A HOMECOMING. Literacy Chippewa Valley has joined forces with Phil Cook (pictured) for a one-night benefit concert for the nonprofit's 40-year anniversary. Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Cook's accolades span piano, songwriting, vocals and more as a former member of Megafaun, DeYarmond Edison, among other creative works in his discography. (Photo by Luong Huynh)

“Music has a unifying effect and mission organizations are looking to unify the community to mobilize their issues,” Phil Cook, acclaimed musician and Chippewa Falls native, said. “It is a symbiotic relationship.” 

That synergy will be on full display during a one-night concert to honor the Literacy Chippewa Valley's (LCV) 40-year anniversary, featuring a career-spanning selection of Cook’s captivating piano works.

At 6pm on Sept. 25 within the Masonic Temple (616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), Cook returns to home base to join LCV and help sustain its vital offerings – from senior digital courses to foundational reading instruction.

LCV's longtime mission has been to empower adults and families of the region to reach their educational, employment and social goals through learning-focused literacy programs.

Free services through LCV – including but not limited to corrections, volunteer work and job readiness training, citizenship application support, English language learners programs, etc. – not only help locals, but have enriched the entire Chippewa Valley community.

“LCV is known for teaching reading, but only a small fraction of our students don't know how to read,” Elizabeth Hart, executive director of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, said. “We have a pool of 25 volunteers who assist in the classroom and provide one-to-one tutoring so that an individual can learn at their own pace and level when it is convenient for them.”

When we last spoke with Hart on the impact of LCV, in June 2025, the nonprofit had continued to see record-number participation in its programs. Although Hart notes that participation levels remain high, essential initiatives extending beyond basic reading and writing instruction continue to face funding shortfalls.

More than 600 local individuals across the Chippewa Valley participate in LCV programming, a trend which has continued to grow following the COVID-19 pandemic. Programming ranges from early childhood development to its Corrections Education program. (Photo by Ethan Kulinski)

“Our English classes with childcare continue but we have doubled our offerings to include night classes to serve those who work during the day,” Hart said. “LCV (now) sends a teacher to dairy farms and manufacturing sites where employees can take advantage of classes during their lunch hour.”

In addition to these services, LCV’s newest program addresses a newer area of literacy – the digital world. Today, approximately 200 older Chippewa Vallians now participate in its “Senior Divide” program, a 10-week computer course.

“Music and literacy are beautiful ways to express and read the vernacular of our culture. Both of them can aid one another.”

Phil cook

pianist and singer-songwriter of
Appalachia Borealis, All These years, among others

With assistance from dozens of volunteers, LCV hopes to continue this service and help people build their technology skills – from using a mouse to knowledge on cybersecurity, access to tele-health services and even how to save family photos digitally.

Reflecting on four decades of community-wide impact throughout western Wisconsin, Hart said music serves as a singular, unifying bridge. This celebration, paired with the power of song, emphasizes the non-profit’s collective effort to bridge gaps between its students and advocates alike.

Cook agrees, noting “music and literacy are beautiful ways to express and read the vernacular of our culture. Both of them can aid one another.”

In Wisconsin and beyond, Cook and Hart pointed to the ongoing infrastructure challenges facing initiatives like LCV, where communities frequently rely on benefit concerts and bake sales to meet essential needs.

On the other hand, we get to see with our own eyes (and ears, thanks to the power of Cook’s songs) the efforts of volunteers and impacted families to “get things right” for the Chippewa Valley. Whether at the Masonic Temple or in LCV’s programming, we can be reminded of what it means to find humanity, through acts of care.

Learn more about Literacy Chippewa Valley at www.literacychippewavalley.org . Tickets to Phil Cook “In Concert For Literacy” ($30/person) can be purchased on Sept. 25, in person at the Masonic Temple (616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).