World traveler Robert Dubiel comes to Door County

Since 1985 Robert Dubiel has dedicated himself to traveling around the world in search of places that have special spiritual significance. He has visited and lived in Hawaii, France, Nepal, India, Thailand , Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

“I consider my life a pilgrimage, in that I visit sacred sites wherever I am and work with them,  whether they are ‘official’ sites or not, whether they are abandoned or currently maintained by loving humans and nature spirits,” Robert explains. “I feel it is part of our dharma (purpose) as humans at this time, to re-energize sacred places that have fallen into disuse through neglect or ignorance.”

Dubiel sees these powerful spots as parts of a worldwide grid that he seeks to encounter. Once there, he follows his intuition, making up rituals spontaneously, instead of relying exclusively on traditional protocols. He defines this practice as a part of his own creative process. This summer he is focusing on sacred places in the Midwest, especially Indian Mounds.

Robert Dubiel is also a teacher. On Monday, August 9 from 7 – 9 pm the Nelson Healing Center is providing an opportunity to spend a few hours learning skills that may be beneficial throughout the rest of your life. As an ordained minister, a Reiki practitioner and an intuitive coach, Dubiel has developed a system of teaching students to become aware of the active channels that link breath with the electrical energy field of the human body, radiating through the meridians and chakras. He uses techniques of visualization and meditation to help students create a guide within themselves that they may call upon as needed to relieve stress and improve health and well being. The fee is $30 and you may reserve a spot by calling 920.818.0045.

In 2006 he produced an online radio show on The Art of Pilgrimage, which provides listeners with many perspectives on conscious cooperation with the Earth. He provides tips on how to work with the energy of your local environment for planetary healing. You can also get many pointers from his book, The Practical Shaman, available through Robert’s Website: www.zarobert.com. Currently he is at work on his next book, The Spiritual Pilgrim; Working with Our Light Body and the Earth.

The Nelson Healing Center is located at 44 S. 2nd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. You can find out about other services, classes and learning opportunities online at www.NelsonHealingCenter.com.

Turning east on Cty EE off Highway 42, just north of Egg Harbor, I had to stop, turn around and take a closer look at “something old, something new” – an addition to the rural landscape. The Robertoy’s have rescued a classic old cherry stand from the Kita farm, painted and polished it up a bit and opened the doors for business. Hyline Orchards now has three different types of cherries ready for hand-picking by-the-bucket.

Paul Robertoy Jr. gets the doors open...

According to Terry Sorenson, President of the Wisconsin Cherry Growers, mechanical tart cherry harvest has just started with sweet cherries 10 days or so into their harvest.

“The mild spring has everything bumped up a bit,” says Sorenson. “And although we’ve had some loss because of a couple of cold snaps, there will still be plenty of fresh cherries available through the end of the month.”

Paul Robertoy Sr.

Three generations of Robertoys are hard at work in Egg Harbor at Hyline Orchards. When you go cherry-picking, keep your eyes peeled for their yellow cherries, an unusual and tasty variety.

For more information on where to pick or purchase delicious Door County cherries visit www.wisconsincherries.org.

The award was made by Hospitals & Health Networks (H&HN) magazine, that conducted a recent survey entitled, Health Care’s Most Wired 2010. H&HN is published by the American Hospital Association.

The “most wired” organizations are hospitals that scored the highest on survey questions regarding information technology (IT). DCMH/MHC is one of just 25 small and rural hospitals nationwide to earn the honor.

“This really says a lot about the people who spent so much time working to put together the electronic medical record.  It shows where we are compared to the rest of the country’s small and rural hospitals and that we are in a leadership role,” says Gerald Worrick, DCMH/MHC’s president/CEO. “Our goal is to meet requirements the federal government has set for hospitals to be fully electronic by 2017. Right now, we are ahead of that.”

An electronic medical record (EMR) is a computerized medical record similar in structure to a paper-based record. It is capable of capturing, processing and storing information and is interoperable with other related systems such as billing and administrative applications, according to H&HN.

DCMH/MHC will receive national visibility in H&HN’s July magazine and on the website, hhnmag.com. Also, Mary Lopas, the hospital’s chief information officer, who heads up IT, diagnostic imaging and the laboratory, will accept the award July 24 in San Diego.

Lopas says the “most wired” award recognizes DCMH/MHC for being on the right track.

“Our staff and physicians are being acknowledged by national experts for doing the right things and meeting guidelines and goals out there related to quality patient care,” Lopas explains.

“It’s an honorable distinction for a hospital this size and exemplifies our commitment to the communities we serve,” added Steve Quade, the hospital’s vice president of business and hospitality services.

This is the seventh year DCMH/MHC has completed the “most wired” survey. In 2008, the hospital earned a “most improved” award, a designation which recognizes health care organizations whose IT scores improved the most.

“This year, we have the full award.  We have achieved the goal,” Lopas says.

Some of the more recent IT accomplishments at DCMH/MHC include broadening IT programs to other areas of the hospital. For example, technology is being used to help ensure patients get the right medications in the right amounts. The implementation of safeguards began in inpatient services and has recently expanded to the Surgery Center, Lopas says.

Another area that contributed to the hospital’s high score is the access patients have to their health care charges online and ability to pay their bills electronically. Also, DCMH/MHC employees can access an intranet and a wide variety of hospital benefits and information.

Doctors use voice recognition dictation.  For example, in Diagnostic Imaging, radiologist’s voice recognition dictation is associated with reducing the time doctors and patients spend waiting for information about health care tests.

DCMH/MHC’s achievements also include a picture archiving communication system, which electronically manages and distributes images; computed radiography; digital rather than film images; and e-management systems in the Emergency Department and North Shore Medical Clinic, a multi-physician group practice owned by the hospital.

As to what is next for DCMH/MHC’s IT, Lopas says there are “gaps” that she would like to see filled. For example, she wants to ensure that more information is being electronically captured at North Shore locations, so that it can be promptly available, for example, to the hospital’s Emergency Department.

The modern hospital addition for inpatient services and the Emergency Department, opening in August, will support IT goals and make more initiatives easier, Lopas says.

“The caregivers will be working with patients to electronically capture information about their care in the private practice rooms — instead of writing something on a piece of paper and going somewhere else like a nurses stations to put it in the computer,” she explains.

More information about IT ad DCMH/MHC is online at ministryhealth.org or by calling 920.743.5566.

The Kids Triathlon will take place at the Door County YMCA – Sturgeon Bay Program Center beginning at 2 pm.  There are three age divisions with different lengths for the swim, bike and run for each division based on age. Swimming is held indoors in the center’s pool and the biking and running are held on the YMCA grounds and in the nearby neighborhoods.

Race Day registration begins at 8:15 am and remains open until 30 minutes prior to the race. Registrations fees are $23 for each child participating.

The YMCA would like to emphasize fun with family and friends, participation, staying healthy and fit with this event. Overall times for participants will be available, however all those who participate and give their best will be a WINNER. Every participant will receive a t-shirt and an award.

Registration forms are available at either YMCA or online at www.doorcountyymca.org.  For additional details call 920.743.4949.

Earthworks Handmade Wooden Trophy Discs

The local response to Door County’s first “green” running and walking event has been surprising and encouraging to everyone involved in launching the June 26 event, “Running Green for Crossroads.” Sponsors have been enthusiastic in backing it and the public has been excited by a new opportunity to get fit and enjoy the outdoors.

“We’re quite pleased to already see more than a hundred people registered in advance and we’re still a week away,” says event founder Gretchen Schmelzer. “We don’t have any cap on attendance at Crossroads and we expect to see quite a few people register on the morning of the event. This is a great turnout!”

Competitive runners may experience something quite new in shifting from road events to trail running. Since this is a green run, participants are expected to bring and carry their own water vessel. All of the snacks are from local providers. Even the entertainment will be live and local, thanks to Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Society.

Door County Memorial Hospital, Ministry Health Care provided $1,500 in start-up funding to launch the event and Evergreen Nursery is donating trees to be given away – one to each and every participant. Del Herrbold Insurance Agency is providing liability coverage for the event.

Greg Noldin and Michelle Maras at Earthworks, a local business on Highway 42/57 at the north end of Sturgeon Bay, notable for its wood carvings of bears, furniture and custom signs, is creating a set of custom green trophy disks with the race logo burned and painted on wood.

“Greg had the idea of making the disks,” says Michelle. “When Carol Mullanix came in, she loved them and asked us about doing it for the run.”

Other prizes and awards have been provided by Acme Beads, Door County Natural Ovens, Path and Paddle, Popelka-Trenchard Glass and Dan Swanson who created walking sticks from the wood of an invasive species found on Crossroads land. Other sponsors include Animal Clinic of Sturgeon Bay, Door County Style Magazine, Forbes Funeral Home LLC, Edward Koutnik DDS, Daniel Tomazski MD and Heidi Tomazwski.

The event has even spawned a Facebook support group, the Door County Trail Runners, where you can join with others, “if you are not afraid of a little dirt!” Find them online at www.facebook.com/TrailRunners.

LINKS:

Door County Trail Runners, Walkers and Wanna-Bees Invited to Learn About Running Green at Crossroads Pre-race Training and Orientation Workouts on June 21

“Trail running satisfies a primal need for movement through nature, presumably left over from our days as hunters,” says author and runner Matthew Frazier.
“When things spin out of control in an age of iPads and Droids, running in the woods is one thing we can count on to be pretty much the same as it’s [...]

Door County’s First Green Trail Run, Introducing the Team that Brings You “Running Green for Crossroads,” June 26

The 2Km, 5Km, 10Km trail walk run on Saturday, June 26, will be staged entirely off-road, in and around Crossroads at Big Creek nature preserve.
After Sturgeon Bay runner, Gretchen Schmelzer took part in a trail run at The Navarino Nature Center in Shiocton a year ago, she got inspired to bring the concept back home [...]

“Running Green for Crossroads,” the first annual eco-aware trail run in Door County, takes place on Saturday, June 26 at 9 am. All of the courses, including a 2Km, 5Km and 10Km trail walk or run are staged on the woodlands and open fields in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. You can download a race packet with trail maps and registration form online at CrossroadsAtBigCreek.org.

Since its inception in 2005, CCDC continues to serve the peninsula’s uninsured by providing primary (non-emergency) health care, mental health care and complementary care for those in need – regardless of their ability to pay. The total number of new patients to CCDC for primary health services in 2009 increased 30% over 2008’s figures. Most patients come to the Clinic with multiple diagnoses and/or conditions and require a greater degree of care regarding on-going lab testing and prescription medications to help manage various chronic conditions.

With support provided by the Door County Community Foundation, the Community Clinic is better prepared to provide diagnostically relevant laboratory testing to all patients whom require it, and to provide all necessary prescriptions to those patients who require medication. For patients requiring diagnostically relevant lab testing, CCDC uses the most cost-effective means of obtaining laboratory tests, and when appropriate, in-house labs are performed on-site to keep costs low. If more advanced lab testing is required, CCDC staff works with a network of other community providers to ensure patients receive vital tests through other means.

In addition, CCDC maintains an in-house medication room where a wide variety of frequently prescribed generic drugs and drug samples are kept in stock. For patients requiring long-term use or brand name prescription medication and who meet eligibility guidelines, CCDC staff assists with enrollment into medication assistance programs (MAPs) that are offered through most major pharmaceutical companies.

CCDC is a 501(c ) 3 non-profit organization; CCDC receives no federal, state, or insurance payments for patient services. CCDC receives zero dollars in reimbursements and relies on generous donations from churches, businesses, foundations and individuals. To learn more about CCDC please contact Laura Moeller at 920.746.8989 or visit their website at: www.communityclinicofdoorcounty.org

Door County Kayak Tours

The company is planning a slew of events for the summer 2010 season and wants fans to know where the new office is. On Highway 42, just north of Juddville Hill Road, their new location is now the meeting spot for all kayak tours. Although DCKT specializes in Cave Point Tours, the guides are becoming acquainted with a variety of other locations around the peninsula.

All kayak tours are weather-dependent, thus the DCKT guides monitor and possess extensive knowledge of the current wind and wave patters throughout the area in order to pr4ovide safe and exciting tours throughout the day. Tours begin at 8 am and continue to leave every two hours, at 10 a.m., noon, 2 pm with a final opportunity at sundown.  Weather permitting, every tour will paddle through the caves all day.

That being said, it is the year of the Niagra Escarpment.  If conditions do not allow for a safe cave cruise, the guides can relocate their groups to Peninsula State Park for a scenic tour of Eagle Bluff featuring the Niagra Escarpment or a nice paddle out to Horseshoe Island Bay

All groups are asked to arrive one half hour before their tour is scheduled to depart.  In total, paddlers will spend between three and four hours with the DCKT team. The first half hour is spent filling out paper work, changing into touring clothes and perusing through the DCKT souvenirs. Next, the group boards one of two buses that the guides respectfully have named Grandma and Grandpa, for a quick shuttle to the launch site.  Here, guides share Door County information and explain kayaking techniques.

On arrival at the site, most typically Cave Point, the guides introduce a quick and thorough kayak lesson. Guests are on the water for approximately two hours. All the while, guides point out lighthouses, shipwrecks and Door County’s unique geology and wildlife. Guests are invited to play games, blast each other with super soakers and test their kayaking skills while on the water. DCKT guides, i.e. “the JuddVillains,” are equipped with a waterproof camera and guests are encouraged to take home a CD containing a slideshow of their experience.

Guests then head back to the Door County Kayak Tours headquarters at 8442 Hwy 42, where they settle up with the guides and change into dry clothes. Here guests can ask about our $5-off promotions.

“When things spin out of control in an age of iPads and Droids, running in the woods is one thing we can count on to be pretty much the same as it’s always been.”

Door County Trail Runners Facebook Page

Anyone and everyone who wishes to learn more about the sport of trail running and walking is invited to preview the “Running Green for Crossroads” 2Km and 5Km courses by running them with experienced runner’s coaches. All ages of race participants or non-competitors, from youth through the Silver Sneakers set are encouraged to stop by Crossroads at Big Creek on Monday, June 14 and 21 from 6 – 7 pm.

Carol Mulinix, Gretchen Schmelzer and Deb Whitelaw- Gorski will be your guides. There’s no charge. Simply show up and bring a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes, a water bottle and your walking or running attire. These experienced competitors will provide an introduction to Trail Running and Walking. You will have an opportunity to discover Crossroads Environmental Center while you brush up on the Do’s and Don’ts of trail running. Participants will review the course trail maps and then get to run or walk the marked trails with experienced guides.

Here are a few tips from Matthew Frazier on how to leave the roads and begin trail running:

• Road running shoes will work fine for short runs. If you decide to stick with trail running, however, you’ll eventually want to get a pair of trail shoes. They offer a stronger, protective sole and greater stability than most road shoes. And while the idea of barefooting on trails is appealing, it’s smart to run a trail in standard shoes first to get a feel for how sharp those rocks are.
• If you’re not big on drinking from streams, you’re going to have to carry your water with you. A favorite among trail runners is the handheld water bottle that straps to the hand and has additional pouches for things like keys, ID, and food. For longer wild runs, consider a hydration vest.
• You can expect to run about 20 percent slower on trails for a given level of exertion than you would on roads. You’ll find steeper hills, more side-to-side movement, and lots of obstacles to deal with. Trail running is most fun when you forget about pace and do what feels good. Shorten your stride so that your weight is over your feet most of the time; this allows you to react quickly and maintain balance. You’ll find that trail running works your core and stabilizer muscles more than road running, so it may help to focus on keeping your core engaged.
• When you’re running trails, you need to pay extra attention to where you step. But you certainly don’t want to be staring straight down at your feet the whole time. Continuously scan the ground a few yards ahead of you while you’re running.

You can sign up in advance for the Running Green Pre-race Training and Orientation Workouts at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA front desk or at Crossroads. Meet at Crossroads at Big Creek on Monday, June 14 and 21 from 6 – 7 pm.

“Running Green for Crossroads,” the first annual eco-aware trail run in Door County, takes place on Saturday, June 26 at 9 am. All of the courses, including a 2Km, 5Km and 10Km trail walk or run are staged on the woodlands and open fields in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. You can download a race packet with trail maps and registration form online at CrossroadsAtBigCreek.org and, you can save money by registering before June 12.

Click to join Door County Trail Runners on Facebook.

Market vendors are getting ready for another season for the Jacksonport Farmer's Market set to open on Tuesday, June 15 at Lakeside Park.

The weekly cost to set up a vendor’s space is based on a percentage of sales rather than a flat fee, with a maximum of $25 per week, in order to encourage greater participation.

Participating vendors will provide a nice variety of items to offer market shoppers again this season.

• Sammi Rae will be back with her wide selection of homemade jams, pickles, salsa and delicious pies.
• Vicki Progar will provide fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and her knit and crochet items.
• Jaci Birnschein will have custom made meats.
• Dave Boldt will have his bird houses and bird feeders.
• Pat Thorp from Pat’s Patch will have her certified organic fruit and vegetables.
• Andy Roberts will be back with Logan Creek Soap with an awesome selection for everyone.
• Marci Faustini will return with Watch Us Grow. Marci will also have honey this year.
• Ann Miller with Door County Kraut Company will have her popular canned kraut along with 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
• Sully’s Produce will be back with an extensive variety of fresh produce, berries, jams and baked goods.

Make Tuesday mornings your time to visit your friends and neighbors at the Jacksonport Farmer’s Market at beautiful Lakeside Park in downtown Jacksonport.

New vendors interested in participating are welcome to stop in at the Jacksonport Craft Cottage for an entry form or for additional information. You may also get one by calling 920-823-2288 or by email at Jarosh@dcwis.com or contacting a committee member. Committee members include Vicki Progar, Jeanne Majeski and Sue Jarosh.

The Jacksonport Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Jacksonport Area Business Association.

Running Green for Crossroads

After Sturgeon Bay runner, Gretchen Schmelzer took part in a trail run at The Navarino Nature Center in Shiocton a year ago, she got inspired to bring the concept back home with her to Crossroads at Big Creek. What better place to host a very earth-friendly running event? She saw so many parallels, and the philosophy of the sponsoring organization, Great Lakes Endurance Series, was one she wanted to emulate. As a member of the Crossroads’ Board of Directors, the President of Friends of Crossroads and a trail runner, she realized it would be a great venue to bring new people of all ages to the nature preserve.

The seed for “Running Green for Crossroads” was planted and since November it has been nurtured by a dedicated team of Crossroads’ committee members who began to share her vision.

“I’ve been running trails for several years, in the county mostly,” says Schmelzer. “Trail running connects me to the earth and provides balance in my life. Running through the woods or along the water’s edge refuels my spirit and reminds me of what is true and real.”

Theresa Kay-Meredith, artist and tri-athlete, designed a logo. Jerry Burke, head Cross Country and Track coach for Sturgeon Bay High School, took on the task of developing the run routes and also helped design and map the posters and brochures.

“I have been running for about 38 years, having run both CC and track in high school and college,” Burke explains. “The idea of having a trail run for Crossroads has been kicked around for many years so I was more than happy to help coordinate this event and look forward to many successful runs in the years to come.”

“Crossroads is a magical place very much worth protecting and supporting,” says team member Deb Whitelaw-Gorski, director of Rehab Services at Door County Memorial Hospital. She assists newbie athletes in connecting with like-minded people and encourages them to discover nature and exercise. “I saw a fox on the trail in front of me. When I turned to walk the opposite way to not disturb it, I saw 2 deer in the field next to me! How amazing. Crossroads has also been my refuge, with running streams and bridges when I need to unwind after a long day.”

Jim Maki, one of the original founders of Crossroads, which started 20 years ago, says it has always been a dream of his to have an event such as “Running Green” at the center. “Thanks to Gretchen Schmelzer and the group of dedicated people she has assembled, we will have an event that fits beautifully with our mission. This is another giant step toward that dream of introducing more people to the Crossroads at Big Creek plus educating everyone to the green revolution. I’m proud to be a part of our ”Running Green” event.”

John Munch was first introduced to Crossroads as a member of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society. He’s also 30-year running advocate, having run races from 400 m to 50 km, including 13 marathons. He hopes to see “Running Green for Crossroads” succeed in raising funds and community awareness.

Carol Mulinix and her family have run in many races throughout the years including the Door County Half Marathon. She says she joined the team because of the “green” aspects which will be keystone to the Crossroads event.

“It would be great if we could get all race directors to get runners to bring their own water vessel so the waste of paper cups at water stations stop,” she says. “I’m hoping that we can implement some of these same philosophies that we are doing for Running Green for Crossroads at other local running events.“

Stephen Kastner has been a fan and promoter of quiet sports in Door County for forty years. In 1970 he opened the Peninsula’s first lightweight 10-speed bike shop and cross-country ski center in Fish Creek. He’s now a marketing consultant, working with Crossroads since it was founded and the editor and publisher of the Door County Style magazine. He is taking on the publicity campaign.

“I like to work with new forms of advertising, ones that promote Door County in a paperless fashion, to people who like nature and who will come here with the intention of leaving no footprint behind them,” says Kastner. “This is a perfect event, entirely compatible with the magazine’s green mission.”

The Running Green Team has declared it their mission: “To support the general fund for Crossroads at Big Creek Environmental Learning Center, to promote cross-generational recreation and increase awareness of ‘green’ living in our community.”

“Running Green for Crossroads,” the first annual eco-aware trail run in Door County, takes place on Saturday, June 26 at 9 am. All of the courses, including a 2Km, 5Km and 10Km trail walk or run are staged on the woodlands and open fields in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. You can download a race packet with trail maps and registration form online at CrossroadsAtBigCreek.org and, you can save money by registering before June 12.

The following awards have been provided through the generosity of a number of local supporting businesses.

All preregistered participants will receive:

• a custom printed Organic Cotton T-shirt made possible through start up support funding from Door County Memorial Hospital Ministry Health Care.
• a reusable market bag donated by Michelle Harmann of Path and Paddle Outfitters.

All participants will receive locally produced refreshments after the run that include biodegradable products donated by Glas the Green Coffeehouse. All 2k finishers will receive a native sapling donated by Evergreen Nursery.

Prizes for winners include locally produced Cherry De-lite products, from Country Ovens and maple syrup from Jamie and Mike at Henschel Farms, handcrafted glass acorn necklaces by local artist, Beth Ruth of Acme Beads and blown glass pieces created by local artists, Jeremy Popelka and Stephanie Trenchard of Trenchard-Popelka Gallery.