LIBRARY MIGHT BE GETTING IPADS FOR YA’LL

LE Phillips Memorial Public Library is in talks to get 50 iPads to help expand access to the books and resources already available – not to mention being hip and savvy with the times. If the financial proposal between the Library Board and Presto Foundation goes through (for upwards of $51,000), they’d spend the summer developing the program and loading software before starting to loan them out in September. The popularity of tablets and e-readers at other libraries around the nation (and even as close as Altoona) reportedly convinced the higher-ups to look into it.

EC CURLER IS A HUGE DEAL

A seasoned Eau Claire curler stands to be a part of the national honor of being named the United States Olympic Committee’s Team of the Year Award. Eau Claire Curling Club’s Geoff Goodland recently skipped the USA Senior Men’s team to a silver medal victory in the World Senior Championships in St. Paul. In turn, he and his team of two Minnesotans, an Illinoisian, and a Superior boy were named the Team of the Year by USA Curling Association. So he led a team to the finals on the biggest stage, and got nationally recognized for it with an award. But it doesn’t end there. The award also means they’ll be further honored by a nomination for the Olympic Committee’s Team of the Year Award. So, basically, he’s the coolest thing on ice … with a broom … and a heavy stone.

KEEP YOUR EYES IN THE REAR VIEW, A FUN PATROL IS COMING

A new patrol force has come to town – the Eau Claire Fun Patrol. The Patrol was unveiled by Visit Eau Claire on May 10 for National Tourism Week. This mobile tourism vehicle and hot spot is equipped with Eau Claire’s very own Official Fun Finders, who are charged with distributing knowledge of the Eau Claire area for visitors and residents. From attractions to weather reports, they have the buzz. Look out for the Fun Patrol around the community as Visit Eau Claire has promised to keep our Official Fun Finders active at local events including farmers markets, Country Jam, and Carson Park events. Promotions and contests will be offered through emails, text messages, and other social media – so don’t forget to check in with the force.

A NEW NAME FOR LUTHER

This spring, the Mayo Health System will be rolling out a re-branding campaign. The system and its clinics will be renamed and re-logoed, including our own Luther Midelfort and Red Cedar Medical Centers. According to a press release from LM, the system will become Mayo Clinic Health System, and all of the Mayo-owned clinics around the Midwest will bear the same name. The re-brand is meant to highlight the cooperation of the Mayo Clinic and system clinics in the effort to provide quality health care locally. Also, the unified name will enable Mayo and the system clinics to better respond to a changing marketplace and evolving health care reform, according to the release.