Music Fest Recap
Contrary to the last several years, the weather on June 12 of Music Fest this year couldn't have been better and the day went off without a hitch.
Three bands, the Back2Back Acoustics, Back 40, and The Honey Pies entertained 250 people. Six artisan vendors sold their crafts, while Melted Grilled Cheese and Cookies By Design served their tasty and creative food. Lone Girl Brewery and Drumlin Ridge Winery provided beverages and Phil Willems served his ever-popular kettle corn. A silent auction and 50/50 raffle added to the experience.
We want to thank all of our incredible volunteers and the event sponsors; Town of Westport, Village of Waunakee and One Community Bank, for contributing to our success.
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Dane County Parks Director Retires After 28 years of service |
Darren Marsh retired as Dane County Parks Director on July 1st. He first started working for Dane County Parks back in 1993 as Operations Manager, before being selected as Dane County Parks Director in 2003.
Earlier this year, Marsh received the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association’s “Professional Award of Merit,” the highest professional award given by WPRA to a park and recreation professional in the state of Wisconsin. Marsh is responsible for developing and expanding a number of programs to better serve the Dane County community, including off-leash dog parks, wildlife areas, non-credentialed park rangers (non-law enforcement), cooperative/reciprocal park permits, premier disc golf courses, accessible fishing piers and water access, and volunteer partnerships.
There will be a celebration for his service on Thurs., Sept 9th from 4 - 7 pm at William G. Lunney Lake Farm Park, Shelter #2.
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Wander Walk
As a parallel to the StoryWalk this summer, we have partnered with Hike It Baby to install a new initiative called Wander Walk. This program focuses on engaging young families in activity-based signage that supports early childhood development and nature based play.
Each sign is guided by Wox the Wander Walk fox and shares movement based activities and opportunities to practice mindfulness, as well as fun nature facts. Signs are bi-lingual (English and Spanish) and include adaptations for those with altered abilities. Signs also include a QR code that links back to a landing page that features more resources to help families keep getting outside.
The panels will be displayed in the Schumacher farmyard for 3 months.
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Annual Heritage Fest Coming Up
Keeping true to our heritage and mission of preservation and education, this year's Heritage Fest at Schumacher Farm Park will be a fun-filled event for all-ages! There will be various historical demonstrations including a steam-powered threshing machine, woodstove cooking, cider-making and an antique tractor parade. Guests will be able to try their hand at some of the valuable skills that were used on a depression-era farmstead such as woodworking, weaving, knitting, spinning, and many other crafts. There will be farm animals, house tours, food trucks, old-fashioned games, and music by the Mad City Jug Band all day long, so bring the whole family!
Our volunteers make these main events possible! Please take a look at all of the positions/time slots available and sign up HERE as soon as possible.
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Changes to Schumacher Staffing
Tim McConley, the Grounds & Maintenance technician for the last 8 years, has stepped down from park personnel to pursue his own business endeavors. Amanda Sweno, our previous Office Administrator, has also resigned to make time for additional piano students.
We send them both off with the best wishes and much gratitude for the time and skills they dedicated to the park.
A new hire has already been made for the Office Administrator. Her name is Amanda Sherer (yep, another Amanda, easy to remember). Amanda lives in Waunakee with her family and is excited to be involved in the planning and promotion of the park's various activities.
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Waunafest Parade
The Friends of Schumacher Farm participated in the Waunafest Parade this past weekend, promoting the upcoming Heritage Fest and Halloween events in the fall.
Volunteers a great job of engaging the crowd from the carriage and 2 hay wagons. A special thank you to Dale Otradovec for organizing, to Carol Bleifield for representing Marcella and to Connie Gavinski from the Village Center of Waunakee from bringing children from their summer program to ride in the wagons. Also grateful to Roger Bindl for documenting the day. (see photo and video below)
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Estey organ. Photo: Barb Johanningmeier |
This past spring, the Schumacher farmhouse received a rare gift of a reed pump parlor organ made by the Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro, Vermont (1879-1900). The organ is 6 feet in height and 4½ feet in length and in excellent condition. A special feature of this organ is the two round candle or lamp holders on either side of the keyboard. Marcella’s mother, Eveline Schumacher, was the organist for St. Mary of the Lake Church, Westport, from 1892-1907 and she was also in the choir. The organ was generously donated by Bob Weber of Deforest.
We are still looking for a home for the Beckwith pump organ with a restored top that was donated in 2001. Call or email if interested.
Also, be sure to check out the Waunakee Public Library's historical wing containing a local church display arranged by Judy Borke, in which some of the smaller religious artifacts belonged to the Schumacher family.
-Barb Johanningmeier, Historic Committee
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On Sunday July 11, Noah Stitgen, along with fellow Scouts and their leaders, completed his Eagle Scout Project at Schumacher Farm Park. Noah planned, prepared, and assembled 4 Aldo Leopold benches that will be placed in the Prairie and in the future picnic area. They are a wonderful addition to the park. Thank you Noah!
-Dale Otradovec, Vice-President (Photo also by D. Otradovec)
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The Village of Waunakee's youth and adult archery classes held at the park in May and June were a huge hit! Participants worked on safety, shooting techniques, and accuracy with a bow, plus fun games and competitions. Tim McConley is the certified instructor. The next 5-day course will be July 26-30, 2021. Additional sessions will be offered in the autumn.
Photo: Connie Gavinski, Village Center of Waunakee
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Monday, August 16th - Heirloom gardens work party (3 - 4 pm)
Sunday September 12th - Heritage Fest (see feature on left)
Land Steward Training
The Natural Areas team at Dane County Parks facilitates this Certified Land Steward Orientation to train and empower volunteers who want to take a leadership role on restoration projects within county natural areas. Lead volunteers are those going the extra mile to combat exotic weeds, clear out invasive trees and brush, collect native seed and who want to make our natural areas better than they were before
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