2Do La Crosse May June 2014

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shop

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China Max Coney Island Gloria Jean’s Coffee HuHot Mongolian Grill Mrs. Fields Cookies/Pretzelmaker Nori Japan Orange Julius/Dairy Queen Treat Center Rocky Rococo Pizza Texas Roadhouse

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Awaken your inner dragon!

The Big Blue Dragon Boat Race is back this year at Riverfest!

Get your team together and join us for a day of fun and fitness, all while raising money to support breast cancer survivors.

Teams are forming now, and slots are filling fast, so don’t delay.

Saturday, July 5, 2014 Riverside Park, La Crosse, Wisconsin For registration and event information, visit http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/lacrosse

Franciscan Healthcare

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La Crosse

Discover Your City!

Like 2dolacrosse

VOLUME TWO| Issue Two May/June 2014

©2014 MJ Ventures, Inc., Mueller Media, Inc.

Editor Michelle Jerome Account Representatives

Jeremy Elisius Michelle Jerome

Graphic Designers

Clinton Grabhorn Jackie Miller Will Adamany

Sections

KIDS 8

Summertime Fun!

BE ACTIVE

14

The 2nd Annual Dragon Boat Race

Tour De Pearl: Biking for Pints

ARTS 24

The 1st Annual Artspire: Celebrating the La Crosse Arts Scene

2VOLUNTEER 27

Meet Extraordinary Habitat for Humanity Volunteers

DO LOCAL

34

It’s Outdoor Dining Season

A Local Treasure: The Hixon House

CALENDAR 40 Favorite Events & Hidden Gems!

Copy Editor Susan Miller

Administrative Assistant Yasmynn Rain

Contributing Writers

Emily Faeth Geri Parlin Heidi Griminger Blanke Leah Call Mackenzie Moen Michael Scott Ryan Stotts

Photo Credits Cover Photo

by Teresa Hase Photography ( Featuring the 2013 Big Blue Dragon

Boat Race Team, the Labroknots. Left to right: Leanne Hinke, Laurie Wiltse, Peggy Ahern, Kristin Hagen)

Pages 15, 16: Jim Cavanaugh Pages 18, 21, 22: Teresa Hase Page 27: Pete Swanson Page tab photo details: Lee Harwell All other photos: Subject ’s contribution

Distribution

Page Hartmann

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3120 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601 MuellerMediaCorp.com (608) 780-9962

MJ Ventures, Inc. M e dia

|

P ublis hing

|

Marketing

PO Box 61, Onalaska, WI 54650 MJVenturesInc.com (608) 780-3853 2Do La Crosse is published bi-monthly by MJ Ventures, Inc., PO Box 61, Onalaska, WI 54650 and Mueller Media, Inc., 3120 South Ave., La Crosse, WI 54601.

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.

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My favorite job of all time was working as a wildlife naturalist aboard a pontoon boat to share the Mississippi backwaters with passengers. Each day on the river was revitalizing, and visiting Riverside Park this spring has sparked my yearning for summer on our river.

Last year La Crosse gained a new way to enjoy the Mississippi: the Big Blue Dragon Boat Race! I’m excited to watch teams vie for 1st place in the name of breast cancer awareness.

The drums, the waves, the dragons! Read the story on page 18!

There’s a lovely fire igniting in La Crosse. The art scene embers have been glowing for decades and are about to burst into the first annual Artspire, a celebration of arts culture in La Crosse. I’ll be grabbing my family to enjoy the festivities! Check out the details on page 24.

A year after publishing the inaugural issue of 2Do La Crosse magazine, I’m excited to announce some great news! 2Do La Crosse’s parent company, MJ Ventures, Inc., has joined with La Crosse Magazine publisher, Mueller Media. Our goal is to bring you more features and stories in a brighter, better format. (Check out our new cover look!) We’re still going to share our favorite topics like Arts, Be Active, 2Volunteer, and more. We would love to hear your ideas for new stories, too! Contact us on Facebook or on the web to let us know your favorite way to

“Discover Your City!”

-Michelle Jerome

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” ~Steve Jobs

Join Our Sales Team.

Visit us online or call today.

MJ Ventures, Inc.

M edia | Pu b lis h in g | Ma r k e ti ng www.mjventuresinc.com

(608) 780-3853

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Kids’ r F u n ! e m Sum S

By Mackenzie Moen

Kids! Grab your bug nets, cooking aprons, and gardening gloves! It ’s summertime!

The La Crosse area has many extracurricular activities for youth in our community. In addition to all the great sporting programs, our community has it covered: from cooking and nature exploration, to health and wellness, to pottery and science, and more!

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Kids (and grownups) paint their own pottery at All Glazed Up in downtown La Crosse. Staff will fire your painted pottery in a kiln for a foodsafe finished product. They now also feature glass fusing projects.

All Glazed Up offers many different camps and programs for ages eight years and up. This is a great opportunity to engage kids in hands-on, creative fun!

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!

Kids Deep Roots Community Farm received a grant to hold “Summer on the Farm” again this year!

During this event, youth participate in daily gardening and “chores” on the farm. Kids learn about organic farming and sustainability. This experience is a wonderful way for kids to learn “Farm to Table” principles.

and participate in service learning projects to promote social and environmental stewardship and more!

This daily program for first to eighth grade youth runs from the beginning of June to the end of August.

Studio 16 and The Elements Yoga Studio in Onalaska are launching their first Summer Youth Wellness Camp! This summer camp is a duo of functional fitness and yoga taught by certified instructors. From the fitness aspect, kids will work on body strength, endurance, and agility. From the yoga side, kids will gain range of motion, joint stability, and confidence while learning relaxation methods. This program has two sessions; one in July and one in August.

The Driftwood School located on Rose Street in La Crosse is practically brand new! Their goal is to spend many hours outside in connection with nature. They offer weekly field trips to nearby natural areas and local farms, inspire creativity through arts and crafts using natural and recycled materials,

SUMMER DAY CAMPS Half-day camps for ages 4-7 3-morning sessions: - Build It - Kids Cuisine

5-morning sessions: - Young Artists - I Spy Science - Dogs, Dinos & Bugs Single morning enrollment also available

PLUS...

Spanish Camps for ages 4-7 Full Day sessions for ages 7-12

Register by May 15 for entry into a drawing for a prize package to include a free one-year Museum membership and more!

Children’s Museum of La Crosse (608) 784-2652

207 5th Ave. S La Crosse WI 54601 www.funmuseum.org

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Every year, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers youth activities to keep kids learning and inspired in the summer. They host a wide range of courses, from Environmental Explorers, to Girls in Science, to Young Scholars. Children can throw on a chef ’s hat for Kids’ Culinary Academy or grab a pair of gloves for Archaeology Workshop.

Sign up early for these summertime learning experiences.

Kids become more closely connected with nature when they join Outdoor Adventure Day Camps at the EcoPark. The camps are professionally designed with an educational curriculum cleverly disguised by fun in the local forests and marshes. Your child might even come home a little muddy from the creek with an exciting frog-catching story! EcoPark summer camps run June through August.

Your kids will have fun learning in the La Crosse area this summer with these fantastic opportunities!

Mackenzie is a professional yoga instructor at Elements Yoga Studio in Onalaska and loves to see kids learning healthy habits while having fun!

Young artists paint pottery at All Glazed Up

Summer Outdoor Day Camps

Early bird registration ends June 1

for ages 3–8

Nature Explorer Camps

3–5 years, 1 week, M-F, half-days, with and without an adult

Nature Detector Camps

6–8 years, 1 week, M-W-F, all day

One-Day Camps 6 years and up

Camps are taught and overseen by a professional teacher with more than 20 years of classroom and environmental education experience.

www.mhecopark.org 789 Myrick Park Dr • La Crosse, WI • 608-784-0303

Register online at www.mhecopark.org/learn/summer-programs

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Kids

Where to Find Kids’ Summer Fun! All Glazed Up: (608) 782-7248; www.allglazedup.com Children’s Museum of La Crosse: (608) 784-2652; www.funmuseum.org Deep Roots Community Farm: deeprootsfarm@hotmail.com Driftwood School: (608) 780-0426; driftwoodschool@gmail.com EcoPark: (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org

Handmade Pottery Children & Adult Classes 321 Main St. La Crosse, WI 608-782-3904 www.generousearthpottery.com

La Crosse Community Theatre: (608)784-9292;

www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org

La Crosse Parks and Recreation: (608) 789-7533; www.cityoflacrosse.org /parks La Crosse YMCA: (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org Onalaska Parks and Recreation: (608) 781-9560; www.cityofonalaska.com Studio 16 and The Elements Yoga Studio: (608) 779-0411; www.studio16onalaska.com

Paint Your Own Pottery Jewelry & Glass Fusing Week-Long and Mini Summer Camps

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: (608) 785-8000; www. uwlax.edu/conted/youth/

205 Pearl St. La Crosse, WI 608-782-7248 www.allglazedup.com

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7 Pastas!

7 S au ce s !

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DumKipdlsing Class!

Magically prepared ...right before your eyes!

Share tea and learn to make dumplings!

Dine in, carry out, or drive through today!

www.AhzPasta.com • (608)788-PASTA (7278)

91 Copeland Ave., La Crosse, WI

Youth r o o d t u O Fest!

July 12, 2014

11am - 2pm Pettibone Lagoon FREE! FR

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Raffle prize s fo r the whole family!

Contact: Jay Odegaard (608) 789-7593 or Heidi Keuler (608) 783-8417

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www.dimsumteashop.com 221 Pearl St, La Crosse (608) 738-1221 2014 ACTIVITIES Archery Birdwatching Boat Driving Bowfishing Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Casting Game Dog Demos Ducks on a Stick Electrofishing Fish Dissection/Cleaning Fish Printing Fly Fishing Fur Identification Games Geocaching Hiking Fish Identification Invertebrate Investigations Live Trout Fishing Minnow Races Mountain Biking Mississippi River Pontoon Scoop on Soil Storytelling Toni Paisley Photography

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Summer Biking: Tour De Pearl

By Michael Scott

I have been a Tour de Pearl participant since its inception two years ago. From the very first stage, I was hooked.

My wife and I had donned our Tour de Pearl t-shirts and lanyards, items bestowed upon us when we signed up, and peddled our bikes to The Arterial tavern.

We bellied up to the bar, ordered an ice cold Pearl Street Pale Ale and got our first stamp of the 2012 Tour de Pearl. Seated next to us were two elderly ladies who curiously asked about our Tour badges and lanyards. Their names were Bernice and Betty, both in their 70s. We explained the promotion by The Pearl Street Brewery.

“Where is that?” asked Betty.

I responded, “Do you know where the old La Crosse Rubber Mill factory is?”

Bernice responded, “Yes, we do. We worked there for over 55 years.”

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Minds blown, we thought it only fitting to buy them a Rubber Mill Pils, a refreshing pilsner-style beer from The Pearl Street Brewery that features a La Crosse Footwear boot on the label.

“I made this part,” Bernice said, pointing to the top of the boot.

We chatted for nearly an hour and exchanged buying rounds.

Betty handed me a beer, and with a wink and a smile said, “Give it a good home.”

I realized this was no simple promotion to sell beer. This was an active community-building summertime event that now ranks up there with grilling out, baseball on the radio, and fireworks.

“Rarely do you find a promotion that everyone loves but this is it,” said Tami Plourde, Chief Beer Ambassador and Administrator of Sales/Marketing at The Pearl Street Brewery. The numbers of Tour de Pearl lovers is rising. The first year

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Be Active saw just under 500 participants. Last year, those numbers grew to 650, plus another 800 in the Madison area. Plourde hopes to swell those numbers to over 1,000 in 2014.

The Tour de Pearl works like this.

Starting near the end of May, you sign up and get your goodie bag that includes a t-shirt, your Tour badge, water bottle and other promotional pieces. Then, for the next 16 weeks your assignment is to visit 21 taverns or restaurants, order a Pearl Street Brewery product and receive a stamp. When your card is full, turn it in and that is your entry to win a new bike at the Tour de Pearl party in September.

featuring... bicycles

blueheronbikes@gmail.com 213 Main St. Onalaska Only 1 block east of the Great River State Trail Head!

A happy Tour de Pearl Cyclist

www.BlueHeronBikes.com

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“We had to change the Tour de “ They are a culture of do-ers,” Pearl this year to accommodate all explained Plourde. Participants are the local businesses that wanted active, curious, locally grounded, to participate,” said Plourde. This and sustainability focused. The year there will be 42 different local Tour de Pearl attracts a wide demotaverns and restaurants on the tour. graphic. There are hardcore bikers Participants can then build their and folks that havenʼt ridden a bike since childhood. There are collegeown tour by compiling at least 21 stops in 5 different zones, divided age riders and retirees. Some ride by level of difficulty. When you have solo and others form large packs. racked up 21 stages, you have comHowever you do the Tour de Pearl, pleted the Tour and will be entered itʼs going to be a great summer of to win a bike at the end of the year. peddlinʼ for pints!

If you complete all 42 stops, you will receive 3 entries. Not that winning a Michael Scott is an avid bicyclist, renowned professional storyteller, bike is the main motivating factor. and we hear tell he puts on a darn The biking culture and craft beer good Variety Show. culture are a lovely marriage.

Cheri Picket and Jim Cavanaugh complete the Tour de Pearl challenge!

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Be Active

May 10-16, 2014

www.BikesLtdLaX.com Lifetime tune ups with all bike purchases!

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Big Blue Dragon Boat Race:

Empowerment and Celebration

By Emily Faeth

As the mercury begins to rise throughout the Coulee Region, organizers have been excitedly putting the final touches on one of the area’s newest summer events - the Big Blue Dragon Boat Race. Hosted

by Mayo Health System’s Center for Breast Care, the Big Blue Dragon Boat Races will commence their second year of the event on Saturday, July 5th, in La Crosse’s Riverside Park. Organizers hope to promote community health, breast cancer awareness, as well as that greatest of medicines, fun.

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Dragon boats trace their roots more than 2000 years back to China’s Guangdong Province, and are part of a family of traditional long boats.

While competitions involving the boats have been held for centuries, the modern incarnation of Dragon Boat Racing as a worldwide sporting event began in the 1970s. Today, many cities and groups carry on the tradition, while also often incorporating various causes.

While Dragon Boat Racing is not necessarily connected with breast cancer awareness everywhere it is

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Be Active practiced, the connection between the two seemed obvious for Director of Health Promotion at Mayo, Lori Freit-Hammes. Freit-Hammes, who also co-chairs the event, says, “It became to me a battlecry sport for breast cancer survivors. It became a symbol of strength and courage... and celebrates teamwork.” Thus, it ’s that celebration of physical empowerment and camaraderie which has led groups like the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission to form competitive teams across the world, from Australia and Canada to the UK and the US. This summer ’s event is divided into five divisions. Those include Corporate and Mixed teams of at

least eight competitors, as well as a Men’s Division, a Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters Division of at least ten competitors per team, and an All Cancer Survivors and Supporters Division. The traditional Hong Kong style boats used in this year ’s competition, as is typical of Dragon Boat Racing, include a seat at the head of the boat for a drummer. Navy Veteran Shala Rhea, who participated in last year ’s event and who began partaking in Dragon Boat Racing while stationed in Okinawa, says the drummer ’s job isn’t necessarily to provide a rhythm for the rowers, but rather to act more as a cheerleader for the team. “ The sound of the drums can take awhile to reach those at the back of the

Visit Three Rivers Outdoors!

Kayak & Canoe Rentals • Outdoor Programming Guided Paddle Groups • Active Apparel • Outdoor Gear 400 Main St • Historic Downtown La Crosse • 608-793-1470

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boat, so their job is really to provide momentum and support to the team,” she says.

Of course, while the event is geared toward cooperation, teamwork, and fun, Mayo Health System’s Center for Breast Care is concerned with benefiting the community as a whole, as well. All of the proceeds raised from the event go back to the Center for Breast Care, which provides community health education, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. “We can also provide mammograms to women who may not otherwise have access,” says Freit-Hammes, noting one of the most crucial factors regarding a

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mayoclinichealthsystem.org

Continued on page 22...

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woman’s likelihood of survival from the disease. On a more individual level, research has shown that vigorous exercise can relieve some of the symptoms of radiation and breast cancer treatment.

Still, the prospect of a day at Riverside Park, perhaps making new friends while enjoying fun on the water, is enough to draw anyone in.

The fact that it ’s all for such a vital cause, though, helps remind us that it could easily be any of our mothers or sisters we’re cheering on from the shore.

Emily Faeth is a freelance writer from La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she lives with her boyfriend and her two cats, Pablo and Tallulah.

If you go…

Registration is still open for teams interested in participating in the event.

Registration deadline is June 15 and forms are available at http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org /locations/la-crosse/ about-us/dragon-boat-2014.

Spectators need simply to head down to Riverside Park on July 5. Races will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the Mississippi river.

A glimpse of the Dragon Boat regatta 22

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By Leah Call

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

- Pablo Picasso

Satori Arts gallery

Known for the unusual

201 Pearl St La Crosse www.satori-arts-gallery.com 24

Shake the dust off your soul at the first annual Artspire La Crosse, June 13 and 14, in downtown La Crosse.

The event will showcase the community ’s culture through visual and performing arts.

Artspire kicks off Friday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m. with the unveiling of a trompe l’oeil mural and a street dance at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. The celebration continues in the Arts District and throughout downtown on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with artfocused activities and performances on several stages.

“We will have an entertainment stage, a theater stage, an

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Arts interactive stage, and a spoken word stage. We want people to come and see and participate in all the arts La Crosse has to offer,” says Nancy Flottmeyer, who was selected by the Pump House to coordinate the event.

The motivation to begin an annual arts celebration is tied to a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Our Town grant received by the City of La Crosse Arts Board in partnership with the Pump House. “Part of our grant proposal is that we involve the community with a celebration,” explains Donald Smith, chair of the City Arts Board.

For several years the Arts Board had envisioned an annual event celebrating the arts and culture of La Crosse. The Pump House stepped forward to take the leadership role in making such an event a reality, and thus began Artspire.

Art and community La Crosse was among 59 communities in 39 states to receive the NEA grant that funds the mural to be

installed on the west wall of the Pump House Regional Arts Center.

The Arts Board commissioned internationally renowned trompe l’oeil artist John Pugh for the mural.

According to Pump House Executive Director Toni Asher, Pugh was selected in part because of his willingness to teach other artists and work with local apprentices.

Pugh visited La Crosse in late 2013 to evaluate sites for the mural.

During that time he met with art instructors from the La Crosse School District and Coulee Catholic Schools. Additionally he met with UW-La Crosse art students, and three La Crosse apprentices traveled to Pugh’s California studio for two different sessions. The apprentices will assist in the installation, which begins in May and ends with the unveiling as the opening event of Artspire.

Shooting for the moon Once plans for Artspire were initiated, committees were quickly formed and ad agency metre was engaged to handle branding and

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marketing of the event. Downtown businesses were encouraged to join the celebration and host their own arts-related activities during Artspire.

Maps will be available to guide attendees to the many activities taking place during Artspire. “At any given moment there will be three or four different things going on that you can choose from – in and around downtown,” notes Flottmeyer.

Putting together an inaugural event in less than six months is a pretty impressive undertaking, and Flottmeyer promises an event to be remembered. “We’re shooting for the moon! We want to make it fantastic, so people leave and they want more.”

For more information, visit artspirelacrosse.com and view updates on the Artspire La Crosse Facebook page.

Westby-based writer, Leah Call, finds creative inspiration in the beauty of the Coulee Region

Weber Center

Happy holidays!

Performing Arts

Photo by C.D. Smith

Flottmeyer anticipates Artspire will take place in early to mid-June each year. “We are so excited for the first year. It will truly be a fabulous event for our city.”

for the

So much to see and do!

Check us out!

www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org 428 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601 • 608-784-9292

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2 Volunteer

Left to Right-Volunteers: Heather Suby, Marilyn Pedretti, Jason Lien, Volunteer Coordinator: Bekky Mayfield

Volunteers Build a Place to Call...Home

By Geri Parlin Habitat for Humanity. And if she On a sunny Saturday in May, Heather Suby could be planting vegetables, can do it, so can you, says Suby. “I soaking up the sun on the river, or thought construction would be fun.” shopping for fresh produce at a farmTurns out, it was much better than er ’s market. Instead, she’s swinging that. a hammer as she helps build a house for someone else. “ To actually build something, knowing that I’m helping a family, that’s probSuby is one of the many volunteers ably the most rewarding part.” who help to build homes with

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And it’s no sacrifice to work on Fridays and Saturdays, she said, because this is what she wants to do.

Pedretti began volunteering with Habitat as a construction volunteer because she believes in the mission of building homes and is an avid recycler.

“It’s my priority. I’m not one to say I work on Habitat if I have nothing else to do. I hate missing if they do something without me.”

“I love hands-on. It’s something I can believe in and do, so I’m involved with them.”

She’s always glad to see another woman volunteer and says anyone can become as comfortable with tools as she’s become.

Volunteer Coordinator Bekky Mayfield said all three are just the kind of people who keep the Habitat engine running.

“I’m no longer scared to use a power tool or to show a hesitant volunteer how to use a power tool. We have a lot of women groups who come in.”

“I’m always impressed by people.

Heather is so willing to not make plans every Saturday because she volunteers.”

One of those groups of women came And like Heather, you can learn what from LHI. And LHI employee Jason you need to learn from other more Lien admits he was envious that he experienced volunteers. couldn’t join the team. So he decided “It ’s not a roadblock if somebody to volunteer at ReStore on Saturdays. has never wielded a hammer,” “I was looking for ways to give back to Mayfield said. the community.”

And if hammering is not where your heart is at, consider working at He likes the interaction with customers, helping with donations, ReStore. and seeing the items that end up in “We have 11 volunteers in our the store.

ReStore who have volunteered over “I’ve seen everything here. Once we 1,000 hours,” Mayfield said. “Our got in an electric scooter, but that’s volunteers are very willing, very not typical.” dedicated, very passionate.”

More typical are kitchen cabinets, said ReStore volunteer Marilyn Pedretti. And if you see some, you better buy them right away. “ They’re gone in a day.”

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Geri Parlin is a retired La Crosse Tribune reporter who isn’t retired from life. She and her sister Therese have fashioned a second career repurposing furniture and other auction finds into entirely new creative pieces. You can follow her at geriparlin.wordpress.com.

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2 Volunteer Now TWO locations!

327 Pearl St. La Crosse, WI (608)796.1200

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327 Division St. La Crosse, WI (608)793.1200

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Now you want to be involved!

The Habitat ReStore accepts donations of new and used building materials and sells them at a fraction of retail prices. The ReStore runs on the dedication of 30-40 volunteers each week. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers typically sign up for a 3 or 4 hour shift each week as sales floor cashiers or as donationreceiving specialists. Other volunteers assist a driver with donation pick-ups.

Habitat is currently building its 38th home on the south side of La Crosse and is always in need of construction volunteers. Construction on another house will begin in May. Habitat partners with the City of La Crosse and Couleecap on ReNEW La Crosse Neighborhoods, a revitalization project focused on the PowellPoage-Hamilton and Washburn neighborhoods, which runs May 4-June 7.

All that volunteering adds up. In 2013, volunteers logged 10,000 hours with Habitat! In 2013, the ReStore diverted 2.32 tons of materials from landfills.

Since ReStore opened in 2006, it has diverted 1,163.5 tons of materials from landfills. That ’s impressive!

ONLINE: www.habitatlacrosse.org | volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org PHONE: Bekky Mayfield 608.785.2375 ext. 1604 IN PERSON: 434 3rd Street South, La Crosse

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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 Artspire: Assist in a downtown art celebration featuring artists from the Coulee Region June 13-14, 2014. This event features the unveiling of a large-scale mural created by the nationally recognized trompe l’oeil artist John Pugh. For additional information please contact Daniel Peterson at volunteer@artspirelacrosse.com.

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

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2 Volunteer 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, there’s something for many! jamie@growyourbrainlax.org; www.growyourbrainlax.org Continued on page 32...

ut on high heel shoes and verside Park. Women can for this great cause.

Thursday, July 3, 2014 sse, WI

La Cro At Riverfest, Riverside Park, lk: 6 pm Check in: 3-5:30 pm | Wa ,” is a unified

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®

ence. domestic violand march againstotput oes sh l on high hee

Men are challenged ide Park. Women can be walk a mile around Rivers n. by walking alongside the me rt ppo “Sole Sisters” and show su and Gundersen Medical CA of the Coulee Region nce.

Proceeds benefit the YW s victims of domestic viole help that d Fun ilee Car Foundation’s

osse.org

www.walkamilelacr

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Habitat for Humanity/ReStore: For Women Build, construction, Critical Home Repair, ReStore, special events or office work, contact Bekky Mayfield, Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, at volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org or 608.785.2375 X1604.

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 Program driving 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:Â 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) 687-3332; 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 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: Imagine volunteering for 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

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2 Volunteer 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 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The mission of the Shrine includes being a place of religious pilgrimage, serving the spiritual needs of God’s people in an environment of peace and quiet. Volunteer needs include care of flower beds, trail maintenance, upkeep of devotional areas, indoor cleaning, welcoming and assisting pilgrims in various areas such as the Votive Candle Chapel and Gift Shop. www.guadalupeshrine.org /volunteer.

WAFER Food Pantry: WAFER food pantry serves the low-income, food-insecure population throughout La Crosse and Houston Counties. In addition to volunteer opportunities during food distribution hours, WAFER offers a monthly Food Fair (usually held the 4th Saturday of the month) and Senior Share, a food package delivery program. 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.

YWCA of the Coulee Region: There are many different ways to get involved and volunteer with the YWCA. The YWCA believes everyone has something to contribute and receive from participation within the YWCA community. Currently we are looking for volunteers to help with special events, support our adaptive swimming and gardening programs, and coordinate activities for the women in our housing programs. 608.781.2783 ext.228; mhilligoss@ywcalax.org; ywcalax.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: michelle@2dolax.com.

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Al Fresco Dining:

La Crosse Style

By Heidi Blanke

Want to sip wine under the stars?

Enjoy a meal in the shade?

Sit in the sun over lunch?

Water View

Want to enjoy an exquisite view?

Head on over to Seasons by the Lake and be seated on the patio or The La Crosse Area has a wonderful deck. Assistant Restaurant Manager/ array of restaurants offering al fresco Banquet Coordinator Elizabeth Hart dining just the way you want it. says Seasons “has one of the best views anywhere in Onalaska” since Downtown Scene it overlooks the water. The outdoor area, about fifteen tables, opens Dublin Square Irish Pub and Eatery May 1st and runs through mid-Octoseats patrons outside as soon as ber.

A full menu is available, either fifty degree days seem here to stay. from the bar, tavern, or dining room.

Co-owner Matt Boshcka is proud “We have great food and great scento say that Dublin Square was even ery,” Hart entices. named one of the top patios in the area. He says customers “enjoy the For an even more intimate view sun on their face and the elements of the water, try the La Crosse outside.” A full service menu is Pettibone Boat Club. With a location available and Dublin Square is one on the banks of the Mississippi, the of the few area patios that has restaurant seats ninety people on its licensing to stay open until midpatio.

Open now through Labor Day night. Patrons seated outside can (the building will begin renovations enjoy the best of both worlds, as at that point), it’s a great place to music is piped through speakers and grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a televisions are strategically placed late night drink.

Food is served from so they can be viewed from the 8 am to 9 pm, though the bar stays patio. Some of the patio enjoyment, open until close.

What better way is Boshcka says, comes simply from there to start or end your day? “seeing people walk by.” Whether you’re a young professional meeting friends after work or a Baby Boomer The deck at Huck Finn’s on the Water is as close to dining on the water as enjoying dinner, Dublin Square’s you can be without being aboard a strategic location offers the perfect boat. Whether you are pulling up by outdoor atmosphere. aquatic vessel or by motor vehicle, 34

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Do Local there’s a parking place for you. A full menu, from casual appetizers to surfand-turf, combined with specialty drinks and live entertainment, make this a unique dining experience.

In the summer, Four Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant offers a full menu seven days a week. Located immediately across from Riverside Park, owner and chef Lori Helke says the “view is stunning, especially at night.” The patio area seats over forty people on a first come, first serve basis and, while live music is located inside, doors into the main restaurant are left open so the music can be heard by all diners.

!”

ns “You’ll Love Our Bu

Restaurant

& Bakery

Outdoors Around Town In addition to the above eateries, restaurants and coffee shops too numerous to name offer a table or two outside, often taking advantage of sidewalk space. For casual dining, bar food can be ordered and eaten outdoors at a number of area establishments, including Howie’s, Barrel Inn and Stolpa’s Stein Haus. For a bit of old-fashioned atmosphere, Rudy’s Drive-In offers carhop service.

Simply roll down your car window, order through an intercom, and your meal is brought to you via a rollerskating server.

Evening Features 3:30pm to Close: SUN: Free Dessert Night MON: Kids Eat Free TUE: Tap Beer Night 1/2 Price!

WED: Fish Fry All You Can Eat THU: Date Night

If you want to enjoy a drink or a meal and not miss a bit of the enjoyable outdoors, make a point to head to any of these restaurants and grab a seat. Cooler days will be back before we know it.

Continued on pg. 36

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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Al Fresco Dining Locations Outdoor dining typically opens mid-April through mid-October; call to confirm

Boot Hill Pub

Monday-Thursday 11:00 am-9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am-10:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am-9:00 pm. 1501 St. Andrews, La Crosse 608-782-3826, boothillpub.com

Dublin Square

La Crosse Pettibone Boat Club

Menu service 8:00 am – 9:00 pm; bar service until close South Pettibone Drive, La Crosse 608-784-7743

Manny ’s Mexican Cocina

11:00 am to midnight every day 103 N. 3rd Street, La Crosse 608-519-2509 dublinsquarepub.com

11:00 am-close every day 301 Hampton Court, Onalaska 608-781-5601 mannyscocina.com

Four Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant

Monday-Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm, Friday 11:00 am-11:00 pm, Saturday noon-11:00 pm, Sunday noon-6:00 100 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse 608-782-8213 4sisterslacrosse.com

Huck Finn’s on the Water

Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 am to close, Sunday 9:00 am to close 129 Marina Drive, La Crosse 608-519-2007 huckfinnslacrosse.com

Seasons by the Lake

910 2nd Avenue North, Onalaska Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 am-close; Monday closed 608-781-4848 seasonsonalaska.com

Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

Patio: casual tavern menu Patio & tavern: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am -11:00 pm, Friday 11:0012pm, Saturday 5:00-12:00 pm 328 Front Street, La Crosse 608-782-5400 thewaterfrontlacrosse.com

Like 2Do La Crosse 2 WIN!itbe’scafuusn!e

Be that gal (or guy)

Congrats to all the recent WINNERS of our Facebook & website contests!

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Do Local

The

H ixon House

La Crosse’s Hidden Gem

By Ryan Stotts

By the late 1890s, Grandad Bluff was slated to be erased from the skyline of La Crosse.

home, located on 7th Street North, since the last major restoration was completed in the summer of 2005.

Residents were already using the If you talk to Margaret Lichter, popular spot as a lookout advantage restoration curator for the projfor the beautiful Coulee Region, and ect, she’ll tell you it was quite an early Native Americans had marked undertaking. the bluff for sacred summer ceremonies because it put them “closest “It was an amazing project,” Lichter said. “We had experts come in from to heaven.” all over the country.”

But, as the 19th Century was coming to a close, Grandad Bluff was set The Hixon House was unique in that it was left almost fully furnished. to be dynamited, the stone used for roads and buildings.

That is until Ellen Pennell Hixon and her second eldest son, Joseph, stepped in. “ They virtually saved it,” said Larry Green.

That ’s one of his favorite stories to share during his duties as a docent at the Hixon House.

“In the museum business you call yourself a docent,” Green said.

“What you really are is a guide.”

He’s been guiding people through the historic lumber baron’s family

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“Nobody messed with mom’s stuff,” Lichter said of the furniture, dishes, artwork, linens and many other items left intact from Ellen Hixon’s time there.

was to complete phase one of the restoration by July of 2005, when the Hixon family planned to have a reunion.

“ They really have been supportive of To restore the house to full glory, the house,” Lichter said. four major research documents A visit to the Hixon House affords were commissioned, and experts a rare look into a lifestyle now were brought in to analyze everything from the house’s architecture, vanished. to its wallpaper, paint, light fixtures, “It ’s a hidden gem,” Lichter said. even a detailed furnishing plan.

Owned by the La Crosse County The physical work began in January Historical Society, the house is open of 2004, and the contents of the for walk-in or scheduled group tours house were shipped to the Twin from Memorial Day through Labor Cities where they were hermetiDay, Wednesday through Sunday cally sealed and stored. The goal from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Historic Events Daily!

Don’t Miss our PREMIERE on Saturday, May 31st 4:30-5:15 Meet & Greet 6:15-8:30 (Public) Season preview, 5:15-6:00 Annual Meeting old-time dance, great live music! ... all at Hixon House From BROWN BAG LECTURES to GREAT LIVE MUSIC & DANCES, there’s always something historic and fun going on at Hixon House and Riverside Park!

Smokin’ Hot Swing Night: Sat. June 14 Hixon Hootenanny: Sat. June 21 Folk Life La Crosse: Sat. June 28 Hixon House 429 7th Street

Ice Cream Social, Fiddle Contest, Square Dance: Sat. July 12 Time Warp Soiree: Sat. July 26 Riverside Park 410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

La Crosse LaCounty Historical Society Crosse, Wisconsin • (608) 782-1980 www.lchshistory.org 38

“Like” us on Facebook

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Do Local As later phases of the restoration continue, the house will be open for more events than ever before, said LCHS marketing /advertising /event production guru Lee Worrell.

“We’re going to have an event every Saturday this summer,” Worrell said.

After a May 31 kickoff event, which will feature the Gail Heil Fiddle and Music Contest, visitors can expect an array of summer events including themed “Hixon Hootenannys,” featuring open showcases, as well as themed soir é es. Historical reenactors will also be on hand to mingle with guests.

“We have quite a bit planned,” Worrell said.

Green, who said meeting visitors as part of his docent duties is “the best part,” also said people travel from all over the country to see the Hixon House.

“Almost universally they say it ’s the best historic house they ’ve seen,” Green said.

There is a nominal cost for entry to the Hixon House.

For hours, tours, admission prices, and more information visit www.lchsweb.org.

Ryan Stotts is a freelance writer, playwright and theater director from Rochester, Minn. He believes a strong link to the past brings us a brighter future.

And, of course, there will be the annual Hixon House Ice Cream Social, set for July 12.

“I think the community will enjoy having these family-friendly events,” she said, noting that to see history come to life at the Hixon House is an important part of our present culture.

847-951-4442

CritterComfortPetCare.com

“We’re becoming more and more disconnected from how people used to live,” Worrell said.

The mission of the Hixon House is to preserve that bond with the past; a beautiful reminder and a local treasure.

Don‛t leave your buddy home alone!

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n Kids n Be Active

n n

Arts 2volunteer

n Do Local

Ongoing Events & Activities

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

n Camp Curiosity Summer Day Camps: June – August. Pack your imagination for the coolest summer fun around at the Children’s Museum of La Crosse! Build It, Kids Cuisine, Young Artists, and more! 1, 3, and 5 day sessions. Ages 4-12. Preregistration and pre-payment is required. Registration is now open. (608) 784-2652; www.funmuseum.org

nn Cameron Park Farmers Market: 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 FridayMay 3rd to Oct 25th; 4-8 pm; 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 n Cruise Nights at Rudy ’s: Check out or show off your classic cars and trucks at Rudy ’s Drive-In! 6p-8p. Tuesdays, June 4-July 30 (except July 2). 1004 La Crosse St, La Crosse; (608) 782-2200; www.RudysDriveIn.com

n Downtown Walk Around: May 2 - June 6. This event is a walking challenge for La Crosse area community employees and residents. Any employee or area resident may participate in the program by obtaining a Downtown Walk-Around card and visiting each listed business to receive a stamp. Once they have filled the card, they are eligible for great prizes. www.lacrossedowntown.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

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Calendar 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 Hixon House Tours: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Wed-Sun 10am-2pm (with last tour starting at 2pm). Adults $8, Seniors & Students $6, Children 5-12 $5 (4 and under free), Members are free. 7th and Badger. Confirm open times within.

(608)782-1980; www.lchsweb.org n Paddle Time (Co-ed Group Paddle) Tuesdays, June-Aug. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Cost: $20 with rental, $25 (day of registration), $5 with own boat. Check locations online. (608) 793-1470; www. threeriversoutdoors.com. n Pottery 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 ReNEW La Crosse Neighborhoods: Saturdays: May 10, 17, 31 and June 7.

ReNEW is a partnership of neighbors and local organizations working together to make the neighborhood an even better place to live, work and play. This year ReNEW will focus its revitalization efforts in the Powell-Poage-Hamilton and Washburn Neighborhoods. Volunteer to help with projects including landscaping, yard clean-up, painting, home repairs and more! www.renewlacrosse.org

n River Divas (Women’s Group Paddle) Mondays, June-Aug. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Cost: $20 with rental, $25 (day of registration), $5 with own boat. Check locations online. (608) 793-1470; www.threeriversoutdoors.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; to be held at Riverside Park at the fountain, East Veterans Memorial Drive

nn Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing: June 13 – June 22, weekends. Oh, brother!

Sibling mischief and best pal escapades are the problems Peter Hatcher faces in his attempts to deal with his impossible little brother, Fudge. Based on the best-selling children’s novel by Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a humorous look at family life and the troubles that can only be caused by a younger sibling. Weber Center, 428 Front Street South, La Crosse. (608) 784-9292; www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org

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

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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 The Root Note: From open mic night to poetry readings to highly acclaimed musical performances, the Root Note hosts live entertainment weekly. This morethan-a-coffee-shop-crêperie is a hub to other goings on such as Repair Café, art showings, beer brew clubs, and so much more. Check out their Facebook page or stop in for schedules. 115 4th St. South, La Crosse. (608) 782-7668

n Thoroughly Modern Millie: May 9 – May 25, weekends. Young Millie Dillmount has just moved to the big city with plans to marry a man for money instead of love.

She soon finds out that the big city has other plans. Thoroughly Modern Millie is a high-spirited musical romp filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men, a villainess audiences will love to hate, and the most irrepressible heroine to ever step off the bus! Winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical. Weber Center, 428 Front Street South, La Crosse. (608) 784-9292; www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org

nn Tour de Pearl: Peddling for Pints: May – September. Join Pearl Street Brewery ’s 2014 Tour de Pearl and register and Ride for a chance to win a custom designed bicycle! Registration fee includes Tour Shirt and goodies. (608) 784-4832; www.PearlStreetBrewery.com

nn Women Build Program: May – November. Gather your friends and start a Women Build team to fundraise money and build homes in 2014. Each team consists of 6 – 10 women that pledge to raise $1,000 and build up to two days on the site. In 2013, 18 Women Build teams raised $33,000 and contributed more than 1,500 hours to the construction of the home. To register, contact Bekky Mayfield, 608.785.2375 X1604 or volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org

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

May 9 n BloodCenter of WI Blood Drive: Noon – 4:00pm. Donors may go online to www. bcw.edu/valleyview to schedule their appointment or call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877232-4376). All attempting donors who sign up for Valley View Mall email alerts will be entered to win a $100.00 Mall Shopping Spree. Valley View Mall Center Court.

(608) 781-4700; www.myvalleyview.com

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Calendar May 10 nn River 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 preregister 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) - $30.00. 5-Mile Run/5K Walk…Only the TOUGH get up the BLUFF! More info at (608) 784-0303 or www.mhecopark.org

n Bike to Work Week: May 10-16. Fun events all week long for grownups and kids! Ride your bike! www.driftlessbicycle.org

nn YMCA Family Fun Nights: 5-8pm at the YMCA-North Branch. Visit the Y for some quality family time. Enjoy swimming, games, crafts and more. No need to pre-register. YMCA Members – Free, Non Members - $10 per Family. 400 Mason Street, Onalaska. (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org

nn RSVP: Who Will Be Smarter than a 5th Grader?: 10am – Noon. Join the fun as community celebrities and area fifth graders from Aquinas, Bangor, La Crosse, and Onalaska schools compete to see "Who Will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?" Help your school of choice win a grand prize of $1,000.00 by casting your vote for one of the Class of 2014 contestants today at www.rsvplax.org! RSVP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Valley View Mall Center Court. (608) 781-4700; www.myvalleyview.com

May 13 n Marsh Bird Walk: 6:30 – 8:30 am. Walk led by the President of Coulee Region Audubon Society, Dan Jackson. Geared to ages 18 & over. EcoPark. (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org

May 15 n Forest Bird Walk: 6:30 – 8:30 am. Walk led by President of Coulee Region Audubon Society, Dan Jackson. Geared to ages 18 & over. EcoPark. (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org

May 16 nn Owl Prowl: 7 – 9:30 pm. Learn about this awesome animal that is built for hunting. After a short indoor activity we will prowl for owls in Hixon Forest as well as look for other wonders of spring evenings. EcoPark. (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org

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May 17 nn YMCA Family Fun Nights: 5-8pm at the YMCA-La Crosse Branch. Visit the Y for some quality familytime. Enjoy swimming, games, crafts and more. No need to preregister. YMCA Members – Free, Non Members - $10 per Family. 1140 Main Street, La Crosse. (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org

May 17 – May 25 n Summer Fun Show: Showcases the vehicles and equipment you need for the Coulee Region Summers. ATVs, WaveRunners, Dirt Bikes, Hot tubs, Pools, Pontoon Boats, Scooters and everything in between from the area’s dealers will be on display. Valley View Mall. (608) 781-4700; www.myvalleyview.com

May 20 n Wildflower Walk: 6 pm. Discover the beauty and wonder of these spring ephemerals while hiking in Hixon Forest with an EcoPark naturalist. EcoPark. (608) 784-0303; www.mhecopark.org

May 24 n Early Bird Kayak Clinic: 10am-3pm. Gear 101, basic strokes, boat control and guided tour. Taught by Three Rivers Outdoors staff. Cost: $50 with rental or $40 with own boat. Goose Island, Shelter # 1. (608) 793-1470; www.threeriversoutdoors.com

May 30 nn June Dairy Days: May 30 – June 1. Rides, food entertainment, fireworks, and fun! West Salem Village Park. www.junedairydays.com

May 31 nn Hixon House Premiere: 4:30 – 5:15 (Members) Meet and greet, annual meeting. 6:15 – 8:30 (Public) Season preview, old time dance, live music! 7th and Badger. La Crosse County Historical Society; (608)782-1980; www.lchsweb.org

n Deke Slayton Airfest: May 31 – June 1. Featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels! At La Crosse Municipal Airport. www.airfest.com

June 7 n Annual Perennial Sale: 9am – 3pm: Sponsored by the 2014 Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area Women Build Team: Ladies on Ladders. All proceeds support the mission to build homes for families in need. Location: Habitat ReStore Parking Lot, 434 3rd St S, La Crosse.

June 8 n Got Energy Triathlon - Presented by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives: 7am. A 44

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Calendar triathlon with a time-trial start for sprints distances and a wave start for intermediate distance. This is perfect for the beginner or experienced participant. Clinics are offered in advance of this event. (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org

June 11 or 12 n SUP Skills 1: 6pm-8pm. Basic strokes, board control and rescues. Taught by Three Rivers Outdoors staff. Cost: $35 with rental, $25 with own board. Pettibone Lagoon. (608) 793-1470; www.threeriversoutdoors.com

June 13 n Moonlight Paddle: 7:45pm-9:45pm. Hosted by Three Rivers Outdoors staff.

Cost: $25 with rental, $15 with own boat. Lake Neshonoc. (608) 793-1470; www. threeriversoutdoors.com. nn Artspire Kickoff: 6:30pm. Witness the unveiling of a trompe l’oeil mural and kick up your heels at the street dance at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. www.artspirelacrosse.com

June 14 nn Minds in Motion Bicycle Tour: Get your mind and body moving! Join this one day bike tour with five levels of difficulty for families to experts. NEW 5K Family Run/Walk! Proceeds benefit children’s health and wellness programs for Onalaska Schools. Cost is $10 to $40. Held at Onalaska Middle School. (608) 783-6136; www. mimbiketour.org

nn Artspire Celebration: 10:00am – 5:00pm. This first annual event will showcase the community ’s culture through visual and performing arts throughout the Arts District in Downtown La Crosse. www.artspirelacrosse.com

n Freedom Fest: Featuring musical performances by nationally-renowned entertainers, Huey Lewis and the News and Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band; regional favorite, The Remainders. The concert series will be preceded by the Freedom Fest Motorcycle Ride, a tour through the Coulee Region in commemoration of Veterans.

Proceeds benefit Veteran causes. Tickets starting at $40 (plus tax) available at Festival Foods and online. Event at UW-La Crosse, La Crosse St., La Crosse; www.FreedomFestLaCrosse.com

June 19 n Red Cross Blood Drive: 12:30 – 4:30pm. Give blood and you could help save three lives! Register at www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome the day of.

All attempting donors will be invited to Enter to Win a $100 Mall Shopping Spree!

Valley View Mall Center Court. (608) 781-4700; www.myvalleyview.com

n Festival Foods Wine & Beer Tasting: 5:30 – 8:00pm. Festival Foods and Gundersen Medical Foundation present this 7th annual event to benefit Steppin’

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Out in Pink. Tickets at Festival Foods or Gundersen or online. Event held at the Cargill Room, Riverside Center South, 328 Front St., La Crosse. (608) 775-7465; www.steppinoutinpink.org

June 28 & 29 n Y Cycle Weekend: Time trials, road race, 30 mile ride and more! Check details online. (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org

July 3 nn Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: 6pm. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is a march against domestic violence. Men are challenged to put on high heel shoes and walk a mile around Riverside Park. Women can be “Sole Sisters” and show support by walking alongside the men. Proceeds benefit the YWCA of the Coulee Region and Gundersen Medical Foundation’s Carilee Fund that helps victims of domestic violence. Riverside Park, La Crosse. (608) 775-4712; www.walkamilelacrosse.org

July 5 nn Big Blue Dragon Boat Race: Join Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare at Riverfest for a day of fun, fitness and teamwork to celebrate breast cancer survivors. All proceeds go to support breast cancer programs in our communities. To learn more visit www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org /lacrosse.

July 12 nn Youth Outdoor Fest: Tons of activities to celebrate kids getting outdoors!

A small sample includes archery, bowfishing, canoeing, geocaching, hiking, and so much more! The day includes a chance for kids to win a rod/reel combo! Raffle prizes for the whole family! 11a-3p. Pettibone Lagoon. FREE. (608) 789-7593; www.CityofLaCrosse.org /Parks nn Hixon House Ice Cream Social: Tours of the house will be going on as well as ice cream and other treats served in the Hixon House yard, right next to the beautiful gardens on the property. Square dance and fiddle contest! 7th and Badger.

La Crosse County Historical Society; (608)782-1980; www.lchsweb.org

Aug 16 nn Color Dash - World’s Brightest 5K: Noon-2pm. Join this exciting event, great for friends, families or those looking for a way to stay active! Sign-up 3 months prior to the Dash and get $5.00 off any registration! (608) 782-9622; www.laxymca.org

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Calendar

Instagram.com/ FreedomFest_LAX

Facebook.com/ FreedomFestLaCrosse

Twitter.com/ FreedomFestLAX

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presents

On sale at all Festival Foods locations— La Crosse - Village, La Crosse - Copeland, Onalaska and Holmen, Gundersen Credit Union, and the Gundersen Medical Foundation or order online at steppinoutinpink.org

Special thanks to

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

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