Family & Community
Sad to Say Goodbye
Harold A. Peters
Harold A. Peters, age 73, Weston, Wisconsin, passed away at home on September 25, 2022 surrounded by his family. Harry
was born on October 19, 1948, in Lake Forest, IL to the late Harold O. and Shirley E. (Fritz) Peters. Harry married his wife, Mary (Turgeon) Peters on August 17, 1974, and together they raised 2 sons and were blessed with 48 years of marriage. The couple moved from Rhinelander to Weston in 1986.
Harry graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1967 and attended UW-Stevens Point. He retired from Sara Lee Corporation in 2014.
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Social Security
Established in 1935 under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), social security has kept millions of retired and disabled Americans out of abject poverty. But we hear a repeating refrain from politicians – currently Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson – that the program is “going broke” and needs “reform.” History says otherwise.
Luther Gulick was an aid to FDR and an expert in public administration working for the Treasury Department. The following conversation from the Social Security historical archives took place between Gulick and FDR in 1941:
“In ...
The Coalition to Save the Menominee River 5K
The Coalition to Save the Menominee River held their 5k Walk-athon on Sunday August 28 at Stephenson Island in Marinette. Registration was from 8 AM until the start of the walk at 10 AM. Walkers left Stephenson Island and traveled along the river on Riverside Avenue and looped back to Stephenson Island. Pictured is a necklace that one of the participants, Mary, created. Each bow has the name of a water protector who contributed.
Pastor Ken Michaelis gave a welcome invocation prior to the start. After the walk there was music by Skip Jones. Food was available from ...
The Remarkable Nettie McGee
Mid-August we lost Nettie McGee, one of the most dedicated and passionate activists in Wisconsin. Nettie's was a longtime OWR (Our Wisconsin Revolution) member and a dedicated volunteer that fought for environmental, social, and economic justice her entire life. When I first met Nettie she was at a rally fighting for increased wages for low wage workers at an event put on by the Poor People’s Campaign. She was someone who was willing to put herself on line to fight for the rights of others. It was that quality that made Nettie a special ...
Remembering Ted
Ted Sperduto passed away on December 3, 2021. Ted was one of the founders and leaders of NAOMI (Northcentral Congregations Organized to Make and Impact). Ted left us doing what he did best, responding to a friend in need, responding to a request for help. On Sunday, August 21, 2022, Ted's friends from NAOMI gathered on the east lawn of the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau where a tree has been planted in Ted's memory. There is also a bench where one can sit and reflect. It is there where friends gathered for an informal service and a chance to express their ...
Rally Cry In Wausau
Around five hundred people took to the 400 Block on Sunday, July 10, to voice their outrage regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. As one of the organizers of this event, I cannot even find the words to say how proud I am of the youth I engaged with. You rock. To the familiar faces I saw, thank you for your ongoing engagement. Thank you to several of our local groups who reach out with information and help. You’ve looked at the adversity in the area and turned it around in a meaningful way. i admire you. On a personal level, thank you to my daughter who stood ...
Northcentral Chapter of WI Poor People’s Campaign
After attending the Poor People's Campaign led Poor and low-wage workers' assembly and Moral march on Washington and to the polls on June 18th, I have had cause to reflect on where I stand at this moment in history. I have come to believe humanity ebbs and flows as a tide, and on that day, I saw the beginnings of righteousness flowing down as a river, and justice like a mighty stream.
I have never once shied away from speaking my mind. I have also never once been afraid to dive headlong into uneasy and controversial discussions even to the unintentional ruffling of ...