Good Morning, Fitchrona!

Today is officially Take Your Christmas Tree Down Day!

Sure, it’s bittersweet—packing up the holiday magic and saying goodbye to twinkling lights until next December. But hey, look on the bright side: you’re about to reclaim those four feet of living room space! As you gather up tiny ornaments from every corner and finally see the top of your coffee table again, you might even remember what dusting feels like. (Just kidding—no one actually wants to clean, and let’s be honest, this part of the season is a total bummer.) That’s why we’re here—to add a little sparkle to your day and your cup.

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

In today’s Focus:

• Christmas tree disposal

• Using art to combat storm drain pollution

Let’s fill our cups!

-Liv - Fitchrona Focus Founder

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Last Week’s Highlights

Let’s Get Rid of Those Trees

Fitchburg — During the weeks of 1/10 & 1/24, place your live Christmas tree at your curb by 6:30am on your scheduled collection day (use the link to check for your collection day). Here’s what you need to do:

• Remove all tinsel, lights, decorations, tree stands, and plastic bags from your Christmas tree

• Make sure the tree isn't stuck or frozen in snowbanks

• Take apart garlands and wreaths —bundle the organic pieces and place the rest in your green refuse cart for curbside pickup

Verona — Public Works collects live holiday trees curbside on the 2nd and 4th Mondays in January (that’s the 13th & 26th). Here’s what you need to do:

• Place your tree behind the curb starting the Friday before (1/10 & 1/24) to keep the area clear for snowplowing

• Place your tree at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Monday (1/13 & 1/26) for pickup

• Remember: Trees must be free of lights, decorations, tree stands, or any other objects. Artificial trees won’t be collected.

Turn our Drains into Art Gains!

Since 2018, over 50 murals have been painted across 15 Dane County communities. Many were designed with local schools and youth groups, where they learned about stormwater pollution, created designs, and helped paint the murals.

The Storm Drain Mural Program, led by the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership and Dane County, collaborates with local artists to turn storm drains into canvases that educate about stormwater pollution. These colorful murals aim to raise awareness about how stormwater flows into local waterways, encouraging residents to consider ways to "Keep It Clean" and reduce pollution.

Dane County municipalities, organizations, schools, or community groups interested in having a mural painted can apply. There are two options:

• Option A: Choose a design from the Storm Drain Mural Design Catalogue, with the artist tailoring it to the specific location. Groups can help paint if desired.

• Option B: Provide input for a custom mural design, with the artist incorporating ideas for the location. Groups can assist with painting.

All materials and painting costs are covered—there’s no cost to the applicant. See more details here.

Application Deadline, February 15, 2025. Don’t let this opportunity go down the drain!

HAPPENINGS

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

• Monday, 1/6

  • 📚 - Preschool Story Time (Two Different Times) @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🩸 - Blood Drive @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🧘‍♂️ - Yoga For All Levels @ Fitchburg Community Center

  • 👦 - Lego Club @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🍻 - *Industry Night @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 💪 - Small Group Development (Winter Session) @ A Wellbeing Space

• Tuesday, 1/7

  • 🗯️ - *Trivia Tuesdays @ Paddy Mac’s Put on by Dream Day Entertainment

• Wednesday, 1/8

  • 🎨 - Toddler Art @ Fitchburg Library

  • 📘 - We are In A Book Club @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🗯️ - *Premier Trivia @ Delta beer Lab

  • 🎶 - Live Music: Elizabeth Mary @ Paddy Macs

• Thursday, 1/9

  • 🍪 - Bites & Insights @ The Cesta

  • 🕗 - Speed Meeting @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🤸‍♀️ + 🍺 - Pints & Pilates @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎶 - Live Music: Shekinah King with Steve Malin & Jow Iaquinto

• Friday, 1/10

  • 🪵 - Wood Carvers @ City of Fitchburg

  • 😄 - ExtraAF Comedy: Resolved!

  • ❤️‍🩹 - Wellness & Wealth Panel Discussion @ Virtual

• Saturday, 1/11

  • 💍 - Make Your Own Earrings - Valley of the Camps Jewelry & Gifts @ Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar

  • 🎶 - Live Music: Massino Solo @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🎶 - Live Music: Corey Matthew Hart @ Seminole Tap

  • 🏒 - Dane County Dairy Kings vs. Portage Lake Pioneers @ Verona Ice Arena

  • 🌲 - Snowshoe At Dusk @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 👩‍👧‍👧 - Lil’ Explorer Adventure - Winter Session (5 Sessions Over 10 Weeks - Saturdays or Mondays) @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 🍁 - Youth Volunteers for Conservation - Spring @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 💲 - Monte Carlo Night — Charity Gala Benefiting Cars Curing Kids @ Kelly Moss Motorsports

  • 📿 - Little Words Project Pop Up @ Dragonfly

• Sunday, 1/12

  • 🎭 - Alice in Wonderland Jr — Auditions @ Verona Area Community Theater

  • 🪶 - Pressed in Nature: Linocut Art Workshop @ Lussier Heritage Center

  • 🦮 - Veterinary Clinic @ Fitchburg Pet Supplies Plus

  • ☕ - Tea Party! @ Bad Art Co.

  • 🥩 - Meat Raffle @ Stone Porch Alehouse

Key: * =event is recurring

MAKER FEATURE

This week’s maker feature is Amanda, creator of Burlap & Barnwood.

Hi, I’m Amanda, owner and artist at Burlap and Barnwood. I have loved art my whole life, got my fine arts degree from UW-Madison and started my business ten years ago to showcase my art. I made a nice living off of craft shows and selling my art online, going viral a few times and gaining lots of followers around the world! I’ve done all forms of art from cake decorating, murals, and photography.

Recently my art has taken a new direction- burning my artwork on hats, which I’m now sharing by teaching classes at local establishments for a fun night out of crafting! Join us at my next event at Delta Beer Lab on 1/12 at 1pm to learn how to burn your own hat!

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

CHECK IT OUT

The Wellness & Wealth Panel: an evening packed with real advice, practical tips, and a solid dose of inspiration to help you thrive in 2025.

When: Friday, January 10th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍Where: 2020 Main Street, Cross Plains & Virtually
🎟️ Cost: $55 in-person/$25 virtual
👯 Space is limited to 25 in-person guests
💻 Join us virtually via zoom

Expert Tips Without the Fluff, just actionable strategies from experts in nutrition, fitness, organization, resilience, money and mental health. Including a mental health therapist from Marriage & Family Solutions, right here in Fitchburg!

Panelists include:

• Emmy Bright - Real Good Nutrition & Registered Dietician

• Melissa Oberle - Fitness expert & co-owner of Harbor Athletic Club & Wellness Studios and Canvas Club Boxing

• Mary Frost - Professional Organizer behind Frost Organizing

• Abby Green - online business coach

• Laura - Therapist specializing in transforming stress & trauma into growth and resilience

• Katy Ripp - money mindset coach, entrepreneur & host of the #ActuallyICan podcast

Get Your Questions Answered: Our live Q&A means you can ask literally anything.

Our in person tickets are sold out but virtual tickets are still available!!! Buy tickets and get more info here.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

Hop Haus Brewing Company has your back with $4 draft beers all. day. long. Your wallet will thank you. Your taste buds will thank you. Available at both locations!

📅 Every Sunday, all day long.

THANK YOU!

Thanks for reading the Fitchrona Focus today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who keeps their Christmas tree up until February!

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