Hometown Broadcasting Community Calendar

Media Contact:

KaYing Vang, Community Storyteller

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

715-342-4454

kaying@cfcwi.org

Community Foundation Grant Opportunities Open January 1

Stevens Point, Wisconsin (December 12, 2024) – The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (Community Foundation) will be accepting grant applications from January 1 to January 31. Several grant cycles will be available with awards announced in March.

The Women’s Fund of Portage County will welcome applications from nonprofits and established charitable organizations serving women of Portage County. This year, the Women’s Fund will be granting $14,360 to programs focused on mental and behavioral health access, childcare expansion, and support for financial wellness and independence for Portage County women.

The Partner Grants process is designed for one-time requests from nonprofit or charitable groups. Applications may ask for up to $5,000 and must be focused on a particular project. This grant cycle is open to programs and projects in Portage and Waushara counties that align with our values and five mission areas. Up to $75,000 in Portage County and up to $30,000 in Waushara County will be distributed to our Partner grantees in total.

Eligible organizations include nonprofit 501c3 agencies that are state and federal tax exempt and in good standing with the IRS. The Community Foundation will consider applications from public, charter, parochial schools, or government entities. Also eligible are established community groups wishing to complete a community project for the benefit of the general public of Portage or Waushara County.

All applications can be accessed and completed through our website. To learn more about grant opportunities and apply for this year’s awards, please visit the Community Foundation website at www.cfcwi.org. Make sure to save the date for the application processes and reach out to Sarah Ross, Director of Community Grants and the Women’s Fund, at sarah@cfcwi.org or 715-342-4454 if you have any questions.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that inspires charitable giving by connecting people and resources to enhance Central Wisconsin now and for future generations. For more information on how you can give back to your community, please visit www.cfcwi.org.

New Winter/Spring Season at Thrasher Opera House Released

Green Lake, Wis. (November 21, 2024) – Get ready for an exciting Winter/Spring Season at the
Thrasher Opera House, where we’re bringing an amazing mix of talented performers to the stage!
From beloved returning favorites to fresh new artists, this season promises something for
everyone. Executive Director Rachael Avery couldn’t be more excited, saying, “We can’t wait to kick
off a season full of energy and variety—offering everything from blues to bluegrass, Celtic to String
Bands, and so much more.” Mark your calendars: tickets go on sale November 21! Check out our
website at www.thrasheroperahouse.com or call 920.294.4279 for all the details on this
unforgettable lineup.

January 2025

January 20 | Missoula Tryouts | 4-6 p.m. | Free
An audition will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of HERCULES! on Monday,
January 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Those auditioning should arrive between 3:30 and 4 p.m. and plan
to stay for two hours. Parents are welcome to stay for auditions as well. Some cast members will
be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions; others will be released at 6
p.m. after making cast announcements.
This program is free for participants, thanks to the support of our wonderful community.
Approximately 50-60 roles are available for local students. All students, grades 1-12, are
encouraged to audition. No preparation is necessary. If cast, a rehearsal schedule will be provided
– most students should plan on rehearsing 4-8:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January
24. The performances will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 3 and 5:30 p.m. For more
information, call Thrasher at 920.294.4279.

January 25 | Missoula Children’s Theatre Shows – Hercules!
Approximately 50-60 local students will be putting on a production of Hercules! at the historic
Thrasher Opera House on Saturday, January 25.
Show 1 – Doors open at 2:30 p.m., show begins at 3 p.m.
Show 2 – Doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults.

January 31 | Henhouse Prowlers | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $26
Founded two decades ago, this Chicago-based bluegrass quartet blends performance, diplomacy,
and education. Their music, rooted in bluegrass, evolves through intricate instrumentation and
songwriting, showcased in their album Lead and Iron.

February 2025

February 01 | Peter Mulvey | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35 (506 Session) – Limited Cocktail Seating
Milwaukee-born songwriter and performer, built his career through busking, touring, and
collaboration. With 19 albums, a book, a TEDx talk, and countless performances, he blends poetry,
social justice, and humanism into his eclectic music.

February 06 | Documentary: Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story | Doors and Bar 5:00 p.m. |
Showing 6:00 p.m. Tickets: FREE
This film weaves together live performances and interviews from the 50th anniversary of the iconic
festival, featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry, along with a wealth of archival
documentary footage from the past half century. This film not only captures the Festival in all of its
beauty and glory, but also delves deep into the rich culture of The Big Easy.

February 15 | Willy Porter | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $26
Songs that weave a universal perspective about human existence’s questions, struggles, and
triumphs. The shows are guitar-driven grit and soul – electrifying and unique in the way that Porter’s
voice blends and fuses with his fretwork.

February 21 | Arkansauce | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $26
Improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep,
thumping bass grooves bring to life the melodies of the Ozark Mountains’ rolling hills and raging
rivers in this quartet’s vibrant blend of newgrass.

February 22 | Tab Benoit | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets SOLD OUT
Improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep,
thumping bass grooves bring to life the melodies of the Ozark Mountains’ rolling hills and raging
rivers in this quartet’s vibrant blend of newgrass.

February 28 | The Sweet Lillies with Adrian+Meredith | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30
p.m.
Tickets $26
With their acoustic string-band lineup of guitar, viola, and upright bass, given flight by ethereal,
vocal harmonies that float like a dream, the Sweet Lillies’ music has an old-time soul with a
forward-looking eye.

March 2025

March 01 | Jesse Roper| Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30
Soul artist delivers explosive, indie-infused performances, blending rich vocals with masterful
guitar. He’s shared stages with legends like Booker T. Jones and Beth Hart. His latest release, Make
It All Work Out, is a soulful, standout single.

March 07 | Matt Schofield | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30
British-born, US-based Matt Schofield, an award-winning guitarist and British Blues Hall of Famer,
has captivated global audiences with his emotive playing, influential style, and acclaimed original
compositions for 20 years.

March 14 | Marcia Ball | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35
Gulf Coast rhythms and blues with deep soul. Her latest album, Shine Bright, shows her energetic
performances and award-winning legacy. “Rollicking, playful, good-time blues and intimate,…her
songs ring with emotional depth.” – Rolling Stone

March 21 | Rucksack Revolution | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30
Two of Wisconsin’s top singer-songwriters: Adam Greuel from the lively Horseshoes & Hand
Grenades, and Sarah Vos of the folk-inspired Dead Horses. Performing original songs rich with
harmony, introspection, and soaring melodies.

March 22 | Sonny Landreth & Cindy Cashdollar | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35
Slide guitar master Landreth and steel guitar virtuoso Cashdollar showcase world class guitar
skills. Landreth has collaborated with legends like Clapton, while Cashdollar, a five-time Grammy
winner that excels across genres.

April 2025

April 03 | Skerryvore | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30 (SEATED)
Skerryvore has brought its performances to audiences across the globe. A mix of fiddle,
accordions, pipes, and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums,
and keys, representing the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music.

April 04 | Skerryvore | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $26 (STANDING)
Skerryvore has brought its performances to audiences across the globe. A mix of fiddle,
accordions, pipes, and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums,
and keys, representing the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music.

April 10 | Della Mae | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $27
GRAMMY-nominated, all-woman band Della Mae unites top female musicians to promote peace
and inspire women. Led by Celia Woodsmith and Kimber Ludiker, they’ve toured 30+ countries,
spreading roots music.

April 11 | The Brit Pack | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35
Formed by British session musicians in 2011, The Brit Pack delivers an authentic British Invasion
experience, performing classics from legends like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen, Bowie, Elton
John, and more.

April 24 | Cassie & Maggie | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35 (506 Session) – Limited Cocktail Seating
“Be it their foot percussion accompanying driving Nova Scotian sets, perfect blend of harmonies,
added to a stunning interplay on various instruments, an evening spent with Cassie & Maggie is a
great night…” – Irish Music Magazine

April 25 | Tinsley Ellis | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30
Ellis’ new acoustic album, Naked Truth is a departure and an arrival, steeped in folk blues
traditions. After four decades of electric blues-rock, Ellis taps into the raw essence of blues,
fulfilling a longtime dream for his fans.

May 2025

May 01 | Harry Manx | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35
“Mysticssippi” blues man Harry Manx blends Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, a sprinkle
of gospel and compelling grooves. Manx is a prolific artist, releasing 12 albums in a 12-year span,
and has won six Juno Awards.

May 09 & May 10 |Paul Thorn Band | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35
Paul has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of
roots music—bluesy, rocking, and thoroughly Southern Americana. “…a rare and addictive mixture
of soul, wit, humor, and musicality.” – Mark Knopfler

May 16 | Karla Bonoff | Doors and Bar 6:45 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $37
Born in Southern California, she began songwriting at 15. A figure in L.A.’s music scene, she rose to
prominence through collaborations with Linda Ronstadt and her solo success, blending folk, rock,
and heartfelt storytelling.

May 29 | The Low-Phe Life | Doors and Bar 5:00 p.m. | Showing 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
The Low-Phe Life is an animated-documentary-comedy series about living with PKU—a rare
metabolic disorder. PKU or phenylketonuria inhibits a person’s ability to break down protein.
People with PKU, like Kurt Sensenbrenner the series’ director, must adhere to a strict low protein
diet of fruits and vegetables, and drink a supplemental formula multiple times a day for
their entire life to avoid serious neurological and physical side effects.
Thrasher Opera House’s mission is to promote the arts and the power of live performance, provide
a community gathering place, and preserve the historic Thrasher Opera House. A charming,
intimate, friendly venue with excellent acoustics. Built-in 1910, restored in 1997, and on the
National Register of Historic Places. Seats 200. For more information, please visit
www.thrasheroperahouse.com

Annual First Day Hike – Ice Age Trail Alliance Waushara County Chapter

January 1, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

FREE

Let’s Ring in 2025 with a celebratory hike January 1st on the Chaffee Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

We will gather at “Fresh For Life Organics” Metoyer-Brown Farms located at W12085 Czech Ave in Coloma. Watch for the Ice Age Trail Signs.

Hike either on your own or with a group beginning at 1:00 pm. The trail length is approx. 2.5 miles. Shuttles may be available.

Arrive early and enjoy a warming fire. Leftover holiday treats or spirits to share would be welcome.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Dress in appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather as possible slick conditions may exist. Ski or trekking poles are recommended. If snow conditions permit snowshoes or cross country skis may be an option.

DETAILS

Date: January 1, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Cost: Free

CONTACT: Carl Mesman Email: carlmesman_1@msn.com

Phone: 920-240-5213

VENUE:

Fresh For Life Organics

Metoyer-Brown Farms

W12085 Czech Avenue Coloma, WI 54930

• to be active for 15-20 minutes.
• to interact with & involve your child as is appropriate for you both.
• music and movement.
• a Q&A time + take home tips.
• each week to be unique.

• Come play in the Romper Room. Physical activity and human connections are important for healthy, happy human beings, and the Romper Room facilitates both! Focusing on active play, the room features trikes, foot-to-floor vehicles, a balance bike, tunnels, tumbling mats, balance beams, and more. The Romper Room, which is open during regular library hours, is most engaging for ages 2-6 years, though younger/older kids are welcome.
• Enjoy the always-available board games, toy library, and activity sheets located in the youth department.
• Visit the community table where there is always a puzzle in progress! Stay for a bit and place a few pieces or settle in for a longer session.

Media Contact:

KaYing Vang, Community Storyteller

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

715-342-4454

kaying@cfcwi.org

Community Foundation Scholarship Applications Open

Stevens Point, Wisconsin (December 4, 2024) – The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (Community Foundation) is accepting scholarship applications now through February 15th from Central Wisconsin students planning to attend higher education.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals throughout Portage and Waushara counties, the Community Foundation will distribute more than $325,000 with award amounts between $500 to $40,000. Eligible scholarship applicants include graduating high school seniors, current college students, non-traditional students, and graduate students who are pursuing higher education at a university, technical college, or professional school.

“We really encourage everyone to apply because there is such a wide variety of scholarship opportunities depending on the applicants’ majors, skills, or interests,” stated Marlee Samuels, the Donor Services and Programs Director at the Community Foundation.

To learn more about scholarship opportunities and apply for this year’s scholarships, please visit the Community Foundation website at www.cfcwi.org/scholarships. The application deadline is February 15th at midnight.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that inspires charitable giving by connecting people and resources to enhance Central Wisconsin now and for future generations. For more information on how you can give back to your community, please visit www.cfcwi.org.