Labor Day Celebration

Labor Day Celebration

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Christmas Caroling 2012

This event was suggested by a friend of the group and wow - it sure was fun.

Residents met at City Hall, split into groups and sung carols to those who left their lights on as well as those in group and nursing homes.

It was cold, but lots of cheer was spread and tons of food was collected for local food banks.



Thanks to everyone who came and made this a success!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Jobs Fair and Small Business Seminar October 2012

In October of 2012 - the Horicon Phoenix Program put on a Jobs Fair and Small Business Seminar.

Horicon is a lovely city - but wouldn't be able to survive if it were not for the many small businesses in our community. We also know that many struggle to find jobs locally, or have to resort to commuting for work.

This event aimed to provide resources for those looking for jobs and to provide help for small businesses. Thanks to all those involved.


Many businesses and organizations set up booths for job-seekers


Dee Relyea presents the class in Job Search Strategies.


Patricia Pettey of the U.S. Small Business Administration prepares her materials for the Small Business Seminar.

These are just a few of the people who helped provide this service to the community.

Phoenix Award Winner for Fall 2012


The Fall 2012 recipient of the Horicon Phoenix Award is a true embodiment of the essence and spirit of the Phoenix in many ways. We are very pleased to present David Katsma with our latest award.

David has been a resource for those addicted and struggling with dependency, working to help them rebuild their lives through his mission at Marshview Ministries Church in Horicon.

At the same time, David was hard at work coordinating efforts with the Horicon Phoenix Program and City of Horicon to build the new disc golf course in Riverbend Park.

A common theme throughout all of David’s work is rebirth and renewal, both in a personal sense and in his community. While David was keeping his Church mission going, building the disc golf course for our town, and being a father and husband, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Throughout last year with the support of his family, friends and his faith, he battled and beat the cancer with a grace and dignity that was nothing short of inspirational.

David is a selfless contributor to his neighbors and community, and someone we are proud to call friend. Please join us in celebrating this award with David. — with Melissa Keenan, David Katsma, Daniel Buchner, Tammy Wiard-Baltzley and Kathryn Knop.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Labor Day Weekend Celebration 2012

We did it again - we had a fabulous labor day weekend in Horicon. Only our second one. And instead of just music and fireworks we had much more!

You missed it? Well, that is a shame. It was a lot of fun, with events for everyone. Check it out!


The weekend events started on Saturday with our Flyway 5k - Run or Walk



Our Event Coordinators - Jenni, Melissa and Carmen


Some people ran, 


and some walked. It was a lovely morning for a run.




Next was the first ever Horicon Huk Disc Golf Tournament. Check our our snazzy discs...


All the competitors. It was a good time enjoyed by all.

That evening and next, families could sit and listen to live music, enjoy burgers sold by the American Legion, and ice cream from the Ice Cream Station.


Death by Cassette - Saturday's entertainment


The Soggy Prairie Boys, a favorite of the crowd



The crowd relaxing and enjoying the bands



and Ice Cream. Lets be honest, those big cones ate a hole in my pocket.


And fireworks at dusk. They were really quite amazing for our small town. Thanks to all the hard work of the people who volunteered. Hopefully this tradition will continue.




Monday, July 16, 2012

Disc Golf Course Installation - finally! Fall 2011 and summer 2012

Whooo, hooo! How exciting it was to install those tee pads and signs so people can use the course. Putting in the cement pads began in the fall before the ground snowed.




Thanks to so many who helped and dug out all the pad areas. It made cementing go so much faster.


Sign posts and tees were added in the summer, when the ground wasn't muddy.


Only 9 holes were installed this year but we do have plans to add 9 more if the course gets enough use. So go out and enjoy some disc golf!


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Phoenix Award of Spring 2012


For many years, at nearly every event held in this city, one citizen has been there to silently, and often thanklessly, ensure that the event goes off without a hitch. Working for the Horicon DPW, Buzz Vanderhei has been the backbone of this city, ensuring that the city’s facilities were ready for each event. The answer is never “No!” when you work with Buzz, and that is why when someone suggested we give Buzz a Horicon Phoenix Award, the answer is “Yes!” Dave Magnussen, Director of Horicon DPW adds, "Buzz Vanderhei is person who loves his work and his community. As an employer, you want all of your employees to dedicate themselves to their profession. Buzz is a great example to his fellow employees and the whole community on dedication to society." 
The Horicon Phoenix Program is grateful for the opportunity to say "Thank you!" to Buzz for his many years of service to Horicon and his generosity to his fellow Horiconites.

Photo with Daniel Buchner and Kathryn Knop.