Happy Thursday, neighbors. Welcome to Good Morning, Coulee—the newsletter that keeps your mornings moving in the right direction.
Today on Good Morning, Coulee:
❤️ something called Bestie Fest is happening in Onalaska this weekend—and that sounds kinda fun »
🤝 we’ll highlight a local small business that is helping seniors embrace technology in a safe, structured way
🍎 looking for love? Ecker’s has an event coming up that might be of interest. or, just go for the fall vibes »
🕰 a little bit of local history, thanks to our friends at the Murphy Library Digital Collection
You ready? I’m ready. Let’s get goin’. 👇
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Here’s what I was listening to when I wrote this email. 👇
You vibin’? You can listen to the entire playlist here ➡️
Fall Market on the Mississippi brings homemade gifts and crafts to the Coulee Region // News 8 Now »
Great Rivers hosts community impact tour and mental health workshop as part of Untied Way Week // News 8 Now »
Put your singing skills to the test at the Apple Annie Cabaret // WXOW »
🌙 Moon Tunes Free Concert – The Remainders and Phoenix @ Riverside Park // Thu, Aug 21, 5:30 PM // LINK ➡️
Two of the Coulee Region’s favorite bands team up for a free evening of live music by the river—a Moon Tunes highlight you won’t want to miss.
💃 Riverside Swing Dance @ Riverside Park // Fri, Aug 22, 7:30 PM // LINK ➡️
Kick up your heels with East Coast, West Coast, and line dancing by the river—no partner needed, just bring your dance shoes!
🍷 Bluff Top Vineyard Tasting @ 100 Twilite St, La Crescent // Fri, Aug 22, 3:00 PM // LINK ➡️
Sample local wines from Bluff Top Vineyards and enjoy an afternoon of sipping and savoring in La Crescent.
👯 Bestie Fest @ Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center // Sat, Aug 23, 11:00 AM // LINK ➡️
Gather your best gals for workshops in painting, charcuterie board creation, yoga, and more—a perfect day of fun, laughter, and friendship.
🍏 Sip & Mingle for Friends, Families, and Singles @ Ecker’s Apple Farm // Sat, Aug 23, 12:00 PM // LINK ➡️
Live music, food trucks, and plenty of cider set the scene at Ecker’s—plus a fun singles mixer in the afternoon.
🧜 Under the Sea Kids Party w/ The Little Mermaid @ Rivoli Theatre & Pizzeria // Sat, Aug 23, 11:00 AM // LINK ➡️
Meet Princess Ariel, enjoy crafts and music, then watch the classic Little Mermaid on the big screen—kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters!
📚 "Dog Thoughts": Author Visit w/ Karl Mantzke @ Sparta Free Library // Sat, Aug 23, 11:00 AM // LINK ➡️
Meet local author Karl Mantzke and discover Dog Thoughts, a heartwarming story told through the eyes of two canine companions—perfect for dog lovers of all ages.
ℹ️ A corner view of the Mons Anderson building, located at Northwest Second and Main Streets in La Crosse. The photo was taken circa 1927.
Thursday, August 21
6:00pm // Peter's Biergarten, Winona // Andy Hughes // FREE
6:45pm // Copeland Park Events Center // Dueling Duo Piano Show // $10
7:00pm // Mary Cody's Restaurant and Maggie's Lounge // Mr. Busker with Mark Lakmann on Cajon // FREE
Friday, August 22
3:00pm // Elmaro Vineyard // River Run // FREE
5:00pm // Roy L Vingers American Legion Post 52 // Rich Pinski // FREE
6:00pm // Footjoy Farm and Brewing, Cashton // Andy Hughes // FREE
6:30pm // Fox Hollow Golf Course // Tabasco Cat // FREE
7:00pm // Peter's Biergarten, Winona // H3O Jazz Trio // FREE
7:00pm // Brick Sip Haus, Tomah // Piano Man Jake Leibl // FREE
7:00pm // Whiskey River Bar and Grill // Gregg Hall // FREE
7:00pm // Trempealeau Hotel // Dylan Doyle Band // $15
7:30pm // Alpine Inn // Joe Stamm Band // $25
Saturday, August 23
1:00pm // Bluff Top Vineyard, Winona // Ryan Sullivan // FREE
2:00pm // Elmaro Vineyard // Coulee Region Steel Drum Band // FREE
2:00pm // Bangor Lanes // Steve Lambert // FREE
6:00pm // Twin Bluffs Bar, Winona // TRIXTER // $25
6:00pm // Peter’s Biergarten, Winona // Tropical Sounds Project // FREE
7:00pm // Moxie’s // Sunshine Drive // FREE
7:30pm // Starlite Lounge // Greg Balfany // FREE
8:00pm // HD Tavern // DVR // FREE
8:00pm // The Block House, Melrose // Spare Parts Project // FREE
10:00pm // Popcorn Tavern // Special Saturday Edition // FREE
🛠️ Small Business Spotlight: SimpleSteps to Technology
This year marks 10 years of SimpleSteps to Technology, a local business that has been making the digital world less overwhelming for seniors in our community. Founded by Kathy Helgerson, SimpleSteps specializes in one-on-one tutoring and troubleshooting for mobile devices, tablets, and computers—always with the goal of keeping technology simple, safe, and stress-free.
Kathy’s work goes beyond her business. For the past five years, she’s volunteered at the Holmen Area Community Center, and this year she added the new Dash Center in Onalaska to her weekly stops. Her passion for helping others has made technology more accessible, fun, and empowering for countless Coulee Region residents.
If you’ve ever felt lost in a sea of passwords, apps, or settings, Kathy is the calm voice and steady hand you’ll want by your side.
👉 Learn more: SimpSteps.com
Want to get involved in our segments? Here are some handy-dandy links.
That’s all for today. Don’t worry, we’ll be back tomorrow. Have a great day! ☀️
See you tomorrow morning! ☀️
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