Community Thanksgiving eve service

The Ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Eve service will be held at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.

All community members are invited to attend. A combined choir of interested people in the community will sing a hymn. Anyone interested in joining this group should plan on arriving at 6 p.m. to practice. To get a copy of the music, contact your church music director, or St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church at 715-420-0066.

As this is an ecumenical service, there will be no communion. Any monetary or food donations will be given to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.

CoVantage Cares campaign to benefit food pantry

The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry has been selected to benefit from the Rhinelander CoVantage Credit Union 2023 Giving Campaign.  From Tuesday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 12, donations made to the CoVantage Cares Giving Campaign at the Rhinelander branch will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000.  Checks should be made payable to the CoVantage Cares Foundation, specifying RAFP as the donation recipient, and delivered to the Rhinelander Branch Office during the two week period. Donations will be accepted and matched from any person or business and you do not need to be a CoVantage member to participate.  CoVantage members can also donate through MyCoVantage online/mobile banking.

Pickleball lessons at the dome

The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program is offering another round of pickleball lessons in the Hodag Dome for adults.

Pickleball lessons level 1 is for anyone who has not played pickleball before or has played very little (hit balls for less than 10 outings in the last year). No prior skills are required. Learn serve, return of serve, basic volley and overhead, dinking and the No Volley Zone, third shot drop, basic strategy and positions, rules, faults, court geometry, and scoring.

There are two time options for this class; Mondays and Wednesdays Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 12:15-1:15 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.

Requirements for pickleball lessons level 3 include players who have mastered scoring; can put eight out of 10 sequential serves and returns in play with depth consistently; can hit some spin serves; can volley consistently four or more sequential shots; has a reliable overhead that can place eight out of 10 sequential shots for some winners; can dink unattackable balls successfully and consistently at least six sequential shots; can successfully hit eight out of 10 third shot drops sequentially forehand or backhand from anywhere; can hit eight out of 10 sequential forehands or backhands keeping the ball in play; have good control over the No Volley Zone and understands court position and strategy.

The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 20, 7-8 p.m.

Instructors are Darrell Schmidt, Larry McKitrick, and Jon Koch; the fee is $60 per person. Register online before Nov. 24 at the “community” section of the School District of Rhinelander website, rhinelander.k12.wi.us. Credit or debit cards are accepted for online payment. Paper registration is available by mail or drop off. Contact Community Education Coordinator Mike Cheslock with questions, 715-365-9745.

AAUW ‘Elves Market’ fundraiser Dec. 4

The American Association of University Women –Northwoods Branch is holding a fundraiser Dec. 4 at Norwood Pines Restaurant in Minocqua, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Activities include a silent auction, wine surprise, door prizes and 50/50 drawing. Proceeds go to the AAUS Northwoods scholarship funds in partnership with the Nicolet College Foundation, and to support advocacy for gender equality.

AAUW Northwoods is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization and a local branch of the national organization. Its mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Members come from throughout the Northwoods and Northern Michigan.

The organization’s philanthropy includes scholarships for women returning to college through the Nicolet Foundation, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, Girls on the Run and other community activities consistent with its mission.

In addition to the Elves Market fundraiser, AAUW Northwoods holds a gently used book sale at Rhinelander High School annually the third week in July.

Grinch canine Christmas

A holiday party for pooches is taking place Saturday, Dec. 9 and will feature none other than the Grinch and his furry friend Max. The party, sponsored by TLC Dog Training, takes place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Plum Lake Equestrian and Event Center in Sayner. Pups are encouraged to come dressed in their merriest holiday attire.

Canines and their handlers will compete in exciting holiday-themed games, including “Canine Candy Land Scavenger Hunt,” musical chairs and pin the heart on the Grinch. A canine-craft activity will also be offered.

The day will also include agility events and timed “Reindeer Radar Races” to find the fastest on four legs, and photo opportunities. A food truck will be on site.

The cost is $20 per family in advance or $25 at the door. All leashed dogs who are up-to-date on vaccinations are welcome. Each dog must have its own handler.  Guests without dogs are welcome. Pre-register at tlc-dog-training.com and search for special events.