctions throughout the day. There were also raffles – both of the regular and 50/50 variety – food and the opportunity to just be together. The event drew a large crowd, including some of the nurses that helped Jim throughout his ordeal. One even brought him a Milwaukee Bucks’ T-shirt. But overwhelmingly – and overwhelming for Jim – was the presence of all the people he had missed seeing. It wasn’t just the last six months for Jim. It was also the isolation due to the pandemic. “I told a lot of people, ‘I don’t care if you bowl. I don’t care if you make a donation,’” Jim said. “I’m just happy to see people I haven’t seen in two years. “The outpouring was unbelievable,” he added. Jim didn’t know everyone. Darcie explained that people knew Jim, or knew the family’s story. Jim also spent time as the swine superintendent for the Walworth County Fair. Darcie said families that are normally showing at the fair made two “gorgeous” baskets for the fundraising efforts. “I’ve got a list of people who contributed,” she said. “(People) did every kind of thing. They were there for us.” Her gratitude – along with Jim’s – is clear. “I just think our community is wonderful,” Darcie said. “I’ve seen it work. I just can’t believe the support.”
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2022
NBA PLAYER • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
LITERACY COUNCIL • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
of that. “That’s another reason we do this, to share the Gospel with people.” Landry lives on the farm with his wife and four children and said they are enjoying getting to know the area and community. “The kids love living out here,” he said. “I want them to know there is more to life than the picture the world paints. I think a lot of the time we get the image that everything needs to be glamorous, like social media depicts, but that’s not real. There is more happiness out there in the real world than on social media. That’s the image that people get, that everything has to be perfect and glamorous and I think that effects kids when things don’t go their way. They can’t handle it because they don’t know how. With the farm, they see that life isn’t perfect and it’s OK. They’re OK.”
mission to continue. More recently, Barrett said many of the tutoring sessions have occurred in a hybrid format, with some recipients receiving face-to-face instruction, others strictly virtual and some with a mix of
Collaborating to provide more The Beulah Family Homestead is collaborating with WestCare Wisconsin and Harambee Community Involvement Center, a community-based organization that provides information and services to meet the needs of City of Milwaukee residents and the community at large. They offer a platform of working together through direct action, advocacy, and community services. “When we were looking for land and ended up finding some out here, we moved from New Berlin, and we connected with WestCare. We started doing things like chickens and turkeys
with them. Since then, our partnership with WestCare has really grown. We teach about the sustainability of turkeys and gave away turkeys for Thanksgiving.” WestCare Wisconsin, an affiliate of WestCare Foundation, is part of a family of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that provides a wide spectrum of health and human services in both residential and outpatient environments. The collective services have the necessary expertise to be that resource to the communities we serve in the areas of prevention, substance abuse and addiction treatment, homeless and runaway shelters, domestic violence treatment and prevention, and mental health programs. The services are available to adults, children, adolescents, and families. The agency specializes in helping people traditionally considered difficult to treat, such as those who are indigent, have multiple disorders, or are involved with the criminal justice system. The farm has also partnered with OpCom, a hydroponics company, which donated hydroponic units. “We do hydroponics classes with kids when they come around,” Landry said. “It’s just another way to teach sustainability.” The Beulah Family Homestead is a working farm with a greenhouse, gardens, hydroponics and livestock of chickens, turkeys and cows. According to the website, the farm serves more than 100 families a month. For more information on the farm or to book a tour, visit www. beulahfamilyhomestead.com.
both methods. “We pride ourselves on being accessible,” Barrett said. For information on the literacy council, visit the organization’s website at www. walworthcountyliteracycouncil.org.
A story of success When Oanh Llewellyn came to Walworth County Literacy Council a few years back, her goals were to be a good parent (she had sons ages 10 and 8), attain citizenship, and improve her English. Though she was not able to complete a formal education in her birth country of Vietnam, she knew the value of learning. The path to success wasn’t easy for Llewellyn. For the previous two years, she had worked nights (cleaning a doctor’s office), days (school lunchroom), and on Saturdays (cleaning an Aurora Pharmacy). When she did not have access to a car, she rode her bike to her jobs and even
to tutoring sessions – no matter the weather. During this time, Oanh continued to learn. She needed to understand information about her sons’ education given during conferences and in school handouts and to gain computer skills to read her employers’ emails. In 2019, Llewellyn’s character and hard work were recognized when Walworth Children’s Foundation, Inc., voted unanimously to sponsor Llewellyn and donate the Naturalization fee for her citizenship application. On Jan. 12, 2020, Llewellyn passed her Naturalization Civics Test and Interview for Citizenship.
Oanh Llewellyn (left) works with Walworth County Literacy Council tutor Joan Iversen. Llewellyn passed her Naturalization Civics Test and Interview for citizenship in January 2020. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Walworth County
Resler & Associates, LLC (262) 642-3283
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TWIN OAKS SHELTER • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 have so many people staying there, with that age of building, the maintenance costs just keep adding and adding and adding,” Tallon said. While much of the recent conversation surrounding Twin Oaks has focused on physical building needs, Tallon is quick to point out there is much more to the shelter than just the living quarters. “It’s not just a place, it’s a program,” Tallon said. “It’s not just about staying in a motel. You get job training, there are case managers, you learn how to build landlord-tenant relationships. You learn about financial literacy and how to build a budget.” More than anything, Tallon said she hopes Community Action’s imminent campaign for the Twin Oaks expansion will shed light on the array of people who find themselves homeless. “I think there’s still that stereotype,” she said. “If you’re thinking about a homeless person, you’re thinking about someone who’s under a bridge, or you’re thinking about a panhandler, and that’s not always the case.” While Twin Oaks is the only year-round
homeless shelter in Walworth County, there are other venues in the Southern Lakes region. For example, the Transitional Learning Center in Burlington has been serving people facing homelessness since 1993. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago out of a home on Bohners Lake, TLC has grown and evolved. Today, TLC serves people through the Morrow House within Burlington and in a shelter capable of housing up to 15 clients above a facility of Love Inc., a separate organization that has a strong partnership with TLC. More recently, TLC organizers have been holding a series of fundraisers to help its mission through partnerships with Community State Bank and Low Daily Brewery. TLC also has posted appeals for donations of clothing and other items on its Facebook page. For more information on TLC, visit www.tlcburlington.com and find it on Facebook. For more information on Twin Oaks, visit community-action.org and find them on Facebook.
Sister Act WINTER 2022
Gebel siblings make most out of making music together
Page 11
A mix of sound While both sisters have continued to perform since graduation – both in at least two different groups – they’ve also discovered a lot about how they sound singing together. Both are altos, but the current gig of singing together harkens back to their childhood. “It’s nice to just screw around on the piano with my sister,” Micah explained. “Feels like home when we used to jam on the piano at home growing up.” Added Rachel, “We’d always grown up singing together and after we both took piano lessons, we would learn songs together. Neither of us can read music very well so we taught each other along the way how to play and make music by ear.” But as their relationship as sisters has grown, so has their ability to make music together. While Rachel leans more toward country and pop, Micah leans more toward jazz. When they sing together, nothing is slated or rehearsed. One will nudge the other and suggest a song, and whoever is leading on the piano makes a split-second decision on the next song to blend into. An example? At The Delavan Lake Store show, the two started with the song, “Fall in Line” by Christine Aguilera. They blended various harmonies together, sometimes riffing on the music, switching seamlessly between the two of them. As the song finished, a few notes of piano transitioned immediately into, “Because He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. The second song finished to a loud round of applause. “Split-second decision,” said Rachel. “We read the crowd to see if we should stay upbeat or relaxed. I’ll play one chord and she’s already looking up the lyrics because she knows what it is.”
by Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER
t’s a quiet Saturday evening at the Delavan Lake Store and Lounge in Delavan. A handful of spectators wander in for the 7 p.m., live entertainment show. Micah and Rachel Gebel, 25 and 21, respectively, shrug it off, knowing they are competing with college football and colder temperatures. Soon, though, the two take to the piano and the sound system at the lounge, flowing artfully from song to song, mixing country with pop, pop with blues, blues with whatever the two sisters have in mind. It is a musical act born of family, born of a love for music – and born out of sisterly love. It’s never been – and never will be – a rivalry. “There’s never been competition between us,” explained Micah. Added Rachel: “We’ve always had a teamwork effort with music. Never been a competition – always a mutual respect for creating and playing music.”
I
All in the family The two sisters come from a musical family. Their mother, Micki, has performed in a number of different bands – even the family band, Markstock, which features, among others, her brothers. For the two sisters, music began at a very young age. “I must’ve been 5 and we would do karaoke at home in the house together,” Rachel said. “It clicked. She taught me harmonies and we blended well.” The two grew up with vocal music – and ended up following each other in two very important gigs. Micah won the Riverport Chorus’ DivaQuest competition when she was a freshman in high school in 2011, singing “Blue Skies” by Ella Fitzgerald. “I wanted to finish second so I could perform the next year,” commented Micah about her somewhat surprising win. Rachel was 11 when Micah won and was intrigued. “I looked up to her like she was a celebrity,” Rachel said. On her first try at the event, Rachel finished third, singing “Ain’t No Other Man,” by Christina Aguilera. The following year, Rachel showed up with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” a take on the Sara Bareilles’ vision. This time, Rachel won. Her biggest cheerleader was her sister. “Winning a few years later was the best feeling in the world and I felt like I made her proud by following her footsteps,” said Rachel, something Micah confirmed. “In the video of me singing my song that night,
WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
The future
Micah and Rachel Gebel, in addition to singing with other groups, have taken to the gig scene to sing with one another. The two sisters grew up in a musical family and have sung with one another since a young age. JENNIFER EISENBART Wonders of Walworth County
you can hear her in the background going, “do yo thang, honey!” The two then were the back-to-back lead singers for Burlington High School’s unique take on a pep band – Orange Crush. Micah was the lead singer when the group started in 2010 school year, while Rachel was the lead when the group ended seven years later. Rather than providing a traditional pep band for BHS home basketball games, the school – led by teachers Ron Pedersen and Rod Stoughton – put together a house rock
band. The two said that the experience was invaluable. “We owe Rod and Ron a lot. They taught us a lot about working with a band and that was their goal for the band,” Micah said. “I think we learned a lot about ourselves in Orange Crush.” Added Rachel, “It was such a blessing to get to be a part of something like that at such a young age. You learn stage presence, stage banter, sooo many songs, and more.”
Both Micah and Rachel hope to remain involved in music. Rachel said she is writing her own music, and would like to get into music production. Micah, meanwhile, said she is “Really wanting to sing in a big band in the future,” and sing swing and jazz. But one thing will remain constant, regardless of what the future holds for either. Perhaps Rachel said it best. “I can’t answer for Micah but we’ve always had a teamwork effort with music,” Rachel explained. “Even if we perform separately, we’ve always been supportive of each other. “We take pride in the music legacy our family left for us and love to share it with others.
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2022
Attention: Local Area Home Owners To Get Opportunity of the Year…
Frustrated Contractor is “Giving Away” $3,151 Furnaces for $1,275 with Off-Season Central Air… (This is the ”Hottest AND Coolest Deal of the Year” … especially if your furnace is over 10 years old) Yes, it’s absolutely true. You can actually replace your old (and probably very inefficient) furnace and air conditioner as a package for at least $1,876 less than you would have to pay at any other time. Let me explain. Every year, the months of January, February, March and April can “Kill” my business. I end up losing a ton of money during these “Killer” months and it can take me the remaining eight months to make up for them. And I’m looking for the same thing to happen this year. My Problem Is Your Opportunity I’ve decided to give up trying to make a profit during the “killer” months. If I can only minimize my losses during January, February, March and April I will come out ahead in the other eight months. Here’s how this (admittedly daring) offer came about. Every year, the big manufacturers of air conditioners have to guess how many to build to meet the demand. Of course, they’re never exactly right. So, they always have some inventory they must hold over until the next summer season. I went to one of my distributors and they allocated 44 premier air conditioners and furnaces. And, because of the quantity and time of year, I was able to buy them at drastically reduced, dirt cheap, out-of-season prices. They are brand new 2021 models. And they are NOT the seconds or “blems” or standard “builder” models. They are factory-fresh, premier air conditioners and furnaces and have a full factory warranty. Here’s How You Can Get A Furnace For Peanuts By putting this furnace and air conditioner package together (then “Jaw-Boning” the distributor) and committing to a do-or-die purchase agreement of these systems, I was able to buy both the furnace and the air conditioner for less than anyone should have a right to pay! So, if you buy one of these normal new, premier air conditioners, I am “giving” you the furnace and all I ask for is the $1,275 it costs to have your furnace installed. Here’s How Just call me at 262-248-2103 anytime. We will come out and measure your home (and determine the availability of the proper size). Don’t forget, I only have a limited amount of matched systems. When they are gone, this remarkable offer ends also. I will show you the real world price on the air conditioner that fits your home. Then, I will show you the substantial savings now. And it will include all labor and installation materials. Nothing is left out. The Concept Is Simple Really By letting you win big now, I will win at the end of the year. I’m betting that if I make you an offer that is “irresistible” (at least it should be if your furnace or air conditioner is over 10 years old) and I barely mark it up above the price I paid, I will accomplish two things: 1. I will cover my rent, utilities, insurance and taxes in the “killer” months. 2. I can pay my professional staff and technicians to work instead of paying them to sit at home. If I can accomplish these two objectives, I will minimize my losses and the rest of the year, I can be a winner.
Keith Nissen King of Comfort
No Obligation Even after I completely explain the installation, there is absolutely no obligation. If you decide you don’t want to take advantage of the spectacular savings… that’s okay. I will give you a surprise gift worth $60 because you are kind enough to read this ad and give me a chance to solve my problem. I want you to think well of Master Services Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, even if you don’t buy. You Can Buy With NO Cash You don’t even have to pay me right away. I have set up a bank rate financing plan. Consider this. If you decide to make monthly investments instead of paying cash the entire amount of your payments might be more than offset by the savings on your utility bills. It’s like “having your cake and eating it too”. Ironclad Guarantee I’m so confident that you will save at least 25% on your cooling and heating bills (I’m projecting more like 35% +), that I will pay you Double The Difference for two years if you don’t! I’ll show you exactly how this works. There is no way you can lose. Your lower utility bills will help you save big. And I will even double your savings if you save less than 25%. If these premier systems were not among the best on the market, I couldn’t afford to make such a promise. Why This Offer Can’t Last You must act before April 15th. Here are two reasons why. 1. I only have a limited amount of pieces of equipment. When all of the air conditioners are sold and all the furnaces are “given” away, that’s it. There are no more at this price. 2. If I have any of these systems that are left on April 15th (although I doubt I will), this offer still ends. Here’s why. The only reason I am making this virtually no-profit (for me) offer is because of the “killer months”. My business always picks up about May first. Since these furnaces cost me so little, I can sell them at last years prices next November and December and still come out ahead. Give me a call now at 248-2103 and I will set an appointment for your no-obligation survey.
Lake Geneva WI 262-248-2103
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