To and view the September 2013 Newsletter please click

Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
Paid
Sparta, WI
Permit NO. 160
In This Issue
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SBA5: Fort McCoy Appreciation
Presidents Message
Executive Directors Message
Federal HealthCare Reform Resource Center
From Fort McCoy
Barb Brings to Mind
Calendar of Events
Volume XIII
The Sparta Ambassador
111 Milwaukee Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Address Service Requested
September 2013
The Sparta Ambassador
GET INVOLVED
Your participation is critical to achieving a positive business
climate for the Sparta Community. Help your community in
economic growth and enhance the quality of life by calling the
Sparta Area Chamber at 608-269-4123 or by email at
executivedirector@bikesparta.com
Strictly Business After 5
Fort McCoy Appreciation
September 18th 5:30-7:30pm
At the Country Inn
Join us for our Strictly Business After 5 located at the Country Inn.
This event is a thank you to Fort McCoy and it’s members for the
economic viability that is put back into the Sparta Community. Guests
include members of the military and their families. Come join us
for a wonderful picnic supper provided by Hansen’s IGA. This is a
wonderful networking opportunity, but also a special way to say thank
you for all Fort McCoy does for the Sparta Community.
Business After 5 Locations 2014
Book your Event now
The Chamber is still looking
for a few locations for the
2014 Business After 5 Series.
Months that we are looking for
locations are:
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may,
November,
December
Don’t forget you can sign up for
our theme events as well such as
Hospatality, Outlaying Business,
Downtown Merchants and
Non-Profit Organizations
The rebuilding of Beaver Creek Bridge has officially started with the
groundbreaking ceremonies.
Sparta Honorary Citizens & Sparta Chamber Ambassadors
The Sparta Chamber Ambassadors capture a visiting couple each year and make them Honorary Citizens of Sparta.
The program started in 1999. The new couple are taken on various tours of Sparta, given a key to the city and
introduced to the local area and key businesses in the area. Every year many of the past inductees return for this annual
event.
For information on how you can get involved with the Sparta Ambassadors please contact
Barb at the Chamber at 608-269-4123
2013 Board of Directors
the Board of Directors
Mark Pierce
United Country Markim Realty
the Executive Board
Past President - Carol Olstrem
State Bank
608-269-2111
President - DeAnn Perzel
Shades Body Studio
608-269-8282
President Elect (Open)
Treasurer - Lois Zanon
Clifton, Larson, Allen
608-269-2424
Vice Presidents
Todd Page
All American Lumber
608-269-5028
William Hoffman
Sparta Tomah Broadcasting
608-269-3307
Katie Blashaski
The Greenery
608-269-0057
Darren Schauf
F.A.S.T. Corp
608-269-7514
Rose Leis
Speed’s Bike Shop
608-269-2315
Did you know?
This year we are taking our advertising of
businesses to another level. With facebook
postings, email blasts and other opportunities
we can get the word out for you. Contact the
Executive Director Tim Hyma, to find out the
marketing plan we can put together for your
next big event or announcement!
Kate Stueber
Century Foods
608-269-0057
608-366-2290 x2520
Scott Davis
State Farm Insurance
608-269-5441
Dan Arndt
Arndt, Buswell & Thorn
608-269-1200
Jeff Nilssen
Nilssen Electric
608-269-3300
Bonita Sanders
Bonita’s Bridal Boutique
608-633-1937
Denise Halverson
Edward Jones
608-269-9136
Ex Officio:
• City of Sparta
• Department of Natural Resources
• Fort McCoy
• Sparta School District
• UW-Extension Monroe County
• Western Technical College
Staff
Tim Hyma - Executive Director
executivedirector@bikesparta.com
Barb Bendel-Sandvigen - Tourism & Event Coordinator
bikesparta@centurytel.net
Ike Rebout - Administrative Assistant
ike@bikesparta.com
Summer/ Weekend Staff
Victoria Horstman
Kassie Perkins
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Sparta Area Chamber of
Commerce hosts a Community
Calendar. You can add events to our
calendar by going to our events page,
and clicking on “Submit Event”
Don’t miss out on this free promotion!
Our calendar gets hundreds of hits per
month!
Want our calendar hosted on your
website? Contact Ike at the Chamber
to find out how!
Go to www.bikesparta.com and click
on events to view everything that is
happening in the area!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Sparta Community Holiday Lights Group is working year round to make the
Holiday Lights in the Park a reality. Volunteers from this organization have already
put together a number of fundraisers this year. While we have raised a significant
amount of funding, we still have a ways to go to get the lights up and going. If
you are interested in sponsoring lights please contact the Sparta Area Chamber of
Commerce.
We are also already starting to sort, test, and plan for this years lights, and we need
volunteers to make this event truly a sucess for the community. Please sign up at
SpartaHolidayLights.com or by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 608-269-4123.
Meetings are held at every 2nd and 4th Monday
at Evans Bosshard Park starting at 5:30
we can use all community support during these
meetings to help fulfill the timeline.
We know that your time is important and we gratefully thank you for your service to
the community on such a wonderful event that helps so many in the community.
Did you know?
The Sparta Holiday Lights last year donated close to a ton of food to local food pantries? We are
looking to push this forward a bit more next year, but we need your help to get the lights going!
www.spartaholidaylights.com
ER
BE
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CO WIN
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September 14TH, 2013
WHERE: EVANS – BOSSHARD PARK
x BAR OPEN - 1:00 PM - ?
x BAGS TOURNEY - 2 PM TO 5 PM
GR
EA
TM
US
IC
x BEER & WINE SAMPLING – 3 PM TO 6 PM
o SAMPLE LOTS OF GREAT BEERS & WINES
o ACOUSTICAL MUSIC BY STACY HANSON
o
SAMPLE CHEESE
(TICKET REQUIRED FOR SAMPLING ONLY)
(Tickets for sampling $25.00 before event & $30.00 day of event)
x
THE PINSETTERS “FREE STAGE” – 6PM TO 10PM
A 7 PIECE ROCK HORN BAND – PLAYING THE MUSIC OF REO, CHICAGO & MORE!
ITE
NS
O
OD
FO
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO
HELPING
G LOCAL DISADVANTA
DISADVANTAGE CHILDREN
TICKETS FOR SAMPLING AVAILABLE AT: WESTSIDE WINE & SPIRITS,
CITIZENS FIRST BANK, SPARTA CHAMBER & JAKE’S NORTHWOODS
**** NO CARRY INS PLEASE ****
Event: Justin Trails Resort Grand Opening
Date: September 12, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event Description:
THE ELEGANT BARN GRAND OPENING AT
JUSTIN TRAILS RESORT ON SEPTEMBER 12TH
WILL SHOWCASE NEW WEDDING AND EVENT
FACILITIES
Dairy barn turned event hall, 200 acre private farm setting, 3 acres of landscaped gardens and lodging in cabins or
suites offers unique venue for nuptials and special occasions.
Sparta, WI (August 13, 2013) - Justin Trails Resort will hold a grand opening from 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on September
12th to introduce its new destination wedding and event facilities to the public. Owners Don and Donna Justin
recently expanded their Bed and Breakfast Resort located south of Sparta, Wisconsin to host weddings, family
reunions and celebrations of life for 275 people as well as smaller scale business meetings and retreats.
The grand opening will showcase 3,000 square feet of rustic event space in their 1919 post and beam barn built
for Gustav Justin, Don’s Grandfather. “Don and I toured several renovated wedding and event barns to see what
other barns looked like and to get ideas for ours. One thing we noticed right away, ‘bathrooms are a BIG DEAL,’
especially indoor bathrooms! We worked with an engineering firm to create ADA compliant design with indoor
bathrooms.”
The grand opening is free and open to the public. Visitors wander our 3-acre landscaped gardens. Event vendors
will be available to share information and sample of their products and services, including complimentary
refreshments by chef Jason Boris of Jake’s Northwoods Restaurant. Also participating will be the Wedding Table by
Wedding by Nancy, an Anniversary Table by Mrs. B’s Catering and Branches Winery.
“The 3000 square foot space is an open, three stories tall, blank palette to create the ambiance and feel you desire.
The venue is engineered with enough power to meet your needs, Each post has an outlet so you are free to design
both horizontal and vertical lighting,” explained Donna Justin.
“We kept the original wooden beams and other architectural structures, reused weathered wood from the barn and
put in an artisan crafted hickory, red & white oak, hackberry, cherry, birch and maple flooring harvested from our
farm which makes a beautiful hardwood dance floor.” offered Don Justin.
Justin Trails Resort offers wedding packages ranging from $500-$2000. Special occasion event packages are
available from $250+. Wedding couples may choose the vendors they want. We have a helpful list of event
vendors we have worked with on our website www.justintrails.com.
About Justin Trails Resort: For 27 years Innkeepers Don & Donna Justin have hosted large events like weddings
and family reunions for 200+ to smaller events like retreats and business meetings. Lodging is available in two
Scandinavian Full-Scribe log cabins and suites in a 1920’s Foursquare Farmhouse. Lodging includes breakfast.
The resort is a destination for special occasions as well as day or overnight guests who utilize trails, disc golf
courses and 200 acres of meadow, forest and hilly terrain. Justin Trails is pet-friendly.
Presidents Message
September is the start of a new season for the Chamber.
While the warm temperatures may fool us we look forward to
fall and all the great events scheduled that allow us to enjoy
the beautiful area we call home.
Concerts in the Park were a great success this year and I would like to thank all our sponsors, ambassadors, bands and
performers, vendors, the Concert in the Park Committee members and especially the people who came out each week
and supported this wonderful community event.
Remember there are plenty of activities going on in Sparta and around the area. Please check our calendar often as we
continue to add activities to it daily. September brings some of our fall kick-off events along the trail and in our area.
On the Trail Beer, Wine and BBQ festival, Honorary Citizens Days, Business After 5 Fort McCoy Appreciation, and
the on-going You’ve Been Flocked! activity to support SACS . If you have questions about an activity or want to get
involved please contact the Chamber Office. We welcome all to enjoy and participate in the many activities going on
throughout the year.
As summer comes to an end consider a family outing and explore the beautiful colors and scenery our area has to
offer. We have plenty of activities to enjoy and explore all that makes our area a year round destination for outdoor
fun. Biking, kayaks, canoe trips, camping and more is what the Sparta area has to offer. Please visit our website or call
the Chamber office with any questions.
If your business would like to promote a fall event please contact the Chamber Office.
Remember to shop local. Many of us are looking at fall projects and preparing for cooler weather. Sparta has what you
are looking for. Please shop local and support your fellow members.
Respectfully,
DeAnn Perzel – President
Thank you to our
New and Renewing Members:
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Green’s Restaurant
Farmers Insurance Group of Volgren
Agency
Don’t miss out on these Grand Openings
and Anniversary Celebrations!
• Justin Trails Resort September 12th 4pm - 8pm
• Farmers Insurance Group of Volgren
Agency - September 17th 12pm - 1:30pm
• Guns & CA$H 4 You September 19th 1pm to 7pm
DeAnn Perzel
President
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Executive Directors Message
Exec
The Concert in the Park series is over, with Pat Watters finishing
it up last week. We even had the chance to throw a couple extra
concerts in this past month. I hope everyone had a chance to
participate, and enjoy the lineup. If you know of a group that
would like to perform next year, please send me the information.
Committee Meetings
Would you like to join these Committees
Our committees are a great way to get active in the
community, and help with the goals of the chamber.
There is also valuable networking that can help your
My day at the fair- I passed out around 2200 pieces of tourism information on August 2nd at the state fair. I’m looking forward to
that turning into more visitors this fall.
business grow and prosper. If you would like to join any of these committees please contact Executive Director Tim
Hyma at 269-4123 and we will find a seat for you!!
The “City Wide” rummage sales were a hit again this year. Some visitors stayed in town a couple extra days to take advantage of the
sales. Thanks to all that participated.
AMBASSADORS– Dan Arndt
Purpose: to foster positive community-wide and Chamber relations Meets first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber
office or member businesses at 9am
The Chamber’s golf outing netted over $10,000 with 21 teams having a great time. Thank you to all the donors, players, and
volunteers that made this a success.
Thanks to all of you that dunked me at the SACS fundraiser on August 16th- We helped raise $100 in that half hour I sat/swam in
the tank.
Looking into September, there are a few things to point out. First is the Back to School Block Party at the Sparta American Legion.
This is a free community event on September 7th. Join the community on the 9th for the annual Sparta vs. Fort McCoy softball
game. The 14th is the “On the Trail” beer & wine challenge, followed by the Sparta Comedy night on the 21st. Lots of other things
going on - so check the events at www.bikesparta.com for updates.
I’ve only received one application for the opportunity grant, so if you know of a business that would like to be considered, have
them fill out the application found on our home page. Speaking of home page- if you have not seen our commercial from Fox, the
link is there, so check it out.
We are working with the city to fix up the Ben Bikin’ Park. The plan is to clear out some of the overgrowth, put in a talking Ben
Bikin’ bust (already done), provide signage to get visitors to the downtown area and give the information shelter a facelift.
The staff is working on future events including: Fall/ Winter advertising, Honorary Citizens, Fort McCoy Appreciation, Health Care
presentation, Fall Fest, Fort McCoy Vs. Sparta softball game, and the holiday parade/light program.
If you would like to help out on one of the committees, please let me know- we can always use another helping hand with the
projects we have going on.
TOURISM– Rose Leis
Purpose: to foster tourism development through cooperation and promotion of the Sparta Area tourism businesses &
attractions Meets first Monday of each month at noon at The Chamber Depot
EDUCATION– Carol Ostrem & DeAnn Perzel
Purposes: to foster economic and community growth through cooperation and promotion of prosperous business
practices via seminars, webinars, forums and panel discussions. To foster educational opportunities for business, youth
and government in support of creating and maintaining a positive business environment Committee meets as needed
at the Chamber Depot
MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH– Todd Page
Purpose: to foster Chamber membership growth and retention. Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Noon at
various member businesses and potential businesses
CONCERTS IN THE PARK– Carol Ostrem
Purpose: Maintain and continue the successful summer community series Committee meets as needed 4-6 times a year
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK– Mark Pierce
Purpose: Create a community driven committee to keep the tradition of the lights in the park going, as well as, other
community events for a better quality of life for the community.
Sparta Merchants Committee - Katie Blasheski
is made up of community members who want to be active in sustaining the downtown and retail markets.
Thanks again for your support to the Chamber.
Very Respectfully,
Tim Hyma
Executive Director
executivedirector@bikesparta.com
Tim Hyma Executive Director, tanks a dunk for a good cause at
SACS fund raiser (Photo courtesy of Renae Caldwell)
Calendar of Events
2013 Golf Outing A Huge Success!
Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday @ NOON at Jake’s Northwoods, except if there is a 5th Tuesday; they meet at the
United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Rotary meets every Tuesday evening at Jake’s Northwoods @ 7pm
Holiday Lights meets Every 2nd and 4th Monday at 5:30 @ Evans Bosshard Park
September 2: Sparta Ambassadors Meeting
September 5: Health Care Forum
September 6: AUSA Golf Tournament
September 7: Farmers Market
September 7: Back to School Block Party
September 8: Sparta vs. Fort McCoy Softball
September 8: Fly-In/Drive in Chili Feed and Car Show
September 9: Holiday Lights in the Park Meeting
September 11: Sparta Farmers Market
September 12: Justin Trails Grand Opening
September 14: Justin Trails Disc Golf Tournament
September 14: On the Trail Beer, Wine and BBQ Festival
September 14: Sparta Farmers Market
September 15-October 15: You’ve Been Flocked SACS Fundraiser
September 17: Ribbon Cutting Farmer’s Insurance
September 18: SBA5- Soldier Appreciation @ Country Inn
September 18: Sparta Farmers Market
September 18-19: Annual Sparta Ambassadors’ Honorary Citizens
September 19: Guns & Ca$h 4 You 5th Anniversary Celebration
September 19: Federal Health Reform as an Employer
September 21: Comedy Club with Sparta Area Cancer Support
September 21: Sparta Farmer’s Market
September 21: Sojourner’s Journey Wild West Carnival
September 21: Blaze into Fall - Motorcycle Run
September 23: Holiday Lights in the Park Meeting
September 25: Sparta Farmers Market
September 28: Sparta Farmers Market
September 30: Legislative Breakfast
October 5: Fall Fest
October 5: Walk - Bike - Run
October 16: SBA5 Non-Profit Night
October 23: Business Education Performace Planning and Review
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Sparta Area Chamber of
Commerce hosts a Community
Calendar. You can add events to our
calendar by going to our events page,
and clicking on “Submit Event”
Don’t miss out on this free promotion!
Our calendar gets hundreds of hits per
month!
Want our calendar hosted on your
website? Contact Ike at the Chamber
to find out how!
Go to www.bikesparta.com and click
on events to view everything that is
happening in the area!
CHAMBER 101
The Sparta Area Chamber of
Commerce has great programming
to help get your business information
out to the community. Sign up for
one of our FREE Chamber 101 classes
to find out more. Chamber 101 will
be September 27th at 8am, 12pm and
3pm.
Call the Chamber for more
information.
You can also add your own events to www.bikesparta.com using
https://secure.chambermaster.com/login/ and your login and password.
Call us at 269-4123 if you need any help with this!!
Thank you to all of our sponsors
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Deans Satellite
Coverra Insurance
Mathews
State Bank
U.S. Silica
Subway
State Farm
FAST Corporation
Union National Bank
Wesco
S&S Distributing
Northern Engraving
Westside Wine & Spirits
All American Do It Center
Edwards Insurance Agency
Papa Murphy’s
United Country Markim
Realty
Sparta Ambulance Service
Why-Rock Diner
Mayo Clinic
Culvers
Paramount Interiors
Lopez Family Dental
Rolling Hills
Westland Insurance
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Leon Country Floors &
More
CenturyLink
COW 97
CliftonLarsonAllen
Arndt Buswell & Thorn
Multistack
Shades Body Studio
Evans Printing
River Bank
River Run
The Greens
Handishop Industries
Triple R Industries
Choice Security
State Farm Insurance
City of Sparta
Magnum Broadcasting
American Legion
Sons of the American
Legion
Super 8
Mayo Clinic Health
Systems
Century Foods
Health Care Reform Resource Center
The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce is putting together a resource center for the public . The website is a sharing tool
for business’s and organizations as well as the public to get as much information as they can and direct poeple to information that will be helpful to them. There is a listing of forums, as well as website links and documentation. To get to the
resource go to bikesparta.com click on business and on the side menu Health Care Reform Resource Center or by going
to http://bikesparta.org/health-care-reform-resource-center.html for all of your information.
If your business has other information you would like to share on this page please send it to
executivedirector@bikesparta.com
From Fort McCoy
Military Retiree Appreciation Day set for Sept. 6
A military Retiree Appreciation Day will be held at Fort
McCoy Friday, Sept. 6 from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.; sign in starts
at 7 a.m. at building 905. Retirees from all branches of the
armed forces and their Family members are eligible to attend.
Photo identification is required for all personnel to access the installation.
Pre-registration is required. Call 608-388-3716 or 800-452-0923 for more information.
Commemorative Area to be open Sept. 6
Fort McCoy’s Commemorative Area will be open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. There is no
charge for admission.
The picturesque setting helps to tell the
unique history of Fort McCoy. The area
includes the History Center, five World War
II-era buildings, an Equipment Park, and
Veterans Memorial Plaza.
Guests must enter the installation through
the Main Gate off of Highway 21 between
Sparta and Tomah, Wis. Adults must be
prepared to present photo identification.
Barb Brings to Mind
Grandma’s Famous Apple Treat
Grandma started the Queens Apple before they were called
Queens Apples. It was tradition. My three grade school pals
and I had an annual tradition the first day of school. Of course
at one time or another, my grandma would babysit or watch
anyone of us at short moment’s notice and never said no to our
parents. So she and grandpa were close to all, and new the families well. On our way home from our first day of school
we all had to stop at grandmas for our annual treat. She always had to see our new school outfits and made a fuss over
each of us and tell us how nice we all looked. Then we were treated to her famous baked apples and a bottle of seven
up. I can still smell the aroma as we walked into her kitchen. She would core the apple put a dab of butter, cinnamon
and sugar in the center and bake them until they were juicy and tender. The last few minutes of baking she would put
a caramel in the center, plus if that wasn’t enough they were topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crushed
walnuts to top it off. It was something we looked forward to every year. When we were ready to head for home each
of us was given a big jar of her homemade grape jelly which in my mind was the best I have ever had. We continued
this tradition until we were 13 years old and grandma passed away the following New Years Eve. Back in those days
we were never concerned about how much sugar the kids got but that day we sure had our fill. So every year I have to
treat myself at least once and make the rich sugary treat. Somehow it never matches up to what hers tasted like.
We are gearing up for Honorary Citizens Day, Fort McCoy Appreciation and Fall Fest. We are hoping for a good
representation for Fort McCoy Appreciation so be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday Sept. 18th at the
Country Inn. We want to show a good support for our Military troops that evening plus our new Honorary Citizens
for 2013 will be announced. We have 6 of the past couples coming this year and maybe more. We have an educational,
fun filled two days planned for all who attend.
Public Affairs staff will be on site to answer questions. For details, call 608-388-2407.
We are also in need of doors prizes to hand out at Fort McCoy Appreciation from our local businesses so if you have
anything you would like to have us hand out just call the Chamber and we will pick your gift up.
Fall Fest might take a few new turns this year also and we are busy working on that so watch for the announcement.
Happy Fall……..summer finally arrived with the heat index of 105. Stay cool! Hope to see you at our events.
Barb
Styx lets loose at Fort McCoy’s annual concert held at Constitution Park.
This was an amazing event with three great classic rock bands including
Styx, .38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad. Music went late into the night
with good times being had by all.
Col. Knott meets with some of the troops
before Fort McCoy’s concert.