For 16 years, the School District of La Crosse and the Hmong Cultural & Community Center (HCCC) have worked together to give every 4th grade student a meaningful introduction to Hmong history and culture. Through the Hmong Education Project—aligned with state standards and district curriculum—more than 500 students and teachers each year experience a powerful, half-day immersion at HCCC that brings learning to life in an authentic and culturally grounded way.
In 2024, the program expanded to serve Onalaska, Holmen, and G-E-T School Districts, adding two additional weeks fully staffed by dedicated volunteers. This growth not only broadens access, but strengthens regional understanding, connection, and appreciation for the Hmong community—impacting students, families, and classrooms across our area.
Mai Tia Yang was born in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War and came to the United States as a refugee in 1978. After living in California, she settled in La Crosse in 2003, which she now proudly calls home. Over the years, Mai Tia has gained experience in both the legal and medical fields. In 2024 she began volunteering with the Hmong Cultural and Community Center, where she now serves as Board Secretary and Program Manager.
Deeply committed to women’s wellness, community health education, and preserving Hmong cultural traditions, Mai Tia hopes to build sustainable programs that empower Hmong women and foster strong intergenerational connections for future generations.
Pat Stevens funeral will be Friday, February 13th at 11am, St. Patrick's Parish in Onalaska. Visitation is scheduled for February 12th. View obituary HERE.
Mark and Carol Solyst's oldest child, Chara Morgan Solyst Ayer, funeral will be held at English Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 14th. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00, followed by lunch and fellowship.. View obituary here.
“Our meetings are dull, dull, dull! Our club never does anything interesting! And why are you and I the only two members left?”
These are common complaints. Okay, they’re not exactly common. But your Rotary Club is probably looking for ways to grow, or ways to make your meetings more engaging, or ways to make your club more active and more visible.
What better way is there than to share ideas and learn from other clubs? And what better time and place than TriCon 2026? The heart of TriCon is ideas, ideas, ideas!
Past attendees have called TriCon “inspiring,” “energizing,” "transforming," and “simply amazing.” And that is no exaggeration.
Built around Rotary’s 2026 theme, Unite for Good, this year’s conference will show you how to increase Rotary’s impact at your club, in your community, and worldwide. TriCon 2026 will offer practical learning and a celebration of all that Rotary and Rotarians can do and can be to build a better world. And as a bonus, it offers a chance bring the family and enjoy the Kalahari’s waterpark.
Early Bird Pricing is available through February 13, 2026 — and who doesn’t like to save a few bucks. So, now is the time to register and book your room at Kalahari. Click the link on the bottom of this email to register.
