Community

The Sauk Prairie Optimist Club heard from an exchange student recently. Zuzana (Zusie) Podesvova attended Sauk Prairie High School this year as part of the Future Leader’s Exchange. She comes from the Czech Republic, which is less than half the size of Wisconsin. The Czech Republic has an interesting history: the nation of Czechoslovakia was formed after WWI, when the Czechs and Slovaks were made into a single nation. In 1969, Czechoslovakia became its own Federation. Zusie says the most important date in her country’s history occurred November 17, 1989, when Communism fell during the “Velvet Revolution.” A pluralistic democracy was formed without a single death, hence the name. Finally, the “Velvet Divorce” took place on January 1, 1993 when the Czechs and Slovaks each amicably formed their own nation. While the Czech Republic has 10.7 million residents, 1.3 million of them live in the city of Prague, its capital. The Czech Republic is known as a very safe country and for its beer. Beer is actually cheaper than water and the per capita consumption of beer is 38 gallons – the most in the world! The Czech Republic has both a free education system and free healthcare for citizens and foreigners alike. Zusie enjoyed her time here, but looks forward to rejoining her family, whom she has not seen since August, in the near future. Pictured, left to right: Ellen Paul, Sauk Prairie Optimist President; Zuzana Podesvova, Sauk Prairie High School student from the Czech Republic; and Jon Sabatke, host brother of Zuzana, at the Optimist Club Meeting on May 31st.

Join River Arts in celebrating the rich tradition of Barn Quilts with this summer workshop: Barn Quilts with Maday Delgado, Sat, July 15, 2023, 12 – 3 p.m., $125/person. Deadline to register: July 8. Register at: https://www.riverartsinc.org/barn-quilts-maday/ Maday of Sustainable Textile Designs has offered this workshop since 2015 and many times at River Arts Inc. since 2017. This workshop is a celebration of creative sewing expression and traditions through painted quilt blocks. It’s a great opportunity to bring people together whether they sew or not. A perfect activity for everyone to join in on the fun. We can spread the joy and pride of our rich quilting heritage with the hopes of fostering a community of creativity and positivism through painting across towns. The instructor will draft quilt blocks before the workshop date. Provided with registration: Assorted exterior paint colors to use during the workshop, brushes 3, 2’x2’ wooden board with primer applied on both sides, and design drafted on one side.

On March 22, the Farmer Angel Network and Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation sponsored an event featuring Tim Markle, author and founder of the Forgiveness Factor. Tim’s presentation was titled The Role of Forgiveness in Suicide Prevention. The event took place in Sauk Prairie Healthcare’s conference center. Mental health has been identified as one of the top five priorities in the 2022-24 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by Sauk Prairie Healthcare. Sauk County has witnessed an alarming number of deaths by suicide in the last few years. The Farmer Angel Network and Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation partnered on this event to offer fellowship and education on the role of forgiveness in suicide prevention. Both organizations prioritize breaking the stigma around mental illness and are working to prevent suicide. In the promotional material for the event, the Farmer Angel Network said, “Life is hard. We wish we were able to roll with the punches. We wish we could just hang-in there or just let it go. But it’s hard. Forgiveness, when we learn what it is and what it isn’t, can help us deal with our past and move into our future. It can help protect our mental health, change how we interact with the world, change how we deal with pain and resentments. Let’s learn the basics of forgiveness and how to begin applying forgiveness principles. “Mr. Markle combines research with lived experience to bring a unique perspective on forgiving in an unforgiving world. He lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin, and has been featured locally on Life 102.5 FM radio, and throughout the state and nation at conference, churches, wellness events and community events.” 30 people attended this free event. About Farmer Angel Network: Farmer Angel Network is a grassroots effort to serve as a model of how thriving rural communities appreciate and celebrate agriculture through fellowship in order to decrease the stigma of mental health and serve to promote the health of its farming community as an asset to the wellbeing all within the community. Based in Sauk County, Wisconsin, the network includes farmers, healthcare workers, veterinarians, Sauk County Health Department, Sauk County Land and Water Department, Extension Sauk County, church members, and many others from the Sauk County community. The group’s efforts have been featured in the media locally, nationally and internationally. More info available at farmerangelnetwork.com.

The Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25, on Jefferson Street in Spring Green. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. This is a juried fair with more than 150 nation-wide artists and craftspeople. The exhibits in 10 categories include: graphics, painting, hand-wrought jewelry, sculpture, crafts, pottery, textiles, photography, glass, and woodworking. All work is original. Local clubs and civic groups provide the refreshments and offer treats such as brats, root beer floats, lemonade and hot pork sandwiches. A variety of entertainment is provided, which includes many local musicians. A total of $5,000 in prize money will be awarded at the fair in 2023. Gift certificates are also available for purchase at Arcadia Books and The Spring Green General Store Green, to be redeemed at the fair. The fair is held the last full weekend in June in Spring Green. Artists interested in exhibiting at the fair in future years may send for an application to: Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair, P.O. Box 96, Spring Green, WI 53588, visit the fair on the web at www.springgreenartfair.com or email springgreenartfair@gmail.com