4800 Golf Road, Suite 450, Eau Claire, WI 54701 | phone 715.833.1735 | fax 715.833.1215 | email frcec@frcec.org
December, January & February Winter 2011 | Volume 12 Issue 4
FRC Staff
From the Executive Director
Brook Berg | Executive Director
brook@frcec.org I write this note with such excitement! Our new
Lisa Hood | Administrative Assistant home is fabulous! If you have not been out to the
frcec@frcec.org Oakwood Mall to visit us yet, you're missing out!
When our agency did some strategic planning two
Melissa Lokken | Parent Educator
years ago, one of our goals was to reach more
melissa@frcec.org
families. I can proudly say that we are definitely
Lita Prorok | MATCh Specialist reaching more families! In the first two months, we
match@frcec.org have served 126 participants in play n’ learn, 313 during drop in and
play and over 112 people have just stopped in to see what the FRC is
Amanda Shilts | Parent Educator
all about. We look forward to the anticipated growth and continued
amanda@frcec.org
strengthening of families in our community!
With that said, our agency has been one of many facing drastic
funding cuts. We need your support now more than ever. We are
Board of Directors serving more families on less money -- and we invite you to
contribute to this wonderful cause by making a donation. Every
President Dave Swan | Retired, UW- donation matters, and I truly mean that. By giving, you are changing
Stout the lives of children and families who are your neighbors.
Vice President Jeff Sauter | Dove
Healthcare South And finally, I urge you to check out FRC's newest program, Drop &
Shop! We are now offering drop in child care services for the
Secretary Brook Steele | Sacred
Heart Hospital shoppers of Oakwood Mall! See page 6 for more information on this
exciting new venture for FRC.
Treasurer Chrystal Mills | Eau Claire
Area Chamber of Commerce
Susan Rusboldt | Retired, Wisconsin
Department of Children & Families
Jeff Smith | Former State
Representative
Dr. Emily Smith-Nguyen | Smith & Brook Berg
Prissel Chiropractic
Dr. Jennifer Eddy | University of
Wisconsin Department of Family
Medicine Stop in and visit the FRC
Cindy Peterson | Weld, Riley, Prenn
playroom, sponsored by
& Ricci, S.C.
NEW Drop in & Play Hours | Monday and Wednesday 11:45a—4:00p, Tuesday 11:45a—7:00p, Thursday 9:00a—4:00p
Friday 9:00a—3:00p and Saturday 10:00a—12:00p
NEW Drop & Shop Hours | Thursdays 6:00—8:00p, Saturdays 12:00—5:00p, Sundays, 12:00—5:00p
Center Closed | Saturday, December 24, Monday, December 26 & Saturday, December 31 (All Day) and
Tuesday, January 3 (From 12:00p—4:00p )
Thank You!
We would like to thank all of the volunteers and companies that helped make our move smooth by either helping us get
our offices set up or donating products and services to our new location!
For helping us get from point A to point B: Jeff & Donna Sauter
Lisa Hood
Melissa & Cal Lokken
Bonnie & Mike Berg
Cindy & Ken Peterson
Emily & Jason Duss
Jon & Anna Palin
Tom Thorsness
Brook Steele
Amanda, Gabe & Aiden Shilts
Zoe Kiper
Rick, Ann & Brady Kaiser
Brenda & Mike Moe
Susan & Tom Rusboldt
Jennifer Eddy, Mark & Nathaniel Gideonsen
Dave Swan
Donated carpet cleaning services Painting provided by Chad McFarlin & Sponsored
by Smith & Prissel
Donated 10 gallons of fun colored paint!
FRC is looking for volunteer caregivers for our Drop & Shop program!
If you have experience with children and are interested,
please contact us or find out more online at www.frcec.org.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
~Elizabeth Andrew
FRC’s Wish List
Kitchen Garbage Bags Copy Paper Stickers
Postage Stamps Mailing Envelopes Color Copy Paper
Art & Craft Supplies Office Supplies Cardstock
Batteries - AA, AAA, C, D, 9-Volt Clorox Wipes Dust Buster
Beverages - Coffee, Juice, Bottled Water Ziplock Bags New Toys
Yellow Construction Paper Gas Gift cards Volunteers
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Volunteers & Donors...We Couldn’t Do it Without You!
Thank you to our volunteers & donors!
Volunteers | Geri Biszmaier, Judy Hayden, Susan Krahn, Dave Langhus, Lauri Malnory, Samantha Reilly,
Sandi Stanton, Sue Sumner, Laurie Zakrzewski, Board Members, & Committee Members
Donors | Anonymous, Bonnie Berg, Brook Berg, Rachel Brogelman, David Buchkoshi, Jessica Burkhart, Darlene
Clarken, Kathy Cooper, Eau Claire Dairy Council, Season Dixon, Emily Duss, Jennifer Eddy & Mark Gideonsen,
Elizabeth Ernst, Beth Ernst, Fairmont Mineral Foundation, Angie Fitzgibbons, Emily Gehling, Donna Geisdorf,
Gulden's Pluming, Thomas Gustafson, Tara Holland, Lisa Hood, Naghma Husain, Amy Kersten, Dave Langhus,
Melissa Lokken, Amanda McCain, Monnie Mullen-Burkart, Dave Myers, Dan Conroy Nexen, Shannon Paulus,
James Peacock, Nicole Pederson, Jeannie Pittenger, Barb Postl, Corey Powers, Richie, Wickstrom & Wachs,
Emily Smith-Nguyen, Square Inc, Jessica Strauch, Sara Szymanski, Maggie Vinopal, Sue Walsh, Brittany White,
Betty Willliamson, Women's Way
Play n’ Learn Play Groups
A fun, interactive time for you and your child! Experience creative learning activities, learn about your
child’s development and connect with other parents.
Registration: You can now register for play groups online! The registration forms will be active starting at 10:00am on the day of pre-
registration. You can also call FRC to pre-register your child for Play n’ Learn. Please indicate your first and second choices when pre-
registering. You will be notified of which group your child is in two weeks prior to the start date of the group.
Winter Session #1 Winter Session #2
Monday, January 2 – Wednesday, February 8
Monday, February 20 – Wednesday, April 4
Mondays 10-11:30 (18 mo-5yr)
Mondays 10-11:30 (18 mo-5yr)
Tuesdays 9-10:15 (18 mo-5yr)
Tuesdays 9-10:15 (18 mo-5yr)
Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 (6-24 mo)
Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 (6-24 mo)
Wednesdays 9-10:15 (18 mo-5yr)
Wednesdays 9-10:15 (18 mo-5yr)
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 (18 mo-5yr)
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 (18 mo-5yr)
*Preregistration Date:
*Preregistration Date:
Monday, December 12 at 10:00am
Monday, January 30 at 10:00am
(Please note: We will not meet the week of March 19!)
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Upcoming FRC Events
Please call 715.833.1735 or visit our online registration page at www.frcec.org. Just click on “Sign Up for Classes!” and complete the
form. Registration is required and free child care will be provided if requested. {All classes will take place at the Family Resource
Center in Oakwood Mall unless otherwise noted.}
Friday, December 2 Holiday Make and Take / Melissa Lokken, FRC Parent Educator
10:00-11:00 am School is out and the holiday spirit has begun. Join us with your child to make holiday
FRC | $5 per child, crafts that will brighten your house for the holidays. Ages 2-10.
$10 maximum Must pre-register to attend!
Monday December 5 Date with Dad: Pizza & Games
5:30-7:00 pm ECASD Early Learning, Western Dairyland, & FRC
Delong Middle School Dads or any significant male role models are invited to bring their pre-school aged
children to enjoy making pizza and playing games together. A meal will be provided.
Friday, December 9 Holiday Cooking with Kids / Susan Krahn, Public Health Nutritionist
10:00-11:30 am Cooking with children is a special way to create memories of the holiday season. Join us
FRC to discuss ideas for involving kids in the kitchen with recipes and ideas for homemade
food gifts.
Tuesday, December 13 Responsible & Respectful Discipline / Sharon Besterfeldt
6:00-7:00 pm Participants will receive a basic understanding of what it means to parent using
FRC Restitution. It is a form of discipline which, in part, helps a parent find an appropriate
position of control while also helping the child fix a problem or problem behavior.
Tuesday, January 3 What is Your Parenting Style? / Amanda Shilts, FRC Parent Educator
6:00-7:00 pm Come and explore your parenting style, how this affects your relationship with your child,
FRC and how best to work with your child's temperament. Find out information on parenting
style outcomes, and take a personality quiz!
Friday, January 6 Family Organization for the New Year / Melissa Lokken, FRC Parent Educator
10:00-11:30 am Got kids and clutter? Join us for simple and easy ways to organize your family. From
FRC the playroom to the kitchen, get tips and tricks to make family clutter organized for the
start of a new year!
Tuesday, January 10 Supernanny 101! / Brook Berg, FRC Executive Director
6:00-7:30 pm Have you tried to discipline your children but feel like it's just not working? Join us for a
FRC discussion based on the Supernanny techniques and also learn about natural and logical
consequences. You will leave the class feeling a "can do" attitude about discipline!
Wednesday, January 11 The Parenting Class / Melissa Lokken, FRC Parent Educator
2:00-4:00 pm The Parenting Class will cover various general parenting topics such as; anger
FRC | Fee $10 management, communication, responsible children, discipline and routines.
Friday, January 13 At Home Strategies for Success / Lori Placke-Wirth, Sylvan Learning Center
10:00-11:00 am Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent
FRC knows how best to help their children meet academic challenges, including completion of
homework assignments. This class will offer parents tips and advice to develop a home-
work plan for back-to-school success.
Friday, January 20 Healthy Snacks / Susan Krahn, Public Health Nutritionist
10:00-11:30 am Growing children benefit from healthy snacks! Learn why snacks play an important role
FRC in good nutrition for kids. Recipes and ideas for healthy snacks will be shared.
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To sign up for classes or receive class updates, visit our website www.frcec.org or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/frcec
or call 715.833.1735. {All classes will take place at the Family Resource Center in Oakwood Mall unless otherwise noted.}
Saturday, January 21 Date with Dad: Sledding
12:00-1:30 pm ECASD Early Learning, Western Dairyland, & FRC
Altoona Head Start Dads or any significant male role models are invited to grab a sled if you have one and
join your pre-school aged children at Altoona Head Start for an afternoon of sledding fun!
Lunch will be provided.
Tuesday, January 24 Divorce and Separation; Stress on Children / Lita Prorok, MATCh Specialist
6:00-7:00 pm This class will assist you in learning how to talk to your kids about divorce and/or
FRC separation, as well as help them through the difficult time. What information should
you share with them? How should you answer their questions? How can you work on
co-parenting with your ex?
Wednesday, January 25 Building Baby’s Brain / Sandi Stanton, EC County BRAIN Team
6:30-8:00 pm Learn how positive interactions with your baby enhance social and emotional
FRC development, creativity, and even IQ. Activities for specific ages will be shared and
demonstrated. Class content will be geared towards development from birth to age 3.
Fee $10
Sponsored by the Eau Claire County Brain Team
Tuesday, February 7 To Pee or Not to Pee / Melissa Lokken, FRC Parent Educator
6:00-7:00 pm Join us to discuss tips, tricks and timing when it comes to potty training your child. Find
FRC out when you should start and how to go about it!
Wednesday, February 8 The Parenting Class / Melissa Lokken, FRC Parent Educator
2:00-4:00 pm The Parenting Class will cover various general parenting topics such as; anger
FRC | Fee $10 management, communication, responsible children, discipline and routines.
Friday, February 10 Infant Massage / Emily Walker, CIMI and Licensed Massage Therapist
10:00-11:00 am Learn different massage strokes and techniques to help soothe and calm your baby.
FRC Massage can help with colic, belly discomfort, sleep troubles, teething and many more.
Massage is an excellent way to create a positive bond between baby and parents.
Dads are welcome too!
Friday, February 17 Raising Responsible Children / Brook Berg, FRC Executive Director
10:00-11:00 am Responsibility is a skill you can teach…it’s never too late to start! We will focus on
FRC problem solving, consequences, recognizing effective limits and more.
Monday, February 27 Date with Dad: Nascar & Blocks
5:30-7:00 pm ECASD Early Learning, Western Dairyland, & FRC
ECASD District Office Dads or any significant male role models are invited to bring their pre-school aged
children to the Eau Claire Area School District Building for an evening of fun! Blocks can
be the best toy your child can learn from. Join us for playing with all kinds of blocks
using race cars and more! A meal will be provided.
Wednesday, February 29 Music and the Brain / Sandi Stanton and Laurie Zakrzewski
5:30-6:30 pm Play, dance, and move with your child while we explore ways music and fun helps build
FRC brains and healthy relationships. Learn about the brain and experience things you can
easily do at home and have fun while boosting the brain.
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Additional FRC Programs
Drop & Shop
Check out our new, drop-in child care service! Now your child can enjoy the
FRC playroom while you shop Oakwood Mall—kid-free!
Drop & Shop hours are: Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm
Saturdays 12:00-5:00 pm
Sundays 12:00-5:00 pm
• We welcome children ages 1-10 on a first come, first served basis
• $10 cash only fee for one child for up to 2 hours of care ($5 for additional children)
• Parents must remain in the Oakwood Mall and have an active cell phone with them
For more information, email frcec@frcec.org or call (715) 833-1735
The Parenting Class Online*
The Parenting Class will cover various general parenting topics such as: anger
management, communication, responsible children, discipline and routines. Course
takes approximately 3 hours to complete.* Take this self-paced class online and
receive a certificate upon completion. Cost is $10. For more information or to register
call the Family Resource Center at 715-833-1735.
*Must have an email account to receive and submit assignments to instructor. Although class takes
approximately 3 hours to complete, all assignments must be approved before new material is given.
Class timeline works best in a 5-10 day period at minimum but can be self-paced to fit individual’s
needs.
Parents As Teachers
“I love FRC because I can make sure my babies are on track and get ideas to do with
them. I love the home visiting girls; they are always there to help when I am feeling down.”
~ FRC parent
Parents As Teachers is designed to provide guidance and support to families of all configurations
and life circumstances. We provide timely information on child development, intellectual growth,
social development, and motor skills, and we help parents understand and have appropriate ex-
pectations for each stage of their child's development. We offer practical ideas on ways to en-
courage learning and to gain new insights and share their experiences, common concerns and
successes. To give your child a head start, call us today to register for PAT!
The cold winter months can be a difficult time for children and adolescents. They are in the middle of a school
year, the weather is not the most enjoyable, the holidays can get hectic, and mental health issues can escalate.
Make sure your child continues to have positive avenues to turn to. These can be things such as a positive support
system, getting some fresh air and sunshine on “fair” weather days, having a consistent schedule to follow, and par-
ticipating in activities or hobbies they enjoy. Just as adults need to monitor their emotional well-being during the
winter months, so do children and adolescents. Need ideas on how to fight the winter blahs and keep a positive
spirit? Contact the MATCh program at 715-552-1365 or match@frcec.org.
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We love our sponsors….
!
nk you
Tha
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Non-Profit
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 1557
4800 Golf Road, Suite 450
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 715-833-1735
Fax: 715-833-1215
E-mail: frcec@frcec.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/frcec
Website: www.frcec.org
Look Inside to Find…
Family Resource Center’s new programs:
The Parenting Class Online*
FRC Drop & Shop
Major Funding Provided By
A special thank you to Sacred Heart Hospital for
funding the printing of FRC’s quarterly newsletter.
The mission of the Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County
is to provide programs and services that build on family strengths through prevention,
education, support, and collaboration with other resources in the community.
The Family Resource Center is available to all families and children in Eau Claire County.
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