Small Street Journal: February 14, 2020

University of WI Eau Claire
'One Read Eau Claire' monthly book discussion series kicks off Feb. 8
The discussion series, based around helping the community become more inclusive of difference, will feature 12 books for 12 months, on 15 different topics of importance in Eau Claire, as nominated by citizens at the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Eau Claire. Full story.
 
'Thursdays at the U' welcomes science fiction and fantasy author Kelly McCullough
The author will present "Fantastic Worlds, Writing and Publishing" from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County in Rice Lake. Full story.
 
UW-Eau Claire remains among top U.S. producers of Fulbright students
UW-Eau Claire is again among the top five U.S. master’s universities for its number of students who receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants through the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious international educational exchange program. Full story.
 
The Fire Ball 2020, 'Pride Is a Riot,' set for Feb. 28-29
The must-see celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Ojibwe Grand Ballroom of Davies Center at UW-Eau Claire with a pride theme meant to elevate important topics and voices in the LGBTQ+ community. Full story.
 
Student, faculty and alumni show: 'Elemental' set for Feb. 22-23
Notorious, a Blugold faculty/student music ensemble, and the Torch Sisters, a local group of artists, flow arts performers and aerialists, have joined to build a show that explores the seven elements of earth, water, space, air, metal, wood and fire. Full story.
 
 
 
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals launch Restorative Health series March 10
EAU CLAIRE – Let’s face it – chronic conditions certainly can make life challenging. But a challenging life does not have to be an unfulfilled life. In fact, learning how to manage a chronic condition can help you to live your best life. If you have diabetes – a chronic condition that affects more than 100 million U.S. adults – you’ll want to join HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals for a presentation on how to better manage your diabetes and ultimately make your life easier.

The free presentation will take place Tuesday, March 10 at 29 Pines/Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m. Hear from local experts including a wound care physician, a certified family nurse practitioner and a registered dietitian. Resource booths and refreshments will be available.
Registration is required by calling 715-717-6565 or www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/Events-Classes.

This is the first installment of the two hospitals’ Restorative Health Series, which is designed to educate and support those who have a chronic health condition. Each unique installment will focus on new research, techniques for managing the disease and building a positive mindset for healthy living. Future installments will be scheduled throughout the year.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals launch Restorative Health series March 10
EAU CLAIRE – Let’s face it – chronic conditions certainly can make life challenging. But a challenging life does not have to be an unfulfilled life. In fact, learning how to manage a chronic condition can help you to live your best life. If you have diabetes – a chronic condition that affects more than 100 million U.S. adults – you’ll want to join HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals for a presentation on how to better manage your diabetes and ultimately make your life easier.

The free presentation will take place Tuesday, March 10 at 29 Pines/Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m. Hear from local experts including a wound care physician, a certified family nurse practitioner and a registered dietitian. Resource booths and refreshments will be available.
Registration is required by calling 715-717-6565 or www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/Events-Classes.

This is the first installment of the two hospitals’ Restorative Health Series, which is designed to educate and support those who have a chronic health condition. Each unique installment will focus on new research, techniques for managing the disease and building a positive mindset for healthy living. Future installments will be scheduled throughout the year.
 


ROYAL CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING/RIBBON CUTTING FOR
NEW ST. CROIX FALLS OFFICE
St. Croix Falls, WI – Royal Credit Union (Royal) hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration for a new office in St. Croix Falls on February 10, 2020. The office is located at 2175 US HWY 8 and features a full-service lobby, self-service coin machine, drive-up and ATM.
 
“We had outgrown our previous St. Croix Falls location and needed a larger facility to serve our existing Members and potential new Members, said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union President & CEO. “St Croix Falls is a hub for groceries, shopping, and restaurants and is a destination point for Polk County residents. Royal is pleased to open our new location and is committed to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives we touch in the St. Croix Valley.”
The groundbreaking was attended by Falls Chamber of Commerce Vice President Bill Ties, and St. Croix Falls City Council President, Kirk Anderson. Royal’s St. Croix Falls Branch Manager Rhonda Anderson emceed the event. Royal worked with River Valley Architects and Hoeft Builders on construction of the facility.
 
In the spirit of making a difference, Royal donated $500 to the Star Education Foundation of St. Croix Falls. The Star Education Foundation’s mission is to enrich student lives and enhance education in an effort to ensure the success of the students.  Star Education Foundation board member, Rebecca Berg, accepted the gift and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
The new St. Croix Falls office will feature teller services, new accounts, business services, consumer loans, home loans, investment services, and more. Royal also has a full-service office in Osceola, school site branches in St. Croix Falls and Balsam Lake, and ATMs in the Polk County Government Center and the Polk County Justice Center.
 
 

Library Hosts College Application Program
Students looking to stand out on college application essays are invited to learn strategies for tacking the Common App prompts at an upcoming library program. The L.E. Phillips Memorial Library in Eau Claire will host “Conquering the Common App” on Sunday, February 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Eau Claire Room, located on the library’s lower level.
 
Registration is required for this free program. Register at www.ecpubliclibrary.info/teens or call 715-839-5007.
 
The program will be presented by Angie Nijhawan, M.Ed. As a college essay coach, tutor and editor, she has been active in the field of Education for 25 years.
 
For more information, stop at Youth Services on your next visit to the library, call 715-839-5007, or email ysstaff@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check the library’s website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.
 
Retrieve Your Memories
The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire will host “The Story of Your Life: Writing your Forgotten Past,” on Tuesday, March 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Eau Claire Room on the library’s lower level. How do we conjure our long forgotten stories? And how can we recall those details that we thought had vanished from our memories? There’s hope! And technique, too! Join author B.J. Hollars for a series of generative writing prompts sure to spur your memory, bring your past to the present, and help you write your life’s story. There is no charge to attend and all are welcome.
 
This event is co-sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild and the local literary journal Barstow & Grand as part of “Eau Claire County Reads.” “Eau Claire County Reads” is a county-wide reading program encouraging literacy and community engagement. The selected title is A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman, a comical and heart-warming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. The program is co-sponsored by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County, Altoona Public Library, Augusta Memorial Public Library, Fairchild Public Library, Fall Creek Public Library, and the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Learn more about “Eau Claire County Reads” at www.ecpubliclibrary.info/eccreads.
 
For information, stop at Information & Reference on your next visit to the library, call 715-839-5004, or email the library at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check the library website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.
 
If you have a need for a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations, please notify Information & Reference (715-839-5004, librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us) at least 48 hours before the program.
 

 
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Eau Claire, WI (February 6, 2020) – In January Eau Claire City Council President Terry Weld, Chippewa Falls Mayor Greg Hoffman, and Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack proclaimed Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Thank Your Mentor Day’ in appreciation of the countless volunteer hours and support Big Brothers Big Sisters has from the community.
 
This January was the 19th year of National Mentoring Month which celebrates and highlights the importance of mentors in young children’s lives. Children with a mentor set higher goals for themselves, are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and are more likely to reach higher levels of education. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin aims to expand the awareness of mentoring and the positive impacts on children in the community.
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters works towards creating lasting relationships where children are able to reach their full potential. A survey of former child participants (Littles) from all over the nation found that Littles believe their mentors (Bigs) helped them significantly.
• 52% agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school.
• 77% agreed they were doing better in school because of their Big.
• 65% reported their Big helped them reach higher level of education than they thought possible.
 
“Mentoring has a strong impact on the young people in our community. Every year we see an increase in the number of children looking to join the program,” said Wesley Escondo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin.
 
Right now, there are over 150 children waiting to be matched. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin aims to connect more youth in the community with adults to create lasting relationships.
 
‘Thank Your Mentor Day’ was January 30th, 2020. It was a day for everyone to thank their mentors and those who made a positive impact on them while growing up, but the opportunity to thank a mentor never ends. Show your support for all the mentors in your life by sending cards, sharing stories on social media and supporting mentoring programs.
 
Anyone interested in more information about volunteering or enrolling a child can call 800-648-1696, email info@bbbsnw.org, or visit bbbsnw.org.
 
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  Big Brothers Big Sisters holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin serves hundreds of children annually in five counties: Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, & St. Croix. Learn how you can become a Defender of Potential  TM and positively impact a child’s life at www.bbbsnw.org.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Get Involved.
 

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Wisconsin Public Radio
Racism Task Force Recommendations Discussed on “The West Side” on February 17
 The recommendations from a rapid action task force developed in response to racism at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire will be the topic of discussion on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 on The Ideas Network Stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls.
 
Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome two co-chairs of the UWEC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Rapid Action Task Force – Jan Larson, chair of the Communication and Journalism Department, and Kim Wudi, head coach for the Blugold women’s volleyball team. The task force was formed in the wake of two racist incidents at UWEC during the fall semester, and was charged with identifying issues and opportunities to improve the campus culture. The recommendations, and a plan to support the recommendations were announced this month.
 
“The West Side” is a call-in program focused on issues specific to western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Mondays 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. 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.
 
Author John Kinville on “Spectrum West” February 13, 2020
 A Chippewa Falls historian will talk about his new book that looks back at Ku Klux Klan activity in that community will be a guest on “Spectrum West,” which airs at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3 WHWC-FM/ Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7 WRFW-FM/ River Falls. The program will also include previews of upcoming concerts in Menomonie and Rice Lake, and an interview with the new director of a meal kitchen in Eau Claire.
 
Correspondent Katharine Thomas will be talking with Chippewa Falls author John Kinville about his book “The Grey Eagles of Chippewa Falls: A Hidden History of a Women’s Ku Klux Klan in Wisconsin.”  The book is about group of women known as “Women’s Klan No. 14” who existed in the area in the 1920s and early 30s. Kinville will have a book reading on Monday, Feb. 17 at The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls.
 
Saxophonist Sue Orfield and singer Jennifer Grimm will be joining host Al Ross in anticipation of a concert which will take place on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie. Orfield is artist-in-residence at The Mabel, and her next “Sue Orfield Presents” concert will include Grimm singing classics and originals accompanied by the band Sue Orfield & Friends.
 
Robin Fossum, president of The Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra of Rice Lake, will be talking with Ross about its upcoming “Homegrown Concert” which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16. The concert, now in its third year, will feature orchestra members performing established classics within smaller ensembles.
 
Ross will be welcoming T.J. Atkins to the show this week. Atkins is the new executive director of The Community Table, an Eau Claire free meal kitchen and community service organization. Atkins is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the University of Wisconsin-Stout, having previously worked in health care outreach.
 
“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.