Welcome Aboard: Annoucing Four New Board Members

We are honored to welcome Karen Dixon, Barbara McFarland, Bill Schwartz and Bob Von Holdt as new Board Members. Board Chair Dorothy Wahner shares: “We are very lucky as an organization to attract such talented high caliber volunteers who will bring new leadership and fresh perspectives to the Center.” Each individual provides diverse perspectives and experiences from their professional work and community participation that will serve our mission – to naturally enrich and inspire lives through meaningful connections with nature.

Karen Dixon served the Janesville School District for 39 years as a Speech Pathologist and is the current Chair of the Manitowish Waters (MW) Lakes Association Board, a post she’s held since 2007. She also serves as a member for the MW Economic Development Association and MW Alliance Board.  Karen and her husband of 46 years have owned a home on the Manitowish Lake chain since 2001 and have a son living in Madison. Her many interests include AIS prevention, nature conservation, biking, hiking, boating and kayaking. Karen is an active volunteer with the Discovery Center’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program.

Barbara McFarland has a background in Art and is a professional painter. Her works have been recognized in National Expositions, and are represented by galleries in the Midwest and the Caribbean. She grew up in the area, and is a third generation resident and business owner in Manitowish Waters. Barbara and her husband John have two sons who also live in the community and one daughter in the State of Washington.  Barbara was a founder of the Manito-Art League; which is celebrating its 50^th year, and she is active with the Northwoods Art Tour. Other community involvement includes membership in the MW Economic Development Board and the Ministry Hospital Fundraising Committee.  Barbara has been active with the Discovery Center from the beginning and enjoys outdoor activities at the campus.

Bill Schwartz has a diverse background, most recently as a successful business owner and entrepreneur based in Milwaukee. His award-winning business sold collectible coin packages to banks and credit unions. He enjoys helping small businesses and organizations, and takes pride in being results-oriented. Bill first visited the Northwoods with his parents in the 1950’s, and continued with a lifetime of hunting and fishing in the area. Bill and his wife Mary live in Manitowish Waters and have five children and six grandchildren.  Other community involvement includes being past President of The Turtle Lakes Chain Association, a position he held for five years. 

 

 

 

Bob Von Holdt is a Certified Financial Planner, serving the Stevens Point community for 28 years and now is based in the Minocqua and Manitowish Waters area. He is a Lake Tomahawk resident since 2003 and has two daughters  that live nearby in St. Germain and also in Indianapolis. He enjoys boating, cycling and snowshoeing, and was past Chairman of the Green Circle Board, which developed a 26 mile trail system to connect green spaces in Stevens Point. Bob is a member of the Manitowish Waters and Minocqua Chambers of Commerce. Other community involvement includes participation with the North Lakeland Education Foundation, service as a board member for Tomahawk Lake, and past officer for the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. He has been a Discovery Center member for several years and supports the Center’s mission of stewardship and environmental education.