Seeking hospice volunteers
Ascension at Home is hosting a free five-week training session for anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. This end-of-life educational program is also open to the public for personal growth. The course is facilitated by various professionals on the hospice team, sharing their experiences and expertise in an interactive format. The training session will begin soon with classes scheduled from 9:30 a.m. – noon Wednesdays beginning March 18 at the Ascension at Home office in Rhinelander. The curriculum will provide a good foundation of end-of-life information, including presentations and discussions about death awareness, communications, family dynamics, terminal diseases and the dying process, pain and symptom management, medical ethics, end-of-life decisions, spirituality, grief, post-death rituals and self-care for caregivers. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by March 11. Contact Mary Ellen at 800-234-3542 or [email protected]

SDR invites parents, kids to ‘Screenagers’
The School District of Rhinelander will host a free showing of the film, “Screenagers: Growing Up in The Digital Age,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., Feb. 12 at the Rhinelander High School auditorium. The documentary explores the impact of screen time on kids and offers families proven solutions that work to help their children establish healthy relationships with their devices. Moderators will facilitate a discussion after viewing the film. Participants are encouraged to bring their children ages nine and older to engage in the discussion. Pre-registration is NOT required. This event is free to attend.

Indoor adult triathlon
Registration is open for the YMCA of the Northwoods’ first indoor adult triathlon Sunday, Feb. 23 in Rhinelander. The event is designed to accommodate all levels and abilities, from the first timer looking for a fun event to the seasoned triathlete. Each phase lasts a set amount of time and staff will track participants’ distance in each. Proceeds benefit the Y’s Annual Support Campaign which provides financial assistance for programs and memberships to children and families in need. The event is for ages 13 and older; each participant will receive at-shirt and swim cap. For more information and to register, call the Y, 715-362-9622.

Applications for Nicolet College Board of Trustees accepted
The Nicolet College District Board Appointment Committee is accepting applications to fill three seats on the college’s nine-member Board of Trustees. State guidelines dictate specific criteria for board members to ensure fair and equal representation across the Nicolet District. Two of the seats are for additional members and one seat is for an elected official member. Each seat is for a three-year term, running from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Applications, additional information about candidate requirements, and the appointment process are available on the Nicolet College website or by contacting Anne Wiedmaier at 715-365-4415 or [email protected] Notarized applications must be received by Wiedmaier by 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb., 27.

Rhinelander student art on display
The third annual K-12 School District of Rhinelander Art Show will be taking place at ArtStart in downtown Rhinelander with an opening reception 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12. Come out and see all of the great student artwork created by students in grades K-12. Artwork in a variety of media will be represented including, drawings, paintings, ceramics, and sculpture. The artwork will be on display through Feb. 29 during gallery hours, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. The ArtStart gallery is located at 68 S. Stevens St. in Rhinelander.

A mindful relationship with food
Ascension Koller Behavioral Health offers monthly mindfulness and meditation programs in Rhinelander that are free to anyone in the community. “A Mindful Relationship with Food,” is the featured program for February, 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18 in Ascension Koller Behavioral Health second floor conference room. Brendan Tuckey from Evergood Farm will share his experience and perspective on the growing and marketing of food in our culture. Program leader Kathy Mitchell, MA, said this will be a “great opportunity to wake up our personal habits and the opportunities in conscious consumption.”
Ascension also offers the Riverside Meditation Group, held 5:30-7 p.m., Feb. 13 and 27. The group is for anyone with a meditation practice to have regular group support. For more information on these programs, contact Ascension Behavioral Health, 715-361-2805.

Nominate a favorite Vilas County business
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is launching a new feature recognizing a “Business of the Month.” The winner will be featured on the VCEDC website, social media, e-newsletter and will be entered into a nomination for “Business of the Year” at the organization’s annual meeting in December. Nominees must have been in business at least two years, be physically located in Vilas County and foster a culture or mission of giving back to the community. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on the 10th of each month. For more information, contact Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC executive director at 715-377-0061 or [email protected]

Proper ID needed to vote
Spring elections are nearing, which means voters must make sure they have the proper identification needed to vote. Wisconsin driver licenses or IDs are the most common form of identification used for voting purposes. It is not necessary to have a federally-compliant REAL ID card for voting. The Wisconsin Elections Commission notes other forms of ID are valid for voting, such as military or student ID cards. To see if a card meets requirements, visit the elections commission website, (bringit.wi.gov). Voters looking to get Wisconsin ID can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (wisconsindot.gov) to learn what documentation is required. An ID card for voting purposes is free of charge. A voter hotline is available for questions, 844-588-1069.