As we all know the taxman calleth! What you might not know is you may be eligible to have your tax returns done for FREE through the Volunteer Income Tax assistance Program (VITA).
The VITA program provides low-income households (less than $57K) with assistance in filing their income taxes, and applying for any eligible tax credits (homestead, earned income tax, child tax credit). Services are offered in many Wisconsin counties including Waupaca ,Waushara, Outagamie, Winnebago and Brown (just to name a few) from early February through April 15th.
Sounds like a fancy place with fine china and tinkling crystal does it not? Actually it is a local hangout and restaurant right by the Crystal River in Waupaca owned by Julie Javorosky and frequented regularly by many.
Today I was invited to have lunch with a past co-worker, Wayne Knutson and his lovely wife Pam. Wayne used to run the office I am at, but now works for the Waupaca County VA office. I am always amazed how EVERYONE knows Wayne in town.
Julie's Crystal Lounge was really clean and comfortable with a nice lunch/dinner menu selection. We ordered burgers and fries, salad, wraps and even a chicken quesadilla which looked amazing.
Some of Wayne's colleagues from the VA office joined us as well. Below are Alice and Cindy.
Alice recently retired from the VA and knows a great deal about Waupaca and the local businesses. She said that Julie (owner of Crystal Lounge) hosts numerous parties, events and benefits such as a Firemen's Benefit coming up in March.
If you do, be sure to purchase a Waupaca Discount Keytag!
Shop Waupaca Area 1st Keytag gives you access to many great offers from area businesses. They offer free or discounted products or services when you present a keytag at the checkout. For example, a local restaurant will discount the entire check by 10% with a keytag. Other discounts include food & beverage, health & beauty care, recreation, hotels and entertainment.
A keytag can be purchased at the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce office for $10. The keytag has a one year life and is good January to December. Stop in today to start saving!
Click the following link for a list if the businesses who accept the Waupaca Area 1st Keytag:
Today I had the pleasure of visiting The Feminine Touch on N Western Ave in Waupaca. They specialize in better women's apparel and accessories. Of course, the moment I walked in I absolutely loved what I saw...
I especially loved the incredible Vera Bradley displays and variety.
I met one of the sales persons. Her name was Heidie and she informed me that the store has been in business for 27 years! The owner is Mary Jo Shambeau. When I asked Heidie what the store is most known for she said, "Unique clothing and accessories are what most people know us for...but we also carry a wonderful selection of formal wear, such as mother-of-the-bride dresses...
Browsing the store was really fun. The clothing was beautiful, but the accessories were really something special. I enjoy jewelry...a lot...and was thrilled when I saw some whimsical jewelry on sale! I couldn't help myself and picked up a few items...
My photography doesn't do it justice...
If you are ever in the Waupaca area or are looking for great gift ideas or upscale and unique clothing, be sure to stop at
Today I decided to try lunch at The Waupaca Woods Restaurant. It is located inside the Waupaca Wood Mall off of Fulton Street.
I entered into a very nice atmosphere and decided to pick a spot near the fireplace...
The waitress who served me was very pleasant and when she handed me the menu I was amazed at how many choices there were! I decided on the haddock fillet and a side salad. Some restaurant's fish fillets are left with a bit to be desired: square, pressed-together, and deep fried HOWEVER - The Wood's fillet was wonderful! It was lightly breaded and the haddock was tender and flakey and delicious!
They even added a lovely garnish of oranges which paired nicely with the fish.
Here is my side salad. It was much prettier before I put the dressing on. Loved the presentation with the sliced green pepper on top. Look how big this is!...and this was a side salad!
Here is Patty, my wonderful server. She told me she has been with The Waupaca Woods Restaurant for 18 years! I am sure that the owners Dan and Marsha Johnson are pleased to have her! I talked with Dan breifly to tell him about my new endeavor in Waupaca and the blog. When I asked him what he would like to people to know about his restaurant, he stated, "We are family oriented and known for our breakfast, seafood and daily specials."
I was also able to share with Dan what I did at my place of work as a budget and credit counselor. I hope he shares the information with his employees too!
When I checked out at the back of the restaurant I noticed all the plaques they were awarded for BEST Breakfast, Fish Fry, Lunch, Soup and Kids Menu!
I took a piece of chocolate chip date cake home to share with my family, ahhhh, maybe :) - and noticed how many pie, cake and dessert offeringings they had. About 3:30 this afternoon I decided to sneak some of the cake. I unwrapped the container and could not believe the pretty sight I saw, all deocrated with whip cream!
