ATHENS
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Athens Branch Library in January. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature-based activities. Upcoming Family Story Times will be Jan. 15, 22 and 29, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Book Club
The Athens Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. to discuss “The Storm We Made” by Vanessa Chan. In 1945 Malaya, a girl’s family is in terrible danger due to a choice she made 10 years earlier. Cecily Alcantara, who was lured into a life of espionage for the invading Japanese forces during WWII, will do anything to save those she loves. For more information, call 715-257-7292.
Guden birth
A son, Kameron Arthur, was born to Jessi and Kody Guden, Edgar, on December 20, 2024, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. He weighed seven pounds, 3.3 ounces and was was 20.25 inches long.
Book Club
The Edgar Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at noon to discuss “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah. When her father impulsively moves the family to mid-1970s Alaska to live off the land, young Leni and her mother are forced to confront the dangers of their lack of preparedness in the wake of a dangerous winter season. For more information, call 715-352-3155.
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Edgar Branch Library in January. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30-minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature- based activities. Upcoming Family Story Times will be Jan. 7 and 21, from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Medical supply closet
Edgar Community Church has taken over the medical supply closet started by the American Legion in the 1960s. The closet has a variety of personal home medical equipment available to the public, such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, lockers and toilet risers. The items are currently being kept in a storage unit, but the church plans to build a permanent storage shed. Donations of good-condition items, especially rollator walkers, are accepted.
To access the closet or arrange a donation, call the church at 715-9974827.
Family Game Night
All ages are invited to Edgar Branch Library for Family Game Night on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be a variety of board games and card games available to play, or guests are welcome to bring their own. Meet new people, try out different games, and spend quality time together. The event is open to the public; no registration required. Call the Edgar Branch at 715-352-3155 for more information.
Games at St. Stephen
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 424 N. Third Ave., Edgar, will host card games in the church basement on Wednesdays, Jan 8 and 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments and snacks will be served. If you need a ride or have questions, call Mark at 715-3485802 or Colleen at 715-571-8277.
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents/caregivers are invited to the Marathon City for story time each Thursday in January. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and more during our 30-45 minutes together. Upcoming Family Story Times will be on Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Book Club
The Marathon City Book Club will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, at 5:45 p.m. to discuss “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano. Awarded a college basketball scholarship away from his childhood home silenced by tragedy, a young man befriends a spirited young woman who welcomes him into her loving, loud, chaotic household. For more information, call 715-443-2775.
Snowflake Craft Day
Children are invited to stop by the Marathon Branch Library for snowflake-making fun during the Marathon School District’s in-service day on Friday, Jan. 24. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to create a beautiful, one-of-akind snowflake. The event is free, all supplies are provided, and no registration is required. Call 715-443-2775 for more info.
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Stratford Branch Library on Wednesdays in January. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30-minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literature-based activities. Upcoming Family Story Times are Jan. 8,15, 22 and 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Book Club
The Stratford Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. to discuss “The Women of the Copper Country” by Mary Doria Russell. A story inspired by the life of Annie Clements, retelling in historically authentic detail how in 1913 she led a courageous strike against the world’s largest copper-mining company. Call 715-687-4420 for more information.
For the birds
Children and their families are invited to the Stratford Branch Library on Monday, Jan. 27, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. to make a simple bird feeder. A staff member from Children’s Wisconsin/ Marshfield Family Resource Center will also be available for questions and to recommend community resources. The event is free; no registration required. Call 715687-4420 for more info.
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MARATHON COUNTY
Winter Trail Tales
Families are encouraged to cross-country ski through Nine Mile Country Forest and enjoy a picture book while doing so. Stop by the trail, open from dusk until dawn, to read “Whose Tracks in the Snow?” by Alexandra Milton. In partnership with the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. Call 715-261-7220 for more information.
MAREA
The Christmas meeting of the Marshfield Area Retired Educators was held Dec. 16, at The Country Aire Restaurant. President Sally Lucas called the meeting to order.
The minutes were read and corrected and the treasurer’s report was placed on file.
Several committee chairpersons made reports. The membership directory was updated with information from several members.
The passing of Michael Young was acknowledged.
Several members had visited various shut-ins of MAREA. Cards had been sent to other members for the holidays as reported by Carol B.
Doreen S. reported on the changes in academic standards for Wisconsin that make comparing past standards to present ones impossible.
Kathleen H. from the Health Committee reminded members that this is the season for treats. She added that practicing moderation will keep our bodies happy and bright.
Members shared various small gifts after playing Christmas Bingo. Christmas songs were sung and a meal was enjoyed by all.
The Jan. 20, 2025, meeting will be held at The Country Aire with the speaker Jim Bokern, who will discuss “Moonshine in the Northwoods/Hops and History.”
For more information about MAREA or about attending a meeting, email Sally Lucas at: sally.lucas@yahoo.com.
