SEVEN October 2015 by Michelle L. Jerome

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SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

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Inside

6 Urbanist 7 (Almost) Famous Locals 8 The Arts

PUB INFO About SEVEN explores the dynamic community, culture and arts world of the Seven Rivers Region.

16 Entertainment

Contact Phone: 608-780-3853

24 Limelight

Email: contact@thesevenspot.com

28 Sip n’ Taste

Web: TheSevenSpot.com

Mail: PO Box 762, Onalaska, WI 54650 Facebook: TheSevenSpot

31 Subject Matter 32 Fitness 34 Family

Twitter: @thesevenspot Support Advertising sustains the celebration of musicians, festivals, thespians, artists, and the vibrant community that calls the Seven Rivers Region home. Phone: (608) 780-3853 Email: michellejerome7@gmail.com

38 Business

41 Listings 44 Volunteer Listings 46 Writer’s Block

A note

from the publisher In each issue of SEVEN, we seek out what is important to our community. What makes us want to get out and make things happen? What are we doing for fun? What discussions do we need to have to improve where we live? What we’ve found is that we can’t get to it all. So, I propose that you tell us. Let us know what you want to read more about. Or, write us what you’re thinking. We want You in SEVEN. Here’s how: Email contact@thesevenspot.com or put a pen to paper and send your paper mail to Humble Mountain Press, PO Box 762, Onalaska, WI 54650. Is this me getting out of writing my thoughts to you? No. ☺ We really, truly want to hear from You. Michelle L. Jerome

This publication is printed monthly by Humble Mountain Press, LLC and distributed throughout the Seven Rivers Region. Readers are encouraged to verify event information with organizations and businesses directly. Humble Mountain Press, LLC does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials. Copyright 2015 by Humble Mountain Press, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorial, may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

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YOU

corrections

For the September 2015 issue

Page 23: More than 8,000 people nominated their favorite individuals, businesses and organizations online for Explore La Crosse’s second annual survey. Page 17: The “Paying Tribute to Woodstock” article by Tegan Daly can be found in the corrected, online version of this issue.

On the Cover

This issue of SEVEN’s cover features the work of artist, Samantha French. Her work will be on display at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, October 16, 2015, through January 3, 2016. Read more in this issue of SEVEN. “Breaking the surface,” 58x58”, Oil on canvas, 2015. Samantha French. “My current body of work is focused on swimmers underwater and above. Using vague yet consuming memories from my childhood summers spent immersed in the tepid lakes of northern Minnesota, I attempt to recreate the quiet tranquility of water and nature; of days spent sinking and floating, still and peaceful. These paintings are a link to my home and continual search for the feeling of the sun on my face and warm summer days at the lake. They are an escape, a subtle reprieve from the day-to-day. Using this combination of memory, observation and my own underwater photography has allowed me to preserve the transitory qualities of water and remembrance.”

Briana Rupel Writer

Michael Scott Writer

Lee Walraven Writer

Sara Walters Writer

James Warsinske Writer

Brett Werner Writer

Jess Witkins Writer

Todd Wohlert Writer

Yasmynn Rain Writer

Deborah Nerud Writer

A.J. Moore Writer

Andrew Londre Writer

Jason Keeney Crew Chief & Graphic Designer

Michelle L. Jerome Crew Captain

Lee Harwell Photographer

Joe Hart Writer

Heidi Griminger Blanke, Ph.D Writer

Bob Good Photographer

Dahli Durley Photographer

Joerg Droll Writer

Becca Dargatz Writer & Calendar Editor

Tegan Daly Writer

Leah Call Copy Editor & Writer

Chad Berger Photographer

The CREW

The local talent dedicated to bringing you a fresh look at our region.

MISC

URBANIST

SEVEN RIVERS RECAP

By: Andrew Londre

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

M photo: Bob Good For the first time, La Crosse took part in the annual Park(ing) Day movement. Nearly a dozen groups took over parking spaces, Sept. 18, 2015, in downtown La Crosse. The spaces were transformed into a pop-up bike repair shop, a repurposed-t-shirt-to-bag demo, a live music show, an art studio, a kids’ playroom, among other pop-up parks. Of course, the groups exercised safety precautions, and two-hour time restrictions were respected. The movement encourages contemplation of the value of open space and possibly the lack of, often which is allotted to vehicles.

A statue of Ellen Pennell Hixon was unveiled on Grandad Bluff in September by City of La Crosse Parks and Recreation and Mayor Tim Kabat, with the Hixon family present to enjoy this honor. The piece was created by local artist, Mike Martino to pay tribute to Mrs. Hixon for her conservation actions and monetary donation that saved the bluff from becoming a quarry in the early 1900s.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

photo: Bob Good

photo: Bob Good A ribbon cutting by Mayor Tim Kabat took place at the new Upper Hixon Forest Park pump track during the first annual Bluff Bash. Hundreds of volunteers worked on the pump track project, spearheaded by volunteers Jed Olson and Aaron Kerr. Jed’s son, Oliver cut the ribbon! Around 400 people enjoyed recreation activities at the Bash. A guided mountain bike ride, trail run and nature hike kicked off the eve, followed by a corn feed, free ice cream and community family picnic, while dozens of riders shredded the pump track.

ark Twain is attributed with the cliché writing advice to, “write what you know.” In that spirit, I want to write about the La Crosse neighborhood I have lived in for the past three years—the Powell-Poage-Hamilton Neighborhood, aka PPH. For reference, the boundaries of my neighborhood are: Jackson Street, West Avenue, South Avenue and Fourth Street. PPH is basically the ghetto. A place where drug deals occur left and right. Thugs roam the streets and my life is threatened almost constantly. Sounds crazy, right? That’s because none of that is true! But those are the sorts of wild images people have of the place I call home. Those are the sorts of awful stereotypes and rumors too many choose to believe about my neighborhood. I live in a safe neighborhood, and yet, people assume that when something bad happens on the Southside, it happened in my neighborhood. Take, for example, the shootings that rocked the Southside of La Crosse recently—none of them happened in my neighborhood. Yet, many of my friends texted me or messaged me on Facebook saying, “Andrew, I heard about the shootings in your neighborhood!” Face palm. Yeah, I live in the most ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood in La Crosse, and I love it. However, diversity scares some people and triggers a lot of the stereotypes PPH deals with. But you’re reading SEVEN magazine, so you are smart and informed, and don’t believe racial or socioeconomic stereotypes. So, let me—a guy who actually lives in this neighborhood—set the record straight: PPH is a great, up-and-coming neighborhood. Here’s what I know—and what you should know—about PPH. We have two huge parks! Poage and Powell, and both are going through multi-million dollar redesigns. By 2016, Poage will include a large custom playground, splash pad, band shelter, skating rink and sculpture of Olympian George Coleman Poage, our nation’s first black Olympic medalist who grew up in La Crosse. By 2017, Powell will very likely feature the largest playground in La Crosse and be one of only a few parks in the United States intentionally designed with special-needs children in mind. Hamilton Elementary School / SOTA 1 are considered among the best area public schools for elementary age students. Downtown La Crosse and the river are each only a five-minute bike ride away. We’ve got a pedestrian corridor that is lit up like a Christmas tree at night and connects our neighborhood to downtown. Our houses—which have lots of character, because PPH is an older neighborhood— are super cheap, and our taxes are quite low. The city, county, non-profit sector and private sector are pumping millions of dollars into PPH in the form of improved infrastructure, new amenities and incentives. Gundersen, Mayo, Viterbo and the Brewery all surround our neighborhood, which means access to quality jobs. And if you work at Mayo or Gundersen, you can qualify for awesome incentives. Mayo will give you $5,000 to live here, since it’s close to work. And Gundersen will pay your first year of property taxes if you work there, for the same reason. And lastly, we are a Promise-eligible neighborhood. Meaning, if you have kids, and you move to our neighborhood, build a new home or fix up an old one, the La Crosse Promise will give your kids a college scholarship of up to $50,000. Seriously. Check out: www.LaCrossePromise.org. At this point, viewing my neighborhood in a negative light is a choice. So take my word for it, as a city-loving Urbanist, PPH is totally awesome.

Andrew Londre wears many hats-currently serving on eight local, regional and national boards, with a focus on neighborhoods and urban revitalization. Andrew started a number of new organizations and initiatives-most recently La Crosse SOUP-and has worked in many sectors: government, nonprofit, cooperatives and small businesses. In 2014, he was honored as a NextCity Vanguard. Have feedback? Share your thoughts on the Urbanist with the SEVEN Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TheSevenSpot.

(Almost)

FAMOUS LOCALS Although he enjoys the rush, performing isn’t Foster’s full-time gig. Foster is an Anatomy and Physiology instructor at Western Technical College. And, luckily for his students, the classroom is a great place to practice his show. “Let’s just say I have a good retention rate in my class,” says Foster.

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Go od

Though he’s a member of the Society of American Magicians, he doesn’t want audiences to think that magic is his only talent. It’s just one component of his show. “I incorporate comedy, magic and audience participation into a show that all ages can enjoy. It’s entertaining and not meant to highlight magic but more so to highlight entertainment.”

o: ot h p

This desire to entertain grew into a business that has flourished in the Coulee Region and beyond. Foster has upcoming shows at the Enchanted Forest, Field of Screams, Rochester Public Library, and later next spring,

ISAIAH FOSTER

By: Sara Walters at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison. No matter the venue, Foster always challenges himself to develop his show into something his audience has never seen. “I have repeat customers that would like to see something different, and it keeps me interested by adding new material,” he says. And as his performances change, Foster hopes views of magic shows will too. “I want them [the audience] to walk away saying that they were entertained and not, ‘I just saw a magic show.’” To learn more about Foster’s upcoming shows and how to book him for your next event, visit lacrossemagic. com. Sara Walters is a freelance writer and mom from La Crescent, MN.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Entertaining professionally for ten years, Foster became interested in magic at age nine. Now he spends his time sharing his talent with other youngsters—including his own four children. When he’s not performing publicly for birthday parties, school events, festivals and fairs, corporate

and holiday parties, or library events, he tests his tricks out at home. “I love to perform for them [my kids]. Some tricks are foolers for them and others they know how it is done. They enjoy it and, of course, I am the ‘cool’ dad to their friends,” shares Foster. Preferring fairs and festivals for their bigger crowds, Foster’s ultimate goal is perform at a state fair and at Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. “I enjoy larger venues as it’s an adrenaline rush and the more people in the show, the more energetic it is. As I always say, it’s not me that makes the show, it’s the audience,” says Foster.

GET ACTIVE THIS HALLOWEEN

JOIN uS fOr THE Y’S SuGAr GLOW AWAY 1K Or 3K WALK PrESENTEd bY:

5-7 Pm THurSdAY, OCTObEr 22, 2015 at the myrick Park Gun Shelter Celebrate Halloween in a fun and active way! Get the family together and choose to walk either a 1K or a 3K. Both walks lead you along a glowing pathway designed to inform families about the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle to help prevent the onset of diseases such as type 1 diabetes and obesity.

rEGISTrATION: $6 per person until Oct. 15th $8 Oct. 16-21st $10 day of event (22nd) - registration at Myrick Park

fOr mOrE INfOrmATION VISIT WWW.LAxYmCA.OrG photo: Bob Good

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f you’ve been to Riverfest, the La Crosse County Fair or a public library, you may have run into Isaiah Foster. As an entertainer specializing in magic, this almostfamous local does 100 to 125 shows a year, including performances at these spots where La Crosse families flock.

Sunrise Orchard - October 10-11 Field of Screams - October 23 Enchanted Forest - October 24 Rochester Public Library - November 14 Overture Center for the Arts - April 23, 2016

THE ARTS

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Samantha French, Chlorine Prisms, Oil on Canvas, 2015. Courtesy of the Artist.

MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM An Exploration in Art of the Sea

Article: Michelle L. Jerome

Berthe Morisot, Rivière de Pont-Aven a Rosbras, Oil on Canvas, c. 1866-67

Evolving Sea Marine is defined as “of the sea”. The museum was built in 2006 along the banks of Mississippi River’s Yeomans Pond in Winona, Minn., not the sea. Yet, city leaders, the business community, local art collectors and Friends of William A. Thompson felt this location would be an ideal education and art preservation institution for this concept. With annual attendance of over 26,000 people and programs and events serving over 5,000 participants, this concept continues to flourish. According to museum Executive Director, Andrew J. Maus, “Around five to six years ago, the collection broadened into modern and contemporary art.” This new variation has allowed the museum to evolve. Women Advancing Art Last year, the Art Fair (previously titled, the Print Fair) was created, because the museum wanted to provide affordable and attainable artwork. Paintings, giclée prints, watercolor, ceramics and glass art will be available at a varying price range

with high-end pieces mixed in. This year, the Art Fair will celebrate female artists by featuring work from an ensemble entirely of women. Historically, women were undervalued or misrepresented in the art community. Maus shares that women were considered merely “Sunday painters, while most museums were dominated by white men.” He cites instances where men even took credit for women’s artwork. Maus explains that there were groundbreaking women in art history who fought to change this inequality, especially Marie Bracquemond, Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot. In 1864, Morisot changed the perception of women painters when she exhibited in the highly esteemed Salon de Paris, a privilege rarely given to women at that time. A Morisot original is on display at MMAM and will be available for viewing during the Art Fair. Two women, Rhea Pappas and Samantha French, are the inspiration for the 2015 Art Fair because of their recent works of art. The upcoming exhibition, “Surfacing” will feature the work of Pappas and French. Maus reflects, “Through working with contemporary artists, art museums can create a more equitable gender balance. For all those reasons, we decided to focus on women this year. Where we came from, where we need to go…” Maus notes, “A third of the museum experience is going to be their [Pappas’ and French’s] work, from October to January.”

“Through working with contemporary artists, art museums can create a more equitable gender balance. For all those reasons, we decided to focus on women this year. Where we came from, where we need to go…” ~Andrew J. Maus

Andrew Maus - Photograph by James A. Bowey

Continued on page 10…

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hen people hear of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM), they typically envision paintings of boats, ships in a bottle and maybe some sculptures of aquatic animals. This kind of artwork may be found at MMAM, but museum guests quickly realize that their collection is an exercise in contemplation of what marine art encompasses.

THE ARTS Water is Life Minnesota native, photographer Rhea Pappas, is a self-proclaimed water baby. When she played in pools, the ocean or any body of water, she felt she “found a sense of relief, freedom, where you can just be whole.” Since she was a small child, Pappas grew up sailing with her father throughout all of the Great Lakes and even journeyed from Florida up the Atlantic coastline. When she was 16, her dad would let her take complete control of the boat when he needed to rest for the night. Pappas realizes, “This was when I became an adult. It was a moment of empowerment.” Later in life, when she was deciding between Marine Biology or Photography, because of her sailing experience, she told herself, “anything I put my mind to, I could handle.” She has since become an accomplished photographer with exhibitions in France, New York, Vermont and Minnesota and has aspirations of taking photos and exhibiting on the coasts. Over the past few years, she held back from showings on a gallery circuit to focus on the upcoming show at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Pappas’ work captures a sense of liberation and escape from reality through underwater photography of women. In the photograph, Relaxing, from the “Beneath the Surface Series,” a woman is dropping freely into the water, with her hair and dress drifting above her within a million rising bubbles. The detail that she is wearing a dress in the water suggests this escape happened abruptly without the intention of swimming, but possibly to seek a moment of solace. Pappas finds importance in demonstrating “Freedom, as a woman specifically, with no judgement from society” in her photography.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Underwater Emotion The work of Samantha French also explores the concept of women underwater. Originally from Nisswa, Minn., she studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and moved to New York

Rhea Pappas

eight years ago and now paints full time out of her Bushwick studio. She claims that her Minnesota roots have directly affected her work: “New York City is beautiful in its own way, but there is something so serene, floating in the tepid water of one of Minnesota’s many lakes, just you and nature. My paintings have changed in that they are frequently based on pools now, and some reflect more of a Southern California/mid-century aesthetic, but my memories and the feelings I get thinking back about those childhood summers are still there.” French started painting water-themed pieces from old family photographs while in college and gradually refined her technique as she progressed into underwater paintings. She started taking photos of people swimming from the surface and eventually bought a camera case suited to take underwater photos, which led to the artwork she paints today. to is

Rhea Pappas, Relaxing, Photograph from Beneath the Surface Series. Courtesy of the Artist.

for remembrance and a feeling of contentment and tranquility, stemming from childhood memories and putting my views of life now, and in the city into context.” The inherent feeling of calm invoked from blue water hues combined with crisp images of underwater reflections on the skin of a woman lure a viewer into her paintings. French notes, “I want people to bring themselves to the work; it is less about conveying a thought and more about the emotion, which will be different for everyone as people bring their own reference and experience to the work. I want them to be transported somewhere else, out of my head and theirs ... to feel how the subject in the work feels.”

museum is providing a great opportunity for living artists to show contemporary art alongside historical works. MMAM can also physically accommodate French’s paintings, some of which are over five feet across! What Marine Art Is MMAM is a world class establishment that reaches beyond the philosophy of aesthetics. The museum provides an exploration of emotion and societal progression, a launching pad for upcoming artists and experimentation in the realm of fine art exhibition—all in the context of the sea. Possibly, the question isn’t of what marine art encompasses, but what emerges from it.

French is excited to showcase her work alongside Pappas at MMAM and feels the

When asked what her work represents her, French reflects, “My work representational of the search

Samantha French

This image depicts the over 5’ large size of French’s paintings. This painting will not be on exhibition at MMAM.

GO: Minnesota Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Dr Winona, Minn. 507-474-6626 Museum admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students, free to members. MMAM is an educational institution, so every Tuesday is free to students. Membership info and 2016 exhibition schedule online at mmam.org.

MMAM Women in Art Fair Preview Party Fri., Oct. 16, 6–8 p.m. Get a first look at the MMAM Women in Art Fair. $10 for members $15 for nonmembers *Must pre-register at MMAM. org/shop or 507-474-6626.

Women in Art Fair Sat., Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free with museum admission. Sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church.

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Surfacing Exhibition Samantha French: Oct. 16, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 Rhea Pappas: Oct. 23, 2015–Jan. 10, 2016 Exhibition catalog: $10, full color, 24 pages with introductions by the director and art curator and statements by the artists. Rhea Pappas, Loss Of Innocence 3

THE ARTS THE 10 LETTERS PROJECT MATTHEW SPRINGER By: Michael Scott

Article: Jess Witkins The 10 Letters Project is a correspondence between makers. Based on the emails between two friends, Jen Lee and Tim Manley, they chronicled the process of creative work and what it means to be in the thick of it. Lee was touring with her documentary, Indie Kindred. Manley had just released his debut book, Alice in Tumblr-land. Across cities and sometimes states, despite loaded schedules and obligations, they wrote to one another. What transpired, was an archive of inspiration and intimacy. Two makers, inviting one another into their worlds. Here in the Seven Rivers Region, writers and makers Deborah Nerud and Jess Witkins recreate the project. One new letter printed over the course of each month for 10 months. Neither of them seeing it before you do. Watch what unfolds. To learn more about the project, visit www.10lettersproject.com.

September 20, 2015 Dear Deborah,

Lett

I don’t even know where to begin. Have you ever been full of passion for something and in a slump at the same time? Lately that’s how I’ve been feeling. Stuck. I’ve got these huge ideas swimming through my brain, 101 ways I can change the world—or at the very least the shower rack in my bathroom. (It’s rusted.) Yet I’m not sure where to begin.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

photo: Bob Good

This month we bring local actor Matthew Springer out for a much deserved bow. He has been working hard lately. Springer just recently closed “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” at the La Crosse Community Theatre as part of a three-person cast. Needless to say, when you are an actor in a show with only two other actors, there isn’t a lot of down time. Originally from Searcy, Ark., population 23,000, Springer started his stage career as a high school freshman, when he was cast in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He went on to be a golden nugget plucked by Viterbo theatre recruiters at National College Auditions in Lincoln, Neb. In December 2012, he received his Bachelors of Fine Arts from Viterbo University. Springer cites Matt Damon and Robin Williams as major influences, and the latter would explain his energy level. After the strenuousness of “The Complete Works,” most actors would need a break, but not Springer. He immediately began rehearsals for “Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical,” which opens November 5 at The Muse Theatre. This is a holiday version of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso, which delighted Muse audiences in 2009. Springer is excited to return to The Muse this holiday season having been in several other Muse productions, including “Refer Madness,” “Kennedy’s Children” and “Blue Room.” With training from the Viterbo University Theatre program, it’s no surprise that Springer is a consummate professional when it comes to his craft. He’s a hardworking actor who believes the work is never done until the show closes. “I never put my script down. It is my Bible,” he says. “Even when a show is opened, there is still work to be done and new things to discover.” I highly recommend you catch Matthew Springer this holiday season at The Muse. This professional is completely dedicated to expanding his body of work. He catches regional and national auditions when he can, and it won’t be long before he is called to bigger stages.

Michael Scott is a freelance writer and advertising copywriter. He is the creator and voice talent for Rose Jewelers “Rose Files” radio campaign and the host of The Old School Variety Show.

People have always thought of me as an extrovert. I think it’s the single greatest lie I’ve ever told. Because I think I’m introverted. It’s not easy to put myself out there. I worry about rejection, same as anyone else. I know how you feel when you said you wake up with good intentions to follow your dreams, but the looming to-do pile, or worse, the guilt, overwhelms you. It is easier to stay in. It is safer. There are just so many things I want to accomplish and new ideas I want to explore, that I have to go out and do them. That’s why when people see me, I’m on. I’m showing up and participating, because there’s work to do. My struggle is finding the starting point. I have big ideas, but where do I focus my time? And if we’re being honest, I’m also a total multi-tasker, which means I want do it all, and do it all NOW. I should not be left to my own devices. A few months ago my coworkers had to talk me out of a haiku-writing station at a community fundraiser. Apparently, the general public is not as into haikus as I am. Can you imagine? Who wouldn’t like a haiku? I know I sure do. Ultimately, the reminder is to slow down. I can do all the things I dream of doing, and they don’t have to be all at once. In fact, I’ll probably appreciate and enjoy them more if I’m taking the time to devote myself to each one. So I start by slowing down. Isn’t that the perfect lesson for fall? The earth is slowing down to prepare itself for the next spring. Believe me, if I can figure out how to hibernate, I’ll make damn sure that happens. In the meantime, I’ll take a hint from Mother Nature and pace myself. How do you balance the ebb and flow of ideas? What season are you in right now? Love and Autumn Trails, Jess

Jess Witkins is a writer, blogger, and sometimes funny. Her mission: making pathetic look cool since 1985. She can be found in the coulee region’s many coffee shops and wordmongering at http://jesswitkins.wordpress.com.

COUNTRY CONVERSATION Singer/songwriter Jeffrey Foucault explores his Midwest musical roots in a new record featuring Iowa’s Bo Ramsey

Article: Joe Hart Photos: Joseph Navas

didn’t rehearse anything. These are real high-test musicians who can do that thing, and find a new door every time you go into the song.” The result is an authentic, mature collection of powerful songwriting and musicianship. Foucault lives in New England with his wife, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, Kris Delmhorst, and their child. He grew up, however, in Whitewater, Wis., a small college town not far from Milwaukee. His Wisconsin roots are a strong influence on his songwriting, he says. “Your sense of language is very much determined by the place you come from,” he says. His Midwestern aesthetic also connects him to the Iowa sound of Bo Ramsey, who plays a key role in the sound of the new album. “When I heard those Iowa guys, it all started to make more sense to me. It’s a mingling of the blues that came up the river from Mississippi, and the country music—real country—that anyone would have heard on the radio during the same period.” This country-meets-the-blues aesthetic is a common thread among the songs on Salt as Wolves, not only in the heavier rock songs, but also in the gentle ballads like “I Love You (And You Are a Fool),”—a dreamy, soulful appropriation

of the bubblegum rock formula of the late 1960s that is one of the albums highlights. Foucault’s songwriting approach helps explain the range of material and approaches on the album. “You would think there would be one way of writing songs,” he says, “but songs find you on your own.” He fills notebooks with fragments, especially when he’s traveling. When he gets back home, he’ll sift through the material and intuitively pairs a guitar hook with the words: “The first thing that gravels out of my brain and out of my hands,” he says. Ultimately, it’s the pressure of recording that brings it all together. “It waits for me to have a recording studio booked, and at that point I really have to get the songs together. Once I start recording the demo, that usually teaches me something about a song. It becomes very clear what’s missing.” As with most creative processes, Foucault’s includes surprises. This album, he says, emerged as a series of letters. “I didn’t even realize it until we had the record in the can,” he explains, “but essentially the songs are letters addressed to people in my life. With each song, I’m speaking to someone

specifically, a person in my head.” This sense of intimacy serves as a common thread through the album. The letters may be addressed to friends, fellow musicians or family—but the rest of us are invited into the conversation. Joe Hart is a writer and musician who lives in rural Viroqua. He is one-half, with Nikki Grossman, of the YellowBellied Sapsuckers, who play an original, brand-new take on old-time country music.

GO: Where: Cavalier Theater, 114 5th Ave N, La Crosse, WI When: October 22, 7 p.m. Fee: Tickets: $15 advance, $18 door Info: www.cavaliertheater.com

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

he concept for Jeffrey Foucault’s fifth and latest album came during a late-night, tire-kicking conversation in a dusty Iowa City parking lot. He’d just played a gig with his longtime collaborator, Billy Conway (drummer for Morphine), and Bo Ramsey, the legendary Iowa guitarist who has backed up the likes of Lucinda Williams and Greg Brown, had dropped by to see the bill. The three of them were chatting, Foucault remembers. “I said, ‘Let’s cut a blues record.’ They all nodded. And then a few years later I called them up and said, ‘We’re ready. I’ve got the songs.’” The result, Salt as Wolves, due for release in October, is 12 songs that range from blues, to country, to straightup rock-and-roll. Ramsey and Conway are joined by Jeremy Moses Curtis on bass and Caitlin Canty for backup vocals. The band will be touring the Midwest (including La Crosse) with Foucault. The studio approach, explains Foucault, was raw and direct; the band recorded onto analog tape, a handful of takes for each song, working off his demo recordings of the songs. “We worked fast and dirty,” he says. “We

THE ARTS

MAKE MUSIC Drum-Making Workshop and Retreat with Wayne Manthey Article: Tegan Daly

For Wayne Manthey, making drums is not only a hobby, it’s an art form and, in his words, “therapy.” This ancient craft, using rawhide as a medium, is an “incredible joy” says Manthey, one which he strives to share with others though his

drum-making workshops. Manthey lives in Minneapolis, but will teach a two-day workshop in La Crosse in October. In the workshop, participants will have a hands-on experience cutting out rawhide and learning step-by-step

techniques for staining it and lacing it onto a frame. Manthey has been making drums for over 25 years. When he first became interested in learning to make drums, there was not much information readily available. The only workshops similar to what he now offers required long-distance travel, so Manthey taught himself the process. He did this through research and experimentation, and now he offers his knowledge to others. Images of Wayne’s beautiful craft can be seen on his website, waynemantheydrummaker. com. Manthey describes drum-making as a “creative journey.” He encourages his workshop participants to make a connection with the raw materials. This craft, he says, is a form of meditation, and even after years of experience, he is still able learn something from each drum he creates. Because the materials are natural and unique, each drum is distinctive. Manthey likes to draw his participants’ attention to the idiosyncrasies of the rawhide itself. He says that often the animal that provided the rawhide would have had scars or even tick bites that are visible. Many participants connect with what the scars symbolize, and the entire process of creating the drum can be a powerful experience. The workshop is a two-day retreat which will take place at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. It begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, and participants will regroup the next day. Accommodations are available at the Franciscan Spirituality

Center for those traveling from out of town. In addition to building their own drum, participants will have a chance to join in a drum circle and learn from Manthey about the significance and history of drumming in ceremony. Tegan Daly is a fun-lovin’ poet who lives in La Crosse and participates in poetry readings throughout the region. She can often be found in gardens, kayaks and coffee shops.

GO: Drum Making and Ceremony Retreat with Wayne Manthey and Rosalie Hooper Thomas Where: Franciscan Spirituality Center When: Oct 9, 7 p.m.–Oct 10, 4 p.m. Fee: Full workshop with all meals included and one night’s stay is $145. Fee for commuters is $95 (which includes lunch.) Cost for materials is either $100 for a 13inch drum, or $125 for a 16-inch drum. Info: www.waynemantheydrummaker.com

WHY CARVE A SPOON?

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Article: Guest Contribtor, Driftless Folk School

“Our hands were the first spoons—the cupped form that quenched our thirst gave shape to the thought of what could be. We carve spoons to rest our hands of the work of the past. The smooth flowing lines of a well carved spoon contain in their beauty a part of who we are.” –Bob Lake “Carving a spoon is a kindly cut to the heart— the heart of a tree, the heart of a cook, the heart of the carver, the heart of craft.” –Terry Beck “Wooden spoons don’t burn your mouth if you lick them after they’ve been sitting in a bowl of hot soup. Plus they are just way cooler.” –Christy Torkelsen

“Carve a spoon and feed yourself twice.” –Nicholas Gale From anonymous spoon carvers: “To provide an afterlife for a tree” “To connect intimately to a dear person’s lips if given as a gift.” “To know I can create something useful and nourishing from the most minimal of tools, elemental of nature.” “To connect to a long, long tradition of tool making and functional craft.” “To experience the community of spoon makers and carvers that know wood and bless trees in so many beautiful ways.”

The night before Valentine’s Day, 2014, six people gathered in Driftless Folk School’s intimate little office space in The Ark in Viroqua for the first monthly Driftless Folk School Carving Circle. We ran the gamut of ages and experience, from veteran spoon carvers and a promising young new carver, to a curious onlooker turned carving convert. The latter purchased a “sloyd” and a “hook” knife from another participant and was … hooked. Mostly, people worked on spoons they had already started, shared techniques, tips and stories, and had a grand old time. All carving projects are welcome; bowyers, chip carvers, whittlers—spoons just happen to be the most common. Bring some wood, a carving tool or two, a Band Aid, and a good joke wouldn’t hurt either. If you don’t

have any wood or tools, come anyway. There’s a good chance someone might be able to share wood, or even sell a couple tools.

GO: Driftless Spoon Gathering Where: The Ark, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Viroqua, WI When: The second Thursday of every month 6:30–8:30 p.m.

photo: Bob Good

DANCING THE SACRED Article: Jim Warsinske

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forms,” says Balsamo. “It’s a nice chance for performers of different ages to work together on a collaborative project,” adds Drecktrah. “Everyone brings something new and different and unique.” In fact, some performers will share multiple talents during the show. The script is a compilation of many authors, poets and composers, including Walt Whitman, St. Francis of Assisi, Abraham Lincoln, Voltaire, Dalai Lama, John Lennon, Mary Oliver, Chief Seattle, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, Carl Sagan and many more. Jim Warsinske usually introduces himself as, “Hi, I’m Jim from Sign Pro.” He enjoys talking about fonts and colors for hours— seriously, avoid him at cocktail parties. And he loves performing improvisation.

GO: Where: Pump House Regional Arts Center 119 King St, La Crosse, WI 608-785-1434, www.thepumphouse.org When: October 23–25. Friday and Saturday - 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 2 p.m. Tickets: Advance $18 + tax, Day-of $21 + tax

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What is sacred? A collaboration between the Pump House Regional Arts Center and The La Crosse Dance Centre (LDC) will delve into this topic through the performance, “Dancing the Sacred.” “We explore what sacred means to different persons and cultures through dance, music and words,” explains Anne Drecktrah, show director. Drecktrah is joined by music director Diane Foust and choreographers Nikki Balsamo, Jen TeBeest, Ronnie Rathgaber and Meagan Woods. A goal of the performance is to explore what is sacred to varying cultures. “We’re more the same than we are different,” says Drecktrah. “We’re not preaching. We’re celebrating different views of what’s sacred.” Foust adds, “Holding something sacred doesn’t have to be attached to a particular religion. Music is very sacred to me.” There will be a variety of live music in the performance, from chant and hymns to classical, folk and even pop music. The show concept presents exciting new challenges for the performers. “Dancers are used to dancing to counts of eight,” explains Balsamo. “Having them work off the spoken cadence of an actor and adjusting to it provides opportunities to grow and learn.” A variety of dance will be included: modern, contemporary ballet and some tap. Some pieces will be fully choreographed and some will be scored improvisation. “This collaboration between the Pump House and La Crosse Dance Centre is integral in training LDC students to understand collaboration in various

ENTERTAINMENT

The living room of Jonathan Maye & Laurie Cafe

The living room of Randy Podals

TOUR OF UPPER LIVING Downtown Homes Get a Closer Look

Article: Michelle L. Jerome Photos: Bob Good

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

owntown La Crosse is witnessing a growth in not only businesses, but also residents. The Tour of Upper Living will showcase four downtown homes on Sunday, October 11, from noon to 5:00 p.m. One home is a second-story Pearl Street apartment, which was once the original medical clinic of locally famed Dr. Gundersen. Laurie Cafe and Jonathan Maye, who have been together for over 24 years, were ecstatic to come across this rare find when they moved to La Crosse a couple years ago. For years, their spacious home was known as a downtown party house, until owners Dick and Terri Markos renovated the second story. The Markoses paid attention to detail, keeping as much of the original wood trim and finding matching wood grain and stain for any necessary replacement pieces. The couple felt Cafe and Maye were a great tenant choice and invited the two professionals to take over the space with their two cats. Maye and Cafe have enjoyed decorating their home with an eclectic and vintage flair with finds from places like the Antique Center and

Savvy Home Consignments. Near the entrance, a double-sided step ladder is adorned with Maye’s antique typewriter collection, and the walls and shelves are graced with books, ceramics and framed art. The couple’s personal historical collection hangs on the living room wall. Cafe’s father was an original Duncan Yoyo Champ, who is still honored in the Duncan Yoyo world today. Maye’s stepfather was Arthur Lee Maye, who played for major league baseball teams, including the Milwaukee Braves. Photos of each man are proudly displayed in frames with a collage of Maye Sr.’s

baseball cards (as in, he’s on the cards!). Each room has a bit of inherent history combined with memorabilia they’ve added. The dining room was once an emergency room, and Cafe’s wardrobe room was Dr. Gundersen’s office. Maye’s music room holds his race car collection, a race track, trophies and a set of Jimi Hendrix photos and paintings. The largest Jimi Hendrix painting was a gift from a high school friend to Maye, who felt his life was changed after attending a Hendrix concert. Laurie jokes, “He walked into the concert in a polo and came out and became that.” She

The city skyline from Podals balcony

points to a framed photo of Maye in his younger years rocking out a guitar. The pair loves downtown living because of the energy of the city and the short walking distance to entertainment, Riverside Park and Maye’s new workplace, The Charmant. They have no qualms with the bustle of the city; it’s only white noise to them. They hope participating in the Tour of Upper Living will entice others to move downtown. Another home on the tour is the residence of Randy Podals in the River Center Apartments building. Upon walking in, everyone is greeted by Happy, his sweet service dog and friend. Podals’ home has the feel of an art gallery. His life as an award-winning interior designer in Hawaii is reflected in much of the décor, with pieces from across the globe. The first thing anyone sees when walking into his living room is the five-foot Pineapple Man faux palmbark framed comic from a story board that artist, Sam Campos presented as part of a comic book series pitch. (According to honoluluadvertisor.com, the comic was accepted, published and even outsold Batman and X-Men comics at one time.) Adjacent to this

the accommodating management and the amenities, such as a gas fireplace, personal washer and dryer, a balcony overlooking the city scape and river, and pool access (which Podals admits he hasn’t used yet), Podals now loves his home and recently signed another twoyear lease. A Vietnam Veteran, Podals grew up in Westby, Wis. After 16 years in Hawaii, he felt it was time to come home. The move to La Crosse allowed him to escape Hawaii’s high cost of living and find a more physically accommodating lifestyle as he deals with terminal cancer. Reflecting on downtown living, Podals says, “Everything is close; I’m spoiled.”

GO: Tour of Upper Living Where: Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. 500 Main St, La Crosse, WI 608-784-0440 www.lacrossedowntown.com When: October 11, Noon–5 p.m. Fee: $15 in advance, $20 day-of This event is a fundraiser for Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Proceeds from the event will be used toward a design, beautification or economic restructuring project.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

piece is a black and red canvas cut-out work titled, “Lace” by a Honolulu artist. Podals notes that every time he hangs it, it forms a different look. On the opposite wall is a 1947 Alberto Vargas pin-up girl calendar with each month displayed separately in a handmade custom frame from Italy. Not coincidently, Podals was born in 1947. Some of Podals décor is more traditional, such as the leather and wood chair purchased from the Pendleton catalog, but most items in his home are works of art; many, as of late, purchased from downtown shops such as the Antique Center, Estate Buyers, Time Was and Kitchen Solvers. Podals explains how he commissioned artist Shane Lamb from Generous Earth Pottery to create his bathroom pottery and a vase with a custom faux metal paint. When seated on Podals’ couch, two captivating images of music culture icons Ozzy Osbourne and Lady Gaga seem to join the conversation. Podals says he purchased the paintings from local painter, Jeremy K. When Podals first moved to the apartment, sight unseen, it wasn’t what he expected. The building management worked with him, allowing him to make limited aesthetic upgrades. He added reclaimed barnwood veneer columns and new faucets. The building management recently updated much of the flooring to tile. Podals wasn’t allowed to remove the bathroom medicine cabinet, so he had a local artist create a canvas and glass painting to fit over the cabinet. The artwork perfectly complements a glass light fixture that hangs in the bathroom. Because of

ENTERTAINMENT

Contributed Photo

LEARNING LOCALLY AND GROWING GLOBALLY Global Initiatives Week 2015

Article: Becca Dargatz

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

n an ever-changing world, it is becoming increasingly important for us as individuals and organizations to understand our global responsibilities and engagements. That’s the goal of Global Initiatives Week, which takes place November 6–13. The third annual Global Initiatives Week combines individual organizations and a community-wide effort with more than 20 events during the week. Organizers hope these events will inspire the community to act locally by getting involved in global issues and partnerships, improve cultural competences to work with diverse populations, and encourage businesses to utilize information and tools that will help them compete in a global market. The mission of the week is to offer diverse activities that encourage people to think globally as they highlight our region’s global connections through commerce, tourism, education, volunteerism, delegations and cultural diversity. Liz Arnold began the event in 2013 after having conversations with several community organizations that are all involved in global work. Initially her conversations led to a Global Summit co-sponsored by

Gundersen Global Partners and UWLa Crosse. After a strong turnout of attendees representing non-profits, sister city partnerships, academic institutions, healthcare organizations and international student groups, it was evident to Arnold that there was so much more to be discussed and shared with our community. “The Coulee Region has some wonderful programs and partnerships with communities around the world, yet many people are not aware of these,” says Arnold. “We felt that by creating a week-long celebration of events, it would help bring more visibility to the value of these global connections, while simultaneously encouraging our community to develop a global mindset and get involved.” The planning committee for the week consists of individuals representing more than 10 organizations in the community. Together they help to spread the word and encourage other organizations to get involved. Any organization in the La Crosse region is welcome to plan and/or host an event as part of the week’s celebration. There is no cost to promote your event as part of Global Initiatives Week. The events planned throughout the week include films, speakers, dance,

cultural celebrations, music, food and more. For more information about the schedule of events, check out www. explorelacrosse.com/global. Most events are free and open to the public. The site will indicate if there is a cost and if registration is required. The Global Initiatives Week strives for inclusivity, which means anyone is welcome to participate in the events during the week. However, certain events may be appropriate for specific audiences (e.g. children, adults, families), depending on the content. This information is also available on the website for specific listings of events. “New this year is a Global Celebration event to kick off Global Initiatives Week with an evening of cultural performances, planned for Friday, November 6. Thanks to funding from the La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund, the Global Celebration will be free to the public, and it will be a great way to learn more about the week,” says Arnold. Arnold notes that comments from previous years have been positive. People expressed an increased international awareness within our own community, an increased appreciation for diversity and its positive effects on a community, and an understanding

of how and what others have suffered through in the past to help potentially avoid similar situations and beliefs. Through different approaches like dance, film, food, poetry, music and the spoken word, there is something for everyone to participate in to understand how our community is connected to the rest of the world.

Becca Dargatz is a former intern for Mpls. St.Paul Magazine. Interests include pop culture, coffee drinking, good conversation, nail polish and feminism.

GO: Global Initiatives Week Where: La Crosse, WI When: November 6–13 Info: www.explorelacrosse.com/global

THE ART OF THE BLOODY MARY Article: Deborah Nerud Photos: Bob Good

is releasing a second book at the end of October, entitled “Adventures on the Bloody Trail: The Quest Continues.” “The first book was an obsession, the second covers all of the amazing bloodylovers I encountered while researching the first,” explains Fiebig. The book features Wisconsinites such as Ben Hirko, inventor of Benny’s Original Meat Straws recently featured in The Wall Street Journal and NPR; and Sarah Jayne Pickart, bartender, mixologist and creator of the Ball Park Bloody in honor of the Milwaukee Brewers, an internationally-known behemoth bloody featuring an 18-inch tower of garnishes. For this party, Pickart, who currently caters events as operator and creator of Wild & Crazy Gourmet Bloody Marys, brought a 41-ingredient bloody mix she created during her travels. “The last thing I added was a ginger-lime horseradish I found in Colorado,” she explains. Pickart’s love for the bloody is unparalleled. While creating bloodies at O’Davey’s Pub in Fond du Lac, Wis., Pickart found that her time behind the bar stoked the fires for her passion. She has auctioned off her one-of-akind comestibles at multiple charity events,

Bloody Mary Gurus: Susan Fiebig, Sarah Jayne Pickart, Greg Tooke raising thousands of dollars for multiple organizations. “I wanted to find the one thing that I wanted to do that would make me happy, that my family would support and that I would love to share,” says Pickart. Ultimately, Pickart would love to expand her bloody entrepreneurship. She adds, “I’d love to bottle and market my own bloody mix and sell it in my own bar and restaurant.” Unsurprisingly, the love of the bloody united these two women, and they have done multiple appearances together, touting their own work and supporting each other. Fiebig recalls seeing Pickart’s Ball Park Bloody on reddit, HuffPost and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel site, and she knew had to find her. Coincidentally the two women live in the same town. As both women travel their own Bloody Mary trajectories, they continue to seek the path to the beverage that has inspired their travels, connected them with innumerable opportunities and new friends, and comes with a chaser (in Wisconsin).

My Big Fat Bloody Mary: https://www.facebook.com/ MyBigFatBloodyMary The Bloody Trail: http://www.thebloodytrail.com/ Wild & Crazy Gourmet Bloody Marys: http://wild-and-crazy-gourmet-bloodymarys.ecwid.com/

Deborah Nerud is a ukulele-playing mama-of-two/writer/gardener/pie baker/cyclist/runner/performer with work published in Coulee Region Women and Coulee Parenting Connection. A firm believer in the emotional power of pen and paper, she still loves sending (and receiving) letters via USPS and will happily send you a note in the mail.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

When I was summoned to meet two of the reigning queens of Wisconsin Bloody Mary culture, I knew I had to heed the call. Like a rare alignment of two planets made of the same compounds (in this case, vodka, tomato juice, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco and horseradish), author Susan Fiebig and mixologist Sarah Jayne Pickart attract a lot of attention from aficionados and novices alike. From near and far, friends and followers were called to the place of My Big Fat Bloody Mary—a wellappointed, Southside La Crosse home with a backyard cabana and a never-ending supply of vodka and beer chasers—and asked to bring a favorite garnish that would marry the best bloodies this side of the Mississippi. After drinking bloodies with the experts, it’s understood that the best bloodies encourage a wide range of experimentation, curiosity and a bit of flair. According to Fiebig, “The best bloody has teeth to it, with a bit of spice and some good stuff floating around.” Fiebig is the author of “The Bloody Trail: In Quest of the Best Wisconsin Bloody Marys,” an interactive compendium that rates the best “10+1” bloodies in Wisconsin. She

Deborah gets her garns ready

ENTERTAINMENT MISS REMARKABLE Article: Leah Call

Get out and show your support for people with disabilities at the first annual Miss RemarkAble Pageant on November 7 at the Weber Center for the Performing Arts. This event, facilitated by Riverfront, which has served individuals with disabilities in the La Crosse area since 1977, enables women with disabilities, age 13 and up, to take part in a day-long, confidencebuilding experience. “We want it to be an opportunity for women with disabilities to share their accomplishments and their abilities in the community,” explains pageant organizer Elizabeth Smaby, development specialist at Riverfront. “Other pageants exist, like Miss America and Miss USA, but there aren’t a lot of opportunities for women with disabilities to have that experience. We wanted to bring that to this area and give them the opportunity to be on stage and shine.” The idea for the pageant came from Riverfront board member, Sue Kolve, owner of Sue Kolve Salon and Spa and The Salon Professional Academy in Onalaska. “She [Kolve] sat down with us and discussed the idea, and we decided to take it on as an event,” says Smaby.

“We developed Miss RemarkAble from that idea.” The day-long experience begins at The Salon Professional Academy with workshops covering public speaking and other important life skills. Contestants also participate in one-onone interviews with the judges, followed by hair and nail prep before leaving for the pageant at the Weber Center. On stage the contestants will showcase their achievements and talents. Each participant will receive a crown, sash, flowers and unique title, as well as scholarships to be used for educational and recreational opportunities. The contestant crowned Miss RemarkAble will represent the pageant and Riverfront in the community throughout the year. The cost to participate in the pageant is just $30, which includes breakfast, lunch and all the activities associated with the event. Since the pageant is in its first year, the number of contestants is limited to ten. There are still a few spaces available. Those interested can register online at riverfront.org. “In the future we would like as many participants as possible,” notes Smaby. “This is open to the community,”

she adds. “Because it is a Riverfront event, it doesn’t mean you have to be involved in Riverfront to participate as a contestant or to attend the pageant.” Both Smaby and Riverfront Marketing and Communications Director Nate Hundt hope to see sizeable community attendance and support for this event. Hundt stresses the importance of community support. “Through gifts, time and compassion, we can be a more inclusive community for people with disabilities.” Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Weber Center. All proceeds from the Miss RemarkAble Pageant go to Riverfront’s Achievement Fund, which enables enriching opportunities in education, employment, physical and emotional development, and activities that improve quality of life. The event fits into Riverfront’s mission of support for individuals with disabilities and the belief that all individuals have beauty and gifts to offer to positively impact the community. Come down to the Weber Center and be part of this first-ever event that promises to be an uplifting experience for both the audience and the participants. “Too often the

THE BOO BASH IS BACK Benefitting the Boys and Girls Club

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Article By: Jess Witkins

Celebrating its fifth year—in seriously spooky style—The Boo Bash is an adult Halloween costume party that raises money for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse. All funds raised help offset membership fees for families who cannot afford them. The La Crosse area Boys and Girls Club currently serves over 500 kids in their after school programs, offering a safe

and welcome space. This year The Boo Bash takes place at Shenanigans on Saturday, October 24, 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $25/person, which grants you entry into the costume contest, one craft beer from event sponsor Pearl Street Brewery, free pizza, live music by TUGG and a $5 play card at Shenanigans. The costume contest takes place at 9:45 p.m. with four categories of winners: Most Original, Best Group, Best Overall and People’s Choice. Each category winner receives $100 cash and a coveted Boo Bash trophy. Additional event sponsors include River State Truck and Trailer, Shenanigans and Designing Events by Ellen Sendelbach. “This year, the life-size graveyard will be back with the new location, there will be some new décor and ideas, yet the style and integrity

of the décor will remain the same,” says Sendelbach. “You never know what spooky things we might be coming up with to haunt you!” New this year is the kickoff of the Junior Boo Bash, created in part with the help of children who wanted to join in the fun. The Junior Boo Bash will focus on Unity in the Community on Friday, October 23, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Local police officers will be present and in uniform playing games with the kids and fostering a positive experience. Admission into the Junior Boo Bash is $20, which includes two hours of unlimited games and attractions, soda and pizza. There will also be a kids’ costume contest with five chances to win in the following categories: Scariest Costume, Silliest Costume, Best Animal, Best Character and Most Original. The winners from each category will receive

focus is on their disabilities and what that prohibits,” says Hundt. “This is a chance to showcase their abilities.”

Leah Call is a freelance writer with 20+ years of writing experience. Her writing appears in local, regional and national publications.

GO: Where: Weber Center for the Performing Arts, 428 Front St S, La Crosse, WI When: November 7, 2 p.m. Tickets: Tickets for Pageant Showcase are $15 at Weber Center Want to be a contestant? Contact Elizabeth Smaby, Riverfront Foundation Development Specialist, at 608-785-3559 or elizabeth.smaby@ riverfrontinc.org

a three-hour attractions pass and a $10 play pass from Shenanigans. Grab your friends and get creative for a good cause. Even the band dresses up at this party. The Boo Bash is definitely a Halloween event not to miss.

GO: (IF YOU DARE) Junior Boo Bash Where: Shenanigans When: Friday, October 23, 6–8 p.m. Admission: $20 Boo Bash Where: Shenanigans When: Saturday, October 24, 8–midnight Admission: $25

SLIGHTLY SILLY, SOMEWHAT SPOOKY SUPERNATURAL STORIES Article: Jess Witkins And she was making me go with her. So we drove across the river and spent the night listening to paranormal researchers, investigators and, undoubtedly, fans of the strange and supernatural. It’s the only conference I’ve ever attended where a fog machine went off every few minutes. At the end of the talk, we toured a tiny room with tables full of ghost-tracking equipment. I had no idea how they worked, but their lights and beeping noises made them seem official and important. I’m not sure what effect they had on ghosts, but their extremely high price points kept me away. Leading the conference that night were authors Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk, the researchers behind the “Road Guide to Haunted Locations” series. My roommate and I pooled our funds to purchase both the Wisconsin and Minnesota copies. It seems the Coulee Region and beyond has its own relationship with...the beyond.

There are several sites in the area that claim to have paranormal activity, most notably Bodega Pub and Del’s Bar, both of which may be haunted by previous owners. A few years later, I attended an event at the La Crosse Public Library featuring the author of the “Weird Wisconsin” and “Strange Wisconsin” series, Linda S. Godfrey. Her story is an interesting one. Godfrey started out in journalism. She reported normal news stories, or what I will now refer to as explainable research. But a series of supernatural sightings in a small town set her off on an adventure of tracking the craziest stories our state had to offer. Since I’m still too poor to buy machines that blink and beep, unless you count my MacBook Air, (but I think that’s cause I don’t know how to use it), I bought one of Godfrey’s books. I was chatting with her as she signed my copy, and I commented

that several of the stories she shared were in or near my hometown. “You’re in the circle of strange!” she said, cryptically. “You’re in the circle of strange!” She began flipping through another book and shaking her assistant to help find a map. When she found the page she wanted, she circled a radius around my hometown and told me it’s the most prominent place for werewolf sightings. Do you think my MacBook will save me in the event I encounter a werewolf on my next visit home? What if I just throw my Smartphone at it? I guess no matter where I go, the stories, or strange, will follow. I leave you with the same advice the authors of “The Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations” left me, “Check under the bed at night.” And have a happy Halloween, everyone!

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

’ve been fascinated by the paranormal since I was young. From reoccurring dreams to ghostly encounters, I seem to stumble upon them. My hometown is full of urban legends and places where flooding has washed away buildings yet left all the furniture intact, so it looks like someone has just sat down to play cards in the middle of the woods. When I moved to La Crosse for college, I thought I’d left it behind. I was wrong. A roommate rushed to my door one night and asked me what I was up to. I said I had no plans. “Grab your bag,” she said. “We’re going to an Unexplained Conference.” “An unexplained what?” I asked. She had found online a conference in Winona, Minn., hosted by Unexplained Research, an organization devoted to studying, blogging, documenting and even podcasting all things unexplained.

ENTERTAINMENT

ROAD TRIP TO THE GARDEN OF EDEN Article: Joerg Droll Photos: Mark A. Lee

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

ost of us have heard of agritourism as a way for farmers and ranchers to turn their workspace into public space and augment their income by hosting tourists on their land. For more short-term visitors, farmers around the country have been using agri-tainment to do just about the same thing. From corn mazes to pickyour-own, from roadside vegetable stands to horseback riding, more and more agricultural operations are successfully tapping into their direct-to-the-consumer potential. Apple orchards seem to be a natural fit for agri-tainment. Their wide open spaces allow plenty of room for entertainment projects and their crops are perfect pickyour-own. Two orchards in the Upper Mississippi Valley show different but highly successful concepts moving toward a very similar direct-to-the-consumer approach. Meet Tom Ferguson, owner and head of operations of Ferguson’s Apple Orchards, situated among the beautiful coulees and bluffs between Galesville and Centerville. Ferguson did not get into the apple business until 2002 when he and wife Debbie bought their first orchard. “All we knew about apples back then was that there were red ones and green ones,” he says.

Things have changed since then. Ferguson now owns three orchards between Galesville and Eau Claire that he and Debbie run with the help of their sons, Joe and Andy, and their sons’ wives, Ashley and Amanda. Even though 70 percent of Ferguson’s crop goes to wholesale, the pick-your-own apple and pumpkin operations and Farmer Tom’s Barn Yard are an integral part of the business. The Barn Yard is a matter of pride and principle to Ferguson. “Every generation, children get more and more removed from actual farmers. We want to help change that by grabbing them young and showing them at least a slice of what farm life is like.” There’s a petting zoo; miniature village with a bank, schoolhouse and the “rotten apple” prison; hay pyramid; pedal tractor track; a slightly scary haunted house; and much, much more. Ferguson’s Apple Orchard is a perfect spot for school field trips or a family outing with entertainment for the whole family, including live music in the early afternoon most Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October. Ecker’s Apple Farm in Trempealeau aims for a more grown-up appeal in agritainment. The Ecker clan consists of Mary, owner and head baker; Sarah, orchard

manager and bee keeper; Jessica, PR and marketing; and her husband Simon, the all-around maintenance guy and bar keeper. A bar keeper at an apple farm, you ask? More on that later. Ecker’s Orchard Market sells about 20 percent of their apples, moves 1200 pounds of honey, 5,000 apple pies and 30,000 caramel apples every fall. They offer pick-yourown blueberries and apples, have a tractor train to tour the orchard and host open bean bag competitions. What makes Ecker’s unique in the area—and this is where the bartender and the adult agri-tainment comes to play—is the Hog’s Back Brew Farm. Jessica has been enthusiastically involved in brewing her own beer for over two years. So opening the Hog’s Back Brew Farm seemed a logical consequence. “We wanted to have some sort of entertainment for our adult guests and our friends,” says Jessica. With six constantly changing craft beers on tap at their outdoor bar, Jessica and husband Simon are doing just that. Add to the mix live music most Saturday and Sunday afternoons, specialty foods such as bacon on a stick or treats from an assortment of food trucks that visit the farm, and you have a perfect road-trip destination.

The highlight of Hog’s Back Brew Farm’s season is the annual Honeycrisp Hootenanny, which started long before the brew farm was even a concept. “My sister Sarah came up with the idea of an open jam seven years ago,” says Jessica. “We had a quarter barrel of beer and did not even finish that.” The Hootenanny has been growing steadily over the years and this year Jess expects up to 5,000 people to come through the orchard on Saturday, October 17. The music starts at 2:00 p.m. featuring string bands The Blackberry Bushes, Dang Ol’ Tri’ole, Crooked Willow and Them Coulee Boys, plus performances by the Galesville Ettrick Trempealeau High School jazz band and their a capella choir, Vocal Point. Come pick a few apples and join the fun at Ferguson’s Barn Yard or Ecker’s Hog’s Back Brew Farm.

Joerg Droll is a freelance writer from Germany. Prior to moving to the United States, he spent 20 years at various men’s lifestyle publications working his way up from intern to managing editor at the German editions of magazines like Playboy, Men’s Health, GQ and MAXIM.

Apple Pickin’ in the SEVEN Region

Check out these seven local apple orchards for the freshest produce and so much more.

Ecker’s Apple Farm

W27062 WI-54, Trempealeau, WI 608-539-2652 Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, Mid-August through November 1 • 20 cultivars • Pick your own • Honeycrisp Express • Bee Hive • Blueberries, Peaches • Bake Shop • Live music most Saturday and Sunday afternoons • Weddings • Hogs Back Brew Pub: Fri., Sat., Sun., Noon–6 p.m. • Honeycrisp Hootenanny: October 17, 2015

Ferguson’s Morningside Orchard

Grover Ln, Galesville, WI 608-539-4239 Open Aug. 22–Nov. 1; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily • Guided Field Trips • Pick your own • Wagon Ride • Pedal Tractor Track • Country Store • Hay Pyramid • 21 Varieties

Hoch Orchards

32553 Forster Rd., La Crescent, MN 507-643-6329 Open June 20–Oct. 31, Saturdays 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. • Certified Organic • Fruits and Berries • Tours of the Farm • Internships • Duck, geese, pork, chicken

Leidel’s Apple Stand

704 MN-16, La Crescent, MN 507-895-8221 Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily

Sacia Orchards

W19461 US HWY 53/54/93, Galesville, WI 608-582-2119 Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily • Apple Market & Bakery • 15 Varieties • 4 Orchards, 250 Acres • Pick your own • Tractor Ride

W4918 County Hwy S., Holmen, WI 608-526-3495 Open Sept.–Nov., 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Daily • Pick your own • Tractor Ride • Johnny Appleseed Cut Out

Southwind

5440 Apple Blossom Drive (County Rd. 12), Dakota, MN 507-643-6255 Open Daily Sept.–Nov. • Orchard Gift Shop • Tours for groups and individuals

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Shefelbine Orchards & Pumpkin Patch

LIMELIGHT

Leah and her Indian Scout. Photo: Chad Berger

10,000-MILE JOURNEY Article: Joe Hart

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Leah takes in the Grand Canyon for the first time. Contributed photo.

all it a stroke of incredibly bad luck. Leah Misch was on the road to recovery— she’d escaped from an abusive relationship, and she’d made remarkable progress in overcoming her weight problem. Then a split-second motorcycle crash in 2010 left her immobilized with a broken back. One day her goal was to run a marathon; the next it was to walk normally. Some women would have given up hope—or at least motorcycles. Misch, however, is not only walking, but hiking and running. And she just completed a 10,000-mile trek around the United States on an Indian Scout motorcycle. For someone as goal-oriented as Misch (she’s constantly refreshing her bucket list), the motorcycle trip came

about fairly spontaneously. She’d been to the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D., and she’d been admiring a Scout she test-drove there. Back home, she learned that her full-time job as a nurse was going to part time—and remote via computer. “I figured, I have my computer, I might as well work from the road.” The first leg of the trip was to Colorado to a friend’s wedding. The Million-Dollar Highway—legendary for its steep switchbacks and lack of guardrails—was en route. From there, she figured, it was a short hop for her and her bike (which she named “Scout”) over to the Grand Canyon, another destination on her bucket list. Somewhere along the way she learned of a wilderness medicine conference in

with the mud and wear of 10,000 miles, Misch’s motorcycle was hardly showroom. Still, she entered Scout in the Indian ride, and won the Field Award. “I told them I better get it all clean and nice to show, but they said they liked it that it had mud all over it.” When Misch left the rally en route to her home in La Crosse, dozens of bikers took to the road and accompanied her for the first few miles as an entourage to salute her on the final leg of her journey. Back home in La Crosse, she says that while she understands her journey was inspirational to others, her primary motive was simple curiosity. By the time she’d entered college, she’d been to just three neighboring states. “I had never really traveled,” she says. “I had to go to Chicago for a class, and I was like, whoa! There’s this whole other world where other people live. Different ways of living and thinking. I like learning about other people. There’s so much more out there.” And to all those who’ve heard her story and found it inspirational? Misch hopes it serves as fuel for them to take their own journey—wherever that might lead. “Accept yourself,” she advises, “and go for what you want.”

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Leah receiving a ‘Field Event’ award at the Heritage Motorcycle Celebration. Contributed photo

Big Sky, Mont. “That was my sign,” she says. “I was actually heading back home, but I was praying for a sign. I decided to stay on the road and make it to that conference.” So began a crisscross journey through Oregon, Idaho, California, Washington and many more states. She covered miles on her bike, but took time to hike and kayak and see the sights of the American West. Her adventures spill out. At Glacier National Park, for instance, her hike ended with an evacuation. What she thought was campfire smoke was in fact a massive forest fire—another narrow escape. She also became a magnet for attention from strangers. Typical for Misch was the older woman who offered a bed and a meal saying, “You remind me of my daughter. I wish that I’d had the courage to do what you are doing when I was young.” Even the police officer who stopped her for speeding (she was trying to beat a big storm in the Dakotas) let her off with a warning—as well as a high five for her moxie. By the time she reached Sturgis—a year after she’d test-driven her first Indian—news of her solo journey across the country had spread, and she was met with broad support. Most bikes at Sturgis are tricked out to a shine;

Photo: Chad Berger

Leah on the ‘Going to the Sun’ Road at Glacier National Park. Contributed photo.

LIMELIGHT HILLVIEW GREENHOUSE DREAMS COME TRUE Article: Heidi Griminger Blanke

ow can a state-of-the-art building have a 100-year past? That’s simple. Base it on one of the first greenhouses in La Crosse, pull together local institutions and organizations, bring in community members and place it on the site of a landmark with a half-century history. The greenhouse and classroom at Seventh and Pine Streets in La Crosse is the culmination of five years of planning between the Hillview Urban Agriculture Center (HUAC), Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse Community Foundation and Western Technical College (WTC). It’s a dream come true for Vicki Miller and Leanne Carlson Hedberg, whose vision and perseverance kept that dream alive. Much of the greenhouse’s success can be attributed to their dedication.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

An end and a beginning Hedberg, at the time a La Crosse area resident, came to a meeting of HUAC’s predecessor organization in 2010 to voice concern for the existing 24th Street Hillview Greenhouse. She saw the greenhouse as an opportunity to create a community-wide program providing local and sustainable foods to low-income residents. Miller was also there at the start, eventually taking the reins of the fledgling organization. The 24th Street greenhouses were demolished and a passive home used as a living laboratory for WTC students was constructed there. Meanwhile, HUAC laid out its revised strategy.

Climbing ivy The new greenhouse, primarily funded by a 2012 $80 million referendum, sits on the site of the old Ivy Motel and is part of the WTC campus. “There’s some kind of connectivity of design elements that you’ll find here and elsewhere on campus,” states Jay McHenry, WTC’s director of facilities. For example, the brick “is the same color scheme that was used on the

Integrated Technologies Center.” The building’s exterior features metal panels representing the college departments and organizations who funded and will use the building. The exterior landscape will be designed by WTC students and, ideally, maintained with plants grown in the greenhouse. State of the art One step inside the facility and you know this greenhouse is like no other. Thought has been given to everything from the way the light comes into a room to the building’s environmental footprint. In the community room, set up as a meeting or class room, the south wall, points out McHenry, is constructed from limestone saved from the Ivy Motel. Greening up The south end of the building contains three greenhouses; two are used by WTC students and one is used by HUAC and Mayo. “We use a couple of advanced features that you don’t find in other greenhouses,” says McHenry. “We have a double shade system. They’re two layers of shade, so they can help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.” Even research level greenhouses normally have a single shade. McHenry points to a wall length rectangle resembling strips of corrugated cardboard. “This actually is a good old fashion swamp cooler. The water trickles down through here and the air gets pulled across this space, so it’s one way of keeping air cool.” The tables supporting the plants are heated, as opposed to heat coming only from above. “The piping circulates through the tables and heats the space.” McHenry jokingly points to a large container outside the window. “That is not the seventh can of the world’s biggest six pack; that is for our water reclamation center. Rainwater that falls off the roof is

caught and stored for use in the facility.” Also outside are bioswale spaces where rainwater can absorb back into the ground, rather than running off the pavement. Pam Hartwell, HUAC’s executive director, says, “It filters water the way nature filters water, sending it through dirt. What goes into our storm drains runs over pavement and oil and picks up litter; it ends up being really polluted.” Spreading roots The greenhouse is more than simply a place to grow plants, explains Hartwell. “We are under the mission of providing a space for people of all ages and abilities to come and get their hands in the dirt and learn about food. We demonstrate and inspire and educate.” For instance, a portion of the food grown in the HUAC greenhouse will go to Mayo for use in their kitchen; some will go to hunger agencies or nutrition education programs. “We’re going to have two really large grow tables and five or six movable tables. We’re going to have vermicomposting demonstrations, which will also act as a nice place to put our green or food waste. We’re going to have an aquaponic demonstration.” These methods were inspired by urban farming pioneer, Will Allen and HUAC is delighted that he will be present at their grand opening this October. The WTC portion is geared toward educating students. In a joint effort, HUAC will oversee the WTC greenhouse when students are unavailable. “For years,” Hartwell says, “Western has been growing seedlings for the Kane Street Garden, but classes let out a month before the seedlings go in the ground. We’ve agreed HUAC will take care of the seedlings, so they don’t have to go to Kane Street early,” risking a possible freeze. La Crosse does it again “This is such a positive thing for our community,” says Miller. “It has been

quite a journey. I’m just so amazed at La Crosse as a community, that we’re doing something like this,” she says, referring to a collaboration that includes “a major healthcare facility, an educational facility, the La Crosse community, a foundation, plus a non-profit organization.” Hartwell agrees. “The greenhouse is a gift to the community and a gift to anybody and any age. We will have open hours to the public, and anyone can come in and get their fingers in the dirt.” It appeals to “every single member of our community who cares in any way, shape, or form about the kind of food they’re putting into their body,” she continues. “It gives them an opportunity to put their hands onto that. And we’ve lost that a lot in our society, that sharing of food as a community.” But it’s not lost for long. HUAC and its partners are making sure of that. Heidi Griminger Blanke, Ph.D., writes for a number of publications. She believes the road to wellness is highly influenced by what we eat and has increased the amount of local, organic and sustainable foods in her own diet.

GO: Will Allen will give a public presentation at Western Technical College’s Lunda Center for all who hope to attend. Space may be limited. When: 5-6:00 p.m. Fee: Free ticket registration is required Info: SustainInstitute.com

Greenhouse History Early 1900 Land on 24th street purchased by Jason C. Easton

1912 Four lots purchased by William G. Haebich and greenhouse built

1926-1987 Hillview Greenhouse owned and operated by the Jones family

1987- 2007 Hillview Greenhouse owned and operated by Jean and Joel Olson

2008 – 2010 Hillview Greenhouse Life Center operates the greenhouse

2010 Hillview Urban Agriculture Center formed

2012 Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse Community Foundation and Western Technical College join in

Fall 2014 Ground broken for new greenhouse

historic LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Celebrating History and Grassroots Activism in the La Crosse Area

downatoysw!n D

Historic Downtown Day!

Saturday, October 10th- All Day Enjoy this fun festival that marks the rebirth and celebrates the rich history of Downtown La Crosse. Free historical tours, music, fun, carriage and trolley rides, food and more!

The Tour of Upper Living! Article: Jess Witkins

Sunday, October 11th- 12- 5 pm Tour downtown apartments, lofts and condos. LACROSSEDOWNTOWN.COM

Given our geographic location, the local league also pays close attention to issues involving farming, land preservation, fracking and water quality. A Lunch and Learn program on November 10 at the Radisson will cover farm management tactics and Upper Mississippi water quality. The LWV is always open to volunteers to help with voter registration, candidate forums and other projects supported by the league’s mission. For members, they offer educational events featuring expert speakers recruited from primarily local but also state organizations for a nonpartisan update on topics of concern. Their current involvement in voter education and registration drives is especially important as the requirements for voter registration have changed. To become a member, volunteer or to check the events calendar for free, educational programs that are open to the public, visit www.lwvlacrosse. org.

DOWNTOWN MAINSTREET

LET’S GET

TRUCKED UP

Upcoming LWV-sponsored programs: The American Democracy Project October 21, 5:30 p.m.

La Crosse Public Library Jo Amey, PhD, will discuss the American Democracy Project, which is a multicampus national initiative focused on preparing informed, engaged citizens for our democracy and for our communities. Lunch and Learn: Changing Farm Management Tactics and Upper Mississippi Water Quality November 10, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Radisson Hotel, La Crosse, WI

CORNER OF 3RD AND MAIN • LA CROSSE, WI (608) 784-5282

EATAPOTHIK.COM

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

t was a 72-year struggle that gained women the right to vote in 1920, fifty years after the abolitionist movement won the right to vote for African-American men. Some of history’s most notorious suffragettes were also the first to be advocates for abolition, including Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president, alongside Frederick Douglass. Sadly, in Woodhull’s day, women did not have the right to vote. Even as a presidential candidate, she was arrested and spent Election Day in jail. But this story is not about Victoria Woodhull. This story starts with Carrie (Lane) Chapman Catt, who was born near Ripon, Wis., in 1859. It was Carrie Chapman Catt who founded the League of Women Voters (LWV), six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified in the U.S. Constitution. The League was designed to educate the new 20 million women voters and help them understand their responsibility in not only advocating for political change, but creating it as well. The LWV was founded as a nonpartisan organization and remains so today. They do not back any political party; they are issue-focused, taking a stand on political subjects by educating citizens and lobbying for government and social reform. La Crosse Area LWV is one of the oldest and most active groups today, chartered just four years after its initial launch, in 1924, by a woman whose name you may recognize, Mrs. Alice Hixon, as in, Hixon House Museum, Hixon Forest, Hixon Forest Nature Center. It was Alice and her mother-in-law, Ellen, who largely spearheaded and funded the conservation of Grandad Bluff. Presently, there are 120 members in the LWV of the La Crosse Area. Membership includes women and men, as it is open to all. With an election year on the horizon, the biggest topics being addressed are education and voter registration.

608-784-0440

SIP N' TASTE Pogreba It’s A…maze…ing By: Nancy Nosher

FOOD Review

I’ve been to Pogreba a number of times and, at first, the meals were hit and miss. Lately, though, they’ve all been hits, big hits. First, though, you have to make your way to the dining area. Upon entering, follow a long hall to the host desk. Then, glance to your right at the bar area with its long, curved counter and high-top tables. (I could easily see myself meeting friends there after work or before a show or game, perhaps ordering some cheese curds or a burger.) Finally, follow along a curved wall to your table or booth. After negotiating the maze, prepare to be amazed. Because I wanted dessert, I didn’t opt for an appetizer, but I’d be drawn to the Margherita Flatbread; you may also be tempted by the Pork Belly Confit or the Chicken and Shitake Lettuce Wraps. But, on to the entrees. I typically choose my meal quickly, but Pogreba’s offerings made me slow down. Crab stuffed shrimp? Roasted lemon chicken? Seafood red curry? They all sounded yummy. I was in a carnivorous mood, so I chose the Beef Tenderloin, medium rare, of course. My dining companion opted for the Fresh Jumbo Sea Scallops and a bowl of lobster bisque, only because he’s searching for the perfect soup. This one rated in the top twenty percent. We both upgraded to a Caesar Salad, with real anchovies, mind you. The accompanying rolls looked, and tasted, like heat ‘n serve from the grocery store, but who needs rolls in our modern gluten-free world? Besides, I was saving my appetite for the entrée, and I was glad I did. My tenderloin was pink throughout on the inside and charred with a crispy, salted crust on the outside. I’m not a big person, but I packed away the entire eight ounces in no time at all. Sides included mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The scallops won the meal prize of the night. Set on a pea puree, they were not the least bit watery (as scallops often are), seared just enough on both sides to give a touch of color and a bit of crunch, and wonderfully

WINE

by Wohlert By: Todd Wohlert

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

WINE 28

Review

ROSÉ

Not that stuff your grandma drinks Let’s start this story in the early ‘70s. A California wine maker had a batch of red wine go wonky on him, and he decided to make a rose out of it. To hide the poor quality, he sugared it up a bit. TAA-DAA! White Zin was born. It was chugged and guzzled throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, and, by the end of the ‘90s, it was over 20 percent of the wine consumed in America. You know what? That is fine. Drink what makes you happy! That’s the bottom line. Don’t let wine snobs look down their fancy stemware at you. Chug that White Zin or Blush out of a Solo Cup if that makes you happy. If that doesn’t make you happy, read on… Rosé wines are made from red grapes, not white grapes. In traditional wine making, red grapes are crushed and the juice and skins soak together for a while. Sometimes for a long while. The tannins (dryness) and flavors come from the skins, as well as the dark color. When you make a Rosé, the juice and skins have minimal contact, which leaves the wine with only a pink color and a much different taste. You can make Rosé out of any red

flavorful. My companion and I both adored the pea puree, so intense in pea flavor, it was as if the peas were distilled and just the essence remained. For both main courses, the starring items were so mouthwatering, the sides faded away to the ordinary. I’m a dessert connoisseur, and I deem the Pumpkin Cheesecake, a creamy cake topped with cinnamon streusel and brandy snaps, worth every caloric bite. The Chai Hazelnut Cake was good in theory—a cinnamon spice cake with hazelnut meringue—but the cake itself was dry. However, I adored the idea of meringue as a filling between layers. The waitstaff is friendly, the service spot-on and the bartenders knowledgeable; the wine list is varied and well-priced and there’s plenty of beers on tap. Pogreba is the perfect spot for any kind of celebration or a just-because weekday dinner. Amazing, huh?

Nancy Nosher has been eating all her life. Her favorite foods are wine and chocolate, but she’ll settle for pistachio-crusted Ahi tuna, blueberries with cream and her own frosted chocolate chip brownies. She doesn’t like brats, but she’s a nice person anyway.

GO:

Pogreba

(608) 789-2386 1232 Avon Street, Pogrebarestaurant.com La Crosse, WI Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 4 p.m. until close Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday 4–6 p.m.

grape: Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, etc. The colors can vary a bit from bright neon pink to rose petal to healthy salmon. (If you see a Rosé the color of a sick salmon, run away or buy it for someone you don’t like all that much.) The next time you and your friends want to play some naughty wine games, go to the store and find a Rosé from a brand that also makes a regular wine from the same grape–let’s say a Cab Sauv in this instance. Compare the Rosé against the regular Cab. World of difference! How is this possible? It’s about the skins. The skins impart so much of the flavor and body to a red wine. So what exactly should you expect from a Rosé? A bright, crisp wine with a bit of red fruit, such as a strawberry, and sometimes you will get just a little thread of vanilla. This will vary from wine to wine but those are the broad strokes. Different red grapes will impart different flavors. Let’s go look for a Rosé for you to drink. Generally, you want to find one with the youngest date. This year, you want the 2014 vintage. You might find a really good 2013, but as these wines get older, they lose their brightness and potency. It’s like hooking up with an ex then discovering that he wasn’t as great as you remembered, and that’s why you dropped his boring ass in the first place. Wine makers all over the world make Rosé, but some the best and most affordable comes from France. You can find a really great Rosé for around $10! Seriously, $10!!! Guigal Cotes du Rhone is a great example of fine French Rosé. This wine is actually a blend of four different grapes, and this one has red fruit and citrus notes to it that would go great with salads, grilled fish, poultry or general light cuisine for summer. Want to have an awesome picnic? Get a bottle of Rosé, some crusty bread and something smushy to spread on it (brie, pâté, tourine, etc.). Sit back, relax and enjoy the fine and simple things in life. Leave the White Zin for grandma. She probably couldn’t handle a Rosé anyway. If she can, I want to party with her! Todd Wohlert works for Purple Feet Wines, a member of the Winebow Group. He is not an expert in wines but he unfortunately knows more that 99% of the people in the state. His goal is to change that to 98% by the end of the year.

Session Beer: Small Beer Stats, Big Beer Flavor By: A.J. Moore For many years, the most animated conversations about craft beer tended to center on two things: IBU [International Bittering Unit] and ABV [Alcohol by Volume]. The brewmaster that could pack the most hops and alcohol into a brew and keep it palatable was the winner. Beer drinkers became like chili-heads trading ghost peppers and Scoville units for highvoltage hops and IBUs. The bigger the beer, the better it was perceived to be, and the craft fell into an unfortunate pattern of using hops as a default marketing ploy. As the hop bomb hyperbole proliferated, so did the corresponding ABVs until the market was flush with near 10% ABV Triple Imperial India Pale Ales that had all of the approachability of a grapefruit peel soaked in top fuel. Fortunately for everyone else, there has recently been a growing resurgence in the popularity of session beers. Session beers are fullflavored brews of generally less than 5% alcohol with a focus on taking the inspiration of a particular style and making it drinkable for long sessions at a lower cost to one’s calorie count and blood alcohol levels. Session beers are the perfect recipe for full days of raking leaves, full afternoons of sports and BBQ, a night as the spooky benefactor of Trick-or-Treaters, and the late-night poker game at the hunting shack, where morning always comes too soon. Many traditional beer styles were really born as session beers. Irish dry stouts, English milds, Scottish Shilling Ales, Franco-Belgian Grisettes, German Altbiers, Polish Grätzers and Russian Kvass all had humble beginnings as common low-alcohol beers consumed as often by the pitcher as they were by the glass. These low-octane drinks provided a refreshing boost to morale and a few extra calories for workers, without the risk of them wobbling back to the mill, mine or field. But brewing a session beer isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s not simply a matter of adding less of each ingredient. A brewer has to carefully adjust

to compensate for subtle changes to the mash, the hopping and the fermentation characteristics as the beer gets smaller. This has become a new challenge for many of the best craft brewers who’ve tired of the bigger and boozier arms race and are now looking for a new way to showcase their skills. Packing a big and satisfying beer character into a sub 5% beer is no small feat, and finding the right balance of malt, hops and yeast character that leaves a beer drinker looking to pour another is as much the mark of a talented brewer as the biggest and boldest of brews. I spent a few minutes with Tom Porter, owner and founder of Lake Louie Brewing, discussing their Session Series beers and specifically what motivated him to produce the Impulse Drive Session Series Scotch Ale. Porter reflects, “We’ve been at this sixteen years, we’ve been through a fair amount of phases in the craft beer industry, but the session movement is near and dear to my heart… It’s important to me, and I think the time has come in the maturity of craft beer and the maturity of craft beer drinkers, that we don’t have to drink a nine and a half [percent] beer to look cool at the bar anymore.” Asked how he preserved the intensity of flavor, Porter remarks, “We wanted to make something inspired by our Warped Speed, which is our flagship beer, but the challenge with Impulse was to preserve the mouthfeel and character… For Impulse Drive we started with that baseline of Warped Speed, and we know what does what and when in order to get that flavor profile. We did it all on paper and after we checked and rechecked our math for three months, we decided we were in the ballpark and the first batch we did, we sold.” That’s the kind of deliberate and thoughtful calculation that it takes to make a session beer great, and it’s also what makes Impulse Drive a great session beer.

Impulse Drive By: A.J. Moore

Appearance: This brew pours a faintly hazy caramel-copper with ruby

highlights. The enormous fluffy ivory head is an auspicious sign that there is substance and body in this brew, and it gradually descends all the way down to the last few ounces where it remains as a thin film of bubbles and a dense ring around the edge of the glass. Aroma: Distinctly light, sweet and clean caramel with hints of toasted biscuits, butterscotch, and even a distant note of distiller’s malt reminiscent of a certain American sour-mashed whiskey. Taste: Surprisingly bright and slightly acidic at first, with an uncommonly smooth and toasty middle that is strikingly similar to sweet tea. There is a slight vinous quality to the finish that is really refreshing Presence: This is where this beer really shines. Tom Porter and the folks at Lake Louie really manage to capture the inimitable smoothness of caramelized sugars found in good Scotch ales with a nice substantial mouthfeel that is balanced perfectly by appropriately assertive hop dryness.

X-Factors and Overall:

As true to the intent of its creation, this sessionable beer captures the essence of a Scotch Ale with prominent notes of malt, caramelized sugars and hints of toasted and roasted barley, yet it finishes with a surprising and refreshingly bright note leaving you ready for more

Impulse Drive is the smallest of the three siblings in the Lake Louie Scotch Ale family, including the flagship Warped Speed Scotch Ale and the biggest brother, Louie’s Reserve Wee Heavy. But, don’t underestimate this beer. Give Impulse Drive a spin; It’s proof positive that big things come in small packages.

Until then, Cheers! A.J. Moore is a renaissance man. In addition to writing, tabletop gaming, smelting, blacksmithing, woodworking and restoring antique hand tools, A.J. is a homebrewer, occasional beer judge and member of the La Crosse LAGERS homebrewer club.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

BEER Review

Style: Session Scotch Ale Brewer: Lake Louie Brewing, Arena, WI Price Point: $9 /six pack of 12 oz. bottles at local retailers. Alcohol by Volume: 4.4%

SIP N' TASTE DRINK LOCALLY A new beer from Pearl Street Brewery stars a long-lost and now rediscovered Wisconsin ingredient Article By: Joe Hart

delicate flavors tend to break down, almost immediately. “Most bottled IPAs have lost 50 percent of their aromatics within four to six weeks of packaging,” he says. “For the most part, older IPAs are definitely drinkable—but the faded glory of a once great hoppy beer puts a little sadness into the heart of a hop-head.” As a result, many hop-heavy Pearl Street concoctions never make it out of the keg. “They just age better on draught, so that’s where they’ve ended up; in a keg, where their flavors and aromas fare far better.” The exceptions have been Pearl Street’s pale ale and an IPA called Me, Myself & IPA. Linalool should fare much better. That’s because, according to Katchever, the heirloom hops discovered on that Wisconsin farm (and since cultivated commercially to support Pearl Street’s endeavor) contain more than two-and-one-half times the linalool of any other commercial beer. The result? The same pungent, lively hoppy smell and taste of any other hoppy beer—but one that lasts much longer. “Unlike other hoppy beers, the aromatics in Linalool IPA will develop over time,” says Katchever, “becoming more pungent and changing form. Notes of lilac, pear and bruised apple, along with a pleasant bitterness will emerge as this beer ages.” The local foodshed never tasted so good!

You’ve heard of heirloom tomatoes and pork. Now there’s heirloom hops, and La Crosse brewers at the Pearl Street Brewery are putting it in a new IPA called Linalool—named after the aromatic compound in hops that gives IPAs their distinctive flavor. The story of Linalool IPA starts some 150 years ago, when Wisconsin was one of the country’s leading producers of hops. Much of the land now devoted to dairy farming, vegetable growing or simply second-growth hunting land was planted with hops vines, with their creamy, cone-shaped flowers. Time and tastes moved on, and farmers largely gave up the crop. But in 2007, a retired professor of horticulture from the University of Wisconsin discovered a single hop plant growing in a neglected patch of woods on his farm. He recognized it as a rare, century-old varietal that had survived and adapted to Wisconsin’s terroir. The result, says Pearl Street brewer Joe Katchever, is something special. “All commercially grown hops have been bred by human beings for centuries,” he says. “This hop is completely unique because it has been genetically evolving for 140 years to result in a unique variety with a unique essential oil profile.” These essential oils, Katchever adds, are vital in producing hoppy beer. Linalool is the most prized of dozens of such aromatic compounds. The trouble, says Katchever, is that these

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SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

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SUBJECT MATTER

LA CROSSE PROMISE A Vision for Revitalizing Neighborhoods

Neighborhood and build a new home or rehab an existing home according to certain program guidelines. The announcement of these new funds resulted in tremendous fanfare. However, some concern about the “G” word became visible on Facebook in the hours following the announcement. So we asked the executive director of La Crosse Promise, Jerilyn Dinsmoor, about the “G” word. “Gentrification is a problem that some cities have experienced when there is a high demand for housing in certain parts of a city,” explains Dinsmoor. “We have the opposite challenge in La Crosse. La Crosse has had little demand for market-rate housing in certain neighborhoods. It is our best hope that [because of the Promise] people will start taking an interest in these areas.” But when education-minded families move to these neighborhoods, Dinsmoor explains, it will be to the benefit of every resident. “Research shows that a better-educated population results in lower crime rates and more stable families,” notes Dinsmoor. That’s good for everyone. So, the Promise is not seeking to push low-income people out of certain

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neighborhood who previously lived in an outlying community, told me, ‘I sat at the softball game—everyone is sitting in the same kind of chair, talking about the same TV shows, wearing the same kinds of clothing, living in houses that are all the same shade of brown.’ That father said he wanted his kids to see more, because the world they will be entering will be very different from this.” Ultimately Dinsmoor hopes to drive home one big fact: While there may be a few negative comments coming out on Facebook and other places about the Promise, there have been a hundred positive reactions to the Promise announcement for every negative one. Local leaders laud it as a major step forward, and perhaps, most tellingly, neighborhood leaders from the targeted areas are overjoyed by the news. “Post-secondary education is an act of self-empowerment,” says Dinsmoor. “Self-empowerment is a strong principle around which to build a community. We think La Crosse Promise can be the program to jumpstart that vision in La Crosse’s neighborhoods.”

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areas in La Crosse in mass, which is a trademark of gentrification. Rather, Dinsmoor says, their hope is to help foster the creation of “mixed-income neighborhoods.” So who are these new Promise families? Uber rich snobs? Not really, says Dinsmoor. When asked who she sees as being the typical Promise family, she says she envisions welltraveled, “education-minded parents, themselves likely having a four-year degree or higher.” Dinsmoor adds that those parents know that “statistically, La Crosse is one of the safest cities in the state.” Dinsmoor also expects Promise families will be “environmentally conscious—shunning the idea of commuting long distances; drawn to the possibility of biking to work and restaurants, etc.; [and] like the idea of simplicity—smaller homes, fewer possessions, playing at the park rather than in a one-acre backyard they are required to mow every Saturday.” Finally, she sees Promise families as ones who truly appreciate diversity. On that note, Dinsmoor offered this anecdote. “A father that is renovating a historic home in the Washburn

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s kids, we were all warned not to use certain words— arguably the worst of course being the “F” word! But there’s another word that stirs emotions lately with just as much vigor as any word we are cautioned against using as children—and that’s the “G” word. The “G” word is, of course, “gentrification.” Merriam Webster defines gentrification as, “The process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.” The “G” word looms large over the La Crosse Promise, one of the most significant developments in revitalizing La Crosse’s historically low-income neighborhoods in recent years. On September 2, 2015, the La Crosse Promise announced that it has raised $1.5 million from local philanthropists to launch place-based scholarship incentives linked to neighborhood revitalization. Promise families will gain access to up to $50,000 in college scholarships for their children if they move to the Powell-Poage-Hamilton Neighborhood or portions of the Washburn

FITNESS FITNESS CAN BE FUN AND FUNCTIONAL Article: Lee Walraven

GoalZero Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit By: Radventure Dad, aka Brett Werner

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Over the past five years, there has been an ever increasing trend for functional fitness. This is the concept of incorporating multidirectional movements to improve physical endurance, agility, balance and core strength. Typical types of equipment used in functional fitness are suspension trainers, stability balls, balance boards, kettlebells and anything not thought of as traditional fitness equipment. But these types of equipment are more traditional than many may think. Our ancestors relied on their ability to be faster, quicker and more agile in order to survive. It was typical for our ancestors to train in ways different from those most used today, such as treadmill running, biking or elliptical use. Although these exercises have great health benefits, they tend to be one directional. Functional training is multidirectional. Our ancestors were more likely to train in ways that we would call functional, but for them it was just considered their daily activity. They would sprint, jump, climb over obstacles and carry heavy loads short distances. By incorporating multiple directions, the exerciser is also able to train supporting muscle groups that in turn reduce overuse injuries. Who should utilize functional training? Some think certain exercises can only be used for athletes, but more often it is not the exercise but how the exercise is performed. As children we start off right away doing functional training.

Watch a group of preschoolers play and you will see short bursts of energy (sprints) and attempts to balance on some playground equipment. As we get older we are introduced to sports, which typically incorporate plyometrics to help improve the strength of our connective tendons and ligaments. Then as adults we somehow forget that exercise can be fun. Try a suspension training class, kettlebell, or boot camp class sometime. All of these fitness classes incorporate functional fitness in a fun way. Finally, as with all things in life, we should maintain moderation. Many love the idea of functional fitness, in part because of the reduced occasion of overuse injuries. By incorporating multidirectional exercise, a person is less likely to be injured due to overuse, such as plantar fasciitis. But if the only thing you do is functional training, you could increase your risk for other injuries. Therefore it’s recommended to do a mix of everything. Run a couple days of the week; take that boot camp class; and spend a couple days strength training. All of these are great when mixed into your weekly exercise plan.

Lee Walraven, MS, ACSM-RCEP is the Healthy Living Director at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA.

t happens all the time. Pretty much daily. And always at the worst time! Low Battery Warning. Now what? I’m only going to be in the car for ten more minutes, so that will give me a little bit of juice, but it will surely be dead in less than an hour. And, if you’re like me, you use your phone for EVERYTHING, so it’s important for it to be powered on. Enter the GoalZero Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit. I picked up one of these from La Crosse’s local GoalZero rep, AJ Heil, just the day before my latest Low Battery Warning incident. AJ has helped support a bunch of events in our area, ready to meet our power needs and light up the night with solar powered charging solutions and lighting! Luckily the 3,000mAh Rechargeable Battery was ready to go when I needed it. I plugged my iPhone into the battery, started my Strava and went off on my ride! It worked perfectly. Albeit, both my phone and the battery were almost dead after a two-hour ride, BUT they both had some juice left, and that’s all that mattered. The next day I set up the included Nomad 7 Solar Panel outside my office and recharged the battery pack, while I was inside working. I didn’t get an exact time on how long it took to recharge the battery pack, but it was fully charged later that afternoon when I left. The Switch 10 kit also includes an LED flashlight with an adjustable beam that goes from a wide angle down to a pinpoint. I used the wide-angle mode for leaf blowing the Upper Hixon Forest Park trails after dark, and the pinpoint came in handy for refilling the gas tanks on the trail tools under the moonlight. There’s also a sweet fan that attaches to the battery that would come in handy on those hot summer nights in the tent. If you’re not familiar with GoalZero, their mission and their roots, you should definitely look them up. They are an amazing group of people bringing power to remote areas of the world that would otherwise be without. From powering up classrooms in Ghana, Africa, to keeping camera equipment working on a remote island near Tahiti, GoalZero is there. #getoutstayout All of the accessories in the Switch 10 kit are lightweight and rugged, easily stowed in a zippered mesh pocket on the backside of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel. The pocket also has enough room for your phone, which came in particularly handy while out on a UTV setting up for La Crosse’s Hixon Forest Epic mountain bike race (the newest addition to the WORS circuit). I attached the solar panel to the roll cage of the UTV, using the included carabiners and securement straps, to harness the sun’s energy while we were out working. Using the power pass-through capability on the rechargeable battery, I was also able to plug in my Bluetooth speaker. So, to sum it up, I used the solar panel to recharge my phone, USB speaker and the rechargeable battery, so we could stream Pandora in the woods. That’s RAD! The Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit sells for $129.95 and is worth the price!

Brett Werner is Thee Radventure Dad. Mountain biking, downhill skiing, camping, snowshoeing, volunteer trail building, just about anything that gets him and his family outside and he’s there. With lifelong experience in recreation and equipment, his goal is to get other families geared up for outdoor fun.

PERTNEAR20 Article: Guest Contributor Pete Taylor Contributed photos

GO: pertNear 20 Mountain Bike Race Where: Start at Bluedog Cycles, 210 S. Main St., Viroqua, WI When: October 18, 2015.

Pete Taylor is Bluedog Cycle’s head cheerleader and owner hailing from Viroqua, Wis. If he’s not working in the shop, he’s out building trails or riding them.

Schedule: 10:30 a.m. - Day-of-Event Registration ($40); Online early registration ($35) Noon - Race Blast Off Details: BluedogCycles.com

Contributed photo

HAUNTED HIGH ROPES Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (EBELC) in Lanesboro, Minn., has been educating children and adults for decades. Their approach gives people tangible experiences combined with classes—indoors and out. Each piece of their programming is a lesson in environmental and nature education, incorporating everything from biology to human survival in the elements. A fun fact: When elementary school groups visit for an extended stay, there is a healthy competition to create zero mealtime waste to win the Golden Plate Award where the school gets to write their class name on that year’s Golden Plate! Some area schools achieve this every year of their field trip! Learning is fun at EBELC. Games, hiking, archery, skiing, canoeing, snowshoeing and forest exploration are integral parts of an array of experiences. A claim to local fame is their Tree Tops Course with cable, rope and log elements up to 40 feet high. Participants can enjoy the ropes course at their skill level with full instruction and unparalleled attention to safety from highly trained staff. On Friday, October 30, EBELC will hold the Haunted High Ropes event where the

brave can encounter ghosts, skeletons and witches while trick or treating on the West Treetops course. After riding down the zip line, everyone will cozy up by the fire to end the eve.

GO: Haunted High Ropes Where: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center 28097 Goodview Drive Lanesboro, MN 507-467-2437 When: Fri., Oct. 30, 2015 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Fee: $25 per person. Reservations Required

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

As this announcement is being written, members of the Vernon Trails’ Trail Crew are out in the woods working diligently to create additional miles of shared-use singletrack for use in the pertNear20 Mountain Bike Race, which will take place in Viroqua, October 18. This year marks the 4th annual race, considered to be more of a timed adventure. For those who don’t yet know about all the amazing singletrack in Vernon County, here’s the lowdown. When Bluedog Cycles moved into Viroqua in the fall of 2005, there was not one mile of legal singletrack in Vernon County that a mountain biker was allowed on. In a quick first order of business, Vernon Trails, a local 501c3 nonprofit was born and began to work with land managers to create shared-use natural surface trails. Fast forward ten years, thousands of volunteer hours, and wonderful working relationships with county officials, Wisconsin DNR and private land owners, Vernon Trails has worked to design, build, maintain and open over 35 miles of trail that mountain bikers are enjoying, with many more to come. The pertNear20 will utilize about 23 miles of these trails in this year’s adventure, up from last year’s 21 miles. Every year since inception the Trail Crew has added more mileage and looks forward to changing the event name to the pertNear30 and so on. The race begins at high noon at Bluedog Cycles in downtown Viroqua on Sunday, October 18. Police escorts will lead riders down Main Street, and within a few short blocks from the shop, riders will hit the dirt at Hubbard Hills, a three-mile trail network built on private property graciously donated five years ago. The route then enters Rusty Ridge, another piece of private property, and eventually spits out onto a quiet country road for three miles of fast and rolling pavement on the way to Sidie Hollow County Park, where riders will ride an 11-mile lap, while gaining nearly 1,800 feet of elevation. After climbing up from the lake, riders will return along the country road for a wild finish back at Hubbard Hills. Afterwards Bluedog Cycles will host a party back at the shop with pizza, drinks and awards for the fastest survivors.

FAMILY

COLLEGE CORNER

By Yasmynn Rain

Adjusting Away From Home

THE LA CROSSE AREA FAMILY COLLABORATIVE By Guest Contributor, Jason Larsen, La Crosse Area Family Collaborative Director

The La Crosse Area Family Collaborative (LAFC) is coming to a northside and southside neighborhood near you. The collaborative is a partnership of local nonprofits, faith organizations, schools, community stakeholders and governmental agencies. By working together, we’ll be a game changer for area youth and families. The collaborative is in response to an increase in juvenile arrests, child protective service cases and an array of other neighborhood factors. The collaborative strives to enhance the self-sufficiency of our community’s families. Soon, the collaborative staff will set up shop on the southside of La Crosse at 10th and Ferry and on the northside at Trinity Lutheran Church. We will also have offices at area schools to work closely with school staff and other place-based nonprofits. Rather than offering help as a stranger, staff and volunteers will approach children and families as a trusted neighborhood partner. The LAFC staff is only one piece of the puzzle: The real magic of the collaborative will be the community members and leaders in the neighborhood who are joining with us to form core teams. A place-based collaborative gives folks the opportunity to find help right in their own neighborhood. On the collaborative end, it gives us a way to reach out to a community and create targeted solutions to neighborhood-specific problems. “The idea of all this is to get in and provide assistance and help before a family’s situation becomes so dire that Child Protective Services has to intervene, before a youth goes out and commits a crime or before a youth struggles because of a mental health crisis,” says Jason Witt, La Crosse County Human Services director. With this collaborative approach, we can work with youth before they are in situations serious enough to require arrest and work to find solutions to the underlying problematic behaviors. With families, we can overcome challenges together and find solutions as a team before a family reaches a point of crisis. The collaborative model includes community social workers, strategically located within neighborhoods. These highly experienced individuals work hand in hand with community leaders—teachers, clergy, police officers and other partners— to identify and pro-actively engage at-risk families. They will provide immediate assistance and serve as a navigator to a variety of supports that are available within the neighborhood and broader community. Their focus will be on developing trusting relationships at the neighborhood level.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

La Crosse Area Family Collaborative Goals: • Stabilize families before emergency intervention is required. • Integrate community prevention resources. • Keep neighborhoods safe for children, youth and families. • Increase the sense of belonging and empowerment of individuals who feel isolated from the community. • Facilitate strategies for neighborhood residents and stakeholders to own and solve human service issues.

Through a proven collaborative service model, LAFC facilitates a smarter and more responsive use of our limited resources. We will walk side by side with LAFC families, partners and neighbors, as we work to place each other more firmly on a path to success. To get involved or for more information, please contact LAFC Director, Jason Larsen at jlarsen@ lacrossecounty.org or by phone at 608-789-7847.

The La Crosse Area Family Collaborative utilizes a pro-active, neighborhoodcentered prevention model to bring assistance to La Crosse area children, youth and families in a manner that is highly accessible, responsive and empowering.

Yasmynn enjoying her college’s football game

Nineteen years old, first year of college, three hours away from home. I find myself often thinking, “What on Earth is going on?” But, I digress. So far, being on my own in college hasn’t been so different from being back home. I get to plan out my own days, hang out with whomever I like and stay up as late as I want. (Can I just say, coffee is a miracle?) I even showed up late to the first day of band, just like my freshman year of high school. Although, now, there’s no one to nag me if I’m not doing homework, eating healthy, or making it to class for being too tired. It’s very freeing, but also frightening. Life has been very different in some ways. That feeling of being kicked out of the nest really hits you like a big yellow school bus. Homesickness is a huge part of that; I don’t think I’ve ever so missed my mom’s ramblings about what’s growing in her garden or the sound of our old mama cat meowing loud enough to wake up all of La Crosse. I now wake up next to three stuffed animals and my cell phone, rather than my boyfriend. By some rarity, the floor of my room is actually visible and my sleeping schedule compliments my school schedule nicely! Social circles are one of the best things to motivate me to succeed. Luckily, I’m in band, so I’m surrounded by fellow band nerds all the time. I joined a political group on campus as well, because exchanging ideas on similar concerns is refreshing. Joining a Learning Community was another good call on my part, because I met a group of girls sharing similar classes and majors before school even started. (A Learning Community is a group of students who have the same or similar major, study together and even participate in some civic activities together.) It’s only week three in Whitewater and week two of classes, but the ideas I’ve heard and the perspectives I’ve been presented are intriguing and make me crave to learn more. I think that’s what college is pushing me to do: Explore. I want to learn about new cultures and join clubs to further explore my interests. Walking around campus in the middle of the afternoon and finding the perfect reading spot or the best part of the library to do homework will help me get into my own little world. I want to search for a great hangout spot to meet new people and go beyond campus to see what the town has to offer. However, I won’t forget to go home to friends and family. My weekends home have been the greatest solace during my adjustment to college life. As fun as my college experience has been so far, there really is no place like home. Yasmynn Rain is an Onalaska High School alumnus and is excited to share her college experience with SEVEN. She digs Doctor Who, live concerts and anything to do with Marching Band…especially the trumpet section.

OCTOBER FAMILY EVENTS Get spooky! The Seven Rivers Region offers plenty of great family events to enjoy the fall season and Halloween!

Ghoulees in the Coulees

Enchanted Forest

Field of Screams

Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees, a Halloween event fun for kids of all ages! Go on the Pumpkin Walk, hike down trails lit by carved pumpkins and receive apple cider at the end. Take a haunted hike through the chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of the wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. At the end of the hike, you’ll get a treat and hot apple cider at the Bekkum Homestead! You can also enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, a snack around the roaring fireplace or a visit to the Haunted Barn.

Enchanted Forest is a non-scary, trick-or-treat hike through Myrick Park, where your child can dress up in their Halloween costume and meet fairytale characters as they collect candy and other goodies. At the end of the hike, families will find a fall festival waiting for them with games, a Hans Mayer concert, a Magic of Isaiah performance, Rainbow Ridge petting farm and refreshments! This year, the event will be a drop off for non-perishable food items for the iFeed collection coordinated by Interact, the local high school Rotarian groups. This is the 16th year of the Enchanted Forest and proceeds from the event benefit WisCorps, a non-profit that provides a valuable service to Wisconsin’s citizens and environment.

Join the City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department for the 7th annual Field of Screams! The event provides fun, FREE Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating, Halloween games, face painting, music, a costume contest, a magic show by Magic of Isaiah, s’mores and more! We encourage everyone attending to dress in costume!

Plan earlier hikes for the very young or faint of heart. Super scary hikes start at 6:30 p.m.

Pumpkin Walk: October 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Haunted Hikes: October 23-24, 6–9 p.m.

Reservations are required. $9 per person until

Pre-purchase price: $5 per child, $1 per adult, plus a non-perishable food item

Hikes take place at Norskedalen,

Day-of price: $7 per child, $3 per adult,

www.norskedalen.org

BONUS TIP!

Call 608-789-7304 for more info

www.cityoflacrosse.org/index.aspx?NID=2682

plus a non-perishable food item

www.wiscorps.org/enchantedforest

For more fun family activities, check out the current issue of Coulee Parenting Connection!

SeptOberfest September 11 through October 25, join in the Annual SeptOberfest Celebration in Wabasha, Minn. Walk through the town that showcases the season of fall like no other. See the beautiful pumpkins, cornstalks, flowers and hay bales among the natural beauty of the river and majestic bluffs. It’s an explosion of color sure to excite the eye. Participate in the pumpkin races, scarecrow contests, entertainment, amazing food, free concerts, carriage rides and so much more. Rent a bike or surrey and follow the

SeptOberfest trail to see all the fall decorations. www.wabashamn.org/septoberfest

Trick-or-Treat Trail Let the kids dress up in their costumes and bring them by for trick-or-treating with some of their favorite fairy tale and Halloween characters. Games and concessions will be on hand, as well. The event is put on by the Sparta High School Key Club to raise funds for Casa Hogar orphanage in Peru. October 24, behind Meadowview Schools in Sparta, WI Trick-or-treat from 4-6 p.m. Monster House movie showing at 6:30 p.m. in the cafetorium at Meadowview Schools

The Dahl family is all smiles at Enchanted Forest. Contributed photo.

Cost: $3 per child, $2 per child with food donation

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

N455 O Ophus Rd, Coon Valley, WI

Copeland Park

(the north side Oktoberfest grounds)

October 24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

October 15; $10 per body October 16 and beyond

3 miles north of Coon Valley, WI, off county road PI

October 3, 5–8 p.m.

iFeed

A Gift to the World

by Heidi Griminger Blanke Contributed photos

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

group of local high school students is paying it forward by helping feed people locally and internationally. Teens from five area high schools are organizing what they hope will be the largest Rotary Lights food drive in the area. The kids are members of Interact, the high school arm of Rotary International, a service organization. They hope to build a wall of food via an event called iFeed. The Interact Clubs from Central, Logan, Aquinas and West Salem high schools are less than one year old, yet, along with the threeyear-old Holmen club, they are springing into action full steam. And they need your help to reach their goal. All you have to do is collect nonperishable food and hygiene items and bring them to Logan High School on November 7, 2015. Simply pull up, drop your food at the curb and Interact members will do the rest. “You can come by and drop anything off from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” says West Salem Interact member Adam Kotek. To amplify the impact of the day, says Rotarian Stephanie Fraase, the Logan High School Interact Advisor, students are looking for ways to encourage food drives at churches, businesses, schools and just about anywhere else; think book clubs, exercise groups and social groups, for example. “The idea,” explains Fraase, “is to have hundreds of mini food drives all over the city for the two weeks before iFeed. People can make their own contests, like a pizza lunch. Interact isn’t organizing those food drives separately, just giving ideas on making food drives fun.” As the food is dropped off, the number of items will be tallied and used to construct a giant wall. At the end of the day, all items will be taken to the Hunger Task Force and counted as part of the Rotary Lights collection. While food that stays local is being collected in the parking lot, 52,000 nonperishable meals (yes, you read that correctly, 52,000 meals) will be packed, boxed and made ready for shipment to Nicaragua, where they will become part of school lunches.

Get involved Food drives take place October 25 - November 7 Food drop off at Logan High School: November 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heidi Griminger Blanke, a former executive director of WAFER Food Pantry and a member of Rotary, encourages everyone to bring food items to Logan on November 7.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Fraase explains, “Interact students are asked to do at least one international community service project.” Projects at that level are difficult, notes Fraase. So the students “came up with one project as a five-club consortium. iFeed is a one-day event that will help to alleviate hunger in our world and in our communities.” The meals are packed via a program called Kids Against Hunger, an organization which brings in everything needed, from funnels to food items. But there’s a cost. “In order to make an impact, the kids wanted to do the maximum number of meals and that costs $9,500. Area Rotary clubs donated money and Interact got a $2,000 grant from Rotary Works and a Rotary District grant for $4,200,” says Fraase. Twelve teams of ten people each, recruited from schools, service organizations and some businesses, will spend the afternoon assembly-line style filling bags with a nutritionally balanced mixture of rice, crushed soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamin and mineral supplement powder. The Interact students are excited about this tremendous undertaking. Kotek says, “Our goal is to get everyone involved, so the community can feel that they helped accomplish this project.” Fraase is slightly more realistic. “People are saying we should make this an annual event, but first, we have to get through this year,” she quips. Regardless, your help is needed to make iFeed the success the students hope it will be. Gather your friends, gather your food donations and gather at iFeed to make our world a better place.

BUSINESS

CELEBRATIONS ON THE RIVER New La Crosse Banquet Hall & Ballroom

Article: Heidi Blanke

Photo: Lee Harwell

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

ne of the area’s newest event spaces isn’t just a room, it’s an environment, inside and out. Celebrations on the River at Shenanigans houses a ballroom for up to 275-seated guests, a pergola overlooking the Black River and parking for a couple dozen boats. Adam Etrheim, general manager and one of four partner-owners, says opening the facility was “a natural progression of the next step of our business. There’s a need for an additional banquet hall [in La Crosse].” That’s quickly evidenced by the twentyfive weddings booked at Celebrations

in its first month of business. There’s still plenty of opportunity for all happenings, says Etrheim. Celebrations offers space for team-building events, conferences, charity events, fundraisers and holiday parties, just to name a few. Along with the adjacent Shenanigans, you can book rooms geared towards kids’ parties, smaller meeting rooms or the conference area. The banquet hall at Celebrations is bright and spacious, with a wall of French doors opening to the outside. “It’s one big area at that point,” says Etrheim. Booking includes use of the room for the day, chairs, round tables, head table, microphone and dance floor; the built-in stage, overlooking

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the river, can accommodate thirty guests. Light pours in through the pyramid of windows above the doors, and the latticed ceiling gives the impression of additional room height. Step from the banquet hall to the outside, and you’ll find yourself in a space that distinguishes Celebrations from many other venues. With stunning river views, a large patio featuring wrought iron tables and chairs, and a shaded wedding area seating 200 guests, it’s a romantic spot to say “I do.” Because it’s on the water, the newly married couple can depart for their honeymoon straight from the Celebrations dock. Both the outside altar area, including the trees, and the main room are equipped with custom LED lights, explains Etrheim. “If you have a purple-theme wedding, there’s LED lights that can change to purple or whatever color you want.” Hundreds of small lights twinkle like stars over the patio and in the trees. Catering is part of the package, and indoor and outdoor catering options are available, notes Etrheim. Celebrations prepares party buffets but is happy to work with licensed and approved caterers. Any event can take advantage of the “huge Tiki bar, our claim to fame,” says Erheim. Multiple indoor and outdoor bars ensure everyone’s thirst is quenched. Celebrations is full-service when it comes to weddings, offering connections to wedding planners, photographers, florists, entertainment, transportation

and more. Hotel accommodations are an expressway exit away. The Celebrations event space has easy parking, and it’s all on one level, but its main distinction is the beautiful riverside setting. The space is newly completed and offers a fresh perspective on large event spaces. Etrheim and his staff are happy to arrange tours. “People have forfeited their deposit at other places so they can have their wedding here. The room is one of a kind,” says Etrheim. “We didn’t spare any expense. It’s truly a first class, magical space.”

Heidi Griminger Blanke, Ph.D. is a La Crosse area freelance writer who can’t wait to be invited to an event at Celebrations.

GO: Celebrations on the River Where: 2100 Dawson Avenue La Crosse, WI 608-783-3335 Info: info@celebrationslacrosse.com www.shenanigansfun.com

DIM SUM TEA SHOP A Bite of Chinese Culture in La Crosse

Article: Tegan Daly Photos: Dahli Durley

live in a coffee culture. Because of this, many people have misconceptions about tea and don’t realize its significance in Eastern cultures. There are several styles of traditional tea (from tea leaves), which all, in fact, come from the same plant. Different flavors are produced from different methods of harvesting and processing the leaves and buds of the plant. Kelly’s quaint, sunny shop has shelves and shelves of loose leaf teas: over 150 different kinds, in fact. She sells a wide variety of tea pots and Eastern-inspired gifts and is happy to tell you about the proper ways to prepare tea. Dim Sum Tea Shop is also the only place in La Crosse where you can get bubble tea—a fun-to-drink, tea-based beverage with fruit or flavored milk added to it, as well as tapioca pearls or chunks of fruit jellies. If you’re interested in learning more about Dim Sum food or tea, you have plenty of opportunities. The shop offers tea-tasting parties on the first Tuesday of every month. You can also take a class on how to prepare dumplings. More information is available online, or just stop in and talk to Kelly!

GO: Dim Sum Tea Shop Where: 221 Pearl St., La Crosse, WI Info: www.dimsumteashop.com

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

iving in a predominantly rural area in the Midwest can be limiting when it comes to exposure to new cultural experiences. With food especially, people tend to stick to what they know, so bringing something new into a community can be challenging. Luckily for us, in recent years, La Crosse has begun to expand its palate in some delicious directions. The Dim Sum Tea Shop on Pearl Street is a perfect example. Owner Kelly Deng says that many of her interactions with people involve educating them about what she serves and encouraging them to try something new. When Kelly moved to La Crosse from Southern China in 2008, she quickly realized that people in this area were unfamiliar with her culture and its styles of food and drink. Hoping to share these things with her new community, she opened her shop in 2010 in the Doerflinger Building. Three years ago, she moved the shop to its current space at 221 Pearl Street. Dim Sum food is traditionally served in small portions, several items to a plate, so that people can share with one another. The dishes are often steamed buns and dumplings with different fillings. When I went into Dim Sum to talk to Kelly, she generously offered me jasmine tea and a sampling of items on her food menu. Kelly pointed out to me that the culture in Southern China is very interconnected; community and family ties are strong, so it makes sense that a style of food to develop in such a culture is also communal. These delicious snacks are meant to be shared, so bring some friends down to Dim Sum, meet Kelly, order a variety dishes and enjoy a new experience. Equally as important as the food in Dim Sum style restaurants is the tea. As Westerners, we definitely

BUSINESS

CO.MILL OPENS A co-work office for small businesses and entrepreneurs kicks off in downtown La Crosse Photos: Bob Good

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

he number of businesses in downtown La Crosse has jumped over the past year, adding over 20 new businesses. According to Robin Moses, Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. director, there is a growth of “over 12 million [dollars] in private investment in the past 12 months with an estimated additional 200 million in public and private investment in the next two years.” New and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs are a part of this equation, and Couleecap, local non-profit promoter of economic development, recognizes this. In response to the demand for new business opportunities, Couleecap created a co-work office space, titled the Co.Mill, led by Couleecap Business and Income Developer, Andrew Londre. (The “Mill” part of the name honors the early lumber mill entrepreneurs of La Crosse.) Co.Mill consists of eight desks and three private offices available for rent on an annual, monthly, weekly and even daily basis. Part of the appeal of the Co.Mill is the inclusion of amenities and utilities for a very low cost. Office space in downtown La Crosse starts around $300 for the smallest offices, which generally don’t include utilities or amenities. The Co.Mill offers

a full-size conference room, furnished lounge, kitchenette, wireless Internet, color printer and receptionist for a fraction of that cost. The addition of a wireless Internet connection bill alone can burden a fledging business. Businesses can maintain a professional mailing address versus a home address and choose to meet clients or associates at the Co.Mill. Access to all of this is encouraging to entrepreneurs and small business owners; aspirations of owning a successful business can become a reality with this kind of opportunity. An added bonus of a co-work space is just that; co-working alongside others! Instead of working in solitude, Co.Mill professionals share the creative energy of one another, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of working in public spaces (which is fun to mix in occasionally, too. Three cheers for local coffee shops!). To top it off, SEVEN believes in the Co.Mill philosophy and concept so much that we’ve moved in! The Co.Mill is now Home to SEVEN! Ready to kick off your own business? Check out the Co.Mill and other entrepreneurial opportunities at http:// couleeco.com/co-work-space/.

YOUR GUIDE TO SEVEN RIVERS REGION EVENTS, FARMERS MARKETS, BLOOD DRIVES, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND SO MUCH MORE. Have something you would like to list in an upcoming issue?

All listings are free, visit our website at TheSevenSpot.com or email contact@thesevenspot.com.

ONGOING All Glazed Up/Canvas Creation: Sip & Paint Canvas Painting classes. Check calendar for days and paintings. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson. Call ahead to register and BYOB. 309 Pearl St, La Crosse; 608–782–7248; www.allglazedup.com. Basic Nutritional & Herbal Therapies: Varied programs on herbology, teas, tinctures, gardening, health and more. Herbs All Around, 1033 Caledonia St.; 608-780–2255; www.herbsallaround.com. Centering Prayer: Experience the stillness of community prayer. 5:30-6:15 p.m. every Tuesday, free. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse; www.FSCenter.org. Chinese Language Class: 11–11:45 a.m. Learn Chinese in a fun, relaxed setting for free! 2nd and 4th Saturdays/month at Dim Sum Tea Shop, 221 Pearl St.; 608–738–1221. Dahl Auto Museum: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take a stroll down memory lane and immerse yourself in the rich history of the most widely used mode of transportation, the automobile. 711 3rd Street South, La Crosse; www.dahlauto.com/welcome.htm. DJ Trivia

Sun: Eagles Club at 2 p.m. in LAX, Coulee Golf Bowl at 6 p.m. in Onalaska Mon: Roscoe’s Vogue at 7 p.m. in LAX

Tues: Holmen Legion at 6 p.m., Barrel Inn at 7:30 p.m. in LAX, The Bar at7 p.m. in Winona, Dublin Square at 9 p.m. in LAX

Wed: The Mirage at 7 p.m. in LAX, Nutbush at 7:30 p.m. in Onalaska, Brother’s Bar at 8:30p.m. in LAX Thurs: River Rats at 6:30 p.m. on French Island, Red Pines at 8 p.m. in Brice Prairie Fri: Nutbush at 8:30 p.m. in Onalaska

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center: Nestled amid the hardwood forests and river bluffs of Minnesota. Challenge yourself atop our high ropes course, join them for a get–away weekend, take part in their River Roots Skills School, or explore their 11 miles of trails. 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN; 507-467–2437; www.eagle–bluff.org. Fayze’s Evenings Out: Tuesday – Half Price Tap Beer Night – Get all your favorite tap beers at half price, 3:30 p.m. to close. Thursday – Date Night – Treat your sweetheart to a night downtown, and enjoy half price bottles of wine, 3:30 p.m. to close. 608–784–9548; www.Fayzes.com. Franciscan Spirituality Center: Vinyasa Yoga, Mondays in October, with instructor Cheryl Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures are coordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Hatha Yoga, Wednesdays in October, with instructor Michelle Hundt. Open the many channels of the body through postures or asana to create balance, flexibility and coordination. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295. Group Runs: Starting at Grand Bluff Running. Join this amazing group of people for a 3–, 5–, or 7–mile run to stay active. Snacks and refreshments provided after the run! For more information go to www. grandbluffrunning.com or check out their Facebook page. Kinstone Academy: One hour guided tour Saturdays at 1 p.m. at Kinstone Academy of Applied Permaculture 53439 Cole Bluff Lane Fountain City; www.kinstonecircle.com. La Crosse County Historical Society presents: Preserving Your Family History: Organizing and Preserving Your Family Photos, Wednesday, August 5, 10:00-11:00 a.m. 410 E Veterans Memorial Dr., La Crosse; www.lchshistory.org.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum: Explore the MMAM’s expanded and unique collections as well as a new exhibition almost every month or enjoy a tour. 800 Riverview Dr., Winona, MN; 507-474-6626; www.mmam.org. Outdoor Connection: Rent outdoor gear from the UW–L Recreational Eagle Center! Open to the public and offers a wide variety of equipment for adventures big and small. 1601 Badger St , La Crosse; 608-785-8680; www.uwlax.edu/recsports. Pearl Street Brewery: New events every month including live music every Friday from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and brewery tours every Saturday Noon – 5 p.m.; 1401 St. Andrew St., La Crosse; 608–784–4832; www.pearlstreetbrewery.com. Pottery Classes: Learn pottery basics or discover new skills. “Wheel Deals” available! Children & adult classes, Paint Your Own, Jewelry & Glass Fusing, and more! Generous Earth Pottery, 321 Main St., La Crosse; 608782-3904; www.generousearthpottery.com. Root Note:

Sundays: Simple Roots (folk/bluegrass) 12:30 p.m. Mondays: Trivia with Tim Dale 8 p.m.–10 p.m.

Tuesdays: 3rd Relation Jazz Quartet 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Thursdays: Open Mic 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

www.facebook.com/theRootNote/events

All listings are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to review event directly ahead of time.

Segway Tours: Offered daily at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Need a later time? Give us a call and we’ll make arrangements that work for your schedule. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour; www.lacrossesegwaytours.com/#!tours/cfvg. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Looking for a place of spiritual refreshment and renewal? Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Come as an individual, family, group of friends, group of co–workers, or church group. For hours and other information, visit www.guadalupeshrine.org, or contact the Shrine’s pilgrimage coordinator if you need assistance with planning your visit at 608-782-5440. Tea Tasting Party: Learn about teas while sampling a variety. Dumplings and egg tarts included with take–home loose tea sample. 1st Tuesday/month at 6 p.m. ($6 pre–pay, $8 at door) AND 3rd Saturday/month ($8 pre–pay, $10 at door). Dim Sum Tea Shop, 221 Pearl St.; 608–738–1221. (Note: Closed for vacation for a portion of September 2015. Call ahead.) Trester Trolley Tours: Saturdays. Tours of Winona, aboard the Trester Trolley. Depart at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from the Holiday Inn Express, the Winona Plaza Hotel, and the Riverport Inn. Each tour lasts around 90 minutes, and immerses you in the history of our city, at the same time that we show you many fun things to do in and around Winona. To reserve your seat, contact the Trester Trolley at 507-429-9101. www.trestertrolley. com.

BLOOD DRIVES www.redcross.org

October 2 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1431 State Hwy 16 October 6 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 6 - 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 7 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 9 - 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 12 - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Luther High School; 1501 Wilson, Onalaska October 13 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 13 - 7:00 a.m. – noon; at Cary Specialized Services; 3400 Losey Blvd South, La Crosse

Tour de Pearl: Pedal for Pints this summer on the Tour de Pearl! Join hundreds of La Crosse bicycle enthusiasts and ride to up to 42 different stages. Enjoy local Pearl Street Brewery’s beer all over La Crosse County and get registered to win a $1000 Wyatt bike. Crowding this year with even more, Pearl Street Brewery has partnered up with the La Crosse Area Labor Day Weekend Bicycle Festival for its End of Tour Party. Register online at www.pearlstreetbrewery.com.

October 13 - 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

Trail Work Days: Get excited to dig in! Volunteer for trail restoration and building. Varying days. Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA) in La Crosse; www.NaturesPlaceToPlay.com.

October 15 - 12:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Cary Specialized Services; 3400 Losey Blvd South, La Crosse

Winona Municipal Band Concert Lake Park: Wednesday evenings. The Winona Municipal Band takes the stage on Wednesday evenings, where you’ll hear the sounds of brass, woodwinds, and strings. In honor of the centennial anniversary of the Winona Municipal Band, there will be a patriotic music program. Yoga with Tammy Z: Yoga is for everybody! We offer a variety of classes for every level of experience. First class is FREE! Contact us for schedules. 432 Cass St., La Crosse; 608-386-1217. tammyzyoga.com.

October 14 - 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Cary Specialized Services; 3400 Losey Blvd South, La Crosse October 14 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

October 16 - 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 17 - 8 a.m. – noon; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 20 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 20 - 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 21 - 1:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 23 - 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

LISTINGS

october 2015

LISTINGS october 2015 October 24 - 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

La Farge, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

October 26 - 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

October 8 Tim Fast: The two most important days of

October 26 - 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Coon Valley Lutheran Church 1005 Central; Ave in Coon Valley October 27 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 28 - 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16 October 30 - 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; La Crosse Blood Donation Center; 1431 State Hwy 16

FARMER’S MARKETS La Crosse: Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Jun 3 – Oct 28 at Bridgeview Plaza Park Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Jun 25 – Oct 29 at the Hmong National Assistance Association on Ward Ave Fridays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., May 1 – Oct 30 in Cameron Park Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 9 – Oct 31 in Cameron Park Saturdays, 6 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 2 – Oct 31 in the City Hall parking Lot Onalaska: Sundays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Jun 6 – Oct 25 in the Festival Foods parking lot Holmen: Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., May 27 – Oct 28 in Holmen Square Winona: Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. – 12 p.m., May 2– October on the corner of 2nd and Main St. N La Crescent: Tuesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., mid–May through mid–Oct in the Crucifixion School parking lot

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

West Salem: Wednesdays, 2:00– 6 p.m., June 3–Oct. 14 in the parking lot of the bike shelter on the corner of Jefferson and Mill St.

our lives are the day we are born and the day we find out why! Native Minnesotan Tim Fast has been blessed to find an understanding of these days early in his life. Now credited with three award- winning albums, this nationally touring artist hangs his hat with some of the best American singer songwriters today. His love for adventure has given him a catalog of great original songs that have touched audiences from coast to coast. Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau. October 8: Spoon Carving Circle–All carving projects are welcome; bring some wood, a carving tool or two, and share your techniques! Cost: $2 for room rental. 6:308:30pm at Driftless Folk School Campus, County Road D, La Farge, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses. Drumming Circle: 5:30-6:30 p.m., freewill offering, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org. Bring your favorite drum. Sip & Paint: St. Francis of Assisi. In partnership with All Glazed UP! We’re offering this fun, creative instructor-led canvas painting class. Our subject: St. Francis. No experience required. Wine, snacks and all supplies included; $45. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

October 9 Drum Making and Ceremony: Using

wood, deer hides and other natural elements, bring your very own drum to life. Cost is $95, plus materials. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

October 10 Drum Making and Ceremony: Using

wood, deer hides and other natural elements, bring your very own drum to life. Cost is $95, plus materials. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter. org, 608-791-5295. Sacred Places in Word and Art: with Jan Wellik and Deborah Hansen, explore the sacred in nature and within us through creative expression, creating a seasonal nature journal that will be added to each month. 9 a.m.-noon, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295, $25 includes all supplies (yours to keep).

upcoming

October 3 Fall Wild Edibles Class: The Driftless

region is rich in robust and nutritious foods. Learn about search methods, harvesting, processing and storage techniques for plants. Participants should bring baskets or bags for collection, a good spade, and gloves if you wish, and wear pants, shoes and other weather-appropriate gear for a day out in the fall weather. Cost: $75 plus $4 trail pass. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Whippoorwill Tree Farm,

Georgia and South Carolina, the four piece whip out some of the most wicked originals that are guaranteed to turn The Hotel into a black magic voodoo session par excellence. Trempealeau Hotel. 11332 Main St., Trempealeau. Historic Downtown Day: Enjoy this fun festival that marks the rebirth of our historic downtown. Celebrate the history of downtown La Crosse, where all activities are free and fun for the whole family! www.lacrossedowntown.com. DIY Photovoltaics: Curious about alternative energy or photovoltaics and want to know more? Are you interested in installing solar panels on your house or property? This course will give you practical, real world, and background information on solar panels, solar electricity, and various PV systems. Cost: $75 class, $20 material fee, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Readstown, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

October 11 Tour of Upper Living: Tour downtown

residential apartment, lofts and condos. See what the buzz is all about living next to charming shops, cafes, museums and Riverside Park. www.lacrossedowntown.com. Making Fruit Vinegars: Cindy Hale of Clover Valley Farms & Vinegary will give a quick introduction to the different type of vinegars, how they are made, and their characteristics. She will then lead you through the steps of creating your own homemade wine and fruit vinegars. You will need to bring some kind of wine to the class in a quart-size canning jar. She will provide the bacterial “mother” and an easy-to-follow procedure for culturing your own vinegars. Noon -2 p.m. Class tuition: $15 members; $25 nonmembers. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event. Fruit Vinegars: A Five-Course Dinner– Cindy Hale will lead you on a 5-course tour exploring the ways that you can use culinary vinegars to enhance the flavor, enjoyment, and healthfulness of foods and beverages. This two-hour class will include an appetizer, beverage, salad, small entree, and dessert—all using different kinds of fruit vinegars. You will leave with recipes and ideas for your own kitchen. All items served will be gluten free. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Class tuition: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

October 12 Rohr Discussion Group: Open, informal group examining the ideas of Franciscan priest, author and speaker Richard Rohr, OFM. 5:30-6:30 p.m., freewill offering. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

October 13 The Sound of Bowls: with Tom Roberts. The Voodoo Fix: The most funkadelic rock band to have graced The Hotel’s stage in years, The Voodoo Fix from L.A., return for their second visit this year. Heading up to the Midwest from gigs in Alabama,

Traditional historic Tibetan singing bowls produce sounds that invoke deep states of relaxation, naturally assisting one in entering expanded states of consciousness and meditation. Freewill offering. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

October 14 Grandbluff Running Pub Run Series:

Ever wanted to run from a bar just to end up there again? Enter the Pub Run. The Series has been going on for five years in the La Crosse area and is one of the most popular social runs around. And it’s free. Test running shoes (Asics, Saucony, Nike, Brooks and Hoka), make new friends and enjoy beverages and snacks before and after (we encourage after) at The Hotel. More info at: www.grandbluffrunning.com, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau.

October 15 Gregg “Cheech” Hall: 7 p.m. From alt-

country to folk to blues to rock – no genre is alien to Cheech. His crowd pleasing mix of classics from all musical directions and self-penned hymns that his fans old and new love to belt out at the tops of their lungs, Cheech never fails to put on a must-see show – especially at The Hotel, his “favorite place to play in the world.” Trempealeau Hotel. 11332 Main St., Trempealeau. Divorce Recovery: offering support, friendship and healing for the wounds of divorce and separation. 5:30-7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Freewill offering. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

October 17 Autumn Beekeeping: The class will

participate in winter-wrapping a hive, installing reducers, and how to feed the bees if needed. Bring any questions, photos, or problems in your hives. Cost: $75, 9:00 am-4:30 pm. Driftless Folk School Campus, County Road D, La Farge, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses. Monster Bash: Halloween Kids’ Cooking– Geared for kids ages 8 to 12. We will make ghoulish gourmet items, and creepy crawling creations and tell tales that would scare Frankenstein! Come for pumpkin carving and some real cooking! Halloween costumes optional but encouraged! 11:00am12:30pm. Class tuition: $10 members; $15 nonmembers. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

October 18 Fermentation for Better Health: Find

healthful and creative ways to preserve your garden bounty. Fermentation is a wonderful way to not only preserve food, but also add nutritional value and delicious variety to the table. Cost: $45 class, $15 material fee, Viroqua, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

October 19 Red Wines: Old World vs. New World:

Join Todd Wohlert of Purple Feet Wines to compare and contrast three types of red wine from France and Italy with their counterparts from Australia, California, New Zealand, and Argentina. Each type (Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Malbec) will be accompanied with a delicious pairing of food and breads. Must be 21 and preregistered for this class, which is limited to 20 participants. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Class tuition: $15 members; $25 nonmembers. Class meets in Hackberry’s Bistro. People’s

LISTINGS october 2015 Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

downtown, dress-up in your favorite costume and enjoy tricks, treats and tons of Halloween fun! www.lacrossedowntown.com.

$45 class, $30 material fee, 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Viroqua, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

Art as Prayer, with Mary Thompson: Use watercolors to explore the connection between artistic expression and your spirit. Meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month; attend as you can. $15, plus materials. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Grain Straw Weaving: Learn to wave grain straw to create a “corn dolly.” Straw figures and decorative shapes were used to honor, thank, and protect the spirit of the grain from harvest time until the grain was again planted in springtime. A tradition of elaborate weaving patterns and constructions grew up from these ancient beginnings. Learn techniques and make your own straw form to honor the spirit of the harvest in your home. Cost: $45 class, $10 material fee, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Driftless Folk School Campus, County Road D, La Farge, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

Contra Dance: Contra dancing is simply social interaction, meeting people, and making new friends, set to Live Music and great Callers. The rest is just details. Instruction provided, no experience required, singles welcome! Suggested donation of $5 or more (kids under 11 free). 6:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m., La Farge Community Hall, La Farge, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/courses.

October 22 Libra Union: 7 p.m. Hailing from the

Hills of Wisconsin, Libra Union is a Singer/ songwriter duo that blend voices, keys and strings with foot stomping hootenanny songs. Please welcome Roger and Greta performing their first gig at The Hotel. Trempealeau Hotel. 11332 Main St., Trempealeau.

October 24 Downtown Trick-or-Treating: on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the family

Pine Needle Coiling and Basketry: Participants will be provided with all the materials needed to make a small pine needle basket with a wooden base. The skills of coiling will be learned, and examples of more advanced techniques will be on display. Students should bring: sharp scissors, and a small long nose pliers works best. Cost:

Bachelor Degree Completion • Accounting • Health Care Management • Organizational Management • Management Information Systems • Servant Leadership

Bones, Jugs n Harmony: 8 p.m. Bones, jugs, xylophones, kazoos, steel drums, resonator guitars, banjos, double bass, drums, all sorts of noise makers - these are just some of the instruments Bones Jugs N Harmony use to conjure up their eclectic acoustic sound. The group began in 2012, with the vision of being a pop-up party on street corners, at farmers markets, in living rooms (and kitchens!), or amplified in clubs. A jug jam band of sorts, with four synchronized oneman-bands woven together in a tapestry of delight. Trempealeau Hotel. 11332 Main St., Trempealeau.

October 28 Grandma’s Kitchen: Honoring Traditions–

Join Heather as she cooks a kettle of bean & ham soup using a cherished family recipe of her grandma’s. Learn about soup bases and comfort foods for the cold evenings ahead. We will also make a spice cake using a recipe given to Heather by her great-grandmother. You are welcome to bring a family recipe and favorite story to share as we honor traditions

and food culture. Yes, we will eat the soup and the cake! 5:30 pm-7 pm. Class tuition: $15 members; $25 nonmembers. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

October 31

Galynne Goodwill and Marcondrums: 8 p.m. Galynne’s mixture of uplifting and insightful singer/songwriter fare and smile provoking and playful sing-along covers make each of her appearances a very special event. Her companion, soul mate and collaborator in all things whimsical and fun is hubby Marc, a.k.a. Marcondrums. Join the two for a ghoulishly good time with a costume contest and who knows what other tricks on Halloween Eve. Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau.

Evening and online classes available.

Master of Business Administration • Flexible class schedules (one evening per week) and online options available • Connect with a network of professionals • Optional specializations in: Health Care Management, Project Management, International Business, Ethical Leadership Master of Arts in Servant Leadership • Classes offered in convenient Friday evening/Saturday format or two-week summer institute

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County Road ZN, (on Brice Prairie) Onalaska, WI 54650 (608) 783-6400 W7385

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Graduate Programs

LISTINGS october 2015 To add your free volunteer listing, email contact@thesevenspot.com.

American Red Cross - Scenic Bluffs Chapter:

Volunteers can help with blood drives, train for disaster response, teach First Aid/ CPR classes, support our Armed Forces, assist at special events and more! 2927 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse; volunteerwestern.wi@redcross.org; 877-618-6628, ext. 5822; www.redcross.org/wi/la-crosse.

Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Volunteer to become a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family to mentor youth, ages 5-14, in our community. There are also special events and other volunteer opportunities. 432 Division Street, La Crosse; (608) 782-2227; info@7riversbbbs.org; www.7riversbbbs.org.

Children’s Museum of La Crosse:

Volunteers are an important part of the Children's Museum team. If you are upbeat, responsible and love kids, volunteer with us! Opportunities include special events, face painting, crafts and games, and much more! 608-784-2652, ext. 226; christina@funmuseum.org; www.funmuseum.org.

Crossfire Youth Center:

Crossfire seeks to transform the lives of local teens by providing safe and fun activities. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in weight lifting, archery, outdoor activities and our Friday night party alternative. 608-784-6565; amanda@crossfire4u.com; crossfire4u.com.

Couleecap, Inc.:

Couleecap helps people in need with housing, food, transportation and more. 201 Melby St., Westby (Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe and Vernon counties); contactus@couleecap.org; www.couleecap.org.

Great Rivers United Way: Great Rivers United Way Volunteer Center hosts an array of volunteer opportunities. www.ugetconnected.org.

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

Grow La Crosse:

From garden work to working with children to event help, there’s something for many! www.growlacrosse.org/getinvolved.

Habitat for Humanity/ ReStore:

local, sustainable and accessible food system. Volunteer opportunities: Market Baskets, vermicomposting, various gardening tasks, fundraising, grant writing and marketing. 608-786-0338; vicki@vsm5.com; www.hillviewuac.org.

Hixon Forest Epic

One weekend only! Pitch in to help set up, tear down, course marshal, and more! (608) 789-7533; www.explorelacrosse.com/hixonforestepic or email robbiexor@gmail.com.

The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse:

Tasks and info: Food Recovery Program—driving for deliveries, sorting, truck loading and unloading, clerical, special event duties; 608-793-1002; lacrossehunger@centurytel.net. Kane St. Community Garden—preparing and planting, weeding, harvesting; 608-386-3319; kanestreetgarden@gmail.com; www.lacrossehtf.org.

Kinstone Academy of Applied Permaculture:

Dedicated to teaching people how to live more sustainably through the use of permaculture principles and design. Critical thinking skills and hands-on practice are core to our offerings. We have volunteer opportunities in the following areas: food forest maintenance, composting, various gardening tasks, various natural building construction projects, stone work, fundraising, grant writing, videography and marketing. 608-687-3332; inquiry@kinstonecircle.com with VOLUNTEER in the subject; www.KinstoneCircle.com.

La Crescent Animal Rescue:

We are committed to being a no-kill shelter, which means we are always looking for both foster and permanent homes for the animals left in our care. Volunteer tasks: cat and/or dog care, cleaning, clerical and animal transportation. Must be 16 years of age. 523 S. Chestnut St., La Crescent, MN; 507-895-2066; www.lacrescentanimalrescue.blogspot.com

La Crosse Area Family YMCA:

Opportunities include special events, youth sports coaching, Miracle League Baseball Buddies, Teen Center and much more. 608-782-9622; Y-North: 400 Mason St., Onalaska; Y-La Crosse: 1140 Main St., La Crosse; www.laxymca.org.

Lakeview Health Center

Many opportunities with flexible hours on a regular or occasional basis. Recreation and leisure programs, provide visits and/or share a talent or special interest. West Salem, WI (608)786-1400 x 40195; lrose@lacrossecounty.

Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA):

The Outdoor Recreation Alliance seeks to optimize world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. Volunteers are needed for various activities including trail work. www.naturesplacetoplay.com.

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe:

Volunteer needs: gardening, trail maintenance, upkeep of devotional areas, indoor cleaning, greeting visitors. www.guadalupeshrine.org/volunteer.

WAFER Food Pantry:

Opportunities: food packing and stocking, unloading trucks, helping during the food fair, delivery and much more. 403 Causeway Blvd, La Crosse; 608-782-6003; waferfoodpantry@centurytel.net; waferlacrosse.org.

Building homes for those in need, office work and special events. volunteer@ habitatlacrosse.org; 608-785-2375, ext. 7003.

WisCorps:

Hillview Urban Agriculture Center:

YWCA La Crosse:

The mission of Hillview is to create a healthy community through a

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. Special events, helping with our transitional housing program, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Kids, and our Teen Services programs. info@ywcalax.org.

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TAKE A TRICK OR TREAT HIKE WHERE FAI RYTALE CHAR ACTERS COME TO LIFE

October 24, 2015

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10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pre-event: Children $5 | Adults $1 Day-of event: Children $7 | Adults $3 Hans Mayer concert! Magic of Isaiah performance! Baby farm animals! Pumpkin fundraiser sale! iFeed food donation collection! NEW: Held in Myrick Park!

Tickets ~ www.WisCorps.org

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

BeneďŹ ting

WRITER’S BLOCK

By: Briana Rupel

Oktoberfest: A Polka Behind the Scenes

SEVEN | Issue #4 | October, 2015

have this recurring nightmare about work. It’s closing time, and the bar is packed with people who refuse to leave. Some defiantly climb over the bar and start pouring their own drinks, while a wall of zombies push effortlessly through infinitely tall glass doors that curiously won’t ever stay locked. I, of course, am helpless to stop any of it. One of my more memorable episodes of “Work-mares” occurred as the month of September waned to a close. The zombies made their inevitable appearance, but this time there was polka music. And cowbell—lots of cowbell. The clanging crescendoed until my eyes popped open. I shook my limbs to test my consciousness. At 6:32 in the morning the street lamps still glowed, and the sun had yet to rise. Yet, already the streets below my downtown apartment echoed with the signature testosterone-laden shouts that can only mean one thing: Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke, Oktoberfest is here! The diehards distinguish six a.m. on Friday the start of La Crosse’s famed weekend, but for those in the service industry, the Fest begins well before the Tapping of the Golden Keg. Every bartender in the city knows you don’t really earn your merit badge until you’ve got the blisters to prove you’ve slung drinks for thousands of eager Fest-goers. It all starts weeks earlier, when your boss pins up The Schedule: a color-coded matrix that looks more like it belongs in McCarthy’s playbook than in your humble hands. You will forgo partying with your friends. You will miss the weddings of your relatives. Such is life. As the days go on, distributors haul in extra orders, transforming your storage area into a complex labyrinth even David Bowie would be jealous of. You learn to weave your way among cases of domestic cans, jugs of cheap booze, and more straws and Bev Naps in one place than you’ll ever see in your whole life. And they’re all stacked higher than the tallest employee’s head. Within a day or two to go, glassware is carefully stashed away, replaced with towers of easy plastic. Bar stools will be stashed in whatever leftover space

is available for storage, even if it’s your neighbor’s back room. And you’ll cut 50 pounds of Pepperjack into one-inch cubes, which will get you through your Sunday bloodies, if you’re lucky. But none of this preparation will mean anything once the pulse of La Crosse starts pounding its party drum before you’re even ready to peel out from beneath the covers. Ask any server in town, they’ll all share with you their own unique ritual they abide by before a shift. I know some who stretch out with a solid yoga session before 14 hours on their feet. Some sip an early beer to take the edge off. I even know one who won’t eat a morsel before his shift because, if nature were to call, there’s no way he could make it to the bathroom. Me? I treat myself to new gel insoles, a tub of hand sanitizer, and bangin’ hot red lipstick. In the basement, my cohorts and I prepare for the big game. One paces back and forth while his headphones blast heavy metal. One kicks back with a Red Bull in hand, puffing on the last cig he’ll even think about for hours. I am sipping coffee while my knee bounces up and down with excitement and adrenaline. For five uninterrupted minutes, we are all in our own little worlds, blissfully zoned out before we get thrown to the wolves. Being behind a bar during Oktoberfest weekend is probably the closest you’ll ever come to knowing what a caged animal feels like. Fists clutching crumpled money jut out and beg for your attention from every angle. Flailing arms threaten to whack you in the face as you rush past with drinks. People poke you repeatedly on the shoulder, or even clasp your arm while at the register, in an intrusive attempt to get served. Once, I stood pounding out a round of ten Bloody Marys while some dude thought it was cute to tap out a beat on my head with a giant inflatable hammer. They yell, whistle, throw ice, all in the name of getting the next drink. But luckily these assailants aren’t in the majority. Most of the crowd is respectful, jovial and here to have fun. You’ll see everyone you know and their mothers, and you also get reunited with the folks who come into town every year just for this event. These are the people we do it for. Suddenly it’s Saturday night and the last dwindling patrons have waltzed out of your doors. There’s nothing better on this night than hearing that click as you bolt the door after them... except the well-deserved sip of cold beer you allow yourself before digging out the snow shovel to scoop up the piles of plastic cups and discarded beads. Though exhausted, the crew is stoked. We high five each other, give hugs and congratulate each other on another year of busting our asses. We tip back a round of celebratory tequila and start sharing all of the stories we’ve accumulated while we clean. It’s NEW! Breakfast this kind of camaraderie that makes Lunch us all keep coming back year after year. We go to battle together, and Dinner that makes us family. We turn off Cocktails the last of the lights and part ways, eager to shower and tuck into our Hours Sun-Th 7 am - 10 pm cozy beds. I walk home confident Fri & Sat 7 am - 11 pm that we’ll all sleep the night away, work-mare free.

wn La Crosse 115 5th Ave S, Downto 737 (608) 782-0

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Tax and beverage not included - 2 feasts per coupon Coupon valid during breakfast serving hours only. Expires10/31/15

Briana Rupel is a born and bred Wisconsinite. She is continually inspired by the Seven Rivers Region’s natural beauty, the talent of its local musicians and the stories of everyday people.

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Explore your spirituality through creative expression 608-791-5295

Sip & Paint, October 8 Drum making, October 9-10 Nature journaling, October 10 Watercolor studio, October 19

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