School: Owen-Friends of the Old School (Aug. 2005)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, WI) August 17, 2005

News from Friends of the Old School (Owen)

FOS is catching up with plans after a very successful MARKETPLACE and all-class reunion in July. Owen Days over-all was a success. As we ready ourselves for the 1st Arts Fest/Marketplace in September, we realize the gym is twice the size of my barn, where I had the Art in the Barn shows. So, we welcome readers to apply for this new show. Antiques, original artwork, carvings, etc. This show is juried, so we won’t accept just anything.

The roof problem is being addressed in August. Then another Tool Show is scheduled for Sept. 1. They are always popular.

After the North Bright/South Bright/Elmwood Grade school reunion on Sept. 4, we’ll be setting up for the Arts Fest on Sept. 17-18. If any reader has an hour or so a week, we can use extra hands. I will probably be in the gym most days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s going to be fun—several members (and some strangers) have donated linen tablecloths so we can really play ‘dress-up.’

Farmers’ market stands are also welcome then—no charge for setting up with your produce or flowers for the weekend.

That’s all for now. There are always many irons in the fire—it’s a matter of picking one project at a time.

Until next time, Esther Niedzaiecki, FOS Board

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Clark County Press (Neillsville, WI) August 24, 2005

News from Friends of the Old School (Owen)

Summer came with quite a vengeance—some days were sure hot. And suddenly, it feels like fall. And hayfever time. Oh well, soon the fields will be white. But wait, not yet!

The Old School will be busy in September. To begin the month, another TAP Enterprises tool show comes in on Sept. 1st at 11 a.m. They are always popular.

Then, on Sept. 2, Tim Schindler will be setting up for another antique and household auction scheduled for Sept. 3.

Then, on Sept. 4, beginning at noon, a potluck dinner will start for a reunion of North Bright/South Bright/Elmwood Grad schools. We’ll try to have much of our grade school memorabilia out.

On Sept. 17-18, many local and state artisans will display their work at the 1st annual Old School Arts Fest & Marketplace. Besides the juried artworks, we will also have a Kid’s dress-up corner, and a raffle. So far, raffle items include a very large chainsaw carved bear, a handmade quilt, and a few other surprises. There will be a $1 admission charge, which will benefit the Old School Roofing fund. There is also a free-of-charge farmer’s market on the grounds. Vendors will need to register, but spaces are free.

Plans are underway to feature more musical events this winter, and possibly some classes—arts, crafts, personal wellness, etc. Beginning Oct. 1, the gym will be once again available for walkers.

That’s all I have for now.

Esther Niedzwiecki, FOS Board

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Clark County Press (Neillsville, WI) April 19, 2006 Transcribed by

News from Friends of the Old School (Owen)

Spring has come in with a bang. Many things are going on at the Old School. On March 13, Yellowstone Trail Committee was hosted by Chairman June Roohr, in the midst of a snowstorm, but turnout was very good.

Then on March 17, FOS hosted an Open House to celebrate the arrival of spring, and to listen to the MPK Celtic Fiddle Band from Chili. They are doing an encore performance in concert at the Gym on April 22, beginning at 6 p.m. There is a $1 admission, with children under 12 free. The dad is a graduate of the O-W Schools, and the whole family is absolutely wonderful. The youngest boy plays the piano like a pro, and they do some Irish dancing, and of course, play the fiddle and other musical instruments. Great entertainment! Refreshments, too!

On March 25, there was another Red Cross Blood Drive, which will be repeated later this spring. In the midst of the world’s chaos, there is always a need for blood.

There was another Arneson Auction on April 1. It’s always a pleasure to work with them. This time, many FOS members came from far—Eau Claire, Wausau, and Minneapolis—to assist.

The O-W EMS/Ambulance Service annual fund-raiser dance took place on April 8. We always like to be of service to them. They are volunteers and we never know when we will need them.

After the MPK Celtic Fiddle Band concert on April 22, we’ll be completing the schedule for May. We will have an open house for a few hours on Memorial Day, in case anyone is in the area and wants to stop in. And there will be another Yellowstone Trail stop in Owen in May. Details will follow later.

Plans are underway for the annual Fair Days and Old School Marketplace on July 8 and 9. Space is still available inside, and of course, outside is always available. This year, we’ll be having extra space for the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ in Owen, as they turn 100 years old.

More archives will be coming in soon. We’ve gone through piles of newspapers to sort by year, and we have other projects to finish before July.

Esther Niedzwiecki, FOS Board

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Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI) March 15, 2006

Friends of the Old School Open House

The Friends of the Old School in Owen, invites the community to an open house at the gym in Owen on Sunday, March 19, 2006 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can celebrate St. Patrick’s and St. Urho’s days and the coming of spring with music, refreshments and displays of historical items.

Woodgrove Workers 4-H members will perform music from the movie Grease at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Asa Fields and Anna Nosko will provide fiddle and piano tunes and about 2:15 p.m. the MPK Celtic fiddle band will take the stage. For more information call: Esther Niedzwiecki—Owen 715-229-2245.