Kids & Families (Winter 2019)

PRESENTS

KiDS FA Mi L i ES

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BUSiNESS iS BUBBLiNG 12-year - old entrepreneur makes , sells her own line of soap WORDS: HALE Y WRIGHT / PHOTO: ANDREA PAULSETH

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adeline O’Neill, a 12-year-old Eau Claire entrepreneur, is the founder, owner, and operator of the Eau Claire Soap Factory, which produces and sells handmade soap, shower steamers, and lotion at craft fairs and pop-up events locally and online.

Madeline – or Maddy, as she is called by her family – started making soap about two years ago after taking a summer class on soap making. Maddy said she has always taken summer classes at her mother’s encouragement and has learned a variety of skills at the classes, but the soap making class was different.

Maddy took the soap making class out of curiosity, hoping for a fun experience, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions she has ever made. “My mom encourages me to take classes every summer, so I’ve done a lot of different things. I’ve done candle making, painting, craft and cooking classes. I liked making candles, but I don’t really use them. I really enjoy decorating cakes and cookies too. I’ve even taken a few writing courses,” she said. “Soap making stood out to me because I use it every day. The ability to create something I need, along with everyone else in the world, is pure joy to me.”

After Maddy learned to make soap, her art teacher introduced her to a program called FUSE (Future United States Entrepreneurs), a collaboration between her school and Royal Credit Union. The program is a competitive learning program which gives kids four weeks to develop a business plan and then present them to a panel of judges and an audience for the chance to win a cash prize. Maddy was among the winners of the 2017 FUSE event, where she was recognized for the product appeal of her soaps, shower steamers, and lotions.

Maddy’s business has taken off since her participation in the FUSE program.

Maddy said her life has changed dramatically in the past two years: Now she balances making soap and running her business in addition to being a middle-schooler. “I started to make soap on my own at my grandparents dinner table, and now I have an entire room at home filled with supplies and dedicated to exploring my creativity with soap, lotions, and shower steamers!” Maddy said. “My business is one of my top priorities, but school is at the top of my list.

My school work is not normally a problem because of study hall at the end of the day. That is typically when I finish my homework.

But I will say that I’ve had several late nights working on making

reports she is working on developing an all-natural line and wants to expand her offerings of shower steamers and lotion.

She would also like to sell more online, get her products into a local retail store, and teach a class on soap making.

Maddy said she finds opportunity and inspiration in everyday life. “I try to see opportunity in everyday challenges and remember that big things can come from small ideas,” Maddy “The ability to create said. She offers the following advice to other young entrepreneurs: “To something I need, along any other kid out there interested in having a business, you should wit h everyone else find something you love and give it 100 percent. If you love what you in the world, is pure do, people will see it and those that are interested will pay attention. It joy to me.” doesn’t matter what it is. Be willing MAD DY O ’ N EI LL , to work hard.”

To buy some of Maddy’s soap, 1 2-ye a r- o l d s o a p m a ke r check out eauclairesoapfactory.com. and entrepreneur

soap before a presentation or a craft fair.” Maddy also credited her mother, Michelle O’Neill, with her success, noting that her mother has supported her and helped her every step of the way in developing, launching, and running her growing her business.

Maddy sells her products 24/7 on eauclairesoapfactory.com, and has also

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sold them at a number of local craft fairs as well as a few pop-up events, including one at Red’s Mercantile. She currently offers just under 20 varieties of handmade bar soap in a range of scents, including chocolate chip cookie, patchouli and vanilla, and coconut lime verbena.

She offers shower steamers in a variety of scents as well as body lotion. She

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iT’ S TiME FOR RHYME! Chippewa Falls poet , artist creates book of fun verses for kids WORDS: TOM GIFFE Y / PHOTO: ANDREA PAULSETH

Let’s rhyme the roost together, fill your home with poems that swing!

Cadence, meter, rhythm – lines of verse that bounce and spring!

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hose rollicking words serve as the opening stanza of Jeannie Roberts’ latest book of poetry, Rhyme the Roost!, a collection of 26 poems for children, each accompanied by an illustration created by the author herself.

While Roberts, of Chippewa Falls, is perhaps best known for her four volumes of poetry for adults, Rhyme the Roost! isn’t exactly a departure: She previously penned a children’s book, Let’s Make Faces! (2009), and some of the poems in the new volume date back nearly two decades.

Writing poetry for children offers a chance to be silly, to impart some gentle lessons, and to spark youngsters’ love of words, Roberts says. “With children, it’s that really intentional rhyme, which is a component for them to start to really love language,” she said when asked about the difference between writing for children and writing for adults. “There’s a beat and a rhythm and a sound that makes them want to sing along. It’s magical.”

Magic and imagination are key to this collection. Consider the poem “What If …?” and its flurry of absurd, colorful images: What if trees grew dollar bills?

What if heat gave us the chills?

What if crocodiles could write?

What if snow was black not white?

Or take another poems, “Hailey’s Hair,” in which, when released from its

braids, a girl’s hair “scurries out the bedroom door” and “climbs directly up the wall!” Other poems address topics ranging from fingers and toes to holidays to the changing seasons.

Eau Claire author B.J. Hollars compares Roberts’ wordplay to that of iconic children’s poets Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic) and Jack Prelutsky (The New Kid on the Block and scores of others). “Page after page,” Hollars writes, “Roberts’ poems always hit the sweet

spot: that perfect place where wonder and whimsy meet.”

Roberts fell in love with writing in junior high school thanks to the encouragement of a teacher. She began writing the poems in the collection around 2002 – when her now 25-year-old son was a youngster – and eventually created intricate, colorful illustrations for each of them with Faber-Castell artist pens. For a time, she sought a publisher willing to print the book with illustrations in color, but she learned this would be prohibitively expense, and instead opted to publish the volume with black-and-white drawings instead. Inspired by Roberts’ vivid language, your kiddos will undoubtedly fill in the colors in their own minds.

Roberts suggests the verses from Rhyme the Roost! are perfect to read to your little ones at bedtime: For haggard parents trying to expedite the onset of sleep, a few fun poems can taken the place of demands for “just one more book!”

Rhyme the Roost! is available through the publisher, Kelsay Books (kelsaybooks.com); on Amazon.com; and at The Local Store, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire. Learn more about Roberts writing at rhymetheroostbooks.com

WHY DOES S NOW SQUEAK WHEN iT’ S COLD? answering kids’ questions with science WO R DS : K AT I E V E N I T

Have you ever noticed that early in the winter, snow is almost silent when you step on it, but as the temperatures drop, snow squeaks?

Molecules in ice crystals, even snowflakes, line up stiffly in a strong structure, held together by hydrogen bonds. It looks almost like the steel frame of a skyscraper. However, all ice is covered by some water molecules that don’t have a spot in the structure. They stay a liquid, no matter how cold the temperature is.

This layer of water is called a quasiliquid layer (QLL).

When the snow is warmer, close to the melting point, the QLL is thicker.

This thicker layer of water lubricates the ice crystals really well, and allows them to slide past each other quietly.

However, as the temperature drops, the QLL gets thinner. When it’s thinner, it can’t lubricate the ice crystals as well. Without good lubrication, the ice crystals catch on each other, snap, and break. This makes a crunching or squeaking sound.

You can try this experiment yourself.

The next warm winter day, go stomp in the snow. The QLL is thick at these temperatures, and the snow should be pretty quiet.

Now, wait for the next really cold day – under 14 degrees Fahrenheit – and Ki DS & FA M i L i ES S P R i N G 2 01 9

PIXABAY

stomp around. At this temperature, the QLL is only two water molecules thick because they hydrogen bonds are stronger and can hold more of the molecules in the ice structure. This means the snow isn’t lubricated as well.

As you stomp, more ice crystals scrape past each other and are broken. The

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snow makes a crunching sound, kind of like chewing on dry cereal.

At 2 degrees F, however, even more water molecules are held in the ice crystal, and the QLL is only one molecule thick. When it’s that thin, it can barely lubricate the snow and it squeaks like a cheese curd.

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TR AVE L i NG S A F E LY W i T H YOUR BABY how to bundle and tote your tiny one when it’s cold outside WORDS & PHOTO: ELLEN JACOBS

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t’s getting cold outside. Be sure to bundle up your baby safely while riding in his or her car seat this winter and while visiting friends and family. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or other causes of infant death can happen at home, on the road, or while visiting family. In 2016, there were 28 infant deaths from SIDS and accidents in Wisconsin.

Here are steps to keep your baby safer while traveling:

WHEN GETTING THEM I N TO A C A R S E AT • Dress your baby in two to four thin layers of clothes instead of a thick coat. A thick coat makes it hard for the car seat straps to be tight enough. (If there was a car accident, your baby may slide out of the car seat.)

• Buckle your baby in and tighten car seat straps. You should only be able to fit one finger under the strap at the collar bone. Slide the chest clip up so it is at the top of the armpits.

• Once your baby is strapped in, put your baby’s coat on backwards or put a blanket over them. This is a safer way to keep them warm, along with putting on a hat and mittens. Make sure that the coat or blanket can’t cover their mouth.

O N T H E R OA D • Take off extra layers and their hats as the vehicle warms up. Your baby can overheat as the vehicle gets warmer. Babies should only wear one more extra layer than an adult.

• Give your baby breaks from the car seat at least every two hours. Stop the vehicle and take your baby out of the car seat frequently. This will prevent strain on baby’s growing spine and keep baby’s positioning safe and comfortable.

W H E N YO U A R R I V E • Take baby out of the car seat after you arrive. Car seats are not an approved safe sleep option for babies when they are out of the vehicle.

• Make sure you have a safe sleep place for baby. A portable play yard like a Pack ’n Play™, crib, or bassinet are good choices. Don’t put them on a soft surface such as a bed or couch.

• Make sure anyone who is watching your baby knows how to put baby to sleep safe. Remember the Safe Sleep ABCs: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib, and in Smoke-free air.

Ellen Jacobs, MSN, RN, CLC, is a public health nurse with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : • Visit safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/about • Visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats • Call the Eau Claire City-County Health Department at (715) 839-4718.

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KiDS FAMiLiES

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THE S Ki NNY ON SCR E E N TI ME Why common sense should outweigh research (at least for now) WO R DS : J U S T I N PATC H I N

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here has long been a fervent debate about the potential impacts of screen time on youth.

When our son was born in 2010, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommended no screen time for children under the age of 2. The guidelines have softened a bit in recent years, but the group still generally promotes less rather than more time in front of screens for toddlers and young children.

And while fear-based rhetoric about the harmful consequences of screens abounds, solid research is generally lacking. It’s true that childhood screen time has increased since 2010.

It’s also true that depressive symptoms, suicide rates, and anxiety among teens have been increasing recently. But does that mean the added time in front of a screen caused these problems? It should also be noted that teen pregnancy, drug use, binge drinking, and delinquency are all down recently. Can we credit screens for these positive developments? We are reminded in all of the above relationships that correlation does not equal causation.

Simply put, we still don’t know much about the consequences of screen time (on the positive or negative side).

Nevertheless, some are moving forward with restrictions before waiting for evidence.

For example, some affluent schools are now actively limiting classroom screen time, with the idea that it is inherently bad. Whereas 20 years ago concerns raised about a so-called “digital divide” referred to higher-income schools having greater access to the latest technology, today the opposite is apparently true. According to a recent article in the New York Times: “While the private Waldorf School of the Peninsula, popular with Silicon Valley executives, eschews most screens, the nearby public Hillview Middle School advertises its 1:1 iPad program.” It used to be that low-income schools couldn’t afford technology. Now they can’t afford teachers, so they’ve increasingly replaced teachers with technology. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if

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schools were filled with great teachers who knew when and how to use technology to expand learning opportunities for all students?

One of the concerns raised is centered on the sedentary nature of screen time. It probably doesn’t require sophisticated research to prove that sitting around for hours on end is bad for the body. (Schools, are you listening?)

But what about screen time that encourages activity? Lately, for example, my now 8-year-old has become interested in our “classic” Nintendo Wii. As a reward for completing homework and household chores, my wife and I allow him some Wii time. He’s totally into active games like Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. He is up and moving

“It probably doesn’t require sophisticated research to prove that sitting around for hours on end is bad for the body.

(Schools, are you listening?)”

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and not simply stagnantly staring at a screen from the sofa. I have no problem with this.

Another worry about screen time is that it may negatively impact normal sleep patterns. Certainly staying up all night playing active shooter games (or even just watching movies) will effect attentiveness at school the next day.

But a recently published study in the Journal of Pediatrics (perhaps counterintuitively) shows that more screen time doesn’t correlate to substantially less sleep. Andrew Przybylski, the study’s author, concludes that “digital screen time, on its own, has little practical effect on pediatric sleep.”

At this point, as a parent, I tend to take a stance that is less guided by science and more informed by intuition: Too much screen time is probably not a good thing. How much is “too much” depends a lot on the kid and their circumstances. I try to balance my son’s screen time with his other extra-curricular activities (currently: scouting and hockey). He also enjoys playing outside and going for walks in the woods with me and our German shorthaired pointer. So I’m not worried about him sitting

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around for too long.

I also see the many benefits of technology. While he doesn’t yet have a smartphone of his own, he is allowed to use mine for the 10-minute commute home from school (as long as he had a good day and did something kind for a classmate). He has access to a tablet and does like to play a few puzzle games, but he’s also into Pokémon (the card game, not the app), cribbage, chess, and other non-digital games.

Overall, I’d say he’s well-rounded when it comes to his daily activities. I’m sure this balance will continue to evolve as he enters adolescence.

Common Sense Media sums the debate up nicely: “What’s more important is the quality of kids’ media, how it fits into your family’s lifestyle, and how you engage your kids with it.”

Common sense seems an appropriate tool to gauge how much screen time is too much. At least until research catches up.

Dr. Justin Patchin is a professor of criminal justice in the Department of Political Science at UW-Eau Claire. He is co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center (cyberbullying.org).

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THE KiD LiST family resources , events , & more K i D S E V E N T S & FA M i LY E N T E R TA i N M E N T Super Small Science Every Wednesday, 10:30-11am •

Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • Free with Museum Admission • ChildrensMuseumEC.com Introduce your preschool scientist to exciting hands-on and age-appropriate experiments.

This week’s activity is germ science. Free with Museum membership or admission.

Winter After Hours Thursdays until Feb. 28, 6-8pm

• Pinehurst Park, 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • FREE • All ages • (715) 839-5032 • volumeone.org/ winter There will be ice skating, snow shoeing, winter kubb, a firepit, music, and hot drinks. Snowshoe and skate rentals will be available during the special event only. The warming house and restrooms will be open and supervised. Hundreds of people enjoy this unique social gathering each season.

Cardboard Construction Jan. 25 & Jan. 26, 10am-2pm • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • Free with Museum membership or admission • All Ages • (715) 832-5437 • childrensmuseumec. com Failsafe Lab will convert into a fort-building space, full of cardboard, MakeDo Kits and all of the necessary items to create some huge structures. Feel free to stop in anytime to join in the architectural fun.

Friday Family Night Every Friday until May. 10, 5-9pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • Member $3, Community $5 • eauclaireymca.org/family-programs Open to all families, kids and their friends every Friday night. Activities include basketball, volleyball, soccer, inflatables, movies, free popcorn, and special entertainment. Check the movie schedule online.

20th Annual Locopalooza Show Choir Competition

Jan. 26, 8am-10pm • Altoona High School, 711 7th Street West, Altoona • $12 Prelim Only, $12 Finals Only, $16 All Day, Five and under FREE • All Ages • (715) 839-6031 • altoonashowchoirs.com/locopalooza 20th Annual show choir competition at Altoona High School featuring 18 teams from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Preliminaries begin at 8:00am. Finals begin at 7:00pm. Altoona HS and MS show choirs will also perform.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo Jan. 27, 2:30-3:15pm • The Ox-

WINTER AF TER HOURS , PINEHURST PARK

ANDREA PAULSETH

ford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $15 GA, $15 VIP • Find it on Facebook The dance-a-long comedy show from Bryan and Neil, two friends who set out to experiment with live music and make it more fun. Armed with an iPod, two mics, one giant rainbow and some gold sneakers, Koo Koo Kanga Roo puts on an all-ages dance party that invites everyone to join in.

CHI-HI Big Band Bash Feb. 1, 7pm • The Heyde Center

Family Nights Jan. 28, 6:30-8pm • Eau Claire YMCA,

Jack Frost Fest Feb. 2, 11am-3pm • Near Tony’s

700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $7 | Community $12 • eauclaireymca.org Grab your son, daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild and check out YMCA Family Nights! Each night will feature a hands-on activity for parents and children to complete together.

Leave the prep and clean up to them as you enjoy time well-spent with family.

St Mark Power Hour: Growing Faith Farm Jan.

30, 9:30-10:30am • St. Mark Lutheran Church and School, 3307 State Street, Eau Claire • FREE • 0-5 and caregivers • (715) 834-2595 • Www.stmark-WELS.org Kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to this free program. Come and hear a Bible story, sing songs, make a craft and enjoy a snack. There is also lots of time to play. Please visit our website to pre-register or just show up.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Feb. 1, 7:30-9:30pm;

Feb. 2, 7:30-9:30pm; Feb. 3, 2-4pm • McDonell Area Catholic High School, 1316 Bel Air Blvd., Chippewa Falls • Adults $12, Students $6 • (715) 723-9126 • McDonellAreaCatholicSchools.org A small town girl arrives in New York in the age of flappers and speakeasies looking for a job that might lead to matrimony.

The music swings and the laughs are plentiful. A cast of 40 students lights up the stage accompanied by a jazzy orchestra and framed by stunning sets & costumes.

for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • Adults $7, Seniors $6, Youth $4 • cvca.net The annual big band dance put on by the Chi-Hi Jazz Department of the Chippewa Falls Senior High School as a fundraiser for the Chippewa Falls High School Music Department.

Enjoy a night featuring Chippewa Valley musicians of all ages with years of performing experience.

Riverside, on the Yellow River Flowage, Spooner • FREE • All Ages • (715) 635-2168 • spoonerchamber. org/pages/JackFrostFest/ Enjoy a winter day with family at the Jack Frost Festival held at Spooner City Park and Downtown Spooner. Frosty fun includes a Hockey Tournament, Fat Bike Demonstrations, Turkey Bowling, Rib & Chili Contest, Bonfires & S’mores Bar, Minnow Races and many other great family events.

Parents’ Night Out Feb. 2, 5-8pm • Eau Claire

YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $10 Member, $5 Additional Child, $15 Community, $8 Additional Child • Ages 5-12 • (715) 836-8460 • eauclaireymca. org Bring your child to the YMCA for Parents’ Night Out, a new event where you can go enjoy a few hours to yourself while your kids are having a blast here.

The YMCA provides dinner for the kids, games, crafts and a movie in the pool.

Flick & Float Second Friday, 6:30-8pm • Eau Claire

YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • eauclaireymca.org YMCA supplies the flick, you bring the float. Gather in the small pool to watch fantastic family movies. Community members are welcome after 6:00 PM (photo ID required).

MTGs Youth Performance Troupe Feb. 8, 7-8:30pm;

Feb. 9, 2-3:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • $10 adults, $7 Children under 12 • All Ages • Find it on Facebook MTGs first ever Youth Performance Troupe production. This fabuKi DS & FA M i L i ES S P R i N G 2 01 9

lous group of talented kids will be singing and dancing on the beautiful Mabel Tainter stage to a medley of outstanding show tunes.

ECCT Presents: Dragons Love Tacos Feb. 8,

7:30pm; Feb. 9, 10am, 1:30pm; Feb. 9, 10am, 1:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, 120 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • $10 youth, $13 student, $20 senior, $24 adult • All Ages • pablocenter.org Dragons love all sorts of tacos - chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, teeny tiny tacos, all of them except spicy ones. Where there are tacos, there’s salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa... oh, boy. When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues.

6th Annual Jig’s Up Blugold Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 9, 7am-4pm • Prizes Awarded at the View on Lake Wissota, 17779 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls • Participants register one fish per ticket ($25), no ticket limit. All participants may request 2 free Blugold football tickets • All Ages • (715) 836-3377 • jigsup.org Over $80,000 in cash and prizes including a 2-year lease on a 2019 Ford F150 Truck drawn from all registered Fish Tickets.

Prizes awarded to the top 25 fish and every 5th place thereafter by weight to 300th place so even a small fish can win big. Prizes awarded 3pm.

ARTS, CRAFTS, & MAKE RSPACES Tween Scene Every Wednesday from Jan. 23 to Apr.

17, 3:30-5:30pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • ecpubliclibrary. info Tweens (grades 3-6) are invited to a new series in the Dabble Box makerspace. Each week will feature a new maker activity.

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Mini Makers: Open Lab Jan. 17, 10am-noon; Jan. 24,

10am-noon; Jan. 31, 10am-noon • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • Free with Museum membership or admission • All Ages • (715) 832-5437 • childrensmuseumec.com Build and create using real tools of the trade. They’ll also provide all of the string, beads, cardboard, wood, tape, etc. to create the project of your dreams, and then you get to take your masterpiece home with you. Feel free to drop in anytime during the two-hour window.

Tech Tuesdays: Open Lab Jan. 22, 10am-noon; Jan.

29, 10am-noon • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • Free with Museum membership or admission • All Ages • (715) 832-5437 • childrensmuseumec.com Opening up a digital playground for you every week. Visit the Failsafe Lab where you’ll get to create and play with our coding kits, 3D printers, robots, Augmented Reality Sandbox, and more. Feel free to drop in anytime during the two-hour window.

Artology Every Saturday from Jan. 26 to Mar. 16,

8:30am-noon • Haas Fine Arts Center, 121 Water St., Eau Claire • $99 • Ages 5-13 • (715) 836-3636 • ce.uwec.edu/programs/artology/ Spruce up your child’s Saturdays See your child’s creative side come alive through art. This 8-week program covers a variety of techniques that are good for learners of all levels.

The Late Lab Feb. 7, 6-8pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial

Public Library, The Dabble Box, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • FREE • 13+ • (715) 839-5004 • ecpubliclibrary.info/dabble Whether you’re interested in 3D printing and coding or you’d rather craft, make music, create art or play games, the Dabble Box makerspace has something for you. Self-guided exploration with staff on hand to answer questions.

Dabble Box Makerspace Lab Every Monday, Friday,

Thursday 3-5pm, Tuesday 4-6pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, The Dabble Box, 400 Eau Claire

KiDS FAMiLiES St, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 839-5004 • ecpubliclibrary.info/dabble/ Whether you’re interested in 3D printing and coding or you’d rather craft, make music, create art or play games, the Dabble Box makerspace has something for you. Self-guided exploration with staff on hand to answer questions.

KiDS CLASSES Babies Make Music - Winter Session Every Wednes-

day until Mar. 13, 9:30-10:15am • Eau Claire Music School, 1620 Ohm Avenue, Eau Claire • $150 • Ages 3 months - 1 year • (715) 514-0475 • eauclairemusicschool.com The Music Rhapsody program addresses each age and stage of childhood development. In this 10-week course, caregivers and babies will learn rhymes, lullabies, floor and lap games, action songs and dances that stimulate your baby’s natural response to music.

Kids Make Music - Winter Course Every Thursday un-

til Mar. 14, 9:30-10:15am • Eau Claire Music School, 1620 Ohm Avenue, Eau Claire • $150 • Ages 2-4 • (715) 514-0475 • eauclairemusicschool.com In this 10-week class, kids and caregivers will sing, dance, and play instruments. Solo singing is encouraged to develop listening, pitch-matching, and language skills. Concepts such as high and low, soft and loud, up and down are developed through engaging games.

Beginner Ukulele for Children Every Thursday from

Jan. 17 to Feb. 7, 6-6:45pm • Eau Claire Music School, 1620 Ohm Avenue, Eau Claire • $59 • 3rd through 7th grade • (715) 514-0475 • eauclairemusicschool.com 5, weekly 45-min classes. Covers proper technique, playing melody and chords, and basic music theory. If students don’t have an instrument, one may be rented for the duration of the course for just $15.

Introductory Dance: Ballet/Jazz Every Sunday from

Jan. 27 to Mar. 17, 3-4pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 5-8 • eauclaireymca.org No prior experience is required to enroll. Introduce children interested in ballet and jazz to beginner technique in a relaxed class setting. This program is great for those looking to test the waters before joining a more advanced studio.

Introductory Dance: Hip Hop Every Sunday from Jan.

27 to Mar. 17, 6:15-7pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 5-8 • eauclaireymca.org No prior experience is required to enroll. Introducing children interested in ballet and jazz to beginner technique in a relaxed class setting. This program is great for those looking to test the waters before joining a more advanced studio.

World of Art Every Monday from Jan. 28 to Feb. 18,

5:45-7:15pm; Every Monday from Feb. 25 to Mar. 18, 5:45-7:15pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 9-14 • eauclaireymca.org In this art class, students will explore a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpting and textile arts, with the chance to work on more advanced projects. Participants will experience freedom

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to develop and work on more complex pieces over the span of several class periods.

Invention Convention Every Monday from Jan. 28 to

Feb. 18, 5:45-7:15pm; Every Monday from Feb. 25 to Mar. 18, 5:45-7:15pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 9-14 • eauclaireymca.org Throughout this course, participants will be presented with a variety of topics in the STEM field. They will have the opportunity to explore these topics in a hands-on way as they design and carry out their own experiments.

Young Artists Studio Every Tuesday from Jan. 29 to

Mar. 19, 5-6pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 7-10 • eauclaireymca.org Informative and interactive classes on all things art. Explore a variety of different mediums as you hone and develop your creative skills. These classes are sure to inspire and ignite the creativity in you.

Explore! Junior STEM Institute Every Tuesday from

Jan. 29 to Mar. 19, 6:15-7:15pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 7-10 • eauclaireymca.org This program is designed specifically for elementary school students and will strive to teach key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics in a fun, hands-on way.

Kitchen Basics for Teens Every Tuesday from Jan.

29 to Mar. 19, 6:15-7:15pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 11-16 • eauclaireymca.org Participants will enjoy a social and fun environment while they explore a variety of cuisine. Learn the basics any teen needs to know to find his or her way around a kitchen, while also delving into more specialized techniques.

Junior Chefs Every Thursday from Jan. 29 to Mar. 21,

6:15-7:15pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 7-10 • eauclaireymca.org In this program, students will get a hands-on fundamental kitchen experience, learning skills such as reading and referencing recipes, ingredient identification, proper measuring technique and more.

Active Play Every Friday from Feb. 1 to Mar. 22, 5:30-

6:30pm • , • Member $56, Community $68 • Ages 7-10 • Learn how to stay active while becoming part of a different world! Each week of active challenges boasts a new theme. First, you might be a pirate sailing the high seas—next, a Jedi learning to harness the force!

Babysitter Training Feb. 9, 9am-2:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Member $45, Community $70 • Ages 10-15 • eauclaireymca.org Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather. The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises.

Please bring a bag lunch.

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SPONSORED BY

E A R LY L E A R N i N G Toddlers Make Music - Winter Course Every Wednes-

day until Mar. 13, 10:30-11:15am • Eau Claire Music School, 1620 Ohm Avenue, Eau Claire • $150 • Ages 1-2 • (715) 514-0475 • eauclairemusicschool.com Toddlers and caregivers learn songs, dances, and musical activities that focus on singing and keeping a beat to enhance timing, coordination, listening and language skills. Instruments, puppets, stories and colorful props are incorporated to make this a very special music time.

Little Language Lab Every Thursday from Jan. 17

to Feb. 14, 9:15-10am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • $50 • Ages 1-2 years • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com A class aimed at exposing children to a language rich environment, where they will listen to stories, sing songs, learn finger-plays, move/dance, and do age-appropriate crafts and sensory activities. This class is a mix of structured circle time and free choice stations.

ABC’s for 2’s and 3’s Every Thursday, Friday from

Jan. 17 to Feb. 15, 10:30-11:30am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • $50 • Age 2-3 years • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com ABC’s for 2s and 3s is a fun step into exploring letters, numbers, and shapes. 2 and 3 year old children and their parents will enjoy open exploration time, songs, stories, sensory play and art.

Cool, Calm & Connected Every Thursday from Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 6:30-7:30pm; Every Friday from Jan. 18 to Feb. 15, 9-10am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • $75 • Ages 4-7 years • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com Uninterrupted playtime with your child. Learn what helps you and your child regulate.

This class is designed to assist parents to form cool and calming connections with their children, while learning and practicing strategies to take home.

First Friendships Jan. 28, 10:30-11:30am; Feb. 11,

10:30-11:30am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • FREE • Infants • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com Bring your newborns and tiny babies to a class to meet other parents, learn about baby development, find support and ask lots of questions.

CL A SS i C Ki DS B OOKS B ROUGHT TO L i FE kid s wi l l eat u p The Ve r y H u ng r y Cate r pi l la r S how WORDS: TOM GIFFEY

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show • Saturday, Feb. 24, 2pm • RCU Theatre, Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $10 youth, starting at $20 for adults • pablocenter.org • Generations of kids (and their adults) have enjoyed the colorful creations of author and illustrator Eric Carle. From The Very Hungry Caterpillar (and his insatiable appetite) to Brown Bear, Brown Bear (who sees a red bird looking at him), Carle’s many books are filled with memorable words and indelible images. These two-dimensional creatures will be brought to three-dimensional life on Sunday, Feb. 24, in the RCU Theatre at the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, created by Jonathan Rockefeller, is a faithful adaptation of several stories by Carle, and features 75 puppets who bring to life not only that voracious caterpillar but the stars of 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly, and others. The show made its debut in 2016 in New York, where it had a record-breaking eight-month run. Since then, it has toured the world, drawing rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. If you’re looking for a way to give your little person an appetite for live theater at the Chippewa Valley’s newest, grandest venue, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will be a tasty place to start.

Tiny Scientists- Frozen Lab Every Monday until Feb.

11, 5-6pm • Lily Pad Lab, 1620 Ohm Ave (In the EC Music School), Eau Claire • $60 • Ages 2-6 • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com A 5 week, parent/child class where you and your little one(s) can explore everything winter has to offer through art, science and literacy. It is never too early to expose your child to science and exploration.

Tiny Scientists- Frozen Lab Every Tuesday until Feb.

12, 9:15-10:15am; Every Wednesday from Jan. 16 to Feb. 13, 9:15-10:15am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • $60 • Ages 2-6 • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com A 5 week, parent/child class where you and your little one(s) can explore everything winter has to offer through art, science and literacy. It is never too early to expose your child to science and exploration.

Music and Motor Every Tuesday until Feb. 12, 10:30-

11:15am • Lily Pad Lab, 2524 Golf Road S2D, Eau Claire • $50 • 9 months - 2 years • (715) 529-6186 • lilypadlab.com During this playtime, your child will use large and small muscles to practice balance, fine motor, gross motor, spatial awareness, and body awareness. They will also develop basic music skills by using rhythm instruments, song and dance.

Sport Tykes ABCs Every Monday from Feb. 4 to

Mar. 18, 5:15-6pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $75members, $80 community • Ages 3-4 • ecsportscenter.com Every week has a different theme which emphasizes learning new athletic and motor skills along with

following directions and learning rules to basic games. Parents may participate with children in this program, but it is not required.

Sport Tykes Soccer Every Monday from Feb. 4 to Mar.

Mommy and Me Yoga - Session 2 Every Wednesday

Sport Tykes Sampler Every Wednesday from Feb. 6

Get Up & Go Every Wednesday until Jan. 30, 11-

18, 6:05-6:50pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $70 members, $80 non-members • Ages 4-5 • eauclaireymca.org Come join in the fun and learn skills specific to dribbling, kicking, and blocking the ball. Children will get a chance to participate with others along with learning the basic rules of the game in a group setting. (Shin guards are optional). to Mar. 20, 6:35-7:20pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $70 members; $80 non-members • Ages 4-5 • ecsportscenter.com Children are welcome to enjoy a variety of sports by learning a new and exciting one each week. Along with having fun together, there will be a strong emphasis on learning to take turns and follow directions. Includes basketball, volleyball, t-ball, soccer, kickball, football, and track.

GET UP AND GO Free Youth Soccer Clinics - Eau Claire United Soccer Club Jan. 23, 5:30-7pm; Jan. 30, 5:30-7pm; Feb. 13,

5:30-7pm; Feb. 20, 5:30-7pm; Feb. 27, 5:30-7pm; Mar. 6, 5:30-7pm; Mar. 13, 5:30-7pm; Mar. 20, 5:30-7pm • Lakeshore Elementary School, 711 Lake Street, Eau Claire • FREE • Ages 5-8 • (715) 830-0782 • ecusoccer. org Eau Claire United is having free indoor open play time/clinics for all of those young soccer fanatics out

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there at Lakeshore Elementary. Interested players Aged 5 and 6 can join from 5:30-6:10, and players aged 7 and 8 can join from 6:15-7:00.

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until Jan. 30, 9:30-10:15am • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25/session • 6 months - 4 years and parent • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class focuses on you, your child and what they want to do. Some classes will be different than others, but they will always be relaxing, fun and full of laughter.

11:30am • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • Free with museum admission • ChildrensMuseumEC.com Designed to keep your kiddos moving, these fun and physical games teach teamwork and skills that can carry home to your own living room.

Family Open Swim and Gym Every Wednesday until

Dec. 19, 6:30-9pm; Every Wednesday until Mar. 20, 6:30-9pm • South Middle School, 2115 Mitscher Ave., Eau Claire • $4 or City Pass • All Ages • (715) 839-5032 • south.ecasd.k12.wi.us Stay active this Fall and winter at Family Open Swim and Gym. Equipment will be provided for the open gyms. Appropriate indoor shoes are required in the gym. Children 2 and under are FREE.

Family Fun Zone Every Monday, Thursday, Friday

until May. 31, 9-11:30am • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $3 member; $5 community • Ages 0-6 • ecsportscenter.com Children and parents enjoy open play on the large turf field

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KiDS FAMiLiES filled with numerous toys, games, sports equipment, inflatables, and dress up clothes. Organized activities are also offered at different times each morning which children may participate in if they choose or continue with open play.

Centershot Youth Archery Every Saturday from Jan.

26 to Mar. 16, 10am-noon • Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 East South Avenue, Chippewa Falls • FREE • Ages 10+ • (715) 723-2872 • cvbc.net No prior archery experience is needed and bows are supplied. If you have your own bow, you are encouraged to bring it.

Toddler-Parent Movement Development Class

Every Saturday until May. 31, 11-11:45am • Anandaworks Wellness and Education Center, 320 Putnam St Suite 123, EAU CLAIRE • Donations • Ages 1-5 with adult • (715) 514-4648 • baredfeet. co Help your toddler move through the developmental stages of movement and increase their capacity for learning, help them tire those bodies and use their creativity, and see your child in a new light! With BaredFeet, Co.

Tween Yoga - Session 3 Every Tuesday until

SPONSORED BY

Jan. 29, 5:30-6:15pm • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25 • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class offers tweens an opportunity to safely explore who they are and the roles they might play in the world. This class incorporates discussion, yoga poses, relaxation and meditation.

Pre-Registration can be done online or at the Altoona Parks & Recreation Office.

Mommy and Me Yoga - Session 3 Every Wednesday

from Feb. 6 to Feb. 27, 9:30-10:15am • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25/session • 6 months-4 years old and parent • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class focuses on you, your child and what they want to do. Some classes will be different than others, but they will always be relaxing, fun and full of laughter.

Bust A Move 1- Session 2 Every Thursday from Feb.

7 to Feb. 28, 6-6:30pm • Altoona City Park Recreation Center, 2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona • $20 Resident of Altoona; $25 Non-Resident of Altoona • 4-6 years old • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us Are you ready to get your groove on? Join this unique class and learn

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a combination of dance moves all while making new friends and creating new memories. All are welcome and no experience is necessary; just a desire to dance and have fun.

Bust A Move 2 - Session 2 Every Thursday from

Feb. 7 to Feb. 28, 6:30-7:15pm • Altoona City Park Recreation Center, 2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona • $30 Resident of Altoona; $35 Non-Resident of Altoona • 7-12 years old • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us Are you ready to get your groove on? Join this unique class and learn a combination of dance moves all while making new friends and creating new memories. All are welcome and no experience is necessary; just a desire to dance and have fun.

2019 Menomonie Polar Plunge Feb. 9, noon-6pm •

Wakanda Park, Wakanda Park Rd. and Pine Ave. E, Menomonie • $75 • All Ages • (715) 833-0833 • polarplungewi.org Support Special Olympics Wisconsin and athletes and jump into iced cold water to celebrate. Join hundreds as they put on wacky costumes, jump in a lake and earn prizes all while supporting Special Olympics WI athletes including those in Dunn County.

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SUPPORT FOR PARENTS La Leche League of Eau Claire Meeting First Mon-

day, 6:30-8:30pm; Third Monday from Jan. 21 to Dec. 31, 9:30-11:30am • Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, 4800 Golf Rd., Suite 450, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 579-4854 • facebook.com/ llleauclaire Offers peer support to lactating parents and any parent who wants to feed their baby human milk. A typical meeting includes informal topical discussion led by a leader, as well as lots of time for sharing questions or concerns and encouraging one another. Children are welcome.

Parent Partnership Feb. 7, 9:15-11:15am • Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire • FREE • Parents and Kids • (715) 832-6601 • facebook.com/ParentPartnershipEC Parent Partnership is for all parents regardless of income, marital status, gender, race, or religion.

Every parent deserves a place to gather to meet other parents in a stress-free environment. Childcare is provided.

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