Falling Leaves Shop Hop! September 21-29th, 2012

Good Afternoon friends- I just wanted to post this so all you Quilters can come out, get your block patterns from each store, do some shopping and have a great time! I am planning on going to all the stores- so I need to get my things done around home and at school!
I hope you make it too all the great shops, drive safe and have a Happy Quilt Shop Hop!!


6th Annual
Falling Leaves Shop Hop
Sept. 21-29, 2012 9-5 pm
All Shops ( Excluding Osseo ) will be open Sunday Sep 23 from 12-3 pm.

Fall Theme Quilt
Receive a free block pattern and fabric to make the block when you visit each shop.
Finishing Kits are available.

Grand Prizes-
Janome 6600
Gift Certificates
Gift Baskets, Drawings & More

Visit all the participating Shops!

Busy Bobbin (Rice Lake)
The Calico Shoppe (Eau Claire)
Pins and Needles (St. Croix Falls)
Quilt Yard (Osseo)
Sew Little Time (Hudson)
Thimbles (Trego)

Spooner Advocate Column- September 13, 2012

Hello there Neighbors- I hope you had a good labor day, sorry that there was not a column last week- still do not have a computer. Can you believe how attached to technology we are?? I miss being on- line so much, I always am using the internet to get on to a find a recipe or look something up when we have a sick animal. I really have to say I am going through a rough time without a computer.

Hopefully all the kids are back in school and things are calming down to a normal pace. Hey all you adult students, I know it can be a struggle to get in there to class, get the homework done, then get all the things done at home. I just want to be the first one to tell you that you can do it! Put your best foot forward and do the best job that you can do- it is so worth it in the long run!
Caryl and Wayne Ligler from Trego met the Charlie Kruses from Oregon, WI for dinner at the Ojibwa Club recently.  The event was to celebrate the Ligler's 50th Anniversary and dinner was at the Kruses who have a cabin on the Flambeau River near Oxbo.  Charlie is Caryl's brother.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Diane Sebek family. Diane passed away on September 7, 2012, in Hayward, WI. Diane was a great lady that I was privledged to know for a very short- time. I always looked forward to seeing her at the Spinning group, she made great deviled eggs! Diane love to share her love of weaving and spinning with folks. She taught a lot of people to weave, spin, and knit- I was looking forward to getting some spinning lessons from her- I am truly sad that will never happen. Diane will be very missed in our community. Please keep her family in your prayers.

 Mark your calendar- the 1st annual Octoberfest is coming to Shell Lake October 13- 5pm- 11 pm. Sounds like they are going to have brat sliders, sauerkraut, pretzels. All you can eat Bavarian Waffles. Live polka band with dancing, of course beer and other refreshments. For more information email info@shelllakeartscenter.org or go to their website www.shelllakeartscenter.org.
Hey all you writers- this weekend Northwind Book and Fiber is  having a class " The Logistics of Writing Non- Fiction: An Overview" taught by Eva Apelqvist. The date is Saturday September 15, 1 to 4 pm at Northwind. Topics of discussion will include research, organization, references, accuracy, writing for a specific market, and self editing. It is encouraged that attendees bring along a  notebook and have questions ready. More info and to register call Northwind Book and Fiber at 715-635-6811

 Also this weekend the Fifth annual Knitting and Crocheting Extravaganza is going to be on Saturday September 15, 2012. The event will be held at the Frederic High School from 9-3 pm. The day will include speakers, demonstrations, lunch and door prizes- all for $20!  There will be a style show, The Knitwits will be sharing different types of handwork like tatting, hardanger, hucking as well as knitting. My good friend Shelley Staeven will be sharing about her trip to Northern Poland where she and her family taught knitting, crocheting and drop spindle with the teens of that area! I can't wait to hear about her and to see how well everyone learned a new hobby! What a great way to reach people past all the cultural barriers that could get in the way! We have gone to the Extravaganza in the past and know there are people in the Springbrook area that have also gone in years past. It is a great event and well worth your time to attend. Questions Call Konnie- 715-653-2619 or Lisa 715-653-2510 or drop them an e-mail knittingextravaganza@live.com I look forward to seeing some of you there.

Spooner Advocate Column- August 30, 2012

Good morning neighbors. Hope this finds everyone having a great time getting ready for going back to school- its hard to believe that next week everyone will be back in school. Where did the summer go?? Are you enjoying summer all over again, we have been having some hot days, but the night sure do seem to get cool at times- reminds me that winter will be fast approaching!  

Mark your calendar- the 1st annual Octoberfest is coming to Shell Lake October 13- 5pm- 11 pm. Sounds like they are going to have brat sliders, sauerkraut, pretzels. All you can eat Bavarian Waffles. Live polka band with dancing, of course beer and other refreshments. For more information email info@shelllakeartscenter.org or go to their website www.shelllakeartscenter.org.

Hey all you writers out there Northwind Book and Fiber is  having a class " The Logistics of Writing Non- Fiction: An Overview" taught by Eva Apelqvist. The date is Saturday September 15, 1 to 4 pm at Northwind. Topics of discussion will include research, organization, references, accuracy, writing for a specific market, and self editing. It is encouraged that attendees bring along a  notebook and have questions ready. More info and to register call Northwind Book and Fiber at 715-635-6811

There was a great article in the Advocate about Ruby's Pantry and I just wanted to remind everyone that the next food distribution is coming up fast. It is always held on the 2nd Saturday of the month over at the former Spooner High School Vocational Building. The cost is $15 and let me tell you that is NOT a handout. As budgets get tighter it is wise to use the funds that you have more frugally. Ruby's Pantry helps you achieve that goal. You will walk out of there with more than $15 worth of food.... I guarantee it!  If you have a neighbor that would benefit from this program please let them know, give them a ride or if they are not able to come pick up a share for them. There are folks to help you get the items to the car. Remember to bring boxes, shopping bags if you can and we will see you on the 2nd Saturday of September!!

Are you a sheep lover? Maybe you just like all kinds of yummy yarns, or maybe you spin your own yarns and are looking for more roving. The 11th annual Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival is coming up on September 7-9, 2012 over at Jefferson Fair Park in Jefferson, WI. There are all kinds of classes to expand your knowledge of raising sheep, or take a spinning class. It really will be a fun weekend with all kinds of great things to learn, see, and touch. For more information please go to their website www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com or to register for a class or talk to a live person  call 608-868-2505.

A couple last things to remind you of the Cakes at the Lakes "Mississippi Flyway- Raptors on the move" will be on September 8 at 8 am over at Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary in Sarona. More info can be checked out at www.hunthill.org Also there is a Beef Pasture Walk Sept. 8, 10 am- noon over at Guy McFarren's farm- N8788 Fire Lane Road, Springbrook. Give Otto over at the Ag Station a call if you have any questions- 715-635-3506

Ok that is what I have for you this time.

Spooner Advocate Column- Aug 9, 2012

Good morning Neighbors- Have you been enjoying the cooler weather? I have to say it has been delightful to feel cold!  My body was so adjusted to it being so hot and humid that ewhen it finally cooled off I was actually cold. The animals are happy that it  is cooler thats for sure. Also it helps make it alot more enjoyable to can and freeze food when you aer not so hot and miserable. Have you been putting any food up? Do you have any recipes you would like to share? I know I have to apple sauce for sure this year, we are completely out. Also carmel apple jam and then I have a whole list of recipes that I want to try out. Just got some Beet pickles done yesterday- I do love a good beet!

Sawyer County Fair is right around the corner- August 16-19, 2012-Hayward, WI. Did you get all your registration paperwork in? How about volunteering at the fair this year? If you need questions answered or maybe you  would like to volunteer this year please  go to the website www.sawyercountyfair.org and let them know. I know they will get back to you and let you kjnow where you can help out at. Please remember to support your local county fair, take your family and please go to the animal  auction. These people work hard at get the exhibits together as well as showing some great animals!  Also a big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers- you are all awesome!

Remember to go on over to the Springbrook VFW  on Aug 17th Stacey Hughes- Not All Jazz will be at the VFW to sing for all of you. Grab something to eat and drink and have a good time with your neighbors. Not from Springbrook? Thats ok go meet some new friends and have fun!!! Remember by going to these events the VFW is able to support our community through donations to places like the Washburn County Food Shelf. Please go and show support for all the great work that the Springbrook VFW has been able to do.


I saw in The Country Today that a wonderful business had been written about from our neck of the woods. Farmstead Creamery and Cafe, which is located at N11077 Fullington Road East, Hayward has opened their Cafe and I can tell you that the food there is awesome! We had a wonderful cup of coffee, a taste chicken enchilada, a fresh salad grown right there as well as a piece of blueberry that was delicious right down to the crust! My daughter had a brownie with ganache frosting that she oohed and ahhed over the entire time she at it! The Berlages- Ann, Kara, Laura run a wonderful farm- where alot of the food comes from that they use in their cafe food. The farm has  a CSA (Community Supported Ag) that people can buy a share of and have farm fresh food grown by someone you know and respect. They also sell in the cafe eggs, produce from the farm as well as some lovely hand made knitting items. Our own Springbrook Organic Dairy sells their milk, as well as their terrific drinkable yogurts at the Farmstead. I just heard from a friend that Log Cabin Soaps is also pairing up with the Farmstead so you can get some wonderful soaps for yourself as well as for gifts. It really is worth the trip over to have a great cup of coffee and a baked good treat and chat with the Berlage family. Soon they will be able to serve yiou uo a Gelato as well. If you need directions or would like to let them know you and your frinds are coming give them a call at 715-462-3453 or www.northstarhomestead.com.

Just a reminder that Aug 12th is the Family Range Day Camp held over at Indianhead Rifle and Pistol Club on Cty Highway A. THe hours are 11 am -3pm. Lunch will be served from Noon- 3 pm. The entire family can participate in shooting trap, 22-rifle and pistol, archery, black powder rifle with supervision stressing safety froim NRA instructors. Sounds like alot of fun!  Free ammunition as well as free use of guns and bows will be provided. This is put together by a bunch of volunteers and some wonderful sponsors- thanks too all of you! If you have any questions please give Bob Dembinski 715-635-9525 or Debbs Ohl 715-635-7340 or Gary Magnus 715-635-2369 a call. When you go out there make sure you tell all the volunteers thank you for investing in the future generation of hunters. Also I am sure that sponsors would appreciate a thank you card and your support as well.

Primary election will be held on August 14, 2012 , polls will be open from 7 a.m.  to  8 p.m. at the Springbrook Community center.  Due to elections  the regular board meeting for the Town of Springbrook  will be held on Tues. August 21st at 7 p.m. at the Springbrook Comm. center.


Thanks so much for reading the column. Let me know if there is something that you want the community to know about. 

Spooner Advocate Column- August 16,2012

Good morning neighbors! What a cool morning, we have been having alot of that lately haven't we? There are days that it sure feels like Autumn, does that mean we are going to have a cooler fall than normal? A winter that comes sooner than I want? I do have to say I love autumn, it is right up there with Spring for me. Although I am not super fond of winter, it seems to go far longer than I like. Are you busy putting food up? I hope all your gardens are growing and producing lots of goodies. I have been busy canning and freezing as much as I can lately- it will be tasty in the cold months!

Hey everyone come out to the fair!! Sawyer County Fair is this week!!!  August 16-19, 2012-Hayward, WI. If you need to see a schedule of what is going on please go to their website www.sawyercountyfair.org . Please remember to support your local county fair, take your family and please go to the animal  auction. These people work hard at getting the exhibits together as well as showing some great animals!  Also please remember to support all the businesses that donate and sponsor the Sawyer County Fair, without them it would be hard to put on such a great fair.  If you are a volunteer, thank you for donating your time! Good luck to all the exhibitors. Have a great time at the Sawyer County Fair!

Remember to go on over to the Springbrook VFW  on Aug 17th Stacey Hughes- Not All Jazz will be at the VFW to sing for all of you. Grab something to eat and drink and have a good time with your neighbors. Not from Springbrook? Thats ok go meet some new friends and have fun!!! Remember by going to these events the VFW is able to support our community through donations to places like the Washburn County Food Shelf. Please go and show support for all the great work that the Springbrook VFW has been able to do.

Are you looking to meet up with some great gals? Do you like to quilt or are looking to get into quilting? Maybe you have some items that need to be finished and just need to schedule some time to sit down and get it all done. Please come to the Hayward Piecemakers Quilt Guild on September 10th from 10:15 until 8 pm. They meet every second Monday at the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Library in Hayward. If you have any questions please drop an email to the Guild at haywardpiecemakers@hotmail.com. We would love to see all you quilters out there at the next meeting!

I have to say I have been enjoying seeing all the turkeys that are out walking around with their young. Seems like a great hatch rate over by us. We have seen two hens with about 17 chicks and one hen with about 9! I am sure that will make the hunters happy to hear. Please remember if you are a hunter to talk to the people that own/ live on the land. When we took hunter safety it was stressed to have a good relationship with the people that may come in contact with the dogs you are running or the animal you are hunting. I have to say it makes me nervous to have 5 pick-ups outside my door waiting for the dogs that are running in the woods behind my house. Lets all be safe, conscious of others and have a great hunt!

Please remember due to elections  the regular board meeting for the Town of Springbrook  will be held on Tues. August 21st at 7 p.m. at the Springbrook Community Center.

Spooner Advocate Column- August 9, 2012

Good morning Neighbors- Have you been enjoying the cooler weather? I have to say it has been delightful to feel cold!  My body was so adjusted to it being so hot and humid that ewhen it finally cooled off I was actually cold. The animals are happy that it  is cooler thats for sure. Also it helps make it alot more enjoyable to can and freeze food when you aer not so hot and miserable. Have you been putting any food up? Do you have any recipes you would like to share? I know I have to apple sauce for sure this year, we are completely out. Also carmel apple jam and then I have a whole list of recipes that I want to try out. Just got some Beet pickles done yesterday- I do love a good beet!

Sawyer County Fair is right around the corner- August 16-19, 2012-Hayward, WI. Did you get all your registration paperwork in? How about volunteering at the fair this year? If you need questions answered or maybe you  would like to volunteer this year please  go to the website www.sawyercountyfair.org and let them know. I know they will get back to you and let you kjnow where you can help out at. Please remember to support your local county fair, take your family and please go to the animal  auction. These people work hard at get the exhibits together as well as showing some great animals!  Also a big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers- you are all awesome!

Remember to go on over to the Springbrook VFW  on Aug 17th Stacey Hughes- Not All Jazz will be at the VFW to sing for all of you. Grab something to eat and drink and have a good time with your neighbors. Not from Springbrook? Thats ok go meet some new friends and have fun!!! Remember by going to these events the VFW is able to support our community through donations to places like the Washburn County Food Shelf. Please go and show support for all the great work that the Springbrook VFW has been able to do.


I saw in The Country Today that a wonderful business had been written about from our neck of the woods. Farmstead Creamery and Cafe, which is located at N11077 Fullington Road East, Hayward has opened their Cafe and I can tell you that the food there is awesome! We had a wonderful cup of coffee, a taste chicken enchilada, a fresh salad grown right there as well as a piece of blueberry that was delicious right down to the crust! My daughter had a brownie with ganache frosting that she oohed and ahhed over the entire time she at it! The Berlages- Ann, Kara, Laura run a wonderful farm- where alot of the food comes from that they use in their cafe food. The farm has  a CSA (Community Supported Ag) that people can buy a share of and have farm fresh food grown by someone you know and respect. They also sell in the cafe eggs, produce from the farm as well as some lovely hand made knitting items. Our own Springbrook Organic Dairy sells their milk, as well as their terrific drinkable yogurts at the Farmstead. I just heard from a friend that Log Cabin Soaps is also pairing up with the Farmstead so you can get some wonderful soaps for yourself as well as for gifts. It really is worth the trip over to have a great cup of coffee and a baked good treat and chat with the Berlage family. Soon they will be able to serve yiou uo a Gelato as well. If you need directions or would like to let them know you and your frinds are coming give them a call at 715-462-3453 or www.northstarhomestead.com.

Just a reminder that Aug 12th is the Family Range Day Camp held over at Indianhead Rifle and Pistol Club on Cty Highway A. THe hours are 11 am -3pm. Lunch will be served from Noon- 3 pm. The entire family can participate in shooting trap, 22-rifle and pistol, archery, black powder rifle with supervision stressing safety froim NRA instructors. Sounds like alot of fun!  Free ammunition as well as free use of guns and bows will be provided. This is put together by a bunch of volunteers and some wonderful sponsors- thanks too all of you! If you have any questions please give Bob Dembinski 715-635-9525 or Debbs Ohl 715-635-7340 or Gary Magnus 715-635-2369 a call. When you go out there make sure you tell all the volunteers thank you for investing in the future generation of hunters. Also I am sure that sponsors would appreciate a thank you card and your support as well.

Thanks so much for reading the column. Let me know if there is something that you want the community to know about.  Have a wonderful week!

Spooner Advocate Column- August 2, 2012

Hello there neighbors!

Did you get to the Washburn County Fair? Did you have fun? Congrats to all the exhibitors and people that had animals to share with everyone! You guys are all winners just for taking the time to learn something new and to share that with people you don't even know. Just think you may have inspired someone to garden, sew, or paint. That is an awesome thing if you think of it! Have you started working on things for next year? How about trying something new to you? Go on get out of your comfort zone and try something new.... I double dog dare you. =)

Remember to get your entries in for the Sawyer County Fair- August 16-19,2012-Hayward, WI. All registrations need to be in by August 3rd- that is THIS friday!! Got questions, need registration paperwork? Go to the website www.sawyercountyfair.org Please remember to support your local county fair, take your family and please go to the animal  auction. These people work hard at get the exhibits together as well as showing some great animals!  Also a big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers- you are all awesome!

Remember to go on over to the Springbrook VFW on Friday August 3rd. They are having Karoake with Les Mallard from 7 til at least 9, maybe 10. Go alittle early and have a cool drink and something to eat. Coming up on Aug 17th Stacey Hughes- Not All Jazz will be at the VFW to sing for all of you. Remember by going to these events the VFW is able to support our community through donations to places like the Washburn County Food Shelf. Please go and show support for all the great work that the Springbrook VFW has been able to do.

During my busy schedule I was able to go see the Piecemakers Quilt Show on Friday night. I met some lovely ladies that belong to the Piecemakers Quilt Guild. They were super sympathetic as I was having one of those days with work, a farm and a 15 year old daughter.... need I say more? So I was SO HAPPY that there was a quilt show as that is pretty cheap therapy! I got to see some of my favorite ladies Kathleen from Heartlight Quilt Shop in Ladysmith as well as Sandy from Bolts of Fun in Thorp! I have to say it was a great quilt show, lots of beautiful projects! I was very inspired by these beautiful hankie quilts a lady did in remembrance of a loved one.  I have some hankies from my grandma that I want to put into something, there is only acouple so this gave me an idea on how to maybe do a smaller project with them. Although I do want to do a butterfly quilt and that I will need alot of fancy old time hankies for..... Does anyone have any that they would like to share with me? Piecemakers meets at the wonderful library in Hayward on the second Monday at 10:15 until 8 at night. That means the 13th will be the next meeting, how about coming to meet with some other quilters? If you have something to share please bring it or if you are having a problem with a project I am sure you can get some help from these knowledgeable woman.  To become a member of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild all it takes is $15! If you need any questions answered please drop them an e-mail at haywardpiecemakers@hotmail.com. I hope to meet some new friends at the next Guild meeting! Thanks to all the volunteers that donated time, items to sell! Thanks to wall the vendors for coming up to supply our fabric habit! Thanks to all the quilters- you are all so talented!!

If you have events, news , announcements etc to share please drop me an e-mail twogirlsandagarden@hotmail.com
Have a wonderful week!