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News & Media

Incourage eNews: May 2015

Fri. May 15, 2015

Incourage eNews is a monthly email providing readers an update on a variety of Incourage related news, current work and impact in our community. Please share and invite your friends to contact us ([email protected] or 715.423.3863) to be added to the distribution.

In this issue read:

  • From the CEO
  • In Memory of Carl Wartman
  • Tribune – Join Us!
  • Engage | Share
From the CEO

Balance, transparency and equity: keys to sustainable development.
In light of recent attention to downtown Wisconsin Rapids, in her latest blog Kelly Ryan addresses our community’s approach to development. In this post, she shares an editorial that was published in the Daily Tribune in June 1996 entitled Common Vision is a Key to Progress Here and notes that much has changed in the last 20 years – yet many of the challenges remain the same.

Kelly writes:

The instructive question for all of us as we look at the broader downtown area, I
believe, is “How do we achieve a balanced approach to community development
that is inclusive and transparent?”  Balance takes into account the perspectives
and interests of all stakeholders: private investors, public entities, resident/user
input and philanthropic support.  The best outcomes are those that achieve a
collective ‘common good’ vision that balance varied interests and create the
conditions for all to participate and prosper.

What are your hopes for our community’s future and how can we achieve them together? Please read, share and respond to this informative blog, then subscribe tokellyincourage.blogspot.com to receive alerts for each new blog Kelly shares.

In Memory of Carl Wartman

This past week, our community lost a valued member and Incourage a treasured leader, in the passing of our friend Carl Wartman. For eight years, Carl served on the Incourage Board of Directors, most recently holding the office of treasurer. His wisdom guided Incourage’s organizational strategy. Carl seeded ideas that helped the community shape our shared future. Carl will be truly missed by our team and all who had the fortune to work alongside him. Please read remarks delivered by Kelly Ryan at Carl’s memorial service on Wednesday, May 13. Thank you to Carl’s family for sharing his life with us all.

Tribune – Join Us!

Tribune Meeting on June 2 – see what it’s all about
At our most recent public meeting, we heard from attendees that they feel strongly about continued conversations in interest groups, guest speakers, and learning opportunities. We want to know what you want to learn about.By participating, you’ll hear what other groups are doing, have your voice heard, and be proud knowing that you are investing in your community with your time and ideas. Join us at our next meeting.

  • Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Renaissance Learning Cafeteria
  • RSVP | 715.423.3863 | [email protected]

Food and refreshments provided. If you need childcare or transportation, contact Incourage.

Engage | Share

Incourage at the ballpark
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have a strong community presence, providing entertainment and activities for people of all ages in our area – families, young adults, senior citizens and more! Incourage is pleased to continue our partnership with the Rafters and work together in the community on projects like the Little Rafters Reading Program.

The Rafters and Incourage have teamed up for the past four years to foster the same excitement for reading that children have for baseball. The Little Rafters Reading Program encourages elementary students to read more and rewards them for reaching their goals.
Keep an eye out for Incourage at Rafters games this season!

May 31      Incourage “Summer’s Here” kite giveaway
July 4        Incourage Day! 2 for 1 tickets for bringing in a non-perishable food item

Save the Date! Community Picnic: Wednesday, August 5
We’re in the midst of planning the 4th Annual Community Picnic on Wednesday, August 5, 4:30 – 8pm. Incourage established this annual event in 2012, providing an open and inclusive setting for fostering connections among neighbors, highlighting local assets and promoting collaboration between local businesses and organizations. Recognizing the broad benefits of bringing all people together, we removed any barriers – like admission fees and dress codes – to create a welcoming environment where everyone in our community would feel comfortable participating.

We believe there is no better way to build relationships and increase understanding than to spend time together. Last year, more than 3,500 attendees celebrated what it means to live in this place we call home. In true community spirit, nearly 150 volunteers and organizations donated time, talent and other resources to demonstrate “where one neighbor leads to another” is happening here. We hope to see you meeting your neighbors on August 5!
   


Incourage Community Foundation
478 E Grand Ave Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494
715.423.3863
[email protected]
incouragecf.org
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© May 15, 2015
Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, inclusion and opportunity, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the Tribune, which demonstrates Incourage’s resident-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy. To learn more, visit incouragecf.org.

  • Press Contact

    [email protected] | 715.423.3863
  • About Incourage

    Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, opportunity, and shared stewardship, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the redevelopment of the Tribune building, which demonstrates Incourage’s user-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy.