The 2013 North Hudson Pepper Fest will take place August 16-17-18, 2013.  We are currently seeking BUTTON DESIGNS for the 2013 Festival!
Designs must use 3 solid colors, no shading & must fit into a 2.25" round button. All designs must be original without the use of any copyrighted materials such as artwork, graphics, or slogans.

Entries must be received by December 1, 2012. Submit designs to pepperfest@gmail.com. Please include name & contact info so we may reach you if your design is chosen.

Please help the family find their beloved 14 year old dog, Lucy.  The family lives in Houlton.

A kitten, approximately 10-12 weeks old found its way into our garage the evening before Thanksgiving. We managed to catch this kitten and brought it into our home...is anyone in the area of the Hudson Theater/ Hudson Hospital missing said kitten? I don't really want to put out the description only because I want the correct onwer to be found. I will be having animal control pick up this kitten tomorrow, unless the owner claims it before-hand. I can be reached via email at jkluoma05@comcast.net

With daylight fading earlier in the evening and temperatures easing downward, it is time to start thinking about winter in Wisconsin. State health and consumer safety officials ask Wisconsin families to learn about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, take steps to eliminate potential sources of the gas and make sure their homes comply with state law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all residences.

“More than 500 people die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands develop symptoms that require emergency medical attention,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer. “The best way to protect your family from the risks of carbon monoxide is to recognize the sources of the gas and to take preventative measures to limit your exposure.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with nearly half of all accidental carbon monoxide deaths occurring during the winter. This odorless, tasteless and colorless gas can be emitted from poorly functioning or unvented furnaces or other gas-powered home appliances. Most carbon monoxide poisoning victims die in their sleep without experiencing the early warning symptoms, like headaches, dizziness or nausea. Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood and can cause death in minutes at high levels. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches; fatigue; dizziness; shortness of breath/chest pain; nausea/vomiting; and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms or your carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, you should head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.

St. Croix County Public Health recommends the following safety tips to protect yourself and your family from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Carbon monoxide detectors are as important to your family’s safety as smoke detectors – if you do not have detectors in your home, purchase and install them immediately.
• Have your furnace or wood-burning stoves inspected annually to ensure that it is structurally and functionally sound and that it vents properly to the outside of your home.
• Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home for warmth. Any heating system that burns fuel will produce carbon monoxide. Use a battery-powered detector where you have fuel burning devices but no electric outlets, such as in tents, cabins, RVs, and boats with enclosed cabins.
• Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a door to the outside open.
• Generators should be run a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage.

By state law, carbon monoxide detectors are currently required in the basement and on every floor of a dwelling, other than attics and garages. Electrical and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors for homes and recreational use are available at most hardware and discount stores. Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning and batteries in the units should be changed annually.

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For more information, visit http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Air/fs/CO.htm

For carbon monoxide detector requirements, visit http://dsps.wi.gov/sb/SB-UdcAlarmsInfo.html

For winter weather safety tips, visit, http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/InjuryPrevention/WeatherRelated/WinterCold/index.htm.

Contact: Isaac Sorensen

Phone: 1-877-404-6536

Email: isorensen@gobuylocal.com

Raise Thousands for Nonprofits and ‘MAX’imize Hudson Dollars!

With MAX from Go Buy Local, Hudson nonprofits raise thousands of dollars and consumers save money by supporting local businesses

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, November 26, 2012 – Want to make a difference in your community but worry that your donation even makes an impact? With MAX from Go Buy Local, you don’t have to wonder!

Just in time for the holidays, MAX empowers consumers to become “ePhilanthopists” with a one-stop community portal to search for local fundraisers. And the MAXimized deals offer more than just the garden variety cookie dough or wrapping paper! With MAX, consumers have dozens of local business discounts and incentives at their fingertips…and Go Buy Local is always adding more! From gas, and groceries to restaurants and home décor, MAX has your everyday needs covered.

More deals, more variety, more saving…everybody wins with MAX!

With your help, nonprofits fundraise to the MAX for everything from new technology to field trips, research and more. It’s fun and easy to support nonprofits this holiday and beyond, just buy a MAX eCard ($20) online or from your local nonprofit to unlock access to exclusive deals of 25 percent off or more for 52 weeks from local businesses. 

The best part? Nonprofits keep up to 100 percent of funds raised – now that’s fundraising to the MAX! 

MAX takes the stress out of fundraising to make it a fun and profitable experience! MAX is your hassle-free solution to fundraising because there are no orders to take, no products to handle and no deliveries…no risk! MAX is also supported by customized eCards, webpage, tracking tools and online promotional tools to facilitate your fundraiser

MAX is an easy way to raise thousands of dollars for your school or cause!

MAX from Go Buy Local MAXimizes the impact of your dollar. While most fundraising services funnel dollars out of the community, MAX is committed to keeping your money local by giving eCardholders exclusive deals to local shops in your town.

Your entire town benefits!

And, with sustainability becoming an increasingly important issue, nonprofits, consumers and local businesses can all sustain their community to the MAX by keeping the money local…it’s a virtual win-win-win! MAX is also endorsed by your local school districts and the University of Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Community Development.

MAX truly takes “ePhilanthropy” to the next level!

With the giving season in full-swing, MAX is a great way for you to support your favorite nonprofit save money and keep your dollars local, which sustains your community. Sign up your nonprofit or buy a MAX eCard today at www.gobuylocal.com!

The Hudson Grocery Cooperative was welcomed as a new member of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. 

The Hudson Grocery Cooperative is a group of citizens working to open a community-owned, democratically governed grocery store in downtown Hudson. The store plans to feature food grown by local independent farmers, practical grocery staples, and kosher items. Memberships are currently being offered. 

Cutting the ribbon in the front were from left Howard, Tia, and Sinead. Second row from left Chamber Ambassador Barb Zimmerman, representatives from Hudson Grocery Cooperative Sarah Adkins, Suzanne Hambleton, Megan Laney, and Nancy Nichols and Chamber Ambassador Angela Olson.  Third row from left Chamber Ambassadors Susie Halverson and Jeremy Lilyquist, from Hudson Grocery Cooperative Bridget O’Meara, Chamber President Kim Heinemann and Chamber Ambassadors Kari Rambo and Dawn Marquart.  Back row from left, Chamber Ambassadors Joel Larsen and Ron Revere, from Hudson Grocery Cooperative Steve Nichols, and Chamber Ambassadors Bjorn Nesvold and Pat Millfelt.

To find out more, attend the next informational meeting on December 15 at the Hudson Public Library from 10:30am-Noon or visit HudsonGroceryCoop.org.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 2-8 - Take the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge

With the number of influenza cases running significantly higher than last year at this time, state health officials today encouraged Wisconsin residents to get their flu shots and tell family members and friends that it’s not too late to get protection against the flu. National Influenza Vaccination Week is, December 2-8.

“Wisconsin’s influenza season started early this year and we’re asking everyone to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu vaccination pledge by getting their flu shot and encouraging others to do the same,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer.

State health officials have also reported an increase in flu cases this year. There have been 113 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported this season, compared with 7 cases at this time last year. Twelve people have been hospitalized for influenza this season. There were no hospitalizations at this time last year.

The vaccine supply is ample, Anderson noted, and it is critical for older people and children to be protected. According to the CDC, everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated.

Holiday travel and college students returning home can result in the illness spreading. Anderson suggested that college students seek vaccinations at their campus health services prior to leaving for the holiday break.

Other options for getting vaccinated include healthcare providers, local public health departments or tribal health clinics. To find an influenza vaccination center near you, go to www.flu.gov.

More information on the flu: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/influenza/index.htm

Learn about the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/pledge/index.html

Canvas Health Launches the Clubhouse Recovery

A social gathering venue for adults 18 years and older who are in recovery from mental illness

Canvas Health, in partnership with Washington County Adult Mental Health, will be launching the Clubhouse Recovery on Tuesday, December 4th.  The Clubhouse Recovery will be open from 2:30 pm to 4:30pm on Tuesdays, with the exception of Christmas Day 2012 and New Year’s Day 2013. The Clubhouse Recovery is located at 1778 Washington Avenue, Stillwater, MN in East Suburban Resource’s art room just one door down from Brine’s Market.     

Attendance and activities are free, and newcomers are always welcome. Those choosing to attend will be in the company of friendly people who enjoy being out in the community. Opinions and suggestions are valued. Occasionally the Clubhouse Recovery will have impromptu activities. There will be times designated for members who want to share a talent or hobby or to be part of an audience offering encouragement to a member who is performing or presenting a topic.  All activities are designed to promote mental health recovery. Additional activities may include playing cards, board games, puzzles, guest speakers, live music, creating art and group projects. The contact person for the Clubhouse Recovery is Judy Gulden, (651) 251-5009.

Canvas Health is dedicated to bringing hope, healing and recovery to people’s lives. Each year Canvas Health programs serve more than 8,500 children, adolescents, adults and elderly challenged with debilitating aspects of mental illness, chemical misuse, aging, or physical and sexual abuse. Additional Canvas Health programs and services include: Crisis Connection; utilizing both volunteers and staff, who answer 44,200 crisis calls annually, a safe transportation program completing 40,000 rides annually, assistance of housing, employment and referrals to over 530 homeless youth, and anti-bullying educated to over 9,000 Washington County students.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 2-8 - Take the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge

With the number of influenza cases running significantly higher than last year at this time, state health officials today encouraged Wisconsin residents to get their flu shots and tell family members and friends that it’s not too late to get protection against the flu. National Influenza Vaccination Week is, December 2-8.

“Wisconsin’s influenza season started early this year and we’re asking everyone to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu vaccination pledge by getting their flu shot and encouraging others to do the same,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer.

State health officials have also reported an increase in flu cases this year. There have been 113 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported this season, compared with 7 cases at this time last year. Twelve people have been hospitalized for influenza this season. There were no hospitalizations at this time last year.

The vaccine supply is ample, Anderson noted, and it is critical for older people and children to be protected. According to the CDC, everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated.

Holiday travel and college students returning home can result in the illness spreading. Anderson suggested that college students seek vaccinations at their campus health services prior to leaving for the holiday break.

Other options for getting vaccinated include healthcare providers, local public health departments or tribal health clinics. To find an influenza vaccination center near you, go to www.flu.gov.

More information on the flu: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/influenza/index.htm

Learn about the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/pledge/index.html

At noon on December 16th two kids who founded a local youth fitness charity will be at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson, loading gently-used bicycles to send to the Lakota Indian Nation.

Tri to Change the World, Inc. (TCW), a Hudson-based kids' fitness charity founded by the sister-brother team of Emma and Rob Moody, is still seeking bikes in good working order as part of their charitable outreach program.

This year, youth who raised funds with TCW through the summer cycling program have gathered 20 bikes and helmets for the children of the Lakota Indian Nation.

Co-founder of TCW, 11-year-old Emma Moody said, "We still have room for more bikes. Bikes are good for more than just your health. The are good for the environment and older kids can even use bikes to get to and from jobs."

To arrange drop off or pick up of donated bicycles, please email Susan Moody, president of TCW at susan@tritochangetheworld.org or call 715-386-8544.

Tri to Change the World, Inc. is identified by the IRS as a 501(c)3 tax exempt public chartity. Your bicycles and cash contributions may be tax-deductible. Contact your tax advisor for how donations to TCW affect your personal tax scenario.

Have a question about the financial aid process or applying for college? How to find scholarships or prepare for the SAT or ACT tests? Students and families will have an opportunity to ask an expert guidance counselor these questions and more during a live Twitter chat about post-graduate plans and college preparation on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. CST. The event—Virtual High School and Beyond— will be hosted by Connections Academy, a leading provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual schooling for students in grades K through 12, and is the school’s first-ever Twitter chat.

Parents and students, from both traditional and online high schools, are invited to connect with Katy Brennan, manager of counseling services with Connections Academy, for a live question and answer session about preparing for life after high school. Brennan will provide answers to questions asked by attendees on the topic and will offer supplemental resources to help further the discussion after the event.

What: Live Twitter Chat — Virtual High School and Beyond

How: To see the discussion, follow @ConnectionsAcad on Twitter. To Tweet questions during the chat, use hashtag: #AskConnections.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7 to 8 p.m. CST

Who: The general public is invited to join the Twitter conversation as Connections Academy Manager of Counseling Services Katy Brennan answers questions.

Connections Academy schools offer a challenging, standards-based alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar school with a full-time virtual school program that combines certified teachers and a comprehensive curriculum with technology tools and community experiences to create an individualized approach to education. 

The high school program is complete with a wide variety of courses including honors and AP, which provide a solid foundation for whatever path graduates choose—attending college or starting a career. Connections Academy graduates have been accepted to more than 300 different colleges and universities including Williams College, Vassar College, Notre Dame University, Duke University, The College of William and Mary, Boston University, New York University, and more.

Supporting Connections Academy’s commitment to college and career readiness, the Twitter Chat joins a host of other high school counseling initiatives offered by the online school including: “Career Chat” webinars, field trips to colleges and college fairs, ACT/SAT prep, among others. Furthering the support offered to high school students, Connections Academy recently launched a new website (www.ConnectionsAcademy.com/Teens) designed specifically for teens (ages 13-18) to learn what to look for and expect in an online high school, as well as show how Connections students are prepared for graduation and beyond.

The site features:

• Virtual college tours, online workshops and other college and career preparation resources
• Student videos highlighting why students choose virtual schooling, how they are succeeding, their hobbies and future plans
• Real-time Instagram photographs from students demonstrating their lives as virtual school students
• “Ask a Grad” program for students to connect with Connections Academy graduates

Online learning is a growing trend—275,000 students attended full-time online schools in the 2011–12 school year and more and more states are considering online courses for high school graduation requirements, according to the annual “Keeping Pace with K-12 Online & Blended Learning” report.

ProCuts, a salon that specializes in no-fuss cuts geared to a guy’s active lifestyle, recently opened in the Hudson Marketplace East shopping center at 103 Carmichael Rd. in Hudson, WI. Friends, neighbors and community members are invited to help celebrate the grand opening of Wisconsin’s first sports-themed ProCuts on Saturday, December 8.

The new store is the debut location of first-time franchisees Dave and Shelley Williams. “I’ve been with the same company for about 28 years, and wanted to explore something different,” said Dave. “We were excited by ProCuts’ sports theme, and we’re thrilled to introduce the brand to neighbors in Hudson.”

ProCuts is celebrating its Grand Opening with $9 haircuts for all guests (regularly $15/$18) from Saturday, December 8 through Monday, December 31. Everyone who gets a haircut on Saturday, December 8, will receive 20% off American Crew hair products.

The new ProCuts has a team of exceptional stylists with great experience. Adult haircuts, called ProCuts, are $18; Semi-Pro cuts, for those 18-years and younger, are $15. All haircuts include a shampoo, head and neck massage, and hot towel treatment. A little good grooming – like taming unruly eyebrows and random strays – comes with every cut.

The salon is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome or call 715-381-8441 for call-ahead service. ProCuts accepts most major credit cards and cash.

Representatives from the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Pro-Cuts owners David & Shelley Williams as new members of the Chamber. Pro-Cuts offers men a great haircut experience in a sports themed atmosphere. Although they are geared for men, the salon will also service women and all members of the family. A Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, December 8 at their location at 103 Carmichael Road from 9am-5pm. They are offering $9 haircuts and 20% off of all hair care products for the month of December.  Present for a ribbon cutting were, front from left, Chamber Ambassador Pete Keskey, Pro-Cuts staff Amber O’Herrin, Mary Knopp, owners Shelley & David Williams, Susie Aegerter, and Charity Bostrom, Chamber Ambassador Marcia Laces, Elizabeth Festin of Regis Corporation, and Chamber Ambassador Paul Simmons. Back row from left, Chamber Ambassadors, Jill McNamee, Kari Rambo, Traci Leffner, and Bjorn Nesvold, Chamber President Kim Heinemann, Chamber Ambassadors Ron Revere and Jeremy Lillyquilt, Jamie Brudos of Regis Corporation, Chamber Ambassador Dawn Marquart, Brian Thomas of Regis Corporation, and Chamber Ambassadors Pat Millfelt and Joel Larsen. For more information call (715)381-8441 or visit www.procuts.com.

The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau held a ribbon cutting ceremony for new member Rejuvenate Skin and Laser Clinic. Rejuvenate Skin and Laser Clinic is located at 903 Pearson Drive. The day spa offers customized age-appropriate treatments and effective beauty therapies for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, acne, cellulite, skin care products, facial treatments, tattoo removal and more. Present were, from left, Chamber Ambassadors Jenny Olson and Ron Revere,  Rejuvenate staff Erica Wamstad, Chamber Ambassador Kari Rambo, Rejuvenate staff Tracey Wilson, Chamber Ambassador Pat Millfelt, Rejuvenate Staff Jocelyn Young, Chamber Ambassador Traci Leffner, Rejuvenate owner Lori Sandmon, Rejuvenate staff Jill Weegman, Chamber Ambassador Jeremy Lilyquist, Rejuvenate staff Jamie Mickolichek, Chamber Ambassadors Pete Keskey, Marcia Laces, and Dawn Marquart, and Chamber President Kim Heinemann. Call (715) 377-1777 or visit www.rejuvenatelaserclinic.com for more information.

Red kettle bell ringers

The Christmas Campaign for Kids still needs sponsors to provide a Christmas experience for children in the Hudson school district who would otherwise miss out on the joy of Christmas. Go to the Operation HELP web site to sign up to be a sponsor for 1 child or as many as 4 children.

    www.operationhelpstcroix.org

The joy of Christmas is in the giving spirit and the faces of children.

Bags and Bands Event Raises $1,200 for Hunger Relief Effort – UWRF Marketing Communications students hosted event to assist Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

 RIVER FALLS, WI--UWRF Marketing Communications students recently hosted Bags and Bands, a fundraising event on behalf of Hurricane Sandy victims. The event, which was held on Thursday, November 29^th, raised $1,200 for Feeding America’s hurricane relief campaign. 

“This was such a successful event," stated marketing communications student, Amanda Carlson "Marketing Communication classes have hosted previous events, but this was the first time we tried a bean bag tournament. There were 32 teams in the tournament, many of whom were dressed in costumes.”

In addition to the bean bag tournament, the event featured live music performances from MaryPat Speerstra, Josie Olson, The Deep V’s, Cjell Cruze, Mustard Bus and Bad Habits Brass. They also had a raffle for a wide array of prizes donated from area businesses and students.

Bags and Bands is the fourth event put on by a UWRF Marketing Communications class. To date, class-run events have distributed nearly $6,000 in cash, food and personal care items to various charities. The program’s Nonprofit Marketing Communications class will be hosting their event sometime in May of 2013

Bags and Bands would like to thank the following organizations for their support: The University of River Falls Marketing Communications and Risk Management Departments, Juniors, CBS Radio, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, Association of Women in Agriculture, Subway, Applebees, AMC Theatres and Luigi’s Pizza.

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Please help us find Brody! He is a five year old Red Fox lab mix, he is neutered and friendly. He escaped out of the house last night and was last seen around 14th Street and Coulee Rd at 10pm (BP gas station)

He has a white belly and brindled red coat. He is a very fast runner, he actually sprints.  He will probably cover a lot of ground if we cannot find him. We miss him dearly.

Please call Chad if you have any sightings to report at 651-983-0953 or Angie at 651-983-1015

We've Just raised $25,000!! But are still in need of donations in order to reach our goal by 9pm tonight 12/12/12. Come on down see Santa and donate. Santa will be there at 4pm today!!

The Hudson Varsity Raidaires Dance Team will kick off its competition season this Saturday, Dec. 15, at Eau Claire Regis High School. The girls will compete two team routines as well ensembles and solos. With a wonderful pool of talent on the team this year the girls are looking forward to a very exciting season. Good luck, girls!