11-22-13 Beacon
Transcription
11-22-13 Beacon
Free A Paper Designed With Readers In Mind Nov. 22 - Dec. 5, 2013 Gunman robs Walworth State Bank in Williams Bay By Dennis West Squad cars from throughout the area converged on Williams Bay shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 in answer to a call that the Walworth State Bank had been robbed. A man wearing a black ski mask and carrying a Harley Davidson bag walked into the bank, displayed a black semi- Police officers confer outside the Walworth State Bank in Williams Bay on Friday, Nov. 15. The bank was robbed by a lone gunman of $4,000 to $5,000 at approximately 10 a.m. (Beacon photo) A security camera photo of the Walworth State Bank robber.. (Photo furnished) automatic handgun and told a teller to fill the bag. After receiving $4,000 to $5,000 in cash, he left the bank by the front door and fled westward on foot. Officers from the Williams Bay Police Department, Walworth County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Fontana P.D., Town of Delavan P.D. and Town of Geneva P.D. responded to the call. Officers combed the village on foot and by car for more than an hour without catching sight of the suspect, who was described as a white male, approximately six foot to six-foot-three inches tall, 240 pounds, wearing a tan jacket with a Carhartt emblem on the left side of the chest, black gloves and white gym shoes. According to scanner traffic, Williams Bay Elementary School was not put on lockdown, but no children were allowed outside the building while the search continued. Officers contacted area businesses to see whether their security cameras had captured any footage of the robber, but none had. At least two residents who were on their way home called to ask officers to check out their empty houses before they arrived. At press time, no further information had been received and officers continue to pursue leads to the crime. Agape House seeks to provide faith, hope and love By Jim McClure The only private treatment home and school for girls in the state of Wisconsin has begun a $500,000 campaign to meet current and future needs. Agape House, based in Walworth, is a private, non-profit organization that uses Christian biblical principles to provide healing and hope to girls and women aged 12 to 28, along with their families. Agape, (pronounced Ah-gah-pay) from the Greek word for unconditional love, aims to offset lives that have been hurt by abuse, neglect, addiction and violence. Several of the girls at the Give Them Hope 2014 Campaign fundraiser, held in Lake Geneva on November 7, related stories of horrific living conditions and situations that brought them to Agape House. “It takes a lot of love to heal a heart and mend a life that’s been so badly hurt,” said Brian Ogne, who emceed the dinner at Geneva National Country Club. Major donors and corporations are expected to help the organization reach the half million dollar mark in one year. Executive Director Pam Patterson founded Agape House 15 years ago with a heart for girls and young women from southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. “A great many people are in need of the services that Agape House programs provide,” said Patterson. The programs include Agape School, Agape Home, the Transitional Living Agape House founder Pam Patterson (kneeling at right), introduces the group of young ladies to attendees of the Give Them Hope fundraising dinner on November 7. The organization hopes to raise $500,000 to take care of current and future needs. See information about an upcoming fundraiser on page ##. (Photo furnished) Home and Agape Counseling Centers. As many as 16 girls are able to live in a home-like setting, complete with loving full-time house parents who are experienced foster care providers. The Agape Angels, as the girls are called, performed songs of joy for the fundraiser attendees and told stories of help and recovery. “Our girls are amazing,” said Director of Counseling Liz King. “We see miracu- lous work every single day at Agape. This is the gospel; our God heals.” Ninety-eight percent of students graduate with a high school diploma and many of them go on to pursue higher education. Last year, in addition to the home and school programs for 16 girls, the Transitional Living Home assisted four young adult women in leading responsible, independent lives. Agape counsel- ing services in Walworth and East Troy helped about 12 parents of Agape House residents, as well as 15 community clients. Fees for the Agape House program (which includes the school tuition, onsite residence, and counseling services) are $1,600.00 per month, per person., compared to state education programs that cost between $7,000 and $10,000 per month per person. Additionally, Agape House offers payment on a sliding fee scale to accommodate household income under their mission to never turn away a girl who is in need. In addition to the availability of payment plans, the program offered at Agape House is unlike any other in the state. Donations from individuals, civic groups, churches, businesses and foundations make up about 80 percent of the operating budget. The rest comes from payment for services on a sliding-fee-scale based on family income. Thanks to monetary donations, Agape House provides financial support for tuition assistance. Low fees are part of an Agape promise to never turn away a child in need. “It’s rewarding and truly exciting to see the high success rate we continue to have,” said Patterson. “More and more families are reaching out for services from all of our programs and it’s disappointing that we can’t meet all of the needs at the present time.” For more information contact Agape House at 275-6466 or email office@ AgapeHouseforGirls.org. 2 — The Beacon In our Oct. 25 issue, I talked about patent medicines, specifically Piso’s, which was concocted in Warren, Pa. In researching the article, I found a website by the New York City Bar Association that listed a number of patent medicines and “miracle” cures, details of which are to be found in their archives. Patent medicines promising “miracle cures” were widely popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. According to a 1905 article in Colliers,“The Great American Fraud,” American consumers were spending more than $75 million a year on patent medicines by the turn of the century. Since there were no restrictions on advertising or labeling, and manufacturers kept their ingredients a secret, these “quack” medicines and nostrums often proved to be deadly mixtures. Cocaine, opium and alcohol were active ingredients in many of the most popular patent medicines. Other products being marketed to an eager public were essentially useless mixtures of herbal ingredients based on cultural superstitions and beliefs. Consumer products were also introduced that used the power of electromagnetism to cure everything from baldness to the lack of vitality in men. Effective mass advertising in almanacs, magazines and newspapers helped fuel the growth of this industry and gave birth to direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical marketing. In 1906, the Federal Pure Food and Drug Act was enacted, prohibiting interstate commerce of adulterated and misbranded food and drugs. This led most manufacturers to remove narcotics from their products and curtail some of their fraudulent business practices. Here are some of the more notorious “cures.” Teutonic During the 19th century, New York was home to some of the nation’s leading breweries, including Schaeffer, Ruppert and Liebmann. Most breweries were located in Brooklyn neighborhoods with the highest concentration of German immigrants. Liebmann’s Brewery was established in 1860 and became famous for making Rheingold beer. In 1896, in an effort to expand its business, Liebmann’s also at www.readthebeacon.com promoted a new miracle cure, Teutonic, which claimed to aid nursing mothers and those suffering from insomnia and dyspepsia. Teutonic was a concentrated liquid extract of malt and hops containing a much higher alcohol content than most beers. The success of Teutonic led to similar tonics being offered by Pabst and AnheuserBusch. Magno-Electric Vitalizer Capitalizing on his famous father’s inventions, the estranged son of Thomas Nov. 22, 2013 Edison started his own business in the late 1800’s. The company’s most successful product was a medical device called the Magno-Electric Vitalizer that used a combination of batteries and magnets that claimed to cure “locomotor ataxia, paralysis, rheumatism, nervous prostration and indigestion.” In 1904 the government shut down the company for fraud, relying in part on an affidavit from the senior Thomas Edison doubting his son’s ability to “make any invention or discovery of merit.” The New York Times reported that Thomas Edison Jr. denied any involvement with the company except to lend his name for promoting these inventions in order to escape from under a mountain of debt and a bad marriage. Thomas Edison Jr. would later succumb to alcoholism and mental illness. M.S. Borden’s Fatoff The American public has been searching for a miracle cure for obesity for at least a century. M.S. Bordens’ Fatoff was one of the leading beauty products in the early 20th century to promote weight loss without dieting and exercise. In its patent filing no mention was made of Fatoff’s “remarkable ability to help reduce the waist line,” or “double chin,” found in its extensive advertising. Government analysis of Fatoff indicated that the product was nothing more than soap and water. In 1914 the Indiana State Board of Health declared that Fatoff, which sold for $1.50 a jar, was essentially a “soft soap” and the value of its ingredients were a “mere five cents.” Kellogg’s Sanitone Wafers Frank J. Kellogg, was a shrewd businessman, who took full advantage of his famous last name despite bearing no relationship to his noteworthy namesakes. Kellogg began marketing an anti-fat product called Rengo in 1902. (Continued on page 3) Authentic German Cuisine & American Fare BOOK YOUR PRIVATE OR HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW! Select Dates Still Available. You Won’t Want To Miss Margot’s CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY 2 NIGHTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 & 14 Two Festive Dates to Gather with Friends & Family Around the Fireplace & Enjoy A Free Concert With RANDY ESTELLE OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY MENU: ROAST DUCK • PRIME RIB & LAMB SHANK & the Calvary Community Church Choir & Orchestra (need to be pre-ordered) Other Popular Menu Items Also Available! Traditional Old World Entertainment provided by: Also in December... KURT VON ECKROTH & LUDWIG KALBRUNNER 18th & 19th—Christmas-Time Family Night Make a gingerbread house with your kids! Reservation required. $20 fee. Register on line. 4009 South Shore Drive Delavan, WI • 262-740-9039 Hwy. 50 to South Shore Drive, west for 4 miles on South Shore Drive 24th—Christmas Eve Services 5:00 p.m. Children’s | 7:00 p.m. Traditional RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Hwy 50 & Harris Rd Williams Bay 262.245.6294 calvarycommunity.net The Beacon Westwords also at www.readthebeacon.com He then found great success in a new product called, Kellogg’s Sanitone Wafers, promising to cure men of “muddled brains” and revive “every nerve in your body.” For women, the Sanitone Wafers, would get rid of the “blues” and banish headaches, backaches and sleeplessness. All of his products were dispensed on the medical mail-order plan. A free sample would be mailed, with an additional, unsolicited 30-day supply and a request for $5. If you sent the money, you were placed on a perpetual monthly mailing of product and invoices. If you didn’t respond to the initial request, Kellogg bombarded you with an aggressive series of threatening letters for non-payment. Analysis of a sample of Rengo by the AMA found that the anti-fat formula was a combination of thyroid, poke weed, cascara, acacia, and toasted bread. When Thacher’s Magnetic Shields did not claim to heal rheumatism, kidney and liver problems by drawing out uric acid in the body. Instead, C.J. Thacher advertised that by sewing his magnetic pads into any piece of clothing it would have the “irresistible, penetrating power of magnetism to rout disease at any point.” In one interview Thacher claimed his product could cure paralysis and insanity. Samuel Hopkins Adams called Thacher, “The King of Quackdom.” The Electro-Chemical Ring W.G. Brownson introduced the Electro-Chemical Ring in 1892. He claimed that acid in the blood caused a host of medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and cancer. Brownson advertised that deposits accumulated on the ring was proof of the curative effects of a reaction with acid in the blood. Testing by the Department of Commerce concluded that the ring was made of commercial iron and that no med- taken in the doses recommended by “Professor” Kellogg it could also cause hypertension, cardiac arrest, and stroke. Analysis of a sample of “Sanitone Wafers” by federal chemists showed them to contain, salts of iron and chromium, a laxative plant extractive, red pepper and a trace of strychnine. In 1921 Kellogg was ordered by the District Court in Tennessee to cease marketing and destroy his inventory. Thacher Magnetic Shield Company ical benefits were derived from wearing it. The government issued a fraud order against Brownson in 1914, but he continued to peddle his ring for a few more years under different brand names. Ionized bracelets, sold via infomercials, have been cited over the past few years by the FTC for deceptive advertising practices and false claims. Despite no scientific evidence many of these bracelets still remain on the market. Continued from page 2 Nov. 22, 2013 — 3 Marmola Advertised as “harmless little tablets” that could cure obesity without “unwelcome dieting” or violent exercise, Marmola was one of the most popular diet drugs in the early 20th century. Marmola contained desiccated animal thyroid, which often led to hypothyroid conditions including nervousness, insomnia, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness. When postal authorities threatened the Marmola Company with fraud in 1926, the owner, Edward Hayes, submitted an affidavit promising to end company operations. However, he reopened the business under the name Raladam Company. For the next twenty years, the Raladam Company was involved in litigation for false and misleading advertising. As long as there are, as P.T. Barnum is reputed to have said, suckers born every minute, there will be people ready to take advantage of them, especially by offering worthless “miracle cures.” IN/OUT SERVICE Geneva Lake $2,495 • Delavan Lake $999 Pier Slips $1,000 3552 State Road 50, Delavan, WI • 262-725-6782 www.boatsrusonline.com YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS AT BOATS “R” US W7015 NORTH WALWORTH ROAD WALWORTH, WISCONSIN 262-275-5105 www.countrysidetreeswi.com CUT YOUR OWN FRESH CUT TREES SAWS PROVIDED • White Pine • Colorado Spruce • Fraser Fir • Norway Spruce • Scotch Pine • White Pine • Colorado Spruce • Fraser Fir • Scotch Pine NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS “The Gentle Giants” will assist pulling trees from the field to your vehicles & pose for pictures! Upper Midwest Newfoundland Club Nov. 29 & 30; Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, & 15 Open Nov. 23 Through Dec. 24 • Closed Thanksgiving Day Weekdays 10:00 am - Dark; Weekends 9:00 am - Dark Dress appropriately! No warming shelter. 4 — The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Perspective Nov. 22, 2013 Time to fish or cut bait on tax reform Is Obama losing control of his presidency? By David Horsey President Barack Obama’s hollow promise that Americans who liked their own healthcare plans would not have to give them up under Obamacare may prove to be another tempest in a tea party teapot, but it might also balloon into a political gale that blows away the highest hopes for his second term in the White House. Winning re-election to the presidency is often a triumph before a fall. Richard Nixon won a second term in a landslide; two years later, the Watergate scandal forced him to resign. Ronald Reagan, too, won a huge re-election victory, but his second term was tarnished by the IranContra scandal. Bill Clinton handily won four more years, but then along came the Lewinsky sex scandal and the first presidential impeachment in 130 years. Despite the best efforts of congressional Republicans to puff up the Benghazi tragedy into a scandal on par with those that rocked past second-term presidencies, there simply is not enough there, besides short-sighted incompetence, to make it much of a threat to the Obama White House. The botched rollout of the Affordable Care Act, however, has done some serious damage. Liberals may be right that once enough people begin to enjoy the benefits of the new healthcare regime, the near meltdown of the healthcare website in its first weeks will be forgotten. That could also be wishful thinking. No matter how much things improve, a sense that someone failed to get it right might also linger. And certainly that concern has now been reinforced by the president’s admission that his repeated assurances The that no one’s healthcare coverage would be disrupted was simply wrong. Enemies of healthcare reform have pounced, saying the president told a lie worse than Nixon’s Watergate cover-up or George W. Bush’s claims about Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction. That’s crazy, of course, but, even if it wasn’t a lie of historic proportions, it was a tactical manipulation of the facts that someone in the Obama administration had to know was not at all the whole truth. Obama was interviewed by NBC on Oct. 31 and said he will figure out a way to take care of the many people whose personal healthcare policies have been changed or dropped because of provisions of the healthcare act that set minimum standards for insurance policies. He claimed he was not aware of the problem. If so, that turns him into a salesman who really did not know what he was selling. Throw in the revelations of NSA spying on foreign leaders that Obama says were a surprise to him, add the mixed signals about Syria, and a perception of a president who is not on top of things begins to form. It may be unfair – presidents preside over a vast system of government that is beyond the capacity of any human to fully master in every detail – but perceptions have power. A pervasive sense that Barack Obama is not fully in charge could undermine everything he hoped to accomplish in the second four years of his presidency. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David Horsey is a political commentator for the Los Angeles Times. Go to latimes. com/news/politics/topoftheticket/ to see more of his work. Beacon WEST PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING INC. P.O. Box 69 • Williams Bay, WI 53191-0069 (262) 245-1877 • Fax 245-1855 e-mail: beaconnews@charter.net Web Site: www.readthebeacon.com Circulation Ed Breitenfield Karen Breitenfield George Paulsen Dennis West Editor and Publisher Kathi West V.P. and Treasurer Advertising Manager Mark West Composition Manager Wendy Shafer Correspondents James McClure Sr. Correspondent Marjie Reed By Lee H. Hamilton As Congress moves forward on budget negotiations, the word out of Washington is to expect nothing major: no grand bargain, just more stopgap, short-term fixes. Yet there’s one ray of hope. The House and Senate chairs of the tax-writing committees, one a Republican, the other a Democrat, are preparing a comprehensive tax reform plan. Lee Hamilton They see the budget negotiations as their opportunity to enact much-needed changes to our bloated, off-kilter tax laws. The last time lawmakers managed to find a way to simplify and reshape the tax code was almost three decades ago, in 1986, when Ronald Reagan was still president. Since then there have been more than 15,000 adjustments and amendments, leaving a mess that just about everyone agrees must be cleaned up. Odds are against Congress managing the task, but its handling of the debate on tax reform tells us a lot about how members approach difficult issues. That’s because this latest effort to rewrite the tax code is saddled by a deep-seated problem that spans both parties and all ideologies: political timidity. Tax avoidance is a highly sophisticated and lucrative business in this country, and politicians address it at their peril. This became clear during the summer, when the senators leading the taxreform charge on their side of Capitol Hill, Democrat Max Baucus of Montana and Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah, laid out their initiative. They wanted senators to take a “blank slate” approach to the issue: no current deduction, exemption or credit would continue unless a strong case could be made for it. Then they invited their colleagues to identify what they’d keep and what they’d reject. That was a fine start, until Baucus and Hatch took an extraordinary step. They guaranteed senators 50 years of anonymity for their suggestions, thus allowing each senator to continue attacking the tax code mess without taking any specific public positions on how to improve it. In other words, here’s a public issue of enormous consequence, affecting every taxpayer in the land, and they were afraid to talk about it meaningfully in public. Sure, you hear plenty from politicians about tax reform, but it’s all generalities. They talk about a simpler code or a fairer code or a flatter code, but in truth, almost every member of Congress talks in gross generalities about the monstrosity that is the tax code and comes out fervently for reform, without actually taking a stand on the tough issues. Tax reform is meaningless without specifics. Continuing to exclude employer contributions for health care, for instance, will cost taxpayers some $760 billion over the next five years, according to Congress’s Joint Committee on Taxation – but getting rid of it will surely anger employers and employees. We could recoup $379 billion over the next five years by cutting the mortgage interest deduction, but how many homeowners do you know who would go along with the idea? The political power of the interests that benefit from reduced tax rates on dividends and long-term capital gains, which will cost the Treasury $616 billion between now and 2017, is immense. So, in its own way, is that of supporters of the deduction for charitable contributions ($239 billion). In all, tax breaks cost the Treasury some $1.1 trillion a year – which puts them well ahead of most other forms of federal spending. Yet each has its own constituency – often a vocal, well-funded, well-organized one. Politicians who call for “tax reform” without going into specifics butter their bread on both sides – they ride the public outcry against the tax code in general, while avoiding the outcry from people hurt by the changes that tax reform would inevitably bring. After all, a “loophole” to one group is usually a “lifeline” to another. So nothing happens. Everyone knows that tax reform will involve limiting tax breaks. It should be possible to avoid the political difficulties by capping the total without eliminating specific breaks. But even this will require political backbone. Until Congress shows us that its members possess the courage to detail publicly what’s needed, talk of tax reform will be just that: talk. Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years. The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Historical Society teams with veterans By Dave Bretl I had one of the nicest Veteran’s days that I can remember when I joined the Walworth County Historical Society and the Walworth County American Legion Council in recognizing the day. In addition to honoring our nation’s veterans, the observance served a second purpose: dedicating a permanent veterans exhibit at the Historical Society’s new museum building. I was asked to speak on the topic of the importance of preserving military memorabilia. I was happy to give the speech; it is an important topic. It also gave me an opportunity to publically David Bretl thank the Historical Society and the Legion for the important missions they support in Walworth County. While many counties levy hundreds of thousands of dollars to support staff museums, Walworth County is fortunate to have the Historical Society. The society is a private organization that operates independently from county government. County taxpayers make a small contribution to the Society ($10,000 in 2014), but the lion’s share of its funding comes from donations and the efforts of its many dedicated members. The Historical Society is probably best known for the Webster House, which it maintains in Elkhorn. That house not only documents the life and times of Joseph Philbrick Webster, an important early county resident and musical composer, but is packed with many other exhibits. In 2011, the Historical Society saw an opportunity to expand its campus by acquiring an adjacent building that had come onto the market. Society officers Doris Reinke and Dan Richardson arranged for a $100,000 loan from the county to help with the purchase. Combined with its own cash, the Historical Society closed the deal in the summer of 2012. In this era of grants to businesses and forgivable development loans that are never repaid, the Historical Society’s approach was refreshing; they will pay the county back, in full, over the next ten years. The new building, which is named Heritage Hall, will help the Historical Society by providing meeting space and room to display exhibits that are currently in storage. Heritage Hall will also provide relief to the Webster House, permitting it to focus on the history of that building as well as the life and times of Webster. The house predates the establishment of Walworth County and has a fascinating history of its own. Focusing on a different mission than the Historical Society, but with no less energy, the Walworth County American Legion Council organizes the efforts of the county’s ten American Legion posts. I have had the opportunity to interact with the Council in two events that they sponsor, Support the Troops rallies and Student Government Day. These activities, while significant, rep- resent just a fraction of the many programs in which these Legionnaires are involved. Following 9/11 and the deployment of American troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, Legionnaire Bob Webster helped organize weekly Support the Troops Rallies at the county’s Government Center. In addition to honoring servicemen and women with county connections, the event provides support for military families. To say that the Legion is committed to this cause is an understatement. Last Labor Day marked their 444th weekly rally. The group has also been active in assembling and mailing packages and cards to combat troops. In addition to snacks, cards and quilts, the council sends items that I never would have thought of, but which are in high demand by our service men and women, including personal GPS units, coffee makers and baseball gloves (190 of them as of last April). The Council is also instrumental in sponsoring Youth Government Day. Council Com-mander Bob Miller and Legion members have been organizing and supporting this effort for many years. The event provides high school students, throughout the county, the opportunity to learn about how county government and our court systems works. Given the can-do philosophy of both the Legion and the historical Society, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me that the two organizations would collaborate to find a solution to a problem that faced the county. As our WWII and Korean-era veterans grow older, important memorabilia associated with their service was being thrown out or sold at garage sales. Recognizing that this important history was being lost, Bob Webster put out a call for help to local governments and civic organizations. With its newly acquired space, the Historical Society stepped forward and agreed to make room available at Heritage Hall for a permanent exhibit. Despite the fact that this effort has just gotten off the ground, I was impressed by the quantity and quality of items that were on hand. The exhibit was aided by numerous glass display cases donated by Macy’s following a renovation of one of their stores. As more County veterans learn about the opportunity to safeguard military artifacts for future generations, I expect that the collection will become even more impressive. If you missed the Veterans Day event, don’t worry. I understand that a formal dedication of Heritage Hall will be taking place in the spring. Both the Historical Society and the Legion Council make important contributions to the quality of life in Walworth County. You can learn more about the Historical Society by visiting www.walcohistory.org. Its website contains information about the organization and upcoming events, as well as a pictorial tour of the Webster House. If you would like to support the troops this holiday season, attending an upcoming Support the Troops rally is a great way to start. Rallies are held at the Government Center in Elkhorn every Monday at 11 a.m. The opinions expressed in these columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors. Nov. 22, 2013 — 5 As president grovels, politics of Obamacare get worse By David Horsey In the long run, Obamacare is likely to be as popular and permanent as Medicare; in the short term, however, it is turning into the worst political crisis of Barack Obama's presidency. On Nov. 14, the contrite president announced that Americans whose health care insurance policies have been cancelled due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act would have another year to keep those policies. This new guarantee is meant to make up for his ill-considered promise that no one would lose their old policies if they wanted to keep what they had. The problem with Obama's new promise, though, is that he cannot force insurers to restore policies they have already terminated. And rather than doing the president any favors, those insurers are attacking him for trying to change the rules in the middle of the game. Obama has a mess on his hands and – judging by his almost daily apologies for the screwed up launch of the national health care exchange website, as well as for his misstatements about the effect of the plan on several million people who buy their own policies – it is pretty clear he knows how deep the mess has become. Instead of anyone offering to help him out, though, everyone is piling on. His fellow Democrats in the House and Senate are panicked, fearing that the bad feelings about Obamacare will imperil their chances for re-election. Some are rushing to concoct a bill – any bill! – to do something – anything! – about health care. Their object is not to provide a fix, but to provide political cover. In the words of NBC’s chief White House correspondent, Chuck Todd, Democratic senators and congressmen want to be able to demonstrate to their constituents that they “stood up to the president.” It may seem strange that Democrats would prefer to run against Obama rather than put in extra effort to make the president's health care plan work, but fear of losing a political career makes politicians do weird things. Electoral considerations are also what drive the Republican response to Obama's predicament. Any bad news for the president is good news for them. The last thing they would think of doing is anything constructive to improve America's health care system if doing so would help the president they despise. The media are running with the story, of course – not just the permanent opposition at Fox News, but most of the so-called mainstream media. Obama-care’s shaky start is the hot political crisis of the moment and can hardly be ignored. Still, as Rachel Maddow observed on MSNBC, Romneycare – the Massachusetts health care scheme which provided the template for Obamacare – took a year to catch on, and no one at the time thought of the early missteps as a huge scandal or proof that the plan would never get off the ground. Politicians in both parties worked to pull it together and now 97 percent of the citizens of Massachusetts have health care coverage. Don’t expect anything like that sensible approach with Obamacare. Health care is a political football, above all else, at the national level. Barack Obama has blown several big plays and lost a lot of yardage. His own team is not providing much coverage and the other side is lined up, revved up and ready to sack him, steal the ball and put him out of the game. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David Horsey is a political commentator for the Los Angeles Times. Go to latimes. com/news/politics/topoftheticket/ to see more of his work. ©2013, David Horsey Distributed by Tribune Media Services. 6 — The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Nov. 22, 2013 Business & Investment Legislature considers pregnancy anti-discrimination bill Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has been delaying a decision on whether to allow a casino to be established at the former Kenosha dog track. (Photo furnished) Walker may delay Kenosha casino decision for months By Chuck Quirmbach Gov. Scott Walker has put off deciding whether to approve a proposed Kenosha casino for up to several months. Walker has been gradually pushing back his decision on the Menominee Nation’s proposal to open an off-reservation casino at the former Kenosha dog track. Walker now says he’s asking Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch to start extensive discussions with at least the Menominee and two tribes that have opposed the Kenosha plan – the Ho-Chunk and the Forest County Potawatomi. Walker says he wants a win-win outcome. “I’m not going to preempt the discussions and say exactly what the outcome’s got to be before they even begin the discussions, but a win-win to me is ultimately something that involves a net increase in jobs in the state of Wisconsin,” he says The Potawatomi have argued that opening a Kenosha casino would lead to job losses at their gaming facility in Milwaukee. Tribal attorney general Jeff Crawford says after the more extensive review, he expects Walker will find the Kenosha project does not meet his criteria of Wisconsin tribal consensus and no net gaming increase in the state; therefore, Crawford says, he expects Walker will say the Menominee project is not in Wisconsin’s best interest. As the discussions go on, Walker says he’s inclined not to take campaign donations from parties closely interested in the issue. “I haven’t made that a definitive statement, but I’d be inclined to say no,” says Walker. Some news commentators have suggested Walker has put off deciding on the Kenosha casino to keep dollars rolling into his and others’ political campaigns. Wisconsin Public Radio News Visitor spending up in county A recently released study by Tourism Economics reports that Walworth County’s robust tourism economy continued to grow in the first quarter of 2013, with visitor spending up over 10 percent from the same period in 2012. Walworth County Visitors Bureau received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism last fall to specifically promote the area as a place to visit from January through March, 2013. The grant funded a strategic media plan, focused primarily on the Chicago area, to attract visitors to Walworth County to enjoy a myriad of winter activities. Visitors could also request a coupon book with special offers and discounts valid through April 15. The biggest contributor to the economic increase is from hotel room revenue which grew almost 17 percent in the first quarter, reaching nearly $12 million. Room revenue was driven by a 14 percent increase in demand, which surpassed 100,000 rooms. Lyons and the city of Delavan were the biggest benefactors, each growing hotel tax receipts by more than 20 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Tourism Economics is a Philadelphiabased tourism and analytics company that was hired by the Walworth County Visitors Bureau to quantify the impact of tourism in the county. As a whole, the percentage of spending by visitors to Walworth County grew twice as fast as the state of Wisconsin in the past two years. Visitor spending in Walworth County rose 11 percent, while across the state it increased just over five percent. In 2012, visitors spent $455 million in Walworth County, generating more than $600 million in total business sales and sustaining 6,566 jobs, both directly and indirectly. State and local governments benefitted from this increase in spending by collecting $57 million in tax revenues attributed to visitor activity. All tourism sectors in 2012, including lodging; food and beverages; retail; recreation and entertainment; and local transportation experienced impressive growth. Lodging purchases comprised 37 percent of each visitor dollar or $167 million, followed by food and beverage spending at approximately 24 percent or $107 million dollars. Those visiting Walworth County in 2012 spent 20 percent of every dollar or $92 million on retail shopping. By Shamane Mills Legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin that is part of a national effort to prevent pregnancy discrimination. The National Women’s Law Center says despite a federal law against pregnancy discrimination, pregnant workers’ requests to stand less, not lift heavy objects or stay off ladders are often denied, especially in low-wage jobs. In other cases, workers may be fired or forced to take unpaid leave. The Center says courts have largely interpreted federal laws in a way unfavorable to women. There are efforts to change that with a congressional bill, as well as with state legislation. Rep. Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) is sponsoring what he calls the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. He recalls how his wife experienced high blood pres- sure during a pregnancy. “Thankfully, she had an accommodating employer and a collective bargaining agreement that allowed her to stay off her feet a little bit more [for] those couple weeks near the end of the pregnancy,” says Genrich. Genrich says employers may be unwilling to make accommodations or are uninformed about current laws on worker protections; he says his bill would provide clarity to employers. “The legislation is about valuing families, strengthening families and recognizing the importance that working women have in our economies and in our communities,” says Genrich. The group 9to5 says 50 percent of the workforce is made up of women, and that 41 percent were the primary breadwinners in 2010. Wisconsin Public Radio News Assembly passes new voter identification bill By Gilman Halsted The Republican majority in the state assembly has passed a voter ID bill they say will withstand any legal challenges. But Democrats call it an attempt to suppress the vote of low income voters who often vote Democratic. The current voter ID bill is tied up in a federal court battle in Milwaukee, with closing arguments expected soon. Republican backers of this new bill, however, says it should insure that photo IDs will be required for most voters in the 2014 fall elections. The author of the bill, Republican state Rep. Mark Born, says it’s needed to prevent voter fraud. “We’re bringing this forward to make sure that we can have a fair, reasonable and accountable system, to make sure that every eligible voter can vote once in Wisconsin and prevent even one illegal vote,” says Born. The bill makes exceptions for people who can’t afford to buy a photo ID by requiring them to sign an affidavit saying they are indigent. Democratic opponents of the bill call that a demeaning process that will discourage poor voters from coming to the polls. Milwaukee state Rep. Jocasta Zamarippa says the result will be fewer poor and minority voters casting ballots. “I can’t tell you how intimidating that will be for a voter in my district,” says Zamarippa. “What they’ll do is just opt not to vote on Election Day. This bill will lower voter turnout in the great state of Wisconsin. We don’t need that. We need to increase civic engagement.” While the bill passed the state Assembly it is unlikely that it will pass the state Senate where the Republican majority leader has said he will not bring it to the floor until after the federal court rules on the constitutionality of the current photo ID bill. Wisconsin Public Radio News DO YOU WISH TO PROTECT YOUR LAND FOREVER AND LEAVE A LEGACY FOR YOUR CHILDREN? CONTACT THE CONSERVANCY TODAY P.O. Box 588 • 398 Mill Street • Fontana, WI 53125 262-275-5700 • www.genevalakeconservancy.org The Conservancy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization supported by contributions and community volunteers Ryan Simons Lakefront Specialist 2646 NORTH SHORE DR. DELAVAN Spacious 3BD, 1.5BA ranch near Delavan Lake. Wooded lot with fruit trees, 2 car garage, newer roof, windows and well pump. 184,900 $ CALL RYAN TO FIND THE BEST LAKE VALUES! 608-852-3156 www.DelavanLakeProperty.com also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon ‘Wisconsin Fast Forward’ job training program launches By Patty Murray The “Wisconsin Fast Forward” program, which makes $15 million in training grants available to employers, is opening its first round of applications. Wisconsin Fast Forward, which is run through the state Department of Workforce Development, is designed to get workers up to speed on skills and eventually move on to higher paying jobs. It lets employers basically tailor their own programs; they can also pitch in with other employers to develop classes at technical colleges that would benefit the group. “What we’re basically doing over this two-year period is putting that kind of curriculum design in the hands of the employer themselves,” says Scott Jansen, the division administrator for DWD’s Office of Employment and Training. Wisconsin’s 11 Workforce Development Boards will help facilitate the grants. Jim Golembeski, who directs the Bay Area Workforce Development Board in Green Bay, says companies can apply to train new employees or people who are already on the payroll. “So let’s say we go into a company and train a group of incumbent workers,” says Golembeski. “Remember the expected outcomes are pay raises or promotions. So as people move up in the company we have to ‘backfill’ with new hires.” The DWD will follow up to make sure companies are either increasing wages or hiring. The first round of Fast Forward grants is geared to large and small manufacturers, construction, and customer service businesses. Training could begin as soon as January or February. Wisconsin Public Radio News (StatePoint) The holiday season is a time of friends, family, and good cheer, but it can also be a time of pressure, arguments, obligations and spending money – lots of money. “People get caught up in the season, the lights and emotions of the holiday, often allowing their good financial sense to take a holiday too,” says Michael McAuliffe, President of Family Credit Management (FCM), a non-profit Credit Counseling Agency. “Even if you do make your list, check it twice and stick to it, it’s a lot easier to save smaller increments in advance, rather than come up with several hundred dollars later,” says McAuliffe. So what can you start doing today to enjoy a merry season free of financial stress? ❊ Create a list of everyone you are buying presents for and set a strict dollar amount. ❊ Open a savings account reserved for your holiday spending. When the holidays are over, start saving for next year in the same account. While some banks still offer Christmas club ac- counts, they often have higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. An online savings account makes scheduling deposits on each payday easier and can help ensure your success. ❊ Figure out what you need to put aside each payday and fund the savings account every chance you get. ❊ Start a list of gift ideas and start watching for those sales. And be mindful of return policies. Failure to plan can lead to a real financial catastrophe, say experts. “It never fails that every January we are swamped with people who overspent and under-planned for their holiday spending,” says Sarabeth O’Neil, Director of Development for FCM. Between entertaining guests, traveling, decorating the home and giving gifts, it’s no secret that the holidays come with a price tag. More sensible holiday spending tips and free financial planning tools are available online at www.FamilyCredit.org. Rather than spending mindlessly this holiday, you can take steps to avoid maxed out credit cards, empty bank accounts and other seasonal pitfalls. Nov. 22, 2013 — 7 Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce ambassador Mark West presents membership credentials to Lynn Hoelzer of PartyLite, a party plan company selling candles, candle holders, flameless fragrance and wax warmers, as well as holiday and home décor, with nearly 55,000 independent PartyLite business owners in 18 different countries. Anyone interested in more information may contact Hoelzer by calling (414) 708-1389. (Beacon photo) Consumers need to take food Tips to stay on budget this season ‘sell by’ dates with a grain of salt WALWORTH • 262-275-6154 DELAVAN • 262-728-4203 Kenosha Street & Hwy. 67 South Shore Drive & Hwy. 50 ELKHORN • 262-743-2223 WILLIAMS BAY • 262-245-9915 190 E. Geneva Street 121 N. Walworth Avenue By John Ewoldt Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Like many Americans, Michelle Liss of Eden Prairie, Minn., pays close attention to the “sell by,” “use by” and “best before” labels on the packaged and perishable foods in her kitchen. “I get a little freaked out when an item is past the use by date,” she said. “I discard it when it isn’t fresh.” Most people do the same thing, even though much of it is still perfectly good to consume. In fact, Americans have grown to rely so much on the food dating game since it was implemented in the 1970s that we now throw away 20 percent of our food, over 160 billion pounds of it per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It isn’t surprising that consumers take extra precautions when they hear regularly about salmonella, E. coli or other foodborne illnesses. But what started as a consumer demand that food be verifiably fresh has evolved into a confusing mishmash of laws that are different in each state. Only infant formula is regulated by the federal government. The inconsistency is causing discarded food to be the largest single contributor to the nation’s landfills and costing Americans money, according to a recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic. The average family of four that spends about $632 to $1,252 per month on groceries is throwing away about $112 to $190 each month on outdated food and restaurant leftovers, researchers concluded. Obscene amounts of food are being wasted, consumer advocates argue, because of a misconception that eating food past its “use by” date is about safety, when it’s really about freshness. Consumers are discarding items a day or two past their freshness date because they think the items are potentially harmful when they’re not, said Sarah Klein, an attorney at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “It may not taste as good as it did the day before,” she said. “But it’s perfectly safe to eat. There’s no need to throw it away.” The time to get rid of food is when it looks, smells or tastes bad, Klein said. In general, eat or freeze meat by its freshness date, and throw out fresh seafood when in doubt. “Manufacturers put dates on nearly all of their food products because consumers want them,” said Ted LaBuza, professor of Food Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota But experts say manufacturers deserve some blame for excess waste, too. Many consumers and some at the NRDC think that manufacturers are shortening the date span on their products to get consumers to buy more often, LaBuza said. “There’s no state law (in Minnesota) telling manufacturers how to determine the freshness date, so they’re free to choose the dates they want,” he said. Nearly 70 percent of companies just follow what their competitors are doing, LaBuza said. But shortening the “sell by” date range can also mean that supermarkets and wholesalers get stuck with food at its freshness date because safety- or freshness-conscious consumers won’t buy it. Many consumers reach to the back of a display for an item with the newest date and avoid others. What happens to the older items? When they don’t sell, a retailer risks its reputation for freshness by not removing them. A supermarket can throw it out, but that’s often the most expensive choice with rising trash removal costs. Some is returned to distributors and sold to food outlet stores. Because many consumers assume that food past its freshness date is unsafe, they think selling it is illegal, which it isn’t. “The food is safe as long it’s been handled properly. The only thing you can’t sell past its freshness date is infant formula,” he said. Canned food, for example, is generally safe for up to three years after its freshness date, according to the USDA, but Abernathy takes any canned goods off the shelf once they’re a year past their date. Much of the unsold food near its freshness date goes to local food pantries Experts say proper storage is the key to product freshness and safety. Refrigerator thermostats should be set at about 40 degrees or lower. If you keep the thermostat at 34 to 36 degrees, you can get twice the storage life than if it’s kept at 50 degrees. Besides a fridge at 40 degrees, experts also recommend keeping stored food away from a heat source such as an oven or a fridge. For a comprehensive guide to length of time for food storage, search for “The Food Keeper: A Consumer Guide to Food Quality and Safe Handling” online, put out by the Food Marketing Institute and Cornell University. (Continued on page 11) 8 — The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Health & Fitness Nov. 22, 2013 State Assembly passes bill outlawing ‘revenge porn’ By Shamane Mills The state Assembly has passed AB 462, legislation that’s been dubbed the “revenge porn bill.” It’s aimed at people who post embarrassing photos of others online. The Republican author of the legislation, Rep. John Spiros of Marshfield, wants to make it a misdemeanor to distribute a nude or sexually explicit photo without that person’s permission. “Typically what’s happened in the past is, [the photo comes from a] boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife – that’s why they call it revenge, from someone [who] has used it in a vengeful way.” Milwaukee Democratic Rep. Fred Kessler supports the bill’s intent. The former judge says, however, that the bill may not be constitutional. He contends it doesn’t show intent to harm another by distributing an embarrassing photo. “What we’re dealing with is the issue of “sexting,” which to me is a serious issue,” said Kessler. “But I’m more afraid that this bill might weaken the law.” Current law prevents someone from possessing or distributing a nude photo of a person taken without [her or his] consent. The bill deals with people who may consent to the picture when it was taken but later object when it’s made public. The legislation reads: “Under this bill, no one may reproduce, distribute, exhibit, publish, transmit, or otherwise disseminate (distribute) an image of a person who is nude or partially nude or who is engaging in sexually explicit behavior without the consent of the person, regardless of whether the depicted person consented to the capture of the image. A person who does so is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and may be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to nine months, or both. Wisconsin Public Radio News Williams Bay High School Football Coach Derek Diehl (left) receives a certificate of appreciation and congratulations on an outstanding season by his varsity football team from Village President John Marra. (Photo furnished) Walker calls special session to extend BadgerCare through March By Shamane Mills Gov. Scott Walker is calling a special session of the legislature to change the timeline for moving 77,000 people off BadgerCare. When Walker tightened BadgerCare eligibility in his budget, that decision relied on the federal exchange being operational so people could buy private insurance instead. The exchange is working, but not well – as of Nov. 15, only 877 people in the whole state have been able to sign up because of had problems with the federal website. Walker is counting on more than 70,000 BadgerCare recipients being able to sign up. He wants legislators to approve a change in law that would temporarily keep BadgerCare as is through March. “We’re talking about real people’s lives,” says Walker. “I’m not going to let failures of federal government bring down people who are caught in-between sys- tems that just aren’t working right now.” Several Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett earlier asked Walker to delay the BadgerCare changes. Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said he’d prefer a shorter delay in moving people off BadgerCare. Walker says that by waiting, the federal exchange should be fixed by April. “While I’m sure there will be a spirited debate that will go far beyond my proposals when these measures come up in special session, I think people in our state should have confidence in knowing it is my firm belief that these bills will both pass,” says Walker. In addition to extending the deadline for BadgerCare changes, Walker wants to continue the state’s High Risk Insurance Plan until the federal exchange is working better. Wisconsin Public Radio News BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS Unlimited Yoga For 1 Year 93600 $ 1 Massage Per Month for 12 Months 66000 $ ESSENTIAL YOGA & Massage YOGA • MASSAGE • HOLISTIC NUTRITION • ACUPUNCTURE 422 N. Wisconsin Street, Suite B • Elkhorn, WI 262-949-YOGA (9642) • www.essential-yoga.net From the Staff & Residents of Sherwood Lodge... also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 — 9 Mercy Health Line Good communication reduces holiday stress Bob Drefs, director of the Delavan Food Pantry, accepts a check from Delavan Service League president Phyllis Cook (left) and Rosie Davis. (Photo furnished) Service League donates $500 to Delavan food pantry The Delavan Service League recently presented a check for $500 to Bob Drefs, director of the Delavan Food Pantry, which has been serving needy area residents for more than 23 years. The pantry exists through donations of time, money and food from local companies, organizations and individuals. The Service League is a group of 35 area women who raise money to support local charities. Since 1955 the League has supported dozens of non-profit organizations throughout the area. 30% OFF SELECTED ITEMS S T O R E W I D E Free Gift Wrapping SAT, NOVEMBER 30, 10% OF OUR SALES WILL TO TO ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL Drop Off For TOYS-FOR-TOTS thru December 16 SANTA Will Be at Bradley’s on Saturday, Nov. 30, Dec. 14 & 21 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. UCC Sunday School LIVE NATIVITY 1:00 p.m., Dec. 21 222 E. Walworth Avenue • 262-728-3405 Open 7 Days A Week • Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-4 As children, we could hardly wait for the holidays. We listened for Santa’s reindeer on the roof. We checked our stockings and shook presents under the tree. Having a big dinner at Grandma’s meant we’d get to play with our cousins who lived far away. The lights, the glitter, the sounds and the scents made it all seem so magical. Fast forward to adulthood. Money is tight and the kids want everything they see on TV. Your mom tries to prepare a big feast while working full time and taking care of Grandma. You dread seeing your lazy brother-in-law at the family dinner. Even though you’re all thumbs in the kitchen, you’ve been assigned to make Aunt Hattie’s famous fudge. The pressure is on to do everything just right all the while keeping a smile on your face and a Christmas song on your stereo. Where did the magic go? Much of holiday stress revolves around high expectations our own and our family’s and our inability to say “no.” Of course, saying the dreaded “n” word will disappoint a few people, but this momentary letdown is nothing compared to the stress of saying “yes” to every request. The effects of ongoing stress are many and well known: muscle aches, headaches, stomach upsets, heart palpitations, eating too much or not enough, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, frequent illness and infections, loss of interest in sex, crying, irritability, hostility, anxiety, emotional shut down, inability to concentrate, alcohol and drug abuse, withdrawal, and distraction during important tasks like driving. One way to lower our stress level is to communicate. During the holidays, we’re so busy rushing here and there, we don’t take the time to talk or listen to our family and friends. But effective communication is a valuable resource when it comes to coping with stress. Keeping our feelings bottled up, saying ‘yes’ when we need to say ‘no’ and failing to ask for help all can lead us to want to deck more than the halls. If you’re used to doing everything yourself, now is the perfect time to learn the fine art of delegating. Sit down with your family and list everything that needs to be done: sending cards, wrapping gifts, making cookies for Santa, decorating the tree. Talk about the activ- Since Birth, I Have Been Happier Than My Best Friend, Joey. The Only Difference Is My Mom & Dad Take Me To FONTANA FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC! ities your family loves and those you could live without. Ask for volunteers to take over some of these duties and if that fails, delegate. If 15-year-old Bobby whines about putting the lights on the tree, tell him you would appreciate his help in making this holiday special for the entire family, but if he is not able to help, then the tree will be lightless. Everyone gets to enjoy the holiday so everyone should pitch in. Same goes with the family feast. If everyone always expects you’ll be the host, then ask them to help out by bringing a dish to pass, a bottle of wine, a tray of cookies, or by setting the table or washing the dishes. If you have financial burdens, don’t add to them by maxing your credit cards. Tell people that this year your finances are limited and that parties and presents will be simple. They’ll be relieved of spending too much as well. Even children have to be told that some things are just too expensive for even Santa to bring. Giving your kids everything they ask for isn’t doing them a favor and only adds to your strained budget. Chronic illness, losing a loved one or ending a special relationship is tough any time of the year, but especially so during the holidays. If you don’t feel well, tell your family. Say that you enjoy their company, but are not up to eating a large meal or traveling. If you’ve lost a loved one, don’t try to convince yourself and others that all is well. Your friends and family might not know what to say or how to help you, so articulate what you need. Always remember to start your sentences with “I” instead of ‘you.’ For instance, “I would love it if you could bring your famous fruit salad to our gathering,” is upbeat and gets results. Saying “You always bring that fruitcake, how about something different this year?” will only cause hurt feelings. Half of effective communication is listening. Make a conscious effort to listen without appearing rushed, annoyed, defensive or judgmental. Focus on what the person is saying and the message he is trying to get across. Don’t interrupt. If you’re unsure of what was said, rephrase it and ask him if you are correct. Don’t miss nonverbal clues and body language. One look can tell you that your wife thinks you are spending too much or that your husband doesn’t want to attend one more neighborhood open house. Clear communication can go a long way in reducing holiday stress. Ask for what you need. Listen to others. Make time to talk by going for a scenic drive, walking the dog, stopping for a latté or just relaxing in the living room, TV off. Mercy HealthLine is a paid column. For information on this or dozens of health-related questions, visit the Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center at the intersection of Highways 50 and 67, call (262) 245-0535 or visit us at www.Mercy-HealthSystem.org. The Good Humour Section begins on page 34. No joke. 450 MILL STREET • SUITE 102 • FONTANA, WI 53125 (262) 275-5005 www.fontanafamilychiropractic.com 10 — The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Wolf hunt article draws responses In our Oct. 25 issue, we ran the following article from Wisconsin Public Radio News. Wildlife experts say they’re surprised to see how fast wolf hunters are “harvesting” animals thus far in the wolf hunting and trapping season. The DNR said that as of Oct. 21 morning, 85 gray wolves had been killed in just the first six days of the wolf season. Fiftysix wolves had been caught in leg traps, then killed. [Nice! Editor]. Hunters shot 28 with guns, and one with a bow and arrow. UW-Madison environmental studies professor Adrian Treves says it’s surprising that hunters got to 85 much faster than during last year’s season. “I’m guessing hunters are, maybe, learning how to get wolves, or there are more hunters out there, or both,” she said. Treves remains concerned the DNR has set a quota of 251 wolves this year, saying that may threaten the sustainability of the Wisconsin wolf population. The fast march to 85 has also caught the eye of retired DNR wildlife biologist Dick Thiel, who says if the pace continues, there may be no need to allow hunters to use dogs to hunt wolves. Dogs are banned until December 2 anyway, and Thiel would prefer they stay on the sidelines. “It’s not only cruel to use hunting hounds – because you will get fights between wolves and hounds, but it is probably somewhat unnecessary.” We received a great deal of comment about the foregoing. Here are two brief notes from interested readers. “I’ve owned a wolf from 6 weeks on and have never had a more personable, intelligent or gentle animal. What is it about the almighty hunter that he has to go back to his infantile macho state and destroy and kill something beautiful? Is he insecure in his manhood? Has a wolf ripped open the neck of his child? Does he eat wolf? He degrades all legitimate hunters. I say he is a coward.” Steve Medema “[Here is my] response to The Beacon’s Taking License Where it all begins…Dairyland, that is. Promises, promises. Oct. 25 story about how Hunters killed some 85 wolves in the first six days of the season. “I hope the decision by the DNR to allow hunters to use leg traps and dog packs to kill a quota of wolves was not influenced by hunter pressure! Wolves, being a primary predatory animal in the forest, play a critical role in maintaining the biological balance. The Alfa Wolf’s instinct controls the sex within the pack based on the available food supply. “Based on the present condition of the earth’s natural life support systems, we human animals could learn from the wolf’s example. After all, in a short period of human history, we have tragically brought the Earth’s life support systems to the brink of collapse; so, much so that we now face the most serious environmental threat in our history, ‘climate change.’ “So, in my humble opinion, the wolf deserves at least a humane approach to management. I find the use of leg traps and dog packs to hunt down the wolf to be highly counter to the DNR’s charge of wise and sound management of the public lands under its stewardship. I urge readers to contact the DNR if they agree. Chuck Shepherd Nov. 22, 2013 Want to wish someone a happy anniversary, birthday, or other occasion? A private-party ad this size is just $15, including color artwork or photo. Call 245-1877 to place your ad and pay by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. 12 S. Wisconsin Street • Elkhorn CLEARING OUT SALE Thursday-Saturday, December 5-7 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. FILL A BOX for $25.00 we provide the box - you provide the wrapping and container to haul home your loot! Today’s Advancements in Facial Rejuvenation EVENT DETAILS Tuesday, December 17 6:30 pm Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center Hwys. 50 and 67, Lake Geneva Lower-level conference room Will this New Year be the time to become a New You? Join board certified plastic surgeon, Robert Paresi, MD, as he discusses fascinating new options to freshen your face for a natural, younger appearance. • • • The latest in-office procedures What’s new in cosmetics The latest treatments for both women and men This free dinner seminar is open to the public. Seating is limited; reservations are required by calling (888) 39-MERCY. Hope it’s a snowmobile, or maybe skis. A walking horse is about our editor’s speed. also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 — 11 A Thanksgiving drenched in fun Members of the Aurora Lakeland Medical Center Foundation Board (standing, right to left) are: Chuck Ebeling, Marianne Bonifacic, Kim O'Keefe, Maureen Berkowitz, Vicki Lewis and David Conrad; (front row) Terri Jambor, Michelle Weber and Alice Morava. The board is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It has supported many projects throughout the years in a variety of areas, including women’s health, cardiac services, emergency services and rehabilitation services. In 2012, the Foundation Board funded nearly $550,000 in disbursements for needs at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. Board members not in photo are Scott Christian, James Gee, Don Hamilton, Steve Jensen, Bob Rauland, Jeffery Scherer, MD, and Tom Stuhley. (Photo furnished) Sell-by dates Continued from page 7 No effort is underway to demystify the current food labeling system, but the NRDC recommends standard labeling language that distinguishes between safety and quality-based dates, increasing the number of “freeze by” dates when possible, and putting the date labels in a predictable, consistent loca- tion on the packages. That would be a helpful step for consumers, said one retailer. “Right now it’s so confusing that I wonder if the dates are there just because food companies want us to throw it away and buy more,” she said. “Standardization would be a nice thing.” ©2013 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by MCT Information Services Skilled Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Services Williams Bay Care Center, LLC Dedicated to serving the needs of our Community Call For A Tour of The NEW REHABILITATION CENTER • Caring and compassionate staff • On-site physical, occupational and speech therapies* • Hospice/Respite care available* • Open Breakfast By Marjie Reed My husband and I will be hosting Thanksgiving this year for our family. Oh, brother! My brain is still drenched with memories of one particular Thanksgiving a few years ago. I don’t use the word “drenched” lightly. That year our son, Rob, had a few schemes up his sleeve for his dear old mom. The table looked beautiful and I was particularly happy with our assortMarjie Reed ment of tall, gleaming goblets. They looked like stately works of art standing regally at everyone’s place. Norman Rockwell would have not been able to restrain himself from painting this scene of Thanksgiving bliss. Rob had asked to sit next to me at dinner and I was very touched. To think of my newly married son asking to sit next to his mother made me feel warm all over; a feeling that was about to change. As his dad prayed before our meal, Rob silently put Plan #1 into action. When the prayer was done, I picked up my gleaming water goblet and was stunned to find I was staring into the two bulging eyes of a large goldfish doing laps in my goblet. We all dissolved in laughter. Execution of Plan #1: Rob had a cup of water with the goldfish in it on his lap under the tablecloth and by sitting next to me, as my husband prayed, Rob just had to reach over and pour the fish into my goblet. You would have thought the look on my face would have been enough for Joke Boy for one Thanksgiving dinner, but he wasn’t finished. I had to get up during the meal to refill the gravy boat and, in doing so, dribbled gravy down the side. Enter Rob’s Plan #2. I turned on the faucet to wet my cloth. Nothing came from the faucet, but water shot out of the sprayer that was still sitting on the sink. My front was soggy. Rob had told everybody to watch what would happen. I was shocked and wet and they all erupted in laughter – again. Execution of Plan #2: Just before we sat down, with the faucet off, Rob had pushed the button of the sprayer to “on” and put a rubber band around it to keep it on. Then he aimed the sprayer to soak the next person who turned it on – whom he was fairly sure would be me. About fifteen minutes after the gravy boat incident, Rob realized I had forgotten to take the rubber band off the sprayer. Keeping a straight face, he asked me to refill the water pitcher. With the pitcher under the spigot I turned the water on full force only to get soaked again by the sprayer. By this time, my family was rolling with laughter and I was drenched – again. Now I was glad Norman wasn’t around with his paints and canvas to record my revenge on my first born. The scary thing is that Rob is our quiet one. What a fun and crazy meal that was for all of us. On the subject of being thankful, this year I realize what hits closest to my heart are those who must work Thanksgiving Day. We have two such people in our family. Our daughter is an OB nurse and must be at the hospital to help with any little Thanksgiving blessings that may be born that day. Our son-in-law is a pilot who will help everyone else get home. Do they complain? No, it is just part of their jobs. Will we miss them? Yes, like crazy. Thanks to all who work in gas stations, restaurants, stores and all other jobs that must have workers, regardless of the date on the calendar. Our special thanks, too, to the service families separated over the holidays, and for the freedoms that are ours because of their sacrifice. It is a blessing we don’t take lightly. Dear God, We thank you for a day set aside to say “Thank you” for the multitudinous blessings that surround us in the United States. We are blessed beyond measure. Please help us to put aside any sadness or animosity that may sting our families this year and look for the good in each person around the table and tell them what they mean to us. Help us realize it is a healthy, healing thing to do and will help make everyone’s day sparkle and drench their minds with happy Thanksgiving memories for years to come. Amen I wish all my readers a happy, memorable and fun Thanksgiving Day. Marjie Reed lives in Harvard, Ill., with her husband, Bob. They have been married nearly 45 years and have three children and eight grandchildren. Contact Marjie at mreedbeacon@sbcglobal.net. • Full-body whirlpool in a spa-like setting • Laundry and housekeeping services • Cable television • On-site religious services, beauty salon/barber shop, podiatry, optometry, dental and audiology Wil l iam s Bay C are C ent er Of f ers S h ort and Long Term Rehab Service *MEDICARE & MEDICAID CERTIFIED STOP IN FOR A TOUR 146 Clover Street, Williams Bay 262-245-6400 We here at Community Chiropractic Center want to sincerely thank the City of Walworth and the surrounding communities for your support and donations for the Stuff The Taxi Food Drive. You helped make it a huge success. We want to specially thank Robert Brown of Piedra Safety Consulting and United Pipeline, inc. They challenged their employees to donate to the food pantry and raised $4800! That was a generous donation. The Big Foot Food Pantry was very thankful for all the donations. Happy Holidays from the staff at Community Chiropractic Center. You did a great job, Walworth! Community Chiropractic Center 541 Kenosha St., Walworth, WI • (262) 275-1700 12 — The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com AIDS Resource Center receives $1m for mental health services Kevin Moore, deputy secretary at the state Department of Health Services, says that he is ‘frustrated’ by the glitches on the federal website. (Wisconsin Public Television photo) State turns to paper applications to sign up ex-BadgerCare enrolees By Shamane Mills Because of glitches on the Health care.gov website, the state is resorting to paper to get health coverage to those soon who will soon lose BadgerCare eligibility. The state is sending out paper applications to 77,000 BadgerCare recipients who need to find replacement health care because they are above the poverty level. The applications are for private plans found on a federal exchange that’s been difficult to access because of computer problems. “Just like most Wisconsin residents who are trying to access insurance through the exchanges, we are frustrated and we need to make sure we’re providing information to our collective constituents,” says Kevin Moore, deputy secretary at the state Department of Health Services. Last week six advocacy groups for the poor wrote to Gov. Scott Walker to ask what was being done to ensure those kicked off BadgerCare didn’t go without coverage if they couldn’t sign up by Dec. 15 to get a private plan by Jan. 1. One of the concerned groups was Community Advocates Public Policy Institute in Milwaukee. The Institute’s Mike Bare says the paper application to get health care on the exchange is a second option, “but the paper application can add some time for people.” “It’s also probably more prone to errors than the website because the website can respond in real time to errors,” adds Bare. “But it certainly is a viable alternative.” The state doesn’t know yet how many people have managed to sign up for health coverage through the exchange. Federal health officials have said they expect to release those figures Nov. 22, 2013 By Shamane Mills The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin is getting its biggest donation from one person ever – $1 million – which will go for mental health services. The size of the donation is as newsworthy as the man giving it. Will Radler is described by American Rose magazine as a hybridizer “who turned the rose world upside-down by creating the most disease-resistant rose on the market today.” That rose is known as “Knock Out.” Radler’s donation to the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin stems from his concern over the limited mental health services for an agency trying to provide comprehensive, integrated care. Since last year, the ARCW has had only a part time psychiatrist – 10 hours a week – to serve 3,000 potential clients. “If you don’t have a healthy mind, you’re not going to have a healthy body,” Radler said. “It works hand in hand. Everything we do – taking medication, taking it at the right time in the right order, doing this daily, day in and day out – if you don’t have a healthy mind, you’re not going to do that.” ARCW President Mike Gifford says the million dollar donation will allow the center to hire full time psychiatrists for the next three years. The ARCW provides services to nine communities in Wisconsin. “ARCW has made the commitment that no matter where you live in the state you’re going to have access to the same high quality services,” Gifford said, “whether it’s La Crosse or Green Bay, from Superior down to Kenosha. ” The million dollar donation is intended to be a catalyst for others to give. The ARCW needs to raise an additional $210,000 for mental health services. Wisconsin Public Radio News in mid-November. Wisconsin Public Radio News Women and Heart Disease EVENT DETAILS Wednesday, December 11 6:30 pm Mercy Delavan Medical Center 1038 E. Geneva St. According to the American Heart Association, more than one in three adult women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Join family practice nurse practitioner, Lisa Wang, MSN, APNP, FNP-C, WCC, to learn: • Signs and symptoms of heart disease • Risk factors • How to take better care of your heart This free dinner seminar is open to the public. Seating is limited; reservations are required by calling (888) 39-MERCY. For those who don’t speak German, this is pronounced goot. Hey, it’s only Detroit that’s bankrupt! Co-sponsored with the Aram Public Library, Delavan also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 — 13 Patients back bill that would require insurance coverage for chemo by pill By Shamane Mills Cancer patients are asking Wisconsin lawmakers to support a bill requiring health insurers to cover oral chemotherapy. Jennifer Grandkoski of Menomonee Falls was diagnosed with leukemia 13 years ago, when she was 24. She was given chemotherapy, both in pill form and IV. The oral medication cost $2,800 for a 10 day supply. “How did we pay for my lifesaving treatment?”, Grandkoski asked. “My parents exhausted every inch of their financial resources. Our last resort was credit cards.” Grandkoski’s insurance covered chemotherapy in a medical setting but required high co-pays for such medication in pill form. Lisa Nelson, state government affairs director with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, says cost can prevent a cancer patient from taking needed medication. “Ten percent of patients abandon treatment when the cost gets over $100 per month or per prescription,” she says. “When that number goes over $500, a full 25 percent of patients abandon treatment.” Insurers say some of the oral treatment may be “emerging” medicine that’s not necessarily proven to work. Dr. Douglas Rizzo, however, says that’s not the case. He’s a bone marrow transplant doctor with the Medical College of Wisconsin. “These are standard practice medications,” says Dr. Rizzo. “Every drug that comes to market – at some point – is investigational. But for many of the drugs we’re talking about, it’s been more than a decade since they’ve come to market and would by no means be considered investigational.” The bill’s Republican authors are Rep. Pat Strachota of West Bend and Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills. The Alliance of Health Insurers opposes the legislation, while the Wisconsin Medical Society favors it. Wisconsin Public Radio News COME & SEE ALL THE NEW CHANGES AT SASSY SALON! INTRODUCING OUR NEW STYLISTS... Lori, Lindsey, Amanda, Mary & Steven (not pictured is Patti, Joann & Steven) WE ARE NOW OFFERING MANICURES & PEDICURES Special Manicure & Pedicure $35.00 Now through December 31 (extra charge for shellac) WE ARE OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome! OFFERING GIFT CERTIFICATES & HOLIDAY PRODUCT SPECIALS On The Square, Next to Family Dollar Walworth, WI ROBIN PAUL, OWNER • 262-275-8000 Your Gift Headquarters This painting of the Dale Folkerts farm in Elkhorn by Whitewater watercolorist Tim Carson is this year’s Elkhorn Christmas Card painting. It is available on Christmas cards from the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce, 203 E. Walworth Ave. in Elkhorn. Holiday social outing planned for people with memory loss The Alzheimer’s Association, will host a holiday social outing for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and their care partners on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hillside Community Church, S93 W30580 County Road NN, in Mukwonago. According to organizers, this social environment will offer lots of laughter, holiday treats, and a safe place for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s or other types of memory loss to mingle with others who share the same experiences. Participants will discover ways to enjoy the holiday season in a new and different way. The program is free, but registration is required. To register contact Judy Gunkel at (262) 548-7224 or by email at jgunkel@alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or local services visit www. alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 2723900. • Hallmark Ornaments • Willow Tree Angels & Nativities • Precious Moments • Yankee & Woodwick Candles & Accessories • Fannie May Candy • Jim Shore • Dept. 56 Villages • Many other gift items & stocking stuffers Jan’s Hallmark HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-5 Sun. 11-3 107 S. 3rd Street, Delavan, WI 262-728-6528 a Focus Salon HAIR Women’s Haircut (shampoo & blow dry) • Assisted Living • Memory Care Active Senior Living at The Terraces & Highlands www.genevacrossing.com 201 Townline Road, Lake Geneva 262-248-4558 Call Today! 15.00 Children’s Haircut 10.00 Men’s Haircut 10.00 Bangs & Beard Trim 5.00 Hair Extension Priced Accordingly STYLE Up Do 30.00 & Up Shampoo & Set 14.00 Shampoo/Cut/Set/Curling Iron 25.00 Shampoo/Blow-dry 13.00 TREATMENT Re-conditioning 10.00 Malibu Treatment 10.00 Treatment & Haircut 25.00 PERMS Short to Medium Perm 65.00 Long Hair Perm priced accordingly COLOR SERVICES • Haircut & Style Full Foil 75.00 & Up Partial Foil 60.00 Extra Color 10.00 Tint/Bleach 65.00 Eyebrows Color 5.00 Retouch 32.00 Corrective Color priced accordingly NAILS Manicures 15.00 Pedicures 25.00 Polish Change 7.00 Gel Polish Plus 10.00 417 N. WISCONSIN STREET • ELKHORN • (262) 723-3776 also at www.readthebeacon.com 14 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 Home and Family Komfort Heating and Lennox team up to keep family warm and safe By Dennis West Thanks to Komfort Heating and Cooling of Elkhorn and Lennox, three brothers will spend this winter warm and safe in their Darien home. Nicholas, Patrick and Gerry Wood have lived in the house since their parents built it in 1975. Their father passed away in 1989 and their mother died this past July. Although the home has served the family well, it has deteriorated markedly over the years until the three remaining brothers were afraid it would be judged uninhabitable. Their main concern was the heating and cooling, which no longer worked correctly. In fact, one of the brothers was in the habit of going into the basement, turning on the gas and waiting until the right moment to light the furnace with a cigarette lighter. This was dangerous, to say the least. The state of the air conditioning unit was important because one of the brothers has a lung disease that causes him severe breathing problems. The boys’ sister, Linda Weber, con- tacted Walworth County Health and Human Services, who put her in touch with Jay Meyers of Komfort Heating. He contacted their supplier, Lennox Industries to apply for a free furnace through its Heat Up Wisconsin program, which provides needy people with a furnace and associated products. Komfort then installed the furnace at no cost to the Woods. In addition to the HVAC installation, the men’s sister Linda and Brother-inlaw, Ron Weber, have been helping with other renovation projects. Ron has been teaching them to lay tile and guiding them through the process of repainting. With a little bit of help from family and friends, it won’t be long before the trio has a warm, bright and safe home. Helping their neighbors isn’t a new experience for the people at Komfort Heating and Cooling. Since its founding in 1976, the company has felt an obligation to help people, and animals, throughout the community it serves. Among the organizations it supports is the Lakeland Animal Shelter; a regular recipient of cash and supplies for the four-legged residents. In honor of its 25th anniversary, Komfort sponsored a boat cruise and silent auction to raise $10,000 for the Water Safety Patrol in Lake Geneva. pany, depending on which provides the main source of heat. In addition, homeowners may receive help in winterizing their home or upgrading an older furnace to a more energy-efficient apparatus. Applications are accepted on a firstcome, first-served basis and will continue throughout the winter of 2013-2014. Eligible households may receive a benefit payment once per heating season (October 1 through May 15), and crisis assistance funds and help for non-operating furnaces and heating systems may also be available. The amount of the benefit payment depends on household size, income level, and energy costs. WHEAP is administered locally through county social services offices, tribal governments, and private non-profit agencies in each county in Wisconsin. Walworth County has been process- ing applications for this season since November 1. Application forms can be picked up at the county Department of Health and Human Services office in Elkhorn at W4051 County Road NN and filled out in person or mailed back. When filing an application in person, residents must take along photo identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, heat and electric utility account numbers and gross household income verification for the past three months. For example, if filing before December 1, income would be submitted for August, September and October 2013. WHEAP applications will be processed within 30 days of the application date. Those who prefer to schedule an application appointment with a representative of the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services can call 741-3337. Admiring a new furnace donated by Lennox and installed by Komfort Heating and Cooling of Elkhorn are (from left) homeowners Nicholas and Patrick Wood, Komfort technicians Kirk and Lucas Lantz , Gerry Wood, Komfort Manager Robin Macara and Ron Weber, the Wood’s brother-in-law. (Photo furnished) Home Energy Assistance now available to help pay heating bills By Jim McClure As the temperatures drop, heating costs climb. Fortunately, for those in need, there are many ways federal, state and local agencies come to the aid of those who need it. In the case of the home heating assistance program, letters detailing the amount of energy assistance Walworth County applicants will receive should be arriving within the week for the first people who signed up for the program November 1. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, or WHEAP, distributes the federal funding locally through the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services. Residents who qualify receive hundreds of dollars toward their prime home heating service. The funds are deposited directly with each resident’s gas or electric utility com- FINISH YOUR TABLE WITH A THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE CALL US TODAY TO PLACE YOUR ORDER 262-723-6677 DELIVERING DAILY TO ELKHORN & DELAVAN We offer...22 Clean, Comfortable Rooms, Great Hospitality in Beautiful Fontana, Wisconsin, close to Geneva Lake. Complimentary Coffee and Breakfast Rolls on Weekends. 26 S. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn (262) 275-6700 • Hwy. 67, 100 Dewey Ave. • Fontana, WI www.flowerswishingwell.com 723-6677 V THE oted WAL BEST IN W COU ORTH NTY for 2013 ! 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Participating in the check presentation are (from left): Raven Delange, Carrie Davis and Dr. Bernice Elliot (all of Community Chiropractic); Food Pantry treasurer Brent Tildahl; Food Pantry Site Coordinator Madeline Zindrick; Troy Johnson, Project Superintendent for UPI; and Robert Brown of Piedra Safety. The donation took place in coordination with the annual Community-Chiropractic-sponsored Stuff The Taxi food drive, which raises money and collects food (in a genuine Checker Yellow Cab) for the food pantry. (Beacon photo) By Shamane Mills As anyone who depended upon the program already knows, a temporary increase to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that began in 2009 as part of the federal stimulus act ended Nov. 1. That means 860,000 people in Wisconsin are getting less money to buy food. According to the Wisconsin Budget Project, an initiative of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Wisconsin families will receive $89 million less in 2014. Research analyst Tamarine Cornelius says a family of three would see benefits cut about $29 per month. “Already SNAP benefits are pretty low compared to the food needs of a family,” says Cornelius. “It only gives about $1.30 per person per meal. So given that SNAP benefits are already not enough, this reduction is going to make it that much harder for these families.” Cornelius says the hardest hit will be Milwaukee County and rural northern counties where more than half the children receive FoodShare, Wisconsin’s name for SNAP. The effect of the cuts is expected to be widespread. “When we take that money away, we make it harder for some families to get by but we’re also taking some of the business away from some local grocery stores,” says Cornelius. “That can shrink some of the local economy.“ Other changes to FoodShare will take place next July when Wisconsin implements a work or training requirement. Exemptions like age, pregnancy and ability would prevent many from having to work to receive benefits. Wisconsin Public Radio News Agape House to host Christmas gift boutique Agape House will hold its annual Christmas Open House and Gift Boutique on Sunday, December 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 215 S. Main Street in Walworth. The open house provides an opportunity for members of the community to see how they can become involved to support the non-profit organization. Agape House programs aid girls and young women who seek healing and includes a residence, school and counseling center, all sustained largely by donations. A Gift Boutique featuring a variety of vendors selling handmade and unique items for one-of-a-kind holiday shopping will be held in the school’s recreation hall. Handmade goods will be available for purchase including items designed by the girls of Agape House. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Agape House programs. Guests can enjoy the Christmas spirit through joyful songs provided by the Agape Angels choir, refreshments and treats. More information about Agape House may be found on page 1. This box of food cost $16 at a local discount food chain. As the amount provided by government food assistance, it would have to last a single person who earns $10 an hour for a whole month. The rest would have to come from food pantries, of which there are 17 in Walworth County. (Beacon photo) How much can you buy with $16? Let Visions of Sugar Plums Dance in Her Head This Holiday with a Gift Certificate from THE DANCE FACTORY! WINTER SEMESTER BEGINS JANUARY 2 Tiny Twos • Pre-Ballet • Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Pointe • Piano • Drums • Voice www.uww.edu/youngauditorium 1013 ANN STREET, DELAVAN (262) 728-3017 For online registration, see our website: www.dancefactoryinc.com By Jim McClure With Thanksgiving just around the corner, thoughts of shoppers turn to amassing a feast that will leave family members groaning after the traditional repast. Wisconsinites who are less fortunate, however are forced think of food as a necessity that must be tightly budgeted. When hard choices have to be made, local food pantries often fill in the gap for those who qualify. In a tough economy, even the fully employed may be underemployed and every food dollar counts. Take, for example, a worker making $10 an hour. In America’s Dairyland, that person, if single, would qualify for just $16 a month. Just how far would that go? The answer, The Beacon discovered at a local discount store, is not as far you’d like but farther than you might think. The picture above tells the tale. We started with the assumption that local food pantries have already provided the basics for breakfast, so the question was how to pack that lunch bag and have something that covers dinner as well. An affordable gallon of milk gets things started and complements cereal for breakfast, soup, macaroni and cheese that’s abundant at local food larders. A frozen bag of chicken tenderloins provides lots of protein along with a package of jumbo franks made with chicken and pork. Enjoy the meat on low-calorie whole grain skinny sandwich buns. Fill up with salad thanks to a head of lettuce and a six pack of raisins that provide extra nutrition and a little for the sweet tooth for dessert. Head off between-meal cravings with a packet of microwave popcorn. That leaves our shopper with dairy, grain, fruit and vegetables all in one box. The good news is that all those edibles comes in at just under $16 and should keep you going for a week or more. The bad news – the timeline for expanded federal funding to offset the recession of 2008-2009 has expired. Holders of the green Wisconsin Quest card used for food shopping received letters this month that their monthly funds on the card will decrease slightly. That $16 will be just $15 from now on. The Good Humour Section begins on page 34. No joke. also at www.readthebeacon.com 16 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 All telephone numbers published in The Beacon are in area code 262 unless otherwise indicated. WINDOWS Contact JERRY SJOBERG 275-2200 Jerry@HomeDesignMfg.com Mr. and Mrs. Claus ride into East Troy aboard the East Troy Electric Railroad and then to the village square by fire truck. (Photo furnished) Santa Train to roll December 7 A limited number of tickets are available for children of all ages who would like to ride in special passenger trolley cars that will follow the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Santa Train on Saturday, Dec. 7, when it makes its annual journey into town. Presented by the East Troy Electric Railroad in conjunction with the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce and Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, the beautifully lit four-car train will travel down the century-old interurban trolley line between Mukwonago and East Troy. The original East Troy Christmas Parade train, started by the East Troy Jaycees and the railroad in 1972, was an historic reproduction of the Schuster’s Christmas Parade in Milwaukee. The Schuster’s Department store chain sponsored the parade, established in 1928, to kick off the Christmas shopping season. It disappeared in 1955 with the demise of the Milwaukee Electric Lines interurban and streetcar system. Spectators, who aren’t aboard the train, can catch a glimpse of Santa along County Road ES. The train will stop briefly at the following crossings: • 4:30 p.m., train departs The Elegant Farmer • 5:15 p.m., Army Lake Road – Army Lake Camp • 5:30 p.m., St. Peter’s Road • 5:50 p.m., Byrnes Street • 6:10 p.m., Division Street • 6:30 p.m., Santa arrives on Village Square via East Troy Fire Department truck The heated passenger trolley will pick up riders at 4:30 p.m. at The Elegant Farmer and follow the Santa Train to East Troy. Riders will be able to walk to East Troy’s historic village square to watch Santa light the community Christmas. The return trip will leave the East Troy depot at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the special ride, which must be purchased in advance, are available at the East Troy Chamber Office, 2096 Church St. (on the Village Square) and the Mukwonago Chamber Office, 801 Main St., Suite 1, for $10 each. For more information, call (262) 642-3770 or (262) 363-7758. RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONCRETE SOLUTIONS Decorative flooring will beautify any area and increase the value of your home, shop, retail location. • EASY TO CLEAN • PROVIDES WATERPROOF BARRIER • MOLD RESISTANT • REDUCES RADON GAS EMISSIONS CONTACT MARCO 262-573-8684 • F R E E E S T I M AT E S • MMIEpoxyFlooring@gmail.com • MMIEpoxyFlooring.com The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your Holiday List! Spend $100 on a Gift Card Get a $10 Gift Card for Yourself! 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The bright red stems are perfect for holiday decorations. The sale will take place at the Nov. 22, 2013 —17 entrance to the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy Boardwalk, across from the Williams Bay Beach, located on Geneva Street in Williams Bay. Proceeds will benefit Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, which is a 230acre natural area open free to the public year round. DELAVAN LANES • 509 S. 7th STREET • DELAVAN, WI $ 10.00 at the Door • Food • Drinks • Silent Auction BAKE SALE RAFFLES A BENEFIT FUND FOR ROBERTO HAS BEEN SET UP AT COMMUNITY BANK, CBD, DELAVAN Holiday Sparkle Dazzling Diamond Selections • Incredible Gemstone Jewelry Watches • Gifts • Clocks The Lakes Area Premier Jewelry Store 305 E. WALWORTH AVENUE, DELAVAN, WI 262-728-8577 Stunning Fall Arrangements Members of Boy Scout Troop 328 gear up to sell Christmas wreaths. They will be selling Nov. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Delavan Chistmas tree lighting ceremony, at Sorg’s Meat Market on Saturdays Nov. 23 and 30, and at the Delavan Piggly Wiggly on Sundays Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. (Photo furnished) Scouts to sell Christmas wreaths Boy Scout Troop 328 is selling Christmas wreaths and garlands to raise money to pay for summer camp and fund their projects throughout the year. The Fresh balsam wreaths with pine cones and a red bow come in several sizes: 20-inch wreath, $16; 24inch wreath, $20; 36-inch wreath, $28; 48-inch wreath, $35; and a 60-inch wreath (no kidding!) $45. Cross wreaths and candy cane wreaths are available for $16 and garlands are available at $1.50 a foot. The scouts will be selling wreaths at the Delavan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tower Park on November 29 between 5 and 7 p.m., at Sorg Farm Packing on Saturdays November 23 and 30, and at Delavan Piggly Wiggly on Sundays November 24 and December 1 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Anyone with questions may contact parent committee member Saskia Lodder at 740-2340. (Family Features) – Stuffing stockings is a fun and memorable holiday tradition. This year, celebrate by filling stockings with budget friendly beauty gifts that friends and loved ones will truly adore. Here are a few gift giving ideas: Scent: Embrace the magic of the winter season with Softsoap’s limited edition body washes, in Wintermint Snowfall and Sparkling Berry Bubbly. The festive scents celebrate the spirit of the season while the moisture-rich formula will leave their skin feeling soft and smooth all winter long. Nails: Everyone wants to add a little glitter and glam during the holidays. Give the women in your life a little sparkle with fun festive nail polishes in colors of red, gold and silver. Lips: Women like lip balms that mois- turize and shine at the same time. Tuck a few tubes of flavored lip balms into their stocking. Fun flavors include berry, gingerbread champagne or citrus. Rejuvenation: Create a themed stocking overflowing with special spa gifts. Tuck in herbal tea bags, dark chocolate truffles, a pretty bath loofah and a coordinating bottle of moisturizing Softsoap body wash, which is available in seasonal holiday fragrances and packaging. To see more fragrances, go to www.softsoap.com. Hair: Head accessories are all the rage so make sure to include at least one in each stocking. Black or red velvet are both traditional choices. Or, go a little more exciting with leopard prints, neon colors or rhinestones. Both types are fun for all ages. Once you’ve checked stocking stuffers Budget friendly beauty gifts make great stocking stuffers 24 Hour Online Ordering Daily Delivery to Surrounding Areas Extensive Greenhouse Selection 6551 Hwy. 11, Delavan 262-728-2020 800-762-2032 www.treasurehutflowers.com Eclectic Gifts and Lighting Supplies Lighting Design/Blue Print Layouts In-Home Consultation Available by Appointment www.laserlightinggaller y.xolights.com Photo by Getty Images Hwy. 67 & Willow Bend Road Walworth, WI 262-275-5775 Store Hours: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. SATURDAY 8:00 A.M. - NOON off of your list, throw a few extra items into the shopping cart for yourself. After all, everyone deserves to shine, shimmer and to smell wonderful during the most magical time of year. also at www.readthebeacon.com 18 — The Beacon DNR allows rifles for deer hunting, except in shotgun-only municipalities Sandra Ginner of Elkhorn has been a decorative painter for thirty years. In the past two years she has begun painting on canvas. Ginner is the featured artist for the month of November at the Government Center on the square in Elkhorn. Her exhibit is sponsored by the Walworth County Arts Council. Ginner’s display features acrylics, note cards, painted wine glasses and decorated boxes. She also designs and paints lampshades for her daughter’s business. Ginner teaches decorative painting and creates and designs quilt patterns for her pattern business, “Sincerely Sandy.” She has published numerous articles on decorative painting in leading craft magazines. It is not necessary to be a member of the Arts Council to have art work presented in the display case. Walworth County artists interested in having their work presented, contact Arts Council volunteers Al Gruling at 642-5281 or Dale Hagan at (414) 837-4363. (Photo furnished) Church to honor Kettle Moraine Land Trust with Good Earth Award The Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT) has been hard at work in the greater Lauderdale Lakes area of Walworth County for the past 10 years, preserving the watersheds and their nearby lands for future generations. According to Pastor Simone Nathan, “Their work in protecting and restoring native eco-systems and their waters has physical, mental, spiritual, social and environmental benefits for the present and for the future. These benefits help children, young people, adults and seniors. For its down-to-earth dedication to these benefits, KMLT is being honored by the Good Earth Church of the Divine with the Second Annual Good Earth Award. “In particular the spiritual aspects of the work of KMLT help every age group involved to experience reflection, inspiration, a sense of place and a connection to something larger than – and beyond – human concerns. Everyone involved has a commitment to choose life rather than By Patty Murray The Department of Natural Resources is now allowing rifles to be used statewide during the gun deer season. Hunters should double check the rules in their hunting grounds, however, since some communities have passed ordinances that keep a “shotgun-only” designation. Shotgun-only hunting zones date back to the 1940s. Originally the intent might have been to prevent the over-harvest of deer, but Matt O’Brien says things have changed over the decades. O’Brien, an administrative warden with the DNR’s law enforcement bureau, says input from Wisconsin Conservation Congress members was in favor of allowing rifles in all zones. The DNR Board approved the rule change earlier this year. Some communities have cited safety concerns, because rifles have a longer range than shotguns. But O’Brien says in the past 10 years no bystander – or anyone not involved in a hunt – has been injured by a rifle shot. “You could hunt coyote with a rifle waste and willful loss or degradation of life.” The Award will be presented on Sunday, December 1, at an event called “Christmas on the Farm: Earthly Delights and Divine Desserts,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, in the Big Brown Barn at W2493 County Road ES, East Troy. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute was the first recipient of the Good Earth Award in 2012. The Brunch, which will be catered by Wild Flour, will feature a silent auction of unique holiday confections to taken home and savored during the season. Music will feature “The Drums & Bells of Christmas” by Valentino Trujillo of Groupo Sante Fe from Chicago. There will be a donation of $18 per person, checks or cash only, no charge cards. For reservations by November 27, and more information, call 684-5193. October home sales unchanged By Patty Murray October home sales in Wisconsin were nearly identical to last year’s, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA). Oct. 2013 home sales are down about 0.1 percent from Oct. 2012, from 5,652 to 5,647 – almost a statistical “wash,” according to David Clark, an economics professor at Marquette University and a consultant with the WRA. He also says the preliminary October numbers may be adjusted upwards. Clark says year-to-date sales increased by 12.4 percent, and prices are up 7.5 percent. The medianpriced Wisconsin home goes for $142,500. “The general picture for 2013 is that it’s quite a bit stronger than 2012,” says Clark. “The picture for October 2013 is that sales are about the same, but the prices are up. But not quite as much as they were in the previous nine months.” Clark says even people who aren’t in the housing market should care about sales statistics, since real estate is a general economic indicator and drives retail sales and construction trade. He says the postrecessionary market is growing rela- Nov. 22, 2013 tive to the rate of inflation. Wisconsin Public Radio News LAMP SHADES LAMP REPAIR CUSTOM LED LIGHTING in the same farm field three days before the deer season. So for most of the year, you could use a rifle in these places. But then for the nine-day gun deer season, or any other firearm deer season, you had to change weapons,” he said. Communities can stick to shotgunonly if they pass an ordinance. That’s what the Town of Washington did last week. Joel Gunnlaugssonn chairs the town, which is spread across five islands off the Door Peninsula, the largest being Washington Island. Gunnlaugsson says the island is built up, and he’s heard of errant shots over the years. Those kind of incidents, he says, are why the town board voted to keep the rifle ban. “A couple years ago a boat in somebody’s yard was hit,” he explained. “There have been several instances of shotgun slugs going through the walls of people’s houses.” The town of Washington only has two full-time police officers to enforce the rifle ban. DNR wardens will not enforce local ordinances. Wisconsin Public Radio News LODGE AT GENEVA RIDGE ON LAKE • 2 BDRM. FURNISHED CONDO IN/OUTDOOR POOLS • SEASONAL SPORTS Weekly/Monthly/Long-Term Housing 1-847-825-2575 • Door Prizes • Refreshments • Barn & Facility Tours • Meet Your New Riding Instructor STORE SPECIALS PRESENTATION OF HORSES FOR SALE SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DEC. 7 & 8 www.west20.com Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. W4812 Hwy. 20 • East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-4272 Your Cowboy Christmas Headquarters COME TO CARAVELLE TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND FIND SOME GREAT GIFTS TOO! 23 ANNUAL STAINED GLASS SALE! RD Shed Some Light on Your Good Taste 9307 S. ROUTE 12 RICHMOND, IL 60071 (815) 678-4558 WWW.CARAVELLELITE.COM also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 —19 Delavan DBA announces 2013 Christmas card winner The Delavan Downtown Business Association’s third annual Christmas card, which features Therese Duszynski’s “Hickory Dickory ...Santa’s Here!” is now on sale. Christmas cards with matching purple envelope are available for $1.95 each or 6 cards for $10 at Bradley’s Department Store, Brick Street Market, Lubick Gallery, and Remember When. Proceeds from sales of the Delavan Christmas card will help the Downtown Business Association to sponsor a mural at the 2015 Delavan Walldog event. Remember When also has Delavan themed coasters, postcards, note cards, shopping bags, magnets, cutting boards, trivets, mugs and puzzles available for giving this year. Copies of Duszynski’s 2012 Delavan Christmas card are also still available. Acccording to DBA President Lori Wuttke, many residents have made sending a Delavan Christmas card and giving Delavan-themed gifts a holiday tradition. PROFESSIONAL CLEANING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE • Business • Residential • After Construction • Carpet Cleaning • Window & Gutter Cleaning • Power Washing REFERENCES AVAILABLE Home Cleaning Service WILL DONATE Visitors Bureau collecting warm wearables for ‘The Big Bundle Up’ The Walworth County Visitors Bureau is inviting residents to drop off new or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, mittens and other warm clothing items as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's “The Big Bundle Up” campaign. “The Big Bundle Up” is a statewide collection program that will run from Nov. 18 – Jan. 4. This is the third year of the program. Last year's program collected more than 17,000 winter items to help warm up families in need. In addition to the Visitors Center, other collection sites are located throughout the state. Visit TravelWisconsin.com for a full listing of donation sites. A box will be located in the Visitors Center at 2375 E. Geneva Street, Highway 50, (Lake Lawn Resort airport) in Delavan, for donors to drop off warm clothing items every day of the week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All items donated at this location will be given to the Walworth County Homeless Shelter and Twin Oaks. Anyone with questions about the collection may call the Visitors Bureau at 728-6000. 10.00 $ to • CNC Routed Signs S.M.I.L.E.S. Gift es icat Certif ilable Ava Cell: (262) 745-8881 • (262) 248-0858 homecleaning@sbcglobal.net • Stephanie Nicewarner, Owner Vist Our Website: www.home-cleaning-service.webs.com For Special Offers! for Every New-Repeat Customer that we get in 2013! • Sandblasted Signs • Vehicle Graphics • Dimensional Lettering and Logos • Sign Repair 262-728-4499 www.signshopwi.com NEW TO LAKE GENEVA Affordable, Unique Handcrafted Solid Wood Furniture Pieces Christmas Gift Ideas? A LARGE SELECTION OF ICE FISHING, HUNTING GEAR AND ACCESSORIES Designers and Decorators Love Our Store! 609 W. MAIN STREET LAKE GENEVA 262-248-3665 www.cozycottagehomefurnishings.com Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday By Appointment Only FREE PUBLIC PARKING BEHIND MUSEUM Hwy. 50 • Delavan Inlet Across from Boat Launch 3542 STATE ROAD 50 DELAVAN, WI (262) 725-7007 OPEN DAILY AT 6:00 A.M. Ice Fishing Headquarters for All Your Bait and Tackle Including: • Propane • Lazer Augers • Electronics Great Gifts for Outdoorsmen • Layaways • We Offer Gift Certificates FIREARMS FOR SALE • BUY • TRADE Ammunition also at www.readthebeacon.com 20 — The Beacon Shorewest Realtors® Keefe Real Estate, Inc. Shorewest Realtors® Ryan Simons Kathy Baumbach Assistant Sales Director OFFICE: (262) 248-1020 DIRECT: (262) 248-5564 ext. 127 kbaumbach@shorewest.com Kathy Baumbach Realtor Associate LAKEFRONT SPECIALIST Dorothy Higgins Gerber CELL: (608) 852-3156 OFFICE: (262) 728-8757 rsimons@keeferealestate.com OFFICE: (262) 248-1020 Ryan Simons Shorewest Realtors Shorewest-Lake Geneva 623 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Shorewest Realtors® Realtor DIRECT: (262) 248-5564 ext. 199 AGENT MOBILE: (262) 949-7707 dgerber@shorewest.com Dorothy Higgins Gerber Keefe Real Estate, Inc. 1155 E. Geneva Street Suite A Delavan, WI 53115 www.shorewest.com www.delavanlakeproperty.com Shorewest Realtors Shorewest-Lake Geneva 623 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Shorewest Realtors® www.shorewest.com Shorewest Realtors® Richard Geaslen Jane Dulisse Jim Stirmel Broker Associate, GRI OFFICE: (262) 248-1020 DIRECT: (262) 248-5564 ext. 204 CELL: (262) 206-5532 OFFICE: (262) 248-1020 DIRECT: (262) 248-5564 ext. 161 CELL: (262) 949-1660 jdulisse@shorewest.com rgeaslen@shorewest.com www.rgeaslen.shorewest.com Jane Dulisse Shorewest Realtors Shorewest-Lake Geneva 623 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Nov. 22, 2013 Richard Geaslen EMAIL: jstirmel@shorewest.com FAX: 262-728-3999 Jim Stirmel Shorewest Realtors Shorewest-Lake Geneva 623 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 www.shorewest.com OFFICE: (262) 740-7300 ext. 1058 CELL: 262-949-3668 www.shorewest.com Shorewest Realtors Shorewest-Delavan 830 E. Geneva Street Delavan, WI 53115 www.shorewest.com NEW LISTING BLOOMFIELD MLS #1338745 - Turn-key bar/restaurant. Includes all bar and kitchen commercial equipment, furniture, furnishings and collector beer mirrors. TV, pool tables and sound system are included. Fenced beer garden and separate 3000+ sq. ft. concrete block building can be converted into banquet hall. All updates have been done. 2 separate parcels total 1.5 acres. Plenty of parking. $389,900 LINN PIN #12445 - 2 blocks from the lake, 4-5 bdrm. primary or secondary home has new roof, carpet, flooring, paint, furnace, water heater and more. Enclosed porch/sunroom and lrg. mostly fenced yard. $159,900 PALMYRA MLS #1333566 - Beautiful, lightly wooded, 1.22 acre lot is located next to the Kettle Moraine State Trails & Horse Riders Campground. You are only blocks away from the historic downtown area of Palmyra. Country living with all the amenities. $79,900 RANDALL MLS 1327815 - Lake living without lakefront taxes!! This custom built 3+ bdrm./3+bath home is located 1 block from Powers Lake boat launch. Open concept kitchen has 11 ft. ceilings, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, maple floors and cabinets, Jenn-Aire cook top and convection oven. Super sized mstr. retreat has huge walk-in closets and private bath. Lower level is finished. Deep 3.5 car garage. $479,900 SUGAR CREEK MLS #1316822 - Very spacious open concept home. 3 bdrms., 2 baths. Mstr. bdrm. has walk-in closet, private bath and sitting area. Bdrms. 2 and 3 are at opposite sides of the house. Lower level rec room is ideal for media room, game room or 4th bdrm. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. of additional lower level can be finished. Deck in back. $219,900 NEW PRICE GENOA CITY 245-1877 MLS #1301880 - The Hideaway is a full service bar/tavern at the WI/IL border. Business is in full operation and is turnkey as owner is retiring. Appliances, equipment, furniture and inventory are included. Just had municipal water and sewer connected and is paid in full. 3 bdrm., 1 bath living quarters are attached with almost 1000 sq. ft. of living space. Parking for 30+ vehicles. $379,900 TWIN LAKES MLS #13131404 - Ranch home with finished LL walkout to .62 acres of lush backyard and garden. LL has lrg. rec room w/stone gas frplc, bdrm, bath, workshop and extra garage. Main level has gas frplc. in LR w/open concept kitchen and dining room. 3 bdrms., 3 season porch that leads to 1 of 2 decks. Mstr. suite bath has whirlpool and skylight. $329,000 LINN/LAKE GENEVA MLS #1283208 - Oh my goodness, the ONLY buildable lot in the Private Lake Geneva Beach Assoc.! Just 2-3 blocks from the lake in a great location. Sellers own home listed on Poplar St. Make offer on both. Live in Poplar house while building your new home. Enjoy having access to private members only beach, park, pier and boat launch! $269,000 LAKE GENEVA PIN #46595 - 1 bedroom condo in downtown Lake Geneva. Immaculate and cozy. Perfect for year-round or weekends. Heat and water included in condo fees. Laundry facilities and storage on lower level. Assigned parking space. $89,000 CALL Real Estate Advertising in The Beacon is effective because it doesn’t get lost in the clutter of hundreds of other ads. Call 245-1877 today for rates. GENOA CITY PIN #90165 - Almost 1 acre of level land ready for your new home plans. Excellent location, Genoa City, close to Hwy. 12 for easy commute. Downtown just steps away. Property located on Petticoat Dr. behind Pancho’s Restaurant. $49,900 LAKE GENEVA PIN #41055 - Newer 3 bdrm., 2 bath ranch with finished lower level. Warm neutral colors abound from room to room. Private patio area for great summer nights, main level utility room and large detached garage complete this move-in ready property. Ask about furnishings, all appliances included. $167,900 Hotline: 262-814-1400 + 5 digit PIN JANE DULISSE 262-206-5532 Log on to www.readthebeacon.com and watch a different Joe Martin animated cartoon every day! Miss one? Check the archives for hundreds. shorewest.com The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Nov. 22, 2013 — 21 Chance to take current GED exams will end December 13 By Breann Schossow There’s less than a month left for students to complete their GED using the current version of the exam. If they don’t, their scores will be cleared and they’ll have to start over. The deadline for Wisconsin residents pursuing a GED – the equivalent of a high school diploma – using the current version of the exam is December 13. If they haven’t completed all five necessary elements of it successfully, they’ll have to start the process over with the new test, which becomes available in January. Beth Lewis is with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She says the most recent update to the GED was in 2002. “It’s getting old, and it’s time to start with a new test that’s more college- and career-ready,” says Lewis. Lewis says the new version aligns with skills needed in the 21st century for people to pursue further education or work, like higher level math skills and computer literacy. Lewis says a year ago, about 43,000 people in Wisconsin had taken at least one of the tests that make up the GED. She says her department has been working hard for the past year-and-a-half to reach out to people and encourage them to finish. Colette Busse is from Fox Valley Technical College, one of the Wisconsin testing sites for the GED. Some of their outreach efforts included sending postcards to the last known address of people who started the test at the school, but didn’t finish. Busse says they also offered extra boot camps to build confidence for students. “We’ve really tried to work with the students to give them the best possible chance of finishing quickly, and in some cases we know it’s going to be down to the wire, but we’re doing everything we can to get them ready,” Busse says. Another change involves how the test is taken. Currently, people can use paper and pencil or a computer at a testing location. The new test will be exclusively computer-based and will cost $135. Wisconsin Public Radio News By Adam Hirsch A new report ranks UW-Madison as sixth among U.S. universities and colleges in the number of students studying abroad for academic credit. UW-Madison senior Ashley Street knew she wanted to study abroad right from the start. Street spent a semester in Italy and a semester in Ireland last year. She’s also a peer advisor for International Academic Programs at UW-Madison and helps others who want to study abroad. Street says spending time abroad provides an opportunity for students to figure out who they are in a global setting. “You really experience a lot of personal growth, a lot of development in different ways that you just can’t experience in America, or in Madison, or wherever you’re studying in the U.S.,” she said. More than 2,100 UW-Madison students studied abroad for academic credit in 2011-2012. That is almost the same as the number the previous year. However, the report from the Institute of International Education ranks UWMadison as sixth among U.S. universities and colleges. That’s a move up from the previous year, when the school was ninth. Dan Gold directs the International Academic Programs, which offers about 200 study abroad programs at UWMadison. He says they’re delighted by the ranking and that it shows the school’s commitment to international education. Gold says he thinks people have realized the relevance of a global education for all fields. “The way our world is interconnected, for students to be able to understand that world and how everything relates and connects to each other is absolutely necessary in today’s world in order to compete and succeed,” Gold said. In 2011-2012, the number of U.S. students that studied abroad was 283,332. That’s an increase of more than 9,000 from the previous year. Wisconsin Public Radio News UW-Madison ranked 6th in nation for students abroad A student discusses life choices with a volunteer during the 2012 Reality Fair. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Delavan-Darien High School. (Photo furnished) High schools to host Reality Fair About 200 students from DelavanDarien and Elkhorn Area high schools will take part in a “Reality Fair” from 8 a.m. until noon, Thursday, Dec. 5, at DDHS. Business Education faculty at DDHS are coordinating the event, which will give students a perspective on what life is like after high school. “Life can be tough. There are bills to pay and day-to-day challenges to solve that many students have never even considered,” said DDHS business teacher Carrie Schuknecht. “We hope that holding this event with the new Personal Finance graduation requirement will help our students make real-life connections.” Students are surveyed prior to the event about their thoughts on the costs of living, such as rent, food, college loans, insurance, gasoline and the like. Students must then specify their intended job or career, and are assigned family situations. Each student is also assigned a credit score and monthly salary to “live” on during the fair. The objective is to have a greater-than-zero balance in the “bank” at the end of the experience. “We encourage students to be honest about their future plans,” Schuknecht said. “Some just say they’ll be doctors or lawyers, feeling that these are high-paying jobs – and they are – but there are also steep college loans associated with those careers. Students are given that debt and other debts, too.” During the fair, students go from station to station, which represent different aspects of American life, including such things as transportation, insurance, utilities, housing, childcare, unforeseen or “fate” events, and others. They are given different scenarios, including costs, at each station. Some may have serious health problems, or have costly home repairs, or have to pay for daycare. As students go station-to-station, they keep a running balance in a checkbook provided by event sponsor, Educators Credit Union. “Many students start these activities with the idea that ‘they know all of this,’ and that ‘it will be easy,’” Schuknecht said. “Students quickly find that it is more challenging than they would have believed. It allows them see the reality of personal finance.” As in life, students might not always get what they want, but they certainly do get a lesson in real life at the DelavanDarien Reality Fair. Fair organizers are looking for volunteers who would like to manage a booth at the fair. Anyone who is interested is invited to contact DDHS business education teacher Carrie Schuknecht at 728-2642 ext. 4430, or via email at cschuknecht@ddschools.org. Governor hears complaints about school mascot bill By Chuck Quirmbach Gov. Scott Walker says Native American tribes have complained to him about the mascot bill that has passed the state legislature, but Walker isn’t saying yet what he will do with the measure. The bill would make it harder to lodge complaints against Wisconsin schools with Native American mascots, such as the Mukwonago Indians. Before the legislature took final action last week, Democrats repeatedly called the measure racist. Walker says during a regular meeting with all Wisconsin Native American tribes last week, he heard several complaints about the legislation. “They told me a lot of personal sto- ries about not just elders, but in some cases, students, that had negative impacts in that regard,” Walker said. “My hope is that, no matter what happens with that particular piece of legislation, people would wake up and realize that regardless of personal beliefs – be they political, ideological, religious or otherwise – we need to be more respectful of other people in this state.” Walker says lawmakers made some “convoluted” amendments to the bill, and he needs to see if they’re practical. All the Senate Democrats wrote the governor Nov. 13 requesting he veto what they call the “race-based mascot bill,” and noting he’s trying to work with the tribes on casino issues and job creation. Wisconsin Public Radio News Students work out real-life budgets that take into account items they may not have thought about before attending the Reality Fair. Some students opt for jobs in the professions because of the higher incomes that come with them without thinking about such things as massive student loans they will have to repay. (Photo furnished) also at www.readthebeacon.com 22 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 The 12 days of pet-safe holidays Ken Schenk, former Walworth Country Idol winner and Elkhorn resident, donates his $1,000 prize to the Landland Animal Shelter. Chili, a pit bull who was formerly a show dog, obviously approves of the award. Schenk competed against the other winners for votes and the one who received the most got a $1,000 check for their favorite charity. (Penny Gruetzmacher photo) Pet Questions and Answers By Marc Morrone Q: We want to get a guinea pig for my son and he wants to keep it in his room, but we’re afraid it may bother his asthma at night. We have a very busy house, and there are a lot of comings and goings all the time, so if we keep it downstairs, I’m worried it may get stressed out from all our family drama. A: Guinea pigs are in the rodent family, and, like most rodents, are shy and always worried about getting eaten. But they are very social rodents that live in groups. When a guinea pig is kept as a pet, it quickly bonds with the humans that live with it, and when it has totally lost its fear and worry that something bad will happen to it, it will relax and allow its personality to develop. It will become clever and curious about the creatures that share its life, and is going to want to be where the action is. A guinea pig kept in a kitchen, for example, will quickly learn that when the refrigerator opens, fresh veggies are forthcoming. It will most likely squeal loudly in protest if it doesn’t get any, adding to your family drama. So, you see, the guinea pig will actually have a better and more interactive life if it is part of a family unit and not shut up in a bedroom all day. Since they are social animals and it is just as easy to care for two as one, I would advise you to actually get a same-sex pair. (Continued on page 40) (Family Features) The holidays can be a hectic time for everyone. While you’re busily gearing up for guests and parties, it’s important to remember your pet’s safety to ensure a festive and fun season is enjoyed by all. From bright decorations to holiday house guests, it can be easy to overlook a few household dangers that may cause harm to your favorite companions. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your fuzzy friend safe and jolly this holiday: 12. Covered Cords: Cords used for holiday lights can be tempting to chew for many pets. Take time while decorating to tape down or cover cords to help prevent shocks, burns or other serious injuries. 11. Tempting Table Scraps: Rich scraps such as drippings, gravy and poultry skin can cause pets to suffer from upset stomach, diarrhea and even pancreatitis, which are not only terribly painful but can be fatal. Giving your dog poultry bones is also a bad idea as they can splinter and get stuck in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. 10. Radiant Ribbons: Cats may be interested in playing with or eating tinsel and ribbons hanging from trees. These decorations should be placed high on the tree or not used at all because they can potentially cause serious intestinal damage if swallowed. 9. Dinging Doorbells: Consider putting your dog on a leash before people start arriving. Not only will you be able to control him if he begins to jump, you’ll also avoid him running out the door. 8. Tasty Treats: Keep human party snacks out of reach from animals and offer pet-friendly options instead, such as Blue Santa Stew Holiday Feast and Santa Paws Snacks. 7. Quiet Corners: Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat so they can choose whether to come out and visit or keep to themselves when company arrives. 6. Patient Puppies: Tell your guests that your puppy is in training, and he needs to be polite before they say “hello” to him. Have your dog sit, using a treat if necessary, and once he’s sitting and calm let your guests pet him. 5. Perilous Plants: Mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants are all poisonous for dogs, so skip them as decorations or make sure they are out of reach. 4. Guarded Glasses: Alcohol and pets do not mix. Place alcoholic drinks safely out of reach and patrol the party to be sure your guests do the same. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. 3. Calming Coats: Using a Thunder Shirt can calm a nervous dog by applying gentle pressure to the body. In addition to the traditional coat, there are now cold weather ThunderSweater and ThunderCoat options. 2. Nearby Numbers: Keep contact information for your veterinarian and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic readily available in case of a holiday mishap. 1. Towering Tree: Seasonal trees are sure to attract a pet’s attention and should be secured to keep from toppling over if a pet should try to climb them, use as a scratching post or simply bump into them. For more information on how to keep pets safe during the holiday season, visit www.petsmart.com. Give The Gift That Keeps On Giving... MEMBERSHIP TO VALLEY OF THE KINGS SANCTUARY & RETREAT VOTK is open to members only. An Individual Membership is Only $60 for 6 months and Family is $75 for 6 months, ($37.50 for seniors 62 years and over). Once you are a member, you can come any Saturday, Sunday or both after 1:30 p.m. to visit the animals. Get your 2014 Calendar! Lion & Tiger CONTACT US: VALLEY OF THE KINGS SANCTUARY & RETREAT W7593 Townhall Road, Sharon, WI 53585-9728 PHONE (262) 736-9386 email: info@votk.org • website: www.votk.org T-Shirts & Sweatshirts Available In Our On-Site Store! IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF: • Clay Cat Litter • Kitten Food • Dry & Canned Cat Food • Canned Dog Food • Kitten Milk Replacement Formula (KMR or Mother’s Helper) CLEANING SUPPLIES: • Liquid Laundry Soap • Bleach • Dish Soap • Paper Towels • Antibacterial Hand Soap VOLUNTEERS! 3 MILES SOUTH OF ELKHORN ON HWY. 67 • ELKHORN, WI • (262) 723-3899 My Christmas Wish List: • Healthy Treats • Bones, Ears, Tails and Antlers to chew on Happy Holidays from all of us at The Bark Market! Laser Surgery | Ultrasound | Dentistry | House Calls | Bathing & FURminating | Boarding Quality, Compassionate Pet Care Complete Veterinary Care for Cats, Dogs, and Exotics by Caring and Friendly Staff Chris Hartwig, DVM • Laura Jens, DVM • Betty Lee, DVM My Christmas Wish List: Forever homes for ALL the homeless animals My Christmas Wish List: • QUALITY SUPPLIES FOR DOGS & CATS • 6 weeks of dog training • Gift Certificate to spend how I like • Soft bed all my own M, T, F 7:30 - 5 W, Th 7:30 - 6 Sat 7:30 - Noon Scan with phone • PET DOG TRAINING 262-728-7877 5540 STATE RD. 50, DELAVAN, WI Hours: Sun. & Mon. Closed; Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 am-6:00 pm Fri. 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sat. 8:00 am-3:00 pm 1107 Ann St. – Delavan | www.DelavanLakesVet.com | (262) 728-8622 also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Plan ahead. Look through the calendar to make advance reservations for events that require them. Phone numbers are in area code (262) unless otherwise indicated. FRIDAY, NOV. 22 Holiday Craft Fair at Lakeland Health Care Center, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. More than 30 booths of craft and baked goods as well as businesses such as Tupperware, Avon, Miche Purses, Tastefully Simple and more. Lunch and Otis Cookies will be for sale. Admission is free. Lakeland is located at 1922 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Call 741-3600 for more information. BloodCenter of Wisconsin blood drive, noon to 5 p.m. at Aurora Heatlh Center, 525 Kenosha St., Walworth. For an appointment, visit www.bcw.edu/AuroraWalworth. SATURDAY, NOV. 23 BloodCenter of Wisconsin blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 3001 Elm St. in East Troy. For an appointment, visit www.bcw.edu/StPeters. SUNDAY, NOV. 24 High Tea with the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, 3-5 p.m. in the Great Room at Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva Street, Delavan. Enjoy an afternoon of sophisticated socializing during Lake Lawn’s first Holiday High Tea. Guests will delight in freshly baked scones, delectable finger food and an assortment of fine teas while the orchestra performs a variety of classical pieces. Cost is $20 for adults, $8 for children 4-12, while children 3 and younger attend complimentarily. 19th Annual Illumination Ceremony, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Grand Geneva Resort, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, (north of Highway 50), Lake Geneva. Join Grand Geneva in the Forum Theater for the kickoff of the annual five-week long Christmas in the Country Celebration. Roam the halls to take in all the sights and sounds of Christmas and see more than two million lights illuminated for the first time this season followed by a grand fireworks display. Enjoy holiday cookies, hot apple cider, live music and interactive family activities from 4:30 - 5 p.m. with favorite holiday characters. Please take a new unwrapped toy or article of clothing for Toys for Kids (kids in need range from infants to 18 years of age). Spirit of the Lakes Chorus, 3-5 p.m., Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. The chorus is a women’s organization dedicated to music education and excellence, as they encourage lasting friendships and share the joy of performing four-part harmony. As part of Sweet Adelines International, they engage annually in a regional competition, and often come home with medals. In 2013, the chorus won second place among small choruses and their score of 541 made us the 16th place small chorus in the entire Sweet Adelines world. Tickets are $12. Call Dona Button at 248-2228 or email info@spiritofthelakeschorus.org. TUESDAY, NOV. 26 MercyCare Health Plans presents an educational seminar for people eligible for its new individual health plan, 10:30 a.m., Room G380B, Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center N2950 Highway 67, Lake Geneva. MercyCare Health Plans is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, call (800) 895-2421 or visit MercyCareHealthPlans.com. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27 American Red Cross Blood Drive, 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Badger High School, 220 E. South St. in Lake Geneva. (complimentary T-shirt for presenting donors, while supplies last). BloodCenter of Wisconsin blood drive, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Geneva Resort - Lindwood Room, 7036 Grand Geneva Way. All attempting donors will receive a complimentary pie from Lake Geneva Pie Company. Visit www.bcw.edu/GrandGeneva to make an appointment. Bingo at Delavan American Legion Post 95, 111 S. Second St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., 15-game session begins at 6:30. Progressive session follows: $1/face, progressive pot grows until won. $100 consolation prize. Live Music at Sperino’s Pepperoni Pub, 8-11 p.m., performed by the Novy Spinners, whose covers range from Tom Petty and Bon Jovi to Foster the People and Zac Brown Band. THURSDAY, NOV. 28 Thanksgiving Day Complimentary Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate, lonely or anyone in need, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Town of Delavan Community Park, Highway 50 and South Shore Drive. Sponsored by the WalworthLakeland Elks Club. Anyone who would like to schedule food delivery to the elderly and/or homebound should call 749-4621. Deliveries will be made by members of Boy Scout Troop 328, Cub Scout Pack 327 and Venturing Crew 2010. Transportation to and from the Town Park for anyone in the Delavan/Elkhorn area may be arranged by calling 749-4621. FRIDAY, NOV. 29 Festival of Trees, tree lighting and Chritmas caroling, 6 p.m., Edgewater Park, Williams Bay, Immediately following the activities at Edgewater Park, carolers will sing at Sherwood Lodge (Cherry Street) and Williams Bay Care Center, led by the Calvary Community Music Choir.. SATURDAY, NOV. 30 Geneva Lake Museum Craft Show, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., featuring handcrafted or vintage-style items. Entry to the museum, 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva, is free for the event. Lakeland Players present “A Dickens of A Christmas” (children’s musical), 4 p.m. at The Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. Elkhorn. The cost is $7. Call 728-5578 or order online at www.lakeland-players.org. SUNDAY, DEC. 1 Lakeland Players present “A Dickens of A Christmas” (children’s musical), 4 p.m. at The Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. Elkhorn. The cost is $7. Call 728-5578 or order online at www.lakeland-players.org. TUESDAY, DEC. 3 MercyCare Health Plans presents an educational seminar for people eligible for its new individual health plan, 10:30 a.m., Room G380B, Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center N2950 Highway 67, Lake Geneva. MercyCare Health Plans is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, call (800) 895-2421 or visit MercyCareHealthPlans.com. Tuesdays @ Two workshop at Geneva Lake Museum presents the 136-year history of the Elgin Club, an association of summer homes on the north shore of Geneva Lake. Call 248-6060 to make a reservation. The museum is located at 255 Mill St. Free parking in back. FRIDAY, DEC. 6 Senior Travel Club of Walworth County will meet from 10-11 a.m. in the Community Room of the Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn. Sign up will continue for the January 14 trip to see historic sites in Racine. Sign up will begin for the February 11 trip to hear the Lennon Sisters in Oakbrook, Ill. The Christmas luncheon and entertainment for members only will follow the meeting. January begins a new year for the travel club with dues of $15 for the year. Call Rachel at 743-1555 with questions. Tree Lighting and Santa Reception, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Elkhorn square, downtown. Join Peoples Bank as they light up the Thanksgiving Menu Enjoy our Special Menu of Family Favorites including... • ROAST TURKEY • DUCK • PRIME RIB Plus more entrees to choose from. town with Christmas spirit as the big man himself, Santa Claus, and a special helper wave their wand to magically light the tree. Afterwards, all are welcome to the Matheson Memorial Library for the Santa and Mrs. Claus Reception, sponsored by Peoples Bank. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, music and crafts while the kids wait for their turn to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. SATURDAY, DEC. 7 Christmas Sale, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., St. James United Methodist Church, 2945 Main St. East Troy. The sale will include Christmas baked goods, used books, greeting cards, knitted items, Christmas decorations, kitchen knives and flavorings. Holiday Cookie Sale beginning at 10 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 76 S. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn. Holiday raffle for a $1 donation or six for $5 provide an opportunity to win a Christmas basket, plate of cookies, handmade purse, gingerbread cookie jar, holiday wall hanging and a spring picture by Ken Weeden. Christmas Tree Walk, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the newly remodeled Heritage Hall of the Walworth County Historical Society in Elkhorn. The walk will display Christmas trees provided by area businesses, individuals and organizations. Heritage Hall is located across from the Webster House Museum on E. Rockwell St. in Elkhorn. Geneva Lake Museum presents a Victorian Christmas Celebration, 1 to 4 p.m. with the museum welcoming our community to step back and enjoy the Reason for the Season at the Geneva Lake. No admission charge. The museum is located at 255 Mill St. Free parking in back. Annual Christmas Card Town Parade, 1:30 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Bundle up the family and grab a spot in downtown Elkhorn to watch the 32nd annual parade, which includes Christmas-decorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lakeland Players present “A Dickens of A Christmas” (children’s musical), 4 p.m. at The Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. Elkhorn. The cost is $7. Call 728-5578 or order online at www.lakeland-players.org. SUNDAY, DEC. 8 Lakeland Players present “A Dickens of A Christmas” (children’s musical), 4 p.m. at The Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. Elkhorn. The cost is $7. Call 728-5578 or order online at www.lakeland-players.org. TUESDAY, DEC. 10 MercyCare Health Plans presents an educational seminar for people eligible for its new individual health plan, 10:30 a.m., Room G380B, Mercy Walworth Hospital and JUMBLE ANSWERS GOING LIGHT DURESS PAROLE One way to solve a knotty problem — PULL STRINGS KIDS’ JUMBLE BOY LONG CAKE TOOK What do you call a book about eggs that makes you laugh? — A “YOLK” BOOK ©2013 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. • Serving Noon to 5:00 p.m. • (608) 362-8577 Call For Christmas Party Reservations Open Tuesday - Sunday BOGGLE ANSWERS BOBCAT WALRUS WEASEL JAGUAR GERBIL ©2013 Tribune Content Agency LLC 5246 E. CTY. RD. X - BELOIT, WI Medical Center N2950 Highway 67, Lake Geneva. MercyCare Health Plans is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, call (800) 895-2421 or visit MercyCareHealthPlans.com. Tuesdays @ Two workshop at Geneva Lake Museum presents “When the Walls Talk,” as exhibit designer, Karen Jo talks about the museum’s more than 30 exhibit areas. Call 248-6060 to make a reservation. The museum is located at 255 Mill St. Free parking in back. SATURDAY, DEC. 14 Cookie walk, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 416 W. Geneva Delavan. Holton Band Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the melodic sounds of the holiday season with this free holiday concert performed by the Holton Elkhorn Band at the Walworth County Performing Arts Center (former Sprague Theatre). Free tickets are available at the Elkhorn Chamber while supplies last. ~ ~ ~ Ongoing events ~ ~ ~ Gingerbread House Display, Nov. 24Dec. 30, outside Ristorante Brissago at Grand Geneva Resort, Highway 50 east of Lake Geneva. Area residents, in both amateur and professional, adult and child categories, display their masterpieces. Volunteer work day, every Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Kishwauketoe Nature Preserve, Highway 67, north, Williams Bay. Meet at the main entrance. The work location will be posted at the kiosk. Contact Harold at (262) 903-3601 or email knc@kncwb.org to get on the list. AARP Local 5310, 8:30 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month (except August and December) at Peoples Bank, 837 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. The speaker for the meeting on Sept. 24 will be Dr. Edward Gimbel from UW-Whitewater speaking on the U.S. Constitution. For information, call Shirley Grant at 473-2214 or email shirl23@charter.net. American Legion Auxiliary meeting, 6:45 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Legion Hall on Second Street in Delavan. The group raises money for scholarships and to send gifts at Christmas time to the servicemen and women that are hospitalized due to injuries while in combat. Attention horse lovers – Walworth County Boots and Saddle Club is looking for new members. Meetings take place at 7 p.m., second Saturday of each month for potluck and to plan events. Sugar Creek Town Hall, N6641 Co. Road H, Elkhorn. Call Fred Campisano, 716-6355 for more information. (Continued on page 26) Puzzle Answers CHILDREN’S MENU IS AVAILABLE Reservations Are Suggested Nov. 22, 2013 — 23 24 — The Beacon By Kathi West There is still time to make something lovely and personal for your very best friend or family for Christmas. A kingsized quilt is probably out of the question, but little things like pillow cases, placemats, napkins, coasters, table runners or table toppers, a throw for the sofa, a pillow, a tea cozy or toaster cover, pot holder, a kitchen apron or a gardening apron, an ornament or skirt for the Christmas tree, pin cushion, tote bag, Christmas stocking or wall hanging. I hope these suggestions have helped you. When it’s personal and homemade by you it’s a cherished gift. The receiver is warmed by the thought that you took the time to do something special for her, or him. You didn’t go to the store and choose something off the rack just to have a present. You had to think and plan the project and make it. That makes it special. Remember, every year you need to also at www.readthebeacon.com Nov. 22, 2013 all have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful mostly for having a kind, generous and loving husband, two wonderful boys who have great partners in their lives, too. We have two grand children and a special step granddaughter and one step great grandson. There are always sorrows in life, but count your blessings and be happy. Have a nice Thanksgiving! QUILT GUILD SCHEDULES Chocolate City Quilters meet the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Burlington High School library, 400 McCanna Parkway. The Crazy Quilt Guild Quilters meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 231 Roberts Drive in Mukwonago The Harvard Village Quilters meet the third Wednesday of the month at 1 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church 504 East Diggins Street Harvard, Ill. Guests are Welcome. Sue Buckingham shows the wall hanging that she started in a Ricky Timms class. (Beacon photo) Sharon Yanz made this mariner’s compass. All of the quilts on this page were made by members of the Scrappers Quilt Guild, which meets in Williams Bay. (Beacon photo) make a Santa list for yourself, because the Santa in your house doesn’t really know what you want. So think it over and put your list on his bathroom mirror or on the steering wheel of his car. If you want a new sewing machine be sure to put the brand name, the model and where to get it. I have always believed that gift certificates work really well. Be sure to put the store name on the list. If you wanted a long arm quilting machine, you aren’t going to find it at your local discount store. And most of all, shop locally as much as possible. The stores here need you and we need to support them. The new Jo-Ann Fabric Store is now open. The ribbon cutting was on November 21. The Grand Opening runs from Nov. 21-23. We can now get different fabrics like silks, knits, wools, nylons and rayons. I may even start to make some of my clothes again. There will also be craft items and patterns. Wow, we’re in the big time now. When we moved here about 25 years ago there wasn’t even a McDonalds in the county. Now we even have a Jo-Ann Fabrics. Thanksgiving is next week and we Quilts of Valor and Quilts of Honor Quilt Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Kay Franzen’s house on Theatre Road. This group makes quilts for men and woman who have served in the military. Take your sewing machine, fabric to make a QOV quilt or a quilt that you have started and any sewing tools you will need. The Scrappers Quilt Guild meets on the third Tuesday, of every month, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lions Field House on Hwy 67 in Williams Bay. There is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be on January 21. Remember to take your latest project to show and tell. Guests are always welcome. The Stone Mill Quilters meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Whitewater, 130 S. Church Street, but enter through the door on Franklin off Main Street. If you have some quilting news to share with quilters in the greater Walworth County area, e-mail me or mail to P.O. Box 69, Williams Bay, WI. 53191. Make sure you send it about a month before the event andI will try to Kay Franzen made this mariner’s compass. (Beacon photo) Want to wish someone a happy graduation birthday, or other occasion? A private party ad this size is just $15, including color artwork or photo. Call 245-1877 to place your ad and pay by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Sawdust & Stitches QUALITY QUILT & WOODCRAFT PRODUCTS 13 S. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI 53121 262-723-1213 Mon.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4 Web Site: www.sawdustandstitches.net • E-mail: sharon@sawdustandstitches.net The Beacon Aram Public Library, 404 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan. Library Hours: Monday Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 27 and will remain closed on Nov. 28 and 29. • Storytime with Ms. Denise meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. (babies/toddlers) and 2 p.m. (preschoolers). The theme for November 27 is Gobble, Gobble. December themes will include Jingle Bells, Reindeer, and Gingerbread. There will be no storytime on December 25. • Nuts! Friends of the Library’s Spiced Nut Sale through Dec. 14, or as long as supply lasts. Specially decorated, half-pound packages of premium praline pecans for $5 each. A Friends member will be available at the library on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call ahead to have large orders boxed and ready. They will also be available for purchase at the main desk during regular library hours. • ‘Toons & Treats, Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. Who doesn’t love Saturday morning cartoons? Bring the whole family down to the library for classic cartoons and tasty breakfast treats. Pajamas/comfy clothes are encouraged. • Book Boogie (Baby/Toddler), Monday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. Words and wiggles go together like peanut butter and jelly in this special monthly story time for babies and toddlers (and their grown-ups, of course). Read, dance, repeat. • Guilty Pleasures Book Club: “Shadowfever” by Karen Marie Moning, Monday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. • DIY Thanksgiving Decorations, Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving decorations are a lot more fun, and much more meaningful, when you make them yourself. So why not come to the library and make your very own paper wreath? Or maybe a leaf turkey is more your style. Either way, we’ll provide the supplies. Just bring your creativity. • Do you have a Check Out Sundays card? Pick up your free card at the library any time. Visit the library on Sunday and have your card stamped. When you receive 10 stamps you earn a library reward plus a chance to win our big prize – an authentic NFL football autographed by Jermichael Finley. • LEGO Club - Monday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. • Knit and Crochet Club, Dec. 2, 9 and 18 at 6 p.m. For all ages and experience levels. • Duct Tape Creations, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Take advantage of the library's ample supply of duct tape and make something great. All materials provided. • Tail Waggin’ Tutors, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Yes, dog lovers…Divot is coming back to hear more stories. Make an appointment to spend time reading with him the first Saturday of each month. Stop by the Children’s Desk or call (262) 7283111, ext. 117 to reserve your time slot. • Jewelry from Found Objects, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. Registration is required. Transform trash into treasure when you learn to create jewelry from found objects. Bring your own found object – recyclable, trinket, hardware – and learn to make it into a unique piece of jewelry. • A Gift, a Card, a Package, Monday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Registration required. Laura Z returns with a fabulous holiday trio. Make a beautiful set of coasters to give as a gift, then create a card and a gift bag to complete the set. • Santa visits the library, Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Bring the whole family for the chance to tell him your holiday wishes. Parents, don’t forget to bring your cameras. We’ll also be decorating holiday cookies provided by the Friends of the Aram Public Library. • Ornament Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Registration required. Learn to make a snowman ornament from a sock in this hands-on workshop. All materials will be provided. • Snowy Stuffed Animal Story Time, Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Snuggle up in your coziest, warmest pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal friend, and join us for an extra special story time. also at www.readthebeacon.com Darien Library patrons enjoyed dressing up to participate in games, crafts, eat cupcakes and lots of candy at the annual Halloween party. (Photo furnished) • The library now owns a battery-powered portable scanner that you may check out to use in the library. Scan your pictures or documents into the device, then use the cord provided to plug into your laptop or one of the library’s public computers and transfer or print your scans. The scanner checks out for a period of two hours from the Adult Services desk. You must have a valid SHARE library card in order to use it. • The library’s Kindle e-reader can now be checked out for 21 days, just like a book. It’s a great lightweight alternative to large print books; adjust the print to the size that works best for you. Plus, to update our Kindle with titles that you want to read, we’re taking requests. Leave your purchase suggestions at the adult services desk, and ask about checking out the Kindle. • Disc cleaning service. Extend the life of your favorite DVDs, CDs, and other discs. Bring your audio, video, or game discs to the library for cleaning on Saturdays between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Library staff will clean them for you for $3 per disc. Stop at the adult services desk for more information about this service. • Ongoing in-library book sale. We always accept donations of gently used books and movies. • Would you like to get library news by email? Contact the library at 728-3111 or email interlib@aramlibrary.org to sign up. ! ! ! Barrett Memorial Library, 65 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay. Open Mon. and Wed. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check the library’s new Web site at www.williamsbay. lib.wi.us/ • Annual Tree Lighting, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. • Holiday Silent Auction. Beautiful baskets have been prepared for a silent auction at the library now through noon on Friday, Dec. 13. They make great gifts. • Holiday Book Sale. The library will have a special two-day book sale starting at noon on Friday, Nov. 29. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Check out the library’s website for children’s activities through the Christmas break. • Story Times, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:30pm with crafts to follow. Same books and crafts both days. • Scrabble Club, Wednesdays 10 a.m. noon. • Rock-Paper-Scissors Club: Tuesdays at 3:15 p.m. through December 10. Grades 4 – 8. Create projects from unique materials provided. • Knitting Circle, Wednesdays 1-3 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Take a project to work on. • The Saturday Morning Book Club meets the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. • “What Are Teens Reading?” book group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. This group is for parents to read and review teen books. Stop at the library to pick from a great selection of young adult books. • Ongoing sale of a great selection of used books. Browse Barret for Books. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Call 245-2709 or e-mail wmsbay@williamsbay.lib. wi.us. ! ! ! Brigham Memorial Library, 131 Plain St., Sharon. • Story Time, Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. A theme will unite a story and craft. Snacks will be available. • Young adult book club, every second Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ! ! ! Clinton Public Library, 214 Mill St., Clinton. Hours: Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone (608) 676-5569. • Lapsit on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Preschool storyhour on Fridays at 10 a.m. ! ! ! Darien Public Library, 47 Park St., Darien. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 882-5155. • Wireless Internet now available. Bring your laptop and ask at the desk how to access the wireless connection. • Ongoing book sale. • The schedule for our popular free adult computer classes is now available. Stop in or call 882-5155 for information. ! ! ! East Troy Lions Public Library, 3094 Graydon Ave., East Troy. • Book club, 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month. • Story time, 11 – 11:45 a.m., for children and their caregivers. Registration required. • Story Time, Fridays, 11:30 a.m., for ages 18 months – 4 years. For more information, call 642-6262. ! ! ! Fontana Public Library, 166 Second Ave., Fontana. • Happy-to-Be-Here Book Club, first Thursday of each month, 1 p.m. • Evening Book Club, third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. • Fontana Library Writers Group, Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. All genres encouraged. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Call 2755107 for more information. ! ! ! Genoa City Public Library, 126 Freeman St., Genoa City. • Story time and craft time, Fridays, 10 a.m. For kids ages 3-5 and siblings. • Ongoing book sale. Donations of new or slightly used books, including children’s books, may be dropped off at the library. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Call 2796188 for more information. ! ! ! Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. Phone 249-5299 or Nov. 22, 2013— 25 visit the Library’s website at www.lakegene va.lib.wi.us. The library will be closed on Nov. 28, Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. • Children’s holiday ornament workshop for children ages four to 13, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon. Children will be encouraged to decorate paper ornaments in the shape of snowmen, gingerbread men, Christmas trees, stockings, and mittens. Decoration supplies will include glitter glue, ribbons, stickers, markers, and sequins. Participants will make ornaments to be placed on a special holiday tree in the Youth Services area of the library and ornaments to take home to put on their holiday trees or to give as gifts. Children may pick up their ornaments from the library’s special holiday tree during the week of January 6-10. Walk-ins are welcome, and children under ten years of age must be accompanied by an adult. • One-on-one training sessions covering specific technology topics such as e-mail, internet, basic computer setup, and computer troubleshooting, Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This service is intended for all levels of users wishing to become more comfortable with their computers. Call the library to pre-register and tell them your desired topic for your one-on-one session. Coaching is free and presented by technology savvy volunteers with Volunteer Connection. • Generations-on-line computer tutoring is now available for senior citizens. Tutors will be available Tuesdays from 10 – 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2 – 3 p.m. in the library’s reference room. The goal of the program is to provide seniors with beginning computer skills and to interest them in exploring elementary uses of the World Wide Web and e-mail. Interested senior citizens may sign up at the reference desk or call the Library at 2495299 to make a reservation. Volunteer tutors are made possible by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The laptop computer used for the tutoring sessions was made possible by a grant received by Lakeshores from the Racine Community Foundation and administered by Generations on Line. For more information, call the library at 249-5299 or visit the Library Web site, www. lakegeneva.lib.wi.us. ! ! ! Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Open Monday Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 723-2678. • Donate to the Mitten Tree collection of hats, scarves and mittens for those in need in the Elkhorn area. Items can be hand-made or purchased and all sizes are needed – baby through adult. Take donations to the library by December 14. Items will be distributed through several local organizations. • “A Christmas Carol,” read by Brian Wales, December 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The performance will include musical accompaniment on the guitar and is sure to fill attendees with holiday spirit. Join us around the library’s fireplace for a cozy winter evening. No registration required. • Holiday Craft Workshop, December 10, 6:30 p.m. Make adorable felt ornaments and holiday decorations in this holiday crafts workshop for adults. Bring a friend and leave with new decorations for your home or tree. Supplies will be provided — please register in advance at the library or by calling 7232678. We will be using hand sewing and basic embroidery techniques to create the felt ornaments, but beginners are welcome. For more information, contact Anna Merry at 723-2678 ext. 16. • The library hosts two book clubs per month. The Page Turners meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and the Afternoon Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. You can check out a copy of the book club selection 3-4 weeks prior to the book club meeting. All meetings are held at the library and are facilitated by staff librarians. • Story times are about 30 minutes and are filled with books, songs and more. Each week will bring something new. No registration required. Toddlers on Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Books n Babies on Thursday at 10 a.m.; Preschool age on Wednesday at 10 a.m.; and Tiny Tots 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:30 p.m. We Explore, ages 3+, Friday 10 a.m. (Continued on page 28) 26 — The Beacon What’s Happening Continued from page 23 Geneva Lake Museum, Mon, Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays 123p.m., 255 Mill St, Lake Geneva. Call 2486060. Women of all ages who enjoy singing are invited to visit Spirit of the Lakes Sweet Adelines International chorus. Discover just how fun it is to sing with Sweet Adelines International. Tuesday Nights 7 p.m. at Horticultural Hall in Lake Geneva. OFA-LG, meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at Caribou Coffee in Lake Geneva. Come join us for discussion and updates on the happenings in Washington, D.C. Southern Lakes Masonic Lodge #12, 1007 S. 2nd St., Delavan. Stated meetings are second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Geneva Masonic Lodge #44, 335 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva. Regularly stated meetings, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. 725-3062. Ice Age Trail Alliance, monthly meeting, third Tuesday of each month 7 p.m. at U.S. Bank, Elkhorn (Downstairs in the community meeting room, enter at the back door). Home-brew Club, 7 - 9 p.m., Lake Geneva Brewing Emporium, 640 W. Main Street, Lake Geneva, meets the third Wednesday of every month. Call 729-4005 for more information. Butchers Model Car Club 4H models project meetings take place on the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Delavan Community Center, 826 Geneva St., led by 4H scale models key advisor Keith Reimers. Bring models for display and projects to work on. Sale and swap items are also welcome. The club also hosts the 4H scale models project and young people in the project are encouraged to attend. Call Keith at 728-1483 for more information. Walworth County Toastmasters Club meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at VIP Services, 811 E. Geneva, Elkhorn. Check www.wal worthcountytoastmasters.com. Bingo, second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Delavan American Legion hall, 111 S. 2nd St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., a 15-game session begins at 6:30. Progressive session follows. $1 face, progressive pot grows until it is won. $100 consolation prize. Bingo, first Monday of the month at the Town of Delavan Community Park, Highway 50 and South Shore Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a 15-game session begins at 7 p.m. Plenty of parking and food/beverages available. Bingo, St. Andrew Parish in Delavan. The games will be played on the first Friday of every month, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and play starting at 7 p.m. For more info see www.standrews-delavan.org. Bingo, St. Francis de Sales Church, 148 W. Main Street, Lake Geneva. First and Third Wednesdays of the month. Doors open at 5:30, bingo starts 7. Refreshments available. Games include 50/50, Pull Tabs, Progressive. For info call Mary or Bill Gronke at (847) 840-8878. Civil Air Patrol, Walco Composite Squadron, meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Elkhorn National Guard Armory, 401 East Fair St., Elkhorn. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ or call Maj. Robert Thomas at (262) 642-7541. Authors Echo Writers group meeting, 7 p.m., first and third Tuesday of every month, Grace Church, 257 Kendall St., Burlington. Call Frank Koneska at 534-6236. Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay. The observatory offers also at www.readthebeacon.com free, 45-minute tours, Saturdays, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon as well as night sky observations for a fee of $25. Visitors may also view the Quester Museum, which covers some of the observatory’s history. For more information, call 245-5555 or e-mail rdd@yerkes.uchicago.edu. Support Our Troops rally, 11 a.m., Mondays, second floor of the Government Center (formerly the Walworth County Courthouse), downtown Elkhorn on the square. The names of servicemen and service women with ties to Walworth County who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read. Call Bob Webster at 275-6587 for more information. Cards and games, Mondays, 1 – 4 p.m. Darien Senior Center, 47 Park St., Darien. Call 882-3774. Thursday Senior Card Club, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Matheson Memorial Library Community Room, Elkhorn. Bridge, 500 or bring your own group. Call Judy at 723-1934 or Liz at 723-5036 for more information. Bridge, (open to new members), every Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Lake Geneva City Hall, second floor conference room. Bridge - every Tuesday, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Lake Geneva City Hall, second floor conference room. ~ HEALTH AND FITNESS ~ Cancer Support Group meets in the church at Chapel on the Hill, 4 miles west of Lake Geneva on Highway 50, the third Friday of the month at 3 p.m. For more information, or to receive answers to questions, call Lou Kowbel at (847) 922-5461. Intentional Meditation Circle brings together the Intender’s Group and Meditation Circle, both of which have proven benefits for your life. Group meets weekly on Fridays 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Essential Yoga, 422 N Wisconsin St, Elkhorn. All levels welcome; come as your schedule allows. Free-will offering accepted. For more information contact Laurie Dionne Asbeck, 745-4051. Check Essential Yoga’s website, www.essential yoga.net, weekly for schedule changes. Alanon self help program, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, VIP building, 816 E. Geneva St., across from Elkhorn High School in Elkhorn. Mindfulness and Loving kindness Meditation each Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at Elkhorn Matheson Memorial Library Community Center Room, 101 N. Wisconsin St. Beginners and experienced practitioners are always welcome. No registration is necessary, just drop in. Meditation is practice for being more awake and attentive in our daily lives. Sponsored by Wisconsin Blue Lotus, a meditation group led by Buddhist nun Vimala (Judy Franklin). For more information, call 203-0120, or visit www.bluelo tustemple.org. Diabetes Support Group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month, April through October at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Highway NN, Elkhorn. This group is for adults with insulin or non-insulin dependent diabetes and their family/support person. The purpose is to provide support and education to the person with diabetes to help manage this chronic disease. The group is facilitated by a registered nurse. Call the diabetic educator at 741-2821 for further information. Breast Cancer Support Group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Highway NN, Elkhorn. The group addresses the fears and adjustments faced by women with breast cancer. It encourages participants to develop a positive attitude about the future and discuss common concerns after being treated for breast cancer. Contact Leann Kuhlemeyer at 741-2677 for more information. Stroke Support Group provides emotional support through opportunities to inter- act with others who have experienced stroke. Informational programs will also be provided on topics related to stroke/brain attack. The group welcomes individuals newly diagnosed and those with a history of stroke. Family, friends and caregivers are also encouraged to join. The group meets the third Monday of every month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Call Pat Positano at 741-2402 for further information. Free blood pressure screening, courtesy of The Walworth County Public Health Department on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Walworth County Public Health office, located at the east entrance of the Department of Health and Human Services building, W4051 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The screenings are open to all. Contact the Health Department at 741-3140 for more information. Free blood pressure screening, last Friday of every month, 2 - 4 p.m., Williams Bay Care Center, 146 Clover St., Williams Bay. Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the southern lakes area. Call (877) 434-4346 (toll free) for times and locations. White River Cycle Club, 7 p.m., VIP Services, 811 E. Geneva St., Elkhorn, second Tuesday of each month. Contact Mike Lange for more information at 723-5666. Lake Geneva Alzheimer’s support group, 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month. Arbor Village of Geneva Crossing, 201 Townline Road, Lake Geneva. Call Andy Kerwin at 248-4558. Alzheimer's/Dementia support group, third Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m., Delavan Community Bank Community Center located at 826 E. Geneva Street in Delavan. Call Bob Holland at 472-0958 or Arlene Torrenga at 728-6393 with questions. Alzheimer’s Support Group, first Thursday of the month, 1:30 p.m., Hearthstone/Fairhaven, 426 W. North Street, Whitewater. Facilitators: Janet Hardt, Darlene Zeise 473-8052. Respite care is available with no advance notice. Parkinson’s Disease support group, 1 p.m., second Monday of every month, Lower level conference room, Fairhaven Retirement Community, 435 W. Starin Road, Whitewater. Contact Julie Hollenbeck, 4314772, or by email at jhollenbeck2@wi.rr.com. Huntington’s Disease Support Group for anyone affected by Huntington’s Disease, meets the third Saturday of the month on the lower level, conference rooms A and B, of Froedtert Hospital, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee. Call (414) 257-9499 or go to www.hdsawi.org for more information. Harbor of Hope grief support group, first Thursday of each month, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Aurora VNA of Wisconsin, 500 Interchange North, Lake Geneva. 249-5860. NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Support Group, first and third Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at the Health and Human Services building on Co. NN, Elkhorn. Call 495-2439 for more info. A support group called “Entouch,” (Encouraging others Touched by suicide), meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Riverwood Church, 6919 McHenry St., Burlington. The group is for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Attendees do not need to attend the church or, indeed, have any religious affiliation. Nov. 22, 2013 Everyone is welcome. Call 758-0886 for more information. Families Anonymous (FA), a 12-Step, self-help support program for parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends who are concerned about, and affected by, the substance abuse or behavioral problems of a loved one, meets every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Enter through the double glass doors on W. Geneva St. Parking is available on the street or the parking lot west of the church. Additional information may be obtained by calling (262)215-6893, Maureen at 723-8227 or through the Families Anonymous website: www.FamiliesAnonymous.org. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Tuesdays 8-9 a.m. Community Center, 820 E Geneva St., Delavan. Encourages nutrition and exercise with a positive attitude. Guests are welcome, no weekly meeting fee. Contact Marilyn Wilkins at 249-0304. T.O.P.S. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Tuesdays 9:15 - 9:35 a.m., Community Center, U.S. Bank, 101 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn (call 723-3791 with questions) and Tuesdays 5:30 - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, corner of 2nd and Washington Streets, Delavan. ~ ART, LITERATURE THEATER, MUSIC ~ Keyboardist Al White, Sunday, Nov. 17, 4-8 p.m., Ye Olde Hotel in Lyons. 7632701. Pianist Kathy Fry, Wednesdays from 58 p.m., Lobby Lounge, Grand Geneva Resort, Highway 50 and 12, Lake Geneva, and Fridays from 6-11 p.m., Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan. Guitarist Paul Silbergleit, Thursdays from 5-8 p.m., Lobby Lounge, Grand Geneva Resort. Live entertainment, Saturday and Sunday 2-5 p.m., Village Supper Club, 1725 South Shore Drive, Delavan. 728-6360. Live Music Fridays 9 p.m. to midnight, Champs Sports Bar & Grill, 747 W Main St., Lake Geneva. No cover charge. Call 248-6008, or log on to www.foodspot.com/champs. Karaoke, 9 p.m. - 12 a.m., Snug Harbor Lakefront Campground Pub and Restaurant, Highway A and P (not the food store) Richmond, Wis. Call (608) 883-6999 or log on to www.snugharborwi.com for details. Pianist Tom Stanfield, Thursdays 6-9 p.m. in the music parlor of The Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva; every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.in the Fontana Grill and 9:30-11 p.m. in The Helm, Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd. Monday Morning Dixieland Band, Thursdays from 6-9 p.m., FIBS Restaurant, 105 W. Main St., Rockton, Ill. Brian Fictum, That Sax Guy, Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. at B.J. Wentkers, 230 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. Dan Trudell’s Contemporary Jazz Trio, Fridays from 5-8 p.m., Lobby Lounge, Grand Geneva Resort. Trudell also plays piano every Monday from 5-8 p.m. Live Entertainment, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 - 11 p.m., Bella Vista Suites, 335 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva. 248-2100, www.bellavistasuites.com/ “A Fireside Christmas,” Fireside Dinner Theater, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson. Call (800) 477-9505 or log on to www.fire sidetheatre.com/ All telephone numbers published in The Beacon are in area code 262 unless otherwise indicated. also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 — 27 Christmas Tree Walk added to Elkhorn’s holiday favorites Visitors to Elkhorn on the weekend of Dec. 7 will have plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit of Christmas. In addition to the tree lighting in the park on Friday evening and the traditional parade on Saturday afternoon, the Walworth County Historical Society is planning a Christmas Tree Walk at its new Heritage Hall facility. The walk will display decorated Christmas trees provided by area businesses, individuals and organizations in the first completed portion of the former Betts Funeral Home that was purchased last year by the Historical Society to provide badly needed additional space for meetings and other exhibits. In addi- tion to the display of decorated trees, there will be a bazaar featuring a large collection of donated tree ornaments and other items for sale. Light refreshments will also be available. The walk will be open during specific hours all weekend: 5-8 p.m. Friday evening to coincide with the tree lighting ceremony in Veteran’s Park; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday to provide time before and after the Christmas parade; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday to permit a stop after church. Heritage Hall is located directly across from the Webster House Museum on East Rockwell Street, just a block south of downtown Elkhorn. Weather it is Winter, Spring or Summer, At The Lake House is the perfect gift of memories for your family or a close group of friends. Things are just that...“things” but memories and time spent together are forever. To Reserve Call Mary 262-903-6636 Gift Certificates Available! maryking@wi.rr.com AtTheLakehouse.com Your hosts, Andy and Mary built At The Lake House in 2010 to provide a complete vacation home for every family without all the cost and maintenance associated with owning such a dream home. The cast of ‘A Dickens of a Christmas’ children’s musical gather onstage for a dress rehearsal at the Walworth County Performing Arts Center in Elkhorn. Performances will take place on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8. (Photo furnished) Lakeland Players to present children’s Christmas musical “A Dickens Of A Christmas” is a classic tale of covetous miser Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life with a powerful score and Dickensian-style script. When he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Scrooge is forced to see the coldness of his own “humbug-ish” ways and learns to honor Christmas in his heart. Characters include such favorites as Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Mister and Mrs. Fezziwig, an inspirational Tiny Tim, and many others. This Christmas classic is designed to be a moving holiday presentation for the entire family. Geneva Lake Museum to host Victorian Christmas Party Dec. 7 The Geneva Lake Museum will celebrate Christmas by inviting everyone to attend its Victorian Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7 from 1-4 p.m. Attendees will be able to walk through the beautifully decorated Main Street of Old Lake Geneva and view all of the Victorian-style decorated trees and the twinkling candles, listen to well-loved Christmas stories, sing Christmas carols, W6904 County Hwy. A Elkhorn, WI 53121 262-742-5043 EST. SANDYSUPSCALECONSIGNMENT.COM Monday 10-3; Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 ADDITIONAL 20% OFF ENTIRE STORE Dine In or Take Out INCLUDING ALREADY REDUCED MERCHANDISE by PIZZA the SLICE with Soda All Day Long $3.50 presents a children’s musical... 6.75 16”-2 TOPPING $ (OR LESS) 262-728-5456 308 Hwy. 50, Delavan, WI WINTER HOURS: Sun.12:30 pm-9 pm Mon.-Wed. 11 am-8 pm; Thurs. 11 am-9 pm Fri. & Sat. 11 am-10 pm www.jojospizzadelavan.com FAX 262-728-5036 16.99 CALZONE THURSDAY SPECIAL $ S 7 T E K TIC BBQ RIB SPECIAL 8.00 HALF SLAB 16.00 FULL SLAB Directed by TERRY KETCHPAW $ $ with fries & your choice of coleslaw or garlic bread with 1 Topping, Baked or Fried COUPON 5.75 $ 2.00 OFF $ T he PLUS TAX WEDNESDAY SUNDAY & MONDAY SPECIAL ALL DAY PASTA SPECIAL 262-728-JOJO 212 N. Main Street, 262-275-8221 Serving Dinner Thursday - Saturday 5:00-9:00 P.M. $ 1997 Walworth, WI NEW CHEF • NEW MENU DINE IN • CARRY OUT or DELIVERY ALL DAY LONG eat delicious home-made Christmas cookies, have a cup of warm cider, and hear the music of the season by “Kundurt Castle of Music.” There will also be a visit from a Victoria Santa and his elf. The event will be free and open to everyone. The Geneva Lake Museum is located at 255 Mill St. in downtown Lake Geneva. Friday & Saturday, November 29 & 30 FRESH FISH • STEAKS • FULL SERVICE BAR PIZZA & APPETIZER The production is directed by Terry Ketchpaw, produced by Wendy Koehnke, and choreographed by Jennifer French, all of whom reside in Elkhorn. “A Dickens Of A Christmas” will be presented on Nov. 30., Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at The Walworth County Performing Arts Center, 15 W. Walworth St. in Elkhorn. All shows will begin at 4 p.m. and the cost is $7. Tickets may be obtained at the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce, by calling Linda at 7285578, or ordered online at www.lakeland-players.org. ANY SIZE PIZZA With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Good only at JoJo’s Pizza & Pasta. November 30 & December 1, 7 & 8 at 4:00 P.M. WALWORTH COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 15 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI Tickets available at the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce by calling 262-728-5578, or online at www.lakeland-players.org No exchanges or refunds No reserved seating also at www.readthebeacon.com 28 — The Beacon Library Notes Continued from page 25 • Slipped Stitches, every Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. in the Youth Services story room. A group for anyone who does some sort of stitching: knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, tatting etc. • The Lego Building Club for all ages meets every other Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the community center. Each meeting will feature a different building theme. Creations will be displayed in the library and online. Lego donations greatly appreciated. Messy Art Club meets on the alternate Thursday at 3:30 p.m. • The Walworth County Genealogical Society Library is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m – 3 p.m. and by appointment, which can be made by calling the WCGS librarian at 215-0118. A board member will always be there to render assistance if needed. To obtain membership information or find literature regarding Walworth County, visit walworthcgs.com. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Call 7232678 or visit www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us for more. ! ! ! Twin Lakes Community Library, 110 S. Lake Ave., Twin Lakes. 877-4281. Hours: Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. -8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday – Sunday 12-4 p.m. • Senior Coffee Hour, 10-11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month will feature healthy refreshments, programs for seniors, good conversation, and of course, coffee. • Wednesday Readers Book Discussion Group, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20. “The Round House” by Louise Erdrich. • Holiday Tangles: a Drawing Workshop Sunday, November 24, 1-2:30 p.m. for ages 12+. Registration required. Tangling is a popular form of drawing that’s fun, relaxing and produces amazing results. Join Christine Thornton, certified art teacher, as she teaches how to draw several tangle patterns and then turn them into a holiday design of your choice. The finished holiday tangle will be mounted on colored paper. ! ! ! Walworth Memorial Library, 101 Maple Ave., Walworth. Open Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Now offering wireless Internet service. • Book signing Nov. 23, from 2-5 p.m. Local Author Larry Ruegg will be signing his first published book “Worth the Effort” (A Better Way). Books will be available for purchase at the time of signing. After he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Northwestern Seminary, Ruegg served as a pastor for a Lutheran congregation in Walworth for 30 years, before serving as an interim pastor to congregations in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he enjoys writing materials for both religious and personal use. This novel is dedicated to the memory of his deceased wife of 58 years, Carol Marie Sayland Ruegg. • Knitting and crocheting classes, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Call for details. • Preschool Story Hour, Fridays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m., for preschool-age children and their caregivers. The hour will include stories, snacks, crafts and more. • Book Club for adults, third Saturday of each month, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Digital downloads of electronic books Nov. 22, 2013 (e-books) are growing in popularity and the library is participating with the Lakeshores Library System in a statewide program to buy $1 million in new content in 2012 for the Digital Download Center (http://dbooks. wplc.info) sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium. You can also access the Digital Download Center through your library’s online catalogue. Available to all Wisconsin residents, the Digital Download Center offers ebooks, audio books, videos and music that you can download to devices such as iPods and other MP3 players, Kindles, Sony eReaders, Nooks and iPads, to name just a few. For a complete list of supported devices, visit the Digital Download Center and use the link near the bottom of the left column. While all new titles will not be available immediately, the purchase of new titles has already begun and will continue. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Call 2756322 for more information. ! ! ! Librarians and Friends Groups: Send information about upcoming library events by mail to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 69, Williams Bay, WI 53191; by fax to 2451855; or by e-mail to dbeacon@charter.net. Rosa Spooner shows the prizes she received as Walworth Memorial Library Summer Reading Program teen winner. (Photo furnished) DELAVAN LANES BOWLING CENTER BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT TODAY! All Group Sizes Welcome Day or Night Available 25 00 GIFT CERTIFICATES ON SALE $ PRE-PAID BOWLING CARDS 2000 $ ON SALE $20 10 Games $ 5.00 Savings! 509 S. 7th Street, (Hwy. 50), Delavan • 262-728-9477 Thrift-Consignment-Resale Thrifty & Gifty • Large & Small • New & Used DEALZ HAS IT ALL! 714 E. Geneva St., (Hwy. 50), Delavan (Big Blue Building, formerly NAPA Building) 44 YEAR TH Ye Olde INHotel LYONS (262) 763-2701 Hwy. 36-Halfway between Lake Geneva & Burlington from Hwy. 50 turn on South Road, 3 miles CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY Open Wed. - Sat. 4:00 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.-Close DAILY SPECIALS.....$10.00 26 oz. LOBSTER TAIL DINNER.$59.95 FRIDAY FISH FRY....$10.95 FISH COMBO PLATTER.................$12.95 WEDNESDAY Lasagna or 1/2 Chicken...$9.95 THURSDAY New York or Ribeye.........$12.95 Filet...........................................$14.95 SATURDAY Prime Rib.....$19.95 & $22.95 SUNDAY Pork Roast or Turkey Dinner $10.95 Tenderloin Tips on Buttered Noodles 12.95 $ DAILY Surf ‘N Turf............................$34.95 Milwaukee’s Famous Keyboardist AL WHITE TO PERFORM SUNDAY, NOV. 24 4:00-8:00 P.M. • NO COVER CHARGE 50 minute treatment The warm scent of Pumpkin Mousse leaves you feeling silky smooth. $95 | Exp. 11/30/13 Call 262-725-9201 SATURDAY, NOV. 30TH | 9:00 A.M. – NOON | Adults $15 | Children (4-12) $8 Gf]g^KYflY;dYmk^ajklYhh]YjYf[]kg^l`] season! =fbgqYZj]Yc^YklZm^^]loal`]n]jqgf]k^Yngjal]k including French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, juices and more. Parents are encouraged to snap photos as the little ones sit with Santa and share their wish list. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 262-725-9155 The Beacon Village The also at www.readthebeacon.com Nov. 22, 2013 — 29 SUPPER CLUB thevillagesupperclub.net BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH & DINNER Great Gift Idea For Christmas! GIFT CERTIFICATES SPECIAL NOW - DEC. 24 The Village For every $25.00 spent on Gift Certificates, receive a $ 5.00 gift certificate to use for your discretion SUPPER CLUB ATE GIFT CERTIFIC 1725 South Shore Drive, Delavan, WI • (262) 728-6360 “A Memorable Dining Experience” Lester Crisman sets up the display of his work at the Lake Geneva Public Library. His photographs will be on display through Nov. 30. (Photo furnished) Crisman named artist of the month Artist Lester Crisman has been named Artist of the Month by the Geneva Lake Art Association (GLAA) for November. Each month, a member is chosen to be the featured artist at the Lake Geneva Public Library’s ongoing Artist of the Month exhibit. Crisman’s work can be seen at 918 W. Main Street in Lake Geneva during regular Library hours throughout November. Crisman is a local photographer whose photos have been published in magazines such as Photographer’s Forum, Farm and Ranch Living, and Keefe Real Estate’s Lake and Country. Crisman exhibits his photography in W7404 County Trunk X Delavan, Wisconsin 262-728-6878 Lake Geneva, Janesville, Whitewater, Madison, and at art shows throughout the region. Crisman has won awards and ribbons exhibiting at the GLAA gallery, Walworth County Fair, Fran Achen Photography Exhibit, and at the State Wisconsin Regional Art Show in Madison. His photos have also been featured at “Art in the Park” and in local newspapers. “My love for photography can be noticed in my photos of all subject matter,” says Crisman. “I enjoy taking photos of nature, animals, sunsets and sunrises, and, occasionally, people.” Gifts Galore In Store For You! 236 Elkhorn Rd. 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Open 7 days a week • 6:00 a.m. to Midnight NOW OPEN! a•muse art & gifts WHITE HOUSE NAIL & SPA You deserve the best! www.whitehousenailspa.com 104 N Walworth Street, Williams Bay (262) 245-5171 Featuring Unique and Locally Hand-Crafted Gifts OPEN Fri., Sat., Sun. 1-4 p.m. THROUGH DECEMBER 47 W Geneva Street Williams Bay (262) 729-5089 (Located in the Lobby of the updated Bayside Motel) Large Selection of Winter Gear 622 E. Hwy. 11, Elkhorn, WI 262-723-8822 TRAILER SALES www.APlusRide.com also at www.readthebeacon.com 30 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 Burlington Historical Society to host Christmas Program on Dec. 1 The Burlington Historical Society’s Christmas program will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, at Veterans Terrace in Echo Park, 589 Milwaukee Avenue, Burlington. Rochelle Pennington’ will present “Stories Behind Our Most Loved Christmas Hymns and Carols.” Ms. Pennington’s previous presentations have included “The Christmas Tree Ship” and “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” Ms. Pennington – a church organist, pianist and guitarist for more than 30 years – will explore the fascinating history of dozens of our most memorable Christmas songs, offering factual per- spective, behind-the-scenes trivia, and little-known insights. The audience will be invited to sing with gusto (or simply hum along) during the program’s musical conclusion. The program, which will start at approximately 1:30 p.m., will be preceded by a short business meeting to elect four members to the Society’s board of directors. The program is free and open to members and non-members alike. Refreshments will be served. Ms. Pennington, who has written several books, will be available for book signings following the program. 10% OFF LUNCH A yellow classic VW Beetle is reflected in the windows of MidAmerica Bank in Williams Bay, giving it a the look of a Salvador Dali painting. Or, maybe not. (Beacon photo) Any purchase over $25.00 or more with this ad. Good only at Yo Shi through 11/30/13 Want to sell something? A Beacon private party display ad this size is just $15 for two weeks, including color. color. Call 245-1877 to pay with a credit card. REPAIR A.A. Anderson, Inc. WI lavan, t. • Dae S a ) v rt e . Genfront of Wal-M 4 1823 E (in 40.222 • 262.7 3 2 2 .2 0 • Sushi • Tempura 262.74 • Hibachi Tables Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:00-10:00; Fri. & Sat. 11:00-11:00; Sun. 4:00-9:30 WATER TREATMENT Family Owned & Operated SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON! 15% OFF DINNER Any purchase over $50.00 or more with this ad. 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CONTACT US: VALLEY OF THE KINGS SANCTUARY & RETREAT W7593 Townhall Road, Sharon, WI 53585-9728 PHONE (262) 736-9386 email: info@votk.org • website: www.votk.org WATER SOFTENERS • IRON FILTERS • DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS SATISFIED CUSTOMERS SINCE 1978 888-771-8099 For expert advice, call Terry Addie & his professional sales staff. MASSAGE THERAPY 262.249.1230 Free Water Analysis Free Softener Check-Up 262-728-2731 dealer participation may vary culligandelavan.com Mike Guiler CARPENTRY CARPENTRY & ELECTRICAL Quality Reliable Construction for Over 20 Years • DECKS • PORCHES • DOORS • WINDOWS • BOOKCASES • KITCHENS & BATHS Barb and Mark Mitchell Small Jobs Are Very Welcome IAN ABRAM Nationally Certified in Theraputic Massage & Bodywork Members AMTA • Certified Since 1978 CALL 1-847-507-2697 905 Marshall Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Email: brituk7@aol.com DENTIST PAUL V. KREUL, D.D.S. ReDefined Spaces Home Inspections General Denistry Master Certified Home Inspectors Serving Central & Southeastern Wisconsin WEST SIDE PROFESSIONAL BUILDING james.smead@redefinedspace-wi.com • ReDefinedSpaces-wi.com 715 West Walworth Street Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121 (262) 723-2264 HOME INSPECTION (262) 424-4839 • SAVE $50 OFF RADON TESTING • REDEFINED SPACES DONATES 10% OF ALL INSPECTION REVENUE TO WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE BUSINESS? Your ad in this directory will be seen by 50,000 potential customers an issue. CALL 262-749-8090 For Advertising Rates in Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 — 31 Cadillac reaches new heights with the 2014 CTS luxury sedan By Richard Prince Detroit Free Press The 2014 CTS is the third generation of the sport sedan that began Cadillac’s renaissance. It has grown longer and more expensive to compete with midsize luxury sedans like the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Lexus GS, and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The two previous CTS models were nearly as big as those cars, but priced below them as Caddy tried to re-establish its luxury credentials. The 2014 CTS cements Cadillac’s return to the top tier of global luxury. It offers a wide variety of drivetrains: three engines, two transmissions, rear- or all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 272horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged fourcylinder. It comes with a six-speed automatic and costs $45,100 for rear-drive and $47,100 for AWD. A 321- horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 pairs with a new eight-speed automatic on reardrive models starting at $53,700. V-6 AWD models get the six-speed auto and start at $55,700. A twin-turbo version of the 3.6L produces 410 horsepower in the AWD Vsport model, which starts at $59,070. It’s teamed with the six-speed. Cadillac will probably add an even more powerful V-series version of the CTS later. A coupe is also expected. The odds look bad for a new version of the handsome CTS station wagon, though. Cadillac developed the current wagon primarily for sale in Europe, where station wagons are very popular. Caddy mothballed its European sales plan during the Great Recession. Sadly, that probably spells doom for the CTS wagon. I tested a well-equipped, rear-drive V6 CTS Performance with the eight-speed The 2014 Cadillac CTS lost weight and added power in its hunt for buyers of German luxury cars. (Richard Prince/Cadillac/MCT) transmission. It had luxurious brown leather and low-gloss wood trim, Bose audio, heated and cooled seats, navigation, voice recognition, blind-spot alert, a backup camera, front-collision alert, Bluetooth phone and audio compatibility and more. My test car cost $63,375, excluding destination charges. The CTS competes with the Audi A6 Quattro, BMW 535i, Infiniti M37, Jaguar XF 3.0, Lexus GS 350, Lincoln MKZ and Mercedes E350. The price of the car I tested was competitive with similarly equipped versions of most of them. The CTS’ wheelbase grew 1.2 inches for 2014. Longer and lower than the old model, the new proportions create an elegant profile. The headlight lenses taper into the fenders, contributing to the CTS’ sleek, fast appearance. The passenger compartment is comfortable and accommodating, despite being smaller than all competitors but Lincoln. The trunk is smallest in its class, but useful thanks to its wide opening and practical shape. The interior looks and feels wonderful. The leather and wood in the CTS I tested would be at home in a car costing $200,000. Unlike a lot of over-varnished automotive finishes, the wood was so natural that I could see and feel its grain. Cadillac’s combination of voice recognition, touch screen and steering wheel controls works wonderfully for navigation, phone calls and audio. But the climate control lacks dials or buttons for temperature and fan speed. It’s less convenient. The CTS is among the lightest cars in its segment. That pays off in performance, BENOY MOTORS IN WOODSTOCK FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 60 YEARS! 0APR x 72 % 5,>+6+., GRAND CARAVAN 7V^LY>PUKV^ 3=,UNPUL 3VJRZ ¹(S\TPU\T>OLLSZ :\UZJYLLU.SHZZ :[VU5.V9:LH[PUN 9LHY(*/LH[ NOW ONLY: SE 4:97 9LIH[L *OY`ZSLY6^ULY 3V`HS[`9LIH[L )LUV`+PZ ^ 22,842 $ ** 5,>*/9@:3,9 200 LX 4DR :[R * 7V^LY:LH[ 3=,UNPUL /LH[LK-YVU[:LH[Z :WLLK(\[V ¹>OLLSZ 7V^LY>PUKV^ 3VJRZ SALE PRICE: 4:97 9LIH[L )LUV`+PZ 18,408 $ ** 5,>9(4 1500 REG CAB 4:97 9LIH[L )LUV`+PZ SALE PRICE: :[R 9 3=,UNPUL :WLLK(\[V;YHUZ ¹(S\TPU\T>OLLSZ 22,310 $ ** DART SXT 4DR SALE PRICE: :[R + 3,UNPUL :WLLK(\[V;YHUZ 9LTV[L:[HY[ 18,536 $ ,THPS!PUMV'ILUV`TV[VYZJVTVY^^^ILUV`TV[VYJVT :,HZ[^VVK+Y*VYULYVM9[ (815) (U[P:WPU9LHY(_SL *OYVTL)\TWLY :SPKPUN9LHY >PUKV^ 5,>+6+., 4:97 9LIH[L )LUV`+PZ 338-5100 ** BENOY MOTORS IN WOODSTOCK QUALITY PRE-OWNED VEHICLES TO FIT YOUR BUDGET MONTHS :[R + handling and fuel economy. The V-6 provides plenty of oomph for quick acceleration. The new eight-speed transmission is quick and smooth and works well in manual mode. The adaptive magnetic suspension keeps the CTS stable and steady in aggressive driving and absorbs bumps for a comfortable ride. The EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway and 22 in combined driving falls in the middle of the pack. Unlike most competitors, the CTS’ V-6 runs well on regular gas. That makes it the least expensive to fuel, according to EPA estimates. 2014 CADILLAC CTS 3.6L PERFORMANCE COLLECTION • Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive five-passenger sporty sedan • Rating: Four out of four stars • Reasons to buy: Exterior styling; interior look and feel • Shortcomings: Climate controls; interior space • Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC VVT directinjection 24-valve V-6 • Power: 321 horsepower at 6,800 rpm; 275 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm • Transmission: 8-speed automatic • EPA fuel economy rating: 19 mpg city/29 highway/22 combined. Regular gasoline • Wheelbase: 114.6 inches • Length: 195.5 inches • Width: 72.2 inches • Height: 57.2 inches • Curb weight: 3,616 lbs. • Base price: $45,100 • Price as tested: $63,375 Prices exclude destination charge. ©2013 Detroit Free Press Distributed by MCT Information Services. :WLLK*VU[YVS (PY*VUKP[PVUPUN 7V^LY>PUKV^Z 3VJRZ /V\YZ! Mon: 7:30am-8pm ;\LZ!!HTWT >LK!!HTWT ;O\YZ!!HTWT -YP!!HTWT :H[!!HTWT **Prices exclude tax, title, lic. & doc fee. Includes all manufacturer rebates & incentives. Photos are for illustration purposes only and may not represent actual vehicles. Jeep & Chrysler are registered trademarks of Chrysler LLC. No prior sales. Expires 3 days after publication. See dealer for more details. ^On select models, See dealer for complete details. º +6+.,+(26;(70*2<7 * º-69+9(5.,970*2<7 * º .4*1044@+9? * º */,=@70*2<7 * º*/9@:3,97;*9<0:,9 * º -69+- $ * º +6+.,9(4? * º -69+*65;6<9.3+9 * º 1,,7.9(5+*/,962,,? * º40;:<)0:/0.(3(5;3:+9 * º =63=6:+9 * º+6+.,:;9(;<:9;+9 * º 1,,7.9(5+*/,962,,? * º 4,9*<9@=033(.,9=(5 * º +6+.,.9(5+*(9=(=(5:, * º -69+)965*600+9 * º */,=@,?;*()? * º+6+.,+<9(5.6? * º*/,=@(:;96=(5(>+ * º */,=@?>736> * º*/9@:3,94+9 * º .4*:<)<9)(5? * º 1,,7*/,962,,*3(::0*? * º*/,=@=,5;<9,=(5 * º:(;<95>(.65 * º1,,7>9(5.3,9? * º1,,7*/,962,,+9? * º*/9@:3,97(*0-0*( * º*/,=@;(/6,3: * º=63=6*;<9)6*65=,9; * º50::(5(3;04(:,= * º1,,7.9(5+*/,962,,? * º +6+.,*(30),9:9; * º/65+(*0=0*3?+9 * HOURS: 4VU!!HTWT;\LZ!!HTWT>LK!!HTWT ;O\YZ!!HTWT-YP!!HTWT:H[!!HTWT BENOYMOTOR.COM 6Y,THPS!PUMV'ILUV`TV[VYZJVT :,HZ[^VVK+Y*VYULYVM9[ (815) 338-5100 *Prices exclude tax, title, lic. & doc fee. No prior sales. Expires 3 days after publication. See dealer for more details. also at www.readthebeacon.com 32 — The Beacon Clinton, Wisconsin • 800-895-3270 Jim Peck 815-943-7390 1520 N. Division Street, Harvard • HASSLE FREE REPAIR PROCESS • LIFETIME WARRANTY ON REPAIRS Ask for Adams...Two Convenient Locations LAKE IN THE HILLS 8559 Pyott Road 815-356-0192 HARVARD 1520 N. Division Street 815-943-7390 www.adamscollision.com - Where Quality & Customer Satisfaction Count! N A PA A u to Ca r e C e n te r AS E C er ti fi ed Shop F U LL TO BUMPER R E P M BU S E R V IC E IT’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER! $ GET 15 OFF COOLANT FLUSHED Any Repair of 100 or More and a GET YOUR $ FREE 30 POINT GET $25 OFF INSPECTION Any Repair of 200 or More $ FOR JUST (Over a $100 Value!) GET $50 OFF 49.95 Any Repair of 300 or More $ NEED TIRES? 50 OFF 4 DIFFERENT TIRE PROMOTIONS $ GOING ON NOW! Come in and ask for L Brad or Tricia for a quote R ifetim otat e MANUFACTURER ions REBATES & ! $ 4 TIRES Mounting & Balancing Offer good through 00/00/13 at Elkhorn Automotive. IN-HOUSE REBATES ELKHORN AUTOMOTIVE & TIRE CENTER 113 Market Street, Elkhorn, WI (262) 723-5433 www.ElkhornAutoAndTire.com Nov. 22, 2013 also at www.readthebeacon.com The Beacon adeo Angelo T anager M r a Used C Nov. 22, 2013 — 33 Kenny Roman Sales & Leasin i g Ken M Sales & agowan Leasin g n eterso Dick P Leasing & Sales Kirk Krause Finance Manager New Cars Sold at Employee Pricing 500 Less Than Any $ Advertised Like Vehicle ALL NEW 2014 BUICK VERANO 2014 CHEVY IMPALA 2013 CHEVY MALIBU $ 199 LEASE PER MONTH $3,699 DOWN 269 $ LEASE PER MONTH ALL NEW bster Jason Weanager M r a C w e N 2014 CHEVY SILVERADO 319 $ $2,719 DOWN 169 $ LEASE PER MONTH $2,869 DOWN LEASE PER MONTH $4,119 DOWN Prior sales excluded. Tax, title, license, dealer service fee additional. All payments are subject to approval. Payments are on lease. Cannot be combined with internet pricing. Must take delivery by 11/23/13. 715 S. Wells St. • Lake Geneva 262-249-5252 www.lakegenevagm.com Sales Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-8 Sat. 8-5 Service Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. 8-5 Mon., Thurs. 8-7 • Sat. 8-4 Like us on Facebook 177649 also at www.readthebeacon.com 34 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 Guantanamo to go condo By Abie Esser The U.S. gummint has decided that prisoners at Guantanamo, Cuba, will have “an opportunity” to buy their living accommodations, otherwise known as cells. “We are spending an unconscionable amount of money housing these alleged terrorists,” said Rep. Hugh Smartly (IPuerto Rico), who is a member of the House Weighs and Means Committee. “We may have to continue to feed these prisoners, but at least they can pay for their own lodging.” Asked about prices, Smartly admitted they hadn’t been determined, but said it is definitely a seller’s market. “It’s not like they have much of a choice,” he snickered. “I mean, they can’t go shopping for housing.” As far as how they will pay for their property purchases, Smartly said they will be allowed to invest the money they are paid for working in the prison laundry in the stock market. Asked about the benefits of such a plan, Smartly said the prisoners will undoubtedly develop a sense of pride that comes with property ownership. “And they’ll be able to decorate them however they wish,” he added, “with the exception of anything that could be used as a weapon. For instance, we couldn’t have mirrors that might get broken and used as knives – things like that. As in all prisoner situations, mirrors will be made of polished metal.” As to what will be done with the proceeds from the sale, Smartly said they will probably be added to the recently established Secret Service Agents’ Legal Defense Fund. Didn’t mom say “Give us this day our monthly bread?” This tyke figures there has to be some peanut butter and jelly in there somewhere. (Photo furnished) DMV fails to see meaning of plate The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently approved an application for the personalized license plate, NOT SEE. At first the meaning of the plate was unclear, but when its owner spray painted a swastika above it on the rear of his car, it became obvious that, when pro- nounced, it sounded like “Nazi.” After a public outcry, the owner, Shawn Calpitz of Kearny, Mesa, subsequently received a notice from the DMV that the plate had been canceled and asking him to surrender it. There was no word at press time as to whether Calpitz had, or planned to, comply. 6th ANNUAL FORT ATKINSON Winter Farmers & Art Market SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Downtown Fort Atkinson South Main Street Ravenwood • Soap & Pepper • The Nest • Soulful Toad FIND ORIGINAL HOLIDAY GIFTS MADE BY LOCAL ARTISANS • Oil & Acrylic Paintings • Watercolors • Ceramic Bowls & Platters • Silver Necklaces & Earrings • Handcrafted Wooden Toys & Boxes • Quilts • Needlepoint • Sculpture • Wind Chimes • Wool Socks • Sheep Pelts • Art Glass • Honey, Goat & Scented Soaps • Photographs GET ALL YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NEEDS • Baguettes • Fresh Bread • Scones • Pies • Cookies • Cakes • Homemade Jams • Honey • Egg Nog • Local Beef, Chicken & Lamb • Organic Cheese • Shrimp & Seafood Platters • Fudge • Butter • Produce • Pickles • Eggs • Leftse • Apples • Cider • Salsa Food • Vendors • Community Groups • Teen Art Gallery • Kids Art Projects • Prizes SANTA CLAUS • MUSIC • CAROLERS • TROLLEY RIDES Sponsored by The Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce with support from The Fort Arts Council • Contact 1.888.SEE.FORT or visit www.fortfarmersmarket.com The Beacon Laughing Matter Two doctors were playing a round of golf when their conversation turned to work. “I operated on Mr. Lee the other day,” said the surgeon. “What for?” asked his colleague. “About $17,000.” “What did he have?” “Oh, about $17,000.” ☺ ☺ ☺ A man had his wrecked car towed into an auto body shop. The car was covered with leaves grass, branches and blood. “What happened?” asked the service writer. “I ran into my Congressman,” replied the customer. “OK,” said the man, “that explains the blood, but what about the leaves, the grass, the branches and the dirt?” “I had to chase him almost all the way through the park.” ☺ ☺ ☺ A hesitant driver, waiting for a traffic jam to clear, came to a complete stop on the freeway onramp. The traffic thinned, but still the driver waited. Finally, a furious man in the vehicle behind him yelled, “The sign says ‘Yield,’ not ‘Give Up!’” ☺ ☺ ☺ When a three-year-old boy opened the birthday gift from his grandmother, he discovered a water pistol. He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink. The boy’s father wasn’t as pleased. He turned to his mother and said, “Don’t you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water guns?” His mother smiled and said, “Oh, I remember…” ☺ ☺ ☺ A father picked up his son after school. On the way home he remembered that the parts for the school play were supposed to have been posted that afternoon, he asked his son if he had gotten one. The lad enthusiastically announced that he had. “I play a man who’s been married for 20 years,” he told his father. “That’s great, son. Keep up the good work and one of these days they’ll give you a speaking part.” ☺ ☺ ☺ A woman was visiting Washington D.C. for the first time and wanted to see the Capitol building. Unfortunately, she was having trouble finding it. Finally, she saw a police officer in a squad car and asked him for directions. “If you wait at the bus stop on that corner and get on bus 54, it will take you right were you want to go,” explained the officer. “Thank you,” she said and walked to the bus stop. Five hours later, the cop was driving by again when he saw the same woman standing at the bus stop. The cop stopped and said, “Excuse me, miss, but I told you that to get to the Capitol, you get on the number 54 bus and it will take you right there. What are you still doing here?” “Oh, don’t worry, officer,” she said. “It won’t be long now. The 47th bus just went by. ☺ ☺ ☺ Two youngsters were examining a bathroom scale at a department store. “What’s it for?” one asked. The other replied, “You stand on it and it makes you mad.” ☺ ☺ ☺ A Congressman was awakened in the middle of the night by his wife. “I think there’s a thief in the house,” she whispered. “Yes, dear,” her halfawake husband mumbled, “but in our defense there are even more in the Senate.” ☺ ☺ ☺ There were two good old boys from Alabama who loved to fish and they wanted to do some ice fishing for a change. They’d heard it was good in Wisconsin, so they jumped into their pickup truck and headed north. When they got to where they were going, the lake was nicely frozen. They stopped at a little bait shop and got all of their tackle. One of them said, “We’re going to need an ice pick.” They put the pick into their bag and headed for the lake. In about two hours, one of them was back at the shop and said, “We’re going to need another dozen ice picks.” The proprietor of the shop want to ask some questions, but he didn’t. He sold him the picks and the old boy left. In about an hour he was back. “We’re going to need all the ice picks you’ve got,” he said. The bait man couldn’t stand it any longer. “By the way,” he asked, “how are you fellas doing?” “Not very well at all,” admitted the fisherman. “We don’t even have the boat in the water yet.” ☺ ☺ ☺ A cowboy walked into a bar and ordered a whisky. When the bartender delivered the drink, the cowboy asked, “Where is everybody?” “They’ve gone to the hanging,” replied the bartender. “Hanging? Who are they hanging?” “Brown Paper Pete.” “What kind of name is that?” the cowboy asked. “Well,” said the bartender, “Pete’s a big old (Continued on page 39) also at www.readthebeacon.com Pickles by Brian Crane Nov. 22, 2013 — 35 36 — The Beacon Mr. Boffo by Joe Martin Now online at www.readthebeacon.com Garfield by Jim Davis Nov. 22, 2013 The Beacon Mr. Boffo by Joe Martin also at www.readthebeacon.com Bound and Gagged by Dana Summer Nov. 22, 2013 — 37 Now online at www.readthebeacon.com 38 — The Beacon Nov. 22, 2013 FuN and GameS Crossword Clues Across 1 Dot-__ printer 7 Hash house sign 11 Org. that financed many public murals 14 Brand with a Justice For Potatoes League 15 Inside information? 16 Ancient pillager 17 Pop 20 Air France-__: European flier 21 Cathedral areas 22 Place in a 1969 Western 23 Tech staff member 24 Camel hair colors 26 Pop 32 Bat mitzvah locale 33 Bands from Japan 34 Gp. concerned with dropout prevention 35 Run smoothly 36 Condor’s booster 39 Ruckus 40 “__ you sure?” 41 Charcutier offering 42 2010 Angelina Jolie spy film 43 Pop 48 “Sooey!” reply 49 “Goodness gracious!” 50 Kitty’s sunny sleeping spot 52 TV and radio 53 Toulouse : oeil :: Toledo : __ 56 Pop 60 An official lang. of Kenya 61 The “a” in “a = lw” 62 First word of Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride” 63 Technique 64 Chews the fat 65 First step toward nirvana Puzzle answers on page 23. ♠ ♥ © 2013 TRIBUNE AGENCY, INC. Bridge A Suitable Line Goren on Bridge by Tannah Hirsch Both vulnerable. South deals. NORTH ♠ A, 9 ❤ A, Q, 4 ♦ K, Q, 8, 6, 5, 2 ♣ K, J WEST ♠ 5 ❤ 10,9,7,6,3,2 ♦ 9 ♣ 10,7,6,5,4 Down 1 Poke fun at 2 Shrinking sea 3 Duration 4 Poke fun at 5 Defensive denial 6 Second word of Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan” 7 Outdoor security options 8 Battling god 9 Itty bit 10 Pink Floyd’s Barrett 11 Pentecost 12 Flat-bottomed boat 13 “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” singer 18 Claim with conviction 19 Truckee River city 23 II into D 24 “Yay, the weekend!” 25 Short right hand? 26 “Balderdash!” 27 Chekov bridgemate 28 Quantitative “science”? 29 Bulls’ org. 30 “Jurassic Park” co-star 31 Father of modern Italian, per linguists 36 Very soon after 37 President between Tyler and Taylor 38 No and Who: Abbr. 42 Messy room 44 Excalibur part 45 Change the colors of, say 46 Wavy lines, in music 47 Justice who’s the son of an Italian immigrant 50 Get into a lather 51 New Rochelle college 52 Overly submissive 53 “The Simpsons” bus driver 54 Poke fun (at) 55 Intro to science? 57 Put into words 58 It’s usually FDIC-insured 59 Bassoon end? EAST ♠ Q, 8, 3 ❤ 8, 5 ♦ J,. 10, 7, 4 ♣ A, 9, 8, 3 SOUTH ♠ K, J, 10, 7, 6, 4, 2 ❤ K, J ♦ A, 3 ♣ Q, 2 The bidding: NORTH SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 2♦ Pass 4NT 4♠ 5♦ 3❤ 6♠ Pass Pass Opening lead: 10 of ❤ EAST Pass Pass Pass It is not always obvious how the principle of assumption can help in the play. Consider this deal. Once South jumped to game in spades, showing a near-solid suit, North checked ♦ Sudoku CONTENT ♣ for aces. On finding one missing, he settled in the small slam. West led the ten of hearts. Declarer won in hand with the jack, crossed to the ace of spades and returned a spade to the king. West's heart discard was a blow, but not necessarily fatal since two clubs could be discarded on red-suit winners. Declarer overtook the king of hearts with the ace and continued with the queen. Unfortunately, East ruffed and cashed the ace of clubs - down one. To make the slam, you must assume that East holds at least two diamonds - if not he will ruff the second round of diamonds and cash the ace of clubs. Therefore, you should cash the ace and king of diamonds before taking a discard on the hearts. If both defenders follow suit, you revert to hearts and make the slam if East has three hearts. When West shows out, however, you continue with the queen of diamonds, discarding a club, and ruff a diamond to set up a long card. Get back to dummy with a heart and lead a good diamond, discarding your queen of clubs, as East ruffs with the master trump. (Tannah Hirsch welcome readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.) ©2013 Tribune Content Agency, LLC Complete the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, from 1 to 9. The Beacon also at www.readthebeacon.com Nov. 22, 2013 — 39 Barrett Memorial Library Director Ann Becker reads a copy of The Beacon at Checkpoint Charley in Berlin, Germany. Checkpoint Charlie (or ‘Checkpoint C’) was the name given by the Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. (Photo furnished ) Laughing Matter Continued from page 35 man who wears a brown paper hat, brown paper shirt, brown paper trousers and brown paper shoes.” “How strange,” said the cowboy. “What are they hanging him for?” “Rustling,” said the bartender. ☺ ☺ ☺ A man who liked to play practical jokes sent his friend a collect telegram that read, “I am feeling fine.” About a week later, the joker received a heavy package on which he was required to pay the postage. Opening it, he found a concrete block and a note reading, “This is the weight your telegram lifted from my mind.” ☺ ☺ ☺ What is the quietest place in the world? The complaint department at the parachute packing plant. ☺ ☺ ☺ What’s the difference between a circus and a singles bar? At the circus, the clowns don’t try to talk to you. ☺ ☺ ☺ Why do chicken coops have two doors? Because if they had four doors they’d be chicken sedans. Now online at www.readthebeacon.com 40 — The Beacon Freeze for Life on December 7 Water sport enthusiasts are invited to show off their skills at the Freeze for Life fundraiser, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. atGage Marina/Pier 290 Restaurant, 1 Liechty Dr. in Williams Bay. Member of the general public are invited to jump in and play in the refreshing waters of Geneva Lake for a worthwhile cause. Freeze for Life is a not for profit organization that raises funds for alternative high school college bound students. Additional funds help support the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Participants are encouraged to get sponsorship pledges from businesses, friends, family and fans for the ski-athon. The minimum donation to participate in Freeze for Life is $40 in advance and $50 at the door, or, in this case, the pier. A prize will be awarded to the highest fundraiser. The goal is to raise $25,000. Boats, dry suits and towels will be provided along with a hot tub where water fanatics can warm up before and after their spin on the water. Friends, fans and curiosity seekers can hop on the Grand Belle passenger boat, with pier pickups at Gage Marina beginning at 10:30 a.m. and running throughout the event. The boat rides are free. A cash bar is available on board. A raffle and silent auction will be held throughout the event. Après-ski fun continues at Pier 290 Restaurant at Gage Marina, with food, hot toddies, and an “I Froze for Life” specialty drink. To register for the event, go to www.gagemarine.com or www.freeze4 life.com. Go to www.lustgartenfoundation.com for more information about that organization. For more information, call Lisa Geiger at (630) 308-3315. Pet Q&A Continued from page 22 If you are going to be putting on a reality show for them anyway, there may as well be two so they can enjoy your drama together and compare notes about it afterward. Q: We just bought a new house and have a backyard for the first time. We want to install a couple of bird feeders, but our neighbor says we shouldn’t put them up right now because birds that are supposed to migrate see a food source and won’t fly south. When is it the proper time for us to put out the feeders? A: Actually, your neighbor is mistaken. It isn’t the availability of food that causes a bird to migrate, it’s the change in daylight. Having feeders that are full now help the migrating birds, as they don’t have to waste energy or time looking for food. So, fill them as soon as you can. Q: My son loves wolves and wants to get a Siberian husky because they look like wolves. I heard that since they look like wolves, they act like them, too, and that they can turn on you and be unpredictable. Feeling under the weather? We’re open. Thanksgiving Emergency Department 24/7 | Urgent Care 9 am-1 pm Christmas Day Emergency Department 24/7 | Urgent Care 9 am-1 pm New Year’s Day Emergency Department 24/7 | Urgent Care 9 am-1 pm Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center Hwys. 50 and 67, Lake Geneva | (262) 245-2230 Nov. 22, 2013 A: Actually, if you placed a wolf next to a Siberian husky, you would see they don’t resemble each other that much. Huskies are smaller, have shorter legs and snout and a tail that can curl up over the back. The biggest difference between huskies and wolves – and this applies to all breeds of dogs – is in the way they think of us: Dogs always view us as providers and think of us as essential to their survival. So, don’t worry about the temperament of a husky, because they make delightful pets. The only problem I must warn you about is that they need lots and lots and lots of exercise, and, if you don’t exercise them enough, they’ll do it themselves. This usually means they will end up running around your house like lunatics and viewing all objects in it as chew toys. Plus, they need lots of brushing and combing to help with the shedding their thick fur produces. So, if your son is willing to exercise the dog and do the brushing, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to have a Siberian husky. Q: We got a betta fish for my boss’s desk and put it in a little five-gallon tank with a filter and a heater. It has two cherry shrimps as companions. We don’t know the best food for it; when we bought the fish, the pet store gave us little pellets, and when we looked online, it said to feed bettas frozen or live bloodworms. It definitely likes the worms better than the pellets, but we wondered why the pellets are sold if the fish don’t like them. A: Bettas in nature will eat small insects floating near the surface of the water, and that is why your fish likes the bloodworms so much. However, in nature they would be eating many different types of insects, so the diet would be varied, and each species of insect the fish eats has a different nutritional value. The pellets have all the proper vitamins and minerals the fish needs, so the answer here is to give him the pellets as a staple, and, as a treat, you can give him the bloodworms for variety. Q: You recently wrote about how some cats do better on canned food then dry food, and I wondered what your thoughts were on dog food? A: Years ago, when life was simpler, I used to go to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in Madison Square Garden and talk to the breeders of all the prize winners. I went every year for 22 years, and I always asked what they fed their dogs. Each year, the answers varied; some ate frozen food, some ate canned food and some ate dry food. Yet all the dogs there were prize winners and the best of their breed, no matter what food they were fed. What I have noticed from feeding dogs over the past half century is that a dog on a diet of dry food will definitely have larger stools then dogs on canned or raw food. Dogs on a raw diet have very small stools, and dogs on a cannedfood diet fall somewhere in between. It has been my own experience that a dog on a raw- or canned-food diet sheds less and has cleaner teeth then dogs on dry food. Many people are shocked to hear this, as they think that chewing on dry food keeps a dog’s teeth clean, but that is like thinking eating dry Cheerios is going to keep your teeth clean. The only way to keep a dog’s teeth clean is by regular brushing and dental procedures by your vet. Taking License Appropriate for Thanksgiving.