News

Salad Luncheon and Love Basket Auction Feb. 9

OFChamber

Love_BasketsThe Oconto Falls-area community is invited to the annual Salad Luncheon and Love Basket Silent Auction, hosted by the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and employees of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 9 at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.

The luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital’s Dining Room and will feature the Auxiliary’s famous hot chicken salad, as well as a wide variety of hot and cold salads, sliced ham, cheese, rolls, coffee, milk and desserts. Tickets are $9 at the door for all you care to eat. For more information on the Salad Luncheon or to make group reservations, contact Mary Lemmen at (920) 846-2322 or Hope Hrabik at (920) 373-5774.

In support of the Auxiliary’s Salad Luncheon on Feb. 9, employees of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital will host the Love Basket Silent Auction in the HSHS St. Clare Assisi Room from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the same day.

“You can enjoy lunch with family and friends at the Salad Luncheon and also do some shopping for one of our unique, love-themed baskets,” said Lisa Terry, Credentialing Specialist for HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

Themes for baskets vary from year to year. Popular baskets from previous years have included I Love the Packers, I Love Wine, I Love Gardening and I Love Birds. In addition to the silent auction for the baskets, raffle tickets are sold for love-themed bucket raffles. Bidding on the Love Baskets and raffle ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. For more information about the Love Basket Silent Auction or to donate a basket, call Lisa Terry at (920) 848-6348.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Auxiliary, which raises money for health care improvements at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities encourages small business customers

OFChamber

A message from Lisa Miotke.

Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities encourages small business customers to take advantage of the Main Street Efficiency Program which can provide funding assistance for efficiency upgrades such as lighting, heating & cooling systems, motors, drives, food service equipment, energy management controls, among others for our small business customers.

This program is designed to remove some of the financial barriers for small businesses looking to make changes to reduce energy usage.
For qualifying projects, the utility will match incentives from Focus on Energy, the statewide energy efficiency program, up to 60% of the project cost. Additional low-cost financing is available through the utility’s Shared Savings Program.

Business owners or managers served by Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities may contact the utility’s Energy Services Representative, Lisa Miotke, at 920-254-8931 to learn more about the program or other services provided by OFMU.

Brochure Details

2017 Wisconsin Choral Directors Association All-State Choir

OFChamber

The Oconto Falls High School Choir was proud to have students selected for the prestigious 2017 Wisconsin Choral Directors Association All-State Choir.

Representing Oconto Falls High School in the Men’s Choir were three juniors—Camden Jackson, son of Jeff & Pam Jackson; Hunter Ryczek, son of GinnyDunsworth and Chad Ryczek; and Peter Murphy, son of Candice Behnke and Steven Murphy.

The 120-voice All-State Men’sChoir performed Brightest and Best arranged by Shawn Kirchner, Zion’s Walls by Aaron Coplan, Black is the Color byConnor Koppin, The God Who Gave Us Life by Randall Thompson, and We Rise Again by Leon Dubinsky and Stephen Smith. They gave an exceptional performance at the historic Grand Theater in Wausau to a sold-out audience and received a standing ovation.

The director for the All-State Men’s Choir was Dr. Lee Nelson, Director of Choral Activities at Wartburg College in Iowa. “He treated us like we were his own choir. His knowledge and the skills he showed us were incredibly useful,” commented Camden Jackson. When asked to reflect on their experience, HunterRyczek commented that “It is amazing—the difference in sound when everyone is so passionate about the same thing.” Peter Murphy added that “It feels amazing to be surrounded by the greatest and most talented men in the state.”

The students were nominated by OFHS Choral Director Amy Thiel. They rehearsed on Friday and Saturday, January 6-7, before their final performance as part of the WCDA State Choral Convention.

Jennifer Longsine, daughter of David and Diane Longsine and Lillian Olson, daughter of Gary and Barbara Olson, were also selected to participate in the Women’s All-State Choirs, but were unable to participate in the performance due to illness. The Women’s Choir was directed by Rhonda Vieth Ruelberth, Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Hospital Celebrates Opening of Welcome Center

OFChamber

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of its Welcome Center, located inside the hospital’s main entrance. The Welcome Center at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is staffed by friendly volunteers to provide patients and visitors hospital campus directions, information and wheelchair needs.

The Welcome Center at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, a non-profit hospital, was made possible thanks to a generous donation from ST Paper in Oconto Falls. Construction began in September 2016 and was completed in November. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, hospital colleagues, volunteers and ST Paper representatives gathered to celebrate and bless the
opening of the Welcome Center.

“Our hospital campus is growing as we continue to add new services and technology to meet the health care needs of our community,” said Dan DeGroot, Chief Operating Officer at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “The Welcome Center serves as a touchpoint for all of our services and enhances the experience for patients and visitors the moment they
come through our doors.”

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is in need of more volunteers to staff the Welcome Center. Those interested should contact Regina Boettcher, Volunteer Services, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital at (920) 848-3648.

Slip-and-fall injuries due to icy conditions

OFChamber

Slip-and-fall injuries due to icy conditions are a common occurrence during Wisconsin winter months. To prevent injury, consider the following tips from HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and its partner, Prevea Health.

 

  1. Walk like a penguin.Waddle and keep your center of gravity over your front leg. Raise your arms slightly for balance, keep your hands out of your pockets and your feet pointed slightly apart.
  2. Wear shoes or boots with traction.
  3. Be careful when entering or exiting a vehicle.
  4. Assume that all surfaces are slippery.
  5. Stay on designated pathways.
  6. Apply salt or sand to slippery surfaces, but keep in mind that salt will only melt if the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.

Snow can also be a safety hazard this time of year. For tips on safe snow removal, click here.

Broken and/or Unwanted Christmas Lights

OFChamber

Christmas LightsHSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is accepting broken and/or unwanted Christmas lights between now and Friday, Jan. 13, 2017.

Anyone who would like to drop off their unwanted working or non-working Christmas lights can leave them next to the small electronics recycling box on the Ground Floor near the entrance to the cafeteria at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, located at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.

“Millions of Christmas lights are discarded each year in the United States,” said Dan Rocheleau, Campus and Sustainability Facilitator at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “Many people do not know that Christmas lights can be recycled, and we encourage others to do their part in keeping this recyclable product out of our landfills.”

The Christmas light collection is sponsored by The Green Team – a group of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) – Eastern Wisconsin Division colleagues that share the common goal of identifying, educating and implementing sustainability programs that support the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis’ mission of reverence for the earth.

Chamber Membership Benefits.

OFChamber

OF Chamber LogoOur mission is to be a valid and dynamic link between local business and the community. Our objective is to be an advocate for business interests and to promote business development, city beautification and tourism.

Membership is annual and provides you with many benefits.

• Your business and logo are listed on and linked to the OFACC website at dbi.ec3.myftpupload.com.
• Your business will be listed in the Oconto County Discovery Guide.
• Special event announcements on OFACC website calendar, facebook and email.
• Community events on the welcome sign message board.
• Marketing opportunities for your business.
• Ribbon cutting ceremony and media attention for your new business.
• Monthly newsletters and prompt email communications.
• Networking opportunities.
• Involvement in community projects.
• Awareness of changes in the community.
• Window cling showing your support and encouraging local businesses to do business locally.

Please apply or renew and pay online at https://ocontofallschamber.com/Application.html. You may also use the enclosed application. Please complete all information and return with your check to the address listed below. For more information please call 920-846-8306.

Build a stronger local economy by shopping locally.

Sincerely,

Gail Yatso

Gail Yatso
President, Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 24
Oconto Falls, WI 54154
920-846-8306
Let’s make the Oconto Falls Area your destination to outdoor recreation!

Annual Memory Tree fundraiser

OFChamber

T

37139961 - candlelight
37139961 – candlelight

he HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites you to participate in their annual Memory Tree fundraiser. For each donation, a light shines on our Christmas tree…a light for yourself or your family, in honor of or in memory of someone dear to you.

There will be a blessing of the tree at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, December 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the main lobby area of the hospital with a social to follow.

To participate, please complete the attached form.

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

OFChamber
Abrams Spotlight Productions, Inc. will present, YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
 
In the photo is Abigail Budz (Woodstock) and Cate Kopkey (Snoopy).
In the photo is Abigail Budz (Woodstock) and Cate Kopkey (Snoopy).

Innocence of Peanuts Gang Captured in ‘Charlie Brown’
Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” set to be performed the first two weekends in December by the cast of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc.

The whole gang is here: bossy Lucy, portrayed by Ali Carlson, is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder, played by Michael Brunner, who doesn’t give her the time of day.

Perfectionist Sally, played by Elizabeth Zitny, is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, played by Christopher LaChance.

Snoopy, played by Cate Kopkey, is in the doghouse, and the “blockhead,” himself, Charlie Brown, played by Brandon Byng, is in rare form.

The bright and adorable Woodstock is played by Abigail Budz.

Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair. In this revised version, with additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and dialogue by Michael Mayer, the sweet, joyful innocence of the Peanuts gang is maintained, but a fresh insouciance and playfulness is revealed.

The new script features two new songs, funny dialogue, and new, catchy orchestrations. Whether you’re keen to fly with the Red Baron or moon over the “Moonlight Sonata,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” stirs the memories like a true classic.

Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 and 11.

Performances are at the Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Tickets are $14 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors (65 and older) and youth (5-17) and $7 for children (4 and under). Tickets can be purchased online at www.AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will celebrate opening night, Friday, Dec. 2, with a gala. Patrons who attend opening night can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew after the show.

 
The Cast:
Charlie Brown…Brandon Byng
Sally Brown…Elizabeth Zitny
Lucy Van Pelt…Ali Carlson
Linus Van Pelt…Christopher LaChance
Schroeder…Michael Brunner
Snoopy…Cate Kopkey
Woodstock…Abigail Budz
 
Subsequent show dates are as follows
December 2nd at 1pm
December 3rd at 1pm & 7pm
December 4th at 1pm
December 9th at 7pm
December 10th at 1pm & 7pm
December 11th at 1pm
Performances are at The Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple Street, Abrams, WI 54101. Tickets are $14.00 for Adults (18-64), $12.00 for Seniors (65+) and Youth (5-17), and $7.00 for Children (4 and under). Tickets can be purchased online at www.AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 920-826-5852.

Aim for a Healthy Hunt

OFChamber

Aim for a Healthy Hunt
By Amy Romandine Kratz, MD, Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center

25215927 - deer hunters
25215927 – deer hunters

Gun Safety
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds of us of four basic tips: treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and what is beyond it, and keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until ready to shoot. You should be familiar with the firearm you are using and understand how the safety mechanism works. Leave the safety on until you are ready to fire; that little click you might get when a trophy buck is in front of you is worth preventing your gun from firing accidently.

Tree Stand Safety
Studies show avid hunters have a lifetime risk of 1-in-20 of being injured from falling from a tree stand. Always use a well-fitting, full body harness to prevent falls. Understand the manufacturer’s instructions of the equipment you are using and never alter climbing or safety equipment. Inspect your stand before the hunt starts, as damage from weathering can pose safety hazards. Use a rope or lift to get your unloaded gun or bow into the tree stand and never carry a loaded fire arm as you are ascending into your stand. A free 15 minute tree stand safety course can be found at www.huntercourse.com/treestandsafety. Always let others know where you are hunting and carry your cell phone or other communication device.

Hearing Protection
The shot of a rifle or shotgun is approximately 140 decibels or greater, which is the equivalent of standing next to a jet engine. Sounds at these levels can cause instant and permanent hearing loss. Making hearing protection a part of your gear, especially when at the shooting range can help prevent hearing loss. Don’t forget hearing protection for those that may be out in the stand with you.

Heart Health
For some hunters, the risk of a heart attack is greater than the risk of any of the things we have already talked about. The combination of epinephrine release when you see the big one, dragging your deer, and being alone in the woods can be a bad situation for an at-risk hunter. Talking to your doctor, knowing the signs of a heart attack, having a hunting buddy, learning CPR, and having a way to call 911 can all make the hunt safer.

A successful hunt takes some preparation. You wouldn’t shoot your gun or bow for the first time all year when you have your sights on the buck of a lifetime, so why wouldn’t you prepare the same way with your health?

romandinekratz_amy_croppedDr. Amy Romandine Kratz is a primary care sports medicine physician at Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center in the Medical Services Building on the campus of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. She is also an avid deer hunter and was born and raised in Oconto Falls. http://www.prevea.com/Providers/Amy-Romandine-Kratz/