Hello Clam Lake!
Winter decided to pay us a visit this past week sending us snow quickly followed by below zero temps. Thankfully, the extreme cold only lasted a night or two with us rebounding back up into the high 20’s and low 30’s followed by more snow. From what I hear more warm up is on the way. I know all the winter sports enthusiasts are anxious for winter to settle in for good and I’m sure it will at some point. Patience is the key right now.
FIND THE ELK: Every day until Christmas Eve a small holiday themed elk will be hidden somewhere in the Clam Lake Junction’s public spaces. If you are lucky enough to find the “Elk on a Shelf” tell the person working at the counter and your name will be placed in a drawing for a $200.00 gift certificate. We wish everyone good luck. Happy Hunting!
MORE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Wendy Hartl, of the Clam Lake Junction, has been busy decorating that establishment for the season. With boughs, lights and candy canes everywhere our little “one stop shop” is looking pretty festive! Great job Wendy!
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN: On Saturday December 18th from 5:00 to 6:00, Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to pay a visit to Ransom’s Place. Bring the kids for a cookie and a treat as they visit with Mr. Claus and his helpers. Also, starting at 7:00, Ransoms will host an Ugly Sweater Contest. Looks like it’s time for those unique looks to shine! All are welcome!
WELCOME BACK! We wish to extend a warm Clam Lake welcome to returning Clam Laker Carol Kriescher. Carol recently moved back up to Clam Lake from West Allis. She lived here for a short time in the 80’s and always hoped to come back one day. Now that she has, she says she is enjoying the peace and tranquility of the forest so much. She is very happy to be back and we are happy to have her! Welcome Carol!
CRITTER UPDATE: I had a chance to speak with wildlife biologist, Josh Spiegel, about the latest “critter news”. Josh related that this is a big time of year for the DNR and other organizations to do their tracking surveys. These surveys are executed on foot. At this time, they are getting ready to do a winter river otter survey. Otters are members of the weasel family along with mink, fisher, and the pine marten. As with all members of the weasel family, as fun loving as otters appear, they are to be treated with respect. If feeling threatened or protecting their young, otters will attack. Although the pine marten is not prevalent here preferring old growth forest, we do have a significant amount of mink and fisher. Again, animals to be avoided. Josh reminded that, in the winter, all wild animals are excessively stressed and should be treated with caution and respect.
SPEAKING OF TRACKS: I was surprised to see large paw prints going down my forest driveway upon heading out one morning after a fresh layer of snow. I checked with my neighbor, whom had seen them too, and he confirmed that they were indeed wolf tracks. Just a gentle reminder that my critter neighbors are “in the house”. I’d never seen their tracks in the snow before. Impressive!
PARTY RECAP: Thursday, December 9th saw the Community Club hosting it’s annual Christmas party. Despite heavy snowfall earlier in the day, this event was well attended by the hearty Clam Lakers. The fresh snow seemed to bring an added holiday flavor to the whole affair with we “Clakers” having fun visiting with friends and neighbors, eating wonderful home made food and exchanging gifts. Special thanks go out to Lea Justice for providing and preparing the ham. It was delicious, as was everything else. Then it was onto some Christmas bingo with master Bingo caller Ace Griffaw presiding. Doris attempted to play the tricky 3 card Bingo with Rick Filter being the King of 33! Kim Filter won the door prize with Carol Kriescher being the Fill Your Card winner. A great time was had by all!
Until next week…..
Pictured are scenes from the 2021 Community Club Christmas party.
