Experience - December 2015

NEWS FOR BOOMERS AND BEYOND

DECEMBER 2015

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Mouse Factory Cathedral mice are a passion for two Fond du Lac women

INSIDE: Events Calendar • Age In Place Home Renovations • Estate Planning

FEATURE

The cathedral mice creators of St. Paul STORY BY LOIS A. PfLum | PHOTOS BY DOug RAfLIk/ACTION REPORTER mEDIA

T

he Mouse Factory of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul is nothing like it was when it first began. History of the cathedral mice goes back to 1962, giving credit to the late Dorothy and Russ Duket.

Ruth Du Frane, leader, buyer and treasurer, related how Dorothy had attended a craft show, and idea for the mice as a fund raiser for the church originated.

“The first official mouse was the Choir Mouse,” said Du Frane. “Since then, it mushroomed.”

Agnes Edwards, 97, and a member of the Cathedral since 1950, and Du Frane, 77, another long-time member since 1990, became friends over the years, sharing their love and working in the Mouse Factory.

In Edwards’ career years she worked in the drapery department with Bauer’s Store in downtown Fond du Lac. She continues to enjoy using her sewing skills on the mice, despite suffering a stroke last year. After her stroke, she stepped down and Du Frane took over. Edwards had mentored Du Frane over the years.

The St. Nicholas Faire will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the mice and speciallydecorated mouse boxes, there will be a bake sale, cookie walk, vendors, raffle mouse, silent auction, rummage sale and a “good as new” booth. To view all the Mouse Factory creations, visit cathedralmice.com.

“I followed her around and knew what to do, and what needed to be done, so that made it easier for me,” Du Frane remarked.

Approximately 3,000 mice will be made

for this year, according to Du Frane. She and Edwards said there are presently 49 workers that are involved, including a few of the spouses. Du Frane noted that 90 percent of the work is done by hand. In peak years, the group completed 5,000 mice with the help of a lot of workers. While all the mice are the same three inches in height, the earlier mice sold for $1, gradually the price went up over the years due to the cost of the materials. Today the mice sell for $15 each.

The ladies also sell “special mice,” including a Survivor Mouse for people surviving cancer or another disease and can be ordered anytime.

The Survivor Mouse sells for $20 with half of the money going to Sloan-Kettering for cancer research, and half going to St. Jude Hospital.

Another special mouse is available when tours of the Cathedral are given, is The Cathedral Angel, which sells for $15. Du Frane is the tour director and she said they sell very well.

“We have mice everywhere,” joked Du Frane.

Du Frane noted the 1984 Packer Mouse is always a big seller and we make them every year, www.edwardjones.com

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2 | EXPERIENCE

ACTION PUBLICATIONS | DECEMBER 2015

ding ncer ime. lf of ncer al. ours dral tour

The mission of this wonderful group is the preservation of the Cathedral and the campus, with the proceeds of the Mouse Factory.

Du Frane jokes her hobbies are “the mice — it’s very consuming — just getting involved.”

Besides giving tours and working on the mice, Du Frane serves on the Sunday fellowship after Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. Her daughter, Jean is also involved with the Mouse Factory and does all the computer work.

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EXPERIENCE is published by Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. Contents of the section are for Action Reporter Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. For information, contact Heather Bradwin-Haseman at 920-979-3615 or hbradwin@appleton.gannett.com.

EDITOR / MARK BARNA ADvERTIsING sALEs MANAGER / HEATHER BRADWIN-HASEMAN GRAPHIC ARTIsT / JAMES HOSLET

www.woodlandsseniorpark.com

Fond du Lac County Senior Dining Menu DECEMBER 1 Ham Rolls, Squash, German Cole Slaw, Pineapple Tidbits, Ice Cream Cup *, Rye Roll DECEMBER 2 Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Tossed Salad, Cantaloupe Slice, Cinnamon Roll *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 10 Chili Casserole, Tossed Salad, Cream Sicle Torte, Pear Slices *, Cornbread DECEMBER 11 Hawaiian Meatballs, Baby Red Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Apricot Halves, Cookie*, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 3 Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Birthday Cake, Apple Slices *, Dinner Roll

DECEMBER 14 Pepper Steak, Au Gratin Potatoes, Chinese Ramen Sal., Pineapple Tidbits, Vanilla Pudding *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 4 Crispy Fish Fillet, Baby Red Potatoes, Peas, Pear/Lime Gelatin, Fudge Brownie *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 15 Baked Chicken, Twice Bk Style Pot., Three Bean Salad, Gingerbread Cake, Fruit Cocktail *, Dinner Roll

DECEMBER 7 Pork Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Chocolate Pudding, Plum Halves *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 16 Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Wax Beans, Fruited Gelatin, Fudge Brownie *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 8 Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, Summer Blend Veg., Ambrosia Dessert, Honeydew Melon *, Dinner Roll

DECEMBER 17 Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Key Lime Pie, Plum Halves *, Dinner Roll

DECEMBER 9 Bratwurst on a Bun, Sour Cream and Chive Potatoes, Broccoli Cuts, Applesauce, Frosted Cake *

DECEMBER 18 Pot Roast, Baby Red Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Peach Slices, Frosted Cake *, Sliced Bread

DECEMBER 21 Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Swiss Spinach, Applesauce Cake, Orange *, Sliced Bread DECEMBER 22 Baked Spaghetti, Mixed Italian Salad, Rainbow Sherbet, Apple Slices *, French Bread DECEMBER 23 Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Cass., Cranberry Gelatin, Sugar Cookie *, Sliced Bread DECEMBER 24 Closed Christmas Eve DECEMBER 25 Closed Christmas Day DECEMBER 28 Chicken Marsala, Baked Potato, Mixed Vegetables, Rice Pudding, Fruit Cocktail *, Sliced Bread DECEMBER 29 Baked Chicken, Twice Bk Style Pot., Copper Penny Sal., Applesauce, Frosted Cake *, Dinner Roll DECEMBER 30 Meatballs in Honey, Mustard Sauce, Baby Red Potatoes, Coconut Cream Pie, Seedless Grapes *, Sliced Bread DECEMBER 31 Closed New Year’s Eve

Meal Sites: FOND DU LAC – Riverview Apartments, 101 Western Ave., Mon-Fri 11:45am; Westnor Apartments, 653 W Arndt St. noon; Portland Square Apartments, 55 N. Portland, 11:45am; Senior Center, 151 E. First St. Mon-Thurs 11:45am; NORTH FOND DU LAC – Northgate, 350 Winnebago St., noon; RIPON – Russell Manor, 504 Russell Dr., 11:45am; Willowbrook Apartments, 615 W. Oshkosh St., noon; WAUPUN – Senior Center, 301 E. Main St., noon.

Eligibility & Nutrition: All persons or married to someone 60 years or older are eligible for the Fond du Lac County Elderly Nutrition Program. Each meal contains 1/3 of the current daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.

Registration: Preregister at least one day in advance by 1pm, by signing up at a meal site or calling Fond du Lac Courthouse, 929-3937; Waupun Senior Center, 324-7930. For cancellations call the Department of Senior Service at 929-3937 before 1pm the business day prior to the meal.

Donations: There is a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 years of age or older or married to someone 60+. Mobile Meals donation of $3.50.

Volunteers: Volunteers are needed for the Senior Dining Program of the Fond du Lac County Dept. of Senior Services. Call 929-3114 for more information.

DECEMBER 2015 | ACTION PUBLICATIONS

EXPERIENCE | 3

WI-5001860596

as well as the Packer Fan mouse.

The mouse factory has 61 different mice, besides the new mouse this year called: “At the Hop” and in 2016, the mouse will be called, “Badger Basketball.” Orders will andbe taken at this year’s faire. ork- Du Frane joked “whenever theAgnes meets somebody new, the thefirst thing she asks them, ‘can you roupsew?’” She is always on the lookot ofout for more sewers for her pet hreeproject. Even Dean Brian Beno r $1,commented, “We love our mice.” due sell

CALENDAR

December events and activities FOOT OF THE LAKE POETRY READING SERIES: FAVORITE POEMS READING — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at CafÊ 1906, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. Free event includes guest writer, open mic and cash bar.

HO HO HOTLINE — 3:30 to 4:30 weekdays from Dec. 1 to 23. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking calls from children. To reach them, call 920-322-3633. This free community service is arranged by the Fond du Lac Senior Center.

UW-FOND DU LAC MADRIGAL DINNER “THE MIDWINTER DREAM KNIGHT� — 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive. Register

by Dec. 1 by calling 920-929-1111.

Visit fdl.uwc.edu.

LIGHTHOUSE BIG BAND — 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. start Wednesday, Dec. 2, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. Reservations required by calling 920-921-5410, email christine@thelmaarts.org or

tickets available at the box office.

WISCONSIN SWEATSHIRT SALE — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 4; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center, 520 Fond du Lac Ave. 107.1 THE BULL/KFIZ CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS — 4:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Fond du Lac. Parade route from North Main Street to Veteran’s Park.

Santa’s tree will be lit at 5 p.m.

A SOUTH SHORE CHORALE CHRISTMAS: “MESSIAH� — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center, 801 Campus Drive. 150-voice community choir with a full orchestra, professional soloists.

CAN’T DEPEND ON SNOW — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course, 560 W. Rolling Meadows Drive. Snow dog sled race that benefits the MakeA-Wish Foundation.

COOKIE WALK — 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday,

Dec. 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nekimi, 491 Old Oregon Road (corner of Oshkosh County I and Z).

Cookies, snacks. Call 920-688-2468.

HOLIDAY MOVIE, COOKIE DECORATING — Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Fond du Lac Recreation Department. For ages 5-12, parents are welcome. Bring a container to take cookies home. To register visit fdlrecdept.com.

WINTER FARMERS MARKET — 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through March 19 (no market Dec. 26), at the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, 76 W. Second St. BRUNCH WITH SANTA & THE TINIEST REINDEER — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at LaClare Farms, W2994 Fond du Lac County HH, Pipe (Malone).

CHRISTMAS CONCERT — 10:40 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent St. Adult choir, handbell choir, joyful ringers, worship team, flute ensemble and brass ensemble. Admission is free.

CHILDREN’S CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT — 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 6, at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. Fond du Lac County children in grades 4-8. Admission charged.

GINGERBREAD DECORATION PARTY — 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St. Registration is required and opens Dec. 7 at fdlpl.org or call 920-322-3940. Free, bring a bag of candy to share. Ages 12 and younger.

CARD MAKING TECHNIQUES — 3:15, 5:15 or 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Southlake clubhouse, 130 Southlake Circle. Make three cards/learn at least one new technique or use a new product each month. All materials provided except for double-sided adhesive. Register to stampinjana@ charter.net. Ages 10 and older.

CANVAS AND CORKS PAINTING CLASS: “OH CHRISTMAS TREE� — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive. Step-by-

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ACTION PUBLICATIONS | DECEMBER 2015

step painting class paired with wine.

Registration required, admission charged. Visit fdl.uwc.edu. a live christMas nativity — 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, at Villa Loretto Cristo Rey Ranch, N8114 Fond du Lac County WW, Mount Calvary. A reenactment of Jesus’ birth with actors and animals. Seating is d. limited, admission is charged. ty — isthMus brass — 7 p.m. doors, 8 . 19, p.m. show start, Friday, Dec. 11, at y, 32 Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, ired 51 Sheboygan St. Tables reserved by call calling 920-921-5410 or at the Thelma g of Box Office. ger. nut sale — 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, 3:15, Dec. 11, at the Ripon Medical Center 8, at atrium gift shop. Call 920-745-3670. lake a Wade house christMas — n at Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. se a 13, at the Wade House Historic teri- Site, W7965 State 23, Greenbush. ided Experience mid-19th century na@ Christmas. Admission charged. cheese pairinG — 3 p.m. Saturday, ass: Dec. 12 at LaClare Farms, W2994 Fond 8:30 du Lac County HH, Pipe (Malone). d du christMas perforMance — 1:30 p-by- p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at American

Legion Hall, Fond du Lac. Presented by The Singing Class and vocal students of Kathryn Staley-Hamm. Free. luMinary holiday Walk — 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive. Sounds of nature and voices of carolers. A self-guided walk. tour the toWn art Walk — 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. For a map of participating sites, visit tourthetownfdl.com. the JiMMys — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. GinGerbread party — 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St. For teens in grades 6 through 12. Decorate a gingerbread house. Call 920-322-3940. neW year’s eve chilly/chili 5k run/Walk — 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Marian University, 45 S. National Ave. Free half-mile run for ages 12 and under. Register at fonddulacrunningclub.com.

Compiled by the Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. For detailed information visit fdl.com or call (920) 923-3010.

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ew Year’s resolutions represent a desire to change things for the better. One of the best possible resolutions you could make for yourself and your family is to implement an estate plan. A basic estate plan should include a financial durable power of attorney, a durable power of attorney for

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your financial power of attorney and health care power of attorney still who you would choose today?

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health care, and either a will or a revocable trust. These documents will address the most immediate concerns: who will handle your finances and make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated, how will your assets be distributed in the event of your death, and, most importantly, who will raise your children if you cannot.

If you already have an existing estate plan, now is a good time to review what you have. Time and events have a way of changing your life and your estate plan should always reflect your current situation. Consider reviewing the plan with an attorney to determine if any revisions are necessary. At a minimum, you should read over the documents yourself and ask the following questions: ● Have there been important changes in your life, such as the birth or death of a loved one? ● Has there been a significant change in the size of your estate? ● Are the people you named as

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LIFESTYLE

Age in place renovating recommendations BRANDPOINT MEDIA

N

o one relishes the prospect of having to move out of his or her home due to agerelated health, mobility or dexterity issues. In fact, more than half of homeowners 60 and older say they intend to stay in their current homes indefinitely, according to a recent survey by Houzz. Fortunately for people who want to stay put, a range of home improvements can make it easier to remain in your home as you grow older.

In fact, 60 percent of those who plan to age in place already made renovations in 2014, and 52 percent plan to renovate this year, Houzz found. What’s more, if cost is what’s holding the handful of non-renovators back, targeting key areas like bathrooms and kitchens can improve a house’s long-term livability even on a modest budget,

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says Lee Saunders, founder of Adapted Living. The company has helped thousands of homeowners redesign their houses to facilitate aging in place.

“We’ve seen steadily increasing demand for this kind of design work and products,” Saunders says. “The growth in the industry and availability of products has been huge. Today, the biggest challenge we have is getting people to understand they don’t have to settle for an industrial or commercial look in order to renovate their homes for aging in place.”

Chris Peterson, regional sales director with Saniflo, agrees. His company makes a number of abovefloor plumbing options designed to work in spaces where traditional plumbing is problematic. As the aging-in-place trend has grown, the company has seen increased interest in its products among older homeowners who are renovating.

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To maximize the value of aging-in-place renovation dollars, focus the improvements in bathrooms and kitchens

“Budget is typically a consideration for these types of projects and above-floor plumbing is often more cost-effective than traditional plumbing for homeowners who need to add or relocate a bathroom or reconfigure a kitchen,” Peterson says.

Better function in bathrooms

Often when people develop mobility or dexterity issues, they find their existing bathrooms are not in a convenient location in the house, or aren’t configured with safety in mind. They may need to add a bathroom in a small space or reconfigure the ones they have. When renovating an existing bath or creating a new bathroom where one did not previously exist, homeowners should keep key considerations in mind.

Multiple light sources can help reduce glare and shadows — two dangerous visual effects in bathrooms where most home falls occur. Flooring material should be slip-resistant and grab bars are essential in showers, bath tubs and near toilets. Shower heads should be on a slide bar that allows the spray to be raised or lowered depending on the needs and height of the user. Showers and faucets should be controlled by levers, rather than knobs, and all showers should have thermostatic controls to reduce the risk of burns.

Whether you’re adding a half bath in a corner of your master bedroom where no bathroom existed before, or replacing a high

step-over tub with a roll-in shower, traditional plumbing can be costly — especially in homes with slab foundations and no readily accessible below-floor drainage. Saunders uses the Sanigrind Pro system

by Saniflo to minimize the need to break through concrete. The product can handle drainage for a shower, sink and toilet. For more information, visit saniflo.com.

Creating more usable kitchens

Kitchens are another high-utility and high-risk area of the home for seniors. Mobility and dexterity challenges can make everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning difficult to achieve in an ordinary kitchen. Saunders recommends seniors focus on improvements to enhance accessibility, such as installing electric lifts for countertops, cabinets, cooktops and sinks.

These allow homeowners to adjust the height of key work areas.

Above-floor plumbing can also be useful in kitchen renovations, for a more open floor plan to accommodate wheelchair users. Above-floor plumbing allows you to relocate a sink or create an “island” without the expense of extensively replumbing the entire kitchen.

To learn more about abovefloor plumbing and products that enhance living-in-place renovations, visit saniflo.com.

To learn more about adaptive living products and design, visit adaptedliving.com.

EXPERIENCE | 7

� Seven tips to � avoid lottery scams FINANCE

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n email or letter has arrived informing you that you’ve just won the lottery. The communication states all you have to do is pay the processing fees or taxes and provide proof of your identity — then the money will be yours. It seems too good to be true. That’s because it is.

What you are looking at is a lottery scam, intent not on giving you the money it promises, but instead on taking as much of your money as possible. Thousands of people each year fall victim to scams such as these. The good news is there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from falling victim to a scam.

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BRaNdPoINt MEdIa

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Never provide personal information

If the correspondence starts asking for personal information, this should be your first clue that it might be a scam. And never provide banking information to people or businesses you don’t know.

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ACTION PUBLICATIONS | DECEMBER 2015