December 2018 News Break
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
Culver's Breakfast with Santa
Thank you to Culver's for providing this great breakfast! Seating is no longer available for this event as we have reached our capacity.
Business Profile - Journey Mental Health Center
Known internationally for their community support programs, Journey Mental Health supports individuals living in the community with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders with medication, employment, housing and general life assistance.

Left untreated, serious mental illness directly impacts poverty, homelessness, and crime. Journey's work ties into the education, legal, and judicial systems....They make a difference.

Seeing a real need for mental health care in Columbia County, Journey opened an office with four employees at 322 DeWitt Street in Portage in 2016. Today, they have 17 staff members on the Journey-Columbia County Community Support Programs (CSP) team at their new location at 1440 E. Wisconsin Street on the south side of town.

The majority of clients are between the ages of 46 and 85. Sixty percent are males. Journey’s Columbia County CSP is backed by the resources of 70-year old Journey Mental Health Center, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Journey wants people to believe that they improve lives, preserve families and enhance communities.
The biggest challenge Journey faces: They want to be financially stable in an era of declining Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. As a community-based mental health non-profit, it’s challenging.

Journey contributes to our Portage community in many ways. They are participants in the Prevent Suicide Columbia County Walk for Hope, a staff member sits on the Suicide Prevention Committee and another on the ADRC board, they regularly attend Chamber meetings, and they also have a staff member who has recently joined National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Sauk County with plans to expand to Columbia County. She is also involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

For more information, contact Journey Mental Health Center at 608-745-9720. 
Welcome New Members

Knight Barry Title Services
2933 New Pinery Road Portage, WI 53901
Ashley Thomas at 608-683-3040
We issue title insurance for consumers, lenders, lawyers,
developers, builders and real estate professionals.

Timber Creek Builders
2425 New Pinery Road, STE 201 Portage, WI 53901
Cindy Marty at 866-981-5396
We are a licensed general contractor with over 30 years experience in the construction industry.

Baraboo River Equine-Assisted Therapies
E12311 County Road W Baraboo, WI 53913
Christine Singer at 608-504-2299
We provide equine-assisted activities and therapies
to children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

Klearvue, LLC
PO BOX 191 Poynette, WI 53955
Karla J. Gilles at 608-669-2857
Quickbooks and bookkeeping specialist.
Disaster relief
As of November 4, SBA has approved 22 disaster loans in the amount of $811,500 in the state of Wisconsin. Currently, there are disaster recovery centers and business recovery centers where businesses, homeowners and renters can go to receive one-on-one assistance in applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA and SBA. They want to make sure everyone is aware of their eligibility and encourage them to apply for disaster assistance before the December 17 deadline.

The first step is to register with FEMA. Businesses should also register with FEMA as it creates a record of the totality of the damage. For more information, contact Courtney S. Smith, Public Affairs Specialist
Office of Disaster Assistance - FOCE, U.S. Small Business Administration, at 404-895-9503 or
Portage Rotary - Interact
Portage Rotary sponsors the Interact Club at Portage High School. Pictured are the 2018-2019 members with advisor Sarah Pulliam (far left, second row).

Upcoming projects include donation collections for the Portage Food Pantry, River Haven Homeless Shelter and the Salvation Army.
Portage Rotary welcomes two new members
Portage Rotary recently welcomed two new members to their club. Shown above from left, are Polly Koepp, Division Manager at AMPI, Portage Rotary President Rich Jacobson and Steve Paulk, surgeon at Haareway.

Portage Rotary meets every Monday at noon at Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Road.




For more information or to join Portage Rotary, visit portagerotaryclub.com or find us on Facebook.
Make it a country Christmas at PCA
Tinsel & Twang - Make it a country Christmas this year and enjoy cherished holiday music with just the right touch of Nashville and Branson twang. Tom Waselchuk, Jami Lampkins, and their ace band The Dang-Its deliver an energetic and moving Christmas concert on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 7:30pm!

General admission tickets are $23. For more information, click here.
Eye Vision event at Our House
Please join Our House Senior Living along with Wal-Mart for your free eye glass inspection and cleaning where they will evaluate your glasses and discuss further recommendations, if needed, and clean your glasses.

This is a free service offered for Columbia County residents 60 and over on Thursday, December 6 from 10am to 11am. Walk-Ins are encouraged. For more information, call 608-745-0331.
CP Rail Holiday Train arrives to new location
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will arrive at a new viewing location in Portage on Saturday, December 8 at 1:15pm. The train will stop for its holiday music show on the north side of the tracks across from its former location at the Amtrak station.

The point of access to the show can be reached on Averbeck Street, between Volk Street and Reid Street, off Albert Street, near the Portage Curling Club.

You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Portage Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul. The Portage Rotary will be on hand serving hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last.
Love Light Celebration
Join the Partners of Divine Savior Healthcare for the 28th Annual Love Light Celebration on Thursday, December 6 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Tivoli at Divine Savior Healthcare, 2805 Hunters Trail.
Remember those we miss this holiday in the special lighting of the holiday tree along with the Red, White & Blue tree to honor those who have served our country. Plus, enjoy refreshments and entertainment on this memorable evening.

The Partners of Divine Savior Healthcare invite you to participate by donating a light to honor or memorialize your loved one(s). Each $5 donation purchases a light for a person you wish to remember.
Junior National Qualifying Bonspiel
Teams from all over the United States are participating in this last of four qualifying events at the Portage Curling Club, December 7-9. At least two junior men's and two junior women's teams will earn a spot at Junior Nationals where the winner of that championship will represent the U.S. at the World Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.

For more information, call Vietta Kampen at 608-697-6510 or visit
http://www.portagecurling.com. The Portage Curling Club is located at 107 West Albert Street.
Meat Raffle at Jack's Tap
A Meat Raffle will be held at Jack's Tap to raise funds for the Caring Tree on Saturday, December 8 from 3pm to 5pm. Jack's Tap is located at 1207 Dunn Street.

Looking for a friendly Bar & Grill? Jack's Tap offers delicious, affordable menu items and beverages for every palate with many beers on tap!
Living Windows
Historic Living Windows
Historic Living Windows is a historical celebration of Portage by strolling the streets and viewing numerous vignettes of times past appearing in storefront windows of the downtown. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, December 8 from 4pm to 6pm.

There will be hot beverages and treats on the streets to keep you warm and toasty! For more information, contact Abra at Forever Yours Jewelry at 608-745-3330.
new agency house
Poinsettia sale, wreaths and Kiddie Christmas at HIAH
The Historic Indian Agency House will be partnering with Link's Greenhouse for a Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, December 8 from 10am to 1pm.

During the same time there will be an Evergreen Wreath Making Workshop. Just $15 per wreath. You are welcome to make your own or buy one already made.

At 2pm, c hildren between the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome to attend the 12th Annual Kiddie Christmas party for a fun afternoon of crafting, treats, and surprises.

Reservations are encouraged. To make a reservation, or for more information, call 608-742-6362 or email historicindianagencyhouse@gmail.com .
Portage Yuletide Dinner Shows
The Ball Room at 112 E. Cook St. in downtown is hosting an afternoon of music featuring Shawndell Marks, Jake O' McCluskey, Hannah Rose along with a holiday dinner.

The Portage Yuletide Dinner Shows will be held on Saturday, December 22 from 12:30pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9:30pm and on Sunday, December 23 from 12:30pm to 4pm. For more details, click here.
Santa Breakfast at KC Hall - Pavilion fundraiser
Join us at the Knights of Columbus Hall for a Santa Breakfast from 7am-Noon on Sunday, December 16. Proceeds from the breakfast will go to Pauquette Park Pavilion and handicapped restroom project. 

Santa Claus will stop by for the morning and visit with all the kids and adults! Eggs will be made to order, along with pancakes and so much more. The Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 918 Silver Lake Drive. Tickets are just $6 per person, and children 5 and under are free.
Taste at Festival Foods
Join us for this free sampling event at Festival Foods, 2915 New Pinery Rd., on Friday, December 7. Stop in from 11am to 6pm and try samples from over 25 amazing food and beverage items, while supplies last!

Enjoy samples like boneless pit ham from the meat department, twice baked potatoes, sweet treats from the bakery and much more! For more information, click here.
breakfast.jpg
Kiwanis Breakfast with Santa
Join the Portage Kiwanis for a Breakfast with Santa at Dino's Restaurant from 8am to 11am on Saturday, December 8. Enjoy pancakes with choice of milk, juice or coffee.

Just $5 for all ages. Limited seating. Purchase advance tickets at Prairie Flower Beads, Mercantile, Gail's Free Spirit Travel or Dino's.
Text PACC to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Chamber events
Looking for a Hot Deal? See our list?
Check out our Hot Deals webpage for deals our Chamber members are
offering. Have a Hot Deal of your own you want others to know about? Post
your deals on our webpage and join the Hot Deal brigade! There is no charge
for posting a Hot Deal, so post away!

If you have questions, call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 to get started. Click here to see the specials that are currently running!
Santa at the Elks Lodge
Come visit with Santa on Christmas Eve at the Elks Lodge, 201 W. Conant St., on Monday, December 24 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

For more information, call 608-742-6040.
Text PORTAGE to 51660
to receive information about upcoming Portage events
Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting was held at Knight Barry Title Services, 2933 New Pinery Road, to welcome this new business to Portage.

Pictured are closing coordinators Ashley Thomas and Stephanie Turner of the new branch. Integrity – Experience - Innovation are a few key words to describe this title company.

Knight Barry has a history of providing fast and accurate cost competitive services to commercial and residential customers in the areas of title insurance, tax-deferred exchanges, closing services and construction escrow. The company is one of the largest title agencies in the US with over 375 employees in 57 offices.

For more information, call Knight Barry Title Services at 608-683-3040.
A ribbon cutting was held at Journey Mental Health Center to celebrate their new location at 1440 E. Wisconsin Street.

They support individuals living with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders in
the community with medication, employment, housing and general life assistance.

Their new location enables them to meet the needs of Columbia County. For more information, call 608-742-9720.
A ribbon cutting was held to welcome Timber Creek Builders, 2425 New Pinery Road, Suite 201, as a new Chamber member business.

They are a licensed general contractor with over 30 years experience in the construction industry. They use only
qualified, experienced installation crews so you know you are getting the workmanship you deserve. They stand behind all products and services.

For more information, call 866-981-5396.

December Chamber Meetings & Events
8 Culver's Breakfast with Santa 8am-9am
17 Ribbon Cutting at Rural Mutual Insurance at 4pm
24-25 Chamber office closed for Christmas
31-January 1 Chamber office closed for the New Year
January 2 Ribbon Cutting for Klearvue at Chamber office at 9am
Join a Service Club
Rotary - Meets Mondays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions Club - Meets the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesdays at 5:30pm at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd., summer month meetings change locations
Kiwanis - Meets on Wednesdays at Noon at Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Rd.
Optimists - Meets on Tuesdays at 7am at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Elks - Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7pm; 4th Tuesday only during July and August
Women's Civic League - Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
December Community Events
5 Balance & Fall Prevention workshop at New Life Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
5 Advent Wednesday Worship at Portage Presbyterian Church
6 Eye Vision event at Our House Senior Living
6 Love Light Celebration at Tivoli at Divine Savior Healthcare
7-9 Junior Nationals Qualifying at Portage Curling Club
7 Local Artist Showcase at Portage Center for the Arts
7 Taste at Festival Foods
8 Meat Raffle at Jack's Tap proceeds to Caring Tree
8 Breakfast with Santa at Culver's
8 Kiwanis Breakfast with Santa at Dino's Restaurant
8 Columbia County Humane Society Bring Your Paws to Santa Claus
8 Historic Indian Agency House Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser & Wreath Making
8 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
8 Historic Indian Agency House Kiddie Christmas
8 Historic Living Windows
8 Tinsel & Twang Christmas Concert at Portage Center for the Arts
9 Community Healthy Holiday Dinner at Portage Seventh-Day Adventist Church
11 Agrace Community Impact Night
1 2 Advent Wednesday Worship at Portage Presbyterian Church
13 'Smart' Cookie Sale at Divine Savior Healthcare
15 Christmas Caroling at Portage Presbyterian Church
16 Bingo at the VFW (please note 3pm start)
16 Breakfast at the KC Hall for the Pauquette Park Pavilion
16 Youth Christmas program at Portage Presbyterian Church
17 Ribbon Cutting at Rural Mutual Insurance
17 Portage Sharing Supper at Wayne Bartels Middle School
19 Advent Wednesday Worship at Portage Presbyterian Church
19 Endeavor Sharing Supper at Endeavor Elementary School
22-23 Portage Yuletide Dinner Shows at The Ball Room
23 Portage Presbyterian Church Christmas in a Barn at the Heinze Farm
24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Portage Presbyterian Church
24 Santa at the Elks Lodge
25 Christmas Day Worship Service at Portage Presbyterian Church
25 Christmas Day Dinner at Portage Presbyterian Church
26 Portage United Methodist Church Pop-Up Food Pantry

Weekly Recurring Events
Beer Bucket Bingo at Jack's Tap every Monday at 6:30pm
Portage United Methodist Church Bible Study at Heritage House, Tuesdays at 10am
Portage United Methodist Church Worship Service at Heritage House, Tuesdays at 11am
Open Pharmacy Forum at Wilz Hometown Pharmacy, every Wednesday, 6pm-7pm
Medicare Workshop at Retirement Specialists, every Thursday at 4:30pm.

Portage Area Chamber of Commerce | 608-742-6242 | pacc@portagewi.com | www.portagewi.com