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Pine Creek woodworking

From left are Sam Thoreson, Sawyer Pugh, Mike Cross and Steve Pontbriand. (Rob “Tuba” Wahoviak photo)
From left are Al Unger, Tom Wender, Bill Edens manning the saw, and Dr. Ted Fornetti on the ladder. (Rob “Tuba” Wahoviak photo)
Tom Wender is pictured with the group of volunteers outside the school house. In the front row from left, are Ward Wender, Henry Wender, Dave Wender, Tom Wender, McBroom, unidentified; second row, Dr. Stephen Leonard, Jacob Supa, Robert “Kuba” Bal, Al Unger, Ed McBroom, Mike Cross, Quentin Olson, Mike Constantini, Sam Thoreson, and John Canavera; third row, Mark Bagnieschi, Jeff Jayne, Steve Quick, Paul Menard, Dr. Ted Fornetti, and Rob Mellon; fourth row, ?unidentified, unidentified, Russ Flaminio, unidentified, unidentified, Mark Pugh, Rob Swartout, unidentified, Bill Edens, unidentified, Pete Merks, and Steve Pontbriand; back row, Dan Swartout, Rob Wahoviak and Nick Mellon. (Karen Klenke photo)
State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, left, visits with Tom Wender. (Karen Klenke photo)
Tom Wender gives instruction to the Saturday crew. (Karen Klenke photo)

Retired building trades teacher Tom Wender of Breitung Township purchased the former Pine Creek School last fall to renovate the 1922 building for a nonprofit woodworking facility. A work bee, which included many former students, took place Saturday to put up paneling.

The nonprofit’s first fundraiser is planned Saturday at Cedar Edge Wine and Gifts in Niagara, Wis. Wender will bring his team of horses to offer sleigh rides. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted toward the Pine Creek woodworking project. To schedule a ride go to the Cedar Edge Facebook page. The school will offer access to equipment at no cost to area seniors, veterans and individuals interested in the trade. Wender is accepting donations to go toward purchasing equipment. He hopes to be fully operating in 2023.

Starting at $4.00/week.

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