Spring/Summer 2014 - Coulee Region RSVP

Coulee
gion
Re
RSVP
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Inside This Issue
• Letter from the Director1
• Senior Expo
2
• Snapshot of Service
3
• New Volunteers
4
• Meet your RSVP
Office Volunteer
4
• Who Will be
Smarter than a
5th Grader?
5-7
• Volunteer
Opportunities8
• RSVP Community
Collaboration9
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service –
Healthy Futures 10
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service – Education
11
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service – Veterans
12
• Handcraft Program
12
• Donations &
Contributions
13 - 14
• Calendar of Events 15
• Please Keep Us
Informed15
• Your Support
Welcome 15
• RSVP Staff 16
• RSVP Board of
Directors16
Spring/Summer 2014
Your Place
to Volunteer
Spring/Summer 2014
Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a
triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day.
~William A. Ward, (1921-1994) American Writer
Summer Greetings!
What an appropriate quote; one that I have been paraphrasing every day for the
past ten years. I tell everyone that no matter what kind of day I have had at work,
I leave each day feeling good knowing that RSVP, our volunteers, stations, staff, and
board of directors, have made a difference in at least one person’s life. And what
better reward can one ask for knowing that the service, the act of kindness shared
with others, made it a triumphantly rewarding day for someone.
There are so many examples and evidence of the generous service that is provided
by RSVP throughout our community daily. Service that continues to make it
rewarding not only for the individuals or organizations that are the recipients, but
for the volunteers as well.
Examples of services include our Handyman Program, which at the writing of this
letter, is in the process of making it an abundantly rewarding day for a family in our
community by building a deck on their home so that their disabled daughter can
play outside in a safe environment.
Another example is our collaboration with Hillview Urban Agriculture Center
and Savory Creations, together RSVP volunteers served as role models for young
adults who were aging out of foster care by providing hands on nutritional and
educational assistance. This act of service garnered recognition from the Coulee
Region Volunteer Coordinators for our volunteers as they were awarded the Senior
Volunteers of the Year Award. (See more about this on page 9). While I referenced
just a couple of our programs, as you read through this newsletter, you will see so
much more.
And speaking of abundantly rewarding; our annual fundraiser “Who Will Be Smarter
than a Fifth Grader?” was indeed abundantly rewarding. As you will read in the
following pages, the Class of 2014 along with many community supporters helped us
have another rewarding and record breaking year. My thanks to everyone who participated
and showed their support of RSVP through their generous gifts of time, talent and
treasure. With your kindness, you helped make it a triumphant day for RSVP.
As I approach the end of my allotted space, many of you reading this letter, have
probably noticed something most unusual…have you figured it out yet? Well I will
help you. Each and every letter for the past ten years has always had the phrase “as
I sit at my desk looking out my window pondering what to write in my letter…”
Well, not to disappoint you, yes, I did stare out my window, writing this letter and
thinking to myself; this is indeed another triumphantly, abundantly rewarding day,
because of you, our volunteers who give so generously of yourselves in service
every day.
Thank you!
~Lynnetta
1
senior expo
Presented by
saturday, august 9
10am-4pm
A one-stop shop for families
and individuals as they plan
their own future or the future of
their loved ones. Enjoy vendors,
speakers and a fashion show.
valley view mall
A Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust® Property
PREIT download the
MALLS PREIT® malls app
2
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Snapshot of Service
RSVP volunteers share their time
and talents making our community
a better place. Here is a snapshot of
our program’s 2013 impact. You can
help make 2014 an even better year of
service by getting involved today!
Service Activity
2013 Impact
Number of tax-returns filed by RSVP volunteers in
collaboration with AARP and the La Crosse Public
Library
Students who received tutoring or one-on-one
classroom assistance
Pounds of medication collected and properly
disposed of through partnership with Coulee Council
on Addictions and the La Crosse County Prevention
Network
Pounds of medical waste recycled and reimaged into
patient care items
Number of handcrafted items donated to social
services agencies, schools, homeless shelters, and
medical facilities
Number of seniors, disabled, veterans, or low-income
individuals who received minor home repairs
Number of individuals who received home delivered
meals or mobile meals
Number of individuals who received education on
the importance of healthy eating and cooking with
low-cost, local ingredients through HUAC's Market
Basket Program
Number of food packages delivered by RSVP
volunteers to senior households in collaboration
with WAFER's Senior Share Program
Number of elderly or homebound individuals who
participated in the Telephone Reassurance Program
Number of Operation Homefront care package labels
RSVP volunteers addressed to active service military
members
Number of individuals who received transportation
from RSVP drivers
Number of organizations in which RSVP volunteers
served
Total number of RSVP volunteers
1,730
1,326
Total number of service hours reported by RSVP
volunteers
Value of service hours donated back into the
community
Spring/Summer 2014
3,699
500
6,797
48
679
402
200
14
250
241
90
575
95,068
$1,758,765
3
New Volunteers
Welcome to the newest members of the
RSVP Volunteer Family
New volunteers from January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014
Gary Biron
John Cartwright
Dennis Cheney
Charles Clarkin
Carol Craig
Sr DeSales Curti
Patrick DiRocco
Robert Fink
Cindy Johnson
Sr Jean Kasparbauer
Catherine Kinyon
Daniel Leaver
Frances Lee-Edwards
James Markos
Phyllis Markos
Dothea McCann
Donna Nesler
Lynda Nordstrom
Barbara Olson
Martha Paque
Joyce Potter
Richard Record
Bob Weathers
Mary Webb
Do you know someone who would enjoy volunteering and making a difference in
our community? As an RSVP volunteer, you are our best recruiters. Spread the word
about why you like to volunteer and encourage others to volunteer as well. There is
always a need for more volunteers. For a sampling of current requests, check out our
Volunteer Opportunities section. We currently have volunteer needs throughout
La Crosse and Monroe counties. Please share this newsletter with a friend or neighbor
and tell them about RSVP and our many programs! Who knows – you might even
find another opportunity that interests you!
Save The
Date
Join us in
Reimagining
Service at
the Volunteer
Recognition
Luncheon
Wednesday,
September 17,
2014
Radisson Hotel
La Crosse
11:30 a.m.
Meet your RSVP Office Volunteer!
Name: Jeanne Schaller
Hometown: I grew up on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse
and now live in Onalaska.
Jobs: Secretary, Receptionist, Bank Customer Service.
Family: I am from a family of eight, now married with
two children, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.
Favorite part of Coulee Region: Nearly all of my
family lives in this area. I enjoy spending time with them
and the beautiful scenery.
Why do you volunteer with Coulee Region
RSVP: I enjoy the interaction with people.
Ideal Retirement: Spending time with family and
friends. I enjoy attending my grandkids’ basketball,
baseball, & softball games. I also enjoy golf and playing
cards.
4
Biggest Accomplishment: Raising a happy
family.
The Coulee Region RSVP Staff would like to say
thank you to Jeanne for sharing her time with us
weekly, and invite all of our volunteers to say hi to
Jeanne the next time you visit our office!
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
T
he “Who Will Be Smarter than a
5th Grader?” Class of 2014 proved
yet again to be another successful and
exciting fundraising event for RSVP.
On May 10th at Valley View Mall, 16
fabulous fifth graders and competitive
community celebrities all with their
eyes on the prize, put their collective
knowledge and talents to the test for
the opportunity to be the team to have
bragging rights as the 2014 “Who
Will Be Smarter than a 5th Grader?”
Champions.
As the 2014 “Who Will
Be Smarter than a 5th
Grader?” Champions, Dr.
Johnson received a $500.00
travel voucher courtesy of
Travel Leaders, Owned and
Operated by Goli’s Avenue
of Travel, a Mississippi River
cruise, a Coca-Cola Big Ten
Pop Up Tent, gift certificates
to Macy’s, Diggers, and
Wettstein’s, and tickets to
the La Crosse Community
Theatre. Amber received a
Taking the honors this year as the
2014 “Who Will Be Smarter than a 5th La Crosse Logger’s Package,
2014 Grand Champions
a Pizza Doctors Pizza Party,
Grader?” Champions was the team of
gift certificates to Valley View
Dr. Tim Johnson, CEO of Mayo Clinic
Thank you to our Founding Partners –
Mall, and Wal-Mart, a Marcus
Health System Franciscan Healthcare
Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Travel
Theater Movie Package, season
and Amber Nguyen from Aquinas
Leaders, Coulee Bank, Valley View
tickets to the La Crosse Community
Catholic-St. Patrick Elementary School.
Mall, and Fox 25 48; Media Sponsor –
Theatre and a $1,000.00 check for
Not only was Dr. Johnson the Grand
WKBT-TV News 8; Platinum Sponsors
her school.
Champion, he was also the People’s
– Bremer Bank, Dynamic Recycling,
Choice Award Winner for raising
Financial & Investment Management
We extend our congratulations
the most money, over $6,000.00 in
Group, Ltd., Franciscan Sisters of
to the other Team Johnson;
support for RSVP. Congratulations to
Perpetual Adoration, Gundersen Health
Deb Johnson, D.R. Johnson &
Dr. Johnson for making it to the finals
System, Kaplan Professional Education,
Associates, LLC and her student
both academically and financially.
La Crosse Community Theatre,
Austin Baletta of Northside
La Crosse Magazine, Lyche Family,
Elementary School and
Market & Johnson, Inc. of La Crosse,
Congrats to Mike Richards,
Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan
Executive Director of External
Healthcare, Merchants Bank, Robert &
Affairs, Gundersen Health
Eleanor Franke Charitable Foundation,
System and his student,
Inc., Don & Roxanne Weber Family.
Kyrstin Rochester of Coulee
Gold Sponsors – Altra Insurance
Montessori Elementary School
Services, CenturyLink, Cleary-Kumm
for rounding out this year’s
Foundation, Inc., Dahl Automotive
top teams. Kyrstin and Austin
La Crosse, DeBauche Truck and
received many great prizes and
Diesel, Inc., DigiCOPY, D.R. Johnson
new this year, each received a
& Associates, LLC, Hawkins Ash
check for $250.00 to take back
Lynnetta P. Kopp, Executive Director presents
CPAs, LLP, Inland Label & Marketing
to their respective schools.
prizes to top teams
Class of 2014
Spring/Summer 2014
continued on page 6. . .
5
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
A huge thank you to our judges – Kay Berra,
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Aquinas Catholic Schools, Courtney Morris,
staff, and volunteers of the Coulee
Onalaska School District, Kim Novak, School
Region RSVP, our sincere thanks
District of La Crosse, and Melissa O’Neill,
and gratitude to all of the “celebrity
Onalaska School District; and to Dan Wiese
contestants,” students, and schools
and the School District of La Crosse’s Technical
who participated and helped us
Support team for their expert audiovisual
raise over $68,000.00. Thanks for
assistance. Thanks also to our ever-faithful game
making this another record-breaking
show host and announcer, Mr. Memory, Brad
fundraising event. It was amazing.
Williams. Many thanks to
all of our sponsors and in
kind donors for the support
given to WWBS and thank
you to the community who
Silent Auction Winner
so generously supported the
Services, LLC, A proud partner contestants and RSVP, and
everyone who came out to
of the La Crosse Design
cheer on the contestants, we
Institute, Steven & Lynnetta
couldn’t have do it without
Kopp, Seven Bridges Bank, a
your help.
Branch of Bank of Galesville,
T.I.C., Inc, Dale Walter, and
Webteam.
Judges and crowd react to the contestants’ question responses
Thank you to our Media Sponsor!
Thank you to our
Founding Partners!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
Lyche Family
Photos courtesy of Jerry Bonsack
6
Don & Roxanne Weber Family
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
Allison Bakalars, Blessed Sacrament
School & Sr. Linda Mershon, Franciscan
Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Amber Nguyen, St. Patrick School &
Tim Johnson, Mayo Clinic Health System
Franciscan Healthcare
Anika Nystrom, North Woods
International School & Miles Harter,
Dynamic Recycling
Austin Baletta, Northside Elementary &
Deb Johnson, D.R. Johnson & Associates,
LLC
Avery Rox, Hintgen Elementary & Dale
Walter, Bremer Bank
Eden Winga, State Road Elementary &
Amy Marcou, Coulee Bank
Ellie Dingel, SOTA I & David R.
Kilpatrick, La Crosse Community Theatre
Emily Dalton, Spence Elementary &
Mayor Tim Kabat, City of La Crosse
Evan Baines, Emerson Elementary & Cory
Malles, WKBT
Karissa Adams, Bangor Elementary
School & Mike Seichter, Market &
Johnson, Inc.
Katie Murphy, Southern Bluffs Elementary
& Samantha Strong, Mid-West Family
Broadcasting
Kyrstin Rochester, Coulee Montessori &
Michael Richards, Gundersen Health
System
Madelyn Degenhardt, Irving Pertzsch
Elementary & Linda Lyche, Community
Volunteer
Megan Abraham, Summit Environmental
School & Robert Abraham, La Crosse Police
Department
Victor Spaeth, Eagle Bluff Elementary &
Steve Christiansen, Merchants Bank
Will Geister, Northern Hills Elementary &
Patti Lokken, Operation Homefront
Spring/Summer 2014
7
Volunteer Opportunities
Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps
Help the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps celebrate 50
years! Sewing specialists are needed to sew and repair
corps uniforms. On July 12, the Drum Corps is hosting the
International Regional Competition in La Crosse at Roger
Harring Stadium on UW-La Crosse Campus. Volunteers are
needed to help usher, take tickets, and work concessions.
Call RSVP for more information or to volunteer to help.
Children’s Museum of La Crosse
There are many volunteer needs at the Children’s Museum
of La Crosse including:
•Exhibit Engineer - Be one of our exhibit specialists
helping with repair, painting, touch ups, refreshing and
general maintenance.
•Sewing Specialists - Sew costumes and exhibit textiles.
•Summer Camp Crew - Spend your summer learning,
playing and discovering with us! Engage the campers in
art, music, science, math, crafts, and PLAY! Camps take
place during July and August and usually last for three
to four days.
Call RSVP for more details or a schedule of activities.
Coulee Council on Addictions
Sign up to help Coulee Council on Addictions with their
Home Run Event on Saturday, August 2. Volunteers will
help with registration, ticket taking, distributing water,
kids’ activities, and snack stations. Volunteers are needed
to fill various shifts from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at
Logger Stadium in Copeland Park.
Gundersen Health System
With the opening of the new Legacy hospital building,
Gundersen Health System has many new volunteer
opportunities! If you are interested in volunteering in a
hospital setting, please contact the RSVP office to get
connected.
KAMO
Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO) is a Wisconsin based
nonprofit group that exists to get children between the
ages of 8 and 17 into the great outdoors. KAMO mentors
RSVP volunteers serve lunch at the Annual Riverfest Picnic
organize outdoor adventures including hiking, wildlife
viewing, canoeing, camping, fishing, skiing, hunting,
photography, orienteering, and wildlife restoration. The
group does both large group and one on one outings. Call
today to find out more about how you can help a child
appreciate the great outdoors.
Mobile Meals of La Crosse
Mobile Meals of La Crosse is a nonprofit organization that
serves meals to elderly and disabled individuals that reside
in the city limits of La Crosse. Mobile Meals deliver 7 days a
week at 11:00 a.m., with the route taking approximately two
hours. RSVP is in need of volunteers to deliver meals during
the week of August 3, 2014 through August 9, 2014. If you
would like to help, please call and sign up today.
Myrick Hixon EcoPark
Myrick Hixon EcoPark needs volunteers to staff their front
desk and gift shop as well as assist with their education
programs, by serving as naturalists, hike leaders, or
program leaders. If you have experience working with kids,
or love science, animals, or the outdoors this would be a
perfect fit. Training is provided.
Parenting Place
The Parenting Place is looking for a volunteer receptionist
to assist in their office once a week. Volunteers will
operate the telephone system, greet visitors, check items in
and out from toy lending library, and provide a friendly and
welcoming presence for parents and their children.
The Parenting Place is holding their annual Children’s Festival
on Saturday, August 23 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at
Myrick Park. Volunteers are needed to help take ticket, assist
children at activity stations, and distribute water.
RSVP volunteers prepare arts and craft projects for kids at the
Parenting Place
8
Salvation Army Thrift Store
If you enjoy people and a very interesting environment then
the Salvation Army Thrift Store is for you. Positions are
open for people to sort donations, price donations, assist
customers, and run the cash register. You will be amazed at all
the interesting things people donate! Please sign up today.
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
RSVP Community Collaborations
Savory Collaborations
I
magine you are about
to turn 18 years
old. You have lived the
majority of your life in
foster care. Now, as
you turn 18, you are no
longer eligible to stay
in the program. Aging
out of foster care can
be a scary, uncertain
time for some young
adults. Not many 18
year olds are financially
self-sufficient, have
much work experience,
or knowledge of basic
living skills such as
decision-making, budgeting, and cooking experience and
very few have any idea of what their future will hold.
This is real life for 152 adolescents currently in La Crosse
County’s foster care programs.
In March, Coulee Region
RSVP collaborated with
La Crosse County, Hillview
Urban Agriculture
Center’s Market Basket
Program, and Savory
Creations Cooking
School to help better
prepare this population
of young adults for what
nutritionally the future
might hold by giving
them an opportunity
to learn how to prepare
homemade,
healthy meals. Driven by Chef Shawn
McManus’ basic knife skills instruction,
safe food handling techniques, and tips
for conserving and reusing ingredients,
this partnership was able to provide
basic culinary instruction, and promote
cooking with local, healthy, and low-cost
ingredients. While Coulee Region RSVP
volunteers offered the hands on nutritional
support and educational assistance, serving
to further our mission of alleviating
long-term hunger and improving food
security within vulnerable populations,
encouraging healthy futures for those
within our community.
Spring/Summer 2014
Coulee Region RSVP volunteers, Mary Ann Snapp, Carol
Breidel, and Cheryl Robbins had the opportunity and the
pleasure of volunteering for this collaborative venture.
As volunteers, Mary Ann, Cheryl, and Carol provided
positive reinforcement, cooking assistance, helped answer
questions, and offered an intergenerational experience
for the nine program participants, helping them to see
that there are adults in our community that care about
them and are willing to provide the support, guidance,
assistance, and encouragement needed. Rebecca
La Force, Independent Living Coordinator, said, “This
event was marvelous, it left the kids feeling special and
excited.” The RSVP volunteer’s support helped reach an
underserved population in need within our community,
and allowed them to serve as role models for these
young adults, as well as volunteer leaders within a new
program collaboration, which will hopefully serve as a
pilot program for future replications. This class is the first
intergenerational collaboration of its kind that pairs senior
volunteers with
foster youth
transitioning
into adulthood,
with an
emphasis on
independent
living, food
security, and
nutritional
education. The
program not
only helped
students gain a new set of basic cooking skills, but also
provided each individual a free slow cooker and bag full of
ingredients, as well as demonstrated that individuals like
Mary Ann, Carol, and Cheryl are eager to provide support
and assistance to area adolescents, helping them develop
skills, for the best future possible.
9
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Healthy Futures
Volunteer Driver Program
T
he RSVP Volunteer Driver Program continues
to grow. We are so excited to add the
following new drivers to our program:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kitren Goodweiler
Catherine Kinyon
Bill Malaney
James Markos
Dothea McCann
Lynda Nordstrom
Scot Simpson
Kathie Vongroven
RSVP is always looking for additional drivers to
add to our program; volunteer drivers transport
clients to their appointments using their own
vehicle. Appointments may include medical,
dental or chiropractic, beauty shops, grocery
shopping, etc. We offer mileage reimbursement,
supplemental insurance, and out of pocket
expense reimbursement for long distance
transportation such as meals and parking. The
Volunteer Driver Program operates Monday
through Friday from 7:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. You
pick the days and times you are available. To learn
more about the volunteer driver program please
contact Heather at 608.785.0500.
Kitren Goodweiler
Catherine Kinyon
James Markos
Dothea McCann
Bill Malaney
Lynda Nordstrom
Nametags
Please remember to always
wear your RSVP nametag when
you are out volunteering in the
community. If you do not have
an RSVP nametag please contact
Heather in the RSVP office for
more information.
Scot Simpson
Kathie Vongroven
La Crosse Warming Center
T
he La Crosse Warming Center celebrated another
successful year. 2,614 nights of shelter were provided
to 161 different men and women, resulting in a hot meal
being served nightly to clients and not a single person
freezing to death during a particularly cold Wisconsin
Winter. RSVP volunteers assisted with making meals,
checking in guests, and providing a watchful and friendly
presence throughout the night to those seeking shelter
10
from November 2013 through March 2014.
When the Warming Center’s doors open again
this fall, they will find themselves in a new
location with a continued need for volunteer
support. If you are already signed up to volunteer
at the La Crosse Warming Center or you would
like more information about the opportunity
please contact Coulee Region RSVP.
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Education
Foster Grandparent
Program
C
oulee Region Foster Grandparents served another
amazing year in our area schools. Helping over
300 students, at eleven schools, achieve academic
success. The end of the school year was celebrated
with a lunch at Piggy’s Restaurant in La Crosse
and a visit of the La Crosse Compassion Project
at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. If you
are interested in learning more about the Foster
Grandparent Program and how to get involved
contact Heather. Foster Grandparents must meet
certain income guidelines, be at least 55 years old
and willing to share a minimum of 15 hours per
week in the classroom. It offers a great opportunity
to make a difference in a child’s life and socialize
with other seniors.
AAUW Art Fair on the Green
T
he La Crosse
Branch of the
AAUW will be
presenting the 56th
Annual Art Fair on the
Green on Saturday,
July 26 and Sunday,
July 27. The event
will be held on
the UW-La Crosse
Campus lawns, at 16th and State Streets. Show
hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is
$4.00 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
All proceeds from this event go toward scholarships
from area high schools, as well as for students
currently attending La Crosse’s three local colleges
and universities. Questions concerning Art Fair on
the Green may be directed to
artfaironthegreen@gmail.com.
Spring/Summer 2014
Read Across America
F
ebruary 28, 2014
Governor Walker came
to St. Patrick's School in
Sparta for Read Across
America Day. He read "Oh,
The Places, You'll Go," to the
younger students and had
a question/answer period
with the older students. He
stopped for a picture with
Jon and Beulah Hollmann,
Foster Grandparents at St.
Patrick’s School.
7 Rivers Community High School
T
he 7 Rivers Community High School is a new station
with Coulee Region RSVP highlighting opportunities for
volunteers to work with freshmen and sophomore students,
who are tailoring their education through personalized
learning plans. 7 Rivers Community High School is a Project
Based Learning (PBL) environment and provides a dynamic
approach to learning in which students explore real-world
problems and challenges. PBL requires a structured process
to build towards an authentic outcome, fostering a hands-on,
interest-based approach to developing skills, knowledge, and
a passionate understanding. Through intrinsic motivation,
the PBL approach creates a deeper level of comprehension and
a greater capacity for self-awareness in the learning process.
7 Rivers Community High School students, using 21st century
skills, will work with advisors and volunteers to design
projects and solve relevant problems, while working closely
with community experts and participating in field experiences
outside of the school building. Volunteer needs for the
7 Rivers Community High School include math tutoring,
classroom assistance, and seminar presenters. This is a great
opportunity, to share your wealth of knowledge with the
next generation, and the best part is that students choose
projects based on personal interest, so you are guaranteed to
work with a captivated group who share your same passion.
Any life skill, trade, or interest that you may have acquired
over the years
is sure to be
worth sharing,
call RSVP,
608.785.0500
for more
information.
11
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Veterans
La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor
Program
Giving Veterans a chance for a better future.
T
he transition from battlefield to full time civilian life is
sometimes a difficult one. Soldiers are accustomed to the
order of command and execution, which does not necessarily
work as well at home, as it does in the field. Many homes
have been broken due to the inability to cope with civilian
life and many veterans try to deal with their problems on
their own because they do not want to appear weak or
needy. Other times, veterans do not feel anyone can relate
to what they are going through at that moment. Sadly,
the alternative, many times, is to turn to alcohol, drugs,
and even crime in some cases. The goal of the La Crosse
Area Veterans Mentor Program to provide mentorship and
support to veterans with legal, mental health or emotional
problems by assisting and encouraging their participation
in Veterans Affairs, community-based treatments and
intervention programs and navigation the court system if
necessary. The La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor Program
is composed of veterans trained to be Veteran Mentors. In
part, this relationship results in a bond between the veteran
in need of assistance and the veteran mentor. The bond
develops out of the values the veterans had shared and the
sacrifices they made while in the military. There are veterans
in our community that are having difficulties and are in
need of support. A responsibility of the veteran community
and the community at large is to advocate and support our
veterans who are having difficulties transitioning, letting
them know there is hope and they are not alone. The need
for veteran mentors has never been greater than it is today.
It is easy for one of our country’s finest to feel isolated and
alone – to feel lost from the world. They need someone
who has been there before to stand alongside them and help
them through the challenges they encounter. The La Crosse
Area Veterans Mentor Program is currently recruiting office
volunteers and veteran mentors, if you are interested in
helping those who served for us or learning more about the
program, contact RSVP for more information.
Handcrafter Program Needs
In Memory
C
oulee Region RSVP would like to remember and honor,
Theresa Gotz, a long-time handcrafter, whose caring
hands were never idle for long. Theresa passed away April 21,
2014 and will be greatly missed by RSVP and our community.
In 2011, Theresa was recognized for volunteering over 10,000
hours of community service with Coulee Region RSVP. At
the time of her passing, Theresa had knit thousands of pairs
of mittens over the course of her 15 years of service with
our program, and donated 12,455 hours of her time
in volunteer service to our community. She will be
remembered for her spirit of service and her mission to
provide warm mittens for deserving children and adults
throughout the La Crosse area. Our thanks to Theresa
for the time she shared as an RSVP volunteers and
for making life warmer for so many in our community.
Thanks for making a difference.
Sewing Volunteers Needed!
Patterns and material provided.
Currently our most requested items include:
•Adult Clothing Protectors (Bibs)
•Blue Wrap Bags
•Kid’s Surgical Caps
•Wheelchair/Walker Bags
Contact RSVP for more information.
2014 Quilt Raffle
Tickets will go on sale at the Volunteer
Recognition Luncheon and will remain on sale
until the drawing on December 10, 2014. Prices
are one ticket for $1.00 or six tickets for $5.00.
12
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Donations & Contributions
Thank you to everyone for your support of the Coulee Region Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. The following
list includes donations received from January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014. Without your gifts, RSVP would not
be able to offer its many wonderful volunteer programs and services. THANK YOU! Please know that we make every
attempt to include all donors on this list. If we inadvertently failed to include your name, please contact us and we
will include your name in our next newsletter. Thank you for being a friend of RSVP.
A Plus Imaging, Inc.
Ann Abraham
Mike Abraham
Robert Abraham
Ad Aids, Inc.
Susan Adams
Kari Adank
Michael Allen
Altra Insurance Services
David Amborn
Paul Amborn
Mary Anderson
Aquinas Catholic
Schools
Gerald Arndt
Richard & Joan Artman
Sharon Ash
Dean Ashbacher
Bruce Ausderau
Bakalars Sausage
Company, Inc.
Bangor School District
Kelly Barton
Sara Battison
Robert Berndt
Kay Berra
Marilu Bintz
Julio Bird
Blessed Sacrament
School Jeans Day
Block & Kroll Financial,
LLC
Barry Blomquist
BMO Harris Bank, N.A.
Darrell Bodrero
Jessica Boland
Mike Boland
Joe Bond Jr.
Jerry Bonsack
Teresa Booth
Robyn Borge
Carol Boruch
Sabina Bosshard
Judy Brady
Braun Intertec
Corporation
Bremer Bank
Brenegen Chevrolet, Inc.
Tom & Jan Brock
Chris Brown
Dyanne Brudos
Rose Bruha
Gary & Mary Bubbers
Joe Bucheger
Judith Bue
Deborah Bushek
Art Butterworth
Lu Cagin
Mark Carpenter
CenturyLink
Shelia Chapel
Roger & Kenna
Christians
Steve & Pat
Christiansen
Joel & Sandy Clark
Clason Buick GMC, Inc.
Sandra Cleary
Cleary-Kumm
Foundation, Inc.
Thomas Cleven
Community Credit
Union
Barbara Coppernoll
Coulee Bank
Employees of Coulee
Bank
Courtesy CorporationMcDonald’s
Courtyard by Marriott
Cowgill Dental Inc.
Polly Cox
Margaret Cunningham
Russell Cunningham
Elizabeth Curtis
D.R. Johnson &
Associates, LLC
Dahl Automotive
Dairyland Power
Cooperative
Sarah Danielson
Dan & Nancy Danou
Patricia Dardis
DeBauche Truck &
Diesel, Inc.
Bonnie DeKrey
Designz, Inc.
Digger’s Sting
Restaurant & Bar
DigiCopy
Angela Dingel
Michael Dolan
Don & Roxanne Weber
Family
Spring/Summer 2014
Corene Dunning
Dynamic Recycling,
Inc.
EO Johnson Business
Technologies
Eagle Bluff Student
Council
Randy & Judy Eddy
Heidi Eide
Mary Jean
Eisenbacher
Conner Ellis
Engelson and
Associates, Ltd.
Peter F. Engh
Bryan Erdmann
Eric Erickson
Judith & Roger
Erickson
Mari & Norm
Erickson
Ramon Erickson
Mark Etrheim
Family Dental Center
of Caledonia, LLC
Financial &
Investment
Management
Group, Ltd.
Fran Finco
Cathy Fischer
Matthew Flannery
Donna Fong-Taylor
Marianne Foster
Fowler and Hammer,
Inc.
Stephanie Fraase
Barb Frahm
Franciscan Sisters
of Perpetual
Adoration, Inc.
Ellen Franz
Herb & Lorrayne
French
Paul Fuchsel
Mike Gargan
Joshua Gates
Glass Service Center,
Inc.
Peter Grabow
Thomas Grau
Green Bay Packers
Dr. Margaret Grenisen
Mary Ann Gschwind
Sigurd Gundersen
Gundersen Health
System
Brian Hafner
Hale, Skemp, Hanson,
Skemp & Sleik
Linda Hamilton
Rebecca Hamit
Denise Hanson
Dale Harkness
Melissa Hart Pollock
Miles Harter
Harter’s Trash &
Recycling, Inc.
J. Michael Hartigan
Chuck Hanson
Adam Hatfield
Sarah Havens
Hawkins Ash CPAs, LLP
John Heagle
Joseph & Patricia Heim
Hengel Brothers, Inc.
Rebecca Herrmann
Jim Hill, Executive
Director, LADCO
Nancy Hinshaw
Laurie Hodgen
Linda Hoehn
G. William Hoel Jr.
Melvyn & C.J. Hoffman
Steve Holmay
Jeanne Holzer
Rosalie Hooper-Thomas
Horizon Management
Group, Inc.
Scott Horne
Jean Hougom
Beth & John Houskamp
Susan Hovell
Douglas Howard
HSR Associates, Inc.
Gregory Hubbard
Huck Finn’s on the
Water
Peter & Susan Hughes
Dustin Hundt
Julie Hundt
Rosalyn Hundt
Laurie Hurwitz
Jan Hutchens
Inland Label &
Marketing Services,
LLC, A proud partner
of the La Crosse
Design Institute
ITW Foundation
Volunteer Program
Jeffrey Iverson
Memorial Gifts
In Memory of Eileen
Billings
Kay Shepherd
In Memory of
Theresa Gotz
Phyllis Branson
Carol Cade
Susan Chipman
Ramona Craig
Susan Darelius
Kirk & Lynn Donskey
Barbara Fancher
Elrita Herlitzke
Rita Hesselberg
Signe Hurlbert
Lori Kita-Hall
Cathy Korger
Rita Kowalke
Nancy Kroner
Jane Liebl
Doris Mashak
Evelyn Mikshowsky
Sally Miller
Bridget Mlsna
Phillip Moilien
Ruth Nasseff
Jaci Pfaff
Kay Sagen
Carol Saxton
Gail Schams
Tara Schuttenhelm
Cari Servais
Kenneth & Paula Silha
Linda Sondreal
Deborah Stark
Julie Welch
13
Donations & Contributions
Jay Jaehnke
Lynn & Jan Jarvinen
Johns, Flaherty & Collins,
S.C.
Deb Johnson
Doug Johnson
Dr. Tim & Regina Johnson
Ronald Johnson
Todd & Linda Jones
Jerry Jorgensen
Mark Jungck
Tim & Christina Kabat
Theodore Kanavas
Kaplan Professional
Education
Hal Keitel
Julie Keitel
Thomas Kelbel
David R. Kilpatrick
Martha Kincade-Janarus
Kari Kingsbury
Judy Kirkpatrick
Jennifer Kirsch, MD
Joan Klein
Melissa & Gary Klein
Kathy Klock
Geoff Klos
Randy & Kathleen Knadle
Tim Kolek
Steven & Lynnetta Kopp
Jamie Korn
Debbie Kroner
Alan Krumholz
Joseph & Barbara Kruse
Mary Kuffel
Rose Kulig
Kwik Trip, Inc.
La Crosse Area Family
YMCA
La Crosse Community
Theatre
La Crosse Glass Company
La Crosse Loggers
Baseball, LLC
La Crosse Magazine
La Crosse Professional
Police Non Supervisory
Association
La Crosse Professional
Police Supervisors
Assocation
La Crosse Riverfest
Commodores
Foundation, Inc.
La Crosse Symphony
Orchestra, Inc.
David Laehn
Jim Lahti
Tammy Larson
Robert Lawrence
Christopher & Patricia
Leach
Ledegar Roofing
Company, Inc.
Theresa Lee
Dorothy Lenard
Courtney Lokken
Patti Lokken
Bud Loomis
Janelle Loss
Linda Lyche
Lyche Family
Jody Lyon
Pamela Maas
Jane Macdonald
Macy’s La Crosse
Todd A. & Debra R. Mahr
Cory Malles
Nancy Mannstedt
Amy Marcou
Marcus Theatres of
La Crosse
Market & Johnson, Inc.
Beverly & Jack Marlowe
Roxanne Martell
Charles Marx
Steven Mau
Mayo Clinic Health
System Franciscan
Healthcare
Darcy McCallson
Mary Ellen McCartney
Sandra McCormick
Jean McDonnell
Matt McPherson
Jason Melby
Employees of Merchants
Bank-Onalaska
Merchants Bank
Sr. Linda Mershon
Susan Mershon Brockert
Kim Metcalf
Dawn Meyer
Rodney Middlebrook
Midwest Coca-Cola
Bottling Co.
Mid-West Family
Broadcasting
Mid-West Family
Broadcasting Staff
Annette Mikat
David R. Morrison
Kathy Mortiz
Julie Moseng
Paul & Kelli Mundinger
Rebecca Naugler
Nick & Darlene Nelson
Jim Nesbitt
Dr. Robert & Rebecca
Nesse
Scott Neumeister
Kermit & Barbara
Newcomer
Nguyen Family
Rochelle Nicks
Nicolai Apartments
Karl Noll
David Novitske
Lonnie & Kristi Nystrom
Olive Garden Italian
Restaurant
Tiffany Olson
Onalaska School District
Sister Catherine O’Neill
Orgel Wealth
Management, LLC
Lucas Ott
Paul & Cindy Patros
Lyle & Myrna Peacock
Rod Petrie
Elizabeth Piggush
Pischke Motors
Pizza Doctors
Thomas Poellinger, Jr.
Fran Pollard
Ronald & Jane Rada
Radisson Hotel La Crosse
Raj Ramnarace
Randy Rank
Richard Rank
Scott Rathgaber
Craig Reedy
Leah Reimann
Jane Rendler
Julie Renfrew
Dennis Richards
Michael Richards
Allyson Rickard
David & Denise Ring
River States Truck and
Trailer, Inc.
River Town Dental
Robert & Eleanor Franke
Charitable Foundation,
Inc.
Jackie & Kathy Robertson
LuAnn Roth
Brian Rude
Matthew Runde
Jack & Judy Rusch
Shawn Sackman
Charles Sans Crainte
Jeanne Sauer
Ken Schaefer
Gary Schmuck
Mark Schneider
Mike Schneider
Joseph Schloegel
Jerrel Schomberg
Schomburg Refrigeration
Company, Inc.
School District of
La Crosse
Jeffrey Schroeder
Philip Schumacher
Tina Schwier
Mike Seichter
Sarah Seifert
Seven Bridges Bank,
Branch of Bank of
Galesville
7 Rivers Mechanical, LLC
Shenanigans
Kay Shepherd
Michelle Shirel
Travis Simpson
Richard & Patricia Spencer
James Speropulos
Tim Sprester
Karla Stanek
Tyra Stpleton
State Bank Financial
Pat Stephens
Stifel Nicolaus
Neil Stilwell
Samantha Strong
Brad & Lynn Sturm
Summit Environmental
School’s 5th Grade
Classrooms
Judi Swanson
Bruce Swanwick
Paul Swartos
T.I.C., Inc. The Insurance
Center
Gina Taylor
TCI Architects/Engineers/
Contractor, Inc.
Ted Skemp Law
Eric Tempelis
Laura Thesing
Jeff & Sandra Thompson
Tom & Jean Thompson
Kathleen K Thomson
Ronald Tischer
Dave & Betty Trapp
Travel Leaders/Owned
and Operated by Goli’s
Avenues of Travel
Sandi Trocinski
Tori Truwe
Valley View Mall
Brian Vamstad
Vantage Architects, Inc.
Carmen Viner
Janet Virata
Kay Wagner
Deb Wakeen
Wal-Mart Onalaska
Dale Walter
Doris Walter
Jim Warren
Stephen & Katherine
Webster
Webteam
Joan Weisenbeck
Mary Jo Werner
Dan Wettstein
Wettstein’s & Lighting
Designs by Wettstein’s
James Wickizer
Jeff Wieser
Lawrence Wiley
Brad Williams
Andrew Winga
Dan Winga
Edward & Sharon Winga
Winona Nursery
Leah Wisnewski
WKBT-TV News 8
WLAX-Fox TV 25 48
Mary Kay Wolfe
Sharon Worman
Xcel Energy
Faling Yang
Frances Young
Don Zietlow
Sherry Zimmerman
Joe Zoellner
Check out our website for more information www.rsvplax.org
New volunteers can now enroll directly on our website and volunteer hours can be submitted as well!
14
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
2014 Calendar of Events
August 3 – August 9 – RSVP Mobile Meals
Delivery Week – Volunteers Needed
August 9 – RSVP presents the Senior Expo at Valley
View Mall from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
September 11 – National Day of Service and
Remembrance
*September 17 - Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at
the Radisson Hotel La Crosse at 11:30 a.m.
September 25 – September 28 – Oktoberfest
*New Date & Time
November 13 - RSVP Handcraft Open House
at the RSVP Office from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00
p.m. Handcrafters please make sure to bring
your items in by the end of October
November 28 – RSVP Office Closed
November 28 – December 31 – Rotary
Lights
December – Please remember to send in all
2014 volunteer hours
Please Keep us Informed!
c
c
c
c
c
I have a change of address or new phone number I know of a fellow volunteer who has moved, is sick, or has passed away I would like to start volunteering at a new station
I know a nonprofit group that would like to become an RSVP station
Other ______________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________________
Information: ___________________________________________________________________________
Please cut and mail
Your Support Welcome
Please consider helping RSVP with a
tax-deductible donation.
RSVP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Name:_______________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I would like to support the following RSVP program:
Handcraft Program
c Study Buddy Program
c Volunteer Driver Program
c
Handyman Program
c Telephone Reassurance Program
c General RSVP Programs
c
Please make checks payable to: Friends of Coulee Region RSVP
2920 East Avenue South, Suite 104 La Crosse, WI 54601
Spring/Summer 2014
Please cut and mail
15
Coulee Region RSVP, Inc.
Non-Profit Org.
2920 East Avenue South, Suite 104
La Crosse, WI 54601
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 372
La Crosse WI 54601
Coulee
gion
Re
RSVP
Phone: 608.785.0500
Fax: 608.785.2573
Email: info@rsvplax.org
Website: www.rsvplax.org
RSVP Staff
Heather M. Harpenau
Program Specialist
hharpenau@rsvplax.org
Amanda J. Buros
Assistant Director
aburos@rsvplax.org
Lynnetta P. Kopp
Executive Director
lpkopp@rsvplax.org
The Friends of the Coulee Region RSVP, Inc.
Board of Directors
President
Lorrayne French
Retired ~ Accountant
Quillin’s
Past President
Beth Curtis
Retired ~ Onalaska School
District
Vice President
Chris Brown
Board Counsel
Terence Collins, Attorney
Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC
Robert “Bob” Brudos
Retired ~ B&B Ceramics
Sarah Havens
Director of Community and
Preventive Care Services
Gundersen Health System
Elder Services
Mayo Health System
Franciscan Healthcare
Dottie Miller
Secretary
Sister Fran Browning,
FSPA
Lyle Peacock
Event Planner
An Affair to Remember
Retired ~ Community Camera
Franciscan Sister Perpetual
Adoration
Myrna “Dee” Peacock
Treasurer
John Hamilton
Fran Pollard
Retired ~ Vice President
Western Technical College
Retired ~ Community Camera
Retired ~ CenturyTel
Former Mayor of Tomah
Richard “Dick” Record
Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Retired ~ General Manager
Printing Services donated by Dairyland Power Cooperative
16
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter