Advertisement ZCare donates to Sidie twins
Majestic Pines Casino, Bingo and Hotel, along with WIZM-FM Z93 and their charity foundation ZCare, have made a $2,000 donation to the fund for Zackary and Bryce Sidie, the 2-year-old twin sons of the late Alisha Sidie.
The fund has been set up at Co-op Credit Union in Black River Falls by a family member to help finance the boys’ futures. For more information on how to donate to the Sidie boys fund, contact the credit union at (715) 284-5333 or (800) 258-0023.
ZCare is a joint effort between Majestic Pines and Z93 that provides assistance to those in need. Including the donation to the Sidie twins, the fund has most recently helped donate a GPS system to a blind priest, a laptop to a woman afflicted with multiple sclerosis, and a washer and dryer to a family that lost their home in a fire. ZCare also donated over $7,000 to local breast cancer research in the month of October.
For more information on how to request assistance for yourself or somebody you know, go to www.z933.com and click on ZCare.
Rep-elect Radcliffe calls for service in local communities
With the election now over, Representative-elect Mark Radcliffe is looking for area communities to move forward in a positive effort.
“I ran a campaign on making a positive difference for the people of the 92nd Assembly District, and now I ask of their help,” Radcliffe said.
Radcliffe said there are numerous ways that people can get actively involved in their own community.
“Selfless service is a trait that many people have in the district, and I am trying to promote even more by offering this challenge to the constituents of the 92nd,” Radcliffe said. “There are elderly that can use assistance in shoveling their sidewalks, there are food pantries that need donations and workers, there is a call for volunteers in the local schools and at local nursing homes.”
The meals on wheels program where Radcliffe volunteers needs more helpers and this can be as little as two hours, one day a month.
“My hope for many is that this will become a family activity, being able to show children the reasons and personal rewards of community service,” Radcliffe said. “But we must remember that just saying you will do something will only produce a good impression; acting upon and doing something positive in our community will create the impact we so desperately need.”
Radcliffe also wants to remind everyone to shop locally and buy American when at all possible.
“We must do what we can to support our local small business owners in these tough economic times, so I support buying locally and doing what we can to increase our local economy,” he said. “Finally, I ask that every person visit every neighbor in their block to see who may need some extra help this winter. Go as a family and teach your kids the importance of helping your neighbors.”
American Red Cross blood drive
The next American Red Cross blood drive in this area is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 12-5:30 p.m. Note the change of location: from the Armory to the Holiday Inn. For an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE. Walk-ins are always welcome.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Donors must be at least l7 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. It isn’t necessary for donors to know their blood type to donate.
The Red Cross staff recommends potential donors drink plenty of fluids and eat iron-rich foods, (fruits, especially raisins and red meats, especially liver) beginning the day before the blood drive. This will help the body met the requirements for giving blood.
Giving the gift of life is one of the most selfless acts you can do. The need is constant. The gratification is instant.
Deer hides collected for Lions Camp
It’s deer hunting season and if you are a deer hunter and want to put your deer hides to good use, the Black River Falls Lions club is sponsoring a deer hide collection at Wood Sales and Service.
All proceeds from the deer hides will be used for the Wisconsin Lions Camp to help serve the needs of others. The Wisconsin Lions Camp began in 1956 and has been dedicated to providing a quality camping experience for people with disabilities. Please help by donating your deer hides. For more information, contact Ole Olson, of the Black River Falls Lions Club at (715) 284-4595.
Thanksgiving Eve worship to be held
The community is invited to Thanksgiving Eve worship at Evangelical Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. The service features ELC’s God’s Children Choir and Tender Branches Choir, both directed by Mary Cooley. The Rev. Eric and the Rev. Ramie Bakken will officiate.
Black River Falls Public Library
The Black River Falls Public Library will have new fall hours. The library will be open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The history room is open Monday 1-7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 1-5 p.m.
The Book Club meets the first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. in the library. New members are welcome. The next meeting is Dec. 1 at 11 a.m.
Friends of the Library meet the second Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. at the library. New members are needed and are welcome. Call (715) 284-4112 for more information.
Project Christmas Book: “Old Bear” by Kevin Henkes is now available to purchase for Project Christmas and donors may purchase a copy for themselves at the discounted price. The books will be on sale until Dec. 1 or until the books are gone. This is an opportunity to share the value of books and reading with a child and his or her family this Christmas.
Mel-Min band to play at Bucks game
The Melrose-Mindoro Mustang Band will be playing at the Milwaukee Bucks Feb. 7 game at 7:30 p.m. and there are special ticket offers for family friends and fans.
Regularly $29 tickets are discounted to $19, and a special ticket and charter bus offer for $50 is good for a ticket and a coach bus seat.
The deadline to sign up is Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. Orders filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or to sign up, contact band director Kory Dahlen at (608) 488-2201 or dahlen@mel-min.k12.wi.us.
Book Fair coming in time for the holidays
The public is invited to the Partners of Black River Memorial Hospital’s Book Fair on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the first floor Dorothy Halvorson Conference Room at the hospital.
There will be a variety of premium quality, best selling, hardcover books and gift items at up to 70 percent off retail prices. Included will be award-winning children’s books, educational/reference books, popular cookbooks, and much more. There will be new assortments since the last Book Fair and many gift-type items for purchase. Accepted will be most major credit cards, as well as cash and personal checks. People can also register for a drawing for a free book or gift of their choice. The drawing will take place at 3 p.m.
Partners’ president Barb Hanson says these books and gift-type items make great gifts for the holidays as well as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
“All proceeds from this Book Fair will go to the Partners’ Art Committee for the maintenance of artwork throughout the hospital and the purchase of new,” said Hanson. “Don’t miss this great holiday gift-buying opportunity.”
Jackson County Food Pantry to open on Dec. 18
The Jackson County Food Pantry, located at 420 2nd St. in Taylor, will be open from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.
The Jackson County Food Pantry is working with the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency to help individuals, families and seniors in Jackson County meet their food needs through the assistance of The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
One member per household may apply and will be asked to declare income for all household members. Current income guidelines for eligibility to participate in the food distribution program are: Gross monthly income for one person is $1,575; for two $2,111; for three $2,648; for four $3,184; for five $3,721; for six $4,257; for seven, $4,794; for eight $5,330; for nine $5,867; for ten $6,404. For families larger than ten, add $537 for each additional member.
Identification showing your current address that includes the street or fire number is required. Homebound individuals and others who cannot come to the food pantry because of illness, work, etc., many arrange for someone else to pick up food for them by sending along a signed note giving permission to pick up the food. The note must include first and last name, number of household members, income for all household members, and a form of identification with a current address that includes the street or fire number. This could be a current utility bill, driver’s license, MA card, rent receipt, credit card, etc.
Anyone needing food in Jackson County should come to the food pantry when it is open or call (715) 662-2591 if food is needed when the pantry is not open.
No otherwise qualified applicant for services, or service recipient shall be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in any manner on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.
Aging program on reclaiming joy
Lisa Radtke will lead a session of Franciscan Skemp’s Successful Aging Program on Tuesday, Nov. 25, focused on reclaiming joy, connecting to a higher power and getting more meaning out of life.
The program will be in the Marycrest Auditorium on the second floor of the La Crosse Campus St. Francis Building, 700 West Ave. S. Free refreshments will be provided from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Radtke’s hour-long talk will begin at 2:30 p.m., with half an hour to follow for questions.
The program is free and open to all.
BRF to hold holiday concerts
The Black River Falls School District music department has announced its holiday program schedule for the month of December.
The concert dates and times are as follows:
Kindergarten: Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
Middle school band and choir: Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
First grade: Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
High school Madrigal Dinner: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14 with hors d’oeuvres at 4 p.m., seating at 4:45 p.m., dinner and ceremony at 5 p.m. in the West gym in the high school.
High school band and choir: Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
Third Street Elementary School: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
Gebhardt Elementary School: Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lunda Theater.
Natural Resources Foundation accepting applications for conservation grants
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is accepting applications for the 2009 C.D. Besadny Conservation Grant Cycle.
Named after former Department of Natural Resources Secretary “Buzz” Besadny, this grant program provides matching grants of up to $1,500 to private and public organizations and government agencies in support of small-scale conservation projects that promote the responsible stewardship of Wisconsin’s natural resources at the local level.
Since the program’s inception, the Natural Resources Foundation has contributed over $290,000 to 390 projects throughout every county in Wisconsin.
The Natural Resources Foundation will give funding priority in 2009 to projects aligned with the Foundation’s conservation priorities including rare and endangered species protection, State Natural Area restoration and management, invasive species control or environmental education and outreach.
In 2008, NRF awarded over $29,000 to 31 projects throughout the state. Projects funded included a bluebird trail at Boscobel area schools, a prairie restoration by the Monona School District, a citizen-based water quality monitoring program run by the Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers and a “knee-high” naturalist program at Richard E. Bong State Park.
Interested parties may obtain a Besadny Conservation Grant application by visiting www.wisconservation.org. Questions about the program may be directed to Theresa Guida at (866) 264-4096 or theresa.guida@wisconsin.gov.
Grant applications need to be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2009, and should be mailed to the NRF office at P.O. Box 2317, Madison, WI, 53701. Grant awards will be disbursed in March of 2009.
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has worked with citizens, businesses, non-profits and the government to promote the protection and enjoyment of Wisconsin’s public lands, waters and wildlife. Since its inception in 1986, the NRF has contributed over $2 million to conservation projects throughout the state.
Love Light Ceremony to honor, remember loved ones
The public is cordially invited to the Love Light Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Black River Memorial Hospital.
There will be entertainment by the Black River Falls High School’s Ring It On Handbell Choir, a welcome by Dolores Iliff, an invocation by the Rev. Kathy Jury of the Black River Falls United Methodist Church, the lighting of the six new Love Light Trees by Stan Gaynor, hospital CEO, and group singing of Christmas carols led by John Hopkins. Refreshments, prepared by the hospital’s food service staff, will be served following the group singing.
A special feature this year will be the dedication of a new, permanent Love Light wall display listing all the names of people being honored or remembered this year. The display was given in memory of Jean Hopkins by her family. Jean, a past president of Partners, brought the Love Light Program to Partners of BRMH in 1986.
In order to have the names of people being honored or memorialized placed in the display and programs at the time of the ceremony, donations must be received at the hospital by Dec. 3. Donations may still be given up until the ceremony on Dec. 7, and all names will be printed in the February BRMH newsletter, which is mailed to over 14,000 residents in and near Jackson County.
Donations are $3 a light and order forms and free picture postcards are available at the registration desk and in the Gift Shop at BRMH. Orders may also be mailed to Love Lights, Black River Memorial Hospital, 711 West Adams St., Black River Falls, WI 54615. Enclose $3 for each printed name and indicate whether it is a white light in memory of or a colored light in honor of someone special. Checks should be made payable to Love Lights.
Planning this event are chairman Kathy Peterson, Arlene Brown, Jenni Hill, Tim Hopkins, Dolores Iliff, Marilyn McKeeth, Mary O’Brien and Sarah Osegard.
The Love Light Program is sponsored by Partners of BRMH with proceeds going to BRMH’s Lifeline Program, a personal emergency response system used by over 300 people in and near Jackson County.
Annual Mindoro craft show on Dec. 6
The 26th annual Mindoro Community Craft Show is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Cindy’s Banquet Hall in Mindoro. The show, which is coordinated by the Burr Oak 4-H Club, runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event includes a showcase of talent from area crafters and entrepreneurs. There is also a planned visit from Santa.
Admission is free and there will be hourly door prize drawings and a holiday raffle.
Proceeds from the event help to sponsor 4-H educational events and a community project.
For information about the event, call Carmen Stello at (608) 857-3508.
TMH to hold Christmas bazaar
The Tomah Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tomah Memorial Hospital, 321 Butts Ave.
The annual holiday event will be held in the hospital classrooms on the lower level of the building. People attending are urged to use the hospital’s south side parking lot, located between the hospital and Lake Tomah Clinic.
The bazaar will feature bake sale, crafts and gift items, plus the famous Auxiliary “cookie table” and refreshments. The event is an annual fundraiser held by the TMH Auxiliary which supports programs and services at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
Tennis coach receives WTA award
Marc Rukavina, Black River Falls High School varsity coach and president of the Jackson County Community Tennis Association, is the recipient of the Rollie Mueller President’s Award.
Rukavina received the award at the Wisconsin Tennis Association banquet on Nov. 9 at Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove in Milwaukee.
This award was established to recognize commitment to excellence in the development, supervision or administration of a program or activity that motivates and serves the interests of tennis and tennis players.
Rukavina has spearheaded the tennis court project in the area to re-construct its existing facility of six courts and expand it to eight courts. He was a leader in organizing the fundraising effort to raise $200,000 among the school district, community fund raising and grant allocations.
In fact, this year Black River Falls received a USTA Public Facility Grant in the amount of $40,000 provided to communities that offer access to safe, functional tennis environments.
Rukavina coordinated the Black River Falls community party on Sept. 24 to launch the new facility with over 30 participants in attendance and publicity throughout the community.
Rukavina has been the driving force in the formation and incorporation of the Jackson County Community Tennis Association. He is serving as the first president of the organization with plans to pursue adult leagues, middle school and after-school programming. Rukavina is working with the La Crosse Area Local League Coordinator and WI District TSR as well as with the Black River Falls Parks and Recreation Department to ensure the growth and future development of tennis in the greater Black River Falls area.
The WTA is a non-profit organization that is the governing body of all USTA tennis play in the Wisconsin District and has guided Wisconsin tennis activities for over 80 years. WI District is a leader in providing programs and participation in the Midwest Section with over 11,600 members.
Conservation program sign-up will begin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced that the Wisconsin sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program will be Dec. 1 through Jan. 30, 2009, for next-year funding.
Ryan Swatek, district conservationist for NRCS in Jackson County, said there are new practices and priorities available this year. EQIP is the primary program available to provide assistance with farmland conservation practices.
“This year, a number of exciting new technology conservation practices will be offered, including manure digesters and incinerators, in addition to the more than 50 other practices that have been eligible in the past,” Swatek said. “EQIP offers flat-rate payments based on a schedule for each particular practice, so farmers know up-front what the payment will be.”
All eligible applications received by Jan. 30, 2009, will be evaluated and ranked for funding. Farmers can sign up at the NRCS office in USDA Service Centers statewide. NRCS anticipates over $13 million in funds for Wisconsin. Of the $13 million, about 60 percent will go toward animal waste concerns.
New practices and priorities for 2009 include:
For more information, visit the “Programs” section at www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov under, or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center at 311 Highway A, Black River Falls, WI 54615 or call (715) 284-4515.
‘A Frosty Country Christmas’ was a great success
The Black River Memorial Hospital Partners’ Holiday Tea, “A Frosty Country Christmas,” on Nov. 13 was a great success, raising over $2,600, which included the day’s sales from the Gift Shop. The Tea featured the traditional tea table, a bake sale, a visit from Santa and raffles. Orders were taken for “Letters from Santa” and Love Lights.
Also featured were the following artists: Pam Clafton Lee from Onalaska, watercolor paintings, ornaments and note cards; Howard Munson from Winona, Minn., nature photography; Jennifer Damrow from Wausau, unique handcrafted jewelry; Charlotte Overlien from Black River Falls, distinctive electric lamps; Rhonda Shoemaker, from Hixton, a variety of unique crafts; Wendell Ziegler from Neillsville, distinctive wood turned art; Bob Kolodejchuk and Jill Prochaska from Black River Falls, seasonal crafts and decorative solar lights; and Lori Scharlau and Deb Marg from Black River Falls, handcrafted mittens, fiber-optic holiday decor and clothing for 18-inch dolls.
The planning committee consisted of Barb Hanson and Ann Pederson, co-chairs;Carolyne Hensel, Jan Hudson and Yvonne Richard, tea table; Ellen Relyea and Georgia Button, kitchen; Gertrude Bue, bake sale; Brenda Hanson, Priscilla Rosin and Carrie Rosin, decorations; Jill Kaphengst, raffles; Clarice Salsbery and Bonnie Harmes, gift shop; Judy Hanson and Sue Pearson, artists; Jean Hagenbrock, Letters from Santa; Kathy Peterson, orders for Love Lights; and Jenni Hill, Sarah Osegard and Mary O’Brien, publicity.
Co-chairs Hanson and Pederson extended their appreciation to everyone for making this annual event such a success. “We are grateful to all members of Partners who donated baked goods, money or worked the event, Rex Carter who was such a great Santa and everyone who attended and supported it,” they said. “We also appreciate all the businesses, members of Partners and others who donated items for the raffle. It was a fun and successful day.”
All proceeds from this event go to the Partners’ pledge to the hospital for new equipment for the Homecare Program.
Interfaith holds its 19th annual meeting
Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers held its 19th annual meeting Monday, Nov. 17, at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, Black River Falls.
Reports were given by Roger Hansen, president; Karen Foust, program director and Jan Eckles, program assistant. Dean Severson, treasurer, presented the year-end treasurer’s report and Dennis Richards, finance committee chair, presented the 2008-09 budget of $65,800.
Tim McCann, chairperson of the Development Committee expressed his appreciation to the communities within Jackson County for their support. Some of Interfaith’s successful fundraisers have included the Direct Mail Campaign, a golf tournament organized by the Co-op Credit Union, Karner Blue balloon sales sponsored by Dale’s Refrigeration and Heating and Falls Florist and Greenhouse. The Development Committee also expresses its appreciation to the Lunda Charitable Trust and to the Black River Area Foundation for their continued grant support. Judith Ann Thundercloud organized a successful Elvis Presley party raising $900 for the programs and services of Interfaith.
Nominating committee chairperson Pam Saley, presented Sheila Corbine, Todd Perry and Dr. Howard Spegman as new board members. A unanimous ballot was cast for new board candidates and second-term board members Paul Bohac and Denise Gearing.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to outgoing board members Roger Hansen, Chuck Torgerson and Tracy Thundercloud who each served on the board for six years. Foust expressed her gratitude to St. Joseph Parish for the use of the office space. She also thanked all those who volunteer the church coordinators, board members and everyone who supports the vision of Interfaith and shares in its mission.
Online childbirth education course offered
Black River Memorial Hospital’s OB department announces that it now has available a new online childbirth education course. This course is designed for expectant parents who can’t attend the weekly or weekend classes at BRMH, but want the same, accurate information to prepare for the birth of their baby.
The online class requires a computer with internet access and an online childbirth education informational folder that is available at BRMH. The folder contains a study guide and supplemental materials with information on pain management, what to bring to the hospital, recommended reading lists and additional information, if requested. The cost for the folder is $10, which covers the cost of the materials.
The study guide takes the participants step by step through pregnancy, labor, delivery and what to expect following their baby’s birth. With each section of reading material, they can click on the corresponding topic on the internet site to receive further information on the stages of childbirth and beyond.
If there are questions while using the online course, participants can call BRMH’s OB department childbirth educators and online course coordinators Charlene Galston, RNC-OB, BSN, who is also a certified Lamaze instructor, or Paulette Comstock, RN, or any of the OB staff nurses.
For more information or questions about the new online childbirth education course, its content and procedure, call the OB Department at (715) 284-1329.
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