Category: Chamber News

Taste in Oconto County Coming Soon!

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Home Respite Care presents its 26th annual fundraiser Taste in Oconto County.Foods at the Taste in Oconto County

The event is being held at The Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake on Sunday, October 14, 2018, between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Guests will receive a complimentary wine glass at the door sponsored by Oconto Electric Cooperative and Witt’s Piggly Wiggly.

Raffles and auctions are being held throughout the day.

For more information, visit our website, email us at respite@bayland.net, or call 920-848-6368.

We look forward to seeing you!

Area Children Perform in Missoula Children’s Theatre Production

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40 children recently participated in Missoula Children’s Theatre’s THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA performances in the Falls Area Performing Arts Center.  The children and audiences had a new look at this classic story in an original musical adaptation by Michael McGill.

Area Children Perform in Missoula Children's Theatre Production

The local cast featured Lyndsey Luebke as the Princess and Jessica Wolford as the Pea.  The four Leprechauns were played by Mary Peterson (Danny), Sophia Collar (Darby), Grace Molitor (Darcy), and Calea Wirtly (Derby). Also featured were the Royal Family Members of Riverdom, King and Queen Size who were played by Roslyn Kramer and Victoria Athey. The Royal Family of Glacierdom, Storm King, Snow Queen and the Prince were played by Amber Farrar, Andrea Waschbisch, and Simon Pumplun. Jack Frost, the troublesome cousin of the Prince was played by Connor Romandine. The wannabe princesses included Audryn Just, Charis Wirtley, Helen Marquardt, and Lauren Meyer. The citizens of Riverdom were played by Allyson Riebe, Lauren Meyer, Chloe Sampley, Kaydence Harper, Matthew Meyer, McKenna Duncan, Helen Marquardt, Asher Verhagen, Colin Pumplun, and Jensen Collar.  The citizens of Glacierdom were played by Olivia Strock, Greta Collar, Audryn Just, Gwen Maggio, Jack Alfson, Charis Wirtley, Marissa Miller, Abigail Kuhn, and Emily Elliott. To complete the ensemble,Abigail Alfson, Greta Eisch-Golik, Lindsey Elliott, Tayah Greetan, Annora Harper, Olivia Kuhn, and Emilie Maciejewski appeared as the dancing Dust Bunnies. Brooke Peterson served as Assistant Director throughout the week. Chrissy Margevicius and Taylor Kropp joined the students as the Missoula Children’s Theatre Actors/Directors.  Mary Slavek was the accompanist for the production. Amy Thiel and Bev Umentum served as Artist-in-Residence coordinators, with the assistance from Carrie Panske, Karen Lutz, Romelle Delzer, Don Voermans, Neva Hodge Lemorande, Erika Bauer, Jenni Faccio,  and the District Summer School Principal Joanne Michalski.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Oconto Falls was presented by the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts, with support from Neva Hodge Lemorande and in partnership with the Oconto Falls School District Summer School Program.

Safety Tips for Fair, Festival and Concert Season

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Tips for staying safe and healthy while having fun

Summers are synonymous with state fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts and carnivals. Good music, tasty food, fun rides and games at these events draw large crowds every summer. HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital wants to ensure those who attend fairs, festivals and concerts this summer stay safe and healthy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illnesses increase during the summer months due in part to the increase of food being cooked outdoors. Food safety practices should be the same at fairs as they are at restaurants and at home. Before you buy food from a vendor at a fair or festival, consider the following:

  • Does the vendor have a clean workstation?
  • Does the vendor have a sink for employees to wash their hands?
  • Do employees wear gloves or use tongs when handling food?
  • Does the vendor have refrigeration on site for raw ingredients or pre-cooked foods?
  • Has the vendor been inspected?

Wisconsin state law requires that each person operating a food service establishment have a valid permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and/or by the local health department. The law also requires the valid permit be noticeably posted in every food service concession.

While at fairs, festivals and carnivals, it is also important to wash your hands often. This is especially true after petting animals, touching the animal enclosure and exiting the animal enclosure – even if you did not touch an animal. Additionally, always wash hands after using the restroom, after playing a game or going on a ride, and before eating or drinking. In case there are no places to wash hands, bring hand sanitizers or disposable wipes to use.

Other important tips to keep in mind when attending festivals and fairs include:

  • Drink plenty of water – this is especially true if it is a hot day with a high heat index and/or if any alcohol consumption occurs.
  • If alcohol is available, exercise care. Don’t take drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended. Monitor your alcohol intake carefully and do not use alcohol as a substitute for water. Since alcohol can dehydrate the body, it’s important to drink as much (if not more) water than alcohol.
  • Ensure you have suitable clothing for the weather conditions and the location of the event.
  • Take proper sun safety measures – apply and reapply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater, seek shade periodically, wear sunglasses and use protective barriers such as clothing and hats.

Children running in a funfair

Oconto Falls High School Students Receive Scholarships

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The Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts were proud to present scholarships to four deserving students who exemplify the highest caliber of achievement in the arts.  This year’s recipients are – CHOIR – Camden Jackson, son of Jeff and Pam Jackson; BAND – Ethan Winkler, son of David and Melissa Winkler; ART – Madeline Witt, daughter of Tom and Linda Witt, and DRAMA – Madison Pecha, daughter of Lori Carlisle and Monty Pecha.

The Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts has been presenting scholarships to deserving high school students in the area schools for the past sixteen years and continues to promote the arts throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

Stephanie Peitersen, daughter of Dave and Lisa Peitersen, was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2018 Lester and Rosemary Korbel Business Scholarship at Oconto Falls High School.

Stephanie has taken numerous business courses during her four years at OFHS, including Business Concepts, Personal Finance, and Career Success.  She has also been an active Future Business Leaders of America member for the past four years, taking on leadership roles as Promotion chair in 2016-2017 and serving as President in 2017-2018. Through the volunteering opportunities offered through FBLA, Stephanie has donated over three hundred hours participating in FBLA events and has been the leader of the partnership with the local senior center for the past two years. In FBLA competitions, she has placed 1st at state two years in a row in the Partnership with a Business event and has been a two-time national qualifier. Last year, Stephanie placed an impressive 11th at Nationals.  Stephanie plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse to major in Psychology and Physician’s Assistant program.

The Lester and Rosemary Korbel Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize the tremendous dedication and commitment to excellence required in the field of Business Education.  As the former teachers of the Business Education department at Oconto Falls High School for over 30 years, Lester and Rosemary dedicated their lives to the students at Oconto Falls High School, setting an exceptional high standard for business education students.

Romandine Selected for MCT Next Step Prep Program

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Connor Romandine selected for Missoula Children’s Theatre Next Step Prep Program
Connor Romandine
Connor Romandine, son of  Ron and Carrie Romandine, was recently selected to participate in the prestigious Missoula Children’s Theatre NEXT STEP PREP program in Missoula, Montana.  The Next Step Prep program is a very unique, practical, high quality program for students who are considering the performing arts as a major in college or as a career.  Combining a focused curriculum of classroom instruction, private voice lessons, and specialty workshops taught by professionals from the worlds of theatre, television, and dance, the Next Step Prep Program is designed to give students the skills needed to prepare themselves for post-secondary studies in the performing arts.

Connor is currently a freshman at Oconto Falls High School and actively involved in the choral music program as a member of Chorale and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.  He recently earned firsts at the District and State Solo and Ensemble Festival and is a member of the OFHS ensemble CHORALE, which earned a WSMA Exemplary Ensemble award.  In the past nine years, Connor has participated in numerous Missoula Children’s Theatre productions sponsored by the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts and coordinated through the Oconto Falls School District’s Summer School program.  He will attend the Next Step Prep program summer session from June 18-July 27.

Oconto Falls Students Receive WSMA Exemplary Awards

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Oconto Falls High School Ensemble Chorale
(Row 1 – L to R) Alex Kamke, Camden Jackson, Hunter Ryczek, Hunter Schaden, Aidan Spillane (Row 2 – L to R) Keith VanDornick, Connor Romandine, Colter McCormick, Ethan Winkler, and Gustav Frisack

The Wisconsin School Music Association announced in May, 2018 that the Oconto Falls High School Ensemble CHORALE has earned the WSMA EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AWARD. The men, representing grades 9-12, sang the three-part (TTB) selection BALLGAME by Albert Von Tilzer, a song based on the popular tune Take Me Out To the Ballgame. This ensemble earned a State First and a perfect score at the UW-Green Bay State Festival, as well as earned a State First on their 4-part (TTBB) performance of Fergus ‘N Molly by Vijah Singh.
“I am so proud of these amazing student musicians!  They absolutely love to perform and share their enthusiasm for singing everywhere they go!”, commented OFHS Choral Director, Amy Thiel.
This is the first year that the WSMA has included ensembles to be eligible for the honor as top exceptional performances at the WSMA State Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Garrett Wons, son of Bill and Suzie Wons, was recently the recipient of the WSMA Exemplary Soloist Award at the UW-Green Bay State Solo and Ensemble Festival.  Garrett plays alto saxophone and is a junior at Oconto Falls High School.
This is the second year in a row that he has been selected as an exemplary soloist!  He is a member of the Oconto Falls High School Band and will be performing with Wisconsin’s Ambassadors of Music European Tour Band this summer.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

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Stroke Be Fast
“BE FAST” in recognizing signs, symptoms of stroke

Stroke, a disease that affects arteries leading to and within the brain, is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. A stroke can happen to anyone at any age – men and women of all ages and races.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls encourages everyone to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of stroke, as early recognition and treatment of stroke are crucial to preventing disability and death. Signs and symptoms of stroke can include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance; and sudden severe headache without a known reason.

An easier way to remember stroke signs and symptoms is to think of the phrase/acronym, BE FAST:

B – Balance difficulty
E – Eye changes

F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech slurred
T – Time to call 911

There are numerous risk factors for stroke including age, genetics, gender and race, which cannot be controlled. However, there are several factors that increase the risk the stroke and can be controlled, including:

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Alcohol consumption and illegal drug use
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Abnormal cholesterol

The stroke team at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital provides rapid access to stroke care with specialty expertise and written care protocols to provide individualized attention for patients. Click here to learn more.

Oconto Falls High School Musicians Excel at State Solo and Ensemble Festival

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Oconto Falls High School Choir Performing

The Oconto Falls High School Choir and Band students recently participated in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival held at UW-Green Bay on May 5, 2018. 32 events received State Firsts and 7 events received State Seconds.

OFHS student musicians also received the honor of being selected as WSMA Exemplary Performers, recognizing them as one of the top exceptional performances in the entire State Festival! Congratulations to Chorale TTBB Ensemble members Gustav Frisack, Keith VanDornick, Camden Jackson, Alex Kamke, Colter McCormick, Connor Romandine, Hunter Ryczek, Aidan Spillane, Hunter Schaden and Ethan Winkler for their performance of BALLGAME and to Garrett Wons for this Alto Saxophone solo.

Congratulations to all of these fine musicians! Results were as follows:

STATE – FIRST
Hailey Ferfecki, vocal solo
Lyndsey Luebke, vocal solo
Laken Wall, vocal solo
Autumn Canavera, vocal solo
Mackenzie Staidl, vocal solo
Cedar Olson, vocal solo
Charis Wirtley, vocal solo
Camden Jackson, vocal solo
Alex Kamke, vocal solo
Keith VanDornick, vocal solo
Ethan Winkler, vocal solo
Gustav Frisack, vocal solo
Garrett Wons, alto saxophone solo – WSMA EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AWARD
Mackenzie Staidl, musical theater solo
Charis Wirtley, musical theater solo
Aliza Dickinson, musical theater solo
Camden Jackson, musical theater solo
Alex Kamke, musical theater solo
Autumn Canavera & Isabella Rennie, vocal duet
Charis Wirtley & Mackenzie Staidl, vocal duet
Andrea Waschbisch-Spang & Hailey Ferfecki, vocal duet
Camden Jackson & Ethan Winkler, vocal duet
Andrea Waschbisch-Spang & Camden Jackson, vocal duet
Delani Romback, Garrett Wons, saxophone duet
Natalie Olson, Delani Romback, Garrett Wons, saxophone trio

Chorale TTB Miscellaneous Vocal Ensemble: Gustav Frisack, Keith VanDornick, Camden Jackson, Alex Kamke, Colter McCormick, Connor Romandine, Hunter Ryczek, Aidan Spillane, Hunter Schaden, and Ethan Winkler – WSMA EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AWARD

SSATB Madrigal – Hunter Ryczek, Hailey Ferfecki, Andrea Waschbisch-Spang, Lyndsey Luebke, Haley Schwantes, Megan Zielinski, Cedar Olson, Isabella Rennie, Mackenzie Staidl, Charis Wirtley, Keith VanDornick, Alex Kamke, Connor Romandine, Ethan Winkler, Gustav Frisack, Camden Jackson, and Aidan Spillane

Cantabile SSA Madrigal: Lindsey Schuster, Emma Bliskey,Autumn Canavera, Madeline Dorn, Diomaris Ortiz, Hope Hujet,Caitrin Lonzo, Cedar Olson, Lydia Romback, Lauryn Slade, and Trinady Vorpahl

Chamber Singers SSA Miscellaneous Vocal Ensemble: Aliza Dickinson, Erin Effenberger, Hailey Ferfecki, Faith Hujet, Flor Martinez-Mora, Amber Proctor, Lydia Murphy-Hendricks, Mackenzie Staidl, Andrea Waschbisch-Spang, and Laken Wall

Cantabile SSA Miscellaneous Ensemble: Isabella Rennie, Hope Hujet, Lyndsey Luebke, Cedar Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Diomaris Ortiz, Paige Renier, Lydia Romback, Haley Schwantes, and Tavia Westcott

Chorale TTBB Miscellaneous Vocal Ensemble: Camden Jackson, Ethan Winkler, Aidan Spillane, Hunter Schaden, Hunter Ryczek, Connor Romandine, Colter McCormick, Alex Kamke, Gustav Frisack, and Keith VanDornick

Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Ethan Winkler, Megan Zielinski, Hunter Ryczek, Hailey Ferfecki, Andrea Waschbisch-Spang, Lyndsey Luebke, Haley Schwantes, Cedar Olson, Isabella Rennie, Mackenzie Staidl, Charis Wirtley, Keith VanDornick, Alex Kamke, Connor Romandine, Gustav Frisack, Camden Jackson, and Aidan Spillane

STATE – SECOND
Aliza Dickinson, vocal solo
Andrea Waschbisch-Spang, musical theater solo
Gustav Frisack, musical theater solo
Natalie Lubenske, alto saxophone solo
Sierra Seizyk, trombone solo
Chamber Singers SSAA Madrigal: Hailey Ferfecki, Aliza Dickinson, Faith Hujet, Lydia Murphy-Hendricks, Mackenzie Staidl, Tianna Rowell-Brown, Paige Stapleton, Andrea Waschbisch-Spang, and Megan Zielinski

Chamber Singers SSA Miscellaneous Vocal Ensemble: Paige Stapleton, Isabella Behnke, Calisa Reyes, Tianna Rowell-Brown, Grace Williams, Megan Zielinski, and Charis Wirtley

A Night in the Wild

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Join us for a magical evening to celebrate
Spring-Fling
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and make a big 

impact in the lives of our patients!

Our 13th annual event will feature old-fashioned horse-drawn trolley rides, sumputious food, live entertainment, and amazing silent and live auction items with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Location: Reforestation Camp Lodge, 4418 Reforestation Rd, Green Bay, WI
Reception – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Social ♦ Horse-drawn carriage ridesDinner – 6:30 p.m.
Opening remarks & blessing by Sister Annice McClure
Gourmet catered dinner from Chefusion ♦ Coffee & Dessert to followDonation Challenge and Live Auction – 7:30 p.m.
Video & Donation Challenge 
Conducted by Bill Jartz from WBAY

Ending of the Silent Auction 
and $500 Wenz Home Furniture Drawing – 8:45 p.m.

Supernova Hoops Fire Performance – 9:00 p.m.

Cash Bar – 4:30 pm to Close

All proceeds will be used to turn a patient room at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital into a state-of-the-art place of healing.

Reserved your spot today – limited space available!

Tickets are $55 per person – pre-sale only (no at the door sales).

Please contact Matt Astleford at 920-433-8055 or matthew.astleford@hshs.org for sponsorship opportunities or assistance.

Clothing Donations Needed to Help Stock St. Clare’s Closet

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HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is requesting donations of new or gently-used clean clothing to help stock the shelves of St. Clare’s Closet.

St. Clare’s Closet is located inside the hospital, and is stocked with clothing for people of all ages and sizes that can be provided to patients, free-of-charge in emergency situations.

“Patients don’t always have someone they can call to bring them clothing, and we want to be able to help in any way we can,” said Paula Bake, a Clinical Nurse Facilitator in the Emergency Department at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “St. Clare’s Closet is a wonderful resource and provides another opportunity for us to connect compassionately with our patients.”

Clothing donations are being accepted at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital through Friday, April 20. Donations of new or gently-used clean clothing can be placed in collection boxes located in the patient registration waiting room and outside the cafeteria. At this time, stretchy pants for men and women are most needed.