As part of Older Americans Month, the Shawano County Aging Unit honored five new “Living Treasures” Tuesday at the Fellman Center.
Over the last 15 years, the program has acknowledged 85 county residents. Bill Cantwell, Tom Cotter, Nancy Goode, Mitzi Moesch and Sandy Staszak were added to the list Tuesday.
“These seniors have given their time and talents throughout their life time,” said Lynnae Zahringer, director of the Aging Unit. “They have raised strong families and strengthened communities. We strive to build a bright future on the strong foundation they have laid.”
This year’s theme, “Get into the Act,” reflects the involvement of the five new honorees, she said.
Former circuit court Judge Thomas Grover, a member of the county’s Commission on Aging, introduced Cantwell and Cotter.
“I think it is a real benefit to have these folks in the community still active and still contributing to something worthwhile,” Grover said. “It is really nice seeing those people who grew up in this community now contributing in ways that they have.”
A U.S. Navy veteran, Cantwell is a pharmacist, working in the industry for at least 50 years, including the last 13 as a relief pharmacist with Dreier Pharmacy and Gift Shoppe in downtown Shawano, where he works twice per week. He is also a deacon at First Presbyterian Church and volunteers his time helping residents at local assisted living and nursing facilities. He has been very involved in Boy Scouting. He received the Silver Beaver award, Scouting’s highest honor for adult leaders.
Cantwell said being recognized as a Living Treasure was wonderful.
“I am humbled,” Cantwell said. “I like to keep busy and am just happy to be able to do it. But it takes a lot of effort.”
Cotter serves as a community service officer following 30 years in the banking industry, including 25 years with Shawano National Bank. He served in the Army from 1968-71 and remains active as a financial officer of AMVETS Post 10, helping to raise scholarships for local graduates. He is involved with the AMVETS color guard, making appearances at funerals, veterans events and schools. He spends his spare time golfing or fishing. He and his wife, Debra, have two children and four grandchildren.
Goode is originally from Milwaukee and relocated to the Shawano area four years ago to remain close to her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She has volunteered her time in area schools, including at book fairs, on field trips and with church youth groups. Goode, a former personal care worker, works 20 hours per week in the senior aide program through Curative Workshop. Prior to arriving to Shawano, she hosted 13 foreign exchange students from 11 different countries; she maintains contact with all of them using Facebook.
Moesch, a lifelong Shawano resident, raised five children with her husband, Duane. She has held a variety of volunteer positions, including her recent endeavour helping first-grade students with reading at Bonduel Elementary School. She also has worked with Head Start and the Shawano County Literacy Council, and on a variety of projects at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano geared toward feeding poor children.
Staszak grew up on a family farm in Cecil and lives in Bonduel. She and her late husband, Ron, had four sons. She has served in a variety of volunteer positions with St. Paul Lutheran Church. She remains active as a member of Ladies Aid and serves meals at funerals, and also works with the Shawano County Nutrition Council.
