Athens 4-H The Athens ….
Athens 4-H
The Athens Acres 4-H met on November 15 at 7 p.m. at the Athens High School music room. Jenny Lipinski called the meeting to order. Pledges were said and roll call was taken with 39 members present. They are currently at 73 members with 23 Cloverbuds. November birthdays were Sierra Berger, Drake Heier and Maverick Heier. The secretary minutes and treasury reports were read by Dailyn Schmitt and approved. Under old business they were able to rake ten yards for Make-A-Difference Day with the National Honor Society. After the meeting 15 blankets were tied for Christmas in July charity. The Athens and Wausau fair checks were handed out. If members did not attend the meeting Jenny Lipinski will send them. New business was discussed. The members made Christmas cards for Forward Insurance after the meeting. They will be using them when they distribute their gifts in the community. A few thank you notes were read from the 4-H alumni for the college care packages sent out in October. The club rules were discussed at the meeting. This included attendance and community service policy. After the December meeting 4-H members will decorate cookies for the Bridge Street Mission. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Athens High School music room. Alex Bingham was the Ha-Ha-Box winner. The meeting was adjourned and blankets were tied and Christmas cards were made in the commons.
Trinity Luteran High School Honor Roll
Trinity Lutheran school has announced its honor roll for the first quarter of 2022. Highest Honors Grade 7: Ben Hartwig and Eli Schaer. High Honors Grade 8: Autumn Diethelm and Kian Ellenbecker Grade 7: Brinly Stencil. Grade 6: Brooklyn Hein and Nick Paul.
Grade 5: Lauryn Hartwig Honors Grade 5: Alex Ellenbecker and Jadyn Rueth Scholarship Deadline
Two $500 scholarships are available to any student with an Athens mailing address planning to attend post secondary education. The scholarship will be awarded immediately and schools will be notified. Awards are based on leadership, activities, community service, personal statement and a recommendation from a teacher.
A short essay should include name, address, date of birth, parents name and contact information, activities and or leadership roles/involvement (school, community, church), post secondary school plans, professional goals and any special considerations along with GPA transcript.
Students must have a 3.0 GPA, Athens mailing address and plans to attend post secondary education. Contact one of the following Athens Lions members for an application: Kelly Sondelski - 715-2972106, ksondelski@gmail.com, 247128 Hwy. S., Athens, 54411; Tami Schreiner-715-218-0329, tmschreiner21@gmail.com, 308 Duenow St., Athens, 54411; Tina Balz-715-218-1348, tinabalz2009@outlook.com, 239289 Corlad Rd., Athens, 54411; or Cheryl Schreiner- 715-573-0451, cherschrein@ gmail.com, 118940 Cty. Rd. A, Athens, 54411
Germany – Trip of a Lifetime
Over 170 years have passed since German-Prussian settlers from the province of Pomerania (now part of Germany and Poland) began settling in communities in Marathon and Lincoln counties. Mostly “Old World” Lutherans, these immigrant-pioneers (mostly lumberjacks and farmers) built churches and schools, and even established villages and towns known today as Athens, Hamburg, Corning, Merrill, and more. They were seeking religious and economic freedom in the United States.
Today, there are many people in and near the communities of Wausau and Merrill.who are descendants of these courageous German ancestors. For some, seeking and experiencing their German ancestral roots has become a “bucketlist” fulfilled.
During this past September, a group of seven individuals from the towns of Athens and Maine toured their ancestral homeland roots in northeast Germany. Jim Yagow, who has ancestral roots in the Uckermark region of Pomerania (northeast Germany), organized and led the tour. Yagow is an experienced tour operator/ manager and guide, specializing in “Old Lutheran” tours to Germany. There were over 33 tour participants-travelers from N.Y., Ill., Wis., Ind., Tenn., Iowa, Nev., and Ariz.
The highlight of the Germany tour included ancestral homeland visits to villages in northeast Germany. Michelle Natzke of Athens said, “We enjoyed the Germany tour and really did see a lot in every city (and village) we were in. It was an amazing tour!”
John Schultz of North Tonawanda, New York said, “… the highlight of the trip was visiting Plowen (in northeast Germany)…I’m positive that if this trip had not been offered, I would have never seen my ancestral home. Now I have, and what a great experience it was for me.” “I enjoyed every bit of Germany” said Kent Phillips of Altamont, Ill.
The Germany trip included guided educational tours of Berlin, Wittenberg (Martin Luther’s home and birthplace of Protestant religions – e.g., Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, etc.), Munich, Dachau Concentration Camp, Oktoberfest, Neuschwanstein Castle, and more. Climaxing the Germany tour for participants was attending the Passion Play performance in Oberammergau.
“I enjoyed looking at the nice scenery, clean and green fields, and the mountains. All the people on the tour were friendly, like a family,” said Ursula Polzin of Effingham, Ill. Ursula was born and raised in Silesia, a historical region that was once a part of Germany and Poland. “I am still trying to take it ALL in - we saw sooo much!!!” said Kelly Braham of North Tonawanda, N.Y.
Jim Yagow has announced that he is planning another Germany tour during September 2024 – especially for people who are interested in exploring their German ancestral roots. If you are interested, send an e-mail to jimyagow@aol.com or call (920) 809-4445.
Stratford High School Honor Roll
Straford High School has announced its Honor Roll for the first quarter of 2022.
High Honors Grade 9: Alaina Bangart, Alexa Krieg, Alyssa Bargender, Amanda Budtke, Brady Berg, Brody Thomer, Brooks Vanderhoof, Calvin Rasmussen, Carley Ehrike, Cody Randow, Colin Cournoyer, Coltan Breit, Dawnyel Martin, Eire Fisher, Emily Zuelke, Gavin Meyer, Gracie Krummel, Hailey Fecker, Hardol Arcos Perez, Hayden Fecker, Isabelle Schill, Jack Remus, Jaeger Ormond, Kaylie McHugh, Lily Dabbert, Lucas Forrest, Lucy Zaleski, Maddie Fischer, Madelyn Stein, Mason Miller, Mason Hollatz, Mathias Kaiser, MyKayla Stueber, Riley Spindler, Robin Serwe, Ryan Christopherson, Seth Ostricki, Sylvia McMeeken, Thomas Bangart, Tria Tubbs and Trygve Aschenbrenner.
Grade 10: Abbigail Lewerenz, Addison Bauman, Aidan Hadlock, Alec Chapel, Andrew Dickinson, Breleigh Skaya, Caleb Wrensch, Cayden Leonhardt, Claire LePointe, Derek Wiese, Drew Bruesewitz, Dylan Lange, Emerson Roy, Emma Roeper, Ethan Heeg, Garrett Zuelke, Gavin Cepress, Jack Tubbs, Jesse Bauer, Jett Schoenherr, Kaden Foster, Kalyn Schueller, Kassedey Downey, Keirstyn Mannigel, Laney Pankratz, Maci Stueber, Maggie Schwabe, Mason Oertel, Matthew Kolb, Mckenzie Novotny, Mila Krimm, Reid Miller, Samantha Miekle, Taylor Gawlikoski, Trenton Cournoyer, Vance Kielman and Walker Weis.
Grade 11: Abbigail Dennee, Addison Grabow, Aliya Manecke, Ashley Hollatz, Ashlyn Solinsky, Ashton Martin, Brady Schmidt, Brandon Drexler, Carissa Weis, Cole Tichy, Dylan Leffel, Gunnar Seehafer, Henry Zaleski, Jarrett Landwehr, Kressa Wenzel, Landon Zawislan, Matthew Folz, Megan Lundeen, Michael Bell, Payton Glenn, Peyton Drexler, Rachel Fischer, Riley Kroening, Sadie Weigel, Sailor Kauffman and Sara Sandberg.
Grade 12: Allison Linder, Annalee Casperson, Ashley Linder, Ashton Wrensch, Ava Weix, Baliey Linzmaier, Benjamin Zuelke, Billie Hoffman, Braeden Schueller, Brayden Weber, Brooke Faber, Brooke Bohman, Chloe Schafer, Conner Weigel, Dawson Rueth, Ella Heidmann, Emma Mielke, Emma Jo Stutten, Evan Danielson, Haliey Homann, Ian Mikelson, Izaiah Hadlock, Jackson Ormond, Jasmine Grell, John Seitz, Kayla Drexler, Kenidi Palmer, Lance Krieg, Lauren Kraus, Lexie Christopherson, Lily Yoder, Logan Schmidt, Mercedes Kramer, Nathan McHugh, Olivia Seitz, Rachel Jennings, Remi Weis, Ryan Scholl, Ryan Becker, Samantha Budtke, Samantha Krugler, Sara Fischer, Sonia Peterson, Sophia Meyer, Sydney Kafka, Tessa Miller, Tessa Berg. Honor Grade 9: Adrianna Hamsing, Aleydi Martinez-Torrez, Austin O’Neil, Derek Williams, Drew Gage, Emilee Gebelein, Gracie Rehm, Jonathon Avin-Melgarejo, Masyn Bredl-Hryndej, Matthew Mueller, Noah Bell, Parker Glenn, Reese Terry and Zander Zawislan.
Grade 10: Alex Trowbridge, Alizabeth Griepentrog, Carter Lueck, Collan Johnson, Cooper Bosmans, Daisy Yoder, Emily Rundle, Emma Syring, Garrett Drexler, Haley Woodford, Jasmine Weiland, Kayla Casperson, Lillyan Kidahl, Lydia Junemann, Scott Robus and Xander Curtice.
Grade 11: Adam Serwe, Alexander Shanks, Braden Bloom, Bradon Gebelein, Brianna Landwehr, Carlie Berens, Gavin Leonhardt, Gavin Zoellick, Jacob Dahlke, Juliana Molina, Klara Homann, Koehler Kilty, Libby Schade, Madelyn Danielson, Makenzie Kuehnhold, Margaret Schmidt, Misty Krug, Nathan Remus, Roman Schmidt and Ryan Brubaker.
Grade 12: Ajinae DeFoe, Alex McHugh, Alexander Mueller, Audrey Dillinger, Benjamin Mullen, Brianna Pentico, Brinley Schmidt, Caylee Van Horn, Cole Strasser, Hunter Mullen, Kash Dahl, Katrina Purvis, Mikayla Whitney, Quentin Fileto-Kuehnhold, Sawyer Grabow, Trista Laroque and Victor Junemann.
Strafor Middle School Honor Roll
Stratford Middle School has announced its honor roll for the first quarter of 2022. High Honors Grade 6: Aaliyah Sanchez, Adrian Heiden, Ameilya Cable, Audrey Kaiser, Brye Shaw, Carter Kawlewski, Charlotte Peirce, Cooper Berg, Cooper Wiesman, Courtney Knetter, Drew Bluhm, Ella Gage, Emelia Sauter, Eva Ostricki, Hank Hernandez, Hudson Ballerstein, Kathryn Cordes, Lauren Sherden, Meg Tichy, Nathan Cavadini, Noah Post, Olive Kauer, Owen Hernandez, Robert Northup, Ryder Stuttgen, Sawyer Esser, Shana Grewe, Sierra Kreft and Tyler Goldbach.
Grade 7: Abigail Schmidt, Alberto Julian Garcia, Alexis Pribnow, Andrew Dennee, Ashton Hollatz, Austin Foster, Brayden Schwantes, Bryce LaPointe, Chloe Stueber, Dante Grammatikopoulos, Declan Fisher, Emma Berens, Henry Heeg, Isaac Tan, Jake Thomer, Jayelynn Shanks, Kaeden Schill, Lillian Kaiser, Liv Knoeck, Madaline Ostricki, Michael Stein, Morgan Linzmaier, Morgan Schmidt, Reese Spindler, Riais Varela, Sawyer Rasmussen, Sophia Delo, Theodore Hiebl and Wynn Schoenherr.
Grade 8: Alexis Wiesman, Amber Drexler, Ava Dehlinger, Avery Skaya, Breleigh Shanks, Brianna Sherden, Camryn Gresham, Carly Pankratz, Carter Trowbridge, Chloe Post, Christopher Stuttgen, Connor Finke, Connor Kreft, Dylan Lewerenz, Dylan Strasser, Emmercyn Schiller, Hayden Polzin, Jaela Jochimsen, Jenna Weigel, John Mews, Joshua Bosmans, Jovanni Verdone, Kolton Haupt, Madelyn Berdan, Mario Verdone, Nathan Cordes, Olivia Ballerstein, Owen Lueck and Tyler Budtke. Honors Grade 6: Addie Gawlikoski, Amelia Lueck, Anika Weber, Austin Bohman, Caden Stueber, Evangeline Landwehr, Ian Gudgeon, Jasmyn McHugh, Kinslee Jochimsen, Kloey Paschel, Kyle Brubaker, Noah Serwe, Peyton Polzin, Trinity Carter and Zachary Brooks Grade 7: Addison Drexler, Blake Roeper, Blake Reuter, Briseida Trejo, Brooke Varsho, Daniel McMeeken, Eliza Hauke, Emma Mews, Haley Frischman, Hilari Machorro-Patricio, Isaiah Sanchez, Jason Weiland, Jayden DeFoe, Joseph Cable, Joshua Robus, Julia Zawislan, Kennedy Hoernke, Matthew Schoenfuss, Megan Marten, Noah Bornbach, Tayshawn Carter, Timothy Cavadiniand and Tyler Lange.
Grade 8: Addisyn Thompson, Carter Foster, Dakota Knetter, Ella Dennee, Garrett Smazal, Gunner Hernandez, Jacob Woodford, Jaden Weis, Kaden Ostricki, Lila Yoder, Lucas Sauter, Madelynn Kroening, Manny Carrion, Montana Mielke, Rhyan Millardand and Savana Kops.
Meeting Minutes
The November 21 meeting of the Marshfield Area Retired Educators’ was called to order by Doreen Schuiltz with 18 members and one guest (Don Hasenohrl) present. Following the pledge to the flag, the treasurer’s report will be placed on file. Be it noted that the annual financial audit was completed by Ruby Pinter and Kathleen Hasenohrl.
Committee reports were discussed Community action: Ruby Pinter volunteered to lead this committee.
Health Issues: Kathleen Hasenohrl reported on recycling needed to maintain good health. Noted was taking your own reusable container for leftovers when dining out.
Legislative Issues: Doreen Schultz suggested members contact Gov. Evers in support of using surplus state money for school finances. She noted the two area failed referendums in Athens and Stratford. Schultz also suggested support for $500 tax deduction for home health care provided by family. Kurt Hanson volunteered to serve as the new legislative committee chairman.
Membership: Trina Tiffany noted that members age 80 with 15 or more years membership, can opt out of paying local dues. State dues must still be paid.
Pension: Carol Subera gave an update of benchmarks of the fund.
Public Relations: Carol Ballerstein had members sign up to send Thanksgiving/ Christmas cards to home bound members. Scholarship: Ruby Pinter thanked members for donations to the scholarship fund. The main source of income is the brat fry.
Volunteer Hours: Members are to continue to record their volunteer hours.Cindee Loos will chair the volunteer committee and the education committee.
WREA Foundation: Dorothy Dietsche circulated the donation box.
Old/New Business: Membership blitz was explained. During American Education Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, area schools will receive a treat from MAREA members with a note explaining who MAREA are and what the mission is.
December Christmas meeting will consist of Mennonite entertainment and sharing information. Members are to bring a gift that will go toward the raffle basket. Ballerstein suggested including a small gift for the food pantry donation. Meeting concluded with the question each attendee answered: Who was your favorite teacher?
Meeting speaker was Linda Adams, Tales of a Tour Guide. Linda compared a tour guides job as similar to a teacher’s lesson plan. She explained Mystery Tours where no one knows the plans including the bus driver. She told of trips to Nebraska, Canada, and a favorite Reindeer Ranch in Illinois. and Branson, Missouri. Adams noted that Branson has moved toward a family focus with water parks, go carts and family entertainment.
Adams is the oldest of 16 children and grew up in the Milan area, worked in Customer Relations at Weather Shield for 13 years, farmed, worked in real estate and concluded her career at Krug Bus where she still leads one day trips.
If interested in MAREA membership, call Carol Ballerstein 715-687-2497.
Aluminum can drive
The Athens public schools athletic department has an aluminum can collection available for people to donate their cans year round at the Heartland Cooperative C Store, located at 900 Pine St. in Athens.
Services for this collection program will be handled by Dale and Tracy Westfall. Proceeds will support athletes’ achievements in public school athletics.
Lions Club meetings
Athens-area residents are welcome to attend the Athens Lions Club’s monthly meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, alternating between Balz Inn and Landmark Bar.
Anyone with questions can call Athens Lions Club member Steve Sondelski at 715-2181496. New members and guests are always welcome at the monthly meetings.
Youth Events - MCPL
Now-December 31: Tween Writing Group (all locations) - now through Dec. 31, young writers between the ages of 8-14 can hone their writing skills by participating in an online tween writing group organized by the Marathon County Public Library. Each month, a new writing prompt will be posted in the group, giving participants new material to think and write about. Registration is required. To register, visit https://bit. ly/3BjghYE. For more info, call 715-261-7220.
December 1-31: Grab & Go Craft for Kids: Snow Globe (all locations) - From Dec. 1-31, the Marathon County Public Library will offer a free Grab & Go kit for kids at all nine of its locations! Each kit will contain supplies for making a crafted paper snow globe in which kids can display a family photo. Kits are free and available while supplies last and can be picked up any time the library is open. For more info, call 715-261-7220.
December 8: Aquarium Anniversary Touch Pool & Activities (MCPL Wausau) - Kids and families can join the Marathon County Public Library in celebrating 10 years of its Phyllis Donner Aquarium with a special event on December 8 from 10-10:30 a.m. at MCPL Wausau, 300 N. First St., Wausau. Kids can hear a variety of aquarium- themed tales and can even touch a starfish. Free. Call 715261-7220 for more info.
Snow Slime! (MCPL Athens) Kids can use items like glitter, foil snowflakes and other ingredients to make fun and gooey “snow” slime on December 8 from 3-6 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Athens Branch, 221 Caroline St. Free, with limited supplies. For more info, call 715-2577292.
Germany Tour - 2022 GroupAthens participants include Al and Michelle Natzke, Bill and Debbie Balz, and Mark and Kaye Schwalenberg. Also attending from the town of Maine (near Merrill) was Judy Mueller.SUBMITTED PHOTO
Nice buckMarathon native Preston Krautkramer harvested this eight-point buck while hunting last Wednesday in rural Athens. Krautkramer currently lives in Middleton.SUBMITTED PHOTO
