look inside to see how we’re stepping up together! · mary dicks . from kimberly dicks . bob...

715.235.2920 [email protected] www.steppingstonesdc.org

1602 Stout Road Menomonie, WI 54751

Nonprofit Postage Paid Permit #327

Menomonie, WI 54751

Or Current Resident

Look Inside to See How We’re Stepping Up Together!

Since the last newsletter contributions were received

In Memory Of:

Dean Aamodt from Kristie & Tom Olson, Dick & Lynne Quilling

Ann Abbott from Ed & Sue Roethke, Ronald & Joan Sandfort, David & Karen Schiotz

Louise Ackerman from Ken & Nancy Schofield

Pete Adler from Greg & Jane Adler- Corning Tonya Anderson from Denise Carlson,

Dorothy & Jeffrey Marson, Mark & Kathleen Mellstrom

Ann Ausmann from Frank & Dianne Dummer

Frank Bahl from Emily Lund Al Baldus from Jeanette & James Daines Matthew Baskin from Debora Hitz, Bruce

& Patty Winberg Chris Baty from Chuck & Dianne Stratton Lyle Behling from Ronald & Patricia

Mikesell, Jeanne Stevenson James Berger from Roger & Anita Klamm,

Lois Sipple, Jeanne Stevenson Jeanette Bergstrand from Dave & Joy

Bergstrand Dick Bilse from Pat Bilse Esther Bird from Kimberly Dicks, Kathie

Metzger Mary Lu Bird from Kimberly Dicks, Jeff &

Alice Heinzen, Kathie Metzger, Juel Smith, Dave & Amy Whelan

Steven Block from Mary Block, Theresa Thompson

Barry Bloom from John Achter, Arden Alexander, Richard & Bev Brion, Kay & Dean Brunner, Bob & Barb Dahlke,

Shirley Edgeberg, Ed & Delores Ferfa, Lisa & Nate Forester, Jeanne Forster, Golden Age Bowling League, Jack & Jo Gust, Joyce Haigh, Peder & Linda Hamm, Greg & Bonnie Hass, Eldon Hilson, RoseAnn & Louis Husby, Bea Klein, Margaret Leventhal, Christi

Lieffring, Andrea Long, Jeff & Julie Peissig, Chris Pratt-Cole & Riley, Lindy Rudy, Diane & Richard Rust, Randy & Angela Skillings, Dave Simpson, Tom & Deb Sinz, Clara Sletner, Lynnette & David Smith, Rob & Reene Smith, Bonnie Stoll, Mike & Sheila Stori, Gus & Amelia Meiners, Menomonie Wrestling Club, MnDot Coworkers of son Ben, Arthur & Judith Muller, Nancy Weber, Dave &

Amy Whelan, Dan, Walter & Tara Wildenberg, Robin Zelm Charles Boak from Grace Episcopal Church Marlys Brandly from Martha Brandly Galen Burton from Nanette Burton Shanna Burton from Nanette Burton Robert Campbell from Molly & Chris

Kapsner G. Scot Catto from Angela Catto Patricia Tobin Chapman from Sue &

Roger Jenrich Barb Chellman from Merl & Pat Nevala Alton & Oma Clark from Bill & Lenore

Mercer Roger Conklin from Carol Prochnow Donald & Kevin Cook from Ann Cook Elaine Corning from Greg & Jane Adler-

Corning Charlotte Cummings from Tom & Bertha

Kuehn, Sherry & Allen Otto, Dave & Nancy Ponto, Marvin & Carol Saxton, Lois Sipple Roman & Alice Damro from Richard Damro Arthur Dana from John & Dute Rompala,

Debra Verdon Lora Dankemyer from Paulette Baumgartner Richard Debee from Lois Debee & Family Mary Dicks from Kimberly Dicks Bob Donaldson from Paul & Lou Ann

Gilberts Gloria Donaldson from Dona Shoemaker Gladys Dusek from Gail Tourville George & Virginia Edwards from Margaret

Edwards Jerome Evenson from Gay Evenson Mary Foley from Jeanne Foley, Terri Foley Marie Gallagher from John & Mary Ann

Ausman Marlys Galoff from Archie Abbott, Bonnie

Anderson, Sandy Clark, Bonnie DeHoff, Dunn Co. Retired Educators Assoc., Maxine Hintzman, Nicholas & Shirley Kaiser, Nadine Schlough, Kathleen & Charles Weber, and Other Family & Friends

Stanley Garnsworthy from Sue Garnsworthy, Rebecca Richardson

Audrey Gayhart from Louise Varnes Jerry Gerasimo from Joe & Betsy Bacon Sandy Gerth from Sarah & John Kinnard,

Kevin & Lynn Klatt, Kay Pershern, Laverne & Donna Weber Sue Yost Gibbs from Donna Albrecht, Lois Sipple

Lorraine Gilles from Dave & Joy Bergstrand Elsie Grisak from Jeanne Foley & Katherine

Dutton, Kara James, Diane Morehouse, UW-Stout Dept. of Rehabilitation and Counseling

Donald & Rose Hall from Lori Cieslewicz & Family

Harold Hansen from Sheri Debates Barbara Haynes from Alliance Church of

Menomonie, Debbie Canty, Bonnie Hayes, Marlin & Sharon Oebser, Donna Whinnery, Jeff Whinnery, Lyle Whinnery

Viola & Abraham Heiman from Thomas & Lenore Heiman

Mary Hemauer from Jan & Ron Jordan, Sarah & John Kinnard, Roger & Anita Klamm

Ginny Hendrickson from Arlan Bergquist, Donna Boerner, Arthur & Barbara Brandt, Charles & Susan Brenner, Jane & William Butsic, Rita Donicht, Lloyd & Karen Donnelly, Patricia Frederick, Ron & Judy Fry, Don & Susan Knaack, Rita & Keith Lee, Clyde Smith, Rosemary & William Stoll, and Other Friends & Family

Hank Hicks from Marvin & Carol Saxton Barry Hoag from Marvin & Carol Saxton Mabel & Willard Hoage from Sharon Smith Gordon Hoffman from Duane & Marie

Bauer, Joe & Judy Jax Being Homeless from Neal Schroeder George Ibach from Jeffrey & Diana Gasteyer Terry Ingram from Keyes Chevrolet, Ken &

Margi Strauss, Martha Wallen, Sallie & Sarah Ward

Alec Johnson from Isabelle Johnson Kathleen Johnson from Grace Episcopal

Church Luther Johnson from Ken & Carolyn Homer Forrest Jones from Marlys Jones Robert Kenefick from Olivia Kenefick

Gifts & Memorials to Stepping Stones

_____________________________________________ __________

We greatly appreciate all the families who designate Stepping Stones as a place to give memorials. What a generous way to honor loved ones who cared about making a difference in the world. Their legacy continues in all the good that is done in their name. Thanks to all those who chose to memorialize and honor friends and family by their gifts. __________

In Memory Of continued:

Betty Lou Kiekhafer from Bob & Helen Redlich

Jerry King & Richard King from Lois Debee Ruth “Ruthie” King from Lois Debee,

Ronald & Patricia Mikesell Bev Kistner from Heather & Michael Kistner Donald “Buck” Kistner from Judith Kistner,

Shirley Kistner Ron & Donna Kohnke from Delores

Sperstad Michael Kvalheim from Chris Kvalheim Marion LaDuke from Dave & Amy Whelan Genevieve Lambert from Judy Muller Mary Larsen from Karla & Ken Larsen, Kristi

& John, Tryg & Helen Gary Larson from Donna Albrecht, Sharon

Moseler Shirley Larson from Kimberly Dicks John Leaman from Paul & Lou Ann Gilberts Richard Leventhal from Nathan Bahr,

Kathryn Baumgardner & Bob Kistner, Ursula Berger, Judith Sultan Berliner, Diane & Marlin Bird, Barry & Julie Bloom, Stephen Dillon, The Florida Legislature Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, Adam Foss, Steven & Anita Hakes, Peder & Linda Hamm, Vicki Holden, Neil & Jean Hutzler, Fariba & Jafar Jafari, Shehab Jafari, Charles & Margaret Kingsley, Kristin Korpela, Keith & Rebecca Kroma,

Douglas & Margaret Kunick, Joseph Leventhal, David & Irma Jean Maves, Cynthia McMillan, Arthur & Judith Muller, David Peterson, Robert Peterson, John

& Dute Rompala, John Rompala, Carroll Rund, Steven & Linda Slind, Margi & Ken Stauss, Jeanne Stevenson, Bill & Jennie Stewart, Rosemary & William Stoll, University of Kansas School of Medicine Department of Hepatology, Linda & Tom Walsh, W.R. Wilson, Marion Wolfe, Kathryn Zimmerman & Steven Richter,

and Other Friends & Family Ruth Ley from James Ley Richard Long from Sandra Long Loved Ones from Ann & Dennis Rhead Mary Ellen Lightle from Mathew Baker Fr. Ron Lytle from Grace Episcopal Church Eva McSweeney from Jim & LaWanna

McSweeney Randy McQuiston from Marilyn & Jacob

McQuiston Jerry Mensing from Dick & Lynne Quilling,

Marvin & Carol Saxton Ann Metzger from Kathie Metzger Vernon & Myrene Moritz from Linda Roth

Meldora Myran from Nancy and Gus Myran Peter Neiderhauser from John & Denise

Neiderhauser John & Marion Noreen from Pete & Jill

Noreen Gerald “Gerry” Olson from Dan & Gerry

Bessler, Fred & Sandra Bessler, Charles & Margaret Brostrom, Jerry & Linda Brown, Helmer & Helenmae Debee, Jeannie Falteisek, Dean Greseth, Jon & Martha Hove, Edward & Evelyn Jenson, Les & Pat Johnson, Ron & Jan Jordan, Stan & Joan Labs, Sandra Long, Terry & Mary Miland, William & Dona Nordstrom, Dennis & Jean Repaal, Richard & Diane Rust, Nathan & Jessica Sandvig, Jon & Roberta Shervy, Lloyd & Arlene Stoll,

Dave & Amy Whelan Bonita O’Meara from Patrick O’Meara Their Parents from Thomas & Barbara

Johnson Their Parents & Sister from Ron & Lee

Peshaw Chet Pernsteiner from John Pernsteiner Les & Ruth Peterson from James & Luella

Weir Mary Peterson from Bob Peterson Loretta Pingel from Paul & Lou Ann Gilberts Elmer, Myrtle, and Betty Lou Prochnow

from LeAnn Thomas Nim & Hazel Rhead from Lois Debee &

Family Dan Riordan from Anonymous, Highland

Elementary Staff – Columbia Heights MN, Mary Riordan

Jan Risler from Phyllis Hoyt, Carly Pettingill, Ron & Debra Verdon, Ryan Verdon

Mrs. A.R. Saumer from Michael Saumer Judy Sawin from Donna Albrecht, Pr. Bob

& Susan Dahm, Sharon Moseler, Lois Sipple, Jim & Cheryl Welch

Robert Schneider from Emily Lund Betty Schofield from Ken & Nancy Schofield Robert Schrader from Richard & Cheryl

Beguhn, Ken & Carolyn Homer Alvin Schroeder from John & JoAnne

Schroeder Roger Schutt from Michael & Sally Schendel Dana Seidle from Carol & James Gibb Louise Shetka from Gail Tourville Jack Sneesby from Jeanette & James

Daines Ella Stansbury from Peter & Emilie Wiese Pr. Ralph Stanwise from Grace Episcopal

Church William, Kari, & Kathy Strand from June

Strand Dorothy Stratton from Sarah & John

Kinnard, Debra Verdon

Merton Swanson from Juel Smith Ardith “Ardie” Teegarden from Kathleen

& Charles Weber, Winnifred Wolf Ruth Thomas from Archie Abbott, Jeanette

& James Daines, Ron & Jan Jordan, Ed & Lynn Laventure

Wilma Trenter from Thomas & Judy Humpal Norman Tritz from Jerome & Ann Kirsling Veterans from VFW Post 1039 Mike Wagner from Terry & Pat Petrie John Waller from Mary & Gene Krueger Cliff Wendt from James & Patricia Juon Rose Wesolek from John & Deb Wesolek Margaret Wiese from Peter & Emilie Wiese Corrine Wold from Dick & Lynne Quilling Larry “Chazz” Wold from William & Rose

Burns, Shari Wold, and Other Friends & Family Zach Wold from Thomas & Barbara

Johnson, Keyes Chevrolet, Kay & Donald Lentz

Florence Woodfard from Dale & Susan Mork

Jason Wyss from Jerry & Ardis Coomer Robert Zibell from Nicholas & Shirley Kaiser Gerald Zimmerman from Karen Zimmerman Wayne Zimmerman from Ursula Berger Belva Zwygart from Mary Zwygart-

Stauffacher & Paul Stauffacher


In Honor Of:

Her Family from Beverly Anderson Mark Anderson & Bart Boettcher from

Menomonie Middle School Staff Sunshine Their Children and Grandchildren from

Elmer & Diana Bentz All Children, especially Gracie & Maxwell

from Barry & Julie Bloom Gracie’s 4th Birthday from Barry & Julie

Bloom Anne Frantz-Cook from David Cook Lori Chilefone, Winner of the “Goodness

Giveaway” from Menomonie Market Co-op Susan Dahm for their Wedding

Anniversary from Robert Dahm Her 3 Children & their Families from Lois

Debee Liv, Maddie, & Haxton from Rita Donicht Katherine Dutton from Tricia Sorensen Toby Ellison’s Birthday from Gary & Carol

Gienapp Jim & Janeene Gellerman from Gregory

Gellerman Her Family from Sue Halama Jim & Melva Harmer’s 50th Anniversary

from Bill & Lenore Mercer Barbara Hartwick from Steven & Katherine

Hearth Paul Haynie from Virginia Eiden, Margret

Hjeltness, Gloria Kraemer, Nancy Phillips, Mabel Weber, John & Dorothy Wreford, and Other Friends at the Village of White Pines

Doris Kelley from Margaret McKanna Julie Keown-Bomar from H. Duane Keown Chuckie Kohanek from her Children Their Parents from Jon & Ann Larson Jack, Olivia, & Joey Leipnitz from Leipnitz

Dental Clinic Wendy MacDougall from Rob MacDougall Ann & Richard Madsen from Steven &

Katherine Hearth Dayle Mandelson from Eric Tyson Menomonie Fire Dept. from Merl & Pat

Nevala Our Military from Winnifred Wolf Darren, Tonia, Tianna, & Ryan from

Margo Miller Debra & Kevin Mincke from Barbara

Laatsch Mound View Elementary from Jess & Sara

Carstens Their Family from Don & Corinne Person Pr. Brad Peterson & Trinity Lutheran

Church from Neighbors of Dunn County

Luanne Prochnow from Carla Prochnow Jane Redig from John Williams Pr. Kathleen Remund from Anonymous Cassie Salter from Carrie Nelson Joy Smith from Katherine Flug The Staff of Our Savior’s Lutheran from

Sarah Miller Zella Stansbury VanOffren’s 75th Birthday

from Ann & Laurie Stansbury Stepping Stones Staff from John Williams

& Jane Redig Janet Sterk from Steven & Katherine Hearth Veterans from VFW Post 1039 Volunteers from Lynn Weir Stacey Weiss’s Retirement from Dunn

County Human Services & the ADRC Peter & Emilie Wiese from Betty Wiese

Contributions were received as

a Christmas Gift for:

Vanessa Cannaday, Alicia Thibado, & Jessica Thibado from Lori Arsenault

Richie Burke from Gary & Sue Barnett Annie, Drew, Claire, & Russ from Beth

Jacobs Happy Birthday Jesus from Lois Debee Lila Norton & Shellie Seering from Ria

Haas Jeanne Sprader from Mary & Scott Howard Megan Tkachuk from Michael & Susan

Tkachuk Olive & Otis Yonko from Gretchen Yonko The Zimmerman Family from Kathryn

Zimmerman & Steve Richter


from the following Churches & Church Groups:

Barum WELCA Branches Church Children’s Ministry Cedarbrook Christ Lutheran Church Faith Lutheran Church Women of Faith Forest Center Church of the Nazarene Hay River Lutheran Church Hope Circle Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Ladies

Guild Knights of Columbus Liberty Christian Center Little Elk Creek Lutheran Church

Little Elk Creek Lutheran Church Women Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Menomonie Seventh Day Adventist

Church Menomonie United Methodist Church Menomonie United Methodist Women New Hope Lutheran Church New Hope Lutheran Eve Circle New Hope Lutheran Phoebe Circle New Hope Lutheran WELCA New Life Lutheran Church Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Our Savior’s Lutheran WELCA PCCW Menomonie St. Joseph Peace Lutheran Church Women River of Life Rock Creek Lutheran Church Salem Iron Creek Church St. Joseph Catholic Parish St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Tainter United Methodist Church Tainter United Methodist Women Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Women Trinity United Methodist Church

Contributions were received

from the following Businesses, Schools, & Organizations:

All States Ag Parts Anthem Anytime Fitness Birthday Club Bremer Bank Cardinal FG Catholic Financial Life Colfax Comets 4-H Club Compeer Financial Dancing Oaks Cottages Residents DHS Turkey Run-a-thon Dunn County AHCE Dunn Co. Area Retired Educators Assoc. Dunn County Child Support Agency Dunn County Jail Movie Concessions Elk Mound Seed Erb Chiropractic Excelsior Investors Hoof & Paw Clinic Jackie Hunt State Farm Insurance Agency EO Johnson Keyes Chevytown Lancer Group Properties Little Sprouts Academy LJP Insurance Agency

Contributions from Businesses, Schools, & Organizations continued:

Menomonie Blue Line Club Menomonie Market December

Round-Up Menomonie Market Hill o’ Beans Menomonie High School DECA Menomonie High School FFA— Annual Corn Drive Menomonie Rifle & Pistol Club National Mutual Benefit Branch 927 Pallet Service Corporation PCCW Menomonie St. Joseph Peace Lutheran Church Women Phillips Medisize Rassbach Realty Realtors Association of Northwestern

Wisconsin Red Cedar Bassmasters Red Cedar Steel Erectors

Royal Credit Union Rural Mutual Insurance Taco John’s Transmotive Auto Repair USDA Rural Development – Feds Feed Families UW-Stout Counseling UW-Stout PARQ Veteran’s Center of Menomonie Vets Plus Wakanda Elementary School Penny Drive Waznik Moseler WESTconsin Credit Union Employees’

Soup Fundraiser WESTconsin Credit Union Food & Funds Drive Wines for Humanity Women of the Moose WSEU Local 383 Xi Kappa Sorority

Since the last newsletter the following grants were received:

Barnard Family Charitable Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Dunn

County Conagra Foundation Dunn Energy’s Operation Round-Up Mayo Foundation for Medical Education

and Research Clarence Talen Charitable Trust Gerald A. & Emma R. Talen Charitable

Fund West Wisconsin Energy Fund, a fund

of the Community Foundation of Dunn County

Xcel Energy Foundation

Donations of Food Since the Last Listing ____________________________________________

3-M • AgSource • Aldi’s • Alfalawn Farm • Alpha Tau Sorority • American Lutheran Homes • American Structures • Andre Kraft Farm • Anytime Fitness • Bank Mutual • Baruk Yah Farm & Nathan Gaide • Bill’s Distributing • Bodyworks • Bremer Bank • Caribou • Cardinal FG • Chase Carriers on behalf of Hain Celestial • Christ Lutheran Church • Conagra • Dick’s Fresh Market & Customer Food Bags • Dunn Co. 4-H • Dunn Co. Dairy Promotion Breakfast • Dunn Co. Dept. of Human Services • Dunn Co. Farm Bureau • Dunn Co. HCE/Weber Valley • Dunn Co. Health Dept. • Dunn Co. Humane Society • Dunn Co. Jail Garden • Dunn Energy Cooperative Co-op Breakfast • Eau Galle Cheese • Edward Jones • Einstein Bagels • Elk Mound Schools • Faith Lutheran Church • First Congregational UCC • Goodwill • Grace Episcopal Church • Grain Bin • Greenway • Hampton Inn • Herman’s Clover Valley Farm • Hidden Valley Industries • Holy Trinity Church • Hospitality Sales Marketing Assoc. • Hunters of Dunn Co. in cooperation w/ Dunn Co. Fish & Game

• Hy-Pine Farm • Ideal 4H • Keyes Chevytown • Kwik Trip • Liberty Christian Center • Lutheran Women’s Missionary League • Marketplace Foods & Customer Food Bags • Marshfield Clinic Family Health Ctr. • Mega Co-op Travel Stop • Menomonie Alliance Church—AWANA Program • Menomonie Area School District • Menomonie Area Young Professionals • Menomonie Community Garden • Menomonie High School Boys Team, DECA & FFA • Menomonie Market & Customer Donations • Menomonie Police Dept. Food for Fines • Menomonie Rifle & Pistol Club • Menomonie United Methodist Church • Moose Lodge • National Mutual Benefit #927 • Oaklawn Elementary Kinder-garteners, 2nd & 5th Graders & PTO • Our Savior’s Lutheran Church & Preschool • Peace Lutheran Church • Pheasants Forever • Phillips Medisize • Putnam Heights, Eau Claire—Girls on the Run • Ray’s Market • Recovery Community • Ruby’s Pantry • Rush River Lutheran Church • Russ Davis Produce • Rustic Forest Farm • St. Henry’s Catholic Church • St. Joseph’s

Church & 6th Graders • St. Paul’s Lutheran Church • Springbrook Meats • Straight Forward • Super 8 • Super America • Tainter United Methodist Church • Thrivent Financial • Thursday’s Table • Tri-Mart • Trinity Lutheran • UW-Stout Aspiring Educators of Wisc., Athletics, Campus Garden, Catholic Ministry Trick or Treat, Panhellic Council • Valley Pasture Farm • Village of White Pine • Wakanda Elementary & 5th Graders • Wakanda Waterpark • Walmart Store & Distribution Ctr. • Waznik Moseler Golf Benefit • WEST-consin Credit Union • Whitetail Organics • WIC • Wisconsin Growers • Wisconsin Kenworth

__________

Thank you also to the many individuals who gave donations of food, personal care items, or other in-kind gifts! __________

What’s New at Stepping Stones?

Strategic Planning! Doesn’t that sound exciting? Wait… please keep reading! As preparation we conducted some surveys to learn how the community, our supporters, volunteers, and clients feel we’re doing. Thank you to all who participated. We learned so much and want to share some highlights with you.—

What Pantry Clients Said

Food Pantry clients feel good about their experience using the pantry overall. 82% said they eat more healthy food

when they use the pantry 85% said they eat more fruits and

vegetables 90% said using the pantry leaves more

money available for other monthly expenses

Customer responses also remind us of the reality of the challenges people face. 62% of respondents said they

sometimes have to skip meals due to lack of food

71% say the food they receive per visit lasts 4 days or less

The most frequent comment in answer to the question: ‘What changes would make using the food pantry better?’ was “more food”. Especially more fruits and vegetables, more meat, more variety, and more personal care products. Stepping Stones’ annual food budget is over $70,000. Most of the food we purchase is from the Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire (part of the Feeding America network). By using the food bank we get 10 times the amount of food per dollar than if we had to purchase at retail costs. We also receive government commodity food, donated food, and ‘food rescue’ food—items that are seasonal or close to date but still perfectly good.

More Food Needed

Each year we distribute close to 1 million pounds of food through the pantry and its programs—Project SAM (Share A Meal—weekend kids meals), Senior Commodity Food Boxes, our remote pantries at rural low income senior housing sites, supplemental food to Meals on Wheels recipients, and free

produce during the harvest season to anyone in need.

But it’s still not enough. The primary reasons pantry customers gave for using the pantry are: 1) living on a low fixed income 2) having a disability 3) that their expenses, like rent, are

too high and 4) that they are working but their

wages are too low

As we plan for the coming years, we will no doubt strategize about ways to procure and distribute more food to meet more of the need. And to provide more shelter space and support services, too! We know this will require more contributions and more volunteers.

Fortunately the other surveys showed that donors strongly agree that Stepping Stones is a good steward of their donated funds and volunteers report being very satisfied and that they would recommend that others volunteer at Stepping Stones!

More funding and more volunteers will equal more food and shelter for people in need of a ‘stepping stone’ to get back on their feet.

The Help Means A Lot In response to the question: ‘In what ways does the food pantry help you and your family?’, one person wrote: “It reassures me that I’m not alone and that people do care and are here to help me.” That’s exactly what we’re here for. It’s not really ‘new’—we’ve been around 30+ years and counting. But it’s so necessary. And only possible because of the tremendous support we receive from those who care. Thank you!

Summer 2018

A Few of the Silent Auction Items Available on the Tour

You are cordially invited to The Stepping Stones’ Garden Tour!

Saturday, June 23rd, 9:00 am—2:00 pm

This year’s gardens:

Randy “Putter” & Tricia Bauer, 470th Ave.

Dennis & Antoinette Ciesielski, 16th Ave.

Doug & Nancy Blum Cumming, Wilson Ct.

Swen & Nancy Erickson, North Shore Circle

Loxi & Steve Smythe, 490th Ave. Tickets—$15, available at: * Stepping Stones’ Office * Kyle’s IGA Market, Colfax * Bobolink Nursery * Lakeview Floral & Gifts * Bookends on Main * La dee dah * Dick’s Fresh Market * Season’s Harvest Greenhouse

* On site at all gardens on the tour on the 23rd

Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.steppingstonesdc.org

Tour at your convenience, rain or shine. Volunteers & gardeners will be on site to answer questions. Maps are provided with tickets and routes are marked. Start at any garden, see as many as you choose.

Also lots of great door prizes and a Silent Auction !

View and bid on silent auction items at the gardens including a stone turtle and other lawn ornaments, a copper trellis, a patio set, artwork, a rain barrel, log cabin bird feeder, compost, tree trimming, jewelry, a Samsung tablet, gift certificates & gift baskets, and more!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2018 Garden Tour sponsors to date are listed to the right. Thank you so much to the sponsors, gardeners, volunteers, and all who attend and especially to the wonderful Garden Tour Committee: Cyndi Greening, Jan Harvey, Janice Kohnke, Tammy Pellet, Jane Redig, Denise Skinner, and Sharon Tripp.

Proceeds benefit Stepping Stones’ Food Pantry, Shelters, & Community Connections Program.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GARDEN MARKET

Page 2

The Garden Market at Stepping Stones

1602 Stout Rd.

Thurs.-Fri. prior to the tour June 22-23, 10 am—4 pm

& the day of the tour Sat., June 23, 9 am—2 pm

(outside by the picnic table & bike rack)

Potted Plants (like many you’ll see on the tour), garden items, t-shirts & hats,

and more!

————————————

Violet

Trillium

Lilly

Iris

Garden Tour Sponsors

Lisa & Ted Ludwig Mayo Clinic Health System

Northern Wisconsin Hosta Society Jerry & Kim Porter

Ron & Luanne Prochnow Shefchik Builders

Bill, Jennie, & Tori Stewart in memory of Shirley K. Stewart

The Smolarek Family Dave & Amy Whelan

John M. Williams & Jane Redig

Diane Morehouse Lynn & Dick Nehring in memory

of Shirley K. Stewart Robert Giede Design Skinner Law Firm, LLC

Martha Stewart John Thomas & Kathy Ruggles Walmart Distribution Center Charles & Kathleen Weber

Stepping Stones Board of Directors

Kris Korpela, President Tim Eiden, Vice President Diane Morehouse, Treasurer Dave Williams, Secretary Eric Atkinson Michelle Becker Lora Benrud Sara Carstens Andy Felton David Fly Jay Ivens Mark Kalscheur Michelle Kloser Glendy Thompson Heather Wigdahl

Staff

Katherine Dutton Executive Director

Kris Pawlowski Assistant Director & Food Pantry Coordinator

Heidi Hooten Stepping Stones Shelter Program Coordinator

Jill Seichter Community Connections Program Coordinator

Cyndi Greening Development & Communications Specialist

Pang Kou Yang Administrative Assistant

Jim Welch Food Pantry Assistant & Warehouse Coordinator

Henry Amberson Maintenance & Warehouse Coordinator

Page 3

Save the Date! 5K Walk/Run Sat., Sept. 29 9 am, Red Cedar Trail Followed by a yummy Chili Feed!

STEP UP TO HUNGER!

Anonymous Anthem

Checker Flag Farms-Marilyn Fanetti Dennis & Antoinette Ciesielski

Janice Coker in memory of Charles Coker

Sherry & John Cole Greg & Jane Corning in memory

of Grandma Elaine Corning Expert Tree Service & Science

Mame Gale Roger & Sue Jenrich

5 Star Dairy, LLC Bobolink Nursery

Bremer Bank CliftonLarsonAllen

Jan Harvey Hybben Photography

Junction Liquor/Dave Micek in memory of Anne Micek

Knights of Columbus - Menomonie Howard & Charlotte Lee

24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom

Andersen Corporation Don Austrum Sue Barnett

Bear Valley Electric Dave & Joy Bergstrand

Bookends on Main Diane & Steve Brown

Dana E. Brunstrom CPA Citizens State Bank

ConAgra Brands

Katherine Dutton & Jeanne Foley

Dick & Pat Edwards Toby & Marian Ellison

Fairmount Santrol Sandy Haesly

Pinckney & Susan Hall in memory of Dan Riordan

Bill & Janice Kohnke Greg & Colleen Lentz

Diane Light & Kathleen Remund

Menomonie Ace Hardware

Ruth Morey Olson Funeral Home

Ross D. Olson - Bremer Investment Services

Dave & Tammy Pellet Red Cedar Landscape Rod & Trudy Smeltzer

State Farm - Jackie Hunt Agency

Tangles Hair Studio Jim & Patti Walker

WESTconsin Credit Union Xcel Energy

Jeff & Julie Adams Anonymous

Anshus Jewelers Carol Bombardier Cedar Corporation Jacq & Lyn Collins

Dick’s Fresh Market Family Video – Menomonie Esther, Jack & Leslie Jeatran

Peoples State Bank Helen & Bob Redlich

Season’s Harvest Carol & Dale Seppa Tanglewood Greens

Wagner Law, LLC Terrence & Elizabeth Witt

Continued on the Insert

Tom & Barb Johnson Leslie Koepke in memory

of Russell Lasocki Kyle’s IGA Market

La dee dah Leipnitz Dental Clinic

MJ Barn Quilts Northtown Ford

Mark Palma


In Memory Of:

John & Jean Alf from Steven & Ruth Alf Tonya Anderson from Branches Church, Scott Butzer Ted & Laura Beguhn from Mickey Beguhn Richard “Dick” Berger from Janet & Darrell Quarderer, Lynnette & David Smith Tom Beyer from Jeff & Diane Gasteyer Steve Block from Theresa Thompson Barry Bloom from the Pete Adler Family, Jeffrey & Margaret Hartung, Mary & Scott Howard, Gus & Amelia Meiners, Menomonie Wrestling Club, Jennie Meuwissen, Art & Judy Muller, Vicki Price, Angie Splinter (Bauer) Mary Clark from LeAnn Thomas Ronnie Coleman from Marvin & Carol Saxton Don Cook from David Cook David Creaser from the Robert Creaser Family Chuck Cummings from Douglas & Pamela Gane Otis Dahl from Dave & Nancy Ponto Helmer “Chuck” Debee form Lois Debee, Deedee Eiseth, E. Alice Evenson, Family & Friends, David & Irma Jean Maves, David & Karen Schiotz, Lois Sipple, Joyce Solie, Harry & Barbara Stai, Dave & Amy Whelan Keith Donnelly from Marvin & Carol Saxton Susie Douglas from Berta & Thomas Kuehn, Marvin & Carol Saxton Henry Fiege from Len & Merna Frank, Betty & Simon Olson, Kristie & Tom Olson, Joyce Solie Donald Flategraff from Marvin & Carol Saxton Melba Fox from John & Mary Ausman, Sheila Kuhman Eldon Friede from Steven Friede & Sharon Smith Stan Garnsworthy Steve & Ruth Alf Ray Gilberts from Juel Smith Audrey Gilbertson from Steve & Ruth Alf Billy Graham from Dale & Carol Seppa Jayne Halama from E. Alice Evenson, Gary & Kathy Gram, Jeanne Holden-Leff Bruce Haugen from Dona Shoemaker Elaine Hawkinson from Friends & Family, Renae Hestekin, Mike & Becky Kneer,

Nadine Schlough, Debra Verdon, Kim Wintering Rich Hintz from Jeanne Stevenson Gordy Hoffman from Bob Peterson James & Naomi Holmlund from Peder & Debra Holmlund Bernard Keller from Steven & Ruth Keller Doris Kelley from Patricia Trindl Leatrice Klaubauf from Thomas & Judy Humpal Pearl Koehler from Len & Merna Frank Adeline Kothlow from Kristie & Thomas Olson Ruth Kothlow from Dave & E. Alice Evenson, Nancy Ponto Dave Kreutzer from Family & Friends, Barb Gorman, David & Karen Schiotz, Lois Sipple Monty Krizan from Michelle Hamilton Lori Martin from Judith & Edward Ristow Bettyanne Mattison from Lois Debee Elsie Meyer from John & Mary Ausman Betty Michelbook from Diane Bowman, Bill & Rose Burns Ruth Moser from Steven & Ruth Alf Leonard Owen from Kay & Donald Lentz George Pesek from Anna Pesek Mary Peterson from Robert Peterson Roger Pittman from Jeff & Diane Gasteyer, Allen & Sherry Otto, Mike & Muriel Wolf Gordon Place from Jeffrey Heinzen Victor Rhodes from Harry & Barbara Stai James Robbins from William & June Grambo Andy Rogers from Dave & Nancy Ponto Helen Salow from Ronald & Patricia Mikesell, Lois Sipple Randall Sandfort from Bonnie & Bill Kuehn, David & Irma Jean Maves, Steve & Sue VanderBerg Norman “Mike” Sarff from Sheila Kuhman, Mildred Timm Phil Sawin from Mary Allison, Joe & Judy Jax, Ron & Jan Jordan, Larry & Kathleen Kent, Jim & Liz Lammer, Eugene & Mary Lemke, Jonda Langford Martin, Sharon Moseler, George & Yvonne Nelson, Jan Pierce, Joel & Sharon Radke, James & Margaret Ritzer, Linda Sawin, Lois Sipple, Mary Frances Smith, Trilliant, Jim & Cheryl Welch, Brian & Judy Wier, John & Lyla Zuerlein Judy Sawin from Craig & Brenda Nelson

Judy & Phil Sawin from Bob & Jane Hoyt, Cheryl Lowery, Merlin & Patricia Nevala, Nadine Schlough, Denise & Brent Skinner, Susan Thurin, John Williams & Jane Redig, Marion Wolfe Paul Schumacher from Barbara Schumacher Lee Schutts from Jim & Mary Ann Bilse Mildred Siverson from Steven & Ruth Alf Zeke Smolarek from Michael & Heidi Braatz, Friends & Family, Jesse Harness, Rebecca & Taylor Hustad, Stan & Carmen Johnson, Larry & Kathleen Kent, Charles & Peggy Klos, Lorin Kuester, the Leventhals, Cheryl Lowery, Wayne & Sharon Nero, Martin & Eldora Ondrus, Michael & Sally Schendel, Don Steffen, Ned & Mary Weckmueller Daryl “Corky” Spagnoletti from Geoffery Banta, William & Rose Burns, Patrick & Harriett Culbert, Tim Deatley & Lynda Stewart, Thomas & Judy Humpal, Nadine Schlough, Lois Sipple, Teresa Stark, Kenneth & Margaret Stauss Bea Strand from Steven & Ruth Alf Norman Tritz from Jerome & Ann Kirsling Pat Waggoner from Jann & Mickey Peterson Archie Wallace from Berta & Thomas Kuehn Walter, Violet, & John Waller from Mary & Gene Krueger Wilfred Weber from Greg & Kathy Weber Robert Weix from Jeff & Diane Gasteyer Bruce Winberg from Sallie & Sarah Ward Zach Wold from Dona Shoemaker Butch Wolfe from Dave & Nancy Ponto Mary Young from Family & Friends, Melissa Klatt, Mike & Muriel Wolf


_____________________________________________

_________

We greatly appreciate all the families who designate Stepping Stones as a place to give memorials. What a generous way to honor loved ones who cared about making a difference in the world. Their legacy continues in all the good that is done in their name. Thanks to all those who chose to memorialize and honor friends and family by their gifts. _________


In Honor Of:

Tamara Borcherding from Heidi Braatz Simon & April’s Birthdays from Mary Riordan Diane & Ken Simon’s 50th Anniversary from John & Pam Roffler

Contributions from Churches, Businesses, Schools, & Organizations

Alfalawn Farms LLC Auth Consulting & Associates, Inc. Baxterville Homemakers Bremer Bank Bremer Bank-Jeans Day Cedarbrook Church Advent Conspiracy Christ Lutheran Church Church of God Coborn’s Food for A Cause ConAgra ConAgra Bake Sale Dunn County Area Retired Educators Association Dunn County Homemakers EO Johnson Erb Chiropractic Express Employment Services First Congregational UCC First Congregational Women’s Fellowship Girl Scout Troop 3015 Grace Episcopal Church H & R Block Illinois Tools Works Liberty Christian Center Log Jam Menomonie Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Menomonie Market Hill o’ Beans Menomonie Seventh Day Adventist Church Menomonie United Methodist Church New Hope Lutheran W/ELCA, Phoebe & Rhoda Circles NVIDIA Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Pinewood Golf River of Life Church Royal Credit Union St. Joseph School Sunrise RotaryFest Quilt Raffle Trinity Lutheran Church Unitarian Society of Menomonie UW-Stout Food Science Club-Freezing for Food UW-Stout Student Affiliates of School

Psychology-March Madness Fundraiser VisionQuest Entertainment Center – Everlasting Prom Vista Cruisers Snowmobile Club Western Wisconsin Title Services, LLC

Grants and contributions from Foundations

3M Foundation Bright Funds Foundation Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation City of Menomonie Conagra Brands Foundation Dunn County Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Land O’ Lakes Foundation Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Snoeyenbos Family Foundation Xcel Energy Foundation

Donations of Food

Aldi’s Alpha Phi Sorority Andersen Corporation Baruk Yah/Nathan Gaide Bill’s Distributing Boy Scouts—Scouting for Food Cardinal FG Caribou Christ Lutheran Church Dick’s Fresh Market Dick’s Fresh Market Customer Bags Dunn County Homemakers Einstein Bagels Elk Mound School District First Congregational Church Full House Farm Goodwill Grace Episcopal Church Humane Society Kappa Lambda Beta Fraternity Knapp Elementary School Kwik Trip Invasive Species Meeting Ladies VFW Auxiliary Lamb’s Creek AFH Little Elk Creek 4-H Group Marketplace Foods Menomonie Area School District Menomonie High School Forensics Menomonie Rifle & Pistol Club Midwest FTG (Tri-Mart) National Mutual Benefit #927 Oak Ridge Lutheran Brethren Church Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Peace Lutheran Church

Pinewood Golf River Heights Elementary Rotary – Kids Against Hunger Meals Rush River Lutheran Singer House Farm Spring Valley Bakery Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive St. Henry’s Church St. Joseph’s Church St. Paul’s Church Super America Trinity Lutheran Church United Methodist Church UW-Stout UW-Stout Child Care Services & Love Your Melon Group UW-Stout National Residence Hall Honorary UW-Stout Wellness Fair Walmart Walmart Distribution Center

Our Wish List We could use the following: pressure washer commercial vacuum plastic plant containers (gallon size ONLY please— for next year’s Garden Market plants)

Garden Tour Sponsors

Sweet Pea (continued from p. 3)

Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels Colfax Arts & Antique Mall Cottage Winery & Vineyard Eiden & Hatfield, LLC Elk Meadow HCE Mike Fairchild Henderson Excavating & Landscape Supply Marion & Warren Lang Mainstream Boutique of Menomonie Laura & Kelly McCullough Menomonie Market Food Co-op Kate Merkel The Natural Touch Landscaping Royal Credit Union Sippl’s Sap Shack LLC Whitetail Golf Course David & Karen Williams Marie Young

__________

Thank you also to the many individuals who gave donations of food, personal care items, or other in-kind gifts! __________

715.235.2920

[email protected]

www.steppingstonesdc.org

1602 Stout Road

Menomonie, WI 54751

Nonprofit

Postage Paid

Permit #327

Menomonie, WI

54751

Or Current Resident


Fall is such a beautiful season. Still, I don’t like it much because, of course, it means winter is coming! Like spring, fall is a season of endings and beginnings. Warm temperatures end, cold ones begin. Daylight shortens, nighttime lengthens. Leaves fall and snow falls. Grrr.

There are endings and beginnings at Stepping Stones, too. We’ll have some staff changes soon.— Cyndi Greening, our part-time Communications Specialist, resigned due to teaching fulltime at Stout but Barbara Lyon, current editor of the Dunn Co. News, will be stepping down from that position to join us. Jim Welch, one of our part-time Warehouse Managers, will be retiring full-time and Jim Carr, newly retired Knapp school custodian will be stepping in. Lucky for us, many people find that part-time jobs are a great way to ease into retirement!

Another beginning will be the start of the Winter Haven season on November 15th. The Stout Rd. shelter next to the pantry is switched over from two apartments to dormitory style sleeping so we can accommodate more people during the coldest months. Lots of help is needed to keep Winter Haven running. Please check

on the back of this newsletter to consider some ways you could contribute. The Only Constant The seasons bring inevitable change. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “The only thing constant is change.” That’s actually good news for those who need Stepping Stones’ services. They’re often not in the best place when they first come in the door, but being offered some stepping stones along their path may lead to a new beginning. We hope so.

Sometimes change happens very slowly. Many families continue to struggle financially although the recession has been ‘officially’ over for years. Although unemployment is down, low wage jobs are what’s predominantly available and the average U.S. household is earning 2.4% less now than they did in 1999, almost 20 years ago, according to data from Bankrate.com. At the same time, costs for essentials such as housing and child care have surged faster than the rate of inflation, placing great stress on household budgets.

57% of North Americans say they don’t have enough cash to cover a $500 unexpected expense. Unfortunately, it’s

not a matter of if but when an unexpected expense will occur. “If you have a car, a house or apartment, a kid or a pet—if you’re a member of the human race—something that costs money is bound to go wrong,” said one economist. That pretty much sums it up. Grrr. No More Growls Change is inevitable. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be the ‘growly’ kind! For families who stay in one of our shelters, the hope is they’ll find affordable housing and get back on their feet. For those using the food pantry, not only are they getting good nutrition but they can also save money for rent, heat, and other essentials. Coming to Stepping Stones gives them hope for positive change.

Change is much easier to accept when it’s good. Many of us look hopefully to the upcoming elections to bring positive change. It’s a time to make our voice and vote count. I also find hope in the way our community supports Stepping Stones. We have hundreds of dedicated volun-teers and generous donors. Fall also brings the beginning of ‘the giving season.’ Without this support our services would not be possible.

Come for a Visit We’d love to have you come to Stepping Stones also. Stop by anytime for a quick tour if you’ve never been here, or consider bringing a group you’re part of for a meeting. Our conference room can hold about 20 people and we’ll even put the coffee pot on!

Our community is stronger when we work together for positive change. Thank you for helping to make that happen.

- Katherine Dutton, Executive Director

Fall 2018

Endings & Beginnings

VONTEE & E TE O

Winter Haven season will be here soon and we need your help! The shelter can sleep up to 10 people. There are 2 volunteer shifts per night and 2 volun-teers are needed for each shift— 7:30 pm - 1:30 am & 1:30 am - 7:30 am. Duties include checking guests in, serving coffee & snacks, ensuring every-one is settled for the night and awakened in the morning, setting out break-fast foods, and tidying up.

Training Session Options for NEW Volunteers:

Mon, Oct 29, 6-7 pm Thurs, Nov 8, 6-7 pm Thurs, Nov 1, 6-7 pm Sat, Nov 10, 10-11 am Mon, Nov 5, 6-7 pm Tues, Nov 13, 6-7 pm

Update Session for RETURNING Volunteers:

Thurs, Oct 23rd, 6 - 7 pm

Please contact Stepping Stones’ Volunteer Coordinator Jill Seicther to register and indicate which session you’ll attend: 715.235.2920, [email protected].

We also need help spreading the word about the need for volunteers. Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, church groups, civic organiza-tions, etc. If there are no volunteers to take a shift the shelter must close and we don’t want that! Volunteers must be 18 or older.

All trainings are held at Winter Haven at 1518 Stout Rd. next to Stepping Stones.

ONTE

$10 gas cards Dunn County Transit bus passes $10 Burger King or Culvers gift cards Coffee & basket filters Paper towels, zip-lock bags Dish soap & dish washer detergent Laundry detergent & dryer sheets Mop & bucket, all-purpose cleaners Toilet cleaner & brushes Toilet paper & Kleenex Tampons & pads Garbage bags Odor eaters insoles & foot powder Socks & underwear (mostly men’s) Twin size sheets, pillows

inter aen ays to el

__________________________________

Please join us for

Night to emem er Christmas Con ert

Featuring Sue Orfield & Emilie Menz Saturday, December 22, Mabel Tainter Theatre Two shows: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mabeltainter.org

Proceeds benefit Stepping Stones’ Food Pantry, Shelters, Community Connections Program

on t miss this fa lo s holiday show

STEPPING STONES DISCOUNT CARDS ORDER FORM

Please send _______cards at $10 each plus $1 postage & handling per order.

Total enclosed: $ __________

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: _____________

Phone: _____________________________

E-mail: _____________________________

Or order online: www.steppingstonesdc.org

Thank you to these businesses offering savings: Acoustic Café Advance Auto Parts Circle C Dairy Queen Denny’s Restaurant Duke & Dagger Erberts & Gerberts Exit 45 Restaurant Log Jam Marion’s Legacy Raw Deal Silver Dollar Bar & Grill Tabby’s Catfé Toppers Pizza Waterfront Bar & Grill

Stepping Stones Discount Cards — Only $10 Most discounts are off all urchases so the

card quickly pays for itself & it’s reusable!

te ing tones Board of ire tors


taff Katherine Dutton Executive Director Kris Pawlowski Assistant Director & Food Pantry Coordinator Heidi Hooten Stepping Stones Shelter Program Coordinator Jill Seichter Community Connections Program Coordinator


Pang Kou Yang Administrative Assistant Jim Welch Food Pantry Assistant & Warehouse Coordinator Henry Amberson Maintenance & Warehouse Coordinator

And a food & funds drive for the pantry! We CAN make

a difference

page 3

at EM T BO

2 1 M 11 2

ids gainst nger Milestone

Congratulations to our local Rotary Clubs who have now packed over million Kids Against Hunger meals! Businesses, churches, and other service groups help purchase and pack the nutritious rice based meals that are distributed worldwide as well as through western Wisc. food pantries. The first Menomonie packing event was held at Stepping Stones in 2014. Since then, the groups have provided an unlimited supply 5,000- ,000 meal bags per month to people at risk of hunger in Dunn County.

page

el s get ready te ing tones Em ty Bowls

at rday Mar h 2 201 Menomonie igh hool 11 am 2 m

Ever wondered how can you help? There are lots of ways!!

aint Bowls Contact us to organize an after school or evening event for your youth or adult groups to have some creative fun by painting bowls for our inventory. We keep the bowls for the event but request a $5 suggested donation per bowl to help cover the cost of supplies.

Ba e an E tra o en From now thru February, whenever you’re making a batch of cookies or bars just bake extra! o the in the ree er hen dro the off at te ing

tones the eek o the event e ll either use the or dessert at the lunch or for the bake sale.

Ma e o We can make arrangements for your group to whip up a batch of soup at an approved kitchen. We will then freeze & store the soup until the event.

a e yo r o th Gro Ma e la e Mats Coloring place mats is a great activity for younger kids and helps to make our table settings look extra special on the day of the event.

oin the Em ty Bowls Committee We welcome help with the planning, promotion and organizing of the event.

lan to ttend • Tasty soup lunch and a hand crafted bowl that you choose. • Browse and bid at the silent auction. • Live music performed by local musicians. • Fun with friends and support for your neighbors in need.

or ore in or ation contact ris a lo ski at te ing tones, 715.235.2920, [email protected]

CE EB TE the arvest eason with this wonderful little book about one

family helping another.

Local author and friend of te ing tones, i iley

(on the right), wrote a poem patterned after The ight

e ore hrist as and her niece, Mary Elworthy, illustrated it in beautiful watercolors.

A heartwarming book for all ages!

$10 - Proceeds to Stepping Stones

Available at te ing tones & La dee dah (311 Main St. E, down-town Menomonie) or send a check w/ a note in the enclosed envelope to order by mail. Please add $1 for postage & handling.

“ e con nue to be emboldened by par cipant feedbac regarding the ma ing a di erence feeling e are ser ing more than hungry people, as we are gi ing a lot of people e posure to the

alue of ser ice ”

- Bryan La oy Rotary Club Member

__________________________________

Please join us for

Night to emem er Christmas Con ert

Featuring Sue Orfield & Emilie Menz Saturday, December 22, Mabel Tainter Theatre Two shows: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mabeltainter.org

Proceeds benefit Stepping Stones’ Food Pantry, Shelters, Community Connections Program

on t miss this fa lo s holiday show

STEPPING STONES DISCOUNT CARDS ORDER FORM

Please send _______cards at $10 each plus $1 postage & handling per order.

Total enclosed: $ __________

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: _____________

Phone: _____________________________

E-mail: _____________________________

Or order online: www.steppingstonesdc.org

Thank you to these businesses offering savings: Acoustic Café Advance Auto Parts Circle C Dairy Queen Denny’s Restaurant Duke & Dagger Erberts & Gerberts Exit 45 Restaurant Log Jam Marion’s Legacy Raw Deal Silver Dollar Bar & Grill Tabby’s Catfé Toppers Pizza Waterfront Bar & Grill

Stepping Stones Discount Cards — Only $10 Most discounts are off all urchases so the

card quickly pays for itself & it’s reusable!

te ing tones Board of ire tors


taff Katherine Dutton Executive Director Kris Pawlowski Assistant Director & Food Pantry Coordinator Heidi Hooten Stepping Stones Shelter Program Coordinator Jill Seichter Community Connections Program Coordinator


Pang Kou Yang Administrative Assistant Jim Welch Food Pantry Assistant & Warehouse Coordinator Henry Amberson Maintenance & Warehouse Coordinator

And a food & funds drive for the pantry! We CAN make

a difference

page 3

at EM T BO

2 1 M 11 2

ids gainst nger Milestone

Congratulations to our local Rotary Clubs who have now packed over million Kids Against Hunger meals! Businesses, churches, and other service groups help purchase and pack the nutritious rice based meals that are distributed worldwide as well as through western Wisc. food pantries. The first Menomonie packing event was held at Stepping Stones in 2014. Since then, the groups have provided an unlimited supply 5,000- ,000 meal bags per month to people at risk of hunger in Dunn County.

page

el s get ready te ing tones Em ty Bowls

at rday Mar h 2 201 Menomonie igh hool 11 am 2 m

Ever wondered how can you help? There are lots of ways!!

aint Bowls Contact us to organize an after school or evening event for your youth or adult groups to have some creative fun by painting bowls for our inventory. We keep the bowls for the event but request a $5 suggested donation per bowl to help cover the cost of supplies.

Ba e an E tra o en From now thru February, whenever you’re making a batch of cookies or bars just bake extra! o the in the ree er hen dro the off at te ing

tones the eek o the event e ll either use the or dessert at the lunch or for the bake sale.

Ma e o We can make arrangements for your group to whip up a batch of soup at an approved kitchen. We will then freeze & store the soup until the event.

a e yo r o th Gro Ma e la e Mats Coloring place mats is a great activity for younger kids and helps to make our table settings look extra special on the day of the event.

oin the Em ty Bowls Committee We welcome help with the planning, promotion and organizing of the event.

lan to ttend • Tasty soup lunch and a hand crafted bowl that you choose. • Browse and bid at the silent auction. • Live music performed by local musicians. • Fun with friends and support for your neighbors in need.

or ore in or ation contact ris a lo ski at te ing tones, 715.235.2920, [email protected]

CE EB TE the arvest eason with this wonderful little book about one

family helping another.

Local author and friend of te ing tones, i iley

(on the right), wrote a poem patterned after The ight

e ore hrist as and her niece, Mary Elworthy, illustrated it in beautiful watercolors.

A heartwarming book for all ages!

$10 - Proceeds to Stepping Stones

Available at te ing tones & La dee dah (311 Main St. E, down-town Menomonie) or send a check w/ a note in the enclosed envelope to order by mail. Please add $1 for postage & handling.

“ e con nue to be emboldened by par cipant feedbac regarding the ma ing a di erence feeling e are ser ing more than hungry people, as we are gi ing a lot of people e posure to the

alue of ser ice ”

- Bryan La oy Rotary Club Member

715.235.2920

[email protected]

www.steppingstonesdc.org

1602 Stout Road

Menomonie, WI 54751

Nonprofit

Postage Paid

Permit #327

Menomonie, WI

54751

Or Current Resident


Fall is such a beautiful season. Still, I don’t like it much because, of course, it means winter is coming! Like spring, fall is a season of endings and beginnings. Warm temperatures end, cold ones begin. Daylight shortens, nighttime lengthens. Leaves fall and snow falls. Grrr.

There are endings and beginnings at Stepping Stones, too. We’ll have some staff changes soon.— Cyndi Greening, our part-time Communications Specialist, resigned due to teaching fulltime at Stout but Barbara Lyon, current editor of the Dunn Co. News, will be stepping down from that position to join us. Jim Welch, one of our part-time Warehouse Managers, will be retiring full-time and Jim Carr, newly retired Knapp school custodian will be stepping in. Lucky for us, many people find that part-time jobs are a great way to ease into retirement!

Another beginning will be the start of the Winter Haven season on November 15th. The Stout Rd. shelter next to the pantry is switched over from two apartments to dormitory style sleeping so we can accommodate more people during the coldest months. Lots of help is needed to keep Winter Haven running. Please check

on the back of this newsletter to consider some ways you could contribute. The Only Constant The seasons bring inevitable change. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “The only thing constant is change.” That’s actually good news for those who need Stepping Stones’ services. They’re often not in the best place when they first come in the door, but being offered some stepping stones along their path may lead to a new beginning. We hope so.

Sometimes change happens very slowly. Many families continue to struggle financially although the recession has been ‘officially’ over for years. Although unemployment is down, low wage jobs are what’s predominantly available and the average U.S. household is earning 2.4% less now than they did in 1999, almost 20 years ago, according to data from Bankrate.com. At the same time, costs for essentials such as housing and child care have surged faster than the rate of inflation, placing great stress on household budgets.

57% of North Americans say they don’t have enough cash to cover a $500 unexpected expense. Unfortunately, it’s

not a matter of if but when an unexpected expense will occur. “If you have a car, a house or apartment, a kid or a pet—if you’re a member of the human race—something that costs money is bound to go wrong,” said one economist. That pretty much sums it up. Grrr. No More Growls Change is inevitable. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be the ‘growly’ kind! For families who stay in one of our shelters, the hope is they’ll find affordable housing and get back on their feet. For those using the food pantry, not only are they getting good nutrition but they can also save money for rent, heat, and other essentials. Coming to Stepping Stones gives them hope for positive change.

Change is much easier to accept when it’s good. Many of us look hopefully to the upcoming elections to bring positive change. It’s a time to make our voice and vote count. I also find hope in the way our community supports Stepping Stones. We have hundreds of dedicated volun-teers and generous donors. Fall also brings the beginning of ‘the giving season.’ Without this support our services would not be possible. Come for a Visit We’d love to have you come to Stepping Stones also. Stop by anytime for a quick tour if you’ve never been here, or consider bringing a group you’re part of for a meeting. Our conference room can hold about 20 people and we’ll even put the coffee pot on!

Our community is stronger when we work together for positive change. Thank you for helping to make that happen.

- Katherine Dutton, Executive Director

Fall 2018

Endings & Beginnings

VO NTEE & E T E O

Winter Haven season will be here soon and we need your help! The shelter can sleep up to 10 people. There are 2 volunteer shifts per night and 2 volun-teers are needed for each shift— 7:30 pm - 1:30 am & 1:30 am - 7:30 am. Duties include checking guests in, serving coffee & snacks, ensuring every-one is settled for the night and awakened in the morning, setting out break-fast foods, and tidying up.

Training Session Options for NEW Volunteers:

Mon, Oct 29, 6-7 pm Thurs, Nov 8, 6-7 pm Thurs, Nov 1, 6-7 pm Sat, Nov 10, 10-11 am Mon, Nov 5, 6-7 pm Tues, Nov 13, 6-7 pm

Update Session for RETURNING Volunteers:

Thurs, Oct 23rd, 6 - 7 pm

Please contact Stepping Stones’ Volunteer Coordinator Jill Seicther to register and indicate which session you’ll attend: 715.235.2920, [email protected].

We also need help spreading the word about the need for volunteers. Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, church groups, civic organiza-tions, etc. If there are no volunteers to take a shift the shelter must close and we don’t want that! Volunteers must be 18 or older.

All trainings are held at Winter Haven at 1518 Stout Rd. next to Stepping Stones.

ON TE

$10 gas cards Dunn County Transit bus passes $10 Burger King or Culvers gift cards Coffee & basket filters Paper towels, zip-lock bags Dish soap & dish washer detergent Laundry detergent & dryer sheets Mop & bucket, all-purpose cleaners Toilet cleaner & brushes Toilet paper & Kleenex Tampons & pads Garbage bags Odor eaters insoles & foot powder Socks & underwear (mostly men’s) Twin size sheets, pillows

inter a en ays to el


In Memory Of:

Robert Anderson from John & Denise Neiderhauser Fred, Mary Jo & Shawn Baglio from Ann Rhead Kay Barnard from Anonymous, Mary Bruyette, Yvonne Nelson, Mary Riordan, Joe & Judy Jax, David & Karen Williams Charles & Juanita Bates from Jeanne Bates Eileen Brantner from Carlyle & Ruth Gilbertson Kathy Bryan from E. Alice Evenson Lyle Christianson from Louise Varnes Donald & Kevin Cook from Ann Cook Lora Dankemyer from Paulette Baumgartner Chuck Debee from Lois Debee Helmer Debee from Sarah Kinnard Richard Debee from Lois Debee Alice Delong from Richard & Cheryl Beguhn Dan Eckert from Kathryn Baumgardner & Bob Kistner, Matthew & Karen Flug, Peggy Rogers Kraemer, Marvin & Janice Kufahl, Forrest & B.J. Lovett, Ronald & Patricia Mikesell, Kristie & Thomas Olson, Lynn Quilling, Jeanne Stevenson Clayton Erickson from George & Yvonne Nelson, Ronald & Joan Sandfort Jim Flis from Grace Episcopal Church Henry Fiege from Sarah Kinnard Lorn Fuhrman from Donna Boerner, Robert & Jean Holden Melinda Gabriel from Dona Shoemaker Robert Gartman from Jeanne & Gerry Leff Richard Gebhart from James & Jeanette Daines, Barb & Harry Stai Mabel Gifford from R.C. & D.L. Hope, Roseann & Louis Husby, Barbara Lyon, Bob & Helen Redlich, Kathleen Weber Ann Buss Grassl from Jann & Mickey Peterson Gina Grefsrud from Peter & Emilie Wiese Bonnie Hagberg from Richard & Cheryl Beguhn, Dave & Nancy Ponto

Harold Halfin from Martha Stewart Harry Halvorson from Teresa Stark- Halvorson Jack & Lucille Hammond from Tim & Connie Stevens Terri, Diane, & Joanne Hanson from Vern & Ruth Hanson Elaine Hawkinson from Rita Donicht Steven Hayes from Delores Hayes Jan Helixon from Merl & Pat Nevala Pat Helixon from Gary & Sharron Buss, Harry Evjen, Matt & Karen Flug, Ronald & Patricia Mikesell , Dale & Susan Mork, Merl & Pat Nevala, Lois Sipple, Mildred Timm, Debra Verdon, WESTconsin Credit Union Board of Directors Marv Hillman from Jacquelyn Hillman John & Lois Hitz from Debbie Hitz Evelyn Jacobson from Grace Episcopal Church Robert Jasper from Bonnie Anderson, Harry Evjen, Lee & Mary Jane Nicholls, Mary Riordan, Steve & Kathleen Schrantz Richard & Dorothy Sterry Maybell Kadinger from Audrey Bracher Buck Kistner from Shirley Kistner Richard Klabunde from Toby & Marian Ellison, Lynne Quilling Michael Kovac from Judith & Edward Ristow Tom Larsen from Jane Larsen Charlie Larson from Bob & Helen Redlich Richard Long from Sandra Long Al Maier from John & Mary Ausman Jennie Mae Matthews from Ronald & Patricia Mikesell Fran Maves from Henry & Leann Thomas Virg McClelland from Lynnette & David Smith Randy McQuiston from Marilyn McQuiston Ann Mense from Carlyle & Ruth Gilbertson Don Miller from Jeanne Stevenson Ruth Mintz from Dale & Susan Mork Bob Moats from Lois Sipple Vernon & Myrene Moritz from Linda Roth Arnold Mork from Jeanne & Gerry Leff, Ronald & Patricia Mikesell , Jeanne

Stevenson Mary Nadler from Francis & Violet Eiseth Diane Nau from Rita Donicht, Anita Klamm Ed & Florence Neiderhauser from John & Denise Neiderhauser Gerald Olson from Family Allen Otto from Ron & Jan Jordan, Dave & Nancy Ponto Bruce Palmer from Dunn Co. Child Support Agency Wayne Pauly from Mary Budd George Pesek from Anna Pesek Jeanne & Harold Polasky from Joan Polasky Marshall Quilling from Robert & Jean Holden, Bob & Helen Redlich, David & Karen Schiotz Ed Ristow from George & Yvonne Nelson, Jane Redig & John Williams, Pat & Bob Smith Alton Rhoemhild from John & Mary Ausman Andy Rogers from Sarah Kinnard Beirne Rucker from Jo Ann Rucker John Russell from Mary Riordan, Larry & Lucy Weidner Jerry Schleusner from Sheila Kuhman Gene Schneider from Audrey Schneider, Tom & Mark Robert Schuler from Mary Riordan, Susan Thurin Priscilla Shute from Toby & Marian Ellison Doug Slind from Tom & Judy Humpal Harvey & Oline Stevens from Tim & Connie Stevens Shirley K. Stewart from Bill & Jennie Stewart Bonnie Stoll from Dave & Nancy Ponto, Marvin & Carol Saxton, Lois Sipple Irene Talmage from Kent & Nancy Anderson, Frank & Diane Dummer, Thomas & Judy Humpal, JoAnn Kadinger, David & Irma Jean Maves, Carol & Jerry Parson, Coleen & Eric Pember, Tom & Patti Spanel, the Talmage Family, Kathleen & Charles Weber Rodney Timm from Don & Arlys Olson Jim Ulesich from Rita Ulesich


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In Memory Of continued:

Shirley J. Weber from Shelly & Jerry Creaser Erling Wheeler from Carlyle & Ruth Gilbertson Ted Wiehe from Gary & Debra Cowles, James & Jeanette Daines, Marvin & Janice Kufahl Bruce Winberg from Carol & Marvin Saxton Edith Woinowski from Barbara Schumacher Joanne Wurtz from Robert Wurtz Dr. Charles E. Yost from Ned & Peggy Weckmueller Gerald Zimmerman from Kathryn Zimmerman & Steve Richter


In Honor Of:

Maddie Bayrd’s 11th Birthday from Megan Bayrd, Family & Friends Noah Beckman from Grandma Pamela Beckman Gracie Bloom’s 5th Birthday from Julie Bloom Max Bloom’s 7th Birthday from his Grandparents Susan Dahm from Robert Dahm Katherine Dutton from Lindsay Good Mabel Gifford from Teri Wagner Grace Episcopal Church Parishioners Their 4 Grandkids & 2 Great Grandkids from Richard & Jeri Ann Ernst Leon Greening from Cyndi Greening Joe Hagaman from Donald Roberts, Jacq & Lyn Collins Jan Harvey from Paulette Baumgartner Bob & Becky Hendrickson’s 50th Anniversary from Marvin & Janice Kufahl Their 50th Anniversary from Nick & Shirley Kaiser

Howard & Charlotte Lee’s 50th Anniversary & Howard’s 75th Birthday from Carol & Alleron Leipnitz, Vickie Jo & Larry Kuester Sali Mounce’s Birthday from Kris Pawlowski Peacemakers & Caregivers for Planet Earth from Lenore & Thomas Heiman Kim & Jerry Porter from Gary & Sue Barnett Dave & Pat Preston’s 50th Anniversary from Jim Faircy & Rhonda Smieja, David & Irma Jean Maves Bob & Bev Spinti’s 65th Anniversary from Barbara Bowlin Ted Wiehe’s 100th Birthday from Art & Judy Muller, Susan Weston Jo Wilson’s Retirement from David & Irma Jean Maves

Contributions from Churches, Businesses, Schools, & Organizations

Auth Consulting & Associates Beta Sigma Phi Bremer Bank Bremer Bank-Jeans Day Christ Lutheran Church Compeer Financial Dunn Co. Area Retired Educators Association Eiden & Hatfield LLC Erb Chiropractic Hoof & Paw Veterinary Clinic Kado & Associates Keyes Chevytown—Special thanks to Keyes for the generous match for donations at the Corvette Show! Lentz Fertilizer Love Church Menomonie Food Co-op-Hill O’ Beans Menomonie Moose Lodge Menomonie Seventh Day Adventist Church Menomonie United Methodist Church Menomonie Women’s Group 3M Mirco Rep Leadership Team National Mutual Benefit Branch 927 New Hope Lutheran Church New Hope Men’s Fellowship Group New Hope W/ELCA Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Our Savior’s Preschool Our Savior’s Women River of Life Church

Rock Elm United Methodist Women Rotary Club of Menomonie Seipel Bros. Farms Straight Forward St. Joseph Catholic Parish St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Thrivent Choice Dollars Trinity Lutheran Church Vets Plus, Inc. VFW Waznik-Moseler Women’s Golf Outing WESTconsin Credit Union-Jeans Day WIPFLI Women of the Moose #682

Grants & Contributions from Foundations

Andersen Corporate Foundation Charlotte Lee Charitable Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Dunn County Community Foundation of Dunn County Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation (employee match) Kado Kares Foundation Mayo Foundation (employee match) Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Committee Tuesday’s Table Fund of the Community Foundation of Dunn County United Way of Dunn County Walmart Foundation Women’s Giving Circle of the Community Foundation

Garden Tour Sponsors (additions/corrections from previous listing)

Iris Level Chris Ruch—Expert Tree Service & Science Walmart Distribution Center

Trillium Level John & Sarah Sippl—Sippl’s Sap Shack

Violet Level Nancy Jackson Kate Merkel

Thank you to all who donated food and other in-kind items. Food donations will be listed in a future newsletter.

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Thank you so much to all who chose to honor and remember friends,

family, colleagues, and loved ones by gifts to Stepping Stones.

(If we have inadvertently missed anyone, please let us know and we

will correct it next time.) _________

look inside to see how we’re stepping up together! · mary dicks . from kimberly dicks . bob...

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