Spring/Summer 2015 - Coulee Region RSVP

Your Place
to Volunteer
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Inside This Issue
• Letter from the Director1
• Senior Expo
2
• Meet your New
Volunteer Coordinator
and Board Member
3
• Meet your New
Volunteers & Office
Volunteer4
• Who Will Be Smarter
than a 5th Grader 5-7
• Volunteer Opportunities 8
• RSVP Program
Collaborations9
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service - Healthy
Futures10
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service - Education
11
• RSVP Key Areas of
Service Environmental12
• Handcraft Program
Needs12
• Donations &
Contributions13-14
• Calendar of Events
15
• Please Keep Us
Informed15
• Your Support
Welcome15
• RSVP Staff
16
• RSVP Board
16
Spring/Summer 2015
Spring/Summer 2015
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
Sir James M. Barrie ~ British Writer 1860 – 1937
Ahhh….Summer in Wisconsin. As I begin to pen this greeting, I am looking out my window (as
usual) and as it is always this time of year, I am watching the turtles make their way across the
lawn to lay their eggs, a sure sign that the bright sunshine of summer is here.
Bringing sunshine into the lives of others is exactly what RSVP volunteers do on a daily basis
throughout our community. Spreading sunshine to area students as mentors and as a part of the
Foster Grandparent Program; spreading sunshine to families by packing healthy meals through the
Hillview Urban Agriculture Center’s Market Basket program; spreading sunshine by building and
repairing exhibits for visitors to the Children’s Museum; whatever the cause, whatever the need,
RSVP volunteers are in our communities bringing sunshine to the lives of others as you will see
as you read through this newsletter.
Not only do our volunteers bring sunshine into the lives of others, the wonderful staff that I have
the pleasure of working with each day also is a source sunshine; not only into the work they do
for RSVP but for the sunshine that they bring into my life as well. And speaking of sunshine, as
many of you know, we said goodbye to Amanda in March. The time that Amanda shared with us,
she brought much sunshine to the lives of others, living the RSVP mission of “making a positive
impact”; not only as a staff member, but in the community, with our volunteers, and our partner
organizations. We will certainly miss her and wish her much success as she embarks on her new
career chapter.
In saying goodbye, we also say hello. Hello to the newest member of the RSVP family, Melanie
Werner. A native of Medford, WI and a graduate of UW-La Crosse, Melanie brings with her
a desire to bring sunshine into the lives of others as well; some of you have already had the
pleasure of meeting or speaking with Melanie and have witnessed that sunshine already. To help
ease the transition, Melanie was able to spend a few weeks with Amanda learning the basics of
RSVP. So, please stop by or call and welcome Melanie to the team.
Wow, speaking of bringing sunshine into the lives of others, the Class of 2015 “Who Will Be
Smarter than a 5th Grader?” did just that! What an amazing and yes, another record breaking
year. Congratulations to Team Kirsch ~ Dr. Jennifer Kirsch of Gundersen Health System and Therin
Smith from SOTA 1. Not only were they the champions, Jen was also the People’s Choice Award
Winner. Jen broke the record of raising the most money ever ~ $11,950.00. Many thanks to all
our contestants and to all our supporters. ~ Read more about it and see the great photos inside.
Well, I have come to the end of my allotted space. So I will end by saying thank you to all of our
volunteers for the sunshine you all bring each day into the lives of so many in our community
that is highlighted in the following pages, and thank you to Amanda for sharing a bit of sunshine
during her time with us, thank you to Heather and Melanie for the sunshine they bring each day,
and thank you to our board members and our partnering organizations and the community for
the sunshine they share. Together because of all of you, RSVP continues to bring sunshine into
the lives of others.
Happy Summer!
~ Lynnetta
1
PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Senior Expo
Saturday, August 8 • 10am-4pm
Presented by
A one-stop shop for families and individuals as they
plan their own future or the future of their loved ones.
Visit myvalleyview.com for event information.
OF THE COMMUNITY
VALLEY VIEW MALL
A PREIT® Property
2
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Meet your New Volunteer Coordinator
Name: Melanie Werner
Hometown: I grew up in Medford, WI and moved to
La Crosse in 1998 to attend UW-L.
Education: I graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2003 with
BA in English and a minor in Creative Writing. I also have
my Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from
Globe University, which I obtained in 2011.
Previous Employment: I am new to the non-profit
world and new to being a Volunteer Coordinator. Prior
to coming to RSVP, I worked at Digger’s Sting as a Server/
Bartender for 12 years, and also worked as a legal assistant
for 3 years for a local attorney.
Family: My parents live in Medford, WI in the same
house I grew up in and I have one brother who lives in
New Milford, CT and works at
Kimberly-Clark.
Favorite Part of Coulee
Region: My favorite part
of the Coulee Region is the
variety of outdoor activities
La Crosse has to offer. I love
hiking, swimming at the local
beaches, pools, and being
with my friends and family.
Future Goals: I absolutely
love my new job at RSVP so
I’ll stay as long as they let me!
Meet your Board Member
Name: Amy Marcou
Hometown: Madison, WI
Jobs: Coulee Bank, VP Mortgage Lending
Family: Married to Mike, 2 boys, Jake and Johnathan
Why are you involved with the Coulee Region
RSVP: I participated in the ‘Who Will Be Smarter than
a 5th Grader’ contest a few years ago. I was amazed to
learn about all the things that Coulee Region RSVP does
for our community. I look forward to learning more about
what they do and want to help them continue to succeed.
Where else are you
involved in the Coulee
Region: La Crosse
Community Housing
Development Organization
board member, Boy Scouts
Ideal Retirement: travel,
relax and have fun
Remember to report your
volunteer hours…
Volunteers who have served more than 25 or
more hours during the last year are invited to our
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Keep sending
in your hours to the RSVP office, we want to see
all of our volunteers at the event!
Spring/Summer 2015
3
New Volunteers
Welcome to the newest members of the
RSVP Volunteer Family
New volunteers from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015
Barbara Beer
Dorie Beres
Heidi Blanke
Ying-Tzu Chang
Ruby Coady
Kim Dahl
Rick Doering
Pat Eveland
Phillip Gaarder
Peter Hansen
Laurie Harrison
Darci Keenan
David Klinge
Peggy Lydon
Caroline Miller
Christina Mungle
Jackie Newman
John Newman
David Pinkham
Michelle Schaefer
Eleanor Schoot
Janet Steele
Victoria Thiel
Steve Thinnes
Jensine Wing
Ilene Zastrow
Do you know someone who would enjoy volunteering and making a difference in
our community? As an RSVP volunteer, you are our best recruiter. 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
at the
Volunteer
Recognition
Luncheon
Wednesday
September
23, 2015
11:30am
Meet your New Office Volunteer
Name: Pat Niemeier
Hometown: De Soto, WI
Jobs: Farm wife for 20 years. RN and Director of Home
Care and Hospice for Mayo Health System. Continue to
work one day a month for hospice.
Family: Husband-Ramon, 8 kids, 23 grandkids and 5
great grandkids.
Favorite Part of Coulee Region: Any place where I
can go camping....but for sure with water and electricity.
Why do you volunteer with Coulee Region
RSVP: I found I had extra time on my hands after
retiring so needed something to do. My husband had
started driving for RSVP and as I heard him telling about
it. I called and found they needed someone in the office
so decided to give it a try and love it. The ladies in the
office are so fun to work with and find lots of projects
for me to work on. It is good to be out among people
4
and I am getting to know
more of the many wonderful
volunteers who put in so
many hours.
Ideal Retirement: I’ve
got the ideal retirement.
Volunteering some, camping
some, traveling some and lots
of family time. Couldn’t be
any better.
Biggest Accomplishment:
There were many wonderful
accomplishments in my life but I would have to say
graduating from nursing school at age 40 was the
hardest thing I have ever done.
The Coulee Region RSVP Staff would like to say thank
you to Pat for sharing her time with us weekly, and invite
all of our volunteers to say hi to Pat the next time you
call or visit our office!
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
F
abulous, Fantastic, Fun, and
Simply amazing is the best
way to describe the 2015 RSVP
“Who Will Be Smarter than a 5th
Grader?” fundraiser held Saturday,
May 9th.
16 phenomenal fifth graders and
competitive community celebrities
together combined their wit and
wisdom at Valley View Mall for
the opportunity to hold the title
of Champions of the Class of 2015
“Who Will Be Smarter than a 5th
Grader”? Congratulations goes to
the winning team of Dr. Jennifer
Kirsch, Anesthesiologist, Medical
Director of Government Relations
at Gundersen Health System and
her student, Therin Smith of
La Crosse School District SOTA 1:
School of Technology & Art.
Therin Smith, SOTA: I School of
Technology and Art with Jennifer
Kirsch, M.D.; Grand Prize Winners!
As the 2015 “Who Will Be Smarter than a
5th Grader?” champions, Dr. Kirsch received
a $500.00 travel voucher courtesy of Travel
Leaders-Owned and Operated by Goli’s
Avenues of Travel, a Mississippi River Boat
Cruise, La Crosse Community Theater Lyche
Season Ticket Package, Gift Cards from Macy’s,
Huck Finns, Marcus Cinemas, and a Big 10
Pop Up Tent from Coca-Cola. Therin received
a $1,000.00 cash prize for his school, SOTA
1, a La Crosse Loggers Gift Pack with jersey,
cap, ball and tickets, Coca-Cola Pop up
Tent, Marcus Cinemas movie package, Pizza
Doctors Pizza Party, Pepsi Chair, Valley View
Mall Gift Card, and La Crosse Community
Theatre Youth Package. Not only was Dr.
Kirsch a champion academically, she was
also the champion on the fundraising side;
Dr. Kirsch was the People’s Choice Award
Winner, raising almost $12,000.00 the most
ever for any contestant. Thank you to Dr.
Kirsch and all of her supporters.
Congratulations are also in order for Nicole
Mydy, Innovation Manager for Organic Valley
and her student, Lily Zeng from Eagle Bluff
Elementary School and Dr. John Morrissey,
Orthopedic Surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health
System-Franciscan Healthcare and his
student, Connor Johansen from Northern
Hills Elementary School. Dr. Morrissey and
Nicole each received gift certificates to area
merchants, La Crosse Symphony Tickets and
Marcus Movie Tickets. Lily and Connor each
received $250.00 for their school as well as
gift certificates to Texas Roadhouse, Pla-Mor
Lanes, Marcus Cinemas, and a La Crosse
Community Theatre Package.
Top 10 Fundraisers
Name
Jennifer Kirsch, M.D., Gundersen
Rick Mueller, Mueller Media John Morrissey, M.D., Mayo-Franciscan
Joe Laux, River States Truck & Trailer
Tim Johnson, M.D., Mayo-Franciscan
Michael Richards, Gundersen Health System
Sandy Cleary, Cleary Management
Linda Lyche, Community Volunteer
Steve Christiansen, Merchants Bank
Steven Webster, M.D., Oktoberfest Master
Sister Joan Weisenbeck, FSPA
Year
2015
2015
2015
2012
2014
2014
2013
2014
2014
2011
2013
Amount
$11, 950.00
9,504.00
7,969.00
7,101.00
6,145.00
5,978.00
5,580.00
4,096.00
3,732.00
3,071.00
3,038.00
Winning Teams
2015 ~ Dr. Jennifer Kirsch,
Gundersen Health System
& Therin Smith, SOTA 1:
School of the Arts
2014 ~ Dr. Tim Johnson, MayoFranciscan Health Care
& Amber Nguyen, St.
Patrick Elementary
School
2013 ~ Mitch Reynolds, Midwest
Family Broadcasting &
Tommy Lenz, Emerson
Elementary School
2012 ~ David Amborn,
Gundersen Medical
Foundation & Sophie
Baggett, Emerson
Elementary School
2011 ~ Nick Grunseth, WXOW
& Andrew Runde, Eagle
Bluff Elementary School
2010 ~ J. Michael Hartigan,
Riverfest Commodore &
Shafee Rayhan, Eagle Bluff
Elementary School
2009 ~ Terry Collins, Johns,
Flaherty & Collins &
Maddie Von Muchow,
Coulee Montessori
Elementary School
Thank you to our celebrity judgesKay Berra, Aquinas Catholic Schools;
Jodi Brueggeman, School District
of La Crosse; Kaitlyn Hundt and
Mellissa O’Neil, Onalaska School
District; David Kilpatrick, La Crosse
Community Theatre; Dana Erickson of
Interstate Sound, and Dan Wiese –
La Crosse School District for “taking
us Hollywood”, Laurie Cafe, Marketing
Manager Valley View Mall, Mike
Roske, Operations Manager-Valley
View Mall, and of course our host
and announcer, Brad WilliamsMr. Memory from Midwest Family
Broadcasting.
We also would like to extend our
thanks to our Media Sponsor – WKBT
News 8, our Founding Partners
for their continuous support of
continued on page 6. . .
Spring/Summer 2015
5
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
“Who Will Be Smarter than a 5th Grader: Midwest Family
Broadcasting, Travel Leaders, Coulee Bank, Valley View
Mall and Fox 25-48. Platinum Sponsors: Altra Insurance
Services, Bremer Bank, Cass Street Pharmacy, Cowgill
Dental, Dahl Automotive, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual
Adoration, Gundersen Health System, Honda Motorwerks,
Kaplan University, Kwik Trip, La Crosse Community Theatre,
La Crosse Magazine, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan
Healthcare, Mueller Media, Christy Olesevich, Mark Platt, State
Bank Financial, Vantage Architects and The Weber Family.
Gold Sponsors: CenturyLink, Cleary Management
Corporation, Jansen Dahl, DeBauche Truck & Diesel,
Dickinson Family Funeral Homes, DigiCopy, Susan Drahos,
Fowler & Hammer, HG Orthodontics, Inland, Interstate
Sound, Jay Kirsch, The Lyche Family, Macy’s, Merchants
Bank, Mooresmiles Dental, David & Denise Ring, Seven
Bridges Bank, TIC-The Insurance Center, The Remainders,
Webteam and Shawn & Mary Jo Werner.
Thanks also to our Silver and Question sponsors and
our in-kind donors for the huge support given to RSVP,
and a sincere thank you to the community who gave so
generously to the contestants and RSVP and those who
came out to the mall, the school districts of La Crosse,
Onalaska, Bangor and Aquinas Catholic Schools, the
students and parents. You all made it happen.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers
of Coulee Region RSVP, we extend an enormous thank
you to all of you who played a major role in helping to
raise over $83,000.00. Congratulations to the Class of
2015-Another Record Breaking Year!
Simply Amazing! Many thanks to everyone for helping to
make it happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.
~Lynnetta
Thank you to our Media Sponsor!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
Thank you to our
Founding Partners!
Christy Olesevich
Mark Platt
The Weber Family
Photos courtesy of Jerry Bonsack
6
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
Who will be Smarter than a 5th Grader?
Ava Blegen, Southern Bluffs Elementary
School & Matt Thorton, Jay Buckley’s
Baseball Tours
Lillian Christianson, Hintgen Elementary
School & Scott Robert Shaw,WIZM
Radio, Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Olivia Gioe, Emerson Elementary School
& Jansen Dahl, Dahl Automotive
Rick Mueller, Mueller Media Inc. &
Sydney Heise, Spence Elementary School
James Bushman, WKBT News8 &
Madeline Janisch, Bangor Elementary
School
Sydney Kiefer, Summit Environmental
School & Wayne Oliver, State Bank
Financial
Jacob Kosmoski, St. Patrick School &
Sr. Helen Elsbernd, Franciscan
Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Ella Lysne, State Road Elementary School
& Dr. Andrew Temte, Kaplan
Professional Education
Caleb Miller, North Woods International
School & Heidi M. Eglash, Law Office
of Heidi M. Eglash, LLC
Jennifer Kirsch,M.D., Gundersen Health
System & Therin Smith, SOTA I: School
of Technology & Art
Olivia Runyon, Coulee Montessori
Elementary School & Ann Abraham,
Bremer Bank
Dean Dickinson, Dickinson Family
Funeral Homes & Keenan Hass,
Northside Elementary School
Sue Dillenbeck, Robertson, Ryan &
Associates & Nathan Hamilton, Irving
Pertzsch Elementary School
Connor Johansen, Northern Hills
Elementary School & John Morrissey,
M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System
Franciscan Healthcare
Lily Zeng, Eagle Bluff Elementary School
& Nicole Mydy, Organic Valley
David Ring, Kwik Trip, Inc. & Max
Byington, Blessed Sacrament School
Spring/Summer 2015
7
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat Restore
Habitat ReStore is looking for volunteers to work their
cash register, answer phone calls, and help with customer
questions. Please call RSVP for details or to start
volunteering at the Habitat ReStore!
Hillview Health Care Center
The Hillview Health Care Center is looking for volunteers for
bingo, bake sales, raffles, transporting residents throughout
the facility, and many more opportunities. Please contact
RSVP if you are interested in volunteering at Hillview
Health Care Center!
Mobile Meals
RSVP Volunteers help with delivering Mobile Meals in La
Crosse. RSVP is responsible for two upcoming weeks at
the end of summer and into the fall. The dates available
for Mobile Meal Deliveries are July 26th – August 1st and,
in the fall, October 18th – October 24th. Please let us
know if you would like to deliver meals!
La Crosse Concert Band
The La Crosse Concert Band has returned for another
summer! RSVP volunteers help with handing out
programs, ushering, and collecting donations during
the Children’s March. Performances are on Wednesday
nights in Riverside Park at the Band Shell throughout the
summer and performances start at 7:30. Please call RSVP
for more details, dates, or to volunteer while listening to
some great music!
RSVP Volunteers at the Southside Neighborhood Center for a
Market Basket class.
Market Basket Program
The Market Basket Program is in full swing for summer.
Many different dates and locations are available for
volunteer opportunities with HUAC and The Market Basket
Program. Locations for the prep and class include Our
Saviors Lutheran Church, First Free Church, Southside
Neighborhood Center, and Black River Beach Neighborhood
Center. To volunteer call RSVP today for confirmation on
locations, dates, and times. Help out and give so much
back to the community!
Mary Wadium, RSVP Volunteer, handing out programs at La
Crosse Concert Band.
Hillview Urban Agricultural
Center
Hillview Urban Agricultural Center (HUAC ) is in need of
volunteers to help at the Washburn Community Garden
Hoop House in La Crosse. HUAC would like to keep the
plants healthy and productive in order to give back local
produce to the community. Contact RSVP for more details
on gardening at the Washburn Community Garden!
8
Mary Larson and a HUAC intern, Jessica, starting the Market
Basket Class presentation.
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
RSVP Program Collaborations
RSVP and HUAC’s Market
Basket Program Working Well
Together!
C
oulee Region RSVP has had a great relationship over
the years with Hillview Urban Agricultural Center
or HUAC, and in continuing this tradition; we have
collaborated with HUAC again for their Market Basket
Program. The Market Basket Program is designed to
help low-income families learn how to cook healthy and
affordable meals using slow cookers. HUAC received a
grant to purchase slow cookers to give to all the families
participating in the class. The prep part of the Market
Basket Program is preparing the meals for the slow cooker
such as portioning out the ingredients for the recipe they
will be making at the class. Mary Larson, Market Basket
Coordinator at HUAC, and RSVP volunteers, prep the
meals that are made at each class. RSVP volunteers also
demonstrate how to prepare the recipes at each class.
There are many volunteer opportunities available and
classes throughout July, August, and September, please
call RSVP for more details or to find out the schedule for
the Market Basket prep and class!
HUAC and RSVP prepping for a Market Basket class.
RSVP Volunteers and Mary Larson, Market Basket Coordinator,
bagging groceries in the RSVP Conference Room.
RSVP and The Children’s Museum
T
he Children’s Museum of La Crosse was in need of a
handyman who likes to tinker in a workshop and RSVP
was able to provide the right kind of volunteer to accept the
challenge. RSVP and The Children’s Museum have collaborated
to keep the museum and its exhibits looking top notch. Gordon
Stewart, RSVP volunteer, has become the new handyman at the
museum. Sometimes, after a long day of kids running around
the museum, some of the exhibits are in need of tlc, and this is
where Gordon’s expertise is utilized. Gordon has been going to
the museum every Monday since the beginning of June, when
the museum is closed to the public, to tackle any needed repairs
from the long week of play from happy and energized children.
Gordon has tightened and repainted benches, worked on various
displays, keeping them safe and sturdy, and rewired a simulated
ATM machine. Anne Snow, Executive Director, describes what
having Gordon at the Children’s Museum means with three
simple words, “We Love Him!” And just like all the kids, big
and small, that come to the Children’s Museum, who have their
favorite play place, so does Gordon in his workshop.
Spring/Summer 2015
RSVP’s Gordon Stewart in The Children’s
Museum workshop getting ready to tackle
the next repair!
9
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Healthy Futures
Volunteer Driver
Volunteer Drivers
O
ver the past six months 31 RSVP Volunteer Drivers
have served over 2,700 hours providing safe and reliable
transportation to those in need. RSVP welcomes five new
drivers, Christina Mungle, Phillip Gaarder, Steve Thinnes,
Janet Steele, and Peggy Lydon. Whether you have a chance
to ride with them or just see them in the community take
a moment to thank them for their service. We appreciate
everything all of the drivers do!
The RSVP Volunteer Driver program is always looking to
add drivers to our program. Volunteer drivers transport
clients to their appointments using their own vehicle.
The appointments may include medical, dental
or chiropractic, beauty shops, grocery shopping,
volunteer sites, government agencies, etc…. As
a RSVP Volunteer Driver, you receive mileage
reimbursement, supplemental insurance coverage,
and out of pocket expense reimbursement for long
distance transportation such as meals and parking.
The Volunteer Driver Program is available MondayFriday 7:30-5:00p.m. Volunteers pick the days and
times they are available to transport clients. If you
are interested in becoming a Volunteer Driver, please
contact RSVP at 785-0500 for more information.
Christina Mungle
Steve Thinnes
Phillip Gaarder
Janet Steele
Peggy Lydon
La Crosse Warming Center
Telephone Reassurance
T
W
he La Crosse Warming Center celebrated another
successful year. 6,672 nights of shelter were provided
to 180 different individuals. Each person received a
hot meal nightly and not a single person froze to death
during the cold Wisconsin winter. Ten RSVP volunteers
assisted with making meals, checking in guests, and
providing a watchful eye and a friendly presence through
the night to those seeking shelter at the Warming Center
from November through April. With the new downtown
location, the Warming Center was able to provide shelter
for six months instead of five, allowing the Warming
Center to be more accessible to those needing a warm
place to spend the night. The Warming Center always
welcomes new volunteers to help. If you are already
signed up as a volunteer at the Warming Center or you
would like more information about the opportunity
please contact Coulee Region RSVP to get signed up
before the season starts in November.
10
ould you or someone
you know benefit from
a daily call? If so, the RSVP
Telephone Reassurance Program
may be just the key. This daily
call service allows individuals
to stay in their own homes and
offers reassurance to family
members knowing that someone
is checking on their loved
ones. The program is available
to individuals in La Crosse or
Monroe counties. If you are
interested in becoming a Telephone Reassurance
Volunteer or would like additional information
about the program for yourself or a family member,
please contact RSVP at 785-0500.
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Education
Study Buddy
Foster Grandparent Program
he RSVP Study Buddy program place volunteers in area schools
to help students grow both academically and socially. RSVP
volunteers share a minimum of an hour of their time each week to
spend helping teachers in the area schools. Volunteers assist with
tutoring students in math and reading, individually with a student,
or in a group setting. The Study Buddy Program continues to grow
in our community and those who volunteer in the program enjoy
lending a hand to help make a positive impact for our future leaders.
The teachers and administrators in our partnering schools have many
positive remarks to say about our Study Buddy Program and enjoy
having RSVP volunteers return each year. Mrs. Holley, a teacher at
Eagle Bluff stated, “Thank you for providing this experience for the
children. We cannot do this job alone. Thanks for bringing the
community to us.” This is just one of the many positive responses
we receive from the teachers we work with.
E
T
Mayor’s Day
April 7th marked the third Annual CNCS Mayor’s Day of Recognition.
In support of Mayor’s Day, La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat shared part
of his busy schedule reading to students in Mrs. Rox and Mrs.
Landstrom’s classroom at Hintgen Elementary School. Mayor’s Day
spotlights the importance of national service and offers city and county
officials an opportunity to thanks those who serve in communities
across the United States. Kathy Thom, a RSVP volunteer at Hintgen
Elementary, was volunteering when Mayor Kabat joined the classroom
at Hintgen Elementary and stated, “I feel the children really enjoyed
meeting the Mayor and being part of a very special day.” Please contact
RSVP if you would like to join and become a part of our Study Buddy
Program and help make a difference in our community schools!
very five years, we celebrate
the anniversary of the
inception of the federal Foster
Grandparent Program with a
special conference for Foster
Grandparent volunteers in
Wisconsin. This year the 50th
Anniversary Conference was held
in Madison on May 20 and 21.
The theme was Hearts of Gold –
Giving Time – Enriching Lives.
Over 270 Foster Grandparents,
ages 55 to 90, from 15 programs
across the state were able
Foster Grandparent Sally
to participate. They visited
Vyvyan was honored on the
a health fair and wellness
last Friday of school for her
screening followed by keynotes
commitment to the Westby
and workshops on a variety
Elementary School. Sally
has been there for 13 years
of topics including personal
volunteering over 13,000
skill development, motivation,
hours during that time.
child development and literacy
approaches. The Wisconsin Office on Aging provided speakers
on Healthy Eating on a Budget and the Stepping On program.
Additionally, exercise classes for water aerobics, yoga, tai chi
and a walk around the Capitol were offered.
Volunteering over 300,000 hours annually by these
dedicated older adults is truly remarkable. A special
recognition banquet recognized the efforts and results of
Foster Grandparents, including their volunteer service time
which varies from less than a year to 25 years.
Foster Grandparents don’t actually foster children in their
home. With a minimum weekly schedule of 15 hours, our
volunteers are truly devoted to the children they work with
one-on-one in schools, Head Start, day care, after school
programs.
Mayor Kabat shares his time with students at Hintgen
Elementary with RSVP Foster Grandparent Jeanne Wiltinger
and RSVP Study Buddy volunteer Kathy Thom.
For more information, contact Heather, Foster Grandparent
Program Supervisor at 608-785-0500.
Foster Grandparent Program
E
leven Foster Grandparents completed the 2014-2015 school year serving
almost 10,000 hours helping students reach their academic potential.
While most of the Foster Grandparents are taking a break for the summer,
there are a few that are continuing to help students in area summer school
programs. The Foster Grandparent Program is a program in which income
eligible participants who are at least age 55, receive a non-taxable stipend
and mileage reimbursement for serving a minimum of 15 hours per week. The
program offers a great opportunity to share your skills, help make a difference
in a child’s life, stay active and socialize with others. If you are interested in
learning more about the program, we would welcome the opportunity to tell
you more and have you join. To learn more, please give us a call.
Spring/Summer 2015
RSVP’s Foster Grandparents in Madison, WI May
20th and 21st for the 50th anniversary of the Foster
Grandparent Program.
11
RSVP Key Areas of Service – Environmental
R
SVP continues our collaboration with Gundersen
Health System with our Blue Wrap Program. RSVP
volunteer handcrafters repurpose the blue sterile surgical
wrap into many reusable items such as tote bags,
educational material bags, bedside caddies, and breast
cancer patient care bags, just to name a few. The Renal
Dialysis Department at Gundersen recently requested
that RSVP make a new larger bag to be used by patients
receiving dialysis. The need for bags continues to increase
and currently we are most in need of Blue Wrap tote bags,
Blue Wrap Breast Cancer tote bags, bedside caddies, and
the Renal Dialysis Blue Wrap bags. Please contact RSVP
for more information and patterns for the requested Blue
Wrap bags.
RSVP volunteers also make amazing handcraft items for
distribution. The Handcraft Program provides over 6,000
items annually to social service agencies in order to meet
the needs of the community. A group of volunteers,
known affectionately as the “Knotty Knitters,” meets
every Wednesday at the RSVP office to knit, sew, and
crochet a variety of items including hats, mittens,
afghans, scarves, wheelchair and walker bags, and just
have fun socializing. All of the items are donated back
into the community including schools, nursing homes,
and both local hospitals.
Handcrafter Program Needs
RSVP would like to thank
all those who donated yarn
and other materials for our
wonderful handcrafters to use!
Sewing Volunteers
Needed!
Patterns and material provided at the
RSVP office.
Currently our most requested
items are:
*Wheelchair/Walker Bags
*Baby Booties
*Kid’s Surgical Caps
*Blue Wrap Tote Bags
*Blue Wrap Breast Cancer Tote Bags
The “Knotty Knitters” of RSVP.
2015 Quilt Raffle
Tickets will go on sale September 23,
2015 and will remain on sale until the
drawing on December 16, 2015. Ticket
prices are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.
Contact RSVP and get your tickets
today!
RSVP Handcrafters hard at work!
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, 2015 through June 30, 2015. 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
Ad Aids, Inc.
Michael & Florence
Aliesch
Altra Federal Credit
Union
Teri Amann
Ron & Terry Amel
Anonymous
Susan Applebury
Rick & Joan Artman
Bakalars Sausage
Company
Tracy Balzer
Terry & Julie Bartels
Brian & Kelly Barton
Susan Batell
Getchen Becker
Albert & Anne Becker
Marlie Bendiksen
Linda J. Bendixen
Kay Berra
James P. Binder
Patricia Blanchard
Stacey Blegen
Blessed Sacrament
School
Margaret M. Bleuer
Block Financial LLC
Deborah Blum
Rodney Bluml
BMO Harris Bank,
N.A.
Jerry Bonsack
Melissa Borsheim
Zoe Bott
Bremer Bank
Brenengen Chevrolet,
Inc.
Pat Breiggeman
Sister Clarone Brill
Thomas & Jan Brock
Leo Bronston
Sister Fran Browning,
FSPA
Stephen & Sandra
Brubaker
Dyanne Brudos
Rose M. Bruha
Carol Butz
Lora Cadwell
Joseph Caron
Mark Carpenter
Cynthia Carr
Carrier-Eddy Insurance
Group, LLC
Cass Street Pharmacy
CenturyLink
Mark J. & Minda M.
Chamberlain
Roger & Kenna
Christians
Teresa Clark
Sandra Clark
Clason Buick - GMC
Cleary Management
Corporation
David Clements
Chad Clower
Community Credit
Union
Mazxine Constantine
FR Robert J. Cook
Stephen Copps
Coulee Bank
Courtyard by Marriot
Hotel
Cowgill Dental
Crescent Printing
Kimberley Culp
Elizabeth Curtis
Jamie Dahl
Jansen Dahl
Harry Dahl
Dahl Automotive
Spring/Summer 2015
Dale’s Clothing for
Men & Women
DeBauche Truck &
Diesel
Amy & Wayne
Delagrave
Sister Helen Deppe
Designz, Inc.
Lisa Desmond
Diane Deters
Dean Dickinson
Marissa Dickinson
Dickinson Family
Funeral Homes
Digger’s Sting
Digicopy
Sue & Jim
Dillenbeck
Oliver Downer
Susan K. Drahos
Steven Duff
Bob & Mary Ellen
Dunford
Kate & John
Dunnum
Susan & Tim
Durtsche
Dynamic Recycling,
Inc.
Howard J. Eglash
Helen Elsbernd,
FSPA
Engelson &
Associates, Ltd.
Peter F. Engh
Marj English, OSF
Bryan Erdmann
Mari Erickson
Susan Ernster, FSPA
Mike Flanagan
David Fontanini
Beth Foor
Charlotte Forer
Fowler & Hammer
Stephanie Fraase
Franciscan Healthcare
Auxiliary
Franciscan Sisters
of Perpetual
Adoration, Inc.
Tara Fredrickson
Maureen Freedland
Barry Fried
Sister Maria Friedman
Joann Gehling
C. Daniel Gelatt
Nancy Gerrard
Scott & Carla Glinski
Nancy Graw
D’Mitria W. Gray
Rita Greene
Mary Ann Gschwind,
FSPA
Gundersen Medical
Foundation, Inc.
Ted Haerer
Hale, Skemp, Hanson,
Skemp & Sleik
Ashley Hamby
Linda Hamiliton
Ronald Hammersley
Katherine Hansen
Jackie Hanson
Harter’s Quick Clean Up
Kathleen Hefti
Sean Henneman
HG Orthodontics
Mel & C.J. Hoffman
Honda Motorwerks
Horizon Management
Group, Inc.
Scott & Sue Horne
Susan Houlihan
Nic Hubbard
Huck Finn’s
Ann Hudson
Lynn Humphrey
Inland Printing
Interstate Sound
Gary & Sue Iverson
Kathryn Janisch
Tiffany Janisch
Benjamin Jarman
Jay Buckley’s Baseball
Tours
Memorial Gifts
Bonnie Lee
Pat Blanchard
Patrick & Beth
Burgos
Janet Griggs
Kris Harbaugh
Louella F. Holthaus
Chuck & Kathy Ivey
Doug & Rita
Johnson
Lisa Kind
Tom & Lisa Lydon
James & Carol
Maier
Marine Credit
Union Staff
Christine Moon
Steve & Francis
Noffke
Jenny Parks
May Parnow-Moe
Carla J. Seeks
Leona Moore
Edris Storandt
13
Donations & Contributions
Tina Johansen
Johns, Flaherty &
Collins, S.C.
Dr. Tim & Regina
Johnson
Kristen Jourdonais
Tracey Jurka
Sister Cathrine Kaiser
Kaplan University
Michael & Dawn Kearns
Dawne Keaveny
Tom Kelbel
Kathleen J. Kersten
Lisa Kind
Jay Kirsch
Jennifer Kirsch, M.D.
Steven & Lynnetta Kopp
Laura Kosmoski
Dr. Joe Kotnour
Joseph & Barbara Kruse
Courtney Kubly
Joseph Kutzke
Kwik Trip, Inc.
La Crosse Area Family
YMCA
La Crosse Community
Theatre
La Crosse Loggers
Foundation, Inc.
La Crosse Magazine
La Crosse Symphony
Orchestra, Inc.
Doreen Lackey
Lee Langager
Lynn F. Laux
Sandy LaValley
Law Office of Heidi M.
Eglash, LLC
Andrea Lewis
Josh Lichty
Jeff & Patti Lokken
Lyche Family
Susan Lynch
Sally Lysne
Macy’s
Todd & Deb Mahr
Marcus Theatres
Market & Johnson, Inc.
Mayo Clinic Health
System Franciscan
Healthcare
Tim McCallson
Karen McGuire
John T. McHugh, Jr.
Christine McKinzie
J.J. Mendiola
Merchants Bank
Mike Mercier
Kenneth Merkitch
Bette Michaels
Tom Mickelson
Midwest Coca-Cola
Bottling Co.
Midwest Family
Broadcasting
Midwest Family
Broadcasting Staff
Annette Mikat
Vicki Miller
Sean Mobley
Russell & Marilyn Moll
Fred L. Monk
Tom Mooney
Mooresmiles Dental
Joanna Morrissey
John Morrissey, M.D.
Belinda Mueller
Kathleen Mueller
Rick Mueller
Scott Mueller
Steve & Tammy Mueller
Mueller Media
Kathleen Mydy
Nicole Mydy
Rebecca Naugler
Beverly Nelson
Nicolai Apartments
Ramon & Pat Niemeier
William Nogosek
Cheryl O’Brien
Christy Olesevich
Sister Catherine O’Neil
Organic Valley
Lyle H. & Myrna D.
Peacock
Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse
Pischke Motors
Pizza Doctors
Pla-Mor Lanes
Mark Platt
Michael & Katherine
Poellinger
Fran Pollard
Melissa Hart Pollock
Justin Pretasky
Joellen Price, PBVM
Jacqueline Proper
Radisson Hotel La Crosse
Richard T. Record
Michael & Susan
Richards
Drs. Robert & Silvana
Richardson
David Ring
Denise Ring
Duane & Janet Ring
River States Truck &
Trailer, INC.
River Town Dental
Scott Robert Shaw
Robertson, Ryan &
Associates
Brian & Karen Rude
Charles & Linda Rudrud
Jack C. & Judith L.
Rusch
Richard & Mary Sage
Andrew Saterbak
Margaret Schelbe
Angela Schlack-Haerer
Richard Schneider
Vantage Architects, Inc.
Schomburg
Refrigeration
Company, Inc.
Robert P. Schreier
HSR Associates, Inc.
Diane & David
Schumacher
Sears
Mary Ann Sedlacek
Lynn Servais
Seven Bridges Bank /
Bank of Galesville
Adam Shaw
Michelle Shirel
Brian Sieck
Aimee Siegler
Theodore Skemp
Mary Smith
Travis & Sarah Smith
Janice Sobkowiak
Roland & Janeane
Solberg
Ed Smith & Vicki
Sorenson Smith
Judy Springer
St. Patrick School
John & Karla Stanek
Marianne Stanke
Tyra Stapleton
State Bank Financial
Shannan Stephens
Stifel Nicolaus
Amy & Vince Stodola
Edris Storandt
Bruce Swanwick
Karen Swiecicki
Kristine Szatmary
T.I.C., Inc.
Sister Amy Taylor
Brad Teske
Texas Roadhouse
The Remainders
Connie Thompson
Jean & Tom Thompson
Christine Thorton
THREE SIXTY Real Estate
Solutions
Sister Mildred Tigges
Tom’s Bobcat and
Snowplowing, Inc.
Travel Leaders / Owned
and Operated by
Goli’s Avenues of
Travel
Victor Uko
Katie Urban
David Utterback
Valley View Mall
Vantage Architects, Inc.
Amanda Verthein
Carol L. Veum
Janet Virata
Kyle Visker
Michael von Muchow
Stephanie Wallace
Wal-Mart of Onalaska
Dale Walter
Weber Family
Laura Weber
Steve & Kathie Webster
Webteam
Sister Joan Weisenbeck
Wells Fargo Advisors,
LLC
Shawn & Mary Jo Werner
Shawn Wery
GiGi Whitmore
Terri Wiltgen
WKBT-TV News 8
WLAX-Fox TV 25 48
Wayne Wojciechowski
Xcel Energy
Frances I. Young
Gordon Zeng
Donghe Zhu
Amy Zietlow
Don Zietlow
Hans Zietlow
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
2015 Calendar of Events
July 26th – August 1st – RSVP Mobile Meals
Delivery Week – Volunteers Needed
August 8th – RSVP presents the Senior Expo at
Valley View Mall from 10:00am – 4:00pm
September 11th – National Day of Service and
Remembrance
September 23rd – Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
at the Radisson Hotel La Crosse at 11:30am
October 1st – October 4th – Oktoberfest
October 18th – October 24th – RSVP Mobile Meals
Delivery Week – Volunteers Needed
November 12th – RSVP Handcraft Open House
at the RSVP Office from 9:00am until 3:00pm.
Handcrafters please make sure to bring your items in
by the end of October
November 26th – RSVP Office Closed
November 26th – December 31st – Rotary Lights
December – Please remember to send in all 2015
volunteer hours
Please Keep Us Informed
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
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________________
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 make a donation to RSVP in the amount of:
c
$500
c
$250
c
$100
c
$75
c
$50
c
$25
c
Other $_________
This gift is IN MEMORY OF: ______________________________________________________________
This gift is IN HONOR OF:_______________________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: Friends of Coulee Region RSVP
2920 East Avenue South, Suite 104 La Crosse, WI 54601
Spring/Summer 2015
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
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
Melanie A. Werner, BA
Volunteer Coordinator
mwerner@rsvplax.org
Lynnetta P. Kopp,
BA, ME-PD
Executive Director
lpkopp@rsvplax.org
The Friends of Coulee Region RSVP, Inc.
Board of Directors
President
Chris Brown , MA, CSW
Medical Social Services
Mayo Clinic Health System,
Franciscan Healthcare
Vice President/Immediate
Past President
Lorrayne French
Retired ~ Quillin’s
Secretary
Sister Fran Browning,
FSPA
Franciscan Sisters Perpetual
Adoration
Treasurer
John Hamilton
Retired ~ Western Technical
College
Board Counsel
Terence Collins, Attorney
Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC
Beth Curtis
Retired ~ Onalaska School District
Amy Marcou
Coulee Bank
VP Mortgage Lending
Sarah Havens
Director of Community and
Preventive Care Services
Gundersen Health System
Dottie Miller
Retired ~ An Affair to Remember
Lyle Peacock
Retired ~ Community Camera
Myrna “Dee” Peacock
Retired ~ Community Camera
Fran Pollard
Retired ~ CenturyTel
Former Mayor of Tomah
Richard “Dick” Record
Retired ~ Midwest Family
Broadcasting
Printing Services donated by Dairyland Power Cooperative
16
Coulee Region RSVP Newsletter