Spirit of Geneva Lakes Nov 2025

Vol. 37 No. 11 COMPLIMENTARY COPY • Since 1989 NOV. 2025

PIE COMPANY

GOING STRONG

HELP THE HUNGRY

AND HOMELESS

GIFTS AND

DÉCOR FOR ALL

MUSHROOMS

OF MANY TYPES

Thankful

ELKHORN

GUN

BARREL

BUY-SELL-TRADE

SHOP ONLINE

www.elkhorngunbarrel.com

9am-7pm

7 days a week

ON 12 NEXT TO

WORLD FAMOUS

HOT

DOGS

469825

CONTENTS

November

events calendar........ 4

Pie company a

mainstay nearly

25 years.................. 5

ON THE COVER

As we welcome autumn and

Thanksgiving – which begins

the holiday season, the weather

generally continues to get

cooler and the days shorter.

What seems to grow however,

is the hearts of people who are

grateful for what they have and

choose to give a helping hand

to others.

FILE PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Food, shelter

and other needs

increasing.............. 13

Longtime

store under

new ownership....... 21

Dining directory..... 26

Mushrooms of

all kinds and

much more............ 27

Sept.-Oct. Winery Hours

Daily: 12-5pm, Closed Mon. & Tues.

459616

Advertiser’s index

1903 Saloon...........................................26

Abbey Springs.....................................22

Addie Water Systems..................18

AeppelTreow Winery......................3

AMB Roofing

& Sheet Metal....................................18

B & D’s Village Inn............................22

Brightonwoods Orchard...........28

Burtness Chevrolet

Buick GMC...........................................16

Caravelle Lighting Inc.................20

Carpets Plus Outlet, Inc.............16

Elkhorn Gun Barrel.............................2

Geneva Crossing

Senior Neighborhood...............16

Gino’s East Pizzeria.................12, 26

Green Grocer & Deli.....................26

James R. Taylor & Sons..............24

Jerry Kroupa............................................6

John Thielmann

& Sons, Inc............................................10

Local Folks

Restaurant & Pub..........................26

Luisa’s Pizza Inc.........................14, 26

Lyle’s TV & Appliances, Inc.......32

Mars Resort...........................................26

Michael’s On The Lake..............26

Paper Dolls.............................................26

PATS Services Inc............................16

Peck and Weis Heating.............12

Pine Street Cafe................................26

Sportsman’s Pub & Grub.........26

Staller Estate Winery....................12

Studio Dori...............................................14

Sugar Creek Mutual

Insurance................................................31

Verlo Mattress LG............................... 8

Veteran’s Truck Line, Inc............18

Waterfront Pub and Grill..........26

Westenn Mgmt LLP.....................20

Willow Farm Mercantile............28

Wilson Farm Meats........................14

Advertising works in the

Spirit of Geneva Lakes!

Promoting your business in the

right publication is essential

to growth and overall success.

Knowing that your message

is reaching your intended

audience is what makes

The Spirit of Geneva Lakes

uniquely effective. We can

create an image that is both

creative and compelling!

For advertising opportunities contact:

Pete Hansen

Email: phansen@standardpress.com

Office: 262-473-3363

Cell: 414-801-2360

Tamera Hamilton

Email: tamera@southernlakesnewspapers.com

Office: 262-728-3411

473034

SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES 3

IT’S COMIN’ UP

NOV. EVENTS

Abbey Luminary Walks

Join the fun on Saturday evenings from 5

to 8 p.m. (Nov. 8 and 15) this fall for a free,

magical, family-friendly outdoor adventure.

Meet at the Abbey, 269 Fontana Blvd.,

Fontana, at the arcade. At check-in, you’ll

receive a glow stick on a lanyard, a mini

flashlight, a nocturnal animal guide and

directions to the luminary path.

Follow your Abbey guide to the start of

the beautifully lit trail, then explore the six

Outdoor Nocturnal Animal Stations. Along

the way, learn about each animal and try to

spot their glowing images in the distance.

This enchanting walk is fun for all ages –

don’t miss your chance to experience The

Abbey after dark in a whole new light!

Wee Ones Wednesday

Looking for something fun to do with

the little ones? Creative Forces Art Studio

announces the launch of Wee Ones

Wednesday. Every Wednesday, they’re

offering their Little Pieces for your Little

Ones!

Painting in studio, or to go kits are only

$5. They’ll be featuring a different theme

each week and will also offer our regular

showcase for open painting during Wee

Ones Wednesday.

There’s no age limit, everyone is

welcome! Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Creative Forces Art Studio is at 647 W.

Main St., Suite 1000, Lake Geneva. For

more information, call 262-729-4032 or

email creativeforceslg@gmail.com.

Save a life

Honor a veteran by donating blood

on Monday, Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m.,

American Legion Post 24, 735 Henry St.,

Lake Geneva.

All attempting donors will receive a

certificate for a pint of Culver’s frozen

custard.

Note that a photo ID is required, and

donors are reminded to eat and drink fluids

prior to donating.

To make an appointment, call 815-965-

8751. Walk-ins are welcome and will be

accommodated as the schedule allows.

Happy hour billiards

Lake Geneva Billiards offers happy hour

weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. with a variety

of drink specials and a drink and pizza

combo. All you can play pool every day

from noon to 6 p.m. is $8 a person.

Lake Geneva Billiards is at 772 W. Main

St., Suite 1, Lake Geneva.

Chris Kroeze concert

The Big Foot Community Fine Arts

Foundation will present Chris Kroeze at 7

p.m., Nov. 14 at the Big Foot Performing

Arts Center, 401 Devils Ln., Walworth.

Tickets are $40 for preferred seating, $20 in

the wings, discounted youth.

Kroeze was a runner up on NBC’s hit

TV show “The Voice.” He sang the original

song “Human,” which reached the Top 10

on the Billboard Hot 100.

For tickets, visit bigfootfinearts.org or call

262-275-2117.

Thanksgiving Wine Bingo

Get ready to shout “BINGO!” at Staller

Estate Vineyard & Winery from noon to 2

p.m. on Nov. 15. Select your ticket, gather

your luck, and let the games begin as there

are lots of fun prizes to give out.

Cost: $25 per person (includes 10 cards

and glass of wine of your choice); $30 per

person (includes 10 cards + cocktail of

your choice). Charcuterie and other drinks

available for purchase.

Reservations are required. For more

information, call 608-883-2100 or visit

stallerestate.com.

Shrimp & Crab Boil

On Friday nights, Magpie’s Den and Pen

hosts a shrimp & crab boil! For $30 guests

receive shrimp, crab, corn on the cobb,

andouille sausage, and potatoes. Magpie’s

is at 642 Main St., Lake Geneva.

Thursdays @ Lakeland

“We live in an area where over 20% of

people work in the hospitality field and most

of them work on weekends. That’s why we’re

introducing a different option. Our heart with

our new third service is to reach those who

can’t attend church on Sunday mornings,”

Lakeland Community Church officials said.

“Whether that’s you every week or every

once in a while, our Thursday service is for

you! We cannot wait to see you all here on

Thursday nights at 7 p.m. Church is for you

and it’s not just for Sundays anymore.”

Lakeland Community Church is at N3181

State Road 67, Lake Geneva. For more

information, email info@lakeland.church.

The calendar of events is compiled

from a variety of sources including area

chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus

and contains events available as of press

time. Dates and times may change, and

events may be canceled. Please verify

details and locations prior to making plans.

4 NOV. 2025

The

Spirit

IS A PUBLICATION OF

GENERAL MANAGER

David Habrat

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Heather Ruenz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Marcy Murphy

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff

PAGE DESIGN

Jennifer DeGroot

SALES

Pete Hansen

Tamera Hamilton

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR

Lindy Sweet

The Spirit of Geneva Lakes is

a complimentary publication,

distributed from I-94 through

west Kenosha County, to and

including the Geneva Lakes area

in Walworth County, Richmond

Illinois, plus Burlington and

Waterford in Racine County.

Send all correspondence to:

The Spirit

SOUTHERN LAKES

NEWSPAPERS

1102 Ann Street

Delavan, WI 53115

N

SpiritofGenevaLakes.com

262.728.3411

LAKE GENEVA PIE COMPANY PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Pies and so

much more!

Lake Geneva Pie Company

going strong for nearly 25 years

by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

Driving along Highway 12, the sight of the signage for the

Lake Geneva Pie Company will definitely grab the attention of

pie lovers. But pie is only one slice of what the longtime local

bakery has to offer.

Lake Geneva Pie Company has been a fixture in the

Geneva Square Shopping Center since 2001. Delicious pies,

baked fresh every day, are created by hand from fresh, local

ingredients. In addition, favorite pie selections along with

some new varieties are available, along with several other

quality items.

“My parents, John and Marty Adams, opened the Lake

from above: The Lake Geneva Pie Company, known for its freshly

made pies, cookies, muffins and breads, is at 150 E. Geneva

Square; A variety of the pies made are sold by the slice each day.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes


262-949-3618

JERRY KROUPA

View my properties at www.lakehomeswi.net

OFFICE AT 102 N. WISCONSIN ST., ELKHORN

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6 NOV. 2025

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477832

There are several tasty

quiche combinations

available at the

pie company.

The

whipped

topping on this

pie is picture-perfect.


Geneva Pie Company in 2001 and never

looked back,” said Jennifer Adams, their

daughter who took over ownership of the

store in June of 2021.

“It was always a family affair and

continues to be one,” she explained.

The opening of a pie company seemed

to be a natural step for John and Marty, as

both had personal and family backgrounds

in the restaurant and baking world.

John had been a director of food and

beverage services at a variety of hotels,

including the former American Resort in

Lake Geneva – perhaps better remembered

as the Playboy Club and now known as

Grand Geneva Resort.

Marty became interested in baking,

especially pies, in her childhood.

She baked pies with her mother and

grandmother – with cherry pies being

a regular choice – so opening the Lake

Geneva Pie Company was the start of

their new business. Not only has it been a

sweet success but has continued to evolve,

proving the choice the couple made nearly

25 years ago was indeed a good one.

“While we started with pies, it was

not long before additional items were

added,” Jennifer said. “Cookies, quiches

and muffins were added to our list of

homemade foods, all made from scratch

using the freshest ingredients.”

These foods were created and sold for

take home as well as for customers to

enjoy in the shop whether in the morning

with a cup of coffee or later in the

day as a light lunch or afternoon snack.

The baked goods are created daily,

using ingredients that are obtained locally

as often as possible.

“Occasionally, we have had to order our

rhubarb from Poland when there was none

available here,” Jennifer explained.

For the employees of the Lake Geneva

Pie Company, the day begins early. At

6 a.m., they gather to begin the task of

baking the day’s fresh pies and other

goods.

A variety of flavors

While there are many varieties of pies

produced, not every kind is available each

day.

According to Jennifer, the company

bakes about 20 varieties of pies in all. In

addition to the fresh pies made for that

day, there are also some that are sold

frozen and available for customers to take

home and bake themselves.

As Thanksgiving approaches, pies

are high on the list of favorites for many

family dinners. And of the pie offerings,

at least at this time of year, apple and

pumpkin are generally among the top

choices.

“But the daily overall local favorite is

the Lakeshore Pie,” Jennifer said.

The Lakeshore pie features raspberries,

blackberries, strawberries and apples, a

fresh and tasty combination of popular

fruits.

Fruit pies are not the only types that

are produced at the Lake Geneva Pie

Company. The store also has a number of

cream pies such as banana cream, coconut

cream and chocolate cream. Other favorite

pie flavors include Key Lime and pecan

but there are more offerings beyond those

already mentioned.

Whatever your favorite pie is, chances

are very good that they make it and if it’s

not available in the bakery, customers can

order it for pickup on a future day.

Advice: stop early

Once the pies are out of the oven,

they are available for sale. Often early in

the morning customers will show up to

purchase their favorite pie before it’s gone.

Some choose to take it home while others

sit and enjoy it along with a cup of coffee

– also available in a variety of flavors – in

the shop.

Jennifer said the business has many

regular customers but also a good mix of

summer residents and other visiting the

area.

“On Monday mornings, there is a large

crew of workers who come in early for

their morning coffee and perhaps a muffin

or two before heading out to work,” she

said. “These early morning visitors are

locals, so they tend to come in year-round,

even after the tourists have gone for the

season. Tourists, though, also come in

regularly.”

As lunchtime approaches, that generally

brings another wave of customers. While

the pie company used to make sandwiches

at lunch, it no longer does so.

But quality soup is available, clean


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ADJUSTABLE BEDS ON SALE NOW!

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Take the risk out of mattress shopping with the assurance of

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8 NOV. 2025

459677

Lake Geneva Pie Company owner, Jennifer Adams,

displays a tray of freshly made crumb topped fruit pies.


labeled and most often made from scratch on the market. The

soups, of course, can be combined with a muffin or cookie – or,

you guessed it, a piece of pie – for a great lunch. And it’s not

hard to believe some people will skip the soup altogether and go

straight for the sweet treat.

While the soups are a favorite to enjoy at the shop for many

who stop in, they are also sold frozen so can be taken home and

enjoyed there.

Lake Geneva Pie Company also makes pot pies, both chicken

and beef. These pot pies are on a different level compared to the

pot pies that are usually found in grocery stores freezer.

The homemade pot pies at the pie company are filled with

either chicken or beef and a large variety of vegetables in a

tasty gravy. They come in a 6-inch or 9-inch sizes and can be

purchased fresh or frozen to take home and be baked.

Quiche – in a variety of flavors – is another popular item made

by the team at Lake Geneva Pie Company. They offer six flavors

of quiche: broccoli cheddar; ham and cheddar; spinach, tomato

and Swiss cheese; asparagus, tomato and mozzarella cheese;

sausage, onion and chipotle cheese; and the house signature

quiche composed of bacon, artichokes, Swiss cheese, red pepper

and nutmeg.

The quiches are also sold frozen. Ingredients are packaged and

then placed in the crust, for people to take home, put together and

bake. Other ingredients can also be added if desired, making it

unique.

Jennifer said the pie company’s frozen line of foods

are a big seller.

“Having a quiche or pot pie in the freezer makes

cooking a tasty dinner possible even on those days

when you seem to run out of time before

dinner is planned and cooked,” she said.

Snack breads, cookies and

muffins – all made with the

same quality as fruit

pies, pot pies

Inside

the

café is

seating

and a

wooden tic

tac toe game

on each table

to keep guests

entertained.

The game is a

family favorite,

according to

owner Jennifer

Adams.


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608-883-2100

W8896 County Rd. A

Just East of Hwy. 89

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10 NOV. 2025

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Private space up to 80 people or up to 60 people in bar area (if available)

Full Off Site Catering to your home, Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn, The Riviera,

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478114

and quiche, are also popular at the pie

company.

Holidays and pre-orders

With Thanksgiving and then Christmas

just around the corner, it’s not too soon to

consider a holiday menu. Whether people

wish to serve traditional holiday pies at a

gathering of family and friends, or maybe

mix it up and try different flavors, it’s

important to order ahead of time.

Visit Lake Geneva Pie Company’s

Facebook page to coordinate in advance

the order for pies and the pickup date and

time for the gathering.

With many people requiring or

preferring gluten-free foods, Lake Geneva

Pie Company has that option available as

well. Gluten-free items need to be ordered

in advanced or purchased frozen. There

are a variety of gluten-free pies available

frozen for customers to take home and

bake, to be certain that you have the

perfect pie for a holiday meal, it’s advised

to order in advance, usually 72 hours

before needed.

Due to the increase in requests during

the holiday season, lead order times may

change so Jennifer suggests checking the

Facebook page for current ordering times

as well as pickup hours.

The multi-award-winning bakery and

café welcomes all. Jennifer said Lake

Geneva Pie Company is proud to be

involved in the community and regularly

works with other local business to raise

money and awareness for local needs.

Each year, the store donates the time

needed and more than 100 pies to support

local causes.

They also continue to expand their

offerings.

“We are a food family,” she said. “We

continue to create new items for our line,

especially our frozen foods.”

One recent item is the addition of a

frozen meatball and marinara sauce that

can be purchased.

“Take it home, add pasta and you will

have a flavorful meal in minutes,” Jennifer

said.

Lake Geneva Pie Company is at 150 E.

Geneva Square, Lake Geneva. For more

information, call 262-248-5100, visit lgpie.

com or the Facebook page. Hours are

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday

from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business is

closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.

from above: This large hand painted sign greets visitors as they enter the store; Among

common cookies available are peanut butter, a favorite of many customers.



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12 NOV. 2025

478118

Thanksgiving –

a time to share,

and help others

Food pantries,

homeless

shelters rely on

donations all year


CORRESPONDENT

As Thanksgiving approaches, we realize

that we are entering that special time of

year –the holiday season.

Accepting that summer is over,

autumn is also quickly slipping away. But

before winter comes, there is time with

family and friends, enjoying company,

friendship and good food – starting with

Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is different from other

holidays, as it is an American tradition –

one that began with the pilgrims in 1621 to

celebrate the year of survival in this new

land with winters harsher than they had

ever experienced in England.

Once those colonists survived the

winter (although only about half of them

did so), they were faced with the difficult

task of clearing land and attempting to

grow edible plants and vegetables, as they

had depleted the foods they had brought

with them. Some of the edible plants

introduced by the local Wampanoag Indian

tribes were new to them, but still they

strove to grow them.

It was the native members of the

Wampanoag tribe that helped the new

settlers survive that winter. The tribe

taught them about some of the edible

plants, many of which were different

than those they were familiar with from

from top: Shelter Manager Jim Stahl

stands near the sign for the Twin Oaks

Homeless Shelter, which has 12 units for

families who are homeless; Residents

can spend time in the day room using the

computers or attending classes. There are

also movies that can be watched.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes


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This crew is all smiles while handing out

turkeys for Thanksgiving. They’re part of a

large group of volunteers that help out at the

Bridge Food and Diaper Bank.

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England. It was only natural that they

invited them to share their Thanksgiving

feast – a tradition that we continue by

inviting friends to share Thanksgiving with

us for we are thankful not just for food but

for friends and family who share our lives.

Food on that first Thanksgiving was

very different from the feasts we enjoy

today. The beautiful turkey that centers

many holiday meals was not found in

those early days. The turkeys were wild

turkeys with relatively little meat and were

dry and stringy. If they had meat, it was

more likely to be wild fowl such as ducks,

which were in the area. More likely, they

served seafood or fish as being on the

coast, there were ample amounts of it, and

it was easily obtained.

Vegetables likely included potatoes

and some of the newer ones introduced to

them by the Wampanoag friends. If they

had corn, it would not have been served,

as it was most likely dried and saved

for the livestock to get them through the

winter. While cranberries were available,

they were also probably not eaten, as

cranberries are very sour in their natural

state. Sugar to add to them while cooking

was most likely not available; what they

had brought with them had probably been

used and sugar was not a commodity

available in Massachusetts.

Today, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving

dinner is usually a large turkey surrounded

with side dishes such as dressing, sweet

potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans or

other vegetables.

For many, it would not be Thanksgiving

dinner if there were not cranberries,

freshly cooked or jellied canned varieties.

And of course, the meal will likely end

with pie with pumpkin and apple being

among the most popular flavors.

It’s important to note that while two

organizations are highlighted below, there

are many in the area that help others, from

food pantries in nearly every community

to others such as The Time is Now to Help.

Difficulty filling the table

Each year, the cost of the traditional

Thanksgiving dinner rises. Inflation makes

it difficult for families – who are already

struggling – to provide the traditional meal

that many people share on Thanksgiving

Day.

For those who rely on food banks to

help them provide food the family needs,

trying to provide the extras for a holiday

dinner may not be something they even

consider possible.

The Bridge Food and Diaper Bank,

which is in Elkhorn, is one of the places

in the area those in need of food and other

supplies rely on to meet their needs.

“In Walworth County, 30% of our

neighbors are living with food insecurity.

Families who are short on money often

get creative or make sacrifices,” explained

Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Development

Director at the Bridge Food and Diaper

Bank.

Those trying to prepare a holiday

dinner on a budget may substitute a less

expensive meat, such as chicken or ham,

for the turkey and choose lower cost side

dishes, likely limiting how many they can

afford.

“The Bridge will also be providing

turkeys, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix,

pumpkin puree, and gravy mix to those

guests that have joined us in the past year,”

Russell-Jones said.

That means these families will be able

to enjoy a turkey dinner.


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According to Russell-Jones, because

The Bridge is privately funded, it relies

on financial donations and food drives to

provide holiday meals to those it serves.

“We have seen an increase in donations,

both food and money, during the holiday

season because it is naturally a season of

giving,” Russell-Jones said.

But, as she explained, the need for food

is constant.

“Unfortunately, food insecurity

continues throughout the year, so

donations are always welcomed. We’ve

seen a noticeable increase in the number of

people needing help.

“Many families who have not needed

assistance in the past are now coming to us

for the first time,” she added.

While The Bridge gratefully accepts

food donations, financial donations are

preferred because the pantry can purchase

$7 worth of food for every $1 donated.

That’s possible because of their ability to

purchase items in bulk and through their

partnerships.

Those who are able to help can make

financial donations through the website,

www.thebridgewalco.org or by mailing a

check to: The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank,

P.O. Box 1016, Elkhorn, WI 53121.

Food and other supplies can also

be dropped off at the location but

by appointment only. To set up an

appointment to do so, please call 262-723-

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right: During the holiday season - beginning with Thanksgiving – people, organizations and

businesses often donate food, money and time. left: Volunteers are an essential part of the

work done at food pantries to help those who are struggling. top: On the grounds at the shelter

there’s a playground for children living there. The shelter also has a garden managed by the

residents so they can have fresh vegetables.

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above: To welcome children of families arriving at the shelter,

a stuffed animal and some small toys are placed on the bed.

right: There are a variety of toys and books for the children to

play with at while staying at Twin Oaks.


Shelter needed, too

Food is not the only need in the area.

There are also many homeless people,

couples and families looking for a place to

live.

To help those in need in this type

of situation, Twin Oaks Shelter for the

Homeless provides temporary housing.

“The shelter is an old motel that was

built in 1939 and was given to the Housing

Authority in 1974. In 1992, it was regifted

to the Community Action group and it

became a homeless shelter,” said Jim

Stahl, Shelter Manager.

“We have rooms for a single person,

ones that will accommodate a small

family of three or four, rooms a bit larger

for larger families and one room that is

handicap accessible,” he explained.

The shelter also has a community

kitchen where each family cooks their

own food and a community room with

computers that may be accessed by the

residents, according to Stahl.

Applicants seeking shelter must go

through screening to determine if they

qualify to stay there. Sex offenders are not

allowed, nor are those who have a history

of being convicted of crimes or drug use.

The families that are given space are

allowed only a temporary stay – of up to

60 days. Family members meet with a

counselor weekly, who works with them

on a management plan and offers classes to

help people again become self-sufficient.

“One of the problems with the shelter

here is that it is out in the country,” Stahl

said. “If they do not have a car, they have

no way to get to work if they find a job.”

Sharing their stories

Two residents – who are not being

named – spoke about their journey into

homelessness and the future.

One is a single man who shared that

this was his third time being homeless. He

blames his parents for making him leave

their home. He said he is on the autism

spectrum and has ADHD (attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder). He has gotten a

job assembling a variety of items for big

box stores.

The man is looking for an apartment

that he and his fiancé can afford but he

said that has been a challenge in this area.

His time at the shelter is coming to an

end soon and he said he may have to go

back to living in his truck until he can

find an apartment unless he finds another

shelter to stay at temporarily.

The man doesn’t plan to celebrate

Thanksgiving in any way. He said he

doesn’t care about holidays because he

associates them with bad memories.

Stahl understands why so many people

are struggling.

“Rents are high, and apartments are

scarce in the area,” Stahl said. “There

needs to be many more moderate-priced

apartments for rent.”

The other resident who agreed to be

interviewed is married with six children.

The oldest child is 8 and the youngest was

a few weeks old.

The entire family, including the

woman’s husband, is at the shelter.

She said she was happy and relieved

they were able to get a space. After their

home burned down, they had lived in their

cars for several months before the baby

was born.

Because she had a C-section, she cannot

go back to work yet, and her husband is

struggling to find a job.

For now, she is happy that they are

all together and have a place to stay.

Thanksgiving this year will be whatever

food is available at the shelter. The

important thing is the family being

together.

In spite of their situations, both of the

people interviewed said even when things

are bad it’s important to not give up. There

is help available, but people have to be

diligent in seeking it, they said. They also

said people should never be afraid to ask

for help.

It costs about $400,000 to keep the

homeless shelter open each year and most

of that comes from donations.

To donate, visit Twin Oaks Shelter for

the Homeless on Facebook or the website,

www.community-action.org. The shelter is

at W9665 Highway 14, Darien. To reach

them by phone, call 262-882-3662.


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Cornerstone

SHOP AT THE

FOR A VARIETY OF GIFTS

Longtime downtown

Lake Geneva store

under new ownership


CORRESPONDENT

The pre-holiday season is always a busy

time, with many people out and about to

browse the stores, grab a meal and later, a

coffee, latte or even a glass of wine as the

day winds down.

One area place that offers a wide

variety of gifts for people of all ages is The

Cornerstone Shop and Gallery.

The Cornerstone sits at the corner of

Broad and Main streets in downtown Lake

Geneva, just a block from the lakefront.

The business began in 2007 when the initial

owners Karin and Bruce Bennett purchased

the 10,000-square-foot building as a place to

grow their business.

They were not planning to purchase

something quite so large, but the building –

in the perfect spot – was available. They said

they bit the bullet and moved into the space,

gradually filling it with quality merchandise

that was attractive to area residents and

visitors.

By adding quality women’s clothing,

jewelry and accessories to one of the spaces

in the store, plus an array of top line and

unique baby clothes, gifts, home decorative

items, and a large room devoted to lake

décor and art, the couple built it into a store

that interested many shoppers who made

their way to Lake Geneva.

The Bennetts also carried books by local

authors and art by artists who used the

beauty and unique setting of Lake Geneva as

features in stories or artwork.

It was not long before the space was filled

from top: These colorful serving pieces

can brighten up your table or be given as

a gift; After a visit to Lake Geneva area,

you may want to add some lake life items

to your own space.



with both merchandise and

customers. But after 18 years of

running the store, it was time for

the Bennetts to consider retiring

to spend more time with family

and pursue other interests.

“We would ultimately like

to pass the baton to someone

special, someone who shares

our love of the Cornerstone

Shop and has the same creative

passion, business acumen and

vision to take it to the next

level,” the Bennetts shared in a

newsletter a couple of years ago.

Spreading her wings

This spring, they found

Emily Trainor, who purchased

the business from them in April.

Trainor is not new to the

community or to running a

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Emily Trainor, new owner of Cornerstone, displays some

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retail business. Prior to moving to this

area, she was in charge of the Habitat for

Humanity store, Restore, in Madison. She

moved to Lake Geneva four years ago and

purchased the Queen Bee Artisan Market,

which, coincidentally, is just across the

street from Cornerstone.

“This store is quite different in that the

Queen Bee works with many local artisans

who create their own items that are

carried in the store,” Trainor said. “With

Cornerstone, I will again be spreading my

wings, as I will need to attend trade shows

and purchase national brands – something

I have not had to do with Queen Bee.”

When Trainor took over as owner of The

Cornerstone, one of the most frequently

asked questions by customers was whether

she was going to change the store.

“The plan is not to change the many

things that work here,” she explained. “We

will continue to carry the brands and hold

the events that have been successful. We

will make some subtle changes.”

One such change is to open up the retail

spaces more visually, to give the displays a

more open, lighter space.

“We will continue to carry the clothing

that has been so successful here and is

different from what other boutiques in

the area carry,” Trainor said. “The Joseph

Ribkoff clothing is unique and successful,

and we will continue to have their trunk

shows.

“We are also building more inventory in

our jewelry department,” she added.

Helping hands

Handling both business locations,

especially during the busy summer season

in Lake Geneva, could have been quite

the challenge. But Trainor has a degree

in leadership and is known for building

strong teams to work together to create a

successful staff so came up with a plan –

and had some help.

“I was also fortunate to have my mom,

who at the time was managing the Buddy

Holly store in Texas, agree to move here

and take over as manager of the Queen

Bee,” Trainor said.

This time of year, dressier holiday

wear can be found taking over much of

the display space for clothing. Just seeing

the glittery, dressy outfits is enough to put

visitors in a holiday mood.

“This is the place for someone to come

for a casual outfit or to find their mother of

the bride dress,” Trainor said.

The Cornerstone will again hold its

traditional Holiday Open House Nov. 8

and 9. Trainor said she hopes the public

will come in on those days, and “get into

the holiday spirit.”

Prior to then, the design and

merchandising team will be hard at work

picking the theme for this year’s holiday

from above:

Cornerstone Shop

and Gallery is located

on the corner of

Broad and Main

streets in downtown

Lake Geneva;

Cornerstone is

adding to its jewelry

collection in the

store; The store has

a variety of clothes,

toys and more for

babies, kids and

baby showers.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ

Spirit of Geneva Lakes


décor. The team will then be

working together to bring

the Christmas trees and other

holiday décor items up from

storage and turn the entire

store into a Christmas Winter

Wonderland.

After visiting the store,

customers might also find

themselves ready to take on

the holiday spirit. In stock at

Cornerstone will be a variety

of decorative items to creative

an at-home wonderland, which

can always be expanded with

one or two new items found at

the shop.

One area of expansion,

according to Trainor, is the

greeting cards, notepads

and stationery available.

Cornerstone carries quality

brands such as Papyrus and

Sister Golden and is in the

process of introducing more

hand-made notepads and

stationery.

If a baby shower or a new

baby gift is on the horizon,

the children’s department is

a good place to start. With

special baby clothes, unique

decorative items for a child’s

room and a variety of special

toys, there is likely something

that will be appropriate and of

course, it’s fun just to browse

in the kids’ area.

The Lake Life Room is

filled with items that represent

life on the lake. Whether a

customer is looking for a

painting or other lake décor,

merchandise found here can

add a special touch. With

paintings by local artist

William Nelson and gifts from

Mariposa, Neal Aspinall and

Michael Aram, the quality of

items is notable.

Solid support system

When she came to Lake

Geneva as a business owner,

Trainor became a board

member of the Downtown

Business Association

Improvement Group, which

works to create and improve

the downtown business section

There are many pieces of quality clothing for sale at the store.


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24 NOV. 2025

Do you enjoy reading

this publication?

We sure enjoy bringing it to you. To those readers

who have sent a donation to help underwrite

the increasing costs of producing The Spirit of

Geneva Lakes magazine, We Thank You! For those

who haven’t but would like to help assure future

editions, please send a donation in any amount to:

1102 ANN STREET, DELAVAN, WI 53115

IF YOU THINK THE SPIRIT IS WORTH:

$1.50 an issue - $18 covers a year

$1 an issue - $12 covers a year

BUT, ANY AMOUNT IS APPRECIATED!

You won’t get a tote bag, T-shirt, coffee mug or CD

of Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits. But you will get

the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to

support your favorite local magazine.

388406

of the city.

One of the group’s most recent events

was the downtown pumpkin crawl, where

beautifully sculpted pumpkins designed by

local artist Dori were displayed at various

businesses throughout downtown Lake

Geneva.

Cornerstone was one of the local

businesses to participate in this event and

Trainor said it’s good “to be surrounded by

others who want to improve the business

district. And it is good to have the support

from other business owners.”

So, what isn’t common knowledge

about Emily Trainor that would be

interesting to know? Well, she is an

Italian-trained honey sommelier. To

become one, she had to travel and taste

3,000 honeys from throughout the world,

along with learning much about honey.

For any who have not heard of a honey

sommelier, they are trained professionals

who use sensory analysis to evaluate the

complex flavors, aromas and textural

profiles of honeys and identify their

origins, botanical sources and specific

characteristics. This is done to guide

consultants in selecting the options to

bring out the best flavors when used with

culinary items and also to educate others

about honey through tastings and honey

workshops.

“We do have a tasting room on Broad

Street and often do wine pairings with

honey with the wine shop in town,” shared

Trainor.

For the most part, Cornerstone Shop

will remain as many know it, with only

some subtle changes and additions as

needed.

“We do keep in touch with the Bennetts,

and we will continue to build off what they

have created,” Trainor said. “We will begin

to put our own touch on the store, but we

are ever so grateful to them for what they

have created.

“And yes, we will continue to carry

the Sore Muscle Jelly that was brought to

the store by Karin Bennett and is a very

popular with customers,” she added.

Cornerstone Shop and Gallery is at 214

Broad St., Lake Geneva. Reach them by

phone at 262-248-6988 or visit the website

at cornerstonelakegeneva.com.

The store is open seven days a week

from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the website

for winter hours, which will begin after

Christmas.

from top: With Christmas just around

the corner, add another Santa to your

collection or pick one up for a gift; A

variety of mugs featuring local places

and events were designed by local

artist Neal Aspinall.



Information

is subject to

change. Please

contact individual

restaurant for

more information.

Dining Directory

Call for Carry Out & Delivery Options

MICHAEL’S ON THE LAKE • 3101 Eagle Road,

Kansasville, WI 53139. (262) 878-3313. A Wisconsin supper

club on the shore of Eagle Lake. Known for our steaks, prime

rib on Saturday night, fish fry on Wednesday and Friday,

baby back ribs and our famous carrot cake. Visit www.

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THE GREEN GROCER AND DELI • 24 W.

Geneva St., Williams Bay. 262-245-9077. www.

greengrocergenevalake.com Organic grocery store with a

deli. Serving sandwiches made with Boars Head meat and

cheese, homemade soups, salads and pizzas, wine, beer

and cocktails. Dine in, Carryout or delivery.

Open 7 days a week. L, D, $-$$ (

LOCAL FOLKS RESTAURANT & PUB • 39601 60th

St. (Slades Corners), Burlington. 262-539-3200. Open 6am

every morning! B, L, D, $, FF,

SPORTSMAN’S PUB & GRUB • 25313 W. Loomis Rd.,

Wind Lake, WI 53185. 262-895-1055. Join us Friday and

Saturday FOR THE BEST PRIME RIB IN TOWN! $2.00 OFF

Any prime rib dinner. Sunday morning breakfast served 8am

til Noon. L, D, FF, $$

Key

PINE STREET CAFE • 141 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI

53105. 262-763-9800. Homestyle food made from scratch

daily using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Breakfast •

Lunch • Dinner. Fish Fry Every Friday. Sunday 6am - 3pm.

Monday - Saturday 6am - 8pm. $$, B, L, D, FF,

LUISA’S • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva.

262-537-4795. Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in,

carry out, delivery, catering avail., call ahead & will have it

hot ready to go. D, $$

B&D’S VILLAGE INN • 34414 Geneva Rd., New Munster,

WI. 262-537-4719. Open daily at 11am

Serving Friday fish fry!

B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner NC: No credit cards accepted $: Mostly under $10 $$: Mostly under $20 GF: Gluten free

$$$: Mostly under $30 FF: Fish Fry (: Reservations requested : Alcohol served : Kids menu SR: Senior menu

26 NOV. 2025

MARS RESORT • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva.

A classic Wisconsin supper club “nestled on the shores of

Lake Como.” Open 7 days a week at 11am. Out of this world

ribs and spectacular sunsets! Reserve one of our Igloos on

our “Fire and Ice” Deck for a truly unique experience. We

created special platters that are sure to please all of our

guests. Enjoy our Piano Bar for fun Friday and Saturday

nights. Call 262-245-5689 today and visit

www.mars-resort.com to view our menu. L, D, FF, $$

GINO’S EAST OF CHICAGO • 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake

Geneva. 262-248-2525. www.ginoseastlakegeneva.

com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian

sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$

WATERFRONT PUB & GRILL • 408 State Rd. 50,

Delavan, WI. 262-728-4700. www.waterfrontdelavan.com

Great atmosphere for all occasions with homemade food!

Indoor patios available for private parties. Dine in or pick

up through our drive thru window. Daily specials including

Friday Fish Fry and Saturday Prime Rib. Specialty cocktails

and 19 beers on tap. Open 7 Days A Week -11 am L, D, FF,

$-$$

Paper Dolls

Home Furnishings & Interior Design

We have the Largest

Selection of In-Stock

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Accessories in the Area

• Interior Design Services •

• Custom Window Treatments, Blinds & Shades •

• Wallpaper •

477741

138 E. Geneva Square

Lake Geneva, WI 53147 • 262.248.6268

paperdollsinterior.com

474056

From the farm to the table

AT RIVER VALLEY RANCH


CORRESPONDENT

While mushrooms are a favorite for many people

year-round, they seem to show up in many recipes

and dishes during the holiday season.

Mushrooms might be in the gravy for the turkey

or perhaps added to the dressing. They may be

a vegetable served on its own, mixed with other

vegetables or perhaps used in a casserole. And any

good appetizer tray sure would not be complete

without mushrooms, whether stuffed or sliced.

Finding quality mushrooms is important, and

one place to find fresh mushrooms picked daily is at

River Valley Ranch and Kitchens, Burlington.

The history of River Valley Ranch goes back to the

1970s, when Bill Rose – father of current owner Eric

Rose – sold his restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois,

and developed a plan to start his own mushroom farm.

“My dad purchased a farm on the Fox River

in Wisconsin in 1976 and began to develop his

mushroom business, “ Eric explained. “As he was

growing his original mushroom beds, I became

from above: In addition to mushroom products, fresh,

locally grown vegetables are available; At first glance

this may appear to be cauliflower but it’s a variety of

mushrooms known as Lion’s Mane.



involved in the business with him.”

Unfortunately, the state of Wisconsin wanted

that land and eventually, Bill would lose his bid to

hold onto the farm as the state took it over through

eminent domain, something often done when a

property is deemed necessary for the public good.

“My dad purchased another and bigger farm then

the one we currently had, and for a time ran both

until the first one closed,” Eric explained.

A tragedy during the move led to unplanned

changes for the family and their business.

“When he was moving some machinery to the

new location, his vehicle was hit by a truck and he

was killed,” Eric said. “That left my mother and me

to run the farm.”

As he took over the farm, Eric said he continued

to follow his father’s simple mission, which was

to grow the finest fresh mushrooms for the local

community. While Eric was in charge of growing

the mushrooms, his mother was handling the selling

side of the business.

Humble beginning

They sold mushrooms from the farm curbside

initially. But by 1988 they had developed the store

on Highway 50 to sell their mushrooms.

“Originally mushrooms were all we sold. Then,

little by little, we began to expand our products,”

Eric said.

First it was a little local cheese that they added

and then some other local products. Mushrooms,

however, have remained the main product at River

Valley along with the goal of continuing to offer

a variety of fresh quality mushrooms to their

customers.

“Our early years we produced about 500

pounds of mushrooms per year. Today it is now

a half million pounds,” Eric said. “We offer

different varieties of mushrooms including button,

portobello, shitake, oyster and Lion’s mane. We sell

direct to the public at our store and also wholesale

large quantities to businesses.”

It was not long until Rose added local fresh

produce to the store and then, as he made

Eric Rose, owner of River Valley Ranch, displays a variety

of mushrooms that are grown on site.


Unique gift, furniture, vintage and

lifestyle store located in a 1890s

Wisconsin dairy barn

CHECK OUT SOCIALS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

4719 Town Rd., Salem, WI 53168

CHRISTMAS HOURS

10:00 AM-5:00 PM

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28 NOV. 2025

478117

connections with other businesspeople, he

began to add some of their small business

items. One woman brought olives that she

had preserved. Another woman was known

for making mustards and then increased to

creating salsas. Both made their home in

his store.

Specialty items added

About this time, Eric became curious

about pickling mushrooms. After doing

some research and experimenting with

the recipes, he created jars of pickled

mushrooms.

“I built a 10-foot by 10-foot space to

use for pickling and began pickling more

bottles,” he explained. “Surprisingly for

me, they sold well, and I actually made a

profit the first time I made them.”

He has continued to offer pickled

mushrooms, using different seasonings

that include garlic, dill, and even hot

flavors. With the success of the pickled

mushrooms, Eric went on to create

salsa with portabellas, then moved on to

creating pasta sauces.

All the special foods are marketed

under their private label River Valley

Ranch and Kitchens. Many new items

continue to be added but everything is

created in small batches.

Eric said he has never shied away

from participating in new opportunities.

He partnered with Rick Bayless for an

event held at Bayless’ popular restaurant,

Frontera Grill in Chicago, for a very

successful fundraiser.

“Each time we had an interaction with

an event, I did my best to learn something

from them,” Eric explained.

While River Valley Ranch has grown its

shelf stable products, producing more than

40 different sauces, salsas, and pickled

mushrooms, it’s still the fresh mushrooms

that are the most important. Those, the

business continues to harvest by hand.

In the frozen section of the store,

from top left: Pickled mushrooms, which come in several flavors, can be used as

a side dish or on a salad; Bottled and frozen foods created by River Valley Ranch are

cooked in small batches and sold at the store including soup, a favorite among many

shoppers; Fresh Portabella and Crimini mushrooms are ready and available at River

Valley; A variety of local products are available at the store.



visitors can find a number of special foods

that have been created with mushrooms.

Not only do they add flavor and texture,

but they can also serve as a good

replacement for meat., especially given the

nutrition they bring to the table.

Mushrooms are known for being low in

calories, and they contain many vitamins,

minerals and antioxidants. They have a

distinct nutty taste and can add flavor to

many different foods. Despite mushrooms

having a similar flavor, each type has its

own distinct feature, offering the possibility

of complimenting many recipes.

Mushrooms are versatile

In the freezer at River Valley, there are

numerous items that feature mushrooms

including bratwurst created by Lake

Geneva Country Meats. The LGCM

brats available feature cooked portabella

mushrooms and Swiss cheese, giving it a

unique flavor and a favorite among fans of

mushrooms.

There are also a number of items

where the mushrooms have replaced the

meat, such as tamales and mushroom

burgers – perfect for those who maintain

a vegetarian diet or perhaps just prefer to

opt for a meat free meal on occasion. Also

in the frozen foods section are loaves of

bread, and baguettes that are unique to the

business.

“These are mushroom baguettes that are

baked especially for us using our recipe,”

Eric explained. “The Simple Bakery in

downtown Lake Geneva bakes them but

they can only be sold here at our store.”

The baguettes are sold frozen and are

recommended to be placed in the oven to

defrost and heat. The baguette contains

pieces of mushroom throughout, adding

a flavorful mushroom taste to the bread.

Once it’s been defrosted and heated, the

bread can be used for sandwiches or as a

tasty side for soup.

For those interested, there a mushroom

grow kit for sale b River Valley, which

allows people to try their hand at growing

mushroom. It can be an educational

opportunity for adults as well as children.

Though many who stop by the store

may be planning to only find mushrooms,

many are surprised at all of the offerings.

Today, after nearly 50 years of growing

mushrooms and sharing them with locals

and visitors through their store, River

Valley Ranch remains true to its roots.

“We are passionate about growing,

crafting, and delivering the finest farmto-table

foods,” the website states. “From

hand-harvested mushrooms to smallbatch

specialty foods, every product we

offer reflects our commitment to quality,

tradition, and community.”

River Valley Ranch & Kitchen is at

39900 60th St., Burlington. For more

information, call 262-539-3555, or visit

the website at rvrvalley.com The store is

open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6

p.m. Items can also be purchased through

the website.

30 NOV. 2025

from above: Although the store is

not big, it features a variety of goods

– fresh, frozen and bottled; These kits

contain everything needed to grow

own favorite mushrooms.

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