Encourage America
Local. Positive News. Our Name is Our Mission
A Lifelong Milwaukeean’s Journey to the US Olympic Luge Team
By Katlyn Putney, St. Thomas More High School “Hey. I want to try that luge thing.” Growing up in the Milwaukee area, Paul Dondero was no stranger to close-knit communities
A high society connection with Society Finches a type of bird species
Society in a peace loving world – A pair of Diamondback doves proudly hatched twins recently in the Shorehaven first floor aviary. The nest was perfectly designed and the babies
Hahn Family Standing Strong to Showcase Local Positive News in Waukesha County
Recently three members of the Hahn Family of Waukesha County visited to learn about EncourageAmerica.com. Grandmother Donna Hahn a retired school teacher (right) and her daughter-in-law AnnMarie Hahn (middle) also
Congratulations to St. Thomas More – Cavalier Strength and Fitness Coach Jimmy Litscher (TM ’06) for being named Wisconsin’s State strength Coach of the Year!
From Dan Steffes of St Thomas More, High School Jimmy Litscher (TM ’06) is a tremendously positive influence on our school culture at STM. He gives everything he has to
Oconomowoc Food Pantry Serving residents of the Oconomowoc School District since 1981
The Oconomowoc Food Pantry is a non profit service organization run entirely by volunteers. Having over 80 dedicated volunteers who contribute their time to serve clients, stock and sort food,
ALLEN B. CAUCUTT – UWM HONORS ARTIST-EDUCATOR
MILWAUKEE_The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is honoring Allen B. Caucutt, a resident of Shorehaven in Oconomowoc and a long-time resident of the Mequon-Thiensville area, with the 2020 Ernest Spaights Plaza award
Trishaw takes couple for history ride
“Didn’t think we’d be interested, but we heard about it, so we decided to give it a try,” said Shorehaven Tower resident Leslie B. in reference to the couple’s first
The Lodl Family makes a birthday a celebration of grattitude.
The Lodl family hosted daughter Lily’s 9th birthday party on Shorehaven’s parking lot, inscribing messages of hope and cheer for nursing home residents. Birthday party chalks one up for gratitude
We Salute Shawn Mangan and his 30 plus Team Members for their service to the ST. NAZIANZ FIRE DEPARTMENT
COPY TO COME Shawn grew up in rural Kiel Wisconsin is a Kiel High School Grad of 2005. The father of a friend of Shawn’s growing up was Fire Fighter
Oconomowoc City takes on Challenge to “Let’s Build A Park at 517” N Lake Road, Here is how you can help.
Our mission is to bring the community together to raise money needed to purchase 517 N Lake Road for a legacy park that will be used for generations. We believe
Memories of an Age Gone By, on Display at Maxim’s of Oconomowoc with an Amazing Model Train Display
As you enter the restaurant of Maxims at 115 East Collins Street, Oconomowoc, WI, you will see the full display of passion and history chugging a long on full display.
Bank Five Nine of The Lake Country Area Supports Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin
Bank Five Nine was interviewed on the The Morning Blend on WTMJ – 4 sharing their most recent contribution to making our community a better place by their generous contribution
We Thank Laura DeGroot for her contribution to making Racine better for many groups.
Laura DeGroot has been in business as an accountant since July of 2010. Growing up in Racine she has learned long ago the importance of making a difference in the
We Salute The Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin – Racine, WI and the The Amazing way they are fighting for those who fought for us.
Ask Jeff Gustin who will tell you his decision of helping others has become a labor of love that helps him in more ways than he can measure. Ask others
Sometimes, heroes have fur instead of capes. Rex, a therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, from Genesee, Wisconsin
Sometimes, heroes have fur instead of capes. Rex, a therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, has been doing regular window visits with the residents of Linden Grove in
We Salute the Russell and Nelson families for providing The Madeline Island Ferry Line for all to enjoy this amazing area of Wisconsin
Today’s Ferry The year 1995 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Madeline Island Ferry Line: a quarter of a century since the merger of two rival ferry lines operating on
Madeline Island, Wisconsin’ Chamber of Commerce, Near the Apostle Islands
Chamber of Commerce The Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization. Originally formed as The Madeline Island Service Organization, The Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce has worked to
Thanks to the Bayfield Community Education Foundation – Providing for Future Generations by helping today
About the Bayfield Community Education Foundation The Bayfield Community Education Foundation (BCEF) is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities by offering financial support to programs that go beyond the normal funding
Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation OPEF The Contribution of Educators will last for generations. Thanks To All who are making our community a better place.
OPEF Vision Statement OPEF will inspire creativity and excellence in Oconomowoc public schools and make them a fountain of personal growth for the well-being of our local and global communities.
CABLE AREA Chamber of Commerce – A Salute to the Rondeau Family
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce About the ChamberThe Cable Area Chamber of Commerce exists to promote and market the towns of Cable, Drummond, Grand View and Namakagon as a premier
Bayfield, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce has an amazing team who makes up their Board of Directors. We Salute them for all they do.
Listed below are the names of all of the current Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Board of Directors Bryce AlbrechtApostle Islands Cruises(715) 779-3925bryce@apostleisland.com Jennifer AlbrechtWild Rice Retreat(715) 779-0178jennifer.albrecht@wildriceretreat.com
CORE Community Resources – Bayfield County, WI – Mary Dougherty – Executive Director
Organizational BackgroundEstablished in October 2006 with funding from the Mary H Rice Foundation, CORE Community Resources’ mission is to help seniors, defined as over age 55, stay independent, active and
Bayfield, WI – We Salute Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau Staff David Eades, Executive Director & Paige Rautio, Marketing Director for all they do to make their community a better place.
Chamber Information The Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau serves approximately 350 members and values and promotes the special allure of Bayfield with regards to its social, cultural, environmental and architectural
Encourage America Salutes Thomas Knitter Recipient of the St. Thomas More High School Chancellor Award 2021
The Chancellor Award is given each year to a member of the St. Thomas More Family who is recognized for their long term generous contribution to the school in various
Out of Great Tragedy Comes Great Triumph
The Community Benefit Tree (CBT) founded by Heidi Frederickson started out of tragedy and has become her greatest triumph. Losing her father before his time was a great tragedy in
Over 200 people Attended Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club Fundraiser event August 14, 2020 at Okauchee Lions Park Pavilion 5:30 – 11:00 p.m. The turnout made it a huge success.
Five O’s Baseball and Fastpitch Softball Our mission is to provide competitive baseball and fastpitch softball while maintaining an affordable experience for all kids in the Oconomowoc and surrounding areas.
Megan and Steve Reuter Help EncourageAmerica in Milwaukee County
Special thanks to Megan and Steve Reuter for helping us Encourage America in Milwaukee County. Weekly they will be introducing community groups and Associations to the platform of local positive
Kaukauna Business Owner Helps WIR Raise Funds for Those in Need
Wisconsin International Race Way in Kaukauna, on select Thursday nights, puts on a 50/50 bucket raffle with 50% of the funds raised going to the winner and the other 50%
Special Thanks to Margaret Wittkopp for helping to make Plymouth, Wisconsin a better place in many ways.
Margaret is involved in the Plymouth community in several ways. She is currently a member of Rotary, and in the past, she served as a Rotary District 6270 Governor. She
Oconomowoc FIVE O’s Oconomowoc Area Baseball Team How it all Started, Thanks to Lee Fenzl, Pat Neary, Dan Nelson, Tom Rhoads, Dave Schlosser, Dave Smith and Mark Wille and Where it is Today in 2020.
In 1997 the Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club (originally Oconomowoc Parents For Baseball) was established by Lee Fenzl, Pat Neary, Dan Nelson, Tom Rhoads, Dave Schlosser, Dave Smith and Mark Wille.
Trish Tetzlaff takes a stand for local positive news. Welcome to Brown and Outagamie Counties
Trish is a financial planner since 2007 and owns her own business called Core Financial Resources in Kaukauna, WI. Trish, her husband Mark and 3 children live in Kaukauna and
We Thank Pristine Health L.L.C. – Marcia Radloff – Seelman for taking a stand for positive news.
Marcia Radloff-Seelman owner of Pristine Health located at 621 E Main Street, Watertown, WI 53094 has been practicing Herbal Medicine since 1999 offers services of; Acupuncture Prevention & Wellness Infertility
Dave’s Turf and Marine Stand with you providing local positive news.
Welcome Dave’s Turf and Marine to EncourageAmerica.com Dave’s Turf & Marine Our owners, Dave and Leni, have many years of experience (since 1962) in all phases of this business. For
Welcome Keck Furniture – Taking a stand for local positive news.
Keck Furniture History Outlasting Watertown Furniture Stores for Over 165 Years! In 1853, only 17 years after Watertown was settled by Timothy Johnson, the first issue of The German Press,
Lake Mills, Family Pledges to share 4 stories per month about Community Groups making our World Better
Special Thanks to this family in Lake Mills who will be focusing on others making a difference in the community. Immediate benefits that they recognized is that every time anyone
Encourage America Website in its final fine tuning phase. Expect full speed ahead on July 4, 2020 and beyond.
We are making a way for people to create an account and be able to submit stories to EncouragAmerica.com that will allow our back office to send them an approval
City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Sharon Kugi Marketing Coordinator
The Board of Directors are pleased to introduce as of January of 2020, Sharon Kugi as the new Marketing Coordinator for the City of Waukesha’s Chamber of Commerce. Sharon will
Leadership Recognition to Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director – David Eckmann and The Chamber of Commerce Team
Founded on March 11, 1912, the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce marks more than 100 years of helping businesses grow. The Chamber serves as the indispensable source for business connections,
Leadership Recognition to Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director – Deidre Martinez and the Chamber Team
Special Thanks to Deidre Martinez and the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Team. With over 900 Members in the Chamber it is one of the largest and most reputable groups
Leadership Recognition to the Mequon – Thiensville Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director – Tina Schwantes and The Chamber Team
The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1980 with the “purpose of advancing commercial, industrial, agricultural educational and civic interests of this community and area.” The organization started with
Leadership Recognition – The Grafton, WI Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director – Pam King and The Chamber of Commerce Team
Grafton Chamber – Who We Are At the Grafton Chamber, we are a group of businessmen and women working together to strengthen the local economy, promote orderly growth and improve
Leadership Recognition – Keith Michalak for Teaching Grafton Jr. and Sr High Students about finances through Junior Achievement
Special Thanks to Keith Michalak for his commitment to helping our youth. Since 2013 Keith has been teaching classes with various program 1 time per week for 5 or 6
Leadership Recognition – Dousman Chamber of Commerce All Volunteer Leaders
The Dousman Area Chamber of Commerce works to enhance the health of the business and community while retaining our small town atmosphere. Dousman is a great place to live, work
Leadership Recognition – New Berlin Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director of Ed Holpfer
What is the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce? Our Mission: “We are an organization that supports our business community. We provide resources for our members to stimulate their growth and
Leadership Recognition – Sussex Area Chamber of Commerce – Executive Directory , Dana Breunig
Leadership Recognition of The Middleton Chamber of Commerce – Lead by Executive Director Kate Wicker and the Chamber Team
OUR WHY: To be a connected business community that inspires, shares and learns from each other – so that we’re able to grow, succeed and contribute to our greater community. The Middleton Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) membership
Inspirational – God will make a way- A beautiful uplifting song Please Enjoy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o
Inspirational – Karl Anthony If I had one prayer.
This an amazing video, I recommend you watch it to the end. Give yourself a treat and watch what happens to you.
Community Leadership – Donovan Pfaff – of Donovan Financial Services.
Since 1990 Donovan has been in the Financial Services industry. Having offices in Madison, WI and Monroe, WI he is able to service many in the Dane County Area. Many
Leadership Recognition – Monroe, WI Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director – Melissa Even
Inspirational – Hugs and Hugs, Truly when you give one, you get one from Laure Kypriotis
Because right now we can’t do it, because we are applying social distancing, because we are isolated, I feel like I want to share with you this amazing experience and
“Hero Mail Call” Invites citizens to support seniors and front line workers expressing appreciation and gratitude. Special Thanks to Jim Kacmarcik of Kapco for making a difference.
A new campaign called “Hero Mail Call” hopes to send thousands of letters and drawings to healthcare heroes and isolated senior citizens across the country to extend love, care and
Leadership Recognition Waukesha Civic Theatre A Treasure for our future. Thanks to Bryce and Anne Styza, Anthony and Andrea Bryant so many more
History July of 2020 marks the beginning of Waukesha Civic Theatre’s 64rd season. WCT is proud to be part of an elite group: according to the American Association of Community
Leadership Recognition to Suzanne Kelley – President and CEO of The Waukesha County Business Alliance and Waukesha County Center for Growth
Please Log on to the Waukesha County Business Alliance at https://www.waukesha.org/ Waukesha County Center for Growth, Inc. Mission: To connect businesses with the resources they need to grow in Waukesha
Leadership Recognition to The Columbus WI Area Chamber of Commerce and Their Members. All Leadership are Volunteers
Special Thanks to all of the Members who are making a difference in the community. Road Sign by Enerpac Sara Hanna shanna2@tds.net Deb Freeman info@wellnessholisticodyssey.com Bert Freeman lionsubway@yahoo.com Hop N
Leadership Recognition of The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce
We Thank all of the team at Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce and Their Members for making their community stronger.
Leadership Recognition Burlington, WI. Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director – Jan Ludtke and BCC Team
From the Burlington Chamber of Commerce website this introduction is posted here below. Thank you for your interest in our community, and welcome to the greater Burlington area! We’re sure
Leadership Recognition to Carol White President of the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce
Since 1957 The GBCC has been serving the business community. Log on to https://www.brookfieldchamber.com to learn more about the GBCC. The Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organization
Leadership Recognition – Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce – GBCC Executive Director Aimee Thurner
The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization comprised of a diverse membership of area businesses, industries, organizations and professionals who pool their talents and resources to improve
Delafield Chamber of Commerce since 1940 has served as a successful business membership organization. Under the Leadership of Executive Director – Megan Braatz it continues To Thrive
Megan Braatz comes to the Delafield Chamber of Commerce with 8 years in Finance and over 5 years of Network Marketing and Sales experience. Megan has a degree in Human
Leadership Recognition – Bonnie Hertel – Executive Director of The Watertown, WI. Chamber of Commerce, And Tourism Manager – Robin Kaufmann
To Learn more about the Watertown, WI Chamber, Watertown Main Street or the Watertown Tourism Log on to https://www.watertownchamber.com/
Leadership Recognition to the Board of Directors of the City of Waukesha – Chamber of Commerce
To Learn more log on to https://www.waukeshaworks.com/ Mission The mission of the City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce is to provide resources, support, and collaboration opportunities to develop and strengthen
Phillip C. Stark – Mentor Extraordinaire = Community Pillar
This tribute comes to us from Mary Arnold of Stark Realty https://marnold.starkhomes.com/ who was sharing about a mentor of hers named Phillip C. Stark. “He was an amazing man to
Leadership Recognition of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club Since 1925
The Oconomowoc Rotary Charitable Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization. The Foundation is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share
Leadership Recognition of Lake Area Free Clinic
Lake Area Free Clinic opened our doors in 2001. Their mission is to provide high-quality free medical services to those who are uninsured and unable to pay. They believe that
Leadership Recognition to the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Since 1970
History The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts is sponsored by the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, Ltd. an all volunteer community organization. Now in its 50th year, it is a juried
Jim Kalscheur, The epitome of success in business and in life. A Legacy of generosity
Jim Kalscheur’s day job was selling steaks, hamburger and racks of ribs. In large quantities. His UW Provision Co., built from a small butcher shop in Madison, is now a
Leadership Recognition to the Kiwanis of Oconomowoc, WI
Current Officers Jerry Schneider, President, Pending, President Elect, Andy Wagner, Past President, Chet Seffrood, Treasurer, Tom Ginn, Ass’t. Treasurer, Jane Fredrich, Secretary Directors Steve Schmiedlin, Colleen Meyer, Sandra Karkossa, Fred
Oconomowoc Area Historical Society & Museum Our Past bridging Our Future
It is the mission of the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum to serve our many constituencies as a community resource and learning center, committed to historic preservation and research;
Fowler Park of Oconomowoc, WI Legacy for the community donated in 1945 by sisters Ida M. Binzel and Mrs. E.C. Theobald, members of an early Oconomowoc family.
Prior to 1851, a portion of this park served as a cemetery. The property changed hands several times before it was purchased in the 1860s by Dr. James A. Henshall,
Ewald Soccer Fields at Monterey Park, north of Oconomowoc on Highway 67 A Legacy for future generations.
On Aug. 26, 2016 Ewald Automotive Group held a dedication ceremony at the soccer fields, N80W38226 McMahon Road (Highway 67), where they announced the completion of the four-year development. Ewald
Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Recognition – Cherie Sonsalla, Executive Director
Under the leadership of Cherie Sonsalla – Executive Director, Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce is in great hands. The Chamber sponsors several community events throughout the year and anyone can see
Introduction to Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association
The mission of the Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association is to help promote the entrepreneurial spirit engrained in the rich history of Oconomowoc and reclaim the area as the Heart of
Introduction to Oconomowoc Women’s Club
The mission statement of the Oconomowoc Woman’s Club (OWC) is that through volunteer efforts we can better our community, our country, and ourselves. All members are asked to take an
