Tag Archives: service club

This Center Isn’t for the Birds

Monday Morning

We had 17 members and our guest speaker, Renee Whalen, from the Marsh Haven Nature Center at our Monday meeting… “Happy Bucks” were offered by Gary Miller for a very successful Kiwanis International 100th Anniversary Convention. Donna and Gary will be the program on July 27th to give us the details of the convention. Jim Freiberg was the 50/50 Raffle drawing winner on Monday and he drew a $5 winning Five of Diamonds. Congrats Jim. Next week’s drawing will have 33 cards with five pay cards and a pot of at least $233.

Renee Whalen, Marsh Haven Nature Center

Marsh Haven Nature Center is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. This non-profit, all-volunteer, community-supported nature center features quality displays and exhibits depicting the history and wildlife of the Horicon Marsh area. Wildlife feeding stations are located on either side of the gift shop and their visitors often see a variety of birds up close. In addition, they have an art gallery where a diverse collection of wildlife art and photography is on display. The Nature Nook Children’s Area offers our young visitors an area to learn and explore. Visit with the furry, scaly and feathered creatures in the Critter Corner.6

This beautiful center offers information about the ecology, history and wildlife of Horicon Marsh, as well as offering nature hikes, educational and outdoor programs on its 46-acres. Marsh Haven provides a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Marsh Haven Nature Center is located at the north end of the famous Horicon Marsh, just 3 miles east of Waupun, Wisconsin on Highway 49.

Renee talked about the 305 different species of birds that are sighted in the Marsh and the number of visitors they’ve had from all over the world who come to see this wonderful place. Renee also have us a season by season description of what one could expect to see at Marsh Haven if they came out during the various seasons of the year. Very nice program.

3 Important Ways to Help Those with Special Needs

Monday Morning

We had 16 members and two guests on Monday back at The Retlaw Hotel for our regular meeting. Joining us as guests were our speaker, Mary Narges from Free Spirit Riders, and Zeke Leeds, home on leave. “Happy Bucks” were offered up by Dan Leeds for his grandsons being in town, along with their parents and Marlin Towne because Lois said he should be happy for 60 years of wedded bliss. Gary Miller put together an InterClub to Tuesday’s Noon Club to hear about Envision FDL. John Cooper and Harry Schneider announced a Walleye Weekend Warp Up meeting. Glen Treml was the 50/50 Raffle drawing winner on Monday but he drew a non-winning Nine of Spades. Next week’s drawing will have 35 cards with six pay cards and a pot of at least $210.

Mary Narges, Free SPIRT Riders

Free SPIRIT (Special People In Riding Therapy) Riders Inc. was founded in 1987 by Amelia Butzen and Mary Narges due to a recognized need for services for Developmentally Disabled individuals that could help increase the participants’ potential while doing something fun. Free SPIRIT Riders started providing services on a very limited basis in 1987, and the demand for their unique services grew annually and consistently. To meet the demand, in 2001 they completed construction of their own facility on 38 acres of land purchased and owned by Free SPIRIT Riders, Inc.

Free SPIRIT Riders’ helps those with special needs in 3 important ways: 1) promoting active therapy; 2) providing a valuable experience that is enjoyable though challenging; and 3) promoting the rehabilitation of individuals with physical, psychological and learning challenges through equine-facilitated activities. The major benefits include improvement of muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional and psychological health.

They are an accredited therapeutic riding center at the Premier Level through the Professional association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Int.)

Their typical season starts in early May and runs to mid-November. They have classes in mid-afternoon and evenings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and add classes during the daytime on Wednesdays during the summer break from school.

Wanna Get Some Cheese Curds?

It wouldn’t be Walleye Weekend without the Kiwanis of Fabulous Fond du Lac Cheese Curds! Walleye Weekend starts on Friday again this year with burgers, brats and yes, 3,000 pounds of cheese curds. We’d love to see you there! Stop in, say hi, and, by all means, support the children of Fond du Lac and the world by purchasing some delicious, deep-fried cheese curds!