What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!
Happy Fall! Summer is now just a pleasant memory, and now we get to move onto one of the most beautiful times of the year! Mother Nature is slowing revealing her blanket of colors, as well as shedding some of her leaves. However, the cool nights, and warm days help extend our time outside before the snow flies. AND in October, we get to have fun with Halloween!!
On September 11th, we were able to celebrate The Shell Lake Art Center’s ground breaking event. This ground breaking is the start of the transformation of the Art Center’s facility. In the coming months, you will be witnessing the new building being raised. If you are in the area stop by and watch the transformation of this beautiful building. The plan is that this project will be completed by the time that the summer camps start in 2026. Each month I hope to give you all an update on the progress of the build. This is really a huge event for the City of Shell Lake, and we are happy to see that after many years of campaigning it has now finally come to fruition.
There are some exciting events happening at the Erika Quam Memorial Theater. One of the events I would like to spotlight this month is the Northern Lights Memory Choir. The Arts Center is participating in a grant received to sponsor community choirs, gearing toward singers who are living with memory loss. HOWEVER, the choir is open to everyone, even if you don’t have dementia. Community members are encouraged to come and sing along, while also supporting people with memory loss who attend. It has been found that music can activate regions in the brain which are not seriously impacted by the ravages of dementia. Even as much working memory declines, musical memory continues to be active. I was invited last week to attend a practice by a couple of the people who have put this together. In a word, I would have to say it was “soulful”. I didn’t expect the emotions that this choir had on me, as I sat back and listened to their singing. It actually brought me to tears. If possible, it will give you goosebumps on your goosebumps. This group meets every Tuesday morning from 1000 to 1200 at the Erika Quam Theatre to practice the songs that will be sung at the Concert. If you get a chance, just stop by, any time between these hours, or for the whole program and listen. You will be glad that you did. I can honestly state, it will lift you up for the rest of the day!! They have their Concert on Saturday December 6th at 4:30 at the Quam Theater. If you truly want to fill your hearts and soul with joy, plan to attend this very moving concert.
The rest of the Quam season begins on:
* October 10th Peter Mayer, a gifted musician who entertains with a variety of songs. I am told he will put a smile on your face! Now who couldn’t use that? 7:00-9:00 PM
* October 23th thru the 26th Freud’s Last Session – A Play from 7:00-9:00 PM
* November 6th Middle School Band Festival 6:00 PM at the Art Center( sneak peak for November)
Last month, over the Labor Day weekend, Shell Lake was booming with the activities of Town and Country Days. We were blessed with an absolutely beautiful weekend of warm weather, which made it very conducive to people coming out to enjoy the last holiday weekend of the summer. I am not sure if all of you are aware of the tremendous amount of work that goes into this weekend to make it a success. There is a group that leads this event and it is headed up by Tammy Fulton, Becka Cusack and Deb Allen. This leadership has been working together for the past 14-16 years, and it is with their leadership and hard work that has made this weekend as successful as it is. Of course, they have many many volunteers who help make this possible, as well as the merchants who donate the many items, and money to make this a success. With out these donations and volunteers, it was said by Fulton, “this would not happen”. But as we all well know, someone has to take the lead, these women have done so! The estimate numbers that are coming out is that between 5000-8000 people visited our town over the 3-day weekend. The merchants and restaurants in town also benefited immensely from the number of people who attended. They had a record number of cars show up for the car show, 168 to be exact! They are already in the throngs of preparing for next summer’s event…tallying up the results, and looking to start up their meetings and planning in February and March of 2026. When asked what compels them to continue to do this every year, they simply stated almost in unison “we do it for the community.” They also stated that when this was first started back about 46 years ago, it was an opportunity to “bring the country into town”! One thing that they stated they still need more of is the number of volunteers to put this event on. So, if you are so inclined to help next year, they have all kind of slots to put people in, just let them know what your desire might be, and they would gladly engage you to make this weekend another great success! Thank you, ladies, for all the work you have done, it is an amazing weekend, that offers fun for all ages!
For all you Pickleball players out there, we want to make you aware that we now have a 5 day a week inside pickleball courts at the Shell Lake Art Center! Yup, an excellent way to get out there and get in some physical activity inside, and it does not matter if you ever played at all, or if you are an advance player….all are welcomed! The hours that they are open are from 0900-1200 each day, Monday thru Friday. The only requirement is that you bring along a pair of tennis shoes that are not usually worn outside to help protect the floors of the gym. They also ask for a donation to play, and 100% of this money is donated to the Art Center. What a great way to exercise, and get a little bit of socialization with your friends and neighbors as well. A WIN WIN for sure.
Upcoming Dates to remember:
* October 10 Quam Theater 7:00-9:00 PM Peter Mayer
* October 13 7:00 PM City Council Meeting
* October 23-26th 7:00-9:00 PM Quam Theater presents a play; Freud’s Last Session
* October 31st BOO….Halloween
Just a reminder to all, I am in the office most often on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 0800-1200. My door is always open, please feel free to stop by and introduce yourselves if I have not already met you, or stop by just to chat. My door is always open! Also, if there is something that you feel might be of interest to be put in this column, I am open to all suggestions. Information is key to great communication!!
As we head into Fall, I would like to wish all of you the warmest wishes this Fall season! May the vibrant colors, cozy sweaters, and crisp air bring you joy, comfort, and gratitude.
Peace, and remember….always be humble and kind.
Mayor Rowie Hansberger
