Help for the Homeless Was a Big Success

Fox Communities Credit Union has been a driving force in the Help for the Homeless Drive for many years. This year we decided to do something a little different. We had “lunch bags” available at 22 branches that members and any of our community could stop in and pick up a bag to filled with items.  There was a label on each bag that had a list of what the hygiene drive was in need of.

Once the bags were filled with items, the generous folks in the community dropped them off at one of the Fox branches. For each filled bag brought in, you were entered into a drawing for VISA gift cards.  With the help of the bags, we collected the most we’ve ever done by leaps and bounds! Over 17 total filled boxes at a value of $350-$400/box, which was a total of $6000 worth of items was donated to the Help the Homeless from the Fox Communities Credit Union friends alone.

We are fortunate to have so many giving spirits help those less fortunate.  Their generosity instills a sense of dignity.  Thank you all for making a difference!

AAA: Hit-and-Run Deaths Hit Record High Nationwide

New AAA Foundation study finds hit-and-run crashes killed more than 2,000 people in 2016

More than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. These crashes resulted in 2,049 deaths in 2016 – the highest number on record and a 60 percent increase since 2009. With the number of hit-and-run crashes on the rise, AAA is calling for drivers to be alert on the road in order to avoid a deadly crash and always remain on the scene if a crash occurs.

AAA researchers examined common characteristics of hit-and-run crashes and found that:

• An average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes occurred each year since 2006.
• Nearly 65 percent of people killed in crashes were pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2 percent each year since 2009.
• Per capita, New Mexico, Louisiana and Florida have the highest rate of fatal crashes while New Hampshire, Maine and Minnesota have the lowest rates.

“Hit-and-run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Our analysis shows that hit-and-run crashes are a growing traffic safety challenge and the AAA Foundation would like to work with all stakeholders to help curtail this problem.”

The report found that most victims of fatal hit-and-run crashes are pedestrians or bicyclists. Over the past 10 years, nearly 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths were caused by hit-and-run crashes, compared to just one percent of all driver fatalities resulting from hit-and-run crashes. To decrease the chances of being involved in a crash with a pedestrian or bicyclist, drivers should:

• Be aware: Pedestrians may act unpredictably and can walk into the path of travel at any point.
• Be cautious: Look out for small children and be alert to areas where there are likely to be more pedestrians. These include school zones, playgrounds, bus stops and intersections.
• Be patient: When trying to pass a pedestrian or cyclist, give plenty of space and keep them in your line of sight.
• Be vigilant: Drivers should always yield to pedestrians, even if they walk into the road from an area other than a crosswalk.

“It is every driver’s legal and moral responsibility to take necessary precautions to avoid hitting a pedestrian, bicyclist or another vehicle,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While no one likes being involved in a crash, leaving the scene will significantly increase the penalties for drivers- whether they caused the crash or not.”

Currently, every state has laws that make it illegal for a driver involved in a crash to flee the scene. State penalties vary depending on the type of crash (i.e. property damage, injury, serious injury or a fatality). If found guilty, drivers can face large fines, lose their license or spend time in prison. AAA encourages drivers to educate themselves about specific hit-and-run laws in their state and remain alert on the road to prevent crashes from occurring.

If a driver is involved in a crash, they should never leave the scene and follow the steps below:

1. Assist the injured– Check for injured people and call 911.
2. Be visible– Make sure that the scene is visible to approaching drivers. If possible, move vehicles out of the path of traffic, and use hazard flashers, flares, and reflective triangles. Find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive, if needed.
3. Communicate– Call the police and file a report. If the police do not come to the scene, you can file a report by visiting a local police department or your automobile insurance agency.

“By working together, we can bring awareness and identify potential solutions to reduce hit-and-run fatalities,” continued Jarmusz. “We can’t forget that cars can be deadly when they come into contact with pedestrians, cyclists or other cars. It is incumbent on each and every one of us to stay alert, be aware of our surroundings and always stay on the scene if involved in a crash.”

Hate Your Boss? You’re Not Alone

Hate your boss? You’re not alone. A new survey from the animal charity SPANA polled 2,000 workers in the U.K. and quizzed them about what they didn’t like about their supervisor. Turns out, it’s a lot.

While the poll questioned worker drones from over the Pond, the results are pretty universal: 40% of those polled thought their boss was bad at their job, and 1/3 thought they’d do a better job than their manager.

A fifth of those polled said their manager was the worst part of their job — easily outpacing the headaches of commuting — and one in four said they look forward to their boss’ vacation more than they looked forward to their own.

The survey also ranked the top 50 traits employees hate about their bosses.  The number-one gripe?  Poor communication skills.  Other unpleasant traits to range from being ungrateful, to bad breath.  Here’s the entire list:

1. Doesn’t communicate well
2. I think they’re inconsistent
3. Sets their own rules
4. Doesn’t understand my work
5. I think they’re incompetent
6. Patronizes me
7. Sets a bad example
8. Never says thank you
9. Says one thing and does another
10. Has mood swings
11. I think they’re passive aggressive
12. Brings their personal life to work
13. Obviously favors another member of staff
14. Makes me feel stupid
15. Delegates too much work to me
16. Never gives praise or feedback
17. Doesn’t actually do any work
18. Assumes I’m happy to do their work as well as my own
19. I think they’re overpaid
20. They think I’m a mind reader
21. I think they’re tight with pay rises
22. Sucks up to their own boss
23. Takes credit for other people’s work
24. Gives out banter but can’t take it
25. Makes me feel guilty for taking time off
26. Doesn’t have my back
27. Leaves early every day
28. I think they’re tight with bonuses
29. I think they’re unqualified for the job
30. Works from home all the time
31. Always picks on one member of staff
32. Has annoying catchphrases
33. Has bad breath
34. Calls me in the evening when I’m not working
35. Listens in to everyone’s conversations in the office
36. Repeats the same phrases and jokes over and over again
37. Tells me off in front of everyone instead of in a meeting room
38. Asks for my opinion then claims it as their own
39. Calls me at weekends when I’m not working
40. Makes unfunny jokes
41. Expects everyone to turn up on time when they’re always late
42. Awful dress sense
43. Blames me for things they’ve done wrong
44. Calls me when I’m on vacation
45. Always talks about previous successes
46. Farts
47. I think they’re very scruffy
48. Always expects a tea/coffee but never/rarely makes one themselves
49. I think they’re sexist
50. Bores everyone with their vacation photos and anecdotes

Fajita Thief

Gilberto Escamilla of Texas was sentenced to 50 years in prison last week after stealing more than $1.2 million worth of fajitas from the Cameron County juvenile detention center where he worked, according to The Brownsville Herald.

“It was selfish. It started small and got bigger and out of control,” Escamilla said on trial. “It got to the point where I couldn’t control it anymore.”

The 50-year-old man was ordering the food for the detention center, even though inmates are not allowed to eat fajitas. Escamilla would intercept the deliveries and then sell the food to his own customers. Authorities caught on when Escamilla did not show up for work and an 800-pound fajita delivery arrived.

He pleaded guilty to theft by a public servant.

The Assistant District Attorney Peter Gilman said he has never seen a case like this before. He told The Brownsville Herald Escamilla’s sentencing should be seen as an example for other public servants who commit crimes.

“We feel a strong message should be sent,” Gilman said.

Would You Let Amazon Put Junk in Your Trunk?

Amazon’s latest delivery service will let you receive packages inside your parked car.

The company gave Good Morning America an exclusive first look Tuesday at the latest iteration of Amazon Key, the service launched last November that allows a delivery person to drop a package off inside a customer’s home.  Now that service will also let delivery people access your parked car, as long as the vehicle is in a publicly accessible place.

The in-car delivery service comes at no extra cost for Prime members, who pay an annual subscription fee. To use the new service, you simply have to download the Amazon Key App, link it to your connected car and then place an order.

In-car delivery service is available now in 37 U.S. cities, and is compatible with many 2015 or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac or Volvo vehicle models.

“This is just one more step to make it easy for that Amazon customer to get their product,” Hitha Herzog, a consumer expert and the chief research officer of H Squared Research, told ABC News.

“Since launching Amazon Key last November, we’ve safely delivered everything from cameras to collectible coins inside the home,” said Peter Larsen, Amazon’s vice president of delivery technology, in a statement.  “Customers have also told us they love features like keyless guest access and being able to monitor their front door from anywhere with the Amazon Key App,”

 

Alice in Dairyland Tickets on Sale

Each year in late spring, a talented group of individuals works through a very long and public job interview process. Together they tour agribusinesses, work with media professionals, give presentations and answer impromptu questions in front of an audience. They learn about and talk about Wisconsin’s highly-regarded agriculture industry.

At the conclusion of the in-depth process, one of the “applicants” is selected as the next Alice in Dairyland.

Each year, a different Wisconsin county hosts the Alice in Dairyland interview activities, with Adams County serving as the host county this year. The 71st Alice in Dairyland will be selected at the conclusion of the three-day Finals Program, May 17-19.

The public is welcome to attend two public events during the Finals in Adams County:

Candidate Discussion Panel, Friday, May 18; Fawn Creek Winery (3619 13th Ave., Wisconsin Dells); 5 p.m., Social Hour; 6 p.m., Dinner; 7 p.m., Discussion Panel. Join the 71st Alice in Dairyland candidates as they take part in a discussion panel addressing agriculture topics.

71st Alice in Dairyland Finale Program, Saturday, May 19; Adams-Friendship Fine Arts Center (1109 E. North Street, Adams), 4:30 p.m., Social Hour; 6 p.m., Dinner; Finale Program, 7:30 p.m. Join 70th Alice in Dairyland Crystal Siemers-Peterman and longtime ag radio broadcaster Bob Bosold as they host the Finale Program culminating in the announcement of the 71st Alice in Dairyland.

Tickets are required for the May 18-19 events. For more event information, including how to obtain tickets, visit aliceindairyland.com.

Six top candidates are vying to be the 71^st Alice in Dairyland: Kristen Broege, Sydney Endres, Alexus Grossbier, Jacqueline Hilliard, Kaitlyn Riley, and Megan Schulte. Candidate biographies are here.

Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations position with DATCP. In this highly visible and fast-paced position, Alice travels throughout the state teaching rural and urban audiences of all ages about Wisconsin’s agricultural industry. In the position, Alice in Dairyland cultivates relationships with television, radio and print media outlets; writes and delivers speeches; and utilizes social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture. Additional duties include developing and executing marketing plans, delivering classroom presentations, and networking with industry professionals.

The start date for the 71st Alice in Dairyland is June 4, 2018.

Learn more about the Alice in Dairyland program at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/AliceInDairyland.aspx

Summer Hours Begin at Historical Society on May 1

The Manitowoc County Historical Society will begin with its summer hours on Tuesday, May 1, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum site’s summer hours are from May 1 to October 24, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. During the summer season, the historic structures of Pinecrest Historical Village are open, in addition to the Society’s McAllister House Welcome Center.

Nestled in the scenic rolling Ice Age Kettle Moraine countryside of Eastern Wisconsin, the Manitowoc County Historical Society is a museum of living history. This 60-acre interpretive museum of local history features a Welcome Center with local history exhibits and research services and the outdoor Pinecrest Historical Village – a collection of over 25 historic buildings with period furnishings from Manitowoc County’s early settlers.

The museum’s annual Library card free day will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can show their Manitowoc-Calumet Library system card and get in free to the museum grounds. A storytime will be presented at 1:00 in the Shadyside School.

A full list of programs and activities hosted at the museum for the summer can be found at ManitowocCountyHistory.org.

Admission for the museum is $10 for adults, $7 for children (5-17), and free for those under age 5.  Admission is free for MCHS members.  The Manitowoc County Historical Society museum grounds are located at 924 Pinecrest Road, Manitowoc.  The grounds include the McAllister House Welcome Center and the historic structures of Pinecrest Historical Village.  For more information, please call the Manitowoc County Historical Society at (920) 684-4445 or visit the website at manitowoccountyhistory.org.

Manitowoc Arbor Day Celebration

The public is invited to the City of Manitowoc’s Arbor Day Celebration, which will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27th, 2018, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive.  Jeff Edgar from Silver Creek Nurseries will read an excerpt from the book “John Chapman-The Man Who Was Johnny Appleseed” which will be followed by a ceremonial tree planting sponsored by the Izaak Walton League. Grade school students who attend will receive a free tree seedling. After the Arbor Day Celebration, the City’s Municipal Tree Commission will have their quarterly meeting, which members of the public are also welcome to attend.

At the celebration, the 2017 Tree City USA award will be presented to the City of Manitowoc.  This is the thirty-fifth year in a row that the City of Manitowoc has been named a Tree City USA community. The award honors the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.  The National Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree City USA program in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

To receive this recognition the City of Manitowoc had to meet the four criteria:

1) have an active tree board;

2) have a tree care ordinance;

3) have an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per
capita; and

4) have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Anyone interested in planting or removing a tree in the terrace area (the area between the sidewalk and the street) must complete a permit. Go to http://www.manitowoc.org, click on
Departments then Parks and Forestry for more information.

Questions regarding the Arbor Day Celebration or tree permits can also be answered by
contacting the City of Manitowoc Parks Division at 920-686-3580 or forestry@manitowoc.org.

Top scholarship winners announced

Alexandra “Alexine” Siwy of Gurnee, Illinois was chosen as the 2018 recipient of the Silver Lake College of the Holy Family Mother Generose Cahill Honors Scholarship.

The prestigious, full-tuition scholarship is named for the first president of the college, which was founded and continues to be sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

The scholarship is awarded to the top freshman student who participates in the Mother Generose Cahill Scholarship Competition, after a thorough review of the candidate’s academic credentials, written essay and faculty interview. The competition was held Sunday, Feb. 17.

Additional top college-sponsored scholarship winners for the incoming freshman class include:

• Carissa Dekanich of Sheboygan was awarded the Sister Orestes Kohlbeck Honors Scholarship.
• Camie McCue and Carlye Burk, both of Manitowoc, were awarded the Founder’s Honors Scholarship.
• Nathan Budde of De Pere and Rebecca Schaefer of Milwaukee were awarded the Trustees Honors Scholarship.

 

PHOTO: Alexandra Siwy/Submitted

Metro Jam 2018

This being our 40^th year of Metro Jam we have assembled the most solid line-up yet! Saturday will feature two great American bands that embody the full spectrum of decades of great rock n’ roll rolled up into a unique spectrum of sounds that each act can truly call their own! Heralding from just south of the Wisconsin border in Rockford, IL is Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, and coming from the Mile High City of Denver is Strange Americans. The Rusted Hearts will be going on at 7:00 just before this year’s Saturday evening headliner. Opening for Miles will be Strange Americans at 5:30 pm on June 16^th at Metro Jam.

Rockford, IL-based Miles Nielsen has spent nearly a decade enthralling audiences with music that draws force from the prime years of Western-influenced rock music and classic ‘60s soul. Claiming influences as diverse as Otis Redding’s classic soul and Jellyfish’s cult power pop recordings, Nielsen has thus far released two albums – his debut in 2009 as a solo artist, and then his sophomore album in 2012 as Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts – to critical acclaim and an ever-growing fan base. The Rusted Hearts’ hot streak has continued with their most recent LP, Heavy Metal.

Heavy Metal blends the country-esque drawl and growling guitars of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the subtly sensual undercurrent of Ray Charles. Vocal harmonies present throughout the album recall Fleetwood Mac as strongly as they bring to mind the very first doo wop groups. But despite The Rusted Hearts’ readily apparent influences, the result of these combined roots is a singular sound that readily distinguishes the band from its peers.

As Miles Nielsen explains, “Most of my childhood was spent on a tour bus traveling across the country with Cheap Trick…” where the idea that songwriting is “a way for me to meld the world of dreams and real life.” An auspicious beginning that resulted in a musical brew Miles calls “Beatle-esque Cosmic Americana”. A rich and layered sound that seamlessly blends Alternative Country and Blue-Eyed Soul, some Pop and Rock, and Tin Pan Alley song-craft. Miles Nielsen The Rusted Hearts combine their sonic forebears into a style that’s entirely theirs, resulting in songs that boast layers upon layers of complexity under their irresistible surfaces. Don’t miss this dose of Cosmic Americana when Miles Nielsen takes the stage from 7:00 – 8:00 pm Saturday evening, June 16^th at Metro Jam.

Strange Americans

Saturday June 16^th; 5:30 – 6:30

It’s a little raw, a bit loud, unapologetic and honest. It’s Americana rock and roll and it’s something that Denver’s Strange Americans are crafting with both brawn and finesse, like a hot rod mechanic bringing back an old barn find. They play the kind of music that the Carhartt-wearing, hard-working, industrial beer-drinking, regular Americans would listen to — the ones who could end up on an episode of TV’s Dirty Jobs.

In a sense, Strange Americans are rescuing something from the rust pile — straight-forward, no frills rock and roll, and a matching aesthetic that is heavy on songwriting and storytelling, but presented with reverb-drenched punch and passion — the way The Band or Crazy Horse would have done it. This Denver five-piece let their influences fly and mix in their own style, creating a sound that bridges the gap between alternative rock and the roots of the genre. They have also earned a strong Wisconsin fan base playing Appleton’s Mile of Music festival the last three years. To date Strange Americans have three full-length records; Royal Battle (2012), That Kind of Luster (2014), and Borrow You, Brother (2017). Strange Americans has enjoyed participating in music scenes from Colorado to Oregon to New York, making many friends along the way. Plan on catching the buzz on these Americana roots rockers when Strange Americans hit the stage from 5:30 – 6:30 pm Saturday, June 16th at Metro Jam.

As you know by now we have The Koch Marshall Trio Featuring guitarist Greg Koch headlining Friday evening from 7:00 – 9:30, with the Erin Krebs Quartet opening the festival from 5:30 – 6:30 on June 15^th!

And we still have six more incredible Saturday acts to announce…including our 40^th year headliner!

Metro Jam, now in its 40th year, will be held on the MetroStage in downtown Manitowoc’s Washington Park, on Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16, 2018. As always, this FREE two day event features an array of national, regional and local acts covering a full spectrum of musical styles including jazz, blues, folk, alt-country, Americana, classic rock and original rock. The festival is a partnership with The Manitowoc Jaycees. This free concert is made possible due to support from our presenting sponsors Baileigh Industrial, Prevea Health, Cher-Make Sausage and media partners WOMT/WQTC Q-102/ Lake 98.1 and Weekend: The Herald Times Reporter.

Watch for festival updates at www.metrojam.org and visit us for up to the moment news on Facebook!