Fidel Retreat at DeKoven Center - Sunrise Meditation Overlooking Lake Michigan |September 2024 | Photo by Kathi Wilson
September 2024 Newsletter

Third Coast Quilt Retreat

Getting away by yourself or with a friend does not have to be a long drive, flight or filled with a stressful itinerary! Join us at the DeKoven Center and put your cares and chores behind you! Take a weekend away and just do what you love … finish a quilt or two!Registrations have been extended through August 15th, 2024. 

Room and meals are included, coffee and snacks available 24 hours a day. Help is available to unload your sewing machine, fabrics, notions and maybe even your favorite chair. Cutting and ironing stations as well as design boards are set up for the weekend. Take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful historic campus on Lake Michigan! Registration will open through Friday, November 1st, 2024.

For more information and to register, please visit the link below:

https://www.dekovencenter.org/quilt-retreat-2024

Previously at DeKoven Center

At our recent board meeting, the DeKoven Center unveiled a new Employee of the Month program designed to recognize exceptional staff members who embody positivity, collaboration, creativity, reliability, and a commitment to going the extra mile. The program is based on peer nominations. Our inaugural Employee of the Month for August was Michelle Nunnery, House Keeping Supervisor. Michelle's unwavering positivity and dedication to her work made her the perfect choice for this honor. For September, the award went to Nicole Miller, our Weddings & Special Events Manager, who was nominated for her creative spirit and collaborative approach.

Beyond recognizing outstanding staff, the event also celebrated the achievements of our first two graduates from the Building Foundations: Gardening Training Program, Bryant Nealon and Micael Kenyon. Under the guidance of our dedicated gardener, Gina Sutherland, Bryant and Micael diligently worked to learn the intricacies of gardening and the substantial effort required to maintain our beautiful campus. Throughout the summer, they actively contributed to our grounds by mulching, weeding, planting, and undertaking various other projects. Their hard work not only benefited our organization but also equipped them with valuable skills for future employment.

Retro Racine Vintage Market 

The first ever Retro Racine Vintage Market was held at DeKoven Center on Sunday, August 25th from 11:00am-3:00pm. The event, a collaboration between What's Up Racine, The Kitsch Inn, and DeKoven Center, offered dozens of vendors with expertly curated collections of vintage finds, antique treasures, and the very best the Belle City has to offer. Visitors were able to peruse and buy their own piece of history while watching an beautiful performance of aerial art. Afterwards, participants were invited to take a stroll through the picturesque grounds or check out the perfect view of a sparkling blue Lake Michigan. The event was a great success and another market is already being planned.

Sketch Racine at DeKoven CenterThis past weekend, Sketch Racine used the DeKoven Center’s sacred space as their muse. Inspired by the historic buildings' grandeur, artists like Bonnie Bosgraff, Kris Van Stockum, Sherry Smith, Marcia Schrotenboer, Robert Cordero, Brian Wright, Rosi Petri, and Kar-Keat Chong captured the essence of the DeKoven Center on paper. The resulting sketches are a testament to the artists' skill and passion. From the prominent bell tower of the East Building to the intricate masonry of St. John’s Chapel, each piece captures a unique moment in time and celebrates the history and culture of our campus. A selection of sketches from this years event will soon be available on merchandise in our Taylor Hall gift shop. We cannot wait to welcome back Sketch Racine for their next event!

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Wild Visitor at Taylor Hall!

Last week, a surprising guest made its way to Taylor Hall: a four-foot-long Argentine black and white tegu! These large lizards were once popular pets in Florida, but have become invasive due to some owners releasing them into the wild when they outgrow their enclosures. 

Fortunately, an animal control officer was able to capture the tegu and bring it to safety. Tegus can move fast and can be fairly stealthy—this one managed to silently sneak out of his home through a door left ajar. The DeKoven Center was informed by the Humane Society that this scaly fellow was reunited with his worried owner and brought back to his home.

Though this story has a happy ending, many exotic pets aren't so lucky. If you find that you can no longer care for your pet, make sure find a reputable organization, like your local humane society, that can provide it with a suitable home. Releasing animals into the wild can have devastating consequences for both the animal and the local ecosystem.

Meet the Staff
Lynn Kancian
Kitchen Manager

Lynn Kancian, our dedicated Kitchen Manager at DeKoven Center, has always been drawn to giving back to her community and
spreading joy through food. Her previous roles at Shalom Center and Kenosha Achievement Center highlight her commitment to serving those in need and helping others reach their full potential. At Shalom Center, Lynn managed the food pantry for seven years, providing essential nourishment to countless individuals and families. Prior to that, she worked as a case manager at Kenosha Achievement Center, supporting individuals with special needs in their personal growth and success.

At DeKoven Center, Lynn not only oversees our culinary operations but also shares her expertise as an instructor for the Building Foundations: Teaching Kitchen program. This program equips disadvantaged individuals with valuable culinary skills, opening doors to new career opportunities in the food service industry. 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Lynn is deeply involved in her community. She actively participates in her church's Peanut Butter & Jesus program, which provides meals and spiritual nourishment to those in need. She has also served on the church council, led the nursery program, and taught Sunday School. Lynn's passion for serving others and her love of cooking are evident in everything she does. Her role at DeKoven Center allows her to connect with the community and make a positive impact on the lives of those she encounters.

Explore More at DeKoven
From the DeKoven Center's Gardens...


Taylor's Hall Repast, Luncheon, and Celebration of Life Packages

Commemorate your loved one in the warm ambiance of DeKoven Center's historic Taylor Hall. Built in 1867, Taylor Hall provides a beautiful sanctuary filled with natural light and comfortable seating. We offer complimentary refreshments, including coffee, tea, and water, for all visitors. DeKoven Center's compassionate staff will handle every detail with care and professionalism, ensuring a dignified celebration of your loved one's life, allowing you to focus on remembering your loved one.
For more information on our Repast, Luncheon, and Celebration of Life packages, please contact the Retreat & Conference Center Manager, Jennifer Oberlander.

Retreat & Conference Center Manager

 (262) 633-6401 Ext. 105 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2024 & 2025 Retreat and Wedding Dates Still Available

Weddings & Events Manager

(262) 633-6401 Ext. 108 | nmiller@dekovencenter.org

Retreat & Conference Center Manager

(262) 633-6401 Ext. 105 | joberlanderThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Donate Now by Clicking Here 

Making history where history was made.

Donate to the DeKoven Center, Inc to help preserve our history and make new history with our amazing programs and events!

Visit us at DeKovenCenter.org

Call us at (262) 633-6401
Click here to read past newsletters

Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute 

Memorial Fundraiser ~ Sunday, September 22, 2024

Motorcycle and Classic Car run to benefit Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute World War II Memorial. 

Register day of event or online (Motorcycles $30/Vehicles $50) on our Facebook. 

Lunch at Burly N Bucks and dessert at Wicked Sweet are included in registration. Come on out to River Prairie and support your local Veterans Tribute. 

While we get ready for renovations, we are looking to sell a few items.

Carved Wooden Lectern ~ $250

Glass case with shelves (broken in back piece) ~ $150

Dusty Pink Antique Chair ~ $200 (2 available)

Three Cushion Sofa ~ $200

Three Cushion Velvet Sofa ~ $200

Two Cushion Sofa ~ $200

Pink Antique Chair ~ $125

Swivel Rocking Chair ~ $50 (2 available)

Adjustable Cubicle Desk with Cubby ~ $250

All proceeds will go toward the renovation of the Memorial Lounge. 

Ministry Tip of the Week 
September 16, 2024

This week’s tip: Do your research to serve the people God is calling you to serve

• These days it seems like the leadership of every congregation thinks the answer to their dwindling membership and attendance numbers is to grow their congregations by bringing in families with young children.

• First, a reality check. Are there any families with children in your neighborhood? The Neighborhood Insights Report can answer that question. If there aren’t any young families, it's a moot point. If there are, then you need to ask a different question. Next, ask WHY? Specifically, why do you want to focus on young families? If your strategy is to succeed, it will be because serving young families is a key part of your vision and mission: what you believe God is calling you to do.

• Then, go out and talk to them. Don’t assume you know what their needs and desires might be. Don’t ask them if they know Jesus. Don’t ask them to visit your congregations. Instead, tell them you are visiting people in their neighborhood to find out how we might best partner with them to make their neighborhood a better place for them to live their lives.

Read the blog on ECF Vital Practices: So you want to attract young families by the Rev. Ken Howard.

Subscribe to ECF Vital Practices for resources, tips and tools on all your ministry questions. 

Click Here for the Link

I am reaching out on behalf of DECI (Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.)  Our biggest event of the year is just two weeks away and we are hoping to finalize our volunteer list.  

We'd absolutely love to have your support at this fun and engaging event.  If you are interested, can you please fill out the following form at your earliest convenience: https://www.downtowneauclaire.org/volunteer

All volunteers will be receiving a T-shirt and we will want to get those sizes submitted for printing.  Additionally, if you know of anyone else who might be interested, please share this opportunity with them.

To learn more about this amazing downtown event, please visit our website: https://www.downtowneauclaire.org/