Challenge The Outdoors, Inc

 WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.

May 2022 NEWSLETTER

www.ctoforme.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke It’s looking like 2022 is going to be a very busy year for CTO and its members and volunteers. In the past few months we’ve had our spring pheasant hunt, archery shoot, annual Sporting Clays Shoot Fundraiser, Green Bay Gamblers hockey and Blizzard indoor football games and volunteers have assisted with Whitetails Unlimited and other banquets that help fund our events – and we’re just getting warmed up! With the weather improving, several events are planned for the near future, so take a look at the event calendar in this newsletter and see if there is anything you’d like to participate in or assist with as a volunteer. We’ve had some wonderful new members and volunteers attend recent events, some of which brought spouses and/or children along, so it’s always fun to add new, smiling faces to the CTO family. Our new “Peter’s Pond” facility near Angelica is coming along nicely with the building expected to be completed in the next couple months. Some of the other property issues like access roads, a well, gas supply, etc. are being dealt with in spite of all the rain and construction crews are making great progress. As most of you have noticed, prices of construction materials and many other things have increased over the past year or so, creating questions about budgets and which projects will take priority at Angelica. As we’ve already mentioned in previous newsletters, Steve and Kristi Nooyen have been more than generous in funding the project and we thank them again for all their help. However, our ability to manage the property or make additions down the road may depend on obtaining additional funding and recruiting other financial partners, so we need to continue to work hard at fundraising. With the brunt of Covid hopefully behind us, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to getting outside this year and enjoying the outdoors, seeing old CTO friends again and maybe making some new friends. If you plan on attending an upcoming event, please make sure you contact the event coordinator to ensure a spot and help them plan for the event. Hopefully we’ll see you soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES DONATED BEAR HUNT – Carl Gierke CTO has been offered a bear tag and hunt for this fall in Taylor County (Zone A), near Medford. The hunt would begin on or about September 14th of this year and hounds would be used. The guide has a trailer available for use during your stay, otherwise there are several hotels available in the Medford area. Any disabled hunter will be considered, although preference will be given to a disabled youth or disabled veteran. An adult would need to have a Class A or B disability permit issued by Wisconsin DNR. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this hunt, please contact me as soon as possible, but no later than August 1st so we can put you on the list for consideration. If more than one hunter is interested, a drawing will be held.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION TIME - Sharon LeFevre

It’s time again for the annual elections to the Board of Directors. We have three members up for re-election this year as follows: Steve Harvey, Carl Gierke and James Nooyen. We are also looking for new directors to join us. If this is something you are interested in, please call or text me at 920-615-2356 or email me at bookmom53@gmail.com by the 5th of May so we can talk and get your bio. All directors have a three-year term.

SHAWANO LAKE FISHING – Carl Gierke On Saturday June 4th, CTO will hold its annual fishing event on Shawano Lake, beginning at 8am. 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 8am and fish until about 11am 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 30th so we know how many people to expect. Hope to see you there!

SHAWANO LAKE & PONTOON BOAT 2022 David Paul As I am typing this, I am gazing over open water filled with ducks, geese, swans, loons and a lake waiting for boating enthusiasts. The water level that caused so many issues last year has been temporarily resolved for this coming year and we shouldn’t have the challenges of getting wheelchairs on the boat. Yes, our pontoon boat is setup with a ramp so wheelchairs can safely board the pontoon. The docks have been installed at the Cecil Village Boat Launch and I will have the boat in the water around May 4th, weather permitting. We are keeping our pontoon boat on Shawano Lake in Cecil (southeast corner of the lake). The boat will be located at slip #7 this year and each slip is marked with a number. Our pontoon boat has been equipped with a fish finder and a trolling motor as of last year. The boat is available to any CTO member to use from roughly May 4th through mid-September. All you need to do is call David Paul, (920-740-2775) to reserve the boat for a half or full day. You’ll need to bring your own fishing equipment.

CTO Pontoon Boat Guidelines: Failure to follow these guidelines may terminate your use of the pontoon up to one year from date of infraction per CTO Policy.

A) Keys and signup sheet are at the BP gas station located at HWY 117 &22 in Cecil. Report any issues or damage immediately to David.

B) First time users are REQUIRED to receive training on operation of the pontoon and the lake topography.

C) You must follow the Wisconsin DNR boating regulations and you are responsible for knowing these regulations. Failure to do so can lead to legal ramifications that you are solely responsible for.

D) Prior to leaving dock: 1) Make sure you have at least one working cell phone with you on the boat that gets adequate reception. 2) Retrieve personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) from storage and make sure one is accessible for each person. Individuals under the age of 13 are required to wear them. Make sure one throwable flotation device is accessible in case of emergency. 3) Tilt motor down into water, but not hitting bottom. Tilt down further when in deeper water. 4) Turn on running lights in dark or foggy conditions. 5) Make sure you have untied the pontoon from the dock. Leave the chains used to keep the boat tied up at the dock.

E) When returning to dock. 1) Remove any garbage, worms, fishing gear, food, etc. from the boat. 2) Bimini Top (canopy) should be lowered and please reattach the cover to the Bimini unless it is wet. 3) Make sure all running lights are off. 4) Make sure pontoon boat is secured at all points to the dock and close and latch all doors. 5) Return life jackets and other equipment to storage area it came from. 6) Return keys to BP gas station and call or text David Paul when you are done for the day. 920-740-2775 7) There is no need to refill the gas tank.

2022 SPORTING CLAY SHOOTS AT J&H - Randy Swille, Steve Harvey, Roger Urmanski This year we are offering Sporting Clay Shoots during six different months. CTO will cover the cost for you to participate in four of them. We are having three Sunday shoots and three Tuesday shoots and all will be held at J&H Game Farm near Navarino. Note that the shoot on August 21st will be a Shoot Your Choice event where you have the choice of shooting several courses. Dates of the shoots are: Sunday, May 15th 9:00-11:00 am. Sunday, June 26th 9:00-11:00 am Sunday, August 21st 9:00-1100 am (Shoot of Your Choice) Tuesday, Sept. 13th 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday, Oct. 11th 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday, Nov. 8th 9:00-11:00 am For Sunday shoots you can contact for info and sign up: Randy Swille. 920-373-8081 or Steve Harvey 920-494-3143 For Tuesday shoots you can contact for info and sign up: Roger Urmanski 920-468-8872 REMINDER We will be starting our J&H Sporting Clay shoots on Sunday, May 15th at 9:00 am. Please call me if you will join us. I will need to let Diane at J&H know as to how many participants we will have. Thank you and hope to see you there,

CHASING RAINBOWS AT WILDERNESS SPRINGS TROUT POND - Deb Pheifer On Saturday, June 18th and Saturday Aug 27th, 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. 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 for this event contact Debbie Pheifer at (715) 412-4162 or e-mail at: deb57ncliff55@gmail.com

MENOMINEE PARK & ZOO ANNUAL FISHING PICNIC On Saturday, August 6th, from 11AM until 3 PM we will be hosting a picnic at the Kiwanis Large Shelter, (Northside of park). Lunch will be served at Noon. Attendees can go fishing on the east shore of Lake Winnebago, use the playground, and also enjoy the free 8-acre zoo that houses over 50 animals. For an extra fee you can take a train ride that goes through the park, or rent kayaks, aqua-bikes and canoes at Menominee Park, 520 Pratt Trail in Oshkosh, 54901. There is a marathon occurring in the park that day until about 11AM, so you may run into traffic, but the picnic will be held. Please contact Barb Kaun (920- 720-9689) by August 3rd to inform her how many you’ll have attending, so we can plan accordingly.

WRPCO DEER HUNTING OPPORTUNITY- David Paul Wisconsin River Power Company (WRPCO) is offering a gun deer hunt for disabled hunters again this fall. I am passing this on to our members to consider this opportunity as an alternative to the CTO deer hunt that we sponsor. It is important to note that you may NOT participate in the CTO HUNT and THIS HUNT. You must CHOOSE one or the other. The CTO Deer Hunt sign up does not start until July 1st and ends at the end of August. Signing up for this hunt, (WRPCO) is your responsibility as I am just passing this information on to our members. Dear Partners, WRPCO has begun the planning phases and is proud to host its annual three-day deer hunt for hunters with disabilities, this October 2022. The corporate leadership team continues to support this special event and currently we are in a good place with regard to the COVID-19 Pandemic and associated restrictions/recommendations. The WRPCO hunt takes place in our Petenwell Wildlife Area located on the Wisconsin River between the Petenwell and Castle Rock hydroelectric project reservoirs near Necedah in Central Wisconsin. This year the hunt is planned for October 7th, 8th, & 9th. Interested hunters with a Wisconsin Class A, B, C or D disability permit affiliated with your organization are welcome and encouraged to apply (click on application link below) on our website wisconsinriverpower.com. Applications (link) Thank you in advance and kindest regards, WRPCO Hunt Committee

WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME – Carl Gierke On Saturday, August 13th, we will get together at Fox Cities Stadium, 2400 N. Casaloma Dr. in Appleton for our annual Timber Rattlers game. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the southwest corner of the stadium at 4:45 when tickets will be distributed. Gates open at 5:00 and dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 and the game will start at 6:35. Admission includes your game ticket and an all-you-caneat dinner (brats and burgers), along with two beverages. This event is open to all members with tickets and dinner are courtesy of CTO, however the $5 parking fee is your responsibility. Guests are welcome, but will be responsible for buying their own tickets. After the game, kids can run the bases and there will also be fireworks. There is limited space, so please reserve your tickets ASAP by contacting me by phone (920-986-3272) or e-mail cgierke1@outlook.com

LEARN TO HUNT PHEASANTS – Keith Pamperin Taking Wing Stewardship and Triple J Hunt Club have again invited up to five disabled members of Challenge the Outdoors to take part in their annual Learn to Hunt Pheasants to be held Saturday, September 24, beginning at 8 am at Triple J Wing and Clay, 2687 Man Cal Rd Brillion WI. This Learn to Hunt is for persons that have not had the opportunity to previously hunt pheasants. No license is required. If you do not have a shotgun for hunting pheasants, please say that when you submit your application. Qualified members need to send their full name, and address, WDNR customer number, date of birth, hunter’s phone, and email along with a deposit of $10.00 made out to Taking Wing Stewardship. If under 18 years of age, the hunter’s parent or guardian must provide written consent, with phone and email. There is no cost to take part in this Learn to Hunt, the deposit is to hold your place and will be returned to you if you take part. Please send $10.00 deposit made payable to Taking Wing Stewardship to Keith A. Pamperin, 1499 Rockdale Street, Green Bay, WI. 54304, by August 1st, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Keith at kjpamperin@aol.com or by phone at 920 639 9275.

LEARN TO HUNT WATERFOWL- Keith Pamperin The Green Bay Duck Hunters Association has invited up to four disabled Challenge the Outdoors members (or non-disabled youth) to take part in their Learn to Hunt Waterfowl on Friday September 16th and Saturday September 17th. This Learn to Hunt is for persons that have not hunted waterfowl for the past five years. On Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm there will be a mandatory orientation and safety training at Brown County Sportsman’s Club, 1711 W Deerfield Ave, Green Bay. Pizza will be served. At this time, you will meet your mentor, discuss clothing and gear required to get you to your hunting location, and decide the location to meet predawn the following morning. If you do not have a shotgun for hunting waterfowl, please state that when you submit your application. Qualified members need to send their full name and address, WDNR customer number, date of birth, hunter’s phone, and email along with a deposit of $10.00 made out to Green Bay Duck Hunters Association. Hunters 16 years of age and older need to carry a signed Federal Waterfowl Stamp. If the hunter is under 18 years of age, the hunter’s parent or guardian must provide written consent, with phone and email. There is no cost to take part in this Learn to Hunt, the $10.00 deposit is to hold your place and will be returned to you if you take part. Please send $10.00 deposit made payable to Green Bay Duck Hunters Association to Keith A. Pamperin, 1499 Rockdale Street, Green Bay, WI. 54304, by August 1st, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Keith at kjpamperin@aol.com or by phone at 920-639- 9275.

LAND NEEDED FOR THE DEER HUNT - David Paul If you know of any land that we could enroll in the deer hunt from October 1st- 9th, please contact me. The land doesn’t need to be in or near the traditional area we have hunted in the past so think of a family member or family friend who might consider putting their land in our program. I can answer most questions you might have regarding this. Contact -David Paul (920-740-2775)

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET 2022- Sharon LeFevre Our annual membership banquet is fast approaching. It is scheduled for Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Stadium View Bar, in Green Bay, WI. Please watch your mail in the next few weeks for all the details. Also, if there is anyone that would like to help with the event that day, please let me know as we need about 10 volunteers. If you have any questions or can help, please call me at 920-615-2356 or email at bookmom53@gmail.com

EVENT RECAPS

SPORTING CLAYS FUNDRAISER – Carl Gierke On Saturday April 2nd, CTO hosted its 24th Annual Sporting Clays / Fundraiser at J&H Game Farm near Navarino. This shoot is CTO’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps fund the many events we offer to our members. Even though the days before and after the event were beautiful, we had a cloudy day on Saturday with light rain. However, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of workers and shooters, as we had 300 shooters attend and everything went smoothly. Attendees had a chance to get in on bucket raffles, Lewis class prizes, free food, and the general raffle that included major prizes of $500 cash, several guns, and a Lake Michigan fishing trip. Almost all of the raffle prizes were donated by generous business owners and individuals and we thank you so much for your kindness and willingness to support CTO and its members. Many thanks to everyone that pitched in to make the shoot a great success. Whether you helped sell raffle tickets, collected or donated prizes or food, worked at one of the many stations the day of the event, set up or cleaned up, came to shoot, or helped advertise the shoot – it was a successful team effort that you played an important role in. Special thanks go out to Barb and Fred Kaun, who managed much of the planning and paperwork for the fundraiser and to Chris Savka, who oversaw the purchase and preparation of the food. That first bratwurst of the spring is always tasty and it seemed that no one went away hungry. Also, a big thank you to Diane, Steve, Joanne and everyone at J&H for doing their usual great job helping with the event. We’re planning on doing it all again next year on April 1st 2023, so put it on your social calendar and pray for good weather. If you have any ideas on improving our fundraiser or have items in mind to donate for next year, please let me or the other fundraiser committee members (Barb, Fred, Chris) know. Thanks again for all your help!

WHITETAILS BANQUET- Randy Swille On February 26th, CTO members assisted Whitetails Unlimited at the Black Creek / Seymour banquet. We have been doing this for several years now. Gary VandenHeuvel and Randy Swille along with Jay Newton were presented with a check for over $3,000.00 for our assistance with their banquet and their generosity to our non-profit organization. I would like to thank Romy’s of Black Creek and all the volunteers from CTO and Whitetails Unlimited for making this possible.

GREEN BAY BLIZZARD GAME- Steve Harvey and Sharon LeFevre On Sunday, April 24th we had our Blizzard football game with 30 members in attendance. We had a very exciting first half as the Blizzard scored 34 points and went on to win the game with a score of 34-25. It was a great time with food for all and great conversation with all members in attendance.

NON-EVENT INFORMATION CTO Volunteers- Randy Swille Sharon LeFevre, Steve Harvey and myself would like to thank all of the volunteers and helpers this year for your assistance and your continued help. I would like to make a point of thanking all of our banquet helpers. We are becoming experts as to how to run a sporting banquet. Our next banquet isn’t until November, so enjoy your rest. Thanks again everyone and good health.

FOR SALE: If you’re interested in any of the following, please contact Tom Schmit (920-595-0045) who lives in the Seymour area. * Handicapped-accessible 2001 Chevy Z71 4X4 Pickup Truck. Hand-operated braking and acceleration with wheelchair lift and storage in rear of cab. Electronically controlled passenger seat swings out for access. 152,000 miles. Asking $2,000. * Action Track Chair: Three years old with approximately six hours run time. Includes trailer-hitch mounted carrier. $10,000 (firm). * Stand-up Wheelchair – Free

ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS! - Barb Kaun In the past, Challenge the Outdoors, Inc. has been the recipient of your Thrivent Choice Dollars. Thrivent will pay up to $300,000 in online processing fees per calendar year for personal donations made through Thrivent's online giving platform. Visit the following link: https://service.thrivent.com/apps/ThriventChoiceMemberWeb/public/organizationSearchResults or call 1-800-847- 4836 to get personal assistance in donating your Choice dollars to benefit our current programs and help in future projects. Please consider CTO as the recipient of those donations.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION/CANCELLATION POLICY (implemented JUNE 2011) An event chairperson(s) may bar a CTO member for one (1) year from participating in the same event, if the member signs up for an event and fails to attend the event without giving prior notice given to the event chairperson(s) that she/he will not be attending. There shall be exceptions given for sickness, injury, equipment failure, or a death. The event chairperson(s) will have final authority to say if a one (1) year ban from the following year’s event is warranted depending on the circumstances surrounding the absence and impact on the event. This policy was implemented because occasionally, people unable to attend events did not notify CTO or event chairpersons, causing spaces to go unfilled. Please notify the chairperson as far in advance as possible if you can’t attend an event you’ve signed up for. We just want to ensure that as many people as possible can attend events. Thanks!

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 – Jim Adamovich

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 – Pat Nieuwenhuis.

3) Field Grants – Supplements the cost of guided or otherwise expensive 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 – Pat Nieuwenhuis

NEW MEMBERS – Please welcome the following new members to CTO: Bob & Robin Elfe

NEWSLETTER - David Paul The Challenge the Outdoors Newsletter is published every two months at the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November. Questions, please contact David Paul at dcp7576@gmail.com