Click here to download a .pdf of the Fall 2023 line-up of classes.
Click here to download a copy of the calendar for Fall 2023
Click here to download a copy of the parking brochure for the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Fall 2023
Eau Claire
54. Tour the Updated Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute
Tour the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Tour the Honor Mall with us and hear the history and stories of the beautiful monuments and legacy stones on permanent display for Veterans. Some local Veterans will be in attendance to tell their stories along with interesting facts about those that have served from the Chippewa Valley. We will show you the development phases of the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute. You will receive a souvenir hat and pin for attending.
Presenters: Angela Deutschlander
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: September 6 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute at River Prairie Park, Altoona
55. Tour the Forest Street Community Gardens in Downtown Eau Claire
Take a walking tour of the Shared Garden, Seasonal Plot Gardens, and Shared Herb Garden. Learn the history of the development of the Forest Street Greenspace, bringing together the support of the Eau Claire City Council and Parks Division, North River Fronts Neighborhood, Eau Claire Community Table, and Eau Claire County Extension. Learn how the Shared Garden members work as a group, sharing harvests and donating excess produce to local community kitchens and food pantries. (Rain or Shine)
Limit 40 per session. Sign up for one session only.
Presenters: Mari Jackson, Kim Lien, and Tami Schraufnagel
Coordinator: Sally Felling (715) 704-0937
Monday: September 11 A 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Monday: September 11 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Forest Street Garden Pavilion, 534 Forest St, Eau Claire
56. Forestry: Caring for Wisconsin’s Woods
As you drive around Wisconsin and see the vast expanse of forestland, do you ever ask yourself these questions. Who owns these forests? Is somebody tending them? What products do they produce? Find out the answers and more information such as how healthy are our forests, what quantity of wood products are produced, are we growing more or less than we are harvesting, and what challenges face Wisconsin forests. Keith will discuss the forest products industries.
Presenter: Keith Krajewski, Forestry Team Leader WI DNR
Coordinator: Michael O’Halloran (715) 563-2702
Wednesday: September 13 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L. E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Presto Room
To view the recording, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/AqenVIjFiczt2SuszqyI-UV04dqdLhPwUcXtAdQADf1A7UJdNTFPMwx_kJZ7NoL1.iIabeq4enbkTPdsJ
57. Enjoy the Floral Nectar of Honeybees
Based on modern research, Drew Kaiser’s of style of beekeeping is unique because the harvests are single-origin and frequent throughout the changing seasons. Honeybees unlock a portrait of the Chippewa Valley as told through floral nectars. Drew will hold an informal conversation about the roles of honeybees, the science behind beekeeping, and contemporary issues. You will have a chance to taste several different harvests of Kaiserson’s honeys and be rewarded with a token of the honeybees’ hard work. Limit 25
Presenter: Drew Kaiser, Kaiserson Bee Company
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Tuesday: September 19 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Avalon European Floral, 421 Water Street
Cost: $15
58. Eau Claire: City of Bridges
The Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers once provided formidable barriers between the three towns clustered at the confluence. Since the first fully functional bridge was built in 1862, Eau Claire has become a city of bridges. We will briefly trace the history of each of Eau Claire’s twenty-four still functioning bridges, but we will focus mainly on the pedestrian and bicycle bridges.
Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Tim Hirsch
Coordinator: Mike Hilger (715) 832-8823
Wednesday: September 20 10:00 – 11:30 a.m
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
59. What in the World Is a Dabble Box Makerspace?
After a presentation about the purpose and benefits of makerspaces in public libraries, you will have a chance to experience the RCU Dabble Box Makerspace for yourself. Experiment with an extensive variety of arts and crafts, interact with Dabble Box robots, learn about printing with the 3D printers, and more. Assistance will be available to help you explore what the space has to offer! Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Limit 40
Presenter: Bethany Bulgrin, Reference & Digital Services Librarian
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Wednesday: September 20 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bio:Bethany Bulgrin, MLIS, is the Reference & Digital Services Librarian at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. In addition to managing the library’s digital offerings, she co-coordinates the library’s Dabble Box makerspace and the Tough Topics Book Club. Bethany is new to the position, and was previously with the library’s Circulation department for five years, while also holing part-time positions at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Library and IFLS, the library system’s “headquarters.”
Prior to working at LEPMPL, she was a medical transcriptionist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and worked at Famous Dave’s BBQ Restaurant for 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, health and nutrition, and spending time with her dog and family. She is excited about her new role in the library and looks forward to developing community connections.
60. Foreign Exchange Student Hosting
Have you ever thought about hosting a foreign exchange student or wondered what it is all about? Mariah Saerndahl, Greenheart Exchange area coordinator, will explain the program and the benefits for both student and host. Hosting an exchange student gives you the chance to learn about new cultures, create lasting friendships, and bring the world into your home and community. For the student you welcome into your family, you are providing a cultural immersion that will be treasured forever.
Presenter: Mariah Saerndahl
Coordinator: Barb Hebert (715) 514-9692
Friday: October 6 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side
61. Tour Hope Gospel’s Men’s Facility and Headquarters
See the unique living quarters offering privacy and respect for the men of Hope’s short and long-term facility. Find out how Hope Bargain Centers and Building Hope contribute job opportunities and revenue to their facilities. Learn how they achieve a 70% success rate at helping their residents make a fresh start in the community. Hear Hope’s future plans and enjoy a special lunch prepared by their chef.
Presenter: Brent Geboy
Coordinator: LuAnn Livingston (414) 507-7740
Monday: October 9 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hope Gospel Men’s Facility and Headquarters 2640 Mercantile Drive Take an immediate right onto the service road when you turn west on Moholt.
Cost: $10
62. Travel to the Serengeti of Tanzania
Travel with Jim Backus of Magoo Nature Photography in the Serengeti of Tanzania, the home of the largest mammal migration in the world. See three million animals travel on the Serengeti. The Serengeti also has the largest lion population in Africa. It has a very diverse population. Jim hopes to see you at class.
Presenter: Jim Backus, Magoo Nature Photography
Coordinator: Jim Urness (715) 832-5670
Thursday: October 12 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St.side
63. 80 for 80, England and Scotland, Christmas on Homedale Road:
A Little Art, A Little Poetry, and A Little Nostalgia
A Talk about Three Art Books Written by Sue and Doug Pearson
How does a marriage survive when one partner wants to get things done—as fast as possible—and the other is a cautious perfectionist? That’s a question Doug and Sue answered over and over again. Shaping three books demanded a lot of patience—and listening. And laughter. They will introduce you to various aspects of each of the books. They will show slides, read some poetry, tell one or two stories that didn’t make it into the Christmas book, and even offer a summary video. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Susan and Douglas Pearson
Coordinator: Mike Hilger (715) 832-8823
Monday: October 23 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
64. Take a Virtual Tour of Eureka Recycling
Where does all of our recycling go? The Minneapolis-based Material Recovery Facility will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how recyclables are collected from the region, sorted, processed, and sold. Learn about the latest recycling technologies and the critical role recycling plays in building a zero-waste future. Regan will also be available to answer any local recycling questions. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Katie Drews, Senior Vice President, and Trey Wodele, Director of Communications, and Regan Watts, Eau Claire County Sustainability Coordinator
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Monday: October 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
65. An Insider’s Guide to America
Steve Betchkal knows America like the back end of his binoculars, having visited all fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Jump into the passenger seat and join him as he tours the best and worst of our diverse national landscape.Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Steve Betchkal
Coordinator: Kathie Fahrman (715) 563-5116
Tuesday: October 24 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
66. Spooky Plants
Plants that kill, plants that sting, and plants that remind us of all things Halloween will be the subject of this spooky presentation. Learn more about the roles of plants in warding off vampires, discouraging werewolves, and even spawning the legends of witches riding broomsticks. From screaming mandrake root to the plant that killed Lincoln’s mother, you’ll encounter some of the most frightening members of the Plant Kingdom in this presentation. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Dr. Lauren Wentz, Professor of Biology,
UW-Eau Claire—Barron County
Coordinator: Sally Felling (715) 704-0937
Thursday: October 26 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bio: Dr. Lauren Wentz is a Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire–Barron County. She has studied the behavior and ecology of Common Loons in northern Wisconsin and Michigan since 1985 and has also observed the nocturnal behavior of Common and Pacific Loons in Alaska as well. Dr. Wentz has served previously on the biology faculty at UW-Whitewater (1991-2002) and was Dean of Arts and Sciences at Peninsula College in Washington before joining the faculty at UWEC-Barron County in 2010; she earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from The Ohio State University in 1990, with an emphasis in bioacoustics and behavioral ecology.
67. The Adventures of Dave Greschner
Everyone who reads the outdoor section of the LeaderTelegram has enjoyed the adventures and musings of Dave Greschner along with his nature photography. He is the retired sports/outdoor editor of the Rice Lake Chronotype. Dave will give an interesting presentation about his outdoors writing, show and tell the stories behind his wildlife photographs, and share some “inside” stories from his many years at a community newspaper. He may also read some stories from his new book.
Presenter: Dave Greschner
Coordinator: Barb Hebert (715) 514-9692
Friday: October 27 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side.
68. A Trip Through Northern Laos
What do the following have in common: Buddhist temples, a nine-hour
ride through the mountains on a malfunctioning bus, a cooking class, a visit to a Hmong library, and a Mekong riverboat ride? These were all part of a trip Paul Wagner and Cindy Schlosser took to northern Laos in 2012. Join Cindy and Paul to see colorful photos and hear unusual stories from their trip. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Paul Wagner and Cindy Schlosser
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Friday: October 27 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
69. Fused-Glass Winter Porch Pot Stake
Make a porch pot stake for your holiday pot made of fused glass and weatherproofed. The glass portion will be approximately 8” tall and 2 1/2 – 4” wide, depending on your choice of design. Select from stakes with a seasonal decor, gnome, poinsettia, etc. and add your own creative design. Your stake will be fired in Jean’s studio and glued onto a 3 foot steel pole. Pick-up is Tuesday, November 28, 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. at L.E. Phillips Senior Center, Thompson Room.
Limit 18 per session. Sign up for one session only.
Presenter: Jean Romanshek
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Tuesday: October 31 A 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: November 16 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Thompson Room
Cost: $25 for the first stake. If time allows, the option to create a second
will be an additional $20.
70. Nuno Felt A Scarf
Nuno Felting is a fun method of embedding wool into silk to create a unique, lightweight fiber masterpiece. Lisa will guide us through the felting process of applying water, heat, and friction to make a beautiful scarf. All materials will be provided. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Limit 10 per session. Sign up for one session only.
Presenter: Lisa Swanson
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Friday: November 3 A 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday: November 13 B 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Library, Innovation Lab, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Cost: $20
71. The Sound of Life
We entrust so much of what we know and love to our eyesight, but much of the beauty of Planet Earth is “ear candy.” Join ecologist Steve Betchkal as he hosts an incomparable “Sound Safari” based upon amazing and alluring recordings he’s collected from around the world.
Presenter: Steve Betchkal
Coordinator: Kathie Fahrman (715) 563-5116
Tuesday: November 7 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side.
72. African Photo Safari with Rick Koziel
No other place on the planet offers the same opportunities to see such a diverse variety of wildlife up close and personal as Africa! In this continuation of his CVLR program from this past April, Rick will share images of the Big Five and more from his four adventures to southern and east Africa. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Rick Koziel
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Monday: November 13 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bio: Rick Koziel’s love of the outdoors led him to a career as a naturalist and director of Beaver Creek Reserve for over 35 years where he was able to share his enthusiasm, passion and love for nature and wild things with others. Since retiring he has found more time to look through a lens while hiking and paddling the woods and waters of Wisconsin and the rest of the world.
73. Create a Winter Porch Pot for the Holidays
Let nature be your decoration. Create your own winter porch pot with fresh evergreens branches. The fee for this class includes the pot, soil, and seven different types of fresh evergreens. Add your own pinecones, a fancy bow, lights, and something special from your treasures. Leave with a beautiful winter decoration for your front steps or back patio.
Angie Reit, May’s Floral
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Tuesday: November 14 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
May’s Floral, 3424 Jeffers Road
Cost: $45
74. Books Make the Best Gifts
Feeling overwhelmed by your holiday shopping list? Let’s talk about books! Margaret Leonard of Dotters Books will present her favorite books to gift – for everyone on your list. Recommendations will include books for all the readers in your life, from babies to best friends, and maybe a few you’d like to add to your own wish list. Books will be available for perusal at the event. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Margaret Leonard, owner Dotters Books
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Tuesday: November 14 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bio: Margaret Leonard is the owner of Dotters Books, Eau Claire’s only Independent Bookstore, now located in the heart of downtown. She has a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Marquette University and basically just loves books. She, along with Elizabeth de Cleyre and Jill Heinke Moen, founded Dotters Books in the Spring of 2017.
75. Expectations by ecWIT
Enjoy Eau Claire Women in Theater’s newest show, Expectations. This light-hearted compilation of short pieces explores the assumptions and possibilities that shape our lives and our world. ECWIT is giving away a gift basket full of treasures, each linked to one of the stories in the show. The performance will be followed by a delicious lunch at The Florian Gardens.
Presenters: ecWIT – Eau Claire Women in Theater
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Wednesday: November 15 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Avenue
Cost: $35