The Nuts & Bolts of Portage County

Category: Staff Picks

  • UWSP offers free planetarium shows in January

    UWSP offers free planetarium shows in January

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    Start the new year with a closer look at the widening universe at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.

    Planetarium shows are offered at 2 p.m. Sundays. The educational shows are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. Shows in January include:

    • Jan. 15: “From Earth to the Universe.” Learn about the journey of discovery, from the ancient Greeks to today’s telescopes.
    • Jan. 22: “Phantom of the Universe: The Search for Dark Matter.” Discover dark matter and how scientists detect it.
    • Jan. 29: “Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds.” Explore the stars and planets of the diverse universe.

    Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208 or completing an online request form. There is a cost of $35 per group for these presentations.

    The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory telescope is open for free, public viewings from 8:30-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday evenings. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

    The planetarium and observatory are located on the second and fourth floors of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.

    For more information go to www3.uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs.

  • Interested in model trains? This event is for you!

    Interested in model trains? This event is for you!

    By Patrick Lynn

    After a two-year absence, central Wisconsin’s largest model railroad show is returning to celebrate its 25th year in operation.

    The Arctic Run Model Railroad Show is returning to the Holiday Inn Convention Center on Jan. 21 and 22.

    When a locomotive body was fitted to an electrical motor in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cohen, “The World’s Greatest Hobby” was born. The show is open to serious modelers, or those curious about the hobby, and their families.

    Among the real model trains on display and operating, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends from Chuggington Station will be available for the kids.

    Modelers will be available to explain how they build their model railroad empires.

    Vendors will also be onsite with the latest model railroading equipment from leading model railroad equipment manufacturers. Other vendors will be on hand with railroad clothing, books, memorabilia, model railroad equipment that may now be out of production, and vintage models from the early days of model railroading.

    Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders, LTD was founded as a non-profit educational organization in 1987 when a group of locals interested in model railroading came together to share their hobby with the community. After expenses, proceeds from the show and sale go to support non-profit organizations.

    To keep the show an affordable family outing, CWMR has maintained 2020 admission prices. Admission is $4/adults and $2/ages 12-17. Kids 11 and under are free.

    Vendors and clubs interested in participating should contact Jim Miller at 715-340-0265 or jimbro67@gmail.com, or Don Anderson at 715-340-8105 or crm114@tds.net.

    The show will be on Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 1001 Amber Ave. in Stevens Point.