Author: OFChamber

HSHS hospitals in Green Bay, Oconto Falls and Sheboygan host Love Lights

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The Volunteer Partners for HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare Memorial Hospitals invite their communities to participate in Love Lights, an annual Christmas fundraiser.

With Love Lights, people can honor a loved one or a health care hero by having the individual’s name placed next to a lit Christmas tree at the hospital of their choice. On Tuesday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon, a blessing of these trees and all those being honored will take place virtually at all four hospital locations. The trees will remain on display throughout the Christmas season.

Love Lights is a special way to honor loved ones who may be receiving care at the hospitals, or who have passed and are dearly missed. Participants can also use this opportunity to honor their favorite health care hero. This annual fundraiser is way to help the hospitals, which are part of a not-for-profit, Catholic-based health care system, to continue to provide health, healing and hope to all they serve.

Participants can make their purchase online, or with a check via mail by Dec. 17. All information for each hospital’s Love Lights event can be found at the following sites:

“Five Things to Know” ahead of National Rural Health Day, Nov. 18

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National Rural Health Day, founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 18.

“Small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are wonderful places to live and work; they are places where neighbors know each other and work together,” said Teryl Eisinger, CEO of the NOSORH. “The hospitals and providers serving these rural communities not only provide quality patient care, but they also help keep good jobs in rural America.”

To honor National Rural Health Day, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health offer “Five Things to Know” about the importance of rural health care in Oconto County, and across the country:

  1. An estimated 57 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States.
  2. In 1977, the Rural Health Clinic Services Act helped to establish Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to address the shortage of physicians serving patients in rural areas.
  3. Today, there are more than 4,500 federally designated RHCs nationwide providing health care services in underserved areas.
  4. Together, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health offer five RHCs throughout Oconto County to provide not only health care, but jobs to the region. Their RHCs (HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers) are located in Oconto Falls, Gillett, Lena, Mountain and Suring. So far in 2021, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers have provided care to nearly 12,000 people.
  5. Founded as Oconto Falls City Hospital in 1921, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has been providing rural health care for 100 years. It is a federally designated critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, urgent care and a variety of other services. It is located at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.

“We are honored to care for those who live in and frequent these wonderful rural communities,” said Nicole Stapleton, Director of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers. “As a local leader in rural health care, we are also proud of our efforts to provide testing and vaccinations to keep these communities healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information about the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers, please visit:
https://www.hshs.org/stclare/Services/Family-Medicine/Clinics

OFHS Musical Production of Cinderella Comes to Oconto Falls

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Cinderella Casts

Oconto Falls High School is proud to present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical CINDERELLA from November 4-7, 2021.

In this enchanting musical from the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, beautiful young Cinderella finds her life of drudgery at the hands of her stepmother and two wicked stepsisters changed forever in one evening, thanks to a fairy godmother and a handsome prince. The story is based upon the fairy tale Cinderella, particularly the French version Cendrillon, ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre, by Charles Perrault and was originally presented on CBS-Television on March 31, 1957. Musical performances include favorites In My Own Little Corner, Stepsister’s Lament, Do I Love You (Because You’re Beautiful), and Impossible.

This year’s musical production includes: Cast—Cinderella—McKenzie Jackson; Prince—Timothy Cornette; Queen—Alexandra Brown; King—Jessie Pumplun; Stepmother—Kleo Van Dornick; Stepsister Joy—Kate Pytleski; Stepsister Portia—Paityn Keller; Godmother—Faith Shamburek; Herald—Grace Shamburek; Chef—Gunar Lade; Steward—Matt Ogan; Footman – Ethan Rennie; Townspeople/Chorus— Abigail Budz, Alexis Gilbert, Gwendolyn Maggio, Ireland Payette, Leah Vorpahl, and Jessica Wolford; and Time Keepers at the Ball – Landon Budz and Cole Gilbert

Pit Band members include Ashlynn Vanderheyden – flute, Brianna Brzezinski – flute, Grace Aprill -flute, Ana Feliz – clarinet, Pauline Cameron –Oboe/Bassoon, Ryan Johnson – Trumpet, Orion Posusta -Trombone, Gabe Cameron – Euphonium, Kaelyn Rakowski – Percussion, Max Baade – Percussion, Jocelin Martinez – Percussion, and Erin Jahnke – Pit Band Assistant, with guest musicians Mr. Greg Schliep – trumpet, Mrs. Kelly Haselhuhn – French horn, Mr. Danny Smith – Euphonium, Mrs. Laurie Karnopp – Piano/Strings, and Mr. Grant Colburn – Piano.

Tech Crew & Set Construction members include John Wolford, Justin Spaulding, Lillian Holley, Isaac Raddatz, and Emersyn Payette, with Stage Manager – Emily Riebe, Assistant Stage Manager – Allissa Stanek, and Mr. Gayle Gander assisting.

The Musical Production Team includes Miss Amy Thiel and Miss Susan Seidl, Musical Directors; Miss Lauren Seidl, Pit Band Director; Mrs. Laura Kostreva, Choreographer; and Mr. David Heisel, Set Construction

2021 Performances will be held on Thursday, November 4 at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 5 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 6 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 7 at 1 p.m. All performances will be held at the Falls Area Performing Arts Center, located at Oconto Falls High School, 210 North Farm Road, Oconto Falls.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students (gr. 4K-12)/children and may be purchased in the OFHS Main Office from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are also now available online at https://ofps.revtrak.net/ by clicking on PAC TICKET BOX OFFICE. Online tickets will be available for pickup at the PAC Box Office WILL CALL area one hour prior to the performance. All seats are GENERAL ADMISSION. The PAC doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
On Friday, November 5, children attending the performance are asked to dress as their favorite Cinderella character! A special “meet and greet” with the cast and chorus will be held after the performance in the Commons Area.

On Saturday, November 6, community members who were part of the 2008 musical production will be recognized and a reception will be held after the performance.

As our we continue to focus on community outreach, each performance will feature a 50/50 raffle and numerous bucket raffles, with proceeds going toward musical expenses and a portion of the proceeds being donated to support our veterans in the American Legion Eick-Sankey Post 302. We will also have flowers available for sale at each performance, courtesy of the Flower Shoppe II in Oconto Falls.

Mark your calendar and don’t miss this year’s musical production! Remember… “Impossible things are happening every day!”

For more information, please call Oconto Falls High School at (920) 848-4467. We are very excited about this musical production and look forward to seeing you at the performances!

Chamber Donates to Local Pantry

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Oconto Falls Area Chamber donated $825 to Kingdom Come Food Pantry

The annual golf outing hosted by the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Oconto Area Chamber providing much entertainment and networking, but also was able to raise funds to local food pantries. The Oconto Falls Area Chamber donated roughly $825 to Kingdom Come Food Pantry in Oconto Falls.

During the recent check presentation held on October 12, 2021, a few of the board members were given tours of the facility. The pantry has been able to support over 600 families during the peak of COVID, and maintains an average of about 250 families weekly. All of the support to clients is done by a group of dedicated volunteers, showing up weekly to ensure others’ needs are met.

The facility has grown over the years, quickly being filled with needed items for the community. Walk-in coolers and freezers have been critical in providing plenty of grocery goods and dairy products. Another addition is the Retail Store, which is filled with new or gently used clothing and home goods at below-retail prices. A diaper drive is also available to clients once per month.

For more information about the pantry and how you, too, can help, please visit: https://www.kingdomcomefoodpantry.com/

Ribbon Cutting held for Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly

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Iverson's Piggy Wiggly

The Oconto Falls Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome new member, Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly!

Iverson has been a long-time employee of the store and is making changes to upgrade the facility in both public-facing areas and behind the scenes. New to the store are self check-outs, energy-saving screens on open dairy cases, freezer doors, and the constructed car wash behind the store. Renovations have started with a new store layout and will continue to be added.

The ribbon cutting was held on Monday, October 11, 2021, and was celebrated by new owner, Bryce Iverson, employees of the grocery store, and other chamber members. A light breakfast and coffee was available.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: 45 is the new 50!

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colorectal cancer screening

Prevea Health and its Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospital partners in Eastern Wisconsin are reminding all about the importance of colon cancer screening as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidelines for colon cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colon cancer, and adults age 76 to 85 ask their doctor if they should be screened. Previously, it was recommended adults begin colon cancer screening at age 50. The reduction in age from 50 to 45 is in part due to new findings from USPSTF that an estimated 10.5% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in persons younger than 50 years. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death for both men and women, with an estimated 52,980 people in the U.S. projected to die of colon cancer in 2021.

Colonoscopy, one of the most common and effective ways to screen for colon cancer, is provided by Prevea Health gastroenterologists at four hospitals throughout Eastern Wisconsin: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls. To schedule a colonoscopy with Prevea Health in Green Bay and Oconto Falls, please call (920) 429-1700; and in Sheboygan, please call (920) 457-4400.

“The earlier we can detect any signs of colon cancer that may be present or in its pre-cancerous stages, the better chance we have of eliminating it and keeping you healthy,” says Dr. Chaitanya Pant, gastroenterologist at Prevea Health. “To anyone who may be postponing their colonoscopy, please, do not delay this important care any longer. The Prevea Digestive Health team and its HSHS hospital partners are prepared to get you the preventive care you need in the safest, most comfortable way possible.”

While most insurance carriers are approving colonoscopy coverage beginning at age 45, patients are highly encouraged to check with their insurance carrier to verify coverage. Increased risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening depending upon recommendation by a health care provider.

People at an increased risk for colon cancer include:

  • Those with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
  • Those with a personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
  • Those with chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

In addition to regular screening for colon cancer, you may also be able to lower your risk by:

  • Avoiding foods high in fat
  • Adding plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods to your diet
  • Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight
  • Not smoking
  • Drinking alcohol only in moderation

Warning signs of colon cancer can include:

  • Blood in or on the stool
  • Recurrent shifts in normal bowel habits such as experiencing diarrhea or constipation for no known reason
  • Thinning of the stool
  • Increases in stomach discomfort (bloating, gas, fullness and/or cramps that last more than a few days)
  • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Constant and unexplained fatigue

For more information about colon cancer screening, prevention, and treatment, please click here.

Keeping Schools Healthy

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Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grant

The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded a Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grant. Part of the operations use must support COVID-19 safety precautions and equipment to public-facing facilities. The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce purchased 28 boxes of hand sanitizer to deliver to our local businesses in an effort to keep consumers and employees safe. The remaining boxes were donated to the local schools to keep schools’ students and staff healthy.

Pictured is Dean Hess, Superintendent of Oconto Falls School District and Colleen Hillberg, Secretary at Oconto Falls Elementary School, receiving 2 cases of hand sanitizer.

September is Chamber Month

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September is Chamber Month, so here are 7 Reasons to Shop Locally:

Chamber Month
  1. Keep Money Local – Sales tax fund our communities. 
  2. Keep Local Investments – Local businesses are more likely to work harder to stay open. Decisions are made by those within our community and feel the impact of those decisions.
  3. Indirect Support for Nonprofits – Businesses support good work in our community. Nonprofits receive 250% more support from local businesses versus larger ones. 
  4. Find Something Unique – Unique, quaint shops offer items customers do not normally see. Inventory is often determined by customers’ desires. Show pride in your community and protect these businesses.
  5. Product Knowledge and Service – Owners and employees are well informed about what they are selling. They aren’t just selling a product or offering a service; they are selling you their reputation and their name is on the line.
  6. Cost – Sometimes prices are just better because there is less overhead; some businesses are even able to negotiate prices with you!
  7. Get Connected – Visiting local shops allows you the opportunity to learn about your neighbors and community.

The next time you hear “shop locally,” you know you’ll be making a difference in ways you may not have realized before!

Kayak Launches Added to Area Waterway

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The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce recently added two kayak launches, one at East Side Beach and one at the West Side Beach to encourage community members and visitors to enjoy our little piece of heaven – the Oconto River.

This project was made possible thanks to a grant awarded to the Chamber from Community Change, a customer-based donation program offered by Oconto Electric Cooperative. Ownership of the launches will be handed over to the City of Oconto Falls; they will store and maintain the launches and install and remove them each season.

The Chamber encourages community members to utilize the launches and take some time to appreciate the area’s beautiful scenery and focus on physical and mental health.

oconto river

Fast-paced Comedy Coming to Abrams Stage

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Cast
From left, Mike Eserkaln, Preston Pelegrin, Elizabeth Jolly, and Bobby Buffington rehearse for the Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. musical comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Tickets are on sale now at Abramstheater.com.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its fast-paced comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Tickets are on sale now for this PG-13 show to be presented Sept. 16-19 and Sept. 23-26 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. The show, directed by Wayne Strei, is one of the few musical farces in Broadway history.

“Perhaps the most recent show in that category is ‘The Producers’. Both are fast-paced, irreverent and bawdy,” Strei said. “The comedy is straight out of vaudeville and certainly not politically correct! It’s a very entertaining evening in the theatre.”

The show features local actors from their teens to their 60s.

“Everyone gets a few chances to strut their stuff. I am thrilled that at every rehearsal someone else gets a new laugh or a different response to their line that sets us off on a new adventure on stage,” Strei said.

The music and lyrics were written by a young Stephen Sondheim, and the script was written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Gelbart wrote many of the television scripts for MAS*H.

Opening night of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is Thursday, Sept. 16, with a 7 p.m. show and celebratory gala. The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew after the performance.
Additional performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18 and 24-25 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 and 26. All shows will be performed at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.
Tickets can be purchased online at AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
“If you are looking for a joyful and colorful evening in the theatre, this could be just what the doctor ordered – if your doctor is one of The Three Stooges,” Strei said.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International and produced by After Dark Productions, a division of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Some material might be unsuitable for children.