Small Street Journal: April 3, 2020

Pablo Center at the confluence

ANNOUNCING TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY
Coalition of nonprofits formed to address community needs

(April 2, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS) Today, a new nonprofit coalition, Together Chippewa Valley, is being announced to the public. Together Chippewa Valley is a coalition of nonprofits forming to coordinate a response effort to address community needs during the COVID-19 crisis, to raise funds through a first-of-its-kind community-wide fundraising initiative, support each other’s missions, to survive, and to thrive.

Out of respect for individuals, businesses, and other organizations that are being severely impacted in various ways, and acknowledging many want to help, nonprofit organizations in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have come together in solidarity to create one fundraising campaign that will provide essential financial support during this economic crisis.

Just as it is important that the communities’ businesses and other vital organizations survive this critical time, nonprofit organizations that provide crucial services in our communities are doing all they can to remain strong and sustain themselves in order to continue serving those who rely on them. The financial and social costs of COVID-19 are extensive, and they will continue to mount. Nonprofits’ facilities have been closed, events and programs canceled, fundraisers postponed or canceled, and expenses incurred to work remotely while these groups have continued to serve the community and their missions. Like so many, these organizations are concerned that they may not be able to provide the high standard of services to the community that will be needed when COVID-19 finally retreats.Together Chippewa Valley will work as one so the Chippewa Valley’s nonprofits can survive this crisis. 

Together, they  can can bring arts and social play back to our communities. Together, they can care for and nurture animals and children. Together, they can inspire all people to stay healthy and active. Together, with the help of community support, local nonprofits will remain active in our communities.  

TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
Together Chippewa Valley is launching one community campaign to raise funds during this challenging time. All money raised will be equally divided between the nonprofits in the coalition to be used for program and operating expenses as well as to offset losses incurred from COVID-19.

Donors choosing to support the cause can make a gift online through our website or by mailing a check:

Online (Credit Card)
1. Visit www.togetherchippewavalley.org
2. Choose “Make a Gift”

Mail (Check)
1. Make check payable to Visit Eau Claire Foundation (Fiscal Sponsor of Together Chippewa Valley)
2. Mail to Visit Eau Claire Foundation c/o Together Chippewa Valley, 128 Graham Avenue #234, Eau Claire, WI54701

Founding nonprofits of this coalition are:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley
•  Chippewa Valley Museum
• Children’s Museum of Eau Claire 
• Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild
• Eau Claire County Humane Association 
• Family Resource Center 
• Junior Achievement of Wisconsin 
• Pablo Center at the Confluence

And more nonprofits will be invited to join.

Together these organizations:

• Have 224 years combined service to our community
• Serve 194,000+ people annually
• Employ 249 people
• Generate $7,849,000 in economic impact annually for the community
• Purchase $1,996,500 in goods and services locally each year

Make a gift today and help Together Chippewa Valley on their mission to keep the nonprofit community thriving!

Leadership for America's Education Foundations

Sarah French Elected as Director to the National School Foundation Association Board of Directors
French to join education foundation leaders from across the nation
Hunt Valley, MD – The National School Foundation Association, NSFA, welcomes Sarah French to the Board of Directors. Ms. French has served as Executive Director at Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, since 2015.
 
Her experience in both public school and college level fundraising, for the University of Wisconsin, allowed her to grow a new portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation donors. Upon election as Director with NSFA, Ms. French commented, “To have the honor to support our schools that open their doors to everyone is a privilege. During the last five years, I have discovered my passion for fundraising and public education and want to dive deeper to offer my skills and passion to NSFA!”
 
NSFA Board Chair, Toba Cohen-Dunning, MSW, MPA, CEFL welcomed Sarah at the organization’s national meeting held in Philadelphia, PA on March 1, 2020 saying, “Sarah raised the profile of her foundation dramatically and expanded donor sources to raise substantial scholarship, teacher grants and legacy  funding each year. Her fundraising, financial management, communication and leadership skills are perfect for this role and will allow her to be a mentor to many in our field.”
 
Ms. French holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Communications and Psychology and a Masters in Educational Leadership. She will commence her two-year term effective April 1, 2020.
 
Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation (ECPSF) is a nonprofit, independent organization that connects the community and the Eau Claire Area School District to inspire and enhance the educational experience of our students. For more information, please visit www.ecpsfound.org. To learn more about the Foundation or NSFA, or to make a gift to the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation, contact Executive Director Sarah French at sarahfrench@ecpsfound.org or (715) 852-3015.

Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation

ECPSF Announces Match for Solar on Eau Claire Schools Fund Gifts Made in April in Celebration of Earth Day
[EAU CLAIRE, WI] In celebration of Earth Day and to encourage community participation, the Pablo Foundation will match up to $25,000 in April donations to the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation’s Solar on Eau Claire Schools Fund that is supporting the installation of solar arrays on Eau Claire Memorial and North high schools.


The Solar on Eau Claire Schools project, launched in December 2019, is raising between $250,000 and $275,000 to fund the installation, racking, and 25-year maintenance contract for two solar arrays of 100 solar panels each. The first 100 panels for the project were donated by the Couillard Solar Foundation. An anonymous donor will contribute the second 100 panels after the project meets its fundraising goal.


The solar project, once installation is complete, will be incorporated into the STEM curriculum at the two high schools, will expose students to career opportunities in the environmental and solar industries, and will save Eau Claire Area School District approximately $20,000 a year in utility costs.


Pablo Foundation has also donated an outright gift of $25,000 toward the solar project. The additional dollar-for-dollar April match, up to $25,000, is ideal timing as Earth Day (April 22) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.


“We are thrilled to partner with Pablo Foundation to inspire and encourage more community involvement in the solar project,” said Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Sarah French. “Pablo’s generosity will have an incredible impact on our students and the environment!”


“The Solar Panel Project aligns well with the [Pablo] Foundation’s support of educational efforts, especially those with long lasting impacts on both our students and our environment,” shared MaiVue Xiong, Pablo Foundation Executive Director. “The benefits of this project are numerous, including moving towards clean energy, serving as an educational tool, and potentially encouraging students to go into these fields.  We are excited so many partners have stepped up to participate in this project, and we encourage others to donate towards this effort because collectively, we can build a more healthy and sustainable community for all.”


Eau Claire Area School District is currently reviewing and evaluating electrical engineer proposals for the project. Installation for the panels is expected to begin in the summer.


Gifts to the Solar on Eau Claire Schools Fund support the installation, racking, and maintenance of the panels, ensuring the project is entirely privately supported. To donate, visit the ECPSF website at www.ecpsfound.org, keyword search “solar.”

Chippewa Valley Technical College

CVTC Taking Innovative Approach to Remote Classes
Hands-on learning still taking place
 
Eau Claire, WI - When leaders of culinary programs throughout the state technical college system held a conference call to talk about how to handle instruction when face-to-face classes stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chippewa Valley Technical College Culinary Chef Kevin Brown came with ideas.
 
“Everyone was talking about pushing things back,” Brown said. “No one had a plan for what we would do if we weren’t going to be back this semester.”
 
The CVTC program director was the exception. He presented a plan for how the students could still get in their kitchen time when they could not use the college’s state-of-the-art facility. His idea, which is now being implemented, is one example of how CVTC instructors are coming up with innovative ideas for how to continue the hands-on learning the college is known for during remote learning.
 
“We figured out how we could build some to-go packages for the students,” Brown said. “They would pull up to the back door and pick up ingredients and materials and put them together at home.”
 
When Governor Tony Evers issued his safer-at-home order, having the students pick up packages at the college wasn’t going to be allowed. Brown came up with another idea. He contacted Dan Beck of Midwest Meals, an Eau Claire-based pre-packaged meals company, which has a retail store in the Eastridge Center that remains open.
 
Brown also contacted Eric Wolfe of Nutri-Pret Meals, Midwest Meals’ parent company, who fashioned an existing partnership between Midwest Meals and the CVTC Culinary Management program. A new partnership was worked out in which the company would purchase supplies for the students and provide its packaging.
 
The students will pick up a box of supplies, prepare the food in the Midwest Meals packaging, and send photos or videos along with a self-evaluation to the instructors. They would pick up new supplies each week.
 
“I am overwhelmed by the level of service Midwest Meals is able to give us,” Brown said. “The College will reimburse them for the food and supplies, but we aren’t being charged anything for the labor to put it all together.”
 
“It’s pretty important for the students to continue their curriculum,” Beck said. “You can’t have an entirely online culinary class without any ingredients to work with. We’re hoping to get this going soon after CVTC online classes resume March 30.”
 
Although the Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa is not open, CVTC Cosmetology and Nail Technician students will continue to get some hands-on experience as well.
 
“Our students are transitioning to online for however long it takes to get through this time safely,” said Emily Dittner, program director.  “We are busy creating online lectures, videos of how to perform services, and more. We will be continuing with hands on activities learning through online meetings/chats, videos, online lectures, and discussions.  The students will be doing haircuts, colors, perms, braiding, and styling techniques on manikin heads, and nail services will be practiced on a manikin hand.”
 
Instructors had to work hard and fast to get supplies to the students before the safer-at-home order went into effect. “We had to adjust very quickly,” Dittner said.  “We rushed and boxed up kits with equipment and supplies they need. A Friday pick-up plan had to be advanced to Monday.”
 
In the Early Childhood Education program, the students had already completed half of their practicum experiences, which normally consists of eight hours a week at schools or child care centers, when face-to-face classes ended. When the students were no longer going to be able to have direct contact with children, alternative methods of demonstrating competencies had to be found.
 
“We decided on case studies in which students would describe how they would handle certain situations, based on their experiences with children,” said Kathy Preusse, program director. “They also have to do lesson plans and will be taking video of themselves presenting the lessons, so we will still be able to see them doing it, just not in front of children.”
 
Preusse added that there are no standards for a minimum number of hours of practicum experience, so students finishing their last semester will still be able to graduate in May.

A worker prepares meals at the Midwest Meals facility in Eau Claire. CVTC Culinary Management students will be completing their kitchen work at home using materials assembled by the company, including packaging like those shown here.

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Faculty, students find creative way to build community while away from campus
Faculty, staff and students in the geography and anthropology department are finding creative ways to support each other during a challenging semester that's requiring them to teach and learn online only. Their efforts are creating a sense of community. Full story.

'One Read Eau Claire' continues April 4 in online format
A discussion of Bryan Stevenson’s "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" will take place online to comply with Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" order. Full story.

Student teaching takes an unexpected turn as schools move online
When Sierra Parce began student teaching, she knew there would be some bumps in the road. But a pandemic that closes schools wasn't a scenario she ever imagined. Watching teachers step up to support their students in new ways is inspiring, she says. Full story.
​
Elizabeth Glogowski honored for innovation through research with students
As the leader of innovative faculty-student collaborative research at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Dr. Elizabeth Glogowski has been honored as one of just three UW System 2020 Regent Scholars. Glogowski mentors a student team in research aimed at decreasing the cost and environmental impact of architectural coatings such as paints, primers and stains. See full story and video.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's 

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals thank doctors on national observance
EAU CLAIRE AND CHIPPEWA FALLS – In honor of National Doctors’ Day on March 30, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals would like to take the time to thank the physicians who serve our hospitals and our communities. The annual observance recognizes doctors for the important role they play in helping patients in their wellness journey.

The day was first celebrated on March 30, 1933, when Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, set a day aside to honor physicians. From those beginnings, the celebration spread and, in 1991, National Doctors’ Day was proclaimed by President George Bush.

Normally on March 30, the health care industry pauses to recognize the service of doctors everywhere and celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to the medical profession. This Doctors’ Day, there is no time to pause and the coronavirus pandemic has stalled most celebrations.
 
Doctors are being asked to work longer, tougher hours to bring their expertise, care and passion for helping people now more than ever. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals wish to extend its deep gratitude and appreciation for that work.

“The physicians practicing at our hospitals and clinics make a difference in the lives of the patients we serve,” said John Wagner, president and CEO, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We celebrate our physician partners for their commitment and dedication,” said Sandy Anderson, interim president and CEO, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital.

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital provides community garden to grow food for those in need
CHIPPEWA FALLS – This is the eighth season that HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will offer plots in its community garden to feed those in need. The plots will be ready for gardeners by mid-May.

For a small plot fee, individuals and families whose budgets do not allow for fresh produce, or who struggle to put food on the table, have the opportunity to grow their own at the hospital’s Community Garden. People who feel they need the food are encouraged to keep their entire yield.

Individuals, service organizations, and other groups willing to grow and donate their entire harvest to local food pantries also are welcome to rent plots and donate their harvest to local food pantries through St. Joseph’s Hospital. This program has provided as much as 3,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries in recent years.

The garden is located off of Scheidler Road across from Chippewa Valley Technical College. The cost is $20 per plot for a household. Donors will pay a one-time annual fee of $35 for one or more plots and are asked to donate the harvest to local food pantries through St. Joseph’s Hospital. Plots are 12 feet by 24 feet. The garden is fenced with locked gates and is completely irrigated with garden tools available for use.  There is also a water hydrant available for cleaning produce.

For more information, or to pick up an application, call Roger Elliot, community garden coordinator, at 715-563-2069, or email him at rwelae@charter.net.

Wisconsin Public Radio

UW-Stout Student Madalaine McConville on “Spectrum West” April 2, 2020
 
University of Wisconsin-Stout student Madalaine McConville will be joining host Al Ross to talk about her research on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2020 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The program will also feature interviews with a modern-day River Falls Renaissance man, an author, broadcast journalist and birder and an employee of an Eau Claire food co-op.
 
Madalaine McConville is a senior a UW-Stout and her research paper “Democracy and Interpersonal Relationships in Danger: Political Divisiveness” was featured at the 17th Annual Research in the Rotunda event in Madison on March 11. Ross and McConville will discuss her findings.
 
Dan Woll will also be visiting the show this week. Woll, of River Falls, is a retired educator and administrator, a rock climber, author, musician and modern-day Renaissance man. Ross and Woll will talk about Woll’s interests and how they’ve provided a life of adventure and fulfillment.
 
Steve Betchkal will be returning to the show to talk about the springtime bird migration. Betchkal is a broadcast journalist, birder and author.
 
Correspondent Katharine Thomas will interview Nik Novak this week. Novak is a member and employee of Just Local Food Co-Op in Eau Claire. Novak will provide a peek inside a local food business during this trying time, and talk about how regional food suppliers have been affected by the current health crisis.
 
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show includes in-depth behind-the-scenes interviews and stories about area writers, musicians, theater, visual arts and much more. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM River Falls and via an online live stream on 88.7 WRFW-FM University of Wisconsin River Falls via wrfw887.com/listen-live.html.  A repeat broadcast plays at 7 p.m. Fridays on 89.7 WUEC-FM Eau Claire and 90.7 WVSS-FM/ Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.

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COVID-19 MUST Know information for businesses

Prevea Health

Free screenings for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) available online through Prevea Virtual Care
Eau Claire – Prevea Health is offering free online screening and evaluation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through Prevea Virtual Care at: www.prevea.com/virtualcare
 
Prevea Virtual Care visits for COVID-19 assess the patient’s symptoms and provide information about COVID-19. If additional care is needed, patients will be provided specific directions about where to go for lab testing and follow-up care to ensure they receive the care they need while maintaining a safe distance from others. If a patient needs additional lab tests or follow-up care, it will be billed to the patient’s insurance provider.
 
Prevea Virtual Care is available to anyone in the state of Wisconsin and you do not need to be an established Prevea patient to use it.
 
Those with symptoms of COVID-19—including fever, cough and shortness of breath—should stay home and use Prevea Virtual Care online or call (715) 717-4582 to receive a free assessment by phone. If symptoms are severe and life-threatening, they should call 911. If they prefer to travel to the emergency room on their own, they should call the hospital prior to their arrival to explain their symptoms. This will provide the emergency department time to prepare for their arrival and be sure that others in the area will be protected from the potential spread of infectious disease.
 
In addition to the COVID-19 assessment, Prevea Virtual Care also offers online diagnoses and treatment for a variety of common health conditions, allowing people to receive care from the safety and comfort of home which is especially important during this time. Prevea Virtual Care visits for common health conditions are offered for only $35 each.

Marshfield Clinic Health System

Marshfield Clinic Health System launches in-house testing for COVID-19
MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Clinic Health System has officially rolled out in-house testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the result of a collaboration between the Health System’s research and clinic lab teams. While this is an important step forward for the Health System in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, organizational leaders stressed that lab materials needed to conduct testing are in short supply across the country and locally.


“Our ability to test for COVID-19, and turn results around within a day, gives us an important tool against this virus,” said Dr. Thomas Fritsche, medical director for Health System laboratories. “It will allow us to allocate our resources to patients that need them the most as we learn more about the impact the pandemic will have on the areas we serve.”


Researchers and staff from Marshfield Clinic Research Institute collaborated with the Health System’s clinical lab to clear one major barrier to widespread COVID-19 testing. Jen Meece, Ph.D., director of the Integrated Research and Development Laboratory at the Research Institute, helped lead the initiative.


“I am very proud of my team and the partnership with our clinical lab colleagues to make this happen. It is another example of the value Marshfield Clinic Research Institute brings to the Health System,” Meece said. She added that her team’s work uniquely positions the Health System to play an important role in outbreaks like COVID-19.


While in-house testing in central Wisconsin is an important step forward, supply issues for testing materials continues to be a challenge. COVID-19 testing currently focuses on patients who need to be hospitalized and health care workers.

Chippewa Valley Technical College

CVTC Postpones Spring Graduation
Graduates will be honored at summer graduation
Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Technical College’s spring commencement has been postponed due to state and federal recommendations regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony will now be held in conjunction with the summer ceremony scheduled for Thursday, July 30.
 
A new date for the River Falls Campus commencement has not been finalized.
 
“We appreciate the significance of the commencement ceremony for our students and we look forward to celebrating with all of you when the time is right,” said CVTC President Bruce Barker. “This decision was made with the best interests our campus communities, students, staff, and guests as a priority.”

Wisconsin Pubic Radio

Early Childhood Autism, COVID-19 Update on “The West Side” April 3
 
Autism awareness and intervention options in the Chippewa Valley, and how children with autism may struggle with the changes brought on by the coronavirus threat will be topics of discussion on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Friday, April on The Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. 
 
The program will also feature an update from Eau Claire-based WPR journalist Elizabeth Dohms-Harter on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to western Wisconsin.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach will be joined by Kristin Wegner, clinical psychologist at the Autism and Behavior Center in Altoona. April is Autism Awareness Month, and Wegner will talk about the importance of early intervention when it comes to diagnosing autism in young children. She will also talk about the difficulties many autistic children are having with the “Safer-at-Home” rules now in place that disrupt their routines.
 
Wegner will also talk about her new book series called Brody the Lion. The first book titled “Sometimes I Roar” is due to come out this spring, and the series is designed to help children with autism develop social skills to cope in society, while giving parents advice on working with their child. 
 
 “The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM River Falls and via an online live stream on 88.7 WRFW-FM via wrfw887.com/listen-live.html.Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.