Community Calendar
Friday, December 20
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, December 20, from 9:30 to 1:30 at the American Legion Hall in Wonewoc. Appointments are preferred by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Ryan Chambers 12 Days of Christmas Bake Sale will be held at from 10:00 to Noon December 20-21, and 23-24, at Kelly’s Coffee in Richland Center. Proceeds raised will go to the Ryan Chambers Scholarship fund.
The joint Christmas party for the Post 13 American Legion and Auxiliary will be held Friday, December 20, . Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30.
Richland Center’s Rotary Lights in the Park will be held 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. Also Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand every Friday and Saturday.
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.
Sunday, December 22
Basswood Union Church will host a Christmas Carol Hymn Sing Sunday, December 22, at 10:00. Familiar carols will be played and sung using piano, guitar and some wooden flutes. All are welcome.
Highland Historical Society Bingo will not be held Sunday, December 22. Bingo will return in January.
Monday, December 23
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.
Tuesday, December 24
The Brewer Public Library will be closed December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1 for the holidays.
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.
Christmas Eve Services will be held at the Avoca United Methodist Church Tuesday, December 24, at 3:30 and the Blue River United Methodist Church at 5:00.
St. John’s Lutheran Church will host a traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service at 4:00 Tuesday, December 24.
The Richland Center Free Methodist Church will host a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00.
Willow Valley United Methodist Church will host a Christmas Eve service featuring lessons on the Christmas carols Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00.
Ash Creek United Methodist Church will host a Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 24, at 7:00.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rockbridge will hold a Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 24, at 7:00.
Wednesday, December 25
Due to the holidays, the Winter Market will not be held December 25 and January 1. The Winter Market will also be closed January 15 and 29. In January the Winter Market will only be held the second and fourth Wednesday, January 8 and 22.
The Richland Community Food Pantry will be closed Wednesday, December 25, and January 1. The pantry will be open however, between Christmas and New Year’s on Friday, December 27, from 4:00 to 5:30.
Friday, December 27
Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, December 27, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The cost to participate is $12 per team.
Monday, December 30
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.
Thursday, January 2
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.
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.
Join in an evening exploring how parents, caregivers, and community members can foster true belonging Monday, January 6, at 5:30 for a free dinner at the Richland Center High School West Commons. Speaker Merri Guggisberg will present the Values in Action, a character strengths framework, at 6:30. Participants will uncover ways to nurture children’s unique qualities, build circles of care, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels connected and valued. The turkey dinner is free, but those attending are asked to pre-register by Thursday, January 2, at bit.ly/3CGGnsJ. For more information, contact Partners for Prevention Project Director, Betsy Roesler, at 608-647-6131 extension 1516.
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.
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, January 4
The Ithaca alumni basketball tournament will be held Saturday, January 4. The women’s game will start at 6:00 and the men’s game will start at 7:30. There will also be a 3-point contest starting at 5:00. There is a $5 donation to play in the games to benefit the Ithaca Basketball Programs. Contact David Klang at 608-415-3267 or email [email protected] if interested in playing in the women’s game and contact Aaron Huebsch at 608-475-3601 or email [email protected] if interested in playing in the men’s game.
Monday, January 6
Vernon County Over 50 holds Tai Chi Exercise every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:45 at Bethel Home Fellowship Hall in Viroqua, the Ontario, and Readstown Public Libraries. For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
Tuesday, January 7
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 8
Agrace will offer Bridges, a professionally led, virtual grief support group, Wednesday, January 8, from 9:30to 11:00 via Zoom. There is no fee for this program if a participant’s family member was in hospice care in the past 12 months; fees for others can be lowered or waived, if needed. Pre-registration is required. Call 608-327-7110 with questions or to register.
Christy’s Card Buddies get together, for a Euchre Tournament, each Wednesday at 1:00 at the old Avoca School Gym.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country, Richland County office, will offer a free seminar to Richland County residents interested in learning more about Medicare. Welcome to Medicare will help you learn about choices you may want to consider and decisions you need to make when you use Medicare. Reservations can be made by calling the ADRC at 608-647-4616 by January 8. If the seminar is full, you can sign up for a future date.
Thursday, January 9
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.
The Village of Boaz Caucus for Spring Election will be Thursday, January 9, at 5:30. The regular meeting of the Boaz Village Board will follow at 6:00. A special meeting of the Boaz Village Board will be Friday, January 10, at 4:30 to complete an audit of the financial records for 2024. All notices may be accessed at boazwi.gov.
Saturday, January 11
The Richland Center Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will be holding bingo Saturday, January 11 at the Richland Center Community Center starting at 6:30. The progressive jackpot will be $1,259 + 50% of net sales in 51 calls or less.
Tuesday, January 14
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.
Saturday, January 18
The Vernon County Dairy Promotion Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, January 18, at Noon at English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Viroqua. A light lunch will be provided and all who are interested in promoting Vernon County Dairy Industry are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, January 25
Community Players’ Trivia Night with Dave Timm will return Saturday, January 25, at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center. Multiple questions in several categories are planned. The use of cell phones or other resources will be strictly forbidden but teams can buy a limited number of free answers for when they’re stuck. The cost to participate is $30 a for a team of up to six people. Registration will be at the door beginning at 6:15 and the competition will start at 7:00. The evening will include door prizes, a 50-50 raffle and a silent auction. All proceeds will be used to help fund future productions by the Community Players of Southwestern Wisconsin. For more information, call or text 608-647-0124.
Wednesday, February 5
The Winter Market will be held each Wednesday at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center from Noon until 4:00.