First Phoenix Award - Fall 2010

Dan Buchner, Michelle Wanie, Tammy Baltzley, Denise Pomonis

September 2010

The first-ever Horicon Phoenix Award presented to Michelle Wanie

Members of the Horicon Phoenix Program were so inspired by Michelle Wanie's work to restore her storefront last summer that they decided to create the "Horicon Phoenix Award" as a way to recognize people from Horicon who exemplify the best aspects of the town.

Michelle, a business and homeowner in Horicon, took it upon herself to restore the American Family Insurance building storefront at her own expense during the grand re-opening of Highway 33 last year. She is active in the Horicon PTO, The Horicon Rotary Club, the Horicon Chamber of Commerce, and has been co-chair of the Rock’n River Jam giving countless hours to those community service organizations. Michelle represents the spirit of pride and renewal that the Phoenix Program looks to foster in Horicon.

We celebrate Michelle’s tremendous dedication to our town, and we sincerely appreciate everything she does here.

Discher Park Dance Hall Restoration 2010

In 2010 it came to our groups attention that the city planned to raze the Discher Park Dance Hall because they could no afford to make repairs on the building.

The Dance Hall was once a wonderful hub of activity in Horicon, hosting bingo tournaments, weddings, dances, and concerts.

It sadly has fallen into disrepair as civic funds dwindled, the building aged, and funds were put toward other more popular projects.

The Horicon Phoenix Program decided to raise funds in order to repair and restore this building. A series of fundraisers has been planned and the group has decided to match donations up to $5,000 in order to replace the rotting wood exterior.

The group also plans to apply and write grants in order to enlarge the stage and update the electrical.

As of September 2013 the group has raised 6,550 dollars. We are in discussion with the city and receiving bids on the exterior.

Rock River Sweep August 2010

Did you know that the Rock River Sweep is an organization that tries to promote maintaining and clean-up of the Rock River?

The Horicon Phoenix Program has adopted our small section of the Rock River. Each year during the 'sweep' volunteers take time to clean up trash and debris from the river.

Jacob and Sam with their catch

Community Gardens Spring 2010

In 2010 the idea was birthed to create a community garden in Horicon. Community gardens provide a place for all citizens to grow their own produce or flowers. With city approval, Kiwanis Park was chosen as an ideal location. The river was near-by, a playground would be located right across the road, and an un-used area could be reclaimed for the garden.

At first only plots were allocated, topsoil brought in, and gardeners had to haul water during dry spells from the river or bathrooms across the road. The following year a shelter was built.

Future plans would include a storage shed. And possibly a water tank. What a wonderful opportunity for Horicon Residents.

Grants and FFA Greenhouse - Fall 2009

Did you know the Horicon Phoenix Program award grants to businesses and groups in Horicon? 

We proudly do!

This grant was awarded to the Horicon High School FFA group. They used the funds to build a greenhouse right behind the high school.

The greenhouse would be used to grown plants for sale by the FFA, but also all clubs and classes would have access to it. By Spring of 2010 plants were growing, and mother's day baskets ready to sell a few months later.

This structure is used by many high school classes for demonstration purposes and continues to be used by members of the community garden and farm market vendors.