Christmas from Menomonie to Marshfield
by Senator Terry Moulton
In addition to the usual presents, Christmas trees and cards, we have some unique ways to celebrate the season in the 23rd Senate District. I’d like to highlight some entertaining, recreational and charitable ways to celebrate the season in our community.
One of the ‘brightest’ ways to celebrate Christmas in the Chippewa Valley can be seen at the Christmas Village in Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park. The Christmas Village includes a stunning display of over 60,000 lights, a display of life-size Christmas scenes and local historical replicas. The Christmas Village is just one example of the cooperation and community spirit that make our neighborhoods so special during this time of year. Established in 1987, the Christmas Village is an independent project bringing individuals, businesses, volunteer organizations and city government together. The Christmas Village is free and will be open until New Year’s Day.
This time of year brings snow that brightens the beautiful landscapes we live in and help us appreciate our natural heritage in a new light. If we want to get closer to nature during this season, we can strap on snowshoes or go skiing in some of the parks and recreational areas around us. One of the best places to enjoy winter sports in our area is the Bruce Mound Winter Sports Area. Opening on December 19th, this park includes areas for downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. The park, open on Fridays from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10-4 p.m., includes beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, all lighted to allow for night skiing. There is a rental shop so you don’t have to buy new equipment to join the fun at Bruce Mound and a restaurant to take a break and relax after a long day of winter sports. Bruce Mound is located about 15 miles southwest of Neillsville off State Highway 95.
The holiday season is an extremely important time of year for charities and volunteer organizations. In fact, according to one survey, most non-profit organizations receive a majority of their contributions from October to December. One charity organization synonymous with Christmas is the Salvation Army, whose red buckets and ringing bells remind us that Christmas is approaching. Founded in 1891, the Salvation Army provides a wide range of services, including emergency disaster support, housing and shelter, after-school programs, and senior services. You can find out more about the Salvation Army’s work in our area and donate online at http://www.salvationarmywi.org/wum/locations. If you’re thinking about volunteering some of your time and joining the bell-ringers, you can visit www.salvationarmywi.org/wum/volunteer.
Among all the flurry of shopping and decorating during this season, our area offers some special ways to celebrate. I hope you have the opportunity to take in some of the unique charms our part of the state offers. Of course, Christmas also brings a valuable chance to spend time with friends and family. As a father and grandfather, I especially appreciate the time to take a break from our busy lives and enjoy quality time with loved ones. From my family to yours, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
