Scores of Scores: Cutting Costs in the Chippewa Valley

local money savers, organized all nice

Lauren Fisher

Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic
Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic

Hey there Thrifty McSavingspants. Yeah, you! We know you like a good deal. So here’s what we did for ya: we found some ways you can save money on food, services, and more in the Chippewa Valley. There are a bunch of great resources available in the area for the cost-conscious, and they’re coming your way. (Some of them even let you give while you get!)

The Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic

The Chippewa Valley Technical College Dental Clinic is open Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-4pm. Here, a number of dental services are available to low-income and Medicaid patients at about one-half to one-third of the cost of private dental services in the region. Services are performed by licensed dental professionals or Marquette University dental students, CVTC dental hygiene students, or CVTC dental assistant students under the supervision of licensed professionals. Appointments may be time-consuming, as students are learning from the experience.

CVTC Health Education Center
615 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
(715) 833-6271

CVTC’s Shear Inspiration

CVTC’s Shear Inspiration offers low-cost hair, nail, and facial care by student cosmetologists. A haircut can run you as little as $6 if you’re in a pinch, but it’s also a great place to change up hair color (or get a botched box dye corrected), get a perm, or enjoy a facial. They’ve got options for a bit of birthday pampering, and wig service is free.

CVTC Business Education Center
620 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
(715) 833-6320

The Community Tables

The Community Table serves one free, nutritionally balanced hot meal a day to community members in need. However, the operation is open to anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat. They accept donations on-location, making it a great way to get an affordable meal and pay it forward at the same time. Similarly, Agnes’ Table in Chippewa Falls offers one free meal a day. In Menomonie, join First Congregational United Church of Christ Thursdays for dinner from 5-6pm.

The Community Table
320 Putnam St., Eau Claire
(715) 835-4977
thecommunitytable.org

Agnes’ Table
26 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls
(715) 861-3826
legacycommunitycenter.org

Thursday’s Table
First Congregational United Church of Christ
420 Wilson Ave., Menomonie
(715) 235-5838
menomonieucc.org/thursdays-table

Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.
Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.

Public Libraries

Public libraries offer a range of services at no cost, including computer and word processing program access, book lending, and educational programs. But those well-known offerings only scratch the surface of what is available at Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Menomonie libraries. Users can access print or online versions of vehicle and appliance manuals in the case that their machines act up. Crafters can access patterns and tutorials. Sheet music and practice tracks are available for musicians. It’s easy enough to use a library card as a substitute for a streaming service, as libraries offer vast selections of DVDs, music, and audiobooks. Dabble spaces offer materials at little or no cost for knitting, sewing, and other activities, and social groups meet periodically. Art and music events may also be available for free. To find out what your area library offers, check out their website or stop in.

Altoona Public Library
1303 Lynn Ave., Altoona
(715) 839-5029
altoonapubliclibrary.org

L.E. Phillips Public Library
400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire
(715) 839-1648
ecpubliclibrary.info

Menomonie Public Library
600 Wolske Bay Road, Menomonie
(715) 232-2164
menomonielibrary.org

Chippewa Falls Public Library
105 West Central St., Chippewa Falls
(715) 723-1146
chippewafallslibrary.org