Community Calendar
Sunday, January 19
The Ithaca Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser for Alexys Fry Sunday, January 19, from 7:00 to 12:30. Cost of the meal is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for pre-schoolers. There will also be a bake sale and silent auction.
Due to the extreme cold that occurs each winter, especially when prolonged, Richland County Warming Centers are identified by Richland County Public Health in partnership with Richland County Emergency Management. Potentially dangerous wind chills are expected from into Tuesday, January 21, with wind chills ranging from 20 to 40 below zero. If you need a place to warm up in Richland County. The following shelters are available: The Brewer Public Library in Richland Center during normal business hours. Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 6:00, Fridays from 9:00 to 5:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 2:00. The Woodman Community/Senior Center in Richland Center during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30. The Village of Viola Office will be open during normal business hours from 8:30 to 4:30 and can make the senior dining site available during that time. The Viola Public Library will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 12:30 and 1:00 to 5:00, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 to 7:00, and Saturdays from 9:30 to 12:30. The Lone Rock Community Library will be open Tuesdays from 11:00 to 5:00, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 to 4:30, Thursdays from Noon to 5:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 2:00.
Monday, January 20
The Richland Center Landfill will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Monday, January 20, from Noon to 5:00 at the Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells. Appointments are preferred by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or online at redcrossblood.org. You can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Tuesday, January 21
Second Harvest Mobile Food Distribution for Boscobel on Tuesday, January 21, has been cancelled due to the extreme cold forecast.
The Community Players of Southwest Wisconsin will be holding auditions for the comedy, Escanaba In Da Moonlight, Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 in the Richland Center City Auditorium. There are parts for five men and one woman. No acting experience is necessary, and there is no singing or dancing required. Behind the scenes people are needed as well, especially anyone who can help build a set. Performances will be March 14, 15 and 16 in the Richland Center City Auditorium. For questions or more information, email [email protected] or call 608-538-3848.
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association’s Mike Knetter will host a UW Now Livestream Tuesday, January 21, at 7:00. The discussion will feature UW experts who will answer questions and offer insights on the situation in California. Click here to watch this program.
Wednesday, January 22
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, January 22, from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Delton Fire Department in Lake Delton. Appointments are preferred by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or online at redcrossblood.org. You can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Vernon County Over 50 will host From Urban Indian to Wounded Knee, a native American Story on Wednesday, January 22, at 2:15. Viroqua author Michael Day (Kunu) discusses his fictional story “Everett LoneWolf”. The live presentation will be held at McIntosh Memorial Library and Zoomed to the Ontario, Viola and Readstown Public Libraries. For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
The Ocooch Mountain Humane Society will hold its annual meeting Wednesday, January 22, at 6:00 at the Richland Hospital , Pippin Hall in the lower level. Community members are welcome to attend.
Friday, January 24
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, January 24, from 9:00 to 3:00 at Sauk County Public Health in Baraboo. Appointments are preferred by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or online at redcrossblood.org. You can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, January 24, from Noon to 4:00 at Messianic Christian Fellowship in Black Earth. Appointments are preferred by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or online at redcrossblood.org. You can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Saturday, January 25
The Annual Dean Olson Memorial Fisheree will be held Saturday, January 25 at Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area, Highland. Gates open, in the morning, at 5:00. Registration, at the boat landing, starts at 8:30. The Pavilion opens at 9:00. Kids 15 and older can learn to fish from 9:00 to Noon. There will be a bake sale starting at 10:00, a Euchere Tournament at 11:00, meat paddles from Noon to 2:00, and a live auction at 2:30. Raffle drawings start at 4:30. Adults wishing to enter the Fishing Contest must register fish by 2:00.
A free pool party for all members and non-members at Symons Recreation Complex will be held Saturday, January 25, from Noon to 2:00. Everyone will receive free admission, popcorn and use of the new inflatable pool rafts.
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.
Monday, January 27
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.
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, January 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.
If you’re the main caregiver of a person living with dementia, you can join Agrace for a new “how-to” education series, Learning to Live with Dementia. The series consists of three topic groups, which have eight total classes. The classes are taught by Agrace staff who have experience caring for people who have dementia. In February, there are two classes about Changes to Expect. You may attend in person at Agrace’s Madison campus or online, using Microsoft Teams. To register for any or all of these classes, contact [email protected] or call 608-276-4660. You can also register and pay online at Agrace.org/Dementia.
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.
Wednesday, January 29
The Winter Market will be closed January 29.
Friday, January 31
Richland County Property Owners, January 31, is the final due date for 2024 Real Estate Property Taxes. Taxes are due and payable to your Township, Village, or City Treasurer as addressed on your tax bill during the local municipal treasurer’s collection period thru January 31. The County Treasurer’s Office “cannot” accept payments for the current 2024 taxes until February 1. Some municipalities are accepting online payments as an option this year and this list can be found on the Richland County Treasurer’s website. The Richland County Treasurer’s Office also reminds all homeowners that used their homes as their primary residence as of January 1, 2024, to check their tax bills to be sure a lottery credit was applied. To receive a lottery credit homeowners need to turn in the Lottery Credit Claim form to their local municipal treasurer by January 31.
A Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, January 31, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street in Blue River. Doors will open at 6:00. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Cost is $12 per team. For more information check out Friends of Blue River Facebook page.
Saturday, February 1
A Breakfast and Bake Shop will be held Saturday, February 1, from 8:00 to 10:00 at First Lutheran Church in Lone Rock. A raffle drawing with be held at 9:30.
In memory of Pastor Gary Daines, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby will be having an Old Fashioned Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner Saturday, February 1, from 11:00 to 4:00, or until gone. Enjoy family style dining or carryout. Cost of a meal is $20 for adults, $8 for children ages 7 to 12, and free for those 6 and under 6.
Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will be hosting bingo Saturday, February 1, at 6:30 at the Richland Center Community Center. The progressive blackout jackpot will be $1,642 + 50% of net sales.
Monday, February 3
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.
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, February 4
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, February 5
The Winter Market will be held each Wednesday at the Richland Center Community and Senior Center from Noon until 4:00.
Christy’s Card Buddies get together, for a Euchre Tournament, each Wednesday at 1:00 at the old Avoca School Gym.
Thursday, February 6
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.
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.)
Tuesday, February 11
The regular meeting of the Boaz Village Board will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 6:00 at the Boaz Community Building
Thursday, February 13
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, February 15
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.
Saturday, February 22
The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will be hosting guided Winter Walks exploring two Vernon County parks. The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and will take place at Lower Duck Egg February 22. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lots. All walks will begin promptly at 3:00 and will be approximately one hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow.
Friday, February 28
A Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, February 28, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street in Blue River. Doors will open at 6:00. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Cost is $12 per team. For more information check out Friends of Blue River Facebook page.
Saturday, March 1
Lone Rock American Legion and Auxiliary will host its annual Cabin Fever Dance Saturday, March 1, at the Lone Rock Community Building. The day will include Bingo at 11:00, a live auction at 1:00, a Silent Auction Dinner, and the Crossfire Band from 4:00 to 7:00.
Saturday, March 15
The 16th Annual Avoca St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off Saturday, March 15, at 1:00. Those wishing to participate may line up at the Village Hall.
Friday, March 28
A Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, March 28, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street in Blue River. Doors will open at 6:00. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Cost is $12 per team. For more information check out Friends of Blue River Facebook page.
Friday, April 25
A Friends of Blue River Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held Friday, April 25, at 7:00 at 201 Clinton Street in Blue River. Doors will open at 6:00. Teams of up to four-members will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Cost is $12 per team. For more information check out Friends of Blue River Facebook page.
