AROUND THE COMMUNITY: CMN commencement takes place May 21

The College of Menominee Nation will be holding its 2022 commencement at 10 a.m. May 21 at the Menominee Casino Resort Conference Center, N277 State Highway 47-55, Keshena, in the Five Clans Ballroom. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

The commencement speaker is Jennifer Gauthier, an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. She serves as community development educator at the UW-Madison Division of Extension on the CMN campus. Recently, Gauthier was one of six women awarded the prestigious Outstanding Women of Color Award by the University of Wisconsin.

Additionally, Tashina Guzman, who will be obtaining her Associate of Arts and Sciences in Early Childhood Education, will represent the class of 2022 as student speaker. Guzman already has a previous associate degree from the college and is currently working in her home community as a Menominee language immersion teacher.

For those wanting to watch the ceremony, it will be livestreamed, with details and updates on the CMN Facebook page.

American Legion to hold social in Wabeno

American Legion Post 44 is planning a social June 6 at Veeser’s Wild Rose Pub and Grill, 2495 County Road W, Wabeno. The event is hosted by Dan and Ann Barfknecht.

Cocktails will be served at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Reservations and payment of $15 should be sent to the Barfknechts with checks payable to Veeser’s no later than May 25. For information, call 715-473-3900.

Reminder postcards are being mailed to people who attended at least one of the 2021-2022 socials.

CMN participates in climate roundtable

College of Menominee Nation President Christopher Caldwell, Tribal Resilience Liaison Sara Smith and Sustainable Development Institute Director Thomas Kenote Jr. visited the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment on May 6 to attend a meeting regarding climate change initiatives in the Midwest.

Caldwell and Smith participated in this roundtable with U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Minnesota state officials. They reflected and spoke on the history of their work engaging with the Climate Adaptation Science Center network.

Caldwell spoke about student development and the importance of tribal climate change adaptation.

“This was a great opportunity for CMN and SDI to interact with Secretary Haaland,” said Caldwell. “As a tribal college, it is our focus to make sure our students are equipped to help their communities.”

After the roundtable discussion, public remarks were given by Haaland and other representatives about the importance of tribal climate change adaptation.

“This event marked the official celebration and opening of our Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center consortium,” Kenote said. “It’s important for tribal nations and tribal institutions to have a seat at the table. Tribal communities are the most impacted when it comes to climate change, and we also hold solutions to address the impacts of climate change that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge.”

Shawano Pathways riding through Wescott

Shawano Pathways will hold a bike ride May 21 in the Town of Wescott.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Mielke Arts Center, N5649 Airport Road. Rides begin at 10 a.m., and riders can choose from three scenic routes ranging from 7-19 miles. Helmets and bright clothing are recommended. The ride is free but donations are appreciated.

Free ice cream will be provided at Shawano Lake County Park. Maps, sag wagon, bathrooms, water and off-road parking will be available.

Red hat club holding social, lunch

Oconto’s Ruby Red Hat Club will meet May 26 at Oconto City Hall, 1210 Main St., Oconto, for a social, lunch and an afternoon of fun and laughter.

At 11 a.m. is registration, followed by the social and a sing-along.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with a charge of $4. The meal will consist of Swedish meatballs over noodles, corn, bread, coffee, milk and dessert.

After lunch and a short break, club members will take a seat in a circle to pass unwrapped White Elephant gifts.

Cub Scouts collecting food Memorial Day

Cub Scouts Pack 4024 will be collecting food donations from spectators along the parade route during the Oconto Falls Memorial Parade on May 30.

The Scouts are looking for parade watchers to bring non-perishable food items, which they will collect and bring to the Kingdom Come Food Pantry. The Cub Scouts will be walking in the parade, so they can be flagged down by someone wishing to donate.

For information, contact Carrie Kreischer at 920-373-2181.