The People in Your Neighborhood Summer School class, taught by Amy Hanson, visited several businesses this week.

    Monday, June 22nd, the students walked to Wieting Funeral Home where they met Daniel Wieting.  Mr. Wieting compared his job to that of a movie director.  As a movie director sets the stages and directs the actors through the movie, Mr. Wieting guides a family through the mourning process.  The students enjoyed seeing the different choices families have when preparing for a funeral. They also liked the hearse.
    Exercise and smiling faces were found at Curves on Tuesday, June 23rd.    Ginny Satzer shared what the students could do to have a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating right and, of course, exercising.  The students took turns at each of the stations in the Curves workout area.  Ginny took the time to explain each machine and how it helps a person’s muscles for toning.  The kids had a great time and, after completing one circuit, they wanted to go again!

    On Wednesday, June 24th, the students met several people who work at the Calumet County Courthouse.  Beginning in the Treasurer’s Department, the students listened to Mike Schlaak talk about the budgeting that it takes to run the county.  He discussed the incoming money that is brought in through different fees: marriage licenses, county park fees, etc.  Then he talked about the money that is paid out for various services. Mike explained that any variance is made up with property taxes.  

The Health Department was next on the tour.  Connie Schaefer, RN talked about prevention.  The students were aware of the shots they can receive at the courthouse and how they help to prevent sickness, but Connie also talked about how the department provides bike helmets to children to help prevent injury.  Connie concluded her talk by showing the students a display about healthy beverage choices when it comes to the amount of sugar intake.  The students matched cups of sugar cubes to different drinks, such as soda, Gatorade, milk, chocolate milk, orange juice, water . . . .  The students were quite accurate in their choices.

    The final stop at the courthouse was at the Planning Department.  Here the students were met by director Julie Heuvelman who introduced the students to the people who help make the Planning Department work so efficiently.  Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development Specialist, explained her job is to promote tourism and industry in the county.  Diane Schauer, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, shared the need to be concerned about the plants and animals in the county waterways.  Andy Hess, GIS Administrator, showed how he has created maps of the county using satellite and aerial photographs.  The students left the courthouse with a new understanding of the people who make Calumet County safe and prosperous.

    The East Shore Humane Association trip was Thursday, June 25th’s tour destination. The students were able to see several dogs and cats as East Shore is filled to capacity at this time.  Several cat friends were made.
    Friday, June 26th was a beautiful day for the students to walk to Vern’s Cheese.  Students were provided a tour of the building by Vern himself.  The tour included learning about the specialty items that Vern’s distributes to businesses throughout the state.  They saw many choices in crackers, olives, and candies. What amazed the students was how big the building really was and that it contained the largest refrigerator they have ever walked through!  The freezer was big too!

By Amy Hanson

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