Volume 45
GUS'S CORNER
The management saves this spot for me each year, so here goes. This summer Alpine will be enjoying its 87th year in operation. As you will note by the “Volume 45”, I came along after several successful seasons. What touches me the most is the enjoyment I have had getting to know all you folks. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed your stays with us over the many years of our operation as well. I started this paragraph by mentioning “management”. I should really include all the Bertshingers. Having started with the founders Paul and John Bertschinger, we now have more family involved. Bill, Paul’s son, and his sister, Dorothy, followed the founders reign. Now Alpine is under the guidance of the rest of Bill’s family. Cindy and Emily manage, Christy and Carey assist in summer, and Bill and Marie, Bill’s wife, pick up the slack, if any. Now I would like to take this opportunity to WELCOME back our past guests.
Kindest regards,
Gus der Schweitzerboob
AIN’T THAT NICE
Alpine continues to preserve our traditional Swiss look, all the while remodeling to make our accommodations even more comfortable. We have started to upgrade our bathrooms, and are currently experimenting with a new look. Don’t know how far we will get this winter, but hopefully can get into high gear next year. For the 2008 season we put in few king size beds with plans to continue this trend.
LAKE LEVELS
The water level in Green Bay (Lake Michigan) varies annually. The lowest we can recall was in 1964. So low, that it was getting like a marsh in front of the lodge. We had the shoreline bulldozed so that it again became water. Then in 1985 it was so high, that during a storm, the wave action took the top cap off our pier, emptied all the stones inside the cribbing, knocked over about 250 feet of our seawall across the front of our property, and deposited two huge truckloads of beach stone on the lawn in front of the lodge. Now the bay (lake) level is way down again but the Army Corps of Engineers expect the level to increase this spring.
FRESH AIR, ANYONE?
Just our way of introducing the deck expansion on the east end of the lodge (just outside the Hof Lounge). We had a small deck before, but have increased the size. We plan to offer outside seating for those who want to dine outdoors. The menu will change slightly, but it should make for a pleasant dinner. GUS, our mascot, suggested the deck will be a great location for cocktails before dinner.
YUM, SMELLS GOOD
Chef Campbell will return for his fifth year at Alpine. Jeff has been introducing Swiss food preparations since in our employ, and we expect that to continue. We’ll also have a special menu for our outdoor seating on the deck. As many of you know, Alpine offers a modified meal plan in addition to our European plan (no meals included). The meal plan package includes breakfast and dinner each day, and service charge on the meals at a rate of $39 per day for an adult. Either way, you’re always welcome at the Hof Restaurant so join us for breakfast and dinner.
GRANDSONS
In the history of Alpine, many of you past guests know that Bill, past manager, and his wife, Marie, have four daughters that are now actively engaged in the operation. Are you aware that they have four grandsons that are also employed at the resort? Billy, the oldest and now in college, was an attendant in the pro-shop at the golf course last year. T.J. worked out on the course. Ryan and Christian were in charge of carts. That entailed getting the golf carts out of the shed, cleaning them up when they came in from use, and then putting them away at night. Who knows, there just may be a future manager in that group. Their Grandma and Grandpa hope so!
CHERRYLAND OPEN
The weekend after Labor Day, every fall, the Door County Golf Association sponsors the Cherryland Golf Tournament. The directors have scheduled Alpine for their 2008 tournament. It is open to both amateurs and Professionals. It is a Saturday and Sunday event. If any of you are interested, let us know. We will see to it that you get the necessary application form.
HOME RENTERS
That is, those of you that rent our housekeeping homes. This past winter we put dishwashers in homes No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, Glenwood, Shorewood and Happy Hollow. Shorecrest already had one. For those guests that stay in suites in the lodge, refrigerators will be standard in 2008. They were always available, but are now standard.
IN MEMORIUM
We were saddened to learn this past July that our friend and past guest, Russ Swanson, had passed away. He and his family had just vacationed with us a few weeks earlier. Russ and his family have been coming to Alpine since about 1945. He always enjoyed talking about the many friends he made at Alpine over the years. And this past February, Suzanne Swanson died also. We have many fond memories of this family and we know we will continue to see their children and grandchildren. We’re also sorry to hear of the passing of Dorothy Haen, our pastry chef for so many years. Dorothy lived right here in Egg Harbor, and we were very fortunate to have her return year after year. Among her many prized recipes, we remember her delectable pies, second to none. Finally, we regret to discover the loss of Larry Nelson, long-time summer resident of Egg Harbor. We continue to see his family each summer.
LETTERS FROM OUR GUESTS
“You truly have a wonderful spot and great 36 hole course. Looking forward to visiting again soon.” (Susan Forbes)
”It was a wonderful time as always” (Veronica and Fred Frost)
Thanks for taking such wonderful care of my Mom. What a wonderful place for a celebration. We will be back.” (David Jennings)
“The entire weekend of our Midwest Bonanza Society fly-in with you was pleasant. So thank you.” (Jerald Duncan)
“Our stay at your resort was fantastic. So much to do.” (Al Koschnick)
“The Alpine is a huge part of the magical summers we spent growing up and I am so happy to see you are doing well. I just wanted to let you know what a huge part of my childhood the Alpine was.” (Kate Kincaid)
“The guests . . .all enjoyed the quaint charm that is unequalled anywhere.” (Nancy Vander Zanden)
NEWS FROM NATHAN
Nathan, our Front Desk intern of the last two seasons, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. He has big plans and has started his stint with basic training exercises. He writes, “I’m enjoying my time and wish I was back at Alpine.” We wish him the best in his naval career.
WEDDINGS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Myrtle LaVassar and Vince Licari were married on October 4, 2006. Myrtle’s first visit to Alpine was in 1958. Kay and John Foulks celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 20, 2007. Congratulations to both couples!
