OCTOBER 14, 2021
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Issue # 434 • October 14, 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
About Us
MANAGING EDITOR
THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY’S LEADING INDEPENDENTLY OWNED COMMUNITY VOICE
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Staff Notes
Tom Giffey tom@volumeone.org ext: 221
Rebecca Mennecke rebecca@volumeone.org ext: 261 LISTINGS EDITOR
James Johonnott james@volumeone.org ext: 215
From Floppy Disks to YouTube Videos, We’re Just Here to Tell Stories
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.
FROM VOLUME ONE MANAGING EDITOR TOM GIFFEY
Advertising + Digital Marketing MEDIA STRATEGY DIRECTOR
Brian Maki brian@volumeone.org ext: 211
SR. MEDIA STRATEGIST
Chase Kunkel chase@volumeone.org ext: 213 MEDIA STRATEGIST
Jake Smith jake.smith@volumeone.org ext: 223
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
ON A WHIM, I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 3.5-INCH FLOPPY DRIVE FOR MY HOME COMPUTER. (Kids: Ask your parents what a floppy disc is. Then ask them to regale you tales stories about dial-up Internet access.) I figured it would help me weed through a pile of old discs I accumulated in college and early in my professional journalism career. I plugged the drive into a USB port, popped in a disc, and waited for the familiar mechanical clicking and spinning sounds. Momentarily, I was looking at a list of the filenames of articles I had written 20 years ago or so. I clicked on one, and was greeted with my byline and the following text: Story goes here. Story goes here. Story goes here. Apparently, I never got very far in that one – or a few others I opened. In this business, writers block is a familiar foe. Nonetheless, the filler text got me thinking – about stories.
Whether writing for a magazine or website or video or any other medium, that’s ultimately what those of us on this side of the media equation do all day: We tell stories. Sure, they may be called articles or columns, features packages or live reports. They may get consumed via woodblock print on vellum or YouTube video on iPhone, but ultimately they’re part of a tradition that reaches back to the dawn of humanity. I tell stories both because I make a living at it (lucky me – seriously!) but because it’s part of human nature. Across town or across the world, we crave connection with each other. Those connections can be forged through fictional fable or – in the case of the magazine you’re holding – facts about the people and things around us. Whether you’re reading a 2,000-word profile about a fascinating local person or just skimming event listings looking for somewhere to hang out, you’re doing so because you want to learn about and connect with your fellow Chippewa Vallians. I’m lucky to have helped people do that since the days 3.5-inch floppy discs were standard equipment, and I hope to be doing it far into the future.
Memberships + Subscriptions 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.
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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.
LOCAL STORE DIRECTOR
Lindsey Quinnies lindsey@volumeone.org ext: 217
Internships
V1 Online
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.
LOCAL STORE STAFF
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Andy Norrish andy@volumeone.org ext: 224
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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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@VolumeOne
@VolumeOne
/VolumeOneMag
ASSOC IATION OF ALTER N ATIVE N EWSMEDIA
sez truckers, their trucks, and the wheels on their trucks, make the world go round.
+ JODI KIFFMEYER
WRITER
BARBARA ARNOLD
is a connoisseur of fine vintage gossip.
WRITER
WRITER
Contributors
consider it.
details an 800-mile canoe journey around Wisconsin in his latest book, Long Way Round: Through the Heartland by River.
wonders what it must be like to be a cloud.
WRITER
EVA PAULUS thinks it’s a cloak kinda day.
WRITER
GRACE SCHUTTE
wonders, do calories count if you didn’t like the food?
COVER ARTIST
INTERN
KALYN CRONK is
majoring in Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture and wonders: Where would we be without rhetorical questions?
CAITLIN BOYLE can
officially say her cat is spoiled. And she has no idea why ... absolutely no idea.
WRITER
WRITER
ASHA SEN will
B.J. HOLLARS is in
search of the best cup of apple cider. Recs welcome.
MIKE PAULUS ain’t
afraid of no toast.
REONNA HUETTNER
PARKER REED
INTERN
WRITER
ILLUSTRATOR
INTERN
WRITER
JOHN HILDEBRAND
writes super heartwarming stories, and can’t wait for you to read them.
MARK LONE is a Midwest
illustrator using traditional penciling and inking skills to create screen prints, inked originals, and other work for private and commercial clients.
* ALYSSA ANDERSON
just got rejected from clown school. Again. Third time’s the charm, I guess?
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS: Lisa Wells, Tina Ecker, Jacob Huffcut, Lee Butterworth, Chad Lewis + NEW CONTRIBUTOR
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* BIO OF THE FORTNIGHT
On The Cover “Headless Horseman” (2020) 8.5” x 11” glow- in-thedark/reactive painting by Mark Lone • Originally illustrated as a glow-in-the-dark/reactive painting for a friend, this work is also available as a limited edition 8.5” x 11” print on markloneart.bigcartel.com with free shipping in the U.S. You can see Mark’s art in person at the Haunted Halloween Art show opening Tuesday, Oct. 19, and running until Oct. 26 at Huntress Studios in Banbury Place, Building 13, Suite 120, with illustrated works and glow-in-the-dark prints available. Some limited edition work is also available at The Hatch, 418 S. Barstow St. In addition, Mark will be vending at the Brewing Projekt on Sunday, Oct. 17.
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SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARY. Tim Brudnicki and Joe Maurer of Timber Space Eau Claire recently installed their new public art endeavor, “Sanctuary” (also dubbed the “Street Beetle”), in front of the new Flesch Family Welcome Center at 127 Roosevelt Ave. The public art piece is formed from reclaimed urban ash trees and is inscribed with a poem from renowned local author Nickolas Butler.
Voice PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
Thoughts
People
Puzzle
HALLOWEEN IS A TIME OF MAGIC – AND DARKNESS
E.C. HIP-HOP ARTIST TEAWHYB TAKES OUR QUESTIONS
THE RETURN OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY CROSSWORD
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THOUGHTS • PEOPLE • LOCAL STUFF • NUMBERS • QUOTES | OCTOBER 14, 2021
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Voice
Thoughts
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS WHILE HALLOWEEN CELEBRATES COSTUMES AND CANDY, IT’S ALSO A CELEBRATION OF YOUTHFULNESS AND LIFE IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH words by
FOR ADULTS, HALLOWEEN IS A HOLIDAY THAT SERVES AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. For my last-ever Halloween party, I paired a tuxedo with a Mexican wrestler’s mask. When I shouldered my way into the host’s kitchen, people quickly exited. Turns out a luchador’s mask worn atop a crisp black tuxedo can make anyone look threatening. Something to do with the eyeholes. As a child’s holiday, Halloween is a pint-sized saturnalia in which nearly all rules are magically dispensed. The first time a parent explains it, the child must feel his leg is being pulled. “Tonight you’ll wear a funny costume, wander in the dark, and ring strangers’ doorbells shouting ‘Trick or treat!’ Then you’ll get a treat.” “What about the trick?” “Don’t worry. There’s never a trick.” Part of Halloween’s magic is the chance it gives children to briefly be something they aren’t – spacemen, princesses, zombies – simply by choosing a costume. In our house, there were only two choices: army man or clown. My brother transformed into the former
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john hildebrand •
illustration by
jacob huffcutt
our quiet, elm-vaulted streets into by putting on our father’s oversized a sinister warren of by-ways. My Eisenhower jacket, webbed belt, helbrother, who’d literally been around met, and grimacing. By default, I got the block, led the way. He’d punch a the baggy, polka-dot clown outfit he’d doorbell, shout “trick or treat” and worn the previous year. I didn’t have go into his military grimace. I, on to smile because my mother drew a the other hand, stood mute in the lunatic grin on my face with a tube porchlight, an unresponsive clown of lipstick. Then we hit the sidewalk holding a Wrigley’s grocery bag. When together like Tragedy and Comedy. we reached the highway that marked Every silver lining has its dark both neighborcloud, and ours hood boundary was Sister Mary and end of the So-and-So. In known world, parochial school that week, she PA R T O F H A L L O W E E N ’ S we headed home. For days, informed us that Halloween M A G I C I S T H E C H A N C E my brother and I gorged was, in fact, All Hallow’s Eve I T G I V E S C H I L D R E N T O on Baby Ruths and Good & since it preceded All Saints’ Day B R I E F LY B E S O M E T H I N G Plentys, tucking our Halloween and All Souls’ bags under twin Day on Nov. T H E Y A R E N ’ T. beds in case 1 and 2 – holy we needed a days in which midnight snack. the living were The feasting lasted until one night, to remember the departed. The holour father stormed into the bedroom, iday breaks the barrier between the confiscated our haul, and announced living and the dead, she said, servthe candy would remain hostage until ing as a dedication to the deceased. we learned some self-control. Students looked bleakly back at the It was hard to say if we ever did, nun because one, we didn’t know any because a month later our father departed and, two, we were focused passed away unexpectedly of a cereon the candy. bral hemorrhage. He’d survived war The late October darkness turned
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in Europe a decade earlier only to die in his sleep, and the parade of aunts and uncles who’d driven to our house only two weeks earlier for Thanksgiving now made a steady, somber return. Years went by. My brother and I proved useless around the house, avoiding chores as any reasonable child would. One summer, we were wrangled into chores when our visiting uncle supervised a garage cleaning. It was hot, dusty work emptying wooden shelves piled high with canvas tents, broken badminton rackets, coils of garden hose, and baby jars filled with nuts and bolts. Then, stuffed behind everything on the top shelf, we uncovered two grease-stained Wrigley’s bags. The chalky chocolate bars and faded Good & Plenty’s lay nestled inside, smelling both sweet and rancid in the heat of the garage. It set off a whole series of connections that added up, in my mind, to a cosmic trick. These days, my wife and I take turns handing out Halloween treats from our front porch. Sometimes she’ll wear a costume, but I’ve stopped. Not that a lucha libre mask ever frightened the kids, but it seemed to make their hovering parents a little nervous. Something, I think, about the eyes.
Thoughts
3 THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW
A Few Faves From the Feed via Instagram, fall 2021
WALL PUMPKINS, GINORMOUS PUMPKINS, AND GLASS PUMPKINS
@eauclairefloral
@uweauclaire SUBMITTED PHOTO
PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
SUBMITTED PHOTO
PUMPKIN WALL. If you’re looking for the ultimate photo op spot this fall, check out Down to Earth Garden Center’s pumpkin wall in Eau Claire. If you’re looking for something a little more permanent, check out their succulent pumpkin planters, with workshops every Saturday on how to make them. It seems a little too “gourd” to be true!
GINORMOUS PUMPKINS. This year, the River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival saw record-breaking pumpkins. Caleb Jacobus of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, won the title for largest pumpkin with a 2,002-pound gourd. Michael Paul of Eau Claire beat the Wisconsin state record for biggest field pumpkin with a 177-pound gourd.
GLASS GOURDS. Every year, The Glass Orchard in Eau Claire creates hundreds of hand-blown glass pumpkins in a variety of stunning colors, including unique colors such as blue and purple! This year, they created over 1,000 custom pumpkins. If you missed their annual sale early this October, visit facebook.com/ theGlassOrchardWI.
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@oxbowhotel
Thoughts
THE COMMENT SECTION C OM M E N TS F ROM OU R W E BSI T E A N D SO CI A L F E E DS “Gonna need one of the fam to try this and report bac k . (Don ’ t ca re a bout t h e b u r g e r, I j u s t w a n t t o know about that sweet, sweet massive cheese c u rd .) ” BETHANY WUERCH CONTRERAS, commenting on a Sept. 29 post about the new Culver’s Curderburger, which is slated to hit the restaurant franchise on Oct. 15 (via Facebook).
“She has accomplished a lot in a short time. Sorry to see her go.” DIANNE FOSSUM, commenting on an Oct. 6 post to Facebook about L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Director Pamela Westby announcing her retirement after five years at the Eau Claire library. Learn more about Westby’s tenure as director and her departure at VolumeOne.org (via Facebook).
@vintagejunkiescfwi
“The secret to all your problems isn’t to reshuffle the poor to different locations, fining them, or jailing. The secret is early childhood education and nutrition and redistribution of wealth and opportunities.” AARON O’DONAHUE, commenting on a Sept. 29 post about the Hastings Way motel that is slated to become apartments (via Facebook).
@woolnfeatherfarm
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People
QUESTIONING THE LOCALS FREE-WHEELIN’ DISCUSSION WITH LOCAL FOLKS PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
TYLER BAUMGART IS KNOWN ACROSS THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY by his stage name “TeawhYB.” Why? Because this alt-hip-pop
Name: Tyler Baumgart
M Y G O A L I S A LWAY S T O H E L P P E O P L E
Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Mel
FORGET THE STRESSES IN LIFE, EVEN JUST
Burger, Waffle Fries, Fried Mushrooms, and a side of ranch from Court’n House.
T E M P O R A R I LY. L I F E I S T O O S H O R T N O T T O E N J O Y I T.
Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had in the Chippewa Valley. A few
social justice and equity,
years back, Ivy Media did a music video for a song of mine called “Saturday,” and we teamed up with the choir class at North High School. The video was featured on WQOW News 18, and Justin Esterly was dancing along. Naturally, Shannon and Katie from the News Team told Justin he had “dad dance moves.” So I asked if I could come on the set to show them all the Bob Ross Dance. Long story short, they let me in and I did the Bob Ross Dance on the weather screen. Top 10 life moment for sure.
and public safety – and
Favorite local song? Cait McGarvey –
What frustrates you about Eau Claire?
What do you think the Chippewa Valley really needs? A late night food spot
“Don’t Worry Baby.”
There’s a lack of brunch places that serve alcohol. We need more. Ideal Sunday would be going to (insert new brunch restaurant) and getting a Bloody Mary with my meal
on Barstow. Water Street is definitely winning that game. For real, can we get a taco truck at least? Fried chicken sandwich joint? Again, this is the ideal Eau Claire.
artist connects divergent communities through good vibes, compassion, and – perhaps most importantly – his music. Beyond the stage, Baumgart is a big supporter of the arts,
also deep fried foods. “I’m your new gay best friend,”
What place in town considers you a regular? I don’t go out much, but Scooter’s. Specifically, the dance floor.
he says.
What’s your passion? Such a loaded question. (My) biggest passions are creating and performing music. Sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in with my surroundings, but I’ve definitely discovered something through music. There’s nothing more fulfilling than delivering an energetic set where people are dancing, laughing, and having fun. My goal is always to help people forget the stresses in life, even just temporarily. Life is too short not to enjoy it.
and who knows? Maybe it’s a drag brunch and we level up big time.
What is your favorite piece of local trivia? You can have up to five chickens living on your property in Eau Claire.
Rock Fest or Country Fest? Eaux Claires. (If I had to choose though: Country Fest though I respect the Snoop Dogg booking by Rock Fest.)
Baumgart’s Shoutouts B I G FA L L S C O U N T Y PA R K .
BOB ROSS DANCE.
Big ups to Big Falls County Park for being the summer go-to spot and for contributing to a solid tan this year. Not far behind is floating the Chip. Ya’ll the real heroes.
If you were at Phoenix Park July 1 and did the Bob Ross Dance with me – you are a legend and I love you. We had the whole circle filled up with people!
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PAS S I O N P O D P O D C A S T. Peter picked a peck of pickled Passion Pod to pass the time. The episodes are only getting better, and the Passion Board shop is always a vibe. Say “waddup” to Chris.
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Viral Valley
UW-STOUT GRAD REDESIGNS ICONIC COMPANY LOGOS, AND NOW THEY’VE GONE TIKTOK VIRAL PURPOSEFULLY APPALLING LOGOS NOW APPEAR IN NATIONAL BRANDING words by
rebecca mennecke
“I GRADUATED COLLEGE WITH A DEGREE IN DESIGN, AND I REDESIGNED SOME POPULAR LOGOS I THINK WE ALL CAN AGREE ARE UGLY,” says UWStout graduate Emily Zugay in a Sept. 8 TikTok video that has garnered over 14.9 million views (and counting). In the video, she pulls up the Starbucks logo, saying “I don’t like anything about it. I don’t like this green color. I don’t even know who this figure is, maybe the president or something. The font is also just tacky and outdated.” Zugay has gone viral for her reimagined logos using tacky fonts and bizarre layouts, and occasionally misspells company names, too. “There are people who still believe it is for real,” said the 2019 entertainment design grad who now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a UW-Stout media release. “I had to keep my face as serious as possible. We have all been in a situation where there is somebody who thinks they are particularly good at a task, and they just might not be. I tried to become that person.” The world is captivated, it seems, by that deadpan humor. Since her initial post, she has been approached by numerous national businesses, – including Tampax, Nascar, the Detroit Lions, Ocean Spray, Tinder, McDonald’s, Adobe, NASA, Target, Starbucks Coffee, H&R Block, Apple, the NFL, Doritos, and Amazon – who now use her designs in their company logos on TikTok. “I just want to entertain people and have fun with what I am doing,” Zugay said. “Trends come and go. I’d love to be here for the long haul and work on my career. I hope it opens up opportunities for me.” Check out Emily Zugay on TikTok at @emilyzugay.
2019 UW-STOUT GRAD EMILY ZUGAY
Bizarre History
Where Do You Bury Your Horse When It Dies? A Look Into E.C.’s Horse Cemeteries HORSE-DRAWN WAGON IN EAU CLAIRE, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY
CHIPPEWA VALLEY MUSEUM
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A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, WHILE PORING OVER MY FAVORITE HISTORICAL MAP AT THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY MUSEUM, I ran across a site on the university campus labeled “Ghouls Hollow.” Naturally, I had to investigate. What I uncovered led me into the strange world of the Horse Cemeteries of Eau Claire’s Past. An editorial from the Leader-Telegram dated June 5, 1873, lamented the “dismal ditch” at the eastern end of Water Street, where residents were disposing of dead horses. The writer suggested a name for the site – Ghouls Hollow – which stuck. Eleven years later, an article mentioned the horse cemetery: As the editor of the paper was walking across the Water Street Bridge, the wind took his hat. He later recovered it “a short distance above Ghouls Hollow.” The Dec. 17, 1874, edition of the paper includes another editorial scolding residents for the “exposure of a dead horse at the lower end of Third Avenue, near the Niagara House.” It just so happens the Niagara House was across the river from the mouth of Little Niagara Creek, which – of course – placed it in the area of Ghouls Hollow. If you’re looking for something spooky to do this Halloween, might I suggest a walk along the Chippewa River, beginning at Owen Park and heading south? You may find yourself haunted by the ghosts of horses of the past. And, next time you’re at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, you might also think of Mike Smith – owner of a livery stable – who ran into trouble with the law when he buried three horses on that spot in 1880. We wouldn’t recommend you do that in 2021, of course. –Jodi Kiffmeyer
Dear World
Puzzle
national storytelling project captures UW-Eau Claire students
CHIPPEWA VALLEY
The Dear World project – a national storytelling project that aims to helps organizations build cultures of authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose – visited the UW-Eau Claire campus on Sept. 28 as part of the organization’s Dear World College Tour. The project captured short messages and stories of students, faculty, and staff through a camera lens. The project has included6 more than 150,000 individuals across the entire country. “I realized the ingredients of a marker, a camera, and a short meaningful message was nothing short of magical,” the founder said. “Everyone has a story worth sharing.” –Rebecca Mennecke
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SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL AND TEST OUT YOUR LOCAL 19
ACROSS 3 Sister of #5 who wrote column called Dear ____ 5 Advice-giver and onetime E.C. Dweller Ann _____ 7 North High mascot 9 “Ghost” town along Chippewa State Trail 10 Mall before Oakwood [2 words] 11 French game played in Wilson Park 12 Newest E.C. grocery store 13 Fall party in Munich and Chippewa Falls 15 Eau Claire newspaper Leader-______ 17 Venue that reopened in Sept. after 18 months [2 words] 19 Eau Claire “Mount” that isn’t Washington or Tom
KNOWLEDGE
DOWN 1 Menomonie theater namesake Mabel ______ 2 Theater group named after Mike & Connie 4 C.F. native and supercomputer creator Seymour ____ 6 Historic E.C. house with seasonal escape room 8 First letter in “RCU” is short for this big name in tires 14 Menomonie college namesake 16 C.F. bar and grill with haunted history: ____ House 17 River Prairie Ginormous ____ Festival 18 C.F. orchard and name of apple variety
LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS? VISIT VOLUMEONE.ORG
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Community
DRIVEN TO COLLECT. A collection of more than 300 pieces of memorabilia – including vintage cars – that belonged to the late Larry Menard were auctioned off Oct. 2 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
News
Neighbors
Business
DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON NEW TRANSIT CENTER
NEW CO-RESPONSE COORDINATOR AT ECPD RESPONDS TO THE CALL
CHECK OUT EAU CLAIRE’S FUTURISTIC NEW HY-VEE
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NEWS • DEVELOPMENT • BUSINESS • NON-PROFITS • NEIGHBORS • WISCONSIN COMMUNITY EDITOR: TOM GIFFEY
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News Development
TOPPING IT OFF
N E W T R A N S I T C E N T E R ’ S P R I VA T E COM P ON EN T Y ET T O BE FI NA L I Z ED words by
THE CITY OF EAU CLAIRE IS HOPING TO REACH AN AGREEMENT IN THE COMING WEEKS with an undisclosed private developer to build the top three stories of the new – and already under construction – Eau Claire Transit Center. Ground was officially broken in September on a building that will combine a drive-in transfer center for Eau Claire Transit buses, two stories of parking, and three floors of apartments. The apartments will be privately developed and owned, but they will be built as part of the current construction process, said Aaron White, the city’s economic development manager. Last year, the city had been in negotiations with Iowabased Merge Urban Development to build the apartments. “We just couldn’t make the numbers work with them,” White said of the negotiations with Merge, “but
AN EARLY RENDERING OF THE TRANSIT CENTER
tom giffey
W E H AV E A N E X P E R I E N C E D D E V E L O P E R WHO’S INTERESTED, AND WE’RE N E G O T I AT I N G W I T H T H E M . AARON WHITE, CITY OF EAU CLAIRE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
we have an experienced developer who’s interested, and we’re negotiating with them.” (Merge, meanwhile, is still building the five-story Andante mixed use building just a few blocks away on North Farwell Street.) The transit center project is on the 400 block of South Farwell Street, the site of the old, undersized concrete-block transfer center, which was built in 1984 and torn down in September. Construction is expect to take 12-14 months, and
in the meantime a temporary bus transfer center is operating on the other side of Farwell Street in a city parking lot next to the historic Schlegelmilch House. That site will be used until the new facility is completed. City officials have talked about building a new transit center for years, but the current project kicked off in 2018 when the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $5 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic
Recovery (TIGER) grant to the city for the project. Eau Claire Transit Manager Tom Wagener said the city’s portion of the project – excluding the apartment floors but including the temporary transit center – will cost approximately $6.7 million, most of it covered by that grant. The transit center’s ground floor will have room for buses to come in and out, as well as a lobby for transit users, restrooms, and offices for transit supervisors. The 50 to 60 apartments above are intended to be “workforce housing,” meaning the rent will be affordable for those making between 80% and 120% of the median county income, White said. The price of the private portion of the development hasn’t been finalized, he said, adding that he hopes an announcement will be made about a development agreement in the coming weeks.
Eau Claire
E.C. POLICE, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RECEIVE DONATION FOR BODY CAMERAS AN EAU CLAIRE-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IS DONATING NEARLY $1 MILLION to local lawenforcement agencies to buy body-worn cameras and other video equipment.PESI Inc., a nonprofit continuing-education organization, pledged to donate $949,622 to the Eau Claire Police Department and the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department to purchase the body cameras, to replace squad vehicle camera systems and interview room camera systems, and to pay for cloud-based storage of the video data for five years.“This is an investment in our local community that will build trust through transparency and provide additional safety and efficiencies for our law enforcement officers,” Michael Olson, deputy director of PESI, said in a media release. PESI provides continuing education in the form of conferences, seminars, videos, and books to professionals in health care and other fields. Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer and Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus thanked PESI for the donation, saying the technology will help their agencies better serve the community. “The addition of body-worn cameras and improvements to our other video recording systems are important tools to help strengthen trust and legitimacy,” Rokus said. “This technology will further promote transparency (and) accountability and offer opportunities to advance policing through training. I am grateful for PESI’s generous donation and support.” The Eau Claire City Council voted Sept. 14 to accept the donation, and both agencies are expected to be using the new technology by January. –Tom Giffey PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
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Development
ELK CREEK LAKE SUBMITTED PHOTO
Environment
Neighbors Raising Funds to Keep Sediment Out of Elk Creek Lake words by
tom giffey
ed to begin to create a rock-lined waterway into the ELK CREEK LAKE – A 57-ACRE MAN-MADE BODY OF WATER lake and to create a sediment basin to keep runoff out THAT STRADDLES THE EAU CLAIRE COUNTY-DUNN COUNTY of the lake. LINE – has a public dock, a boat landing, and a small The lake district already has received a $50,000 beach. Located between Elk Mound and Eau Claire, Surface Water Grant from the Wisconsin Department the scenic lake is enjoyed by neighbors, boaters, of Natural Resources, which will cover just over half paddlers, and nature-watchers alike. Unfortunately, of the project’s cost. Funds are also expected from severe erosion, much of it from a steep ravine, has the towns of Union and Springbrook as well as Dunn brought unwanted sediment and nutrients into the and Eau Claire counties. In addition, the lake dislake, threatening the lake’s ecology as well as its rectrict is doing its own fundraising: reational use. Earlier this fall, a neighborhood The problem is particularly “ THE L AKE IS FED BY A fundraiser was held that included bad after heavy snow melts, when runoff has caused washP O P U L A R T R O U T S T R E A M a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and chicken bingo. outs (including washing away However, the lake district the lake’s beach), covered the AND IS HOME TO MANY still needs to raise an addiparking lot in muck, and cartional $10,000, Christianson ried large amounts of sediment SHORELINE BIRDS AND said. Several styles of specially into the lake itself, said Janet designed T-shirts are for sale, and Christianson, secretary of the MAMMALS.” the lake district is also accepting Elk Creek Lake Protection and donations. Each cash donation of Rehabilitation District. $20 will be entered into a drawing for a football autoIn addition to the environmental damage – the graphed by the 2020 Green Bay Packers. (The drawing lake is fed by a popular trout stream and is home will be Nov. 26.) If successful, the project will mean to many shoreline birds, as well as mammals and – cleaner, more accessible water for all those on the the sediment problem is costly: Every few years, lake – humans and animals alike. Christianson said, new sand has to be brought in to Donations can be mailed to Elk Creek Lake rebuild the beach, and sediment much be reclaimed Protection and Rehabilitation District, P.O. Box 1963, from the shallow lake. Eau Claire, WI 54703. T-shirts can be purchased at Now, the Elk Creek Lake Protection and Tangled Up in Hue in Eau Claire or at shop.tangledupRehabilitation District is raising money for a project inhue.com. to address this erosion. Late this year, work is expect-
AN EAU CLAIRE MOTEL THAT THE CITY CALLED A “DEN OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY” in a lawsuit last year would be converted into an apartment building under a plan passed by the Eau Claire City Council in late September. Council members unanimously approved rezoning the Regency Inn & Suites, 1828 S. Hastings Way, and to adopt a general development plan for the site that calls for its conversion into a 53-unit apartment building. After remodeling, the two-story building would include studio units as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus a pool, an exercise room, and theater/party rooms, said Scott Allen, the city’s community development director. Developer Doug Clarks also plans to remodel the apartments to include kitchens and laundry units, he said. While it’s in a largely commercial area, Allen noted that the building is accessible by public transit and is near various employers, pharmacies, a new grocery store, a school, and REGENCY INN & SUITES other services that will benefit residents. In December, the City of Eau Claire filed a lawsuit against the motel’s owner, Vidhi Hospitality Inc., asking the court to order that the property be closed and sold. The city contended that the building was in a dangerous, dilapidated state and that there was serious criminal activity there, including drug dealing and sex crimes. Since early 2018, there have been more than 500 police calls to the motel, according to court documents. (The lawsuit is still pending.) “One of our greatest community needs are affordable rents for our residents with very low income and high rental barriers,” said Eau Claire Plan Commission member Susan Wolfgram. “The Regency is a stark example of the desperation many of our community members have been living with for years.” While they unanimously approved the rezoning and general site plan, City Council members also voted 7-4 to pass an amendment requiring that final development details return to the Plan Commission for approval, rather than just being OK’d by city staff. Some council members had expressed concern about the need for measures to keep residents’ children away from the heavy traffic on Hastings Way. The Regency would be the second Eau Claire motel in recent months to be converted into apartments. In July, the City Council approved a similar project at the Campus View Inn & Suites, 809 W. Clairemont Ave. –Tom Giffey
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
TROUBLED HASTINGS WAY MOTEL TO BECOME APARTMENTS
Neighbors In The Mix
FINDING PEACE H OW M E E T I N G W I T H A L O C A L BU DDH I S T MON K BROUGH T ON E E AU C L A I R E WO M A N S O L A C E words by
LAMA YESHE, A BUDDHIST MONK IN RIDGELAND, WISCONSIN
asha sen SUBMITTED PHOTO
returned to Eau Claire to find IF DEATH IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER, THEN myself completely unprepared for COVID-19 CERTAINLY FORCES US INTO the harshness of winter. The dark A DAILY RECKONING WITH MORTALITY. skies and enforced When someone you solitude made me feel love dies, you grapple alone and vulnerawith new emotions ble. Bangalore – the – like anger, guilt, city of my parents’ denial, and grief. AS WE ALL retirement – is close In 2006, I lost my G R A P P L E W I T H to Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan partner resettlement colony to leuG R I E F, M AY in India, and during kemia; in 2007, W E A L S O F I N D my time in that city I got to know several my Buddhist monks. That eldest PEACE. bleak winter, I missed brother to a stroke; the wisdom of their in 2009, my mother to teachings and began dementia; and in 2010, to search the Internet for Tibetan my father to tuberculosis. Although Buddhist centers close to Eau Claire. that period of grief feels like a blur Much to my surprise, I located to me now, I can still remember one in the village of Ridgeland, a how it led to my meeting with Lama mere hour away. After several misTsultrim Yeshe of the Hay River adventures on icy country roads, I KTC Meditation Center in Ridgeland, stumbled upon the welcoming sight Wisconsin. of multi-colored Tibetan prayer flags After my father’s death, I
bravely fluttering in the wind. Lama Yeshe, dressed in the maroon and gold robes common to Tibetan monks, came out of the stone building to usher me into the warmth of a shrine room dedicated to the god Chenrezig, embodying compassion – not unlike the compassion Lama Yeshe showed to me. Entering his shrine room felt like coming home. As did my meeting with Lama Yeshe. Unlike the Tibetan monks that I met in India, Lama Yeshe was not born into monkhood. Until his 40s, he was known as John Samuelson – a married man with a young son. But in November of 1985, he lost his close friend, the late UW-Stout professor Richard Treiber, who was tragically run over by a road grader just outside Menomonie. I didn’t have to explain my feelings of anger, grief, denial and guilt to Lama Yeshe; he had befriended them a long time ago. That tragic incident led to emotional turbulence that led to his
divorce and to his participation in a three-year retreat organized by the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery in Woodstock, New York, which culminated in John Samuelson becoming Lama Tsultrim Yeshe in 1996. The following year, he started the Hay River KTC – an affiliate center to KTD, which serves all of west-central Wisconsin. The center offers meditation and teaching practices as well as commentaries on different Buddhist texts. As its mission states, it is an “open and harmonious place for people to make contact with the dharma.” If – like me – you feel the need for guidance and support during these precarious times, don’t think twice about choosing a beautiful fall day to drive out to the Ridgeland center. As we all grapple with grief, may we also find peace. Asha Sen is a professor of English at UW-Eau Claire.
Diversity
UWEC Professor Co-Directs Project to Create Hmong History Exhibit A COMMUNITY-BASED TRAVELING EXHIBIT WILL LAUNCH IN JANUARY 2025 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement to Wisconsin thanks to the work of a UW-Eau Claire professor and a team of scholars, experts, and specialists from throughout the state. “Hmong people have been a part of Wisconsin for nearly five decades, and many younger Hmong now call Wisconsin their permanent home,” says Dr. Kong Pheng Pha, a UW-Eau Claire assistant professor of critical Hmong studies and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies who is co-directing the project. “This exhibit honors the extraordinary experiences of all Hmong people while forcing us all to think about the larger humanities questions of survival, healing and what it means to be human in these times.” The Hmong population in Wisconsin grew following the U.S. “Secret War” in Laos when Hmong were given refugee status
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after helping the U.S. fight communist forces as proxy soldiers. The exhibit, “Cia Siab (Hope) in Wisconsin: A HMoob (Hmong) Story,” will encourage important conversations among people regardless of whether they are familiar or unfamiliar with Hmong people or America’s secret war in Laos, Pha says. In August, the National Endowment for the Humanities Public Humanities Project awarded Pha and Dr. Mai See Thao, assistant professor of anthropology and director of Hmong studies at UW-Oshkosh, a $74,418 grant to support the traveling exhibit. Pha describes the grant as a “game changer” because the project team now can pay community collaborators and involve students at UW-Eau Claire and UW Oshkosh in their work collecting stories and artifacts for the exhibit. Learn more about the project at www.facebook.com/ ciasiabwi. –UWEC Integrated Media & Communications
Orgs
3 Nonprofit Efforts Now Underway in the Chippewa Valley compiled by
tom giffey
ENDOWMENT CREATED TO SUSTAIN ERICKSON PARK IMPROVEMENTS. A few years ago, a $2.3 million upgrade was made to Erickson Park in Chippewa Falls, including a boardwalk, pier, and canoe-kayak launch that are accessible to all people, including those with disabilities. A number of community groups worked together with the city (and the help of a federal grant) to improve the 15-acre park, which features 400 feet of frontage on the southeast shore of Glen Loch Lake. Visitors can walk on wooded trails, picnic in pavilions, and cross a pedestrian bridge over Duncan Creek to Irvine Park. Now, with the help of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, a designated endowment fund has been created to ensure the new facilities are available far into the future. The Erickson Park on Glen Loch Endowment Fund is meant to “reel in” (fishing pun intended!) support for park maintenance and improvements. Learn more about this endowment fund online by visiting the Community Foundation of Chippewa County’s website (yourlegacyforever.org) and clicking on “Funds.”
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MIKE HOWARD
ERICKSON PARK ON GLEN LOCH
LATEST ‘GRANT CATALOG’ FOCUSES ON EDUCATION, TRAINING. The Eau Claire Community Foundation recently launched a second cycle of fundraising on its new online crowdfunding platform. The foundation’s second online Grant Catalog, which has the theme “Form Futures,” will run Oct. 4-27. It is focused on raising money for nonprofits that support local education and training opportunities for people of all ages. According to the foundation, “This crowdfunding software allows the public to donate directly to funding requests from Eau Claire area nonprofits. Not only will applicants receive the money they raise in the form of grants, but all that raise at least $1,000 will become eligible for bonus grants from ECCF that range from $1,000 to $10,000!” Learn more and find out how you can give at eccfwi.org.
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HOPE VILLAGE CONSIDERS EXPANSION EFFORT. Chippewa Falls-based nonprofit that has built tiny houses to provide temporary housing for unsheltered people is launching a study to determine the community’s capacity for a new fundraising effort. Hope Village is beginning this initiative with a survey to gather public input on its fundraising strategy. Founded in 2016, Hope Village currently provides shelter with nine tiny homes. It’s now considering launching a campaign to raise $3.4 million to expand its village to create five reduced-rent duplexes, three reduced-rent six-plexes, a playground and pavilion, and a resale store that would serve village residents and the public. To take the survey, which is available through Oct. 31, and to learn more about Hope Village, visit hopevillagechippewafalls.org.
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People
Responding To the Call: New E.C. Police Department Co-Response Coordinator Focuses on Mental Health Needs in the Chippewa Valley words by
LITA PROROK WAKES UP EVERY MORNING WITH THE SAME THING SCHEDULED IN HER WORKDAY: UNCERTAINTY. And she thrives in that environment – never knowing precisely what the day ahead of her will look like. As the new co-response coordinator for the Eau Claire Police Department, her primary responsibility is to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crisis. But her response isn’t a criminal one; it’s a human one. “It helps that individual be heard,” she said of her role. “It lets them tell their story. It lets them know that there are people who are in this community who want to help them, who want to take the time to get them back on their feet. And a lot of people appreciate that.” She is the first mental health coordinator for a law enforcement agency in the Chippewa Valley, and – since she was hired in July – she has worked with ECPD to develop the policies and procedures of her new position, integrating advice from nationwide co-response programs to meet the needs of the Eau Claire community. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing program, she said – one that will require modifications and enhancements as time passes to meet the needs of a growing community. Prorok pursued her undergraduate degree in psychology at UW-Eau Claire, with a minor in criminal justice. She later received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from UW-Stout and began her career at the Eau Claire Academy – a resi-
rebecca mennecke •
photo by
andrea paulseth
CARING FOR COMMUNITY. E.C. Police Department Co-Response Coordinator Lisa Prorok aims to help those experiencing mental health or substance abuse crisis throughout the Chippewa Valley.
I C A N H AV E C O N V E R S AT I O N S I N A G E N U I N E , C O M PA S S I O N AT E , E M PAT H E T I C WAY, S O T H AT T H E P E R S O N I N C R I S I S W I L L H O P E F U L LY F E E L C O M F O R TA B L E TA L K I N G T O M E . dential treatment facility for children and adolescents who experience emotional disorders, educational difficulties, impaired social relationships, dual diagnosis with drug or alcohol
abuse, behavioral disturbances, and/ or psychiatric disorders. After working over a decade with the organization that helps youth across the Midwest, she sought to
pursue a position that was “more relevant to our community members directly,” she said. That’s when a position in the Department of Health Services Crisis Unit with Eau Claire County opened up – the department in which she has worked for the past five years. Her work in crisis services with the county isn’t too different from the work she does now as co-response coordinator for ECPD – providing in-the-moment crisis assessments to determine an individual’s safety and need for mental health services. But, that system was a reactive one, meaning her caseload came via referrals from Northwest Connections or the police department, who were called to assess individuals in crisis. She was formerly responsible for the follow-up of those calls. Now, she is part of the immediate response. Her radio is the same one that officers use. She is logged onto the same communication network that dispatch uses. She is almost like a police officer – only she’s not. She doesn’t wear a police uniform. She doesn’t drive a squad car. In fact, if you saw her on the street, you wouldn’t know she was affiliated with the police department at all. “I bring a different approach to doing things,” she said. “There’s different ways I can interact with the individuals that the police officers don’t have that training or experience in doing. ... I can have those conversations in a genuine, compassionate, empathic way, so that the person in crisis will hopefully feel comfortable talking to me.”
Orgs
MAKING HISTORY: UWEC’S COVID-19 ARCHIVING PROJECT RECEIVES STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARD AFTER THE START OF THE PANDEMIC IN SPRING OF 2020, Greg Kocken, archivist at UW-Eau Claire’s McIntyre Library, and Cheryl Jiménez Frei, an assistant professor of history at the university, collaborated with Jodi Kiffmeyer, archivist at the Chippewa Valley Museum, to start a project to document local perspectives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of their effort – the Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Archiving Project – was to capture stories and objects from the people of the Chippewa Valley to document the past year and a half so future generations can look back and hopefully better understand it. The project was recently recognized by the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 2021 Governor Award for Archival Innovation, and what had started in the Chippewa Valley has now grown into the Western Wisconsin COVID-19 Archiving Project. The archiving project is still accepting oral stories or personal items, and now has hundreds of artifacts and more than 100 oral stories. To contribute to the archive, visit their donation website at lib02.uwec.edu/Omeka/s/C19/page/contribute. –Kalyn Cronk
UWEC STUDENTS AT AN EVENT TO GATHER LOCAL STORIES SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Business FROM
.ORG PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
KUBB CAPITAL OF THE ... HY-VEE?. Wisconsin’s fourth Hy-Vee store opened late September at 2424 E. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire.
Open Now
SIGHTS TO SEE AT HY-VEE 90,000-SQUARE-FOOT GROCERY STORE INCLUDES NAIL SALON, SHOES, A SALADMAKING ROBOT, SIX DINING OPTIONS – AND ALSO LOTS OF GROCERIES words by
tom giffey • photos by joel pearish
EAU CLAIRE’S MASSIVE NEW HY-VEE STORE – ONLY THE CHAIN’S FOURTH IN STATE – opened in September at 2424 E. Clairemont Ave. It’s the Iowa grocer’s 286th location and among its 10 largest store. Because it’s brand new, the store features some of the latest elements Hy-Vee is including in its stores, such as the new Scan & Go mobile checkout system, which employs QR codes and an app, allowing shoppers to scan their groceries themselves and pay via smartphone. Among the main attractions are the
in-person (or to-go) dining options, including Wahlburgers, Market Grille, Nori Sushi, Hy-Chi Asian, and Mia Italian, and the eye-catching Cake This! bakery. Oh, and there’s a bar, too. Yes, you can top your grocery shopping visit off with a beer or cocktail and enjoy it inside or (weather permitting) on an outdoor patio. And that’s not even mentioning the salad robot, the nail salon, the on-tap kombucha ... the list goes on. Learn more and peek inside the store at VolumeOne.org.
Relocated
CR E A TIVE ENERGY FLOW S U P S T R EAM AS I V Y ME DIA MOVES TO CHIPP EWA FAL L S CO-OWNERS KYLE LEHMAN AND ALAK PHILLIPS STARTED IVY MEDIA IN EARLY 2019 as a downtown Eau Claire co-working space in which freelance photographers, musicians, videographers, and other companies would rent space and equipment out from the company for a flat monthly fee. Within the first few months, Ivy Media skyrocketed to 36 members. Within the first six months of the coronavirus pandemic, every member ceased their monthly agreement. The change in the creative business landscape meant they needed to set their sights on new horizons. So the pair sought out a new place for their business to call home. “It is so difficult to invest yourself into a community for eight years and then decide to leave,” Lehman said. “We’re not leaving Eau Claire because we don’t like Eau Claire; we’re leaving Eau Claire because we cannot afford Eau Claire. We just can’t grow and scale our company as fast as Eau Claire needs us to.” Ivy Media staff are now moving equipment into the company’s new home at 521 N. Bridge St. in Chippewa Falls. The space will be fully operational by February and will feature ample space for high-end photo and video work and will be available for freelancers and other businesses in need of production space. For more information, email info@ivymedia.org. –Parker Reed
RCU HEADQUARTERS
RCU Merges With Smaller Credit Union and Buys Minnesota Bank words by
v1 staff
CONTINUING ITS ONGOING EXPANSION, ROYAL CREDIT UNION recently announced plans to merge with a smaller credit union in Eau Claire and to purchase a bank branch in Minnesota. On Sept. 10, the Eau Clairebased credit union said it was merging with Utilities Credit Union, which operates out of the Xcel Energy Building, 1414 W. Hamilton Ave. Utilities Credit Union was formed in 1932 to serve employees of what was then know as Northern States Power Co. UCU has $6.7 million in assets and 896 members. The merger was expected to be completed by early October. Meanwhile, RCU also announced on Sept. 22 that it had entered an agreement to acquire the Deerwood Bank office in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. “The acquisition will offer Royal the opportunity to enhance office accessibility to its current Minnesota membership, as well as serve additional members in the Metro area,” the credit union said in a media release. Under the agreement, RCU will take on $15 million in deposits and the office’s assets. Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed in early 2022. In 2016, RCU purchased an Apple Valley, Minnesota, office from Deerwood. These were only RCU’s latest mergers and acquisitions. In June, RCU merged with Medford-based Peoples Choice Credit Union, which has $50 million in assets, and in August it acquired Lake Area Bank, which has offices in Forest Lake, Hugo, Lindstrom, Stillwater, and White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and has $500 million in assets. RCU has 230,000 members in Minnesota and Wisconsin and more than $3.4 billion in assets.
PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
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CHARGING TROOPS Yay or Neigh? This new mural is located on the back of Details on Water Street, thanks to local artist Terry Meyer. Learn more about the project on page 26.
Arts PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
Perform
Visual
Words
ARE WE COOL? ONE LOCAL PODCAST CERTAINLY IS ...
3 NEW MURALS IN DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE
STAY TUNED ... FOR THIS MUSEUM CURATOR’S NEW PODCAST
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MUSIC • THEATER • VISUAL ART • COMEDY • DANCE • BOOKS • FILMS • FASHION ARTS EDITOR: REBECCA MENNECKE
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rebecca@volumeone.org
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Perform Music
Jerrika Mighelle Releases Music Video for Earthy Track, ‘Banks on the River’ words by
rebecca mennecke
EAU CLAIRE-BASED MUSICIAN JERRIKA CHRISTIANSON – KNOWN FOR HER SOLO PROJECT Jerrika Mighelle – premiered a soothing new music video on Sept. 18 that was recently named song of the week by Country Queer – a national magazine that amplifies country and Americana musicians who identify as LGBTQ+. The video for her song “Banks on the River” made its debut to the public on Sept. 27, and was created by Erik Elstran and Sarah Elstran (of The Nunnery), who also filmed her music video for “Brightest Star.” It offers offers viewers a deeply personal glimpse at her experience with grief that feels equal parts electrifying and cinematic, with artistic flair throughout the entire four minute and 22 second-long video. The autumnal scenery of Lake Wissota in her video reminds viewers of not only grief, but growth – something that the musician feels is integral to her human journey. “I feel so present now,” she posted to her Facebook. “And goddamn, now is the only place we ever are; it is the only place a vibrant, beautiful, and free life can exist. I don’t want to lose that ever again.” The song is part of Christianson’s seven-track, second album, Brightest Star, which was released in late February. You can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major streaming services, as well as at her website, jerrikamighelle.com.
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KEEPING IT COOL. Ryan Kahl, Grant Winkels, and Tommy Bayer launched new pod, titled We Cool? (Submitted photo)
Comedy
WE COOL? C.F. NATIVE TEAMS UP MIDWESTERN COMICS TO LAUNCH HILARIOUS NEW PODCAST words by
grace schutte
WHEN ASKED TO DESCRIBE THEIR COMEDIC PODCAST, Minneapolis-based Grant Winkels and Chippewa Falls native Ryan Kahl said it’s a bit like “vocal strobe lights.” The two comedians teamed up with their pal Tommy Bayer to start a podcast where they discuss their days, demand apologies, and go over dramatic happenings in the media. “We’re each, in our own way, three George Costanzas just screaming at each other,” Kahl said. The podcast, titled We Cool?, began about a year and a half ago as a way
to maintain their friendships with one another. They all missed the camaraderie they’d felt in the green rooms of comedy clubs before the lockdown started – that, and being able to do stand-up comedy. “We basically wanted a way to talk about our weeks, but with an actual thrust behind it,” Winkels said. One of the many themes of the podcast is “the apology.” When recapping their days, they often highlight inconveniences they experienced – sometimes going so far as to call themselves out and seek forgiveness for their own wrongdoings.
They demand apologies and ask for them, too. Listeners also get to partake in the fun. Write-in apologies are a segment on the show where the trio reads anonymous apologies sent in by my listeners – and they can get pretty wild. But the trio covers just about everything under the sun. All born and raised in the Midwest, they cover what growing up here was like; they discuss musicians, pop culture, and even current events. “I think it’s camaraderie, but it’s stupid and fun,” Kahl said. “It’s stupid fun.” While they try to keep discussions light, they are honest with each other. Winkels spoke on “false premises” in the comedy world, and how they steer clear of those. “We gravitated toward each other,” Winkels said, “because we’re not really like that.” The We Cool? Podcast can be found on most podcast sites. Follow them on Instagram (@wecoolpodcast), Facebook (We Cool Podcast), and YouTube (We Cool? Podcast).
Music
COUNTRY SINGER BRADY LUKE RELEASES NEW SINGLE BRADY JUNKER (A.K.A. BRADY LUKE), A NATIVE OF STANLEY, RECENTLY RELEASED HIS NEWEST ORIGINAL COUNTRY SINGLE “The Long Road Back.” The song, recorded in late 2019, tells the tale of Junker’s childhood friend and his difficulty with missing his loved ones after leaving for college in Milwaukee. “A lot of people will be able to relate to the message in this song,” Junker said. “I’m a big fan of country songs that tell a story, and I think this song does that. Rather than just being a party song, or just a catchy song, you can actually get something out of it.” With a new song in tow, Junker said the next steps for him will be to continue playing energetic concerts and release an eight-song album when the time is right. “My roots have been in country music since I was a little kid and it is true to me,” he said. “I feel like it fits me and who I want to be.” Brady Luke’s newest offering “The Long Road Back” is available now on Spotify, Amazon, and all other major streaming platforms. –Parker Reed
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Music
Events
Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra ‘Emerges’ With New Season
UPCOMIN G S H O W S
words by
caitlin boyle • photo by lee butterworth
Next up on their performance CUE THE BRASS, BRING IN THE WINDS, AND schedule is “Symphony Spectacular” GRAB A SEAT FOR THE RETURN OF LIVE on Oct. 18, where audiences can MUSIC from the Chippewa Valley experience the power of symphonic Symphony Orchestra this fall. music with a variety of symphonic After postponing their 2020-21 pieces that show complex, contrastseason, the orchestra is back with a ing styles and communicate a wide musically packed schedule, and have range of emotions. As a bonus, Sophia been hard at work planning a season Jiang, winner of the that will still 2021 Young Artist center around Competition, will COVID-19 safeperform portions ty protocols. W E A R E F O L L O W I N G of Ravel’s “Piano Anna Rybicki, Concerto in G executive direcSAFETY Major.” tor of CVSO, The remainsaid everyone P R O T O C O L S I N O U R der of the seainvolved was son includes an ready to meet REHEARSAL AND exciting twist on those challengselections of “The es for the new PERFORMANCE season. “Our Nutcracker” in board decided December, and a S PA C E . to require all season finale in musicians playMay with “Brahms –ANNA RYBICKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ing with us this in Spring.” OF THE CVSO season to be All concerts will fully vaccinatbe performed in ed.” Rybicki said. “In addition, we the RCU Theatre at the Pablo Center are following safety protocols in our at the Confluence with a start time of rehearsal and performance space, 7:30pm. Tickets are available at pabwhich includes masking of musicians locenter.org, boxoffice@pablocenter. and putting bell covers on wind org, or call 715-832-2787. instruments.” For details on the concerts and The season kicked off on Sept. 24 for more information about CVSO, with the program “Emergence” – an visit cvsymphony.org or find them on appropriate title, Rybicki said, as the Facebook (ChippewaValleySymphony) orchestra emerges from isolation to and Instagram (@chippewavalleysymplay live again. phony).
OCT 14-17
ECCT – THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW OXFORD THEATRE • ECCT.ORG Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life in time for Halloween in this non-musical featuring Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman.
OCT 16
EMM K LIVE AT THE BRICKHOUSE BRICKHOUSE PUB & GRUB • 8PM
EMM K’s unique belting voice combined with authentic and blunt songwriting style opens doors to multiple genres. From acoustic, to poprock to altpop, and even a little folk.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
OCT 16
RIO HILLMAN LIVE COMEDY ALBUM + MORE AMORE ACOUSTIC SET JOEL’S 4CORNERS • 7PM & 9:30
Rio performs a mix of old material and new material for the album to be released later this year. Special guest More Amore plays an electric arrangement in a variety of genres through the decades, including Pop/Rock/Folk/Jazz/Blues and Country music.
OCT 19
WAITRESS – OFF BROADWAY TOUR PABLO CENTER • 7:30PM • PABLOCENTER.ORG
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this hilarious hit Broadway musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. But change is on the menu – if Jenna can find the courage to seize it.
OCT 21-23
POE – ORIGINAL STAGE PLAY GRAND THEATRE • 7:30PM
Poe is an original stage play by Two Griffins Theatre based on the life and works of legendary macabre storyteller Edgar Allen Poe.
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Visual
FINDING SANCTUARY. Madison-based artist Sylvia Annelise Hecht creates a mural depicting a sunrise with sandhill cranes.
Murals
A PASSION FOR PAINTING CHECK OUT THESE 3 NEW MURAL PROJECTS THAT WENT UP THIS FALL
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SANCTUARY
LOCATION: 202 Gibson St., Eau Claire EST. COMPLETION DATE: Oct. 20 A passion for art and travel has brought Madison-based muralist Sylvia Annelise Hecht all across the globe and back to her home state to create a new mural on the Graham Avenuefacing exterior wall of The Fire House tavern in Eau Claire as part of the Oxbow Hotel’s 2021
rebecca mennecke • photos by andrea paulseth artist-in-residence program. Thanks to a partnership with The Pablo Group and Downtown Eau Claire Inc.’s Downtown Enhancement Grant, Hecht and a team of local artists will spend early October muralizing the popular downtown tavern through Oct. 20. They began work late on the evening of Monday, Oct. 4, projecting the mural image onto the building, thanks to help from the Pablo Center. The blue-green natural imagery is what Hecht imagines is a sunrise scene, and it’s an image she hopes conveys a sense of creativity
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and inspires locals who walk past it. “I really believe in trying to erase barriers between life and art,” she said, “and erase the notion that art is reserved for specific spaces or specific people. And I think that creating public art is such a beautiful opportunity to give people an opportunity to recognize their own creative nature in everyday life. … I think that art is really a part of our true nature, and so sharing public art is a really beautiful way to get people to recognize their own creativity and their own creative nature.”
PHOTO BY REBECCA MENNECKE
words by
GILETTE TIRE FACTORY
LOCATION: 800 Wisconsin St.., Eau Claire COMPLETION DATE: Sept. 24
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Did you know that Banbury Place in Eau Claire was once a Gilette Tire Factory? In 1917, that is! That’s actually what the building used to be known for before it turned into the Uniroyal Tire Factory, which is what it is perhaps best known for (besides being Banbury Place). Local artist Jaden Flores sought to bring more vibrant attention to the original artwork on the building’s exterior, paying homage to its history in the rubber biz. “Definitely was a rewarding experience to do that job,” Flores said. Next year, he hopes to paint the American Harvester building at the other end of the facility. Check out more about the project at facebook.com/BanburyPlace.
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CHARGING TROOP
LOCATION: 502 Water St., Eau Claire EST. COMPLETION DATE: Early October Rein in your excitement! Local artist Terry Meyer (formerly of 200 Main Art & Wine) was asked by owner Mickey Judkins of Details to create a new mural for the back of her building.
This 26 x 11-foot pieces was community-funded through a Kickstarter campaign that began with a goal to raise $4,000 to create the mural, with any remaining funds to be put toward fostering more murals by local artists. The campaign has already raised more than $4,400. On Oct. 5, Meyer invited saxophonist Sue Orfield to play while he painted, and invited local friends, artists, and creatives to connect over the arts.
Visual Art
Film
Explore the Native American Experience Through This Exhibit words by
I T ’ S ABOUT T O G E T S P O O K Y LOCAL FILMMAKER REANNA MADSON SNEAKS SCARES IN NEW SHORT HORROR FILM words by
barbara arnold
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THE THIRD ANNUAL FIRST NATIONS CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBIT, exploring the experiences of Native American people in the Midwest, will be held at the Brady and Jeanne Foust Gallery at the Pablo Center and virtually at pablocenter.org from Oct. 29 to Dec. 12. This year’s theme is Exploring the Native American Experience through the artwork of Christopher Sweet. Sweet, an artist who is part of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin and descendant of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, will be featured at the Meet the Artist reception on Nov. 12 from 5-8pm at the Pablo Center. Sweet’s works includes abstract, realism, and largescale murals. The collection in this year’s exhibit includes 10 pieces from 2016 to 2021. “They represent the growth that I have had both personally and professionally,” Sweet wrote in his artist’s statement. “Some of the pieces are more experimental and abstract, whereas other works are more symbolic in nature and capture the spirit of how I envisioned that my ancestors lived.”
kalyn cronk
“AS THE NIGHT GOES ON, NOT ONLY DOES THE STRANGER INVADE HER HOUSE, BUT ...” Well, we can’t ruin the ending for you, can we? Reanna Madson recently graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in theater and dance, and she’s kicking things off with her first short horror film, Bound in Rosemary, which she hopes to complete by summer 2022. “We’ve made great progress so far,” she said, “and we’re looking forward to being able to create and share more movies with the community.” Madson’s goal is to incorporate dance into her films – as she did with her first film, Avelina. Her current film is a short about a young woman who, after struggling with a new dance sequence, is interrupted by a stranger at her door. The woman finds herself in an invisible battle between her mind and her body. Madson’s short will be filmed in Eau Claire, and she is currently looking for contributions to help fund the project. Her goal is $5,000 – which enables the film crew to pull off everything they need without cutting corners. To donate to their campaign, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/bound-in-rosemary-horrorshort-film. Be sure to check out the film when it comes out, too!
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Visual Art
SCULPTURE TOUR IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS – AND THEY WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU’VE ENJOYED THE UNIQUE SCULPTURES AROUND TOWN AS PART OF THE ANNUAL Sculpture Tour Eau Claire, here’s your chance to get involved: Eau Claire’s upcoming 12th annual Sculpture Tour is inviting artists and creators to submit their original work to be displayed for public viewing next year. This year’s submission process is special, as they are waiving all entrance fees due to COVID-19. Even better, artists showcasing their outdoor creations will receive a $550 honorarium. The Sculpture Tour seeks to enhance quality of life in the community through free public art. Chosen sculptures for this year’s displays must be safe, durable, and have the audience (Chippewa Vallians!) taken into consideration. Awards include People’s Choice, Best of Show Bronze, and Best of Show Other Materials. The Sculpture Tour is open to artists of all ages and backgrounds. To send in an application and check out more information, head over to the Call To Artists on the Sculpture Tour website (sculpturetour.org) and check out their Facebook page (Sculpture Tour Eau Claire). –Kalyn Cronk
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Words
I S A G R E AT WAY TO O PE N YOU R M I N D
Books
A N D R E A L LY S E E
3 BOOKS TO CHALLENGE YOUR PERSONAL VIEWS
A DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE WORLD. – SARAH MEEKS, MARKETING CHAIR OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL
CARNAGE IN AMERICA: COVID-19, RACIAL INJUSTICE, AND THE DEMISE OF DONALD TRUMP Dr. Steve Weiss intended his collection of blog posts – which he subsequently published as a book – to be an historical record of an epidemic that plunged America into a crisis of epic proportions. Weiss, of Eau Claire, specifically criticized leaders whose lack of response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Weiss alleges, sent the country into social, economic, and political turmoil. His book is a cautionary warning that we must do better. -Cathy Sultan PORTRAITS OF PEACE: SEARCHING FOR HOPE IN A DIVIDED AMERICA UWEC alumnus and award-winning photographer John Nolter recently published his book, Portraits of Peace, which details his 40,000-mile journey across the U.S. amid deeply rooted polarization to rediscover the common humanity that connects us. Through compelling storytelling and beautiful photography, Nolter examines social issues that challenge the country today: racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, freedom of religion, and immigration. –Rebecca Mennecke LETTERS TO THE BELOVED
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WHAT’S THE WORD? The Chippewa Valley Book Festival is slated for Oct. 24-29 both virtually and in-person, featuring six regional writers. Find out more at cvbookfest.org.
Books
FULFILL YOUR NEED TO READ CHIPPEWA VALLEY BOOK FEST RETURNS WITH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL EVENT words by
rebecca mennecke
LOOKING FOR A BOOK WITH A HOOK? The 22nd Annual Chippewa Valley Book Festival will offer local readers the opportunity to connect with regional (and national!) writers and their thrilling new reads from Oct. 24-29 as part of a hybrid event – including a virtual option for all programs and in-person presentations from three of the featured writers. A pivot from last year’s almost minimal programming as a result of COVID-19, festival organizers are excited to offer a diverse array of events – exploring
topics from Hmong refugees and their struggle to adapt to American culture all the way to a woman’s journey in an insane asylum after her husband committed her in the late 1800s – which ultimately aim to broaden your perspectives. “Sometimes, as a society, we get stuck in the tunnel vision of our experience and what we’re going through,” said Sara Meeks, marketing chair of the festival, “and the book festival is a great way to open your mind and really see a different side
of the world, or of your interests, and branch out and recognize that there’s more out there.” Featured authors include memoirist Lila Quintero Weaver, award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang, Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, mystery writer (who you might know from the Jason Bourne series!) Brian Freeman, nonfiction author Kate Moore, and novelist Madeleine Miller. “If you’re a reader, you tend to gravitate toward one genre or another,” Meeks said. “This is a really good opportunity to expose yourself to different authors and different genres than are maybe in your wheelhouse.” Students in local school districts will also have the unique opportunity to meet authors in the classroom, learn more about the writing process, and ask any questions they may have of the writing field. Winners of the Young Writers Read contest (students between third and eighth grade) will read their original work on stage at the Grand Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 24. For more information about the Chippewa Valley Book Festival – and a full schedule of events – visit cvbookfest.org.
3 IN-PERSON CHIPPEWA VALLEY BOOK FEST EVENTS
Jason Kanz – an Eau Claire husband, father, neuropsychologist, and self-published author – recently penned a devotional commentary that explores and records what God had spoken to Kanz as he made his way through scripture. “My faith journey has shown substantial shifts,” he said, and he conveyed his excitement to see how the new book can provide the opportunity for growth. Letters to the Beloved will be available for purchase on Oct. 25 on Amazon. Check out more at jasonkanz.com. –Reonna Huettner
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T H E B O O K F E S T I VA L
10.26
‘A JOURNEY TO BELONGING’ – KAO KALIA YANG
Oct. 26 • 7-8pm • Jamf Theatre, Pablo Center • Eau Claire • FREE • Register online at pablocenter.org • Join award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang for a reading and discussion of her newest memoir, Somewhere in the Unknown World, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2020. The book is a collective refugee memoir and speaks to the powerful stories that many refugees carry in their search for peace.
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10.27
‘A LINE MEANT’ – DASHA KELLY HAMILTON
Oct. 27 • 4-5pm • Jamf Theatre, Pablo Center • Eau Claire • FREE • Register online at pablocenter.org • Dasha Kelly Hamilton uniquely engages communities in a forward dialogue on race, class, and equity. Hamilton will be the sole presenter for the annual Nadine St. Louis Memorial Poetry Conversation. Hamilton is a national Rubinger Fellow and, concurrently, Poet Laureate for the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.
10.27
‘A THRILL A MINUTE’ – BRIAN FREEMAN
Oct. 27 • 7-8pm • Jamf Theatre, Pablo Center • Eau Claire • FREE • Register online at pablocenter.org • Great stories can lift you out of the real world and transport you somewhere completely different. In this fun, funny look at his 15+ years in the publishing business, thriller writer Brian Freeman talks about the creative process, changes in the book world for writers and readers, and the challenges of taking over an iconic hero like Jason Bourne.
Books
Local Weightlifter Pens New Zine to Help Others Better Their Health words by
Podcasts
Tune Into Classic Television With C.V. Museum Curator’s New Podcast words by
alyssa anderson • photos by andrea paulseth
SELF-DESCRIBED “POP-CULTURE KID” DIANA PETERSON RECENTLY RELEASED A NEW PODCAST THAT IS SURE TO SATISFY EVERYONE’S POP CULTURE CURIOSITY. Peterson’s podcast Stay Tuned – which is based off of the blog she has written weekly for nearly six years – delves into the lesser-known tales surrounding classic sitcom stars, writers, composers, and more. Peterson has been a classic sitcom closet-watcher for the last few decades; while alone on Friday night, can usually be found watching classic shows like That Girl, My Three Sons, or The Dick Van Dyke Show. This love of classic television developed when her family moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin when Peterson was 13 years old. “While I love Wisconsin, watching classic television is a way for me to connect with my Pennsylvania roots,” Peterson said. “When I write, it takes me back to that age. It’s a way of rediscovering myself at that age before I moved.” This lifetime love of classic television led Peterson, a curator at the Chippewa Valley Museum, to begin her blog Thewritelife61. Nearly six years later, the blog is still going strong. In fact, Peterson transformed her blog into Classic Television: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Television Shows and Stars, a four-volume book series. After reflecting on her vast amount of research, Peterson found a way to spread her appreciation for the golden age of television to even more fans and thus, the podcast Stay Tuned was born. “Most of the time, I feel I have to over-defend why I choose to write about this subject,” Peterson said. “Pop culture, literally, is the culture of the masses. ... In its best moments, it builds and strengthens our interactions and leads us to be more accepting of other people and ideas.” In the podcast’s introductory episode, Peterson reflected on lessons she has learned from classic sitcoms. “During my formative tween years,” she said, “I began to realize that life wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I learned that life held some highs and some lows, but most of life is lived in the bridges between the mountains and the valleys.” Stay Tuned can be found on Apple and Spotify, and her books are available at The Local Store and on Amazon.
P O P C U LT U R E , L I T E R A L LY, I S T H E C U LT U R E OF THE MASSES. ... IN ITS BEST MOMENTS, IT BUILDS AND STRENGTHENS OUR INTERACTIONS AND LEADS US TO BE MORE ACCEP TI NG OF OTH ER PEOPLE AN D I DE AS.”
grace schutte
SINCE HIS INTRODUCTION TO THE GYM SCENE OVER TEN YEARS AGO, DANIEL COUGHLIN has dedicated himself to improving his physical health – and he’s encouraging others to do so too, through his latest project: Hardline Hardware, a bodybuilding-themed zine. “How can I set my body up to be able to function long term?” the Eau Claire resident said. “That is a big motivating factor for me.” But that wasn’t enough for the weightlifter, as a few months ago, he felt it was time for a new challenge. A longtime lover of writing, Coughlin began reflecting on the not-so-small mound of pieces he had written over the years. Once a staff writer and editor for several basketball websites – such as SB Nation, FanSided, The Lottery Mafia, and Hardwood Paroxysm – Coughlin has an extensive history in sports writing. Thus, the idea for his zine was born. A zine – short for “magazine” – is typically a self-published work of texts and images created with a copy machine. While sourcing material, Coughlin found himself searching through his collection of old magazines, originating from the early 2000s, that had built up in his basement over the years. What he found was alpha, macho men dedicating their lives to gruesome training and strict diets for one brief moment of oily, sequin-y stardom. Coughlin saw this as an opportunity. “Most people probably aren’t interested in bodybuilding,” Coughlin said. “But, most people probably do wish they exercised a little more. It makes the idea of general health more accessible to everybody.” The conversation around physical health – particularly going to the gym – can be a daunting one. Knowing this, Coughlin wanted to create something self-aware and goofy to help ease the tension. There’s a bigger message beyond the satiric nature of the features and the intentionally lackluster Photoshopping skills: Strong body, strong mind. “The idea is, you may have one or the other, and you might want the other,” Coughlin said. “It’s more a question of: How do you cultivate the best of yourself, and how do you cultivate stuff that you can take with you everywhere you go.” Check out Hardline Hardware at their website (https:// hardlinehardwear.bigcartel.com/products), on Instagram (@hardlinehardware) and TikTok (@hardlinehardwear).
E.C WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE RECEIVES STATE CREATIVE COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD EAU CLAIRE’S WRITER IN RESIDENCE KEN SZYMANSKI WAS RECENTLY NAMED THE RECIPIENT OF a Wisconsin Creative Champions Award from Arts Wisconsin in partnership with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. These awards “honor civic leaders as champions and communities in Wisconsin focused on creativity as integral to civic engagement, community vitality, and access for everyone everywhere in the state,” according to an announcement. Other recipients include LaMoine MacLaughlin (poet laureate of the City of Amery), Joseph Engel (poet laureate of the City of Kenosha), Angela Trudell Vasquez (poet laureate of the City of Madison), Dasha Kelley Hamilton (poet laureate of Wisconsin), Debra Hall (poet laureate of the City of Racine), Lisa Vihos (poet laureate of the City of Sheboygan), and Dawn Anderson (poet laureate of the City of Wausau). Szymanski teaches English at DeLong Middle School, is a renowned local author and essayist, and is a longtime Volume One writer. –Rebecca Mennecke
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NO CRAP ON TAP. River Jams, a new restaurant in Chippewa Falls, offers scenic views, catchy tunes from local musicians, and a unique cocktail menu with rotating seasonal drinks. Check out more on page 33.
Life PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH
Food+Drink
Family
CARRYING ON THE HISTORIC LEGACY OF ONE LOCAL BREWERY
SIBLING RUNNERS LEARN HOW TO STAND OUT IN A CROWD – OR A RACE
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FOOD • DRINK • NIGHTLIFE • LEISURE • RECREATION • OUTDOORS • WELLNESS • FAMILY LIFE EDITOR: REBECCA MENNECKE
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Food+Drink Profile
BREW THE FUTURE FAMILY BREWERY CONTINUES HISTORIC LEGACY, BREWING BEER FOR THE FUTURE words by
kalyn cronk • photo by andrea paulseth
allegedly produced moonshine RYAN STOLT – OWNER OF BLOOMER liquor, which local sheriffs turned BREWING CO. – BREWED HIS FIRST BATCH a blind eye to), and played a role in OF BEER DURING HIS FRESHMAN YEAR at supplying U.S. troops plenty of beer UW-Platteville with a group of guys during World War II. The 146-yearhe met in the residence halls. “And old building (which served as the my interest in beer only grew from town’s first brewery!) operated as a there,” the Bloomer native said. full-time brewery until 1947. When After graduating with a degree the Stolt family began brewing in in civil engineering, he hit the road, the early 2000s, they were the first to eventually landing in Florida, where produce a beer in the building since Stolt and his dad, Dan Stolt, had the 1948, when it opportunity to brew together for the was decommisfirst time. And sioned and sold that’s where it off. all began. Right before Eventually the pandemic Stolt’s dad had hit, Stolt decidthe inclination ed a change in that his beer scenery was was good enough in order, and to sell, so he purchased brought his brews a new locaback to Bloomer IETY STORICAL SOC tion – at 1103 and officially WISCONSIN HI Ninth Ave. reinvigorated the in Bloomer – in 2019. In February historic Bloomer Brewing Co. brand 2020, they transitioned to that in 2013. In 2018, Stolt took over operbuilding, which was built in 1953 ations for the business. as a chicken hatchery called Strum Their original location was in Hatchery. The building later became an old brewery building – Bloomer Southwest Chevrolet, and now Brewing Co. – that dates back to Bloomer Brewing has remodeled it 1875. It lived through two brewery and added a patio overlooking downfires (one in 1883, and another in town Bloomer. When they moved to 1888), the Prohibition era (when the new location, they considered owner Jacob and John Breunig
RYAN STOLT, OWNER OF BLOOMER BREWING CO.
a name change, but Stolt said that his dad is a simple guy “and coming up with a trendy, hip name and logo wasn’t really his style.” So Bloomer Brewing Co. it remained. “Whether you are in the taproom or on the patio, you don’t feel like you are in small-town Bloomer,” Stolt said. “For the moment, it feels like you may have slipped into a hole-in-the-wall place in south Florida.” He wanted to bring the ambience of places such as Key West and Cocoa Beach to his brewery, with the dim ambient lighting, the tropical plants, and the murals. Customers can also watch the brewing process while enjoying a beer of their own. Bloomer Brewing Co. has three
signature brews that are made all year round: the Bloomer Lager, CowBell Cream Ale, and Bloomer Town Brown. They produce 13 seasonal beers as well, including IPAs, sours, ales, porters, and many more. “We strive to make every beer unique in its own way,” Stolt said, “while also keeping the flavors balanced and noteworthy without compromising the drinkability.” The brewery has some exciting things coming up as well. With a new brew now on tap, the release of their latest barrel-aged beer at the end of October, an expansion of the brewing operation, and the release of a seltzer this winter, Bloomer Brewery has a lot to offer. To check out more about the brewery, visit bloomerbrewingco.com.
GREAT BEER ISN’T ONLY A THING OF THE PAST. CHECK OUT A FEW OF THEIR CURRENT BREWS
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Cocktails
3 N E W F A LL C O C K T A I LS FROM INFINITY B E VE R A G E S
New Stuff
‘No Crap On Tap’: River Jams Bar Serves Up Signature Cocktails, Unique Bruschetta Boards, and New Tunes words by
rebecca mennecke • photos by andrea paulseth
Scott families’ love for fresh food A LONGTIME CLOSED RESTAURANT WITH and catchy tunes, as well as their SCENIC VIEWS OF LAKE HALLIE FINALLY love for the Chippewa Falls commuREOPENED, thanks to new owners and nity. Thus, the name ‘River Jams,” a goal to create new connections in with “JAMS” also being an acronym the Chippewa Falls community. for the owners’ names: Jeannine River Jams opened on July 1, Carruth, Aaron Scott, Mick Carruth, offering the community a unique and Sara Scott. signature cocktail After passing by menu (including hisRIVER JAMS the closed eatery for toric names, such as 2940 109th St., Chippewa Falls years, the two families the drinks from their (715) 828-2238 decided something had summer menu includcontact@river-jams.com to go there, and they ing the Blue Mills river-jams.com decided they wanted Spritzer, the Jungle to run a family-first Bird, Halliewood, River restaurant, which invites people of Thyme, and Two Waters) and locally all ages to stop by, listen to local sourced and no-fried ahi poke, fish musicians, and enjoy their “no crap tacos, waygu sliders, and various on tap” menu. “People can come by bruschetta boards. bikes or walk, and they can come and The new restaurant – located at hang out with their dog and watch a an over 100-year-old property where band,” Mick Carruth said. former bar Two Waters was once As they renovated the aging located – integrates the Carruth and
Events
FA L L IN LOVE W IT H FOOD
Fig Twist Cocktail
building, they found a number of unique treasures, including the original maple flooring under five layers of other flooring, the original ceiling, and the original bar, which contains a tag from the Eau Claire Phoenix Company, which manufactured metals in downtown Eau Claire until its closure in the 1920s. They hope to bring a new unique restaurant option to the Chippewa Valley food scene. “Some of the funnest times I’ve had is just talking to the people in the community and then finding these connections, how we know this person, or that person knows this person,” Aaron Scott said. “Here I’ll find kids I haven’t seen in forever, or families. It’s just awesome. Connecting with the community and the neighbors is really important to us and they can feel that here.”
Honey Apple Toddy
Chile Morning
OCT 23
OCT 23
OCT 27
HALLOWEEN AT THE BREWING PROJEKT
FALL COLORS YOGA & MIMOSA BRUNCH
HALLOWEEN DINNER AT BYE THE WILLOW
THE BREWING PROJEKT, EAU CLAIRE THEBREWINGPROJEKT.COM
PRINCETON VALLEY GOLF COURSE • EAU CLAIRE • BADINTENTIONSYOGA.COM
BYE THE WILLOW • CHIPPEWA FALLS VOLUMEONETICKETS.ORG.
Check out this s-brew-ky event at The Brewing Projekt on Oct. 23 from noon to 11pm, where you can check out the release of four new trick-or-treat-themed beers to enjoy. Live music, games, and plenty of spookery is slated throughout the night, along with a costume contest, and prizes for winner.
Enjoy the crisp fall air and fall colors as you do a yoga sequence that finds the perfect synergy between invigorating and relaxing, set to a yacht rock soundtrack you’ll know and love. Yoga, brunch, and your first drink is included in the ticket price. Tickets cost $25 for this event that begins at 10:30am.
Bye the Willow offers a deliciously spooky four-course dinner to remember at 6pm, including carpaccio on a crustini, roast pumpkin wedges, grilled chicken with candy corn glaze over black pasta and red sauce, and chocolate lava cake with strawberry filling. Tickets cost $50.
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Family
Events
3 HALLOWEEN EVENTS MEANT JUST FOR KIDS check out more spooky events on page 44
10.22
ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH’S TRUNK OR TREAT
Friday, Oct. 22 • 5-8pm • St. Mark Lutheran Church • Eau Claire • All Ages • FREE • Bring the whole family for a fun, fall evening. Kids can trick or treat from decorated trunks, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate and cider. Check out more information at stmark-wels.org.
10.23
TREATS IN THE TRAIL
Saturday, Oct. 23 • 1-3pm • Lions Club Game Park Nature Trail, Wakanda Park • Menomonie • Age 12 & under • FREE • Hike the trails of Lions Club Game Park and collect candy along the way. Check out more information at dunnhistory.org.
10.22 10.23 10.29 10.30
3RD ANNUAL TROOP 36 HAUNTED TRAIL
Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30 • 7-10pm • Camp Davidson • Eau Claire • Ages 12 & up • $5• Check out this haunting walk on a well-groomed trail through the woods. There will be a warming fire and concessions available as well. This is an annual fundraiser planned by and ran by the Scouts BSA in Troop 36. Proceeds go toward outings, gear, and membership dues.
ENTER IF YOU DARE! Twisted Tales of Horror is slated for every Friday and Saturday in October – for ages 14 and up only.
Activities
Govin’s Farm Now Open for the Fall Season words by
RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU LOVE FALL FESTIVITIES! Govin’s Farm in Menomonie is now officially open for the season. With an assortment of fun activities for all age groups, owners John and Julie Govin are excited to welcome you to their farm. Some of the annual fall festivities slated at the farm will include an 11-acre corn maze, corn pit, wagon rides, pumpkin cannons,
kalyn cronk •
photo by
andrea paulseth
and more. The concession stand will serve up yummy autumn-inspired snacks and beverages, such as apple cider, donuts, warm pretzels, brats, and burgers. Govin’s Farm will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Oct. 30. Admission is $5.25 plus tax for children ages 2-4 and $12 plus tax for everyone ages 5 and above.
Govin’s Twisted Tales of Horror haunted trail (pictured above) will be open 6-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the entire month of October for an additional $15 plus tax. (Enter if you dare!) Learn more at govinsfarm.com or on their Facebook page at facebook. com/govinsfarm, where you will also find giveaways.
3 THINGS YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT AT GOVIN’S FARM
Tractor Pull
Giant Slide
Pumpkin Cannon
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Cool Kids
STANDING OUT CHIPPEWA FALLS SIBLINGS SUSAN AND JEFFREY BERGEMAN RACE THROUGH BARRIERS IN CROSS COUNTRY words by
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t was the start of Susan and Jeffrey Bergeman’s first cross country meet at Chippewa Falls Middle School in 2018. Sixth-grader Susan, who was pushing her brother, Jeffrey, in his specialized racing
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wheelchair, waited patiently for the referee to count off the start of their dual race – exactly one minute after the boy’s cross country team took off. As the only dual racers in the district, they were feeling the scrutiny
of the spectators who all wondered the same thing: Why aren’t they running yet? Are they lost? “I watched the referee walk away,” Susan recalled. “I was standing right in the middle of an open field, and it was awkward. ... I was emotionally in shock.” The referee had, apparently, forgotten to mark the start of their race. “It was very heartbreaking as a parent to watch,” said their mom Jess Bergeman. “And it was uncomfortable for the rest of the spectators to watch because it was just these two standing there after everybody else had taken off. That’s not inclusive.” The Bergeman family is no stranger to standing out from the crowd. In their family of 5, there’s Jeffrey, age 14, Susan, age 14, and Sam, age 9 – who was adopted from Ethiopia at only a year old – and parents Jess and Jordan – who have been married for 21 years. “We definitely don’t blend in,” dad Jordan Bergeman said. “Let’s just said that. And we’re OK with that.” At the age of 22 months, Jeffrey suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, which led to brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Though Jeffrey uses a wheelchair and is nonverbal (communicating through shaking his head “yes” and “no”), it wasn’t long before his parents found out about his love of running. In 2014, Jeffrey was paired with a Virginia-based runner through the national program Who I Run 4, which connected active runners with those who – due to physical limitations – can’t run. Jeffrey received medals from races, messages from his racing buddy with updates on her training. “I was like, you know, I need to get in shape and be healthy because he needs me in his life,” Jess said. “And if this person across the country can be doing this for him, certainly I can try, too. So that’s why I started running.” The family was quick to catch on. “(Jeffrey) loved it,” Jess said. “He lights right up, huge smiles, laughing the whole time.” Jordan, a longtime sprinter, was at first averse to the idea of long-distance running. But once he saw Jeffrey’s excitement about racing firsthand, he was addicted. “He always wins,” he joked. “I’ve tried harder and harder and he still beats me.” Together, the father-son duo has raced hundreds of times, including several marathons and half-marathons, with big goals to run the Boston Marathon and Iron Man Triathalon. They’re well on their way, as they’ve already made the qualifying times for the Boston Marathon – they simply have to wait until Jeffrey gets a little older. Susan, Jeffrey’s “Irish twin,” decided at the age of 10 that she too wanted to race with Jeffrey. At the time, she could hardly see over his tall racing chair. And Jeffrey and his racing chair have a combined weight of well over 100 pounds. But she was determined. “If I see something that looks challenging but fun, I want to do it,” she said. When the pair started sixth grade at Chippewa Falls Middle School, they joined
the cross country team as the first dual team ever to race in the district. This posed a challenge, the Bergemans said, as the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association – which creates the rules and guidelines for middle school and high school cross country in the state – didn’t have a precedent for racers with disabilities who wanted to compete in a dual team. At first, the organization told Jess and Jordan that their children could not race together, arguing it “fundamentally changes the sport,” the family said. “Not really,” Jess argued, “because she’s running. She’s choosing to make it harder for herself, but she’s not changing the sport.” The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District had a legal obligation (under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) to provide programming to students with disabilities. With no alternate program for disabled athletes, WIAA had to create completely new guidelines, later determining it was safest for the pair to run only in exhibition – meaning the siblings both run noncompetitively in all of their meets. Their scores aren’t ranked. They compete only against their personal best scores, beginning their race precisely one minute after the boy’s cross country team begins its race – to ensure no overlap where a racer may be injured due to the large and difficult-to-maneuver racing wheelchair – and Susan and Jeffrey aren’t permitted to pass anyone who isn’t injured or walking. The only problem? Susan is too fast. She quickly began lapping the slowest racers on the boy’s cross country team. “It hurts
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM I NCLUSION. E VERYBODY LOVES SEEING THEM OUT THERE. IT REIGNITES T H AT H U M A N S P I R I T T H AT A L L O F U S H AV E . W E WA N T T O S E E G O O D IN THE WORLD. –JESS BERGEMAN, MOTHER OF SUSAN AND JEFFREY
to try to stop,” she said. So rather than stop – risking injury to other racers and herself – she ignores WIAA’s rules and laps other racers, with safety at the forefront of her mind: for both herself, her brother, and other racers. “My main goal at every meet is to finish safely and have fun,” she said. But ... I don’t want to finish last.” “We feel like it robs the spirit of competition from all of the athletes when you do it that way,” Jess added, “because the (sev-
eral) athletes she passed, if they were truly embracing competitive spirit, they would get one place higher in the official ranking than they know they deserve, because they know (Susan) passed them.” But, competition isn’t at the core of their concern. It’s simply ensuring that every kid has a chance to do the sport they love. Now a freshman at Chippewa Falls High School, Susan affirms the inclusive environment has changed significantly since she first joined cross country. “I was joking around,” Susan recalled, “because it was a hot practice day, so I pushed the chair in front of me as a joke so I wasn’t touching it, and I was like, ‘Hey, who wants to push (Jeffrey)? And this one kid comes up and was like, ‘I want to push him.’ ” And that’s not unusual. In adaptive physical education classes, there are often waitlists filled with able-bodied people willing to push athletes in wheelchairs. And the family hopes there’s enough momentum to someday create a dual-team division for runners with disabilities to be able to race. “The whole community benefits from inclusion,” Jess said. “Everybody loves seeing them out there. It reignites that human spirit that all of us have. We want to see good in the world. We want to be a part of that in our communities.” If Jeffrey ever decides he doesn’t love racing anymore, Susan would give up the sport too, she said. “I do it because I’ve seen all the struggles that my brother goes through daily,” Susan said. “So I want him to be included in what he can. ... That’s something that we both have to do together.”
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Hillside Dental
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Features
FINDING SPOOKY AT EVERY CORNER. As the Halloween season quickly approaches, you may be looking for crevices and corners of the Chippewa Valley filled with fright. Look no further than our Halloween Hauntings on page 44. PHOTO BY TINA ECKER
Story
Halloween Hauntings
Journey Ahead
A PECULIAR WISCONSIN MAN AND HIS BIZARRE ALTER EGO
A SNEAK PEEK OF THE SEASON’S FUN FRIGHTS AND DELIGHTS
AGING WELL IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY
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FEATURE STORIES • PHOTO ESSAYS • SPECIAL SECTIONS | OCTOBER 14, 2021
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in 1971, “acclaimed scientist” Dr. George Gladstone stumbled upon a perfectly intact Bigfoot skeleton unearthed on a nearby hillside. The bones were as big as one might expect from such a creature, complete with a convex-shaped ribcage and a row of buck teeth stuck into the upper jawline. With the utmost care, Dr. Gladstone excavated the body and waited for the world to take note. The world did – most notably Esquire magazine, which ran a photograph of Dr. Gladstone posing alongside his discovery. But the magazine was less interested in Bigfoot than the doctor himself. For Dr. Gladstone and Bigfoot share one curious commonality: Neither of them existed. While it’s all but impossible to trace Bigfoot’s beginnings, there’s no question of Dr. Gladstone’s origin story. He was the alter ego of a 32-year-old Wisconsin-born artist, Clayton Bailey, who had sculpted Bigfoot’s bones, buried them in the yard, and then adopted the role of Dr. Gladstone to add credence to his claim. Together, the pair were a perfect fit: two men within the same body – one who created the art, and the other who was the art. For decades, Clayton Bailey created a menagerie of mythical creatures – from Bigfoot to cyclops to sea monsters – while Dr. Gladstone employed his “expertise” to verify the authenticity of the findings. The ruse was never meant to be taken seriously (Dr. Gladstone was just Bailey wearing a lab coat and pith helmet), yet Bailey’s unflagging commitment to his character served as the perfect performance art to enhance his visual art. Finding Bigfoot’s bones was all well and good. But it was far better in Dr. Gladstone’s capable (if imaginary) hands.
Dr. George Gladstone, you will for Clayton Bailey. Born in Antigo, Wisconsin, in 1939, Bailey was the son of an auto mechanic and a homemaker. His father’s interest in cars led to Bailey’s first artistic endeavor. “My first art project was probably painting the flames on the front fenders of my car, a 1940 Ford Coupe, which was the coolest car in town,” Bailey shared in Michael Walz’s 2017 documentary Indisputable Truth! The World of Clayton Bailey. “I didn’t know anything about art, but I knew that you painted flames on your car.” Throughout his career, Clayton Bailey’s art always leaned more toward flames than flowers. He preferred sea monsters to seascapes, freakish creatures to fruit in a bowl. His art was in response to the inoffensive and the inaccessible – Bigfoot bones,
growling robots, a coin-operated electric chair. From the 1950s until his death in June 2020, Bailey embraced the strange, crafting works of art that fit as neatly in a carnival side show as a high-end art gallery. Though trained as a ceramicist, he was part huckster, too.
Yet by the late 1960s, Clayton Bailey left Wisconsin for a professorship at the University of California, Hayward, where he joined a handful of West Coast artists in creating what became known as the funk art movement – which, according to art historian Peter Selz, was in “reaction against the nonobjectivity of abstract expression.”
Just ask Dr. Gladstone. Growing up in a rural farming community in north-central Wisconsin, Bailey’s early exposure to art was limited. But he had at least one outlet: the magazine racks at Vosmek’s Drug Store, where he worked throughout high school. Weekly, Bailey stocked the racks with the latest issue of MAD magazine. Bailey marveled at the publication’s irreverent, cartoony humor, each subsequent page serving as a revelation for the 17-year-old burgeoning artist. Proof that art could be fun without being frivolous. Flames on his fenders were only the start. In 1962, after earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UW-Madison, Bailey began the itinerant life of a young artist – offering demonstrations and classes in Toledo, St. Louis, Iowa City, and Vermillion, before settling into a professorship at what is known today as UW-Whitewater.
While Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko challenged viewers to discover subjects in their abstract work, artists like Bailey took a more straightforward approach: making art that left little to the imagination – from crude ceramic sculptures to odd assemblages fused together from found objects. While Bailey generally enjoyed being known as a funk artist (“You have to be called something…”), by the late 1960s, Bailey and a few fellow artists created an offshoot movement which they dubbed “nut art.” The nut art movement, Bailey explained, emphasized “the odd and the eccentric rather than the beautiful.” While critics were quick to praise the geometric grace and color fields of Rothko’s work, what on earth were they to make of Bailey’s buffoonery? Did fake fossils for made-up monsters qualify as art? Or an army of robots constructed from coffee urns? Or ceramic scenes depicting botched operations? None of which touches on Bailey’s performance art – or should I say Bailey and Dr. Gladstone’s perfor-
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mance art – which served as the final twist to any exhibition. Perhaps their greatest collaboration was The Wonders of the World Museum, which housed many of Dr. Gladstone’s “discoveries.” Self-described as “the world’s greatest collection of unique specimens from the Bone Age” (an era which never existed), the museum functioned more as Bailey’s personal art gallery, providing art lovers an interactive experience among thought-provoking exhibits. The exhibition featured Bailey’s collection of “kaolithic” fossils (which also never existed), mythical animals, and even a fossil tester; the latter of which allowed visitors to test the “authenticity” of an alleged fossil by dropping it into a tray, pressing a button, and watching as the bone meter needle bounced toward “genuine” while the tester ding-ding-dinged like a slot machine. Genuine or not (it wasn’t), Dr. Gladstone’s Bigfoot skeleton remained one of the museum’s most popular exhibits. Of its discovery, the museum’s catalog noted (in pure huckster fashion), “Was ‘Bigfoot’ an elusive ‘missing link’? Was he left here on earth by creatures from outer space as ‘guinea pigs’ to test Earth’s atmosphere, or to breed with Earth creatures? Or was Bigfoot an elaborate hoax carried on by generations of practical jokers?”
If the latter, then Clayton Bailey had certainly done his part to breathe fresh life into Bigfoot’s dusty bones.
continued, the museum was pleased to donate to the good people of Rhinelander “the World’s only known Hodag skull.”
Truth be told, I have, too. And I didn’t stop at Bigfoot.
“Well?” the local man asked once I’d finished reading the letter. “Think you can help us find the skull?”
In 2019, I published a book titled Midwestern Strange, recounting my yearlong exploration of all things weird and wacky. Bigfoot may have been my inspiration, but the book’s primary focus was on the Midwest’s lesser-known creatures: from bipedal werewolves, to pancake-flipping aliens, to Wisconsin’s looniest legend: the Hodag. Concocted by 19th-century timber cruiser Eugene Shepherd, the Hodag was said to be a 7-foot-long, 185-pounds, spiky-tailed, bulldog-devouring lizard-ox hybrid that roamed the woods near Rhinelander. Last July, during my visit to the Oneida County Fair in Rhinelander, I was approached by a local man familiar with my previous Hodag-related writing who enlisted my help in solving one of the city’s longstanding mysteries. Directing me toward the town’s logging museum, he pointed at a framed letter hanging in the entryway. Composed on Wonders of the World Museum stationary, the letter (addressed to the mayor, no less), recounted how the museum’s researchers, in conjunction with students and faculty from the University of Saskatchewan, had unearthed “a complete Hodag skeleton in northern Canada.” In the “spirit of international good-will,” the letter
I doubted it. But upon learning that the letter was signed by one Clayton Bailey, I figured I could at least try to find out his story. Little did I know just how strange his story would be. And how much it would speak to my own story.
robot named “On/Off.” Dressed in a metallic robot suit, throughout the mid-1970s he could often be found strolling the streets of Port Costa, controlled by a pretend remote operated by his wife, Betty, inviting tourists to visit the second floor of the two-story building where The Wonders of the World Museum was housed. Some days Bailey enlisted the help of his son, who would wear the suit and beep and buzz and make his father proud. As Bailey’s daughter Robin confirmed, her father’s artistic antics made for an interesting childhood. “What was it like,” I ask her, “growing up in a place where Bigfoot was discovered in your backyard?” “It was really uncomfortable, to be honest,” Robin laughs. “I was the weird kid in town. As the artist’s kid, it was kind of embarrassing. I wanted the house with the white picket fence. I wanted the normal house.” What the Bailey household lacked in white picket fences, it made up for in robots, and sea serpents fossils, and Dr. Gladstone most of all. It was only after Robin left home that she began to realize what an important mark her parents (both of whom were artists) had left on their town. “Now my friends come to me and say, ‘Oh I wish I could have lived at your house.’ ” Robin says. “And I’m like, ‘Really?’ ” While Bailey enjoyed a national reputation as an artist, he loved nothing more than supporting his local arts community. Bailey saw value in encouraging young artists, and he hoped to offer them more inspiration than could be found in the pages of MAD magazine. To that end, Bailey and Dr. Gladstone regularly hosted “clay days” on their property and at the local school. Under the direction of Professor Bailey and Dr. Gladstone, children would create their favorite art. Through their work with children, Bailey and Gladstone were molding more than clay. They were creating the next generation of artists.
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century “collaboration” – that Bailey, at some point, would give up the ghost on Dr. Gladstone. But as writer Janelle Hessig notes, “In true Andy Kaufman-level devotion to the bit, Clayton never conceded that Dr. Gladstone was just a character.” Because for Bailey, Dr. Gladstone was more than a character; he was both an extension of the art and an extension of himself. “You can’t brag about yourself and be polite,” Bailey explained, “but you can brag about Dr. Gladstone and the marvelous ideas that he’s had.” Humility never sounded so humorous. Gladstone was the Starsky to Bailey’s Hutch, the Butch Cassidy to Bailey’s Sundance Kid, the Barnum to Bailey’s … Bailey. It’s this last comparison that’s the most accurate, and the most compelling, too. After all, P.T. Barnum – the famous circus showman with his own links to Wisconsin – seems a perfect complement to Clayton Bailey. Both men pushed the limits of American aesthetics; from rogue taxidermy (Barnum’s Fiji Mermaid) to mythical creatures (Bailey’s backyard Bigfoot). They were wedded, too, by P.T. Barnum’s most famous line: “There’s a sucker born every minute.” For Barnum, those “suckers” translated to ticket sales, though Bailey was hardly motivated by such capitalistic tendencies. Rather, Bailey preferred siding with the suckers, empowering them rather than taking advantage of them. While P.T. Barnum wanted nothing more than to conceal the trick, Clayton Bailey tried to reveal it, albeit through his own artistic lens. No one disputes the entertainment value of Clayton Bailey’s art, but if you overlook the social commentary tied to his work, then you’re only experiencing half of it. From the death penalty to religion to nuclear war, Bailey had plenty to say. But unlike TV commentators, Bailey let his clay do most of the talking – even if the message wasn’t always crystal clear. After all, what are we to make of his Bigfoot skeleton and his sea monster? His cyclops and his giant? What of his robots, or his botched surgery series, or his infamous Fu-Manchu mustache which he retired to a box? Isn’t it all just a little … absurd?
“Maybe that’s the point of Clayton’s art,” art historian and curator Diana Daniels explained in Indisputable Truth. “(Bailey’s) seeing this shift away from rationality and enlightenment in American society towards more embrace of the irrational and the supernatural and of specious arguments and rhetorical extravagance. … Which suddenly makes his fun very serious.” While art is often credited for providing a mirror through which to view our world, Bailey’s art is more than your average mirror. It’s a funhouse mirror – one in which the distortion helps us see our society in Technicolor. Leave the smoke and mirrors to P.T. Barnum, Clayton Bailey will give it to you straight. (Or straightfaced, at least.) Today, the bulk of Bailey’s collection is displayed by Curated Storefront in Akron, Ohio. But soon, the residents of Eau Claire will be able to see a piece for themselves.
“Well, that was part of my father’s wishes,” she explains, “to donate the work across the country.” Days later, Robin shares with me a one-page introduction from a book about her father which was never published. Upon reading the page, I’m all but convinced that Bailey himself probably wrote it. “As we look back on the artists of the Twentieth Century, one individual whom we know simply as ‘Clayton’ stands out from the rest,” the introduction begins. “… Like George Ohr, the great ceramic artist of a century earlier, he was a relatively unappreciated genius in his own time. The popular press either loved him or hated him. He waited for the museum curators to come to his door, but they never arrived during his lifetime ...” Suddenly the donation makes perfect sense to me. Why wait for the museum curators to knock on your door when you can just knock down the door yourself? It’s as true in the writing world as it is in the world of visual art. Sometimes people understand your efforts, other times you come off looking like a loon. One who dedicated years of his life to writing a book about werewolves, for instance, and pancake-flipping aliens, and some creature called a Hodag. Take it from me: just because the art is weird doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I like to think Clayton Bailey would agree.
As I wind down my interview with Robin, she remarks, “I’d like to donate a piece of my father’s artwork to your university’s museum.”
And maybe Dr. Gladstone, too.
I’m taken aback by the offer. A Clayton Bailey original? Right here in Eau Claire? “But … why?” I ask.
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Do you feel that sudden chill in the air? Perhaps a spectral whisper that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up? A ghoulish shriek from beyond the grave? No, dear reader, that’s just spooky season in the Chippewa Valley. Let this special feature be your guiding light through all of the Valley’s different haunts and frights this fall. Don’t worry about that shadowy figure in the corner ... that’s nothing ... or is it?
halloween hauntings
C R A CK A COLD O N E ... with a ghostly pal at these Supposedly Haunted Bars w o r d s by K a ly n C r o n k • p h o t o s by t i n a e c k e r ust imagine it: enjoying a Leinie’s Summer Shandy and making new friends from beyond the grave. That’s nothing new anyways, right?
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If you’re looking to make friends on the other side, there’s a handful of places in the Chippewa Valley that are rumored to be haunted. Goosebumps yet? Wait until we tell you their terrifying stories ...
the stone’s throw
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irvine ghost pub rvine Ghost Pub is said to be named after the ghost of the former owner that was supposedly murdered in that same building. When the new owners purchased the pub in 2008, they closed it down for a couple days for renovations.
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During the renovations, rumor has it that bar stools were knocked over, and electrical items were acting up for no logical reason. As the story goes, the ghost is still there.
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he Stone’s Throw in the Downtown Eau Claire area was originally built in the early 1890s. According to legend, there are two possibilities as to why this bar is haunted: either a man was murdered and dragged into the basement, or a man hanged himself in the building. The grim stories alone are enough to give you shivers ...
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he Ritz - also known as Amy’s Ritz – has rumors that visitors to this Chippewa Falls eatery (now known as Ritz on the River) can see small men wandering around the bar and throughout the building. When nobody’s looking, things mysteriously move, and doors are known to lock on their own. Legend has it that Amy herself had seen the ghost.
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It is said that you can hear voices and footsteps throughout the building with misplaced items and mysteriously broken and smashed beer bottles. Legend also has it that you can see the ghost’s reflection in the mirror behind the bar. The only way to know is to check for yourself ...
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the ritz
4 james sheeley house ames Sheeley and his wife Kate purchased the building in 1905. In 2001, the building was in the process of cleaning and renovations. Rumor has it that when someone tried to cover a floral mural in the foyer, the roses in the mural continued to shine bright red through the paint primer. When the stairs were being stained, owners found unexplained footprints on them the very next day. Either it’s a ghost, or a really annoying case someone terrorizing a poor owner’s renovation project. Imagine if it was your home ...
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halloween hauntings
PA R A N O RMA L I N V E ST I GAT O RS share their spookiest encounters compiled by kalyn cronk
terry fisk Terry Fisk is a paranormal investigator for Unexplained Research LLC as well as noted authority on death and the afterlife. He is also the coauthor of The Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations and six other ghostly reads. After returning home from an investigative road trip, Terry’s wife accused him of bringing work home. “Throughout the house, we began finding doors that were mysteriously open or closed at times when they shouldn’t be,” Fisk said. Sometimes, they would find kitchen cabinets open for no reason. Throughout the next
three months, the problem only grew worse. One day, Terry and his wife were sitting on the couch peacefully watching TV, when they were startled by the sound of a doorknob from their french doors rattling. “We immediately jumped up and ran to investigate,” Fisk said, but nothing was there. On another day, Terry and his wife were talking in their living room. “While I was looking at her,” Terry said, “I noticed what appeared to be an orange, nebulous shape in my peripheral vision.” He quickly turned his head to look at it, but – at the same time – it vanished, and another door flung wide open. His wife saw it, too. It wasn’t until Terry went on another ghost investigation that the spirit left.
tina ecker Tina Ecker is a renowned local photographer by day (check out her photos throughout this section!), and a paranormal investigator by night. “The paranormal has been a part of my life since childhood,” Ecker said. The unexplainable became normal for her. One night when Ecker was asleep, she was suddenly awoken up by loud music coming from the living room in her grandmother’s house, and she walked toward it. “I stopped just short of that room as I watched my Grandmother’s empty rocking chair rocking back and forth as if someone were in it,” Ecker said. She
then watched in horror as the rocking chair slowly stopped rocking, as though someone had left when she entered the room. That same night around 3am, Ecker was awoken again by the phone ringing. After speaking briefly on the phone, she crawled back in bed, laying on her side. “As I laid there, I heard a loud sigh come from the foot of the bed,” Ecker said. Her eyes jolted open, and she glanced at the alarm clock, which read 3:19am. She knew she was definitely awake. She felt pressure lift from the foot of her bed, and heard footsteps walking alongside her. “I felt a hand on my shoulder and then pressure as I believed it was kneeling down beside me,” Ecker said. “The side of my bed was even pushed down.”
CHAD LEWIS: FOUR OF THE VALLEY’S SPOOKY SPOTS CITY OF EAU CLAIRE
IMGUR
PHOTO BY TINA ECKER
VISIT EAU CLAIRE
half moon lake
lakeview cemetery
devil’s punchbowl
lowes creek road
In the summer of 1886 a local fisherman witnessed a giant 7-foot monster lurking in the depths of the lake. Skeptics tried to explain that the monster was nothing more than an overgrown sturgeon, an immense turtle, or simply a fictional creation drummed up by over-imaginative anglers. Whatever the beast was, it was never captured, meaning you should think twice before dangling your toes in this Eau Claire lake.
It is in this Eau Claire cemetery that many unsuspecting visitors have noticed a dark shadowy figure lurking from gravestone to gravestone. Others have heard a mysterious rapping or knocking coming from one of the markers. It is said that if you are brave enough to visit the cemetery at night, and if you sit still and watch, you will catch glimpses out of the corner of your eye of spirits wandering the grounds.
Menomonie residents have reported strange balls of lights changing in size, shape, and color as they maneuver around the woods. Unusual apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained noises are also commonly reported. But many visitors report coming face-to-face with a creature they believe to be a gnome or goblin. Seemingly straight out of folklore these creatures are reported to be around 3 to 4 feet tall with pointed ears and a pointed cap.
In 1908, the Leader-Telegram reported three “steady” Eau Claire men had their evening horse ride home interrupted by a flashing light that raced after the trio, ensuring that they made it home in record time. Fast forward to a cold early morning in 2006, a young woman was driving into town when she noticed a strange looking dark-haired woman lurking on the side of the road wearing nothing more than a flimsy pink dress.
chad lewis is a chippewa valley
investigator in the of this piece
paranormal and writer
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CARVING A PUMPKIN? 6 TIPS TO SAVE YOUR FINGERS
PHOTO VIA UNSPLASH
1. CARVE YOUR PUMPKIN IN A CLEAN, DRY, WELL-LIT AREA. Make sure your tools are clean and dry, too: Moisture can lead to slips, which can lead to cutting things other than your pumpkin. 2. HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION. This one is common sense: Do you really trust your kiddos alone with sharp knives? 3. LEAVE THE CARVING TO THE GROWN-UPS. Let your kids be the creative ones, tracing or drawing their designs onto the pumpkin. But when it comes to the actual carving, let a grown-up take over. And really, carving isn’t all that fun. We all know the real excitement of making a jack-o’-lantern comes from scooping out the guts! 4. SHARPER ISN’T BETTER. Sharp knives can get lodged in the pumpkin’s thick skin, requiring more force to pull them out. Sharp knives may also pass all the way through a pumpkin, piercing your hand on the other side. 5. USE A CARVING KIT. Pumpkin carving kits are widely available and usually contain small, serrated saws that are designed to cut through pumpkins, not your fingers. 6. TREAT INJURIES AS SOON AS YOU CAN. If you do cut yourself, apply direct pressure with the help of a clean cloth. This should stop bleeding from minor cuts to the hand or finger within 15 minutes. If the bleeding continues after that, however, you may need to visit the emergency room.
TREATS ON THE TRAIL Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1 – 3 p.m.
Join us at the Lions Club Game Park in Menomonie’s Wakanda Park to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, hike the nature trail, and gather Halloween treats along the way! Enter at the pavilion near the bison pen. Cost is $3 per child ages 12 and younger — must be accompanied by an adult throughout the afternoon. If the weather is inclement, the event will be moved to them museum nearby. www.dunnhistory.org
Presented in cooperation with the Menomonie Lions Club
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L IS TI NGS + R E SO U R CE S Feeling spooked yet? listings by james johonnott
SPOOKTACULAR EVENTS Schlegelmilch Escape Room Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday until Oct. 30 • Schlegelmilch House Museum, 517 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • $100 (2-4 players) +$25/person • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com/schlegelmilch%3A-ec-wi Tactical Escape 101 and the Chippewa Valley Museum host this escape room event in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House. $100 for 2-4 players, $25 for each additional player. Reservations must be made in advance. Ski Sprites Haunted House Every Thursday,
Friday, Saturday from Oct. 14 to Oct. 30, 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, 415 South Dewey, Eau Claire • $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse. html The Ski Sprites haunted house is a local favorite haunted house. This year’s theme is “Fractured Fairy Tales”. Sponsored by Deborah Becker.
ECCT Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Oct. 14, 7:30-8:45pm; Oct. 15, 7:30-8:45pm; Oct. 16, 1:30-2:45pm; Oct. 17, 1:30-2:45pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $10 Youth/Student, $16 Senior/Adult • All Ages • (715) 839-8877 • info@ecct.org • ecct.org/tickets Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life in time for Halloween in this non-musical featuring Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman.
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail Every
Friday, Saturday until Oct. 30, 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm, N6134 670th St, Menomonie • $15 • All Ages (if you dare!) • facebook.com/twistedtaleofhorror Govin’s Farm hosts a haunted trail. Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more.
Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail “Walk of Terror” Oct. 15, 7-9pm; Oct. 16, 7-9pm • Behind the Lake Holcombe School, Holcombe • $6 • Ages 12 and up Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail “Walk of Terror” behind the Lake Holcombe School, Holcombe.
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday from Oct. 21 to Oct. 30, 7-10pm • Rockin T-R Ranch, 8020 Curvue Road, Eau Claire • $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item • All Ages • (715) 828-7221 Voted HauntedWisconsin.com best haunted house in Central Wisconsin in 2021! This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. Come see for yourself and prepare to be scared. Portion of proceeds benefit Feed My People, Eau Claire County 4-H and Warehouse Warriors. 3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail Oct. 22,
7-10pm; Oct. 23, 7-10pm; Oct. 29, 7-10pm; Oct. 30, 7-10pm • Camp Davidson, W6618 Langdell Rd, Eau Claire • $5 • 12 and up A haunting walk on a well groomed trail through the woods. There will be a warming fire and concessions available as well. This is an annual fundraiser planned by and ran by the Boy Scouts in Troop 36. Proceeds go towards outings, gear, and membership dues.
“Poe” Original Stage Play Every Day from Oct.
21 to Oct. 23, 7:30-9pm • The Grand Theatre, 102 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • $15 adults, $12 students • cvtg.org Poe is an original stage play by two Griffins Theatre based on the life and works
of legendary macabre storyteller Edgar Allen Poe.
St. Mark Lutheran Trunk or Treat Oct. 22, 5-8pm
• St. Mark Lutheran Church, 3307 State Street, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 834-5782 • stmark-wels.org Bring the whole family for a fun, fall evening. Kids can trick or treat from decorated trunks, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate and cider.
Treats on the Trail Oct. 23, 1-3pm • Lions Club
Game Park Nature Trail, Wakanda Park, Menomonie • $3 /child • For Children Ages 12 and under • dunnhistory.org/upcoming-events Hike the trails of Lions Club Game Park and collect candy along the way.
Cadott Senior Class Haunted Trail Oct. 23, 6:3010pm • Cadott School Forest, 21998 80th Avenue, Cadott • $5 students, $10, $30 max per family • Everyone welcome, parental discretion advised • (715) 313-3028 • leaharel@yahoo.com Walk through the spooky trail that will fill your need for Halloween screams and grab some delicious snacks to support the senior class graduation lock-in. Halloween Dinner Oct. 27, 6pm • Bye the Willow,
501 N. High St, Chippewa Falls • $50 • volumeonetickets.org A deliciously spooky four-course dinner to remember. Course 1: Carpaccio on a crustiniCourse 2: Roast pumpkin wedgesCourse 3: Grilled chicken with candy corn glaze over black pasta and red sauceCourse 4: Chocolate lava cake with strawberry filling
Campfire Stories: A Night of Fact, Fiction, + Fire Oct. 27, 8pm • The Lakely, 516 Galloway
Street, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com The Oxbow presents local writers, storytellers, and songwriters for an intimate taste of the local literary and music community. Get a craft drink and gather around the campfire, stories begin at 8pm.
Fathom’s Fright Night at My Office Bar Oct.
30, 9pm • My Office Bar, 408 Galloway St., Eau Claire • facebook.com/events/626394745009920/ Hosted by MC Fathom and DJ Kramer. Costume contest at 10pm at 1am with cash prizes and giveaways.
EXA Sports Trunk Or Treat Oct. 30, noon-2pm • EXA Sports, 800 Wisconsin St Suite 215, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • exa-sports.com/trunkor-treat Fear at the Farm - Halloween at Farm to Fork
Oct. 30, 4-10pm • Farm to Fork Pizza, S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • $30 advance, $40 gate, FREE for 12 and under • volumeonetickets. org Concert featuring live music, food, beverages, vendors, costume contest with cash prizes, psychic readings, trick-or-treat trails, and more. Outdoor, rain or shine. Entertainment Lineup features: Dig Deep, The Woodland Spring, The Shorewood Mountaineers, Rock Creek Song Dogs, and the Torch Sisters.
Menomonie EXA Sports Trunk or Treat Oct. 30, 5-7pm • EXA Sports, 2920 59th St, Menomonie • FREE • All Ages • exa-sports.com/trunk-or-treat
Ghost in the Attic: Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Oct. 30, 6:30pm • The Heyde Center
for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • Adults $35, Seniors $34, Youth $27 • cvca.net A historical murder mystery dinner event featuring the history of the Heyde Center, McDonell Memorial High School, lumber barons, and more. Registration includes dinner and show.
Halloween Costume Contest at Schuetzy’s Tavern Oct. 30, 7pm • Schuetzy’s Tavern, 18985
County Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 21+ • (715) 210-6624 • schuetzy@gmail.com • schuetzys.com Schuetzy’s Tavern Costume Contest at 8pm, Drink specials start at 7pm. 1st-3rd place win cash prizes.
2nd X-IT and Halloween Costume Contest Oct.
30, 8pm • Snout Saloon, 13 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls A 5-piece rock cover band delivering a no-nonsense rock and roll journey through the 70s and 80s of hard and heavy classic rock. Bands commonly covered are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Guns & Roses, and more.
Halloween Costume Party at Brewery Nonic
Oct. 30, 6pm • Brewery Nonic, 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • facebook.com/brewerynonic The brewery and yard will be transformed into a haunted environment. There will be food from Chef Stacy, music from The Nunnery, and more.
TRICK OR TREAT Downtown Friday, Oct. 29 from 3-5pm downtowneauclaire.org chippewafallsmainst.org downtownmenomonie.com Downtown Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie businesses participate in an annual, earlier trick-or-treat event. Look for posters in participating business windows.
Residential Sunday, Oct. 31 from 5-7pm Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona, and Menomonie residential neighborhoods participate in trick or treating on Halloween day.
Wisconsin’s Most Haunted Locations w/ Chad Lewis Oct. 28, 6pm • Russell J. Rassbach Heri-
tage Museum, 1820 Wakanda St. NW, Menomonie • $10adv, $15 door • dunnhistory.org Join paranormal author Chad Lewis as he discusses some of Wisconsin’s most haunted locations. Complete with photos, case histories, eyewitness accounts, ghost lore and directions, this unique presentation encourages you to visit these places for your own ghost story.
ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical”
Oct. 28-30, 7:30-9:30pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $14 Students, $20 Seniors, $24 Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Rated R for mature audiences • ecct.org/tickets Five college students in an abandoned cabin in the woods unleash an evil force turning them into demons. Based on the 80’s cult classic movies.
CVEMS Final Fridays: Halloween Costume Contest and Dance Party Oct. 29, 6pm • The Red
Mixer, 2526 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • FREE • 21+ • (715) 456-6140 • fb.me/e/duzPk6Pka An evening of electronic music and Halloween fun with free candy. Best costume competition with both a singles andcouples category with over $500 in prizes.
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PRESENTED BY
We all get old. In fact, some of us, right at this very moment, are old. But “old” doesn’t mean what it used to mean. Some people use the phrase “longevity revolution,” but that’s just a fancy way of saying what we’ve always heard: Getting older doesn’t mean your life is over. It’s a cliché, but come on – we know it’s true. And we don’t want anyone in this community to ever feel like life ends at a certain age. This is why we’ve created this special section devoted to the challenges and opportunities of growing older in the Chippewa Valley. Our goal is to create a community whose cultural benefits are easily available to everyone – regardless of age.
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aging well in the chippewa valley PHOTO BY SHANE NEWMAN
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building bodies and brains revamped L.E. Phillips Senior Center helps seniors move, meet, and fight isolation WORDS: TOM GIFFEY / PHOTOS: ANDREA PAULSETH
L
ike the senior population itself, the L.E. Phillips Senior Center in Eau Claire is always evolving – both in its programs and its physical space. The most recent evolution, finalized earlier this year, came in the form of a 4,000-square-foot addition to the senior center, 1616 Bellinger St. “One of the things that you find when you work with this population, is they’re going to tell you what they need,” said Mary Pica Anderson, the center’s executive director. And what Eau Claire’s seniors needed was more space to move, meet, and socialize. Ground was broken for the $3 million project last September, and the work was completed in the spring. Among the most noticeable additions to the facility are the Leatrice & Don Mathison Fitness Center and the Presto Family Foundation Group Fitness Room. On a recent weekday morning, the fitness center bustled and hummed with seniors exercising and socializing. Next door, in the group fitness room, a class practiced tai chi.
One of the things that you find when you work with this population, is they’re going to tell you what they need.
Mary Pica Anderson
L.E. PHILLIPS SENIOR CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The fitness center is an expansive, bright room outfitted with the same kind of equipment you’d see in a typical health club, including treadmills, ellipticals, and other cardio gear. While much of this equipment was already at the senior center, in the lower level, there have been some additions, including weight benches and free weights. “Those are incredibly valuable for increasing strength for better balance,” Pica Anderson said. Today’s seniors, she said, “have found out if they w
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Poor balance, for example, can lead to falls, which can lead to injuries, lack of mobility, and – ultimately – isolation. Physical fitness isn’t the only way that the senior center helps fight such isolation among seniors. A full calendar of activities at the center keeps seniors socially connected, whether it’s over a card game, a cup of coffee, in an educational session, or through a club like the Happy Hookers (a group whose name demonstrates that knitters have a sense of humor). Meanwhile, the building’s lower level, which used to house the fitness area, has been remodeled into space for larger group gatherings as well as a peaceful lounge ideal for reading or other quiet pursuits. Down a hallway lies the largely unfinished area under the new first-floor fitness addition. Pica Anderson is pleased to have the additional space, which in the near future will be used (temporarily at least) as an indoor walking course during the winter months. And while the facility’s evolution has meant some growth, it’s also meant other things have shrunk – including the lower-level computer lab. Now that so many seniors have their own laptops, tablets, or other digital devices, Pica Anderson said, there isn’t as much need for classroom filled with desktop computers (though they still have some of those). Now, the emphasis is on teaching seniors how to make the best use of those cellphones and iPads, with lessons taught with
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the help of UW-Eau Claire students fulfilling their service-learning hours. “(Seniors) love that opportunity to work with the college kids, and the college kids are fabulous,” she said. In one way or another, all of the senior center’s programs have fighting social isolation as one of their goals. During the months of pandemic-induced societal lockdown in 2020, Pica Anderson said, people of all ages and walks of life got a taste of what social isolation can be like for seniors who may not have the ability or motivation to leave the home even when there isn’t a pandemic. When Pica Anderson first came to the senior center 16 years ago from the YMCA, she noticed some seniors came to the center mainly to play cards, and she wondered how she could get them more active. Now, she recognizes that pastimes like card playing aren’t just idle activities but instead are great ways to exercise the brain – and the senior center, she said, is all about building stronger bodies, bones, and brains. So whether it’s a physical or social activity that brings seniors in the door, “They just go home feeling much better about their day, much better about themselves,” Pica Anderson said. L.E. Phillips Senior Center • (715) 839-4909 • 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • lephillipsseniorcenter.com • Find it on Facebook
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staying safe from senior scams E.C. sheriff’s deputy outlines frequent frauds and how to avoid them COMPILED BY TOM GIFFEY
E
very year, millions of seniors across the U.S. fall victims to financial scams – from telemarketing frauds to fake sweepstakes to home repair swindles. Criminals may gain seniors’ trust over the telephone, the Internet, via the mail, through TV or radio, and sometimes even in person. Scammers frequently prey on their victims’ fears and emotions, taking advantage of romance seekers or even impersonating seniors’ grandchildren. And some victims are too embarrassed to speak about when they realized they’ve been cheated. On a recent episode of The Journey Ahead Podcast, host Lisa Wells of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County talked with Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Deputy Melissa Sommers about the variety of scams that target seniors and how older folks and their families can avoid being financial exploited. Here’s a condensed Q&A from the podcast, which can be found at VolumeOne.org/podcasts or through most podcast apps.
LISA WELLS: Why are older adults targeted so often? Deputy Melissa Sommers: I think that scammers look at the elder community as “easy targets” for a couple of reasons. (Seniors) lack understanding of technology. They don’t realize there is so much of their information out on the Web, that it’s so easy to look up their names and addresses, basically everything about them. I think another reason that they might be considered easy victims is that adults tend to be very trustworthy. They believe in people, and they easily fall target to people preying on that type of personality. Scammers know that seniors are financially secure in older age. They’ve got savings. Their houses are usually paid off. They don’t have debt. They have more money than, say, somebody in their early 20s who is just starting off.
What are some of the tactics that people use to take advantage of older adults? These scammers are really good at using technology. They use fake emails and websites that appear to be legitimate. Anybody can create a fake email, a website, Facebook, other social media accounts. There are also spoofing apps out there where they can add a fake phone number that looks like it’s a local phone number, so you think it’s coming from Eau Claire, and people are more apt to answer it seeing that it’s a local call.
What are some other ways that you’ve seen here in the Chippewa Valley of folks getting scammed? The grandparents’ scam is basically when a scammer poses as a relative, usually a child or a grandchild, and claims to be in an immediate financial need.
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Unfortunately, these scammers are good and they prey on the emotions of the elderly. It’s so easy to take advantage of somebody if they can get that personal information.
Melissa Sommers
DEPUTY, E.C. COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
We have romance scams, where they pose as an interested romantic party on social media or on a dating website to capitalize on the desire to find companionship.
Tech support scams, where they pose as technical support representatives, and they offer to fix nonexistent computer issues. Governmental impersonation scams, where they’re posing as a governmental entity, like Social Security or the sheriff’s office, and they threaten to arrest you or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay some sign of bond or payment. There are still sweepstakes and charity or lottery scams. They say that you’ve won money, but then you have to pay money. If they’re saying you just won $5,000, but in order to get this money you owe me $50, it’s a total scam.
Home repair scams: We get a lot of those. They say, “I can come and fix your roof or patch your driveway,” and people end up paying for it, and then they don’t do the work. Or they do the work, but they quoted you $400 to seal your driveway, but then when it’s said and done, they say, “No, it’s $6,000 now.” Regular TV and radio scams: reverse mortgages or credit repairs, saying, “We can help you out with your credit report if you have bad credit.” Financial and caregiver scams. Unfortunately, relatives prey upon other relatives, take advantage of them to get their money. On Facebook and social media, we have scams running where people are looking for pets, and so they buy pets online, and are told “In order to ship this pet, I need this amount of money.” And then they pay that money, and they’re told, “Oh, it’s going to take a little bit longer, and we need more money.” I’ve come across that where people end up paying lots of money for animals that don’t even exist.
How could older adults and families protect themselves? First off, if you receive any of these possible scams, don’t be so quick to send them your money, your information. Stop and think and say, “Let me do some research here.” It’s OK if you hang up on them. For example, if a bank is calling you and saying you owe them money, call your financial institution and verify that. … Financial institutions have all that information, so they shouldn’t be asking for it. Ask, “Did you call me on this?” They should be able to verify if it was them or not. If you’re on social media, make sure you limit your personal information that you put out there so it’s not so readily accessible.
How about for adult children? Are there things they can do to protect Mom and Dad? Ask questions with your older parents. Be in their world. Ask them questions about how things are going financially. Maybe ask, “Can I look at your bank account?” Just have that flat-out conversation: “Have you been contacted by any people asking you for money?” They might be leery or not really want to tell you if they’ve been involved in anything because they might be ashamed. But if you don’t have those awkward conversations, you’re not going to know.
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the light keeps shining Stand in the Light Memory Choir persists, flourishes amid pandemic WORDS: REONNA HUETTNER
T
he Stand in the Light Memory Choir – a choral program for those with dementia and other health conditions – has worked hard over the past year and a half to keep running during the pandemic. Director Cathy Reitz, along with the choir’s board, had to decide whether the program, which began in 2016, would continue or wait until the pandemic was over. Despite not having the experience working with technology, Reitz stayed dedicated to the program. “This choir does something to you. It makes you realize that this is more than just the music,” Reitz said as she began to tear up. As the choir shifted its program online, it became something of a reunion: Some participants had been unable to see their loved ones since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 lockdown. Family members from across the world joined choir practices virtually to see their loved ones. “It was amazing,” Reitz said. “As families would join the Zoom calls, we would even put them into their own breakout rooms to give them the opportunity to spend time with just their families.” The purpose of Stand in the Light Choir is to
“This choir does something to you. It makes you realize that this is more than just the music.
Cathy Reitz
DIRECTOR, STAND IN THE LIGHT MEMORY CHOIR
A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND SONGS. The choir is shown in a virtual performance recorded last fall. “use the power of singing to move people with memory loss, and their singing partners, to rediscover themselves, make new friends, laugh together, learn together, and contribute to their community.” And they’re doing just that as more and more people continue to join. With time, the program hopes to include more people with aphasia and multiple sclerosis, and they are looking to help people who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. However, Reitz wanted people to realize that
this is not a choir defined by those who have illnesses. “(What) I have is a community choir, and we all just bring our baggage,” Reitz said. “We all bring something.” The program has a goal of removing the stigma that if a person has memory loss they are unable to do anything anymore and that there is nothing that can be done. They believe that even as some memories are lost to dementia, music can help form new ones. “This choir, the experience, is humbling, truly humbling,” Reitz said.
Interested in the Choir?
The Stand in the Light Memory Choir is open for all. There is a $25 a semester fee, but scholarship programs are available. The choir meets 10-11am Thursdays at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1120 Cedar St., Eau Claire) under the pavilion at the end of the parking lot or via Zoom (email standinthelightchior@gmail.com for a link). Those who attend in-person must maintain social distance and need proof of vaccination.
How to Tune In
Stand in the Light Memory Choir will livestream its fall performance at 6:30pm Thursday, Nov. 18. They will also host Christmas sing-a-longs 10-11am on Dec. 2 and 9 for anyone interested.
Learn More
For more information about this program, the choir can be found on Facebook or at standinthelightmemorychoir.org.
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need a boost? Many people are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, including everyone over 65
Y
ou’ve may have seen headlines about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in the news recently. Like a lot of things about the coronavirus, some of what you’ve seen may have been confusing at best and downright misleading at worst. So who should be ready to roll up their sleeves for another jab? In late September, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced that it was recommending a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups who had completed their original two-shot course of that vaccine at least six months ago. The recommendations – which were also supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services – include the following:
• People aged 65 and older and 50-64 year old people with certain medical conditions should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. According to the CDC, “The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions.” (See the list below.)
• Adults 18 and older in long-term care settings should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. “Because residents in long-term care settings live closely together in group settings and are often older adults with underlying medical conditions, they are at increased risk of infection and severe illness from COVID-19,” the CDC says.
• Adults aged 18-49 years who have certain underlying medical conditions may get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. These adults at increased risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19, the CDC says, but their risk isn’t as high as those over 50 with underlying conditions.
• Adults aged 18-64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. These include first responders, educational staff food and agricultural workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers. Currently, the CDC recommendations don’t apply to any other groups, nor to they apply to people who received their initial doses of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen vaccines. And the CDC reminds the public that recommending booster shots doesn’t mean that vaccines aren’t work. “COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant,” the agency says. “However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.” Learn more about booster shots and other COVID-related topics at www. cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Underlying Conditions • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-tosevere), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension • Dementia or other neurological conditions • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) • Down syndrome • HIV infection • Liver disease
• Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension) • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) • Overweight and obesity • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia • Smoking, current or former • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain • Substance use disorders
Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
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live right, age well Listings + resources for the journey ahead LISTINGS: JAMES JOHONNOTT
senior centers
and assistance on issues affecting older people, and people with disabilities regardless of their income. Welcoming and convenient places for you and your family to get information, advice, and access to a wide variety of wellness services.
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Chippewa Falls Area Senior Center
(715) 286-2953 • Find it on Facebook The Augusta Senior & Community stands at the former site of the original Augusta High School. This multi-purpose community centers offers arts & crafts classes, gatherings, senior lunches, and more.
1000 E. Grand Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1666 • chippewafallsseniorcenter.com Provides a central location where senior citizens can enhance their independence through services and programs that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Hosts senior dining meals, day trips, activities like arts & crafts, games, and wellness classes, and has an on-site thrift store.
Chippewa County Aging and Disability Resource Center 711 N. Bridge St., Rm.
Dunn County Aging & Disability Resource Center 3001 US Highway 12
Augusta Senior and Community Center 616 West Washington St., Augusta •
118, Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-7777 • ADRC@co.chippewa.wi.us • co.chippewa. wi.us This resource center offers the public a single entry point for information
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East Suite 160, Menomonie • (715) 2324006 • adrc@co.dunn.wi.us • co.dunn. wi.us/ADRC The ADRC of Dunn County is the access point for seniors, adults with
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disabilities, their families and caregivers to receive assistance, education, and support while at all times respecting the rights, dignity and preference of the individual. It provides transportation, nutrition, and caregiving services as well as long-term care.
Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center 721 Oxford
Ave #1130, Eau Claire • (715) 839-4735 • adrc@co.eau-claire.wi.us • co.eauclaire.wi.us The ADRC helps people age 60+ and adults with disabilities secure needed services or benefits, live with dignity and security and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. They promote healthy living and preventative health care and offer support services and events for seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com The L.E.
Phillips Senior Center provides a place for Senior Citizens, 55 and better who reside in the City or County of Eau Claire to maintain independence, receive services and develop skills which enhance the emotional, physical and social quality of their lives. Regularly hosts day trips, weekend escapes, exercise classes, community meals, electronics and Internet lessons, knitting classes, and more.
Shirley Doane Senior Center 1412
6th St. E, Menomonie • (715) 235-0954 • menomonieseniorcenter.org The mission of the Shirley Doane Senior Center is to help Menomonie area seniors engage in meaningful community activities. To help promote continued growth and development, self-respect, self-confidence, and usefulness; by encouraging your participation in contemporary life; and by stimulating a dynamic public interest in the aging population and recognition of its potential.
senior support
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Banfield Charitable Trust - Senior Pet Support • (715) 232-4006 • If you are 60+
and need help with expenses for your pet, you may be eligible for financial support. Can cover pet food, pet supplies, vet care, grooming, temporary boarding expenses, and more.
Meals on Wheels • Eau Claire Coun-
ty: (715) 839-4886 // Dunn County: (715) 232-4006 // Chippewa County: (715) 7382590 Meals on Wheels provides delivered meals to homebound seniors or eligible adults living with a disability. More than just a meal, this services also provides a daily check-in on seniors to ensure safety and health. Each county ADRC branch manages this services, and you can call, go online, or e-mail for more information about eligibility.
Open Fitness Center 1616 Bellinger St.,
Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com The Open Fitness Center includes a circuit of stations that provide opportunities for a full body workout to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. Several types of fitness equipment that are easy to use for all ages.
Senior Dining Congregate Meals • Check out the full schedule and locations at co.eau-claire.wi.us/our-government/departments-and-facilities/department-directory/aging-disability-resource-center Food, fun and fellowship are what Senior Dining is all about. Enjoy a nutritious meal at a warm, friendly Senior Dining Site in the company of friends. Volunteer, meet people and partake in activities and educational opportunities. The actual cost of each meal costs $8-9, but the suggested donation is $4. SNAP/Quest cards accepted. Senior Fitness Classes 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com Get involved with a wide array of fitness class options every month at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center. Offers circuit classes, strength classes, morning blasts, step classes, yoga, chair yoga, core, pilates, zumba, and much more multiple days a week. Classes require a punch card that can be purchased at the center. Western Dairyland’s RSVP Volunteer Program Eau Claire • (715) 985-2391 ext.
1205 or ext. ext. 1232 • cheryl.padula@ wdeoc.org, kristin.sosalla@wdeoc.org • westerndairyland.org/rsvp.phtml The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects individuals age 55 or older with meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities. Volunteers are matched with volunteer opportunities that best reflect their interests, available time, and preferences. Volunteer sites are varied and may include tutoring or mentoring children.
physical therapy
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Chippewa Manor 222 Chapman Rd.,
Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4437 • chippewamanor.com Offers residential and outpatient living services, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and more.
ChiroElite Chiropractic + Rehab 1219 10th St. W, Altoona • (715) 832-9725 • chiro-elite.com An affordable membership style chiropractic clinic located in Altoona specializing in hands-on spinal adjustments, activator and muscle rehabilitation. Cornerstone Physical Therapy 224
North Bridge St., Suite B, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4451 • cornerstonephysicaltherapy.net Physical therapy and massage services, as well as women’s health, aquatic therapy, sports massage, myofascial release, weight management, and orthopedic injury recovery.
Dove Healthcare • dovehealthcare.
com Receive innovative physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapy after surgery, illness, or injury. Your therapy program is personalized, so you can recover as quickly as possible and return home. Choose from several convenient locations.
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Earth and Sky Bodyworks • (608) 630-
0664 • chris@earthandskybodyworks.com • earthandskybodyworks.com A holistic health business that is also dedicated to environmental issues, because environmental health is holistic health. Certified Advanced Rolfer, Licensed Asian bodywork therapist, and tai chi instructor, specializing in depth work for long-term change.
ETI Wound Healing Center 1101 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 4710954 • support@etiwoundhealingcenter. com • etiwoundhealingcenter.com ETI Wound Healing Center is a comprehensive outpatient wound management clinic specializing in avoidance of amputations and skin grafts. They treat all wounds, particularly those that are difficult to heal. McMahon Chiropractic and Physical Therapy 3004 Golf Rd # 100, Eau Claire • (715) 834-4516 • mcmahonchiroandpt.
com Specializing in chiropractic and physical therapy work.
Northwoods Therapy 1200 N. 10th St.
W, Altoona • 715-8398-9266 // 757 Lakeland Dr., Chippewa Falls • 715-723-5060 • pwnorthwoods@yahoo.com • northwoodstherapy.com In business or over 30 years, Northwoods Therapy is owned and operated by local physical therapists specializing in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Optima Health & Vitality Center 3321
Gold Road, Ste. A, Eau Claire • (715) 8321953 • optimahvc.com A chiropractic practice that also offers nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic treatment.
Optimum Therapies, LLC - Eau Claire
517 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 855-0408 // 1309 Stout Rd., Menomonie • (715) 233-6320 • optimumtherapies.com Offering deep tissue, trigger point release,
myofascial release, neuromuscular, sports, Swedish, and hot stone massage and physical therapy.
hiking & biking trails
–Chippewa County
Chippewa County Riverview Reserve Trail Trails go through woods and meadows. Some pass by small ponds as well as Lake Wissota. Take Hwy 178 north to Wissota Green Blvd (east of St. Joseph’s Hospital) and then on Beach Drive. There is a small parking lot near the trailhead. Parking also available near the Chippewa River bridge on 178.
Cadott School Forest Several loops go through woods past two creeks and a covered bridge as well. From Hwy 29, take the Cty Rd X exit and drive to Cty Rd XX. Head north to 80th Street. Head east for 1 ½ miles and look for a gravel dead-end road. You might have to park at the gate and walk into the educational building area. Otherwise, there is parking at the building. Chippewa River State Trail This former
railroad corridor parallels the Chippewa River and including river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs, wetlands, and more. Trailruns from Phoenix Park in Eau Claire to Caryville. Joins the Red Cedar Trail in the Dunnville Bottoms near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers.
Deer Fly Trail A hiking trail located in the County Forest in Northern Chippewa County. From the north, the trail entrance is located two miles west of junction of County Roads M and E. Duncan Creek Parkway Trail 5 miles - This trail winds through the city of Chippewa Falls. Trail begins at the parking lot off 225th Avenue. Ideal for biking, hiking, and inline skating. Connects to Old Abe State Trail.
Evergreen Ski Trail 2.2 miles of trail loops
are open for hikers in the spring, summer, and fall. The westernmost trail follows Coon Fork Creek. $3 fee. Located 5 miles north of Augusta on Cty Rd CF (across the road from Coon Forks County Park). Park at a small dirt lot.
Hickory Ridge Trail 9 miles - This trail winds
through the quiet and scenic oak and aspen forest. It consists of three challenging loops. Located in northern Chippewa County in the County Forest - the trail begins in a parking lot off of 225th Ave.
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Irvine Park Trail Bridgewater Ave., Chip-
pewa Falls • chippewafalls-wi.gov Woods trails above the zoo area double as ski trails. Loop back down and visit the zoo afterwards. Trails also go past Glen Loch Lake. Trails can also be accessed from small parking lot on Cty Rd S or on the parking lot above the zoo off Erma-Tinger Drive.
Kemper’s Woods A few trail loops go through a
small woods surrounded by farmland. From Business 29, drive south on Chippewa Crossing Blvd and turn left on Stilson (50th Ave) past the dog park, over Hwy 29, and look for a small loop-shaped parking lot on the right side of the road.
Lafayette Town Hall Trail A short loop goes
through woods. The trail overlooks Paint Creek. From Cty Road X south of Lake Wissota, turn south on 197th Street to the Lafayette Town Hall. Park near the food stand at the ball fields and walk through the brush site area to find the somewhat-hidden trailhead.
Lake Wissota State Park 18127 County Hwy 0, Chippewa Falls
Several trail options go through woods, meadows, lowlands, marshes, and Lake Wissota’s shoreline. Many double as ski trails. Bikes are permitted on all but 3 trails. One-mile Beaver Meadow nature trail loop for families with small children. Scenic lake trail is also a highlight. Daily and annual state park vehicle admission passes vary in price. Located on the northeast section of Lake Wissota.
Old Abe Trail 711 North Bridge Street,
Chippewa Falls Popular bike trail goes from Chippewa Falls to Cornell. One scenic spot is just north of Jim Falls where the trail follows the Chippewa River on one side and small fields and ponds (some full of turtles) on the other. Head north of Chippewa Falls on Hwy 178 to the Jim Falls exit. In town, there is a trailhead sign with a parking lot. Walk north through town before getting to the scenic spots.
Stage Coach Bicycle Route Trailhead located in Augusta just off Hwy 12/27 on Stone St. 21 miles - Approximately 21 miles
roundtrip with alternate loops. Mostly easy but a few steep hills. It’s a scenic route that follows along a lightly traveled road and is perfect for a family bicycle outing. Available year round and no pass is required.
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Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org There are several trail loop
options. Scenic, winding trails on two separate sections of the reserve, offer views of two creeks and the Eau Claire River. A local favorite $3 for adults, $1 for children (15 and under), free for members of Beaver Creek.
Big Falls County Park Located in the town
of Seymour, the trails at Big Falls cut through mixed
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coniferous/ hardwood forest on either side of County Highways Q and K.
City Wells Trail Three-mile loop trail begins near the city wells and heads into the woods. Directions: From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Riverview Drive. Park in the dirt lot near the wells buildings off Riverview Drive.
Eau Claire River Route Start at the paved
trailhead hidden across from the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library’s underground parking entrance. The trail brings you across to the north side of the river on an old railroad trestle S bridge that offers spectacular views of the quarter-mile long Banbury Place industrial complex and of course, the valley. The trails in Phoenix Park and Boyd Park now connect and are ready for downtown cyclists.
Fairfax Park 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire
Small woods trail that doubles as ski trail goes into small prairie area past a few ponds and re-enters woods. Directions: Access Fairfax Park Drive from either Golf Road and park in the Fairfax Pool lot, or go down Fairfax Street and park near the ball fields south of South Middle School.
Geuttinger Woods + Wildlife Area Semi-
groomed trails wander through dense woodland. Head south from Eau Claire on Hwy 37. Look for a sign on the left shortly after passing Cty Rd HH. Short drive up a hill takes you to a small parking lot and trailhead.
Otter Creek Trail 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona 3 miles - Located next to the Hillcrest Golf Course.
Lowes Creek County Park Trail Most trails double as mountain bike or ski trails. One short trail is devoted to hiking only. Nice sights of Lowes Creek. Requires $3 daily pass with seasonal passes available. Drive south of Eau Claire and I-94 on Lowes Creek Road. Park entrance will be on the left. Or drive south
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of Eau Claire and I-94 on 93. Turn right on Lorch Avenue and left on Fairview Drive. Ample parking at both entrances.
Northwest Community Park Trail Several loop trail options double as mountain bike and ski trails. Some are narrow and steep. From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Jeffers and turn right away on E. Prairie Lane to Arrowhead Drive to Van Es Parkway. Drive to the end of the street to the small parking lot. Pinehurst Park - Trails Wooded trails along
the far side of the sledding hill double as mountain bike trails. Trails end at the top of the sledding hill. From Hwy 53, turn right on Eddy Lane to Darryl Lane to Dale Road. From the parking lot, look for the trailhead on the left facing the hill.
Putnam Trail Dirt road goes through a wooded
area that follows Little Niagara Creek. Deer and wild turkeys often seen. Marshy woods with a beautiful canopy of branches and leaves. From campus heading west, the trail follows the Chippewa River.
Tower Ridge Recreation Area Trail 1230 S 82nd Ave, Eau Claire Wide trails double as ski and horseback riding trails. Some trails are very hilly. Offers spectacular views of the Eau Claire River Valley. $3 daily pass/seasonal. Drive east from Eau Claire on Cty Rd Q and then south on L. Go past first parking lot (for disc golf players) to the second lot (road to it on left side of L). Trail From Boyd Park to Archery Park
This small short trail winds along a small bluff bordering Eau Claire’s east side neighborhood. Nice scenic spots where you look straight down to the Eau Claire River. Trail starts in a meadow. It is rocky underfoot in some sections. Directions: From downtown Eau Claire or from Hastings Way, take Main Street and turn north on Summer Street. Park near the pavilion in Boyd Park.
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WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY A HOME
– a first home, a new home, a cozy cottage to retire in, a lakeside cabin for long Wisconsin weekends with family and friends – it seems as though there are almost as many real estate agents, lenders, and professionals to guide you as there are homes to choose from. How do you find the right person, with the right personality, to help you on one of the most important adventures in life? A great real estate professional knows how to make
things easy for customers: They let people know who they are and exactly what they’re all about. Cue: REAL ESTATE ROCKSTARS! These Chippewa Valley personalities are ready to get to know you and help you take those crucial steps toward homeownership, and they’re going to start by letting you get to know them. Find out how long they’ve been in the business, what their style is, and what their values are before you even pick up a phone. How easy is that?
SPECIAL SECTION PRESENTED BY
INDIVIDUAL PROFILES ARE PAID FOR BY THE PARTICIPATING REALTORS THEMSELVES. PARTNER
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JERRY ANNIS + JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK • DONNELLAN REAL ESTATE
ABOVE & BEYOND TIGHT-KNIGHT TE AM PROVIDES PERSONAL TOUCH TO LOCAL RE AL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS JERRY ANNIS & JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK DONNELLAN REAL ESTATE, 1720 HARDING AVE., EAU CLAIRE (715) 836-8080 JERRYA@ECDRE.COM JANEK@ECDRE.COM DONNELLANONLINE.COM
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downsizing after 50 years in the same house – Jerry and Jane sit down and explain the process to them, allaying their concerns.
ERRY ANNIS AND JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK ARE LIFELONG FRIENDS WHO TREAT EACH OTHER LIKE FAMILY –
and they think of their clients that way, too. The pair of Realtors at Eau Claire’s Donnellan Real Estate share a similar work ethic, admire each other, and are committed to doing what’s right for their clients because it’s the right thing to do. Jerry describes the duo as “servant souls,” to which Jane adds, “That’s what our mommas made us.”
“We take on these clients – especially sellers ‘SERVANT – as our family, and we SOULS’ treat them how we would treat somebody in our family,” Jerry explains. “If they need help, we do it.” “We were raised the same,” Jane adds. “We have a lot of the same values and morals. Neither one of us question needing to go above and beyond, because it’s who we are.” Jerry and Jane formed their strong bond growing up together in Eau Claire – a hometown they still love deeply. Their parents were good friends, and they attended school and church together. Years later, they became partners in the real estate business at Donnellan. They say their team approach allows for flexibility and full service for clients. Their friendly focus and attention to detail is ultimately good for
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“For us, it’s a lot of guidance and direction, and walking this path with these people step by step and explaining, ‘Well, here’s what’s coming next,’ ” Jerry says.
business: About 80% of the team’s clients are referrals, and many others are repeat customers. So what does going “above and beyond” mean? Sometimes, it’s literally means rolling up their sleeves. “The clients become your friends, and you do whatever’s necessary,” Jerry says. “We’ve power-sprayed decks. We’ve mowed yards. We’ve painted the inside of houses and taken stuff to the dump and Goodwill – which most people don’t expect out of a real estate agent.”
Claire. Jerry and Jane are always happy to sing their hometown’s praises, and that’s part of the goal of the podcast they launched last year, Eau Claire is Here, and You Should Be Too. Over the course of 14 episodes (and counting), Jerry and Jane have highlighted music, arts, and activities in Eau Claire, interviewed interesting locals, and pulled back the curtain on the local real estate market.
“And,” Jerry chimes in, “it’s nice to get out of the office!”
It’s a market that’s still buzzing, they say, though not as much as it was at some points over the past year. Instead of 15 offers, someone selling a home may get two or three, Jane explains. Sellers are generally still getting the prices they want, Jerry says, and interest rates are still historically low for borrowers.
Getting out of the office, after all, means hitting the streets of Eau
Whoever the client is – whether a first-time homebuyer or someone
“We get people saying, ‘Wow, you did what?’ ” laughs Jane. “But to us it’s just second nature to want to do what we can do.”
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“We talk about the market and make these searches,” he continues, “and at the end of that meeting they say, ‘I’m excited now.’ Buying a home or selling a home should be a happy time and an exciting time.” Jerry and Jane recently added two new faces to their team: Rod Elkin and Ayden Klafke. Both of the new team members are helpful, driven, detail-oriented, and personable – just like Jerry and Jane. Rod say real estate is both a hobby and a career. “I enjoy meeting and getting to know people and their story,” he says. “Listening to what people desire allows me to fine tune an individual’s preference and find that perfect fit.” “I have always had a passion working with people and houses,” Ayden explains, “so what better job than to be a Realtor? I would love to work with you to find or sell a home!” “Now we have a team of four people that have the same mindset and deal with our clients and our friends the same way,” Jerry adds. “We just wanted to be available and reactive to all the people that we work with.”
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C&M REAL ESTATE
FULL-SERVICE TEAM
C&M’S AGENTS CAN HELP YOU BUY AND SELL ALL KINDS OF HOMES – NOT JUST THE ONES THEY BUILD THEMSELVES C&M REAL ESTATE 6176 SANDSTONE ROAD, EAU CLAIRE (715) 861-1903 ADMIN@CANDMHOMEBUILDERS.COM CANDMREALESTATE.COM
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VER THE PAST YEAR AND HALF, THE PANDEMIC HAS REMINDED US HOW IMPORTANT HAVING A HOME REALLY
is – as a nest, an oasis, a safe place for you and your family. If you’re on the hunt for your ideal home in the Chippewa Valley, the team at C&M Real Estate can help. “You can tell when it’s the one, because their face is just lit up,” Jen Conaway, part of C&M’s team of Realtors, says of working with clients. “When you’ve found them that match, it’s really satisfying.”
social media audience for the properties they are listing – it doesn’t mean they are only selling C&M-built homes. As Andrews notes, “We’re Realtors, not sales associates.”
Matchmaking – in matters of the heart or the home – isn’t always easy, which is why C&M Real Estate relies on its team’s experience and extenHowever, because of the company’s sive relationships in the Chippewa strengths in both real estate and Valley to help with every step construction, many customers of the process. “I don’t think stick with C&M through there are too many other multiple home purchases. BUILDING people in town who can For instance, Conaway says, TRUSTING offer what we can,” says some customers step into BONDS Laura Andrews, another of homeownership by buying a C&M’s Realtors. twin home, build some equity, and then step up into a larger Because of C&M Real Estate’s relationship with C&M C&M-built home. Home Builders, sometimes people People buying C&M-built houses assume that the team’s Realtors can access an in-house design team only buy and sell C&M-built homes. that can help them make decisions That’s simply not true, explains to customize their homes just right, Conaway: C&M Real Estate is a fullwhile also keeping within a set service agency that can help folks budget. And whether customers are buying or selling any kind of home buying or selling, C&M-built homes in the Chippewa Valley. While being or not, the company’s size and experpart of the C&M family is an asset tise allows them to help match the – from giving the Realtors in-depth timelines of buyers and sellers and to knowledge of the local homebuilding even help folks find temporary housindustry to giving them a bigger ing if they’re between homes.
C&M Realtor Leslie Ische adds that C&M’s depth of experience in the Chippewa Valley real estate market means they know the professionals at banks, title companies, and other real-estate firms, which can help the process work more smoothly.
they are seeking.
“Trustworthiness is a big thing in real estate,” says Ische, noting that C&M focuses on transparency and responsiveness.
“Interest rates are still very good right now, so now is a good time to build,” Conaway says. She believes the Valley’s real estate market will continue to stay active: The community is beautiful, there’s available land, and many people are moving here as part of an exodus from larger urban areas, to get jobs in the medical sector, or to be closer to grandparents as they start their own families.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home – or both – chances are you’ve heard about fast sales and tight inventories lately. “The last year or so is the hottest market that I’ve seen,” says C&M Realtor Brian Vitale. He cautions homebuyers against making rash decisions when the market heats up: Don’t buy a home based on emotion, Vitale advises, and make sure you’re truly happy with what you’re buying. Some house hunters – especially those who are also selling homes – rush their decisions, falling in love with the first or second house they look at, even if it doesn’t have all the features
“We really put the time and effort into identifying what they really need,” Vitale says. And while the temperature may be high, there are still good financial reasons to step into the market.
Whatever their reason for buying or selling, the members of C&M Real Estate’s team want their customers’ transactions to be as enjoyable as possible. “I think when people go with us, it’s going to be fun,” Conaway says. “We all have moxie. Our job is to put them at ease and make them smile along the way.”
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EXPERTS IN THE FIELD
TRILLIUM COMMERCIAL REALTY
COMMERCIAL DEDICATION TEAM TRILLIUM HAS DEEP EXPERTISE IN BUYING, SELLING, LEASING, AND MANAGING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRILLIUM COMMERCIAL REALTY 1119 REGIS COURT, EAU CLAIRE (715) 514-0201 INFO@TRILLIUMCOMMERCIAL.COM TRILLIUMCOMMERCIAL.COM
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HEN BUYING OR SELLING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, IT REALLY HELPS TO HAVE THE EXPERTS IN YOUR CORNER.
In the Chippewa Valley, you’ll find those experts at Trillium Commercial Realty, where Scott Knepper, Cody Filipczak, and Jake Tanner have a combined 49 years of experience in all aspects of commercial real estate, from buying and selling to facilitating leases and managing property.
Trillium is one of the few real estate teams in the Chippewa Valley that concentrates 100% on commercial real estate, which gives their clients a strong advantage. “Pretty much everything we help our clients with, we’ve done personally,” says Knepper, who – like Tanner – is a lifelong Chippewa Valley resident. During a recent conversation in Trillium’s office, Tanner recalled a phone call from a residential real estate agent wondering why a commercial property was priced the way it was. Tanner began asking questions: What do the leases look like? What about the property taxes? What’s happening nearby that might be impacting the property’s price?
“That’s when a lot of the Realtors who are not specialized in commercial real estate just say, ‘Hold on: I don’t want to deal with finding out who the property manager is, finding out who does the profit and loss statements, the operating statements’ – all those things that investors want to look at,” Tanner said. “That’s what we do, what we breathe every day.” Because of their expertise in commercial real estate, the Trillium team knows how to explain the financial picture for buyers looking for properties to locate their businesses as well as those looking to invest in real estate as a business. They frequently work with clients making what are known as “1031 exchanges,” in which investors who sell real estate can defer capital gains taxes by reinvest-
WHETHER IT’S BUYING, SELLING, LEASING, OR MANAGING, “EVERYTHING THAT WE DO, WE’VE DONE PERSONALLY.”
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ing in other properties. The market for such transactions is hot right now, Tanner said. They can also assist business owners who might want to move into new buildings but don’t want to own them, helping forge relationships between the business owners and investors who want to buy and lease properties. The Trillium team also has off-market connections, including access to databases of properties for sale that aren’t publicly listed, that allow them to act discreetly to connect buyers, sellers, and investors.
to national franchises. “It’s an exciting time to be part of commercial development in the Eau Claire area!” Filipczak says. “Focusing on the environmental impact, infrastructure, along with the economic and social impact is essential for a community’s success.” The team’s rich experience also means they know the region – and its real estate market – inside and out. “Our expertise gives us a pretty good idea of where it’s been and where it’s going,” Knepper says.
“You don’t always want to have a big sign in front of your place,” Knepper says of local business owners looking to expand or relocate. “We pair the people. We have investors who want to invest in local businesses.”
Ultimately, working in commercial real estate is all about building connections in the community, he says. This can mean helping clients see their dreams come true by buying or leasing a building, he says, or by helping them close a chapter of their lives and reinvest in something new.
In short, because of their vast experience and dedication, the Trillium team can serve as a one-stop shop for commercial real estate matters. They buy and sell everything from medical buildings to retail properties for clients ranging from mom-and-pop shops
When asked why he enjoys this work Tanner says, ““For me, it’s the thrill of not knowing day to day what’s going to transpire. It is the ultimate triumphant and humbling experience. Helping people with their goals and dreams is what keeps it so amazing.”
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ELITE REALTY GROUP
CARING FOR COMMUNITY M A R Y F. R U F L E D T H A S 2 5 Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E I N T H E RE AL ESTATE INDUSTRY. HER KE Y TO SUCCESS? TAKING CARE OF OTHERS. ELITE REALTY GROUP 4410 GOLF TERRACE #125, EAU CLAIRE (715) 830-1001 INFO@MARYRUFLEDT.COM ELITEREALTY-WISCONSIN.COM ELITEREALTY-MINNESOTA.COM
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POSTER IN LONGTIME REAL ESTATE AGENT MARY RUFLEDT’S CONFERENCE ROOM DEPICTS AN ICEBERG WITH
the word “success” on it. Beneath the water are the words that loom beneath the surface – the keys to success: hard work, persistence, late nights, rejections, sacrifices, struggles, discipline, criticism, doubts, failures, and risks. That perfectly describes Rufledt’s approach to northwestern Wisconsin’s real estate market for 25 years. Through her hard work, grit, determination, and perseverance, she has remained one of the most renowned real estate agents throughout Northern and Western Wisconsin.
“For me, everyone has a role: in their family, in their office, in their personal lives,, and in their community,” Rufledt said. “Are you fulfilling your role, or are you just sitting stagnant? I choose to work at fulfilling obligations and creating new opportunities. If you are impacting somebody’s life in a positive way, or guiding others, that’s all you can do. Do what you love, and the rest will fall in line.” A passion for helping people sell their house and buy a new home – or navigate the investment property market – inspired Rufledt to pursue real estate. She remembers moving from rental property to rental property throughout her childhood, as her mother could never afford to own a house. Now an adult and real estate professional, Rufledt worked multiple jobs to eventually – at the age of 24 – purchase a home for her mother. (Though, Rufledt has owned property since the age of 20!) Like her approach with her own family, Rufledt works many hours to help many families across Northwestern Wisconsin research and make decisions that are ultimately best for their families.
“ARE YOU IN THE GAME OR ON THE SIDELINES?”
Though Rufledt’s dedication to her field may be mistaken as workaholism, she confesses the secret to her success is ensuring self-care is a professional priority. Taking care of her mental and physical health and well-being motivates her to impact her community in innovative ways – to support her community in the way it supports her.
And in a busy real estate market, that guidance is critical. High prices, a lack of trade employees enabling the construction of new homes, a lack of housing, and tough competition means finding a home can be pretty daunting nowadays. But Rufledt helps her clients navigate the challenges of the real estate market with perseverance, accountability, and determination. She especially em-
you in the game or on the sidelines?” pathizes with hardworking business And she is always looking for ways owners who have worked hard amid to better herself and her real estate ruthless pandemic times, to continue practices through selling, buying, the legacy of their family name. and investing in her community. A professional herself, she understands the kind of late “All the tools we need are nights that go into making CARING here,” she said. “Stop looking. a business successful. And FOR Go to your libraries and OTHERS she knows how having a online. Tap into some great strong support network is people that do self-care every critical to success. “I’m all day, and journal. If you want to about helping everyone do well,” live your best life, you need to give she said. “What is your purpose? Are to gain and heal to excel.”
ENRICH THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
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ROYAL CREDIT UNION
FINANCIAL CHEERLEADER ROYAL CREDIT UNION’S BARB OAS HAS DECADES OF MORTGAGE LENDING EXPERIENCE, HELPING SET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY UP FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS approach to financial coaching, “is that there’s a lot of information online. But there’s also a lot of misinformation out there.”
ROYAL CREDIT UNION 419 N HASTINGS PL, EAU CLAIRE (715) 833-8282 BARBARA.OAS@RCU.ORG RCU.ORG/BARBOAS
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ARB OAS REMEMBERS THE DAY SHE WENT INTO HER LOCAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO APPLY FOR A
pre-approval on a mortgage for her first home. “That’s when the loan officer just wrote everything out on paper,” she said, “and you met in person. I can remember he didn’t even make eye contact. He was asking us questions and writing it down. He was using all these terms – and I had no idea. I didn’t feel like it was a discussion.” HOME Once they got out of LOAN the office, she asked her EXPERT husband, “What did that word ‘escrow’ mean?” “Well, I don’t know,” he responded. “I was hoping you would know.”
Thankfully, Royal Credit Union points potential buyers to a homebuyer education class that offers a factual, easy-to-understand perspective on what going through the loan process looks like. As an added bonus: Firsttime homebuyers can receive a $100 credit for taking the class. Here are a few more tips from the seasoned financial expert:
1. CHECK OUT ANNUALCREDITREPORT.COM. Staying on top of your finances has never been easier! Use this official website to get your free credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. You can see items on your report and verify their accuracy.
2. TAKE YOUR TIME. If you’re planning to take out a home loan, work with a trusted lender to help coordinate the timing and head off any issues early.
3. DON’T BE SCARED TO ASK QUESTIONS.
“And I try not to forget that,” she recalled. “Even though I’ve been helping people with home loans for many years, I try to remember what it was like to get my first home.” Throughout her 25-plus years of experience as a mortgage lender, Oas has helped individuals and families across the Chippewa Valley navigate down payments, closing costs, applying for pre-approval for mortgages, applying for construction loans, and ensuring their credit ratings are in a secure place. “The difference, nowadays,” she said of the modern
No question is a bad question, Oas said, as every financial situation is different and unique. “It’s one of the bigger things you do in life,” she said. “It’s different for everybody, and everyone’s comfort level is going to be different, too.” In the past year, Oas has coached local folks through the challenging housing market and helped them overcome financial crises – whether that’s losing a job, becoming self-employed, or having turbulent employment. She attests that it’s an incredibly emotional venture, as she often
helps guide people through refinancing their houses after divorce, during challenging times, and through various big life moments. Key to her success as a mortgage lender is the local support that Royal Credit Union has. Royal’s local team of processors, underwriters,
and other financial experts all work together to ensure every individual’s homebuying experience is seamless. “We’re such a local presence,” Oas said, “and that is what I truly feel is such an important part of our business. Royal is here to help you every step of the way.”
“IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGER THINGS YOU DO IN LIFE. IT’S DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY, AND EVERYONE’S COMFORT LEVEL IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT, TOO.” 72
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SEND IN THE CLOWNS. Need more fright in your life? Check out the Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail at Govin’s Farm outside Menomonie. It’s open 6-10pm every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 30.
Events+Guides P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Events
The Rear End
THE FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMING WEEKS
SPOOKY FAMILY STORIES OF FRIENDLINESS AND FIRE
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EVENTS CALENDAR • BEST BETS • COMING UP NEXT • GUIDES EVENTS+GUIDES EDITOR: JAMES JOHONNOTT
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Events CHIPPEWA VALLEY EVENTS OCT. 14-31, 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, October 14
GET FIRED UP. The Torch Sisters – a local troupe known for acrobatic and literally fiery shows – will be performing twice in the coming weeks: at the Helpful Hearts Charity Gala at the Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls on Oct. 23 and at the Fear at the Farm event on Oct. 30 at Farm to Fork in Mondovi.
BUSINESS The ‘Spectrum’ of Conflict of Interest: When do Your Personal Decisions Impact your Professional Life? 10-11:30am • Hosted by UW-Stout
Online • Stout alumni panel interactive discussion about the different spectrums of conflict of interest and the ethical implications. • 18+ • 232-1325 • uwstout.edu
CAUSES 2nd Annual The Cats Meow Gala 5:30pm • Wild
Ridge & Mill Run Golf Course, Eau Claire • Mardi Gras themed party/fundraiser for ECCHA. Jazz music, dancing, auction, food, and more. $75 • More on Facebook
CRAFTING & MAKING
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After School Crafternoons at String Theory
3-5pm • String Theory Studio, Chippewa Falls • A new seasonally spooky craft each week. • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi
haunted house is a local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
lovingly pokes fun at TV’s Friends. $41-51, $155 VIP • Ages 13+ • pablocenter.org
Eucalyptus Wreath Workshop 6:30-8pm • Red’s
LEISURE
Brick House Pub & Grub presents Chad Thornsberry 7:30pm • Eau Claire • Comedian Chad
Mercantile, Eau Claire • A perfect piece to utilize for fall decorating. $40 • redsmercantile.com
EDUCATION Trauma + Resiliency 8:30am-12:30pm • Online
through UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education • Learn how to identify trauma and apply healing interventions through an intersection of stories and research. $219 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
Ask an Advocate 5-6pm • Online • Participants will be sent a link to watch a pre-recorded “myths and facts” discussion about domestic violence, and then can join Advocates in a live Zoom meeting. • 723-1138 • FamilySupportCenterCF.com FARMERS MARKETS
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm
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 Wind Symphony and Symphony Band Concert
SHOPPING
7-9pm • Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5pm, profits go to local charities. • kofc974.com/bingo
The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market, Eau Claire • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/ legacymarket
Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Al-
7:30-8:45pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life. $10 Youth/Student, $16 Senior/Adult • 839-8877 • ecct. org/tickets
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
ECCT Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings noon-
6pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $2080 • 895-8897 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
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
Friday, October 15
HALLOWEEN
COMEDY
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites
Friends! The Musical Parody 7:30pm • Pablo
Haunted House, Eau Claire • The Ski Sprites
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Light up Phoenix Park to Raise Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder 6:30-10pm
• Eau Claire • The River Lights at Phoenix Park will light up purple and yellow to raise awareness for DLD. • radld.org
STAGE
FOOD & DRINK
COMMUNITY
7:30-10pm • UWEC Haas Fine Arts Center, Eau Claire • Joined by guest composer Kevin Day. Tickets can be purchased online •
• Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
len Park, Chippewa Falls • chippewafallsmainst. org/farmers-market.html
Thornsberry performs his down to earth, conversational stand-up. $35 includes drink tickets & appetizers • 21+ • eventsguys.com
Center, Eau Claire • The comedic musical that
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FALL FUN Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun 10am-6pm • Elk Mound •
FOOD & DRINK Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Mondovi
• Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers are $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com
Clear Water Charcuterie Fall Workshop 6:308:30pm • The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire • Includes a slate cheese plate, cheeses, meats, extras, and guidance to create your board. $50 • clearwatercharcuterie.com HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch
House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • MORE EVEN TS 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
FULL DETA ILS
Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 5-10pm • Menomonie •
Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • 231-2377 • govinsfarm.com
Night Corn Maze 6-10pm • Leffel Roots Apple
Orchard, Eau Claire • Bring a flashlight for a nighttime maze at the orchard. $7 for 13+, $5 for 5-12, FREE for ages 0-4 • leffelroots.com
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/
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm,
Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/twistedtaleofhorror
Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail “Walk of Terror” 7-9pm • Behind the Lake Holcombe School, Holcombe • $6 • Ages 12 and up
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, Eau Claire • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
LEISURE Adult Skate Night 8:30-10:30pm • High Roller
Skating Center, Eau Claire • Themed adult-only skate nights. $6 • 18+ • highrollerskating.com
MUSIC Mojo Lemon Blues Band 7-10pm • River Jams, Chippewa Falls • 579-4536 • river-jams.com
BEST BETS O C T O B E R 14 - 31, 2 0 21
1. CVSO: SYMPHONY SPECTACULAR Oct. 16 • Pablo Center • 7:30pm • $25 Experience the power of live, symphonic music in this exciting concert for all ages. Showcasing a wide variety of symphonic pieces.
2. DAWSON REDENIUS (TRUMPET) & SARAH OHR (ELECTRIC HARP) Oct. 22 • 200 Main Art & Wine • 6-8pm A unique musical performance of electric harp and trumpet. Taste free samples of Portillo Sauvignon Blanc & Gran Sasso Montepulciano while listening to Dawson Redenius and Sarah Ohr.
Lee Roy Parnell Trio 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter, Menomonie • Americana/blues-rock artist known for guitar (particularly slide), songwriting talent, and smooth soul. $36 + fees • mabeltainter.org Alias Brass Company 7:30pm • The Heyde Cen-
ter, Chippewa Falls • A horn quintet that plays diverse classical music, modern pop-culture hits and more. $20 GA, $13 youth • cvca.net
Late Night Jazz: Sarah Ohr Trio 8:30-11:30pm • The Lakely, EC • An unconventional trio of harp, trumpet, and percussion. Improvised melodies and ethereal landscapes. • theoxbowhotel.com Polley Lane Album Release with Dames 8:30-
11:30pm • The Mousetrap, EC • Polley Lane is a project by Vanessa Boetcher and backing musicians. They’ll be joined by Dames. FREE • 21+
Live Music: Dirty Clubs 9pm • My Office Bar, Eau
Claire • The newly formed Dirty Clubs will play.
OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Sale 9am-4pm •
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eau Claire • Household items, books, furniture, clothing, kids’ stuff. Proceeds provide scholarships for members of the Latinx Student Association (LSA) All Ages
The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
STAGE ECCT Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
7:30-8:45pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life. $10 Youth/Student, $16 Senior/Adult • 839-8877 • ecct. org/tickets
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings 10am6pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $20-
80 • 895-8897 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
WORDS “Don’t Postpone Joy” Book Reading by Eau Claire Author Mary Farr 6-8pm • 200 Main Art
& Wine, EC • Through a window of real stories, Mary Farr invites readers to walk with her on the holy ground of shared experiences. 895-7114 • 200mainec.com
Saturday, October 16 COMEDY Rio Hillman Live Comedy Album Recording + More Amore Acoustic Set 7-8:15pm, 9:30-
2. IRIE SOL
CRAFTING & MAKING
Oct. 23 • Snout Saloon • 8pm Irie Sol delivers authentic Jamaican-style rap/chat over blazing bebop horns, soaring soulful melodies, and tight drum and bass.
10:45pm • Joel’s 4Corners, Chippewa Falls • Rio Hillman’s live comedy album recording show. More Amore will be opening with an acoustic set. $10 • 21+ • More on Facebook
DIY Mini Haunted Houses 10:30am • String
Theory Studio, Chippewa Falls • Create wooden mini haunted house with clay embellishments in this fun instructor-led class. $15 • 831-5353 • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi
FALL FUN Harvest Market 9am-noon • Lake Street United
Methodist Church, Eau Claire • Shop hand-crafted items of woodworking, cards, crafts, candy, pantry, textiles, and baked goods. • 832-6603
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 10am-10pm • Menom-
4. ECCT: ‘EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL’ Oct. 28-30 • Oxford Theatre • 7:30pm • $14-29 Five college students in an abandoned cabin in the woods unleash an evil force turning them into demons. Based on the ’80s cult classic movies.
5. FATHOM’S FRIGHT NIGHT Oct. 29 • My Office Bar, Eau Claire • 9pm Hosted by MC Fathom and DJ Kramer. Costume contest at 10pm at 1am with cash prizes and giveaways.
onie • Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for
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Events ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
Night Corn Maze 6-10pm • Leffel Roots Apple Orchard, Eau Claire • Bring a flashlight for a nighttime maze at the orchard. $7 for 13+, $5 for 5-12, FREE for ages 0-4 • leffelroots.com FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com Menomonie Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • menomoniefam.org
FOOD & DRINK Food Trucks at the Leinie Lodge noon-8pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • facebook.com/ Leinenkugelsleinielodge
ROLL ON DOWN TO THE THEATER. The hilarious hit Broadway musical Waitress comes to the Pablo Center at the Confluence on Tuesday, Oct. 19.
Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm • Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com
HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/ twistedtaleofhorror
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Oddtober Maker Mart 10am-4pm • Odd Humyns, Eau Claire • A spooky maker mart, featuring work from Unicorn Eclipse, Bizaanide’ewin, Pyoni Apothecary, and Lindsey Cherek Waller Art.
Monday, October 18
Wednesday, October 20
COMMUNITY
DANCE
Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail “Walk of Terror”
The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market,
Buzz-Free Football 7-11pm • At The Roots LLC,
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites
STAGE
EDUCATION
Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm • Menomonie • Waltz, two step and more at the every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584
ECCT Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Sign Language 1 6:30-8pm • UWEC Campus
7-9pm • Behind the Lake Holcombe School, Holcombe • $6 • Ages 12 and up
Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
MUSIC Leighton Hahn Live Music Fundraiser 10am •
Artisan Forge Studios, Eau Claire • A live music fundraiser to support Leighton Hahn’s recovery from surgery. Hosted by Bennet Guitar Company, there will be live music from of all styles playing on two stages. More on Facebook
Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
1:30-2:45pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life. $10 Youth/Student, $16 Senior/Adult • ecct.org/tickets
Sunday, October 17 FALL FUN
1-4pm • Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend, food and beverages priced a la carte • autumnharvestwinery.com
Harvest Market 8:30-11:30am • Lake Street
Live Music with Sam Ness 5-8pm • Ombibulous
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
Brewing, Altoona • Live music with Sam Ness, and Bubbles BBQ from 4-8pm FREE
CVSO Presents: Symphony Spectacular 7:30pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • A wide variety of symphonic pieces. $25-45, $10 student/youth • pablocenter.org
Stefan Geisinger Band at Red Zone Sportsbar 8pm • Red Zone Sports Bar, Chippewa Falls • A unique style of rockin’ blues at the Red Zone Sportsbar grand reopening party. FREE • 21+ • 828-3084 • stefangeisingerband.com
Rattlefoot 8pm • Snout Saloon, Chippewa Falls • Rattlefoot plays rock and country music. • 21+ EMM K Live 8pm • Brickhouse Pub & Grub, Eau
Claire • A unique belting voice combined with authentic and blunt songwriting style opens doors to multiple genres. From acoustic, to poprock to altpop, and even a little folk. $5
Late Night Jazz: Paul Hecht Trio 8:30-11:30pm • The Lakely, Eau Claire • Hecht brings a wide musical curiosity and a commitment to jazz traditions in the piano/keyboard trio format. • theoxbowhotel.com SHOPPING Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Sale 9am-noon •
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eau Claire • Household items, books, furniture, clothing, kids’ stuff. Proceeds provide scholarships for members of the Latinx Student Association (LSA) All Ages
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United Methodist Church, Eau Claire • Shop hand-crafted items of woodworking, cards, crafts, candy, pantry, textiles, and baked goods.
Altoona • Free football on Mondays in an alcohol-free environment. • attherootsllc.com
Centennial Hall Room 1924 • Practice the fundamentals of conversation including receptive skills and body language. $99 • ce.uwec.edu
gram for families of people with mental illness. • 450-6484 • NAMICV.org
tinuing Education • Use the five senses to recall meaningful life memories and write about them. $149 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
Tuesday, October 19 CAUSES 18th Annual Leadership Dinner 5-9pm • The Florian
FARMERS MARKETS MORE EVEN TS
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 11am-5pm • Menom-
KIDS
HALLOWEEN
Outdoor Play & Learn 9:30-10:30am • Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls • Stories, music, crafts and take-home snack. • Birth-5 years • 720-1841 • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch
RECREATION
House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
Family to Family 6-8:30pm • 8 week support proWriting a Memoir - Letting our Senses Guide our Stories 6:30-8pm • Online via UWEC Con-
Gardens , Eau Claire • All proceeds support the Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America. $275, $2500/table (ten) • bsa-cvc.org
onie • Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
EDUCATION
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-1pm • Phoenix
Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
FULL DETA ILS
Learn to Curl Event for Women of All Ages 5:307pm • EC Curling Club • Learn about curling in a casual and fun atmosphere. • curlingclub.com
FOOD & DRINK O’so Tasting Event 6-8pm • The Growler
Guys, Eau Claire • Meet the representatives from O’so Brewing, try their brews, and enter into swag giveaways. TheGrowlerGuys.com
GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &
Wine, Eau Claire • For those who love to play or want to learn. • 200mainec.com
HALLOWEEN
Scheels Feed Your Passion Outdoor Recreation Series 6-8pm • River Prairie Park Pavilion C, Altoona • A monthly class to talk about outdoor activities. $5/person/class • Ages 5+
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
STAGE
KIDS
Waitress 7:30pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire
Cornell Play & Learn 9:30-10:30am • Cornell
Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau
Claire • Learn & play the French game Petanque.
• An uplifting, hilarious Broadway hit musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and well-made pie. $55+ • pablocenter.org
STAGE
WORDS
MUSIC
ECCT Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
DVAM Book Discussion 5-6pm • Hosted Online
Humpday Jam at Brickhouse Pub hosted by Cerebral Skillet 7pm • Eau Claire • Welcoming
SHOPPING Fall Made 4 U Market 11am-1:30pm • Pure Fitness 4 You, Eau Claire • Shop decor, kitchen items, jewelry, candy, cookies, and more. Lunch available. • purefitness4you.com RECREATION
1:30-2:45pm • The Oxford, Eau Claire • Washington Irving’s spooky classic comes to life. $10 Youth/Student, $16 Senior/Adult • ecct.org/tickets
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via Zoom • An Advocate-led book discussion for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. FREE • All Ages • 723-1138 • FamilySupportCenterCF.com
Park, Cornell • Interactive playtime with music, craft, free book, and take home snack. FREE • Birth to 5 years • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com
singers, jammers, and bands to take the stage or join host band Cerebral Skillet. facebook.com
Events CRAFTING & MAKING
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
VIP Event: Introduction to Sapphires & Birch Bark Jewelry 1:30-3pm, 6:30-8:30pm •
HALLOWEEN
Thursday, October 21
Artisan Forge Studios, Eau Claire • Learn about sapphires and Birch Bark Jewelry. Refreshments from Sweet Driver Chocolates. Evening event is 21+ $23 for 1:30pm, $30 for 6:30pm • Evening event is 21+ • 797-3668 • casualoreformal.com/ events
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm
• Rockin T-R Ranch, Eau Claire • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item •
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski
After School Crafternoons at String Theory 3-5pm • String Theory Studio,
Chippewa Falls • A new seasonally spooky craft each week. Varies • All Ages • 861-5353 • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi
MORE EVEN TS
Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites. com/HauntedHouse.html
LEISURE FULL DETA ILS
FARMERS MARKETS Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire
• ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
Chippewa Falls Farmers Market noon-6pm • Allen Park • chippewafallsmainst.org
FITNESS Inversion Workshop with Lori Pankratz 6:30-
7:30pm • The Yoga Room, Eau Claire • Learn about cervical anatomy and how to protect it while inverting. $10 members; $20 nonmembers • 18+ • 833-1121 • theyogaroomec.com
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
STAGE “Poe” Original Stage Play 7:30-9pm • The Grand
Theatre, Eau Claire • Poe is an original stage play by two Griffins Theatre based on the life and works of legendary macabre storyteller Edgar Allen Poe. $15 adults, $12 students • cvtg.org
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings
noon-6pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $20-80 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
BadgerTalk: Does “Brain Training” Really Work?
Coaching Your Way to Engaged Employees
Eau Claire • Will DeBlaey spins timeless grooves from the 60’s to now. • theoxbowhotel.com
SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
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
HALLOWEEN
Roots: Eau Claire Premiere 7pm • Davies Center,
Vinyl Nights: “Soul, Funk, and Disco” at The Lakely with Will DeBlaey 7-10pm • The Lakely,
Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors. FREE • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi/
Friday, October 22 BUSINESS
MUSIC
Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront
Fall Cafe Carry Out - Pot Roast 5-7pm • Down To
MOVIES UWEC, Eau Claire • Explore freeskiing with footage from the caves fo the Dolomites to the nightscapes of Ruka, and the mythic peaks of Verbier. Tickets available soon
FITNESS
6:30-7:30pm • Online by Augusta Public Library • UW-Madison Professor Dr. C. Shawn Green discusses what the science says about “Brain Training.” • 12+ • youtube.com/user/AMPLWI
Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo
6:30-10pm • Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • More on Facebook
Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
8:30am-noon • Online through UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education • Learn to coach employees. $600 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
COMMUNITY Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm •
Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5pm, profits go to local charities. • kofc974.com/bingo
Earth Garden Center, Eau Claire • Slow roasted beef roast form Blaeser Family Farm, baby potatoes, gravy, carrots and a roll. $15
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/ twistedtaleofhorror St. Mark Lutheran Trunk or Treat 5-8pm • St.
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
Mark Lutheran Church, Eau Claire • Kids can trick or treat from decorated trunks, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate and cider. stmark-wels.org
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 5-10pm • Menomonie •
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm • Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item •
FALL FUN 10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
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Events Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
onie • Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
MUSIC
FARMERS MARKETS
Wine & Live Music w/ Dawson Redenius (Trumpet) & Sarah Ohr (Electric Harp) 6-8pm • 200
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am-
Micah Ryan 6pm • The Cabin at UWEC, Eau Claire • A local singer/songwriter performing a number of originals and covers. FREE • uwec.edu
FITNESS
Main Art & Wine, Eau Claire • A unique musical performance of electric harp and trumpet with wine tasting. • 21+ • 200mainec.com
Barbaro 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center, Menom-
onie • A musical vision inspired by bluegrass, jazz, and chamber music. $18+ • mabeltainter.org
Vic Ferrari: Symphony on the Rocks 7:30pm
• Pablo Center, Eau Claire • A high-powered rock symphony show featuring the biggest hits of classic rock. Tickets start at $35 • pablocenter.org
Sage Leary 8-11pm • River Jams, Chippewa Falls • Rock, blues, and Americana on a wailing harmonica and soulful guitar. • river-jams.com
Oct. 21 • Artisan Forge, EC • 1:30 ($23 all ages) 6:30pm ($30, 21+)
Market, Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/ legacymarket
STAGE “Poe” Original Stage Play 7:30-9pm • The Grand Theatre, Eau Claire • Poe is an original stage play by two Griffins Theatre based on the life and works of legendary macabre storyteller Edgar Allen Poe. $15 adults, $12 students • cvtg.org VISUAL ART Anniversary Party: Celebrating 10 years of Casual Ore Formal Jewelry 5:30-8:30pm • Artisan
Forge Studios, EC • Light refreshments, speciality jewelry on display, and a showcase of quality sapphire stones. • casualoreformal.com/events
Learn about Sapphires and the specialized Birch Bark Jewelry making process at this 10th annivesary for Casual Ore Formal jewelry. Sapphire expert as a guest speaker. Refreshments by Sweet Driver Chocolates.
Saturday, October 23
CHARITY GALA FEAT. TORCH SISTERS
DANCE
Oct. 23 • Heyde Center, CF • 6-9pm • $75/$100
Helpful Hearts Charity Gala Featuring the Torch Sisters 6-9pm • The Heyde Center, Chippewa
Benefits the Helpful Hearts Foundation. Features an adult performance by the Torch Sisters. Ticket includes free 2 drink tickets hors d’oeuvres by Live Great Food, and Josef’s Cheesecakes.
Falls • Features adult performance by the Torch Sisters, 2 free drink tickets, cheesecakes, and Hors d’oeuvres. $75-100 • 21+ • volumeonetickets.org
HALLOWEEN DINNER
FALL FUN
Oct. 27 • Bye the Willow, CF • 6pm • $50
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
Deliciously spooky four course meal featuring carpaccio, roast pumpkin, grilled chicken with candy corn glaze over black pasta, and chocolate lava cake with strawberry filling.
FEAR AT THE FARM HALLOWEEN AT FARM TO FORK Oct. 30 • Farm to Fork, Mondovi • 4-10pm • $30adv Live music, the Torch Sisters, food, beverages, vendors, costume contest with cash prizes, psychic readings, trick-or-treat trails, and more.
5 COURSE FALL HARVEST WINE DINNER Nov. 4 • 29 Pines Restaurant, EC • 6-8pm • $50 • 21+ Five wine-paired courses featuring fall flavors & local ingredients.
CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT:
VOLUMEONE.ORG/TICKETS
Fall Colors Yoga & Mimosa Brunch 10:30am • Princeton Valley Golf Course, Eau Claire • Includes yoga, brunch, and drink. $25 • 21+ • badIntentionsyoga.com
FOOD & DRINK Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm • Together Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides,
HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room
Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
FULL DETA ILS
The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy
VIP EVENT: SAPPHIRES & BIRCH BARK JEWELRY
1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Local musicians and artist markets every Saturday. ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
MORE EVEN TS
SHOPPING
upcomingevents
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 10am-10pm • Menom-
Camp Davidson, Eau Claire • Groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • 12+
3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-10pm •
FIVE COURSE FALL HARVEST DWINE DINNER, NOV. 4, 29 PINES RESTAURANT
seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm •
Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/ twistedtaleofhorror
Cadott Senior Class Haunted Trail 6:30-10pm
• Cadott School Forest, Cadott • Walk through the spooky trail and grab some delicious snacks to support the senior class graduation lock-in. $5 students, $10, $30 max per family •
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm
• Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html 3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-10pm • Camp Davidson, Eau Claire • Groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • 12+
MUSIC Wyblue 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire • Wyblue is an independent band born from the question, “what makes you blue?” FREE • uwec.edu
Irie Sol 8pm • Snout Saloon, Chippewa Falls • Irie Sol delivers authentic Jamaican-style rap/chat over blazing bebop horns, soaring soulful melodies and tight drum and bass.
Events Late Night Jazz: Jeremy Boettcher Trio 8:3011:30pm • The Lakely, Eau Claire • Catch Bassist Jeremy Boettcher’s trio for a night of dynamic and swinging jazz standards. • theoxbowhotel.com JFT Party Band at Cowboy Jack’s 9pm • Altoona • Rocking with your favorite classic rock music. FREE • 21+ • cowboyjacksaltoona.com
SHOPPING The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market, Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
Fall Bazaar At Red’s Mercantile 10am-4pm •
Eau Claire • Flea-market style event with vintage clothes, home goods, jewelry, gifts, treats, refreshments, and more. • redsmercantile.com
STAGE “Poe” Original Stage Play 7:30-9pm • The Grand Theatre, Eau Claire • Poe is an original stage play by two Griffins Theatre based on the life and works of legendary macabre storyteller Edgar Allen Poe. $15 adults, $12 students • cvtg.org
and Build your own Bloody Mary’s. Stay for the noon Packer Game. $5 half order, $8 full order, $5 bloody mary • schuetzys.com
member • theyogaroomec.com
HALLOWEEN
Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Lila Quintero Weaver: “South American Eyes in the American South” 7-8pm • Hosted Online • Author
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch
House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
RECREATION Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau
Claire • Learn & play the French game Petanque.
WORDS Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents “Young Writers Read Showcase” 1-2pm • The Grand Theatre, Eau Claire • Selected students will read their winning entries from the stage of the Grand Theater. FREE • 8+ • cvbookfest.org
RUN/WALK EVENTS
Monday, October 25
Fun Run for The Neighbors of Dunn 9am-2pm •
COMMUNITY
The Neighbors of Dunn County, Menomonie • A 5k run/walk, basket raffle, live music, food, and more. $30/adult pre-registration, $40 day of event, $20 for kids 1/2 mile race/resident sponsorship • All Ages • 231-4589 • fb.me/e/2iiOrHvno
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings
10am-5pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $20-80 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
Sunday, October 24 FALL FUN Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 11am-5pm • Menomonie
• Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
FOOD & DRINK Biscuits, Bloodies and Football 10am • Schuetzy’s Tavern, Chippewa Falls • Biscuits and Gravy
Buzz-Free Football 7-11pm • At The Roots,
Altoona • Free football on Mondays in an alcohol-free environment. • attherootsllc.com
WORDS
will discuss her graphic memoir that recounts moving from Argentina to the Jim Crow era south. 16+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/weaver
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 7:30am1pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
GAMES & HOBBIES
Tuesday, October 26
Wine, Eau Claire • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. FREE • All Ages • 895-7114 • 200mainec.com
WORDS
HALLOWEEN
Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Kao Kalia Yang: “A Journey to Belonging” 7-8pm
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
• Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire • Join award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang for a reading and discussion of her newest memoir: “Somewhere in the Unknown World” FREE • 14+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/yang
Wednesday, October 27 DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm
EDUCATION Sign Language 1 6:30-8pm • UWEC Campus:
Centennial Hall Room 1924 • Practice the fundamentals of conversation including receptive skills and body language. $99 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
EDUCATION
KIDS
Writing a Memoir - Letting our Senses Guide our Stories 6:30-8pm • Online through UWEC
Riverfront Park, Chippewa Falls • Gather with parents, kids & the River Source Family Center. • Ages 0-5 • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com
FARMERS MARKETS
Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &
• Menomonie • Waltz, two step and more at the every Wednesday. $7 • All Ages • 235-2011 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584
Movin’ & Groovin’ at the Park 9:30-10:30am •
recall meaningful life memories and write about them. $149 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
Family to Family 6-8:30pm • 8 week support
program for families of people with mental illness. FREE • Adults • 450-6484 • NAMICV.org
Continuing Education • Use the five senses to
Halloween Dinner 6pm • Bye the Willow, Chippewa Falls • A deliciously spooky four-course dinner to remember. $50 • volumeonetickets.org Campfire Stories: A Night of Fact, Fiction, + Fire 8pm • The Lakely, Eau Claire • Local writers,
storytellers, and songwriters present an intimate taste of the local literary and music community. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com
KIDS Bloomer Play & Learn 9:30-10:30am • North City Park, Bloomer • Interactive playtime with music, craft, free book and take home snack. • Birth-5 years • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com Baby & Me 10-11am • Irvine Park, Chippewa
Falls • Take a stroll while you chat with other families. • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com
Parent Cafe’ 4-6pm • Hosted Online via Zoom • Parenting discussions & support, plus a free $10
MUSIC The United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Statesmen On Tour 7:30pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • Classic & new wind ensemble repertoire, opera classics, Broadway favorites, and patriotic tributes. FREE (max 4) • pablocenter.org
WELLNESS Fall Ayurveda Cleanse w/ Lori Pankratz 11am12:30pm • The Yoga Room, Eau Claire • 5 day cleanse workshop to find balance and and harmony with Ayurveda recipes. $50 nonmember; $40
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Events gas card and family meal kit. FREE (registration required) • RiverSourceFamilyCenter.com
MUSIC Open Mic Night 6-10pm • The Enchanted Barn,
Hilllsdale • Musicians get a free drink ticket. Doors at 6pm. Music at 6:30pm. Open Jam at 8pm. FREE • 254-1557 • theenchantedbarn.com
Humpday Jam at Brickhouse Pub hosted by Cerebral Skillet 7pm • Eau Claire • Welcoming
HALLOWEEN
FOOD & DRINK
Beaver Creek Boofest 4-6pm • Beaver Creek
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
Reserve, Fall Creek • Trick-or-treat, decorate a pumpkin, learn about creepy crawlies, and more. Costumes encouraged. Register by 10/27 to reserve a pumpkin. FREE for members, $3-4 for non-members • beavercreekreserve.org
Wisconsin’s Most Haunted Locations with Chad Lewis 6pm • Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Muse-
singers, jammers, and bands to take the stage or join host band Cerebral Skillet. facebook.com
um, Menomonie • Paranormal author Chad Lewis hosts a presentation of Wisconsin’s most haunted. $10adv, $15 door • dunnhistory.org
SENIORS
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm
Comparing Medicare Drug Plans Online 9am,
10:30am • CVTC Chippewa Falls Campus, 103 Computer Lab, • Learn how to navigate the Medicare.gov website. • hipaa.jotform.com
WELLNESS
• Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item •
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical”
Intro to Diffusing & Aromatherapy 78pm • The Hive, Chippewa Falls • A free class on diffusing essential oils. Learn how to use essential oils for emotional support. fb.me/e/2wu3EwyRC
WORDS
MORE EVEN TS
FULL DETA ILS
Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Dasha Kelly Hamilton and the Nadine St. Louis Memorial Poetry Conversation 4-5pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • Dasha
Kelly Hamilton will present “A Line Meant”, a forward dialogue on race, class, and equity. FREE • 14+ • cvbookfest.org
Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Brian Freeman: “A Thrill a Minute: The Twists and Turns of Mystery Writing” 7-8pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • Thriller writer Brian Freeman talks about mystery & thriller writing. FREE • 14+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/freeman
Campfire Stories: A Night of Fact, Fiction, + Fire 8pm • The Lakely, Eau Claire • Local writers,
storytellers, and songwriters present an intimate taste of the local literary and music community. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com
Thursday, October 28 BUSINESS Coaching Your Way to Engaged Employees
8:30am-noon • Online via UWEC Continuing Education • Learn to coach employees. $600 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
CRAFTING & MAKING Western WI American Sewing Guild 10am-
12:30pm • Lake Street Methodist Church, EC • Grand Sew’n Tell Reveal. • erdiestelmeier@ hotmail.com
10pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+
MUSIC Clara Osowski & Tyler Wottrich 7:30pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • An evening with mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and vocal pianist Tyler Wottrich. $25+ • pablocenter.org SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings noon6pm • The Broom & Crow, LLC, Eau Claire • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for over thirty years. $20-80 • All Ages • 895-8897 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow Herbalism for Everyday Use 6-8pm • Online through UWEC Continuing Education • Learn from a master herbalist how to use herbs. $99 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu WORDS Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Kate Moore 7-8pm • Virtual Event • Author Kate Moor
discusses her book “The Woman They Could Not Silence” and the true story of Elizabeth Packard. • 14+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/moore
Friday, October 29
FARMERS MARKETS • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm • Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5pm, profits go to local charities. • kofc974.com/bingo
FITNESS
FALL FUN
Halloween Yoga & Boos 6:30-7:30pm • Modicum
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
FOOD & DRINK
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 5-10pm • Menomonie •
Brewing Company, Altoona • Enjoy strength & flexibility work with a spooky twist. $15 • 21+ • badintentionsyoga.com
COMMUNITY
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Regional Sports Card, Coin & Collectibles Show Oakwood Mall, EC • 50 tables of dealers & collectors. Vintage, new, autographed memorabilia, coins, Pokemon, and more.
HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com CVEMS Final Fridays: Halloween Costume Contest and Dance Party 6pm • The Red Mixer,
Eau Claire • An evening of electronic music and Halloween fun with free candy and costume contest. FREE • 21+ • 456-6140 • fb.me/e/duzPk6Pka
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm •
Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/ twistedtaleofhorror
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm
• Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical” 7:30-
9:30pm • The Oxford, EC • Based on the 80’s cult classic movies. $14 Students, $24 Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Mature audiences • ecct.org
3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-10pm • Camp Davidson, Eau Claire • Groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • 12+
MUSIC Sam Lakmann 6pm • The Cabin, UWEC • Indie musician from Eau Claire. FREE • uwec.edu
Home Free: Dive Bar Saints World Tour 7:30pm
• Pablo Center, EC • Upbeat Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, and quick witted humor. $27.50+ • pablocenter.org
Late Night Jazz: Josh Gallagher Trio 8:3011:30pm • The Lakely, Eau Claire • Josh Gallagher leads this trio with masterful and swinging piano playing. • theoxbowhotel.com SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings
10am-6pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $20-80 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
WORDS Chippewa Valley Book Festival presents Madeline Miller: “Literary Witches: From Circe to Shakespeare, Salem and Oz” 7-8pm • Virtual Event • NYT best seller Madeline Miller will discuss her new novel “Circe”. FREE • 14+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/miller
Saturday, October 30
Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.com
Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
FITNESS
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted
Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront
Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together
Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar, craft cocktails, and live music at 6pm. BYO chairs. • All Ages • theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays
www.VolumeOne.org
LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-
After School Crafternoons 3-5pm • String Theory Studio, Chippewa Falls • A spooky craft each week. • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm
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7:30-9:30pm • The Oxford, EC • Based on the 80’s cult classic movies. $14 Students, $24 Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Mature audiences • ecct. org
GAMES & HOBBIES
| OCTOBER 14, 2021
Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors. FREE • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi/
FALL FUN 10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 10am-10pm • Menom-
Events onie • Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
FOOD & DRINK Together Farms Burger Nights noon-9pm • Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts • togetherfarms.com
Amazing Kreskin with Ghost Sighting 7:30pm •
Mabel Tainter Center, Menomonie • Kreskin has been one of the world’s greatest touring mentalist for over 6 decades. $26 + fees • mabeltainter.org
Billy Prine & The Prine Time Band w/ David Huckfelt from The Pines 7:30pm • Pablo Center, Eau Claire • Billy Prine, the younger brother of songwriter John Prine, presents an evening of music. Ticket price TBA • pablocenter.org
GAMES & HOBBIES Regional Sports Card, Coin & Collectibles Show Oakwood Mall, EC • 50 tables of dealers & collectors. Vintage, new, autographed memrabilia, coins, Pokemon, and more.
Dad Bod 6pm • The Cabin, Eau Claire • Indie band from Minneapolis. FREE • uwec.edu
Late Night Jazz at The Lakely: Sweater People 8:30-11:30pm • The Lakely,
o-
MORE EVEN TS
HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room
Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • A spooky escape room in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com
FULL DETA ILS
EXA Sports Trunk Or Treat noon-2pm • EXA Sports, Eau Claire • Kids can explore decorated vehicle trunks, play games, and of course get candy. • exa-sports.com/trunk-or-treat Fear at the Farm - Halloween at Farm to Fork Pizza 4-10pm • Mondovi • Featuring live music,
food, beverages, vendors, costume contest with cash prizes, and more. $30adv, $40gate, FREE for under 12 • volumeonetickets.org
Menomonie EXA Sports Trunk or Treat 5-7pm •
EXA Sports, Menomonie • Kids can explore decorated vehicle trunks, play games, and of course get candy. • exa-sports.com/trunk-or-treat
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm •
Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more. $15 • facebook.com/ twistedtaleofhorror
Eau Claire • Sweater People is a contemporary, experimental, improvisatory musical quartet. • theoxbowhotel.com
SHOPPING
The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market, Eau Claire • A farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket RUN/WALK EVENTS Carson Park 5 & 10 8:30-11am • Chippewa
Valley Museum, Eau Claire • Carson 5K, 10-mile, & Kids Boogie run/walk with food, prizes, & a Halloween costume contest. $30 for 5k or 10 mile and $15 for kids • runsignup.com
STAGE Ghost in the Attic: Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner 6:30pm • The Heyde Center, Chippewa
Falls • A historical murder mystery dinner event featuring the history of the Heyde Center, McDonell Memorial High School, lumber barons, and more. Registration includes dinner and show. Adults $35, Seniors $34, Youth $27 • cvca.net
VISUAL ART Exploring the Versatility of Birch Bark 10am-5pm • Artisan Forge Studios, Eau Claire • 7 talented artists who have been exploring the possibilities of birch bark. FREE • All Ages • artisanforgestudios. com
Sunday, October 31 FALL FUN Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 11am-5pm • Menom-
onie • Corn maze, wagon rides, zip line, mini golf, giant slide, pumpkin patch, and more. $12 for ages 5+ | $5.25 for ages 2-4 • govinsfarm.com
GAMES & HOBBIES Regional Sports Card, Coin & Collectibles Show
Oakwood Mall, EC • 50 tables of dealers & collectors. Vintage, new, autographed memorabilia, coins, Pokemon, and more. • oakwoodmall.com
KIDS Trick or Treating with At The Roots LLC 46:30pm • At The Roots LLC, Altoona • Candy for the kids, and 50% off coupons for adults peer counseling services. • attherootsllc.com/events MOVIES Phantom of the Opera Film with Dr. Mark Pruett 8pm • Mabel Tainter Center, Menomonie • Silent movie version of Phantom of the Opera with live organ accompaniment. $20+ • mabeltainter.org
RECREATION Joel’s Petanque Club 2pm • Wilson Park, Eau
Claire • Learn & play the French game Petanque.
Halloween Costume Party at Brewery Nonic
6pm • Menomonie • Haunted decorations, food, live music from the Nunnery, costumes, and more. facebook.com/brewerynonic
Ghost in the Attic: Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner 6:30pm • The Heyde Center, Chippewa
Falls • A historical murder mystery dinner event featuring the history of the Heyde Center, McDonell Memorial High School, lumber barons, and more. Adults $35-34, Youth $27 • cvca.net
Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm • Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House, EC • A local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
Halloween Costume Contest at Schuetzy’s Tavern 7pm • Chippewa Falls • Costume Contest at 8pm, Drink specials start at 7pm. 1st-3rd place win cash prizes. FREE • 21+ • schuetzys.com
3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-10pm • Camp Davidson, Eau Claire • Groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • 12+
ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical” 7:30-
9:30pm • The Oxford, EC • Based on the 80’s cult classic movies. $14 Students, $24 Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Mature audiences • ecct.org
2nd X-IT and Halloween Costume Contest 8pm
• Snout Saloon, Chippewa Falls • Cassic rock covers from the 70s and 80s. Halloween costume contest with prizes.
Fathom’s Fright Night at My Office Bar 9pm
• Eau Claire • Hosted by MC Fathom and DJ Kramer. Costume contest at 10pm at 1am with cash prizes and giveaways.
MUSIC Live Music at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery
12:30-3:30pm, 5-8pm • Chippewa Falls • Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more outside at the winery. FREE to attend, food and beverages priced a la carte • autumnharvestwinery.com
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Guides Get Out and Embrace the Autumn: Apples, Pumpkins, and Corn Mazes listings by
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.
james johonnott
August. Pies, ice cream, carameled apples, jams, honey, and salsas are also available.
Ferguson’s Orchard Apple Picking, Pumpkin
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.
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.
Bushel and a Peck Market • Apple Picking,
The Glass Orchard Apple Picking • 130 Deerfield
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 more. Enjoy pie and a glass of wine on the patio.
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
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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 hosts glass classes.
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.
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Klinger Farm Market Pumpkin Patches, Corn 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. Leffel Roots Apple Orchard Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches, Corn Maze • W2369 Maple Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 514-5171 • leffelroots.com A small, family-owned and operated orchard. They sell pick-yourown apples and pumpkins, pies, caramel apples, and host a fall corn maze.
Lowes Creek Tree Farm
Pumpkin Patches • S9475 Lowes Creek Road, Eleva • (715) 878-4166 • lowescreektreefarm.com Lowes Creek Tree Farm is a 290 acre family owned choose-n-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 Lit LEARNING CURVE words by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Vagnino has
katie vagnino
taught creative writing at UW-Eau Claire and the Loft Literary Center. Her debut poetry collection, Imitation Crab, was published by Finishing Line Press in February of this year. For more by and about Katie, visit her author page at VolumeOne.org.
I don’t remember learning how to wrap a gift, who taught me how to tie the string around my fingers, with scissors curl the ends. Tying shoes, I’ll credit to Dad along with telling time and jokes, balancing a checkbook, chopping onions without crying. In fifth grade, Val showed me how to run a razor across my legs, warned Watch out around the ankles. French kissing: the honor goes to a wiry boy whose name was James (or John?) who slid his timid tongue along my gums, placed his hand upon my hairless knee. You can break a promise and be forgiven I picked up from my mother, as well as how to flirt while knotting a necktie around your lover’s throat. Lying I figured out on my own. Little lies first, like I haven’t felt this way before, then bigger, hungrier untruths. This glass will be my last; I never wanted children; I am not a poet.
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 HAUNTED HOUSES SPOOKY FAMILY STORIES OF FRIENDLINESS AND FIRE words by
mike paulus • illustration by eva paulus
M
y aunt used to live in a little house up north surrounded by corn fields. She lived there with my two cousins and, as far as she’s concerned, at least one ghost. Most of the things she says happened in this house, the stuff my cousins will corroborate, hover at the “mischievous” end of the spectral spectrum. Dishes falling off shelves in the next room. Objects placed in random spots while no one’s looking. The phone would often ring at weird times, and when you picked it up to say, “Hello,” you’d be met with silence. Hello. My cousin claims you could hear cars pulling up the gravel driveway to park alongside the house, but no one would come to the door. When you checked out the window to see who was there, the driveway would be empty. If anything scarier than ghost cars and paranormal(ish) phone calls ever happened, my aunt never mentioned it out loud. Except for one thing. There was a dark night years ago when, after a prolonged period of ghostly annoyances, my aunt actually yelled directly at the phantom. And
then, after everyone had gone to sleep, she says that ghost set fire to her house. My cousin – my aunt’s son – is only two months older than me. My parents used to haul the family up north every weekend, so I hung out with him all the time, and we had sleepovers. Back then, nobody mentioned a ghost. But I remember this one game my cousin would play. He’d “make weapons.” Since all of the cartoons I watched at the time involved dudes/robots/mutant turtles fighting each other with all manner of swords and laser cannons, I was totally into it. We’d use random stuff around his bedroom to make little clubs and other rudimentary instruments of war. And one time I asked him, “What are these for?” “For monsters,” is all he said. And I thought nothing of it. A long time later, I heard my aunt talking about the ghost and the fire and all the weird stuff. Had she told me these things when I was a little kid, I’d never have set foot in her house. Not for all the Transforms in America. I mean, I slept with a hallway light on well into college, and my fear of the dark came from episodes
I S L E P T W I T H A H A L LWAY L I G H T O N W E L L INTO COLLEGE, AND MY FEAR OF THE DARK C A M E F R O M E P I S O D E S O F S C O O B Y- D O O . I F YO U N G M I K E Y PAU L U S H A D H E A R D A N A C T U A L A D U LT A C T U A L LY C O N F I R M I N G T H E E X I S T E N C E O F O T H E R - W O R L D LY V I S I T O R S , H I S M I N D W O U L D H AV E M E LT E D .
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of Scooby-Doo. If young Mikey Paulus had heard an actual adult actually confirming the existence of other-worldly visitors, his mind would have melted. On the night of the fire, my aunt had yelled down into her shadowy basement about how the ghost had to live with them and how they had to start getting along. The fire had started in the stairwell. It was faulty wiring, but my aunt believes it was a message. Get out. My aunt says this happened after years of strange reoccurring dreams where she’d wake up in bed to see stacks of cardboard boxes filling her room. The ghost wanted her to move, she says. So they did. My family has a bunch of ghost stories, passed down during family gatherings and generally agreed upon by my aunts and uncles. I was a full grown adult with kids and electric bills and some very distinguished-looking grey hair before I realized not every family is like this. Not every family has a set of phantom lore or even one single
aunt who’s got a personal beef with a spirit. There’s another house up north my family talks about. An old farmhouse my great-grandparents owned when they died. My parents used it as a starter home after they got married, as did some other relatives. When my mom was a kid she’d walk over to visit her grandma, and she says there was a bed upstairs that would start shaking if you played on it. And my mom says, after she was grown and living there, the screen door on the front of the house would flap open if company was pulling up the driveway. Her grandma used to greet people on the front porch, so it looked as though the house was just keeping that tradition alive. And that’s a much nicer story than late-night fires. After growing up with these stories, do I believe in ghosts? Do I believe these events have no rational explanation? No. But do they fill me with fear and fascination? Yes. And in a way, that’s real enough.
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