WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Welcome Thornberry Cottage to the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce! This new member is no stranger to the Chamber! They are also the owners of Brewed. A Coffee Shop, The Vault, Clintonville Storage, and other ventures in our area! Angie & Kyle Sonnenberg purchased this building in February and fell in love with the store and the fact that it had a beautiful cafe and coffee shop, so they decided to purchase the business as well! Stop in for a bite to eat and shop the store's unique and beautiful offerings!

The Chamber of Commerce is extremely proud of all of our area businesses and organizations, but espeically in these last few weeks. I believe our "Season of Giving" has started early this year! I am in awe of all of the collaboration happening between our businesses and non-profits for the Police Lights of Christmas campaign, stocking the food pantry, snack drives, donations, sponsorships. It is just amazing. We should be truly proud to live in the community we live in. Keep up the good work!

NEWS RELEASE

October 2025

Goodfellows Gear Up for Annual Campaign

The Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion is pleased to announce that the organization is busy preparing for their 75th annual distribution of items to needy individuals and families in our area. As in the past, items will be distributed items over a 2 day period.

Wednesday December 10th will be set aside for families with children. Distribution hours for that day will be from 9am until 5pm.

Thursday December 11th will be for single individuals and those households without children. Those recipients may pick up their items between Noon and 3pm on that day.

Distribution is limited to residents of either the Clintonville or Marion School Districts.

Each year, our efforts to serve the less fortunate residing in those areas continues to grow. The response from the Clintonville and Marion communities last year was outstanding, with churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals all contributing both financially as well as with donations of blankets, hats, gloves, coats, boots, toys, and other items. Volunteers from both communities joined in helping prepare for the distribution of items collected to the less fortunate. We continue to encourage the collection of winter clothing items, toys, and gift cards. As always, cash contributions are most appreciated, allowing out team of great volunteers to use those donations in the most effective way possible. We pride ourselves on getting the most bang for our buck!

Founded in the early 1950's by Franks Sinkewicz, former officer at FWD Corporation, the Goodfellows program has provided countless items to the less fortunate over the years, helping to make their holiday season a bit brighter. Over the years, dozens of local residents have generously volunteered their time in making each year's event a success.

Funding for the Goodfellows comes from a variety of sources with the majority of funding coming from cash donations from generous local businesses, civic groups, and individuals as well as some funding through the local United Way campaign. Additional funding is also provided through grants from charitable foundations with business ties to the Clintonville/Marion community, among them the Clintonville Area Foundation, Alliant Energy, Theda Care, and Kwik Trip.

As a 501c3 charitable organization, your contribution is tax deductible. Anyone wishing to donate may mail their contribution to:



Clintonville Goodfellows

P.O. Box 135

Clintonville, WI 54929

Monetary donations can also be made by visiting our Facebook page “Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion” and using the “Fundraisers through Facebook” feature located there.

From November 1-15, volunteers begin the process of collecting the names of potential recipients. Individuals and families wishing to receive items are encouraged to sign up via the Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion Facebook page. Potential recipients may also place a call to designated volunteers to sign up for the program.

In early December, the process of sorting and purchasing toys and gathering all other items collected throughout the community begins, culminating with the distribution of everything collected usually around a week before Christmas. This years two day distribution will occur at Memory Lanes and Banquet Hall in Clintonville on Wednesday December 10th from 9am until 5pm and on Thursday December 11th from Noon until 3pm.

On distribution day each family receives a voucher redeemable at Tadych's Marketplace Foods in Clintonville, allowing them to purchase fresh items and groceries from a list of approved products. The amount of the voucher varies each year, depending on donations received, The Goodfellows have touched lives in our area for over 70 years. Every dollar donated makes a difference and the number of people assisted each year bear that out.

In 2024 the Goodfellows efforts helped over 1,100 people, a considerable increase from the previous year. Consider these words from one of our prior recipients:

“I just want to say thank you so very much for helping my family this Christmas. The

volunteers were all so nice and my kids will be so happy. Me and my husband are so grateful

and the food vouchers will help us so much. I cannot even put into words how thankful we

are.”

The Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion appreciate the great support the community has shown each and every Holiday season. To all of our donors and friends we wish a Happy Holiday season and a New Year filled with prosperity!

First State Bank Promotes Flahaut to Treasury Management Officer

New London, WI – First State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Anna Flahaut, formerly Branch Manager and Mortgage Banker in both our Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids locations, to the role of Treasury Management Officer. This move reflects the bank’s commitment to recognizing leadership talent and expanding its treasury services to better serve commercial clients.

In her new role, Flahaut will focus on delivering customized cash management solutions, enhancing client relationships, and driving growth across the bank’s treasury portfolio.

“I’m honored to take on this new challenge and grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my journey at First State Bank,” said Flahaut. “I’m excited to continue building strong relationships with local businesses and helping them find financial solutions that support their growth and success.”

“This is a well-deserved step forward for Anna,” said Jason Wery, EVP, Chief Banking Officer at First State Bank. “Her leadership at the branch level has been exceptional, and I’m confident Anna will bring the same energy and insight to our treasury management team.”

Outside of work, Anna enjoys running, strength training, and spending time with her family.

First State Bank is a $536 million community bank with offices in New London, Auburndale, Clintonville, Manawa, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Waupaca, and Wisconsin Rapids. For more information visit bankfirststate.com or call (800) 994-2500.

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FOR RELEASE

October 13, 2025

For more information: Megan McLaughlin

Clintonville Area Foundation President

clintonville@cffoxvalley.org

Clintonville Area Foundation Accepting Grant Applications

Clintonville – The Clintonville Area Foundation is accepting grant applications to improve the quality of life for residents of the Clintonville Area School District until Dec 1, 2025.

Grant requests up to $3,000 can support a broad range of purposes such as arts and culture, health and human services, community development, education, and environment. Types of projects and programs that will be considered include:

·        Creative new activities or services

·        Enhancement or strengthening of existing activities or services

·        Small capital investments

·        New or recurring events

Organizations eligible to apply are those determined by the IRS to be public charities, units of government (this includes Native American tribal governments), or organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The application deadline is Dec 1, 2025, by 11:59 pm.

The Clintonville Area Foundation accepts tax deductible donations of any amount invested in the Clintonville Support Fund, which provide these annual grants. Applications are evaluated and recipients are selected by the Clintonville Area Foundation’s grants committee.

Complete guidelines and application instructions can be found by visiting the Clintonville Area Foundation website at https://www.cffoxvalley.org/grants/clintonville-family-of-funds/. General questions about the grant process can be directed to Jenny Krikava Community Engagement Manager, 920.702.7632, jkrikava@cffoxvalley.org. Successful applicants will be notified in advance of receiving their grant at our annual grant distribution event in February 2026.

Clintonville Area Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

Go to www.ClintonvilleFoundation.org to read about last year’s Clintonville Area Foundation grantees or to donate to the Clintonville Support Fund.



Established in 1995, the Clintonville Area Foundation's mission is to enhance and improve the social, cultural, educational, health and general well-being of people in the Clintonville area. In 2000, it became a geographic affiliate of the Appleton-based Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Learn more at www.ClintonvilleFoundation.org.

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The Foundation also held their annual Fundraiser in October at Memory Lanes. The Community Hero award was given to Dr Jerry Schoenicke this year. Unfortunately he was unable to attend the banquet. Below is a photo of the son of the recipient, Jim Schoenicke, and Dan Olk.

Jerry is the founder of the Clintonville Area Foundation, with his efforts dating back to the early 1980's.

Medicare Open Enrollment: Red Flags to Watch Out For

Sep 29 

Written By Emily Chagnon

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is the busiest time of the year for insurance decisions. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when some agents bend or break the rules. Knowing the red flags can help you protect yourself and make confident choices.

🚫 Common Illegal or Unethical Practices

Cold Calling

Agents are not allowed to call you out of the blue about Medicare Advantage or Part D plans unless you’ve given them permission.¹

This isn’t just something you hear about from foreign call centers — sometimes these calls come from people right in your own community.

Bad-Mouthing Other Agents or Plans

No agent should pressure you by putting down another agent, company, or plan.²

You deserve clear, unbiased information so you can choose what’s best for you.

Steering for Higher Commissions

Some agents push plans that pay them more, even if the plan isn’t right for you.³

A good agent’s job is to present all available options and explain how each one works.

Unsolicited Door Knocking

Agents can’t show up at your door without a prior appointment.⁴ If they do, you have every right to turn them away.

Pressure Tactics

“You need to sign up today or you’ll lose coverage” — statements like this are scare tactics and are not allowed.⁵ You should always be given time to review your options.

✅ Your Rights as a Medicare Beneficiary

• You have the right to choose your own agent or broker.
• You have the right to see all plan options available in your area, not just the ones that benefit the agent.
• You have the right to say no to phone calls, door knocks, or pushy sales pitches.
• You have the right to report misconduct to protect yourself and others.

📢 Where to Report Problems

• Insurance Company (Carrier): Fastest route; compliance teams can act quickly.
• Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE / 1-800-633-4227): Creates an official record with CMS.
• Wisconsin SHIP: Free, unbiased counseling; can guide you through the complaint process.
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI): Regulates licensed agents; can investigate and take disciplinary action, including fines or license suspension.⁶

When reporting, include:

• The agent’s name
• The company they represent
• The date and details of what happened

✔️ The Bottom Line

Medicare rules exist to protect you. If someone is breaking the rules — cold calling, bad-mouthing, pressuring, or steering you — that’s a red flag. And remember, it doesn’t just happen from a random call center far away — it can happen right here in small communities, too.

Trustworthy agents put your needs first, not their commissions.

📚 Legal References

1. Cold Calling: 42 C.F.R. § 422.2264(c)(1); CMS Agent/Broker Dos & Don’ts (Sept. 2021).
2. Bad-Mouthing / Misrepresentation: 42 C.F.R. § 422.2262(a); Medicare.gov, Plan Marketing Rules.
3. Steering / Biased Recommendations: 42 C.F.R. § 422.2262(a)(1); CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG).
4. Unsolicited Door Knocking: 42 C.F.R. § 422.2264(c)(3); CMS Agent/Broker Dos & Don’ts.
5. Pressure / Scare Tactics: 42 C.F.R. § 422.2262(a)(2); CMS MCMG prohibiting coercive or misleading sales practices.
6. Wisconsin Oversight: Wis. Stat. § 628.34 (unfair marketing practices); Wis. Admin. Code Ins 20.01 (home solicitation selling); Wisconsin OCI Complaint Process (oci.wi.gov).

E7980 Magolski Road Marion, WI 54950 darndtwoodside@gmail.com

(715) 754-2166

Visit their blog for more great resources: Woodside Blog



The FWD Seagrave Museum will be obtaining three (3) World War I Model B ammunition carriers from a collector on the west coast. The trucks will be placed on display for long term loan to the FWD Seagrave Museum. During WWI, an estimated 32,000 Model B trucks were built for 6 Allied countries, including the U.S. As soon as shipping can be arranged, the trucks will be placed on display as well as a cannon caisson from that same era. 

The FWD Seagrave Museum is always looking for volunteers to help out a few hours a week to keep the museum open.  This is a great opportunity to help share our history with visitors. Please call Terry Lorge at 715-250-0205 if you are interested.

Unity Grief and Education Center

Honor a Life

To help support and guide those who may be facing the darkness of loss and grief this holiday season, Unity Grief and Education Center invites those who have experienced the death of a loved one to join us on Wednesday, December 3 for our 11^th Annual Honor a Life Holiday Gathering at National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI. This special program features reflection, music and holiday spirit. For more information, please visit; https://unityhospice.org/honor-a-life.

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FROM FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

CLINTONVILLE REGIONAL CENTER!

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) opens the doors of opportunity by providing underserved individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and personal finance training.

They focus on individuals who face barriers in accessing business financing and training support, including women, people of color, veterans, and lower-wealth individuals. They offer a variety of trainings, lending, financial wellness and coaching for businesses. Visit their website for more information!

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