PEOPLE
Senior Card Group
The Senior Citizens card group met on Oct. 17 for weekly card playing at the Athens Area Fire and Ambulance Hall.
Two games of Sheepshead were played. Aaron Totzke won first place and Steve Klockziem came in second in the first game. Tom Ellenbecker won first and Butch Boris came in second in the second game.
Low score was Sally Stubbe. Newcomers are encouraged to come play Sheepshead every Thursday from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Athens fire hall.
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Athens Branch Library. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30-minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature-based activities. Family Story Times will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday in November.
Maple Grove School
The Sept. 8 meeting of the Maple Grove Governance Board was called to order at 5:49 p.m. by president Kelly H. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Roll call was taken, and all board members were present. Minutes of the August meeting were approved.
Public Participation: Pam P brought up some questions on bussing open enrolled students to Athens. Andrea Sheridan is working with Fisher Bus Service, and this year it is working. This will be addressed each year, as it depends on the number of students. There is a question on the open enrollment form if bussing is needed.
Recognition was given by Robin to everyone that helped get the school ready for open house. Kelly S and her husband Bruce were recognized for finishing the prairie with all the grasses and flowers planted. Exterior painting is done thanks to a donation from Maple Grove Foundation Inc. to the Athens School District for this project.
The Playground Plan went to the Athens School Board. It was recommended that the timeline needs to be more accurate and some verbiage in the contract needs to be changed.
Monitoring of the documentation of the grant was to be done on Sept. 11. They met with Robin, teachers Kelly H. and Kelly S. and some community members for any questions that they may have.
Members talked about marketing with a Hype video. Rebecca P will bring a sample and a proposal to the next meeting.
Whole Life Learning was discussed. Goals from last year were reviewed and members talked about where they want to be with them this year. Walk to Read will be implemented. Students will shift and move to different rooms according to their reading levels.
A website audit will be done by Dawn N.
The principal’s report was given by Robin. Teachers went to Mead Wildlife Reserve for an inservice and worked on nature journaling. Ag science is coming to Maple Grove once a month.
The superintendent’s report was given by Andrea Sheridan. School safety will be worked on, and more information will be brought to the next meeting.
The budget was approved. PTO will have dates for the chili cook-off at the next meeting.
Maple Grove Foundation Inc. will be doing a KWIC trip fundraiser and Popcorn Fridays once a month.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
EDGAR
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents and caregivers are invited to the Edgar Branch Library on the first and third Tuesday of November for Family Story Time. Enjoy learning with all of your children through stories, songs and other literature- based activities in this 30minute program. Family Story Times are scheduled from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 and 19.
Needlework Social Hour
Adults are invited to craft and chat at a Needlework Social Hour on Monday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Edgar Branch Library. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, embroidery or mending, everyone is welcome to bring their projects and chat. Maybe you'll learn some tips or tricks or even make new friends. Future sessions are planned for Nov. 25 and Dec. 23. The events are free. Call 715-3523155 for more info.
MARATHON
Rib Falls HCE
The Rib Falls HCE met on Oct. 9 at the home of Debbie Hilmershausen. Halloween-themed refreshments and desserts were served.
Guests at the meeting included Maxine Braunel, Linda Lemmer, Joanne Szitta, Mary Ann Lemmer and Karen Hall. Guests are always welcome.
President Terri Steinke opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Creed I.
Roll Call: What movie or show do you keep watching?
Six members were present. Food For Thought: “Happiness is like jam. You can’t spread a little without getting some on yourself.”
The secretary’s report was given by Gloria Kreager and approved as read. Treasurer’s report was given by Judy Baeseman.
The Marathon County HCE Christmas Party is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wausau. Check back for time.
The group’s next meeting will be Nov. 6 at the home of Gloria Kreager.
The meeting was adjourned with Creed II.
Members sang “Shine on Harvest Moon” and “Edelweiss, Edelweiss.” Games and charades were played, with all receiving prizes.
Legion Auxiliary
President Betty Blume called the Oct. 10 meeting to order. The opening prayer was given by chaplain Julie Cariveau.
The minutes of the September meeting were read by secretary, Kathy Grell and accepted.
The treasurer’s report was read, and a motion to accept the report was passed.
Membership
The unit has 29 members renewed for 2025. Dues for adults for the coming year are $34 and $5.25 for junior members. Members are encouraged to call 317-569-4570 (M-F 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) or complete membership forms online at www.alaforveterans.org.
Juniors
The card decorating scheduled for Oct. 6 was canceled. Watch for this event to be rescheduled.
Thank you notes
Thank you notes were read from Special Olympics Wisconsin, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Chippewa Falls Veteran Home, VA facility at Tomah, and VA facility at Madison. A thank you was also received from a member who had surgery recently.
Last month’s ALA minutes in The Record Review need to be corrected to state the Unit received a donation of carved wooden crosses with flags to be distributed to homebound members and members in nursing homes.
The District 8 meeting was held on Sept. 21.
Department president Becky Mueller talked about her project to identify MIA’s and POW veterans. If you have a family member who is still missing, you can submit DNA to help identify remains.
There was also a presentation on suicide prevention for veterans. The presenter encouraged all individuals to stop and talk with veterans when you meet them. Watch for clothing which will help identify individuals as veterans.
Betty Blume attended the Sept. 28 “ALA in the Know” workshop. There are multiple programs available through the ALA, as well as multiple scholarships available. It was recommended that members learn more so as to maximize participation.
On Oct. 5, eight members attended the stone laying ceremony at The Highground. A stone tile was purchased to commemorate 75 years as an American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Members are still able to submit a letter about the history of the unit for their records. The Highground is in the process of expanding their museum.
New Business
Members are asked to keep track of volunteer hours that benefit veterans and community groups. Hours from the summer stand and Fun Days are being added up from the unit’s records. If you have additional hours from March 1, 2024 to Feb. 28, 2025, tally them up and submit them to Betty Blume the first week of March. The Auxiliary
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has a limited amount of pocket calendars available that can be used to keep track of service hours.
Money collected at Fundays, along with a donation from Star Environmental, will be sent to Project 13. In addition, the Legion will also be sending a donation from their organization.
Chippewa Falls Care Package for Veterans is again collecting funds and supplies to send care packages to active duty military personnel. A motion was made and passed to donate.
Veterans Day is on a Monday this year. However, program date and times are pending. The ALA is sending a note to the schools encouraging students and staff to wear red, white, and blue. Blume has located two books appropriate for elementary schools related to veterans. A motion was passed to donate a set to each of the elementary schools.
The next Honor Flight to be held in October is being sponsored by Marathon Cheese and Ray and Marie Goldbach Foundation.
Holly Days is in December. The unit would like volunteers for a committee to plan possible activities in addition to decorating the tree.
Closing prayer was given by member Joanna Grell.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.
Meet a firefighter
Members of the Marathon City Volunteer Fire Department will drop in to the Marathon Branch Library on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., to read a story, talk about how to stay safe and even lead a tour of a real fire truck. Participants will also listen to a few more stories, sing some songs and make a cute fire truck craft.
Fall Craft Week
Children of all ages are invited to the Marathon City Branch Library to create a variety of fall-themed crafts. Stop by anytime the branch is open Oct. 28 through Nov. 2. The event is free, all supplies will be provided and no registration is required. Call 715-443-2775 for more info.
Class of 1969 reunion
The Marathon High School class of 1969 is holding its 55th reunion on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Marathon City Sports Center, 1200 WI-107, Marathon City. The get-together starts at 3 p.m. with a cover charge for pizza, rental etc. For more information, contact Jayne Seeger (Artus) at 715-675-6288, Kay Brushaber (Kobe) at 715-574-0088 or Linda Scheiderer (Grunenwald) at 715-443-2875.
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to the Marathon City Branch Library every Thursday in October, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., for Family Story Time. For 30 to 45 minutes, library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature- based activities.
STRATFORD
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to the Stratford Branch Library every Wednesday in October, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., for Family Story Time. During this 30-minute program, library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature-based activities.
MARATHON COUNTY
Drug Take Back Day
Multiple law enforcement agencies in Marathon County, including the Edgar and Stratford police departments, will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications at these departments. By safely disposing of medications, our community is preventing drug misuse, protecting our water sources from contamination, and building a safer community.
The Edgar Police Department is located at 224 S 3rd Ave., Edgar, and the Stratford Police Department is located at 265 N 3rd Ave., Stratford.
The process of dropping off your medications is quick and easy. Put pills in a clear, sealable bag. Keep liquids, creams, powders, and inhalers in their original containers. Remove all personal information from empty pill bottles and recycle. Put pills, liquids, creams, and inhalers into the drop box.
