Challenge The Outdoors, Inc

 WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.

MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

www.ctoforme.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke

After attending our first Fundraiser Banquet back on January 27th and heading out again to solicit donations and sell raffle tickets for our Sporting Clays Fundraiser on April 13th, I’m constantly impressed by the generosity of the many people, organizations and businesses that support what we do. It’s sometimes difficult to ask for donations from businesses, because they receive so many requests for donations and support. However, more often than not, they see what our mission is and the many opportunities we offer to our members and still find it in their hearts to help out. I can’t thank these people enough for supporting CTO and providing the financial and moral support we need to offer events to our members. Of course, with this generosity comes a responsibility on our end to use these resources responsibly and prove to our donors and supporters that their faith in us is well-founded. Between the great work of our directors and helpful volunteers, we take that responsibility very seriously. The future of our organization depends on upholding that trust and maintaining and developing relationships within and outside CTO. We look forward to continued relationships with our existing partners and building new ones to include communities, community service groups, and others that may also want to utilize Peter’s Pond near Angelica. As we head into 2024, thanks again to the many individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported CTO over the years and enabled it to grow from a small group of dedicated volunteers in 1998 to a larger organization with a variety of events, a growing membership, and a soon-to-be-completed facility that will undoubtedly be one of the finest of its kind in the country. Good luck getting outdoors this spring – we hope to see you at an event soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

SPRING PHEASANT HUNT- Carl Gierke

The hunt will take place Sunday, March 3rd from 9:30AM until about noon at J&H Game Farm, W5810 J&H Road, just West of Navarino. We have arranged for pheasants to be released, dogs and handlers, machine operators, back-up shooters, cleaners and baggers and great food. It’s always a great day to share stories and get to know other CTO members. Each disabled hunter will be allowed two pheasants. If you don’t have your own gun, there will be guns available at J&H for you to use. Shotgun shells, (12 gauge and 20 gauge) will be provided and you will need to wear orange. Each hunter is welcome to bring family members or a friend to assist them, but pheasants are put out only for the disabled CTO members. Lunch is courtesy of CTO and is made by the folks at J&H. Please sign up by Feruary 28th if you are interested in being part of this hunt (920-986-3272).

GAMBLER HOCKEY GAME- Sharon LeFevre/Steve Harvey

The Gambler Game is set-up for March 16, 2024, at the Resch Center in Green Bay. The game starts at 6:05pm, but we ask you to arrive no later than 5:00 - 5:15pm to get your tickets and get to your seat prior to the start of the game. Also, please remember that parking is not next to the building, so allow time to park and get to the lobby. Please call to register for your tickets by March 5, 2024. Call Sharon at 920-615-2356 or Steve at 920-494-3143. Hope to see you all there.

BOARD ELECTION FOR JULY BANQUET-Sharon LeFevre

It's that time of year to let me know if you have an interest in becoming a board member for our great organization. We meet once a month for a meeting and discuss the business of running your group and make decisions for our organization. If you would like more information or are interested, please contact Sharon at 920-615-2356 by March 15th, 2024, so we can get you to a few board meetings before the election in July.

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT / FUNDRAISER – APRIL 13TH - Carl Gierke

Mark your calendar for CTO’s 26th annual Sporting Clays fundraiser, which will be held April 13th at J&H Game Farm near Navarino. This is a great opportunity for you to pitch in and help fund the events you take part in throughout the year and there are many ways you can help. You can collect donations for raffle prizes, sell raffle tickets, spread the word among your friends and family to come out and shoot, hang up posters in your favorite hang-out or watering hole, or help the day of the event. We’ll have raffle tickets available for distribution at the Holiday Party, for those of you attending that event. The Fundraiser Committee consists of Barb and Fred Kaun, Anne Atnip, Debi Delie, and myself. Deb Nighbor, Keith Pamperin, David Paul, and Karen & Bill Baehr serve in supporting roles. Thanks to all of them for their hard work and contributions. The event involves a lot of planning and contacting people, but it’s always a lot of fun. If you’d like to participate in any way, please contact anyone on the committee and let us know how you’d like to help.

BLIZZARD FOOTBALL GAME- Sharon LeFevre/Steve Harvey

The Blizzard Game is set-up for April 26, 2024, at the Resch Center in Green Bay. The game starts at 6:05pm, but we ask that you arrive no later than 5:00 - 5:15pm to get your tickets and get to your seat prior to the start of the game. Also, please remember that parking is not next to the building, so allow time to park and get to the lobby. Please call to register for your tickets by April 15, 2024. Call Sharon at 920-615-2356 or Steve at 920-494-3143. Hope to see you all there.

CHASING RAINBOWS AT WILDERNESS SPRINGS TROUT POND – Carl Gierke

On Saturday, May 11th and Saturday Aug 24th, Chasing Rainbows will be held at Wilderness Springs Trout Farm, which can be reached by going west of New London on HWY 54 and then turn right on Madden Rd. Watch for CTO signs. Please note that the original date of May 18th was changed to May 11th . No fishing license is required and there is no size limit on trout, with a two fish limit. Fishing will start at 9:30 AM. Please bring your fishing poles and secret lures, although CTO will have some fishing equipment available. Lunch, water, cane poles, bait, cleaning and packaging on ice will all be provided. To sign up contact Carl Gierke (920-986-3272).

SPRING TURKEY HUNT- Tom Narmore

CTO is again teaming up with Shadows on the Wolf for a spring turkey hunt for our disabled members. We are able to take ten hunters and the hunt will be May 17th-19th. Lodging for the hunt will be provided at the Christus Memorial Church Camp located just outside of Clintonville. Food will be provided throughout the hunt; however, we will be doing a potluck dinner on Saturday afternoon. The main course will be provided by CTO (further food details to come). Since we are limited on the number of participants, we will be giving first preference to those who have never turkey hunted. Members who have never harvested a turkey will be getting second preference. You have the option of applying for a tag (Zone 3, Period E) before December 10th. However, we recommend that you wait to make sure that you are selected for the hunt and then purchase a tag over the counter sometime towards the end of March 2024. Please keep in mind CTO guidelines for this event apply that if you sign up and don't show up, or don't contact me in a reasonable amount of time with a reasonable excuse, you will not be able to attend this event the following year. If you think you might need help with anything personal, please bring your own helper who is welcome to stay and eat. If you wish to sign up for this event or have any questions, please contact Tom Narmore from January 15th to March 1st, 2024, but you must sign up by March 15st. My phone 920-410-4436, email narmore1988@yahoo.com.

CTO SUNDAY AND THURSDAY SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTS AT J&H GAME FARM - Randy Swille, Steve Harvey & Roger Urmanski

Our Sunday Sporting Clay Shoots for 2024 will be occurring on the following dates. May 19th and June 23rd. These events include the shoot, shells, and lunch. Contact Randy Swille 920-373-8081 if you’re interested. Shoot Of Your Choice will be held Sunday, August 4th. This includes shoot, shells, and buffet meal. Contact Steve Harvey at 920-494-3143. Remember CTO is willing to pay for up to four shoots. Our Thursday shoots will be July 11th, September 12th, and October 3rd and will conclude with a meal. Contact Roger Uramanski at 920-468-8872 if interested in the Thursday shoot. All of these shoots will start at 10AM and end at noon.

SHAWANO LAKE FISHING – Carl Gierke

On Saturday, June 1st, CTO will hold its annual fishing event on Shawano Lake. The event is held at the park in Cecil and no fishing license is needed, as this is the DNR’s free fishing weekend. Boats and baits are provided and CTO will have some fishing equipment available, although you’re welcome to bring your own equipment. We’ll start at 8:30 am and fish until about 11:30 am, when we’ll take a break for lunch. If you’d like, you can go out fishing again after lunch. You’ll need to reserve a spot by calling me (920-986-3272) no later than May 27th, so we know how many people to expect. Hope to see you there!

ROCKER BASEBALL GAME- Sharon LeFevre/Steve Harvey

Here is an opportunity to get out and enjoy a BASEBALL Game in Green Bay at Capital Park on June 25th at 6:30 with other members. You will be in a controlled environment or you can go outside to enjoy seating and fresh air. Enjoy a buffet of food that includes a delicious surprise meal, also all of these choices, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, corn dogs, bratwurst, potato salad, chips, cheese curds, fruit, Mac and cheese, pasta and etc. Also includes three non-alcohol beverages. The food is available from start of the game till the end of the 6th inning. We will meet at the front gate between 5:30 and no later than 6pm to get your tickets and help to your seating area. We have a limited number of seats, so please contact Steve Harvey 920-494-3143 or Sharon LeFevre 920-615-2356 by March 25th so we can reserve your tickets.

2024 LAKE MICHIGAN CHARTER FISHING - Randy Swille

CTO will be offering two boats for Lake Michigan Charter Fishing out of Algoma, Wisconsin on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 26th from 1:00pm to about 6:00pm. We will again be fishing with Captain Lee Haasch. This is open for 12 disabled members. Preference will be given to the two members that were on the waiting list last year and any members that did not go. These charters will be for three members per charter. Please call or email me if you would like to attend or have any questions. The cut off for making decisions for our fishing charters will be April 30th. Randy Swille 920-373-8081 or randyswille@yahoo.com

WOLF RIVER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES- David Paul

CTO would like to make you aware of several easy-access fishing opportunities in the area. Shadows on The Wolf is a non-profit organization that has built 12 piers on the Wolf River that are handicap accessible and provide access free of charge. To find the pier locations, check out their website at shadowsonthewolf.org Once you reach their website, click on projects, then click on the RED SQUARE BUTTON and it will take you to the locations with pictures and directions to drive to these piers.

CTO ONGOING PROGRAMS - CTO has several programs designed to supplement the cost of outdoor activities and encourage disabled members to get out and have some fun. To be eligible for these programs, you must be a member for at least one year (except awards). See the website for further additional information and application forms. Otherwise, please contact the chairperson if you have questions.

These include:

1) Shooting Policy – Designed to encourage participation in shooting sports, allows up to $50.00 per year toward membership in sporting/gun club(s). Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement. Contact – Randy Swille

2) Adaptive Equipment – Supplements the cost of disability-related equipment necessary for a disabled member to take part in a hunting or fishing activity. Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement, which is half the cost of the item up to a maximum of $100 annually. Contact – Randy Swille

3) Field Grants – Supplements the cost of hunting or fishing trips up to a maximum of $200 per year, with a maximum of three in a lifetime. Applications should be submitted two months before the event and receipts for reimbursement are required. Contact – Debi Delie

EVENT RECAPS 1ST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER BANQUET- Sharon LeFevre

On January 27th, 2024, CTO held their first annual fundraiser banquet at Stadium View. We had a great turnout for our first time event. We had help from members to get items for the raffles held and live auctions that took place. It was a successful event and look forward to the next one. Thank you goes out to all our members that bought tickets to attend the event, helped get donations, volunteered at the event or helped in any other way. It was greatly appreciated and noted what you all did. Please keep this event in mind for next year to help spread the word.

HOLIDAY PARTY- Sharon LeFevre

On February 10, 2024, we held our Holiday Party at Willow Creek Lanes in Green Bay. We had a lunch of Pizza and Chicken Strips w/fries. We also enjoyed Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes, Cookies and Cake Pops for dessert. Everyone that attended went home with a t-shirt from Thrivent, who helped sponsor part of this event along with other items that were graciously donated by members. We then had bowling available for two hours. A great time was had by all. We want to thank John Roes and his family for the donation of the cupcakes, cookies and cake pops. Hope to see you all again next year.

WISCONSIN HUNT/FISH EXPO – Carl Gierke Challenge the Outdoors once again had a booth at the Hunting and Fishing Expo, which was held February 23-25 at the Resch Expo in Green Bay. We also staffed an archery range and electronic shooting range for kids and it seemed that many of our folks that helped staff the shooting ranges had more fun than the kids. This is a great opportunity for us to tell people what our organization does, make some contacts regarding potential members, sell a few raffle tickets for our upcoming fundraiser, and we even had a few people offer land for us to use for our hunting events. Thanks to everyone that helped out – everybody did a great job! It was a busy weekend, but a lot of fun too.

CTO BOARD MEETINGS - CTO’S Board of Directors meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5pm, currently alternating between Appleton (American Legion) and Green Bay (Home Instead). If you would like to take part and offer your ideas, help with events, or just find out how things work, you’re welcome to attend. If you have a question for a specific board member, please refer to the list below.