Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Ready to RISE to the occasion? Here are a handful of ways you can help:

Rally In Screening Everyone
– Make a donation to provide life-saving mammograms to women in need. New this year, choose exactly where your donation goes.
– Take our educational eBookQuiz to find relevant breast health resources.

Rally In Serving Everyone
– Make a donation to support patient navigators who specialize in serving at-risk populations.
– Volunteer to join virtually in Helping Women Now.

Rally In Supporting Everyone
– Spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
– Host a virtual fundraiser or Facebook fundraiser benefitting NBCF.
– Leave a hope-filled message on the Wall of Support
– Share the story of how you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer.
– Proudly wear a pink ribbon during October or year-round.

This year SERVPRO and families teamed up to walk and raise money for the Breast Cancer foundation.

#fighters#survivors

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

PINK WITH A PURPOSE!

Here in Green Bay we are gathering together to help raise money to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Join us for an afternoon of friendship as we support the fighters, admire the survivors and remember those not with us.

Hostesses: Colleen Demler, Bonnie Heimlich

When: 3:00 -5:00p.m. Saturday October 9

Where: Sav-Half Greeting Cards

790 Hanson Road

Green Bay, WI

RSVP: Collen or Bonnie by October 6

Enjoy wine tasting from Mona Rosa Winery

Swag bags for the first 75 guests

Learn to make a gift box from a greeting card

Gift wrap demo

Discounts (percent of sales will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness)

Tasty treats/Pink lemonade

Please feel free to bring a family member or friend!

Ribbon Cutting at the new Freedom House

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Freedom House Ministries held a ribbon cutting Wednesday to celebrate their new shelter for homeless families in Green Bay, WI

Freedom House says they’ve helped 564 people since moving into the new location.

The new building can serve 16 families at once. The previous facility had 12 rooms with shared bathrooms.

The shelter offers resources to help families get back on their feet.

“They take classes that help them be better parents, build a resume, build a budget, take classes that help them be a better tenant so when they’re going to go back out on their own and rent a place, they have the skills they need,” says Jessica Diederich, President, Freedom House Ministries.

Construction started in 2019 and was completed at the beginning of 2020.

Freedom House is located at 2997 St Anthony Dr.

The shelter relies on donations to provide services to homeless families. CLICK HERE to learn how to donate.

#supportingourlocalcommunity

SERVPRO Sponsored Golf Outing

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Sponsored Golf Outing

SERVPRO of Brown County was honored to be able to sponsor the Thornberry Golf Outing. We were able to set up a SERVPRO table with promotional items such as SERVPRO magnets, pens, notepads, and cell phone stands. Along with informational pamphlets on the services we provide such as fire and water damage, cleanup and restoration, reconstruction, biohazard, and mold remediation. 

As each golf team arrived at Hole 11, we were able to promote our services and hand out our SERVPRO gifts!

Green Bay Restaurant Week 2021

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

This year the Green Bay Restaurant Week will be held July 15th - July22nd! This will showcase some of the region's most talented chefs who have personalized each menu to reflect their culinary style. 

Restaurant Week gives food lovers an opportunity to experience food from the BEST restaurants throughout the region.

A prix fixe menu is simply a collection of items presented as a multi course meal at a set price. Restaurants will offer you a choice of three items like an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert.

Menu options include an $11 Lunch and Dinner, $22 Dinner and $33 Dinner. Each amount is per person. Every menu at every restaurant is different. When you are seated, ask your server for the Green Bay Restaurant Week™ Menu. It's that simple!

The only thing to make for dinner during Green Bay Restaurant Week™ is reservations! This is the time for food lovers to try new places, enjoy a romantic dinner or get together with a group of friends.

Enjoy great food while supporting our local community!

Go to gbrestaurantweek.com to view all of the participating restaurants and menus.

#GreenBayrestaurantweek

Fun Easter Recipes

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Marshmallow Skewer Pops

With Easter quickly approaching, here are some fun recipes your family can enjoy!

Fluffy Bunny Pancakes

Kids will love that it's as tasty as it is cute. If you're in a rush, you can substitute pancake mix so you can hightail it out of the kitchen in no time.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• TOPPINGS:
• Banana slices, miniature semisweet chocolate chips, whipped cream and sweetened shredded coconut

Preheat griddle over medium-high heat. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine egg, milk and melted butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

For each bunny, make a pancake 4 in. wide for the body, a pancake 2-1/2 in. wide for the head, two small oval-shaped pancakes for the feet and two small triangular pancakes for the ears. Spoon batter onto griddle; cook until bubbles form on top of pancakes. Turn; cook until second side is golden brown.

For each bunny, make a pancake 4 in. wide for the body, a pancake 2-1/2 in. wide for the head, two small oval-shaped pancakes for the feet and two small triangular pancakes for the ears. Spoon batter onto griddle; cook until bubbles form on top of pancakes. Turn; cook until second side is golden brown.

Marshmallow Skewer Pops

These marshmallow pops are a hit with the kids. Let them drizzle away with their favorite colors!

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 36 large marshmallows
• 12 lollipop sticks
• Assorted colored candy coating, melted

In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Skewer three marshmallows on each stick. Spoon chocolate over marshmallows; set on waxed paper until firm. Drizzle with melted colored candy coating.

Enjoy quality family fun time!

#familytraditions

Norsec Electronic Recycling Drive

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Norsec Electronic Recycling Drive

Saturday, October 31, 2020

ABVM Rectory Parking Lot, 124 E Pulaski St.

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Rain or Shine

Free items include:

Computer Towers

Laptops

Cell Phones

Servers

Wire & Cabling

Keyboards/Mouse

Copiers/Printers/Fax Machines

Phone Systems

DVD/VCR

Stereos/CD Players

Dehumidifiers/Air Conditioners

Refrigerators/Freezers

Rechargeable Batteries

Washers, Dryers & Stoves

Household Appliances Big & Small

Anything Metal

Items for a Fee:

Computer Monitors: $10

TVs under 30”: $15

Flat Panel TVs: $15

TVs 30” and over: $30

Console TVs: $30

Details can be found on ABVM’s website linked here: Norsec Recycling Drive

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Virtual Pink Pumpkin Run/Walk Event

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

By uniting as a community that recognizes the value of all women, we can work ToGetHer to make sure every woman has access to education, screening, treatment, support, and hope, regardless of her circumstances.

With the unforeseen circumstances with Covid, this year’s Pink Pumpkin Walk will take place virtually. Let’s take this opportunity to come together as a community!

Pink Pumpkin Walk/Run 2020
is now VIRTUAL!

https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/GreenBay/PinkPumpkin5K

Registration closes 9/20/2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Two walk/runs (communities) coming together
for one great cause. 

Please join in the celebration of cancer survivors, warriors, supporters and friends this October in our Virtual Pink Pumpkin Walk/Run event!  The world may look a little different right now, but one thing hasn’t changed:  our commitment to preventing cancer!  This year Pink Pumpkin Walk/Run is everywhere – in every community, every neighborhood and every treadmill.

The health and safety of our participants and volunteers are our top priorities.  This year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering – instead, we are inviting our participants to walk in small teams of friends and family while others in our communities are doing the same.  Because we’re all walking and fundraising for the same thing:  a world without cancer!

A virtual walk/run gives you the option to run or walk on your own time, with your friends and family members.    You can form a team in honor of or in support of a cancer patient, survivor, or in memory of someone who passed away from cancer.

We walk together to stand with those going through a diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, to honor those who have fought breast cancer and won and to remember those we lost too soon. One hundred percent of funds raised from Pink Pumpkin Walk/Run benefit Beat Cancer Family Foundation’s P.A.C.E. (Prevention and Cancer Education) programs in our local schools.  The life-saving presentation educate students, women and men about cancer prevention, early detection, risk factors, myths and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Register as an individual or start a team;
• Virtual walkers can use our online tools and resources to recruit and fundraise online;
• Join us on walk day virtually by sharing your pictures, videos and posts from your neighborhood walk using our hashtags #PPW2020 #bcffmission #bcffinspire on Facebook and Instagram.

Remember, with a virtual event you can recruit walkers from anywhere, and, as always, 100 percent of the funds you raise stays local and goes directly to cancer prevention education.  Beat Cancer Family Foundation is the only provider of school-based educational programs on cancer in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. Students learn healthy habits (nutrition, exercise, detection, etc.) they can adopt now to help reduce their risk of developing cancer later in life.

Help make a difference by joining or donating today!

Green Bay Restaurant Week

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Celebrate an amazing event by enjoying the Green Bay Restaurant Week! It starts today September 10th - September 17th. Check out over 3 dozen restaurants, offering fixed course menus including an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. Menu options include an $11 lunch, or a $22 or $33 dinner. So many options to choose from whether you prefer American, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, steak/seafood. Also, outdoor dinning available or takeout available. Check it out at gbrestaurant.com. This is a great way to enjoy an evening out with family and friends or take home while supporting your local businesses! 
#enjoy#family#friends#amazingfood

#localsupport

Casino Night Auction

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Casino Night Auction

Jim Knopf Speaks with Local Schools About the Golden Apple Awards

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Marketing & Sales Manager Jim Knopf visits a local elementary school to share how students nominate teachers for the Golden Apple Awards

SERVPRO of West Brown County knows how hard our employees work to give our customers the best possible service. Seeing a member of our team go the extra mile to volunteer their time in the community is something we are proud to acknowledge.

This week, we want to share what our Sales and Marketing Manager, Jim Knopf has been up to in the Green Bay area. 

As most of our West Brown County customers know, Jim enjoys his role as one of the Ambassador for the Greater Green Bay Chamber. His involvement with the Chamber extends from answering questions about the Chamber to helping promote member businesses through Chamber functions. 

Chamber Ambassadors recently began speaking with local schools to influence students to nominate their most inspirational educator for the prestigious Golden Apple Award.

The Golden Apple Awards is a yearly program that improves community awareness of the quality of education in the Greater Green Bay area by recognizing high standards of professionalism, leadership, and innovation in teaching with the Golden Apple Awards.

Eight recipients (individuals and/or teams) are selected annually through a multi-level screening of anonymous applications and personal interviews. Selection criteria are based on the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, which identify the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions expected of experienced, quality teachers.

The following information is the process of how the events will unfold:

• Nominations are due October 31, 2020.
• Nominees for the Golden Apple Awards will be announced on January 5, 2020. 
• Teachers of Distinction will be announced on January 26, 2020.
• The full list of recipients will be announced on February 2020.

 The 27th annual Golden Apple Awards ceremony is scheduled for April 15, 2020. This event is held at Radisson Hotel & Conference Center and goes from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

You can obtain a nomination forms for the 27th annual awards program on the Greater Green Bay Chamber's website.

Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Jim and Bill bell ringing

It’s become a tradition for SERVPRO of West Brown County employees to volunteer as bell ringers for the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.

This year the marketing team, which includes Jim, Bill and Alex have been ringing for donations at the Festival Foods in Suamico on Tuesday afternoons.

The trio has been having a lot of fun getting out in the community for a good cause. They’ve been singing and ringing, talking to people and handing out candy.

It’s not just about having a good time though, the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign will go on to help thousands of families in Brown County throughout the year. The local Salvation Army provides all kinds of services to those in need from serving hot lunches every Monday through Friday, to organizing toy and coat drives, to assisting families with energy bills, to distributing food to the hungry.

The Salvation Army does a lot of good work, both locally and internationally and we are so happy to play a teeny tiny role in that great mission.

We recommend anyone who’s interested to consider bell ringing, even an hour of time can make a difference! The Salvation Army has a lot of hours to fill with ringers and the red kettles fill up much faster when there is someone ringing.

For more information on how you can volunteer, check out the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay website here: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/b946a969-edef-41a4-a666-fd4cf1e93bc8/3.

And if you see the SERVPRO team out there, stop, say hello and ask for a song in exchange for your donation…they will definitely sing for you!

Cleaning in the Community

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew after road clean.

As we’ve written in the past, SERVPRO of West Brown County is invested in making the Green Bay area a better place and that includes doing adopt-a-road clean up!

We recently completed our second volunteer road clean of 2018 in Howard. The village assigned our team Pamperin Road and part of Velp Avenue at the start of the year.

A group of about 20 volunteers from team SERVPRO (along with some of our friends and family members) hit the streets for our first clean last spring…and phew, let us tell you, there was a lot of garbage that needed picking up!

We were out there for more than three hours and we collected more than forty very large bags full of trash.

As part of our commitment to the village, we’ve agreed to do this clean up twice a year: one in spring and one in fall.

So, last weekend, another group of SERVPRO volunteers set out, pounding the pavement, to clean up our streets.

We were in for a very pleasant surprise: the roadways were MUCH cleaner this time around! Thanks to the spring clean, our fall clean was a breeze. It took us about two hours this time and we collected about 15 trash bags full and while 15 bags is an improvement over 40 bags, we still hate to see even that much trash on our roadways.

Our crew certainly enjoys helping make the community a bit cleaner and brighter, and we recommend any local business or team get together and adopt a local road of their own. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s really a great time. You get out, enjoy some nice weather and get to know your co-workers a little bit better.

And although we really do have a good time volunteering, we must ask all the drivers out there to please not litter! It takes everyone, working together, to make the community the best it can be.

Jim Knopf Named 'Ambassador of the Year'

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Jim gives a speech after receiving the award for 'Ambassador of the Year.'

At SERVPRO of West Brown County we love to highlight the good work our employees do both on and off the clock. And you’ve probably noticed we spend a lot of time talking about our Sales and Marketing Manager Jim Knopf.

Jim is constantly volunteering with community organizations to make the Green Bay area a better place.

One project that is particularly important to Jim is his work as an Ambassador for the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.

As an Ambassador Jim volunteers his time to help the Chamber reach out to current and new members and to make sure Chamber members are getting the most out of their membership benefits. You can also see Jim out and about in his green jacket helping at ribbon cuttings and other big Chamber events.

Last week the Chamber recognized the great work Jim does by honoring him with the “Ambassador of the Year” award. This is so exciting for us and we could not be prouder of Jim’s commitment.

Renae Schlies, the Vice President of Membership for the Chamber, spoke with us about why Jim was chosen for this honor.

Schlies explained that the top six Ambassadors were chosen on a point system and they were asked to fill out an application to be Ambassador of the year. From there, the Chamber’s membership committee used a scoring rubric to vote on the best candidate.

Schlies told us what makes Jim a good Ambassador, writing in an email, “Jim is a great ambassador for many reasons.  He is very giving of his time to the chamber.   He comes to almost all of the ribbon cuttings and events. We can always rely on him to support our members and our overall mission.  He often refers people to the chamber and bringing in new members.  He helps organize the ribbon cuttings and makes sure that everyone feels welcome at events such as the Business After Hours.  He is also very giving of his time in the community for other non-profits.  He is a very valuable volunteer/advocate for the chamber. We are fortunate to have him as part of the ambassador group.”

As for Jim, he was thrilled with the recognition. He is very excited and extremely thankful for the award and said that every one of his fellow Ambassadors who were up for it were more than worthy.

In his own words Jim said, “Winning the Ambassador of the Year Award is not just about winning the title, it makes me realize the work I do as a volunteer is a huge privilege, I have the backing of my company (SERVPRO of East/West Brown County). I get the opportunity to network with new and existing companies on behalf of the Chamber and, at the same time, get a chance to talk about what I do.  I feel connected to my community and that I am making a difference through this work.”

SERVPRO of West Brown County is so proud of Jim and the team members are so lucky to call him a co-worker. We have no doubt he will continue this great volunteerism for years to come.

Reminders for Farm Safety Week 2018

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Farm Safety Week

At SERVPRO of West Brown County, we serve more than just Green Bay and the surrounding cities. We know our community includes a lot of rural and farm areas. That's why National Farm Safety Week (September 16^th-22^nd, 2018) is so important to us.

And knowing that, we would like to take a moment to talk about safety on the farm. Farmers are some of the most hard-working, conscientious people out there and we understand they take safety very seriously each and every day. However, it never hurts to go through some of the big safety issues every once in a while!

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has a lot of great information for farm workers to stay safe and healthy while on the job. The NFU provides advice for several, potentially, dangerous situations on the farm.

Here are a few of those situations, with some safety reminders:

• Grain Bins – According to the NFU, Grain Bins accidents are a leading concern on farms. People can sink into, or become trapped by grain, leading to suffocation and other injuries. The NFU advises:
• Drying and cooling grain properly to ensure it stays in good condition, flowing smoothly.
• Be knowledgeable about proper grain bin entry procedures.
• Stay clear of grain augurs in operation.
• Use lock out mechanism to shut off power to augurs.
• “Tag Out” to ensure other works know someone is in the bins.
• Tractors – Tractors are an essential tool of the trade for farmers, but they can pose risks from accidents and rollovers. So, it’s important to take this advice:
• Ensure rollover protection structures are installed on all tractors (particularly those predating 1985).
• ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.
• ATVs – Like tractors, ATVs are often essential for farm work. They help workers get from point a to point b in an efficient manner. However, they also pose accident and rollover risks. So, remember:
• Children under 16 should never operate ATVs with engines over 90 CC.
• You must follow all the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
• Single riders only…do not carry passengers.
• Wear a helmet.
• Ensure the ATV has lights and reflectors on it to ensure visibility.
• Livestock – Many Northeast Wisconsin farms are home to livestock like cows and pigs. These animals bring hazards with them, just like equipment can. The key is knowing how to handle them.
• Make sure to provide all herding animals with gentle guidance. Be a dominant, gentle leader. The NFU says cows, for example, follow simple commands like a hand on the back.
• Respect an animal’s “flight zone.” This is the area of personal space in which the animal is comfortable. It’s often 5-25 feet around the animal, depending on how often it’s handled.
• NEVER trust a bull. Always be on alert around bulls and work with the in two-person teams.
• Chemicals – Handling different chemicals often comes with the territory on farms. So, to avoid illness or injury, follow the NFU’s guidelines for doing so safely:
• Get proper training on the chemicals.
• Read any relevant safety material.
• Wear protective equipment like gloves and goggles, when necessary.
• Store chemicals safely.
• Always wash your hands after handling chemicals, even if you were wearing gloves!
• Fatigue -According to the National Farmers Union, the number one danger on a farm is fatigue. Being over-tired paves the way for accidents and injuries that might not happen otherwise. So be sure to get your rest!

So, during Farm Safety Week (and always), we ask that our local famers stay safe out there and know that we appreciate all you do!

Heading Back to School Safely

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

School Bus photo courtesy of FEMA

As the nights grow cooler and the leaves begin to turn, it’s hard not to notice more school buses and backpacks out and about.

August is winding down and it is, of course, back to school season! Depending on who you are it’s a time of year that brings joy or dread, but either way it’s here.

And as the students of all ages head back to the classroom, we wanted to provide some safety reminders for this incredibly busy time of year.

For students, parents and anyone else who will be out and about, it’s important to remember traffic on the roads and sidewalks will be increasing very soon! So, be sure to pay extra close attention. Here are a few tips from the National Safety Council (NSC):

• For Children Walking to School:
• Walk on the sidewalk. If you must walk on the road, walk facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Do not walk and text or talk on the phone.
• Do not run out in front of parked cars.
• For Children Biking to School:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow the rules of the road: obey stop signs and lights, ride single file on the right side of the road, stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across.
• Use hand signals when making turns.
• Wear bright/reflective clothing.
• For Children Riding the Bus:
• Stand at least six feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing to exit.
• If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk far enough in front of it to be able to see whether traffic from the other direction has stopped.
• For Drivers:
• Don’t block crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Take extra care and slow down in school zones.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped to pick up pedestrians.
• Never pass a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students.

Getting to school poses dangers on the road, but parents will want to be aware of possible dangers during the school day itself. For example, the NSC asks parents to be sure to buy their children proper backpacks to avoid any back pain or injuries. The council also advises parents run through playground and recess safety reminders with their young children.

From all of us at SERVPRO of West Brown County, we wish you a very safe, fun and happy back to school!

Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

An earlier concept picture showing the reflecting pool and monument.

For several years there have been plans to build a veterans memorial in the Village of Howard.

This is a project that’s close to our hearts at SERVPRO of West Brown County. That’s because, not only, are we located in Howard, but also because our Sales and Marketing Manager Jim Knopf is on the Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Board.

The plan is to build a memorial on two acres of land at Howard’s Memorial Park. This specific memorial would honor veterans from 17 different Wisconsin counties.

On Wednesday, Brandon Bauer, an associate professor of art at St. Norbert College, presented a revamped design concept to the Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Fundraising Cabinet. (Our Jim Knopf is also a part of this cabinet!)

Bauer’s proposal took the original concept, which was a very linear design, and made it more interactive and educational.

Bauer’s design includes a central monument, a reflecting pool, an education center, an open-air amphitheater, an eternal flame, a nature observation deck, a gazebo and several individual conflict memorial sites interspersed throughout the park. Those individual conflict memorial sites would each be devoted to a specific war, like, say World War II. Each site would have information about that specific war, such as the names of the Wisconsin service members who lost their lives in that conflict.

Of his concept Bauer said, he thought about “really making this a destination,” meaning he wanted to incorporate as many elements as possible to draw in visitors and to give those visitors a good, educational experience.

At this point, the memorial is still in the early planning phase. So, it’s unclear what the ultimate cost could be. However, the Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Board had previously set a fundraising goal of a little more than one million dollars. To date about $170,000 has been raised. The board is accepting a mix of public money and private donations and sponsorships to bring the memorial to life. Board members say they will also seek out grants to help with funding.

The next steps in the process are for the full board to review Bauer’s concept and for the Village of Howard’s engineering department to come up with a rough estimate of the cost of that concept.

The board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday August 1^st at 9:00 in the morning.

For more information and to find out how you can donate, you can visit the memorial’s website here: http://newivetmemorial.org/.

Take Precautions During Extreme Heat

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme heat graphic from the CDC

In the Green Bay area, we are certainly feeling the heat as we get into the dog days of summer.

With the one-two punch of high temperatures and humidity, the weather can feel downright miserable. But, besides just being uncomfortable, the heat can present a lot of dangers as well.

According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting. The CDC says the signs of heat stroke are a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion, you must call 911 immediately and move that person to a cool location.

You can take several steps to prevent heat stroke and exhaustion. The first is to stay inside a cool location, if possible.

If you absolutely must be outside in the heat, experts advise wearing loose and light-color clothes, staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and applying sunscreen often.

Ready.gov also advises you follows these tips to prepare your home for extreme heat conditions:

• Install window air conditioners snugly.
• Check air conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Cover windows with drapes, shades or awnings.
• Keep storm windows up year ‘round.

If you can, try to check on anyone you know who is homebound to ensure they’re safe when the heat rises.

And remember, pets face the same dangers we do when it’s hot outside. So be sure to check on them, keep them inside and give them plenty of water.

Summer is a fun time of year, so enjoy it, but keep yourself and your loved ones safe!

Jim Knopf Volunteers with American Cancer Society

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Jim Knopf

Anyone who knows our Sales and Marketing Manager Jim Knopf knows he is extremely devoted to his community. Jim is a part of non-profits across the Green Bay area and spends much of his time outside of SERVPRO doing volunteer work.

Jim’s latest endeavor is working with the American Cancer Society. Jim will be raising money to be a part of the “Real Men Wear Pink Green Bay” campaign.

By taking part Jim has pledged to raise at least $3,000 for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” He has also pledged to wear (at least a little bit of) pink every day for the month of October.

If Jim is to qualify to become a NATIONAL “Real Man” candidate, he must raise a minimum of $2,500. So, he definitely has some work to do!

Luckily, Jim is not afraid of a little hard work.

He cares deeply about this cause, saying “the American Cancer Society is an amazing and worthwhile charity” he believes in very strongly.

Jim lost his mother and brother to cancer. He also has friends who have fought and who are fighting the disease. These experiences have left him with a passion to do all he can to help find a cure.

Every donation adds up for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” As little as $15 can provide a breast cancer patient with a ride to treatment. The money raised during this campaign will also help patients get the information and support they need, as well as help pay for things like lodging for overnight travel to treatment.

If you’re interested in helping Jim reach his fundraising goals, he would love to hear from you! You can reach him by email at jknopf@SERVPROgreenbay.com.

Summer Safety for Hot Cars

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Graphic from NHTSA

Our final installment in this early summer safety series with Jason Weber is all about hot cars. The bottom line of this blog? Do not leave children or pets in a car when the weather is warm.

As a reminder, Jason Weber is the Vice President of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association. He shot a brief video with SERVPRO of East Brown County recently, just reminding people that it is extremely dangerous to leave ANYONE in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 744 children have died in hot cars since 1998. The NHTSA says about 3 in 10 heat stroke deaths happen when children gain access to unlocked cars on hot days.

So, it’s a good idea for parents and caregivers to always keep their cars locked to ensure children don’t climb inside and get locked in. The NHTSA also recommends parents with children in car seats take a stuffed animal along for car rides, leaving it on the front passenger seat as a reminder there is someone in the car seat in the back. Always check to make sure everyone is out of the car!

Weber says even if you’re only planning a quick stop, take your child or pet inside. The temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. On days that are around 60 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach above 110 degrees. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Even though the Green Bay area is known as the “Frozen Tundra,” our summers can get very hot and humid. So, please make sure you children and pets are safe when it comes to hot cars!

Summer Safety for Keeping Your Property Safe from Theft

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

We’re into our third week talking with Jason Weber, the Vice President of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association. This week, Jason has some advice for folks to keep their property safe from theft this summer.

Jason says the warm weather can bring with it a rise in so-called “crimes of opportunity.” Those tend to be thefts from unlocked cars, garages and homes. He tells us many thieves won’t waste time or energy trying to break into a locked vehicle or building, rather, he says, those thieves are much more likely to go for an easy (unlocked) target.

So, a simple solution is making sure you lock up every, single time. Lock your car doors when you’re out and about, lock your car doors when you’re at home. Also, be sure to close and lock you garage. In addition, Jason advises always locking your house doors and windows, and having some outdoor lights on at night to deter thieves.

Jason says it’s a good idea to take things a step further and remove all temptation for would-be thieves. This means taking any valuable items out of your car, or at least hiding them in the trunk. He tells us it’s a good practice to also try to avoid having any valuables in plain sight in your garage or home.

As the weather warms up, be sure to play it safe with your property this summer!

Summer Safety for Playing Online

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Summer break is just around the corner for school kids of all ages and that means many will have a lot of extra free time on their hands.

With that free time, children and teens may find themselves turning to their phones and other electronic devices, spending more time online.

This week, Jason Weber, the Vice President of Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association spoke with SERVPRO of West Brown County about online safety for the kids this summer.

Jason says, first of all, it would be ideal if parents can have their children limit their screen time. He says it’s great to get online, talk with friends and play some games, but that it is important to be active as well. Jason encourages getting outside to play.

Jason advises that when you do get outside, leave the phone alone. He says too often young people are so distracted by their phones when they’re out and about they can injure themselves by walking into things like trees and trashcans, or even into traffic.

When it comes to online activity, however, Jason says there is really one rule above all that EVERYONE should follow. That is only speaking to or playing games with people that you know. Children, in particular, should only interact with friends they’ve met in real life or family members.

There are too many people out there with ulterior motives. Jason says making sure your kids know who they’re talking to can cut down on the danger significantly.

However, Jason reiterates, that it’s a good idea to limit screen time this summer and get outside and enjoy the great weather!

Summer Safety for Playing Outside

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of West Brown County have teamed up with Jason Weber to put together some summer safety video and blog reminders. Jason is the Vice President of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association.

For our first topic Jason spoke with us about safety for children playing outside this summer.

Jason says the first and most important thing for kids to do is to let their parents and/or guardians know where they’re going. If they’re headed to the park, tell mom and dad where and when they plan to leave and plan to get home.

Jason tells us it’s also very important for children to use the “buddy system” when they head out to play. That means going with at least one friend, because there is safety in numbers!

Jason advises that children take note of the rules at parks and playgrounds and follow them to stay safe. If the rules say you shouldn’t climb up the slide, don’t do it! By following the rules kids can avoid injuries.

Jason has some advice for bike riding too. He says children need to make sure to follow the rules of the road on their bikes and try to ride on safe trails when possible. Wearing helmets is important to avoid serious injuries as well! Finally, Jason says, if a child is going to be biking late in the day, he or she should make sure to have reflectors and/or lights on their bike in case it gets dark!

Above all, we want to wish everyone a very safe and happy summer! Have fun out there!

What Does the Chamber Do?

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

The Chamber logo

As a member of the Brown County and Green Bay area communities, SERVPRO of West Brown County likes to make sure it is fully involved in those communities. That means forming meaningful relationships with some of our fellow community organizations.

One particularly important and rewarding relationship is the one we have with the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.

For those who are curious about the Chamber and what it does, we decided to get together with the organization’s director of membership and retention, Renae Schlies. In addition to answering some of our questions, Renae did a little video with us explaining the Chamber’s work. You can watch that video here on our website, or on our social media pages!

But back to the matter at hand, what does the Chamber do? Well, the short answer is…a lot!

Renae tells us there are several arms of the Chamber from government affairs, to economic development, to workforce development.

Perhaps most importantly, she says, the Chamber brings people and businesses together. The organization has nearly 1,200 member-businesses, representing about 86,000 people. That means there are many opportunities for networking and marketing business to business.

To help facilitate these connections, the Chamber offers several events throughout the month from a Power Networking Breakfast, to after hours get-togethers. The Chamber also promotes and facilitates ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings for members.

Under the government affairs arm, the Chamber has a lobbyist on board who can look out for local business interests as political decisions are made.

When it comes to economic development, Renae says the Chamber has a strategic plan for keeping the area business climate vibrant and growing. One example of the work it does is that it has an incubator program through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

As for workforce development, according to Renae, the Chamber has a mission to keep good talent local and to attract new talent to the area. The Chamber works on this mission through programs like the Young Professionals group and the youth apprenticeships with area schools.

These are just a few examples of the work the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce does.

As for SERVPRO of West Brown County, we find being a part of the Chamber is beneficial to our team. Membership makes us more credible to potential clients. Customers know we’ll be able to provide quality work, because we have such a large network backing us up.

The connections and relationships we’ve been able to build with fellow, local businesses and organizations are extremely valuable. We are able to get our name out there and market ourselves, not only at networking events, but with every individual connection we make as well.

Our sales and marketing manager, Jim Knopf is very involved with the Chamber. He is actually an ambassador for the Chamber.

We spoke with Jim and Renae about the ambassador program and we’ll bring you a video and blog about that for this week’s Profile Friday. Be sure to check back in for that!

Meet the Chamber Ambassadors

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

The Chamber logo

Instead of introducing you to one of our employees this week, we’re profiling the Chamber Ambassadors.

The Chamber Ambassadors are a group of about 35 volunteers who work with the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.

In a previous blog and video posting we spoke about the Chamber, what is does and why we’re members. This is an extension of that and you can also watch a video about the Ambassadors on our website and social media pages! For that video and for this article we spoke with Renae Schlies, the director of membership and retention for the Chamber, and with SERVPRO of West Brown County’s sales and marketing manager Jim Knopf, who is a Chamber Ambassador.

Schlies tells us the Ambassadors are a great asset to the Chamber, because they help keep the Chamber connected with its business members. Ambassadors are responsible for meeting with members, inviting members to events and encouraging members to engage with and invest in the Chamber. The Ambassadors ensure Chamber members are getting the most out of their membership by connecting members to all the resources the Chamber offers.

Schlies says Ambassadors also represent the Chamber at ribbon cutting, ground breaking and grand opening ceremonies.

Finally, the Ambassadors host the Chamber’s Business After Hours networking events and the annual Chamber Classic Golf Outing.

As we mentioned, our own Jim Knopf is an Ambassador.

Jim tells us he enjoys the volunteer gig and says it’s beneficial to SERVPRO of West Brown County and the work he does for us.

Jim says when he meets with other businesses or goes to a ribbon cutting, he’s representing the Chamber, but he’s also representing SERVPRO. So, he’s able to network and market our business during those calls and events.

According to Jim, having a Chamber Ambassador on our team and being a Chamber business member adds credibility to our name.

The Ambassadors wear signature green blazers when they’re out at official Chamber events, so you’ll know them when you see them! And if you happen to see Jim, tell him hello, he loves meeting new people!

A Different Kind of Cleanup

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Our crew poses before the clean got underway

At SERVPRO of West Brown County we’re used to cleanups of all kinds, from fire and water damage to biohazard and mold remediation.

However, we recently took part in a clean of a different kind: we adopted a roadway in the Village of Howard close to where our office is located.

About 15 of our team members, along with a few friends and family, volunteered picking up trash along a few miles of roads near our building. We spent about three hours filling about 40 large trash bags full of garbage.

This was a great team-building opportunity for us to work together in a different kind of environment and do something good for our community.

At SERVPRO we appreciate how much this community does for us and we like to give back when we can. This road cleanup was just one way. We’re happy to help keep our hometown cleaner and greener.

It was hard work, but we were lucky to have spent a few hours outside, talking and laughing together…and we lucked out with great weather! (Oh, and the boss got us pizza afterward, so that was an excellent way to wrap things up!)

Next time you’re driving through Howard, maybe you’ll see our ‘Adopt a Roadway’ sign on Velp Avenue!

SERVPRO Serves Communities

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Brown County is happy to serve our communities in time of need.

As new owners of SERVPRO of West Brown County 5 years ago, my wife and I were surprised at the emotional connection our employees would form with various customers in what is usually a high time of need and trouble in their lives.  It is the human element that is so very important at these times.   Whether it is flooding, sewage backup, mold, fire, smoke or biohazard cleanup, each client is facing an uncommon disaster to them that is typically affecting their home or business in a very negative way.  We get called in right after a fire that may have burned up many family possessions and memories.   We get called in after a sewage backup floods the entire lower level of a finished basement with harmful bacteria on the structure and possessions.  We get called in after a death in the family where the family is experiencing tremendous sorrow and grief. 

It is our job to comfort our customers with kindness, understanding, and professionalism.  It is our duty to take control of the disaster and put customer’s minds at ease knowing we have the knowledge and experience to pick up the pieces and put things back together.  It is our opportunity to serve those around us in our communities.  It is a pretty amazing business that we can help people on a daily basis.

Because we do get to do this daily in West Brown County and other communities like Green Bay,  De Pere, Pulaski, Shawano, and Oconto, we are humbled and grateful our communities depend on us 24 hours a day and 365 days a year and call us in their time of need.

SERVPRO Supports The Salvation Army

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

Our Sales and Marketing Staff of SERVPRO of West Brown County, Bill Kupsh and Jim Knopf, joined forces with the Salvation Army to ring the bell for donations to this worthy cause. 

Because volunteers give generously of their time, talent and energy on behalf of the disadvantaged, the Salvation Army is able to help thousands of Brown County families, children, individuals and seniors each year. They rely on volunteers to help every day, from serving a hot lunch Monday through Friday, to the special gift of time during the busy holiday season when they need nearly 10,000 hours of support by bell ringers alone. 

Volunteers come to The Salvation Army as individuals, families or community organizations. Volunteer opportunities can be either short or long-term commitments. Much of the volunteer work is seasonal, helping with the many programs of The Salvation Army at Christmastime including toy, coat, and food distribution and bell-ringing. 

Services of The Salvation Army continue year-round because they are committed to Doing the Most Good for those in need. Ongoing volunteer opportunities include working with young people at The Salvation Army Corps Community Center, helping with feeding programs for people of all ages, lending a hand in The Salvation Army’s food pantry, staffing The Salvation Army Thrift Store, assisting in the Senior Program or being an on-call driver for various needs as they arise. 

The Salvation Army’s volunteer coordinator, works with groups and individuals to match their interests and needs with those of The Salvation Army. Our prayer is that volunteers experience joy and satisfaction as they continue to share their resources with others. If you are seeking a meaningful way to serve others, The Salvation Army would love to have you aboard.