In this issue read:
- Tribune Update
- Engage | Share
- In The News
- Resident Profile – Lois Cantin
- Mark Your Calendars
Tribune Update
Solarus makes gift to Tribune Building Project
In May, Solarus made a contribution of $5,000 along with a matching $5,000 from CoBank’s Sharing Success matching grant program to the Tribune Building Project for a total contribution of $10,000. Read the full news release here.
Tribune Public Tours are available!
Seize the opportunity to tour the Tribune building before construction begins. Our first scheduled tours of the summer are on Tuesday, June 23 and Thursday, July 9. Both tours will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Tribune. Please keep in mind that the tour will include stairs, and the current building does not house elevators, ramps, or functioning restrooms. More tours will be announced in the summer months. Space is limited –RSVP here!
Free Learning Opportunity
North Wind Renewable Energy will host an informational session on the Wood County Solar Group Buy Program on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Incourage. This event is free and open to the public to learn about environmental sustainability benefits to you and the community-at-large. The idea of this program is to make solar energy more accessible to Wood County residents while supporting community projects like the Tribune.
Engage | Share
Save the Date! Community Picnic: Wednesday, August 5
For the past three years, we’ve held the Community Picnic at Lake Wazeecha. It was a wonderful location and we appreciate the partnerships with Wood County Parks & Forestry and the Town of Grand Rapids. However, given Incourage’s interest and investment in downtown, moving the location for this year’s Picnic makes sense. We’re pleased to share The City of Wisconsin Rapids approved our application to host the event downtown near the Tribune, and event planning is in full swing.
This picnic would not be possible without the time and dedication of community volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, we would greatly appreciate the support. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, and will likely be standing or on the move for two hours at a time. If you wish to volunteer, please email[email protected]. We’ll be glad to share more information about how you can help!
   
Incourage Big Questions
Incourage is pleased to again partner with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in our community. Look for Incourage Big Questions at games throughout the summer. Our first question was “What excites me most about the Tribune?”. Throughout the season, look for more Incourage Big Questions, to learn, share and get engaged in local opportunities.
Why We Work Here
Last week, Incourage had the pleasure of talking with special guests Megan Hafner and Betsy Ramaccia, co-founders of an initiative called “Why We Work Here.” Megan and Betsy started this initiative to give high school and college students the resources and support they need to take the lead in creating conditions for greater social and economic resiliency in their own communities. They are visiting six communities across the country that are building new, inclusive models for building economic opportunity and social mobility at the local level. They met and interviewed community members, Incourage staff, and a group of young professionals, with a focus on community development, and efforts surrounding the Tribune. They will compile these rich examples into resources that will be distributed through youth networks, high schools, and colleges in early 2016. Thank you to Megan and Betsy for visiting our community and showcasing the good work happening here.
In The News
Keep up to date with Incourage in the news by checking out our website atincouragecf.org/news-media.
Incourage invests in future generations
Every year, sophomores from five area high schools learn about and grow their leadership skills through Incourage’s South Wood County Teen Leadership program. You can learn more about this year’s class and the project they worked on here.
We are pleased to work with generous donors in our community, as well. This year Incourage awarded more than $144,000 through 193 scholarships to students pursuing or continuing higher education. On May 21, donors and students had a valuable opportunity to meet each other, have lunch, and make connections at Incourage’s Scholarship Luncheon at Bull’s Eye Country Club. You can read the full list of scholarships and recipients here.
Are You In?
Are You In? “Creating a Masterpiece” (First Air: 5/4/15)
Are You In? “Teen Leadership Community Project” (First Air: 5/13/15)
Are You In? “FOCUS on Soft Skills” (First Air: 5/28/15)
Are You In? “Creating in the Tribune” (First Air: 6/8/15)
Resident Profile – Lois Cantin
If you know Wisconsin Rapids resident Lois Cantin, you know she loves this community and her neighbors. Lois has been and continues to be involved with many groups and organizations, including Cranberry Blossom Fest, American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Community Theatre, and the American Legion. Her current passion is the Tribune, and there’s no slowing down for this retired nurse, she loves every minute of her community involvement.
“Once you’re involved and you care about what’s gong on, I think you can’t help but keep going,” she said.
Since high school, Lois was connected with the building that housed the Daily Tribune, through her involvement in promoting the arts and events in the community. She was intrigued when Incourage purchased it, intending for residents to be involved in determining its future use. From the beginning, she saw an exciting opportunity to think differently and learn from others, and she admires the way people are working together.
“It feels good. Whatever table you sit at, it’s a team, and we’re all working together,” said Lois. “People are more interested in what good can come out of this process than about being right.”
Lois grew up in the area and has seen plenty of ups and downs throughout her years. But she always manages to maintain a positive attitude, sharing her hopes for the community.
“We’ll never see Rapids as we once saw it, but it could be lots better! Think about what you can do to help the community. There are so many groups and organizations that could help. There is nothing we can’t do!”
Visit incouragecf.org to learn how you can join Lois and get involved in our community.
Lois outside at a Tribune meeting in June. Photo by Jenna Moran.
Mark Your Calendars
Helen’s Zoo House
Funding provided by Helen Mead Designated Fund for the Benefit of Wisconsin Rapids Zoo, 1911 Gaynor Ave. All programs are free, open to the public, and provide interactive fun for families.
Tuesday, July 7 | 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Zoozort – It’s wildly educational!
Tuesday, August 11 | 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
David Stokes Summer Wildlife Show – Nature’s Biggest, Strongest, Smelliest
Incourage Day at the Ballpark
Saturday, July 4 | 3:05 p.m. | Rafters Baseball
Incourage Day! 2-for-1 tickets for the first 250 people who bring a non-perishable food item
Community Picnic
Wednesday, August 5 | 4:30-8:00 p.m. | Downtown Wisconsin Rapids
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