Local Veterans Day events are hard to come by this year, but Chippewa Valley residents are finding ways to acknowledge veterans and send well-wishes to active service members.
Veteran’s Tribute at Chippewa Manor
A plaque was dedicated with an honor guard and flyover on Tuesday at Chippewa Manor, the YMCA is accepting care items for troops through Friday and The Frog Hop in Cadott is hosting a craft fundraiser for Klein Hall on November 14 from 10-2.
Veterans For Peace congregate on Saturday mornings
Even without a parade there is time to reflect on war and peace this Veteran’s Day. With a troop draw-down scheduled overseas, we can all hope for more peace this Holiday season.
Outside of Chippewa Falls Main Street on Bridge St
Perhaps it is the approaching holidays that get local residents thinking about giving. I have spotted a few opportunities for direct donations in the community. While many non-profits are on the up-and-up, others are not and some file tax returns that reveal that fundraising is where most donations go so be careful.
While big donors are often rewarded by tax breaks and naming rights, it is possible for regular people to help by donating food, warm clothing, medical supplies and other goods directly which are passed along to their neighbors.
First Presbyterian, site of a Food Pantry and the Open Door Clinic on Tuesdays
For example, the Red Cross has blood drives scheduled at First Presbyterian Church and the Chippewa Falls Moose Lodge on November 23. First Presbyterian Church takes unused medical supplies and food donations. L.E. Phillips’ Career Development Center takes in food and household goods and has a small serve-yourself food pantry. The English Lutheran Church in Lafayette and the Chippewa Falls Library also set out food items for those in need. Hot meals are being served at Agnes’ Table and Barnabas Coffeehouse on alternating days and Barnabas has small household items as well. Also, Chippewa Falls Main Street has a serve-yourself winter clothing donation outside their office. I am sure I have missed some in Chippewa Falls and more opportunities are available in Eau Claire.
It is the time of year that wildlife is on the move. I was near the Northern Center last month, anticipating turkey, when these geese appeared, probably looking to fatten up.
These antlerless deer appeared in my backyard last month and at the beginning of November, two bucks could be seen on the DNR trailcam.
While Autumn Harvest Winery closed out their season last Saturday with the Marigold Cafe serving food outside, River Bend Winery is celebrating Halloween as they can by serving Mulled Wine and hosting a pet costume party in the lawn.
Halloween Straw ArtPumpkins at Klinger’s Farm Market
A rare Halloween “blue” moon is expected on this year’s somber holiday. Our Northside home near Ojibwa Golf Course has decorations and gift bags on the porch and a friend of mine on Prairie Street is doing something similar for any folks seeking safe yet sort of traditional trick-or-treating.
The Chippewa Falls Main Street Organization hosted a Halloween candy handout at the Chippewa Fairground from 3-5PM on Friday, October 30. Cars lined up as far back as High Street downtown causing the Northbound lane on Jefferson Ave to be totally impassable. This segued into music in the evening that could be heard thumping away until at least 10PM.
Looks like Farmers Market season in Chippewa Falls is officially closed. No vendors showed up on Thursday, October 29 at Allen Park.
Allen Park sans Farmer’s Market
Eau Claire’s last market is from 7:30-1 on Saturday, Oct 31. Samhain is traditionally the final harvest holiday before Yule so Happy Halloween everyone!
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