In Issue 5 we feature the incredible must-read story of Menomonie resident Linda Vanderloop. Wow! What a privilege to have your share with your community.

To view additional photos of Linda & daughter Hanna’s trek, head to our just-launched website menomonienewsnet.org (containing the newsletter articles) plus more features coming in 2025.

Subscriber numbers: 475 last week and 520 today. Keep sharing! And a reminder to check junk/spam folders if someone’s not receiving the weekly newsletter. And your donations are so appreciated!

Happy holidays! (Speaking of holidays…the next two weeks you will receive this newsletter on Tuesday, a day early).

Editors: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Barb Lyon; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

In this Issue…

• Menomonie Woman Sets Appalachian Trail Record

• Celebrating 20 Years of the Menomonie Area Free Clinic

• Holiday/Winter Happenings

• 2025 School District Election

• Community Foundation of Dunn County Accepting Grant Applications

• Is It Time to Focus on the Positives?

• Women’s Giving Circle of Dunn County Reaches 250K Endowment

• Menomonie Collegians | Mary Berg, Sammy Jacobsen, Helen Chen, Emma Mommsen

A Record Hike

Menomonie Woman Sets Appalachian Trail Record

By David K. Williams

No matter where we live, there are often people among us who have accomplished incredible things. Linda Vanderloop of Menomonie, Wisconsin is among those. At the age of 74, she has set the record as the oldest woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail within 365 days.

Known as a “thru-hike,” most who attempt this feat are in their 20s, with those in their 50s being the next largest group. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the average age is 36. Linda was among the roughly 25 percent of those who begin to actually succeed. 

Among serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail is considered the most challenging in the United States. Stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia through 14 states to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the trail runs a daunting 2,197.4 miles. Hikers climb a total of 900,000 feet over the course of the 2,000 mile thru-hike, and have to descend the same distance, which hikers will tell you is often more difficult.

Linda initially caught the hiking bug during the pandemic in 2020-21 when she traversed – segment by segment – Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail. Vanderloop’s daughter Hanna Vanderloop lives in Connecticut and said the obvious pleasure her mother was experiencing inspired her to tackle nearby hiking trails, some of which happened to include part of the Appalachian Trail.

Looking for a “dramatic change in her career and her life,” Hanna decided to quit her job and hike the entire trail. When Linda heard of her daughter’s plans, she decided to join the challenge.

Alternate approach
Most thru-hikers begin in Georgia in March or April, then follow spring northward while attempting to reach Mount Katahdin before October when winter-like weather can make the trail’s higher elevations too dangerous. Accompanied by Hanna’s dog Matcha, the mother-daughter pair chose an alternate approach. Starting closer to the middle of the trail during Thanksgiving week 2023, they covered some additional stretches over the Christmas holiday and then began hiking full-time in the spring of 2024.

There were several advantages to their plan. By hiking the cooler, more northerly sections during the height of summer, they not only avoided crowds of fellow hikers all trying to start from the same place at the same time, but most of the bugs as well. 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy oversees 260 shelters spaced about a day’s hike apart along the trail that can fill quickly during the height of the season. Being well ahead of the swarm of hikers proved to be another advantage for the duo. 

Most nights, however, they didn’t need a trail shelter. As their “trail angel”, Linda’s husband, Tom, provided support throughout the hike with their Dodge camper van. Tom would meet Linda and Hanna at the end of most day’s hikes. They would spend the night in the van or off trail elsewhere and take their meals there. 

The next morning, Tom would drop them where they had finished the night before to resume their next segment, occasionally meeting Linda and Hanna around midday if a road crossed the trail to resupply them with water or other needs and often also helped other hikers with water.

Carrying only a single day’s needs, the type of hiking Linda and Hanna were doing most of the time is called slack-packing. Most days, they didn’t need to carry 35-lb. backpacks containing several days’ worth of food, tent, sleeping bags and other gear. Stretches requiring full packs included a 72-mile segment in the Great Smokies Mountains, and another longer stretch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Challenges, achievements
Weather was often a factor. Linda said it rained one out of three days. Lightning storms in higher elevations were an occasional and potentially deadly threat. They also saw bears, especially in Virginia, but were never threatened by them.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be hard on equipment. Hanna, who wore trail shoes for the hike, went through five pairs, while Linda wore out two pairs of hiking boots.

Linda described the almost routine life of a hiker on the trail when they would get up and start putting one foot in front of the other, day after day. But the routine of it all, both said, was overshadowed by the incredible beauty and solitude they experienced. “We were seeing places day after day that you can only get to on foot,” Hanna noted. “I really valued the solitude and the time in nature,” Linda added.

As they neared the end of their hike, Hanna learned of the record held for almost 10 years by another woman hiker. When they learned that Linda was six weeks older than the record holder, it inspired them to complete their hike and claim the record for Linda. 

“I never set out to make a record,” Linda said. “That was not my goal.” But set it she did, overcoming the incredible odds that often drive most other hikers to drop out.

Linda acknowledges that she couldn’t have done the trail without help. “I would like to add a heartfelt thanks to all those that helped to make my Appalachian Trail adventure possible. Without the support of friends, family and neighbors, the miles might have felt a great deal longer!”

What’s next for these intrepid hikers? “To be determined,” Linda said, while Hanna is considering the New Hampshire 4,000 footers – 40 mountain peaks over 4,000 feet. And neither has ruled out hiking other long trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2,653 miles from Canada to Mexico. 

“Once the feet start walking, it’s hard to slow them down,” Linda admitted.

David Williams is a Menomonie resident and a retired UW-Stout administrator.  

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License CC BY-NC-ND. (This license enables reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator). Learn more about the license here.

To view more photos of Linda and Hanna’s journey visit the Menomonie News Net website https://menomonienewsnet.org

Note: A Nov 7 article published by Backpacker can be found here.

Celebrating 20 Years of Service: The Free Clinic of the Menomonie Area

By Ann Schram, Clinic Director

As we enter our 20th year as a Wisconsin Free and Charitable Clinic in 2025, we reflect on our mission and accomplishments in serving the uninsured and economically underinsured in our community. The Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area provides essential services to individuals living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, primarily serving Dunn County and its surrounding areas.

We adhere to the annually updated Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine eligibility for our services. In 2024, a household with a single individual earning a gross monthly income of less than $3,765 qualifies for Free Clinic care. Similarly, a household of four with a gross monthly income below $7,800 is eligible for Free Clinic care. Patient registration is conducted over the phone by calling 715-308-3808, Monday through Friday.

Our Impact

Over the years, we have proudly served more than 4,190 unique patients, completing over 13,350 visits. Our patients benefit from a comprehensive range of services, including primary healthcare, preventive health education, medication refills, laboratory testing, specialty care referrals, diabetes education, dental care, eye care, physical therapy referrals and in-person behavioral health counseling. Our ability to serve the community is made possible by our dedicated team of volunteers. Community members generously contribute their time on Tuesday evenings, assisting as receptionists, nurses, pharmacy technicians and medical providers.  If interested in volunteering, please email Ann Schram at [email protected]

The Importance of Our Services

When asked what they would do if the Free Clinic were not available, many patients responded with uncertainty. Some mentioned they would resort to urgent care, incurring bills they cannot afford, while others said they would cry, pray, or forgo treatment altogether. Those who might avoid treatment due to cost often face uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, mental health issues, or treatable infections.

Community Support

Over the past five years, we have implemented numerous changes to better serve those in need. Our clinic operates on Tuesday evenings at Mayo Clinic Menomonie, Level A, a space generously donated by Mayo Clinic Health System. Initially, our services were offered on a first-come, first-served basis. However, with the onset of the pandemic, we transitioned to an appointment-based system, accommodating both in-person and remote visits. With the support of local philanthropic organizations, we continue to provide care for those who wish to improve their health but lack the financial means. Many individuals in our community prioritize their family's needs, ensuring their children have food and shelter while neglecting their own health concerns. Without the support of Mayo Clinic Health System-Menomonie, the Free Clinic would not be able to offer the trusted level of healthcare we provide.

To fund our operations, we rely on community support through individual and business sponsors, annual in-person fundraisers, and a year-end appeal letter.

We are excited to announce, The Gifts of the Heart Gala, a larger-scale fundraiser on February 15th, 2025, at UW-Stout Fireside Terrace. This Valentine's-themed event will feature local musical entertainment, a short program, live and silent auctions, and delicious food and desserts. To reserve your spot call 715-308-3808.

 Ann Schram, RN is the Free Clinic Director [email protected] 715-308-3808

Holiday Winter Happenings

2025 School District Elections

Source: School District of the Menomonie Area

An election will be held in the Menomonie Area School District on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The following offices will be up for election to succeed the current incumbents. The term for school board members is three years, starting on April 28, 2025, and ending on April 24, 2028.

Incumbent School Board Members:

• Rachel Henderson

• Abe Smith

• Dominique Stewart

A Campaign Finance Registration Statement and a Declaration of Candidacy must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 7.

Dec 27- Deadline for incumbents to file notice of noncandidacy by 5:00 p.m.

Jan 7- Deadline for declaring candidacy by 5:00 p.m.

Feb 18- Primary Election (if needed)

April 1- Spring Election

For School Board Election questions please contact: Administrative Service Center, 215 Pine Avenue E, Menomonie, 715-232-1642

SDMA Elections Page

Election Guide for Candidates (WI Assn of School Boards)

Community Foundation of Dunn County Accepting Grant Applications

Offers Free Grant Writing Workshop in January

MENOMONIE - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is accepting grant applications from Dunn County area non-profits, government organizations, and community groups that support the betterment of Dunn County. Eligible areas of interest include the arts, culture, health, heritage, the environment, recreation, education, basic human needs, and other civic initiatives.

Community Impact Grants allow organizations in Dunn County to meet critical needs and opportunities while setting measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Grants are made possible by CFDC funds created by local families, philanthropists, corporations, and private foundations for charitable investment in the community, which include: The Elizabeth Fenton Fund for Health, the Clarence Heckle Fund, the Healthy Futures Fund, and the Common Good Fund.

The deadline for applications is Saturday, February 1, 2025, by 5 pm. Complete grant details and procedures, including the grant application form, can be found on the Community Foundation website at cfdunncounty.org/grants. The Community Foundation uses an online application system for all competitive grant requests. Any questions about the grant process or a proposal idea can be directed to [email protected]. Applicants are reminded that health-related grant requests previously made to the Menomonie Community Health Foundation should now be directed to the Community Foundation through this process.

New applicants, or anyone interested in refreshing their grant writing skills, are encouraged to attend the CFDC’s free Pop-Up! Workshop: Grant Writing 101 on Wednesday, January 8 from 3-4:30 pm at the Menomonie Market Food Co-op (814 Main St E, Menomonie WI). Register by visiting cfdunncounty.org/workshop It is the mission of the Community Foundation of Dunn County to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Dunn County.

For more information about the Community Foundation or how you can become involved, contact Executive Director, Georgina Tegart at 715-232-8019 or by email at [email protected].

Is It Time to Focus on the Positive?

FREE Lunch & Learn Online Sessions

Source: Dunn County Extension

MADISON – Division of Extension educators will be offering an online six-session lunch and learn opportunity this winter designed specifically on finding the good.

Beginning Thursday, Jan. 16, the sessions will meet from noon to 1:00 PM, each Thursday through Feb. 20.

WeCOPE is an evidence-based program that helps adults cope with life stress by connecting with positive emotions. This program has been shown to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and improve health behaviors in randomized trials.

WeCOPE is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz, whose research shows that even in the context of serious life stress, positive emotions can and do occur and these emotions have positive adaptive consequences. The course includes simple assignments for participants to complete between sessions.

Materials and the class are free thanks to a SAMHSA ROTA Grant.

To register use this link. 

Materials can be picked up in Dunn County Extension Office. Details, including the zoom link, will be provided in an email before the class starts.

For more information, contact Extension Dunn County Human Development and Relationships Educator:

Luisa Gerasimo 715-232-1636 [email protected]

The Women’s Giving Circle of Dunn County Reaches $250k Endowment

Source: The Community Foundation of Dunn County

MENOMONIE - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) and the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Dunn County are excited to announce that the WGC’s endowment fund has officially reached a quarter of a million dollars!

The WGC was established in 2013 through the CFDC to strengthen the spirit of women, children, and families through collaborative philanthropy, giving, and grantmaking. The WGC strives to empower women to become stronger and self-sufficient to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of the people for whom they are responsible.

The WGC distributes grants to nonprofit organizations that serve women, children, and families in Dunn County in August each year. In 2024, the WGC awarded grants to 6 organizations including The Bridge to Hope, Girls on the Run of the Chippewa Valley, Junior Achievement, Literacy Chippewa Valley, The Menomonie Theater Guild, and the Boys & Girls Club, totaling $12,646. In addition, they collected over $500 for Dunn County’s Birth to Three Program during their Fall Gala in October.

The WGC is currently accepting renewal and new yearly memberships. Getting involved is simple: an annual contribution of $250 is required to be an active member of the WGC. Half of each member’s membership contribution is added to the grant pool each year. The other half goes into the WGC endowment fund. The more members, the more money can be granted to the community.

Women between the ages of 18 and 40, are eligible for a half-price membership of $125/year for up to 5 years (or until you turn 41). The option to have their second-year membership sponsored may also be available. Other membership options are also available.

To learn more about the WGC, visit cfdunncounty.org. In the main menu, navigate to Initiatives & Programs and click The Women’s Giving Circle of Dunn County.

Menomonie Collegians

Spreading the wealth around, former Mustangs making their marks on college teams

MENOMONIE - Four of the top 11 scorers in Menomonie High School girls basketball history are firmly entrenched in their college careers. Mary Berg, Sammy Jacobsen, Helen Chen and Emma Mommsen, the quartet that played major roles in Menomonie’s success the last several years, scored a combined 3,629 points.

Berg, who scored 1138 points at Menomonie is now playing for UW-Stout. Jacobsen, who scored 795 points, is playing for UW-La Crosse. The Blue Devils (6-2) and the Eagles (6-3) are set to meet twice in January, playing in La Crosse, Jan. 15, and in Menomonie, Jan. 29. Chen, who scored 971 points, is playing for the University of Minnesota, Duluth (4-6) and Mommsen, who scored 725 points for the Mustangs, is playing for Concordia-St. Paul (11-0).  Chen and Mommsen’s teams will meet twice, meeting in St. Paul, Minn. Dec. 21, and in Duluth, Minn., Feb. 1.

Berg, a 5-foot, 7-inch freshman guard, made a splash in her first game for the Blue Devils. Berg came off the bench to score in double digits in her first game as a Blue Devil, dropping in 10 points in a season-opening win over Calvin University.

Berg has continued to come off the bench to become an impact player, now averaging 7.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest. Berg, a business administration major, is averaging 26.1 minutes per game, fourth-best on the team. Berg has scored in double digits four times, scoring 10 points in her first game and 11 points in three other contests. Berg has played in all eight of the Blue Devils games so far and has one start. Stout returns to play Dec. 19 and 20 at the St. Pete Classic in St. Petersburg, Fla., with a pair of games.

As a high school senior, Berg was named Big Rivers Conference Player of the Year,  All-Northwest Player of the Year, first team All-Conference, All-State Honorable mention and a WIAA Scholar Athlete finalist.  As a junior, she earned first team All-Big Rivers Conference selection and honorable mention All-State.  As a sophomore, Berg was All-Big Rivers Conference honorable mention.

Jacobsen scored her first collegiate points, dropping in a bucket in a 93-54 La Crosse win at Lakeland University, Nov. 23. Jacobsen, a radiation therapy major, has appeared in four games this season. La Crosse returns to action Dec. 28 and 29 at a two-game tournament in Greensboro, N.C. 

Jacobsen averaged 10.7 points and 4.2 steals as a senior at Menomonie. An All-Big Rivers selection, Jacobsen was a named the All-Northwest team and was a WBCA Division 2 All-State honorable mention.

Chen, a 5-7 junior guard, is in her third year at UMD, and has appeared in one game this year. As a freshman, Chen appeared in 13 games on a team that was NCAA Division II runner-up. Chen, a chemical engineering major, was an NSIC All-Academic pick. 

At Menomonie, Chen earned first team, second team and honorable mention all-conference honors, as well as earning all-state honorable mention honors.  Chen was selected the WBCA all-star team. The Bulldogs will host Winona State, Dec. 18 before traveling to Concordia, Dec. 21.

Averaging just over 16 minutes per game, Mommsen, a 6-1 sophomore center, is shooting .512 from the floor (21-41), averaging 4.0 points per contest and has appeared in all 11 games. Concordia, ranked 13th in last week’s Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II poll, is off to their best start in more than a decade and the second best start in school history. 

Mommsen, a business major who red-shirted the 2022-23 season, last season appeared in 28 games, averaging 11.4 minutes per game and shot .581 (36-63) from the field, averaging 2.8 points. She scored a season-best nine points and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds against Bemidji State, Jan. 16, 2024, and matched that career high this season with a nine point effort against Truman University Nov. 15, going 4-5 with a 3-pointer.

While at Menomonie, Mommsen earned 11 letters across three different sports - cross country (four), basketball (four), and track & field (three). The Mustangs posted a 25-4 record during her 2021-22 senior campaign when she earned All-Northwest Player of the Year honors, Big River Conference Player of the Year and honorable mention all-state honors.

The Golden Bears return to action Thursday, Dec. 19 when they face defending national champion Minnesota State, Mankato, in Mankato, before facing Minnesota-Duluth Saturday.

Layne Pitt is the retired UW-Stout Sports Information director and also worked more than a decade at the Dunn County News.

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former Menomonie student in a play, forensics, music or any type of collegiate competition. If you know of a Menomonie Collegian, please email [email protected].

The column Menomonie Collegians by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Mustangs Athletics and Activities | UW-Stout Blue Devil Athletics 

For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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