Category: Members’ News

Preparing for Upcoming Marathons: Prevea Pints & Pointers

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Prevea Health will host four virtual events to help runners prepare for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and the Eau Claire Marathon.

The virtual events are part of an educational series known as Prevea Pints & Pointers, which features experts to offer tips and answer questions about running and preparing for the marathons which are scheduled for this May.

Runners are encouraged to grab their beverage of choice and log on to the virtual events to learn strategies, not just for training, but also for competing on race day as well. Presenters will share their perspectives on how to mentally prepare for marathon training, how to eat like an elite runner and how to recover like a champion. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to join an active session of yoga which aims to help prepare athlete’s bodies and their minds as we inch closer to Wisconsin’s marathon season.

Prevea Pints & Pointers Schedule

  • Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Mentally Preparing for Training – Discuss mental skills and training strategies for running
  • Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Eat Like an Elite Runner – Learn how to fuel your body like an elite runner
  • Wednesday, March 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Recover Like a Champion – Learn ways to recover quicker from training and races
  • Wednesday, April 6, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Yoga and Pints – Prepare for the remainder of your training through a physical and mental workout

Participation in all four Prevea Pints & Pointers events is open to all and free of charge, but registration is required. For more information, please visit. www.prevea.com/pints-pointers

Abrams theater to present ‘Guys and Dolls’

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A group of gamblers rehearse a scene for the musical “Guys and Dolls,” to be presented Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 in Abrams. Performing, from left, are David Woosencraft, Nick Blaser, Bobby Buffington, Sydney Surber, and Will Knaapen.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its performance of the Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls.” Tickets are on sale now for this entertaining love story, to be presented Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. The show, directed by Abby Frank, is a classic Broadway musical that the whole family can enjoy.

“This is a large cast of about 25 actors, all doing so many different things – all for the same show,” Frank said. “We have talent of all ages, plenty of veterans to APSI, as well as several new faces. They’ve all been working exceptionally hard to pull together this big show in our two-month timeline.”

“Guys and Dolls” is a story of two big-city gamblers and the women who love them. Set in Depression-era Times Square, the show features the overlapping stories of Sky Masterson, who falls in love with mission worker Sarah Brown, and Nathan Detroit, engaged for 14 years to Hot Box Club headliner Miss Adelaide.

“This show has several well-known songs the audience is sure to love, including ‘A Bushel and a Peck’ and ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat,’” Frank said. “I can’t wait for our talented actors to show you what they can do.”

To order tickets, visit abramsspotlightproductions.com or call the box office, 920-826-5852. “Guys and Dolls” is based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrowsis.

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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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!

Ribbon Cutting held for Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly

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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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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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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.

Packerland Websites Adds Account Rep

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Mike Folk has joined the Packerland Websites team as an account representative. An experienced business owner who is passionate about small business, Mike goes alongside business owners to help them accomplish their goals.

“I’m passionate about small business. I think it’s amazing to see people take their ideas, dreams, skills, and experiences and turn that into a living for themselves and others,” he said. “It is very fun and rewarding to see all the different businesses and business owners, learn about them, and contribute to their business.”

Mike brings more than 10 years of account management experience to this new role. He previously worked at AT&T, Windstream, and Opus Communications, which he co-owns. At AT&T, he placed in the Top 1% for sales to goals, earning the AT&T Summit award two separate years.

Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites, said Mike has excellent customer service skills, along with the skills that can’t be taught, like sincerity and integrity.

“Mike really listens to what clients are saying and asks great questions. He approaches each situation with openness, identifying what a client needs and providing the right tools to meet those needs,” Bill said. “I’m excited to have Mike join the Packerland team. He treats clients like people, not numbers.”

Mike explained, “I want to do what’s truly best for them and their business, rather than treating them like a sales number or pushing products on them for an inflated paycheck. I want to hold my head up high at the end of the day, knowing I’m helping others succeed.”

A graduate of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Mike holds an associate degree in Digital Media Technology. He and his wife, Claire, and two sons, Cooper and Ethan, live in Suamico. Mike enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis and board games, and grilling out. Additionally, he is a partner on Twitch.tv and volunteers at his church as a broadcast director and audio engineer.

Packerland Websites, Green Bay and Abrams, specializes in website design, Search Engine Optimization, and digital marketing strategies. To grow your business with a new or rebuilt website and SEO strategies, contact Mike Folk, 920-826-5901, ext. 3.

Chamber Bucks Now Available!

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The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a new gift certificate program, Chamber Bucks, to encourage community members to shop local!

What are Chamber Bucks?

Chamber Bucks are a gift certificate with monetary value issued by the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. They can be used just like cash at participating chamber member businesses. Chamber Bucks are available in $10, $20, or $25 increments.

Chamber Bucks are the perfect gift for any occasion and you are encouraging the gift recipient to shop locally. Whether you want to give your employees an incentive, reward that special teacher or coach, or give a special gift to your family or friends.

How do I spend Chamber Bucks?

Simply present the Chamber Bucks at a participating chamber member business. Spends like cash on goods and services. Chamber Bucks are not redeemable for cash and must be used in their full value as no cash back will be given.

Where can I spend my Chamber Bucks?

Businesses that accept Chamber Bucks as of March 2021:

Antique Bar
Coachlight Inn Motel
Eslien Law Offices
Falls Family Restaurant
The Flower Shoppe
Hometown Veterinary Clinic
MK Photography
N.E.W. Credit Union

Myofascial Trigger Point
NWTC
Oconto Electric Cooperative
Oconto Electric Radio Shack
Oconto Falls Pharmacy
Off Duty Adventures
Packerland Websites
River Island Golf Course

Rocky Ridge Shooters Supply
Salon Carrie
Senn Hometown Insurance Agency
Spaulding Construction
Steel Moose Bar & Grill
United True Value
Witt’s Piggly Wiggly

Updated business listings can be found on our website: https://ocontofallschamber.com/chamber-bucks/

How do I buy Chamber Bucks?

Chamber Bucks can be purchased on-line at www.ocontofallschamber.com or at Hometown Veterinary Clinic. Please email or call ahead to make sure they are ready for pick up.

​As a business how do I get reimbursed for Chamber Bucks?

Simply mail or drop off the redeemed certificate to the Chamber for reimbursement. Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO BOX 24, Oconto Falls, WI 54154. Drop off location is Hometown Veterinary Clinic, 180 E Highland Drive, Oconto Falls, WI 54154.