Chippewa Valley Family Magazine & Community Partners

MAY/JUNE 2019 The Great Big Hullabaloo!

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It’s farmers market time •

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Taking Care Of Teeth • Science Olympiad •

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AND CATCH SOME WARM WEATHER FUN it’s another beautiful Summer in the Valley >>

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CHIPPEWA VALLEY

family may / june 2019

H AV E A B L A S T U N D E R T H E PA R AC H U T E AT T H E S AT U R DAY M O R N I N G H U L L A B A L O O

RACHEL WORTHING

editor’s note staff & info publisher Nick Meyer

editors Eric Christenson + Lauren Fisher + Tom Giffey web Mike Paulus + Don Ross • listings James Johonnott designers Mackenzie Kavanagh + Taylor McCumber photo editor Andrea Paulseth advertising Neil Hodorowski + Chase Kunkel + Kellie Williams + Sydney Willson

advertising info

contact

(715) 552-0457 editor@ChippewaValleyFamily.org

205 N. Dewey St. Eau Claire, WI 54703

basic info

Chippewa Valley Family is a locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused family publication. We distribute 10,000 copies to 200 locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls every other month and we’re online every day at ChippewaValleyFamily.org.

contributing and submitting

If you’d like to become an occasional or regular contributor to CVF, please contact us to learn how. We also welcome the submission of ideas or completed works from the community for consideration.

We offer a multi-platform solution for effectively reaching families in Western Wisconsin via print, web, mobile, email, or social media.

Email advertising@chippewavalleyfamily.org for information.

on the cover Catching some quality lake time with the whole family at Braun’s Bay. Photo by Andrea Paulseth

printing Page 1 Printers, on recycled paper.

© 2019 chippewa valley family The writing, artwork, and photography in CVF remains the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

A P U B LICA TIO N OF :

community partners •

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big things are on the way this summer H E R E W E A R E W H E N S P R I N G S L I D E S I N TO S U M M E R , another one of Wisconsin’s fantastic seasonal shifts, though this particular transition gets less press than the others. It’s not as fiery and dramatic as when the leaves change in the fall, not as awe-inspiring as waking up to winter’s first snowfall, and not as liberating as the warm sun and bright colors of spring. However, what it may lack in visceral intensity is more than compensated for by the return of summer activity.

Not to be outdone, Chippewa Valley Family has some huge stuff planned for the next few months. Check it out ...

T H E G R E AT B I G H U L L A B A L O O .

Presented by Chippewa Valley Family, Volume One, and Associated Bank, our all-new event “The Great Big Hullabaloo” will be a dynamic day of kid-centric and family-focused fun. You can expect an interactive whirlwind of music, art, science, technology, theater, dance, and performances across the Pablo Center – all of it geared for creative, curious, community-loving kids and their grownups. At The Great Big Hullabaloo, children will discover an array of enriching experiences ranging from experimentation with the sounds of musical instruments to producing a community art masterpiece to dancing off energy in the “kid disco” – and so much more. And! A portion of all ticket proceeds go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eau Claire. Read more on page 10. Find all the

details at ChippewaValleyFamily.org/hullabaloo.

1 0 U N D E R 1 0 . Our awesome special feature “10 Under 10” is back this year. Presented in partnership with Prevea Health, we’re looking for passionate youngsters in the Chippewa Valley (age 10 and younger) to create a set of fun profiles in our July/August issue – diverse kids who represent our community through their activities and interests. Our submission deadline is May 24. Find out more on page 6 and go nominate some kids at ChippewaValleyFamily. org/10under10.

SAT U R DAY M O R N I N G H U L L A B A L O O . This summer, our Saturday Morning Hullabaloo kids concert series returns to Phoenix Park. For three Saturday mornings – June 8, July 13, and Aug. 10 – during the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market, we’ll be hosting free live music and activities on the labyrinth from 9am to 11am. Fawmilies are welcome to come and go as they please, dance, check out the farmers market, sing along, and have some big fun. We’ll be featuring some of the best regional kids performers around, kicking things off with The Bazillions on June 8. Learn more on page 7, or go online: ChippewaValleyFamily.org/hullabaloo.

So here’s to a great spring/summer transition.

Get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of your life here in the Chippewa Valley. – Mike Paulus

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cool stuff inside community

living

HULLABALOO!

A HEALTHY SUMMER

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special section

creativity

TAKING CARE OF TEETH

KIDS AT FESTS

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activity

perspectives

KIDS & CANINES

RAISING BOYS

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ALL AG E S

AG E S

3-5 9-12 AGES

about our age badges Whenever relevant, articles in Chippewa Valley Family include a small badge indicating the suggested age range for kids interested in participating in the topic at hand. Most often these badges are only a guide. Parents and caregivers know what’s best for their kids at what age. If you have questions regarding age-appropriateness, please contact the organizer of the event or activity for more information.

follow the gang on facebook Get the latest news every week and be part of the fun conversation, find Chippewa Valley Family on Facebook!

join our fun e-mail list Stay up-to-date in the comfort of your inbox. Check out ChippewaValleyFamily.org for more info and to sign up.

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tidbits discovery

community

school’s out for the summer, so remember these dates

IT MAY SEEM LIKE WINTER JUST MELTED AWAY, but summer vacation is about to begin.

Parents, take a look at this calendar (updated to account for make-up days!) and start planning those trips, bucket lists, and beach outings. And kids can look forward to time outdoors in the sun, not in the classroom.

ALTO O NA SCHO O L D I ST RI CT May 24: Graduation June 7: Last day of school (K-5) June 12: Last day of school (6-12) AUGUSTA SCHO O L D I ST RI CT May 24: Graduation June 7: Last day of school for students

know a cool kid under 10? let us know!

CHIPPEWA VALLEY FAMILY IS LOOKING FOR PASSIONATE YOUNGSTERS to include in the special “10 Under 10” feature in our July/August issue. In partnership with Smiles in Motion and Kristo Orthodontics, Chippewa Valley Family will feature 10 outstanding local kids who are 10 years old or younger (think 40 under 40, but, you know, way more youthful). In order to find these nifty kiddos, we’re seeking nominations from our readers. We’re looking for diverse nominees in terms of age, ability, interests, culture, and favorite activities.

Chippewa Valley Family editors will review the nomi-

nees to select a group of kids who represent our diverse community and the varied interests of local children. It’s important to note that lots of truly great kids won’t be selected. The 10 people to be featured aren’t the “winners,” they’re simply a band of kids who demonstrate some of what’s great about growing up in this area. With their parents’ approval, the 10 kids featured will be photographed and interviewed for the July/August issue of Chippewa Valley Family in both print and online. To nominate a cool kid, head over to chippewavalleyfamily. org/10under10 before May 24.

activity

ticks? ick! prepare your family for tick season SPRING BRINGS SUNSHINE, WARMER WEATHER – AND TICKS. As soon as the weather hits 40 degrees, ticks become more active. Eau Claire County is home to three different ticks: deer ticks, wood ticks, lone star ticks. These ticks can carry bacteria and viruses that can cause disease in humans. Lyme disease is a common disease transmitted from deer ticks. In 2017, there were 60 reported cases of Lyme disease in Eau Claire County. The actual number of cases is probably much higher. “We want to help protect you, your family, and your pets from tick diseases this summer so you can continue to enjoy the outdoors,” says Savannah Bergman, a chemist-microbiologist with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.

HOW TO PREVENT TICK BITES: • Use repellents with 20-30% DEET (or an alternative active ingredient) on exposed skin and clothing.

• Permethrin is effective against tick bites. It lasts for days to weeks on your clothing. Do NOT apply on skin.

• ALWAYS help children apply repellents. Apply according to the labeled instructions.

• NEVER apply repellents to infants under 2 months of age.

• Check with your veterinarian for tips to prevent Lyme disease in your pets.

AFTER BEING OUTDOORS: • Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks.

(Check the armpits, scalp, and groin areas!)

• Take a shower or bath as soon as possible. This will wash off any unattached ticks from your body.

• Toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat to kill any remaining ticks (10 minutes for dry clothes, 60 minutes for wet clothes).

CHI PPEWA FALLS SCHO O L D I ST RI CT June 9: Graduation June 12: Last day of school for students EAU CLAI RE AREA SCHO O L D I ST RI CT May 31: North High School graduation May 30: Memorial High School graduation June 7: Last day for elementary schools June 12: Last day for middle/high schools ELK M O UND SCHO O L D I ST RI CT May 17: Graduation June 5: Last day of school for students FALL CREEK SCHO O L D I ST RI CT May 18: Graduation June 7: Last day of school for students M ENO M O NI E SCHO O L D I ST RI CT June 2: Graduation June 7: Last day of school for students REGI S CAT HO LI C SCHO O LS May 29: Graduation June 11: Last day of school for students

HOW TO REMOVE A TICK: • Remove ticks as soon as possible. In most cases, ticks must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before Lyme disease can be transmitted.

• Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

• Pull up with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. This may cause the mouth parts to be left in your skin.

• After the tick is removed, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.

For more information about tick-borne diseases, visit echealthdepartment.org or www.cdc.gov/ticks.

ANDREA PAULSETH

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C O M M U N I T Y / L I V I N G / D I S C O V E R Y / C R E AT I V I T Y / A C T I V I T Y / E V E N T S / G U I D E S / P E R S P E C T I V E S

tidbits creativity

kids concert series back for another spin around the park

JOSH HALLETT / CREATIVE COMMONS 2.0 LICENSE

discovery ARE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY READY TO WIGGLE, LAUGH, AND SING in one of the Valley’s most beautiful spots?

For three Saturday mornings this summer – during the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market and the Artist Market of Eau Claire – Chippewa Valley Family will again host FREE live music on the Phoenix Park labyrinth in downtown Eau Claire. The second annual Saturday Morning Hullabaloo series will be hosted

by Menomonie-based musician Beth Jean. These open-air concerts will begin with an hour of interactive music and games before an engaging children’s performer or band takes over for the second hour. Families are welcome to come and go as they please to enjoy the park and the markets. Each concert runs 9-11am.

get ready for a slimy Saturday!

WHAT DOES YOUR SATURDAY NEED? If you’re a kiddo, the answer just might be “more slime!” Odd Humyns – an art supply shop at 209 N. Barstow St. in downtown Eau Claire – is holding its first-ever Slime Saturday from 9am to 4pm on May 4. The Odd Humyn gang will pre-mix a boatload of slime, which will serve as a blank slate for all the glitter, food coloring, and other mix-ins that kids can add to create their own slippery masterworks. The cost is $5 for each individual serving of slime, and takeaway bags and mix-ins will be provided (although you’re welcome to bring your own container and mix-ins). All ages are welcome, because grown-ups can have fun with slime, too! Learn more about Odd Humyns and its other classes and events at facebook.com/ oddhumyns.

DATES FOR 2019 Saturday, June 8: The Bazillions Saturday, July 13: Will Hale & The Tadpole Parade Saturday, Aug. 10: The Jolly Pops Bring the family down to burn off some energy with your sweet dance moves!

The series is sponsored by Prevea Health.

RACHEL WORTHING

community

The Badger State could do better for its babies WISCONSIN CAN DO BETTER ENSURING ITS BABIES HAVE A GOOD START IN LIFE: According to a newly released report, Wisconsin trails most other states in child welfare indicators such as developmental screenings, maternal mental health, and housing stability for families of young children. On the positive side, Badger babies are less likely to live in households that go hungry, they have a lower rate of maltreatment, and they are more likely to be read to every day, according to the report. The “State of Babies Yearbook: 2019” placed Wisconsin in the second-lowest of a four-tier ranking of all 50 state and the District of Columbia. The report – which was created by Zero to Three, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit focusing on early childhood development – compiled state-by-state rankings in three policy areas: Good Health, Strong Families, and Positive Early Learning Experiences. Wisconsin was in the second-highest grouping for health and families but fell to the bottom quarter of states for early

GOOD GRADES

10.9% Share of Wisconsin babies with low or very low food security (national average is 16.5%)

6.1 per 1,000 The rate of infant/child maltreatment in Wisconsin (national rate is 16 per 1,000)

40.1% Share of Wisconsin babies whose parents read to them every day (national rate is 38.2%)

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

27.6% Share of Wisconsin mothers who report less than optimal mental health (national rate is 22%)

4.2% learning. “Each of the 200,296 babies in Wisconsin was born with a bundle of unlimited potential and the first three years of their life will shape every year that follows,” said Myra Jones-Taylor, chief policy officer of Zero to Three. “But far too many

babies face persistent hardships – such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and exposure to violence – that undermine their ability to grow and thrive.” To learn more about the State of Babies report, visit stateofbabies.org.

C O M M U N I T Y / L I V I N G / D I S C O V E R Y / C R E AT I V I T Y / A C T I V I T Y / E V E N T S / G U I D E S / P E R S P E C T I V E S

Share of Wisconsin babies who moved three or more times since birth (national rate is 2.5%)

25.9% Share of Wisconsin babies who receive developmental screenings (national rate is 30.4%)

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it’s great, it’s big, it’s the Hullabaloo!

Massive, all-new kids event to launch June 1 at the Pablo Center B Y C V F S TA F F * P H O T O B Y A N D R E A PA U L S E T H

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he Great Big Hullabaloo will be a dynamic day of kid-centric and family-focused fun on Saturday, June 1, at the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau claire. Expect an interactive whirlwind of music, art, science, technology, theater, dance, and performances in 10 major spaces of the Pablo Center – all geared for creative, curious, communityloving kids and their grownups!

The brand-new event is sponsored

by Volume One, Chippewa Valley Family, and Associated Bank.

No joke – we’re taking over the Pablo Center. At The Great Big Hullabaloo, children will discover an array of enriching experiences ranging from experimentation with the sounds of musical instruments to producing a community art masterpiece to dancing off energy in the “kid disco” to quiet moments with a scientific challenge … and so much more. AND! A portion of all ticket proceeds go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eau Claire.

Here’s everything you need today about this amazing new event, which is also sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System, Larson Orthodontic Specialists and Marshfield Children’s: BASIC INFO & TICKETS WHEN: Saturday June 1, 10am-4pm WHERE: Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Ave., Downtown Eau Claire WHO: Families, kids, adults WEB: ChippewaValleyFamily.org/ hullabaloo/big TICKETS: Kids (3-12): $7 Adults (13+): $15 Kids 2 and under – FREE BUY ONLINE: ChippewaValleyFamily. org/hullabaloo/big Note: All children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

LIVE PERFORMANCES A number of live performances are included with your ticket! The Great Big Hullabaloo will feature fantastic performances throughout the day ...

• Jump into a hilarious science comedy show from celebrated performers In Capable Hands.

• Watch a one-of-a-kind music video and performance by quirky kids performer Beth Jean.

• Catch an engaging scene from

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Charlotte’s Web from the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild.

• Enjoy dance performances from the award-winning Diamond School of Dance.

• Rock out at a Girls Rock Band performance (a band of local middle school and high school students).

AGES • Take in a performance from the talented Chippewa Valley Youth Chorus.

• Get inspired by a showcase of kid stars from the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre.

• Settle in for story time provided by area public libraries.

• And don’t miss thrilling, roving performances from Weapons of Brass Destruction and the Memorial High School Band.

ALL

FIVE ‘DISTRICTS’ OF FUN The Great Big Hullabaloo will sprawl across five “districts” – large, special areas set up throughout the Pablo Center. If kids visit all five districts and get stamps on their special passport, they’ll get to choose a prize!

1. MUSIC DISTRICT • Belt out a big tune in the karaoke lounge.

• Dance your butt off in the Kid Disco.

• Visit the Instrument Petting Zoo and experiment with their sounds with help from the Eau Claire Music School and Memorial High School Orchestra.

• Enjoy a mini music lesson with the Eau Claire Music School.

• Craft your very own instrument with Blugold Beginnings.

2. ARTS DISTRICT • Paint a picture by steering a robot around your canvas – with help from Blugold Beginnings.

• Get creative with make-n-take projects from your local ArtMobile.

• Pitch in on a community cardboard sculpture with amazing local artist Ray Kassaleu.

• Keep it colorful as you paint on silk with local artist Erin O’Brien.

• Build a birdhouse with your family (with help from 4H kids).

• Learn the art of Yarn Bombing with local artist Paula Gorski.

• Create string art (with help from 4H kids).

3. TECHNOLOGY DISTRICT • Interact with green screen television tech from Valley Media Works.

• Crash and zoom a Sphero Ball robot through an obstacle course*.

• Test your smarts in a Lego Robotics battle*.

• Spark your imagination as you experiment with circuits*.

• Wonder at a Rube Goldberg Machine constructed by students from Elk Mound High School. *Activities provided and run by Blugold Beginnings 4. THEATER DISTRICT • Act it out with theater arts training from the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild.

• Take a seat for a fun performance in the RCU Theatre.

• Dress up in costumes from the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and strike a pose in the photo booth courtesy of Laci Eberle Photography.

5. SCIENCE DISTRICT • Dive into the Mayo Grossology Exhibit.

• Keep it healthy a teddy bear checkup with Marshfield Clinic.

• Conduct fascinating science experiments with the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s special “Let’s Do Chemistry” exhibit.

• Work with magnets, prisms, and rainbows at Lilly Pad Lab’s “Science of Colors for Curious Kids” exhibit.

• Make your own bouncy ball, bath bomb, or UV bracelet with Blugold Beginnings.

Even more activities and performances will be added soon!

PRIZES AND MAKE-AND-TAKE PROJECTS Various activities at The Great Big Hullabaloo will allow kids to craft special items to keep. Plus, Marshfield Clinic will offer kids a Wellness Teddy Bear in their teddy bear check-up exhibit – while supplies last! Also ...

• Make a rain stick with Blugold Beginnings.

• Create a Sphero Ball painting with Blugold Beginnings.

• Make a String Art piece on wood with 4H. • Build a bird house with 4H. • Create projects with the ArtMobile.

• Craft a UV Bracelet, a Bath Bomb, or a Bouncy Ball with Blugold Beginnings.

Don’t miss the most dynamic day of kid-centric and family-focused fun to ever hit the Chippewa Valley! Learn more online at ChippewaValleyFamily. org/hullabaloo/big.

C I V I C N E W S / S C H O O L D I S T R I C T S / N O N - P R O F I T S / B U S I N E S S E S / C O O L K I D S / LO C A L T I P S

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track to the future donations let Altoona School District to revamp athletic complex B Y E M I LY K U H N

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or the first time in almost 20 years, student athletes in the Altoona School District will be able to hone their skills on a functioning track. They’ll also be able to use a new synthetic turf field for football and soccer, and enjoy new facilities for high jump, pole vault, long/ triple jump, shot put, and discus. Up to 2,000 spectators will be able to cheer on these athletes from new bleachers while enjoying a new entrance and ticketing area, new concessions facilities, and new restrooms.

All of this will be part of Altoona High School’s new sports complex, where construction began this spring after a $75,000 donation from Prevea Health enabled the school district to reach its $1 million fundraising goal.

“Until now, our students have had to practice wherever we could find space, and we have not been able to host our own meets,” said Altoona School District Business Manager Michael Markgren, an original member of the complex planning committee and the main contact for sponsor procurement. “Now, along with our own events, Altoona will be able to host playoff football and soccer games and track meets. This will bring economic stimulus to the Chippewa

Valley – and beyond that, smaller area districts can look forward to making it to the ‘big city’ for playoffs.”

The district is not only celebrating its fundraising goal, but the fact that many of the details they prioritized will be realized. For instance, the football and soccer field will feature a longerlasting bi-filament synthetic turf as well as a “shock pad” base layer for greater concussion prevention. The sound system will be greatly improved, and for the first time, spectators and students will have restrooms to use. According to Markgren, none of these improvements will impact taxes.

“It was important to us that taxes not be increased to build the complex,” Markgren said. “We set a board resolution that $1 million of the project cost would come through partnering sponsors, and the whole project cost of $3.2

“Until now, our students have had to practice wherever we could find space ... ” MICHAEL MARKGREN, Altoona School District Business Manager

C I V I C N E WS / S C H O O L D I ST R I C TS / N O N - P R O F I TS / B U S I N E SS E S / CO O L K I DS / LO C A L T I P S

million be financed (with) non-referendum debt. Repayment will be a combination of the sponsorship payments and transfers from our general fund.”

The target completion date for the complex is Altoona’s first home football game on Aug. 9. As the project gets underway, the district looks forward to continued community support, without which this project wouldn’t have been possible.

“We have an extremely supportive community,” Markgren said. “This project would not be a reality if it weren’t for the generous commitments of our partners. The athletic complex will continue to make the school district and city of Altoona a destination for those choosing to come to the Chippewa Valley.”

Other sports complex sponsors include Citizens Community Federal Bank, the Altoona Athletic Boosters, the OakLeaf Group, Market & Johnson, the Altoona High School Classes of 2017 and 2018, Altoona Youth Softball & Baseball, and the Altoona VFW Post 10. More details on the project can be found online at www.altoona.k12.wi.us/district/ ath_complex.cfm.

Emily Kuhn is a writer and mother of two in Eau Claire.

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working in tandem to support youth Faith-based mentorship program expands kids’ horizons

BY MARIE ANTHONY

He called us all to be different Than everything we see We are made to make a difference Together – 513FREE

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“If there’s one thing I want to share with everyone, it’s this: Pouring into others doesn’t have to be difficult. It should be an extension of who you already are. You in no way need to have a ‘perfect’ life.”

t’s a long story,” Ashley Stoll says with a laugh and a sparkle in her eye when asked about the origins of the Tandem Mentorship program. “Tandem first began under 513FREE (a Christian worship and ASH LE Y STOLL, prison ministry). I married one of their Tandem Mentorship program members, Jonny Stoll, and 513FREE adopted me into their family.”

Together, Ashley and Jonny the suffering of young children exterior and was apprehensive to let Stoll were active volunteers and teens. I remember thinkpeople close to him. Then, Jonny and for The Lighthouse, a youth ing: ‘How can I help kids who the guys started spending time with center in downtown Eau live in poverty within my own him, playing basketball with him, and Claire, and Ashley’s pashome of Eau Claire?’ ” just pouring positive messages into his sion for outreach and youth In 2016, Ashley and life; encouraging him,” Stoll shares. As rekindled. Her story goes back her confidantes (Mary, Sue, weeks passed, Jeremy’s hard exterior to her own youth. Stoll grew up Brenda, and Jen) started fell away and he grew confident to let in a single-parent household. Her Tandem. The goal of Tandem is his true-self shine. “When he made the AGE S mom worked long, hard hours to provide support and encourdecision to invite Christ into his life, to support the family, leaving agement to youths between the his joy was overwhelming,” she said.

Ashley with a lot of time to take ages of 11 and 18 who often fall “I wish you could have been there to some rough turns in life. When she through the cracks. These young experience it.” made the decision to “come back to people have so many abilities but Tandem is very much a faith-based Jesus” she remembers zealously trying often don’t have the resources or supprogram because its founders believe to re-earn His grace. “I know now that port to break destructive behaviors in that the light of Jesus is vital for emotionI never had to work to earn God’s love order to embrace all of their potential. al healing. That said, they don’t believe and grace,” she says. “But my zeal led Ashley remembers the first time in forcing faith. Matthew 28:18 encouragme to Africa. My eyes were opened to she met “Jeremy.” “He had this hard es believers to “go and make disciples.”

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C I V I C N E W S / S C H O O L D I S T R I C T S / N O N - P R O F I T S / B U S I N E S S E S / C O O L K I D S / LO C A L T I P S

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Stoll relays that, “Literally translated, what this truly means is that we should be disciples through our actions and open up our hearts to others.”

Joe Swanson, a UW-Eau Claire student and Tandem mentor, says that Tandem’s approach to sharing a positive message with struggling youth is one of the reasons he was drawn to be a part of the program. “They don’t try to push faith onto the mentees,” Swanson says. “They allow the mentors take control and share their faith-stories when they feel their mentees are ready to hear it. It’s also more important in this process that we lead by example. It’s not our intention to force an agenda.”

Tandem’s faith-based approach makes it different from some other mentorship groups. However, Tandem’s goal is not to compete with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Boys and Girls Club. Stoll says that they partner with these organizations so that more youth can receive the support they need. “Big Brothers Big Sisters will send kids our way so they’re not stuck on a waiting list,” Stoll shares.

Tandem also hosts special activities and events to support youth of the 180 Program, an at-risk youth intervention program in Eau Claire County. Guitar Tuesdays are a favorite among the young adults. They meet at the Tandem center to practice guitar. When they complete several hours of lessons, they earn a guitar of their very own. Recently, Ashley and her team put in a grant through the Eau Claire Community Foundation in an effort to obtain more musical equipment: a piano, a drum set, and more guitars. This summer, Tandem will also host Tandem Tuesdays, which will be centered on giving youth a space to build friendships and develop life skills. In the

past, teens have learned how to change the tires on a car along with the oil. “I wish I’d have learned how to do these things sooner,” Ashley says with a giggle. But they don’t put the kids to work every Tuesday.

There have been nights dedicated to celebrating pets of all kinds: soft and smooth; scaly and cool.

For anyone feeling stirred to get involved: When Tandem meets potential mentors, they do look for people who believe in the redeeming grace of Jesus. Typically, mentors are found through the church network or personal recommendations, but those are not the only pathways a person might take to get involved. When someone expresses interest in mentoring through Tandem, background checks and home visits take place before someone is accepted into the mentoring role. Tandem also holds orientation sessions to establish the importance of setting boundaries and communicating best practices for maintaining a mentor/mentee relationship.

Since its start in 2016, Tandem has continued to grow. Last September, Tandem was able to move from the support of 513FREE and become its own nonprofit organization. Ashley is encouraged, excited, and blessed to be able to support the youth of our community in her dream way. “If there’s one thing I want to share with everyone, it’s this: Pouring into others doesn’t have to be difficult. It should be an extension of who you already are. You in no way need to have a ‘perfect’ life. One hour a week (one of our favorite Netflix shows) can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.”

Learn more about the Tandem mentorship program by visiting tandemmentorship.org, calling (715) 577-3322, or emailing hello@tandemmentorship.com.

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learn & grow

at the farmers market from cooking to money management, market offer lessons for kids of all ages

BY L AU R E N F I S H E R • P H OTO BY A N D R E A PAU L S ETH

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armers markets all over the Chippewa Valley burst into action in the late spring, and with them come some of the best opportunities for young people to learn new, practical skills that will get them far in life. From nutrition and community to finance, these markets put grown-up decision making and social interaction within reach of even the smallest kids.

Here are some ways to make the most of a market trip with your child.

AGES 2-5 The farmer’s market is full of sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Develop awareness of your child’s senses along with language skills by introducing your kid to the products. A strawberry is red, sweet, smelly, and rough to the touch.

Eggs are smooth and round. They come in dozens; an opportunity to practice counting. Older toddlers can be instructed to find ingredients for meals.

Try something like “I’m looking for a round blue fruit to put in tomorrow’s pancakes.” Or “We’re going to have pork for dinner; what’s a good leafy green food to have as a side?”

Take every opportunity to talk through the decision-making process out loud, and ask questions to engage them in the process. Even nonverbal children and infants will benefit from hearing you talk about your environment.

AGES 6-8 This age group can begin to learn about the nutritional value of different foods.

Identify sources of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins and explain why those nutrients are important to their bodies.

Decide what to have for lunch or dinner that day with your child. Discuss what ingredients you will need in order to make it, and have them write a simple list to take to the market. Have them find those ingredients.

Now is a good time to introduce them to the money exchange process. Identify denominations of currency with them and ask them to figure out how much a purchase will cost. If apples are $2 a pound, and you need three pounds to make a pie, how much will the apples cost? If you pay with a $10 bill, how much change should you get? Count the change with your child. Markets are great places to begin money math, because many of the products that are for sale are priced on the dollar or quarter dollar.

When you get home, involve your child in the food preparation process to strengthen the association between the ingredients and the finished product.

It’s a great chance to begin learning basic kitchen skills!

AGES 8-12 Task your child with planning a day’s meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, based on what’s available at the farmer’s market. Give them a budget for the project, and have them make

purchases by themselves. If this is easy for your child, spice things up by asking them to make sure all of the food groups are represented in each meal. You can encourage them to use the same ingredient for several meals. (Spinach might go in an omelette, and then become part of a salad with dinner.) Kids can learn a lot about money management (and you can learn a lot about your kids!) if you tell them they can choose if, or how, to spend any leftover money from the budget.

If you’re planning ahead, practice handwriting and organizational skills by encouraging your child to make a list before they hit the stands. If ingredients aren’t available, it’s time to work out those problem-solving skills! Involve your child in the cooking process, or encourage them to prepare a simple meal by themselves.

AGES 12+ Challenge your older child to create a meal plan for the whole week using a budget. Start with only planning suppers, or add in lunch and breakfast, or even

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snacks, if the initial task is easAG E S ily accomplished. Once again, consider the reuse of ingredients, but this time, keep leftovers in mind.

Tweens can begin to learn more about calories and nutrition by using tracking applications on a phone to plan healthy meals.

Young people can plan ahead by checking on what ingredients you already have, making a schedule, and then making a list based on that information before you go to the market.

See if they can estimate how much a shopping trip will cost, and compare that guess with what they spend at the market. How did what they spend differ from what they estimated? Why did it end up that way? Next time, should they adjust their shopping list or their budget to account for this?

These are only a few examples of how a trip to your nearest farmer’s market can be an educational – but still fun! – experience. Keep an open mind to further learning possibilities while you’re out to make the most of the day.

when to see a doctor about your back pain B Y T. K . S C H I E F E R , M . D . , N E U R O S U R G E O N , M AY O C L I N I C H E A LT H S Y S T E M About 80 percent of adults experience back pain at some time in their lives. It is one of most common reason that people see a doctor or miss work. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, sudden and debilitating pain.

For most people, back pain – even severe back pain – goes away on its own in four to six weeks with self-care such as rest, heat or ice, over-the-counter pain medication, and exercise.

So, how do you know when to see your doctor about your back pain? Here are a few causes or symptoms that indicate it is time to schedule an appointment: • Follows a fall, blow to your back, or other injury.

• Is constant or intense pain, especially at night or when you lie down.

• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee.

• Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.

• Occurs with swelling or redness on your back, which could indicate an infection.

• Occurs with unintended weight loss.

• Occurs with new bowel or bladder control problems.

Also, if you have a history of cancer, talk with your health care provider about any new pain you are experiencing including back pain. get more tips at:

ChippewaValleyFamily.org/tips

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living

ALL AG E S

fun & easy tips for a healthy summer four ways to enjoy the sunny season

BY ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD

S

ummer is almost here! That

means more time outdoors enjoying the lake, park or pool, or just hanging out in the backyard.

Before heading outside this summer, use these simple tips to keep your family safe and healthy while having fun in the sun.

1. G E T O UTSI D E & G E T A C TI V E .

The warm weather and long days make it easier to get your kids outside and off the couch. If sports are their thing, you can sign them up for a camp or a league. To stay active as a family, try something new like a scavenger hunt, a kickball game, or build an outdoor obstacle course.

2 . S T AY SUNBURN F RE E .

For many, summer also means sunburn. Not only can sunburns be painful, but too many sunburns – especially during childhood – can cause skin cancer. A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research found teens and young women who had more than five bad sunburns were twice as likely to develop skin cancer later in life. The good news is, sunburn and skin cancer can be prevented with these safe sun habits: • Use the right sunscreen. Lather up

with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher – even on cloudy days.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

• Cover up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and ultraviolet (UV)blocking sunglasses.

• Avoid the sun when it’s hottest: between 10am and 4pm. If you can, go to the pool or park in the morning (bonus: less crowded!), or plan your cookout for later in the day so you miss the worst of the sun’s rays.

dish for your cookout. Load up skewers with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, or other fresh vegetables.

• Plant a vegetable or herb garden.

Growing your own food is a great way to get fresh ingredients for your meals, reduce stress, and burn some calories!

• Use frozen or fresh fruit to make homemade fruit popsicles the whole family will enjoy!

4. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. 3. BUI L D SO ME H E ALTHY E A TI NG H A BI TS. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor meal with friends and family. Make your next picnic or cookout healthy with these tips: • Serve up a healthy grilling menu with chicken, fish, or turkey burgers, and cut back on ground beef, pork, and hot dogs. Veggie skewers make a great side

Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it’s hot outside. Make sure your kids drink water before, during, and after physical activity, even if they don’t feel thirsty.

This helps keep them hydrated.

With a little planning, make this summer the healthiest and most fun yet for your family!

To learn more about the ways you can stay healthy, visit the Health & Wellness page on www.anthem.com/wisconsin. Their team of experts shares new health tips, topics, and preventive care programs for you and your family to use. Anthem is a community partner of Chippewa Valley Family.

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a weighty decision When contacting Child Protective Services, let your conscience be your guide B Y J I M C AT L I N

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magine yourself in the following situation: You see something disturbing but you don’t want to get someone’s child taken away. Should you file an abuse/neglect report on a parent – especially if the parent is a neighbor, friend, relative, co-worker, or boss?

For the answer, ask yourself one simple but difficult question: Are you willing to carry a serious injury or something worse on your conscience for the rest of your life if you DON’T make the report and a tragedy happens?

Filing a report is NOT the same as a guilty conviction and does not always result in removing children from their homes. Short of imminent danger, there are many steps and decisions between a report and a removal. Some reports are not even investigated – they can be screened out for many reasons. But some reports do result in kids being placed in alternate care – sometimes a foster home – to ensure their safety. When needed, foster care provides a great service to kids placed there. Yes, there are problems with foster parents at times, but those are relatively rare and they get a lot of media coverage, while success stories get almost no coverage. Thankfully, much more often Child Protective Services agencies attempt to place kids with relatives first before they seek out foster care.

Reports can be made anonymously.

These are taken just as seriously as any other report, and the identity of the reporter is kept strictly confidential by CPS. But don’t file false reports: These are debunked pretty easily and could result in a legal charge against you.

CPS staff are not perfect; they make occasional mistakes. These mistakes are borne of good intentions, sometimes a little zealotry, bureaucratic entanglements, poor judgment, or personal values intrusions. CPS agencies do not set out to break up families. The CPS system will never achieve perfection in all situations and we have to accept that reality; one inherent weakness is that even a small CPS mistake can sometimes have tragic consequences. Even though CPS has never been my professional niche (and admitting I’ve seen mistakes made by CPS), I still believe they do much more good than harm.

Kids from even the worst homes believe they are safe there no matter how bad the living conditions are. Their home and family is, right or wrong, their baseline for normalcy, so most of them believe

they’re safe, secure, and loved there.

Deciding whether to remove children from their family home is gut-wrenching (and should be) because removal from the home, however bad the home is, traumatizes kids – and there is voluminous research data that backs that up. So for CPS staff, it sometimes comes down to choosing between traumatizing the child by removing or leaving the child in the home to possibly be further abused. Clearly, CPS work can be extremely difficult.

The priorities of some parents are flawed. One reason kids get neglected/abused is because child safety and well-being ranks lower than it should on their parents’ personal priority list. Then an incident happens that illustrates that flawed priority and the family enters the CPS system.

Some parents do not have it in them to rise above the level of providing just basic needs, and the law does not require them to demonstrate anything beyond that.

Some kids have to navigate their way through childhood despite their parents’ minimal parenting skills; that’s one price we pay for living in a free country.

If you feel the urge to file a CPS report, let your conscience guide you, let go of your guilt, and trust that CPS will exonerate the innocent and address the guilty.

Often CPS provides family therapy to correct the problematic parenting, which is a positive. If your report eventually results in a child’s removal from the home, know that these removal decisions are touched by many hands – including a judge’s – so it’s never a matter of one or two people making crucial decisions. And keep in mind that most kids who are removed from parental homes end up being placed in relatives’ homes temporarily, which serves to lessen removal trauma.

If you file a report and later learn of CPS making poor or uninformed decisions regarding the child and family, contact – better yet, visit – the CPS supervisors and let them know, mainly because they’ll want to know. CPS staff operate with intensive oversight by their superiors. Every child welfare agency also has a grievance system where you can communicate your concerns in writing to multiple tiers within the agency, with the final level often being a circuit court judge. The CPS system may not be perfect, but many safeguards are in place to get as close to that goal as possible.

Returning to the question of whether or not to report, consider these four words: Better safe than sorry.

Jim Catlin is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from UW-Stout. He invites readers to submit questions and offer ideas about what they would like to see in this column by emailing editor@ChippewaValleyFamily.org.

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confronting

mental illness Children face mental health challenges that may go unaddressed

BY CASSANDRA KYSER

I

n 1949, the organization now known as Mental Health America designated May as Mental Health Month. For the past 70 years, May has been a time to spread awareness and provide education.

Many people assume that mental health is a concern for teenagers and adults. However, children are impacted by mental illness as well. Half of all mental illnesses occur before the age of 14. And sadly, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24. To get a better picture of the current state of children and mental health, I spoke with Dr. Todd Caillier at Caillier Clinic in Eau Claire.

Caillier says many children are referred to his practice by their school counselor. When it comes to recognizing mental health issues, “Schools are a great filter and first line defense,” he explains. Primary physicians also do a lot of referrals to Caillier Clinic. For children who are homeschooled or are otherwise not in the school system, their primary physician is a good first point of contact.

Caillier acknowledges that access to care is a barrier to treatment. Rural areas, in particular, face a shortage of mental health providers. The expansion of telehealth is increasing access to providers and opening up more treatment options. Among clinicians, there is some debate about practicing telehealth across state lines. However, when it comes to patients, “I believe telehealth is a great thing,” Caillier says.

Funding is another hurdle many families face. For example, health insurance may only cover five sessions of therapy when several more sessions are needed. The out-of-pocket costs can

be a huge strain and deterrent for many families.

When adults struggle with their own mental illnesses, it makes addressing their children’s illness that much more difficult. This situation “compounds the burden of care when parents are suffering,” Caillier says. Families impacted by mental illness can find education and support through the Chippewa Valley chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI offers local classes and support groups, and provides referrals to other community resources.

Caillier has found that some patients are initially hesitant to seek treatment because they fear a lack of privacy. “Something that may not be well known in the general public is that confidentiality is paramount and rigorously protected in mental, behavioral, and emotional health centers and clinics,” he says.

Caillier hopes that more people will understand their right to privacy and feel more confident about seeking care.

As a society, we’ve come a long way within the last 70 years with how we view mental illness, but there is still work to be done. A certain level of stigma is very much ingrained in our culture. Some mental illnesses have been reduced to punchlines. How often have we heard someone say, “That’s so bipolar” or “You’re acting schizophrenic”?

“Word matter. How we say them matters,” Caillier stresses. “Stigma compounds everything.”

Caillier Clinic has locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Rice Lake. You can reach them at caillierclinic.com or by calling (715) 836-0064. Learn more about NAMI Chippewa Valley at namicv.org.

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how to start

saving with share certificates Credit unions offer an option similar to CDs, with key differences

BY KASSANDRA TIMM

W

hen it comes to the financial industry, there can be a lot of confusion about products offered by different institutions. And when it comes to investing for your future, it can be intimidating to find where to start. Credit unions offer an array of products and services to get you from point A to point B. A great option to get started are share certificates. They are a secure, low maintenance, flexible option to start a savings journey.

The term “share certificates” may not sound familiar but “certificates of deposit” might. Staples in the financial industry, these two are commonly mistaken for one another. So what’s the difference between the two? Share certificates are offered by credit unions whereas certificates of deposit, or CDs, are offered by banks. Foundationally, they are very similar but differ depending on which institution offers them. Often, share certificates earn higher dividends than regular savings accounts, are unable to be withdrawn from during the term without a penalty, and have a fixed dividend rate throughout the selected term. CDs also usually offer higher interest rates than savings accounts, are unable to be withdrawn from during the term without a penalty, and have a fixed interest rate throughout the selected term.

Where the differences come in are in the details of each product. Share

certificates are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association, whereas CDs are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Another difference between the two is that share certificates earn dividends rather than interest. Dividends are funds earned that are paid back to the member. Being a member of a credit union means that you are a shareholder in the institution.

So any earnings made on your account are dividends that get paid back to you. Interest, however, is received for allowing the financial institution to lend out, or invest, your funds. At a bank, the interest you earn back is not because you’re a shareholder in the company.

Not only can it be confusing knowing the difference between products offered by different financial institutions, but it can also be a daunting task when trying to find the best investment option for your needs. When investing in a share certificate at a credit union, you can rest easy knowing that it’s a secure, low maintenance, flexible option. Often, there is no risk associated with share certificates and members are guaranteed a rate of return. Once a share certificate is opened, there is very little that needs to be done to take care of the investment. Some credit unions even offer an automatic renewal after a certain period of time once the share certificate matures, so as to con-

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tinue earning on your investment if you have no need for the funds elsewhere.

Share certificates are also very flexible and are not “one size fits all.”

Depending on the credit union, you can select from a wide variety of terms based on how long you’d like to invest your funds. Some credit unions even offer the ability to have monthly dividends either reinvested into the share certificate to earn higher dividends each month or deposited into a savings or checking account. Share certificates are a convenient way to set up an investment that works best for you and offer a variety of options to customize how you earn.

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When deciding what product to invest in for your future, don’t be afraid to ask your local credit union. Credit unions are designed to be memberoriented and often have financial education programs to help guide you in the direction that would best fit your needs. Call your local credit union today!

Kasandra Timm is the Member Experience Department Coordinator at WESTconsin Credit Union, a community partner of Chippewa Valley Family. Her work contributes to bettering member experiences at the credit union as well as helping members achieve financial success.

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when to worry about kids’ weight Pediatrician offers tips on childhood diet, obesity B Y A LY S S A VA N D U Y S E

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very day, in doctors’ offices throughout the country, parents hear the dreaded words: Your child is overweight.

In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Nearly one in five school-aged children and young people ages 6 to 19 in the United States is obese.

The statistics are a harsh reality, but Dr. Brent Jensen, pediatrician with OakLeaf Clinics in Eau Claire, said parents have the opportunity to change that diagnosis by implementing small changes in nutrition and activity.

“We are seeing kids heavier at a younger age.

Parents do need to be concerned,” he said. “We go about it by offering healthy and nutritious foods, not offering seconds, and sweets should be sometimes foods.”

Aside from the common mistakes of too many fast-food meals and candy bars, Jensen said hidden sugar is a concerning factor when it comes to childhood obesity. He cites pop, fruit snacks, and juice where there is more sugar than a parent might expect.

Other culprits include too much screen time and not enough activity.

The CDC hosts growth charts on its website that detail average weight for a child’s age. For girls the weight ranges from 26 pounds at 2 years of age to nearly 40 pounds at 5 years.

For boys, the average weight of a 2-year-old is 28 pounds and near 41 pounds at age 5.

Although growth charts are a good way to generalize, Jensen said it’s not wise to talk about the number on the scale or about losing weight. The issue is helping children be healthy by leading them to make good choices.

“It can be a touchy subject,” he said of obesity. “We don’t talk about the number because we don’t want kids to feel like they’re not good enough because they’re overweight. Our job is to steer them to healthy habits.”

And do that in small doses, he said. It’s not about “lose this much weight,” Jensen said. It works better to talk to your kids about just cutting out a sugary beverage, or a second helping at mealtime. Those are attainable goals.

Making a concerted effort to change the child’s lifestyle could be an eye-opener for parents as well. The change should be a whole family experience and can be enjoyable.

Genetics does play a role in weight to some extent, but

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Jensen said it’s difficult to tell if child obesity is because of family history or a history of poor habits.

“Are the parents overweight because they’ve passed those genetics on to their child, or because the parents are making food choices that are probably not appropriate for themselves?”

Jensen said. “If it’s the latter, they’re allowing their children to have the same not-great habits that we all have.”

Conversely, some parents have children who are picky eaters. Those parents need to remember that if their child doesn’t eat dinner for a night or two, they are not going to starve.

“Don’t get into a battle at the dinner table and don’t give in to the short-order cook mentality,” he said. “As soon as you start doing those things, the child knows they can get what they want by holding out.” Jensen said parents should let children know at a young age that the whole family gets the same thing for dinner.

If they refuse, bring it back out later when they complain of hunger, or offer a fruit or vegetable.

“Offer healthy, nutritious, wholesome foods and she will find something that she will eat, eventually,” he said.

In both cases, it comes back to doing what’s right for your child, Jensen said. Educate children about healthy choices so as they age they can take that knowledge with them.

Alyssa Van Duyse is a marketing specialist with HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals, which are community partners of Chippewa Valley Family.

H E A LT H

F U ELING K IDS ON T H E G O Heather Krieger knows the challenge of fueling kids with the best sources of food on the run. Not only is she a mother, but she’s also an inpatient clinical dietitian with HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals.

“Finding the right on-the-go snacks can be a challenge, but they’re out there,” she said. “The key is ingredients and portion size – and convenience, of course.”

Krieger said great, grab-able snacks include string cheese, low-fat Go-gurt, Babybel cheese, and even portioned-out Goldfish crackers in a pinch. She said already portioned snack packs are great for parents and kids running from dance classes to ball games. It keeps the portion sizes manageable. But don’t forget about snap peas, fresh green beans, carrots, and celery “if your kid will eat it,” she said with a laugh.

Krieger also is a huge fan of Bento boxes – compact lunchboxes that offer space for the correct portion size of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein.

For other ideas, Krieger suggested visiting choosemyplate. gov, a USDA website designed to give parents tips and tricks for a child’s healthy eating.

The key to getting kids to eat healthy, Krieger said, is to give them lots of options at each meal, and to try and retry foods they say they do not like. “A lot of times we forget that variety is a huge part of it and modeling after the parents,” she said.

“They are going to be looking to you for guidance.”

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