FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERSt. Croix ValleyGrowing Kids by Growing Families

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERST. CROIX VALLEYGrowing Kids by Growing Families

857 Main StreetPO Box 2087Baldwin, WI 54002

Phone: (715) 684-4440Fax: (715) 684-5122E-mail: info@frcscv.org

Help us reduce cost when you contact us to receive this newsletter by e-mail.

Would you like to publicize how your business supports our community? Call Keri or Kristin at (715) 684-4440.

Thank You, SponSorSWe are grateful to the following local businesses that help us by sponsoring this newsletter:

JA Counter - www.jacounter.com

Little Journeys Early Learning Center - 715-781-5125

Liquor Haus - 715-684-2578

McMillan Electric Company - www.mcmillanelectric.com

Minuteman Press - www.hudson.minutemanpress.com

Nilssen’s - Baldwin, Clear Lake & Ellsworth - www.nilssensfoods.com

Shafer Financial Services - www.shaferfinancialservices.com

The Orchard Event Center - 715-688-6666

Valley Orthodontics - www.valley-orthodontics.com

Village Pharmacy - www.villagepharmacybaldwin.com

Vital Plastics, Inc. - www.vitalplastics.com

WESTconsin Credit Union - www.westconsincu.org

Amery Hospital & Clinic - www.amerymedicalcenter.org

Associated Bank - 715-684-3266

Bakke Norman - 715-246-3800

Baldwin Area Medical Center - www.healthybaldwin.org

Bridge Investment Group - www.bridgeinvestmentgrp.com

Byrnes Law Office - 715-268-5000

CarlsonHighland - www.carlsonhighlandcpa.com

Central Bank - www.centralbnk.com

First Bank of Baldwin - www.firstbankbaldwin.com

First National Bank of River Falls - www.fnbrf.com

First National Community Bank - www.FN-CB.com

First State Bank and Trust - www.bayportbank.com

Heywood, Cari & Anderson, SC - www.heywoodandcari.com

United WaySt. Croix Valley

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDEAU CLAIRE, WI

PERMIT NO. 1557

Winter 2016

715-684-4440info@frcscv.org • www.frcscv.org

F A M I L Y R E S O U R C E C E N T E R S T . C R O I X V A L L E Y

FAMILY MATTERSSupporting families in the St. Croix Valley since 1998

Find us onFacebook

Like us on Facebook to get updates about classes, registration deadlines, field trips and links to child development resources: www.facebook.com/frcscv

In the early years of the Family Resource Center, programs ran on a shoestring budget and executive director Tami (Drenth) McManus was writing grants in her sleep. With a very small, part-time staff, many roles in the organization were filled by volunteers. One of those volunteers was named Amanda, a mom from Hudson who suggested doing a children’s holiday shopping event to raise needed funds back in 2001.

“It was a fun concept – kids could buy a present for mom that she doesn’t know about,” said McManus.

Founding board member Mary Lestrud enlisted support from St. Croix County 4-H Clubs as well as Extension Homemakers, now known as Home and Community Education (HCE), and new and handcrafted gift items were donated for the sale. The first annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree was held at Baldwin’s Greenfield Elementary cafeteria, where it continues to take place each year on the first Saturday in December.

This year’s event is the 15th annual, and will be Saturday, December 5th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event is part of a festive day in the community that includes the Baldwin Horse Parade and Festival of Lights later in the afternoon. Participating has become a tradition for many – in fact, students who attended the Shopping Spree in the early years are coming back now as adults with their own families. Christine Johnson of Baldwin first came to the event as a middle school student, and attended last year with her own children, ages 6 and 1. Her mother, Jo Griffin, has joined the planning committee as well. Jo appreciates that the event is accessible to families of all income backgrounds. “It gives kids who otherwise might not be able to afford to shop for gifts the chance to,” she said.

A number of 4-H and HCE groups continue to support the Holiday Shopping Spree, as do several Girl Scout troops and a loyal group of retirees through the 3M Cares volunteer program. This year, the event has also garnered support from local churches and several area businesses, including Nilssen’s, Home Depot and Target.

The family-centered holiday event is almost entirely volunteer-run and raises needed funds for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley programs. There are many ways to be involved – by contributing to the bake sale, donating new or handcrafted items, volunteering your time, and of course, bringing your family to participate. Items are priced from $0.50 to $10, and free gift wrapping is available. In addition to shopping, there will be lunch concessions and several children’s activities, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For more information contact event coordinator April Rist at 715-263-2934 or call the Family Resource Center office.

15th annual “Spree”

a Tradition for Many Families

The “Elves”, Santa and Mrs. Claus volunteer in 2014: (left to right) Jane Erickson, Kim Hei, Carol Lebo, April Rist, Barb Lyons, Patti Phillips, Lloyd Webber

and Jill Erickson.Upcoming Events

registration begins for Winter Programs on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. See p. 4 for details!

reach for the Stars:

Save the Date! Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Kilkarney Hills in River Falls. Join us at our annual gala for an Irish meal, guest speakers, auctions and raffles.

From the Director’s Desk

The air is crisp, the leaves have fallen and the days are getting shorter. It is the time of year

when we take a moment to reflect and appreciate those things in our lives that have a positive

impact. So, as always my thoughts to you this newsletter come in the form of many “Thanks!”

First, I would like to thank the Board of Directors, past and present, who have given time,

talent, and gifts to the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. I especially want to thank

Kristen Novak for her time on the board. As we move into a new year, our leadership will

transition as well, so thank you, Board, for all you do.

Thank you to staff. Obviously, the staff is key to all the programs provided by FRCSCV. It is

with a bit of sadness that we say goodbye and thank you to parent educator Lesley Simons.

Lesley first came to us in 2012 through an internship opportunity with UWRF, and is now

completing her Master’s in School Counseling. As she moves on to the next adventure in her

life, we want to thank her for bringing so much joy and talent to her work here. Notably, Lesley

was the primary author on the board book that was created to distribute in the hospitals.

FRCSCV has had the good fortune of consistently having a great staff of people whose

dedication and expertise complement the work beautifully. It is important to acknowledge and

let them know they are so appreciated by the Board, families, and myself. We cannot thank you

enough!

Thanks also to those businesses and community partners that support FRCSCV, including

our newsletter sponsors, organizations that host fundraisers on our behalf, and businesses who

participate in employee giving for our benefit, just to name a few. Community partners are

critical in our work, and we lost a wonderful community leader and advocate this year when

John Coughlin, executive director of United Way St. Croix Valley passed away in August. I

worked closely with John for many years to elevate the importance of early childhood initiatives

in the St. Croix Valley. He is dearly missed; I am also very grateful to have known him and

thankful to have experienced his gentle leadership in helping to make the St. Croix Valley

the best place to raise a family. His legacy continues with a new initiative called the “Family

Friendly Workplace” certification that will build infrastructure around Success By 6 initiatives

in the valley.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your past support of FRCSCV and

remind you to keep this local organization in mind when you are making your year end gifts.

There is no better feeling than knowing your gifts are making a direct impact in your local

communities!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Patricia Draxler, Executive Director

FRCSCV Board of DirectorsBarbara Nelson, Chair Mary Sue Ash Sam Cari Chad FettBill FindlayLarry GeeJessie KloppAaron MorkCarla O’Connell Alison PageJack PollittKathy RasmussenAgnes Ring Dr. Larry Solberg The mission of the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is to strengthen children, families, and communities by offering education, resources, and support.

FRCSCV Staffpatty Draxler, Executive Director draxler@frcscv.orgBetsy Byker, Parent Educator/Coordinator betsy@frcscv.orgkeri Fitts, Office Manager info@frcscv.orgkristin Thompson, Development and Communications Coordinator kristin@frcscv.orgrobbyn Bowman, Parent Educator robbyn@frcscv.orgMarla Butler, Parent Educator marla@frcscv.orgSusan hodnefield, Parent Educator susan@frcscv.orgSky holt, Parent Educator sky@frcscv.org Julia kannel,Parent Educator julia@frcscv.org Lesley Simons, Parent Educator lesley@frcscv.org

NEWSLETTERWriter/Editor: Kristin Thompson Design: Minuteman PressPrinting: Minuteman PressPlease notify us if your mailing address has changed. For an electronic version of this newsletter, email info@frcscv.org or call Keri@ (715) 684-4440. Thank You!

Join us for our annual holiday pajama party open house on 12/7!

Families are invited to our Baldwin location at 857 Main St. on Monday, Dec. 7 between 5-7 p.m. for a fun evening of activities.

Come in your favorite PJs for story time, cookie decorating and a holiday craft.

Please RSVP to 715-684-4440or info@frcscv.org by Wed., Dec 2.

FRCSCV’s Grandchildren Honor Roll

honor Your GranDchiLDren Honor your grandchildren for their birthdays, for their special achievements or milestones, or simply for the joy they bring to your life!Your name and your grandchildren’s names will appear in four issues of this newsletter when you donate $100 or more to the Family Resource Center. *Please notify Kristin at 715-684-4440 orkristin@frcscv.org to add a new grandchild to your list

CHUCK & MARY SUE ASH of Hudson, WI Grandchildren: Christian & Charlie Ash of Fridley, MN Elizabeth & Gracie Strandberg of Duluth, MN

MARLYN AND NANCY BOTTOLFSON of Amery, WI Grandchildren: Mackenzie & Brady Bottolfson of Lake Elmo, MN Lane & Lauren Feder of St. Peter, MN

BRAD & BETSY BYKER of Osceola, WI Grandchildren: Ava Schueller of Osceola, WI August Byker of Wasilla, AK

SAM & TERESA CARI of Hudson, WI Grandchildren: Clara & Evan Cari of Hudson, WI Taylor, Carson & Caroline Cari of Hudson, WI George, William & Charlie Cook of Hudson, WI Nell Cari of Deephaven, MN

BOB & CINDY CAMPBELL of Hammond, WI Grandchildren: Finley & Jordyn Campbell of River Falls, WI

DANIEL AND PATRICIA DRAXLER of Amery, WI Grandchild: Leif Wanken of Monmouth, IL

CHRISTINE ENGLISH of Hudson, WI Grandchild: James English of Hudson, WI

ANN & BILL FINDLAY of Baldwin, WI Grandchildren: Maggie, Ian, Caden & Thane Findlay of US Army Garrison Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea

KEN & MOLLY GALEWYRICK of Amery, WI Grandchild: Olive Weinberger of Victor, MT Great Nephew: Wyatt Hebb of Cloquet, MN

MELVIN & VIVIANNA HANSON of Downing, WI Grandchildren: Bridget Draxler of Monmouth, IL Breanna Draxler of Manhattan, NY Brooke Draxler of Mounds View, MN Trish Meyers of Madison, WI Christopher Hanson of New Richmond, WI Rhonda Rassbach of Downing, WI Bo Standaert of Downing, WI Treena Bonte of New Berlin, WI Tara Bonte of Spring Valley, WI Great Grandchildren: Izabella & Peyton Rassbach of Downing, WI Landon & Nolan Standaert of Downing, WI Amelia & Stella Meyers of Madison, WI Rowen Hanson of New Richmond, WI Leif Wanken of Monmouth, IL

SHARON & GARY LOVELL of Hudson, WI Grandchild: Finn Russell Norton of Woodbury, MN

BARBARA NELSON of Emerald, WI Grandchildren: Finn, Erin & Nolan McCarthy of Eagan, MN

JEFF & LEANN NIELSEN of Henderson, MN Grandchildren: Collin & Colton Deiss of Spring Valley, WI Jace Nielsen of LeSueur, MN

TOM & JANET O’CONNELL of Hudson, WI Grandchildren: Emma & Tess O’Connell of Wilson, WI

KATHLEEN and the late FRANCIS OBERMUELLER of Glenwood City, WI Grandchildren: Jake, Caleb & Elijah Heimer of Glenwood City WI Greg & Aaron Obermueller of Eagan, MN Abigail, Lucas & Logan Obermueller of Hudson, WI Halle, Royal & Reggie Bignell of Baldwin, WI

ALLEN & JOELL OBERSTADT of Fremont, WI Grandchildren: Adam & Michaela Meier of Woodville, WI

DR. JAMES QUENAN & DR. DANIELLE BUSSE-QUENAN of Amery, WI Grandchildren: Alex, Maddie & Francesca Quenan of Libertyville, IL Jonathon, Anna, Sean & Kate Quenan of Arlington Heights, IL Clara Thoreson of Austin, TX Connor, Josie, Ava & Colton Botz of New Richmond, WI Tyler, Drew, & Max Botz of Eagan, MN Gavin Botz of Eagan, MN Kaelyn & Tristan Olson of Baldwin, WI Khelsy Pilacinski of Baldwin, WI

LANCE & SHARON REYzER of Roberts, WI Grandchildren: Carmen Reyzer of Woodville, WI Evan Reyzer of River Falls, WI

CHARLES & SHARON RYAN of Duluth, MN Grandchild: Teddy Mukka of Somerset, WI

JAMES & MARY SCHACKER of St. Paul, MN Grandchildren: Maggie and Lily Jansen of Baldwin, WI

STEVEN & CONNIE SORG of Spring Green, WI Grandchildren: Makenna & Natalie Menter of Roberts, WI

GAIL & GERALD TESSMAN of Amery, WI Grandchildren: Jessie Maule of Denver, CO Tyler & Sarah Maule of Madison, WI Nick & Erica Tessman of Woodbury, MN Casey & Rachel Miller of Vadnais Heights, MN

S. MARK & JACKIE TYLER of Woodville, WI Grandchildren: Rhyan, Roslyn & Wesley Nichols of Baldwin, WI

LOU & KATHLEEN WILLIAMSON of Amery, WI Grandchildren: Hans & Elin Williamson of Amery, WI Quinn Williamson of New Richmond, WI

We are in need of the following items:

• Board books (infant, toddler, preschool)

• Infant toys (non-battery, non-plush)

• Diapers (esp. sizes 3-6)

• Baby blankets

• New bibs and burp cloths

• First Aid kits

• Paper towels and Clorox wipes

If you or your business/service group would like to host a donation drive, please contact Kristin at 715-684-4440 or kristin@frcscv.org

ACTIVITIES – January - February - March Family resource center Wish List

Wine Tasting to be held February 11Please join us at the 9th Annual Liquor Haus Wine Tasting on Thursday, February 11 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Woodside Place in Baldwin. Cost is $50 per person and includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres.

All proceeds support Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley programs. Call Donna Hayes to reserve your tickets at 715-684-2578 or 715-684-4384. office is closed December 24 and 25, 2015 and January 1, 2016

caLenDar For WinTer 2016 GroupS

BaBY & Me (Register at any time by calling 715-684-4440)A play and discussion hour for parents and their infants (Birth to one year). Baby & Me classes are provided by Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley as a component of United Way St. Croix Valley’s Success by 6 partnership.

Amery Wednesdays 10:30 am – 11:30 am @ Amery Hospital & Clinic, Birthday Suites Waiting Room

Baldwin Wednesdays 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm @ Baldwin Area Medical Center, Old Clinic

New Richmond Mondays 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm @ St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 367 W. River Dr. (sponsored by Westfields Hospital & Clinic)

Osceola Thursdays 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm @ Osceola Medical Center, Physician Education Room

River Falls Fridays 10:30 am – 11:30 am @ River Falls Area Hospital, Classrooms B & C

St. Croix Falls Tuesdays 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm @ St. Croix Regional Medical Center, O.B. Waiting Room

pLaY & LearnPlay & Learn provides an opportunity for children to interact with their parents and other children their age (Toddlers and Preschoolers). Parents can also discuss parenting strategies, dilemmas, and everyday happenings with a Parent Educator and other parents going through similar situations. Winter Play & Learn begins the week of January 4 and runs through the week of March 7. registration is required by calling 715-684-4440 beginning December 14 at 9 am.

MorninG pLaY & LearnAmery Mondays 10:00 am – 11:30 am @ Amery Public Library, 225 Scholl Ct.Baldwin Thursdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am @ FRCSCV, 857 Main St.Hudson Thursdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am @ Bethel Highlands, 504 Frontage RoadLuck Tuesdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am @ Luck Public Library, 301 S. Main St.New Richmond Wednesdays 10:00 am – 11:30 am @ St. Luke’s Lutheran Church,

365 W. River Dr.River Falls Mondays 10:00 am – 11:30 am @ River Falls United Methodist Church, 127 S.

2nd St. Spring Valley Tuesdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am @ Spring Valley Village Hall,

E121 South Second St.St. Croix Falls Mondays 10:00 am – 11:30 am @ Alliance Church of the Valley, 1259 State Road 35

eVeninG pLaY & LearnBaldwin Mondays 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm @ FRCSCV, 857 Main St.

parenT caFÉThis pilot project offers families the chance to make new friends, share ideas and discuss your hopes and dreams for your family. The winter session will be held Thursday evenings, Jan. 28, Feb. 11 & 25 at the New Richmond Area Centre. Dinner and childcare is provided. No cost to participate. Space is limited! registration begins 12/14 by calling 715-684-4440. a spring session will also be held in river Falls.

Spring play & Learn registration is Monday, March 14 by calling 715-684-4440. classes begin the week of March 21.

Yes! I want to help the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley give children the best start possible!

Name(s) _________________________________________________________Address _________________________________________________________City ____________________________

State __________ Zip _____________Phone___________________________

E-mail ___________________________________________________________ Gift Amount:

o $1000 o $500 o $250

o $100 o $50 _____Other

_____My check, payable to FRCSCV, is enclosed.

Please charge my pledge of $25 or more to: (circle one)Visa MasterCard AmEx

Card # ________________________

Exp. ________ CSC# _____________

E-mail (required for credit card gifts):_______________________________

i would like to make a recurring monthly donation. amount $ __________

______My employer will match my gift; please contact me. ______Please contact me about making a gift through my will or estate plan.

I want my gift to fund:______Greatest need______Program support ______Grandchildren Honor Roll (for a gift of $100 or more, please send us the names and locations of the grandchildren you would like to honor)______Bright Futures Long-Term Fund ______Other

Thank you for helping us “Grow Kids By Growing families!”

Detach Donation Form and mail to:Family Resource CenterSt. Croix Valley857 Main StreetP.O. Box 2087Baldwin, WI 54002

John Coughlin listened attentively to a group of Success By 6 Executive Board members at a meeting

in March 2015.

Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley said goodbye to a longtime supporter and advocate this past summer when John Coughlin, executive director of United Way St. Croix Valley, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2015.

“John was one of the first people I met when I was hired as executive director of the Family Resource Center in 2003,” said Patty Draxler. He asked me, “What can United Way and I do to make your work in the community easier?” That question led to a conversation the following year with Gretchen Bell, who worked in the New Richmond School District at the time, and subsequently the launch of United Way Success By 6. The initiative to support the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children by age six gained traction first across St. Croix County and then across the region. “Through that work,” said Draxler, “I got to know John and the depth of his compassion and drive to ensure parents and children in the St. Croix Valley have the tools and support they need to be successful.”

The Success By 6 Executive Board is now comprised of leaders within Business and Economic Development, Education, Government, Healthcare and Service Provider sectors across Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. When the initiative reached its ten-year milestone last winter, Coughlin said, “We made a commitment to invest in the future when we launched Success By 6 ten years ago. Our goal is for every child in western Wisconsin to reach school ready to learn and adulthood ready to contribute to society. It is a lofty goal but important that we achieve it. Business and industry leaders are involved because children are their future workforce.”

Coughlin worked closely with Success By 6 coordinator Mary Sue Ash to secure needed funds for expanding Success By 6, with a vision of creating a comprehensive early childhood system in the region that begins prenatally. “John was a strong promoter of the Success By 6 initiative to raise public awareness of the tremendous importance of the early years and to strengthen and expand programs for young children and families in our region,” said Ash. “He was a caring and compassionate leader, advocate, colleague and friend.”

Coughlin carried out the mission of United Way fully throughout his 20+ years of leadership, uniting communities, focusing resources and inspiring people to measurably improve lives in Western Wisconsin. His legacy will continue, particularly through his efforts with Success By 6; the day after his funeral, United Way St. Croix Valley received a competitive state grant which supports the new Family Friendly Workplace™ certification process. This Success By 6 initiative connects the business community and families, and funds generated by the Family Friendly Workplace™ program will benefit early childhood education programs and services across the region.

united Way Leader John coughlin Leaves a Legacy through Success By 6

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