September 30, 2026 6:07 am
Goodfellows Gear Up for Annual Campaign
The Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion are pleased to announce that the organization is busy preparing for its 75th annual distribution of items to individuals and families in need throughout our area. As in past years, items will be distributed over a two-day period. Wednesday, December 16, will be set aside for families with children, with distribution hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, will be designated for single individuals and households without children, with distribution hours from noon to 3:00 p.m. Distribution is limited to residents of the Clintonville or Marion School Districts.
Each year, our efforts to serve those less fortunate in our communities continue to grow. The response from the Clintonville and Marion communities last year was outstanding, with churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals contributing financially and through donations of blankets, hats, gloves, coats, boots, toys, and other items. Volunteers from both communities also generously gave their time to help prepare and organize donated items for distribution.
We continue to encourage donations of winter clothing, toys, and gift cards. As always, monetary contributions are especially appreciated, allowing our dedicated team of volunteers to use those donations where they are needed most. We pride ourselves on getting the most bang for our buck!
Founded in the early 1950s by Frank Sinkewicz, a former officer at FWD Corporation, the Goodfellows program has provided countless items to those in need over the years, helping make the holiday season a little brighter. Throughout its history, dozens of local residents have generously volunteered their time to make each year’s campaign a success.
Funding for the Goodfellows comes from a variety of sources, with the majority provided through cash donations from generous local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals, along with support from the local United Way campaign. Additional funding is received through grants from charitable foundations and organizations with ties to the Clintonville and Marion communities, including the Clintonville Area Foundation, Alliant Energy, ThedaCare, and Kwik Trip. This year, the Goodfellows also received a generous grant from the Green Bay Packers Charitable Foundation.
As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, contributions to the Goodfellows are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation may mail their contribution to:
Clintonville Goodfellows
P.O. Box 135
Clintonville, WI 54929
Monetary donations may also be made by visiting the Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion Facebook page and using the Facebook Fundraisers feature.
From November 1 through November 15, volunteers will begin collecting the names of potential recipients. Individuals and families wishing to receive assistance are encouraged to sign up through the Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion Facebook page. Potential recipients may also contact designated volunteers by phone to register for the program.
In early December, volunteers will begin sorting donated items, purchasing toys, and gathering additional contributions collected throughout the community. These efforts will culminate in the annual distribution, traditionally held about a week before Christmas. This year’s distribution will take place at Memory Lanes and Banquet Hall in Clintonville on Wednesday, December 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, December 17, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
On distribution day, each family will also receive a voucher redeemable at Tadych’s Marketplace Foods in Clintonville, allowing them to purchase fresh food and groceries from a list of approved products. The value of each voucher varies annually depending on the amount of donations received.
The Goodfellows have touched countless lives in our area for more than 70 years. Every dollar donated makes a difference, and the number of people assisted each year reflects the generosity of our communities. In 2025, the Goodfellows’ efforts helped nearly 1,200 people, a considerable increase from the previous year.
Perhaps the impact of this program is best expressed through the words of one of our previous recipients:
“I just want to say thank you so very much for helping my family this Christmas. The volunteers were all so nice and my kids will be so happy. Me and my husband are so grateful and the food vouchers will help us so much. I cannot even put into words how thankful we are.”
The Goodfellows of Clintonville and Marion sincerely appreciate the tremendous support our communities continue to show each and every holiday season. It is through the kindness and generosity of our donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners that we are able to continue this longstanding tradition of helping our neighbors in need.
To all of our donors, volunteers, and friends, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity!
Saying Goodbye to B&H Footwear/Fashionwear
After nearly three decades of serving customers in downtown Clintonville, Sue Aschliman is preparing to close the doors of B & H Fashionwear and B & H Footwear as she moves into retirement.
For generations of local families, B & H has been more than a place to purchase a pair of shoes or find an outfit. It has been a familiar downtown business where customers could count on personal service, knowledgeable advice and a friendly face behind the counter.
Aschliman’s connection to the business began with her parents. B & H Footwear was established in Fond du Lac in 1976 before they relocated and built their building in Clintonville. In 1998, Aschliman moved to Clintonville and took over the family shoe business.
Three years later, in 2001, she expanded the family business by opening B & H Fashionwear. The clothing store added men’s and women’s apparel, formalwear and tuxedo services to the footwear business. Over the years, B & H became a destination for everything from everyday clothing and shoes to work boots, hunting boots, special-occasion dresses and formalwear.
Today, the two businesses operate together at 52 S. Main St. in downtown Clintonville. The store’s history notes that B & H Footwear has been family-owned and operated since 1976, while B & H Fashionwear has been family-owned and operated since 2001.
One of the things that has set B & H apart is the personal attention customers receive. The business has built its reputation on knowledge, customer service and helping people find the right fit. That has been particularly important for customers looking for work boots, hard-to-find sizes or footwear for the entire family.
But Aschliman’s contributions to Clintonville extend well beyond her storefront.
She has been involved with the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber Board of Directors and is a current Chamber Ambassador helping to welcome and support businesses within the community. She has also been involved in other community organizations and efforts, such as Clintonville Rotary Club, Bear Creek Lions, the Clintonville Area Foundation — giving her time and experience to help make Clintonville a stronger community.
For nearly 30 years, Aschliman has witnessed significant changes in retail, downtown Clintonville and the way people shop. Through those changes, she continued to operate a locally owned business and provide the kind of personal service that is becoming increasingly uncommon.
Now, as B & H is preparing to close, the end of the business marks the closing of an important chapter in Clintonville’s downtown history.
“It’s not just a store closing,” states Tina Schulke, Executive Director of the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is the end of a family business that has been part of Clintonville for decades, and the retirement of a businesswoman who has spent nearly 30 years carrying that tradition forward and supporting our community”.
Customers who have shopped at B & H over the years will remember Sue not only for the clothing and footwear she provided, but for the relationships built along the way.
Beginning in spring 2027, she will offer formalwear rentals, shoe repair services, and a small selection of clothing at Down Home on Main, which is now located in the former shoe store building.
Aschliman’s retirement brings an era to a close, but the impact of B & H—and Sue’s commitment to Clintonville—will remain part of the community’s story for years to come.
Congratulation Steve Conradt!
New Mural Honors Clintonville EMS — Heroes Among Us
CLINTONVILLE — Have you noticed the transformation of the soft-blue building at 16 N. Main St.? Home to Clintonville Area Ambulance, the building now features a beautiful new mural honoring the dedicated EMS professionals who have served Clintonville and surrounding communities for the past 46 years.
Recently completed by the Pigeon River Artists of Clintonville, the mural features a life-size ambulance, carefully painted down to the smallest details, including the tires, wheel rims and gas cap. Snoopy was chosen as the driver, adding a lighthearted touch while representing everyone equally.
Perhaps the most meaningful feature is the cardiac rhythm strip stretching across the north wall. Its inspiration came from a Clintonville resident who discovered an irregular heartbeat while attempting to donate blood in 2023. What began as an irregularity every 13th beat progressed to every sixth and then every fifth beat. Following medical testing and consultation with a cardiologist, she learned her condition could be managed.
The experience served as a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to recognize medical warning signs and seek help.
The heartbeat depicted in the mural symbolizes both the fragility of life and the vital role emergency medical personnel play in protecting it. When emergencies strike, the dedicated crew at Clintonville Area Ambulance stands ready to respond with skill, compassion and professionalism.
Visible to motorists traveling along Main Street, the mural is more than a colorful addition to the downtown landscape. It is a lasting tribute to the men and women who answer the call when our community needs them most.
Grenlie Joins First State Wealth Management as Financial Advisor
New London, WI – First State Bank recently announced that Financial Advisor, Tina Grenlie, has joined First State Wealth Management. She is Series 7 and 66 registered with Osaic Institutions and is also life and health insurance licensed.
Serving clients throughout Northeast Wisconsin since 2017, Tina has built a career centered on helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial confidence. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals and families build, preserve, and manage wealth, providing personalized guidance to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.
“As we continue to expand our Wealth Management services, we are excited to welcome Tina’s experience and client-focused approach,” said Jason Wery, EVP, Chief Banking Officer at First State Bank. “We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our clients and the communities we serve.”
Grenlie lives in Fremont with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys boating, golfing, live music, and spending time with family and friends, including her three children and three grandchildren. She has a long history of community involvement, including founding the Waupaca Volleyball Club, coaching youth volleyball, and serving in numerous volunteer and leadership roles.
For more information about First State Wealth Management, visit firststatewealthmanagement.com.
First State Bank is a $565 million community bank with offices in New London, Auburndale, Clintonville, Manawa, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Waupaca, and Wisconsin Rapids. For more information visit bankfirststate.com or call (800) 994-2500.
Help Us Make Christmas Special for Aster Residents!
Hello!
The holiday season is right around the corner, and we’re getting ready for our annual Christmas Party at Aster Assisted Living of Clintonville on Saturday, December 12th!
We’re reaching out to our wonderful local businesses to see if you’d be interested in helping us make this celebration extra special for our residents.
We’re currently collecting donations of gift cards, gift baskets, merchandise, and raffle prizes to give away during our celebration.
Any contribution, big or small, would be greatly appreciated and would help bring some extra Christmas cheer to the seniors who call Aster home!
We would also be happy to recognize your business during our celebration as a thank-you for your generosity.
If you’re interested in donating, please feel free to contact me directly at any of the contacts listed below. Donations can also be dropped off at Aster.
Thank you for supporting our residents and helping us make this holiday season memorable!
Warm wishes,
Jessica McCoy
Sales & Marketing Director
JMcCoy@ashfordmartin.com
Aster Assisted Living of Clintonville
38 N. Main Street
Clintonville, WI 54929
715-281-6937
City of Clintonville Park & Recreation Department is looking for sponsors for their annual Firs Program!
Help light us up by sponsoring a tree! Click here for registration form!
Free