HUDSON (May 6, 2013)
– For the 19^th consecutive year, Thrivent Financial has again been named to FORTUNE magazine’s FORTUNE 500 list. The organization now occupies the 325 spot on the annual ranking. The organization climbed seven spots from last year’s position of 332, based on annual revenues, to become the 325th largest company in the United States. The ranking was based on Thrivent Financial’s 2012 revenue of $8 billion. In addition, FORTUNE magazine listed Thrivent Financial as the sixth largest mutual life/health insurance organization in the United States and the 17^th largest company headquartered in Minnesota.

“Our FORTUNE 500 ranking is just one sign of our ongoing strength and stability,” said Randy Boushek, chief financial officer of Thrivent Financial. “It is an affirmation of our commitment to success and the value we are able to provide our members.”

Thrivent Financial is represented in the local area by Bjorn T. Nesvold, CLTC, FIC; Tracy E. Berglund, CLTC, FIC and Chad M. Carlson, CLTC at 2424 Monetary Blvd. Suite 204, Hudson, 715-808-0454. 

About Thrivent Financial 

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a faith-based, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping its nearly 2.5 million members to be wise with money and to live generous lives. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial joins with its members to create and support national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools,
charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states.  Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-847-4836, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent
Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc.  They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial. 

For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

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Orange Leaf was welcomed as a new member of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Orange Leaf, located at 1047 Pearson Dr., is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop featuring 16 rotating flavors and 40 topping options for customers. Present for the event were, front from left, Chamber Ambassadors Angela Olson, Traci Leffner, and Barb Zimmerman, Orange Leaf manager Chris Williams, Orange Leaf owner Kevin Vance, Chamber President Kim Heinemann, and Chamber Ambassadors Pennie Peterson and Pete Keskey.  Back row from left, Chamber Ambassadors Tom Bordenave, Jeremy Lilyquist, Joel Larsen, Bjorn Nesvold, Ron Rever, Brad Palmershein, and Deb Flettre.  Orange Leaf is committed to supporting community non-profits through their non-profit fundraising program. Area non-profits can earn money through sales at Orange Leaf on select days.  For additional information call (715) 381-0336 or visit orangeleafyogurt.com.

Letter carriers are asking Minnesotans to fill a bag with non-perishable food items and leave it at their mailbox to help stamp out hunger on Saturday, May 11, 2013.Sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, Stamp Out Hunger is the largest single-day food drive in the country. Here in Minnesota, letter carriers hope to collect enough food to provide one million meals—that’s 1.3 million pounds of food for those in need.

Participating in Stamp Out Hunger is as easy as filling a bag with non-perishable food items and leaving it by your mailbox on May 11. Minnesotans can also make a financial donation to Second Harvest Heartland, and from May 1 – 14, 2013, TCF Bank® will double the gift, matching dollar for dollar up to a total of $25,000. Donate online at 2harvest.org/stampout.

Fourth annual festival to feature brews from more than 34 Wisconsin craft breweries paired with local cuisine

Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival, to be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 (Father’s Day weekend) from 1-5 p.m. at Bayshore Town Center.

The festival is hosted by Welcome to Glendale, the City of Glendale’s CVB; the Wisconsin Brewer’s Guild (WBG) and DRAFT Magazine, and is the premier all-Wisconsin craft beer and tasting festival, featuring selections from 34 craft breweries throughout the state. Each of the participating breweries will be paired with local chefs, Wisconsin cheese manufacturers, or one of several brewpubs to create a unique tasting portion designed to complement a variety of unique beers available for sampling. 

“After three successful years, the fourth annual festival has become a necessary destination for Wisconsin craft breweries and beer lovers,” said Jeff Hamilton, president of Sprecher Brewery in Glendale and of the Wisconsin Brewer’s Guild. “Its unique atmosphere, unlimited sampling options and opportunities to meet with brew masters and chefs is perfectly situated in Glendale, with its added bonus of shopping, dining and entertainment options.”

Festival tickets and hotel packages are available at www.WisconsinBeerLoversFest.com. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and include admission, a souvenir beer glass and unlimited sampling of beers and food pairings.  Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to attend the event. Photo identification will be required at the admission entrance. Designated drivers and patrons under 21 years of age can purchase a “Food Lovers Ticket” for $20. 

For overnight guests staying in Glendale during the festival weekend, the Hilton Milwaukee River and Radisson Milwaukee North Shore are offering special packages featuring discounted stays, festival tickets, event shuttles and more.

This year’s festival will also feature entertainment from the Brewhaus Polka Kings. The Wisconsin Brewer’s Guild is holding a “Best of Show” competition amongst the participating breweries for bragging rights to the “Glendale Cup”. Additionally, one lucky “Beer Lover” will win a wheelbarrow of beer, which will contain a collection of rare beers, special seasonal beers and popular favorites from participating breweries.

For more information on the Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival, available hotel packages and to purchase tickets, visit www.wisconsinbeerloversfest.com.  Also, be sure to follow Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival on Twitter and Facebook for behind-the-scenes information about the festival, including the participating breweries and restaurants. 

Restaurants – Aliota’s Pub & Grill, The Anchorage, Bar Louie, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Big Daddy’s Brew & Cue, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Brew Cakes, California Pizza Kitchen, The Chocolate Factory, COA, Deep Water Grille (Southshore Brewery), Devon Seafood + Steak, Fox River Brewing Company, Glen Café, Great Dane Pub, Northwoods Brewpub and Grill, Panda Express, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, Village Pub & Grill, Vintage Brewing Company and Zambonies Sports Bar & Grill.

Breweries – 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Ale Asylum, Big Bay Brewing, Bull Falls Brewery, Capital Brewery, Central Waters Brewing Co., Chameleon Brewing Company, Delafield Brewhaus, Fox River Brewing Company, Great Dane Pub & Brewery, Grumpy Troll Restaurant & Brewery, Hinterland Brewing, House of Brews, Karben4 Brewing, Lakefront Brewery, Lake Louie Brewing, Milwaukee Brewing Co., Minocqua Brewing Company, New Glarus Brewing Co., Northwoods Brewpub & Grill, O’so Brewing Company, Pearl Street Brewing, Pigeon River Brewing Co., Port Huron Brewing Company, Potosi Brewery, Sand Creek Brewing Co., Silver Creek Brewing, South Shore Brewery, Sprecher Brewing Company, Stevens Point Brewery, Stone Cellar Brewpub, Titletown Brewing Co., Tyranena Brewing Company, Vintage Brewing Co.

River Insurance Group was welcomed to their new location at 101 Carmichael Road in Hudson by representatives from the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. River Insurance Group  provides personal insurance for home, auto, life, and health as well as a complete line of business insurance services.  With creative thinking, unique health and safety services, and host of trusted insurance company brands, they  are changing the way people see insurance. Pictured at the ribbon cutting are, front from left, Chamber Ambassadors Pete Keskey and Pennie Peterson, from River Insurance Group Marketing Director Michelle Miller, company President Craig Danielson,  Insurance Agents Marcy Lindner, Colleen Johnson, Jeremy Werner and Sean Fitzgerald, Chamber President Kim Heinemann, and Chamber Ambassadors Paul Simmons and Traci Leffner. Back row from left, Chamber Ambassadors Brad Palmersheim, Ron Revere, Jeremy Lilyquist, Brenda Borchardt, Joel Larsen, Dawn Marquart, Kari Rambo, Deb Flettre, Bjorn Nesvold, and Tom Bordenave. Not pictured were Julie Lehmann, Employee Benefits & Jim Elkin, Insurance Agent. For additional information call (715) 808-8800 or visit www.riverinsurance.com.

The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau held a ribbon cutting for new member Troy Burne Golf Club. Located at 295 Lindsay Road, Troy Burne Golf Club, 9^th ranked in the state of Wisconsin for golf courses by Golfweek, is open to the public. They recently remodeled their clubhouse and restaurant with a new bar and grill that is also open to the public. The expanded clubhouse and The Lehman Room are available for rent for private parties, groups, and business meeting. Present for the ribbon cutting was, front from left, Chamber Ambassadors Paul Simmons, Traci Leffner, and Barb Zimmerman, from Troy Burne Golf Club Lauren Pellowski, Chris Sauer, Dave Tentis, and Gary Sauer, Chamber President Kim Heinemann, and Chamber Ambassador Pete Keskey. Back row from left, Chamber Ambassadors Brad Palmersheim and Deb Flettre, from Troy Burne Golf Club Doug Maciejny, and Chamber Ambassadors Tom Bordenave, Joel Larsen, Jeremy Lilyquist and Bjorn Nesvold. For additional information, call (715) 381-9800 or visit www.troyburne.com.     

1st Annual Dike Road Spring Cleanup,

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

The Hudson Bay Mooring Association (HBMA*) is sponsoring the 1st Annual Spring Cleanup of the Dike Road
Join us @ 2PM this Sunday.  Meet @ the Bridge.

For more information
Dennis Kroll
715.381.1600

HBMA's mission is to preserve and maintain the moorings and surrounding area.

The Hudson High School Class of 1988 will be holding their 25^th class reunion Saturday August 17^th at the St. Croix Marina in Hudson from 7 to 11.  The cost is $20 per person and it includes: beer, wine, soda, light appetizers and a special musical appearance on stage by the “88 All-Stars”.   Some emails (if we knew them) were sent out and information is on Facebook but we want everyone to know, so spread the word! Due to marina policy all RSVPs must be received and paid in full ahead of time: absolutely no walk-ins allowed.  For more information contact Heidi Hansen at heidihansen55@comcast.net.

On a blustery Saturday (5/13) in Chippewa Falls, the Raider JV1 girls soccer team were crowned the 2013 JV Big Rivers Conference Champions after defeating New Richmond (10-0) and River Falls (2-0).  The JV1 Raider girls have an overall record of 7-1-1 and conference record of 5-1-1.  Congratulations ladies!!

Pictured is the 2013 JV1 Soccer team after beating River Falls (2-0) in the 2013 JV Big Rivers Conference Tournament.

By Lisa Smarzinski 

Hearing loss is a growing problem in Wisconsin and nationwide, including among teens and young adults. Contributing to the problem is noise-induced hearing loss, including from the growing use of ear bud earphones to listen to music.

More than 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss nationwide. Among teens and young adults, one in five suffer from hearing loss. The growing prevalence of hearing loss has serious health consequences.  In children, effects include delays in development of communication skills, learning problems and poor self-image.  In adults, the condition can contribute to social isolation, poor quality of life, higher risk of falls, and lower earnings. 

May is “Better Hearing Month,” which is a good time to be reminded of several steps people can take to prevent and treat hearing loss:

o   Limit exposure to loud noises: People should limit their exposure to loud sounds, such as music, lawn mowers, or motorcycles, all of which can cause hearing loss. Exposure to noises of 100 decibels or more can result in hearing loss after as little as 15 minutes. When attending concerts or sporting events, people should consider wearing hearing protection.

o   Talk to your doctor and schedule a hearing test – There are common signs of hearing loss, such as turning up the volume on the TV or radio, having trouble hearing people on the phone, or difficulty with following conversations in noisy environments. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk with your physician and get a hearing test.

o   Research custom-programmed hearing aids – Hearing aid technology has advanced. Hearing aids are now more comfortable, smaller, and provide better sound quality. Some newer companies, including UnitedHealthcare sister company hi HealthInnovations, offer custom-programmed hearing aids for less than $1,000 per device – a savings of 60 percent or more compared to devices sold through traditional channels. 

o   Check with your insurance plan – Some insurance plans, including employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare, now cover some or all of the cost of hearing aids, helping to make treatment and support more affordable. Check with your health plan to see what coverage is available. 

By taking care of your hearing health, you can reduce your risk of developing hearing loss. For people that have hearing loss, it is important to seek care to help reduce the serious health consequences associated with the condition. People who treat their hearing loss reported significant improvements in their relationships, well-being, mental health, and safety.

More than 90 percent of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, yet fewer than 15 percent access devices that can improve their quality of life and health, often due to high cost.

Lisa Smarzinski, HIS, is the Hearing Health Specialist with hi HealthInnovations and is based in Appleton, serving the Fox Valley/Green Bay and surrounding areas. Free hearing tests and consultations can be scheduled by calling 855 523-9355.

Local youth fitness organization Tri to Change the World, Inc. and the Hudson YMCA have extended the registration deadline for their youth triathlon to be held June 8th starting at 1:00 pm at the YMCA.

Dubbed the "Kids' Tri @ the Y," the event is designed to provide an opportunity for children to try out the sport of triathlon in a safe, non-threatening environment.

Youth ages 6-15 can compete in three different age categories in a fun, family-centric sports event. Participants of all ability levels are encouraged to join in. Beginning swimmers may use noodles if necessary, and cyclists are welcome to use training wheels.

Registration is $35 and is open until noon on the day of the race, although there are limited race-day slots available. TCW and the YMCA urge participants to sign up in advance.

Any profit from the event goes to provide bicycles, helmets and swim lessons for children whose families cannot otherwise afford them.

To register and for all the race details (including course maps), go online at www.tritochangetheworld.org/register.

This event is made possible in part by grants from the Hudson Community Foundation, Healthier Togther - St. Croix County, and the Presbytery of the Twin Cities.

Corporate sponsors include Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals, The Village Inn, Hudson County Market, Family Fresh Market, MDM Rubicon, Gopher State Events, and Apartment Cash Flow Realty.

RICHMOND Va., - (April 30, 2013) – While warmer weather and increased outdoor activities finds more Americans outside, it also puts them at greater risk for encountering ticks and contracting Lyme disease.  At the start of May’s National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Mosquito Squad (http://www.mosquitosquad.com) is on watch and has tips to help homeowners tick-proof their yards and outdoor spaces.

Reported cases of Lyme disease continue to rise with more than 280,000 Americans being diagnosed since 2002, with an additional 30,000 diagnoses just last year.

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  An illness that can have lifelong debilitating effects such as arthritis, fatigue and even neurological deficits, Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged or deer ticks.

“It’s important to know what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Boyd Huneycutt, Mosquito Squad’s resident tick expert. “In addition to performing a daily tick check, there are specific actions a homeowner can take to reduce the tick population in their yards, thus reducing exposure for themselves, guests and even their pets.”

The 6 C’s to Tick-Proof Your Yard

Huneycutt recommends the following steps for tick-proof yards:

1. Clear out. Reduce your tick exposure by clearing out areas where lawn and tree debris gathers. Ticks thrive in moist, shady areas and tend to die in sunny, dry areas.   Locate compost piles away from play areas or high traffic. Separate them with wood chips or gravel. Don’t position playground equipment, decks and patios near treed areas. 
2. Clean. Eliminate leaf litter and brush by cleaning it up around the house and lawn edges, mow tall grasses and keep your lawn short.
3. Choose plants. Select plants and shrubs that are not attractive to deer and/or install physical barriers to keep deer out of your yard. Check with your local nursery to determine the best choices for your area.

 Tips for Tick-Proofing the Yard/add one

1. Check hiding places. Know tick hiding places and check them frequently. Fences, brick walls and patio retaining walls are popular hiding places.
2. Care for family pets. Family pets can suffer from tick-borne disease and also carry infected ticks into the home. Talk to your veterinarian about using tick collars and sprays. As with all pest control products, be sure to follow directions carefully.
3. Call the pros. Professionals utilize both barrier sprays that can kill live ticks on the spot as well as “tick tubes.” Strategically placed, “tick tubes” prompt field mice to incorporate tick-killing material in their bedding, effectively eliminating hundreds of tick nymphs found in each mouse nest.

 According to Huneycutt, there is actually an additional “C” for homeowners: communicate.“Once you understand how ticks breed, share that information with others, especially those with small children or those older than age 55. If Lyme disease is contracted by either of these groups, they typically sustain the most severe health complications,” Huneycutt said.

When outdoors away from home, the CDC recommends wearing long-sleeved, long-legged, light-colored clothing. Tuck pant legs into socks to refuse ticks an entry point. Spray clothing and any exposed skin with a product containing 20 percent DEET.  Clothing and other gear, but not skin, can be treated with Permethrin, which will kill ticks and mosquitoes on contact and should last through several washings. Check carefully for ticks after being outdoors.

• Grants help families pay for children’s medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by a commercial health insurance plan

• Foundation granted over $96,000 to Wisconsin families in 2012

• July 29 golf outing in Waukesha to raise additional funds

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan.

Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 per grant to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. 
 
To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to UHCCF at www.uhccf.org. Donations are used for grants to help children and families in the region in which they are received.
 
“The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is dedicated to improving a child’s health and quality of life by making it easier to access needed medical-related services. The grants enable families to focus on their children’s health instead of worrying about how they’ll pay their medical bills,” said Tom Kunst, vice president for UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin. “Eligible families are encouraged to apply online for a medical grant today and take advantage of this valuable resource.” 

In 2012, UHCCF awarded more than 1,300 grants, worth more than $4.1 million, to families across the United States—including 26 in Wisconsin, totaling $96,168—for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy. As successful fund-raising efforts continue to grow, UHCCF is hoping to help more children and families in 2013.
 
In the Milwaukee area, UnitedHealthcare is hosting a golf outing on July 29 at Merrill Hills Country Club in Waukesha, with all proceeds going to the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. All fees, lunch and dinner are included for $250 per person. Those interested in participating or contributing can contact event chair Tom Kunst at 414-443-4094.
 
 
About UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity that strives to enhance either the clinical condition or quality of life of children who have health care needs not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. UHCCF provides medical grants of up to $5,000 for costs associated with medical services and equipment. UHCCF’s funding is provided by contributions from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) employees.  Donations to help provide assistance are deeply appreciated. To apply, donate or learn more, please visit www.uhccf.org.

The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau welcomed North American Banking Company as a new member of the Chamber. North American Banking Company has four locations including their Woodbury, MN offices at 9260 Hudson Rd and is celebrating 15 years as a community bank. They pride themselves on working directly with customers from individual to business accounts. Present for the event were front row from left, Chamber President Kim Heinemann, from North American Banking Company Business Banker Ben Loesel and Bank President Brad Huckle, and Chamber Ambassador Jeremy Lilyquist. Second row from left Chamber Ambassadors Pennie Peterson, Traci Leffner, Ron Revere, and Brenda Borchardt. Third row from left from Sam’s Club Charlene Goldschmidt, and Chamber Ambassadors Pete Keseky and Joel Larsen. Back row from left Chamber Ambassadors Tom Bordenave and Andrew Nilssen. For more information call (651) 714-6420 or visit www.nabankco.com.

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Kaddie Moua graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Moua is the daughter of Marissa Vang of Little Orchard Road, Hudson.

She is a 2009 graduate of Hudson High School.  She received an associate degree in 2012 from Century College, White Bear Lake.

  --Joint Hometown News Service

Youth Service Bureau is excited to welcome Lea Thornton, M.S.W., LICSW as a Youth & Family Therapist in our Stillwater location.

“We are excited to have Lea join our team,” said program director Michael Huntley. “Lea brings a depth of experience to YSB and will connect well with both youth and parents.”

With the addition of Ms. Thornton, YSB has also expanded its counseling program to offer both evening and Saturday hours.

“During the past year we’ve seen an increase in the need for youth focused family counseling,” said executive director Mary E. Planten-Krell. “Expanding our hours helps youth and families schedule appointments in a more timely way and allows us to serve more youth and families throughout the Stillwater area.”

Ms. Thornton holds licensure in Minnesota as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and is an approved provider for several insurance carriers.  She has provided counseling services in a variety of settings including in-home therapy services to children, adolescents, parents and families throughout the metro area. 

“I’ve been working with children in a professional capacity for the past ten years and as a therapist for the past four,” said Thornton. “I’m excited to join the YSB team and help youth and families in the Stillwater area.”

Lea is available to see clients at our Stillwater location Monday through Thursday, with evening appointments available. She also provides Saturday appointments from 9 to Noon.