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The 2do Calendar: Arts, Be Active, Kids & More! p.26
March/April
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La Crosse
Discover Your City!
Align with Yoga Savory Creations YMCA Teen Center Straw Bale Gardening
See What’s Inside... Like us at Facebook.com/2DoLaCrosse
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ANDERMILL HOMES
Call today for your free estimate and consultation!
(608)519-4767
Houses for your lifestyle... AnderMill Homes for a lifetime.
REMODELING | NEW CONSTRUCTION | CUSTOM HOMES www.AnderMillHomes.com 2
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La Crosse, WI
May 2-3, 2014 La Crosse Conquer the Bluff! One-of-a-kind course: Race 600 feet
down historic Grandad Bluff Half marathon & 2-Person Relay Post-Race party with live music, brats,
Plus: Compete in the Bluff Challenge!
and beer!
Climb 1.4 miles up Grandad Bluff Friday
evening in the Running Time Trial Run the Grandad Half Marathon Saturday
morning Cash prizes go to fastest combined times
from both events
www.FestivalFoodsGrandadHalf.com
Sections KIDS 6 Check out the Teen Center at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA
BE ACTIVE
Discover Your City! Like 2dolacrosse
VOLUME TWO | Issue One March/April | 2014 MJ Ventures, Inc. PO Box 61 | Onalaska, WI 54650 (888) 752-2279 | info@2DoLaX.com ©2014 MJ Ventures, Inc.
Account Representative Michelle Jerome Jackie Miller
Administrative Assistant Yasmynn Rain Contributing Writers Emily Faeth Geri Parlin Leah Call Mackenzie Moen Ryan Stotts Photo Credits Cover by Lee Harwell, www.LeeHarwellPhotography.com Photo of Mackenzie Moen of Elements Yoga Studio Page tab photo details: Pages 16, 18, 20 by WisCorps.org All others by Lee Harwell Photography All other photos: Photo subject ’s contribution
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Yoga in our Community
2VOLUNTEER 16 Volunteering at the American Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities Listing
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Savory Creations: A Cooking Experience
Editor/Publisher MJ Ventures, Inc.
Content Editor
Learn how to Straw Bale Garden
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CALENDAR 26 Favorite events & hidden gems!
This publication is printed on recycled content and printed with soy-based ink and is certified Sustain-A-Bull.
Our Mission:
The mission of 2Do La Crosse is to encourage community involvement by highlighting local events and activities for the residents and visitors of the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. 2Do La Crosse is published bi-monthly by MJ Ventures, Inc., PO Box 61, Onalaska, WI 54650. Readers are encouraged to verify information directly with organizers of events and activities in this publication. ©MJ Ventures, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 2Do La Crosse does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials.
Letter from the Editor: Spring is finally upon us! Many of us are getting excited to garden and this issue gives us a unique way to dig in: Straw Bale Gardening! We even have a great local resource for all your how-to questions. I have my bales ready! Find out more on page 9. Yoga is a renewed passion of mine. In the past, I had participated in classes periodically but recently made a point to make yoga part of my routine. I always thought yoga was about stretching. I heard that mediation had something to do with it, but didn’t see the direct connection…until fully embracing the practice. In order to withstand some of the poses, I found that I was not just breathing methodically, but reaching into myself to find strength and stability to maintain balance and composure that my body wasn’t used to. I had been meditating and didn’t realize. Each time I leave class, I feel renewed. I take lessons that I learn about my body and myself and apply them to life. It’s been an enlightening experience. To learn about local yoga options, turn to page 12. 2Do La Crosse was started over a year ago. It has been wonderful to showcase stories about events, people, and activities in our community. We have exciting changes that we’ll be announcing soon! Additional stories, new features, and more of what our readers have asked for! Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the news! ‘Til then, grab your yoga mats, gardening gloves, hiking boots, and whatever else you need to get out and
“Discover Your City!”
— Michelle Jerome
Pilot
Odyssey CR-V
Ridgeline
Fit Accord
Civic
Crosstour Insight CR-Z
Fuel Efficient. Environmentally Sensible. You’ll Love More Miles Per Dollar! Check us out!
www.hondamotorwerks.com Phone: 877-955-0059
Downtown La Crosse, WI at 4th and Cameron Streets
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Engaging Youth, Strengthening Community:
The YMCA Teen Center
By Leah Call
Since starting his 8th grade year at La Crosse’s Coulee Montessori, 13-year-old Adam Scholze has been stopping by the YMCA Community Teen Center after school. It’s a safe, comfortable place to get his homework done, learn new things and have fun with friends. “It feels like a home away from home,” says Scholze. The Teen Center, on the corner of 11th and King Street in La Crosse, is
L a
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free to any 8th through 12th grade teens in the greater La Crosse area. It’s a tobacco, alcohol and drug-free environment that offers a number of activities to engage young people and encourage them to be their best selves. Scholze enjoys the center’s mix of programming and clubs, particularly Bro Down, an all-guys club focused on teaching young men to contribute positively to the community through
W i s C o n s i n
Make it Green in 2014! Free Fun For the Whole Family!
Sunday, april 27, 2014 11am–5 pm at Myrick Park & the EcoPark Hans Mayer concert • Live raptors • Farmers’ market • Grand green prizes • Face painting • Recycle art crafts and much more!
Presented by these celebrating partners
www.Ear thFairLaCrosse.org
like: CouleePartnersforsustainabilityLaCrosse
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Kids honest discussion and activities. Scholze also enjoys the Fitness for Future club which stresses the importance of fitness on overall health through activities such as hiking, yoga, zumba, rock climbing and much more. Other programming includes music lessons, cooking club, art club and an all-girls club called New Moves, which focuses on health, promoting a positive body image and boosting self-esteem. The center welcomes an average of 15 to 20 teen visitors daily with up to 40 visitors on its busiest days. Some teens stop in to use the computers, get help with homework or just hang out. “Our mission is to engage youth and strengthen the community. We want to get kids engaged and learn new skills that will help them be more successful in the future and be contributing members of the community,” says center Director Lisa Luckey, who is responsible for overseeing the center along with six part-time staff and a number of volunteers and interns from area universities.
illness and decrease the stigma, make it normal for kids to talk about how they are feeling,” says Luckey. The Teen Center is open 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays. Summer hours are 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays. The YMCA is involved in outreach with area schools to get the word out about the center’s after-school and summer programming. “Through the collaboration with Gundersen Health System, we have a behavior health therapist that spends time here at the Teen Center. She also does presentations in schools about happiness, mental health, depression and a variety of topics,” says Luckey.
The center was started in 2005 by the Community Youth Initiative. “Six years ago Gundersen Health System and the YMCA decided to collaborate on the Teen Center, to build capacity and increase the programming and to focus on mental health as well…to raise awareness for mental
Adam Scholze, YMCA Teen Center Participant
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“She markets the Teen Center for us in those presentations as well.” “We really believe we can help kids grow, that they have potential and we can help them learn new skills,” adds Luckey. “They get experiences here that they might not get elsewhere.” The YMCA’s contribution to area youth is undeniable and its quality youth recreational programing is nothing new to area teens. “This is not just a program,” notes YMCA Marketing and Communications Director Nathan Hundt. “It is a teen center that is geared toward enabling teens to reach their full potential and figure out their talents and how they can make use of those talents to better their lives.”
_OU _OUTH COMMUNIT_ We all need the Y. There’s no place quite like the Y. We’re a vital part of the community; a welcoming place to learn new skills, connect with others, and access support in times of need. Our unique combination of services enriches the well-being of people of all ages and walks of life.
UpCOMINg EvENTs • Healthy Kids Day - April 27 • 3-on-3 Hoops Tournament - May 3 • Got Energy Triathlon - June 8 • Kids Tri - July 12 Visit WWW.LAXYMCA.ORg for information
There’s a new view in town!
Weber Center for the Performing Arts A whole range of entertainment!
428 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601
608-784-9292
For a schedule of coming events, please visit www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org.
Theresa M. Smerud, Artist and Photographer
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Be Active
A Fun Way to Grow:
Strawbale Gardening By Geri Parlin
Straw bales are not just for farmers anymore.
people, and, “We had to turn people away from the seminar (last spring).”
If you’re looking for an easy, organic, weed-free garden system, welcome to straw bale gardening.
Rudy Van Dunk, owner of Rudy’s Feed & Seed in Holmen, can attest to the popularity of the seminar. He was flooded with customers looking for straw bales after the workshop.
Lisa Rensberry and her mom, Chris Christen of Christen Farm Nursery in Onalaska, will offer a free workshop on straw bale gardening at their nursery on April 1. And if their last two workshops are anything to judge by, you better sign up now. “A lot of people were interested,” said Rensberry. They have room for 120
“We sold a pile of them last year.” He’ll have plenty available, Van Dunk said, but if you want a large quantity, you should call ahead. What you’ll get at the seminar is an introduction to Joel Karsten’s book
What Straw Bale Gardening Looks Like!
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which describes the process of straw bale gardening. All the work is on the front end so that in June and July you’re kicking back with a cold one, watching your tomatoes grow. It starts with a straw bale, which has to be seasoned with fertilizer and water. They’ll teach all the steps at the workshop but you can also find the information in Karsten’s book. They will also have all the supplies needed, such as the poles and wire needed to secure the straw bale. When you first get the straw bale, you’re filling it with nitrogen, said Rensberry. That will speed decomposition. The bale will get really hot and will have to cool down a bit before you can plant. She recommends an organic fertilizer such
as Milorganite because, “The way we give our seminar is all organic.” Gardeners alternate fertilization with watering until the bale is ready for planting. Then they set up a hose drip system for watering. Rensberry got her watering system set up and then never turned it on all summer. “And I still got good results,” she said. The prep period usually takes from 10 to 14 days, depending on outside temperatures. “What you’re doing is you’re putting your fingers into the middle to check if it’s nice and warm and not hot,” Rensberry said. This system may give you a little jump on the planting season. But that’s not the best part. The best part is the low to no maintenance. Once everything is planted and your watering system is in place, kick back in the shade and watch your garden grow. You don’t have to weed because there aren’t weeds. And your watering system is automatic. If you’re planting from seed, you can add a sterile soil. If you’re transplanting seedlings, you don’t even need to add soil. Rensberry said the results are amazing. “Even though it was so very, very dry, I didn’t water mine like I should have. I had everything set up to water, and we’ll teach that
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Be Active system. I was the worst straw bale gardener out there, and it still grew. It was amazingly easy.” Even harvesting was easy. “I did potatoes and at the end of the season I pulled the string off, kicked the bale, and the potatoes fell out. And they were extremely clean.”
If You Go
What: Free seminar on straw bale gardening, presented by Lisa Rensberry and Chris Christen, based on “Straw Bale Gardens” by Joel Karsten When: April 1 at 6:00 pm Where: Christen Farm Nursery & Garden Center, N6141 Hwy. SN, Onalaska
But she recommends you follow her mom’s example instead of hers.
Admission: Free. RSVP to 608-526-9731 or christengarden@aol.com so they know how many chairs to set up
“Mine was good. But my mom did one and she abided by every rule and hers was gorgeous.”
Book: Available at Christen Farm Nursery or www.strawbalegardens.com
Another benefit Rensberry discovered was the absence of pests.
Where to get straw bales: Christen Farm Nursery in Onalaska, Rudy’s Feed and Seed in Holmen, Jolivette Family Farm on Hwy. 16 in West Salem, Trees Today on Hwy. 16 in La Crosse or check with your favorite local nursery.
“I did not have any bugs or diseases. There wasn’t any splash-up from rain.”
Get in. Get care. Get back to your day.
With our same day appointments and extended hours, you can get the care you need. For an appointment, call 800-362-5454.
Historic Renovated Barn Inspiring Seasonal Displays Creative Home Accents Greenhouse Garden Center
(608) 782-3276
N3075 Hwy 16 La Crosse
Franciscan Healthcare
mayoclinichealthsystem.org
Historic Renovated Barn (608) 782-3276 N3075 Hwy 16 La Crosse WI 54601 www.BittersweetFlowers.com www.bittersweetflowers.com Inspiring Seasonal Displays 11 doLaX.com Creative Home Accents for Indoor & Outdoor Environments
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Align with Yoga
By Mackenzie Moen
Tammy Zee of Tammy Zee’s Yoga Studio
The reasons to make yoga a part of your life are endless. Whether it’s for relaxation, improving physical health, to become attuned to your body, or being drawn to its deeper spiritual connection, the La Crosse area has many opportunities for inviting yoga into your life. The Elements Yoga Studio, Tammy Zee’s Yoga Studio, and The Yoga Place are just a few of the studios on the area. Tammy Zee’s Yoga Studio offers various styles of yoga including beginning, prenatal, restorative, power yoga and sweat yoga. She also offers Insanity Fitness classes and 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. Tammy has been in the yoga and fitness world for about 12
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20 years. Her experience, sensitivity to all levels, and knowledge about the practice is especially inviting. She focuses a lot of her training in offering modifications to all of her students so yoga can be safe, supportive, and fun. Her students enjoy the compassionate and fun environment she creates. The Yoga Place has been in La Crosse since 1988! The studio specializes in Iyengar Yoga, from Beginners to Advanced, and also offers Ageless Yoga for those needing special adaptations and for the older student. Yoga for Children is often offered in the summer months. Chris, the owner of the studio has inspired many and
Be Active I practice yoga? Well, thanks to Erin encourages students to push through [of Elements], and her compassiontheir personal barriers to keep the ate, caring ways of teaching, I am practice alive and advancing. Chris installed a special rope wall to benefit still a Yogi! Now, I have Mackenzie guiding and leading me on through each student’s practice in terms of this wonderful, spiritual adventure.” alignment, greater traction in the The Elements Yoga classes consist of joints, and practicing the poses with Prenatal, Kids, Slow and Gentle Flow, ease. Mary, a dedicated student, said Core, Unnata Aerial, Postnatal, and “I have been attending classes at The Mommy and Baby yoga Classes. Yoga Place for almost 25 years. When I turned 50, I gave myself the present “Yoga is one of the most powerful of two classes each week and intend ways to restore balance, and thereto do this for the rest of my life. Yoga fore health, because it brings the five and The Yoga Place have changed my elements of our being into a harmolife, my body, and my mind!” nious relationship with each other,” said Erin of The Elements Yoga Studio. The Elements Yoga Studio is one of The Elements encourages each parthe two yoga studios in the region ticipant to explore different styles of that offer Unnata Aerial Yoga. The yoga, relative to the elements, to find Aerial Fabric is used to inform the body of common tension patterns held and allow us to explore gravity in a new way in our practice. The Elements offers individual to group class sizes, a Zen garden specifically designed for outdoor yoga, and Ayurveda consultations by highly trained instructors. Debbie Butler, an ambitious regular student, came to The Elements for therapy to postpone hip replacement surgery. After only a month and a half, the doctors noted that Debbie was drastically stronger and that her joints were more lubricated. The hip replacement surgery is postponed indefinitely. Another regular student Debra Ray said, “I remember walking into that first class very nervous and anxious. I was 48 and out of shape, how could Erin O’Brien of Elements Yoga Studio
demonstrates Unnata Yoga
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a practice that manifests balance and harmony from within. Each of these studios offer individualized instruction and careful attention to what works best for your body. Mackenzie studied yoga in Sedona, AZ at the 7 Centers Yoga Healing Arts School amongst world renowned yoga teachers. She also taught yoga and worked with Ancient Amazonian Plant Medicine in the Amazon Rainforest with Paititi Institute. Mackenzie uses many other healing modalities such as Ayurveda, Reiki, and Chinese Medicine. She will soon receive her Unnata Aerial Certification. Locally, she works from the Elements Yoga Studio in Onalaska.
Tammy Z’s Yoga Studio
Yoga in Our Community
The Elements Yoga Studio 9550 US Highway 16 Frontage Road, Onalaska (608) 779-0411 www.theelementsyogastudio.com Root Down Yoga Studio 1217 Caledonia St, La Crosse (608) 519-2467 www.rootdownyogastudio.com Tammy Z’s Yoga Studio 432 Cass St. La Crosse (608) 386-1217 The Yoga Place 444 Main St, La Crosse (608) 784-2622 La Crosse Area Family YMCA La Crosse and Onalaska (608) 782-9622 www.laxymca.org
Saturday, May 10, 2014 5-mile run / 5K walK A challenging annual event that benefits nature education programs at the EcoPark
NEW!
Yoga for Everybody! First Class is FREE! 432 Cass St. La Crosse | (608)386-1217
TammyZsYogaStudio 14
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Nature Activities for Children 3–8 while parents run or walk.
www.mhecopark.org
789 Myrick Park Dr • La Crosse, WI • 608-784-0303 Presented by Franciscan Healthcare
Registration information at mhecopark.org Registration begins February 14, 2014
Be Active
9550 Hwy 16 Frontage Rd, Onalaska 608-799-5599
Kim Anthony Photography
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Heather Hammell, LMP 608-780-9159
9550 US Highway 16-Frontage Rd-Onalaska, WI www.RestorationMFR.com
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Volunteering at Red Cross
by Ryan Stotts
When you talk to Sylvia Allen, she’s modest about her efforts as a volunteer for the Scenic Bluffs Chapter of the American Red Cross. “I think most volunteers would be very modest and say they do it because it makes them feel good to do something good for others,” Allen said. She’s a retired chemist who, along with her late husband, John, got involved as a volunteer in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. At the time, the couple thought their professional background in chemistry could’ve been helpful, and that led to a sustained commitment to volunteer wherever the Red Cross needed them. “Now I know Disaster Services was really what we were volunteering for,” Allen said. The La Crescent Township resident found herself working in many areas for the Scenic Bluffs Chapter, which provides services to five counties in the Coulee Region: La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Jackson, and Houston, Minn. In February, she was named Volunteer of the Month. “We have such a wonderful network of 16
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Sylvia Allen, American Red Cross Volunteer
people who can help in the La Crosse area,” she said. For herself, Blood Services was a focal point, then Staff Services, as well gathering financial and statistical data to help to people in need, be it fire, floods or tornadoes. “It sounds boring, but it actually isn’t,” she said. She’s even gone out on fire calls. Allen is one of the friendly people at a house or apartment fire in the trademark red vest, trained to offer comfort and assistance to those who sometimes are literally watching their homes disappear. “Some of the questions we ask point them to thinking of a future they didn’t
2Volunteer know would be facing 30 minutes before,” she said. Allen was also in the first wave of volunteers to be sent to Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She called on a Thursday to offer help, went immediately into training over the weekend, and was sent out by the following Monday. That training is key, she said, and one of the most important services the Red Cross offers its volunteers. “A lot of our classes are offered through the computer,” Allen said, “but there are many in a traditional classroom. Those are fun.” One of the newest classes, said Community Chapter Executive Kyle Kriegl, is the CNA program, or nurse assistant training. It’ll be introduced in March at the La Crosse office, having proved popular and in demand throughout the rest of the state, courtesy of a grant from State Farm Insurance. It’s perfect timing, he said, because it coincides with Red Cross month. “We were responding to a need in the community,” Kriegl said, “and we very much wanted to bring it to La Crosse.” It’s not the only thing new. Phone apps, designed to quickly provide critical information to those in need during a disaster, have also been set up, with individual apps for first aid/CPR, shelter locators, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and in a short time, floods.
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“We’re trying to get preparedness information to people at their fingertips,” Kriegl said. On the other end of those apps, said Volunteer Coordinator Linda SoltisSchroeder, the Red Cross is always in need of the people. At least 96 percent of the organization relies on trained volunteers, who not only help their neighbors but also sustain the Red Cross’s mission of building prepared and resilient communities. “It’s been one of the most satisfying efforts in my life,” Soltis-Schroeder said. Sylvia Allen would agree. “The client needs as much comfort and human interaction as they can have,” Allen said.
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847-951-4442
CritterComfortPetCare.com
Don‛t leave your buddy home alone!
2Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities American Red Cross - Scenic Bluffs Chapter: American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteers can support blood drives, train to respond to disasters, teach lifesaving First Aid/CPR classes, support our Armed Forces, assist at special events and more! 2927 Losey Blvd S, La Crosse, WI; volunteerwestern.wi@redcross.org; 877-618-6628 ext. 5822; www.redcross.org /wi/la-crosse Children’s Museum of La Crosse: Lend a Hand! Volunteers are an important part of the Children’s Museum team. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and fond of children, check into our current volunteer opportunities. Possible fun includes special event help, face painting, crafts and games, and much more! (608) 784-2652 x226; christina@funmuseum.org; www.funmuseum.org Crossfire Youth Center: Crossfire seeks to transform the lives of local teens by providing safe and fun activities. Crossfire is always seeking volunteers who have a heart to serve. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in weight lifting, archery, outdoor activities, and our Friday night party alternative. 608-784-6565; amanda@crossfire4u.com; crossfire4u.com Coulee Region Humane Society: Volunteers provide care for the animals, making sure they are clean and have fresh food and water and a little one on one time. Inquire about age requirements. Because of the time involved in training, we ask that volunteers make a minimum three month commitment. Duties available include: Cleaning, dog kennel and cat kennel assistants, housekeeping and laundry, and grounds maintenance. (608) 781-4014; www.couleehumane.com Coulee Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: Volunteer opportunities are limited to cleaning or to experienced wild animal handlers. (608) 483-2610 Couleecap, Inc.: Couleecap helps people in need with housing, food, transportation, and more. Volunteering is a great way to become involved with Couleecap. We often need volunteers in our food pantries and to serve on our Board of Directors or County Planning Committees. 201 Melby St., Westby, WI (Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties); contactus@couleecap.org; www.couleecap.org Earth Fair 2014: Sunday, April 27, 11am-5pm, at the EcoPark. We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up, tear-down, decorations, logistics/directing traffic, and general help during the event. Please email Erica at lax.earthfair@gmail.com. (Continued on page 20)
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EcoPark: The EcoPark’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to experience and explore healthy, vibrant, safe, and sustainable lifestyles. We depend on a team of dedicated volunteers to help with a variety of tasks including leading school groups, welcoming visitors, Gift Shop clerk, caring for the aquarium animals, helping with clerical duties, helping with special events and many other fun tasks. You can make an important and lasting contribution to our mission by sharing your time and talents. (608) 784-0303; info@mhecopark.org Great Rivers United Way: Great Rivers United Way Volunteer Center hosts an array of volunteer opportunities. Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. There are hundreds of volunteer options available every day. Give the gift of you. Volunteer. (608) 796-1400; jlarsen@gruw.org; www.greatriversunitedway.org /volunteer-2 Grow Your Brain: There are many opportunities to volunteer with Grow Your Brain! From garden work to working with children to fun tasks like painting the shed! jamie@growyourbrainlax.org; www.growyourbrainlax.org Hillview Urban Agriculture Center: The mission of Hillview is to create a healthy community through a local, sustainable, and accessible food system. We have volunteer opportunities in the following programs: Market Baskets, vermicomposting, various gardening tasks, hoop house construction, fundraising, grant writing, and marketing. (608) 786-0338; vicki@vsm5.com; www.hillviewuac.org The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse: The Hunger Task Force works to alleviate hunger in the Coulee Region through two programs: The Food Recovery Program and The Kane Street Community Garden. Tasks and info: Food Recovery Programdriving for deliveries, sorting, truck loading and unloading, clerical, special event duties. (608) 793-1002; lacrossehunger@centurytel.net. Kane St. Community Garden- preparing and planting, weeding, harvesting. (608) 386-3319; kanestreetgarden@gmail.com; www.lacrossehtf.org Kinstone Academy of Applied Permaculture: We are dedicated to teaching people how to live more sustainably through the use of Permaculture principles and design. Critical thinking skills and hands-on practice are core to our offerings. We have volunteer opportunities in the following areas: food forest maintenance, composting, various gardening tasks, various natural building construction projects, stone work, fundraising, grant writing, videography, and marketing. (608) 6873332; inquiry@kinstonecircle.com with VOLUNTEER in the subject; www.KinstoneCircle.com La Crescent Animal Rescue: We are committed to being a no-kill shelter, which means we are always looking for both foster and permanent homes for the animals left in our care. At our facility, volunteer tasks available include cat and/or dog
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2Volunteer care, cleaning, clerical, and animal transportation. Must be 16 years of age. 523 S Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN. (507) 895-2066; www.lacrescentanimalrescue.blogspot.com La Crosse Area Family YMCA: Volunteering for the Y opens a window of career opportunities. Imagine being a part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world, where your work positively influences the lives of others, apply your experience, knowledge, creativity and energy, and build your resume while discovering new talents. Opportunities include special events, Youth Sports coaching, Miracle League Baseball Buddies, Teen Center, and much more. (608) 782-9622; Y-North: 400 Mason St., Onalaska; Y-La Crosse: 1140 Main St., La Crosse; www.laxymca.org Spring Cleaning: Saturday, April 26, 9am-3pm, La Crosse River Marsh area. We are looking for groups of volunteers to help clean up the marsh and surrounding areas. Get a team together and help keep the marsh clean. Please email Erica at lax.earthfair@gmail.com. Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA): The Outdoor Recreation Alliance seeks to optimize world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. Volunteers are needed for various activities, including trail work. www.naturesplacetoplay.com WAFER Food Pantry: WAFER food pantry serves the low-income, food insecure population throughout La Crosse and Houston Counties. Volunteer opportunities are available for any age and can include food packing and stocking, unloading trucks, helping during the food fair, delivery, and much more. 403 Causeway Blvd, La Crosse; 608-782-6003; waferfoodpantry@centurytel.net; waferlacrosse.org Wisconsin Conservation Corps: WisCorps engages youth and young adults in direct conservation projects on public lands across the state. Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, tree planting, event assistance, and more! (608) 782-2494; staff@wiscorps.org; www.wiscorps.org. Please let these organizations know that you saw them in 2Do La Crosse! They like to know how the word spreads. Thanks! To include a Volunteer Listing in 2Do La Crosse for your organization, email: info@2dolax.com.
Be that gal (or guy)
Like 2Do La Crosse 2 WIN!itbe’scafuusn!e Congrats to all the recent WINNERS of our Facebook & website contests!
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Savory Creations We can all admit that our at-home menus occasionally become lessthan-inspired. We try to ignore our children’s exasperated sighs of, “Spaghetti again?” or our partner’s pained expression while he chokes out, “This is really…good.” Indeed, even the most adept chefs among us occasionally need to find a way to reignite our passion in the kitchen. Enter Chef Shawn McManus and Savory Creations Cooking School, where cooks of all ability levels can rediscover the joys of cooking and pick up some new skills along the way.
y!
Book yourday! dinner party to 1232 Avon St. La Crosse (608) 789-2386 PogrebaRestaurant.com
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By Emily Faeth
Currently located on La Crosse’s North Side, Savory Creations began as a catering business in California in 2000. But Executive Chef Shawn, who had spent his youth visiting his grandparents in Sparta during the summers, was drawn back to Wisconsin, working and honing his craft in Madison before settling in La Crosse. “I was interested in the farm-to-table concept in Wisconsin,” says Chef Shawn, referring to the concept of encouraging close relationships between food producers and restaurant, kitchens, and stores. Chef Shawn worked as a dietary manager with Gundersen Lutheran, holding cooking classes with the 500 Club to create dishes that were healthy as well as delicious. “I really enjoyed being able to teach and learn,” says Shawn. Savory Creations currently boasts a roster of seven chefs, all of whom specialize in various areas of culinary arts. Some of the more popular course offerings have included an extreme sushi class (which is currently enjoying a comeback at the school), various ethnic cuisines, a bacon class, and a variety of sauce and soup classes. Classes are either demonstrations in which participants observe the chef preparing several recipes or handson classes. Course fees include all necessary supplies, and the chefs don’t let their students leave hungry,
Do Local often providing several course meals. Onalaska resident Julie Deyo says you can “see how much care the chefs put into their food and how much they love working with their ingredients. It makes the food more special, and the chefs get so much enjoyment from watching you eat things things you may have never had before. It’s such a comfortable, warm environment.” She says the friendly atmosphere makes the Savory Creations the perfect place to enjoy learning new skills with friends and family, though you’re likely to walk away with new friends, as well. In addition to the classes held at the facility at 1230 Caledonia St., Savory Creations still offers catering services, as well as private cooking parties. These parties are often used as team-building exercises for various businesses and clubs, or are simply a fun event for a group of friends, says Chef Shawn. The Savory
Creations chefs also aim to foster an environment of food appreciation in our community through outreach and education. “The next event we have coming up is a celebrity judge event with the Children’s Museum. It’s a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Special Olympics and the Gilbert Brown Foundation [a youth empowerment foundation],” says Chef Shawn. “We’re also working with the La Crosse Health Department on a program called The Biggest Health Challenge, which is educating the general public on eating healthier, paying attention and knowing how to do calorie counts, and creating recipes that are practical to make in the home.” While Chef Shawn’s obvious passion is food, he also wants to support the other talents present in our community. Savory Creations features a monthly rotation of local artists who display their work at the facility on
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Caledonia St. Currently, 17-year-old Dallas Elliott is hard at work creating large displays for the facility. The inclusion of local art adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the Savory Creations kitchen. As Julie Deyo puts it, “It’s just so comfortable working with them. It’s obvious [the chefs] love what they do. And it inspires you to love it, too.” Savory Creations offers several classes every month. Registration at www. savorycreations.org. Prices range from about $40 to $60 per person. Classes are open to all ages, though Chef Shawn recommends children no younger than 10 attend for safety reasons; he would like to expand children’s offerings in the future. To arrange a private class, send the chefs a message through their website or call (608) 519-3542. Gift certificates are also available for the foodie in your life!
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Chef Shawn of Savory Creations adds artistic detail to a dish
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Do Local
7 Pastas! 7 S au ce s ! 14 Toppin gs! featuring... bicycles
blueheronbikes@gmail.com 213 Main St. Onalaska Only 1 block east of the Great River State Trail Head!
www.BlueHeronBikes.com
Magically prepared ...right before your eyes! Dine in, carry out, or drive through today!
www.AhzPasta.com • (608)788-PASTA (7278)
91 Copeland Ave., La Crosse, WI
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Ongoing Events & Activities
Note: Inquire with event or activity coordinators to ensure details. Have fun!
n Basic Nutritional & Herbal Therapies: Laurie Stiers MSN, FNP-BC; CH, presents varied programs on herbology, teas, tinctures, gardening, health, and more. Herbs All Around 1033 Caledonia St.; (608) 780-2255; www.herbsallaround.com
nnnnCameron Park Farmers Market: Description: A wide variety of vendors offer fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other food, crafts and more. Music entertainment most Friday evenings from 5:15 - 7:15 and free yoga classes every other market day starting in June.; Farmers Market Every Friday-May 3rd to Oct 25th; 4-8 pm; *Starting Nov 2nd, the Market will be at the EcoPark; 789 Myrick Park Dr. Cameron Park Market Association; Cameron Park on King St., downtown La Crosse; (608) 433-6708; www.cameronparkmarket.org
n Chinese Language Class: Learn Chinese in a fun, relaxed setting for free!; 11:00-11:45am; 2nd and 4th Saturdays/month; Dim Sum Tea Shop 221 Pearl St.; (608) 738-1221 nnDowntown Walkaround: May 2 – June 6. Take the challenge. Pick up your Downtown Walk Around card and visit participating businesses to be eligible for great prizes!; Downtown Mainstreet; (608) 784-0440; www.LaCrosseDowntown.com
n EcoPark Ongoing FREE Offerings including Reptile Rap with Matt; every Wed 10a-1:00p. Matt, EcoPark resident expert on amphibians and reptiles.; 789 Myrick Park Dr., La Crosse (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org
n Elements Yoga Studio: Various classes available including Unnata Aerial Yoga. Check our schedule online or come to the studio for more information. 9550 US Highway 16 Frontage Road, Onalaska. 608.799.5599 www.theelementsyogastudio.com. n Fayze’s Evenings Out: Tuesday - Half Price Tap Beer Night - Get all your favorite tap beers at half price every Tuesday at Fayze’s, 3:30pm to close. Thursday - Date Night - Treat your sweetheart to a night downtown, and enjoy half price bottles of wine every Thursday at Fayze’s, 3:30pm to close.; (608) 784-9548; www.Fayzes.com
n Outdoor Connection: Rent outdoor gear from the UW-L Recreational Eagle Center! Open to the public and offers a wide variety of equipment for adventures big and small. Summer hours are 10 a.m.–6 pm Mondays-Saturdays. 1601 Badger St., La Crosse. 608-785-8680 www.uwlax.edu/recsports
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Calendar nn Pearl Street Brewery: New events every month including live music every Friday from 6 to 9! 1401 St Andrew St, La Crosse. (608) 784-4832 www.pearlstreetbrewery.com
n Photos with the Easter Bunny: April 3 through 19. Have Easter fun by having your family ’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny! Center Court at Valley View Mall, 3800 State Highway 16, La Crosse; (608) 781-4700; www.myvalleyview.com
nnnPottery Classes: Learn pottery basics or discover new skills. “Wheel Deals” available! Children & adult classes, Paint Your Own, Jewelry & Glass Fusing, and more! Generous Earth Pottery, 321 Main St. La Crosse; (608) 782-3904; www.generousearthpottery.com
n Studio 16 Fitness Classes: Check our schedule online or come to the studio for more information. 9550 US Highway 16 Frontage Road, Onalaska. 608.779.0411 www.studio16onalaska.com.
n Tai Chi Chuan and Wing Chun Kung Fu Class: Learn This Chinese form of exercise utilizing slow and deliberate movement. NO CHARGE; 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m.; Every Sunday, weather permitting; to be held at Riverside Park at the fountain, East Veterans Memorial Drive
n Tea Tasting Party: Learn about teas while sampling a variety. Dumplings and egg tarts included with take-home loose tea sample.; 1st Tuesdays/month-6pm ($6 pre-pay, $8 at door) AND 3rd Saturdays/month ($8 pre-pay, $10 at door); Dim Sum Tea Shop 221 Pearl St.; (608) 738-1221
nn Trail Work Day: Get excited to dig in! Volunteer for trail restoration and building.; Varying days, 9:00am; Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA); La Crosse; www.NaturesPlaceToPlay.com
n Yoga with Tammy Z: Yoga is for everybody! We offer a variety of classes for every level of experience. First class is FREE! Contact us for schedules. 432 Cass St., La Crosse; (608) 386-1217
Upcoming Events & Activities
March 22 n Terry Callahan Jr. Benefit: 1:00-10:00pm. TC Jr. suffered severe brain trauma at the hands of another human being. He is recovering, but the process is slow and the costs are mounting. Show support for Terry and his family by attending the benefit! Live Music, Free Food, and Great Raffle Prizes. Donations are greatly appreciated. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Pick them up at Dublin Square or The Helm. Come for the cause; stay for the fun. The music line-up is as follows: Cheech & The Family Band, Sum Chunk, Sowbelly Bitchhog, Adam Palm Band, TUGG. Benefit to be held at All Star Lanes.
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April 1 nn Straw Bale Gardening Seminar: 6pm. Presented by Lisa Rensberry and Chris Christen, based on “Straw Bale Gardens” by Joel Karsten. Free. RSVP to 608-5269731 or christengarden@aol.com. Christen Farm Nursery & Garden Center, N6141 Hwy. SN, Onalaska. (608) 526-9731; www. christenfarmnursery.com
April 2 n Pocket Vinyl LIVE: 8pm. Live music while you watch a painting being created then auctioned at the end of the show! Root Note 115 4th St.; (608) 782-7668; www.TheRootNote.com
April 4, 5, 6 n Arms and the Man: Comedy! Romance! Chocolate! British director Trevor Walker brings a cast of colorful characters and Shavian wit to life with George Bernard Shaw ’s most popular and broadly comic play. Arms and the Man is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Presented by Viterbo University. Held at the Weber Center for Performing Arts. 428 Front Street South, La Crosse; 608-784-9292; www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org
April 5 n The Poor Nobodys LIVE: 8pm. Live music! Root Note 115 4th St.; (608) 782-7668; www.TheRootNote.com
April 6 n Kayak Eskimo Roll & Rescues Clinic: Learn essential paddling skills to increase safety and confidence in the safe environment of an indoor pool. ACA certified instructors available. Presented by Three Rivers Outdoors. Pre-registration and payment required.; 6:30-8:30pm; To be held at YMCA North 400 Mason St., Onalaska; (608) 793-1470; www.ThreeRiversOutdoors.com
April 10 n Downtown Trend Showcase: Experience a fresh showcase of downtown at this fundraiser! Discover the latest trends in technology, fashion, design, home interiors, art, beauty and fitness. Enjoy live models, entertainment, tastings, silent auctions, product showcases and more! At the The Cargill Room at the Waterfront; Hosted by Downtown Mainstreet Inc.; (608) 784-0440; www.LaCrosseDowntown. com
April 11 & 12 n Spring Fling: Discover new spring trends, products, fashions, foods and fun! Celebrate throughout downtown Friday and Saturday. Kick off the season Friday evening with refreshments, special events and extended shopping hours. Downtown Mainstreet; (608) 784-0440; www.LaCrosseDowntown.com
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Calendar April 11, 12, 13 n Arms and the Man: See details from April 4 listing.
April 17 n Particle with Freek Bass and Sum Chunk LIVE: 8pm. Doors open at 7:30. Get your tickets early to see this band on their national tour! Their unique style has been coined as “funktronic” with elements of Pink Floyd fused with jazz and funk. $15 pre, $20 day of. Ages 21+. Cavalier Theater, 114 5th Ave N, La Crosse; (608) 782-2111; www.cavaliertheater.com
April 17, 18, 19 n Easter EGG-Stravaganza: April 17 5:30-7:30 pm OR April 18 9:30-11:30 am OR April 19 9:30-11:30 am. Ages 1-7 with adult. Meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs filled with prizes and Bunny Money, play games and explore the Museum. Pre-reg and pre-pay req. $5 per member child/$10 per non-member child. Adult req, but no fee. Children’s Museum, 207 5th Ave S.; (608) 784-2562; www.funmuseum.org
April 19 n Old School Variety Show: 8pm. One of the best shows in town! Intimate setting, great laughs, unique entertainment. Great date night, too! Shows sell quickly so get your tickets early! Tickets available at People’s Food Co-op and McCaffery ’s coffee shop. $15. Adult beverages available. Showcased at The Historic Grand Hotel Ballroom, 207 Pearl Street, La Crosse. Like us on Facebook to get updates on 20132014 shows!
n Apollo Cobra with Sum Chunk-Mid West Music Fest Pre Party: 9pm. Join this funky dance party that is Apollo Cobra! Sum Chunk opening! This is going to be a lively one, so come out and dance like nobody is watching! All Ages. $8. Doors open at 8:30. 114 5th Ave N, La Crosse; (608) 782-2111; www.cavaliertheater.com
April 27 nnnEarth Fair 2014: “Make it Green in 2014!” Tons of children’s activities, demonstrations, live music including Hans Mayer, local foods & farmer ’s market, “green” vendors, and the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Earth Day Dash! FREE! Something for all ages! 11am-5pm at the EcoPark & Myrick Park. www.EarthFairLaCrosse.org
n Kayak Eskimo Roll & Rescues Clinic: See April 6 details.
May 2 & 3 nn Festival Foods Grandad Half Marathon: The range of events include: Festival Foods Grandad Half Marathon and relay, Three Rivers 5K Run/Walk, Coulee Region Bike Tours, Running Time Trial, and free Riverside Youth Races. Also included in the event weekend are two events which make up with La Crosse Omnium: Cycling Time Trial and Cycling Criterium. The wide variety of events encourage maximum
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participation by people all ages and fitness levels.; Pre-registration highly encouraged. (608) 789-7304; www.FestivalFoodsGrandadHalf.com
May 3 n “High Five for Paws” Annual Fundraiser: 10am-5pm. Live music, activities, food, and prizes! Paws for Independence is an organization that specializes in training and providing service dogs for veterans, adults and children with PTSD, diabetes, mental illness, seizure disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and other disabilities. This fundraiser benefits this great cause! Held at American Legion, 731 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska.
May 10 nn nRiver to Ridge Run/Walk: Join this fundraiser to support nature education programs at the EcoPark! 8am-12pm. This unique event includes a grill-out, entertainment, celebration and awards ceremony, and live music. NEW this year: Children’s nature activities – for PRE-REGISTRATIONS only, when you pre-register for the walk or run, you may register up to two children (age 3-8) to make a bird feeder and participate in other nature activities at the EcoPark Center while you compete. Pre-Registration (by midnight 5/7/14) - $25.00; Onsite registration (after midnight 5/7/14) - $30.005-Mile Run/5K Walk…Only the TOUGH get up the BLUFF! More info at (608) 784-0303 or www.mhecopark.org
SOL SAMPLER
3 for $5
Choose any 3: Aqua Massage, Level 1 Tan, Infra-red Sauna, O2 Session, Chi Session
www.BodyandSol.biz
9376 Hwy 16, Onalaska | (608) 781-BODY (2639) 1006 19th Street So La Crosse| (608) 782-TANU (8268) *Choose 3 different services. Expires 7 days from first visit. 1 offer per customer. Cannot be shared.
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Calendar !”
ns “You’ll Love Our Bu
Restaurant
& Bakery
Handmade Pottery Children & Adult Classes 321 Main St. La Crosse, WI 608-782-3904 www.generousearthpottery.com
Evening Features 3:30pm to Close: SUN: Free Dessert Night MON: Kids Eat Free TUE: Tap Beer Night 1/2 Price!
Paint Your Own Pottery Jewelry & Glass Fusing Week-Long and Mini Summer Camps 205 Pearl St. La Crosse, WI 608-782-7248 www.allglazedup.com
WED: Fish Fry All You Can Eat THU: Date Night
Half priced bottles of wine!
FRI: Fish Fry All You Can Eat SAT: Surf ‘n’ Turf Night
www.fayzes.com 135 4th St S, La Crosse | (608)784-9548
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shopping, events
& play
buckle build-a-bear workshop dressbarn tradehome shoes zumiez photos with the easter bunny
center court • april 3–19
visit the children’s play area
located in center court near macy’s sponsored by
3800 state road 16 • la crosse, wi 54601 608.781.4700 • myvalleyview.com A Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust® Property download the PREIT® malls app
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PREIT
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