Good Morning, Fitchrona!

This week, we face a tough choice—celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or indulge in American Chocolate Week? Luckily, there’s no rule against both. So raise a glass, grab some locally made chocolates from Driftless Chocolates, and enjoy the best of both worlds. Sláinte and sweet treats for all!

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

Sweet News: It’s American Chocolate Week

If you needed an excuse to indulge in something rich and chocolatey this week, consider this your official permission slip. It’s American Chocolate Week, and we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on a local gem: Driftless Chocolates, nestled right on the Mount Horeb Trollway!

Check out our story on Driftless Chocolates here!

Chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience, a memory, a moment shared. And no one understands that better than Driftless Chocolates.

Take their Wisconsin Supper Club Collection, inspired by the timeless tradition of gathering for a night of great food, good company, and a perfectly mixed cocktail. From the warm welcome of a Brandy Old Fashioned to the creamy indulgence of a Pink Squirrel ice cream drink, each chocolate captures the nostalgia of a true Wisconsin supper club experience.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Artisan Dark Collection is all about pure, nuanced chocolate. Made from single-origin cacao, each piece reflects the unique flavors of its growing region—some bright and fruity, others deep and earthy. Tasting them is like traveling the world through chocolate!

At the heart of Driftless Chocolates is a simple belief: "Chocolate brings us together." Whether it’s reminiscing over supper club traditions, savoring a rich piece of dark chocolate, or gifting a beautifully crafted box to someone special, chocolate has a way of creating connections.

And because local matters, Driftless Chocolates sources cream, butter, honey, teas, fruits, and more from Wisconsin producers. This not only ensures freshness and quality but also celebrates the incredible flavors of our region.

Find all the chocolate goodness on their website or @driftlesschocolates, you’re one bite away from incredible.

Plant Dane: Native Plants at a Discount!

Thinking about adding some native plants or starting a rain garden this spring? Now’s the perfect time! The Plant Dane Native Plant Program is open now through March 18, offering an affordable way for Dane County residents to bring more native beauty to their yards while supporting pollinators, wildlife, and water quality.

Why go native? These plants don’t just look great—they act like nature’s sponges, soaking up rainwater and reducing stormwater runoff into our lakes, rivers, and streams. Plus, they’re a boon to local pollinators like butterflies and bees!

Through the Ripple Effects Wisconsin Plant Dane program, you can purchase native plants at nearly half the normal retail price. Here’s the deal:

🌱 Individual Plant Species (4-Pack) – $12.00 ($3.00/plant)
🌱 Plant Kit w/ 16 Plants – $44.00 ($2.75/plant)
🌱 Plant Kit w/ 32 Plants – $88.00 ($2.75/plant)

Order by March 18 (or while supplies last—up to 35,000 plants available). Plant pick-up is on May 17.

Need help designing your garden? The Plant Dane website even offers FREE planting plans tailored to different spaces and sunlight conditions:

Downspout Garden (Full/Part Sun) – 32 plants
Monarch Magnet (Full Sun) – 16 plants
Pollinator Garden (Full/Part Sun or Shade) – 16 plants
Pops of Color (Full/Part Sun) – 32 plants
Rain Garden (Full/Part Sun) – 32 plants

Don’t miss this chance to beautify your yard, support local ecosystems, and make a difference in our waterways!
Learn more and place your order — here 

Dream Dress for Less – Shop & Support a Great Cause!

Looking for a wedding dress, prom gown, or quinceañera dress? Find your perfect look for less at Agrace’s “Dream Dress for Less” Closeout Sale—where every purchase supports a great cause!

📅 March 13 – 23
📍 East Towne Mall, Madison (Center court, between the Food Court & Flix Brewhouse entrances)
🕙 Mon. – Sat.: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sun.: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What You’ll Find:
✅ 1,000+ never-worn dresses – bridal, prom, quinceañera & more!
✅ Deep discounts – designer gowns for $100 – $500
✅ Variety of styles & sizes – from bridal to mother-of-the-bride
✅ Shop for a cause – all proceeds benefit Agrace, a nonprofit, community-based health care agency providing hospice and supportive care in private homes, skilled nursing, assisted living, and other residential facilities across southern Wisconsin.

Not in need of a gown? Support Agrace by shopping at Agrace Thrift! With four resale stores in south-central Wisconsin, you’ll find quality furniture, home décor, clothing, books, and more—all at thrifty prices.

Madison Stores:

• Madison-West: 118 Junction Road

• Madison-Home Store: 1946 S. Stoughton Road

• Madison-East: 2402 E. Springs Drive

Every purchase, donation, or volunteer hour at Agrace Thrift helps fund Agrace’s compassionate care services, including hospice, supportive care, and grief support.

Don’t miss this chance to save big and give back! For dress previews, visit Agrace.org/Bridal. To learn more about Agrace Thrift, visit Agrace.org/Thrift.

A New Chapter for Kismet Books

Since 2020, Kismet Books has been more than a bookstore—it’s been a beloved community hub. Now, founder Rye is passing the torch as family commitments keep them overseas. Taking over on March 19th, 2025, are Melissa & Suzi, a mother-daughter duo passionate about books, storytelling, and building meaningful connections.

Melissa & Suzi believe that bookstores are more than just a place to buy books—they are gathering spaces where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed, and creativity flourishes. With a deep appreciation for independent bookstores and the unique role they play in communities, they are excited to continue Kismet’s tradition of fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and book-loving space.

They look forward to meeting Kismet’s readers, hosting engaging events, and curating shelves that inspire. Thank you for your support during this transition—exciting new chapters await!

Run for the Trees: A Virtual 5K

Spring is here—time to lace up, hit the trails, and make a difference! The 2025 Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K supports tree planting and forest conservation, inspired by Bob Ross. Hosted by the Wisconsin DNR, this virtual event funds tree health efforts statewide.

• How to Get Involved: Register by April 1 to represent Wisconsin.

• Walk, run, skate, cycle, or use a mobility device anywhere between April 19–27

• $36 registration includes a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, bib, and shipping.

• A portion of fees supports Wisconsin state parks, forests, and trails.

Pick your route—Military Ridge, Ice Age Trail, or your neighborhood—and get moving for a greener future!

Don’t miss this chance to get active and give back to nature. Sign up here!

HAPPENINGS

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

Starting next week - we’ll feature ~30 events in the newsletter & the rest can be found on the events calendar, so be sure to bookmark it here!

• Monday, March 17th (Happy St. Patty’s Day)

  • ☕ 8:00 am - Free Coffee & Conversations for Veterans with Deb Lins Opening Doors Together, LLC @ Cambridge Market

  • 🌱 1:30 pm - Online Programs for Wisconsin Gardeners (Free) with UW-Madison Extension of Horticulture

  • 🎉 4:00 pm - Sugar Troll Turns 4 years Old Celebration

  • 🎨 6:00 pm - Paint & Sip @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🧗‍♀️ 7:00 pm - Learn to Belay & Learn to Lead Class @ Greater Heights Climbing Gym

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

• Tuesday, March 18th

  • 💻 11:00 am - Tech Topics @ Fitchburg Library

  • ❤️‍🩹 6:00 pm - Wellness Workshop -Foundations of Whole Body Wellness - (Free Must Register) @ The Marigold Room

  • 💻 6:00 pm - Great Decisions @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🍪 6:30 pm - Cookie’s Book Club with Librarian Chloe @ Miggy’s Bakes

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

• Wednesday, March 19th

  • 🧭 10:00 am - Toddler Explorers @ Fitchburg Library

  • 🧵 4:30 pm - Library Yarns Knit Along: Cabled Pillow Cover @ Verona Library

  • 💻 5:30 pm - Training & Education for Aspiring Managers —Delivering & Receiving Feedback @ UW Extension & Fairshare CSA Coalition

  • 🍽️ 6:00 pm - Christina Ward & Holy Food Dinner Series @ Seven Acres Dairy

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Madison Jazz Workshop & Jam @ COPA

  • 🎨 6:00 pm - Paint Your Pet Night @ Lake Louie

  • 🎵 6:30 pm - Live Music: Tamilia Violin/Viola @ Zafferano Ristorante

  • 🎵 7:05 pm - Live Music: Blue Spruce @ Paddy Mac’s

• Thursday, March 20th

  • 🍺 3:00 pm - Epic Campus Tour & Networking Happy Hour w/ Verona Chamber of Commerce

  • 🍕 🍔 4:00 pm - Teen Gaming & Pizza @ Verona Public Library

  • 🍽️ 6:00 pm - Chef Paul Fehribach & Midwestern Food @ Seven Acres

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Pairs Jigsaw Puzzle Contest @ Delta Beer Lab

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

• Friday, March 21st

  • 💻 12:00 pm - Social Media Frenemy Workshop @ Actually We Can Collective

  • 🧵 4:00 pm - Adult Crafternoon: Resin Bookmarks @ Verona Public Library

  • 💃 5:00 pm - Early Dance Party @ Loxley

  • 🧵 5:00 pm - Queer and Ally Crafting Night @ Sow’s Ear

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Live Music: Bamm Accoustic @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Beer Dinner with G5 Brewing Company @ Four Winds Farm

• Saturday, March 22nd

  • 😅 Sauna Pop Up @ Doundrins Distilling

  • 🧑‍🎨 10:00 am - Gathering of Artists @ New Glarus Library

  • 🌱 12:00 pm - Fruit Tree Pruning & Grafting for Beginners @ Four Winds Farm

  • 🎵 2:00 pm - Live Music: Sharona & Ray Ray @ Bailey’s Run

• Sunday, March 23rd

  • 🍺 12:00 pm - Euchre Tournament @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🥩 1:00 pm - Meat Raffle @ Stone Porch Alehouse

  • 🎵 1:00 pm - Live Music: Gabe Schillman @ Baileye’s Run

  • 🍽️ 4:00 pm - Date Night at the Dairy @ Seven Acres

Key - * indicates event is recurring

MAKER FEATURE

Maker Spotlight: Just A Bite – Custom Cupcakes & Sweet Treats!

Meet Margie Heckard, the creative force behind Just A Bite, a Fitchburg-based cottage bakery specializing in custom buttercream cupcakes, cookies, and caramels—including gluten-free and vegan options! Margie’s passion for baking shines in every treat, and she loves experimenting with flavors to create unique, handcrafted desserts.

Find Just A Bite at The Rusty Bee Lounge This Week!
🍀 March 17 | 6-8 PM
She’ll be selling Irish-inspired St. Patrick’s Day desserts, including:

- Little Luckies (GF): Milk chocolate base with minty marshmallow buttercream & mini chocolate chips – $2.50 each
- Mini Irish Cream Pies: Milk chocolate & Oreo crumb base, topped with coffee & vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream – $3.00 each
- Vegan Green Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Vegan Buttercream – $3.50 each
- The ULTIMATE Brookie! Brownie Bundt with Coffee Nutella Swiss Meringue Buttercream, topped with a Brown Irish Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie & edible Rusty Bee Lounge image – $5.00 each
- Kerrygold Irish Butter Salted Caramel – $2.50 each
- Giant Brown Irish Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar – $5 each
- 4-pack of Brownie Bundts with Minty Buttercream – $12

Order 48 hours in advance: [email protected] (Local delivery & pickup available!) Check her out @justabitemadison.

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

CHECK IT OUT

Check It Out Spotlight: Aarochelle – Vintage & Antique Art for Every Collector

We are Aaron & Michelle, sweethearts with an incessant desire for travel and pursuing the acquisition of precious items. We are the passionate duo behind Aarochelle, a curated collection of one-of-a-kind vintage and antique art. 

We believe that art should be available to everyone regardless of budget. With over 20 years of selling experience and over 20k pieces of art sold to private individuals and public institutions. We have a vast archive of artwork from all over the world, dating back to the 18th century.

Why buy from a bygone era? Owning a piece that has been a part of different people's stories over the last 50, 100, 200+ years. A piece that's lived in cottages or castles throughout the world. A piece that has made it through wars and revolutions. A piece that is the only one to exist. That's the beauty and value in vintage and antique art.

In the era of mass production, let us help you find the one of a kind.

We currently have our first FREE giveaway happening on our IG @aarochelle (ending April 6th). It is a vintage 1999 pink rose watercolor by the German artist, Poldi Reich, inspired from his time in Chédigny, France, known as “The City of Roses.” Framed in a solid pewter (2.4lbs) rose carved frame and comes with a black easel for easy displaying.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

This week’s Neighborhood deal is-Jada’s Garden & Greenhouse!

It’s finally time to shake off winter and get your garden growing! Jada’s Garden & Greenhouse is celebrating their Spring Opening on March 21st!

🌿 Enjoy 25% OFF everything all opening weekend! 🌿

Whether you're after vibrant annuals, hardy perennials, fresh herbs, vegetable starts, seeds, trees, shrubs, houseplants, pottery, or gifts—Jada’s has it all. Need help designing the perfect planter? They do container designs, too!

M-F: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat/Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM

Check out their website or @jadas_garden.

THANK YOU!

Thanks for reading the Fitchrona Focus today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone *** !

Was The Focus forwarded to you?

Submit An Event or Promotion

Suggestions or Ideas For Future Newsletters