Hometown Calendar

School is back in session and the annual Packer Backer campaign has returned to Waushara County. The campaign helps raise funds to support the Vision 2020 Backpack Nutrition Program which offers a safety net for economically disadvantaged elementary students. The program provides nutritious meals for students to eat during weekends and school breaks when they don’t receive school breakfast or lunches. Students qualify for the program if they are eligible for the Federal free/reduced lunch program. Non-perishable food items and coupons for fresh food travel home in student’s backpacks. The program expects to serve more than 140 students every week. You, your family, business, faith community, exercise group, bowling team or neighborhood can become Packer Backers too. Consider supporting this program today. The Vision 2020 Backpack Nutrition Program is a function of the Waushara Prevention Council, Inc. All gifts are tax deductible and used to purchase food and program supplies. To learn more about the program, make a donation or organize a donation drive contact Jan Novak at 920-787-6600, 888-250-4331 or jan.novak@co.waushara.wi.us

Omro Thrift Store Twentieth Anniversary CelebrationThe month of October, 800 East Main St, Omro 920-685-0568This October, The Omro Thrift store will be celebrating its  20th anniversary! Our community takes great pride in the good work  done by this wonderful organization over the last 20 years. During  that time the store's dedicated volunteers have received  countless donations of clean, gently used treasures. The sales of these  items have in turn provided much-needed support for community organizations, charitable causes, and individuals in need in the Omro area.Back in the 1990s, a committed group of Omro citizens envisioned  a volunteer-run, nonprofit business whose proceeds would benefit  the community. Minutes of an early meeting, held in October of 1996,  record a discussion laying the groundwork for the Omro Thrift  Store. Members in attendance were: Gerald Smith, Mavis Smith,  Audrey Janiak, Doris Strehlow, Elaine Peck, Elmo Merry, Pastor  Edward Slusser, Carlton Buerger, and Janet Schettl. The group  discussed their ideas for the store over the next few months, and  eventually plans were made to purchase Omro's old Subway building. The  Thrift Store opened its doors in October of 1997 and was granted tax  exempt501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization in 1998. The start-up  was aided by grants from the Rural Ministry, Evangelism and  Church Development Committee of the Presbytery General Assembly, the  Special Ministries Fund of the Winnebago Presbytery and the Bay Area  Agencyon Aging. A portion of the original financing for the project  was provided through an interest free loan from the city of Omro, &  the rest was financed through F&M Bank of Omro. Although the  grant money received at the outset of the project was helpful, the  vast majority of the mortgage was paid off through sales receipts from  the store. In most cases, start up money provided by area churches  and organizations was paid back as well. It is a testament to the  hard work of the volunteers, the excellent leadership of the  store's managers, and the wonderful support of the community that  the mortgage has been entirely paid off and the store now operates  free and clear. Born out of the dedication of its founders  and volunteers, and fueled by community support and donations, the  Thrift Store has truly flourished.Now it is time for the Omro Thrift Store to say "Thank You" to all the  people who have helped and encouraged us over the last 20 years. To  show our appreciation to the community, there will be a storewide 20%  off sale during the entire month of October. Our store could not exist  without the loyal support of our donors and customers. We look forward  to having the chance to meet and talk with all ofyou! Come on in, meet  the volunteers, and enjoy special treats and fantastic savings, along  with drawings for gift certificates andother surprises!TheOmro Thrift Store is open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm  andSaturday 9 to 1. We are located at 800 E Main Street in Omro.  Formore information about the store, you may call 920 685 0568 or  visitour Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you all at the  Store soon!

Wild Rose Manor is looking for any group willing to take over the November or April birthday party at the Wild Rose Manor. Groups that volunteer come in and host the birthdays for that month by bringing in cake and ice cream, Wild Rose Manor will provide the rest. Groups are also able to bring in a small gift for those that have birthdays that month and do some sort of game or entertainment if they wish. If any group or business is interested, please give Donna a call at the Manor at 920-622-4342