Goodwill Starts with You Gala! Returns to Lambeau Field
MENASHA, WI — The third annual Goodwill Starts with You! Gala, presented by Capital Credit Union, returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium October 1. Nearly 700 guests are expected to attend. They will hear inspiring stories from individuals who were able to overcome barriers through Goodwill NCW programs and change their lives. In addition, guests will see the data exemplifying the community impact created from these outcomes. Another highlight of the evening will be the showcasing of three impressive
See the Future Clearly: Celebrate National Eye Exam Month by Prioritizing Your Vision Health
August is the right time to look deeper at your health, starting with your eyes “Eye exams are more than just about vision. They are a window into your overall health.” DULUTH, Minn. – August is National Eye Exam Month, a time to recognize how much your eyes can reveal about your health. Many people wait until they notice changes in vision, but routine eye exams can uncover medical conditions long before symptoms appear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than
UW-Stevens Point announces 2025-26 Theatre and Dance Season
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Department of Theatre and Dance offers shows themed with “Life, Longing and Legacy” this year, exploring the concepts through humor, song, movement, mysteries and more on stage. “Ultimately this season is about connection and how the past, present, and future align to create rich, full experiences,” said Michael Estanich, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance. “My hope is that the bold new stories and original dances this season remind you
Aspirus Health Promotes Screenings During National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
“It is challenging, but sometimes just seeing if the kid is not wanting to perform certain visual tasks that other kids might be doing if they might be struggling in class.” DULUTH, Minn. – August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and Aspirus Health is encouraging families to prioritize their children’s vision as part of their overall health. According to the CDC, nearly 6.8 percent of children under 18 in the United States have a vision condition, and about 3 percent have blindness
Goodwill NCW celebrates National Thrift Shop Day all this month.
August gives shoppers secondhand options, and a way to enjoy the hunt and make an impact On August 17, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will recognize National Thrift Shop Day, by celebrating the entire month of August, where our customers can enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” and search our stores for unique and one-of-a kind items every day. While on their “treasure hunts”, they will also be supporting job programs that help individuals learn skills that can put them on a path to sustained
Aspirus Physician Encourages Healthy Social Media Habits for Families this Back-to-School Season
“When adults are mindful of their own screen use, it sets the tone for the whole household.” WAUSAU, Wis. – August is National Back to School Month, and while students may not be in the classroom just yet, now is the time for families to start building routines that support a healthy transition into the school year. That includes taking a closer look at how kids and teens are using social media. “Just like everything, too much is a bad thing,” said Kimberly Frodl, MD, a Family Medicine
UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield presents “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.”
A youth adaption of an award-winning Broadway will take the stage at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield this August. “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” will be staged in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre at UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield, 2000 W 5th St., Marshfield. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday Aug. 14-15, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at tickets.uwsp.edu or at the campus box office starting an hour prior to the show pending
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like You Think It Does
Aspirus trauma expert shares life-saving water safety tips ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day “The biggest thing we want to make people aware of is that drowning doesn't look like you think it does.” WOODRUFF, Wis. – As families head to lakes, rivers, and pools, a local trauma expert is reminding everyone that drowning is often fast, silent, and far more common than many realize. World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25, highlights the urgent need for water safety
Aspirus Health Foundation Reflects on a Solid Year of Support in Portage County
STEVENS POINT, Wisc. - Over the past 12 months, Aspirus Health Foundation has approved grants from its Stevens Point/Plover area donor funds totaling more than $250,000 and touching lives across vital areas of care at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital. Aspirus Health Foundation stewards more than two dozen donor-directed funds, continuing the long legacy of philanthropic efforts that support the facility and its programs. Donor dollars past and present continue to augment, wherever needed most, Aspirus
UWSP Carlsten Art Gallery hosts ‘Meet Your Mentors’ faculty show
A collection of faculty work is on display this summer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Carlsten Art Gallery. “Meet Your Mentors,” featuring work of UW-Stevens Point faculty members, is on exhibit now through Saturday, Sep. 13. An artist reception will be held Thursday, Sep. 4. The gallery, located on the second floor of the Noel Fine Arts Center, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The
For back-to-school shoppers, Shopping early leads to savings
Shoppers can find budget-friendly deals on school items at Goodwill North Central Wisconsin NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN—Across north central Wisconsin and beyond, back-to-school and back-to-college spending has begun. Out of concern for rising prices, two-thirds (67%) of back-to-school shoppers had already begun purchasing items for the upcoming school year as of early July, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That’s up from 55% last year and
State Senator Patrick Testin Visits Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital and Clinics
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. - Leaders from Aspirus Health recently hosted State Senator Patrick Testin on July 25 for a site visit to Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital and Clinics. “We were thrilled to share with Senator Testin the great work being done by our staff in Wisconsin Rapids,” said Chris Squire, President, Aspirus WI South & Southwest Divisions. “We were able to especially highlight our incredibly strong obstetrics and emergency services, including a tour through the Birthing Suites and Emergency
M3 Insurance Releases its Annual Employee Benefits Trend Report
MADISON, WI – M3 Insurance has released the 2025 edition of its annual employee benefits report, now reimagined as Momentum: An M3 Employee Benefits Trend Report. More than just a name change, Momentum represents a meaningful shift in focus, reflecting the evolving realities of today’s employee benefits landscape. For more than two decades, M3’s trend report has served as a trusted resource for employers, traditionally centered around plan design benchmarks and regional premium comparisons. But in
Stay Active, Not Injured: Expert Tips to Prevent Summer Knee Pain
PORTAGE, Wis. – From pickleball courts to wooded trails, summer is a season full of movement. That extra activity, though, can take a toll on your knees if you're not prepared. “Knee injuries are very common this time of year,” said Joseph Mueller, DO, orthopedic surgeon with Aspirus Health. “They’re often related to recreational activities or walking on uneven ground.” While strains and sprains are among the most common summer injuries, many can be avoided with a few simple habits. Dr. Mueller
Stevens Point Area YMCA Celebrates Community, Growth, and Leadership at Annual Board Meeting
STEVENS POINT, WI — On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Stevens Point Area YMCA hosted its Annual Board Meeting at the YMCA facility, bringing together staff, board members, donors, and community stakeholders to celebrate a year of progress and look ahead to a bright future. Attendees heard powerful YMCA impact stories, learned about the organization’s achievements over the past year, and were given a preview of strategic initiatives for the year ahead—including the exciting addition of
Food + Farm Exploration Center Hosts Free U-Pick Harvest Day on August 5, 2025
PLOVER, WI — Food + Farm Exploration Center invites the community to roll up their sleeves and enjoy the height of harvest season during its U‑Pick Harvest Day, happening Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5–7 PM. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to experience agriculture up close by picking your own fresh produce right from Food + Farm Exploration Center’s demonstration fields. Guests will be able to harvest green beans, cucumbers, and several varieties of potatoes, all grown
World Lung Cancer Day: A quick scan could save your life
WAUSAU, Wis. – August 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, and Aspirus Health has one clear message for anyone who has ever been a heavy smoker: schedule a low dose CT scan. The fast, painless test can spot lung cancer years before symptoms appear—when it’s easiest to cure. “A low dose CT scan is quick, painless, and powerful,” says Christopher Peterson, MD, boardcertified oncologist at Aspirus Cancer Care. “It can find very small cancers on the lungs that otherwise wouldn’t have been detectable,” Peterson
Aspirus Health Expands Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program
WAUSAU, Wis.–Residents of seven communities in the Aspirus Health service area now have additional access to fresh produce at their local farmers market thanks to this year’s expansion of the Aspirus Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program. Aspirus FVRx was created as a medically based intervention to support Aspirus patients. From farm to table, the fresh produce at your local farmers market is one of the healthiest ways to get all your nutrients. The new additions to the Aspirus FVRx
