Yesterday I was in my home, decorating the Christmas tree, a fire in the fireplace and the snow falling outside. The snow was so beautiful and all I could think of was my Cross Country skis in the garage, waiting for their first workout this year. This led me to think of the night Candlelight Ski/Hike and the need to check the schedule so I can share with you. Let’s see what is going on!
Christmas: Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift for that special someone? Here are just a few ideas:
- 2014 State Park Stickers – On sale in the park office
- Harrington Beach State Park sweatshirts – On sale in the park office
- Donation to the Accessible Cabin fund in your loved ones name
Candlelight Ski/Hike: Our next Candlelight Ski/Hike will be January 4, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m. This year we have decided to make a change in the food for this event. Some of the Board Members will be making their favorite soup to share. There is quite a variety to choose from. The great part about this event? All of the food, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider is free. As usual, donations are appreciated. A State Park Sticker will be required for all vehicles entering the park.
Staff and Volunteer Annual Dinner: Be sure to save January 18 for our annual event. Watch your mail for an invitation and be sure to RSVP.
Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center: The Welcome Center may be just what you need for a family gathering or party. It is available for rent on a daily basis. Call the park office at 262-285-3015 to check its available dates and/or to reserve the building.
Cabin Update: While the thermometer outside goes down, the one for our cabin is going up. We currently have $105,000 of the $150,000 needed for the construction of the accessible cabin. A third and final grant application has been submitted and the committee is expecting a response in early March. The cabin architectural plans are drawn up and will be reviewed by the DNR this month. We are working on collecting donations to help fund this project. As you can see, we are still a little short of our financial goal. To make a tax deductible gift, you can mail checks to Harrington Beach State Park, 531 County Highway D, Belgium, WI 53004. Be sure to write cabin on the memo line. You can also make an online donation at www.friendsofharrington.org. The donation button is under the thermometer.
Summer Events: Ranger Robin Miller has already started planning next year's summer interpretive programming. She's bringing back the Monarch Butterfly capture, tag and release program and adding a geocaching training and exploration program. Watch for future updates on www.friendsofharrington.org and the Park DNR website at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/harrington.
Park Management: Manager Andy Krueger has accepted a position at Pike Lake State Park. His last day of work at Harrington Beach State Park was November 16. I expect to see Andy, his wife Karen, and their 3 boys visiting Harrington Beach Sate Park as they plan to continue living in Ozaukee County. If you see him, be sure to wish him great success in his new position.
Our next board meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on January 23, 2014. We hope to see you there!