News

Treat-and-Greet Community Event

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children trick or treating with their parents

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health invite the community to Treat-and-Greet on Tuesday, Oct. 29 on the campus of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

A free, family-friendly event, Treat-and-Greet will feature trick-or-treating, food and refreshments, and the opportunity to tour the hospital campus and learn about the diversity of services provided. Attendees can “trick-or-treat” throughout the hospital campus, including the Medical Services Building where Prevea Health offers a variety of specialty care.

Treat-and-Greet

  • 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 29
  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 835 Main St., in Oconto Falls
    • The event will take place throughout the hospital campus, including the Medical Services Building.

Candy, goodies and educational material will be handed out to the “trick-or-treaters”; and providers will be on hand to greet all attendees and answer questions about the services they offer. Costumes are not required but are encouraged for children and adults. Guests of all ages are welcome!

“Ask the Doc” Presentation to Focus on Breast Health

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Ask the doc!

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health will host an “Ask the Doc” presentation about breast health on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Waubee Lodge in Lakewood.

The free presentation will be led by Dr. Richard McNutt, general surgeon at the HSHS St. Clare Regional Surgery Center, and Clayton Keene, APNP, FNP-BC, of Prevea Health. The two will discuss the importance of breast health and screenings, with a Q&A to follow.

Ask the Doc

  • Thursday, Oct. 17
  • 6 p.m.
  • Waubee Lodge, 18398 Waubee Park Ln., Lakewood

A light meal will be served. To register, call (920) 965-4711.

E-cigarettes or “Vaping”: What Parents Need to Know

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Teenage exhaling smoke from the vape

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth since 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2018, CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data showed that more than 3.6 million youth, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, were past-month e-cigarette users.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients to the user. Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called, “vaping.” Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine exposure in adolescence can harm brain development; impact learning, memory and attention; and increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs. The aerosol substance created by e-cigarettes can contain harmful substances, including nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals, flavorings linked to lung disease, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.

E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like regular cigarettes, cigars or pipes, and others look like other items commonly used by youth such as pens and flash drives. They also come in kid-friendly flavors, which make them more appealing to youth.

In light of this information, and with recent reports of severe illnesses and death linked to vaping in the U.S., HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health encourage parents and caregivers to be familiar with e-cigarettes so they can play a role in protecting children from their harmful effects.

Three things parents and caregivers can do:

  1. Talk to your child or teen about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them.
  2. Set a good example by being tobacco-free.
  3. Learn about the different shapes and types of e-cigarettes and the risks of e-cigarette use by visiting: www.CDC.gov/e-cigarettes

A night of laughs coming to Abrams theater

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De Pere troupe performing

Comedy City will bring its hilarious group of improv performers to Abrams on Friday, Oct. 4, for a night of fun and laughter. The De Pere troupe has performed improvisational theater for over 30 years. Nothing is scripted. By incorporating audience suggestions, the performers create a series of short scenes, songs, and sketches that keep the audience laughing.

This event is presented by Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Happy Hour; refreshments will be served on the outdoor patio at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Also, the indoor concession stand will open for snacks and refreshments at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m., lasts about 90 minutes and includes an intermission.

The Comedy City performance is family-friendly, so everyone is welcome. General admission tickets are on sale now at AbramsTheater.com. Tickets are $13 each or $12 for a group of six or more.

American Hospital Association Names David Lally “2019 Grassroots Champion”

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David Lally accepts award from Jon Hoelter
David Lally (right) accepts award from Jon Hoelter

David Lally, Director of Business Development & Advocacy for HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare hospitals, is a recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2019 Grassroots Champion award.

The Grassroots Champion award is given out each year to one individual in each state who is nominated by the state hospital association partners. The award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect hospitals’ vital roles in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for hospitals, and who are tireless advocates for their hospitals and patients.

“Whether it’s traveling to Washington, D.C., the state capitol in Madison, or joining us for meetings with legislators in their communities, David is always jumping at the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin, and Wisconsin health care as a whole,” said Jon Hoelter, Director of State and Federal Relations for the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), which nominated David for the AHA award. “The Wisconsin Hospital Association truly appreciates his passion and dedication to advocacy.”

Most recently, David attended a WHA meeting in Mequon with Congressman Glenn Grothman to discuss federal legislation aimed at tackling surprise medical billing. David and other HSHS leaders discussed the voluntary efforts HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin are making to meet patients’ desires for more price transparency, including the launch of an online price estimator tool which allows patients to obtain out-of-pocket estimates for planned procedures.

“Advocacy is truly a team effort,” said David. “While I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award, I am also deeply grateful for the team of dedicated health care leaders at HSHS who assist in advocacy efforts daily on behalf of St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare hospitals.”

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center are located in Green Bay, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls. They are part of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), based in Springfield, Ill.

Abrams theater to hold auditions for Elf Jr.

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Elf Jr. The Musical
Performers 8-18 needed for Christmas show

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will spread holiday cheer this Christmas with its production of “Elf The Musical Jr.” Kids ages 8-18 are invited to audition for the show on Monday, Sept. 16, or Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Auditions are scheduled from 6-8 p.m., and everyone auditioning should arrive by 6 p.m. Callbacks will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.

Auditions will consist of sight-singing a song from the show, reading from the script, and participating in a short, choreographed dance. All materials will be provided. Kids who audition are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that they can dance in. No previous performance experience is required.

“Elf The Musical Jr.” is based on the 2003 hit movie about of an orphan raised at the North Pole who journeys to New York City as an adult to find his true identity.

Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays starting Oct. 1. Not all cast members will be called for every rehearsal, but everyone must be available Sunday, Dec. 1, to Thursday, Dec. 5, and all show dates, Dec. 6-8 and 13-15.

Children who want to help out but feel a little shy are invited to become behind-the-scenes elves. Contact volunteers.aspi@gmail.com for more information.

“Elf The Musical Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com.

Abrams theater to present ‘Escanaba in da Moonlight’

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Escanaba in da Moonlight Cast

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to experience deer camp with the Soady family this fall at “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” written by Jeff Daniels. Tickets are on sale now for this PG-13 show to be presented Sept. 12-15 and 19-22 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.

The play depicts the Soady clan reuniting for opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp. Reuben Soady has the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady to never bag a buck. With humor, horror, and heart, the play describes his pursuit of that elusive buck. Director Tim Rutten-Kempees said the story brings Yooper ways to life.
“This show has so much in it, from bucks and guns to alien abductions and magic potions. It’s a crazy story populated by crazy characters. You won’t know what to expect,” he said.

With a cast of only six actors, each character is memorable, he said. “They all have their quirks. Some are just more upfront about them than others,” Tim said. “What’s really exciting is half the cast is appearing on the Abrams stage for the first time, and the other half are returning veterans.”

The set of the show is truly authentic, with many pieces coming from real deer camps.

Opening night of “Escanaba in da Moonlight” is Thursday, Sept. 12, 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. 19, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14 and 20-21 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 and 22. All shows will be performed at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. For Thursday’s shows, guests who wear hunting clothing will receive free popcorn.

“Escanaba in da Moonlight” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York, and produced by After Dark Productions, a division of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Due to adult themes and language, the show is rated PG-13 and is suitable for mature audiences only.

Oconto Falls Earns Bronze Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation

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31 communities in Wisconsin receive designations

Healthy Designation Award

Oconto Falls has been recognized for its work to improve local health by receiving a Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation. Oconto Falls received bronze designation from the initiative through the UW Population Health Institute. Oconto Falls is one of only thirteen communities throughout the state to receive the bronze level designation.

The Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation, funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program, is designed to celebrate and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin, and to serve as a guide for communities to expand and enhance their health improvement efforts.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls School District and Oconto County Public Health – programs such as the Oconto Falls Area Trail System, the annual Health and Safety Fair, the Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit, and Stepping On improve the health and well-being of all.

Kathy Henne, RN, and Community Benefits Facilitator at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, referenced the recently completed Oconto County Community Health Needs Assessment. “Two areas identified in the assessment include the need to increase physical activity and to educate and promote healthy food choices,” said Kathy. “The development of the Oconto Falls Area Trail System and the Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit addresses these identified needs.”

The Oconto Falls Area Trail System Organization has created and maintains fitness trails throughout the city. Additional sections of the trail will be completed through fundraising efforts and community support, as well as the proceeds from the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Run for the Trails event.

The Donate a Healthy Plate Toolkit educates the community on healthy food pantry donations and conducting healthy food drives. More information on the toolkit can be found on the Oconto County website at: www.co.oconto.wi.us.

The annual Health and Safety Fair is a fun-filled day of hands-on learning for young and old alike. Each year the event is held at the Oconto Falls Elementary School. More than 30 vendors come together to educate on a variety of health and safety topics.

Stepping On is a nationally recognized fall prevention program for the elderly population. Carol Luebeck, RN, with Quality Living by Choice, offers this program in various locations throughout the county including HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

“So much great work is happening throughout Oconto Falls,” said Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President, Gail Yatso. “This is not happening because of one business, organization, or person – it’s a community working together to create a healthier environment through education, awareness, and action!”

More Information

About the Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation
The Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation is a new initiative offered by the Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) group of the UW Population Health Institute (UWPHI), in collaboration with diverse statewide groups. The Healthy Communities Designation program, funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, is designed to recognize and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin. To learn more about the program, visit: www.wihealthycommunities.org.

Veterans-Monument

Veterans Monument in Oconto Falls.

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Rendered Veterans Monument in Oconto Falls

The Oconto Falls Monument Committee is raising money to build a Veterans Monument in Oconto Falls.

The monument will be built on the hillside overlooking Woodlawn Cemetery, where some of our local veterans are buried.

This location offers visibility in the community and is adjacent to the Oconto Falls walking trail.

Our fundraising goal is $125,000, which includes funding for upkeep for years to come.

With the generous support of more than 170 community donors, we have already raised $90,000.

We need your help to reach the finish line. We have several different sponsorship opportunities available, which we have laid out below. Once you make a selection, we have included an order form for your convenience.

Oconto Falls Veterans Memorial Fund BrochureDownload