Jan. 11

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, 2012

13

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

LIFESTYLE Polar Bear Plunge nets $34,140 ___________

BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR

___________

ST. GERMAIN — Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch 101 plungers take their turns and dive into the icy water of Big St. Germain Lake this past Saturday.

The 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge raised an event-record $34,140 this year to benefit the Angel On My Shoulder cancer support program, thanks to the plungers, the WRJO PledgeA-Thon, raffles and sales.

Over the past 12 years, 1,276 plungers have contributed to raising more than $279,000 for Angel On My Shoulder.

Spectators and plungers arrived early for this year’s event, which took place on 10 inches of ice on the north shore of Big St. Germain Lake in front of Fibber’s Bar & Restaurant. The air temperature was 26 degrees, although it felt much colder on the lake.

First-time spectators were astounded by the sheer number of cars, trucks and snowmobiles lining Big St. Germain Drive for the event.

“Our goal this year was to get over the $33,000 mark that was raised the previous year, and the crowd went crazy when we announced the totals,” said Mike Wolf of WRJO 94.5-FM. “In this economy, it’s so heartwarming to see that the people of this area are still willing to wholeheartedly support such a worthwhile cause.”

The WRJO radio team of Wolf and Amy Linnet raised $10,617 in pledges during

WTC exceeds goal; clothing program serves 560 children The Warm The Children (WTC) program exceeded its 2011 fundraising goal and served a record 560 children with clothing for the winter season.

Sponsored by the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News, the Warm The Children program saw a surge in end-of-year donations, bringing the 2011 total to $62,368.

Program organizers said a spaghetti dinner fundraiser sponsored by Friendship House Family Restaurant in Eagle River, a large donation from Pamida Foundation and many last-minute donations — large

and small — brought in an additional $8,580.

“We are especially grateful to Dash and the Friendship House staff for hosting this dinner,” said News-Review Publisher Kurt Krueger. “It raised almost $920; we are grateful to folks who came out on a cold winter evening to participate.”

WTC coordinator Sharina Adams was excited about topping the $62,000 mark and helping so many area parents and children receive warm winter clothing. The 2011 fundraising goal was $55,000.

“A record number of children To WTC, Pg. 15

Benefit dinner to mark first anniversary of shelter Participants decked out in a myriad of attire jumped into the frigid water of Big St. Gerthe 30-hour radio Pledge-AThon held prior to the plunge.

Emmy Fink with “Discover Wisconsin” raised the largest amount of pledges this year by an individual with $5,165, followed by veteran plunger Russ “Moses” Huizinga, who raised $3,030.

The Schoeneck family team raised $2,425 and played a major role in organizing and contributing to this year’s event.

The plungers were required to collect a minimum of $35 in pledges and

main Lake Saturday at the Polar Bear Plunge.

--Staff Photos By ANTHONY DREW

sign a waiver in order to participate. Each received a T-shirt and a commemorative wrist bracelet.

Standby ambulances

were provided by the Plum Lake ambulance crew, while the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department kept traffic in check.

To mark the first anniversary of the opening of Frederick Place, Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing Inc. (NATH) will host a benefit dinner Saturday, Feb. 4, at Holiday Acres Resort, located at 4060 S. Shore Drive in Rhinelander.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and a buffet dinner will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. The benefit dinner will help raise funds to operate the homeless shelter and will include live music, door prizes and raffles.

Frederick Place offers emergency shelter for families and individuals from Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Langlade and Lincoln Counties.

The annual operating costs for the shelter are $205,000.

These costs include 24-hour

staff salaries, case management, food, utilities, supplies, insurance, equipment and maintenance.

Since opening Jan. 31, 2011, Frederick Place has provided 3,600 nights of emergency shelter for 102 men, women and children. The 16 beds at Frederick Place are currently full, but openings occur regularly as residents find employment and affordable housing.

Ticket prices are $40 each or $75 for a couple. Space is limited, so it is recommended to purchase tickets early.

Tickets are available at Trig’s, Forth Floral, Coffee Beans Café and Frederick Place. Trig’s in Eagle River also will have tickets.

For more information, contact Tammy Modic, executive director, at (715) 369-9777.

Hospital sets blood drive Jan. 13

Plungers trembled as they emerged frrom the lake after taking a dive for Angel On My Shoulder.

Reflections

By Mary Friedel-Hunt

A pair of participants felt the chill of January water in Wisconsin as they made contact with Big St. Germain Lake.

Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital will host a blood drive Friday, Jan. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Medical Arts building, located at 150 Hospital Road in Eagle River.

Hospital staff, volunteers, visitors, neighbors and community members are welcome to participate.

“All of the blood used at Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital comes from the Community Blood Center,” said Jan Hadsell of the blood center.

“Donating at a hospital blood drive really reinforces why blood donation is important — so that hospital patients can receive the blood transfusions they need. I encourage you to make your

donation appointment today,” said Hadsell.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and have photo identification.

Donors should eat a regular meal and drink fluids prior to donating.

Walk-in donors are welcome, but scheduling an appointment keeps the total time required for a donation to less than an hour, according to blood drive coordinators.

Donation appointments may be made by calling Christine at (715) 479-0230 or the blood center at 1-(800) 280-4102 or visit save3lives.org.

Six contestants chosen News-Review, YMCA begin sixth fitness challenge ___________

Where’s the snow?

I looked at the weather predictions and saw that, with the exception of a brief snow shower expected next week, there is no snow in the forecast here until midJanuary. I grew up in Chicago and I don’t think I remember a December, let alone a January, without snow and freezing temperatures. But this year, we have had three tiny snowfalls here in southwestern Wisconsin. People are out raking leaves they never got to, walking around in light jackets and even T-shirts as the temperatures soar into the lower 50s. The kids who got scooters for Christmas are thrilled as they test them out in front of our house.

Those who ski, snowshoe, ice skate and ice fish must be quite frustrated. More than their frustration is the frustration and fear of those who own the ski resorts and sell equipment for winter sports. And what is the fallout of a snowless winter in terms of a drought this coming spring and summer? What about crops?

Now don’t get me wrong. I hate shoveling snow. I dread driving on icy roads. So this snowless winter (to date) suits me just fine — or does it? It seems to be playing with my brain. My entire psyche does not know To FRIEDEL-HUNT, Pg. 15

BY MARIANNE ASHTON LIFESTYLE EDITOR

___________

The Vilas County NewsReview, in partnership with the YMCA of the Northwoods in Eagle River, is ready to launch its sixth fitness challenge.

The 12-week program, modeled after the TV show “The Biggest Loser,” is focused on helping contestants develop a healthy lifestyle with better nutrition and exercise habits.

A panel from the NewsReview and the YMCA looked over the applications and selected six contestants for the 2012 challenge.

They are: John Schuh, Tabitha Avery, Rochelle Frank, Bobbie Hall, Margaret Rainer and Michele Jacobson.

John Schuh of Phelps said he would like to be able to fit into the clothes in his closet To FITNESS, Pg. 15

Contestants in the 2012 fitness challenge are, from left, John Schuh, Tabitha Avery, Rochelle Frank,

Bobbie Hall, Margaret Rainer and Michele Jacobson.

--Staff Photo By MADELINE MATHISEN

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, 2012

15

LIFESTYLE

Fitness

Pines alumni cast vision for multiclass reunion

FROM PAGE 13 — “lots of them.” His goals are to learn how to eat healthy and to lose weight so he can run and play with his grandchildren and get off his medications.

Tabitha Avery of Eagle River said she would like to lose weight and learn how to keep it off. “I am a single mom to a wonderful son and, by getting myself in shape and losing weight, I hope to be around for a long time for my son,” she said.

Rochelle Frank of Eagle River said that her goals for this challenge are to change her life. “I want to become a healthier, happier me,” she stated. She said there are a lot of health issues in her family.

“This is for me, my family, friends and all the people out there who need a helpful hand to kick start their new healthier life!” she exclaimed.

Bobbie Hall of Eagle River said she has already lost 57 pounds and wants to exercise regularly and learn about nutrition to make weight loss a lifelong change. “My husband and two sons have been a great support in my weightloss journey,” she said. “I am a cancer survivor of five years and studies show that weight loss and exercise reduce the risk of getting cancer again.”

Margaret Rainer of Three Lakes said she has struggled with weight loss for most of her life. She is married, has two sons and is now a grandmother. “I want to be healthier,” said Rainer. “I am a breast cancer survivor and I know being overweight increases your risk.” She stated that she is not very active and wants to make a lifestyle change.

Michele Jacobson of Eagle River said, “My goals are to learn a lifestyle change which incorporates fitness and healthy eating habits.”

Her intention is to begin a change that she will continue and sustain for life. She is the mother of three sons and stated that her youngest son is her mentor as he has transformed his body through his dedication to fitness.

“I have spent the years raising my children and putting their needs first. Now is my time,” she concluded.

YMCA of the Northwoods program director Julia John said, “I am inspired by the motivation of this year’s contestants. They are here for the right reasons, to learn how to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The contestants will work with a team consisting of Julie LaCrosse, a registered dietitian, lead personal trainer Kevin Schweer, who is a former champion body-builder, and Matt Huebner, a former college and professional football player.

John also will help train the contestants as well as generally oversee the 12 weeks.

She has a degree in physical education and is a group fitness instructor.

A group of Eagle River/ Northland Pines High School (NPHS) alumni have set a goal to bring high school friends together in person.

Planning and organization is now in progress for a multiclass reunion. The dates under consideration are Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11.

“The best kind of social networking is still done face-toface,” said reunion volunteer Pete Rondello Sr. Facebook has brought many high school friends back together, including Jim Mulleady Jr., Susan Wilsie Govier and Karla Siemering Bryant, all from the NPHS Class of 1978. The trio hopes to create a real-life

Church to host Adam and Eve comedy performance Jan. 18 After recently holding a food drive, Peoples State Bank of Eagle River donated $1,197 to the Vilas Food Pantry in Eagle River. Taking part in the check presentation were, from left, Vice Presi-

dent Mortgage Banker Val Dreger, food pantry President Donna Martens and bank site manager Amy Young.

--Staff Photo By ANTHONY DREW

Food pantry challenge surpasses goal Peoples State Bank offered a community challenge for the third year this past holiday season and offered matching funds.

During the month of December, the community was asked to drop off nonperishable food donations or monetary donations at any Peoples’ location and the bank would match up to $5,000.

Through the generosity of

the community, the match was met and, in total, $13,383 was donated along with more than 30 bags of groceries.

Donations made in a community stayed in that community.

Food pantry recipients included Vilas Food Pantry in Eagle River, Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and Lakeland Food Pantry in Arbor Vitae, and donations collected in the

greater Wausau area went to the Marathon County Hunger Coalition.

Peoples State Bank is a community-owned bank celebrating its 50th year in business. The bank contributes financial, in-kind and volunteer assistance to hundreds of organizations where the company conducts its business.

The bank has a network of eight offices throughout central and northern Wisconsin.

Comedy in the form of a Mark Twain play, “The Diaries of Adam and Eve,” will take over the sanctuary space Wednesday, Jan. 18, at First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Eagle River.

The comic play will be presented following a church supper. Those who wish just to see the play should expect a 6 p.m. curtain.

Vickie Brown and Bernie Hupperts will play Eve and Adam respectively as they awaken in the Garden of Eden, discover the snake and move out of the garden.

Carmen Domek will provide

sound-effect piano music during the production.

“The comedy in this play is driven by the fact that Adam cannot stand Eve’s constant interruptions and her clever way of taking charge. They begin to sound like a married couple,” said Hupperts.

Admission to the performance will be free, however, a freewill offering will be taken to cover costs. Remaining donations will help support the church’s music program.

The supper cost will be $4.

To attend the Wednesday evening supper, contact the church at (715) 479-8501.

WTC: volunteer shoppers vital FROM PAGE 13

the following communities:

were served this year and I am anticipating even more next year with the challenging local economy,” said Adams.

“Area parents are very aware of this much-needed program and will be watching for signup forms. I am grateful that, thanks to people in the caring community in which we live, we will be able to start the 2012 program next October.”

The program also had a record number of volunteer shoppers this year according to Adams. “I am so thankful to these wonderful people who so willingly gave of their time. A huge thank-you must also be given to the staff at both Pamida and Glik’s,” said Adams.“I heard many compliments about how helpful they were. And a special thank-you to Vilas County Social Services, for the program would not run as smoothly without their help.”

In addition to those wishing to remain anonymous, recent donors include residents in

Eagle River Mark and Rebecca Deditz, Eagle Electric Inc., Robert Krieger, Michael C. Mettler, Northland Pines six-graders, Pamida Foundation, Bruce and Sharon Scott, and Dr. Fred and Karen Young.

Land O’Lakes Headwaters State Bank.

Friedel-Hunt: what season it is. I take a walk and it feels like early spring or even late fall. The grass is still green. At least it is not growing. I don’t see anyone mowing. But the calendar says it is January 2012. So where’s the snow?

The Old Farmers’ Almanac predicts that Madison will have exactly what it has had so far this month: above average temperatures (though it does not mention 50 degrees), snow showers, sunny and mild. I don’t see anything threatening ahead in this weather bible and it indicates that the snowiest periods will be in mid-December (but that was clearly wrong), late February and early March. I remember when Bill and I were RVers spending winters in Florida. It felt weird to have no snow for two winters of my life after growing up in Chicago and then living in Ouray, Colo., at 8,500 feet above sea level. Believe me, we got snow up there.

I guess if push comes to

homecoming event that will bring old friends together.

A Facebook page titled “You Know You’re From Eagle River, WI If . . .” was started in 2011 by 1983 NPHS graduate Roy Charles Nance, and has more than 560 members.

The organizing alumni have a Facebook Event page for their multiclass reunion, which currently shows 111 persons scheduled to attend.

Former NPHS students and their significant others as well as NPHS faculty and staff, former and present, will be welcome at the event.

For more information or to volunteer, e-mail the committee at nphsreunion@gmail.com.

FROM PAGE 13

shove, I am truly enjoying this reprieve. It has saved me the money I now must spend having the snow removed from my driveway and walks. Probably a lot of car accidents have been avoided. I do, however, miss the silent beauty that comes with a lovely snowfall.

Winters are a time to hunker down, curl up by a fire with a good book and a cup of cocoa.

An interior time. But today I look outside to see those folks in light jackets walking their dogs, riding bikes, and one neighbor raking his leaves.

I might jinx this whole situation by challenging the weather gods. Maybe writing this column will result in a blizzard. And then I will be sorry I ever spoke up. Or will I? Mary Friedel-Hunt, MA LCWS, is a freelance writer and psychotherapist in the Madison area. She can be reached at mfriedelhunt@charter.net or P.O. Box 1036, Spring Green, WI 53588.

Stoughton; and Edna A. Newbury, West Bend.

Other states Robert Karow, Pompano Beach, Fla.; and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sapko, Palos Heights, Ill.

Other Wisconsin cities Kelli Heindel, Appleton; Rick and Linda Lane,

JANUARY15-21

Thank you on behalf of all of the children you warmed this winter.

Because of your generosity, the Vilas County News-Review’s

WARM

THE

CHILDREN*

Providing New Winter Clothing For Needy Children

was able to buy warm winter clothing for

560 CHILDREN

In Vilas County and the Three Lakes and Sugar Camp areas of Oneida County

*With 501(c)3 status thru the Eagle River Rotary Club Foundation

A SINCERE THANK-YOU TO ALL DONORS! Thanks to you, we reached our 2011 goal!

We are grateful for your generosity, Sharina Adams and Kurt Krueger WTC Coordinators

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEER SHOPPERS ARBOR VITAE Ann Marie Zersen CONOVER Barb Benson EAGLE RIVER Marie Andersen Marianne Ashton Marge Bacic Jean Bergenthal Jenny Bolte Kristy & Rick Bozic Deb Buss

Patti Cerv Marcy Chuckel Mary Church Bill Donner Janon Furlong Darlene Goldschmidt Bill Henderson Carol Hendricks Paula Hendrickson Marcia Heyer Kathy Holtorp Sue Ingham

Mickey Jensen Karen Landvatter Marlys Lee Janice Lyons Madeline Mathisen Lynne Nimmer Lesli Ostrowski Theresa Poole Sharon Rogers Pat Sand LaVerne Sandblom Nancy Schuller & team

Sheri Shoberg Jan Tidmarsh Pam Zaugg LAC DU FLAMBEAU Deanna LaBarge & team MINOCQUA Catherine Bechwith PHELPS Sharina Adams Deb Elverson Barb Larson Lisa Volkmann

LAND O’ LAKES Nicole Olk ST. GERMAIN Cheryl Gilbert Rita & Alfred Kelnhofer SAYNER Nancy Moser Karen Reed SUGAR CAMP Terri St. Catherine THREE LAKES Anita Fritz

LaNora Kleerup Jackie Kuehn Pat Lindberg Joan Meeder Barb Perkins Sue Storms WATERSMEET, MICH. Dee Dee McGeshick Melissa McGeshick Peggy Tuttle Deanie Wolbrink

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING for their special contributions…

• Glik’s • Pamida of Eagle River • Vilas County Social Services VILAS COUNTY

EAGLE RIVER WISCONSIN 54521 (715) 479-4421

NEWS-REVIEW SERVING THE NORTH WOODS FOR 126 YEARS

SUPPORT WARM THE CHILDREN