Volume One | Sept. 2, 2021

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Issue # 433 • September 2, 2021

Owner + Publisher + Creative Director

Office / Store 205 N. Dewey Street Downtown Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 552-0457

Nick Meyer nick@volumeone.org ext: 214

Editorial + Content MANAGING EDITOR

About Us

THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY’S LEADING INDEPENDENTLY OWNED COMMUNITY VOICE

Tom Giffey tom@volumeone.org ext: 221

Staff Notes

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rebecca Mennecke rebecca@volumeone.org ext: 261 LISTINGS EDITOR

James Johonnott james@volumeone.org ext: 215

Memberships + Subscriptions

Advertising + Digital Marketing MEDIA STRATEGY DIRECTOR

Brian Maki brian@volumeone.org ext: 211 SR. MEDIA STRATEGIST

Chase Kunkel chase@volumeone.org ext: 213

Video + Photo + Design VIDEO & PHOTO DIRECTOR

Joel Pearish joel@volumeone.org ext: 260 WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN

Don Ross don@volumeone.org ext: 219 GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Taylor McCumber taylor@volumeone.org ext: 222 GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hleeda Lor hleeda@volumeone.org ext: 220 PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrea Paulseth andrea@volumeone.org

Retail + Gallery LOCAL STORE DIRECTOR

Volume One’s Two-Week Publication Schedule Will Return, Sooner or Later FROM VOLUME ONE PUBLISHER NICK MEYER

LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME, AS WE ALL WALKED INTO THE FOG OF OUR FIRST COVID FALL, Volume One debuted several substantial changes to our publication in print and online – a new format, new design, and a new approach to what and how we cover our community.

At that same time, due to the impact of the pandemic, we also made a short-term change in the frequency of our publication schedule, cutting back from producing a print edition every two weeks to making one every three weeks. This strategy was set up to help us deal with several COVID stressors for the business, as well as for the families of our staff. It helped us reduce costs, and it generally created space for us to navigate the changing waters around us.

We’re now a year into that plan, and unfortunately, we’re still on the same

Lindsey Quinnies lindsey@volumeone.org ext: 217

three-week schedule. The difference may seem negligible, but for our business it’s a bit more complex. In short, fewer issues means fewer pages for content, which meant we had to forgo some of our annual features, sections, and projects, and thus the revenue associated with those opportunities.

While we intend to get things back to “normal” sooner or later, a variety of little things – from staffing plans to special projects to COVID variants – have kept us thus far from flipping the switch back. But know that we eventually will, it’s just a matter of timing. Business-wise, thankfully things are stable and moving in the right direction. But pandemic-wise, things are still playing out. So know that we’re watching, and waiting, and hoping to be back at full-tilt in the coming months. And as always, thank you for your support.

V1 Online

Andy Norrish andy@volumeone.org ext: 224

Advertising Info For information about ad rates & sizes in print or online, or about digital marketing including email, video, or social media and more, email: advertising@volumeone.org or call (715) 552-0457.

Partner Content Volume One occasionally partners with local organizations to create content in print and online that may be of interest to thousands of readers throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Articles or videos 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.

Contributors + Submissions If you’d like to become an occasional or regular contributor, please email tom@ volumeone.org. There are opportunities for paid writing, photography, and cover art, though most contributions are unpaid. We also welcome the submission of ideas or completed works from the community for publication consideration.

Internships are available for a number of exciting and interesting positions including writing/editing, photography, sales/marketing, illustration, and more. Contact us to learn more.

Elise Chapin + Jada Evans + Maggie Israel + Bonni Knight + Tasha Howison + Matt Novacek + Nat Adams + Soren Staff

OFFICE MANAGER / BOOKKEEPER

You can support Volume One with a membership, subscription, or by shopping at The Local Store. Visit VolumeOne.org/membership for options, or call (715) 552-0457.

For annual subscriptions of 26 issues and special publications, mail a check for $65 (covering postage) to the address above.

Internships

LOCAL STORE STAFF

Office + Distribution

Volume One is the leading locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused media organization in our market. We’re a collection of print and online publications; a video, design, and digital marketing company; an event production and ticketing company; and a mission-driven retail operation. In print we typically distribute 13,000 copies to 500+ locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, and other communities 26 times/year. Online at VolumeOne.org we garner nearly 5 million annual pageviews, have a weekly email network of more than 30,000 people, and we connect daily with another 30,000 on social media. The magazine was co-founded in 2002 by Dale Karls & Nick Meyer.

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Exclusive online content and digital goodness await you at VolumeOne.org. Visit our website for our robust online events calendar, videos, interactive content, comments, discussion, and much much more.

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© 2021 Contributed writing, artwork, and photography in Volume One remains the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS

Tom Jannusch + Matt Novacek + Daniel Wewusson

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| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

@VolumeOne

@VolumeOne

/VolumeOneMag

ASSOC IATION OF ALTER N ATIVE N EWSMEDIA

Contributors MIKE PAULUS doesn’t

* PARKER REED

WRITER

WRITER

wants to thank the man who invented the number zero. Thanks for nothing.

COVER ARTIST

CHARLES DAVIS be-

JOE NIESE wonders WRITER

lieves some people say their age backwards to make themselves feel younger. Not him: 56 is still 65, some things just don’t add up.

WRITER

WRITER

+ REONNA HUETTNER may have

WRITER

four cats, but that doesn’t really make her a crazy cat lady ... right?

INTERN

need any more podcast recommendations, but boy oh boy, does he have some for you.

ELANA DRESEN

could be in a Colgate toothpaste commercial.

what his 20-year-old self would say about all the mustards he’s gotten into in his 40s.

CAITLIN BOYLE is

just chillin’.

KELLIE WILLIAMS

was not ashamed to be the first in line for a pumpkin spice latte.

WRITER

WRITER

KATY HACKWORTHY MEASHA VIETH is

happy to be back and connecting with artistic peeps.

wonders if her extensive lyrical knowledge of 2006 Top 40 hits is worth including on a resume.

WRITER

a lot of stories from her time interning.

Literally.

EVA PAULUS smells Halloween on the horizon.

WRITER

ILLUSTRATOR

INTERN

NATALIE DERKS SAWYER HOFF has

finally got meow-ied and thoroughly looks forward to stealing all of her husband’s salt and vinegar chips for the rest of his life.

+ ASHLIE FANETTI

corrects autocorrect more than it corrects her.

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS: Rebecca White Body, Ryan Mezera, Nicole Withers, Barbara Arnold, Ron Davis, Marcie Pannell, Taylor Smith

+ NEW CONTRIBUTOR

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* BIO OF THE FORTNIGHT

On The Cover “Creative Vision” (2021) color illustration 11” x 17” by Charles Davis • From the artist: “Most of the time people don’t look into a mirror and see life as I do. I see a whole realm of possibilities on the other side of that glass window in front of me. My imagination envisions a whole new world almost exactly as I see a white sheet of paper. Just the thought of ideas as endless as the stars, and yet out of it all, I picture one idea and draw it into reality. I think art has always been an escape for me which is why I’m still sane. Take my advice, pullout a white piece of paper and it might do your stress level wonders.” | SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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GLAZING GOURDS. Every year, Jon Chapman and Dawn Passineau of The Glass Orchard create hundreds of intricate glass pumpkins, transforming molten glass into custom creations of various sizes, shapes, and colors. On Oct. 3, 4, 10, and 11, they will have more than 800 glass pumpkins for sale at their orchard, 130 Deerfield Road, Eau Claire.

Voice

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Thoughts

People

Numbers

CHANGING SEASONS, CHANGING ATTITUDES

QUESTIONING THE LOCALS: DALLAS BENNETT

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS: U.S. CENSUS EDITION

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THOUGHTS • PEOPLE • LOCAL STUFF • NUMBERS • QUOTES | SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Voice

Thoughts

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE, SO SHOULD OUR ATTITUDES FINDING JOY IN LIFE’S SIMPLEST PLEASURES ISN’T A LUXURY AMID TOUGH TIMES. TO SURVIVE, WE NEED TO MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO THRIVE. words by

“I want to study joy. Joy, to me – adult joy – is constituted as much by our sorrow as it is by our happiness. Joy is not joy without knowing that we’re all going to die. Pain is present constantly in our lives.” –Ross Gay I’M SURE MANY OF US WOULD LIKE TO THINK WE LEARNED SOMETHING about finding joy amid tough times in the past year, but I think most of us barely scraped through. How, among such persistent obstacles and grief, are we expected to seek delight with a wide open heart? I cast my own doubts; from the COVID 19 pandemic to the uprisings in Minneapolis to the specific traumas I’ve experienced on a micro level, it would be easy to get sucked into a whirlpool of negativity. Despite all of that, though, poet Ross Gay’s insistence on excavating each day for small joys has been the blueprint with which I’ve tried to build my life throughout this time.

I first encountered Ross Gay’s A Book of Delights sitting on the corner

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katy hackworthy •

illustration by

eva paulus

DESPITE THE COLLECTIVE SORROW AND GRIEF WE’VE EXPERIENCED AND CONTINUE T O C O N T E N D W I T H , I K N O W I ’ V E C U LT I VAT E D A G R E AT E R A P P R E C I AT I O N F O R T H E S M A L L D E L I G H T S T H AT P A I N T J O Y I N O U R L I V E S . of a sprawling handmade bookshelf while housesitting for a friend. When I picked it up, my friend assured me I’d enjoy it, so it became my companion for the week or so I visited his home. When it came time for his family’s return, my friend graciously let me keep the collection of essays, unknowingly passing me a key with which to unlock parts of myself I hadn’t previously accessed.

Despite the collective sorrow and grief we’ve experienced and continue to contend with, I know I’ve cultivated a greater appreciation for the small delights that paint the joy in our lives. Looking ahead to the

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

impending changing of the seasons, I’m grateful to not neglect small joys, and to excavate each day for the delights scattered throughout them.

So much of this past year or so has been an equal parts painful and euphoric crash course in what it means to experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. It’s easy to skip over the goodness when remembering the tough stuff, like fractured relationships, unstable housing, and countless struggles that have left me questioning where I am and where I want to be. It’s easy to forget to smile when your city is burning and your neighbors are being displaced,

abused, and even killed. On top of all that, we’re still living through a global pandemic – one that seems to constantly change its course.

But then I recall the good in the world: the blackcap bushes, a child’s giggles glorious under the afternoon sun. I recall the first time I rode my bike free of fear, the countless meals in my neighborhood park with lovers and friends – both six feet apart and as close as two people might be. I conjure up fires near frozen rivers and on frigid nights, how they kept me cozy in more ways than one.

Yes, there is uncertainty as we look ahead to the coming months.

But there are a few things I’m certain of: The leaves will change and crunch under my boots while I relish that first deep breath of autumn air; the pots of soup on the stove will warm my belly, my hands, and hopefully the hearts of those I share them with; and I have an army of people, including so many folks in this community, who will be there through it all. I hope you, too, allow the small joys to reverberate in these coming days, and never, ever forget to hold each other.

Thoughts

3 THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW DOGGIE SWIM FEST, A COW THAT WENT VIRAL, AND APPLE WINE

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

PHOTO VIA WQOW NEWS 18

SUBMITTED PHOTO

IF YOU THOUGHT SWIMMING POOLS WERE ONLY FOR HUMANS, think again! On Aug. 29, Fairfax Pool in Eau Claire invited local pups to splash in the end of summer with their annual Doggie Swim Fest, where local canine companions took a dip for the day – and no humans were allowed! Dogs got to try out water retrieval challenges, open swim, and a lure course. Proceeds benefitted Eau Claire’s Off-Leash Dog Park.

TELL ME YOU LIVE IN WISCONSIN without telling me you live in Wisconsin. For one woman, it was the moment she saw “a whole freaking cow!” on her way through a McDonald’s drive thru in Marshfield. She captured a video that she posted to Facebook, which garnered 50,000 views by the next morning. The driver had bought the cow at a fair, along with two calves that were chilling out in the backseat.

FERGUSON’S ORCHARDS IN EAU CLAIRE TRULY HAS IT ALL: an orchard filled with apple trees, apple cannons, caramel apples, apple cider, apple jam, apple cider donuts, and – new this year – apple wine. New this year to the Eau Claire orchards is their Ferguson Wine collection, featuring a Dry Red, Sweet White, and (of course) an Apple Wine. Check out their orchards to snag a bottle, or visit fergusonsorchard.org.

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Thoughts

THE COMMENT SECTION C HOIC E C OM M E N TS F ROM OU R SO CI A L F E E DS “ Wh at a g uy, we ’re so p ro u d of o u r newest operations & media manager here at @blueoxrunning ... although @alexrongstad has been with us in The # B l u e O x H E R D s i n c e (b e f o r e) d ay o n e .

Fu n f a c t: A l ex b o u g h t t h e F I R S T PA I R of shoes @blueoxrunning ever sold two days before our official launch / first day back in October 2017! –Adam” @blueoxrunning, commenting on an Aug. 25 post about Alex Rongstad, who aims to run every street in Eau Claire by the end of the year. (via Instagram)

“A b s o l u t e l y FA N TA S T I C . E x t r e m e l y c o o l a n d BA DAS S. YO U R O C K!! P S: I ’d te l l EVERYONE if I raced! SO COOL.” Melissa K. Nikolaus Jolin. commenting on an Aug. 24 post about local racer Kennedy Swan winning the Track Championship at Red Cedar Speedway in the Midwest Modifieds Division. (via Facebook)

“ H o w l o n g t i l i t b e c o m e s a Kw i k Tr i p . . . ” Caleb Horne. commenting on an Aug. 23 post about local pizzeria Pizza Del Re going up for sale. (via Facebook)

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People

QUESTIONING THE LOCALS FREE-WHEELIN’ DISCUSSION WITH LOCAL FOLKS

IF YOU SEE A BEARDED, BLUE-COLLAR BUSINESS OWNER who works hard and plays hard, it might just be Dallas Bennett of Bennett Guitar Company, tucked away in Artisan Forge Stu-

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

dios. Bennett opened the

Name: Dallas Bennett.

full-service fretted instru-

Neighborhood you live in, city: South

ment repair shop in 2018,

side of Eau Claire.

offering consigned instru-

How long have you lived in the Chippewa Valley? On and off for 20 years.

ments and new products.

“If it’s work, it is long hours and late nights,” the music enthusiast said. “If it is play, it is getting lost on a lake or river, chasing fish, or driving a local disc golf fairway.

And – of course – strumming a few strings along the way.”

Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had in your current job. Every day I get to go to work is rewarding.

Every customer is a privilege (to work with) and (is) very fulfilling to me.

What is the best guitar you’ve ever played? Truth is I love them all.

Stringed instruments have a way of plucking at my soul.

What is the worst guitar you’ve ever had to fix? I once cleaned a guitar with 1/16” thick layer of aged ciga-

rette tar over the entire instrument.

Took six hours just disassemble, clean, and reassemble.

built by the lumberjacks.

What place in town considers you a “regular”? Cousins Subs.

What is one locally created song you wish could be blasted through Downtown every day for a year? “Run

What’s your passion? Music, art, the outdoors, gardening, fishing, and disc golf.

What is one of the best experiences you’ve had in the Chippewa Valley?

Playing the local disc golf courses – and sharing enjoyment with the people that play them.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia? I love that Eau Claire was originally a major lumber town with two large rivers, as well as two major forest systems – and that a lot of the old-style Victorian houses were

Rock Fest or Country Fest? Rock Fest.

Rabbit Run” by The Rock Creek Song Dogs.

What do you think the Chippewa Valley really needs? Better designed intersections.

If you could play kubb with one person from Eau Claire, who would it be? My old classmate Nick, who just finished third in the world.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Mother’s Day brunch from Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse.

Dallas’ Shoutouts C H I P P E WA VA L L E Y DISC GOLF O R G A N I Z AT I O N .

SWEET DRIVER C H O C O L AT E S .

CVDGO and its members have done a fantastic job of growing the sport. If you have never played, you’re truly missing out on a great part of what the Valley has to offer.

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If you have a sweet tooth and haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out.

!

POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, AND H E A LT H C A R E WORKERS. Thank you for your service during a difficult time in our country.

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People

Notable + Quotable H E A R D A R O U N D T H E C H I P P E WA VA L L E Y THIS WILL

By wearing masks indoors in our schools, we can significantly reduce the impact of quarantines on students and staff who have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

BE MY LAST TERM IN OFFICE. I WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION. ... “I’VE RUN OUT OF GAS. U.S. REP. RON KIND, a Democrat from La Crosse, announcing his decision to retire at the end of his 13th term in Congress. Kind has represented the 3rd Congresssional District, which includes Eau Claire, since 1997. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Aug. 10)

MIKE JOHNSON, Eau Claire Area School District superintendent, in announcing that all district students will have to wear masks indoors this fall.

(Leader-Telegram, Aug. 25)

The choice to settle these cases were business decisions made by the City of Eau Claire’s insurance company, and focused primarily on the costs of litigation rather than on the facts of each case.

INTERIM CITY MANAGER DAVID SOLBERG AND POLICE CHIEF MATT ROKUS, on the decision by the city’s insurance carrier to settle two separate federal lawsuits against Eau Claire police officers. One settlement, for a man who was shot twice during an arrest, was for $725,000; the other, for a man punched in the face by an officer, was for $325,000. (Leader-Telegram, Aug. 24)

Haiku News local goings-on as poetry Eau Claire County gets new district attorney: gov picks Peter Rindahl the state’s highest court won’t toss Dane County mask rule keep faces covered meanwhile, close to home Menomonie schools say masks will be optional U.S. troops withdraw Afghan allies seek safety some to Fort McCoy

Soapbox

Stop Feeding Climate Change words by

rebecca white body

“DON’T EAT YOUR SEED CORN” IS ADVICE WHOSE WISDOM HAS ECHOED DOWN THE CENTURIES. Its logic is obvious: The temporary benefit you gain today will be more than offset by the starvation you and your family will face in the future. And yet that’s exactly what we’re doing when we close our eyes to the devastation of climate change.

While the seed corn in this case is metaphorical, the same principle applies. When we continue to rely on fossil fuels, and even invest in MORE fossil fuel infrastructure, we’re prior-

itizing personal and economic convenience over the well-being of future generations.

Let’s stop eating our seed corn.

Let’s stop feeding the climate change that’s already intensifying droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires. Let’s invest in the wide range of alternatives that are already meeting our energy needs and that are continually being improved as technology increases.

Let’s show our children that their future matters to us.

Want to Get on the Soapbox? words by

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tom giffey

D R O P U S A L I N E AT E D I T O R I A L @ V O L U M E O N E . O R G

Crunching the Numbers: Census Edition

Eau Claire’s Population Over Time

80,000

P O P U L AT I O N

70,000

60,000

50,000

61,704 51,509

37,987 30,745

40,000

30,000

69,421

20,906

IN MID-AUGUST, THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU RELEASED A HOST OF DATA FROM THE 2020 NATIONAL HEADCOUNT. All that information will be critical to redrawing electoral maps, from the size and shape of congressional districts down to city voting wards. Wisconsin grew at a modest 3.6%, reaching 5.9 million residents.

The Chippewa Valley – including the City of Eau Claire – grew at a slighly faster rate. Here are some key stats.

20,000 S OU R C E : U . S . C EN S U S B U R EA U

1920

8th Eau Claire’s rank among Wisconsin cities, up from No. 9 in 2010.

(We surpassed Oshkosh.)

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

5.4% 3,538 105,710 218,077 Eau Claire’s growth during the decade. Among large Wisconsin cities, this was second only to Madison’s 15.7% rate.

Number of residents gained by the City of Eau Claire between the 2010 and 2020 censuses.

Eau Claire County population in the 2020 census, a 7% increase from 2010.

Total population of Eau Claire, Chippewa, and Dunn counties in 2020, up 6.3% from 2010.

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Community

DOWNTOWN RISING. Construction has been ongoing since spring on the Andante development between North Farwell and North Barstow streets, a five-story mixed use building expected to open in mid-2022. Adante is one of more than a dozen ongoing projects in downtown Eau Claire. For details and a map of these projects, see Page 18.

PHOTO BY JOEL PEARISH

News

News

Business

NEW HIGH-SPEED INTERNET PROVIDER APPROVED IN EAU CLAIRE

A GUIDE TO ONGOING DEVELOPMENT IN DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE

NEW DENTAL PRACTICE AIMS TO INCORPORATE MENTAL HEALTH

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NEWS • DEVELOPMENT • BUSINESS • NON-PROFITS • NEIGHBORS • WISCONSIN COMMUNITY EDITOR: TOM GIFFEY

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tom@volumeone.org

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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News FROM

.ORG

TDS Will Built Fiber Network Throughout E.C. words by

tom giffey

RCU THEATRE AT THE PABLO CENTER

A MADISON-BASED COMPANY WILL INSTALL 300 MILES OF FIBER-OPTIC CABLE in Eau Claire in the next two to three years to begin providing high-speed Internet, cable TV, and telephone service to residents and businesses. Once its network is fully built, TDS Telecom intends to offer service to all residents and businesses within the city limits of Eau Claire, as well as to eventually serve customers in Altoona and Chippewa Falls, a company official told the Eau Claire City Council on Aug. 17. Ultimately, TDS aims to be able to serve 50,000 customers in the Chippewa Valley, said Josh Worrell, a business development manager for TDS. However, because of right-of-way issues and topography, it may be too costly to serve certain areas, he added.

Most of the infrastructure will be installed below ground, but some equipment will be above ground, including 13 large boxes, or nodes, that will likely be placed on public property. The City Council voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding between TDS and the city outlining the terms of the installation, which will use public right-of-way. No city funds will be used for the privately owned network, which will serve paying customers. Under the agreement, costs incurred by the city for engineering work and to locate utility lines will be reimbursed by TDS. Worrell said that initial speeds on the network will be about 300 Mbps (megabits per second), but could reach 1 or 2 gigabits per second in the future. The TDS service will compete with incumbent providers, such as AT&T and Spectrum. TDS is headquartered in Madison and provides more than 1.2 million connections in about 1,000 communities across 32 states.

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Eau Claire

VAX UP, MASK UP PABLO CENTER WILL REQUIRE PATRONS TO BE VACCINATED OR PROVE NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST TO ATTEND EVENTS words by

tom giffey • photo by mike o’brien

policy was created with advice from THE PABLO CENTER AT THE CONFLUENCE local public health authorities on HAS A SIMPLE MESSAGE for patrons how to best hold large indoor events who will attend performances at the safely. In addition, venue this fall: Either it reflects similar get vaccinated or rules adopted by be able to demonvenues across the strate that you’re United States, as IT COMES DOWN COVID-19 negative. well as conditions In addition, mandated by tourT O PAT R O N unless they are ing performers and eating or drinking, shows.

EXPERIENCE patrons will be For example, asked to wear a face nationwide concert AND ARTIST mask at all times and ticketing cominside the venue. pany Live Nation S A F E T Y, A N D The Pablo recently announced Center, which will a similar policy THE ABILITY TO reopen Sept. 11 for its venues and after being closed festivals, starting ENSURE WE CAN for 18 months in October, while because of the coroBroadway theaters PRODUCE THE navirus pandemic, in New York are announced Aug. requiring vaccinaARTISTS WE’VE 26 that it would be tions (with a few enacting a series exceptions). of safety measures.

CONTRACTED. “It comes down The rules will be to patron experi–JASON JON ANDERSON, reviewed on Nov. 1.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PABLO CENTER ence and artist safe“This isn’t a ty, and the ability political statement; to ensure we can produce the artists it’s the recognition that science has we’ve contracted,” Anderson said of proven that vaccines protect from the the rules, noting certain performers worst potential outcomes of getting are requiring masking or vaccine COVID-19,” the announcement read. rules at the venues they visit. Not Jason Jon Anderson, the Pablo adopting such rules would mean Center’s executive director, said the

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canceling these shows, paying the artists’ fees, and refunding patrons’ tickets, too, he said.

The reaction to the policy from ticketholders was mixed, Anderson said, with some supporting the guidelines and others expressing frustration about them.

“This is not a popularity contest,” Anderson said. “It’s about having safe, wonderful events with the talent that people expect us to present.”

Anderson added that the Pablo Center plans to reconsider its COVID-19 guidelines every two months, and it could also ease them if conditions warrant. “We very much look forward to returning to the style of presentation of events that we all want to see,” he said.

The fourth season of performances at the Pablo Center, which was announced over the summer, including touring Broadway productions (Waitress, Rent, and STOMP), numerous long-standing favorites (Lorie Line, George Winston, Tonic Sol-Fa), Wisconsin originals (Chris Kroeze, Them Coulee Boys, Charlie Behrens), classical and jazz performances (such as Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis), comedy (the Found Footage Festival, Bill Engvall, Whose Live Anyway?), and hundreds of other performances.

Veterans

VFW Post 305 Celebrates 100 Years of Fellowship, Service words by

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 305 IN EAU CLAIRE – which was founded in 1921 and is the second oldest VFW Post in Wisconsin – will hold a daylong gathering on Saturday, Sep. 18, to celebrate a century of service to the community.

The anniversary event will host Wisconsin State Commander Cory L. Geisler as guest speaker and will include the dedication of a memorial bench to honor the sacrifice of VFW members and their role in the community.

The bench will sit on the deck outside their historic dining room, overlooking Dells Pond.

“It was decided a few years ago to celebrate this 100 year milestone in a special way,” said VFW Post Quartermaster Clint Rudesill. “We have a great place to gather with a wonderful view.”

The post, 1300 Starr Ave., provides extensive support to community veterans organizations, including the Wisconsin Chippewa

ryan mezera

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Valley Veterans Home, according to Rudesill. The post also lends a helping hand to a variety of community organizations, such as Girl Scouts of America, local high schools, and the Eau Claire Babe Ruth baseball organization.

“Post 305 has focused on com-

munity youth activities over the 100 years,” said Gary Culver, who has been a member since 1992 and active post commander for the past 10 years.

With more than 500 veterans as current members, Post 305 relies heavily on veteran partic-

ipation to help with things like volunteering, raising funds, and recruiting.

“We have a great post facility that the veteran members have maintained and improved,” Culver said, “so it is a welcome place for many people and groups to come.”

Rudesill and Culver tip their hats to the Eau Claire community for keeping Post 305 profitable over the years.

Aside from being a place for people to enjoy food and conversation, Post 305 offers its Post Hall and Pavilion as a rental space for a nominal fee, acts as a verified voting site for Eau Claire residents, and grants community teams free access to its volleyball courts, Culver said.

On Sept. 18, Post 305 will serve a $5 lunch, and the anniversary program will run between 11am and noon.

Learn more about VFW Post 305 online at vfwpost305.com.

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THE “ANDANTE” PROJECT, #5 ON THE MAP

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ROYAL CREDIT UNION

ADDRESS: 317 N. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Spring 2022 The Eau Claire-based credit union broke ground for a new office in August on the former site of a Direct Store gas station and John’s Sewing Center. Retail operations from RCU’s branch at 1512 Bellinger St. will relocate to the new site.

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BLOCK 7

ADDRESS: 200 block N. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Unknown Block 7 has been “temporary” parking lot for years. A number of commercial and residential proposals for the 1.6-acre parcel have been made, but nothing has stuck. Howver, in September, the city’s Redevelopment Authority is expected to consider an as-yet-unveiled plan from a private developer.

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Development

RISING ABOVE IN 2021, KEEPING TABS ON ALL THE DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE PROJECTS HAS BEEN CHALLENGING. HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE.

R

ight now, Eau Claire is having somewhat of a moment in development. A variety of residential and commercial structures are going up throughout the city (not an entirely uncommon sight), but nowhere is the density of new construction more apparent than downtown. Fenced off blocks and project areas have popped up this summer from one end of our city’s core to the other. Old buildings are seeing upgrades, others are coming down entirely, and empty lots are giving rise to new infill development – all of which will play host to more residents, businesses, and community organizations.

It’s a burst of energy we haven’t seen since 2015, when multiple cranes dotted the skyline for projects like the Lismore Hotel, Confluence Project, the North Barstow Parking Ramp, and more. Back then, it all felt like an exciting tipping point. And it was. Years of groundwork were finally paying off as substantial private and public investments into the heart of our community were starting to look more viable.

Today, between multi-story apartment buildings, new commercial structures, and renovated public facilities, millions more dollars are being invested in Eau Claire’s central neighborhood. It’s momentum brought for-

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| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

ward from the last decade of modest success, mixed with a bit of excess energy pent-up from the pandemic pause of 2020. Regardless, in downtown Eau Claire today, the progress is palpable.

While our population is growing the second fastest in the state behind only Madison, we can at least be thankful that it’s not all sprawl.

City-center development and density is vital, and proof that our community is growing economically and culturally as well. Even so, often these kinds of downtown projects are looked upon by some with skepticism. And sometimes for good reason. Concerns over housing affordability, commercial vacancies, public investment, or in some cases even basic density issues are topics that can be worthy of discerning discussion. Not to even mention the p-word*.

While we won’t try and sort that all out here today, we did want to provide a quick and handy guide to just what all is going on inside those fences and behind the closed sidewalks all over downtown this season. And as always, feel free to poke around VolumeOne.org for more details on most of these projects and others – there’s always something new to learn about your community. –Nick Meyer

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE

ADDRESS: 100 block N. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: 2022 Fences are up and ground will be broken soon on the new two-story, 23,000-square-foot museum, which will feature innovative timber construction and a “green” roof. It will replace the original museum on South Barstow Street, which closed last year (see number 9).

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SECOND LINER SITE DEVELOPMENT

ADDRESS: 100 block N. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Unknown A proposal by Monarch Ventures for a building next to the future Children’s Museum fell through, but the city expects a new private plan to come forward soon. (The so-called “liner site” is next to the North Barstow parking ramp, on the spot where the Eau Claire post office was once located.)

5

ANDANTE

ADDRESS: 100 N. Farwell St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Summer 2022 Merge Urban Development Group is constructing this five-story building along the Eau Claire River. It will feature ground-level commercial space and 76 apartments on its upper floors, including 28 fully furnished studios.

6

L.E. PHILLIPS MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

ADDRESS: 400 Eau Claire St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2022 The library relocated to a temporary site on Mall Drive this spring to allow for $18.5 million in renovations, including mechanical system upgrades and the addition of a third floor to the 45-year-old building.

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BARSTOW COMMONS

ADDRESS: 131 S. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Summer 2022 The upper four floors of the six-story building housing US Bank are being converted into 28 residential units. Pablo Group says it is working to preserve Art Deco elements of the historic building. The bank and other offices will remain on the lower two floors.

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Entrepreneur Charlee Markquart purchased the former Children’s Museum of Eau Claire building in February with plans to remodel it into a new home for Tokyo Restaurant.

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NEW CONSTRUCTION COMING SOON

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TOKYO RESTAURANT

ADDRESS: 220 S. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Late 2021/early 2022

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Extensive exterior and interior work are ongoing to transform this former store into a restaurant.

NEW TRANSIT CENTER

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Utility work has started on a long-awaited project to replace the current center with a multistory public-private building that will include a transit center, parking, and eventually housing.

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ADDRESS: 400 block S. Farwell St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Late 2022

POTENTIAL FOR CONSTRUCTION

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ADDRESS: 420 S. Barstow St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2022

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ACTIVE NEW CONSTRUCTION

THE GRAND

This six-story structure was built in 1930 and most recently housed a Wells Fargo bank. The top four floors are being converted into 24 apartments. Owner JCap Real Estate will lease the first two stories to commercial tenants and wants to create a rooftop restaurant and bar, though the latter won’t happen until later in 2022.

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ACTIVE RENOVATION

ADDRESS: 204 E. Grand Ave. EST. COMPLETION DATE: December 2021

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DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE HAPPENINGS

TRANSIT CENTER

ADDRESS: 500 block S. Farwell St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2021

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Temporary shelters will soon be installed on a portion of a city parking lot kitty-corner from the existing Transit Center.

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WILSON SQUARE

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ADDRESS: 700 block S. Farwell St. EST. COMPLETION DATE: Summer, fall 2022 JCap Real Estate is constructing two four-story apartment buildings next to Wilson Park: a 40-unit building, which will open June 1, 2022, and a 75-unit building, to be ready by that fall. *Parking. // Project listings compiled by Tom Giffey.

Owen Park MAP & LAYOUT BY TAYLOR MCCUMBER

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Business Opening Soon

NOTHING BUT SMILES S H O O K FA M I LY D E N T A L C O M B I N E S M E N TA L H E A LT H C A R E A N D D E N T I S T RY T O C H A L L E N G E PA T I E N T ’ S D E N T A L A P P R E H E N S I O N S words by

sawyer hoff •

photo by

andrea paulseth

to make dentistry accessible to all, SOME OF THE THINGS MOST EVERYONE he said.

DREADS DOING INCLUDE STANDING IN LINE Shook has plans to implement a AT THE DMV, paying taxes, folding membership system so that patients laundry, and – of course – going to can have what they need done and the dentist. not what their insurance Local dentist John tells them can be done.

Shook is hoping to change SHOOK FAMILY “We want people to stop that last one.

DENTAL thinking of their own health This September, Shook 3838 Talmadge Road as insurance-driven,” Shook Family Dentistry will open (715) 575-9684 shookfamilydental.com said. “And more, ‘What do I on Talmadge Road in Eau actually need?’”

Claire, with the goal of Not only is Shook passionate creating a more welcoming, calming about oral health accessibility, he is dental experience. also passionate about mental health.

Shook grew up with dentists for Shook Family Dental will work with parents, which pushed him to folUplift Counseling to provide more low in their footsteps. Yet, it wasn’t affordable and accessible mental until he ventured to Costa Rica and health resources to help alleviate Nicaragua, where he assisted with dental anxiety. dental work, that he made the official “Everybody can benefit from it,” decision to attend dental school. As Shook said. “I don’t think it should he witnessed the impact that dental be viewed as ‘I have a problem so work has on others, he felt motivated

I need to get help.’ I think literally anybody can go and hopefully get something from it.”

For every five new patients that Shook Family Dental receives, they will be able to sponsor one person to receive counseling from Uplift.

Eventually, Shook hopes to add a type of exposure therapy available to patients who have serious fears of going to the dentist.

“The first step is just making it through the front door and sitting in the waiting room,” Shook said. “And that’s it. Then maybe in the next appointment, you can sit in one of

the chairs. It’s all about small steps.”

Shook is trying to reshape how dentistry has been done by starting his business from scratch, including elements that many other dentistry practices don’t have, such as TV monitors with headsets above patients’ chairs to drown out the sound of drills, or an office specifically dedicated to getting to know your dentist.

“I wanted to create my own culture,” Shook said. “When you buy an office you’re stepping into that culture and you can try all you can, but you’ll never be able to fully change it.”

Open Now

PATINA VINTAGE CO. BRINGS POP OF COLOR TO VINTAGE FURNITURE MARKET BRINGING A FRESH TWIST TO CLASSIC VINTAGE PIECES is a challenge that one local business is ready to tackle. Patina Vintage Company, a new vintage shop, opened on March 1, and aims to bring a pop of color to the vintage furniture market.“The vibe (here) is definitely a focus on adding color to your space,” said Kayla Blue, owner and interior designer. “With Menomonie being a college town, a repurposed furniture store is much needed here.” Blue stakes out estate sales around Wisconsin and Minnesota to find eye-catching vintage pieces. Then, these pieces are modified to keep up with Menomonie’s modern (and predominantly college-aged) demographic. “Solid wood pieces are amazing and have lasted for a generation because they are well-made,” Blue said. “The younger generation does not always want their grandparent’s pieces, but, with a fresh coat of paint, these well-built pieces can survive yet another generation.” This Native American-owned store features furniture, home decor, rugs, lamps, and art and jewelry made by local artists. The business has curated an eclectic display of modern and vintage, with its mix of new pieces from local artisans and modified vintage pieces. Check out Patina Vintage Company at 1302 N. Broadway St., Menomonie on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm, or find them online at facebook.com/patinavintagecompany. –Elana Dresen SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Economy

Economic Development Agency Celebrates Economy of Art Week words by

volume one staff

THE EAU CLAIRE AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. IS SPONSORING A SERIES OF EVENTS in September to celebrate and recognize the impact that the Chippewa Valley’s robust arts scene has on business development in the region. The Economy of Art Weeks runs Sept. 11-18, and involves events at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, Artisan Forge Studios, and Altoona’s River Prairie.

“People often think that creative businesses simply just happen and are present to make life interesting and enjoyable,” the EDC said in a media release. “More than that, the Chippewa Valley has a thriving artist/entertainment environment, which converts into tourism dollars, increased local spending, plus a positive quality of life for our community.”

The week begins with the

re-opening of the Pablo Center at the Confluence, which will host a concert by the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra at 7:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 11, and a show by rock band O.A.R. at 7:30pm the following day. Sunday, Sept. 12, is the date for the first-ever River Prairie Celebration of Art which runs 10am-4pm in Altoona and will include art vendors, food trucks, and live music.

Admission will be free.

On Saturday, Sept. 18, Artisan Forge Studios, 1106 Mondovi Road, will play host to Forge Fest. A free art festival will run 10am to 4pm, and a concert featuring six musical acts starts at 5pm.

(Tickets for the concert are $30.)

An Economy of Art Gala, originally scheduled for the evening of Sept.

16, was canceled because of concerns about COVID-19.

Learn more about the Eau Claire Area EDC at www.eauclaire-wi.com.

Quick Hits RCU GROWS WITH PURCHASE OF MINNESOTA BANK EAU CLAIRE-BASED ROYAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCED IN AUGUST THAT IT WILL BE ACQUIRING LAKE AREA BANK, which operates offices on the eastern side of the Twin Cities metro area. RCU said the acquisition – which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022 – will allow it to serve new members in the region as well as to add accessibility to existing members in Minnesota. Lake Area Bank was founded in 1915 and has offices in Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Hugo, and Lindstrom.

According to a media release, RCU will assume $500 million in total assets from the bank in the transaction. “Royal is excited for the opportunity to bring our value proposition and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives we touch to expanded areas in Minnesota,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union’s president and CEO. “Lake Area Bank is a family-owned financial institution that has served the community for over 100 years. Royal’s values-driven and relationship-based approach to financial management made this acquisition a good fit for our credit union.” RCU first expanded into Minnesota in 2016 when it acquired Deerwood Bank in Apple Valley and Capital Bank in Saint Paul. RCU currently has more than 230,000 members in 26 counties in Wisconsin and 16 counties in Minnesota.

CV MUSEUM GETS DECI FUNDS TO REPRINT BIKE MAPS DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE INC. HAS AWARDED A $2,000 GRANT TO THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY MUSEUM to support its recently created “Biking into History” self-guided tour maps. According to DECI, “The maps have proven to be in high demand by downtown businesses and organizations and the museum applied for assistance to replenish their quickly diminishing supply of maps.” The updated edition of the bike maps will include information on accessing the museum’s online walking tour. The grant was given as part of the Downtown Enhancement Grant program, which makes grants twice a year to existing businesses in downtown Eau Claire. Since 2018, $16,000 in grants have been issued. “These Downtown Enhancement Grants are one of the ways we serve our downtown,” said Aaron White, Executive Director of DECI. “We’re pooling resources to invest in building stronger businesses, which in turn, leads to a more vital and vibrant downtown community.” DECI is a nonprofit organization that exists to promote businesses, activities, culture, and housing in downtown Eau Claire. Learn more at DowntownEauClaire.org.

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| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

BLOCKING OUT COLORBLOCK. The annual ColorBlock mural project made a colorful splash in downtown Eau Claire this August with six new murals, including this one by Alexis Olson, titled “Pride.” The swirling design reflects the “journey of learning about others,” according to a social media post, and feature colors from many LGBTQIA+ flags.

Check out more about it at sculpturetour.org/murals.

Arts PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Visual

Perform

Words

3 RECENTLY RELEASED FILMS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS FALL

3 MUSICIANS DROPPED NEW TUNES. HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM.

COVID COVERAGE: 3 NEW PANDEMIC-INSPIRED COLLECTIONS

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MUSIC • THEATER • VISUAL ART • COMEDY • DANCE • BOOKS • FILMS • FASHION ARTS EDITOR: REBECCA MENNECKE

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rebecca@volumeone.org

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Visual

SIP IN THE SCENES. A new short film created by E.C. filmmaker Tim Schwagel explores anxiety, Bloody Marys, and a tense confrontation between lovers. (Submitted photo)

Film

A PLOT TWIST THAT KEEPS TWISTING CHOPPING BLOCK FOCUSES ON FALLOUT CONFRONTATION BETWEEN YOUNG COUPLE words by

alyssa anderson

IN HIS MOST RECENT FILM, Chopping Block, Eau Claire filmmaker Tim Schwagel packs an emotionally-charged punch into a 10-minute film with a twist that keeps twisting.

The film focuses on the fallout of a tense confrontation between a young couple that just may change the way you think about Bloody Marys forever. Schwagel described Chopping Block as a “dramedy,” where he drew upon his personal experiences dealing with anxiety and overthinking – something many viewers will relate to.

“It started out as a straight comedy but, as I went on, I realized I was making a drama about anxiety,” Schwagel said. The com-

pletely crowdfunded film was shot last year at Eau Claire’s retro diner The Classic Garage, and stars Laine Vanden Boom, Asiah Doyle, and Molly Barnes.

The film won’t be posted online for a while yet, as Schwagel plans to submit it to a number of film festivals.

Keep an eye out at upcoming film festivals (such as the EC International Film Festival in October!) to potentially see it on the lineups.

“Some people may take it completely at face-value, and it won’t be funny, it’ll be a drama,” Schwagel said. “But to me, it’s really funny.

Some people will find it funny, and some people will take it seriously, but I think they will still like it.”

C H E C K O U T T H E S E O T H E R FA N TA STIC FILMS

FULL, FILLED BY GABBIE HENN SUBMITTED PHOTO

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FULL, FILLED – GABBIE HENN

THE GETAWAY – MACK HASTINGS

Local artist Gabbie Henn’s new short film, Full, Filled gives viewers a wordless peek into her past experience with an eating disorder through sporadic and intense movements, lighting, graphic layering, projector clips, and original music – which was orchestrated for the film by Hunter Nicholson and Luc Hans Larson. Henn created the film with a group of close friends and artists at Ivy Media. ”When you transform the pain you’ve been through into something on paper, video, in a sculpture form, in fashion like what you wear, it transmits,” she said, “and it’s a way to learn and understand. I’ve been able to learn and understand more about myself from what I create.” To watch Full, Filled, visit Gabbie Henn’s YouTube channel, or check out more of her work at gabbiehenn.com or her Instagram at @gabbiehenn. –Measha Vieth

The Getaway is a striking blend of suspense, hilarity, and keen social commentary that culminates in an unforgettable twist.

The film stars Eau Claire’s very own Colin Sinz, Elise Wattman, and Josh Ingersoll, and features a score written by local musician Hunter Nicholson, along with familiar local scenery such as Lake Altoona and the Third Ward and Eastside Hill neighborhoods. With the help of Josh SUBMITTED PHOTO Ingersoll – who plays the film’s most unforgettable role – Eau Claire native Mack Hastings (right) fleshed out the story and got writing. Check out screenings of the film this Halloween season. –Alyssa Anderson

Visual Art

3 Eccentric and Eye-Catching Art Experiences You Can’t Miss This Fall at the Pablo Center

Get Out There and Go Paint!

Annual Art Fest Makes a Splash

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words by

Participating artists will paint within a 10-mile radius of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers between Augusta, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Durand, and Nelson, Wisconsin.

10.6 ‘CONDITION BLUE: THE ACOUSTICS OF AQUATICS’ • Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7:30pm • The Pablo Center at the Confluence • $20 • pablocenter.org SUBMITTED PHOTO

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‘CONFLUENCE OF ART’ AT PABLO CENTER AT THE CONFLUENCE The fourth annual Confluence of Art exhibit opens on Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 14. This juried exhibit features recent works from regional and national artists.The exhibit features over 50 artworks crossing different media, techniques, and motifs selected for FALL display, including the above piece by T. Owens CONFLUENCE OF ART Union of Fairfield, • Sept. 11 to Nov. 14• Pennsylvania. For more James W. Hansen Gallery info, visit pablocenter. at The Pablo Center at the org/visual-arts/confluConfluence + Virtual • ence-of-art-annual. – FREE • pablocenter.org Barbara Arnold

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rebecca mennecke

TAKE IN THE SCENIC VIEWS OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY WITH THIS YEAR’S GO PAINT! annual plein art festival, which is slated for Sept. 25-Oct. 1. Make a splash on the page during peak fall colors. Find the perfect mural, hidden valley, sidewalk, downtown café or rustic barn to mask up and paint the flora, fauna, and folks of the Chippewa Valey.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

‘MUSIC MOVES ME’ AT PABLO CENTER AT THE CONFLUENCE Does music move you? Well, it moved area young artists, who are slated to be featured in a new virtual exhibit entitled “Music Moves Me: Children’s Artwork Inspired by the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra” through Oct. 31. The exhibit allows young artists the opportunity to have their OCT. art displayed as part of the whole exhibit, combining MUSIC MOVES ME visual and musical arts.

• Through Oct. 31 • Submissions are open until The Pablo Center at the Oct. 16. The event is free and Confluence, 128 Graham open to the public during Ave., Eau Claire + Virtual • FREE • pablocenter.org the Pablo Center’s regular hours. –Elana Dresen

.ORG

On Sept. 25, painters aged 18 and under will have the chance to paint the world around them in under an hour. Later that same day, adults will have two hours (another extra hour?!) to paint around the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers. Cash prizes will be awarded for adults, with other prizes awarded for kiddos.

On Sept. 27, Chippewa Falls artists can perfect their painting in Riverfront Park in downtown Chippewa Falls on the scenic banks of the Chippewa River. On Sept. 28, visit Lazy Monk Brewing for a night of camaraderie and – you guessed it! – more painting! This event is free and open to the public. On Sept. 29, Altoona residents can meet up in the Lower Chippewa Valley Park in Durand on the banks of the Chippewa River, with Altoona residents following on the next day on Sept. 30 at River Prairie Park.

Artists must turn in their work by snapping a photo and sending it via email to rose@pablocenter.org for a chance to win an award. Prizes will be announced on Oct. 8. This year’s juror is Beth Stoddard, a Milwakee artist who “draws and paints from life with a modern sensibility.”

For more info on Go Paint! (and to see the full schedule), visit pablocenter.org/visual-arts/gopaint.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

‘CONDITION BLUE: THE ACOUSTICS OF AQUATICS’ AT THE PABLO CENTER AT THE CONFLUENCE The Pablo Center is wading in a new exhibit entitled, “Condition Blue: The Acoustics of Aquatics,” featuring the music of chamber band CORDIS, along with extraordinary images curated by National Geographic. The display will be unveiled on Oct. 6 at the Pablo.

“Condition Blue” is just one sliver of a multi-part recording and touring project with CORDIS meant to explore the creative and visual properties of the Earth’s elements and how they interact. The project is SUBMITTED PHOTO meant to raise awareness to climate change and our planet’s limited resources. The exhibit encourages audiences to explore Earth’s captivating aquatic life and environment, with a focus on the biodiversity of marine life. CORDIS’ punk-rock sound plays along with on-screen and on-stage imagery of the planet’s water-based organisms, with imagery intended to emulate water and its characteristics and create an experience that is unlike any other. Snag tickets, starting at $20 per person, at the Pablo Center’s website at pablocenter.org. Hope to “sea” you there! –Elana Dresen

FROM

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Perform Music

QUICK HITS: 3 Recent Releases You Can’t Miss

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NINETEEN IN LOVE BY WILL ANDERSON WANDERLUST. Simon Arneberg (above) released his jazzy new EP, Wanderer, in August. (Submitted photo)

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Arneberg’s first three original EPs he has released in his short career include Branching Out, Rooted, and New Growth – all of which feature minimalist cover artwork and musical arrangements, mostly consisting of clean electric/acoustic guitars and moody vocals. In contrast, Wanderer features more jazz arrangements and piano-laden tracks to evoke a different musical response from his audience. “Originally, my only goal was to write the kind of music that I want to listen to,” said Arneberg, who plays trumpet in the Blugold Marching Band. “I just started writing as a way for me to process different things in my life and grow along the way.” Wanderer is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. –Parker Reed

WANDERER BY SIMON PAUL ARNEBERG

A dark time helped shine a light on a path to self-discovery for one local creative. Simon Arneberg (also known by his stage name Simon Paul Arneberg) – a Chippewa Falls native and UW-Eau Claire student – released his fourth EP since the onset of the pandemic, Wanderer, on Aug. 6. “The EP deals with … being able to let your mind wander and be filled with wonder of the world,” Arneberg said. “It explores the duality of longing for more in life, yet also being fully present where you are and not taking it for granted.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Guitars and more guitars are the recipe for success for one Chippewa Falls native turned New York City punk rocker. “I’m sure this has been said a thousand times by every musician who recorded the past year, but it’s been hard,” said Will Anderson, lead guitarist/singer for punk group Hotline TNT. “Creating in a vacuum like this was weird, but it was a cathartic experience, and I think it came out well.” Growing up in the Chippewa Valley and now residing in Brooklyn, New York, Anderson has been an integral part of the area’s underground punk music scene for years while continuing to pursue a career as a middle school counselor. His group Hotline TNT’s new album Nineteen in Love is set to drop this fall.The album’s lead single – “Had 2 Try” – encapsulates the main theme of the album: lost love and the hardships couples go through trying to force a relationship to work. “This album is centered on love and relationships (that) didn’t work out,” Anderson said. “It leans heavily on nostalgia and reflecting on a particular relationship I knew wouldn’t work out, but we had to try anyway. Even though it didn’t work, I’m glad it happened and wouldn’t change anything.”

Anderson’s new record was recorded entirely on an old MacBook Air – a do-it-yourself venture true to his inner punk nature. Hotline TNT’s new album Nineteen in Love will be available this fall. –Parker Reed

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“NOW NO ONE SLEEPS”

BY EVERNOIR

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Eau Claire alternative metal band Evernoir (that’s pronounced Ever-nwahr) released their new head-bangable single “Now No One Sleeps” on the “luckiest Friday the 13th ever” – Friday, Aug. 13. The female-fronted band, which was formed in 2014, explores themes of mental health, abuse, and suicide awareness in their music. Check the new single out on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming services, and visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/Evernoir.

Official. –Rebecca Mennecke

On Stage

T H ERE ’ S N O SHORTAGE OF U P C O M IN G S HO WS . HER E’ S T HR E E Y O U S H O U LD S E E .

9.10

DRAG AND DESSERT

Sep. 10-11 • The Oxford Theatre, Eau Claire • $25 one night, $40 for both nights • The 5th Annual Drag and Dessert event hits the stage at The Oxford for two nights with a different line-up of drag performers each night, a complimentary dessert buffet, cash bar, and plenty of fun.

Seating is eight guests per table. Doors open at 6:30pm each night. All proceeds benefit Eau Claire Children’s Theatre.

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COLIN MOCHRIE’S HYPROV WITH MASTER HYPNOTIST ASAD MECCI

Sep. 16 • Mabel Tainter, Menomonie • 7pm & 9:30pm • From the brilliant minds of Improv Legend Colin Mochrie and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci comes a brand new, side-splitting show where volunteers do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie while under hypnosis.

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SEPT.

ECCT PRESENTS “DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS”

Sep. 17-19 • The Oxford Theatre, Eau Claire • FREE • The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this FREE production to kick off the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre’s 33rd Season. Based on the Disney classic cartoon, this swinging musical musical follows the adventures of Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera.

Music

Music

Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra Kicks Off Season With Some of the Classics

ROCK + ROLL AT THESE 3 UPCOMING CONCERTS

words by

barbara arnold

SEP 11

TRUE BLUE MUSIC CONCERT: SCOTT STAPP MUNICIPAL LOT, MENOMONIE • TRUEBLUEMUSICCONCERT.COM Grammy winning songwriter, solo artist, and Creed frontman, Scott Stapp performs music from his first album in six years, The Space Between the Shadows.

O.A.R. SEP 12

SEP 19

The Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra brings it back in time with its 2021-22 concert season live and in person with “Mozart and Haydn” at 7:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 11, in the RCU Theater at the Pablo Center. Conducted by Music Director Dr. Frank A. Watkins, the orchestra will play three works: eight of the 12 parts of Joseph 9.11 Haydn’s “Symphony No. 100,” or what is popularly known as “The Military Symphony”; the overture to Wolfgang Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte,” a two-act, EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER Italian-written opera; and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. ORCHESTRA • 7:30pm 466, performed on the piano by guest artist Sean Chen, a laureate pianist • Saturday, Sept. 11 who currently serves as Millsap Artist in Residence at the University • RCU Theater, Pablo of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance. Described Center, 128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $29 for as a “thoughtful musician beyond his years” by The Republic, Chen won adults, $5 for students • the American Pianists Award in 2013, placed third at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and was named an Annenberg Fellow in pablocenter.org 2015. He is a multifaceted musician who transcribes, composes, and improvises, and has performed with many prominent orchestras. The concert will conclude an exciting day of events in downtown Eau Claire, including the International Fall Festival and tours of the Pablo Center. Find more info at pablocenter.org.

This platinum-certified band has quietly sold out Madison Square Garden twice, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, earned platinum and gold plaques, and built one of the most committed fanbases in the world. And, in September, they’ll be right next door.

ON TOUR: TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION EVERY BUDDY’S BAR, CHIPPEWA FALLS

Heavy metal band Texas Hippie Coalition will be joined by special guests Motherwind in this bangin’ concert.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

THE EAU CLAIRE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA BEGINS ITS 2021-22 SEASON ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 11, WITH A GUEST PERFORMANCE FROM PIANIST SEAN CHEN.

PABLO CENTER, EAU CLAIRE• PABLOCENTER.ORG

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Words

WE KNOW THE AREA, WE KNOW

Books

THE SCHOOLS, AND WE KNOW

3 PANDEMICINSPIRED BOOKS TO READ THIS FALL

W H AT P E O P L E WA N T A R O U N D HERE. –JON FORTIER, CO-HOST OF “THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY PREGAME”

HOPE IS THE THING: WISCONSONITES ON PERSEVERANCE IN A PANDEMIC As the pandemic hit in early March 2020, director of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild B.J. Hollars sent out a request to local writers to respond to a prompt: Inspired by Emily Dickinson’s “ ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers,” Hollars asked local writers to share what gives them hope in the form of prose or poetry, resulting in this collection, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which is set to release in September. -Rebecca Mennecke

KICKING THINGS OFF. Adam Pearson (left) and Jon Fortier (right) recenty launched their new sports radio show, “The Chippewa Valley Pregame” on 105.1 FM.

Radio

TALKIN’ SPORTS ON AIR TWO UWEC GRADS START SPORTS RADIO SHOW, ‘THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY PREGAME’

PROJECT BLOOM: DIVERSE REFLECTIONS ON SURVIVNG THE PANDEMIC

words + photo by

This antholoy explores resilience and growth during the pandemic, capturing diverse perspectives of those living through the pandemic.

Proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to agencies supporting mental health issues.

Contributors include local writer and disability activist Katherine Schneider and poet Peggy Trojan, among others. Snag a copy on Amazon or at The Local Store. –Rebecca Mennecke AS IF LABYRINTH: PANDEMIC-INSPIRED POEMS Chippewa Falls author Jeannie E. Roberts released a new poetry collection that grapples with her response to the pandemic.

A tube of lipstick, a spring wildflower, and a long-ago trip to Mexico all encourage us to examine the “fragility of connection” in our world.

Roberts’ work lets us into a world that encourages us to forge on through whatever circumstances come with resilience, retrospection and grace. Snag a copy at The Local Store. –Jessi Peterson

TWO LONGTIME FRIENDS AND COHOSTS REUINTED TO TALK ALL THINGS CHIPPEWA VALLEY SPORTS. Chi-Hi graduate Adam Pearson and Eau Claire North High School graduate Jon Fortier just launched a local sports talk radio show, “The Chippewa Valley Pregame,” on Sports Talk 105.1FM in Eau Claire.The two UW-Eau Claire alumni — who once co-hosted

parker reed “The Final Whistle” on the university’s radio broadcast Blugold Radio Sunday debuted their show in late August, at 3pm on Fridays.

“We’re both local Chippewa Valley natives, and I think the audience is going to connect with that,” Fortier said. “We know the area, we know the schools, and we know what people want around here.”

“The Chippewa Valley Pregame” will be a one-hour talk radio program that will focus on local high school, college ,and semi-professional teams such as the Eau Claire Cavalier and the Eau Claire Express baseball teams. Fortier and Pearson plan to cover local teams in depth, by highlighting specific players’ performances, rounding up game statistics and interviewing players/coaches in-studio for more insight.

Another important aspect of the show the pair plans to include is to highlight lesser known/smaller schools in local conferences who haven’t received as much local media attention. “We’ve already built up a good foundation of chemistry through working together during college,” Pearson said. “We both like talking about sports, we both sound professional when we’re on the mic, and it will be nice to continuing building on that with each other. We keep each other in check, and we are efficient in working towards a common goal.”

Check out “The Chippewa Valley Pregame” on 105.1FM at 3pm on Fridays.

Talks

Borealis Mundi: One-Woman Literary Performances Highlight Indigenous Lands, the Value of Storytelling A SERIES OF ONE-WOMAN PERFORMANCES WITH WISCONSIN STORYTELLER TRACY CHIPMAN explores the value of place, loss, and grace, through the ancient art of storytelling. Throughout the summer and into early fall, Chipman has performed concerts, comprising personal narratives, original poetry, and traditional stories, throughout Wisconsin, with one coming up at 6:30pm on Sept. 2 in Menomonie’s Wakanda Park, and a virtual concert on Zoom at 7pm on Nov. 20. “I was inspired to create ‘Borealis Mundi: Threshhold Stories’ as a way to bring people together for an outdoor storytelling experience on various northern place-scapes that have shaped my life story,” Chipman said, “featuring stories that tap into the more liminal experiences of being human.” Humans have been telling stories for over 20,000 years, Chipman said, and her stories are described as “deeply human, connective, and often transformational experiences.” “This series, and each performance,” Chipman said, “are openings to places that touch us and to the deeply human phenomena of loss and grace.” Snag tickets at tracychipman.net/tickets. This performance is made possible through a grant from the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council and the WI Arts Board. –Rebecca Mennecke SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Books

THE BEST OF INTENTIONS: AUTHOR EXPLORES MENTAL HEALTH OF COMBAT VETERANS RETURNING HOME PHOTO BY NICOLE WITHERS

RETURNING HOME AFTER EXPERIENCING THE BRUTALITY OF COMBAT WAR IS RARELY EASY, AND THE SAME can be said for Eau Claire author Joshua MacMillan’s character Corey Loflin.

Trauma-fueled nightmares consume his mind every night, only for his paranoia to heighten with the arrival of a cryptic note. “What’s happening? Who is after me?

Who is after my family?” These mind-consuming questions fuel the character’s desire to decipher these thoughts – even with his nightmares getting worse, and a job that stokes his insomnia. As more notes arrive and he runs out of time to solve the mystery, MacMillan leaves readers wondering: Who intrudes Loflin’s home?

Or is he the stranger in his own home? The Best of Intentions is MacMillan’s debut novel, published through indie publishing house D&T Publishing.

It grapples with the stress and psychological toll that veterans face when they come home from combat. Set in Wisconsin, the story takes on a local (or more regional) perspective, with references to changing weather and getting gas at much loved gas station, Kwik Trip. Texas-born MacMillan is an avid fan of the horror genre, and – though this novel is steeped in psychological thriller – it retains elements of horror within the main character’s nightmares. Check out the book on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, download it for Kindle, or snag it from The Local Store soon. –Nicole Withers

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Life

LATER SKATER! Lakeshore Skate Park in Eau Claire was built in 2013, and – according to local skaters – they knew immediately it was so popular they would soon have to build another one.

In the 12 years it took to get Lakeshore constructed, the Eau Claire Skaters Association raised $1,000. In the past eight years, they have raised $63K to get a new skate park built in Boyd Park. Read more about the project on page 32.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Leisure

Family

ARTISAN FORGE WELCOMES NEW PILATES STUDIO IN EAU CLAIRE

CHECK OUT A COOL TRAIN SHOW CHUGGING IN TOWN THIS OCTOBER

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FOOD • DRINK • NIGHTLIFE • LEISURE • RECREATION • OUTDOORS • WELLNESS • FAMILY LIFE EDITOR: REBECCA MENNECKE

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Leisure Recreation

TO THE CORE AU T H E N T IC C OR E PI L AT E S A I M S T O I M PROV E F L E X I BI L I T Y, B A L A NC E , P O ST U R E , A N D M I N D -BODY C ON N E C T ION caitlin boyle

THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY HAS NO SHORTAGE OF WAYS FOR PEOPLE TO BE ACTIVE AND FOCUS ON THEIR BODIES – with running, walking, biking, and yoga available pretty much anywhere.

One local woman wants to bring a new exercise into the eclectic fitness scene, pilates, with the opening of her new studio in Eau Claire.

What are pilates, you ask? It’s a form of exercise that concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. It involves precise moves and breathing techniques that help improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and a better mind-body connection.

Owner Andrea Meidl, who has a background in massage therapy, has been practicing pilates for five years and teaching the exercise form for two years, and she looks forward toopening her pilates studio, Authentic Core Pilates, in Artisan Forge Studio this fall.

Pilates have been the key to keeping her body moving and feeling good while doing it, Meidl said, as she also has Fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain throughout the body.

“Working within our body’s capabilities is always a process,” Meidl said. “It is easy to trust the process with pilates. You become more aware of where your body is in time and space.”

Meidl hopes her studio can be a welcoming environment for everyone looking to mix up their workout routine, as it’s a great way to keep the blood flowing. It also offers a challenge for people to get out of their fitness comfort zone. Meidl hopes her clients fall in love with pilates – just like she did.

Her website will be up and running soon that will list pricing and schedules soon at www. authenticcorepilates.com.

PHOTO VIA PEXEL

Recreation

RIDE HARDER! E.C. SKATERS ASSOCIATION EYES BOYD PARK FOR NEW SKATE PARK

“ IT IS E ASY TO TRUST TH E PROCESS W I T H P I L AT E S . Y O U B E C O M E M O R E AWA R E O F W H R E Y O U R B O D Y I S I N T I M E A N D S PA C E . ” –ANREA MEIDL, OWNER

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

words by

RIDE ON! AFTER LAKESHORE SKATE PARK WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 2013 IN EAU CLAIRE, the Eau Claire Skaters Association knew it would only be so long before they would need another one to meet the rising popularity of skateboarding. And the time has finally come. “Having that kind of space is central to building communities,” said Gabe Brummett, president of the skaters association. “It’s about positive encouragement, it’s about gaining confidence – the benefits are just endless.” In the 12 years the skaters association worked to get Lakeshore built, they raised over $1,000. In the eight years they have worked to get a new (and bigger!) Boyd Park location, they have raised a whopping $63K, illustrating local demand. On Saturday, Sept. 18, the community is invited to a design workshop at Boyd Park to voice opinions on what you’d like to see in the new skate park.

The goal, Brummett said, is to provide a space for kids to safely hang out without getting in the way of pedestrians and bikers in places where skateboarders aren’t permitted – but feel they have to go L8R SK8R. This rendering (above) shows because the skate park is over occupied. For more info, visit facea potential option for Eau Claire’s new skate book.com/EauClaireSkateboarders. –Rebecca Mennecke park (via Spohn Ranch).

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Sports

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Local Baseball Teams Head To National World Series Tourney

A WEALTH OF LOCAL TALENT AND COACHING LED TWO EAU CLAIRE A’S BABE RUTH BASEBALL TEAMS – the 13U and 14U squads – to their respective national World Series tournaments. In mid-August, both finished third in the U.S. Chemistry was also a factor, and John Bugher – coach of the A’s 13U team – said his players developed from initially barely playing with each other. “They’re like brothers now,” he said. “They mesh very well – when one kid’s down, the next kid will pick them up.”

A’s 14U coach Chad Gorman said his players are “very dedicated, and they’re very goal-oriented.” And playing high-quality competition showed Gorman that these players could hang with the best of the best.

Being on the road to the national 13U Babe Ruth tournament in Jamestown, New York, Bugher sees his players internalizing lessons

about working together and staying prepared. “They learn to play as a team, all twelve kids,” he said.

“There’s not one kid on this team that wouldn’t do something for one of his teammates.”

According to Gorman, the success of the Eau Claire A’s Babe Ruth teams stems from the number of kids participating in the sport.

Additionally, Bugher thinks younger kids watching older area players has had a motivational factor. “That drives a lot of very good baseball players to get better, and work hard, and get to the level that a lot of the teams around Eau Claire are right now,” he said.

Prepare for more tournament runs from future Babe Ruth teams – and this year’s players to produce at higher levels. “It’s gonna be something else!” Bugher said. - Luc Anthony

Events

Get Sporty at the WI Sport Show Fall Edition With 100+ Vendors TIMBER! THE WISCONSIN SPORT SHOW FALL EDITION FALLS INTO PLACE at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls from Sept. 10-12, featuring over 100 hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation displays, exhibits and vendors with the latest gear of all kinds. Sure crowd favorites on all three days will be the Timberworks Lumberjack shows, where professional loggers compete in events like speed climbing, “hot sawing,” and log rolling, as well as the North America Diving Dogs shows, where dogs dash down a dock and leap after a decoy thrown out into the water, competing for height and distance. Other highlights include Steve Porter’s Live Trophy Bucks, featuring a collection of prancing whitetails whose racks challenge Wisconsin’s famed “tirdy-pointer,” a petting zoo, food trucks, and plenty of refreshments at Leinenkugel’s Beer Pavilion, Live music will be provided by PHOTO BY KELSEY CORDER The Bear Creek Band on Friday night. Admission for the weekend is $9 in advance, $12 at the door, with free admission on Saturday for retired and active military members and first responders (Kids under 12 and leashed dogs admitted free!). On-site parking is $5. For more information, visit wisportshow.com/home. -Ron Davis

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Family

Recreation

Chug Through Railroad History At Annual Train Show words by

rebecca mennecke

TRAVEL THROUGH 200 YEARS OF HISTORY AND SEE 3D SAMPLES OF LIFE FROM ACROSS ALL 3,000 MILES OF THE UNITED STATES by at this year’s 19th annual West Wisconsin Railroad Club Train Show. The show – which runs Oct. 9-10 at the Eau Claire YMCA Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road – will feature no shortage of model train layouts, memorabilia, vendor tables, and so much more. Enjoy scenic, dynamic displays that chug along model tracks or static displays that demonstrate the intricacies of America’s beloved transportation method.. “Layouts are a good way to preserve history in a place where others can RAILROADS learn about it,” said Roger Elliot, president of the West Wisconsin Railroad Club, in a H AV E P L AY E D press release. “Many railroaders celebrate the history of railroading in our country by A CRITICAL modeling railroads that no longer exist.”

Tickets are $8 for adults and high schoolROLE IN THE age children ($7 with a non-perishable food H I S T O R Y O F O U R donation), $3 for kids in elementary and middle school, and free for kids 5 and under.

Senior living and assisted living residents C O U N T R Y. also have free admission. “Railroads have –ROGER ELLIOT played a critical role in the history of our country and the advance of the growing population across the continent,” Elliot said. “They continue to serve our nation by transporting passengers and freight rapidly and efficiently. ... Attending a train show will allow you to experience and appreciate the talents of those who like to share the hobby.” Find out more info at www.westwisconsinrailroad.club.

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Food+Drink SEPT 3

Events

G R A B G RU B A T O N E L A S T F O O D TRU C K FRIDA Y! FRIDAY, SEPT. • 11AM-7PM • PHOENIX PARK, EAU CLAIRE ALL AGES • VOLUMEONE.ORG/FOODTRUCKFRIDAY HONEY BEES AT BEAVER CREEK RESERVE IN EAU CLAIRE PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Agriculture

Bee the Difference: Bee Club Hosts Honey Bee Festival, Educates About Earth’s Most Popular Pollinators

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

WHAT’S SMALL, BLACK AND YELLOW, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROWTH OF MOST OF THE FOOD WE EAT ON A DAILY BASIS? That’s right: honey bees. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these incredible insects, the Bee Club is hosting a Honey Bee Festival at the Chippewa Valley Farmers Market in Eau Claire on Sept. 11 and 12. Meet real beekeepers, see a live hive, learn more about different beekeeping tools, and buy some honey products to support a local bee biz. Interested in raising your own bees? This is the perfect place to get some questions answered. “We’re looking at education with this program,” said Galen Klisiewiz, president of the Bee Club. “We want to get some people really interested in it and excited about it.” Klisiewiz knows more than most about why bees are so beneficial. He owns Let’s Get Pickled, where he sells products that he grows himself. With the help of bees, he was able to increase his production yield by 25%, he said. “The important thing is that we know this stuff doesn’t get produced without the help of honey bees.” Klisiewiz said. “That’s why we’re coming together to make sure that people do understand why this stuff grows so well and the association between the two.” For more info, visit facebook.com/ groups/cvbees and facebook.com/farmersmarketCV. -Stephanie Nesja

If you’ve been craving fresh-made gyros, tacos, barbecue, hot dogs, donuts, pierogies, pizza, ice cream, and more of your favorite local street foods, we have good news for you! There’s still one more chance to grab some grub this summer at Volume One’s Food Truck Friday on Friday, Sept. 3 in Phoenix Park.

Check out nine local food trucks, including Holy Donuts, The Hubb, Guac & Roll, Smokestream, Far Breton Bakery, Tasty Trolley, Little Red Grilled Cheese (which you can learn more about in our Beer & Cheese section on page 43), Davis Dogs, and Ramone’s Ice Cream. Not vaccinated yet? Please remember to continue to wear a face mask and spread out six feet apart to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Check out more at VolumeOne. org/FoodTruckFriday. –Rebecca Mennecke

TASTY TROLLEY FOOD TRUCK

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A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW. This highly detailed, artistic map of Chippewa Falls (“population 12,000”) was published in 1907, just a few years after George Wilson, one of a handful of Black baseball players to compete in area, played for the Chippewa Falls Gotzians.

Read about Wilson’s notable career in a feature story by local baseball historian Joe Niese starting on Page 40.

Features

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Story

Beer & Cheese

Fall Harvest

PITCHING ACROSS BASEBALL’S COLOR LINE

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO TWO OF WISCONSIN’S MOST BELOVED PRODUCTS

EXPLORE AUTUMNAL AWESOMENESS IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION

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Pitching

Color

Across Across the the

by rds o w

• • // • • • • • ••

design by • • •

• • • •• • • • • • • •

Line�

Field Of Dreams.

This close-up from a 1907 map of Chippewa Falls shows the South Side Athletic Field along Canal Street in the foreground. The site is now near the Chippewa Falls Municipal Maintenance Facility.

Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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F

or more than a dozen years, George Wilson, a native of Palmyra, Michigan, made a name for himself on baseball diamonds all over the upper Midwest – including here in the Chippewa Valley. Regarded by some as one of the best all-around players in the country at the turn of the 20th century, he gained the most notoriety on the pitcher’s mound. Throwing with a quirky, nearly underhand delivery, Wilson’s fastball and assortment of breaking pitches baffled batters. The only thing holding him back from playing at the major league level was a factor he had no control over: the color of his skin.

It’s common knowledge that Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Of course, people of color had been playing America’s Pastime for decades prior to this seminal moment. Most famously, Black ballplayers had their own circuit due to separate-but-equal laws – the Negro Leagues, which began in the early 1920s (though allblack teams and leagues existed well before then). Additionally, integrated baseball was being played on ball diamonds all over the country for decades prior to Robinson’s breakthrough. George Wilson, who was Black, was one of those players who parlayed baseball into a lucrative livelihood, even if he was kept from reaching the game’s highest level.

BASEBALL PRODIGY In early 1904, Chippewa Falls White Sox player/manager Andy Porter was beginning to worry.

Coming off a season that earned the Sox the title of “undisputed champion of Wisconsin” by the St. Paul Appeal, Porter would be without the services of his best player, Billy Williams.1 Likely the first full-time Black ballplayer in the area, Williams was a slick-fielding first baseman with a powerful bat. It would be a tall task to replace a man known to the fans and local press as “Gentleman Bill.”2 Reports of local players of color were sparse at this time, but there are indications that Bud Fowler, regarded as the first Black player to play professionally, reportedly suited up for Chippewa Falls for a game against the Eau Claire Crescents in July 1884.

Porter, a Chippewa Falls native and former minor leaguer, scoured the Midwest for a big-name player to take Williams’ place. In March, he found a replacement who far exceeded his expectations when he signed the great George Wilson. Though on the backend of his career, the left-hander was still playing at a high level. The year before, he won more than 20 games pitching primarily for the St. Cloud (Minnesota) Saints. One of his best outings of the 1903 season came on July

12 against Eau Claire. Not only did Wilson strikeout 17 and allow just two hits in a 13-0 complete game shutout, but he also collected four hits of his own, including a double and home run.

Wilson, the son of former slaves, Jerry and Mary, came of age as a prodigy on the ball fields back in Michigan. He played one year of professional ball. In 1895, he went 29-4 for the Adrian Reformers of the Michigan State League. Because of the laws instituted after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson “separate-but-equal” verdict, baseball owners were able to strengthen their “gentlemen’s agreement,” barring any players of color from playing professionally, making Wilson one of the last Black ballplayers to play at this level until Robinson more than a half century years later. After that, Wilson was relegated to playing for barnstorming and semi-pro teams primarily in Michigan, Minnesota, and then Wisconsin.

From 1896 to 1898, Wilson played exclusively for the Page Fence Giants, an all-Black ball team

Throwing with a quirky, nearly underhand delivery, Wilson’s fastball and assortment of breaking pitches baffled batters. The only thing holding him back from playing at the major league level was a factor he had no control over: the color of his skin.

that traveled the Midwest in their own swank railroad touring car. He was the club’s best pitcher, helping lead the Giants to a 125-12 record in 1897, including 82 consecutive wins. In 1899, Wilson and several of his teammates migrated to Chicago to play for the Columbia Giants. He then moved onto Minnesota, starring first for the Waseca EAOC Millers from 1900-02 and then St. Cloud in ’03, before signing with Chippewa Falls in ’04. Wilson’s talent – and skin color – were a draw whenever and wherever he took the field. This resulted in him squeezing in games as a hired arm for teams all over the state in the one-and-a-half seasons he spent with Chippewa Falls. Known cities he suited up for included Eau Claire, Hudson, River Falls, Marshfield, Black River Falls, and Sturgeon Bay, just to name a few.

Throughout the years, Wilson remained on the radar of those in professional baseball. Luminaries such as Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics and John McGraw of the New York Giants wondered what it would be like to have Wilson in uniform. Even the notoriously tight-fisted Charles Comiskey, owner of the Chicago White Sox, opined that he would “give a fortune for Wilson if he were white an eligible to play in league baseball.”3

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INTERCITY RIVALRY On May 1, 1904, in front of 1,200 spectators – described as by far the largest crowd to ever witness a game in Chippewa Falls – Wilson took the mound against rival Eau Claire at the Southside Athletic Park. Though protested by local citizens because it was played on a Sunday, the game went on. The White Sox jumped out to a 1-0 lead after one inning, but Wilson was wild, walking seven and allowing a 3-1 Eau Claire victory. The Eau

Claire ball club – which went without a nickname – ended up being not only one of Chippewa Falls’ toughest opponents during the 1904 season, but arguably one of the few teams Wilson had the most difficulty with in his entire career.

Wilson helped the White Sox win the rest of their games in May, including a 13-9 victory in front of 2,200 at Eau Claire’s new ball diamond at the Driving Park. Wilson picked up the win in the wild contest. Chippewa Falls’ successful May caught the attention of management at the C. Gotzian Shoe Co., which had recently opened a factory in the city. An offer to sponsor the team was made and accepted, making the Chippewa Falls White Sox the Chippewa Falls Gotzians. Now adorned in uniforms with “Gotzian & Co.” sprawled across the front, the team continued its run. Wilson was starting to show his

prowess. He beat two of the top teams in St. Paul – the capital city’s version of the Gotzians, 8-1, and West Publishing, 10-0. In the latter contest, Wilson disposed of the team in an hour and 10 minutes, throwing a perfect game that included 16 strikeouts.

The Gotzians played the majority of their contests at home, but in July they set out on an extended road trip to Minnesota – something that had never been done before by a city team. With several new players and Wilson headlining, Chippewa Falls went 4-2 against an up-and-coming integrated team from the small southwestern Minnesota town of Renville, known as the All-Stars. The Gotzians returned to Chippewa Falls with a new rivalry, a handful of victories, and a few gifts – including a badger.

The Gotzians finally handled Eau Claire, beating them twice in a four-day period, with Wilson tallying both victories, but the rivalry with Renville was taking precedence over the Chippewa Falls-Eau Claire dynamic. Following a series of games in early August, Chippewa Falls and Renville decided to play a game billed as the “Minnesota and Wisconsin Championship.” On Sunday, Aug. 16, a crowd of 2,200 congregated at Minneapolis’ Lexington Park to see the two teams play. Wilson was in command, striking out 17 and allowing just two hits in the Gotzians 10-2 win.

Chippewa Falls finished the season with a 38-13 record, outscoring their opponents 278-157.

Unfortunately, statistical newspaper accounts of the season were sparse, but it can be tallied that Wilson won in excess of 20 games and was the offensive leader from the clean-up slot. The East coast Spalding Athletic Company, which published a yearly Baseball Guide, decided to dedicate an entire issue to the Twin Cities metro area and beyond:Spalding’s Minneapolis St. Paul Amateur Base Ball Yearbook, 1905. Amateur and semi-pro teams from Minnesota and surrounding states were highlighted within. Atop the Wisconsin teams were the Gotzians, who Spalding’s declared “won without question the title of the champion independent base ball team of Wisconsin.”4

Even the notoriously tight-fisted Charles Comiskey, owner of the Chicago White Sox, opined that he would “give a fortune for Wilson if he were white an eligible to play in league baseball.”

‘HAMLET WITH HAMLET LEFT OUT’

Headline News.

Two of many newspaper articles published about George Wilson during his baseball career, these were printed circa 1904-05 in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram.

Photos courtesy of the Leader Telegram.

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Wilson returned to Chippewa Falls in 1905, but the season was a disaster from the start. He was his usual dominant self, winning several games, but financial issues and poor weather led him to leave the team for the Renville All-Stars in early July. The loss of a ballplayer of that caliber was felt throughout the Chippewa Valley. The Eau Claire Leader reported that, “A Chippewa Falls baseball team without Geo. Wilson the cerebral colored pitcher, to many would be something like Hamlet with Hamlet left out.”5 There were hopes that Wilson would return to Chippewa Falls in 1906, but those were dashed when local focus moved to

Baseball Giant.

Posthumously, Wilson was remembered by those who saw and played against him, commonly mentioning that he had all it took to make it – and flourish – at the major league level. a Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire co-opted team in the Wisconsin State League. Wilson went on to have success in the newly formed Lakeshore League in the southern part of the state, first for Sheboygan (1906), and then Manitowoc (1907-08).

His playing career was shortened after he was hit in the head by a ball while playing in a Cuban Winter League in early 1907. He began suffering headaches and acting erratically.

Wilson, who never married, moved back to Michigan towards the end of the decade. He took up work as a farmer, but still played occasionally for local teams. His behavior worsened, ending with an incident that saw him institutionalized in 1914. He was dead within months at age 40, with

George Wilson (third from the left) played for the Micigan-based Page Fence Giants, an all-Black team from Adrian, Michigan, from 1896-98.

Photo courtesy University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library.

the death being deemed “general paresis.”

Posthumously, Wilson was remembered by those who saw and played against him, commonly mentioning that he had all it took to make it – and flourish – at the major league level.

Finally, in the early 2000s, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum received a grant to look back on this era of the game to compile a list of candidates for Hall of Fame enshrinement. Wilson was among the 94, and though he ultimately wasn’t named to the Hall, being included on the list can be considered validation for his career on the field.

Joe Niese is a librarian and author from Chippewa Falls. He’s written four sports biographies.

Footnotes: 1. St. Paul Appeal (St. Paul, MN) March 19, 1904, pg. 3.

2. Williams returned to his home in Minnesota, where in addition to playing baseball for years, joined the staff of Minnesota Governor George A. Johnson as a personal assistant. He remained in the that position for 53 years, assisting 14 governors.

3. Adrian Daily Telegram (Adrian, MI) November 27, 1915, pg. 1.

4. Spalding’s Minneapolis St. Paul Amateur Base Ball Year Book (New York, NY) 1905, pg. 25

5. Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, WI) July 6, 1905, pg. 6

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ICONS COLLIDE in this, our most Wisconsin-y of special features. Jordan & Pippen, Batman & Robin, Beer & Cheese ...

No Wisconsinite’s table is set without them. No local get-together is as sweet.

No Upper Midwestern life is truly lived without them at our side. So with this feature, we raise both glass and toothpick – and we celebrate. Go Pack.

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THE CHEESIEST CURD ADVENTURE

ONE LOCAL CHEESE CURD AFICIONADO GIVES US THE WORD ON LOCAL CURDS W O R D S :

K E L L I E

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE WISCONSIN THAN CHEESE CURDS? There’s something so special about the greasy, salty, squeakiness of this snack that surpasses any French fry or mozzarella stick out there.

Cheese curd purists will tell you that the only true cheese curds are the ones eaten within hours of manufacture. Cheese curds are a by-product of the cheddar-making process, and, the fresher the curd, the better the squeak – which out-ofstate visitors don’t quite understand.

It’s as unique to Wisconsin as a good Brandy Old Fashioned. If you’re looking to get your hands on some fresh curds, I suggest stopping

by Eau Claire Cheese & Deli (1636 Harding Avenue, Eau Claire) to peruse their selection.

However, if you crave the deep-fried version of this beautiful creation, the Chippewa Valley has more restaurants offering cheese curds than Minnesota has lakes, so let me just highlight a few Eau Claire options to satisfy your hankerin’ for those fried golden curds.

The cheese curd appetizer can be split in two categories. First is the more traditional “fair curd.”

These are the hand-battered, fried golden brown version of the cheddar by-product that still has a little of that signature squeak. Add a side of lightly battered Ellsworth cheese curds to your Mel burger from Girolamo’s Court’n House (113 W Grand Ave, Eau Claire) and you won’t be disappointed. Hangar 54 (3800 Starr Ave, Eau Claire) proudly serves LaGrander’s cheese curds from Stanley, WI, lightly breaded and fried to perfection, served with house-made ranch dipping sauce.

Or if you’re feeling brave, opt for the jalapeno-infused cheese curds at Mogie’s Pub (436 Water St, Eau

W I L L I A M S

CHEESE CURDS AT MILWAUKEE BURGER COMPANY

Claire). If not, we won’t judge and we support your decision to stick with the traditional option. Have it your way at Wisco’s EC (1920 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire) with classic, jalapeno or garlic cheese curds. You can also have them tossed in any of their house dry rubs including French onion, kickin’ Cajun, or Wisco’s sweet chili lime.

The other curd option, isn’t a curd at all, but a big cube cut from a block of cheese that is battered, fried and offers an ooey gooey extra melty cheesy experience. Dooley’s Pub (442 Water St, Eau Claire) always makes the list in Volume One’s Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll for best cheese curds. I can only imagine this is due to the pure fried

perfection of each giant cube. If you haven’t experienced Chippewa Falls’ very own Water’s Edge cheese curds, you are in for a treat at Amber Inn Bar & Grill (840 E Madison St, Eau Claire) These bite-sized morsels are cubes of deliciousness that can only be described as heavenly.

If you’re a true Wisconsin cheese lover, you – K E L L I E won’t even try to C H E E S E C U R decide between these two options.

Luckily for us, there are some eateries who won’t make you choose. Winner of Volume One’s Best of the Chippewa Valley 8 years in a row, Milwaukee Burger Company (2620 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire) boasts the best cheese

curds. I highly recommend the curd sampler with giant cubes of classic cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella cheese as well as a large helping of their traditional fair curds served with sides of classic ranch, chipotle ranch and marinara.

While Northern Tap House (5020 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire) offers a large cube curd, W I L L I A M S , they really hit D A F F I C I O N A D O home with the sweet chili sauce served with their State Fair style Ellsworth cheese curds. No matter your curd preference, you’re sure to find one that suits your fancy. Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. We won’t judge.

“ENJOY THEM AS AN APPETIZER, SIDE DISH, OR SNACK. WE WON’T JUDGE.”

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

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BASICS OF BEER

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A QUICK CRASH COURSE ON TWO OF THE MOST COMMON CATEGORIES: LAGERS AND ALES

W O R D S :

V O L U M E

WISCONSIN IS A BEER-LOVING STATE, FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, and with history older than Leinenkugel’s and new breweries coming up every year, the Chippewa Valley is definitely a hub within a hub. With a culture a sudsy as ours, it’s not uncommon to find oneself chatting among a group of beer aficionados, safe-bet Spotted Cow in hand, lost as they pontificate about the clarity, mouth-feel, and hop-iness of their micro-brewed preferences.

And while there are endless varieties, most beers fall in two categories: Ales and Lagers. Here’s a very short crash course about those two.

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O N E

S T A F F

LAGERS Lagers are made with a variety of yeast called Saccharomyces Uvarum, which is a “bottom fermenting” yeast. This means that the fermentation process takes place below the surface of the brew. Lagers can ferment at temperatures as low as 48 degrees Fahrenheit, which results in a crisp, clean flavor. These brews take weeks, or even months to produce.

The yeast doesn’t produce as much alcohol during the fermentation process, so lagers usually have a lower alcohol content than ales.Their smooth, crisp flavor elements tend to draw older drinkers to choose Lagers.

Varieties include: American Lagers, Pilsners, European Lagers, Bocks.

ALES Ales, by contrast, use a top-fermenting yeast called Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. As you can probably guess, this variety floats to the top of the brew during fermentation, sinking into the depths toward the end of the process. Ales aren’t as cold-hardy as lagers, which means they must be brewed at higher temperatures. But, the process takes only a few weeks, and because the yeast strain is more alcohol-tolerant, yields are usually higher ABV than lagers. Ales are darker, cloudier, and often fruitier with more robust bitter tones. Ales make up the majority of Chippewa Valley-made beers, in good part because of their quick turnaround time. It allows smaller-scale operations to produce enough product to meet the demands of local customers, and experiment with new, exciting recipes on a shorter timeline.

Varieties include: Porters, Brown Ales, Lambics and Sours, Belgian beers, and Stouts.

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BRING IN OCTOBER WITH THESE 6 BREWS HERE ARE A HANDFUL OF LOCAL OKTOBERFEST BREWS, JUST IN TIME FOR OCTOBER W O R D S :

A S H L I E

F A N E T T I

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P H O T O :

A N D R E A

P A U L S E T H

AS SEASONS CHANGE, SO DO SIGNATURE FLAVORS. For coffee shops, this means rolling out the pumpkin spice, while local brewers concoct their seasonal Oktoberfest beers. Lucky for us, the Chippewa Valley has plenty of fall-inspired beers to try in the coming months.

Here’s six for you to try this fall.

LAZY MONK BREWING’S OKTOBERFEST Lazy Monk Brewing (97 W. Madison St., Eau Claire) brings a light, copper-colored A light lager-märzen to the table, with a slightly malty and sweet flavor featuring hints of caramel.

MODICUM BREWING’S OKTOBERFEST LAGER This amber-colored lager features a toasty and biscuity flavor, which you can find at 3732 Spooner Ave., Altoona.

BLOOMER BREWING COMPANY

LEINENKUGEL’S OKTOBERFEST While Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest was beat out by their Summer Shandy in our annual Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll, this traditional Märzen-style beer with a toasty malt flavor and a slight kick of spicy hops is not one to disappoint. Grab a flight at 124 E. Elm St. in Chippewa Falls.

BLOOMER BREWING COMPANY’S OKTOBERFEST Bloomer Brewing Company’s (1103 9th Ave., Bloomer) tribute to traditional Oktoberfest is a malty amber with a limber aroma – perfect for first-time Oktoberfest-ers.

ZYMURGY BREWING COMPANY’S OKTOBERFEST LAGER This deep-colored lager is brewed with traditional German malts, making it a classic in the Menomonie community. Check it out at 624 Main St., East.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

BREWSTER BROS’ WEST RIVER OKTOBERFEST LAGER This amber lager brewed with Pilsner, Munich, Caramunich 3 malts, and cluster hops makes for a traditional German recipe, which you can find at the Chippewa River Distillery & Brewster Bros.

Brewing Co. at 402 W. River St., in Chippewa Falls.

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ZYMURGY BREWING COMPANY

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A RAD LITTLE GRILLED CHEESE

NAH, THE GRILLED CHEESE ISN’T RED. BUT THIS CHEESE BIZ IS RAD. W O R D S

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P H O T O :

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO REGAIN A SENSE OF NORMALCY IN A HECTIC TIME? A tasty grilled cheese sandwich.

Or at least to a new player in the Chippewa Valley food truck scene, Little Red – a family-owned, grilled cheese-centric business. Owned and operated by Evah Hamilton, owner of Baby Bloomers Learning Center in Cadott, Little Red offers a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches on hard rolls with varieties including three cheese, pepperoni/mozzarella, ham/ cheddar, and bacon/three cheese. In addition to the sandwiches, the new food truck offers tomato soup, sweet treats and other beverages.

“We want to offer something you

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P A R K E R

R E E D

don’t see around the area very much in a food truck,” Hamilton said. “Everybody loves a good grilled cheese sandwich. And with this state being Wisconsin, we thought a product based around cheese would be a great fit. What could be better?”

The genesis for opening up a food truck in the Chippewa Valley has been engrained in Hamilton for years, but the actualization of her vision began a month ago when she purchased a trailer.

From there, she quickly sculpted the - E V A H H A M I LT O trailer into O F L I T T L E Little Red with the help of her father Doug Craker.

While offering a fun type of culinary treat is important for Hamilton, she said the primary catalyst for opening Little Red was to benefit her two children, Dejae and Samara Hamilton.“The main reason I started

the business was because my kids attend school virtually,” Hamilton said. “Over the past year-and-a-half they haven’t been able to be out much socially, so I wanted to give them a chance to get back out there and interact with people. I’ve been self-employed most of my life, so this give them an opportunity to learn business skills as well. I believe there is no better way to learn than hands on.”

Little Red has a few events under their belt already, but the real test for the business starts the next two months at various events including Oktoberfest and Autumn Harvest Winery in Chippewa Falls.

Whether it is craftN , O W N E R ing artisan grilled R E D cheeses, or just becoming a closer family unit, the Hamilton family and Little Red are set on making their new business venture a fun and sustainable one.

“EVERYBODY LOVES A GOOD GRILLED CHEESE. AND WITH THIS STATE BEING WISCONSIN ...

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?”

For more information on the Little Red food truck you can visit their Facebook page.

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TWO WORDS: PIZZA. FARMS.

GOT A ROAD TRIP COMING UP? CHECK OUT THESE 5 CHEESY STOPS. W O R D S :

E R I C

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.

A TO Z PRODUCE AND BAKERY N2956 Anker Lane, Stockholm • (715) 448-4802 • info@atozprodu-

C H R I S T E N S O N

ceandbakery.com • atozproduceandbakery.com • This weekly pizza destination is open Tuesdays from 4:30-8pm during the summer. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and games, explore the farm, or purchase beer while you wait.

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.

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.

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. . They serve up

simple, seasonal, organic pizzas, have local beers and wines for sale, and you can check out their farmers market goods.

SUNCREST GARDENS FARM S2257 Yaeger Dugway, Cochrane • (608) 626-2122 • heather@ suncrestgardensfarm.com • suncrestgardensfarm.com • 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 woodfired. evenings.

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5 OF THE BEST LOCAL GRILLED CHEESES YOU BETTER BRIE-LIEVE THESE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES REIGN SUPREME W O R D S :

N A T A L I E

D E R K S

EVERY DAY IS A GRATE DAY FOR GRILLED CHEESE. Wondering where to nab the Chippewa Valley’s best grilled cheese sandwiches, though? Look no further: according to the “Eau Claire Foodies” Facebook group, these grilled cheeses are as Gouda as it gets!

Girolamo’s Court’n House Bar & Grill (113 W Grand Ave) creams the competition with three (!) grilled cheeses. Stick with the classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich, level up with the Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich, or go all in with the Deluxe Grilled Cheese Sandwich (stuffed with tomato, onion, bacon, and mushrooms).

To no surprise, Eau Claire folks love The French Press’s (2823 London Rd) take on the grilled cheese, a.k.a. The Normandy.

Cheddar, mozzarella, apple slices, bacon, and pesto mayo all layered on grilled country white bread? Satisfaction guaranteed.

Up next, SandBar and Grill (17643 50th Ave) offers the aptly named “Best Grilled Cheese Ever.” This Lake Wissota gem’s sammich is comprised of sharp white cheddar slices, bacon, and bourbon-glazed onions on sourdough — yum!

Ready for more? Head down to Galloway Grille (409 Galloway

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St) for the Grilled Cheese Supreme! This melt-inyour-mouth sandwich consists of cheddar, Swiss, tomato, and bacon between parmesan-encrusted sourdough bread.

Other offerings include cheese curds, burgers, wraps, and more.

Northern Tap House (5020 Keystone Crossing) rounds out our list. Their soul-satisfying grilled cheese features a blend of Muenster, Swiss, white cheddar, and provolone cheese layered on sourdough — bacon optional. Plus, it comes with tomato soup for dipping. Bon appétit!

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CREATING COOL CHARCUTERIE

CHARCUTERIE EXPERTS OFFER TIPS ON PAIRING MEAT AND CHEESE W O R D S :

E L A N A

D R E S E N

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS HAVE GROWN IN POPULARITY IN RECENT MONTHS, bringing two new cheesy businesses to the Chippewa Valley. Clearwater Charcuterie and Northwoods Grazing have been steadily gaining traction on social media for their artful boards and charcuterie-building courses.

Since cheese is a staple of Wisconsin diets, we would be remiss if it didn’t spotlight a new part of the cheese scene: charcuterie boards.

Here are a few tips from the experts: 1. PUT SIMILAR-TASTING THINGS TOGETHER. When pairing meat and cheese, a good rule of thumb is to put two similar tasting items together: sweet with sweet or savory with savory, notes Molly Dove, owner of Clearwater Charcuterie. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing savory and sweet.

“I also make sure there is another pair on there that can help expand people’s taste buds, like onion goat cheese and prosciutto,” she said.

Make sure there is a crowd-pleaser meat-and-cheese duo present.

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P H O T O :

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2. GO SEASONAL. As the seasons change, Northwoods Grazing looks forward to seasonal items for their boards, such as locally grown apples. “We love apples paired with an aged sharp cheddar,” said Nick and Brittany Hughes, owners of Northwoods, “or even with goat cheese and honey.” Along with apples, Clearwater Charcuterie notes produce such as pears, grapes and pomegranates will be a staple for the season, paired with cheddar, havarti and gouda cheeses.

Mild, softer cheeses are a musthave in a fall flavor board.

3. BEFORE GETTING STARTED, CONSIDER YOUR DESIGN. When constructing the boards, Dove first decides if she will use straight lines or curves to guide the design. “If I use straight lines, I line all the cheeses and meats in the same direction across the board to make it pop,” she said. “If I use brie or other circle-shaped cheeses/meats, I play around with circles and curves.” But, feel free to pick out your own designs: horizontal, vertical, octagons, hexagons – go any direction that feels right.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET CREATIVE. According to the Hughes, don’t be timid! Try something you haven’t seen on Pinterest or online. Think outside the box.

5. NOT SURE HOW TO START? TAKE A CLASS. Northwoods Grazing offers courses on building the perfect charcuterie board and both businesses are available for large event catering as well as smaller, custom boards, which you can find at VolumeOne.org/events.

For more information, visit facebook.com/NorthwoodsGrazing and facebook.com/ClearWaterCharcuterie.

CLEAR WATER CHARCUTERIE

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GET A LOAD OF THESE PAWS + PINTS

CHECK OUT THIS DOGGONE GOOD EVENT AT LEINENKUGEL’S BREWERY THIS FALL W O R D S :

S A W Y E R

H O F F

IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER IN LIFE THAN ENJOYING A REFRESHING BEER on a scenic patio? Of course there is – doing the exact same thing, but with lots of dogs.

From 5-7pm on Thursday, Sept. 30, the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls is hosting their Paws and Pints event that directly benefits the Chippewa Falls Humane Society. For every beer tour ticket they sell on that day, one dollar will be donated. If you bring donations – such as food, toys, collars, or other pet needs – you’ll be reqarded with a Leinie coupon for 30% off one regular-priced item.

The best part about the event is it’s never 100% the same – sometimes hosting live music, sometimes featuring food trucks, and sometimes including a photo booth so you can snap a pic with your pooch.

Each event usually sees about 40-60 dogs – so organizers encourage you to bring your own too!

Learn more about this event on the Leinie Lodge’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LeinenkugelsLeinieLodge.

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NOTHING CHEDDAR THAN THIS FOOD SCIENCE ALUM STARTS OWN CHEESE PLATTER COMPANY W O R D S :

P A M

P O W E R S

CHRISTINE LEONARD HAD A “COME TO CHEESES” MOMENT WHILE ATTENDING an Honors College class at UW-Stout on the geography of food.

In that class, the 2016 alumna, who grew up on a family-owned dairy farm near Waconia, Minnesota, really started to think about food and where it came from. “It made me think how we can support local farmers and what agriculture looks like for people who have not grown up in it,” said Leonard. “That inspired me to tell the story of agriculture, big and little farms, impacting the world.”

Leonard earned her degree in

food science and technology with an emphasis in communication. In 2020, she started her own business called the the Grater Good, creating cheese and charcuterie boards with locally sourced ingredients.

Leonard finally followed her dream and began farming full time with her parents in January 2018.

With the help of family, Leonard added a 150-square-foot “cheese shack” on the farm where she started creating the artisan cheese platters in 2020 using local cheeses and meats to create a board of snacks for customers. All items come from a five-state area with an emphasis on quality. Some other locally produced

items on the platters include honey, apples when available, or dried apples in the off season.

“My favorite part is being able to tell the story of the cheese,” Leonard said. “With artisan cheeses you can

break it down to the time of year, what the animals were fed, and which cheesemaker made it. I think that’s what makes it special.”

Learn more about the business at thegratergoodmn.com.

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BEER & CHEESE BESTS L O C A L O F

T H E

F A V E S ,

A C C O R D I N G

C H I P P W A

V A L L E Y

T O

O U R

R E A D E R

B E S T

P O L L

BEST FRIED CHEESE CURDS

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

1st Place: Milwaukee Burger Company 2nd Place: Dooley’s Pub 3rd Place: Anderson’s Chick-n-Fish

1st Place: The Brewing Projekt 2nd Place: Leinenkugel’s 3rd Place: Lazy Monk Brewing

Nothing screams “Wisconsin” quite like a plate of pipin’ hot cheese curds, and Milwaukee Burger Co. (2620 E. Clairmont Ave., Eau Claire) has perfected this Dairyland staple by offering giant, mouthwatering curds that are sure to make your jaw drop. Dooley’s Pub (442 Water St., Eau Claire) is a hoppin’ joint on the weekends, but voters agree their delectable cheese curds are what really put them on the map. Anderson’s Chick-n-Fish (615 W. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls) brings the taste of the fair straight to your kitchen table with their classic takeout menu, including their famously crispy cheese curds. -Alyssa Anderson

With plenty of local breweries to choose from, the top three are just the tip of the iceberg! For the fifth year in a row, the king of the hill is The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire) with their flights, IPAs, and artistically designed cans. Next is the 153-year-old Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. (124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls), whose brewing range from the beloved Original to contemporary classics like Summer Shandy. Last but not least is Lazy Monk Brewing (97 W. Madison St., Eau Claire) with lagers, porters, and creations such as their current Peanut Butter Milk Stout. – Will Seward

BEST LOCAL BEER (SPECIFIC BREW) 1st Place: The Brewing Projekt Gunpowder IPA 2nd Place: Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy 3rd Place: Lucette Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale Beers from Eau Claire’s Brewing Projekt took up five of the top 10 spots in this poll, and Chippewa Valley voters agreed The Brewing Projekt’s Gunpowder IPA is the beer to beat for the fourth consecutive year. This brew packs a hoppy punch, but the citrus notes make it drinkable enough to enjoy year-round. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is pretty much summer in a bottle. This classic brew combines a traditional weiss beer with refreshing lemonade flavor, making it the perfect sip for a day in the sun. For a more unique taste, Lucette Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale brings together coriander and grains of paradise for a malty, fruity brew that voters just can’t stay away from. -Alyssa Anderson

BEST PLACE TO BUY CHEESE 1st Place: Eau Claire Cheese & Deli 2nd Place: Marieke Gouda 3rd Place: Yellowstone Cheese In Wisconsin, cheese is our lifeblood.

You could say we’re lactose enthusiastic. And according to our readers, their passion for dairy is best found at these local spots. Eau Claire Cheese & Deli (1636 Harding Ave, Eau Claire) – formerly known as Nelson Cheese Factory – is a charming spot up the hill from downtown Eau Claire where you can grab the best local cheeses, gifts, or nab a fresh-made sandwich (cheese lovers should try the Cheesemaker). Marieke Gouda (200 W. Liberty Drive, Thorp), the pride of Thorp and world renowned cheese champ has award-winning gouda that’s more than worth the drive. And in third place, Yellowstone Cheese (24105 Cty Hwy MM, Cadott) is a farm in Cadott where you can find the realest of the real; their cheese is made with tons of love of no additives. –Eric Christenson

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GET THE GOODS ...

L I S T I N G S

B Y

J A M E S

LOCAL BREWERIES

hard-to-find ales and lagers. The taproom at the Projekt is right inside of the brewery complete with all the sights, sounds, and smells of the craft.

Bloomer Brewing Company 1103 9th Avenue,

Chippewa River Distillery & Brewster Bros.

Brewing Co. 402 W River St, Chippewa Falls •

Bloomer • 7159334995 • bloomerbrewingco. com A fun, casual, family friendly taproom and destination brewery. Their staple brews are lagers, with fresh new varieties of IPA and sours. Flights are a great way to sample what’s currently on tap.

The taproom offers food, and can be rented for events.

Brewery Nonic 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • facebook.com/brewerynonic A small, taproom only, truly handcrafted brewery specializing in super fresh beers from a wide variety of influences in a historic building. Built within the old train depot building in historic downtown Menomonie. The brewery features 8 taps, 4 of which are year-round favorites. The remaining are filled with seasonal and experimental concoctions.

The Brewing Projekt 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau

Claire • thebrewingprojekt.com The Brewing Projekt’s mission is to craft awesome, unique, or

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(715) 861-5100 • chippewariverdistillery.com A brewery and distillery in Chippewa Falls with a gorgeous taproom/bar and regular visits from area food trucks. Customers are also able to bring food in or order food there. Check out their rotating selection of award-winning delicious beers and high-quality spirits.

Durand Brewing Company N6649 State Highway

25, Durand • Find it on Facebook Durand Brewing Company is a new brewery that is just starting operations. It is locally owned by two veterans who love the art of brewing.

FFATS Brewing Company: Nano Brewing & Tap Room Brewery: 36447 Main Street // Tap

Room: 18517 Blair Street, Whitehall • ffatsbrewingco.com As a brewery, FFATS (Staff spelled backwards) is continually seeking to find your perfect beer match for you. From Pale Ales to Dark Lagers and everything in between, they are

+ committed to helping you find a beer just right for you. Enjoy a relaxed new environment at our TAP ROOM that is inviting with a rustic feel yet first-in-class establishment to socialize and meet friends.

K-Point Brewing at The Coffee Grounds 4212

Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com/k-point-brewing Taking its name from a ski jumping term, this nanobrewery adjacent to the Coffee Grounds focuses on brewing small batches of beers “that are never out of style.” Enjoy one of their unique stouts, ales, or lagers paired with food from the café at the Coffee Grounds. Also hosts beer dinners, fish frys, and more.

Lazy Monk Brewing, LLC 97 West Madison Street, Eau Claire • info@lazymonkbrewing.com • lazymonkbrewing.com Step into the old world, German-style Bier Hall to try over 14 taps, a root beer, and a great atmosphere. They specialize in brewing Bohemian Beers, and also have British and American seasonal beers, plus special limited edition holiday beers. Take home growlers and 4 packs.

Leinenkugel’s 124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls • 888-534-6437 • leinie.com Brewing since 1867, Leinenkugel’s is one of America’s oldest craft breweries, boasting a portfolio of several distinctive, flavorful beers inspired by its natural Northwoods surroundings. The brand has put Chippewa Falls on the map for their adventurous array of full-flavored brews in small, high-quality batches.

Lucette Brewing Company 910 Hudson Rd.,

Menomonie • (715) 233-2055 • lucettebrewing. com Lucette takes its name from Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend. Their brews include theFarmer’s Daughter (a blonde ale with coriander) or a highly rated pale ale Ride Again (a drinkable ale with notes of floral and citrus), plus one-of-a-kind small-batch creation. Try their four-beer sampler flights or “guest beers” from other Wisconsin breweries. The Woodfired Eatery serves classic house pizzas, seasonal creations, calzones, and salads.

Modicum Brewing 3732 Spooner Ave. Suite A, Al-

toona • 715-895-8585 • info@modicumbrewing. com • modicumbrewing.com Local craft brewery Modicum Brewing offers a stylish taproom resting in full view of its brew tanks. They pour from a select batch of recipes developed by brewmaster Eric Rykal. Plenty of seating, room for large groups, and tasty snacks from local producers.

Northwoods Brew Pub 50819 West St., Osseo •

(715) 552-0510 • northwoodsbrewpub.com In a new, industrial-style setting, patrons at Northwoods Brewpub can enjoy changing seasonal menus and 29 handcrafted beers as well as six sodas, all brewed on site. Covered outdoor seating will be on a massive new patio.

Oliphant Brewing 350 main st suite #2, Somerset • oliphantbrewing.com Trevor and Matt, Oliphant’s official quackers, cycloned through this brewing process to end up in Somerset, WI. Tongue firmly in cheeks, these two are crafting with a diligence previously unknown to them.

Ombibulous Brewing 1419 Winchester Way, Altoona • Find it on Facebook The new kid on the scene, Ombibulous Brewing has a handful of classic taps; two east coast IPAs, a stout, a black lager, a honey red lager, and soon a lemon wheat.

The taproom is full of prohibition-era aesthetic with dark wood and leather seating.

Rush River Brewing Company 990 Antler Ct, River Falls • rushriverbeer.com Rush River specializes in unfiltered and unpasteurized ales. This makes for a very fresh and flavorful beer with a shorter shelf life. They are open for growler fills Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, their tap room is open ThuSat 4-10pm, and free tours are held the second Saturday of each month at 1pm.

Sand Creek Brewing Co 320 Pierce Street, Black

River Falls • (715) 284-7553 • sandcreekbrewing. com One of Wisconsin’s largest microbreweries.

Brewers of fine craft-brewed ales and lagers in the proud tradition of Wisconsin brewing. Stop by for a tour on Friday afternoons, and Saturdays during the warmer months.

Valkyrie Brewing Company 234 Dallas St, Dallas • (715) 837-1824 • valkyriebrewery.com A small family owned and operated microbrewery in Dallas, Wisconsin. They brew up loads of Norse-mythology inspired drafts that you can pick up in bottles or enjoy in their kitschy taproom.

Zymurgy Brewing 624 Main Street East, Menomonie • facebook.com/zymurgybrewing Zymurgy takes its name from the Greek word for the study and practice of fermentation. Brewmaster Jonathan Christenson serves 15 taps from a raw-edge bartop. Zymurgy is modeled to be sustainable, earth-conscious, and minimize waste creation.

Many brews are made with local ingredients. 12 taps of unique creations, and non-beer options like house ginger ale.

LOCAL CHEESEMAKERS 3rd & Vine Craft Beer & Cheese 1929 Third St. Eau Claire, WI • 3rdandvine.com A consistently rotating lineup of premium, unique, regionally-made craft beers and artisan cheeses for the beer connoisseur and cheese-lover alike. Hosting events, serving food, snacks, and cheese boards.

Cady Cheese Factory 126 State Road 128, Wilson • cadycheese.com Cady Cheese specializes in American type cheeses Colby, Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda made from 100% natural ingredients. Enjoy free samples of the 100+ flavors of cheeses when you visit.

Eau Claire Cheese & Deli 1636 Harding Ave, Eau

Claire • (715) 834-2000 • ecdeli.com/menu/ Your one-stop shop for procuring the best Wisconsin brands of cheese. They serve deli-style sandwiches, ice cream, various pantry-stuffers, and even chocolates.

Eau Galle Cheese Factory N6765 State Highway 25, Durand • eaugallecheese.com Family owned since 1945, Eau Galle Cheese produces millions of pounds of cheese every year. Their asiago and parmesan have won 6 awards in national and international cheese competitions. They are a certified organic producer of hard Italian cheeses.

Ellsworth Creamery Cooperative 232 North Wallace, Ellsworth • ellsworthcheese.com Nestled in Ellsworth, which was designated the “Cheese Curd Capital” in 1983. A cooperative of over 450+ dairy cow families that send milk to Ellsworth for award-winning cheese production.

The Ellsworth Cheese Curds may be the pride and joy, but they also create several brands of quality cheeses such as Antonella, Blaser’s, Ellsworth Valley, and Kammerude Gouda.

Marieke Gouda 200 W. Liberty Drive, Thorp • mariekegouda.com Marieke Gouda crafts award-winning gouda year round in 13 distinct flavors. They have a restaurant on-site that serves up burgers, sandwiches, omelets, and more. Their dairy farm is just across the highway, and cheese is made within 5 hours of milking. You can book tours for both the farm and the cheesemaking facility.

Yellowstone Cheese 24105 County Highway MM, Cadott • yellowstonecheese.com Yellowstone Cheese offers homemade cheeses, wine, jams & jellies, mustards, maple syrup, gifts, taken-bake pizzas, and so much more. They pride themselves on using milk from the Kenealy farm to create the over 30 flavors of cheese.

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PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

Can you feel it? The crispness in the air, the changing of the leaves ... Wait. Is that pumpkin spice? That’s right, dear reader.

It’s fall in the Chippewa Valley – one of the most beautiful seasons to be living here (we’re not biased or anything). Fill your days with outdoor hangs before winter sets in, and take in all the autumn vibes you can. We’re here to help.

“K AYL A THE BR AVE,” A 940 LB. PUMPKIN THAT ENGELS GRE W IN 2020.

JACKED PUMPKINS sta r ting a c ommuni t y of gi a nt pumpk in growe r s, o n e pumpk in at a tim e words by THE FIRST GIANT PUMPKIN THAT SHANNON ENGEL EVER GREW was classified as a “squash” because it was looking a little too green. “From that day on,” he said, “I vowed I would never grow an ugly pumpkin again.”

Now an expert at giant pumpkin growing, Engel – a hobby farmer who runs Engel’s Great Pumpkin Patch and Carvings in Menomonie – has grown pumpkins as large as 1,411 pounds. To put that in perspective, the world record for giant pumpkins is 2,624 pounds and the Wisconsin record sits at 2,283 pounds. Engel, who is a part of the River Prairie Giant Pumpkin Fest in Altoona and the Stillwater Autumn Fest in Stillwater, Minnesota, annually enters his pumpkins into competitive weigh-offs, and his massive pumpkins have pulled their weight.

“Giant pumpkin growers are some of the friendliest people,” Engel said. “We’re all competing for the same prize money, but a giant pumpkin grower will help you to beat them. … We want to see you succeed just as much as we want to succeed.”

GO BIG OR GOURD HOME Growing giant pumpkins starts by knowing a local giant pumpkin grower, according to Engel, as giant pumpkins are a totally different kind of pumpkin than your run-of-the-mill jack-o’-lantern or field pumpkins, which only grow to be about 240 pounds at the most. Engel plants his seeds around the last week in April, starting them indoors. Once the seeds germinate, Engel puts the

REBECCA MENNECKE

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A N D R E A PAU L S E T H

plants outside into little protective greenhouses with a microclimate to help them get a head start.

Many times, giant pumpkin growers will invest in soil-heating tables to warm the soil, fooling plants into believing it’s actually closer to summer than it is.

By June 21 – the longest day of the year – ideally pumpkin growers want their plants two-thirds of the way grown.

Many people, upon seeing such enormous pumpkins for the first time wonder: Is it real? (Yes, it is real.)

How much MiracleGro do you feed it? (None.

It’s not needed.)

How much milk do you give it?

The latter of the questions seems perhaps the strangest, but Engel said the lore grows from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book Farmer Boy – a part of the Little House on the Prairie series, in which Wilder describes a ginormous milk-fed pumpkin.

“Giant pumpkin growers are some of the friendliest people. ...

We want to see you succeed just as much as we want to succeed.”

- Shannon Engel, local giant pumpkin grower

But Engel said the lore isn’t very scientific.

“That would be like you taking a bath in milk,” Engel said. “The pumpkin has no way to absorb that.” So the answer is: none. You shouldn’t feed your pumpkin milk.

When it comes to successfully growing a giant pumpkin, the key to success is in the seeds, soil, preparation, and preventative measures – and lots of luck from Mother Nature, Engel said.

Back in the old days, Engel would have eight or so people hoist the pumpkin up together to put on a palette to get the pumpkin to a weigh-off.

Now, he hires out a skid-steer loader.

GIVE ’EM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT If the stars align, you too may grow your own ginormous pumpkin.

To start, Engel recommends reaching out to a local giant pumpkin grower and taking a tour of their patch. He also recommends getting involved with the Chippewa Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers at facebook.com/CVGPG. “I get as much enjoyment out of them guys bringing their first pumpkin to the scale as I do weighing a personal best myself,” Engel said. “My whole goal out of that is to expand the pumpkin growing community.”

If you’re interested in seeing some jacked pumpkins in real life, check out the River Prairie Giant Pumpkin Fest in Altoona on Saturday, Sept.

25, with more information available at rpgiantpumpkinfest.com.

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SIP IN THE SEASON AT THIS LOCAL WINERY D i xo n’s Au tumn Ha r ve st W ine r y’s Fa ll Fe sti va l ha s fo o d tr u c ks, li ve e nte r ta inm e nt, a nd a ll those c oz y fa ll v ib e s words by

MEASHA VIETH

SIP IN THE SEASON WITH THE SOUNDS OF LOCAL MUSICIANS AND THE DELICIOUS TASTE OF FALL FOODS, and enjoy scenic views of the crisp colors of fall with the Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery Annual Fall Festival (19947 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls) on Sept. 11-12.

Gather your family and friends, put on your coziest fall attire, and

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enjoy a splendid day of fall fun. On Sept. 11, Danville Folk will perform from 1-4pm. Three food trucks will be present to satisfy your hunger: The Stone Press, Marigold Café, and SmokeStream. On Sept.

12, Jud Hailey will perform from 1pm-4pm and SmokeStream Food Truck will return.

For more information, visit autumnharvestwinery.com.

ALL ABOARD THE GRAIN TRAIN! a nnua l Chipp ewa Fa lls c e l e brati o n hi ghli ghts G e r ma n cul ture a nd he r i tag e words by

REBECCA MENNECKE

THIS NEW RIDE IS THE APPLE OF OUR EYES – ESPECIALLY FOR KIDDOS. Ferguson’s Orchard (6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire) has added a new attraction for the 2021 season. This 100-foot-long, tractor pulled train ride offers passengers a scenic 15-minute tour around the orchard. With the ability to hold six people per cart, or around 60 people in total, it is a ride made for all ages to enjoy. The season opened on Saturday, Aug. 21, and will continue until the first weekend in November. Ferguson’s hours are 10am-6pm every day, with activities running daily if the weather permits. The Grain Train is included in the 2021 admissions cost of $13 per person or $11 for seniors or military members. (Children under 2 are free.) To learn more, find Ferguson’s Orchard on Facebook or visit fergusonsorchard.com.

FERGUSON’s ORCHARD OFFERS A SCENIC ORCHARD TOUR ON THEIR NE W GR AIN TR AIN SUBMITTED PHOTO

PROST! c e l e brate G e r ma n cul ture + h e r i tag e at this ye a r’s O k tob e r fe st in Chipp ewa Fa lls words by

V1 S TA F F •

TIME TO DUST OFF THOSE LEDERHOSEN! The 17th annual Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebration is slated for Sept. 17-18 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, highlighting traditional German music, food, and – of course! – beer.

This year will bring new kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some local favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling.

The weekend kicks off with the announcement of the Festmeister and Festmeisterin at the Leinenkugel’s Brewery grounds at noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Enjoy more than 30 entertainers,

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A N D R E A PAU L S E T H

vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing!

You won’t want to miss the Sheepshead and Euchre card tournament, on-grounds parade, the Kid’s Kingdom, live entertainment, the Brass Barn Polka Band, face painting, local musicians, magician Kevin Hall, and so much more.

Snag a two-day wristband online at www.gochippewacounty.com/ oktoberfest for $15 or a single-day admission for $10. A weekend package is also available for $35, as well as package deals for individuals, couples, and friends. (Also: Take a look at this year’s Oktoberfest steins!)

Parking is $5. Check out their website for more info. And, until then: Gemutlichkeit! Prost to 2021!

CHIPPE WA FALLS OK TOBERFEST

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TRACKING AUTUMN ONLINE l et th e W isc onsin Fa ll C o l o r Re p o r t b e your guid e to fa ll’s f ine st words by

TO M G I F F E Y

INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY TOO OFTEN KEEPS US sedentary and glued to our screens. But it can also be helpful in getting us into the great outdoors. If you need motivation to get you driving, hiking, or paddling out in Wisconsin’s annual autumnal explosion of color, check out Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report: travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report.

With the help of 100 color spotters across all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, the state Department of Tourism creates an ever-changing, clickable map to help users discover when and where leaves are reaching their colorful crescendos. As of late August, the most spectacular displays were expected in the Chippewa

Valley during the second and third weeks of October, while the peak was predicted two or three weeks earlier around northwoods communities such as Cable and Hayward.

In addition to pointing out peak color, the website also allows users to find nearby events, activities, restaurants, and lodging. Scroll around and you’ll also find local weather conditions, see fall color photos posted by other users, and even learn the locations of selfie stands that will help you record your adventures.

Visitors can also sign up for email alerts, so if you’re hitting the road, don’t “leaf” home without your smartphone. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

GET SPOOKY e mbrac e th e sc a r i e st tim e of ye a r wi th this M agi c a l M a r ket at the Bro o m & Crow words by

EL ANA DRESEN

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READY FOR THE SEASON OF SPOOKINESS? Check out the Broom and Crow’s Magical Market, which is back for another year of Halloween thrills and deals from 10am-4pm on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1726 N. Clairemont Ave. This indoor and outdoor event will feature an array of spooky vendors and autumnal activities to check out.

Marketgoers are encouraged to don their favorite witchy clothes or a

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festive costume and join the shop in exploring various vendors and activities aiming to get you geared for the fall – and, better yet, Halloween.

All ages are welcome, admission is free, and COVID guidelines are simply to mask at your own comfort level. Vendor tents, card readers, food and other fun surprises await.

Get ready to get in the spooky spirit!

More information is available at thebroomandcrow.com.

UNIQUE CANDLES AT THE BROOM & CROW

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A N D R E A PAU L S E T H

P H O T O BY TAY LO R S M I T H

CREATIVE COMMONS

YOU CAN PICKLE THAT? ad ve nture s b eyond th e cucumb e r words by

L AU R E N F I S H E R

WE’VE ENJOYED ANOTHER BOUNTEOUS SUMMER, BUT AS THE CHILL SETTLES IN and fall

cloves, peppercorns, allspice, and ginger.

brings farmers market season to a close, it’s time to consider ways to get the most out of the remaining fall produce. Pickling is a centuries-old technique for preserving foods that involves submerging foods in vinegar, which is acidic and prevents the growth of bacterias, or salt brine, which encourages fermentation.

Common pickled treats include eggs, peas, and beets, not to mention the humble pickled cucumber. However, there are endless possibilities for pickling, including some adventurous choices you might … relish.

This veggie, frequently associated with millennials due to its trendiness, can be made into pickles worthy of snacking and sandwich garnishing. Stir up a brine with white balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, rosemary, lemon, and peppercorns for a savory flavor.

PEACHES Peel, pit, and halve your peaches to prepare them for pickling! You can preserve these sweet fruits in a brine of vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and juniper berries for a snack with a little heat.

WATERMELON RIND These unlikely snacks are likened to gherkin pickles thanks to their sweet-and-tangy flavor profile.

To pickle watermelon rind, slice the fruit, remove the pulp, leaving a thin layer of pink, and cut the skin off of the outside of the melon. The brine is made with apple cider vinegar,

AVOCADO

NASTURTIUMS The seeds of nasturtium flowers can be pickled using a simple brine of pickling vinegar, sugar, and salt.

They’re rather hot and peppery on their own, but the pickling process cools the fiery sensation. The result is sometimes called “poor man’s capers,” and can be used to add some spice to chicken or fish, or as a pizza topping.

CHEESE CURDS We didn’t have to go there, but we did. Pickled (or brined) cheese curds are a flavorful take on a Wisconsin classic. This process isn’t a great pick for preservation, as it lasts in the refrigerator for only about two weeks. Create a marinade with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, chives, oregano, and shallots and let those curds rest in the refrigerator until about an hour before you want to serve them.

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AUTUMNAL BLISS listings by

APPLES, PUMPKINS, AND CORN MAZES AVEnue Orchard • Apple Picking • 6700 Highway 53, Eau Claire • (715) 835-5141 • aveappleorchard.com Producing at least 15 types of apples, three types of plums, two types of pears, and more. Orchard shop features jams, jellies, ciders, butters, and more.

Blueberry Ridge Orchard • Apple Picking • E2795 Hageness Rd., Eleva • (715) 287-3366 • facebook.com/blueberryridgeorchard A 25 acre blueberry orchard that offers 7 varieties of pick your own blueberries. In fall, you can buy readypicked apples and plums.

Bushel and a Peck Market • Apple Picking,

Pumpking Patches, Corn Maze • 18444 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0133 • bushelandapeckmarket.com A family-owned, pick your own orchard over 6,000 trees that produces over 30 varies of apples, pears, plums, and raspberries.

In fall they have a pumpkin patch and 2 corn mazes of different sizes. Has an on-site bakery that makes pies from scratch, a gift shop, a country store that sells jams jellies, honey, crafts, and

J A M E S J O H O N N OT T

more. Enjoy pie and a glass of wine on the patio.

hosts glass classes.

Connell’s Family Orchard Apple Picking, Pumpking Patches • 19372 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5889 • connellsfamilyorchard. com Forty acres of fruit and veggies. Pick tart cherries, blueberries in July, and apples starting in August. Pies, ice cream, carameled apples, jams, honey, and salsas are also available.

Govin’s Meats & Berries Pumpking Patches, Corn Maze • N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • govinsmeatsandberries.com In fall, Govin’s features three full acres of pick-your-own pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled hay rides, 11-acre corn maze. They sell a variety of produce and grass-fed/range-fed meats.

Ferguson’s Orchard Apple Picking, Pumpkin

Klinger Farm Market Pumpkin Patches, Corn

Patches, Corn Maze • 6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire • (715) 830-9370 • fergusonsorchard.com/ eau-claire Stroll through a large pick-your-own orchard, pick the perfect pumpkin, and find hours of fun for all ages in the Apple Blossom Park. Their country store offers delicious baked pastries, local jams, syrups and gifts, and caramel apples. Check out the corn maze and look forward to the haunted house later in the season.

Maze • 12756 132nd St, Chippewa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket.com In fall, Klinger Farm Market offers a 4.5 acre corn maze, petting zoo with llamas, donkeys, lambs and more, lawn games, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin patches, and more. Check out the autumn-themed sundries in their country store like caramel apples, cider, peanut blends, snacks, and more.

The Glass Orchard Apple Picking • 130 Deerfield

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Maze • W2369 Maple Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 514-5171 • leffelroots.com A small, family-owned and operated orchard. They sell pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, pies, caramel apples, and host a fall corn maze.

Road, Eau Claire • (715) 252-0720 • facebook. com/theglassorchardWI The glass orchard is an apple orchard and fused glass studio. Their retail store offers pre-picked apples, pick-your-own apples, fresh apple cider, handblown glass, fused glass, local handmade art, household goods, and

Leffel Roots Apple Orchard Apple Picking,

Lowes Creek Tree Farm Pumpkin Patches • S9475 Lowes Creek Road, Eleva • (715) 8784166 • lowescreektreefarm.com Lowes Creek Tree Farm is a 290 acre family owned choosen-cut christmas tree operation located in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Visit the handscribed log cabin shoppe in October for pumpkins and seasonal harvest items.

Niblett’s Apple Shed Apple Picking, Pumpkin

Patches • 18027 Cty Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • facebook.com/NiblettsAppleShed/ Raises 23 varieties of apples. Pick your own, or pre-picked apples. Pre-picked pumpkins. Wagon rides, mini golf, picnic area, tours, apple slingshot and more attractions. Country store that sells salsa, syrups, dressings, flavored butter, honey, crafts, and more.

Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patches, Corn

Maze • E7631 N County Road E, Elk Mound • (715) 256-7676 • valleypasturefarm.com In September and October, Valley Pasture Farm hosts a Fall Harvest Festival and pick your own pumpkin patch. Attractions include hay wagon rides, bounce houses, corn maze, giant slides, farm animals, lawn games, and much more.

LOCAL FOOD MARKETS

toona • rumpsbutchershoppe.com Enjoy local meats, cheeses, domestic and craft beers, wines, spices & more. Pick up pre-build freezer paks of meat, meat & cheese trays, and check out their specials. They also offer wild game processing.

Sokup’s Market 624 N Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • (715) 723-4953 • Find this business on Facebook HERE Located in Downtown Chippewa Falls. Fresh meat, cheese & produce. The best prices around for great quality. Family owned and operated for over 100 years.

Yellowstone Cheese 24105 County Highway MM, Cadott • yellowstonecheese.com Yellowstone Cheese offers homemade cheeses, wine, jams & jellies, mustards, maple syrup, gifts, taken-bake pizzas, and so much more. They pride themselves on using milk from the Kenealy farm to create the over 30 flavors of cheese.

WINERIES Local Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard 19947 Cty

Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@ autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery. com Produces 13 varieties of wine including many wines using fruit from their orchard, and a hard cider. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting, sample local cheeses and chocolates, relax on the outdoor patio seating, or peruse the gift shop. Enjoy the beautiful sights of blooming apple trees, flowers and an abundance of wildlife.

Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St., Chippe-

River Bend Winery & Distillery 10439 33rd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9463 • riverbendvineyard.com Visitors to the Tasting Room enjoy complimentary samples and may purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Gourmet foods, gifts and accessories for the wine enthusiast are also available. Attendees enjoy the view from a comfortable patio overlooking the vines.

• (715) 552-3366 • justlocalfood.coop For over twelve years the co-op has focused on sourcing from and nurturing relationships with local farmers and producers of high quality, natural, and organic foods for our community. They are dedicated to providing our customer-owners and community access to high quality local, organic, and natural foods – all at a fair price.

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Rump’s Butcher Shoppe 1411 Lynn Ave., Al-

Just Local Food 1117 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire

nue, Chippewa Falls • Find it on Facebook Jacobson’s is a local grocery store in Chippewa Falls that specializes in meats of all kinds. They recently opened an ice cream counter for all of your chilled, summer dairy desires.

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Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main St. East, Menomonie • (715) 235-6533 • mmfc. coop Located in downtown Menomonie, this coop stocks a wide variety of locally sourced meats such as beef, buffalo, chicken, heirloom pork, brats & sausages, lamb, and fresh, local seafood.

Offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, cheeses, dairy items, breads, spirits, and more grocery items. They have a deli, serving up fresh cuts and sandwiches, and they teach classes focusing on wellness, foraging, nutrition, and cooking.

Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery 3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 895-8020 • infinitybeverages.com A winery and distillery producing a wide range of innovative and unique wines and spirits. Tasting room offers wine flights, spirit tastings, wine by the glass, and specialty cocktails including the two time “Best of the Chippewa Valley” winning cocktail the Summer Heat. Live music, all day happy hour on Thursday, and sangria Sundays.

Jacobson’s Market & Scoops 17183 50th Ave-

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wa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@ yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.biz In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.

PHOTO BY BRANDEN NALL

Regional Bella Vinez Winery W10829 875th Avenue, River

Falls • bellevinez.com A family owned and operated wine destination in beautiful western Wisconsin, this Tuscan-style winery is set directly in the heart of the vineyard. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wine options and a small bite to eat from our brick oven or expansive appetizer menu.

Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines E2960 Hageness

Rd, Eleva • (715) 828-2344 • facebook.com/BemisBluff Winery, vineyard, and wine bar. Enjoy up to 3 samples of their custom fruit wines. Purchase a glass and enjoy all of their wines.

Brambleberry Winery N3684 Claire Rd., Taylor • (608) 525-8001 • info@brambleberrywinery.com • brambleberrybandb.com A small artisanal winery tucked into the beautiful rolling hills of Western Wisconsin, not far from the Great River Road. Also featuring a bed and breakfast.

Branches Winery E6796 Old Line Rd., Westby •

(608) 634-9463 • brancheswinery@gmail.com • brancheswinery.com Producing wine from estategrown grapes. The cheerful and friendly tasting room is surrounded by vineyard views and offers tastings plus wine by the glass or bottle. A menu of appetizers highlights local cheeses and regional delights.

Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard 1998A

State Rd. 87, St. Croix Falls • (715) 483-2556 • chateaustcroix.com From Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel, winemaker Troy Chamberlin makes all of his award-winning red wines ‘oh so flavorful’. Distinct in flavor, bold in color, heavy on the palette, and speaking for themselves.

Danzinger Vineyards & Winery S2015 Grapeview Lane, Alma • (608) 685-6000 • danzingervineyard. com Fifteen acres perched atop the Alma Bluffs in Buffalo County overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. They use Frontenac, Prairie Star, St Pepin, La Crescent, La Crosse, Frontenac Gris, St Croix and Marquette for their wines, and also have fruit wines available.

Elmaro Vineyard N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempealeau • (608) 534-6456 • lynita@elmarovineyard.com • elmarovineyard.com Nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, this winery’s unique location makes for beautiful scenery and ideal conditions for cold, hearty vines.

Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery W12266 King Ln.,

Stockholm • (715) 448-3502 • info@maidenrockwinerycidery.com • maidenrockwinerycidery. com Presenting a unique collection of premium hard ciders & fruit wines, from fresh local fruit, flavored

by Wisconsin. Their grape wines include Stockholm Red, Stockholm White, and Frontenac Nouveau – as well as a grape-apple blend, Apfelwein.

Munson Bridge Winery & Vineyard W6462 Bridge Rd., Withee • (715) 229-4501 • sales@ munsonbridgewinery.com • munsonbridgewinery. com Located in Wisconsin’s heartland, MBW offers a large variety of fruit wines including raspberry, elderberry, boysenberry, plum, blackberry, crabapple, and cranberry wines, plus maple syrup wine and many other seasonal favorites.

O’Neil Creek Winery 15369 82nd St., Bloomer

• (715) 568-2341 • oneilcreekwinery.com O’Neil Creek Winery was built in the heart of the Chippewa Valley by Joe and Dorinda Wynimko featuring an assortment of fruit wines that are crisp and refreshing. Come and enjoy the scenery along with the relaxing atmosphere on our patio while you have a glass of wine.

Seven Hawks Vineyard 17 North St., Fountain

City • (608) 687-9463 • sevenhawksvineyards. com Seven Hawks Vineyard includes almost 18,000 northern hybrid grape vines and 500 plum and cherry trees, making them one of the largest vineyards in the upper Midwest. Wines are local, hand pruned, hand tended, and hand harvested, with free tastings available for walk-ins.

Tenba Ridge Winery N27587 Joe Coulee Rd., Blair

• (608) 525-2413 • tenba@triwest.net • tenbaridgewine.com From high atop a ridge in rural Trempealeau County sits one of Wisconsin’s most enjoyable winery experiences. Tenba Ridge produces a number of wines that have won national and state awards.

Known for its award-winning peach apple wine, blueberry apple, black raspberry apple, and white cranapple.

Vernon Vineyards Winery S3426 Peterson Ln.,

Viroqua • (608) 634-6181 • vernonvineyards. com Vernon Vineyards Winery is 75 acres in Vernon County in Western Wisconsin, and offers lovely vineyard views and a beautiful tasting room.

Their 16 wines are made with 100% locally grown Wisconsin grapes and cranberries. Guests can count on a healthy serving of rural Wisconsin hospitality with every sample.

Villa Bellezza Winery 1420 3rd St., Pepin • (715)

442-8484 • villabellezza.com The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by the stunning river bluff drive to the winery along the Mississippi’s historic Great River Road. Visitors may relax in the piazza with small plates and a bottle of wine while listening to the fountain and enjoying the scenery.

Vino in the Valley W3826 450th Ave., Maiden Rock • (715) 639-6677 • vinointhevalley.com Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Open Thursday through Sunday, May through September (with additional weekends October-December), enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta dinner among the vines in an outdoor setting nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley. | SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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FORGE AHEAD WITH FORGE FEST. On Saturday, Sept. 18, check out Kansas City rock & roll powerhouse the Pedaljets as part of the new daylong music festival at Artisan Forge Studios.

From their inception in 1984, their raucous brand of scuzzy, melodic jangle-pop and jagged post-punk placed them in league with some of the decade’s most beloved rockers. Check out more at forgefestec.com.

Events+Guides SUBMITTED PHOTO

Events

Local Lit

THE FULL SLATE OF LOCAL HAPPENINGS FOR THE COMING WEEKS

FORMER POET LAUREATE BRUCE TAYLOR REFLECTS ON SEPT. 11

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EVENTS CALENDAR • BEST BETS • COMING UP NEXT • GUIDES EVENTS+GUIDES EDITOR: JAMES JOHONNOTT

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james@volumeone.org

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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P A R TNER CO NTENT

FALL

Festivals & Events SOME OF THIS SEASON’S MOST NOTEWORTHY HAPPENINGS

sept 10 -

12

chippewa falls, wi | sports + outdoors

THE WISCONSIN SPORTS SHOW NORTHERN WI STATE FAIRGROUNDS F: 3-8 PM • S: 10AM–6PM • SUN: 10AM–4PM

The Wisconsin Sport Show is a three-day, family event celebrating outdoor recreation. This year’s event will showcase; Timberworks Lumberjack Show, North America Diving Dogs, live trophy deer, indoor/ outdoor retail exhibits and displays, petting zoo, 9/11 Memorial Flag Ceremony, food trucks + beer garden, on-site parking and door prizes!

The air is crisp, leaves are changing into brilliant colors, pumpkin spice is all around – fall is creeping up on us, which means a handful of autumnal events that seem too gourd to be true!

From galavanting around our favorite local pumpkin patches to enjoying the fresh taste of local beer, the Chippewa Valley has no shortage of events that will leaf you fall-ing for the season.

sept

12

altoona, wi | arts + entertainment

RIVER PRAIRIE CELEBRATION OF ART RIVER PRAIRIE PARK | 10AM-4PM

Join in at River Prairie Park for a day of art. Featuring local art vendors, live music, food trucks, live performances and kids art activities. Free admission. The mission is to recognize and celebrate the importance of the Chippewa Valley’s art scene, plus support local artisans who were shuttered during the pandemic.

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Want your event featured in here in Print, Online, Email, and Social?

PARTNER CONTENT

sept

11

eau claire, wi | family-friendly

INTERNATIONAL FALL FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE | 11AM-5PM

Presented by Downtown Eau Claire Inc. (DECI), the International Fall Festival celebrates & promotes the diverse cultural makeup of our city through ethnic food booths, craft exhibitors, live music, cultural performances, and a fun Parade of Nations at 3pm in picturesque downtown Eau Claire.

sept 17 oct 30

elk mound, wi | family-friendly

VALLEY PASTURE FARM PUMPKIN PATCH & FALL FUN VALLEY PASTURE FARM | 10AM-6PM

Find the perfect pumpkin, enjoy the fall colors on a wagon, get lost in a corn maze, and enjoy Fall Fun for the whole family. Activities including pumpkin cannon, mini golf, 80 foot slide, feeding the farm animals, and more. Grab tasty concessions like caramel apple sundaes, hot dogs, apple cider, and more. Check us out Fridays through Sundays!

EMAIL ADVERTISING@VOLUMEONE.ORG OR CALL 715-552-0457 FOR DETAILS.

sept

11

eau claire, wi | family-friendly

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE BLOCK PARTY 126 N. BARSTOW ST. | 11AM-5PM

Join the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire for a FREE family festival full of fun! Featuring a live performance by Koo Koo Kanga Roo, jumbo sized yard games, Imagination Playground Blue Blocks, science experiments, art projects, robotics demos, and more.

sept

18

eau claire, wi | family-friendly

DOWN TO EARTH FALL FEST & PETTING ZOO DOWN TO EARTH GARDEN CENTER | 10AM-4PM

Bring the kids for a day of family fun with cuddly critters from Outlaw Petting Zoo! Paint a pumpkin for $3. Enjoy lunch, apple cider, cookies, and more in the Five & Two Cafe. Fall at Down to Earth is filled with amazing mums and pumpkins, cozy flannels in the Mustard Seed Boutique & delicious treats in the Five & Two Cafe.

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PARTNER CONTENT

sept

25

altoona, wi | family-friendly

RIVER PRAIRIE GINORMOUS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL RIVER PRAIRIE PARK | 9AM-2PM

Celebrate the arrival of the fall season to the Chippewa Valley with 1000 lb giant pumpkins lining River Prairie Park. Events include a giant pumpkin weigh-off, 5K run, pumpkin dessert contest, kids pumpkin decorating, and a rubber ducky race. For more information, please visit rpgiantpumpkinfest.com!

oct

2 429

eau claire, wi • virtual | literary arts

CHIPPEWA VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL LOCATIONS & TIMES VARY

The Chippewa Valley Book Festival celebrates the written word through author readings and book signings, school visits, and includes programs for writers of all ages. After a hiatus in 2020, the 2021 festival will feature both in-person and virtual events highlighting authors across various genres and diverse backgrounds.

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oct

07

eau claire, wi | arts + entertainment

HOPE IS THE THING: WISCONSINITES

ON PERSEVERANCE IN A PANDEMIC THE LOCAL STORE | 7PM

The Local Store at Volume One welcomes editor B. J. Hollars and Eau Claire-area contributors to the new anthology Hope is the Thing: Wisconsinites on Perseverance in a Pandemic for an exploration of resiliency in poetry and prose. Join local contributors for a reading and conversation on the power of words in the midst of pandemic.

nov

05

eau claire, wi • virtual | charities + galas

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS ANNUAL GALA THE LISMORE HOTEL | 5PM

Celebrate the success of mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Annual Gala, held at the Halls of Lismore and streaming online.

The event features an awards presentation, speakers, silent auction, and Cyrus Steele, a comic featured on America’s Got Talent. Get tickets at bbbsnw.org/gala. Funds raised help empower potential in area youth!

Want your event featured in here in Print, Online, Email, and Social?

EMAIL ADVERTISING@VOLUMEONE.ORG OR CALL 715-552-0457 FOR DETAILS.

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Events CHIPPEWA VALLEY EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2-26, 2021 All events are subject to change; call ahead for details. For full event descriptions and details, visit our online calendar at www.volumeone. org/events. 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. For any event related questions, contact Listings Editor James Johonnott at james@volumeone.org.

Thursday, September 2 CAR EVENTS Classic Garage Car Shows 5-8pm • The Classic

Garage, Eau Claire • Car shows at Classic Garage hosted by Westhill Auto Rallies. theclassicgarage.com

COMMUNITY Stand In The Light Memory Choir Fall Rehears-

als 10-11am • Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Eau Claire • For people in early to mid-stages of memory loss, their care partners and singing volunteers. $25 registration fee • 07152104165 • standinthelightmemorychoir.org FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-

5pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Al-

len Park, Chippewa Falls • chippewafallsmainst. org/farmers-market.html

FOOD & DRINK Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted

Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm.

BYO chairs. No cover charge • Family friendly • 254-1557 • theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays

HOME & GARDEN Fall Porch Pot Workshop 9am-4pm • Down To

Earth Garden Center, Eau Claire • Groups of up to 6 can schedule a private workshop to construct beautiful porch pots. Pay only for what you plant • downtoearthgardencenter.com

LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • 308-1830 • facebook.com

WORDS Borealis Mundi - Threshold Stories 6:30pm •

Wakanda Park, Menomonie • Personal narratives, poetry, and stories by Wisconsin storyteller Tracy Chipman. $10-15/per person • 16+ • 292-1513 • tracychipman.net/seasonal

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

FREE • All Ages • 861-5353 • m.facebook.com/ stringtheorystudiowi/

food, music, and more. Explore Banbury Place’s community of creators. FREE • All Ages

FOOD & DRINK

WELLNESS

Food Truck Friday 11am-7pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Food, snack, and drink trucks will be serving lunch and dinner on Phoenix Park along the Riverfront Terrace drive. • volumeone.org/ foodtruckfriday

Drumming and Music Medicine 8-10pm •

Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge 4-8pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • All summer long, Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge

Saturday, September 4

Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

LEISURE Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm •

Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5 p.m., profits go to local charities. All Ages • 723-3708 • kofc974.com/bingo

MUSIC Patsy Cline Evening with Joyann Parker

5-9:30pm • Paradise Shores 4, Holcombe • A showcase of the most popular and best-loved of Patsy’s songs. $45 dinner & show • All Ages • paradiseshores4.com

Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Local musicians and artist markets every Saturday. ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

VISUAL ART

Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront

Banbury Place First Friday Market 4-8pm • Banbury 13, Eau Claire • Demonstrations, games, art,

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Falls • Labor Daze Mayhem, Smile Empty Soul, Co-oP, END GAME, and Stumpt. $8 adv or $12 dos • 21+ • facebook.com/4corners4fun

Asparagus 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire •

Original indie rock band from Eau Claire. FREE • uwec.edu

RECREATION & OUTDOORS

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

Buckshot Run 9am • Carson Park,

MORE EVEN TS

FOOD & DRINK Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc & Merlot Free Tasting 11am-10pm •

FULL DETA ILS

200 Main Art & Wine, Eau Claire • Learn about and taste Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc & Duckhorn Merlot. FREE • 21+ • 895-7114 • 200mainec.com

Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge noon-8pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • All summer long, Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm •

HOME & GARDEN

FITNESS

www.VolumeOne.org

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market

NIGHTLIFE

Friday, September 3

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FARMERS MARKETS

Together Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers are $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

Adult Skate Night 8:30-10:30pm • High Roller

Labor Daze Mayhem featuring Smile Empty Soul 5-11:45pm • Joel’s 4Corners, Chippewa

Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

• Dr. Jim and Friends will perform at UWEC’s Cabin in the Davie Center. FREE • uwec.edu

Dr. Jim and Friends 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire

Skating Center, Eau Claire • High Roller Skating hosts themed adult-only skate nights. $6 admission • 18+ • highrollerskating.com

Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors.

Dancing Yarrow Retreat, Mondovi • Connection, drumming, and music medicine around the fire. By Donation • meyertanya1977@gmail.com

Chippewa Falls • Sons of Guns plays rock and alt-country covers and originals with an emphasis on Tom Petty and Weezer. FREE • All Ages • river-jams.com

Fall Porch Pot Workshop 9am-4pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, Eau Claire • Groups of up to 6 can schedule a private workshop to construct beautiful porch pots. Pay only for what you plant • downtoearthgardencenter.com

Eau Claire • This 2 and 5 mile run/ walk in and around beautiful Carson Park draws 1,000+ runners and walkers each year!.

100% of the money raised supports the 9,000+ athletes in Wisconsin. $25 • All Ages • (608) 4425674 • BuckshotRun.com

Sunflower Maze 11am-6pm • Jaquish Farms • Sunflower maze, wagon rides, pizza food truck, popcorn, beverages, and more family fun. More on Facebook

Sunday, September 5 COMMUNITY Fireworks Display 8-10pm • Big Island Lake

Wissota • Dusk fireworks display launched from Big Island.

KIDS Chippewa Valley Railroad Train Rides at Carson Park noon-5pm • Carson Park, Eau Claire •

Scenic, 1/2-mile train ride. $3 Adults, $2 Children, FREE for 2/under • chippewavalleyrailroad.org

MUSIC

MUSIC

Sons of Guns 4-7pm • River Jams Restaurant,

A Night of Death Metal: Feat. Atoll & Splattered

BEST BETS SEPTEMBER 2-26, 2021

1. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY Sep. 3 • Phoenix Park • 11am-7pm

BARRELS OF FUN. Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest runs 11am to 11pm on Friday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 18, on the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. At noon on Friday the estmeister and Festmeisterin are named, and the Golden Keg procession travels from the Leinenkugel Brewery to the fairgrounds. The following two days will be filled with fun, food, music, and (naturally) plenty of beer.

Cadaver 7pm • Zymurgy Brewing, Menomonie • A night of death metal. $8 • volumeonetickets.org

Wednesday, September 8

RECREATION & OUTDOORS

COMEDY

Sunflower Maze 11am-6pm • Jaquish Farms • Sunflower maze, wagon rides, pizza food truck, popcorn, beverages, and more family fun. More on Facebook

Comedian Jeff Pfoser 7-9pm • Bye the Willow, Chippewa Falls • A charismatic family man whose relatable stories take surprise twists and turns. $15 • volumeonetickets.org

Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau

COMMUNITY

Claire • Learn and play the French game of Petanque, played all over the world. FREE • All Ages

SPECTATOR SPORTS Ski Sprites Water Ski Show 6:30pm • Lake

Altoona County Beach, Altoona • The Sprites are back this year with waterskiing shows. FREE with $5/car EC county parking permit • SkiSprites.com

Monday, September 6

Round Up Charcoal Chicken Dinner 5-7pm • Hope Lutheran Church, Eau Claire • Live music & horse rides. Meal includes charcoal chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, beans, dilly bar. $10 adults, $5 kids • hopelutheran-ec.com DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm

• Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • Waltz, two step and more at the Moose Lodge every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584

KIDS

FARMERS MARKETS

Chippewa Valley Railroad Train Rides at Carson Park noon-5pm • Carson Park, Eau Claire •

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Scenic, 1/2-mile train ride. $3 Adults, $2 Children, FREE for 2/under • chippewavalleyrailroad.org

RECREATION Sunflower Maze 11am-6pm • Jaquish Farms • Sunflower maze, wagon rides, pizza food truck, popcorn, beverages, and more family fun. facebook.com/events/320901263012025

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 10am-6pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

FOOD & DRINK Bent Paddle Tasting Event 6-8pm • The Growler

Guys, Eau Claire • Meet the brewery reps from Bent Paddle, learn about their brew, and win swag prizes. • 21+ • TheGrowlerGuys.com

Tuesday, September 7

GAMES & HOBBIES

FARMERS MARKETS

Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &

Eau Claire County Government Center Farmers’ Market 11:30am-3:30pm • Eau Claire County

Government Center, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

KIDS Family Transitions for Divorcing or Separated Parents 6:30-8:30pm • Family Resource Center

Inc., Eau Claire • Meet other parents going through the problems that come with divorce or separation. FREE • 833-1735 • frcec.org

Food, snack, and drink trucks will be serving lunch and dinner at Phoenix Park along the Riverfront Terrace drive. Featuring Holy Donuts, The Hubb, Fire Truck Pizza, Gauc & Roll, Smokestream, and Ramone’s Ice Cream.

2. SHOWTIME PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING PRESENTS HALLIE BLOCK PARTY Sep. 11 • Eagle’s Club • 7-9:30pm Featuring “Dad Bod God” Nathan Sensation, Devlin Kain, Ghetto Gear Solid, and more.

MICHAEL BARTSCH

3. INTERNATIONAL FALL FESTIVAL Sep. 11 • Downtown Eau Claire • 11am-5pm Live music, food, art, and culture in downtown Eau Claire. Music from Unity the Band, Klezmazel, and Collective Choir. Live cultural performances like Taichi, Irish Dance, Nyckelharpa, Hmong dance ad art, and more.

4. RIVER PRAIRIE CELEBRATION OF ART Sep. 12 • River Prairie Park • 10am-4pm Features local art vendors, live music, food trucks, performances, and kids art activities. The mission is to recognize and celebrate the importance of the Chippewa Valley’s art scene, plus support local artisans who were shuttered during the pandemic.

Wine, Eau Claire • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. • 200mainec.com

5. CHIPPEWA FALLS OKTOBERFEST

KIDS

Enjoy German fun in a festive, friendly city.

Oktoberfest offers four stages with a variety of live entertainment and plenty of scrumptious foods, both German and American.

Storytime in the Park 10:30am • Riverfront Park, Chippewa Falls • Stories, rhymes, music and movement activity fun for the whole family. • chippewafallslibrary.org

Sep. 17-18 •CF Visitor Center • 11am-11pm

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Events MUSIC Open Mic Night 6-10pm • The Enchanted Barn,

Hilllsdale • Listen to a variety of musicians display their talents. Musicians get a free drink ticket. Doors at 6pm. Music at 6:30pm. Open Jam at 8pm. • theenchantedbarn.com

Thursday, September 9 BUSINESS Learning to Lead 8:30am-4pm • Online through

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education • Gain confidence in your leadership and improve work relationships. $600 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu

How to Do Text Message/Mobile Marketing

10:30am • Hosted Online by the Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center • Learn the basics of text message and mobile marketing. • ic.successfulbusiness.org

Start A Small Business in 8 Steps 6-7pm •

Hosted Online by the Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center • Topics covered include: Are you an Entrepreneur? Honing an Idea, Business Feasibility, Legal Structure, Permits & Zoning, Marketing, Recordkeeping, Business Plan, and Funding. $29 • ic.successfulbusiness.org

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm

• Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted

Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm.

BYO chairs. • theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays

Dinner over the Duncan 5:30pm • The Heyde

Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls • A unique dinner experience on the Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, catered by Karl’s BBQ Express. $75/ person • cvca.net

HOME & GARDEN Fall Porch Pot Workshop 9am-4pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, Eau Claire • Groups of up to 6 can schedule a private workshop. Pay only for what you plant • downtoearthgardencenter.com

READY TO ROCK. Platinum-selling rockers O.A.R. will help open the fourth season at the Pablo Center on Sept. 12 with opening act Lanue (a.k.a. Eau Claire native Sarah Krueger).

LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • 308-1830 • facebook.com

MUSIC Live Music with Garden Party 6-8pm • 200 Main - Art and Wine, Eau Claire • Folk, Pop, Americana. Guitar, Ukulele, Upright Bass. Sweet Harmony. 200main.org Vinyl Nights: “Hits That Won’t Quit” on The Lakely Patio with Mabis 7-10pm • The Lakely,

Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Al-

len Park, Chippewa Falls • chippewafallsmainst. org/farmers-market.html

Eau Claire • Vinyl Nights DJ, Mabis, makes a return to the turntable with a curated selection of “Hits That Won’t Quit.” FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com

FOOD & DRINK

WORDS

Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

“Make Every Mile A Memory”: A Reading and

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Presentation with B.J. and Henry Hollars 7pm • The Local Store, Eau Claire • B.J. Hollars and his six-year-old son, Henry, hop in the car to rediscover America, and Americans, along the way.

FREE • volumeone.org/store

Friday, September 10 BUSINESS Learning to Lead 8:30am-4pm • Online through

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education • Gain confidence in your leadership and improve work relationships. $600 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu

COMMUNITY 15th Annual Great Community Cookout 4-8pm

• Downtown Menomonie • Live music, food & drink, and fun games for the whole family. FREE • More on Facebook

FITNESS Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront

Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors. facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi/

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dozen • All Ages • 382-4397

Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge 4-8pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

KIDS Cleghorn Harvest Festival 5-11pm • Downtown Cleghorn, Cleghorn • Food, tournaments, car show, 5k run/walk, fireworks, silent auction and much more. cleghornharvestfest.com LEISURE Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm

• Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Fod and refreshments available at 5 p.m., profits go to local charities. • kofc974.com/bingo

MUSIC Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery

FOOD & DRINK

4-8pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. • autumnharvestwinery.com

Donut Fry 10am-3pm • Jim Falls United Methodist Church, Jim Falls • Hosted by The United Methodist Women. Call for advance orders. $4/

Jim Miller at Raw Deal 6-8pm • Raw Deal, Menomonie • Local singer songwriter Jim Miller shares originals and covers of folk rock classics.

FREE • All Ages • rawdeal-wi.com

Sweater People 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire • A contemporary, experimental, improvisatory musical quartet. FREE • uwec.edu

OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING Men’s Stuff Sale 9am-5pm • English Lutheran Church of Bateman, Chippewa Falls • Tools, furniture, lawn & garden, sporting goods, automotive, and more. Lunch available. FREE • All Ages • 723-4231 • elcbateman.org RECREATION The Wisconsin Sport Show - Fall Edition

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls • 150+ hunting, fishing, retail, and recreational displays & exhibits. Beer garden, food trucks, petting zoo, diving dogs show, air rifle demos, archery, and more. 9/11 memorial flag raising. Leashed dogs welcome. $9 adv, $12 door, FREE for ages 11 and under, senior and military discount • All Ages • wigamefest.com

Charity Golf Outing for Feed My People

10:30am-6:30pm • Lake Wissota Golf & Events, Chippewa Falls • Includes 18-holes, cart and dinner plus a chance to win a car and cash prizes. All proceeds go to Feed My People. $85 per golfer / $325 per foursome • servproecgolf.com

STAGE Drag and Dessert 7pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire

• Drag performances, complimentary dessert buffet, and cash bar fundraiser for ECCT. $25 one night, $40 for both nights • Ages 18+ • ecct.org

VISUAL ART 7th Annual Yellowstone Art Trail Cadott, Boyd

and Eastern Lake Wissota • Free self guided art tour featuring 34 local artists at 11 locations. • yellowstonearttrail.blogspot.com

Saturday, September 11 CAR SHOW Hot Wheels, Smokin’ Meals Car Show 11am-

4:30pm • Z’s Food and Spirits, Chippewa Falls • Snowmobiles, cars, and motorcycles. Pig roast, prizes, live music, raffles, and more. • Find it on Facebook

COMMUNITY Altoona Lions Club 60th Anniversary Celebration 11am-1pm • Altoona City Park, Altoona •

Lunch, cake & ice cream, free vision test for children, live music, and more. FREE will donation

Holy Ghost Parish’s 50th Annual Parish Picnic

5-7pm • Holy Ghost Parish, Chippewa Falls • Roast beef meal after 5pm mass on Saturday, and full picnic meal and event after 11am mass on Sunday.

CRAFTING & MAKING Traditional Swedish Dala Horse Painting Class 9-11:30am • Kahvi Coffee House, Eau Claire • Learn about its history, and paint your own Dala

Horse, hand-carved by Paul Nyborg. $85/student • 8+ • thenyborgs.com

demos, archery, and more. 9/11 memorial flag raising. Leashed dogs welcome. $9 adv, $12 door, FREE for ages 11 and under, senior and military discount • All Ages • wigamefest.com

FARMERS MARKETS

1-4pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend • autumnharvestwinery.com

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market

True Blue Music Concert: Scott Stapp 4-11pm •

Annual Walk for Hunger Nyre You 9-11:15am • Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altoona • Supports the weekend food bag program, Feed a Child Nyre You with the Altoona School District. 8297024 • blcaltoona.org

Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

SPECTATOR SPORTS

7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Local musicians and artist markets every Saturday. ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

FESTIVALS International Fall Festival 11am-5pm • Downtown Eau Claire • Live music, food, art, and culture in downtown Eau Claire. FREE • downtowneauclaire.org/fallfestival/

The Lonely Ones formally Bobaflex and Stare Across 6pm • Joel’s 4Corners,

FOOD & DRINK

MORE EVEN TS

6th Annual Western Wisconsin Tailgate Grilling Tournament

11am-5pm • Hobbsy’s, Eau Claire • 14 Local teams will be competing in a five category grilling competition. A DJ, beer garden, drink specials, samples and grilling tips will be available. FREE • 21+ •

City Municipal Parking Lot, Menomonie • Grammy winning songwriter, solo artist, and Creed frontman Scott Stapp will play in Menomonie. $23 GA, $16 student, $35 VIP, $100 platinum VIP • truebluemusicconcert.com

FULL DETA ILS

Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge noon-8pm •

Chippewa Falls • The Lonely Ones (formally Bobaflex) rocks Joel’s 4Corners. $15 adv or $20 dos • 21+ • 861-5766 • facebook. com/4corners4fun

Sad House Guest 6pm • The

Cabin, Eau Claire • SHG, Samuel Stein and Tor Kjartansson, will perform at the Cabin at UWEC. FREE • uwec.edu

Live Music: Matt Caflisch + Baby Grant Johnson + Todd Adams 9pm • The Mousetrap,

Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • All summer long, Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge

Eau Claire • Folk pop, 60’s bar-style blues, and self-penned solo acoustic gems. FREE • 21+ • themousetrapeauclaire.com

Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm •

OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING

Oktoberfest Release Party noon • Modicum

Men’s Stuff Sale 9am-5pm • English Lutheran Church of Bateman, Chippewa Falls • Tools, furniture, lawn & garden, sporting goods, automotive, and more. Lunch available. FREE • elcbateman.org

Together Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers are $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com Brewing Company, Altoona • Put on your lederhosen and don your dirndl for the release of Modicum’s 2021 Oktoberfest Lager and plenty of food. modicumbrewing.com

HOME & GARDEN Fall Porch Pot Workshop 9am-4pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, Eau Claire • Groups of up to 6 can schedule a private workshop. Pay only for what you plant • downtoearthgardencenter.com

RECREATION The Wisconsin Sport Show - Fall Edition

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls • 150+ hunting, fishing, retail, and recreational displays & exhibits. Beer garden, food trucks, petting zoo, diving dogs show, air rifle

Showtime Professional Wrestling presents HALLIE BLOCK PARTY 7-9:30pm • Eagle’s Club,

Chippewa Falls • Featuring “Dad Bod God” Nathan Sensation, Devlin Kain, Ghetto Gear Solid, and more. $20 front row, $15 GA, FREE for kids 6 and under • facebook.com/showtimeprowrestling1

STAGE Drag and Dessert 7pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire

• Drag performances, complimentary dessert buffet, and cash bar fundraiser for ECCT. $25 one night, $40 for both nights • Ages 18+ • ecct.org

VISUAL ART 7th Annual Yellowstone Art Trail Cadott, Boyd

and Eastern Lake Wissota • Free self guided art tour featuring 34 local artists at 11 locations.

FREE • yellowstonearttrail.blogspot.com

WELLNESS Relax & Rejuvenate - 1 Day Retreat at Dancing

Yarrow 10am-4:30pm • Dancing Yarrow Retreat, Mondovi • Day long retreat with quiet time in nature, yoga, and healthy lunch. $95 • All Ages • 309-5238 • farmtoforkretreat.com WORDS Pop-Up Book Sale for the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library 10am-3pm

• Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire • $1-2 for adult books, $0.250.50 for children’s. $2 for audiobooks. $1 DVDs 831-5301 • ecpubliclibrary.info/friends/

KIDS Family Transitions for Divorcing or Separated Parents 9-11am • Family Resource Center Inc.,

Eau Claire • Meet other parents going through the problems that come with divorce or separation. FREE • 833-1735 • frcec.org

Cleghorn Harvest Festival 9am-11pm • Down-

town Cleghorn, Cleghorn • Food, tournaments, car show, 5k run/walk, fireworks, silent auction and much more. cleghornharvestfest.com

Cornerstone Fun Fest 11am-3pm • Cornerstone Christian Church, Eau Claire • Petting zoo, free carnival games, inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, music, and food. FREE • All Ages • 8324624 • CornerstoneChristian-EC.org MUSIC Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery

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Events Sunday, September 12

Monday, September 13

COMMUNITY

FOOD & DRINK

Holy Ghost Parish’s 50th Annual Parish Picnic

Beer Dinner 6-9pm • Bye the Willow, Chippewa Falls • Four course beer dinner created by Chef Adam. $50 • byethewillow.com

EDUCATION

Tuesday, September 14

11am-4pm • Holy Ghost Parish, Chippewa Falls • Roast beef meal after 5pm mass Saturday, full picnic meal and event after 11am mass Sunday. FREE

Campfire Conversations 6-8pm • Farm to Fork

Retreat at Dancing Yarrow, Mondovi • Local experts share their knowledge about regenerative agriculture, sustainability, the local food movement, health, and more. FREE • More on Facebook

FOOD & DRINK Vintage Tea Party 11am-2pm • Chippewa Valley Floral, Eau Claire • Sip tea and enjoy refreshments while you shop special sales. More on Facebook

Farm Tour & Market with Inga Witscher 11am3pm • St. Isidore’s Dairy, Osseo • Host of PBS series Around the Farm Table gives a tour of her farm. FREE • stisidoresdairy@gmail.com

Make & Take Canning Class 1pm • VonDraeger

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire County Government Center Farmers’ Market 11:30am-3:30pm • Eau Claire County

Government Center, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

Wednesday, September 15 DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • Waltz, two step and more every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584

FARMERS MARKETS Conceptions, Eau Claire • Learn to safely make and preserve your own homemade goods.

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market Class is 2-3 hours long, and limited to 10 7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire people. $40 • facebook.com/VonDrae• ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com gerConceptions MORE EVEN TS

Menomonie Farmer’s Market

10am-6pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

KIDS Cleghorn Harvest Festival

‘DICK WOLF: SPECIAL IMPROV UNIT’ INVESTIGATES THE LAUGHS ON SEPT. 25 AT THE GRAND THEATRE

upcomingevents A NIGHT OF DE ATH METAL Sep. 5 • Zymurgy Brewing • 7pm • $8 • A night of death metal with Atoll (AZ) and Splattered Cadaver (WI) and another band TBA.

COMEDIAN JEFF PFOSER Sep. 8 • Bye the Willow • 7pm • $15 • A charismatic family man whose relatable stories take surprise twists and turns, Pfoser combines impromptu commentary with astute observations of both the magnificent and the mundane.

FORGE FEST Sep. 18 • Artisan Forge Studios • 5-11pm • $30 • Art during the day and music at night. This audacious fusion event will combine art and music into an explosion of creativity, beauty and togetherness on the grounds of Artisan Forge Studios. Six bands, six hours of music.

PARTY IN THE PRAIRIE: JOSH TURNER CONCERT

10am-3pm • Downtown Cleghorn, Cleghorn • Food, tournaments, car show, 5k run/walk, fireworks, silent auction and much more. cleghornharvestfest.com

FULL DETA ILS

Family Fun Day noon-3pm • St. Mary’s Catholic

Church, Altoona • Kids Games, crafts, concessions, Kevins Balloon Twisting and more. FREE • Ages 0-12 • 577-6061 • stmarys-altoona.com

MUSIC Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery 14pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend • autumnharvestwinery.com

O.A.R. 7:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence,

Eau Claire • O.A.R has sold out Madison Square Garden twice, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, and is platinum-certified. $30-60 • pablocenter.org

RECREATION The Wisconsin Sport Show - Fall Edition Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls • 150+ hunting, fishing, retail, and recreational displays & exhibits. Beer garden, food trucks, petting zoo, diving dogs show, air rifle demos, archery, and more. 9/11 memorial flag raising.

Leashed dogs welcome. $9 adv, $12 door, FREE for ages 11 and under, senior and military discount • All Ages • wigamefest.com Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau

Claire • Learn and play the French game of Petanque, played all over the world. FREE • All Ages

Sep. 18 • Prevea Amphitheater, Rivier Prairie Park • 4-10pm • $39 GA • A concert featuring multi-platinum-selling country art-

RUN/WALK EVENTS

DICK WOLF: SPECIAL IMPROV UNIT

Transit, Eau Claire • Half marathon, 5k, and kids fun run to benefit Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. Registration fee online • facebook.com/ events/390607612032542

ist Josh Turner and special guest Danielle Bradbery.

Sep. 25 • The Grand Theatre • 7:30-9:30pm • $12 • Improv

comedy based on the works of Dick Wolf and the world of Law & order. Opening Acts: Cullen Ryan, Alyssa Anderson, Memorial High School Improv Team.

CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT:

VOLUMEONE.ORG/TICKETS

Chippewa Valley River Run 8am-1pm • Student

VISUAL ART River Prairie Celebration of Art 10am-4pm

• River Prairie Park, Altoona • 30 local art vendors, live music, food trucks, and interactive art performances. FREE • All Ages • 471-6142 • eauclaire-wi.com/RiverPrairie/

Art Gala - Meet The Artists 2-5pm • Bye the Wil-

low, Chippewa Falls • Meet the artists of the artist wall and enjoy cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere.

FREE • All Ages • 861-3038 • More on Facebook

GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main

Art & Wine, Eau Claire • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. • 200mainec.com

KIDS Storytime in the Park 10:30am • Riverfront Park, Chippewa Falls • Stories, rhymes, music and movement activity fun for the whole family. • chippewafallslibrary.org MUSIC Ethan Iverson, Pianist 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter

Center for the Arts, Menomonie • Jazz pianist and composer. $17 + Fees • mabeltainter.org

NIGHTLIFE Extreme Bingo 7-9pm • Bye the Willow, Chippewa Falls • Extreme Bingo in the middle of the week.

Free to play and prizes every round. FREE • 21+ • 861-3038 • More on Facebook OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING Dress for Success Shopping Event 11am-4pm • Keller Williams Realty Diversified, Eau Claire • Shop clothing, salons, and vendors with a dessert bar, drinks, prizes, and more. Donate gently used professional clothing. 18+ • pages.kw.com SENIORS Comparing Medicare Drug Plans Online 1pm • CVTC Chippewa Falls Campus, 103 Computer Lab, Chippewa Falls • Learn how to navigate the Medicare.gov website. FREE • Any adult on Medicare • 726-7777 • hipaa.jotform.com

Thursday, September 16 CAR SHOWS Classic Garage Car Shows 5-8pm • The Classic Garage, Eau Claire • Hosted by Westhill Auto Rallies. theclassicgarage.com

COMEDY Colin Mochrie’s HYPROV with Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci 7pm, 9:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, Menomonie • A brand new, side-splitting show where volunteers do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie while under hypnosis.

Events $45 + ticket fee • mabeltainter.org

LEISURE

FARMERS MARKETS

Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm •

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Al-

len Park, Chippewa Falls • chippewafallsmainst. org/farmers-market.html

FOOD & DRINK

Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • 308-1830 • facebook.com

Friday, September 17 COMMUNITY Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm •

Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5 p.m., profits go to local charities. • kofc974.com/bingo

Oktoberfest Kick Off Party 5-9pm • Leinie Lodge,

FESTIVALS

Chippewa Falls • Live music, Bubbles BBQ, Weiner dog races, giveaways and more. Wear Lederhosen or Dirndls to win beer for a year. 21+

Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted

Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm.

BYO chairs. No cover charge • Family friendly • 254-1557 • theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest 11am-11pm • Chippewa Falls Visitor Center, Chippewa Falls • Festive German & American food, live entertainment, and more. $10 • oktoberfestchippewafalls.com

FITNESS Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront

Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga

classes with String Theory Studio instructors.

FREE • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi/

FOOD & DRINK Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge 4-8pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

NIGHTLIFE Adult Skate Night 8:30-10:30pm • High Roller

Skating Center, Eau Claire • High Roller Skating hosts themed adult-only skate nights. $6 admission • 18+ • highrollerskating.com

Saturday, September 18 CAR SHOW Annual Wisconsin DMC Cruise-in noon • The

KIDS

Classic Garage, Eau Claire • A Delorian DMC Cruise-in car show. theclassicgarage.com

ECCT Presents “Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids”

Cruise-in Car Show 4-8pm • Downtown Chippe-

7:30-8:15pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this FREE production to kick off ECCT’s 33rd Season. FREE • ecct.org

MUSIC Howard Luedtke and Deb Klozzner 6pm • The

Cabin, Eau Claire • Howard Luedtke has played finger style guitar blues for 40+. He’s joined by his wife Deb on the bass. FREE • uwec.edu

wa Falls • Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

FREE to attend • chippewafallsmainst.org

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market

7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Local musicians and artist markets every Saturday. ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

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77

Events FESTIVALS Cadott Booya Days 10am-4pm • Rick’s Halfway

Hall, Cadott • Free BOOYA soup, banana split sundaes, pie auction, music, crafters & vendors, markets, and more. Free to $10 • All Ages • 8286004 • cadottbooyadays.org

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest 11am-11pm • Chippewa Falls Visitor Center, Chippewa Falls • Festive German & American food, live entertainment, and more. $10 • oktoberfestchippewafalls.com

FOOD & DRINK Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge noon-8pm •

Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge

Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm • Togeth-

er Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts • togetherfarms.com

KIDS ECCT Presents “Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids”

11-11:45am, 1:30-2:15pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this FREE production to kick off ECCT’s 33rd Season. FREE

• All Ages • 839-8877 • ecct.org

17+ • forgefestec.com

Adult Night Out/Kids Night In 5-9pm • St. Mary’s

Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm •

Catholic Church, Altoona • Beer tent, bbq, and music outdoors for the adults. Kids movie, pizza, and games inside for the kids. FREE • 577-6061 • stmarys-altoona.com

MUSIC Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery 1-

4pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend • autumnharvestwinery.com

Party In The Prairie: Josh Turner Concert

4-10pm • Prevea Amphitheater at River Prairie Park, Altoona • A concert featuring multi-platinum-selling country artist Josh Turner and special guest Danielle Bradbery. $39 GA, $59-99 VIP • volumeonetickets.org

Live Show: The Embellishment 5-8pm • Owen Park Bandshell, Eau Claire • Embellishment is a rock band from Eau Claire. Featuring Ben Shaw.

FREE • More on Facebook Forge Fest 5-11pm • Artisan Forge Studios, Eau

Claire • Six bands, six hours of music. Art festival from 10am-4pm. Music from 5-11pm. $30 • Ages

RECREATION

Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

Uncommon Denominator 6pm • The Cabin, Eau

Wednesday, September 22

Live Music and Free Wine Tasting with Dana Larson 7:30-9:30pm • 200 Main Art & Wine, Eau

DANCE

Claire • Musician Dana Larson has selected 3 wines for you to sample during his performance.

FREE • 21+ • 895-7114 • 200mainec.com

RUN/WALK EVENTS Walk for a Cure - Booya Days 9-11am • Citizens

State Bank, Cadott • 10th Annual Two Mile Walk for a Cure. All proceeds donated to The American Cancer Society. $10 • All Ages • runsignup.com

Andy Gross’ “Mind Boggling Variety Show” 7:30pm • The

EDUCATION Family to Family 6-8:30pm • 8 week support program for families of people with mental illness.

FREE • Adults • 450-6484 • NAMICV.org UWEC Forum Series - Antonia Okafor: “Gun Rights are Women’s Rights”

Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls • Combines stand up comedy, magic and ventriloquism for an amazing evening. $29 GA, $24 youth • cvca.net

7:30pm • Hosted virtually by UWEC • Antonia Okafor is the Director of Outreach and National Spokesperson for Gun Owners of America. Ticket TBA • uwec.edu

MORE EVEN TS

FULL DETA ILS

Meet the Unitarian Society of Menomonie 10am • Alamo House, Menomonie • Learn about the Unitarian Society of Menomonie.

KIDS ECCT Presents “Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids”

1:30-2:15pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this FREE production to kick off ECCT’s 33rd Season. FREE • All Ages • 839-8877 • ecct.org

MUSIC White Pine Music and Poetry Open Mic 2-4pm • Wilson Park Shelter, Menomonie • Bring a chair, dress for the weather and enjoy an afternoon of local talent. $2 suggested donation Elvis Aloha Show feat. Dakota Pongratz 5-9pm • Paradise Shores 4, Holcombe • Dakota Pongratz performs the music of Elvis. $25 dinner and show • All Ages • paradiseshores4.com On Tour: Texas Hippie Coalition 6pm • Every

Buddy’s Bar, Chippewa Falls • Heavy metal band Texas Hippie Coalition will be joined by special guests Motherwind. $20 • Find it on Facebook

RECREATION Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau

Claire • Learn and play the French game of Petanque, played all over the world. FREE • All Ages

Tuesday, September 21 CAREER Career Day! ‘A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent’ 3-4:30pm • Keller Williams Realty Diver-

sified, Eau Claire • Learn about what it takes to be a real estate agent. • pages.kw.com

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire County Government Center Farmers’ Market 11:30am-3:30pm • Eau Claire County

Government Center, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

FOOD & DRINK Oktoberfest German Meat and Cheese Dinner

6:30pm • Lazy Monk Brewing, LLC, Eau Claire • A plate of tasty, authentic imported German meats and cheeses with condiments and fresh bread baskets. $25 (serves two) • lazymonkbrewing.com

| SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • Waltz, two step and more every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584

STAGE

COMMUNITY

www.VolumeOne.org

Altoona • A monthly class to talk about outdoor activities. $5/person/class • Ages 5+

Claire • Voted #1 Best Cover Band in Volume One Magazine’s “Best Of The Chippewa Valley” Reader’s Poll. FREE • uwec.edu

Sunday, September 19

78

Scheels Feed Your Passion Outdoor Recreation Series 6-8pm • River Prairie Park Pavilion C,

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market

7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 10am-6pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art & Wine, Eau Claire • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. 200mainec. com KIDS Storytime in the Park 10:30am • Riverfront Park,

Chippewa Falls • Stories, rhymes, music and movement activity fun for the whole family. FREE • Family • 723-1146 • chippewafallslibrary.org

MUSIC Open Mic Night 6-10pm • The Enchanted Barn,

Hilllsdale • Listen to a variety of musicians display their talents. Musicians get a free drink ticket.

Doors at 6pm. Music at 6:30pm. Open Jam at 8pm.

FREE • 254-1557 • theenchantedbarn.com

Colleen Raye presents Country Duets, Hits, and More 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, Menomonie • Enjoy the great country duets and hits through the years with Bobby Vandell and Colleen Raye. $25 + ticket fees • mabeltainter.org

Thursday, September 23 FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Allen Park, Chippewa Falls • chippewafallsmainst.org/ farmers-market.html

FOOD & DRINK Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm. BYO chairs. • theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays Oktoberfest Schnitzel Dinner 6:30-9pm • Lazy

Monk Brewing, LLC, Eau Claire • Pork schnitzel, potatoes, cabbage salad, and german apple cake. $15 advance tickets only • lazymonkbrewing.com

LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm •

Events Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • 308-1830 • facebook.com

MUSIC Vinyl Nights: “Jordy’s Honky Tonk Jukebox” on The Lakely Patio with Jordan Duroe 7-10pm • The

and artist markets every Saturday. ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Sunday, September 26

Menomonie Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org

CRAFTING & MAKING

FOOD & DRINK

Lakely, Eau Claire • A mix of classic old school country and contemporary Americana/alt-country on the patio. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com

Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge noon-8pm •

STAGE

Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm • Togeth-

Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies 1:30pm, 7:30pm •

The Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls • One-woman play that powerfully channels Bette Davis’ fight against the male-dominated movie studios. $21 GA, $10 youth • cvca.net

Friday, September 24 FITNESS Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront

Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors.

FREE • All Ages • 861-5353 • m.facebook.com/ stringtheorystudiowi/

FOOD & DRINK Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge 4-8pm • Leinen-

kugel’s, Chippewa Falls • All summer long, Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge

Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together

Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers are $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com

LEISURE Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm • Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Fod and refreshments available at 5 p.m., profits go to local charities. All Ages • 723-3708 • kofc974.com/bingo MUSIC Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

Sam Ness 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire • Mixing

traditional folk/Americana roots with a new-age alternative singer/songwriter feel. FREE • uwec.edu

CVSO Presents: Emergence 7:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire • Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform compositions of Schumann, Fauré, and Vieuxtemps $25-45, $10 youth/student • All Ages • 832-2787 • pablocenter.org VISUAL ART Fall Splendor Mini - Art Meander 9am-6pm • Chetek, Rice Lake and Spooner • Participating galleries have a yellow Art Meander sign. Lots of new art and camaraderie. FREE

Saturday, September 25 CAR SHOW Electric Vehicle Experience 8am-noon • Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire • Learn about electric vehicles and other smart electric choices. facebook.com/events/1781420642028947

COMEDY Dick Wolf: Special Improv Unit 7:30-9:30pm •

The Grand Theatre, Eau Claire • A Chicago-based Improv comedy team inspired by the TV show Law & Order. $12 • Recommended 13 + • 832-7529 • volumeonetickets.org

FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Local musicians

Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • Leinie’s Lodge will host a variety of food trucks on the weekends. facebook.com/Leinenkugelsleinielodge

er Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts • togetherfarms.com

KIDS Fall Go Paint! Chippewa Valley - Youth Quick Paint 11am-noon • Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire • Youth painters will paint the flora, fauna, and folks surrounding the Pablo Center.

FREE • Ages 18 and under • pablocenter.org

MUSIC 3rd Annual Sonic Fusion Music & Arts Festival

The Gin Mill, Zymurgy Brewery, and The Arena • Three stages across three venues in Historic Downtown Menomonie. More on Facebook

Indigo Dye Workshop 3-4:30pm • Red’s Mercantile, Eau Claire • Learn the basics of shibori-inspired folding and binding techniques. $40 • All Ages • redsmercantile.com

FESTIVALS Chicken Dinner & Silent Auction noon-3pm • St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona • Chicken meal ($12, $5 kids), silent auction, cake walk & country store, raffle. • stmarys-altoona.com MUSIC 3rd Annual Sonic Fusion Music & Arts Festival

The Gin Mill, Zymurgy Brewery, and The Arena • Three stages across three venues in Historic Downtown Menomonie. More on Facebook

Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery 14pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more.

FREE to attend • autumnharvestwinery.com Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra: Mozart & Hadyn with Guest Artist, Sean Chen 7:30pm • Pablo Cen-

ter at the Confluence, Eau Claire • ECCO presents the works of Mozart and Hadyn Ticket information online • pablocenter.org

OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING Eau Claire Wedding Fair at the Lismore 11am3pm • Lismore Hotel, Eau Claire • Dozens of the area’s premier wedding vendors and businesses on hand to meet one-on-one with engaged couples. $5,000+ in door prizes. Cash bar. Free Bride’s Bags. $10 Adv, $15 Door • ecweddingfairs.com RECREATION Eau Claire Marathon 7am • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • The Eau Claire Marathon is back with a newly designed course. Registration prices online • eauclairemarathon.com/fullmarathon Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau

Claire • Learn and play the French game of Petanque, played all over the world.

VISUAL ART Fall Splendor Mini - Art Meander 9am-6pm • Chetek, Rice Lake and Spooner • Participating galleries have a yellow Art Meander sign. Lots of new art and camaraderie. • reelwife@yahoo.com

Listen Up! Closing Celebration with Sliced Bread Jug Band 12:30-2:30pm • Chippewa Valley Museum, Eau Claire • Traditional, old style jug band music, and original material arranged for the modern jug band orchestra. • cvmuseum.com

Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery 14pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend • autumnharvestwinery.com Schuetyfest feat. the Gators 3-11pm • Schuetzy’s Tavern, Chippewa Falls • Schuetzyfest (Customer Appreciation Party) featuring the Gators from 4-8pm. Prize giveaways on the hour. FREE • 21+ • 210-6624 • schuetzys.com Live Music at Vino Cappuccino 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Enjoy live music on the patio with artisanal pizza, beverages and more. vinocappuccinobistro.com

Joe Flip 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire • While performing 150+ shows per year, Joe offers a vast variety of live music. FREE • uwec.edu The Ultimate Sam Cooke Experience 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, Menomonie • Sam Cooke’s youngest daughter Carla will perform her late father’s music. $30 + ticket fees • mabeltainter.org Live Music: Dead Ringers 8pm • Snout Saloon, Chippewa Falls • The Dead Ringers play classic, modern, and alternative rock.

Contingency 9pm • Cowboy Jack’s Altoona, Altoona • “Contingency” is a high-energy cover rock band that played at Rock Fest 2021. FREE • 514-3289 • cowboyjacksaltoona.com VISUAL ART Fall Splendor Mini - Art Meander 9am-6pm • Chetek, Rice Lake and Spooner • Participating galleries have a yellow Art Meander sign. Lots of new art and camaraderie. • reelwife@yahoo.com Where Do I Start With Fiber Art? 10am-4pm •

Lake Street Methodist Church, Eau Claire • Attendees will experience working with fabrics, colors and design. There will be a supply list. $50 • Adult sewers • erdiestelmeier@hotmail.com

Go Paint! Chippewa Valley - Adult Quick Paint 24pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire • Painters have two hours to paint the flora, fauna, and folks surrounding the Pablo Center. Cash prizes. pablocenter.org WELLNESS Priscilla Shirer Simulcast 9am-4pm • Harvestime Church, Eau Claire • Teaching, prayer, and worship. Snacks provided, lunch will be on your own. $20 • harvestimechurch.ccbchurch.com

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Local Lit 9/10 words by

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bruce Taylor offers

bruce taylor

this comment: “For years I taught a course called ‘Imaging 911,’ which dealt with all the ways all the various arts and media have tried to process the events of that day.”

For more by and about Bruce, search for his author page on VolumeOne.org.

Later everyone remembered it was a day you wouldn’t have remembered otherwise.

The shops and bars full of the regulars and maybe some visitors here on holiday.

A cop on a corner, a plane in the sky, a couple of soldiers home from no war.

A man walking a dog, or just walking?

A firefighter polishing her truck?

Was a child learning to wiggle her ears?

Did a bus full of children wave as they pass, hello or goodbye we would never think to ask in that world we lived in then.

The week ahead showed little promise, dinner Friday with the whole damn family, the someone we should call but won’t, the birthday we never can remember.

Plans we don’t plan to put off but will.

A bill we owed a long time coming due.

Not feeling the hand of God upon us nor the essential blessing of any certain moment, the little news there was born from far away on breezes through windows slightly open.

Our delicate white lace curtains billowing that lucky day we thought nothing happened.

ABOUT THIS PAGE:

TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

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.

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).

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The Rear End THIS IS HARD EVERY SCHOOL YEAR IS DIFFERENT, BUT NOT LIKE THIS ONE words by

I

mike paulus • illustration by eva paulus

don’t think I’ve ever been more worried about sending my kids to school, and I’m betting you might feel the same way.

I mean, unless you don’t have kids, in which case you’re probably living a worry-free existence of nonstop positive life experiences, super fun midnight dance parties, and copious disposable income. Because that’s how life works, right?

Anyway, sending our kids to preschool was hard, and full of worry, but exciting. When our daughter graduated from the 5th grade and moved on to middle school – with a whole new building and new teachers and a daily city bus ride – it was nerve-racking. But it was an adventure.

This year is different. There’s a lot more anxiety and a lot less nervous glee. New school schedules and new friends and new locker combinations seem pretty lowpressure compared to a global pandemic featuring an evolving set of virus variants.

But also … exactly what am I going to do all damn day?

Allow me to explain.

Am I worried about my kids getting sick? Of course.

Am I worried about my kids taking part in an unintentional, city-wide super-spreader system set to strangle our health care

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infrastructure? Yes. Am I worried about anti-mask and anti-vaccination campaigns creating a toxic “us vs. them” environment for students and parents and teachers alike? You bet I am.

Am I worried about large chunks of my kids’ childhood memories getting gnarled up (or totally obliterated) because of all this?

Yuuuuuuup.

But more to the point, am I worried about how this might disrupt my personal daily routines?

Most definitely.

Last year, we chose the 100% virtual route for school. This means my kids haven’t been inside an actual school building to do The Learning TM for about 18 months.

This also means that I’ve grown very accustomed to having them around.

Now they’ll be leaving the house every morning, leaving my wife and I all alone.

This change will be catastrophic.

I work from home. I’m very lucky that way. I’m also a creature of habit.

And after 18 months of pandemic, my work routines are now completely supported by a rickety scaffolding comprised of two somewhat loud kids and what they do all day. How will I function without them?

How will I work without my son’s trumpet blasting Ode to Joy at an

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iPad screen while his teacher listens from across town?

How will I work without my daughter constantly showing me YouTube clips of hilarious YouTubers referencing memes I’ve never seen about TikTok trends I barely understand?

How will I work without regular, ear-splitting shrieks in response to the cat sleeping with its front paws held in a somewhat cute position?

And how and I possibly get anything done without a regular stream of questions about “what can I have for lunch,” when the precious angels asking said questions know full well the contents of our pantry have not magically changed since yesterday?

I’m just so glad my wife, who works part time, will be home to help me through these very difficult times. I know it’s hard for her, too.

I just hope she has the strength to support us both. Somehow, we must persevere.

Seriously, we’ve all grown accustomed to disruptions and

changes, so I’m pretty sure we can handle this next challenge.

Even so, each new wave of unpredictability holds the potential to drown our sanity. So it’s best to voice our fears and frustrations and prepare as best we can.

I know that sounds dramatic. I know there are many, many people in the world standing on far less solid ground that we have here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. But we all want our kids to be safe. We all share that same instinct.

This year, for so many reasons, it feels like we’re sending them off to school for the first time. Except this time around the smell of freshly sharpened pencils is mixed with COVID. Literally. So it’s a lot more complex. It’s hard for them, and it’s hard for us.

Kids or no kids, I see you out there struggling to do your best and stay safe. Please know that this is important work.

Please keep at it.

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