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.

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.

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!

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.

Phoenix Award Winner from Spring 2011

The Phoenix Award Winner of Spring 2011 was Danny Frey.

The Horicon Phoenix Program is very pleased to present the “Horicon Phoenix Award” to Danny Frey in recognition of his outstanding dedication to the residents and City of Horicon. — with Kathryn Knop, Danny Frey and Daniel Buchner.

Through his business as a financial adviser for Modern Woodmen, Mr. Frey has generously supported those in our community with medical needs by securing matching funds grants to help pay for their expenses. Those grants have also been used to benefit other organizations ranging from our public and private schools, daycares, churches, YMCA, park programs, 4-H clubs, boy scouts, girl scouts, and civic groups.

Danny has been a tireless advocate for members of the military and their families, donating his time to coordinating the shipping of care packages to soldiers overseas at the “Join Hands Day” event on May 7th, as well as helping to raise funds to send children of military families to summer camp. Danny also has been busy making the arrangements with the Easter Bunny to visit Horicon for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Danny is a true leader in our community because he volunteers so freely both through his business, and in his personal time. We celebrate Danny Frey’s commitment to our town and sincerely thank him for it.

Summer Concert Series 2011

In 2011 the Horicon Phoenix Program's revenue increased. With donations from various local businesses, and the John Deere Greater Area Foundation, we were able to have a full line-up of performances during the summer.

And see how much our audience has grown! Now the regular attendance is between 100 and 200 people. Some bands were new but for the most part the bands end up being favorites with the crowd. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Community Gardens Summer 2011

The community garden is really thriving! Glad to see all the plots rented and all the produce grown. This year we added a water tank - no more hauling water during those dry spells. And a shed added to the shelter makes a perfect place to store tools.

Before picture.

Water Tank addition

And after. Future plans include an herb garden with a sculpture, a composting area, and who knows?