The village of Lena is full of Christmas spirit and invites its residents to join in the holiday fun. Dig out those outdoor Christmas decorations and get decorating for a chance to win in the Village Christmas Outdoor Decorating Contest. There are several categories: • Spirit of Christmas: Best overall light display that captures the spirit of Christmas. • Griswold: Excessive use of lights and decorations. • Daytime Visual: Looks as good during t

Top winners of the Shawano Pathways Trails Photography Contest were announced at Pathways’ annual Social and Report to the Community, held Nov.

What do you cherish most about the past? Is it the songs that defined a generation, iconic movies, classic cars, retro fashion or the taste of favorite foods that remind you of simpler times? Whatever your memory, the next program from the Oconto County Historical Society, “A Blast from the Past,” will have you reminiscing and smiling. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec.

The text came in and, brightening up, I noticed it was from my sister-in-law whom I love as a sister. While I usually smile or even laugh out loud, this text had me knit my brows in consternation. “Wanna come to a Christmas craft party?” Walking into any craft store has me breaking out in hives. It makes me anxious and frozen and overwhelmed, and my eyes glaze over. It’s like I develop a serious case of brain fog. Do I select the curly-ques?

The Adult and Teen Challenge Choir from Milwaukee will present a program of gospel music and testimony at 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at Hillside Assembly, 5890 State Highway 22, Gillett. Adult and Teen Challenge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to help youth, adults and families with life-controlling problems to become established in society through faith-based mentoring, education and job training.

Decorating for the holidays is a fun activity many people take part in during the season. Decking the halls can help us connect to family traditions, create beauty for others to enjoy and light up the chilly, dark, wintry nights. While folks string lights and hang ornaments this year, they should make sure to also keep safety top of mind.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it is a great time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. We are thankful every day for a multitude of reasons; however, the month of November finds us reflecting on all the blessings bestowed on us throughout life. We are so thankful for our health.

About a year and a half ago I went to take care of my best friend from college, Cathy, for the first few days after she had a knee replacement. I had a knee replacement the year before, so I knew what those first few days were like, and I knew how to nudge her along in her recovery. I kept cheering her on and telling her how much better it would get as long as she kept doing her exercises and pushing herself.

Four days before I graduated from Ripon College, I drove down Tower Road in Waupaca and walked into the offices of WDUX Radio. I sat down with Morgan Marti, the station manager, and told him I was looking for my first job in the “real world” and thought I might be able to help WDUX. “That depends,” Marti said with an enigmatic smile.