AROUND THE COMMUNITY: Librarian talks about her ‘dynamite’ program

The Shawano County Library presented at the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) national conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Teen librarian Cathy Pescinski turned in a program proposal titled “Dynamite Dozen.” On Sept. 16, Pescinski presented her program to 130 librarians from across the country.

ARSL received 125 program proposals for the four-day conference and selected roughly 55 to be presented. The basis of “Dynamite Dozen” is 12 inexpensive, yet powerful, supplies to have on hand that can be used to create over 50 teen programs.

This is the third time the county has presented to ARSL, which builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. In 2018, staff presented on escape rooms; in 2019, they talked about outreach and community partnerships.

Librarian Paige Crawford and director Kristie Hauer also attended the conference. The staff were able to attend the conference after receiving grants from Nicolet Federated Library System and the Friends of Shawano County Libraries, Inc.

Bebow-Reinhard to speak about Pensaukee

The Oconto County Historical Society’s monthly speaker series programs will return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Powerpoint presentation on the history of Pensaukee will be presented by author Monette Bebow-Reinhard at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 in the meeting room of the Beyer Home and Carriage Museum, 917 Park Ave., Oconto.

Bebow-Reinhard was one of the founders of the Machickanee Players in Oconto and a curator at the Oconto Copper Burial Museum. She’s both a lifelong actress and longtime writer, with nine books to her name — including two copper resource manuals and others for which she is seeking a publisher.

Bebow-Reinhard will begin by explaining why her book took 20 years to publish. During her presentation, she will also highlight how Pensaukee first got noticed back in 1824, a little of Arndt and his sidekick Ebenezer Childs, how the mill developed and changed and came to be owned by the Pensaukee tycoon, F.B. Gardner. Guests will hear about his challenges, including a fire and a tornado, and how the Arndt Sawmill Discovery Team got the mill site on the National Historic Register.

A limited number of copies of the book will be available for purchase on the evening of the presentation.

The program is free. Refreshments will be served.

Cows shine during Shawano futurity event

The crisp, fall-like weather was a fitting backdrop for the 2022 Shawano County Futurity “Legends of the Fall” on Sept. 3 at the Shawano County Fairgrounds in Shawano.

The 11 cows exhibited included a Brown Swiss, two Jerseys, two red and white Holsteins and six Holsteins. Synergy Spike’s Sequel-Red, a cow from Synergy Family Dairy escorted by Evan Jauquet, won first place. Second place was awarded to Synergy Tattoo Marley, escorted by Carmen Haack. Third place went to Betley Family Farms with Bella-Ridge Going Solo, who was also named the production winner and escorted by Claire Betley.

Best dressed winners for the evening included Colin Wussow as Johnny Cash, Tammy Nygren as Dolly Parton and Evan Jauquet as Lane Frost.

The futurity has come to be a highlight of the fair each year, bringing in a large crowd to experience the event. Dale Sabo and Allen Kohn served as masters of ceremonies, while Jerome Meyer, of Columbus, was the judge for the event.

Historical society to hold last fry of season

The Suring Area Historical Society will be hosting its last brat and burger fry of the season, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Suring Area Library parking lot, 604 Main St., Suring.

Proceeds from the event will support the Suring Museum roof project.

Legion Auxiliary plans luncheon

American Legion Unit 44 Auxiliary will hold its annual fall luncheon at noon Oct. 6 at Old Town Hall Restaurant, 17767 State Highway 32, Townsend.

A broasted chicken dinner will be served, which includes baked potato, vegetables, rye bread, dessert and coffee. The cost will be $15.95, tax included. Guests can arrive earlier for aperitif and socializing in the bar area.

For information, contact Linda Vandenlangenberg at 715-850-1878. An RSVP is not necessary but would be appreciated for a rough count to give to the restaurant.

JA seeks volunteers to teach programs

Junior Achievement can provide ways for people to engage with students in the community and help them get on the path to a successful future.

JA provides supplemental school lessons for kindergarten through 12th grade students and teaches them how to develop the skills to succeed in the workplace, manage their money, and achieve their life goals. Volunteers can choose the lessons they are most interested in teaching. JA will make sure volunteers have everything they need before connecting with local schools to engage and inspire young people. By sharing their personal and professional experiences, JA volunteers can change the lives of local students, and in the process, enrich their own.

“JA is not a one-size fits all volunteer program. We provide a variety of opportunities for face-to-face or online mentoring in schools, offer ways to create engaging career-oriented videos, and train community volunteers to assist at student scholarship competitions on a local and state-wide level,” said Adam Sutter, JA regional director. “No matter how you volunteer, you’ll be helping students connect what they learn in the classroom and their future success in the workplace.”

For information, go to http://wisconsin.ja.org or call the local JA office at 920-336-1444.

Oconto County giving out COVID-19 tests

At-home COVID-19 testing kits will be made available to Oconto County residents for free, while supplies last, from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 6 at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St.

A driver’s license or other form of photo identification is required to confirm residence. There is a limit of four test kits per family.

The test kits are being made available through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Testing Supply Program, a federal program that provides free, at-home tests to rural health clinics. The goal of the program is to provide testing for underserved areas.

Reed Hosking honored by Lena Lions Club

The Lena Lions Club honored Reed Hosking, son of Rachel and Jefferey Hosking, as its September Student of the Month.

Hosking is a senior at Lena High School, where he participates in cross-country, basketball, track, baseball and is the volleyball manager. He is a member of the National Honor Society, L-Club, FFA and student council. His friends describe him as outgoing, creative, ambitious, confident, funny and hard working.

Hosking’s hobbies are drawing, crafting, snowboarding, enjoying lake days, conquering escape rooms, watching movies, and traveling. His community activities include National Night Out, Adopt-a-Family, Toss for Charity, helping with Breakfast on the Farm, and the FFA petting zoo. He also raised money to help support the Oconto Area Humane Society.

Hosking’s work experience includes working at McGuire’s Restaurant, the Wooden Shoe as a prep cook and catering assistant. He has also done assembly work at Unlimited Services.

Hosking plans to further his education in the field of dentistry and will attend college in the future.