Ahhhhh, April, this is the month that the real spring shows up. The time has come that many have waited for since Jimmy made a prediction on spring in February. April is the neighborhood watch and peer pressure for the first lawn mowed. Is there a reward for the first?
The Friends of the Military Ridge Trail will be meeting at the Ridgeway Depot on Monday, April 13th, at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in just sitting in, it would be appreciated. The Friends of the Military Ridge is a small group that actually lacks volunteer members west of Mt. Horeb. We discuss actively with the DNR on trail maintenance and other business that comes to the discussion. The trail is a draw to tourists that like to bird watch, ride bikes, and hike. Some just love the fresh air and quietness. Trail Passes for bike riding for ages of 16 and up are available at Badger Market in Ridgeway, People’s Community Bank in Barneveld, and in Dodgeville at New Horizons, Doby Stables, and Governor Dodge Park. More information on Facebook at Friends of Military Ridge Trail. Thank you
Ridgeway Summer baseball signup ends on Friday, April 17th. Ridgeway has programs that involve both boys and girls for all ages, starting with age 4 & 5 Tee Ball. The next level is Coach Pitch for ages 6 & 7. The above programs have no charge. The programs for 3rd through 8th grades, Junior and Senior Babe Ruth have a fee or the option of working the concession stand during any event for the year. (Any volunteers would be appreciated.) There is a family maximum amount of $120 to suggest the whole family can participate. Sign-up forms and more information are available online or at the village office. Rock Reeson and Will Hodgson look forward to working with the kids to keep baseball in Ridgeway as the fun sport that it is!
The last Indoor Ridgeway Farmers market will be on Saturday, April 11th, at the Ridgeway Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The first outdoor market at the Ridgeway Ball Park will be Sunday, May 10th, which is Mother’s Day.
Something new in the Farmers Market scene are evening markets, “Dream Makers Market”, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. They are offering vendor space to those interested in starting a small business or are experienced. This will be once a month, Barneveld on second Sundays, Blue Mounds on 4th Sundays, and Pine Bluff on the 1st Wednesdays. All three markets are from June through September Dreammakers.marketinfo@gmail.com
The Hidden Valley Church Monthly Serving Focus for April is directed at New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a local non-profit 510(c)(3) here in Dodgeville that serves the community. New Beginnings is open 8:00 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Everything, food, furniture, clothing, shoes, decor, bedding, and household items are all free. The Hidden Valley Church is collecting diapers, size 4 and above are preferred. If someone asks, New Beginnings will give a package of 30 diapers on the first Saturday of every month. Financial donations are also needed and appreciated. Financial donations for New Beginnings in April can be given online at hiddenv.com. Hidden Valley Church understands the needs of New Beginnings.
The Ruby’s Pantry Corporate Office decided on March 31st that they have ended operations. The conversation among the volunteers at the Hidden Valley Church is that the camaraderie, (mutual trust and friendship), will be missed the most among the volunteers. The leftover food given to different local organizations will be missed by many who appreciated the opportunity to stretch the budget.
The Grilled Cheese Championship in Dodgeville provides a boost to the local economy. The event is recognized nationally and puts Iowa County on the map. The Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce organizes the event and requires many volunteers. Many businesses and nonprofits provide family-friendly fun for all ages with entertainment, eats, and treats with goodies beyond the sandwich scene. This will be the 13th annual event at Ley Memorial Pavilion on Saturday, April 25th, from 11:00 a.m. until awards at 4:00 p.m. Different heats with different focuses will be happening all day. Volunteer opportunities still exist.
Sometimes questionable decisions lead to opportunities for others. I remember when the University of Wisconsin wanted to host an NCAA Basketball tournament. That is why Green Bay and the Resch Center once accepted the opportunity to host the WIAA Girls State Basketball Tournament. It is estimated that it has an economic benefit to Green Bay of $2.2 to $2.5 million annually with a contract through 2030. The Iowa County community does benefit from the annual Grilled Cheese Championship here.
Donna and I were discussing our many years of happiness recently concerning our upcoming anniversary. Donna made the statement that the guys she had a chance with when younger are all rich now. My thought was I have Donna and am poor. I was told that I am her favorite writer as long as I write out checks!