Anderson Japanese Gardens, a non-profit entity near Rockford, Illinois, is a twelve-acre landscape of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways, and koi-filled ponds. Japanese gardens use three key elements: stones for structure, water to represent life-giving force, and plants to provide color throughout the seasons. Secondary elements include pagodas, stone lanterns, water basins, arbors, and bridges. We will take part in a docent-led tour to learn the history and unique qualities of these Japanese gardens.

Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Time: Meeting at 8:15 a.m. for an 8:30 departure
Where: Upper parking lot of the Fitchburg Community Center
Travel: We will carpool for the 1.5-hour drive.
Tour: 10 a.m.–noon
Lunch: 12:00–1:00 (self-pay)
Cost: Bring $12 cash to repay Jo Anne Lindberg for the group entry fee. Self-pay for lunch.Contact: Jo Anne Lindberg openrose@birthlink.com or text and call 847-733-8050  

Deadline: Confirm with Jo Anne no later than April 10 at the April meeting.

Shake Rag Alley

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts occupies nine buildings within a 2.5-acre oasis of gardens, trees, and rambling paths.Visitors are welcome dawn to dusk to stroll the magical grounds, which feature 20 individual garden beds including a monarch way station, a meandering spring-fed stream, carpets of blue naturalized forget-me-nots, day lilies, wild ginger, daisies and hostas in abundance, large stands of five-foot-tall Ostrich ferns, sedum cascading over rock walls … in sum, a cornucopia of wildly overgrown vegetation that perfectly complements the rustic character of the historic and reproduction buildings, pathways and rock walls.

Tour and presentation by artist-in-residence Janet Vetter, followed by lunch. Tour is free, with each member picking up the cost of her lunch. Shake Rag Alley Art Center, 18 Shake Rag St. Mineral Point, WI 54565

• Monday, March 4, 2024
• Carpooling from the Senior Center at 9:00 (drivers needed)
• RSVP to Lindy Bass (Lindymb@aol.com)

Here is the planning document we reviewed at the January meeting.

Field Trip Ideas

Fall Potluck Picnic and Paddle at Devil’s (Spirit) Lake State Park—North Shore Entrance, Baraboo WI

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Join us at the North Shore of Devil’s Lake State Park to have a potluck picnic and paddle fun! Or join us for just the picnic! The limit for the naturalist guided kayak tours around the lake is 15 participants. Beginners are welcome, but it would be best if people had some paddle experience for maximum enjoyment. The two-hour-long tour includes stopping to hear the naturalist talk about nature and the history of the area. You can choose to paddle, relax, or enjoy a hike.

• When:                                     Thursday, September 14, 2023
• Picnic time:                              3:00–4:30 p.m.
• Paddle set-up, payment          4:30 p.m.
• Naturalist paddle tour:             5:00–7:00 p.m.
• Departure time (from FSC):    Meet in upper lot at 1:15 for 1:30 departure
• Deadline for sign-up:              September 7, 2023
• Register:                                  Jo Anne Lindberg, 847-733-8050, openrose@birthlink.com

What to give her:                    

1. your name, phone number and email
2. whether you will attend the picnic, the paddle or both
3. whether you prefer a single or double kayak
4. if you are bringing your own watercraft
5. whether you can be a driver, and how many people you can take with you

Other details
A state park permit from the DNR is required on every car. A daily permit for seniors is $3 per car, or $13 annually (ending December 31).

Kayak rental is $25 for a single and $45 for a double. Reserve the boat with Jo, and pay her the day of the event at the park. You can also bring your own kayak.

While we won’t go on the lake if there is lightning, bring rain gear if there might be sprinkles.

The limit for the two-hour paddle with the naturalist is 15 people.

If you attend the picnic, but not the paddling, there are other options for you: (a) hiking trails; (b) Nature Center; (c) Ten effigy mounds; (d) kick back and relax

Contact Jo Anne Lindberg, 847-733-8050 or openrose@birthlink.com, if you have questions. We will book as a group.

Summer Paddle on Lake Wingra

Friday, August 18, 2023—9:30 am Paddling Starts

Join us on lovely Lake Wingra for a one-hour paddle. Beginners welcome. Choose your own rental craft, from a lovely Swan boat to a rowboat to many kinds of kayaks. Each boat has a different rental fee. Your boat setup will be your responsibility. Just let them know you are with the Active Woman’s Group. Email them (at wingra@madisonboats.com) to get the discount code 72 hours before the date and before you book your rental on-line. Learn more at Madison Boats’ website.

If we have over 10 participants, we all get 10% off!

Or bring your own water craft if you prefer. There is no charge for that.

Meet at the Fitchburg Community/Senior Center upper lot to car pool at 8:30 am. We will arrange for a 9:30 group start time.

I don’t think there is a limit on the number who can sign up, but rent early to get the boat you want. Contact Jo Anne Lindberg, 847-733-8050 or openrose@birthlink.com if you have questions. More details later. This event will be good preparation for the next trip! Sign up soon!

New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm, followed by lunch at Driftless Glen Distillery.

• Thursday, June 15, 2023
  
• Departing from the Senior Center at 9:30 a.m.
• We will spend about two hours at the farm (till about 12:30), and go out to lunch.
• Contact Linda Gorchels (lgorchels@sbcglobal.net). She will arrange carpooling and make a reservation at the restaurant. When you sign up for the trip, please specify if you are willing to take riders in your car.

Admission is a flat rate of $5.50/person. Admission covers entry into the lavender farm, including the lavender fields, 8+ acres of wildflowers, their secret garden, observation deck, pergola, outdoor patio, all landscaped areas, river/waterfalls with Koi fish, and trails surrounding the 25 acres open to the public. Areas where the animals live are only accessible through the Farm-to-Table wagon ride tours (a separate fee).

New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm, E10766 County Road W, Baraboo, WI 53913

Driftless Glen Distillery, 300 Water St., Baraboo, WI 53913

Each year, Dane County Landfill hosts nearly a thousand visitors (of all ages) for tours of its facilities. The events offer an excellent opportunity for lessons in environmental stewardship, science, engineering, and technology. They are free, but require preregistration.

• Friday, July 14, 2023, 10:00-11:30. Contact Marchelle Mertens (marchellem4m@gmail.com) for information. She will obtain the tickets for the group and handle carpooling from the Senior Center.
• Sign-up Deadline: To ensure there are enough tickets available, please respond to Marchelle by Friday, May 26.

• Friday, June 30, 2023
• Departing from the Senior Center at 10:00 a.m.
• A tour of the facility in Paoli with “Nick” is scheduled for 10:30 A.M. Lunch is at 11:30
• RSVP to Carolyn Hook (chook5644@gmail.com) by Friday, June 23rd. She will arrange carpooling. Please specify how many riders you are able to take in your car if you are willing to drive.

The Dairy Cafe is Seven Acre’s casual, counter-service cafe, serving breakfast and lunch. The menu features locally-roasted coffee; fresh bakery items; salads; soups; and sandwiches. The Dairy Cafe also features their famous soft-serve ice cream made in-house with milk from the Sarbacker family at Fischerdale Holsteins.

Check out their sample menu. No reservations needed at the Dairy Cafe.

The Dairy Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch every day of the week. Monday-Friday they’re open 6:30AM-2:30PM. Saturday and Sunday from 8AM-4PM.

Betty Lou Fiesta Cruise

Experience Madison the way it is meant to be seen – from the water! Come aboard Betty Lou Cruises for incredible views of Madison from Lake Mendota. Experience the Madison skyline, highlights along the shoreline, and the history of our fascinating city.

• Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
• $59 includes Mexican buffet & unlimited Coronas, Margaritas, House Wine and Soda
• Cruises run rain or shine. There are no refunds. Check out their FAQ if you have other questions.
• Register with Barbara Mathis (britisher75@yahoo.com). She will collect the money and make the reservations for the cruise. Please pay her at the June meeting, or arrange another way to reimburse her.
• Parking is in the Mariner’s Inn parking lot, 5339 Lighthouse Bay Drive, Madison. Carpooling will be informal (on your own).
• Sign-up Deadline: Given the popularity of this cruise, respond to Barbara by Friday, June 2 so she can make reservations before it is booked.