Community Calendar
Friday, December 5
The Rockbridge Meal Site will be closed Friday, December 5.
Partners of The Richland Hospital Holiday Bake Sale will be held Friday, December 5, beginning at 7:00 in The Richland Hospital Lobby Shoppe. Goodies will be available until sold out. All proceeds support scholarships and help fund essential hospital equipment.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13 will have a bake sale at the Richland County Bank Friday, December 5, from 9:00 to sold out. Proceeds will go to the American Legion Flag Park and the Auxiliary scholarship program.
The Lone Rock Community Library is holding a Holiday Book Sale Friday, December 5, from 10:00 to 4:30. Lots of book choices include kids’ books, crafting books, cookbooks, large print books and audiobooks.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, December 5, from 11:30 to 5:30 at St. Mary’s St. Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point. Reserve your spot to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Friday, December 5, from Noon to 5:00 at the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department. Reserve your spot to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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.
Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School will once again open its doors to the community for its annual two day holiday faire Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6. It will include children’s activities on Saturday, plus a re-imagined adult-only Friday night soiree: The Evergreen Gala will run from 6:30 to 10:00. At the gala, guests are invited to explore all corners of the celebration- shop the artisan market and silent auction, sip on festive drinks from the cafe and bar, savor delicious hors d’oeuvres, enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, join the holiday sing-a-long, and test their knowledge with a round of trivia. A La Crosse band, Under Paris Skies, will fill the air with their vintage jazz, swing, and Latin-influenced. Friendly instructors will be on the floor leading dances such as the Charleston and Cha-Cha. Tickets are $60 with limited tiered pricing available can be purchase in the school office, online at pleasantridgewaldorf.org, or at the door. Child Care will be provided by Youth Initiative High School students at YIHS. Sign up at the PRWS website. Saturday’s festivities will run from 10:00 to 3:00 with free entry and food and children’s activities available for purchase. Enjoy live music, a hearty lunch, and treats from the bakery and cafe. Shop the artisan market, school store and silent auction, and delight in the warmth and spirit of the festive scene. Children’s activities include craft making, children’s castle, crystal boat, and marionette puppet play.
Spring Green Country Christmas events will be held this weekend in Spring Green. Friday, December 5, the Holiday Light Parade will step-off at 6:00. Saturday, December 6, enjoy Breakfast with Santa starting at at 8:00. Reservations can be made on springgreen.com. Also on Saturday the River Valley Craft Bazaar and Santa’s RV Elves Workshop begins at 9:00. In the evening Holiday Fireworks in the Park will start at 6:00. Other activities include a Cookie Walk, a Holiday Book & Bake Sale, a Choral Concert, Holiday Painting, free kids movies and much more. You can find a full list of the many activities being held on the Spring Green Country Christmas Facebook Page and on springgreen.com.
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.
Saturday, December 6
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Saturday, December 6, from 7:00 to 11:00 at the Mazomanie EMS District 1 Building. Reserve your spot to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Holiday Bazaar with Scandinavian Breakfast, Holiday Bake Goods and Crafts at First Lutheran Church in Lone Rock will be held Saturday, December 6, from 8:00 to 10:00. Everyone is welcome.
Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway will be holding a Twin Lizard/Bloyer Mounds Workday Saturday, December 6, beginning at 9:00. Unwanted woody vegetation will be cut and treated. Please bring your brush cutter if you have one, or come with just a pair of gloves to help maintain this site. Please confirm if you can be there for sure. Contact Brian at 608-778-2260, or email: [email protected] with any questions and to confirm your attendance.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rockbridge will host its annual live nativity Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 to 2:00. The day will also include Tiny Acres Farms, a hot cocoa bar, crafts, cookie decorating, and Christmas music.
The Santa Day tradition continues at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts on Saturday, December 6. Santa will take a break from toy making to visit the Cabinet Shop for photos from 10:00 to Noon. In the Lind Pavilion, families will have the opportunity to create 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 $12 each, and a duo of holiday crafts and gingerbread cottages are $8 each. Check-in will be at the Lind Pavilion. After checking in, visitors can walk the Shake Rag Alley grounds, decorated for the holidays, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. This year, Shake Rag Alley is partnering with Pointer Pantry on Santa Day. Visitors can contribute cash donations to further their mission to ensure at-risk Mineral Point students do not go hungry on weekends and breaks. For more information, visit ShakeRagAlley.org or call (608) 987-3292.
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.)
Knights of Columbus Council 3492 will be hosting bingo on Saturday, December 6, starting at 6:30 at the Richland Center Community Center. The progressive blackout jackpot will be $851 + 50% of net sales in 50 calls or less.
River Valley Players presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play Saturday, December 6, at 7:00 and Sunday, December 7, at 1:00 and 6:00. Cost of admission is $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under. Tickets and info can be found at rivervalleyplayers.org.
The River Valley Community Chorus will present a choral concert about peace on Saturday, December 6, at 7:30 at Cornerstone Church in Spring Green. The concert will feature choral songs sharing a theme of peace. Free-will donations are suggested.
Sunday, December 7
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, December 8
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.
The Richland Area Retired Educators’ Association (RAREA) will be gathering Thursday, December 11, at the Phoenix Center. Registration begins at 10:30, with the event and luncheon starting at 11:00. The guest presenter will be Lorna Maxwell. She will display a portion of her collection and a brief talk about her collection. Three RAREA members will also be displaying portions of their collections. Register for the event by calling, or emailing, RAREA President Barry Roghair no later than Noon Monday, December 8. Call Barry at 608-647-6542, or email him at [email protected].
Tuesday, December 9
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, December 10
VFW Post 2267 Annual Christmas fundraiser for Veterans will be held Wednesday, December 10, from 9:00 until 2:00 at the Richland County Bank Lobby. VFW and Auxiliary members will hold the annual Christmas fundraiser for local veterans and the Tomah VA Veterans. All in-kind purchased items, gift items, or homemade items must be new. Suggested items are T-shirts; Wool shirts; large and extra large pajama sets, sweat pants, and zippered sweatshirts; warm socks; Wisconsin Sports caps, warm stocking caps, mittens, and gloves; Forever stamps; Calendars; a Glue gun with extra glue sticks; decks of cards; toiletries; AAA and AA batteries; Diabetic ankle socks; and snacks.
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, December 10, from 9:00 to 3:00 at the Sauk County Public Health Department. Reserve your spot to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Join Vernon County Over 50 on Wednesday, December 10, at 2:15 at the the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall. Learn how to put together a great cheese and meat tray with Sarah Clemens of Noble Rind.For more information call Vernon County Over 50 at 262-384-0082.
Friends of Blue River will be hosting its third annual “Christmas in Blue River” event Saturday, December 13. A craft vendor show will start the day off in the Community Building from 10:00 to 3:00. There will also be a silent and bucket auction in the Civic Center from 10:00 to 6:00. Santa will make his annual visit to the Blue River Fire Department from 10:00 to 1:00. Meet Santa and enjoy a cookie, popcorn and hot chocolate at the fire station. A food stand run by the Friends of Blue River will be in the adjoining Civic Center during the vendor show serving turkey dressing sandwiches. A soup supper will be held from 4:00 to 6:30 in the Community Building. A free will donation will be accepted. The Blue River outdoor lighting contest will present cash and prizes to first through third place winners. Those wishing to register for the Christmas lights display contest should contact Jill Nankee at 608-604-0383 by Wednesday, December 10, leaving their name and address. Voting for the best outdoor light display will take place in the Blue River Community Building throughout the Christmas in Blue River event Saturday, December 13, with voting closing at 6:00. The proceeds from the fund raiser will be used to help pay for the community building kitchen renovation.
Thursday, December 11
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.
Don’t miss your chance to see the River Valley School District’s production of Something Rotten! Show times will be Friday, December 12 at 7:30, Saturday, December 13, at 2:30 and 7:30, and Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 in the Touchstone Theater at APT. All tickets are $15. The link to order tickets is at https://gofan.co/app/school/WI19218. A preview performance will be held Thursday, December 11, at 6:30. Doors will open at 6:00. First come, first seated, pay what you can.
Friday, December 12
To help those in need, this holiday season, the Pine Valley Giving Tree is at Walsh’s ACE in Richland Center. Stop by Walsh’s ACE, pick one or more tags off of the tree and take the tags to the register to sign them out. Please return the gifts unwrapped, in a gift bag, by Friday, December 12.
Saturday, December 13
A Craft Fair and Market will be held at the Lone Rock Community Building beginning Saturday, December 13, beginning at 8:00. Santa will arrive at 10:00 and there will be Kids activities including fire truck rides 11:00. A Chili lunch fundraiser will begin at Noon, Bingo at 1:00, and a Musical program will be held at 2:00. There will also be a raffle drawing and the winning trees will be announced. If you would like to enter a tree into the contest contact Sandra at 608-588-4514.
The Lions for Kids Christmas distribution will be held Saturday, December 13, from Noon to 3:00 at the Richland Center Community Center.
Sunday, December 14
The Friends of the Little Brown Church will host a Christmas Service at the Brown Church Sunday, December 14 at 1:30. Pastor Jason McDonough from the Lone Rock Congregational Church will deliver the message with special music by the Congregational Church Choir. Social time with refreshments will follow the service.
The Maggie Mae Country Christmas Show with the Sawmill Creek Band will be held Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 at the Richland Center City Auditorium. Tickets are priced at $30. For more information call 608-604-7022.
Park Street Christian Church choir and community members will perform a Christmas Musical, “A Song A Son A Savior” at Park Street Christian Church Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 with a meal to follow. A free will offering will be accepted for the Stained Glass Window Fund.
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.
Tuesday, December 16
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 31
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.
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
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.
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.
