AROUND THE COMMUNITY: ‘War of the Worlds’ coming to Oconto

The Machickanee Players will perform “War of the Worlds” Feb. 10-12 and Feb. 17-19 at the Park Avenue Playhouse, 408 Park Ave., Oconto.

Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. start time for Sunday matinees. Dinner will be served for the Saturday shows at 6 p.m., and pie will be served at the Sunday shows. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Tickets are $17 for general admission, $30 for dinner included and $23 for dessert included. Tickets are available at themachickaneeplayers.org or at Oconto Floral, 220 Main St., Oconto.

The play is a special adaptation written by Kyle Patrick, based on H.G. Wells’ classic novel “The War of the Worlds” and inspired by the 1938 radio drama by Orson Welles. On an otherwise unremarkable night in 1965, small-town radio station WHGW plans to perform what is meant to be a fairly standard production of “War of the Worlds” over the airwaves, but as the night goes on and the production is repeatedly derailed by odd occurrences, the crew of WHGW begin to realize this night holds far more in store than a simple evening’s entertainment.

The hybrid stage play and radio drama features a large cast of both on-stage and special recorded performances.

Turkey bowling event in Riverview next month

The Town of Riverview Fire Department will host “turkey bowling” on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Town of Riverview ice rink and enclosed pavilion, 15471 State Highway 32, halfway between Mountain and Lakewood.

Registration starts at 11 a.m., with bowling from 12-4 p.m. The cost is $25 per team, with food and beverages available for purchase on site.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a frozen turkey or chicken is used instead of a bowling ball.

“You play for a score, but it’s just a fun, family-oriented day at the firehouse,” said Fire Chief Barry Butrymowicz.

Instead of bowling shoes, Butrymowicz recommends wearing warm boots.

“Dress for the weather, and bring ice cleats if you have them so you don’t slip on the ice,” he said.

Riverview has organized a turkey bowling event for over a decade and uses the proceeds to purchase equipment for the fire department, like a thermal imaging camera, turn-out gear and carbon dioxide meters.

For information, call 715-850-0364.

Trail friends receive 2 grants for improvements

Shawano County Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail received two grants at the end of 2022 that will allow the group to continue improvement projects along the 53-mile stretch of trail in the county.

FMBT received a $4,000 grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation.

“The money received will be used exclusively for a welcome area on the Brown County/Shawano County line of the Mountain-Bay Trail,” said Doreen Dudek, of Shawano, FMBT president .

FMBT also received a $3,000 grant from the Pat and Ruth Crawford Family Fund for message boards and kiosks along the trail.

FMBT has been working to increase awareness of the trail and improve it for hikers and bikers through new and better signage, kiosks and events. FMBT started as a Leadership Shawano County class project to maintain and promote the trail for healthy activities.

For details, to volunteer or to view future events, visit FMBT’s website at www.friendsofmountainbaytrailshawano.com or visit their Facebook page.

Relay for Life to hold launch event Feb. 6

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Shawano-Menominee will hold a launch party at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Shawano County Library, 128 S. Sawyer St., Shawano.

Visitors can learn more about the Shawano-Menominee Relay For Life, how to get involved, and what’s new for 2023. Participants can register for the event, sign up to help, grab luminaria forms and more. Team captains, team members, and participants are welcome.

For information or to register, go to www.relayforlife.org/shawano-menomineewi.

Library grant to help create new Teen Zone

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation has announced its second $20,000 grant to Lakes Country Public Library in Lakewood.

The latest grant will be used to establish and furnish a new Teen Zone. This grant, along with a previous one that funded a designated children’s librarian, is from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership of the foundation, a funding collaborative that includes funds from the U.S. Venture Open Fund for Basic Needs, the J.J. Keller Foundation, and other community donors.

Those wanting to contribute to the new Teen Zone or the Building Fund may drop off donations at the library or send them to Lakewood Library, 15235 State Hwy 32, Box 220, Lakewood, WI 54138. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.

Lena Lions Club takes in new club member

Becky Turecek was sworn in as a new Lena Lions member at the club’s November meeting.

Turecek was born and raised in Lena. She is a 1990 graduate of Lena High School. Turecek received a bachelor’s degree in retail management with a business minor in 1994 from University of Wisconsin-Stout. Turecek works in sales at Imperial Supplies LLC in Green Bay.

Turecek is an active and faithful member of the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church. She plays piano for services and fills in playing piano at the New Life Church in Crivitz.