volume 2, Issue 5
May 2015
Reggae Fest: Makin’ You Feel So Irie
Mississippi Steamroll:
Go Big or Go Home L.A.G.E.R.S.:
Crafting Grain into Gold
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
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JUNE 2015
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.
Circuit • Cardio • Free Weights • Personal Training Group Classes • Nutrition • Women Only Room Access to MMA Room and Boxing Gym • 24 Hour *Locally Owned *Portions of all memberships donated to local charities
King on 5th Lower Level DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE
(608) 788-8888 2 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
R E E R A C R YOU . E R E H S T STAR ! W O N L L O ENR L AID IS AVAILABLE
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SUNdAY, JUNE 14 AT 7AM SwARTHOUT PARk IN wEST SALEM A triathlon with a time-trial start and sprint or intermediate distance making it perfect for the beginner or experienced participant. Swim clinics and short bike clinics offered in advance of event. To check out clinics and the event visit www.laxymca.org.
Register at www.WisCorps.org La Crosse, WI | (608) 782-2494
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A great fit for all abilities, beginners to elite.
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JUNE 2015
MMA • CROSSFIT • BOXING WRESTLING • MUAY THAI BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU O V E R 1 2 , 0 0 0 S Q . F T. INCLUDES ACCESS to PARADIGM FITNESS
The Boxing Gym (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 June 1
781-WOOF (9663) 2551 East Main st. Onalaska, WI 54650 787-WOOF (9663) 4222 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601
King on 5th Lower Level DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE
(608) 769-0476 KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
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EDITOR’S NOTE Casey Kulinski Being sick is no fun. When you were little and had the flu, at least you got to skip school, watch TV all day, and somehow convince your parents that the only thing that would really make you feel better was a second bowl of ice cream. Today, I am lying on my couch trying to work while my puppy crawls all over me. There is no longer any good daytime television, and if I wanted ice cream I would have to get up and go to the store myself. Before I start sounding too dramatic, though, I will add that besides the occasional cold or stomach flu, being an adult is pretty great. While some days are harder for me to “adult,” I guess it all evens out when I am able to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day and buy a lottery ticket in hopes of winning the jackpot. But until I hit the millions, it’s back to reruns of Gilmore Girls and saltines today. Cheers!
CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE COULEE REGION ISSUE NO. 5 // MAY, 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: OFFICES: 3120 South Ave La Crosse WI 54601
A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Michelle L. Jerome The other day when I was biking the trails that run through the La Crosse River Marsh, I realized there were hundreds of people enjoying the trails alongside me! Yes! It’s that time of year again! We live in a community that has countless opportunities for folks to enjoy the outdoors. Our local trail systems are a wonderful example of this. If you haven’t hit up the Great River State Trail, the La Crosse River State Trail, the plethora of Hixon Forest trails, or any trails for that matter … now’s the time! Personalize your journey if you need to and grab a camera, journal, bike, or a nature buddy and get out there! There are trail maps and guides to help you learn where to go, where bikes and dogs can be, and more. Check with your local Parks & Recreation or Visitor’s Bureau offices, or get out your Google machines to find more info. See you on the trails!
PHONE: 608-796-8780 EMAIL: info@muellermediacorp.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/klutchchronicle www.klutchchronicle.com
THE KLUTCH CREW:
ARTWORK ON THE COVER “Innocence” Ballpoint Pen
by Sara Wisniewski I’m currently a Sophomore at Viterbo University, studying Art and Psychology, and hoping to become an Art Therapist to use art as a means for healing. This was actually a piece done as a quicker sketch, I have a tendency to focus too hard on detail, perfect lines and correct shading, so I wanted to challenge myself to do something looser. I’ve learned from this piece that sometimes there is more beauty in the imperfections, which is where the title stems from, there is nothing more beautiful and honest than innocent imperfections in my opinion. More information and artwork can be seen at my website: http:// sarajanewisniewski.wix.com/aphelionart
inside
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Klutch Live What’s Up
27
Volunteer Do onto others...
08
Hometown Headlines The Scoop on our region
28
Klutch Calendar Coming down the pipe
12
Family What’s most important
14
Technology Geeks unite
17
A&E A monthly dose of culture
22
Food & Drink Down the hatch
26
Health and Fitness Taking care of you
m or e. ..
8 The Word from City Hall 8 WTF? Stories 9 Attraction of the Month 10 Meet & Cheese 12 Shout Outs to Mom 14 App Review 16 Lovin’ Local Artists 20 Tunes 30 On the Flip Side
this issue 4 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
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, Bob Good and Clay Riness 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
I WAS TOLD THERE’D GARDENING GONE WRONG
T
By Jess Witkins
hey say April showers bring May flowers, but whoever said that didn’t live in my backyard. The spring thaw behind my house seems to bloom the odd dandelion or two and a smattering of cigarette butts, which is odd since neither my husband nor I smoke. I am not a very good gardener. I am an admirer of gardens. I can appreciate the hard work that goes into gardens, but I will probably never grow one. I have tried. Three years ago, in a fit of cabin fever, I got in my car and headed to the local gardening store where I purchased a small shovel and hoe, a floral-print pair of gardening gloves, one giant pack of Miracle Grow infused dirt and several seed packets. I thought I was living the American Dream driving home with my little seed packets in the backseat. Then the actual work started, and that’s where my story goes downhill. To clear the space I intended to plant, I had to remove a large pipe stand the previous owners had put in place to support a plant that no longer grew there. When I pulled the pipe out, I learned it was filled with hundreds of tiny rocks, and I had just sent them flying all over the space I was going to plant in. A good hour later, after I’d cleared the rock-covered plot, I started digging the necessary holes for seeds to go in, spacing them each 3 inches apart as instructed. This took another hour because while I was digging I unearthed a few spiders and earwigs, both of which I am extremely scared of. Thus, every sighting required an elaborate dance to remove said insect and then overcome the creepy-crawly heebie jeebies. The directions on the seed packet said to plant the seed pointed side up. Sounds easy enough, right? The funny thing about the seeds I bought, though, is that there was no pointed side. As I stared at the round, lumpy nugget in my hand with a very
Awaken your inner dragon!
BE COFFEE
perplexed expression on my face, I wondered, “Should I call the store and alert them that someone was smashing all the pointy sides of the seeds in their seed packets? I mean, let’s be honest, this was the work of a madman!” Dropping the seeds in every which way, I hoped at least half of them would grow, and I covered them with fresh “magic” dirt. Hardly any flowers came up in my garden that year! I couldn’t believe all the time I’d spent had been so fruitless ... or, flowerless? Whatever it was, it sucked. And so, I resigned myself to giving up gardening and bought a few house plants that only see me dance when it’s payday. It’s better this way; with all my free time I can spy out my windows and keep an eye out for the seed smasher. He’s still out there, you know. Bio: Jess Witkins is a writer and blogger. Sometimes she’s funny. Her mission? Making pathetic look cool since 1985. Follow her blog at http://jesswitkins.wordpress.com.
“New local band: Westby Cheese Terror, band members L to R : Cody, Benjamin and Nicholas examine the Cheese after a show at the Warehouse”. Photo: Bob Good
facilitating individuals’
ability
to live, learn, and work.
Exceptional, Caring Services
The Source for... Join the Big Blue Dragon Boat Race and help survivors paddle beyond breast cancer! Dragon boating is a great activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, so get your friends together and register now. This year’s festival includes exhibition races, entertainment with TUGG, fireworks and more. And all proceeds support breast cancer survivors through Center for Breast Care programs at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare.
Employment Healthy Living Skills
First Time, Every Time.
Independence
Teams are forming now, and slots are filling fast, so don’t delay! The Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18 Copeland Park, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Franciscan Healthcare mayoclinichealthsystem.org/bigbluedragon
Alma • Black River Falls • Janesville La Crosse • Mondovi • Tomah Viroqua • Winona
www.riverfrontinc.org
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Community Inclusion Event - Friday, May 15 Bowling FUNdraiser - Sunday, June 28 Miss Remarkable Pageant - Sunday, November 7 Klutch AD / 4.625” x 5.875”
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
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2015
! e c n a m r o f r e P e r t a Free t h e ! s g in w a r D e iz r P PEEPS
PLACES Each month we will be bringing Klutch Live to a new venue around the Coulee Region- you don’t want to miss this event!
6:30 PM
Wine, cheese, and beer Mingle Hour!
7:30 PM
The show begins!
The Muse Theatre 1353 Avon St, La Crosse Join us for a night of fun at the Muse Theatre! Bring your coupon for a FREE show and hang with the Klutch crew!
See a show on us !!
FREE theatre SHOW See Hedwig and the Angry Inch
May 1st ONLY
7:30pm performance *Must call or text to reserve tickets at (608) 397-3752.
Valid May 1st, 2015 ONLY at The Muse Theatre - Mingle Hour at 6:30 pm, show starting at 7:30 pm. Limit one per customer. Coupon may not be copied or reproduced in any way without permission from Klutch Chronicle.
6 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
Bold-faced Broadway that pulls you to the edge of your seat!
1353 Avon St, La Crosse, WI
(608) 397-3752
Facebook.com/TheMuseTheatreLaCrosse
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APRIL KLUTCH LIVE EVENT THE ROOT NOTE
ere’s a riddle for you: What do you get when you combine great music, delicious food and beverages, and awesome door prizes? I bet you guessed it! A fun Klutch Live event at the Root Note! Thanks to all who continually come out to each event and support the many local businesses we have partnered with. It is great to see you every month! We hope the newbies that came out will come back again, as the event never disappoints. This past month, Hannah von der Hoff rocked the house with her sultry voice while the bar was busy serving up free coffee or
Pearl Street Brewery taps to Klutch Live patrons with their coupons. A few lucky winners came away with some pretty cool prizes as well, including some local art, a Root Note T-shirt, a pound of coffee, a Driftmore gift card, Del Sol Chocolate, and the grand prizes, ninja action figures (for the kid in all of us)! Next month we will be treating fans to a free show at the Muse Theatre, which you won’t want to miss. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some great company seven days a week at the Root Note, located at 115 4th St. S. in downtown La Crosse.
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
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HALL
THE WORD
CITY
headlines FROM
HOME TOWN
COUNCIL VOTES TO INCREASE SALARY The La Crosse City Council voted to raise members’ salaries beginning in April 2017, an increase from $200 to $500 per month. Council member Jai Johnson, who introduced the measure, pointed out that the salary hadn’t been raised since 1979, and also that the move is timely as the council is downsizing from 17 to 13 members — meaning more work on committees and more time spent in City Hall. The original recommendation coming from the Judiciary and Administration Committee was to deny the change with a vote of 4-3, but the vote was overturned in front of the whole council with only three members voting against the salary change. Other council members voting in favor of the change stated that the increase in salary is an access issue, and that increasing the salary would help lessen barriers existing for common people to occupy public office. The change does not affect current council members as per state law, but will go into effect after the next election. LEMONADE STANDS The La Crosse City Council added an exemption to a city ordinance regulating the sale of food and beverage outdoors, allowing kids hosting lemonade stands to operate without a license. Instead, the city encourages kids to call the County Health Department to notify them in case a food-related illness occurs. The exemption exists for individuals under 18 years of age operating stands on private property. In addition, the exemption states that the sale must only be occasional; having the event daily is not covered under the exemption. EMERALD ASH BORER The city of La Crosse has recently taken down several ash trees lining Losey Boulevard in response to an emerald ash borer infestation. The insect, specific to ash trees, made its way to the U.S. from Asia in 2002, killing millions of trees as it spread. Something similar happened in this region 40 years ago with Dutch elm disease, which was a fungus rather than an insect, killing elm trees all over the region. Ash trees were planted in place of elm trees to replace the canopy on Losey Boulevard and all over the city, but because they’re vulnerable to the emerald ash borer, the city has been discussing the importance of biodiversity when planting. A larger variety of trees will be replacing the fallen ash trees so the result wouldn’t be as devastating if another disease or insect were to come through La Crosse. UW-L, CITY OF LA CROSSE RECEIVE GRANT TO IMPROVE INTERSECTION SAFETY The UW-L Police Department and La Crosse Police Department collaborated on a grant from the Department of Transportation that gave $6,000 to UW-L to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians at intersections around campus. The grant allows for police presence up to four times a month at these critical intersections, not only making the intersections safer but also observing and evaluating their safety. Intersections identified for official presence include East Avenue and Pine Street, East Avenue and La Crosse Street, East Avenue and Farwell Street, 17th and Farwell Street, 16th Street and State Street, Campbell Road and State Street, and La Crosse Street and Oakland Street near Coate Hall (the location at which a UW-L student was killed in 2012).
inside scoop
THE BREAKFAST CLUB & PUB Breakfast should be more than just a morning meal. Now you can get breakfast for lunch, dinner, or that late night meal you probably shouldn’t be eating, but to heck with it … why not? Breakfast all day, any day. This is the concept behind one of the newest restaurants in downtown La Crosse, The Breakfast Club & Pub. Owners Mark Goede and Jackie Miller noticed a gap in the downtown restaurant scene. Jackie said, “There’s not really a place downtown that serves breakfast all day. There are others that serve breakfast into the afternoon, but not all day.” She added, “Other restaurants that serve breakfast all day in the area may not offer a full bar,” hence the “Pub” addition to the title. With their veteran experience in the restaurant business and their unique idea, they decided to bring La Crosse a one-of-a-kind breakfast experience. The Breakfast Club and Pub is a fun, bright, upbeat atmosphere where everyone (young, old and in-between) is welcome. The restaurant is unique with its “The Breakfast Club” movie theme along with all your other favorite John Hughes movies. 80s music flows throughout the diner, and movie quotes and fun artwork decorate the walls. Some menu items will have you playing guess that movie with their movie reference names, including “The Abe Froman,” “Sam Baker’s Dozen of Mini Doughnuts,” and “The Shermer High Burger.” You’ll find a large variety of breakfast items on the menu, including lunch items that are making history and transforming to breakfast; i.e., breakfast salads and burgers. The Breakfast Club & Pub also offers great appetizers and a lunch menu
with all your favorite items including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, wings and more. They even offer a kid’s menu. Looking for something you won’t find anywhere else? Try the “Tot Spot,” featuring tater tot casserole, chicken tot pie, buffalo chicken tots and breakfast tots. One item that might surprise you, but we promise it’s worth a try: the PB&J wings. This eatery also indulges us with a full-service bar and 16 ever-changing beers on tap. On top of that, they serve delicious adult milkshakes, bloody marys and more. The bar is separate from the dining room, and features TVs that cater to sports fans who want to swing by the restaurant. The Breakfast Club & Pub is located at 214 Main St. and open MondayWednesday from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. “Like” it on Facebook at The Breakfast Club & Pub. - By Cody Fortney
HISTORIC B&B OPENS IN LA CRESCENT If you ever need to be inspired to follow your passion, give Laurie Simmonds of Brickmakers Bed & Breakfast a call. I went out to La Crescent to see the B&B, which is currently the only lodging available in the city, and Simmonds gave me a tour. As she explained the details of the building and led me through the hallways, up the stairs and into the rooms, Simmonds practically glowed with pride for her business. “Oh, it’s totally like home!” she exclaimed as I asked about the benefits to staying at a B&B in comparison to a chain hotel. “It’s a totally different concept; you’re staying with the host. It’s building relationships and having an experience versus just a place to stay.” The Potter-Gittens House, now known as Brickmakers Bed & Breakfast, was built in 1879 by William Potter. He not only built the house but also made the bricks, as Potter owned a brickyard in Dresbach. Potter then sold the house to his foreman at the brickyard, and the home remained in the Gittens family for almost 100 years before owner Laurie Simmonds purchased and restored it. “We wanted to keep the integrity of the house. We did a lot of work; it was rough around the edges when we bought it,” Simmonds explains. But “rough
around the edges” is a bit of an understatement: Adding bathrooms, tearing out carpeting, overhauling the kitchen and re-plastering walls were just some of the projects Simmonds completed to restore the home’s original features. Brickmakers’ four rentable rooms are as unique as they are comfortable, each boasting luxury en-suite bathrooms and their own theme, each decorated to perfection. Guests can rent rooms individually, ideal for a weekend getaway, or reserve the entire house, which is perfect for family get-togethers, company parties or a variety of other possibilities. Simmonds also has a commitment to keeping the guest experience local through partnerships with other independently owned businesses. Guests can enjoy in-house catering and take cooking classes thanks to a partnership with Savory Creations. The B&B has also teamed up with Lost Lake Beer and River View Vineyard & Winery to showcase beverages created locally. Guests can truly have a local, comfortable, and friendly experience by staying at Brickmakers. If you’re interested, check out Brickmakers at www.brickmakersbb.com or on Facebook.
#WTF!? You Can’t Stop the Dancing Grannies Grannies in China are gravitating to local parks and city centers to bust a move, and hopefully not a hip! Masses (or should I say gangs) of elderly women are flocking to these areas to exercise in the form of synchronized dance routines while blasting music. Apparently those who aren’t dancing grannies are begging them to please stop the music. People have gone to extreme measures to stop them: Cities have locked up their parks, citizens have offered headphones to grannies, and some people became so irritated that they threw feces at these dancing ladies, but they have refused to stop. In some cases police have been called as fists get thrown when different granny gangs can’t peacefully share the public dancing spot. This might be the modern version of Bloods and Crips: The Ballroom Dancers and The Square Dancers. China’s national government has tried to step in and calm down this madness. The officials in the city of Beijing have instituted 12 dance routines with assigned appropriate songs. Their hope is to get rid of granny gangs and unite the dancing ladies across the nation. But these grannies just want to dance to the beat of their own drum. They’re fighting back against this regulation the only way they know how - dancing. Dancing to their own music and their own routines. Maybe we’ll be seeing a “Step Up 6” movie release with grannies battling for their right to dance. We’d watch it!
http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/25/news/china-dancing-grandmas/index.html?sr=twmoney0325china dancinggrannies9pstory http://shanghaiist.com/2015/03/26/chinas-dancing-aunties-fight-back-government-retreats.php - By Cody Fortney
8 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
- By Katie Svitavsky
POLICE ACCIDENTALLY GET ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD HIGH WITH A BONFIRE OF WEED Police in West Jakarta, Indonesia, gave new meaning to the phrase “giving back to the community” when they burned a 3.3 ton mound of cannabis outside of their office - getting the surrounding neighborhood high in the process. The bonfire was an attempt to destroy the pile and prevent citizens from consuming illegal drugs, but clearly was a massive failure when the police failed to notify the neighborhood that it was happening (though police were well-prepared themselves, as pictures show them wearing protective masks). Residents’ complaints included experiencing headaches, feeling dizzy and smelling a “tangy” scent in the air. In other completely unrelated news, sales of the Indonesian street foods gorengan and martabak reportedly increased 500 percent on the day of the burning.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/residents-journalists-dizziedburning-marijuana - By Katie Svitavsky
ways you’re turning into your mother (though you swore you wouldn’t)
1
You listen to her music. While you dreaded long car rides growing up because you were stuck with Pure Prairie League and Creedence Clearwater Revival, now your friends think you’re the cool one of your group because you somehow know the lyrics to these “superobscure artists.”
2 3 4 5
You cook like her. The only reason you don’t still live off ramen noodles and PB&Js is because of her, and to this day you frequently cook her “famous” [fill in the blank].
You drink like her. That gross merlot you used to sneak in high school is now in your shopping cart, but has magically transformed into something you like.
awesome dad?
Westby
Syttende Mai Uff-da, is it really May already? We’re almost halfway through 2015, and we’re wondering where the year has gone. This month means the first festival of the year in our southwestern corner of Wisconsin. Let’s celebrate Norway! Velkommen til Westby Syttende Mai! Westby is well-known for its Norwegian population. If you take a stroll down Main Street, you’ll see a handful of the major businesses paying homage to Norway… the Uff-Da Mart, Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts, etc. And you can’t miss the giant wooden Viking sculpture in the middle of town. It doesn’t get more Norwegian in Wisconsin than Westby, which makes it the perfect location for this celebration. You may have heard of Syttende Mai before, but what do those funny words mean? Translated from Norwegian, it literally means the 17th of May. This Norwegian holiday is a celebration of Norway’s independence. It’s a lot like our Fourth of July, but without the fireworks. At the Westby Syttende Mai, you can find traditional foods such as rommegrot, sandbakkels, strul, and of course, lefsa. Plus, check out traditional Norwegian hobbies like rosemaling, woodcarving, Hardanger fiddlemaking, needlework and weaving. Besides Norwegian traditions, there will also be a softball tournament, chicken-Q, a parade, craft fairs, tractor pulls, a car show, a 5K walk/run, music shows, and new this year … bubble soccer! These are just some of the activities you can find at the Syttende Mai. There also will be food stands galore with everything from hamburgers and French fries to mini-donuts. Make good use of your weekend and drive on down to Westby, a short 26-mile trip from La Crosse, for what’s sure to be a good time!
Show him some love for
Father's Day!
share why he’s the best with Klutch Check the Klutch Facebook for how to get your shout out in the next issue!
truths 2 anda lie
By: Katie Svitavsky
5
Do you have an
Cinco de Mayo Edition Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. The holiday is actually more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico, and the largest celebration takes place in Los Angeles. Cinco de Mayo festivities in Chandler, Ariz., include Chihuahua races, featuring cash prizes and crowning of the King and Queen Chihuahua. LIE: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. Because Mexicans successfully battled invasion, the day is very patriotic. Mexico’s Independence Day is observed on Sept. 16.
to p f i v e
You dress like her. Maybe not the stereotypical mom jeans, but sweaters, shoes, and jewelry are all things you’ve borrowed from (and “forgotten” to return to) your mother.
You sound like her. How many times a day do you stop yourself and think, “Wow, I sounded just like my mother there”? And then quickly push the thought away in horror and apologize to whomever you are speaking with?
By: Katie Svitavsky
- By Cody Fortney
IF YOU GO: When: May 15-17 Where: Westby (Drive in on Hwy 14. You can’t miss it.) Cost: Free admission, but bring cash for the craft fair, food stands, etc. For more information and a full list of events, see http://westbysyttendemai.com.
“Blake Puck Schierman sharing the cake at 95.7 The Rock’s 17th birthday party at the Cavalier Lounge” Photo: Bob Good
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
9
at Bean Juice
’s t a h W k c e D on Saturday Market grand opening! May 9th
Market is open 8-1 Meet and Cheese will be from 10-12
Stop down and get your Mother’s Day Flowers, local produce, and more!
win o t r e t s i g e R es market priz
Friday Market opens May 1, 4-8pm Cameron Park Farmers Market is held at the Hanifl Marketplace in Cameron Park, on King Street between 4th Street and 5th Avenue. www.cameronparkmarket.org
Interested in hosting a Meet and Cheese event? Visit our website www.klutchchronicle.com or call 608-796-8780 for more details.
10 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
Where Coffee is an Event.
Article: Becca Dargatz
BEAN JUICE
S
itting at Bean Juice feels warm and sunny, even on an overcast day. The combination of students being tutored, people drawing in notebooks, old friends catching up on conversations over coffee, and Jimmy Buffet playing on the speakers creates an overall sense of happiness. The bright, natural light and vibrant colors on the walls create a comfortable feel, and the people behind the counter are never without a smile. Theresa Held has been involved with Bean Juice from the beginning, before it was even known by the name Bean Juice. For the past 11 years she has owned the coffee shop at Jackson Plaza, and over those years she has slowly expanded the business while remaining consistent and keeping customers happy. One of the additions Held made was installing a bean roaster. So, at the back of the coffee shop in the middle of the room, the bean roaster sits. At the time it was installed, Bean Juice was the only local coffee shop roasting its beans in-house. “It is very hands-on, which I love, and people can hear it, see it and ask questions,” says Held. From the beginning of Held’s relationship with the coffee shop, it has been a family affair. Her brother-in-law is her accountant, her mom is on payroll, and her dad helps with the maintenance of equipment. Held knocks on wood as she says this last bit, because the equipment is starting to get more seasoned as it ages; then she is quick to praise the ice machine for making ice today. Held has created a home away from home, and her charm and personality contribute to that idea. “Coffee to me is not pretentious, it’s an event — a moment. It’s growing up having coffee with my Grandpa Spencer and putting tons of the powdered creamers in the mug. It’s not just brown water. It’s an experience. It’s about family,” says Held. The staff Held has hired feel like family, too. She does not have kids of her own, but her employees feel like her kids. Held herself remembers being a 20-something, working in a coffee shop, and needing little bits of life advice. “My staff is a huge part of the business. We share lots of tears and lots of laughing,
but we always have so much fun together,” says Held. The good does not stop with Held and her employees. The menu Held has crafted tastes just as good as it feels to be sitting in Bean Juice. There are fresh-made daily paninis, pastas, soups, oatmeal, croissants, muffins and scones. The coffee menu is not lacking either, with something to please everyone no matter the temperature outside or the time of day. “We do not have a ton of choices because too many choices drives me crazy, but the plan from the beginning was to have a menu where one person could run this whole thing on their own,” says Held. That is exactly what Held is doing when she sits down to talk to me: running the whole thing on her own. For her, one of the best parts about owning a coffee shop is the flexibility it allows, but it also means she needs to be adaptable and that everyone’s schedules are always changing. In between answering questions and sharing stories with me, she serves customers, refills coffee mugs, and jokes with some regulars, all while keeping a happy smile on her face. Held recalls a story from the early days when she was painting and making the space at Bean Juice her own, about how she just wanted the place to smell good — like the aromatic coffee smell that lingers long after you have left the coffee shop. Three hours later, I still smell like the complex, rich coffee Bean Juice was brewing, so mission accomplished, Theresa! As for the future of Bean Juice, Held plans to do more coffee bean roasting. This summer Held will be participating in the farmers market for the first time by selling fresh-roasted coffee beans. While she is flattered by her customers’ requests KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
11
to open a second location with a drivethru, it is not an idea Held is entertaining at the moment. Instead, Held is focusing on how to continue the business she loves, which means accepting requests from lifelong customers and figuring out what she likes to do. Recently, Held has been approached to host a private graduation party and a private prom dinner, both of which she gushes about with excitement. Held also has a relationship with Pearl Street Brewery; she has been working with their staff to create coffee stouts and stout lattes, which is something I think we can all get behind. Since we are approaching the warmer months, Held tells me that after Memorial Day there is outdoor seating available so customers can take in the scenic views of the bluffs, and every Friday there is indeed a happy, very caffeinated hour, with $4 blender drinks and $3 tall lattes at Bean Juice.
Bean Juice is located in Jackson Plaza
1014 19th St S La Crosse, WI 54601
608-784-8487 www.beanjuicecoffee.com The coffee shop is open MondaySaturday from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
family
uff fun st THE
Article: Andrea Culletto
CONFESSIONS OF A RECOVERED HELICOPTER PARENT
FOR FAMILY
I had crossed the line between reason and insanity.
I
am a recovered helicopter parent. Every now and then, however, I relapse. I was driving down the interstate the first time I sampled a Babybel cheese. I excitedly unwrapped the shiny red cellophane. I was just about to sink my teeth into it when I realized that a wax barrier lay between me and my delicious morsel. No biggie. I simply tugged on the easy-pull tag, which unwound, revealing the delicious, cheesy circle inside. As I was reveling in its delectable flavor, I remembered I had also tossed a Babybel into each of my boy’s lunchboxes that morning. A mild consternation settled over me. What if they didn’t know it was wax? I envisioned my babies trying to beaver-gnaw their way through the cruel, artificial cylinder, much to the amusement of their second grade and kindergarten classmates. How humiliating! Worse yet ... What if they choked?! Well, that would be easy enough to prevent! I picked up my cellphone and happily dialed our kindly and capable
school secretary. I would simply intervene on behalf of my children’s safety (while driving down the interstate, peeling a cheese and dialing my cellphone, ironically enough). It wasn’t until I hung up, after explaining my conundrum and suggesting that the secretary explain proper cheese-unraveling procedure to my sons, that the unease began to swell within me. I gripped the steering wheel and rehashed the last five minutes. What had I just done?! Did I really imagine that being pulled aside for a cheese-opening tutorial would be less embarrassing than accidentally eating wax? Did I honestly think that neither of my perfectly functioning children would be capable of distinguishing between food and paraffin? Did I somehow suppose that my curious-to-a-fault offspring would be able to resist the siren call of the neon-red “pull” tag? I had crossed the line between reason and insanity. Clearly, I needed some sort of drunk-dialing-equivalency app on my phone. Sobriety notwithstanding, it was far too powerful to be left in my unsupervised hands. And why did this have to happen with the school secretary of all people? Why couldn’t it have been someone less powerful, like a senator or a cop?!? You do not want to make a bad impression on the school secretary. The secretary is the brains of the entire scholastic operation. She is omnipresent and forever. She is the Godfather. You do not want to look like a soft-headed moron in front of the Godfather.
Sar ah D. no esome because My mom is aw LWAYS we get, she’s A matter how old d I, but r my brother an there, not just fo too. n and spouses for our childre
M. Eliz abeth ngle mom, she si a as a S. w My mom Glori fed and clothed, le jobs, kept us . My worked multip emories with us m e ak m to d ie She will and always tr vouch for her. so al n ca r he tic drivsister and brot d at for her erra he ug la r ve re e always be fo r” TN (we wer t to “Wincheste . ing trying to ge chester) looking for Man
I was the soft-headed moron. I could only wait for time to heal what I had done. Weeks later, I met with our kindly and capable school secretary to register my third child for preschool. The secretary asked if I would like to request a specific teacher for my child. I did, but after the cheese incident, I was uneasy about seeming highmaintenance. So, I let it go and replied, “No, that’s ok. It doesn’t matter.” The secretary nodded and leaned over to complete the registration form. As she did, my words echoed back to me through time and space. I realized that it now sounded like I cared deeply and infinitely about the proper consumption of cheese, but not about the person who would be shaping my offspring’s gray matter for the next year. “Actually,” I interrupted, “I’d like to request Mrs. Soandso ... She’s the best ... and we really like her.” The secretary nodded and went to note my request on the form. Wait, I thought, was that too demanding? I didn’t want to overshoot again, so I dialed it back a bit. “I mean, if she’s available. That would be cool. No biggie either way though ... just ... whatevvvvssssss.” What. The. Fork. Did I just say “whatevvvvssssss” to the school secretary?! I can not pull off a “whatevvvvssssss.” I am a straight-laced, middle-class pleaser at best. I am not a “whatevvvvssssss” kind of person. Now the secretary was looking at me
Jamie W. I love my mom beca use even though she drives me crazy, I am a somewh at crunchier version of her. My calm definitely balan ces her crazy ways. I also love that we finally live in the same city and if/wh en I need her I can drive to her house. It is the little thi ngs. I would love to take he r flowers to work so she knows and is reminded that someone loves her ve ry much.
Amanda E. mom. She H was a single My mom Teresa ere younger. when us kids w worked 3 jobs ething go without som She never let us but she t, didn’t have a lo we needed. We w e orked were happy. Sh made sure we is now an the years. She her butt off over girls. I’d a of 2 beautiful amazing grandm ow her someh ! like to reward
Ashley E. I love my mamma be cause she always tells me to be myself and to go fo r anything I want. Sh e calms me whenever I’m in a tizzy and makes me see the light. I love you mom! love your koala lu! 12 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
with a mild, but profound expression of confusion. “So ... do you want me to request her ... or not?” “Yes! I mean, not if it’s a big deal. I mean, it would be cool. Unless someone else wants her more and there’s no more room. Then they can have her because that’s ok with me, cause I could go either way. I’m good.” That is a direct quote. The kindly and capable school secretary looked at me like she was examining for a concussion. “Ok,” she said, softly and succinctly, “So, you want to request Mrs. Soandso ... unless someone else wants her more ... Then you want them to have her instead, right?” I nodded, having finally obeyed my brain’s pained admonitions to Shut Up! You Flailing Psycho! Shut Up! The secretary bent over the paper and uttered reassuringly, “Ok. I’ll just go ahead and make a little star here by the request ... to remind me.” Oh. God. A little star. She was making a little star. A little star that would shine over my tenure at this school like a great, gleaming beacon of idiocy ... Then again, maybe it was better this way. From now on, anything I might manage to say or do above sheer idiocy would seem like a glorious improvement. Ah, shine on, little star, shine on.
Elissa C. being. My mom, Lisa, is a fantastic human about s care ly uine gen Plain and simple. She and et, plan this on rs everyone she encounte she s live the e mak to goes out of her way ghtouches infinitely brighter. As her dau her nce erie exp to ed ter, I’ve been privileg ws kno She ort. supp unconditional love and er rath rs, othe on time the value of spending my red owe emp ays alw than money, and has t imsister and I to chase our dreams. Mos brate cele to us with portantly, she’s always eurag enco and love r our successes and offe res… failu ment in our
THE MEANING OF MOTHERHOOD
Bet you didn’t learn this in school.
Article: Jess Witkins
family
I
n 1975, New York Magazine told American mothers that, quite simply, “the reformation of the world is in your power.” ~ from “Modern Motherhood” It’s quite shocking that, up until now, no formal history of motherhood existed. If mothers are indeed shaping the transformation of the modern world, shouldn’t there be some sort of catalog of that history? Or at the very least an extensive collection of to-do lists with checkmarks on them? Jodi Vandenberg-Daves is a historian and professor in the women’s, gender, and sexuality studies department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After the birth of her first child, she started wondering about the women who had come before her. What had their experiences been like? In her new book, “Modern Motherhood,” Vandenberg-Daves compiles some of the most hidden histories of women raising children. If you think this book is filled with lullabies and nursery rhymes, you’d be wrong. Spanning the early 19th century to present day, the author’s six years of research — a labor of love in itself — mark the changes in colonization, medicine, science, and social reform through the eyes of mothers and their families. As the world changed, mothers reacted to it, providing a rich and at times controversial history in regard to slavery, reproductive health care, labor rights, and “having it all.” What was the most interesting trail you went down while doing research?
I loved any opportunity I had to find evidence about mothers’ relationships with their children. It was fascinating to consider that before compulsory schooling, mothers and children often worked side by side, on farms, taking in laundry for people, and in their own homes. Older children, especially girls, often helped with child care of younger children, serving as “little mothers.” I enjoyed reading about mothers who were excited to send their daughters to college in the early 20th century when that experience was new, about mothers who gave advice to their grown children, or who reflected on their own experiences as mothers. Who is your favorite female historical figure?
I’m pretty fascinated with the social movement leaders of the past,
impart along the way.
MODERN MOTHERHOOD An American History
In your opinion, what is the single greatest advancement in women’s history that has impacted modern motherhood?
Access to reliable birth control and the right to use it. Women can now plan their pregnancies in ways that help them get an Jodi Vandenberg-Daves education, contribute to the public world, and have choices in their relationships, while also managing the size of their families. They can try to give each of their children the resources those children need to grow up healthy and happy and to have more possibilities as adults. And despite all the weight of historical messages that all women have to be mothers, birth control especially the ones who combined has allowed more women to choose to their activism with motherhood. Clara live full lives without becoming mothers. Lemlich Shavelson was a courageous and influential labor organizer at age Read an Excerpt: 23. She helped launch a massive strike In the 1950s, more than 90 percent to protest horrific work conditions of mothers in the suburbs did not work in the garment industry. She was a for pay. This was another reason that suffragist and a working-class mother many people did not notice and often in New York City. She organized fellow do not remember mothers’ increasing “housewives” into a movement that labor force participation. These nonprotested high prices and inadequate wage-earning mothers were indeed housing and education opportunities. restricted to a confining domesticity. She really appealed to fellow mothers, Middle-class wives and mothers were convincing them that they needed to told they had it all — beautiful homes, take action to make their children’s modern conveniences, husbands who lives better. supported them, healthy children and easy lives. Complaining was a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. How did becoming a mother shape Oral histories show that even many your own life? I first became a mother at 26, which women who remember the 1950s seems like a really long time ago now and early 1960s as a time of great (I’m 49). I can’t imagine not being a repression also recall the era with mother! Being a mother has made me fondness for its straightforwardness: happier, wiser and more vulnerable. “We sat around in each other’s kitchens My heart is out there walking around and backyards and drank a lot of in the world in the form of three coffee and smoked a million cigarettes people I adore. Being a mother has and talked about our children. There also connected me to the experience was some competition, yes, but mostly of other mothers, past and present, we were young mothers and we were as I’ve helped guide three of my own learning from each other and getting kids and mentored college students support from each other. We took care over many years of teaching. With my of each other’s children, too, so that we own kids, I’ve found that they always were able to get away some.” change faster than I can change, and that despite having lived a lot less time than I have, they have wisdom and resilience of their own; they always have something to teach me. I take joy in seeing the ways they live out the values that their dad and I have tried to KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
13
Jodi Vandenberg-Daves Meet the Author: Jodi will be speaking at Feminism on Tap on May 6 at Lost Island Wine in Onalaska. Admission is free. The event lasts from 5-7 p.m., with the presentation starting at 5:30 p.m. and a Q & A session to follow.
FOR THE FAM
EVENTS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EVENTS: TUESDAYS: Sparkling STEMs Science at 10:30 am THURSDAYS: Little Learners at 10:30 am All free with admission ($6). For ages 1-7 with adult. For more information, see www.funmuseum.org. CHILDREN’S AFTER SCHOOL POTTERY: Tuesdays and Fridays from 4-5:30 pm @ Generous Earth Pottery in downtown La Crosse. These sessions are for children ages 8 and up and will provide time to work on the potter’s wheel or build by hand. $15 per session. Pre-registration required; call 608-782-3904. FAMILY STORYTIME: All preschoolers welcome! 10:30-11 am and 5:30-6 pm on Wednesdays at La Crosse South Library. Join us for fun and exciting stories for the whole family! READ TO ROVER: Free (Ages 5+) 5:45-6:45 pm at the La Crosse South Library. Dogs and their caregivers from the Coulee Region Humane Society Pet Therapy group want to listen to new readers. The dogs love to be read to. Register for a 10-minute session by calling the library at 608-789-7103. RIVERSIDE FAMILY FUN FAIR: All day at Riverside Park May 16. Free. Join us for an inexpensive afternoon filled with family fun. Come play, learn, and win great prizes while attending this oldfashioned carnival including: activities, games, food, and exhibits about area attractions and festivals for all ages. Explore while learning how to be a tourist in your own backyard and gather ideas for summer fun. 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.
technology
t
connec
Put it in your Pocket for later.
yo! follow us!
Article: Katie Svitavsky
APP REVIEW: POCKET
YOUR INNER WITHGEEK
H
ave you ever been scrolling through your Facebook news feed and noticed something you wanted to read or watch, but couldn’t at that very moment? (Maybe you didn’t have headphones at the time but really have a vested interest in listening to the new Hilary Duff song, and you don’t exactly want to do that in public, so …) Check out Pocket — an app that lets you squirrel away articles, images, video and other media for viewing at a later time. Perfect for your daily commute or a long plane ride, you can still access everything without Wi-Fi or 4G, so you don’t have the hassle of relying on an Internet connection. Pocket is gaining popularity quickly: Currently, the app has 12 million users saving over 1 billion items in total. As for the interface, Pocket is clean, easy to navigate, and it isn’t bursting with unnecessary features like other content-reading applications. You can sort content based on type, like articles, videos, and images, and you can also organize through a tagging system. If you’re like me and a bit lazier, the
app will actually pick the most relevant content for you with the Highlights feature. Highlights creates a customized reading order after you’ve saved enough content for the app to learn about your preferences.
would like to say during the week or so that I’ve had the app, all the stuff I saved was from The Atlantic or International Business Times. But in reality, I also saved a somewhat inappropriate amount
Other features include being able to save items from Web browsing on your PC for access on your phone or tablet via a Pocket web extension, having Pocket access from over 500 different apps like Twitter or Flipbook, and sending content to your friends via the app, which keeps all content your friends send you in one place. Whether you’re on your way to work, stuck in a waiting room or running out of data, Pocket makes sure you won’t miss content you actually want to read. I
Name: Pocket
of BuzzFeed quizzes with names like “Which Early ‘00s MTV Reality Show Would You Have Starred On?” But that’s the real beauty of the app: It allows you to save the stuff you actually want to see.
Price: Free
Pros: - Easy to save things from a variety of sources - User-friendly interface - Useful - No ads - Free version has most of the features of the premium app - Account syncs across several platforms
Cons: - Can’t save from Facebook app; have to follow links to a Web browser and save from there - Takes a second to figure out tags and categories, but once you get it, it’s easy to use
When you combine Apple Pay™ with your Altra Visa Card, you have access to a new level of security and convenience. Available for iPhone® 6, iPhone® 6 Plus, iPad Air™ 2 or iPad mini™ 3.
Get started today! www.altra.org | 800-755-0055 Altra membership elgibility required. Federally insured by NCUA. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Pay and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc. Contact Altra for complete details.
14 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
7 Billion Energizer Bunnies Our thirst for electrical energy has been growing for generations, especially with the advent of computers, smartphones and wearable technologies. The concept of abundant, renewable energy has long been part of our cultural lexicon, but its implementation, for all our technological advancements, remains elusive. Wind energy isn’t reliable, solar energy has limited applications (there’s this unique thing called “night”), hydroelectric power needs running water, and nuclear fusion is still decades away. We’ve been generating electricity the same way for well over 100 years … a coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. And maybe that’s the problem. Maybe we need a new method for generating power. Maybe the answer lies within each one of us. In the sci-fi world of the movie trilogy, “The Matrix”, machines take over the world and reduce billions of humans to nothing more than Energizer Bunnies, harvested for their bioelectric and thermal energy. It’s true, we humans expend a lot of energy, most of it wasted through our day-to-day pursuits. In a way, we really are like the humans of “The Matrix,” except until recently there was no way to collect our everyday output. (In case you are interested, the average human burns through about 12,000 kilojoules of energy per day. While that may seem like a lot, it’s really just a little less than 3000 calories.) Possibly using the concept of “The Matrix” as an innovator, science (not machines) is working on technologies that can capture our wasted energy and convert it into useful, “free” energy. Combining the precision of ultra-small nanotechnology with a little-known principle called “the piezoelectric effect” (generating electricity through pressure), scientists have developed a fabric with incredibly tiny wires woven inside that create power when jostled, raising the prospect of fabrics that produce power simply by being stretched, rustled, or even by blowing in a breeze. Even though many of us might be branded as couch potatoes, let’s face it, we seldom sit still for very long. Now we can turn our restless motions into electricity. Before you check out Amazon for the latest fashions in piezoelectric shirts, there’s one big drawback: unlike cotton, wool and polyester, the technology doesn’t tend to survive a runin with water. One trip through the washing machine, or even a rainy day, and your $1,000 T-shirt is nothing more than … well … an expensive T-shirt. Nonetheless, just think how much energy could be captured if an entire soccer team was wearing electricitygenerating uniforms! But what if it starts to rain? As kids, weren’t we taught that electricity and water are a bad combination? Since electrocuting an entire soccer team in the name of free energy may not be considered very sporting, maybe the soccer ball is a better option. Four engineering students from Harvard University have designed a unique soccer ball that generates electricity when kicked. Dubbed the sOccket, the ball captures the energy from the impact of a kicking motion that is usually lost to the environment. The generated electricity is then stored in the ball. Originally intended to help enhance the lives of the people in rural Africa, the energy
ABOUT
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like IT,
IT...
to technology, our most popular and portable high-tech gadgets are still dependent on relatively low-tech batteries that run out of power at the most inopportune times. Think of it, the T-shirt you put on this morning could be supplying endless power to your tech throughout the day. As the world moves toward more and more wearable technologies, no longer will we have to worry about running out of electricity. Just plug your technology into … you! Will humans eventually form their own unified Matrix, where we’re all just a bunch of “Copper Tops” (a reference made to humans in “The Matrix”)? Will the Energizer Bunny
stored in the ball can then be used after dark to light an LED or charge a cellphone. “Kids, go kick the soccer ball in the yard for an hour. Papa wants to watch the game tonight!” But we’re more than just electrical generators. Humans burn calories, which is actually a measure of heat. Armed with that knowledge, a 15-year-old girl from Vancouver, British Columbia, using off-theshelf technologies and some creative thought, invented a flashlight that uses the warmth of the human hand to light a series of LEDs (that’s right, she’s just 15 … and considers herself an average student). As addicted (or enslaved) as we may be
get IT?!
cease to be relevant? Who needs a battery when we have the “Energizer Human”? During the 1960s, a youthful generation seeking independence rebelled against the perceived oppression of the older generation through the slogan, “Power to the People!” Members of today’s technology-driven generation may someday soon demonstrate their own independence by raising their smartphone-clenched fists in the air, plugging themselves in, and shouting, “Power from the People!” - By Brian Boettcher Brian is chief information officer and vice president of information technology at Altra Federal Credit Union.
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Village Shopping Center 1537 Losey Blvd 608-519-5440 cell-plus.net Things we want you to know: New Retail Installment Contracts, Shared Connect Plan and $25 device act. fees required. Credit approval required. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies (currently $1.82/line/month); this is not a tax or gvmt. required charge. Add. fees, taxes and terms apply and vary by svc. and eqmt. Offers valid in-store at participating locations only, may be fulfilled through direct fulfillment and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. Contract Payoff Promo: Offer valid on up to 6 consumer lines or 25 business lines. Must port in current number to U.S. Cellular and purchase new Smartphone or tablet through a Retail Installment Contract on a Shared Connect Plan with Device Protection+. Enrollment in Device Protection+ required in all markets except North Carolina. The monthly charge for Device Protection+ is $8.99 for Smartphones. A deductible per approved claim applies. Federal Warranty Service Corporation is the Provider of the Device Protection+ ESC benefits, except in CA and OK. Submit final bill identifying early termination fee (ETF) charged by carrier within 60 days of activation date to www.uscellular.com/contractpayoff or via mail to U.S. Cellular Contract Payoff Program 5591-61; PO Box 752257; El Paso, TX 88575-2257. Customer will be reimbursed for the ETF reflected on final bill up to $350/line. Reimbursement in form of a U.S. Cellular Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, additional offers are not sponsored or endorsed by MetaBank. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant location that accepts MasterCard® Debit Cards within the U.S. only. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Allow 12–14 weeks for processing. To be eligible, customer must register for My Account. Limited time offer. Trade-In: Requires activation of new line of service with any Smartphone. Requires trade-in of Smartphone in fully functional, working condition without any liquid damage or broken components, including, but not limited to, a cracked display or housing. Smartphone must power on and cannot be pin locked. $50 U.S. Cellular Promotional Card: Enrollment in Device Protection+ required. Retail Installment Contract: Retail Installment Contract (Contract) and monthly payments according to the Payment Schedule in the Contract required. If you are in default or terminate your Contract, we may require you to immediately pay the entire unpaid Amount Financed as well as our collection costs, attorneys’ fees and court costs related to enforcing your obligations under the Contract. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are PA 345085 the property of their respective owners. Additional terms apply. See store or uscellular.com for details. KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015 15 Promo:
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LOVIN’ LOCAL ARTISTS Katey Fortun finds beauty in forgotten items
L
By: Alyssa Schulte
ocal artist Katey Fortun has always had a unique approach to creating her artwork. While many begin by sitting down and sketching out ideas, Fortun prefers to hop in her truck with her father beside her, and head out to salvage yards, old farms and dilapidated barns in search of both inspiration and raw materials. A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a bachelor’s in interior design and a minor in sustainable design and development, Fortun is using what she learned to create beautiful and innovative works of three-dimensional art. A huge part of Fortun’s process involves working closely with her father, who owns his own custom welding shop (C & L Custom Welding out of Westby). A man with the motto, “Every girl needs to know how to weld,” he allowed Fortun to begin working alongside him at a young age, creating school projects out of metal and learning the hard way (burnt fingers) that welding makes an item hot to the touch. She’s come a long way since elementary school, although the working relationship with her dad is much the same. Although she admits they don’t always see eye to eye with her coming up with “crazy ideas that aren’t even possible to create in metal” and her dad having to “bring [her] back down to reality,” their partnership is one of love and mutual respect. Instead of simply telling her a project is impossible to create with metal (even though it might be), he will have Fortun give it a shot, then show her exactly why it won’t work. “I work with him because I love it, that’s the bottom line,” she matter-of-factly stated. Fortun also loves the process of finding the perfect materials to make her visions come to life. At one salvage yard in particular, she enjoys haggling with the owner over prices; he knows her by name and typically gives her the “Katey price,” which he will jokingly set at $20 over his original offering price. This, in fact, is another aspect of the process she thoroughly enjoys: meeting new people, making connections and often creating lasting friendships. Fortun’s vision is one of celebrating the past, using unconventional materials from interesting places to create something truly unique. “All of the parts and pieces in each design had a past life … I like to respect what they were, but give them new life and a new purpose,” she explained. “I find it fascinating how products were built in the past, how well they were designed and built … I want to keep that history alive in a unique way. I don’t want the past to be forgotten.” Her current project is a perfect example of past meets present, utilizing materials that have their own important history. She is in the process of creating a television stand she’s designing for the home she shares with her boyfriend, Chad. Doesn’t sound too exciting, does it? Just wait! What makes this project “a very special piece,” to both her and her boyfriend, is the fact that the wood she’s using came from a beautiful black walnut tree that stood on his grandparents’ property for many years. In this design, she’s planning on utilizing the black walnut wood for the top of the stand, while sticking with her typical medium, metal, for the base. Although she hasn’t sold her work in the past (many pieces are in her dad’s shop and some have been given as gifts), she plans to begin selling her new creations in the near future. She admits to not having given much thought to the monetary aspect of her art, instead focusing on the love and joy of the work itself, as well as creating lasting memories with her father. “My inspiration comes from walking through farm fields, old dusty barns, salvage yards and sheds, and finding interesting parts and pieces …” Katey Fortun is truly an amazing and already accomplished artist with a unique perspective on life and an incredible knack for creating beauty from materials others may find unattractive or useless.
16 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
“Superman Goes Nuts”
A&E visual arts
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS
On Fairy Tales BY: SYDNEY ANDERSON
BY DANIELLE NOLDEN notes
Danielle Nolden is a student at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse pursuing her goals to becoming an art educator. Her own art has also taken a front seat in her priorities as she develops a strong portfolio. This specific drawing embodies the masking of what does not need to be hidden, simply for the sake of creating a different persona.
So what is keeping fairy tales alive for another generation? Not the fact that they themselves are escape tunnels, but for the tunnels within the tunnels. Disney’s Depression Snow White was rewarded with Economic Recovery Ever After, and the Renaissance princesses were lovable in their quest to Have It All, but now we seek the tales at their roots. We seek the beautiful sleep, the death-which-is-not-death. Snow White in her glass casket, Rapunzel in her tower, even Red Riding Hood in the belly of the wolf, and Cinderella returning to the hearth until her prince recovers her, are all Schrödinger’s Heroine, sleeping a sleep outside time. Briar Rose sleeps in her castle for one hundred years. She stays young and beautiful, pure potential energy in a dressing gown, yet she takes her own sweet time to decide what she wants. No treadmill life for her, no four to six year sprint to something she can only hope she still wants in the end. And this is now the shared dream, the universal fantasy of the millennium. Sydney Anderson is a resident of Viroqua, living on an organic farm with her family and an ever-expanding book collection.
Writing Submission BY: LARRY HALL I just want to be wanted by someone like you. Timing is key. So I thought I’d say this for you. I wonder just what it is, as been said, you give luster to life, not just a room. Endless depth of sparkle in those eyes. I can nearly smell the effervescence of your presence, as it tears at me. Much like a warm, sweet magnet. Never knowing who feels it like me, I ask to be sure. Fates rarely align. Dimensions of space and time are given a depth in ways of perception and feeling. We allow our lives too much say, as it gets in our way. I guess there’s heartache with every rejection. Don’t dwell. Just store it as fuel to thrust a further high and greater appreciation for one who chooses you. Food, friends, jobs and lovers, we let physical being choose our path. While hurt, the path of feeling takes the blame. People often think “If only they could feel and see inside me”. Could they handle the understanding? Focus is blinding. The big picture is hazy, and that’s clear. We all have our own values, so guilt has no jurisdiction here. I was once told that I give up too easily. Then, that person confessed their selfishness. Does that mean I only “give up too easily” when concerned with another’s free will, in order to maintain the integrity of the theory that it may not be “giving up”, but rather my valuing their free will more than personal gain?
BY EMILY ZIEGLER notes
I’m a biochemistry/ cellular and molecular biology student at UWL, and I love to paint in my free time! This is an acrylic painting inspired by Nick Hall’s photograph in The Nature Conservancy 2015 Calendar. KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
17
for large-scale woodblocks, you have to improvise. Printmaking is something Ben Alberti has done for years, but he has wanted to host an event for largescale relief prints for a while. This big event, called the Mississippi Steamroll, will finally happen on Saturday, May 2, 2015. It will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the parking lot at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. Local schools, colleges, and independent artists are welcome to participate. Curious spectators are also welcome to witness the collaboration in the process of printing these large-scale relief prints. Alberti, the arts administrator and visual arts coordinator at the Pump House, along with Joel Elgin, a printmaking professor at UW-L, Amanda Struver, an alumnus of the UW-L print shop, and Lisa Lenarz, an art instructor in the area, are all planning the event. Students from UW-L, as well as Winona State, Viterbo, St. Mary’s, and Luther College have been welcomed to prepare pieces for the event. However, participation is not limited to college students; Alberti wants everyone in the community to be able to participate no matter the age or skill level. “This really started as a personal project for me, but then I realized that it had to be public, because it’s something everything can enjoy and participate in,” says Alberti. Many people already have access to a printing press, which is what you need for typical woodblock printing. But for large-scale woodblocks, you have to improvise. When Alberti was in school, his class participated in a large-scale woodcutting project where the whole class stood on the boards and stomped until the image was printed. It involved a lot of pressure and a lot of people. For the Mississippi Steamroll event, the town of Shelby is generously lending the use of their asphalt roller. In addition to the steamroller, they are also donating the use of some traffic cones and barricades to be used during the day of the event. The steamroller is large enough to go over the prints and print them successfully. Alberti says it’s not the first time it’s been done, but it’s a way to get printmaking out to the general public. “Typically, it’s done in print shops, behind closed doors, and no one sees what you’re doing except your classmates and2015 instructors,” Alberti. “People don’t 18 May, // says KlutchChronicle.com always know what I’m talking about when I tell them
I do woodcut printing. So, this event is a way to show people what it is.” In addition to making printmaking more public, everyone involved with the event hopes to promote the art departments in local schools. Interest in art has been on the decline, especially in Wisconsin during the past couple of years. “Bringing something like printmaking out into the public helps show the cool stuff you can do in art programs,” says Alberti. “You can pretty much create and do anything if you talk to the right people and make the right connections.” The Mississippi Steamroll event is free, and so far Alberti says there has been a lot of interest, but it is important to make sure people show up. To entice more people, or perhaps just a different crowd, there will be bacon on-site the day of the event. As far as logistics go on the day of the event, there will be different stations set up in the Pump House parking lot. The first station will be an inking station where people will be inking up the blocks, preparing them for printing. There will be another station where blocks will be on deck, waiting to be printed, and then there will also be a cleaning station for when they are done. “We want people to come and bring their woodcuts, and if they can, bring paper and fabric to print onto,” says Alberti. After the event, Alberti would like to get the prints out into the community somewhere as an exhibit for everyone to see. If you are on the fence about printmaking, or if you are curious about how they will be using a steamroller to create art, stop by the Pump House on May 2 and enjoy some bacon. For more information, visit the Mississippi Steamroll Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/mississippisteamroll
by Becca Dargatz
A&E showtime THE PLAY IS
THE THING
The La Crosse Community Theatre opened its season with the blockbuster musical, “Mary Poppins.” In May, it will cap off the season with another blockbuster, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. This show, originally a rock opera concept album, opened on Broadway in 1971 and revived again in 2000 and 2012. The play is loosely based on the Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with his arrival in Jerusalem and ending with his crucifixion. It is a fascinating exploration of the psychology of Jesus and the strained relationship between him and Judas Iscariot. Expect musical fireworks that run the full range of emotions, from the haunting “This Jesus Must Die” and “Pilate’s Dream,” to the gentle and benevolent “Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” to the raucous and unforgettable “What’s the Buzz” and “King Herod’s Song.” Time has gentled this musical’s condition, as it did run into a wall of controversy when it was first released. Some Christians considered the play blasphemous. At the same time, Jews claimed it stirred antiSemitic hatred. It was banned entirely in South Africa. Today, it stands as an icon of musical theatre and is widely considered the composition that put Andrew Lloyd Webber on the map. He won the 1972 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Composer. It turns out that “promising” was an understatement, since he went on to dominate the stage world with “Evita,” “Cats,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Sunset Boulevard” in the years to come. As much as you should not miss the opportunity to see this groundbreaking musical, you really mustn’t miss the remarkable cast that has been assembled by Artistic Director Greg Parmeter. Brandon Harris, recently from the wildly successful court drama, “Twelve Angry Men,” will portray Judas; Bradley Weber will play Jesus; Emily Ware will play Mary Magdalene; and Weber Center’s very own Executive Director David Kilpatrick will portray Pilate. A great cast coupled with a
fantastic musical, all wrapped within the gorgeous confines of Weber Center for the Performing Arts. Sounds like a near perfect and blessed spring evening in downtown La Crosse. May is a great time to make the short road trip to Lanesboro, Minn., not only to enjoy the bed-and-breakfast capital of Minnesota and do a little morel mushroom hunting, but also to pay a visit to the Commonweal Theatre Company. Two exciting theatre productions await you there. First, “The Master Builder” by Henrik Ibsen. The Commonweal has an internationally recognized tradition of producing the works of Norway’s greatest playwright every spring. “The Master Builder” is the story of a talented but dangerously narcissistic architect who is obsessed with the past and wrought with fear of the future. Since people come from around the globe to participate in the Ibsen celebration every year at the Commonweal, it would be a crime for you not to make the one-hour journey. You have until June 13. Second, the Commonweal is producing “Woody Guthrie’s American Song.” This production is based on the songs and writings of Woody Guthrie and was adapted by Peter Glazer. It is an exuberant musical celebration of America which first debuted in 1989. The New York Times said it “manages to find the high beauty and the earthly humor of Guthrie’s love affair with America.” It’s well worth a short and scenic drive through the landscape that inspired the man. Another road trip worth taking as the Driftless landscape awakens is the short drive to Viroqua, Wis., to see The Underground Players production of “An Outopia for Pigeons” by Justin Maxwell. This is an absurdist piece about the last surviving passenger pigeon in the United States, named Martha Washington. She is trying to save her species, unaware that the passenger pigeon has become extinct except for her. Get to Viroqua before this comedy flies the coop. It closes May 9! - By Michael Scott
If you go:
Jesus Christ Superstar May 8-24 Weber Center for the Performing Arts 608-784-9292 The Master Builder By Henrik Ibsen Through June 13 Commonweal Theatre Company Lanesboro, Minn. commonwealtheatre.org
yep
Woody Guthrie’s American Song Through Sep. 28 Commonweal Theatre Company Lanesboro, Minn. commonwealtheatre.org An Outopia for Pigeons Through May 9 The Underground Players Viroqua, Wis. 608-606-0840
MAY RELEASES The Avengers: Age of Ultron Release Date: May 1, 2015 Genres: Action, Adventure
Pitch Perfect 2 Release Date: May 15, 2015 Genres: Comedy, Musical
She’s Funny That Way Release Date: May 1, 2015 Genres: Drama, Comedy
Tomorrowland Release Date: May 22, 2015 Genres: Family, Sci-Fi
Welcome to Me Release Date: May 1, 2015 Genres: Drama, Comedy
The Vatican Tapes Release Date: May 22, 2015 Genres: Thriller
Before I Wake Release Date: May 8, 2015 Genres: Horror, Suspense
Spy Release Date: May 22, 2015 Genres: Comedy
Hot Pursuit Release Date: May 8, 2015 Genres: Action, Comedy
San Andreas Release Date: May 29, 2015 Genres: Action, Disaster
Maggie Release Date: May 8, 2015 Genres: Horror, Thriller
Aloha Release Date: May 29, 2015 Genres: Comedy, Romance
5 Flights Up Release Date: May 8, 2015 Genres: Comedy
Barely Lethal Release Date: May 29, 2015 Genres: Comedy
The D Train Release Date: May 8, 2015 Genres: Comedy
2032 Ward Avenue La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 791-1999 www.marcustheatres.com
Mad Max: Fury Road Release Date: May 15, 2015 Genres: Action, Adventure KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
19
r e t a L s r a e Y 5 2 h Still Fres by Briana Rupel
Amy Werner still remembers her first Reggae Fest, working at The Historic Trempealeau Hotel as a college student in the early ‘90s. “It was insane,” she smiles. “Everyone wanted to work it. I always wanted the first shift, because then I could play at night.” Maybe you’ve never heard of Reggae Fest, but surely you’ve heard of the Trempealeau Hotel. The cozy building nestled near the Mississippi dates back to 1871, and with an outdoor stage and expansive lawn overlooking the water, it’s the perfect spot for a music festival that celebrates the kick-off of the summer season. When Werner and her partner Joerg Droll took over as current owners in 2012, there was no question they would keep Reggae Fest rolling. The event is so popular, Droll states, it brings to Trempealeau an average of 2,000 people that weekend, which is a pretty big deal for a village of 1,500. But it was the friendly and mellow kind of crowd that really made continuing the fest a no-brainer for the pair. “There’s no stress; it’s really a happy get-together,” Droll explains. “From the get-go, that made us want to carry on the tradition.” Though the fest mostly attracted college students back in the early ‘90s, the age of those in the crowd now spans anywhere from 5 years old to 75 years old. “There are people who have gone every year, who brought their kids that are now adults with their own kids,” explains Werner. “It’s fun to see the mix of generations.” “A lot of people grew up with Reggae Fest,” adds Droll. “People who have been there for 20 years make sure to come back especially for this weekend. We get people who maybe have just moved to the area, come for their first time, and really fall in love with it.” It’s easy to see why people keep coming back. With a lineup that has boasted acts such as local favorite TUGG, to artists hailing all the way from Jamaica and Tanzania, reggae-lovers return for the music alone. However, Droll points out, even a person who may not be a huge reggae fan can always appreciate live music. “No matter if it’s my favorite genre or not,” Droll says, “the energy and skill and talent of live musicians is always awe-inspiring.” And the music never stops. Returning this year is DJ Trichrome, who spins vintage vinyl reggae under the big-top tent in between live acts.
IF YOU GO:
“At one point last year we looked over at the tent and everybody was jumping to the music at the same time. Like, a thousand people,” Werner remembers. “It was just wild. It makes a big difference because there’s no downtime.” Being that it is a long day, Werner and Droll encourage people to bring lawn chairs and blankets to make some time to kick back and chill, even suggesting taking a break to hike around beautiful Perrot State Park only a mile down the road. There’s free water to make sure fest-goers stay hydrated, and — perhaps as exciting as the music — plenty of authentic Jamaican dishes available to keep bellies full, using recipes Werner has picked up during her numerous travels to the country itself. “This year we’re hoping to do Jamaican Patties, a pastry filled with either meat or vegetables, as well as Idle Stew, made the true Rasta way so there’s no salt or meat product,” she explains. “It’s vegetables stewed in coconut milk, served over coconut rice.” Other dishes coming out of their kitchen that day will include authentic jerk chicken with their homemade jerk sauce, rice and peas, Jamaican slaw, and a delicious rum punch made from a secret recipe that’s been around since the fest’s inception. In addition to mouthwatering food and exuberant music, 20 (or so) vendors sprawl across the lawn, selling arts and crafts, jewelry, and clothing — even massages and henna tattoos. v “The mood for our festivals is always pretty celebratory,” states Werner. “People bring hula hoops, squirt guns, really anything to play with.” Even the possibility of rain, as is to be expected in mid-May, shouldn’t deter people from coming down. Holding a festival at the beginning of the season takes a little guts, states Droll. “It makes us bite our fingernails a little bit because the weather’s never really that certain.” But even with a threat of bad weather, it seems the spirit of the fest pulls the sun out eventually. “Last year it rained all day,” explains Werner, “but as soon as the opening act came on, the sun came out, and everyone started clapping.”
Shelter Tickets • Rooms always book up fast at all • Pre-sale tickets are available for three of Trempealeau’s small hotels. $17 at the following locations: Check early. People’s Food Co-op, Deaf Ear • Tent camping is available at Perrot Records, Dave’s Guitar Shop, State Park. (Tip: Bring bikes for a Hardt’s Music (Winona), Blue quick cruise to the fest!) Heron Bicycle Works, and www. • RV camping is available at trempealeauhotel.com. Mulberry Meadows RV Resort (near • Day-of tickets are available at the 20#6). May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com door for $22. Lock and Dam
Music • Friday night pre-party is at the Trempealeau Hotel, featuring House of Curds. • Reggae Fest is Saturday, May 16, from 2 p.m.-11 p.m., featuring headliners TUGG, Dred I Dread, and opening act TBA. No carry-in food or beverage, please.
A&E
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tunes
REVIEW
Story and Photos by Clay Riness
The
Paulie Show
A
s a freelance writer I rarely write in the first person. But, in this case, I think it is appropriate. You see, I’ve been a private music teacher since the early ‘80s, and way back when, a 9-year-old boy began taking guitar lessons from me and continued until graduating high school. He was a musical kid, and was as unconventional a student as I was a newbie teacher. He quickly lost interest in the method book, and I was quite happy to try and teach him what he wanted instead — the music he liked. The boy and I forged a strong connection, and he flourished in that learning environment. I write, of course, of my friend Paul Matushek, now 39. I visited him recently to see how his life and music career have been going. Some of the things he remembers most about those days are bringing favorite songs to class for us to figure out together, and that I had a classic Marantz PMD201 cassette recorder that could be slowed down to half speed, aiding in deciphering riffs. Ah, the days of analog. Like me, he feels thankful that our relationship came about. “I had other friends who started taking lessons when I did, but most of them didn’t last a year, so I feel blessed to have had you as a teacher,” he tells me, adding, “You just made it so fun.” Go figure. Make lessons fun for a kid and he will prosper. Then and there I had a kind of proud-father moment. Over three decades he’s been on quite a musical journey. Early on, he tells me, he was in a couple of heavier bands, but when he came of legal age and was able to play broader venues, he says he began to discover more music. Eventually he found bluegrass and festivals, and he played in the popular electric bluegrass band Whippoorwill’s Secret, pushing the boundaries of what they thought bluegrass could be, as well as the more traditional ensemble, Stumbleweed. He claims to have gotten a lot of good calluses from those days. And there’s Moon Boot Posse, Sum Chunk, and other bands, collaborations and music genres. When he discovered Keller Williams he became fascinated by the looping station that Williams used to layer parts together, making it possible for a solo act to essentially become a band. “I thought, well, I want to give that a shot!” says Paul. “So basically, I’m just copying his style.” But, he undersells himself. Going solo, especially with this unique approach, was a major shift and powerful
voyage of discovery. Further, he did it in front of the eyes of his friends and fans, evolving along the way. “I’m very fortunate that the Popcorn Tavern allowed me to crash and burn a million times,” he jokes. The fact is, that venue is like home to him, and he’s been a Tuesday night fixture since 2002. (He’ll soon be adding Friday happy hour performances. You can also catch him twice a month at John’s Bar and some other venues.) It was quite a turn of fate. There was a band cancellation and he was asked if he could fill in. He then asked if he could try this “new idea” … the loop pedal … and the rest is history. He admits things were a little rocky at first. “At first I didn’t even know how to plug it in right,” he admits, laughing. “I had all these multiple inputs and I was plugging a microphone into the pedal, and there
In spite of that, the experiment was a hit. Early on, he says, he would play long, improvised jams. Over time, he has cut back on such solos and injected myriad types of songs into the show, including original songs. One thing is certain, he’s out for fun. “For lack of a better way of putting it, I just come right at’cha with a lot of acoustic guitar mania right in your face,” he says. “I don’t know how else to describe it, so get ready for that.” Personally, I think his sense of humor is another reason people keep coming back; it’s infectious, and it makes it hard not to like him. You never see him without a smile. He’s always been like that, since the first time I met him 30 years ago. Paul’s future includes making more music and celebrating life with his new bride, Maureen. And, I hope the two of them put a little slice of the future aside for me to drop in for another visit. I’m glad to have caught up.
Clay Riness is a freelance writer and photographer from Coon Valley. He hopes one day to grow up.
was all this feedback. But, over time I figured it out. I eventually got a sub-mixer to mix everything and send that signal to the loop pedal for a nice clean sound. Trial and error.”
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
21
Story and Photos by Clay Riness Sometimes writing is a hellish business. When I drew this assignment I was asked to do a piece on a group of folks going by the odd acronym … L.A.G.E.R.S. I soon discovered that it stood for La Crosse Area Grain Enthusiasts (and) Related Specialties (Brew Club). Wait … what? Brew Club? You mean I get to drink beer? I began this dangerous mission by meeting with Jen Meyers, a gregarious, ginger-haired, 21st century home brewmeister. “I started the club because I was lonely,” she says, laughing. “When we first moved here we didn’t know a soul. I’d been homebrewing for years and I figured the best way to make friends was to find people who were interested in what I was.” She admits that in a beer town like La Crosse, it seemed odd that there was no brew club. So, she started LAGERS in 2005. At first, it was five or six folks hanging out and talking about brewing. After a few years, the group became more organized, elected officers, and grew into what it is today, a club of nearly 30 duespaying members (and some non-members) who meet twice monthly to sample each other’s craft, talk shop and enjoy the camaraderie. She says support from the Bodega and the Root Note, where they hold their meetings, has been wonderful. The club enjoys pub crawls, barbeques, education-based programs and other activities as well. But, the biggest event happens every April, when club members help out with Between the Bluffs, an annual beer, wine and cheese festival held at the South Side Oktoberfest Grounds. The festival has included a homebrew contest for some years. The LAGERS club helps with entries, judging, and selecting winners. I reckoned there was an art to brewing, and Jen assured me with zeal that there most certainly is … and a science. She argues, not surprisingly, that beer is far more complex to the taste buds than wine. “With grain, yeast and hops you can get an amazing array of flavors,” she tells me. Over the years of homebrewing and judging beers, she says she’s really developed an appreciation for different flavors and styles. We navigated through our conversation discussing India pale ales, German lagers, stouts, cream ales, Mexican cervezas, fruit beers, doppelbocks, weird brews … all of it quite fascinating.
I was then invited to the club’s next get-together at Bodega, and that meant one important thing … sampling a bunch of great, crafted beers. Exhausting work, this assignment. Despite a driving rain, about a dozen members attended, and
they made me welcome. Most brought a bottle of something they had recently brewed, along with their passion for the craft. And, all I can say is … wow. What an astonishing variety of flavors. Each small sample was something new and distinctive. Brewer Lee Weis may have furnished the most unique, his Hawaiian Witbier, brewed with pineapple and coconut. “You get the pineapple aroma on the front end and the coconut on the tongue, and then you finish off with the pineapple again,” he says. It was a stunning concoction. When asked about why he is passionate about brewing, Matt Lorfeld admits, “Because it’s easy … and it’s cheap.” You can’t be more straight-talking than that. In fact, Lee even chimed in saying, “Can you make mac and cheese? If you can do that, you can brew.” Okay, sure, you can buy malt extracts … barley syrups from a supply store, follow a recipe and brew away, but the passion seems to be in understanding which varieties of grain, hops and yeast in combination will produce which results, and that’s where the art and science come in. Everyone I talked with seemed fascinated with the limitlessness of it. Most who stick with it leave extract brewing behind and move to all-grain brewing, a method that begins with the malted grain itself, and many get adventurous with their creations. Still, not everyone is into trailblazing. Brewer Anne Hletko admits she leaves the complicated and daring experimentation to members like Bryce Dvorak, an accomplished brewer who
22 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
has been with the LAGERS since the very first meeting in 2005. Though the two of them differ a little on how they approach their craft, both do it for the same reason: They simply love it, and that seems to be the common thread in the club. Perhaps my favorite quip of the night was when someone said to me with a smile, “I knew I was onto something when I made my first beer that was better than what you could buy.” What a great night. I learned so much and I have to admit … it’s got me thinking about giving brewing a try. I knew this would be a dangerous mission.
How to get involved: Got brewing in your blood? LAGERS meets twice monthly.
Meetings open to anyone are held at the Bodega on the first Tuesday of every month, and attending one is certainly the best way to check things out. Member-only meetings are held at the Root Note on the third Wednesday of every month. You can also check out their Facebook page: La Crosse LAGERS Although it is a closed group, you can ask to join.
food & drink
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Mixology 101:
DIY
TASTE YOURBUDS
IT ISN’T THAT HARD, RIGHT?
Summer Sangria This DIY concoction is a summer favorite of mine (or yearround if we are being honest) and comes from our friends in Spain. With only a few necesby Casey Kulinski sary ingredients, the versatility of sangria is dependent on only your mood and the contents of your fridge, which makes this drink a huge hit for almost everyone. The more creative you are with it, the better it is! There are many different types of sangria you can make by using red wine, white wine, or sparkling wine/Champagne. The following DIY is for a basic red wine sangria, but remember, these are merely guidelines, not rules, so feel free to add your own favorites to the mix.
“Sam and Alicia Gorski serving up suds and smiles at the Bodega” Photo: Bob Good
Step One:
Grab a bottle of your favorite red wine and pour it into a punch bowl. Use a cabernet, merlot, shiraz or zinfandel. Any red wine will work, but don’t use a really expensive bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion. We are more worried about having a good base for the mix here. You will be adding ingredients that will alter the flavor anyway.
Women Only BOXING
Step Two:
Add a few shots of your favorite liquor to the mixture for some extra kick. Some popular options are brandy (most common), Grand Marnier, berry or fruit liqueur, and flavored schnapps or vodka.
Step Three:
Cut up some of your favorite seasonal fruits and add them to the mixture. Most recipes start with lemons, limes or oranges. For something more summery, try adding some pineapple, mangoes, strawberries or berries. If you would like to make it even sweeter, you may also want to add a couple tablespoons of sugar. This is your creation. You really can’t go wrong!
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Step Four:
Let the mixture soak for up to eight hours in the fridge. This will give the fruit and alcohol time to meld together and make a refreshing and delicious blend that will tickle your taste buds. If you need to serve the sangria immediately, pour the mixture over ice and serve chilled. Before serving, you can also add a can of seltzer water or ginger ale if you would like some fizz.
Step Five:
The easiest step of them all - enjoy!
Happy mixing my friends. J
King on 5th Lower Level
Downtown La Crosse Send your DIY to casey@muellermediacorp.com
769-0476
(608)
Do you have a DIY you would like to share or see in future issues?
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
23
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“Rock legends ZZ Top at the La Crosse Center” Photo: Bob Good
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 “Cole Swindell plays to a sold-out show at the La Crosse Center” Photo: Bob Good
24 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
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PET CENTER KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
25
health & fitness YIELD AND OVERCOME Tai chi heals and empowers.
Article: Andrea Culletto
ss wellne MIND, BODY
A
n ancient Chinese sage sat high on Wudang Mountain watching a crane and a snake locked in battle. The crane drove his beak down on the snake with mighty force. The snake expertly evaded each thrust, following with strategic tail whips and bites. The ancient sage was fascinated. The crane, being larger and stronger, should have vanquished the snake easily, but the snake used the crane’s own force against it. From this encounter, the idea of tai chi (TYCHEE) was born. Of course, tai chi’s true origins are shrouded in the mists of time. We do know, however, that the guiding principle of tai chi seems to come from the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Taoist sacred text which extols, “Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight.” This duality is manifested through the practice of tai chi. Bernice Olson-Pollack, a La Crossebased sun-style tai chi instructor, explains that tai chi is an “embodiment of both Yin and Yang,” two equal opposites combining to make one perfect whole: night and day, male and female. Although originally developed as a form of self-defense, tai chi emphasizes internal force over the extreme force used in other martial arts practices. It utilizes softness to overcome, through yielding. The result is an accessible form of exercise which OlsonPollack describes as “slow, gentle,
FOR &SOLE
swaying movements, deep breathing and mental focus.” She explains that these factors “all contribute to relieving tension, improving joint mobility and balance.” She says, “Practicing tai chi quiets my mind and grounds me both physically and emotionally. The soft, dance-like movements are very soothing. Tai chi is ‘meditation in motion’ for me.” Tai chi has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, in addition to improving energy, stamina, balance, agility, flexibility, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and definition. A NCCIHfunded study from 2007 found a positive correlation between practicing tai chi and an enhanced immune system. The practice has also been found to improve quality of life and ability to function in breast cancer and HIV patients. Other studies have found tai chi to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure. “Chi refers to our energy, vitality or life force,” says Olson-Pollack. “In Chinese medicine, it is believed that pain and sickness happen when the flow of chi is blocked. When this life force energy (chi) is moving through the body freely, illness will be better managed.” These positive health benefits have made tai chi increasingly popular in the United States. According to the 2007 National Health Survey, approximately 2.3 million American adults had practiced tai chi in the preceding year. Lamont McPheron, a La Crosse area tai chi instructor, counselor and author, has experienced the positive ef-
26 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
fects firsthand. “I discovered tai chi 23 years ago when I was suffering from college rugby injuries. Tai chi healed my shoulders and knee,” he says.
Local Resources:
Lee Harwell, a long time practitioner and tai chi instructor, has also benefited. “I used to have back strain a couple times each year, but I haven’t had one since I started practicing.”
Lee Harwell teaches tai chi at the Myrick Park Center. For information, call 608-789-8690 or visit cityoflacrosse.org/parks.
McPheron views tai chi as “the number one way to heal our joints and stay healthy.” In addition, it is “a way of being in harmony with nature and the universe. It teaches us how to move optimally as a human in this world. It also gives us tools to handle the stress of daily life, from the grocery store line to dealing with negative people. It is an excellent way to stay vital.”
Harwell also offers free tai chi instruction at 2 p.m. on Sundays at La Crosse’s Riverside Park.
To Lee Harwell, the beauty of tai chi is that anyone can do it, from serious athletes to those with severe medical problems. At any level, it is a remarkably effective practice. “I’m 68 years old now, but because of tai chi, I could beat up the person I was 10 years ago!” Harwell laughs. Then, he explains seriously, “Tai chi has given me a deeper level of calmness. I’ve observed that the more relaxed and fluid you become, the faster you are.” Doubtless, the ancient Chinese sage himself would agree.
Speaking of improving your life, check this www.klutchchronicle.com and then a little more improvement...
Lamont McPheron MS LPCT offers tai chi instruction at noon on Thursdays at the People’s Co-op, for the cost of a donation. For more information on his work, check out “The Mindfulness Handbook,” and to contact him, visit mindfulnessformentalhealth.com. Bernice Olson-Pollack offers six-week sun-style tai chi sessions at La Crosse’s Franciscan Spirituality Center. Contact the Franciscan Spirituality Center for details and to register at 608-791-5295.
Article Resources: www.dotaichi.com/articles/ historyoftaichi.htm www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/ stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/ art-20045184 https://nccih.nih.gov/health/taichi/ introduction.htm
volunteer
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helpin
BETTERMENT OF OUR FORCOMMUNITY
RENEW LA CROSSE
Working together to make the neighborhood an even better place to live, work and play.
about seeing the results of a communitywide effort, slowly but surely aiding in the transformation of a neighborhood. Article: Jason Larsen
ReNEW La Crosse is about creating better neighborhoods, one volunteer-day at a time. ReNEW La Crosse engages neighbors, nonprofits, churches, businesses and the city itself. All work together to strengthen and beautify our neighborhoods. Volunteers engage in numerous activities including home rehab and repairs, painting, new construction, weatherization and helping homeowners update their landscaping to increase curb appeal. Whether your skill level is high or low, there’s plenty of work to do and plenty of like-minded volunteers to work with. At last year’s event, the day started with a check-in and donuts. A group of us worked on projects ranging from a little touch-up paint to replacing a header and top plate on a south-side garage. It’s an ideal volunteer opportunity. I didn’t know anyone from my crew going in — a half-hour later we were a tight-knit group and well-oiled machine using Sawzalls, crowbars and the like to remove parts of a structure. This is a picture of a Sawzall:
GET INVOLVED
HERE’S
Two of my favorite things about volunteering are meeting new people and having a sense of accomplishment. This volunteer opportunity promises both. There’s something to be said about seeing the results of your work; there’s much more to be said
ReNEW is one of La Crosse’s many great partnerships that make the city an even better place to live, work and play. You can sign up all by your lonesome, as I did, or you can sign up as part of a group. When you sign up you’ll get to dial in what you’d like to do based on your skillset and desire as well. Details on signing up are below. Join ReNEW La Crosse Neighborhoods for the opening day event on May 2 or our closing day event June 6 as we partner with the residents of Powell-Poage-Hamilton and Washburn neighborhoods! Together we can help with the revitalization and beautification of two of La Crosse’s oldest neighborhoods. A helping hand to your neighbors will not only strengthen a city, but also empower community growth. Volunteer opportunities may include: painting, carpentry, gardening/landscaping, small building projects, yard clean-up, and graffiti clean-up. * No experience required! Visit www.renewlacrosse.org to sign up. For more information, contact Amanda F. at 608-785-2373 ext. 7003 or at volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org.
Large Volunteer Events Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 6 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Want to volunteer? Here’s some great ways to make a difference!
WHAT 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 COUNCIL ON ADDICTIONS The Coulee Council on Addictions provides confidential assistance, education and services to the community at large, families and individuals impacted by addictions. Together we make a difference! Pay it forward by volunteering at Coulee Council. We have many opportunities to be of service, like helping to plan and organize special events such as our Home Run 5K and Fun Run Walk on August 1. Volunteering in our drop-in center provides an opportunity to meet new people and have fun in a substance-free environment. Get connected and be a part of the recovery community. Call us at 608-7844177 for a volunteer application. 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 Marcia Bentley at mbentley@fspa.org or 608-791-5603. More information about FSC at FSCenter.org.
animal transportation. Must be 16 years of age. 523 S Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN. 507-895-2066; www.lacrescentanimalrescue.blogspot. com.
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.
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.
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 ext.1604. 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.
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 608-782-6003 or email info@waferlacrosse.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.
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.
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!
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! 608-7822494; staff@wiscorps.org; www.wiscorps.org.
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
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. KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
27
sup IN THE COULEE REGION (WHAT’S UP)
Local events calendar for May 2015 MAY 1 (F)
ARTS: FIRST FRIDAY MEET AND GREET 6-8 pm @ Gallery La Crosse in downtown La Crosse. Free. Casual artists’ reception. MUSIC: 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. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GRANDAD HALF MARATHON Enjoy the fabulous scenery and must-see landmarks of the Coulee Region! This two-day celebration gives area residents and visitors from across the country an opportunity to enjoy active, aerobic outdoor events amid the breathtaking natural beauty of Grandad Bluff and the Mississippi River Valley. For more information, visit http:// festivalfoodsgrandadhalf.com. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6:30 am @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
MAY 2 (SA)
MAY 4 (M)
FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ Main La Crosse Public Library Free, and popcorn provided. See www. lacrosselibrary.org for movie listings. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MAY 5 (T)
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: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea. MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MAY 6 (W)
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.
COMMUNITY: NORSKEDALEN’S MAY MEMBERSHIP MADNESS All day @ Norskedalen in Westby Free admission to Norskedalen!
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua. Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
COMMUNITY: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 10 am-1 pm. A wide variety of vendors offer fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other foods, crafts and more.
MAY 7 (TH)
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GRANDAD HALF MARATHON Enjoy the fabulous scenery and must-see landmarks of the Coulee Region! This two-day celebration gives area residents and visitors from across the country an opportunity to enjoy active, aerobic outdoor events amid the breathtaking natural beauty of Grandad Bluff and the Mississippi River Valley. For more information, visit http://festivalfoodsgrandadhalf.com.
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: BARLEY BROTHERS BEERS AND GEARS RIDE 6 pm @ Onalaska Library Free. 20-25 mile bicycle ride with one or two beverage stops and dinner at Pogreba. Helmets required. For more info, see www.facebook.com/ pages/Barley-Brothers/. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
MAY 8 (F)
MAY 3 (SU)
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6:30 am @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free.
COMMUNITY: MAY FAIR 10 am-3 pm @ West Salem High School Free. Featuring a fine art and fine craft fair, Big Boar BBQ, entertainment by local youth, free art activities for children, silent auction and concessions.
MUSIC: 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.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: STREET DRAG RACING 6-10 pm at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway General admission: $7.
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28 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
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. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
MAY 9 (SA)
COMMUNITY: WHO WILL BE SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? 10 am-12 pm @ Valley View Mall in Onalaska Free; donations encouraged to help your “contestant” and school “make the grade.” COMMUNITY: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 10 am-1 pm. A wide variety of vendors offer fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other foods, crafts and more. FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12 pm-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS & OUTDOORS: RIVER TO RIDGE 5-MILE RUN WALK This route is engulfed in nature’s beauty! The trek starts at the Mississippi River in Riverside Park, winds through the La Crosse River Marsh trails, and leads to a lush, green view of the Mississippi River Valley from Hixon Forest’s bluff top. There will be awards for top finishers and a grill-out celebration with live music! Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System. Benefiting WisCorps. For more information, visit www.WisCorps.org. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: 23RD ANNUAL HIP BREAKER BICYCLE TOUR 9 am @ The Historic Trempealeau Hotel and Restaurant. Free event and no registration required! THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ Main La Crosse Public Library Free, and popcorn provided. See www. lacrosselibrary.org for movie listings. 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. MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MAY 13 (W)
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. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
MAY 14 (TH)
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: BARLEY BROTHERS BEERS AND GEARS RIDE 6 pm @ Onalaska Library Free. 20-25 mile bicycle ride with one or two beverage stops and dinner at Pogreba. Helmets required. For more info, see www.facebook.com/ pages/Barley-Brothers/. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
MAY 10 (SU)
MAY 15 (F)
MAY 11 (M)
MUSIC: 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: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 2 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed
COMMUNITY: WESTBY SYTTENDE MAI All day in Westby. For more information, see http:// westbysyttendemai.com/.
eat things so many gr u need to yo to do, but re... do one mo
follow us! SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6:30 am @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
MAY 16 (SA)
COMMUNITY: WESTBY SYTTENDE MAI All day in Westby. For more information, see http:// westbysyttendemai.com/. COMMUNITY: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 10 am-1 pm. A wide variety of vendors offer fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other foods, crafts and more. FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: HEARTMATH COURSE 9 am-5:30 pm @ Ethereal Gateless Barrier (402 Copeland Ave, La Crosse). Limited seating, contact Elizabeth Smith at 319-378-1293.
MAY 20 (W)
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.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
MAY 21 (TH)
MAY 28 (TH)
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: BARLEY BROTHERS BEERS AND GEARS RIDE 6 pm @ Onalaska Library Free. 20-25 mile bicycle ride with one or two beverage stops and dinner at Pogreba. Helmets required. For more info, see www.facebook.com/ pages/Barley-Brothers/.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: MOONLIGHT BOWLING 7:30 pm @ All Star Lanes in La Crosse Cost: $5 for three games and free shoes.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
MAY 29 (F)
MAY 22 (F)
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6:30 am @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free.
MUSIC: 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. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6:30 am @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
COMMUNITY: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 10 am-1 pm. A wide variety of vendors offer fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other foods, crafts and more.
COMMUNITY: WESTBY SYTTENDE MAI All day in Westby. For more information, see http://westbysyttendemai.com/. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 2 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org. DIY: PAINT & POUR, VINCENT VAN GOGH’S “SUNFLOWERS” 1-3 pm @ the Pump House in La Crosse $35, call 608-785-1434 to pre-register.
MAY 18 (M)
DIY: PAINT & POUR, “BAMBOO-ZLED” 7-9:30 pm @ the Pump House in La Crosse $35, call 608-785-1434 to pre-register. FILM SCREENING: MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 6-8 pm @ Main La Crosse Public Library Free, and popcorn provided. See www. lacrosselibrary.org for movie listings. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MAY 19 (T)
MAY 23 (SA)
FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: NASCAR RACING - BUCK NIGHT! 7:30-10 pm @ La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway General admission: $12. All concession items $1, beer is $2. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
MUSIC: 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.
MAY 30 (SA)
COMMUNITY: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 10 am-1 pm. A wide variety of vendors offer fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, other foods, crafts and more. FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: TROMP AND CHOMP TRAIL RUN 9 am @ Kickapoo Valley Reserve near La Farge, WI Cost: $35-$55 depending on registration date. For more information, visit http://kvr.state.wi.us/. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: NASCAR RACING 7:30-10 pm @ La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway General admission: $13.
HAL 9000 suggests you visit Klutch online, soon. klutchchronicle.com
MAY 25 (M)
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: GROUP RUN 6 pm @ Grand Bluff Running in downtown La Crosse. Free. SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: 17TH ANNUAL WALK MS 9 am-2 pm @ the La Crosse Center, South Hall Cost varies; register at www.WalkWisconsinMS.org or 800-242-3358. TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MAY 26 (T)
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: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ the Root Note in La Crosse. Free.
DOWNTOWN WALK AROUND May 1-June 5. This event is a downtown discovery and walking challenge. Participate by obtaining a Downtown Walk-Around card and visiting each business to receive a stamp and qualify for great prizes. For more information, check out www.lacrossedowntown.com. NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK Celebrate with events hosted by Options Clinic in your La Crosse community. SUN: Mother’s Day Brunch @ Pogreba’s, 9 am-1 pm MON: FREE Mammograms and Skin Cancer Screenings @ Options Clinic, 8 am-4 pm TUES: FREE Yoga in the Street @ Old Towne North, 5:30-6:30 pm WED: Bingo for Women’s Health @ Dewey’s Side Street Saloon, 6-9 pm THURS: Wine for Women’s Health @ Pettibone Resort, 5:30-8:30 pm FRI: “Birth Control and So Much More” presented by Dr. Robert A. Hatcher @ Best Western, 8:30-11:30 am. For more info: www.optionsclinic.org. SEVEN DAYS IN LA CROSSE: PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK PROJECT This is a chance for amateur photographers in the city to capture a snapshot of life in La Crosse during a single week so that future generations will know what life in our city was like in 2015. Photographers may take their photos in the city of La Crosse during the week of May 11-17 and submit them for publication in a limited edition photo book that will be available for check-out in the library with a copy being added to the Archives & Local History Department’s collection for historical preservation. For more information, contact Archives@lacrosselibrary. org.
MAY 27-JULY 18
EXHIBITS AT THE PUMP HOUSE RIVER SOJOURN BY SARA LUBINSKI In this series of landscapes, Lubinski shows the diversity and beauty of the Driftless Region, while using personal experiences and observations made on hikes throughout the Mississippi River blufflands. ICE: AMBIGUOUS CLARITY BY LEE JACKSON Jackson photographs abstract images found in nature to evoke a feeling of mysterious familiarity.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 2 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
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.
MAY 1-JUNE 5
MAY 11-17
MAY 24 (SU)
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.
ONGOING EVENTS
MAY 10-16
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. BYOB.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: BARLEY BROTHERS BEERS AND GEARS RIDE 6 pm @ Onalaska Library Free. 20-25 mile bicycle ride with one or two beverage stops and dinner at Pogreba. Helmets required. For more info, see www.facebook.com/ pages/Barley-Brothers/.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center in La Crosse Tickets: $26 adult, $22 matinee, $15 for students at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
MAY 17 (SU)
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.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: LAUGHTER CIRCLE SOCIAL CLUB 7-8 pm @ The Ark in Viroqua Cost: $2 per person, this class features laughter as exercise.
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS: ROOT RIVER TRIATHLON 8:30 am @ the Houston Nature Center in Houston, MN. Cost varies depending on need for canoe rental. This is the “doable” triathlon. Canoe 6.8 miles, bike 7.9 miles and top it off with a 3-mile run. For more info, see http://www.rootrivertriathlon.org/.
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 7:30 pm @ The Muse Theatre in La Crosse Tickets: $24 or $12 for students available at http:// themusetheatrelacrosse.brownpapertickets.com/.
MAY 27 (W)
KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
29
BLUFFS, BUTTES, AND CULTURES BY JACK FLEIG Fleig is a sculptor that combines landscapes with symbols from ancient cultures to evoke a sense of lasting harmony.
SATURDAYS
ANYTIME FITNESS LA CROSSE PRESENTS FREE WORKOUT SATURDAYS IN MAY. Everyone is welcome to take a bootcamp class May 2 at Cameron Park or May 9-30 at Riverside Park. Grab a friend and sign up at anytimefitness.com.
from a New Angle.
flip side
Information It’s Just Facebook, First of all, your husband is right in saying that “the Internet is one huge dating vehicle.” People are meeting, hooking up, and breaking up all over the Internet with a vast audience of people; however, my response to him would be, “What does that have to do with the price of beans?” All my exes live … on Facebook? There is no written rule that all breakups are created equal. Not everyone leaves their past relationships with hate or permanent deletion. In fact, I admire people who are able to look at a breakup objectively and move on. But what we are talking about here is not a friendship where you and your exes are going out for coffee, but rather a trivial “Facebook friendship,” which, let’s be honest, means little more than the fact that you didn’t click the “unfriend” button. My question to your husband would be, “What would deleting this person(s) from my Facebook page really change?” You can’t be quarantined from all of your exes, and you shouldn’t have to be in order for your marriage to work. Your husband needs to focus more energy on the great marriage he has right in front of him. Before I go any further, let me say this: If you are chatting with and keeping tabs on old boyfriends, STOP! That would make even the most balanced person question your motives. That being said, it sounds like Facebook is nothing more than a smokescreen for his jealousy. If it wasn’t Facebook, surely it would be something else. Let me be 100 percent clear: There is NOTHING you can do about someone else’s jealousy issues. Jealousy is directly linked to selfesteem, and you have zero control over how someone feels about their own “self.” As you have already discovered, even if you appease their jealousy and say … delete your entire Facebook page, the jealousy will find another reason to manifest. It is like a virus. If one host dies, the virus will easily find and infect another. So, what can you do? Identify the true source of the jealousy and anger, if you haven’t done so already (and I am sure you have). You owe it to your husband and your marriage to try everything you possibly can. Exhaust every option to figure out when and why the trust was lost, and to help build the trust in your relationship. Counseling is a great start and I applaud you for doing what many others are too proud or embarrassed to endure. On the other side of the coin, he owes you the same. Relationships are quintessential two-way streets. As long as you both are being open, honest, and showing willingness to work on it (and on yourselves), there is always hope. You also have to bear in mind that there is no guaranteed future in any relationship, and you have to be willing to accept that. It is a job, the epitome of at-will employment, and anyone can be fired at any time. My final piece of advice is this: Jealousy is a toxin that degrades the essential fibers of trust that keep a relationship woven together. Find out if this is a road-bump or a black hole, act accordingly and remember: At the end of the day, we are ALL in charge of our own happiness. Above all else, stay happy and stay healthy. Liv Need Advice? Email Liv at info@muellermediacorp.com and skip that $250 therapy session.
on the
Dear Liv, I really don’t know what to do. My husband doesn’t like that I have a couple guys I dated years ago as Facebook friends. Actually, he doesn’t like that there are any men on my Facebook account. I don’t even talk to these people but he says that I watch what these people are doing online and that the internet is just one big dating vehicle. I’ve tried talking to him about this and when we sought counseling for his anger, the entire hour was spent talking about Facebook. I even closed my account for awhile to appease him. He was still jealous about all of this. Now what? From, It’s Just Facebook!
ENDER’S TALE: PART PATHETIC BART M TWO E AN (Continued from Klutch Chronicle Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2015)
By: Briana Rupel
W
ith the Midwestern sun rising warmly upon my balcony, I was cradling a fresh mug of black coffee when my Nokia buzzed unexpectedly. I picked up the strange number from Chicago with trepidation. “Yeah, hi,” a gentleman’s unsure voice began. “Um, sorry for bothering you, but I think my daughter called me from your phone last night ...?” My chest tightened while he paused: “Is she ... okay?” I had not stopped thinking about the events from the night before. In fact, I had lost sleep over it, scribbling every detail down in my journal until I finally crashed with the notebook splayed across my chest. After their fight, Michelle’s companion had sped off into the night in his boat, leaving her at my bar with nothing except an ID saying she was old enough to drink. As I offered more water, she demanded more vodka. I knew that was the last thing she needed. “Bri!” Catching my hesitation, my boss, Bill, bellowed at me from across the bar with a beer already in his hand. “Get her whatever she wants, I’m buyin’.” I turned my back to him and ducked a rocks glass underneath the bar, filling it with ice cubes and water. When I sat it in front of Michelle, she was none the wiser and tipped it back dramatically like the elixir was her only cure. She wiped her mouth triumphantly. “Now that’s the good stuff,” she sighed, not even realizing I had tricked her. “Is there someone you could call?” I asked, digging my phone out of my pocket. She shrugged hopefully and started mashing numbers and leaving messages as I helped other customers. With the restaurant closing down, and no apparent help on the other end of the phone, the only thing that made sense was to let her tag along up the road with us to our favorite townie bar, where the service industry people always gathered until the wee hours of the morning to tip back cocktails after their shifts. I was sipping a Malibu and Diet Coke, swapping stories of the night with some of the other girls when I spotted Michelle and my boss wrapped up in each other, making out heavily down at the other end of the bar. “Hey,” I interrupted my co-worker with a backhanded tap to the shoulder and nodded my head in their
30 May, 2015 // KlutchChronicle.com
direction. She turned around to see what was going on and rolled her eyes as she spun around back to me. “Gross,” she deadpanned. “He does that s**t all the time. You know the worst part? He tells his wife he’s out with the guys.” They were nowhere to be found the next time I looked up to scan the crowd. But what could I have done, insisted that she stay at my place? I heard my mom’s voice in my head telling me I can’t be so trusting of strangers. But as I waited for my cab, I wrestled with myself over whether or not I could’ve done anything differently. I told myself she was a grown woman and could make her own decisions, but I still felt this innate pull to watch over a fellow female. For my own sanity, I had to make the decision to let it go; the situation was out of my hands. Not that it made it any easier to find the words to put a worrying father at ease the next morning. “Well,” I began, trying to pick my words carefully, “she had a few too many drinks and got separated from her boyfriend.” I had to lie; I told him that a co-worker had let Michelle crash at her place and that I was sure she’d get everything worked out when she woke up. When I got to work that afternoon, my sleazeball boss was regaling an unimpressed kitchen crew with how he took this chick to a hotel and snuck out that morning before she woke up, leaving just enough cash on the nightstand to cover the cost of the room. I put in my twoweeks at the end of my shift. Over a decade and countless bartending gigs later, I’m still surprised at how a job I thought solely involved slinging some drinks would end up tugging at my empathetic soul on hundreds of occasions. On my watch, I’ve experienced everything from having to call the cops on a customer threatening suicide, to physically yanking the keys out of a guy’s clutched hand as he sat in the driver’s seat trying to figure out how to insert them into the ignition. I do my best to listen to my intuition when a difficult situation arises, and sometimes that means I lie in bed wondering if I made the right call. Some of us can walk home after a shift and leave it all trapped behind locked doors, while some of us scan the obituaries when a regular doesn’t come in for weeks at a time. Some in the industry might think caring so much is naive, but I’ve learned to embrace the empathy. After all, this world could stand to see a little more of it anyway.
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www.optionsclinic.org
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KlutchChronicle.com \\ May, 2015
31
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