Community Calendar
Wednesday, November 20
Capital Wealth Advisory Group will be hosting a blood drive for ImpactLife in memory of Monty Slapak. The blood drive will be held Wednesday, November 20, from 11:00 to 2:30. To schedule an appointment visit bloodcenter.org.
Grace Community Church in Richland Center is a drop off point this week for Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes may be dropped off Wednesday and Thursday, November 20 & 21, from Noon to 2:00, Friday, November 22, from 5:00 to 7:00, Saturday, November 23, from 10:00 to Noon, and Sunday, November 24, from Noon to 2:00. If you would still like to make a donation to Operation Christmas Child’s Christmas Shoebox program, boxes are available in the entryway of Grace Community Church. The door is not locked so you can pick up a box at anytime and return it this week during the drop off hours.
Vernon County Over 50 will present Protecting Paradise in the Driftless with author, Marcy West. As Executive Director of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve in it’s formative years, she helped develop the 8600 acre KVR. A live presentation will be held Wednesday, November 20, at 2:15 at the McIntosh Memorial Library. It will be Zoomed to the Ontario, Viola, and Readstown Public Libraries. For more information call 262-384-0082.
The Richland County Veterans Service Office in Wisconsin will be hosting a Suicide Prevention Training opportunity Wednesday, November 20, at 2:30 in the Richland County Boardroom at the courthouse. This training is not Veteran specific, but will be taught by Representatives of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The new program is called Question Persuade Refer, or QPR. This training is free and open to the public and participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. To find out more about the QPR Institute, visit qprinstitute.com.
Thursday, November 21
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Kickapoo High School Thursday, November 21, from 8:30 to 1:30. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Richland Center High School Thursday, November 21, from 9:00 to 2:00. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
The Southwest CAP Pop-Up Food Pantry Truck will be in the area Thursday, November 21. It will be at the Natural Bridge Store in Rockbridge from 10:30 to 11:30 and near Alibi’s Bar & Grill in Cazenovia from 12:30 to 1:30. All are welcome from the surrounding areas as well. Southwest CAP is required to collect names, ages, addresses, and household size. A slip of paper with names, addresses, and birthdates will speed up the process.
The Lone Rock Farmers Market will be held the first and third Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 6:30 at the Lone Rock Community Building.
Celebrate Recovery -RC meets every Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Nazarene Outreach Center in Richland Center. Food is available starting at 5:30. Celebrate Recovery – Richland Center is sponsored by Grace Community Church.
Richland Center High School International Night will be held Thursday, November 21, beginning at 6:00 in the West Commons and Large Group Instruction Room. Meet the international students, sample some traditional foods, and learn about their countries and cultures. The event is free and open to all.
Friday, November 22
United Church of Muscoda, Presbyterian will host its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, November 28, at 11:00. The cost of the meal is a free will donation. . Carry-outs will also be available. Please call Cindy Bremmer at 608-604-5005 and leave a message stating the number of people that will be attending or the number of carry-outs needed. Reservations are due Friday, November 22.
Saturday, November 23
Clyde Community Center Annual Rummage Sale will be held Saturday, November 23, from 8:00 to 2:00. Donuts, and light lunch will be available. Free coffee will be available all day.
“The Original” Fall Craft Fair will be held Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 to 3:00 at the Richland Center Intermediate School. This has become an annual G.R.A.C.E. Fundraiser. Crafters and Vendors will fill the entryway, gym and cafeteria. Hot turkey sandwiches and much more will also be available for purchase.
The Holiday Makers Market will be held at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 to 3:00. The holiday market features handmade makers from Southern Wisconsin with a wide variety of unique items. The first 50 shoppers will receive a free reusable market bag. Plus, Santa will be there from 10:00 until noon. Lunch will be available to purchase from the Richland Center Lions Club.
Symons Recreation Complex will host a Pool Party Saturday, November 23, from 1:00 to 4:00. There will be music, popcorn and water raft inflatables. Admission is free for Symons members, $5 for non-members. Pizza slices will also be available for sale.
The Lighthouse Chapel in Richland Center will be serving a carryout Thanksgiving meal Thursday, November 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 free of charge.
Monday, November 25
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Sauk County Health Department Monday, November 25, from 9:00 to 3:00. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County offers a free support group for individuals diagnosed with either early-stage dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment. The support group provides an opportunity to learn more about your diagnoses and share your experiences with others on a similar journey. The support group meets on the last Monday of the month at 10:00 at the McIntosh Memorial Library conference room in Viroqua. To learn more, call Teresa at 608-637-5201.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Reedsburg Recreation Center Monday, November 25, from 11:30 to 5:30. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
Good Shepherd Church in Viroqua offers a free community meal the fourth Monday of each month from 5:00 to 6:30. All are welcome.
Rolling Hills Toastmasters Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00. Meetings are held at Eagle School in Classrooom 2. Meetings are hybrid, meaning you can attend in person or by zoom. For more information or zoom link call 608-604-7743.
Tuesday, November 26
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country, Richland County office is offering the Richland Center Caregiver Support Group at the Woodman Senior Center on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This group offers a chance to connect with local experts, family members and care partners who may be experiencing similar circumstances. To RSVP, or for information, you may call the ADRC at 608-647-4616 or Pam, the Dementia Care Specialist, at 608-548-3954.
Wednesday, November 27
St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Richland Center, will be serving their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, November 28. Meals are carry-out and delivery. Delivered meals, within a two-mile radius of Richland Center, will be distributed from 11:00 to 2:00. Carry-outs can be picked-up at the church from 11:30 to 12:30. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, November 27, at Noon. To place an order call 608-647-3000 and leave your name, phone number, delivery or pick-up and how many dinners you want. Someone will contact you regarding your address. Free-will donations are accepted.
Richland Center’s Rotary Lights in the Park will be held Wednesday, November 27, through New Years Eve. The exhibit will be open each night with walk-thru’s from 6:00 to 6:50 and drive-thru from 7:00 to 9:00. However, please note new this year, the first three Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16, will be drive-thru only. Also Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand every Friday and Saturday.
Friday, November 29
A Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, November 29, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street in Blue River. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The cost to participate is $12 per team.
Saturday, November 30
The Weston Music department will be hosting its 43rd Craft Fair with two Gyms full of vendors on Saturday, November 30, from 8:00 to 2:00. There will also be concessions available sponsored by the Weston Sheep Project.
Christkindlmarkt- Christmas in Plain will be held Saturday, November 30, from 3:00 to 7:00. Visit Santa and his animals, enjoy Crafts with the elves, a business trivia hunt, horse drawn carriage rides, Concert by River Valley Community Choir, Ho Ho Happy Hour and a community tree lighting.
December 1
Kickapoo Cowboy Church is held the first Sunday of each month at 6:00 at the Old Oak Inn in Soldiers Grove.
Monday, December 2
Richland County Senior Dining Meal sites are open to the public for in-person dining. The Woodman Senior Center will serve meals Monday through Friday at 11:45. Home delivered meals are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call Tina or Sandi at 608-647-2323. The Germantown Senior Dining Meal Site, located at St. Anthony’s School (32497 County Highway V, Cazenovia) is open Wednesdays with serving at 11:15. Home delivered meals are available for delivery Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. To reserve a meal call Rita at 608-983-2798. The Rockbridge Meal Site at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (25500 Rockbridge School Street, Richland Center) is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with serving at 11:30. To reserve a meal, call Norma Pyfferoen at 608-647-3900 or 608-649-3269. All reservations must be made by 1:00 the day prior. The suggested contribution for those age 60 and older is $4.00.
Tuesday, December 3
Tech Help Tuesday will be held every Tuesday at the Brewer Public Library from 9:00 to Noon. Get basic help with all apps and devices. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Brewer Public Library at 608-647-6444. There is no charge for this service.
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital will host an ImpactLife Blood Drive Tuesday, December 3, from 1:30 to 5:30 in the Ringling Room. Appointments are preferred. To book an appointment call 248-946-2482 or email [email protected].
People First Bowling, bowling for people with disabilities, is held each Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center. Cost to participate is $2 per game. For more information call Shiann Toney at 608-604-0633.
River Valley Music Boosters Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 7:30 at Arthur’s Supper Club in Spring Green. Advanced Tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $6 for children 10 & under. Tickets at the door will be a dollar more. Dine In and Drive Thru will both be available. Proceeds benefiting the RVHS Musical. (The ticket link to purchase advanced tickets: http://bit.ly/3NYpJqY
Wednesday, December 4
Christy’s Card Buddies get together, for a Euchre Tournament, each Wednesday at 1:00 at the old Avoca School Gym.
The Winter Market will be held each Wednesday at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center from Noon until 4:00.
Thursday, December 5
Vernon County Human Services Department will assist individuals with Power of Attorney for Healthcare documents the first Thursday of each month from 9:00 to Noon at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Vernon County. To make an appointment call 608-637-5201 or 1-888-637-1323.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a free course to anyone who wants to learn English. The class runs from 7:00 to 8:00 PM every Thursday and from 11:00 until Noon every Saturday at the Church located on Executive Lane in Richland Center. For more information, call (262) 893-3763. (La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días ofrece un curso gratuito a cualquier persona que desee aprender inglés. La clase va de 7:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. todos los jueves y de 11:00 a.m. a 12:00 del mediodía todos los sábados, y se enseña en la Iglesia ubicada en 26220 Executive Lane, Richland Center, justo arriba de la colina detrás de Kentucky Fried Chicken. Simplemente vaya hacia el sur por la autopista 14 hacia Walmart y está en el lado izquierdo (este) de la carretera. Para obtener más información, llame al (262) 893-3763.)
Saturday, December 7
The 17th annual Spring Green Community Church Cookie Walk will be held Saturday, December 7, from 9:00 to Noon or whenever cookies are gone, whichever happens first.
Participants fill provided containers from a selection of over 400 dozen cookies, and a variety of other homemade goodies may also be available. There will also be a limited selection of handmade crafts. Live music of the season will be provided by Kendall Harger from 9:00 to 10:00.
Photos with Santa are a holiday tradition at Shake Rag Alley. On Saturday, December 7, visit the historic campus for photos, holiday crafts, gingerbread cottage-making, and sweet treats. Photos with Santa will be held from 10:00 to Noon at the Cabinet Shop. In the Lind Pavilion, families can make gingerbread cottages and holiday crafts from 10:00 to 1:00. Advanced registration is recommended online or by phone for photos and crafts: photos with Santa are $10 each, and holiday crafts and gingerbread cottages are $5 each. Take-home kits are also available for pick up. For more information, visit ShakeRagAlley.org or call 608-987-3292.
The 7th Annual Journey to Bethlehem Live Nativity will be held Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 to 2:00 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rockbridge. Enjoy a walk thru the nativity setting along with children’s crafts, cookie decorating, Christmas music, and a cookie and baked goods sale.
Friends of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve will host the Holiday Happening Saturday, December 7, from Noon to 5:00 at the KVR Visitors Center in La Farge. Homemade soup, salad, and bread will be served from Noon to 3:00, or until food runs out, at $10 per person or $5 for children under 12. Assorted cookies, holiday decorations, and wreaths will be available for purchase. Entertainment includes Piano Man Steve Hall, Pam Hughes’ violin students, local school bands, Viroqua Community Bell Choir, and Whisky Chiken. Join the friends or renew your membership for 2024 and receive 20% off. All proceeds benefit the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Symons Recreation Complex will host its annual Ugly Sweater Fun Run/Walk Saturday, December 7, beginning at 5:30. Start at Symons, run or walk through Krouskop Park and the Rotary lights, return to Symons for hot cocoa and a bowl of soup. The total distance is approximately 1.5 miles. The cost to participate is $15 for those 11 and older, and free for those 10 and under. Register online at symonsrec.com/events or in person at Symons Recreation Complex before 5:00 December 7.
Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will host bingo Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 at the Richland Center Community Center. The progressive blackout jackpot will be $878 + 50% of net sales in 50 calls or less.
Sunday, December 8
Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Holiday Market will be held at the picturesque children’s environmental education center, Sunday, December 8, from 9:00 to 3:00. The Holiday Market features dozens of local, sustainable artists and vendors presenting their finest wares in a cozy atmosphere. Admission and parking is free.
Sharing Space with Deke will feature a live virtual conversation with astronaut, Fred Haise, Saturday, December 8, from 3:00 to 4:00. Attend in person at the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum or via Zoom. Tickets are priced at $10.
Monday, December 9
Ithaca Middle and High School musicians will take the spotlight in a concert Monday, December 9, beginning at 7:00 in the High School gym. Under the direction of Mary Beth Behrens and Wade McCoy, the sixth grade, seventh and eighth grade, and High School bands and choirs will perform sounds of the season. Admission is free and open to all.
Thursday, December 12
The Vernon County Health Department offers “Wellness Screenings” the second Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 10:30. The screening includes cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as an assessment of blood pressure and discussion of risk factors for heart disease. A $10 donation is requested, but not required. For more information visit the Vernon County website. For assistance in making an appointment contact the Vernon County Health Department by phone at 608-637-5251, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30.
Saturday, December 14
Please note that due to the holidays, December dates for the Pantry have been changed to Saturday, December 14, and Monday, December 16. Sign up inside the Viola Municipal Building at and volunteers will load your vehicle. For more information call 608-627-1910.
Sunday, December 15
Maggie Mae will be performing at the Richland Center City Auditorium Sunday, December 15, at 2:00. The afternoon will also include The Sawmill Creek Band with Eric Nofsinger and special guest Leroy “Elvis” Petersen. Tickets priced at $25 per person can be purchased on-line at Eventbrite.com or locally at Christy’s Sunnyside Bakery, Napa Auto Parts, and will be sold at the door as available. A group rate for 10 or more people is also available. All proceeds from this concert will be used for building restoration of the Richland Center City Auditorium. For show or ticket information call 608-604-7022.
Saturday, December 21
The Little Lamb’s Closet, held at Park Street Christian Church, sponsored by the Richland County Right to Life, is open the third Saturday of the month starting at 9:30. Please use the Park Street entrance.
Free milk and cheese is available the third Saturday of each month from 9:30 until gone at Park Street Christian Church. Use the Seminary Street entrance.
