Welcome to Firepoint Cafe, where I am virtually serving up my experiences, thoughts and photos to the world. I hope you will enjoy Firepoint Cafe enough that you’ll pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage and consume some of what is being dished up!

Why “Firepoint”? My company, Firepoint Media, was a marketing and website design business based on being a catalyst to help organizations ignite the fire within. I enjoyed helping small businesses and nonprofits thrive and grow.

Why “Cafe”?  Cafes hold a special place in many cultures and communities as gathering spots for people to engage in conversation and share moments, fostering a sense of belonging. Cafes become integral parts of people’s lives and communities that they return to again, and again. I hope you’ll find that same welcoming atmosphere here at Firepoint Cafe.

Who is the Proprietor Of Firepoint Cafe? I’m Therese Oldenburg and I have been blessed to have many “careers”, from stay-at-home mom to three kids, to applying my creative and marketing skills to help many organizations grow. Now, I’m enjoying traveling, exploring and learning as I work towards being more “retired”.  My travel companions include my husband Dave and chocolate lab, Remy.  I created this website for a place to share some of my experiences or inspirations. I don’t even care if no one ever finds it, or reads the articles, it’s just rewarding to me to put it all down in one place.

Motto: “Bloom Where You’re Planted” has always been my motto and I’ve always strived to make my community a better place to live and raise my family.

Some of the things I’m proud to have been part of:

  • Founding Executive Director, now serving as Treasurer/Board Member, Nature At The Confluence, 2016-Present, an urban environmental center in South Beloit, Illinois located on 72 acres of greenspace surrounded by the Rock River, Turtle Creek, and Kelly Creek
  • Rock River Trail Coordinator and Board Member – 2015-Current
  • Founding organizer of Friends of Turtle Creek, 2015 – present
  • Founder Wisconsin Supper Clubs Inc. – 2013-2018 – Established to bring awareness to these unique dining establishments.
  • City of Beloit Park, Recreation & Conservation Advisory Commission – 2 terms, 2010- 2016
  • Founding Board Member, Be Active Outdoors, Inc., – 2011-2023  – Established non-profit with mission of encouraging individuals to be active in the outdoors
  • Founder – Downtown Appleton Farmers Market, 1993-1994 Completely responsible for developing a new farmers market for Appleton Downtown Inc.

Interests

  • Spending time outdoors in nature, hiking or kayaking
  • Photography
  • Cooking
  • Travel
  • History

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award, 2017
  • Northwest Quarterly’s 25 Most Interesting People of 2021
  • Rockford Park District Community Service Award, 2011
  • Distinguished Woman, Zonta Club of Beloit Award, 2008

Proprietor Of Firepoint Cafe: Therese Oldenburg | contact@firepointcafe.com | Instagram