volume 2, Issue 3
March 2015
Get a Job
We’ll Tell You How
Steampunk La Crosse Elysium Armory
Thea Bowman
A Bridge Over Troubled Water KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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16 Beers on Tap
Monthly Beer, Wine, and Martini Specials Signature Cocktails
Fresh Fish Features Daily Charcoal Grilled Steaks Prime Rib Saturdays
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-Close Happy Hour: Tuesday - Friday 4pm - 6pm Mezzanine Level Available for private parties or corporate functions for up to 70 people. Private bar along with audio & visual capabilities.
2 March,Wisconsin 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com 1232 Avon Street La Crosse, 54603 | (608) 789-2386 | PogrebaRestaurant.com
30 Days for Set$30 your roots and GROW with us! Root Down Yoga is La Crosse’s first hot yoga studio offering Power Vinyasa yoga a style of yoga that is accessible to everyone regardless of age, ability or experience. “Vinyasa” means to link movement with breath. We place a lot of emphasis on helping you remember to inhale and exhale as you move from pose to pose. You’ll also have the opportunity for silence and space in what has become an overly busy world. We’ll help you focus on the here and now. We know and trust that this practice works. It creates vitality and reminds us that anything is possible. By discovering what is possible on our yoga mats, we shine light on new possibilities everywhere in our lives. We offer a variety of yoga classes, heated and non-heated, that will help you develop or deepen your practice.
Power Vinyasa • Foundations • Absolute Beginner’s Class Yin Yoga • Guided Meditation • Prenatal • Yoga Nidra New students welcome! Your first class is FREE! 1217 Caledonia St., Suite A, La Crosse, WI 54603 Phone 608-519-2467 • www.rootdownyogastudio.com
R E E R A C YOUR RE.
E H S T R STA
! W O N L EFINNANRCOIALLAID IS AVAILABLE
AT D E T R A T S T E G
U D E . Y M E D A C A O R P N O L SA
LIFY A U Q O H W E S FOR THO E-UP K A M , S C I T E H , EST Y Y G G O O L L O O N T H E C M E S T O L C , NAI Y P A R E H T E G MASSA
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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EDITOR’S NOTE Casey Kulinski This issue we had a rough time fitting in everything we wanted! There were some late nights and tears were shed, but we made it through! Ok, so that is a little dramatic, but it is true that there is so much going on in our great community, and we have had such an awesome outpouring of Klutch love from readers sharing exciting things that are happening. In my opinion, that is a great problem to have, and I can’t wait to continue to showcase what is only a fraction of the Coulee Region’s what I like to call “Klutch Factor.” This issue we have put together a job search spread for all those readers out there graduating this spring, looking for their first job, or maybe thinking about getting a new job. In addition, we have a lot of great pieces in this issue that I am also excited to feature, so hurry up and stop reading my note and get to it! Cheers!
CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE COULEE REGION ISSUE NO. 3 // MARCH, 2015 WWW.KLUTCHCHRONICLE.COM
ABOUT KLUTCH CHRONICLE Klutch Chronicle brings a fresh and edgy look into the dynamic culture, lifestyles, and entertainment scene in the Coulee Region Community!
Connect With Klutch:
A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
OFFICES: 3120 South Ave La Crosse WI 54601
Michelle L. Jerome One reason Mueller Media started Klutch is because we wanted to highlight the goodness and talents of local people. And we’re doing it. Artists, musicians, volunteers, chefs, hobbyists, parents, activists, animal lovers …we’re showing the beauty of whom, not just what, we have flourishing in our community. People are now reaching out to us to share their interests and talents, and we love it! It’s SO COOL to learn about all of you. Keep it comin’! Email or Facebook us your ideas, or hit me up directly at michelle@ muellermediacorp.com. Granted, we’ll still be keeping an eye out to find awesome folks for our stories. Maybe it’ll be you … because you’re beautiful.
PHONE: 608-796-8780 EMAIL: info@muellermediacorp.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/klutchchronicle www.klutchchronicle.com
THE KLUTCH CREW: ARTWORK ON THE COVER “Unknown Quotients (part 10)”
10” x 9” Intaglio Print/Mixed Media
by Misha Bolstad
In all honesty, I am drawn to the basic elements of design that create a visual beauty. Color, line, shape, and texture is the foundation of my art, my work is created when I take these forms and transform them into colliding patterns and biomorphic forms that layer on top of each other to create a further dynamic composition. I create work with sometimes an overly ornate or decorative feel to create something pleasing to the eye, but at the same time, is very complex. Much of my work also reveals the subtle hint of a female face or the female form as a way of expression.
inside
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Klutch Live What’s Up
08
Hometown Headlines The Scoop on our region
16
Technology Geeks unite
18
Family What’s most important
19
A&E A monthly dose of culture
24
Food & Drink Down the hatch
26
Health and Fitness Taking care of you
27
Volunteer Do onto others...
28
Klutch Calendar Coming down the pipe
this issue 4
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
m or e. ..
8 The Word from City Hall 8 WTF? Stories 9 Attraction of the Month 10 Meet & Cheese 13 Get a Job 16 App Review 20 Community Spotlight 23 Tunes Review 30 On the Flip Side
Publisher: Rick Mueller Associate Publisher: Michelle Jerome Editor: Casey Kulinski Creative Director: Jason Keeney Graphic Designers: Will Adamany and Josh Walker Advertising Strategists: Rachel Albrechtson, Alli Seitz Copy Editor: Susan Miller Photographers: Bruce Defries, Jenna Walker Distribution: Citywide Marketing Services Advertising Info: You know you want to be seen in Klutch! Contact us by email or call 608-796-8780 for more information on rates, distribution, and sizes. Contributor/Submissions: Please submit art and writing samples for our submissions pages at http://klutchchronicle.com/writing-art-submissions/. Interested in contributing to Klutch? Please contact info@muellermediacorp.com Internships/Jobs: Internships are available at Klutch! Check us out and apply at klutchchronicle.com
www.klutchchronicle.com
Our 2nd Location is Now Open in South La Crosse!
4222 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 • (608) 787-9663
Same great services, same great care!
MAY 1, 2015 LA CROSSE
MMA • CROSSFIT • BOXING WRESTLING • MUAY THAI BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
COMBAT SPORTS
Name Brand Items at a Great Price!
TRAINING CENTER
OVER 12,000 SQ. FT.
Includes access to PARADIGM FITNESS. Circuit • Cardio • Free Weights • Personal Training Group Classes • Nutrition • 24 Hour
King on 5th Lower Level, Downtown La Crosse
(608) 769-0476 Public Relations: Mueller Media, Inc.
The Boxing Gym at IronWorks (formerly located in HOLMEN) is moving to the La Crosse Combat Sports Training Center in Downtown La Crosse and will go back to their original name: La Crosse Area Boxing Gym. OPENING MAY 1.
2015ARTOF RECOVERY SPONSORED BY HEALTH TRADITION HEALTH PLAN AND FRANKE FOUNDATION
O PT U E SAV
% 0 7 ALL M OFFRICES P
2015 ART OF RECOVERY CALENDAR
2015 ART OF RECOVERY GALA
AVAILABLE NOW AT THEAPRIL 7-10 AT ANY ILR LOCATION PUMP HOUSE IN LA CROSSE Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: 11am-6pm
(608) 782-6822 3313 Hwy 16, La Crosse, WI
Near Famous Dave’s and Pier 1
TO SUBMIT WORK FOR THE GALA, CONTACT ANY ILR OFFICE ILR LA CROSSE
ILR RICHLAND CENTER
(608) 787-1111
(608) 647-8053
4439 MORMON COULEE RD LA CROSSE, WI 54601
149 E. MILL STREET RICHLAND CENTER, WI 53581
ADVOCACY@ILRESOURCES.ORG
ilresources.org 5
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
march 12
th
People l a c Lo
e c a l Pl
s
Lo c a
at
6-9pm
PEEPS PLACES
Come on down for a night at Blue Moon Restaurant with us! Bring your coupon for a free pint of beer or glass of wine and hang with the Klutch crew!
Each month we will be bringing Klutch Live to a new venue around the Coulee Region- you don’t want to miss this event!
2015
CHECK O U LATEST R T OUR EMODEL S ½ PRICE APPETIZERS
DOOR P RI EVERY ½ ZES HOUR DRAWING @ 9:00 P M FOR 32” LED TV! *SEE BARTEN DER OR SERVER FOR DE
TAILS
First
FREE
one’s on us !!
PINT OF
BEER OR
GLASS OF
WINE
On March 12th, 2015 during the Klutch Live event at Blue Moon Restaurant. Valid March 12, 2015 at Blue Moon Restaurant from 6-9pm only. Limit one per customer. Coupon may not be copied or reproduced in any way without permission from Klutch Chronicle.
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March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
WEEKLY SPECIALS BEGINNING AT 4PM MONDAY: All You Can Eat Shrimp and All You Can Eat Boneless Wings and a Pint of Beer TUESDAY: $5 Appetizers WEDNESDAY: $1.25 Burgers and $.50 Wings THURSDAY: Steak Night FRI FRIDAYS: Prime Rib and Fish SATURDAY: Prime Rib
CATERING - HERE THERE & JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE Call us for any Special Occasion
Pe l a opl c o e L
l Pla c e s
a Loc
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at
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FEBRUARY KLUTCH LIVE EVENT 4 SISTERS WINE BAR AND TAPAS RESTAURANT
ats off to 4 Sisters Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant for hosting February’s Klutch Live event! We are so excited to see that our events are growing each month and happy to say we had a full house kickin’ it with Klutch this last month. Wine and beer lovers alike enjoyed awesome drinks (especially the free glass of wine with coupon) and food along with great live music by 3V of Altered Vision! We had a few lucky winners that went home with
a free bottle of wine, a gift card to 4 Sisters, a beautiful wine-cork necklace, and a can coozie and CD donated by the band. (I’m jealous!) We look forward to our mini-events each month and couldn’t do it without the awesome local businesses that host the events, including Tracy and the whole staff at 4 Sisters. See you at this month’s event! Dine at 4 Sisters Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant at 100 Harborview Plaza, Monday through Saturday.
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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HALL
THE WORD
CITY
headlines FROM
HOME TOWN
DNR GIVES APPROVAL FOR BNSF EXPANSION The proposed BNSF expansion is one step closer to being a reality as the Department of Natural Resources granted permission for the company to fill in just over 7 acres of marsh and build a bridge over existing river. Connecting existing track to create two tracks side-by-side, the project has been very controversial because of resident concerns about derailments, noise and vibration, especially after recent oil train derailments in Iowa and North Dakota. Citizens Acting for Rail Safety, a local group created in opposition of the expansion, has criticized the decision as the DNR decided to not require an Environmental Impact Statement. While the DNR has given approval without an EIS, the next step for the expansion is to gain approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, but unlike the DNR permitting process, there will be no public hearing.
HIXON FOREST GETS EPIC! WORS mountain bike race comes to La Crosse. Word on the street is that a WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) mountain bike race is coming to La Crosse! The Hixon Forest Epic will bring hundreds of racers and their families to our area this September to get gnarly on our amazing set of mountain biking trails in Upper Hixon. It should be noted that dozens of volunteers and workers from varying groups busted out sweat and tears (maybe not tears) to dig and pound out these trails including the former Human Powered Trails, La Crosse Freeride MTB Group, Outdoor Recreation Alliance, WisCorps, La Crosse Parks & Recreation, and several individual volunteers. WORS has been around for over 20 years, so this is a pretty big deal. Back in the day, a couple of these races took place near Bluebird Campground, so racers are stoked the event will be brought back to La Crosse. The Epic will be presented by the City of La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department and coordinated by a committee of local folks who know how to get things done. There will be a pre-ride, Chili Feed at Pearl Street Brewery, and night ride the day before the race. The Hixon Forest
FAIRFIELD INN PROJECT GRANTED EXEMPTIONS Developers for a new Fairfield Inn and Suites were granted two exemptions by the La Crosse City Council in order to move forward with the $10-$12 million building project; it will replace the old Habitat ReStore, Hilton Medical Supply and Chapter II, located just north of the Cass Street bridge in downtown La Crosse. While some council members stated that the proposed hotel is better suited for a suburban setting and expressed disappointment that the project didn’t fit with design standards for the downtown (which necessitated the exemptions), others supported the project for increasing the number of hotel rooms in the downtown area. The exemptions passed 11-4 for the four-story, 92-room affiliate of the Marriott, which is expected to begin construction later this year.
Epic will also hold a 5K, kids MTB race and more cool stuff. Watch for updates on this sweet event! Info will be featured on the WORS website and on the La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www. explorelacrosse.com/hixonforestepic!
- By Michelle Jerome
GOLDEN TAP Something’s brewing.
A NOTE FROM KLUTCH: As we go to press, we’ve learned there were oil train derailments resulting in explosions in West Virginia and Canada in the last few days. For updates, visit http://saferails.org. NEW JUDGE APPOINTED TO LA CROSSE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT … FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTION Governor Scott Walker selected Candice Tlustosch for appointment to the La Crosse County Circuit Court, as a result of Judge Dale Pasell’s November retirement. The appointment only lasts for two months, but Tlustosch may be elected to the position, as she is now part of a 3-way primary that will decide who is on the April ballot. The other candidates are Gloria Doyle, a current family court commissioner who has earned the endorsements of several current and former circuit judges, and Brian Barton, a La Crosse attorney who is endorsed by the La Crosse County sheriff.
inside scoop
Something’s brewing in the old Midas service center … craft brews, that is. The Golden Tap is scheduled to open soon at 520 State St., La Crosse, with 48 taps and over 300 varieties of bottled import and domestic brews. The domestic beers get local with favorites like New Glarus and Pearl Street Brewery. Typical bar food will not be served! Golden Tap promises to delight with Mediterranean fare including falafel, gyros and paella. Joshua Wiedenbeck, operations manager, is excited to help owner Bijan Jadali bring a classier, metro experience to downtown La Crosse. They plan to expand the dining area to feature gourmet Mediterranean food, possibly as soon as next year. Keep an eye out for “open” signs or get updates from their Facebook page. Welcome to the thriving downtown scene, Golden Tap!
#WTF!?
- By Michelle Jerome
Teen pretends to be a doctor for a month at Florida hospital
BARBER GIVES FREE “OLD-MAN HAIRCUTS” TO MISBEHAVING BOYS
It took a month for anyone to notice that a teenager was impersonating a doctor at a Florida hospital, giving new validity to the idiom, “fake it till you make it.” The teen wore a white coat embroidered with the hospital’s logo and “anesthesiologist,” which was enough to quell any suspicions and counter the fact that he was at least 15 years younger than anyone there. “He presented himself with a patient of our practice and introduced himself as Dr. Robinson,” according to Dr. Sebastian Kent, who we are pretty sure is a real doctor at the center. “The first thing I thought was, ‘I am really getting old because these young doctors look younger every year.’” What’s really curious isn’t that the teen got away with it for a whole month, but the way the hospital is talking about the situation. Though the hospital claims the teen never had contact with patients and that no breach of privacy occurred, he was caught in an examination room, with another doctor and patient, wearing a mask and stethoscope … so clearly, he did have contact with at least one patient. Though an official reason why the teen impersonated a doctor has not been revealed, our best guess is that he was probably just trying to get a head start on getting the two (plus) years of real world experience needed to get an entry-level job. Apparently both the hospital and police were impressed by the teen’s ambition, as they decided not to press charges.
Parents in Snellville, Ga., have another tool to discourage their child’s misbehavior: A-1 Kutz is offering free old-man haircuts to boys whose parents bring them in to the barber shop. “I call it the ‘grown-up kids special’ for all the kids who want to act as if they’re grown — so I took it upon myself to make you look grown,” said A-1 Kutz owner, Russell Frederick. It all started with the owner’s own son misbehaving, according to an interview from CBS, and Frederick decided to offer the haircut to other exasperated parents. A mother who knew the cut worked for Frederick’s son came in with her own son to get the special, pictured here. The boy’s school, however, asked her to fix it as it was getting too much attention from other kids, so she took her son back to the barber and Frederick obliged. According to Frederick, when the pair came back in to fix the cut, “the son actually thanked me. He said that he doesn’t want that cut again, and he’s going to do what it takes so he doesn’t have to get it.” After pictures were posted on social media, the story went viral, some criticizing the haircut for shaming children and damaging them in the long run. But Frederick responded to critics by describing the success he saw with his son and the boy whose mother brought him in, and went on to say he’ll offer the haircuts as long as they’re effectively inspiring better behavior.
www.kctv5.com/story/27878179/teen-plays-doctor-at-hospital-for-a-month-before-hes-caught - By Katie Svitavsky
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March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
www.cbsnews.com/news/shear-discipline-barber-gives-mature-cut-to-misbehaving-kids/ - By Katie Svitavsky
truths 2 anda lie
March Madness Edition
In addition to clipping the net, it’s been a tradition since 1986 for the winning school to take the hardwood court. The odds of completing a bracket perfectly are one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808. The first NCAA tournament only consisted of 16 teams. The lie: Actually, only eight teams were included in the first tournament, taking place in 1939. Source: Fox Sports
to p f i v e
5
weird professions with high salaries you can fall back on.
1 2 3 4 5
Golf Ball Diver: We didn’t know this was a viable profession, but if you’re looking for some extra cash, grab your scuba gear and head out to Forest Hills! Salaries range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Chick Sexer: In full disclosure, we picked this job mostly because of the name. Chicken sexers are employed by large chicken farms and determine the sex of newborn chickens. Because it requires about three years of training, sexers are expected to sex 700 chicks an hour and are paid about $16,000 to $28,000 per year. Sommelier: Getting paid to recommend wine to customers at a restaurant is also a professional option (and to think we’ve been doing it for all this time for our friends for free). If you know your wine and French pronunciation, you may be able to pass as a sommelier, who usually goes through extensive training. The average salary for a sommelier is $80,000, though it can be as high as $160,000. Professional Snuggler: At $60 per hour and up to $400 per night, the pay for this job may just be worth the creep factor. Professional snugglers “offer the healing power of touch” to clients in a strictly platonic setting. According to one Reddit AMA, in which a former snuggler responded to questions in an online discussion, the average client was male, in his 50s, usually divorced, and the session lasted about two hours. Voice-over Artist: Narrating movies and commercials and being the voice of animated characters are responsibilities of a voice-over artist. Though no formal training is required, a killer demo is a must if you actually want to get the job. $80,000 is on the high end, but artists can make this even working on low-budget projects.
½ OFF any appetizer with purchase of an entree! Open Daily at 7am for Breakfast Healthy Lunches and Gluten Free Options Dinner Wednesday thru Saturday
Eat Week
With so many eateries in the downtown La Crosse area, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From coffee shops to bar & grills, fine dining to fast food, and let’s not forget the sweet shops — our downtown area has it all! One of our new favorite downtown events is the first annual Eat Week happening this March. This special weeklong event is designed to showcase and celebrate the many great places to dine in downtown La Crosse. You know all of those places you drive by and want to try, but never do? Here is your chance to get an inside look. Each participating eatery will provide a short menu of items they will be featuring for the week, including specific price points. This will make it very easy for you to choose where you would like to eat based on price or a specific featured item.
Featuring local items changing weekly • ½ off wine by the glass • $1.00 off bottled beer and mixed cocktails
3pm - 7pm
• 25% off of all bottles of Wine in house or off Sale
9550 US Highway 16 Frontage Road, Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 779-0411
www.cafedvineonalaska.com
Further, many participating restaurants will have their own special promotions, giveaways or events coinciding with Eat Week to create as much celebration for our downtown eateries as possible. So, come out and celebrate all of what our great downtown has to offer! You can bet the Klutch staff will be taking advantage of the specials at all of our old (and new) favorite spots! All participating eateries will be featured in one large menu that can be found at www.lacrossedowntown.com.
IF YOU GO: When: Monday, March 2, through Sunday, March 8. Where: Downtown La Crosse Cost: Varies, see menu for price More information can be found at www.lacrossedowntown.com.
By: Katie Svitavsky KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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y r e t t o P h t r a E s at Generou
’s t a h W k c e D on
Come Meet Marineland staff and say Cheese for Klutch cameras!
March 10th 6:30-8 pm TRY SCUBA Class!
Never been scuba diving? Here is your chance to try it now for only $20!** Also, sign up for a spring/summer scuba class and get $100 to the store! **$20 will be credited toward registration fee if diver chooses to get scuba certified with Marineland after the Try Scuba class.
Marineland Dive Centers 412 Oak Forest Dr Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 783-3186
www.divecenters.com
Interested in hosting a Meet and Cheese event? Visit our website www.klutchchronicle.com or call 608-796-8780 for more details.
10
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
Creating Raw Experiences.
Article: Becca Dargatz
GENEROUS EARTH POTTERY
I
f you have never had a conversation with Karen Bressi, the owner of Generous Earth Pottery, I suggest you do so at the first opportunity you get. There is a calm aura that surrounds her, and there is no doubt that owning art studios is exactly what she should be doing. Bressi began creating pottery over 20 years ago. At the time, she was a full-time nurse, and she walked into a little pottery place after someone suggested to her that she take pottery lessons. She fell in love with pottery immediately and never looked back. “It was so different from being a nurse, because you can totally just let go; it cleared my mind, and it was so fabulous to make something out of a clump of clay,” says Bressi. Being a critical care nurse requires you to think of many different things at one time, and pottery was a peaceful outlet Bressi could not ignore. After convincing her husband to let her give up nursing, she bought a little shop in downtown La Crosse in November 2009. Five years later, Generous Earth Pottery calls Main Street home, and Bressi is involved with two other art studios, All Glazed Up! on Pearl Street and Art Rageous in Holmen. While Bressi moved away from nursing, she continues to help people, just in a different way. Now, she provides the opportunity for people to become connected with natural resources the earth provides us with, which also provided inspiration for the name, “Generous Earth Pottery.” “Everything that is involved with making a piece of pottery comes from the earth, and the earth so generously gives us everything we work with naturally,” says Bressi. Bressi admits that it is a lot of work owning and operating the shop, but there are a ton of reasons that make it worth it. One of the best parts of owning the shop for her is hearing the customers thank her
Generous Earth Pottery instructors strike a pose for providing the opportunity for them to experience pottery. “Last week I was in the studio and a young girl that I had never met came up to me and thanked me so much for opening the studio, and she had never done pottery before,” says Bressi. “She was loving it and she was so excited, and I thought, that right there is why I am doing it.” Generous Earth Pottery has created its own community and includes over 70 students, not counting children or special events. People get to know each other, help each other out, and build lasting friendships. “Sometimes I will be in the studio and see two people talking and realize that they became friends through meeting here, and it is awesome to be a part of something so much bigger than creating pottery,” says Bressi. The Generous Earth staff consists of 10 instructors, and they offer seven- or eightweek sessions, with at least one class every day of the week from beginner to advanced classes. Additionally, the welcoming staff conveniently offers flexible studio times and pricing. “We love to have people that are just beginning pottery; they are so fun and they have no expectations,” says Bressi. Bressi also enjoys working with children at the studio, whether it is in a class or at a summer camp. “What I absolutely love about working with children is that they can end up with the most lopsided bowl and they just love it, whereas sometimes as adults we critique ourselves too harshly and have expectations. But children love anything they make, and that is what is so delightful about doing anything with children,” says Bressi. Generous Earth Pottery offers studio rental time, birthday parties, and they have
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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a “Wheel Deal” package that is great for a date night, an outing with friends, or any other kind of party. “The wheel deals have been more and more popular, and we take two to 12 people and you come in for two hours for a private lesson, and you can bring beverages and food, and we guarantee that everyone ends up with two pieces,” says Bressi. “It’s just an opportunity to try your hand at it and have a really good time.” The environment at Generous Earth Pottery is not intimidating, and that is probably why the classes fill up so quickly. Bressi and her staff have worked very hard to make sure it is a comfortable space for everyone at any stage of the pottery game. “We are very relaxed, everyone is very friendly, and we get to know each other,” says Bressi. “Everyone is willing to help each other.” In addition to classes and sessions, they also sell pottery at the store for people looking for a unique gift or piece of their own. Feel free to stop in and check out what is going on at Generous Earth Pottery, because Bressi and her staff are creating memorable experiences in our community.
For more information, or to sign up for a class, visit the shop at
321 Main St. La Crosse, WI 54601 call
608-782-3904 or visit the website at
generousearthpottery.com
Back on track, faster than ever Friday, April 10 at the La Crosse Center Ballroom
An evening of team competition benefiting people with disabilities served by Riverfront
It’s fun for a good cause!
Join us for an exciting, live-action game show right here in La Crosse. Complete with live music, a game show host and teams sitting comfortably on stage in The Ultimate Game Night living room! Riverfront will donate $1,500 dollars of the proceeds from this event back to two school special education programs. This $1,500 dollars will be up for grabs in the championship game.
An interdisciplinary team of orthopedic specialists provides high-level, coordinated care. Expert care can make the difference between an injury that heals and one that becomes a lifelong, daily reminder. An interdisciplinary team including a talented foot and ankle specialist, highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and exceptional exercise physiologists coordinate each aspect of care. From reconstructive surgery to rehabilitative therapy, they
Purchase a $30 ticket and rally on the competing teams of GAME ON!
Enjoy live music, raffle prizes, snacks and cash bar
www.riverfrontinc.org See you there!
Jason Munz, Angela Strangman, Dustin Cunningham, Esti Tierney
Mathews Archery
Dawn Jaehnke, Aaron Brooks, Christi Bender, Dave Weninger
Coulee Bank
Joe Zoellner, Jeff Kumfer, Sarah Danielson, Mike Gargaro
Ol’ Lady Os
Karla Stanek, Sue Dillenbeck, Julie Bartels, Florence Aliesch
Fab Four
Mary Mickelson, Randy Mickelson, Sandi Ritchie, Matt Ritchie
Pretty In Pink
Tiffany Padgett, Kaitlin Sill, Kendra Frase, Alexis Krank
Riverfest Commodores Domin8ers
John Schmidt, Jennifer Livingston, Bill Graul, Kyle Dimke
Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse 700 West Ave. S., La Crosse, WI 54601 • For a consultation, call 608-392-9876 mayoclinichealthsystem.org/lacrosse
Gray Matter
Mike Diveley, Mike Hartigan, Dawson Strutt, Janet Miller
Proceeds Benefiting:
accompany patients on a faster journey back from a devastating injury to an active life.
2015 Game On! Teams
Media Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsors:
r e a l e s tat e s o l u t i o n s , l l c
Produced by:
Ace is the place Downtown Eat Week March 2nd - 8th
Get a flavor for downtown by sampling our top cafes, bistros, restaurants and ethnic eateries. Enjoy three-course meals at great prices and special treats! Just pick your starter, entrée and dessert from a list of preselected favorites, then enjoy your culinary tour of downtown La Crosse.
Downtown Trend Event Thursday, March 19th
The Cargill Room at the Waterfront 5:30-8 pm Experience a fresh showcase of downtown! Discover the latest trends in technology, fashion, design, home interiors, art, beauty and fitness. Enjoy fashion, tastings, demonstrations, music, entertainment, silent auctions, and more! Downtown Mainstreet Inc.
608-784-0440
Shop Small . Eat Local!
Check our website for more information on events
L ACROSSEDOWNTOWN.COM 12
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
Spring projects driving you mad? Consult the experts at Ace for help with all your DIY projects.
Inside Shelby Mall • aceoflacrosse.com • (608) 788-9950 Mention this ad for 20% off Project Supplies Some exclusions may apply
Get a
“I got the job offer. Now what?” Before you mouth ‘Yes,’ hold the phone. You’ve just received the call you have been waiting for after many lengthy phone interviews and face-to-face meetings. Whether it’s your first job, dream job or any job, receiving a job offer these days should be a celebratory event. However, like any important decision in life, there has to be some speculation when making sure your offer is the right offer for you. by Katie Keefe Here are some thoughts to consider when evaluating your job offer(s):
JOB
Some advice from Klutch on landing that job. Do’s and Don’ts of Résumés The average employer spends only six seconds looking at a résumé, which means you need yours to stand out. Follow these do’s & don’ts to get the perfect résumé. by Cody Fortney
Do:
• Make it neat and easy to read, i.e., shoot for 12-point type • Keep it current, especially contact information! If you put the wrong phone number down, how will you ever know if you received the call back? • Organize your résumé into categories. All résumés should include education, relevant experiences (can be multiple categories) and references. • Accentuate the positives. With only one page to highlight how awesome you are, there is no reason to discuss anything negative. • Write in phrases that lead with action verbs. What sounds better: “I picked up trash on the side of the highway” or “addressed issue of excessive litter on Wisconsin highways and aided in enhancing Wisconsin’s beautiful environment”? Praise the action verbs! • Look at keywords and phrases in the job description and use the same language in your résumé. Tailor your résumé for each job you apply for.
Culture • Read the job description again, just to make sure it’s what you want to do five days a week. Yes, five days a week. All day. All week. Think about it. - “Do I like sitting for eight or more hours?” - “Can I handle typing until my fingers are sore?” - “Can I drive all day every day?” • Scroll through the company website. Click around, make sure you have an understanding of what they are about and that you think you would be a good fit. • If you really feel like investigating to make sure the company is suitable for your needs, check out the company’s reviews. (Try Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com, etc.) Some of the reviews might ease your mind, and others may contain red flags to make you think twice about your offer. • You went through the interview process. Think back about how you were treated. How did the hiring manager conduct the interview process? What vibes did you feel from your potential co-workers? The interview is sometimes a huge reflection of the office structure and environment. - Did you feel comfortable speaking with the hiring manager? - Analyze the behavior between employees. Are they smiling and talking professionally or looking depressed and unapproachable? - Follow your gut instincts. Benefits This is your time to ask about possible benefits you can receive within the company. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions! Potential employers are prepared to answer them, so ask away. • Here are some benefits to inquire about: - Paid holidays - Sick days - Health insurance - Family medical leave - HSA (Health Savings Account)
- 401(k) plans - Gas expenses - Travel expenses - Incentive bonuses
Heck, who knows? Maybe you get a free parking space in the deal! Maybe you can bring your four-legged friend to work, or maybe every Friday is Fiesta Friday! Remember, not all benefits are tangible!
• Use dates and numbers to quantify your experience. “Sold 500 units” sounds much more significant than “was a door-to-door salesman,” doesn’t it?
Growth This is important because you need to evaluate how this position will tie in to your long-term career goals.
• Triple-check for spelling and grammar! One spelling error can get your résumé thrown in the trash by employers.
• Understand the hierarchy system within the company. Will your position lead to a middle management position or potentially higher up?
• Have consistent tenses. Things that are current should be in present tense and prior experiences should be in past tense.
• List in your mind what you could gain from this position and if it will benefit your career goals.
Don’t:
• List your date of birth, Social Security number or other personal information.
Note: If you decide to accept the position, write a letter of acceptance specifying the terms you agreed upon and give it to your supervisor. You may find out that what you think you are accepting and what they are offering are two different things.
• Lie, mislead or exaggerate your skills. • Use “I” or “me” or even periods at the end of your phrases. • Let your résumé roll over onto a second page if at all possible. • Use regular white printer paper. Opt for some fancy off-white cardstock instead! • Make an employer hunt for what they are looking for, because they might not take that time. It is important to craft a résumé based on that position and the employer’s needs.
Bonus tip!
A quick test of a résumé is to have a friend or family member look at your résumé for six seconds, flip it over, and then ask them, “What do you remember from my résumé?” If this is not what you want the employer to focus on, try rearranging your résumé or changing some content.
Staffing agencies
“Staffing agencies are a great resource for job seekers, whether it’s temporary, permanent or professional occupations. Businesses are utilizing staffing agencies more and more to assist with sourcing and recruiting the right candidates. Staffing agencies can assist job seekers in many different facets: résumé building, skills testing and updating, try before hire options, exposure to multiple career opportunities and much more.” ~ Amanda Running, Express Employment Professionals Resources: www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com www.westernwdb.org www.dwd.wisconsin.gov KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015 13
www.workforceconnections.org www.indeed.com www.linkedIn.com
Get a Job The Interview Blues
The Interview Survival Checklist
Arm yourself before stepping into the lion’s den with these 10 items.
We all know interviewing can be exhausting and stressful; there are so many different sources on how to knock the socks off your interviewer, so we have compiled some common Q&A’S.
___Updated résumé ___List of references ___Pen and paper
by Katie Svitavsky
___The job description
What are some tips to prepare for the interview? You should research the employer. When was the employer last in the news, and for what? You’ll impress the interviewers if you can communicate to them that you did your homework. Additionally, just looking at questions and thinking about responses won’t give you as good of a result as saying the answers aloud. Even if it’s calling your sister on the phone or explaining to your cat how your previous experience will make you successful in a position, saying your answer out loud before you get to the interview is a must. How should I respond to difficult questions? While you can’t know what questions the interviewer will ask, many interviewers ask behavioral questions you can anticipate responses to. Examples of these kinds of questions include, “Talk about a time where you worked in a team. What role did you play in the group?” or “Describe a time where you had to meet a deadline.” If you can arrive equipped with three or four situations or stories from previous work or volunteer experiences, you can pull different qualities from them. One of the most common interview questions is to describe your strengths and weaknesses, so give a bit of thought to what you select. When stating your weakness, only state one, and address how you’re fixing or working on it. Finally, think of questions to ask the interviewers. Check out our list of questions for some inspiration! What else makes for a good answer? For starters, be specific. You sound better and more confident to an employer when you can quantify your success. Rather than saying a project was successful, talk about how or to what extent it was successful: “Because of my contributions, we increased the number of clients we served by 23 percent in comparison to the previous year.” Also, it’s okay to pause and think before answering. Doing so helps you form a good response and shows interviewers you’re really considering their questions. How do I handle a panel interview? For these interviews you’ll be in front of multiple people, so you’ll have to divide your eye contact between all members of the panel, even the one that’s Skyping in from across the country. Start off by looking at the person who is asking you the question, and then randomly bounce between members of the panel. Don’t just scan the panel making eye contact one by one; random eye contact shows you’re more comfortable. Thank the members of the panel individually at the end of the interview. How do I develop a narrative for interviewers? This is a great way to formulate a response when interviewers ask, “So, tell us about yourself.” Think about what’s important in your life. Generally, interviewers want to get to know you - and know that you’re a real person. If you can develop an interesting or compelling story, you’re much more memorable to interviewers. Maybe talk about where you’re from or why you love living in this area. Anything that indicates to your interviewers that you have interests and a personality will make you more memorable. One word of caution, however — the interview isn’t about your love of cross country skiing; it’s about your skills, so make sure you reveal appropriate things about yourself. For great elevator pitches, see our section on “How Pinterest can help in an interview.” How can I stand out to the interviewer? Almost inevitably, the employer will ask why you want the job, and this is a good place to show your passion for the job and/or how you are an asset. If you haven’t articulated the answer to yourself already, it can be difficult to explain on the fly. Really think about why you’re applying, and then how you can make your answer stand out. You may want to incorporate other knowledge you have about the company in your answer - for example, mentioning a recent press release about expansion. Your answer could incorporate this information: “I read an article in Klutch Chronicle about your company’s expansion, and I think it’s an exciting time to join the team and fully apply the skills I have in a new role.” Further, tailor your story to the position. Why is it time to move on in your career? Or have you just completed an internship and now you are looking for more responsibilities? Especially when talking about previous work experience, be positive - no one wants to hear about how horrible your previous boss was, but maybe the job or environment was not what you were looking for or you didn’t have opportunities for growth. What do I do after the interview? Send a thank-you note, even if it’s an email. Deciding whether to choose a handwritten or electronic missive is dependent on what kind of organization you interviewed with, the level of formality, and the position itself. Either way, the most important part is actually sending the note. When writing the note, try to incorporate something specific from the interview to be more memorable. Also, after the interview you want to take some time to think about whether or not you can see yourself in the position. Interviews are a chance for the organization to get to know you, but they’re also a chance for you to get to know the organization, so spend some time thinking about what you’ve learned about the company, the employees, and the work environment from the interview. Forbes, Career Advisor, About Careers
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March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
___Padfolio/binder (for résumé, references, etc.) ___Portfolio of past work (if applicable) ___Questions for the employer ___Smile ___Positive attitude ___Your lucky underwear (Ok, this isn’t necessary, but it can’t hurt, right?)
Dress For The Job You Want The process of landing an interview and then prepping for it can be quite stressful. Unfortunately, a first impression can make or break you, so when you realize you also have to figure out what to wear, you might just cry from all the stress. Klutch is here to wipe away your tears and provide tips that will help you dress to impress! by Cody Fortney
1. Know the company dress code and match it! Talk to a secretary or a contact at the organization to find out. This could help the employer envision you in the position you are applying for. However, if you discover the dress code is casual, you should stick to professional attire instead. You want to show the employer your best. Go for corporate culture, not club culture.
2. Pick your outfit. Wear what makes you feel confident but not uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be expensive attire. Some area stores have reasonable prices on professional attire, or you could try secondhand shops. Your clothes should be clean, properly fitted and wrinkle-free. Avoid anything too flashy, and when in doubt, stick to solid colors. Your personality should be sparkling, not your clothing.
For men, some employers expect a traditional two-piece suit; otherwise, a nice pair of slacks and a button-down dress shirt with a tie will do. Don’t forget an undershirt, and stick with navy blues, grays and blacks to be safe. No tennis shoes! Women can wear pantsuits, skirt suits, or a combo of dress pants or skirt and a nice blouse. If you wear a skirt, make sure it is knee-length or longer.
You never want to make the interviewer feel uncomfortable, so when in doubt, be a little more conservative in your attire. You want to look reliable from head to toe … so don’t forget your black dress socks either! Let your answers be what they remember, not your outfit!
3. For traditional positions, don’t be excessive. (If you’re going for an artistic role, do your thang!) For most interviews, take it easy on the accessories. Make sure your
attire is color coordinated and that your shoes are polished and closed-toed. Hair should be clean and groomed. Ladies, if you wear makeup, save your thick eyeliner and wear a professional, natural look. Double check for visible lingerie! (That dangling slip can be a little embarrassing.)
4. Carry a portfolio or briefcase. This says you mean business! Just don’t forget to fill it with your résumé and examples of your work, because that could get really awkward. 5. Check yourself in the mirror before you leave. You don’t want any flyaway hairs, remnants of breakfast stuck in your teeth, or worse, to realize you have a tear in your pants after the interview. One last check couldn’t hurt.
6. Lastly, don’t forget the most important part of your outfit: your smile. J Good luck from the team at Klutch! “Make sure your references are going to be a positive reference for you.” ~ Teresa Pierce, director of Workforce Connections
Get a Job
CHEAT SHEETS: We won’t tell if you rip these out and tape them to your bathroom mirror for your morning mantra.
How Pinterest can help you get a job! It’s time to put your wedding day and DIY craft boards aside and start a new one - your board to success! Yes, there are more pins than just “the best crockpot chili ever” or “how to get killer abs” on Pinterest. There are many resources on great elevator pitches for you to peruse, as well as outfit tips, résumé templates and much more. As always with the Internet, make sure your sources are legit!
Common interview mistakes you should avoid
“Is my cover letter good to go?”
Talking too much or too little. Make sure to find a balance between the two.
CHECKLIST
Not actually answering questions. Keep your answers relevant, and incorporate the interview questions in your responses to better connect your answers to the questions. Not taking the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. Check out our handy list of interview questions! Not being yourself or exaggerating your skills. Remember, you have to deliver on what you say in the interview. Being distracted or not fully present: Leaving your phone on, chewing gum, and drinking coffee are all examples. Show you’re sincere by taking care of these things before you get into the room. Not knowing your work history. Be prepared for questions about your résumé, and make sure you know the names and dates of the places you worked, as well as your position title and responsibilities. Being negative during the interview. Even if you’re talking about an unpleasant experience, speak respectfully about the organization and people you work(ed) with. If you don’t, employers will assume that’s how you’ll talk about their organization. Coming off as disinterested or arrogant. Again, this is a balancing act. To appear interested, ask questions and use positive body language such as nodding. To not appear arrogant, be careful about the way you talk about your skills. Don’t hold back, but make sure to give credit where credit is due. Doing so also makes you appear as more of a team player.
A good cover letter should introduce your résumé and motivate the reader to review your résumé. ____ Length is one page or less ____ Written in a business-letter format ____ Is it addressed to the individual who will be reading it, or at least “To Whom It May Concern”? ____ Directly indicates the position you are applying for ____ Did you provide a phone number and/or email address where you can be reached? ____ Uses keywords from the job description ____ Highlights experiences that are not on your résumé ____ Is the content individualized for each place you’re applying to? ____ Your actual signature is on the bottom ____ Triple-checked for spelling and grammar ____ Have someone read it over to check for tone, content and grammar.
“Research the business and the requirements of the position; identify your knowledge, skills and goals; be prepared to effectively communicate your genuine interest, compatibility and accomplishments in the résumé and interview!” ~ Kathleen Olson, Workforce Development Center-Western Wisconsin
Good questions to ask “I think the key to getting a job/internship is to be prepared - preparing your updated résumé, practicing interview questions and presenting a positive image.” ~ Karolyn Bald, UW-La Crosse Career Services
After you’ve gotten the job • Keep your résumé updated and your accomplishments in a portfolio. • Keep detailed information on the successes you create in your company profits, sales, etc. • Ask for a mid-year review and create goals with your supervisor to help measure your success. • Volunteer for projects and present new ideas to increase your visibility. • Know your career progression - will you be promoted once you hit a certain benchmark?
• How do you define success? • As a business, what challenges do you anticipate within the next six months? • If hired, what role would I be filling on the team? • What are some short-term and long-term goals of the company? • What have you most enjoyed during your time here? • In this position, how will I be evaluated? • What does a typical day look like here? • Who will I be working closely with? • How would you describe the work environment here? • What’s the next step in the process?
Not-so-good questions to ask
• What is the pay and what benefits do you offer? (Save that for after you have been offered the position. See “I got the job offer, now what?”) • Sooo … what does your firm do? (You should look up this information BEFORE the interview.) • How many vacation days/paid sick days do I get? • Do you perform random drug testing? • Can you define what “on time” means? • When can I apply for a promotion? • Is interoffice dating allowed?
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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ant to learn another language from your phone and skip the pricey lesson fees? Want to throw a rock at Rosetta Stone’s prices? Check out Duolingo, the free second-language education app! When opening the app, I was greeted by Duo, the little green mascot owl. (He shows you the ropes throughout the process.) I was given the option of several languages to choose from, but there was also an option if my native language wasn’t English. I let Duo know that I’m a beginner; if I was “advanced” I could’ve tested out of the first sets of lessons. I chose Spanish and found out later that I can add other languages to my profile. To keep track of my progress, four little red hearts sit at the top of the screen, which were the scorekeepers. My first exercise had me select the Spanish version of English words by choosing one of four pictures. After I selected a picture, a voice pronounced the word, even if it was the incorrect choice. I then clicked “check” to see if my answer was right (which I continued to do throughout all the exercises). My second exercise showed and pronounced a phrase, and I selected words to translate what the phrase meant. A “new” word that hadn’t been presented to me yet was highlighted in yellow, so when I clicked on it, it gave me the definition in English. The next exercise went back to selecting a picture. It displayed some of the same choices as before and included a new choice. The repetition of choices is helpful because it forces you to review those
words again. I chose a wrong answer to see what would happen. The app displayed, “Oops, that’s not correct,” and showed the correct answer. It also took a heart away. (So sad!) Next, it pronounced words for me to spell. These words were in the same group of words I had already been learning, so I nailed it! In case I didn’t understand what the voice was saying, there was a little button with a turtle on it that would repeat the word more slowly if clicked. As with various languages, there is a feminine and masculine form of words. This app deals with that by offering both choices in the “complete the phrase” exercise. For example, there was a blank for me to fill in before the word “mujer,” which means woman. My choices were El and La. I chose El and lost another heart. The next exercise displayed a sentence for me to speak into my phone. No hearts lost there! When I was done with my lesson, a horn victory cry was played and Duo the Owl let me know that I am on a one-day streak! To save my progress, I had to create a profile, of course. I was taken to a whole list of cute little icons that represented various categories such as phrases, food, animals, plurals, possession and much more. Each category held between one and five lessons in it, but I couldn’t skip to any of them because the categories were
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chronologically arranged. I could invite a friend by adding their email address, and I also noticed a shopping section. I figured this was a plug to buy Rosetta Stone or something. Nope! Way better! Not only can I earn heart refills, learn idioms and pick up lines in Spanish, I can buy a Champagne Tracksuit for my owl! The description let me know that “Duo will love the feel of 24 carat gold silk on his feathers.” I checked out the online version of the app, and it’s more robust. This is great because some apps don’t even have an online version. There was a complete description of masculine and feminine nouns, accent marks, the second-person singular, and verb conjugation. Another feature was the option to translate written Spanish articles for practice. When I peeked at the language lesson options, the website listed the number of learners signed up for each language … some of them are in the millions! The site also listed languages they were developing lessons for by showing the progress in “percentage hatched.” Turkish lessons were hatching at 95 percent done while Vietnamese lessons were hatching at 5 percent done. Something I noticed was that there wasn’t a heart points system. This means I couldn’t “shop” either. I’ll stick to the app so I can get my owl that Champagne Tracksuit!
The New Evil Empire There was a time when people used to love to hate Microsoft … and maybe they still do. Back in its day, it seemed nothing could stop the relentless assault of Microsoft on our computing world. If you wanted to access the Internet, you needed Microsoft’s browser. If you wanted to buy a new laptop or desktop computer, you needed Microsoft’s operating system. And then if you wanted to continue to use your computer, you needed to sign a pact with Microsoft that you would pay for its licensing. Bill Gates, from his humble beginnings in a garage in 1975, quickly became one of the world’s richest human beings, to the point where financial analysts estimated it would be cheaper for Gates to walk over a $100 bill because it would cost him more, in terms of dollars per hour, to pick it up. In the computing world, Microsoft was ubiquitous and had almost complete control, thus earning the name “The Evil Empire.” While all of us know of Microsoft, it’s not the dominant presence of the past. So what could possibly challenge such an opportunistic juggernaut? If things were constant, probably nothing. But in the world of technology, the only constant is change. Upstart Internet companies have come and gone as quickly as full-moons on a cloudless night, yet a few have stuck around and, just like Microsoft a generation before, have changed their part of the world. Words we seldom (or never) used just 10 or 15 short years ago are now household, everyday words: Amazon, Twitter, YouTube, eBay, Facebook, and more recently, Pinterest and Twitch, all of them dominating their little part of the world. And then we have Google. With more than 3 billion searches each day, Google’s dominance in the search engine world is unquestioned. It is by far the most utilized website on the planet (remember the days when Yahoo! was the preeminent search engine?). Google’s popularity is so extensive that the American Dialect Society chose “google” as the “most useful word of 2002.” And in 2006, “google” was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a verb (before “Google” the company, “google” was just a noun that defined the largest mathematical number, not a coincidence in how Google chose its name). But Google didn’t appear to be satisfied with its dominant niche, choosing to expand into technology arenas and some non-technology arenas that are well outside its core search business. So let’s google Google and look inside what could arguably be called the new “Evil Empire.” Much like Microsoft leveraged IBM decades before as a launching point for its dominance (in the ‘60s and ‘70s, IBM was its own monolithic Evil Empire), so Microsoft saw Google as a potential ally. But, just like Microsoft did to IBM, Google thumbed its nose at Microsoft, opting for grander ideas by leveraging the ubiquity of its namesake search engine, including developing a browser to rival Microsoft’s. For a while Google was on a roll, spending billions, buying companies (over 160 in the past 10 years), and announcing myriad new technology ventures to the world, a few making you step back and scratch your head. Google’s goal seemed to be (and still seems to be) world domination — the company
we simply cannot live without, pervasively invading every corner of our existence. But Fate is a fickle mistress; not everything Google touches turns to gold. A few months ago, Google announced it was shuttering Google Glass, the innovative, albeit much maligned and often ridiculed, wearable technology. Google Plus, meanwhile, has always suffered from the public’s belief that no one needed a new social network to rival Facebook. Many of Google’s purchased companies simply faded into the balance sheet. But even with their corporate failures, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google, have a combined net worth of about
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$60 billion, a scant $20 billion (give or take) behind Bill Gates. Maybe it’s not worth it for them to pick up a $100 bill, either! What about Google’s current adventures, far afield from its core search engine business? Teaming with Motorola Mobility (until recently, owned by Google), Google is working on skin tattoos that will connect to a mobile communication device to track important bodily statistics. They’re building barges in San Francisco Bay, purchasing wind power in central Iowa (where they don’t even have a data center) … even offering $30 million to anyone who can send a robot to the moon and transmit data back to Earth. (Didn’t NASA
get IT?!
already do that in the 1960s?) The end-game of some of these ventures is anyone’s guess. Is Google really the new “Evil Empire”? Like the big bang theory, will the Google Universe continue to expand forever, literally creating a Google Earth? Or, like IBM and Microsoft before it, will Google eventually fade into the shadows because some as-yetunknown upstart company leverages a new technology for which Google cannot compete? And will the owner of that upstart still pick up a $100 bill? - By Brian Boettcher Brian is vice president of information technology at Altra Federal Credit Union and public speaker on technology topics.
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I
ricocheted between my three preschoolers, ensuring that no one was Of-Mice-and-Men-ing their kitten. They weren’t. They were far too enraptured. My 2-year-old daughter was particularly unhinged by the whole soft and cuddly experience. Watching them cradle the tiny animals on this crisp, fall day was one of those sweet, simple pleasures of life. Finally, I decided we’d monopolized the kittens long enough, and should allow another petting zoo patron a turn. We put them back into their large, wire cage and shut the little door. Then, I made my one critical error. As with most critical errors, mine was not immediately obvious. This made it all the more catastrophic. I got baby girl’s coat zipped up and her mittens on before turning my attention to the boys. Their gear took all of 16 seconds to apply. That was all it took. As I was tugging on the sixth mitten, I heard the mewing … the panicked, urgent mewing. I turned around to discover my daughter, wedged through the open cage door. She was
wearing the contraption around her waist like a belt. Her cute little diaper butt was hanging out front, while her torso had managed to wriggle inside the forbidden territory. She was reaching desperately for the addictive little fuzz balls. The kittens cowered in the corner, just beyond the reach of her maniacally waving, pudgy little hands. The petting zoo owner realized the kittens’ predicament about the same time I did. I flashed her an apologetic, “kids do the darndest things” look, before rushing to remove my child. Luckily, the girth of her diaper had restrained her from wiggling all the way inside. I bent down and gently took hold of her waist, intending to easily extract her from the door. The minute I laid hands on her, however, she panicked. I was going to prevent her from getting her fix ... just when she was so close! She immediately began to emit the kind of earpiercing, brain-numbing, shriek of rage that can only be created by a 2-year-old girl and makes police sirens sound like lullabies. The kittens, already horrified at being assaulted in their own home, began kitty sobbing in response to this horrible, earthshaking sound. People everywhere stopped and looked. Children paused in their revelry. Passing drivers slowed their vehicles in concern. The petting zoologist broke into a cold sweat. Momentarily stunned, I recovered myself and pulled. I had to get her out of here. It was my only hope.
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Nothing happened. I pulled harder. Still nothing. I really dug my fingers into her sides and yanked. She didn’t budge. The shrieking had reached catastrophic proportions at this point. There would be no quick escape. She was stuck. Somehow, my tenacious little girl had managed to wiggle her puffy, pink coat through the cage door. But, once in place, it had inflated into a giant plug. It was like inserting a closed umbrella through a small hole, opening it and attempting to remove it again. She wasn’t going anywhere. In the heat of the moment, however, I simply could not see this. I continued to pull. She continued to howl and our audience continued to grow. I was in no way capable of calmly assessing the situation and responding appropriately. It was pure survival instinct. If someone had tried to intervene, I probably would have bitten them. Finally, overwhelmed by a blinding explosion of humiliation-fueled rage, I really put my back into it and yanked. This time, it worked! She was free! I had done it! I was flooded by the ecstatic glee of triumph as I stumbled backward, attempting to contain this wildly twisting little person. I caught my balance and breathed a huge sigh of relief. I didn’t even care that she was still shrieking. She was free! My relief halted abruptly in its crescendo as I realized that, yes, she was free … technically. The cage door was still firmly in place around her torso. The cage wall was still firmly in place around the door. The cage itself, which now had only three of its four walls, was being enthusiastically evacuated by the traumatized kittens. They leapt wholeheartedly into their new refugee status, fleeing from this strange, pigtailed monster in every direction. The owner was so busy attempting to recover them that she barely noticed my profuse apologies as I followed her, dragging my shrieking, wallencased offspring behind me. I bent down and pried the cage wall off my child, a feat that required only a momentary de-pants-ing to accomplish. At that point, a naked butt was just the icing on our humiliation cake. I exited as quickly and discretely as I could, with a still-wailing toddler and two preschoolers both begging to keep the obviously up-forgrabs wild kittens. As strange and thoroughly mortifying as this all was at the time, I look back on it now with an almost disturbing gratification. Because, even in the thick of it, it was damn entertaining. That’s how these moments are. They are painful, but add so much flavor and color to life. On this one crisp, fall day, it added flavor and color to lots of lives, both human and feline. It’s a service I was happy to provide … once.
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
FOR THE FAM
EVENTS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EVENTS: TUESDAYS: Sparkling STEMs Science at 10:30 am WEDNESDAYS: Peek Into the Past at 10:30 am THURSDAYS: Little Learners at 10:30 am FRIDAYS: Wee Move @ 10:30 am. All free with admission ($6). For ages 1-7 with adult. TINKERTOY: Build Your Imagination traveling exhibit, January 17 to May 24 @ Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Giant replicas of the classic Tinkertoy construction set provide the framework for fun, educational activities that turn imagination into working solutions to real world challenges. CHILDREN’S AFTER SCHOOL POTTERY: Tuesdays from 4-5:30 pm @ Generous Earth Pottery in downtown La Crosse. These sessions are meant for children ages 8 and older who will work on the potter’s wheel or build by hand. $15 per session. FAMILY FEST: March 1, 10 am-3 pm @ the La Crosse Center. This event features a variety of family-friendly activities hosted by area businesses. A perfect day for the whole family! Free to attend, but bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to The Hunger Task Force if possible. NIGHT OUT AT THE MUSEUM: March 6 and March 20 from 5:30-8 pm @ Children’s Museum. Parents get a night out on the town ... kids get a night out at the museum! Includes supervised museum exploration, stories and light snack. Children should eat dinner before arrival. $11 members, $16 non-members; pre-register and pre-pay. For ages 3-11 without adult. POLAR PLUNGE: March 7, 7 am-3 pm @ Pettibone Park in La Crosse Cost: Free to watch, fundraise minimum $75 to plunge. MICHEL LAUZIERE-MASTER OF THE UNUSUAL: March 15, 3 pm @ Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center. A combination of inventor, acrobat, comedian and musician rolled into one master of unusual comedy. Buy tickets in advance, cost: $11-$15. 34TH ANNUAL LA CROSSE & 3 RIVER’S MODEL RAILROAD TRAIN SHOW: March 21-22, Saturday 9 am-5 pm and Sunday 10 am-4 pm. This annual show will feature model trains, railroads, and also feature doll houses and miniatures! The show will be held at the La Crosse Center North Hall. Admission is $6 for adults or $5.50 with donation of non-perishable food item. Children ages 11 and under are free with adult. COLOR DASH 5K (BENEFITING LA CROSSE AREA YMCA): March 29, race starts at 10 am @ Onalaska Omni Center. Pre-register. Cost: $40 individual, $35 team member, $85 family, free 5 and under. TEDDY BEAR CLINIC: March 29 from 4-7 pm @ Children’s Museum. Join Gundersen Health System for hands-on activities and information to help your child feel more comfortable about seeing the doctor. Free admission from 11 am-2 pm (regular admission resumes from 2-5 pm).
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A&E showtime THE PLAY IS
THE THING
“March is the month God created to show people who don’t drink what a hangover is like.” - Garrison Keillor Truer words have never been spoken. Luckily our community is providing some exciting theatrical offerings as remedy. The Pump House is, once again, exerting its mission of building community through the arts and offering evenings of theatre to entertain both sexes.
I write sexes because in years past, the Pump House has produced Ladies Night Out — theatrical productions chosen with a predominantly female audience in mind. The inaugural season gave us the widely successful, “Love, Loss and What I Wore” by Nora and Delia Ephron. Year two gave us the original production, “Backwards and in Heels: Celebrating 100 Years of Women” compiled by local director Anne Drecktrah. Again, audiences raved. This third year, not only is The Pump House continuing Ladies Night Out with “Talking With” by Jane Martin, but it is also running a whole separate production to entertain the extra chromosome. For its inaugural year, The Pump House is proud to present Men’s Night Out. For that, it has chosen “Heroes,” a translation and adaptation from a French play by easily one of the finest living playwrights, Tom Stoppard. But, ladies first. “Talking With” by Jane Martin is a play composed of 11 monologues, each featuring a woman talking about a turning point in her life that shaped her. Some are touching and laced with powerful emotions. Others are funny. All are insightful. Among the cast members are well-known storytellers Terry Visger and Sara Slayton. Visger, making her theatrical acting debut, will be performing the monologue “Scraps,” the story of a housewife who lives her life as a lesser-known character from L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. Slayton will enact a fading star in the monologue, “Rodeo.” The play also explores the life of a snake handler who is losing her faith and the life of a woman dealing with the death of her mother, played by Diane Foust and Sheri Eimermann, respectively. Talking With March 5, 6, 7, 20, 21 @ 7:30 p.m. March 22 @ 2 p.m. The Pump House Regional Arts Center thepumphouse.org for tickets
Director Anne Drecktrah has assembled a powerhouse cast for this production, and we can expect what we have in the past: an unforgettable and thought-provoking night. Now for the men and “Heroes.” As aforementioned, Tom Stoppard translated this play from a French play by Gérald Sibleyras called “Le Vent Des Peupliers,” which translates to “The Wind in the Poplars.” This comedy is about three World War I veterans living in a veterans’ retirement home. Humorously, they are plotting their escape. Again, the doubly busy Anne Drecktrah has assembled an outstanding male cast of Mark Mattison, Daniel Schneider and John Richards. The Pump House, the heart and soul of our new Arts District in La Crosse, is again giving audiences something new, fresh and exciting. These two plays need to be added to your March calendar immediately! There is a discount for purchasing tickets for both shows at the same time, and I strongly urge you to take advantage of the offer. The Pump House has also created social promotions around both shows. “Talking With” will solicit donations for New Horizons. “Heroes” will promote A Million Thanks, an organization that provides support and appreciation to active and veteran military men and women. The Pump House is also asking audience members to submit pictures for a slide presentation during pre-show and intermission. For “Talking With,” audiences are being asked
MARCH MOVIE RELEASES Chappie Release Date: March 6, 2015 Genres: Action, Thriller
The Gunman Release Date: March 20, 2015 Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Unfinished Business Release Date: March 6, 2015 Genres: Comedy
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension Release Date: March 24, 2015 Genres: Horror
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Release Date: March 6, 2015 Genres: Comedy, Drama to submit photos of themselves and women who have played key roles in their lives. For “Heroes,” they are being asked to honor those in uniform. Both productions will feature a specialty cocktail for the evening. These fresh ideas coming from The Pump House broaden the theatre community. They foster communication and dialogue. I applaud the efforts of Toni Asher, executive director, and Anne Drecktrah, artistic director, as well as the rest of The Pump House staff. Through thoughtful packaging and promotion, our community is encouraged to attend these out-ofthe-mainstream productions, and I most sincerely hope you do. - By Michael Scott
Get Hard Release Date: March 27, 2015 Genres: Comedy Home Release Date: March 27, 2015 Genres: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Cinderella Release Date: March 13, 2015 Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy Run All Night Release Date: March 13, 2015 Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller The Divergent Series: Insurgent Release Date: March 20, 2015 Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
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Heroes March 12, 13, 14, 27, 28 @ 7:30 p.m. March 29 @ 2 p.m. The Pump House Regional Arts Center thepumphouse.org for tickets
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(608) 790-6494 | (608) 790-6495 KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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Community SPOTLIGHT Franciscan Sister, Sister Malinda Gerke, agrees. “Sister Thea wasn’t afraid to be herself. She was so magnetic. She even got cardinals and bishops to link hands, sing and dance. That’s how compelling she was.” Sister Thea was a life force. She spearheaded the movement to bring African-American song and dance into Catholic churches and compiled “Lead Me, Guide Me,” an African-American Catholic hymnal. Her love of music bore fruit here in La Crosse, as she directed Viterbo University’s Hallelujah Singers. Sister Malinda still sees “Thea’s vivacious spirit and love of music living on in her students today.” “Sister Thea sang all the time,” remembers Sister Charlene. “That soulful and active type of singing was different. In the beginning, Wisconsin Catholics didn’t know much about it, so there was some fear. But, when they saw her jubilation, they liked it. It’s extremely catchy.” “Besides being an extremely dedicated, religious woman, she was vibrant, spontaneous and alive. That’s what drew people to her.” Sister Charlene
SISTER THEA BOWMAN A Bridge over Troubled Water. Article: Andrea Culletto
T
he lobby of Washington D.C.’s famous Omni Shoreham Hotel brims with movement as people hurry to and from important engagements. Two Catholic sisters from La Crosse, Wis., enter the lobby, one dark-complected, the other light. An Argentinian piano player sits nearby, his fingers dancing melodically across the ivories. The sisters listen appreciatively. He plays a song from the American opera, “Porgy and Bess.” The darker sister begins to sing in a rich, fullbodied tone. Hotel patrons stop in their tracks. Silence falls across the busy lobby as her joyful and uplifting melody rises to the rafters. The other sister, Sister Charlene Smith, shifts uncomfortably, unsure if she should acknowledge her connection with the more audacious sister — but then the crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause. It is a standing ovation, right there in the hotel lobby! A woman whispers, “Do you know her?” Sister Charlene smiles and proudly replies, “That is my friend, Sister Thea Bowman!” “That’s who Sister Thea was,” says Sister Charlene. “Besides being an extremely dedicated, religious woman, she was vibrant, spontaneous and alive. That’s what drew people to her.” Another close friend and
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Music was one way Sister Thea opened the doors to people’s hearts, something that she did often and well. Bowman was an agent of positive change in the civil rights movement. She was La Crosse’s first black Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and the first black woman to receive an honorary doctorate in theology from Boston College. She co-founded the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University and was appointed as the Jackson, Miss., diocesan consultant for intercultural awareness. She was often called to speak publicly, in Wisconsin and across the nation, where she taught people to embrace their heritage and appreciate the cultures of others. Her accomplishments did not go unnoticed. She was interviewed on “60 Minutes” by Mike Wallace, and her life story was considered for a movie with Harry Belafonte and Whoopi Goldberg. Much of Sister Thea’s life was spent teaching and uplifting others, beginning at La Crosse’s Blessed Sacrament Parish. “She was able to see into the spirit of everybody,” says Sister Charlene. Bowman was particularly concerned with facilitating positive intercultural relations, while celebrating, rather than erasing, different cultural identities. In an interview, Sister Thea once said, “I can introduce my Black friends to my Hispanic friends, to my Anglo friends, to my Asian friends, to my Native friends. I can be the bridge over troubled water. I can take you by the hand and take you with me into the black community. I can walk with you into your community, and if I walk with you into your community, I don’t walk as a stranger, I walk as your sister.” Sister Thea Bowman died in 1990, at the age of 52, from cancer. Today, her legacy lives on in those she taught and inspired, here in La Crosse and abroad, as well as in six schools, a women’s center and a foundation, which all bear her name. These organizations, and many others, continue Sister Thea’s work of educating and enriching individuals of all cultural identities. The Franciscan Sisters of La Crosse have planned a series of events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their friend and teacher, Sister Thea Bowman’s, passing. Andrea Culletto is a freelance writer in the Coulee Region of Wisconsin. Her work can be seen at AndreaCulletto.Wordpress.com.
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
If You Go “Friends of Thea: Sharing the Joy” March 29, 2015, 2-4 p.m. Franciscan Spirituality Center A panel discussion on Sister Bowman’s legacy with author and renowned evangelist Rev. Maurice Nutt, artist and writer Brother Mickey McGrath, fellow Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Marla Lang and the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation’s Mary Lou Jennings. “Thea Bowman: Life and Legacy on Display” March 17- 30, 2015 Franciscan Spirituality Center A showcase of art and artifacts, illustrating Sister Thea’s effect on the world. “Come and See” March 27- 30, 2015 St. Rose Convent A discernment weekend for women, ages 21 to 45, who are interested in living a vowed religious life. “Mass” March 30, 2015, 10:30 a.m. St. Rose Convent Sister Bowman’s friend and student, Rev. Maurice Nutt will be joined by the Viterbo University Concert Choir for Mass. Those unable to attend can view the live stream on FSPA.org. Event details, registration information and a deeper look at Sister Thea and her life’s work are available at www.fspa.org/theabowman.
A&E visual arts
yep
PART ONE
k La Cross n u p m a e e St
Elysium Armory Story and Photos by Clay Riness
I
f you remember the late- 1960’s TV series “The Wild, Wild West” … or have read Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” … or H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” you might begin to envision what steampunk is about. These were early examples of the juxtaposing of Victorian era steam power and futuristic technology. Steeped in a neo-Victorian future, today’s steampunk culture is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy fashion, art and literature. It’s a world of cogs and goggles, octopi and airships, six guns and lasers, corsets, cloaks and canes … a role player’s creative paradise. And, steampunk’s star is rising, or so many believe. Coulee Region / Driftless Area Steampunk (Facebook page) is a group of local steampunk enthusiasts, a few of which make some of their living at it. Louis Kaczmarowski (a.k.a. Louis K), owner of Elysium Armory, established in 2006, spends his days in his shop crafting works of leather and metal. Many of his weekends are spent at conventions, fairs and other events selling those creations. It was at such events he began seeing steampunk emerge, and with it customer interest in more unusual armor and costume designs. Louis majored in archaeology at UW-L (with a minor in anthropology), which provided opportunities to see and study many rare artifacts. He then went from participating for fun in live action role playing (known as LARP) to apprenticing in leatherwork and eventually into the business of making armor and other accessories. At first he catered to other LARP players,. andThen later, to Renaissance Fairs and conventions. When steampunk came along, it was another great market for selling his craft. He prefers to do custom work because every customer is different in body shape, personal taste and costuming vision. And, he proudly admits that each hand-crafted piece is unique, which fosters his reputation for versatility. “There are worlds of people who need armor and accessories, and that’s where I come in,” he says. Louis admits that although the local steampunk group is small … they’re “‘pretty die-hard.”’. They meet monthly for a Luncheon of Awesomeness at which they discuss upcoming events and conventions, among other things. Newcomers are welcome. “A lot of steampunks are re-enactors gone
bad,” he jokes. “Most have a start in costuming somewhere, like Civil War or Renaissance Fair re-enacting … and then come to include steampunk to have their fun.” But, to the outsider, steampunk can be challenging to wrap oneself around, at least at first. “Steampunk is very amorphous,” Louis opines. “It keeps shifting; there’s no right or wrong way to do it, and everybody is allowed to have their own way of doing things. If you want to have Nerf guns with your outfit, you can. If you want a refurbished Colt Army (revolver) on your hip, no one will begrudge you that either.” He isn’t convinced that steampunk will go as mainstream as some believe because he feels steampunks continually have to explain what they are. “With other sub-cultures, for instance, gGoth in the ‘90’s, it became understood that you dressed in black, drank coffee, listened to heavy metal,” he explains. “You can’t lump steampunk like that; it’s too broad.” For devotees and non-steampunks alike, seeing Louis in full original costume is a “‘wow”’ moment. You might think he has a little Star Trek Next-Gen Borg DNA coursing through his veins. The creativity and detail he has invested in his persona is nothing less than extraordinary. “I’m starting to think I should name the outfit ‘evolution’ because I’m always working on something for it,” he says, adding, “I love junking and antiquing and thrift stores, and if I find something really cool I try and find a way to add it to my get- up. I’m a little hard core on the antiques and old gadgetry, but I try to do what no one else does.” He takes particular pride in the fact that every item that hangings from his belt is something actually useful. Louis invites folks who are curious or want to get involved to simply drop by the group’s Facebook Page (see above) and say hello. “We’ll let you know when our next meet-up is,” he adds. “If you’re curious about conventions, costuming, or interested in the immersion aspect and want to write a character or do some researching … yeah, just drop us a line and we’re happy to help.” In the meantime, if you’re brand new to the very term, steampunk, a quick Ggoogle search will be an eye-opening experience. Give it a go … there are surely enough cogs and goggles and octopi and airships to go around.
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
Contact Information: Louis K / Elysium Armory 1023 Charles St., La Crosse Visits by appointment only.
608-385-2067
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A&E tunes
made me want to create music using the same revolutionary spirit.
Singer-Songwriter Eddie Danger to be Featured in Jug Band Documentary.
Article: Jess Witkins
EDDIE DANGER
I read in your bio that you got kicked out of band class in ninth grade. Now you’re an awardwinning songwriter and you teach songwriting workshops. What approach do you take to teaching to encourage your students? There was another guy in my band class that I was always getting into trouble with. We didn’t hate band. We hated sitting still. Now, he and I are the only people from that school who are professional musicians. The school band gave me my foundation. What it didn’t do was inspire me. I didn’t feel the music until later. My approach is to find what people already like about music and give them tools for building on that foundation.
E
ddie Danger is a writer, artist, teacher, wedding officiant and sometimes puppeteer. What entwines all these talents together is his music. He’s an award-winning singersongwriter. Blending the sounds of instruments from around the world, his style could be described as chicken-coop jazz - except it’s so much more than that. Just how many instruments do you play? I just bought a banjo! I play all stringed instruments, the piano, didgeridoo and the kalimba. As far as woodwinds, I play mostly saxophones and a variety of flutes. I have a collection of pump organs made in the 1800s, one of which was saved from a burning church. I play marimbas, egg shakers, dumbeks, djembes, cowbells, Boomwhackers and magic acorn drums. I own a sitar - doesn’t mean I can play it - but I make sound come out of it. When you do live shows, how many of those instruments do you typically bring with you? It depends on what project I’m performing with. There are three instruments I rarely go anywhere without: my Martin DXK2 acoustic guitar, my suitcase/kickdrum, and the thing I’m most known for, my loop pedal. You have such a nomadic sound. Who have been your musical influences? My approach is to be open to everything, then take what you like and leave the rest. I really admired Ani DiFranco for changing the way people listen to the folk genre. And everything David Grisman put out with Jerry Garcia
You’ve got a few songwriting workshops coming up don’t you? I’m leading a daylong workshop on song craft for the Driftless Folk School in Viroqua on April 19 and the following weekend for the Mid West Music Fest in Winona on April 24. There will be a performance of the songs we create at the Winona Arts Center following the workshop. And you’re performing a musical puppet show at Mid West Music Fest? That’s awesome. Yes, the puppet show came to life after I started writing sea-themed songs on one of my pump organs. I ended up writing an entire concept album of songs about Vikings, mermaids, pirates and sea hags. I commissioned a Winona puppeteer to create the puppets for each song and we started performing it live. People assume that because puppets are involved it must be geared toward children. Although kids enjoy it, I find that people who are just open to being a kid again enjoy it even more. Now, the Mid West Music Fest is big for you additionally because you’ll be featured in a documentary that’s premiering there. Is that right? Emmy Award-winning film director (and past Winona resident) Jack Norton and I met at a music video shoot. He told me about this documentary he was filming called “Jug Band Hokum.” It follows three jug bands as they prepare to compete in the great jug band battle up in Minneapolis. Well, I put together a jug band and signed up to battle. Shortly after one of the bands Jack was following broke up, he asked if I would be in his film.
Photo by Jack Norton, from the music video “Gas Station Coffee Junkie Girl” by Eddie Danger. Visit: www.jacknorton.net instruments that constitute a legitimate jug band are a jug, washtub bass, washboard and kazoo. Additionally, there can be spoons, slide whistle, ukulele, horns, suitcases and just about anything else that isn’t an electric guitar. Sounds like you have much to be proud of. What’s next for Eddie Danger? This summer I’ll be hitting my regular music festival circuit. Some of the highlights for me are The Energy Fair, People Fest, Boats and Bluegrass, and a new festival I’m helping coordinate at Highbridge that mixes music with disc golf called Tournafest. I’m also really excited to be participating in some school artist-inresidence programs where I’ll spend multiple days with students preparing them for a performance. A few years back I received a grant from the EPA to write a musical that promotes the benefits of renewable energy. I’ll be working on that and some camp songs with them. Like I said before, make it fun so it inspires people to participate in musical opportunities when they present themselves in the future. Thanks so much for talking jug bands and songwriting with me, Eddie. Keep practicing that sitar and enjoy all the music coming your way!
What is jug band music? Jug band music embraces odd and selfmade instruments. It encourages people of all musical abilities to play because it’s fun and far from pretentious. The
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March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
WHERE TO SEE EDDIE LIVE: March 13 Pearl Street Brewery, La Crosse April 19 Driftless Folk School Songwriters Workshop, Viroqua
THIST IN! JUS Eddie Danger will be working with an artist-in-residence for a Waldorf-inspired charter school this month and directing a musical he wrote after receiving a grant from the EPA. The musical, called “Renewsical,” is an interactive stage performance that teaches the technology of energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy in order to inspire action toward a healthy economy, a cleaner environment, and a brighter future. The performance uses dancing, music, LED light shows, elaborate costumes, poetry and puppetry to convey the benefits of solar and wind power, solar domestic hot water, alternative transportation, healthy natural systems, biomass, geothermal heating and cooling, and healthy local food. Way to go, Eddie!
A&E
tunes
tunes
REVIEW
by Cody Fortney
Gregg “Cheech” Hall Releases “Anthology” CD. Commence the Party.
Nick Shattuck
to Perform at The Root Note March 21
G
regg “Cheech” Hall has been a common face in the local music scene for many years and is releasing his much anticipated anthology of works this month. “Anthology” (Vol. 1) is a collection of Hall’s favorite songs that he has written and recorded from 1999-2014. This album features all of the bands he has been a member of. It also showcases many of his solo projects and has special appearances by The Voice’s Nicholas David in “The Feelin” on piano and Grammy winner Bill Miller on some lead guitar as well.
Hall comes from a long line of artists, actors and musicians. He started playing gigs while attending UW-Stout, and since then has been playing at local and national establishments with several bands. You might remember him from Mitgee Evers, Mr. T and the General Lee, Smokin’ Bandits, White Iron Band, or any of his tribute shows (which are all featured on the CD). In the midst of his singing and songwriting he rocks a mean guitar including the slide guitar, lead guitar and lap steel guitar. His songs are a combination of Americana, alternative country and rock. They are songs about “the road, love, whiskey, women, heartache and loneliness,” and they are all true stories based on his life. Although Hall has played all over the country with the Smokin’ Bandits and White Iron Band, he says his favorite gigs have been here in his hometown of La Crosse. “You can’t beat it. We are all family around here, and I’m very lucky to have such a supportive community.” As for what’s next, Hall is currently recording a country album with his band, Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball, and has high hopes for a late spring release. He will continue managing his music production company, Deece Productions, and rocking the world with his one-of-a-kind tribute shows. Keep your eyes peeled for his “Woodstock In The Park” tribute this summer.
I
n 2011, Nick Shattuck, a native of West Salem, decided to pack up his bags and move to Los Angeles to chase his dreams. Much to our good fortune, however, he will be back for a musical reunion with area fans this month. The singer-songwriter plays both the guitar and ukulele, and his sound has been compared to a blend of John Mayer and Ray LaMontagne with roots in folk and soul music. When you’re listening to his music, you can tell his midwestern Wisconsin roots have influenced him and his music in many ways. (Once a cheesehead, always a cheesehead, right?) Over the past three years in LA, he’s had the honor of sharing the stage with some incredible acts including Sea Wolf, Rhett Miller, Ben Taylor, Howie Day, Tyler Hilton and Meiko. He is currently finishing up a three- to four-song ukulele album called “The Catalina EP.” It features songs written during the two summers he lived and worked on Catalina Island at a kids’ camp. It’s a passion project that he will most likely release for a free download. After that, he plans to get back in the studio to record either his next EP or possibly a fulllength guitar album. Meanwhile, he will push his latest project, “Up Late, Dreaming,” into possible licensing opportunities with movies and television. 2015 looks to be another great year for Shattuck as he signed his first non-exclusive publishing deal this past summer and already has gigs lining up. When asked about performing in La Crosse compared to the big city of LA, he said, “La Crosse is home. I’ve played a lot of cool stages and opened for many great acts, but nothing compares to being in front of a room full of your friends and family, singing all your old lyrics word for word. It’s the best feeling in the world. The Root Note is my home away from home, and I’m really excited to be back playing on the stage.” To see Nick perform live, swing by The Root Note on March 21. The show will start at 8 p.m. with Alexandra Green as the opener. Cost is $8 at the door. For more information, also check out www.nickshattuckmusic.com.
The Anthology CD release party will be held on Friday, March 13 at Leo and Leona’s in Bangor. Tickets are $10. The monumental show will start at 7 p.m. be sure not to miss it! For more information, head to www.gregghallmusic.com.
KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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food & drink
y
satisf
TASTE YOURBUDS
Mmm
food review - Pogreba Restaurant: A Flair for Gourmet
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any locals still don’t realize we have a gourmet restaurant on the north side of La Crosse. Yes, Pogreba Restaurant is right on the corner of Clinton and Avon! Pogy’s Catering owners Josh Pogreba and his aunt, Dianne Pogreba, extensively remodeled the 1800s-built Tabernacle Baptist Church into a posh restaurant. An elegant bar with an elaborate drink selection and a private mezzanine are unique features at Pogreba. I had been before, but I recently went on date night with the Mister at Pogreba. After hanging our coats, we were greeted by a hostess and taken past the bar to our booth. The décor was modern and warm. Burst-shaped iron wall pieces were arranged on one wall with a 6-foot metal wall sculpture of Pogreba’s signature flame with red backlighting boasting the panache of the place. What were once windows are now framed, stained-glass embellishments. The ambiance promised good food was to come. Soon, our polite and energetic server, Dan, came to share the daily specials and deliver menus … that is, the beer book, wine list and food menu (not including the dessert menu!). The extensive wine list included many favorites and even listed a 2008 Opus One. The beer book was very impressive with several imports and Wisconsin craft brews. Standouts were the Samuel Smith Organic Strawberry, Lindemans Raspberry Framboise (a
personal summertime favorite!), good ol’ Germanbrewed Franziskaner, Sea Dog Blue Paw Blueberry Wheat Ale, and of course, a list of Pearl Street Brewery selections like Downtown Brown and Rubber Mills Pils. Other options featured were martinis and specialty drinks named after nearby spots like the Clinton Street Retreat and the Red Cloud. The Mister opted for the Hinterland Nitro Luna Coffee Stout; I started with the Allure Moscato and finished with a 2012 Hahn Estates Merlot. Reds have become my wines of choice lately, so this merlot was my favorite of the two. We started our meal with the Whiskey Shrimp Bruschetta. The shrimp was cooked to perfection with a light sauce, tomatoes, and scallions atop grilled French bread. This was followed by our orders of Caesar salad. Since Pogreba’s boasts responsible and sustainable sourcing of seafood, my selection was made easy … seafood! Dan presented an amazing display of my order of Alaskan Red King Crab accompanied by a butter-sauteed lobster tail, garlic-sauteed green beans, and wild mushroom risotto. The Mister opted for the boneless charcoal flame-grilled 16 oz. rib-eye steak with abundant marbling throughout. The flavor of this moist steak was exquisite and unmatched. His steak was complimented by spicy cavatappi with pork belly confit and garlic-sauteed green beans. He could’ve chosen from a list of “custom steak accessories” such as jumbo bacon-wrapped sea scallops or butterpoached lobster tail, but chose simply the rib-eye, which surpassed expectations. Then came dessert … we each made our choices but had to taste-test one another’s delicacies. The Mister ordered the signature peanut butter pie with Oreo crust and peanut butter filling, topped with chocolate mousse and chocolate sauce. This pie was a 4-inch-high tower of goodness. It was its own dish, not a mere triangle cut. I chose the bittersweet
, Fooo
od!
chocolate terrine with pistachio crème anglaise. The texture was thick and creamy with a bold, chocolatey richness paired with the light crème. Other dessert options featured drinks with ice cream, like Brandy Alexander with crème de cacao or Pink Squirrel with crème de noyaux and crème de cacao. During the entirety of our experience, Dan visited us several times to ensure we were taken care of. Kaley, the restaurant manager, even inquired with us a couple times. The Pogreba family has shown their flair for fine food in the Coulee Region for almost 50 years. Pogreba Restaurant is a culmination of their experience and passion. If you haven’t been, it’s time. - By Michelle L. Jerome
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March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
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food & Drink GOT 2 HAVE PIE!
Article: Andrea Culletto
Chef Monique Hooker.
My house smells like heaven. Even the rich, buttery aroma hanging in the air is nothing compared to the sweet, flaky delight currently melting on my tongue. Looking at the glowing faces of my family gathered around our kitchen table, I can tell I am not the only one experiencing nirvana. The pie we are all so hedonistically savoring was created with one of Chef Monique Hooker’s organic, artisan pie crusts. It’s a treat that I can relish on both a culinary and an ethical level. Unlike most pre-made pie crusts, which are filled with additives and preservatives, Got2HavPie sources its ingredients from organic, local, family-owned companies. As her pie crust packaging reads, “While it may be cheaper to make them in faraway places, it just wouldn’t feel right.” Since its inception two years ago, Got2HavPie has made a variety of decadent, allnatural, hand-cut pie crusts, following Monique’s unique and morally centered business model. The company provides jobs for the local community, including adults with limited abilities, and they also offer mentoring to entrepreneurial high school students. The name, Got2HavPie, came from Monique’s own children, who, when they were small, once urged, “Mom, you got to have pie!” How right they were! “Every child should remember coming home to a fresh baked pie,” Monique emphasizes. “I could have sold pre-made pies, of course, but that wasn’t the point. I wanted people to have the full experience, to see how the crust rises, to pop it into a warm oven and experience the delicious smells permeating the house, uplifting everyone’s spirits. It’s part of the enjoyment.” Monique knows a lot about enjoyment. Just sitting down for a discussion with her is an experience in culinary delight. The way she talks about food, vividly and with such passion, conveys her love for both sustenance and life. “Food,” Monique emphasizes, “is the basis of everything. From peace to war to sickness to health, it’s everything. It’s the first thing you look for when you’re born. It sustains our bodies and souls from that point until our last meal. Food is medicine. Food is culture. Food is healing. Make it good! Make it healthy!” It is how we make our food healthy that concerns Monique most. “We must read labels to find foods that are healthy and nourishing, free of preservatives, additives, excess sugar, oil and salt,” she explains. “It can be overwhelming at first, but just take it one step at a time. You have choices. Look for what’s local and natural and buy one thing. Next time, maybe two things. Make a point to be sustainable. Take responsibility. If you want it to be a better world, you have choices.” She knows what she’s talking about. With such credits as professional chef, TV show host, entrepreneur, teacher and author to her name, Monique is a culinary force. Originally from France, Monique worked in New York, Thailand, and ultimately, Chicago, where she ran a cooking school, restaurant and catering company. This led to a cookbook called, “Cooking with the Seasons: A Year in My Kitchen” and her own TV show, “The Seasonal Kitchen.” When asked about her favorite comfort food, Monique responds, “Something that cooks slowly, for a long period of time, so I can sit back and read a book while delicious smells permeate the house. Something like a savory roasted chicken. It is just so versatile. You can make two and eat for days!” She also adds, “But, like a lot of chefs, when I’m tired and in a hurry, I have to make a wonderful omelet. It reminds me of my mother making it for the farmers going out to the fields. It, like all good recipes, is infused with memory.” Monique explains that a kitchen is really an art studio. “Go in there and make the house smell good. Eating is all about the senses. Take in the colors and shapes. Relish the flavors. Play with spices. When chives arrive on Mother’s Day, that’s the time for herbs. Food is anticipation. I can’t wait for the first peach, the first asparagus, the first rhubarb pie. The most important thing is to make your ingredients the best ingredients. My philosophy is, ‘eat less, eat the best.’” She sits back and laughs, “That, and no snacks!”
DIY ROAST CHICKEN
IT ISN’T THAT HARD, RIGHT?
We couldn’t mention it and not include it for you to enjoy at home yourselves! Serves 6-8 1 whole chicken (4 pounds) 1 leek (or onion) 2 carrots 2 celery ribs 1 tablespoon olive oil or sunflower oil 6 shallots 12 small Yukon Gold potatoes (peeling optional) 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika 1 tablespoon dry thyme or oregano 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper Sauce 1 cup white wine (optional) 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon cornstarch (more or less) salt and fresh ground pepper to season 1/2 cup cream (optional) Monique Hooker Preheat the oven to 450 F. Choose a roasting pan that is not too deep, as the chicken will brown better if it is taller than the pan. I sometimes use a sheet pan (jelly roll pan). Cut the leek (or onion), carrots and celery into 2-inch-long pieces. Place the leek, carrots and celery on the bottom of the pan. Rub the whole chicken with oil. Season with pepper, smoked paprika and thyme (or oregano). Place on top of vegetables. Add the shallots and potatoes to the pan around the chicken. Place in the very hot, preheated oven and roast for 15 to 25 minutes. When starting to brown, turn temperature down to 350 F and cook for about 1 hour or until juices from the thigh/breast area come out clear and temperature registers at 165 F. When done, remove the chicken from the pan. Do not cover the chicken or the skin will lose its crispness! Sauce instructions: Remove the shallots and potatoes, and place on a serving plate. Discard as much fat as you can from the pan. Add the white wine (if using) and reduce by half. Add the broth and balsamic vinegar, and swirl around to make pan sauce. Bind the sauce with a little cornstarch first diluted in a little cold water. Finish with cream (optional), this makes it richer! Strain the sauce through a fine strainer (optional, I usually don’t, as I like all the bits and pieces that are left in the sauce). Serving instructions: Cut the chicken into 6 or 8 servings. Arrange on a platter and garnish with potatoes and shallots. The only thing you need to add is a good, mixed-greens salad! Bon Appétit! Monique’s notes: Reserve the bones to make a wonderful broth that can turn into chicken noodle soup by adding the meat that you will pull from the bones prior to discarding them. The second chicken (if you have one) can be cut up and frozen for later use. You could turn some into a delicious chicken salad!
Got2HavPie will be releasing a new line of products, including ready-to-bake croissants, this April. Groups of 8 to 10 can arrange their own private cooking class with Monique in her personal kitchen by calling 608-648-2409 or emailing monique@mwt.net. Learn more about Chef Monique Hooker and Got2HavPie at MoniquesCuisine.com and Got2HavPie.com.
Do you have a DIY you would like to share or see in future issues? Send your DIY to
casey@muellermediacorp.com KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
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EARLY CAMPING Camping. Get out Early. Get out Often.
L
Article: Michael Scott
STORY TIME
et the camping season begin! No, I’m not ahead of my deadline for the June issue. I am telling you the time to get out and enjoy our region’s natural areas and state parks is right now. In March. No, I’m not kidding. Camping in March is just like in June, July or August, but with these very important distinctions. First, there is the
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solitude. March is not a popular month for sleeping outside, at least for now. Isn’t peace what we are seeking in the outdoors? Plenty to be had in March. Second, no mosquitoes. Third, you most likely won’t need a cooler. Just place those growlers of Pearl Street Pale Ale and Java Lava in that remaining snow patch and enjoy the evening. Lastly, the campfire. Yes, those are done in the summer months, but unless you are using the fire to cook your food, they are completely unnecessary. I oftentimes don’t build a fire in the summer because I don’t need the warmth, and all they do is smell up my gear. During March, with overnight lows sometimes dipping into the low 20s, I build fires that you could land planes by. Also, with the wet conditions, there is very little chance a fire can burn out of control. You are going to need a few items. First, you need a good sleeping bag. I would recommend one that is rated to 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Three Rivers Outdoors in downtown La Crosse and other outdoor retail shops can get you set up. You will also need a decent ground mat. ExPed and Therm-a-Rest are excellent brands. A thick foam pad or two will also do the trick. Those are the bigger ticket items. Other than that, even a tent isn’t necessary. Because there are no bugs, you can be perfectly content under a cheap tarp suspended by ropes, although a tent is helpful if conditions are windy. Clothing is important. Layer correctly with a tight-fitting synthetic next to the skin, an insulating layer like a down coat next, and a waterproof/wind-breaking layer on the outside. Add wool socks, gloves, warm hat and waterproof boots. In March, daytime temps in our region are generally in the mid-30s and 40s. These are ideal temperatures for the properly dressed camper. After you have set up your campsite, it’s time to start looking for wood. If you are camping in the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge, you are allowed to collect downed dead wood. Bring a hand saw and identify branches that are suspended
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
off the ground. They will be drier and easy to ignite. Overnight lows can get down there, so spend the needed time to find plenty of wood before darkness falls. If you are camping in a state park or forest, be sure to follow the guidelines for collecting and burning firewood. The other thing I like about early season camping: the food. You are burning calories to keep warm, so it’s recommended that you eat a lot. And I do. Again, you don’t need a cooler so the menu isn’t as limited as when it is warm out. Bring plenty of water because it is easy to become dehydrated. By now I’m sure you are all excited to get out there, but you don’t know where to go. Nearby Wildcat Mountain State Park has four walk-in sites with a frostfree water faucet at the maintenance shop. Wildcat offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the Kickapoo River Valley. Depending greatly on the river conditions, I will often paddle my kayak to a campsite in the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge. These are camping trips, not kayak trips. What I mean by that is I am using my kayak to travel a very short distance to a suitable campsite. I want to spend as little time on ice-cold water as possible. There are great campsites directly across the boat landing in Dresbach, Minn., and the north end of Pettibone Park. The beauty of being in the wildlife refuge during the month of March is the procession of hundreds and hundreds of waterfowl that use the Mississippi as a thoroughfare every spring. Awe inspiring. Truly. With some special equipment and a little planning, you too can make a March into the outdoors this spring. Get out early. Get out often.
WHAT
GET INVOLVED
BETTERMENT OF OUR FORCOMMUNITY
YOU CAN DO
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. BETHANY LUTHERAN HOMES: Volunteers may assist with recreational activities, read aloud to residents, help with writing, assist with special events, help with weekly outings, manicures, one-on-one visits, sing-alongs, gardening, mail delivery, crafts, playing games, helping with computers, doing errands or shopping, helping with walks or outdoor time, teaching a special talent, and more. Download a volunteer form at www.bethanylutheranhomes.org or call 608.406.3900. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE 7 RIVERS REGION: Volunteers enroll through Big Brothers Big Sisters and following an interview, references and a background check, are oriented and introduced to a little brother or little sister by BBBS staff. Regular support is available to assure that the relationship builds over time, and any logistical problems are resolved. For more info, please email Lyndsey Langer at llanger@7riversbbbs. org or Jeff Murawski at jmurawski@7riversbbbs.org or call 608.782.2227. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER LA CROSSE: Volunteers are a vital part of many programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Opportunities are available in many areas, including athletics, tutoring, game room management, recreation, special events and clerical areas. Your involvement and support is encouraged. For more information, please call 608.782.3926, or visit their website to fill out the volunteer application at www.bgcgl.org. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 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 current volunteer opportunities and contact us soon! Visit their website to fill out a volunteer application at www.funmuseum.org or call 608.784.2652. COULEE REGION HUMANE SOCIETY: Volunteers needed to help care for animals and collect donations for animals. For more information, call 608.781.4014. For a list of current opportunities, or to fill out an application, click the Volunteer link at www. couleehumane.com. COULEE REGION UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION (CRUSA): Help with concessions, trash removal, fundraising events, and tournament staff at the La Crosse area Field for Kids Facility in Industrial Park. For more information about volunteering, contact Vanessa Machado (volunteer organizer) at crusasoccer@gmail. com or check out their website: www.crusa-soccer. com. 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. FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER: Volunteers provide the hospitality that makes FSC such a special place. They provide refreshment setup, work at the front desk, greet visitors and help with special events. Shifts are as little as one hour, primarily evenings and weekends. No special skills are needed. FSC is dedicated to anyone seeking God, meaning and wholeness. We’re at 920 Market Street, La Crosse. Please contact Linda Kerrigan at lkerrigan@fspa. org or 608-791-5276. More information about FSC at FSCenter.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. 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. HORSESENSE FOR SPECIAL RIDERS: Be a “side walker” or horse leader, exercise the therapy horses, muck out the barns, help with special events. Email executivedirector@hssrweb.org, call 608.791.4868 or fill out the online volunteer form at www.hssr.org.
YWCA OF THE COULEE REGION
Making History for Local Women.
Article: Jason Larsen
volunteer
Need more Klutch? ...of course you do! www.klutchchronicle.com
g
helpin
In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I thought it would only be appropriate to highlight volunteer opportunities for the YWCA of the Coulee Region. Our local YWCA’s vision is to empower women to reach for their full potential and create an inclusive community based on equality, respect and dignity. For more than 150 years, the YWCA has taken action for women, in many arenas, from its first boarding house in 1860 (New York, N.Y.) to the local Ruth House here in present-day La Crosse. The YWCA offers many unique programs and services that answer the needs of many varied social groups in the Coulee Region: truancy prevention and mentoring; advocacy for abused and neglected children; a jail alternative program for women; housing and case management for women who are homeless and single with children, as well as for women who are homeless and transitioning from alcohol and drug treatment; teen programming; and a child care center. The list goes on and on. The YWCA is entrenched in providing solutions to our region’s most pressing problems. The organization’s statement sums it up much better than my sub-standard writing skills could: “Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors… they come for job training and career counseling… for child care. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.” Three of the best, most needed and most meaningful volunteer opportunities are mentoring a teen mom, becoming a court appointed special advocate for kids, and just being a supportive presence for women living in the YWCA homes and working to get life back on track.
HUNGER TASK FORCE Assist in the Food Recovery program. Volunteers are needed to pick up and deliver food items, stock and inventory food items, and assist with office/clerical work. Visit www.lacrossehtf.org/volunteer to sign up!
Teen Mentors form positive relationships with at-risk teen girls between the ages of 15 and 18. These supportive and caring relationships will help these girls transition successfully into adulthood because the mentors will assist in providing necessary life skills training and will model positive adult behaviors. Mentors will also be connectors to community resources that will help the teens develop self-sufficiency.
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.
Court Appointed Special Advocate for Kids serves children who have been determined by a court to be in need of protection or services. This program trains volunteers to advocate for the best interests of the child and monitor the child’s progress toward a safe, stable and permanent home. Volunteers serve as observers for the judges who appoint them, meeting weekly with the child and consulting regularly with the child’s support team.
LA CROSSE AREA FAMILY YMCA: Volunteers are critically important to carrying out our mission, so we ask our program volunteers to go through an application and screening process similar to that of our paid staff members. This process ensures that the best fit is made between the new volunteer and the program they are matched with, while also ensuring the safety of our members, participants, staff and all of our volunteers. View volunteer opportunities with La Crosse’s largest youth-serving organization and fill out an application at the Get Involved link at www.laxymca.org.
Community Activity Sponsors - The women in all of our supportive houses need positive relationships and would be interested in movie nights, crafting, yoga, cooking, outdoor activities and anything else you might love to do. Also, encouraging the women to take part in community activities is key to success, and women love to be invited to cultural or musical happenings. We believe this interaction can help women successfully transition to their next steps.
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 Volunteers are needed to sort and stock food, help clients, and assist with general upkeep. If you would like to join their growing team, call 782-6003 or email info@waferlacrosse.org. WARMING CENTER OF LA CROSSE: Volunteer for supplying dinner for the homeless, check-in, overnight watch, or morning clean up. Call Catholic Charities’ Mary Fitzpatrick at 608.782.0710 ext. 220 for more information or to volunteer.
For more information, contact Molly Hilligoss at the YWCA of the Coulee Region by phone at 608-781-2783 x 228 or by email at mhilligoss@ywcalax.org. Jason Larsen is the community impact director at Great Rivers United Way, a community-minded volunteer, and an occasional freelance writer.
Want to volunteer? Here’s some great ways to make a difference!
OPEN HOUSE!
WISCORPS: WisCorps engages youth and young adults in direct conservation projects on public lands across the state and provides nature education programs to area school children. Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, tree planting, event assistance, field trip naturalist guidance, and more! (608) 782-2494; staff@wiscorps.org; www.wiscorps.org.
Place your FREE listing! Email info@muellermediacorp.com with your volunteer opportunity or calendar event. Listings are subject to approval and may be edited for content or space.
March 14th, 21st 2015
Pancake Breakfast with free wagon ride and tour! All proceeds go to Westby and Viroqua FFA KlutchChronicle.com \\ March, 2015
27
sup IN THE COULEE REGION (WHAT’S UP)
Local events calendar for March 2015 MARCH 1
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 2 pm @ Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors/non-UW-L students, $5 UW-L students. EXERCISE & OUTDOORS: SNOWSHOEING + YOGA 10:30 am - 4:00 pm at Root Down Yoga Studio. Enjoy a snowshoe/hike followed by a restorative yoga class and activities to sooth your soul. $70, includes rental, snacks, and all activites. register at rootdownyogastudio.com
MARCH 2
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ La Crosse Public Library. Free, showing TBA.
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
MUSIC: WAKE THE SUN Time TBA @ The Warehouse in La Crosse. Tickets: TBA.
SPORTS: COULEE REGION CHILL VS. MN WILDERNESS 7 pm @ Greenland Ice Arena in La Crosse. Cost: $6 for students/military/seniors, $10 for adults.
MARCH 12
MARCH 7
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse Free.
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:30 pm @ Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors/non-UW-L students, $5 UW-L students.
NIGHTLIFE: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse. Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
SPORTS: COULEE REGION CHILL VS. BROOKINGS BLIZZARD 7 pm @ Greenland Ice Arena in La Crosse. Cost: $6 for students/military/seniors, $10 for adults.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
NIGHTLIFE: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse. Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:30 pm @ Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors/non-UW-L students, $5 UW-L students.
MARCH 6
MARCH 3
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse. Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea.
ARTS: CREATIVE COMMUNITIES ART DEMONSTRATION SALE 10 am-4 pm @ Kickapoo Valley Reserve in La Farge. Free. View, discuss and/or purchase art from local talented artists.
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room. PERFORMANCE: SHRINE CIRCUS 4:15 pm and 7:15 pm @ The Pump House. This circus has exciting performers from all over the world and is bound to be a fun family adventure! General admission is $15. DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska. Cost: $28. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua. Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
MARCH 5
MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: POLAR PLUNGE 7 am-3 pm @ Pettibone Park in La Crosse Cost: Free to watch, fundraise minimum $75 to plunge. EXERCISE & OUTDOORS: YOGA WORKSHOP 1-3 pm at Root Down Yoga Studio. Come explore how props can enhance your practice! Use blocks and straps to find the most beneficial expression of a pose by bringing yourself into optimal alignment for your body. Props allow you to open your body safely while decreasing the chance of strain or injury. Cost: $25.
MUSIC: CALADH NUA 7:30 pm @ Fine Arts Center, Viterbo University. Cost: $26-$36. Attend for some traditional Irish music!
MARCH 4
All events are subject to change, call ahead for details. Listings in the calendar are free. If you have an event that you would like to include in an upcoming issue, go to our website www.klutchchronicle.com or call 608-796-8780.
MARCH 8 MUSIC: SHEN TEH CD RELEASE PARTY 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. SHEN TEH has recorded “Alter Ego,” which takes the listener on a journey from the sea to the forest and adventures in between. She incorporates elements of dark cabaret and theatrics into her piano-driven sound and layers haunting vocals and keyboard sounds to tell the stories of various alter egos.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 2 pm @ Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors/non-UW-L students, $5 UW-L students. COMMUNITY: THE PROM EXPO 1:30-4 pm @ The Days Inn on French Island. Cost: $3.
MARCH 9
MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE, FOOD AND DRINK: FREE MUSIC FRIDAY 3-10 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free, come grab a pint and listen to free music starting at 6 pm.
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
ARTS: FIRST FRIDAY MEET AND GREET 6-8 pm @ Gallery La Crosse in downtown La Crosse. Free casual artists’ reception.
FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ La Crosse Public Library. Free, showing TBA.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:30 pm @ Toland Theatre, UW-L Center for the Arts. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors/non-UW-L students, $5 UW-L students.
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EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free.
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
MARCH 11
FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room. DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska. Cost: $28.
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EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua. Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
MARCH 13
MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE, FOOD AND DRINK: FREE MUSIC FRIDAY 3-10 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free, come grab a pint and listen to free music starting at 6 pm. MUSIC: GREGG HALL’S ANTHOLOGY RELEASE PARTY 7 pm @ Leo and Leona’s in Bangor. Cost: $10. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
MARCH 14
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show.
MARCH 15
DIY: PAINT AND POUR 1-3:30 pm @ The Pump House in La Crosse. Cost: $35, includes canvas, paint, instructed lesson and a glass of wine. Must be 21; enroll online. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: MICHEL LAUZIERE- MASTER OF THE UNUSUAL 3 pm @ Fine Arts Center, Viterbo University. Tickets: $11-$15. A combination of inventor, acrobat, comedian and musician rolled into one master of unusual comedy.
MARCH 16
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ La Crosse Public Library. Free, showing TBA. DIY: PAINT AND POUR 7 pm @ The Pump House in La Crosse. Cost: $35, includes canvas, paint, instructed lesson and a glass of wine. Must be 21; enroll online.
MARCH 17
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse. Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
MARCH 18
FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room.
DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska. Cost: $28.
MARCH 23
EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua. Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free.
MUSIC: BRIT FLOYD 7:30 pm @ La Crosse Center. Cost: $35.50, $39.50 or $49.50.
MARCH 19
COMMUNITY: DOWNTOWN TREND EVENT The Cargill Room @ the Waterfront in La Crosse. Experience a fresh showcase of downtown! 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! Find more information at www.lacrossedowntown.com. MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB. NIGHTLIFE: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse. Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
MARCH 20
MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE, FOOD AND DRINK: FREE MUSIC FRIDAY 3-10 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free, come grab a pint and listen to free music starting at 6 pm. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. SPORTS: COULEE REGION CHILL VS. MN MAGICIANS 7 pm @ Greenland Ice Arena in La Crosse. Cost: $6 for students/military/seniors, $10 for adults. EXERCISE & OUTDOORS: TEEN GLOWGA YOGA CLASS 6:15-7:15 pm at Root Down Yoga Studio. High school and niddle school teens, looking for something fun to do with your friends on a Friday night? Meet up at Root Down Yoga for an upbeat and wild workout. We’ll crank up the tunes and practice yoga flow while we glow! Brightest, coolest, neon colors, and high energy are encouraged! Cost: $10, includes refreshments and glow stick.
MARCH 21
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. COMMUNITY: NORSKEDALEN BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE 8 am-3 pm @ Coon Valley Village Hall. Free. Great finds and a delicious bake sale with fresh lefse! MUSIC: NICK SHATTUCK 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Cost: $8.
MARCH 22
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 2 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: TALKING WITH 2 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: THE GREAT GATSBY 7:30 pm @ Fine Arts Center, Viterbo University. Tickets: $28-$38.
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ La Crosse Public LibraryFree, showing TBA.
MARCH 24
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse. Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
MARCH 25
FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room. DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska. Cost: $28. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua. Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
MARCH 26
MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB. NIGHTLIFE: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse. Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. LECTURE: EVA SCHLOSS PRESENTS: HIDING, BETRAYAL, SURVIVAL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ANNE FRANK AND EVA SCHLOSS 7 pm @ Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center Main Theatre. Cost: $15/main floor, $10/balcony, $5/students.
SPORTS: COULEE REGION CHILL VS. MN WILDERNESS 7 pm @ Greenland Ice Arena in La Crosse. Cost: $6 for students/military/seniors, $10 for adults. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: MIKE TOOMEY’S TV AND ME 7:30 pm @ Fine Arts Center, Viterbo University. Tickets: $24-$34. Journey back to the 1960s and ‘70s TV Land with impersonations, video clips and reflections on life lessons. COMMUNITY: LA CROSSE HOME AND BUILDERS SHOW 10 am-6 pm @ La Crosse Center. Cost: $5, children under 12 free.
MARCH 31
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse. Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. MUSIC: ZZ TOP 7:30 pm @ La Crosse Center. Tickets: $65 or $39.50.
ONGOING IN MARCH
MARCH 29
EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: COLOR DASH 5K BENEFITING La Crosse Area YMCA. 10 am @ Onalaska Omni Center. Cost: $40 individual, $35 team member, $85 family, free 5 and under. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 2 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 2 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. COMMUNITY: LA CROSSE HOME AND BUILDERS SHOW 12-5 pm @ La Crosse Center. Cost: $5, children under 12 free.
MARCH 30
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse. Free. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ La Crosse Public Library. Free, showing TBA.
ART: “STRANGE CHILDREN” EXHIBIT BY KIM VAUGHTER February 25-April 4 @ Kader Gallery Exhibit, The Pump House. Cost: Free. In this series, Kim combines large acrylic paintings with small fabric creatures, which she calls, “Beasties,” to challenge the viewer to draw relationships and make connections between two seemingly unrelated items. The paintings consist of bright childlike colors, and the Beasties are awkward characters that appear to be thrown into a strange environment. ART: “AMERICAN SOUTHWEST” BY CHRIS HOOD February 25-April 4 @ The Pump House. Free to attend. In this photography exhibit, Chris showcases the beauty of the locations he has traveled and of the scenes he has been lucky enough to stumble upon with his camera. He captures the natural settings from angles that would typically go unexplored and with the help of his camera, which sees much more than the human eye. FOOD AND DRINK: EAT WEEK March 2-8. Downtown La Crosse. Dine out at all our great local eateries this week with special price fixed menus, promotions, and giveaways! See pg 9 for more info.
15 0 2 Y A M
COMNIN…G SOO
SPORTS: COULEE REGION CHILL VS. BROOKINGS BLIZZARD 7 pm @ Greenland Ice Arena in La Crosse. Cost: $6 for students/military/seniors, $10 for adults.
MARCH 27
MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE, FOOD AND DRINK: FREE MUSIC FRIDAY 3-10 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free, come grab a pint and listen to free music starting at 6 pm. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEROES 7:30 pm @ The Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of show. COMMUNITY: LA CROSSE HOME AND BUILDERS SHOW 5-9 pm @ La Crosse Center. Cost: $5, children under 12 free.
MARCH 28
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse. Tickets: $10-26. The story of six WWII nurses reuniting 25 years after the war to confront truths that shake their friendships.
Changing habits and behaviors for a healthy lifestyle. King on 5th Lower Level DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE Paradigm noun [par-uh-dahym, -dim] a model or pattern for something that may be copied: a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about.
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29
from a New Angle.
flip side
Information
on the
Dear Liv, I am basically a single dad. I love my two girls and will do anything for them. When their mom left when they were little, I even called a place and took parenting classes since I was doing it on my own. They’re in elementary school now and we’ve got a system down. We do play dates, go to the Y and local parks, and do movie nights. We don’t do much else because I have limited time and budget but they seem pretty happy. The issue is that their mom tracked me down and said she wants to start having weekends with them. They barely even remember her! She had a hard drug problem and left a note one day saying she couldn’t deal with us anymore. I want to tell her to leave us alone. Sincerely, Protecting My Girls Protecting My Girls, First, we need more dedicated parents like you in this world, so thank you. Without knowing the full history, I am going to give you what I feel would be the soundest solution here. Of course, you are the girls’ father, full-time parent, and only you can decide what’s best for them. Be delicate and understanding, even though it may feel impossible. Parents are human too, and we all make mistakes; however, those girls should get to know their biological mother, whether they remember her now or not. It will be best for them if they give this woman a chance and decide for themselves, for better or for worse. The first step is to think this through on your own and decide what you’d be willing to tolerate and what’s out of the question. Next, I would suggest that you take some of the weight off your shoulders and contact your local family services office. They can give you advice on how to move forward legally, but they could also work with the estranged mother to ensure that any time spent with the girls is safe and on your terms. If she really wants to earn her place back in their lives, she’ll need to work for it. This may mean supervised visits, especially if drugs have been an issue. This may mean no overnights until she has a case worker, gainful employment and a safe place to live. This will be a slow process, and it will not be easy. Be open but also practical. Talk openly to the mother, let her know your concerns, and suggest ideas for making this work for everyone. Make sure she understands this is not about her but the girls. Provide options, again, on your terms. You can catch more bees with honey in this case. Simply raging against the current could pull you under. Be the bigger person here. Take this one day at a time and use all possible professional resources. If you live in La Crosse County, a good place to start would be the Family and Children’s Services Center, which can be reached at 608-784-4357 during normal business hours. Breathe deep and above all else, stay happy and stay healthy. Liv
Need Advice?
Email Liv at info@muellermediacorp.com and skip that $250 therapy session.
30
STEALING IS BAD ... M’KAY? By: Briana Rupel
I
didn’t grow up going to church. I wasn’t taught the difference between right and wrong through the stories of the Bible; I was fortunate enough to have an awesome family to teach me those things through their everyday actions. The addendum to Mom and Dad’s lessons came from a different book, one I still consider just as holy: the collective of Bill Watterson’s “Calvin and Hobbes.” As I write tonight, our city is marinating on three armed robberies that have taken place in our area taverns in the last week alone. A woman serving drinks at a north-side bar had a pistol aimed at her face while she was forced to fill a bag with cash. A 24-year-old woman, though quickly arrested, took off with money after waving a gun at a tavern on the south side. And just outside of Sparta, a bartender was also held at gunpoint after closing, again, all for the sake of money. The news of these events immediately reminded me of one of Watterson’s more lengthy stories, and the serious overtone that spanned the strips struck me as a kid and stuck in my head ever since: The family returns home to a draft breezing through a shattered window. Their home had been broken into. The huge parentheses Watterson chose to frame the mother’s oval, inky eyes illustrated perfectly the sense of violation felt after a stranger had invaded her family’s personal space. Stealing isn’t always as extreme as home invasion or being robbed at gunpoint, but even petty theft is enough to induce a shudder of violation. When a sleeve of CDs was nabbed from my ’89 Corolla in high school, not only did I mourn the loss of my choice picks, I felt uneasy knowing the perp had even that slight intimate knowledge of me. Eventually I tried to shake it off by telling myself that hopefully the person was digging the new Dre album ... not sure about Ani DiFranco’s live double disc. In college, my trusty Raleigh was stolen in broad daylight while resting on my front porch in between classes. Not only was that bike my only mode of transportation, I was also crushed because it was a gift from my dad, who rode alongside me on countless miles of country roads in the summer. But I haven’t always been on the victim side of stealing. I’ve stolen once too. My mom had taken a blond, little 7-year-old me to ShopKo to pick up some things after work. We were cruising through the cosmetics aisle when my eyes popped at the array of shiny, fruity lip glosses dangling from their hooks on the shelf. “Hey, Sweetie,” Mom began, crossing her arms and leaning them against the handle of the cart to look at me, “since you’ve been so patient tonight, you can pick one of those out and put it in the cart.” I stared wide-eyed at the seemingly infinite wall, the tall order of choosing just one becoming more and more impossible in my small brain. “I’ll be in the next aisle right over here,” she said. “Come find me when you’re ready.” I still remember the two I couldn’t decide between: a cherry Lip Smackers, and a watermelon-y swirl of pink and
March, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
white that looked like a Creamsicle. I quickly devised an infallible plan. I grabbed one off the hook, dropped it on the floor, and when I crouched down to scoop it up, slid it into the pocket of my pink corduroys. I jumped up, pretended to put it back, then snagged the other one and headed for the cart. I guess I should’ve waited to bust out the stolen merchandise. Instead, as the plastic packaging made telltale sounds of being cracked open from the backseat of the car, my mom’s eyes darted to me in her rear-view mirror. “What’s that?” she asked accusingly. I told her my friend Tracy had given it to me, and when my mom refused to believe me, I retorted with the whiny, smart-ass brilliance only a first-grader could offer up: “If you don’t believe me, call her mom and ask her!!” That night, after being sent to bed early, my dad sat down next to me and sternly explained why stealing is so wrong. I cried myself to sleep until my eyes were giant puffballs, mostly because my dad wasn’t “mad, just disappointed.” The next day Dad held my hand as I slowly shuffled back into ShopKo. When the store manager came out, I was so ashamed I couldn’t even look up at him. I handed the man the lip gloss I had taken, along with the money to cover it. “Sir,” I squeaked out, trembling, “I stole this from your store yesterday. I’m very sorry and I will never steal again.” I’m pretty sure I blacked out from pure mortification, but that lesson has stayed with me to this day. Of course, that’s only my story. I don’t know the stories of these robbers. We humans are selfish by nature. We are still hard-wired to do whatever it takes to ensure our own survival. Most don’t resort to such extreme measures as harming someone in order to do so; sometimes even one bad decision ignites a firestorm of them, until people become so desperate they are probably surprised by their own actions. I believe all of us are born as good people and that our environment shapes who we become. Not everyone grows up with parents who care enough to teach them these lessons. Watterson ends the story with the father sitting up in bed, his eyebrows strained into opposing slants as he struggles to regain comfort in his own home. “It shatters your last illusion of security,” ponders Calvin’s dad in the dark. “A man’s home is his castle, but it shouldn’t have to be a fortress.” Briana Rupel did get her stolen bike back after it was found a few days later, abandoned near the railroad tracks on the other side of town. Either someone had a change of heart or they really must’ve needed a ride. Share your experiences on this topic at www.facebook.com/briontheflipside. We would love to hear your thoughts!
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CONCEPT TO COMPLETION, YOUR SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES. GEAR13CREATIVE.COM
ARE YOU READING THIS? SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS! You’ll be seen on the Back Page. As low as $60/issue. Contact us by email at info@muellermediacorp.com or call 608-796-8780 for more information on rates, distribution, and sizes.
$150
I’m a BioLifer
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NEW DONORS OR DONORS WHO HAVEN’T DONATED IN SIX MONTHS OR MORE, PRESENT THIS COUPON AND RECEIVE $150 IN JUST THREE DONATIONS. Must present this coupon prior to the initial donation to receive a total of $50 on your first, a total of $50 on your second, and a total of $50 on your third successful donation. Initial donation must be completed by 3.31.15 and subsequent donations within 30 days. Coupon redeemable only upon completing successful donations. May not be combined with any other offer. Only at participating locations.
RECEIVE UP TO $325 THE FIRST MONTH! 1278 Rudy St. Onalaska, WI 608.783.6707 Free Supervised Playroom & Free WIFI
62830- 1616