Get to know: Cathryn Cofell-Mutschler
poet laureate, city of Appleton
It takes a lot to render a poet speechless, but that’s how Cathryn Cofell-Mutschler found herself when she was appointed the city of Appleton’s first poet laureate in September.
“It’s funny for someone who uses words for their craft,” says Cofell-Mutschler, who has lived in Appleton for more than 30 years. “I thought this was a great opportunity to elevate poetry and the arts in general in a state that ranks dead last for arts funding.”
The poet laureate program was spearheaded by Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford, who had seen the success of similar programs in other communities.
“The arts are critical to shaping a community’s identity,” Cofell-Mutschler says. “They build community and they build collaboration. The arts make a community come alive.”
Cofell-Mutschler, who also works full time as vice president of community relations at Community First Credit Union, is the founder and two-time chair of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission. She is the author of more than 300 published poems, essays and book reviews.
During her two-year term as poet laureate, Cofell-Mutschler will collaborate with the Appleton Public Library, host workshops and readings, and lay the groundwork for the future of the poet laureate program. She will help judge the city’s sidewalk poetry program and is working on a project with the Trout Museum to pair poetry with visual artwork. She is also interested in partnering with local nonprofits.
“I use writing to work through grief,” she says. “I’d love to work with nonprofits like NAMI Fox Valley or The Boys and Girls Club, because poetry is really important for my emotional and mental health, and it can be the same for many people.”
While poetry is called in at significant life milestones — births, funerals, weddings — Cofell-Mutschler hopes to help residents integrate poetry into the everyday.
“We seek out poetry at the most important times of our lives to help us say what we can’t put into words ourselves,” she says. “If we could have that every day of our lives, think how rich our community could be.”
– Amelia Compton Wolff
Nod to Coach Gottlieb
Last month the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first bobblehead of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s basketball coach Doug Gottlieb, who also hosts “The Gottlieb Show” on Fox Sports Radio. Gottlieb was named the 10th head coach in Green Bay men’s basketball history in May. While he did not have prior NCAA head coaching experience, Gottlieb led Team USA to the gold medal at the Maccabiah Games in 2017 and 2022. He had formerly won a gold medal and MVP honors as a player in 2001 and helped then-University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl coach Team USA in 2009. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in February, are available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s online store.
Pizza power
Fond du Lac’s Grande Cheese Company is now the official cheese partner of the World Pizza Champions, a team of elite pizza professionals who have created a nonprofit dedicated to promoting pizza-making as a respected craft. “The World Pizza Champions is a first-class nonprofit organization made of leading pizza professionals, and Grande Cheese is proud to support the team in demonstration of our mutual mission of supporting the independent pizza industry,” says Debra Ponath, Grande’s senior director, operator business development. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach into the industry, elevating the craft of creating great pizza.” Grande Cheese Company and World Pizza Champions kicked off their partnership at PizzaCon 2024 in Philadelphia last month.
Living large
New North, Inc. is partnering with Livability Media, a national media and content marketing company, to promote the region as the ultimate destination to live, work and explore. A digital and printed publication, along with internet and social media content, is being produced through the partnership. The rollout is planned for early 2025 in conjunction with the NFL draft being held in Green Bay April 24-26. “We believe that Livability Northeast Wisconsin-New North Region will strengthen our regional brand as a great place to live and work,” says Renee Torzala, vice president of marketing and investor relations for New North, Inc. “Livability’s position as a national platform will allow us to broaden our reach to wider audiences that may not otherwise be exposed to the New North region.” The Northeast Wisconsin region will be highlighted on livability.com, which attracts millions of online visitors each year.
