T
he HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites you to participate in their annual Memory Tree fundraiser. For each donation, a light shines on our Christmas tree…a light for yourself or your family, in honor of or in memory of someone dear to you.
There will be a blessing of the tree at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, December 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the main lobby area of the hospital with a social to follow.
To participate, please complete the attached form.
Innocence of Peanuts Gang Captured in ‘Charlie Brown’
Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” set to be performed the first two weekends in December by the cast of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc.
The whole gang is here: bossy Lucy, portrayed by Ali Carlson, is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder, played by Michael Brunner, who doesn’t give her the time of day.
Perfectionist Sally, played by Elizabeth Zitny, is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, played by Christopher LaChance.
Snoopy, played by Cate Kopkey, is in the doghouse, and the “blockhead,” himself, Charlie Brown, played by Brandon Byng, is in rare form.
The bright and adorable Woodstock is played by Abigail Budz.
Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair. In this revised version, with additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and dialogue by Michael Mayer, the sweet, joyful innocence of the Peanuts gang is maintained, but a fresh insouciance and playfulness is revealed.
The new script features two new songs, funny dialogue, and new, catchy orchestrations. Whether you’re keen to fly with the Red Baron or moon over the “Moonlight Sonata,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” stirs the memories like a true classic.
Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 and 11.
Performances are at the Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Tickets are $14 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors (65 and older) and youth (5-17) and $7 for children (4 and under). Tickets can be purchased online at www.AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will celebrate opening night, Friday, Dec. 2, with a gala. Patrons who attend opening night can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew after the show.
Aim for a Healthy Hunt
By Amy Romandine Kratz, MD, Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center
Gun Safety
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds of us of four basic tips: treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and what is beyond it, and keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until ready to shoot. You should be familiar with the firearm you are using and understand how the safety mechanism works. Leave the safety on until you are ready to fire; that little click you might get when a trophy buck is in front of you is worth preventing your gun from firing accidently.
Tree Stand Safety
Studies show avid hunters have a lifetime risk of 1-in-20 of being injured from falling from a tree stand. Always use a well-fitting, full body harness to prevent falls. Understand the manufacturer’s instructions of the equipment you are using and never alter climbing or safety equipment. Inspect your stand before the hunt starts, as damage from weathering can pose safety hazards. Use a rope or lift to get your unloaded gun or bow into the tree stand and never carry a loaded fire arm as you are ascending into your stand. A free 15 minute tree stand safety course can be found at www.huntercourse.com/treestandsafety. Always let others know where you are hunting and carry your cell phone or other communication device.
Hearing Protection
The shot of a rifle or shotgun is approximately 140 decibels or greater, which is the equivalent of standing next to a jet engine. Sounds at these levels can cause instant and permanent hearing loss. Making hearing protection a part of your gear, especially when at the shooting range can help prevent hearing loss. Don’t forget hearing protection for those that may be out in the stand with you.
Heart Health
For some hunters, the risk of a heart attack is greater than the risk of any of the things we have already talked about. The combination of epinephrine release when you see the big one, dragging your deer, and being alone in the woods can be a bad situation for an at-risk hunter. Talking to your doctor, knowing the signs of a heart attack, having a hunting buddy, learning CPR, and having a way to call 911 can all make the hunt safer.
A successful hunt takes some preparation. You wouldn’t shoot your gun or bow for the first time all year when you have your sights on the buck of a lifetime, so why wouldn’t you prepare the same way with your health?
Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz is a primary care sports medicine physician at Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center in the Medical Services Building on the campus of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. She is also an avid deer hunter and was born and raised in Oconto Falls. http://www.prevea.com/Providers/Amy-Romandine-Kratz/