Challenge The Outdoors, Inc

 WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.

SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

www.ctoforme.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke

Other than the batch of mosquitos that recently hatched and are exceptionally hungry, this summer has certainly been a lot nicer than last summer, although I guess it wouldn’t take much to beat last summer. It’s been a lot of fun seeing folks again at the events we’ve held so far and we’re just getting into CTO’s busy season. Check out the events calendar at the end of the newsletter and I’m sure you’ll see there are plenty of opportunities to get out and have some fun before the snow flies again. (Sorry I mentioned that four-letter word). We recently got some great news – Steve Nooyen has signed a contract with RJM Construction in Black Creek to begin construction of the CTO clubhouse on property he donated near Angelica. Things are still in the very early stages, but the wheels are turning. The selection of subcontractors will begin soon and Steve has mentioned that any members or friends of CTO that would be interested in donating or providing subcontractor services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) for the project would be considered. If you’re interested, please contact any CTO representative on the project team - Keith Pamperin, Mark Baehr, or myself as soon as possible. It’s difficult to say at this point when the building will be completed, but it looks like we’ll have something in place for use next year. We’ll keep you posted on the project’s progress. Our annual fundraiser/sporting clays shoot, usually held in early April, was postponed this year due to Covid and was held on July 31st. It’s always a fun event, but a lot of work too, and I want to thank everyone that was involved in any way. The shoot funds most of our events for the year and enables us to keep membership affordable. Next year’s event is scheduled for April 2nd, but it’s not too early to start thinking about contacting donors for raffle prizes, places to hang posters or sell tickets, or volunteering in some way. We need to line up major prizes by about January to get them listed on the raffle tickets and that’s not far off, so please let us know if you might have any contacts interested in making a major donation. Major prizes are printed on the raffle tickets and posters, so it’s great advertising for the individuals or businesses that donate! See Barb’s notice below for more information. Many of our events have limited space and are filling up fast, so if you’re interested in attending anything on the calendar, please let the event coordinator know ASAP. With all the different activities we have coming up, we’ll hopefully get to see you again soon. Get out and enjoy yourself while you can - you never know if we’ll have another year like 2020!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! – Barb Kaun Planning for the April 2, 2022 Annual Sporting Clay Fundraiser will begin in December when we acquire higher priced main ticket prizes such as fishing or hunting trips, guns, club memberships, or sporting equipment. Now is the time to think about where you can best volunteer. Volunteer to set-up on Friday, April 1, 2022, or on April 2nd to register shooters, serve food to shooters and volunteers, sell bucket raffle tickets, help to record raffle prize winners during the drawing, be a safety monitor on the shooting line, drive your UTV to transport people, or spend one hour cleaning up after the event. Every member can, at their leisure, sell main raffle tickets prior to the event or obtain prizes for the raffles. There’s something for every member to do. Contact Barb Kaun at (920) 720-9689 to be a part of the excitement of the 2022 Sporting Clay Fundraiser.

UPCOMING EVENTS YOUTH AND LADIES DAY - SEPTEMBER 11TH - Keith Hartjes J&H will be hosting its Annual Youth & Ladies Day of Outdoor Instruction on Saturday, September 11th. 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 rifle 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 (920-540-3416).

CTO END OF SUMMER OUTING AT OUTAGAMIE CONSERVATION CLUB – Barb Kaun On Sunday, September 26th from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. we will be hosting our End of Summer gathering at OCC located at N3502 Mayflower Road, Hortonville. You can try trap shooting, bring your archery equipment or use CTO’s, bring your pistol and ammo to enjoy the pistol range, enjoy fishing at the stocked pond that will be catch and release only, unless the fish is deep hooked and won’t survive. Bait will be provided or bring your own tempting, tantalizing, morsels to tempt the fish. Bring your own fishing gear, or use one of CTO’s rods. If you do not have a shotgun, OCC has a few to borrow. Bring your own shells, or you can purchase 12 or 20 gauge shells there. CTO will pick up the cost of one box of shells purchased at OCC for use at the outing. Take advantage of this great opportunity, as there will be plenty of time and some instructors to help if needed. CTO will be providing all food and water, soda will be available from OCC. This is a great place to enjoy many different activities and learn a new skill or two. Contact Barb Kaun at 920-720-9689 to signup. You can see what OCC has to offer throughout the year by checking out their website: http://www.wiocc.com.

OCTOBER SPECIAL DISABLED DEER HUNT- David Paul

This year’s hunt will begin on Saturday, October 2nd with a mandatory breakfast meeting at 10AM located at the Lessor Town Hall, W4055 Landstad Road, Bonduel, WI. Helpers and volunteers are also welcomed and encouraged to attend the meeting. This is the same location we have been using over the past seven years. After our 45 minute meeting, hunters can pack up a lunch from the food that CTO has provided. Hunters will be allowed to begin their hunt after noon on Saturday. We will offer the same services on Sunday minus the informational meeting. An information packet will be mailed in mid-September to all of the hunters who have signed up for the hunt, so be looking for that. We are currently filled up for this year’s hunt. Questions can be directed to David Paul, 920-740-2775 dcp7576@gmail.com

NAVARINO TROLLEY RIDE – Carl Gierke

On Wednesday, October 13th, CTO will offer its annual trolley ride through the Navarino Wildlife Area. We’ll meet at 11am at the Navarino Nature Center (W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton) located about two miles northwest of the town of Navarino. The plan is to take the trolley and then have lunch, both courtesy of CTO. The trolley ride, which lasts about an hour, is narrated by Nature Center staff and is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall colors and see some of the wildlife that inhabit the 15,000 acre property. You’ll also have a chance to check out the many displays at the Nature Center. Please arrive before 11am so we don’t leave without you and watch the weather forecast and bring warm clothing if necessary – the weather that time of year can change in a hurry. If you’d like to attend, please contact me as soon as possible, as space is limited, but no later than October 7th.

FALL PHEASANT HUNT- Keith Hartjes

The hunt will take place Sunday, October 24th starting at 8 AM until noon at J&H Game Farm, W5810 J&H Road, just West of Navarino off of HWY 156. We have arranged for birds in the field, dogs and handlers, machine operators, back-up shooters, cleaners and baggers, great food and just a great day to share stories and get to know other CTO members. Shooters will be in two shifts, 8:30 until 9:30 and 9:45 until 10:45. 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. You 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. Don’t forget to sign up by October 15th if you are going to be part of this hunt. If you have any questions, please contact Keith Hartjes.

GREEN BAY BOTANICAL GARDEN OPPORTUNITY The Green Bay Botanical Garden in addition to their four on site mobility scooters that are available for touring the garden is adding a golf cart capable of transporting a wheel chair. The golf cart will be available for the following specific events on a trial basis. If the demand is there the garden is considering purchasing it for future events! If you would like to reserve transportation on the golf cart, call the Green Bay Botanical Garden (920 490 9457).

The wheelchair accessible golf cart will be available on the following dates:

• August 26 Sanimax Concert- Guests will need to be a member and make a concert reservation by calling the front desk at 920.490.9457. • The wheelchair accessible golf cart will be running all night so no need to make a reservation to use it.

• August 31 Sanimax Concert- Guests will need to be a member and make a concert reservation and make a concert reservation by calling the front desk at 920.490.9457. • The wheelchair accessible golf cart will be running all night so no need to make a reservation to use it.

• September 10-Brews, Bistros and Bonfires Concert-Guests do not need to be a member to purchase a concert ticket. They can purchase online at gbbg.org/brews or by calling the front desk at 920.490.9457. • The wheelchair accessible golf cart will be running all night so no need to make a reservation to use it.

• September 25 -25th Birthday Celebration- • 9 am-4 pm- Free Community Day. Guest must make a timed reservation to enter the Garden. These reservations are free ( no charge or fees). § The wheelchair accessible golf cart will only be available to take guests from the Mabel Thome Patio (patio you enter on for the concerts) to the Lower Gardens and back. The golf cart can’t fit in the Upper Garden pathways however we will direct guests back into the main building to use the elevator to tour the Upper Gardens. We will have a map for guests. § No need to make a reservation to use this cart as it will be available all day. 5:30-9:00 pm- 25th Birthday Party Concert- Guests do not need to be a member to purchase a concert ticket. They can purchase online at gbbg.org/birthday or by calling the front desk at 920.490.9457. § The wheelchair accessible golf cart will be running all night so no need to make a reservation to use it.

RECAP OF RECENT EVENTS

JUNE SPORTING CLAY SHOOT- Randy Swille, Steve Harvey After receiving over four inches of rain in some areas, it finally looked like the storm was easing up and the weather forecast hinted that the rain was going to stop at 8:00 am. I checked with some of the members the day before and they said they always ran the event regardless of weather, and that they never had make up days. They wanted to take our chances. Everyone got there while it was still raining, drizzling, and misting. There was eight of us with one no- show. Gerry Schick, Jim Adamovich, Jeff Pagels, Darwin Swille, Steve Harvey, Roger Urmanski, Jim Trader, and Randy Swille. We continued to wait for the rain to stop for an hour and a half and it still did not stop raining. Finally, four of the members decided to go out in the rain and shoot. The four brave shooters came back wet and muddied, along with wet guns. We decided to have lunch and dry out. We shared conversation and comradery. We hoped that the other four would be able to shoot. However, others came in and said the trees were dripping just like it was raining. We finished our bowl of chili and it was still misting. It was getting late and several of the remaining members had afternoon commitments and we decided to call it a day an headed back home. We said our goodbyes and see you next month. I really appreciate that our members traveled in totality hundreds of miles and braved the weather and for some not shooting because of the weather. It was great to sit down again and to have a hamburger or bowl of chili and share in our event. Hoping for better weather for our next Sporting Clays shoot with new members participating along with our regular members.

JULY SPORTING CLAY SHOOT - Randy Swille, Steve Harvey July 25th was a beautiful day to be out in the woods. We had a record number of shooters this time; 13 along with the great weather. We only had one person not show up because they were sick. We had two women shooters this time and a good time was had by all. We later enjoyed our lunch and friendly conversation. The following members attended our event: Roger Urmanski, Jim Adamovich, Darwin Swille, Roger Mateer, Cindy Mateer, Allen Wegner, Sharon LeFevre, Randy Swille, Steve Harvey, James Savka, Gerald Schick, Jeff Pagels, and Jim Trader. It was mentioned by several members that Sunday’s work great because they work during the week. This was a great time and everyone left happy.

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT / FUNDRAISER – Carl Gierke

Our 23rd annual fundraiser was held July 31st at J&H Game Farm, which was the first time in CTO history it wasn’t held in April. It was postponed this year due to Covid and health concerns and as expected the weather was nicer than it often is in April. The bad news is that there is apparently a lot to compete with in the summer and shooter turnout was down considerably. We usually expect about 400 shooters and this year only about 150 showed up. Despite the smaller turnout, things went smoothly and we had some fun and got to see a lot people that look forward to our shoot and supporting CTO. As far as fundraising goes, we still did fairly well on the sale of raffle tickets, bucket raffles and donations. Many thanks to everyone that participated or donated in any way. There are so many things to do to make this event happen that I won’t even attempt to list them all, but your efforts are greatly appreciated. Special thanks go to the Fundraiser Committee consisting of Barb and Fred Kaun, Sharon LeFevre, Steve Harvey, Keith Hartjes, Chris Savka and Carl Gierke. Thanks also to everyone at J&H Game Farm for making this a successful event again this year and over the many previous years. Next year’s sporting clays shoot / fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd, so put it on your calendar and help spread the word to your family and friends. We’re always looking for ways to improve our fundraiser and all our events, so if you have any ideas, please let us know.

TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME - Carl Gierke On Saturday, August 14th, 36 CTO members and friends attended the game at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton where we saw the T-Rats take on the Great Lakes Loons. We had dinner before the game consisting of brats, burgers and many other tasty dishes and desserts. After some serious eating, we watched the Timber Rattlers get their butts kicked 13-2, but it was a beautiful day and after the game we watched fireworks and enjoyed watching the kids run the bases. It was fun seeing and visiting with many CTO members and volunteers we hadn’t seen for a while due to Covid. Hopefully we’ll do it again next year and get absolutely perfect weather like we had this year!

NIGHT AT THE RACES - Jim Adamovich August 19th was a wonderful night to watch the race with great weather. Thank you to all of the members that came out to watch the races. Please remember if you sign up for an event to call and cancel if are unable to attend.

CTO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET 2021 - Sharon LeFevre On July 18th we had a great turnout for the banquet at Stadium View in Green Bay, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We served 105 people, made up of members, guests, land owners and volunteers. We re-elected five board members, Keith Hartjes, Barb Kaun, David Paul, Deb Pheifer, Randy Swille and added Fred Kaun to the board this year. Everyone was ready to gather again after the year away, due to the Pandemic and all had a great time. Please look for the date for next year after the 1st of the year 2022. If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact the committee as soon as possible in January so we can plan the event. Also, if you or anyone you know would like to get more information about being a board member please contact me at 920-615-2356. Thanks to all that came to the event.

NON-EVENT INFORMATION DON UPHILL OFFERING HANDYMAN SERVICES – Carl Gierke Don Uphill, long-time CTO member, handyman extraordinaire, and all-around nice guy has recently retired from his job as a millwright in the paper industry. Uppy is a very handy guy and would like to spend more of his time helping people who need help. Therefore, he is offering his services as an experienced handyman to CTO members, especially disabled members. He can’t do this for free, but his terms would be reasonable and negotiable. He can handle just about any home repair, improvement, installation, maintenance or equipment issue you can think of and if he can’t do it, he probably knows someone that can. This service is not provided through CTO and should be handled directly with Uppy, who lives in Kaukauna and can be reached at 920-419-3844 or handlemast@new.rr.com. Many thanks to Uppy for sharing his skills with CTO folks!

MENTORS & DRIVERS NEEDED - Randy Swille & Steve Harvey The Event Committee is looking for any members or volunteers that would be willing to transport and mentor some of our members that cannot drive. Please call us if you would be willing to transport and mentor. Randy Swille 920-373-8081, Steve Harvey 920-494-3143

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.

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

4) Awards Program - Each year at its annual banquet in July, CTO awards prizes for the biggest deer, turkey and fish of different species that are harvested at, or outside of, CTO events. These and other awards hopefully encourage members to get out and hunt and fish whenever they have a chance. If you’d like to register an animal for consideration in the awards program, please contact CTO’s awards coordinator, Sharon LeFevre at 920-615-2356 or email at bookmom53@gmail.com.

Time frame to submit an entry for an award is from July 1, 2021 thru June 30, 2022.

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

NEW MEMBERS - Please welcome the following new members to CTO:

Dawn Dubord, Debra Delie, Jim Trader, Linda and Abbey Vadnais, Lois Sticka, Lee Bishop,

MEMBERSHIP EXPIRED? - You are responsible for making sure your membership is up to date. If you have a Life Membership you never have to renew.

SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING DATE CHANGED – Carl Gierke Please note that the Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month, has been rescheduled for September from the 15th to the 22nd, due to conflicts. Meetings are held at the American Legion Hall in Appleton and CTO members are welcome to attend.

NEWSLETTER - David Paul The Challenge the Outdoors Newsletter is published every two months at the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November to keep you updated on the status of events. If you know of a member that is not receiving the newsletter, please contact David Paul at 920-740-2775 or dcp7576@gmail.com