OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Issue # 435 • October 28, 2021
Owner + Publisher + Creative Director
Office / Store 205 N. Dewey Street Downtown Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 552-0457
Nick Meyer nick@volumeone.org ext: 214
Editorial + Content MANAGING EDITOR
About Us
THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY’S LEADING INDEPENDENTLY OWNED COMMUNITY VOICE
Tom Giffey tom@volumeone.org ext: 221
Staff Notes
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Rebecca Mennecke rebecca@volumeone.org ext: 261 LISTINGS EDITOR
James Johonnott james@volumeone.org ext: 215
Advertising + Digital Marketing MEDIA STRATEGY DIRECTOR
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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Andrea Paulseth andrea@volumeone.org
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Advertising Info
A City in Support of Skate Culture? FROM VOLUME ONE PUBLISHER NICK MEYER
Video + Photo + Design
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.
ON NOV. 9, the Eau Claire City Council will have the opportunity to invest in a resurging part of youth culture in our community: skateboarding. A modestly sized skate park has been proposed, with funds already partially raised, to become part of the future Boyd Park Plus project in the Eastside Hill Neighborhood. To get acquainted with it all, we have a feature story for you on page 40 with a bit of the history of skateboarding in Eau Claire, as well as about the proposed project and the sport’s growing diversity. When considering that scene, it’s interesting to me the different identities a community like ours can have. We’re simultaneously a sports town, a music town, and in many ways, a creative
town. So it’s surprising that our community has thus far invested so little in infrastructure for skateboarding, when so much about the culture of it sits at the intersection of all those ideals. It’s a physical, creative, and social endeavor that has helped many young people – who perhaps don’t fall into typical mainstream interest groups – find themselves, their people, and their community. Among the many benefits, skate parks have been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of users, and reduce social exclusion and deviant behavior. And in this way, skate parks benefit not only their users but the entire community, well into the future. So take a look, and consider whether you think Eau Claire is the kind of place that should support those ideas.
For information about ad rates & sizes in print or online, or about digital marketing including email, video, or social media and more, email: advertising@volumeone.org or call (715) 552-0457.
Partner Content Volume One occasionally partners with local organizations to create content in print and online that may be of interest to thousands of readers throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Articles or videos created “in partnership” are sponsored by the partnering organization and may be created with their assistance or expertise, for informational and/or promotional purposes. Any content created in this way – which comprises less than 2% of the pages Volume One publishes each year – will always include “Partner Content” indication.
Contributors + Submissions If you’d like to become an occasional or regular contributor, please email tom@ volumeone.org. There are opportunities for paid writing, photography, and cover art, though most contributions are unpaid. We also welcome the submission of ideas or completed works from the community for publication consideration.
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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
| OCTOBER 28, 2021
@VolumeOne
@VolumeOne
/VolumeOneMag
ASSOC IATION OF ALTER N ATIVE N EWSMEDIA
GRACE SCHUTTE
WRITER
ANDREW PATRIE
COVER ARTIST
cares very much that you broke your elbow.
knows the reason piggy banks are so wise is because they’re filled with common cents.
EVA PAULUS delights
WRITER
ILLUSTRATOR
WRITER
INTERN
Contributors
in embarrassing her mother, friends, and everyone around her.
WRITER
MIKE PAULUS
would totally eat that.
REONNA HUETTNER
heard about a scarecrow that won an award. It was outstanding in its field.
WRITER
INTERN
keeps an emergency supply of mayo on her at all times.
DEZ LEZOTTE is wishing you a delicious soup season!
RON DAVIS is
thinking of getting the band back together.
BARBARA ARNOLD
found talking to herself in the kitchen about whether or not she should make more coffee.
ILLUSTRATOR
WRITER
WRITER
SARAH JAYNE JOHNSON can be
* NATALIE DERKS
is wondering how all we are saying...is give peace a chance...with war zone breaking out in Beirut.
+ ALYSSA ALCORTA
skateboards, plays with pets, and chills in nature.
PARKER REED still
doesn’t have a grasp on AP style. Thank God for editors.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS: Travis Dewitz, Judy Berthiaume, Casey Utke, Timothy Mather, Eric Christenson, Miesha Vieth + NEW CONTRIBUTOR
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* BIO OF THE FORTNIGHT
On The Cover “Self Portrait on Titan” by Dez Lezotte • From the artist: “As an artist and designer, I aim to help people connect with and live more colorfully, or more fully and freely, in the natural and human-created spaces they inhabit. Using my background in technology and user-centered design, I create online experiences, goods, and immersive site-specific art installations focused on user experiences. Through my work, I hope to spark a sense of wonder about the world around us and remind people that life is as colorful as we choose to make it.”
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Celebrating, Educating, and Connecting Entrepreneurs in the Chippewa Valley
November 15-19
Join in for any of 16+ events (virtual & in-person) focused on startups at all stages Visit CoLabEC.com/StartupCV for info & events! 6
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THAT GLORIOUS DAY IN OCTOBER. Lucky locals who happened to stop by Culver’s on Friday, Oct. 15 were treated to the iconic Midwest chain’s Frankenstein-esque experiment, the CurderBurger – a Butterburger with a cheese curd patty on it. And we mean lucky. Across the nation, Culver’s restaurants were swamped with curd-lovers, and most sold out of the CurderBurger before the clock struck noon.
Voice
PHOTO BY JOEL PEARISH
Thoughts
Stats
People
FINDING CALM THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF TIME AND CHANGING SEASONS
A LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENED LATELY, NUMERICALLY SPEAKING
A ONE-ON-ONE CONVO WITH MIKE TARR OF MIKE’S ART & DESIGN SUPPLY
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THOUGHTS • PEOPLE • LOCAL STUFF • NUMBERS • QUOTES | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Voice
Thoughts
A PLACE TO FALL AND BE FREE FINDING CALM THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF TIME AND THE CHANGE OF SEASONS words by
THIS LAST WEEK, I TURNED 30. Surely I know that to some, this decade milestone should still make me feel young, spry, and full of life, but to a younger version of myself it’s an age even beyond what I pictured when I said those infamous words, “someday when I grow up …” In celebration of my third decade, my husband and I took a trip north to Duluth to visit some close friends. On the morning of my actual birthday, we found ourselves wandering up to Gooseberry Falls State Park. After a scenic drive along the lake, we tagged along with the late-season leaf peepers and made the trek through crunching leaves to find ourselves (panting) on top of some autumnally scenic falls. Real desktop picture level views. Blended colors of burnt auburn and gold slowly devouring the fading green – a true sign that the seasons were changing. After a few hilarious jokes about who would be pushing whom
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sarah jayne johnson •
illustration by
alyssa alcorta
T H E FA L L S H AV E A G E D T O O . O V E R T I M E , T H E Y ’ V E E R O D E D A N D C R A C K E D , E X PA N D E D , F R O Z E N O V E R , M AY B E E V E N D R I E D U P, A N D Y E T, T H E Y A R E S T I L L D O I N G E X A C T LY W H AT THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING. over, I found a flat rock close enough to the falls that I felt my heart keep rhythm with the rushing waters. It is hard to not be introspective on your birthday, especially when it marks a new decade. As I sat, I thought about how quickly my years – especially the most recent one – seemed to fly beyond me. The sand in my hourglass, it seemed, was heavier than ever. I thought about how inconsequential it must be to exist only for people to marvel at you – to solely serve as a backdrop to those willing to make the hike. Mostly, as one does, I thought
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about my shortcomings: Have I done enough? Have I wasted time? Should I be more of a “30-year-old”? Should I take time to actually figure out what collagen is? As I stewed, I looked again to the falls beside me. Rhythmic ripples swirling through the water only to fall and foam at the bottom and settle. It’s then I realized, the falls have aged, too. Over time, they’ve eroded and cracked, expanded, frozen over, maybe even dried up, and yet, they are still doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing. They still exist in their little part of northern
Minnesota – leaf peepers or not. I began to see the laugh lines on my face in the ripples of the water. I saw friends to guide me in the surrounding trees, and friends I’ve lost along the way in scattered branches on the ground. I saw my family in the serene, soft swishing of the fresh foam, helping me find my calm after spiraling off the falls. In all the rocks the water ran through, I saw the first boy I slow danced with, and my first dance at my wedding. I saw the colors of all 30 of my Octobers rustle in the whisper of a wind that comes and goes. A View-Master of a short life, long-lived through vivid snapshots. Pictures that kept me afloat. I’ve been 30 for nearly three whole days now and boy, do I have a lot of wisdom. Like that maybe my 30s are for recognizing that I too have a place amongst the woods. A place to fall and be free, and a place to simply be still in my own shortcomings. A place to be grown up. After one last feel of the cold water, I grabbed my husband’s extended hand and left my rock. It was time to keep flowing.
Thoughts
3 THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW GIANT CURDS, GENEROUS DONORS, AND LIFE-SAVING SHOTS
JOEL PEARISH
UW-EAU CLAIRE
THE CURDERBURGER. The folks at Culver’s have shown they can make a joke – and then take that joke and turn it into a deliciously cheesy creation. The CurderBurger, which began as an online jest for April Fool’s Day, was brought to life for one day only, Oct. 15. Fans of the fast-food franchise thronged to order the limited edition giantcurd-topped sandwich, which swiftly sold out. We can only hope it returns again.
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CREATIVE COMMONS
DEEP POCKETS. It’s not every day that someone opens their checkbook to make a $10 million donation, especially here in the Valley. So the folks at the UW-Eau Claire Foundation were understandably elated to announce such a gift from an anonymous board member. Local universities, libraries, and other public entities depend heavily on the generosity of donors, so it’s exciting to see someone willing to part with a sum with so many zeros.
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VACCINES. Despite pushback from people who are either afraid of needles or afraid of peer-reviewed scientific research, vaccines – specifically those against COVID-19 – continue to save lives. Many Wisconsinites are now eligible to receive one of three COVID vaccine booster shots. Furthermore, vaccines will likely soon to OK’d for kids in the 5-12 age range, which will be a game changer for countless Chippewa Valley families.
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Crunching The Numbers
Notable Stats + Figures from the Last Few Weeks
3.9%
1,157
September unemployment rate in Wisconsin, which stayed steady from August and was down from 5.2% in September 2020.
Homes sold in Eau Claire County through the end of September, up 4.7% from last year at the same time.
7 of 16 55.5% Share of City of Eau Claire wells taken offline because they contain amounts of PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”) higher than allowed by state regulators.
Share of Eau Claire County residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, slightly higher than the rates in the region and state.
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People
What is one art supply you couldn’t live without? I always love a good piece of Asian-style printmaking paper. Maybe a black pastel too. Just the basics!
QUESTIONING
What place in town considers you a regular? Probably Marion’s Legacy on Broadway. They’re right next to my shop and so are quick and easy to pop in. If you’re there, ask for the Mike’s Special! It’s basically a vanilla iced coffee with half ice and room for cream.
THE LOCALS
What’s your passion? Other than the
FREE-WHEELIN’
happiness of my family, it’s probably playing music and fooling around with music gear. Though I love art and my studio practice, I’m really a guitar and music nut at heart.
DISCUSSION WITH LOCAL FOLKS
MICHAEL “MIKE” TARR HAS LIVED IN MENOMONIE SINCE 1990, when he settled in town to pursue a major in studio art with an emphasis in ceramics and painting at UWEau Claire. The Appleton native has worn many hats: student, business manager, UW-Stout faculty member, and is now perhaps best known as the longtime business owner of Mike’s Art & Design Supply. He also paints, draws, and has performed in a few bands over the years. Call him a connoisseur of all things art – and culture!
What is one of the best experiences you’ve had in the Chippewa Valley? P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Name: Michael Tarr. Neighborhood you live in, city: I live in what’s called the Lakeview Annex in Menomonie. Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had in your current job! It’s not unusual for customers to come in having no idea what they need or are looking for. Typically this is either a new incoming college
freshman or someone taking up a new hobby. That’s kind of a vulnerable place to be in for them since many of the things we sell are of a technical nature and there can be a decent amount of money involved. Demystifying what they need in a concise way and sending them out into the world with a clearer and more stress-free understanding of what they’re getting involved in is pretty satisfying.
Playing a good show with friends back during my band days or watching the Bad Plus at the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater. I once flew over the area in a single engine plane as well, which was cool!
What is your favorite piece of local trivia? Captain Andrew Tainter’s (one of Menomonie’s lumber barons, town fathers, and builder of the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater from the late 1800s) brother Jeremiah created the “Tainter Gate” style of dam, of which over 300 are still in use today.
What do you think Menomonie really needs? Menomonie could use a cou-
D E M Y S T I F Y I N G W H AT T H E Y N E E D I N A C O N C I S E WAY A N D S E N D I N G T H E M O U T INTO THE WORLD WITH A CLEARER AND M O R E S T R E S S - F R E E U N D E R S TA N D I N G O F W H AT T H E Y ’ R E G E T T I N G I N V O LV E D I N I S P R E T T Y S AT I S F Y I N G .
ple of higher-end restaurants. There are some good places to eat, to be sure, but in the last few years we’ve lost a couple good restaurants that haven’t been replaced.
Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Curried mussels with a grood glass of white wine from Mona Lisa’s, preceded by a bourbon Manhattan at the bar and followed by crème brulee and coffee.
Mike’s Shoutouts THE LUDINGTON GUARD BAND
THE MABEL TA I N T E R MEMORIAL T H E AT E R I N MENOMONIE.
in Menomonie’s Wilson Park on summer Tuesday nights. It’s such a nice historical community event for ages 1 to 100.
This is a great place to catch any show – from a kids play to a pro concert. Just a great and beautiful space.
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SPRING ROLLS WITH PEANUT S A U C E at the Menomonie Farmer’s Market held under the beautiful post and beam pavilion by Aaron Wallace’s Oxbow Designs company. Enough said.
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A Few Faves From the Feed via Instagram, fall 2021
@visiteauclaire
@lorichilefone
CONTRIBUTE to
@diveec
@woolnfeatherfarm
VOLUMEONE.ORG/CONTRIBUTE VOLUMEONE.ORG/CONTRIBUTE VOLUMEONE.ORG/CONTRIBUTE
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@thebrewingprojekt
People
Notable + Quotable H E A R D A R O U N D T H E C H I P P E WA VA L L E Y I T ’ S C E R TA I N LY A
Like the carrots, they like them cut length-wise. If I just put them in there, like a little stub of a carrot, they won’t eat it.
CONCERN OF MINE, T H AT I ’ D L O S E S TA F F, I F T H E COUNTY REQUIRED ( VA C C I N AT I O N ) . I H AV E A H A R D E N O U G H
HEAD ZOOKEEPER JENNIFER LONDON
TIME NOW RECRUITING A N D R E TA I N I N G S TA F F, I T
on how picky the animals at Irvine Park are at meal time. (News 18, Sept. 23)
WOULD BE JUST ANOTHER
We are all obsessed with Kwik Trip. … We thought it would be a fun way to celebrate.
CHINK IN THE ARMOR. T H E Y M AY G O E L S E W H E R E , TO A JOB WITHOUT THE P R E S S U R E S O F L AW E N F O R C E M E N T. DUNN COUNTY SHERIFF KEVIN BYGD, who said he has no plans to push for county deputies to get the COVID-19 vaccine. (Leader-Telegram, Oct. 20)
PHOTOGRAPHER AUTUMN FERREIRA, who took a couple’s wedding photos at a Kwik Trip in Janesville. (WEAU 13 News, Oct. 14)
Thoughts
THE COMMENT SECTION: BLOCK 7 EDITION 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 “Exactly what downtown needs! Menomonie Market Food Co - o p i s a vi b r a nt perfectly sized store in Menomonie. Lots of a c t ivit y, wo rks h o ps , great variety of foods, an awesome healthy deli! It will be wonderful in downtown Eau Claire. Hooray!” BARBARA KERNAN. on an Oct. 20 post titled “Downtown E.C. Grocery, New Apartments Part of Developer’s Proposal.” (via Facebook)
“How much are these 2 bed apa r t ments gon n a be? $1500 nobody can afford the new housing. When does affordable housing not just for the college kids come into play?” TYLER CHOUINARD, commenting on the same article. (via Facebook)
“ We h a d [a g r o c e r y s t o r e d ow n t ow n] b e f o r e t h e p o s t office took that location ove r. T h e y d o n ’ t s e e m t o do that great down there. Bu t you neve r kn ow, t he 10th time may be the charm. Since it is Just L o c a l Fo o d s wi t h a n ew name I think the cost is too much for the people in that area.” JEFF DUERKOP, commenting on the same article (via Facebook)
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Hillside Dental
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Community
PUSH AHEAD. Another major proposal has come forward for Block 7 in downtown Eau Claire, which is currently a large temporary parking lot along North Barstow Street. It pitches a 9,800-square-foot co-op grocery store, as well as this four-story apartment building with 109 units and two commercial spaces. Read more about the plan on page 16. R E N D E R I N G : M O E D I N G PA R T N E R S / R I V E R VA L L E Y A R C H I T E C T S
News
Neighbors
Business
GROCERY CO-OP IS LATEST PLAN FOR EMPTY DOWNTOWN BLOCK
THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF HMONG NEW YEAR
CHIPPEWA FALLS COUPLE CUTS CUSTOM VINYL RECORDS
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NEWS • DEVELOPMENT • BUSINESS • NON-PROFITS • NEIGHBORS • WISCONSIN COMMUNITY EDITOR: TOM GIFFEY
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FROM
.ORG
UWEC Foundation Receives $10M from Anonymous Donor words by
IMAGE BY RIVER VALLEY ARCHITECTS
News TO MARKET, TO MARKET. A rendering of the proposed Menomonie Market Food Co-op on Eau Claire’s North Barstow Street.
v1 staff
Eau Claire
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH $10 MILLION? That’s the question the UW-Eau Claire Foundation will now be asking itself after receiving the largest gift to an endowed fund in UWEC’s history.
BACK ON THE BLOCK NEW CO-OP GROCERY, APARTMENTS EYED FOR BLOCK 7
The UWEC Foundation – a nonprofit organization that financially supports the university in ways that state funding and tuition dollars can’t – announced the gift Oct. 21.
words by
THE NORTH BARSTOW STREET PARKING LOT DUBBED “BLOCK 7” HAS and recreation, and would offer 98 underground parking stalls. Additional parking would be provided through BEEN EYED FOR REDEVELOPMENT for the past decade, ut even as leases at the city’s North Barstow parking ramp nearby, a new neighborhood has risen around it, no plan has stuck. Now Geoff Moeding – who was key to creating the first Moeding said. The building would include some commermixed-use buildings in the Phoenix Park neighborhood cial space on the first floor, facing North Barstow Street, more than a decade ago – has a new, $27 million proposal and the North Barstow parking ramp, Moeding said. for Block 7, which would include a new home for a downThe proposal drew a positive reaction from RDA memtown grocery co-op. bers, including Chairman Thomas Kemp, who called it a On Oct. 20, the City of Eau Claire’s Redevelopment “creative and functional use for this land.” Authority, which owns the block, voted to Aaron White, the city’s economic develgive city staff members 90 days to negotiopment manager and RDA executive ate a memorandum of understanding with director, said this is the third formal Moeding over the sale and development proposal for Block 7 since he was hired THIS SITE IS of the property. by the city in 2018. However, he said the The plan calls for two buildings: a plan is a good match for the property, and R E A L LY S O R T four-story, 109-unit apartment buildat first glance fits within the parameters ing with underground parking and of the Tax Increment Financing district O F A B E S T- C A S E two first-floor commercial units facing the city created for the area. (In a TIF North Barstow, and a free-standing, district, new property taxes generated SCENARIO FOR 9,800-square-foot home for Menomonie by new private construction help pay Market Food Co-op – better known in Eau for public infrastructure and sometimes T H E C O O P. Claire under its original name, Just Local incentives for developers.) Food Co-op. (The two co-ops officially –CRYSTAL HALVORSON, MENOMONIE Now that the RDA has given its merged Oct. 1, and the Eau Claire branch MARKET FOOD CO-OP go-ahead, the city will have 90 days to is adopting the Menomonie Market name.) negotiate a deal with Moeding for the Currently, the Eau Claire co-op is located in a property, which will likely include funds from the TIF 1,200-square-foot building at 1117 S. Farwell St. In recent district. Ultimately, the Eau Claire City Council also would years, several plans to relocate and expand the store havhave to approve any agreement. en’t reached fruition.
The $10 million came from an anonymous member of the foundation’s board of directors, who announced the donation at a recent annual meeting. The massive gift will help the UWEC Foundation launch the public phase of its Sustaining Human Innovation capital campaign, the Foundation said in a media release That capital campaign aims to gather $125 million, and $70 million has been raised to date since 2017, including the just-announced gift. That $10 million will “create an endowed fund ... to establish areas of distinction in health and human wellbeing,” the Foundation said. “We want to lead in undergraduate research, health, and human wellbeing, and equity, diversity, and inclusion,”said Kimera Way, president of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. “We have a bold vision for the future, and this gift and this campaign will help us achieve our strategic goals.” According to the Foundation, “The Sustaining Human Innovation Campaign outlines investments in people, programs and facilities, all of which align with UW-Eau Claire’s strategic plan.” It will run through 2026. Learn more about the UWEC Foundation and the donation at foundation.uwec.edu. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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tom giffey
“This site is really sort of a best-case scenario for the co-op,” said General Manager Crystal Halvorson, noting a larger, freestanding building with ample parking (55 stalls) meets the needs of the newly merged entity and its members. Halvorson explained that Menomonie Market Co-op successfully undertook a similar project in Menomonie in 2015, building a 13,000-square-foot store. “This has been a site we have looked at many times, as many of you may recall,” Moeding told RDA members during the meeting. “But I think the opportunity now to bring grocery to a food desert spurred us to help make this development possible.” The proposed apartment building would be on the north end of Block 7 – across the street from The Livery restaurant – and would be similar to the one Moeding partnered to build next to Phoenix Park earlier in the 2000s. It would offer a courtyard for outdoor cooking, gathering,
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LINER SITE PROPOSAL In other action, the RDA voted to allow city staff to enter negotiations with Merge Urban Development, which hopes to purchase the remaining available portion of the so-called Liner Site, a block south of Block 7 on North Barstow, between the street and the parking ramp. The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire already owns most of the site, and recently broke ground on a new museum there. Merge’s plans call for a five-story building with groundfloor commercial space below 52 apartment units, including a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom units. The building would be 52,000 square feet in total and would have a minimum value of $8 million. Iowa-based Andante isn’t a stranger to downtown Eau Claire: The firm is currently building the five-story Andante development across the street from the Liner Site.
Environment
Health
CITY SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE EAU CLAIRE AWARDS
Mayo’s Eau Claire Residency Program Ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin, Midwest
DO YOU KNOW OF A PERSON OR A BUSINESS THAT HAS ACHIEVED SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS THAT DESERVES PUBLIC RECOGNITION? For the sixth year in a row, the City of Eau Claire’s Sustainability Advisory Committee will grant the Sustainable Eau Claire Awards. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to creating a more sustainable Eau Claire. Possible nomination categories include: Clean-up or Beautification; Energy: Renewables, Efficiency or Conservation; Environmental Education; Exceptional Natural Resources Steward; Green Building Design; Green Products or Practices; Local, Sustainable, Healthy Food; Transportation Innovations; Waste Reduction, Composting or Recycling; Water Quality or Water Conservation; Student Leadership in Sustainability. The awards are meant to also encourage residents, businesses, community groups, and others to implement similar actions. Plans for the award ceremony are to be determined, and it may be held virtually because of COVID-19. Applications are due by Thursday, Dec. 9. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit eauclairewi. gov and search for “Sustainable Eau Claire Awards.” –V1 staff
THE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR FRESHLY MINTED DOCTORS AT MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN EAU CLAIRE IS AMONG THE BEST IN THE NATION, according to rankings published by a networking service for medical professionals. Mayo’s Family Medicine Residency Program in Eau Claire has been ranked the No. 1 program in the Midwest, No. 1 in Wisconsin, and No. 6 in the U.S. on Doximity’s 2021 Residency Navigator. Program rankings are determined by three factors: current resident and recent alumni satisfaction, reputation among board-certified family medicine physicians, and objective data – including research output. “To be ranked the top family medicine residency program in the Midwest and one of the top programs in the nation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, resident physicians and all of the staff who help to provide patient-centered care for families in Northwest Wisconsin,” said Terri Nordin, M.D., director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. “We are proud of the work we have done since our first class of resident physicians joined the program in 2017, and we are excited for the future as we continue to prepare the next generation of physicians.” Doximity is the leading digital platform for medical professionals. The Doximity Residency Navigator, which includes 4,900 residency programs across 28 different specialties – including more than 700 programs in family medicine alone – is used by over 90% of graduating medical students to help select the program that best meets their training needs. –V1 staff
Politics
E.C. Business Owner Seeks Congressional Seat CITING A NEED FOR LEADERS WHO REFLECT “WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE,” Eau Claire businesswoman and nonprofit founder Rebecca Cooke has announced her candidacy to become the first woman to represent western Wisconsin in the U.S. Congress. Cooke, owner of Red’s Mercantile and founder of the Red Letter Grant, officially declared in mid-October that she is running as a Democrat for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, who announced in August that he is not seeking re-election. “In Congress, we need to see more leaders that are more reflective of what America looks like – less millionaires and billionaires and more everyday people stepping off the sidelines to work for their community,” Cooke said in an interview. “I’ve been serving my community for a long time, and this is just doing that in a different way. I don’t feel like I have to ask for permission to get in the arena, and I’m excited to do that.” The Democratic primary for the congressional seat will be next August, and the general election will be Nov. 8, 2022. Cooke, a graduate of North High School and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, worked for a time in politics – specifically, fundraising for several congressional campaigns – before returning to Eau Claire in 2015. She cited affordable health care, equitable education funding, job creation, the challenges facing family farms, and infrastructure – specifically, broadband access in rural areas – as policies she would focus on in Congress to help residents of the largely rural congressional district. She is the third announced Democratic candidate for the seat; the other are state Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-La Crosse, and Brett Knudsen of Holmen. Two Republicans have also declared their candidacy: Denise Hurless of Altoona and Derrick Van Orden of Prairie du Chien, who narrowly lost to Kind in the 2020 general election. –Tom Giffey
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Neighbors In The Mix
TOGETHER WHILE APART EAU CLAIRE’S ANNUAL HMONG NEW YEAR CELEBRATION WILL TAKE 2021 OFF words by
true vue • photo by andrea paulseth
IN EAU CLAIRE, ON EVERY SECOND WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER, the Hmong community invites friends and family to celebrate the Hmong New Year – an annual celebration of the completion of a year’s harvest and welcoming of a new year. The literal translation of Noj Pebcaug or Noj Tshiab Pebcaug is Eat 30 or Eat New 30. Back in Laos, the Hmong would take around 30 days off to travel to different villages to celebrate with family and friends. When I was a young girl, I remembered waking up excited to celebrate the Hmong New Year. My mom would sew Hmong clothing by hand for us. It was really the only time my six sisters and one brother would be able to wear our Hmong clothes during the year. I always felt so whole when I could wear our celebratory clothes. These clothes were a part of me, and this one weekend
RICHLY DRESSED. Hmong New Year clothing is often adorned with coins for good fortune.
was one where I could wear my Hmong clothing with pride out in public. My mother would help my sisters and me dress, wrapping brightly colored sashes around our waists, tying embroidered sashes with coins to our hips. The final step was the headpiece. My mother would wrap the cloth around my head, reminding me of the importance of learning this technique. It might disappear, she says, if we don’t pass down this tradition. The clinking of the coins on Hmong outfits sang their song as people walked, gathering to celebrate the Hmong New Year. My
sisters and I looked for our cousins and friends, free to walk, go ball toss, watch performers sing and dance, eat delicious Hmong food, and buy Hmong-made clothing, jewelry, or artifacts. They were a treat – many of these items were never available at local stores, and we had to wait a full year to buy them at the Hmong New Year celebration. We would laugh and play until it was time to go home. Before the Hmong Heritage Month and the Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, the Hmong New Year was the only time the Hmong celebrated their heritage and culture in Eau Claire. Through the collaboration of the Hmong clans in Eau Claire – the
THESE MEMORIES, TRADITIONS, A N D C E L E B R AT I O N S A R E S O I M P O R TA N T TO HOLD ONTO AND MUST LIVE ON.
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Hmong performers and vendors, along with the support from different sponsors – the Eau Claire Hmong New Year is made possible. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, it was decided to postpone the Hmong New Year celebration once again, as the safety of our community is still a top priority. Though there is not a specific space to celebrate the Hmong New Year at large for the community, it will still be celebrated throughout the homes of Hmong people this year. Our celebration will be a little different this year, just as how other holidays are being celebrated differently during this pandemic. These memories, traditions, and celebrations are so important to hold onto and must live on. True Vue is executive director of the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association.
Orgs
New Community Fund Will Aid Nonprofits With Professional Development A NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM WILL HELP STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS FROM LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS access professional development that will help them and their organizations. Royal Credit Union and the Eau Claire Community Foundation recently announced that they are partnering to create the Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund and Grant Program. The organizations created the program after considering the needs of Chippewa Valley nonprofits, many of which “are without the financial resources to seek or create professional development that would help them help others,” a media release stated. Now, nonprofit board members and staffers will be able to seek grants for training and professional
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development needs. “I believe this example of collaboration and giving for the community good will resonate with each of you,” Heather Johnson Schmitz, grant and giving coordinator at RCU, said in announcing the program. “Whether you are a nonprofit leader, philanthropist, board member, volunteer, or simply a curious community member – you each play a critical role in ensuring that Eau Claire is a community that thrives.” The RCU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund and Grant Program will open on Nov. 1, at the same time as ECCF’s regular grant cycle. To learn more about the fund or how to apply or make a donation, visit eccfwi.org and search for “Nonprofit Professional Development.” –V1 staff
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Business FROM
.ORG
FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL. Eric and Izabella Warner of Chippewa Falls started their own vinyl-cutting company, Vinylus.
Entrepreneurship
Van Plan Wins Latest Startup 48 Competition for Entrepreneurs words by
v1 staff
A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM THE UWEAU CLAIRE ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM were chosen as the winning team of this year’s Startup 48, a weekend-long business plan competition held in Eau Claire. On Oct. 17, the team – dubbed Over the Loam – pitched their winning idea to judges: selling “four-season renovated teardrop campers and vans to fill the market demand to adults who want to travel in comfort and live the ‘van life,’” a media release said. That weekend saw 37 individuals gather at the WIN Technology office in Eau Claire for the competition. After hearing 60-second business idea pitches Friday night, participants formed six teams, each of which worked all weekend to create business models, verify market needs, and find the value proposition that will attract potential customers. The teams made their final pitches to a panel of local judges at the end of the weekend. The Over the Loam team has qualified to advance to the Wisconsin Big Idea Tournament, a statewide pitch competition where they will vie for startup capital of up to $25,000. Learn more at www.Startup48.co.
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GOING FOR A SPIN NEW CUSTOM VINYL RECORD BIZ OFFERS HEARTFELT TRACKS words and photos by
IT’S EASY ENOUGH TO BUY A GIFT OFF THE SHELF AT YOUR LOCAL TARGET OR WALMART, but putting time and energy into creating a unique and custom memento can be a much more intimate – and heartfelt – way to express emotion. Vinylus, a custom vinyl record-cutting company based in Chippewa Falls, provides the Chippewa Valley with a unique outlet to express a love for music. The business was started in March 2020 by co-owners Eric and Izabella Warner, who run the company out of their home and provide individuals the opportunity to purchase custom-cut 7”, 10”, and 12” vinyl records, complete with custom artwork and track listings. “We’re at the intersection of people’s relationships with music,” Eric Warner said. “It’s a gift that’s incredibly heartfelt and personal. It’s different than buying something that is mass-produced. Like someone at a photo shop sometimes see images only meant for one person to another, the projects can become very personal and very fulfilling.” The Warners met in Australia in 2001 while Eric, an ex-rave promoter, pursued a master’s degree in electronic arts. From there, the couple moved to Poland, and their love for vinyl came to a head. The couple traveled to Germany to purchase a lathe machine from a well-respected audiophile and took it with them when they
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parker reed
THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE PEOPLE CAN LIVE AND THEN RELIVE. –IZABELLA WARNER, VINYLUS
moved back to the United States. In 2018, the couple started the record label Abstrakt Xpressions, then partnered on Vinylus to make use of their lathe machine in their free time. “This is an experience people can live and then relive,” Izabella Warner said. “You don’t just get to listen to a record, and then it’s gone. You’ll always have this memento. Music is the ultimate communication medium, because you don’t have to have words, you can just have music, and it will say everything you need it to.” The process for creating a custom
vinyl record is incredibly intricate and requires attention to detail, according to the pair. The first step is Izabella making contact with the buyer, settling on a track-list, and arranging the custom artwork. From there, Eric takes over. A lover of all things audio, he takes the time to master the audio for each release prior to cutting their blank French-imported raw record and ensures the product is free of imperfections prior to shipping it out to consumers. The majority of individuals who purchase products from Vinylus are couples looking for a unique gift for an anniversary, a birthday, or a vinyl LP with the music from their wedding – such as a couple’s first dance song. Music makes up the foundation of both the Warners’ relationship and business, so Vinylus is a labor of love for the Chippewa Falls couple. Their days consist of working full-time and raising a family, so spending their extra energy putting music out on vinyl is a project they both welcome with open arms. “If it isn’t worth putting on vinyl, it isn’t really worth putting out, in my opinion,” Eric Warner said. “If it isn’t etched into something that will outlast you, what’s the point in putting it out at all?” You can find out more about the custom products available from Vinylus at their website vinylus.com or on Instagram at @custom_vinyl_records.
Open Now
Get Inventive with Toyventive – an Eau Claire-Based Toy Company CHIPPEWA VALLEY BUSINESS CREATES EDUCATIONAL, INTERACTIVE WOODEN TOYS words by
WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING OUT A TOY FOR YOUR KIDDO, HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE PICKING THE RIGHT ONE? The choices are overwhelming, but Toyventive – an Eau Claire-based children’s toy company – believes that when it comes to getting the right toy, less is more. Tomi Stoyanova, owner of Toyventive, opened her online shop in 2018 and has since worked to create products that “encourage creative thinking and empower kids through innovative educational toys” by adapting traditional wooden toys to modern-day children’s play. “I was inspired by the timeless and natural look of the wooden toys,” Stoyanova said, “and the more I learned to use them as learning tools, I realized the bond that formed between me and my child.” After having her first child, Stoyanova learned more about early childhood development to find new ways to add educational elements into playtime that would help her child grow. Toyventive’s most popular toy is their Wooden Block Activity Cube – ranked
reonna huettner
No. 3 on the best toys list for 1-year-olds according to The Today Show. It’s a fivein-one playing cube that includes counting beads, clock hands, sort the shape, turning gears, and more. And recently, Toyventive has been working to create a new activity cube that is larger than the previous one with different activities. Not only that, but each cube comes with an interactive book for parents to use alongside their child to enhance play through educational instruction. “Not all parents know how to incorporate education and encourage imagination through play,” Stoyanova said, “(so) it was my goal to share that with other parents and their children.” Stoyanova hopes that one day she will be able to open a new, in-person toy store here in the Eau Claire area. Check out their toys at toyventive.com or on Amazon. The Learn & Play Blog (toyventive.com/blog) has information on educational choices for parents. Find them on Facebook (@ToyVentive), Instagram (@toyventive), and Pinterest (@toyventive). SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Arts
FINDING SANCTUARY. Madison-based artist Sylvia Annelise Hecht’s mural on The Fire House in Eau Claire, titled “Sanctuary,” inches toward completion. Read more at VolumeOne.org. P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Perform
Words
Visual
DEAD SOUL SYMPHONY’S NEW ALBUM IS ‘METAL PANDEMIC SHOCK THERAPY’
A NEW COMING-OF-AGE COLLECTION FROM AUTHOR DOROTHY CHAN
STUDENT FILM EXPLORES THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE IN EAU CLAIRE
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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
I T ’ S H A RD TO BE A P ERSON : BRETT NE W SKI TO STOP I N EA U CL A IRE words by
rebecca mennecke
EAU CLAIRE NATIVE BRETT NEWSKI is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades-and-masterof-them-all kind of guy, and he’s slated to stop by his hometown record store (Revival Records!) on Saturday, Nov. 13 as part of his newest album’s release tour. Newski – an alternative songwriter, illustrator, author, and podcaster – has received national acclaim for his musical endeavors, including features in Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston 11.13 Globe, and Paste. He has interviewed folks from Dashboard BRETT NEWSKI: Confessional, the All “IT’S HARD TO BE A American Rejects, The PERSON” TOUR • 7pm Lumineers, Barenaked • Revival Records, Eau Ladies, and countless Claire • Tickets: $20 other creatives. In (www.brettnewski.com) addition to traveling throughout the world (averaging about 100 shows every year!), Newski has played alongside acts like The Pixies, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Manchester Orchestra, Better than Ezra, and New Pornographers. Most recently, he published his illustrated book It’s Hard to Be a Person: Defeating Anxiety, Surviving the World, and Having More Fun, which explores a multitude of anxiety-ridden scenarios that the musician, podcaster, and all-around creative guy struggles with. Like, what to do if you’re afraid of oceans. Or how to avoid going insane from social media. Or what to do if someone doesn’t respond to your email. The cherry on top, the creator said, is the illustrations, which give the book its sarcastic, witty tone in an easily accessible way. “It’s not just me giving unsolicited advice,” he said. “The aim was to make fun of anxiety and depression and laugh in the face of it, because that’s always been one of the most effective ways to deal with it.” In addition to the book, Newski released his eight-track album It’s Hard to Be a Person – a supplemental soundtrack to the book – with his band, Brett Newski & the No Tomorrow. As part of his book and album tour, he’ll stop by Revival Records in Eau Claire. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at his website, brettnewski.com.
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Music
MIND PLAGUE IF YOU THINK ALL PLAGUES ARE BAD, THINK AGAIN words by
andrew patrie
“GET READY FOR SOME METAL PANDEMIC SHOCK THERAPY, DUDE,” says drummer Andy Mulheron upon dropping off a copy of Dead Soul Symphony’s debut EP, Mind Plague, outside of my house. It’s after work on an unseasonably warm and sunny late September afternoon, and Mulheron’s wearing a button-up shirt and jeans. Sure, I think, a tad incredulous. Yet his clothing belies the mischievous glint in his eyes as he grins and hops back in his truck. I head inside, pop the disc in my player, and 20 minutes later, I emerge a gibbering convert.
Mind Plague is a real banger – partly due to the fact Corey Jones (guitar/vocals) and Brad Knaack (bass) are in the band: one half of Contagion, the legendary thrash metal act from Eau Claire, who were peaking around the time I was getting into faster, more extreme forms of heavy metal in the late ’80s/ early ’90s. And there’s no denying the influence of the past on Mind Plague – from Jones’s parched rasps reminiscent of van Drunen-
era Pestilence, to the primal guitar chuggery a la classic Obituary, to lyrics depicting brain-devouring parasites and blackened, defoliated hellscapes. But Dead Soul Symphony isn’t Contagion 2.0; it’s its own monolithic beast, thanks to guitarist Zach Snyder, who first conceptualized the project in 2018. His vision ensures each track surprises in its arrangement, be it the melodic riff underpinning the chorus of “Disclosure” or the galloping, stop-on-a-dime, grit which concludes “Traces.” Don’t take my word for it, though. Come hear for yourself (and pick up a copy of the CD) when past and present collide on Nov. 13 at Zymurgy Brewing Company in Menomonie. It’s the official Dead Soul Symphony release show, featuring support from By the Thousands and Reaping Asmodeia. Meanwhile, keep up with the band on Facebook and Bandcamp.
Music
Phil Cook Shakes Off the Noise with New Solo Piano Album words by
eric christenson
PHIL COOK’S NEW ALBUM TOOK THREE DAYS, PLUS ANOTHER 100 YEARS, TO MAKE. The 10 songs that make up All These Years – out Nov. 19 – were recorded exclusively on a 100-year-old Steinway piano in the sanctuary of NorthStar Church of the Arts in Durham, N.C. – where the Chippewa Valley native now lives. After making Southern-fried, gospel-inflected folk tunes for the better part of his prolific solo career – here, Cook takes a turn toward the minimal, the meditative, the powerful. Ever the dogged collaborator, Cook is spotlighted on his own here too. Truly solo. On All These Years, Cook – and his centenarian companion – explore worlds with simple notes to reach out to something divine. A note from Trever Hagen on Cook’s website explains the process: “Phil experimented with sanctuary in order to honor the ritual,” the note reads. “He retreated alone to the mountains in North Carolina to write, sojourned to family abodes in Wisconsin to nurture. Yet it was during hour-long stretches of improvisation in NorthStar Church of the Arts in Durham where the music could open up to the presence of divine intoxication. The renewal of the elixir of life.” The record, in its own way, reflects themes of spirituality, togetherness, the mystery of faith – and how the passage of time warps and contorts all of that. The recording process was handled by the talented producer (and Cook’s cousin) Brian Joseph, who meticulously placed microphones around the church to capture the space as well as the music. “Queen Of Branches” is the name of the first single, which dropped on Oct. 20 with an accompanying music video by Daniel Fox. The track came from one of Cook’s very first piano improvisations at NorthStar, and sets a pensive tone for the rest of the album. Another cool thing: All These Years is released via Psychic Hotline, which is a new artist-run record label out of Durham started by Amelia Meath and Chippewa Valley native Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso. To pre-order All These Years, read the full note from Trever Hagen, and learn more about the album, check out philcookmusic.com.
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Music
Events
This New Album Will Take You Around the World and Back A ROAD OF SELF-DISCOVERY ON WILDCAT HAWKINS’ SOPHOMORE ALBUM words + photo by
IN 1543, THE ASTRONOMER COPERNICUS PUBLISHED HIS GROUNDBREAKING THEORY that contended the planets revolve around the sun – a stark disagreement to the Ptolemic system, which asserted that the Earth was the center of the known universe. Similar to Copernicus, one local artist’s follow-up to a successful debut album is revolving around the Chippewa Valley music scene for its dual purpose. Matt Keig – an Eau Claire musician/producer who goes by the stage name Wildcat Hawkins – continues to stake his claim on the Chippewa Valley music scene. The 37-year-old, genre-defying artist released his debut indie/electronic record Rough Diamond in 2020 and recently followed up with his sophomore hip-hop/indie tinged album Pre-Copernican. “I have a limited time on this earth,” Keig said, “and what I really care about is making an artistic statement that only I can make. I’m not interested in putting my energy into playing a lot of gigs in bars or spamming myself out there. I’m only interested in making content that is 100% me and finding people who like me for me.” The 13-song, 48-minute album is divided between instrumentals and tracks filled with heavy emotional themes. The road to release for the second Wildcat Hawkins album was marred by dealing with the COVID19 pandemic, leaving a band he had played in for years and reaching an
parker reed amicable divorce with his wife of 10 years. Themes of loss and needing to find himself come to a head on the closing track of Pre-Copernican, titled “Foothills,” which his ex-wife lends background vocals to. He said writing, recording, and releasing this project on his own was therapeutic for him, and Keig hopes those who listen find a sense of relief in it as well. “I needed an avenue to feel some kind of healing,” Keig said. “When you listen to my music, it promotes a meditative state, and, for some people, that can be helpful for them. I just want to spread positive energy, friendship, and love through my music. It’s what I look for in music, and it’s what I hope others find in mine.” Along with the release of PreCopernican came another element of self-discovery as he set down his trusted acoustic guitar, plugged in his laptop, and made music through almost entirely digital avenues. He said that while they are pre-programmed, you can put your stamp on digital sounds and presets through how you use and arrange them to reflect your own voice and style. While the next steps for Wildcat Hawkins aren’t set in stone, he said that’s the way he enjoys it; he looks forward to the challenge of pursuing his musical aspirations every day. Wildcat Hawkins’ new full-length album Pre-Copernican, is available now at wildcathawkins.com.
COM ING T O T H E S T AGE OCT. 28-30
ECCT PRESENTS “EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL” THE OXFORD • 7:30PM • $24-29 • ECCT.ORG 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.
NOV 4-14
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
NOV 11-13
ECCT PRESENTS “ELF THE MUSICAL”
GRAND THEATRE • THU-SUN • $25 • CVTG.ORG Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison.
PABLO CENTER • $24 • ECCT.ORG
Buddy the Elf returns to the Pablo Center stage in this musical holiday classic based on the beloved movie.
NOV 16
SECOND CITY: REMIX
NOV 19
FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL
UWEC, DAVIES CENTER • UWEC.EDU The very best in sketch and improv comedy tours with some of their greatest hits and all-new material.
PABLO CENTER • $25 • PABLOCENTER.ORG A comedic journey through VHS finds, videotaped obscurities, curiously-produced training videos, and forsaken home videos.
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Music
Same Stars, Same Sky: New Single From Eau Claire’s Courtney Hartman words by
Dance
Chaos, Collaboration Combine in ‘Tumult’ E DANCE COMPANY’S SHOW EXPLORES HEALING FROM ISOLATION words by
rebecca mennecke • photo by andrea paulseth
FROM CHAOS COMES COLLABORATION, or at least when it comes to nonprofit dance studio e Dance Company’s upcoming performance of “Tumult.” “It is somewhat jarring,” said choreographer Emily Emerson. “It is definitely abstract. I think that abstraction is really a key concept to choreographing modern dance. It’s not miming something. It is, ‘How do I take this word from the work, and how do I move that into my body?’” 11.5 The performance includes four move-
and Saturday, Nov. 6, at Forage on Barstow Street and are made possible through the Cultural Arts Grant, courtesy of Visit Eau Claire and the Wisconsin Arts Board. Choreographing a representation of the past year was somewhat chaotic in of itself, Emerson said. “It has been a bigger project than I expected,” she said. “But that’s kind of the fun part, too. That’s kind of the magic of it. I’m really, truly excited.” Dancers – including Katharine Rhoten, 11.6 Reanna Madson, and Amanda Jane Wielichowski – will perform the first three ments: Loneliness, Conflict, Fear, and movements solo, then join together for Hope, which drive the choreography and “TUMULT” • Nov. 5-6 the final movement: Hope. There will be how the themes are manifested in dance. • 7pm • Forage • Eau Claire • facebook.com/ no music behind their movement – only Loneliness, for example, is expressed edancecompany the words of local writers Elan McCallum, more internally and emotionally, whereas Khaliesya Erwandy, Charlotte Gutzmer, Conflict is more angular, fast-paced, and and Elise Eystad, who each interpreted the expansive, Emerson said. “The collective healing process is really what I’m themes of the show in a personal – yet relatable – way. going for with it,” she said. “We are a community. Even “It has a more physical sense to it, tumultuousif we are reflecting individually on our experience, I ness,” Emerson said. “I see movement with it, which think there is a benefit to hearing about someone else’s I think lends itself well to dance.” experience relating to that. And it creates this sense of For more information about e Dance Company or community and how you are a part of a group, how the to find more information about their upcoming performance of “Tumult,” visit their Facebook page at faceindividual and the group can heal together.” book.com/edancecompany. Performances are slated for 7pm on Friday, Nov. 5,
Theater
OCT. 31 NOV. 1
NOV. 15-16
NOV. 17-18
SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL
MY LADY TONGUE
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
EAU CLAIRE CHILDREN’S THEATRE ECCT.ORG
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY THEATRE • FB.ME/E/1NEU9Y0QU
CHIPPEWA VALLEY THEATRE GUILD CVTG.ORG
The family holiday classic returns to The Oxford. Roles for many adults and young people, including Scrooge, the Ghosts, the Cratchits, and a group of carolers.
My Lady Tongue is an original comeddy play, written by Reid Sollberger and directed by Susie Draeger. Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue for the audition.
This spoof of Gothic melodramas is a quick-change marathon in which two actors play all the roles. Absurd characters, surprises, and laugh-out-loud funny.
UPCOMI NG A UDIT I ONS
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parker reed
SEEING PERFECTION IN IMPERFECT TIMES – that’s the goal of a new music video from a new Eau Claire musician. Courtney Hartman, an indie-folk singer-songwriter released a chilling new song, “Moontalk,” from her upcoming album Glade, describing the universal feeling of isolation. The accompanying music video takes clips of the moon taken by 60 individuals (a few of whom are from Eau Claire) in 18 states and 12 countries to illustrate how we all see the same moon – a symbol of togetherness. “I wanted to capture a sense of unity by showing we all stand under the same stars and see the same sky,” Hartman said. “The moon doesn’t see our borderlines, and it doesn’t see jealousy. Taking a moon’s eye view of the world can help us take a look at our own lives and see the beauty in things again.” Hartman grew up in Colorado, and after living in New York for a few years in her adult life, she made her way to Eau Claire to begin the next chapter of her life. The soulful folk songstress recorded the majority of Glade while living in a barn in Colorado, and later teamed with Brian Joseph of Hive Studio in Eau Claire to put a bow on the musical cul- P H O T O B Y J O B A B B mination of years’ worth of hardship and self-actualization. “The idea of playing shows again, and trying to make it a reality, has been both surreal and wonderful,” Hartman said. “Getting to play shows again is a blessing and I’m really starting to rediscover the value in that. I can’t wait to plant my roots in Eau Claire and start my musical journey in the area.” The music video for Courtney Hartman’s new single “Moontalk,” is available now on YouTube. Her newest album, Glade, drops on Nov. 5.
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Words Writing
Fantastic Fifth: New Barstow & Grand Issue Out Nov. 17 words by
rebecca mennecke
THE NEWEST ISSUE OF LOCAL LITERARY JOURNAL BARSTOW & GRAND aims to reinvent what it means to be a writer in northwestern Wisconsin. “With every new issue, if we can uncover some new pocket or perspective of experience that isn’t what some people think of when they think ‘upper Midwest,’” said founder and editor Eric Rasmussen, “then I think we can continue to be a worthwhile reflection of the Chippewa Valley itself.” In 2020, the publication expanded its scope to welcome submissions from all writers from the Upper Midwest to include more diverse perspectives and to reach out to more writers in the Midwest. The new issue – which makes its debut on Nov. 17 – explores countless themes and experiences – some playful, yet some haunting, as many around the community reflected on the remnants of a year spent in turmoil due to COVID-19.
www.VolumeOne.org
words by
rebecca mennecke • photo by andrea paulseth
BOLD FEMININITY. SEXUALITY. QUEERNESS. TANTALIZING FOODS. Cinematic references to iconic pop culture. A reflection on a distinctly Chinese heritage and ’90s childhood. Dorothy Chan’s latest book, BABE, is an amalgamation of all things wild, luscious, and vivid. It’s her seductive third book, following up her award-winning collections Attack of the Fifty-Foot Centerfold and Revenge of the Asian Woman – with a notably shorter title because that single word – babe – conveys exactly what Chan was hoping to illustrate with her most recent work: a powerful reclaiming of feminine spirit. “‘Babe’ is such a versatile word,” Chan said. “It’s obviously a term of affection that a lover could call someone, but it’s used so much colloquially nowadays.” The term of endearment and feminine comradeship is especially fitting, as the book acknowledges the influence of gal-pal power duo Rita Mookerjee (co-editor of Honey Literary) and Taneum Bambrick (author of Vantage) – the “ultimate babes.” Chan’s mastery of poetic style – namely her signature triple sonnet – pivots from one theme to another, embracing movement to explore changing times, changing cultures, and changing attitudes about diverse topics. It’s a dynamic style of poetry – a stifling out of traditionally white,
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OPEN TO NEW IDEAS.
CINEMATIC & TANTALIZING
–DOROTHY CHAN, LOCAL POET + UWEC PROFESSOR
cisgender, male writing styles – that inspired from the triptych – an art she has mastered throughout her piece that exists in three panels. work that has appeared in national “A triptych is really elegant,” Chan publications such as POETRY, The American Poetry Review, and the said. “And obviously, this book has Academy of American Poets. four parts, but I consider the fourth Every poem – from “Triple part – Sapphic Babe Origin Story – to Sonnet, Because She Makes Me Hot” be this really important addendum. to “Dear Lady, Stop Gifting Me Lip It’s like a final say in the book.” Balms and Hand Cream” – beckons And Chan can really go anywhere readers to delve into a deep – yet in her poetry and beyond. As assisplayful – examination of American tant professor of English at UW-Eau culture and modern times, with added Claire, editor emeritus playfulness scattered of Hobart, book reviews throughout. co-editor of Pleiades, “In order to live in and co-founder of this world and to really Honey Literary, she thrive – not only as an not only writes poetry, artist but as a person she revolutionizes the – we have to always be poetic landscape and open to new ideas,” literary world through Chan said. “It’s really her teaching and her important for us to hear editing. from all sorts of writers. She’s not afraid to … Deep down, though, I name names. She’s not do know that I write for afraid to say it like it queer kids and queer DOROTHY CHAN is. And that’s really the people of color probacore theme of BABE: bly the most.” Don’t be afraid to be The book is brounabashedly yourself. ken up into four Dorothy Chan’s latest book, parts: Triple Sonnet for the Price of BABE, is available for pre-order Admission, American Potato Babe, through Diode Editions at www. Whiskey Soda Babe in a Blue Fur diodeeditions.com. It will hit local Coat, and Sapphic Babe Origin Story. bookshelves this winter. The sections of the collection are When formal genius meets the most startling lyric language and imagery, we find ourselves entangled with the ghosts of Sylvia and Emily—Dorothy Chan’s new collection of poems will freshen every day that you devote to them. This work is brilliant. — NormaN Dubie Dorothy Chan’s BABE is often a prismatically bittersweet coming of age. One could get the impression that they’re being confronted or traversing a fortress reading through Chan’s triple sonnets, her other dense and perfectly compressed poems. It could be true. The nostalgia here, found in food, film, literature, visual art, and other culture, is two-fold—both beautiful and destructive—beautiful when Chan’s speaker projects herself, and destructive when her speaker is projected onto by other entities. In some ways, Chan’s book is a generous and heartfelt list of complaints in response to the latter that emerge from candid and intimate accounts of family, friendships, and romance. I say generous because in this mode, the poems are equally tender, hopeful, and fierce as they also look inward at someone who is later coming into their identity in order to become their best self. Ultimately, BABE is action packed, admirable, and in its own words, “a wonder.” — DustiN P earsoN Dorothy Chan’s BABE makes me drool. Dripping with triple sonnets, I’m obsessed with this book and its radiating ferocity and tenderness. Reading this book, I kept nodding and nodding and saying YES!—feeling the lyrical power of each poem infused with resplendent queer love, transnational ache, matrilineal strength, and fierce resistance against queerphobia and the hypersexualization of Asian women. BABE takes up space and damn right it does: “I want to take up space, create my own city / that’s filled with bakeries of every color éclair / imaginable as I feed orange blossom macarons / to a lover in the tub.” These poems are sexy, honest, and voracious. Please read and celebrate this book over jello salad, fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, eggs, and poached pears in chocolate. Chan’s poems are decadent, real, and gutturally magnificent: “My lover licks the beauty / mark on my stomach—it’s the real thing.” — JaNe WoNg ISBN-13
9781939728470
$18.00
EDITIONS
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DOROTHY CHAN’S NEWEST BOOK IS
DIODE
For more information about Barstow & Grand, visit barstowandgrand.com.
A LWAY S B E
BABE
Notably, this fifth issue also features more work from undergraduate students than ever before, in addition to showcasing the broadest and most diverse selection of subgenres yet. Snag a copy at their release party at 7pm on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Lazy Monk Brewing (97 W Madison St, Eau Claire).
‘BABE’
W E H AV E T O
DOROTHY CHAN
The latest issue also incorporates the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s latest writing endeavor, the “Hope Is the Thing” project, which asked writers and nonwriters throughout Wisconsin to offer their perspectives on what gives them hope amid dark times.
Books
Books
MIDEAST + MIDWEST LOCAL AUTHOR’S LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE INSPIRES FICTIONAL THRILLERS words by
barbara arnold
LOCAL AUTHOR CATHY SULTAN ALWAYS DREAMED OF LIVING IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. When the Washington, D.C., native met her Lebanese husband, Dr. Michel Sultan, she got her wish, moving with their two small children to his home in Beirut, Lebanon, where he worked as a gastroenterologist. While visiting family in the United States in 1983, they were advised not to return to worn-torn Beirut. So, in the mid-1980s, they landed in Eau Claire as war refugees. Throughout her life in Beirut, initially idyllic and later harrowing, Sultan kept a journal. It was no surprise when her son was home on a break from college years later, and he suggested she write a book about their life in Lebanon. That was 1989. She began by writing a chapter of her memoir, which won a writing contest at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. When she found an editor, British-born Ian Graham Leask – whose wife had also lived in Beirut – she knew she had
AN AM BAS SAD O R T O SYR IA I S D E D I C AT E D T O H E R H U S B A N D MICHEL, WHO TOOK HER ON THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME – THE SAME KIND OF ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY SHE H O P E S T O TA K E R E A D E R S I N HER WRITING.
found the perfect working relationship. Her memoir A Beirut Heart: One Woman’s War and two other non-fiction books soon followed, all based on her experience living in Beirut and her 15 years of work in non-governmental organizations nearby. She knew most Americans found the situation in the Middle East complex, so she turned to fiction. This gave her not only the opportunity to impart her knowledge but capture her readers’ interest through spinning page-turning spy/political thrillers. Sultan, a self-professed news junkie, reads a number of newspapers daily, including Haaretz from Israel, Naharnet from Lebanon, and Asia Times. These sources provide wide-ranging points of view that help frame her understanding of world events, and also open windows into better understanding what the world thinks of U.S. foreign policy – all of which find their way into her storytelling. As for her characters, Sultan admits that some are fictional, while others are based off real-life people. After all, Beirut is a place of skullduggery and intrigue – the perfect place to whet the appetite of a spy novelist. Before writing The Syrian, she made an outline and imagined her characters, plotting each chapter out on a long piece of paper the length of her dining room table. The same characters followed her into Damascus Street and An Ambassador to Syria, giving her the opportunity to develop them further. The Syrian was published in October 2014; Damascus Street in May 2018. By August 2018, she had the third novel, An Ambassador to Syria, worked out in her head and was ready to put pen to paper when her husband
DREAMS TO MEMORIES. Local author Cathy Sultan incorporates her life in Beirut, Lebanon, into her third novel, which she dedicates to her late husband, who inspired every adventure since the beginning of their love.
was unexpectedly diagnosed with ALS. Sultan put her writing on hold and shifted her priorities to caregiving. It was not until after her husband’s death in April 2019 that she returned to writing, using the process as a form of therapy. With the COVID-19 shutdown, she finally had the time to focus and refine her stories. An Ambassador to Syria is dedicated to her husband Michel, who took her on the journey of a lifetime – the same kind of adventurous journey she hopes to take readers in her writing. The book has already received acclaim from a former CIA agent for its realistic characters and storyline. And, without revealing any spoilers, a fourth novel is already underway, so there may be a cliff-hanger in this book somewhere … An Ambassador to Syria, Cathy Sultan’s newest release, is available at The Local Store and Dotters Books in Eau Claire as well as online at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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Visual ON DISPLAY current art shows around the Valley SUBMITTED PHOTO
Iman Dikko – one of three UW-Eau Claire students featured in Ndani Eau-Claire – is from Nigeria and graduated this past May with a management, operational, and supply chain comprehensive major.
Film
NDANI EAU-CLAIRE UWEC GRAD’S DOCUMENTARY REFLECTS THE EXPERIENCES OF THREE AFRICAN STUDENTS IN EAU CLAIRE words by
judy berthiaume / uw-eau claire
personal growth, police bruON NOV. 6, A DOCUMENTARY 11.6 tality, and community.” THAT SHARES THE EXPERIThe Blugolds featured ENCES of three African NDANI EAU CLAIRE include Paul Agbashi, a students living in the SCREENING • 2:30pm • biology and pre-professionChippewa Valley while Nov. 6 • Micon al medicine major with a studying at UW-Eau Claire Downtown Budget pre-professional health will premiere at 2:30pm Cinema • Eau Claire • science minor who moved at the Micon Downtown tickets available at to the U.S. a year ago from Cinema in Eau Claire. miconcinemas.com Nigeria; Iman Dikko, an The force behind the international student from film, Kehinde Olu Famule Nigeria who graduated in – who graduated from May with a management, operational UW-Eau Claire in May – directed and and supply chain comprehensive filmed Ndani Eau-Claire while he major; and Christabel Araba (Bella) was still a student. He has spent the Sackey, a Ghanian American from months since his graduation editing Middleton who has a major in public the documentary, which he describes health and a minor in psychology. as a “story that needs to be told.” “We follow these students “As a Nigerian American, I see through the chaos of 2020, as they opportunities to tell stories that show the nuances, beauty and complexity of Black stories every day,” says Famule. “I saw that a story about our small African community in Eau “ M Y G O A L I S T H AT I T Claire had never been told before.” Ndani Eau-Claire – which means W I L L . . . U LT I M AT E LY “Inside Eau-Claire” in Swahili – centers around three Blugolds, shining a C R E AT E A M O R E light on the lives of a small group of African college students who live in E M PAT H E T I C A N D the Chippewa Valley. “Through the documentary, S O C I A L LY C O N S C I O U S we follow these three students through the ups and downs of their E AU CL AI RE .” semester,” Famule said. “The story includes themes of activism, Black –KEHINDE OLU FAMULE, DIRECTOR OF NDANI EAU-CLAIRE experience, the impact of COVID-19,
face challenges of being Black in a predominantly white institution and also the impact of the coronavirus,” Famule said. “Later, our focus shifts to the EndSARS movement, the youth-led social unrest created to fight police brutality, and the oppressive systems occurring back in Nigeria. The Nigerian diaspora all over the world helplessly watched the government’s violent response, and subsequently, experienced mental and emotional turmoil for their family and relatives back home. Our protagonists and their Eau Claire community are similarly impacted by this social unrest happening 6,000plus miles away.” Through the documentary, viewers will see the students grow, find their voices and work to create a brighter future, Famule says. In addition to the three featured students, the documentary also includes UWEC students, faculty and staff who are involved with the African Student Association, which is made up of students who are interested in celebrating and educating others about African cultures. Famule filmed his documentary from October-December 2020. Since January, he has been editing the film, with much of the editing work being done during his final semester of college. It was challenging to juggle the project along with college and life responsibilities, but worth the effort, he says. “My goal is that it will promote cultural understanding and give a glimpse into the lives of communities of color in Eau Claire, to ultimately create a more empathetic and socially conscious Eau Claire,” Famule says. “As a visual artist, I want my art to bring change to the world. I believe art can be a tool for social justice and film to be a medium that transcends societal barriers.” Check out the film’s trailer and learn more about the project at ndanieauclaire.com. See the full version of this article at VolumeOne.org.
Pablo Center “REFLECTED LIGHT” THE PLEIN AIR ART OF GO PAINT Sep. 11 - Nov. 14 The artists of GO Paint! Chippewa Valley have painted the rolling farmlands, dramatic river banks, charming downtown areas, prairies, and forests.
FIRST NATIONS CONTEMPORARY ART Oct. 29 - Dec. 12 What is the experience of First Nations people? Perceptions, misconceptions, and identity are explored in this third annual exhibition of First Nations artwork.
Chippewa Valley Museum “NOSTALGIA AWAKENS” Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 An exhibit featuring EVERY Star Wars action figure toy made by Kenner from 1978-1985 from the beloved original trilogy. The collection of Jarrod Roll.
Foster Gallery ART & DESIGN FACULTY EXHIBITION Oct. 15 - Nov. 14 Artwork produced and acquired by the faculty of the UWEC Department of Art and Design.
Artisan Forge Studios EXPLORING THE VERSATILITY OF BIRCH BARK Oct. 1-30 Seven talented artists who have been exploring the possibilities of birch bark as they incorporate it into their various forms of artistic expression.
Heyde Center “FIELD OF VISION” Oct. 11 - Nov. 19 Features the artwork of members of the Valley Art Association as they explore the impact 2020 has on their artwork. Come see how each artist interpreted the past year and how it is reflected in their art.
The Local Store “RECLAIMED LANDSCAPES” Until. Nov. 6 Artist Audrey Hogan uses salvaged, painted wood to create landscape art.
submit your art show! james@volumeone.org | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Life
PUSH AHEAD. Though this year’s fall colors are less vibrant than usual, families are still celebrating the season, such as heading to Ferguson’s Orchard’s pumpkin patch.
P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Food+Drink
Leisure
CALIFORNIA TACOS FOOD TRUCK SECURES BRICKAND-MORTAR SPOT IN EC
ONE LOCAL MAN’S UNIQUE TRICYCLE IS MORE ROCKETSHIP THAN BIKE
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FOOD • DRINK • NIGHTLIFE • LEISURE • RECREATION • OUTDOORS • WELLNESS • FAMILY LIFE EDITOR: REBECCA MENNECKE
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rebecca@volumeone.org
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Food+Drink Beer
LEINIE LODGE INNOVATES WITH PILOT MICROBREWERY words by
rebecca mennecke
IF YOU’RE CRAVING SOME OF LEINENKUGEL’S HIBERNATED BEERS, you may be able to snag a limited run of specialty, innovation, and classic nostalgia beers, thanks to a new pilot brewery at the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls. The pilot microbrewery offers the 154-year-old Chippewa Falls mainstay an opportunity to test smaller batches of custom innovation brews – or, to brew hibernated favorites. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to get to innovate more quickly,” said Lindsey Everson, Leinie Lodge Manager, “and get our guests’ and our fans’ feedback on what we’re doing and how we’re doing it, what they like and what they don’t like, and also have some fun with it, and maybe get to do some purely special brews that we just want a smaller run of.” The pilot brewery has been actively in the works for over a year and a half, but the idea has been brewing for even longer, Everson said. Everson estimates that the microbrewery – which features a seven-barrel system that can be flexed down to three barrels – will begin testing initial beers and calibrating their new systems by November, and will potentially start tasting new concoctions by the end of the year. The system offers potential for classes with a master brewer, contests, and much more. Visitors will be able to take a peek into the microbrewery, located in the Leinie Lodge in an area formerly used as storage, through an enormous window to see the brewing process firsthand. For more information about the microbrewery, and for more about upcoming events and new brews from Leinie’s, check out leinie.com/leinie-lodge.
New Stuff
PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH FIESTA NORTEÑA’S GOT FRESH MEXICAN EATS THAT ARE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE words by
A JOURNEY THAT TOOK ONE MAN FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE OF EL QUICHE, GUATEMALA, TO THE HEART OF EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN, led to a delicious new Mexican-style restaurant, Fiesta Norteña. Owner Francisco Depaz Raymundo moved to Eau Claire in 2013, but his dream of starting a restaurant started long before that. After opening a restaurant in Wausau called La Margarita, he moved to Eau Claire to work for eight years behind the grill at Cancun Mexican Grill. But he still didn’t feel like it was the right fit for him, so he worked with co-owner Santos Gonzalez to unique menu items include their launch their new eatery at 6220 Speedy Gonzalez (which includes Texaco Drive, formerly home of one taco and one enchilada, served Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant. with rice and beans) as well as “I want to learn new things,” their Burrito Frontera (which Raymundo said. “I always ask to includes grilled chicken or steak help other (restauburritos with sautéed rant) owners, and it onions, bell peppers, and FIESTA NORTEÑA hasn’t been working.” tomatoes, topped with (534) 349-1002 Fiesta Norteña’s cheese, lettuce, tomato, Facebook (Fiesta Norteña menu strives to and sour cream). Sides Mexican Grill) have the same fresh include beans, rice, taste found in Latin jalapenos, grilled America, but with an onions, sautéed mushrooms, American twist. “It’s a mixer,” he California vegetables, French said. They serve traditional fajifries, side salads, and tortillas. tas, taco salad, guacamole, Huevos Perhaps most notably, however, Con Chorizo, chicken wraps, tacos, is their broad selection of margariand chimichangas. Some of their tas, with almost any kind of tequila
SUBMITTED PHOTO
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rebecca mennecke • photos by andrea paulseth
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and almost any flavor, including lime, strawberry, raspberry, mango, peach, banana, jalapeño, and a blend of any of the above. Quality control is something that’s especially important to Raymundo and Gonzalez, who strive to capture the freshest taste possible. “It tastes good because I am in the kitchen and, for example, if I see something that isn’t … OK, I’ll throw it in the garbage,” Raymundo said. “I’m not happy with putting something in the garbage, but I want to make the customers happy.” Check out more information at their Facebook page, Fiesta Nortena Mexican Grill.
WE WERE RAISED TO BE A FA M I LY, S O A S A FA M I LY W E LEARNED HOW TO DO ALL OF THIS TOGETHER. –NATALIE VELASQUEZ, DAUGHTER OF OWNERS NOE AND ROSINA VELASQUEZ
WHAT’S ALL THE TACOBOUT? Check out California Tacos’ unique California burrito, which includes a tortilla filled with a choice of meat, rice, sour cream, ooey-gooey cheese, and tater tots. Yeah, that’s right: Tater tots.
Profile
Taco Talk: A Unique Twist on Traditional Mexican Eats at California Tacos ... WITH AN E.C. BRICK-AND-MORTAR AS SOON AS NEXT YEAR words by
reonna huettner
NEED A NEW RESTAURANT TO TACOBOUT? cheese, and tater tots. That’s right, Check out this new California-style tater tots! They also serve tortas, Mexican food truck located in Eau California nachos, pambazo, sobes, Claire. What was once a catering and quesadillas with fresh ingredibusiness on the West Coast turned ents prepared daily. into a community-faAfter moving to the vorite taco truck: area nine years ago, California Tacos. owners Noe and Rosina CALIFORNIA TACOS Their menu consists Velasquez sold their (715) 530-4272 of classic burritos and original food truck, Facebook (California Tacos) tacos with four differbought a new one to ent types of meats and withstand Wisconsin a side of rice, alongside winters, and embarked their West Coast-inspired menu on their new adventure in the food options like the California burrito truck business with their first per– a tortilla filled with one choice of manent location at 1827 Brackett meat, rice, sour cream, ooey-gooey Ave. in Eau Claire.
“I think my parents are still in shock,” said Natalie Velasquez, one of the owner’s daughters, who helps with the business, “and they thank everyone who tries our food all the time.” In the past, Noe Velasquez worked as a butcher, learning to prepare, cut, cook, and use various meats in the best way to complement his dishes. Alongside him, Rosina Velasquez learned how to portion seasonings to create the ultimate flavor combinations over the years, and they continue to cook together. As their family grew, the business became more
family-oriented, making their food truck more than just a truck but a place where they can do what they love as a family while providing food for people to enjoy. “We were raised to be a family,” Natalie Velasquez said, “so as a family we learned to do all of this together.” With nine members, the Velasquez family works together to choose items for their menu, create daily specials, and make sure that their food can be shared with their customers daily in the Chippewa Valley. And this food truck is only the beginning, according to their daughter, as they hope to buy a second food truck and also open the doors to their very own restaurant inside a new permanent location by next year. “This is something they worked for for so long, (and although) we might look small, what comes out of it is amazing,” Valesquez said. The family hopes both longtime customers as well as newbies to the biz continue to come out and support their small business – and get delicious eats out of it as well! For more information, check out California Tacos on Facebook (California Tacos) or give them a call at (715) 530-4272.
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Leisure Recreation
Get Pumped For Pinehurst Park’s Pump Track words by
rebecca mennecke
PINEHURST PARK IN EAU CLAIRE HAS SEEN A WHOLE LOTTA’ ACTION THIS FALL, as a community-led effort to create a new pump track – a 500-foot circuit of rollers and banked turns that local bikers can use to gain momentum and speed through pumping – gains traction.
ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND. Only 600 unique tricycles similar to Eau Claire’s Paul Cary have ever been made in the U.S.
Recreation
ROCKETSHIP? NAH. VELOMOBILE.
In October, the City of Eau Claire and OutdoorMore Inc. hauled materials to the park to build the pump track – most notably a ton of dirt. The track includes about 30 bumps and rollers as well as six berms in the corners. Over 20 volunteers stepped up to make it happen, according to organizers. On Oct. 16, the park hosted the Pinehurst Jam and one-wheel race, which saw “an amazing turnout,” according to Skip Contardi, member of OutdoorMore Inc. They decided to wait until next year to install the asphalt necessary to pave the pump track in the hopes that they will be able to expand the track beyond 500 feet. “We’re teaching these kids life skills and they don’t even realize it because they’re having fun,” Contardi said in an interview earlier this summer. “They’re developing building skills, teamwork, (and) accountability.”
PHOTO BY NICK MEYER
Learn more about the project – and keep up to date with progress – at www.facebook.com/ ThePinehurstProject. Or, check out the track at 3523 Delbert Rd. in Eau Claire.
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ONE LOCAL MAN’S UNIQUE TRICYLE TURNS HEADS words by
PAUL CARY IS USED TO DRAWING STARES, receiving shouted questions, and cars pulling over to hail him as he soars through the streets of Eau Claire. And though Cary might like to think it’s because of his mustachioed, salt-and-pepper good looks, it’s most likely because of his Velomobile, a gleaming white trike that resembles more a Bonneville land speed contender than a conventional bicycle. A passionate cyclist for the past 10 years, Cary first discovered the Velomobile on the internet seven years ago. As a former Air Force plane mechanic, he found the aerodynamic shape and cutting-edge technology fascinating. Not to mention, the enclosed interior appealed to Cary when it came to a cyclist’s toughest challenge: poor weather. “There were so many days I wanted to go out riding and the weather would be rainy,” he said. “I thought: those are really neat! You can be completely tucked in. I almost look forward to rain now!” With only one dealer in the U.S., and manufacture limited to just a few European fabricators (his was made in the Czech Republic), Cary purchased his Katanga Waw Velomobile over the web at Bicycle Evolution in Plano, Texas. Orders for Velomobiles take a minimum of two years to fill (probably longer now due to supply chain problems as a result
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ron davis • photo by andrea paulseth
to 100 miles. Most of those miles are of COVID-19), but Cary found a showlimited to the road. room model that had all the options “Typically, I do not like to ride on he wanted. the trails,” Cary said. “Since COVID Only about 600 Velomobiles like (first hit the area), the trails are often Cary’s have ever been produced, with so crowded, and people aren’t paying only three on the roads in Wisconsin. attention. You have to slow down to But, there are likely a few thousand walking speed.” similar makes and models all over The trike can easily cruise the world. around 20 miles an hour – and going His Velomobile features a peddownhill, Cary said he’s reached al-assist motor and batteries, airspeeds of 40 or 50 miles per hour. ride suspension, and a foul-weather When it comes to safety, though bubble, and is constructed primarily Cary said his trike has of hand-formed, almost all the creature ultra-light carbon comforts of a vehicle, he fiber. stays in the bike lanes “One of the and does not challenge biggest drawPEOPLE ARE car traffic. “Cars seem to backs is price, give me more room,” he of course,” Cary L I K E , ‘ W H AT said, “possibly because admitted. He of the visibility (the stark shared that when I S T H AT ? ’ white Velomobile carries he first told his an array of LED lightwife about the –PAUL CARY, VELOMOBILIST ing). They’re low to the Velomobile, her ground. But, because of response was, their uniqueness, they tend to pique “Fourteen thousand dollars for a drivers’ interest, and they have their bike?” anchors out.” Now near the end of fall with his In fact, Cary said he can’t go anyVelomobile, Paul has traveled over where without drawing attention, 3,000 miles – 1,000 of those earning so don’t feel reluctant to give him a pledges to the Childhood Cancer wave. “I’ve had so many conversaAwareness Fund. The range of a tions with folks, the high fives,” he Velomobile using Category 1 consaid. “It’s a privilege to go down the stant pedal assist is around 50 miles; road with even the mailman waving. however, Cary often turns the assist People are like, ‘What IS that?’” motor off and can stretch his trips
Attractions
May the Toys Be With You: Museum Exhibits Complete Collection Of Vintage Star Wars Toys YES, THESE ARE THE DROIDS YOU WERE LOOKING FOR. Droids, Jedi, Storm Troopers, bounty hunters, and all manner of creatures, as well as their vehicles and assorted environments, are part of “The Nostalgia Awakens,” a new exhibit at the Chippewa Valley Museum that will fascinate fans of the Star Wars saga, no matter their age. The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 31, features every classic Star Wars action figure made by Kenner between 1978 and 1985 and based on characters from the original Star Wars trilogy. That’s 100 unique action figures – from the well-known (Luke and Leia) to the obscure (Yak Face, anyone?), plus 19 vehicles, 13 playsets, and five large creatures. The collection belongs to Jarrod Roll, who as a young child remembers seeing the very first Star Wars film at the theater in Hartford, Wisconsin, in late 1977. “I left, like most kids did, super excited by the movie,” recalled Roll, who grew up to become both a lifetime Star Wars fan and a museum curator. The private collection became a public exhibit a few years ago when the Star Wars film series was revived with The Force Awakens. A colleague of Roll’s at the Monroe County History Room & Museum in Sparta suggested that he display the toys in a temporary space at the museum. Like the mysterious Force itself, nostalgia is what binds us together. “The Nostalgia Awakens” will be on display at the Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire’s Carson Park through Dec. 31. Special family activity times (including LEGO building challenges, robotics demonstrations, Wookie cookie decorating, and more) are planned at the following dates and times: Nov. 6, 1-4pm; Nov. 11, 6-8pm; Nov. 20, 1-4pm; Dec. 2, 6-8pm; and Dec. 11, 1-4pm. Visit cvmuseum.com for full details. –Tom Giffey P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
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| OCTOBER 28, 2021
Features
GET ON BOARD! As Eau Claire’s skate scene gains momentum – and the potential for a new skate park quickly becomes more of a reality – more women and LGBTQ+ skaters are getting on board. “Skateboarding has absolutely changed my life in the greatest way possible,” said local skater Cassie Woods. “The only reason I am where I am now is because of a skateboard. Read more about the skateboarding scene on page 40.
PHOTO BY GABBIE HENN
Women in the Lead
Coffee Culture
Valley Style
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF FEMALE LEADERS IN THE VALLEY
CHECK OUT WHAT IS BREWING IN THE LOCAL COFFEE SCENE
LOCAL LOOKS AND TRENDY VIBES ON FULL DISPLAY
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REBECCA MENNECKE TAY L O R M C C U M B E R
EAU CLAIRE’S SKATEBOARDING SCEN E IS BUILDING MOMENTUM WITH INCREASED DIVERSITY & SOM E POSSIBLE BIG NEW PROJECTS
ARTW ORK BY Dan Ezra Lang
P skateboarding scene is that, for a long erhaps the beauty of the Eau Claire
AR TW OR K BY s An dy Je nk in
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time, it was a hidden gem, known only by those who were part of it. “Skate parks didn’t really exist until skateboarding became mainstream,” said Dan Ezra Lang, a longtime skater who now works as a graphic design lecturer at UW-Stout. “It was underground.” Lang began skateboarding in the mid ‘80s after spotting a skateboarder doing tricks on the sidewalk. What tricks he didn’t learn from his friends, he said, he learned from mass media. It was instantly alluring.
Lang and his friends would go on to exchange stickers, punk music recommendations, and zines – short magazines created using Xerox machines that included essays, music, interviews, drawings, and more – with a man by the name of “Mel Bend” – a www.VolumeOne.org | OCTOBER 28, 2021
1980s pen name for Andy Jenkins, the founder and editor of Freestylin’, a BMX biking magazine based out of Los Angeles. Lang designed logos inspired by skateboarding culture, such as his Ugly Fish logo, that were later integrated into Jenkins’ Club Homeboy brand. Skateboarding was about more than just the sport, Lang said. It was about the culture: the punk-rock, hip-hop, and alternative music taste; the style of clothes; and the outcast-slash-misfit, countercultural identity. Inspired by that culture, Lang pursued graphic design, and has designed album art for recording artists El-P, Aesop Rock, and Mr. Life, and has worked with national brands such as Sprite and Nokia. The community of skaters in the 1980s was small, mainly comprising Lang and a few friends – perhaps most notably brothers Andy Schansberg and Matt Skjonsberg. Schansberg went on to launch his now
nationally recognized skateboard brand, Molotov Skateboards. “I try to keep Eau Claire a secret,” Schansberg said. “But at this point, it’s kind of hard, like with Bon Iver … it exposed what was cool about living in Eau Claire. ... When I think about dreams I have for my kids, it’s the life I had growing up in Eau Claire. Skateboarding was the extra spike in the punch.” Skjonsberg pursued a degree in architecture from the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, later obtaining his doctorate degree. Now based in Switzerland, he designs and studies skate parks around the globe. In 1986, however, the growing momentum for the scene slowed, as the E.C. City Council enacted its first ordinance regarding skateboarding, found in Chapter 13.12 of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Ordinances, making it illegal to skateboard in most streets, sidewalks, and public areas in Eau Claire.
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cross the country – and around the globe – skateboarding has seen a skyrocket in popularity since its early genesis in California’s surf scene. It’s no surprise why.
Skateboarding – known for its punk-alternative-rebel identity – has always been about including people who haven’t felt that sense of a tightknit community elsewhere. After the sport’s inclusion in the summer 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – marking the first time skateboarding was considered one of the top competitive sports in the country – more women and LGBTQ+ skaters have hopped on board to roll ahead, creating more momentum for an already-flourishing skateboarding scene in the Chippewa Valley. Here’s a look at the rise of skateboarding’s popularity in Eau Claire – from its underground identity in the early ‘80s to the rising momentum it sees today, with a proposal pending for a new skate park in Boyd Park, new school skate clubs, and – above all – the potential for a more robust skateboarding scene in the Chippewa Valley.
Fthe first Eau Claire skate
ast forward to 1999, when
park officially completed construction. The YMCA skate park, formerly located at 299 Moore Street, was the first location specifically meant for skaters to safely ride without damaging private or public property in the area. But there were issues almost from the get-go. In order to ensure the safety of children using the park, the YMCA charged an entrance fee. Their limited hours dissuaded young middle- and high school-aged kids from using the parks at certain times. Its design was flawed, too. It was constructed of prefabricated metal rather than more permanent concrete. After years of use, joints between the skating surface became uneven, creating crevices that tripped up skaters and caused injury. YO U T U B
YMCA SKATE PARK 1999-2013
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ANDY JENKINS
1999
ANDY SCHA NSBER G
MATT SKJONSBERG PHOT M O L O O S BY E U G E T OV S K AT E BN E L L OY D A ND OA R D S
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ANDREA PA U L S E T H
UN DE RL OU D SK AT E SH OP WAS A KE Y M EE T- UP SP OT FO R LO CA L SK AT ER S UN TI L IT S CL OS UR E IN 20 09 .
Cof Passion Board
hris Johnson, onwer
skate shop, has lived in Eau Claire since 1994 and distinctly remembers the impact the local skate shop, called Underloud (217 N. Barstow St.), which opened in 2003, had on his childhood. “I would take the city bus downtown instead of taking the bus home,” he said, “and I would skate every day. This was before we all had cell phones. … We would meet down at Underloud – that’s kind of what people still do now. We would go down there, and once we had, I don’t know, three, five, maybe more of us, we would go out to street skating spot to spot until we got kicked out by the cops … because skateboarding is illegal.”
EU GE NE LL OY
D
Lwas constructed in July akeshore skate park
of 2013 after years of fundraising efforts, thanks to the Eau Claire Skaters Association. City Council contributed $55,000 for the modest, 2,400 square-foot project, with skaters chipping in what they could. According to Adam Eichorn, lead of skatepark development for Spohn Ranch – the developer for Eau Claire’s new skate park, Lakeshore is classified as a skate spot, not a skate park – the difference being that it is too small to be defined as a park. Many cities incorporate skate spots surrounding a larger park to create a more robust skateboarding community. “I don’t want to say anything
2013
2003 2 009 Wof the Eau Claire hen the founder
GABE BRUMMETT
ANDRE A PA U L SETH
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Skaters Association Gabe Brummett first moved to Eau Claire, he found Eau Claire’s only indie skate shop, Underloud, was closed – everything packed in boxes. Similarly, there was no public skate park. “I had never lived in a town where there was no skate park, so I immediately went to parks and rec and was like, ‘What’ can we do here?” Brummett said. “The community of skateboarding got me through my early years. And I want that for youth in this community.”
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AN D R EA PA
U LS ET H
LAKESHORE SKA T E P A R K WA S C O N S T R U C T E D IN 2013. THOUGH SMALL , IT WA S IM M E D IAT E LY A H IT .
bad about Lakeshore,” Eichorn said, “but it is small, and it is extremely limited in what you can do.” Though local skaters celebrated the new park, they were also quick to criticize it. “It’s a really condensed space, and it skates pretty fast,” said Neil Miller, a UW-Eau Claire graduate who skated at the Eau Claire park throughout college. “And so one of the first things I noticed was that it was really difficult for the younger skaters to take that headspace that, OK, it’s my turn.” So, the Eau Claire Skaters Association pivoted to begin fundraising for another park. Perhaps an omen of bad luck, it was only a few months after the Lakeshore skate park opened that the YMCA’s skate park closed.
SK AT EI SM
CASSIE WOODS, A LOCAL SKATEBOARDER
BRIAN ANDERSON
Askate scene blossomed, s the Eau Claire
media attention across the country shifted its focus to the increasing diversity in the skateboarding scene. In 2016, Vice published the deeply personal profile on professional skateboarder Brian Anderson, who came out that year as gay. Anderson was one of the first professional skateboarders to come out, marking a significant step toward representation in the skateboarding scene. Local skaters felt more compelled to come out as LGBTQ+, and individuals who already identified as LGBTQ+ felt more invited to skateboard.
2016 getting started With the right support structure and community, getting started in skateboarding can become highly meaningful for kids, teens, and adults. And it’s never too late to pick it up.
6-1O
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average age kids get started in skateboarding
number of girls under age 13 that medaled in the 2020 Olympics in skateboarding
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average cost of a complete skateboard
SCOVID-19 pandemic quarantine ara Hendrickson began the
GA BB IE HE NN
spring
2021
period like most: by exploring a new hobby. Alongside her 10-year-old daughter, the DeLong Middle School health teacher began skateboarding – something she had always been fascinated by, but never had the confidence to give it a shot. “It’s not something I thought was okay for an adult woman to start doing,” she admitted, “like, I felt like a total dork the first few times. I just didn’t fit the stereotype and was self-conscious about the image it would exude. I guess I kind of had a revelation in the last couple years that we only live once, and if I want to learn something new, I should do it while I still can.”
After welcoming students back to school for only four days a week, she recognized the need for social interaction and decided to start the DeLong Skate Club. About 20 students – children of all different backgrounds and identities in sixth through eighth grade – joined the club. Coming off a year of isolation, I felt that all kids needed an opportunity to do something they enjoy,” she said, “and sometimes this group doesn’t find that within the confines of traditional school sports or offerings.” Hendrickson noted that, during the same timeframe, she noticed more women and LGBTQ+ students getting involved in the scene. And it’s a trend that goes beyond middle school. “I definitely see a lot more gay skaters, myself included, which is a great thing,” said Ilka Malin, a student skateboarder at UW-Eau Claire. “Skateboarding used to be very masculine, and now I watch pro-trans skaters. And it’s just very cool to see more representation of yourself and your friends. … Other people who think they might not have been able to skate now want to go try. It’s cooler. More accepting.”
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SKATE PARK Size BY THE NUMBERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNER MOMIJI NISHIYA OF JAPAN
MENOMONIE
chippewa falls
8,OOO
5,5OO
approx. sq. ft. of skate park
approx. sq. ft. of skate park
16,OOO
14,OOO
approx. population
approx. population
Iincluded skateboarding as a
n 2020, the summer Olympics
competitive sport for the first time. It has inspired more women locally to try out skateboarding. “As girls and women, we’re seeing the world in a new light,” said Eau Claire native Sarah Burgess, who now works with Skaters for Portland Skate Parks. “Of course, we’ve always been told that we can do anything we want to … but I think girls are (also) told to be small … and girls can’t be small if they want to skateboard.”
summe
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deerfield, IL
11,OOO
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2,4OO
approx. sq. ft. of skate park
approx. sq. ft. of skate park
19,OOO
69,OOO
approx. population
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2021
approx. population
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TEau Claire chemistry stuhis past September, UW-
AN DR EA PA
UL SE TH
dent Dani Lehto started the campus’ first skate club, called Sk8 Club. In the first week of the club’s existence, it saw interest from hundreds of students. Now, over 70 students are part of the club. “I was so pleasantly surprised when the skaters that knew what they were doing ... were helping people who had never skated before on their own boards,” Lehto said. “They were teaching people without me even having to ask them to do this. They just started doing it. It was exactly this idea that I had in my mind that there would be this place where people would come and try this thing, and people are going to be helpful and nice and encouraging, and it totally became that, and it’s super crazy.” Lehto, a Brookfield native who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, started skating because she thought it was cool. But she was often excluded from skateboarding circles. “Especially being a girl and everything,” she said. “I didn’t get ‘in’ with the skater kids. And, of course, I could have powered through and probably made myself fit in, but at the time, it’s not easy when you’re a kid, when you’re a teenager, navigating social things like that. … I could only imagine that a community of people could be kind in that way and supportive in that way.”
AN DR EA PAUL SE
TH
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DANI LEHTO, FOUNDER OF SK8 CLUB
E R U T U F E H T
SKATE PARK PROPOSAL at Boyd Park
Wof Eau Claire, both Chippewa Falls and
ith less than a quarter of the population
Menomonie have skate parks that are more than two times and three times the size of Eau Claire’s, respectively. While the Chippewa Falls park is aging and needs repairs (due to its style of construction), Menomonie’s park, at roughly 8,000 square feet, is quite popular. And while Eau Claire has significantly invested in fantastic parks and trails overall, as well as nice facilities for soccer, hockey, and many other sports, investment in skateboarding and its creative culture has lagged well behind. And some local skate advocates think they know why.
river access and event space, and more. Along with those amenities, they’ve allocated roughly 5,000 square feet for skate space. While that’s more than twice the size of what’s currently at Lakeshore, it’s still quite undersized when stacked against comparable communities. Larger versions have been floated, even with potential support from City leadership, but they eat up limited space that’s been set aside for other parts of the park. Plus, larger versions cost more.
The current skate park proposal would take $275,000 to build. As of today, the Skaters Association has raised $65,000 to put toward the park from individuals, businesses, and grants. At least $10k of that money has come from young skaters themselves through old school grassroots efforts like raffles and change jars. According to Brummett, one kid even invited a bunch of friends to his birthday party and instead of asking for gifts, asked for them However, in 2015 the to bring cash for Eau Claire ComprehenGABE BRUMMETT, FOUNDER OF THE EAU CLAIRE SKATERS ASSOCIATION the skate park. He sive Plan for our parks ended up donating and trail system did nearly $600. identify that the community should create “several small concrete plazas With this kind of enthusiasm around the sport, of 2,000 to 4,000 square feet in various parts of in addition to regular daily use, Brummett hopes the city for skate parks.” While those sized spacto use the new space for after school skate clubs, es aren’t the singular full-featured park many lessons, and summer day camps. advocates would like to see, they’d certainly be a step in the right direction. Yet since the skate spot at Lakeshore Park opened in 2013 with 2,400 square feet – two years previous While the ECSA plans to raise another $10k to to the comprehensive plan – no additional reach $75,000 total, on November 9 they also plan skate plazas have been added. to ask City Council to allocate $200,000 out of the upcoming five-year capital improvement plan. Other funding methods around that, for all of the Boyd Park Plus plan, could include the new With momentum in the skateboarding federal Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant, community here now picking up speed, which offers $200 million for communities to a logical next step would be to construct help deliver “innovative public services, includthe larger skate park that the Eau Claire ing new or improved facilities.” Or Eau Claire’s Skaters Association has been working new “participatory budgeting” process, which toward for a number of years. Led by Gabe allocates $300,000 in 2022 for any projects that Brummett, the ECSA has worked with the citizens can pitch are needed for the communiEastside Hill Neighborhood Association to ty. Citizens then vote on the projects that will put a new skate park into the plans for the new receive funding. Boyd Park Plus project along Main Street. And Through working with the City on the project, it would seem its moment has arrived. Brummett indicates he feels there’s council The broader park’s plans propose mainsupport. But more than just that, he feels taining Boyd Park’s skating rink, but that the growth of the sport – in terms of adding two new playgrounds, commuvisibility, diversity, and more – means nity gardens, sport courts, improved that there’s growing community support, “The problem is, skateboarding has primarily been a poor kid’s sport for forever,” Passion Board Shop owner Chris Johnson said. “Since you don’t have wealthier, influential parents involved, then things don’t get done… The people who have influence, their ideas, and the things they want, are the things that happen.”
THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
A COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITY
as individuals and families from all backgrounds are taking part in skating, like he does with his 9-year-old son, Burley. “Skateboarding is a great equalizer. It’s been like that since I was a kid and it’s even more like that now,” he said. “When you show up at the skate park, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, boy or girl, or whatever. As long as you’re there to have fun, regardless of skill level, people are there to support you.”
EVEN MORE WAYS TO SKATE The skate space at Boyd Park isn’t the only idea currently on the table. Now serving a volunteer three-year term on the city’s Parks and Waterway Commission, Passion Board Shop’s Chris Johnson is currently working on a concept to integrate 10 multi-use obstacles throughout Eau Claire’s trail network. Skateboarders, roller skaters, BMX bikers, and kids riding scooters could utilize these obstacles, which Johnson hopes will cost under $5,000 for each obstacle. The plan would be to split bike paths at various points to enable the obstacle – small jumps, rails, etc – to run parallel, and then merge back to the path. The idea is,” Johnson explained, “that since we aren’t realistically going to get a skate park within skateboarding distance of everywhere a kid lives in town, we can at least do this.” Regardless of how it’s achieved, a successful skating infrastructure can be a major cultural contributor to a community, and an untapped resource in getting a whole subculture of youth engaged in their community in a more meaningful way that speaks to them. Among a litany of benefits, skate parks have been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of users, and reduce social exclusion and deviant behavior. And in this way, they can benefit not only the users but the entire community, well into the future.
CHECK OUT MORE ABOUT THE SKATEBOARDING SCENE The future of the Eau Claire skateboarding scene – ultimately – is in our hands. For more information about the Eau Claire skateboarding scene, visit the Eau Claire Skaters Association’s Facebook page at facebook.com/EauClaireSkateboarders, or check out Passion Board skate shop at passionboardshop.com | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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I N S P I R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N First hmong principal in U.S. extends passion for Others beyond the classroom words by
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t the height of the Vietnam War, a family of five fled from Long Tieng, Laos, to Thailand in the middle of the night. The father, a captain of the Royal Lao Army, had fought on behalf of Americans and applied for asylum in the United States. Kaying Xiong was only 6 years old when she entered the Eau Claire Public School system after moving from Chicago in 1981 to Eau Claire, while her father sought an education at what is now known an Chippewa Valley Technical College to pursue a higher-level career. Immediately, Xiong and her family looked for ways to make connections, as there were very few Hmong families in the area. “Any Hmong family would provide comfort and provide a level of security that we were so yearning
reonna huettner • photo by andrea paulseth
for because we didn’t have any other family,” Xiong said. Xiong eventually graduated from Memorial High School, and attended UW-Eau Claire for her teaching degree. Throughout her educational experience, she and her siblings felt that school was a safe place and that they could trust the teachers who were taking time to listen to their needs outside of the classroom. “They supported us socially and emotionally,” she said. After graduation, Xiong accepted a position as a second-grade teacher. Over time, she transitioned to being an English as a Second Language instructor while pursuing an advanced degree at UW-Superior in their Educational Administration Leadership program. In 2001, Xiong made history by becoming the first Hmong principal
“I AM J US T SO PASSI O NATE ABO U T MA K ING S U R E THAT W E AS ADU LTS ARE THER E FOR E VE R Y C H ILD. A ND I MEAN EVERY CHI LD.” – K AY I N G X I O N G,
ECASD DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES
in the United States – at least, as far as she knows. “Nobody has ever refuted (it),” Xiong said with a smile. She was a principal at Eau Claire’s Locust Lane Elementary for 15 years, then went on to work on her doctorate in Educational Leadership through Hamline University, graduating in 2016. Xiong now serves as director of student services for the Eau Claire Area School District, where she went from impacting 300 students in one building to impacting all 11,400 students in all 20 buildings run by the ECASD. Her goal is to provide the best possible services to keep students on track for the best educational experience possible – no matter how hard that may be. “There’s a solution for every student, no matter where they’re at academically, socially, emotionally, or behaviorally,” she said. “(We just need) to figure out that solution for every child.” A part of that solution starts with leadership in the district. And Xiong expressed the importance of what that leadership looks like and as a woman of color, she believes her work will have an impact long after she steps away from her position. The footprint
she leaves behind, she hopes, will continue to support students – especially students of color and young women. Xiong wants to continue finding educational strategies that will work to support the social and emotional needs of children throughout the district. “We have a great academic system, but if we aren’t there emotionally or socially, then they aren’t there for us to use the academic system,” Xiong said. Change, especially large change within an even larger system, takes time, but she looks forward to watching it all unfold in the years to come. “I feel like I am in a good place with the work that I do because I am just so passionate about making sure that we as adults are there for every child,” she said, “and I mean every child.” Xiong hopes that students remember the district as a place that cares about them as a person first, then a student second. “It’s rarely about what is learned,” Xiong said, “but how the adults in their lives make them feel.” A child’s experience in the district shapes who they will become and how they will impact the world. As Xiong said: change takes time, but it starts with this generation.
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U N WAV E R I N G VOICE Col l een coun ty
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b oa rd words by tom
C
s pea k s
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giffey • photo by andrea paulseth
olleen Bates’ first brush with local politics came more than 40 years ago when she became active in an effort to save Mount Washington Elementary School from closure. Her neighborhood-level activism caught the eye of local leaders, including David Duax, then chairman of the Eau Claire County Board. He asked her to consider running for an open county board seat. At the time, Bates was working fulltime while also raising seven children, and she wondered if she had the time to serve in public office. As she pondered, however, she got a call from the outgoing county board representative in her district telling her that she didn’t have to run because he had found someone to do so. Ironically, this sealed her decision to seek public office. Apparently, telling Colleen Bates that she shouldn’t do something is a bad idea. “I thought ‘what?’ ” she recalls with a laugh, “and decided that basically I had something I could offer,
and decided to run.” She was elected to the board in the spring of 1983, and has served continuously since then. At the time, she was one of only three women on the 29-member board. (Today, there are 15.) Over nearly four decades, Bates has maintained a dedication to the county and the programs it provides to people, particularly in the area of human services. Her understanding of the challenges many of our neighbors face came from personal experience: For years, she worked in the office of her husband, the late Dr. Patrick Bates, an independent family physician in downtown Eau Claire. “You recognized the difference between individuals who had good health coverage and those that did not,” she recalled. “It wasn’t difficult to see the connection, as I came onto the county board, between individuals who really had access to services and what happened to those who did not.” Bates said she has paired her
dedication to human services programs, which help people when they are struggling significantly, with working on County Extension efforts to proactively create educational programs. “It isn’t just knowing those (problems) exist, it’s a question of saying to yourself, ‘We have to do better,’ ” Bates explained. Earlier this fall, Bates was honored with the “Friend in County Government” award by the Wisconsin Counties Association, that group’s highest honor. In addi-
tion to being first vice chair of the Eau Claire County Board, Bates has served on the WCA board of directors and is president of the Wisconsin Extension Association. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of Bates’ decades of service to the people of the Chippewa Valley and beyond – especially those who cannot speak up for themselves. “I’m always going to be an advocate for individuals that I think need a voice,” Bates said. “The county board gave me that opportunity, and I’m very grateful for it.”
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S TA N D I N G O U T IN STEM U W EC
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denise olson / uw-eau claire integrated marketing & communications
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t’s not unusual for Blugold alumni around the U.S. and the globe to be recognized for major accomplishments in their fields. Yet some alumni success stories stand out – literally, like a big orange statue. Beatris Mendez Gandica, a 2013 UW-Eau Claire information systems and international business graduate, is a security program manager at Microsoft and CEO and founder of the Nuevo Foundation.
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She recently was chosen as one of 125 women ambassadors of STEM in the U.S. to be immortalized in a display of life-sized 3D statues for the “IF/THEN” campaign from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Currently on display in Dallas, Texas, the “IF/THEN” exhibit is the largest-ever collection of women’s statues assembled in one location at one time. The 3D orange statues represent contemporary role models
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ABOVE, LEFT: The life-sized statue of Beatris Mendez Gandica, one of 125 women in STEM honored by the “IF/THEN” campaign. ABOVE, RIGHT: The process of creating the life-sized “IF/THEN” statues involved each model posing in this special photo booth which captured their 3D likeness for the printer. in STEM from a wide range of industries including business, education, entertainment, and engineering. Mendez Gandica, who received an Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award from the UWEC Alumni Association in 2019, established the Nuevo Foundation in 2018 with a mission to prepare underrepresent-
ed minority youth to become leaders through discovering STEM. “I discovered computers at age 10 and coding as a freshman in college,” she says. “Realizing that underrepresented students weren’t being exposed to STEM or coding role models, I started Nuevo Foundation to teach young students
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to code. I want more kids to have opportunities in technology and follow their passions.” As of late summer, the Nuevo Foundation has offered coding and other tech classes to more than 10,000 children in 31 countries and Puerto Rico. In reflection of this work, Mendez Gandica received the 2019 Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers’ 40 under 40 Award, each recognized for leadership in their communities and their corporations. Mendez Gandica is based in Seattle and is currently working remotely from Berlin, Germany. She
will be traveling to Dallas later this month to visit the “IF/THEN” exhibit before it concludes at the end of October, at which time the statues will be off to various smaller-scale installations around the country. “I have many plans this month in recognition of Latinx Heritage Month, and it will be wonderful to visit the exhibit at this special time. Out of all 125 statue models, seven of us are Latinas, and 20 of us are in computer science,” she says, adding her hopes that everyone who visits the “IF/THEN” statues in Dallas or somewhere else will seize the moment to honor women role models.
“If you happen to see one of the orange statues, please take a picture with it. It’s not often that you will stumble across a statue of a woman.” Mendez Gandica stays in contact with several UWEC faculty members, keeping them updated on her career and exciting news like the statue exhibit. One of her former professors, Dr. Judy René Sims, professor emerita of communication and journalism, was thrilled and not at all surprised when Mendez Gandica shared this honor with her. “Bea has been using her education and voice to empower young women to change the world through achievements in STEM,” Sims says.
“She is a leader and an unstoppable force who believes that young women can and will create great things in the future through science and technology.” As for her own interpretation of being seen as a national role model, Mendez Gandica is humbled and fulfilled by seeing that her work is bringing impressive results. “It’s crazy to think that someone like me could become a model for an exhibit honoring women in STEM, but it’s proof that STEM is for everyone, not just a few. I am passionate about teaching coding to kids and showing them that anything is possible.”
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B O N H O M I E, B O N S P I E L S, A N D B R O O M S TA C K I N G ! E.C. Curling Club aims to recruit more women curlers, relaunch women's league words by
C
urling is an inclusive sport that makes room for people of all ages and abilities. And amid the camaraderie and respect that typifies this centuries-old sport, the Eau Claire Curling Club stands out for its dedication to encouraging new players and ensuring that everyone interested in playing gets a chance to try different positions on a team. The Club’s nationally renowned ice sheets make it a fantastic venue for all levels of competition. Teams consist of four players, each with a specific role, and the club has been actively recruiting new members – reaching out specifically to women in the hopes of restarting its women’s league, which has been on a hiatus since 2010. A league needs 24 players in order to take part in a season. Right now, women members of the club play in mixed, recreational leagues. During the season, there are league competitions every evening. The level of competitiveness varies and includes a number of recreational leagues. The season runs from October to March. Enthusiasts say that curling is a great way to get exercise amongst close friends. And if
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keely khoury • photo by andrea paulseth
you’re new to the sport, it’s a great way to make friends. Curling competitions are called bonspiels, and the highly anticipated sharing of food and drink after each match is called broomstacking. As part of the sport’s unwritten rules of etiquette, once a match ends, the two teams sit down together at a round table to share a meal. That friendship is largely why bonspiels have the reputation they do – for being lots of fun! Lisa Canaday, the Tuesday league convener, says that the sport includes a number of different techniques that make it possible to accommodate people with a range of physical abilities and prior curling experience. She encourages everyone to give it a try. What does Canaday enjoy most about curling? “The mix of strategy, science, and exercise,” she said. “And, of course, broomstacking!” The ECCC doesn’t have a waiting list, and league conveners will find ways to make sure that anyone interested in playing gets time on the ice. In November, the Club will host the Junior National Championships. More information can be found at curlingclub.com.
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100 WOMEN WHO CARE IN EAU CLAIRE W ome n - run orga n i z a t io n s upports l oca l n on p r o f it s words by
I
justine childs
n 2006, Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Michigan, saw a need for baby cribs in her community. She thought to ask 10 friends for $1,000 to donate cribs to those who needed them, but then thought asking 100 women for $100 would probably be a little bit easier. The initial 100 women raised $12,800 in less than an hour, and the alliance has grown to more than 650 operational chapters to date. Pam Haller became aware of the program in other communities and saw an opportunity to help nonprofits in the Chippewa Valley. She hoped to have 100 women come to the first meeting, and 120 came. Nonprofit applicants, who are nominated by members of the chapter, must serve Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire counties and have 501(c)(3) status. Three applicants are chosen to attend each quarterly meetings to share background information on their organizations, the needs they have, and what they would do with donated funds. One nonprofit is chosen and presented with checks from the members – each written for $100. Currently, there are 200 women involved in the local chapter. Mickey Judkins, owner of Details
on Water Street, has been a member since the Eau Claire chapter’s genesis in May 2018. “As we strengthen the services offered, we strengthen the community,” she said. The chapter has proven to be an efficient and powerful way to raise funds in just one meeting; netting $20,000 to 30,000 at every gathering is a “game changing (amount of ) money for many groups,” Judkins said. The chapter has helped 12 nonprofits to date, but more importantly they have exposed the group to many more in the area. “I’m in incredibly proud of the work this group has done,” Haller said. “This group of women reminds me if we come together and work as one for the betterment of our community, we will live in a community that we are proud to be a part of.” Members are asked to commit to one year, comprising four total meetings, and donate $100 each meeting. One woman with $100 can make a small change, but 200 women with $100 each can make a significant change. If you are interested in joining 100 Women Who Care, visit their Facebook page “100 Women Who Care Eau Claire.”
" AS WE S T RENG THEN THE SERVI CES O FFE R E D, WE S T RENGTHEN THE CO M M U NI TY." – MICKEY JUDKINS, MEMBER, 100 WOMEN WHO CARE EAU CLAIRE
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O R C H E S T R AT I N G N E W S O U N D S C h ippew a
V a l l ey
Y o u t h
S y m p h o ny words by
L
ydia Park admits she didn’t see herself becoming the conductor of a youth symphony orchestra when she began her music career 20 years ago. Granted, when you’re 10, those aspirations align closer to astronaut or president of the United States. No big deal. And yet, Park is the first female director of the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony, an organization that celebrates its 40th birthday this year. In that time, no woman has ever graced the podium. Until now. Born and raised in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Park got her first taste of orchestral life early on. She remembers becoming enamored with the cello when she was 8 years old, joining her first orchestra soon after. “I started at the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra when I was 11 or 12,” Park said. “When I was there, it was still developing, but it is now one of the biggest ones in the country.” Indeed, according to the MYSO website, they currently have 1,000
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g e t s
f ir s t
f e m ale
grace schutte
ALL ART IS AMAZING. EVERYBODY SHOULD BE I NVO L VE D IN ( A N) A R T. BU T I TH INK TH A T MU S IC JU S T HAS TH IS MU LTIFA C E TE D W A Y O F BU ILDING A PE R S O N . – LY D I A PA R K ,
FIRST FEMALE CONDUCTOR OF CVYS
students enrolled in the program with an annual audience roll out of 25,000. In other words: huge. One of the highlights of her time at MYSO was going on international tours with the orchestra. “We wouldn’t be able to speak the language but would be able to bring a gift to another place,” Park said. “That’s basically what you’re doing as a group: You’re giving a gift.” It was experiences like these that brought Park to become so passionate about making music – especially in a group setting. “All art is amazing,” she said. “Everybody should be involved in (an) art. But, I think that music just
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has this multifaceted way of building a person. To have a community like this that has an amazing culture, music opportunities, kids who want it – why not?” The switch from player to conductor has been a surreal one, but she is looking forward to this opportunity and has plans to grow the organization as a whole over the next several years. While Park has these big-picture plans formulating in the background, she is also looking forward to her first season with CVYS. With 35 students ranging from 11 to 18 years old, Park is grateful to the dedicated kids who still want to
music after the past year-and-a-half we all have been through. “They already have this thing that they have as a generation,” Park said, “that they made it through, and they can take that and put it into their music. Music just has this way of healing.” That is not to say it will all be easy – Park expects some growing pains as they all settle into this new routine and establish themselves after a year of silence. The group plans to rehearse every Tuesday for just shy of two hours at the Haas Fine Arts building on the UW-Eau Claire campus. Their first concert is slated for Dec. 14, when they will perform some holiday classics like Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” There will also be a spring concert sometime in May, but the music and date have yet to be set. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the young artists and accept their gift of music made together. Find the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony at cvyouthsymphony.org.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
WHERE PEOPLE MATTER
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Th is s p ecial feature is like your first sip of the day. Much n eed ed , and it goes down sm ooth. here, we celeb rat e our loca l coffee scene, great m eeting places, hot drink s , a n d th e p eople m aking the world turn with every sip.
THE GOAT COFFEE HOUSE
O p po r tuni ties brewing... THE GOAT COFFEE HOUSE SEE REVOLUTIONARY RENOVATION, PLANS FOR NEW MURAL words by ron
JUST LIKE BUSINESSES ALL AROUND THE WORLD, The Goat Coffee House in Eau Claire has faced its share of challenges since March 2020, but owners Laura and Ryan Bembnister have not only tried to turn those challenges into opportunities, but have gained a new, richer appreciation for their place in the Eau Claire community. “The news is we’re open,” Ryan said. “The Goat is a great place to study, a great place to have breakfast or lunch with some friends, a place to get away from everything. That’s why we did the new addition and moved things around, just to set it up so we’re accommodating to everyone. Regardless if you’re a student, retired, or whatever, you can come down and have a cup of coffee.” The “main” Goat (their smaller Marshfield Clinic location is mostly take-out) has been doing business on Water Street for 17 years, first where El Patio is now and then for the last seven years further east across the street from The Pickle. When most non-essential businesses shut their doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Ryan and Laura decided to have the front of the coffee shop renovated to provide a more modern-looking face and to create more room. They re-opened three months later, but by November, Ryan said, along with the continuing capacity restrictions the pandemic fostered, they didn’t feel
davis • photo by andrea paulseth
“things were going in the right direcbusiness so long that we have many tion,” so they closed again and comdistributor contacts.” missioned Market and Johnson to Besides handling the logistics of build an addition stretching out the the addition and remodeling, Laura back that would double their seating does all the behind-the-scenes work to 72 and give the whole business a of running a small business. “She’s facelift. The “new” the brains of the opGoat re-opened in eration,” Ryan said. February. “I’m the floor guy.” Future plans for Though this The Goat on Water has been a difficult Street include erecstretch for The tion of a three-panel, Goat, Ryan said it 15’ by 10’ mural on has taught him and their east exterior Laura something wall. Again, due to very important. “We complications creatknew we had loyal ed by the pandemic, customers, but we it’s not clear when didn’t know how the mural will be loyal they were, completed, but Ryan how appreciative indicated the theme they were of what will be “awareness,” we do here. Whethemphasizing equaler it was from the ity and compassion community or the for others. university, there was Back in operaan outcry when we —Ryan Bembnister, tion, one challenge shut down and e-gift The Goat Coffee House The Goat now faces cards were being is with the supbought. Laura was ply chain. “That’s saying, ‘Gee, we’re where my wife and her intelligence selling gift cards every day, and come in,” Ryan said. “She’s very we’re closed!’ When I asked who good at finding stuff. Obviously, the was buying them, Laura said they coffee industry took a hit, but we were all our regulars, helping us out, haven’t run too low. Paper products supporting us. And when we had just have been a problem, and weird takeout, we had numerous regulars stuff like chips – we can’t find coming in to buy goodies for work or chips! Luckily, we have been in home, or lunch for their whole crew.
“ Since
we ’ ve opened back up , we ’ ve just been overwhelmed. We learned it ’ s not just us going to them , it ’ s them coming to us.”
What I learned was we had been doing the right things, but I guess we were doing them so right that the community wanted to support us. And since we’ve opened back up, we’ve just been overwhelmed. We learned it’s not just us going to them, it’s them coming to us.” What makes The Goat so notable, you ask? Well, the answer is simple: their coffee. The Goat may be the only shop in the area that gets its coffee from Alakef, a small momand-pop roastery in Duluth. Ryan also noted they offer five coffees on a self-serve basis every day and will soon get back to six, including a variety of flavors, organics, and decaf. The Goat also features a small meeting room which can be closed off for groups, a few sidewalk tables, and quiet booth seating in the back. One challenge The Goat has not had to face was staffing. Most of the 17 employees are college students, and Ryan noted there’s little turnover, with some employees staying at The Goat for their college career since it works well with their schedules and they like the friendly atmosphere. “The two most important things here,” Ryan tells new hires, “are customers and coffee. When the coffee’s full and the customers are happy, we’re fine.” The Goat Coffee House • 336 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 831-4491 • thegoatcoffeehouse.com
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Sea so nal sips PUMPKIN SPICE + EVERYTHING NICE words by natalie
derks
READY TO PUMPKIN SPICE UP YOUR COFFEE ROUTINE? You read that right: autumn is back, and so are pumpkin spice lattes! Whether you’re pumpkin obsessed or actively anti-pumpkin spice, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
1. PUMPKIN CHAI FROM KAHVI COFFEE HOUSE + CAFÉ What’s brewing at Kahvi Coffee, a newer Eau Claire coffee shop located at 3830 Talmadge Road? Pumpkin chai and pumpkin spice lattes! Stick with milk, or substitute oat, almond, or coconut milk for dairy-free options. While you’re there, treat yourself to a warm kolache made by Bloomer’s Bohemian Ovens.
2. MAPLE-NUT LATTE FROM 4:30AM COFFEEHOUSE When it comes to Chippewa’s 4:30 AM Coffeehouse (608 N. Bridge St.), they have a “latte” of fall-inspired drinks. Try the Autumn Harvest (salted caramel and hazelnut latte), maple nut latte, pumpkin spice latte, caramel apple latte, or pumpkin pie chai! Substitute oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free versions of these sweet treats.
3. A TRADITIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE FROM THE GOAT COFFEE HOUSE Can’t seem to find a pumpkin spice latte anywhere? The Goat Coffee House (336 Water St.) offers pumpkin spice year-round! Head over whenever to get your autumn pick-me-up (and grab a sammie, too)!
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4. SPOOKY SWEETHEARTS COFFEE FROM BRIDGE STREET BREW Cozy up with Bridge Street Brew’s (114 N Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) Spooky Sweethearts lineup! Options include Jack and Sally (pumpkin pancake latte with whip and maple syrup), Gomez and Morticia (blackberry lavender mocha with black cocoa and glitter), Hannibal and Clarice (cinnamon roll latte with cinnamon toast crunch milk and vanilla glaze), and Lydia and Beetlejuice (butter pecan and ghost pepper latte with spiced brown sugar whip).
5. MAYHEM FROM RACY D’LENES COFFEE SHOP Racy’s (404 Riverside Ave.) always hits the spot. Current specials include Mayhem! (honey hazelnut latte with cayenne), Goldie Han (gold press, chai, and oat milk), and OmWomMomNom (white chocolate, caramel, honey cold press, and soy milk – served hot). Craving more? Warm up with the Dirty Chumpkin, a.k.a. dirty chai with pumpkin spice, or The Lumberjack, a hot maple- and brown sugar-filled latte that’ll give you all the warm and fuzzy fall feelings.
Try the best!
THE BEST COFFEE SPOTS + PEOPLE IN THE VALLEY, ACCORDING TO V1 READERS words by natalie
derks + caitlin boyle
PHOTO BY CASEY UTKE
BEST BARISTAS
1. shift CYCLERY + COFFEE BAR 2. CABIN COFFEE Co. 3. ECDC
1. shift CYCLERY + COFFEE BAR 2. CABIN COFFEE Co. 3. THE NOSTALGIC BEAN
COFFEE MAY BE GROWN FAR AWAY, but our readers think local when it comes to their morning pick-me-ups. SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) appeals not only to coffee lovers but to bike aficionados as well. What better way to spend a day than to grab coffee, drop your wheels at the full-service repair shop, and relax in the lounge? Cabin Coffee Co. (2922 Meadowlark Lane, Altoona) has been building a great reputation since opening in 2018 with a variety of coffee options and tasty breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The Nostalgic Bean (1403 Lynn Ave., Altoona) makes our list once again with hot and cold coffee options and espresso offerings. –Caitlin Boyle
ECDC
P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
FROM ESPRESSO MAKING TO LATTE ART, it takes more skill than meets the eye to brew a good cup of coffee. When it comes to the Chippewa Valley’s best baristas, SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) roasted the competition. Not only do they make a solid cup of Joe, but they also create an inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Cabin Coffee Co. (2922 Meadowlark Lane, Altoona) perks up at second; if you haven’t been, stop procaffeinating! Next come the baristas at ECDC (205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire). Head downtown for one of their signature drinks. –Natalie Derks
BEST CAFE / CoffeeHouse
Cabin Coffee Co.
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SHIFT CYCLERY & COFFEE BAR
barista t ru ths
PHOTO BY CASEY UTKE
FROM THE FOLKS SERVING UP YOUR COFFEE compiled by reonna
huettner
"I’ve had to make a large iced breve where they asked for a 16-ounce latte made with about 3/4 half and half as the milk base, with a shot of espresso. Personally, my intestines would not survive after drinking this.” —Mallory Woodle, SHIFT Cyclery + Coffee Bar
“(Someone asked for) a vanilla bean frappuccino with a lot of modifications. It called for freeze dried dragon fruit pieces, freeze dried kiwi pieces, 4 pumps of mocha sauce, 6 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and two affogato shots on top, made with heavy cream instead of whole milk. I don’t think that tasted very good.” —Tim Spiering, Starbucks
“The strangest drink my coworkers and I have seen ordered at the shop, is an espresso tonic made with our kombucha of the week. If you are going for a fruity espresso drink, with a hint of fermented living microbes, this one’s for you.” —Evelyn Nelson, SHIFT Cyclery + Coffee Bar
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yo ur loc al c af f eine f ix CHIPPEWA VALLEY CAFES & COFFEEHOUSES listings by
james johonnott
EAU CLAIRE & ALTOONA
baked goods. A great late night venue with drinks, desserts, and baked goods.
420 Internet Cafe 420 Washington St., Eau Claire • (715) 833-9945 • 420internetcafe.com Eclectic decor, bamboo floors, and soothing colors are the backdrop for 420 Internet Cafe’s full-service coffee bar and sandwich shop. Try the signature gyro sandwich or the popular chocolate truffle mocha drink along with some baked goods. Internet stations are also available. Operated by Cafe 420 Ministries, a Christian outreach.
Dunkin Donuts 1431 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire || 2836 N Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • dunkindonuts.com An all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Breakfast items are available all day and include a vegetarian option.
Acoustic Cafe 505 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire
• (715) 832-9090 • theacoustic.com An art bedecked café with live music during the weekends. Beverage selection features espresso, signature gourmet coffee drinks, iced and hot teas, Italian and French sodas, fruit smoothies, chai latte, and more. Baked-from-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Cafe favorites include pitas, soups, salads, hot hoagies, and more.
Beyond Brewed Coffee Shop 1907 Brackett Ave-
nue, Eau Claire • facebook.com A small coffee shop with a drive thru tucked away on Bracket Avenue. A huge selection of espresso drinks, drip coffees, iced coffees, and more for your caffeine fix with sweets from Little WIssota Bakehouse including espresso brownies and multiple flavors of muffins. English muffin and bagel breakfast sandwiches. West Coast flair in the middle of the Midwest.
Cabin Coffee Company 2922 Meadowlark Lane, Altoona • (715) 514-5065 • cabincoffeecompany.com/locations-altoona/ Offers 22+ types of single-origin coffee including Colombian, Costa Rican, and Java, all roasted on-site. Breakfast and lunch menus are available all day including made-to-order sandwiches on bagels, wraps, and croissants. They serve a variety of bakery items, which are also available as gluten-free. Patio seating and meeting rooms available, or cozy up by the fireplace. Featuring the highly caffeinated white coffee with a bold, nutty flavor.
Caribou Coffee 807 W E. Clairemont Ave, Eau
Claire || 2615 N. Clairemont Ave (Festival Foods) || 4732 Golf Rd., Eau Claire || 2114 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire Whether you’re craving something hot or cold to wet your whistle or a tasty baked treat to go along with it, Caribou has it all.
The Coffee Grounds 4212 Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com The Coffee Grounds is a casual, European-style café with an adjoining gourmet foodstuff/sundries shop and a microbrewery. Their menu is always evolving and offers a variety of baked goods, homemade soups, fresh unique sandwiches, and small plate specials. They small-batch roast their own coffee on-site, and sell bags of beans by the pound. The Danc’n Bean 2803 E Hamilton Ave, Eau
Claire • facebook.com/dancnbean The Danc’n Bean Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Shoppe is a new coffee shop with a large, spacious atmosphere, several seating areas, and WIFI for guests, making it a great study location. Serving Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, a favorite ice cream of Minnesotans. Their espresso drinks and pie make it a great stop in the morning or for an early afternoon snack.
ECDC Eau Claire Downtown Coffee 205 N.
Barstow St., Eau Claire • (715) 318-6461 • ecdc. coffee Tucked inside the Lismore hotel in downtown Eau Claire. Expect high-quality coffee drinks and food in a swanky space, including a fireplace lounge. The menu includes grab-and-go breakfasts and salads, made-to-order paninis, and fresh
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Five & Two Café 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire •
(715) 833-1234 • downtoearthgardencenter.com Offers a variety of natural foods, and fresh, local produce. Signature favorites include toasted sandwiches, cracker crust pizzas, soups, and a variety of espresso drinks. Breakfast is available with options such as breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and scrambles. They also feature daily baked goods. Outdoor seating and private party area available, vegetarian friendly.
The French Press 2823 London Rd., Eau Claire
• (715) 598-7017 • thefrenchpresseauclaire.com A café, bakery, and coffee house offering fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items everyday. Beverage selection includes a wide variety of coffee drinks, iced drinks, smoothies, teas, ciders, and hot chocolates. Cozy up by the fireplace in a rocking chair. Cafe serves up cones, cinnamon buns, sticky rolls, quiches, soups, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and egg dishes.
The Goat Coffee House336 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 831-4491 • thegoatcoffeehouse.com A relaxed, full-scale coffee house. Offers a strong selection of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, blended drinks, teas, smoothies, basics, and more. Serves up fresh sandwiches, breakfasts, scones, muffins, soups, and more. Vegetarian friendly and outdoor seating. Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand Ave., Eau
Claire • (715) 831-1100 • Find it on Facebook A quaint (and popular) little café known for its sandwiches, quiches, homemade soups, and bread pudding. Capitalize on one of their creative lunch specials. Gourmet espresso, vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating, breakfast served till 11am on weekdays and all day on the weekend.
Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe 3830 Talmadge
Road, Eau Claire • kahvicoffee.com Kahvi is an urban casual coffee house with Scandinavian roots situated in Eau Claire’s south side. Their signature drink is the Fika Mocha which is a caramel-infused white mocha that can be served hot, iced, or blended. Located directly off of a walking path with a dog-friendly patio; inside dining with a fireplace and private meeting room; and a drive-thru for those busy mornings..
The Living Room Coffee House & Roastery
2006 Cameron St., Eau Claire • (715) 831-0245 • thelivingroom.coffee/news/ A family-owned and operated business serving the Chippewa Valley since 2007. Signature menu items include the famous, golden, deep pocketed Belgian waffle creations, fair trade coffee roasted on-site, and the brand new, next generation PB&J sandwiches. They have a selection of blended drinks, house made cold brew, hot and iced specialty drinks, all served in a cozy atmosphere.. W
Northbound Supply Co 215 North Barstow St,
Eau Claire • facebook.com/northboundsupply/ On top of the killer retail offerings, Northbound Supply Co. sports a craft coffee cocktail bar. These coffee concoctions might not be boozy, but they sure are delicious. Try the house cold brew, along with other seasonally rotating favorites.
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WondERS OF NATURE P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
The Nostalgic Bean Coffee House & French Bakery 1403 Lynn Ave, Altoona • (715) 514-0132
• thenostalgicbean.com The Nostalgic Bean serves gourmet coffee and incredible fresh baked goods out of 100+ year old newly renovated downtown Altoona building. Serving classic coffee drinks like mochas, lattes, frappes, americano, and drip. The baked goods, are created and offered differently every day. Check their Facebook page for the day’s offerings.
The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire •
(715) 834-7777 • nucleuscafe.com Connected via a convenient hallway to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, quiches, omelets, and distinctive sandwiches. The Also a traditional crêperie, offering a variety of dessert and main meal crêpes
espresso drinks, iced, blended, tea drinks, and many more options. Comfy couches make for a popular student hangout. Offers light sandwiches and breakfast options too.
SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar 615 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • (715) 514-5060 • eaushift.com A full-service bicycle repair shop, craft coffee bar, and all-around creative lounge. Grab one of their hand-crafted coffee drinks at the bar, or grab a cold brew, some kombucha, tea, and chai. Be sure to grab a street waffle before you leave. Star Cup 316 North Barstow Street, Eau Claire
• starcup.co Star Cup serves your favorites in the popular Southeast Asian beverage boba tea world Featuring milk teas, fruit teas, fresh fruit smoothies (with protein options) slushes, and more. Toppings include tapioca pearls boba, and jellies. New to the world of boba? Star Cup is handy with first-timers. They also have a location at Oakwood Mall..
Olson’s Ice Cream Haymarket Plaza, Eau Claire • (715) 514-4828 • olsonsicecream.com Chippewa Falls favorite ice cream can now also be found in Eau Claire’s downtown Haymarket Plaza. Fresh ingredients, sundaes, and 28 flavors keep people coming for more. They’ll serve sandwiches, wraps, and will serve Collectivo Coffee..
Starbucks 953 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • (715) 834-9752 • panerabread.com A full bakery and café where everything is baked fresh. The bakery features fresh breads, bagels, and popular sweets and pastries like the Cinnamon Crunch bagel. The café features an array of sandwiches (including flatbread sandwiches), salads, mac and cheese, soups, bread bowls, and more..
Sweet Driver Chocolate Cafe 1106 Mondovi Rd Suite #115, Eau Claire • sweetdriverchocolates. com Located within Artisan Forge, Sweet Driver Chocolates serves creative and unique couverture chocolates, gelato, coffee (Anondyne Coffee from Milwaukee), pastries, and lunches..
Plaza Perk 2530 Golf Road, Eau Claire • (715) 514-0146 • facebook.com/plazaperkllc Plaza Perk offers fair trade, organic coffees and espressos. Their signature drinks include a lavender honey oat milk latte, warm vanilla chai tea, and Italian cream soda. Cozy, casual, eclectic 70s era vibe.. Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside
Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 834-0000 • racydlenes. com Racy’s is a coffee shop with an impressive range of brews. You’ll find hand-crafted, speciality
|| 2016 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire || 3649 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • starbucks.com Coffee, tea, dessert, and other treats to warm you up, cool you down, or satisfy a craving.. W
Wonders of Nature 416 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • facebook.com/wondersofnaturehemp Wonders of Nature is a cafe that features CBD-infused muffins, cookies, brownies, and smoothies. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, honey from Bee Alchemy in Augusta, coffee from Sole Brewed Coffee Roasters in Fall Creek and kombucha, tea, and cold brew from Elder Valley Farm in Fall Creek. Baked goods contain organic ingredients. Gourmet juices and whole-food smoothies without refined sugars.
CHIPPEWA FALLS 4:30 AM Coffee House 608 N. Bridge St., Chippe-
wa Falls • (715) 720-6165 • Find it on Facebook Known for their signature Coffee House Salad, homemade scones, wraps, sandwiches, various baked goods, and nifty little drive-up, 4:30 AM is a coffee mainstay of Chippewa Falls. Delivery over $30, breakfast, vegetarian friendly.
Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie
• (715) 231-5323 • goldenleafcafe.com Proud roasters of Cafe Femenino fair trade coffee, which supports women and families globally. Full espresso bar. Gourmet organic, all-natural panini sandwiches, soups, salads, and pies. Peruse the connected specialty shop for foodstuffs and tea. Outdoor seating, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly.
Bridge Street Brew 114 North Bridge Street,
Knapp, Stout, & Company Coffee House E4507
Goldsmith Coffee Bar 22 S. Prairie St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 379-3458 • Find it on Facebook Located inside the Parish Life Center adjacent to the Heyde Center for the Arts, Goldsmith Coffee Bar offers specialty coffee drinks, non-coffee energy drinks, baked goods, homemade scones, paninis, cakes, and gluten free options.
Life Perks Coffee Co. 116 W Menomonie Street, Menomonie • (715) 704-1770 • facebook.com/ lifeperkscoffeeco A local drive through coffee shop. Espresso beverages, hot & iced coffees, special blends and signature drinks. Homemade baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Chippewa Falls • (715) 861-3334 • facebook.com/ bridgestbrewcoffeeshop/ A midwest coffeehouse serving up all manner of brews from Americano to pour overs. They serve light fare breakfasts like crepes and oatmeal, blended lattes, smoothies, pastries, salads soups.
Lucy’s Deli 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9800 • foreign5.com/lucys A full-service deli and sandwich shop. Beverage options include a variety of espresso drinks, and local beers and wines. Breakfast is served until 11am. They offer soups, salads, personal pizzas, and sandwiches with Boar’s Head meats & cheeses carved up from the deli counter.
MENOMONIE Acoustic Cafe 102 Main St., Menomonie • (715)
235-1115 • facebook.com/AcousticMenom/ An art bedecked café with live music during the weekends. Beverage selection features espresso, signature gourmet coffee drinks, iced and hot teas, Italian and French sodas, fruit smoothies, chai latte, beers, wines and more. Baked-from-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Cafe favorites include hummus, pitas, soups, salads, hot hoagies, and more.
The Blind Munchies Coffeehouse 621 Wilson
Ave., Menomonie • (715) 235-9300 • theblindmunchies.com Blind Munchies features a full coffee bar, a from-scratch bakery, fresh sandwiches made to order, and new food made fresh every morning. Try their famous “Healthy Munchie” sandwiches, salads, or wraps. Keep an eye out for live music and B-movie nights as well as DJ spinning. Vegetarian friendly, breakfast served on Saturday and Sundays.
Caribou Coffee 1408 Ninth St. E, Menomonie || 2321 Highway 25 N, Menomonie || 101 Oak Ave., Suite 4, Menomonie || cariboucoffee.com Whether you’re craving something hot or cold to wet your whistle or a tasty baked treat to go along with it, Caribou has it all. Their decadent specialty drinks are especially popular. Breakfast items all day.
County Road C, Downsville • 715-664-8260 • facebook.com/CompanyCoffeeHouse Their coffee comes from Highland Hollow, a coffee roastery and tea company in nearby Elmwood. Their bakery features fresh and from-scratch recipes daily, including scones, pies, cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, zucchini bread, muffins, cookies, and more.
Marion’s Legacy 632 S. Broadway St., Menom-
onie • (715) 231-2580 • Find it on Facebook Purveyors of delectable artisanal truffles from Legacy Chocolates, plus homemade brownies, cheesecake, cupcakes, scones, and other goodies. Marion’s also serves soup and sandwich lunches daily and has a full coffee bar with espresso drinks.
Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • (715) 231-3255 • rawdeal-wi.com Fresh roasts their own fair-trade, organic coffee. They’re fully equipped with an espresso bar, and offer traditional drinks like the americano, latte, cappuccino, and mocha. They have a strong selection of organic teas, and small batch brew their own beers on-site. Their raw-food menu includes creamy green enchiladas, stuff portobellos, and savory cabbage rolls along with desserts, smoothies, sandwiches and more.
Scatterbrain Cafe E4507 County Road C,
Downsville • (715) 664-8260 • facebook.com/ scatterbraincafe Organic coffee roasted in house, scratch soups, and sides made with local artisan bread, local meats, local cheese, local produce. Olson’s ice cream. In house bakery (cinnamon rolls, pies, scones, cookies)..
Tabby’s Catfe 541 S. Broadway Street, Menomonie • (715) 309-2773 • facebook.com/ menomoniecatcafe A beautiful space with a warm, inviting atmosphere where people can relax and recharge with feline friends. Vino Cappuccino Artisan Bistro N5734 Hwy 12,
Elk Mound • (715) 879-4157 • facebook.com/vinocappuccinobistro Rustic hideway off the beaten path in Elk Mound. Serves up hot and cold artisanal coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, steamer coffees, and with a variety of flavors.
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• lo ca l lo o ks & tr en dy v i b es o n fu l l disp laY •
Casual Ore Formal
J e w e l ry w i t h o u t L a b e l s designers Camille Hempel and Liz Stingl talk about transcending gender with jewelry Words:
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like to wear as well.” ith androgynous jewelShe had a storefront in New ry, the possibilities are York for seven years, which helped endless for everyone. make her work more specific and “In this day and age, kind of anypersonal after having a lot of people thing goes,” said Camille Hempel, ask her about their personal taste. a jeweler in the Chippewa Valley Stingl started making jewelry area. Androgynous jewelry is simply when she was 19 years old, and her about self expression and wearing inspiration comes from many things what feels comfortable, regardless such as her environment, her mateof gender, sexual orientation, or rial, and stones. what’s trending. “I work to create “The adornment a cohesive look is external to a between the facets person, but the and the metal that effect is internal, flow when viewing too,” said Liz the jewelry from Stingl, founder all angles,” Stingl of Casual Ore said. It’s not about Formal. creating trendy Hempel j e w e l e r l i z s t i n g l jewelry, it’s about started with her creating somejewelry jourthing to adorn an ney when she individual body. realized her love In terms of today’s fashion, anof hands-on materials and making drogynous jewelry – and even cloththings that were personal to her. ing – is all about self-expression “When I started out in the beginand moving toward non-gendered ning, I made things that I wanted to looks. Hempel gave the example of wear,” said Hempel, “and now I’m the famous boyfriend jean style of just so passionate about design that denim. “Women would choose them I like to explore what other people
“The adornment is external to a person, but the effect is internal, too.”
based on the fact that they are a men’s cut but still have that femininity to them,” she said. At the end of the day, it really is just a piece of material. Jewelry is beginning to blend in with the lifestyles of different people while jewelers like Stingl and Hempel work to redesign the rules. Individuals are less concerned with a label and more comfortable with what works for that individual. “At the heart of the conversation we are starting to just ask: Why not?” Stingl said. Cultural icons like Harry Styles (and David Bowie before him) shock people with their fashion choices, while also normalizing those choices. The current pandemic has also helped to change things: Zoom meetings and working from home have also been normalized. “The emphasis is more on personal expression than appropriately for a situation,” said Hempel. Although there are a lot of questions being posed right now, individuals are discovering themselves through items such as jewelry that are not meant for a particular
Camille Hempel Jewelry gender. Things may not be viewed as purely black and white – or pink and blue – anymore. “Let’s strip down these preconceived notions that a past society once defined and move forward,” Stingl said.
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F ro m n e w yo r k to Eau Claire local artist Christy Skuban spent time in NY fashion scene WORDS:
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CENTER: Christy Skuban and some of the mannequins designed to look like her. SURROUNDING IMAGES: Designs from Skuban’s old fashion sketchbooks. She is now an Eau Claire-based visual artist.
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Kalyn
ost children dream of becoming a doctor, a teacher, or a veterinarian when they grow up. Christy Skuban always knew what she wanted to do: She wanted to be in the fashion industry. Skuban studied fashion at the Chicago Art Institute, only to receive a scholarship to go to the Parsons School of Design in New York to further her eye for fashion. When she got there, she decided to change her area of focus to window displays. Skuban was hired by Saks Fifth Avenue as the fashion C h r i s t y coordinator for the visual merchandising department. “I would pick the fashion and actually get into the windows and dress the mannequins,” Skuban said. It was a career that lasted over a decade. Saks Fifth Avenue at one point was looking for a junior mannequin, and their chosen model didn’t work out. “While we were sitting in a meeting, the boss looked at me and said, ‘I think you would make a great junior mannequin,’ ” Skuban said. The company took Skuban and sculpted her image. She eventually had thousands of Christy Skuban Mannequins throughout chains all over the country. “It was a big deal,” Skuban said. Sometimes she would get to dress her own mannequins in the windows. “I would startle people when I moved next to one of them,” Skuban said. “It was so funny.” Skuban quickly became familiar with the fashion industry and many designers. “I always went to the New York fashion shows, collections, and all of the runway shows,” Skuban said, “and I rubbed shoulders with a lot of the big-name designers at the time. It was quite an experience.” Not only did Skuban get to mingle with designers and models at shows, but she actually got to work
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with some of them one-on-one. “We would have meetings and talk about how they would like their fashion portrayed in the windows down to every little detail,” Skuban said. She met and worked with many designers, including Geoffrey Beene, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein. Working so closely with these big-names had its perks – Skuban was invited to lavish parties, and because she was on the visual merchandising staff, she would help decorate for parties and events at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Anyone that S k u b a n was big in the fashion industry went to these parties and galas,” Skuban said, “the designers, models, and even celebrities at the time.” One of the events Skuban helped with was a benefit held by Elizabeth Taylor in a hotel. Skuban walked into a room where Taylor and fashion designer Halston were sharing a table together. When she walked in, Taylor actually looked at her and gave a great big smile as though she was approving of Skuban, and then turned to Halston and nodded to him as well. “I guess they liked the way I looked,” Skuban said, “I will always remember the nod from Elizabeth Taylor.” Shortly after, Skuban was ready for a change. She began developing her interest in visual art, and decided to go to art school in New York, working part-time at a local fashion boutique. Now, Skuban is the gallery curator at Artisan Forge Studios in Eau Claire. Though her interest in art has grown – as she helps other artists put on shows, as well as continues to create new visual art – her history in the fashion realm remains largely a secret. But, it’s a secret she frequently reflects upon. “It has been really exciting times,” Skuban said.
“I rubbed shoulders with a lot of the bigname designers at the time. It was quite an experience.”
t o p FA S H I o n T R E N D S O F T H E VA L L E Y We asked local fashion experts about the hottest trends in hair, jewelry, and tattoos WORDS:
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hat’s in? What’s out? Taking a look around various style and fashion shops across the Chippewa Valley, it might seem impossible to figure out what the heck is cool to wear anymore. Are skinny jeans still cool? Or has Gen Z totally ditched them out the window? Are prairie dresses from Target actually cool? Or has a year in quarantine just blinded us all to what’s actually fashionable? We asked local professionals from jewelry shops, tattoo parlors, and hair salons about the top trends in the Chippewa Valley when it comes to accessorizing your style. Luckily, they had some insights they were happy to share.
TOP THREE TRENDS IN JEWELRY • Personalized/custom jewelry • Yellow gold stacked necklaces with paperclip necklaces • Stacking/layering “We are seeing a lot of whimsical, free-spirited designs that feature personalized initials, astrology, paperclips, and talismans,” said an expert from Lasker Jewelers. Consumers are tending to lean toward light and feminine designs, such as small, mismatched earring cuffs and the paperclip designs. Teva Dekel from Williams Diamond Center mentioned that custom designs are “crazy on fire” as well as yellow-gold and stacking (wearing multiple rings together on the same finger) or layering (a shorter, choker-like necklace paired with a longer necklace to make a “layered” look). The yellow-gold aesthetic – along with necklace styles such as the herringbone, a flexible layering chain typically seen in the yellow-gold color – are coming back all the way from the ’80s and ’90s. “This is the age where people are remembering their grandmas wearing yellow gold,” Teva said, and that’s why he thinks these trends are popular now.
TOP THREE TRENDS IN HAIR STYLE • Shag/curtain bangs • Balayage/bright colors • Blunt bobs Even hairstyles are nostalgic: “Hair's biggest trends in the last few months have been bangs, balayage, and blunt bobs,” said Marie Rasmussen, the owner of Estilo Salon, “we have seen a lot of ’70s and ’90s vibes.” Along with women’s cuts, men’s mullets are making a comeback as well. Marie thinks that these nostalgic styles are resurfacing because people are looking for peace, which was a huge movement in the ’70s.
TOP THREE TRENDS IN TATTOOS • Original pieces • Black and grey florals • Black and grey American flag Holly Stro from Riverside Tattoo said “most everybody that comes in gets an original piece.” Lots of women have opted for the black and grey floral tattoos with shading or stippling in them, while she has noticed that a lot of men have been getting black and grey (and sometimes colorful) American flags on the upper arm. It’s hard to say what’s going to trend in the future, and why the trends are even “trending” now. But, according to local fashion experts, the way we look has a lot to do with how we feel and behave, how we treat ourselves and others.
“ T h e way w e l o o k h a s a l o t t o d o w i t h h o w w e f e e l a n d b e h av e , h o w w e t r e at o u r s e lv e s a n d o t h e r s . ” | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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I t ’ s N o t Yo u r Av e r a g e B o u t i q u e Drewmark Boutique revolutionizes the boutique definition, offering shirts, cups, stickers, and modern interests WORDS
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Chippewa Falls business ownto take her hobby of creating cuser is taking the typical defitom t-shirts and transform it into nition of the word “boutique” a full-time career – expanding her and revolutionizing it to fit her interests and style sense to open broad range of creative products. Drewmark Boutique. Drewmark Boutique, a new shop “Finding what to stock the store located in downtown Chippewa Falls with was pretty easy because I was at 15 E. Central St., offers clothing, already into fashion, so I know what custom shirts, cups, gifts, jewelry, I like and what other people like,” stickers, décor and Thornton said. “I more. wanted the store This is the to be somewhere boutique’s second I could shop for location, according myself if I didn’t to owner Sarown it, so by doing ah Thornton. A that, it made the lifelong Chippewa concept of what to Falls resident, sell pretty easy to Thornton said she define.” is proud to open While the goal of S a r a h T h o r n t o n her new store in Drewmark BouChippewa Falls tique is to sell afafter opening the fordable boutique first Drewmark Boutique location in clothing, Thornton said she hopes Holcombe earlier this year. the Chippewa Valley sees past just “I’ve been here my whole life,” the glitzy clothes and goods and that Thornton said, “and downtown Chipall shoppers – fashion-minded and pewa Falls is such an amazing place. uninterested in fashion alike – are It’s getting bigger, it’s getting better, welcome to step foot in her doors. and people are coming from all over “Everyone sees the word ‘bouto experience it. It’s really nice to be tique,’ and they think about clothing, a part of that.” but we do so much more than just The young business owner, and that here,” Thornton said. “My real mother of two sons Drew and Markus passion is making custom shirts, (the inspiration behind the business’ decals, and cups. I love to create, so name), said the idea for the new it isn’t just your average boutique.” business came after working a tradiDrewmark Boutique is open from tional 9-to-5 office job for years, and 10a.m.-4p.m. on Wednesdays, 10a.m.wanting to be more passionate about 6p.m. on Thursdays, 10a.m.-5p.m. on her work. Fridays and Saturdays from 10a.m.After gentle nudges and an 4p.m. For more information on what outpouring of encouragement from Drewmark Boutique offers, you can those around her, Thornton decided visit them on Facebook.
“I wanted the store to be somewhere I could shop myself if I didn’t own it.”
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LOOK OVER TO fern westover FOR T H E l AT E S T j e w e l ry T r e n d s locally crafted, colorful clay earrings offer bold style for everybody WORDS:
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ormer Eau Claire resident Cat Leonardson is making a bold statement with their collection of colorful polymer clay jewelry. Leonardson created their Fern Westover jewelry line in January while looking for something to do during quarantine. “Over the pandemic, I wore more and more earrings,” Leonardson said. “I did a bunch of research and bought a bunch of supplies and started doing it. And I really like it, so I figured I would sell them.” Leonardson quickly realized there
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was a lot to be learned about the market and trends surrounding selling earrings and jewelry in general online. “My sales were really good when I first started,” they said, “but summer is just slower in general for sales.” But Leonardson is still going strong with their most recent “Spooky Season” drop right in time for Halloween. Many statement pieces can be found in this collection, from otherworldly souls and ghosts to jack o’ lanterns to skulls. But, as spooky season draws to a close, Leonardson looks to the hol-
SCHUTTE
iday season in their next collection lines. The artist has several collaborations lined up for the coming months and is looking to incorporate different mediums such as beads, woods, and even bone. “It’s hard for me to commit to collabs sometimes because I have so many individual ideas for myself,” Leonardson said. Check out Leonardson’s goods at both The Local Store and Barstow Beauty in Eau Claire. Their jewelry is also sold online at fernwestover. com and monsteraplant.co.
“I did a bunch of research ... and started doing it. And I really like it, so I figured I would sell them.” C A T
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Get Great Skin, One Aqua Glow Facial At A Time – at The Rose Room WORDS:
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huettner
DOING WHAT YOU LOVE IS ONE THING, but being able to do what you love while being your own boss takes working to a new level. Single mom Amber Lynn has spent years trying to discover her true passion, and – after working multiple jobs that didn’t quite seem to fit her style – Lynn decided it was time for a change. “I kept thinking to myself, ‘There is something else out there for me, I know it,’” the Eau Clairian said. And not long after, Lynn started The Rose Room (316 N Barstow St., Suite #2 ) as a one-woman business that over time worked to provide a wide range of treatments including aqua glow facials, lash extensions, dermaplaning, micro-needling, and teeth whitening. Wondering what the heck an aqua glow facial is? You’re not alone. It’s actually one of their most popular treatments. It uses a machine that suctions out pores to gently deep clean the face before applying serums into the skin that help supply moisture and add volume to the face. To finish it off, a hydro-jelly mask is laid on the face to give the skin a nice, dewey glow. “I just want to get in there and get it done, “ Lynn said. “It’s not like traditional face massages that just cleanse the skin. It deep cleans.” She recommends to all her customers to get facials – or any of the other treatments – done about once a month to keep themselves looking healthy and fresh. Lynn is not only excited about the future of her business, but is excited to see the impact it has on her two small girls. As a single mom running her own business, she hopes that they are inspired and empowered to do anything they set their hearts and minds to. The Rose Room is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm. To schedule an appointment, call (715-205-7648), email (roseroombeauty@gmail.com), or go online (tinyurl.com/34tdy967). For other information on the salon, find Lynn on Facebook (RoseRoomLLC) and on Instagram (@roseroombeautyco). SUBMITTED PHOTO
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TRY THE BEST Local style favorites from our 2021 Best Of The Chippewa Valley Reader Poll
B E ST BA R B E RS H O P
BOUTIQUE SHOPS
1. Premium Blendz Barber Lounge 2. The Hair Mechanic Barbershop 3. The Dapper Man Barbershop
BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 1. Mustard Seed Boutique @ Down to Earth 2. J Mace Boutique 3. Lee’s Lavish Boutique
B E S T D AY S PA 1. Lotus Spa 2. Sugar Suites Holistic Sugaring Salon 3. Bravo! Salon & Spa
BEST HOME DÉCOR & D E C O R AT I N G B U S I N E S S 1. Bed Bath and Drapery 2. Down to Earth Garden Center 3. Hobby Lobby
Drewmark Boutique 15 East Central Street, Chippewa Falls • Find it on Facebook Boutique clothing, customs shirts, cups, gifts, jewelry and much more!
Iris Boutique shopirisb.com A family-based, locally grown boutique. It’s their mission to bring a touch of joy to women with trendy, one-of-a-kind clothing. Falls • facebook.com/thehivecv a boutique in Lake Hallie offering a curated collection of women’s clothing, accessories, and homegoods
1. SahLan Nails & Spa 2. Tips N Toes Nails & Spa 3. V&V Nails
BEST PIERCING STUDIO 1. Steel N Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing 2. Skin Prints Studio 3. Midwest Tattoo
BEST PLACE FOR EYELASH EXTENSIONS 1. The Beauty Room 2. Gloss Beautique 3. Bliss Salon & Spa
B E S T P L A C E F O R J E W E L RY 1. Lasker Jewelers 2. Hello Adorn 3. Token Jewelry Designs
BEST SALON FOR A HAIRCUT 1. Elements Salon Studios 2. Bravo! Salon & Spa (Chippewa Falls) 3. Saxy Salon & Spa
BEST SALON FOR COLOR 1. Elements Salon Studios 2. Bella Capelli 3. Saxy Salon & Spa
B E S T S E RV I C E F O R C U R LY / N AT U R A L H A I R 1. Elements Salon Studios 2. Bravo Salon and Spa - Deva Curl Cut 3. Saxy Salon & Spa
B E ST TA N N I N G ST U D I O 1. Sol Sisters Tanning 2. Sun Tan City 3. Saxy Salon & Spa
B E S T T AT T O O A RT I S T 1. Holly Stro at Riverside Tattoo 2. Krueger Tattoo 3. Jonah at Wintership
B E S T T AT T O O PA R L O R 1. Skin Prints 2. Wintership Tattoo 3. Riverside Tattoo
BEST USED/THRIFT STORE 1. Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center 2. Savers 3. Goodwill www.VolumeOne.org
Details 502 Water Street, Eau Claire • detailsdirect.com An eclectic mix of classic, art-to wear, casual, career, and occasion wear. Details’ designers are a mix of best-selling brands and small, innovative designers making limited quality items.
The Hive 1120 122nd Street, Chippewa
BEST NAIL SALON
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Boutique Clothing
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Mainstream Boutique 1506 9th Street E, Eau Claire • mainstreamboutique.com/ pages/Menomonie Started in Minneapolis, Mainstream Boutique is a franchise of locally-owned boutique clothing stores that sell high quality clothing for women. Mood Boutique facebook.com/MoodBou-
tique.Menomonie/ Mood features a custom coffee bar, as well as women’s apparel, accessories, home & gifts and of course, shoes.
Muldoon’s Men’s Wear 1506 S Hastings
Way, Eau Claire • (715) 832-3502 • info@ muldoons.com • muldoons.com Muldoon’s is an Eau Claire original menswear boutique selling all of your essentials, including tuxes, suits, casual and formal clothes, jackets and sportcoats, underclothes, footwear, nightwear, cologne, hats and other accessories.
Mustard Seed Boutique 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • (715) 833-1234 • eauclairelandscaping.com Located inside the Down to Earth Garden Center, this boutique offers amazing styles with a tease of farmhouse décor and local wares. Discover exclusive women’s fashion, local jewelry, stylish handbags, and comfy footwear. Grab a bite to eat and a coffee at the adjoining Five & Two Cafe. Northbound Supply Co 215 North Barstow St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/northboundsupply Northbound Supply Company has a clubhouse vibe and self-described “men’s mercantile” that sells boutique-inspired clothing, sundries, and accessories.
Featured a coffee and espresso bar with unique creations.
Pink Orchard 1512 South Hastings Way,
Eau Claire • 715-514-0838 • pinkorchardec.com A full service salon, nail, and makeup salon that also has a clothing boutique open from Thursday & Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.
Red’s Mercantile 224 N Dewey St., Eau Claire • 715.271.3065 • hello@redsmercantile.com • redsmercantile.com A lifestyle shop that engages and connects women through workshops, curated events and more. Carrying made in America clothing, accessories and modern home goods.
Home Decor
200 Main - Art and Wine 200 Main St., Eau Claire • 200main.org 200 Main Gallery is always changing their artwork with hip, new young artists, established artists and fun events. Visit the Gallery market where you can find textiles, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, and more art for purchase. B-Framed Gallery 313 S. Barstow St.,
Eau Claire • (715) 832-4476 • bframed. com This gallery’s great downtown location features two floors of fine art and collectibles including landscapes, figurative,
The Local Store 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire •
(715) 552-0457 • thelocalstore.org The Local Store offers 3000+ items and products either created by local craftspeople or products inspired by the Wisconsin way of life. Offering art, apparel, books, music, kids gear, glassware, decor, foodstuff, and an impressive array of gifts. The stop for authentic local shopping in Eau Claire.
Northbound Supply Co 215 North Barstow St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/northboundsupply Northbound Supply Company has a clubhouse vibe and self-described “men’s mercantile” that sells boutique-inspired clothing, sundries, and accessories. Features a coffee and espresso bar with unique creations. Raggedy Man 401 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire •
raggedymanec.com Raggedy Man is a cozy store full of bright colors and aromas. You can find great decor, wall hangings, gifts, candles, bath bombs, mugs, and more.
Red’s Mercantile 224 N Dewey St., Eau Claire
• 715.271.3065 • hello@redsmercantile.com • redsmercantile.com A lifestyle shop that engages and connects women through workshops, curated events and more. Carrying made in America clothing, accessories and modern home goods.
Silver Feather 126 S Barstow St., Eau Claire •
(715) 832-3055 An incredible collection of handcrafted American Indian goods. Featuring the largest selection of genuine jewelry using many different stones and shells. Browse through local art, dream catchers, fetish, pottery, and more.
Tangled Up in Hue 505 S. Barstow St., Suite B, Eau
Claire • (715) 855-0090 • tangledupinhue.com A featured artist rotates monthly in this local art co-op that always has glass art, jewelry, clothing, photos, paintings, accessories, for sale, all by local artisans.
Local Jewelry
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Hello Adorn 205 Gibson Street, Eau Claire • hel-
loadorn.com Adam and Jess of Hello Adorn make handcrafted jewelry, together. The jewelry is an inspired to make little things that matter.
PHOTO BY TRAVIS DEWITZ
floral and wildlife prints, plus original works from nationally known artists. Featuring fine art by the country’s most collectible artists, plus full-service framing services.
Lasker Jewelers 3705 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau
Claire • (715) 835-5914 • laskers.com Lasker Jewelers is a family-owned fine-jewelry store and designer that has served Eau Claire since 1928. Their selection is broad and they also specialize in creating one-of-a-kind, unique pieces for their customers.
Jacqueline Renee (715) 839-7470 • jacqueli-
nerenee.com Jacqueline Renee appraises, creates, restyles, and repairs jewlery.
Marlor Jewelry 806 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • facebook.com/MarlorJewelry Provides fine quality, contemporary jewelry and gift items, finely crafted custom work and on-site repair service at a reasonable price to satisfy demand. Salt Collective 316 N Barstow Street, Eau Claire
• facebook.com/saltcollectivejewelry The Salt Collective makes jewelry that is simple, beautiful, unique, and modern. Each piece tells a story with the beauty of nature. Works with natural materials like bone, and formally trained in metal smithing.
Token Jewelry 106 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • to-
kenjewelry.com Each piece in the Token collection is handmade, using the finest materials, including 14k gold filled, rose gold filled & sterling silver wire, along with semi-precious gemstones.
HAI R GOE S N O TH IN G AT HAI RI CA: THE R ES U R R EC TIO N
Williams Diamond Center Inc. 2823 London Rd.
#4, Eau Claire • (715) 834-9929 • info@williamsdiamond.com • williamsdiamond.com Williams Diamond Center has a complete in-house design department to customize one-of-a-kind pieces. Incredible selections for brides and grooms. They also buy and sell estate jewelry, coins, and more.
7PM • NOVEMBER 13 • THE LISMORE HOTEL 333 GIBSON ST., EAU CLAIRE • TICKETS: $50 (EVENTBRITE.COM) FACEBOOK.COM/HAIRICADOINGHAIRFORAMERICA
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY MATHER
MOOD BOUTIQUE, MENOMONIE
Unstyled. Unkempt. Unruly. As hair salons were shut down in 2020, many people began the year with once-tidy hair and left it with messy manes. Similarly, like most events in 2020, Hairica – an annual fundraiser and hair show aimed at raising money for veterans – was cancelled. This year, though, it’s back and better than ever. Amanda Rochester and Nichole “Coli” Burke, owners of Atmosphere Parlour & Quarters (420 Water St.) plan to keep the lockdown looks of 2020 going with their comeback event, Hairica: The Resurrection. “We’re tipping our hats to law enforcement and our healthcare workers with the direction we’re taking this year’s theme,” the pair shared.“Because let’s be serious: heroes come in many forms, and 2020 called upon all of them.” Proceeds from the event go to Hometown Hero Outdoors – a nonprofit organization that provides military veterans, service members, and law enforcement officers with outdoor opportunities to promote healing and healthy relationships. Hairica, a.k.a. Hair for America, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Lismore Hotel, 333 Gibson St. Doors open at 7pm, and the hair show begins at 8pm. In addition, spectators can look forward to raffles and dancing afterwards. Be hair or be square. –Natalie Derks
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JUST A LITTLE CLOWNING AROUND. Cap off the Halloween season with a visit to the Ski Sprites Water Ski Team’s Haunted House at 415 S. Dewey St., Eau Claire. If you’re brave enough, it’s open 7-11pm Oct. 28-30.
Events+Guides P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
Events
Local Lit
The Rear End
THE FULL SLATE OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMING WEEKS
DEB PETERSON’S ‘COLD COUNTRY’
VINTAGE WALLPAPER AND A YOUNG, WANDERING MIND
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EVENTS CALENDAR • BEST BETS • COMING UP NEXT • GUIDES EVENTS+GUIDES EDITOR: JAMES JOHONNOTT
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james@volumeone.org
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Events CHIPPEWA VALLEY EVENTS OCT. 28 – NOV. 20, 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 28 CAREER Chippewa Valley Job Fair 2-6pm • Avalon Hotel & Conference Center, Chippewa Falls • Find a job and possibly even be hired on the spot. Bring the kids for trick or treating. chippewa-wi.com
LOTS OF LAUGHS. Clear Water Comedy returns this fall, featuring comics such as Cullen Ryan (pictured here). Check out more upcoming performances at VolumeOne.org/Events.
CRAFTING & MAKING Western WI American Sewing Guild 10am-
12:30pm • Lake Street Methodist Church, EC • Grand Sew’n Tell Reveal. FREE • Adults • 8295648 • erdiestelmeier@hotmail.com
After School Crafternoons at String Theory
3-5pm • String Theory Studio, Chippewa Falls • A new seasonally spooky craft each week. Admission Varies • facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi
FARMERS MARKETS
PHOTO BY MEASHA VIETH
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market noon-5pm
• Phoenix Park • ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
FITNESS Halloween Yoga & Boos at Modicum Brewing Co. 6:30-7:30pm • Modicum Brewing Company,
Altoona • Strength & flexibility work with a spooky twist. $15 • 21+ • badintentionsyoga.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
Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm. BYO chairs. • theenchantedbarn.com/ thursdays
HALLOWEEN
KIDS Star Wars: The Nostalgia Awakens - Family Activity Dates 6-8pm • Chippewa Valley Museum, EC • LEGO building challenges, robotics demonstrations, Wookie cookie decorating, and more family fun. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students and ages 5-17, FREE for 5 and under • All Ages • 834-7871 • cvmuseum.com
LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • Menomonie Moose Lodge, Menomonie • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ • All Ages (children supervised) • 308-1830 • facebook.com
MUSIC Clara Osowski & Tyler Wottrich 7:30pm
MORE EVEN TS
Beaver Creek Boofest 4-6pm
• Pablo Center, EC • An evening with mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and vocal pianist Tyler Wottrich. $25+ • pablocenter.org
WELLNESS
FOOD & DRINK
River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings noon-
Together Farms Burger Nights 4-9pm • Together
6pm • The Broom & Crow, LLC, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for 30+ years. $20-80 • 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. FREE • 14+ • cvbookfest.org/festival-events/moore
Friday, October 29
Live Country and Western at • Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall FULL DETA The Lakely 8-11pm • The Lakely, ILS Creek • Trick-or-treat around the EC • Live Country and Western nature center, decorate a pumpkin, with Ben Lester. • theoxbowhotel.com learn about creepy crawlies, and more. Costumes encouraged. FREE for OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING members, $3-4, FREE for children under 2 • beavercreekreserve.org The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market, EC • Farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical Wisconsin’s Most Haunted Locations with Chad flair. facebook.com/legacymarket Lewis 6pm • Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, Menomonie • Paranormal author Chad Lewis STAGE hosts a presentation of Wisconsin’s most haunted. $10adv, $15 door • dunnhistory.org ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical” 7:309:30pm • The Oxford, EC • Based on the 80’s cult Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail 7-10pm classic movies. $14 Students, $20 Seniors, $24 • Rockin T-R Ranch, EC • This unique haunted Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Rated R for mature experience features a haunted trail, corn maze and audiences • 839-8877 • ecct.org/tickets barn. $12 or $10 with nonperishable food item • All Ages • 828-7221
COMMUNITY
Ski Sprites Haunted House 7-11pm • Ski Sprites
Free Fitness Fridays 6:30-7:30pm • Riverfront
Haunted House, EC • The Ski Sprites haunted house is a local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
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VISUAL ART Exploring the Versatility of Birch Bark 10am-5pm
• Artisan Forge Studios, EC • 7 talented artists who have been exploring the possibilities of birch bark. artisanforgestudios.com
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Farms, Mondovi • Grass fed burgers outdoor on a working farm. Live music. Burgers $12-15, sides, kids meals, desserts available • togetherfarms.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
HALLOWEEN Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, EC • A spooky escape room in the basement, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 2-4 players • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com Downtown Chippewa Falls Trick or Treating
3-5pm • Bring the kiddos down for trick or treating at downtown businesses. chippewafallsmainst. org/trick-or-treating.html
Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm •
CVEMS Final Fridays: Halloween Costume Contest and Dance Party 6pm • The Red Mixer,
FALL FUN Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, zombies, and more. $15 • All Ages • facebook.com/twistedtaleofhorror
Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5pm, profits go to local charities. kofc974.com/bingo
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • 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 • govinsfarm.com
FITNESS Park, Chippewa Falls • Outdoor Zumba and Yoga classes with String Theory Studio instructors. facebook.com/stringtheorystudiowi/
EC • An evening of electronic music and Halloween fun with free candy and costume contest. 21 • fb.me/e/duzPk6Pka
3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-9pm •
Camp Davidson, EC • A haunting walk on a well groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • Ages 12+
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
BEST BETS OCTOBER 28 — NOVEMBER 20
1. HERE WE ARE AGAIN: MICHAEL PERRY Nov. 5 • Heyde Center • 7:30pm Humorist and author Michael Perry returns with hilarious and heartfelt stories, plus plenty of tangents and recollections.
2. POLIÇA Nov. 5 • Pablo Center • 7:30pm An American synth-pop band from Minneapolis. On tour for their fourth album, When We Stay Alive.
MUSIC CVEMS Final Fridays: Halloween Costume Contest and Dance Party 6pm • The Red Mixer, EC
• An evening of electronic music and Halloween fun with free candy and costume contest. 21+ • fb.me/e/duzPk6Pka
Sam Lakmann 6pm • The Cabin, EC • Indie musi-
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
cian 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
Saturday, October 30
Late Night Jazz: Josh Gallagher Trio 8:30-
FALL FUN Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun
OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING
Fall Fun at Govin’s Farm 10am-10pm • Menom-
11:30pm • The Lakely, EC • Josh Gallagher leads this trio with masterful and swinging piano playing. theoxbowhotel.com
The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
EC • Farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
STAGE ECCT Presents “Evil Dead The Musical” 7:30-
9:30pm • The Oxford, EC • Based on the 80’s cult classic movies. $14 Students, $20 Seniors, $24 Adults, $29 Splatter Zone • Rated R for mature audiences • 839-8877 • ecct.org/tickets
VISUAL ART Exploring the Versatility of Birch Bark 10am-5pm • Artisan Forge Studios, EC • 7 talented artists who have been exploring the possibilities of birch bark. artisanforgestudios.com WELLNESS River Divinations Tarot & Bone Readings 10am-
6pm • The Broom & Crow, EC • River has read Tarot & Bones professionally for over thirty years. $20-80 • facebook.com/thebroomandcrow
10am-6pm • Elk Mound • Pumpkins, wagon rides, seasonal treats, farm animals, corn maze, and more. valleypasturefarm.com 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 available • togetherfarms.com Pints and Pumpkins 1-9pm • The Growler Guys,
EC • Pumpkin painting, masks, costume contest, bingo, and craft beer. • TheGrowlerGuys.com
P H O T O BY A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
3. SHOWTIME PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING Nov. 6 • Eagles Club • 7-9:30pm Scheduled to appear: “Dad Bod God” Nathan Sensation, Rad Lightning, Ghetto Gear Solid, Skitz, Sierra, Kyle Pro.
4. 7TH ANNUAL GATSBY’S GALA Nov. 13 • UWEC, Davies Center • 7pm 1920s ballroom themed party with live jazz, dancing, food and drink, charity gaming, and the finest Roaring Twenties costumes and outfits.
GAMES & HOBBIES Regional Sports Card, Coin & Collectibles Show
5. HAIRICA
HALLOWEEN
Nov. 13 • The Lismore • 8pm Hairica is a Veterans’ charity event and live hair show with raffles and dancing to follow.
Oakwood Mall, EC • 50 tables of dealers & collectors. Vintage, new, autographed memorabilia, coins, Pokemon, and more. oakwoodmall.com
Schlegelmilch Escape Room Schlegelmilch House Museum, EC • A spooky escape room in the basement, hosted by Tactical Escape 101. $100 (2-4 players) • 12+ • tacticalescape101.com | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Events EXA Sports Trunk Or Treat noon-2pm (EC) 5-7pm (Menomonie) • EXA Sports • Kids can explore decorated vehicle trunks, play games, and of course get candy. FREE • All Ages • exa-sports. com/trunk-or-treat Fear at the Farm - Halloween at Farm to Fork
4-10pm • Farm to Fork Pizza, Mondovi • Live music, food, beverages, vendors, costume contest with cash prizes, and more. $30 adv, $40 gate, FREE for 12 and under • volumeonetickets.org
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 • All Ages • facebook. com/twistedtaleofhorror Halloween Costume Party at Brewery Nonic
6pm • Brewery Nonic, 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 • 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, Seniors $34, Youth $27 • cvca.net
3rd Annual Troop 36 Haunted Trail 7-9pm •
Camp Davidson, EC • A haunting walk on a well groomed trail. Warming fire and concessions. $5 • 12 and up
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 • The Ski Sprites haunted house is a local favorite haunted house. $10 • skisprites.com/HauntedHouse.html
Halloween Costume Contest at Schuetzy’s Tavern 7pm • Schuetzy’s Tavern, Chippewa Falls
• Schuetzy’s Tavern Costume Contest at 8pm, Drink specials start at 7pm. 1st-3rd place win cash prizes. 21+ • schuetzys.com
2nd X-IT and Halloween Costume Contest 8pm
• Snout Saloon, Chippewa Falls • 2nd X-IT plays classic rock covers from the 70s and 80s. Halloween costume contest with prizes.
Fathom’s Fright Night at My Office Bar 9pm • My
Office Bar, EC • Live music by MC Fathom and DJ Kramer starting at 7pm. $1000 grand prize costume contest (winner chosen at midnight). $10 cover • 21+
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. autumnharvestwinery.com
Dad Bod 6pm • The Cabin, EC • Indie band from Minneapolis. FREE • uwec.edu 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
at the Confluence, EC • Billy Prine, the younger brother of songwriter John Prine, presents an evening of music. Ticket price TBA • pablocenter.org
Late Night Jazz at The Lakely: Sweater People
8:30-11:30pm • The Lakely, EC • A contemporary, experimental, improvisatory musical quartet. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com
OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market,
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
RUN/WALK EVENTS Carson Park 5 & 10 8:30-11am • Chippewa
Valley Museum, EC • 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 1/4 mile or mile Boogie Run • runsignup.com
VISUAL ART Exploring the Versatility of Birch Bark 10am-5pm • Artisan Forge Studios, EC • 7 talented artists who have been exploring the possibilities of birch bark. 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
FITNESS Halloween Barre 6:15-7pm • Latitude 44 Yoga
Studio, EC • A guided, spooky themed barre class with music. $15 (Free For Members) • 18+ • 8283936 • latitude44yoga.com/schedule
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
NEW RECORDS. Podcaster, author, illustrator, musician, and E.C. native Brett Newski will stop by Revival Records in Eau Claire on Nov. 13 to promote his new book and album. SUBMITTED PHOTO
HALLOWEEN Cowboy Jack’s Halloween Party 8pm • Cowboy
Jack’s, Altoona • Live DJ, dancing, trivia, costume and “Thriller” dance contests with prizes, specialty drinks and more. FREE • 21+ • 514-3289 • cowboyjacksaltoona.com
KIDS Trick or Treating with At The Roots 4-6:30pm •
At The Roots, Altoona • Candy for the kids, and 50% off coupons for adults for At the Roots 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, EC • Learn and play the French game of Petanque.
STAGE Auditions - “Scrooge The Musical” 7-8pm • Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, EC • Holiday musical based on the Dickens classic story. FREE • All Ages • 839-8877 • ecct.org/get-involved
Monday, November 1 COMMUNITY Red Cross Blood Drive at the Chippewa Valley Museum 10am-4pm • Chippewa Valley Museum,
EC • Donate blood at the CVM and get admission for the day. 16+ • redcrossblood.org
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Sing or Rap with CollECtive Choir 6-7:30pm • Valleybrook Back Entrance, EC • Practice with CollECtive Choir for outdoor/indoor Christmas concerts this December. CollECtiveChoir.org Buzz-Free Football 7-11pm • At The Roots, Altoona • Free football on Mondays in an alcohol-free environment. 18+ • attherootsllc.com EDUCATION La Leche League of Eau Claire meeting 9:3011am • Hosted Virtually • Offers peer support to lactating parents and any parent who wants to feed their baby human milk. facebook.com/ llleauclaire
FOOD & DRINK November Spirits 4-Course Dinner 6-9pm • Bye
the Willow, Chippewa Falls • Bye the Willow partners with the 45th Parallel Distillery for a four course dinner. $65 • 21+ • volumeonetickets.org
STAGE Auditions - “Scrooge The Musical” 7-8pm • Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, EC • Holiday musical based on the Dickens classic story. ecct. org/get-involved
Wednesday, November 3 COMEDY Jakub with a K Winter Wednesday Comedy
5-10pm • Paradise Shores 4, Holcombe • Mike brings his unique style and likeability to comedy clubs across America. $25 • 21+ • eventsguy.com
Events DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm
• Waltz, two step and more at the Moose Lodge every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584
EDUCATION Building Cultural Intelligence 9am-noon • Online
through UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education • Learn how you can improve diversity in your organization. $579 • 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
GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &
Wine, EC • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. 200mainec.com
MUSIC Humpday Jam at Brickhouse Pub hosted by Cerebral Skillet 7pm • Brickhouse Pub & Grub , EC
COMEDY Here We Are Again with Michael Perry 7:30pm
• Heyde Center, Chippewa Falls • Humorist & author Michael Perry returns with hilarious & heartfelt stories, and plenty of tangents and recollections. $18-17, Youth $9 • cvca.net
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
DANCE “tumult” by e Dance Company 8-9pm • Forage,
EC • tumult is a modern dance performance that reflects upon the chaos of the last two years. edancecompany.com
FOOD & DRINK St Olaf Men’s Club Fish Fry 4-7pm • St Olaf
MUSIC Carrie Newcomer With Pianist Gary Walters “Until Now” Concert to Benefit JONAH 6:30-
10pm • Grace Lutheran Church, EC • An evening of song to inspire toward social justice action. $25adv; $30door • 12+ • volumeonetickets.org
Rodney Crowell 7:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center, Menomonie • Two-time Grammy Award winning Rodney Crowell has over 40 years of American roots music. $45+ • mabeltainter.org
Rubenzer Family Concert 7:30pm • The Heyde Center, Chippewa Falls • A mix of music including polkas, waltzes, schottische, early rock, and country. GA $12, Seniors $10, Youth $6 • cvca.net Live Music: Ultimatum 8pm • Snout Saloon,
Chippewa Falls • Ultimatum plays cover music at the Snout Saloon. FREE • 21+
SHOPPING Unique Boutique Craft & Bake Sale 8:30am-2pm • Grace Lutheran Church, EC • Wreaths, jewelry, holiday decor, baked goods, and found treasures.
Catholic Church, EC • Drive-up and take-away fried fish meal with sides. $10 for each meal • saintolafparish.org
Holiday Primer Sale 9am • At The Roots LLC,
WELLNESS Authentic Living 10:30-11:30am, 1-2pm • Eas-
LEISURE Adult Skate Night 8:30-10:30pm • High Roller
The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market,
Thursday, November 4
MUSIC Live Music with Garden Party 6-8pm • 200 Main
• Singers, jammers, and bands to take the stage or join host band Cerebral Skillet. facebook.com tridge Center, EC • Become authentically you in a small group setting. $12 • victoryconsultingllc.com
FOOD & DRINK Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted
Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm. BYO chairs. theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays
5 Course Fall Harvest Wine Dinner 6-8pm • 29
Pines Restaurant, EC • 5 wine paired courses with fall flavors & local ingredients. $50 (advance purchase only) • 21+ • volumeonetickets.org
LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ •
MUSIC Vinyl Nights: “Soulful Sounds” at The Lakely with Mabis 7-10pm • The Lakely, EC • A mix of
classic and modern soul, some jazz, some R&B, and more. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com
The Pro Arte Quartet 7:30pm • Pablo Center, EC • One of the world’s most distinguished string quartets Ticket price TBA • pablocenter.org
SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm • Grand Theatre,
EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elderly women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
WELLNESS Yoga Study | Philosophy 5:15-8:30pm • Latitude 44 Yoga Studio, EC • Explores the philosophy of living your yoga practice off the mat. • latitude44yoga.com/events
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
Friday, November 5 CAUSES Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala 5pm • The Lis-
more, EC • Celebrate the success of mentoring with. Awards presentation, cocktail hour, dinner, speakers, silent auction, and comedian Cyrus Steele. Funds raised help empower potential in area youth. bbbsnw.org/gala
Skating Center, EC • Themed adult-only skate nights. $6 • 18+ • highrollerskating.com
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
Art & Wine Gallery, EC • A gutar, ukulele, and upright bass trio that plays folk, pop, and americana. 200mainec.com
POLIÇA 7:30pm • Pablo Center, EC • An American synth-pop band from Minneapolis. On tour for their fourth album, “When We Stay Alive.” Ticket Price TBA • pablocenter.org
OPEN HOUSES & SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm • The Grand
Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
VISUAL ART Banbury Place First Friday Market 1-8pm • Banbury 13, EC •
Demonstrations, games, art, food, music, and more. Explore Banbury Place’s community of creators. FREE • All Ages
Altoona • Handmade wooden art, self-care items, crafts, books, and kid activity kits, stocking stuffers and more. • facebook.com
RECREATION Sierra Club Group Swede Ramble Trail, Tiffany Wildlife Area 12:30pm • Email for gathering
location • Swede Ramble Trail in the bluffs with Dave Linderud, retired DNR wildlife manager. Lower Chippewa River, between Durand and Nelson. FREE • ellewolf1@hotmail.com
SPECTATOR SPORTS Showtime Professional Wrestling: Meet Your Fate 7-9:30pm • Chippewa Valley Eagles Club, Chippewa Falls • “Dad Bod God” Nathan Sensation, Rad Lightning, Ghetto Gear Solid, Skitz, Sierra, Kyle Pro. $20 Front Row, $15 GA, Kids 6 and under are free • facebook.com/showtimeprowrestling1
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm • The Grand
Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg. MORE EVEN TS org FULL DETA ILS
Bowers Art - Fall Open Gallery 5-8pm • Banbury Place - Bldg. 13, Studio 123, EC • Original abstract paintings on display and for sale by artist Jamie Bowers. bowersart.carbonmade.com
VISUAL ART Bowers Art - Fall Open Gallery
11am-2pm • Banbury Place Bldg. 13, Studio 123, EC3 • Original abstract paintings on display and for sale by artist Jamie Bowers. bowersart. carbonmade.com
WELLNESS Soul Saturday at Soulstice 10am-4pm • Soulstice
Saturday, November 6
Wellness Center, EC • A monthly market place for all things metaphysical, spiritual and holistic. soulsticeec.com
ANIMALS & PETS Santa Paws Kickoff & Adoption Event 4:30-
WORDS Local Author Book Signing & Reading 1-4pm •
6:30pm • The Brewing Projekt, EC • Pick up the first available Santa Paws of 2021. Chat with Humane Association staff and volunteers about adoption, fostering, and volunteering.
Artisan Forge Studios, EC • Anything for Frances is a memoir about family, village life, love, loss and fresh starts. FREE • All Ages • (612) 2278571 • vanessafeils.com/anything-for-frances/
DANCE “tumult” by e Dance Company 8-9pm • Forage,
Sunday, November 7
EC • tumult is a modern dance performance that reflects upon the chaos of the last two years. edancecompany.com
FOOD & DRINK
KIDS Knit & Crochet Club 10am-noon • Altoona Public Li-
VFW Auxiliary Breakfast 8-11:30am • VFW Post 7232, EC • Eat breakfast at the VFW with local veterans. $8 seniors, $9 adults, FREE for kids 5 and under • vfwpost7232.org
Star Wars: The Nostalgia Awakens - Family Activity Dates 1-4pm • Chippewa Valley Museum,
MUSIC
brary, Altoona • Bring your projects, and meet other crafters for coffee. FREE • altoonapubliclibrary.org
EC • LEGO building challenges, robotics demonstrations, cookie decorating, and more family fun. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students and ages 5-17, FREE for 5 and under • cvmuseum.com
Open Mic Night: Hosted by Elvessa 7pm • Eau Juicy, EC • 20 minute solo performance by Elizabeth Weidner (Elvessa) followed by emerging and established area talent. No cover charge | OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Events SHOPPING November Vendor Market at The Brewing Projekt
noon-4pm • The Brewing Projekt, EC • Local artists, shops, makers & bakers. thebrewingprojekt.com
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 1:30pm • The Grand Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
Online through UWEC Continuing Education • Learn to better present your ideas one-on-one or to a group. $599 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
Buzz-Free Football 7-11pm • At The Roots LLC, Altoona • Free football on Mondays in an alcohol-free environment. attherootsllc.com
KIDS Altoona Public Library LEGO Club 3:30-4:45pm • Altoona Public Library, Altoona • FREE • 4 years - Grade 6 • altoonapubliclibrary.org
Oct. 30 • Farm to Fork Pizza • 4-10pm • $30adv Concert featuring live music, food, beverages, vendors, costume contest with cash prizes, psychic readings, trick-or-treat trails, and more. Outdoor, rain or shine.
NOVEMBER SPIRITS 4-COURSE DINNER Nov. 1 • Bye the Willow • 6-9pm • $65 Bye the Willow partners with the 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond to have a special spirits dinner. Menu will be announced closer to the event date.
FALL HARVEST WINE DINNER Nov. 4 • 29 Pines Restaurant• 6-8pm • $50 Five wine-paired courses featuring fall flavors and fresh local ingredients.
CARRIE NEWCOMER JONAH BENEFIT CONCERT Nov. 6 • Grace Lutehran Church • 6:30-10pm • $25adv
An evening of song, led by Carrie Newcomer and pianist Gary Walters. Unite us as spiritual companions in active hope, inspiring us to action for social justice.
CLEAR WATER COMEDY: SEAN PATTON LIVE Nov. 17 • Brickhouse Pub • 7:30-9pm • $10-15 Clear Water Comedy welcomes Sean Patton back to Eau Claire. Sean has performed in comedy clubs across the U.S. and Canada, and on TV shows such as Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and many more.
CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT:
VOLUMEONE.ORG/TICKETS
tridge Center, EC • Become authentically you in a small group. $12 • victoryconsultingllc.com
Monday, November 8 Valleybrook Back Entrance, EC • Practice with CollECtive Choir for outdoor/indoor Christmas concerts this December. • CollECtiveChoir.org
FEAR AT THE FARM HALLOWEEN AT FARM TO FORK
WELLNESS Authentic Living 10:30-11:30am, 1-2pm • Eas-
Thursday, November 11
Sing or Rap with CollECtive Choir 6-7:30pm •
upcomingevents
2:30pm • CVTC Chippewa Falls Campus, 103 Computer Lab • Learn how to navigate the Medicare.gov website. hipaa.jotform.com
Audio Body: Electronic Circus Arts 2pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls • Explosive mix of circus arts, comedy, technology, juggling, lightning effects, and live upbeat music. Adults $18, Seniors $17, Youth $5 • cvca.net
COMMUNITY
COMEDIAN SEAN PATTON RETURNS TO EAU CLAIRE AT BRICKHOUSE PUB NOV. 17, PRESENTED BY CLEAR WATER COMEDY
SENIORS Comparing Medicare Drug Plans Online 1pm,
Tuesday, November 9 BUSINESS 6th Annual JA Hero’s Gala 5-8pm • Florian
BUSINESS Effective Presentation Techniques 9am-4pm •
FITNESS Barre Teacher Training 5:45-8:45pm • Latitude
44 Yoga Studio, EC • Deepen your understanding of Barre and get certified to teach it. $249 • 18+ • 828-3936 • latitude44yoga.com/events
FOOD & DRINK Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted
Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm. BYO chairs. theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays
KIDS Star Wars: The Nostalgia Awakens - Family Activity Dates 6-8pm • Chippewa Valley Museum, EC • LEGO building challenges, robotics demonstrations, cookie decorating, and more family fun. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students and ages 5-17, FREE for 5 and under • cvmuseum.com
Gardens, EC • A camaraderie and recognizing area heroes who volunteer and support area youth through Junior Achievement. Registration information online • 21+ • bit.ly/2021JAHero
LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • •
Wednesday, November 10
EC • Farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
CRAFTING & MAKING Kokedama Workshop 6:30-7:30pm • Red’s
Mercantile, EC • Learn how to make a kokedama hanging plant. $40 • redsmercantile.com
DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm
• Waltz, two step and more at the Moose Lodge every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584
EDUCATION Family to Family 6-8:30pm • 8 week support program for families of people with mental illness. FREE • Adults • 450-6484 • NAMICV.org
GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &
17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ •
SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm • The Grand
Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
WELLNESS Herbalism for Everyday Use 6-8pm • Online
UWEC Continuing Education • Learn from a master herbalist how to use herbs. $99 • ce.uwec.edu
Friday, November 12 BUSINESS Effective Presentation Techniques 9am-4pm •
Wine, EC • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. • 200mainec.com
Online UWEC Continuing Education • Learn to better present your ideas one-on-one or to a group. $599 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
MUSIC Open Mic Night 6-10pm • The Enchanted Barn,
COMMUNITY Knights of Columbus Progressive Bingo 7-9pm •
Hilllsdale • Listen to a variety of musicians display their talents. Musicians get a free drink ticket. Doors at 6pm. Music at 6:30pm. Open Jam at 8pm. theenchantedbarn.com
Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Falls • Food and refreshments available at 5pm, profits go to local charities. kofc974.com/bingo
Humpday Jam at Brickhouse Pub hosted by Cerebral Skillet 7pm • Brickhouse Pub & Grub ,
FITNESS Barre Teacher Training 5:45-8:45pm • Latitude
EC • Welcoming singers, jammers, and bands to take the stage or join host band Cerebral Skillet.
Judy Collins 8pm • Mabel Tainter Center, Menomonie • Famous for sublime vocals, vulnerable songwriting, and social activisim. $50+ • mabeltainter.org
44 Yoga Studio, EC • Deepen your understanding of Barre and get certified to teach it. $249 • 18+ • 828-3936 • latitude44yoga.com/events
FOOD & DRINK Wicked Wine Weekend 3-7pm • The Coffee
Grounds, EC • 40+ wines and spirits to taste. Coupled with a cheese and salami bar. $5 • 21+ • 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com
Events MUSIC Late Night Jazz: Sean Carey Trio 8:30-11:30pm •
The Lakely, EC • Local favorite Sean Carey returns to the Lakely to perform in a jazz trio. theoxbowhotel.com
SHOPPING The Legacy Market 9am-5pm • Legacy Market,
EC • Farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
FITNESS Barre Teacher Training 9:30am-4:30pm • Latitude 44 Yoga Studio, EC • Deepen your understanding of Barre and get certified to teach it. $249 • 18+ • latitude44yoga.com/events
FOOD & DRINK Wicked Wine Weekend 2-6pm • The Coffee
Grounds, EC • 40+ wines and spirits to taste. Coupled with a cheese and salami bar. $5 • 21+ • 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com
STAGE High Voltage Hypnosis Comedy Show 7:30pm • Heyde Center, Chippewa Falls • Hilarious skits, amazing demonstrations, clean comedy, and hypnosis. GA $15, Seniors $14, Youth $7 • cvca.net
MORE EVEN TS
Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm •
The Grand Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
and the finest Roaring 20s costumes & outfits. Ticket price online • uwec.universitytickets.com
FULL DETA ILS
VISUAL ART First Nations Contemporary Art - Artists Reception & Art Talk 6pm • Pablo Center at the Con-
fluence, EC • Featuring the artwork of Chistopher Sweet. FREE • pablocenter.org
Saturday, November 13 DANCE Hairica: The Resurrection 8pm • The Lismore, EC
• Hairica is a Veteran’s Charity Event and live hair show with raffles and dancing to follow. $50
FESTIVALS 7th Annual Gatsby’s Gala 7pm • Davies Center,
UWEC, EC • 1920s ballroom themed party with live jazz, dancing, food & drink, charity gaming,
MUSIC Polka Impreza Music, Food, and Entertainment 5pm • Paradise
Shores 4, Holcombe • Cynor Classics Polka Band, Chicago Style Honky Polka Band, hosts this Polka fest with music, food, and entertainment. $30 • All Ages
4th Floor Show at the Complexx 6pm •
The Complexx at Wagner’s Lanes, EC • Blues infused, country tinged, straight forward rock and roll. $25 • 4thfloorshow.brownpapertickets.com
Brett Newski & The No Tomorrow Live 7pm • Revival Records, EC • ‘90s-influenced alt-rock outfit launches eight new tracks to accompany Newski’s new book. $20 • brettnewski.com
Leo Kottke 7:30pm • Pablo Center at the Con-
fluence, EC • Grammy-nominated guitarist Leo Kottke will perform an evening of music. Ticket price TBA • pablocenter.org
Live Music: Bangarang 8pm • Snout Saloon,
Chippewa Falls • Bangarang plays Rock ‘n roll covers. FREE • 21+
SHOPPING 25th Annual Christmas in the Northwoods Craft Show 9am-3pm • Northwoods Elementary School,
EC • Huge basket raffle, concessions, and 60+
vendors with homemade crafts. $2 door admission (12 years & under are free) • fb.me/e/1omEfbsWe
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 1:30pm • The Grand
EC • A top-notch farmhouse vintage market with a whimsical flair. facebook.com/legacymarket
Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
STAGE Arsenic and Old Lace 7:30pm • The Grand
Monday, November 15
The Legacy Market 10am-3pm • Legacy Market,
Theatre, EC • Stage adaptation of the classic black comedy film about love, delusions, elder women, and poison. $25 GA, $12 youth/seniors • cvtg.org
WELLNESS Autumn Psychic & Wellness Fair 10am-5pm
• Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, EC • Soulstice Eau Claire’s annual fall event. Free presentations throughout the day.
Sunday, November 14 FESTIVALS Immaculate Conception Parish 75th Jubilee Fall Festival and Dinner 11am-1:30pm • Immaculate Conception School, EC • Mass, dinner, and activities, including raffles, auctions, wine tasting, kids games & entertainment. $12 adults, $5 children (6-12), FREE for children 5 and under • All Ages
FOOD & DRINK 14th Annual Spaghetti Spectacular 11am-6pm •
COMMUNITY Sing or Rap with CollECtive Choir 6-7:30pm •
Valleybrook Back Entrance, EC • Practice with CollECtive Choir for outdoor/indoor Christmas concerts this December. CollECtiveChoir.org
Buzz-Free Football 7-11pm • At The Roots LLC, Altoona • Free football on Mondays in an alcohol-free environment. 18+ • attherootsllc.com FOOD & DRINK Wine Dinner at the Willow 6-8pm • Bye the
Willow, Chippewa Falls • A four course dinner, using local seasonal ingredients, and paired with four wines. $50 • volumeonetickets.org
Tuesday, November 16 COMEDY The Second City: Remix 7:30pm • Ojibwe
McDonell Central Catholic High School, Chippewa Falls • Spaghetti fundraiser dinner and basket raffle. Meals $10 • mcdonellareacatholicschools.org
Ballroom, Davies Center, UWEC • The very best in sketch and improv comedy tours with some of their greatest hits and all new material. Ticket price TBA • uwec.edu
MUSIC Blind Boys of Alabama 7pm • Mabel Tainter
MUSIC A Mowtown Christmas 7:30pm • Pablo Center,
Center for the Arts, Menomonie • A gospel group that has been both living legends and modern innovators. $50+ • mabeltainter.org
EC • A powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. $39+ • pablocenter.org
| OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Events RECREATION 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+
Herbalism for Everyday Use 6-8pm • Online UWEC Continuing Education • Learn from a master herbalist how to use herbs. $99 • ce.uwec.edu
COMEDY Clear Water Comedy Presents: Sean Patton Live at The Brickhouse 7:30-9pm • Brickhouse Pub &
WORDS Fourth Annual UW-Stout Faculty and Staff Creative Writing Reading 7-8:30pm • Hosted Online
Grub, EC • Patton is a nationally renown comedian, and a local favorite. $10 early bird, $12 adv, $15 door • 18+ recommended • volumeonetickets.org
by UW-Stout • Join UW-Stout faculty and staff as they read their fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. • tinyurl.com/UWStoutFacultyStaffReading4
DANCE Menomonie Moose Lodge Senior Dance 1pm
Friday, November 19
EDUCATION Building Cultural Intelligence 9am-noon • Online
UWEC Continuing Education • Learn how you can improve diversity in your organization. $579 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
GAMES & HOBBIES Backgammon Night 5-8pm • 200 Main Art &
EC • A journey through VHS finds, videotaped obscurities, curiously-produced training videos, and forsaken home videos. $25+ • pablocenter.org
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
MUSIC Humpday Jam at Brickhouse Pub hosted by Cerebral Skillet 7pm • Brickhouse Pub & Grub
EDUCATION Creativity and Resiliency for Compassionate Care 8:30am-4pm • Holiday Inn South, EC • Care
Mavis Staples with Phil Cook 7:30pm • Pablo Center, EC • Legendary singer, hall of famer, and Grammy winner Mavis Staples graces the RCU stage featuring hometown hero Phil Cook. Ticket prices TBA • pablocenter.org
STAGE “My Lady Tongue” Original Play Auditions 7pm • Auditions at the Christ
providers will learn how to create their own method of self-care. $219 • 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu
KIDS EXA Sports Parent Night Out Theme Nights
MORE EVEN TS
FULL DETA ILS
Church Cathedral, EC • Performance Anxiety Theater hosts auditions. Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue. fb.me/e/1NeU9y0Qu
WELLNESS Authentic Living 10:30-11:30am, 1-2pm • Eas-
tridge Center, EC • Become authentically you in a small group. $12 • victoryconsultingllc.com
WORDS Barstow & Grand Issue #5 Release Party 7pm •
Lazy Monk Brewing, EC • Features readings from the issue, music, and beer. Find it on Facebook
Thursday, November 18 FOOD & DRINK Pizza & Music Night 5-10pm • The Enchanted
Barn, Hillsdale • Artisan pizza, full bar including craft cocktails, and live music starting at 6pm. BYO chairs. theenchantedbarn.com/thursdays
LEISURE Menomonie Moose Lodge Bingo 6:30-10pm • 17+ games. Lunch served. $3+ •
MUSIC Vinyl Nights: “New Wave Dance Party” with DJ Ashley Wiswell 7-10pm • The Lakely, EC • DJ
Ashley Wiswell spins her favorite music of the late 70s and 80s. theoxbowhotel.com
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
7:30pm • Pablo Center, EC • Legendary touring GMO is still the most sought after big band act in the world. $30+ • pablocenter.org
STAGE “My Lady Tongue” Original Play Auditions 7pm
• Auditions at the Christ Church Cathedral, EC • Performance Anxiety Theater hosts auditions. Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue. fb.me/e/1NeU9y0Qu | OCTOBER 28, 2021
COMEDY Found Footage Festival 7pm • Pablo Center,
Wine, EC • For those who love to play or want to learn. All ages and skill levels. 200mainec.com
- Bar & Banquet Hall, EC • Welcoming singers, jammers, and bands to take the stage or join host band Cerebral Skillet. facebook.com
www.VolumeOne.org
44 Yoga Studio, EC • Explores the philosophy of living your yoga practice off the mat. Registration information online • latitude44yoga.com/events
Wednesday, November 17
• Waltz, two step and more at the Moose Lodge every Wednesday. $7 • facebook.com/MenomonieMooseLodge1584
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WELLNESS Yoga Study | Philosophy 5:15-8:30pm • Latitude
7-9pm • EXA Sports, EC & Menomonie • Have a parents night out while your kid enjoys themed nights at the EXA Sports gym $10/kid for nonmembers, $7/kid for members • 6 & up • 514-4640 • exa-sports.com
LEISURE Adult Skate Night 8:30-10:30pm • High Roll-
er Skating Center, EC • Themed adult-only skate nights. $6 admission • 18+ • highrollerskating.com
WELLNESS Full Moon Nature Immersion 6-8pm • Unity
Christ Center, EC • Join Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Teresa Luginbill for a full moon experience to slow down & de-stress in nature $15 suggested donation
Saturday, November 20 KIDS Star Wars: The Nostalgia Awakens - Family Activity Dates 1-4pm • Chippewa Valley Museum, EC • LEGO building challenges, robotics demonstrations, cookie decorating, and more family fun. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students and ages 5-17, FREE for 5 and under • cvmuseum.com
MUSIC JFT Party Band 8pm • Snout Saloon, Chippewa
Falls • plays classic covers. FREE • 21+
Late Night Jazz: Sue Orfield Trio 8:30-11:30pm •
The Lakely, EC • A dynamic night of jazz and Sue’s originals. FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com
NIGHTLIFE Magic Mike Tribute Show & Charity Fundraiser
9-11pm • Brickhouse Pub & Grub , EC • Ladies night out for a male revue show and charity fundraiser and pet food drive for Eau Claire Humane Association. $20-45 • More on Facebook
SHOPPING 7th Annual Altoona Booster Club Craft and Vendor Show 9am-3pm • Altoona High School, Altoona • 60+ crafters, vendors, concessions, raffles, silent auction, and bake sale. • altoona.k12.wi.us
Local Lit ‘COLD COUNTRY’ words by
deb peterson
When September comes to cold country, the heat
because even one person walking on new snow packs it
and humidity of summer ease up. There’s a couple of
down into footprint-sized pads of ice.
months of perfect days, a week or two when the glory of red and yellow leaves is a pagan fire in the woods.
People who live in cold country don’t use a lot of
Maybe a sprinkling of warm days. But inevitably, you get
words. When a blizzard is forecast and we go to the
up one morning and there’s a crust of ice on the pond.
store to stock up on milk, bread, and beer, one man
It’s winter in cold country.
will say to another, “It’s coming,” and the stranger he’s just spoken to says, “Yup,” and their words
Winter’s the season where stepping outside to grab your
bond them in a classic conflict: Man against Nature.
newspaper can kill you. Think about it: it’s 20 below;
After the storm, we don’t get cocky about punching
you don’t want to gear up because the paper is RIGHT
through to the other side. We yell across the street to
THERE. So you dash out, slip on ice, hit your head, and
the neighbor who’s out shoveling too, “Coulda been worse,” because even though we
suffer frostbite or worse in a matter of minutes. In cold country, 90 percent of men, given their druthers, would choose a pickup with a plow over a sports car with a windfoil.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
got 18 inches of new snow, it HAS
Deb Peterson writes literary,
been worse. It will be worse again.
mystery, and speculative fiction stories under the name Delaney Green and is the author of historical fantasy novels about Jem Connolly, an 18th century girl with magical Second Sight.
It sounds like I’m complaining, but the truth is, I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Cold country inspires. A fresh dusting of white, white snow limning a black tree branch is a poem. A
People in cold country buy their kids snowpants over swimsuits because you can always swim
dozen wild turkeys scratching for a meal in the drifts and
in cutoffs but you can’t go out for recess if you don’t wear
squabbling over a tidbit is a comedy routine. One neigh-
snowpants and mittens. In winter, folks in these parts don’t
bor snow-blowing another’s driveway (“might as well,
worry about bad hair days because our heads are stuffed
since I got my machine out anyway”) is kindness made
into stocking caps. We retire summer clothes in late fall and
flesh. Walking the dog in the silver-pink light of early
haul out survival gear: fur hats and felt boots and sweat-
morning while fat flakes whisper down is quiet magic
pants. Truth be told, some of us never even bother switch-
every time it happens.
ing out winter for summer clothes because it seems a waste of time to box up stuff you’re going to need in about
Winter defines this place. Sometimes we declare to one
10 minutes anyway.
another during a long spell of sub-zero days that we’re going to leave this ice box. Our parents said the same
We know winter so deep in our bones that we don’t get
thing, and so did their parents, all the way back to our
how cities in the South can shut down over an inch of
ancestors, many of whom came here in the 19th century
snow. To us, an inch of snow is the work of five minutes to
from equally cold countries like Norway and Germany
brush off the car, not a reason to hole up in a motel for the
and some of whom arrived during the last ice age. Yeah,
night. If it’s more than an inch, though, the law requires us
we talk big.
to clear snow from our sidewalks within 24 hours. Some obey the law right away. Some obey in their own sweet
But we don’t go anywhere. Winter owns this land, and
time, but the sweet-timers shoot themselves in the foot
we own it right back.
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).
| OCTOBER 28, 2021
81
The Rear End HIDDEN FRUIT A LONG-GONE EAU CLAIRE EATERY’S MUNDANELY MEANINGFUL DÉCOR words by
mike paulus • illustration by eva paulus
A
lways, I’d find myself staring at it. A repeating pattern of dots, quietly crawling down the wall. As wallpaper from the 1980s goes, it was subtle. Each dot on the wall, each link in the pattern was actually a small picture of fruit, drawn in the style of an 1800s botanical field guide. It wasn’t ornate, but it was … vintagey. I liked the cherries the best. See, every so often there’d be a pair of cherries, their stems sticking up, just barely touching each other. They were all I cared about. Was it their color, or their texture? Was it the plump curve of the fruit or the delicate flex of the stems? Nope. If you squinted your eyes, they looked just like a kickass Jeep or a dune buggy or something. One of those awesome, open-topped, huge-tired all-terrain vehicles you’d see a character from CHiPs driving on their day off. They looked like a super cool Tonka truck on a shelf at Shopko. I couldn’t look away. But remember, this pair of cherries I reimagined into a manly, gas-guzzling truck was only about a half-inch wide. Just one dot in a repeating
pattern of dots that were actually different kinds of fruit, sprawling across some tacky old wallpaper. This wallpaper was to be found plastered around the front dining room of a west side Eau Claire eatery called The Brass Gavel. Later on, it was called The Breadbox. There were other names after that (and before and maybe in between), but I can’t remember them. It was basically a diner, but not a shiny, 1950s retro diner with a blazing chrome jukebox, bulging red vinyl seats, and waitresses on roller skates. Just a diner with consistent, no-nonsense food and a total lack of zany décor. It was un-intimidating. My parents took us out to dinner there back in the ’80s. I think my parents liked it because the place was never too crowded, and maybe they had an OK fish fry for a while. Whatever the reason, we ate there often enough for me to get familiar with the wallpaper. Was it fun? Well, I was young and at a restaurant that did not sell chicken nuggets accompanied by a plastic Matchbox car driven by the Hamburglar, so no. I kind of hated it. I just remember the wallpaper. And over 25 years later, I remember how much I really liked it.
I F I ’ D O N LY T R I E D A L I T T L E H A R D E R , I ’ M S U R E T H E PINEAPPLE COULD’VE TURNED INTO A HAND GRENADE AND THE APRICOT COULD’VE MORPHED INTO THE MIGHTY DINOSAUR-SHAPED TRANSFORMER, GRIMLOCK.
I can barely recall the rest of the fruit pattern, so I guess it didn’t trigger me in any way. But jeez, I was a pre-adolescent boy. If I’d only tried a little harder, I’m sure the pineapple could’ve turned into a hand grenade and the apricot could’ve morphed into the mighty dinosaur-shaped Transformer, Grimlock.* I’m betting a lot of commercial interior design is geared around getting you to stop doing that. I’m sure places like Chili’s contract a whole team of dining experience professionals who’ve developed multiple style guides aimed at preventing your imagination from doing much of anything on its own. And there’s got to be a chapter titled “Cultivating Visual Fuzz.” With so many wacky tchotchkes bolted to the walls, your mind can wander a bit, but never linger, never forming its own excitement. So as boring as our trips to The Brass Gavel may have been (no offense, Mom and Dad, and thanks for the free food), I suppose I should feel lucky. As plenty of child psychologists who have done actual research will tell you, “boredom” is basically a lost art for countless American kids. They’re too busy. They don’t have enough free time to let their minds just be and take in the world on their own terms. You have to make room for that stuff. But it’s not just kids – I think adults should do it, too. At home, outside, or even at a restaurant. Just look around a bit. You might turn cherries into monster trucks. You might conjure up some joy from almost nothing at all.
* Did you catch that? I’m describing a picture of an apricot transforming into a toy robot that in turn transforms into a vicious, metal Tyrannosaurus Rex. How has your mind not imploded?
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| OCTOBER 28, 2021
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