Holiday Handbook 2014

Volume One 2013 Holiday Handbook2

OFFICE 205N.DeweySt. EauClaire,WI54703

CONTACT Phone:(715)552-0457 Web:www.volumeone.org Email:[email protected]

PUBLISHER / EDITOR / ETCNickMeyer

MANAGING EDITORSThomFountain+TomGiffey

ONLINE EDITORMikePaulus

RESOURCE & LISTINGS EDITORTylerGriggs

RESOURCE & LISTINGS INTERNRebekahPalmer

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORAndreaPaulseth

DESIGNERSKaitlynBryan+ErikJohnson

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ShawnBrunner

ADVERTISING REPS NeilHodorowski+ChaseKunkel

STORE & PROGRAM MANAGER TinaChetwood

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS KellyWhitman+MaryMihajlov+ZachOliphant

SPECIAL THANKS TO: ThethirdgradeteachersandstudentsoftheEauClaireAreaSchoolDistrict.

BASIC INFOThe Holiday HandbookispublishedbyVolume One–alocallyowned,locallyoperated,andlocallyfocusedmagazine.The Holiday Handbook prints14,000copiesandisdistributedtoapproxi-mately300locationsinEauClaire,Menomonie,andChippewaFalls.

WEB VERSIONVisitThe Holiday HandbookonlineatVolumeOne.org.

ADVERTISING INFO Ifyou’dliketoadvertiseinthe2014issueofThe Holiday Handbook,call:(715)552-0457oremail:[email protected].

© 2013 Volume OneThewriting,artwork,andphotographyinThe Holiday Handbook remainthepropertyoftheauthors,artists,&photographers.Theopinionsexpressedherearenotnecessarilythoseofthepublicationoritsadvertisers.

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Memorial High School Madrigal Singers

handbook CONTENTS

greetings Opening Letter..............................................................06

frolicking Yuletide Activities................................................08

santa All Things Kringle.................................................................16

gift guide Local Gifts.....................................................................20

kids Letters to Us...............................................................................24

feasting Festive Food...................................................................26

donating Local Support...............................................................28

happenings Holiday Event Calendar......................................34

year’s end New Year’s Celebrations .....................................46


T his time of year, the world is divided into two kinds of people: Those who love fruitcake, and

those who haven’t tried it.I realize this is a bold statement,

especially considering that fruitcake has a mixed reputation – and by “mixed reputation” I mean “everyone seems to despise it with Grinch-like hatred.” However, after years of promoting my beloved yuletide dessert to friends, fam-ily, co-workers, and anyone who will lis-ten, I believe my conclusion stands.

Before I lay out my theory, please allow me to wax poetic about fruitcake. Unlike so many other Christmas good-ies, fruitcake isn’t merely sweet, as all those one-note sugar-, chocolate-, or sugar-and-chocolate-coated season-al snacks can be. Fruitcake is also rich (thank the brown sugar and molasses), spicy (nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, and cloves), zesty (if, like me, you add lemon and orange zest, not to men-tion candied fruit), and moist (if done right – i.e., filled with raisins and dates, soaked in brandy, and not overcooked). In other words, it’s food fit for kings, or at least fit for Victorian engravings of aristocratic yuletide merriment.

The big secret about fruitcake isn’t how grandma managed to bake it to the consistency of a bowling ball, or what dye is pumped into candied cherries to make them phosphorescent, or even

the kind and quantity of brandy to mari-nade your fruitcake in (although the answer to the brandy questions are “any kind” and “lots”). These are merely sec-ondary questions, best answered by con-sulting your favorite cookbook. No, the big secret is that very few people – and hardly anyone born after Gene Autry first warbled “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – has actually tried fruitcake. If received as a gift, they’ve tossed it into the trash. If spied on a holiday buf-fet, they’ve passed over it on their way to another plateful of Snickerdoodles.

Why? Simply put, fruitcake is the victim of bad publicity. That’s mostly

because, as a foodstuff requiring a score of ingredients and multiple hours of baking, it’s entirely possible to screw it up. And screw it up people have. Even I’ll admit that flame-broiled-on-the-outside, hard-as-a-brick-on-the-inside fruitcake is an abomination to the art of cooking, if not to Christmas itself. A few overly baked fruitcakes spoil more than a few fruitcake-eating experiences, and word begins to spread – urban legend-style – that fruitcake is an unpalatable menace. Fewer people eat fruitcake, which means fewer people make fruit-cake, which eventually means that fruit-

cake achieved near mythical yuletide status, like figgy pudding or the abomi-nable snowman.

My advice, as a fruitcake connois-seur, is just to try some. Almost inevi-tably, as I’ve pressed friends and col-leagues who “don’t like fruitcake,” I’ve discovered that only a few have actually tried the stuff. And when they do, they like it – even love it. (OK, maybe a few of them are just saying that to get me out of their faces.) Fruitcake may be an acquired taste, but before Dec. 25 arrives, it’s one you’d be well-advised to acquire.

Beyond its superior flavor and the connection it has to centuries of culinary tradition, I rec-ommend fruitcake because it’s a wonderful metaphor for the season itself. Our

families and our communities are made up of disparate ingredients. For some, Christmas is a time of religious devo-tion; for others, it’s a secular season during which we cherish each other’s company. Christmas is a time during which, whatever our personalities or beliefs – whether we’re raisin or can-died kumquat, currant or clove, butter or egg – we at least try to be baked into a harmonious whole, something divinely delicious, something to be savored.

All right, maybe that’s pushing the metaphor a little far. Just try the fruit-cake, OK?

In Defense of FruitcakeThe Christmas loaf people love to hate is better than you think. In fact, it’s a metaphor for the holiday.

Fruitcake has achieved near mythical yuletide status, like figgy pudding or the abominable snowman.

By Tom Giffey


Tree FarmsNothing screams “Holidays!” like pick-ing out that perfect tree, sawing it down, and dragging that lush evergreen smell of Christmas into your home.

Anderson’s Christmas Trees N49531 County Road O, Osseo • 597-3509 • Choose and cut your own trees at this 38-year-old farm. Precut trees available or you can cut your own.

Caron’s Christmas Tree Farm 6760 Cur-vue Rd. • 878-4366 • Choose and cut your own trees or choose from pre-cut options. While you’re out there, check out the lo-cal gift shop, wagon rides and free cider and s’mores.

Conklin Tree Farms N 10595 State Road 25, Wheeler • 632-2036 or (715) 556-5628 • [email protected] • conklin-treefarms.com Choose and cut your own or select a pre-cut tree. Balsam, Ca-naan, Fraser Fir, or Black Hills Spruce trees available along with garlands and wreaths. We provide saws and tie down twine with free bailing, and help loading your Christmas tree.

Lowes Creek Tree Farm S9475 Lowes Creek Rd., Eleva • (888) 878-4166 • [email protected] • lowe-screektreefarm.com Immerse yourself in fall colors as you pretag a Christmas tree, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, or take part in the fall nursery stock sale. Kids

play area with a straw bale fort and tun-nel pile, play equipment and more.

Pleasant Valley Tree Farm Open 9am-7pm Daily, November 23rd-December 22nd. Closed Thanksgiving Day. • N7240 810th St., Elk Mound • 879-5179 • pleas-antvalleytree.com Create a country Christmas memory as you cut the per-fect tree from our many fields or choose from our fresh, pre-cut display. Enjoy a wagon ride through the gorgeous coun-tryside. They provide the saws and after you choose that perfect tree, they shake your tree, bale your tree and load it in your vehicle.

Santa’s Tree Farm 400 Sunday Dr., Al-toona • 715-835-0611 Cut down your own Christmas tree or choose a fresh pre-cut

from our display. Stop in at the work-shop where you’ll find treats, door prizes, unique wreaths, pure beeswax candles, and more. Take a walk through the en-chanted pines, a magical delight for you and your family.

Smith Tree Farm 6202 Deerfield Rd., Chippewa Falls • 832-3103 Cut your own or select from precut trees. Gift shop of-fers wreaths, garlands, swag, and decora-tions.

Traditional Tree Farm 14997 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls • 715-723-5131 • tradition-altreefarm.com Choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Choose between a wide variety of trees and sizes. Precut trees, tree drilling, wreaths, garland, and other decorations available.

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Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Wagon RidesFusing the travel technology of a bygone era with the yuletide magic of today.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays Dec. 3-19 • Chip-pewa Hardware Parking Lot, 111 West Co-lumbia Street, Chippewa Falls • 715-723-6661 Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through beautiful downtown Chippewa Falls and the Christmas Village in Ir-vine Park. Rides start at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, & 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale at the downtown Chippewa Falls Gordy’s County Market Service Center on Nov. 29. Get yours before they’re gone.

Christmastime in the City Dec. 7 • Downtown Eau Claire, S. Barstow, N. Barstow, and W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 715-839-4914 • www.down-towneauclaire.com Horsedrawn wagon rides around downtown, holiday enter-tainment, and celebrations at downtown businesses as part of DECI’s annual Christmastime in the City.

Cabin Ridge Rides 4271 220th St., Cadott • 723-9537 • CabinRidgeRides.com Wagon and sleigh rides through beautiful wood-land scenery for groups of all sizes. In ad-dition to wagon and sleigh rides, groups of 16 or more can enjoy bonfires, picnics and meals in the woods. Two pavilions allow groups to sit around the bonfire to toast marshmallows and sip hot choco-late. Private cabin and lodge parties available, along with a wide range of ca-tered meals.

Lowes Creek Tree Farm S9475 Lowes Creek Rd., Eleva • (888) 878-4166 • [email protected] • lowe-screektreefarm.com Immerse yourself in fall colors as you pretag a Christmas tree, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, or take part in the fall nursery stock sale. Kids play area with a straw bale fort and tun-nel pile, play equipment and more.

Swiss Shire Farm 626 19th St., Chetek • 837-1102 • Shire horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods in a three-per-son cutter, or a large sleigh that can ac-commodate 15 people. Festive bonfires and barn tours are also available. Call for hours and reservations.

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Holiday ToursToo lazy to decorate your house? No problem! Go check out other people’s hard holiday work.

Home for the Holiday Tour Dec. 7, 1-4pm • Several private locations, see con-tact info for details • $10 • (715) 635-7788 The Alzheimers Respite Program pres-ents their “Home for the Holiday Tour.” There will be four houses showcased this year.

Christmas at the Cook-Rutledge Man-

sion: Holiday Tours Dec. 14-2pm; Dec. 21-22, 2pm • Cook-Rutledge Mansion, 505 W. Grand Avenue, Chippewa Falls • $5 • (715) 723-7181 Decorated for the season with handcrafted decorations. Enjoy mu-sic, homemade desert, and refreshments. Registering in advance is recommended.

Christmas Village in Irvine Park Nov. 28-Jan. 1 • Irvine Park, Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • 715-723-0051 • www.chippewachamber.org More than 100,000 Christmas lights turn the park into a Christmas Village. Life-size Christmas scenes replicate the Victorian era and the city’s early history.


Leinenkugel Brewery Christmas Tours Leinie Lodge Gift Shop, 124 East Elm St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5558 • leinie.com Advance registration recom-mended, up to 15 people per group.

Sledding HillsNothing brings a family together like cramming together on a little plastic sled to shoot down a hill.

Chippewa Fairgrounds Back En-trance Chippewa Falls They may no longer be serving cheese curds and cotton candy, but the rides are not com-pletely gone when the carnival leaves town. The walk-in entrance to the grounds across from Irvine Park pro-vides a perfect pat to safely walk to the top of a rather steep hill. Low person-on-tree collision rates have kept local kids sliding there for years. but look out, because they still like to build a jump or two at the bottom.

Drainage Ditch Run Menomonie It’s a crazy drainage ditch on the southeast-ern side of Lake Menomonie that leads out onto the lake. It might be a lot of fun, but definitely watch out for the black ice.

Dunn County Snow Park Menomonie On the east side of the fairground be-low the looming water tower sits a hill-turned-terrain park that provides local snow goers with a fresh spin on winter fun. Dunn County Snow Park, built and run entirely by volunteers, was once rundown and full of brush, stumps, and debris. Now beginner and freestyle snowboarders, skiers, and sledders will find a vast blanket of snowy hills where creativity runs freely.

Flag Hill Chippewa Falls Irvine Park has provided a ton of fun opportunities for people of the Chippewa Valley, but many do not realize the awesome po-tential for its sledding hills. Venture to Flag Hill once we have gotten a decent amount of snow, and then walk to the edge of the hill in between the parking lot and the Rutledge manor. There is a wicked hill waiting, but it might take a few runs to pack the high grass/snow down before it’s super fast.

Forrest Hill (AKA “Seven Bumps” or “Dead Man’s Hill”) Eau Claire Right next to the Forrest Hill Cemetery (on Huebsch Boulevard) on the East Side Hill, the slope is small and gentle with no major obstacles. (Just the thing for weak-hearted novices.) In recent years, its easy accessibility has made it a fa-vorite among area snowboarders, but don’t be intimidated by them. If there is an altercation over a collision, they will have a hard time chasing you with their feet strapped to those boards.


Mount Simon Eau Claire This hill is known to be an intense thrill-ride, only for the adventurous and seasoned slider. It may not be Cool Runnings, but some bobsledding skills could come in handy. Usually constructed by area snowboard-ers, one winding trail could help you meet a tree up close and personal, and the other track’s gnarly plunge is not for the faint of heart, either. So bring a change of underwear, but be warned, parks and recreation does not condone the activities here.

Oakwood Hills Eau Claire There’s a great little (unsupervised) hill near the Oakwood Hills Warming House on Golf Road. The hill is open Sat. and Sun. 1-6pm, and could be a pleasant alterna-tive to some of the aforementioned and slightly more treacherous places.

Pinehurst Hill Delbert Road, Eau Claire On Eau Claire’s north side, the behe-moth Pinehurst Hill stands as the moth-er of all sledding hills. This formidable giant was a downhill ski run in the 1960s and ’70s, but fell into disrepair and dis-use over the decades. That’s about to change now that a group of winter sports enthusiasts called the Pinehurst Project is raising money for improvements. This fall they cleared trees on the slopes, opening up more space for skiers and snowboarders, not to mention sledders (though they’re on a different part of the slope). Look for more improvements in coming winters or visit pinehurstpark.org to learn more.

The Flats Hill Eau Claire Look to the left going down Pumphouse Road hill, descending from the East Hill of Chip-pewa Falls, and you’ll find winter bliss just waiting. A sledding hill for all ages and skill levels, this place is wide open, with little to no risk of hitting any trees. Be careful of your speed, though, be-cause legends of the hill have been known to clear the train tracks with one epic run.

UWEC Campus Hill Eau Claire Feel-ing adventurous, or perhaps like getting flat-out arrested? It has long been ru-mored that the most exciting hill in Eau Claire is also one of the most rare. With the perfect conditions, “The Hill” shoot-ing down from upper campus gets cov-ered with freezing rain then snow and becomes completely impassiblew. Mach 2 is potentially capable, but make sure to dodge the gate at the bottom... and the cops.

X-Hill Eau Claire Just across the road from Chippewa Valley Airport’s run-ways, it’s a real treat when jets fly over-head, close enough that you can feel your chest rattle. A crisscross hill unof-ficially called the “X-Hill,” you can start at one of two steep, twin trajectories that cross each other at a wicked inter-section before going off in any number of directions. This is never the same ride twice and the risk for some intense crashes is high. Consider yourself fore-warned.


What’s up, Claus? Hey man! Hope things are good up North. Listen, I’ve had my eye on Eau Claire for awhile and I’d love to open up one of my popular grocery stores. I think the area is ripe for a little Trader Joe’s goodness and the people there WILL LOVE IT. I want in. But every time I try to buy a chunk of land, some kind of mysterious problem pops up and the deal falls through. Someone’s trying to stop me. It’s a conspiracy. And it sucks. Can you get me in?

– Trader Joe

Tray-Jodes!

First up, THANK YOU for selling those dark chocolate sea-salt carmel peanut butter pretzel gelato-stuffed cannoli. Gotta be honest with you, Joe – you nailed that one. Still loving the alfredo sauce, too.

OK, you and I go way back, so I’ll give it to you straight. Nope. Can’t get you in. I “mysteriously” got that Whole Foods in Ohio to relocate to the other side of town as opposed to right across the street, and now I’m done messing with the fortunes of local grocery stores. I’m out, Joe, you got that?

Happy Holidays.

–Santa

Dear Santa,Hi. I like you a lot and I hope you are having fun all of the time. Can we please have more Spring time in Eau Claire? Last winter ended in May and I had to wear snow pants all the time and now it’s time for winter again already. I don’t like my snow pants and I don’t want to do it anymore. That’s all I want. But I would also like Legos.

– Carrie Tanner, age 10

Dear Carrie,

Wow, weather control, huh? That’s “all” you want? You want me to drastically alter the most powerful natural force on the entire planet? So you don’t need to wear an extra layer of clothing? Wow, Carrie, those snow pants must be pretty horrible. Here’s an idea – how about I get you some snow pants you actually like? You ever think about that, Carrie? ‘Cause I got elves that can make some awesome snow pants. You know what I don’t have, Carrie? Elves that can control the freaking weather. You keep your eyes open for one of those weather controlling elves and let me know what you find.

Legos I can handle.

– Santa

Rejection Letters From Santacolorful correspondence between area folks and big, bearded guy Intercepted by Mike Paulus


Mr. Claus,As a man who loves a good pastry, we’re sure you can see the value in a great local donut shop. We’ve got a few good (local!) options here in town, but we need more. Classic donuts are what we’re after. We don’t need bacon or breakfast serial sprinkled on top, and we don’t need a chocolate-injected croissant. Those things are fine and good, but we just want an old fashioned donut.

– Donut Lovers of Eau Claire

Donut Lovers,Are you calling me fat? I kind of think you’re calling me fat. Let’s not do that, OK? Moving on, I can’t get you a local bakery. More specifically, I can’t get you a local baker. The elves don’t make people (anymore). That said, I’m getting you a donut cookbook and some pamphlets on starting a small business. See where I’m going here?

– Santa

Dear Santa, Eau Claire needs a new Rocket Slide! We used to have two and now we have none. Today’s kids need to know the glory and majesty that was the Rocket Slide! Do it for the kids, Santa! Do it! Merry Christmas!

– Troy Hamilton, age 38

Troy,

Listen, buddy. You don’t want a Rocket Slide. You want your childhood back. You feel me? And Santa Claus doesn’t deliver time machines. How about you cherish those memories, talk about them with friends, and I’ll just get you a new golf club bag?

OK? OK.

– Santa



Make Memories with Santa Mondays-Thursdays 10am-8pm, Fridays-Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays noon-6pm Nov. 16-Dec. 23 ; 9am-5pm Christmas Eve • Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 715-836-0101 • www.oakwoodmall.com Santa is making his way from the North Pole and is getting ready to greet chil-dren of all ages at his Northwoods home located in the Sears wing at Oakwood Mall.

Santa Pizza Train Nov. 23, 11am; Nov. 30, 11am; Dec. 7, 11am; Dec. 14, 11am; Dec. 21, 11am • Wisconsin Great North-ern Railroad 426 N Front St, Spooner • Adult $12, Child (ages 3-12) $8, Family Ticket (2 adults and 3-5 children) $40 • All ages • (715) 635-3200 The afternoon train to Veazie Springs offers the perfect length of a ride for families with small children. There is also plenty of scenery and the kids are sure to love the travel along Highway 53 which allows them plenty of opportunity to wave at passing cars and trucks.

Pet Photos with Santa Mondays Nov. 18-Dec. 16, 6-8pm • Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 715-836-0101 • www.oakwoodmall.com Holiday guests are invited to bring along their favorite four-legged shopping buddy to capture an adorable holiday photograph with Old St. Nick.

Pajama Party with Santa Tuesdays Nov. 19-Dec. 17, 6-8pm • Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 715-836-0101 • www.oakwoodmall.com Visit Santa in your PJs and capture a magical and memorable moment. Bring a new un-wrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots and create a memorable moment for a deserving child in our community.

Santa’s Arrival in Chippewa Falls Nov. 29, 10am • BMO Harris Bank, 411 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-6661 • www.chippewafallsmainst.org Santa Claus is coming to town! It is always a surprise to see how Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Chippewa Falls. Kids can sip on hot chocolate while en-joying the anticipation of Santa’s ar-rival. Afterwards, visit with Santa at his house in the Rutledge Charity Building across the street.

Pleasant Valley Tree Farms: North Pole Ranch Nov. 29-30, 10am-3pm; Dec. 1, 10am-3pm; Dec. 7-8, 10am-3pm • Pleas-ant Valley Tree Farm, N7240 810th Street, Elk Mound • (715) 879-5179 • www.pleas-antvalleytree.com Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their warm toasty North Pole home (weather permitting).

Santa’s House Saturdays Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 11am-3pm • Rutledge Charity Build-ing, 404 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 715-723-6661 Come visit Santa and share all of your Christmas wish-es. Santa’s house is located across the street from BMO Harris Bank in the Rutledge Charity Building. Santa will be there every Saturday until Christmas from 11am–3pm. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Brunch with Santa Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22, Check Venue For Hours • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $8.99 children, $16.99 adults, ages 4 and under FREE • (715) 836-8184 • www.fannyhill.com.

Spirit Night with Santa Dec. 6, 6-8pm • Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 715-836-0101 • www.oakwoodmall.com Wear your team colors and join Santa

Appearances by Mr. Claus

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for a fun photo experience. More details on Spirit Night activities available start-ing Nov. 15 at oakwoodmall.com/events/spirit-night.

Christmastime in the City Dec. 7 • Downtown Eau Claire, S. Barstow, N. Barstow, and W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 715-839-4914 • www.down-towneauclaire.com Held the first week-end in December, this event is a celebra-tion of the traditional holiday spirit in Downtown Eau Claire. Enjoy this op-portunity to create simple, special holi-day memories that can be cherished for years to come. This event attracts about 1,000 people, who come for the activities including lunch with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer, and the lighting of the tree.

Scones with Santa Dec. 7, 10am-noon • That’s Adorable, Kids Consignment Bou-tique, 129 N. Barstow Street, Eau Claire • FREE • 715-864-0883 • www.thatsador-ableec.wordpress.com Holiday Fam-ily Fun FREE event - Have Scones with Santa, listen to holiday stories read by the Snow Princess and Pick up last min-ute gifts while they are Buy One Get One Free! Bring your camera. The store is open normal hours from 9-3, but the sale and event is only 10-12.

Kids Community Christmas Dec. 7, 11am-1pm • Cornell High School, 708 Bridge Street, Cornell • FREE • (715) 210-0516 This free event is open to the public and allows children and their families to have lunch, get their pictures taken with Santa, play games, win prizes, face paint-ing, crafts, and read with Mrs. Claus. Plus, kids can dance along with the DJ and write a letter to Santa, and get a toy for visiting.

Annual Superyule Event Dec. 9, 6-8pm • Chippewa Falls Public Library, 105 W Central St., Chippewa Falls • All ages • (715) 723-1146 • www.chippewafallsli-brary.org Join us for a nite of crafts, fun, treats and prizes. Register for free books and other items. Adults can fill out a slip to win a free book or prize (ongoing from 5:30-8pm). Angry Birdz Knock ‘em Down Game upstairs in the teen area. Pre-school & older Kid Crafts for ages 2-11 from 6:30- 8pm. Visit with Santa from 6-8pm.

Dinner with Santa Dec. 16-17, 5-7pm; Dec. 23, 5-7pm • Fanny Hill Dinner The-atre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $7.99 children, $14.50 adults • (715) 836-8184 • www.fannyhill.com.

Story Time with St. Nick Dec. 20, 1:30-2:30pm • That’s Adorable, 129 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire • (715) 864-0883 • www.childrensclothingeauclaire.com Come on out to That’s Adorable for some great sto-ries with St. Nick.

Christmas Day Buffet Dec. 25, 10am • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $9.99 children, $21.99 adults, ages 4 and under FREE • (715) 836-8184 • www.fannyhill.com.

TO:FROM:

SPONSORED GIFT IDEAS


TUNICSMAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, $44 AND UPTunics from Mainstream Boutique are a great fit for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Pair them with some comfy leggings, your favorite skinny jeans, or go bold with an opaque tight. Highlight the tunic with a pair of low or high boots to turn some heads. Tunics allow you to keep it simple while looking your absolute best.

2857 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 514-1521 www.facebook.com/MainstreamBoutiqueEauClaire

ART & PHOTOGRAPHYB-FRAMED GALLERIES, $24 AND UPSince 1976, B-Framed Galleries has been well-known for its international appeal, but many people do not realize they also feature local Eau Claire and Wisconsin artists. Photography? Got it. Ceramics? Boom. Silk scarves? They’ve got you (and your neck) covered.

313 S. Barstow Street, Eau Claire (715) 832-4476 • www.bframed.com

FIT FOR A KING COOKBOOKSBY JULENE CELANDER, $10 eachThese locally made cookbooks are loaded with delicious recipes for every meal, which can equip your family or friends with the skills they need to step up their game in the kitchen. And heck, maybe next year the receiver of this gift will cook the holiday dinner?

Available at the Local Store, on Amazon.com or by calling (715) 271-4084 or emailing [email protected]

HANDMADE TRUFFLESLEGACY CHOCOLATES, $1.85 eachAstonishingly aromatic and flavorful, Legacy Chocolates’ locally made truffles are carefully handcrafted from the finest ingredients right here in the Chippewa Valley. Perfect for that chocolate lover you know (which, let’s be honest, is everyone).

632 S Broadway Street, Menomonie(715) 231-2580 • www.legacychocolates.com



HAND-KNIT INFINITY SCARVES AND OTHER GIFTSCARON’S TREE FARM, $12Most families head out to a tree farm during the holiday season to deck the halls, so why not get a little shopping in while you’re there? The Gift Shop at Caron’s Christmas Tree Farm features local artists’ creations such as this hand-knit infinity scarf. The shop offers a wide selection for every style and budget, so load up the car underneath the tree and make sure it’s strapped down!

6760 Curvue Road, Eau Claire(715) 878-4366 • www.ctreesonc.com

MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETSCOUNTRY JAM USA, $75-$125Everyone loves a party, so why not give one for

Christmas? Country Jam tickets make a great gift for fans of music or just having a good time. 3-day stu-dent tickets are just $75, all other general admission tickets $125. Looking for something a little fancier? VIP and Reserved Seating, Camping, Skybox and more are also on sale now.

1711 S. Hastings Way, EC (715) 839-7500www.countryjamwi.com

INDIRI COLLECTION SILVER JEWELRYMARLOR JEWELRY, $187-$498How about getting some international flair right here locally? Marlor Jewelry provides the finest quality artisan crafted .925 sterling silver jewelry from the island of Bali. Each item is Fair Trade and hand crafted with pride in villages that specialize in ancient jewelry making techniques passed down through generations. Your purchase helps preserve the ancient traditions of this unique island by providing fair and sustain-able income to Bali’s independent artisans.

806 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire(715) 831-6303www.facebook.com/MarlorJewelry

FAT TIRE BIKESEAU CLAIRE BIKE & SPORT, $1,750 AND UPIn the snow and mud that a Wisconsin winter provides, some people think biking isn’t an option. Well, frankly, those people are wrong. The Salsa Mukluk is the perfect Fatbike designed to take you where other bikes can’t or just plain refuse to go. Snow? Sand? Off-trail? Not a problem.403 Water Street Eau Claire(715) 832-6149 • www.bikeandsport.com

RELAXING GIFT BASKETLOTUS SPA, VARIOUS PRICESThe holidays can be a pretty stressful time, so you might be a hero if you give the gift of relaxation. Lotus Spa’s gift baskets are filled with luxurious products sure to help ease the stresses of everyday life (think waiting in the return line to fix your two-toaster problem on Dec. 26). Perfect for friends, family, or that special person in your life.

4956 Bullis Farm Road(715) 835-1100 • www.lotusspaeauclaire.com



CUSTOM RECIPE TOWELSKITE FLYING SOCIETY, $57+Give the gift of your own family history by putting your treasured, hand-written family recipes onto deluxe flour sack dish towels for a unique and beautiful way to remember your loved ones this holiday season. Send a high-quality scan of your favorite family recipe, and they’ll do the rest! Easy as that. Check out other unique gift ideas on their website. Free shipping code: FREESHIP

Kristen at [email protected](715) 556-0710 • www.kiteflyingsociety.etsy.com

HOLIDAY SEASON BASKETMARIEKE GOUDA, $75 C’mon, people. This is Wisconsin, so you know there’s not much better gifts than cheese. This gift boxfeatures your choice of four 6 oz. wedges of award-winning, handcrafted, farmstead Marieke Gouda alongside a bottle of local wine, snack sticks, fine chocolate and specialty crackers. Order before December 13, 2013 for guaranteed delivery before Christmas (shipping is included). Ice packs not included in total price and wedge weight is approximate.

N13851 Gorman Ave, Thorp (715) 669-5230 • www.hollandsfamilycheese.com

COFFEE GIFT BOXGLORIA JEAN’S COFFEES, $24.99 Everyone knows a coffee lover, so why not get them something they can’t just pick up in any old grocery store aisle? Gloria Jean’s has you covered with their gift boxes, featuring five quarter lbs of high-quality coffee. You can pick one of their selections – such as Best Of The Season, World Tour or Flavor Favorites – or be adventurous and pick your own. Available ground or whole bean.

Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire(715) 833-0040 • facebook.com/gloriajeanseauclaire

MEMBERSHIPCHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRESTARTING AT $80You heard about those gifts that keep on giving?Yeah, this is one of those. A membership to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is perfect for parents or grandparents, especially with the newly opened second floor featuring brand new exhibits!

220 S Barstow Street, Eau Claire(715) 832-5437 • www.cmec.cc

SPECIALTY SAUCESSILVER SPRING FOODS, ANY 3 FOR $5 Time to add some zing to your holiday season with Silver Spring horseradish and specialty mustards! Dress up your ham with Cranberry Horseradish or dip your shrimp in our Seafood Cocktail Sauce. Because who said local can’t be a little spicy? Products can be purchased from 8-4:30 until December 15.

2424 Alpine Road, Eau Claire(715) 830-9677 • www.silverspringfoods.com

JUST LOCAL FOOD OWNERSHIPJUST LOCAL FOOD, $150Sometimes the best gifts help more than just the recipient. The gift of ownership to Just Local Food – Eau Claire’s natural foods cooperative - gives your friends or family a lifetime of benefits including discount days, monthly owner deals and – most importantly – a voice in the future of Just Local Food. Purchase an ownership share Dec. 1-31 and receive a beautiful & reusable Just Local Food canvas shopping bag.

1117 South Farwell St., Eau Claire. (715) 552-3366 • www.justlocal.com



PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONGILES PHOTOGRAPHY, $40 AND UPFamily home for the Holidays? How long has it been since you’ve had a family portrait taken by a professional photographer? (No, that time your cousin took a photo of your family with their iPhone doesn’t count). Giles Photography offers both in-studio and on-location sessions for the whole family.

(715) 834-2993 • www.gilesphoto.com

MASSAGE SERVICESDAVINCI THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE $50 - $120Give the gift of health and relaxation this year with a DaVinci Therapeutic Massage. Reclaim your body’s artistry with one of their “healing hands” therapists. Voted best place for massage two years in a row by V1 Readers’ Poll. Call today or visit their website to purchase your gift certificate.

4714 Commerce Valley Road, Suite B, EC (715) 379-1922 • www.davincimassage.com

LOCAL WINE BOTTLE STOPPERSANDY’S CLOTHING & ART, $22

Any good wine lover knows the feeling of balancing the need to call it a night and the desire to have another glass of that scrumptious chardonnay. Make the decision a little easier with a locally themed wine bottle stopper from Sandy’s Clothing & Art. The Eau Claire map can also give a little piece of home to the Chippewa Valley expat in your life.

Banbury Place, Building 13, Suite 121, Eau Claire(715) 533-0159 • www.sandysclothingandart.com

HANDCRAFTED WINE RACKSGREEN PLANET RAIN BARRELS, $25-$130How about giving something one-of-a-kind? Maybe a locally made, handcrafted wine rack or another gift created from retired wine barrels? These unique products are made with every intention to retain as much of the originality of the barrel it was derived from, offering slight variationsin color, character and size. Everything is special order, so please order ahead.

[email protected](715) 835-4080 • www.greenplanetrainbarrels.com

RESTAURANT GIFT CARD GRIZZLY’S WOOD-FIRED GRILL, $50Whether you’re craving their signature Bear Creek pasta or wood-fired salmon, the fire is stoked and waiting for you to join them. This holiday season, they’re running a gift card special where you get a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 you spend.

4890 Golf Road, Eau Claire(715) 832-6481 • www.grizzlysgrill.com

HANDMADE JEWELRYROBERT GIEDE DESIGNS, $50

AND UPThere’s something extra special about hand-

made, custom gifts. There’s also something pretty special about jewelry. Robert Giede

Designs has you covered on both fronts, of-fering handmade originals like pendants, rings,

and earrings all done in-house. And don’t worry: Custom sounds pricy, but Robert Giede Designs

has you covered on any budget.

2321 South Broadway, Menomonie(715) 235-7766 • www.setyourgoldfree.com

What third graders think Santa does at the North Pole each day

Santa wakes up and quietly sighs to himself, “Back to another day of hard work and jolly good cookies and cup-cakes!” In the afternoon he says, “Back to more wrapping and merry old jin-gling songs!” And he listens to the wind whistling its beautiful soothing songs. For the evening Santa is unchaining the reindeer and feeding them. Then put-ting them in their stables for the night and comforting them and giving them a warm blanket. Finally he is getting his big extra, extra, extra, extra large paja-mas! –Leighton, Lakeshore Elementary

Once upon a time there was a weird Santa living in the North Pole and every morning he buyed some cheese. But every time he could not find it so he bought a sword. And when he came home he cut down the door. Then he looks in his pocket and finds the key. Then he brakes down the house. Then his blind wife comes home. He goes

outside. Then his wife asked, “How was your day?” He said, “Same as usual.” –Noah, Locust Lane Elementary

Santa’s planner says that he has to tell the elves what to make for the children. He also feeds the reindeer so they will be active so when they have to fly, they can, so Santa can give all of the chil-dren their gifts and all of the children will be happier than ever in their lives and wake up and open their presents and scream their head off because they got what they always wanted. –Allison, Locust Lane Elementary

Convinces the elf that he’s not a dentist. Eats snowflakes. Feeds reindeer. Wakes the elves. Loosens his belt. Goes on a treadmill. Eats a snowich. Polishes his boots. Runs the block. Plays Christmas bingo. –Joey, Sherman Elementary

I think that Santa wakes up and has hot chocolate by the fire. Then he goes to see how the elves are doing. Then he watches cartoons. His favorite is Power Rangers. Then he rides Dasher to the gas station and gets a cookie and rides

D a s h e r back and goes ice skating. Then he goes for break-f a s t at the r e s -t a u -rant “Santa’s Kitchen.” Then he goes home and gets his fishing poll and his ice drill. Then he goes fish-ing. He catches a lot of big fish because he uses his magic. He gets home and eats fish for lunch. Then he goes to help the elves with the toys. Then he goes to bed. –Kase, Roosevelt Elementary

I think Santa Claws wakes up, and elf serves him with some breakfast and pays the elf $50 and after that he goes into town and gets some clothes and goes back to see who is being good or bad. –Ryan, Roosevelt Elementary

7:30 am: Santa gets up, he goes to wash his face with his favorite wash cloth, it wasn’t there. So he went to look in the washer to check if it was there but the washer wasn’t there. Then he heard laughing on top of the building. So he went to see what was up there. When he got there, there was a bunch of elves laughing and they had the washing machine. So he told the elves to get back to work and he brought the washing machine back downstairs. 8 am: Santa goes to get breakfast. He had milk, three eggs, three pancakes, bread, and a bowl full of jelly. 9 am: Santa gets his big fluffy coat and gets his pressure washer to clean his sleigh. Next he shines his GPS and feeds the reindeer. Noon: He goes out to eat slushies, a smoothie, a hamburger, fries, and a reindeer shaped cookie. ... 6 pm: Next Santa plays hockey. Santa is really good at hockey because if someone tried to check him he’d put out his big belly and when they hit him they would go flying. –Anonymous, Putnam Heights Elementary

What Kids Think: Greatest Hits

Carly, grade three

Over the years we’ve asked Chippewa Valley third-graders to ponder some of the season’s greatest questions, including “What does Santa do all day?” and “What would you put on the table for the holidays?” Here are some of the best replies.


What third graders would serve for holiday dinner

On Christmas I would make meat loaf. On Thanksgiving I would make turkey. On Hanukkah I would make meatballs. Finally on Kwanzaa I would make tuna. –Arik, Locust Lane Elementary

I would make cookies and pizza. I would make thee most gross thing. I’d com-bine cookies, cake, cupcakes, soda, and puppy chow. I would buy a hole bunch of huge bottles of soda. I would buy donuts and candy and brownies and cakes that look like presents. I would make cookies the size of a giant tree. I would make pancakes with chocolate in it. That’s the end of breakfast. –Mark, Robbins Elementary

I would have fish and cookies, beef jerky, and cereal with any kind of milk. Me and my friends would have venison, cheese and crackers, ice cream with chocolate syrup and every topping. … There would be chefs cooking in front of you and they were very fast at cook-ing. In a hotel with a swimming pool. There would be butlers to serve you and get you any kind of food you want to have. And music there so you could do a dance. … The food would come really fast in one second when it done. Every person in the world could come to the feast and bring any kind of animal you want. … The buffest you would just keep

on eating it would be 10 days long. You would have stomach ache but it would go away. … The butler would be the best butler in the whole wide world in the history of butlers. He would have the best butler suit ever. … There would be the best band in the world playing. The crowd would cheer for the band and me because I paid the band to come. … It was sweet. –Mitchell, Robbins Elementary

I would serve mash potatoes, turkey, and gravy. Maybe some stuffing, too. I might also put some green beans in the dinner, too. In a giant place. –Devan, Locust Lane Elementary

I would serve Santa cookies, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and presents. Presents are frost-ed graham crackers. I love Christmas. Christmas rocks. Also I would serve pumpkin pies. –Mackenzie, Locust Lane Elementary

I would make chicken, ham, blackberry pie made by my great grandma, cook-ies with white chocolate chips, apple cider, cake, my mom’s homemade pea-nut butter balls, milk, honeydew melon. Yummy. That would be a fantastic feast. –Zavier, Longfellow Elementary

On Christmas I would serve cool aid and soup bread, meat and gravy and wine for the parents. That’s what I would serve. –Elliot, Roosevelt Elementary

Dylan, grade three


Cadott Bakery 334 North Main St., Cadott, WI 54727 • (715) 289-4288 • [email protected] An old-fashioned bakery specializing in donuts, muffins, cupcakes and cakes, breads, buns, and more. Try their horsehoe donuts and jumbo muffins. They also take orders in advance and do wedding cake delivery.

Chippewa River Dessert Co. By ap-pointment only Eau Claire, WI 54703 • (715) 271-8857 • [email protected] Gayle Johnson is a graduate from the Notter School of Pastry Art’s European Baking & Pastry Program in Orlando, Fla. She does special orders for businesses and individuals as need-ed. She does cakes, artisan chocolates, cookies, mini-desserts, and anything ele you might think of.

Dessert First 2425 Seymour Road and 504 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-8666 and (715) 838-8880 • getdessertfirst.com Famous for its multitude of cupcakes, this California-inspired bakery offers quality sweet temptations and lunch time treats. Check out special Decem-ber cupcakes, red hot cinnamon and egg nog.

Great Harvest Bread Company 4324 Southtowne Place, Eau Claire • (715) 552-8000 • greatharvestbreadeauclaire.com Stop in for a free slice of hot-out-of-the-oven bread or a taste of their

legendary sweets. The whole grain for their breads is ground fresh every day, and they offer an assortment of season-al sweet treats for your holiday gather-ings.

Legacy Chocolates 632 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-2580 • legacychoc-olates.com With seasonal hand-crafted truffles, cakes, and holiday brownies, you can be sure you’re getting the best real chocolate available anywhere. Check out their delicious Potion No. 9 chocolate sauce, hand-made in small

batches. Anything other chocolate sauce is just plain vanilla.

Norske Nook at the Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Drive Eau Claire, WI 54701 • (715) 552-0510 • [email protected] • www.norske-nook.com Norske Nook bakery offers an assortment of baked goods, including muffins, breads, cookies, lefse, tortes, cheesecakes, and, of course, homemade pie. Love, care, and attention to de-tail are ingredients in every recipe we make.

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Norske Nook of Osseo 13804 7th St. Osseo, WI 54758 • (715) 597-3069 and (800) 294-6665 • [email protected] • www.norskenook.com Norske Nook bakery offers an assortment of baked goods, including muffins, breads, cook-ies, lefse, tortes, cheesecakes, and, of course, homemade pie. Love, care, and attention to detail are ingredients in ev-ery recipe we make.

Simply Cakes 3636 Melby Street Chip-pewa Falls, WI 54729 • 514-4549 • sim-plycakesllc.com Simply Cakes is far from simply cakes. This small bakery specializes in whimsical cupcake “bou-quets”, (made to look like roses or sun-flowers), custom wedding cakes, fresh fudge, chocolate, and over 40 varieties of custom Christmas cookies.

Sue’s Deluxe Bake Shop 1319 Birch St., Eau Claire, WI 54703 • 715-552-3931 • www.eauclairebakery.com A neighbor-hood favorite, Sue’s mostly homemade items includes bars, cakes, sweet rolls, cookies and cakes. Take home a pack of savory onion rolls.


Help ThemHelp OthersHere are some of the Chippewa Valley’s many organizations working to help those in need. They’ll accept money, food, special items, or your time as a volunteer.

American Cancer Society 2519 N Hill-crest Pkwy Ste 100, Altoona • 832-0181 • cancer.org ACS are a nationwide, yet community based voluntary health orga-nization. Donate!

American Red Cross - Western Wis-consin Chapter Office 3728 Spooner Ave., Altoona • (877) 618-6628 • red-crossww.org A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including disaster response and preparedness, health and safety, blood services, admin-istration, and special events/fundraising.

American Red Cross Blood Services 3485 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire • (800) 733-2767 • redcross.org The need for life-saving blood is constant, and the gratifi-cation is instant. Check out the website for blood drive information or call to schedule an appointment at the Eau

Claire donor center.

Arc Eau Claire 800 Wisconsin St., Mail-box 86, Eau Claire • (715) 514-1825 • Ad-vocating for the rights of citizens with cognitive disabilities. Volunteer in the office or donate.

Beacon House (Interfaith Hospitality Network) 309 E. Lake St., Eau Claire • 834-4357 • [email protected] • beacon-house.org A facility in downtown Eau Claire where the homeless can stay while seeking employment and housing. Please donate.

Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County High-way K, Fall Creek • 877-2212 • beaver-creekreserve.org They provide programs, activities, and experiences to help peo-ple of all ages explore the natural world. Donate money and/or your time to assist the staff and naturalists run the reserve. Help with anything from answering phones to maintaining trails.

Big Brothers Big Sisters 424 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 835-0161 • bbbsnw.org Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children reach their potential through profes-sionally supported one-to-one relation-ships. Donate or volunteer to be a “Big,” helping your “Little” better their life and relationships.

Bolton Refuge House 807 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • 715) 834-0628 • [email protected] • BoltonRefuge-

House.org A nonprofit organization de-signed to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A 24-hour crisis line, counseling, and other help are available. Volunteer to be a re-ceptionist, child care services, or trans-portation. Donate money, clothes and household essentials.

Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chip-pewa Valley 201 E. Lake St., Eau Claire • 855-0081 • bgca-chippewavalley.org Es-tablished in 2001, “The Club” provides a place for kids to go after school and dur-ing vacations to get positive reinforce-ment in an open and safe environment. Whether it’s playing games, providing homework help, or just talking to the kids, volunteering makes a difference. Donations are always accepted.

Catholic Charities 448 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • 832-6644 • [email protected] • cclse.org Providing a plethora of public services for many years, they function mostly on the support of the community to continue to do so. Donate or volunteer.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Community Services 2004 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • 835-5915 • chw.org They are the largest private, non-profit provider of child welfare services in Wisconsin. Donate money, toys, art sup-plies, merchandise to be auctioned off, or volunteer.

Children’s Museum of Eau Claire 220


Feed My People Food Bank’s mission is right in its name: Feeding the hungry across the region. With the help of its Eau Claire warehouse and a small fleet of refrigerated trucks, the nonprofit group distributes 6 million pounds of food to more than 60,000 people annually via a network of over 100 hunger-relief orga-nizations. Sara Nemec, Feed My People’s community engagement coordinator, talks about the help the group provides and the help it needs – both during the holidays and year-round.

What’s the difference between a food bank like Feed My People and a soup kitchen or a food pantry?

Feed My People is a distribution center that supplies food and personal care products to pantries, shelters, and com-munity meal programs in west-central Wisconsin. Think of us as the middleman. A pantry is where individuals seeking assistance may receive groceries. We help supply the pantry with those grocer-ies. A soup kitchen or community meal program is where individuals can come and get a warm meal. We help supply the ingredients for that meal.

Who makes use of your services?Pantries, shelters, and community meal programs use our services. Through their hunger-relief programs, we’re able to assist in feeding the community. Forty-three percent of families visiting a food pantry have at least one employed mem-ber and often do not qualify for govern-ment assistance. An unexpected medical bill or a lost job can spiral these families into poverty. Seniors and children are especially vulnerable.

How has demand for your services changed in recent years? Does it change during the holiday season? Since 2008, the number of pounds of food we distribute has tripled. We see demand year-round. There is often an increase in demand during winter and the holiday season as heating costs rise.

What kinds of donations – food, money, or time – do you need during the holidays (or, for that matter, for the rest of the year)?We can use all of the above. For a $1 donation, we’re able to distribute about $10 worth of food, so monetary donations allow the donor’s dollars to be stretched

further. Of course, food donations are always welcome, too. We can accept any-thing you can purchase at a grocery store, including frozen and refrigerated items. FMP also accepts personal care prod-ucts. Some in demand items are toilet paper, diapers, soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, and deodorant. A complete wish list and volunteer information can be found at fmpfoodbank.org.

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S. Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54701 • 715-832-5437 • info @ cmec.cc • cmec.cc The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a non-profit organization that provides an interactive environment for children and their grown-ups in the Chippewa Valley that inspires imagination, discov-ery, creativity, and “learning through play”. Donations help to fund member-ships for low-income families. Volun-teers welcome.

Chippewa Valley Free Clinic 836 Rich-ard Dr., Eau Claire • 715-839-8477 • cv-freeclinic.org Their mission is to provide health related services for people, who could not easily afford it otherwise. Do-nate or volunteer, even if you don’t have medical experience, your skills could be useful.

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Human-ity 2233 Golf Road, Eau Claire • 833-8993 • cvh4h.org This organization believes that everyone should have a place to call home that is decent and safe to live in. Donate or volunteer to help build houses during the construction season or help with smaller indoor construction during the cold months.

Chippewa Valley Museum 1204 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • 834-7871 • cvmuse-um.com The Museum is here to discover, collect and preserve the history and cul-ture of the Chippewa Valley. Donate or volunteer as anything from a teen guide to helping at the front desk.

Community Table 320 Putnam St., Eau Claire • 835-4977 • [email protected] • thecommunitytable.org A collaborative effort of local churches, serving over 100 meals a day, 365 days a year. They rely completely on volunteers to function and serve our community ef-fectively. Donate or volunteer to cook, clean, serve, etc.

Community Television 800 Wisconsin St., Building D2, Suite 405, Eau Claire • 839-5067 • www.cvctv.org Providing the community with a televised outlet. Do-nate money, goods to be auctioned off, or volunteer.

Cultural Enrichment Center 2809 E. Hamilton Ave. #206, Eau Claire • 379-1290 • [email protected] • cecenter1.org An organization, committed to shar-ing and celebrating cultural experienc-es with the community through public performances, sports programs, and the arts. They also provide educational activities such as lectures, workshops, study groups and tutors. Donate or vol-unteer as a tutor.

Dove Healthcare 1405 Truax Blvd. And 3656 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-1030 and 552-1035 • dovehealthcare.com Dove resi-dents cherish the time they spend with volunteers, and both lives are enriched by creating new memories and sharing old ones. One-on-one visits could involve reading, cooking, helping with parties, shopping with a resident, bingo, board games, and much more.


Dunn County Interfaith Volunteers, Inc. 1602 Stout Road, Menomonie • (715) 235-2920 • [email protected] • steppingstonesdc.org A non-profit um-brella organization that manages three vital community programs: Interfaith Food Pantry, the House of Hope home-less shelter, and the Interfaith Caregiv-ers for the disabled, isolated, frail, and elderly. Donate or volunteer.

Eau Claire Children’s Theatre 1814 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire • 839-8877 • [email protected] • ecct.org Providing oppor-tunities for people of all ages to experi-ence quality theatre for entertainment and educational purposes. ECCT allows children to express themselves in an en-couraging and supportive way. Donate or volunteer with acting, hair/make-up, stage set and props, and to fill a variety of other needs.

Eau Claire Community Foundation 306 S. Barstow St., Suite 104, Eau Claire • (715) 552-3801 • eccommunityfounda-tion.org Establishes charitable legacies through which individuals, businesses, organizations and private foundations can more effectively help non-profit groups provide much needed services in the Eau Claire area. Serve on committee groups or donate.

Eau Claire County Humane Associa-tion 3900 Old Town Rd., Eau Claire • 839-4747 • [email protected] • eccha.org They shelter animals until they are perma-nently taken in. (ECCHA also has a foster pet program, if you can only temporarily volunteer.) Donate money, your running/non running car, volunteer to care for the animals, or better yet, adopt!

Feed My People Food Bank 2610 Al-pine Rd., Eau Claire • 835-9415 • [email protected] • fmpfoodbank.org Pro-vides food pantries, soup kitchens and shelter programs in west-central Wiscon-sin with enough food so that thousands of people needs can be met each year. Donate money, non-perishable food, or volunteer.

Friends of the Menomonie Public Li-brary • (715) 232-2164 • www.friends.menomonielibrary.org Become a Friends member of the Menomonie Public Li-brary and help support/sponsor Sum-mer Library Program events, Music Over Menomin, Menomonie Reads, author vis-its, and more.

Girls on the Run Eau Claire County Inc. P.O. Box 1041, Eau Claire • [email protected] • gotreauclaire.org/index.html Building character in girls of grade school age so that they are em-powered to pursue their dreams while creatively integrating running into other healthy and fun activities. Donate or vol-unteer to be a running buddy, a coach, or help with events, fundraising or writing grants.

Goodwill Industries 3605 Gateway Dr, Eau Claire • 835-0532 • goodwill.org One of the world’s largest nonprofit providers


of education, training, and career ser-vices for people at a disadvantage and/or with disabilities. Donate money, house-hold items, clothing, your time, or simply shop there to help out.

Hope Gospel Mission 8 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • 552-5566 • [email protected] • hopegospelmis-sion.org Offers short term emergency shelter and long-term programs dedi-cated to addressing the root of homeless individuals’ problems. Bargain center store and auto sales on Moholt Drive. Donate household essentials and clothes or volunteer.

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library 400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 839-5004 • ecpubliclibrary.info Volunteer in tutor-ing programs to help others learn how to read, use computers more proficiently, or delivering library items to homes. Also contribute money at various mem-bership levels.

Literacy Volunteers Chippewa Valley 800 Wisconsin St., Building D02, Suite 301, Eau Claire • 834-0222 • lvcv.org Teach people how to read and better their lives as employees and citizens through lit-eracy tutoring. Donate or volunteer as a tutor, fundraiser, or work in the office.

Lutheran Social Services 1320 W. Clairemont Avenue, Ste. 200, Eau Claire • (877) 967-5577 • www.lsswis.org Offers a variety of compassionate social services focused on people in Wisconsin and Up-per Michigan. Donations can go directly to a need of your choice, or volunteer.

Mayo Clinic Health System 1221 Whip-ple St., Eau Claire • 838-3311 • mayoclini-chealthsystem.org Donate or volunteer in various ways, such as transporting/directing patients, clerical services, as-sisting families, and many more exciting opportunities.

Reach, Inc. 1324 W Clairemont Suite 1, Eau Claire • (715) 552-2763 • reach-inc.org A community-based, private non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to provide innovative opportunities for people, in order to promote self-de-termination and full participation in the community regardless of their ability. A new location, The Selma House, will al-low for additional programming to help adults with disabilities. Donate.

Salvation Army 2211 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-1224 • salvationarmy.org A nonprofit, international organization that helps whenever and wherever pos-sible. Donated funds, thrift store items and volunteers help make this one of the most recognizable charities around the world, so don’t pass by the bell ringers empty-handed this year.

Salvation Army 521 North Bridge Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 • (715) 726-9506 • usc.salvationarmy.org/eauclaire The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement located in over 100 countries around the world, and has been serving the communities in western


Wisconsin for 100 years. Last year they served over 300,000 meals to more than 40,000 people. We provided shelter for 1,000 individuals, helped them find jobs and taught them how to take control of their lives.

St. Francis Food Pantry 1221 Truax Blvd., Eau Claire • 839-7706 • [email protected] • stfrancisfoodpan-try.org The St. Francis Food Pantry is a program developed for the purpose of assisting the hungry and needy of Eau Claire County. They are committed to gathering food and supplies to distrib-ute. The work of the pantry is supported by people like you who volunteer and do-nate food/funds.

St. Joseph’s Hospital 2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls • 723-1811 • www.stjo-eschipfalls.com Volunteer to be involved in one of the many roles affiliated with the local hospital. Help at the informa-tion desk or being a waiting room host/hostess. Hospice volunteers also needed. Donate to join the “Circle of Friends” who sustain help to the sick and needy.

The Bridge to Hope 1901 South Broad-way, Menomonie • 235-9074 • [email protected] • thebridgetohope.org A domestic abuse and sexual assault agency, helping victims of Dunn and Pe-pin counties rebuild their lives. Volun-teer or donate money and other much-needed goods such as household items.

Trinity Equestrian Center S5300 State Highway 37, Eau Claire • 835-4530 • trini-ty-ec.com Connecting horses and people, they offer Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine As-sisted Learning, along with several pro-grams for kids. Donate or volunteer to do barn chores along with general mainte-nance of the grounds, or even by being behind a camera lens.

United Way of Greater Chippewa Val-ley 3603 N. Hastings Way Suite 200, Eau Claire • 834-5043 • [email protected] • unitedwayeauclaire.org Focuses on solu-tions to community problems, funding services that meet the needs of those goals. They employ a small staff, but rely heavily on volunteers. Donate or look into the dozens of volunteer opportuni-ties online.

West Central Wisconsin Community 1421 Stout Rd., Menomonie • (866) 235-4511 • westcap.org A community action agency that works to promote the self-sufficiency of low-income families in the rural communities of west central Wis-consin. Donate.

Western Dairyland Community Action Agency 418 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 1-800-782-1063 • westerndairyland.org Established to help disadvantaged indi-viduals in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties. Their mis-sion is to alleviate poverty-related con-ditions and provide opportunities that enable people to advance economically and socially. Donate or volunteer.


City Festivals & ParadesDurand Dazzle Holiday Event Nov. 30, Check Ven-ue For Hours • St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 825 East Prospect, Durand • 672-8617 Used Book, CD & Video Sale. Bake Sale. Carriage Rides. Viewing Zoo Christmas Card Contest. Community Center: Vendors all day-specials from local businesses. Chili feed sponsored by Durand Ambulance Ser-vice. Santa’s “Dear” Park. Illustrated Parade at 6pm with celebration ceremony after parade with a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.Christmastime in the City Dec. 7 • Downtown Eau Claire, S. Barstow, N. Barstow, and W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 839-4914 • downtowneau-claire.com Held the first weekend in December, this event is a celebration of the traditional holiday spir-it in Downtown Eau Claire. Enjoy this opportunity to create simple, special holiday memories that can be cherished for years to come. This event attracts about 1,000 people, who come for the activities in-cluding lunch with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer, and the lighting of the tree.24th Annual Bridge to Wonderland Parade Dec. 7, 6pm • North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls • 723-6661 • chippewafallsmainst.org Join us for this one-of-a-kind parade as over 50 illuminated and musical floats, horse drawn wagons, and walking units light up the winter sky. Sip on hot chocolate from par-ticipating downtown businesses as you watch all the magic of this Christmas tradition.Annual Superyule Event Dec. 9, 6-8pm • Chippewa Falls Public Library, 105 W Central St., Chippewa

Falls • All ages • 723-1146 • chippewafallslibrary.org Join us for a nite of crafts, fun, treats and prizes. Register for free books and other items. Adults can fill out a slip to win a free book or prize (ongoing from 5:30-8pm). Angry Birdz Knock ‘em Down Game upstairs in the teen area. Preschool & older Kid Crafts for ages 2-11 from 6:30- 8pm. Visit with Santa from 6-8pm.Paint the Town Christmas Dec. 12, 4-7pm • Down-town Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Falls • Stroll downtown Chippewa Falls for a Christmas open house! Enjoy a meet and greet with Santa Claus, ice sculptures in Harmony Courtyard, in-store specials, refreshments, and many more surprises.WinterDaze Dec. 12, 4-8pm • Downtown Menomonie, Main Street, Menomonie • FREE • 235-2666 • mainstreetmenomonie.org Downtown Menomonie’s Annual WinterDaze event - Visit with Santa and his live reindeer, sip Hot Cocoa and watch the beautiful light parade down Main Street.2nd Annual Clearwater Winter Parade: Rock This City Dec. 15, 5-8pm • Along Water Street, Eau Claire • 839-5032 • eauclairewi.gov/pr The 5pm pa-rade kicks off featuring local businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies. Following the parade 6-8pm at Hobbs Ice Center, the event concludes with games and activities. Participating organizations’ application costs ben-efit the Eau Claire Parks & Rec’s youth and family scholarship program.

Craft Fairs & Art ShowsInk & Paper: A Gift-Worthy Print Sale Every day un-til Jan. 4 • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquar-ters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Support local artists without breaking the bank! Dozens of local and re-gional artists will present prints of original paintings, drawings, lithographs, intaglio, woodcuts, etchings, and much more for sale during the holiday season. Last year’s Ink & Paper print sale saw more than 250 individual prints on sale.Christmas Bazaar, Craft & Bake Sale Nov. 22, 10am-6pm; Nov. 23, 10am-2pm • Schlegelmilch House Museum, 517 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • FREE • 832-7028 • cvmuseum.com Handcrafts, soaps, jewelry, branded items (Harley Davidson, Mossy Oak, Jack Daniels), toys & gifts for children, gifts for pet & pet lovers. Home baking. All proceeds benefit Wisconsin Westie Rescue.Holidaze Arts Festival Nov. 22, 3-9pm; Nov. 23, 9am-4pm • Downtown Eau Claire Convention Cen-ter, 205 S. Barstow, Eau Claire • $3 adults, FREE kids 12 and under with adult (FREE ramp parking) • all ages • holidazearts.com Do what thousands of others have done for the past 25 years: Shop at the Holidaze Arts Festival. The show floor will have lots of local and regional artists each fairing hand made goods that will delight you and the loved one’s you are shopping for. Take care of your shopping list early and locally. Food court and concession area available.Grapevine Senior Center: Craft Show Nov. 23,

Chippewa Valley Calendar of Holiday Fun


Check Venue For Hours • Grapevine Senior Nutri-tion Center, 121 Main St, Colfax • Nice variety of handmade items; lefse and more.29th Annual Country Craft Expo Nov. 23, 9am-3pm • McDonell High School, 1316 Bel Air Blvd, Chip-pewa Falls • $1 • 29th Annual craft show with over 85 exhibitors. Baked goods for sale, concessions available and only $1 admittance.4th Annual Ladies Pampering Day Nov. 23, 9am-4pm • Green Oasis Gardens by Greener Grass Systems, 1403 122nd St, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 832-0800 • GreenOasisGardens.com Bring your girlfriends and enjoy the day with us. This is a Shopping Celebration. It’s ladies day at the Oasis. Come and pamper yourself because you deserve it. We have a greenhouse full of vendors, virtual make-overs, food samples, beverages, and one-day-only store specials.Craft and Vendor Show Nov. 23, 9am-3pm • Eco-no Lodge Inn & Suites Conference Center, 1815 N Broadway St, Menomonie • 505-2049 Homemade crafts and vendors will be at the show.Fine Arts & Crafts Fair Nov. 23, 10am-5pm; Nov. 24, 10am-5pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • 235-0001 • mabeltainter.org An annual celebration of holiday shopping in downtown Menomonie. Enjoy the finest in arts and crafts shopping when original work takes center stage on all three floors of the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. Shoppers will be treated to Victorian holiday decorations, jubilant music, and the magic of seasonal shopping.Christmas Bazaar, Craft & Bake Sale Nov. 22, 10am-6pm; Nov. 23, 10am-2pm • Schlegelmilch House Museum, 517 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • FREE • 832-7028 • cvmuseum.com Handcrafts, soaps, jewelry, branded items (Harley Davidson, Mossy Oak, Jack Daniels), toys & gifts for children, gifts for pet & pet lovers. Home baking. All proceeds benefit Wisconsin Westie Rescue, 501c3.Holiday Bazaar at Plymouth UCC Nov. 23, 10am-2pm • Plymouth United Church of Christ, 2010 Moholt Dr, Eau Claire • 835-5475 • pcucc.com The doors open at 10:00 a.m. with the luncheon served from 11am-1pm. In addition to the salad luncheon, there will be Treasure Trove and craft tables and a huge bakery area for holiday planning.Wisconsin Girls Barrel Racing Association: Fall Tack Swap and Vendor Sale Nov. 23, 10:30am-2:30pm • Loyal Order of Moose Lodge-3606 Curvue Rd, Eau Claire • 577-5536 Tack swap and vendor sale. Horse tack- new and used, many vendors with

tack and other horse related items. We also will have non horse related vendors- Thirty- One, Dazzling Divas & Boutiques, Scensty, Jewelery, etc. If you are interested in selling, we still have tables available. Please contact Angie for more information.Holiday Open House: Colfax Arts & Antique, The Blue Butterfly, and Lynn’s Brewed Awakenings Nov. 23-24 • Colfax Antique Mall 603 Main Street, Colfax, WI 54730 • 704-6086 Tons of Christmas an-tiques, great “old” gifts for the holidays, wine and beer tasting and refreshments.Christmas Village in Irvine Park Nov. 28-Jan. 1 • Ir-vine Park, Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-0051 • chippewachamber.org More than 100,000 Christmas lights turn the park into a Christmas Vil-lage. Life-size Christmas scenes replicate the Victo-rian era and the city’s early history.Holiday Art Fair Nov. 29-Dec. 23 • Janet Carson Gallery, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • FREE • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com Affordable and unique gifts from area artists. Artists’ reception: Dec. 12, 6-7:30pm.Santa’s Tree Farm Open House Nov. 29, Check Venue For Hours • Santa’s Tree Farm, 400 Sunday Dr., Altoona • 835-0611 Shop early for fresh green-ery and gifts. Enjoy refreshments and treats.Memorial High School’s 11th Community Book Sale Dec. 4-5, 8:30am-7pm; Dec. 6, 8:30am-3:30pm • Memorial High School Library, 2225 Keith St., Eau Claire • 852-6433 Give the people you love the gift of books this holiday season. Do your book shopping at the annual community book sale where all new books are buy one, get one free. All profits go to promoting literacy in the community.Folk Art Show & Sale At The Home of Kristi Schumacher Dec. 7 • Schumacher Farm, 6901 Schumacher Road, Fall Creek • FREE • 835-2366 Sale features one-of-a-kind hand-carved Santas, framed prints (paintings & drawings), nature pho-tography, as well as an assortment of other carvings. A new Santa portrait is featured every year, as well as children’s books written and illustrated by Kristi. All art work is original.Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar Dec. 7, 9am-2pm • Maple Manor Lounge, 2507 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • Free • 7158397831 • wildliferehabandre-lease.com Sale: Home baking, many gifts under $10. Featuring homemade treats for wild birds. All proceeds benefit Wildlife Rehab & Release, 501c3 serving Chippewa ValleyDancing Cat Arts Holiday Open House & Sale Dec.

Chippewa Valley Jazz OrChestra presents: swinging intO the

hOlidaysDec. 6 • The State Theatre • 7:30pm

The CVJO swings into the holidays with a night of great big-band arrangements of your favorite holiday tunes. A powerful force in our burgeon-ing jazz scene, this orchestra aims to bring the finest big-band jazz experience to our area with talented local musicians.

Madrigal dinnerDec. 6-7 • 6:30-9pm • Ojibwe

Ballroom, Davies Center, UW-Eau Claire

This annual Renaissance tradition at UWEC involves not only a multi-course meal, but period costumes, musical performances, and a short play, all presented by UWEC’s Chamber Choir.

ChristMastiMe in the CityDec. 7 • Downtown Eau Claire

This day full of festive activities includes shopping deals, events, and displays, several craft times for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, carol singers, hot cider and cookies, and the tree-lighting ceremony in the Four Corners Parking Lot.

a ChristMas stOryDec. 6-8 & 12-15 • Mabel Tainter Center

Based on the classic 1983 film, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in

the Midwest in the 1940s comes alive this sea-son, presented by the Menomonie Theater Guild. The story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

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Clearwaterwinter paradeDec. 15 • Water Street • 5pm

Check out Eau Claire’s second-annual winter parade featuring local businesses, schools, non-profits and government agencies. Then 6-8pm, enjoy games and activities at the Hobbs Ice Center just down the road at 915 Menomonie St.

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Christmastime in the City celebrates the season in downtown Eau Claire Dec. 7.

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7, 10am-4pm; Dec. 8, noon-4pm • [email protected] • 1932 Mark Lane, Eau Claire • A chance to fine the perfect, unique holiday gift. One of a kind, func-tional pottery and handcrafted jewelry. Ladies in the Greenhouse Country Christmas Dec. 7, 10am-4pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Here is an opportunity to shop in a special environ-ment--Ladies in the Greenhouse--Country Christmas. Enjoy a day at Down to Earth with free hors d’oeuvre samples and drink specials in the cafe, local artist vendor market in the Greenhouse, live demos,and much more to get you in the Christmas spirit.2nd Annual Last Blast Santa Craft & Vendor Sale Dec. 14, 9am-4pm • Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Con-ference Center, 1815 N Broadway St , Menomonie & Stout Ale House, 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • FREE • 556-7711 Holiday sale 75 local crafters and vendors in two locations, one block apart featuring many one-of-a-kind handmade items food, cloth-ing, homegoods, jewelry, holiday and baked goods, plus many home-based businesses. Food/bake sale proceeds go to the Neighbors of Dunn County. Also bring the kids to see Santa, taking pictures 10am-3pm.

Deer Widow’s WeekendHoliday Season Opener Nov. 22-24 • Downtown Eau Claire • downtowneauclaire.org Hunt for the best gifts while the men are away. Holiday shopping, open houses, special events, prizes, refreshments, and fun.He Hunts, I Drink Wine Weekend Nov. 22, noon-7pm; Nov. 23, noon-6pm • Cottage Winery & Vine-yard, N7391 County Road F, Menomonie • FREE • 21+ • cottagewineryandvineyard.com Enjoy great wine and friends. Plus holiday decorating classes, ar-tisan food vendors, wreath making, prizes, and much more.Pleasant Valley Tree Farms: Christmas Open House Nov. 23-24, Check Venue For Hours • Pleas-ant Valley Tree Farm, N7240 810th Street, Elk Mound • 879-5179 • pleasantvalleytree.com Discover the glorious colors and gifts of Christmas, beautiful fresh evergreen wreaths and more.

Down to Earth Garden Center: Deer Hunter Wid-ow’s Weekend Nov. 23-24, Check Venue For Hours • Down To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Special product previews, free hors d’oeuvres and samples, great spe-cials on Christmas items and much more.Widower’s Weekend: Fashion Show/Hypnotist Nov. 23, Check Venue For Hours • Whiskeys Grill & Bar, 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • Hypnosis show: $10, Fashion show and Dance party: FREE • 832-4745 • whiskeysgrill.com The weekend for ladies who would rather save a buck. Enjoy Vintage Vixen’s fashion show, throwback dance party, and a hypno-sis show featuring Crimson, The Queen of Comedy Hypnosis. What better way to top it all off then with some more dancing featuring music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.4th Annual Ladies Pampering Day Nov. 23, 9am-4pm • Green Oasis Gardens by Greener Grass Systems, 1403 122nd St, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 832-0800 • GreenOasisGardens.com Bring your girl-friends and enjoy the day with us. This is a Shopping Celebration. It’s ladies day at the Oasis. Come and pamper yourself because you deserve it. We have a greenhouse full of vendors, virtual makeovers, food samples, beverages, and one-day-only store specials.Ladies Night: Doe Camp Nov. 23, 5-10pm • Horizons Lounge & Banquet Center, 10764 County Hwy Q, Chippewa Falls • $50 or $45 in advance • 724-1444 • horizonslounge.com Mini seminars include tips, Tricks & Myths for Doe Health Fitness, How To Rub Your Buck the Right Way, How To Mate your Wine & Food. Door prizes, giveaways all night long. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cocktails, wine & champagne served all night. Chair messages, shopping & much

The second annual Clearwater Winter Parade will bring all manner of vehicular merriment to Water Street at 5pm Dec. 15.

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For the most comprehensive up-to-date listings and links to area events, visit:

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more. Live music by Divided Highway at 10pm.Deer Hunters Widower Party/Midget Bowling Nov. 23, 9pm-2am • Hipps Pub, s7650 State Hwy 37, Eau Claire • FREE • 21+ • 834-7822 While the guys are away the girls must play. Deer Hunt-ers Widower Bash at Hipps Pub featuring Midget Bowling with baddest little man on the planet “Bad Boy Brian”.Ladies Night Out: Chippendale’s & 50 Shades of Men Nov. 23, 9pm • Westgate Sportsman Club, 4909 Sportsman Dr., Eau Claire • $15 in advance, $20 at the door (if available) • ages 18+ • 832-4548 • ecwestgate.com Westgate Sportsman Club is inviting all the ladies of the Chippewa Valley to come and join us for The Chippendale’s and the 50 Shades of Men, Live on Stage. There will be door prizes, drink specials, raffles, and a whole lot more! Perfect for your ladies night out or bachelor-ette party. All Occasions DJ spins starting at 6pm. Shows start at 9pm. Doors at 5:30pm.

ThanksgivingThanksgiving With Friends Nov. 21, noon • Au-gusta Senior and Community Center, 601 Main St, Augusta • $8.80, $3.50 seniors • 286-2953 Join us for a Thanksgiving meal at the Augusta Senior and Community Center. All donations are confidential and voluntary. Menu: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, cauliflower & peas, dinner roll.Thanksgiving Butter Ball Belly Buster Nov. 28, 6-7am • Benji Chain Reaction Fitness, 2217 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • $10 adults, $5 kids un-der 12 • 379-4249 • clients.mindbodyonline.com 3rdAnnual “Butter Ball Belly Blast” to support the Rescued Tails Animal Sanctuary. Sign up on-line (check under the “EVENTS” tab).Turkey Trot Nov. 28, 8am • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Free will donation ($10/person requested) • 855-0081 • FestivalFoodsTur-keyTrot.com The Turkey Trot offers a five mile run, two mile walk, and a two mile Dog Jog. Attendees enjoy the upbeat music, high quality long-sleeved t-shirts and free Festival Foods pumpkin pies. The Dog Jog will start at the back of the 2 mile event. This event benefits the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club. See contact info for details.Community Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 28, noon-2pm • Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire • 832-6601 Everyone is welcome to this community Thanksgiving Dinner including turkey and all the fixings.Thanksgiving Buffet Train Nov. 28, noon • Wis-consin Great Northern Railroad 426 N Front St., Spooner • Adult $35, Child (ages 3-12) $25, Family Ticket (2 adults and 3-5 children) $120 • 635-3200 Dinner train bed and breakfast from the Trego Depot to Bean Creek and return. This buf-fet meal features: a salad bar, roasted turkey, oven baked ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, wild rice pi-laf, traditional stuffing, corn o’brien, chef’s choice vegetable, candied yams, fresh dinner rolls, pie and your choice of coffee, iced tea, or lemonade.Cornell Food Pantry: Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 28, noon • Cornell Food Pantry, 401 S. Second St., Cornell • 205-0542 Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at noon until everyone has been fed. Carry outs available and will be delivered about noon.Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 28, 1pm • Snout Saloon, 13 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • 723-4848 See contact info for details.Christmas Village in Irvine Park: Thanksgiving Day Opening Nov. 28, 5-6:30pm • Irvine Park, Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-0051 • chippewachamber.org More than 100,000 Christ-mas lights turn the park into a Christmas Village. Life-size Christmas scenes replicate the Victorian era and the city’s early history.


Live MusicRhythm Posse Presents: Stage Fright 4 Nov. 27, 9pm • Pizza Plus, 208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • $5 • 715.832.8844 • pizzapluseauclaire.com A Faithful reenactment of the movie ‘The Last Waltz’ featuring over 25 local musicians, performing as The Band, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell and more. A $5 dollar donation at the door goes to Feed My People. New this year- an opening act! The only Thanksgiving song that matters - Alice’s Restaurant.Volume One Jingle Jams: AcoustiHOO Nov. 29, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org What do you get when you blend a saxophone, a guitar, a violin, and an upright bass? Whatever Sue and the guys decide fits the musical mo-ment. Bluesy, jazz-esque, or simply musical come the tones of AcoustiHOO.Lorie Line & Her Fab Five Nov. 30, 7:30-9:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $49 • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com This year’s theme, Born In Bethlehem, will celebrate the traditional story of the birth of a King. Line will perform favorites, as well as brand new seasonal songs.Kristmas Kookies Dec. 1, 2-3:30pm • The Heyde Cen-ter for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 youth • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net Composer/singer Warren Hermodson with music teachers George Utphall, keyboard and vocals, Bill Simon, bass and vocals and Steve Wells, lead gui-tar and vocals are back on the Heyde Center stage with a collection of Kookie favorites and new Hermodson songs with a humorous take on the traditional musical Christmas.“A Shillelagh Lads’ Christmas” Dinner Show Dec. 3, 4, 17 & 18, 6-8pm • Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub, 415 South Barstow Street, Eau Claire • FREE • 835-6621 • houligans.net Already a tradition by many, the Shillelagh Lads Christmas Shows will fill your cup of good Christmas Cheer! Featuring a delectable three-course meal, and a 90 min show filled with traditional, Irish-styled Christmas music- gift wrapped with good humor, good will, and good company. RSVP: 835-6621.Rick Springfield Dec. 3, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $60, $50 • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com For all of his accomplishments as an actor, best-selling author and documentary subject, Rick Springfield has always insisted his first love is music. With 25 million albums sold, 17 top-40 hits, including “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and “An Affair of the Heart,” as well as a 1981 Grammy® for Best Male Rock Vocal win for his No. 1 hit single “Jessie’s Girl,” Springfield still has more to say with his latest album, Songs for the End of the World. Special guest Jim Hoehn opens.Madrigal Dinner Dec. 6, 6:30-9pm; Dec. 7, 6:30-9pm • Ojibwe Ball Room in UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire • 7158364092 • eauclaire-jazz.com Each December the Chamber Choir performs in a madrigal dinner, complete with costumes, seasonal music, and a lavish re-creation of a royal Christmas court. To purchase tickets, please contact the Service Center at 836-3727, ext. 4.Christmas Makes Me Crazy Dec. 6, 7pm; Dec. 7, 7pm • Peace Church, 501 E Fillmore, Eau Claire • $10, $30 families • 830-9495 Featuring Matt & Suzie K. with the Honeytree band. Proceeds support the work of B-Side Community in downtown Eau Claire.Volume One Jingle Jams: Billy Krause Dec. 6, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Billy Krause is a veteran musician who has worked for more than 30 years in many formats - as a solo artist, in small ensembles, and in table-thumping electric roadhouse bands.Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra Presents: Swinging

Into the Holidays! Dec. 6, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $15 adult, $13 senior, $5 student • All ages • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com The CVJO swings into the holidays with great big band ar-rangements of your favorite holiday tunes. What a jolly way to start off your season on the right note.Northwinds British Brass Band Annual Concert Dec. 7, 3-5pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $7 adults, $6 seniors, free to youth under 18 • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net Noth-ing brings out the shine of Christmas like a 27-piece brass band. Join us at the Heyde Center for this annual concert before taking in the wonderful Chippewa Falls Christmas Parade. Directed by Ana Amborn.Vocal Competition: Starquest Dec. 7, 7-9:30pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • 839-8877 • ecct.org The performances of the finalists in the Star-quest competition: ages 14-18 and ages 13 and young-er. Up to 10 vocalists in each category. The winner in each category will win $100, and the runners-up will receive $50.The Harp Ensemble’s Annual Holiday Concert Dec. 8, 2-4pm • Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 Half Moon Dr. (in Carson Park), Eau Claire • General museum admission required • All ages • 834-7871 • cvmuseum.com A favorite holiday tradition at the Museum, this concert fills the galleries with festive holiday music. The Harp Ensemble presents this music each year as a fundraiser for the Museum. Enjoy hot cider and cook-ies in the Ice Cream Parlor following the performance.Concert: UW-Eau Claire Dec. 8, 2-3:30pm; Dec. 8, 5-6:30pm • Zorn Arena, UWEC Campus, 105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire • $5 floor seats, $3 bleacher seats • The annual Holiday Concert celebrates the songs of the season with performances by UW-Eau Claire students. Tickets may be purchased at the University Service Center in Davies Center or by calling 836-3727, ext. 4. A $3 service fee will be added to all telephone charge orders.Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party Dec. 12, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $34, $30 • all ages • 832-2787 • eau-clairearts.com Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has built a ca-reer through relentless touring and an impressive rep-ertoire of music inspired by swing music of the 1940s and 1950s. BBVD urges their millions of fans world-wide to shake and move to their inimitable grooves while also expanding their horizons with new musical inspiration and influence.Volume One Jingle Jams: The Rattlenecks Dec. 13, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Lo-cal Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Local indie folk band featuring Gabe Koxlein, Todd Barneson, Jim Pullman, Ethan Schmidt, and Davy Sumner.Tonic Sol-fa Dec. 13, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $37/$32/$29 children/students $5 off • All ages • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com Al-though they are simply four voices and a tambourine, Tonic Sol-fa has spent considerable time on the road carving their niche as the nation’s top vocal group. Don’t miss out this December on the quartet that has been named one of the top five “must see” groups in America.




Volume One Jingle Jams: Sean Carey Dec. 14, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Sean Carey is best known as the drum-mer and supporting vocalist of indie folk band Bon Iver. Tonight he produces a stripped-down solo show for Local Store visitors.Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra presents - Winter Jubilee! Dec. 14, 7:30pm • UW - Eau Claire, Haas Fine Arts Center, Gantner Concert Hall, 121 Wa-ter Street, Eau Claire • $28 adults, $25 seniors, $7 kids under 16/students • 832-6366 • cvsymphony.org This is our classic holiday concert. Come and celebrate with us! We will be starting the evening with holiday clas-sics from Grieg, Mendelssohn and Mussorgsky plus recent creations by Leroy Anderson and Mannheim Steamroller. All are “classic” holiday pieces, sure to be enjoyed by all.Motown Tribute Dec. 14, 7:30-9:30pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 youth • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net The soul genre arose out of the black experi-ence in America – combining African American gospel with rhythm and blues. The primary focus is based on soul music from the 1960s and 70s.Eddie Money Dec. 14, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $40, $35 • 832-2787 • Eau-ClaireArts.com Money burst onto the music scene with his eponymous debut album in 1977. Fans immediately fell in love with Money’s sound, and the album, which went double platinum, featured hits like “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.”Volume One Jingle Jams: Sarah Krueger Dec. 20, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Lo-cal Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Sarah’s songwriting style combines an honest folk-rock presence with gospel and roots undertones.George Winston Dec. 20, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $35 • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com George Winston, the endearing

barefoot pianist will be gracing our stage with his pres-ence this winter. He will be performing pieces from his latest recording, Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions 2-A Louisiana Wetlands Benefit, as well as selections from his seasonal favorites such as Autumn, played in his melodic folk-piano style. He also plays some of Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts pieces, some New Orleans R&B piano, stride piano, songs by the Doors, and more.The Master Singers: Lessons & Carols: There is a Gift Dec. 20, 7:30pm • First Congregational UCC, 310 Broadway St., Eau Claire • 836-4056 • themastersing-ers.net See contact information for details.Jim Radloff Ragtime Piano Dec. 21, 1-3 • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Vol-ume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Live holiday ragtime piano while you shop or hang out in the Local Store.Eau Claire Christmas Jingle Jam Dec. 21, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • Volume-One.org Volume One’s in-store Jingle Jams is a sea-sonal local music series in the V1 Gallery at the Local Store. Watch the show, shop the store, or just hang out and celebrate the holidays. Tonight, Eau Claire’s finest musicians perform their own takes on classic holiday tunes, led by ringleader Andy Plank.



If your kids can’t bend the big guy’s ear in person, they can drop letters to Santa in the box at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library between Nov. 24-Dec. 7.

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Holiday Concert: The Memories Dec. 21, 7:30-9:30pm; Dec. 22, 7:30-9:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • 235-0001 • mabeltainter.org The Memories--Warren Petryk and Tim Stevens--return to the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts for their 28th Annual Holiday Concert on De-cember 21st and 22nd. Their concert features traditional Christmas carols and favorite songs of the season. Pur-chase tickets online.Home for Christmas-Jacob Christopher Dec. 28, 2-3:30pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $10, Seniors and Youth $5 • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net Tenor Jacob Christopher has delighted audiences with his unique combination of vo-cal and dramatic skills in performances ranging from art song to opera.Prelude to an Eve: Troppo Big Band Jazz Orchestra Dec. 31, 7:30-10:30pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • adults $11, seniors $10, youth $5 • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net Once again, Troppo Big Band Jazz will help you dance into 2014 – laughing, singing and dancing all the way. So grab your dancing shoes and head for the Heyde Center for the Arts on this special evening.

Kids EventsFor local Santa appearances, see page 18.

Letters to Santa Claus Nov. 24-Dec. 7 • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • FREE • ages 3+ • 839-1648 • ecpubliclibrary.info Children may drop a letter in Santa’s special mailbox Nov. 24-Dec. 7 in Youth Services. Parents must provide the child’s full name and mailing address. One letter per child. Children receive responses between Dec. 14-21.Teddy Bear Tea Nov. 29, 10-11:30am • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $24, $6 • ages 3-10 w/ parent • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com This tea for children and their favorite stuffed animal features our favorite bear and a few of his friends. Each child will be invited to join in activities and story time, have a chance to win prizes, and will receive a gift bag from Santa. Professional photos with Santa will be available for pur-chase. Parents are welcomed to bring their camera too.Gingerbread House Construction Dec. 2, 10am-noon • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library – Eau Claire Room, 400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 839-5007 School-age children are invited to come to the library and build their very own gingerbread house (while sup-plies last). The event will take place in the Eau Claire Room from 10am-noon. No registration is needed.Kids Community Christmas Dec. 7, 11am-1pm • Cor-nell High School, 708 Bridge Street, Cornell • FREE • 210-0516 This free event is open to the public and al-lows children and their families to have lunch, get their pictures taken with Santa, play games, win prizes, face painting, crafts, and read with Mrs. Claus. Plus, kids can dance along with the DJ and write a letter to Santa, and get a toy for visiting.Holiday Fairy Garden Tea Party in the Greenhouse Dec. 14, 3pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • $15 adults, $25 kids • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Mothers, bring your daughters to this wonderful holiday fairy garden tea party in the green-house. There will be mini sandwiches, mini desserts, and tea served in the greenhouse. After tea we will ac-cessorize mini fairy gardens for each child to take home then read a book all about fairies.It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Dec. 16, 6:30-8pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $10 for Y Members, $15 for non-members • 836-8460 • eauclaireymca.org Make and decorate your very own gingerbread house, Christmas ornaments, and more.Kids Klub: Decorating Christmas Cookies with Mrs. Claus Dec. 19, 6-7pm • Scheels All Sports, 4710 Golf Road, Eau Claire • Free • 4-12 • 833-1886 • scheel-scommunity.com Mrs. Claus is here, and she wants to help you decorate the best cookie you have ever tasted! Come on in to show her your decorating skills! Pre-Reg-


ister at Customer Service for a chance to win a $10.00 gift card. Registration preferred, but not required.Christmas Story Hour Dec. 20, 5:30-6:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 836-8460 • eauclaireymca.org Parents are invited to bring their little ones to the Y to enjoy some classic Christmas stories being read. Families are also en-couraged to bring their own favorites along to share! Snacks will be provided. Bring your own pillow or blanket to create your own cozy listening area. Teddy bears welcome.

CarolingCaroling Night at the Park Dec. 14, 5-9:30pm • Ir-vine Park, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • 723-0051 • chippewafalls-wi.gov In beautiful Irvine Park Christmas Village celebrating their 26th Anniversary. 5-6:30pm walking only, 6:30-9:30pm open to traffic and walking. Sponsored by Chippewa Valley News-papers.Hometown Caroling Dec. 17 • Altoona • Altoona City Park (10th St) • Lori at 835-0611 // Chippewa Falls • Micon Cinemas (Chippewa Mall Dr) • Anita at 271-6098 // Downtown Eau Claire • Wilson Park (South Farwell St) • Bobbi Jo at 829-8852 // Downtown Eau Claire • Randall Park (Corner of 3rd Ave & Broadway St) • Sarah at 834-7811 // Eleva • Schultz’s Country Barn (North Main St) • Carlene at 287-4684 // Augusta • Hot Spot Cafe (East Lincoln St - Hwy 12) • Carol at 286-5013 // Mondovi • K D’s Restaurant (North Eau Claire St) • Lori at 926-3999 // Menomonie • Wilson Park (Wilson Ave) • Renee at 235-3591 // Durand • Memorial Park Band Shell (2nd Ave East) • Joan at 672 8773 // Downsville • Red Cedar Lodge (County Rd C) • Mel at 664-8354 // Bloomer • Hardee’s (19th Ave) • Dawn at 829-7038 // Ladysmith • Church of Christ • (701 Menasha Ave) • Linda at 322-4510 • 835-0611 • cvhiddentreasures.com Start a Hometown Caroling Night in your town or neighborhood. Get your starter kit today and carol with your community on Dec. 17.

StageA Carol of a Christmas Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 1:30pm plus occasional weekday matinees until Jan. 12 • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Cres-cent Ave, Eau Claire • Weekday matinees on select days: $43.99 (includes lunch and show); Show only ticket $25.99; Thurs./Sun. dinner and show $43.99; show only ticket $25.99; Fri./Sat. nights dinner and show $46.99; show only ticket $25.99; Sunday brunch matinee with show $43.99 • 836-8184 • fannyhill.com Our hero Rudy finds out that he is supposedly related to Ebenezer Scrooge. His wife valiantly tries to point out that Scrooge is a fictional character, but Rudy is undaunted and is visited by the Ghost of Sitcoms Past. Rudy is taken on a wild ride with some of our best-loved characters that reaffirm the true meaning of Christmas.Let’s Be Honest Dec. 5, 12, & 19, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Vol-ume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • all ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Volume One’s new storytelling series, where some of the area’s best writers and yarn-spinners take to the mic for a night of personal stories told live. Each night mul-tiple storytellers muse on a common theme.Winter Wonderettes Dec. 5-7, 7:30pm; Dec. 8, 1:30pm; Dec. 12-14, 7:30pm; Dec. 15, 1:30pm • The Grand Theatre, 102 W. Grand Ave, Eau Claire • $20 Adults, $18 Seniors, $10 Students, $8 Youth • All ages • 832-7529 • cvtg.org The story takes you to the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party in 1958 where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and ingenuity to save the day. Great holiday tunes: 20 seasonal favorites. Pre-

sented by CVTG.Madrigal Dinner Dec. 6-7, 6:30-9pm • Ojibwe Ball Room in UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire • 7158364092 • eauclairejazz.com Each December the Chamber Choir performs in a mad-rigal dinner, complete with costumes, seasonal music, and a lavish re-creation of a royal Christmas court. To purchase tickets, please contact the Service Center at 836-3727, ext. 4.A Christmas Story Dec. 6-7, 7:30pm; Dec. 8, 2pm; Dec. 12-14, 7:30pm; Dec. 15, 2pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • All ages • 231-PLAY (7529) • mabeltainter.org Based on the 1983 movie, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genu-ine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Presented by the Menomonie Theater Guild.The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) Dec. 7, 7:30pm • State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $30 adult, $10 youth & student • All ages • 832-2787 • EauClaireArts.com The fruitcakes of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays in The Ulti-mate Christmas Show (abridged). You can even bring a wrapped Christmas gift of $5 value or less and partici-pate in the audience gift exchange.The Jailbailers’ Christmas Show Dec. 10, 7:30-9pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $35 per person Dinner and Show, $15 Show only per person • 726-9000 • cvca.net Op-tional chicken dinner (Fat Boy’s Family Catering in Bloomer) at 6:15pm, show at 7:30pm. Cash bar avail-able. With a cast of eight and musical direction by Da-vid Fehr, the show tells the story of the bogus County Work Release Program. These inmates are doing time for “love” crimes like stealing woman’s hearts.ECCT Presents: Scrooge the Musical Dec. 12-13, 7:30pm; Dec. 14, 1:30pm; Dec. 14, 7:30pm; Dec. 15, 1:30pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $8 youth, $10 seniors, $10 adults • 839-8877 • ecct.org Be part of Chippewa Valley history! In November, 1989, this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ clas-sic tale, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, was the first show ever produced by ECCT. As part of our 25th Anni-versary celebration, we’re bringing back this holiday classic with special 1989 pricing.Continental Ballet: The Nutcracker Dec. 20, 7:30-9:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • 235-0001 • mabeltainter.org For her family-friendly version of The Nutcracker, director Riet Velthuisen presents a traditional staging of Tchai-kovsky’s classic holiday ballet except for one change: there is no battle scene. Instead there will be a friendly encounter with the mice rather than a battle. Purchase tickets online.

Film ShowingsVolume One’s Holiday Claymation Classics: Frosty the Snowman Dec. 4, 7pm • The Volume One Gal-lery, Located inside the Local Store at the Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE • All ages • 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org Enjoy these holiday claymation classics on the big screen in the Volume One Gallery/theater inside The Local Store. While we admit this one isn’t claymation, families will love this 1969 TV classic about a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician seeking the magical hat from the most famous snowman of all.Volume One’s Holiday Claymation Classics: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 11, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Vol-ume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE admission • All ages • 552-0457 • Vol-umeOne.org Enjoy these holiday claymation classics on the big screen in the Volume One Gallery/theater inside The Local Store. In this 1964 classic, two mis-fits, the misunderstood reindeer Rudolph, and Hermie, the elf more interested in dentistry than in making toys,


Sick of trudging through the drifts? Strap on a pair of snowshoes instead! You can even learn how to make your own Dec. 7-8 at Beaver Creek Reserve.

go on an adventure to find acceptance.White Christmas Dec. 13, 7-8:30pm • The Heyde Cen-ter for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $5 per person • All ages • 726-9000 • cvca.net The Heyde Center for the Arts presents a screening of the movie “White Christmas” (1954) starring Bing Crosby, Dan-ny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Come see this all-time holiday film favorite in Technicolor on the big screen. The evening begins with an old fash-ioned sing-a-long accompanied by our own Jerry Way.Volume One’s Holiday Claymation Classics: Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Dec. 18, 7pm • The Volume One Gallery, Located inside the Local Store at the Vol-ume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • FREE admission • All ages • 552-0457 • Vol-umeOne.org Enjoy these holiday claymation classics on the big screen in the Volume One Gallery/theater in-side The Local Store. In this 1970 TV special, a charm-ing mailman (who looks an awful lot like Fred Astaire) reveals the fantastic origin story of Santa Claus.

RecreationLunch Break Open Skate Weekdays 11am-1pm • Hobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • $3 (fee includes skate rental) • 839-5032 No skating Nov. 28, Dec. 24-25, Jan. 1. Contact Eau Claire Parks and Recreation for details.Stuff the Sleigh 5K/Fun Run Nov. 23, 8am • Carson Park, Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • Entry Fee $25-$35, $10 for children 6-15 years old, Children under 5 are free • All ages • ci.eau-claire.wi.us Run/Walk for Charity-8am Registration-10am Walk Begins.Get Fit Challenge Every Monday until Dec. 17, 7-7:45pm • See contact info for location • ages 16+ • 507-202-2259 • [email protected].• Find us on Facebook Need motivation to keep your health and wellness goals on track during the holidays? Join us Mondays at 7pm to get the knowledge and support you need. ALL money will be paid back to top person in

each: body fat loss, muscle gained, and metabolic age dropped.Open Skating: Turkey Skate Nov. 27, 1:15-3:15pm • Hobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • Cost: $3 (includes skate rental) • 839-5032 For more information: Eau Claire Parks and Recreation.Thanksgiving Butter Ball Belly Buster Nov. 28, 6-7am • Benji Chain Reaction Fitness, 2217 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • $10 adults, $5 kids under 12 • 379-4249 • clients.mindbodyonline.com 3rdAnnual “Butter Ball Belly Blast” to support the Rescued Tails Animal Sanc-tuary. Sign up online (check under the “EVENTS” tab).Turkey Trot Nov. 28, 8am • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • Free will donation ($10/person requested) • 855-0081 • FestivalFoodsTurkey-Trot.com The Turkey Trot offers a five mile run, two mile walk, and a two mile Dog Jog. Attendees enjoy the upbeat music, high quality long-sleeved t-shirts and free Festival Foods pumpkin pies. The Dog Jog will start at the back of the 2 mile event. This event benefits the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club. See contact info for details.Run for The Lights 5K Run/Walk Nov. 30, 2:45pm • Irvine Park, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • 723-0051 • chippewafalls-wi.gov Irvine Park Christ-mas Village. 2:45pm check in and race day registration, 4pm race start. Register online: Activity # 9617.786.Indianhead Track Club: Frigid 8 and Thermal 3 Dec. 7, 10am • Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1300 Mans-field, Chippewa Falls • 723-6048 Re-Frigid 8 with us at the 44th Annual Frigid 8 and Thermal 3. Show the world you were born to run. Races start at 10am.Chippewa Youth Hockey Association Tournament Dec. 8 • Chippewa Area Ice Arena, 839 First Ave., Chippewa Falls • 379-7175 • chippewahockey.org Bantam A/Peewee A. Two full sheets of ice, full con-cession stand, heated viewing area and more.2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Dec. 14, 8am • UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire • Adult registration $25, Youth registration $15 • (651) 229-5373 • uwec.edu Be part of the largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight

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arthritis. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving..

Food & DrinkHoliday Bake Sale at Central Lutheran Church Nov. 23, 9am-1pm • Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Co-lumbia Street, Chippewa Falls • 723-9336 • central-lutheran.org Stop by for Homemade lefse and yummy baked goods. Take a coffee break and enjoy a sweet roll. Hosted by the Central Lutheran Church Women.Brunch with Santa Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22, Check Venue For Hours • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $8.99 children, $16.99 adults, ages 4 and under FREE • 836-8184 • fannyhill.com.Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin’s Share the Flame Dinner & Silent Auction Dec. 3, 5pm • Fan-ny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $60 individual, $600 tables of up to 10 guests • 834-4455, 800-924-2105 • epilepsywesternwi.org Featur-ing guest speaker Emmy award-winning Minnesotan guitarist and performer Billy McLaughlin. McLaughlin recaptured his music career by re-learning his instru-ment left-handed following several years battling Focal Dystonia, a crippling neuro-muscular disorder. Dinner at 7:15pm.Madrigal Dinner Dec. 6-7, 6:30-9pm • Ojibwe Ball Room in UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire • 7158364092 • eauclairejazz.com Each December the Chamber Choir performs in a mad-rigal dinner, complete with costumes, seasonal music, and a lavish re-creation of a royal Christmas court. To purchase tickets, please contact the Service Center at 836-3727, ext. 4.23rd Annual Christmas Cookie Walk Dec. 7, 9am-noon • Christ Church Cathedral, 510 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire • 579-0895 Get your holiday baking done the easy way with our Cookie Walk. The most beautiful and delicious assortment of cookies, candies, and other goodies will be for sale.Christmas at the Cook-Rutledge Mansion Dec. 8, 1-5pm • Cook-Rutledge Mansion, 505 W. Grand Av-enue, Chippewa Falls • FREE • 723-7181 The man-sion will be decorated for the season and there will be a special dessert, refreshments and holiday music. Free will donations will be accepted.Christmas Tasting, Tour, & Dinner Dec. 12, 6-9pm • Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery, 930 Galloway St Suite 4, Eau Claire • $80/person + tax. • 21+ • 402-374-6542 • infinitybeverages.com Infinity Beverages, Houligan’s Steak & Seafood Pub, and Cody Limou-sines teamed up to offer an enchanting night, starting with a private tasting & tour at the winery/distillery. Then grab your glass and take a limo ride, touring the twinkling lights, on your to a delicious three course meal.Dinner with Santa Dec. 16-17, 5-7pm; Dec. 23, 5-7pm • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $7.99 children, $14.50 adults • 836-8184 • fan-nyhill.com.Christmas Day Buffet Dec. 25, 10am • Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • $9.99 children, $21.99 adults, ages 4 and under FREE • 836-8184 • fannyhill.com.Christmas Dinner Dec. 25, 5pm • Snout Saloon, 13 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • See contact info for cost • 723-4848 See contact info for details.

Classes“Spruce” Up Your Porch Pot Class Nov. 21, 5pm; Nov. 23, 10am; Nov. 30, 10am; Dec. 5, 5pm • Down

To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • FREE • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Learn how to create really awesome and unique containers for this Christmas season. Bring in your own containers and design your own porch pot during the class. Let us help you transform your porch pots for this season.Grief and the Holidays Dec. 5, 6-8pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • FREE • 235-0001 • mabeltainter.org Richard Ober-shaw, Founder and Director of The Grief Center in Burnsville, will examine the extraordinary problems associated with grief during the holidays, and share methods of coping during these difficult times. Re-freshments will follow the presentation.Make Your Own Snowshoes Dec. 7-8, 9:30am-3:30pm; Jan. 11-12, 9:30am-3:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Friends $160, Nonmembers $170 • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Snowshoeing has become a popular winter activity. Make your own snowshoes in this two-day workshop. Choose from three styles of snowshoes. Bring to class a bag lunch, tape measure, pencil, scissors and matches or lighter. Classes fill quickly; register and pay with plenty of time in advance.Creative Teen Workshop at the Library Dec. 7, 1:30-3:30pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • Registration required • grades 6 and up • 839-5007 • ecpubliclibrary.info The December 7 project will be creating a paper filigree holiday card or ornament by learning simple quilling techniques in the Youth Services Program Room.Decorate Your Own Wreath Class Dec. 12, 5pm; Dec. 14, 10am • Down To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • $40/wreath • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Build your own: We will start with a base wreath and go over different ways you can spruce it up. Think outside the traditional red bow.

RemembrancesEvergreen Funeral Home & Crematory: An Evening of Remembrance Nov. 21, 7pm • Evergreen Funeral Home & Crematory, 4611 Commerce Valley Rd., Eau Claire • FREE, but reservations are requested • 830-5470 • evergreenfuneralhome.com This Evening of Remembrance will provide words of comfort, share ideas on how to cope during this time, and offer sup-port. The season and memory of loved ones will be celebrated with an ecumenical service. A keepsake ornament will be given to take home.Mayo Clinic Heath System: Love Light Tree Dec. 1, 5pm • Chippewa Valley in Bloomer Hospital 1501 Thompson Street Bloomer • 838-3219 // Dec. 2, 4pm • Menomonie Mayo Clinic Health System - Red Ce-dar, 2321 Stout Rd., Menomonie // Dec. 4, 4pm • Mayo Clinic Health Systems, 1221 Whipple St., Eau Claire // Dec. 5, 4pm • Oakridge in Osseo Hospital 13025 Eighth St., Osseo • 838-3219 // mayoclinic.org Lights for the trees can be reserved with a minimum dona-tion of $5 each. Submission forms for names and light reservations are available to download at mayoclini-chealthsystem.org/giving or by phone.Sacred Heart Hospital: Love-Light Christmas Tree Ceremony Dec. 1, 5:30pm • Sacred Heart Hospital Chapel (900 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire) • Do-nations accepted • 717-4255 • sacredhearteauclaire.org For the 28th year, the Volunteer Partners of Sacred Heart Hospital will sponsor the Love-Light Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. This is a unique way for in-dividuals to memorialize a loved one, or to honor a relative or friend by making a donation to reserve a light in a loved one’s name.St. Joseph’s Hospital Love Lights Christmas Cel-ebration Dec. 12, 4pm • St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 County Highway I, Chippewa Falls • $5 minimum donation per light • 717-7439 • stjoeschipfalls.com Thousands of lights are displayed on trees in front of the hospital and in the hospital’s healing garden in memory of loved ones or to honor friends in the community. Meet in the Chapel. Pay by Dec. 3 for the


selected name to be included in a special advertise-ment in the Chippewa Herald.

Special EventsHoliday Open House: Colfax Arts & Antique, The Blue Butterfly, and Lynn’s Brewed Awakenings Nov. 23-24, Check Venue For Hours • Colfax An-tique Mall 603 Main Street, Colfax, WI 54730 • 704-6086 Tons of Christmas antiques, great “old” gifts for the holidays, wine and beer tasting and refresh-ments.Pleasant Valley Tree Farms: Living Nativity Nov. 29-30, 11am-3pm; Dec. 1, 11am-3pm; Dec. 7, 11am-3pm; Dec. 8, 11am-3pm • Pleasant Valley Tree Farm, N7240 810th Street, Elk Mound • 879-5179 • pleasantvalleytree.com The Living Nativity features real-life members of the Holy Family. Lla-mas, sheep, donkeys and goats complete the Nativ-ity scene. (weather permitting)Christmas Open House Nov. 30, 8am-6pm • Down To Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • FREE • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Free hot apple cider and cookies, plus great specials on all Christ-mas items. Bring your best shopping partner and get some serious shopping done.Pleasant Valley Tree Farms: North Pole Ranch Nov. 29-30, 10am-3pm; Dec. 1, 10am-3pm; Dec. 7-8, 10am-3pm • Pleasant Valley Tree Farm, N7240 810th Street, Elk Mound • 879-5179 • pleasantval-leytree.com Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their warm toasty North Pole home. (weather permitting)Down to Earth Garden Center: Christmas Open House Nov. 30, 10am-5pm • Down To Earth Gar-den Center, 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • 833-1234 • dwntoearth.com Bring your friends or family mem-bers and get some serious holiday shopping com-pleted. Down to Earth will have free hot apple cider and cookies plus great specials on all Christmas items. This is an event that you will not want to miss.Advent Family Weekend at Heartwood Dec. 6-8, Check venue for hours • Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat N10884 Hoinville Rd., Trego • $200 per family • 466-6300 or (800) 577-4848 Slow down and take time to create new traditions with your family during a two night lodging weekend. Create your own family “Advent Tree” with orna-ments you assemble to bring home. Decorate trees and watch classic Christmas movies.Help-Portrait Dec. 7, 10am-4pm • L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • All ages • 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com Help-Portrait is a community of Photographers and vol-unteers across the world using their skills to give back to their locales. Photographers will be at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center to photograph underpriv-ileged individuals and/or families. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming.Winter Whimsy at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Pub-lic Library Dec. 7, 10:30am-12:30pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • 839-5007 • ecpubliclibrary.info The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library will be hosting “Drop-In Make’n Take Crafts” event in conjunction with Downtown Eau Claire’s Christmastime in the City. Many will make great holiday gifts. Come in, warm up, and create fun and fabulous crafts--while supplies last. The event will take place in the Youth Services Program Room.Holiday Book Signing Dec. 7, 10:30am-3pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • FREE • 839-1648 • ecpubliclibrary.info Join us for a special holiday booktalk and sing-ing event feat. several local authors and illustrators of book for adults, teens and children. Authors in-clude Julie Bowe, Becky Wojahn, Chad Frase, Na-than J. Anderson, Caroline Akervic, Cayla Kluver, Joe Niese, and more. A percentage of proceeds go to the library’s Give-A-Kid-A-Book program.


New Year’s EveEvents on Monday, Dec. 31For more New Year’s Eve events, check out our online calendar at Volumeone.org/events as we get closer to the year’s end.

Gala New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31, Check Venue For Hours • Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat N10884 Hoinville Road, Trego • (715) 466-6300 or (800) 577-4848 Choose from three options: Entertainment package-$15 per person. Dinner and Entertainment package-$35 per person or Premier Package one night accommodations-$179 per couple.RCU New Year’s Eve Event Dec. 31, 5-9pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $5 admission, children under two are FREE • All ages • (715) 552-1200 • www.ecsportscenter.com Bring the whole family out to this special event and enjoy DJ entertainment, games, prizes, inflatables, limo Rides and a HUGE balloon drop. Don’t miss out on the biggest Children’s New Year’s Eve event in the Chippewa Valley.Prelude to an Eve: Troppo Big Band Jazz Orchestra Dec. 31, 7:30-10:30pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • adults $11, se-niors $10, youth $5 • All ages • (715) 726-9000 • www.cvca.net Once again, Troppo Big Band Jazz will help you dance into 2014 – laughing, singing, and dancing all the way. So grab your dancing shoes and head for the Heyde Center for the Arts on this special evening.New Years Eve with Eds Woodshed Dec. 31, 9pm-3am • Doubledays, 3020 London Road, Eau Claire • FREE • 21+ • (715) 833-2255 Bring in the New Year right with Ed the boys and special guest TBA. This will also be otherwise known as a CD release event.Silver Moon New Year’s Eve Ball Dec. 31 • Historic Masonic Center, 616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $75 dinner and dancing, $25 dancing only • (715) 533-0225 • www.silvermoonball.wicdc.org Celebrate in style with dinner, music, dancing, and champagne at this benefit for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Up-per Wisconsin. Tickets limited, so make a reservation by Dec. 21. (Dancing-only tickets will be available in advance or at the door.)

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Absolutely Taylor Maid................................4Accola Gallery..............................................13Apple Pregnancy Care Center...................11Beth’s Western Wear & Tack.....................36Burrachos......................................................17Caron’s Christmas Tree Farm...................19Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild..................5Christensen Florist & Greenhouses........40Dancing Cat Arts..........................................44DaVinci Therapeutic Massage..................33DaVinci’s Workshop.....................................25Denovo Medspa..............................................7Distinctive Style Thrift Store & Decor.....42Down To Earth Garden Center..................14Draganetti’s Ristorante...............................14Eau Claire Bike & Sport..............................41Eau Claire Parks & Recreation..................46Eau Claire YMCA.........................................39Eau Galle Cheese Factory..........................33EC Shimmy....................................................18Eclectica On Grand/River Trader..........38Fanny Hill.....................................................38Friends Of The Library...............................42From The Vine Wine Room.......................25Fuji Sushi & Steak House...........................29Gloria Jean’s Coffees..................................45House Blend Light + Design......................44Imagination Station.....................................36Indianhead Foodservice Distributor..........3Just Local Food............................................30Kristo Orthodontics.......................................9Last Blast Santa Craft & Vendor Sale.......43Legacy Chocolates........................................32Lotus Spa.......................................................37Lowes Creek Tree Farm.............................12Lydia’s Furniture, Lighting & Gifts...........15Mabel Tainter Center For The Arts..........19Mainstream Boutique..................................10Marieke Gouda..............................................37Mega! Foods..................................................32Noodles & Co.................................................45Oakwood Mall................................................27Pleasant Valley Tree Farm.........................5River Bend Vineyard & Winery.................47Riverwood Gallery........................................11Robert Giede Designs..................................39Silver Moon New Years Eve Ball.............10Silver Spring Foods....................................41Simply Dunn.................................................13Snap Fitness.................................................27Southside Medical Clinic............................47Special Olympics Wisconsin.......................15Tangled Up In Hue.......................................43Taverna Grill...................................................7The Waldemer Ager Association...........18The Plaza Hotel & Suites.............................31The State Theatre..........................................2The Yoga Center of Eau Claire..................40Tonic Sol Fa..................................................17Traditional Tree Farm................................11Unitarian Universalist Congregation........39Visit Chippewa Falls......................................9Visit Menomonie...........................................12Westconsin Credit Union............................31

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Holiday Handbook 2014

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Transcript of Holiday Handbook 2014