A helpful guide to kid stuff for Chippewa Valley parents

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY:

Editor: Trevor KupferWriters: Katie Hoffman & Alissa PetersonPhotographers: Leah Dunbar (cover), Sarah Word, Andrea Paulseth, and Hannah HeblDesign: Brian Moen & Josh Smeltzer

As labor jobs continue to move overseas and the economy continues to scare, experts in economics and education are increasingly saying creativity is our best hope of competing in the global market. “Creativity is one of the last remaining legal ways to gain an unfair advantage over the competition,” author Charles Landry wrote. After all, the world still looks to us for their entertainment and innovations in fields like technology. The dilemma is that, as budgets need cutting, traditional lines of think-ing point to arts programs at schools as being “frill,” not “core,” and thus targets. And if children aren’t exposed early, their brains become hard-wired around the uses they make (or do not make) of them. Lucky for you, your children, and our future, we’ve prepared this guide to the out-of-school arts opportunities in the Chippewa Valley, of which there are thankfully several. So while your kids watch Sesame Street and Yo Gabba Gabba (notice what they use to teach lessons?), sift through the benefits and offerings in music, dance, theater, and visual art, as well as the loads of other great programs for kids and families in our area.

fostering kids’ creativity through the arts is more important than ever BY TREVOR KUPFER

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the reinforcement power of learning through creating art BY KATIE HOFFMAN

Whether or not they realize it, people of all ages ben-efit from art-rich lives. Especially when it comes to learn-ing. Just ask an area art teacher about what a classroom lesson can do for enhancing other subjects. Long-time art teacher Pat Binder calls it “the cement of all subjects.”

Often visual art lessons will include elements of other subjects (history, geometry, etc.), and reinforce what they’ve already learned. That’s why those “core” subjects will often assign projects that involve presentations (the-ater) or visual representations (art).

“I think including some form of art within lessons heightens grades,” says Pam Henning, a teacher at Montessori Charter School. “I think it makes it more meaningful to students and they take pride in their work.”

In 2008, the state of Colorado released a report about its public schools that found a tight correlation between art classes and overall academic success. “Students who do well in reading, writing, and science attend schools that offer a rich and varied arts program – regardless of the students’ racial composition or socioeconomic status,” it stated.

Like many forms of art, it also boosts a sense of person-al expression and communication. But most experts tout its benefits in divergent thinking and creative problem solving, because they don’t stigmatize and often have sev-eral ways to solve a problem. This creates an innate confi-dence as they dive into other subjects and new problems.

The Colorado study also found that “arts help keep stu-dents in school. Schools that scored high on the arts index had lower dropout rates. For many students, the arts are the crucial connection that motivates them to learn and gives them the confidence to tackle other subjects.”

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“BASICALLY, I TAKE A LUMP OF CLAY AND CUT OFF ANYTHING THAT’S NOT A UNICORN.” Eau Claire’s Parks and Recreation department offers more than a dozen visual art classes in summer like this clay class in Boyd Park.

The Eau Claire Children’s Museum’s (220 S Barstow St.) goal is to provide an interactive environment to inspire kids to be creative, discover, imagine, and expand their love for learning. Every week features a different themed art activity, with other events incorporating the same theme. These activities can be done at any time, make-and-take craft style, as the materials and directions are out and up for grabs. Visit CMEC.cc or call 832-5437.

Eau Claire’s Parks and Recreation department offers summer art classes for ages 3 to 12 in Boyd Park and Rod & Gun Park. Running for about a month (June to July, or July to August), each of these morning classes (there’s more than a dozen options) teach les-sons similar to a school classroom and even involve some area art teachers as chaperone instructors. Visit the city’s Parks and Rec website for all the details.

The non-profit Family Ties-Altoona put together Phish Haus (2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona), a sort of youth arts center. The place is separated into two areas: JAVA and JIVE. The JAVA area includes art sup-plies and provides educational pro-grams in painting, drawing, knitting, and sewing. They strive to build com-munity through visual, literary, and performing arts workshops. Check out FamilyTies-Altoona.org.

Mixed in with storytimes and play-groups, your local public library often has make-and-take arts and crafts times. As do places like Family Resource Center of Eau Claire (2105 Heights Dr.), which includes an art activity in every one of their playgroups. And River Source Family Center (403 N High St., Chippewa Falls) does the same with many of their Play-and-Learn sessions.

VISUAL ART OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS

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According to the National Dance Education Organization, dance helps children in four specific areas: physical development, emotional maturity, social awareness, and cognitive development. Children involved in dance classes from an early age are more aware of their emotions, and are better able to teach themselves new skills.

Tuesday Wustrack, assistant coach of Regis High School Dance Team in Eau Claire, has seen this fostering in her daily encounters with the dance team. She said the dancers are more disci-plined and know how to be self-sufficient during practice, adding it’s probably not just in dance that they exhibit these skills.

“They learn how to persevere through struggles, if they don’t catch on to some-thing right away, and that can help them outside of dance class, too,” Wustrack said.

It’s common knowledge that children are naturally active, and the NDEO says dance offers a unique outlet to expand on those movements, as well as give children the social awareness they will use their entire lives. “Children learn to communicate ideas to others through the real and immediate mode of body movement,” their educational philosophy states. “Children quickly learn to work within a group dynamic.”

Dance is far and away the least utilized of the arts in schools, with a unit in gym class usually covering it and cheer or dance team offered as extra curriculars – neither covering dance as an art form. And interpretive dance, for instance, involves translating words into expressive movements or vice-versa, skills linked to reading and communication skills. NDEO says children learn best through experience, and dance gives them the ability to express themselves without the fear of making mistakes.

the communication power of expression through movement BY KATIE HOFFMAN

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THIS SCHOOL HAS REALLY RAISED THE BAR. Diamond School of Dance teaches classes for ages 3-12 in tap, jazz, hip-hop, and ballet (above).

Arthur Murray (401 ½ S Barstow St., Eau Claire) offers classes in waltz, fox-trot, tango, swing, salsa, rumba, cha-cha, hustle, and polka (ages 8-12). Call 834-6166 or go to ArthurMurray.com.

Dancer’s Studio (Banbury Place Bldg 13, Ste. 122) teaches expressive dance for ages 5 and up. Call 829-0754 or e-mail TouchingEnergy@yahoo.com.

Danz Kraze (Banbury Place Bldg 4/6, Ste. 205) teaches a kindergarten pom class for 4-5. Visit ECDanzKraze.com or call 832-DANZ.

Diamond School of Dance (123 S Graham Ave., Eau Claire) teaches bal-

let, tap, jazz, and hip-hop for ages 3-12. Visit DiamondSchoolofDance.com or call 577-1285.

Eau Claire School of Dance (306 Main St., EC) (312 Bridge St., Chip Falls) teaches boys-only hip-hop, an 18-month-toddler-and-parent class, and jazz, bal-let, and tap for 6 and up. VisitEauClaire School ofDance.com or call 832-9900.

En Avant School of Dance (3330 N Town Road, Eau Claire) offers creative movement for age 3, ballet-tap combo for 4-6, plus 7 and up classes like jazz, jazz-tap combo, ballet-jazz combo, and ballet, tap, and jazz exclusives. Visit EnAvantDance.com or call 874-5575.

Jean Marie’s School of Dance (31 W Spring St., Chip Falls) offers tap and bal-let for all ages. Visit JeanMarieDance.com or call 723-8635.

Jewelry Box Dancer (110 W Main St., Menomonie) offers ballet, tap, African, hip-hop, and combination classes for ages 3-6. Call 563-3534

Leisure Services Center – Just for Kix (1412 6th St, Menomonie) teaches cho-reographed dance for Tiny 3-5, Wee Petites 5-7, Wee for 7-8, and Mini 8-9. Visit JustForKix.com or call 505-0460.

Also see the “music and motion” activi-ties in our Kid List calendar of events.

DANCE STUDIOS & CLASSES FOR KIDS

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Bruce Hering, the band director at Eau Claire North High School, under-stands the importance of kids being involved in music at a young age. Music can foster confidence in not only class-es, but help improve language and abili-ties to respond to problems outside of the music room. Confidence is neces-sary when handling problems, espe-cially confrontation, and music helps give children ways to overcome that in a positive way.

“Music is for life, it goes beyond what you do here in school,” Hering said. “The musical aspect is really the intrinsic value, but the extrinsic value is being able to work together with people on your own without a boss being there, with teamwork and how you work through problems, that goes well beyond music.”

A key benefit of music education

is that it increases literacy skills. (Remember singing the ABCs before saying them?) Loads of studies and research point to the connection of reading, comprehending, and remem-bering sheet music to the same qualities with literature, then expressing those written thoughts orally, as well as learn-ing by listening.

And research done by the Institute for Music and the Mind, which compared preschool children that have taken music lessons to those that haven’t, has shown that musical training modi-fies the brain’s impulses. Not only the auditory portions, but also memory and attention. Similarly, Harvard research-ers allege the cognitive effects of musi-cal training enhance motor and audi-tory skills, plus verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

the literary power of music lessons BY KATIE HOFFMAN

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A CHIPPEWA VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY MEMBER TOOTS HIS OWN HORN. Young musicians may one day be in the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony for grades 7-12.

Band Lessons on Broadway (902 N Broadway St., Menomonie) teaches les-sons for trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, piano, percussion, plus vocal work. Visit BandLessonsonBroadway.com or call 879-5500.

The local musician’s hotspot, Brickhouse Music (138 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) offers lessons in violin (with a UWEC music grad), guitar (with a Twin Cities jazz guitar phenomenon), and bass (with probably the most pro-lific bassist in Eau Claire). Call 835-2461 for details.

Eau Claire Music School (1620 Ohm Ave.) prides themselves on being able to teach any instrument, or guide you to find a way to learn it. Classes range from beginner to advanced talents, and they even offer opportunities to take a few classes to try out. They also make an effort to teach the history and appre-ciation in a social environment. Visit EauClaireMusicSchool.com.

Morgan Music has upwards of 20 instructors that handle multiple levels of: piano and keys, guitar and bass, brass and woodwinds, drums and percussion, violin and strings, plus jazz and music theory. Visit MorganMusicOnline.com.

The Phish Haus* (2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona)) has a downstairs area (JIVE) with an impressive array of instruments for youths to try – in groups and on a stage, if they so desire! They also have recording equipment for kids to cut a CD. This youth center strives to build community through visual, literary, and performing arts workshops. Check out FamilyTies-Altoona.org or call 952-7561. *see art section for more info.

Schmitt Music (4076 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire) gives 3,500 lessons every week, and helps more than 10,000 students join their school music ensem-bles each year (by selling instruments or providing them with lessons to spark their interest). Classes include: Rock Star Academy, Keyboard Encounters, and Music for Little Mozarts, to name a few. Visit SchmittMusic.com.

Unfortunately, space prevents us from listing every single private instructor for music lessons, of which there are dozens (many specializing in a specific instrument). Consult the phone book or search the web. We also did not list choir groups that include children singers, but if you’re interested there are several churches and organizations that have them.

MUSIC LESSON LOCALES

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the literary power of music lessons BY KATIE HOFFMAN the communication power of theater BY ALISSA PETERSON

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EVERYTHING’S COMING UP PSYCHEDELIC ROSES! Eau Claire Children’s Theatre put on 16 shows this season, many with child actors. Above: a recent production of Alice in Wonderland.

Eau Claire Children’s Theatre (1814 Oxford Ave.) has provided area kids and families with a creative outlet since 1989. They invite the community to participate in a variety of volunteer roles from prop set up, costume design, make-up application, and of course acting for more than a dozen shows every season. Every summer they host over 30 classes and camps that are open to ages 3 to 18. They have an agreement with the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls school districts where the student only needs to pay for the materials and their school district will cover the camp/class. All other aspects of the classes and volunteer opportunities are completely free for students. Visit ECCT.org or call 839-8877.

Red Cedar Youth Stage (205 E Main St., Menomonie) was created in 2009 as an effort to involve the area’s youth in performing arts (they’ve had a handful of shows). It offers a summer mentorship pro-gram that pairs high school and college performers with younger students and culminates in a per-formance. The group also has a summer camp where they partner with Menomonie School District to help 50-60 youths in a musical. The camp runs for three weeks start-ing in June. The “Storm the Stage” after-school program is completely free and allows kids to be part of a production’s cast or crew without auditioning. Each session is three weeks long and is in conjunction with a current performance at the Mabel Tainter. There are also sev-eral improv and other acting class-es throughout the year, as well as family talent showcases. Depending on interest, there is even a sum-mer karaoke camp in the works for young singers. Visit MabelTainter.com, their Faceook page, or call 235-9726.

Since forming in 1981 by citizens dropping money in a hat, the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild (102 W Grand Ave., Eau Claire) strives to create hands-on learn-ing experiences for children as well as adults. In an attempt to involve area youth in the arts, the guild puts on their Summer Youth Drama Camp for kids ages 4 to 18. This coming summer will be the 10th year. The weekly classes offer the opportunity to explore all aspects of theater produc-tion. They likewise have an agree-ment with Eau Claire area schools where the student only pays the materials fee, and the school sup-plies the tuition. Part of the mis-sion is to provide a variety of shows and productions that will satisfy the cultural appetites of every age group in the Chippewa Valley (they had eight shows this season). Visit CVTG.org or call 832-PLAY.

The Chippewa Valley Cultural Association (3 N High St., Chippewa Falls) hosts their “Chill on the Hill” every Tuesday in summer from the time school is out through the end of August. Each class has between 30 and 50 kids ages 4-10. The CVCA looks at these classes as an opportunity to expose local kids to the arts. June 13-18 they will also be hosting the traveling Missoula theater group which will assist kids in putting on two performances of Robin Hood. CVCA also collabo-rates with several local youth orga-nizations and the Chippewa Falls School District to serve as a venue for area talent and art showcases. Visit CVCA.net ot call 726-9000.

THEATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS

Between the Educational Theatre Association and the American Alliance for Theater and Education, not to men-tion the loads of research studies out there, there’s some striking proof that involvement in theater builds commu-nication, literacy, problem solving, and overall academic skills as well as self-confidence and empathy in those that practice it.

While visual art acts as a conduit to the “core” subjects, often theater is a channel for all of the arts subjects, as visuals come into play for sets and costumes, music for mood and storytell-ing, and dance for storytelling. Thus it is possible to glean crossover benefits from other arts through theater.

But even if it’s performance alone, drama asks performers to read, com-prehend, interpret, and communicate a text, thus having obvious benefits in

literary comprehension, memory and recall, plus verbal and non-verbal com-munication. Specifically, studies have found that performance of Shakespeare helps with understanding other com-plex texts in math and science.

Based on the 2005 SATs, those involved in drama scored 65 points higher in verbal and 34 points higher in math than their non-theater coun-terparts. Not to mention that improv theater teaches quick problem solving skills, and an innate confidence since you have to get on a stage, unprepared, and perform sometimes-humiliating situations without breaking character.

While in-school drama classes only involve about 5 percent of students statewide, luckily here in the Valley we have no less than three theater groups fighting to involve and engage our youths.

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VolumeOne.org March 17, 201132

EVENTSTennis Night in America Mar. 18, 5-7pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave. • (715) 836-8460 • www.ten-nisnight.com Tennis Night In America is an annual cel-ebration of tennis including games and drills for partici-pants of all ages at over 700 facilities across the country. Youth registration for junior tennis clinics and programs will be available throughout the night and a 25 percent discount will be offered for all summer programs.Superhero Supper Mar. 18, 5:30-7pm • Fall Creek Public Library, 122 E. Lincoln Ave. • FREE • 3 to 12 • 877-3334 • Dress as your favorite superhero, or bring an action figure! Come for stories, games, and an entertain-ing supper! Please bring your own food, but drinks will be provided. Registration recommended. Annual Lambing Time at Govin’s Every Saturday, Sun-day from Mar. 19 to Apr. 3, 10am-4pm • Govin’s Meats & Berries, N6134 670th St., Menomonie • $5.50 • (715) 231-2377 • Bounce into spring with a visit to Govin’s Lambing Barn. Enjoy watching the lambs nursing and bouncing around their mothers, while learning more about these woolly creatures. It may even be possible to see the birth of a lamb. There will be lambs, chicks & lots of other baby farm animals to see & hold. Bring the family and don’t forget your camera.Altoona Public Library: Teen Open Gaming Mar. 22-25, 1-3pm • Altoona Public Library, 1303 Lynn Ave. • FREE • ages 12-18 • (715) 839-5029 • Come on down to the library and enjoy an afternoon of gaming on the Wii and PS 3. The library provides Mario Smash Brothers, Beatles Rock Band and Rock Band 3 games. Gamers may also bring their own controllers and games with ESRB ratings of E, E10+ or T. A variety of board games will also be available for your enjoyment. No sign up required.Annual Chippewa Valley Used Book Sale Mar. 26, 9am-noon • Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Ham-ilton Ave. • FREE admission • (715) 835-5073 • Lots of books, games, toys, puzzles and more. Also featuring a kid’s craft sale and concession stand. Maple Syrup Sunday Mar. 27, 1:30-3:30pm • Wise Na-ture Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • Nonmembers: $8, $3 kids under 15; Members: $5, $2 kids under 15 • 877-2212 • Bring the family to ex-plore the tradition of maple sugaring with a guided tour of the sugar bush. Learn about which trees to tap and how it is done, from tapping the trees to boiling the sap into syrup. Finish with a taste of fresh maple syrup over ice cream. Register by Mar. 23.Date with Dad: Block Party Mar. 28, 5:30-7pm • Eau Claire Area School District, 500 Main St. • (715) 852-3000 • Dads or any significant male role model are invit-ed to bring their pre-school aged children to the ECASD central office where they will have the opportunity to get creative and build with blocks of every size.Children’s Museum of Eau Claire: It’s Time for Jazz Every Day from Mar. 29 to Apr. 3, • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • FREE with museum admission • (715) 832-KIDS • Art activity of the week: Make a music collage. All week: Stamp some music notes, color a music instrument, read books about musi-cians and play with playdough. Tues-Sun 10:15-11:15 and 2:30-3:30pm, Thurs 5:30-6:30pm: Make a jingle plate.Eau Claire Jazz Festival: Jump Into Jazz Kickoff Party Mar. 29, 5:30-7pm • RCU Corporate Center, 200 Riv-erfront Terrace • FREE • (715) 833-8111 • Join us in celebrating the beginning of the Eau Claire Jazzfest. Featuring live jazz, a silent auction, art and snacks. This is a great family-friendly event.Here We Grow Again Children’s Consignment Sale Apr. 1, 8am-5pm; Apr. 2, 8am-4pm; Apr. 3, 8am-1pm • Eau Claire County Expo Center, 5530 Fairview Drive • FREE • (715) 839-3755 • Featuring 35,000 new and gently used children’s items at great prices and all un-der one roof: clothes, shoes, books, toys, games, DVDs, outdoor play, baby equipment, children’s and nursery furniture and more.

April Fools Night at the Museum Apr. 1, 5:30-8pm • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • $15/child, $10/member • grades K-5 • (715) 832-KIDS • This event offers supervised activities, fun, and food for children.Once Upon A Mattress/Colfax High School Musical Apr. 1, 7pm; Apr. 2, 7pm; Apr. 3, 2pm • Colfax High School, 601 University Ave. • $5 • (715) 664-8757 • If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a walloping surprise. From hilarious to raucous, romantic to melodic tunes, you’ll never look at fairy tales the same way again. Enjoy this rollicking spin on the royal courtship and comeuppance classic.Int’l Children’s Book Day Family Fun Day Apr. 2, 9-11:30am • Fall Creek Public Library, 122 E Lincoln Ave • FREE • 715.877.3334 • Activities, snacks, and en-tertainment for the whole family. Sign up today for your first library card for a special gift. Also enter our FREE Family Raffle All ages welcome.

Theatre for Young Audience: The Falcon Every Day from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3, 1:30pm • Riverside Theatre, Haas Fine Arts Building, 121 Water Street • akrighnr@uwec.edu • grades 1-5 • 715-836-4954 • The Falcon is an ad-aptation of the Russian folk tale, Fenist the Bright Fal-con. Set in the Caucasian mountains of Soviet Georgia, Anna’s engagement party is crashed by a storyteller. He speaks of another Anna who posses a magic falcon feather that turns into Fenist, a prince. When Fenist is driven off by Anna’s jealous sisters and captured by a powerful Tsarevna, Anna sets off to rescue him, aided by a magic ball and three mysterious sisters.Flick & Float Series: Enchanted Apr. 8, 6:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave. • FREE with YMCA admission • (715) 836-8460 • In this Disney fairytale, fantasy collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess who is sent to our world by an evil queen. The Flick & Film series provides fam-ily-friendly films in the small pool of the YMCA. Bring something to float on.

“LET ME GET MY SHOES ON, AND WE’LL SEE WHAT THIS BABY CAN DO.” Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center has kids’ night on Fridays with everything an active kid could want: inflatables, sports equipment, costumes, and more.

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activities, clubs, & classes for kids and their parentsSubmit information regarding events, activities, and classes for infant to pre-teen children by mail (17 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, 54701), e-mail (tyler@volume-one.org), or fax 552-0457; call ahead

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2011 Xcel Energy Kid’s Expo Apr. 10, 11am-4pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Rd. • $5 adults • (715) 552-1200 • Jump on inflatables from SpaceWalk, enjoy entertainment by CK Productions, play games and win prizes, purchase refreshments and snacks from the concession area, watch performances from dance studios, martial arts academies, gymnastic centers and more. Visit with over 70 exhibitors from the Chippewa Valley and surrounding areas offering activities, prod-ucts, and services for children and families.Fun with Fathers Second Tuesday, 5:30-8pm • Chil-dren’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • $25 Dad and one child; $20 (members) Dad and one child; $5 for each additional child • (715) 832-KIDS • This fun night out is for Dad and the kids, hosted by a lo-cal father. CMEC provides a healthy meal, a fun project, special guests and quality time with Dad. Sign up pay in advance. Best for children ages 4-10.Healthy Kids Day Apr. 16, Check with venue for hours

• Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave. • FREE • (715) 836-8460 • www.eauclaireymca.org Healthy Kids Day promotes children and families’ active lifestyles. We will have camp games, football with the a local football team, tennis and gymnastics demo, the Ski Sprites will perform formations, a flick-n- float in the pool and more. Refer to website for more information. For the week of Apr. 10th-16th, the Y will waive the joiners fee.Flick & Float Series: Cars May. 13, 6:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave. • FREE with YMCA admission • (715) 836-8460 • In this 2006 Disney film, a hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets way-laid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true mean-ing of friendship and family. The Flick & Film series provides family-friendly films in the small pool of the YMCA. Bring something to float on.Doll & Pet Parade May. 14, 1pm • Mega Holiday, 539 Water St. • FREE • (715) 835-1540 • Enjoy a doll, pet, costume and mascot parade down Water Street. This year’s theme is jungle safari. Come and walk or on

skates, bikes, tricycles, wagons, buggies, floats or what have-you. Judges vote best outfits in several categories; prizes go to 1st-3rd place, and there are plenty of perks for all registrants. Bands from local middle schools North Star, South and DeLong will march and perform. Registration is at the Mega Holiday station from 11am-12:45pm.Wii Tournament May. 19, 6-7:30pm • Fall Creek Public Library, 122 E Lincoln Ave • FREE • 715.877.3334 • Snacks, prizes, and something extra for top performer and best sportsmanship. All ages are welcome to drop in anytime. Registration not required. An adult or re-sponsible teen is asked to stay with children aged 8 and younger.

STORYTIMESPreschool Storytime Every Thursday until Mar. 31, 10:30-11am • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • ages 4-5 • (715) 839-1648 •

This is a 30-minute storytime designed for the pre-school-age child. Children should be able to understand and sit through longer stories and be able to participate in more advanced activities. Children ages 4 and up may attend this program unsupervised, but for the safety and care of your child you must stay in the library and pick up your child immediately following the program.Borders: Children’s Storytime Every Saturday, 10:30-11am • Borders, 4030 Commonwealth Ave • FREE • (715) 832-2852 • Join us every Saturday morning for stories, activities and more! Toddler Tales Storytime Every Monday, Tuesday until Mar. 30, 10:30-10:50am • L.E. Phillips Memorial Pub-lic Library, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • 2 to 3 • (715) 839-1648 • Toddler Tales is our storytime especially for two- and three-year-olds and a parent or caregiver. Each session will include 20 minutes of easy-to-understand stories, songs, and activities.Toddler Tales Storytime Every Monday, Tuesday until Mar. 30, 10:30-10:50am • L.E. Phillips Memorial Pub-lic Library, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • 2 to 3 • (715) 839-1648 • Toddler Tales is our storytime especially for two- and three-year-olds and a parent or caregiver. Each session will include 20 minutes of easy-to-understand stories, songs, and activities.Family Storytime Every Tuesday until Mar. 29, 6:30-7pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • (715) 839-1648 • Join us for stories, finger plays, songs, activities and more during this pro-gram for the whole family on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. This program is geared for age two to six, but can be enjoyed by the entire family. Pajamas and stuffed animals are welcome during our evening storytime.Book Babies Storytime Every Wednesday until Mar. 30, 10:30-11am • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Li-brary, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • 15 mo. to 23 mo. • (715) 839-1648 • We invite babies ages 15 months to 23 months and a parent or caregiver to our lapsit story program. Held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Book Babies is a 30-minute program that consists of a short story-time including stories, songs, finger plays and Mother goose activities, followed by a social time for parents and babies.McIntyre Library: Children’s Story Time Mar. 29, 10:15am; Apr. 26, 10:15am • McIntyre Library, UW-Eau Claire • FREE • (715) 836-4522 • tvaruzke@

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uwec.e • Kati Tvaruzka, assistant professor and educa-tion librarian at the UW-Eau Claire’s McIntyre Library hosts monthly story time sessions beginning Sept. 21 in the library’s Instructional Media Center. The 30-min-ute sessions are held at 10:15 a.m. for children attend-ing UW-Eau Claire’s Children’s Center. Children and grandchildren of faculty, staff, students and the general public also are invited. The IMC is located on the lower level of McIntyre Library.Altoona Public Library: Evening PJ Story Time Second Thursday until May. 12, 6:30-7pm • Altoona Public Li-brary, 1303 Lynn Ave, Altoona • FREE • birth-7 • (715) 839-5029 • altoonapubliclibrary.org Children ages 2-7 and their parents are welcome to join the children’s li-brarian for an evening of read alouds, songs, and finger-plays. Kids are encouraged to be comfortable and come in their “PJs”.

PLAYGROUPS & CLUBSChildren’s Museum of Eau Claire: St. Patrick’s Day Every Day from Mar. 15 to Mar. 20, • Children’s Mu-seum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • FREE with mu-seum admission • (715) 832-KIDS • Art activity of the week: Make a shamrock out of hearts. All week: Paint a snake, color a Leprechaun and create your own mas-terpiece. Tues-Sat 10:15-11:15am, 2:30-3:30pm, Thurs 5:30-6:30pm and Sun 2:30-3:30pm: Make a pot of gold.Family Fun Zone Every Monday, Thursday, Friday until May. 27, 9-11:30am • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Rd. • $3 kids • 6 mos to 6 yrs • (715) 552-1200 • All Family Dental and Marshfield Clinic present Family Fun Zone. Dress-up clothes, riding toys, variety of sports balls, large bouncy balls, Legos, toy cars, large and small inflatables, book nook, and a toddler area give you plenty to do. Bring your bike on Thursdays to ride around on our Sport Court. Parachute games Mondays and Fridays.Play & Learn Every Tuesday, Thursday until Apr. 28, 9:30-11:30am • River Source Family Center, 403 High Street • 715-720-1841 • You and your child will enjoy FREE play followed by a snack. The remainder of the time will be devoted to structured interactive learning activities, songs and books. Come and experience learn-ing through the eyes of your child.Young Athletes Play ‘N Learn Mar. 31, 4:45-5:30pm; Apr. 7, 4:45-5:30pm; Apr. 14, 4:45-5:30pm; Apr. 21, 4:45-5:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave. • FREE • ages 2-7 • (715) 833-1735 • www.frcec.org An innovative sports play program designed to engage children through developmentally appropriate play ac-tivities to foster physical, cognitive, and social develop-ment. The culminating event is Apr. 21 where children will display their newly enhanced or acquired sports skills. Register in advance.Playgroup Every Friday until Apr. 1, 10:30-11:30am • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St • FREE • (715) 839-1648 • Join area infants, tod-dlers and preschoolers at our weekly Playgroup. Our Playgroup provides parents and children with various educational toys and library resources. No registration is required. Playgroup will be held Fridays at 10:30 a.m. January 14 – April 1. All sessions will meet in the Youth Services Program Room. Family Friday Nights Every Friday until May. 30, 5-9pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Rd. • Family of: two $7; three $10; four $12; five or more $15 • (715) 552-1200 • Featuring large inflatables, a variety of sports balls, riding toys, games, popcorn at no charge, movies, and so much more.Children’s Museum of Eau Claire: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Every Day from Mar. 21 to Mar. 27, • Chil-

dren’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • FREE with museum admission • (715) 832-KIDS • Art activity of the week: Who’s climbing up your coconut tree? All week: Do you like coconuts?, paint with watercolors, play with playdough, and read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Mon-Sun 10:15-11:15am, 2:30-3:30pm, Thurs 5:30-6:30pm and Sunday 2:30-3:30pm, paint a design with painter’s tape.Movin’ & Groovin’ Every Monday until Apr. 25, 9:30-10:15am • River Source Family Center, 403 High Street • 715-720-1841 • Each class is filled with discovery and adventure. You will witness your child’s developmental evolution in language, listening, self-esteem, and musi-cal awareness. Watch all of this happen in a nurturing environment filled with energy, imagination, and playful delight.Little Bare Bottoms: Music-Drop In Fourth Wednesday, 10-10:45am • Little Bare Bottoms, 407 E. Clairemont Ave. • $5, members FREE • (715) 514-2652 • Join a group of children playing with instruments.3 Year Old Play & Learn Every Wednesday until Apr. 27, 11:30am-12:30pm • River Source Family Center, 403 High Street • 715-720-1841 • This group is open to 3 year olds and their parents. After children get settled, parents will leave the playgroup to connect with other parents and will be presented information on a number of topics including nutrition, behaviors, literacy, etc.Children’s Museum of Eau Claire: It’s Time for Jazz Every Day from Mar. 29 to Apr. 3, • Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, 220 S. Barstow St. • FREE with museum admission • (715) 832-KIDS • Art activity of the week: Make a music collage. All week: Stamp some music notes, color a music instrument, read books about musi-cians and play with playdough. Tues-Sun 10:15-11:15 and 2:30-3:30pm, Thurs 5:30-6:30pm: Make a jingle plate.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPSStirring it Up: Cooking with Kids Mar. 17, 6-8pm • Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, 2105 Heights Drive • FREE • RiverSource@sbcglobal.net • 715-833-1735 • Come and enjoy hands on cooking with your child! Parents will learn tips on how to stimulate learning while cooking and promote healthy eating habits. The first half is parent discussion, followed by a parent/child cooking activity. Please bring a bowl, large mixing spoon, measuring cups, and measuring spoons. No CEU’s Available.Math Quest Every Saturday until May. 21, 9:30-11am • UW-Eau Claire Human Sciences and Services Build-ing, 239 Water St • $195 • (715) 836-2373 • For students grades 1-5 looking for an extra challenge in math.Confectioners Apprentice Sundays until Apr. 17, 2-4pm • Girl Scouts of America, 4222 Oakwood Hills Pkwy • $37, $25 to current Girl Scouts • nverdon@gsnwgl.org • Grades 4-12 • (715) 835-5331 ext. 5516 • Come join us at Girl Scouts and learn the techniques needed for cake decorating, and candy making! Hear from local talents and business owners, and discover skills such as piping, fondant use, flower making, and much more. For more details. Registration ends Feb. 28.Dance Classes: Mondays Every Monday from Mar. 28 to May. 23, 4:45-5:30pm • Banbury Place, Bldg 13 Suite 122, Galloway St • $8/child/class, $35/5 classes, $54/full series • ages 5-8 • (715) 829-0754 • Beginning Expressive Foundations class with Lynn Buske Winter 2011. Drop-ins welcome.Dance Classes: Fridays Every Friday from Mar. 25 to May. 20, 4:15-5:30pm • Banbury Place, Bldg 13 Suite 122, Galloway St • $10/child/class, $45/5 classes, $75/

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full series • ages 9-12 • (715) 829-0754 • Beginning Expressive Foundations class with Lynn Buske Winter 2011. Drop-ins welcome.Snap it, Stamp it, Scrap it! Mar. 27, 2-6pm; May. 1, 2-6pm • Girl Scouts of America, 4222 Oakwood Hills Pkwy • $42, $30 for current Girl Scouts • nverdon@gsnwgl.org • grades 4 to 12 • (715) 835-5331 ext 5516 • Join friends at Girl Scouts and learn how to tell your story in the most creative fashion. Session features will be on electronic cutters, digital scrapbooking, stamping, and photo editing. Meet local business own-ers who can give you the tricks of the trade. Registra-tion deadline: Feb. 18th.Bodies & Boundaries Mar. 28, 6:30-8:30pm • Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W Clairemont Ave • FREE • (715) 839-4121 • Geared for parents and teenagers (grades 8 through high school), this presentation helps parents and teenagers discuss the topics of relationship before romance; self worth vs. self esteem; theology of the body; and vital discussions for the young adult years.Boys’ Class: Growing Up: What’s Happening to My Body? Mar. 30, 7pm • Gold Conference Center at Luther Midelfort, 1221 Whipple St. • $5 • (715) 838-KIDS • In separate classes, boys and girls and their parents learn about the natural process of growing up. The programs include a video about changes in males and females, a discussion of puberty-related events a Q&A session in a relaxed setting. Arrive at 6:45 m for

an ice cream sundae bar.Foreign Language Classes for Elementary Students Mar. 31, 4:10-4:50pm • Hibbard Humanities Hall, UW-Eau Claire • FREE • hoffpj@uwec.edu • (715) 836-4287 • Classes held Thursdays from March 31-May 12 and taught by UW-Eau Claire students enrolled in the “Teaching Foreign Languages in Grades 1-9” course. Classes offered will include beginning French, begin-ning Spanish and continuing Spanish. Those interested should complete the online registration form by Mar. 25.Girls’ Class: Growing Up: What’s Happening to My Body? May. 18, 7pm • Gold Conference Center at Lu-ther Midelfort, 1221 Whipple St. • $5 • (715) 838-KIDS • In separate classes, boys and girls and their parents learn about the natural process of growing up. The programs include a video about changes in males and females, a discussion of puberty-related events a Q&A session in a relaxed setting. Arrive at 6:45 m for an ice cream sundae bar.Time Travelers Every Wednesday from Jun. 22 to Aug. 3, 10-11:30am • Various locations; presented by the Chippewa Valley Museum, located in Carson Park • k.jacobson@cvmuseum.com • ages 6-12 • 715-834-7871 • Featuring lots of creative, historical workshops throughout the summer. From pretending to be a news-paper of the olden days, crafter, quilter, fishing guide and more. See contact info for more individual class details.Museum Explorers Every Wednesday from Jun. 23 to Aug. 4, 10-11:30am • Chippewa Valley Museum, located in Carson Park • ages 3-5 • (715) 834-7871 • Make local history an adventure as kids attend this series of workshops, where they’ll learn about historical dances, the local native American history, life in Victorian times,

archeology and more. See contact info for details.

FOR PARENTSGood Eating & Reading Mar. 18, 10-11:30am • Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, 2105 Heights Drive • FREE • 715-833-1735 • Are you looking for fun ways to motivate your child to read? Do you recognize the importance of reading in your child’s life? Do you wonder about the normal development of a young read-er? Are you looking for suggestions for building rela-tionships with your children’s teachers? If you answered yes, please attend this informative presentation which will highlight information on these topics.Pregnancy Refresher Class Mar. 21, 6pm • St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 County Highway I • FREE • (715) 717-7421 • www.stjoeschipfalls.com For people who have experienced childbirth. FREE. No registration is re-quired. Held in McDonald Hall.Feeding Your New Baby Mar. 14, 9:30-11am; Mar. 22, 6:30-8pm; Apr. 11, 9:30-11am; Apr. 26, 6:30-8pm; May. 9, 9:30-11am; May. 24, 6:30-8pm; Jun. 13, 9:30-11am; Jun. 28, 6:30-8pm; Jul. 11, 9:30-11am; Jul. 26, 6:30-8pm • Eau Claire City County Health Dept., 720 Second Ave. • FREE • (715) 577-6154 • Deciding how to feed your baby is a very personal choice. This class is de-signed to give you the facts about breastfeeding and will include practical advice on getting started voiding prob-lems and building confidence when nursing your infant.Breastfeeding Class Fourth Tuesday from Mar. 22 to Jul. 26, 6:30-8pm • Eau Claire City County Health Dept., 720 Second Ave. • FREE • 715-577-6154 • This one-time, 1 1/2 hour FREE class is designed for preg-nant or breastfeeding mothers and their partners and will give the facts about breastfeeding as well as practical ad-vice on getting started, avoiding problems, and building confidence while nursing your infant.Reading and Your Young Child Mar. 23, 6:30-7:30pm • Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, 2105 Heights Drive • FREE • (715) 833-1735 • If you seek fun ways to motivate your child to read, wonder about the normal development of a young reader, or are look-ing for suggestions for building relationships with your children’s teachers, please attend this informative pre-sentation highlighting these topics.Eau Claire MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Sec-ond Thursdays, 6:30-9pm • Harvestime Church, 3625 Southwind Dr. • FREE for your first time, $5 after • If you are a mom who is pregnant or has a child newborn thru kindergarten, join us the second Thursday of each month (Sept.-May) for friendship, food, fun, fellowship, crafting and mom-relevant speakers. On-site childcare is available for a small fee.Birth by Nature Session Two: Preparing for a Suc-cessful Labor and Delivery Apr. 16, 11am-noon • Little Bare Bottoms, 310 S. Barstow Street • $5 • (715) 514-2652, 832-2223 • togetherforyou.com This class is pre-sented by Dr. Melissa Stangl and intended to enhance your typical prenatal counseling and classes by provid-ing natural advice for a healthy labor and delivery.

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