OCTOBER 2023

Last Call! Advertise in the 2024 Portage Community & Visitor's Guide

The window is closing for the chance to advertise in the 2024 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Community & Visitor's Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication.

The features of the guide:

• comprehensive community information and highlights

• membership directory listing

• 10,000 printed copies of Guide

We look forward to promoting your business! For more information or to reserve ad space, please contact Jacklyn Ewerdt at 920-291-5005 or jacklynewerdt@gmail.com.

Join these 2024 Community & Visitor Guide advertisers:

Promote your business during October's Ice Age Trail Mammoth Hike Challenge!

The Portage Chamber has partnered with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to promote Portage--an official Ice Age Trail Community--as part of the Mammoth Challenge for the month of October. What is the Mammoth Challenge? Hikers are challenged to walk over 43 miles and visit three Ice Age Trail communities during the month of October to shop, visit, eat and stay overnight, earning a hiking certificate and a limited-edition patch. Log miles over days, weekends, weeks, or one big adventure.

Portage is teaming up with Lodi and Baraboo to showcase our areas as part of this challenge, known as the Mini Mammoth. Details on the challenge can be found here.  

Portage businesses can offer a special or promotion during October to draw on the Mammoth and Mini Mammoth challenges. See the businesses and their offers here.   

The Ice Age Trail Alliance will be helping us promote and highlight these specials along with all the great things to see and do in each of our communities for the hikers while they are visiting. If you are interested in being a part of this promotion, please call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.

October Business Luncheon

The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to network 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

Topic: Workplaces Respond to Domestic Abuse

Jess Kaehny, Community Education Program Manager for Hope House of South Central Wisconsin will be our presenter.  As a result of the abuse they’re experiencing, domestic violence survivors often report having their work performance suffer and losing their job. Yet, economic insecurity is frequently cited as the main barrier to leaving an abusive partner. All of us have a role to play in stopping this cycle of violence. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are hosting our Luncheon with Hope House of South Central Wisconsin.

Location: Dino's Restaurant 

Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon

Cost: Pay for your lunch at the restaurant 

Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Advertise in the 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, like the one above for WCCU Credit Union, which links to your website, for $300/year. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.

Portage Lumber 70th Anniversary Celebration

Portage Lumber is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a Customer Appreciation Event that will include four Big Days of Savings, Goodie Bag Giveaways, Food Trucks, and Tool Specials from Thursday, October 12 through Sunday, October 15.

Portage Lumber is located at 1009 E. Wisconsin Street. For more information, call 608-742-7186.

Skilled Trades Showcase

Come to Madison College - Portage campus on Wednesday, October 4 for a FREE family event! In celebration of manufacturing month, they are hosting an open house from 4pm to 7pm.

Attend this event to learn more about high-demand, high-paying jobs, while participating in hand-on activities within manufacturing technical programs. Meet program instructors and network with employers about potential career paths. For more information, call 608-745-3100.

New items at Giggles for Kids

Giggles for Kids inside the Mercantile has several new items: Douglas soft cuddly plush animals, Autumn and other puzzle scenes by Springbok Puzzles, classic toys by Hape, and HarperCollins books including some popular Usbourne activity books.

The Mercantile is located at 117 W. Cook Street. For more information, call 608-745-5768.

Support National Breast Cancer Foundation at Portage Craft Mall

During the month of October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, various vendors inside the Portage Craft Mall will be having promotions and sales to donate and support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Portage Craft Mall is located at 128 W. Cook Street. For more information, call 608-404-0163.

Cutting-edge energy storage system expected for Columbia County

Columbia County may soon be home to one of the most sustainable, advanced energy storage systems in the country, according to Alliant Energy. The company announced it has been selected for a grant of up to approximately $30 million for a proposed 200-megawatt hour energy storage system. 

Alliant Energy’s new battery system, known as the Columbia Energy Storage Project, would be the first-of-its-kind in the United States and represents a significant advancement toward a more sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy future. Read more...

New Euchre Club program

Portage Park and Recreation and the Portage Public Library are offering this free weekly Euchre Club held on Mondays from 1pm to 2:30pm beginning October 2 and ending on December 18. Please register ahead of time at the Portage Library Front Desk, by emailing programs@portagelibrary.us, or calling the Library at 608-742-4959.

VFW weekly Cornhole Tournaments

The Portage VFW is holding weekly indoor Cornhole Tournaments on Tuesdays at the VFW, 215 W. Collins Street. Check in is at 5:30pm and bags are in the air at 6pm. $5 per player. Contact the VFW at 608-742-5350.

ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Groups

The ADRC hosts a few Support Groups around Columbia County for those dealing with Alzheimer's and Dementia. For more information call, 608-742-9726.

Portage Caregiver Support Group: 1st Monday of the month from 1pm-2:30pm at the Portage Public Library, 235 E. Edgewater Street.

Lodi Caregiver Support Group: 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:00pm-2:30pm at Reach Out Lodi, 601 Clark Street in Lodi.

Columbus Caregiver Support Group: 2nd Thursday of the month from 10am-11:30am at the Columbus Community Center, 125 N. Dickason Blvd. in Columbus.

Legion Family Coffee Hour

Veterans and non-Veteran's are invited to come to the American Legion, 2930 American Legion Drive, on the first Wednesday of event month from 8am to 10am for coffee and camaraderie. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call 608-745-1090.

Senator Joan Ballweg Listening Session

Come to the ADRC Senior Dining Center for a fun-filled day with bingo, lunch and guest speaker Joan Ballweg on Thursday, October 5. Click Here for more info.

PHS Building Trades Home seeking donations toward appliances for trades home

The Portage High School Building Trades program is seeking donations to put toward the purchase of the appliances for this year's trades home. As an incentive to donate, upon approval, your business/name would be displayed on the appliance during the open house at the end of the school year. Donations directly impact the Building Trades program and its students. Click Here for the donation form.

River Haven fundraiser

Come dine at the Portage Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Road, and help support River Haven with your tips on Wednesday, October 11 from 4pm to 8pm. Tips raised at this event go directly toward River Haven Homeless Shelter.

Fire Prevention & Crime Prevention Open House

Portage Fire Department and Portage Police Department invite you to their 34th Annual Fire Prevention and Crime Prevention Open House at the Portage Fire Department, 119 W. Pleasant St. on Saturday, October 14, from 9am to 1pm.

There will be a visit by Med Flight and appearances by Sparky & Sergeant Blue. See an extrication demonstration, equipment displays, games and door prizes, while enjoying brats, hot dogs, and refreshments. There will also be a an update on the EMS Program with a question-and-answer session to follow.

Fall Frenzy

Come to Downtown Portage on Saturday, October 21 for their Fall Frenzy event where you will find all kinds of sales and more. Visit the stores of Portage for all kinds of Fall Fun. Click Here to view the sales and activities!

Portage Theatres Halloween event

Portage Theatres is hosting a Halloween-themed event for the kids on Saturday, October 28. All you have to do is bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry to participate!

9:30am - Costume contest registration at St. Mary's Parking Lot and parade line up

10am - Costume judging begins with downtown sidewalk parade to follow for downtown trick or treating

11am - Movie starts

Downtown businesses are encouraged to be out on the sidewalk and pass out promotional items, brochures and goodies to the kids. For more details call 608-742-6678 or visit www.portagetheatres.com.

Caregiver Support Group

Are you providing care for an aging loved one and seeking a compassionate community to share your journey? Riverwood Senior Living, 115 Bowman Road, Wisconsin Dells, invites you to come together with them monthly on the last Tuesdays of the month from 10am to 11:30am. You can seek advice, find solace and enhance your communication skills with their understanding, strength and empathy.  

Contact Sue for more information at 608-886-0873.

Ribbon Cuttings...

A ribbon cutting was held at the Portage Youth Inc. building to celebrate the new location of Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County at 806 Silver Lake Drive. They are a private, non-profit organization that matches stable, caring adults with youth ages 5 -14 years old in Columbia County. Kinship Mentors can volunteer one hour, once a month in our school-based lunch buddy program or four hours a month in their community mentoring program. They are looking for more mentors to join the fun!

For more information, call 608-697-3260 or visit kinshipcc.org.

...and Check Presentations

Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County was also the recent recipient of two generous donations from Culver's ($5,000) and Positively Portage ($2,000) to its organization, which matches adult mentors with area youth to help them reach their full potential.

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.

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.

MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

Click on the event title links for more information.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

THROUGH OCTOBER 20 l OUR HOUSE SENIOR LIVING

Euchre Club

MONDAYS, 1PM-2:30PM l PORTAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

ADRC Portage Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Groups

1ST MONDAYS, (OCTOBER 2), 1PM-2:30PM l PORTAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

3RD THURSDAYS, 1PM-2:30PM I REACH OUT LODI, LODI

2ND THURDAYS, 10AM-11:30AM I COLUMBUS COMMUNITY CENTER, COLUMBUS

Indoor Cornhole Tournament

TUESDAYS, CHECK IN AT 5:30PM I VFW POST 1707

Chamber Business Luncheon

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 11:30AM l DINO'S RESTAURANT

Legion Family Coffee Hour

FIRST WEDNESDAYS, 8AM-10AM l AMERICAN LEGION STATE HEADQUARTERS

Skilled Trades Showcase Open House

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 4PM-7PM l MADISON COLLEGE - PORTAGE

Healthy Cooking Classes

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 12, 19; 6PM-7:30PM I SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Chris Dreyer Watercolor Exhibit Opening Reception

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 4PM-6PM l PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

City of Portage Fall Clean Up

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 8AM-2PM l MUNICIPAL GARAGE, 616 WASHINGTON ST.

Free Community Workout

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 8AM-9AM l PORTAGE CROSSFIT COOPERATIVE

Mental Health First Aid

OCTOBER 10 & 12, 4:45PM-7:45PM l VIRTUAL TRAINING VIA ZOOM

Fundraiser for River Haven Homeless Shelter

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 4PM-8PM l PORTAGE PIZZA RANCH

Portage Lumber Celebrates 70th Anniversary

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12-15, l PORTAGE LUMBER

Discussion of Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 3PM-5PM l FORT WINNEBAGO SURGEONS QUARTERS

Pumpkins in the Parking Lot

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 3PM-6PM l PARK & REC BUILDING PARKING LOT

Ice Age Slow Flow Yoga Class

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7PM-8PM l BEE ALIVE YOGA STUDIO

First Weber Trivia Night Benefit Sleep In Heavenly Peace

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Fall Frenzy

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 l SALES THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN

Fly-in/Drive-in Chili Feed

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 10AM-2PM I PORTAGE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

The Whiskey Farm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7:30PM l PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Save the Grandstand 5K Costume Run/Walk

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8AM-11AM

Christmas Cookie Decorating - Brown Bag Series

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, NOON l PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Halloween at the Portage Theatres

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 9:30AM REGISTRATION l ST. MARY'S PARKING LOT

Rod & Gun Club Halloween Shoot & Party

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2PM l PORTAGE ROD & GUN CLUB

Caregiver Support Group

1ST TUESDAYS, (OCTOBER 31), 10AM-11:30AM l RIVERWOOD SENIOR LIVING

Citywide Trick or Treating

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 l CITY OF PORTAGE

Trunk or Treat

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 4PM-6PM l AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS

Monthly Recurring Events and Meetings...

PORTAGE FARMERS MARKET

Thursdays, Noon to 5pm at Commerce Plaza through October.

PORTAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Health positive and educational weekly classes held each month.

HARBOR RECOVERY CENTER

Monthly meetings and events.

TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER

Wednesday evenings at VFW Post #1707.

ASPIRUS DIVINE SAVIOR HOSPITAL & CLINICS

Monthly meetings centered on health.

COMMUNITY BINGO AT RIVERWOOD EAGLES NEST SENIOR LIVING

Held last Fridays of the month at 1pm.

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

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