Click here to download a .pdf of the Spring/Summer 2024 line-up of classes.
Spring/Summer 2024
Menomonie
6. Tour the New Cairn House Homeless Shelter in Menomonie
See the well-designed Cairn House, a new shelter for up to 20 individuals, men or women. Its only requirements are that guests be at least 18 years old and homeless. Staffed 24-7, Cairn House has three case managers working with its guests to connect them to foodshare, health insurance, work, filing for disability, and housing. While each guest has an individual room and bath, three areas are shared: A dining room; a resource room, and laundry room. Limit 20
Presenter: Heidi Hooten, Shelter Director, Stepping Stones
Coordinator: Howard D. Lee (715) 235-8841
Monday: March 4 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Carin House Homeless Shelter, 1518 Stout Road
7. Ready…Set…Go…Phase 3 Downsizing and De-Cluttering
The last two terms Judy Schindler gave advice on getting ready to go. Her third piece of advice is to enlist help. She discovered and recommends Kersten Family Junk Removal, a business that provides full service eco-friendly junk removal services. Jason will share how the family comes into your home, and, working with you, removes just about anything, carries it out so you don’t have to do any work, and then disposes of it in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Presenter: Jason Kersten
Coordinator: Elizabeth Spader (715) 235-7003
Tuesday: March 5 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To watch the recording, click here
8. Wild Mushrooms: An Endless Resource for Us
Mushrooms might seem dangerous and tricky to identify, but with some basic skills, we can learn to identify mushrooms safely. Beyond table fare, the benefits of wild mushrooms offer medicinal potential, can be used as recyclable packing material, and can even help reduce pollutants in our water. Domesticating wild mushrooms for your garden helps aerate soil, break down organic material into nutrition, and even suppresses weeds! Find out how to bring mushrooms from the wild into your homes and gardens.
Presenter: Tavis Lynch
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: March 6 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To watch to the recording, click here.:
9. Probiotics and Prebiotics, Are They Worth the Hype?
We have been inundated with many advertisements about Probiotics and Prebiotics. Our speaker will differentiate between probiotics and prebiotics, define what they are, what they are used for, and if they are helpful. She will cover the latest evidence behind the use of pro and prebiotics and what the most recent research shows for their efficacy.
Presenter: Nicholle K. Super, RDN, CDCES, Mayo Systems
Coordinator: Howard D. Lee (715) 235-8841
Wednesday: March 6 1:30 -3:00 p.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center, 1412 6th Street E
To watch the recoriding, click here.
10. Susan Thurin Shares a Lifetime of Travel
Teaching abroad for five years with two years in the Peace Corps and marrying a man from Sweden encouraged Susan’s deep love of learning about other cultures and gave her a lot of opportunity to travel. She’s pulled together highlights and entertaining stories from her work years and travel in Africa, Europe, and Asia, starting in Wisconsin and including culinary tidbits from Liberia, Lapland, and Tibet, and visits to pre-historic and religious sites across the world.
Presenter: Susan Thurin
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: March 7 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To watch the recording, click here
11. Where The Lilacs Grow: The Story of Happy Island and Old Meridean
The Chippewa River in Dunn County is host to an island called Happy Island which once was the home of a logging town called Meridean, and eight farms. Jeanne Talford Anderson grew up on a dairy farm near new Meridean. Over the years her interest was piqued by stories she heard about the island which led to research and interiews, culminating in this book. She brings this history to life through stories and pictures.
Presenter:Jeanne Talford Anderson
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Thursday: March 7 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To watch the recording, click here.
12. Foreign Affairs
We will view one Foreign Affairs Policy Association Great Decision 2024 DVD each week and discuss the topics. Because the topics are written and recorded in November 2023, we will view all eight topics
in the Spring Term. Topic, date and leaders are:
March 8 Mideast Realignment Dennis Spader
March 15 Climate Technology and Competition Suzanne Gaines March 22 Science Across Borders Steve Brown
April 5 China Trade Rivalry Xuedong Ding
April 12 NATO’s Future Howard Lee
April 19 Understanding Indonesia Steve Hogseth
April 26 High Seas Treaty Lynn Shaw
May 3 Pandemic Preparedness Ellen Ochs
Coordinator: Howard D. Lee (715) 235-8841
Fridays: March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center, 1412 6th Street E
13. Discovering the Birthplace of Democracy
Join Andrew Mercil with a review of his recent trip to Greece to discover the birthplace of democracy as he draws the parallels between the original Greek system of democracy, our American democracy, and the trials and tribulations of both.
Presenter: Andrew Mercil, Dunn County Clerk
Coordinator: Margy Hagaman (715) 309-8030
Wednesday: March 13 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here
14. An Update on the Middle East from Cathy Sultan
An update from Cathy Sultan: The Middle East is on fire; the Genocide in Gaza continues; Natanyahhu insists on Israeli control from the River to the Sea; Fighting on the Israeli-Lebanese border intensifies; Iran retaliates from outside attacks; and Yemen’s unyielding support for the Gazans continues, all of which is an explosive mix.
Presenter: Cathy Sultan
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: March 13 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here
15. Are Your Family Relationships Becoming Casualties of Our Toxic Political Environment?
This Braver Angels workshop will help you preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs by giving you insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging; helping you recognize the common roles that family members play in political conversations; and offering strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way. You can apply what you learn in this workshop with any loved one. Note the longer time to accommodate the workshop time frame.
Presenters: Braver Angels workshop facilitators
Coordinator: Elizabeth Spader (715) 235-7003
Tuesday: March 19 10:00 – Noon
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here.
16. Tour Woodland Ridge Quilt Retreat in the Former Creamery Inn Building and Enjoy a Catered Box Meal at Scatterbrain Cafe in Downsville
Opened in 2013, Woodland Ridge Retreat hosts fiber art and quilt workshops with classes taught by national and international instructors. The retreat also provides a place for creative guests to work on their own projects. Tour the building, browse through an on-site fabric store (including some fabrics designed and created on site), and view a quilt show. Enjoy a catered, boxed meal at the nearby Scatterbrain Café before your tour. The cost is included in the class fee. Limit 26 per tour. Sign up for one tour only.
Presenters: Chris Daly at Woodland Ridge & staff at Scatterbrain Cafe
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Wednesday: March 20 A 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Cafe)
Wednesday: March 20 B Noon – 3:00 p.m. (Cafe)
Woodland Ridge Retreat Scatterbrain Cafe,County Road C, Downsville
Cost: $15.00 for meal, beverage is on your own.
17. Tap into the Brain-saving Foods in Your Backyard
Find out how viruses affect our brains and which wild foods and veggies you can use to help including Chaga, Pink Salt, Wild Leeks (Ramps), Dandelions, Cucumbers, Celery, Seaweed, and Microgreens. Monica will demonstrate several recipes, how to create Quark (Farmer’s Cheese) and a simple microgreen growing set up. Recipes include Mushroom, Potato, & Ramp Soup; Three C’s Stir Fry (Celery, Carrots & Cashews); Sprout-filled Collard Wraps with Mango Tomato Dipping Sauce; Dandelion Shortbread Cookies; and Chaga Coffee Latte. Take home recipes and microgreen seeds. Limit 50
Presenter: Monica Nichols
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Monday: March 25 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center cafeteria, 1412 6th St. E
Cost: $15
18. Panel of Legislators Talk about Long Term Care Issues
State legislators will talk about the state of Wisconsin’s response to the crisis in Long Term Care in Western Wisconsin including the closing of nursing homes and a lack of funding & workers for home care. Bring your questions for our legislators. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard on the subject affecting so many of us.
Presenters: Representative Clint Moses, (Chair of the Aging & Long, Term Care Committee ), Representative Rob Summerfield and Senator Jeff Smith
Coordinators: Margy Hagaman (715) 309-8030
Pat Eggert (715) 308-5357
Wednesday: March 27 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here
19. How to Date Photographs Based on Clothing and Hairstyles
Have you looked at old photos and wondered when they were taken? Are you investigating genealogy and attempting to date a photo?
Museum director Melissa Kneeland will share with you what to look for in both clothing and styling that will help you date historic photos pre1900. This will be a decade by decade walkthrough from the 1860’s – 1890’s. Limit 20
Presenter: Melissa Kneeland
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: March 27 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
Cost: $10
20. Sleep, Emotions, and Essential Oils
Managing our emotions and getting quality sleep are vital for optimal health. Since the pandemic, many people are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Learn how essential oils and other natural supports can help you balance your emotions and get a restful night’s sleep.
Presenter: Michelle Caron
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: April 3 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road To view the recording, click here
21. Make a Cool Pendant with Leather Jewelry Workshop
Choose a metal, glass, or stone pendant. Add lengths of leather and embellish with pewter, copper, or glass beads to create a one-of-a-kind necklace. You create the style and choose the length to suit your fancy. All materials supplied. Check out samples at cvlr.org. Pendant choice is on a first come basis. Plenty of cool ones will be available. Limit 20
Presenters: Chris Oest and Cheryl Gust
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Wednesday: April 3 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Roa8
Cost: $15
22. Personalize Your Own Traditional Native American Walking Stick
Award-winning native artist Dick Mindykowski, a tribal leader of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, will help you personalize a walking stick he created using traditional materials. Dick will explain the Ojibwe meanings and symbolism of his traditional works of art he will have on display including walking sticks, dancing staffs, tomahawks, turtle rattles, shields, dreamcatchers, and necklaces using natural materials gathered from the woodland environment. The class fee covers the cost of your walking stick. (See more info at cvlr.org) Limit 40
Presenter: Dick Mindykowski
Coordinator: Sally Felling (715) 704-0937
Thursday: April 4 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
Cost: $40
Bio: Dick Mindykowski is a tribal elder of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who creates walking sticks, dancing staffs, tomahawks, turtle rattles, shields, dreamcatchers and necklaces using natural materials gathered entirely from the woodland environment. He traps fur bearers, harvests tree branches and gathers stones polished by wind and water.
All of the earth’s four orders find representation in Dick’s artwork. The stones, tree branches and furs represent the first three orders, physical, plant, and animal worlds. Dick’s essence represents the last order – the human world. He bestows a sense of his own meaning and passion upon each piece.
All of the materials that Dick utilizes hold special meaning to the Ojibwe and he graciously educates others regarding their meanings and symbolism, including the use of specific animal furs. Spending time outdoors is the fundamental motivation behind Dick’s artwork. He finds solace among the trees, listening to and watching the forest activities. He feels extremely grateful for these experiences and uses his artwork to, “give something back to the journey of life.”
Dick’s artwork was on display at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month in 2016. Dick continues to share his Ojibwe heritage through his traditional art and workshops with students.
23. Learn about the History of Trains in Our Area
Barb Sheldon, administrator of the Minnesota Transportation Museum and the Jackson Street Roundhouse, will verbally take us on a ride through the railroad history of this area. Extremely knowledgeable on the subject, she will share her talk that she gives several times a day at the Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul, constructed by James J. Hill and one of the last roundhouses of its kind in the United States.
Presenter: Barb Sheldon
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: April 10 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here
24. The Restoration of Our 1931 Model A Woody Station Wagon
Enjoy the story of the restoration of Tim Peterson’s 1931 Model A Ford Woody Station Wagon, the precursor of today’s minivan. In 2020 this vehicle was purchased in McAllen, Texas, in a totally disassembled condition. After three years, the Woody Wagon was “back on the road.” Tim’s firm was Architectural Design Group, and he taught many related courses at UW-Stout. His first car was a Model A, and his long-term hobby has been restoration of older vehicles, especially Model A Fords.
Presenter: Tim Peterson
Coordinator: Elizabeth Spader (715) 235-7003
Thursday: April 11 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
To view the recording, click here.
25. Is This Really the ‘New World’?
Seemingly forever, the conventional wisdom has been that the Americas were peopled 12,000 or 15,000 years ago. We’ll look at provocative new evidence — and different ways of understanding the past — that ask, Is this dramatically off? What if it’s, say, 60,000 or 100,000 years? We’ll also ask why scholars and scientists might be so slow to rethink the timeline of human habitation in the Americas.
Presenter: Frank Smoot
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: April 11 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
26. An African Adventure
Each of us has a “trip of a lifetime” dream. For Lucy and Mike Nicolai, being immersed in the African wilderness became such a trip. From planning to returning home, each step was an adventure. During theirs, the Nicolais lived in tents and got up close and personal with just about every animal Africa has to offer. Whether you are considering a trip or just like to dream, Mike is excited to share his experiences.
Presenters: Mike Nicolai (perhaps with a cue or two from Lucy)
Coordinator: Christopher Smith (715) 664-8805
Tuesday: April 16 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
27. Fused Glass Fun!
Make a fused glass artwork in a fun and casual setting – no experience needed! Choose your project when you arrive. Choices include: nightlight, pair of coasters, candle holder, dish, or a sun-catcher piece. Josephine will bring all the materials and tools, then take the projects to her studio and fire them into beautiful works of art. Finished pieces will be ready for pick up (1 or 2 weeks after class). Date for pickup will be announced. Pickup will be at the Dragon Tale Book Store, 216 Main Street E across the street from the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie anytime during business hours.
Limit 20 Sign up for one section only.
Presenter: Josephine Geiger
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Wednesday: April 17 A 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday: April 17 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
Cost: $30 for 1 project (option make second project as time permits for $10 material fee)
28. Bringing History to Videogames
UW-Stout Historian and videogame designer Dr. Andrew Williams explains the creative process behind developing educational videogames and digital interactive experiences to teach history. By providing insights into the creative process, this highly visual presentation will cover the challenges, compromises, and rewards of translating historical material into videogames. Dr. Williams will include the videogames “The American Revolution Series,” “Witness to the Revolution,” and the interactive museum exhibit “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” at the Minnesota History Center.
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Williams
Coordinator: Pat Eggert (715) 308-5357
Tuesday: April 23 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
29. Drawing as Mindful Practice
Anyone can learn to draw! We will start with a guided imagery to calm and focus your attention. Jan Theberge will facilitate drawing techniques with demos, prompts, and personal guidance. A retired art educator and artist offering art workshops and fun ‘dabbling in the arts’ for all ages, Jan has worked in k-12 and post secondary education. You will receive a drawing kit for use in class and future practice.
Limit 20
Presenters: Jan Theberge
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Wednesday: April 24 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
Cost: $15
30. Adventures in Aotearoa | New Zealand: Travels and Field Investigations in my Favorite Place
Through the application of subsurface imaging methods, in particular ground penetrating radar, Harry will show field results and how the International Fellows Program at the UWEC provides a unique field-based opportunity for undergraduate students. The students traveled internationally to do original field research at select sites within Aotearoa | New Zealand. He works with in-country partners, including the Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, and learns from the Maori community.
Presenter: Harry Jol
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Thursday: April 25 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
31. Grow a Bonsai Tree, Symbolizing Respect, Friendship, Loyalty, and Love
Steve Friede, an ardent “Bonsai Artist,” has a passion for designing and caring for bonsai trees. He will explain the history and origins of bonsai; the various styles; how to choose trees; and how to decide on the design, shape, and care required as they mature. He will highlight techniques, supplies, tools, and potting methods. Over time through careful and precise training and pruning, the bonsai trees and shrubs will slowly be shaped and manipulated to create the appearance of older, mature trees in miniature.
Presenter: Steve Friede
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Wednesday: May 1 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
32. Tour the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center (UW Stout Library)
Tour the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center. First occupied in January 1982, this ultra-modern barrier-free, five-story library and learning center was built at a cost of $6.7 million. The building consists of 123,000 square feet, seating for 1,086 users, and space for 400,000 volumes. Learn what services the library offers the Stout students, and what services it offers the citizens of Menomonie. A Q&A session will follow. Limit 40
Presenter: Kate Kramschuster, Interim Library Director
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Thursday: May 2 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center, 315 10th Avenue E.
33. City of Menomonie Public Works Department – Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
The City of Menomonie Wastewater Utility collects and conveys 1.5 million gallons per day of wastewater from homes and businesses to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Attendees will be given a guided tour through the Wastewater Treatment Plant to gain a better understanding of how wastewater is converted to clean water. Attendees will need to navigate uneven terrain and stairs. Close-toed athletic shoes or work boots are required. Limit 10 per tour. Sign up for one tour only.
Presenter: David Schofield, Public Works Director
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Tuesday: May 7 A 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: May 7 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
City of Menomonie Public Works Department, 621 11th Avenue W.
34. Dunn County Judicial Center Tour
Tour the Dunn County Judicial Center. Meet with the Clerk of Courts, the Dunn County Sheriff, the Menomonie Emergency Response Coordinator, and The Community Outreach Coordinator. Learn about the various departments and how they serve the community. See inside the courtrooms and learn about the judicial process. A Q&A session will follow. Limit 40 Note time frame.
Presenter: Katie Schalley, Dunn County Clerk of Courts
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Friday: May 10 10:00 – Noon
Dunn County Judicial Center, 815 Stokke Parkway
35. Cooking with Monica: Discover the Secrets to Tantalizing Mexican Menus
Using readily available ingredients, Monica will take us on a tour of three Mexican cooking styles and show us how to create mouth-watering Mexican menus with northern Mexico, Summertime, and TexMex flavorings. Each menu features a main dish, side dish, beverage, and dessert. To tempt your tastebuds, here are the three main dishes: Quesabirria Tacos (Slow Cooked, Marinated/Seasoned Beef), Tacos Al Pastor (Pork & Pineapple), and Seafood Fajitas with Grilled Veggies. Receive a recipe packet and enjoy samples.Limit 50
Presenter: Monica Nichols
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Monday: May 13 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center cafeteria, 1412 6th St. E
Cost: $15
36. The Biology of Sex
Just how do we end up with our body parts? Join Dr. Alexandra Hall for a fun and fascinating answer to these questions and more! Trained in theater, education, and medicine, Dr. Hall is known for her engaging and interactive presentations. A former family physician with extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health, she now serves as a Biology lecturer at UW-Stout and loves to share her knowledge of the incredible workings of the human body with students and the general community.
Presenter: Alexandra Hall, M.D.
Coordinator: Elizabeth Spader (715) 235-7003
Tuesday: May 14 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
37. Attend a Mock Trial Staged by High School Students
Criminology students from St. Croix Central High School will perform a mock trial using CVLR members as the jury. The instructor Mr. Buckel serves as presiding judge and the students are the prosecuting and defense attorneys. The mock trial is based on a fictitious but realistic case and includes opening statements, presentation of testimonial and physical evidence, and closing arguments. The jury will deliberate to reach a verdict and announce the verdict to finish the trial. Call Marilyn to be on the jury. Note time frame.
Presenters: Chris Buckel and Criminology students from St. Croix Central School District
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Tuesday: May 14 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
38. Covia Sand Plant Tour
Back by popular demand! Come along on a fascinating tour of Covia Sand Plant. Covia mines five grades of high-purity quartz sand with only one grade being regularly sold for use in glass production. Their high-quality sand makes Covia an industry leader. See how the sand is extracted, cleaned, and separated into its different components and learn about the land reclamation process currently taking place. Long pants required, no open-toed shoes or sandals. Limit 24 Note time frame.
Presenters: Jeremy Wagner, Plant Manager-Menomonie
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Wednesday: May 15 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Covia Sand Plant, N5628 580th Street
39. Cardinal Glass Factory (Cardinal FG)
Back by popular demand! Take an interesting and informative tour of Menomonie’s Cardinal Glass Factory (now Cardinal FG). Cardinal leads the industry in residential glass production. Learn the fascinating processes by which “float glass” is made, and its various applications for residential windows and doors. A short video presentation precedes the tour, you are encouraged to ask questions during the tour, and you get to look inside the glass-melting furnace, so it gets hot! Limit 24 Note time frame.
Presenter: Jan Witt, Quality Assurance Representative
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Thursday: May 23 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Cardinal FG, 2200 Stokke Parkway
40. What’s For Dinner? Find your Delectable Choices in Nature
Do you know the variety of common wild edible plants which are readily available, very healthy, and easily found for human consumption? KaYing Vang, a District Conservationist for Pierce and St. Croix Counties, will share his Hmong knowledge and heritage with plant examples. KaVing will review about a dozen of the more common plants and explain the process of safe foraging. His presentation will include the threat of invasive plants threatening the edibles and what is being done to counteract this problem.
Presenter: KaYing Vang, District Conservationist, Pierce/St. Croix Counties
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Thursday: May 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
41. Louis Smith Tainter Home Tour
Back by popular demand! Come along on an interesting and informative tour of the first and second floors of the Louis Smith Tainter home, located at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Broadway. This beautiful home was originally built by Andrew and Bertha Tainter as a wedding gift to their son, Louis, and his wife Effie. Now owned by UW Stout and used as office space, it retains much of its original charm. Limit 20 per tour. Sign up for one tour only.
Presenter: Mark Quilling
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Tuesday: May 28 A 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: May 28 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Louis Smith Tainter Home, 320 Broadway Street S
42. Modern Morse Code
Morse Code is a proven, 200-year-old global communication method. You still use it daily. Thomas Wayne King (WF9I) and Debra Raye King (N9GLG), founders of UWEC Morse 2000 Outreach in 1994, will teach you about Modern Morse Code while they demonstrate and tell of their numerous unique Morse Code adventures, publications, and innovations. And, might Torgeir and Ari, both alert rams in their wonderful Icelandic Wool flock, be Morse Code Sheep? Hmm…
Presenters: Thomas Wayne King, Ed.D. (CCC-SLP/L Ret.) and
Debra Raye King, M.Ed.-PD.
Coordinator: Joyce Robbins (715) 931-7611
Wednesday: May 29 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
43. A Veteran’s Honor Flight Experience
Listen as Herb Ruscin recounts his experience of taking an Honor Flight. He will share it with you through a slide presentation and talk about the application process, the pre-flight preparation, and the actual day of the flight. Herb would like every veteran to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime honor! Learn how a veteran you know can experience what Herb did. Q & A to follow as time permits.
Presenter: Herb Ruscin
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Wednesday: May 29 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
44. Patriot K9s of Wisconsin (PK9s)
Hear about this very interesting non-profit organization that provides Psychiatric Service Dogs and training, free of charge, to disabled veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress/Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma. Operating out of Wausau, PK9s serves all qualified veterans throughout the Wisconsin area. Veterans are required to attend a minimum of 30 weeks of training to train and bond with their service dog. (A service dog will be present.)
Presenter: HPK9 Staff
Coordinator: Mark Quilling (651) 772-9398
Tuesday: June 4 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
45. Cooking with Monica: Healthy Grilling
Monica’s husband Randy and their new food truck will join her in this class. He will show how to start a charcoal grill, manage the temperature and heat distribution, and perform stove top smoking. They will demonstrate creating easy marinades and foil packs that can be used in an oven or on the grill or a campfire. The recipe packet includes Ratatouille Salad Foil Pack, Pepper Jack Chicken with Succotash, Chimichurri Steak Kabobs, Cilantro-Citrus Cod with Quinoa, Smoked Garlic Chicken, Portobello & Radicchio Salad, Hot Plums, Pineapple & Berries Foil Pack. Limit 50
Presenters: Monica and Randy Nichols (and their food truck)
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Monday: June 10 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center cafeteria, 1412 6th St. E
Cost: $15
46. Ghosts and Hauntings
Join British paranormal investigator, author, and TV presenter Adrian Lee as he discusses the latest famous and celebrity ghosts he’s encountered across America for his new book Dead & Famous and the TV show Unscripted Paranormal. With all the spooky evidence, stories, history, humor, and live equipment demonstrations, and book signing, Adrian’s talks are always packed with fun, interesting anecdotes, and question and answer sessions. His books will also be available to sign and buy.
Presenter: Adrian Lee
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: June 13 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 John Russell Road
47. Chippewa Falls WWII Hero Harry E. Kramer
Chippewa Falls’ First World War II Casualty Young Harry Wellington Kramer joined the Navy and was stationed aboard the battleship USS California. His parents anxiously followed the developments that would lead to America’s involvement in World War II. During the attack on Pearl Harbor Harry was tragically killed fulfilling his duties. Compiling thirty-three letters between Harry and home, local author and history teacher John E. Kinville tells the story of a life cut short but well lived.
Presenter: John Kinville
Coordinator: Howard Lee (715) 235-8841
Monday: July 8 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Shirley Doane Senior Center, 1412 6th Street E