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All About Wisconsin

Program Number: 17624RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/9/2013 - 6/14/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Green Lake, Wisconsin
Price starting at: $678.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic; History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Activity Particulars

Some walking during field trips; mostly even terrain, mild inclines/declines.




Date Specific Information

6-9-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Green Lake Conference Center.



Amish in Wisconsin

A short distance from the Center is an Amish settlement. Examine their history, lifestyle, religious traditions, dress, food, education, quilts and crafts. Who are the Plain People? Why do they live as they do? Includes field trip to their community.



Native American in Wisconsin

A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation will share the histories and cultures of the tribes that call Wisconsin home. Their struggles through failed Federal policies and self-determining successes will provide understanding needed for these indigenous people.



Peoples of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a mix of cultures ranging from Native Americans to 21st Century Immigrants. Via lively lectures, discussion, audio and visual examples, a Folk Arts Historian will reveal the music, dance, crafts, stories and food of Wisconsin’s people.




Green Lake

Located in the heart of Wisconsin, Green Lake received its first guests by horse-drawn carriage nearly 150 years ago. Today, as then, visitors seek the respite of Wisconsin’s deepest lake and 27 miles of shoreline.
Accommodations
On-site hotel. Non-alcohol facility. Bountiful buffet meals. No Accommodation participants may purchase meals on a pay as you go basis.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Lucille LaDue
Lucille LaDue is a volunteer at the Green Lake Conference Center, where her late husband, Paul LaDue, was executive director. During that time, Lucille was the center’s garden manager, enhancing her "second career" by taking horticultural courses at a nearby university to obtain her Master Gardeners Certification. Lucille has also established a personal relationship with the nearby Amish Community, and that mutual trust has enabled her to create the Amish portion of Road Scholar programs.
 
Anne Pryor
A native of New York, Anne Pryor has immersed herself into the Wisconsin’s arts and educational scenes since making this region her new home. She has served as a consultant to multiple of folk art agencies, taught in diverse educational settings with learners of all ages and conducted teacher training in folk arts education throughout the region and nationally. The author of various publications, Anne holds a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master’s and Ph.D. in cultural anthropology.
 
Mark Denning
The head dancer and leader of the Oneida Dancers, Mark Denning has lectured about Native American life and demonstrated the power of traditional dance to audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. Born in the small village of Neopit on the Menominee Reservation in northern Wisconsin, Mark has been a traditional Native American dancer since the age of 17. He serves as director of the Southeast Oneida Tribal Services and is involved with the Indian Summer Institute.
 
Larry Miller
An educator throughout his life, Larry Miller taught mathematics in the Education Department at Ripon College for thirty-four years after receiving his Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Illinois. He is an avid environmentalist who is involved in environmentally based research projects and is an active member in numerous environmental organizations. Larry and his wife, Betsey, use their private farm as a classroom to educate others on invasive species management and prairie restoration.
 
Steve Ackerman
Steve Ackerman received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and is known throughout Wisconsin as one of the "Weather Guys" from a monthly call-in program about weather on Wisconsin Public Radio.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Green Lake Conference Center
  Green Lake, Wisconsin 5 nights
 Green Lake Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Accommodations will be in one of several comfortable on-site hotels. Comfortable guest rooms in a lovely setting with private bath. Many lakeview rooms overlooking beautiful Green Lake.
  Contact info: W2511 State Highway 23
Green Lake, WI 54941-9599 USA
phone: 920-294-7365
web: www.glcc.org
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for info Participants should contact Green Lake Conference Center directly for current rates and availability.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for info Participants should contact Green Lake Conference Center directly for current rates and availability.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in time at the Conference Center is 3:30-5:00 in the lobby by our Registration Desk. Dinner begins at 5:00 PM with the Program Session beginning at 6:30 PM. You will be staying at Green Lake Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
Program session concludes at 12:00 PM. Lunch is provided following session in our dining room from 12:00-1:00 PM. You will be staying at Green Lake Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Completed health form returned to Program Coordinator prior to arrival. Valid identification such as driver's license or passport.
  Parking availability:
Free on site parking. Handicapped and regular parking locations available.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Green Lake, Wisconsin
  Nearest city or town:  Green Lake
  Nearest highway: Hwy 23
  Nearest airport:  Outagamie County Airport, Appleton, WI
  From End of Program
  Location: Green Lake, Wisconsin
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Appleton

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Green Lake Conference Center
phone: 920-294-3323
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 
   

Make reservation at least two weeks in advance
 

Oshkosh

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Green Lake Conference Center
phone: 920-294-3343
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 Minutes 
   

Make reservation at least two weeks in advance
 

Columbus

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Green Lake Conference Center
phone: 920-294-3323
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 
   

Make reservation at least two weeks in advance.
 
Driving Directions
  From the East From the east, once you pass through the town of Ripon watch for the intersection of Highways 49, 23 and County A (traffic signal approximately four miles after you have exited the city of Ripon). From this intersection it will be 3.9 miles to the entrance gate of the Center. Watch for the large sign that says "Green Lake Conference Center and "The Golf Courses of Lawsonia" (brick wall and pillars). The entrance will be on your left. Stay on Highway 23, do not take Business 23, which will take you into the city of Green Lake.
  From the South Take Highway 73, heading north, at the intersection of 73 and 23, turn right (watch for Bernie's Restaurant and Acorn Ridge Motel). Remain on Highway 23 heading east for 3.1 miles. You will enter by the brick wall and pillars. You will see a sign that says "Green Lake Conference Center and The Golf Courses of Lawsonia." Proceed through the gates and follow the signs to the Kraft Centre. The road to the main conference center grounds will be 1.5 miles. Park your car in the circle in front of the Kraft Centre while you check in and receive your lodging assignment and key card.
  From the West Once you pass through the town of Princeton, watch for the intersection of Highway 23 and 73. (Acorn Ridge Motel is on your left, Bernie's Restaurant is on your right). Remain on Highway 23 going east. The conference center is 3.1 miles from this intersection on your right. Note: There is a junction of highways 23 and 73 on the west side of Princeton. This is not the correct junction. Look for the landmarks as stated above. You need to keep going east on Highway 23 toward Green Lake.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival/Welcome and Orientation
(Sunday, June 9)

Note: Settle into your housing for the week. Enjoy dinner with the participants in your program. Review the program schedule for the week, introduction to leadership, and get to know your fellow Road Scholar participants.
   
 Afternoon: Arrival and check in at the Green Lake Conference Center. From the entrance gate to the Kraft Centre it will be 1.5 miles, watch for signs. Park your car in the circle in front of the Kraft Centre. At the Kraft Centre you will meet your hosts and you will receive your housing assignment and room card. After "moving in" you may want to explore the grounds, take a walk, or return to the Kraft Centre and talk to your hosts. You may check in at our Kraft Centre anytime after 3:00 PM, however, on occasion you may not be able to check into your room until 4:00 PM. Dinner is served from 5:00-6:00 PM.
 Dinner: Buffet style dinner is served in conference center dining room. Tables reserved for Road Scholar.
 Evening: We will begin our orientation with an introduction to the Center as "your home" for the week. An overview of the program will prepare you for all that has been planned. We will introduce the leadership, go over the schedule for the week and you will meet your fellow "participants." We will conclude our evening with refreshments and snacks. You may choose to wind down for the evening by adjourning to the lobby or lounge of your housing accommodations for "after session" conversation, watch TV, or read before retiring for the evening.
   
Accommodations: Green Lake Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Sessions on - Amish in Wisconsin, People of Wisconsin - Wisconsin's Extreme Weather Patterns
(Monday, June 10)

Note: Introduction to the Amish and their lifestyles, sessions on the heritage of Wisconsin immigrants including crafts, music and dance. Learn how the Great Lakes influence Wisconsin's weather.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast served in our dining room
 Morning: We will begin each morning with daily announcements. We will go over the schedule for the day, where we will be and when, and respond to any questions or concerns. In our opening session we will learn about Amish traditions in Wisconsin. Who are the Amish and what is their origin? We will ask when and why did they come to Wisconsin and what does the future hold for them? Our instructor is a volunteer at the Conference Center who in recent years has established a relationship with the Amish and is very knowledgeable when it comes to Amish traditions. Lucille will focus on the history and culture of the Amish in America and specifically on a near-by Old Order Amish community. Included in this session will be learning about their clothing and customs such as weddings, church services, frolics and education. After our session we will take a refreshment break. For our second session we will have our first encounter with the People of Wisconsin. In every section of Wisconsin, people express their culture through creative expression in music, dance, crafts, stories and foods. This morning you will be introduced to the main ethnic groups and regions of Wisconsin through slides of extraordinary traditional craftwork by Wisconsinites. Some examples are Ho Chunk ash baskets, Ojibwa fishing decoys, Norwegian Hardanger fiddles, Polish decorated eggs, Hmong needlework and Mexican paper sculptures. You will hear the stories of the artists' cultural background, how the artists create the items, and why they value tradition enough to continue with their crafts in the traditional ways.
 Lunch: Buffet style lunch served in our dining room
 Afternoon: Our afternoon session starts where we left off this morning with People of Wisconsin. This afternoon we will focus on the musical/dance traditions in Wisconsin. Wisconsin expresses its culture beautifully through music and dance. You can hear the rhythm and see the moves at public events across the state such as parish festivals, fiddle contests, anniversary parties, country fairs, powwows, ethnic fests and town celebrations. This presentation will feature video clips and audio recordings of Wisconsin musicians and dancers from across the state. One emphasis will be on the official state dance, the polka. Do you know the difference between the Dutchman and Slovenian styles of polka music? Can you recognize a Polish hop being danced? We will also explore other types of music and dance traditions important to the state. After this session, you will have free time to explore the conference center grounds, shop in our gift store, walk along the lake, or rest.
 Dinner: Buffet style dinner served in our dining room
 Evening: Our evening session will focus on the extremes of Wisconsin's weather. A professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences will discuss climate variability and the many changing cycles that determine Wisconsin's weather patterns. We will discuss how the Great Lake's influence Wisconsin weather. How vulnerable are we to severe weather and how has global warming changed our weather? Included in this session will be a discussion on how climate and weather data is collected and how it has advanced over the years. Steve will answer all these questions as well as answer any questions you might have on weather and how it is changing throughout the United States. Refreshments will be served after this session. You may conclude the evening by adjourning to the lobby or lounge of your housing accommodations for "after session" conversation, watch TV, or read before retiring for the evening.
   
Accommodations: Green Lake Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sessions continue with Wisconsin's favorite foods, video on Amish traditions, introduction to Native Americans in Wisconsin, and the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
(Tuesday, June 11)

Note: Learn about the ethnic foods reflected in Wisconsin culture, view a DVD on Amish traditions, hear the fascinating stories about the final voyage of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and recognize the complexities of today's American Indian culture
   
 Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast served in our dining room
 Morning: We will begin with an overview of our day by your program hosts. In our morning session we will explore food traditions in Wisconsin. All of the favorite heritage food enjoyed in the state reflect community culture. Food traditions are often the element of heritage that is the longest lived in a family and community. This presentation will explore food traditions through slides and video clips that are based on conversations with Wisconsin heritage cooks and by attending events throughout the state. Can you describe a kringle, pastie and a pierogis? In this session we will discuss these and other ethnic foods that contributed to the food traditions in Wisconsin. After this session we will break for refreshments. For our second session we will view a DVD on the Old Order Amish. This film offers an intimate glimpse inside the Amish community including childhood, schools, rumspringa, weddings, funerals, worship and cottage industries. Experience their unique culture and discover how the Amish keep alive early American traditions in their quest to lead non-materialistic lives.
 Lunch: Buffet style lunch served in our dining room
 Afternoon: For your afternoon session we will hear about the stories relating to the demise of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The "Mighty Fitz" as it was called encountered a series of mishaps during its maiden launch in 1958. In 1975 the SS Edmund Fitzgerald an American Great Lakes freighter sank in Lake Superior taking along with it the entire crew of twenty-nine. The "Mighty Fitz" was the largest boat on the North America's Great Lakes and remains the largest boat to have sunk there. This is a fascinating story with its many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After this session you will again have free time to relax, enjoy the conference center grounds, shop in our gift store, or visit nearby communities.
 Dinner: Buffet style dinner served in our dining room
 Evening: This evening we introduce you to Mark Denning, a leader and head dancer of the Oneida Tribe. Mark will uncover some of the complexities in understanding the diversity in American Indian culture and history in Wisconsin. While the state has many federally recognized tribes in residence today, only two of the tribes, Oneida and Ojibway, will be used as examples. Through stories Mark will talk about some of the smaller story lines that will help the audience really see how daily life can be affected by understanding something as basic as modern behavior and the individual. Refreshments will be available after which you may adjourn for the evening with "after session" conversation, watch TV, or read before retiring for the evening.
   
Accommodations: Green Lake Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: All Day Amish Community Field Trip, Amish Home Cooked Lunch, Musical and Entertainment Evening
(Wednesday, June 12)

Note: Field trip to an Amish Community, including an Amish meal. Evening performance by a Barbershop Quartet
   
 Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast served in our dining room
 Morning: We will begin the day with announcements from your program hosts. Next we will review the activities planned for the day along with suggestions as to what to expect while visiting the area. After this brief session, we will board our coach for a field trip to an Amish Community. Our narrated field trip will include a visit to an Amish quilt maker, an Amish bulk food store, a carpentry shop to see work in progress, a buggy shop and a one room Amish school. We will have time to shop in an Amish country store and in an Amish woodworking store.
 Lunch: Lunch will be served in an Amish home in the Amish community.
 Afternoon: During the afternoon we will continue with our Amish tour. (Bring comfortable shoes and clothing for this trip.) This will be a highlight of the week. Note: Moderate walking required
 Dinner: Buffet style dinner served in our dining room
 Evening: To conclude our busy day, we have planned a social evening with music and entertainment. You will be entertained by a local Barbershop Quartet whose music will be a joy and whose humor...., well, we will leave you to be the judge of that. A fun night for all! The evening concludes with refreshments and snacks. As in past evenings, "after session" conversation, and TV, will be available in your hotel lobby or lounge.
   
Accommodations: Green Lake Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Session on Native Americans in Wisconsin, discussion on the landscape of Wisconsin and Green Lake, final session on Native Americans, and a Special Evening Program
(Thursday, June 13)

Note: Session on Native Americans in Wisconsin. learn about the topography of Wisconsin and its effect on the Green Lake area, be part of a traditional Native American dance. Evening offers a special dramatic presentation by the granddaughter of the first woman doctor in Wisconsin.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast served in our dining room
 Morning: Daily announcements by your program hosts along with an overview of the days activities. For our first session of the day we will hear from Mark on the changing times for American Indians. This will be a general overview of American Indian history. We will start with immigration theories, different traditional governance styles and contributions to modern American life. The influences are little taught in schools but had key roles in developing the idea of Americanism. In addition we will discuss treaty rights, gaming, current demographics and future plans that tribes are carving out for themselves. This reflective conversation will show what is happening today and where the American Indian seems to be headed, economically, socially and educationally. We will break up the morning with refreshments. In our second session of the morning we will delve into the topological features of the Green Lake Water Basin. Think about standing in front of a glacier. What do you feel? What do you hear? Is it really cold? Some 10,000 to 12,000 years ago the last great glacier stopped "moving" and very gradually started to melt and retreat. What happened to change the Wisconsin landscape? How did it influence the Green Lake water shed basin? These and many other questions will be answered by a local resident and environmentalist.
 Lunch: Buffet style lunch served in our dining room
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will have our final session on Native Americans in Wisconsin. Mark's topic will be on understanding Pow-Wow's in Wisconsin. This program will be about American Indian dance, traditional gatherings and contest dances in the state of Wisconsin. Mark will be talking about the diversity of tribes and dance styles represented at these Pow-Wow's. Participants will be able to be a part of this fast moving and educational program. This is a multi-media presentation, with the use of music, power-point and live performances of some of the dances unique to Wisconsin. Each person attending will receive a comprehensive listing of Pow-Wow's in the state, and around the country. It is the goal of the program that participants will be able to identify many of the unique dance regalia as they appear at Pow-Wow's and be able to know how to participate in the dance circle. After this session you will be able to choose your own entertainment. Some of you may want to explore nearby communities and their shops and for some, you might choose to explore the conference center grounds. It will be your afternoon.
 Dinner: Buffet style dinner served in our dining room
 Evening: Tonight we will present a very special program. Our special guest will provide a one person dramatization on the first Native American Woman Doctor who served in Wisconsin. This woman happens to be the presenters grandmother. It is an excellent performance and is a fitting conclusion of the history and present status of Native Americans in Wisconsin. We will conclude the evening with refreshments and snacks. You may choose to wind down for the evening by adjourning to the lobby or lounge of your housing accommodations for "after session" conversation, watch TV, or read before retiring for the evening.
   
Accommodations: Green Lake Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Departure Day. A member of the Amish Community will answer questions. A local resident will discuss the hardships and challenges as early settlers made their way into the Green Lake area. Q & A session will wrap up programming. Program ends with lunch
(Friday, June 14)

Note: Session with a leader of the Amish Community, and a session on the early settlers to the Green Lake area. Final Q & A session
   
 Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will be served in our dining room
 Morning: Today we'll begin by packing up, and loading our cars. Next we will gather in our meeting room where your hosts will make final announcements and give you additional information on checking out of your rooms. For your first session we have invited one of the leaders of the Amish Community for a question and answer session. You may want to address such concerns as; "Why do you ride in cars and use other conveniences but refuse to own them?" Why do you work "off the farm" in the English Communities? Discussion can include a review of the Amish field trip including an overview of the homes and shops visited. These are just some suggestions as to the type of questions you may want answers for. After a short break we will learn about the early settlers in the Green Lake area. Early "pale-faced" visitors migrated to the Green Lake area (formerly called "Dartford") through the many major waterways of Wisconsin's lakes and rivers. It took almost a month for the first settler to move his family from Green Bay to Green Lake. Can you imagine the difficulties and hardships they experienced on their trip? Think of their first winter living in a shelter that had upright logs and blankets for walls. Who were their neighbors? What did they eat? How did they protect themselves against the elements and the wildlife? We will discuss this and any other questions you might have on "How did the early settler survive?" As the week comes to an end we will conclude the program with "final words and an evaluation conversation." This is a chance for you to share with other participants and the Road Scholar staff your feelings about this program and for you to offer suggestions for the future. The program concludes with lunch. We want to thank you for coming and wish you a safe journey home.
 Lunch: Buffet style lunch will be served in our dining room. This concludes programming.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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