The Bridge
News of Newburg

By President – Roger Krell

The Newburg Lions will be starting off the new year with their second blood drive. The Newburg Fire Department is again furnishing their facilities to help make this another successful drive. It will take place on January 26th from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We had a great turnout for our first attempt and we hope this one will be even better! There are two ways to give blood. You can make an appointment by calling me at 338-8204 or you can just stop in. We know that many people would rather stop in when they have time, and we welcome this and hope to see as many of you as we can. If anyone wishes to donate some of their favorite cookies or snacks for the drive – it would be greatly appreciated. The packaged snacks provided by the Blood Drive Mobile are okay, BUT…..

The Newburg Lions were recently informed that Clarise Zubke’s husband, Ken, had a medical problem which is confining him to a wheelchair. Enter the Newburg Lions who built a 25-foot wheelchair ramp at their home. Chuck Hiller, Ellis Krell, Art Seyfer, Dick Huenebein and myself spent the better part of a day constructing the ramp and the results were well appreciated by the Zubkes. Special thanks to Chuck Hiller who did the planning and picking up of all the materials we used, and to Art Seyfert who supplied the tools. The Lions Club, over the years, have built several ramps for people who needed their help and donated toward others.

Yes, the Newburg Lions are again planning to have the Big Raffle in 05. It is our major fund raiser and we appreciate the community for making it successful. The tickets are $50 each, which is a lot of money to spend on a raffle, but you are all winners when you purchase a ticket. Indirectly, you are helping your friends, your community, and other Lion endorsed charities. We recently were involved in presenting a special bike to a young boy who couldn’t walk and needed the bike as part of his rehab. The smile on his face was unforgettable. The Food Pantry also received their annual donation of $250 from the Lions. We also made the final payment on an industrial washing machine that we purchased for the Newburg Fire Department which cost around $10,000. They are no able to wash their own protective fire fighting and rescue clothing. We recently donated money which was used for a Christmas Party for the Blind. Members of the Newburg Lions helped throw the party which was sponsored by the West Bend Lions/Lioness. They played Bingo, sang songs, received a Christmas present from Santa and were served a terrific meal. Many brought their seeing-eye dogs along. So you see by purchasing raffle tickets and supporting our Annual Car Show in August – it helps the Lions do what they do best – Lending a Helping Hand When we Can.

Our Lions meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month, and if you are interested in becoming a member, contact any Lion or call me at 338-8204. Everyone is welcome.

By Mathew Cannon, Myraneers Club Reporter

In October, the Myraneers had their annual clothing drive. We had a big response and as a result of that, we were able to raise over $500. We’d like to thank everyone for contributing to this event.

We also held our annual Halloween Dance at the Newburg Fire Department hall. It was October 30^th, 2004. Everyone enjoyed the music and had a good time. The food was excellent, and there were many creative costumes. There was a bonfire despite high winds. Thanks everyone for coming, and we hope to see you again next year.

In November, we put together three Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. We also had our annual fruit sale.    

We recently decorated a Christmas tree at the Newburg Bank. We would like to thank those who contributed in the decorating. We also went Christmas caroling to shut-ins in Newburg. Afterwards, we headed back to Trenton Town Hall for a short meeting. We then had pizza, soda, and desserts. There was also a gift exchange for the members. It was a fun time for all.

We invite you to consider becoming a Myraneers 4-H Club member. It’s a lot of fun and is a great way to become involved in the community.

Happy New Year!

Hello, and welcome 2005. We're ready for another year. On May 1st, seven years ago, the doors to Welcome, H.O.M.E. Inc. - the House of wheelchair friendly Modification Examples - opened to the public. Today, our program continues to be a one-of-it¹s-kind in the nation. Guests have come from around the country to see it and enjoy Newburg!

Among our many unique program features, after 16+ years, Welcome, H.O.M.E. is still operated entirely by volunteers. We have NO PAID STAFF. In this busy world that is quite an accomplishment. We’re honored to have many of you on our list of volunteers and sincerely appreciate your dedication. Welcome, H.O.M.E. could NOT DO all that we do without you - especially the annual picnic lunch for the retired nuns from Campbellsport! Anyone interested in joining our volunteer force - one time or on a regular basis, let us know. You may have a skill to offer us that we don’t even know we’re looking for. However, right now we do know that we have a need for: a newsletter editor, a marketing director, someone to update our computer mailing list (if you have a computer you could do this at your home), a sign painter, quilters (we’d love to have cozy quilts on each of the guest beds), members of the special events committee... Call or email us if you’re interested or just curious. 675-2525 welcomehome@hnet.net

All of us at Welcome, H.O.M.E. are proud of the fact that the program is funded by private donations of money, time, skills, and materials. We depend on small fund raisers, like raffles and the sale the Entertainment books - which No No’s is so kind to do for us - to help raise the funds to pay our bills. Thank you for your support. Wonder what Welcome, H.O.M.E. actually does? This entire house was designed and constructed to showcase wheelchair friendly designs. While some of our ideas are complex, many are quite simple and inexpensive. This past year we installed a new, larger, more universally usable, platform stair lift. (Now we’re looking for a way to pay for it - have any ideas for a simple fund raiser)? EVERYONE - even people who depend on large scooters for their mobility - will be able to get to our lower level now. This homey space, with various seating areas, kitchenette, gas fireplace, rest room, is available for your use.

Thanks to a donation from the Newburg Lioness Club we have installed canvas curtains to enclose our carport. Even in unpleasant weather, this outdoor space can be used for sorting hundreds of geraniums, a picnic, an art show... Planning your club meetings for the coming year? Have a scout group learning about disability and awareness? Welcome, H.O.M.E. Bed & Breakfast and grounds are available for you to use. We will gladly work with you to create a program to fit your interests, age group, education or recreation goals. You’ll find wheelchair friendly picnic tables and walking trails in our woods. We invite you to use these. (Please no dogs or bicycles). In the spring woodland flowers bloom along the trail. The robins and red winged blackbirds are typically back for the season in March. Bluebirds check out their houses in early April. And, the Easter bunny usually shows up one Saturday morning every year. Come as you are... Bring a friend. Oh, if you’re doing some spring cleaning and need to find a new home for any workshop tools, kitchen things, vintage hats (the McHugh family donated a glamorous feather hat in memory of Carmen) we’ll gladly take them off your hands...

Our Village President wanted to gather names and addresses of people in the Armed Forces with the intent that people from our village send them correspondence. Please feel free to drop us a line to add someone to this list. So far we have:

P.F.C. Robert Kufahl
264 CSB 364
APO, AG 09344

P.F.C. Carla Monday
SCHF Unit 21414, Box 132
APO, AE 09705

Upcoming Events:

Night Skiing – Fridays for the following dates: January 7, 21, 28, from 5-9 p.m. Trails will be open until 8:30 p.m. (snow will hopefully be there, too). Warm fire in Coop glows until 9 p.m. Ski a one and a half mile trail, lighted by the soft glow of oil lanterns, or ski those trails lit only by the light of the moon and stars.

Moonlight Snowshoe – Friday, January 14^th from 5-9 p.m. (trails will be open until 8:30 p.m.) If you have never experienced the wintry Riveredge trails in the light of a full moon, now is your chance. Riveredge will provide the snowshoes.

Hike Along for Kids – Sunday, January 23^rd from 1-2:30 p.m. These hikes are designed for school aged children who want to explore the amazing and interesting land at Riveredge. Parents can tag along or do their own thing during the hike.

Fly-Fishing – Just for the Fun of It – January 25^th from 7-8 p.m. Slide presentation is designed to illustrate that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy fly fishing. Join us at the Riveredge barn to see, hear and ask questions about fly-tying and fishing courses offered at Riveredge.

Movie Time – January 14^th from 2-4 p.m. "Affluenza". With the help of historians and an archival film, this film reveals the forces that have dramatically transformed us from a nation that prizes thriftiness – with strong beliefs in plain living and high thinking – into the ultimate consumer society. This film diagnoses a serious social disease that is having a devastating impact on our families, communities and the environment. For ages 12 through adult.

Outdoor Photography Workshop – January 12^th from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, January 15^th from Dawn to noon. Need an excuse to get out and use your camera? Did you get some new equipment for the holidays? Here is an opportunity to review the basics, ask questions, practice new techniques, etc. A 35mm FLR camera is preferred. Film and photo processing are included in the workshop.

Maple Sugarin’ starts in March – watch for signs.

While out walking your dog, please take the extra moment to pick up after your pet and respect the property of others. Most dog owners are conscientious about their responsibility, but those who are not spoil it for everyone. Please help keep Newburg clean.

Will be holding office hours at the Village of Newburg on Monday, January 31^st at 9 a.m. Please stop by for a visit with him or if you have any questions or concerns he would be happy to answer them for you.

Now that Christmas is over, what do you plan on doing with your real Christmas tree? The Department of Public Works will be picking up Christmas trees on Saturday mornings through the month of January. Please place them out on your curb (or lawn) and they will be happy to dispose of them. Please have all decorations and tinsel off of them.

Please mark your calendars or watch for flyers or the Washington County Sunday Post for these dates:

Age groups are:

• Pee-Wee Coed for boys ages 6-8 and girls ages 6-9.
• Girls Slow Pitch – ages 10-15
• Boys Midget League – ages 9-11
• Traveling Boys – ages 12 and 13
• Traveling Pony League – ages 14 -15

We will again have candy bars and pizzas to sell as our fund raiser. If you are new to the area and want information about our program, please feel free to call Phyllis Damrow at 675-2493. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to another great season of baseball in Newburg.

A special thanks to the Smart Growth Committee of Trustee Phil Beitz, Diane Miller, Tobin Johnson, Jeanne Harder and Trustee Dawn Woda for all their hard work in putting together the survey that went out to all the residents in late summer. Over the next couple of Bridges issues, the responses that were sent in will be placed into the newsletter for your review. Thanks to the hard work of Diane Miller for putting the responses to the survey together.

 Spring Election

The Spring Election for Village President and 3 Village Trustees will be held on Tuesday, April 5^th. Nomination papers can be taken out yet, but need to be turned in by 5 p.m. on January 4^th to be on the ballot.