Community Calendar
Monday, December 15
The Richland Center High School Choral Department will host a Christmas Concert Monday, December 15, 7:30 in the high school auditorium. Songs include traditional and contemporary favorites. Celebrate the season with the RCHS Choirs.
The Avoca-Blue River-Muscoda Lions Club is offering a new book taken from the headlines of the Muscoda Progressive over the past fifty years. Volume I of the two-volume edition is available at the Muscoda Village Office, Wilkinson Auction & Realty, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board office in Muscoda, or from historian Ken Thiede. The compilation covers the years 1974 to 1999. The cost is $25.
Anyone who missed the local Veteran and Tomah Veteran fundraiser last Wednesday can still donate new in-kind items or monetary donations through Thursday, December 18.
For all in-kind items call 608 647 4884. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Richland County Bank and reference donation to: Richland County Tomah Christmas fund or call 608-647-4884.
Tuesday, December 16
Richland County Snowmobile Trails will close Tuesday morning, December 16, at 6:00.
A 12 Days of Christmas fundraiser, in honor and memory of Ryan Chambers, is being held from 8:00 until 10:00 every morning, except Sunday, until December 24 at Kelly’s Coffee House. Home baked goods will be sold. All proceeds will go towards the Ryan Chambers Memorial Fund to help others who are in need.
SPARK!, creative engagement programs for people with memory loss and their care partners will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30. Registration is required. Call 563-873-3537.
The Brewer Public Library will host author, Al Cornell, Tuesday, December 16, at 6:00. Al will be talking about his new book ‘Bobcats Return to the Driftless Area.’ Once eliminated from much of the Midwest, one Mama Bobcat is doing her part to help Bobcats make a comeback in our area.
Wednesday, December 17
Weston Schools Holiday Concerts will be held Wednesday, December 17, in the High School Gym. The 6th thru 12th grade bands and choir will perform at 1:00. The Pre-K thru 5th grade students will hold a holiday program at 2:00.
Join Vernon County Over 50 on Wednesday, December 17, at 2:15 at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. Learn how vodka is made from sheep or goat whey from Scott Kring, Co-owner & Distiller at Birch point Distillery. For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County will be offering a free Dementia Caregiver support group. Monthly meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of the month, from 3:00 to 4:00 at the Hillsboro Public Library community room. This support group is open to friends and family who care about someone living with dementia. To learn more, call Teresa at the ADRC of Vernon County at 608-637-5201.
The Richland Community Food Pantry will be open Wednesday, December 17, from 4:00 to 5:30. It will be closed December 24 & 31.
Thursday, December 18
The ADRC of Eagle Country Richland County Elder Nutrition Program will host Rise & Dine Friday, December 19, from 8:00 to 10:00 at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center for those over 60. The suggested contribution is $5. Please RSVP 24 hour in advance by calling 608-649-5937. Please note, the Rockbridge Meal Site will be closed on these dates.
Friday, December 19
Richland County Right to Life, LLC will host a Bake Sale Friday, December 19, from 9:00 to 2:00, or until sold, out at the Richland County Bank.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, December 19, from 11:00 to 5:00 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo will host a community blood drive Friday, December 19, from 1:30 to 5:30 in the Ringling Rooms. The drive – through ImpactLife is open to the public. Appointments are encouraged by visiting bloodcenter.org and using code 3922. Participants are asked to bring a picture ID and to eat before donating.
Saturday, December 20
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 21
The community is invited to a noon potluck on Sunday, December 21, at Park Street Christian Church to celebrate the service of Minister Randy Sanders and his retirement.
Monday, December 22
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Monday, December 22, from 1:00 to 6:00 at the La Valle Fire Department. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
Tuesday, December 23
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.
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.
A free Community Christmas Dinner will be served Thursday, December 25, at 12:15 at the Nazarene Outreach Center in Richland Center. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 23, by calling 608-647-6094. When registering let them know how many meals you will be needing and if you are planning to pick up or need delivery. Carry-outs will be available from 11:15 to 11:45. Deliveries will be held from 10:45 to Noon.
Wednesday, December 24
The Richland Center Winter Market will not be held December 24 or 31 due to the holidays. The winter market will also not be held throughout January and will start up again February 4.
Second Harvest will be in Gays Mills on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 3:00 on Main Street. You are asked not to arrive before 1:30. You will be directed where to go and asked how many are in your household. Please make enough room in the trunk of your vehicle.
Grief support and confidential conversation will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Richland Center Community Center.
Friday, December 26
Friends of Blue River will host a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle competition Friday, December 26, at the Blue River Community Building. Doors will open at 6:00 with the competition beginning at 7:00. Cost is $4 per person or $12 for a team of four. Register in advance to ensure there is a puzzle for your team. Send a message to Friends of Blue River Facebook page or call 608-537-2683.
Monday, December 29
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County offers a free social group for individuals with early-stage dementia. The social group meets on the second and last Mondays of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 at the McIntosh Memorial Library conference room in Viroqua. The social group provides an opportunity to meet other people on a similar journey and share life stories with each other. Spouses, adult children, and friends are encouraged to join the group, too. To learn more, call Teresa at the ADRC of Vernon County at phone number 608-637-5201.
Wednesday, December 31
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, December 31, from 9:30 to 1:30 at the American Legion Hall in Wonewoc. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
Rotary Lights in the Park at Krouskop Park will be held every night from now through New Years Eve. Walk through only tours will be from 6:00 to 6:45. Please, park in the North Park parking lot and walk across the footbridge lit with blue lights to enter the park. Drive through only tours will be from 7:00 to 9:00. Back by popular demand drive through only tours will be held December 1, 8 and 15 from 6:00 until 9:00. Admission is free, however, a donation of a food item for the Richland Community Food Pantry or money to support the Rotary Lights in the Park project is appreciated.
The Highground’s Winter Veterans Retreat is scheduled for January 16-18. This three-day retreat welcomes both male and female veterans to experience indoor and outdoor therapeutic recreational activities to put the enjoyment back into the cold season and to better help manage PTS. The scheduled retreat activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, PTS growth workshops, art instruction, good food and camaraderie. Outdoor activities will be dependent on weather conditions. The retreat will take place at The Highground and surrounding areas. Veterans who are unable to attend the entire three-day retreat are invited to join a day of ice fishing Saturday, January 17. There is a limit on how many veterans can be accommodated who do not have their own equipment, so veterans are encouraged to register early. Veterans who are registered for the three-day retreat will have lodging arrangements made at a local motel as part of their reservation. A $50 “Save My Space” fee is required, which will be reimbursed to the veteran when they arrive at the retreat. To register for the three-day Winter Veterans Retreat or the single day of ice fishing, veterans can email Theresa at [email protected] or call 715-743-4224 before December 31.
Wisconsin is filled with everyday heroes, people who step up in moments of crisis, lend a hand to neighbors in need, or create lasting change in their communities. The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is now accepting nominations to honor these individuals and organizations at one of three upcoming chapter-hosted events across the state. If you know someone who embodies courage, compassion, and service, you are invited to share their story. Visit redcross.org/wisconsin to nominate your hero by December 31.
United Givers is seeking community donations to help support 26 local nonprofit organizations. To see the list of organizations, visit the website at rcunitedgivers.org. You can send your donation to P.O.Box 228 Richland Center, WI 53581. Any amounts are welcome and greatly appreciated.
In this season of grace, kindness, and warmth, the 4PeteSake Board would like to thank you for the generosity you have shown toward people in the River Valley area in their time of need. 4PeteSake celebrated 21 years of giving this past year and is humbly asking you to consider a year end gift to continue its work in the community. To donate go to 4petesake.com/donate/, or mail contributions by check to 4PeteSake, P.O. Box 577, Spring Green, Wisconsin, 53588
Friday, January 2
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, December 31, from 9:30 to 1:30 at the American Legion Hall in Wonewoc. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to redcrossblood.org.
Break bread with community members at a free community meal each Friday at 5:30 at the Other Door in Viroqua, Vernon County’s Drop In Center.
Saturday, January 3
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.)
Sunday, January 4
Kickapoo Cowboy Church is held at 6:00 on the first Sunday of the month, April through December, at the Old Oak Inn in Soldiers Grove.
Monday, January 5
Vernon County Over 50 hosts Tai Chi Exercise at Bethel Home in Viroqua, and the Ontario and Readstown Public Libraries each Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:45. For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
Tuesday, January 6
Forget Me Not, an ADRC Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month. For more information call Pam Kul-Berg at 608-548-3954.
Strong Bodies Exercise will be held at Bethel Home Fellowship Hall in Viroqua each Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30. For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
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 The Phoenix Center at 608-649-7469.
Wednesday, January 7
Enjoy an afternoon of Euchre every Wednesday at 1:00 at the old school in Avoca.
Thursday, January 8
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.
Tech Help is available the second Thursday of the month from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Lone Rock Community Library. You can get assistance with your devices or computers. Walk-ins welcome. There is no charge for this service.
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.
Sunday, January 11
A Sunday Funday Dance will be held Sunday, January 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Richland Center Community Center. The event is free. No experience or partner is needed. All dances will be taught.
Tuesday, January 13
In January, Agrace will offer a Spouse/Partner Loss Support Group, for adults who are grieving the death of a spouse or partner. This group is most appropriate for participants after it has been two months since the death occurred and meets for six consecutive weeks virtually on Tuesdays, January 13 to February 17, from 1:30 to 3:00 via Zoom. There is no fee if a participant’s family member received hospice care from Agrace within the past 12 months; fees for others can be lowered or waived, if needed. Pre-registration is required for all groups. For details, fees or to register, email [email protected] or call 608-327-7110.
Saturday, January 17
Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will be hosting bingo on Saturday, January 17, at the Richland Center Community Center starting at 6:30. The progressive blackout jackpot will be $1,140 + 50% of net sales in 51 calls or less.
Friday, January 30
Friends of Blue River will host a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle competition Friday, January 30, at the Blue River Community Building. Doors will open at 6:00 with the competition beginning at 7:00. Cost is $4 per person or $12 for a team of four. Register in advance to ensure there is a puzzle for your team. Send a message to Friends of Blue River Facebook page or call 608-537-2683.
Wednesday, February 4
The Richland Center Winter Market is held each Wednesday from Noon to 4:00 at the Richland Center Community & Senior building.
Hill County Classic Power meets the first Wednesday night of each month at 8:00 at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center.
Thursday, February 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.
Saturday, May 2
The Second Annual Quilt Gala to benefit G.R.A.C.E. will be held Saturday, May 2, at the Richland Center Community Center. Doors will open at 4:00 with the auction at 6:00. Cost to attend is $10. For more information or to donate a quilt call Lorna Maxwell at 608-647-4234.
