Dr. Yoana Newman and her team of students presented at the national forage bowl.  Jace Heimann is a senior crop science major, Hannah Schull is a sophomore, Tucker Lundquist will be a senior, and Ryan Botema is a soil science major.  The Forage Bowl is part of a national conference held in 2024 in Mobile AL.  The group is the  American Forage & Grassland Council,  which includes 22 affiliate councils and more than 2500 members. 

Youth Exchange Camp in July:  Elaine started by describing her current and future leadership roles in North Star Youth Exchange (NSYE).  The international camp coming in July will have twelve 15-17 year-olds from countries around the world.  This camp is one of only two in the US this year.  The theme is "summer fun, history, and culture in the Land of 10,000 Lakes".  Campers must be able to swim and to participate in hiking and other physical activities.  Click 'Read More' for further details.

 

Literacy Event:  Tony is working to restart a monthly reading program at the River Falls Public Library.  Jump Start to Literacy ran the program from 2013 until Covid stopped it.  The thrust is to get families with few resources to the RFPL.  With the knowledge that having books in the home is an important predictor of success in reading later in life, a goal of this event is to have every child leave the RFPL with their own book.   In addition to the book giveaway, there are healthful snacks, movement activities, and a reading.  Tony is seeking help to collect contact information, help to publicize the monthly event, greet, transport books to RFPL, prepare and serve refreshments, and to be a guest reader.   Click Read More for more on this item.

Coming Up This Week --  Rotary Night at Fighting Fish Baseball  Saturday 6/8.  We need concessionaires and 50-50 raffle hawkers!

Ryan Pechacek, high school teacher specializing in agricultural subjects at RFHS, introduced himself as a lifelong River Falls resident and River Falls High School graduate.  He cited the influence of a teacher who encouraged him to overcome shyness as a high school freshmen and try public speaking.  After high school, Ryan attended UWRF.  He showed us his mission statement as a teacher, something that principal Kit Luedtke asked from all teaching staff.  Ryan said that his personal philosophy stresses the importance of building relationships with others, and it is an important part of what he does as an educator.

 

Our hosts at Abundant Life Church started with a tour of the Daycare facility, which serves around 85 young children from babies to preschool and includes a 4K program.  We got a look at the rooms and equipment suited to the various ages of the children.  We toured in small groups to make it easier and less disruptive to the children and staff.  The 4K program that prepares preschoolers for moving on to kindergarten.  After our tour, we moved to the sanctuary, which doubles as the gym/recreation area for the learning center students during the school week.  We were treated to an excellent breakfast as we started our meeting.