SEVEN October 2016 by Michelle L. Jerome

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October 2016 | TheSevenSpot.com ISSUE

#16

Tribute to Outstanding Women

YWCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honoree Highlights

The Coffee Issue

Not Just Beans

Sustainable Driftless A Nonprofit Celebrates Our Region

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

The Glory of France Saturday, October 22nd, 7:30 P.M.

West Salem, WI

| (800) 658-9030 | BricklBros.com Photo by Theresa M. Smerud

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Brickl Bros. is honored to sponsor the La Crosse Symphony Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural 2016-2017 performance:

Tickets available online at www.lacrossesymphony.org or by phone at (608) 783-2121

Inside

PUB INFO 7 (Almost) Famous Locals

About SEVEN explores the dynamic community, culture and arts world of the Seven Rivers Region. Contact

Phone: 608-780-3853

8 The Arts

Email: contact@thesevenspot.com Mail: PO Box 762, Onalaska, WI 54650 Web: TheSevenSpot.com

14 Entertainment

Facebook: TheSevenSpot Twitter: @thesevenspot Instagram: thesevenspot Support Advertising sustains the celebration of musicians, festivals, thespians, artists and the vibrant community that calls the Seven Rivers Region home.

19 Limelight

Phone: 608-780-3853 Email: michelle@thesevenspot.com

25 Business 29 Coffee Klatsch

41 Sip n’ Taste

A note

This publication is printed monthly by Humble Mountain Press, LLC and distributed throughout the Seven Rivers Region. Readers are encouraged to verify event information with organizations and businesses directly. Humble Mountain Press, LLC does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials. Though SEVEN is free, please take just one copy. Anyone removing papers in bulk from our distribution points will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

43 Listings

from the publisher What a heartwarming time of year in the Seven Rivers Region! As the temps drop and leaves turn our favorite hues of gold, orange and scarlet, we strap on our boots, pull out our sweaters, and grab our reusable to-go mugs filled with coffee to keep toasty-warm all day. Whether we’re brewing our own or seeking out our fav coffee shop, many of us love coffee. Personally, I’ve mostly been a tea-lover but in the last couple years, I started exploring coffee. I once had to load it with sugar, chocolate and cream, but soon realized I needed to try a better quality roast. Once a person learns what a well-made coffee tastes like, the standard has been set. Currently, I like it black or with some half and half or cream. I always choose organic and fair trade but recommend trying various brands and roast levels. Besides the bean, there’s so much more—including locally! SEVEN dips into the world of coffee in The Coffee Klatsch on page 29. Comment on the articles when they go live on our website or Facebook to let us know how you prefer your coffee, or continue the conversation on Twitter. (And yes, we share our amazing photography on Instagram, too.)

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In this issue, we also share highlights of YWCA’s Tribute to Outstanding Women on page 20, goals and insights from the up-and-coming nonprofit, Sustainable Driftless, on page 22, and continue to celebrate the arts world throughout the issue. Thank you for continuing this journey with us! In Love and Light, Michelle

On the Cover Photograph of coffee beans at Kickapoo Coffee Roasters’ headquarters in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Photographer: Clay Riness Nature’s delicate knurly design within each coffee bean is captured by Riness’ photography. The makers of Kickapoo Coffee and Riness had the opportunity to share the journey of the business together – Kickapoo’s story, Riness’ storytelling and photographic skills. This photo was an automatic choice to celebrate The Coffee Issue.

Jason Keeney Crew Chief & Graphic Designer

Harrison Pollack Writer

Clay Riness Writer & Photographer

Jan Wellik Writer

Adam Wiltgen Guest Writer

Shana Meshbesher Photographer

Michelle L. Jerome Crew Captain

Haakon Nelson Writer

Whitney Storvick Guest Writer

Todd Wohlert Writer

Jean Jerome Administrator & Delivery Specialist

A.J. Moore Writer

Michael Scott Writer

Jess Witkins Digital Media Manager & Writer

Bob Good Photographer

Noah Fish Writer

Turner Berg Writer

Wendy Allen Copy Editor

The CREW

The local talent dedicated to bringing you a fresh look at our region.

Did you know that SEVEN has amazing giveaway prizes every month? SEVEN has given away Oktoberfest swag, a Smokey Joe grill, tickets to theatre and live music, caramel apples, gym memberships, VIP tickets to Beer, Wine, and Cheese Fest, and more!

This month, more exciting prizes are up for grabs! How do you enter? Just visit our website at www.thesevenspot.com! Then, check back next month for new prize drawings!

ENCHANTED FOREST WIN A FAMILY PACK TO ENCHANTED FOREST Enjoy a magical trick or treat adventure on a nature trail filled with enchanted scenes hosted by children’s favorite fairy tale characters! Kids’ games, activities, and shows! Hosted by and benefitting WisCorps. Event Date: 10.22.16

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Our bankruptcy attorneys and their support staff can help you understand your options and guide you in your decision making. We provide services in the area of bankruptcy protection for individuals, businesses or a combination of the two. We represent both creditors and debtors, as well as trustees in bankruptcy, committees and other interested parties such as buyers of assets or other parties with some interest in the proceedings. Bankruptcy is a serious step to take, but it can often be the right step. Our attorneys will help you examine alternative solutions to bankruptcy, including helping you negotiate with creditors or a Wisconsin Chapter 128 action. We will help you decide which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) is best and ensure you get maximum debt relief and asset protection. Our firm is a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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LANESBORO ARTS WIN A NIGHT STAY AT THE ART LOFT IN BEAUTIFUL LANESBORO Relax at the Art Loft in beautiful Lanesboro, MN, steps from restaurants, shops, entertainment, and the Root River. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on all purchases in the gallery during your stay!

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SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

WIN FRESH FLOWERS FOR A YEAR!

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FAMOUS LOCALS

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RICHARD FROST

ichard Frost is a busy guy. He’s an educator in the environmental studies department of UW-La Crosse, a volunteer naturalist at Myrick Park, a member of the La Crosse Historical Society and Bluff Country Tale Spinners, a public speaker for programs at the La Crosse Library, and in the summer months, he spends his days living and working as a naturalist on Door County’s northernmost point, Rock Island.

It’s no wonder his friends call him “the most un-retired retired person” they know. And they’re right. Catch a glimpse of his day planner and it’s filled top to bottom with blue pen noting places to be and talks to give, even when they’re at his own home, noted as “our patio” in the planner. But to Richard, he’s just having fun. “It seems perfectly fine to me. It’s all stuff I like to do.” He retired five years ago, after 30 years as a middle school history teacher in the La

Crosse School District. He and his wife, Teri Wachuta, love to spend time in Door County and after he retired, they were accepted to be docents for the state’s oldest lighthouse on Rock Island, Pottawatomie Lighthouse. The two spent a week in October living in the historic lighthouse, giving tours during the day and caring for the house and yard in off hours. Rock Island holds a special place in the couple’s hearts. It’s the place Richard proposed to Teri 33 years ago, and they return there every summer. “At one point,” Richard remembers, “I wrote in my journal that I was going to spend as much of my time in Door County as possible. Somehow. Someway. And that I have to find a way to get a cabin in the woods.” After two years working as a docent, Richard was hired as a naturalist for Rock Island and now spends more than two months in Door County leading programs specific to Rock Island’s unique history. And he lives in a trailer in the woods. As much as he loves Door County, Richard’s home is in La Crosse. He has spent extensive time researching the city’s history. He and Teri have performed numerous stories based on local historical figures. “It takes her love of storytelling and my love of history, and it got us thinking how much we liked working together.” Soon they’ll reveal new stories about La Crosse’s most famous steamboat, the War Eagle, and La Crosse High School graduate and first African

Article By: Jess Witkins

American Olympian, George Poage. It’s clear to see Richard Frost is an educator at heart. “There’s a quote I like to share with my students that says, ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.’” Richard is always learning something new, and he definitely imparts that hunger for knowledge to his students.

Jess Witkins is a writer, blogger, and sometimes funny. Her mission: making pathetic look cool since 1985. She can be found in the Coulee Region’s many coffee shops and wordmongering at jesswitkins.wordpress.com.

GO: Dust Bowl: Music of the Era, presented by Richard Frost Where: La Crosse Public Library Auditorium When: Monday Mornings @ Main program series. Oct. 17, 2016, 9:30 a.m.

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Photo: Contributed

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(Almost)

THE ARTS

SOUL OF THE ARTIST SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

On Display At Lanesboro Arts Gallery

Article: Adam Wiltgen, guest writer Photos: Contributed

For Carson, “Soul of the Artist” is ultimately about “seeing the everyday beauty in nature…about exploring time, place, memory and change.”

GO: “Soul of the Artist” by Deb Lee Carson

Guest writer Adam Wiltgen, a native of southeastern Minnesota, is program director at Lanesboro Arts, a multidisciplinary arts organization in Lanesboro, Minn.—population of 754. Wiltgen is currently focused on developing an artist residency program to create place-based arts projects that address community challenges and help re-imagine what a small town can be.

Where: Lanesboro Arts, 103 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN When: Exhibition: Oct. 22 – Dec. 18, 2016, Artist Reception: Oct. 22, 2016, 6-8 p.m. Reception includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music by guitarist Kerry Klungtvedt. Exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Info: For more info and hours: www.lanesboroarts.org

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photographer whose work primarily focuses on wild horses, Deb Lee Carson is taking a step back for “Soul of the Artist,” a diverse collection of photos from her varied fields of interest. She hopes the exhibit “brings the viewer into the earth that I witness, the gentle, subtle nuances of light, emotion, textures, movement and colors using the photograph as a medium.” The exhibit title, “Soul of the Artist,” refers to one of Carson’s favorite quotes by author Seth Godin. “Art is not in the...eye of the beholder. It’s in the soul of the artist.” A full-time artist based in Red Wing, Minnesota, Carson is a mainly selftaught photographer who first picked up a camera in earnest in 1999 after seeing and wanting to capture the beauty of wildflowers in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the East Coast while working on a ranch there. Carson says, “I started capturing images of about everything I saw, including the hill people still living as they did years ago, like a woman who still cooked on a wood stove and tended her garden and chickens.” Since then, her work has been featured in solo and group shows in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work is also in private collections throughout the U.S. and in Canada and Australia. Carson grew up on a Spring Valley, Minnesota, dairy farm and always loved and had horses that were used to work cattle on the family operation. Her photos of horses explore the freedom a horse represents to the human spirit, the strength and symbolism the horse brings to the viewer, and the ability of the horse to heal those who are broken. “Soul of the Artist” will also include serene landscapes and still life scenes.

THE ARTS

THE JOURNEY OF BLAKE AMBROSE Article: Noah Fish Photos: Contributed

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

mutual breakup with his longtime girlfriend was the catalyst for Blake AulerMurphy’s latest artistic endeavor, a full length album that will be released this fall. “It was difficult because it was the end of something I tried really hard to do,” says Blake, as we sat adjacent a paused game of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater at the Warehouse one Friday night, where Blake and a few other emcees were opening for Carnage The Executioner. “At the same time, our ability to make a practical relationship decision together is something I felt invigorated by. Recognizing stuff, and being like, ‘Nope, this will lead us to 10 hate each other.’ I don’t want to hate

the person I used to date.” Blake’s fresh personal latitude culminated in touring and performing throughout the upper Midwest, His sweet spot, of course, is here in La Crosse, where he hails from, and where he is a mentor to the local scene. “La Crosse is a secret garden meets launching pad,” he says. Blake is a master collaborator and incredibly bright. Conversing with him is always worldly, never dull, and you’ll most likely learn something valuable. A couple of years ago, Blake recommended I buy a copy of Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology” because I was having trouble developing profound plots in my writing. When Matt Harter was the mayor of the city, Blake had the

most interesting inside info about the folly of his term. His zeal for information and cooperation is inspiring. Sometimes the way he talks when he gets excited makes it seem like he’s on cocaine, but he’s definitely not. Tonight he’s drinking a Bawls energy drink. “I realize I don’t have pull in large markets,” says Blake. He’s right, and it’s disappointing that an artist who lists his main practices as radical hospitality, kindness and honesty can’t be a universal hit. Blake is a hit everywhere he goes, though, and his persistence to rap and network hard have led him to being supported by a handful of legendary emcees. “We don’t have those big audiences every night because nobody does long-term planning or

October 15, 2016 PEARL STREET BREWERY L A C R O S S E W I S C O N S I N

insightful impact, but through his word choice, wordplay and flow. He’s out to wake anybody who’s sleeping. “I remember in the early 2000s when you’d have to dig on Myspace to find intricate things about your favorite underground artists. Nobody has to dig like that anymore, and the shit is just blasted in your face,” says Blake. “That’s part of the reason I’m wrapping some mystery up in my thing, leaving some myth included, so the product feels more original. It’s a lot more than just rapping and singing over beats to sound good. I want to make people pause and think.”

Noah Fish is an aspiring fiction writer and comedian, raised and currently living in La Crosse. He likes reading, rap music and the Root Note.

MORE INFO: “Blurring The Moments Edge” will be available October 25 on Bandcamp (some CDs will also be made, if you’re looking for a kitschy gift). Blake’s having a handful of area artists contribute to the expressions of the record and they’re hosting an album release party at the Starlite Lounge on October 24. Details of the release, along with his events and essays can be found on his website, blakeambrosemedia.com.

2 Sets

Melvin Seals & JGB With Special Guests

Frogleg Paulie Matushek $25 ADV / $30 DOS / $50 VIP Tickets available at Tree Huggers, Pearl St Brewery and online at: WWW.MJGPRO.COM/GETTICKETS

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organizational development for young artists so they can continue to be seen, and see each other.” Instead, Blake and other artists who strive to make content with integrity have to accumulate their following by really connecting with the people they perform for and meet. Fortunately for Blake, it doesn’t take longer than a few minutes for you to realize he’s the real deal. His album “Blurring the Moments Edge” has material that covers the last seven years of Blake’s life, including the joys and woes of his last relationship. It will be released under his stage name, Blake Ambrose. The record is destined for an alternative shape, as Blake believes the days of people yearning for compact discs are over, and I agree with him. “Dude, nobody is buying CDs anymore,” he says. “It’s kitschy to have a CD now.” A self-proclaimed “multimedia assassin,” Blake is focused on the many merchandise and media facets that can coincide with an album. “I’m collaborating with as many artists as I possibly can with this album, to make as many unique merchandise packages as possible,” he says, which makes me laugh because he sounds more like an enthusiastic salesman than a rapper. But he’s right. Music-heads will always need something that connects them to their favorite artists, and CDs are fading just like cassettes and records did. Blake is obviously outspoken, and his lyrics are enlightening and direct, meant not just for him but for you and me as well. He brilliantly describes his style as “progressive hip-hop through a Kafkan lens.” With this album, he seeks to reach people with the same

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SUGAR GLOW AWAY

TAKE THE PLEDGE TO EAT LESS SUGAR

5:30-7:30pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 at the Myrick Park Gun Shelter PRESENTED BY:

Celebrate Halloween in a fun and active way! Get the family together and participate in fun interactive games while learning what sugar can do you your health. Then, take the pledge to cut down the amount of sugar you’ll eat in the upcoming holiday month. The night concludes with a 1K or 3K walk through a fun lit path through Myrick Park. All those registered will receive a long sleeved shirt and glow sticks to guide them on their walk REGISTRATION: $6 per person until Oct. 13 $8 Oct. 14-19 $10 day of event (Oct. 20)* *registration at Myrick Park

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

LA CROSSE AREA FAMILY YMCA

Dahl Family YMCA R.W. Houser Family YMCA 1140 Main St. 400 Mason St. La Crosse, WI Onalaska, WI 608-782-9622 • WWW.LAXYMCA.ORG

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THESEVENSPOT

Mary Leonard has been a professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse since 1991. As an undergraduate, I played Dr. Patrick in her directorial debut at UW-L, a play about Lizzie Borden entitled “Blood Relations,” by Sharon Pollock. We have remained friends throughout the years, and I was surprised to find out during our interview that she was shy as a child. I thought, “Mary? Shy?” Compassionate, friendly, caring and artistic, yes. But shy? Mary Leonard being shy as a child helped support a theory of mine. Lowlevel introverts, like Mary and countless other actors, hide in plain sight. These deep feeling individuals train themselves to be private in public, secure in the isolation of stage lights. It is their overwhelming compassion that allows them to get inside a character and create a multi-dimensional performance. It’s not easy. To fully feel a character is sometimes wrought with emotional pain when dealing with the most tragic of stories. Imagine the darkness of exploring, night after night, a play about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. For the debut of the 2016-2017 theatre season, UW-La Crosse will present “26 Pebbles,” by Eric Ulloa. It is a play Ulloa wrote after conducting more than 50 interviews with residents of Newtown, Connecticut, including shop owners, parents of students and town workers who were touched by the tragedy. Mary Leonard is directing. “The read-through was very somber. The cast was reading like it was a Greek tragedy,” she explained, “but this play really does offer joy and hope.” The cast is

now starting to find it. “26 Pebbles” will run October 14 through 23 and will be the very first full production of the play. Since its debut in December of 2013 in New York, it has been only staged as a dramatic reading. The playwright, Ulloa, will attend opening weekend and participate in a discussion of the play after Saturday’s performance. At Sandy Hook, there were 20 sixand seven-year olds cut down in their classrooms and six adults. Ulloa titled his play on a phrase used by Newtown resident Yolie Moreno: “26 Pebbles. That’s exactly what happened. Each one of those drops in a pond. It just emanates out. The ripples, the vibrations—it’s life. This stuff spreads.” “This is really good stuff for young actors to chew on,” explains Leonard. “This is a story of how a community deals with profound tragedy. How does one process those events? How does one move on?” When you see the masks depicting drama, most are drawn to the comedic mask because it represents stories that are fun, light and entertaining. Yet, as true patrons of the theatre, which I hope you aspire to become, we can’t ignore the challenging and thought-provoking productions like “26 Pebbles.” Please don’t miss this opportunity to see this fresh new play. With a compassionate and skilled director like Mary Leonard at the helm, backed by a talented production team and a very, very gifted group of young actors, “26 Pebbles” could quite possibly be the most important piece of theatre you will see all year.

GO: “26 Pebbles” Where: UW-La Crosse Toland Theatre When: Oct. 14-15, 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 24 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets: Ticket sales open Oct. 10. Purchase tickets at the UW-L Box Office, or call 608-785-8522

Michael Scott is a freelance writer and advertising copywriter. He is the creator and voice talent for the Rose Jewelers “Rose Files” radio campaign and the host of The Old School Variety Show.

THE ARTS Month-By-Month INSTRUMENT RENTALS with option to purchase

Up to 24 months’ rent applies to purchase! *Rent determined by value and age of instrument. Please call for more information.

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Article: Dr. Turner Berg Photo: Vernon Webb

(608) 784-7555

gospel. Those chords, and the melodies, and how you put them together, that’s where I live.” Fast forward to today and Melvin Seals aptly and appropriately continues to carry a torch rooted in music that heals the soul. “I have been fortunate enough to be able to hear some testimony, where people are saying how this music saved their life, or they had a really bad day or bad week and that (music) took them through something. I hear that all the time and I believe it,” he says. Seals very much understands the power of his craft. Recently, for the first time ever, he shared the stage with Grateful Dead bass player Phil Lesh in his Grateful Dead themed side project,“Phil Lesh and Friends.” Could this be the beginning of many more opportunities to play with Lesh while healing the masses with his music and delighting Grateful Dead fans far and wide? We hope so. Do not miss the musical medicine Melvin Seals and JGB deliver when they grace the stage at Pearl Street Brewery on October 15th, 2016. To listen to the entire unabridged interview with Melvin Seals and Dr. Turner Berg, visit www.thesevenspot.com.

www.LeitholdMusic.com Dr. Turner Berg grew up in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and is a proud husband and father of two. He is the founder and executive director of Massive Amounts of Good, a nonprofit organization that utilizes the transformative power of the creative process to help people in need and inspire positive change.

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GO: Melvin Seals and JGB concert with Frogleg and Paulie Matushek Where: Pearl Street Brewery 1401 Saint Andrew St., La Crosse, WI When: Oct. 15, 2016 Tickets: builttolastfestival.com

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Melvin Seals didn’t seek out fame within the Grateful Dead community; it found him. The San Francisco native was a successful gospel-style organ player when a chance meeting with John Kahn, best friend of Jerry Garcia and bandmate in the Jerry Garcia Band, changed his musical trajectory and put him squarely within the hearts of Dead Heads around the world. In a recent phone interview with Seals, he shared how he was famously invited to jam with the Jerry Garcia Band. “The guy on the guitar who was Jerry, and I didn’t know who Jerry was, says, ‘I love it. You sound great!’ And I say to the guy on guitar, ‘You sound great too.’ Everybody is laughing in the room ‘cause I have no clue who I’m talking to.” Seals was invited to join the band in 1980 and soon figured out exactly who Jerry Garcia was. Up until Garcia’s untimely death in 1995, Melvin shared the stage with the music legend and added an element that was uniquely his own. He said about his wonderfully gospel style, “I have always let it shine, and I have always been complimented about people feeling goosebumps. They feel something more than the last person was able to provide, and it’s really the spirit in the

ENTERTAINMENT

The Dzikov family today

The Dzikov family at the Onalaska Sunfish

The Dzikov family at Niagara Falls. Dimitar at right.

DIMITAR DZIKOV Building a Home Away From Home

Article: Jess Witkins Photos: Contributed

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

imitar Dzikov first came to the United States in 1999 as a 15-year-old starting his freshman year of high school. His parents and younger brother moved from Skopje, Macedonia, to La Crosse for nine months while his mother trained at a public administrator program, going to classes at UW-La Crosse and interning with the Department of Financial Institutions in Madison. “When I came to the U.S., everything was just big,” says Dzikov. “That was one of the biggest impressions—the semi-trucks, when I saw them, my eyes were wide open. Or when I would visit a family and they each had their own vehicle, that was unheard of to us. My family still has one car for the four of us.” His parents made the most of their time in America, going on road trips with the boys to see as much of the country as they could. His family returned to Macedonia after his mother completed her program, and his parents and brother live there today. But Dzikov showed an interest in returning to the U.S. to receive his high school

diploma. Moving in with a host family, he returned for the second semester of his senior year and graduated. The experience was not always easy. “As a senior, it was really tough. Prior to that I had family. Now, I was just a tiny dot in this environment and no one was adjusting to me, I had to adjust to this place. Everything was just very hard. On a daily basis I was contacting my parents. My mom was going to have me come home, but my dad pushed me to see it for the experience. By the time I was graduating, I started having conversations about what was next and thinking about staying.” He applied to college in La Crosse and was accepted to Viterbo University. Now, Dzikov has completed his college education, received his MBA, got a green card, found a job, and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. He has worked as a business banker at Coulee Bank for the past year. Living internationally can be trying at times. With a name like Dimitar Dzikov, he’s used to repeating his name multiple times, and answering questions about his birth country, which people often try

to guess and do so incorrectly. “If you don’t know, just ask the person where they’re from. We know that people want to know us and want to learn about where we’re from.” The hardest part is being away from family, though he visits them whenever possible. To maintain some of his culture away from home, he practices his faith, celebrates traditional holidays, and cooks traditional food. “I had to figure out what I was going to hold onto and what I was going to adjust to.” He attends an Orthodox Christian church, keeps in touch with family, and makes his favorite dish, called sarma, a lightly sour cabbage leaf filled with beef, spices and rice, baked or fried on top of the stove and sprinkled with red pepper. The passions he found locally include a love for the wilderness of Wisconsin. He enjoys fishing, bow hunting, hiking and getting outdoors as much as he can. He recently purchased his first set of golf clubs from a rummage sale and is learning the sport. And friends have acclimated him to the super fandom of football, and he cheers on the Packers.

Dzikov is also a board member for Global Initiatives Week and encourages the community to attend so they can learn about its residents who have immigrated here. He recommends the international film screenings, as watching American movies and television was one of the ways he learned so much about the United States. But attending any of the week’s many events will help locals appreciate the diversity our community has. “I really look forward to the whole thing. I think it’s different every year; there’s different movies. I think the kickoff event is the most exciting, and we hope to have big attendance this year,” says Dimitar. “I would really encourage people to want to learn more about other countries. Culture exposure and learning a different culture, a different world, a different language, a different country - my grandfather used to say travel is like a free college degree. I would encourage people to get out of their comfort zone. Go learn and explore something different.

Global Initiatives Week 2016 Calendar of Events

For a full listing of events and details, visit explorelacrosse.com/global or La Crosse Global Initiatives Week on Facebook All events are FREE, unless noted by ($) Thursday, Nov. 3 (pre-week event) Danish Baking Class @ People’s Food Co-op, 6-8pm Friday, Nov. 4 Global Celebration kickoff event @ Myrick Park Center, 4-7pm, free food samples, multi-lingual story time, and cultural performances: Sponsored by La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund Latin Jazz @ Mayo Clinic, Market Place cafeteria, 12-12:45pm Ties That Bind: Churches, Youth Gangs and the Management of Everyday Life in Urban Latin America @ UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center, 7-8:15pm Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble Performance @ The Root Note, 8:30pm

THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL Global Initiatives Week 2016 Article: Casey Kulinski, guest writer Photos: Contributed

The La Crosse area is a bustling hub that seems to be a near perfect combination of small-town feel and big city charm. It’s hard to find a place or person that doesn’t have a story ‘round here. And while you may not realize it, our community has a greater global connection than you think. Enter Global Initiatives Week. Global Initiatives Week was created in 2014 to celebrate those world ties, to increase awareness and inspire action among all of us lucky enough to call the La Crosse area home. The week encourages individuals and organizations to become a community with a deep sense of global responsibility and engagement. The diverse activities of the week encourage community members to think globally as they highlight our region’s international connections through commerce, tourism, education, volunteerism, delegations and cultural diversity. Celebrating its third year this November,

involvement has increased considerably, with more than 2,000 individuals in the Coulee Region participating in last year’s events and offerings. This year more than 25 businesses and organizations will highlight their global connections through films, performances, speakers and interactive activities. Whether it is sampling some local ethnic cuisine, stopping to take in diverse song and dance, or viewing a cultural film, we invite families this year to think globally and act locally.

GO: See the calendar of Global Initiatives Week events at www.explorelacrosse.com/global.

Below are a few of the comments made by 2015 participants, which reveal the impact of Global Initiatives Week activities: • “I have a better understanding of how cultures around me work and how I can try and improve and help those who need it.” • “I would love to continue expanding the event to bring in more direct interactions with all the global connections that make up our culture here in La Crosse.” • “I will definitely try more of the businesses and restaurants in the area that have different ethnic foods and goods.” • “I have been able to see areas other than just the obvious global connections, proving that there is more than meets the eye when looking at global connections to La Crosse.”

Sunday, Nov. 6 Fair Trade Fair @ People’s Food Co-op, 10am-4pm Global Groundwork: Education in the slums of Haiti presentation @ Misty’s Dance Unlimited, 7pm Monday, Nov. 7 Caring for the Forgotten in China @ Mayo Clinic, Market Place cafeteria, 11:3012:30pm Ultra-American: A Patriot Act starring Azhar Usman, American Muslim Comedian @ UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center, 5:30pm Film “Connected by Coffee” sponsored by Gundersen Global Partners and Viterbo University @ Viterbo University Nursing Center, 7pm Conversations with Economists: Impacts of International Trade and Globalization @ UW-La Crosse Graff Main Hall, 7pm Tuesday, Nov. 8 Cultural Coffee Hour @ UW-La Crosse Centennial Hall, 5pm Wednesday, Nov. 9 Lunch Around the World @ Mayo Clinic, Market Place cafeteria ($), 11am-6pm Film “Connected by Coffee” sponsored by Gundersen Global Partners and Viterbo University @ Gundersen La Crosse Clinic Basement, 12pm Economic Justice as General Education Course @ UW-La Crosse, 5:30-6:30 Thursday, Nov. 10 Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council Annual Half-Day Conference @ Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, 8am-1:30pm ($) Norwegian Art of Rosemaling @ Gundersen hospital lobby, 10am-2pm Casa Hogar Optical Mission @ Mayo Clinic, Market Place cafeteria, 11:30-12:30pm How to Travel the World with Andy Stoll @ Viterbo University Nursing Center, 5pm International Family Dance Night: A Night in Nicaragua @ Northwoods International Elementary School, 5:30-7pm (food available for purchase) International Faculty Panel @ UW-La Crosse Centennial Hall, 7pm Friday, Nov. 11 Top 10 Reasons and Lessons from Global Health Involvement, presentation by Dr. Stephen Merry @ Mayo Clinic, 12-1pm Night Out at the Museum, explore “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit @ Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 5-8pm ($, advance reservations required) Zumba for Families @ Dahl Family YMCA in La Crosse, Fitness Studio, 5:20-6pm Saturday, Nov. 12 (post-week event) Global Church Persecution, presentations by Father Patrick Augustine and Voice of the Martyrs @ First Free Church, 2-4pm All Week Long (Nov. 4-11) Global Initiatives Week Email Challenge sponsored by Gundersen Global Partners. Sign up to receive daily emails at gundersenhealth.org/global-partners. Cabin Coffee: Highlighting an international coffee each day ($) Gundersen Health System: Offering global entrees in hospital cafeteria ($) Justice photo gallery @ the La Crosse Public Library (Oct. 6-Nov. 11) Mention “Global Initiatives Week” for discounts at the following businesses: Dim Sum (10%) Hmong Golden Eggrolls (15%) Dublin Square (10%) Iguana’s Mexican Street Café (15%) Gracie’s (10%) International Bake Shoppe (10%) Grand Bluff Running (15%-Janji) The Mint (15%) Hackberry Bistro (10%) New Taste of India (15%) Thank you to La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, DigiCOPY, Gundersen Global Partners, La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund, Midwest Family Broadcasting, and Xcel Energy for generous support and promotion of Global Initiatives Week!

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La Crosse Sister City displays at the La Crosse Public Library (2013)

Saturday, Nov. 5 Global Friendships Celebration @ La Crosse Public Library, 10:30am-12:30pm

ENTERTAINMENT TALKING MEDIUMSHIP with Melissa Divine

Article: Jess Witkins Photo: Contributed

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

sychic reader and medium, Melissa Divine, describes herself as a normal medium. For most of us, psychic abilities are not a part of our day to day lives, but Divine believes everyone has the power to hone and build their intuition. Much of what surrounds the world of mediumship is what we see on screen, and so our definitions of what a medium looks like stem from reality TV and horror movies. Divine doesn’t fit that mold. For her, there is nothing spooky about the spirit world. And that stuff on TV? Most of it is staged.

Becoming a Medium Divine credits her unique take on mediums to recognizing her abilities later in life, at the age of 35. She and her father were both interested in mediumship, but her father tragically passed away before having the chance to visit one. Following his passing, Divine went to see a medium herself. “I had an amazing experience that really just blew me away,” she shared. “I didn’t really know if I should believe in it or shouldn’t. It seemed really cool, but it’s sort of like when you’re looking at a magician for the strings or trying to see if they’re pulling something out of their sleeve. That’s how mediumship was for me.” Just a few days after her first reading, however, Divine opened her mind. “I was lying in bed, getting ready to fall asleep, and the thought occurred to me: ‘I wonder if I could do that.’ And before I even finished the thought in my head of ‘I wonder if…’ these clairvoyant images came to me. They were very fast and very simple, but I knew that they were spirit messages.” Through that positive experience, Divine began to hone her own intuitive skills. It wasn’t easy. A career woman working

in corporate management, Divine had a perfect lifestyle to the outside eye. She repeatedly questioned her own visions, blaming them on wishful thinking. But something was definitely happening, and she began to allow herself the truth that she possessed psychic skills. Practicing Psychic In need of answers, Divine turned to books. “I started doing a bunch of research, everything I could get my hands on about psychic development and mediumship. I took every kind of workshop I could find.” She practiced her skills in small ways at first, such as grabbing a crayon from the box with her eyes closed and trying to sense what color it was. With advice from other mediums she met along the way, Divine attended the world-renowned Arthur Findlay College in England to grow her skills. “I literally pictured them pointing at me and laughing, ‘She can’t do it!’ I pictured immense frustration and embarrassment, but that wasn’t my experience at all. It was a very loving and supportive environment. “My first readings were not that compelling,” she admits, “but they were true. I would say, ‘I feel like you went out on a canoe with your father to go fishing when you were little,’ and they would say, ‘Yes, I did,’ and I’d think, ‘Where did that come from?’” Picking out small details such as the type of boat slowly assured Divine she could do this. Tools of the Trade Just like any new skill, mediumship requires practice. “Think about musical ability or aptitude for sports, some of us are more capable and we have a more natural ability in those areas than others,” Divine said. “It’s the same for psychic abilities. If you don’t have

any desire to hone it, it’s going to stay where it is. But everyone is capable of it, whether they realize it or not.” Just like the position of medium itself, there are also lots of myths and skepticism around the tools a medium may use. These tools are gateways. They act as physical objects that can help sharpen a person’s skills. Primarily, Divine uses psychic and medium skills when she does readings for people, involving reading a person’s energy and communicating through angels, spirit guides, and loved ones who have passed on. Occasionally she uses divination tools when trying to clarify or understand things in her own life, or to help those she’s working with build their own psychic intuition. Whatever the tool, Divine says all that matters is the intention. Be it oracle cards, which differ from tarot as they are not numbered and can be interpreted both in writing and images, scrying, or a Ouija board, if your intention is good, then the outcome will be as well. What’s It Really Like? Becoming a medium in her thirties granted Divine the wisdom to create perimeters within her communication to the other side. “In the beginning I sat down with my spirit people and had a conversation about what was acceptable and what wasn’t acceptable. One of my earliest mentors said to me—it was just after a clairvoyant breakthrough I had—and she told me, ‘Ok, now get used to grocery shopping at 3 a.m.’ She told me that because she shopped at 3 a.m. in order to avoid spirit people bombarding her at the grocery store. That inspired me to sit down with my spirit people and say, ‘Look, I have to have a real life!’ When I’m working, I welcome it, but when I’m not working, I just want to be Melissa.” The most difficult part of Divine’s

job is not dealing with the energy from the spirt world, but the energy from people she reads for. Divine is an empath, which means she’s very aware of people’s emotions, so going to large parties can be exhausting as she picks up on all the stressors, frustrations or fights people may be going through. “I’m like a sponge for that stuff, so that’s where I have to be careful.” Improve Your Own Intuition Divine knows better than anyone it can be hard to begin this journey. “It’s not like Minneapolis where they have meetup groups, or metaphysical stores. They have professional psychics and mediums that are more prevalent. In La Crosse, it can feel like you’re completely on an island. That’s why I feel so passionate about teaching and mentoring other people beginning on this path, even if I’m just the person that says to them, ‘You’re not crazy. Your life is not falling apart. These things are happening and you’re capable.’ I’m honored to be that person because that was something that was missing for me.” Her hope for everyone is that people have an open mind. There’s so much we don’t know about the other side, but that also means there are infinite possibilities. And according to Divine, it’s a place of great beauty and so much love.

GO: To schedule a reading or attend a workshop with Melissa Divine, visit her website at www.melissadivine.net.

THE FORWARDTHINKING FRANKIE LA SALLE Article: Jess Witkins Photo: Kelly Ottesen

Kelly Krieg-Sigman dressed as Frankie La Salle No names were given to the brothels, which were more commonly and politely described as “boarding houses,” but it’s estimated that 40 to 50 of them resided in the downtown area. Frankie La Salle was crowned “Queen of the Underworld” for nearly 20 years spent eluding authorities. In fact, an 1883 newspaper cites Frankie as “the first grown person that has made an exit from the jail.” She was sentenced to 90 days in jail for repeated contempt of court, but managed to slip between the bars of her cell and shimmy down a rope of tied bed sheets in her nightgown. That’s just one example of the infamous Frankie La Salle. Though some may have qualms about her profession of choice, Frankie was a cunning and educated woman. Much of what we know about her is due to how often she appeared in the newspapers, either under arrest or acting as a witness. But she was never convicted of any of the charges against her because she always requested a trial by jury. It’s assumed she had a highprofile client list because the judicial system had an impossible time trying to find anyone who would speak out about what “exactly” happened in Frankie’s establishment. Understanding the history of La

Crosse as a pioneer town is important to understanding Frankie, and Kelly grants respect for everything the woman would have seen, survived, and somehow managed to endure in order to thrive against such odds. While she can’t confirm it, Kelly has a suspicion that Frankie’s place may have been a space where women who were being abused could go for safety. In several news stories, it’s noted Frankie donated money to various women and children. “When you see that reference three or four times,” says Kelly, “you have to stop and think: these women aren’t her employees. Why would they go there? When I kept seeing that, it seemed to me that if I were a woman in La Crosse in 1885, and I had been abused, if I couldn’t go to my mother, if I was bleeding, and I heard about this woman Frankie… It was social media before social media.” Dark La Crosse Radio Show The infamous Frankie La Salle won’t appear in this year’s performance, but the Dark La Crosse Radio Show welcomes the community to its second year. The show features all new content, which program coordinators Scott Brouwer and Anita Doering say is even darker than last year.

The historical stories span the 1850s to the 1930s. Luke Thering has composed original music, and Michael Scott wrote the script. La Crosse’s own librarians will portray the scandalous members of our society. Using minimal props and aiding the stories with a slideshow of timelines, newspaper headlines and photographs, guests will learn the seedier past of our now family-friendly community.

GO: Dark La Crosse Radio Show Where: Pump House Regional Arts Center 119 King St., La Crosse, WI When: Oct. 27-29, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2:00 p.m. Tickets & Info: www.thepumphouse.org/store/dark-lacrosse-radio-show

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n the late 1880s, the city of La Crosse had a population of around 16,000, and the downtown area looked drastically different. For one, Riverside Park wasn’t there. The streets were still made up of mostly dirt, and for this old river town, there was a bustling underground business of…sex. The La Crosse Historical Society and La Crosse Public Library’s archive department has developed numerous programs around the fascinating, and sometimes scandalous, city history. As more tales of madams, murders and mystery unfolded, Dark La Crosse was discovered. Kelly Krieg-Sigman, executive director of the La Crosse Public Library, is now “the reigning expert on 19th century sex in La Crosse.” Kelly receives multiple requests to “play madam,” and she is the leading expert on one of La Crosse’s most notorious madams of them of all: Frankie La Salle. Frankie was described in newspapers of her time as “a strumpet of the vilest and most shameful order.” But it all depends on who you ask. Frankie La Salle came to La Crosse as a twenty-something, when career options were slim for independent, unmarried women. She opened her brothel in an apartment complex on Pearl Street and was successful from the 1880s to 1890s.

ENTERTAINMENT BLAIR WITCH A Film Review Article: Jess Witkins and Todd Wohlert

the theater when I was little. That was not a damn kids’ movie! I liked horror movies in the ’90s when they became dark comedies, i.e. Freddy Krueger in his prime.

In 1999, “The Blair Witch Project” hit theaters and startled audiences everywhere with its documentary-style storytelling about a group of college students investigating the legend of the Blair Witch. Seventeen years later, the legend continues. So we sent Witkins and Wohlert to the movies. Todd Wohlert: Let me start by saying that I don’t like scary movies. I’m still traumatized from watching Gremlins in

Jess Witkins: I grew up watching scary movies by sneaking downstairs and spying on my brother and his friends from behind the couch. My dreams were haunted by Stephen King’s “It,” and Chucky from “Child’s Play.” But “Blair Witch Project” was huge when I was in high school. I remember seeing it with all my friends. T: I saw the original “Blair Witch Project” and thought that it was an interesting concept. This was the beginning of the “found footage” style. It made a lot of people sick to watch it because of how shaky everything is. You get a bit of that in the new movie, but it also upgrades everything with new technology, like

drones and body cameras. J: Yeah, that was cool. They also had an effective use of stock footage from the ’90s in regard to the search party scenes. I bet Ed Wood tipped his top hat to the film crew. What about the characters? Did you like them? T: After getting to know the characters, I couldn’t wait for them to die. J: (laughs) Well, I missed the overly cheesy/cheeky dialogue of the original, but the premise of the new “Blair Witch,” where a surviving sibling of the first group goes out to find his sister—that’s cool. For me, that part was believable. T: If you liked the original movie, you would enjoy this film because it expands on the mythology of the Blair Witch and you get glimpses of...something.

J: I agree. I don’t think this is a film for everyone, which is common for horror flicks. They cater to a specific crowd. To be honest, I laughed a lot more than I cringed. But I would say that for fans of the original—even if you wouldn’t identify as a “fan,” per se, but appreciate the history of how the original changed the industry—then you can enjoy it. And that’s how I went into it.

SEE IT: “Blair Witch” Info: Check Marcus Theatres for times and locations. www.marcustheatres.com

WINE & WORDS, BEER & BOOKS

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Article: Jess Witkins

Over the past several years, La Crosse has become quite the hub for budding authors. The variety of genres covered and style of the writers is getting to be as diverse as our local music scene. From open mic nights to book signings, it’s clear the Seven Rivers Region is attracting more wordsmiths to its spaces and stages, and more locals are getting published through a variety of self-publishing routes as well as traditional options. One of the organizations responsible for the growth is Women Writers Ink, a collective of writers in three critique groups who host a variety of readings and workshops throughout the year. This October, they’re hosting a local book fair and reading called Wine & Words, Beer & Books.

A dozen local writers will sell their books and read short excerpts throughout the night on October 6 at Lost Island Wine in Onalaska. Books will include something for everyone. The genres available span historical fiction to memoir, short stories to romance, stage productions to poetry, and more. What Wine & Words, Beer & Books offers is a chance to get to know and support local writers in a friendly, fun environment,” says Heidi Blanke, Women Writers Ink board president. “It’s a pop-in-pop-out event where guests can listen to excerpts of the books available, enjoy locally brewed wine and beer, and find a great new author to read.” The event is free and open to the public with appetizers available. Wine,

beer and books are all available for purchase. Featured local authors include Rachel McWilliams, whose book “Speaking Out: Why I Stand” has been performed on stage; Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, author of the first comprehensive history of motherhood, “Modern Motherhood”; and Matt Cashion, whose collection of short stories, “Last Words of the Holy Ghost, “ won the 2015 Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Fiction. “We’re really proud to connect with and showcase so many wonderful, local writers,” says Blanke. “At our core, Women Writers Ink is about the written word. If we can introduce new writers to the community and engage them in good stories, that’s a successful night to us.”

GO: Wine & Words, Beer & Books Where: Lost Island Wine 570 Theater Rd., Onalaska, WI When: Oct. 6, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Info: www.wwink.org www.facebook.com/WomenWritersInk

LIMELIGHT Holiday Open House

November 12th & 13th Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4

Come see the latest in Holiday trends at our annual Open House!

Hot Cider, Sweet Treats, Prize Drawings

“The Big Red Barn on Hwy 16”

Anything but ordinary

Flowers

Plants

Gifts

608.782.3276 | www.bittersweetflowers.com

AUTHOR DR. JAMES W. LOEWEN to Present at La Crosse City Hall Article: Jess Witkins Photo: Contributed

city officials and community leaders to attend the public discussion. Dr. Loewen will focus remarks on the need to address structural racism as both an institution of higher learning and as a 21st century unified action plan. In a time where systemic racism is growing more visible in the media and in our own communities, Dr. Loewen’s presentation is both timely and necessary. Change begins with acknowledgment that there is a problem, and hosting a discussion around our local history of racism will help us to break it down in present day. “You have to know the past to understand the present.” - Carl Sagan

Discover what is possible. First Class Free • 30 Days for $30 Power Vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga that is accessible to everyone regardless of age, ability, or experience. “Vinyasa” means to link movement with breath. With the heat as an added element, you’ll learn to move, breathe, sweat, and breakthrough your own barriers. We know and trust that this practice works. Are you ready to discover what is possible? Now is the time! Come as you are and know that practicing yoga is a lifelong process that will evolve – as will your focus, strength, and flexibility. Our variety of teachers and classes will meet you where you are. We encourage you to just show up and do what you can – knowing there is no judgement or expectations! With practice and time, your body and mind will experience growth and transformation – and we’ll be there supporting you every step of the way to your full potential. New students welcome!

GO: Dr. James Loewen Presents “Sundown Towns”: A Discussion Where: Common Council Chambers, first floor of the La Crosse City Hall 400 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI When: October 27, 2016 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Thank you! We are honored to be your favorite yoga studio three years in a row! 1217 Caledonia St., Suite A, La Crosse, WI 54603 • Phone 608-519-2467 www.rootdownyogastudio.com • Find us on Facebook and Instagram

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UW-La Crosse is teaming up with the City of La Crosse to bring anti-racism advocate and sociologist Dr. James W. Loewen to La Crosse for several educational programs. Dr. Loewen is the 1996 American Book Award winner for his work “Lies My Teacher Told Me.” After researching a dozen of the leading high school American history textbooks, Dr. Loewen discovered that our education was severely lacking. Stories we learned as young adults are getting skewed in efforts to portray patriotism and optimism, and the perspectives of people who get left out are often people of color. On October 27, Dr. Loewen will present at UW-La Crosse’s campus for their students and educators, but he’s also giving a presentation open to the community at La Crosse’s City Hall. The program will center on another of his works, “Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism.” Sundown towns in the U.S. were a form of segregation in which a city was purposely all-white, excluding people of other races. Based on recent research completed at UW-La Crosse, the City of La Crosse should be considered a Sundown town. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss racism specifically in the Midwest, and program organizers from UW-La Crosse, La Crosse’s Big Read Program, and the City of La Crosse Human Rights Commission have invited

LIMELIGHT TRIBUTE TO OUTSTANDING WOMEN Article: Jess Witkins All photos by Jordana Snyder Photography, except Myrna’s photo was contributed

Every fall, YWCA La Crosse hosts the Tribute to Outstanding Women. The honorees are nominated for their high level of both personal and professional accomplishments as well as how they positively give back to the Coulee Region. The women named this year join the long list of honorees from the past 30 years who have all empowered the future female leaders of our community.

Congratulations to the 2016 honorees!

Olivia Stewart

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

(High School Honoree) Senior, Sparta High School What inspires you as a student? As a student, my teachers, friends and family inspire me the most. Since I’m involved in many college credit courses while juggling the rest of school, two jobs and free time, reaching out to my teachers, friends and family has helped me infinitely throughout these four years of high school. They have kept me from giving up even at my lowest points, so I never gave up and never will.

How do you motivate other women in our community? Through being involved in DECA (my local marketing club), academics and both of my jobs, I show other women in my community that conforming to gender stereotyping and dependency is not a social norm for women anymore. Also, I teach women to stand up for what they believe in and reach for their 20 dreams.

Po Too

(College Honoree) Junior, Winona State University – Social Work Program What inspires you as a student? I believe that as a refugee from Thailand and first generation college student, I demonstrate my strong commitment to reach my American dream. I am the first generation in my family to attend college, and by achieving this goal, I will show the family that come after me that college is attainable. How do you motivate other women in our community? I inspire other women by overcoming obstacles that I face. Even though I face challenging things in my life, I stay true to myself. For example, English is not my native language, yet I do whatever I need to complete my college coursework on time.

Kay Berra

Ronda Lettner

What inspires you about education? My inspiration comes from the trust and support that parents put forth when they enroll their students in Aquinas Catholic Schools. We strive for that partnership to be the extension of the family. Personally, my inspiration comes from sharing faith experiences with the students and watching the students I have had in grades three to six walk across the stage at high school graduation.

What inspires you about health and wellness? My first career was nursing, so the structure of my thinking is mind-body-spirit. I think it comes to me automatically!

(Education Honoree) Principal, Blessed Sacrament Elementary School Aquinas Catholic Schools

How do you motivate other women in our community? My work has allowed me to be a role model and influence for young women in our community, and I have always tried to encourage them to pursue their dreams to the fullest, take some chances, and believe!

(Health Honoree) Marriage and Family Therapist & Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Stein Counseling

How do you motivate other women in our community? I think the two best methods I have for motivating others are, first, to be a good role model, and second, to accentuate the positive. As a role model, I practice honesty, do what I say and work with sincere desire to be better. As my son says, “I don’t have to be great, just better.” To accentuate the positive, I find what is good, highlight it and build hope. Hope becomes contagious.

(Business Honoree) Senior Business Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo What inspires you about the business world? The business world is ever-changing and is the lifeline of the community. When we foster a healthy and growing business environment, our community will be successful and thrive. I see a lot of collaboration and mentoring in La Crosse among the business community. I also enjoy participating in a number of “economic development” committees that encourage the growth and health of business in the La Crosse area.

How do you motivate other women in our community? I motivate other women through example and encouragement. When I see a need, I reach out to women that I think will be a good fit for the role and ask for their involvement. We live in a great community. There are so many opportunities to become involved. The key is to identify your passions and priorities and pair up with an organization through which you can add value and use your talents and passion. We CAN make a difference.

Stacy E. Shapiro

Sue Weidemann

(Nonprofit Honoree) President, Shapiro Strategies

(Volunteer Honoree) Owner, HERA Marketing

What inspires you about the nonprofit world? Every nonprofit is created to fill a need in a community and improve the lives of others. I am always inspired by passionate people who rally together, carry out an important mission and make a positive impact on the world. Those who work for and volunteer with nonprofits in La Crosse have set a wonderful example for other communities to follow. It is a beautiful place to live!

What inspires you about volunteering? I love seeing the results of giving of my time. Happy faces, jobs accomplished and making new friends. How do you not love that? We live in a beautiful community and we all get so much from it and its people. I think it is our privilege to volunteer and give back.

How do you motivate other women in our community? I believe we are all living in a circle of continuous inspiration, all of us with opportunities to inspire each other. Truly, so many women motivate me. When I listen to the stories of women’s lives and how they intentionally unfold, I am often inspired to implement, or reminded to continue, their beautiful practices in my own life. I also strive to live by my personal values and priorities, and I encourage others to do the same.

How do you motivate other women in our community? I have mentored many women in business and life situations. As you age, you gain experience; I have a lot of experience! This allows me to talk to women of all ages and relate to them on a personal level. The experience I have gained hopefully lifts them up and helps them through their situation, whether it’s business, relationships or parenting. I find such joy in life and hope I share that joy with others. We all have tough times, it’s how you come through them that makes you who you are. Only you can determine your future and that is the message I try to relate. The best way to overcome a bad situation is to succeed and succeed to a higher level.

Virginia “Ginny” Wintersteen, MD

(Trailblazer Honoree) Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Gundersen Health System What inspires you to be a trailblazer? I just followed my interest and my love for taking care of children. I don’t think I realized that I was doing something out of the ordinary until I started my orthopedic training. I looked around my first annual meeting and realized that there were not that many women around. I have always been a doer and have thought that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. How do you motivate other women in our community? I try to empathize with their life situation. I try to let them realize that many have faced similar challenges and have successfully navigated them. I tell them about community resources and encourage them to utilize them. I try to make them believe in themselves and the power they have within themselves to improve their life. As the years passed, I have become more of an advocate for women. I make it a point to ask my young patients what their plans are for the future.

Myrna “Dee” Peacock

(Posthumous Volunteer Honoree) For the first time, the YWCA recognizes a posthumous honoree, Myrna “Dee” Peacock, who passed away this past July. Dee was a CASA for Kids volunteer with YWCA of La Crosse and volunteered with the local League of Women Voters, serving on their board of directors and acting as treasurer. Her nominators shared that Dee “was the epitome of a volunteer, someone who worked for the common good, someone generous with her time and talents, and someone who strived to make life better for all around her.” Dee was volunteering up until the day she died.

The honorees will receive their awards at the Tribute to Outstanding Women event on November 10 at the La Crosse Center. Ticketed guests will enjoy dinner and a cash bar while each recipient shares a few words about their work and on inspiring others. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go toward continuing the social justice and empowerment programs that the YMCA of La Crosse leads.

GO: Tribute to Outstanding Women Where: La Crosse Center 300 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI When: Nov. 10, 2016 5:00-8:30 p.m. Tickets: $65 Info: www.ywca.org

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Debi McKenney

LIMELIGHT

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

CONNECTING THE DRIFTLESS

he Driftless Area. It’s a place, certainly—a geologic region. It’s also a feeling of hominess and comfort, like tendrils of steam rising from a mug on a crisp October morning intertwined with the aroma of burning hickory and the crunch of a kaleidoscope of leaves underfoot. An attitude—one of resiliency, resourcefulness and integrity.

An ongoing story. A community. Perhaps we’re even all relatives here. “We’re kind of like a huge, extended family spread out and not always talking to one another,” says Julia Henley. “We want to get to know our cousins across the river better, but it’s hard to make time, and sometimes we simply don’t know how to reach people.” Henley, who travels extensively

within and outside the region, is a co-founder of Sustainable Driftless, Inc., a new nonprofit organization that seeks to connect people throughout the Driftless and strengthen them and their communities. The organization is creating a comprehensive set of communication channels that highlight and celebrate all that is unique,

beautiful and smart in the region. Henley’s previous experiences, like starting Clearwater Farm Foundation and leading Centering Onalaska for a time, helped her see the power of inspirational communications, which led to her collaborate with George Howe and Tim Jacobson to form Sustainable Driftless.

Rob Nelson & Jonas Stenstrom ready camera for Duke Welter interview to do so much more than the first time around, like telling the full geological story of the Driftless. It’s the unique geology that provides a platform for our stunning scenery, great biological diversity, and fascinating archaeological past here.” The film also delves into the Mississippi River story, including its role as the largest waterfowl migration corridor on the continent, along with conservation success stories to inspire people to make a difference in their communities. “Public awareness of Driftless natural resources is foundational to everything,” Howe explains. “We must reach people where they live via their preferred learning styles. We seek to inspire people to get out and connect with nature and be active, which results in health benefits and enhanced quality of life.” Before the documentary film is

expected to be released, the group will publish the first issue of “Sustainable Driftless Journal,” as well as articles online. Julia Henley was creator and editor of “Driftless Notes” magazine, which had a distribution of 60,000 copies, and she’ll be building on that success with the new periodical. “It’s not a lifestyle magazine, tourism publication, or B2B publication but, rather, a hybrid piece designed to connect a wide range of people,” Henley says. “That’s how we’ll achieve cross-fertilization of ideas and help people replicate successes of others in the region to make us all better for it.” Standing on his family’s nature preserve overlooking the Mississippi River from Winona County, Minnesota, Howe says, “The threads that connect and strengthen us as people of the Driftless extend infinitely, if we take time to look. Take soil and water conservation as an example.”

Coon Valley, in the heart of the Driftless, was the birthplace of the national soil and water conservation program of the 1930s, which spurred new thinking about these vital natural resources that were being eroded away and polluted. Today, a number of sometimes-connected organizations are taking conservation to a new level. For example, we have Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort, Organic Valley’s huge expansion that facilitates sustainable farming, the Kickapoo Grazing Initiative’s work to promote managed rotational grazing, private land trusts and government agencies encouraging better farming practices, and Valley Stewardship Network conducting stream monitoring. “We want to help people see how they can make a good living from the land and also be excellent stewards of it,” says Howe. “Conservation and economic well-being are not opposing Continued on page 24…

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“We’re in the midst of producing an exciting documentary film, publishing a print magazine, writing articles for the web, building a community through social media, informing people through e-mail, and keeping things current with dozens—and eventually hundreds— of short videos,” says Tim Jacobson, president of the group’s board of directors. “And all of these will focus on the best this region and our local communities have to offer.” The organization launched its programmatic efforts in midSeptember by reuniting producers of the Emmy Award-winning documentary “Mysteries of the Driftless” to shoot a new film. Untamed Science, which directed the first film, is back on the job, with the addition of Swedish filmmaker Jonas Stenstrom. “Like the short pilot film we produced, our new feature-length film will be one of science exploration of the landscape filled with adventure,” said George Howe. “This time, though, we’re amping up the film: bigger thrills, deeper exploration of topics and highlighting success stories throughout the region.” The group’s half-dozen board members often get asked why: Why make another film? And why publish a magazine for the whole Driftless Region? “First of all, it’s about love of this amazing place,” Jacobson said. “Second, it’s the principle of ‘united we stand.’ Our region of the country faces some challenges, but we also have brilliant and dedicated people who are bringing about positive change, and we have more brainpower available than we sometimes realize. We want to highlight and celebrate those good things,” he explained. “Third, people are yearning for more. The bottom line is that we seek to inspire resource conservation, vibrant and healthy communities, and sustainable economic growth.” “A feature-length film,” Howe pointed out, “provides a vehicle for us

Tim Jacobson filming Jonas & Duke

Rob Nelson provides direction to Jonas Stenstrom

LIMELIGHT forces; they are complementary. “From my experience in a variety of science, education and conservation roles,” Howe continues, “it’s become apparent to me that one of the best ways to protect our limited and precious resources is to connect people to our beautiful landscape through fun and inspiring experiences, and to help people—especially kids—develop a stronger sense of place and deeper regional pride.” “Leadership in prudent use of resources goes all the way back to prehistory in the Driftless Region, starting with Native Americans who lived here thousands of years ago,” says Jacobson. “The story continues with the principles articulated by Aldo Leopold in the early 1900s and leads to the pioneering Envision sustainability program of Gundersen Health System and so many other far-sighted organizations and businesses today. We need to tell that story.” Although still in its infancy, Sustainable Driftless, Inc. has picked up support from dozens of city and county governments, economic development agencies, businesses and chambers of commerce. In addition, it has an editorial advisory board of more than a dozen community and business leaders and educators. “Sustainable Driftless is here,” Henley says, “to amplify the good

How You Can

GET INVOLVED

with Sustainable Driftless Share stories. If you know about special places, people or events in the Driftless, send them to stories@SustainableDriftless.org. Follow them on social media at facebook.com/SustainableDriftless, twitter.com/SustainDriftles, or use the hashtag #SustainableDriftless. Sign up for their weekly e-mail newsletter at DriftlessNotes.com. Volunteer or intern! Contact tim@SustainableDriftless.org. work of our partners, promote tourism, encourage the attraction and retention of talent and businesses to the region, and help families and communities thrive here. But we need to think and act for the long-term, ensuring that future generations will have an equal or better chance at a good, healthy and prosperous life through the wise use of our limited resources. I am convinced that this region remains in the top tier

of beautiful, special places in the world to live in and visit. I believe the region can and should grow sustainably, intelligently and beautifully.” “If there’s one takeaway about the mission and work of Sustainable Driftless,” Jacobson says, “it’s that we want the Driftless Region to reach her amazing potential by sharing stories of her greatness and beauty with the world.”

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SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

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Attend their “Meet the Filmmakers” event. Details to be announced at SustainableDriftless.org.

Come meet the stones, celebrate a special occasion, explore and learn or just regenerate your spirit.

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BUSINESS Tribute to

Outstanding Women 2016 Honorees Education . . . . . . . Kay Berra, Aquinas Catholic Schools Health . . . . . . . . . Ronda Lettner, Stein Counseling Business . . . . . . . . Debra A. McKenney, Wells Fargo Nonprofit . . . . . . . Stacy Shapiro, Shapiro Strategies Volunteer . . . . . . . Sue Weidemann, illumin8 marketing llc Trailblazer . . . . . . Virginia “Ginny” Wintersteen, Gundersen Health System

Celebrates 30 Years in Downtown La Crosse

Thursday, November 10, 2015

Article: Haakon Nelson Built by Stephen Gantert in 1874, the building at 110 S. 3rd Street was originally a furniture warehouse and showroom, providing various odds and ends to the denizens of the then boomtown of La Crosse. With multiple floors, and with the hand-carved, black walnut staircase between them a sweeping masterpiece of German immigrant construction, this was truly a vast showcase to outfit the burgeoning population. Under different iterations over the years—Gantert’s Furniture Hall, Gantert Brothers, Gantert’s Furniture Company—the final incarnation closed in 1981, a full 107 years after its founding. Five years later, this location would be reborn as the Antique Center of La Crosse, a fitting rebirth for such a historic address. Once again a showcase, though this time one for multiple dealers of antiques and collectibles (sourced locally and internationally). Using three of the four floors, the Antique Center covers 20,000 square feet, perfect “hunting” ground for those seeking the rare and unique. Whether the destination for those from out-of-town on an antiquing quest, or the last-minute hope for someone buying a gift, the sheer variety found there is almost always guaranteed to result in a purchase. Celebrating its 30th year, the Antique Center is flourishing, its confines filled to bursting with the artifacts of bygone days. Speaking to employee Joan Vogel, the secret of their success seems obvious. Why do you think the Antique Center has managed to stay such a popular store for the last 30 years? There are two reasons. First, we are in a good location. We get a lot of foot traffic. We get the walk-in people from the hotels and the riverboats. We get the travelers. Also, we try to keep our merchandise old, we don’t want any of the new or modern stuff.

Social: 5:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner & Awards Ceremony 6:00

For anyone not familiar with the store, what would be the best way to describe it? We have really good dealers, they’re knowledgeable, they’re friendly. The merchandise is a big thing. I think that helps a great deal. We have 35 to 40 dealers, so we have a wide range of things. Civil War memorabilia to Tupperware. Do you see more repeat business from local people or out-of-town shoppers? We see a LOT of repeat customers. There are a lot of people we see that know us by name. Are there going to be any activities to mark the anniversary? We are certainly promoting it, and we are going to have some refreshments. With Oktoberfest and Downtown Days coming up, and with all the activity going on, we’re going to sandwich it in! Haakon Nelson, a local experimental musician, was born in La Crosse, raised in Winona and returned to La Crosse four years ago. His writing has appeared in Virus! magazine and TheQuietus.com. He is a father of a 13-year-old son and a drinker of much coffee.

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THE ANTIQUE CENTER

Posthumous Honor Young Myrna “Dee” Peacock

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

BUSINESS

: e f i L e h t n i y a D A

CHRIS WALTERS Photos: Bob Good

f the American dream is being a happily married dad or mom raising two or three kids while leading a successful multi-million-dollar business, then Chris Walters is living it—and the 18-hour days that come with it. At 38 years old, Chris is husband to Katie Walters, a registered nurse at Gundersen Health System and newly licensed real estate agent; dad to Tatum, 9, Finley, 7, and Isla, 3; and president of DBS Group in Onalaska, Wisconsin. He and his partners founded their design-build construction/contractor company in August last year after learning their current company, TCI, was winding down and closing its doors. And just like everything else they do, the entrepreneurial group did it quickly, and they did it well. They learned their employer’s news on a Friday. In just 10 days, they confirmed customers wanted to stay with them and secured their new core team. Articles of incorporation were filed two weeks later, and the action hasn’t stopped since. 4:15 a.m.—Paperwork and Proposals With so much to pack into a day, Chris rises early and begins his workday from home. It’s a chance for him to catch up on paperwork and develop proposals. In an average month, he’ll develop a half-dozen proposals, most of them beginning in the morning quiet at his dining room table.

6 a.m.—Working it all Out If Chris has any “me” time during the day, it’s at 6 a.m. when he hits the Onalaska YMCA for a workout. Staying fit, he says, is critical to helping him maintain the energy level he needs for the pace he keeps. 7:30 a.m.—The (Real) Day Begins After working out, it’s time to get the kids out the door. Chris and Katie take turns depending on what each has planned that day. If it’s Katie’s turn to get the children to school, Chris heads straight to the office where his day usually begins with project team meetings. Each client project gets its own team, including a lead designer, estimator, project manager and superintendent. As CEO, Chris oversees them all.

Noon—Lunch with a Customer At least two to three times per week, depending on his travel schedule, Chris will have lunch with a customer. While ostensibly it’s a chance for him to stay up-to-date on current and future needs, it’s really more of an opportunity to deepen relationships. DBS Group principals like Chris often grow friendships out of working relationships. 1 p.m.—Customer Time Afternoons are the most unpredictable and variable time of day for Chris. The time is usually reserved for customer phone calls and meetings and can include proposal reviews, municipal due diligence meetings, stocking a customer’s store shelves for opening or

trampling through mud to examine a potential site with a customer. The afternoon ends with an occasional change of clothing (mud can make a mess in the office), and following up on those afternoon conversations— providing technical information, materials for review and proposal follow-up information and sharing updates with project teams.

5:30 p.m.—Transition to Family Time As much as possible, Chris tries to leave the office by 5:30 p.m., so he can shift into dad, and chauffeur, mode. With Tatum and Finley both in traveling soccer, volleyball and piano, Katie and Chris each take one of the two, with Isla in tow, and hit the road. They return a couple hours later to homework, baths and a 9 p.m. bedtime for the girls. 9 p.m.—One Last Work Check For one more hour, Chris will shift from dad to CEO, responding to emails and voicemails that came in while he was with the family, before turning in himself. He doesn’t mind the long hours because the work is gratifying. “When we start working with customers, it’s often with just a high-level concept, and we get to work with them through the design, due diligence, budgeting, permits and actual construction. It can be quite a journey,” he says. “But then we have this tangible structure that’s been created from an idea along with a happy business owner, and it’s just really rewarding.”

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

10 a.m.—Construction Site Visits Chris’s job requires him to keep abreast of all company projects, ensuring each one stays on time and on budget. Late-morning hours are reserved for visiting sites, reviewing progress, conducting visual inspections and ensuring quality. That’s also when he meets with field managers to debrief and learns of any further action items needed. While many of DBS Group’s projects are in the Seven Rivers Region, some will take him on longer travels. It’s not uncommon for Chris to visit multiple states in the upper Midwest in the same week.

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SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

“Instant human, just add coffee”

What’s the Big Deal? During UW-La Crosse’s move-in weekend, a banner was hung from a nearcampus apartment with the following message: “Free cream pies with valid freshman ID.” The sign sparked instant outrage, as it should. Carly Juzwik, UWL senior and new student orientation leader, was guiding a group of firstyear students along a path on which the sign was posted. Instead of discussing the campus information she had planned on sharing, she was forced to spend the next 45 minutes addressing the banner. That sign was one of their first sights of the UWL campus. As absurd and disturbing as that may be, it is not unusual. Similar banners with similar messages have been a popular move-in weekend tradition, particularly ones that target college women. With these banners happening every year at universities across the country, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the tradition has made its way to UW-La Crosse. In fact, many people (including the banner’s creators) stick by the sign’s humorous intentions. However, I do not believe that means we should categorize this as just being “part of the college experience” and moving on. If we stop the dialogue, the cycle continues. Sexual assault on college campuses has been at the forefront of media coverage in recent years. What is often left out of this conversation is the connection to the larger picture. These incidents are cloaked in isolation rather than digging into their roots and connecting them to how we socialize ourselves about these issues. Trivializing an unwelcome move-in banner as “just a joke” sends the message that more overt sexual harassment also shouldn’t be taken seriously, even if the target is an entire class. If we can’t realize the severity of that, what does that mean for cases of sexual assault? Apart from the sexual innuendo used in the banner, the “valid with freshman ID” part is particularly troubling. There is a reason first-year students were chosen. Not by random, they were picked due to their unfamiliarity with the campus and its culture. Regardless of whether that was supposed to be funny—joking about the vulnerability of these students—the impact is the same. Instead of a welcome, they were being lured to a stranger’s apartment. That is why this banner and its counterparts contribute to rape culture. It isn’t at all funny. It is predatory. Publisher’s Note: I chose to not include the viral photo of the sign. The goal of this printing is to highlight the importance of emotional security for our students and community. The discourse surrounding this incident has been necessary since some people don’t understand why the actions of these students were damaging and not humorous. Time will heal the damage the sign did. Education, compassion and bravery will allow individuals to evolve so this kind of thing doesn’t take place again. Whitney, thank you for your bravery. – Michelle

Organic, fair trade coffee • Loose leaf tea Homemade soups and baked goods • WiFi House-made syrups • Select wine & spirits 327 Pearl St, Downtown La Crosse

Originally from Waseca, Minn., Whitney Storvick is a senior at UW-La Crosse, where she studies broadcast and digital communication with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. She is a reporter for the UW-La Crosse Racquet, the vice president of College Feminists, and co-host of the campus radio show, Organic Beets. She can be found wherever coffee is poured, pizza is served, and red wine flows.

The

e e f f o C

Klatsch

As the days get cooler in the Seven Rivers Region, we break out our French presses more often to start the day or warm up an afternoon. SEVEN explores coffee with you: Meet local baristas and the folks over at Kickapoo Coffee Roasters; learn how to make a great cup of coffee; fit coffee into your workout; even try a java beer! Pull up a chair, grab your favorite cuppa joe, and savor… The Coffee Klatsch.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

“Life is short. Surround yourself with good people and only drink good coffee.” - Anonymous

The

ee f f o C

Klatsch

BREW REVIEW How to Make a Great Cup of Coffee

Article: Jess Witkins Coffee. Sweet and bitter nectar, the wake-up call of American workers. Wholesome, comforting and caffeinated. We love our coffee. According to Accounting Principals’ 2013 Workonomix Survey, the average American spends a whopping $1,092 buying coffee at work every year.1

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

So if you could improve the coffee you brew at home and save some cash, wouldn’t you? We scoured our local coffee shops, observed numerous baristas, taste-tested obscene amounts, and searched the rabbit trails of the interweb to bring you a fully caffeinated report to help you brew the best damn cup of coffee you’ve ever tasted.

Basic Drip

Cold Brew

French Press

Prep: Most coffee makers use a paper filter, but check your machine as some come with reusable filters in them. Bleached paper filters can cause some off flavors, so use the unbleached kind, if available for your machine. Some machines also have a charcoal filter for the water reserve, which removes chlorine, off flavors and odors from the water—use the filter if your machine has one, and replace it when recommended. Drip coffee machines allow you to make as much coffee as you want. You can brew a few cups or a dozen, depending on the size of your coffeemaker. Simply fill the coffeepot with as much water as you desire for cups of coffee and pour it into the water reserve. Using the ratio of one to two tablespoons per cup of coffee, fill the filter with the desired amount of finely ground coffee. If you like a bold flavored coffee, add an extra scoop or two. For the best flavor, grind the beans right before you brew. Set your machine, designating cup quantity if necessary, and let it do the work!

Prep: Cold brew kits look like a bucket with a hole in the bottom. When brewing, the hole should be plugged with the cork, and a reusable filter will sit inside the bucket for the coffee to filter through when it comes time for pouring. Add a quarter-pound of finely ground coffee to the bucket. Pour three to four cups of cold water over grounds in a circular motion to activate them all. Let the grounds sit for about five minutes. Next, add another quarter-pound of grounds to the bin. Pour another three cups of water in a circular motion. Using the back of a spoon, press the grounds down to make sure all are wet. Do not stir as that can aggravate your filter and cause the grounds to sink beneath it. Add more water if necessary. Once the grounds are all wet, cover the bucket (use a towel if needed) and let sit on the counter for 24 hours. After 24 hours, place the bucket over a sealable container and carefully pull the cork to let all the coffee drain into the pitcher. Let the bucket rest on the container for a little bit to make sure all the liquid has drained. Store your cold brew coffee in a container with a tight seal and place it in the fridge to cool. Now, you have enough coffee in your fridge to get you through the week…maybe.

Prep: Boil a kettle of water. For French press, coffee beans should be coarsely ground so they don’t clog the filter. Chunks are ok, but make sure whole beans aren’t still in your grind. Place grounds, again using the ratio of one to two tablespoons per cup of water, into your French press pitcher. When the water is boiling, remove kettle from the heat and wait 30 seconds to a minute to avoid scorching the grounds. Add just enough to the pitcher that the grounds are covered, stir them slowly a few times, then place the plunger lid on for about 30 seconds, not pressing down yet. This added bit of steeping time activates the grounds to release the oils and flavor of the coffee. Add the rest of your hot water and give it another gentle stir. Replace the plunger lid without pressing down, and let steep for three to four minutes—the longer it steeps, the stronger it will be. Avoid letting it steep too long or the coffee could become too bitter. Push the plunger down, pour and enjoy.

Appearance: Drip coffee’s color will largely depend on what kind of roast you’re using. A blonde or light roast, for example, will have a tan or copper color, whereas a dark roast will be more syrup colored. Flavor: Drip coffee is perfect for when you’re hosting company or intend to enjoy multiple cups. More water is used in the brewing process, so don’t be afraid to play around with your coffee-to-water ratio and roast types to find the flavor base you enjoy most. The more grounds, the darker and thicker the flavor. Using freshly ground coffee beans helps prevent the flavor from getting too bitter and may allow you to use fewer grounds to achieve your preferred flavor (thus saving you money, too!).

30 1

Appearance: Because of the longer brew time, cold press coffee is very rich in color, smell and flavor. It has a chocolatey, caramel appearance to it. Flavor: Cold brew grounds get activated differently, making the coffee’s flavor not as bitter. Cold brew coffee is a concentrate, so it’s much stronger in flavor than its sister coffees; therefore, it is best served over ice. But if you’re not a fan of cold coffee, you can still heat it up and drink it hot by mixing one part cold brew with two parts hot water. It also makes a great mixer in iced lattes or alcoholic beverages like white Russians.

Appearance: French press coffee can look a little frothy while brewing and when the plunger pushes the grounds down. You’ll see a nice array of swirls throughout the pitcher as everything gets settled. French press coffee has a bit more depth than drip coffee, but its color will again depend on the kind of roast you purchase. Flavor: Since it makes only a few cups at a time, the flavor is exceptionally aromatic. If your coffee tastes too bitter, your grounds might be too fine or you could have let it steep too long. If it tastes too watery, the grounds may be too course, so keep it at a medium to course grind. Pro Tip: If you don’t plan to drink all your French press coffee right away, pour it into a decanter to save, as leaving it in the French press will cause it to continue diffusing with your grounds and become quite bitter.

“National Coffee Day: A Cup of Joe by the Numbers.” Accounting Principals blog. 29 Sept 2015. Accessed 23 Sept 2016. http://blog.accountingprincipals.com/nationalcoffeeday/

Pro tips for the best home-brewed cuppa joe: • No matter your preferred brew method, the best thing you can do is use top-quality, freshly ground coffee beans. If you regularly make your own coffee at home, consider investing in a grinder. This will take your homemade coffee from good to amazing. • Store your coffee in a tight, opaque container away from light, moisture and heat. Foil packaging works as well. Do not keep it in the refrigerator. • Only buy coffee for one to two weeks at a time. Stocking up on bulk grounds or waiting too long to use your grounds results in dry, dusty or even dirt-like flavors. • Coffee is 98 percent water, so use good water when brewing. If you have a filter on your machine or a filtered water source, you’ll get better taste. Replace your filter regularly. • Ratio is everything. Professional baristas recommend eight ounces of water to every 15 grams of coffee (or about one to two tablespoons). Adjust to your preferred taste and roast type. • Over the course of the year, making coffee at home can save you an average of $200 per year, even when purchasing great-quality beans.

Espresso

Pour Over

Prep: Espresso is not a kind of coffee bean but, rather, a way of brewing. It involves highly pressurized water filtering through a puck of finely ground coffee. Based on the size of your espresso machine, add water to the desired cup amount (most are 4 cups) into the water reserve. Cover tightly with lid. Beans should be finely ground. Fill espresso machine cup with grounds to desired cup amount (around a halfounce). The cup can be full, but don’t pack too tightly, as the steam from brewing creates a lot of pressure and the machine could have a harder time brewing or can even burst open. Some higher-end espresso machines use a tamper to press the coffee grounds into a puck, so for safety, always consult your machine’s manual. Allow machine to brew, pour, and enjoy. Let the machine cool before emptying and cleaning.

For the truly diehard coffeeholics, give pour over a try.

Flavor: With espresso, you get the same amount of caffeine but less liquid, so it packs a quick punch. Espresso is delicious with dark-roasted beans, and can be drank on its own or mixed with milk or creamers to make lattes, mochas and more.

Appearance: Pour over coffee will bear similar resemblance to the French press, but the difference is in the filter type and process of pouring the water. Pour over systems really let you extract maximum flavor. If your coffee appears or tastes watery, keep practicing your slow pour method as the timing of the grounds extraction plays a major role. Flavor: Pour over coffee takes a little more time, and so should you as you savor it. Because the grind, water temperature, and slow pour method are all controlled by you, you’re able to appreciate the scent, color and taste of a pour over cup of coffee from start to finish. More Tips: To view the various kinds of pour over systems and how each work in more detail, check out Prima Coffee’s Beginners Guide to Pour Overs: prima-coffee.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-pour-over-coffee-brewing

Publisher’s Note: We didn’t include the “K-cup” method because, in case you haven’t heard or didn’t realize on your own, this method is an environmental disaster. Don’t use it. If you already own a Keurig machine, however, and don’t wish to create even more waste by immediately kicking it to the curb, we highly recommend purchasing reusable cups.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Appearance: Espresso is concentrated coffee. Its color is much darker, even opaque. When it’s dripping from the machine, it should look like warm honey that gets thinner as it tapers down.

Prep: Pour over coffee lets you control every step of the coffee making process. Start by heating filtered water (ideal temp is 200 degrees) in a slow-pouring kettle. The slow-pouring kettle is crucial to this process. The amount of coffee and water used will highly depend on the type of pour over equipment you have, but a recommended measurement is just over two ounces of grounds per one quart of water. The coffee grind is typically medium, but this is another place you can experiment based on the roast of coffee you’re using and your taste preferences. Pour over systems include a paper, cloth, stainless steel, or porcelain filter. Coffeehouses commonly use the Chemex pour over system, which uses a thick paper filter. Ensure the decanter or mug beneath the filter is warm and ready. Before placing your grounds in the filter, pre-wet the filter with hot water, pouring slowly in a circular motion once. This assists the grinds in releasing their flavor and avoids a papery taste, if using paper filters. Discard any water that dripped through into the decanter or mug. Next, place your grounds in the filter. For the brewing process, it’s nice to use a timer that will count with you as you pour so that you don’t pour too quickly. Start the clock and pour in a nice circular motion, just until all the grounds are wet. Let that sit for about 30 seconds. Then pour the remaining water over the grounds little by little, starting in the center and spiraling out then back in, pausing occasionally to let the water drip, using the dome of the grounds as a visual. The bed of grounds should rise up but remain flat on top as you pour. The spiral pouring motion ensures all the grounds will extract at the same time for best flavor. The whole process of pouring should take three to four minutes. Then toss the filter (or clean it if it’s a reusable type), give your decanter a few swirls to aerate, and serve.

The

ee f f o C

Klatsch

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

L to R - Caleb Nicholes - TJ Semanchin

KICKAPOO COFFEE ROASTERS Farmer-Focused Since 2005

Article & Photos: Clay Riness

factors overlap,” he says. “You have fair trade. You have ethical sourcing. You have organic coffee which is chemical free, and shade-grown beans which utilize traditional varieties. We’re looking at it as how to benefit the planet and the local people.” That’s a very different approach than, say, bananas, which are almost completely controlled by large conglomerate multinationals, like Dole and Chiquita, that engage in practices that do not bode well for indigenous people and their often destitute communities. “We are very intentional about sourcing extremely high-quality ingredients,” says Semanchin, “and a big foundation of our business is our relationships with the farmers and our commitment to direct sourcing, working with small farms in fair trade cooperatives. I think that sets us apart and makes us unique.” And unique they are. Semanchin and Nicholes, as well as other company employees, travel to the mountainous jungles of Peru, Columbia, Mexico, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Kenya…in total, 13 countries around the world, to purchase some of the world’s finest coffee beans. By working with cooperatives, they know they can help the small-operation farmers make more money by allowing them to avoid selling to a middleman, thus capturing far more of the value of the coffee. In fact, some of the farms can be as small as just half an acre. “These are peasant farmers, and they’re living in a context that we, as Americans, can’t comprehend. Their daily struggles include access to clean water, basic education for their kids, armed conflict, a political climate that’s unstable, lack of electricity. These are real issues for the majority of the world’s coffee farmers,” he says. “So by us having direct relationships with them, befriending them, having that human connection, we feel that the welfare of the farmers is at the core of our business.” Then, there’s the other side of the sale. Once beans are shipped, they land at a port and are then moved by freight to Viroqua where they are off-loaded into a climate-controlled room for storage before roasting in a vintage 1930s Probat roaster, a very coveted machine. Roasting, explains Semanchin, is the art of taking a raw product and trying to preserve as much of the quality as possible. Lighter roasts will allow more of the nuance and subtle flavors to come

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t starts as an all-too-familiar tale. T.J. Semanchin and his wife were ready to leave the big city, in this case, Minneapolis, and move to a smaller community. He’d been working, he says, for about seven years at Peace Coffee, one of the country’s first fair trade coffee companies. Meanwhile, Caleb Nicholes had started Kickapoo Coffee Roasters in the fall of 2005. “I decided I was going to open my own coffee company, and we sort of homed in on Viroqua,” he explains, “and that was when Caleb did the exact same thing, but coming from Madison. We joined forces in 2006.” The company began small in a space at Main Street Station in downtown Viroqua. After a couple of years they moved to the old train depot behind Driftless Books, where they operated for about 6 years. In 2013 they moved into the Food Enterprise Center (1201 N. Main St.), where they redesigned their interior space to suit the growing business. Kickapoo Coffee Roasters has some very familiar partners. “One of our longest-running partners is the People’s Food Co-op (in La Crosse). Of course, we’re also in the co-ops in Viroqua, Winona and Decorah. Another long-term partner is Mugby Junction (in Winona),” says Semanchin. They also partner with the Drifless Café, the Root Note and the Charmant Hotel, to name a few. Before working at Peace Coffee, Semanchin lived in Latin America. “My introduction to coffee was more through the social and environmental lens … sustainable development. And coffee, if done right, is a place where all those

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

through. He says folks started roasting coffee dark to cover up defects, and it became an acquired taste. “We have plenty of dark roasts, and we enjoy our dark roasted coffee, but really what you’re doing when you roast coffee darker is literally destroying the inherent flavors in the bean. You’re just imparting the roast flavor. As you go darker, that blackness is just carbon, just like if you’re grilling a steak,” he admits. “We appreciate the more subtle, nuanced flavors because we’re sourcing such high-quality coffee.” There’s even more. How you prepare the coffee makes a difference. He describes the company’s preferred method as “pour over,” or brewing the coffee by pouring the water by hand, per cup. It’s a drip method similar to a Melitta, which keeps the final product as clean and pure as possible. Coffee and water are weighed to a specific ratio each time. The beans are ground. Hot water is hand-poured. Steeping time is precise. Partnering baristas are trained by the company to properly prepare and deliver the perfect cup of coffee, every time. They also host free public “cuppings,” or coffee sampling events, where Kickapoo Coffee staff will answer questions and teach attendees how to prepare and taste a great cup of coffee. In 2010, Kickapoo Coffee Roasters was named the nation’s Micro Roaster

of the Year by “Roast Magazine.” The award was weighed on both quality of product and the humanitarian nature of the business. This year, their Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee from the Idido Cooperative was recognized with a 2016 Good Food Award. It may be time to retire the convenient K-cups and support a local company who offers not only vastly superior coffee, but engages in purpose-driven, free trade policies to benefit others. Clay Riness is a freelance writer and photographer from Coon Valley.

GO: Public Cuppings Where: Kickapoo Coffee Roasters 1201 N Main St., Suite #10, Viroqua, WI Info: Schedule available on their website: www.kickapoocoffee.com 608-637-2022 info@kickapoocoffee.com

FAIR TRADE From Source to Coffee Cup

Article: Jan D. Wellik

Two Main Types of Coffee Beans In the commercial coffee industry, there are two main coffee species: Arabica and Robusta.

Coffea Arabica (C. Arabica) “Coffea Arabica trees produce a fine, mild coffee and represent approximately 70 percent of the world’s coffee production. The beans are flatter and longer than Robusta and lower in caffeine,” says NCAUSA. This is the typical coffee sold in supermarkets. There are many varieties of Arabica coffee, but a common variety you may recognize is Jamaican Blue Mountain; others include Bourbon, Typica, Mundo Novo, Tico, San Ramon and Caturra. Arabica coffee trees grow in steep terrain at temperatures between 59 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and must receive about 60 inches of rainfall a year.

Coffea canephora (C. canephora var. Robusta) “Most of the world’s Robusta coffee is grown in Central and Western Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Vietnam, and in Brazil. Robusta is primarily used in coffee blends and for instant coffees,” says NCAUSA. Unlike Arabica, which has many varieties, there’s only one variety of Coffea canephora—Robusta— and interestingly, it has 50 to 60 percent more caffeine than Arabica. According to NCAUSA, “The Robusta tree is heartier and more resistant to disease and parasites, which makes it easier and cheaper to cultivate.” It can grow at warmer temperatures, between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it is able to grow at lower altitudes.

What is Fair Trade coffee? Fair trade certification Fair trade certification lets consumers know that the origin of a product was produced with fairness for the farmer. Fair trade certified products come from all over the world and guarantees farmers a minimum price, linking these farmers directly with importers so that they are more in control of their product’s journey to the market. There are numerous international and domestic fair trade certification organizations that operate around the world, but they all share the same values, such as requiring products to offer a fair price to farmers, fair pay to farm workers, safe working conditions for farm workers, environmentally sustainable farming practices (for example, no use of chemicals or GMOs), and that farmers invest money into their communities. In the grocery store, fair trade coffee is sold by many companies such as Adirondack Coffee, Equal Exchange, Archer Farms, Interlaken Joe, Peaberry’s, even Keurig. Most do not sell fair trade exclusively but offer it among their other traditional coffee selections, such as Caribou Coffee, Starbuck’s, Sam’s Club and Trader Joe’s.

Fair Trade in the Seven Rivers Region In our region, several coffeeshops pride themselves on serving only fair trade coffee, including the Root Note in La Crosse, which serves Kickapoo Coffee. Root Note co-owner Corrie Brekke says, “It’s in line with our goals to support local, if possible, and support the people who are making the products to have a living wage.” Her husband, Luke Brekke, is operations manager at the Viroqua-based Kickapoo Coffee, so they know first-hand that the company “supports environmental practices and (coffee that) is grown in a sustainable way,” she says. The reason she chose Kickapoo Coffee is because they travel to where the coffee is grown and track that sustainable practices are being followed in connection with the fair trade label. “We’re benefiting from a good product, and those who make it are not getting the short end of the deal,” she says. Mugby Junction in Winona, Minnesota, also serves only fair trade Kickapoo Coffee. “At Mugby Junction,” says the coffeeshop’s website, “we emphasize the use of responsible and sustainable practices. Mugby uses only organic and fair trade coffee.”

Sources: “What is Coffee?” National Coffee Association USA. www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/What-is-Coffee. “Fair Trade Coffee.” Grounds for Change. www.groundsforchange.com/learn/fairtrade.php.

Winona La Duke, Photo Courtesy Viterbo University Fair Trade Coffee for a Cause Across the Minnesota border, on the White Earth Reservation, a fair trade coffee has been created by native rights and environmental activist Winona LaDuke to support the “Pipeline Fighters.” According to LaDuke, founder of Honor the Earth, they are producing this coffee as an act of support for native peoples and sacred land. “We love coffee. We also love our water and lakes in the world, and find that we are in a pitched battle over a set of Koch Bros. and Enbridge pipelines intended to head across the heart of our ricing territory to Lake Superior (Gichi Gummi). We join with others around the world opposing extreme fossil fuels and these pipelines. We love water not oil” (www.honortheearthmerchandise. com/coffee/). Spotted Horse Coffee Blends features fair trade and organic beans from indigenous communities around the world, fairly sourced and roasted by the Native Americans of the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota—one of only a handful of Native American roasters in North America. Proceeds from the coffee sales support the nonprofit Honor the Earth (www. honorearth.org), created to bring awareness to Native environmental issues and develop resources for the survival of sustainable Native communities—and in support of this mission, the organization works to fight the pipeline and preserve their sacred land and waters. Jan Wellik is a journalist, writing teacher, and environmental educator in the Coulee Region.

GO: Winona LaDuke, featured speaker “Traditional Ecological Knowledge: a Conference on Indigenous Wisdom and Rights of Nature” Where: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, La Crosse, WI When: Oct. 14, 2016, 7:00 p.m.

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offee is a common household commodity, but the actual harvesting and roasting of coffee beans is a labor-intensive process. Since it takes about five years of growth for a coffee tree to reach full fruit production, and the average coffee tree only produces 2 pounds of coffee beans during one harvest, each drip of coffee might be considered a precious yield. According to the National Coffee Association USA (NCAUSA), “While coffee plants can live up to 100 years, they are generally the most productive between the ages of 7 and 20.” Most coffee is from a region of the world along the equator called the Coffee Belt, with rich soil, mild temperatures, frequent rain and shaded sun. This region includes more than 50 countries around the world, including the United States (Hawaii), Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Kenya.

5 QUESTIONS FOR 6 BARISTAS Article: Haakon Nelson

As part of SEVEN’s celebration of coffee, we asked a set of five questions to six baristas from the Seven Rivers Region. Here’s what they said.

1. What makes this job different than others you may have had? 2. What is your favorite drink that you serve? 3. Do you drink more coffee now than you did before? 4. What is the hardest thing about your job? 5. Is there anything you have learned when dealing with people and their coffee demands?

Autumn Moe

Bean Juice, La Crosse

1. Different? I get to interact with a much wider variety of people. Every day, a lot of new people come through, unlike if I worked in, say, an office. 2. Favorite? I actually love regular brewed coffee! But I also love an iced caramel latte. 3. More or less? Definitely more, as I do get it as part of working here. 4. Hardest thing? Just being able to deal with the variety of people, the different languages, the different backgrounds, and finding what precisely every single one of them wants for their coffee. 5. Learned? When you help with a lot of different people, you are going to have a lot of ways of doing things. Some people want to do more demands, with more variety. Some people want their coffee to be extra special.

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Photo: Bob Good

Luna Ann Wavra

Jules Coffee House, La Crosse

1. Different? Working at Jules is like having a second family that just keeps growing. We know everything about each other. It’s really refreshing knowing I can make someone’s day better with a simple cup of coffee. 2. Favorite? I love making our Irish coffees. I mean, c’mon, there’s whiskey in it. And I get to top it off with our homemade whipped cream. Nothing gets better than that. 3. More or less? An excessive amount. It’s like I work in a coffee heaven with endless supplies. My limit of espresso consumption does not exist. 4. Hardest thing? Trying to practice latte art. Seriously, I can’t get it down. I end up making blobs of foam on top of drinks, and calling it “inkblots,” then telling customer what their coffee is trying to tell them. Photo: Bob Good

5. Learned? I’m not surprised anymore by what people order. An older couple that comes in at 11:30 p.m. wanting espresso milkshakes, or a young teenager wanting a quad Americano. People like what they like, so never assume what they’re going to order because you will look like a dumdum.

Corey Hobbes

Viroqua Food Co-op, Viroqua 1. Different? It’s fast paced. Producing good latte art is difficult, if you’re trying to do it in about a minute and a half. Never had to deal with coffee in previous jobs, so I had to take my knowledge from zero to 100 really quickly. 2. Favorite? I love cafe miel. It’s a honey and cinnamon latte. If you have organic cinnamon and organic milk, you’re really off to a good start. 3. More or less? More. We have a high turnover rate with our drip coffee. It’s not very much time after we put it out in the customer service area that we’re putting more out, and we don’t want the old stuff to go to waste! 4. Hardest thing? Whenever you don’t know how a customer wants their coffee, and you don’t want to badger them with 100 questions, but still making a drink that’s the perfect drink. Photo: Shana Meshbesher

5. Learned? Fast service is always appreciated. Whenever people are getting their coffee, it’s often because they don’t have time to brew their own. I’m definitely one of those people. If someone can make me a quick red eye, that’s definitely a beautiful thing.

Ryan Smeath

The Root Note, La Crosse 1. Different? It’s a lot more information-driven. Dealing with weights, times and temperatures. It allows the scientist in me to come out. 2. Favorite? The Undertow—a coffee drink in a four-ounce glass, with a little bit of syrup at the bottom, some cold milk, and two ounces of espresso at the top. 3. More or less? Yeah, I do, definitely. It’s hard with all this coffee around. 4. Hardest thing? Probably when it gets high-volume. Balancing with all the other people around. More practiced body motions. It’s hard not to get frazzled.

Photo: Bob Good

5. Learned? Like with everything, there’s a big scope. Some people will get the exact same thing every time. Then there are other people who will come in and just say “what’s good today?” So there are some people who know exactly what they want, and some are open to new things.

Kathy Schoen

The Acoustic Cafe, Winona

1. Different? You get a closer relationship to customers. If you were a cashier, you wouldn’t get to know the customers as much. This way, you get to know them and their families. 2. Favorite? The mochas are real popular. I’m a tea drinker, so I’m not the best one to ask! 3. More or less? I used to drink a lot of coffee when I started. A lot of the people who work here drink lots of coffee! 4. Hardest thing? Working around people’s schedules. And the different personalities for each person. 5. Learned? We all like what we like, so just try to give people what they like. Being aware of the new trends, like soy and almond milk, which are more popular now. Photo: Bob Good

The Blue Heron Coffeehouse, Winona

1. Different? You’re constantly on your toes, all the time. What I really enjoy about it is getting to deal with the great people in the community. And I have a passion for coffee. 2. Favorite? A double short latte. (Two shots of espresso, gently steamed milk.) 3. More or less? Absolutely. 4. Hardest thing? Getting up some mornings and coming in bright and early and keeping a smile on your face. 5. Learned? Everybody has a unique taste in coffee, but everybody enjoys gathering together. It’s kind of cool that coffee is the thing which brings them all together. Photo: Contributed

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Tony Krusenbaum

STATE

of WELLNESS By: Harrison Pollack

COFFEE YOUR WORKOUT Coffee. The delicious kick to our consciousness that we rely on to function optimally as human beings. For the coffee drinkers out there, I’m sure you’re all-too-familiar with the invigorating flood of sensory feedback that overcomes you when the essence of your favorite bean enters your nostrils. If you could taste elation, it would be strikingly similar to coffee. www. mokacoffee.co

I23 WEST AVENUE N LA CROSSE, WI 54601 608-788-6658

There’s more to this elixir than you might have imagined there to be. The functionality of its miracle ingredient, caffeine, extends far beyond alerting your senses. Caffeine is a socially acceptable, perfectly legal and widely used psychoactive drug that stimulates your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord, which controls most functions of the body and mind). Mmmmm...the taste of euphoria. Are you ready for a little science? I’m hoping that Bill Nye is cheering for me somewhere in space and time. In a 2004 study, scientists associated with the American Society for Clinical Nutrition sought out the “metabolic effects of caffeine in humans.” Within the context of their discussion, they found that “free fatty acid (FFA) turnover doubled after caffeine ingestion because of a 44 percent increase in fatty acid oxidation and a much greater increase in fatty acid recycling (130 percent).” Wait. Whoa. What? Their conclusion? “Caffeine ingestion stimulates both lipolysis and energy expenditure.” Lipolysis noun li·pol·y·sis \lī-ˈpä-lə-səs, li-\ The hydrolysis (breakdown) of fat Allow me to reiterate. If you consume caffeine before your workout, you mobilize fat from your body’s tissues and enhance the breakdown of fat. Hallelujah!

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

I might remind you that you can find caffeine outside of the realm of coffee: Tea. Kola nuts. Mate leaves. Guarana. The list goes on.

Yes, yes, you can also get caffeine from Red Bull, Coke, Mountain Dew and other sugar-saturated beverage atrocities, which I recommend you avoid like the plague. Also, if you were to pay a visit to the nearest nutrition store, you might find a class of supplements labeled “Thermogenic” or “Fat-Burning.” Guess what? That’s just a fancy way to market caffeine. Don’t be duped! Also, for all the coffee fanatics out there ordering frappe-mocha-choca-latte-chinos out there, the sugary creams and flavorings outweigh the benefits of the caffeine. So stick to eight ounces of black coffee in the morning or before your workout and be on your merry way. 1 Source: Acheson et al. “Metabolic effects of caffeine in humans: Lipid oxidation or futile cycling?” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Jan 2004. Vol. 79 no. 1, pp 40-46. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/1/40.full.

Harrison Pollack, a La Crosse native, obtained his bachelors in kinesiology from Winona State University in 2012. Upon completion of his degree, he returned to Wisconsin to pursue his passion of health and wellness. He’s currently the assistant fitness director at Studio 16.

N O I G E R S R SEVEN RIVE

COFFEE HOUSE & CAFE LISTINGS

Acoustic Cafe

Driftless Café

Pedal Pushers Cafe

Another Time Ice Cream

Dunnum's Cafe

People’s Food Co-Op

Back Store Cafe

Garden of Eatin’

100 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro , MN (507) 467-3556 219 Central Ave., Coon Valley, WI (608) 452-3000

Barista's Coffee House

110 N. Grant St., Houston, MN (507) 896-5282

Beyond the Daily Grind Cafe 241 E. State St., Mauston, WI (608) 847-6368 beyondthedailygrind.org

830 N. Main St., Viroqua, WI (608) 638-6011 19847 E Gale Ave., Galesville, WI

Ginny's Cupboard

127 N. Water St., Sparta, WI (608) 269-6669

Grounded Specialty Coffee 308 Main St, La Crosse, WI (608) 784-5282

Hackberry’s Bistro

Blooming Grounds Coffee House 50 E. 3rd St., Winona, MN (507) 474-655 bgcoffeehouse.com

315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse, WI (608) 784-5798 pfc.coop

Jackie O's Coffee House

16846 Davis St., Galesville, WI (608) 582-2669 jackieoscoffeeshop.com

Blue Heron Coffeehouse

162 W. 2nd St., Winona, MN (507) 452-7020 blueheroncoffeehouse.com

Jacqlon’s Country Cafe and Pub 512 S. Main St., Holmen, WI (608) 526-9698

Borgen’s Cafe

109 S. Main St., Westby, WI (608) 634-4003 borgenscafe.com

Jessie Street Java

Brambleberry Country Inn & Winery N3684 Claire Road, Taylor, WI (608) 525-8001 brambleberrywinery.com

Cabin Coffee Co.

116 W. Jessie St., Rushford, MN (507) 864-2739 jessiestreetjava.com

Jules Coffee House

327 Pearl St., La Crosse, WI (608) 796-1200

401 Jay St., La Crosse, WI (608) 519-3055 cabincoffeecompany.com

L & M Cafe

Cafe D’Vine

Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe

405 N. Washington St., Melrose, WI (608) 488-2611

9550 US Hwy. 16 Frontage Road, Onalaska, WI (608) 779-0411 cafedvineonalaska.com

Caribou Coffee

221 Pearl St., La Crosse, WI (608) 738-1221 dimsumteashop.com

Redwood Cafe

117 MN-44 #76, Caledonia, MN (507) 725-2270

River Cafe

23991 3rd St., Trempealeau, WI (608) 534-5055 rivercafetrempealeau.com

The Root Note

115 4th St S, La Crosse, WI (608) 782-7668 facebook.com/theRootNote

Rosie’s Cafe

2225 16th St. S, La Crosse, WI (608) 788-9004

The Rusty Awning

126 Leonard Street South, West Salem, WI (608) 786-2844 therustyawning.com

Sidewalk Cafe

46 Main St., Hokah, MN (507) 894-4244

Spud Boy Lunch

3/4, 105 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN spud.nydiners.com

Starbucks Coffee

Toad's Cove

Panera Bread

Dim Sum Tea Shop

1710 Commercial St., Bangor, WI (608) 406-4419 purplecowsweetshop.com

The Mocha Mouse

The Coffee House

5250 Justin Road, La Crosse, WI (608) 788-8400 guadalupeshrine.org/visit/cafe

Purple Cow Sweetshop & Cafe

9432 WI-16, Onalaska, WI (608) 783-2774 www.starbucks.com

1202 County Road PH, Onalaska, WI (608) 779-4172

Culina Mariana Cafe

315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse, WI (608) 784-5798 pfc.coop

202 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN (507) 467-2867 500 Oasis Road, Black River Falls, WI (715) 284-2541 themochamouse.com/index.html

138 S Kingston St, Caledonia, MN (507) 725-8900

121 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN (507) 467-1050 pedalpusherscafe.com

1230 Crossing Meadows Dr, Onalaska, WI (608) 781-9801 www.panerabread.com

The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee House 207 Pearl St, La Crosse, WI (608) 782-6655 pearlstreetwest.com

W25128 State Road 54/35, Trempealeau, WI (608) 539-4324

Viroqua Food Co-op

609 N Main St., Viroqua, WI (608) 637-7511 viroquafood.coop

Westby Bakery & Coffee Shop 112 S. Main St., Westby, WI (608) 634-2103

The Wired Rooster Coffee Shoppe

131 East Main Street, Caledonia, MN (507) 725-8199 thewiredrooster.com

This list is fairly comprehensive but more coffee shops are opening soon. Please check for new listings at SEVEN’s online restaurant and bar directory, aptly named Sip n’ Taste, at www.thesevenspot.com/restaurants.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

118 W Court St., Viroqua, WI (608) 637-7778 driftlesscafe.com

77 Lafayette St., Winona, MN (507) 453-0394 theacousticcafewinona.com

SIP N' TASTE Style: Imperial Brown Ale Brewed with Sumatra Coffee Brewer: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan Price Point: $9.99 / four pack of 12 oz. bottles Alcohol by Volume: 9.0% ABV

BEER Review

Sumatra Mountain By: A.J. Moore

Appearance: Beautiful rich copper brown with ruby highlights.

Generous carbonation pushes up a dense creamy head that breaks down into chunky, sudsy bubbles before settling into a creamy cap on the pint. As it descends, the head is maintained by a generous dose of carbonation that leaves a nice spotted lacing behind. Aroma: Immediately upon opening, you’re greeted with a gigantic blast of cold-pressed coffee, warm Munich malt graininess, and the nostalgic notes of Black Cow chocolate caramels. There is the faintest whiff of spicy hops hidden behind the slightly smoky strains of dark-roast coffee beans and caramel malt. Yeast aromas are present with a restrained treacly fruitiness like mince pie. Taste: In utterly perfect harmony with the aroma, the flavor is replete with mouth-filling notes of cold-pressed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, mellow caramel, and roasted chestnuts. As the initial intensity clears, one can briefly pick up more delicate flavors of pound cake and dark English toffee. Again, because the coffee provides its own astringency and tartness, hops are very sparingly applied and leave a pleasant spiciness, a clean palate and crisp finiteness to the malty sweetness.

Presence: Huge sinuous, chewy, silky mouthfeel, like heavily sweetened, cold coffee and cream. Paradoxically, the body is sensuous, curvaceous and bold, yet the creamy carbonation and gentle bitterness keep it light on the palate. Despite the hefty nine percent ABV, there is very little alcohol warmth and no booziness to speak of. X-Factor: COFFEE! While other breweries bury the coffee in stouts and porters beneath avalanches of roast and black malts, Founders took the wise step of revving up a more relaxed brown ale recipe to Imperial proportions to really let the coffee shine. The creamy body and amped-up caramel flavors of a brown-ale-turned-Imperial play perfectly with the Sumatra coffee to give you a pitch-perfect interpretation of a caramel macchiato by way of beer. So bag up those leaves, pull out those lawn chairs for one last backyard fire, cut a slice of pumpkin pie or raid the kid’s Halloween stash for those Slow Pokes and Almond Joys, then pour one of these into that big ol’ coffee mug you like so much and take a coffee break worthy of the changing seasons. This month’s review beer was selected by the knowledgeable staff at La Crescent Wine and Spirits.

’Til then, Cheers!

A.J. Moore is a renaissance man. In addition to writing, tabletop gaming, smelting, blacksmithing, woodworking and restoring antique hand tools, A.J. is a homebrewer, occasional beer judge and member of the La Crosse LAGERS homebrewer club.

Blue Heron Coffeehouse

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

FOOD 40

Review

By: Lee Neves A recent lunchtime trip to Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona was welcoming and delicious. Coffee, espresso and tea are on the menu, but their food is what really makes this café a staple of Winona. The large windows let warm light into the spacious, calmly colorful rooms with a large, painted, carved-wood fish hanging in the entry to greet you. Convenient street or lot parking is available. Patrons chat in groups or work quietly from laptops from quaint, mismatched wood chairs and tables. I ordered a medium-roast Alakef organic coffee (roasted in Duluth, Minnesota) from the delightful barista and took a seat. My fresh food was brought to me in only about five minutes. For lunch, I started with the gluten-free brownie. Fortunately, I have no issues with gluten, but the brownie looked so scrumptious on display next to the register! The brownie had a thin, creamy layer of chocolate frosting and the texture was perfectly sugary and not too moist with plenty of chocolate chips. Next, I spooned into the Spanish vegetable garbanzo soup, which was perfect for fall, with chickpeas, celery, tomato, carrots and diced green and yellow beans in a mildly flavored vegetable broth. The soup was a wonderful complement to my sunflower veggie sandwich made of lightly buttered wheat toast, cream cheese blended with what I guessed to be tarragon, a layer of sunflower seeds, then topped with cucumber slices, shredded carrots, tomato slices, and alfalfa sprouts. The sunflower seeds added a slightly crunchy texture and savory taste that melded into the vegetables. I finished with the roasted beet salad. (That’s right, I didn’t eat “in order” this day.) This salad was so good that I made note of every

ingredient to reproduce this combination at home. Roasted, marinated, sliced beets mingled with feta and balsamic dressing, topped with walnuts and red onion—the perfect marriage of sweet and tangy goodness balanced with earthy tones from the greens, nuts, and onion. After inquiring with the barista, I found out Blue Heron Coffeehouse’s products are organic and locally sourced as much as possible, including local favorite soda, WiscoPop. They serve breakfast and bakery items along with soup, salads and sandwiches.

GO:

Blue Heron Coffeehouse 162 W. 2nd Street Winona, MN

(507) 452-7020 Hours:

Mon.-Wed. & Fri: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thu.: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m www.blueheroncoffeehouse.com

SIP N' TASTE WINE

Costume Contest & Prizes

By: Todd Wohlert

SHIRAZ VIOGNIER:

Reds and Whites. Together. Who would have thought? Most of my friends will tell you that I am about two hairs away from being a mad scientist/Bond villain. Not because I am evil, but because I really like crazy ideas and insane experiments. Blending wine is not an old or unusual idea. It has worked for thousands of years and we still enjoy it today. Putting blends together is an art form in the Bordeaux region. There is a dark side to this, though. In America, it is legal to have only 75 percent of the grape (let’s say Cab here) in the bottle and still label it as one varietal or grape. In other countries, the minimum is 80 percent or

Saturday, October 29th

NEW Beer Release -

Beer

Todd Wohlert works for Purple Feet Wines, a member of the Winebow Group. He is the most requested wine advisor in the Coulee Region, making weekly appearances and spreading the gospel of good wine. All the wines he discusses can be found around the Seven Rivers Region.

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

WINE Review

by Wohlert

more. Is this fraud? No. It is legal. Why do they do it? Sometimes to tame the primary grape varietal. Sometimes to hide flaws in the winemaking. Sometimes to make more wine, like adding another cup of water to the soup if unexpected company arrives for dinner. If you feel like you are getting what you pay for, no problem. If they start using Soylent Green to blend wine, we have problems. (Go watch the movie. No one chews scenery better than the late Charlton Heston.) Back to our glorious experiment! Normally you blend red grapes with red grapes and white grapes with white grapes because it naturally works out that way. But what about unnaturally... (Insert Dr. Evil laugh here while holding pinky at corner of mouth.) In the Rhone region of France, there is an appellation called Cote Rotie where they only grow the red grape Syrah and the white grape Viognier. I’m not sure if this was divine providence or a drunken mistake, but they co-fermented a small bit of Viognier with the Syrah. It was just enough to change the bouquet and palate in the most amazing way. Cote Rotie wines are amazing and expensive as hell. Thank the god of wine that the Australians like that style, too, and make their own version that the rest of us can afford to drink on a regular basis. The wine for this month is Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier. The wine is a deep crimson red with an exotic mixture of aromas of Turkish delight, blood plums, violet, blueberry, and white pepper. How does it taste? Frickin’ awesome! Medium-bodied with flavors of dark cherry and spiced fruitcake and the finish is plush and round showing the synergy of blending these two varieties. This wine is also vegan and vegetarian friendly. If this wine knocks your socks off, try the reserve version called Yalumba The Guardian.

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SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

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YOUR GUIDE TO SEVEN RIVERS REGION EVENTS, FARMERS MARKETS, THE ARTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND SO MUCH MORE. Have something you would like to list in an upcoming issue?

All listings are free. Visit our website at TheSevenSpot.com or email contact@thesevenspot.com.

Saturday, Oct. 1 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength

and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025.

“Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Hello from Japan! traveling exhibit, scheduled to visit the Museum October 1 to December 31, will offer fun and enlightening experiences for the whole family. Museum visitors will learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture. Included with Museum admission/membership, Ages 1-12 with adult companion, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

American sailors’ tattoos are permanent symbols of their hopes, fears, and experiences while at sea. Explore the history of nautical tattoos in an exhibition featuring 19th and 20th century tattoo photographs, tools, equipment, vintage flash designs, advertisements, and more. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Meet Craig Kunce Meet local children’s author and illustrator, Craig Kunce. Learn more at www.craigkunce. com 11-11:30am. FREE with Museum admission, All ages, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse. Oktoberfest Join us for the 56th Annual Oktoberfest celebration! 11am-midnight. $10, All Ages, some areas 21+, Oktoberfest USA, 1 OKTOBERFEST STRASSE, LACROSSE oktoberfestusa.com (608) 784-3378. Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

brewery in La Crosse. Learn why Pearl Street Brewery isn’t actually Saint Andrew Street Brewery and what goes into producing great beer for the people! $8/tour includes a complimentary PSB pint glass, one free fill, and a voucher for a beer out on the La Crosse town. 1-2pm, 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm. $8, 21+, Pearl Street Brewery, 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse pearlstreetbrewery. com (608) 784-4832.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Concert: Liz Story, Lisa Downing Liz Story is

one of the foremost pioneers of contemporary solo piano, who recorded on the now legendary Windham Hill record label. Lisa Downing’s solo piano compositions create parables that reach into the collective hopes and fears of human experience – revealing the true unity we all share. 7:30-10pm. $30 regular price / $25 member price, All Ages, St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro lanesboroarts.org (507) 467-2446.

Perspectives is the third exhibition in the Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s Mississippi River Series, and highlights the work of two prominent Minnesota plein air (“in the open air”) painters – Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp. Both artists exhibit unique perspectives and interpretations of space with inspiration from the River environment. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam.org (507) 474-6626.

your flavor of music, these four guys are for you. Two guitars, a bass and some drums plus some very talented voices will make for a truly enjoyable evening of originals and covers. Join us on the deck (weather permitting) or in the Saloon for a fun show on the first day of October. 8-11pm. All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

Winona Artisan Market The Winona Artisan

Sunday, Oct. 2

Saturday Viroqua Farmers Market

Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025.

Market provides a venue and opportunity for artisans to market high-quality and locally produced goods. The Market aims to provide a way for artisans to connect and share their work with the community as well as build relationships with other artisans in the area. Please join us the first Saturday each month May - October next to the Winona Farmer’s Market. 7:30am-1pm. FREE, All Ages, Downtown Winona, 2nd and Main St., Winona facebook. com/winonaartisanmkt/. The Viroqua Farmers Market showcases vendor grown produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, plants, honey and maple syrup. Furniture, crafts, amish goods and art. With more than 60 vendors, this market is not to be missed! Make a day of it and shop, dine and recreate in beautiful Viroqua! 8am-noon. Vernon County Fairgrounds, 210 Fairgrounds Rd, Viroqua facebook.com (608) 637-2575.

Cameron Park Farmers Market

Cameron Park Market, located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, offers a unique mix of produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, canned goods, other food, crafts, art, and also features free live music, and free yoga classes from local yoga studios. All in a comfortable park environment with easy access parking in the Market Street Ramp. 8am-1pm. FREE, All Ages, Cameron Park, King Street, between 4th St and 5th Ave, La Crosse cameronparkmarket.org (608) 433-6708.

Ferryville Farmers Market 8am-3pm. Sugar Creek Park, Hwy 35, Ferryville visitferryville.com. Meet Mickey and her pet therapy dog Mishka Meet Mickey and her pet therapy dog Mishka

10-10:30am. FREE with Museum admission, All Ages, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

Returning the Favor If acoustic folksy rock is

“Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Smaczne Jablka: Polish Cultural Institute Celebrates Apple Fest The Festival includes

local artisans in the museum, Kashubian food, a silent auction, entertainment (including Polish attired dancers), live music, and features local businesses that have Polish ties and/or beginnings. All Ages, Polish Cultural Institute,

All listings are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to review event directly ahead of time.

102 Liberty St, Winona polishmuseumwinona.org (507) 454-3431.

Features Fall Golf Scramble Join Features for

their Fall Golf Scramble on Sunday, October 2nd at River Run Golf Course in Sparta. Teams: 4-person scramble Cost: $55 per person includes 18 holes, cart, dinner at Features, cash payouts, and hole event prizes. Start Time: Time to be determined by number of teams. Sign-Up Today - Call 786-9000 today for more information and to sign-up. 9am-noon. River Run Golf Course, 1210 E Montgomery St, Sparta.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Art Museum is home to one of the most historically significant and unique collections of marine art in the Midwest. Much of the strength of the Museum’s collections lie in European and American works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience selections of 150 years of artwork inspired by the marine environment, and our human relationship with water. 10am-5pm. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

Oktoberfest Join us for the 56th Annual Oktoberfest

celebration! 11am-midnight. $10, All Ages, some areas 21+, Oktoberfest USA, 1 OKTOBERFEST STRASSE, LACROSSE oktoberfestusa.com (608) 784-3378.

4th Annual Kinstone Open House Join us

for a lively Sunday afternoon full of LIVE MUSIC, great food, tours and good times as we celebrate Kinstone. FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with food available for purchase from the Kinstone Kitchen food truck. The grounds will be open for exploration, see the labyrinth, chapel, stone circle(s), dolmen, dragon’s keep, strawclay cabin, Three Witnesses sculpture, gardens & other features! noon-6pm. FREE, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Ln, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com (608) 687-3332.

Kinstone 1-Hour Guided Tour (Week 1)

Kinstone Chapel / Atlas & Lancelot / Kinstone Circle / Corridor Stones / Chair Stones / Alignments: On the first Sunday of each month we feature the fantastic thatched cordwood Kinstone Chapel with its stunning bottle-end designs that tell a story. Also Atlas and Lancelot and their Equinox alignment. See the Corridor Stones, large Stone Circle and Chair Stones. Hear how these megaliths got here! 1-2pm. $5, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com.

Book Signing - Kent Koppelman

Kent Koppelman, author of My Name is Not Chief 1-3pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Artist reception: Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling Opening event for

the La Crosse artists’ new “Shifting Focus” group photographic art exhibit. More info at mikestarling.com/ shifting-focus. 2-4pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 6-8pm. FREE, 21+, The Verse Lounge & Grill, 717 Rose St., La Crosse (608) 782-1650.

Monday, Oct. 3 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Monday Mornings @ Main Grumpy Old Men Big Band Music. Lifelong learning for ages 50 and older. Refreshments will be served. The Friends Book Sale area (lower level) is open during these programs. 9:30-11am. FREE, 50 and older, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse. Tai Chi 1 (Monday) Tai Chi is an internal style of

Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes the steadiness of the breath and body with quiet concentration. noon-12:45pm. $36/6 classes or $8 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Hunger Task Force Product Distribution

The library is once again partnering with the Hunger Task Force to distribute fresh produce at our Main street location. The refrigerated truck will be at the corner of 8th & Main Streets depending on produce availability. Call the library at 608.789.7100 to see if the truck will be coming. 3-4:30pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) Belly

dancing teaches you an attitude: a new way to open yourself. It is a source of courage and inspiration that provides an opportunity to discover oneself. It is a form of art… A channel for inner expressions, and a means to physical well being… It’s fun… It’s unique… It is a way of expressing yourself through music… Come grab a friend and shimmy into fitness. 5-6pm. First class is free $40 for six classes, 16+, Amanda’s Academy of Dance, 329 Division St., La Crosse, La Crosse (606) 790-6496.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 ! SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

LISTINGS

October 2016

LISTINGS October 2016 Monday Night @ the Movies Join us every

Monday night for a showing of some of your favorite movies! Free popcorn provided! Please check the event calendar on our website at www.lacrosselibrary.org for title information. 6-8pm. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Mario Mondays at Howie’s Play Wii Mario

Kart beginning at 9pm! $2 Mario Shot-Board, $2 Jumbo Rails & Featured Beer. $5 Fries (Bacon Dynamite, Chili Cheese or Sweet Potato)! 9pm. FREE, All Ages before 10pm., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Free Student Tuesdays at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum The MMAM is free for

students of any age every Tuesday. This free admission policy excludes docent-led tour groups, however it does allow teachers to integrate their curriculum with the Museum without financial barriers. Students should be prepared to show a valid Student ID upon arrival. FREE, All students, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam.org (507) 474-6626.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Microsoft Word, part 2

Follows Word part 1. Learn how to make more complex changes to your document, plus insert charts, pictures, clip art, and page numbers. Learn how to use the thesaurus, add notes, and make u We have seats at 12 computers for those who would like to participate and four additional seats for those who would like to watch the class. Please call the Reference Desk at 608.789.7122 to reserve your seat. 10am-noon. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Bus Advertising + Public Transit = Stronger Community

singing bowls produce sounds that invoke deep states of relaxation, naturally assisting one in entering expanded states of consciousness and meditation. The sound of the bowls creates a deep level of communication with our inner world that opens us to the Divine. Enjoy an evening of captivating renewal in the presence of ageless bell sounds. 5:30-6:30pm. Freewill offering, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Grief Circle This new group is for those who are grieving the death of someone they loved. It is a safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns about what is happening to you. It is a place where you can talk about your loss with other people who understand, because they are also grieving. The support of others on the same journey can provide a great deal of comfort and healing. 6:30-8pm. Freewill offering, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Food for Change film Film showing in the coop’s community room. Join other co-opers, foodies, and environmentalists for a showing of the film, Food for Change for a look at the economic and political impact of food co-ops in America. Free, popcorn served! The Howard Bowers Quilt will be on display. 7-9pm. FREE, People’s Food Co-Op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse pfc.coop (608) 784-5798. America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, The Old Crow, 100 3rd St. S, La Crosse theoldcrow.com.

Houck Transit Advertising’s partnership with La Crosse MTU is helping to strengthen La Crosse. If you are interested in helping strengthen your community and growing your business call 608-212-3496 or visit houckads.com for more information.

La Crosse MTU

Bingo at Howie’s Change up your Tuesday night,

and win prizes with BINGO starting at 9pm! 9pm. FREE, All ages until 10pm., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Wednesday, Oct. 5 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Hello from Japan! traveling exhibit, scheduled to visit the Museum October 1 to December 31, will offer fun and enlightening experiences for the whole family. Museum

LISTINGS October 2016 Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Wednesday) Vinyasa

Flow Yoga is a flowing sequence of postures that are coordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. Please bring a mat and a strap, and wear comfortable clothes. 5:30-6:30pm. $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

FilmFreaks

An entertaining, informative, and provocative theme-based film series that includes valueadded content such as information about the film’s principals (actors, director, etc.), other recommended films, related library resources, basic film study analysis, and discussion at each screening. Free popcorn provided! Politics in Film series. Please check www.lacrosselibrary. org for film titles. 6:30-9pm. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Ardie’s Restaurant & Flipside Pub, 400 Lang Drive, La Crosse ardiesrestaurant.com (608) 784-2242.

Color Me Bad at Howie’s Are you good at coloring? Channel your inner-child, and compete for prizes! May the best artist win! 9pm. FREE, 18+ before 10pm, 21+ after., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Thursday, Oct. 6 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

flash designs, advertisements, and more. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Microsoft Excel, part 2 Follows Excel part 1. Learn how to merge and wrap text, apply filters, create charts, password protect sheets, freeze panes and more. We have seats at 12 computers for those who would like to participate and four additional seats for those who would like to watch the class. Please call the Reference Desk at 608.789.7122 to reserve your seat. 10am-noon. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse. 150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is home to one of the most historically significant and unique collections of marine art in the Midwest. Much of the strength of the Museum’s collections lie in European and American works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience selections of 150 years of artwork inspired by the marine environment, and our human relationship with water. 10am-5pm. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626. Zumba at Concordia Ballroom Feel great, look your best, and have a BLAST! Zumba with the best and join Cat on an international adventure at each class. No dance experience needed; we keep it simple, swexy and fun! 5:45-6:45pm. $8 - Drop-ins, punch cards and memberships available, 18+, Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street, La Crosse cpinnell.zumba.com. Wine & Words, Beer & Books Join Women

Writers Ink for a night of fun surrounding the written word. We’re having a book fair and readings by local authors, as well as locally brewed wine and beer on tap! Happy reading everyone! 6:30-9pm. FREE, Lost Island Wine, 570 Theater Rd, Ste 100, Onalaska lostislandwine. com (715) 570-9463.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-6pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

for our All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry every Friday from 11am-10pm for only $9.99. Served with your choice of baked potato or French fries, coleslaw, and a dinner roll. Voted “The Best Friday Night Fish in the Coulee Region”. 11am-8pm. $9.99, All Ages, Features Sports Bar & Grill, 1425 W City Highway 16, West Salem.

isn’t actually Saint Andrew Street Brewery and what goes into producing great beer for the people! $8/tour includes a complimentary PSB pint glass, one free fill, and a voucher for a beer out on the La Crosse town. 5-6pm, 6-7pm. $8, 21+, Pearl Street Brewery, 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse pearlstreetbrewery.com (608) 784-4832.

Night (out) at the Museum Parents get a night out on the town…Kids get a night out at the Museum! Includes supervised Museum exploration and light snack. Pre-registration & Pre-payment Required. 5:30-8pm. $11/Member Child or $16/Non-Member Child, Ages 3-9, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S, La Crosse funmuseum.org (608) 784-2652.

First Fridays Reception at Gallery La Crosse Meet & Greet with some of our Exhibitors,

View New Exhibits, & Enjoy Treats... Casual & relaxed event, FREE. Enjoy 10% Off Everything... all day long... in our main level Fine Arts Gallery, & down in our sassy fun Rustic Cellar. We schedule this from 6 - 8 PM, but don’t be surprised if we’re still here until 10 PM or later... join us. 6-8pm. FREE, All Ages, Gallery La Crosse, 320 Main Street, La Crosse GalleryLaCrosse.com (608) 7824278.

Jason Eklund & Peter Wilde Jason and Peter join forces on their ‘Talk to Strangers’ tour to do just that – and maybe sing a song or three. The duo of singer/songwriters and guitar-slingers dig deep into their seemingly endless repertoire of alt-country and Americana and make their evening of story telling feel like you’re sitting around the campfire with a bunch of old friends. 7-10pm. Donations, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel. com. JIllan Rae Jillian Rae brings her energy, great voice, strong songs, fiddle and voice to an intimate house concert setting. Holds 40 people call for reservation. 7:30-10pm. $12.00, All Ages, Bluff View House Concerts, n7916 Bluff View Ct, Holmen facebook.com/BluffView (608) 526-9051. Pigtown Fling & Crooked Willow at the Root Note Crooked Willow and Pigtown Fling String

Band are teaming up for a joint show at the Root Note! You’ll be sure to hear some of the region’s best takes on Americana, bluegrass, and old-time. We may have a fun new song or two up our sleeves for this one! No cover! Great coffee, beer, and crepes! Yay! 8:45-11pm. Free, All Ages, The Root Note, 115 4th St. S, La Crosse facebook. com/theRootNote.

S P O N S O R E D I N PA R T B Y

Lonesome Dan Case Let Lonesome Dan from St.

Paul take you on a journey to pre-WWII America and it’s Blues, R&B and Jazz. Dan and his acoustic guitar have been performing for over 20 years, playing his original tunes all over the Minnesota/Wisconsin area. 7-10pm. Donations, 21+, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse Street, La Crosse howiesonlacrosse.com (608) 784-7400.

League Trivia at Howie’s Live trivia hosted by

a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates and prizes! 9pm. FREE, All Ages, Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Friday, Oct. 7 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

T he Neverland you never knew.

OCTOBER 14–30, 2016

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

TICKETS $27/$23 AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT THE BOX OFFICE Weber Center for the Performing Arts, 428 Front Street South, La Crosse 608-784-9292 | www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

visitors will learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture. Included with Museum admission/membership, Ages 1-12 with adult companion, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

LISTINGS October 2016 Saturday, Oct. 8 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Saturday Viroqua Farmers Market

The Viroqua Farmers Market showcases vendor grown produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, plants, honey and maple syrup. Furniture, crafts, amish goods and art. With more than 60 vendors, this market is not to be missed! Make a day of it and shop, dine and recreate in beautiful

Viroqua! 8am-noon. Vernon County Fairgrounds, 210 Fairgrounds Rd, Viroqua facebook.com (608) 637-2575.

for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

Bittersweet’s Fall Family Festival Join us for a fun-filled family friendly afternoon celebrating Fall! We will have a “pumpkin patch” and a painting station to create pumpkin masterpieces as well as bounce houses, a hay maze, games, & face painting! Admission price includes all this fun! 11am-3pm. $7 kids 3 and up, Kids 2 and under FREE, All Ages, Bittersweet Flower Market, N3075 State Road 16, La Crosse bittersweetflowers.com (608) 782-3276.

Ferryville Farmers Market 8am-3pm. Sugar Creek Park, Hwy 35, Ferryville visitferryville.com.

Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

Historic Downtown Day Look. Live. Love. Celebrate! Enjoy this fun family festival that marks the rebirth of our historic downtown. Celebrate the history of downtown La Crosse, where activities are free and fun for the whole family! For more information: http:// www.lacrossedowntown.com/event/historic-downtownday/ 8am-6pm. FREE, All Ages, Historic Downtown La Crosse, La Crosse lacrossedowntown.com (608) 7840440. Family Fun Ride Join us for a free guided family

bike tour. Explore lower traffic streets near Hintgen Elementary and learn how to connect to the Pammel Creek Multi-use Trail. Stop for a treat at a local ice cream shop (at your expense) Our ride will be five miles. Call (608)775-6870 to pre-register. 10-11:30am. Hintgen Elementary School, 3505 S. 28th Street School, La Crosse (608) 775-6870.

Savvy Home’s Fall Fair Baked Goods Booths, Hot Apple Cider & Hot Cocoa Booths, Fall Décor & More! Hosted by multiple Area Non-Profit Groups. 5% of Savvy Sales will be donated to the Boy’s & Girl’s Club for the Erickson Club Enhancement Campaign! 10am-4pm. FREE, All Ages, Savvy Home Consignments, 1215 Oak Forest Drive, Onalaska (608) 406-0895. 150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

History Hunt 2016 The History Hunt is a historical scavenger hunt that will take place on October 8th, 2016 during Historic Downtown La Crosse Day. The scavenger hunt leads the participants around downtown businesses and the La Crosse Public Library Archives. The participants are required to take pictures, find answers, and retrieve items in order to obtain the most points for their team. At the end, the top three teams with the most points are awarded a prize. ***You will need a camera or a phone capable of taking pictures for the event!*** The History Hunt will run from 1-4 pm starting at 326 Pearl St. The event is free, but teams must pre-register through our ticketleap page found below. Registration ENDS September 27. Only teams of 2-5 individuals are allowed. https://history-hunt.ticketleap.com/historyhunt-2016/ 1-4pm. FREE, All Ages, 326 Pearl St., La Crosse facebook.com/events/165882780512553/ (608) 789-7235. Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Film: “Lost Conquest” presented by Frozen River Film Festival This is a film you

will get as much out of as you want; if you’d like to just watch people laugh as they film scenes reenacting the Viking landing, you’ll be pleased. If you want to dive into a mental discussion on belief structures, there’s plenty of room in the deep end. 4-5:30pm. $7 regular price / $5 members, All Ages, St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro lanesboroarts.org (507) 467-2446.

Pigtown Fling at Red Pines Pigtown Fling

String Band is making their way down to Brice Prairie, Wisconsin for some tunes and fun at The Red Pines in October. Stop by for some fresh bluegrass, an amazing view of Lake Onalaska, and awesome food and drinks! We highly recommend an order of walleye cheeks or the brisket with a bloody mary! 7:30-10:30pm. FREE, All Ages, The Red Pines, W7305 County Road Z, Onalaska redpinesbarandgrill.com (608) 779-2800.

VOCALOSITY VOCALOSITY is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect) that takes a cappella to a whole new level! This fast-paced production features an all-star ensemble of diverse young vocalists singing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements that set a new standard for 12-part harmony. It’s the acaperfect concert experience! 7:30pm. $27 adults, $24 students and senior citizens, All Ages, Page Theatre, Saint Mary’s University Performance Center, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona pagetheatre.org (507) 457-1715.

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Sunday, Oct. 9

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

American sailors’ tattoos are permanent symbols of their hopes, fears, and experiences while at sea. Explore the history of nautical tattoos in an exhibition featuring 19th and 20th

century tattoo photographs, tools, equipment, vintage flash designs, advertisements, and more. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Wedding Expo (formerly Holmen Wedding Expo) & now in La Crosse. Over 50 businesses & vendors to help you plan your perfect day & honeymoon! Come shop for now & plan for later. Dream wedding events will be from 4-6pm. WIN a 1 week vacation & TONS of prizes! Register for prizes & more at: CouleeDreamWeddingExpo.com 11am-7pm. FREE, All Ages, Celebrations on the River, 2100 Dawson Ave., La Crosse celebrationslacrosse.com (608) 783-3335.

Kinstone 1-Hour Guided Tour (Week 2)

Three Witnesses / Serpent / Dolmen / Circle of Mystery / Straw-Clay Cabin: On the second Sunday of each month our tour features the dry-stack limestone sculpture The Three Witnesses, the zig-zag line of stones known as the Serpent, the megalithic Dolmen, the smaller stone circle called the Circle of Mystery, and our light straw-clay cabin with its hand-sculpted walls and rocket mass heater. 1-2pm. $5, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Monday, Oct. 10 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Monday Mornings @ Main Gone but Not Forgotten: A Look at Houses that are no Longer with Us, presented by Les Crocker. Lifelong learning for ages 50 and older. Refreshments will be served. The Friends Book Sale area (lower level) is open during these programs. 9:30-11am. FREE, 50 and older, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse. Tai Chi 1 (Monday) Tai Chi is an internal style of

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LISTINGS October 2016 dancing teaches you an attitude: a new way to open yourself. It is a source of courage and inspiration that provides an opportunity to discover oneself. It is a form of art… A channel for inner expressions, and a means to physical well being… It’s fun… It’s unique… It is a way of expressing yourself through music… Come grab a friend and shimmy into fitness. 5-6pm. First class is free $40 for six classes, 16+, Amanda’s Academy of Dance, 329 Division St., La Crosse, La Crosse (606) 790-6496.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Monday)

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a flowing sequence of postures that are coordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. Please bring a mat and a strap, and wear comfortable clothes. 5:30-6:30pm. $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Monday Night @ the Movies Join us every

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Mario Mondays at Howie’s Play Wii Mario

Tuesday, Oct. 11 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Free Student Tuesdays at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum The MMAM is free for

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Richard & Delores Regedal Toddler Tuesdays Come to the Minnesota Marine Art

Museum the second Tuesday of the month for a morning

of art exploration and hands on discovery. This busy morning will engage you and your toddler through simple art-making, toys, and more. This a great opportunity for you to spend quality time together sharing, learning and having fun! 10:30am-noon. Toddlers (1-5) $2, parents and members free, Toddlers (1-5), Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam.org (507) 474-6626.

Golden Yoga Golden Yoga provides a safe approach

Open Clay Studio Our professional and newlyrevamped Open Clay Studio is complete with a full-size kiln, three pottery wheels, and an assortment of tools, and glazes. Open Clay Studio is available to Pump House members. Private lessons are available upon request. 5-7pm. $25, All Ages, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org. Zumba at Concordia Ballroom Feel great, look your best, and have a BLAST! Zumba with the best and join Cat on an international adventure at each class. No dance experience needed; we keep it simple, swexy and fun! 5:45-6:45pm. $8 - Drop-ins, punch cards and memberships available, 18+, Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street, La Crosse cpinnell.zumba.com. Grief Circle This new group is for those who are grieving the death of someone they loved. It is a safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns about what is happening to you. It is a place where you can talk about your loss with other people who understand, because they are also grieving. The support of others on the same journey can provide a great deal of comfort and healing. 6:30-8pm. Freewill offering, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. Open Jam: The Organic Music Cooperative Join Gregg Hilker, Kris Risch and their

merry band of prankster-musicians for a casual evening of songs and beers around the bonfire. 6:30-9pm. FREE, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, The Old Crow, 100 3rd St. S, La Crosse theoldcrow.com.

Bingo at Howie’s Change up your Tuesday night,

and win prizes with BINGO starting at 9pm! 9pm. FREE, All ages until 10pm., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Wednesday, Oct. 12 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

in creating a few holiday cards for the upcoming holiday seasons – Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. All supplies will be provided. If you prefer your own scissors or tools, please bring them with you. Seating is limited. Please call Kathy at 608.789.8092 by Wednesday, October 5 to register. 1-3pm. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Wednesday) Vinyasa

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group This gathering on the second Wednesday of the

month provides a safe place for those who have suffered a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or the loss of an infant to share their stories. In this group, you will have an opportunity to process your unique experience while receiving the comfort of others who understand. 5:306:30pm. Freewill offering, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Grand Bluff Running’s Pub Run Series This

ingeniously athletic excuse to down a few brews is also known as the ultimate summer social run. Run starts at 6pm. Runners, walkers and beer lovers are welcome. Test some brand new running shoes on this 3k along the river and enjoy some serious drink specials at the Trempealeau Hotel. Don’t tell anyone, but the first beer is on the

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Contemplative Living

What does it mean to be a contemplative? Can ordinary, active people live contemplatively? Contemplative Living will explore how we can practice contemplation through our everyday experiences, by consciously attending to our relationships with self, others, God and all of nature. e. Our guide for this series will be Bridges to Contemplative Learning with Thomas Merton. 6:30-8pm. $10 each or $35 for all four sessions, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

FilmFreaks

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Ardie’s Restaurant & Flipside Pub, 400 Lang Drive, La Crosse ardiesrestaurant.com (608) 784-2242.

Thursday, Oct. 13 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow

The HW Farm Shoppe October - January

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Why we love it Remember those childhood days when we soared on our bikes through the neighborhood? Suede aims to rejuvenate your spirit and bring the fun back to riding with its ultra-comfy frame design and components. Unlike the bikes from decades ago, Suede is lightweight and extremely stable to put your mind at ease and get you to your destination quickly, but most importantly - with a smile on your face. The crafty design lets you stay in the saddle and put your feet flat on the ground, rather than having to reach down on tip-toes, which comes in super handy when starting and stopping during in-town riding.

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Alloy Comfort

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KMC Z72

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Alloy, 32h

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River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) Belly

LISTINGS October 2016 became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025.

“Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Schmidlapp. Both artists exhibit unique perspectives and interpretations of space with inspiration from the River environment. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam.org (507) 474-6626.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

La Costa Film Festival The La Costa Film Festival is bringing Hollywood back to La Costa with an irresistible combination of quality films and exciting special events at a world-class destination. 10am. $10385, All Ages, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad lacostafilmfestival.org (760) 6529751. Drumming

Circle Drums draw individual energies into a powerful unified prayer. All are invited to this gathering the second Thursday of each month for drumming and reflection. Bring your favorite drum and

Bachelor Degree Completion • Accounting • Health Care Management • Organizational Management • Management Information Systems Evening and online classes available.

join our circle. All types of drums are welcome. 5:306:30pm. Freewill offering, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Computers for Beginners

Never touched a computer before? Come learn the very basics about computers and how to use them, including the mouse and keyboard. We have seats at 12 computers for those who would like to participate and four additional seats for those who would like to watch the class. Please call the Reference Desk at 608.789.7122 to reserve your seat. 5:30-7:30pm. FREE, Adults, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

All-You-Can-Eat Friday Night Fish Join us

Gallery Walk and Talk with Tom Maakestad Join artist Tom Maakestad as he leads

Learn to make beer at home with the La Crosse Lagers! October 13 will include information

about beers: history, types of beer, ingredients, supplies needed. We will also boil and chill the batch. In the second session, November 16, we will strain and bottle your brew to take home. Must be 21 to take this class. $30 members; $45 nonmembers. Supplies included. RSVP required. Call or register at the store customer service desk. 6-8pm. $30 members; $45 nonmembers., 21+, People’s Food Co-Op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse pfc.coop (608) 7845798.

Jay Vonn The Americana/folk singer from Dixon

Illinois has a rather broad view on the influences in his life: anything and everything. His guitar and harmonica tunes meander from fast driving to soft and intricate in a heartbeat, taking his audience on a colorful journey through a landscape of stories and insights about life. 7pm. FREE, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse Street, La Crosse howiesonlacrosse.com (608) 784-7400.

League Trivia at Howie’s Live trivia hosted by

Friday, Oct. 14 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Graduate Programs Master of Business Administration

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

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River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

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the Midwest. Much of the strength of the Museum’s collections lie in European and American works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience selections of 150 years of artwork inspired by the marine environment, and our human relationship with water. 10am-5pm. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

a small group through the exhibition River Perspectives. This personal tour will allow you to learn about his inspirations, processes and stories behind the pieces. Space is limited to 25 people, please call 507-474-6626 to reserve your spot. 2-3pm. FREE, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

brewery in La Crosse. Learn why Pearl Street Brewery isn’t actually Saint Andrew Street Brewery and what goes into producing great beer for the people! $8/tour includes a complimentary PSB pint glass, one free fill, and a voucher for a beer out on the La Crosse town. 5-6pm, 6-7pm. $8, 21+, Pearl Street Brewery, 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse pearlstreetbrewery.com (608) 784-4832.

Saturday, Oct. 15 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Saturday Viroqua Farmers Market

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is home to one of the most historically significant and unique collections of marine art in

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-6pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

LISTINGS October 2016 Ferryville Farmers Market 8am-3pm. Sugar Creek Park, Hwy 35, Ferryville visitferryville.com. Norwegian-American Genealogy Workshop

Blaine Hedberg will demonstrate many online sites using case studies from his research. Be as prepared as possible by bringing your Norwegian family history information and questions with you. A limited number of laptops will be available for searching. Registration is required. Call the La Crosse Public Library Archives at 608.789.7136 or email archives@lacrosse;library.org. 9:30am-12:30pm. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Meet Mickey and her pet therapy dog Mishka Meet Mickey and her pet therapy dog Mishka

10-10:30am. FREE with Museum admission, All Ages, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

Walk with a Doc Take a walk with local doctors, neighbors, friends and family. Meet at Riverside Park near the Bandshell and enjoy a walk with local doctors on newly improved trails. Two or three mile options available. No registration necessary. Call (608)709-2945 with questions. 10-11:30am. FREE, All Ages, Riverside Park, La Crosse. Garlic Fest We are offering Bogatyr Organic and

German Red Organic garlic varieties from Seed Savers for check-out. Limit is 2 bulbs per person of one variety. Grow them, and return bulbs to us next summer 2017. Mary Larson, Market Baskets Coordinator will be sharing healthy, low cost, slow cooker recipes with you and your family! Noreen Fish will demonstrate how to make fresh salsa at 11:00. 10am-noon. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

La Crosse Promise Neighborhood Walking Tours Join storyteller Michael Scott on this leisurely

tour highlighting the history and heritage of the Washburn and Powell-Poage-Hamilton Neighborhoods that are eligible for La Crosse Promise Scholarships. Tours begin at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th Street, La Crosse -- at 6th and Farnam. Free event, open to the public (Ages 12+) Rain or shine. Call 789-2049 to sign up. FREE 11am-noon. FREE, Ages 12+, Southside Neighborhood Center - PPH/Washburn Neighborhood, 6th and Farnam, La Crosse lacrossepromise.org (608) 789-2049.

Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

The Pines Rising out of the prairies of the Midwest, The Pines are one of the most distinct and powerful indiefolk-Americana groups to hit the national scene in years. Their music is a blend of celestial, ethereal atmospherics and rich, warm vocals with earthy acoustic instruments. It’s a gripping brew that demands your total presence, transporting you into vividly painted musical and lyrical snapshots. 7-9pm. $15, All Ages, Historic Temple Theatre, 116 S Main St, Viroqua historictempletheatre. com (608) 709-8675.

782-9463.

Old School Variety Show

The Old School Variety Show was developed in the spring of 2007. The show hearkens back to a time when people created their own entertainment. Every show is brand new and never rehearsed. 7:30-9:30pm. $18-$21, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org.

Lou Shields Lou is a solo performing artist; he sings,

plays National guitar, banjo and harmonica. He sits on top of a stage riser built from reclaimed materials and can reproduce that front porch sound anywhere he goes. Lou uses a bass stomp on his left foot and a broken skateboard with bottle caps nailed to it on his right foot. 8pm. Donations, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

Sunday, Oct. 16 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Monday, Oct. 17 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Monday Mornings @ Main Dust Bowl, presented by Richard Frost. Lifelong learning for ages 50 and older. Refreshments will be served. The Friends Book Sale area (lower level) is open during these programs. 9:30-11am. FREE, 50 and older, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Tai Chi 1 (Monday) Tai Chi is an internal style of

Hunger Task Force Product Distribution

Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) Belly

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Monday) Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a flowing sequence of postures that are coordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. Please bring a mat and a strap, and wear comfortable clothes. 5:30-6:30pm. $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. Art as Prayer In this monthly art-as-a-spiritualpractice group, no artistic experience is required—only the desire to play and to practice listening to your heart. Art as a creative process offers the opportunity for

spiritual growth, transformation and healing. Attend as you are able; each session is a new experience. 6-7:30pm. $10 per session (bring your own supplies) or $12 per session (use our supplies), 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Monday Night @ the Movies Join us every

Paint & Pour Enjoy a glass of wine, conversation and

great music while a professional artist guides you step-bystep through a painting. You’ll go home with a new sense of mastery, and your own original artwork. 7-9:30pm. $35, 21+, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Mario Mondays at Howie’s Play Wii Mario

Tuesday, Oct. 18 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Kinstone 1-Hour Guided Tour (Week 3)

Kinstone Chapel / Atlas & Lancelot / Energy Stones / Labyrinth / Dolmen / Serpent: On the third Sunday of each month our tour features the beautiful thatched cordwood Kinstone Chapel. We then visit the Atlas and Lancelot Equinox alignment and the Energy Stones. We proceed to walk the labyrinth as a group. Then we stop at the Dolmen and the Serpent where we end the tour at the head of the snake. 1-2pm. $5, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com.

Paint & Pour Enjoy a glass of wine, conversation and

great music while a professional artist guides you step-bystep through a painting. You’ll go home with a new sense of mastery, and your own original artwork. 1-3:30pm. $35, 21+, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org.

Jim Knutson Steel Drums Caribbean Music

Under Paris Skies Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a glass of award-winning wine and award-winning live music. Hear for yourself why Under Paris Skies was voted once again Best of La Crosse County! 1-4pm. FREE, 21+, Elmaro Vineyard, N14756 Delaney Road, Trempealeau elmarovineyard.com 608534645.

Under Paris Skies Ron, Steven and Larry are masters of their instruments and together forge a unique blend of accordion, gypsy guitar and upright bass. This talented acoustic trio is bringing new sounds to the region with their danceable swing and romantic stylings. Hear for yourself why Under Paris Skies has once again been voted Best of La Crosse County! 7-10pm. FREE, 21+, Wine Guyz, 122 King Street, La Crosse wineguyz.co (608)

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

Relax in a Caribbean sound played by multitalented Jim Knutson. Beer tastes better with food, and it all tastes better with the friends you bring. 7-10pm. FREE, The Golden Tap, 520 State St, La Crosse thegoldentap.com (608) 490-2030.

and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 6-8pm. FREE, 21+, The Verse Lounge & Grill, 717 Rose St., La Crosse (608) 782-1650.

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

easy access parking in the Market Street Ramp. 8am-1pm. FREE, All Ages, Cameron Park, King Street, between 4th St and 5th Ave, La Crosse cameronparkmarket.org (608) 433-6708.

LISTINGS October 2016 under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam.org (507) 474-6626.

Free Student Tuesdays at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum The MMAM is free for

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Manage your digital pictures (Windows)

Learn how to get your digital camera’s pictures onto the computer and sorted into folders. Find out how to save Facebook pictures and hear about different popular options for printing your digital photos. Bring your charged digital camera, any related cords, and a flash drive if you have one. (Flash drives will also be available for checkout or purchase.) Call 608.789.7122 to reserve your seat. 10am-noon. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Golden Yoga Golden Yoga provides a safe approach

from fresh, organic potatoes, butter, cream, and flour; then roll and grill them to perfection! There will be plenty of lefse to sample in the class and take home to impress your family! This is a great class to take with your teen or pre-teen kids or grandkids! RSVP required. Call or register at the store customer service desk. 5:30-7pm. $15 members; $25 nonmembers., People’s Food Co-Op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse pfc.coop (608) 784-5798.

Zumba at Concordia Ballroom Feel great, look your best, and have a BLAST! Zumba with the best and join Cat on an international adventure at each class. No dance experience needed; we keep it simple, swexy and fun! 5:45-6:45pm. $8 - Drop-ins, punch cards and memberships available, 18+, Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street, La Crosse cpinnell.zumba.com. Prepping for Puberty Talks: An Interactive Discussion to Help Empower Parents Join us at the South library branch as Lori Reichel, La Crosse’s Puberty Professor, talks about how parents can discuss puberty with their children in a productive and healthy way! 6-7pm. FREE, Adult, South Community Library, 1307 So. 16th St., La Crosse.

Golden Yoga Golden Yoga provides a safe approach

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Open Clay Studio Our professional and newly-

revamped Open Clay Studio is complete with a full-size kiln, three pottery wheels, and an assortment of tools, and glazes. Open Clay Studio is available to Pump House members. Private lessons are available upon request. 5-7pm. $25, All Ages, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org.

Mindfulness Practices for Stress Reduction This group is open to anyone wanting

to reduce stress through mindfulness practices. Each gathering will start with background information, move to practicing and conclude with a short reflective discussion. You are invited to attend the entire series, but

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

The lefse ladies are back! Come to PFC and make lefse! We will make the lefse dough

to improved strength, balance and flexibility. Traditional yoga poses are modified with the use of a chair so that participants do not need to get down on the floor. Optional: For those comfortable getting down on the floor, the one-hour class offers an additional 15 minutes of floor exercises. Bring a mat. 11:15am-12:15pm. 45-minute class: $36/6 classes or $8/drop-in 1-hour class: $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. to improved strength, balance and flexibility. Traditional yoga poses are modified with the use of a chair so that participants do not need to get down on the floor. Optional: For those comfortable getting down on the floor, the one-hour class offers an additional 15 minutes of floor exercises. Bring a mat. 11:15am-12:15pm. 45-minute class: $36/6 classes or $8/drop-in 1-hour class: $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

it is not necessary. 5:30-6:30pm. $10 per session, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

the Hotel for the fourth time to share his rock and roll flavored, guitar driven blues. But why believe us? Just read what Guitar Player Magazine wrote about him: “If blues, soul, and rock can be said to form a triangle, you’ll find Hamilton Loomis right in the center of it”. For the first 60 blues fans that purchase the $10 advance admission, entrance is guaranteed 7pm. $10, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, The Old Crow, 100 3rd St. S, La Crosse theoldcrow.com.

Bingo at Howie’s Change up your Tuesday night,

and win prizes with BINGO starting at 9pm! 9pm. FREE, All ages until 10pm., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY BUY 6 EGG ROLLS GET 1 FREE

10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER Excludes lunch specials. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon when ordering, Expires 10/31/16. 901 State Street, Suite 110 • La Crosse 608-782-0096 Monday - Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm

S., La Crosse.

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Gallery Walk and Talk with Don Schmidlapp Explore the exhibition River

Perspectives with artist Don Schmidlapp. Learn about the artists inspirations, processes and the stories behind his work. Space is limited to 25 people, please RSVP by calling 507-474-6626. 2-3pm. FREE, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Wednesday) Vinyasa

Flow Yoga is a moving meditation. In your practice, you learn to quietly observe the sensations and thoughts that pass through your body and mind. 5:30-6:30pm. $48/6 classes, or $10 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

FilmFreaks

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Ardie’s Restaurant & Flipside Pub, 400 Lang Drive, La Crosse ardiesrestaurant.com (608) 784-2242.

Thursday, Oct. 20 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Gmail Learn how to use an email account with Gmail.

Don’t have an account yet? Come 15 minutes early and we’ll help get your started. We have seats at 12 computers for those who would like to participate and four additional seats for those who would like to watch the class. Please call the Reference Desk at 608.789.7122 to reserve your seat. 10am-noon. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is home to one of the most historically significant and unique collections of marine art in the Midwest. Much of the strength of the Museum’s collections lie in European and American works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience selections of 150 years of artwork inspired by the marine environment, and our human relationship with water. 10am-5pm. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626. Tai Chi 1 (Thursday) Tai Chi is an internal style of Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes the steadiness of the breath and body with quiet concentration. noon-12:45pm. $36/6 classes or $8 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. Tabletop Gaming Night Tom from River City Hobbies will teach us how to play Star Wars X-Wing. It is a 2-4 player miniatures game that takes about a half hour. Great for ages 12 and up! Drop in anytime to see a demo and play along! 5-7:30pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse. Zumba at Concordia Ballroom Feel great, look your best, and have a BLAST! Zumba with the best and join Cat on an international adventure at each class. No dance experience needed; we keep it simple, swexy and fun! 5:45-6:45pm. $8 - Drop-ins, punch cards and memberships available, 18+, Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street, La Crosse cpinnell.zumba.com. Alex Rossi meets Packers vs. Bears Hailing

from Minneapolis, Alex Rossi is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who has been performing for over 15 years. With strong roots in blues, soul and funk, Rossi has created his own unique and recognizable sound from his diverse musical background. His performance includes a 3 piece band and a crowd that never leaves the dance floor. Pregame music from 6 - kick off and again at half time. 6-7:30pm. FREE, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse Street, La Crosse howiesonlacrosse.com (608) 784-7400.

League Trivia at Howie’s Live trivia hosted by

Friday, Oct. 21 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Hello from Japan! traveling exhibit, scheduled to visit the Museum October 1 to December 31, will offer fun and

LISTINGS October 2016 American sailors’ tattoos are permanent symbols of their hopes, fears, and experiences while at sea. Explore the history of nautical tattoos in an exhibition featuring 19th and 20th century tattoo photographs, tools, equipment, vintage flash designs, advertisements, and more. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, All Ages, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-6pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Adult Craft - Wine Bottle Craft We are going

to turn an empty wine bottle into a decorative piece that can be displayed in your home or given as a gift with a few simply supplies – a empty wine bottle and yarn. All supplies will be provided. If you prefer your own scissors or tools, please bring them with you. Seating is limited. Please call Kathy at 608.789.8092 by Friday, October 14. Warning: Hot glue will be used. 1-3pm. FREE, Adult, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

brewery in La Crosse. Learn why Pearl Street Brewery isn’t actually Saint Andrew Street Brewery and what goes into producing great beer for the people! $8/tour includes a complimentary PSB pint glass, one free fill, and a voucher for a beer out on the La Crosse town. 5-6pm, 6-7pm. $8, 21+, Pearl Street Brewery, 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse pearlstreetbrewery.com (608) 784-4832.

Night (out) at the Museum Parents get a night

out on the town…Kids get a night out at the Museum! Includes supervised Museum exploration and light snack. Pre-registration & Pre-payment Required. 5:30-8pm. $11/Member Child or $16/Non-Member Child, Ages 3-9, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S, La Crosse funmuseum.org (608) 784-2652.

J/Cat with Skeeter Acoustic duo Cathy Petersen

and Skeeter, Darren Osley.

Beer tastes better with food, and it all tastes better with friends. 7-10pm. FREE, The Golden Tap, 520 State St, La Crosse thegoldentap.com (608) 490-2030.

Pigtown Fling at The Tavern Pigtown Fling

is coming back to The Tavern in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin! Come on down for some down-home style awesome drinks and tunes. Bring ‘yer dancin’ shoes! 7-11pm. FREE, The Tavern, 205 W Blackhawk Drive, Prairie du Chein (608) 326-1511.

Saturday, Oct. 22

“Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Saturday Viroqua Farmers Market

Cameron Park Farmers Market Cameron Park Market, located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, offers a unique mix of produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, canned goods, other food, crafts, art, and also features free live music, and free yoga classes from local yoga studios. All in a comfortable park environment with easy access parking in the Market Street Ramp. 8am-1pm. FREE, All Ages, Cameron Park, King Street, between 4th St and 5th Ave, La Crosse cameronparkmarket.org (608) 433-6708. Ferryville Farmers Market 8am-3pm. Sugar Creek Park, Hwy 35, Ferryville visitferryville.com. 150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is home to one of the most historically significant and unique collections of marine art in the Midwest. Much of the strength of the Museum’s collections lie in European and American works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience selections of 150 years of artwork inspired by the marine environment, and our human relationship with water. 10am-5pm. $7 for adults, $3 for students, 4 and under free, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626. Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

BOO-Seum GLOW Halloween party This

non-scary Halloween party will include glow-in-thedark fun, games, prizes, stories, mystery science lab, monster boogie, and much more! Costumes optional. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. 5:30-7pm. $5 per Member child, $12 per non-member child, $1 per adult (pre-registration required), Ages 2-9 with adult, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

Pigtown Fling at Driftless Books & Music

What do you get when you mix a string band with interests ranging anywhere from traditional Irish and American Oldtime music to Bluegrass, Blues and Swing? You get “Rump Rumbling Fun” and that is what Pigtown

or f y d Rea e SEVEN? mor CALENDAR ARTICLES PHOTOS COMMUNITY Restaurant & Bar Listings . . . s Plu and Giveaways & Contests!

THESEVENSPOT Fling String Band is determined to bring for your musical enjoyment. Pigtown Fling (Jessie on fiddle, Casey on mandolin, Barry on guitar, and Sherri on bass/vocals) are excited to make their 7-10pm. All ages, Driftless Books & Music, 518 Walnut Street, Viroqua driftlessbooks.com (608) 638-2665.

Skinny Pete live music Skinny Pete is an acoustic duo that combines the talents of Micheal Walsh and Greg Grokowsky. Familiar and unique song choices make this a must see act! You will enjoy Beer tastes better with food, and it all tastes better with friends. 8-11pm. FREE, The Golden Tap, 520 State St, La Crosse thegoldentap.com (608) 490-2030. The Swamp Kings The Swamp Kings live and

play by one motto: Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! While bringing New Orleans Funk and Cajun Boogie up the Mississippi River to their home of Minnesota, the band has captured a unique fan base playing clubs & festivals for over 10 years. The Swamp Kings style is rhythmic, energetic and raw blending Cajun, Funk, Blues and Zydeco. 8pm. Donations, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

Sunday, Oct. 23 Pride’s Crossing One woman’s remarkable strength and determination will captivate you in this inspiring and triumphant story. At the age of 21, Mabel Tidings Bigelow became the first woman to swim the English Channel. At 90, she recalls the events, occasions and people that shaped her life. “Pride’s Crossing” is a poignant and funny tale of the march of time and the value of our memories. $35 adult; $15 student, 16+, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro commonwealtheatre.org (800) 657-7025. “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Mexican Cuisine

All D Happy Haoy ur! 2 for 1 Lime M argaritas Sun-Tue

Lunch - Dinner - Cocktails | Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Buy One Entree, Get Second Entree 50% Off! Please present coupon before ordering. Offer expires 10/31/16. Not valid with any other offers. Offer Valid Sunday - Thursday only.

115 5th Ave S, Downtown La Crosse • (608) 782-0737

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

enlightening experiences for the whole family. Museum visitors will learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture. Included with Museum admission/membership, Ages 1-12 with adult companion, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

LISTINGS October 2016 Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Fling String Band returns to the Root Note’s Simple Roots Sunday series! Join us for a fun afternoon with some smokin’ hot bluegrass with banjo extraordinaire, Tommy Pfaff! 12:30-1:30pm. FREE, All ages, family friendly, The Root Note, 115 4th St. S, La Crosse facebook.com/ theRootNote.

Kinstone 1-Hour Guided Tour (Week 4) Kinstone Circle / Stargazer Circle / Three Witnesses: On the fourth Sunday of each month our tour features the large Stone Circle. Hear about the creation of Kinstone Circle, what might be buried underneath it and its alignments. Get answers to some common and some notso common questions! Visit the Stargazer Fire Circle and the dry-stack limestone sculpture known as The Three Witnesses. 1-2pm. $5, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Monday, Oct. 24 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Monday Mornings @ Main Clamming on the

Mississippi, presented by Terry Visger. Lifelong learning for ages 50 and older. Refreshments will be served. The Friends Book Sale area (lower level) is open during these programs. 9:30-11am. FREE, 50 and older, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Tai Chi 2 Tai Chi is an internal style of Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes the steadiness of the breath and body with quiet concentration. Session 2 builds on the skills practiced in Session 1. noon-12:45pm. $36/6 classes or $8 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. Hunger Task Force Product Distribution

Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) Belly

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Monday)

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a flowing sequence of postures that are coordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. Please bring a mat and a strap, and wear comfortable clothes. 5:31-6:30pm. $48/6 classes or $10/drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Monday Night @ the Movies Join us every

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

Thank you to our voters!

#1 Best Southside La Crosse Business #2 Best Family Dining #3 Best Soup

friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Arterial, 1003 16th St. S, La Crosse.

Mario Mondays at Howie’s Play Wii Mario

Tuesday, Oct. 25

La Crosse, WI 608-788-1895 www.hungrypeddlerlacrosse.com

Join Gregg Hilker, Kris Risch and their merry band of prankster-musicians for a casual evening of songs and beers around the bonfire. 6:30pm. FREE, All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

Bingo at Howie’s Change up your Tuesday night,

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Free Student Tuesdays at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum The MMAM is free for

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

3429 Mormon Coulee Road

Open Jam - The Organic Music Co-op

“Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Golden Yoga Golden Yoga provides a safe approach

125 2nd Street South Downtown La Crosse

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, The Old Crow, 100 3rd St. S, La Crosse theoldcrow.com. and win prizes with BINGO starting at 9pm! 9pm. FREE, All ages until 10pm., Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse St., La Crosse facebook.com/howiesonlacrosse/.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Sushi and Miso 101, Culinary Fun with Asian Cuisine Instructor Thippi Luangpraseuth.

This class will teach you the basics of making sushi rolls and miso soup. Practice rolling sushi with an array of ingredients and learn the art of making miso soup. Veganfriendly class. Nutritious and delicious! Hands-on! RSVP required. Call or register at the store customer service desk. 6-8pm. $15 members; $25 nonmembers., People’s Food Co-Op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse pfc.coop (608) 784-5798.

Contemplative Living

LISTINGS October 2016 this series will be Bridges to Contemplative Learning with Thomas Merton. 6:30-8pm. $10 each or $35 for all four sessions, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

$36/6 classes or $8 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295.

Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

FilmFreaks

Zumba at Concordia Ballroom Feel great,

look your best, and have a BLAST! Zumba with the best and join Cat on an international adventure at each class. No dance experience needed; we keep it simple, swexy and fun! 5:45-6:45pm. $8 - Drop-ins, punch cards and memberships available, 18+, Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse Street, La Crosse cpinnell.zumba.com.

Expo- Thursday, Oct. 27th, Friday, Oct.28th & Saturday, Oct. 29th 10am-9pm at Valley View Mall, La Crosse, WI! Fall & Winter Holiday Shopping, health & wellness demonstrations, fitness & more! It’s never too late for a health reboot or to early start thinking about the holidays! 10am-9pm. FREE, All Ages, Valley View Mall, 3800 State Road 16, La Crosse myvalleyview.com (608) 781-4700.

Christopher Rude & Wine Tasting

All-You-Can-Eat Friday Night Fish Join us

Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Founded in 1959, the Shanghai

Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China has more than 100 performers and is one of China’s most renowned acrobatic troupes. From magic tricks to gravity-defying stunts, you won’t want to miss their newest production, “Shanghai Nights,” which celebrates scenes from the nighttime skyline to the Shanghai countryside. 7:30pm. $30 adults, $27 students and senior citizens, All Ages, Page Theatre, Saint Mary’s University Performance Center, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona pagetheatre.org (507) 457-1715.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Ardie’s Restaurant & Flipside Pub, 400 Lang Drive, La Crosse ardiesrestaurant.com (608) 784-2242.

Thursday, Oct. 27 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Tai Chi 1 (Thursday) Tai Chi is an internal style of Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes the steadiness of the breath and body with quiet concentration. noon-12:45pm.

To say Christopher Rude is a guitarist is definitely an understatement. He is most certainly one of the area’s most experienced players. His classical music is the perfect addition to a tasting of fine wines Nate Anibus selected for the evening. The focus will be on organic and sustainable varieties that are all new to our menu. And if you like what you tasted, you can buy cases of the wine. 6-9pm. Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

hosted by a talented and entertaining host includes categories from sports and music to history and science and everything in between. Bring your family and friends, take advantage of great food and drink specials, and meet new people all while listening to great music and competing against other trivia teams for gift certificates to to the host location. 8-10pm. FREE, 21+, Howie’s on La Crosse, 1128 La Crosse Street, La Crosse howiesonlacrosse.com (608) 784-7400.

United

Hallucinations concert United Hallucinations featuring members of Breaking Circus and Bongzilla 8-10pm. $3.00, All Ages, UWL Planetarium, Cowley Hall UWL, La Crosse.

League Trivia at Howie’s Live trivia hosted by

Cameron Park Farmers Market

Cameron Park Market, located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, offers a unique mix of produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, canned goods, other food, crafts, art, and also features free live music, and free yoga classes from local yoga studios. All in a comfortable park environment with easy access parking in the Market Street Ramp. 4-8pm. FREE, All Ages, Cameron Park, King Street, between 4th St and 5th Ave, La Crosse cameronparkmarket.org (608) 433-6708.

Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

brewery in La Crosse. Learn why Pearl Street Brewery isn’t actually Saint Andrew Street Brewery and what goes into producing great beer for the people! $8/tour includes a complimentary PSB pint glass, one free fill, and a voucher for a beer out on the La Crosse town. 5-6pm, 6-7pm. $8, 21+, Pearl Street Brewery, 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse pearlstreetbrewery.com (608) 784-4832.

Under Paris Skies Sip to Save Lives beer and wine

tasting fundraiser to benefit the Coulee Region Humane Society. Live music provided by Under Paris Skies. 5-8pm. 21+, Cargill Room, 332 Front St South, La Crosse couleehumane.com/sip-to-save-lives.

Sip to Save Lives Join the Sip to Save Lives beer

and wine tasting event! This year’s event will feature samples of both beers and wines, in addition to a silent auction, raffle and hors d’oeuvres. Live music, starring Under Paris Skies, caricatures by Mike Martino and other entertainment will also be enjoyed throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit the Coulee Region Humane

BOO-Seum GLOW Halloween party This

Latin Vibe Jazz group Latin Vibe will take in an imaginary vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean. It will take you right back there if you’ve got a cold beer in your hand. Beer tastes better with food, and it all tastes better with the friends you bring. 7-10pm. FREE, The Golden Tap, 520 State St, La Crosse thegoldentap.com (608) 490-2030.

Saturday, Oct. 29 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

Friday, Oct. 28 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-6pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Holidays & Health Expo Holidays & Health

Society. 5-8pm. $35 per person or 2 tix for $60 before 7 pm, Oct. 27, 21+, The Waterfront, 328 Front St. S, La Crosse thewaterfrontlacrosse.com (608) 782-1677.

LISTINGS October 2016 Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona mmam. org (507) 474-6626.

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Saturday Viroqua Farmers Market

10-10:30am. FREE with Museum admission, All Ages, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

150 Years of Marine Art The Minnesota Marine

Holidays & Health Expo Holidays & Health

Pearl Street Brewery Tour Tour the oldest craft

Pumpkins at PFC! A PFC & Grow La Crosse class for kids! Join Ana Skemp to turn

whole sugar pie pumpkins into amazing treats. We’ll make tamari-roasted pumpkin seeds and bake pumpkin

bars with cream cheese frosting together. While the food is in the oven we’ll make art together. This class will empower every kid to dive in, decipher a recipe, roll their sleeves up, and get involved. RSVP required. Call or register at the store customer service desk. 1-2:30pm. $10 members; $20 nonmembers., Ages 4–11, People’s Food Co-Op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, La Crosse pfc.coop (608) 784-5798.

Find full details of volunteer opportunities online at www.thesevenspot.com.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

BOO-Seum GLOW Halloween party This

Dark La Crosse Tour: The Radio Show Join us in learning about the seedier side of La Crosse’s past in this stage production in the format of an old-time radio show with all new content for 2016. From the earliest recorded murder in La Crosse County to a high speed chase involving a kidnapped policeman, La Crosse has a dark, interesting history that deserves to be told! 7:309pm. $15, All Ages, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street, La Crosse thepumphouse.org (608) 7851434. Teague Alexy Teague Alexy’s music and writing is deeply rooted in Americana after touring the country for nearly a decade with brother Ian in their foot-stomping duo Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank. If you listen close to the swing of Teague’s voice, guitar and harmonica you can hear he has not completely forgotten growing up in South Jersey an aspiring DJ and rapper. 8pm. All Ages, Trempealeau Hotel, 11332 Main St., Trempealeau trempealeauhotel.com.

Sunday, Oct. 30 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

Ink & Water: Sailors’ Tattoos

River Perspectives: Paintings by Tom Maakestad and Don Schmidlapp River

Kinstone Circle / Stargazer Circle / Three Witnesses: On the fifth Sunday of any month our tour features the large Stone Circle. Hear about the creation of Kinstone Circle, what might be buried underneath it and its alignments. Get answers to some common and some not-so common questions! Visit the Stargazer Fire Circle and the drystack limestone sculpture known as The Three Witnesses. 1-2pm. $5, All Ages, Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com.

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 1-5pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Kinstone Women’s Circle Join this gathering of women, meeting monthly on the New Moon at Kinstone. All women are invited, especially women who are desiring to create supportive relationships with other women, women who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed and are looking for some rejuvenation, and women who are looking for ways to find and express the Sacred in their daily lives. 6pm. Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Ln, Fountain City kinstonecircle.com (608) 687-3332. Dark La Crosse Tour From the Red Light District,

Prohibition era gangsters to the day the duck hunters died and a lynching, La Crosse has a dark, interesting history that deserves to be told! 7:30-10pm. $15, All Ages, Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse thepumphouse.org.

Monday, Oct. 31 “Hello from Japan!” traveling exhibit The

SEVEN | Issue #16 | October 2016

VALUABLE COUPON - CLIP & SAVE

Shifting Focus photo art exhibit Photographic

art by Carol Erickson, Terry Nirva and Mike Starling. 9am-8pm. FREE, All Ages, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse.

Monday Mornings @ Main Spooky Stories of the Driftless Region, presented by Michael Scott and Armistice Day Blizzard, presented by Ken Visger. Lifelong learning for ages 50 and older. Refreshments will be served. The Friends Book Sale area (lower level) is open during these programs. 9:30-11am. FREE, 50 and older, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St., La Crosse. Tai Chi 2 Tai Chi is an internal style of Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes the steadiness of the breath and body with quiet concentration. Session 2 builds on the skills practiced in Session 1. noon-12:45pm. $36/6 classes or $8 drop-in, 18+, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market Street, La Crosse FSCenter.org (608) 791-5295. Hunger Task Force Product Distribution

America’s Pub Quiz This FREE live pub trivia

Mario Mondays at Howie’s Play Wii Mario

Home Roots (n):

Gift Shops & Amish Tours

1. Where you dig your hands into the dirt. 2. Where you dine. 3. A place to rest your head. 4. Where you grow.

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A wide variety of Amish made quilts, furniture, rugs, baskets, homemade candies, jams and jellies, maple syrup, honey products and so much more!

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companion, Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave S., La Crosse.

See store for details.

Kassidy Taggart

Buyer Specialist kassidytaggart@remax.net

608-797-3332

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Your comfort is our business!

Thank You!

For voting us #1 in Heating & Air Conditioning

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning is the area’s premier source for residential and commercial heating and cooling products and services. Our mission is to provide you with safe and effective solutions at the best possible prices. Above all “Your comfort is our business!”

1025 2nd Ave SW, Onalaska, WI 54650 • (608) 782-4035 • www.schneiderheating.com

“#1 BEST ICE CREAM & CANDY SHOP”

ICE CREAM PARLOR

207 Pearl St. • Downtown La Crosse • (608) 782-6655 • PearlStreetWest.com

This and more at Finnottes! 417 Main St, Historic Downtown La Crosse

(608) 782-3184

www.finnottes.com

32553 Forster Rd, La Crescent, MN

We have a selection of Hoch Orchard Hard Cider and Wine for sale! (507) 643-6329

www.hochorchard.com

Fra nci s c an Spirituality Center

Peace | Hospitality | Creativity Renewal | Healing | Transformation

www.FSCenter.org

608-791-5295 920 Market St., La Crosse

509 Main St La Crosse, WI 608.782.8227 Mon-Fri: 10-7 Saturday: 10-6 Sunday: 12-4

Fair trade handcrafted textiles, carvings & jewelry

Custom tattoos

10% off your $50 purchase! Travel with us to Bali or India this winter! 570 Main St. Dakota, MN • (608) 792.7641 • www.sutraimports.com

206 South 4th St., La Crosse, WI 125 East 3rd St., Winona, MN eSt.

2011

608-785-8200

507-474-2070

Best Tattoo Artist Jake “Knuckles” Phillips

3255