KIDS &
families
MAKI N G CON N ECTION S
Awa r d - w i n n i n g P u t n a m H e i g h t s t e a c h e r T y ra Pe r i n e b e l i eve s a d d i n g i n c l u s i v i t y a n d s u b t ra c t i n g h a t e m a ke s f o r a b e t t e r e d u c a t i o n a l ex p e r i e n c e f o r a l l WORDS BY SAW YER HOFF • PHOTO BY ANDRE A PAULSE TH
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n the past year, teachers have been through the wringer when it comes to educating local kiddos. Amidst masking mandates, global fear and uncertainty, and challenging working conditions in the academic realms, teachers trooped forward – and some went above and beyond to teach kids about important topics. One local teacher is the perfect example of educators who go the extra mile to make a difference. Tyra Perine, a special education teacher at Putnam Heights Elementary School in Eau Claire, was recently presented the Wisconsin Education Association Council’s 2021 Lewandowski Award for Humanitarian Activities for her work in pushing for more equity and diversity resources in the district. “I meet kids where they are by scaffolding and supporting their academic and social needs with the
ultimate goal of independence,” Perine said. “I embrace student’s backgrounds and celebrate diversity in the classroom. I teach my students how to be good citizens of the world
equity comes from her upbringing in Milwaukee, where her mother pushed for her to continue her education. Perine became the first in her family to go to college.
“ I t ea c h my s t u d e n t s h ow t o b e g oo d c i t i z e n s of t h e wo r l d a n d h ow t o e m b ra ce t h e d i f f e r e n ce s i n eve r yo n e . ” –Ty r a P e r i n e , P u t n a m H e i g h t s E l e m e n t a r y t e a c h e r and how to embrace the differences in everyone.” Perine participated and recruited others for the “Leaders for Just Schools” program developed by the National Education Association. Through this program, Perine facilitated book studies and participated in trainings that created schoolbased equity teams around the district. Perine says her passion for
“I continue to imprint the importance of education in my four children,” Perine said, “carrying a little bit of the teachings of my mom with me as a mother.” Perine has been teaching for 25 years – eight of which were spent teaching in the inner city of Milwaukee. She moved to Eau Claire in 2004, where she now resides with her husband and four children. She is passionate about equity work and
celebrating her student’s diverse backgrounds. Perine’s work in the district continues to make an impact on her students and colleagues who are also passionate about social justice and equity education. By facilitating these discussions, she said, we can continue to push toward a greater understanding and inclusion of everyone in our community. “Mrs. Perine would never want to take credit for the amazing things being done in her district because this work simply cannot be done alone,” said WEAC President Ron Martin, also an Eau Claire teacher. “But it’s clear that Tyra is a powerful force in moving this work forward. She not only continues to advance her knowledge around equity and social justice but always brings other people along with her, showing her leadership in developing more allies in our work.”
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YOU N G BOY, OLD FI S H Local 10-year-old reels in – then releases – huge sturgeon in Phoenix Park WORDS BY REBECCA MENNECKE
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en-year-old Christian Severud (he’s in the center of the photo at left) has had a goal since he moved to Eau Claire: to reel in a big fish. And, on May 24, he did. Big time. While fishing with his grandparents at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, he caught a 5-foot-6-inch sturgeon, fighting it for 45 minutes before reeling it in with his dad, who rushed from choir practice with CollECtive Choir to help him with the catch. “The boys nearby (Ezekiel Esparza and Landon Lee) had to help, and my mother-in-law messaged my husband, Craig, so Craig left choir, came to Phoenix Park, ran into the water and grabbed the fish, carried it up to the boys to hold, took pictures and measurements, removed two other hooks and a bunch of fish-
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ing line and a lamprey that the fish had on it, and released it back into the river,” said Christian’s mom, Shannon, in an email. “Christian was so excited!” The fourth-grader has been fishing with his grandparents since his family moved to Eau Claire almost two years ago. After looking up a little bit about sturgeons online, the family estimates the fish to be about 70 years old – seven times as old as Christian, and about as old as Christian’s grandparents! Christian celebrated his catch with a brief moment of fame, appearing on news stations WQOW and WEAU, but he plans to keep fishing in the future. And who knows? When he turns 11, he might just be lucky enough to catch a 77-year-old sturgeon.
CO M M U N I C ATIO N I S TH E KEY Elementary schools install communication boards for non-verbal kids on playgrounds WORDS BY SAW YER HOFF
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peech-language pathologists at Putnam Heights and Robbins Elementary united with the Eau Claire Area School District’s Parent Teacher Organization to give kids who use alternate or augmented communication a chance to have their voices heard through communication boards installed on the schools’ playgrounds. Communication boards have recently sprouted up all over the world with one simple goal: to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. With pictures and symbols available to all students, these boards make it possible for those who use non-verbal forms of communication to still join in on conversations. “Everyone has a voice,” said Putnam Heights Speech Pathologist Jamie Milanowski. “It may look different, it may sound different, but everyone has a voice and their voice should be heard and valued.” The idea to bring communication boards to Eau Claire came from Robbins special education teacher Lisa Pomazal, and speech-language pathologist Shannon Malone. Malone presented their idea to the PTO, who
fully funded the project. “Social interactions, acceptance, and inclusion are all components of communication,” Malone said. “The communication boards help to bring all of those to our non-verbal students.” After seeing the success of the board at Robbins, Milanowski brought the idea to Putnam Heights Principal Diana Lesneski, who immediately showed her support. “It’s going to strengthen our community,” Lesneski said. “Because communication is such an important part of our day.” In the future, Milanowski is hoping to make Putnam Heights communication accessible, meaning that everyone who uses any form of communication immediately feels welcomed and comfortable when they enter the building. Robbins Elementary is also going in that direction, by looking into large poster signs that will be relevant to classroom communication. Malone and Milanowski are hopeful that after others see this positive change, other schools will follow their lead.
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TH E Ki D Li ST Upcoming family events in the Chippewa Valley LISTINGS BY JAMES JOHONNOT T
FOR PARE NTS Managing Fighting and Aggression - Discussion Group Jul. 22, 1pm • Family Resource Center
Inc., 4800 Golf Rd., Suite 450, Eau Claire • FREE • frcec.org/upcoming-events This group covers the skills that children need to be able to cooperate and get along with others. Parents learn how to teach skills such as sharing, communicating, and being gentle. They also prepare plans to manage times when fighting and aggression do occur.
Bedtime: Developing Good Routines - Discussion Group Aug. 3, 1pm • Family Resource Center Inc., 4800 Golf Rd., Suite 450, Eau Claire • FREE • frcec.org/upcoming-events Learn how to keep track of sleep patterns to better understand them and strategies for preventing these problems. Finally, you’ll design a plan for developing good bedtime routines in your family.
The Power of Positive Parenting Jul. 20,
7-8:30pm; Aug. 17, 7-8:30pm • Family Resource Center Inc., 4800 Golf Rd., Suite 450, Eau Claire • FREE • 833-1735 • frcec.org/upcoming-events Positive Parenting Program, also known as Triple P, is a researched-based, preventively oriented program that aims to promote positive, caring relationships between parents and their children,
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and help parents develop effective management strategies for dealing with a variety of childhood behavioral and emotional problems and common developmental issues.
Baby & Me Jul. 28, 10-11am; Aug. 25, 10-11am •
Irvine Park, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • FREE • Age 0-11 months • 720-1841 • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com This is a special Baby & Me, you’ll be getting together to walk & talk! Meet at Irvine Park by the duck pond and take a stroll with the babies while you chat with other families. Older siblings are welcome.
La Leche League of Eau Claire meeting Aug. 2,
9:30-11am; Sep. 13, 6:30-8pm; Oct. 4, 6:30-8pm; Nov. 1, 9:30-11am; Dec. 6, 6:30-8pm • Hosted Virtually • christinelllec@gmail.com • facebook. com/llleauclaire La Leche League offers peer support to lactating parents and any parent who wants to feed their baby human milk. A typical meeting includes informal topical discussion led by a leader, as well as lots of time for sharing questions or concerns and encouraging one another. Children/ support people are welcome at meetings. Come late or leave early as needed.
KIDS CLASSES
Grown up and Little Exploratory Art Class Jul.
22, 9-10am; Jul. 29, 9-10am • Artisan Forge Studios, 1106 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire • $20 • Ages 3-5 • bloomcommunityart.com An hour long exploratory art class! Anyone can bring their little with, whether its mom, grandpa, aunt, or family friend! Art classes are built to help artists work on their fine motor skills and creativity.
Mindful Kids Art + Yoga Workshop: Connectedness Jul. 25, 3-4:30pm • The Center, 3701 E.
Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • $39/child • Ages 4-8 • (715) 514-3700 • tuningtree.com Weaves art and yoga into a beautiful tapestry of tools for greater emotional balance. Each child will go home with materials they made at the end of each workshop to stay connected to the theme discussed that day.
Adaptive Art Group Studio Jul. 28, 9-10:45am •
Artisan Forge Studios, 1106 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire • $40 • All Ages • bloomcommunityart.com Adaptive Art Studio was created to give access to art making for people with disabilities. Exploring a new medium each week.
Chippewa Valley Museum: Time Travelers
Every Tuesday until Aug. 10, 10:30am-noon •
Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire • $12 + Materials Fees/Session; Members Materials Fees Only • 6-12 year olds • cvmuseum.com A new adventure in history each week. Each class includes hands-on projects, like paper-making, and special experiences, including a curator’s workshop just for kids.
OUTDOORS
A Falconry Program Aug. 19, 6-7pm • Augusta
Lions Hall, 200 E. Lincoln St., Augusta • FREE • Ages 12 and up • (715) 286-2070 • bit.ly/ falcon2021 Susan Warner will discuss the art of falconry, share her personal stories, and introduce her hunting partner Eli, a red-tailed hawk. Register online to reserve a seat.
Scheels Feed Your Passion Outdoor Recreation Series Third Tuesday until Dec. 21, 6-8pm • River Prairie Park Pavilion C, 1419 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $5/person/class • Ages 5+ Scheels
experts will host a monthly class to talk about outdoor activities including yoga, golf, hiking, fishing, archery, hunting, outdoor winter, and fitness tracking.
yecpubliclibrary.info A family storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and more. Bring a blanket and find a spot in the grass, or sit on the benches, for this in-person storytime experience.
Girl Scout Daisy / Brownie Day Camp Jul. 15,
Baby/Toddler Storytime Online Every Tuesday
10am-3pm; Aug. 11, 10am-3pm • Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Camp Nawakwa, 25336 County Hwy E, Cornell, Wi • $25 (includes annual membership for NEW INCOMING Girl Scouts)) • Girls entering Kindergarten through 3rd grade • rerickson@gsnwgl.org Sample Girl Scout Camp. Get a tour, sing camp songs, activities/games, crafts, and go swimming. Bring own lunch, swimsuit/towel. Parent welcome to stay. Email for registration information.
STORYTIMES
Storytime in the Park Every Monday until Aug. 9, 10am • Owen Park Bandshell, 1st Ave. and Water St., Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • 839-5007 •
until Jul. 28, 10am • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library • Ages 0-2 • 839-5007 • ecpubliclibrary. info/kids/storytime-online/ Featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and more, these interactive storytimes foster of a love of reading and promote the development of early literacy skills. Registration is required.
Family Storytime Online Every Wednesday until
Jul. 28, 10am • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library • Ages 3-6 • 839-5007 • ecpubliclibrary.info. Featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and more, these interactive storytimes foster of a love of reading and promote the development of early literacy skills. Registration is required.
Party at the Park Storytime Every Wednesday
until Jul. 28, 10:30-11am • Riverfront Park, Bridge St. and River St., Chippewa Falls • FREE
• Family • (715) 723-1146 • chippewafallslibrary. org Join the Chippewa Falls Public Library for stories, songs, rhymes and more at Riverfront Park, weather permitting.
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Movies at the Chippewa Riverfront Aug. 7, 8pm
• Riverfront Park, Bridge St. and River St., Chippewa Falls • FREE • Find it on Facebook Watch a movie under the stars on a large projection screen. A limited number of food trucks will be available.
Summer Kids Movies at Micon 8 Every Wednesday, Thursday until Aug. 5, 10am • Micon Cinemas Chippewa Falls, 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • $2 admission • miconcinemas. com Kids movies at the Chippewa Falls Micon. Popcorn and soda are $1.50 each.
Summer Kids Movies at Micon 7 Every Monday, Tuesday until Aug. 3, 10am • Micon Cinemas Eau Claire, 3109 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • $2 admission
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• miconcinemas.com/eau_claire.html Kids movies at the Eau Claire Micon. Popcorn and soda are $1.50 each.
ECCT Presents: “Treasure Island” Jul. 22,
10-10:45am, 1:30-2:15pm, 6:30-7:15pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $5 • All Ages • (715) 839-8877 • info@ecct.org • ecct. org/tickets A fun pirate play for the whole family, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel.
ECCT Presents: “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty”
Jul. 31, 2-3:15pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $5 • All Ages • (715) 839-8877 • info@ecct.org • ecct.org/tickets A beautiful musical version of the classic fairytale story.
APW presents Summer Meltdown Featuring Current Impact Superstar Hernandez Aug. 28,
5-9pm • Eau Claire Sport Warehouse, 2983 11th St., Eau Claire • $30 for Front Row, $25 for 2nd row, $15 for GA, FREE for kids 8 and under • All Ages • (715) 404-8737 • More on Facebook Featuring TNA tag team champion (LAX) and current Impact Wrestling Superstar, “Super-Mex”Hernandez, among other highlights.
Hallie Block Party featuring Showtime Professional Wrestling Sep. 11, 6pm • Eagle’s Club,
2588 Hallie Rd., Chippewa Falls • Ticket fee TBA • Find it on Facebook More details TBA.
MTG Presents: “HONK! Jr.” Aug. 6, 7pm; Aug.
7, 2pm; Aug. 8, 2pm • Wilson Park Bandshel, Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • $9 for adults and $6 for children • All Ages • (715) 231-7529 • menomonietheaterguild.org Based on one of the most beloved fables, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, HONK! JR. is sure to delight audiences with its sparkling wit, unique charm and endearing message. Cash or check only.
Ski Sprites Water Ski Show Every Wednesday,
Saturday until Sep. 5, 6:30pm • Lake Altoona County Beach, 604 Beach Rd., Altoona • FREE event admission, but a $5/car Eau Claire county parking permit is required • All ages • (715) 5590309 • SkiSprites.com The Ski Sprites are back this year with waterskiing shows.
F A M I LY F U N
National Night Out Aug. 3, 5:30-8pm • Carson
Park, 100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • FREE • More on Facebook Carnival games, dunk tank, food, inflatables, music, prizes, and more. Eau Claire Parks, Recreation, & Forestry partners with the Eau Claire Police Department, DECI, Visit Eau Claire, Community Parks Association and the National Night Out Committee.
Family Night in the Park Aug. 7, 5-9pm • Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE • Find it on Facebook Family Night in the Park is a fun, FREE event for the whole family. Music, food, games, and fun. Outdoor movie at 9pm.
Menomonie Airfest & Autorama Aug. 7, 8am •
Menomonie Municipal Airport, 1390 Indianhead Dr., Menomonie • FREE to spectate, additional activities may cost extra • menomonieairfest.com Wander through the car show, enjoy a pancake breakfast, beer garden, food vendors, see planes landing and taking off, and enjoy kids activities like inflatables, painting a real car and more. Precision driving course, radar run, drone races, and helicopter rides.
Pure Water Days Parade Aug. 14, 1-2pm •
Downtown Chippewa Falls, North Bridge Street, North Bay Street, and North High Street, Chippewa Falls • FREE • All Ages • teri@cfms.us • chippewafallsmainst.org Head downtown for the annual Pure Water Days Parade and enjoy over 70 floats, walkers, and animal units.
Pure Water Days Riverfest Aug. 14, 2-8pm • Riverfront Park, Bridge St. and River St., Chippewa Falls • FREE Entry • All Ages • teri@cfms.us • chippewafallsmainst.org Bring the family down to Riverfront Park for giant inflatables and games, live music, food trucks, a beer tent, arts and crafts vendors, and more!
St. James Summer Fest Aug. 14, 4:30pm; Aug. 15, 11:30pm • St. James the Greater, 2502 11th
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Street, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 8355887 • stjameseauclaire.org Car show, live music, cornhole tournament, grilled chicken dinner, kids and family games, virtual silent auction, teen area, face painting, balloon and caricature artists, food truck, outdoor mass, movie night, and more.
Big Rig Truck Show Every Day from Aug. 20 to
Aug. 22 • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls • $5 • All Ages • 559-1708 • bigrigtruckshows.com The Big Rig Truck Show, located in the heart of the country, is one of the Midwest’s premier Truck Shows. This year’s show boasts one of the best entertainment line-ups in the entire Truck Show circuit.
Clear Water Kiwanis Doll & Pet Parade Aug. 29, 1-4pm • Owen Park, 1st Ave. and Water St., Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • info@clearwaterkiwanis.org • clearwaterkiwanis.org
KIDS EVENTS
Teen Grab and Gather: Candy Face-Off Jul. 22,
7pm • Hosted Online by the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library • FREE, Registration required • Grades 6-12 • (715) 839-5007 • • ecpubliclibrary. info/teens/summer-events/ Hang out with other teens on Zoom and help decide which candy bar is the WORST in this taste test challenge. Materials provided.
Chippewa Valley Railroad Train Rides at Carson Park Every Sunday until Sep. 5, noon-5pm • Carson Park, 100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • $3 Adults, $2 Children, FREE for ages 2 and under • All Ages • chippewavalleyrailroad.org Enjoy a scenic, half-mile train ride located in Eau Claire’s premier Carson Park presented by the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association. A coalfired steam engine pulls one train, a G-16 gasoline powered-streamliner pulls the other.
Virtual Read Me a Book Club: Beastly Reads
Jul. 19, 4:15-5pm; Jul. 26, 4:15-5pm • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library, 2725 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • FREE • For kids entering grades K-2 and their grown-ups. • 839-5007 • ecpubliclibrary. info Read along and listen to an assortment of fiction and nonfiction books featuring beasts both mythical and real.
Outdoor Playgroup Jul. 27, 9:30-10:30am; Aug.
10, 9:30-10:30am; Aug. 17, 9:30-10:30am; Aug. 24, 9:30-10:30am; Aug. 31, 9:30-10:30am • Irvine Park, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 0-5 years • (715) 720-1841 • • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com Playgroups include parent-child activities, storytime, singing & dancing, snacks, and crafts to-go. Each family will have their own space. Limited space available. Registration required.
Summer Park Tours: Riverview Park Aug. 4,
9:30-10:30am • Riverview Park, Hwy 27, Cadott • FREE • 0-5 years • (715) 720-1841 • rsfcparenteducator@fsccf.org • RiverSourceFamilyCenter. com Explore parks around Chippewa County. Enjoy outside play with a to-go snack and craft and fill your “Passport” with all of your Chippewa County Park travels.
Teen Litwits Book Club, Virtual Edition Aug. 10,
6:30pm • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library, 2725 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • FREE • Grades 6-12 • (715) 839-5007 • ysstaff@eauclaire.lib. wi.us • ecpubliclibrary.info/teens/summer-events/ A VIRTUAL Teen Litwits, where you can talk about books you love (or hate) without fear of non-readers getting you down. Registration is required.
Summer Park Tours: Riverfront Park Aug. 18,
9:30-10:30am • Riverfront Park, 12 S Bridge St, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 0-5 years • (715) 720-1841 • rsfcparenteducator@fsccf.org • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com Explore parks around Chippewa County. Enjoy outside play with a to-go snack and craft and fill your “Passport” with all of your Chippewa County Park travels.
Book Scouts Virtual Book Club Jul. 15, 6-7pm;
Aug. 19, 6-7pm • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library, 2725 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • FREE • Grades 3-5 • (715) 839-5007 • ysstaff@eauclaire. lib.wi.us • ecpubliclibrary.info/kids/club
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