Community

Natalie Beil is the Wisconsin Heights Optimists Volunteer of the Year for 2023. Beil was presented with the annual award at the Wisconsin Heights Optimist meeting July 27 by Optimist President Mary Lieck. Natalie grew up in Mazomanie and was taught by her parents from an early age that “you should contribute to what you want to make better.” So she did! Beil is a Trustee on the Mazomanie Village Board, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee; and is treasurer and self-appointed cheerleader of the Mazomanie Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in bringing the community together during the massive 2018 flood. Her current volunteer projects include improvements to Wild West Days, the Free Concert Series on the Promenade, Friends of the Mazo Pool and the dog park. Natalie attended MATC and was the longtime owner of B Styles Floral and Gifts. Pictured is Wisconsin Heights Optimist President Mary Lieck, left, presenting the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award to Natalie Biel.

Pictured are: Anthony Dix, Director of Human Resources, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; David Kussow, Education Coordinator, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; Shawn Lerch, CEO, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; Jeff Wright, Superintendent, Sauk Prairie School District; Randy Patterson, Maintenance, Sauk Prairie School District; Chanda Kulow, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sauk Prairie School District; Steve Dent, Plant Mechanic, Sauk Prairie Healthcare.

Responding to an increase in children and teens looking for snacks while in the library, one staff member at the Ruth Culver Community Library decided to see if she could secure funding to start a free snack shop. The messaging behind this new feature: take what you need, leave what you can. Library Aide Heather Haas saw a need in the library and decided to reach out to No Child Goes Hungry, a 501c3 that seeks to inspire, encourage, and support feeding kids in tangible ways. Haas was able to quickly secure funding for the cabinet and an initial stocking of it for our teens to be able to enjoy. We are so excited to be able to offer this to our community, especially for teens who need a snack after school, and are thankful that organizations such as No Child Goes Hungry exist to support our community needs. We invite anyone who needs a snack to visit our free snack shop, located in the teen area, and enjoy!

The August 23, 2023 meeting of the Sauk Prairie Lions Club welcomed Renee Thums and Terri Broxmeyer of the Sauk Prairie Area Literacy Council. They presented the history and purpose of the organization. This non-profit has been active for 33 years and operates fully with volunteers. Their sole purpose is to achieve literacy for adults with English as a second language. They welcome new volunteers to help as well as donations. For more information check out https://saukprairieliteracy.org. The motto of the Lions is “We Serve.” And the Lions do just that! Through several fundraising events, they donate back 100 percent to the community including eye exams, glasses and hearing aids to those in need, the food pantry, Good Neighbor Clinic, Neighbor In Need, Kids Ranch, Caring Tree, Fire on the River, Hope House, Sauk Prairie School Scholarships, Lions Camp for the Disable, Diabetes Awareness, to name a few. The Sauk Prairie Lions hold their monthly meetings every third Wednesday of the month at the Prairie House in Prairie du Sac. All are welcome to come, meet some new people, have a good time and help your community. Dinner and meeting at 6 p.m. For more information or any questions, please contact Nancy Passehl at 608-643-3008.

The Sauk Prairie Chamber and community welcomed Sauk Spine Chiropractic on July 27 during their ribbon cutting ceremony. Their location is now open at 520 Water Street, Sauk City, WI 53583 (below SP Fitness). Stop in to learn more or visit: www.saukspine.com. Pictured, from left to right, Tom Olsen, Miriam Kohler-Ronnberg, Dr. John Olsen, Jean Olsen, Claire Olsen, Ann Hale, Kathy Elver, Bill McIntyre.