Ready for Road Trip? Like Waterfalls?

It’s that time of the year.  Fall is here.  The mornings have that nice little nip in the air, which means the trees will start turning colors soon.  This is the best time to take a ride and check out our great north woods.  Wisconsin is the perfect place to see magnificent, cascading, bubbling, beautiful waterfalls.

Did you know that Marinette County is considered the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin?  My husband and I took a ride up there this past weekend and checked out a couple of these wonderful waterfalls. 

Marinette County is such a short drive that you can make a day or a weekend out of it.  If you want to venture further north or west, you can make a week out of it.  Make sure to bring your walking shoes,  a picnic lunch and a camera.   There a terrific photo opportunities at every turn.  Through the years the kids and us have checked out most of the waterfalls that are in Wisconsin, the UP, the upper Minnesota area and into Canada.  

If you want to start closer to home, check out the 30 foot Fonferek Falls.  This is just a short drive south on Highway 43 to County Rd MM.   After that head up north and check out Dave’s Falls, right off of Highway 141 and further up are Smalley Falls and Long Slide Falls.  If you head west on Highway 8, look for the signs for Four Foot, Eight Foot, Twelve Foot and Eighteen Foot Falls and a few more along the way.  Check out the Travel Wisconsin web-site,  www.travelwisconsin.com and  you can find links to maps and other information. 

So get yourself out there and visit Wisconsin’s waterfalls.  Be prepared to do some hiking and be safe.  Some places are pretty scary.  For me anyways, my husband will venture out on any rocks he can.  Have fun exploring Wisconsin.  

Written by: Karen S. 

New Year, New Food!

The New Year is here, and it’s time for a change! Instead of sticking with the same old resolutions that you know you aren’t going to fulfill, why not switch it up to something fun and exciting!

When making at a health based resolution, most people would say “I’m going to cut fatty foods from my diet”, or “I’m going to eat less carbs”, but that’s boring... How about trying a new food, each week!

This is a great way to introduce new foods to your body and keep your diet varied! There are a ton of websites that offer great new meal or snack solutions, and I guarantee you haven’t heard of most of them! I most often refer to RealSimple.com or Food.com, both of these websites have a lot of articles that offer weekly meal plans. As I’m reading over the recipe, I often notice that some of the ingredients that I would usually turn my nose up to. But when you’re combing some ingredients together, it creates a whole new delicious flavor!

Here is one article to help get you started! I did all the leg work for you, now there’s no excuse!

Written by: Emily P.

Santa Hat Cookies

Simple cute cookies that are perfect for the Christmas Season

Ingredients

1 package Pillsbury™ ready-to-bake sugar cookies

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme (1 1/2 cups)

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon red gel food color

48 miniature marshmallows

White candy sprinkles

Step 1) Heat oven to 350°F. Cut each cookie in half. Roll each half into a ball. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 2) Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set and golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets before removing to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.

Step 3) To make frosting, in large bowl, beat marshmallow crème and softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in powdered sugar until fluffy. Add food color, and beat until well combined.

Step 4) Place frosting in resealable food-storage plastic bag. Cut off 1 tiny corner of bag. Pipe frosting, piling up in hat shape, on top of each cookie.

Step 5) Top each hat with miniature marshmallow. Gently press sprinkles around bottom edge of each hat so they stick to frosting.

Enjoy!

Post By: Melissa K.

Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas!

With Christmas day right around the corner, we are headed full speed down the home stretch. Whether you are a last minute shopper or not, do not give off that impression. With these easy DIY Christmas gift wrapping, you can wow your family and friends. After all, it is the thought that counts.

With the help of kids, this is an easy and fun way to deck up brown paper bags as cute reindeer's.

Make your gifts stand out underneath the tree with beautiful embellishments from your arts and crafts supply box.

Instead of name tags, add photos of the recipient to give it that extra personalized touch. To add some mystery and fun, try drawing them and have them guess which gift is theirs.

Wrap kids gifts with crayons. This is especially useful for big Christmas parties, where kids have to wait to open their presents.

Use popsicle sticks as name tags to give it that rustic feel for a snowy white Christmas. 

Post by: Mai Y.

References:

http://www.craftionary.net/diy-gift-wrapping-ideas-christmas-holidays/ 
http://www.shelterness.com/11-diy-last-minute-christmas-gift-wrapping-ideas/

Winter Wine Walk on Broadway

What can you do in the middle of December? In Wisconsin? Think that it is too cold to get out and do something fun? Think again. The businesses in the Broadway District are offering a Winter Wine Walk on the three Fridays in December before Christmas.

 
The 2nd annual Winter Wine Walk On Broadway takes place December 4th, 11th, and 18th from 5 pm- 9 pm. Enjoy wine tasting sessions from local and Door County wineries in the warmth and comfort of area businesses dotted across the Broadway District. Purchase punch cards for only $5.00 / person at any store along the walk! Pick a store to start at, purchase your punch ticket, and begin the fun. Each store will punch your ticket, give you a sample of wine, your can brose the store and make your purchase, and then move on to the next business. If you don’t fill up your punch card in one night come back and visit the next week and continue your fun. 

 
The Winter Wine Walk has enlisted over twenty five different Broadway shops to host the wineries including Besseli, Petal Pusher, Sassy Girl, Little Tokyo, and more! Along with any purchase you may find in these unique stores, bottles of wine may also be purchased during the Wine Walk. 

 
Come and visit the stores in the Broadway district and enjoy. Anyone that knows me knows I like my wine, so I will definitely be there. I will also be a volunteer in Sassy Girl on Dec. 18th, so stop in and see me.

Written By: Karen S.  

Wanna Be Scared on Halloween?

It’s the time of year when the leaves turn and everything is pumpkin flavored. It also means festivities and haunted houses around the area.  Here are some of the fun to be had on Halloween--click on the headings for more details about each event!

Terror on the Fox

"Pale Eye Productions and the Green Bay Preble Optimist Club once again bring you world class dark attractions at the area’s most unique location, Terror on the Fox. Whether it be the train ride, the walk through the woods, Camp Ash, Pandemonium or the Ominous Sanctum, one can always be certain that within the shadowless areas, darkness looms."

Green Bay Fear

"Awaiting inside Green Bay Fear Haunted Attractions are the terrors plucked straight from your nightmares. Our pets are biding their time, anticipating you and the delicious screams you'll bring. Housed in these roofs are the stalkers of the night, just waiting for you to round the corner in darkness. This isn't your average haunted house, this is Green Bay Fear Haunted Attractions.... where terror calls home."

The Morgue

"Save yourself while you still have a chance…
Featuring:

• Haunted woods
• Best wait area in the region - NO STANDING in lines! Hang out around the bonfire and wait for your group number to be called!
• HUGE bonfire all night long
• Concession stand
• Free parking
• Big screen for movies and videos
• Three-floor haunted house
• Slide to Hell"

Burial Chamber

"Wisconsin's Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex houses three large, full-size Wisconsin haunted houses for Halloween entertainment--located off of Hwy 41 in the Fox Valley (Appleton, WI), just 30 minutes south of Green Bay, WI or 20 minutes north of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We are an hour and a half from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Madison, WI and less than 3 hours from Chicago, IL.
We're located just 5 minutes south of the Fox River Mall in Appleton, Wisconsin.Open Rain or Shine!"

A Night to Dismember

"This year’s house will include many new rooms and hair-raising surprises. Over 100 members of North’s Drama Club create the spine-chilling cast of characters that inhabit the house. The popular non-scary flashlight tours will continue to be available during all hours the house is open for younger children or those “weak of heart.” Carnival games, a mini-inflatable haunted house for little ones, a costume contest, and a bake sale in the commons will also be featured. Proceeds from the haunted house will help fund theatre activities and productions at [Appleton] North."

Greenville Station Ghost Tours

"Come join the Fox Valley Ghost Hunters on all new tours for the first time invited into the most terrifying place in Wisconsin the Greenville Station just west of Appleton a few miles"

Trail of Terror

"Trail of Terror takes pride in a quality scare. Trail of Terror, located in Oconto, Wisconsin, is big into sound effects, special effects, quality make-up and an environment guaranteed to make your spine tingle. Trail of Terror is the longest haunted trail in Wisconsin. With over 20 acres of eery woodland, we have a opportunity unique to any other haunted house or trail you’ll explore this Halloween season."

Zombie Shoot

"The Zombies are attacking and it’s up to you to stop them. Take the 20 passenger zombie slaying vehicle into the heart of the zombie village and try to eliminate them. You will be shooting them with special “zombie stopping” TRACER paintballs. They will not be shooting you but they will be trying to infect you and turn you into the walking dead! This is Wisconsin’s best interactive haunt that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Set in a creepy area, zombies will be coming out of castles, pirate ships, and the woods to attack you. Try to survive until the end!!!
Every Friday and Saturday night in October from 7pm-11:30pm at Commando Paintball Sports. Call 920-826-5554 or go to www.commandopaintballsports.com for more details"

Dead by Dawn

"After check in, you are invited to join the daunting host family, who resides in the building permanently, for a bit of an "unhappy" hour. This gathering takes place at the in house watering hole, named the Shrunken Head after it's unique décor, and includes pocket billiards, cold beverages, and hors d’ oeuvres. After 6:00pm you are welcome to roam. Historical downtown Manitowoc offers many wonderful restaurants, pubs, shops, and our very own Maritime Museum all within walking distance.
But…make sure you are back in the building by 11:00pm when the doors will be locked! For your own safety, lights must be out and guests must be in bed by midnight, to accommodate the things that go bump in the night. Remember, you will not get a good night's sleep here…muahahaha!"

Camp 5 Terror

"We are a medium sized haunted house that's very scary and detailed! . Very cost effective. Lots of screams, laughs and family fun."

Haunted Sub & Pub

"Join us for a haunted submarine experience aboard our WW II submarine USS Cobia! Our haunted tours will take place October 30th & 31st from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. Are you brave enough to discover what lurks beneath the surface at night? Cost is $5 per person.
If you survive the tour, hang out in our Sub Pub and enjoy some Halloween-themed refreshments! (Cash Bar)
October 30th & 31st, 7:00pm - 11:00pm
May not be suitable for children under 10."

Scare USA 2015

"Controversy has elevated this event to a new level of fear! A new addition to Scare USA, Toxic Terror, darkly morphed, pressuring you to find your way through the distortion. This side attraction is a trip; your first destination before entering Just About Dead Haunted Attraction. Just About Dead is your classic haunted house that features insanely detailed sets, advanced technology, mixed in with old-school effects and scares. Just About Dead uses the arts of disorientation, phobias, and intense startles to evoke rapid fear. Nothing will prepare you for what's ahead. Escape before you're just about dead."

Tips So YOU Can Enjoy the Party!

• Choose 5-6 different appetizers. Of those, 3 or 4 should be things you can make ahead of time and serve cold, room temperature, or easily reheat. 

• Plan to prepare about 10 pieces or bites per person. Ex: for a party of 6, prepare about 60 pieces. If you are making 5 appetizers, make about 12 pieces of each. Always round up so you don’t run out!

• Plan to serve a couple dips, bowls of nuts, or a cheese platter when guests arrive.

• Write down the menu and print out recipes in advance.

• Try your recipes ahead of time.

• Note any garnishes you want to include with your appetizers so they aren’t forgotten.

• Make a shopping list a few days before the event & try to get most of the shopping out of the way early.

• Write out a schedule of what needs to be done the day before, the day of, and right before the party.

• Take out serving platters and table decorations the day before.

http://ow.ly/Tbdnd 

Relax and Enjoy!

Post by: Cari J.

What Will You Do With Your Watermelon?

Alright, time to fire up the grill, we’ve got some watermelon to cook! Wait.... Did I just say Watermelon? YOU BET!

Most often times when we buy a watermelon, the rinds take up half the garbage can space, and the good juicy inside pieces end up going to waste because you can’t eat it fast enough. Did you know that there are actually plenty of ways to use up the ENTIRE watermelon versus just the inside? AND there are tons of other ways to eat watermelon besides just slicing and dicing? Oh my goodness, you’ve got so much to learn.

Let’s go back to the grilling piece: Yes I’m still not kidding, you can grill watermelon. The beyond simple recipe is so delicious! Taking a normal triangle piece of watermelon, sprinkle some salt and pepper on it, and glaze the wedges with some olive oil. Now we’re ready to grill it. It only needs to be grilled for a short amount of time. The only other step necessary before consumption is sprinkling a little lime juice and honey on it, and you’re ready! Sounds like a crazy idea, but honestly, it’s delicious!

Or let’s say we want to use some bits of the watermelon for some drinks because we are having a great backyard bash with the girls... Watermelon Mojito time!! Like a typical Mojito, crush up a few mint leaves with a dash of sugar and lime juice. This creates the normal Mojito base. Then mix in the desired amount of pureed watermelon, and add liquor if you’d like, and BAM! You have a great, unique Mojito!

Check out this great flow chart of ideas, which was featured on RealSimple.com as one of their Favorite Summer Recipes! There are so many out-of-the-box ways to use watermelon that you’ve probably never thought of! Don’t miss out!

Written By: Emily P.

Need to Make a Change? Come Work at Horizon!

Hey there, I’m Breanna! I’m a part-time Member Service Representative or “MSR,” here at Horizon Community Credit Union. I’ll be celebrating my first year at HCCU in August. Applying at and accepting the offer from HCCU was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and if you get a chance to work here, I think you'll agree!

HCCU is looking for part-time Member Service Representatives. You can see the posted job description here. You might think that working at a credit union would be boring—but you’re wrong! Here are some reasons why I love working at HCCU:

I’m always learning—There are a lot of laws and rules at any given financial institution that an MSR needs to be aware of. I have regular training, and I learn new things about my job every day. I’m also learning member preferences, which makes their experience better.

I get to help people—Money is an integral part of our life in this society. If I can help someone correct an issue or use a product or service to improve their money management, I’m thrilled. Credit unions give back to their members and community, so there’s always an opportunity to help someone.

I’m solving problems—You might already know that there are many ways something can go wrong with your money. It’s my job to do everything within my power to help right that situation, and it challenges me and allows me to help someone at the same time.

Everyone is helpful—HCCU cannot be run by just one person. In order to operate successfully, we work together as a team. We might assist with projects or just assist with some daily duties. It makes the day more enjoyable too.

I have opportunities—the credit union industry is quite active. I can be involved in local credit union or co-op groups, as well as state, national, and international events. I get to network and learn more about our industry.

I have a second family—This is one of the best reasons to work at HCCU. We’re a smaller credit union, which means we get to know each other well. As employees, we look out for each other and care about one another.

So what do you say? Sound like a somewhere YOU want to work? Apply now! There are a few ways to do so!

Email your resume to careers@horizonccu.com

Apply here

Mail your resume to:
Horizon Community Credit Union
Human Resources
P.O. Box 670
Green Bay, WI 54305-0670

You can find a paper copy of the application here. Fill it out and return it to either branch—700 Eastman Ave or 3139 Voyager Drive, both in Green Bay, WI.

We look forward to having you as part of the Horizon Community Credit Union family! If you have any questions or want to know more, feel free to call us at 920-43-0122!

Written by: Breanna B. 

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to take the whole family! It is a beautiful 700 acre urban wildlife refuge. It features live animal exhibits, educational displays, hiking/skiing trails and various wildlife viewing opportunities. It is the largest park in the Green Bay Park system and home to the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Wisconsin.

Some fun things to do:

• Feed the ducks and geese:You can buy the corn for them at the Observation Building. 
• You can check out all the cool exhibits at the Nature Center. 
• Take a slide down the tree slide. 
• Go see some wildlife while you are on the lookout tower. 
• Pick up a gift or two at the Stop-n-Gander Gift Shop. 

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is free and open to the public year ‘round. Here are their hours:

April 15 - September 15

Nature Center: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm daily
Observation Building: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Hiking Trails: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Woodland Building and Habi-trek: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Stop-n-Gander Gift Shop: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm daily

September 16 – April 14
Nature Center: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Observation Building: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Hiking Trails: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm daily
Woodland Building and Habi-trek: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Stop-n-Gander Gift Shop: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm daily

If you're not sure where Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is, they are located at:
1660 East Shore Drive
Green Bay, WI 54302

If you'd like to learn more about Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, visit:
http://www.baybeachwildlife.com/

Pack up the family and head to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for a fun and exciting filled day! 

Post by: Alice E.

Kids Day in Green Bay

If you have children 17 or younger, June 25th is marked on your calendar. Why? It’s the annual Kids’ Day in Green Bay!

Kids’ Day was started by Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt in 2003. In his own words, this day was established “as a way to show children how special they are to their families and how important they are to the future of Green Bay.” Kids’ Day occurs annually on June 25th, and has been a success from the start. It grows every year to include more and more events and activities. The best part, and I think you’ll agree, is that ALL EVENTS ARE FREE FOR CHILDREN. Yes, I said FREE FOR CHILDREN.

The events run throughout the day at locations across the city. City parks, Bay Beach, the Wildlife Sanctuary, CityDeck, Brown County Libraries, and a dentist’s office will have prepared activities for your child/ren. And that’s just a fraction of what’s available! Check out the link below for the full schedule.

We would love to see you while you’re out and about with your kiddos. The Mayor’s Lunch is at Leicht Park from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, and Horizon Community Credit Union will have a booth with information and goodies. We can’t wait to see you!

http://greenbaywi.gov/parks/kidsday

Things to do in Wisconsin this summer!

Visit the Apostle Islands (Great place to go kayaking) 

Go hiking on one of Wisconsin’s many trails (listed are ones closer to the Green Bay area)
- Devils River State Trail
- Oconto River State Trail
- Fox River State Trail
- Mountain Bay State Trail
- Cave Point County Park

Go to Bay Beach
Address: 1313 Bay Beach Road, Green Bay, WI 54302

Go to the Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay, WI 54302

Enjoy the day at the NEW Zoo
Address: 4378 Reforestation Road, Green Bay, WI 54313

Spend the weekend in Wisconsin Dells 

Ride the Pizza Train (Spooner, Wisconsin) 

Take a Cheese factory tour 

Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
Address: 700 North Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Go to a Brewers Game
Address: 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee
Phone #: (414) 902-4000

Go to a Timber Rattlers Game
Address: North Casaloma Drive, Appleton, WI 54913

 Visit the National Railroad Museum 

Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone #: (920) 437-7623

 Visit Wisconsin’s State Capital
Address: 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703

 Spend the day at the beach
- North Beach (Racine)
- Big Bay Beach at Town Park (Madeline Island)
- Schoolhouse Beach (Washington Island)
- Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan)
- Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers)

 Inner tube down the Apple River 

 Inner tube down the Wolf River 

 Go camping 

 Go fishing

 Tour Wisconsin’s FIRST State Capital Building
Address: 19101 County Highway G, Belmont
Phone #: (608) 987-2122
The building is only open Wednesday-Sunday, June 10-Sept. 7; admission is free.

 Travel part of the underground railroad at Milton House Museum
Address: 18 S. Janesville St., Milton
Phone #: (608) 868-7772

 Go to the 7 Mile Fair (Flea Market)
Address: 2720 W. 7 Mile Road, Caledonia; (262) 835-2177

 Drive the Great River Road
Western Wisconsin, along the Mississippi River
Phone#: (800) 658-9424

Post by: Chelsea F.

Bay Beach Amusement Park

Bay Beach Amusement Park is now open. It’s located at 1313 Bay Beach Road in Green Bay. For the month of May, hours vary. Starting June 6th hours will be 10-9 daily. Bay Beach is a place where the whole family can go and have a great time.
The admission to the park is free and so is the parking. Tickets for the rides are 25 cents each. The number of tickets for each ride varies. Rides include the lady bugs, granny bugs, the jeeps, the boats, the bumper cars, the scat, the scrambler, the tilt-a-whirl, the BIG slide, the merry-go-round, the train, the swings, and ferris wheel. Two of the newest rides are the Sea Dragon and Zippin Pippin. There isn’t a ride that cost more than a dollar. There’s also a free baby pool.
You can also find play grounds, picnic tables, grills, food stands, souvenir stands and cotton candy! Grab the family, pack a picnic basket and head to Bay Beach for a day full of fun and great memories.

Post by: Alice E.

Wisconsin Dells!

One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Wisconsin is Wisconsin Dells. I have been there during every season and I seem to find something new to do every single time that I go there. With Memorial Day right around the corner I thought I would share some of my favorite places to visit in the Dells.

1. Wisconsin Dells Ducks Tour-I think I have done the duck tour 3 or 4 times now, but the cool thing is the trail that the ducks have traveled on has been different every time that I have done this. The fun part is that they do part of the tour on land and the other part in the water. Even though I have done this tour a bunch of times it’s always one of the most fun. For more information visit: http://www.wisconsinducktours.com/

2. So far, I think one of the best places to stay in the Dells is Chula Vista Resort. I used to be lucky enough to have a friend who worked there that gave us a good deal to stay, but still their prices are not bad. I recently stayed at Chula Vista for my sister’s bachelorette party and we were able to rent out a 2 bedroom condo with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms for only $100 per person for a weekend. Chula Vista has an indoor and outdoor waterpark and restaurants on site. This is a great place to stay with your family and friends. www.chulavistaresort.com

3. One of my new favorite places to eat is MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop. This restaurant has several kinds of gourmet Macaroni and Cheese. One of my favorite comfort foods is Macaroni and Cheese and this place does it right. I recommend trying the Loaded Baked Potato Mac. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it is in the downtown Dells area so while you are shopping for those souvenirs you must stop in for some Mac and Cheese. http://macandcheeseshop.com/

4. The best place to shop while visiting the Dells is the Outlets at the Dells. The main reason I love shopping there is because of the Coach Outlet! You can’t beat a good deal on a coach purse. Other outlet stores include Old Navy, Under Armour, Disney Outlet and many more. Be sure to include the Outlet at the Dells as a destination for your next Dells trip. http://www.outletsatthedells.com/

5. One of my new favorite places to visit in the Dells is the Timberfalls Park. While visiting the Dells last summer as a way to celebrate my best friend getting married we visited Timberfalls Park to do a little mini golfing. This is a fun place for the whole family. They have four different 18 hole shaded golf courses. This place is the ultimate mini golf destination of the Dells. Be sure to add Timeberfalls to your list. You won’t be disappointed. http://www.timberfallspark.com/

So When you are trying to figure out what to do with your friends and family this summer considering booking a trip to the Dells. You will find something new to do every time you visit and it is guaranteed to be a fun time for everyone!

Post By: Katie B