So everyone out there celebrating Father’s Day seize the opportunity to start a new golfing tradition. After all, that is what Father’s Day is all about: doing something fun to show your dad that you love and appreciate him. Maybe, just maybe, your Dad will even let you drive the golf cart!

No more pencils, no more books! No more teacher’s dirty looks! 

Northeastern Wisconsin schools are out for the summer, and children look forward to 3 months of summer vacation. Meanwhile, area parents wonder how long it will be before their darling children will be saying, “I’m bored.”

From preschool to high school, tweens to tots, we have discount family activities that will keep your children entertained. These local family activities are fun for the whole family, and as always, offered at 50% off the normal admission price. Keep cool this summer, while you keep cool cash in your pocket.

We add more discount certificates daily, so keep checking back. Simply log onto RTownShopper.com, click Recreation, and select Other Activities for a list of available discount coupons and family packages. Here are some of our current discount family activities:

Splash the summer away with 4 Discount Season passes to the Pollock Community Water Park of Oshkosh. The waterpark has something for all ages with water slides, a lazy river, splash pad, and sand play area.

Instead of bouncing off the walls, get the wiggles out with this discount coupon for 4 passes to Badger Bouncers of Little Suamico (just north of Green Bay). Bouncers for ages 5 and under along with bouncers for all ages keep everyone in the family jumping for joy.

Sports fans in the family can golf, race, and hit with our discount certificate for Badger Sports Park of Appleton, good for 1 round of mini-golf, 1 go-cart race, and 4 batting tokens.

Invite a few friends along and skate to music and laser lights with our discount coupon for 4 people to Skater’s Edge of Appleton.

Get active in the great outdoors and paddle the Wolf River. Our discount certificate to Wolf River Adventures of Shiocton is good for a 4 hour rental of a 2 person canoe or single kayak.

Before you know it, those 12 weeks of summer will be over. Summertime is fleeting, but so is childhood, so take advantage of your children’s vacation while you can.

Father’s Day is coming Sunday, June 20th, and so are the predictable gifts. The regular stores are rolling out their usual ties and gadgets. But really, how many ties can one guy get?

Forget ties and gadgets. This Father’s Day, give Dad an experience he’ll remember. At RTownShopper.com, we offer discount gift certificates to all of Dad’s favorite activities. Instead of a cliche gift, give him the gift of time. You can even personalize the certificate with his name at check out.

Hit the links with Dad with one of our nearly 50 golf packages. Our discount golf coupons are good for outings at a variety of courses throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

For the race fan, we’ve got discount Road America tickets to the world-class road course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 4-mile road course hosts events ranging from vintage racing to superbikes and everything in between.

Put on your game face and go golfing, racing and more with our coupon to Badger Sports Park of Appleton, Wisconsin. He can do it all with our Fun Package, which includes mini-golf, go-carting, and the batting cage.

The happy camper will enjoy a 2-night stay at a one-room kabin at the KOA Campground of Alma Center, Wisconsin. Our discount camping pass is good for two adults.

Go rolling down the river with a gift certificate to Wolf River Adventures of Shiocton, Wisconsin. Our discount canoe or kayak rental is good for a 4-hour cruise.

Spend a day together doing something he loves. That’s the best way we can think of to say, “Thanks, Dad.” Happy Father’s Day!

The last notes have been studied, the final paper has been written, and the last essay question has been answered. Fox Valley graduates have earned their degrees, and it is finally time for family and friends to witness the transition.

If you’re traveling to Appleton, Green Bay or Oshkosh for the ceremony, check out RTownShopper.com for hotel travel discounts and gift certificates for the college graduate in your life. We also feature nearly 60 Fox Valley restaurant coupons for dining in the area.

As your graduate files in to the chords of Pomp and Circumstance, you know that the graduation march began years ago, and walking across the stage to receive a handshake and degree is merely the first steps of a new chapter.

As the ceremony concludes, they will move their tassel from right to left and earn a rousing round of applause for their achievement. No matter what grades or class rank they received as students, every one has now reached the proud goal of college graduate.

Congratulations Class of 2010! Here is a listing of area college commencement ceremonies:

Fox Valley Technical College
Sunday, May 16
1:30 p.m.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Kolf Sports Center

Lawrence University
Sunday, May 16
10 a.m.
Creasy Commencement Commons or Appleton Arena

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Wednesday, May 19
6 p.m.
Resch Center

St. Norbert College
Sunday, May 16
1:30 p.m.
Schuldes Sports Center

University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
Tuesday, May 20
7 p.m.
UW Fox Fieldhouse

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Saturday, May 15
11:30 a.m.
Kress Events Center

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Saturday, May 15
9 a.m and 2 p.m.
Kolf Sports Center

Reading and writing may be solitary pursuits, but authors and readers will be together at last during the 3rd Annual Fox Cities Book Festival April 11-18. Nearly 50 authors will participate in events at a variety of locations throughout the Fox Cities.

Authors including James Campbell, Chris Crutcher, Kim Edwards, Jane Hamilton, Lesley Kagen, David Wroblewski, and many others will take part in readings, panel discussions, literary talks, and more at local libraries and venues.

The events are free and open to the public with the exception of three ticketed events: Saturday brunch with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Ted Kooser; Sunday brunch with Steve Paulson, Executive Producer of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “To the Best of Our Knowledge;” and lunch with author and sportswriter John Eisenberg, who will be discussing his book, That First Season: How Vince Lombardi Took the Worst Team in the NFL and Set It On the Path to Glory. Tickets for these events are available for purchase at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton.

Book Festival attendees will be visiting community attractions such as the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, the Gardens of the Fox Cities, and the History Museum at the Castle. Events will also be hosted at libraries in Appleton, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, Neenah, and Menasha, along with Lawrence University and UW Fox Valley. There are 18 venues in all.

While out and about, be sure to sample some of our popular area restaurants. Locals know to check RTownShopper for discount certificates to favorites like Plum Hill Café & Art of Kaukauna, CasaBlanca Fine Latin Cuisine of Appleton, and Marty’s Supper Club of Kimberly. We feature discount dining coupons to nearly 50 restaurants in the Fox Valley.

For more information on the Fox Cities Book Festival authors and venues, see www.foxcitiesbookfestival.org.

Fox Valley schoolchildren will be taking a break from school in the next few weeks. In Green Bay, the Green Bay Area Public Schools Spring Break is March 22 through March 26. Appleton Area School District takes Spring Break from March 29 to April 2. In Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Area School District’s Spring Break runs from April 2 to April 9.

Need some ideas to keep the kids occupied? You don’t have to break the bank. Simply log on to RTownShopper.com, select Recreation, and click on Other Activities. Here are some of our favorite family activity certificates – all 50% off or more.

Take a mini-vacation at a local hotel. Many of our featured hotels offer a pool for the kids to enjoy, including this Green Bay hotel discount that includes a water park.

Try a game of bowling at your local bowling alley with our discount coupon to The 10th Frame in Appleton. They even offer bumper bowling for the younger kids.

Bounce the day away at Badger Bouncers of Little Suamico, just a few miles north of Green Bay. This discount offer to Badger Bouncers is good for admission for four to the indoor bouncing facility.

At Kidz Town of Green Bay, kids up to age 8 play in a town sized just for them. This discount certificate to Kidz Town is good for a whole month of fun.

Take the family roller skating. You can skate to music and lights with our discount coupon for four to the Skater’s Edge of Appleton. 

How about your family? What is your favorite family activity certificate from RTownShopper?

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games have dazzled us with many inspiring moments. Here are just a few:

• Bode Miller races to his potential, winning Olympic gold in the Men’s Super-Combined after withering under high expectations four years ago.
• Shaun White defies gravity in the Men’s Snowboarding Halfpipe with flips and spins that send him orbiting above his competition.
• Lindsey Vonn skis through pain, blazing down the mountain to take the gold medal in Women’s Downhill.
• In Men’s Hockey, a young Team USA defeats favorite Team Canada on home ice, skating into the quarterfinals 30 years after the original Miracle on Ice.
• Apolo Ohno slices his way to the front of the pack in Men’s Short Track, on his way to the most career medals ever won by an American at the Winter Games.

Inspired by the dedication, strength, and ability of the Winter Olympic athletes? Here in Northeastern Wisconsin, you can try winter Olympic sports for yourself, and even compete for a medal. Want to try curling? You can! Or maybe you want to hit the ice in an adult hockey league. Experience cross-country skiing or ski jumping events for yourself at a local ski club.

Now that the Winter Olympics are drawing to a close, take inspiration – from the games, from the passion of the competitors, from the possibilities of the human body. You don’t have to be an Olympian to be considered an athlete.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Compare your speed against skiers and boarders across the country in every age group. In NASTAR, racers compete against the clock, with the potential of earning medals and qualifying for national events. NASTAR Racing is held Saturdays and Sundays at BlackJack Resort, Bessemer, Michigan, and Thursday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at Pine Mountain Resort, Iron Mountain, Michigan. At Norway Mountain, Norway, Michigan, five different racing teams train and compete in events with Team Norway Racing.

Cross-country Skiing

The American Birkebeiner will be held this weekend in Hayward, Wisconsin, as it is every year. In “The Birkie,” America’s largest cross-country ski race, professional competitors on the Worldloppet circuit ski amongst the masses in 11 waves on a 50K course. While registration for this year is closed, you can still take part with the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.
http://www.birkie.com/

Ski Jumping and Cross Country Skiing
The Iola Winter Sports Complex offers 20K of cross-country trails open to the public for a daily fee. Or join the Iola Winter Sports Club, where you and your family can participate in cross-country ski events and learn about the sport of ski jumping on ski jumps ranging from 5 to 60 meters. Stay in nearby Stevens Point with our discount certificate to the Fairfield Inn, or use this travel coupon for the Stevens Point La Quinta Inn.

Hockey
Adult hockey leagues  play year round at the Appleton Family Ice Center. In the Green Bay area, the Cornerstone Community Center of De Pere offers adult hockey leagues for Novice and Elite players 18 years old and up. The Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink offers adult hockey leagues and clinics for players of all abilities.

Speed Skating
At Cornerstone Community Center, Team Cornerstone Speed Skating offers classes for all ages.

Ice Skating
In Oshkosh, Figure Skating and Ice Skating lessons are available at the Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink. In De Pere, the Cornerstone Community Center offers Open Skating, Figure Skating Lessons, and Skating Fitness classes.

Curling
At the Appleton Curling Club, leagues are available for all ages. New members are assigned a mentor to help get the training they need. A New Curlers Clinic is usually held at the beginning of December, and they offer a Learn to Curl League, with no experience required. The Green Bay Curling Club is offering Open Houses March 1-5 from 6pm to 9 pm, with instructors available. Leagues are available for every level.

All across Northeastern Wisconsin, families are sitting down at the kitchen table with forms, tax preparation software, calculators, and receipts. As if paying taxes wasn’t bad enough, figuring out taxes can take hours.

There’s no reason to procrastinate, especially if you’re expecting a refund. Here at RTownShopper,com, we love nothing more than helping you keep more money in your pocket. That’s why our discount certificates are always 50% off. In that spirit, we’ve compiled a list of free tax resources in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton to help you through tax time, and get your tax refund back faster.

You’ll find customer service numbers (yes, they do exist,) for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the IRS. For those who would like free personal tax assistance, check out the Fond du Lac library where DOR staff will answer your questions. And finally, those who qualify can receive FREE tax preparation and e-filing from locations in Menasha, Appleton, and Green Bay.

So get those taxes done, and get your tax refund back faster! Instead of figuring out your taxes, you could be planning your next ski vacation, Wisconsin golfing trip, or weekend getaway. Or, after all that work, reward yourself with relaxation at the spa.

Customer Service contacts:

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (State)
http://www.revenue.wi.gov/
Individuals: (608) 266-2772
Businesses: (608) 266-2776

Internal Revenue Service (Federal)
http://www.irs.gov/
1-800-829-1040

Tax Questions:

Fond du Lac

Department of Revenue staff answer questions. No returns will be prepared.
Fond du Lac Public Library
March 1, 15, 29, April 5, 15
9 am – 2:30 pm 

 VITA and TCE locations:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/ Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
For more locations, call 211
http://revenue.wi.gov/faqs/pcs/vita.html

Appleton/Neenah/Menasha

http://www.fvtc.edu/public/NewsDetail.aspx?Id=564
VITA, TCE and accounting students from Fox Valley Technical College will be providing free tax assistance to qualifying individuals and families.

Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin
1800 Appleton Road, Menasha
Feb. 1 – April 14
Mondays and Wednesdays 1 pm – 6 pm
Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
Thursdays 1 pm -6 pm February Only
Contact: (920) 731-6601

Green Bay

http://www.uwgb.edu/vita/
February 15 – April 14

Oneida Center for Self Sufficiency
2640 West Point Road
Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30

Salvation Army
626 Union Court
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 pm

UWGB General Access Computer Lab
2420 Nicolet Drive, Room IS 1129Q
Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Oshkosh

http://www.mainstreetoshkosh.com/2010/01/free-volunteer-income-tax-assistance.html
VITA services – Free tax assistance including electronic filing

Senior Center and Community Pantry
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
February 4 – April 10
Closed April 1,2, and 3.
Contact: Oshkosh Area United Way
(920) 651-3060 for questions or to make an appointment

Christmas is a time for gratitude, so we’d like to take the opportunity to thank you, our customers, for shopping RTownShopper.com.

We’re more than a discount gift certificate site. We’re striving to bring benefits to local communities, you and your families in other ways as well.

More time

Have more time for your family. There’s no clipping coupons, we offer immediate delivery right to your printer, and all of your favorite discount offers for Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and the Fox Cities can be found here in one place.

More money

More money in your pocket. Our discount gift certificates are at least 50% off on the value every day, and we offer loyal customer rewards with our points system for even more value to you.

Strong community

We hope you’ll discover your local merchants on our site, so you can shop local. We’ll help you find things to do in your local community by posting information on travel ideas and events in your town.

And speaking of community, we want to hear from you! What would you like to see on our site? Are there upcoming events in Wisconsin that we missed? What can we do better? And of course, we always love to hear back from you when you’re happy with us.

Even better coupon deals to come

What’s on our Christmas wish list? Simply help us spread the word. You can find us on Facebook – click on Suggest to friends to pass us along to your friends who like to save money. You can also follow us on Twitter. The more happy customers we have, the better coupon deals we can offer for you in the coming year.

Merry Christmas!

The holiday season can get hectic. There are Christmas parties, Christmas pageants, last minute gifts, Christmas cards, office gift exchanges, tree decorating…the list goes on and on.

Don’t let your Christmas to-do list overshadow time with your family. We are fortunate to have so many great family activities in the Fox Cities. In that spirit, we’ve listed a few holiday activities for you to enjoy in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green Bay. So bundle up the kids, take a day or an evening, and appreciate this special time together.

What’s your favorite Holiday family activity in the Fox Cities? Let us know in the comments!

Enchanted Victorian Christmas in Appleton, Wisconsin

What: Hearthstone Historic House Museum, decorated for the holidays, live music on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Where: Hearthstone Historic House Museum, 625 W. Prospect Ave, Appleton

When: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays with live entertainment.

Cost: Adults $6, Children (5-17) $3, Under 5 Free

Contact: 920-730-8204

Holiday Helpers Workshops at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin

What: Children and parents create a Victorian craft gift for someone special at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum.

Where: Hearthstone Historic House Museum, 625 W. Prospect Ave, Appleton

When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Dec. 5: Decoupage Boxes

Dec. 12: Wind Chime

Dec. 19: Mosaic Picture Frame

Cost: $8 non-members, $7 members

Contact: (920) 730-8204

Oshkosh Celebration of Lights

What: lights and displays

Where: Menominee Park, Merritt Ave and Hazel St. , Oshkosh

When: Every night from Nov. 25 – Jan. 1

Cost: $8 per car or $6 with non-perishable food donation

Contact: Oshkosh Convention & Visitors’ Bureau (920) 303-9200 (ask for Jodie)

13th Annual WPS Garden of Lights in Green Bay, Wisconsin

What: Mile-long walking tour or horse-drawn wagon ride through Green Bay Botanical Garden holiday displays.

Where: Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 27th-December 27th (Closed Christmas Day)

Fridays and Saturdays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Wagon rides: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

Sundays · 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Wagon rides: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)   

Cost: Horse drawn wagon rides: $10 adults, $6 children 5-12
 Walking tour (1 mile): $7 adults, $4 children 5-12
 Children 4 and under: FREE

Contact: (920) 490-9457, or toll free: (877) 355-4224

A Heritage Hill Christmas in Green Bay, Wisconsin

What: Horse drawn wagon rides, visit with St. Nick, baking sugar cookies, Christmas stories in the school house, historic dances, tour of Caroline Tank’s cottage decorated for Christmas, and make your own S’More.

Where: Heritage Hill State Historical Park, 2640 S. Webster Ave, Green Bay

When: Saturday Dec. 5, 12, and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $8 adults, $7 ages 62 and over, $6 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under. $1 off with donation of canned food item.

Contact: (920) 448-5150