Small Business Season through December
Last month, the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce announced Small Business Season, encouraging consumers to earmark part of their holiday spending in support of local small business. Small Business Season runs through December 31.
Small Business Season is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting not just a local business, but our neighbors and friends. Small businesses support our community by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events. The Chamber is challenging everyone in the area to support small business this holiday season.
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Portage Cookie Walk
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Citywide Cookie Walk is happening Saturday, December 3 from 9am-Noon. Once again, the cookie boxes have sold out for this event, with 200 boxes made available for sale this year. Thank you to the participating businesses and all those cookie fanatics who bought cookie boxes!! We are looking forward to a great day of shopping and cookie collecting in Portage.
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Breakfast with Santa at Culver's
Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Culver's in Portage on Saturday, December 10. Breakfast seating will be from 8am to 9am. You should arrive by 8:30am to get your photograph with Santa. Limited seating and please bring your own camera.
Tickets in advance are required for this event. Tickets can be obtained online or in person at the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 104 West Cook Street. Culver's is located at 2733 New Pinery Road.
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Chamber Business Luncheon
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to develop more customers and build relationships with your fellow Chamber members and make those important connections that can help you in your business or career. Bring your business cards, brochures, or anything you wish to share with other members.
Luncheon Information
Amy Ernest of Forward Service Corporation will be our speaker. Forward Service Corporation is a non-profit organization that provides programs to help with employment, training, and support services for our area. They are working to assist people in finding work and creating a plan so their clients can achieve sustainable employment. Forward Service Corporation can provide a variety of services to help make employment a reality for those who might be struggling. Come find out more about how they can help you find and keep those needed employees for your own business.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.
Location: Dino's Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Road
Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon
Cost: Pay for your lunch at the restaurant
Date: Tuesday, December 6
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Forever Yours Jewelry 20 Year Anniversary Sale
Help Celebrate Forever Yours Jewelry 20 Year Anniversary with a Special Food Pantry Donation Sale going on now through December 17. A donation of four non-perishable items or a minimum of a $10 cash donation will receive 25% off your in-store purchase (some exclusions apply). All donations go to the Sun Prairie and Portage Local Food Banks. Forever Yours Jewelry matches all cash donations.
Bonus prizes and give-a-ways to be announced on Facebook through December 17. Forever Yours Jewelry is located at 123 W. Cook Street. For more information, call 608-745-3330.
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5-Stand Winter Sporting Clays
Sign up now for the this league and try out the new heated 5-stand trailer. Season runs January 3, 2023- March 28, 2023; Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
Portage Rod & Gun Club is located at W10450 Highway 16. For more information, contact the Portage Rod & Gun Club at 608-742-6885.
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Bingo at Saddle Ridge
The Portage VFW Post #1707 will host bingo on Thursdays beginning at 6pm at the Saddle Ridge Clubhouse through April. There is a progressive jackpot at the end of the season. Bingo card sales begin at 5:30pm. The Saddle Ridge Clubhouse is located at 100A Saddle Ridge. For more information, call 608-742-2181.
Book your Holiday Party at Saddle Ridge
Saddle Ridge facilities are available to rent out for your upcoming Holiday Parties from now through January. Give them a call at 608-742-2181 or email saddleridgegolf@gmail.com to book your dates now!
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Chair Yoga is back at the Library
Join Ellen Swan on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 9am at the Portage Public Library. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting or using a chair as support. Yoga mat, towel, block, and strap recommended but not required. Must register in advance for one or both days; space is limited.
Introduction to Meditation
A free introductory class for adults interested in the benefits of meditation will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Portage Public Library from 9am to 9:30am. Must register in advance for each class. Space is limited. Wear comfortable clothing. Registration is required.
Zumba!
Zumba will continue at the library through December on Mondays, 5:30pm to 6:15pm. Tami, the certified instructor, will get you moving in this fun exercise program for adults of all fitness levels. Registration is required.
Make Candles at the Library
Let's Make Candles! Come to the Portage Public Library on December 7 at 4pm in the Teen Room. Stop by to make candles with Kelsey from Tiny Homestead. Register in advance. All materials provided and snacks included.
Computer Basics Class at the Library
An Adult Technology Class will be held at the Portage Public Library on Wednesday, December 14 from 1pm to 2pm. This beginner class will cover the basics of using technology including computers, smartphones and more. Registration is required.
Middle School Arts and Crafts
Open to grades 6-8, make painted ornaments on Wednesday, December 14 from 4pm to 5pm in the teen room at the library. All supplies, drinks and snacks provided.
Graphic Novel Drawing and Manga Drawing
Join Kaylee and friends to learn how to draw your favorite character from graphic novels and manga on December 15, from 4pm-5pm. For grades 5-8. Snacks and soda and all materials provided.
For more information or to register for these programs, call the library at 608-742-4959 or email programs@portagelibrary.us.Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater Street, at 608-742-4959.
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New Toys for Gift Giving at Giggles for Kids
Giggles for Kids, inside The Mercantile at 117 W. Cook St., is a great place to shop this Holiday Season for little ones. Giggles for Kids has received several toys from Hape, including Fast Flip Racetrack, Garden Vegetables, Marble Run, Pop-Up Toaster, Take-Along Activity Box, Toddler Fruit Basket, Toddler Kitchen Set, Toddler Vegetable Basket, Cogworks Experimental Playset, Fix-It Toolbox, etc.
There are also Paper Dolls, new books, and Springbok puzzles, too! For more information, please call 608-745-5768.
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AA Recovery Group
The Harbor Recovery Center hosts an AA Recovery Group meeting every Thursday at 7pm.
Rise Up for Recovery
Please join us for a free Christmas meal, cookies and carols on Saturday, December 3 from 1pm to 4pm!
Free Family Meal
Join us for food and fellowship during this free family meal on Tuesday, December 6 from 5pm to 6:30pm.
Grief Support Group
The Harbor Recovery Center hosts a Grief Support Group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or overdose. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30pm. The next meetings will be Wednesday, December 7 and 21. Please call Amy Cole at (608) 697-0374 to register in advance for Grief Support.
The Harbor Recovery Center is located at 205 West Pleasant Street. Those in recovery and their allies are welcome. For more information, call 608-697-7163.
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Journey Through Grief with Agrace
Connect with others in a safe and supportive group setting. Agrace is offering a six-week guided grief support group for people who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Find comfort in knowing others will listen—and can relate to your experience. Discover healthy coping skills to care for yourself and build resilience as you grieve.
The group will meet on Fridays, December 2, 9 & 16 from 10am to Noon.
Open to everyone, not just families of Agrace Hospice Care patients; Pre-registration required.
Fee: $75 if your loved one was not served by Agrace in the last year; can be waived
Agrace is located at 1670 South Boulevard in Baraboo. Register today, call 608-327-7110.
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Artist Opening Reception at PCA
Local Artist Showcase Opening Reception at Portage Center for the Arts will be held on Friday, December 2 from 4pm to 6pm at the Drury Gallery inside Portage Center for the Arts. Exhibit on display through December 30.
Gale Singers - A Winter Concert
Gale Singers Community Choir proudly presents their annual holiday concert at the Portage Center for the Arts on Sunday, December 4 at 4pm. The concert features the Gale Singers Community Choir, Director Michelle Pare, and Accompanist Sam Clemmons. Tickets are $6 at the door.
Winter Serenade at PCA
A fun musical gathering by the community, for the community! Winter Serenade is directed by Sam Clemmons is happening Sunday, December 11 at 2pm at Portage Center for the Arts. General admission seating: Adults $20; Students $10. All proceeds support programming at Portage Center for the Arts & the Boys and Girls Club-Portage. For more information, 608-742-5655.
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Local Author Reading
Portage journalist and author Jonathan Stefonek will read excerpts from his debut novel The Adventures of Carol and Boscobel. Having reported across Columbia County and internationally, Stefonek crossed over into fiction with this middle grade adventure with two cats escaping the confines of human captivity.
This author reading event will take place at The Mercantile, 117 W. Cook Street, from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, December 3. Admission is free.
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Open House for Freedom in Christ Assembly Church
Freedom in Christ Assembly Church is expanding to the heart of the city of Baraboo Civic Center Gymnasium. On Sunday, December 4 you are invited to experience the 10am Sunday Service move to the Baraboo Civic Center - Gymnasium located at 124 2nd St., Baraboo.
Under the leadership of Pastor Randy Zeman and his staff, celebrate the need to transition to a larger facility. All classes will continue to be held at their current location, 409 4th St., Baraboo.
This move will allow widening the ministry, adding new programs and activities, and better serving our community. Freedom In Christ Worship Team provides contemporary Worship. Come and hear the good reports of God's actions in our region. Freedom In Christ Assembly's Church was established in 1996, and we continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Are you looking for a place to call home? Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Don Wolterstorff at 608-963-6702.
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Holiday Craft Fair at Portage Craft Mall
Come to the Portage Craft Mall and experience their Holiday Craft Fair during the Cookie Walk in Portage. The Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, December 3 from 9am to 3pm. Many vendors will be showcasing lots of gifts for you this holiday season. Plus, you can decorate a cookie for an additional fee. The Portage Craft Mall is located at 128 West Cook Street. For more information, call 608)-404-0163.
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Photos with Santa...
Get your photos with Santa at Edgewater Home and Garden from
10am to 1pm on Saturday, December 3. He will be on hand to listen to what you would like for Christmas. Enjoy a cup of cocoa and a fresh baked cookie! Don't forget to bring your camera.
...and Decorate a Graham Cracker House
Come and decorate your own Graham Cracker House during this workshop on Saturday, December 3 from 10am to Noon. No need to register for this class. Starts at 10am and goes until houses run out. There is no cost for this workshop. Afterwards, stop by and say 'hi' to Santa!
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Royal Beauty Lounge to celebrate their new location at 322 DeWitt Street in Downtown Portage.
Royal Beauty Lounge is excited to be a part of Downtown Portage at our new location! We will be offering as a gift to the community bottom line deals on all our Eyelash Extensions and Body Contouring Packages! Mention you saw this promotion in the Chamber newsletter and receive 25% off any services offered!
Follow Royal Beauty Lounge on Facebook for monthly specials and giveaways!
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Holiday House Luncheon at Portage Presbyterian Church
The Holiday House Luncheon consisting of Chicken Noodle Soup & Beef Barley Soup, Fresh Vegetables and Dessert plus a Bake Sale featuring breads, cookies, rolls, bars, pies, candy and more will be held at the Portage Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 3 from 10:30am to 1pm.
Christmas Day Dinner
Come and share in the fellowship and enjoy a home-cooked meal of turkey and all the trimmings and wonderful desserts during this free Christmas Day dinner -- carryout or delivery options -- on Sunday, December 25 from Noon to 1:30pm. Reservations are required by December 22.
The Portage Presbyterian Church is located at 120 W. Pleasant Street. For more information, call 608-742-6006.
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Rolling Prairie Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for the new subdivision of Rolling Prairie will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 2pm. Join us for this groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate the start of construction for this exciting new subdivision for homes to be located on the northside of Portage.
We will meet at the corner area of Gunderson Drive and Hunters Trail. Look for the equipment!
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GriefShare at St. John's Lutheran Ministries
Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. Through GriefShare, you will find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a loved one. At each session, there will be a DVD followed by a small group discussion.
Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.
When: Tuesdays starting at 4:30pm on December 6 & 13.
Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong Street
Cost: A $20 free-will donation to cover the cost of participant materials is appreciated.
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Elks Hoop Shoot
All youth between the ages of 8 and 13 as of April 1, 2023 are invited to participate in the Elks Hoop Shoot happening at Portage High School on Decmeber 10. Registration starts at 8am and the shooting starts at 8:30am.
Santa at the Elks Lodge
Come visit with Santa at the Portage Elks Lodge on Christmas Eve, December 24 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The Elks Lodge is located at 201 W. Conant Street. For more information, call 608-742-6040.
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Poker at VFW
The VFW Post 1707 is open on Wednesdays for Texas Hold'em Poker. Poker starts at 7:30pm with a $20 buy in. All buy in money paid out to winners. Come on in and join in.
For more information, call the VFW, 215 W. Collins Street, at 608-742-5350.
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Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Holiday Train stops in Portage to raise cash and awareness for hunger relief efforts and includes a musical show. The train is decked out in thousands of lights, with wonderful colors. A boxcar contains a stage with live entertainers who ride along on the train that put on an outdoor music concert for all of you.
This year the train arrives in Portage on the northside of railroad tracks on Averbeck Street, near the Curling Club area on Saturday, December 10 at 1:15pm. You are asked to bring non-perishable food items or cash donations for the pantry. All proceeds and donations collected at the stop will go to the local food pantries in Portage which benefit our area residents.
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Want to submit an article for this newsletter?
The Chamber's monthly newsletter deadlines the 20th of the month. Members are always welcome to let others know: about new products and services; introduce new associates or promotions; provide updates about their industry or business; give helpful tips; promote a sale or event. For more information, call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.
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Kiddie Christmas at Agency House
The Historic Indian Agency House will hold its 16th annual Kiddie Christmas event for children ages 5-12 on Saturday, December 10 from 1pm to 3pm. You may drop in any time.
Help decorate the Christmas tree on the Agency House porch! You will first go on a scavenger hunt on our property to gather the natural materials you’ll need. Bring those materials back with you and we’ll teach you how to create Christmas tree decorations with them!
Historic Indian Agency House is located at 1490 Agency House Road. For more information, call 608- 742-6362
Christmas Shopping at Agency House
Find a great selection of gifts for the history lovers on your list during this shopping event at the Historic Indian Agency House on Saturday, December 10 from 1pm to 3pm.
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at the Portage Chamber to welcome Badger Sparkling Cleaning to the Portage business community.
They are a a residential & commercial cleaning service, and they specialize in window cleaning. Call them now to schedule a cleaning for the upcoming holiday season. Call Ross at 715-348-5679.
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Submit your Events!
Are you planning an event this year? Get it posted on our web community calendar at www.portagewi.com. One of the most popular viewed of the Chamber website pages, the calendar allows you to submit your own events.
Simply click this link and submit your events. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242.
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Lilac Shop Holiday Market
Come to the Lilac Shop Holiday Market and check out all the great vendors showcasing so many ideas for holiday gifts on Saturday, December 10 from 9am to 3pm. For more information please check out the Facebook event, Lilac Shop Market.
Lilac Shop Studio is located at 242 West Edgewater Street. For more information, please call 608-617-9066.
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Fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul
Let their elves do the dirty work for you this year! St. Vincent de Paul will be wrapping gifts for a free will donation on Sunday, December 11 from 11am to 3pm at the Masonic Center, 205 DeWitt Street. All funds raised will be used to help their various charitable programs.
There will be a nominal fee for games, crafts and bake sale. If you are able to donate supplies, your time or baked goods call 608-742-5513.
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Free English Classes Information Event
Learn about the Madison College FREE English classes during this Information Event on Monday, December 12 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater Street.
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Sauk Columbia SHRM Meeting
Sauk Columbia SHRM (SC SHRM) is an organization made up of HR professionals from these two area counties. This group is focused on staying educated, informed of ever changing regulations and in touch with other peers in the field. Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month, from September through May, this group gathers to hear from an array of speakers to further enhance the professional development of its members.
Location: Monk’s at the Wilderness 33 Hillman Rd, Lake Delton, WI 53940
Time: 11:30am-1pm, Second Wednesday of the month September through May
December 14 Topic is Empathy in the Workplace
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Holiday Open House
Come to this Holiday Open House at BrightStar Care on Wednesday, December 14 from 4pm to 6pm. There will be hot cocoa bars and cookies to enjoy. BrightStar Care is located at 507 Linn Street, Suite B in Baraboo.
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Portage Sharing Supper
Come and "share supper" together with the community on Monday, December 19 from 5pm to 6:30pm at Wayne Bartels Middle School, 2505 New Pinery Road, and the last Monday of each month.
In addition to the free meal, there is a "Kid's Corner" for young people to do a craft and hear a story as well as informational tables for adults. There will also be a free blood pressure station available.
The purpose of these suppers is to build and nourish community relationships by providing a dining experience that is free of all economic and social barriers.
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Advertise in this Chamber newsletter
Having an event you want others to know about? Submit a one-time flyer insert in this newsletter for $25. Or place a year-long newsletter ad, which links to your website, for $300/year. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.
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December Chamber Meetings and Events
3 Citywide Cookie Walk from 9am to Noon
6 Business Luncheon at Dino's Restaurant at 11:30am
6 Groundbreaking for Rolling Prairie subdivision at 2pm
7 Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank at 8am
10 Breakfast with Santa at Culver's from 8am to 9am
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi or #portagechamberwi in your social media posts.
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Check out the Chamber's YouTube Channel HERE
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Job postings on portagewi.com
Check out these job postings on our Chamber site from our member businesses. You are welcome to post job openings your business may have at any time. Call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 for more information.
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Join a Service Club - Meetings subject to change
Rotary - Meets Wednesdays at Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions Club - Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month 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; 2nd Tuesday only in July, August and December
Women's Civic League - Meets 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
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