WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.
SEPTEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER
www.ctoforme.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke Many of you attended CTO’s Awards/Recognition Banquet on July 21st at Stadium View in Green Bay. It was a fun night and everyone that was involved in the planning and execution of the event did a great job. As always, the focus of the evening is to say thank you to everyone that contributes to making CTO a great organization that offers so many recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities. We thanked many people and organizations for their contributions of manpower, land to hunt, finances and countless other donations – the support is so appreciated by so many.
We always make it a point at the banquet to thank the many event coordinators that run the fishing, hunting and other events throughout the year. However, there are a lot of board members and others working behind the scenes that contribute to the success of CTO in big ways and these folks deserve a big pat on the back as well. For example, Barb Kaun, our secretary, does a wonderful job handling the many responsibilities of that position. James Nooyen, our bookkeeper/treasurer has been a huge help handling the organization’s finances and James and his brother Steve have generously donated to CTO in many ways, including providing office space at Home Instead in Green Bay. Jim Adamovich has spent countless hours over the years selling raffle tickets for our sporting clays fundraiser, Fred Kaun handles our membership, Tammy McFaul Kritz has handled scholarships and is our sunshine lady, Pat Nieuwenhuis oversees our field grant and adaptive equipment programs, Keith Pamperin handles our insurance and David Paul does a great job producing this newsletter and supervising the use of the CTO pontoon boat.
Also, Sharon LeFevre handles our website and facebook communications, Steve Harvey is our photographer, Gary VandenHeuvel has helped run a Whitetails Unlimited banquet for many years that generates a sizeable donation to CTO, Keith Hartjes and Brian Hess helped customize our new cargo trailer and Deb Pfeifer, Chris Savka and Karen and Bill Baehr help on our always-fabulous food committee. In addition, there are always countless acts of kindness occurring within CTO, such as Randy and Darwin Swille giving rides to members that are unable to drive to events, Bill Mayville has pitched in for years with so many things including the deer hunt and Shawano Lake fishing events and Tom Narmore has coordinated CTO’s turkey hunt.
The bottom line is there are a lot of generous people in CTO that donate a lot of time and energy, but these are just a few examples of the unselfish effort these and other folks put in to make our organization function and our events happen. It takes special people to volunteer and handle jobs like these when the reward isn’t a paycheck, but in knowing that you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life and maybe put a smile on their face, often someone you don’t even know. I thank everyone that contributes to making CTO what it is and If you’re the beneficiary of a smile or two, please thank them for all they do, too!
2019 AWARDS/RECOGNITION BANQUET RECAP – Carl Gierke Our Annual Banquet was held July 21st at Stadium View in Green Bay and, as always, we had a good turnout. This was our first banquet at Stadium View and the food and service were great! The banquet committee consisting of Deb Pfeifer, Barb and Fred Kaun, Karen Baehr, Sharon LeFevre and Steve Harvey did a fantastic job of coordinating the event, which consisted of a business meeting, election of directors, awards, scholarships, and 50/50 and bucket raffles. It’s a lot to pack into one night, but they made it look easy.
After the business meeting, Steve Harvey was elected to the board of directors and recognition was given to the many people that made our many events throughout the year possible. There were a lot of people to thank within and outside CTO - their combined efforts and generosity are truly appreciated! Awards were then presented to individuals that harvested big fish or other critters and awards were also presented to outstanding volunteers. This year’s winners were our secretary Barb Kaun for Able-Bodied Volunteer of the Year and Tammy McFaul Kritz for Disabled Volunteer of the Year. Todd Weyenberg said a prayer prior to dinner and everyone dug in to some wonderful food. After dinner, drawings were made for the 50/50 raffle (which was won by Tammy McFaul Kritz and donated back) and many, nice bucket raffle prizes.
Thanks again to everyone involved in the planning of the banquet and to those that donated prizes and helped that evening. The event went well and we expect to be back at Stadium View again next year. Hope to see you there!
TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME RECAP – Carl Gierke On Saturday, August 10th, 43 CTO members and guests got together to watch the Timber Rattlers take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. Prior to the game, everyone was treated to supper, which consisted of brats, burgers, side dishes and a ton of yummy desserts. It was a beautiful night to watch baseball, unfortunately the Timber Rattlers weren’t as spectacular as the weather, losing 8-0. There were fireworks after the game and kids got to run the bases, which is always a hoot to watch. It seemed a good time was had by all as attendees had a nice, relaxing night of eating, socializing and watching baseball. We plan on doing it all over again next year.
CHASING RAINBOWS RECAP- Deb Pheifer We had a great day and the weather was gorgeous for the second Chasing Rainbows on August 17th, 2019 at Wilderness Springs near Northport! We had 53 people in attendance and everyone got to take home a couple of fat Rainbow trout. Mike and Kathy Foster donated the cost to clean and put the fish on ice. After fishing we had a great pot-luck lunch – thanks to everyone that brought food and helped with the event!
SECOND MEMORIAL FAMILY FISHING EVENT RECAP - Tammy Kritz On Saturday, August 3rd, the Second Memorial Family Fishing Event was held once again at Menominee Park and Zoo in Oshkosh. The pavilion on Lake Winnebago entertained 32 attendees with a pot-luck dinner, music and door prizes. A friend from Oshkosh took members out on his pontoon boat for fishing and relaxing boat rides. A wonderful time was had by all sharing stories and reflecting on the photos of members who have passed.
NEWSLETTER WILL NOW BE SENT BY EMAIL- David Paul Starting with the January newsletter, we will no longer be mailing the newsletter to you unless you don’t have an email account. It is important for you to call, text or email David Paul and give him your email address. His number is 920-740-2775 and email is 1957dcp@gmail.com.
MEMBERSHIP EXPIRED? You are responsible for keeping your membership up to date.
EVENT COMMITTEE- Steve Harvey We would like to hear from members, volunteers, or whoever has an idea about new possible events or positive comments on how to improve any existing events. If any person has a concern or suggestion about an event, please contact the committee either by phone or email and it will stay confidential. The committee will discuss and try to problem solve and concerns will be brought to the board, if needed. There is always room for improvement so all events can be enjoyed by all. Thank You for your input to help make a great organization event better. Chairperson-Steve Harvey (920-494-3143) spharleyman@aol.com , Keith Hartjes (920-540-3416) keith.hartjes76@sbcglobal.net Randy Swille (920-373-8081) randyswille@yahoo.com
OCTOBER SPECIAL DISABLED DEER HUNT—Pat Nieuwenhuis This year’s hunt will take place October 5th-13th, although the main CTO hunt is focused on the first two days. Hunters are allowed to hunt after that with landowner permission if they have a mentor. We will be having a pre-hunt meeting again this year on Saturday Oct. 5th at 10am to assign hunting locations and review safety rules and regulations. Lunch will be served beginning at 9am and we will get you out for the afternoon/evening hunt. This year’s hunt will once again be headquartered at the Lessor Town Hall on Landstad Road south of Bonduel. To reach the Town Hall from the south, take Hwy 47 out of Black Creek for about 13 miles until you reach Landstad Road (Ye Old Plow Shop) and turn right or to the east. If coming from the north, take Hwy 47 and head south from Bonduel about 5 miles to Landstad Road and turn left. The Town Hall is less than a quarter mile and will be on the right side of the road. Volunteers are also always welcomed and needed to assist with the actual hunt. We have had great helpers in the past. Remember we can’t pull this off without you. Please call Pat Nieuwenhuis at 920- 687-8707 if you can help with the hunt. If you have been selected this year, or unsure if you’ve been selected, and have not received a phone call from David Paul by October 2nd, please call him at 920-740-2775.
SENIOR SAFARI AT NAVARINO NATURE CENTER – Tammy Kritz CTO is sponsoring a trip for members on Wednesday, October 16th at 11AM at the Navarino Nature Center located at W5646 Lindsten Road, north of Navarino. The event consists of a handicapped-accessible, wagon-ride tour of the wildlife area, which last about 1-2 hours. NNC leases a 40-acre portion of land within the 15,000 acre Navarino Wildlife Area and the NNC property includes a picnic area and shelter and an all-season, handicapped-accessible education building. Check out NNC’s website (www.navarino.org) to get more information and reserve a spot if you’re interested, or give them a call (715-758-6999).
END OF SUMMER OUTING AT OUTAGAMIE CONSERVATION CLUB – Deb Pheifer Enjoy trap shooting, pistol range, archery, catch & release fishing, card playing, great food and fellowship on Saturday September 14th, starting at 10 AM, with no end time set. Address is N3502 Mayflower Road, Hortonville. We will have trap shooting and OCC has a few shotguns that will be available to borrow if you do not have a shotgun. Bring your own shells, or purchase 12 or 20 gauge shells from OCC for $7 a box. CTO will pick up the cost of one box of shells. There will be plenty of time and instruction if needed, so we hope some of our members who have wanted to try trap shooting will take advantage of this great opportunity. Show off some of your adaptive shooting equipment or give instructions to a new shooter. The pistol range will also be available. Bring your own pistol and ammunition. Targets will be supplied or bring your own if you wish. Archery shooting will be available and OCC has a crossbow or two to loan out and we will have at least one of our crossbows available as well. Bring your favorite rod and tackle for fishing at the stocked pond that will be catch and release only, unless the fish is deep hooked and won’t survive. CTO will provide live bait and you may bring your own as well. The pond is stocked with trout, panfish and largemouth bass. The terrain is very flat around the pond and the entire OCC grounds, so getting around will be fairly easy, but you may want to bring a power scooter as the activities are spread out. A handicapped accessible Porta-Potty is on sight. As for food, CTO will be providing the main meat dish and all those attending are asked to please bring a dish to pass. The comfortable clubhouse will be used for serving the meal and a cash bar will be available. CTO will be providing water only. We will also have some cards available for anyone interested. OCC is a great place to enjoy many different activities and for our members to get a chance to learn a new skill or two. You can check out OCC’s website at: http://www.wiocc.com
YOUTH AND LADIES DAY - SEPTEMBER 7TH - Keith Hartjes J&H will be hosting its Annual Youth & Ladies Day of Outdoor Instruction on Saturday, September 7th. Registration will be from 9AM – 3PM and activities will run until 4PM. This is a free event for all ladies and all kids up to age 18. Activities will include shotgun, 22 and BB gun shooting stations, archery, fly casting, and the trout fishing will again be sponsored by Challenge the Outdoors. There will be displays by the DNR, Al Meier’s Taxidermy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Ladies Group. Food is also furnished along with a door prize for each participant. For more information about the activities, or if you wish to make any donations, please contact Diane at J&H at 715-758-8134 or e-mail at jhclub@tds.net. CTO is always looking for helpers at the Trout Pond. If you would like to help the youth and ladies catch fish or join those who clean the trout after they are caught, please contact Keith Hartjes at 920-540-3416. Helping out and watching the smiles on the faces of kids catching fish is a lot of fun – you won’t be disappointed!
SHOOT TIL YOU DROP - Jim Adamovich CTO will hold this event on Tuesday, September 10th from 8am until 4pm at J&H Game Farm located off HWY 156 just west of Navarino. Disabled shooters and volunteers assisting disabled shooters can choose from sporting clays, wobble flurry, skeet and 5-stand shooting. CTO picks up the cost of the targets and ammunition for this day-long event. Food will be made by J&H, however participants are asked to bring a dish to pass for lunch. Call Jim Adamovich to sign up at 920-722-2090.
PHEASANT HUNT OPPORTUNITY- Keith Pamperin Challenge the Outdoors has been invited by Taking Wing Stewardship to have five disabled hunters participate in a mentored pheasant hunt at Triple J Hunt Club, Brillion WI. on Saturday, September 21 starting at 8:00 am. This mentored hunt is for youth and persons with disabilities. There are no licenses required for this hunt. Please contact Keith Pamperin at kjpamperin@aol.com or call 920-494-3990 if you are interested.
FALL PHEASANT HUNT - Jim Adamovich The hunt will take place Sunday, October 27th, starting at 8 AM at J&H Game Farm, W5810 J&H Road, just west of Navarino off HWY 156. CTO will coordinate placing of pheasants, dogs and handlers, ATV operators, back-up shooters, cleaners and baggers. 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 Game Farm for you to use. Shotgun shells, (12 gauge and 20 gauge), have been donated by Darlene Forster in memory of Paul Forster. For safety reasons, orange clothing is required to be worn. 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. Food will be provided by J&H. Please sign up by October 20th if you’d like to be part of this hunt. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Adamovich E-mail: jimrita0208@yahoo.com or 920-722-2090.
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION- Sharon LeFevre
*CTO’s Website address: www.ctoforme.org
*Facebook is: CTO - Challenge The Outdoors (this is a public group). Please note that you need to access this Facebook group page through Facebook and search for our name.
*Facebook group page for CTO is https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengetheoutdoors/
If you have questions regarding any of the above, you can contact Sharon at 920-615-2356 or www.bookmom53@gmail.com
FREE- RECLINING LIFT CHAIR- Mark Baehr
I have a Burgundy colored reclining lift chair in very good condition! This was a chair that was given to us, but we are unable to use it, so it needs a new home. If you are in need of one, please contact me at: (920) 766-9218
NEW MEMBERS - Please welcome the following new members to CTO, David Hillsberg, Diane Moreau-Stodola, Carolynn Quaintance, Wesley Quaintance, Oscar & Sharon Schield, Kathy & Jonathon Welsch and Keith & Lynn Wiedow.
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. 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 members to participate 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