April 1: News from around the Driftless Area ‘News from Around the Driftless Area’ is a compilation showcasing the excellent work and interesting tidbits from the community journalists sprinkled throughout our area. VIROQUA –Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center is requesting volunteers on Sunday, April 18, 1-4 p.m., to help with some spring-cleaning involving invasive plant species… The Viroqua Lions Club is now accepting donations of furniture, lawn and garden, outdoor sports equipment, small working appliances, and shop tools for their annual rummage sale at the Vernon County Fairgrounds, May 13-15. The club is looking for ‘estate’ type donations for people who are downsizing, or have a smaller donation after buying some new furniture. Pick ups or drop offs can be arranged by calling Simp Hanson at 608-632-1338, Steve Hill at 612-750-3144 or Wayne Sherry at 608-606-4105… Norse Care LLC, in partnership with the Westby Area School District, is interested in hearing the public’s perspectives on a potential new summer program for youth entering grades K-6. The Norse Summer Program (NASP) will be a recreation-based summer day camp serving children entering grades K through 6th. The goals of this program include: Provide a fun and safe environment for students during summer months. Provide positive interactions with caring adult role models. Encourage and develop life skills, respect for others and positive social interaction. Introduce and engage youth in potentially lifelong recreational pursuits. A public meeting to discuss interest and feasibility regarding this project will be held in the Westby High School library April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m… The Driftless Writing Center is sponsoring a Zoom reading by Joe Wilkins on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. This free public reading will be followed by a community open mic. Those who want to read during the open mic should bring a maximum of five minutes of writing to share. The DWC and Wilkins are also holding a generative workshop titled ‘Layers of Landscape: Harnessing the Power of Place’ on Saturday, April 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. This limited-enrollment workshop will offer writers four ways they might begin to do just that.