Good Morning, Fitchrona!

Today is Rubber Ducky Day! 🦆🎉

As it goes, Sesame Street’s Ernie’s celebrated his famous rubber ducky’s birthday on this day in 1973. So let’s dive in!

The Focus will be 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

No Double Scans, Just Double Savings: Epic’s Big Win

Epic does it again! You know, that company that you assume every 22-year old post college graduate living in Madison works at.

The expansive electronic heath records company that connects to over 3,000 hospitals & 774,000 physicians, reports its system helped prevent over 5.8 million duplicate medical imaging exams in a year. This saved between $310 million and $2.6 billion depending on the type of scan. The system alerts providers when a patient has already had similar imaging, allowing them to cancel unnecessary tests.

By avoiding unnecessary imaging, healthcare providers save time, reduce costs, and minimize patient exposure to risks like radiation. Two independent research teams reviewed the data and reached similar conclusions, highlighting how better data sharing improves care and efficiency.

See the full article (via Radiology Business) here.

*Also - from the photo if you thought that we were going to take you to the Land of Oz, this is your plug to go visit Epic…it truly is epic.  Info on self guided tours here.

Hobbyists Unite: 3rd Space Garages Are Shifting into High Gear

Verona’s first luxury storage condo facility, 3rd Space Garages, is opening in early 2025 at Liberty Business Park - 644 Liberty Drive. Co-founded by Keith Schulz and Ben Menaker, the project was inspired by Keith’s struggle to find storage for his vehicles while staying in the Verona Area School District and his desire to share his hobbies with others. The facility will feature 31 customizable units with heating, cooling, water, and electrical options, designed to accommodate everything from classic cars and RVs to art studios and workout spaces. A clubhouse with a kitchen, lounge, and outdoor patio provides a social hub for hobbyists. Security includes gated entry, cameras, and individualized keypad codes. Keith and Ben envision a vibrant community with events, niche hobby groups, and shared passion for motorsports, woodworking, and more.

See the full article (via Verona Press) - here.

Ice Age Trail’s Milestones in Miles, Volunteers, and Visitors

2024 was a landmark year for the Ice Age Trail Alliance, marked by significant milestones in trail construction, volunteerism, and usage. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which passes through Verona, now has 702.6 miles of blazed trail, with new segments in Montello and Algoma, and improvements to existing paths like Greenbush, Blue Hills, Plover River, and Hemlock Creek. Volunteers contributed a record 103,439 service hours, positioning the trail among the top National Parks for volunteer engagement. The Alliance also completed 14 land transactions, securing critical properties for future development. Trail usage grew, with 4.65 million visitors generating $431 million in economic impact. CEO Luke Kloberdanz highlighted the ongoing success and enthusiasm for the trail, noting that its popularity has continued to rise post-COVID. The Alliance is excited to build on this momentum in 2025, further connecting people to Wisconsin's glacial history and communities. Follow them @iceagetrailorg or on their website them to keep up on what’s going on with our local trails!

See the full article (via Verona Press) - here.

HAPPENINGS

Over 50 Events Featured this Week!!!

There are too many events to feature here! Check out FitchronaFocus.com for all happenings!

• Monday, January 13th

  • 💪 4:00 pm - Foundations Class Group Strength @ A Wellbeing Space

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

  • 🎮 *5:00 pm - Dark Matter Smash Ultimate @ Isthmian Gaming

  • 🧘‍♂️ 5:30 pm - Yoga For all Levels @ Fitchburg community Center

  • 🧘‍♂️ 5:30 pm - Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction Workshop @ City of Fitchburg

  • 🖌️5:30 pm - Eat Your Words @ Verona Public Library

  •  🎴 6:00 pm - Madison Queer Cribbage Club @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 📽️ *6:00 pm - Independent Film Makers @ Copa

  • 👑 + 💰*6:30 pm - Drag Queen Bingo with Bianca Lynn Breeze @ 5th Quarter

  • 🕺6:45 pm - Broadway Adult Dance Class - MJ The Musical @ Verona Area Community Theater

• Tuesday, January 14th

  • 📘10:00 am - Storytime with the Verona Public Library @ Sow’s Ear

  • 🎨 4:00 pm - Cozy Crafts @ Verona Public Library

  • 🤖 5:30 pm - Robotics Junior 1.2 (Grades 1-5) @ Fitchburg community Center

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

  • ⁉️ *6:30 pm - Quizmasters Trivia @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • ⁉️ *7:00 pm - Trivia, America’s Pub Quiz @ Hop Haus Fitchburg

  • ⁉️*7:00 pm - Premier Trivia @ Delta Beer Lab

• Wednesday, January 15th

  • 🏠 5:30 pm - Home Buying Uncorked - Christine Cooper @ Toot + Kates

  • 📘 6:00 pm - Journey to New Orleans with Chef Eric Cook - Gris Gris Dinner @ Seven Acres Dairy

  • 🤓 6:00 pm - Hands Only CPR @ Fitchburg Public Library

  • 🍷 6:00 pm - Wine O’ Bingo @ Bailey’s Run

  • 🎶 6:00 pm - Live Music: Andy Braun @ Stone Porch Alehouse

  • 🍷6:30 pm - Family Fort Night @ Verona Public Library

  • 🍪6:30 pm - Cozy Book Cookie Decorating- Vicki Cookies @ Fitchburg Community Center

  • 🐟 7:00 pm - Fly Tying Class @ Fitchburg Community Center

  • 🎶 7:00 pm - Live Music: Girl Crush @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 📖 7:00 pm - Virtual Author Talk with TJ Klune @ Virtually through the Verona Public Library

• Thursday, January 16th

  • 🧑‍🍳 6:00 pm - Journey to New Orleans with Chef Eric Cook - Sait John @ Seven Acres Dairy

  • 👩 6:00 pm - Ladies Night @ Lazy Squirrel Cocktail Lounge

  • 🌱 6:30 pm - Learn to Grow Native Plants @ Lussier Family Heritage Center

  • 🎶 6:30 pm - Live Music: Phil Norby @ Seminole Tap

  • 🧩 6:30 pm - Pairs Speed Puzzle Contest @ Delta Beer Lab

  • ⁉️ 6:30 pm - Trivia, America’s Pub Quiz @ Hop Haus Verona

  • 🧳 7:00 pm - The Armchair Tourist: Cruising the Mediterranean @ Verona Public Library

• Friday, January 17th

  • 🚸 9:30 am - Young & Restless @ Verona Public Library

  • 🪵 12:00 pm - Wood Carvers @ City of Fitchburg

  • 🌱 1:00 pm - Native Garden Design Assistance @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 💃 6:00 pm - Blues in the Barn @ Four Winds Farm

  • 🚸 6:00 pm - Free! Preschool Open Gym @ Netherwood Knoll Elementary Oregon

  • 🎶 6:00 pm - Live Music: Tom Winkers @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🎶 7:00 pm - Live Music: Andy Braun @ Hop Haus Fitchburg

  • 👦 7:30 pm - Teen Among Us IRL Primary Tabs @ Verona Public Library

• Saturday, January 18th

  • 🚶‍♂️Dane County & City of Madison Permit Free Weekend!!!

    • This includes: dog parks, biking & mountain biking, lake access, cross-country skiing

  • 🎶 Time TBD - Live Music: James Crocket @ Al’s Dayton Place

  • 📝 2:00 pm - Writer’s Table @ Fitchburg Public Library

  • 🥩 2:00 pm - Meet Raffle with Active Youth Wisconsin @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎶 2:00 pm - Live Music: Lake Collective Band @ Bailey’s Run

  • 🤸‍♀️ 5:00 pm - Parent’s Night Out @ Gymfinity

  • 🎶 6:00 pm - Live Music: Junkyard Dogs @ Bodihow Brewing Company

  • 🎶 6:00 pm - Live Music: Dino Ante @ Hop Haus Fitchburg

  • 👑 6:00 pm - A Winter Wonder Drag Show @ Grumpy Troll

• Sunday, January 19th

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

  • 🪡 1:00 pm - Chunky Blanket Workshop @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎶 1:00 pm - Live Music: Andy Braun @ Bailey’s Run

Key - * indicates event is recurring

MAKER FEATURE

This week’s maker feature is Eliza Peterson, creator of Pack Mentality Hiking.

Hey! I'm Eliza Peterson, owner and Pack Leader at Pack Mentality Hiking. I'm a lover of all things involving nature, with an emphasis on hiking and dogs. I've been professionally caring for dogs for over a decade and I've been leading groups of canines on outdoor adventure hikes for almost four years. Growing up with dogs, I always knew they would be an integral part of my life. After working as an independent contractor for a different company for a few years, I took the leap and started my own pet care business, specializing in off-leash group dog hikes. Thus, Pack Mentality Hiking was born.

At Pack Mentality Hiking, we're focused on safety and transparency while providing high-quality and unique enrichment for your best canine buddy. We're an alternative to doggy daycare that includes stimulating exercise along with training and socialization, all in the great outdoors. We include hassle-free pick-ups and drop-offs so you can go to work with the assurance that you'll return to a peaceful home and a tuckered-out pup.

We currently have openings for a few more Pack members. Want your pup to become a part of The Pack? Visit our website at www.packmentalityhiking.com and get unleashed with group dog hikes for your best furry friend!

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

CHECK IT OUT

This week we think you should check out - Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar!

At Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar, our mission is to create warm spaces for people to gather and celebrate. We have a wine dispensing system to offer a self-serve wine option, feature an extensive selection of bourbon and have a full bar for flights and specialty cocktails. We also have a small menu with small bites (including but not limited to flatbreads and truffle tots) for grazing as you gather. We are open Tuesday - Saturday starting at 4pm (Fridays we open at 3pm) and on the first Sunday of every month we feature Bingo, Brunch and Bevvies: open from 11am-3pm, with Bingo starting at 12pm. Flight is perfect for private events as well, such as bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties and corporate events during times we are not open to the public. Email us at [email protected] to inquire about availability.

The peps over at Flight think you should also check out The Wine Reserve in Oregon, which they also own!

Have a place that we should check out? Submit it here.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

This week’s neighborhood deal features - Ambrosia Flame Candles!

Ambrosia Flame Candle warms your home through scent & ambiance. They are discontinuing a few candle scents, which means discounts for you! For instance, Chocolate Caramel Truffle and XOXO—perfect for Valentine's Day—are on sale. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to check out their monthly candle subscription!

THANK YOU!

Thanks for reading the Fitchrona Focus today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone remembers watching Ernie & Bert on Sesame Street on PBS!

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