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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.28.25 Newsletter : TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Rebecca Grill, City Manager DATE: February 28, 2025 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. MAKE A MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY IMPACT – SPONSOR A PARKS EVENT! Aligning your company with a City of Oshkosh Parks Department event or activity is not just a smart business decision, it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. By partnering with the Parks Department, you enhance your brand visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the values and well-being of the Oshkosh community. Supporting local activities fosters goodwill and builds lasting relationships with community members, enhancing customer loyalty. Investing in the community strengthens your brand reputation and positions your company as a trusted partner committed to the growth of Oshkosh. Please take a look at the 2025 sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager, at 920-236-5080. 2. BUSY SPRING AT THE OSHKOSH SENIORS CENTER: In March, the Oshkosh Seniors Center is launching a mini-pickleball program at its North Building. One-on-one play and lessons will both be available, and equipment is available for use at no charge. Playing times include mornings and afternoons. March 18th will be the Irish Fun event, where participants can purchase a ticket for dinner with wonderful, holiday-themed entertainment. Limited tickets remain for sale at either Center building. The Oshkosh Seniors Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Monday, April 7th. An event commemorating its history and looking back at its growth and challenges starts at 1:30 p.m. at the South Building. This event is free and open to the public. On Thursday, April 10th, the Center is participating in “Pump It for Parkinson’s” and is hosting an activity/movement challenge at the North Building. Interested participants can learn facts about Parkinson’s disease and use Center equipment to join in a challenge to encourage movement and healthy activity. Looking ahead to May, the Oshkosh Seniors Center will participate in National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 28th. This day will feature healthy eating and a meal, increased physical activity, and presentations. 3. BRIDGING PAST AND PRESENT: EXPLORING NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM SERIES: The opening event held on February 23rd filled the Convention Center with over 300 people to hear from the panel consisting of Jennifer Haas (Cultural Resource Management Program, UWM), David Grignon (Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin), and William Quackenbush (Ho-Chunk Nation), who shared their involvement and perspectives on the archaeological work at Menominee Park that revealed a significant historical site dating back to 900-1600 CE. This series continues with workshops and lecture opportunities that will increase people’s understanding of the region's Indigenous communities, both past and present. Participating in this program can contribute to a more inclusive and culturally aware community here in Oshkosh. Exploring Native American Cultural Heritage brochure The Bridging Past and Present Series is funded by a Wisconsin Arts Board Grant from the National Endowment of Arts. It results from a partnership with the Friends of the Oshkosh Seniors Center and Oshkosh Public Museum, and support from Discover Oshkosh. Registration for all workshops opened on February 28th at 7:00 a.m. • Braiding Sweetgrass Book Club – Contact stoland@oshkoshlibrary.org or call her at 920-236-5206 • April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. – The Indian Story Stick Workshop with Debra Morningstar • April 10th at 7:00 p.m. – Tightrope: Cultural Appropriation versus Appreciation with Karen Ann Hoffman • April 19th – Time, registration, and location to-be-determined – Hand building pottery with Jennifer Stevens • April 24th at 1:00 p.m. – Create a Pendant or Pin with Pine Needle/Sweetgrass led by Debra Morningstar • April 26th at 10:00 a.m. – Porcupine Quill and Glass Bead Earring with Melanie Tallmadge Sainz The Bridging Past and Present Series is funded by a Wisconsin Arts Board Grant from the National Endowment of Arts. It results from a partnership with the Friends of the Oshkosh Seniors Center and Oshkosh Public Museum, and support from Discover Oshkosh. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Braun, Seniors Center Manager, at 920-232- 5300. Seniors Center Program details and registration information may be found on the Senior Center webpage. 4. COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING: Volunteers are needed once again for this year’s Breakfast with the Bunny & Egg Hunt, April 5th, at Sunnyview Expo Center. Volunteering strengthens communities by fostering connections and support networks. It enhances individual’s personal growth by developing new skills and improving self- confidence, not to mention it is a great opportunity to meet new people! Join us on April 5th and help us once again make this community event egg-stra special! Find opportunities at our online volunteer page. For more information on these events or volunteer opportunities, contact Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, at 920-236-5080. 5. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, please consider becoming a member of one of the City’s citizen advisory boards, commissions, or committees. There are current openings on the following boards and commissions: BID Board Board of Review Board of Zoning Appeals Landmarks Commission Long Range Finance Committee Plan Commission To learn more about the boards and commissions, or to complete an application to serve, visit our boards and commissions webpage. If you have questions about current openings, please contact the City Manager’s Executive Assistant, Kami Zuercher, by email or call 920- 236-5002. 6. AGENDAS AND MINUTES FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Upcoming board and commission meeting agendas can be found on our Meeting Notices web page. All meeting minutes are uploaded to the City’s page for boards and commissions upon approval.