SEVEN November 2015

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November 2015 | TheSevenSpot.com ISSUE

#5

Ballet La Crosse Leaving a Legacy

The First Thanksgiving A Personal Connection

Regional Tourism Expo Discover Our Community

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SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Inside

6 Urbanist 7 (Almost) Famous Locals 8 The Arts 16 Entertainment

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

Contact Phone: 608-780-3853 Email: contact@thesevenspot.com Mail: PO Box 762,

Onalaska, WI 54650

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18 Business

Web: TheSevenSpot.com Facebook: TheSevenSpot

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Twitter: @thesevenspot

20 Limelight 22 Sip n’ Taste

Support Advertising sustains the celebration of musicians, festivals, thespians, artists, and the vibrant community that calls the Seven Rivers Region home.

Phone: (608) 780-3853

24 Fitness

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25 Family 26 Listings

A note

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30 Volunteer Listings

from the publisher In the U.S., November brings Thanksgiving…the holiday. Many of us remind ourselves to be thankful throughout the year; I know I do. I continually appreciate my opportunities, personal freedoms, health and, of course, my precious family.

I recently watched a TED Talk, “Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work” where psychologist, Shawn Achor described our culture’s misshapen notion of success and shares tips to become happier and more positive. Half of his tips involved celebrating The Good, appreciating and exhibiting Kindness. Of course… Good Begets Good! This concept goes beyond an expectation of reciprocation of kindness; this goes deeper into the psyche where positive energy becomes so great that physiological responses can heal bodies and mend spirits. I replayed his tips and jotted them down. Achor claimed that researchers found that after practicing the tips for 21 consecutive days, the brain will be re-wired to “work more optimistically and more successfully.”

Achor’s Tips:

• Write three gratitudes a day

• Journal one entry a day of something good from that day

• Exercise daily

• Meditate

• Show random acts of kindness In an age of “Take the _____ Challenge,” I’m ready to take “The Good Challenge” (yes, I just coined that). I anticipate that I will find even more to appreciate in life. This plan creates a gentle framework for Giving Thanks…every day.

Michelle L. Jerome

Email: michellejerome7@gmail.com

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.

Copyright 2015 by Humble Mountain Press, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorial, may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

TheSevenSpot.com

On the Cover

The cover for this issue celebrates the world of ballet. Enjoy the featured story of Kennet and Larissa Oberly and Ballet La Crosse on page 10.

“Places,” Artistic Photograph. Theresa Smerud.

“When I shot this image, I wanted to capture the energy and excitement that happens before a performance in a manner that would create an impressionistic piece of art. The vibrant orange in their dresses represents this energy in these moments. The last minute changes and running around while the dancers are taking their places behind stage displays the level of exhilaration before each show. This image evokes awe for the beauty of this moment in time.”

Andrew Londre Writer

A.J. Moore Writer

Deborah Nerud Writer

Michael Scott Writer

Theresa Smerud Photograher

Brett Werner Writer

Todd Wohlert Writer

Jason Keeney Crew Chief & Graphic Designer

Yasmynn Rain Writer

Jess Witkins Writer

Michelle L. Jerome Crew Captain

Joe Hart Writer

Heidi Griminger Blanke, Ph.D Writer

Bob Good Photographer

Dahli Durley Photographer

Joerg Droll Writer

Becca Dargatz Writer & Calendar Editor

Leah Call Copy Editor & Writer

The CREW

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

MISC

URBANIST

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION Article: Jess Witkins

With the presidential election and primaries approaching, all Wisconsinites need to check the necessary items needed to vote. Regulations in the 2011 Wisconsin Act 23 requiring photo IDs for Wisconsin voters were upheld by the Supreme Court. Until recently, the law had not yet been implemented.

Non-partisan organizations such as Get Out the Vote and League of Women Voters have been working diligently to educate the public on the new photo ID requirements.

In the past, voters have been able to produce two pieces of official mail verifying their state address. Now, all Wisconsin citizens must present a photo ID to vote, whether on Election Day, early at the clerk’s office, or (in most situations) by absentee voting.

The types of acceptable photo IDs range from a driver’s license to state identification card, a passport, tribal ID card, U.S. military photo ID, certificate of naturalization or a college ID card with proof of enrollment. The latter ID has its own list of acceptable terms. While the address on the ID card does not have to be current to be compliant with the new voter law, some stipulations regarding the ID’s issuance and expiration date should be reviewed by the voter.

Wisconsin citizens without a valid photo ID can get a free voter identification card from their Department of Motor Vehicles by providing several other original documents, including birth certificate, social security card and proof of residency. For the full list of voter ID requirements and acceptable documents, check out the Voting & Elections page at www.lwvwi.org.

You have the right to vote. You have a say in the decisions that impact your community, state and country. To exercise that right, you need to be registered. If you’re not sure whether you are currently registered, or would like to register online, check out myvote.wi.gov to find out your voter registration status.

Upcoming Elections • Spring Nonpartisan Primary - February 16, 2016 • Spring Nonpartisan Election and Presidential Preference Vote - April 5, 2016 • Fall Partisan Primary - August 9, 2016 • Fall General Election - November 8, 2016

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

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 http://jesswitkins.wordpress.com.

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By: Andrew Londre

BIKE THEFT: FIGHT BACK

W

hile the Seven Rivers Region is, statistically speaking, a very safe place to live, bike thefts seem to be on the rise. Most of us know someone who has had a bike stolen. Perhaps your bike has been stolen. It is happening to people of all ages and backgrounds: children, adults, the elderly, college students, rich folks, poor folks and everyone in between.

Some people steal bikes so they can sell the entire bike on Craigslist, while some chop them up and sell them for parts. Others nab loose bikes and bring them to local scrap yards for a couple bucks.

Unfortunately, there’s little rhyme or reason or discernable pattern to these crimes.

According to the La Crosse Police Department, roughly 300 bikes have been stolen in the City of La Crosse in 2015—some are low-end bikes, some very high-end. In fact, authorities say that there are around 1,000 bikes sitting at the City’s Bike Barn, which is where the City stores stolen, unclaimed bikes.

Sadly, if we’re being honest with ourselves, bike thefts are going to keep happening on some level. So the best answer to this problem is to know how to protect yourself.

Start with a good bike lock.

For sure, any lock is better than no lock. But a lot of bad guys who go around stealing bikes also carry around snips that can get through cheap, weak systems. So beef up you bike protection! Avoid cheap cable locks and cheap U-locks. Both can be cut or broken into quite easily.

Sure, it can be tough to stomach paying $30 to $50+ on a good lock, but it’s better to pay a little more up front than to deal with a stolen bike that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

A quality bike lock is an absolute must. But what other forms of bicycle protection are out there? Here are a few suggestions: • Bring your bike inside at night.

• Always lock your bike, even in your garage.

• And lock all the doors to your garage, including all side doors.

• If you’re going to lock your bike somewhere in public, lock it near other bikes. Lone bikes are usually the first to be nabbed.

•Take lots of pictures of your bike. Take pictures of any distinguishing features or markings, the serial number, and take one of you and the bike. That way, if your bike goes missing and a similar one is found, you can identify it.

• If you see something, say something! If you see someone who looks like they may be stealing a bike, call the cops. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.

•Register your bike with local authorities, so they can help you recover your bike if it is stolen.

La Crosse residents, you can register your bike with the La Crosse Police Department for FREE! So, bike-loving urbanists, don’t take your bikes for granted. Take care of them.

Nothing is going to stop the most determined bike thieves out there. However, the good news is, there are a lot of things you can do to make you a less easy target.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: If you’re a bike thief, this message is for you. I come from a bicycle-loving family and community. I have to assume you’re hard up for money or to have your own bike. If you need money, great news! SEVEN has work available for distributors. Plus, every other business in town is in need of workers! If you need a bike for yourself, great news! Our community is full of big hearts, and we’ll help find a bike for you. Please don’t take our bikes. We worked hard for them or they were gifts to us and mean a lot. Respectfully, Michelle

Andrew Londre wears many hats-currently serving on eight local, regional and national boards, with a focus on neighborhoods and urban revitalization. Andrew started a number of new organizations and initiatives-most recently La Crosse SOUP-and has worked in many sectors: government, nonprofit, cooperatives and small businesses. In 2014, he was honored as a NextCity Vanguard.

Have feedback? Share your thoughts on the Urbanist with the SEVEN Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TheSevenSpot.

FAMOUS LOCALS

: D oto h p

STEPHANIE HANNA

W

hen a little kid sees Stephanie Hanna and excitedly says, “You’re the nature lady,” she’s happy. It means that she’s making a difference, teaching folks about the importance of nature.

As Education Manager at WisCorps, Hanna provides environmental education for people of all ages. “The idea behind our programs is to get

folks outdoors, get them to exercise and connect to nature,” she says.

“Hopefully, somehow that connection will inspire them to want to help nature and become good stewards of nature.”

Hanna is making that happen. She’s been a nature education coordinator in La Crosse for 16 years, and about 5,000 kids participate in her programs each year. That’s 80,000 kids who’ve learned about the nature she loves. She has

By: Bonnie Pickett

help from some 15 volunteers, many of them retired educators. “They love doing this. They call it getting their kid fix,” she says. “I couldn’t do this without them.” She also mentors young people through WisCorps.

While she works with all ages, the majority of her time is spent with preschool to middle schoolers. Her work with youngsters is vital. “If they can connect and understand how important it is for us to be good stewards of nature, it’ll help them make good decisions when they’re adults,” she explains. “I don’t think that our goal here is to tell them how to think. Our goal is to give them ideas and help them understand more about how to think critically and make their own decisions regarding the environment.”

Citing a program about insects for second and third graders as an example, Hanna states, “There will often be one child who doesn’t want to have anything to do with insects, and oh, my goodness, they’re scared and they scream.” After going outside and learning how amazing and important insects are that attitude changes. “They want to collect insects and make sure they don’t hurt them, and they don’t want to go inside.”

She likes to tell the kids that scientists

emphasize the importance of being outdoors, that “It helps you to think better, work better in school, makes you smarter.” Before coming to La Crosse in 1997, Hanna taught middle school for 10 years in Saskatchewan, Canada. She has worked at Hixon Forest Nature Center which later merged into the EcoPark, and was hired

by WisCorps in 2014. She coordinates with local school districts, the Friends of the Marsh and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. “I’ve gotten to meet some amazing educators,” says Hanna, who also enjoys being a nature consultant for folks in the community.

“It’s the perfect job for me.”

With degrees in Biology and Education, Hanna gets to teach in an informal setting, working in nature.

“I like being outside and being with kids and talking with them. My favorite thing is to learn, and, of course, since I’m a teacher, I like to pass along that knowledge.”

Bonnie Pickett is a retired English and journalism teacher who enjoys working as a freelance writer and editor. Her favorite pastime is walking on the marsh paths.

THE GiFT iS JUST THE GIFT CARD BEGiNNiNG. La Cross e Area Fa mily YM CA

Give a gift that’s really valuable to someone’s health.

This holiday season, treat yourself or someone you love with a Y gift card, good for a wide variety of our programs.

Here are a few popular gift ideas: • Adult and Youth Program classes • Youth, Family and Adult Memberships • Personal Training or Massage Therapy • And so much more!

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

ah

li D

u rl ey

(Almost)

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THE ARTS THE 10 LETTERS PROJECT TERRY VISGER By: Michael Scott

Article: Jess Witkins The 10 Letters Project is a correspondence between makers. Based on the emails between two friends, Jen Lee and Tim Manley, they chronicled the process of creative work and what it means to be in the thick of it. Lee was touring with her documentary, Indie Kindred. Manley had just released his debut book, Alice in Tumblr-land. Across cities and sometimes states, despite loaded schedules and obligations, they wrote to one another. What transpired, was an archive of inspiration and intimacy. Two makers, inviting one another into their worlds.

Here in the Seven Rivers Region, writers and makers Deborah Nerud and Jess Witkins recreate the project. One new letter printed over the course of each month for 10 months. Neither of them seeing it before you do. Watch what unfolds.

To learn more about the project, visit www.10lettersproject.com.

October 29, 2015 Dear Jess,

er

Lett

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First question: Are you sure we’re not related?

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

photo: Dahli Durley

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“I’ve always been a storyteller. As a child, my mother called it lying,” says tale spinner Terry Visger with a twinkle in her eye.

Semi-retired educator and professional storyteller, Terry Visger first discovered the power of storytelling several years ago when her husband, Ken Visger, was the Camp Director of the YMCA’s Camp Bradfield near Black River Falls. “At night there was often a campfire, and the counselors would tell stories. I was impressed at how mesmerized the boys would become during those stories.”

This led to Visger incorporating storytelling in her 2nd grade classroom. The effect was near miraculous. “We had a student with Autism. He had difficulty engaging in class except during story time,” recalls Visger. “When I told stories, he would become fully involved and captivated.”

This discovery led Terry to enroll in a Storytelling class taught by Sara Slayton at UW-La Crosse. There, the two created a close personal and professional friendship.

The new friends became instrumental in founding the La Crosse Storytelling Guild in 1999, which led to the formation of the La Crosse Storytelling Festival.

Now celebrating its 13th year, it is the only Storytelling Festival in the entire state.

In 2009, Visger, Slayton and fellow teller Lynn Wing joined forces to create the Three Boomer Broads and produced four different plays combining the trio’s creative telling skills. This led to the writing of their book, “Three Boomer Broads: Remembering While We Still Can” released on Amazon earlier this year.

Today, Visger travels around the Midwest holding 25 to 50 performances and workshops per year. She will be one of the featured tellers in the upcoming Old School Variety Show on November 21 at the Pump House Regional Arts Center.

Also featured that night will be her husband Ken Visger telling his trademark story about local heroism during the deadly Armistice Day Storm of 1940. This month marks the 75th anniversary of that tragic event.

Visger still regularly attends the Storytelling Guild meetings held the second Thursday of the month in a private room at the King Street Kitchen in Downtown La Crosse. During these gatherings professional and beginning tellers share their craft and gently critique one another. For someone interested in storytelling and wanting to give it a go themselves, these Guild meetings offer valuable fellowship.

For more information on Terry Visger, go to talesbyterry.com. For information on the Guild and the Storytelling Festival, go to lacrossestoryfest.com.

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

I’ve the distinct impression that your reflections on time, seasons, multitasking, availability and social tendencies (extroversion vs. introversion) are thoughts that float through my brain multiple times throughout a day, regardless my age or position in life. Is this the universal meme?

We all bustle and do and do and do and only recognize our capacity for similarity when we take the time to sit and write?

Also: I love your haiku, Simple words reduced for time— Busy redheads be.

This busy redhead, with two little redheads in tow, is continually searching for balance. I generally refrain from pulling the age card, but I have to assert that my age is changing the weights on the scales to reflect more carefully considered choices regarding time management.

When I was in my late teens and twenties, I worked helter-skelter, either out of fear of missing out or based on necessity (bills, rent, car, etc.). Hardly idle in my late 30s, I won’t deny that I am still motivated by similar catalysts that cause me to heap my plate with far more than I could possibly chew in a single meal. However (and I can’t believe I’m actually writing this), I’ve noticed that I’m slowing down—and I like it.

I could work 45-50 hours/week. I could accept more volunteer opportunities. I could spend more time in meetings. For the first time in my life, I’m beginning to say no. Not “maybe” or “um, ok”—instead, a resounding, clanging NO, which is reverberating a positive tone into every facet of my life. I’m not accepting failure, nor am I refusing to try (very Yoda), but I feel like I’m actually beginning to better understand the equation of time, opportunity and finances, and it’s an insight that seems to require a pair of age-related gifted glasses. Imagine 37-yearold lenses that improve clarity: look this way and I can see myself being happy as I enjoy a day of rest. Look that way and I can see myself on a hike with my kids. Look up: there’s freedom in taking a big stretch and a deep breath and recognizing that we are small, the universe is vast and our time is short.

As I continue to freight train my way through the 30s, I hope my vision gets sharper. I don’t want to miss a thing, but I dare not miss the details of the foreground: The day the Easter Bunny is no longer relevant to my daughter; the moment my son pulls away into a teenage cocoon; the heavy lean of a friend in grief. As you know, the basic tenant of improv is “Yes, and…” I’m saying “Yes, and…” to saying no, which allows me to accept more into my life.

With a resounding yes to you and your time, I send this out with love and gratitude.

Deborah

Left to right: Matthew Clark, Nick Maas, Theo Pupillo. Photo: Nicholas Walsh.

Plenty of sixth-graders dream of strapping on guitars and becoming rockand-rollers. Nick Maas and Mathew Clark actually did it. In 2007, inspired by oldies like the Beatles and Bob Dylan, the pair formed the band Neon—a jangly, goodtime band that echoes their love of Brit pop—with Theo Pupillo and a succession of drummers.

While their classmates were tricking out their skateboards or heading to the local swimming pool, the boys in Neon were playing gigs at the Warehouse and festivals like the Mid West Music Fest in Winona and Freedom Fest in Chicago.

Their performance at Mid West Music Fest sparked the interest of the media, including DJ Andrea Swensson at the Current and a rock critic at the Minneapolis newspaper, City Pages. Not bad for a band that cut its teeth performing Beatles covers at high school pep rallies.

Saturday, November 14 marks five years and one day since the band released its EP “If it Was,” and they’re planning a

reunion gig at the Root Note to celebrate the anniversary. The band released a second EP, “Electric Thoughts,” in 2013.

While the band enjoyed a strong following throughout their high school years, college drove them in different directions—literally.

“We broke up mostly because it was tough playing regularly while we were living in different cities,” explains Maas, who moved to Milwaukee for college in 2014. Clark is studying in River Falls and Pupillo has lived in both Milwaukee and Minneapolis. All three have continued to make music on their own.

“We recorded ‘If it Was’ the summer after our freshman year of high school,” Maas says, “and while we think we’ve certainly improved as musicians and songwriters, it’s great to look back on the album and see what we achieved. I think most bands that age are lucky enough if they play a few shows and write some songs.”

Neon performs at the Root Note

Saturday Nov. 14: The Root Note, La Crosse, WI

Joe Hart is a writer and musician who lives in rural Viroqua. He is one-half, with Nikki Grossman, of the YellowBellied Sapsuckers, who play an original, brand-new take on old-time country music.

Saturday Nov. 28: The Trempealeau Hotel, Trempealeau, WI

Find it

Downtown This Holiday Season!

Holiday Open House

Friday, November 13th from 4 - 8 pm

Kick off the holiday season with open houses, refreshments and special events downtown!

Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 28th

Thursday’s Shop Late til’8 Thursday, December 3rd, 10th and 17th

LACROSSEDOWNTOWN.COM

608-784-0440

DOWNTOWN MAINSTREET

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Article By: Joe Hart

Neon

Photography

Five years since Neon released their first CD (and one since they graduated high school)

GO:

Jordana Snyder

NEON REUNION

on Saturday, November 14; and at the Trempealeau Hotel on Saturday November 28. Both Neon EPs are available for download at bandcamp. com.

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THE ARTS

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

Larissa Oberly and a former dance partner.

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ART IS THE REASON Ballet La Crosse

A

rt connects one to the mystery of life, the creator, the common thread that links us all, according to Kennet Oberly, ballet master and artistic director of Ballet La Crosse. And for him, it has been the foundation for life’s major decisions—decisions that have taken him from his Boston birthplace to world-renowned stages in Germany, Belgium and Denmark; companies at BalletMet, Finland and Estonia; even to the pages of Smithsonian Magazine.

It is also art that now forever connects him to the Seven Rivers Region.

Misty Lown, owner of Misty’s Dance Unlimited, lured Oberly and his wife Larissa Oberly (a ballet star in her own right) to Onalaska, Wisconsin, five years ago to take her ballet program to a new level. Since arriving, Oberly has created a preprofessional ballet program, worked with Lown to create Ballet La Crosse and choreographed and directed two seasons of performances, each one including a full-scale, original classical production in the fall and an avant-garde piece each spring.

Under Oberly’s direction, Ballet La Crosse’s third season begins Nov. 28

and 29 with Cinderella at the Weber Center for Performing Arts.

Oberly began dancing at age eight, but it wasn’t until 1969 while studying at the Harkness Ballet School that he discovered his calling: choreographing and teaching.

The life-changing moment came when Oberly saw John Cranko’s Stuttgart Ballet perform in New York City. His face lights up as he describes how Cranko and 19th century choreographer August Bournonville inspire his work as an artist.

“Both of them were master storytellers, and Cranko himself was also an innovator in pushing the classical style forward into a more emotional realm. There’s a depth there,” he says. “In traditional story telling you have words that you use in a sentence, paragraph, chapter, novel, but when you’re telling the story through dance, you must replace the words with movement.”

Oberly yearned to tell stories that way and at just 14 years old convinced his parents to let him travel alone to Germany, where he joined Cranko’s troupe.

Continued on the next page

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Mr. Kennet instructs Ballet La Crosse. Photo: Theresa Smerud

Kennet Oberly and a former dance partner.

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THE ARTS

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

photo: Theresa Smerud

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photo: Theresa Smerud

After two years with the Stuttgart Ballet, Oberly traveled the world first as a professional dancer and later as a choreographer and teacher.

“I always wanted to be a choreographer; dancing professionally was a means to getting there,” he says. “Being a choreographer is being a teacher. You envision how to tell the story and then help the dancers figure out how to do it.”

It was during this time that Oberly met Larissa—he a guest choreographer for the Estonian National Ballet where she was principal ballerina.

“It’s unexplainable, what I felt when I met him,” says Larissa, her accent reminiscent of her native Russian language. “Our love for that art form is magical—it’s not about any one individual but about this art form we both were in.”

They say it was their shared love for the art that led to their shared love for each other. And without a common language between them, they communicated with each other through that art. “What we had transcended language,” says Larissa.

“We recognized each other right from the beginning,” says Oberly. “Call it love at first sight. We just knew it. That was it. We were always together after that. There were no dates like having a

Kennet and Larissa Oberly in their younger years.

and other challenges.

Clearly, the Oberlys will leave a legacy in the area. With a professional training program and ballet company, their work will inspire children, adults and the art lovers for generations. It’s arduous work but infinitely worthwhile, says Oberly. “The reason for it all is art.

Art heals. Art is life.”

GO: Ballet La Crosse presents Cinderella Where: Weber Center for Performing Arts When: Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are available at balletlacrosse.com

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

cup of coffee. Working together all day: that was the date.”

The two have been married now for 22 years. They are partners in both art and life, and came to Wisconsin as a package.

They were drawn by Lown’s high standards and her promise of freedom for them to create a serious classical dance program from ground zero.

Oberly began by teaching all levels of ballet and exposing students to his love for the art. Now his focus is more concentrated on Ballet La Crosse and the classical program, particularly for students showing promise and interest in professional dancing.

Under his direction, the preprofessional program has grown to encompass 29 dancers, and Ballet La Crosse boasts 60 dancers ranging from age seven to 17. The growth has been fast and notable. Larissa attributes it to Oberly. “It comes from his own love.

Like it’s contagious. It spills over how much he loves it and reaches the hearts of the dancers.”

Diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) last year, Oberly continues to teach, create and inspire.

Larissa now demonstrates for him, and Dennis Williams, a former professional dancer with Illinois’ Filter Dance, has become his apprentice also serving as assistant director of Ballet La Crosse.

Still, the Oberlys’ overall focus remains on building the classical ballet program—a training ground for aspiring professional dancers. The Oberlys say it takes around 10 years to build a truly professional ballet program. They’re halfway there and are committed to completing the project despite health

The Oberlys having a laugh. photo: Theresa Smerud

photo: Theresa Smerud

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THE ARTS

QUILL IN THEIR CAPS La Crosse trio set to release EP produced by Steve Albini

Article: Joe Hart Photos: Bob Good

S SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

ometime at the end of the first day of recording its new album, Porcupine’s front-man Casey Virock got an offer he couldn’t refuse. The La Crosse rock trio was working with the legendary Steve Albini, who founded the band Big Black, produced seminal albums like Nirvana’s “In Utero,” and has worked with the likes of Jimmy Page, Cheap Trick and the Jesus Lizard.

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“I love playing Jazzmaster guitars,” says Virock, but Albini wanted to shake up the band a bit. “He gave me the keys to the studio and told me to make myself at home. ‘Play through something totally different. Anything except the Jazzmaster,’” recalls Virock.

The result is a playful and inventive sound that infuses the entire project, an EP called “Carrier Wave,” which will be released by Riot House Records the first week of November.

But playful and inventive are nothing new for Porcupine. The band celebrates its 10th anniversary next year, and for much of that time, the three-piece has cut its own path. Porcupine has hints of ‘90s alt-rock, combined with a dose of ‘70s classic rock and not a little garage grunge reminiscent of Albini’s other projects. The new EP [extended play] will be the band’s eighth release, including a couple 7-inch pressings and a live album recorded at the legendary La Crosse venue, the Warehouse.

Porcupine was founded in 2006 by Virock and Davey Reinders, who had previously collaborated in the band Space Bike. The pair are joined by drummer Ian Prince. Much of the band’s sound comes from the unique limitations

of the three-piece format.

“It forced me to get better as a guitar player, because you’re trying to fill up a lot of sonic space,” says Virock. “And fortunately I have Davey and Ian, who are smart about dynamics.”

The trio had just 48 hours to record the EP. “We were very prepared when we got there, and Steve really let us do our thing. He had some cool ideas, but mostly left us to have our way with the arrangements. When you watch him work, you get it. He really knows his gear, and he was also kind and funny.”

Porcupine is planning several shows in Duluth, Minneapolis, Winona, Eau Claire and La Crosse to launch the new release.

The La Crosse show is Friday, November 13 at the Popcorn Tavern, and will also feature the Minneapolis band Valet, as well as Dead Air Disco. The Winona show is November 12 at Ed’s (No Name) Bar also featuring Pocket Genius and a third band to be announced.

“We just want to get it out there,” says Virock, whose day job is at Dave’s Guitar Shop. “We’ve all been in bands long enough that we really don’t have any delusions. We just enjoy making music and playing with bands that we love.”

GO: Porcupine Nov. 5: Digital release of the record “Carrier Wave” by Porcupine Nov. 6: The Red Herring, Duluth, MN Nov. 7: The 331 Club, Minneapolis, MN Nov. 12: Ed’s (No Name) Bar, Winona, MN Nov. 13: Popcorn Tavern, La Crosse, WI Nov. 14: House of Rock, Eau Claire, WI

LATEST REPORT Milwaukee’s Chris Porterfield brings his band, Field Report, to the Cavalier theater

Article: Joe Hart

Field Report, Photo courtesy of Partisan Records

making music. It all came back slowly,” he says, “but it scratched both those needs.

What began as a way to scratch an itch has turned not only into Porterfield’s full-time gig, but also into a musical project acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Formed in 2012, Field Report found instant appeal and broad support; Counting Crows and Aimee Mann tapped the group as openers.

A year later, Porterfield and his bandmates, Shane Leonard and Thomas Wincek headed to Ontario to record their second album. “It was the middle of nowhere Ontario,” he says. A December blizzard stranded the band in the studio, providing a natural focus for the group.

The result is “Marigolden,” an album widely praised for its insightful lyrics, evocative imagery, and understated music. Porterfield says the lyrics come first in his writing process. “I fill up

notebooks all the time,” he says, “but not everything makes it into songs. I kind of hang them on the wall like an art exhibit. And once something comes together, speaks toward some kind of bigger truth, then I know I’m starting to get somewhere.”

Porterfield and his band have been on the road for months in support of the album; their November 13 concert at La Crosse’s Cavalier Theater is one of the last stops on their tour. “It’s sort of a victory lap,” he says. The Cavalier is well-suited for the music, he adds.

“The music works really well in a wellconstructed room like the Cavalier,” he says. “It’s the environment in which this stuff was intended to be performed.”

Field Report will be joined at the Cavalier by other Wisconsin natives, Nick Shattuck and Matt Monsoor.

Shattuck is a singer/songwriter who grew up in West Salem and has relocated to Los Angeles. Shattuck

cites the influence of the Mississippi River and his Midwest roots as strong influences on his songwriting, which tends toward a modern take on blues music, and is highly autobiographical.

Monsoor is a local visual and sound artist featuring songs reminiscent of Radiohead with a mystic and lightly industrial twist.

While Porterfield has spent most of his recent time on the road, he’s penned a backlog of new material for Field Report, and he expects the band to head into the studio soon after their return to Wisconsin.

“I’ve got a pile of things and we’re going to finally have time to sort through them,” he says. “I’ve discovered that not everything I generate has to fall under the Field Report umbrella. So I can cherry-pick what works best for us.

The next series of songs are going to play very specifically to our strengths. I expect it will be a little jauntier record— shorter songs, and more immediately impactful.”

GO: Field Report, Nick Shattuck and Matt Monsoor Where: Cavalier Theater When: November 13 at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door Info: www.eventbrite.com/e/field-reportwith-nick-shattuck-at-cavalier-theatertickets-18346857946 Nick Shattuck

Matt Monsoor

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

I

t’s one version of a life story for today’s Everyman: Leave a smalltown for college; catch some creative fire; form a band and play shows; wake up late the next day to pen songs in a journal… until, inevitably…. life catches up. You have bills to pay.

You take a job to pay them. Time slides by.

For many, this story ends on a note of wistful contentment with the road taken. But not for Chris Porterfield. The front-man for the Milwaukee-based folk-pop powerhouse, Field Report, Porterfield moved from his hometown of Rochester to study at Eau Claire, where he joined forces with Justin Vernon to form a band. Vernon went on to form Bon Iver; Porterfield settled in Milwaukee with his college sweetheart.

“I quit music for a long time,” he says. Instead, he got a job in an administrative position at a Milwaukee university. “I wasn’t writing; I wasn’t

15

ENTERTAINMENT

“Angry” Jon Stevens

Pete Mohm

Mike “Gazemo” Gazeley

THANKSGIVING EVE MAYHEM Article: Joerg Droll Photos: Amy Werner

W

To “Angry” Jon Stevens, Managing Partner at the Spillway Pub in Onalaska, New Year’s Eve is for beginners—people that think they have to go out and party, that have no business doing so.

“On Thanksgiving Eve all my regulars come in and they bring their extended families. It’s ‘Hey, Jon, meet my aunt Marge from Indiana’ or ‘Yo, Jon, this is my cousin Lucy from New York.’”

For Angry Jon Thanksgiving Eve is a

bigger holiday than Christmas. “There are people that have moved away that I only see once a year.”

Pete Mohm, owner of Snuffy’s Bar on La Crosse’s south side, shared similar experiences. “A lot of former regulars that have moved away come to town and spend the holiday at mom and dad’s house—built in babysitter. So they come out and party.” Pete doesn’t bother with specials or bands, because

he knows he’s going to have a full house. In addition to a great night with a full bar, Pete really looks forward to two things: “Some of my regulars bring me a plate of food or a piece of pie.

Now I don’t usually eat pie, but who can say no to pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Eve?” Mike “Gazemo” Gazeley of the recently reopened Bluffside Tavern admits that the Wednesday before

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

hat’s the biggest bar night in the land? Maybe New Year’s Eve? Nope.

The 4th of July? Wrong again. It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (a.k.a. Thanksgiving Eve or Black Wednesday). SEVEN talked to owners and managers of six of the area’s busiest bars to find out just how crazy Thanksgiving Eve is going to get this year.

16

Eric “Guido” Lemon

Terry “T.D.” Doering

Kyle Prentice

are mostly out of town, so Eric expects a more grown up crowd. “Don’t get me wrong, they still want to have fun with their friends—especially since they know they can sleep until noon the next day and then gorge on food and football.”

Kyle Prentice, owner of The Helm, across the street from John’s, expects a slightly different crowd: “We’re the townie bar on Third Street. The regulars will bring their families, and former townies come back for the holiday and have drinks.” Prentice looks forward to Thanksgiving Eve. “I get to see people on that night that I haven’t seen all year.”

Amy Werner, owner of the Trempealeau Hotel looks forward to a diverse crowd. “All the thirty- and fortysomethings that have moved away, but pretty much grew up here at the hotel, come back home.” Added to that is a crowd of blues fans that come every year to hear Howard Luedtke’s solo show. “We inherited that gig from Cornerstone in La Crosse.” This will be Howard’s fourth year playing at the Trempealeau Hotel.

So whether you want to be part of a huge family reunion, meet your old classmates or hear some blues, there’s a bar out there for you this Thanksgiving Eve.

Come watch some Monday Night Football at Downtown’s only

MONDAY NIGHT

WING NIGHT 7-10 PM EVERY MONDAY

Sauces offered: Buffalo, Jameson Irish Whiskey BBQ, Sweet Jalapeño Cilantro, Five Pepper Buffalo, Italian Buffalo, Whiskey Maple Bacon, or Death Valley.

3rd and Main downtown La Crosse, WI dublinsquarepub.com

(608) 519-2509

MONDAY NIGHT WING NIGHT / 7-10 PM MONDAYS

$

$

d

5

per pound

an

Thanksgiving is his favorite night at the bar. “I’m proud to run a family bar, and no other night brings in this much family.”

For Mike it’s all about the generations.

Kids that were once brought in by their fathers have gone off to college and started their own families, now bring their kids to the Bluffside just like their folks before them. “It’s not uncommon for us to have four generations sitting at one table, telling each other stories about their first time at Bluffside. It’s real Norman Rockwell stuff.” Happy hour at Bluffside starts early on Thanksgiving Eve. “It seems nobody wants to work past noon that day. They come in early and generally stay a little longer than they should. They’re just having too much fun.” If you’re from Bluffside’s hood and want to see that neighbor you haven’t seen in a year, Mike suggests, “Come on by, they’ll probably be here.”

Terry “T.D.” Doering, owner of John’s Bar in downtown La Crosse, loves the party crowd on Thanksgiving Eve, but has a memory that he’s not so fond of: “It was my first Black Wednesday and I was the only bartender on. Needless to say, I got my ass handed to me. The crowd kept growing and drinking, and when bar time came around, nobody wanted to leave.” They’ve learned since those days.

Now there are five bartenders on— four behind the bar and one running the door and keeping the other tenders supplied. “We rotate those positions all night,” says John’s Bar manager Eric “Guido” Lemon, “so that everyone gets to have some fun and a break.” Breaks they will need, says Terry: “It’s going to be crazy. We’ve turned into the high school reunion bar with everyone who went to Logan, Central or Aquinas meeting at the bar.” The college kids

5

pitchers of Coors Light and Miller Lite

Joerg Droll is a freelance writer from Germany. Prior to moving to the United States, he spent 20 years at various men’s lifestyle publications working his way up from intern to managing editor at the German editions of magazines like Playboy, Men’s Health, GQ and MAXIM.

Thanksgiving Eve Rules of Engagement • Head out early, bars fill up quickly.

Thank you for making us

winner of best burger two years in a row!

We couldn’t do it without your support!

• Pay cash or run a tab - paying for every drink or round with a credit card and signing out, really screws with the barkeeps rhythm.

• Have someone guard the table or stools when you're getting drinks - North Side rules apply: If you leave it, you lose it.

• Be generous – it helps bartenders remember you. And after all, it's the holiday season!

• Leave your car at home – don't even tempt yourself.

• Pre-order a cab – they'll be scarce at bar time.

• Have fun – and be safe!

Gourmet Burgers • Roast Beef Sandwiches Mac ‘n’ Cheese Dishes • Fusion Shakes

(608) 781-4212

Valley View Mall, La Crosse, WI burgerfusioncompany.com

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE! Any Single Burger or Roast Beef Sandwich

One coupon per customer, per day. Coupon must be presented before ordering.

Offer expires 11/30/15. No cash value. Excludes applicable taxes & gratuity.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

• Go to bars where you know the bartenders - it'll help cut your wait for drinks.

17

BUSINESS KATE + BELLA Introducing Winona’s New Clothing Boutique

Photos: Bob Good

K

elly Waldenberger turned her passion for women’s clothing into a business. As a former graphic designer, she now uses her creative vision with clothing. Merely four months ago, she started purchasing new and consignment high-end pieces to line her walls and racks. Using careful discretion, she has procured brands such as BCBG, Armani Exchange, Free People, 7 For All Mankind, bebe, Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, LOFT and others. In addition to clothing, kate + bella shoppers will find accessories such as jewelry by local artisans, hand bags and scarves.

Waldenberger owns the new business and is its sole employee. She opened the boutique in October and has enjoyed meeting newcomers to the shop. “So far, people are curious. They’ve heard through word of mouth or found out online,” she says. Her goal is to become a stylist to a regular clientele base but will always welcome new shoppers.

When asked who Kate and Bella are, Waldenberger explains, “Katie is my niece and bella means beautiful.” Clients will find their own beauty at kate + bella. This new shop is a treasure to discover in Downtown Winona.

GO: kate + bella Where: 57 1/2 West 4th St., Winona, MN Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun. Closed

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

Info: www.kateandbella.com, www.facebook.com/kateandbella Participating in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015

18

Celebrate Tourism at the Regional Tourism Expo Article: Leah Call

La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo

A

Dec 3, 2015, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

La Crosse Center Ballroom Admission is free, but registration is required Register online at https://events.bizzabo.com/lacrossetourismexpo

Schedule (subject to change) 10 a.m. - Doors Open 11 a.m. - Medical Tourism in La Crosse with Patrick Goodness CEO, The Goodness Company 11:30 a.m. - Sporting Events in the La Crosse Area with Jeremiah Burish Director of Sports Sales, La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Noon - Lunch with La Crosse SOUP! (Soup Summit Fundraiser) with Andrew Londre Columnist and Writer, Humble Mountain Press 1 p.m. - Calendars of the Region Unite with Bradley Roulston VP Sales, Timely 1:15 p.m. - What Women Travelers Want Kim Hammer Tour Leader/ Chaachi of Romance India!, Sutra Imports 1:30 p.m. - Become a Tourism Ambassador with Phillip Wanke Director of Group Sales, La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 2 p.m. - Getting the most out of www.explorelacrosse.com with Brent Hanifl Director of Media & Membership, La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 2:15 p.m. - Wisconsin Department of Tourism Programs with Patrick Reinsma Regional Tourism Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Tourism 3 p.m. - Utilizing the Outdoors for Personal and Professional Development with Anthony Larson Owner, Coulee Region Adventures 3:30 p.m. - Regional Approach to Tourism with Tim Hyma Executive Director, Sparta Chamber of Commerce 4:30 – 6 p.m. - Social hour 6 p.m. - Doors Close All Day : Table Talks 6:05 p.m. - AFTER EXPO PARTY “Adult Recess: Say Cheese!” with Leanne Poellinger Marketing/Development Director, Children’s Museum of La Crosse

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

re you planning a wedding, reunion or other event? Is your business looking to connect with other tourism-focused businesses in the area? Perhaps you just want to celebrate an industry that has a major economic impact and employs thousands? Then you’ll want to attend the Regional Tourism Expo on December 3 at the La Crosse Center. Thinking about a career in the hospitality industry? You can find that there, too, at the Hospitality Job Fair held in conjunction with the event.

Expo organizer Brent Hanifl, Director of Media and Membership for Explore La Crosse (La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau), refers to the event as a “conversation about tourism in the Coulee Region.”

“It's a way to get community members and business owners together to talk about the dynamic tourism industry in our area and how that is going,” says Hanifl.

The Expo features information, demos, food from local restaurants, live music and more. It will also give attendees an opportunity to be part of the conversation in a number of breakout sessions covering various topics.

“We will set up table talks where people can go to talk about anything from social media management tools, to advertising, to resources for developing a new festival,” explains Hanifl.

The general public, community leaders, tourism professionals and especially businesses thinking of incorporating tourism into their overall strategy or looking to connect with other businesses should attend this event, says Hanifl. “I want people to start thinking outside the box about what they could be doing for themselves,” he says. “There are a lot of resources out there that small businesses can utilize to get more travelers.”

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism will be at the expo to provide an overview of the various grants and programs available to businesses.

The one-day event includes other informative presentations throughout the day.

Learn about medical tourism from Patrick Goodness of The Goodness Company.

Discover resources available to those looking to bring a sporting event to the area from Jeremiah Burish, Director of Sports Sales for Explore La Crosse. And gain insight into the needs of women travelers today in a presentation by Kim Hammer, who offers cultural tours in India and Bali. Check the Regional Tourism Expo website for a complete agenda.

“We will also have a fun lunch option where you can listen to Andrew Londre talk about La Crosse SOUP,” adds Hanifl. La Crosse SOUP is a monthly microgranting event that raises funds for innovative ideas that help improve our community.

“We believe he [Londre] and other entities, including SEVEN, are making La Crosse cool. They really add to the community; and, in turn, that makes people want to come here,” says Hanifl.

People in and outside of La Crosse should plan to come to the Regional Tourism Expo. “It is an opportunity for people to learn, to hang out and have a conversation. “

Steve Goodness

Kim Hammer (on left)

Jeremiah Burish

19

LIMELIGHT

THE REAL STORY OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

Article & Photos*: Jess Witkins

Y

ou could say I’m familiar with the story. Thanksgiving has always been meaningful for my family as we’ve traced our ancestry back to two of the pilgrims who crossed over on the Mayflower, John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley. In 1620, my 17th great grandfather and grandmother, set doubt aside and made the voyage over.

John was an indentured servant, traveling with the Carver family, the father of which was Plymouth’s first governor.

Elizabeth was only a teenager, making the journey with her parents. John nearly didn’t make it to the new world. Venturing on deck from seasickness, he was tossed 20 overboard during a storm. By some

miracle, he managed to grab hold of a rope dangling over the boat’s edge and the crew pulled him back aboard.

Neither the Carver family nor Elizabeth’s parents survived the first winter in the new land. John and Elizabeth had to rely on their own courage if they were going to make a home in this unknown place. Years later they married and became parents to ten children. My family is descended from their eldest child, a daughter named Desire.

What makes their story unique is that not only did they survive, but so did all 10 of their children: unheard of odds for that time period. As a kid, I thought this bit of history was special, but I grew to

appreciate it more fully when I learned the real story of the first Thanksgiving.

A story of survival There wasn’t just a meal, you see.

Before the meal, there was a doomed voyage, scurvy and starvation, petty theft and sacrilege, a vast culture shock, plague, deaths, oh so many deaths, and then a rebuilding of life.

By the time the Mayflower docked, the passengers were sick and starving, and at odds with one another; some were separatists escaping the tyranny of a king, some sought fortune in a new world, and some were soldiers who crewed the ship and provided protection. Dense storms

had blown the Mayflower north to Cape Cod, Mass., far from its original destination of Virginia. They had little idea where they were and even less what to expect.

Desperate for food, they wandered into a native campsite called Patuxet and ransacked several mounds that hid within them corn and grain. But they also found bodies. Some of the mounds were native burial sites.

The friendship between the Wampanoag Indian tribe and the pilgrims—if you can call it that—was slow and cautious.

The Wampanoags were distrustful, and rightfully so, having lost many lives to disease brought over from European fisherman. That first campsite the pilgrims

wandered into had been burned after the village was overrun with smallpox. The pilgrims were a naive people, ill-equipped for the hard labor required to establish the new colony and certainly not prepared for the harsh climate that was to befall them.

Squanto’s story Squanto’s life story is a sad one. He was abducted, sold into slavery and forced to be a translator and guide for earlier explorers. After making his way home years later, he found his people, the tribe of Patuxet—the very same camp the pilgrims first wandered upon—all dead.

It is suggested that his desire to be near the land of his people is the motivation

behind his cooperation with the pilgrims.

His ability to speak English was a great benefit to them. William Bradford recorded many of their talks in his diary.

Squanto was part of the Wampanoag tribe, but he was not always trusted by Massosoit’s people. At one point, they demanded the pilgrims turn Squanto over to them as a prisoner, but the pilgrims refused. Things could’ve turned quickly, and in a way they did.

Typhoid ravaged both parties. Chief Massasoit was gravely ill. It was Edward Winslow who stayed with the chief and his family, nursing him back to health and ultimately saving his life. The chief never forgot that kindness.

Harvest time So, while tensions were always high, these two groups of people supported one another as best they knew how. When the harvest arrived—thanks to the lessons they had learned from the Wampanoags— the pilgrims had plenty. Their thanksgiving was a harvest celebration that lasted three days. Chief Massosoit brought 90 of his men to dine with the pilgrims.

Thanksgiving is a meaningful holiday for me. I think of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley often, and what that first year must’ve been like for them. The pilgrims and Wampanoags remind us who we are and what we’ve been through: the good,

the bad and the ugly; what we can endure to achieve our goals, with the help and hard work of friends. They are a reminder to change for the better by learning from others; to seek understanding more-so than being right.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. *All photos taken in Plymouth, Mass., at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum that offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

Indians and Pilgrims become allies Half of the Mayflower passengers died in the first year they settled, as was the case for the Carvers and Elizabeth’s parents. They died from malnutrition, disease and severe weather. Where the Wampanoags and pilgrims first connected was as allies in war. Just as the pilgrims had disagreements between their own people, so did the native tribes. After promising to protect one another, the pilgrims exchanged muskets and ironware for the Wampanoags’ expertise in farming and hunting. The pilgrims then repaid what they could of their debt from disturbing the mounds at Patuxet.

What strengthened their union, was the unlikely relationship between four men that largely connected the Wampanoags and pilgrims for fifty years. Plymouth’s second governor, William Bradford, a young Dutch separatist, and Squanto, a Wampanoag Indian and translator, carried on long conversations about one another’s way of life. Then there was Edward Winslow, a bit of a religious rebel, who was instrumental in the separatist movement from Holland to the new world.

He built a friendship with the Wampanoag chief, Massasoit. The first Thanksgiving, or “keepunumuk” which means “time of harvest” in Wampanoag, is in thanks to the time and effort of education and understanding brought about by these four men.

21

SIP N' TASTE A Taste of France By: Nancy Nosher

FOOD Review

Looking for a touch of Europe in the Coulee Region? Then look to Le Chateau for a French flair and a taste of the exquisite.

The ambiance here can’t be beat; good taste, both visual and culinary, surrounds you. Open the front door of the historic Mons Anderson house and be transported to a time and place when food and conversation took precedence over a quick meal on a disposable plate.

Owners Timothy and Eva Ewers bring years of worldwide experience to their restaurant, having studied and worked in Europe and the U.S. But, on to the food.

Menu choices are based on fresh ingredients and change seasonally, so you may not find the same offerings reviewed here when you go to Le Chateau. For me, that’s simply more incentive to return for another delicious meal.

The menu is ala-carte, so you’ll need to order your appetizer, soup or salad, but I wouldn’t miss that part of the meal for the world.

I started with the smoked duck salad, a heaping plate of greens, macerated cranberries, goat cheese and tender, flavorful slices of duck, topped with a port wine reduction. You have to taste it to believe it. Other menu appetizers feature snails or truffles. On a cold fall day, I could leap into a bowl of Le Chateau’s creamy eggplant and garlic soup.

Main course offerings feature several choices in each of the meat, fish, poultry and vegetarian categories. I selected gnocchi with sautéed edamame and confit tomatoes in a brown butter sauce. The entire dish seemed to melt in my mouth, with the perfect amount of toothiness to the gnocchi. My dining companion chose the skewered lamb loin with Moroccan spices, ratatouille and red pepper coulis. I lost track of the number of times he rolled his eyes in tasty-town ecstasy. The spices melded into a single exotic taste, perfectly complementing the lamb. Another diner at my table opted for the ribeye and homemade French fries; I tried not to sneak too many off his plate, but they are delectable, and I’ve had my share

WINE

by Wohlert

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

WINE 22

Review

By: Todd Wohlert

PINOTAGE

They make wine in South Africa?

This one was a request that came in from a SEVEN reader. She sent a very nice letter, complementing the magazine and the wine column and asked that we cover Pinotage. This grape/wine needs a little historical perspective.

In the late 1600s, Europeans sailed around Africa to get to Asia to trade goods. Once they figured out that scurvy could be taken care of with fresh fruit, they started planting more fruit at ports along the coast of the continent. The Dutch settled (conquered) South Africa, which is why a lot of things and people down there have very Germanic sounding names.

The Dutch started planting grapes and producing wines in this time period, because, as all good sailors know, fresh fruit can be converted into delicious alcohol. In the late 1700s, the French Huguenots started moving there, on the run from religious oppression. Once the French got there, the winemaking started getting serious.

South Africa has been a major supplier of wine to Europe and Asia for centuries. They had some political problems the last few decades—

of fries.

I always save room for dessert, even if I have to take home my main course.

It was hard to choose between the cheese plate, chocolate volcano cake, homemade ice creams and pistachio cake, but I couldn’t get enough of the pear tart. Buttery crust holds creamy pears and is topped with almond cream; the flavors fuse into a confection that massages the sweet tooth without assaulting it. Yum. I should have ordered a second one to take home for breakfast.

The extensive wine list is, of course, French, and the full bottle choices are varied, from appetizer champagnes to dessert ports. (There’s plenty of offerings by the glass as well.) In my five experiences there, all servers can assist in wine selection. Additionally, the drink menu features mixed drinks, beers and nonalcoholic choices.

Now if only Le Chateau had drive-through, so I could pick up a duck salad and order of fries for lunch…

Nancy Nosher has been eating all her life. Her favorite foods are wine and chocolate, but she’ll settle for pistachio-crusted Ahi tuna, blueberries with cream and her own frosted chocolate chip brownies.

She doesn’t like brats, but she’s a nice person anyway.

GO:

Le Chateau 410 Cass Street, La Crosse, WI

(608) 782-6498

www.lechateaulacrosse.com

dine@lechateaulacrosse.com Reservations Only Hours: Monday – Saturday: 5–9 p.m.

Business Casual Attire, Also available for private parties

*cough Apartheid cough*—but they are returning as a world wine power.

They grow the basic French varietals: Cab, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Shiraz, but they had problems with Pinot Noir, and that is where our little friend comes in to play.

If you’ve studied Pinot Noir at all, you know that it is a notoriously difficult grape to grow (hence the price). It was especially difficult in South Africa. Skip ahead to 1925 and Professor Abraham Izak Perold, at Stellenbosch University. He crossed Pinot Noir with Hermitage, a strong grape from the Rhone Region of France. Pinot + Heritage = Pinotage.

(They almost called it Herminoir, which sounds like some kind of Harry Potter leather fetish game.) Perold didn’t pay much attention to the grape but later, in 1935, a new lecturer at the University found it and brought it to people’s attention. It took until 1941 for someone to get serious and make a wine out of it.

Pinotage is an enjoyable wine, but, if not handled properly in the winemaking process, it can get real ugly real fast. (I chalk that up to its Pinot Noir lineage and still having the need to cause problems at some point.) So what should you expect from a Pinotage? Typical characteristics include smoky, bramble fruit and earthy flavors, sometimes with tropical fruit notes. Poorly made ones have a weird natural industrial chemical smell. Let’s skip those and look at a good one.

Graham Beck Wines is a world class wine maker with lofty goals and fine wines. They make award-winning sparkling and still wines plus support biodiversity and animal conservation. What is their Pinotage like? On the nose, you’ll encounter ripe cherry, strawberries and plums with ripe red berries and spices on the palate. A full-structured and well-balanced wine which rewards with a juicy yet elegant mouthfeel and silky tannins. It’s the perfect partner to slow-cooked casseroles, fillet, pastas, robust cheeses or a good old-fashioned barbeque. This wine is available in Onalaska, Wis., and I suggest that you go out and buy a case of it right now.

Todd Wohlert works for Purple Feet Wines, a member of the Winebow Group. He is not an expert in wines but he unfortunately knows more that 99% of the people in the state. His goal is to change that to 98% by the end of the year.

Style: Dark Lager

By: A.J. Moore

Appearance: Deep root beer brown with ruby highlights, the moderate

carbonation allows one to pour a controlled head that is creamy, beige and full of airy pockets. The crown dissipates over several minutes and shows signs of both spotting and lacing on the glass, even after the first few sips.

Eventually the head settles down to a thin raft of bubbles that rides the surface all the way to the bottom of the glass.

Aroma: Rich notes of roasted malts, coffee, dark multigrain toast, with faint hints of molasses cookies and licorice. There is a late and faint wholesome aroma of active yeast akin to rising bread. At 7.8% there is also an unavoidable distant but positive warm note of alcohol that conjures up notions of old barrel-aged spirits like a dark rum or well-aged tawny port.

Taste: Deep and dark malted tones of slowly cooked sweets, dried dark fruits, aged spirits and molasses. If I could sum it up with a simple comparison, this draft possesses all of the virtues of a properly flamed Christmas pudding absent the cinnamon and nutmeg. All hop character is relatively subdued and only sufficient enough to provide a perfect balanced bitterness to what would otherwise be overwhelmingly sweet and cloying.

Presence: The body of this beer is substantial with a hearty mid-palate presence. Although there is a slight chewiness like heavily oaked wines, the sweetness of the malt keeps it well in check. Carbonation is moderate to

Middleton, Wis.

Price Point: $9 / four pack of 12 oz. bottles at local retailers

Alcohol by Volume: 7.8% ABV

light, and well matched to the style, and the peppery spice of the Liberty hops combined with the slight residual warmth of alcohol is just enough to leave the palate pleasantly refreshed.

X-Factors and Overall: Late autumn is really a great time to take advantage of the warming flavors of well-aged big malty beers, and Capital’s Dark Dopplebock has all of the right things in place. It’s rich, malty, satisfying, complex, spicy and extraordinarily well balanced.

As the cooler weather settles in and you stumble in from the cold of hunting, hiking, shopping or shoveling those early snows, try this one with a small mixed plate of smoke-cured meats, strong cheeses, robust country breads or crackers, dried fruit and nuts, or even a slice of pumpkin pie.

It’s a guaranteed warmer.

Until 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.

GRAIN-FREE BAKING CLASSES OFFERED

Paleo and grain-free eaters rejoice!

You do not have to go through the upcoming holiday season without your sweet treats! The Driftless Folk School offers a Grain-Free Baking for the Holidays course on November 14.

The course takes place at the Youth Initiative High School, located on the third floor of the Landmark Center, 500 E. Jefferson Street, Viroqua. If you have ever been the sad guest with no pie at a Thanksgiving dinner, or you’re having your favorite paleo-eating cousin over on Christmas and don’t know what to make, then you might want to check this class out. This course is taught by Laura Poe, a dietitian in Viroqua who focuses on whole foods and traditional diets.

Poe has taught cooking classes for

several years and now teaches classes, mainly on fermentation and cooking with organ meats, with the Folk School and throughout the area. This grainfree baking class will focus on holiday favorites made with alternative flours, healthy fats and natural sweeteners.

Among the offerings are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream, Pecan Pie Bars, plus recipes for several other desserts.

This class will be fun and educational for cooks of every level, and, of course, there will be many delicious treats to eat! Register for this class and find out about other classes offered by Poe at Driftless Folk School’s website, www. driftlessfolkschool.org.

GO: The Driftless Folk School offers a GrainFree Baking for the Holidays course Where: Youth Initiative High School, Third floor of the Landmark Center, 500 E. Jefferson Street, Viroqua When: November 14, 2015 Register and Info: www.driftlessfolkschool.org

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

BEER Review

Dark Dopplebock

Brewer: Capital Brewery,

23

FITNESS Reconyx SM750 HyperFire License Plate Camera By: Radventure Dad, aka Brett Werner

I Contributed Photo

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

UW-L TURKEY TROT ENTERING 21ST YEAR

24

Gobble gobble! The long-standing Thanksgiving tradition, the UW-L Turkey Trot, will take place for the 21st year on Saturday, November 21. The annual 5K also features an untimed 1 mile run/walk and Junior Gobblers kids’ races. The winners of the 5K are awarded based on chip timed results.

Additionally a special “predicted time winners” system allows people to achieve their personal best to win along with the overall top finishers. The top three men and top three women win awards as well as the top three men and top three women who most closely predicated their finishing time.

The UW-L Rec Sports department works with the UW-L International Programs Office to provide academic scholarships for international students studying at UW-L with a portion of Turkey Trot funds raised. In addition, a community beneficiary is chosen each year. This year’s community recipient is WisCorps, the local environmental and conservation youth workforce and nature education nonprofit. UW-L Rec Sports event coordinator, Jenny Larson says that the department felt WisCorps closely matches the values they look for in an organization and was excited to name WisCorps as the new beneficiary.

Larson shared that people can have

fun dressing up for the Turkey Trot costume contest. Past participants have donned fall colors or come outfitted as turkeys or turkey hunters. Costume contest categories this year include Best Individual, Best Team and Best Junior Gobbler.

GO:

t’s no secret that Reconyx trail cams have been an industry leader for many years. Based in Holmen, Wis., since 2002, Reconyx was born in whitetail country to meet the needs of hunters and sportsmen in the Seven Rivers Region. Reconyx is now a worldwide company shipping their products virtually everywhere!

Reconyx focuses on three categories: Outdoors (Hunters), Professional (Wildlife Researchers and Biologists) and Security (Surveillance). All three categories offer a variety of models, so finding the proper camera for your application is easy. Features such as highdefinition optics, ruggedized enclosure and cellular communication are just a few options available.

I have a real-world problem I am trying to solve, and Reconyx had the answer! I have a couple of dumpsters at a business here in La Crosse that I’m constantly finding full of other people’s trash. I picked up the SM750 HyperFire License Plate Camera in hopes of capturing enough evidence to turn in to local law enforcement. Having video of the person(s) involved is great, but if I could capture a license plate, it should be an open and shut case.

I set up the camera in a pile of rocks to provide some camouflage for recording from a perfect vantage point. Since it’s completely wireless and battery powered, it can be placed just about anywhere. Reconyx also makes a plethora of mounting accessories, so make sure you check with them if you’re looking for something special.

Most surveillance cameras that work at night use some sort of LED lighting to brighten up the field of view and produce a better image. Since Reconyx has such a solid footing in the hunting world, it was inevitable they would invent something like the No-Glow High Output Covert Infrared Lighting that eliminates the telltale red glow of a camera at night.

For security purposes this is imperative to avoid camera theft.

Coincidentally, I haven’t had any trash dumped since setting up the SM750, but I have captured countless images of employees and delivery trucks coming and going. No worries though, the SM750 has a loop recording mode, so it will automatically record over the oldest content when storage runs out. It also boasts a one-year battery life when using Lithium AA batteries, which gives me plenty of time to catch the person who keeps dumping off broken kids toys and carpet!

To view other models and to find your local retailer, check out www.reconyx.com.

Brett Werner is Thee Radventure Dad. Mountain biking, downhill skiing, camping, snowshoeing, volunteer trail building, just about anything that gets him and his family outside and he’s there. With lifelong experience in recreation and equipment, his goal is to get other families geared up for outdoor fun.

UW-L Turkey Trot Where: Recreational Eagle Center on UW-La Crosse Campus When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Day-of registration open 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Cost: 5K: $25.00 (with shirt), $12.00 (no shirt) 1 Mile: $20.00 (with shirt), $9.00 (no shirt) Junior Gobblers: $17.00 (with shirt), $6.00 (no shirt) Info: www.UWLaX.edu/TurkeyTrot

Thank you for voting us #1 Tattoo Parlor and Piercing Establishment!

(608) 782-8287 327 Main Street, La Crosse, WI

MindAlteringTats.com

FAMILY

COLLEGE CORNER

By Yasmynn Rain

Campus Safety

STUART LITTLE Childhood Favorite Comes to Life

The 1945 children’s book by E.B. White comes to life at the La Crosse Community Theatre (LCT) this November! “Stuart Little is still one of the most beloved and well-known books for children, seventy years after it was introduced. It is a timeless story about growing up, finding your path and friendship,” says Sara PillatzkiWarzeha, the show’s director and LCT’s new director of education. “Both children and parents will recognize the heart of the book in our stage version.”

Families will be delighted when local thespians recreate the story adapted for stage by Joseph Robinette. Stuart Little, a small mouse with big plans takes an adventure, encountering new friends along the way while learning just how big he is. The cast includes Brianna Herber, Ken Brown, Stacy Bruemmer, Ryan Puffer and Amy Anderson.

GO: Stuart Little Cost: $9 Weekends: Nov. 14–22, 2015 Saturdays: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Sundays: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Per LCT: “In an effort to bring theatre to all, including those on the autism spectrum, the 11:00 a.m. performance on November 21 will be sensoryfriendly.”

Weber Center for the Performing Arts, La Crosse, WI 608-784-9292 www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org

Going into my first year of living on a college campus, I had one prevailing worry: How will I stay safe? I’ve heard horror stories over the years of assaults on college campuses, shootings and people being drugged at parties, among other scary situations. At first, I thought I was paranoid and overplaying it. I figured that there’s probably a slim-to-none chance that any of these things could happen to me. Thankfully, I’ve been right so far. But, I learned some startling statistics from “The Campus Sexual Assault Survey” released by the National Institute of Justice that elevated my worry: 19 percent of undergraduate women and 6.1 percent of undergrad men reported sexual assault since starting college. Can I just go back to being scared of monsters under the bed?

Our campus police department set up hour-long presentations relaying the cold, hard truth to us about the risk factor of living on a college campus.

It wasn’t all terrifying, though. They were just being honest with us. They also provided great resources of where to go to prepare for emergency situations, as well as where to go to report any incidents and to receive support afterwards. I was personally comforted in learning about what I like to call “emergency posts” on campus. In various locations, there are lighted poles labeled “EMERGENCY” with a button to get immediate help from an officer on campus. Whether you’re in a dire situation or just need someone to walk you back to your dorm, these are available to help students feel more secure. Personally, I have to walk back to the dorm from a night class, so I keep an emergency post in sight at all times.

After the campus police presentation, I walked out feeling slightly more secure about living on campus, but I wanted to do more. For years, I’ve heard the same tips: keep your keys between your fingers, walk in groups, keep your distance, walk in well-lit areas, etc. That’s great to lessen my chances of becoming a target, but it still doesn’t prepare me for an actual confrontation.

I reached out to our campus police department and asked about services that could help me. Officer Kelsey Servi got back to me with information on a Survival Mindset course offered to any and all students. My roommate, Erica, tagged along with me to the two-hour presentation. Officer Servi presented us with the nitty gritty details of how to defend yourself, including weak points on the body to strike on an assailant and tips on what to never do in a confrontation. The last half of the course was spent trying out our new skills. Erica and I took turns practicing elbow strikes, punching and kicking target pads held up by one of the officers.

Then, we were put through a 15-20 second simulation of a violent encounter from an attacker to demonstrate what we had learned. Upon completing the course, I felt 10 times better about any potential encounter I may have.

Tips to Stay Safe on Campus 1. Think about what you’re going to do in a dangerous situation before 2. Attend a self-defense course.

3. Look into services offered by the campus police department.

4. If walking alone, talk to someone on the phone until reaching your destination.

THANKS FOR VOTING! PROUD TO BE YOUR FAVORITE! BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS MADE FROM SCRATCH BAKERY www.fayzes.com | 608.784.9548 | 135 South 4th St. • Downtown La Crosse

5. Check out www.kitestring.io. It’s an online resource that notifies pre-set emergency contacts when you don’t respond by a specified time.

Yasmynn Rain is an Onalaska High School alumnus and is excited to share her college experience with SEVEN. She digs Doctor Who, live concerts and anything to do with Marching Band…especially the trumpet section.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

you’re in one.

25

LISTINGS

November 2015 YOUR GUIDE TO SEVEN RIVERS REGION EVENTS, FARMERS MARKETS, BLOOD DRIVES, 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.

ONGOING

Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org.

All Glazed Up/Canvas Creation: Sip & Paint Canvas Painting classes: Check calendar for days and paintings. Cost: $30, includes canvas, paint and instructed lesson.

Call ahead to register and BYOB. 309 Pearl St, La Crosse, 608–782–7248, www.allglazedup.com.

Chinese Language Class: 11–11:45 a.m.

Learn Chinese in a fun, relaxed setting for free! 2nd and 4th Saturdays/month at Dim Sum Tea Shop, 221 Pearl St., 608–738–1221.

Pottery Classes: Learn pottery basics or discover new skills. “Wheel Deals” available! Children & adult classes, Paint Your Own, Jewelry & Glass Fusing, and more! Generous Earth Pottery, 321 Main St., La Crosse; 608–782–3904; www. generousearthpottery.com

Outdoor Connection: Rent outdoor gear from the UW–L Recreational Eagle Center!

Open to the public and offers a wide variety of equipment for adventures big and small.

1601 Badger St., La Crosse, 608–785–8680, www.uwlax.edu/recsports.

Segway Tours: Offered daily at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Need a later time? Give us a call and we’ll make arrangements that work for your schedule. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. www.lacrossesegwaytours.com.

Basic Nutritional & Herbal Therapies: Varied programs on herbology, teas, tinctures, gardening, health and more. Herbs All Around, 1033 Caledonia St., La Crosse, 608-780-2255, www.herbsallaround.com.

Centering Prayer: Experience the stillness of community prayer. 5:30-6:15 p.m. every Tuesday, free. Franciscan

Pearl Street Brewery: New events every month including live music every Friday from 6–9 p.m. and brewery tours every Saturday noon–5 p.m.! 1401 St. Andrew St., La Crosse, 608–784–4832, www.pearlstreetbrewery.com.

Credit Card Balance Transfer Looking for a better way to balance your budget?

5.9% RATES AS LOW AS

APR *

Fixed for Life & No Balance Transfer fees!

Ditch your high rate credit cards and transfer those balances to an Altra Visa Credit Card.

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

You’ll get a fixed-for-life balance transfer rate as low as 5.9% APR and you won’t pay any balance transfer fees.

26

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

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Come as an individual, family, group of friends, group of co–workers, or church group, 608-782-5440, www.guadalupeshrine.org.

Tea Tasting Party: Learn about teas while sampling a variety. Dumplings and egg tarts included with take–home loose tea sample.

1st Tuesday/month at 6 p.m. ($6 pre–pay, $8 at door) AND 3rd Saturday/month ($8 pre– pay, $10 at door). Dim Sum Tea Shop, 221 Pearl St., 608–738–1221.

Yoga with Tammy Z: Yoga is for everybody! We offer a variety of classes for every level of experience. First class is FREE! Contact us for schedules. 432 Cass St., La Crosse, 608-386-1217, tammyzyoga.com.

No Fee Balance Transfer offer is valid for telephone or in-office balance transfers posted to a new or existing Altra Visa. Offer valid through 11/30/15. Balance transfers are sent by mail and may take up to 10 days to reach their destination; please be sure to make all minimum payments on any account from which you are transferring a balance until the balance transfer is credited to that account.

Balance Transfers may not be used to pay off Altra credit cards or other Altra accounts. If you are ineligible for the top tier Altra Visa card, you may receive a card with a fixed promotional rate: from 5.9% to 9.9% based on your card program and creditworthiness.

Your balance transfer rate will remain fixed for the life of the balance transfer as long as your account remains in good standing.

Balance transfers do not earn Reward Points. Contact Altra Federal Credit Union for complete details on this offer. *

Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures arecoordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 3

Golden Yoga, with instructor Amber Moesch. Traditional poses are modified using a chair. 11:15 a.m.-Noon. $8 drop-in.

Please bring a mat. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.

FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 4 Hatha Yoga, with instructor Michelle

Hundt. Open the many channels of the body through postures or asana to create balance, flexibility, and coordination. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 5

BLOOD DRIVES www.redcross.org

NOVEMBER 7 Trempealeau Hotel presents Lillie

Central High School: 1801 Losey Blvd, La Crosse Nov. 20: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Eagles Club: 210 E 4th St., Winona, Minn.

Nov. 24: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Presbyterian Church: 624 W Franklin Street, West Salem Nov. 9: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

800-755-0055 • www.altra.org • www.drivealtra.org

NOVEMBER 2 Vinyasa Yoga, with instructor Cheryl

University of Wisconsin La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts presents “Come Back” by Neil Haven and directed by Mary Leonard. Ticket prices: $16 adults; $14 seniors/non UWL students; $5 UWL students. Performance dates and times: November 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.; November 8 at 2:00 pm.; Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall, UWL.

La Crosse Blood Donation Center: 1431 State Hwy 16, La Crosse Tuesdays 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 4, 11, 18: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Nov. 6, 13, 20: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Nov. 25: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Nov. 28: 8:00 a.m.-noon

La Crosse • Festival Foods - Copeland Ave. • Onalaska Holmen • West Salem • La Crescent • Winona • Rochester

upcoming

UW-La Crosse, Carwright Center: 1725 State St, La Crosse Nov. 18 & 19: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Winona Health: 855 Mankato Ave., Winona, Minn.

Nov. 16: 1 – 6 p.m.

Lemon. Ready to get back from the future? Lillie Lemon is here to give us musical guidance. Her very special brand of experimental electronic/indie-rock fusion is exactly what McFly would have put in the 8-track player in the Delorian. Prepare to dance to some incredible synthesizer pop and rock. 8 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www.trempealeauhotel.com.

Tiny Tim Benefit. The Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary invites you to join them for this wonderful holiday tradition.

Hors d’oeuvres, buffet, and signature drinks with exciting live and silent auctions and entertainment. Proceeds from the event will support the purchase of a web-based video camera system for the neonatal intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic Health System. Cost is $75, call Amy Every for more information at 608-392-4208, The Waterfront Cargill Room, 328 S. Front St, La Crosse, WI.

NOVEMBER 8

University of Wisconsin La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts presents “Come Back” by Neil Haven and directed by Mary Leonard. Ticket prices: $16 adults; $14 seniors/non UWL

LISTINGS November 2015 students; $5 UWL students. Performance dates and times: November 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.; November 8 at 2:00 pm.; Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall, UWL.

NOVEMBER 9 Vinyasa Yoga, with instructor Cheryl

Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures arecoordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Rohr Discussion Group. Open, informal group examining the ideas of Franciscan priest, author and speaker Richard Rohr, OFM. Facilitated by Greg Lovell. 5:306:30 p.m., freewill offering. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 10 The Sound of Bowls, with Tom

Roberts. Traditional historic Tibetan singing bowls produce sounds that invoke deep states of relaxation, naturally assisting one in entering expanded states of consciousness and meditation. Freewill offering. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Golden Yoga, with instructor Amber Moesch. Traditional poses are modified using a chair. 11:15 a.m.-Noon. $8 drop-in.

Please bring a mat. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 11

Hatha Yoga, with instructor Michelle Hundt. Open the many channels of the body through postures or asana to create balance, flexibility, and coordination. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 12 Drumming Circle, 5:30-6:30 p.m.,

NOVEMBER 14 Driftless Folk School presents

Kombucha and herbal fizzies with Faith Anaker. Kombucha is an ancient healing beverage that is enjoying a modern resurgence in popularity. Come to this class to learn more about kombucha from Faith Anaker of Fizzeology. We will start a batch in class for you to take home and begin your own kombucha and fizzy brews! $15 members; $25 nonmembers. 6-7:30 p.m., People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

Turn of the seasons, a “Stone Soup” class for children with Ana Skemp.

Blue potatoes, kale, carrots, turnips, tomatoes, lentils…what will you choose to put into our community-made soup? Have you wanted to make a loaf of bread? $10 members; $15 nonmembers. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

The Root Note presents NEON (Reunion feat. Nick Mass & Matt Lawrence) and opener Eddie Danger. 8:45 pm, 115 4th St S, La Crosse, WI.

Sacred Places in Word and Art with Jan Wellik and Deborah Hansen.

Explore the sacred in nature and within us through creative expression; each session includes a visit to a local site and the opportunity to add to a seasonal nature journal. $25 includes all supplies (yours to keep). 9 a.m.-noon, Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

freewill offering, and bring your favorite drum. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org.

NOVEMBER 13 Downtown Holiday Open House. Kick off your holiday shopping in downtown La Crosse! Our stores are open Friday night with longer hours, specials, promotions and refreshments. 4-8 p.m., www.lacrossedowntown.com.

Popcorn Tavern presents Porcupine, Valet, and Dead Air Disco. 9:30 p.m., 308 4th St. S, La Crosse, WI. Cavalier Theater presents Field Report with Nick Shattuck and Matt Monsoor. $10 adv/$15 day of show tickets, 8 p.m., 118 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI, www.cavaliertheater.com.

Sticks and Stones: Recovering from Shaming Messages, with Steve Spilde; during this retreat we’ll practice tools to aid our recovery from unhealthy messages and beliefs we’ve carried. 7 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $150 for overnight retreat and all meals, $110 for commuters, plus Saturday lunch and dinner. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Grain-Free Holiday Baking with Laura Poe. This class will make several different desserts using grain-free flours and alternative sweeteners. Cost is $45 class fee and $15 material fee. 1-4:30 p.m., Viroqua, WI, 608-632-3348, driftlessfolkschool.org/ courses.

Trempealeau Hotel presents Bad Companions. Do you have a general idea what rockabilly, jump blues, and honkytonk could mean musically? Whether you do or don’t, it’s certainly worth seeing this Minneapolis five piece tear The Hotel some new doors, windows, and a roof. Good times, big smiles, and dancing guaranteed. 8 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www.trempealeauhotel.com.

Sticks and Stones: Recovering from Shaming Messages, with Steve Spilde; during this retreat we’ll practice tools to aid our recovery from unhealthy messages and beliefs we’ve carried. 7 p.m. Friday through

LET’S GET

TRUCKED UP

Steve Kiedrowski, a local actor who had a role in the award-winning film, “Fort McCoy,” will hold a moviemaking class at UW-La Crosse on November 11. Kiedrowski will cover the entire process from pre-production to finalization. Acting skills, script writing and coordination of public relations will be discussed. Another film Kiedrowski appeared in, “The Last Bridge Home,” will be shown for class discussion and critique. The public is encouraged to register for this insightful class by calling 608-785-6500. More information is available at www.uwlax.edu/conted/ LIR/Events-and-classes.

GO: Movie Making Where: 337 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse When: November 11, 2015. 1-4:00 p.m.

Cost: $5

CORNER OF 3RD AND MAIN • LA CROSSE, WI (608) 784-5282

EATAPOTHIK.COM

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

MOVIE MAKING WITH STEVE KIEDROWSKI

27

LISTINGS November 2015 8 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $150 for overnight retreat and all meals, $110 for commuters, plus Saturday lunch and dinner. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 17 Learn the craft of soap making with

Shanna Wegman. Get together with your friends, family, or coworkers to get hands-on experience in soap-making. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring a bath towel with you. Shanna will supply the expertise and materials, but you will make your own goat milk soaps. $15 members; $25 nonmembers. 6-8 p.m., People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

NOVEMBER 16 Vinyasa Yoga, with instructor Cheryl

Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures arecoordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Golden Yoga, with instructor Amber Moesch. Traditional poses are modified using a chair. 11:15 a.m.-Noon. $8 drop-in.

Please bring a mat. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Art as Prayer, with Mary Thompson.

Use watercolors to explore the connection between artistic expression and your spirit.

Meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month; $15; registration required; limited to 20 participants. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 18 Imago Dei Women’s Group, offering support for female survivors of sexual abuse and assault. 7-8:30 p.m.

the third Wednesday of the month. Free.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Hatha Yoga, with instructor Michelle Hundt. Open the many channels of the body through postures or asana to create balance, flexibility, and coordination. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 19 Stockings Full Art Show and Sale.

Featuring many different handmade goods and creative pieces including pottery, stained glass, jewelry, clothing and handbags. Thursday hours are from 4-7 p.m.; Friday hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday hours are from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Masonic Temple Hall, 330 Main Street, Onalaska.

Downtown La Crosse Shopping Weekend. While the men are away come downtown to shop and play! Hunt for the best gifts for yourself and everyone on your list at our charming downtown shops. Enjoy refreshments, special events, holiday fairs and open houses. www.lacrossedowntown.com.

City of Onalaska Holiday Extravaganza presents the holiday lighting ceremony. 5-7 p.m., Pertzsch Elementary School Community Room.

Please use entrance B, the west door near First Lutheran Church.

Make Sushi with the Sushi Pirate!

Simon Wu will help you dazzle guests at your holiday parties as you pass a plate of sushi that you made yourself. He will teach us the basic skills of sushi making and other traditional Japanese dishes: the equipment needed, and preparation of ingredients, especially the steps in cooking sushi rice.

Participants will then make their choice of sushi rolls in class: sake or maguro (salmon or tuna) or a vegetarian roll that can be varied at home. $15 members; $25 nonmembers. 4-6 p.m. People’s Food CoOp, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

Divorce Recovery, offering support, friendship and healing for the wounds of divorce and separation.

5:30-7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

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Freewill offering. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Sparkling holiday spirits with Todd Wohlert. Enter the holiday season knowing the qualities and flavors of sparkling wines.

Todd Wohlert of Purple Feet Wines is back for an entertaining evening in Hackberry’s to guide us through the best beverages for all the upcoming holiday gatherings!

Light foods and food suggestions will accompany the sparkling samples. Must be 21 and preregistered for this class, which is limited to 20 participants. $15 members; $25 nonmembers. 6-7:30 pm. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/ event.

NOVEMBER 20 Awakening to Dreams: A Retreat

for Spiritual Directors, with Joann Gehling, FSPA. Begin a conversation with your soul through dream work. We’ll explore how to work and pray with dreams during this retreat, 7 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 21 UW-La Crosse hosts the 21st Annual

Turkey Trot 5K. The event features 5k, 1 mile course, kids races (dash and half mile), predicted time winners, fun with friends and family. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Register online at www.uwlax.edu/turkeytrot/#eventregistation or call 608-785-5228.

Trempealeau Hotel presents Jay Vonn. An Americana/Folk musician who has been writing songs for as long as he can remember. Jay is particularly drawn to the great song writers such as Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. His songs reflect American life and make a person yearn to hit the open road or grab a boat and just float on down the river. 8 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www.trempealeauhotel.com.

Stockings Full Art Show and Sale.

Featuring many different handmade goods and creative pieces including pottery, stained glass, jewelry, clothing and handbags. Thursday hours are from 4-7 p.m.; Friday hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday hours are from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Masonic Temple Hall, 330 Main Street, Onalaska.

A

Tourism Conversation AN D

Hospitality Job Fair Thursday, December 3 RD 10am - 6pm • La Crosse, WI La Crosse Center Ballroom

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LISTINGS November 2015 NOVEMBER 27 Trempealeau Hotel presents “Magic”

Awakening to Dreams: A Retreat for Spiritual Directors, with Joann Gehling, FSPA. Begin a conversation with your soul through dream work. We’ll explore how to work and pray with dreams during this retreat, 7 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Mark Parker and “Mellow” Mel Nelson. “Magic” & “Mellow” play all the crowd pleasers, chant-a-longs and dance-ables from the 60s to today. It’s a tradition, so come out for some libations and more great entertainment on the night after Turkey-Day. 7 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www. trempealeauhotel.com.

NOVEMBER 23 Vinyasa Yoga, with instructor Cheryl

NOVEMBER 28 Small Business Saturday. This national

Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures arecoordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

campaign highlights the benefits of supporting local stores. Shop small and shop local this holiday season in downtown La Crosse. www.lacrossedowntown.com.

Trempealeau Hotel presents Neon Reunion. Nick, Matt and Theo haven’t really played together since they went off to different colleges. They once earned their chops at The Hotel and they’re coming back for a special reunion this winter. Join the group as they rip through their exciting mix of guitar driven rock, folk and blues that will take you from the Beatles to Nirvana, from Paul Simon to Dave Grohl. 8 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www.trempealeauhotel.com.

NOVEMBER 24

Golden Yoga, with instructor Amber Moesch. Traditional poses are modified using a chair. 11:15 a.m.-Noon. $8 drop-in.

Please bring a mat. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

NOVEMBER 25 Trempealeau Hotel presents Howard Luedtke. They don’t call him “Guitar” for nothing. Howard lays down the blues whether he picks his acoustic, his electric or his resonator. Join him for his fourth Thanksgiving Eve show at The Hotel. No telling who will show up for Howard’s annual pilgrimage.7 p.m., 150 Main St Trempealeau, WI, 608-534-6898, www.trempealeauhotel.com.

NOVEMBER 30

Vinyasa Yoga, with instructor Cheryl Neubauer. Flowing sequence of postures arecoordinated with a comfortable breathing rhythm. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Hatha Yoga, with instructor Michelle Hundt. Open the many channels of the body through postures or asana to create balance, flexibility, and coordination. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in. Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

DECEMBER 3 La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo and

Hospitality Job Fair. Participating area businesses will showcase their attractions, activities, and services to fellow stakeholders in the industry as well as to the community at large. Admission is free but registration is required. Visit explorelacorsse.com/expo for more information. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI.

NOVEMBER 26 Community Thanksgiving Dinner. An

interfaith endeavor put on by volunteers for

Small Business Saturday & Holiday Fiber Fiesta at

The HW Farm Shoppe

November 28 & November 29 11 am –4 pm “Shop Local” for quality alpaca fiber products.

Warm, Soft, Breathable, Practical

Socks–Hats–Scarves–Gloves–Sofa Throws-Yarn & Roving

HICKORY WIND FARM ALPACAS

N7080 Garves Coulee Bangor WI 54614 alpacas_hwf@centurytel.net www.hickorywindfarm.com Open Sundays 11 am-3pm – Other days by appointment.

Learn to make lefse with Inez Blank, Carol Mills, and Irene Wood. Learn how to make lefse from three Norwegian sisters who have made lefse together since childhood and now carry on their mother’s annual tradition! Inez and her sisters will demonstrate the process, their techniques, and then we go “hands-on,” with the three sisters helping everyone make lefse to take home! Recipe and tips included. $15 members; $25 nonmembers. 5:30-7:30 p.m.. People’s Food Co-Op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 608-787-5798, www.pfc.coop/calendar/event.

DECEMBER 4 Pleasant Ridge Holiday Faire. A

festive evening for adults with live music from Ridgetones, a delicious farm to table dinner, exquisite holiday shopping, and a silent auction at Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School. Admission for Faire only $8; Faire and dinner $15; Faire, dinner, and dance $25; Faire and dance $18; dance only $15.

Tickets available at the door. Pleasant

Ridge Waldorf School, 431 E. Court Street, Viroqua, www.pleasantridgewaldorf.org, 608-637-2229.

DECEMBER 5 Family Advent Celebration, Mary and

Joseph, an angel and shepherds will share stories as your family creates an Advent wreath with games, prizes, and holiday refreshments. $30 per household; 9-11:30 a.m. , Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse, www.FSCenter.org, 608-791-5295.

Pleasant Ridge Holiday Faire: A holiday Faire for the entire family.

Children’s crafts and gift making, puppet plays, artisan vendors, children’s raffle, silent auction, bake sale, lunch, and live entertainment. Free admission. Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School, 431 E. Court Street, Viroqua, www.pleasantridgewaldorf.org, 608-637-2229.

THREE NONPROFITS JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE LOCAL GIVING Article: Jess Witkins Essential Health Clinic (formerly Options Clinic), New Horizons and the YWCA La Crosse have again joined up for #GivingTuesday, a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. The 2015 iteration will be held on December 1. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners— nonprofits, businesses, corporations, families and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media to create a global moment dedicated to giving around the world.

The three nonprofit agencies joined forces last December to initiate the local Feminism on Tap movement, an informal education series where community members create dialogue on issues of equality. Now, they meet monthly to discuss topics such as stalking awareness, wage equality, modern motherhood, men’s role as advocates and LGBTQ inclusivity.

“We’ve seen real learning happening at our events,” says Molly Hilligoss, director of social justice and advocacy at the YWCA. “We’ve been able to create a safe space for people to ask questions and get answers, so they walk away with a better understanding of what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.”

This year’s #GivingTuesday event

takes place at The Wine Guyz and marks the one-year anniversary of the local Feminism on Tap movement. “What we’re really doing with this event is showing the community how our agencies work together,” explains New Horizons Executive Director Ann Kappauf. “Most people don’t struggle with just one thing. When we have stress in one area of our lives that often compounds into multiple places. Because our agencies work so closely together, our programs and referrals offer the layers of support community members need to get their lives back to feeling manageable.”

Proceeds raised from #GivingTuesday will be divided evenly among the three organizations. Those interested in joining the local #GivingTuesday initiative can visit the Feminism on Tap Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ FeminismOnTapLaCrosse. For more details about the national #GivingTuesday movement, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

GO: #GivingTuesday with Feminism on Tap Where: The Wine Guyz, 122 King St, La Crosse, WI When: December 1, 2015. 5-7 p.m.

SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

all people of the Coulee Region at the La Crosse Center. Celebrate with music, arts, crafts, and games, plus Thanksgiving Day Football Games. Doors open at 10 a.m. 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI, www.lacrossethanksgivingdinner.com.

Downtown La Crosse Shopping Weekend. While the men are away come downtown to shop and play! Hunt for the best gifts for yourself and everyone on your list at our charming downtown shops. Enjoy refreshments, special events, holiday fairs and open houses. www.lacrossedowntown.com

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To add your free volunteer listing, email contact@thesevenspot.com.

American Red Cross - Scenic Bluffs Chapter:

Crossfire Youth Center:

Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Couleecap, Inc.:

Volunteers can help with blood drives, train for disaster response, teach First Aid/ CPR classes, support our Armed Forces, assist at special events and more! 2927 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse; volunteerwestern.wi@redcross.org; 877-618-6628, ext. 5822; www.redcross.org/wi/la-crosse.

Volunteer to become a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family to mentor youth, ages 5-14, in our community. There are also special events and other volunteer opportunities. 432 Division Street, La Crosse; (608) 782-2227; info@7riversbbbs.org; www.7riversbbbs.org.

Children’s Museum of La Crosse:

Volunteers are an important part of the Children's Museum team. If you are upbeat, responsible and love kids, volunteer with us! Opportunities include special events, face painting, crafts and games, and much more! 608-784-2652, ext. 226; christina@funmuseum.org; www.funmuseum.org.

Bachelor Degree Completion • Accounting • Health Care Management • Organizational Management • Management Information Systems • Servant Leadership

Evening and online classes available.

Crossfire seeks to transform the lives of local teens by providing safe and fun activities. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in weight lifting, archery, outdoor activities and our Friday night party alternative. 608-784-6565; amanda@crossfire4u.com; crossfire4u.com.

Couleecap helps people in need with housing, food, transportation and more. 201 Melby St., Westby (Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe and Vernon counties); contactus@couleecap.org; www.couleecap.org.

Great Rivers United Way:

Great Rivers United Way Volunteer Center hosts an array of volunteer opportunities. www.ugetconnected.org.

Grow La Crosse:

From garden work to working with children to event help, there’s something for many! www.growlacrosse.org/get-involved.

Habitat for Humanity/ReStore:

Building homes for those in need, office work and special events. volunteer@ habitatlacrosse.org; 608-785-2375, ext. 7003.

Hillview Urban Agriculture Center:

The mission of Hillview is to create a healthy community through a local, sustainable and accessible food system. Volunteer opportunities: Market Baskets, vermicomposting, various gardening tasks, fundraising, grant writing and marketing. 608-786-0338; vicki@vsm5.com; www.hillviewuac.org.

The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse:

Tasks and info: Food Recovery Program—driving for deliveries, sorting, truck loading and unloading, clerical, special event duties; 608-793-1002; lacrossehunger@centurytel.net. Kane St. Community Garden—preparing and planting, weeding, harvesting; 608-386-3319; kanestreetgarden@gmail.com; www.lacrossehtf.org.

La Crescent Animal Rescue:

We are committed to being a no-kill shelter, which means we are always looking for both foster and permanent homes for the animals left in our care. Volunteer tasks: cat and/or dog care, cleaning, clerical and animal transportation. Must be 16 years of age. 523 S. Chestnut St., La Crescent, MN; 507-895-2066; www.lacrescentanimalrescue.blogspot.com

Master of Business Administration • Flexible class schedules (one evening per week) and online options available

Lakeview Health Center

SEVEN | Issue #5 | November, 2015

• Connect with a network of professionals

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• Optional specializations in: Health Care Management, Project Management, International Business, Ethical Leadership Master of Arts in Servant Leadership • Classes offered in convenient Friday evening/Saturday format or two-week summer institute • Learn to articulate a vision of servant leadership as a vocation • Gain an understanding of organizational mission, culture, and dynamics 1-888-VITERBO business.viterbo.edu

La Crosse Area Family YMCA:

Opportunities include special events, youth sports coaching, Miracle League Baseball Buddies, Teen Center and much more. 608-782-9622; Y-North: 400 Mason St., Onalaska; Y-La Crosse: 1140 Main St., La Crosse; www.laxymca.org.

Graduate Programs

Apply now for January start.

Many opportunities with flexible hours on a regular or occasional basis.

Recreation and leisure programs, provide visits and/or share a talent or special interest. West Salem, WI (608)786-1400 x 40195; lrose@lacrossecounty.

WAFER Food Pantry:

Opportunities: food packing and stocking, unloading trucks, helping during the food fair, delivery and much more. 403 Causeway Blvd, La Crosse; 608-782-6003; waferfoodpantry@centurytel.net; waferlacrosse.org.

WisCorps:

WisCorps engages youth and young adults in direct conservation projects on public lands across the state. Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, tree planting, event assistance and more! 608-782-2494; staff@wiscorps.org; www.wiscorps.org.

YWCA La Crosse:

Special events, helping with our transitional housing program, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Kids, and our Teen Services programs. info@ywcalax.org.

Thank you for

Nov 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 & Dec 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19

www.MuseTheatre.com

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The Muse Theatre / 1353 Avon St. / La Crosse, WI 54603

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SEVEN | thesevenspot.com |

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voting us #1!

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