Entries sought for annual chili cook-off

Participants are sought for State Bank Financial’s 17th annual Chili Cook-off, which is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Southside Oktoberfest Grounds.

All proceeds from the event directly benefit area Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Gang Resistance Education and Training programs, as well as Habitat for Humanity of the La Crosse Area.

Individuals and/or teams have the option to sign up to compete in one of six different divisions; media, professional, nonprofit, business, individual or government. As in the past, teams will compete for the best chili as selected by popular vote and prizes will be awarded in each category.

Area businesses looking to support the cook-off but unable to cook are welcome to donate raffle items.

The cook-off raised almost $14,000 last year, and over the past 16 years businesses and residents of the greater La Crosse area have contributed more than $170,000 to the local DARE and GREAT programs through the Chili Cook-off.

For more information, contact event co-chairs Brittany Bybee at 791-4533 or Sarah Ellingson at 791-4540 or log onto www.statebankfinancial.com.

Acoustic duo set to perform at Western

Ryanhood, an acoustic rock duo, will perform in the courtyard at Western Technical College in La Crosse on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Western’s Campus Events Committee is sponsoring this event, which is free and open to the public.

From Tucson, Ariz., Ryanhood features Ryan Green and Cameron Hood on acoustic guitar. The Western performance is part of a tour of college campuses around the country.

Web site offers chance to thank troops

A new Web site gives the public a nonpartisan opportunity to join entertainers, professional athletes and politicians in expressing gratitude to those in the military.

“What we wanted to do and, I think, something that we were equipped to do, was to provide a forum that is really meant to be uplifting (to servicemembers),” said Stacey Artandi, founder of Moment of Thanks. “It’s meant to say (to Americans), ‘Shed your politics. Put them aside, and take a moment to be grateful for some of the things that we really cherish.’”

The site allows for the upload of videos, photos or text containing a positive message for the troops at no cost. Registration is required to upload material, however.

The site can be accessed at http://www.momentofthanks.com.

Run, bike golf event to benefit Children’s Museum

Drugan’s Castle Mound Golf Course north of Holmen will host a special fundraising triathlon to benefit the Children’s Museum of La Crosse.

The Triquest event, which will take place Sept. 21, will involve a 5K run, a 33K bike ride and 18 holes of golf.

The Children’s Museum of La Crosse will be the beneficiary of this year’s Tri-Quest.

People can participate individually or as part of a two- or three-person team. Fee is $95 per person for individual and two-person team, and $50 per person for three-person team. Register before Sept. 1 (go to tri-quest.org) and take $10 off each entry fee.

Participant benefits include a free spaghetti dinner (donated by DiSciascio’s Coon Creek Inn) on Sept. 20 and a long-sleeved event T-shirt.

Event organizers will pay $25 for each new participant a person refers who identifies that person on his/her registration form. Also, for every $50 participants raise in pledges, they will get $15 and a prize drawing entry.

Sponsors help cover event expenses so all proceeds can directly benefit youths. Contact Kelly at 792-9591 or Kelly.Nowicki@gmail.com about sponsorship opportunities and benefits.

For more information, log onto tri-quest.org or call 791-0078.

WAFER plans food drive for Aug. 29

The West Avenue Food Emergency Resource food pantry will hold a food drive from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Village Quillin’s grocery store in La Crosse and the Onalaska Festival Foods. Items particularly needed are peanut butter, soups, spaghetti sauce and pasta.

Chinese cooking program offered

In honor of the summer 2008 Olympics being held in Beijing, La Crosse County Health Department Nutrition staff will offer a noon Healthy Living for a Lifetime Session called “Explore Healthy Chinese Cuisine.”

In this Aug. 21 session, participants will examine the world of quick, easy and healthy Chinese cooking, with.samples to try and recipes to take home.

The program will run from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in the basement auditorium of the La Crosse County Administration Center, 400 Fourth St. N., La Crosse. To register, contact Judy deBack at Deback.judy@co.la-crosse.wi.us or 785-9865.

FEMA disaster aid deadline is Sept. 15

Wisconsin residents in 30 counties — including La Crosse County — have until Monday, Sept. 15, to register for disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency related to the June flooding.

FEMA and state recovery aid to residents includes grants for emergency disaster housing and essential repairs; grants for necessities not covered by insurance or other sources; low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration; and unemployment benefits, disaster legal services and crisis counseling.

A toll-free helpline is available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 1-800-621-3362. Or log onto www.fema.gov.

Free retirement planning talk scheduled

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jason Bernard-Buehrle of Onalaska will host a free seminar, “Smart Choices in Retirement,” at noon Aug. 20 at Ciatti’s Italian Restaurant in Onalaska.

During the seminar, participants will learn 10 principles to help them make their money last in retirement, with the goal of providing a stable, steady retirement income.

The seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Jason, Ruth Ann or Jan at 781-4000.

Health Web site, hot line launched

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently launched a new toll-free information hotline to get information on nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other health or hospice agencies. A new Web site also offers people a new way to submit concerns regarding regulated facilities in the state.

People can call 1-800-642-6552 to get information about health care facilities or to report a complaint. People can go to http://dhs.wisconsin.gov and submit a complaint from the homepage.

Farmer’s market now available

The West Salem farmer’s market will be held on Wednesdays from 3-6:30 p.m. now through Oct. 15. The market is held at the parking lot next to the bike shelter at the corner of Mill and Jefferson streets.

In addition to fresh produce, the farmer’s market features other items, such as plants and yard ornaments.

Vendors who take part in the West Salem farmer’s market must pay a $5 fee to display their goods each week, or there is a $35 season rate. Vendors must also have a permit from the La Crosse County Health Department displayed at their booth.

Those interested in taking part in the West Salem farmer’s market can contact Denise Jones at 786-1426.

Rec office has discounted attraction tickets

The West Salem Parks and Recreation Department is selling discounted tickets to various Wisconsin Dells attractions for the summer of 2008. Other discounted tickets are also available for the Milwaukee County Zoo, Six Flags Great America and Valley Fair.

For more information on programs or tickets, visit www.westsalemwi.com, stop in the recreation office located in village hall or call 786-0222.

County offers back-to-school help program

La Crosse County is again coordinating a back-to-school project, collecting school supplies and backpacks for local low-income children through Aug. 29.

This year’s community drop off locations include the La Crosse County Health Department, Great Rivers United Way, Office Depot, Wal-mart, Kwik Trip and T.J. Maxx.

The program seeks donations of school supplies (new or gently used) including, but not limited to: crayons, paper (wide and college-ruled, spiral notebooks and loose-leaf packs), scissors, glue (liquid and sticks), pens, pencils, calculators, colored pencils, markers, erasers, highlighters, three-ring binders, folders, rulers, school boxes and backpacks.

YES AmeriCorps seeks volunteers

YES AmeriCorps seeks full-time and half-time members for its 14th year in the La Crosse area.

One of the oldest AmeriCorps programs in the state, the La Crosse chapter started in 1995 with a focus on children. Volunteers work in local schools and organizations to reduce hunger and promote literacy, health, safety and volunteerism.

The 2008-09 program runs from September through July 2009. For more information, call Linda Zimmerman at (608) 785-7003 or e-mail zimmermanl@workforce connections.org.

Qigong classes offered at clinic

Franciscan Skemp’s Onalaska Clinic will host a series of monthly sessions on Spring Forest Qigong beginning in September.

Qigong or “energy-work” is an ancient Chinese meditation exercise that combines visualization, breath, posture and sound to restore and maintain one’s natural state of vibrancy and balance.

Spring Forest Qigong is a form of Qigong created by master Chunyi Lin, who operates the Spring Forest Qigong Center in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Instructor Brian Wright, who has been a student of Spring Forest Qigong for more than 10 years, will lead the classes, which will be held at the Center for Health and Healing in the Onalaska clinic.

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays: Sept. 6, Oct. 18, Dec. 6, Jan. 17, March 7 and April 18.

Cost is $30. For more information or to register, call 392-4172.

Sign-up on the Web for breast cancer event

People don’t have to wait until the last minute to support local breast cancer research at Gundersen Lutheran’s Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care.

Hundreds of breast cancer survivors and thousands of friends, family members and co-workers are expected for this year’s Steppin’ Out in Pink on Saturday, Sept. 6.

This year, participants are encouraged to register online. Visit the Steppin’ Out in Pink Web site at gundluth.org/SteppinOut and click “Register Online” for a quick and easy registration.

Dave’s Guitar Shop teams up with Guitars for Vets

Guitars for Vets and Dave’s Guitar Shop in La Crosse recently announced they will team up to supply guitars and instruction to veterans.

Dave’s will become a drop off point for donated guitars and funds along with hosting periodic events and possible clinics for the Milwaukee-based Guitars for Vets.

Dave’s Guitar Shop is a nationally recognized retail and Internet outlet for new, used and rare collectable instruments, in business since 1982. The store, with its trademark guitar neck sign, is located at 1227 Third St. S.

“It is truly exciting and speaks volumes when someone of Dave Rogers stature in the industry gets involved in helping America’s heroes to heal wounds both physical and mental.” said John Lindner, executive director of Guitars for Vets. “The power of music and its ability to allow you to emote in a positive manner through the instrument does wonders in the healing process.”

Dave Rogers, owner of Dave’s Guitar Shop, said he believes it is important for businesses to give back. “I can think of no better cause than America’s veterans,” Rogers said. “Having had the blessing to be successful over these years, teaming up with an organization like Guitars for Vets is a great fit for us.”

Guitars for Vets began in late 2007 with musicians performing at the VA every Friday in the spinal cord injury unit. The organization is seeking donations to fund current programs and future expansion.

More details are available online at www.guitarsforvets.org.

No-call list extends to cell phones

Wisconsin’s no-call list at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is doubling the number of intake lines from 48 to 96 in anticipation of consumers signing up their cell phones for the first time.

The law allowing cell phones on the list was recently passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Doyle.

“No call is the most popular consumer protection program ever in this state,” said DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. “We are happy to be adding cell phones to the list.”

Consumers have from June 6 until the end of August to get on the next no-call list starting in October.

Consumers can sign up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by visiting the Wisconsin no-call list Web site at nocall.wisconsin.gov or calling 1-866-966-2255

Memory Walk event volunteers sought

Volunteers are needed to help organize the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk 2008, the largest fundraiser to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Next fall, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin will join more than 600 communities across the United States in a 2- to 5-mile walk to remember those with Alzheimer’s disease.

The 33 walks are organized by teams of local volunteers who are assisted by staff from the Alzheimer’s Association. The planning committees are forming now. Anyone interested in volunteering for a walk near them is encouraged to call Lori Bagniewski at 784-5011.

Medics to reward kids for bike safety

Tri-State Ambulance, Rudy’s Drive-In in La Crosse, The Frosty Mug in Holmen and the Dairy Queen in Onalaska are teaming up for a new bicycle helmet safety program called “Cool Kids — Cool Treats.”

When Tri-State Ambulance personnel observe a child 15 years old or younger wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle in public, the kids will be given a “ticket” entitling them to a free ice cream at The Frosty Mug or Dairy Queen or a root beer float at Rudy’s Drive-In when accompanied by an adult. The program runs through Aug. 31.

“Our hope is to raise helmet safety awareness,” said Matt Zavadsky, director of Tri-State Ambulance. “The goal is simple. Keep children out of the emergency room and provide some cool treats as incentive.”

Free child lead screenings offered

As part of Project LEAD, the EPA grant received by the La Crosse County Health Department in October 2007, free blood lead screening will be available the last Friday of each month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parents should call 785-9865 to reserve a time and come to the La Crosse County Health Department, 2nd Floor of the Health and Human Services Building, 300 4th Street La Crosse.

As part of Project LEAD, the Nutrition Services Department which houses the WIC Program, will offer the free blood lead testing. The test also is available at other times through public health nursing by making an appointment at 785-9723.

Children younger than 6 who have never been screened are encouraged to have a blood lead test done, and all children younger than 2 who live in a home or spend time in a home built before 1978, should be tested.

The testing is done with a finger prick sample of blood. Children whose screening results come back greater than 10 ug/dl are recommended to have a confirmatory blood draw done through their doctor’s office. There is no cost for the blood lead screening test.

Project LEAD is working with agencies that serve families with children younger than 6 to increase awareness and screening for lead poisoning, which continues to be a risk to children residing in homes built prior to 1978.

Outreach is being conducted to educate home owners, contractors and landlords of the need to remodel with regard to disturbing lead paint which was very likely to be used on surfaces painted in the 1970s and earlier.

For more information, call the La Crosse County Health Department at 785-9872.

Low-income phone discounts offered

Low-income consumers may qualify for assistance programs that discount initial telephone installation and basic monthly service, according to a recent announcement from CenturyTel.

The assistance programs, known as Link-Up and Lifeline, are available to qualifying consumers in every U.S. state (territory and commonwealth). Link-Up helps these consumers pay the initial costs of getting telephone service. Lifeline provides certain discounts on monthly service for qualified subscribers.

Qualifications for participation vary by state. States with their own programs have their own criteria. In states that rely solely on the federal program, the subscriber must participate in one of the following programs: Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Head Start, the National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or if the household annual gross income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.

The amount of the discounts also varies by state. This federal Link-Up program offsets one-half of the initial hook-up fee, up to $30, for qualified households.

People living in a CenturyTel service area should call 800-201-4099 or log onto www.centurytel.com/lifeline to inquire about eligibility.