Click here to download a .pdf of the Spring/Summer 2026 line-up of classes.
Click here to download a calendar of the Spring/Summer 2026 line-up of classes.
Click here to download a copy of the parking brochure for the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Click here to view the page with ALL the recordings for Fall 2025, wherever they were recorded.
Spring/Summer 2026
Eau Claire
54. Chair Yoga
From beginners to experienced Yogi, all levels are welcome to join Chair Yoga. During the class, your body will be guided through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance, range of motion and strength. The restorative breathing exercise along with the final relaxation pose will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Limit 80
Presenter: Mindy Anderson, Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200)
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Thursday: March 19 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
LE Philllips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St, Conference Rooms A&B, lower level
Wednesday: October 29 B 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Feed My People, 2610 Alpine Road, 1 block north of North Crossing
55. The City for the Trees
More than any other color, green signifies life. Not the red of iron-rich blood. Not the roaring yellow of the sun. Plants provide the structure, the baseline, the foundation for everything that lives, and if you consider trees, perhaps the walls and roof as well. Join Steve Betchkal and Micah Davis for a viewing of the Emmy-nominated series that describes the critical importance of Green Space in our functional daily lives. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Steve Betchkal & Micah Davis
Coordinator: Kathie Fahrman (715) 563-5116
Tuesday: March 24 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
56. Native American Spiritual Beliefs and Practices pre-Columbus
A life-long student of the Abrahamic world religions (i.e., Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Babi, and Baha’i) this year Tim tackles the vast and varied topic of indigenous spirituality. Tim’s presentation will explore migration theories, tribal dispersion across this continent, some well-known cultures, the Great Mystery, creation stories, the spirit world, sacredness, common beliefs, living in harmony with nature, mythologies, medicine men and women, spirit guides and animals, ceremonies, views on European settlers’ arrival, the genocide question, and more.
Presenter: Timothy Nyseth, Retired school psychologist
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-563
Wednesday: April 1 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
LE Philllips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St, Conference Rooms A&B, lower level
57. A Master Falconer’s Story and Birds
Join Mang “Ma” Yang for a fun presentation about falconry. Mang has practiced falconry for over 14 years and is a master falconer. He will talk about the history, acquisition and methods for training and hunting raptors. You will also learn how to identify key distinctive characteristics of each raptor species. He will be accompanied by his Harris’s Hawk Charlie and possibly other birds.
Presenter: “Ma” Yang
Coordinator: Barb Hebert (715) 514-9692
Monday: April 6 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Conference Rooms A & B, lower level.
58. The Bears and Wolves of Yellowstone
Visit Yellowstone National Park through the lens of Jim’s camera. He returns to show us pictures and share his stories from his annual visits to Yellowstone Park over many years. Don’t miss this presentation; Jim is always interesting and has beautiful photos.
Presenter: Jim Backus, Magoo Nature Photography
Coordinator: Jim Urness (715) 832-5670
Wednesday: April 8 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St.side
58. A Guide to Planting Natives
Wondering what’s so important about planting natives or how to begin? You will gain an understanding of the role natives play in sustaining pollinators and receive assistance to develop a plan to include natives in your garden. Learn which natives will be successful in our region, view a demonstration of seeding, and get information about nurseries to acquire seedlings. Take home a packet of native seeds to begin your Spring planting. Limit 75
Presenter: Sherry Sprague, Master Gardener
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Wednesday: April 8 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Beaver Creek Reserve, Wise Nature Center, Auditorium, S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek
Cost: $5
60. The First Notes of Spring: From Warblers to Wildflowers and Everything in Between
Wake up! After a long, cold, dark winter, nature signals the first signs of spring with the sounds of warblers and first glimpses of woodland wildflowers, peeping frogs, and that ethereal blush of pale green on trees as far as the eye can see. Let’s take a walk through the woods to experience nature’s harbingers of spring, through sights and sounds, in beautiful northern Wisconsin. Co-sponsored by the 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: April 9 1:30 – 3:00 p.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. 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.
61. A Passage to India
Almost halfway around the planet from Wisconsin lies the most populous nation in the world – rich in history, flavor, and exotic wildlife. Join naturalist and photographer Steve Betchkal on a tour of magnificent Northern India – from noisy Delhi to the foothills of the Himalayas and every National Park in-between. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Steve Betchkal
Coordinator: Kathie Fahrman (715) 563-5116
Monday: April 13 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
62. Watercolor Painting
Create your own watercolor painting while you learn about basic and fun techniques All painting supplies will be provided. You may bring your own 8.5” x 11” printed color photo or choose from a provided selection of photos. A Lightbox will be available to transfer the photos to the watercolor paper. This class is designed to provide you with some relaxing zen time. You will take home a finished painting that you have created. Limit 12
Presenter: Lindamerry Udell
Coordinator: Joan Jepsen-Burger (484) 657-4443
Wednesday: April 15 (A) 10:00.- 11:30 a.m
Wednesday: April 22 (B) 10:00.- 11:30 a.m
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Building
1320 Clairemont Avenue
63. Curiously As We Age: Practices that Improve Curiosity…and Better Brain Health
In “Curiosity As We Age,” you will discover practical ways to nurture curiosity and stimulate brain health through small, meaningful habits. Lisa will highlight how an open, inquisitive mindset can enrich aging and enhance cognitive resilience..
Presenter: Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist, EC County ADRC
Coordinator: Claudeen Oebser (715) 874-6054
Wednesday: April 15 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Unity Christ Church of Eau Claire, 1808 Folsom Street
130 Deerfield Road
64. Elderland Updated
If you haven’t seen this performance, don’t miss it. If you have, see the updated version and laugh as hard or harder than you did at the original. Alice in Elderland is ECWIT’s hilarious parody, featuring many familiar “Wonderland” characters, all with memorable twists. The ECWIT ladies play multiple roles that leave the audience not only laughing, but reminiscing, and re-thinking what it means to enjoy the benefits of aging. Limit 200
Presenters: ecWIT – Eau Claire Women in Theater
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Friday: April 17 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Avenue
Cost: $35 includes lunch
64. RN Foot Care—“Good for the Sole”
Nobody wants to talk about their feet, but let’s give them some attention! Come learn about some common causes of foot pain/discomfort/concerns. Let’s talk about those thick, hard-to-cut nails, corns, calluses, cracked heels, neuropathy, and diabetes. Learn about routine foot care from a Certified Foot Care Specialist Lisa Polhamus, RN. She will share some examples and be happy to answer your questions to steer you on a path of comfort and prevention. Co-sponsored by the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Lisa Polhamus, RN, CFCS, WCC and owner of Good for the Sole foot and nail care
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Monday: April 20 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bio: Lisa has been an RN for 28+ years with hospital and Home Health/Hospice/wound care experience. Foot care started as a side business for her, but over the past 9 years, has turned into her full-time career and passion. She loves to solve problems for her clients and relieve foot pain when possible! She is the owner of Good for the Sole foot and nail care and has an office in Lake Hallie. She also sees clients at LE Phillips Senior Center and does home visits as well.
66. Contemplative Practices to Support Health and Healing:
Mindfulness and the Body
Research indicates that mindfulness practice is helpful in working with physical pain, eating more healthfullly, as well as gaining clarity on habits and patterns that impact health and wellbeing. In this new session for CVLR, Ann Brand will explore mindfulness tools to support healthy living and manage chronic pain and illness. You will have the opportunity to try different mindfulness tools and ask questions about beginning a mindfulness practice. Limit 50.
Presenter: Ann Brand, PhD
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Wednesday: April 22 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Unity Christ Church of Eau Claire, 1808 Folsom Street
Cost $5
Bio: Ann Brand Ph.D. is a certified mindfulness teacher through The Mindfulness Training Institute (MTI) and the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA). Ann mentors students one-on-one and teaches mindfulness classes in the Chippewa Valley. She also served as the Program Specialist for Mindfulness Training for Arts Integration Menomonie (AIM) at University of Wisconsin-Stout as well as an Associate Lecturer. Ann holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with an emphasis on child development and families. https://www.annbrandmindfulness.com/
67. Tour City of Eau Claire Water Treatment Facility
Visit the water treatment facility, where you can walk through the different stages of the water purification process, learning how raw water is transformed into clean drinking water by observing the various filtration systems, chemical additions, and other operations involved. Learn what precautions the City of Eau Claire takes to prevent contamination from PFAs and ensure clean drinking water. Limit 40
Presenter: Cole Cloutier, Utilities Engineer II and
Mark Nelson, Utilities Chemist
Coordinator: Kathy Campbell (715) 559-4149
Thursday: April 23 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
City of Eau Claire Water Treatment Facility, 2711 Riverview Drive
68. Great Ideas, New Varieties, and Your Herb Bowl for Planting Time!
Gardening is the #1 hobby. See what’s new for 2026 at May’s Floral Garden for annuals and perennials. We will give you some great ideas for container combinations as well as highlight some herbs and herb recipes, and have time to plant your own herb bowl. You pick 3 herbs and plant in a bowl at the end of class. Limit 100
Presenter: Angie Reit, May’s Floral
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: April 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m
May’s Floral, 3424 Jeffers Road
Cost: $15 for herbs and bowl
69. lllnesses and Disabilities: Coping, Helping, and Getting On with Life
If you’re one of the 50% of people over 65 who will develop a disability or chronic illness, or someone who cares about friends or family members with chronic illnesses or disabilities, this panel is for you. Three experts with lived experiences of disabilities, chronic conditions, and caregiving will share strength and hope as well as tips and tricks for living with, not conquering the illness/disability. Expect to learn, laugh, and leave feeling a little better. Co-sponsored by the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Katherine Schneider, Rev. Julianne Lepp, and
CeCelia Zorn
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (917) 446-5983
Monday: April 27 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
Bios:
Katherine Schneider is a retired clinical psychologist, blind from birth. In retirement she’s written four books, blogs and advocates on disability issues locally and nationally. Blog: https://kathiecomments.wordpress.com
Rev. Julianne Lepp has served as a Unitarian Universalist minister in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, since 2010 and trained with Meadville Lombard Theological School to become a spiritual director. She co-authored Tend to Your Spirit: Mindful Living with Chronic Illness. She lives with rheumatoid arthritis and supports those living with chronic illness in many capacities.
CeCelia Zorn is a registered nurse, retired nursing faculty from UW-Eau Claire, and author. She cared for her husband Wayne for nine years in their home before he died with Primary Progressive Aphasia and dementia.
70. Mind the Music-Cathy Reitz, Sharer of Music in the Chippewa Valley
Back by popular demand! Singing, playing, and listening to music connects people of all ages . Making music together is a way to better health and happiness and transports us away from our daily duties and worries, engaging our whole brains and touching part of us that words alone cannot describe. Cathy has embraced these principles through a community choir for people with early to mid-state dementia and also as a care partner. She will share her enthusiasm, guaranteed to leave us happier and healthier.
Presenter: Cathy Reitz, Founding Director of Stand in the Light Memory Choir
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Monday: April 27 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Building
1320 Clairemont Avenue
71. Hidden or Forgotten Steps and Stairways in Eau Claire
Eau Claire has two levels – a riverbank level and an upper level. Historically as well as now, public stairs (Sometimes called “Angel Flights”) were one important way up and down. Some are still in daily use; others are abandoned and mostly forgotten. How did these stairways come to be? How were they used? Why are some still in use and others not? Do you have a story about a public stairway in Eau Claire? Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Tim Hirsch
Coordinator: Mike Hilger (715) 832-8823
Tuesday: April 28 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Riverview Room, Third Floor,
400 Eau Claire Street
72. Talk of a Lifetime-Planning Ahead for the Death of a Loved One
What are choices for funeral services? Should you have a funeral if you choose cremation? Should I have an advanced plan if I choose cremation? What information should I bring to the arrangement conference? What services do funeral directors perform? What is the process of cremation? These questions will be addressed by Rob Talbot, funeral director. While none of us wants to think about a loved one’s passing, pre-planning for the arrangements gives peace of mind and alleviates the stress and burden associated with loss. Join us and come with your questions
Presenter: Rob Talbot, owner of Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Inc.
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Wednesday: April 29 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Conference Rooms A & B, lower level.
73. What Is an E-bike? A Fast, Affordable, Eco-friendly Mode of Transportation
Are they worth the cost, how are they different from regular bikes, how do e-bikes work, what is the best e-bike for individual ability, what are the benefits of owning an e-bike, how far can an e-bike travel on a charge? Pat will address these questions and more. As older people want to engage in healthier lifestyles, ebikes have become a relaxing and pleasant mode of transportation.
Presenters: Pat Rolbiecki, owner of Riverside Bike and Skate
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Monday: May 4 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Building
1320 Clairemont Avenue
74. The Caregiving Role-Practices Designed for Family Caregivers
Discover simple, nourishing practices which will help you care for yourself while you care for others. This presentation will be a gentle, empowering introduction to holistic health practices designed specifically for family caregivers. Learn simple mind-body tools, herbal supports, and daily self-care methods to sustain your energy, resilience, and well-being. Stay balanced, grounded, and healthy in your caregiving role.
Presenter: Gigi Stafne, MH, MI, ND, Director/Advisor/Lead Instructor, Green Wisdom School of Natural & Botanical Medicine
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Tuesday: May 12 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Conference Rooms A & B, lower level.
75. Glioblastoma-an Aggressive Invader of Brain Tissue
Adult-type diffuse glioma is a cancer arising from certain types of brain cells which form when cells in the body no longer behave normally due to mutations and grow at a fast rate, forming tumors. One type glioblastoma hinders normal brain function by invading and destroying healthy brain tissue. Jamie and Dr. Al-Hattab will present common symptoms, incidence of glioblastoma, diagnosis and prognosis, management, latest advances, and standard of care. Join CVLR members whose family members have dealt with this insidious brain assault
Presenter: Jamie Smith, Nurse Practitioner, Oncology and Hematology and Dr. Eyad Al-Hattab, M.D., Oncology at Mayo Hospital, EC
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Wednesday: May 13 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Conference Rooms A & B, lower level.
76. Visit the New Haven House Day Resource Center for Homeless
See the new Haven House-Day Resource Center recently opened to help one of the most vulnerable populations in our communities – those struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health issues. Learn about this unique partnership between Hope Gospel Mission, Western Dairyland, and other agencies looking to change the way help is offered to those who need it most.
Presenters: Brett Geboy and Anna Cardarella
Coordinator: LuAnn Livingston (414) 507-7740
Tuesday: May 19 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Haven House, 1 Better Way, downtown Eau Claire
77. Grace Your Garden with Hydrangeas and Irises
Have the most beautiful hydrangeas and irises in your neighborhood! Master Gardener Jeff Delaney will share his expertise and enthusiasm in growing, pruning, propagating, and placing these flowers in proper locations in your bed. Jeff’s tips will help prevent planting mistakes, offer landscaping ideas, stave off threats to both hydrangeas and irises, and keep them blooming. Bring your specific questions. Limit 24 per session. Sign up for one session only.
Presenter: Sandy O’Connell
Coordinator: Marilyn Hagen (715) 210-0073
Tuesday: June 9 (A) 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: June 9 (B) 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Avalon, 421 Water Street
78. Native Planting Tour at UW-Eau Claire
Join us for a walking tour that showcases gardens across the Eau Claire campus that feature urban native plantings including prairie plantings, an extensive green roof garden, bioswales, and over 100 species of native and introduced trees. We will also discuss the sustainable care of these areas that provide food sources for pollinators and local and migratory bird species. Limit 25 per session. (Choose one session only)
Presenters: Daria Hutchinson, UWEC Landscape Architect
Jennifer Allen, UWEC Grounds Manager
Coordinator: Sally Felling ((715) 704-0937
Thursday: July 23 (A) 5:30-6:30 p.m
Tuesday: July 28 (B) 5:30-6:30 p.m
Thursday: July 30 (C) 5:30-6:30 p.m
UW-Eau Claire Campus
Bios:
Daria Hutchinson is a Campus Landscape Architect and Certified Arborist at UW-Eau Claire. She has been employed by UW-Eau Claire Facilities for the past 14 years and has been active in the American Society of Landscape Architects, Wisconsin Arborist Association, Prairie Enthusiasts, and Eau Claire Master Gardeners.
Jennifer Allen is the Grounds Manager at UW-Eau Claire. Jennifer has a BS in Horticulture from UW-River Falls.