Best of Summer 2020 by Volume One Magazine

www.VolumeOne.org

JUNE 10, 2020 • FREE seize the days!

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

MAG INFO

CONTACT

Phone: (715) 552-0457 Inter-web: www.VolumeOne.org Email: mail@volumeone.org Facsimile: (715) 552-0457 (call ahead)

PUBLISHER / EDITOR / ETC Nick Meyer

of how many times her son has asked, “Are we there yet?” We are obviously not there yet, Jack.

mike paulus is doing the work.

MANAGING EDITORS Eric Christenson + Tom Giffey ONLINE EDITOR Mike Paulus RESOURCE & LISTINGS EDITOR James Johonnott ADVERTISING Neil Hodorowski + Chase Kunkel + Brian Maki

WRITER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rebecca Mennecke

LOCAL PEOPLE, LOCAL TALENT, LOCAL IDEAS james johonnott will be right back after these messages.

joel pearish runs with cows VIDEO / PHOTO

205 N. Dewey St. Eau Claire, WI 54703

PHOTO EDITOR

andrea paulseth has lost count

OFFICES

LISTINGS EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

ISSUE NO. 410 JUNE 10, 2020 WWW.VOLUMEONE.ORG

through fields at sunrise.

DESIGN Taylor McCumber + Mackenzie Slattery WEB DEVELOPMENT Don Ross PHOTO EDITOR Andrea Paulseth

nicole withers says summer is for

LOCAL STORE STAFF Haley Asuma + Elise Chapin + Maggie Israel + Tori Johnson + Mackenzie Kapral + Bonni Knight + Lindsey Kvern + Hannah Martinson + Jordan Munson + Matt Novacek + Soren Staff DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Josh Ranft + Andy Norrish

BASIC INFO Volume One is locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused. We distribute 14,000 copies to 450+ locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls, and other area communities every other Thursday. Though it started small, the magazine has been available in some form since March of 2002. CONTRIBUTORS & SUBMISSIONS Volume One relies on the work of local creatives to keep the flow of ideas and information going. If you’d like to become an occasional or regular contributor, please contact us to learn how. We also welcome the submission of ideas or completed works from the community for publication consideration. SUBSCRIPTIONS Support Volume One with a one year subscription. 26 issues are available for $64. Send a check to the address listed above. Or, you can view the V1 Membership options at www.volumeone.org or by calling (715) 552-0457.

DESIGNER

MANAGING ED

rebecca mennecke is adopting

a black cat named Cuttlefish. He’s cooler than octopodes and friendlier than squids.

nealy corcoran’s summer goal is to turn off the news – and turn up the tunes – 90’s music mostly!

caitlin boyle says catch her

inside this summer with something purely magical. An air-conditioner!

* lindsey quinnies is learning

tom giffey recently turned “his

new co-worker was born the same month he graduated from college” years old.

knows no bounds, as evidenced by her very bruised elbow.

WRITER

PARTNER CONTENT Volume One occasionally partners with local organizations to create content that may be of interest to thousands of readers throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Articles created “in partnership” are sponsored by the partnering organization and may be created with their assistance or expertise, for informational and/ or promotional purposes. Any content created in this way – which comprises less than 2% of the pages Volume One publishes each year – will always include “Partner Content” indication. Opportunities exist for partners to help readers discover this content in Volume One magazine, and/or on VolumeOne.org via blog posts or videos, or to find it through our robust email lists and social media followings.

EDITOR

ADVERTISING INFO Volume One is the most cost-effective and dynamic print / web advertising and sponsorship option in the Chippewa Valley. Email advertising@ volumeone.org for information about ad rates & sizes, distribution locations, and more. Or call (715) 552-0457. You’ll be glad you did.

the Jewels 4.

taylor mccumber’s clumsiness

heard one song and it’s by Lil Yachty.

WRITER

FOUNDERS Dale Karls + Nick Meyer

eric christenson has only ever

MANAGING ED

DISTRIBUTION STAFF Tom Jannusch + Matt Novacek + Daniel Wewasson

LOCAL STORE

LOCAL STORE MANAGER Lindsey Quinnies

and listening.

barbara arnold is grateful for ALL

WRITER

BOOKKEEPER / OFFICE MANAGER Andy Norrish

WRITER

EVENTS / MARKETING Michelle Rowekamp

chase kunkel is listening to Run ADVERTISING

sleeping. Coffees for closers. Loud noises.

VIDEO / PHOTO PRODUCTION Joel Pearish

the great people who are building bridges, educating all of us, and showing us all it takes to make a peaceful protest happen.

INTERNSHIPS Unpaid internships are available for a number of exciting and interesting positions including writing/editing, photography, sales/marketing, business development, illustration, and more.

times, and it’s still too damn short.

THANKS: Luong Huynh, Timothy Mather, Taylor Smith, Mike O’Brien, Marcie Pannell, Rachel Worthing

ADVERTISING

The writing, artwork, and photography in Volume One remain the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

AD MANAGER

neil hodorowski is happy that

brian maki cut his last 2x4 three

PRINTED BY Page 1 Printers, on recycled paper.

it’s summer. Every single moment is worth its weight in gold. It’s the world’s best story and it’s waiting to be told.

+ First-time contributors! * Bio of the Fortnight

5 0% RE CY CLE D PAPE R

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

LOCAL LOOK

NEWS AND IDEAS FROM AROUND THE VALLEY

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE

A O w n c w V s t h J r r a W g a g

Chippewa Valley erupts for week of Black Lives Matter protest and marches WORDS: ERIC CHRISTENSON PHOTOS: LUONG HUYNH

fter George Floyd died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers May 25, protests erupted – first in the Twin Cities, then around the globe, as communities confronted why this black man – like so many before him – had been killed, how state protection can fail its citizens, why complacency persists, and why situations like this happen again and again. In the ensuing days, protests, rallies, and marches popped up throughout the Chippewa Valley in solidarity with Black Lives Matter demonstrations around the country, which seek to bring awareness to racial injustice, systematic oppression, and police brutality faced by the black community. The Eau Claire community masked up and flooded the streets first on Sunday, May 31. Well over a thousand people gathered in Phoenix Park to march through the streets of Eau Claire, demanding justice for Floyd and accountability for police, as well as mourning black lives lost, after Eau Claire activist Jaylin Carlson created the Facebook event just 24 hours prior. Call-and-response chants of “Say his name” and “No Justice / No Peace” rang through the streets as the march rolled through downtown toward Owen Park, where black organizers took to the bandshell, megaphones in hand, to exclaim their profound grief and anger. “It’s not on a couple people, or a few people, even just this group here, to make a difference. This is on all of us,” Carlson said from the bandshell. “This is our community. And just because it doesn’t affect you personally does not mean it is not your problem.” After a moment of silence, sun shining high in the sky, the rally dispersed. Later that afternoon, an online vigil and community discussion organized by Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton and Aja St. Germaine took place on Zoom and was shared live on Facebook. Participants included city elected and appointed officials, state Rep. Jodi Emerson, Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus, as well as faith leaders, musicians, and more. The vigil brought together community members to talk about racial injustice and police brutality on a nationwide scale, as well as what we can do in the Chippewa Valley to nurture black lives and leaders. Poetry, songs, remarks from city officials, and an audience Q&A filled the nearly two-hour virtual gath-

JUSTICE FOR GEORGE. Numerous Black Lives Matter protests, vigils, and rallies have happened in the Chippewa Valley, and organizers say they’ll keep going strong. ering. Two of the participants, Rokus solidarity. “We will continue to be loud. and City Manager Dale Peters, released We will continue to speak out against a joint statement Monday, condemning racism and injustices not just when they institutional violence and racism. happen, but before they happen,” orgaOn Monday, June 1, community mem- nizer Jacob Doherty said in the Facebook bers gathered again at Phoenix Park event after the march. “We will not stop for a silent candlelight vigil honoring this momentum!” the memory of Floyd and mourning the Thursday evening, June 4, Eau Claire ongoing loss of black lives. For the first saw another community gathering in hour, the park was completely silent. Owen Park, organized by activist Violet Folks brought their families, held signs, Kilmurray – a Memorial grad who is a lit candles, and gathered state co-chair of Women’s together without speak- “This is on all of us. This March Wisconsin. From ing. As the night pressed the bandshell, there was is our community. And on, little by little, people music, poetry, spoken just because it doesn’t took turns addressing word, and one by one, the crowd of about 500 protesters took to the affect you personally from the center of the mic to speak. does not mean it is not park’s labyrinth. Queer Then Friday night, activists expressed their June 5, Eau Claire saw your problem.” solidarity during Pride easily its biggest pro– Jaylin Carlson, month, church-goers test in recent years. activist and organizer spoke of stepping up to Well over 2,000 commureligious leadership to nity members flooded make change, black children led chants. Phoenix Park for a vigil, where speakers A chorus of community voices of all kinds addressed the injustices the black comcame together to say the work is not over. munity has faced and how a community On Wednesday, June 3, Menomonie like Eau Claire can make a real and lasthad a rally of its own at the corner of ing difference when it comes to racial Broadway and Main Street, and spread inequality. The event was organized by throughout the community. Several hun- Carlson and Lawton, who both spoke at dred peaceful protesters showed up in the vigil to fiery applause.

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

“I want to keep seeing you,” Carlson said. “I want to keep seeing you show up for your community, this community that we love. Every day. Because it only stays great if we keep making it great, and it only gets better if we keep making it better.” Justin Vernon, who grew up in Eau Claire before forming his Grammywinning band Bon Iver, also lent his voice to the cause, saying a relatively peaceful community like Eau Claire has an opportunity to leap ahead, in terms of addressing injustice. “We’re a community that has so much going for it,” he said. “There are so many opportunities for so many here.” Then the massive crowd marched through Eau Claire down Barstow Street, Lake Street, and Farwell Street, over bridges, and all through town – chanting and raising their voices against complacency, against racial violence, and uplifting the names of black people killed by police. It was a climactic way to wrap up a long week of protests in the Chippewa Valley. Organizers say more and more Black Lives Matter protests and rallies will pop up over the coming weeks. We’ll keep our ear to the ground and update VolumeOne. org as information comes in.

LOCAL LOOK

NEWS AND IDEAS FROM AROUND THE VALLEY

GLIMPSES V1 GETS EMERGENCY FUNDS FROM GOOGLE INITIATIVE

Along with countless businesses forging ahead through the COVID-19 pandemic, Volume One has been adversely affected by the human and economic costs of the crisis. In fact, we’re part of an industry that has been hit particularly hard: Thousands of media organizations across the United States – and the world – have faced furloughs, cuts, and closures as a result of the coronavirus and its impact on advertising and events. So far we’ve held our own as best as we can, thanks in part to hundreds of readers supporting Volume One through our new membership program (volumeone.org/pages/membership). And just a few days ago we learned of another bright spot: Because of our efforts to keep our community informed about the the pandemic and its impact, Volume One has been chosen as a recipient of a competitive grant from the Google News Initiative’s Journalism Emergency Relief Fund. The fund, launched in April, has awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to more than 5,300 small- and medium-sized local newsrooms around the world. Volume One fit the fund’s criteria of operating locally, serving a specific geographic community, and using the funds to support our diligent work. We were among more than 12,000 applicants from more than 140 countries, and we’re grateful to be one of the organizations selected to receive the grant. You can learn more about the Google News Initiative and the Journalism Emergency Relief Fund at blog. google/outreach-initiatives/google-news-initiative. –V1 Staff

PIPE LEAK, PANDEMIC LEAVE EC POOL HIGH AND DRY

Needed repairs and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic have led the City of Eau Claire to announce the Fairfax Pool will not open at all this year. According to a June 4 press release from the city, the pool suffered some water loss last season, and earlier this year numerous breaks on an inlet pipe were found. “The concrete pool floor has to be saw cut, excavated and over 80 feet of pipe replaced,” the city said. “This repair is expected to take several weeks to be completed with new concrete needing to be poured, cured, and then repainted. The extent of the repairs and expected time it will take to complete them, unfortunately, makes opening the pool not feasible.” The city said that when it opens in 2021, the pool will have “an improved concession area and new water play features.” Meanwhile, it’s still uncertain when (or even if) Wakanda Waterpark in Menomonie will open for 2020. In a Facebook post, Julie Stratton, the city’s recreation manager, said city administration will make a decision soon about summer at the waterpark. And in Chippewa Falls, the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Pool remains closed. Keep an eye on the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department’s Facebook page for updates. –Tom Giffey

UWEC, UW-STOUT PLAN TO OPEN FOR FALL TERM

UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, and UW-River Falls announced June 5 that they will open their campuses back up for the fall semester. University leaders say they collaborated to put “comprehensive safety plans” in place to ensure the safety of faculty, staff, and students upon return, including measures such as social distancing and the use of masks. Campus officials are consulting with local health officials to test symptomatic students and use tracing protocols for managing communicable diseases, a press release sent out Friday morning said. All three campuses had canceled inperson classes earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and students had completed the spring semester via alternative methods, such as online learning. University housing is available to students at all three campuses. UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls will begin classes on Sept. 2, and UW-Stout will begin classes on Sept. 9. “In-person engagement is crucial to a transformative educational experience, and we are pleased our comprehensive planning efforts will enable us to welcome students back to campus this fall,” said James Schmidt, UW-Eau Claire’s chancellor. “The safety of our faculty, staff, and students at UW-Eau Claire is our number one priority, and UW-Stout and River Falls have the same goals for their campuses.” –Rebecca Mennecke

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

al oe

maki kin ng the

Best of s u_ m M er

!!! STAY HEALTHY. STAY SAFE. ENJOY. A good rule of thumb when it comes to staying safe this summer is to A.) make sure you maintain six-foot social distance in public, B.) wear a mask in public situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, and C.) stay home if you’re exhibiting symptoms. As of this writing, the current Eau Claire CityCounty Health Department order allows outdoor gatherings with up to 20 attendees, while indoor gatherings can have up to 10 attendees. This, of course, is subject to change. In Eau Claire County, organizers of public gatherings are required to document attendee contact information and screen attendees for symptoms of coronavirus. Travel outside of Eau Claire is strongly discouraged, but not prohibited. Self-quarantine is recommended upon return for 14 days in addition to a monitoring of symptoms. If you’re looking to get active this summer, sporting events are permitted so long as they follow social distancing protocols. Sports such as tennis or golf are great options! Be courteous on hiking and biking trails, and step aside to let others pass without breaking social distance. If you’re going to a farmers market, go to shop and not to wander, wear a face mask, and practice social distancing. Playgrounds and campgrounds may be open so long as they follow social distancing protocol. For updates on coronavirus and social distancing protocols in the community, visit your local health department website. Keep yourself and others safe as we navigate these summer months together.

LET’S KICK THINGS OFF

IT’s summer in the Chippewa Valley! THIS WIll be one to remember. With countless closures, cancellations,

curds on Earth – and we just need a little

and tremendous bummers, summer in

imagination to make this summer not a

the Chippewa Valley is beginning to feel

bummer. What does that look like, might

a bit like a big ol’ deflating balloon. But

you ask? With face masks in tow and six

fear not, wonderful folks of this great

feet between us, we’ve turned this is-

area! We live in western Wisconsin –

sue into one giant list of 50 solid ways

where the weather’s perfect, the people

to make the best of this summer – from

are friendly, and we have the best cheese

attending virtual library programs to

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

maki kin ng the

Best of s u_ m M er

try some new flavors. PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Nothing says “summer” quite like a scoop of fresh local ice cream from your favorite ice cream parlor. If you’re heading to Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor, check out This Just Got Serious – a local favorite! They’ve also got Munchie Madness, Cotton Candy Twist, Superman, and Birthday Cake, which are sweet choices on a hot summer day. Olson’s Ice Cream has their stellar Cotton Candy Confetti and Chocolate Monster flavors. You might think their Black Licorice isn’t gelato fun, but you’ll never know until you try it! The Danc’n Bean has scoop-er flavors like blueberry cheesecake, carmelicious, and Superman – a favorite among local kiddos. –Rebecca Mennecke

THE DANC’N BEAN

VOTED 2020

E R P O LL

BEST ALL AROUND DESSERT #1 • Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor #2 • Olson’s Ice Cream and Deli #3 • Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Do SOMETHING FISHY. tuning in to live-streamed concerts; from taking up new hobbies to getting down and dirty with

JEREMIAH’S BULLFROG FISH FARM

Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm is a favorite local fishing attraction and a great place to get your angling fix this summer. Catch some fish, grab a fresh seafood lunch (no fishing required), and soak up some rays on the shore. The fish farm has made some adjustments to its services to accommodate health concerns this summer. If you’re looking to snag a catch, they encourage you to bring your own poles and chairs this season. (Learn more at eatmyfish.com.) –James Johonnott

some paintball. Even though you may not be able to enjoy those mouth-watering funnel cakes at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair or hang around at music festivals, we invite you to look beyond the uncertainty of this pandemic and to get creative in making this new normal … well, normal. Between your imagination and our Making the Best of Summer issue, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this very different summer. PHOTO BY TIMOTHY MATHER

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

maki kin ng the

AUTUMN HARVEST WINERY

pick your own!

Best of s u_ m M er

Augusta Blueberries

augustablueberries.com E27020 E. Branch Road, Fairchild Pick-your-own blueberries.

Autumn Harvest Winery

autumnharvestwinery.com 19947 Cty. Hwy. J, Chippewa Falls Blueberries and apples. Farm Store, tours, winery, other seasonal attractions.

Blueberry Ridge Orchard

facebook.com/blueberryridgeorchard/ E2795 Hageness Road, Eleva Blueberries.

Bushel & A Peck

bushelandapeckmarket.com 18444 Cty. Hwy. OO, Chippewa Falls Raspberries and apples. Country store with jams, jellies, and honey, bakery, and tours.

Connell’s Family Orchard

connellsfamilyorchard.com 19372 Cty. Hwy. OO, Chippewa Falls Blueberries and raspberries can be picked in June/July if you call ahead. Apples start in August.

McIlquham Orchard and Strawberries

facebook.com/mcilquhamorchard S13247 Finch Drive, Osseo Strawberries and honeycrisp apples.

Govin’s Farm

govinsmeatsandberries.com N6134 670th St., Menomonie Strawberries, local meats, and attractions like tours and lambing barns.

Grandpa Glenn’s Organic Strawberries

PHOTO BY MARCIE PANNELL

littleberryfarmec.com W1832 Maple Road, Eau Claire Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

Berry picking is a fresh way to get outside and enjoy the sights of the Chippewa Valley while keeping an arm’s length from your fellow pickers. Get some berries, make some dessert, or surprise someone with a sweet treat from Mother Nature. There are plenty of great places to pick from, with changing seasons based on what produce they grow. Check their websites for more information about seasons. –James Johonnott

Make this a summer you’ll never fore-get by learning to play golf! There’s plenty of great courses in the area to get into the swing of things. Enjoying the scenery while rippin’ around on a golf cart – c’mon! But hey, if regular golf isn’t your thing, you can always try mini-golf. Call ahead to schedule a tee time. –Rebecca Mennecke

VOTED 2020

WILD RIDGE GOLF COURSE

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

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BEST GOLF COURSE #1 • Hickory Hills #2 • Wild Ridge Golf Course #3 • Lake Wissota Golf & Events

Mac’s Berry Farm

macsberryfarm.com 10439 130th Ave., Bloomer Strawberries and pea pods.

RUN TOGETHER.

If you think COVID-19 sucks, then the COVID-19 Sucks Running Club is for you! The fitness group Alive by 715 has been meeting every Wednesday on Zoom since mid-March. Moms on the Run also meets virtually. Or, you could join the Chippewa Valley Trail Runners, which has a Facebook group to keep you accountable. A complete list of running groups is available on www. runeauclaire.com/connection. –Rebecca Mennecke

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Little Berry Farm

TAKE YOUR PICK.

SWING AWAY!

facebook.com/GrampaGlennsCertifiedOrganicStrawberries W11280 Cty. Rd. B, Humbird Strawberries.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

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Best of s u_ m M er

HAVE A STRETCH. Breathe in. Breathe out. If ever there was a summer when all of us needed yoga, this is it. June 21 is the International Day of Yoga. Perhaps, as in years past, there will be outdoor yoga in Phoenix Park to celebrate the occasion – albeit with six feet between mats and the wearing of masks. Amy Erickson, owner of Latitude 44 Yoga Studio (313 E. Madison St., lattitude44yoga.com), which is now open, has posted new requirements related to COVID-19, including a short video focused on the health and safety of yogis and yoginis. The Yoga Room of Eau Claire (2839 Mall Drive, theyogaroomec.com) is also open with many of its popular classes offered in person and virtually. Robin Brauner of Blossoming Moon Massage & Yoga offers virtual Mindful Yoga classes on Mondays and Fridays at 8am (register at blossomingmoon. com). And Ingrid Schaller of Ingrid Schaller Wellness teaches virtually Mindful Strength (11am Tuesdays) and Integrated Yoga (9am Thursdays) at ingridschaller.com. So pick a class, center yourself, and enjoy. –Barbara Arnold

VOTED 2020

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

E R P O LL

BEST YOGA STUDIO #1 • Latitude 44 Yoga Studio #2 • The Yoga Room #3 • Sky Yoga

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Since its inception 12 years ago, Chalkfest has been a celebration of creativity spread across concrete canvases. For this year’s event, co-presented by Volume One and Markquart Toyota, participating artists have been safely creating art wherever they want and submitting photos and videos (the deadline is June 12). On Friday, June 19, the gallery will go live at volumeone.org/chalkfest and members of the public will be able to vote for their favorites in various categories through Wednesday, July 1. Winners will be announced Tuesday, July 7. –Tom Giffey

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

CHALK IT UP!

CONTRIBUTE TO

www.volumeone.org/contribute

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

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Best of s u_ m M er

8 TRAVEL THROUGH TIME. OK, not really, but the Chippewa Valley Museum is still holding its annual “Time Travelers” summer enrichment classes for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. These virtual classes will be a combination of live presentations and recorded videos and will include home projects. (Participants can pick up necessary materials at the museum.) Internet access and a device that can run Microsoft Team Chat are required. Classes include “Inventor’s Workshop” (July 15), “Digging Up the Past” (July 22), “Homesteaders” (July 29), “Sounds of Home” (Aug. 5), and “History Foodies” (Aug. 12). Each class costs $8 plus material feeds, but museum members only pay material fees. To learn more or register, visit www. cvmuseum.com. –Tom Giffey

CHARLIE PARR AT BLUE OX 2019

PHOTO BY MIKE O’BRIEN

Most of the Chippewa Valley’s major music festivals have been rescheduled or canceled outright this summer, but bluegrass- and roots-focused Blue Ox is helping fill the region’s need for music with a live – and free! – two-day online concert. “Blue Ox Music Festival: Live From the Pines” will stream on YouTube and Facebook from 1-10:30pm on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13. Fest favorites Pert Near Sandstone will celebrate the release of their new album, Rising Tide, by performing on both days at Whispering Pines Campground just outside Eau Claire. Charlie Parr and Them Coulee Boys will also perform on stage at Whispering Pines. Virtually, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, The Travelin’ McCourys, Lillie Mae, and Molly Tuttle will play sets from their hometowns. Watch for updates and links at blueoxmusicfestival. com, and cross your fingers that the in-person Blue Ox festival will go ahead as planned Aug. 27-29. –Tom Giffey

10 BRIDGE THE GAP.

FEST FOR FREE!

THE S BRIDGE

11 PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Have you ever heard of the seven wonders of Eau Claire? Probably not, because we just made them up. But, what you can visit this summer are the seven footbridges of Eau Claire. Hop, skip, jump, bike, whatever you need to do! Check out the High Bridge – which connects trails from Roosevelt Elementary School to Forest Street, Phoenix Park Bridge – which is right in the center of downtown near the Eau Claire Farmers Market, Boyd Park Bridge – which was built in 1932, the S Bridge – which is, predictably, shaped like an “S,” Grand Ave. Bridge – which was originally built in 1910, the UW-Eau Claire Footbridge –which connects students from campus to Water Street, and – last but not least – the Clairemont Avenue Bridge – which was once a railroad bridge. Do ’em all in one day for some serious bridge-crossing action. Watch out for trolls! –Rebecca Mennecke

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

GET A TASTE OF THAT BLUGOLD LIFE.

UW-Eau Claire’s Blugold Beginnings program is shifting its educational summer camps online this year. During June and July, Blugold Beginnings will offer numerous camps for kids from third grade through high school, including “Biomedical, Kinesiology and Nursing Camp,” “Art, Language, and Culture Camp,” “STEAM Camp,” “Robotics,” and “Coding Camp.” Project materials will be delivered to students the week before the camps begin, and camps will require access to a computer and Wi-Fi technology. (However, Blugold Beginnings can provide access to the necessary technology for students who need it.) Classes are $60 per student, but are free to kids in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls school districts; scholarships are also available to qualifying students from other districts. Registration opened May 11 and will continue until all spots are filled, so if you’re interested, act fast. Visit www.uwec.edu/blugold-camps/academic/blugold-beginnings/ to register or learn more. –Tom Giffey

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

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Best of s u_ m M er SET THE STAGE.

As the summer begins to heat up in the Chippewa Valley, so will the community theater scene. The Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild have been busy re-evaluating how they put on shows so employees, actors, and audience members are healthy and safe during the pandemic. For starters, ECCT will raise the curtain at The Oxford for Disenchanted, opening June 11 with social distancing practices in place. ECCT’s Facebook page says chairs in the auditorium will now be 10 feet from the stage with rows at least six feet apart, and four empty chairs will be between families as they are seated. The show will also be offered as a live-stream, and both inperson and streaming tickets are available for purchase at ecct.org. Another is a virtual, socially distant performance of Oscar Wilde’s classic farce The Importance of Being Earnest, which was produced in May by local troupe, Performance Anxiety. Directed by UW-Eau Claire grad Logan Toftness and featuring the talents of numerous Chippewa Valley theater veterans, the play can be streamed free of charge at facebook.com/PerformanceAnxietyInc. Meanwhile, the CVTG’s production of Matilda the Musical has been moved to next summer, and the lights will remain down for the foreseeable future. Executive Director Ann Sessions says as a partner with the Eau Claire Area School District, all in-person summer theater arts classes and workshops have been cancelled. However, young theater students can still hone their acting chops online. She says the Guild is putting free drama activities for kids and families on their Facebook page. They are also working on a variety of online Shakespeare activities, content, and possible (virtual) performances later this summer. –Caitlin Boyle PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

MENOMONIE COMMUNITY GARDEN

“DISENCHANTED” (ECCT) PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

LET IT GROW.

This summer is the perfect thyme to join a community garden! The goal of community gardens, according to the Forest Street Community Garden group, is to “provide an area for individuals and families to garden, and to build and nurture community friendships to share and enhance gardening skills.” The Eau Claire Community Gardens currently have fewer than five plots open. Membership in the shared gardens costs $30 annually or $35 annually to rent a 20’-by-20’ plot for gardening. If you’d like to give back to the community, the Forest Street Community Garden group encourages folks to donate foodstuff to the Community Table to support those in the community who are hungry. But there’s community gardens all over the Valley and beyond, so find one near you, and grow something good! –Rebecca Mennecke

STAY BOOKED.

If there’s one thing the Chippewa Valley does right, it’s writing. (Pun intended.) Especially when it comes to local favorites like Michael Perry, Nickolas Butler, and B.J. Hollars, who coincidentally all have new books out: Big Boy’s Big Rig: The Leftovers, Little Faith, and Midwestern Strange: Hunting Monsters, Martians and the Weird in Flyover Country respectively. Eau Claire’s indie book store Dotter’s Books also curates a list of Chippewa Valley favorites, available on their website at dottersbooks.com. The shop offers great recommendations, curbside pickup, and delivery options for all your reading needs. No excuses! –Rebecca Mennecke VOTED 2020

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BEST LOCAL BOOK RELEASED IN THE PAST YEAR (2019) #1 • Little Faith, by Nickolas Butler #2 • A History of Eau Claire, WI – Volume II: The Manufacturing Age, by Brian L. Blakeley #3 • Midwestern Strange, by B.J. Hollars MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

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HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATIONAL AREA WATCH TOWER

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

TRAIL OFF ...

Hit the trails this summer, feel the breeze, and see the sights with some of the Chippewa Valley’s greatest routes. Our trail system is one of the best around (if you know, you know). Volume One has you covered with a comprehensive list of 25 area hiking and biking trails, explored and written about by our contributor and hiking aficionado Rob Reid. Find the list, maps, descriptions, directions, fees, and trail difficulties listed at volumeone.org/hiking. –Eric Christenson

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

KEEP IT FRESH.

EAU CLAIRE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Eau Claire

Chippewa Falls

Menomonie

Phoenix Park • Saturdays, 7:30am-1pm; Wednesdays, 7:30am1pm; Thursdays, noon-5pm

Corner of Bridge & River Streets • Thursdays from noon-6pm starting June 11

Wilson Park • Saturdays, 8am-1pm; Wednesdays, 10am-6pm

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MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

Gosh, there’s nothing better than getting up early on a Saturday (wow, never thought I’d say that), grabbing a tote bag, and heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce. The freshest, actually. You’re supporting local farms and growers, plus you’re making your food extra delicious. That’s a win-win. Luckily farmers markets can still happen during the COVID-19 pandemic, so as long as you wear a mask, social distance, and take extra precautions, you can enjoy farm fresh veggies, local meats, baked goods, coffee, and tons more all summer long. – Eric Christenson

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BEST TRAIL FOR hIKING #1 • Beaver Creek Reserve #2 • Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Trail #3 • Hoffman Hills State Recreational Area BEST TRAIL FOR BIKING #1 • Chippewa River State Trail #2 • Red Cedar State Trail #3 • Lowes Creek County Park

keep your kids BUSY.

Stay busy this summer with a Busy Box from the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire! The museum cancelled its summer camps due to COVID-19, but they are working to re-open as safely and as responsibly as possible, according to Mandy Runge, vice president of development. In the meantime, they are working on virtual programs and activities to fill your summer with engaging, exciting activities. Busy Boxes are available in a multitude of forms, from ordering just one box to ordering a subscription of boxes. “The boxes will include one art project, one science kit, a coloring page from our brand-new CMEC coloring books, a gift from our gift shop that (kids) will know about, and then a surprise gift that they won’t know about!” Runge said. Busy Boxes range in price from $15-30 and can be ordered from childrensmuseumec.com. – Rebecca Mennecke

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BIG FALLS COUNTY PARK

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BEACH SAFETY TIPS!

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• CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE BEACH IS OPEN FIRST. COVID-19 aside, some beaches might be closed for algae blooms or other issues in the water. • STAY SOCIALLY DISTANT. Health officials think the coronavirus most likely does not spread through water (though they’re not yet 100% sure), but you can still catch it by being too close to someone who has the virus. The CDC recommends six-foot (or more) distance apart from people who you do not live with and wearing a cloth mask when social distancing is not possible. • DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Although you most likely will not catch coronavirus that way, you may ingest a host of other nasty bacteria and parasites. • AVOID ALGAE BLOOMS. If you see one, avoid it – and do not allow your pets to swim in it. It may be toxic not only for you, but for your pets, too. PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

MAKE WAVES.

Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Starships” goes a little something like: “Let’s go to the beach, each / Let’s go get away / They say, what they gonna say?” Well, it turns out, local health officials are saying: Be careful. With the looming threat of the coronavirus still hanging around this summer, you shouldn’t be worried about heading outside. In fact, the ventilation that a nice breeze provides, as well as the ultraviolet light from the sun, makes going outside perhaps better than staying shut inside all day. What you should be worried about is close human contact, public health experts say, as well as contaminated water due to algae blooms and other bacteria and parasites. Get out there and enjoy it, but remember to be safe while you soak up the sun. –Rebecca Mennecke

If you’ve never gone geocaching before, this summer is the perfect time to try it out. Start off by registering for a free basic membership at the national geocaching website at geocaching.com. Visit the “Hide & Seek a Cache” page and enter your postal code. Enter the coordinates of a geocache into any device with GPS capabilities (there are many app options for this, including Geocaching, Geocaching One, and Cachly), and then you’re ready to find the geocache. Once you find your treasure, leave behind something of equal or greater value, write about the discovery in the cache logbook that usually accompanies the treasure, and then log your experience at geocaching.com. According to Visit Eau Claire, some favorite local geocaching locations include the Chippewa River State Trail, Lowes Creek County Park, Carson Park, Highway 12 Bike Path, and Putnam Trail. –Rebecca Mennecke

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• CONSIDER BATHROOM OPTIONS. There may be none, or they may not be the most hygienic option. Bring with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and, if possible, wash your hands frequently.

BEST BEACH #1 • Big Falls County Park #2 • Ray’s Beach on Lake Wissota #3 • Lake Altoona County Beach

• CONSIDER THE DAY AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE BEACH. If it’s a time when the beach is likely to be busy (the weekends, Fourth of July, etc.), try coming back at a time when it’s less busy to avoid social contact.

BEST BODY OF WATER FOR RECREATION #1 • Lake Wissota #2 • Chippewa River #3 • Lake Holcombe

• DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN AND SUNGLASSES. Normal protections for a day out in the sun still apply! • STAY HYDRATED!

DRIVE UP & GRUB DOWN Nothing screams summer like malts and burgers car-hopped right to your window. For all the throwback ’50s vibes, tasty treats, and sweet rides, look no further than a couple of the drive-up restuarants nearby. In Eau Claire, The Classic Garage just started car-hop service. But there are a few more timeless spots that aren’t that far away and are well worth the short drive for some delicious summer eats. –Eric Christenson

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search for treasure.

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• DON’T SWIM WITH OPEN WOUNDS TO AVOID BACTERIA SPREAD.

THE CLASSIC GARAGE

DAIRY WAY

GUP’S DRIVE-IN

PANTHER DRIVE-IN

Eau Claire • (715) 5987200 • www.theclassicgarage.com

Black River Falls • (715) 284-2867 • Find it on Facebook

Augusta • (715) 286-2838 • Find it on Facebook

Durand • (715) 672-5659 • Find it on Facebook

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GET SOME PUPPY LOVE.

Having a ruff day? Get your furry friend out of the house to a local dog park! The Chippewa Valley is full of a number of paw-sible options of places for you and Fido to stretch your legs this summer. There are tons of dog-friendly places and parks in the Valley where you and your pooch can enjoy the sunshine – a good way to get through the dog days of summer. –James Johonnott

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BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET #1 • Eau Claire Off-Leash Dog Park #2 • River Prairie Park #3 • Happy Tails Dog Park PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

CREATIVE COMMONS

Make this sumBEST CAMPGROUND VOTED 2020 mer the time #1 • Coon Fork County Park you break out #2 • Lake Wissota State Park Campground RE that tent gathering AD E R P O LL #3 • O’Neil Creek Campground dust in the garage and experience the great outdoors of the Chippewa Valley. Cook some food on a campfire under the stars, head to the beach, discover new hiking trails, and gather with the people you love. VolumeOne.org has a list of all of the campgrounds in the area if you’re looking for even more options. Eau Claire County parks have opened for public use and camping as of June 1, and state parks are open as of June 10. Check out their services and reserve your campsite online. –James Johonnott

EAU CLAIRE OFF-LEASH DOG PARK

GRAB A BOOK.

Summer is a time for reading and the outdoors, and Little Free Libraries are a great way to scratch both itches at once. Little Free Libraries are nano-sized libraries found around the country, and there are plenty in the Chippewa Valley. The program’s website, littlefreelibrary.org, has a map featuring many in the area, but it’s also great summer fun to get out, explore, and find them on your own. Bring a book, take a book, and spread the words. If you’re interested in setting up your own Little Free Library, check out their website to learn more. –James Johonnott

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PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

PITCH A TENT.

SOAK UP THE SUNFLOWERS.

Enjoy the sunshine in the sunflowers at a local sunflower field, such as Babbette’s Seeds of Hope (W5725 State Road 85), a field created to support cancer patients and research. Fields usually bloom from late August through September. “I think everyone should wander through a sunflower field to feel the joy they emit, and reflect on what else brings them joy,” said Will Seward, a UW-Eau Claire student who visited a sunflower field a few years ago. “That’s what sunflower fields do for me.” –Rebecca Mennecke CREATIVE COMMONS

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PIZZA FARMS!

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A TO Z PRODUCE AND BAKERY - N2956 Anker Lane, Stockholm • (715) 448-4802 • info@atozproduceandbakery.com • atozproduceandbakery. com • This weekly pizza destination is open Tuesdays from 4:30-8pm during the summer. Drivers arrive by car or even horseback. The later you arrive in the season, the longer the wait is (it can be up to an hour), but the pie is worth it. If you’re in a rush, they can fix you one to go. Also a CSA farm. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and games, explore the farm, or purchase beer while you wait.

BRUSH UP on your writing.

FARM TO FORK RETREAT AT DANCING YARROW FARM • S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • (715) 210-1799 • farmtoforkretreat.com • Head to the Farm to Fork retreat 5-9pm, Thursdays through Saturdays, for wood-fired pizza nights. They close for weddings, so keep an eye on their website or Facebook to stay up to date. $15 for basic pizzas, and $18-22 for specialty pies. They serve a variety of local beers at their Milk House Bar.

Looking to take your writerly skills to the next level? Consider going on a virtual writer’s retreat via the Chippewa Valley Writer’s Guild! Though Kim Blaeser and Tessa Fontaine have already offered their writing tips, you can still check out Nickolas Butler’s presentation “Great Tales of Action, Adventure (And Horror)” on June 16 and Peter Geye’s presentation “The First Chapter, The Last Chance” on June 23 through the CWVG Facebook page. –Rebecca Mennecke

NELSON STONE BARN • S685 County Road KK, Nelson • (715) 673-4478 • info@nelsonstonebarn.com • thenelsonstonebarn.com/pizzeria • Open Friday through Sunday from 5-9pm through the spring and summer months, Nelson boasts a hand-rolled thin crust and meats from locally raised livestock. Nelson offers custom pizzas as well as wine, beer, and ice cream. New pizzas are added to the menu often, and you always customize your pie with a “build your own” option. STONEY ACRES FARM • 7002 Rangline Road, Athens • stoneyacresfarm.net/pizza-on-thefarm • Pizza night at Stoney Acres is on Friday evenings from late April to early November. Some ticketed Saturday events are available. They serve up simple, seasonal, organic pizzas, have local beers and wines for sale, and you can check out their farmers market goods.

FARM TO FORK RETREAT AT DANCING YARROW FARM

PHOTO BY RACHEL WORTHING

SUNCREST GARDENS FARM PIZZA FARM • S2257 Yaeger Dugway, Cochrane • (608) 6262122 • heather@suncrestgardensfarm.com • suncrestgardensfarm.com • Also a Community Supported Agriculture farm, Suncrest welcomes diners from 4:30-8pm on Fridays in May and September, and Thursdays and Fridays in June, July, and August. Everything is served local, seasonal, and wood-fired. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Pies run $19-25. Also features live music on Friday evenings.

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TWO WORDS: PIZZA FARM

Midwestern farms converting themselves into gourmet pizza parlors across the state ... we love to see it. Farms have found a new way to use their resources by harvesting fresh, homegrown ingredients to craft mouth-watering pizzas that can be enjoyed right there on the farm. Round up your family and friends for a summer picnic on one of Wisconsin’s pizza farms! The quality of the ingredients and tastiness of the pizza is well worth a short drive, so start making plans now. And if pizza isn’t your thing, here’s a special shout out to Together Farms and their popular Burger Nights! Don’t like burgers or pizza? Sorry, we can’t help ya. –Eric Christenson

27 podcast time. If you’ve got a hankering for a new podcast, check out some local favorites: Matt’s House by Matt Hasenmueller, Passion Pod by Christopher Johnson, Wisconsin Bound by Tyler and Travis Haas, Cool & Unusual Punishment by Jodie Arnold, Snippets: A Memoir in Sound by B.J. Hollars, Silence No More by Olivia Blaylock, Oddly Enough by several local writers, Bend in the River by the folks at the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, and Sounds of Eau Claire on Converge Radio – among many others. –Rebecca Mennecke

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29 VISIT A (VIRTUAL) ART GALLERY.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

PEEK AT THE PARK.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Irvine Park is a staple of the Chippewa Valley. Over the years, the facilities have improved and taken in more animals. They have a great cat sanctuary, bear habitat, and displays of several other creatures. Educating the public in the preservation and protection of animals have been Irvine Park’s top values. Irvine is a free park for everyone to see, but donations are appreciated by the Friends of Irvine Park Zoo, which uses them to build better facilities for the animals. Amidst the pandemic, the zoo is still open, but it is still best to practice social distancing while visiting. They are open from 7am until dusk. For more information, please check out www.chippewafalls-wi.gov. –Nicole Withers

PHOENIX PARK

CAST A LINE.

If you’re floundering for a place to fish this summer, look no further. Whether your putting worms on a hook, or slipping into some waders to try your hand at fly-fishing, there are plenty of kid-friendly fishing spots around the Chippewa Valley including Eau Galle Lake, Braun’s Bay (Half Moon Lake), Lake Altoona, Lake Menomin, Old Abe Lake, Otter Lake ... So many lakes! And there’s plenty of fish in the sea, so relax and reel ’em in. –Rebecca Mennecke

STRETCH OUT FOR A SNOOZE. July 22 is National Hammocking Day, so what better way is there to celebrate than by hanging around in a hammock? Lauren Spierings, a student at UW-Eau Claire, enjoys spending her summertime in a hammock, and she has a few tips and tricks when it comes to hammocks: 1.) Make sure your hammock is a good, sturdy brand. 2.) Check the straps for wear and tear. Strap it up at least neck height or higher (unless you enjoy being a centimeter above the ground). 3.) Check out places like Phoenix Park and Randall Park, or any place near water. 4.) Be sure to pick out a good tree – not too little, not too big. You don’t want the tree to snap! 5.) Get creative with your surroundings when finding a nice spot for your hammock to hang. “The best way to celebrate such a fun holiday is simple: grab some friends, some ’mocks, a speaker, maybe a cooler for chilled drinks, and head to your favorite spot for the day! What could be better?” Spierings said. –Rebecca Mennecke

CARSON PARK

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

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IRVINE PARK ZOO

As we all explore creative ways to celebrate summer, take a moment to check out how local artists, students, and galleries are showing their work to the community! ArtFly, an Eau Claire-based art gallery, typically hosts multi-faceted SARAH JO FERRARO — UWEC BFA ART EXHIBITION events hosted in unexpected places, “giving the public an opportunity to see thought-provoking art in a new environment.” In May, as part of Creative Economy Week, ArtFly set up its first virtual exhibition, Multidimensional. The exhibit featured 11 artists from the Chippewa Valley community. In a similar way, UW-Eau Claire’s Bachelor of Fine Arts students put together an online gallery for the Spring 2020 BFA Art Exhibition. The exhibit features work by BFA degree candidates Sarah Jo Ferraro, Katie Mattis, Payton Sullivan, and Jake Taylor. Visitors to the exhibit get the chance to view ceramic works, digital paintings and multimedia installation (featuring video, sculpture, textiles, light, and poetry.) You can learn more and check out the gallery at www.uwec.edu. –Nealy Corcoran

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READ. LEARN. REPEAT. EAU CLAIRE COUNTY COURTHOUSE STAIRS

PHOTO BY TINA ECKER

TAKE UNEXPECTED STEPS.

History is often hidden in plain sight – sometimes right under our feet. In recent months, many of us have found ourselves taking a lot more walks than usual (for obvious reasons). If you’re sick of circling the same block for the umpteenth time, use this summer as an opportunity to explore some off-the-beaten-path paths. Here are a few hidden stairways and trails you and your family can explore:

EAU CLAIRE COUNTY COURTHOUSE STAIRS Surprise! These courthouse stairs aren’t actually at the Eau Claire County Courthouse – at least not anymore. They’re miles away at Lake Eau Claire County Park outside Augusta. A pair of curving iron staircases were added to the exterior entrance of the old courthouse in 1875, and an iron railing (made by Eau Claire’s Phoenix Manufacturing Co.) was added in 1894. During a renovation in 1937, County Board Chairman Will S. Kelly bought and rescued these architectural features, repurposing them for use at the park, where you can find them today behind the clubhouse. The stairs outlived the courthouse, which was razed in 1973.

PUTNAM TRAIL

EASTSIDE HILL BRICK PATH

DAVIS BEACH STAIRWAY

Putnam Trail (a.k.a. Putnam Drive) is a popular route for walkers which winds its way through the C-shaped strip of green that encircles the Third Ward. If you’ve enjoyed this trail and want to try something new, follow the branch that goes up the bluff and emerges by the UW-Eau Claire track behind the McPhee Center. Alternatively, pick up the trail after it crosses Garfield Avenue (at the foot of UWEC’s infamous hill) and stroll west through the woods along the south bank of the Chippewa River. You’ll pass Little Niagara Falls and plenty of other scenery. Go far enough and you can walk uphill through a treeless ravine to reach a small prairie restoration area across University Drive from HSHS Sacred Hospital. Here you’ll find the remains of the long-gone Hendrickson Hill Ski Jump.

If you look carefully where Emery and South Dewey streets meet in downtown Eau Claire, you can hop a low wall and stroll up a brick path that traverses the steep slope of the Eastside Hill. According to the Chippewa Valley museum, the path originally dates from the 1860s and was paved in 1927 with bricks taken from West Grand Avenue and Barstow Street when they were resurfaced with concrete. The brick path intersects with a more direct pedestrian route up the hill: the stairs that descend the slope from the end of Newton Street to behind the Park Tower Apartments.

OK, so these steps aren’t accessible to the general (i.e., non-trespassing) public, but they’re still there, and there’s a good story behind them. In the 1932, a changing house was built on Starr Avenue overlooking Dells Pond, with a long set of steep concrete steps for swimmers to reach the water. The steps were funded by a local Kiwanis Club, and the names of members are emblazoned on them. The beach was closed in 1946 because of pollution, and a few years later VFW Post 305 bought the changing house. The building has been expanded since then, and now is home to the VFW post as well as a bar and restaurant. Check out the VFW bar, step outside, and see if you can spot the stairs.

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT.

For those looking to get out for some waterborne fun, Loopy’s Saloon and Grill in Chippewa Falls is a great place for it! Guests can grab a bit to eat and rent a canoe for an afternoon on the scenic Chippewa River. Equipment rental is available and a shuttle ride is provided to one of the entrance points. Make sure you’re being safe out there, too. First, always wear a life jacket! And pay attention to weather conditions like wind, waves, and forecast … and dress for the conditions. Be aware of other traffic on the water. River Prairie Park in Altoona is a great access point to the Eau Claire River for tubers, canoers, and kayakers to launch, too. For rentals, consult Loopy’s or Riverside Bike & Skate in Eau Claire. –Nealy Corcoran

RIVERVIEW PARK

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HIT YOUR MARK.

Have a blast this summer by trying out paintball! Check out First Strike Paintball Games in Chippewa Falls They are open during THE V1 GANG AT FIRST STRIKE PAINTBALL, CIRCA 2014 weekends and for reserved times from 8am to 4pm during the week with five days’ notice. They require a $75 deposit on reservations, which will be refunded after the paintballing session. Visit www.firststrikepb.com for more information. –Rebecca Mennecke

HOOK UP SOME FISH FRY.

That most iconic Wisconsin traditions – the frying of fish – is shaken up by the coronavirus pandemic, but fish fry finds a way. There are some awesome takeout options in the Valley, and we have some of the best fish fry around. There’s high demand for them, so when you call, be courteous, patient, and in no time you’ll be able to enjoy the salty, rich flavors from the comfort of your own home. Make it a picnic if you’re feelin’ adventurous! –Eric Christenson VOTED 2020

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Get ready, get set, and go online for this summer’s reading program at your favorite public library! All four local public libraries – L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, the Menomonie Public Library, the Chippewa Falls Public Library, and the Altoona Public Library – are going virtual this year to challenge local folks to pick up a book and read! Using the app Beanstack, kids, teens, and adults can track their reading and challenge themselves to read lots of good books this summer. With prizes like gift cards, free books, themed baskets, and electronic gadgets, you’ll want in on these awesome opportunities. Check at more information at each library’s website. –Rebecca Mennecke

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BEST RESTAURANT FOR FISH FRY #1 • 4 Mile Restaurant & Bar #2 • Girolamo’s Court ‘n House Bar & Grill #3 • Connell’s Supper Club

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RELEASE YOUR INNER SCULPTOR.

While restaurants are slowly opening back up, food trucks are taking center stage from their mobile eateries all over The Valley. You’ll find all kinds of great grub from barbecue to farm fresh local eats, from cheese curds to pizza, brats, burritos, and a whole slew of awesome food. Find your fave on social media to see where they’ll be popping up next! You never know when you might discover something magical. Check out the food truck list at VolumeOne.org for more details. –Eric Christenson

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BEST FOOD TRUCK #1 • Locavore Mobile Kitchen (now Live, Great Food) #2 • Fire Truck Pizza #3 • Dhimiters Gyros PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Seize the clay at a local pottery studio, like Glaze N’ Glass in Chippewa Falls! Pick out a piece to paint, glaze it, and you have your very own piece of art. This quirky studio opened in 2015 in Eau Claire, but later moved to Chippewa Falls. “The studio offers everything you’ll need to make one-of-akind ceramic and glass-fused pieces,” their website reads. If you’re looking for a unique piece, you can also special-order customized pieces. Fire up your creativity and paint some pottery! Because of COVID-19, Glaze N’ Glass will take reservations for a family that has been quarantined together or some friends with a limit of five people who have to be six feet apart. Masks are optional. You can also pick up a to-go kit if you’d rather set up a painting palooza with your family from the comforts of home. To schedule time at the studio, contact Lynn Peloquin at glazenglassfun@gmail.com or at (715) 861-7979. –Rebecca Mennecke

ROLL UP TO A FOOD TRUCK.

LIVE GREAT FOOD TRUCK GLAZE N’ GLASS POTTERY STUDIO

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

LOOK TO THE STARS. Everything under the sun might be changing, with the Hobbs Observatory closed for the season and delayed programming from the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society due to COVID-19. But with some advance planning, some warm clothes, the perfect stargazing spot devoid of electric light, and maybe even an amateur telescope, you can make 2020 the year that you finally see a meteor shower or point out Venus to an aspiring astronaut. –James Johonnott

CREATIVE COMMONS

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GET SOME SOCIALLYDISTANT SUNSHINE

Splish! Splash! River Prairie Park’s stream is now open for the summer! Kiddos can spend the day splashing in the stream. All visitors are expected to follow social distancing guidelines. Altoona City Administrator Mike Golat said they have painted social distancing circles in the grass to help define spaces for individuals and families. Besides being cognizant of spreading coronavirus, families should beware of bacteria and parasites in the water, and try not to swallow stream water or swim with open wounds. –Rebecca Mennecke SUBMITTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

HAVE A local BEER. If your jonesin’ for a local brew, you’re in luck because our local breweries are still making some great beer, and getting it to the people via creativity and a little elbow grease. The Brewing Projekt turned its tap room into a curbside pickup market, carrying its signature beers as well as suds from all kinds of local breweries. The brewery is also cranking out tons of new varieties in really small batches, so it’s the perfect time to try something new. We don’t know when our local tap rooms will be open again, but at least you can still kick back with a local brew in the comfort of your own home. –Eric Christenson

MT. SIMON

42 TOSS A DISC. As far as socially distant activities go, there’s not much out there like disc golf. Enjoy your wooded surroundings as you toss discs far and wide. In the Valley, there’s tons of great places to do it. Head out to Tower Ridge for 18 holes deep in the woods for a challenge. For something a little laid back, Mt. Simon’s disc golf course is a very popular nine holes in the center of Eau Claire. Wakanda Park in Menomonie is another popular spot with 18 holes that are a good mix of short and long holes, with some fun hazards, and tricky shots. Give it a spin! –Eric Christenson

THE BREWING PROJEKT

PHOTO BY LUONG HUYNH

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BEST LOCAL BREWERY #1 • The Brewing Projekt #2 • Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. #3 • Lazy Monk Brewing BEST LOCAL BEER (SPECIFIC BREW) #1 • The Brewing Projekt Gunpowder IPA #2 • Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy #3 • The Brewing Projekt Dare Mighty Things

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43 CATCH A FLICK. Surely you can’t be serious! If you thought drive-in movie theaters are a thing of the past, think again! Head on over to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds this summer to see a great family-friendly movie. With portable screens from Micon Cinemas in Eau Claire and FM transmitters to carry sound to your vehicle, this drive-in cinema can accommodate about 135 vehicles. Go to cvdrivein. com for tickets, which cost $7 each, or $4 for children 12 and under. Gates open at 8pm with movies beginning at 8:45pm. Concessions such as popcorn, candy, hot dogs, sodas, and water are available for purchase! –Rebecca Mennecke CREATIVE COMMONS

DIP INTO THE PUNCHBOWL.

Check out the Devil’s Punchbowl outside Menomonie (off 410th Street southwest of town) for some spectacular views and fresh air. Rumored to be a playground for ghosts, fairies, gnomes, strange orbs, and trolls, this scenic location is perfect for a day out bird-watching, hiking, photographing, or spending date night with your honey. The Devil’s Punchbowl contains a stunning waterfall and was formed by post-glacial flooding. Just bring along some shiny stones or Skittles candy to appease the trolls! And remember to physically distance yourself from both other human beings and mystical creatures. –Rebecca Mennecke

DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL

JAM OUT.

Tune in to Converge Radio 99.9’s “At Home Concert Series,” broadcast at 7pm every Thursday night through the end of August, for some danceworthy songs from a variety of local and regional artists in multiple genres. Hosted by Converge Radio’s program director Ashley Wiswell, the series explores each musician’s tunes and include commentary from band members. To be featured on the series, reach out to ashley@convergeradio.org. Featured artists have included Nick Anderson and the Skinny Lovers, Wildcat Hawkins, Blue Swans, and Justin Jay Arnold, with many more to come! – Rebecca Mennecke

SUBMITTED PHOTO

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

BLUE SWANS

maki kin ng the

Best of s u_ m M er

HAVE A BLOCK PARTY: PLAY KUBB.

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.

U.S. NATIONAL KUBB CHAMPIONSHIP

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

SOARING EAGLE ZIP LINE

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

With the uncertainty that comes with the coronavirus, one thing you can do for yourself this summer is to take care of your mental health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, sigs of stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include worry about your health or the health of loved ones, changes in sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, worsening of chronic health issues and mental health conditions, and increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. To help, the CDC recommends taking breaks from social media and the news, and to take care of your body by stretching, meditating, taking deep breaths, eating healthy, exercising regularly, making time to unwind, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Here at Volume One, we know how important mental health is, and we want to make sure no one feels alone or overwhelmed during these difficult times. So, we’ve adapted a list of mental health resources from around the Chippewa Valley so you can find the most joy throughout the summer. You can find them online at tinyurl.com/ CVmentalhealth. –Rebecca Mennecke

Did you know Eau Claire is officially the Kubb Capital of North America? Or that the U.S. National Kubb Championships take place right here? If you’re like me and you’ve never learned to play this quirky Nordic game that rhymes with “tube,” this summer is the perfect time to become a true Eau Clairian. All you need is a kubb set (available for purchase at The Local Store and elsewhere) and a few friends. The game can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours. Be sure to practice safe social distancing and wear masks when around people you aren’t quarantining with. Go to visiteauclaire.com/things-to-do/kubb for more tips on playing this ultra-Midwestern game. –Rebecca Mennecke

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

ZIP THROUGH THE AIR.

Considering some other recreational options may be off the table this summer, 2020 may be the year to finally face that fear of heights and give zip lining a try. Just a 90-minute drive from the Chippewa Valley in Dresser is Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area’s Aerial Adventure Park. Harnessed with safety equipment, visitors can zip among more than 100 platforms and other features set atop wooden poles at various heights; the website describes it as “Ewok Village meets Ninja Warrior.” The Aerial Adventure Park features six courses and five levels of difficulty. If that’s not enough above-the-ground action, book a zip line tour, which features six zips, one of which is 1,000 feet long! (For details and booking info, visit trollhaugen.com.) Closer to home in Eau Claire, the Soaring Eagle Zip Line at Action City (actioncityfun.com) takes a pair of seated riders for a 700-foot-long, 130-foot-high ride. Unfortunately, it’s currently closed for maintenance. –Tom Giffey

Make us part of your vacation.

B i ke * Wa l k * R u n * S k a t e o n t h e S t a t e Tr a i l B e s t We s t e r n P L U S - E a u C l a i r e | 7 1 5 . 8 3 8 . 9 9 8 9

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

Hillside Dental

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

maki kin ng the

Best of s u_ m M er

49 STAY SHARP. All you need is a shallow glass bowl or terrarium, cactus potting soil, sand, charcoal, rocks, and your favorite succulents. First, put sand in the bowl, then sprinkle in some charcoal. Add some potting soil and then rocks on top. Finally, plant a few succulents. Water them with a spray bottle, but make sure the soil dries completely before the next watering. You can snag a plant that’s rooting for you at Down to Earth Garden Center! –Rebecca Mennecke SUBMITTED PHOTO

FINALLY FINISH THat BIG PROJECT. SUBMITTED PHOTO

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you free time to drink beer, you make an enormous, detailed mosaic from beer bottle caps. That’s the inspiration we can draw from Chippewa Falls resident Paul Jerrett, who created a 7½-foot-tall, 6½-foot-wide Wisconsin sports-themed mosaic using an estimated 3,131 bottle caps. Jerrett’s Wisconsin-shaped masterpiece – which combines the logos of the Brewers, Packers, Bucks, and Wisconsin Badgers – took nearly three years to create. And that’s on top of 14 years PAUL JERRETT & HIS BOTTLE CAP MURAL of saving bottle caps (and asking for help from friends and family who worked in taverns). Using tin snips, pliers, and a hammer, Jerrett cut and shaped the bottle caps to match his chosen design, then glued them onto plywood. Caps from more than 100 brands were used, from Budweiser reds to Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss yellows. Jerrett first shared his completed project online in early March, just before the pandemic reached Wisconsin. A few weeks later, he posted some photos on the Jump Around Wisconsin Facebook page, and was pleased by all the positive feedback from fellow Sconnie folk. “A lot of people said that’s the most Wisconsin thing they’ve ever seen,” he says. Here’s hoping a summer of coronavirus-created downtime – and perhaps a few adult beverages – inspire your own imaginative project, whether it’s made from bottle caps or more traditional materials. Cheers! –Tom Giffey

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

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CHIPPEWA VALLEY IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL EVENT CALENDAR

All events are subject to change; call ahead for details. Listings in the calendar are free. If you have an event that you would like included in an upcoming issue, go to our website at www.volumeone.org or call (715) 552-0457.

YOUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR JUNE 10 - 30

WEDNESDAY, JUN. 10

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Menomonie Farmers Market 10am-6pm • Wilson Park,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

Wine Night on the Farm 6-8pm • Together Farms,

W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • $55 • 21+ • (715) 2104740 • bit.ly/TFWine20 Eat good food, drink wine and enjoy being with friends on the farm. For social distancing purposes, they will be selling by the table so you can be separated from others. Doors open at 5pm, first course is served at 6pm. It’s a laid back and relax-

ing atmosphere so dress to your comfort.

THURSDAY, JUN. 11

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm •

Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Chippewa Falls Downtown Farmers Market • 12-6pm

• Allen Park, 1 S. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • Locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, meat, and more.Be prepared to practice social distancing while at the market. No pets are allowed and masks are encouraged.

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • (715) 210-4740 • togetherfarms.com/events Order burgers on-farm or online. Eat on the farm or take food to go. The bar is open, no reservations needed. Use tables/chairs or bring your own. Handwashing and sanitizer stations provided.

Live Great Food TRUCK at The Brewing Projekt 4-8pm

• The Brewing Projekt, 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire • All Ages • (715) 220-6084 • facebook.com/livegreatfood Serving farm fresh local food with gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Menu available online. Order ahead or at the truck.

Extreme Bingo at Eau Claire Ale House 7-9pm • Eau

Claire Ale House, 120 N. Clairemont, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 598-7107 • carlsonentertainment.com Extreme Bingo is a fun and exciting spin on the traditional game of bingo. Instead of just listening for a number, you get to listen to and sing along with your favorite songs, music videos, and karaoke tracks.

Eau Claire Children’s Theater Presents: Disenchanted! 7:30pm • Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, 1814 North

Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • Ticket prices listed online • PG-13 • Find it on Facebook In this irreverent PG-13 musical comedy, the original storybook heroines are all grown-up and ready to set the record straight with songs like “Insane!” and “All I Want to Do is Eat.” This performance may be presented digitally, in person, or a combination of both, depending on changing health guidelines.

FRIDAY, JUN. 12 Blue Ox Virtual Music Festival: Live from the Pines

11am-10:30pm • Virtual Event, • Find it on Facebook A weekend of live streamed performances from Whispering Pines and artists playing from home. Pert Near Sandstone will perform two nights onstage, along with sets from Charlie Parr, Lissie, and Them Coulee Boys. Sam Bush, Del McCoury, The Travelin’ McCourys, Lillie Mae, and Molly Tuttle will be performing sets from their hometowns.

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • (715) 210-4740 • togetherfarms.com/events Join Together Farms for Burger Night on the Farm! Order burgers on-farm or online. Eat on the farm or take food to go. The bar is open, no reservations needed. Use tables/chairs or bring your own. Handwashing and sanitizer stations provided.

Steven Rindt at Infinity Beverages 6-9pm • Infinity

Beverages Winery & Distillery, 3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • FREE • 21+ • (715) 255-0802 • infinitybeverages.com Enjoy music and handcrafted drinks every Friday night at Infinity. Featuring finger-style guitarist Steven Rindt who plays popular songs from the 60’scurrent with a unique style. Expect tunes from CCR, Niel Young, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many more.

SATURDAY, JUN. 13

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

up, honey, meat, and more.Be prepared to practice social distancing while at the market. No pets are allowed and masks are encouraged.

Menomonie Farmers Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park,

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

Blue Ox Virtual Music Festival: Live from the Pines

Chippewa Valley Pride 2020 - Virtual 11:30am-4pm •

Online Event, • FREE • Find it on Facebook The annual Chippewa Valley Pride celebration will still happen in 2020, just virtually this year. Stay safer at home and enjoy chat, virtual booths, drag, and dance as they broadcast to you. For more information, email pride@ cvlgbt.org.

Burger Night on the Farm 11:30am-8pm • Together

Farms, W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • (715) 210-4740 • togetherfarms.com/events Join Together Farms for Burger Night on the Farm! Order burgers on-farm or online. Eat on the farm or take food to go. The bar is open, no reservations needed. Use tables/chairs or bring your own. Handwashing and sanitizer stations provided.

Pie-O-Rama: Eau Claire Edition 1-3pm • The Brewing

Projekt, 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire • Food priced a la carte • Find it on Facebook The Brewing Projekt is hosting a pop-up sale event featuring Stockholm Pie’s Pie Plate Cafe. Order your favorite pies, cookies, takeand-bake, quiches, hand pies, and tater tot hot dishes and pick them up curbside at the Projekt. Orders accepted until June 8th.

Live Music: Last Open Road 8pm • VFW Post 7232,

2900 W Folsom St, Eau Claire • vfwpost7232.org A four piece Classic Rock & Blues band that’s driven by blistering guitar leads, a screamin’ keyboard, strong vocals, and a thumping backline.

MONDAY, JUN. 15

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Farmers Market on the Farm 3-7pm • Sandy Acres

Meats, 2435 50th Avenue, Elk Mound • Find it on Facebook Vendors include Hooterville Junction Bison, Avenue Orchards, Ka’s vegetables, Kouba’s eggs, Egg Roll Express and Sandy Acres own farm raised beef and lamb. More to come.

Willow Wine Dinner 6-8pm • Bye the Willow, 501 N.

High St, Chippewa Falls • $50 • 21+ • volumeonetickets. org Engage in an evening of fun with a chef prepared four course meal paired perfectly by William the Wine Guy of Saratoga Liquors.

Eau Claire County Government Center Farmers Market 11:30am-5pm • Eau Claire County Government

Center, Corner of Lake Street and 2nd Avenue, Eau Claire • (715) 492-4678 Local vendors will be selling fresh produce and flowers.

WEDNESDAY, JUN. 17

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Menomonie Farmers Market 10am-6pm • Wilson Park,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

THURSDAY, JUN. 18

Ruby’s Pantry Distribution 8-11am • Elk Mound High

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm •

Cars & Coffee 8-11am • The Classic Garage, 2111 Third

Chippewa Falls Downtown Farmers Market • 12-6pm

School, 405 University St, Elk Mound • $20 per share • All Ages • rubyspantry.org Ruby’s Pantry Distribution offers an abundant of groceries for only $20. There is no income restriction. St., Eau Claire • theclassicgarage.com Cars, coffee, and camaraderie. All types of cars are welcome. The event

hosts are asking that guests wear a mask, observe 6 ft. social distancing, limit the touching of surfaces, and that you sanitize your hands often.

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19. • Allen Park, 1 S. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • Locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, maple syr-

Live Great Food TRUCK at The Brewing Projekt 4-8pm

Extreme Bingo at Eau Claire Ale House 7-9pm • Eau

FRIDAY, JUN. 19

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

Cryptid Campfire Stories with Adam Benedict 8-9pm •

Online, • FREE • Ages 12+ • (715) 286-2070 • facebook. com/events/540382759960545/ Gather a virtual campfire for storytelling by author and cryptid researcher Adam Benedict of The Pine Barrens Institute. He will talk about historical cryptids in the Midwest. Please email to obtain the Zoom link to attend this virtual program or request the phone login information to listen by phone.

Sam Ness at The Mousetrap Tavern 9pm • The Mouse-

trap, 311 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • FREE • 21+ • Find it on Facebook Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with a new-age Alternative Singer/Songwriter feel, Sam Ness finds inspiration in the ancient cobblestone streets across the globe.

SATURDAY, JUN. 20

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Menomonie Farmers Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

Record Store Day at Revival Records 8am-7pm • Revival Records, 418 South Barstow St., Eau Claire • Find it on Facebook Annual celebration of all things independent record stores. Exclusive releases from the likes of Billie Eilish, David Bowie, Post Malone, and dozens more will be available for one day only.

Burger Night on the Farm 11:30am-8pm • Together

Eau Claire County Government Center Farmers Market 11:30am-5pm • Eau Claire County Government

Center, Corner of Lake Street and 2nd Avenue, Eau Claire • (715) 492-4678 Local vendors will be selling fresh produce and flowers.

Through the Kitchen Hole Livestream Concert 6-8pm •

Online Event, • FREE • Find it on Facebook Join TTKH for a virtual concert of epic proportions. This concert will be online only and will start on June 20th at 6pm.

Evernoir + Opal + The Almas 8pm • Every Buddy’s

Bar, 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • $10 • 21+ • Find it on Facebook Evernoir (Ever-nwahr) is an original, female-fronted rock band that was formed

fullSLATE in Eau Claire, WI in 2016. Opal is a hard rock band based out of Superior Wisconsin. The Almas are a national touring hard rock band from New Munster, Wisconsin.

SUNDAY, JUN. 21

Father’s Day Pig Roast 2-8pm • Location Available

on Facebook Page, Chippewa Falls • Food priced a la carte • Find it on Facebook Fatback Barbecue, a local barbecue catering outfit, is smoking a pig roast to celebrate father’s day. Bring your own chair. Coors Light and Mich Golden available or byo drinks. The food and sides will be available at roughly 3pm.

MONDAY, JUN. 22 Business Partners Peer Group Breakfast 7:30-9:30am

listening for a number, you get to listen to and sing along with your favorite songs, music videos, and karaoke tracks.

FRIDAY, JUN. 26

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

Micawber w/ Thunderlung & Toxic Ruin 8pm • Every Bud-

dy’s Bar, 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • $8 adv, $10 day of • 21+ • Find it on Facebook Micawber plays at Every Buddy’s Bar for a night of heavy metal. They’ll be joined by

CHIPPEWA VALLEY EVENTS JUNE 10-30, 2020 other heavy outfits, Thunderlung and Toxic Ruin.

SATURDAY, JUN. 27

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Menomonie Farmers Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

Burger Night on the Farm 11:30am-8pm • Together

Farms, W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • (715) 210-4740

• togetherfarms.com/events Join Together Farms for Burger Night on the Farm! Order burgers onfarm or online. Eat on the farm or take food to go. The bar is open, no reservations needed. Use tables/ chairs or bring your own. Handwashing and sanitizer stations provided.

TUESDAY, JUN. 30

Heyde Center House Concert Series 5-7:30pm

• The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • FREE • cvca.net The Heyde Center is hosting six weeks of mini-concerts by established and new area performers. The concerts will be held in the auditorium, a food truck will be set up, and there will be a full bar available. Donations to the performers are accepted.

• Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire • $75 • All Ages • (715) 214-1126 • bit.ly/NWDbreakfast This exciting program teaches the importance of key principles and skills such as, self-responsibility, organizational accountability, integrity, professionalism, personal respect, forgiveness, and attitude as they pertain to one’s personal and professional success.

Trivia Night: Parks & Recreation + The Office 6pm,

7:45pm • The Complexx at Wagner’s Lanes, 2159 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • wagnerslanes.com A combination of trivia questions from Parks & Rec and The Office. Teams are a max of 6 people. Two start times. First come, first serve basis. ``````

TUESDAY, JUN. 23

Food Truck Saturday at River Bend 11am-4:30pm •

River Bend Winery & Distillery, 10439 33rd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • riverbendvineyard.com Island Vibe will be at River Bend Winery serving Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken and pulled pork served with fried plantains. Food can be enjoyed on-site or taken to-go. Seating is mainly outside and physical distancing is requested. Bring your own chairs and spread out across the lawn.

Heyde Center House Concert Series 5-7:30pm • The

Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • FREE • cvca.net The Heyde Center is hosting six weeks of mini-concerts by established and new area performers. The concerts will be held in the auditorium, a food truck will be set up, and there will be a full bar available. Donations to the performers are accepted.

WEDNESDAY, JUN. 24

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm

• Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Menomonie Farmers Market 10am-6pm • Wilson Park,

Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • FREE to attend • menomoniefam.org The Menomonie Farmers Market 2020 summers season is open, with some changes to adapt to COVID-19.

Wine Night on the Farm 6-8pm • Together Farms, W93 Norden Rd, Mondovi • $55 • 21+ • (715) 210-4740 • bit. ly/TFWine20 Eat good food, drink wine and enjoy being with friends on the farm. For social distancing purposes, they will be selling by the table so you can be separated from others. Doors open at 5pm, first course is served at 6pm. It’s a laid back and relaxing atmosphere so dress to your comfort.

THURSDAY, JUN. 25

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm •

Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE to attend • facebook.com/EauClaireDowntownFarmersMarket The farmers market is back with some changes for COVID-19.

Burger Night on the Farm 4-8pm • Together Farms,

Live Great Food TRUCK at The Brewing Projekt 4-8pm

Extreme Bingo at Eau Claire Ale House 7-9pm • Eau

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

FATHER TIME BY KEN SZYMANSKI My son and I stand in the driveway on this warm May eve-

Eventually, we loop back. We’re two blocks from home

ning – 10 weeks into coronavirus isolation. It’s fully dark,

when he runs off and yells, “Let’s race home!” Left in his

with the thinnest crescent moon rising. Suddenly, he bursts

wake, I sprint to catch up. The trouble isn’t merely that

down the sidewalk yelling, “Come on Dad! Let’s race!”

he’s getting faster every year, but that I’m getting slower.

No starter pistol. No countdown. Nothing. He may be nine and a half years old with boundless energy and a head start, but I have longer legs. Still, the gears are grinding.

With our trajectories heading in opposite directions, I see no need to give him fake moral victories. He’ll beat me soon enough.

I no longer glide when I sprint; it’s more of a determined,

I do my best to extend my legs and find my old higher

lumbering gallop. But I narrow the gap, heaving hard, both

gear. Again, my clomping stride lets him know I’m gaining

of us laughing as he hears my footsteps gaining on him.

ground. Again, we battle both laughter and fatigue. Again,

Past the neighbors’ houses – most of which have gone

it’s my long rusty legs verses his small, well-oiled machine.

lights-out for the night – we run and run and run. Without

Place your bets. We go from streetlight to darkness to

a finish line, though, it eventually feels pointless. We both

streetlight, and I’m getting closer. Unlike last time, this

give up and downshift to a walk.

race is finite – motivating us to stretch our legs and lungs

As we wander through the neighborhood, he pulls on my arm like it’s a bungee cord, and we watch our streetlight shadows. He tells me about his favorite video game. I stay

to their limits. Our hearts pound like our footsteps. I gallop alongside him, painstakingly pull past him, and beat him to the driveway by a couple of steps.

interested, but on this topic, I’m no substitute for one of

We both walk in circles on the pavement, temporarily

his peers. While I’ve stayed plenty busy and connected

breathless.

through the “Safer at Home” order and beyond, this kid needs to be back on the playground with his recess buddies. Earlier in the day, he was upset that COVID-19 could

Suddenly, he sprints toward the house. “We were racing to the door!” he yells back.

ruin his birthday. I couldn’t guarantee that it wouldn’t. In a

Though my tank is empty, I catch up and nearly pass him.

fit of anger the week before, fed up with the endless isola-

Nearly. He lunges – eclipsing me – and reaches the door-

tion from his school friends, he gritted his teeth and mut-

knob first. Heading inside, we laugh with what’s left of our

tered, “The coronavirus is a frickin’ b-word!” It is. But walk-

breath, as if there was nothing lost.

ABOUT THIS PAGE: Curated by Bruce Taylor, former Poet Laureate of the City of Eau Claire and Professor Emeritus, UW-Eau Claire, Local Lit features some of the best of the Chippewa Valley’s poetry and prose. It runs once a month, usually in every other issue. Read more local literature at VolumeOne.org/lit. TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK: Got some good words? We accept original poetry and short prose from current and former Chippewa Valley residents. Poetry must be 30 lines or less, prose must be under 500 words. Writers may submit up to one poem or prose piece per month. Previously published material is welcome (tell us when/where it first appeared). Email qualified submissions to: lit@volumeone. org (paste text directly into the email, type “Local Lit Submission” into the subject line).

ing out here with the neighborhood to ourselves, I’m happy to see his spirits up.

Ken Szymanski is the current Eau Claire Writer in Residence. He works, writes, and lives in this town, along with his wife and two sons. For more on Ken, visit kenszymanski.com.

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

THE REAR END

A SENSORY BUFFET

FISH PUKE

(and wondering what I should remember) WORDS: MIKE PAULUS / ILLUSTRATION: EVA PAULUS

ts vomit was bright orange. I can’t both grew up. say if that’s normal. But that day in Gripping the boat rail, keeping it the boat, that’s what it was. in place, I helped guide the trailer into I’m sure I held it too long. Kept the water. I helped put away the fishing it too long out of the water. Too long poles and the life preserves and the broiling in the sun. Too long clutched snacks. We drove past the people on within my hot fingers, salty with sweat. the beach, swimming in the water. We I remember how there were no drove back to our cabin tucked back audible puking sounds. I’m not sure in the woods, a thing I’m sure I never what I’d expected, as fish aren’t fully appreciated. generally known I did a for their vocal lot of fishing For me, fishing meant getting up when I was talents. Without the too early and sunburns and fish young. And I puking sounds, remember puke and long, stale hours of it was unnerving that silence. About how I never really disgusting to look down and see large dollops cared what we caught, but I liked orange of bright orange puke far casting my line into the water. goop, just sitting more there on my naked vividly than About how I always thought knee. I’d been anything I sunfish were kind of beautiful, holding the fish actually caught. while my hand with their bright yellow bellies and My dad, if he rested on my leg, were still alive to speckled scales. earnestly waiting read that, would for my dad to smile a little, reel in his line and help with the wire shake his head, and stare down at his fish basket. The puke appeared from hands, folded on the kitchen table. nowhere. No sound, no splatter, no He might sigh or make a joke, smell. And it was gross. maybe mention a fishing story from I dropped the poor, listless fish when I was little, a story our family – a sunfish – into the basket, wiped has heard a hundred times before. the puke off my knee, and “washed” He might wonder what he could have my hands in the lake. I immediately done differently. As a father. He might went back to eating cheddar-flavored talk about how we never shared the Pringles. same passions or hobbies, and how After a few more hours roasting that maybe hurt his feelings. He might in the morning sun, we headed back wonder why, as I grew into a teenager, across the lake, back to the dock the more he expressed excitement for alongside the swimming beach. This something, the more I resented it. was on one of the many Midwestern But I really can’t say. We never had lakes belonging to the Devil. This those conversations. And if he were particular Devil’s Lake was near our still around to talk about these things, I cabin in northwestern Wisconsin, just wouldn’t know how to respond. outside the town where my parents Maybe I’d talk about how, for me,

MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020

fishing meant getting up too early and sunburns and fish puke and long, stale hours of silence. About how I never really cared what we caught, but I liked casting my line into the water. About how I always thought sunfish were kind of beautiful, with their bright yellow bellies and speckled scales. Maybe I’d talk about how, while I didn’t like fishing, I still liked him. About seeing his hair, swept up off his forehead by the wind as we’d rip across the lake, and how it’d stay that way for

the rest of the day, and I thought it looked cool. About how when he taught me to work the winch on the boat trailer, and how it made me feel important and useful. About how I liked hearing stories from when he was a kid. Maybe I’d talk about how I’m so happy we had that time together. But I really can’t say. I remember the fish puke and the Pringles. I remember sweating all day in the boat. And I remember my dad trying to be with his son in the best way he knew how.

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MAKING THE BEST OF SUMMER • JUNE 10, 2020