Washington County Weekend Post e-edition
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/102283
In Good Taste with Sheryl Popp Help "open the door" at a truly unique fundraiser round learning center at Lac Lawrann. "This idea has been around almost since the doors opened in 1979," said Kate. "We operate out of an old farmstead, and we've become too busy to rely on that space any more. Further, we need a better space in order to hold year round activities." The barn that housed classes is not heated, and has only a portable toilet. The vision of Lac Lawrann's leadership has always been to expand programming from primarily elementary offerings to include all educational levels, through college and All photos supplied by Kate Peterman. The lion door is my favorite adult classes. "We plan, with among them, although both doors turned into furniture are great the approval of UWpieces. The door above right, is titled "Nature Calls." Washington County," said Kate, "to offer classes that or those who have not and opportunities for out- would earn course credits." heard of Lac Lawrann door fun and exercise. I've At this time, the 4,800 sq. ft. Conservancy, it is a 136 visited Lac Lawrann several building is almost completed. acre nature center in West times, most recently to fea- Construction began last Bend. Literally. Lac Lawrann ture their fall prairie clean up April. It has two classrooms, is a place where within a walk day in Gone Gardening. Each one on the main level and or quick drive, area residents visit has been completely fun one on the lower level that is can enjoy all the benefits of a and different, due in large more traditional classroom forest and wildlife sanctuary part to naturalist Kate space, but also can be rented inside city limits. Lac Peterman, the public face of out for meetings, weddings, Lawrann also boasts glacial Lac Lawrann. Kate is with the etc. It has a beautiful overlandforms, a tall grass West Bend Park, Rec and look of Lac Lawrann's lake. prairie, wetlands, lakes and Forestry Department. She There is a small kitchenette ponds. And that's not all sent an email last fall and rest room access from folks. Lac Lawrann is an edu- announcing and explaining the outside, for evening and cational and recreation cen- the "Open the Door" contest weekend trail users. "The City ter with exciting programs to help raise funds for a year of West Bend supplied $80,000," said Kate. "City government is incredibly dedicated to Lac Lawrann. Everyone realizes what an wonderful asset it is. The remaining funding is coming from grants, donations and fund raising. The ticket price is 1.1 million dollars." If that seems high, Kate explained, it's because the cost of the building is front-end loaded to cover sustainable building F 10 • The Weekend Post • Washington County Retail • 1 - 6 - 13 materials. "We have wood from our own property in the building," she said. "Plus 100% solar electricity, geothermal heating and cooling and LED lighting. The initial costs are high, but long term we'll have minimal utility bills." those West Bend shops and restaurants belonging to the Diva Group. On Jan. 25, those businesses are holding a special evening called Door to Door for Lac Lawrann from 5-8pm. Sue Millin, who is VP of marketing for the Friends of Lac Lawrann, conceived the idea of the Open the Door contest. "Everyone thought the public art initiative was a very cool idea," said Kate. "Our motto is Nature at your doorstep, so her idea was to create works of art from recycled doors." The doors had to be old, and the finished work had to reflect the theme of nature at your doorstep. Other than that, they could be designed as free standing, hanging, indoor or outdoor usage intended and any media could be used. Some funds were generated by charging an entry fee for the doors, and at the end of the entire affair, all of the doors will all be auctioned off. The campaign kicked off in early September. By Thanksgiving, 40 doors had been entered into competition. "The diversity and creativity is just amazing," said Kate. "They range from funny to fine art. I'm having a lot of trouble choosing which I like best." The Museum of Wisconsin Art and West Bend Mutual Insurance have partnered with Lac Lawrann to present the several aspects of the event. The art museum is displaying 20 of the doors from Jan. 4 to Jan. 20. Between Jan. 8 or Jan. 9, until the end of the month, the remaining doors will be on display at This Sunday, a reception will be held at the Museum of Public Art for the artists who submitted doors, including renown local Charles Dwyer and his former high school art teacher, Ron Sascse. The doors were judged by Graeme Reid from the museum and Lisa Moore from Moore Designs. The doors that are being shown around town are open to people's choice awards. On Feb. 2, in the Prairie Center at West Bend Mutual Insurance, the public gala, auction and awards ceremony will take place. Tickets are $35 and include a wine tasting, appetizers and fun games, such as a "Let's make The Finale a deal," and "Mystery Door." A cash bar will be available. Silent auction bidding on the doors will see them paired with other wonderful prizes donated by the community, from family portraits to weekend getaways. David and Lisa Moore, committed supporters of Lac Lawrann, are co-chairing the event, beginning at 6pm. To procure tickets, bring a check made out to Friends of Lac Lawrann, or cash to the West Bend Park and Rec Dept. (1115 S. Main St.) with the names of those who attending. The tickets will be held at the Prairie Center night of event. Checks can also be mailed in. The number of Lac Lawrann is 262-335-5085 and the number at Park & Rec is 262-3355080. This was to be my last interview with Kate, and I met with her on her very last day of work. She intends have