Community Calendar
Friday, April 26
The Richland Center City Clerk’s Office will be closed Friday, April 26.
The Village of Readstown will be flushing hydrants the week of April 22. Any questions, please contact the Village Office.
Viroqua’s City-Wide Rummage Sale will be held Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27. Check out the Viroqua Area Rummage Sale Facebook page.
A garage sale to Benefit G.R.A.C.E. will be held by Team CUREsaders Friday, April 26, from 7:00 to 6:00 at 516 South Park Street at the corner of Park and Burton in Richland Center.
Lone Rock Village Rummage Sale and Library Book Sale will be held Friday and Saturday, April 26 & 27.
The second Ridges & Rivers Book Festival returns to Viroqua Friday and Saturday, April 26 & 27. The festival will begin Friday morning (April 26) at 9:00 at Eckhart Park where Bush Craft Camp activities for youth up to age 17, led by Annika Mersmann, a primitive-skills educator, will be offered throughout the entire day. Also, on Friday the Festival will feature a writing workshop with B.J. Hollars and a second workshop with Tamara Dean. A third writing workshop featuring Kimberly Blaeser is scheduled for Saturday, April 27. Registration for the workshops is required and can be done by visiting ridgesandriversbookfestival.org. The Bethel Home will serve as a host location for three programs Friday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00. The presenters include Al Cornell, former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, Paul Palumbo, and Ruth Kittelson. Musicians from the Viroqua Immanuel Lutheran Church will join Palumbo and Kittelson for their program. Friday evening at 7:30 the Historic Temple Theatre will host, “An Evening with Spirit” featuring Psychic Medium Mollie Morning Star from Kohler. On Saturday the festival activities will run from 9:00 to 5:45 at various locations through the City of Viroqua.
The Tomah VA Medical Center will host a Drug Take Back event Friday, April 26, from 10:00 to 2:00 outside of building 400. Dispose of your unneeded prescription drugs, expired prescription medications that are a public safety issue, no questions asked.
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Friday, April 26, from 11:30 to 5:30 at St. Marys/St. Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Friends of Blue River will host a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Friday, April 26. Doors will open at 6:00 with the competition beginning at 7:00. Teams consist of four people. If you don’t know any other puzzlers, every attempt to form teams of four during the registration period will be made. Teams of less than four people will be allowed. There is no age limit. Each team receives the same puzzle. During the event, there will be a “Leave a puzzle, take a puzzle” table. Bring your own beverage and snacks. For more information: send a message to Friends of Blue River Facebook page or call 608-537-2683.
Saturday, April 27
Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers will hold the 14th Annual Dandelion Dash Saturday, April 27, at scenic Bluffs-Cashton. The dash will begin at 9:00 with same day registration beginning at 8:00. Pre-registration is available at scenicbluffs.ticketleap.com/dash24.
River Valley Area Community Gardens will host a new nature experience, River Valley Nature Journaling, facilitated by Kay Balink. Nature Journaling is a way to connect with nature and develop curiosity and knowledge of nature. Kay will meet with participants at the River Valley Area Community Gardens Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 weekly beginning April 27. No experience is necessary. All ages, families and individuals are welcome to participate. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Minimal supplies such as a pencil and piece of paper, and something firm to write are needed to start. Participants may want to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on while making your observations. For more information please visit the Nature Journaling web page on the River Valley Area Community Gardens web site https://www.rvacg.org/journaling.html
Gundersen Boscobel Hospital & clinics will host a Teddy Bear Clinic and Bike Rodeo Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 to 11:30 AM at the Hospital. Doors open for the Teddy Bear Clinic at 9:00 on the lower level of the hospital. Enter through the Bluff Street entrance. Children are welcome to bring their own stuffed animal, or one will be provided while supplies last. The Teddy Bear Clinic and Bike Rodeo are free to attend, and all are welcome.
Jeremiah’s Crossing Therapy Horse Ranch is having its 6th Annual fundraising Quilt Show. The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 27 & 28, from 9:00 to 3:00 both days at the Nekoosa High School Field House. Admission is free will. Quilts may be entered in the show for $5. For more information contact Kathleen at 715-459-2551 or check out the website at jeremiahscrossing.org.
Students from six local schools, Boscobel, Dodgeville, Richland Center, River Valley, Riverdale, and Weston will have their artwork displayed as part of the Association of Wisconsin Artists Wisconsin Regional Art Program for Teens Saturday, April 27. The exhibits will be displayed at the Wyoming Valley Cultural Arts Center beginning at 9:30.
The annual meeting of the Fancy Creek Cemetery Association will be held Saturday, April 27, at 10:00 at the Jim Patch home on Rainbow Drive in Richland Center. Interested parties are welcome to attend.
Driftless Board Games will host strategy board games Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Brewer Public Library. A variety of games will be on hand, such as Settlers of Catan, Exploding Kittens, and Ticket to Ride, but feel free to bring your own to share with the group. Anyone who wants to play board games is invited to come, and feel free to invite your friends.
Drug Take Back Day will be held Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Richland Center Police Department. The Richland Center Police Department along with the Partners for Prevention of Richland County is hosting the Drug Take Back Day collection site. Stop by the Richland Center Police Department collection site and drop your unused or expired medications into the designated bin. No questions will be asked, ensuring a quick and anonymous drop-off experience. For more information, contact the Richland Center Police Department. Visit the Partners for Prevention Coalition of Richland County’s website for resources to prevent medication misuse.
A Gaza Music Fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Landmark Center in Viroqua. The event will feature Middle Eastern food and hand embroidered bags, pillows, coin pouches, jewelry with symbols of Palestine, and keffiyehs from the Women in Hebron. The music will feature jazz and traditional and modern Middle Eastern music. A suggested donation at the door is $5 to $15. Donations will go directly to the Middle East Children’s Alliance.
Sunday, April 28
The Highland Historical Society will host Bingo Sunday, April 28, at 1:00 at the old high school.
Monday, April 29
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 Monday, April 29, from 1:00 to 6:00 at the La Valle Fire Department. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Tuesday, April 30
Ithaca Schools will host a Career Exploration Day middle and high school students. Interested businesses are invited to attend and inspire students by sharing your career journey, information about your workplace, and answer any questions the students may have. This event will be held at the Ithaca Gymnasium Tuesday, April 30, from 8:15 until 11:15. The students will visit the various booths to get a better understanding of Career Pathways and explore career opportunities. There will be refreshments and a continental breakfast for partners to enjoy. For more information or to reserve a booth, please contact: Monica Kershner – YA Career Coach by email at monica.kershenr@ithaca.k12.wi.us or call Monica at 608-585-2311 Ext 302.
UW-Platteville Aspiring Educators Teacher Panel will be held Tuesday, April 30, at 6:00 UW-Platteville. Teachers from multiple grades, schools, and disciplines will share their experiences and answer questions about the current field of education. This event is open to those who would like to learn more about teaching and maybe find some tips and tricks to use in their own classroom. Admission is $10. Meet in Doudna Hall Room 125 at 5:30 to sign in.
The UW Richland Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni. Eligibility is that the nominee has attended either Richland County College or UW Richland. It is important they show qualities of leadership and dedication in professional and or community activities. No formal nomination form is required. For more information call Alumni President, Kathy Granger, at 608-489-3629 or email fairladykkg@yahoo.com. Nominations can be mailed to E17384 County Highway V, Hillsboro, 54634 by April 30. Plans are being made for the Fall Brunch to honor the Outstanding Alumni are being made for Saturday, October 5, at the Phoenix Center.
Junior Gardener registration is open for children in Grades 5 through 12. The River Valley Area Community Gardens will accept Grade 4 students if they are ready for the responsibility of caring for a garden. If you know students who are interested in being a Junior Gardener, request info by emailing rvbusybees24@gmail.com or check the Youth Gardening page of the web site rvacg.org/juniors.html.
Wednesday, May 1
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has closed part of Highway 12 near Wisconsin Dells for construction through mid-July. The road is closed from the northern Sauk County Line down to Highway 13 on the northwestern side of Wisconsin Dells. Detours include Highway 13 and the Interstate to get around the construction zone.
The Village of Readstown will hold its annual Spring Clean Up event Wednesday, May 1. If you have any questions, contact the Village Office at 608-629-5627.
Join the Vernon County Over 50 at the Senior Fair taking place at the Vernon County Fairgrounds Wednesday, May 1, from 10:00 to 2:00. A Tai Chi demonstration will be held at 11:30.
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.
Christy’s Card Buddies get together, for a Euchre Tournament, each Wednesday at 1:00 at the old Avoca School Gym.
The Union will host an AP Environmental Science Review taught by Noah Johnson for students Wednesday night, May 1, from 7:00 to 8:00. The class is open to any student, in any district, at no cost. The Union is located in the basement of the Richland Center City Auditorium. For more information call Jessica at 608-604-6601.
Viroqua’s 4th annual Beer Walk will be held Saturday, June 15, from 6:00 to 9:00. It will be an evening of community spirit, snacks, and live entertainment. Tickets priced at $40 are currently on sale. Designated drivers can purchase a ticket for $10 and are invited to sample all the snacks as well as the non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the walk. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com.
Hill Country Classic Power will meet Wednesday, May 1, at 8:00 at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.
Thursday, May 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.
Economic Equity Now will host a meet and greet with Third District Congressional candidate, Katrina Shankland Thursday, May 2, at 5:30 at the Phoenix Center Banquet Hall. All are welcome to hear from Shankland and stay to ask questions.
Friday, May 3
St. Luke Church in Plain will host a family style fish fry Friday, May 3, from 5:00 to 8:00. Carry-outs will also be available. The church hall is handicapped accessible. Please note, Highway 23 may be closed due to repairs and road construction from Highway 14 in Spring Green to Highway GG near Loreto.
Saturday, May 4
Castle Rock Lutheran Church in Montfort will host its Fishers/Community Breakfast Saturday, May 4, from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m. There is no charge, but a free-will offering is appreciated. This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Riverway Communities of Hope, a non-profit organization supporting area youth through funding for counseling services, life skill training, and support from caring adult role models at no cost to their families.
Dayton Township & Village of Boaz Spring Cleanup
will be held Saturday, May 4, from 7:30 to 3:00 on Park Drive. Items which will be accepted for free are furniture, plumbing items, large appliances, scrap metal, and lawn mowers. No electronics, microwaves, tires, household garbage, oil, yard waste, old wood, lumber, chemical containers, oil-based paints, ashes or batteries will be accepted.
The Second Annual You Matter Mental Health Awareness 5K will be held Saturday, May 4, at the Youth & ag Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster. Check-in will be held from 8:00 to 9:00. There will be a ceremony at 9:00 with the 5K beginning at 9:45. Cost to participate is $30. Pre-register online at eventbrite.com or at the event. The day will also include a silent auction.
2024 Eagle Township Spring Clean-Up dates are scheduled for Saturday, May 4 & 11. Attendants will be at the site to assist from 8:00 to Noon 12:00. Any questions please call board member Wes Hanke 608-739-2988 or Dustin Gaudette at 608-574-8005.
The grand opening of the 2024 Viroqua Farmers Market will be held Saturday, May 4, from 8:00 to 12:30.
Park Street Christian Church will host the Church Women United May Friendship Day Saturday, May 4, at 9:00. The program on Love Mercy will be shared and refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall. For more information call 608-585-3401 with any questions.
Learn more about the Holocaust with Alan Morawiec at the Brewer Public Library Saturday, May 4, at 10:30. In the spring of 1942, Chaim Baruch Yerucham Murawiec, and a number of fellow prisoners in a northern Ukraine camp were told by a sympathetic Ukrainian guard that the Germans meant to execute them, but that he would turn his back during the night and allow them to escape. Chaim and a few friends did as the guard suggested, and escaped the camp the following night. Join Alan to hear the rest of the story. Donate new or serviceable shoes to the Holocaust Shoe Project at the Brewer Public Library now through Saturday, May 4.
Seventh Day Adventist Church will host the gospel group, Dying to Live Saturday, May 4, at 11:00.
The Coon Creek Community Watershed Council will be holding their Coon Creek Conservation Day Saturday, May 4, at the site of the nation’s First Watershed Conservation Project. This year’s event includes musical talent by Mollie B and Friends. Mollie B and Friends will perform at 5:00 Saturday, May 4, at Valley Conservation Day, on the Coon Valley Dairy Supply Company on Highway 14. Information about tickets is available at cooncreekwatershed.org/valleyconservationday.
The Union will host an AP Language & Composition Review taught by Tiffany Boyarski for students Saturday night, May 4, from 5:00 to 7:00. Andrew Troxel will also be holding an AP Human Geography Review from 6:00 to 7:00, and an AP US History Review from 7:00 to 8:00. The classes are open to any student, in any district, at no cost. The Union is located in the basement of the Richland Center City Auditorium. For more information call Jessica at 608-604-6601.
Sunday, May 5
The Otter Creek Lutheran Church, rural Highland, will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 5, from 8:00 to 12:30. The cost of the all-you-can-eat breakfast is $10 fro adults and $5 for children.
A.D. German Warehouse Public Tours will begin Sunday, May 5. Tours will be held at 11:00, Noon, 1:00 and 2:00. Cost of a tour is $20 per person. The tour season will run through Sunday, October 6.
A Pre-Season Meeting for gardeners in the River Valley Area Community Gardens is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, at 1:00.
A Sunday Funday Dance will be held Sunday, May 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Richland Center Community Center. There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted for the caller and musicians. Concessions will be provided by the CUREsaders Walk with GRACE Team.
Kickapoo Cowboy Church will be held Sunday, May 5, at 6:00 at the Old Oak Inn in Soldiers Grove. Music will be provided by Holy Crowe and Roddy Dull.
Monday, May 6
Vernon County Emergency Management will be testing sirens the first Monday of each month at 11:00 through September. There will be one exception for the Monday test, September 2nd. For that month the sirens will be tested the following day. If inclement weather is in the area the test will be done the next good weather day.
The Vernon County Over 50 will host Tai Chi Exercise at the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall each Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:45. It will be streamed to the Viroqua and Ontario Public Library.
Tuesday, May 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.
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Tuesday, May 7, from 1:00 to 6:00 at the First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Hear the true story of harness racehorse, Derek Bromac N., presented by his owner and the author, Amber Sawyer from Wisconsin, Tuesday, May 7, at 5:00 at the Brewer Public Library in Richland Center. This children’s book focuses on the relationship between Sawyer’s son and the race horse, and has a hopeful message for children and adults. Amber will bring along her harness and other racing equipment, as well as a craft. This event is for anyone who enjoys horses. A fun fact, Derek has competed at the Richland County Fair.
Wednesday, May 8
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 8, from 8:00 to 2:00 at River Valley High School. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Agrace will offer “Bridges,” a professionally led, virtual grief support group for adults who are grieving the death of any loved one on Wednesday, May 8, from 9:30 to 11:00 via Zoom. There is no fee for the 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.
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 8, from 9:00 to 2:00 at Richland Center High School. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 8, from 10:45 to 4:45 at Wisconsin Dells High School. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
A Red Cross blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 8, from 11:00 to 4:00 at Weston Schools. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Join the Vernon County Over 50 Wednesday, May 8, at 2:15 at the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall. The program will be, Trout Fishing the Driftless with Tina Murray from the Westford Sportsman’s Club in Avalanche. It will be zoomed to the Ontario, Viola, and Readstown Public Libraries.
The Avoca United Methodist Church will hold a Drive-Thru Pancake Supper Wednesday, May 8, from 4:00 until 6:30, in front of the church. Cost of the meal will be $8.
Thursday, May 9
Ocooch Mountain Humane Society’s “Animal House” food stand will be open Thursday through Saturday, May 9-11, from 10:00 to 2:00 each day. The food stand will be located at the Krsouskop Park parking lot near the Community Center.
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board will host the second in a series of field trips to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of the Riverway Thursday (May 9). The event will be held at the Black Hawk Unit in the Town of Mazomanie followed by a business meeting at the Ruth Culver Community Library in Prairie du Sac. David Gjestson, the first Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Riverway Coordinator, will lead a field trip starting from the historical marker on Highway 78 near Sauk City beginning at 2:00 and ending at 4:00. The tour will be held rain or shine unless lightning is in the area. Pre-registration for the tour may be done by calling Marsha Curtis, Riverway Board Executive Assistant, at 608-739-3188.
Town of Orion Open Book will be held Thursday, May 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 at Orion’s new Town Hall, located at 22304 Thiede Road. The Town Assessor will be available throughout the Open Book and the assessment roll for the Year of 2024 will be open for examination. No appointment is required.
Friday, May 10
St. Barnabas Church in Richland Center will host a bake sale, rummage sale, and brat stand Friday, May 10, from 8:00 to 4:00 and Saturday, May 11, from 8:00 to 2:00.
Village Family Dental will host Lunch On Us Friday, May 10, from 11:00 to 2:00 in its parking lot. A free lunch will be available for all current and future patients. There will also be giveaways.
Saturday, May 11
Volunteers are being sought to help raise flags at the Richland Center American Legion Flag Park on Saturday, May 11. Those interested in volunteering should meet at the flag park at 10:00 AM.
The Richland County Bank Walk with GRACE team will host a drive-thru barbecue pork dinner Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 to 2:00, or until sold out.
The Wisconsin Community Veterinary Center is partnering with Ocooch Mountain Humane Society to bring a low-cost vaccine clinic to Richland Center on Saturday, May 11, from 11:00 to 4:00 at the Ocooch Humane Society in Richland Center. Dogs and Cats are welcome. Please bring your dog on a leash and cat in a secure carrier. Vaccines include Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella, and Feline Leukemia. Other services include Microchips, Heartworm Tests, FeLV/FIV tests, flea and tick treatment, and heartworm preventatives. Distemper vaccines for cats and dogs are free of charge thanks to a grant from PetCo Love. While walk-ins are accepted, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Pre-register by calling 608-224-1400 or visiting https://clinichq.com/online/db2a6362-c698-42c0-bd4c-491ef90f99c3 and selecting Ocooch Mountain Humane Society Clinic.
The Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce will host its Pour & Explore Wine Walk Saturday, May 11, from 4:00 to 9:00. Tickets for the Pour & Explore Wine Walk are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. Advance tickets can be purchased online at MineralPoint.com.
The Union will host an AP Language & Composition Review taught by Tiffany Boyarski for students Tuesday night, May 11, from 5:00 to 7:00.. The class is open to any student, in any district, at no cost. The Union is located in the basement of the Richland Center City Auditorium. For more information call Jessica at 608-604-6601.
Tuesday, May 14
The Vernon County Health Department will be offering “Wellness Screenings.” The screening includes cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as an assessment of blood pressure and discussion of risk factors for heart disease. Vernon County Health Department will be offering screenings the second Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 10:30. 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.
Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics will host the Healthy Hustle, One-Mile and 5K Walk/Run Tuesday evening, May 14, as part of Healthcare Week. This event offers an opportunity for community members to enjoy a fun, healthy activity at no cost. The stroller-friendly course will begin at the Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital Bluff Street Terrace. Same-day registration begins at 5:30, with the race kicking off at 6:00. There will also be health and wellness offerings and concessions available on the Bluff Street Terrace.
Thursday, May 16
The Regular Board meeting for the Town of Orion will be held Thursday, May 16, at 5:30 at the Orion Town Hall. For questions, please call Diane Parduhn, 608-647-3578.
Friday, May 17
Friends of Blue River will host a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Friday, May 17. Doors will open at 6:00 with the competition beginning at 7:00. Teams consist of four people. If you don’t know any other puzzlers, every attempt to form teams of four during the registration period will be made. Teams of less than four people will be allowed. There is no age limit. Each team receives the same puzzle. During the event, there will be a “Leave a puzzle, take a puzzle” table. Bring your own beverage and snacks. For more information: send a message to Friends of Blue River Facebook page or call 608-537-2683.
Saturday, May 18
Race for GRACE will be held Saturday, May 18. The 5K and 10K will feature a quarter mile kids run and one mile run/walk. Cost for the kids run is $20; the one mile run is $25; the 5K is $35; and the 10K is $45. There will also be a Firefighters Challenge. Firefighter teams participating will have three or more firefighters from the same department. Each team, regardless of size pays a $100 registration fee. However, firefighter teams must wear turnout gear. Coat and pants are required; helmet and air tank are optional. Team members must finish together. Register on line for the Race for GRACE at walkwithgrace.com.
The Richland County Veteran’s Monument Committee invites you to the dedication of the fist placement of the Veterans Headstones. The event will be held Saturday, May 18, at 1:00 at the Richland Center Cemetery.
Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will host bingo Saturday, May 18, starting at 6:30 at the Richland Center Community Center. The progressive jackpot will be $2,514 + 50% of net sales in 55 calls or less.
Sunday, May 19
The Friends of the Little Brown Church will host a Spring Service at the Brown Church Sunday, May 19, starting at 10:30. The message will be delivered by Ron Fruit with special music by Loren Glassbrenner. The service is Ecumenical, and all are welcome to attend. A coffee hour will follow the service.
Busy Bees Garden Club registration is open for children ages 3 through Grade 4. The program will begin Sunday, May 19, with a Meet and Greet from 3:30 to 4:30. Weekly programs will begin Tuesday, June 4, and run through Tuesday, July 23, from 9:15 to 10:15. A family picnic will be held Sunday, July 28, at 4:30. If you know students who would be interested, email rvbusybees24@gmail.com to request a registration form.
Monday, May 20
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Monday, May 20, from 11:30 to 5:30 at the Recreation Center in Reedsburg. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Wednesday, May 22
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, May 22, from 9:00 to 1:30 at st. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
Join the Vernon County Over 50 Wednesday, May 22, at 2:15 at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. The program will be, Intentional Living at End of Life with Kristen Hillman, End of Life Doula. It will be zoomed to the Ontario, Viola, and Readstown Public Libraries.
Monday, May 27
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, May 28
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.
The Friends of Blue River will host a farmers market on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Blue River Park near the gazebo. The Farmers Market will run Tuesday, May 28, through Tuesday, September 24, from 4:00 to 7:00. Interested in being a vendor? Contact Mandy Wagner at 515-509-1569.
Wednesday, May 29
Join the Vernon County Over 50 Wednesday, May 29, at 2:15 at the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall in Viroqua. The program will be, Viroqua Happenings with Chris Clemens of Viroqua Chamber Main Street. It will be zoomed to the Viroqua, and Ontario Public Libraries.
Thursday, May 30
Registration is now open for The Highground’s 2024 Female Veterans Retreats. The Female Veterans Ice Age Trail Hike is scheduled for May 30 to June 2 and The Highground-based Female Veterans Retreat will take place June 21 through 23. The Ice Age Trail Hike will include five to eight miles of hiking on rolling/hilly terrain along the Ice Age Trail in the Holcombe area. The group will return to overnight individual tent camping and workshops on outdoor skills and PTSD / MST management at a rural town hall property. The retreat will also include kayaking and canoeing. The Highground-based Female Veterans Retreat will include activities and workshops at the Park and local areas. Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah Blum will lead Post-traumatic Stress (PTSD) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) recovery workshops and talking circles.Registration is required for both retreats and there is a $30 registration fee which will be refunded to the Veterans when they arrive. Female Veterans who are interested in attending the retreats are encouraged to email Theresa at museum@thehighground.org as soon as possible. Those who don’t have email can call 715-743-4224. Veterans can sign up for both retreats. The Highground covers the cost of food, lodging, and supplies, including basic camping equipment for the Ice Age Trail Hike for veterans. Travel expenses to and from are the responsibility of those attending.
Saturday, June 1
The 7th Winding Roads Art Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, June1 and 2, from 10:00 to 5:00. Sixteen Viroqua area studios will welcome visitors giving art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to meet 27 artists, see their work and observe how and where it is made. Artwork will be available for purchase and artists will be on hand for conversations on creativity, and to give art demonstrations. VIVA Gallery in Viroqua has taken on the role of Information Center, where tour participants can get printed tour guides and friendly help. The self-guided tour encompasses seven studios in Viroqua and nine more studios within a 22-mile radius of the city. The guide book, available at VIVA Gallery, includes a map of the tour sites as well as places for food, drink and lodging. More information, including an online map and list of studios & artists, can be found at windingroadsart.com.
Saturday, June 8
The River Valley Area Community Gardens is hosting a Brat Fry at Prem’s Meats in Spring Green on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All proceeds go toward RVACG expenses.
Sunday, June 9
The annual meeting of the Bear Valley Cemetery Association will be held Sunday, June 9, starting at 1:00 at the Brown Church. Lot owners and their family members are encouraged to attend.
The annual meeting of the Friends of the Little Brown Church will be held Sunday, June 9, starting at 2:00 at the Brown Church. The Friends of the Little Brown Church is a non-profit organization formed in 1999 for the purpose of restoring and maintaining the Brown Church and promoting local history. New members are welcome.
Saturday, June 22
An Evening with the Cranes will be held Saturday, June 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 at the International Crane Foundation’s global headquarters in Baraboo. Enjoy food and refreshments while you meet with local and regional staff and, of course, cranes. Tickets priced at $100 for members and $120 for non-members are available online at savingcranes.org/events.
Wednesday, June 26
The 22nd Annual Doc Randall Golf Outing will be held Thursday, July 18, at the Hickory grove Golf Course in Fennimore. Tee up with the Boscobel Area Hospital & Clinics Foundation. Only 18 four-person teams may sign up. To register, complete and return the registration form by June 26. Funds raised will benefit the Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation to fund new equipment, service expansions and other improvements at Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics.
Friday, June 28
Friends of Blue River will host a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Friday, June 28. Doors will open at 6:00 with the competition beginning at 7:00. Teams consist of four people. If you don’t know any other puzzlers, every attempt to form teams of four during the registration period will be made. Teams of less than four people will be allowed. There is no age limit. Each team receives the same puzzle. During the event, there will be a “Leave a puzzle, take a puzzle” table. Bring your own beverage and snacks. For more information: send a message to Friends of Blue River Facebook page or call 608-537-2683.
