General – Page 15 – Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Area Children Perform in Missoula Children’s Theatre Production

August 17, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

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.

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.

Area Children Perform in Missoula Children’s Theatre Production

August 17, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

OFHS Musicians Serve as Ambassadors of Music in Europe

August 1, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

350 of Wisconsin’s finest musicians experienced an incredible 16-day “trip of a lifetime” from June 27-July 12, 2018 as part of Wisconsin’s Ambassadors of Music European Tour.
These outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists represented Wisconsin and the United States while presenting musical performances and touring throughout Europe, including London, England; Paris, France; Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Vaduz, Liechtenstein; Seefeld, Austria; Venice, Italy; and Rothenburg, Germany. Each participant was selected through nominations by their high school and college music directors.

The Oconto Falls High School Music Department was proudly represented by student musicians Emma Bliskey (Choir), Catelyn Kramer (Choir), Cedar Olson (Choir), Isabella Rennie (Choir), Haley Schwantes (Choir), Lauryn Slade (Choir), Paige Stapleton (Choir), Grace Williams (Choir), Garrett Wons (Band), and OFHS graduates Allison Luebke (Band) attending UW-Stevens Point and Kaylin Nickels (Choir) attending UW-Green Bay.

Adults attending the tour from the Oconto Falls area included Jennifer Cassel, Bev Schwantes, Nan Williams, Bill Wons, and Diana Radtke. Amy Thiel, Oconto Falls High School Choral Director, served as director of the 2018 WAM Choir.

Highlights of the tour included choir and band performances in Crans-Montana, Switzerland before an international audience, Seefeld, Austria, and a final performance in Rothenburg, Germany. Additional Choir performance highlights included singing in cathedrals in England and France, as well as at St. Oswald’s Church in Seefeld, Austria, and the Basilica of San Marco (St. Mark’s) in Venice, Italy.

The 2018 WAM Choir and Band performed a Pre-Tour Concert at Young Auditiorium on the UW-Whitewater campus before departing for the 16 day tour. Performances included a wide variety of sacred and secular music and choir and band students combined their musicianship for spectacular performances on “America the Beautiful” and “On Wisconsin.”

The WAM Choir performed a special tribute to American composer Irving Berlin, including There’s no business like show business, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Blue Skies, Always, and God Bless America. The choir’s sacred program featured many classics and contemporary pieces, including Ave Verum by W.A. Mozart, Sanctus by Franz Schubert, Lift Thine Eyes by Felix Mendelssohn, Ye Followers of the Lamb arranged by Earle Ferguson, For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter, Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Roy Ringwald, Amazing Grace arranged by Ed Lojeski, and the spiritual Every Time I Feel The Spirit arranged by William Dawson.
The WAM Band performed a variety of patriotic and American-themed selections, including Stars and Stripes Forever by John Phillip Sousa, Star Spangled Spectacular arranged by John Cacavas, Big Band Spectacular arranged by John Higgins, Armed Forces Salute arranged by Bob Lowden, American River Songs by Pierre La Plante, Malaguena arranged by Ken Norman, and March of the Belgian Paratroopers by Pierre Leemans.

These fine musicians were able to visit many significant historical and educational sites throughout Europe, including Windsor Castle, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the Theatre District, and the Tower of London (including the famous crown jewels) in London; Notre Dame, Sacre Coure, and the Louvre (including Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece and the Mona Lisa) in Paris; the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland and the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Montreaux, Switzerland; the site of the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, and the Medieval city of Rothenburg, Germany.

“This was an exceptional group of dedicated, hardworking, and talented musicians. They were outstanding ambassadors for our community, Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin, and the entire United States. I am extremely proud of each and every participant,” commented Choral Director Amy Thiel.

Since its inception in 1994, The Wisconsin Ambassador of Music Choir has been directed by Oconto Falls High School choral director Amy Thiel and Alex Sabo, retired band director from Kenosha Bradford High School has served as the director for the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music Band.

As per a proclamation by the Governor Scott Walker, the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music were named the official ambassadors for the state of Wisconsin from June 27-July 12.

The next Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music European Tour is scheduled for June, 2020.

2018 WAM European Tour participants representing Oconto Falls/Abrams area pose in front of Buckingham Palace in London, England –
Row 1 – Haley Schwantes, Cedar Olson, Lauryn Slade, Kaylin Nickels, Isabella Rennie, and Garrett Wons

Missoula Children’s Theatre Performance on August 4

July 30, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

What do Glacierdom and Riverdom have in common? The Leprechauns know! Get a new look at a classic story this Saturday, August 4, 2018 when the Missoula Children’s Theatre and more than 40 local students present an original musical adaptation of THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA. Performances will be held at 12 noon and 2:30 p.m. in the Falls Area Performing Arts Center, located in Oconto Falls High School.

Envision a kingdom of snow where the residents are Winter Wind Workers, Blizzard Bringers, Icicle Sharpeners and Snow Smoothers, ruled by the Storm King and the Snow Queen. Add to that a Prince looking for a proper Princess to share the throne. Now imagine the Princess and her friend the Pea living in a kingdom of green rolling hills and running rivers with her subjects, The Flower Gardeners, River Runners, Green Shoot Growers and Tree Barkers. Her parents, King Size and Queen Size, do all they can to keep things running smoothly. Who knows, maybe the dancing Dust Bunnies can help? Although the two kingdoms think they have nothing in common (except maybe a pesky Jack Frost that freezes anything and everything), the peace-loving Leprechauns prove otherwise. Throw in some Phony Princesses and you have a real fiasco! This is not your grandma’s PRINCESS AND THE PEA. We think you will enjoy its twists and turns!

The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Oconto Falls is brought to you by the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts with support from sponsor Neva Hodge Lemorande and in conjunction with the Oconto Falls School District Summer School Program.

General admission tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for students and will be available at the door. For more information, call the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts at (920) 848-7469.

Hospital Sisters Health System – Eastern Wisconsin Division Appoints New Chief Physician Executive

July 26, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) – Eastern Wisconsin Division has announced the appointment of Dr. Rich Cooley as Chief Physician Executive of its four hospitals in Northeast 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.

“In his role, Dr. Cooley leads HSHS – Eastern Wisconsin Division’s initiatives around quality, patient safety and clinical integration,” said Therese Pandl, President and CEO, HSHS – Eastern Wisconsin Division. “His extensive experience in health care management and physician leadership is a valuable addition to our hospitals, and we are pleased to have him as part our Franciscan healing ministry.”

Dr. Cooley, a board-certified internal medicine physician, previously served as Regional Medical Director at Sound Physicians in Ishpeming, Mich. Sound Physicians provides emergency medicine, critical care, hospital medicine, transitional care and advisory services for hospital partners across the country. As Regional Medical Director, Dr. Cooley led four hospitalist programs throughout Northern Michigan.

Dr. Cooley holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirskville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and was named Medical Resident of the Year at St. John Oakland Hospital in Warren, Mich., where he completed a residency in internal medicine from 1998 to 2001. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Society of Hospital Medicine and the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

Christopher P. Brabant, MBA, FACHE, Named President and CEO of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital

July 23, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher P. Brabant, MBA, FACHE, to serve as the hospital’s next president and CEO.

Since 2013, Chris has served as the HSHS Eastern Wisconsin Division Executive Director of Surgical Services for the Heart, Lung and Vascular Center and Prevea Health Vascular Surgery in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Under his leadership, he has been responsible for the strategic planning, business operations and financial viability of the center and service lines, including the implementation of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve program, the new Prevea-HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital cardiology program in partnership with his Prevea SLD counterpart, and the implementation of the Regional Outreach General and Vascular Surgical Program at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

“Chris has done an incredible job in his current role within HSHS, and we know that his combined experience in business and health care and his track record of successful leadership make him a great fit to position St. Clare,” said Mary Starmann-Harrison, president and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), which along with HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, includes 14 other hospitals across Wisconsin and Illinois. “We are pleased he has accepted our invitation to serve in this new role within our Franciscan healing ministry.”

“HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is still a relatively new part to the HSHS family, and we are excited to bring Chris into this leadership role to continue serving the Oconto Falls community,” said Therese Pandl, president and CEO of the HSHS Eastern Wisconsin Division, which in addition to St. Clare Memorial Hospital includes HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay. “We look forward to having Chris transition and bring his experience to St. Clare.”

Chris earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and Baccalaureate of Science in Perfusion Technology from St. Louis University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a Certified Surgical Technician, holds a State of Wisconsin Perfusion License and is certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. He has been very active in the community, serving on numerous boards, coalitions and groups, and will continue to do so in the Oconto Falls community.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of the HSHS family since 2013, and I’m incredibly honored that our leadership has confidence in my ability to lead the team at St. Clare Memorial,” said Chris.

Chris will officially begin his role as HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital president and CEO on August 20, 2018. Paula Hafeman, Chief Nursing Executive of HSHS Eastern Wisconsin Division, is currently serving as the interim president and CEO of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

Certified Hand Therapist Now in Oconto Falls

July 13, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

Prevea Health now offering appointments with a Certified Hand Therapist in Oconto Falls

Prevea Health now offers an enhanced level of hand therapy at the Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center – Medical Services Building, located at 853 S. Main St. on the campus of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

Robin Frenzel, a board-certified occupational therapist at Prevea Health, recently passed a comprehensive exam provided by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She also has more than 18 years of clinical experience and has completed more than 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand and upper extremity therapy.

As a CHT, Robin is specifically trained to evaluate and provide the most up-to-date treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the finger, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder. She is also trained to address the social, emotional and physiological effects of those injuries and conditions. According to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, there are only 6,451 CHTs practicing worldwide.

“I believe in providing patient-centered care to help my patients get better as quick as possible,” says Robin. “If therapy does not work, then we discuss their options and together make the best decision for their plan of care.”

Appointments with Robin can be made by calling (920) 846-4680. A complete list of therapy services provided by Robin can be found at: www.prevea.com/Providers/Robin-Frenzel

Safety Tips for Fair, Festival and Concert Season

July 10, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

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.

Preventing and Recognizing Heatstroke

July 2, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

With high temperatures in the forecast, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health urge everyone to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, as well as the steps that can be taken to avoid heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It requires emergency treatment to prevent serious complications or death. If you suspect someone is experiencing heatstroke, call 911 or seek medical assistance immediately.

Heatstroke signs and symptoms

High body temperature – The main sign of heatstroke is a core body temperature of 104 degrees or higher.
Altered mental state or behavior – If a person who has been in hot temperatures is confused, agitated, slurring their speech, irritable, delirious or experiences a seizure, then heatstroke may be suspected.
Nausea and vomiting – Vomiting may occur.
Flushed skin – An increase in body temperature can lead to skin turning red.
Rapid breathing – Breathing may become rapid and shallow.
Racing heart rate – When a person experiences heatstroke, the heart works overtime to help cool the body, therefore increasing the heartrate.
Headache – Heatstroke can cause a throbbing headache.

Preventing heatstroke

Wear loose-fitting clothes – Loose-fitting clothes allow for your body to cool properly as opposed to tight or heavy clothes.
Drink plenty of fluids – Staying hydrated will help you maintain a normal body temperature and will help your body sweat.
Protect yourself against sunburn – Use sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against sunburns. Sit under the shade from time to time.
Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day – Try to schedule outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or the evening. The hottest part of the day is generally 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Better yet, stay indoors – Avoid the heat altogether by staying inside an air-conditioned, well-ventilated space.

Firework Season is Here

June 26, 2018September 11, 2024 OFChamber

12 tips to stay safe this summer
Though fireworks can be exciting, festive and fun – they can also be very dangerous. HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health recommend the following tips and reminders to ensure a safe experience:

Children should never play with fireworks. Firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. If you give sparklers to kids, make sure they keep them outside and away from their faces, clothing and hair.
Store properly and buy legally. Only buy legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place.
Don’t DIY. Never try to make your own fireworks.
Be prepared. Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and hose nearby.
Keep a distance. Steer clear of others and never throw or point fireworks at someone.
Take precautions. Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket.
Know your surroundings. Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brushes, leaves and other flammable substances.
Quality, not quantity. Light one firework at a time and never relight a dud.
Fireworks stay hot. Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event as they may still be hot.
Make sure the fire is out. Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
Know the law. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Better yet, leave fireworks to the experts. This is the recommended course of action by the National Safety Council.

If an adult or child is injured by fireworks, immediately call your doctor or go to the hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause more damage. If it’s a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn and then call your doctor immediately.