“Just about everyone takes a turn at raising the next generation and it's important to know your resources even before you might need to use them."”

Alice Olson, River Falls Public Library Assistant, Project Coordinator and Promotion Specialist

River Falls Public Library
140 Union St.
River Falls, WI 54022
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RIVER FALLS – The third annual Winter Wellness Fair will take place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 in the lower level of the River Falls Public Library. The informational event will focus on adults who care for children and teens.

According to Alice Olson, River Falls Public Library Assistant, Project Coordinator and Promotion Specialist, the library’s Winter Wellness Program kicks off Jan. 9 and runs through March 29.

“Each year we choose a different way to kick off the series,” Olson said. “This year, we're hosting a virtual watch party with appetizers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 9 with Dr. Christine Whelan, the Purpose Professor at Emory University and a fellow at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.”

Dr. Whelan will discuss her latest book, “The Big Picture,” a guide for young adults at a turning point–whether it’s facing the end of high school, college, graduate school, or just a dead-end job–this is a familiar question.

On Saturday, the wellness fair will feature a broad spectrum of individuals, from teachers to coaches, parents and grandparents.

“Just about everyone takes a turn at raising the next generation and it's important to know your resources even before you might need to use them,” Olson said. “The fair will highlight a variety of organizations recommended by the CARES Organization (Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Support.)”

From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees can visit with more than 20 organizations that offer wellness resources to adults, children and teens.

One of the best things about visiting the library is that everything is free, Olson added.

“People attending the fair shouldn't be concerned about feeling like they have to buy something. All the exhibitors will be at the fair just to provide information. After visiting the booths, adults can stay to watch one of two panel discussions:

• Empowering Student Well-being: Insights from the Frontlines of School Mental Health, featuring panelists Sally Piernot (prevention specialist, Hudson School District), Taylor Stevens (psychology teacher at River Falls High School), Geri Mueller (Renaissance Charter Academy school counselor), Carly Ohman (student support coordinator, Somerset School District), Paris DeLisle (restorative counseling of St. Croix Valley Restorative Services), Amanda Kauth (RF school counselor) and Erin McNiff (director of restorative counseling, St. Croix Valley Restorative Services)
• Positive Parenting Practices: Supporting Emotional Well-being in Children and Families, featuring panelists Miriam Schwiebert (Child Care Partnership) and Karla Ristow (parent educator at Family Resource Center of the St. Croix Valley).

“Good mental health helps us live, socialize and manage stress better,” Olson said. “It also allows us to be more resilient and better equipped to deal with difficult times in life. Developing good mental health practices and learning to recognize the need to ask for help early on in life sets the stage for a healthier and happier life.”

The first panel discussion is available in-person and online on the RFPL Facebook page and YouTube. The second panel discussion is in-person only.

“Libraries are no longer just about checking out books,” Olson said. “They have become important community information hubs offering many ways to serve the public. A wellness fair is just another fun and creative way to make life-long education available to all.”

The River Falls Public Library is located at 140 Union St.