1. family and parenting

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
FA M I LY M AT T E R S
Supporting families in the
St. Croix Valley since 1998
Spring 2015
Tenth Annual Reach for the Stars
Celebrates Innovation, Partnerships
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley hosted their tenth
annual “Reach for the Stars” event on April 19, with the theme
New Orleans Jazz. Featuring live jazz played by local music
educators and flavorful, New Orleans-inspired cuisine provided
by R&D Catering, the stage was set for a dynamic dialogue on
the state of early childhood in the region.
Summer Programs
Play & Learn in the Parks
begins the week of
June 8, with registration on
Monday, June 1.
New this summer:
Healthy Families St. Croix
Valley, located at Hungry
Turtle Institute in Amery.
Call 715-684-4440 to
register today.
See program schedule on
page 3 for details!
“I was thinking about our jazz theme for tonight and how early
childhood is like jazz,” said executive director Patty Draxler.
“[Both involve] innovation and staying ahead of trends. Early
childhood experiences shape our nation’s health and it is a
tribute to the Family Resource Center’s teaching team that
they always stay ahead of the curve.”
Patrick and Donna Hayes were
honored for their leadership,
dedication and support of the Family
Resource Center St. Croix Valley.
Photo credit: Knoebel Portrait Design
Scott Hippert, CEO of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) National Center in St. Louis, MO, was a featured
speaker of the evening. He praised the organization’s innovative model, affirming that “Family Resource
Center of the St. Croix Valley has set the standard for blending Parents as Teachers and primary health
care. [The organization] has proven that home visiting partnerships with health agencies can transform
the lives of young parents and put their children on a strong path to good health, literacy and school
success.” Mr. Hippert was a guest at the event as part of the agency’s recognition as recipient of the PAT
Losos Award for Innovation in late 2014. “Parents as Teachers National Center intends to more deeply
study your work in order to replicate it across the nation,” he said. “Your story of success and innovation
is one that I will share, including with White House staff, during my visit there next month.”
Board Chair Barbara Nelson presented the annual Volunteer of the Year award to Patrick and Donna
Hayes, stating that “As children, families and communities are rewarded by the mission of the Family
Resource Center St. Croix Valley, we are rewarded by the dedication and generous support and
commitment of these two special people.” The Hayes’ have supported the work of the Family Resource
Center since 2006, through hosting the annual Liquor Haus Wine Tasting, serving on the Board of
Directors and multiple committees, and also during the organization’s office remodel of 2012.
(Continued on page 4)
Family Resource Center publishes book for new parents
Find us on
Facebook
Like us on Facebook to
get updates about classes,
registration deadlines,
field trips and links to child
development resources:
Parent educators from Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley meet with about 1,000
parents annually when babies are born in six area hospitals. Educators offer information to
new parents, invite them to participate in programs, and at times make referrals to other
agencies. Staff decided they wanted to create a gift for families that will convey a message
for weeks and months to come: Parents are their child’s
first and best teachers, and the Family Resource Center
is here to help. Working with a publisher in New York,
the Family Resource Center has printed their own board
book to distribute in partner hospitals titled “Me & You,”
with generous funding from St. Croix Valley Foundation
and United Way Success By 6.
(Continued on page 4)
www.facebook.com/frcscv
715-684-4440
info@frcscv.org • www.frcscv.org
FRCSCV Board of Directors
Barbara Nelson, Chair
Mary Sue Ash
Sam Cari
Chad Fett
Bill Findlay
Larry Gee
Jessie Klopp
Aaron Mork
Kristen Novak
Carla O’Connell
Alison Page
Jack Pollitt
Kathy Rasmussen
Agnes 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 Staff
Patty Draxler, Executive Director
draxler@frcscv.org
Betsy Byker, Parent Educator/
Coordinator
betsy@frcscv.org
Keri Fitts,
Office Manager
info@frcscv.org
Kristin Thompson,
Development and Communications
Coordinator
kristin@frcscv.org
Robbyn Bowman,
Parent Educator
robbyn@frcscv.org
Marla Butler,
Parent Educator
marla@frcscv.org
Susan Hodnefield,
Parent Educator
susan@frcscv.org
Sky Holt,
Parent Educator
sky@frcscv.org
Julia Kannel,
Parent Educator
julia@frcscv.org
Lesley Simons,
Parent Educator
lesley@frcscv.org
NEWSLETTER
Writer/Editor: Kristin Thompson
Design: Minuteman Press
Printing: Minuteman Press
Please 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!
From the Director ’s Desk
move into spring and the warmer, busy
It is always so nice to write this note to you as we
you about our very successful annual
days of summer. I am pleased to share news with
e for our 2015 Annual Gala held at
fundraising event. “New Orleans Jazz” was the them
What a wonderful evening it was.
R&D Catering Banquet Facility in New Richmond.
friends that support the mission of
I am grateful that we have such a strong family of
FRCSCV!
evening: Anne Moore and Michelle
Special thanks to the participant speakers for the
to life for all those in attendance!
Plahn. Their words brought the FRCSCV programs
ts as Teachers and Suzy Rodriguez,
Thanks to Scott Hippert, President/CEO of Paren
Wisconsin Parents as Teachers office
Home Visiting National Model Specialist with our
hear Mr. Hippert acknowledge the
for attending this year’s event. It was exciting to
to say he will be sharing our story in
wonderful work going on in St. Croix Valley AND
to Donna and Patrick Hayes, our
Washington D.C. Finally, a heartfelt congratulations
r!
volunteer award winners, for a much-deser ved hono
Reach for the Stars sub-committee,
Thanks also to the Development Committee and
rs and bidders. A special thank-you to
business sponsors, volunteers, auction item dono
in Thompson and Office Manager
Development & Communications Coordinator Krist
that it was. If you haven’t attended Reach
Keri Fitts who really made this event the success
We would love to see you there.
for the Stars in the past, consider it for next year.
ership. Thanks to generous
I would also like to announce an exciting new partn
partner with Polk United and
will
support from the St. Croix Valley Foundation, we
4-week classes this summer. This
Hungry Turtle Institute to provide a series of three
focus on nutrition and exercise and
pilot initiative, Healthy Families St. Croix Valley, will
a dietician & yogi, a parent educator and
facilitated by experts in the field including a chef,
ination event at one of the CSA farms –
a master gardener. The series will end with a culm
” concept.
where families can see first-hand the “farm to table
wishes to Nini Milbrath as our outgoing
I would also like to take a moment to extend best
to welcome incoming board members
board member. Thank you Nini! I would also like
you both to the FRCSCV Board of
Agnes Ring and Larry Gee. We excitedly welcome
Directors.
Have a GREAT summer!
Patricia Draxler, Executive Director
Michelle Plahn and family of River Falls have
participated in Home Visiting and Play & Learn
in the Parks. Michelle spoke at Reach for the Stars.
Anne Moore and family of Amery have
participated in Baby & Me and Play & Learn.
Anne was also a participant speaker at
Reach for the Stars.
FRCSCV’s
Grandchildren Honor Roll
CHUCK & MARY SUE ASH of Hudson, WI
Grandchildren: Christian & Charlie Ash of Fridley, MN
Elizabeth & Gracie Strandberg of Duluth, MN
BRAD & BETSY BYKER of Osceola, WI
Grandchildren: Ava Schueller of Osceola, WI
August Byker of Wasilla, AK
HOWARD & TERESA CAMERON of Hudson, WI
Niece & Nephews: Rachel, Andrew & Noah Burns of
Hudson, WI
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
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
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
JANET & JON SCHNEEWIND of Hudson, WI
Grandchildren: Erin Dusek of LaCrosse, WI
Christopher & Connor Dusek of Knapp, WI
Rachel Frankel of Cedar Park, TX
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
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 or
kristin@frcscv.org to add a new grandchild to your list
Dick’s Fresh
Market hosts
“Donate a Dollar”
campaign
Thank you Dick’s Fresh Market in
Amery, Osceola and River Falls
for hosting a “Donate a Dollar
for Kids” the week of March
23, raising $1,137 for Family
Resource Center programs!
If your business is interested in
hosting a fundraising event to
benefit FRCSCV, please contact
Kristin at 715-684-4440 or
kristin@frcscv.org.
Thrivent Financial
supports programs
for local families
ACTIVITIES – June - July - August
CALENDAR FOR SUMMER 2015 GROUPS
BABY & ME
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. Pre-registration is required by
calling 715-684-4440.
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,
Cascade 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 & LEARN IN THE PARKS
Parents and their toddlers or preschoolers will have the opportunity to explore the natural
resources of the St. Croix Valley. Learning activities will include planting vegetables and
sampling healthy snacks from our local farmer’s markets, as well as plenty of physical
activity for the family. As usual groups will include music, structured group activities, story
time and snack. Note: Park stickers will be needed for state park locations. A limited
number of scholarships are available.
Amery
Tuesdays, 10-11:30 am, DD Kennedy County Park
Hudson
Thursdays, 10-11:30 am, Willow River State Park
River Falls Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am, Kinnickinnic State Park
Pre-registration is required by calling 715-684-4440 beginning
June 1 at 9:00 a.m. Classes begin the week of June 8 and run through
August 24. Play and Learn Groups will not meet the week of June 29 or July 27.
Family Resource Center
St. Croix Valley is eligible to
receive contributions through a
unique charitable grant program
called Thrivent Choice®. Eligible
members of Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans can recommend
where some of Thrivent Financial’s
charitable outreach funds go by
participating in Voting Events and
directing Choice Dollars®.
To learn more, visit Thrivent.com/
thriventchoice. HEALTHY FAMILIES ST. CROIX VALLEY
Join us this summer for a new 4-week class on healthy
food preparation and cooking, activities for parents and
children (preschool age and younger), yoga and relaxation
instruction.
Three sessions available at no cost to families. Offered in
partnership with the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley,
the Hungry Turtle Institute and Polk United. Funded by the St.
Croix Valley Foundation.
Mondays, 1-3 pm at Hungry Turtle Institute, 110 Keller Ave N., Amery
Sessions begin June 8, July 6 and Aug 3. Registration for this
new program ends June 1. Call 715-684-4440 to register today.
Fall Play & Learn registration is Monday, August 31 by calling 715-684-4440.
Classes begin the week of September 8.
Tenth Annual Reach for the Stars (cont’d)
Attendees heard from two participant speakers
about the impact the Family Resource Center
had for them as parents. “I feel that the programs
at the Family Resource Center are important
to both new and experienced parents to give
them that sense that they are not alone and
they belong, said Anne Moore of Amery.
“Home visiting helps me be a better parent,”
said Michelle Plahn of River Falls. “It’s one of
the best feelings in the world knowing these
resources exist.”
The success of Reach for the Stars is possible,
in part, due to the generosity of event sponsors.
Family Resource Center would like to thank
the 2015 sponsors and recognize those who
provided support at $1,000+:
es! I want to help the Family
Y
Resource Center St. Croix
Valley give children the best
start possible!
Name(s)__________________________
________________________________
Address__________________________
________________________________
City_____________________________
State___________ Zip______________
Phone___________________________
This tenth annual event set a new standard for
fundraising, with a record high total of almost
$53,000 raised for Family Resource Center
programs for area families. The bar was raised for
the annual Reach for the Stars dessert auction
as well, with the total funds raised exceeding
$15,000 and the highest bid on a cake going to
a dessert baked by Emma O’Connell, age 14,
herself a past participant of Play & Learn.
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):
_______________________________
Emma O’Connell and Karissa Danielson
volunteered to serve desserts at the
10th annual Reach for the Stars.
I would like to make a
recurring monthly donation.
Amount $___________
PHOTO CREDIT: KNOEBEL PORTRAIT DESIGN
______My employer will match my gift;
please contact me.
FRCSCV Publishes Book (cont’d)
Resource Center staff ventured into publishing
a book because of the desire to make a lasting
impression with families during a joyful, yet
stressful and sleepless time. “New parents receive
lots of information during their brief hospital
stay,” said Program Coordinator Betsy Byker.
“We hope our book will serve as a reminder that
we are here to help.”
Local photographer Stacey Knoebel, owner of
Knoebel Portrait Design in Roberts and Family
Resource Center volunteer, provided her
professional photography and graphic design
services for the project. “I started working with
the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley a
few years ago when I photographed their annual
Reach for the Stars fundraiser,” said Knoebel. “When [Development & Communications
Coordinator] Kristin Thompson approached
me about the board book idea, I jumped in
wholeheartedly because I knew this would be a
great way to help them reach families.”
______Please contact me about making
a gift through my will or estate plan.
Photo (L to R) back row:
Betsy Byker and Kristin Thompson, Family Resource
Center; Angie Pilgrim, St. Croix Valley Foundation;
Patty Draxler, Family Resource Center; John Coughlin,
United Way St. Croix Valley; Lesley Simons, Family
Resource Center. Front row: Participant Amanda Wersal and son Ryan, Participant Ahri Clark and daughter
Vienna, Stacey Knoebel, Knoebel Portrait Design.
Family Resource Center programs. “The
pictures are showing real-life people navigating
parenthood for the first time, said Parent
Educator Lesley Simons. “We hope parents feel
a connection with these families and can see
themselves in the pages. Reading is a life-long
skill that starts at birth, and our hope in creating
this book is that as parents read the words, they
see the amazing ways their baby is showing them
All of the families in the book are participants in exactly what they need.”
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)
______ Permanent fund
______ Other
Thank you for helping us “Grow Kids
By Growing families!”
Detach Donation Form and mail to:
Family Resource Center
St. Croix Valley
857 Main Street
P.O. Box 2087
Baldwin, WI 54002
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
St.
Valley
Growing Croix
Kids by Growing
Families
Growing Kids by Growing Families
857 Main Street
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
ST. CROIX VALLEY
PO Box 2087
Baldwin, WI 54002
Phone: (715) 684-4440
Fax: (715) 684-5122
E-mail: info@frcscv.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EAU CLAIRE, WI
PERMIT NO. 1557
United Way
St. Croix Valley
Help us reduce cost when you contact
us to receive this newsletter by e-mail.
THANK YOU, SPONSORS
We are grateful to the following local businesses that help us by sponsoring this newsletter:
Amery Hospital & Clinic - www.amerymedicalcenter.org
First State Bank and Trust - www.bayportbank.com
Associated Bank - 715-684-3266
Heywood, Cari & Anderson, SC - www.heywoodandcari.com
Bakke Norman - 715-246-3800
Liquor Haus - 715-684-2578
Baldwin Area Medical Center - www.healthybaldwin.org
McMillan Electric Company - www.mcmillanelectric.com
Bridge Investment Group - www.bridgeinvestmentgrp.com
Minuteman Press - www.hudson.minutemanpress.com
Byrnes Law Office - 715-268-5000
Nilssen’s - Baldwin, Clear Lake & Ellsworth - www.nilssensfoods.com
CarlsonHighland - www.carlsonhighlandcpa.com
Shafer Financial Services - www.shaferfinancialservices.com
Central Bank - www.centralbnk.com
The Orchard of Baldwin - 715-688-6666
CliftonLarsonAllen - www.cliftonlarsonallen.com
Valley Orthodontics - www.valley-orthodontics.com
First Bank of Baldwin - www.firstbankbaldwin.com
Village Pharmacy - www.villagepharmacybaldwin.com
First National Bank of River Falls - www.fnbrf.com
Vital Plastics - www.vitalplastics.com
First National Community Bank - www.FN-CB.com
WESTconsin Credit Union - www.westconsincu.org
Would you like to publicize how your business supports our community?
Call Keri or Kristin at (715) 684-4440.