SEPT, 2012
C h a l l e n g e T h e O u t d o o r s , I n c .
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SERVING THE RECREATIONAL
NEEDS AND DESIRES OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED SPORTSPERSON
Reflections of the President—Steve Lang
When sitting down to write these messages, I never really know what to say. There are so many fragmented thoughts that go through my head about CTO, and about where this organization came from, to where it is heading.
I get many phone calls and emails throughout the year asking for information about CTO. There are also many, many in person discussions and conferences/banquets that several Board of Directors attend on behalf of CTO. Throughout it all, it can be hard to express the warm feelings that come over someone when trying to explain the smiles when helping our members catch their first fish, shoot their first deer, or even see their first baseball game. The one thing I always hear from others outside of our organizations is, “that is so awesome
that there is an organization like yours.” Well, the only reason there is an organization like this is because of the people that support it. These are just some of the people we thanked at our recent Annual Membership Ap- preciation Banquet. But….there are so many others that need to be thanked as well. There are the members on the Board of Directors and their families, the helpers at all our events, the members/volunteers that sell raffle tickets, anybody that spreads the word about CTO, and this is just a small portion of the people that make CTO work.
We all need to remember, if a single part of our CTO organization falters, CTO suffers. This is why our organization needs everyone to do their part to help whenever possible. This not only relieves some stress on some members, but it will make CTO an even stronger organization going forward and allow us to build for the future.
NEW OFFICERS ARE LISTED ON THE LAST PAGE
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J&H GAME FARM ANNUAL YOUTH AND LADIES DAY CTO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MANAGE TROUT POND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012
We need CTO Members to volunteer to help manage the trout pond and clean trout at this event. For quite a few years now, CTO has funded and managed this trout pond to give back to the community and J&H for all the things done to make CTO a prosperous organization. Both able and disabled members are needed to help the ladies and youngsters bait hooks, net fish, clean and package the fish and other- wise help out.
Plan to be at J&H by 8:00 am or if not that early anytime to jump in and help out. It would be nice to 15-20 helpers on hand.
Remember this adage: “If you think it’s fun to catch a fish, just wait until you help someone else catch a fish!”
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Pagels at 920-366-5731 or jcpagels@att.net or Diane Redmann at 715-758-8134 or jhclub@ezwebtech.com (See poster in newsletter.)
WHEELCHAIR WASH AND INSPECTION AUGUST 25, 2012
Free Wheelchair Wash and Inspection. Bring your wheelchair, power chair, or scooter, to Options to Independent Living, 555 Country Club Road, Green Bay (located behind NWTC parking lot
G) Saturday August 25th from 8:00 am to noon for a free wash and Inspection.
Each wheel chair or scooter will be washed and cleaned by Knights of Columbus Council 617 and will go through a basic safety check by Independent Mobility Plus. GT Mobility will have vehicle lifts and adaptations for viewing. Take this opportunity to tour Options to Independent Living Inc. Showcase home and see the latest in Independent Living adaptations. Please RSVP Vicki Lasch 920 8270 ext 113. Questions call Keith Pamperin 920 494 3990.
MUSKY FISHING—SEPTEMBER 7, 2012
Titletown Muskies Inc. and Challenge the Outdoors 2nd annual Green Bay Musky Outing is scheduled for Friday September 7th. Fishing is slated from 7am till 1pm. Please be there early so we can be paired up and ready. We will run out of the Metro Boat Launch / Green Bay Yachting Club. A brat & burger cookout will take place at the Yacht Club at 1pm for all participants. Last year a 41" musky was caught and at least 1 other was battled but got off.
Please contact Tom Gagnon 920-834-5269 to sign up or Email me at tom.ILBCNU@gmail.com. If you get the answering machine I will need your name and a phone number. We expect 15 boats so sign up early those 15 spots could go quickly.
Fall, 2012 Chasing Rainbows Date and Location Finalized September 15, 2012
The Fall version of Chasing Rainbows will be held at the Wings Over Wisconsin Fishing Ponds a few miles east of Green Bay on Highway 29. The event is co-sponsored by Wings Over Wisconsin and Chal- lenge the Outdoors.
The Wings Fishing Pond(s) boasts excellent shore fishing amenities including two fishing piers. The pond we will be fishing in will be stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout about a week before the event and those fish should be quite hungry by Saturday the 15th. There will be a 5 fish per person limit.
The event will start at 8:30 am and runs until 2:00 PM. Lunch will be provided but CTO members are asked to bring a dish to pass. No sign up or pre-registration is required. Here are driving directions: For those of you with a Garmin or other type of dashboard GPS the address is: 5399 Kewaunee Road or 5399 State Trunk Highway, Denmark, WI. Driving from Green Bay head south on I-43 and take the first exit past the 172 interchange. After exiting right, take a left and cross over I-43, you are now on Elm View Road. There is a Shell Gas Station at this exit. Proceed east on Elm View Road till the first stop sign and turn left. You are now on Main Street or County Trunk “R”. Go about ½ mile and turn right on State Highway 29 or otherwise known as Kewaunee Road. Drive east on Highway 29 for 5.4 miles. Turn left at the homemade sign and follow the signs to the fishing pond located about ¼ mile north of Highway 29. Any questions? Contact Cliff Pheifer at 715-412-1707 or email at deb57ncliff55@gmail.com
SPECIAL DEER HUNT OCT. 6-14, 2012
We will be having a Pre-Hunt meeting again this year similar to the past couple years. The meeting will be on Saturday, Oct.6, 2012 at 10:00 am. This is the first day of the hunt. Lunch will be served and we will get you out for the afternoon/evening hunt.
This year’s hunt will once again be head-quartered at the Lessor Town Hall in Landstad. To reach the Town Hall from the South, take Hwy 47 out of Black Creek for about 13 miles to Landstad Rd (Ye Old Plow Shop) and turn right or to the east. If coming from the North take Hwy 47 and head South about 5 miles to Landstad Rd and turn left. The Town Hall is less than a quarter mile and will be on the right side of the road.
If you are reading this and have not yet talked to Pat Nieuwenhuis (920) 687-8707 about signing up to hunt, please do so NOW! The dead-line for contacting Pat is Aug 30, 2010 – No Exceptions Please!! He has to get all the names sent in to the DNR by their dead-line of September 1, 2011.
Starting in early September, we will be once again be needing help with inspection and repairing blinds, setting them out and taking them down after the hunt. Volunteers are also always welcome and needed to assist with the actual hunt. Help is needed with getting some of our hunters in and out of their blinds or possibly even sitting with them once you get there, helping to take aim, tracking the deer, field dressing, dragging, hauling – you get the picture……. We have had great helpers in the past. Remember, we can’t pull this off without you. Please call Rod Barkhaus (715) 758-8217 or Patrick Nieuwenhuis (ab0ve) if you can help in any way. For those of you who would rather stay indoors, Karen Baehr (920-766-9218) and her crew can always use help preparing all the great food they serve us down at the Lessor Town Hall.
If you are willing to help, we’ll sure try to find something for you to do.
LAKE MICHIGAN SALMON AND TROUT FISHING EVENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
By Judy Paluch
On July 6, 2012, Challenge The Outdoors’ disabled members headed out of Algoma and Two Rivers for six hours of fishing on Lake Michigan. Algoma started boarding their six boats at 4:00 a.m., and Two Rivers started boarding their six boats at 4:30 a.m. All the captains and their first mates get together and help with getting our fishing people on to the different boats.
The morning was perfect with temperatures in the 70”s and hardly a breeze. As the day went on we continued to have a perfect day and slowly warming up.
Just as the rods were being set out, we got a strike on one of the rods. The captain grabbed the rod and handed it off to one of our people. This was a nice one on and our guy got a good workout landing it. This is the way it went all morning. Many other boats were also into great fishing. We always share our fish, but this time we all had enough fish to take home.
The sun was beating down and with no wind; it was just getting too hot to fish any more. At 10:00 a.m. we headed back in to shore. After the fish were cleaned and in our coolers on ice, we all headed for a great breakfast at Café Tlazo in Algoma and Two Rivers went to M&M Lunch for their deli- cious breakfast. Between both harbors with 12 boats, we caught 97 fish.
Our biggest Salmon was 38 ½ inches, caught by Bob Lathrop, and our biggest rainbow trout was 34 ½ inches caught by Peter Lathrop.
If you are disabled and would like to find out more information about fishing, hunting, and shooting, with great volunteers to assist you, please contact us for more information.
How do you read this newsletter?
For the January issue of the CTO newsletter, 64 members read the news letter on line, which cost CTO nothing. At the same time, more than 319 members were mailed a hard copy of the newsletter which cost $.78 a copy for a total expense to CTO of more than $300. We are not even sure all of those newsletters are read. CTO publishes a newsletter 6 times per year which results in processing costs exceeding $2,000 annually. This cost does not include the many, many volunteer hours spent copying, collating, sealing and stamping the hard copy newsletters.
Needless to say, the $2,000 annual expense could be money better spent elsewhere in the organiza- tion. If you own a computer and receive a mailed hard copy version of the newsletter, please consider changing to getting your copy via email. We do not want to deprive anyone the opportunity to read the newsletter, but at the same time, it is much easier on both ends to get the newsletter via email.
Just send an email to Jean Chapman, chapjean1@yahoo.com asking that you be placed on the elec- tronic subscription list. We do not sell or give away our list of names, but if that thought bothers you, you can still read the newsletters anytime on line at our WEB site. Still email Jean to let her know you are reading the newsletter on our WEB site and don’t need the hard copy. Every penny saved here can be used elsewhere to help us help others enjoy the Great Outdoors. Thank You!!
April 2012
Highlights of Board of Directors Meetings
· CTO received publicity from the bill signing with Governor Walker that James “Lefty” Luedke and Steve Lang attended at the capitol. It was in the newspapers in Milwaukee and Racine, and on some of the government pages. This new law will make it legal for anyone (disabled or not) to use a crossbow to harvest any rough fish, under the same guidelines as a bow and arrow in Wisconsin.
· Received a $500 donation from Winnebago Conservation Club. They want it to go towards funding the goose hunt in Waupun.
· A total of 30 applications for a memorial scholarship were received and 7 were from disabled stu- dents. The winners chosen were Nathan Delvaux from Hilbert High School & Luke Dobberstein from Wau- paca High School. These $500 scholarships will be awarded at the annual banquet in 2013.
· CTO will award $4000 to Wisconsin Waterfowl Association after June 1st for Phase 2 of the Abrams project.
May 2012
· There was money in the budget, so CTO purchased a new copier from Modern Business Machines. The copier is reconditioned and would normally sell for $1500, but CTO got it for $750.
· The Board agreed to purchase a concrete slab with the wording on it of “Challenge The Outdoors, Inc. in memory of Toby Malchow” for the amount of $300 at Brown County Sportsmen’s Club.
· Cindy Mateer said a coworker at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans nominated her for Employee of the Quarter. She chose Challenge The Outdoors as her favorite charity, so CTO will receive the $500.
June 2012
· The Catching Rainbows and Walleye Hunt fishing events were both fun and successful events. The Shawano Lake Fishery was not as successful because of the windy weather.
· The SailAnyWay organization had their inaugural sailing event and some CTO members partici- pated.
· The Dalton CTO Trap Team received their trophy. This is for the teams first place finish in the C division last year. The trophy will be kept with the other CTO awards. Everybody on the team also received an individual trophy.
July 2012
· The Board of Directors meeting was held at Options For Independent Living, Inc. in Green Bay.
· Received a $500 donation from Newman Olson, Jr.
· Muskie’s Inc. posted last year’s video of Dave Samsa catching his musky, on CTO, Inc. Facebook page.
· Everyone caught fish from CTO in the Lake Michigan salmon & trout fishing event.
2012 CTO Pontoon Boat Season on Shawano Lake
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The CTO Pontoon Boat, the “Challenger” will be put in the water by May 1st, 2012 for the summer season. The location and procedures will be the same as the last two years. (See our WEB site for the Challenger Operations Manual; click on the Fishing Button) The only change will be that the outdoor privy will not be available. (We are trying to save some money for more important uses!)
Once again, Gary Thyes will manage the Challenger including reservations, boat use training and is also available to drive the boat for lake tours if you ask him nicely. Gary can be reached at either 715-584-7700 or email him at garythyes@yahoo.com Reservations will normally be made in half day increments on weekends to give more members a chance to use the Challenger.
CTO ANNUAL “SHOOT TIL YOU DROP” EVENT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM @ J&H GAME FARM
Ahhhh, Yes! It’s time again for the CTO Annual Fall “Shoot ‘Til You Drop” event at J&H Game Farm. CTO will pick up the cost of the clay birds and ammunition for this all day event. You can choose from the traditional sporting clays courses, wobble flurry, skeet, and 5-stand events. You can try to reach each event or just concentrate on one area of expertise.
The noon lunch will feature a fish fry, with fish provided by Steve Redmann and Jeff Pagels. Everyone attending is asked to bring a dish to pass. Chips, beans, potato salad, bread, and of course desserts are al- ways welcome. Volunteers who attend and assist the disabled shooters will also be able to shoot as much as they want.
Pre-sign up is encouraged. If you have questions, or need a suggestion on what to bring, contact event manager, Steve Kettenhoven at 715-250-0077 or email at steve.kettenhoven@gmail.com
Cost Sharing Program for Adaptive Equipment Catching on
We know adaptive equipment can be a bit pricey so our hope, by creating this cost sharing program in December of 2004, was to help our physically challenged members offset that cost and encourage them to purchase their own equipment. Thus creating more independence for them. So far CTO has helped sev- eral members purchase adaptive hunting equipment including crossbows and hand cranks, and an adapted gunstock. For those unfamiliar with our cost sharing program here’s how it works. CTO will help our physically challenged members purchase adaptive hunting or fishing equipment by picking up to ½, but not to exceed $100.00, for the cost of the piece(s) of equipment 1 time per year. For example say Jane purchases a crank for her crossbow and it cost $150.00. CTO would reimburse Jane $75.00. To receive reimbursement for a piece of adaptive equipment you have purchased or to see if a piece of equipment you’re considering purchasing qualifies contact Jean or Harland Chapman (920) 525-1123 or e-mail at chapjean1@yahoo.com. *Note, keep your receipt and get a duplicate copy of the original because we will need a copy for our records. And if you return the item please reimburse CTO. If you are looking for sources of adaptive equipment there are hundreds to choose from so shop around and check our website out for links to sellers and suppliers and as always please show patronage to the many businesses that have been so good to us over the years by giving them your and our business.
ATTENTION
The officers for the 2012-2013 year for CTO will be elected at the Board of Directors meeting on August 21, 2012. They will be on the last page of the newsletter of Sept 2012 when it is put on the website after the meeting.
Below follows a listing of the latest CTO award winners that were announced at the Annual Banquet
CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS
6th ANNUAL AWARDS LISTING 7/1/11 TO 6/31/12
WINNER CATEGORY VALUE
John Kempen Biggest Tom Turkey $50.00
Tom Narmore Biggest White-tail Buck $50.00
Jeff Pagels Highest Skeet Score for 3 rounds. $30.00
Brian Hess Highest Sporting Clays Score for 3 rounds. $30.00
Mike Peters Highest Trap Score for 3 rounds $30.00
Peter Tweedale Longest Bluegill, Sunfish or Rockbass $25.00
NONE Longest Catfish $0.00
Keith Pamperin Longest Crappie, White or Black $25.00
NONE Longest Great Lake Trout/Salmon $0.00
Mark Baehr Longest Inland Trout $25.00
Dave Samsa Longest Musky $25.00
Mary Laehn Longest Northern Pike $25.00
Loney Zarling Longest Perch $25.00
Bob Lathrop Longest Rough Fish $25.00
NONE Longest Small or Large Mouth Bass $0.00
Jim Wieser Longest Walleye $25.00
Ivan Craig Longest White Bass $25.00
NONE Longest Shawano Lk Bass $0.00
Joe England Longest Shawano Lk Blue Gill $10.00
NONE Longest Shawano Lk Crappie $0.00
Todd Weyenberg Longest Shawano Lk Perch $10.00
NONE Longest Shawano Lk Rough Fish $0.00
Longest Zander Pond Trout, Fall $15.00
Don Johnson Longest Zander Pond Trout, Spring $15.00
Steve Lang Biggest Challenge Overcome Outside $75.00
NONE Deepdodo Award of the Year $75.00
Gary Thyse Volunteer of the Year, (Able) $100.00
Peter Lathrop Volunteer of the Year, (Disabled) $100.00
Goose Hunt 2012
By: Steve Lang
The 7th Annual Goose Hunt is being held on Oct. 13-
14. It is too late to get your tags for goose hunting in, but as always, if anyone would like to come by and visit, you are more than welcome. There is also a chance this year to shoot waterfowl (ducks). If you just wanted to have an opportunity to shoot ducks, there is some room available for you also. The hunt is held near Waupun, WI. If you would like more information about visiting, or anything, contact Steve Lang at steve71099@yahoo.com or (920) 948 4847.
We would also like to thank the WINNABEGO CONSERVATION CLUB for becoming a major sponsor of this great event. THANKS!!!!!
REMINDER
Please check for a date on the mailing label of this newsletter. This date indicates when your dues are to be paid. Just complete the form on the last page and return with your payment.
Also—if you have a change of address and/or phone number please let us know. This will as-
CTO MEMBERSHIP & AWARDS BANQUET
At the banquet on July 28, 2012 at the River Rail in Shiocton there were 147 members and guests present. The most important part of the program was honoring those generous people who help make possible all of the CTO events. The landowners, donors and the volunteers that help with the events. Remember to thank them when you get the chance. Also the awards were presented to the members for the Awards Program (see the results on Page 8).
At the membership meeting preceding the banquet we had the election of our directors.
Three Year Term
Jean Chapman Peter Lathrop Cindy Mateer Cliff Pheifer Dave Samsa
One Year Term
Calvin Rightig
PLEASE COME!!
Our Challenge the Outdoors, Inc Board of Directors meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We welcome your presence and input.
Sept18, 2012 Muehl Public Library
Seymour, WI, 7:00 p.m.
Oct 16, 2012 Muehl Public Library
Seymour, WI 7:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend one of our meetings call (920) 525-1123 for a possible change in location.
NEW MEMBERS JULY—AUGUST 2012
JOHN A JOHNSON
JIM HOKANSON
THOMAS PIENTA
DAN/TAMMY KRITZ—LIFE
JOHN MARTINEZ
VICKI LASCH
GARY PAHOLKE