Agency House featured in October Silent Sports
As a Chamber of Commerce we are working to promote our community to visitors and guests everyday. Brad in our office was given the opportunity to showcase our community to the readers of the Silent Sports Magazine.
This is a subscription based magazine that spotlights non-motorized aerobic activities, such as running, paddling and biking. The article features the Historic Indian Agency House and appears in the October issue of Silent Sports magazine.
If you are interested in reading this article stop at our Chamber office to pick up the publication, read it at the the Portage Public Library or go ahead and get your own magazine subscription.
Free Admission Day to commemorate
On Saturday, October 15, enjoy this Free Admission Day to commemorate the official grand opening of the Agency House as a museum 90 years ago on October 22, 1932.
Historic Indian Agency House is located at 1490 Agency House Road. For more information, call 608-742-6362 or visit agencyhouse.org.
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Welcome New Chamber Members
Cordell's Automotive
311 West Conant Street, Portage WI 53901
Kohl Adamson at 608-742-6050
Cordell's Automotive is a multi-generational auto repair facility started in 1983. We have four locations
in Wisconsin. Automotive Repair You Can Trust. Be Protected, Safe, and Proud!
The Harbor Recovery Center
205 W. Pleasant Street, Portage WI 53901
Faith Gladem at 608-697-7163
Providing support for individuals and their families struggling with alcohol, substance use
and/or mental health by giving dignity, hope and value to all as we foster a culture of
recovery in Columbia County and the surrounding areas.
Gabriell Hamele, Century 21 Affiliated
8001 Excelsior Drive, Suite 220, Madison WI 53717
Gabriell Hamele at 608-573-2022
Passionate about Real Estate and making the home buying or selling experience a fun, enjoyable one. Well-organized and strategic with my clients, listening to their desires and dreams, to do everything in my power to get the home they want or sell the home they currently own.
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2023 Portage Visitors & Community Guide
The Portage Chamber is pleased to offer an opportunity to promote your business in the 2023 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Community Guide. Reach visitors and residents of the Portage area in this enhanced publication.
Our sales representative, Jacklyn Ewerdt, will once again be reaching out to our members for an opportunity to advertise in the publication.
The features of the guide:
• 20,000 printed copies of Guide
• online digital version of Guide where one click links readers to your website
• distribution in rest area along Interstate 39/90/94
• comprehensive community information and highlights
• membership directory listing
• over 10,000 direct mailed to out of state residents for travel trips
Free design services are offered for the preparation of your display ad. We look forward to promoting your business! The ad reservation deadline is approaching. Don't wait! For more information or to reserve ad space, please contact Jacklyn Ewerdt at 920-291-5005 or jacklynewerdt@gmail.com.
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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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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at Anytime Fitness to celebrate their new remodel, making Portage one of the very first to receive the updated look after Anytime Fitness launched its new “Real AF” marketing platform in late 2021.
Changes at the club include a new layout, additional new equipment, more free weight and training space, additional stalls in the restrooms, and a completely updated and modern look.
For more information, call Anytime Fitness, 2800 New Pinery Road, at 608-745-0250.
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Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting was held at New Life Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this business serving our community.
Reach out to these movement experts who provide answers to why you hurt or what is holding you back, and provide a path to succeed in doing life’s important things. For more information, please call New Life Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, 2639 New Pinery Road, Suite 2, at 608-742-9356.
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Columbia County ATV/UTV map
Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA) projects that ATV/UTV riders spend $1.1 billion in Wisconsin annually, staying an average of more than three nights. There are 472,300 registered machines and 22,888 trail passes sold annually in Wisconsin. Columbia County will benefit from the economic impact created from its decision to open up roadways in the county to ATV/UTV traffic.
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Dr. Vorpahl joins Seubert Family Dentistry
Seubert Family Dentistry is excited to announce Portage native, Dr. Ben Vorpahl joined the team in mid-September and is accepting new patients.
Dr. Ben graduated from Portage High School in 2013 and from Ripon College in 2017, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He then attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and earned his DDS. Dr. Ben believes that he can make a difference in patients' lives by offering the patient the opportunity to be active in their treatment decision process.
"I always knew I would end up in the medical field. Oral health is often neglected by people, but dentistry provides a unique opportunity. I am able to educate patients as to how they can maintain a healthy smile for life and help patients have not only a healthy mouth but a healthy body. I am honored having the chance to have that positive impact on my patients."
Dr. Ben is proud and excited to return to his hometown where he will be able to give back to the community as a member of Seubert Family Dentistry. He looks forward to promoting smiles in the Portage area by providing high-quality care tailored to the needs of each patient. Outside of the office, Dr. Ben enjoys cooking, running, watersports in the summer, and curling in the winter.
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Portage seeking 1st Charters of Freedom monument in WI
Not everyone has the ability to visit the original founding documents - The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and The Bill of Rights - at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. That is why Foundation Forward, Inc. is aiming to build a Charters of Freedom setting in every county across America.
Foundation Forward, Inc. is an educational non-profit that installs life-size replicas of the United States’ Charters of Freedom: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Representatives of Foundation Forward, Inc. presented their vision for a Charters of Freedom monument setting in Portage, which would be the first erected in Wisconsin, during the Common Council meeting on September 8.
Each Charters of Freedom setting is placed in a location central to the community with high visibility, high foot traffic, and easy access for school children and veterans. Foundation Forward, Inc. also provides local schools with additional educational materials to encourage learning about U.S. history and civics.
All Charters of Freedom settings are open 24/7 to the public and provide a location for communities to reflect, gather, and celebrate the United States and the men and women who have fought to protect our freedoms.
Charters of Freedom settings are built without the use of any tax dollars. Community support is needed to spread the word, generate interest, and bring in donations. For more information, visit https://www.chartersoffreedom.com. Stay tuned for future updates as well.
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Back2School Student Special
The Bee Alive Yoga Back2School Student Special continues! 1 Month for $30 for K-12 & College Students Only. Must present school ID at the studio in order to use purchase. Offer valid through October 16.
Bee Alive Yoga is located at 230 W. Wisconsin Street. For more information, call 608-745-9333.
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Salvation Army Coat Drive Collection
It's the annual Salvation Army Coat Drive Collection time again!! Drop off your new or gently used clean jackets, coats, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots to Portage Police Department, Portage Library or Local Portage Churches. Gently used and clean winter coats, infant to adult. We also accept snow boots of all sizes. Please make sure buttons, zippers and snaps are workable. The collection dates are Saturday, October 1 through October 16.
Distribution of free coats, jackets, boots, hats, scarves and mittens will be Friday, October 28 from 2pm to 6pm and Saturday, October 29 from 9am to 1pm inside Building #8, 300 Superior Street at Veteran's Memorial Field. Children should accompany parents to try on the items.
For more information, please call Nancy Schaper at 608-742-7242.
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Closing Day at Surgeons Quarters
Come to Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters as they host their last day for the 2022 Season on Saturday, October 15.
Monthly Book Club
Join us at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters for our monthly book club discussion on Saturday, October 15 from 3pm to 5pm. This month, a review of the book Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman.
For more information, call 608-742-2949. Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters is located at 1824 State Highway 33. Visit their website at fortwinnebagosurgeonsquarters.com.
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GriefShare
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 through December 13
Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong St. Portage, WI 53901
Cost: A $20 free-will donation to cover the cost of participant materials is appreciated.
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ADRC Bingo
Come and join the Portage Senior Dining Lunch Bunch for Bingo on October 6 & 27 and November 10 & 21 from 10:15am to 11:15am at the ADRC dining area, Health & Human Services Building, 111 E. Mullett Street.
Call one day in advance for a delicious meal at 608-742-9233 between 9am and Noon.
TRIAD Fall Conference
The Triad Fall conference is scheduled for Thursday, October 6 from Noon to 3:30pm at the ADRC, 111 E. Mullett Street. Registration and vendors begin at Noon; Brain presentation at 1pm; Elder abuse presentation at 2pm; and presentation on scams begins at 3pm.
Fortune Cookies - Memory Loss Play
Columbia County Aging and Disability Resource Center is hosting a LIVE Remember Project event featuring “Fortune Cookies” on Wednesday, November 16 at 5pm. This event is being held at Northwoods Inc. of Wisconsin in Portage. This event is free, but registration is required. Dinner will be provided.
RVSP using the link below or call 608-742-9726 or click here. The Remember Project is a one act play performed by professional actors who bring to life real issues connected to the care, diagnosis, and experience of dementia and how relationships can be tested in unexpected ways. Sit back and enjoy a beautifully written play by Bonnie Dudovitz, and join the community conversation about brain health, aging, and the impact of memory loss. Northwoods Inc. is located at N6510 US Highway 51 South.
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Last month for 2022 Farmers Market
The Portage Farmers Market is hosted from May through October on every Thursday from Noon to 5pm at Commerce Plaza in downtown Portage. The market features homegrown produce items, homemade items, and handcrafted items.
For questions, contact the Market Manager, Paul Howe at 608-745-8334.
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Grief Support/AA Recovery Groups
The Harbor Recovery Center hosts a Grief Support Group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or overdose. The group meets every other Wednesday at 5:30pm. The next meeting is Wednesday, October 5.
The Harbor Recovery Center also hosts an AA Recovery Group meeting every Thursday at 7pm. For more information, call 608-697-7163. The Harbor Recovery Center is located at 205 West Pleasant Street.
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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 next session is Thursday, October 6.
Benefit & Silent Auction at Saddle Ridge
A Benefit & Silent Auction to raise funds for Harmony Housing Partners of Wisconsin will be held at Saddle Ridge on Friday, October 7 from 6pm to 11pm. Harmony Housing Partners is a non-profit dedicated to developing living campuses where disabled adults can live independently in harmony with residents of all ages and disabilities.
Saddle Ridge Clubhouse is located at 100A Saddle Ridge. For more information, call 608-742-2181.
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Artist Opening Reception
You are invited to the Opening Reception of 'Crossing Paths' with Elizabeth Sawyer Kelly & Co. at the Drury Gallery inside Portage Center for the Arts on Friday, October 7 from 4pm to 6pm. Free and open to the public! Light refreshments will be served. Exhibit runs through October 28.
Common Chord at Portage Center for the Arts
From folk to swing and lots in between, Common Chord, a five-member powerhouse performs a unique repertoire of originals and covers highlighting four-part vocal harmonies and varied instrumentation! See them perform on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30pm at Portage Center for the Arts.
Lunch Break Series
Grab your lunch, bring a friend, and come to PCA's Zona Gale Theatre at 12pm for your flexible noon hour on select Thursdays throughout the year! $5 at the door. The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. The topic: European Castles. There are more than 10,000 medieval castles and their remains in Europe! Pete and Janet Price have traveled throughout Europe, and share some of their most memorable castles, histories, and experiences with you!
Portage Center for the Arts is located at 301 E. Cook Street. For more information, call 608-742-5655.
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City of Portage Fall Clean Up
The City of Portage will again be collecting residential refuse (no business, non-profit or commercial) consisting of large/bulky items on Saturday, October 8 from 8am to 2pm at the Municipal Garage at 616 Washington Street.
This is for City of Portage residents, WHO LIVE IN THE CITY LIMITS ONLY and proof of residency is required. If you live outside of the City limits please call Columbia County Recycling 608-742-6651 to see what they do in your area.
Click Here for disposal prices and more information.
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Fall Festival at Durward's Glen
Join in this annual Fall Festival at Durward's Glen on Saturday, October 8 from 9am to 3pm! There will be over 20 vendors featuring high quality arts and crafts. A raffle will also be held to raise more funds for the future handicap ramp to help increase accessibility for all!
The Grand Prize will be a one-of-a-kind, hand-maid quilt, second prize is a weekend stay at their Artist’s Cottage, and the final prize is a ‘housewarming gift basket’ including local goods and handmade crafts.
Pulled pork sandwiches and color-changing lemonade will be available for purchase! Bring your family, your kids and loved ones for a beautiful day at Durward’s Glen, located at W11876 McLeisch Road, Baraboo. For more information, call 608-356-8113.
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Adult Technology Class
Come to the Portage Public Library for an Adult Technology Class on Wednesday, October 12 from 1pm to 2pm. This beginner class will cover the basics of using technology including computers, smartphones and more.
Registration is required. Call 608-742-4959 for more information.
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Annual Kids Pumpkin Giveaway
Century 21 Affiliated and Riley Kubatzke Agency - American Family Insurance present their annual Kids Pumpkin Giveaway on Wednesday, October 12 from 2pm to 5pm at their location at 1606 New Pinery Road.
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7 Keys to Success selling and purchasing a home
Come to the free second part of the series on selling and purchasing a home. Join Bonnie Dixon and Brian Scheibach for an opportunity to learn the basic "keys" to managing one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Bring your questions and leave with the confidence and knowledge you'll need to succeed.
Purchasing A Home - Thursday, October 13 from 5pm to 6pm at Portage Public Library
Register in advance at programs@portagelibrary.us or call 608-742-4959. The Portage Public Library is located at 253 West Edgewater Street.
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Upcoming Classes at the Mercantile
Come to the Mercantile for a hand built pottery class where participants will learn to design and hand build a piece of pottery on Thursday, October 13 from 6pm to 9pm. The pieces will be fired and glazed and the finished pieces can be picked up at the Mercantile, 117 W. Cook Street, at a later date. Fee is $45. Adults only. Space limited to 6 students. Call 745-5768 for more details, or to sign up.
Peg Napralla invites you to create your own beautiful mosaic pendant necklace with tiny glass pieces on Saturday, October 15 from 1pm to 3pm. Glass, settings and other materials will be provided. You will make two lovely pendant necklaces of your own design! The grouting will be done for you, so you can pick them up at a later date. No experience needed. Adults only. $45 class fee. Limit to 8 students.
Afternoon Tea at the Mercantile
Join us for afternoon tea on Saturday, October 29 from 1pm to 2pm! Celebrate the Fall Season with a fantastic selection of sweet and savory snacks! Call 608-745-5768 to register! Cost is $35 per person.
The Mercantile is located at 117 W. Cook Street in downtown Portage. For more information, call 608-745-5768 or visit mercantileportage.com
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Kinship Mentoring Fundraiser
Save the date and join for us an evening fundraiser to support Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, working to help the children of our community. There will be music, food, raffle items and live auction during this fundraiser held on Saturday, October 15 at the Rendezvous at Saddle Ridge.
Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County is a private, nonprofit organization which believes in and promotes the concept of youth mentoring. Our Mission is to transform communities through the power of mentoring. Our mentees are children ages 5-14 years of age and must reside in Columbia County or attend school in Columbia County. Our mentors can be individuals, couples, or families. To learn more about the program visit www.kinshipcc.org or contact us at 608-697-3260 or info@kinshipcc.org.
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Lotus Advisors Shred Event
Kathy Houzner & Julie Groves, Financial Advisors with Lotus Advisors, invite you for a free on-site document shredding event. Pellitteri’s Shred Truck will be at their office on Tuesday, October 18 from 9am to 11am.
Stop by to drop off your old checks, tax forms, junk mail, and any other documents to be confidentially shredded and recycled. Guidelines for shredding materials: 50 pounds (3 boxes or bags) of paper per person; staples, paper clips and rubber bands are accepted; no credit cards, binder clips, plastic sheet protectors, three ring binders, or hanging file folders.
No RSVP necessary. This event is open to the public - feel free to share with family or friends.
Call at 608-742-4688 with any questions. Lotus Advisors is located at 311 E. Wisconsin Street.
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Elks Holiday Craft Fair
The Portage Elks are holding their Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, October 22 from 9am to 2pm at the Portage Elks Lodge, 201 W. Conant Street.
For more information, contact Megan at 608-393-1985.
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4th Annual Trivia Night to benefit Sleep In Heavenly Peace
First Weber Realtors 4th Annual Trivia Night to benefit Sleep In Heavenly Peace is happening Saturday, October 22 at 5:30pm at the Portage VFW, 215 W. Collins Street. There will be 6 rounds of trivia with prizes awarded to the team that wins each round. The fee is $20 per person, teams up to 6 people.
There will also be free food, cash bar, gift basket raffles, 50/50 raffle, wine pull, mini games in between trivia rounds and so much more! To sign up you can call First Weber at 608-742-4987 and ask for John or you can email John at heitkej@firstweber.com.
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Portage Sharing Supper
Come and "share supper" together with the community on Monday, October 24 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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Free Healthy Cooking Classes
Join us as we demonstrate some delicious, quick healthy recipes at the Portage Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 2100 E. State Highway 33 on Thursdays at 6pm. Listen to health advice from Blau Family Chiropractic! There is no charge so bring a friend and join us. Call 608-617-8924 if you have questions or to register.
October 20 - Italian Specialties & Food is Medicine Talk
October 27 - Mexican Delights & Battling Stress
November 3 - American Yummies and Decoding Diabetes
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Halloween at the Portage Theatres
Portage Theatres is bringing back their Halloween themed event for the kids on Saturday, October 29! All you have to do is bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry to participate. There will be a costume contest, goodie bags, movie and a sidewalk parade leaving from St. Mary parking lot (next to the Theatre along Conant Street).
Admission is one donated food item!
9:30am - Costume contest registration at St. Mary's Parking Lot and parade line up
10am - Costume judging followed by downtown sidewalk parade with 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.
For more information, call 608-742-6678.
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Trick or Treating at Edgewater Home & Garden
Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up and stop by the store for a bag of goodies! Trick or treating will on Sturday, October 29 from 10am-2pm or until supplies run out.
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Citywide Trick or Treating October 31st
Trick or Treating happens in Portage from 4pm-7pm on October 31. Turn on your outdoor porch light if you are planning to participate.
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October Chamber Meetings and Events
4 Business Luncheon at Portage Pizza Ranch at 11:30am
5 Ambassador Meeting at Community Bank of Portage at 8am
5 Ribbon Cutting at 51 Auto Sales at 9am
7 Portage Wine Walk 5:30pm to 8:30pm
11 Ribbon Cutting at The Harbor Recovery Center at 4pm
25 Ribbon Cutting at Doll Eyes at 10am
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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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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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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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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.
*Please Note: Dino's Restaurant is temporarily closed. Please call Chamber office for meeting info at 608-742-6242.
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