Month: February 2022

Youth to Present a Tale as Old as Time

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Brady Cox (Beast) and Betsy Finger (Belle) rehearse their roles for “Beauty and the Beast” to be performed March 3-6 and 10-13 in Abrams.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its performance of the Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” A limited number of tickets are on sale now for this all-youth show. The musical, directed by Elizabeth Jolly, will be presented March 3-6 and 10-13 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. The show is a timeless musical that the whole family can enjoy.

“It’s a tale as old as time!” Jolly said. “But seriously, the special effects and immersive qualities are some of the largest we’ve done at Abrams. However, the show doesn’t rest on that. It also has a killer score and fantastically written book with some of the most memorable characters in all of Disney.”

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast cannot learn to love and be loved, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Playing some of the lead roles are Betsy Finger as Belle, Brady Cox as the Beast, Nick Blaser as Cogsworth, and Ellie Finger as Mrs. Potts.

“The core leads are all fantastic, but beyond that, the ensemble is also so into it,” Jolly said.

There’s so much to love in this entertaining show. Katie Jackson, Debra Jolly and their team created amazing, yet easy-to-move-in costumes for youth dressed as drawers, clocks, candles and dishes. The show also features new special effects from Tech Director David Jolly and “set“ pieces in the audience that were constructed largely by parent volunteers. Kelly Klein, Allison Schoel, Kate Masson, and their team did the beautiful scenic painting and design. These individuals are only a small number of the volunteers contributing to the show.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

To order tickets, visit abramsspotlightproductions.com or call the box office, 920-826-5852.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S.

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HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“This recognition as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country is a testament to the tremendous work and dedication shown by our colleagues, medical providers and leaders at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital every day,” said Chris Brabant, CEO, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “We take great pride in the care and service we provide to our patients, and the peace of mind we provide to our rural communities in making high-quality health care accessible and close to home.”

The Chartis Center for Rural Health is part of the nation’s largest independent health care advisory firm, The Chartis Group. To compile the list of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by state, The Chartis Group used the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™ which assesses hospital performance in areas such as quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost and financial efficiency.

“Despite unprecedented adversity, rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”

Founded as Oconto Falls City Hospital in 1921, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has been providing care for northern Wisconsin communities for more than 100 years. It is a federally designated critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, urgent care and a variety of other services at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.