Along The Ad Routes

by Mike Reilly

I had a great birthday last Thursday. Not only did I get four straight meals free, I had over 150 FACEBOOK messages, at least a dozen each emails and text messages plus a few phone calls. Thursday lunch at Dino’s saw the guys sing “Happy Birthday” to me when I walked in! Then that night niece Shelly, nephew Ryan and his wife Lauri and daughter Addison joined Pat and me for Mexican at the Corralejo Mexican Grill in downtown Dodgeville. When I went to my table, several people in the room sang “Happy Birthday” to me. At some point, some of the staff serenaded us with “Happy Birthday” as I wore a very large sombrero and had a sparkle candle by me then was served ice cream. I had “Happy Birthday” sung to me at our video staff meeting on Thursday and then had it sung twice at our “DHS Class” luncheon at the Red room on Friday. I received several gifts and cards too. In all it made turning “old” very enjoyable! Having it fall on a kind of “down” day (Thursday) probably helped too! I also got two free meals compliments of the Red Room Friday.

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It was a nice and big space for all the goings on at the Little Giver’s Magic Market held last weekend at the Dodgeville High School for the first time. Over the years it had been held at Thym’s Supper Club (QLF), The Dodgeville Methodist Church and The Red Room Bar & Restaurant. At the school things were spread out into the Commons, Gymnasium and Commons entrance. A lot of clubs were on hand to help the youngsters and provide activities.

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Saturday morning breakfast took us to our “60th” spot since we began making the rounds. Bob, Terry, Tom and I headed from Dodgeville while Dave met Dewey in Spring Green and we all converged at “The Port” just north of Blue River at Port St. Andrew. It is a Truck Stop/Convenience Store where breakfast is served - plus lunch and dinner, including homemade pizza. It was a little different place from what we are used to. The waitstaff and cook turned out to be the same person when Tonya sat down and took our order. We had omelettes and french toast with a few eggs. Being a one person show, the speed we were served wasn’t “lightning fast”, but all of it was very good!

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Next Saturday is a fundraiser for the Iowa County Historical Society when they host a “Holiday Bake Sale” at their location across from Jimmy’s Diner, next to New Horizons CENNEX.

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Ridgeway will be celebrating Christmas from 5-9 p.m. Saturday downtown. There will be a parade at 5:30 and following that Santa plus other events will take place on Main Street.

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On December 9 and 16 the Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce will be open to wrap gifts for anyone from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Five-Point 4-H and Red Barn 4-H will be there to assist. Any tips are appreciated!

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This Saturday is a day that effects everyone. It’s National Toilet Paper Appreciation Day! December 8, 1857 was when it was first sold in the US by Joseph C. Gayetty. The other observance is on August 26 when Scott first sold toilet paper on a roll on August 26, 1871 fourteen years later as Toilet Paper Day.