Good Morning, Fitchrona! Today marks 92 years since folks could legally buy beer again after Prohibition ended in 1933—it’s a great excuse to grab a cold one or to stop into a local Fitchrona brewery!

The Focus is the highlight of your Monday morning - something you can enjoy in under 5 minutes with your coffee!

Let’s fill our cups ☕!

-Liv - Fitchrona Focus Founder

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Orchard Verona: Opening April 11th

Where Wisconsin Roots Meet Global Flavor

There’s a fresh energy blooming down West Verona Avenue—Orchard Verona is getting ready to welcome neighbors with open arms, seasonal plates, and a patio made for soaking up Wisconsin’s finest days.

Opening April 11th, book your reservation here.

Orchard isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a celebration of local flavor, rooted—quite literally—in a working organic orchard. Specializing in heirloom English and French cider apples, the team behind Orchard crafts wine-like ciders and small-batch European-style apple brandies that feel both refined and refreshingly local. Pair those with dishes built around the best ingredients southern Wisconsin has to offer, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s both exciting and approachable.

Heading up the kitchen is Chef Ian Hutchins, a recent transplant from Vancouver with a resume that reads like a culinary grand tour: Hilton, Marriott, private clubs, and large event venues. But for all his big-league experience, Chef Ian’s secret weapon is simple—garlic. He’s got a soft spot for diners who snap photos of their plates, seeing each click as a quiet compliment to the care behind every dish.

On the hospitality side, the front-of-house is led by Siri, a classically French-trained chef with over 15 years in the hospitality industry. She’s spent time in Michelin-starred restaurants and worked with fashion photographers across Europe and India, even launching a British afternoon tea box business in Brooklyn. At Orchard, she brings both warmth and polish, striving to create a laid-back yet lively space where everyone—from cider connoisseurs to curious newcomers—feels appreciated.

The team’s commitment to quality extends to the bar, where a new wrap-around setup invites guests to try tasting flights of cider, apple brandy, craft beer, and spirits from local standouts like Stateline Distillery and Giant Jones Brewing. It’s a little bit of everything Wisconsin does best—just served with a side of style.

And the patio? It’s shaping up to be a local favorite. With space for live music, outdoor dining, and those picture-perfect golden hour hangs, it’s where Orchard’s “gather and grow” spirit really comes to life.

Whether you're stopping by for a Sunday brunch, a Friday night flight, or a midweek unwind, Orchard promises something special with every visit.

Find them at:
Orchard Verona
881 Verona Avenue, Verona, WI

Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday – 3 PM to 8 PM
Friday – 3 PM to 9 PM
Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM

Spotlight on Verona Native at Film Fest Time

The Wisconsin Film Festival is running now through April 10th, showcasing independent films, documentaries, international gems, and homegrown stories. While My Dead Friend Zoe isn’t part of this year’s official lineup, the timing felt perfect to highlight one of our own—Verona native Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, who recently made his directorial debut with this powerful new film.

The 2024 comedy-drama follows Merit, a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran (played by Sonequa Martin-Green) as she copes with the loss of her best friend, Zoe (Natalie Morales), and navigates a strained relationship with her Vietnam veteran grandfather, played by Ed Harris.

With a stellar supporting cast—including Morgan Freeman, Gloria Reuben, and Utkarsh Ambudkar—the film earned the Audience Award at SXSW and had a limited theatrical release in early 2025.

Now streaming on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home - find it here.

Just Between Friends Pop-Up Kids’ Resale | April 10–12

Looking for great deals on kids’ clothing, gear, toys, and more? Fitchburg mom Kristen Parent is bringing Just Between Friends—Dane County’s favorite pop-up children’s resale event—back this spring from April 10–12! It’s a budget-friendly, family-run sale where local parents can shop and sell everything from newborn gear to tween sizes (and even maternity items).

Kristen, along with her husband Kasey and daughters Addison and Isabel, started JBF in Dane County to help local families stretch their budgets while giving gently-used items a second life. This community-powered sale features early shopping perks for volunteers, special presale passes, and a Half Price Day on Saturday to score serious savings.

🛍️ Shop Early: Link to buy tickets ahead of time - here.

• Elite Pass ($20): Wed, April 9 from 2–7 PM

• Prime Time Pass ($10): Wed, April 9 from 4–7 PM

🛒 Public Sale (Free Admission): Must get free ticket ahead of time - here.

• Thursday, April 10: 9 AM – 7 PM

• Friday, April 11: 9 AM – 7 PM

• Saturday, April 12: 9 AM – 4 PM (50% Off Day!)

  • Fill-A-Bag Fundraiser: 2:30–4 PM — fill a bag for $25 to benefit a local charity!

Whether you're stocking up or clearing out, this is a can’t-miss event for growing families. Grab your free ticket online here or pay $3 at the door. Learn more at jbfsale.com or contact Kristen at [email protected].

Clear Out the Clutter At Spring Recycling Day

Spring Recycling Day is happening Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 8:00–11:00 AM at the City Hall Campus (5520 Lacy Road). Bring your old electronics and sensitive documents for safe recycling and confidential shredding. It’s the perfect excuse to finally tackle that junk drawer!

Additional details here.

HAPPENINGS

🗓️ - Check out FitchronaFocus.com for details & to see all events!

• Monday, April 7th

  • 🍺 Hoppy National Beer Day @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🍺 4:00 pm - Industry Night @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🧘 4:30 pm - Guided Meditation & Vibrational Sounds @ Cave Of the Mounds

  • 🎭 6:30 pm - Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Auditions @ VACT

• Tuesday, April 8th

  • 🍺 Hoppy National Beer Day @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🩸 10:00 am - Spring Blood Drive (Receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card) @ Oak Bank

  • 📖 10:00 am - Learn To Compost @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Vinyl Night @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🐶 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Give Back Night - 10% Proceeds Donated to Kibble 4 A Cause @ Thistle & Elm Boutique

• Wednesday, April 9th

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Friends of the Orchestra - Tacos & Trivia Night @ Stone Porch Alehouse

  • 🥚 6:00 pm - Psanky Egg Decorating Class @ Four Winds Farm

  • 📖 6:00 pm - Metro Transit Public Hearing - Give Feedback on Proposed Service to Verona @ Virtual

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: Joe Iaquinto @ Paddy Mac’s

• Thursday, April 10th

  • 🧵 3:00 pm - Queer (and Ally) Crafting Night @ Sow’s Ear

  • 🍪 5:30 pm - Cookies & Coffee Decorating Hour with Bakes & Bites @ Crossroads Coffeehouse

  • 🫖 5:30 pm - Tarot & Tea Tasting - Yahara Tea @ Dune Gift & Home

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Speed Meeting @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 😌 6:00 pm - Relax & Restore - Local Movement @ Forward Natural Medicine

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: Second Wind @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🎭 7:30 pm - Mean Girls @ Verona Area Community Theater

• Friday, April 11th

  • 🎵 Live Music: Tom Winker @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 💃 7:00 pm - Line Dancing Night @ Loxley

  • 🎭 7:30 pm - Mean Girls @ Verona Area Community Theater

• Saturday, April 12th

  • 👟 Parkinson’s Half Marathon, 5k, 1-milke walk and kid’s run - ADPA @ Phoebe Bakken Memorial Park

  • 🍹 4th Annual Bloody Mary Fest @ Doundrins Distilling

  • 🚲 Learn to Bike @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 🧘 9:00 am - Silent Day Retreat Featuring Gentle Yoga and a Sound Bath @ Yoga At Insight

  • 🐑 10:00 am - Lambing & Kidding Days @ Eugsters Farm Market

  • 🚲 11:00 am - Bikes For Kids @ New Fountain Apartments Tennis Courts put on by the Fitchburg Bike Committee & Alder Dave Herbst

  • 🍸 12:00 am - Midwest Spirits Festival - Waterford Wine Fitchburg

  • 🍺 2:00 pm - Wisconsin Craft Cider & Mead Festival @ Mershon’s Cidery

  • 📖 2:00 pm - Driftless Poets Writing Workshop @ Shake Rag Alley

  • 🍺 2:00 pm - Meat Raffle with River Alliance of Wisconsin @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎮 2:30 pm - Madison Masher’s Monthly - Celebrating 1st Year Anniversary @ Isthmian Gaming

  • 🎭 6:00 pm - Group Art Show: Emergence @ COPA

  • 🎵 6:30 pm - Live Music: The 608 @ Seminole Tap

  • 🎵 7:30 pm - Live Music: Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets @ Loxley

• Sunday, April 13th

  • 🐑 10:00 am - Lambing & Kidding Days @ Eugsters Farm Market

  • 🍺 12:30 pm - Euchre Tournament @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🎭 2:00 pm - Mean Girls @ Verona Area Community Theater

MAKER FEATURE

This week’s maker feature is Logan’s Heart and Smiles

Logan’s Heart and Smiles Opens Its Doors

Logan James Herr was born on August 24, 1997, with cerebral palsy. At just three years old, he received his first wheelchair—but getting into his own home was a challenge. When Logan’s dad, Joe, couldn’t find anyone to build a ramp, he did it himself. That experience opened his eyes to just how many families were facing the same struggle—quietly and alone.

After Logan passed away at four and a half from complications of pneumonia, Joe turned his grief into action. In 2002, he founded The Logan James Herr Foundation, now known as Logan’s Heart and Smiles, to make sure other families wouldn’t have to face the same barriers.

Since then, the organization has built over 350 accessibility, safety, and sensory modifications for children with disabilities right here in our community. The team understands not just the physical, but also the emotional toll an inaccessible home can take. As Joe often says, “Getting a child in and out of their home should never be a luxury.”

Now, Logan’s Heart and Smiles is opening the doors to a new physical location—and you’re invited to help celebrate.

📍 Grand Opening
🗓️ Monday, April 15
🕓 4–7 PM
🎉 Come tour the space, meet the team, and learn how you can help build a more inclusive community.

Let’s show up for the families who need us—and the little ones who deserve safe, welcoming homes.

Know a local maker who should be featured - submit here!

CHECK IT OUT

This week’s business to check out is Rural Route 1 Popcorn

Looking for a road trip that ends in something delicious? Head out to Rural Route 1 Popcorn in Montfort, Wisconsin—a Driftless Region gem that’s been popping smiles since 1983!

Just off US-18, this beloved local business is known for its crave-worthy flavors like K'Nuckle (a sweet, salty, nutty dream), S.S. Dunkle, Cheddar Cheese, and the forever classic Caramel Corn. But the fun doesn’t stop at popcorn—inside the shop, you’ll also find a curated selection of goodies from talented Wisconsin and Midwest makers.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, savor the scenery, and leave with arms full of treats and a happy heart.

📍 Rural Route 1 Popcorn
🗺️ Montfort, WI – A scenic drive into the heart of the Driftless
🛍️ Popcorn, gifts, and local charm galore

Because sometimes, the best kind of adventure ends with a big bag of popcorn.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

This Club is Poppin’

Rural Route 1 Popcorn fans, listen up—there’s a reason the locals call it the Kernel Club! With every bucket or tin purchased in-store, customers earn a punch on their rewards card. After 9 purchases, the 10th is on the house!

No matter the size, every bucket or tin counts. It’s a tasty way to treat yourself—and get rewarded for it.

Join the Kernel Club and let the snacking (and savings) begin!

THANK YOU!

Please share with someone who might be just as excited as us to try out Fitchrona’s newest and hottest restaurant — Orchard!

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