The post EXTREME SELFIES OPENS DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE appeared first on News.
]]>That’s the idea behind Extreme Selfies, which Ricky and Ashley Shawley opened Saturday in the former Gallery La Crosse Artists Cooperative building at 320 Main St. in downtown La Crosse.
“There are a bunch of different rooms,” Ricky said last week. “Most of them are extreme and fun environments.” For example, one room has a backdrop and a pit filled with clear plastic balls, so you can create the illusion of being in the ocean with jellyfish.
People can bring their own cameras or smartphones (ring lights are available), or have their photos taken by Ashley Shawley Photography, which has moved from Holmen to the former Gallery La Crosse building.
Extreme Selfies’ hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The business also is available for private rentals, such as for birthday parties.
For more information, call 608-519-3201 or visit Extreme Selfies’ Facebook page. The new business soon will have a website.
For more information about Ashley Shawley Photography, call 608-518-5602 or visit www.ashleyshawleyphotography.com or Facebook.
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]]>The post GRANTS AID LA CROSSE COUNTY RETAIL BUSINESSES appeared first on News.
]]>Couleecap Inc., Downtown Mainstreet Inc., La Crosse County, the La Crosse Area Development Corporation, and North La Crosse Business Association partnered to create the Launch La Crosse Small Business Recovery Fund to assist small businesses in central commercial districts.
The grant fund was launched with about $100,000 in private donations, fueled by contributions from Wells Fargo, Dave and Barb Skogen, The Weber Group, Gail, Kristine and Sandra Cleary, State Bank Financial, Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions, Kwik Trip and Associated Bank.
The fund was started to help address the significant and immediate financial need facing area small business owners amid the growing public health concern, including business closings and changing market conditions.
“Many small business owners operate on extremely thin margins under normal conditions, so we knew there would be an immense need for financial support,” said Aaron Reimler, a business and income developer for Couleecap. “We’re extremely grateful for the donors who stepped up to help, allowing us get this program off the ground and start getting funds to small business owners as quickly as possible.”
In order to continue to support the program and work toward expanding eligibility, partner organizations are seeking private donations and funders to assist in continuing to support this fund.
These funds are being mobilized locally to help respond to financial gaps and provide relief with a quick turnaround time.
“Due to the unprecedented and quickly evolving nature of the circumstances surrounding this pandemic, we’re going a little beyond our usual methods to help our community try and weather this storm,” Reimler said. “We recognize that the financial need for our small business community will continue to remain significant and that these local resources can provide a lifeline, which is why we are asking for the community’s help”, said Robin Mosses, executive director of Downtown Mainstreet. “As a community we can make a difference in the future survival of our businesses.”
Contributions can be made at Couleecap.org/business-recovery or by sending a check to Couleecap Inc. at 201 Melby St., Westby, WI 54667 with “Launch La Crosse” written in the memo line.
“Many small business owners operate on extremely thin margins under normal conditions, so we knew there would be an immense need for financial support.” Aaron Reimler, a business and income developer for Couleecap.
Grant recipients
Here is a list of businesses that have received grants through June 30:
- Amanda’s Academy of Dance
- Audiolust Records
- Cannabiz Depot
- David Reay’s
- Diggers
- Dublin Square
- Fat Porcupine
- Full Circle Supply
- Games People Play
- Generous Earth Pottery
- Handmade Natural Beauty
- La Crosse Escape Room
- Lovechild
- Lush Salon
- Marge’s On Rose
- Mind Altering Tattoo
- Monet Floral
- Mueller Photography
- Pickermans
- Pla Mor Lanes
- Twisted Skull
- UnWine’d
- Weber Center for the Performing Arts
- Willow Boutique
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]]>The post Partnership Combines Community Gardening with Hmong Heritage appeared first on News.
]]>The project is a partnership between the School District of La Crosse, Three Sixty and Coulee Region Ecoscapes. Ecoscapes co-owner Judson Steinback said the project came about as a way to find a more environmentally friendly use for the more than 10,000 square feet of grass on the property, reducing the amount of water used as well as the need for mowing and applying lawn care chemicals.
Students in the immersion program learn about Hmong culture, language and history. In the garden, they learn about how these vegetables are used in Hmong cuisine and work alongside elders in the Hmong community.
“This kind of space offers so many benefits,” Steinback said. “It provides fresh and local food for people while promoting physical activity, community and cross-cultural experiences. It is a win-win.”
“This kind of space offers so many benefits. It provides fresh and local food for people while promoting physical activity, community and cross-cultural experiences. It is a win-win.” Judson Steinback, Coulee Region Ecoscapes co-owner
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