The ‘Winter Wellness Program’ for veterans

Ann Kleiman-Zeller is a small business owner who feels the need to give back to U.S.  military veterans in the area. 

She was contacted by the staff at the Vilas County Veterans Service in Eagle River and asked if she would like to participate in a “Winter Wellness Campaign” that kicked off on Veterans Day and runs through March 20, 2025.

It currently features over 20 businesses in Vilas and Oneida counties offering various services, including art, yoga, exercise, massage, hair, manicures, pedicures, wills, spirituality, pet care and activities like veterans hikes and meals. 

Kevin Eades, assistant veterans service officer for Vilas County, said some of the businesses involved in the program have donated services while others have provided services at a discounted price. 

“They don’t charge the veteran or the spouse,” he said. “They bill our office.”

Eades said the bills submitted by the businesses are paid through donated funds the veterans service office receives as well as through leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

In Kleiman-Zeller’s case, she felt inspired to participate in the program, because her father, Herman Kleiman, who passed away in September, served four years in the Michigan Army National Guard. 

She also has a nephew who is currently serving in the United States Marines.  

Originally from Powers, Mich., Kleiman-Zeller’s business is cosmetology-related; she’s been doing things like haircuts and hairstyling, nails and pedicures for the past 27 years. 

She said she operated a salon in Powers for 23 years before moving to the Lakeland area with her husband. 

“I took a job as a salesperson for six years calling on all the salons in the area,” Kleiman-Zeller said. “In June, I decided to get back to doing what I love and that’s hair and nails. I started working at a couple of salons, pretty much owning my own business.”

This is done through renting chairs in salons.

Kleiman-Zeller said that was about the time she was approached about participating in the wellness program for veterans. 

She said with her father having been a veteran and a shut-in later in life, she was aware “of services veterans weren’t receiving.” 

“If it wasn’t for me, my dad wouldn’t have received them, either,” Kleiman-Zeller said. “So, I’m providing a service to do haircuts, manicures and pedicures for the veterans.”

In addition to three locations she works out of — Taglio in Minocqua, Salon Republic in Eagle River and Salona in Phillips — if a veteran is unable to make an appointment for one of those locations, “I can come to them,” she said.

“There’s a lot of veterans that, since it’s winter, they can’t get out or don’t have a way of getting to the salons so I go to them,” Kleiman-Zeller said. “I feel there are so many who are lacking, especially getting their toenails clipped. I know there’s a need for it and watching my dad go through it for quite some time, it’s important that they’re taken care of.”

She said the intent is to try and “reach as many veterans as we can” for the duration of the “Winter Wellness Program.”

“We need to get the word out there and let people know,” Kleiman-Zeller said. 

To reach her for an appointment, the number is 906-497-5820. 

For more information on the “Winter Wellness Program” for veterans and their spouses, call the Vilas County Veterans Service Office at 715-479-3629.

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].