People
A thens Athens Area Trail Assoc.
The Athens Area Trail Association met on Jan. 9, with the meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.
The secretary’s report was read with no additions or corrections.
The treasurer’s report was read with no additions or corrections. Several donors were highlighted in the last month, including Athens Area Credit Union, Nicolet Bank Foundation, Peter and Trina Barbella, Booster Club, Thrivent Financial and the Gobble Wobble.
Under old business, the Candlelight Walk will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27. Set up will start at 2 p.m. with lighting of candles at 5 p.m. A total of 300 candles were bought from Dollar Tree again this year and should be better quality than the ones bought off Amazon last year. The association can use a tax exemption with Dollar Tree in the future.
The shelter heater status at the time of the meeting was unclear. Electrical needs to be added to power the new heater. Signs ordered from Quik Print for $180 will be put around town to replace homemade ones. There is a possibility the association could use its $250 Thrivent card to pay Quik Print for signs and advertisement for the event.
The Boy Scouts are planning to sell hot dogs for the event with Girl Scouts having a free will bake sale. Lana will bring some of the Fun Run supplies to help with the event. Glen placed posters for the event all over town. The event will be updated on Facebook to let participants know about snow conditions.
Skating rink - Lights are up. Will keep plowing as able. Lots of area people using the ice at Erbach this winter.
Gobble Wobble Wrap Up - 63 people attended. An excellent party was held afterward at the Landmark with raffles and 50/50 orchestrated by Cindy Frahm. The money collected was donated to Circle of Joy and AATA.
Winter Grooming - Snowmobile is ready to go after a repair that was required at Bill’s Service for an oil leak. Red groomer still sitting waiting to be modified or scrapped.
Mapping Project - Maps for Odyssey Trail System (OTS) were displayed. Steve has been working with Andy from North Central WI Planning Commision on these. Landmarks such as bridges and winter use only trails were discussed. Steve noted changes to maps and will resubmit to Andy. Another map meeting will be held in the future as this project is nearing completion.
Historical Signs - Points of interest signs were discussed for Erbach such as “Buffalo Patch” and “Broken Dam.” These will be added to the maps.
Trail Head Signs - Athens Area Credit Union is sponsoring one of the new trail head signs at Erbach Park. In total there are three signs to be placed. Discussions were held about adding two additional signs at local locations (Farmers Mill, Athenian, South Athens Park, Erbach Park Main and Corlad Road). Steve will research more funding for these potential additional trailhead markers. The cost is estimated to be approximately $1,200 each. Corlad Road was discussed for a trailhead sign, as there is now two parking spots at the entrance and it would be the main turning point for the future Big Poniatowski Bike Trail being put together by IronBull.
Under new business: 10 years - It’s been 10 years since AATA was first organized. Events and items to commemorate this achievement will be planned.
Easements - Possible easements for trails were discussed. Discussions with landowners will continue.
Odyssey Trail - Along with the 10 year anniversary, the AATA plans to promote and celebrate the Odyssey Trail System in 2024. Steve will reach out to Central Wisconsin Trail runners for a training event in Erbach to promote. Fun Run items branded with AATA and OTS will pursued. More live videos promoting AATA and OTS are planned in the future.
Arbor Day is Friday, April 26. Plans to honor this day are in progress. Athenians would like more trees planted on their property to attract and retain wildlife. The group will work with village and private entities to help add trees to the village inventory.
The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Senior Card Group
The Senior Citizens card group met on Jan. 18 for weekly card playing at the Athens Area Fire and Ambulance Hall.
Two games of Sheepshead were played. Dave Perrodin won first place and Andy Hoef came in second in the first game. Steve Klockziem won first and Butch Boris came in second in the second game. Low score went to Norbert Lake.
Newcomers are encouraged to come play Sheepshead every Thursday from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Athens fire hall.
Board game night
All ages are welcome at a monthly board game night at MCPL Athens (203 Alfred St., Athens). Games will be available to choose from, and participants are welcome to bring in their own games to play. Future sessions are scheduled for Feb. 15, March 21, April 18 and May 16. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. For more information, call 715-257-7292.
Family Story Time
Bring the entire family to story time at the new Alfred Street location of the Athens branch library. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to join library staff for a 30-minute program that includes reading books, singing songs, and other literature-based activities.
The next Story Time will be Monday, Jan. 29, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Christmas light drive
The village of Athens is still accepting donations to purchase 37 snowflake Christmas lights. The manufacturer is offering the lights at a discounted price per light, plus shipping, in January and February. Those interested in contributing can stop at Athens Area Credit Union to complete a donor sheet. Businesses, families and individuals can pool their funds, and smaller donations will also be accepted. All donors will be recognized.
E dgar Reproduction Roadshow
To help Wisconsin dairy farmers get the most current and up-todate research information, the UW Madison Division of Extension Dairy program has developed the “Reproduction Roadshow.” The Edgar Family Restaurant (127590 Opportunity Ln.) will host a Roadshow event on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. Pre-registration by Feb. 12 is required. For more information and to register for the meeting, visit https://go.wisc.edu/repro.
M arathon Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Auxiliary Alois Dreikosen Post, Unit 469, met Jan. 11. President Betty Blume called the meeting to order with six members present.
Opening meeting protocol was followed. Opening prayer was given by Edee Zuleger.
The minutes of the November meeting were read by secretary Kathy Grell.
The treasurer’s report was read by treasurer Edee Zuleger. Camp American Legion received funds
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from the summer stand and Fun Days tip jars.
Under committe reports: Membership: 78 adult members and nine juniors have renewed for the 2024 year.
Membership information is being dispersed to potential new members. If you want to know more about the organization and if you are eligible to join, check Facebook- Alois Dreikosen Unit 469 – American Legion Auxiliary, Marathon, WI or ask a member.
Juniors: The card-making activity was a big success. There was a great turnout, and members made cards for various occasions to send to veterans hospitals and local veterans. Cards were attached to the care packages distributed to local veterans by the American Legion.
Thank yous were read from individuals receiving Christmas cheer.
A thank-you was read from St Mary’s for the flagpole donation A thank-you was read for the donation to Hooah, an organization dedicated to decreasing suicide among veterans.
A thank-you was read from Children’s Miracle Network for the post’s donation.
A thank-you was read from Camp American Legion for the post’s donation.
Department: In 2023, units from around the state and neighboring states purchased 327,725 poppies to be distributed for National Poppy Day held Memorial Day weekend. All the poppies were made by eight veterans. These veterans noted that making poppies helped them redirect their thoughts away from themselves. It helped them to know they were helping other veterans.
The Midwinter Conference will be held Jan. 20 at the LaCrosse Center.
The Wisconsin ALA State Bowling Tournament is being held April 6-7 and 13-14 in Medford. Registration forms are available at amlegionauxwi.org.
Under old business: The Holly Tree was again put up by the Heritage Center, decorated with pictures of veterans and current active military. Over 75 pictures were displayed this year. Auxiliary members will continue to collect pictures for the tree.
Essays have been received for the Americanism Essay contest. They will be read by member volunteers, and winners will be announced at the next meeting.
Registration has been sent in for two girls to attend Badger Girls State.
Melanie Rodreguez will be asked to contact Junior members to designate a Poppy Princess for this coming year.
Closing prayer was given by Edee Zuleger.
The next meeting will be held Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the village hall.
50th anniversary team
During halftime of the Friday, Feb. 16 boys varsity basketball game, the 1974 state tournament team will be recognized. This marks 50 years since this team became the first Marathon Boys Basketball team to qualify for the state tournament. Come join Marathon fans to recognize this special team. (This event was rescheduled from Jan. 12 due to a snowstorm).
Baseball fundraiser
The Marathon Baseball Association and Marathon Athletic Club will be holding its 7th annual winter baseball fundraiser at the Marathon City Sports Center on Jan. 27. The event will run from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Donations for the bucket raffles are always appreciated. Contact Coach Warren at the high school for ticket information.
S tratford Stratford Lions Club
The club held its Jan. 10 meeting at the Stratford Community Hall at 6 p.m. Members enjoyed refreshments and a meal.
The members addressed new and old agendas. Some items of interest that the club has done over the past few months include: The annual Stratford Lion Golf outing at MCC on Sept. 10. It was an enjoyable and successful event.
The club will sponsor two Stratford High School students to this year’s Badger Boys and Badger Girls events held in Eau Claire.
The club donated $1,000 to this year’s United Way campaign.
The club donated $200 to the Stratford Food Pantry.
The club collected locally 202 pairs of old eye wear from drop boxes at Partner’s Bank and the Stratford Library. Thank you for donating your old eye wear.
The club donated $2,150 to local Lion programs, including The Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Leader Dog, District Hearing, Vitamin A project, Journey for Sight, the Lion’s Eye Bank, Pre-K Vision Screening, and the Lions Camp.
The club donated $200 to the Stratford Angel Tree program.
Be sure to check out the Stratford Lions on Facebook.
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents and caregivers are invited to join library staff at the Edgar Branch Library for family story time. The 30-minute program includes stories, songs and other literature-based activities.
Story Times will be Jan. 24 and 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each day.
Play & Learn
Children’s Wisconsin Marshfield Family Resource Center will read books and lead children in a craft about the weather and surroundings on Monday, Jan. 29, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Center staff will also be available to speak with parents and caregivers about parenting and developmental questions and recommend community services that adults might not know about.
Marathon
C
ounty Valentines Family Tea
The Marathon County Historical Society will host its annual Valentines Family Tea on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. Dress your best or come as you are. Activities will include a children’s tea, sweet treats, a Valentine Day craft, and photo fun. Tickets are available at the door, no reservation required.
