CoVantage Cares Foundation reaches milestone

 CoVantage Cares Foundation’s total giving has surpassed $3 million since the Foundation’s inception in 2015. Giving has supported more than 350 nonprofits that help individuals in need and work to improve the quality of life in the communities served by CoVantage Credit Union.

 In 2015, CoVantage Credit Union leaders came together with an idea in mind on how to create a greater impact in the communities served by CoVantage Credit Union and the CoVantage Cares Foundation was born.

 “With The Foundation on the heels of its eighth birthday, this accomplishment is something we are so proud to have reached,” said Charlie Zanayed, CoVantage Cares Foundation president.  “These funds have been distributed to organizations that make tremendous impacts for those who lack proper housing and battle food insecurities daily. Funding has also provided various financial education opportunities, supported many community enhancement projects and so much more. Our work is not done, and we look forward to the many more grants we will be able to support in the years to come.”

The Foundation kicks off its two-week Giving Tuesday fundraiser next month. The campaign supports 13 non-profit organizations. Funds generated will be matched with up to $175,000 in contributions from the Foundation.

Veterans Day at JWMS

The public is invited to attend the 53rd annual Veterans Day Observance at James Williams Middle School gymnasium Friday, Nov. 10, at 8:30 a.m. This year’s program will feature various speakers, and music will be provided by the James Williams Middle School music department. Local veterans, their families and the public are invited to attend this annual community observance, which will last approximately one hour.

Indoor farmers market at the Y

The YMCA of the Northwoods is the site of the indoor farmers market, beginning this weekend, Oct. 28, held from 9 a.m.-noon throughout the fall and winter. The market offers the community the opportunity to purchase locally-produced items.

“The community has been supporting the farmers market all summer,” said Marilyn Duschl of the Y. “The indoor market gives them the opportunity to continue to buy locally-grown and produced products.”

Vendors will vary from week to week; items for sale may include chicken eggs, root crops, mixed vegetables, pumpkins, apples, jams, jellies, salsa, sauces, relish and pickles, honey, homemade breads and cheese. For more information, call Duschl at 715-362-9622 ext. 118.

Celtic harp concert

The Rhinelander District Library is hosting harpist Jeff Pockat Monday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m. in the library meeting room. Pockat is a Celtic harp musician and composer and will be performing on the wire-strung Gaelic Harp. Music will be interspersed with talks of the harp, the music, players and the times in which they lived. This and all Rhinelander District Library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit rhinelanderlibrary.org or call 715-365-1070.

Fall Community Band concert announced

The Rhinelander Area Community Band has chosen the greenhouse at Forth Floral as the venue for its fall concert at 7 p.m.  Wednesday, Nov. 8. Music will appeal to all ages and will include several pieces with greenery and garden themes.

Marilyn Pekol directs the all-volunteeer band, which has been entertaining local area audiences for nearly 40 years. Members come to weekly rehearsals from throughout the Northwoods.

The concert is free, and seating will be provided for concert-goers in the greenhouse.

Student group holiday fruit sale

RHS world language students are again selling holiday fruit boxes to raise oney for travel abroad. Available are meat and cheese gift boxes, apples, pears, oranges and grapefruit sold separately and in combination. Online orders may be placed through Nov. 10 with delivery in mid-December and pickup at Rhinelander High School. Orders mayb be placed with world language students or online at myfruitsalecom. At the website, click on the blue “shop now” botton, click “choose your organization” and follow online instructions. Those ordering online are asked to contact Patricia LaFevre at 715-365-9500, ext. 8211 or email [email protected] after Thanksgiving for delivery and pickup instructions.

Trig’s ‘round up’ to fund food helpline

Throughout the month of November, Trig’s grocery stores are asking customers to “round up” their receipts to help raise money in support of Feed Our Rural Kids’ Family Food Helpline. People can call 888-479-FORK to find resources when they don’t know who else to call. The helpline is a partnership between FORK and Vilas and Oneida county departments of social services.

“Food insecurity within a household is nothing a family can plan for,” FORK president Perry Pokrandt said. “The Family Food Helpline was created to ensure that there is a place to call for help when circumstances create oversized economic challenges threatening a families access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.”

Now through Nov. 30, customers at Trig’s in Eagle River, Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Manitowish Waters will be asked to round up their purchase payments to the nearest dollar, with those funds going to support the Family Food Helpline in Vilas and Oneida counties.

“We are excited to have found this opportunity to partner with Feed Our Rural Kids,” said Kindl Furtak, Trig’s marketing director. “The November round-up is the perfect program at the perfect time of year for our community and customers to help ensure a joyous holiday season for residents of food insecure homes across our area.” For more information about FORK, visit feedourruralkids.org.

No-cost COVID vaccines at OCHD for adults without insurance

A program aimed at making sure everyone in the community has access to COVID-19 vaccines is available at the Oneida County Health Department. The Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults age 18 and older without insurance and those whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 costs.

The program runs through Dec. 31, 2024, and can be used at community clinics in Oneida County, such as the OCHD Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and the Hodag Dome clinic Tuesday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information visit oneidacountypublichealth.org, follow OCHD on social media or call Oneida County Health Department 715-369-6111.