Spirit of Geneva Lakes Nov 2025

Vol. 37 No. 12 COMPLIMENTARY COPY • Since 1989 Dec. 2025

Season

OF

lights

TAKE THE

SANTA CRUISE

CHEESE LOVERS

REJOICE

LIGHTING UP

CHRISTMAS

130 YEARS AS

A LIBRARY

ELKHORN

GUN

BARREL

BUY-SELL-TRADE

SHOP ONLINE

www.elkhorngunbarrel.com

9am-7pm

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ON 12 NEXT TO

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469825

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

The Santa Cruise is

a special, seasonal

boat ride on Geneva

Lake to Santa’s

Chalet. Along the way,

guests are treated

to lighted displays

along the shoreline.

The showroom at Pier

290, where the boat is

docked for the cruise,

hosts a Christmas Tree

Festival that supports

several local charities.

LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE PHOTO

Spirit of Geneva Lakes

December events

calendar.................. 4

Support charities

and wave to Santa

from a boat............. 5

The Cheese Box

has aged

extremely well........ 13

Largest glass tree

to go red; see the

parade of trees ...... 19

Lake Geneva Public

Library in its

130th year............. 25

Dining directory..... 26

Advertiser’s index

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

Abbey Springs................................10

Addie Water Systems.............26

AMB Roofing &

Sheet Metal..................................... 14

Aronson Fence Co., Inc..........20

B & D’s Village Inn.......................26

Caravelle Lighting Inc.............. 14

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

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

Geneva Crossing Senior

Neighborhood.............................16

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

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

Local Folks

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

Luisa’s Pizza Inc....................10, 26

Lyle’s TV &

Appliances, Inc...........................32

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

Michael’s On The Lake..........26

Paper Dolls.........................................16

PATS Services Inc........................24

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

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

Sportsman’s Pub & Grub.....26

Staller Estate Winery............... 14

Steffan’s Jewelers........................20

Stinebrink’s

Piggly Wiggly...............................30

Sugar Creek

Mutual Insurance........................31

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

Veteran’s Truck Line, Inc.......16

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

Westenn Mgmt LLP.................24

Wilson Farm Meats...................10

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

DEC. EVENTS

Gingerbread House Walk

Through Dec. 31 – Area residents, in

both amateur and professional or adult or

child categories, display their masterpieces

through the holidays at Grand Geneva

Resort. The Gingerbread House Walk is

setup on the upper level in the Brissago

Foyer and guests are welcome to stop by

and view them daily from 8am-8pm. Grand

Geneva Resort is at 7036 Grand Geneva

Way, Lake Geneva.

Holiday Cheer Market

Through Dec. 28 at Geneva Lakes

Art Foundation’s Gallery 223 – Inspire

your holiday shopping with a visit to the

foundation’s Winter Show and Holiday

Cheer Market.

It features a treasure trove of art-inspired,

handmade items with the highlight of

the show being the annual Holiday Art

collection, featuring many affordable holiday

gift items to give or to cherish made by

talented local and regional artists.

Stop by between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.,

Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and

Saturday. Visitors will enjoy the wide variety

of members’ paintings, prints, wood

working, photographs, jewelry, sculpture,

cards and more. Other gift ideas include

a membership in the foundation or art

classes.

Gallery 223 is located at 223 Broad St.,

Lake Geneva.

For more information, visit

genevalakesartsfoundation.org.

Wee Ones Wednesday

Looking for something fun to do with

the little ones? Creative Forces Art Studio,

647 W. Main St., Suite 1000, Lake Geneva,

offers Wee Ones Wednesday, weekly on

Wednesdays, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

It features painting in studio, or to go kits

for $5.

For more information, call 262-729-4032

or email creativeforceslg@gmail.com.

Christmas Trains

Take your family on a magical ride from

the East Troy Railroad Museum Depot (2002

Church St., East Troy) to Santa’s Workshop

at the Elegant Farmer, where children visit

Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate,

and take home a small gift.

This 10-mile round-trip takes just under

two hours and the cars are heated. Trains

depart at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30

p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Reservations are required. To purchase

tickets and for more information, visit

easttroyrr.org.

Tuesday 10 Ball & Tappers

Lake Geneva Billiards, 772 W. Main St.,

Suite 1, Lake Geneva – Join Tia’s Tuesday

10-Ball Tournament – the perfect mix of

competition and cold beer!

$10 entry, no green fee, race to 2, single

elimination. It starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp so

call and sign up early and get your spot.

And don’t forget the drink deals: $2

tappers, $3 imports (Corona, Modelo, Stella,

etc.) Specials run 6 p.m. to close.

For more information, call 262-745-8893

or email lakegenevabilliards@gmail.com.

Permanent Jewelry

Come get a permanent bracelet, anklet

or necklace Thursdays between noon and 4

p.m. at Hannah’s by the Lake, 772 Main St.,

Lake Geneva.

Tarnish-resistant 14k gold filled and

sterling silver chains and connectors are a

perfect way to commemorate a milestone

or just something to do to with a family

member or friend.

Here’s how it works: choose your chain

(over 50 14k gold-filled and sterling silver

options), get fit (it’s custom fit to you), get it

welded closed (it’s welded on the spot.)

They take walk-in appointments,

however, if planning on coming on a certain

date and have a party of four or more, call

262-249-7894 ahead of time.

Murder Mystery Dinner

Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. – Silver bells

are ringing at this seasonal standup

performance, but the jolly jokester gets

upstaged by an event far worse than bad

holiday comedy: a murder!

With humbug hovering over the holiday,

it is up to the unamused audience (at The

Abbey Resort) to unravel the mystery of

whodunnit like last year’s tacky knitted

holiday sweater. While murder is making

the night not-so-merry-and-bright, you

must gather information, bribe your guests

for clues, and solve the crime before this

comedy act becomes a tragedy!

Held in the Waterfront Restaurant and

Bar at The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana

Blvd., Fontana. Bring your appetite for

a three-course dinner and dress in ugly

sweaters or regifted holiday garb to get into

the fun.

For more information and to reserve a

spot, visit theabbeyresort.com.

through Dec. 21.

4 DEC. 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

All

aboard

to see

Santa!

Santa Cruise set to sail

this holiday season

by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

“All Aboard!”

With these words, visitors to Pier 290 in November,

December and January are led to the Lake Geneva Cruise

Line’s boat, usually The Lady of the Lake, to begin a

magical trip.

The boat has been transformed into a festive Christmas

holiday boat, dressed for the season and ready for a winter

wonderland tour full of holiday spirit.

The Santa Cruise is the newest of the Lake Geneva

Cruise Line tours, having been added to the schedule

in 2017. It’s the only cruise run by Gage and the Lake

Geneva Cruise Line in the winter.

As the boat has changed from an ordinary cruise boat

to a magical holiday vessel, the sun has already set and

darkness appears but not for long. As the boat begins to

sail slowly through the water, the Geneva Lake shoreline

begins to sparkle, as the beauty of the lighted displays

along the way come to life.

As the shoreline lights up so do the faces of the

passengers – especially the children on board as the

wonder of the holiday season comes to life.

The children particularly, but also the young-at-heart

on the boat, are carefully watching to see if they will find

from top: The Santa Cruise takes guests on a 40-minute ride

on Geneva Lake in search of Santa’s Chalet; Santa with list in

hand waves to children on the Santa Cruise Boat.

COURTESY LG CRUISE LINE Spirit of Geneva Lakes


262-949-3618

JERRY KROUPA

View my properties at www.lakehomeswi.net

OFFICE AT 102 N. WISCONSIN ST., ELKHORN

15 ACRES

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56 ACRES ON MIDDLE LAKE

MILL LAKE FRONTAGE

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$948,700

62’ ON MIDDLE LAKE

Lot 0 Green Lake Dr., Elkhorn - A Rare Opportunity on any lake in SE WI.

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TURN KEY

W5505 Rocky Rd, Elkhorn - Experience ultimate privacy with a gated entrance

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PRICE REDUCED

W5789 Ridge Rd., Elkhorn - Rare lakefront opportunity on Middle Lake!

This generous 0.83-acre property offers 62’ of Middle Lake frontage and the

chance to either remodel the existing home or build your dream retreat. Nestled

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Whether you envision updating the current home, expanding its footprint,

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A rare blend of space, lake frontage, and location—perfect for creating a

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W5712 North Dr, Elkhorn - Turn Key Exquisitely remodeled in 2020, this stunning

3-bed, 2-bath ranch offers 92 feet of Middle Lake frontage with breathtaking, expansive

views. The main level features soaring vaulted ceilings, a wall of sliding glass

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Quartz countertops, designer backsplash, Kitchen Aid SS appliances, and a striking

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floors and a glass shower complete the main floor. The walk-out lower level boasts

a chic beverage center, 2 additional bedrooms, a modern bath with glass shower,

and laundry. Two 9x12 sheds, including 1 lakeside, lead to the pier and manicured

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6 DEC. 2025

W5518 Lost Nation Rd., La Grange, WI - This quintessential turn-key 3BR,

3BA lake cabin offers 45 feet of Middle Lake frontage with western exposure.

Step inside and instantly feel like you’re on vacation—the cozy, up-north charm

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lost in time on the lake. $1,249,700

479059

Santa’s secret hideaway.

“The idea for the Santa Cruise actually

came from cruise line owner Bill Gage,”

shared Julie Baron, of the Lake Geneva

Cruise Line. “He had the idea for the Santa

Cruise after visiting a similar event in

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.”

While Gage may have gotten the initial

idea from elsewhere for what would

become the Santa Cruise in the Geneva

Lake area, he expanded on it by making

a major addition to the event – that is, a

charity component.

His crew teamed up with the 531 Fund

(formerly the Santa Cause) to aid charities

in the area.

“Over $1 million has been raised and

donated to local charities from this event

in the short number of years that we have

held it,” said Kimberly Voller, who serves

as chair of the 531 Fund.

“There are six local charities that

benefit from the event,” she added.

Supporting causes

According to Voller, the six charities

that will receive the profits this year

are: the Norman B. Barr Camp, Special

Methods in Learning Equine Skills (also

known as SMILES,) the Water Safety

Patrol, Inspiration Ministries and the

Aurora Health Care Foundation. New

this year is the Walworth County Adult

Special Olympics.

To be considered, the charities must

apply and are chosen by the 531 Fund.

from top: Visitors enjoy the beauty of the decorations created for the Christmas Festival before

boarding the Santa Cruise; Looks of wonder fill children’s faces as they search for Santa.


Originally, once the charity was

accepted it remained on the list unless

they chose to leave but that process has

now changed a bit, according to Voller.

“Now the charities must reapply every

two years,” she explained. “The charities

also have responsibilities to be part of the

Santa Cruise program.”

Among the responsibilities is that each

of the charities must contribute a raffle

prize worth $3,500.

Many of these prizes are large items

such as trips to Disney World or Hawaii

while other prizes have included a golf

package, an e-Bike and even a boat.

The prizes are always quality products,

making it possible for many raffle tickets

to be sold.

Each charity also decorates a space at

Pier 290 for its Christmas Tree Festival.

Additionally, each charity has a booth

space where they display information

about the work they do.

This encourages visitors, especially

those who are unfamiliar with the

charities chosen, to learn more about

them.

The charity portion of the event takes

place prior to boarding the boat. Those

scheduled to ride the Santa Cruise meet at

the Christmas Tree Festival event where

they check in. Then they enter the special

display area, which is set up in the boat

showroom at Pier 290, 1 Liechty Dr. in

Williams Bay.

The Lake Geneva Cruise Line and

the Treasure Hut in Delavan transform

the showroom into a beautiful winter


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from top: Very likely one of the most popular mailboxes this time of year as children send

letters to Santa; It’s hard to miss the Santa Cruise entrance as it is well lit with holiday lights;

Approaching Santa’s Chalet is a boat of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line on a Santa Cruise.


wonderland, featuring the special displays

created by the charities.

Great prizes offered

Throughout the entire showroom at Pier

290 that has been transformed, the holiday

spirit is evident. The Winter Wonderland

is filled with snow, sparkle and surprise

displays. Visitors can spend time admiring

the decorations and have an opportunity to

purchase raffle tickets for the prizes that

have been donated. It is through the sale of

the raffle tickets that the money is raised

for the participating charities.

“If you don’t have enough time to

peruse the displays before your tour, you

are welcome to return,” said Voller.

It’s important to note that it’s not

necessary to take the Santa Cruise to

visit the Christmas Tree Festival, see the

displays and purchase raffle tickets. All are

welcome to take part.

Stop by Santa’s Bar and purchase

a festive holiday drink to sip while

wandering through the wonderland or, if

going on the Santa Cruise, buy one to take

with for the trip. There are drink options

for children and adults.

The Winter Wonderland opens about a

half hour before the first cruise of the day,

giving guests ample time to enjoy it. Be

sure to find Santa’s mailbox so children

can drop their list in to be certain Santa has

it in time.

Time to take a ride

When the time has come, Santa Cruise

participants are escorted to the boat, which

is heated and enclosed. Although the

boat is heated, riders are advised to dress

warmly.

From there they’ll embark on a

40-minute journey to the sounds of festive

music in a Lake Geneva Cruise Line vessel

with twinkling lights and holiday greetings

from some jolly characters.

Guests on the boat will enjoy listening

to the narrated story that will bring the

magical trip to life.

As the boat makes its way closer and

closer to Santa’s Hideaway, the excitement

of the riders increases – especially for

children onboard. And when close enough,

they spot him waving from the doorway of

his hideaway before he begins to read the

names of the children on his “good list –

which might include younger riders who

are on the boat.

Adults looking for a fun night out need

not fret because in addition to the Santa

Cruise trips for families, there is an adultsonly

holiday karaoke cruise event on

Saturday nights. The one-hour ride could

make a great date night or a fun night out

with friends.

Those who have participated in past


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10 DEC. 2025

above: Grab your ticket and board the Santa

Cruise for a seasonal boat ride on Geneva

Lake. at left: A family poses for a photo while

enjoying the beautiful Christmas displays.

below: The highlight of Santa Cruise is

finding Santa, who comes outside, waves and

reads the names of kids on his “good list.”


years may want to do so again. For those

who haven’t, it aims to be a fun family

outing during the holiday season. And,

if you visit the Christmas Tree Festival

at Pier 290, it’s also an opportunity to

support some amazing charities in the area.

Before or after the cruise, meals are

available at the Pier 290 restaurant.

Children eat free throughout the day and,

if they show their boarding pass for Santa

Cruise, they’ll be given a special treat.

The Santa Cruise began its seasonal

cruises a little earlier this year, on Nov. 21

and will continue to offer them through

Jan. 3. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24

for seniors over the age of 65 years, $16

for children 13 to 17 years old, $14 for

children 4 to 12 years old and $1 for those

3 and younger. Prime dates have higher

prices.

Tickets need to be purchased in

advance online at cruiselakegeneva.

com/santacruise. Early booking is highly

recommended as some cruises, especially

the weekend dates, often sell out.

While there is parking on site at Pier

290, it can fill fast on busy dates so guests

can park at Williams Bay High School

and take a shuttle bus. The ticket website

details which dates during the Santa Cruise

the parking shuttle is available.


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12 DEC. 2025

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QUALITY CHEESE

AND MORE AT

The Cheese Box

A gem in the area

for many years that

has, not surprisingly,

aged well


CORRESPONDENT

For more than 80 years, The Cheese

Box has stood at 801 S. Wells St. in Lake

Geneva. The somewhat simple building –

with the business name across it in large

letters and a smoker and grill out front –

is one of the best places in the area to find

quality cheese and other fine Wisconsin

favorites.

“We purchased The Cheese Box 12

years ago,” said Cheri Borowiec, owner

with her husband John (known as Johnny

B.) “When we purchased it, it had been

closed for a year. The previous owners,

the Schwinn family, wanted it to be kept

as a cheese shop, something we were glad

to do.”

The couple has a long history in

the food business, first meeting when

they both worked at a deli in Evanston,

Illinois, more than 40 years ago.

They continued to work in the food

business, owning a restaurant in Genoa

City – Johnnie B’s Home Plate – for

many years. The restaurant closed when

new owners purchased the building and

had other plans for its use, according to

Cheri.

“When we saw the opportunity here,

we knew this would be our next venture,”

Cheri said.

When The Cheese Box first opened

many years ago, the street was Route 12

coming into Lake Geneva from Illinois,

so everyone passed by going in or out of

town.

With the building of Interstate 12,

traffic no longer passed by, but that didn’t

stop visitors from visiting the store to

purchase their favorite kinds of cheese.

As is well known, Wisconsin is the

Dairyland State, known for quality

cheese. Much of this is due to the quality

of the milk that is used in the creation

of these cheeses, according to John and

Cheri.

The Dairyland State has a unique

geological heritage. More than 10,000

years ago, glaciers drifted through the

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The Cheese Box offers charcuterie boards that will bring “wow” to any special gathering.

THE CHEESE BOX PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes


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from above: Johnny B and Cheri Borowiec

are the owners of The Cheese Box in Lake

Geneva. They can be found in their store

unless John is outside cooking meat and

salmon on the smoker.

WIS. NEWSPAPER ASSOC. PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

A variety of cheeses are available at The

Cheese Box and feel free to request a sample

before making a purchase; The Cheese Box

has been a favorite place to purchase quality

local cheese and more for 80 years.

SANRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

nourished and thus producing quality

milk. This milk continues to be used as

the major ingredient in the creation of

Wisconsin cheese.

Can you say cheese?

Upon entering The Cheese Box, there

are large, refrigerated display cases of

fresh cheese in many varieties, most of

them made at creameries in Wisconsin.

The cheese comes in a block that can

be sliced or cubed to a visitor’s liking.

The store also carries cheese curds,

another favorite of locals and visitors

alike.

“One of the cheeses that Wisconsin is

best known for – and is perhaps one of

many people’s favorites – is cheddar,”

Cheri said. “You may be used to seeing

your cheddar in the grocery or big box

stores labeled mild, medium, or sharp.

But that is not what you will find here.

“Our cheeses are labeled as to their

age, such as four-year or up to 15 years of


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age to let you know how their flavor has

developed,” she explained.

The cheeses found at The Cheese Box

are high quality, made without adding

preservatives. They, like most quality

cheeses, are kept in the refrigerator.

However, they should not be eaten

straight from the refrigerator for best taste,

according to the experts.

“Never eat cheese straight from the

refrigerator,” Cheri advised. “Take it out

of the refrigerator and let it warm to room

temperature for 45 minutes before you eat

it for the best flavor.”

While cheddar, Swiss and other flavors

are among the common kinds enjoyed by

many people, this store is a great place to

try something new.

The wild morel and

leek cheese is unique and

flavorful. And for the really

adventurous, try one of the

hotly flavored cheeses –

such as the mango habanero

cheese.

One of the best things

about The Cheese Store is that

customers can request a taste

sample so they can be sure to

purchase a cheese that will be

enjoyed by them, their family

and maybe their friends.

Gift shopping galore

While the store has cheeses

and sausages locally made and

available on site, both can also be

ordered from the website.

With the holidays coming, having a

variety of cheeses in house for both home

use as well as drop-in guests is always a

good idea.

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t

forget to include the very special chocolate

cheese, perfect for a special dessert. It’s a

combination of cheddar and cream cheese

with cocoa and walnuts added, making it

taste like a high-quality fudge.

Since it’s also the time of year when we

begin to think about Christmas gifts, The

Cheese Box is a great place to shop. From

stopping in to buy items or ordering a gift

box online that can be delivered straight to

from left: Chocolate

fudge cheese is a special

treat created by combining

cheddar and cream cheese,

then adding cocoa and

walnuts; Cheese curds are

one of the most popular

cheeses in Wisconsin; Quality

salmon is prepared to be

placed in the smoker at The

Cheese Box.

SANRA LANDEN MACHAJ

Spirit of Geneva Lakes


out-of-town family and friends, there is no

shortage of options.

“Back in the 50s and 60s, The Cheese

Box was the largest shipper of cheese in

the country,” shared Cheri. “Today we are

not the largest, but we do continue to ship

all over the country.”

They offer a variety of cheese boxes

containing different cheeses and sausages

so there is sure to be one that will fit both

your gift needs and budget.

Oh, and of course there are some

“cheesy” t-shirts available as well.

Soup and sandwiches

It seems that just about anytime of the

day at The Cheese Box, there are people in

the store, choosing their favorite blocks of

cheese and other items.

If it’s close to lunchtime, some will be

picking up a freshly made sandwich and/

or soup. Note that there is no seating inside

so it’s a grab and go process (in warmer

weather there is limited outdoor seating

available.)

“Each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., our

grab and go sandwiches are available.

These sandwiches are created by us, fresh

each day,” Cheri said. “We also offer soup

made fresh each day that is sold as an

individual serving, or you can purchase a

quart.”

To help make it easy on potential lunch

customers, each morning they post the

soup of the day and the sandwiches they

will be offering on The Cheese Box’s

Facebook page.

There is also a listing of the hot lunch

being served that day. The hot lunch

features one of their quality sandwiches

heated up with melted cheese on it, served

with a side. Sides available include potato

salad, pasta salad, chips, a chocolate chip

cookie or a brownie. The hot lunch is

served during open store hours.

Especially as winter approaches, what

could be more comforting than a nice hot

bowl of soup? Each day, a different soup is

featured and may include cream of potato,

broccoli cheese, chicken dumpling or

another flavor. What doesn’t change is the

lobster bisque that is offered every Friday.

They do catering, too!

With holiday entertaining right around

the corner, it may be time to order special

catered foods for entertaining needs.

Charcuterie boards have become very

popular in the last few years and those

created at The Cheese Box are a sight to

see.

Catering is handled by are by Cheri

and John’s daughter, Alyxandra. Check

the website or their Facebook page for

items available for catering from a menu

that includes a tray of fruits, cheeses,

veggies, sausages or special sandwich

tray for an event.

The charcuterie boards created by

Alyxandra can be the centerpiece for a

variety of gatherings. They are filled with

the quality cheeses and cured meats as

well as nuts, olives, dried fruits, mustards,

jams and more – all of which add to the

visual appeal.

While much is going on inside the

store, the smoker out front is filled with

some special foods when possible. These

quality smoked meats are in the smoker

under John’s expert guidance. Recently,

he was smoking cuts of salmon.

“They are placed in the smoker for

about an hour, then finished in the oven,”

John said of the salmon. “They must be

ordered a week in advance.”

Smoked favorites at The Cheese Box

include salmon, applewood smoked baby

back ribs (rubbed with John’s special

seasoning), smoked brisket, and pulled

pork, which is drizzled with John’s

18 DEC. 2025

If cheese is a favorite food group, announce to the world by purchasing one of these shirts.

SANRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

special barbecue sauce. To make it a

complete meal, order sides of potato

salad, pasta salad, coleslaw or baked

beans.

From a wide variety of quality cheeses

to smoked meat or a homemade sandwich

or soup, this place – though small in

space – has it all, including a passion for

what they do from the Borowiec family.

The Cheese Box is located at 801

S. Wells St., Lake Geneva. Contact

them by phone at 262-248-3440 or

visit their Facebook page or their

website, cheesebox.com. Store hours are

Wednesday through Saturday from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.

to 5 p.m. The store is closed Monday and

Tuesday.

They have a second location in

downtown Lake Geneva in The Riviera.

That shop is open from April to October

and features a portion of the items

available at the main store.

Trees

for the

season

Ring in the holiday at

area events where trees

are in the spotlight


CORRESPONDENT

Welcome to the holidays! At this time of

year, few things are as attractive and inviting

than a holiday tree. Whether it is a small

tabletop artificial tree or a huge natural tree that

has been cut down out of doors and brought

home to decorate, it is a tree that often means

Christmas to a family.

While the trees at the Geneva Lakes

Museum are more like the trees found in a

home, the World’s Largest Glass Tree on the

from above: Two years ago, the glass tree was green. It’s created in front of

Yerkes dome; Before the tree can be created the internal structure must be erected.

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Yerkes grounds, while not technically a

Christmas tree, will still bring the spirit of

the Christmas season home.

Take the time to visit each of these

unique holiday tree displays and make

them a new holiday tradition.

The World’s

Tallest Glass Tree

As we move into December, a

change occurs on the grounds of Yerkes

Observatory, as the World’s Tallest Glass

Tree begins to grow on the grounds. The

growth of this tree is different than the

growth of a live tree as it is constructed on

a steel support system with recycled glass.

The tree is the work of two lifelong

friends, Jason Mack and Rob Elliott. The

two began using recycled glass to create

beautiful glass creations in their youth and

continued to work together through college

at Illinois State University.

After graduation, a friendship and

business partnership flourished. About

five years ago, the two approached Yerkes

Observatory about the possibility of

creating one of their glass trees on the

grounds.

“At first, they were kind of

overwhelmed at the idea but in the end,

they allowed us to build the tree here,”

Jason Mack shares on their video.

It was a good match, as the beauty of

the tree against the Yerkes’ dome makes

quite a sight, as visitors get a chance to

both learn about the observatory and see

the tree.

“The trees that we have created at

Yerkes are 31 feet in height with a fivefoot

star added to the top on the last day

of our event, making it 36 feet tall,” Rob

Elliott said. “The first trees were green in

color as would be expected but last year,

we created a blue tree.

“This year again there will be a color

change. It will be red,” he added.

The red color is possible because

the two men ran across a batch of ruby

red glass, which will be mixed with the

community collected glass to create a firstever

red tree at Yerkes.

A visit to the World’s Tallest Glass

Tree is not just a look at the tree. As it is

still under construction, it is possible to

purchase a ticket to actually help build the

tree.

“The glass is melted in Jason’s portable

furnace on site,” Elliott said. “When the

glass reaches the right temperature, it

melts together and is applied to the tree

by drizzling it on. About 3,000 pounds of

glass are applied to each tree.”

In addition to viewing the tree and

perhaps adding glass to it, there will be

glass workshops taking place, chainsawcarving

demonstrations, steel sculpting

from top: People of all ages wander through the display of trees so they can vote

for their favorite; Geneva Lakes Museum’s Parade of Trees is on “Main Street” in the

building. This year it’ll feature 44 trees – the most ever thanks to extra space available

due to a project that’s underway elsewhere in the museum.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes


demos, kids activities and a large winter For the past seven years, the museum

market.

has sponsored the display of Christmas

The market is a place to pick up unique trees.

stocking stuffer gifts or other gifts.

Local businesses and charities sign

This year, the ticket includes a visit to up to create a special Christmas tree that

the tree and other activities on the grounds may reflect their business or passion, a

as well as access to the inside of the historical event, a memory from childhood

historic Yerkes Observatory.

or some other theme. And sometimes, they

In the observatory, visitors can view choose just to decorate their tree to the

the Great Refractor Telescope and see the nines. s

newly renovated Hagenah Rotunda.

Each year for the parade of trees, the

Tickets are $20 for those 13 years number of trees has grown though it seems

of age or older. Those 12 and younger to be at the maximum number the space

can enter for free. VIP parking can be can accommodate.

purchased on the grounds or there is free “This year, we have 44 trees signed up

parking at the high school with a trolley for the display – more than we have ever

transfer to the Yerkes site.

had,” said Sonja Akright, co-administrator

The event will be held two weekends, of the Geneva Lakes Museum.”

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14. Akright went on to explain that because

For times and to purchase tickets, visit the of the Military Room Renovations now

website at www.worldstallestglasstree. underway, some museum items had to be

com.

moved out of the area. That opened some

After the holidays, the tree will be additional space for trees for this year’s

dismantled and the glass again recycled event – space that will not be available

into other glass products, some of which next year as the display will be completed.

will be for sale in future winter markets. To be included in this event, businesses

must apply for a tree space in the fall if

The Parade of Trees

they hope to be chosen for that year’s

display. They then begin the task of

Entering the Geneva Lakes Museum

creating a unique design for their tree.

during the holiday season can feel like

Once the design is chosen, the “elves”

one is walking into a holiday winter

from the business or organization begin to

wonderland. That’s because it’s the time

gather their tree and decorative materials

of year when Main Street at the Museum

needed to bring their display to life.

is transformed into the annual Trees on

All the tree decorators arrive on the

Parade exhibit.

same day in late November when the

22 DEC. 2025

Museum is closed to the public, and a

gigantic tree decorating party begins.

The main street area of the museum

becomes a beehive of activity as supplies

are brought into the space and people greet

each other. Soon the museum is filled with

people putting artificial trees being put

together, followed by strings of lights and

then ornaments being expertly placed on

the trees.

For those who have put together a

Christmas tree display before, it’s common

that the process does not always go as

expected. Putting the artificial tree together

is the first big hurdle and hopefully all

the pieces from the previous year were

returned to the box and are not damaged.

Adding the lights to the tree can also be

difficult, to be certain they are evenly spaced

and that the wires are out of sight. And if

there isn’t one string that goes out after the

lights are in place, it’s your lucky day.

But after the lights have been placed is

when the magic begins for the parade of

trees. Elegant, whimsical, traditional or

uniquely artistic designs are among the

many things happening from tree to tree.

Once everyone is finished and the

from left: Museum co-administrators Janet

Ewing and Sonja Akright welcome visitors

during the Parade of Trees; Glass Schenning

Insurance chose a Snoopy theme for one of

their Christmas tree displays.


trees are looking their best, the lights of

the trees will light up main street at the

museum and welcome guests.

When visitors arrive for the Parade of

Trees, they will begin a leisurely walk

down Main Street, admiring the lights,

ornaments and effort put into each one.

Memories can and often are unique to

each person, and emotions vary, too. But

there’s no rush as each visitor can take

their time going through the exhibit.

Visitors, after seeing all the trees, have a

chance to vote for their favorite. The crew

behind the winning tree will receive the

traveling trophy to hold and display until

the following year’s parade of trees.

Last year, the winning tree was the one

presented by Lake House Fudge. It was

a tree that featured a Candyland theme,

which many visitors had played.

The previous year, the winner was

Yerkes Observatory, with their scientific

tree receiving the top honors.

The Parade of Trees will be held at the

Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St., Lake

Geneva, from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. The

museum is open Monday, Friday, Saturday

and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The

exhibit is included with regular admission

($12, adults; $10, seniors; $5 students;

free, kids 12 and younger.) For more

information call 262-248-6060.


from top: Visit Lake Geneva went all out on

their display last year for the Parade of Trees;

Families arrive by trolley from the parking lot to

view the World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes.

The building is also open so guests can view

the largest refractory telescope; Glass artist

Jason Mack assists a visitor in adding some

molten glass to the tree last year; This blue

tree made its appearance at last year’s World’s

Largest Glass Tree event. This year the tree

will be red.

ROB ELLIOT Spirit of Geneva Lakes


ROB ELLIOT Spirit of Geneva Lakes


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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:

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A milestone worthy

of a celebration

Lake Geneva Public

Library is in its 130th year


CORRESPONDENT

On a beautiful Saturday morning this fall, visitors, residents and

employees of the Lake Geneva Public Library gathered inside and

out to celebrate the library’s 130th birthday.

From senior citizens to very young guests, everyone donned

party hats, blew noisemakers and listened as Library Director Emily

Kornak welcomed visitors.

But there was a special part to the celebration that day, the

unveiling of the new Traveling Library – a van that will function as

a library in various parts of the community, in essence, bringing the

library to the people.

Inside the library, guests were treated to cupcakes and lemonade.

The cupcakes were provided by the Grand Geneva Resort in honor

of the celebration.

Throughout the event, the party continued indoors, on the lake

side of the library, and outside where there were a variety of games

from top: The new Traveling Library van was presented at the library’s

130th birthday party; Stephanie Klett, President of Visit Lake Geneva and

Emily Kormak, Head Librarian show off the library’s new van.



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.

michaelsonthelakeWI.com for our full menu. Open Wed.

& Thurs. @ 3; Fri. & Sat. @ 11; Noon on Sunday. L, D, $$$,

GF, FF, SR (

1903 SALOON • 11230 260th Avenue, Trevor, WI 53179.

262-298-7005. Comfortable gathering place with friends.

Dine in or take out. Excellent food. Specialty drinks.

L D, $$

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!

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, $$

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,

$-$$

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

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spread out on the patio and in Library Park

for the guests of honor to enjoy.

A favorite for many of the children in

attendance was a large table covered with

paper, where they were able to draw or

color their own special birthday wishes to

the library in honor of the big birthday.

Lake Geneva Public Library – located

at 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva – is

indeed unique, as it has been in existence

for 130 years and has been on the same

property the entire time.

Between 1895 and 1954, the Lake

Geneva Public Library was housed in a

wooden house on this site.

What a donation

Mary Delafield Sturges is credited with

donating the land and the first building for

the library.

The story of Sturges and Lake Geneva

began after the 1871 Chicago fire when her

home was burned, and she and her family

came to the area.

The family rented a home owned by

Asa Farr, an attorney who opened his law

practice in Lake Geneva in 1851. After

his death, his widow, Elizabeth A. Farr,

sold the house to George (founder of

Illinois Trust and Savings Bank) and Mary

Sturges.

When George died at the young age of

52, he left his estate to his wife, Mary. In

those days, most estates were placed under

the direction of a male member of the

family, but George left Mary in charge of

the inheritance.

At the urging of James Simmons, the

house was donated to the city as a public

library in 1894 by Mary.

History related to the library’s 130 years

was presented at the library and again at

the Geneva Lake Museum’s Tuesday at 2

program.

Ginny Hall, a local historian who wrote

the book titled “History of Lake Geneva

Wisconsin Library” in 1999, coordinated

the program.

“Mary Delafield Sturges donated the

house and the land to the city for the

purpose of creating a library and a park,”

said Hall as she began the program.

While Mary did donate the home and

the property in 1894, it was not a simple

donation. She had some demands for

the city that included the purchase of

additional lots in the area to form a public

park along the lakeshore, that the city

vacate the street bordering the property,

and that the property have a space for a

fireproof building when finances allowed.

Until those things could happen, the

library was to remain in the home she had

donated to the city.

How it’s evolved

In the early days, there was a charge of

$1 per year for membership in the library.

A lifetime membership was available for

$25 at that time.

One of the unique things about the

formation of the library is that the space

and building were donated by a woman,

and it was because of the work of women

in the community that funds were raised

for the library. The city accepted the

donation but did not provide any money to

run the library.

“It was the board of the library – all

women – who worked to raise money to

from left: Even the sculpture of the children

enjoying a book joined the celebration of the

library’s 130th birthday.


This plaque honors Mary Sturges, who

donated the land as well as her former house

so it could become a public library.

SEAN FLYNN PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes


run the library,” said Chris Brookes, local

historian and a current Library Board

member.

“The first Librarian was paid $2.50 a

week and worked from 9 to 9 each day

with one hour for lunch,” she explained.

It was not until 1954 that the

community raised enough money to allow

them to build a new fireproof building to

house the collection of books.

The current Lake Geneva Public

Library was designed by James Dresser,

a distinguished student of the famed

architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Dedicated on Dec. 12, 1954, the library

is Wright’s “Prairie Style,” which Dresser

designed featuring wide, long windows

that afford a magnificent view of Geneva

Lake.

It remains impressive

The Lake Geneva Public Library has

continued in this building since the 1950s

and it continues to be the place that likely

impresses everyone who steps in to the

building.

Frequent visitors to libraries know the

one in Lake Geneva is a true gem, from

the simple beauty of the building to the

views of the lake once inside.

In 2022, the library underwent a

renovation, but the goal was to keep the

original look while still updating it for the

way the library is used today.

According to Kornak, the project

included moving the bookshelves so that

the view from the front door of the library

allowed visitors an immediate view of the

lake.

“Various details that had been part

of the library were uncovered, such as

Many gathered for the celebration complete with birthday hats and noisemakers.

a fireplace that was there originally but

hidden,” Kornak explained.

New stained-glass dividers and separate

reading spaces that look out on the park

and the lake were added. These dividers

were based on an original window

design by Wright – from the hotel that

he designed that had been located in

downtown Lake Geneva.

While that hotel has since been


demolished, an original window from that

building can be seen above the library’s

lobby.

Lake Geneva Public Library has

been proclaimed as one of the 10 “Most

Beautiful Libraries” in the United States

by Fodor’s Travel Guide.

When libraries were first created, they

were a collection of books that were

shared by the community, but today that is

The Lake Geneva Public Library is in its 130th

year. The current building was designed by

James Dresser, a student of architect Frank

Lloyd Wright, in Wright’s “Prairie Style.”

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

28 DEC. 2025

one of the many functions and roles

they serve in communities all over.

In the early days, the books were

all in print while today there are a

variety of ways to receive books

including in print as well as the

ability to download them on an

electronic reader or even listen to

them being read by others.

Through the years, the library

has become a community gathering

place for many events in addition

to being the place to pick up books.

Children’s programs and story

hours bring the magic of the library

to young children and help them

learn more about the world.

Exercise and health programs

provided at the library in Lake

Geneva are held out on the patio in

warmer weather, offering the bonus

of a view of the lake.

There are also games like

chess and Mahjong, and even

the possibility of learning a new

language at the library. It serves as

an ideal place to introduce artists

and writers to the community

through a variety of events from

programs and discussions to book

signings.

Historical programs are held

here, too, sharing important

information about the past through

stories, books, slideshows and

displays.

And now the pop-up libraries

have added another level of

bringing the library – and its vital

offerings – to people and events

throughout the community.

Congratulations are certainly

called for to the Lake Geneva

Public Library and its staff while

in the midst of its 130th birthday

celebration.

One can only imagine Mary

Sturges would be proud of how it’s

grown and continues to evolve to

meet the needs of the community,

and remained a source for learning,

now and for many more years to

come.

For more information, visit the

library at 918 W. Main St., Lake

Geneva, call 262-249-5299, visit

lglibrary.org and follow the library

on Facebook and Instagram.

from top: Colorful cupcakes

donated by Grand Geneva Resort

were arranged to read 130 in honor

of the celebration; Out on the lawn,

children spent time drawing and

coloring and playing fun games.



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