Today my family worked at the task of storing the summer furniture and toys for the winter. It reminded me of the stories I read as a young girl about animals preparing for their winter hibernation. I got to thinking it might be nice to hibernate in my warm home rather than be outside. Of course, if I do that for the next several months, I will miss out on the many wonderful things available in Wisconsin. What is ahead?
Belgium Christmas Parade: It is hard to believe but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Bob Burant is looking for volunteers to help decorate the shuttle. Please call the park office at (262) 285-3015 if you would like to help. The parade will be held on Sunday, November 25 and the shuttle has room for riders. Don’t eat beforehand as there is chili and hot cocoa in the village park following the parade!
Packer Party/Fundraiser: We are getting closer all the time to the funds needed to build the Accessible Cabin. December 2, 2012 we will be holding a Packer tailgate party at the Belgium Community Center. The admission fee will get you hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, chips, pasta & potato salads, & desserts. Soda & coffee are also included and a cash bar is available. Watch the website for more information on this event.
Candlelight Ski/Hike: This will be held January 5, 2013 from 6 to 9 p.m. Come inside the building for a bowl of chili and hot dog along with some great bars and cookies, hot cocoa, hot apple cider and coffee. The Northern Cross Science Foundation will be there for night viewing, weather permitting.. If you would like to help bake for this event and/or serve, please call the park office at (262) 285-3015.
Save the Date: January 12, 2013 will be the annual staff and volunteer appreciation dinner. It will be held at the Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center.
Accessible Cabin Update: We have been actively working to raise funds for construction of the accessible cabin. At this time we have about $40,000 cash in the account along with the approval of a $20,000 Knowles-Nelson Grant. We are preparing the application for a second $20,000 Knowles-Nelson Grant. Ken Matthews and I had the opportunity to be interviewed on The Morning Blend Milwaukee. If you missed it and would like to see the episode, please go to http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/174596061.html . If this project interests you, please let us know by calling the park office at (262) 285-3015. Many hands make light work.
Website: Be sure to check the website www.friendsofharrington.org for new pictures and information on upcoming events. We will also update the site should any event need to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Welcome Center: I find the idea of sitting around the fire place with friends and family so appealing in the winter time. I think the one in the Adolph & Marie Ansay Welcome Center is beautiful and there is room for great group events. For just $150 you can rent the Adolph & Marie Ansay Welcome Center for the whole day. If you are a member of the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park, rental is only $135. Call the park office at (262) 285-3015 to reserve it for your next party!
Our next scheduled board meeting is January 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. Our meetings are open so we hope to see you there!