volume 1, Issue 3
November 2014
The Shopping Local Initiative - Go local or Go Home. Mid west Music Fest - Great for your ears. Great for our community. Our Hiking Heritage - Get your Muir On!
30 Days for Set$30 your roots and GROW with us! This is more than a yoga studio, it’s a community where we empower each other to move our bodies, explore our minds, and connect with our true nature. We offer a variety of yoga classes that will help you develop or deepen your practice. Root Down Yoga is La Crosse’s only hot yoga studio offering Power Vinyasa yoga in the tradition of Baron Baptiste – a style of yoga that is accessible to everyone regardless of age, ability, or experience. Power Vinyasa • Yin Yoga • Absolute Beginner’s Class Guided Meditation • Prenatal • Yoga Nidra
Join us in Tulum, Mexico for a beach and yoga retreat Jan. 17-24, 2015 1217 Caledonia St., Suite A, La Crosse, WI 54603 Phone 608-519-2467 • www.rootdownyogastudio.com
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November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
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So much more than just a wine bar! martinis • cocktails • beer burgers • appetizers live! music on most Weekends now serving sushi on Friday and saturday nights! downtown Historic Viroqua 120 south main street • Viroqua, Wi 54665 (608) 637-3031 • www.tangledhickory.com
THE GiFT iS JUST THE GIFT CARD BEGiNNiNG. La Cross e Area Fa mily YM CA
Give a gift that’s really valuable to someone’s health.
This holiday season, treat yourself or someone you love with a Y gift card, good for a wide variety of our programs. Here are a few popular gift ideas: • Adult and Youth Program classes • Youth, Family and Adult Memberships • Personal Training or Massage Therapy • And so much more! LA CRoSSE AREA FAMiLY YMCA YMCA-LA CRoSSE BRANCH 1140 Main Street, La Crosse
YMCA-NoRTH BRANCH
400 Mason Street, Onalaska
608 782 9622 www.LAxYMCA.oRG
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*Present this pass to the Member Services Desk at time of visit. Anyone 18+ must present photo I.D. at time of use. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One coupon per visit, per household, per a month. Expires 12/30/14 CoDE: CoUPoN
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EDITOR’S NOTE Casey Kulinski As it gets chillier and everyone breaks out their fall garb complete with boots, scarves and sweaters - I am once again amazed at the beauty we have here in the Coulee Region. Watching the leaves change, picking pumpkins, and drinking apple cider are just a few of my favorite activities this time of year. Another thing starts coming to mind around this time of year: the holidays. This issue features a spread on the shopping local initiative, not just for the holidays, but year-round. We included some shopping local tips, unique gift ideas from around the region, and a whole page of great options for your holiday gifts this year! I encourage you all to take a trip to one of our many awesome local establishments and support our economy here in the area. We live in such a beautiful and vibrant area thanks to all those who continue to support our local businesses, and we think that’s pretty Klutch! Till next time, friends!
CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE COULEE REGION ISSUE NO. 3 // NOVEMBER, 2014 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!
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A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
OFFICES: 3120 South Ave La Crosse WI 54601
Michelle L. Jerome I finally started commuting by bike into La Crosse from Onalaska like I used to. For those of us that have this luxury available, we savor it. I catch part of the Great River State Trail, cut through the Industrial Park, and clip through the 3 Rivers Trail the rest of the way in. The La Crosse River Marsh is alive with the calls of geese and ducks at dawn and frogs at dusk. At daybreak, our bluffs are embraced by misty clouds while the sun glistens across the leaf tips of the wetlands. I watch for vehicles when I’m on roads, but the hustle of those moments is lost in the serenity of the rest of my ride. With my busy lifestyle, these rides bring clarity and peace. I want you to give it a try, to share this peace with the rest of us commuters. We have a unique opportunity with the mix of nature and modernity in our community, so get at it!
PHONE: 608-796-8780 EMAIL: info@muellermediacorp.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/klutchchronicle www.klutchchronicle.com
THE KLUTCH CREW: ARTWORK ON THE COVER “The Judge” Acrylic on canvas. by Raina Thelen Sometimes the most beautiful creatures are the most dangerous. ‘The Judge’ portrays a fantasy bird perched on the skull of his captor, clutching his most coveted treasure. “I had thought awhile about combining an owl and peacock, my two favorite birds, but it came to life one day with a pencil and piece of scrap paper, and I knew I had to paint it. As for the name, it’s all in the eyes! The message is simply that there is a steep price to be paid for caging what is meant to be wild and free.”
inside
Fine art gicleés printed locally at River City Art Prints are available for sale through the artist at rainafire.music@gmail.com. Originalsize prints are available for $110 and 11”x14” prints for $50. About the artist: Raina is a musician, painter, writer and actress. Her musical project RainAfire (symphonic hard rock) is signed to Zerobudget Records with a debut album launching in mid-2015. She is the owner of Blue LobStar Entertainment, a local theatre arts production company, and has appeared on several local stages. Please find her online at facebook.com/rainafire.music.
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Klutch Live What’s Up
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Hometown Headlines The Scoop on our region
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Family What’s most important
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Food & Drink Down the hatch
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Volunteer Do onto others...
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Klutch Calendar Coming down the pipe
m or e. ..
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Technology Geeks unite
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A&E A monthly dose of culture
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Health and Fitness Taking care of you
9 Attraction of the Month 10 Meet & Cheese 12 The Word from City Hall 12 WTF? Stories 14 Shop Local 17 Drink of the Month 19 App Review 24 Tunes 30 On the Flip Side
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November, 2014 // 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: Lee Worrell, Rachel Albrechtson, Jenna Walker Copy Editor: Susan Miller Photographers: Bruce Defries, Jenna Walker Distribution: Citywide Marketing Services Advertising Info: You know you want to be seen in Klutch! Contact us by email or call 608-796-8780 for more information on rates, distribution, and sizes. Contributor/Submissions: Please submit art and writing samples for our submissions pages at http://klutchchronicle.com/writing-art-submissions/. Interested in contributing to Klutch? Please contact info@muellermediacorp.com Internships/Jobs: Internships are available at Klutch! Check us out and apply at klutchchronicle.com
www.klutchchronicle.com
MUSINGS OF
AN EX-PAT
See great reasons to shop locally throughout this issue of Klutch! Just look for the shopping bags. Be sure to check out the Shop Local feature on pages 14-16.
I
was walking to find a pickup game of basketball last Saturday morning. After shooting buckets and hoping for a miracle appearance of enough guys to play full court at my local spot, I ventured up to a more popular and gym-like court. Glass backboards, single rim, yada, yada. (By the way, the Logan hoops are criminally underused and pretty accessible by bike path.) It was warming up a little past noon, and I was headed toward a sports smorgasbord. Walk with me, because it’s what I saw on my journey that was my inspiration for this month’s piece. Not as much luck for my hope to have a good game of 3 on 3. As I traversed the park I saw a wide variety of sports. The familiar lawn chair and red cooler littered around a girls soccer game were rather run of the mill. However, the collection of men playing cricket was quite entrancing. The speed of the pitch, the ferocity of the batter’s attack, the scramble of the play on the field … alas, I am not under some delusion that enough people will spring up around the idea of starting a cricket league in La Crosse. Honestly, despite having traveled to India and England and watched a few matches, you and I are about a Google search away from being equally informed about it. What I saw next really did catch my eye. To the right of the sand volleyball courts, as I passed a couple walking their dog in the park, I came upon something that seemed familiar. I was watching what seemed like young women and men in their early 20s, decked in what looked like rugby club shirts. But no, there were no scrims to speak of as I watched the match unfold. No mere game of touch football or ultimate frisbee had me so entranced. I struggled to make sense of the game, but it was like I was under a spell. It was soon revealed to me in prophecy. This is a sport I have read about, but never seen any physical manifestation of, either televised or live. Quidditch! Yes folks, you read that correctly: the famed sport of the Harry Potter series has taken such deep root in our culture that there are people organizing and playing it at the college level. Unfortunately (and to my immediate dismay), there are no physicsdefying acts, and the “Golden Snitch” seems easier to catch than in Harry’s version, but otherwise it is true to its roots and the fervor with which these Potterites play. The game winds up playing as a more aerial lacrosse or field hockey, which provides for some interesting athletics and reminds me of a rather odd game our middle school gym teacher made up to fit the limits and equipment we had. So listen up students, faculty, and enthusiasts! My modest proposal is that La Crosse get at least one quidditch team together; I am certain that with two universities and an esteemed tech school all bursting with a generation that grew up with Ron, Luna, Neville, Hermione and Harry, people would be begging to be a part of this fun, challenging and fantastic sport. I would love to see the day where both universities acknowledge the wizard-born who have filtered into their centers for higher learning and brandish their batons at some “Bludgers.” The La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department has overseen some wonderful improvements in recent years. Adding quidditch would be a notable achievement, maybe even unique and marketable as the sport gains traction. So, La Crosse students, young people, and anyone who is not 100 percent Muggle: the task to make this a reality lies with you. I salute you members of Dumbledore’s Army, march on! - By Blake Auler-Murphy
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: $1.20 Burgers and $.50 Wings THURSDAY: Steak Night FRIDAY: Prime Rib and Fish SATURDAY: Prime Rib
The Big Flame lights up the dark at the Torchlight parade. Photo: Bob Good
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november th a
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Come on down for a night at JavaVino with us! Bring your coupon for a FREE glass of House Wine or bottle of beer and hang with our awesome staff!
P la c e s •
We’d your love to get first drink !!
FREE
f o s s a l G e n i W e Hous or r e e B f o Bottle On November 15th, 2014 during the Klutch Live event at JavaVino. Valid November 15, 2014 at JavaVino from 6-9pm only. Limit one per customer, may not be copied or reproduced in any way without permission from Klutch Chronicle.
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Each month we will be bringing Klutch Live to a new venue around the Coulee Region- you don’t want to miss this event!
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OCTOBER KLUTCH LIVE EVENT - HOWIE’S
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ave you been to Howie’s? We hope you have and that you came out for our Klutch Live event this past month! The free pints were flowing, the good times were rollin’ and we were able to give away 75 pints to Howie’s-goers! We had a wide range of readers from college age on up, and the Klutch team was able to go around, share
the new issue of Klutch, have some laughs, and take some photos of our awesome readers (both new and old alike)! If you stuck around for BINGO, there were drink specials, prizes and free shots (we hope you didn’t miss out)! Next month we will be bringing our readers another awesome time at JavaVino! See adjacent page for the details. We hope to see you there!
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to p f i v e
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Weird members of your extended family you are guaranteed to see this holiday season.
1
Prying Aunt:
Name this location on the Klutch Chronicle Facebook page and be entered into a drawing for a FREE $25 gift certificate for Pogreba Restaurant and a FREE Klutch T-shirt!
the soap box Had a great time at Z93’s comedy night at Piggy’s! Great food and enterta inment! ~ CJ
Y for a Carol at the Shout out to session ure) training healthy (tort .K today! ~ Mrs
Crosse Public sse tour hosted by the La I attended the Dark La Cro enal. Not only er 20th and it was phenom Library on Monday, Octob staff who took the attention-to-detail of was it free, but the care and sse’s past was Cro La ut and dark, facts abo time to research historical, about this for 7 years and loved hearing moving. I’ve lived in this city rson city’s dark-side. ~ Libby Tho Our ama zin makes m g Team at Moore y day be smiles alw tter ~ Jo ays hn Moo re
nard at Viterbo Shout out to Dorothy Leo online course first my University for making Mary Larson ~ ! one ing ard rew an extremely
You’re wondering whether to hide out and hope her laser-like eyes don’t zero-in on you, or just get the inquisition over with. “Are you still single? You don’t have much time left to have kids,” followed by a hollow, fake laugh. It’s almost as uncomfortable when she brings up others’ business, usually along the lines of “Did you hear about So-andso’s divorce?”
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The Political One:
No matter Republican or Democrat or something else, this person exhibits a deep sense of pride when talking about their political beliefs. Now it’s not bad to have opinions, but The Political One also feels the need to instigate a fight to prove not only how morally right they are, but also how flawed and unintelligent the other person is. This person comes in looking for a fight, so we suggest just nodding along and heading for the buffet - no good will come of it.
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2
The One With The Booze:
Whether a bottle of wine or flask of moonshine, you can always rely on them to put a drink in your hand. Usually the one you go to right away after your unexpected run in with Prying Aunt.
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The Banished:
Whether they’re the high school student constantly refreshing Twitter or the college student home for the holidays and sick of being asked the same questions - yes, they’re back from college, no, they haven’t chosen a major, yes, the dorms are really small - after another year, they have been banished from civilization to sit at the kids’ table. While both can be found rolling their eyes at the 8-yearold swirling their mashed potatoes and peas next to them, they differ in very important ways: the high schooler doesn’t really want to be at the get together at all, while the college student, after months of eating peanut butter sandwiches three times a day, is happy to deal with strange family members in exchange for the holiday spread.
The Mystery Person:
You have never seen this person before. Are they your dad’s cousin’s kid? Or your step-sister’s husband’s brother? You asked your sister and she doesn’t know either, and you may never find out because Mom, who knows everyone, is busy talking The Political One down. Godspeed, Mom - it looks like the vein that’s visibly throbbing on his forehead is about to burst. By: Katie Svitavsky
Give a shout out!
Want to thank a person or group for a job well done or fantastic deed? Someone need a special congratulations? Give us your shout out on our Facebook www.facebook/ klutchchronicle and it could be published in next month’s Klutch!
a lie
Canadians also celebrate Thanksgiving; however, it takes place in October rather than November.
In 1953, the food company Swanson misjudged how many turkeys the company would sell that year for Thanksgiving, so they sliced up the turkey, added sides, and repackaged them as the first TV dinners.
One of the foods featured in the first Thanksgiving Day spread was popcorn.
The lie: Pilgrims actually didn’t eat popcorn on the first Thanksgiving; it’s just a common myth. Turns out the type of corn they had doesn’t pop, but it probably was used to make hominy.
truths 2 and Source: The Chive
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November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
THE CHILL
Opportunity for the next level.
headlines
yep
oop The Sc THE COULEE REGION
FROM
Article: Becca Dargatz
HOME TOWN
It’s starting to get chillier each day and you know what that means … the beginning of 5K season! There is nothing like a 3.1 mile run to keep your bones warm before that awful white stuff sticks to the ground. (I refuse to name it at the moment!) One of our favorite 5Ks is the UWLa Crosse annual Turkey Trot and Jr. Gobblers Races. This race is one of the bigger 5Ks in the area, and it has been around for two decades.
T
he Coulee Region Chill is a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based in La Crosse, Wis. The Chill began in 2005 as the North Iowa Outlaws based in Mason City, Iowa. The team played in Iowa for five seasons, until moving to Onalaska, Wis. in 2010. On Sept. 5, 2014, team owner Michelle Bryant announced that the Chill was moving 10 miles south to La Crosse. The Chill now plays their games at the Green Island Ice Arena. In 2013, A.J. Degenhardt was named full-time head coach. Degenhardt is a La Crosse native and played high school hockey in La Crosse, then went on to juniors before earning a scholarship at University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he helped the Badgers win the 2006 NCAA Division I National Championship. Degenhardt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago, but continues to work through it despite the physical demands of his job. Degenhardt has played hockey his whole life and says that coaching for the Chill is as good as it gets without being a player. Having a well-run organization with great ownership and a solid fan base that is growing every season has created an ideal coaching situation. “It has been an awesome experience so far, I’ve learned a ton about coaching and even more about myself,” says Degenhardt. “I want to continue to develop kids and to continue to develop myself as a coach.” Degenhardt has hopes of establishing the Chill as one of the elite programs
in the league. In order to establish the Chill as one of the top teams to play for, it takes good guys and good athletes that are willing to put in the time and make the sacrifices necessary to play at the Division I level. “It’s not always the most glorious job that it’s thought to be or that the general public usually paints it as,” says
Over the past three years of playing with the Chill, there is one event in particular that stands out to Matsushima. It is also an event that speaks to the family-like closeness of the team. “For me, the most memorable part about playing for the Chill is when we had our special jersey night that supported MS,” says Matsushima.
“We’re a family, 100 percent. These guys are my brothers and everyone leaves their family to come play for the Chill, and it can be hard for some guys, but then you get accepted to a new family.” Eddie Matsushima Degenhardt. “There’s a lot of work and blood and sweat and tears that goes into it. It’s not an easy job to earn a scholarship at the next level. That’s what the kids are here for and that’s what we want for them. We want the right guys to come into the team that are willing to make those sacrifices to earn the opportunities at the next level.” The players who come to the Chill are from all over the country. They only make the team after several rounds of intense tryouts, because roster spots on junior teams are coveted. The seasons run from September through March, with practices four days a week and games every weekend. Away games involve long bus trips. Their goal is to move on to college hockey, and the Chill has historically been very successful with this, sending a number of former players on to Division I teams and scholarships. Players range from 17- to 21-years-old, they live with host families for the season, and the players, coaches, and hosts develop close bonds. Player Eddie Matsushima is from Verona, Wisconsin. He is 20-years-old and has been playing hockey for half of his life. Matsushima has been playing with the Chill for three years, and has aspirations of playing Division I hockey, and then seeing what happens from there.
Wherever the players come from, everyone is the best player on his respective team. The reason they are playing with the Chill is because they are the best player, and when you put all the best players together it becomes very difficult to play. Despite the high level of competition, all of the players respect what each other are doing. “We’re a family, 100 percent,” says Matsushima. “These guys are my brothers and everyone leaves their family to come play for the Chill, and it can be hard for some guys, but then you get accepted to a new family.” The purpose of junior hockey is to move on to college hockey. With such an experienced coaching staff, and supportive players, the Chill has historically been very successful with advancing players to the next level. For information on how to try out for the Chill, how to host a player, and to find the schedule check out: crchill.com.
KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
It is sponsored by: • Subway • Health Tradition Health Plan • Z93 • La Crosse Magazine • 2Do La Crosse • Klutch Chronicle • Altra Insurance Services • Mayo Clinic Health System • Kwik Trip • UW-L Residence Life • Don’s Towing and Repair • La Crosse Sign Company • Toppers Pizza • River Trail Cycles • Moka • Any many more!! Beneficiary: • Outdoor Recreation Alliance UW-L’s Turkey Trot has smaller races (dash, ½ mile, and mile) for kids, other events taking place before and after the race, a costume contest, and so much more! (Honestly, they pack a whole lot into this event!) And don’t worry; your competitive side will be fed as well at the 5K. The top overall three males and three females will be determined using “gun time,” and these runners will be able to finish in under 24 minutes! “Chip time” will be used to determine the best guessers of their running time, as well as the top three runners in each age division. Medals will be given to the top three runners in each age division, prizes to the best time guessers, and medals plus awards to the top overall male and female runners. Thousands of people participate each year, so don’t miss out on this amazing and fun-filled event! More information about the UW-L Turkey Trot can be found at http://www.uwlax.edu/turkeytrot/
IF YOU GO: When: Saturday, Nov. 22 @ 9 a.m. Where: UW-L Recreational Eagle Center (on campus) 1725 State Street La Crosse Cost: 5K - $8 online or $11 walk-in/mail (until Fri. Nov. 14) $16 online & walk-in/mail (Sat. Nov. 15-Fri. Nov. 21) $19 on Race Day Cost - Jr. Gobbs: $3 online & walk-in/mail (until Fri. Nov. 14) $6 online & walk-in/mail (Sat. Nov. 15-Fri. Nov. 21) $6 on Race Day
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at Art Rageous
ART CENTERS Art Classes • Parties Studio Time Rental
’s t a h W k c e D on
November 15th from 1-4pm Three Rivers Outdoors Event specials and prize drawing! (608) 793-1470 400 Main St #100 La Crosse, WI 54601 www.threeriversoutdoors.com
Paint Your Own Pottery • Fused Glass • Mixed Media Canvas Painting • Pottery Wheel • Sip n' Paint In Holmen Square • 500 N. Holmen Drive #504 • (608) 526-8787
ArtRageousAC.com 10
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
Interested in hosting a Meet and Cheese event?
Visit our website www.klutchchronicle.com or call 608-796-8780 for more details.
You can Paint.
Article: Sara Walters
ART RAGEOUS
B
ased on what Instagram tells us, all of our friends are amazingly crafty. But for many, creating something truly Pinterest-worthy seems far out of reach - even with help. That’s where Art Rageous, a fun new studio in Holmen Square, comes to the rescue. “We’re trying to debunk the idea that people can’t paint,” said coowner, Tina Hayes. One way Hayes and her business partner, co-owner Karen Bressi, have been able to change this mindset is with their mixed media option, a popular craft celebrated at their Oct. 16 Meet and Cheese event. Offering four different-sized canvases and a variety of mixed media including fabric, decorative paper and other textured embellishments, Meet and Cheese attendees embraced their creative sides while personalizing their own pieces. Mixed media canvases can be as individual as you’d like, including layers of pictures, words, music and other “little bits and pieces” from your life, explained Hayes. The beauty of this art form is that it’s for everyone, even if you can’t draw a straight line.
to girls’ night out groups, to retirees and everyone in between. This particular evening, 3-by-3-inch mixed media mini canvases were the hot commodity. Perfect for that spot in your
“Anybody who wants to try anything we have can just come in and try it.” Tina Hayes Helping Art Rageous visitors see that “maybe a straight line isn’t all that exciting” is what makes the studio so fun, shared Hayes. “Anybody who wants to try anything we have can just come in and try it,” she said. Customers have ranged from families,
house where a picture just won’t fit, or for a series of panels, Hayes sees great potential in this item. “These would make awesome teacher gifts for the holidays,” she said. Magnets and small easels are also available to display these pint-sized pieces. With a short drying time, mini canvases made for a quick and enjoyable project for Meet and Cheese attendees. This particular writer brought in a page from a children’s book, applying fabric, a tiny flower and portions of painted sponge to complete her mixed media creation. Others were Mod Podging snippets of sheet music, pieces of twine and even seashells to their canvases for added flair. Participants were free to let their own creativity flow, or tap into Hayes’ wealth of knowledge about great composition. Art Rageous also offers fused glass projects, pottery classes and the everpopular Sip and Paint. It’s the perfect venue for team-building exercises or individual expression. Best of all, if you feel like your crafting or painting skills aren’t up to par,
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talented staff members are available to lead the way. This spirited teaching environment has been well-received by the Coulee Region. In the short time it has been open, Art Rageous has booked many parties and opened its doors to many walk-in artists. “We have been welcomed by the community so much,” shared Bressi. “We grow and change every day. We’re getting bigger and stronger and we’re having a great time at it.”
Art Rageous Located in Holmen Square Mall 500 N. Holmen Dr. #504 Holmen, Wis. Phone: 608-526-8787 Website: www.artrageousac.com Facebook: Art - Rageous Art Centers Hours: Tues - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun: 11 p.m. - 5 p.m.
oop The Sc THE COULEE REGION
HALL
CITY
THE WORD
headlines
FROM
HOME TOWN
VOTER ID STRUCK DOWN BY SUPREME COURT: Just weeks before the Nov. 4th midterm elections, the United States Supreme Court struck down voter ID requirements in Wisconsin. The decision comes after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the original decision to rule the law unconstitutional on the grounds that it was disproportionately discriminatory of black and Latino voters, made by a federal district judge. If you are currently registered to vote in the state of Wisconsin using your current address, you do not need to bring anything to the polls on Election Day. If you are not registered and will be voting for the first time in Wisconsin or need to re-register, bring proof of residence (a utility bill, driver’s license with current address on it, UW-La Crosse student voter verification form found online on WINGS - see below for a better list). Either way, you won’t need to show a photo ID in order to vote.
FROM
inside scoop
HEAR, HERE When people think about history, they tend to think about something that happened years ago with some sort of influence on the general population or even the world, but history doesn’t have to be set on such a large scale. What about the everyday history that takes place here in La Crosse? The public history project that is being put into place in downtown La Crosse hopes to do just that. Dr. Ariel Beaujot, the professor in charge of the project, explains that “Hear, Here” hopes to “invite voices that are often overlooked when the history of downtown is told - intimate, neighborhood-level voices that tell the everyday stories that make up our city.” In 2012 Dr. Beaujot was hired by the UW-L Department of History to help create a new major, a major in public and policy history. With this major came the creation of History 393: Material Culture, and History 403: Exhibition
Planning and Development, the birthplace and practice of the Hear, Here project. So, what is Hear, Here? “Hear, Here is a location-based documentary project about downtown La Crosse, recorded by residents themselves,” Dr. Beaujot says. “These story locations are indicated by street-level signs with a phone number that allows visitors to listen to stories in the exact location where they
happened.” Moreover, the stories the project will incorporate aren’t going to be everyday run-ofthe-mill stories, they are going to have some sort of impact. Beaujot states, “Each story has the city at its heart. The story will mean something to the storyteller, and demonstrates something meaningful to the listener.” When you hear a story that has an effect on you, there is even a way to let the project know. By going to the Hear, Here website, or pressing #, you can leave a message after listening to a story. If you have a story that you want to share with the Hear, Here project and with the rest of La Crosse, don’t worry - they are still searching for more and more stories! You can email your story to stories@hearherelacrosse.org, and for more information you can check out the Hear, Here Facebook page!
- By Jenna Smith
WHAT YOU NEED TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY For more information, visit Myvote.wi.gov
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? YES:
Congrats! Head to the polls!
NO:
Register the day of or before with Proof of Residence. You must also give your Wisconsin driver’s license number or last four digits of your Social Security number if you do not have a Wisconsin driver’s license. Proof of Residence to register + (Wisconsin driver’s license OR last four digits of Social Security number) = Vote!
IDK?:
Look up your registration status online at: myvote. wi.gov. If you’ve changed addresses since you last voted, you must re-register.
TURTLE STACK BREWERY OPENING IN DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE Next time you’re in downtown La Crosse, keep an eye out for the area’s newest microbrewery and tasting room, Turtle Stack Brewery! Set to open late this fall and located on Second Street between Main and Pearl, TSB will offer the area a variety of beers brewed on-site. Brewer and managing partner Brent Martinson began home-brewing about 15 years ago, and his passion turned into his profession when the craft beer market took off. Though he gained professional brewing experience on the east side of the state, La Crosse was always in the back of his mind; it’s an ideal location for a microbrewery because
of the town’s history and also because of its appreciation of a good, local beer. As for the name, “Turtle Stack” is a metaphor for TSB’s brewing ethic: In the
same way turtles stack on top of each other to position themselves closest to the sun, the brewery is always trying new recipes to top what they have done before. “There’s a lot of
• Utility bill (dated w/in 90 days of election) • Tax bill • Driver’s license with your current address • Bank statement • Vehicle registration • Paycheck • UW-L WINGS Voter Registration printout NEW DEVELOPMENT IN PPH NEIGHBORHOOD: The La Crosse City Council voted to allow a new development in the Powell Poage Hamilton neighborhood, rezoning the property in order for the development to occur. Replacing the current empty lot will be eight high-end apartments, designed to accommodate employees of Gundersen or Mayo Clinic health systems or Viterbo University faculty who would be attracted to the development because of its proximity to those locations. NEW BUS ROUTE: The city is moving forward with a proposal by Mayor Tim Kabat to add another MTU route, which would operate Monday through Friday. The proposed bus route would go from the UW-La Crosse campus down to the Western Technical College campus, with service every 10 minutes. Because of the location and fast service, this route has the potential to limit the number of vehicles in the neighborhoods surrounding campus.
- By Katis Svitavsky
#WTF!?
WHAT IS PROOF OF RESIDENCE? Proof of Residence documents show your current address. The document needs to have your current address on it. This is not a comprehensive list, but popular examples. You need Proof of Residence to register to vote, which you can do ahead of time or at the polls on Election Day.
room to play and perfect recipes because the turnover is fast,” Martinson said, commenting that the brewery’s size allows for this creativity to occur. What this means for customers is six to eight beers on tap with a new brew every week, and also that many of the ingredients going into the beer are from local sources. While TSB anticipates growth, their current focus is to become established, offering unique brews and concentrating on quality over quantity. Martinson stated his goal for right now is to “keep the taps full and keep the beer pouring.” We’ll drink to that.
Netropolitan: Facebook, but for rich people. “The online country club for people with more money than time”
KICKSTARTER PROJECT LETS YOU STRAP YOUR IPAD TO YOUR FACE TO ENJOY VIRTUAL REALITY
Are you part of the 1 percent and having trouble meeting people of your caliber? We here at Klutch recognize this is an issue most of our readers will face, and would like to talk about Netropolitan, an exclusive social media community. Described as “Facebook for rich people,” you can make a profile for a mere $9,000 and meet other “like-minded individuals.” The site is the brainchild of a composer out of Minneapolis who wanted to create a space for people to “have conversations about everything from fine wines to classic cars to vacation destination recommendations.” No more seeing those plebeian posts from your normal Facebook friends; you can easily find the people you really belong with through the Netropolitan community. We do have one concern about the quality of the site, though. Considering the amount clients are paying for access to the community, the company didn’t even use their own designers - they used a simple WordPress template. Clearly this unoriginality is not up to the standards of what Netropolitian members really want, and we have responded to this demand. Keep an eye out for next month’s Chronicle, where our feature story will be about our exclusive online community called Klutchopolitan.
You can now experience virtual reality through your iPad, thanks to a Kickstarter project called AirVR that enables you to strap your iPad Mini (Retina) to your face. For the low cost of $49, the device that puts just centimeters between you and mind-numbing brightness will be available. The creators plan to have AirVR available in early 2015, and as of mid-October, they have already reached their $20,000 Kickstarter goal. What we find strange about the campaign, however, is that all the pictures for the project are taken outside. Our impression may be different if the pics were of a circle of people playing virtual reality games on a couch, crowding around a bowl of Doritos and cans of Mountain Dew. Seeing the device being taken outside of its natural environment and taken for a test drive gives the impression that we’ll be seeing users walking down the street, their faces replaced by the silver back of an iPad. We’re officially one step closer to becoming cyborgs, all for the low price of $49. http://www.theverge. com/2014/9/16/6256729/ airvr-attach-your-ipad-directly-toyour-face
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November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
family
uff fun st THE
FOR FAMILY
Article: Michael Scott
#1
OUR HIKING HERITAGE
Get your Muir on!
FOR THE FAM
I
’m a card-carrying Sconnie. I’m down with the whole program. Brewers, cheese curds, old fashioned, cornhole, Bob Uecker, Badgers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Don Ameche, Laverne and Shirley, Houdini, Les Paul, HarleyDavidson, Chris Farley, Deke Slayton, Liberace and eating fried fish on Fridays. Wisconsin. We claim another: John Muir. Never mind that he was born in Scotland. His family immigrated to the United States and had a farm near Portage, Wis. He was only 11 years old. We get him. John Muir, the naturalist, is the coolest of Sconnies. And, consequently, we must honor him and teach his legacy to our children. So, in my book, if you claim to be a Wisconsinite, you’d better have a well-worn pair of hiking boots to go with that Aaron Rodgers jersey. It’s part of our heritage to escape to the woods by way of our own two feet. Not to mention that to live where we live and not be an avid explorer of the natural world would be nearly unforgivable. What follows are some of the best places in the region to take a walk in the woods. To motivate you, I have peppered the list with the words of a remarkable man who grew up in the great dairy state of Wisconsin, John Muir.
Photo Credit: Bob Good ST. MARY’S HIKING TRAILS - 30 miles north of La Crosse up Hwy. 61. Tucked in the valley behind the school, the trails run around the northern slopes of the valley, making them quite challenging. Be sure to return when the snow flies with your cross country skis! “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” SEVEN BRIDGES/ McGILVRAY ROAD Located just 4 miles northwest of Holmen. If you are not up for extremes of elevation, this is the trail for you. Easy, flat and pedestrian only. The trail takes you into the Van Loon Wildlife Area and features five bowstring arch truss bridges that are more than 100 years old. “Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.” HOUSTON NATURE CENTER AND TRAILHEAD - Located just 16 miles west of La Crescent in Houston, Minn. Again, flat and easy. This off-road trail can take you the 12.6 miles to Rushford, Minn. Be sure to stop at the Nature Center and pay a visit to their most famous resident: Alice, the great horned owl. “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
Photo Credit: Bob Good HIXON FOREST/HPT TRAILS - Located within the city of La Crosse. Features natural surface, multi-use trails with driftless prairie habitats and stunning scenic views of the city and surrounding countryside. “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” PERROT STATE PARK - A gem among Wisconsin state park gems. Perrot is north of Holmen. Taking a left on Hwy. 35 from Hwy. 53, just 8 scenic miles to Trempealeau. Trails are paved and natural surface. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to the top of Brady’s Bluff for a scene of visionary enchantment not soon to be forgotten. “Keep close to Nature’s heart ... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” GREAT RIVER BLUFFS STATE PARK - A quick and easy drive just 10 miles north of La Crosse off Interstate 90 outside Nodine, Minn. Stunningly beautiful bluff country overlooking the Mississippi River. Great bird watching during the spring and fall migration. “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
EMBRACE OUR CHARACTER La Crosse is a city of neighborhoods. Where we shop, where we eat and hang out - all of it makes our neighborhood home. One-of-a-kind, independent businesses are an integral part of what makes La Crosse a great place to live.
COULEE EXPERIMENTAL STATE FOREST Approximately 15 miles east of La Crosse outside Bangor, Wis. This trail boasts many miles of unpaved beauty. It was purchased by the state to provide land for long-term research studies. Unlike other state parks and forests, no fee or permit is required. This is only a short list of hiking possibilities close to the city. For information on hiking and other recreational activities, you simply need to visit the 7 Rivers Region Outdoor Recreation Alliance website at NaturesPlaceToPlay.com. There you will find directions to trailheads and downloadable maps. Three Rivers Outdoors in downtown La Crosse also provides maps and directions. Some of you, like me, have children. Some of you, like me, have children that are in the pre-teen years and might find hiking to be a complete waste of time and energy. I would recommend this response to all protests: “Your observations and feedback are well noted. Now, get your shoes on and get in the car.” Direct, intentional parenting is the best route. Nature time is family time and family time is sacred. So, get yourself some comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and get your Muir on! Celebrate our hiking heritage with family and friends. And, remember, leave only footprints and take only pictures. “God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.”
EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1 & 7 COULEE REGION CHILL VS AUSTIN BRUINS 7-9:30 pm @ Onalaska OmniCenter Tickets: Adults $10; Students & children $6.
LA CROSSE FREEZE VS CHICAGO JUNIOR BULLDOGS 7-9:30 pm (12 pm on Sun.) @ Green Island Ice Arena • Tickets: $4 in advance; $5 at the door; 5 & under are free.
NOVEMBER 8 R U CHICKEN TRAIL RUN & RELAY 8:30-11 am @ Schultz Chicken Ridge Farm (N25664 Haines Ln., Arcadia) • Registration: Go to www. ruchickentrailrun.com • Participate in three races, individually or on a team! See if you can conquer the trails at the Schultz Farm!
NOVEMBER 26 LA CROSSE FREEZE VS WISCONSIN WHALERS 7-9:30 pm (12 pm on Sun.) @ Green Island Ice Arena • Tickets: $4 in advance; $5 at the door; 5 & under are free.
NOVEMBER 8 MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE: THE PIED PIPER 1 pm & 4 pm @ Weber Center for the Performing Arts • Tickets: $8-12. • Watch the childhood classic portraying the tale of the Pied Piper and his adventures! NOVEMBER 8 CARROLL’S POPCORN & FROZEN YOGURT EVENT 1-2 pm @ Valley View Mall • There will be a coloring contest, a costume fashion show and more, so don’t miss out! NOVEMBER 8 & 9 LA CROSSE FREEZE VS ST. LOUIS JR. BLUES 7-9:30 pm (12 pm on Sun.) @ Green Island Ice Arena • Tickets: $4 in advance; $5 at the door; 5 & under are free. NOVEMBER 8-9, 15-16 & 22-23 THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am (2 pm on Sundays) @ Veterans Studio Theatre (Theatre G) • Tickets: TBA. • Based on the renowned novel of the same title; watch Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter’s Narnian adventures come to life on the stage! NOVEMBER 14 NIGHT (OUT) AT THE MUSEUM - OUR WORLD 5:30-8 pm @ The Children’s Museum Tickets: $11/member child or $16/non-member child. A night off for parents! Children get to experience a night at the Children’s Museum with stories, a light snack, and museum exploration! NOVEMBER 14 & 15 COULEE REGION CHILL VS MICHIGAN WARRIORS 7-9:30 pm @ Onalaska OmniCenter • Tickets: Adults $10; Students & children $6. ($5 for Friday game.)
NOVEMBER 27 FESTIVAL FOODS TURKEY TROT 8 am @ The La Crosse Center • Registration: Information can be found at www.festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com/ la-crosse. • Go for a nice 5-mile run before gorging yourself on a Thanksgiving Day feast! NOVEMBER 28 DISNEY LIVE! PIRATE & PRINCESS ADVENTURE 2 pm & 5 pm @ The La Crosse Center • Tickets: $16.50, $21.50, $26.50, $36.50, or $56.50 (reserved seating). NOVEMBER 28 COULEE REGION CHILL VS MINNESOTA MAGICIANS 7-9:30 pm @ Onalaska OmniCenter • Tickets: Adults $10; Students & children $6. ($5 for Friday game.) NOVEMBER 28-JANUARY 1, 2015 LA CROSSE ROTARY LIGHTS Every night @ Riverside Park • Come and see brilliant lighting displays put together by local organizations during the holiday season. Nonperishable foods and donations accepted! DECEMBER 11-14 & 17-21 A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS 7:30 pm (Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21 @ 2 pm) @ Lyche Theatre (Theatre G) • Tickets: TBA. • Come see your favorite Peanuts friends! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy & Linus van Pelt, and the other Peanuts come to life in this classic Christmas story brought to life on stage!
LOCALLY LOCALLY OWNED, OWNED, LOCALLY LOCALLY ROASTED ROASTED FRESH FRESH COFFEE COFFEE
NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 24 VISIT SANTA CLAUSE All day (unless otherwise stated) @ Valley View Mall • Free. • Visit Santa to tell him your Christmas wish and take a picture with him while you are there! NOVEMBER 16 TINY TIM JINGLE BELL BRUNCH/FESTIVAL OF TREES 10 am-4 pm @ The Cargill Room, Waterfront • Tickets: $20 for adults; $10 for children; 3 and under are free. • Take part in this great holiday event, and see Santa while you are there! NOVEMBER 16 LA CROSSE FREEZE VS WISCONSIN WHALERS 7-9:30 pm (12 pm on Sun.) @ Green Island Ice Arena • Tickets: $4 in advance; $5 at the door; 5 & under are free. NOVEMBER 20-23 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR Thurs & Fri: 12-9 pm; Sat: 9 am-5 pm; Sun: 10 am-3 pm @ The La Crosse Center • Tickets: $2 for anyone 13 and over; 12 and under free admission. • Take part in the tradition that is the La Crosse area Holiday Fair! There will be homemade crafts, door prizes and so much more! NOVEMBER 22 UW-L TURKEY TROT 9 am @ UW-La Crosse campus • Registration: Information can be found at www.uwlax.edu/turkeytrot/. • Take part in a La Crosse 5K Thanksgiving tradition. There will be entertainment, snacks and beverages after the race, as well as other competitions!
Every tuesday
OPENTIME ON STORY 9:30-10:00 AM SUNDAYS Always 1 coffee when FROM you bring your 8-3 own mug $
.50
$ .50 ALWAYS 1 COFFEE WHEN Homemade food served YOUBreakfast BRING YOUR OWN and LunchMUG
1 1lb
$ off
of coffee beans
NOVEMBER 22 & 23
*limit of one per customer per visit
KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
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SHOP LOCAL
#2
Reason to shop local KEEP DOLLARS IN LA CROSSE
For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city’s tax base. If you spend it at a national chain, $43 remains in the community. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
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The Local Shopping Movement
What it is and why it’s important to the Coulee Region
Y
by Alyssa Schulte
ou’ve seen those bright decals on your neighbor’s car, maybe stuck crookedly on a bulletin board at your favorite coffee haunt, or most likely peppering the windows of many downtown businesses: “Buy Local!” Although I’m really stubborn and often do the exact opposite of what commercials and advertisements tell me to do (just to be a pain), I wholeheartedly agree with this message. You win this time, Buy Local sticker. The meaning behind the entreaty is obvious, of course. When you’re looking to drop some dough, why not keep it in town? With the holiday season looming ever closer, with crazy “Black Friday” around the corner and online markets claiming more and more customers with great deals and free shipping, it’s often hard for local and smaller businesses to compete. It’s easy to understand the allure of online retailers, but really, in the long run, there are so many awesome benefits to keeping your shopping close to home. Maybe you can avoid the general insanity of that postThanksgiving hysteria this year and try “Small Business Saturday” instead. One huge benefit to shopping at local businesses is the sense that you are helping maintain our area’s unique and vibrant culture. You are contributing, in fact, to what makes the Coulee Region such a diverse and dynamic community. According to Dustin Hackworth, manager of the Coalition Drum Shop (located right on State Street in downtown La Crosse), “It’s really up to customers if they want eclectic, fun shops in town. If you’re online for everything, the local market is hesitant to take risks and carry unique items.” Why purchase something bland and mass-produced when interesting, one-of-a-kind items are right outside your door? Online retailers offer convenience, but they also take away an amazing experience you could be enjoying with a local vendor. In addition to simply feeling a swell of pride when you shop locally, it also has a great impact on our local economy. Spending your money at local grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, pizza parlors, farmers markets, etc. versus their big-chain competitors not only makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but stimulates our local economy, thus helping our schools, hospitals, parks, libraries, and many other programs and services we have grown to rely on and love. And our local economy is, of course, more than just numbers and sales reports. It’s about the people, the
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
residents of the community. People are more likely to settle down in a community that’s successful, thriving and enriching. Again, as Dustin so aptly states, “Local economy also has a lot to do with how many younger people decide to stick around after high school [or] college. What’s encouraging about a bunch of chains and call centers? Luckily, we have it pretty good downtown, but there’s always room for someone to step in and change the landscape.” Daniel Johnson, who spends his working hours at Blue Heron Bicycle Works (conveniently located on Main Street in Onalaska), had similar things to say: “I think shopping local is a human movement. I think a small, locally based economy is going to prove itself in its stability over time. It allows the customer to become more knowledgeable about where and how the goods they desire have been made available.” So, for all you number-crunchers who have thus far been uninterested in my “warm and fuzzy” appeals, why is shopping locally so important from a statistical standpoint? According to numerous online stats, for every single dollar you spend at a local business, 45 cents is then reinvested at a local level. Essentially, half of your cash for every purchase you make goes back into our local economy. When you shop at large chains, this money typically is never seen in your community again. One community member, who is a strong supporter of local shopping, had this to say about the movement: “Anytime you buy local, the money is helping someone in that community. Compare it to buying on Amazon, who is making the money from the markup on that purchase. Many small businesses have a hard time [surviving] having to compete in this way.” Over at Coalition Drum Shop, Dustin understands the stresses and the rewards of running a small, locally owned retail space. “I’m excited to continue challenging local consumers,” he said. “I think that’s the only way to keep things progressive.” Without the support and business of the community, cool and item-specific shops like this would never succeed. With so many wonderful businesses in our area, boasting everything from Wisconsin-themed gifts and apparel (TJ’s Cheddarheads) to beautiful scarves and handbags (Lillians) to rare musical finds (Deaf Ear Records) to delectable treats (Finnottes Nut & Chocolate Shop), shopping locally can be easy, affordable and rewarding.
Small Business Saturday
Unique Gift Ideas Does the recipient of your gift live outside of the Coulee Region? To aid in this unfortunate circumstance, we recommend these one-of-a-kind gifts in order to spread the most holiday cheer.
Food: Holmen Locker and Meat Market, Holmen If you’re looking to find the best from the area, Holmen Locker and Meat Market should be at the top of your list. From smoked meats and sausages to wines and cheeses, if it’s local and delicious, you can find it here. Kickapoo Gold Organic Maple Syrup, Westby Who doesn’t want a bit of gold for the holidays? Kickapoo Gold, which can be found at People’s Food Co-op and Holmen Locker and Meat Market among other places in the region (and online), is made right here in the Coulee Region. From small bottles to jugs, this syrup is a great representation of food in the Coulee Region local, organic and delicious!
Drinks: Pearl Street Brewery, northside La Crosse Whether you grab a growler or a six pack, this gift is sure to be a hit. PSB offers seasonal beers as well as their classics, so take a trip to Pearl Street Brewery and see what’s brewing. Turtle Stack Brewery, downtown La Crosse Opening late this fall, be sure to check out the newest addition to La Crosse’s craft beer market! Stop by Turtle Stack’s tasting room to pick up a growler of locally brewed beer and check out the scene. Lost Island Wine, Onalaska With names like Paddle Boat Pineapple and Blackberry Breezes, these wines are a much-needed reminder that somewhere in the world, it’s warmer than -20 degrees. Lost Island Wine produces about 30 fruity wines, all perfect for this gift-giving season. Elmaro Vineyard, Trempealeau Not only do the folks at Elmaro make wine; they also grow their own grapes! Especially festive is their cranberry wine, made from 100 percent Wisconsin cranberries. WineSitter BrewHouse, Holmen Try making your own wine at WineSitter BrewHouse! Learn the ins and outs of winemaking with WineSitter’s “Make Me Wine” program. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, they offer several varieties of wine available for purchase. Kickapoo Coffee Roasters, Viroqua Importing beans from small-scale farmers and roasting locally, Kickapoo Coffee is a household name in the Driftless region. In addition to their fair trade practices, they also operate using sustainable practices.
Sweets: D&D Wholesale Candy Outlet, southside La Crosse Made-on-site fudge, salt water taffy, hard candies, and, of course, chocolate. Finnottes, downtown La Crosse Nuts, chocolate and other sweets. Finnottes has chocolate-covered everything, including potato chips! Great River Popcorn, downtown La Crosse Gourmet flavored popcorn, chocolate, ice cream, and meat and cheese from Wisconsin await you at Great River Popcorn. Chocolate-covered cherry, caramel apple pie, and other delicious flavors are all made in store. The Pearl, downtown La Crosse You’ve probably been to The Pearl for ice cream and seen their stacks of homemade candies. Either way, anything you get from The Pearl is going to be delicious and will make a great gift.
November 29th
Home goods: Design Menagerie, Viroqua “Simple, useful, beautiful” drive this local home décor and personal accessories store, which looks for artisanal and handcrafted items from all over the US and Europe. Handmade Natural Beauty Boutique, downtown La Crosse This shop features Angie Cavaiuolo’s handmade natural beauty soaps, lotions, and body and beauty products. Check out the beautiful and lavish goat milk soaps, which have been made in the area since 2001. Painted Porch, downtown La Crosse If you’re looking for something unique, look no further than Painted Porch. Fun décor, furniture and gifts fill the store, which also features restyled vintage. Savvy Home Consignments, Onalaska Home décor, furniture, glassware and more await you at Savvy Home Consignments in Onalaska, at considerable discounts from their original prices. This shop also sells refurbished items from local artists, so you know the gift you’re giving is truly special. The Sequel Resale Shop, downtown La Crosse “If it’s interesting, we’re interested!” is the mission of this downtown La Crosse shop. The Sequel features vintage signs and art, furniture and other unique home goods. Because of the shop’s variety, there truly is something for everyone. Stamp ‘n Hand, downtown La Crosse Stamp ‘n Hand caters to the crafty. In addition to craft supplies, Stamp ‘n Hand offers unique gifts and home décor. VIVA Gallery, Viroqua The VIVA Gallery began as a cooperative and has been showcasing the work of local visual artists for just over 10 years. From stained glass to paintings and prints to jewelry to hand-woven items, you can give a beautiful gift while also supporting local artists.
Exercise and Outdoors: Three Rivers Outdoors, downtown La Crosse If you’re looking for outdoor gear, this local shop provides almost everything you can think of. In addition to equipment, clothing and accessories, Three Rivers offers rentals. Find everything for both warm and cold recreation at 3RO! Grand Bluff Running, downtown La Crosse This local store offers everything runners could need or want. Grand Bluff Running, opened by a recent UW-La Crosse graduate, offers footwear, accessories and more. River Trail Cycles, Onalaska The outfitters at River Trail Cycles can help you pick the perfect bicycle - from road and touring bicycles to mountain bicycles to kids’ bicycles! In addition to their huge stock and expert knowledge, you can find bicycling accessories and clothing in their store. Wyatt Bicycle Company, La Crosse Manufactured in the Driftless region, Wyatt bicycles are durable, one-speed bicycles that are virtually maintenance-free. You can pick one up online or visit Bikes Limited in La Crosse.
Shopping Local Tips this Holiday Season Sure, those chain stores may have a good gift for that special someone, but how about getting them something great? Something that is unique, has character, and won’t break the bank! When perusing the area’s unique shops for that perfect holiday gift, keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your experience and purchase!
1
Remember to think outside the box. Try something new and go into a store you have never visited before! Maybe you will find that hidden home décor treasure for your mom or aunt in Painted Porch or Treehouse Gift and Home.
2 3
Classes make a great gift. Give your gift recipient not just a gift, but an experience! Sign them up for a bead project/paper craft class from Stamp ‘n Hand, a ceramics class at Generous Earth Pottery, or a yoga class from Root Down Yoga Studio!
Give them art this year. Although people’s tastes vary widely, the area has hundreds of really talented artists and many options to choose from! Peruse local pieces at State Street Gallery or Satori Arts and give them a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday.
4 5 6
Buy something they need this Christmas. Maybe things are a little tight this year for your recipient. Get them something they need this year, like new tires from Fred’s Brake and Alignment or a bike tune-up from River Trail Cycles.
Gift cards are always a great idea. If you aren’t sure what to get that person who seems to have everything, a gift card to a local coffee shop or eatery is always a hit!
Have fun! Finding the perfect gift should be fun and rewarding; knowing you are helping your local economy makes it even better.
Holiday
Open House
Friday, November 7th 4 - 8 pm
For the out-of-towners … TJ’s Cheddarheads, downtown La Crosse If you want to display your Sconnie pride, get your La Crosse area swag from TJ’s Cheddarheads. Connected to The Pearl in downtown La Crosse, this shop offers clothing, keychains, coffee mugs, and, of course, foam cheese heads.
319 Main St. La Crosse 782-1025
Fi nd more up coming holid ay e ve nts at: W W W.L ACROSSED OWNTOWN .COM
Find it Downtown
Downtown La Crosse KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
15
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IF It’S INtErEStING, WE’rE INtErEStEd! 117 6th St. North, La Crosse | (608) 519-0343 the sequelresaleshop@gmail.com Find us on Facebook! Buying Gold, Silver, Antiques, Unique Items and Estates
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food & drink
DIY
y
satisf
TASTE YOURBUDS
Y KNOW OITU
Kombucha
(käm-ˈbü-chə, or just call it Booch) by Michelle Jerome
by: Casey Kulinski
I’ve been chugging bottles of this goodness for many years now and it’s time you give it a swig. This lightly carbonated, fermented version of sweetened tea with a miniscule bit of alcohol content is considered a health food by many because of the probiotics present in the beverage. What are probiotics? A cheap and quick explanation is that they are beneficial bacteria that make your guts and other parts of your body healthier. How do they get there? Basically, magic. Or maybe because about 100 years ago, people stuck a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast … looks like a cylindrical glob to me) in sweetened tea and decided to see what would happen. For most, great things happened! Their drink tickled the back of their throats and tasted delicious, and they became famous on Wikipedia 100 years later. For some, they made it improperly and got sick or worse. (Note: If you make it yourself, do it right!) Nowadays, the stuff is mass-produced by folks who are wiser, and they added a billion flavors to make it palatable to the masses. Plus, if you drink Kombucha, you just become cool. I’ll admit, when I was first dating my boyfriend and he told me (unprompted) that he makes his own Kombucha, I knew we would live happily ever after. I sat down with my brave friend Casey, because she hadn’t tried the stuff yet. I made her try three brands and flavors even after she noticed the teeny swirly chunks of SCOBY floating in each bottle. Yes, they go down easily. GT’s Kombucha Strawberry Serenity Beverly Hills, CA I started Casey out with this one because it’s great for any Kombucha newbie; it’s just sweet enough to make you want more. She thought it would have a bolder flavor because of what she had heard about the drink, and she compared it to iced tea. This one is my go-to if I’m feeling Kombucha-y and less adventurous. The strawberry essence definitely sparkles in your mouth. Casey thought so too because she left with the rest of the bottle. NessAlla Kombucha Blueberry Madison, WI (practically local!) Take the sweetest, most perfectly ripened blueberries and throw the tang of Kombucha on top and you have NessAlla’s Blueberry! Pop the top and the scent of the Blueberry Muffin doll (Strawberry Shortcake’s best bud) is in the air. (Hey, I can’t help it if you missed out on the best toys of the 80s.) Casey thought the SCOBY stuff hanging out in the bottom of the bottle was harder to mix with this one. I had to advise her (when she gets her own bottle of Kombucha next time) to not shake it since it can explode the cap off (just like pop). Word of advice to all: Slowly swirl the bottle around and gently turn it upside down and back a few times. The rest of this bottle was confiscated by my boyfriend. Tapuat Kombucha Ginger Door County, WI (Woohoo! Another Sconnie brand!) This was a hard sell for Casey since she doesn’t like ginger … and to quote Casey: “even though I’m a Ginger.” Ginger is my favorite flavor of anything (chocolate, jam, candy, and of course, Kombucha), so I had to include it in the tasting. Tapuat’s version of ginger Kombucha has a lovely honey-like aftertaste. I’ve found all of Tapuat’s Kombuchas to be smoother and less fizzy … mmm. This bottle didn’t outlast the tasting because I finished ‘er off.
Where do you get the stuff?
Your local Co-op grocer used to be the only place that carried it because they’re the trend setters for the best stuff. I’m pretty sure most food stores carry it now. Otherwise, check out the brands’ websites for more info.
#3
FOSTER JOB CREATION Studies show that locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than large national chain stores.
Mmmm … do you smell that? It’s the thing that gets you going in the morning and running all day long. It is the perfect companion when you need to stay up all night cramming for that midterm, a great side to the long overdue conversation you are having with an old friend, and, according to the old jingle, it’s the best part of waking up. Coffee! The reason the world makes it through the day and over that midafternoon slump. You all know what I am talking about. Many people are addicted to their morning brew and consequently spend a ton getting that fix. That’s why this month’s DIY is all about getting your morning cup of Joe just how you like it at a fraction of the cost. Roasting your own beans is often seen as a complex process and as something you can’t do right in your own home. Well you are very wrong, my friend! There a few different ways to go about it, so we have highlighted the important parts for you to get started with. 1. Pick your roasting method: You can roast your coffee in a few ways custom-made home appliances, simple pan roasting, oven roasting on a cookie sheet, or by re-purposing a hot air popcorn popper (I recommend the latter as it will give the most even roast without scorching the beans). Roasting time varies depending on the method: convection roasting (a hot air popcorn popper or a home roaster) takes about 8 to 12 minutes, and conduction roasting (a skillet or cookie sheet in an oven) takes about 14 to 18 minutes. 2. Pick your green beans (no, not the vegetable!): You can buy most green beans from online vendors or local coffee roasters. Many will have a sample pack you can buy to try different flavors! 3. The roast: Below are stages of the roasting process you can use to gauge the roast of your perfect pick-me-up! (If you are using a popcorn popper, heat to 450 degrees and watch the beans carefully. If you are using a stovetop skillet, stir the beans constantly to make sure they are not being scorched as you watch and smell for each stage). a. Yellowing: For the first few minutes the bean will remain green, then turn a lighter yellowish color and emit a grassy odor.
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b. Steaming: The beans start to steam as their internal water content dissipates. c. First crack: You will start to be able to smell the steam and will hear the “first crack” - an audible cracking sound as the real roasting starts to occur. d. First roasted stage: After the first crack, the roast can be considered complete at any time according to your taste. This is called a City roast. e. Second crack: After the bean caramelizes further, it is called a City+ roast. You should hear a more violent “second crack.” A few pops into the second crack is the Full City+ roast. When the second crack is fully underway, this is called a Vienna roast. Roasting all the way through second crack may result in small pieces of bean exploding like dynamite pieces, so take the necessary precautions! f. Darkening roast: As the roast becomes very dark, the smoke is more pungent and at the end of the second crack you have your French roast. g. Yuck - too late! You roasted too long and the beans will only give you dark charcoal water. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it! 4. The cooling: Make sure to let your beans cool for up to 12 hours to allow the full flavor to come out, and store in an airtight container. A little practice will go a long way when it comes to the roasting process, but don’t be afraid to “espresso yourself” and try some of the different roasts and bean types! It’s “better latte than never!” (Sorry, I just had to!) Till next time, friends. Happy roasting! Source: www.sweetmarias.com
Do you have a DIY you would like to share or see in future issues? Send your DIY to
casey@muellermediacorp.com
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get IT?!
LETS TALK “For Love of the Game” Somewhere in the back of my closet or tucked neatly in a box lost in the rafters of my garage is a well-worn but still usable Atari 2600 along with maybe 20 game cartridges, collected and preserved over the years as a keepsake relic of a bygone era when video games were just beginning. Video games were nothing more than a unique diversion from the common forms of entertainment that tended to occupy people’s time back in the early 1980s, played for sheer enjoyment or as a friendly mano-a-mano (which really means hand-to-hand and not the more popular misrepresentation of man-to-man) competition. No thoughts of glory for reaching the 100,000 point level at Missile Command or Space Invaders. Television and movie theaters still occupied the majority of a person’s free time; video games were arguably a passing fad. Fast-forward to the present, a scant 30 years hence from those heady days of Donkey Kong, Centipede and Pac-Man. Today, it’s estimated by some studies that two out of three Americans play video games, whether on an individual gaming console, online or on a smartphone. From very humble and, by today’s technology, simple beginnings, the big business world of electronic gaming has evolved, which, in some respects, may be bigger than America’s most popular sports franchise, the NFL. Gaming has become so popular, so ubiquitous in today’s culture that it is now permeating the hallowed halls of higher learning. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh’s Robert Morris University, a NCAA Division I school with an enrollment of around 4000 students, announced it would offer college scholarships to gamers, officially calling them “e-athletes,” complete with uniforms and a full schedule of gaming competitions using the popular video game, “League of Legends,” as its playing field. Robert Morris expects to offer almost $500,000 in scholarships to 30 e-athletes at roughly $19,000 average per e-athlete. Watch out college football and basketball, your stronghold on big ticket sporting events may have some serious competition! This past August, the Staples Center in Los Angeles streamed the “League of Legends” fantasy game championships to a sold out crowd. More than 32 million people watched that same championship live online. Gaming is quickly becoming the new definition of a spectator sport. A few months ago, Amazon, that venerable online seller of just about anything that can be sold, recently bought Twitch, a video game streaming website, for a reported $1 billion, not exactly chump-change for a website company whose primary focus is to encourage visitors to simply sit and watch. On Twitch, people willingly spend hours
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watching other people play video games. Apparently there’s a lot of money in this, or at least that’s what Amazon thinks. It’s estimated that Twitch is the fourth largest user of Internet traffic in the United States, with 40 million or more viewers every month. So what can Amazon do with Twitch? What Amazon does best — sell stuff. In a way, Twitch is not all that dissimilar from any professional sports arena, where purveyors of delectable comestibles and libations walk among the aisles hawking their wares to eager spectators. Except with Twitch, it’s conceivable that while a game reloads to take the combatants to the next level, Amazon can bombard the viewers with various ads targeted to the gaming crowd, not unlike a commercial break on TV. “While you’re waiting for Level 93 to start, how about reaching for (insert your favorite beverage here)?” Now that I think of it, Amazon may have a goldmine. Why didn’t I think of that? Wait … I needed a billion dollars! Individuals can make some serious money as gamers (aside from the founders of Twitch), and not necessarily through what could be called mainstream channels. To be sure, professional gamers can make as much as 6-figures in online competitions, rivaling the salaries of many well-established professional sports in the United States. But then there’s “Entropia Universe,” an online game in which players develop real estate on a habitable asteroid called Planet Calypso. Players must spend real money to buy virtual property. Despite the fact that they’re trading real cash for imaginary things, some people have made a lot of money at it. One player put $100,000 (real dollars) into his Entropia account in 2005, only to sell his fantasy properties to other players for a very real $635,000 in 2010. (I’m offering a great deal on a virtual condo, and you don’t have to play Entropia Universe to get it!) But back to the idea of gaming as a spectator sport. There are many similarities between video gaming and a traditional spectator event. Strategy, skill, agility, talent, hand-to-eye coordination, and even practice are qualities required for both video gaming and physical sports. And just like a traditional sport, there’s a significant attraction for the average American to watch the best-of-the-best compete — a desire to cheer for the underdog or applaud the accomplishments of a personal favorite. Just like any spectator event, video gaming has many of the same qualities that can attract legions of fans. But I’ll admit I tend to get restless easily, so the idea of watching others play video games for hours on end without actually playing makes me … well … Twitch! - Brian Boettcher
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YOUR INNER WITHGEEK
WORLD CHAMP
The Android: Netrunner World Champion.
J
Article: Becca Dargatz
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ens Erickson has been playing collectible card games for over a decade. The first game he started playing competitively was Magic: The Gathering more than 10 years ago. Recently, his latest venture in collective card games has been Android: Netrunner, and he has experienced great success. In 2013, Erickson was named the Android: Netrunner World Champion. Android: Netrunner is a two-player game set in a dystopian future. Before the game begins, each player builds their own deck and plans to take calculated risks. A typical round or match is two games total. Each player plays each side of the game and it lasts about 70 minutes. “It’s a game about reading your opponents, and there’s a really large aspect of bluffing and anticipating what your opponent is going to do next,” says Erickson. “Are they attempting to score some of those points? Are they trying to lure you into a trap? Do they know that you know that? There really are a lot of different angles.” Erickson first found out about Netrunner from a friend back in 2012. Initially, he didn’t think much of it, but then about eight months later the game was priced half-off on Amazon, so naturally Erickson and his roommate picked up the starter set and began playing casually. Once Erickson became interested in the game, he started looking for events to test his skills. Conveniently enough, the company that makes Netrunner, Fantasy Flight Games, is based out of Roseville, Minn. This means a lot of events, like the World Championship, are held only a few hours away from Erickson. To prepare for an event, or more specifically, to win a world championship, Erickson practices a lot. Practicing with people he knows, as well as strangers, has proven beneficial. “Most of my practice was playing with my roommate, Dakota. We would play a couple hours a night for a couple nights a week for months,” says Erickson. “We would try out
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
new ideas and different decks to figure out what works.” However, in addition to practicing with his friends and roommates, Erickson says that going to other events and meeting other people has helped his success. “It’s really interesting to see how everyone else thinks about the game. I’m just one person, and my roommates and me are just a few people, but there are hundreds and thousands of other people to bounce ideas off of at events,” says Erickson. In terms of being a world champion, Erickson is pretty modest, but he knows the title carries a lot of meaning. “It’s not something that a lot of people get to say, that there is something that they are the best at,” says Erickson. “But it’s really great because it’s such a fun game, and I am very competitive when it comes to these sorts of things, so I was very happy when it played out the way it did.” Perhaps the most exciting aspect of being a world champion is that Erickson gets to design a new card for Netrunner. However, when it comes to the most rewarding component, it is that Erickson sees himself as a representative and an encourager of the game. He wants to introduce new people to the game, and he has a competitive side that wants to show up to events and continue to defend his title. For Erickson, the best part of playing collectible card games, like Netrunner, is that he gets to both have fun with friends and create a bond over shared interests. If he could give any advice to novice players starting out, it would be that the community around the game is really supportive and great when you are starting out. “It’s kind of like a board game, it’s something to do with friends, and meet new people that share the same interests, that’s really the best part of it,” says Erickson. Erickson will be defending his World Champion title the second weekend in November in Roseville. And for anyone interested in checking out Netrunner, or learning more about the game in the La Crosse area, River City Hobbies runs a Netrunner night on Monday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Players can build decks, try out new techniques, and new players can ask veteran players, and world champions like Erickson, questions.
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technology
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HELP THE ENVIRONMENT Having a diverse array of businesses within walking or biking distance reduces the amount of driving residents must do to shop for goods and services. It also helps to conserve land, limit sprawl and lessen traffic and air pollution.
had this happen a couple of times, which is nice, but it’s disappointing when you cannot get the deal you’re expecting. Despite the couple of hiccups I found with the app, I still love it and I try to use it anytime that I am shopping at a store or online. It also helps with getting rid of some of those annoying shipping and handling charges online!
20-year veterans of rock, Jucifer, returned to JB’s Speakeasy on 10/11/14. Photo: Bob Good
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Cell.Plus, 1537 Losey Blvd., Lacrosse 608-519-5440 Things we want you to know: New Retail Installment Contracts and Shared Connect Plan 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. $140 Price Plan based on $100/mo. 10GB Shared Connect Plan plus 4 lines with discounted $10 Device Connection Charges for each. Retail Installment Contract required to receive discounts, otherwise regular Device Connection Charges apply. 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. 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 the form of a U.S. Cellular MasterCard® Debit Card issued by MetaBank™ Member FDIC pursuant to license from MasterCard International Incorporated. 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. Retail Installment Contracts: 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. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Additional terms apply. See store or uscellular.com for details. ©2014 U.S. Cellular
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he holidays! Everyone’s favorite time of the year! There are family gatherings, large amounts of food, changes in the weather (still not sure if that’s good or bad, you decide), and let’s not forget the presents. Let’s face it, everyone’s favorite part of the holidays is the presents. Even though it is our favorite part, it is also our least favorite because of how much money we have to spend getting gifts for others. (Man, kids live the good life!) Saving money, or even limiting ourselves to how much money we spend, is tough, especially during the holidays. Sure, there are some amazing deals going on during this time, but are you getting every deal possible? Maybe you need a little help to save a little more. RetailMeNot (or www.retailmenot. com for non-smartphone users) is an app for your phone that collects coupons for some of your favorite retail stores, and these coupons can be used either instore or online. You can favorite stores that you love so you are able to find deals for them faster, or set up the app to send you notifications when there are deals nearby. What I like about this app is that many of my favorite stores are listed in here, so I am able to get deals all the time. (I have even been shocked when I’ve seen a small-scale store listed on this app.) You can save a coupon or promotional code for later, and it is easy to find under the saved tab in the app. With the pros come the cons. One con of the RetailMeNot app is that not all stores have in-store coupons; a store may be listed in the RetailMeNot app, but sometimes the coupons can only be used online. Another con of the app is that there are times where the store refuses to use the coupons. I have only
LOVIN’ LOCAL ARTISTS November Talent: Lisa Lenarz
Article: Morgan Weibel
A&E visual arts
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isa Lenarz is a native of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, but she has lived and worked in La Crosse since 2003. Smart, clever and warm describe Lisa. She is an important addition to the La Crosse art scene. Her biggest inspirations are women’s issues and representations of women in pop culture and mass media. She considers herself a subject matter artist. For Lisa, this means she investigates a particular subject that is usually something she can’t get out of her head. For the past 25 years that inspiration has been women’s issues and how women are represented in mass media. Lisa says, “Sometimes I deviate from that, but then I always come back and do more work that relates to that. So it’s like I never get satisfied in my answers.” She uses several different mediums to create her pieces, such as sculpture, video, installation, drawing and painting. Lisa says she is a die-hard printmaker and it is the technique she uses most. Part of the
reason Lisa finds printmaking so satisfying isn’t necessarily the end result, but the very laborious process. She says, “It’s kind of like controlling chaos to get to an outcome which is, I think, a lot of fun because you never know how it is going to turn out until the end.” The real inspiration for Lisa comes from a desire to see change in the way women are represented in pop culture; women are
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still being represented in mass media at ages 17 to 25, of a certain body type, and more of one race. “I want to hear and see stories of a lot of women. I want to see what that looks like. I want to be able to look at an image in a magazine and see a 3-D character and not a glazed-over hottie that had a lobotomy or something.” Lisa’s favorite piece of her own is “Pink Furry Man.” It is a life-size sculpture of a man covered in faux pink fur. It took her six months to create him. His legs are cast in concrete, his skeleton made of aluminum rods, and all of his body parts are made of wire mesh. “Pink Furry Man” was inspired by Lisa’s study of feminism in graduate school. She explained that he is a representation of the complicated exchange between what drives sex appeal in marketing. To help me understand, Lisa used the film “Transformers” as an example, and the image of actress Megan Fox being draped over a motorcycle. She says, “We [women] are being forced to be a dude that’s looking at a girl that’s sexy and he [“Pink Furry Man”] represents that complicated duality that we are forced to go through. That stuff is painful when you know it’s operating like a button.” “Pink Furry Man” has made some appearances around town and the rumor is that he will be seen again in the future after vacationing in Lisa’s garage. This spring, Lisa has a collaboration project with Emily Lanctot from Michigan that will be in Blend Studio in Nashville, Tenn. This project is about manufactured materials and material culture. They’ll be asking questions like, “Why do we package something to look like something it’s not?” In the meantime, Lisa will continue her other passion, teaching. She teaches middle and secondary art in the School District of La Crosse. It’s refreshing to hear a person talk so passionately about teaching. She says, “I get to basically usher
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
these young people into an understanding of the world that comes from questions they ask themselves. I feel so lucky to be a teacher.” Lisa’s hope for people in La Crosse is that they will open themselves up to art because it is a human achievement, and artists are generously and courageously showing a part of themselves to the public. Lisa acknowledged that art has a reputation for being boring, but her advice is: “Bring a friend, go look at some art, look at some art that’s weird, look at some art that shocks you because maybe it will make you feel better about yourself on the way home.”
A&E showtime Bare bones quality acting and writing.
Article: Morgan Weibel
THE UNDERGROUND PLAYERS
#5
NURTURE THE COMMUNITY Independent businesses are owned by people who live in this community and are committed to investing in La Crosse’s future. Locally owned businesses contribute more than twice as much to charitable causes as corporate chains do.
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ucked into the historic Fortney Hotel in downtown Viroqua, Wis., The Underground Players begin their third full season. Their mission of providing this region with high quality, thought-provoking theatre, comes to life when you step into the funky, outfitted space. The walls, seats and stage ooze with personality; they draw a person in and don’t easily let go. That’s what happened to Leigh Anders, the managing director since 2007, and Jake Stephens, an actor and man of all trades for The Underground Players. Since their separate arrivals, the theatre has developed into the special destination that it is today. “Three years ago, we honed in on our niche,” says Leigh. “It’s been very well received. We wanted to do something different. We didn’t want to be redundant, that’s for sure.” That niche is part of the mission of The Underground Players. They perform contemporary plays by newer playwrights, and most can only be seen in bigger cities - until now.
Photo Credit: Brandie Myhre
Sonia and Masha and Spike,” by Christopher Durang. This play was the 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play. Jake describes this play as absurd and
“Three years ago, we honed in on our niche. It’s been very well received. We wanted to do something different. We didn’t want to be redundant, that’s for sure.” Leigh Anders
In the Coulee Region it might be hard for some to imagine a large audience for contemporary theatre exists, but Jake says, “I think people are hungry for it. Particularly in this area people are looking for something to fill them up. Something that’s new and something that’s edgy.” “Stuff that is more thought provoking,” adds Adam Fogelson, the artistic director and self-proclaimed stair sweep. Adam has been a part of The Underground Players since the earlier days of its development. The promise of more thought provoking material is not going unanswered this season. The season opener is “Vanya and
Adam quickly agreed. It is a story about family life. In January, you can see “The Norwegians,” by C. Denby Swanson. The title, in and of itself, causes a stir in our area because of the strong Norwegian heritage. This play is about two scorned women and their encounter with two Norwegian men. The buzzword is hit men, and this will only be the second time that “The Norwegians” is being performed outside of New York. After Leigh saw the script, she knew they had to do it. And to close their season, you can see “An Outopia for Pigeons,” by Justin Maxwell. This selection was slightly inspired by a roosting pigeon incident over the entrance of The Underground Players theatre, but it may be the selection they are most excited for. Adam says, “It is about realizing where you are in your life.” The cast of characters is impressive and includes a sperm whale and the last surviving passenger pigeon. It will be quite a special night as the playwright Justin Maxwell will be coming for their
premiere. Leigh described the audience as “pretty brave.” As I sat in the front row, Adam stood in front of me to demonstrate how close the actors are on stage. It is a unique and intimate setting. He says, depending on the dialogue, they could be looking you right in the eye. They are dedicated to high quality acting versus anything else. No fancy set or costumes, just bare bones quality acting and writing. As a 100 percent volunteer company, they rely on their high standards to keep bringing the audience back. Your ticket will be well worth it when you leave the theatre satisfied after a show and looking forward to future performances. The ticket cost covers their royalty fees and rent for the space, but they keep the cost low because they want everyone to have access to good theatre. Leigh expressed that they don’t want to be pricing out the very community that has made them, and accessibility is a goal for all of them. One of their future goals is to become a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning they would be a tax exempt nonprofit organization. They can become eligible for grants and contributions, which would add to their growth. Jake said, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could have something like this that is a regional draw, that isn’t just something that we do for love, but something that we get to do all of the time because we love it and get to share with everyone else?” My sit down with these three, in itself, has left me wanting more already. But
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there are other core company members who are around for almost every single production, either on stage or behind the scenes: Will Cronin, Taryn Greendeer, David Hough, Steven Laurdan, Rena Medow, Brandie Myhre, Daniel Peak, Michelle Pedretti, Margot Hipwell, Dave Ware and Chris Cox. Without them, The Underground Players would not be what they are today.
From left to right, Adam Fogelson, Jake Stephens, Leigh Anders
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THE PLAY IS
THE THING
“Gather ‘round close. I want to tell you a story.” That statement is an autumnal tradition right up there with football games, apple pie and raking leaves. This November, both universities are inviting you in close to hear some compelling and original stories. Viterbo University is bringing the world premiere of “Headshot!,” adapted by Kari Margolis and Tony Brown, to the La Croix Black Box Theatre, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is bringing “The Man Who” by Peter Brook to the Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall. If you are a fan of theatre, get the dates on the calendar and don’t miss the opportunity to experience these intimate and thought-provoking productions. “Headshot!” is a prime example of why theatre-goers in this community are so remarkably fortunate. This is an original production and we are all invited to witness its world premiere. Not something to be taken lightly or to be missed. The play is an unscripted exploration of movement and theatre from professionals Kari Margolis, an award-winning playwright, director and master teacher, and Tony Brown, co-founder with Margolis of MB ADAPTORS Company in New York City. Together these guest artists will work with 12 Viterbo students to create the piece. The set will be minimal, consisting of five doors and 14 chairs, but will incorporate multimedia art forms such as photography and film. “Headshot!” is a theatrical exploration of the desire to win and be chosen, even when we don’t know what we are auditioning for. Rick Walters, associate professor at Viterbo, assured me that the piece transcends the theatre community and speaks to the “auditions” we all make. William Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players,” so “Headshot!” should prove to be a vehicle of self-discovery for all of us. Performance dates are Nov. 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. General admission is $12. Call the Viterbo Box Office at 608-796-3100 or visit Viterbo.edu online. Across town, another compelling production is coming to the remodeled 103-seat Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall: Peter Brook’s “The Man Who,” directed by Dana McConnell. “The Man Who” offers a series of fascinating doctor/patient scenarios that examine our attempts to understand the workings of the human brain. Reading about this play reminded me of a quote from my psychology background by Carl Jung. In “Psychology of the Unconscious” he wrote, “From the viewpoint of analytic psychology, the theatre, aside from any aesthetic value, may be considered as an institution for the treatment of the mass complex.” With that in mind, I look forward to this production as part entertainment and part therapy. Peter Brook’s “The Man Who” was inspired by “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat,” Oliver Sacks’ best-selling collection of case histories about the neurologically impaired. Four actors portray patients with such inflictions as having no feeling from the neck down, one who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome, and another that is convinced they are living in a dream. Expect the set to be profoundly minimalistic — a Peter Brook’s trademark. An interview conducted by journalist Charlie Rose last year shed some light on the realization that this was never the playwright’s intent. He stated that he began with a love of every theatre convention and excess to tell the story, but in the process he discovered “the human being is richer than the greatest stage effect that exists.” He discovered there were so many things that are not necessary to create great drama. Expect to see a few chairs with words and skilled actors shouldering the work. Performance dates for “The Man Who” are Nov. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors/non UW-L students and $5 for UW-L students. Call the UW-L Box Office at 608-785-8522. Some small stages are going to create some big drama this November. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these compelling productions. - By Michael Scott
…but wait, there’s more! Visit Klutch online for more articles and super awesome stuff. Rachel Gudgeon and Klayton McGough admiring Steve Kiedrowski’s Telly Award after a local showing of the film “One Lucky Day” at the Southside Community Center. The Telly award-winning film featured about twenty La Crosse residents in a comedy about a teenage girl who won the lottery. Photo: Bob Good
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November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
klutchchronicle.com
A&E
#6
showtime
CONSERVE TAX DOLLARS Neighborhood and downtown businesses require less public infrastructure and make more efficient use of city services compared to big-box stores and shopping centers.
NOVEMBER RELEASES Worst Friends Release Date: November 4th, 2014 Genres: Comedy drama, Romance
Beyond the Lights Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Drama, Romance
The Theory of Everything Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Docudrama, Romance, Biography
Wolves Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Horror
Big Hero 6 Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Action, Science fiction, Animated Interstellar Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Science fiction, Drama, Adventure Mr. Pip Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Drama, War Rosewater Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Docudrama The Better Angels Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Biography, Drama Cubicle Warriors Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Comedy Jessabelle Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Horror Elsa & Fred Release Date: November 7th, 2014 Genres: Romantic comedy Dumb and Dumber To Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Comedy The Homesman Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Western Foxcatcher Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Docudrama, Crime drama
Saving Christmas Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Comedy Nativity 3: Dude Where’s My Donkey? Release Date: November 14th, 2014 Genres: Comedy The Imitation Game Release Date: November 21st, 2014 Genres: Docudrama, Biography, Historical drama The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Release Date: November 21st, 2014 Genres: Science fiction, Adventure, Action VHS: Viral Release Date: November 21st, 2014 Genres: Horror Reach Me Release Date: November 21st, 2014 Genres: Drama The Penguins of Madagascar Release Date: November 26th, 2014 Genres: Comedy, Adventure, Animated Horrible Bosses 2 Release Date: November 26th, 2014 Genres: Comedy
Did you know? Suzanne Lee of TED Talks fame makes clothing out of Kombucha cultures. What’s Kombucha? Go back to page 17.
#7
HAVE MORE CHOICES Marketplaces of small businesses help to ensure more innovation, competition, and lower prices over the long term. Independent businesses choose products based on what their local customers want and need.
Monsters: Dark Continent Release Date: November 28th, 2014 Genres: Drama, Thriller, Science fiction Check Local Listings for times and availability.
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www.ewetopiafibershop.com KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
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Winona music fest devoted to education and bettering community.
“W
here music and community meet.”
That’s the catchy tagline, as well as the ultimate goal, for the Mid West Music Fest (which is a pretty catchy name in itself, don’t you think?), a young but already successful music festival that Winona, Minn., welcomed with open arms just a few short years ago. Focused on musicians and artists, education, local businesses, and making Winona a more vibrant place to live, MWMF has already proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. Their current venture is Sounds Like School, which boasts musical events that run from early September to November. (That’s right; they aren’t just a once-a-year fest.) Teaming up with Winona State University and St. Mary’s University, MWMF-Sounds Like School’s mission is “to build a strong and lasting connection to learners of all ages through partnerships with area schools … [to] expose students to live performances, connect students with musicians, and foster a general appreciation for music.” These events feature many local Winona artists, a handful from the Minneapolis area, and a few from other drivable-distance locales. Sounds Likes School includes oncampus and community activities that are primarily focused on music education. Such events include: children’s concerts, music appreciation courses, music industry workshops, and a plethora of great shows. Suddenly a new school year doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
Although many of the events have come and gone, there are still many opportunities, including workshops, shows and panel discussions, available in November. In addition to these awesome offerings happening RIGHT NOW, Mid West Music Fest puts on year-round events, including the large fest in the spring. The spring festival began in 2010 when an idealistic AmeriCorps volunteer overflowing with creative ideas, Sam Brown, was assigned to work in Winona, where he immediately felt a strong connection to the community, as well as the city itself. Along with a group of willing and enthusiastic friends, his grandiose vision of a large musical event that would better the community soon sprang to life. That first year, as their website states, was an “all-ages, all-genres, alcoholfree, volunteer-driven two-day summer festival - held on 13 stages for two days in July, collaborating with the Great River Shakespeare Festival and Theatre du Mississippi.” Pretty darn impressive for year one, wouldn’t you say? 2014 was the fest’s most successful year to date. With more than 2,000 people in attendance (including the musicians and volunteers) and a huge increase in ticket sales from the previous year (a 50 percent bump, to be precise), this amazing festival is helping put Winona on the map as a viable musical haven. According to the managing director of the fest, Parker Forsell, it’s still too early to predict what special events or artists will be involved in the fest next year (taking place April 23-25, 2015),
To learn more about Mid West Music Fest, Sounds Like School upcoming events, and how you can get involved (as a sponsor, volunteer, or simply a dancing member of the audience), check out www.midwestmusicfest.org. 24
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
Article: Alyssa Schulte Photos: Shannon Porter Photography
Altruistic Tunes
but odds are it will be even bigger and better than before. He did hint that they are currently concluding the submission process and are now “working with the music committee to choose some of the headlining artists” that will be involved in 2015. Considering that past headliners have included heavyweights and local favorites such as Charlie Parr, Nicholas David, Caroline Smith and many more, it’s hard not to get excited. It’s clear that, other than providing fulfilling entertainment for Winona residents, students and visitors, MWMF is also giving back to the community and helping the city thrive. In the past, the fest has donated a chunk of its proceeds (profits from ticket sales, along with donations and grants) to nonprofits in Winona that focus on children and the arts. This year, according to Parker, they will “concentrate on education programming” and funding Sounds Like School. They believe in truly investing in their performing musicians, so they offer education workshops, where artists can go to learn about professional development. And, as if that’s not enough, local venues and businesses have praised the spring fest in the past years, many claiming to report their “best sales of the year” during the three days of the event. Clearly, the folks over at MWMF are doing something right. A growing, successful music fest devoted to bettering its community and providing artists with education. And it’s local! Does it get any better than that?
& Dessa A&E
#8
tunes
Show Tell
LOCAL EXPERTISE Local business owners and employees often possess a level of expertise and a passion for the products they sell. They also tend to have a greater interest in getting to know their customers who are, after all, their neighbors.
stage, you spend 15 or 20 on administrative tasks: filling out spreadsheets, booking hotels, emailing promoters, calculating merchandise totals. And driving — you drive for most of the daylight hours every day, stopping only for fast food. Does performing in La Crosse differ from other places (perhaps larger places) you’ve been? If so, how? I first visited La Crosse as a guest lecturer at the university. I stayed for a few days and was taken by the scale of the place; there’s a real charm in the compact downtown, entirely walkable in an hour or so. The view from Grandad Bluff was spectacular, exceeded the hype. Is La Crosse a prime, strategic market, like New York? No. But it’s a sweet place to play a show. And parking’s way, way easier.
GENRE: Indie, Rap, Hip-hop, Jazz
KEY TRACKS: Skeleton Key, Call Off Your Ghost, Fighting Fish, Children’s Work, Dixon’s Girl, Dutch, Alibi
Can you talk about what being a part of the collective Doomtree means to you? Doomtree is all I’ve known as a musician, so it’s hard to talk about it with any objectivity. There are seven of us total, and those guys are very much a family to me — with all the love, history, dysfunction, and loyalty that that word implies.
I
What’s next for you, professionally?
By: Katie Svitavsky was first introduced to Dessa’s music through a friend about two years ago, and haven’t yet found anything quite like it. From a mix of rapping and singing to unique instruments and ear-grabbing hooks, Dessa’s music is nothing short of stimulating. The show, held in September at the Cavalier in downtown La Crosse, attracted a very diverse group of people - those already familiar with Dessa and also those looking for a fun Friday night. The assortment included college students, 20- and 30-somethings, parents who left the kids at home, and more, but whatever their reasons for coming out to the concert, they did not leave disappointed. In taking the complexity her music offers on tour, Dessa faces a bit of a challenge as she is charged with translating the studio versions of her work into live tracks. One of the most significant changes is including another vocalist, Aby Wolf, on most tracks. What this looked like from the audience’s perspective was Dessa and Aby Wolf taking on the role of dueling vocalists, drawing energy from the other’s performance and building on the other’s voice. Dessa’s honest and compelling lyrics also contribute to her popularity. Experience with spoken word poetry and a background in philosophy (she earned an undergraduate degree in the field from the U of M) allow her to construct imaginative and intelligent lyrics. Dessa’s music is incredibly varied: a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Down” appears on her latest album right next to “Fighting Fish,” a track that is impossible to sit still during, about
ambition, ego, and the integrity of art. The fun of a live show isn’t only in the sound but also the visuals, and seeing a performer so present when performing was just as exciting as hearing the music. What struck me the most as an audience member was how real Dessa was: during the show she conversed with the audience, took selfies, cracked jokes, and even hopped off the stage during a song into the crowd below — a mass of people singing and rapping the lyrics right next to her. But that’s completely fitting with what Dessa’s all about: creativity over comfort, risk over rigidity, and music over money, making her work truly one-of-a-kind. Aside from enjoying the show with my friends, I got a chance to ask Dessa a few questions! She graciously obliged my curiosity, and her insight is printed for you, dear reader, to consider.
On October 26th, I’ll make my debut at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. I wrote a new piece called “The Good Fight” to be performed with 100 voices. Rapper, poet, writer, essayist, and artist Dessa came to La Crosse and performed at the Cavalier downtown as one of the last stops on her tour. A part of the Minneapolis indie rap collective Doomtree, Dessa performed songs off her new album “Parts of Speech” and her 2010 “A Badly Broken Code.” In addition, she has released remix albums for those albums, “Castor, the Twin,” and “Parts of Speech, Re-Edited,” respectively. Aside from her music, Dessa also has published a collection of prose, “Spiral Bound,” and a collection of poetry, “A Pound of Steam.” Though her tour ended, you can check out Dessa and Doomtree online at doomtree.net.
What does your writing process look like? I jot down little idea fragments throughout the day - a turn of phrase, an image, or a single word that catches my ear. Then later, when it’s time to assemble a song or poem or an essay, I’ll reference this pile of raw material to incorporate into the finished piece. It’s sort of a paleontological process: I get [this pile] of little bones and have to try to figure out what sort of creature they make.
Local alternative rock band, Borders, performs in front of the Coalition Drum Shop on State Street during Oktoberfest weekend. Photo: Bob Good
What are the best parts of performing and touring? Worst? Touring is probably one of the best and worst parts of this job. I’ve had the chance to travel through most of this country and I’ve done so with some of my closest friends. I’ve performed work I believe in front of audiences on three continents. But I’ve done most of that traveling with my knees against the dash or against the seat in front of me; we travel in a pretty worn-out van with blown speakers and intermittently functional air-conditioning. Touring is the hardest part of this job; for every hour you spend on KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
25
health & fitness
ss wellne MIND, BODY
Ride on.
Along with his flagship bike, Hrudka will soon be ready to tap into the fastest growing segment in the biking industry. Fat Bikes have tires that are 3.8 inches or bigger, though 4 and 5 inches are standard. They go through mud and can be pedaled on the beach, but are designed for snow. Being a Midwest company, Hrudka had to be part of that. “They’re a lot of fun to ride,” he says. “You can pretty much take any trail that isn’t normally accessible in the winter.” The Fat Bike will be a 20-speed, and designed to be affordable like the others. All of Hrudka’s bikes are assembled by hand in La Crosse and are customizable, down to the color preference. They’re powder coated to your liking by Premier Powdercoating in Ettrick, Wis. “The majority of companies right now have all their bikes painted, assembled and everything right from China, where ours are fully built right in La Crosse, which is awesome, and that’s one thing that sets us apart.”
Article: Bri Rupel
WYATT BIKES
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t’s always inspiring when you get the chance to chat at length with someone who is legitimately pursuing his or her passion in life. Wyatt Hrudka’s passion is building bicycles. Ever since he hopped on a bike at 4 years old, he had an engineering mindset. “I could always disassemble something and put it back together without any instructions; that was one of my strengths,” he explains. “I wanted to bring that to biking because I loved it.” Knowing that he always wanted to be an entrepreneur, Hrudka built up his skill set by working in bike shops throughout middle and high school, eventually taking a position as head mechanic for five years at the UW-L campus rental bike program. It was there that he started noticing a common problem among college students and their bikes: Something was always wrong with the gears. Hrudka realized that the average street commuter really only uses two - maybe three - to get around, so he started brainstorming. “Why not start a company that specializes in single-speed bikes,” he thought, “make them affordable, but yet have high quality.” There were a few companies already specializing in these types of bikes, but they were made out of low-quality materials. Hrudka did some research and finally designed the frame geometry he thought was best. In June 2011, Wyatt Bicycle Co. was born. Hrudka was still a junior in college. Since his company’s start, Hrudka has proven that it takes an incredible amount of dedication to make your own business flourish. Sure, he’s the owner, but he also does pretty much every aspect of the business: his own web design, marketing, promotions, and of course, he builds every single bike he sells by hand. But this isn’t even his full-time gig. Hrudka already has a job in town where he utilizes his degree in information systems. In fact, he did this quick interview on his lunch break. “During the week, I’ll start building bikes at four in the
morning,” Hrudka states. Then he clocks in at 7 a.m. and works until 5 in the evening to pay the bills. If he still has work at the shop to get done, you’ll find him there until 11 p.m. most nights. “You gotta do what you gotta do to get the bikes out the door,” Hrudka says matter-offactly. “I know it will pay off in the future.” Wyatt Bicycle Co. puts out approximately 100 to 150 bikes per year, shipping all over the country including New York City and Boston. Next year, Hrudka expects that number to double. “Everyone just loves [the bikes]. They’re fast, reliable and simple.” Wyatt’s single-speed bike is just like the bike you have at home where you can pedal and coast, but instead of shifters and a bunch of cables, there’s only one gear. But what about hills? “Usually with a normal bike, your gears are going to skip, and you start to lose momentum when you slow down to shift,” he explains. “Your legs are just going to work more.” The other option is to flip the rear wheel and affix it to the rear sprocket, transforming the bike into a fixed gear. It can be comparable to an exercise bike, where the pedals keep moving even as you lift your feet off. Why would anyone want to ride like that? “It really makes you feel like you’re one with the bike,” answers Hrudka. “Your legs are always moving; your cadence is much better.”
Hrudka anticipates being able to dedicate himself full-time to his passion in about six months. “It’s been hard,” he admits, “but it’s been a lot of fun and a great learning experience; it’s really kept me on my feet.” Hrudka hopes it will get riders on his bikes. Fat Bikes will be available at the end of December to mid-January. Any Wyatt Bikes can be purchased at Bikes Limited in La Crosse, or directly through the Wyatt Bicycle Co. website: http://wyattbikes.com.
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November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
Call or Book Online!
GET INVOLVED
WHAT
h
BETTERMENT OF OUR FORCOMMUNITY
YOU CAN DO
AMERICAN RED CROSS - SCENIC BLUFFS CHAPTER: American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteers can support blood drives, train to respond to disasters, teach lifesaving First Aid/CPR classes, support our Armed Forces, assist at special events and more! 2927 Losey Blvd S, La Crosse, WI; volunteerwestern.wi@redcross.org; 877-618-6628 ext. 5822; www.redcross.org/wi/la-crosse. BETHANY LUTHERAN HOMES: Volunteers may assist with recreational activities, read aloud to residents, help with writing, assist with special events, help with weekly outings, manicures, one-on-one visits, singalongs, 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: The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Volunteers are a vital part of many programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Opportunities are available in many areas, including athletics, tutoring, game room management, recreation, special events and clerical areas. Your involvement and support is encouraged. For more information, please call 608.782.3926, or visit their website to fill out the volunteer application at www.bgcgl.org. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Lend a Hand! Volunteers are an important part of the Children’s Museum team. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and fond of children, check into current volunteer opportunities and contact us soon! Visit their website to fill out a volunteer application at www.funmuseum.org or call 608.784.2652. COULEE REGION HUMANE SOCIETY: Volunteers needed to help care for animals and collect donations for animals. For more information, call 608.781.4014. For a list of current opportunities, or to fill out an application, click the Volunteer link at www.couleehumane.com. COULEE REGION UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION (CRUSA): Help with concessions, trash removal, fundraising events, and tournament staff at the La Crosse area Field for Kids Facility in Industrial Park. For more information about volunteering, contact Vanessa Machado (volunteer organizer) at crusasoccer@gmail. com or check out their website: www.crusa-soccer. com. CROSSFIRE YOUTH CENTER: Crossfire seeks to transform the lives of local teens by providing safe and fun activities. Crossfire is always seeking volunteers who have a heart to serve. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in weight lifting, archery, outdoor activities, and our Friday night party alternative. 608-784-6565; amanda@crossfire4u.com; crossfire4u.com. LA CROSSE THANKSGIVING DINNER: This wonderful annual event has been serving the La Crosse area since 1982! The first year, they served 300, this year they anticipate about 4,000! Over 100 volunteers are needed in this “community serving community” holiday occasion. Tasks widely vary including clean-up, meal delivery, crafts, decorating, and more. Volunteers needed on Thanksgiving Day and before for prep-
work. www.lacrossethanksgivingdinner.com or call (608)782-8726 after Nov. 1. FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER: Volunteers provide the hospitality that makes FSC such a special place. They provide refreshment setup, work at the front desk, greet visitors and help with special events. Shifts are as little as one hour, primarily evenings and weekends. No special skills are needed. FSC is dedicated to anyone seeking God, meaning and wholeness. We’re at 920 Market Street, La Crosse. Please contact Linda Kerrigan at lkerrigan@fspa.org or 608-791-5276. More information about FSC at FSCenter.org. GREAT RIVERS UNITED WAY: Great Rivers United Way Volunteer Center hosts an array of volunteer opportunities. Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. There are hundreds of volunteer options available every day. Give the gift of you. Volunteer. (608) 796-1400; jlarsen@gruw.org; www.greatriversunitedway.org/volunteer-2. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY/RESTORE: For Women Build, construction, Critical Home Repair, ReStore, special events or office work, contact Bekky Mayfield, Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, at volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org or 608.785.2375 X1604. HILLVIEW URBAN AGRICULTURE CENTER: The mission of Hillview is to create a healthy community through a local, sustainable, and accessible food system. We have volunteer opportunities in the following programs: Market Baskets, vermicomposting, various gardening tasks, hoop house construction, fundraising, grant writing, and marketing. (608) 786-0338; vicki@vsm5. com; www.hillviewuac.org. HORSESENSE FOR SPECIAL RIDERS: Be a “side walker” or horse leader, exercise the therapy horses, muck out the barns, help with special events. Email executivedirector@hssrweb.org, call 608.791.4868 or fill out the online volunteer form at www.hssr.org.
#9
PRESERVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneurship fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.
LA CROSSE WARMING CENTER:
New and Improved
Catholic Charities’ new warming shelter, opening this month, will provide basic services including showers and meals, but also wrap-around services to connect folks with long term solutions, which will help them end their homelessness struggle. The La Crosse Warming Center’s mission is to work with the greater La Crosse community to better serve those experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect by providing a safe and warm shelter during the winter months. The shelter operates from Nov. 1 through April 30. The 2014 Farmer’s Almanac uses the words “biting” and “piercing” to describe the upcoming winter in our region. For many of us, this means less time spent outside doing the things we enjoy. For La Crosse’s homeless population, it can quite literally mean that their survival is, at times, dependent on the kindness of strangers. If the Farmer’s Almanac 2014-2015 winter prediction is correct [it was spot on last year], it might be best if we all just pack our bags for Bushnell, Fla., population 2,050, immediately. [Klutch Chronicle is currently conducting a feasibility study to address this proposed move - look for results in the December issue!] Short of relocating the entire town, there are a few things we can do to ensure a safe and warm winter for our struggling homeless population. First off, the La Crosse Warming Center is always in need of an array of volunteers, including people to provide residents with a positive point of contact, welcome folks to the warming shelter, and let them know the rules and guidelines. Food service volunteers are also needed to make connections with residents through hearty conversation and a warm meal. If the season has you time-crunched but you’d like to do something, you can always donate. The donation wish list includes: breakfast cereal and instant oatmeal packets, breakfast bars and soft granola bars, fruit and applesauce cups, bottled juice, coffee, creamer, sugar, hand and foot warmers, socks and cash. As winter approaches, consider giving some of your time to the La Crosse Warming Center … it is certain to be time well spent. Jason Larsen is the community impact director at Great Rivers United Way, a community-minded volunteer, and an occasional freelance writer.
LA CRESCENT ANIMAL RESCUE: We are committed to being a no-kill shelter, which means we are always looking for both foster and permanent homes for the animals left in our care. At our facility, volunteer tasks available include cat and/or dog care, cleaning, clerical, and animal transportation. Must be 16 years of age. 523 S Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN. (507) 8952066;www.lacrescentanimalrescue.blogspot.com.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact Mary Fitzpatrick at Catholic Charities at info@cclse.org or at 608.519.8020.
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. 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. 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. WISCONSIN CONSERVATION CORPS: WisCorps engages youth and young adults in direct conservation projects on public lands across the state. Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, tree planting, event assistance, and more! (608) 782-2494; staff@ wiscorps.org; www.wiscorps.org.
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.
Article: Jason Larsen
volunteer
elping
A Wisconsin parade staple, Festival’s giant shopping cart in the Maple leaf parade. Photo: Bob Good
KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
27
sup IN THE COULEE REGION (WHAT’S UP)
Local events calendar for November 2014 NOVEMBER 1 FOOD AND DRINK: BREWERY TOUR 12-5 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse Free THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: THE 39 STEPS 7:30-10:30 pm @ La Crosse Community Theatre In this lively and clever adaptation of Hitchcock’s film-noir masterpiece, British everyman Richard Hanay battles Nazis, spies, and femmes fatales to save the Empire from a sinister conspiracy! Tickets: $26; $15 for students and $10 for military THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: AILEY II 7:30 pm @ Viterbo Fine Arts Center Theatre Tickets: $28-$38
NOVEMBER 2 THEATRE: THE 39 STEPS 2 pm @ La Crosse Community Theatre In this lively and clever adaptation of Hitchcock’s film-noir masterpiece, British everyman Richard Hanay battles Nazis, spies, and femmes fatales to save the Empire from a sinister conspiracy! Tickets: $22; $15 for students and $10 for military
DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska $28 THEATRE: TIM O’ BRIEN’S “THE THINGS THEY CARRIED” 7 pm @ Weber Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the quintessential book about the Vietnam experience, “The Things They Carried” is the powerful telling of Tim O’Brien’s personal journey as a solider. $9 Veterans, $19 Adults, $17 LCT/ Viterbo Subscriber, $12 Students (with ID)
NOVEMBER 6 MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free THEATRE: THE MAN WHO 7:30 pm @ UW-L Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall Tickets: $16, $14 for seniors and non-UW-L students; $5 for UW-L students DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
NOVEMBER 3 TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA WITH TIM DALE 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
NOVEMBER 4 MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea DIY: A TASTE OF HOME COOKING SHOW 7 pm @ La Crosse Center; expo starts at 4:45 pm Tickets: $14 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.
NOVEMBER 5 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.
NOVEMBER 7 MARKET: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 4-8 pm @ Cameron Park in La Crosse Free COMMUNITY: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 4-8 pm @ Downtown La Crosse Free, Kick off your holiday shopping in downtown La Crosse! Our stores are open Friday night with longer hours, specials, promotions and refreshments. Make a night of it downtown! THEATRE: THE MAN WHO 7:30 pm @ UW-L Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall Tickets: $16, $14 for seniors and non-UW-L students; $5 for UW-L students OTHER: BULL RIDING EXTRAVAGANZA 7:30 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $20-$36.50
NOVEMBER 8 THEATRE: THE MAN WHO 7:30 pm @ UW-L Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall Tickets: $16, $14 for seniors and non-UW-L students; $5 for UW-L students THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La
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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. Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets. THEATRE: MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE: THE PIED PIPER 1 pm & 4 pm @ Viterbo University. In this unique adaptation featuring a cast of local children, find out what happens when a town in unable to pay the Piper. Adult: $12 main floor/$10 balcony, Child: $10 main floor/$8 balcony DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-8:30 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: RU CHICKEN? Trail run and relay 8 am @ Schultz Chicken Ridge Farm in Arcadia Registration: $25 FOOD AND DRINK: MONTHLY WINE TASTING 5-7 pm @ JavaVino in La Crosse Free OTHER: BULL RIDING EXTRAVAGANZA 7:30 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $20-$36.50
NOVEMBER 9 THEATRE: THE MAN WHO 2 pm @ UW-L Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall Tickets: $16, $14 for seniors and non-UW-L students; $5 for UW-L students THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets. DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 2-5 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
NOVEMBER 10 TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA WITH TIM DALE 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
NOVEMBER 11 MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free MUSIC: IN THIS MOMENT 7 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $25 FOOD AND DRINK: TEA TASTING PARTY 6-7:15 pm @ Dim Sum Tea Shop in La Crosse Tickets: $8, includes dumplings, egg tart and tea DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. THEATRE: SALUTE TO WISCONSIN VETERAN HISTORY All day @ Weber Center for the Performing Arts. Free to public, but tickets are recommended for evening event.
NOVEMBER 12
modernbodyskincare.com • (608) 788-0022 4010 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse, WI 28
FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room. DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska $28
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
ARTS: FREE FILM SCREENING OF DAKOTA 38 5:30-7:30 pm @ Overholt Auditorium on the Gunderson La Crosse campus Free, film is a documentary of a Native American man recognizing his roots. MUSIC: THE ROSE ENSEMBLE 7:30 pm @ Viterbo Fine Arts Center Tickets: $26-$36, Italian vocal music spanning several centuries.
NOVEMBER 13 MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
NOVEMBER 14 MARKET: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 4-8 pm @ Cameron Park in La Crosse Free THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: BILL COSBY 8 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $35-$55
NOVEMBER 15 MUSIC: SCOTTY MCCREERY 7:30 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $29.50-$49.50 THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE: OLD SCHOOL VARIETY SHOW 8 pm @The Pump House in downtown La Crosse Tickets: $18 in advance, $21 day of THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets.
NOVEMBER 16 COMMUNITY: TINY TIM JINGLE BELL BRUNCH AND FESTIVAL OF TREES FUNDRAISER 9 am-3 pm @ Waterfront Cargill Room in La Crosse Tickets: $20 for adults; $10 for children, proceeds go to WAFER, Paws 4 Independence, Safe Path, St. Clare Health Mission, and Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary. THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets.
NOVEMBER 17 TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA WITH TIM DALE 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
NOVEMBER 18 ARTS: INDEPENDENT FILM SERIES, CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS 6-8 pm @ South Side Neighborhood Center Tickets: Free, but seating is limited. Pre-register by Fri, Nov. 4 MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
sup IN THE COULEE REGION (WHAT’S UP)
FOOD AND DRINK: GREEN DRINKS 6:30 pm @ Fayze’s in downtown La Crosse Find out more about the environmental health of the Coulee Region and chat with others about the topic. 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. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: GRAND BLUFF RUNNING TRAIL RUN Time TBD @ Quarry Trails, north of Human Powered Trails in La Crosse
NOVEMBER 19 FOOD AND DRINK: FREE WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY 4-8 pm @ Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse Free pint if you ride your bike down to the tasting room. DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska $28
NOVEMBER 20
NOVEMBER 23
NOVEMBER 30
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 2-4:30 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. COMMUNITY: 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR 10 am-3 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $2, free for children 12 and under THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets.
NOVEMBER 24
COMMUNITY: LADIES SHOPPING WEEKEND Downtown La Crosse While the men are away, come downtown to shop and play! Hunt for the best gifts for everyone on your list!
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
NOVEMBER 21 MARKET: CAMERON PARK FARMERS MARKET 4-8 pm @ Cameron Park in La Crosse Free COMMUNITY: LADIES SHOPPING WEEKEND Downtown La Crosse While the men are away, come downtown to shop and play! Hunt for the best gifts for everyone on your list! COMMUNITY: 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR 12-9 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $2, free for children 12 and under
NOVEMBER 22 COMMUNITY: LADIES SHOPPING WEEKEND Downtown La Crosse While the men are away, come downtown to shop and play! Hunt for the best gifts for everyone on your list! COMMUNITY: 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR 9 am-5 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $2, free for children 12 and under THEATRE: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE 11 am & 2 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday @ La Crosse Community Theatre (Theatre for Youth Performance). This two-actor version brings to life all the excitement of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia! $9 tickets. EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: UW-L TURKEY TROT 9 am @ UW-La Crosse REC Early registration $8, after Nov. 14 $16, day of $19
November 4th Don’t Forget!!
Make a difference, Get out and vote!
MUSIC: ROOT NOTE JAZZ 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
DIY: CANVAS PAINTING CLASS 6:30-9 pm @ All Glazed Up in La Crosse Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB.
DECEMBER LATE NIGHTS Thursday and Fridays in December Come downtown for the tradition of late night shopping, holiday caroling, refreshments, family fun and more!
THEATRE: LORIE LINE CONCERT: 2014 HOLIDAY TOUR 7:30 pm @ Weber Center for the Performing Arts. Come experience a world class pianist in her milestone 25th season! $49 tickets.
MUSIC: OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
COMMUNITY: 51ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR 12-9 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $2, free for children 12 and under
UPCOMING EVENTS
TRIVIA: ROOT NOTE TRIVIA WITH TIM DALE 8 pm @ The Root Note in La Crosse Free
NOVEMBER 25
EXTENDED EVENTS
THEATRE: HEIDI 7PM Saturday & 2PM Sunday. The adventure filled story of a young orphan who is sent to live with her grandfather in the mountains. Presented by Misty’s Dance Unlimited and Ballet La Crosse. Orchestra: $22 (Sat) / $20 (Sun), Balcony: $18 (Sat) / $16 (Sun), Youth (18 and under): $10 all locations
and After you go and vote, get home and follow us on
NOVEMBER 1-15 JUNK YARD ART All day. Take in the beauty that Lee Harwell is able to produce by seeing past an object’s deteriorating exterior. Kader Gallery Exhibit, The Pump House, 119 King St., La Crosse. More information at www.thepumphouse.org. NOVEMBER 1-15 LET THE DEVIL IN All day. Susan Tierney’s works portray the mental themes of anxiety and instability that take place in everyday moments. Front Gallery Exhibit, The Pump House, 119 King St., La Crosse. More information at www.thepumphouse.org. NOVEMBER 28-JANUARY 1, 2015 LA CROSSE ROTARY LIGHTS Every night. Come and see brilliant lighting displays put together by local organizations during the holiday season. Nonperishable foods and donations accepted. Riverside Park. More information and event schedule at www. rotarylights.org.
#10
ENSURE THAT WE STAND OUT In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character are more likely to attract entrepreneurs and investment.
NOVEMBER 26 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.
Weber Center
DIY: FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 6-8 pm @ Flowers by Guenthers in Onalaska $28
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! EXERCISE AND OUTDOORS: FESTIVAL FOODS TURKEY TROT 8 am @ La Crosse Center Registration: $20 if before Nov. 1; $25 if before Nov. 23; $30 after
NOVEMBER 28 COMMUNITY: ROTARY LIGHTS PARADE 5 pm @ Riverside Park Free, though the event asks that you bring a nonperishable food donation. Experience downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment while you enjoy the parade and we light up downtown!
NOVEMBER 29 COMMUNITY: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY All Day @ Downtown La Crosse Free. This national campaign highlights the benefits of supporting local stores. Shop small and shop local this holiday season in downtown La Crosse. COMMUNITY: DANCING WITH THE LA CROSSE STARS, fundraiser benefiting the Red Cross 7 pm @ La Crosse Center Tickets: $20 THEATRE: HEIDI 7 pm Saturday & 2 pm Sunday. The adventurefilled story of a young orphan who is sent to live with her grandfather in the mountains. Presented by Misty’s Dance Unlimited and Ballet La Crosse. Orchestra: $22 (Sat) / $20 (Sun), Balcony: $18 (Sat) / $16 (Sun), Youth (18 and under): $10 all locations
for the
Performing Arts
So much to see and do! Check it out!
NOVEMBER 27
Photo by Theresa M. Smerud
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
Discounts available for students!
webercenterfortheperformingarts.org 428 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601
608-784-9292
KlutchChronicle.com \\ November, 2014
29
from a New Angle.
flip side
Information I’ve been working at my new job for a couple months and really like it so far except there are a couple employees that say things to me that I have mixed feelings about. I know they think they’re kidding but their comments make me uncomfortable. I don’t want to make them mad or think I’m making a big deal out of nothing. I moved to the US from India four years ago. I grew up speaking English and I have an Indian accent. Sometimes they say things to me “in my accent” and have asked me stupid questions like, “why don’t I wear a towel on my head?” The other day, the one guy asked if I charm snakes. I wasn’t sure if this was a serious question and I just told him that I don’t even like snakes. Are they just ignorant or being mean? How can I respond to this professionally without seeming like a jerk? Sincerely, Just Want to Like My Job Just Want to Like My Job, This is a glorious opportunity for you to take ownership of your professional identity. Find your ‘backbone,’ own it, and love it. You can’t enlighten painfully crude adults who incessantly victimize others with insensitive and culturally inappropriate jokes in just one conversation at work. Not to mention, their moral growth is not a dish on your plate at all. Changing hearts and minds is a full-time, lifelong job in itself. Leave that to higher powers and focus only on that which you can control: your response. To create the changes you want to see I would suggest that you first professionally and assertively inform them of your discontent with these remarks. Keep it short and simple, like: “I do not appreciate the things you say; if you are interested in my cultural background I’d be happy to discuss it with you outside of work, but other than that I would rather we just kept it professional.” Once they have been confronted about it they will back off. It may feel a little uncomfortable when you initially deliver the news, but you will feel so relieved when it is all over. Tear that Band-Aid my friend. In the rare case where co-workers can’t set their immaturity aside for an eight-hour workday, you may need to talk to human resources. Let that be your absolute last resort. You will feel more empowered by your own ability to resolve this. You are being challenged right now. Show yourself what you are made of. My final piece of advice is that demanding respect in all aspects of your life is NEVER the wrong thing to do. Above all else, stay happy and stay healthy.
Need Advice?
Email Liv at info@muellermediacorp.com and skip that $250 therapy session.
on the
Stranger Danger
Dear Liv,
A
By: Briana Rupel
s a kid, I was taught Stranger Danger. Though we lived nestled in a relatively safe suburb, a wiry pine forest loomed only two blocks away. My little brother and I learned to be wary when pedaling past there on our way to school, and we most certainly didn’t walk near there after dark. Couple this with my innate shyness, and it makes sense I literally hid under tables from adults I didn’t know well. Fairly unbelievable then, that freshly into my second decade I would ditch my comfort zone to study in Germany, a place where I knew absolutely no one. Even more incredulous is that on my way back to the US after a year, the very people who helped me safely home were indeed the strangers I was taught to fear. After a last supper of germanized chinese food, I had 20 euros to my name but enough leftovers to last me on my 24-hour trip home. Accompanying me on the first leg was Osman, a Turkish classmate with whom I had spent hours lingering over endless cups of black coffee as we found common ground in our stories of childhoods spent on opposite ends of planet Earth. We connected on carefree drunken nights contemplating the mysteries of the universe and detailing plans on how we would help humanity. Now, after stashing love letters into each other’s pockets, promising not to look at them until we were each on a plane to our respective countries, we nodded along to the Chili Peppers on a pair of split headphones, staring sadly through opposite windows, both of us coming to terms with the inevitable demise of our relationship. As soon as we hauled my luggage off the train and onto the airport shuttle two hours later, however, all of that romantic melancholy lurched into immediate fight-or-flight mode. “Tut mir Leid,” the driver apologized to me in German. “Wrong airport, Schatzi.” Maybe it was my naiveté at that age; maybe it was the cloudiness of a young romance, but either way it was clear: I had not given a second s**t about my travel plans. The free shuttle only took passengers to the Flughafen Hamburg, but I had to get to the Flughafen Hamburg – Lübeck ... precisely an hour and eight minutes away. My flight was taking off in two hours and the last train had left 45 minutes ago. Not that we had enough money to pool together for it even if it was an option. Ozzie was immediately on the phone with our friend Ibo back in Germany, who called a Turkish friend he knows in Hamburg. This is the beautiful thing about Turkish people, by the way: a friend of a friend is automatically a friend; no questions asked. “Tamam, tamam!” Ozzie says enthusiastically on the phone. I know hope when I hear it. A Turkish man, a stranger to both of us, scoops us up within 30 minutes. Even as I sat on edge in the backseat of this stranger’s car, continuously checking the dwindling time and biting my nails to the quick, our driver catches us in his rearview with a question. Ozzie turns to me, smiling: “He wants to know if we have time for some tea.” *** At London Stansted Airport I exchanged my last 20 euros for 12 pounds. Bus fare. When I finally approach the ticket station, I face another dilemma: The fare to London
30
November, 2014 // KlutchChronicle.com
Heathrow is 20 pounds. From behind the desk, Robert tells me I can use the computers in the terminal upstairs to contact someone for some money if I need to. This time I have only me, myself and I to work some magic, but all I can do is walk away from the ticket station in defeat, park my *ss on a bench and let some tears fly. Realizing the impossibility in contacting anyone back home based on the time difference, I hurriedly rush back up to the booth. Maybe he was empathetic to the puffiness in my eyes; maybe he had a daughter my age, but with understanding in his face he forks over his own personal flip phone ... to call the United States. I reached my dad in the late morning, who passed over his credit card info, worried about my safety. I assured him I’d be home the next day. After passing out blissfully on the dark bus for 45 minutes, I reached one of the most ginormous airport hubs in the world and nestled into a cozy corner hidden behind a row of uncomfortable plastic chairs, awaiting my early morning flight. Making a pillow out of my pack, I had a death-grip on a pen between my knuckles just in case anyone tried to mess with me. *** The next morning I headed to the counter to get my boarding pass back to the US. After initially being sad about returning, now I couldn’t wait to set foot upon my home turf. Unfortunately, my luggage was 20 pounds overweight. I donated half my clothes to my housemates, but I refused to part with the German-English dictionaries and cookbooks I had spent tons of money on. I can hear it now: “Girl, next time, ship your books!” Well, they say hindsight is 20/20. Plus, this is 2014. I got myself a Kindle for the next time. I must’ve looked exhausted when I asked Margaret if the airline could just bill me because I had no money left. Maybe it was my pleading eyes that made her glance side to side and whisper, “Okay, just go through. But don’t let it happen again.” By the time I met my ecstatic mom and aunt in the terminal in Minneapolis, I was in a complete daze, overwhelmed by accents and attention. As they ushered me into the backseat and lifted my heavy bags into the trunk, I closed my eyes and reflected back on this journey that should have been impossible. I thought about the kind Turkish man’s eyes wanting to send us off properly with tea; the fatherly Englishman’s face as he gingerly handed me his cellphone, and a fellow female giving me a knowing head nod and letting me slide through with gnarly luggage, unpunished. I offered a little silent thank you as we drove off. In a month where we gravitate toward giving thanks to family and friends, why don’t we take some time to acknowledge those moments when a complete stranger has come to our aid. Maybe we’ll realize there’s not so much danger in stranger after all.
Do you have a similar story? When has a stranger helped you out? Share your positive experiences at facebook.com/briontheflipside.
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