Falls Tubing Hill

2/14/2010

The Oconto Falls Lions tubing hill operation at River Island Golf Course has had a good year. Last week’s snow provided great cover for the hill and was a little slow when the gates were open on Saturday. Within a short time the crowd of tubers saw speeds and distances increase. The start of the winter Olympics may have gotten people in the mood for some great family fun. Dressed in pink and showing the proper technique for riding back up the hill were Kaylin Nichels (left) and Haley Rysewyk on the front of the tube. Kaylin hales from near Kelly Lake and Haley comes from Oconto, which shows that the tubing hill can be a great place to meet people and make friends. Haley’s dad commented that he remembered using a toboggan on the hill as a youngster. Today, only tubes are allowed on the hill to preserve the snow conditions and extend the season. The Lions operate the hill from 1 to 4 each Saturday and Sunday when there are good snow conditions. The Lions will also operate the hill for the February 25th Cardboard Classic when Oconto Falls Elementary 5th grade students will take their home made sleds through their paces on the hill.

Falls Lions Induct New Members

2/11/2010

One of the high points of February meeting of the Oconto Falls Lions was the induction of two new members, Doug Novak and James Modtiff, better known as “Mo.” Both are retired and have a connection to the food and hospitality business, which will be called upon on a regular basis with various Lions fund raising activities. Doug is the former owner of the Last Stop Supper Club and was sponsored by Jim Patenaude. Buzz Kamke sponsored Mo, who is an avid golfer. He has quite a reputation for putting out some of the best chicken booyah in the area. Pictured left to right are Jim Patenaude, Doug Novak, Mo Motiff, Club President Taryn Nall, Zone Chairman Jon Makuck, who installed the new members, and Buzz Kamke.
 

Falls Lioness Information Meeting Brings a Crowd

1/28/2010

With well over a dozen people on hand, the Lioness informational meeting held January 28th at the Oconto Falls Community/Senior Center, was filled with energy. They had a great start thinking about organizing a Lioness Club for people in the Oconto Falls and surrounding area. Three individuals with lots of experience with the organization, Lioness Marycarolyn Jagodzinski from Suring (pictured on the right), Lioness Karen Fischer from Marion (pictured on the left), and Lioness Pat Leer from Iola, presented background information, shared their experiences, distributed written materials and answered questions as the group warmed up to the idea of starting a local service organization for women. The point was made repeatedly that this was not just a social organization but one which would provide community service opportunities. It was noted that there would be on-going support from other Lioness Clubs as the local group got organized.

Some of the ideas that came out of the discussion included the sense that once the group was organized, it would not want to meet more than once a month and that Monday nights would be the best meeting night, given all the other activities in the community. The next informational meeting was set for Monday, February 22nd at 7 PM at the Oconto Falls Community/Senior Center. Anyone with an interest in learning more about the organization was encouraged to attend. Those people wanting more information or who wanted to be on the contact list could contact Jim Patenaude at 846-2127 or Taryn Nall at 846-3229.

Falls Lions Supports Humane Society

1/26/2010

With a very attractive black and white feline Martha taking a close look to make sure the checks are properly signed, Oconto Area Humane Society Administrative Assistant and Animal Care Taker Rebecca Benser is pleased to accept a $200 check from the Oconto Falls Lions and a $100 check from the Falls Fun Fest committee. The Lions have been involved with a number of community projects including running a popular food stand at Falls Fun Fest. The Lions also felt a warm spot in their heart for Martha and all her canine and feline friends in appreciation of a number of volunteers who have helped out on Lions projects and who also support that county wide effort to help the animals that are up for adoption. The two groups were proud to help support this very deserving organization and encourage others to stop by and visit the new facility just north of one of the new round-abouts at the intersection of Highway 22 and highway 141 just outside of Oconto. Visitors should be warned that there is a good chance you will fall in love with Martha or one of her friends.

Falls Lions Support Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club

1/18/2010

The Oconto Falls Lions were pleased to support the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club with a donation in the amount of $500 in recognition of the volunteer efforts of Club Secretary/Treasurer Chique Tousey-Tabar. Chique had been very active with the Lions Lambeau Ticket Taking Project, which was greatly appreciated by the Lions. At the presentation ceremony were Lambeau Ticketing Chair Bill Lappen (left), Club Secretary/Treasurer Chique Tousey-Tabar, and Trail Manager Ray Tabar. The Lions wished the club many soft snows and a long season for their work on this great Oconto County recreational treasure.

Falls Lions Make a Splash Down River

1/16/2010

Looking a bit like a lineup of a rogues’ gallery, members of the Oconto Falls Lions and a few friends gather in the locker room in the Oconto Lanes after giving it their all in the Oconto Lions Nine Pin Bowling Tournament held on January 16th. Pictured left to right in the front row are Jim Patenaude, Jon Makuck, Buzz Kamke, and Dave Polashek. In the second row left to right were Kevin Patenaude, Dan Moore, Rueben Radke, Bob Rodich, Al Puerco, and Butch Patenaude. This was one of the biggest contingent represent the Falls in recent years

This tournament has always been a fun event on the tour and the friendly rivalry between the up river and down river communities adds a little spice to the event. Both Lions clubs have bowling tournaments, and even though the Oconto Lions are a little newer at the effort, their tournament had a number of new and exciting features this year. One of the special events was the awarding of the “Catsup Award,” which goes out to an especially saucy performance in the second game of the three game series. Tournament Chair and “Man on the Microphone” Gary Zahn (left in the second picture) shares a little conversation with this year’s recipient Buzz Kamke on the right.

1/14/2010

Lions District 27 B2 District Governor Pat Pflieger added an Oconto Falls Lions hat to his official uniform at the January meeting of the Oconto Falls Lions. Club President Taryn Nall (left) presented Governor Pat (center) the new hat, along with a basket of local goodies in appreciation for his visit and that of his lovely wife and traveling partner Carol (right.)

In his address, Governor Pat wound the crowd up with a couple of jokes about computers before getting into the meat of his message. He shared statistics about the PRIDE campaign, which was a state wide effort to establish a trust fund to help support the Lions camp in Rosholt. He noted that the Lions state office would be moving to camp facilities in the near future. This would be more cost effective but would also connect visitors to the office with the great work that is being done at the camp not only for campers but also for people with vision problems in many other areas both in other states and a number of other countries since the Lions eye glasses recycling center is also located at the camp. Governor Pat shared a number of the heartwarming experiences he has had since assuming the District Governor role at the International Convention in July.

He went on to discuss a number of goals he has for the year. He noted that Lions need to tell the stories of the work they do. This is the key to getting new members. To the Oconto Falls Lions, it was clear that this is a leader who is passionate about his work. Wrapping things up, Governor Pat shared a story of the value of second opinions that struck home with a number of the people in attendance.

The Oconto Falls Lions left the meeting inspired and quite appreciative for the work that Lions do, not only in the local community, in other parts of Wisconsin and throughout the world.

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Last modified: 01/12/09