Susie is a born and bred local girl who recently retired from a hectic career as Director of Interior Design for one of the country’s premier hospitality design architectural firms and moved home to pursue other “northerly” interests.  She is the previous co-owner of The Aqualand Ale House, just on the edge of Boulder Junction, named for the zoo her father and grandfather operated for many years. Pursuing her interest in painting, Susie added Wine and Paint classes to the schedule of Ale House events to provide a place where non-painters and former painters alike could play in a less serious way.  Her future plans include expanding beyond painting to add writing workshops, women’s retreats and other art and craft project classes.  In addition, she plans to offer free-lance interior design. Susie explains, “The Northwoods quiet is inspirational. When all the other voices are left behind, re-connecting with self through ‘right thinking’  helps us know ourselves, like ourselves a little more, and grow into who we want to be.” She enjoys serving the community. The Boulder Junction Community Foundation seems like the right way to plug into and enhance Boulder Junction, her childhood home.