Free public screening of Sheboygan Armory documentary at Weill Center this week — plus more news in your weekly dose
SHEBOYGAN - A free public screening of the documentary “The Sheboygan Armory: A Part of the Community” is set for Jan. 26 at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, 826 N. Eighth St., Sheboygan.
Doors to the event will open at 5 p.m. and the screening will begin at 6 p.m. Informational booths will be available for view prior to the screening.
The documentary will cover the construction of the Armory, major events held at the Armory on through to the demolition of the Armory.
After the public screening, the documentary will be made available to the public via the WSCS community radio station website and a copy will be available for checkout at Mead Public Library.
The city was required to create the documentary as one of the conditions in an agreement with the State Historical Preservation Office, which allowed for the demolition of the Armory in 2021.
The Armory had been listed on the State Register of Historic Places on Aug. 17, 2018. It was constructed in 1941 and was the site of many community events.
For more about the documentary, call 920-459-3383.
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Here is more news from throughout Sheboygan County in your weekly dose of community news.
▶ Making Spirits Bright collected 121,701 pounds of food in 2022: Rotary Making Spirits Bright and Sheboygan County Food Bank are thanking the community for visiting the Making Spirits Bright holiday light show during the 2022 season.
The annual show at Evergreen Park collected 121,701 pounds of food and personal care items to support local families, a news release said.
The total amount of pounds collected came in at 80% of the event’s overall goal of 150,000 pounds.
Right before Christmas weekend, Making Spirits Bright made the decision to close the event for two days as a result of severe weather conditions and out of concern for the safety of volunteers. This was only the second time in its 11-year history Making Spirts Bright closed.
In addition to the closures, high grocery prices likely impacted donation amounts, Sheboygan County Food Bank said in a news release.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from November 2021 through November 2022, the cost of food at stores increased by 12%.
Sheboygan County Food Bank said over the past year, inflation and the high cost of living have caused many more in the community to struggle to make ends meet and face hunger.
“Inflation is making it very difficult for our neighbors to afford food,” said Patrick Boyle, Sheboygan County Food Bank’s executive director, in the release. “In 2022, we served an average of 3,130 families each month through our network of dozens of food pantries and agencies, which is a sharp 55% increase from 2021 and demand keeps increasing.
“We are sincerely grateful for Making Spirits Bright’s partnership and, as always, the donations will go a long way to help families in our community,” Boyle added. “We also appreciate all of our dedicated volunteers who helped get donated food back to our warehouse each night of the event. As we head into 2023, cash and food donations for Sheboygan County Food Bank will be critical as we make sure we are there for anyone who needs us.”
Monetary donations to the food bank can be made online at sheboygancountyfoodbank.com or via check mailed to Sheboygan County Food Bank, 3115 N. 21st St., Suite 1, Sheboygan, WI 53083.
In addition, Sheboygan County Food Bank accepts unexpired, non-perishable and perishable food items at its location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
▶ Lakeland University names Sheboygan native new esports head coach to replace Ahman Green: Sheboygan native Brett Sheldon, a coach in Lakeland University’s esports program since its debut in fall 2020, has been named the Muskies’ head coach.
He replaces Ahman Green, the program’s inaugural head coach and Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer, who has taken a role with his college alma mater, the University of Nebraska.
Sheldon, a Sheboygan North High School graduate, was a graduate assistant for Lakeland University esports for its first two seasons and was named assistant coach last May. He has been involved with all facets of the program, including recruitment and retention of student-athletes, assisting with planning and strategy, and coaching several esports titles.
“We are thankful to Ahman for getting our program started and the many resources we have in place in our esports facility,” said Sam Poullette, Lakeland University’s vice president for enrollment management, in a news release. “Brett has already hit the ground running thanks to the great work he’s already done for our program. We look forward to big things from Lakeland esports under his leadership.”
▶ Sheboygan County LGBTQ Alliance plans inaugural winter ball: Sheboygan County LGBTQ Alliance is preparing for its inaugural winter ball, ’70s Disco Extravaganza, from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 11 at Paradigm Coffee & Music and Chicory Root Tattoo Studio, 1202 N. Eighth St., Sheboygan.
The organization said proceeds from the event will support the 2023 Sheboygan Pride Picnic and other future events it hosts.
The winter ball will be family friendly with all ages welcome. Dressing for the ’70s theme is encouraged, but not required.
Since the event is a fundraiser, tickets are available at different price points, although teen tickets are $15 and kids 12 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets are available at https://paradigmcoffeeandmusic.square.site/.
Volunteers are also sought for the event to greet attendees, do door checks and assist in the kitchen. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Alliance at sheboyganlgbtqalliance.org or via email to Sheboyganlgbtqalliance@gmail.com.
▶ Vintage Indy coming to Road America in June: Road America has announced Vintage Indy presented by Hagerty will be featured at the NTT IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix presented by American Medical Response June 15-18.
According to a news release, Vintage Indy will showcase a selection of vintage IndyCar vehicles from the past century to celebrate the rich history of IndyCar racing. From classic open-wheel racers to modern Indy cars, fans can see these historic vehicles up close and learn about the evolution of IndyCar racing while witnessing parade laps on the track during the weekend.
In addition to the vintage vehicle display, Vintage Indy will also host several special events throughout the weekend. These events will include meet-and-greets with IndyCar legends, panel discussions on the history of IndyCar racing and more.
Kids 16 and younger are admitted free to all Road America season racing events with a paying adult at the gate. For more details, visit roadamerica.com.
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This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Armory documentary screening at Weill Center free this week
