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 three elderly Gallagher sisters have never married, they go everywhere together and they are all hard of hearing. One windy Spring day as they are walking down the streets of Dublin…

Mary Elizabeth says, “Whew, it is sure windy today.”

Molly replies, “No, no. Today is Thursday.”

Kathleen says, “So am I. Let’s find a bar!

Lucky for these three ladies, Dublin’s Irish Pub in Oshkosh will be celebrating their official Grand Opening this Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14. Dublin’s brings a wee bit o’ Ireland to Oshkosh with their warm and welcoming tavern house.

Relax, socialize, tell stories and exchange gossip and rumors over authentic Irish drinks such as Guiness, Harp, Jameson, Bushmills, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Customers can also sample traditional Irish fare such as Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew and Soda Bread and Fish and Chips. Standard pub favorites, like burgers, sandwiches and wraps are available as well.

Here’s hopin’ you’ll have the luck of the Irish—the Grand Opening Celebration at Dublin’s Irish Pub will also feature free giveaways, including FREE GUINNESS for a YEAR!

Dublin’s is located at 2070 W. 9th Ave. , Oshkosh. Keep checking back for this pot o’ gold—we’ll soon be offering discount restaurant gift certificates to Dublin’s on RTownShopper.com! Enjoy timeless pub comfort, a warm fireplace, and a full pint, or in the words of an Irish Welcome:

“Here’s Céad Mile Fáilte to friend and to rover.
That’s a greeting that’s Irish as Irish can be.
It means you are welcome a thousand times over.
Wherever you come from, Whosoever you be.”

***Don’t forget to enter our RtownShopper.com free pizza giveaway! Contest ends Nov. 16. Enter today!***

Halloween events are in full swing in the Fox Cities and Green Bay area. We’ve put together an area listing of haunted houses, trick or treat outings, pumpkin carving, costume contests, and games for all ages.

Did we miss a Halloween activity? Let us know in the comments so we can add it to our list.
What’s your favorite Halloween event?

Neenah

Youth Go Haunted House
What: Haunted House to benefit Youth Go
Where: Neenah’s Old City Garage, 333 W. Cecil St., Neenah.
When: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Oct.16-17, 23-24, 29-31.
Cost: $10 at door, $5 ages 10 and under (parental discretion recommended).
Contact: (920) 722-1435

Children’s Day at the Haunted House
What: Lighted, child friendly tours of the Youth Go haunted house, carnival games and crafts and trick-or-treating. Kids (and chaperone) come in costume! All proceeds benefit Youth Go.
Where: Neenah’s Old City Garage, 333 W. Cecil St., Neenah.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 31.
Cost: $3 per person and one can of non-perishable food.
Receive one free ticket for an evening show (limit one ticket per family) with donation of a new or gently used coat for Coats for Kids.
Contact: (920)722-1435

Burial Chamber
What: Two haunted houses, haunted woods, and burial simulator
Where: Burial Chamber, 500 N. Lake St., Neenah.
When: 7-11:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 15, 18, 22, 25, 28-29.
Cost: $14 and up.
Contact: (920) 727-4669

Haunted Hay Rides
What: Scary but fun ride to the woods, walk through the woods, and hayride back. Bonfire and refreshments available.
Where: Cavanaugh’s Carriages, 3910 Fairview Road, Neenah
When: Rides start at dark Oct. 16-17, 22-24, 28-31.
Cost: $10 per person
Contact: (920) 836-2013

Menasha

Great Pumpkin Hunt
What: Kids search for pumpkin coins hidden in the park, and then exchange them for candy and prizes. Bring flashlight, costume recommended. Meet at the Clovis Park shelter. See below for meeting times per age group. No pre-registration necessary.
When: Oct. 26
Ages 4 and under  6 p.m.
Ages 5-7  6:15 p.m.
Ages 8 and up  6:30 p.m.
Where: Clovis Park, 974 Ninth St., Menasha.
Cost: Free.
Contact: Menasha Parks and Recreation Department, (920) 967-3640.

Oshkosh

Three Floors of Horror
What: Haunted house for ages 10 and older.
When: Oct. 23-25, 29-31.
Thursday: 7-11 p.m.
Friday 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Saturday 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sunday 7-10 p.m.
Where: 915 S. Main St., Oshkosh.
Cost: $10 per floor /$20 for all three floors
Ghoul Pass (immunity from monsters) $5
Contact: Threefloorsofhorror@gmail.com

EAA’s Haunted Hanger
What: Spooky guides lead visitors on a flashlight tour of the Haunted Hanger.
Where: EAA AirVenture Museum, 3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh
When: Oct. 23-24, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person, EAA members are free
Recommended for elementary and middle school-age children and families.
Contact: (920) 426-6880

EAA’s Slightly Haunted Hanger
What: Trick or Treat, games, Halloween activities. Dress in costume! Recommended for younger children.
Where: EAA AirVenture Museum, 3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh
When: Oct. 24 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Included with regular museum admission
Adults (18+) $ 8.75
Senior (62+) $ 7.75
Students (6-17) $ 6.75
Children (5 and under) FREE
Family Rate $22.00
EAA Members FREE
Contact: (920) 426-6880

Zooloween Boo
What: Arts & Crafts, storytelling, costume contest, trick or treat stations, games, drawings and prizes.
When: October 24 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Menominee Park, Merritt Ave and Hazel St
Cost: $4 adult, $2 child
Contact: (920) 236-5089

Downtown Oshkosh Trick or Treat
What: Children’s activities, pumpkin painting, costume contest, carnival games, participating stores hand out candy
When: Oct. 29 4-7 p.m.
Where: Opera House Square, 300 Block of N. Main
Cost: Free
Contact (920) 303-2265 ext. 11

Theater of Lost Souls
What: Two haunted attractions, haunted hay ride, funeral simulator
When: 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-25, 29-31. Box office opens 6:15 p.m. 1st hay ride is 6:30 p.m. 1st group enters the haunt 7:00 p.m. Last group enters at 11:30 p.m. EXCEPT Oct. 25 when last group enters at 10 p.m.
Where: Winnebago Fairgrounds/Sunnyview Expo Center, 500 E County Y, Oshkosh
Cost: $13 and up.
Contact: (920) 731-8555

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Woods
What: Haunted woods, haunted cemetery, tunnel and black maze. “No-touch” event. Bonfire available. Benefits the Oshkosh North Music Dept.
When: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30.
Where: Sleepy Hollow Farm, 1679 W. Waukau Ave., Oshkosh
Cost: $8 per person
Contact: (920) 231-0122

Green Bay

Terror on the Fox
What: Four haunted attractions. All shows “PG13” except Kids Day – lights on, rated “G.”
When: 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Oct 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28.
6:30 – 11:30 p.m. Oct 16-17, 23-24, 28-31.
Kids Day Noon – 4p.m. Oct. 25.
Where: National Railroad Museum, 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay.
Cost: $14 and up.
Contact: (920) 430-1844

The Morgue
What: Haunted House, Live music by UNDERNEETH from 10 p.m.-? Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Opening is The Black Reverie
When: 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31. Ticket sales start 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 from 5-7 p.m. kids ages 10 and under are welcome to come in with one can good or $1
Where: next to Immaculate Conception Parish, N5589 County E, De Pere.
Cost: $10 admission, free parking, cash only
Contact: (920) 788-6569

Spooktacular Fun at Lambeau Field
What: Entertainment attractions including Oneida Nation Dancers and Singers, musicians, magicians, stilt walkers; face painting and Halloween-themed arts and crafts
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24.
Where: Lambeau Field Atrium, Accessed through the Miller Lite Gate on the north end of Lambeau Field, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay.
Cost: Free.
Contact: (920)569-7500

Green Bay Packers Haunted Concourse
What: Scenes of high-tech shocks and horrors. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult, children under age 8 will not be admitted
When: 7-11 p.m. Oct. 23; 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Oct. 24. Lines may be cut off before end times to avoid unnecessary waits.
Where: Lambeau Field, Oneida Nation Gate, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay.
Cost: Free.
Contact: (920) 569-7500.

Cost Cutters Sweet Street
What: Trick-or-treating, pumpkin bowling, haunted village, inflatable games
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 30.
Where: ShopKo Hall, 1901 S. Oneida St., Green Bay.
Cost: Kids 2-12 $6, Adults $4, Advance tickets (available at Copps Food Centers) Kids $5, Adults $3.
Contact: http://www.ticketstaronline.com/

Zoo Boo
What: Trick or treating, inflatables, and Halloween decorations. Haunted wagon ride through “Freaky Forest” available the first two weekends, and children’s games available Oct. 30-31. DJ each evening and dance with NEW Zoo costumed mascots. Children encouraged to wear costume.
Where: 4378 Reforestation Road, Green Bay
When: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31. Zoo closes at 2:00 each day to prepare, gates close at 7:30 p.m..
Cost: $10 at the gate, $8 in advance. Children 1 and under are free.
Contact: (920) 434-7841

Halloween Event at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
What: Pumpkin lit walk through darkened nature center. Animal characters educate in a fun, light-hearted way. Kids are welcome to come in costume. Suitable for all ages.
When: Every 20 minutes starting at 6 p.m. on Oct 17. Pre-registration required.
Where: Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, 1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay
Cost: $3 adult, $2 child 12 and under. Call 920 391-3671 for ticket info or stop in Nature Center 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F
Contact: (920) 391-3671

Halloween at Heritage Hill
What: Trick or Treat throughout 13 historic buildings, Haunted Hospital (suitable for older children), costume contest, scary stories, Halloween crafts, hay bale maze
When: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
Where: Heritage Hill State Historical Park, 2640 South Webster Ave, Green Bay.
Cost: $5 (children 4 and under free).
Contact: (920) 448-5150 or 800-721-5150

Shawano Manor 3-D Haunted House
What: Haunted House
When:  7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Oct. 15-17, Oct. 22-24, Oct. 27-31, Children’s Matinee 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Oct. 17
Where: Beja Shrine Center, 1950 Bond Street, Green Bay.
Cost: $13 regular admission, $23 RIP Admission includes hot chocolate, live entertainment and event t-shirt. Children’s Matinee is $2 or, free with a coat to donate for “Coats for Kids.”
Contact: (920) 309-0981

The Shrine of Horror
What: Haunted House
When: 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 22-24, 29-31. Kids Day 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24.
Where: 507 N. Broadway, Green Bay
Cost: $10
Contact: (920) 450-0016

Appleton

Boo Bash
What: Non-spooky Halloween event. Trick-or-treating in the Building for Kids, carnival games throughout City Center Plaza. Wear costume, Must be accompanied by an adult.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 29-30.
Where: City Center Plaza and The Building for Kids, 100 W. College Ave., Appleton.
Cost: Free.
Contact: The Building for Kids, (920) 734-3226.

Haunted House: A Night to Dismember XI
What: Haunted House presented by the North High School Theatre Department. Non-scary flashlight tours available during all hours. Carnival games, mini-inflatable haunted house, and bake sale.
When: 6-11 p.m. Oct. 29, 1-4 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. Oct. 30, 1-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-midnight Oct. 31
Where: Appleton North High School Auditorium, 5000 N. Ballard Road, Appleton.
Cost: $7 adults, $5 children under 12. Tickets available at the door.
Contact: Ron Parker, theatre director, (920) 832-4300 or parkerronaldc@aasd.k12.wi.us

Romp in the Autumn Swamp
What: Illuminated Trails with live nature characters, fall music, campfire, outdoor move, face painting, pumpkin decorating. 
When: 4-8 p.m. Oct. 24. Birds of Prey Show 4-6 p.m., Outdoor movie showtimes at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 p.m..
Where: Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N. Lynndale Drive, Appleton
Cost: $9 adults, $7 kids, $30 family. Discounts for pre-registration and free glow sticks.
Contact: (920) 731-6041

Jack O’Lantern Jamboree Halloween Party
What: Costume Contest, festive obstacle course, Scooby snacks, ghoulish games, creepy crawly crafts. Ages 1 to 10.
When: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: The Little Gym of Appleton, W3192 County Rd KK, Suite K, Appleton
Cost: FREE
Contact: (920) 749-4990

Spook-tacular Family Halloween Party
What: Carnival games, inflatables, trick-or-treat alley, drawings, fire truck, police car, ambulance, petting zoo. Ages 12 and under, parent or guardian must accompany child.
When: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 30
Where: Players Choice of the Fox Cities, W3035 Edgewood Trail, Appleton
Cost: $7/ticket ages 2 & up, Adults are free. $5 tickets when you donate 2 or more of the following: non-perishable food items, old cell phones, used inkjet cartridges. Drop off at Players Choice of the Fox Cities by Oct. 30 to receive discount.
Contact: (920) 731-PLAY

Don’t be frightened. We also have restaurant deals throughout the area to complete your outing. At RTownShopper.com, you’ll find restaurant coupons for Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and more! Now that’s a treat!