Rhymes With Decorah

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Crystal Duffy, Community Developer for the Postville Community Heart and Soul program joins us on this episode to talk about one NE Iowa communities journey through the Heart and Soul framework.

Postville, a small town of 2,500+ in rural Allamakee County, has been slowly growing for well over a decade as local processing plant jobs and various industries have continued to work to fill out the work force. In recent decades, Postville has actually almost doubled in population as workers have arrived from Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, the Ukraine, Somalia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and beyond. Entities like the Postville School District, Public library, and local churches have continued filling gaps to make newcomers feel welcome and find their places - enter the Community Heart and Soul Program.

Community Heart & Soul, a national nonprofit organization that, "builds stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States through the Community Heart & Soul model - a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it."

The idea for Postville to work through the Heart and Soul process originated through the cooperation of the Postville City Council, Allamakee County Economic Development, the Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative, and the nonprofit Our Postville. For the past couple years, the group, led by a community developer, has implemented the four steps of the Community Heart and Soul Process: Imagine, Connect, Plan, and Act.

Developed and field-tested over a decade in partnership with over 120 small cities and towns across America, the national Community Heart & Soul program provides a framework for for supporting communities into the future - with community involvement at the heart of every step.

Join us for this conversation with Postville Community Heart & Soul program manager and community developer Crystal Duffy as we talk about her journey to NE Iowa, as well as Postville's journey through the Heart & Soul process and into the future. Follow Our Postville Community Heart & Soul on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OurPostvilleCHS.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Located on a stately corner of Broadway and River Street in downtown Decorah is the former home of Adelbert Field Porter (1879 – 1968) and Grace Young Porter (1880 – 1964). Both single children of early Decorah and NE Iowa business families, Grace and Bert Porter left their home as a Museum of worldly collections that inspire exploration of history, nature, and art.

Join Museum Docent Erica Reynolds, and Porter House Museum Manager John Reynolds on this episode for an overview of all that the Porter House offers visitors!

“Bert” (as he was more commonly called) was a gentleman naturalist, collector, and photographer who traveled throughout the world in pursuit of butterflies, rocks, and other curiosities. A man of artistic sensibilities, Bert used his nature collections to create unique “nature art,” for which he became well known during his lifetime.

At the museum, visitors experience the historic travels, art, and collecting of this naturalist and his wife against the backdrop of Victorian elegance that was their home and heritage.

You can learn about the Porters, their collections, the incredible rock wall surrounding the property, plus another 11 virtual exhibits on the Porter House website as well.

Visit the Porter House Museum at 401 West Broadway in Downtown Decorah, daily from June-August with guided tours at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. The Museum is also open weekends in May and September (closed October-April). It is worth mentioning that the grounds are open daily for visitors with no cost – including the incredible rock wall and garden. Visitors are welcome to check ahead at info@porterhousemuseum.org - (563) 382-8465.

Interested adventurers can also support the Porter House by becoming a member. Group tours are also welcome, but require advance planning and timing due to the historic nature of the museum. Find all the information online https://www.porterhousemuseum.org/ at or on Facebook.

All Photos Courtesy of Porter House Museum

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Rhymes With Decorah is back after our fun mini-series of shows from Lansing, Iowa - and what better topic to talk about than the Service of Rotary International and the Decorah Rotary Club! Join Ward Budweg, Brecka Putnam, and Benji for a conversation about Rotary and all that this incredible organization does - Service above Self!

Decorah Rotary Road Cleanup Project

Rotary is 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who are creating positive, lasting change in communities around the world. Rotarians have diverse occupations, cultures, and experiences that give unique perspectives and have a shared passion for service to accomplish remarkable feats.

Ward Budweg visiting a classroom via Rotary International

Through programs for emerging leaders, Rotary also helps young people get the skills and experience they need to make a real difference in the lives of others. Rotary offers both service clubs and programs to help students and young professionals strengthen their leadership skills, expand their world understanding, and make new friends.

With clubs in nearly every country, Rotary’s positive impact on communities around the world has never been greater. If you share a passion for creating lasting change, contact the Decorah Rotary to become a member and get involved.

Decorah Rotary serving hot dogs at a Decorah Communit Event

The Decorah Rotary Club is made up of a great and diverse group of leaders including:

Ward Budweg – President
Phil Iverson & Mike Huinker – Co-Presidents Elect
Kelly Reagan – Sec / Treasure
Jeff Tomlinson – Rotary Foundation
Shannon Duncan - Membership
Brecka Putnam – Club PR Chair

Decorah Rotary's latest project - the Binzebo Trailhead at Carlson Park in Decorah

Decorah Rotary meetings have two options to fit busy and engaged lifestyles:

Tuesday at Noon – Decorah VFW – 104 State St – Decorah
Rotary After Hours - Every Other Thursday 5:30pm - Pulpit Rock Brewery – 207 College Dr

New and interested members are always welcome to just show up to a meeting and find out more. Membership also opens meetings across the world - It is said that there is a Rotary meeting being held someplace in the world every hour of every day, as there are more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in the world.

Thank you to Decorah Rotary for all that they do in our community and region!

Participants in the Decorah Rotary Trout Run Trail ATV Tours

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Sangerfest 2022, Photo: Beth Skogen

Dr. David Judisch, Director of the Luren Singing Society and Director in Chief for the Norwegian Singers Association of America joins us for this episode to talk about Sangerfest - and so much more!

Sangerfest is a celebration and gathering of Norwegian Singing Societies from across the country that happens every two years in rotating venues across the upper midwest. The 2024 Sangerfest public concert will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Luther College CFL in Decorah, Iowa.

Since 1975, Dr. David Judisch has been the director of the Luren Singing Society, based in Decorah, and also serving as Director-in-Chief for the Norwegian Singers Association of America (NSAA) since 1984.

Dr. David & Gail Judisch, Vesterheim, Courtesy Luren Singers

Judisch earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa, and is Professor Emeritus of Music at Luther College where he was Professor of Music, Head of Voice and Opera, and Director of the Dorian Summer Music Camps. He was the recipient of the St. Olaf Medal by Norway’s King, His Majesty, King Harald V in 2016. A Eastern Iowa native, Judisch graduated from Wapsie Valley High School and followed his musical education at the University of Iowa. Under the guidance of professors such as Herald Stark, Judisch found opportunities that lead him to Luther College in the early 1970s. With a young family in tow, David quickly made inroads in the community via friends and coworkers like David Greedy, Weston Noble, and Jack Nelson – who in 1975 recruited him into the Norwegian Singing Society culture.

The Luren Singing Society continues to hold the torch along with a small handful of other groups from across the upper midwest to this great Norwegian-American tradition. The group continues past 155+ years of building community through voice, broadening repertoire, relationships, and membership. Multiple tours of Norway and Scandinavia have been mounted over the years including full ensemble tours in 1969, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2001, 2015, and 2023. The NSAA also featured group ensemble tours in 1995 and 2005, with performances across Scandinavia and Europe. Dr. Judisch recalls several notable concerts in this show, including Temppeliaukio Lutheran Church (Church in the Rock) in Helsinki, and countless performances in Norway. Assistant Director Douglas Poppen has also served the group since 2018.

The Luren Singing Society, Photo By Peterson Photography

We hope you enjoy this fantastic conversation with Dr. David Judisch, celebrating the rich and deep tradition of Norwegian Singing Societies, and the Sangerfest Celebration.

Find out more:
www.lurensingingsociety.com
www.nsaaonline.org

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

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Welsh's Village Farm & Home, Lansing Iowa - Photo Benji Nichols

Welcome to "Rhymes With Lansing" - a mini-series of podcast shows featuring just a few of the amazing folks that call Lansing, Iowa home. Recorded in the Spring of 2024, these shows represent a snapshot in time of life in one of Iowa's great, rural, Mississippi River towns. Find the intro show to this series here.

Welsh's Village Farm & Home was established in 1965 and continues to run as an amazing family owned store on Main Street in Downtown Lansing, Iowa. Rich Welsh continues on the tradition of his Family's hospitality and service while offering all the basics off rural life - from automotive, lumber, farm, work wear, plumbing, electrical, lawn & garden, outdoor & sporting goods, and more. If they don't have it - they'll find it or tell you where to find it!

While Rick grew up in a large family with many siblings, the store became his life's work, along with all the things that one has the opportunity to do in a small town - like being a part of the Lansing Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service, and EMS.

Rick Welsh, Auto Isle - Image Courtesy Main Street Lansing

Along the Way, Welsh's have also picked up parts of the business that have made sense to provide to the region - like lumber! Part of the secret to the longevity of a store like Welsh's is not only the fantastic small town service they provide, but also seeing the products that customers are looking for and being willing to carry them.

Welsh's Lumber Yard - Image Courtesy Lansing Main Street

Listen in to hear Rick talk about all things Lansing, the many historical pieces that he's collected over the years, and the benefits of living in a great small town - as well as "Life at 3mph"!

Rhymes With Lansing is being made possible by the generous support of the Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative and Dairyland Power, with additional support from Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism. A special thank you to Lansing Office Works for hosting the recording of these shows - find Lansing Works on Main Street for co-working, meeting, and commercial kitchen space -www.lansingofficeworks.com
To find out more about Lansing Iowa - where Main Street meets the Mississippi visit www.lansingiowa.com

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

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Melissa & Nick Hammell are both business owners (and spouses!) on Main Street in Downtown Lansing, Iowa - and so much more. Melissa started Simply Salon several years ago, now located in the same building, above The Safe House Saloon, which Nick runs alongside a crew of craft beer and pizza slingers.

As anyone that has lived in a small town can tell you (population 951 at last count...) being a part of the community means wearing a lot of different "hats". And my, the hats that Melissa and Nick wear and have worn! From being parents, to running 2 businesses, to being mayor (!), volunteering with the Fire Department, and more. This couple knows what it means to be part of their community. But the best part about small town life - you can be a part of the community too! Listen in to hear about life in Lansing - on this episode of "Rhymes With Lansing"!

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

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Photo Courtesy of Walking Space

Andrew Boddicker is the Executive Director of Main Street Lansing, as well as owner of Walking Space - which provides opportunities for long distance walking retreats in the Driftless Region.

On this show we talk all things Lansing, Iowa - "Where Main Street Meets the Mississippi". Lansing continues to be a lively, creative, rural town in the very NE Corner of Iowa - just across the river from La Crosse, WI and mere miles from the Minnesota state line.

Main Streets Lansing provides a framework for the town to continue finding paths forward to flourish on several fronts - from physical improvements, to funding opportunities, helping connect volunteers with projects, and so much more.

Andrew and his husband Ian Zahren have lived in Lansing for several years, chaired Lansing's RAGBRAI end host committee, both taught public education, and dedicated years to rural Iowa and beyond.

Check it all out and listen to the entire conversation - then go visit Lansing, Iowa - one of Iowa's best kept River Town secrets!

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

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Erin Cubbon, Naturalist, Allamakee Co Conservation

Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center

Erin Cubbon is a naturalist for Allamakee County Conservation, based out of the amazing Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center, on the south end of Lansing. Join us to hear her tails of critters, rivers, and culture from the Upper Mississippi River Valley (and beyond!).

Better yet, catch Erin in action at the Driftless Visitors Center - or hear the many tales -and tails- from working with students young (and young at heart) from across the region via educational opportunities.

Check it all out and listen to the entire conversation - then go visit Lansing, Iowa - one of Iowa's best kept River Town secrets! (Did we mention the Driftless Visitors Center is FREE!?)

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

Baby Rattle Snakes at the Driftless Visitors Center in Lansing, Iowa!
(No, really, they're adorable!)

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Maryann Baldwin, Lansing Entrepreneur Photo by: Brittany Todd

Maryann Baldwinn's story is one of building community and seeing opportunities when they've presented themselves. From an early background in broadcasting, a career in media and marketing took her across the country - until she and her husband found the Lansing area in 2013.

Her work in mentoring local entrepreneurs, supporting city and community agencies, volunteering on boards like Main Street Lansing, and running the coworking space, Lansing Office Works (or "The Works" as it's known) shows just a few of the gifts that she shares with her community.

Maryann and Benji recording at Lansing Office Works, April 2024

In a Community Builder feature from the "Summer 2022" issue of Inspire(d) Magazine, Maryann says “The way I see it, I’ve just created a garden. I provide the sunlight and fertilizer and water, and then I stand back and let it happen. Everything is connected, and it’s so fun to watch things grow.”

Grow, indeed - as Maryann continues to help along the next generation of entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders in Lansing and the greater area. Find out more or get details on how you can use the Lansing Office Works coworking space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis (or rent their commercial kitchen!). A huge thanks goes out to Maryann for hosting us at Lansing Office Works to record this series of shows.

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

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Lansing, Iowa - Courtesy, Driftless Visitors Center

Welcome to a special mini-series of shows we're calling "Rhymes With Lansing" - bringing you stories from "where Main Street meets the Mississippi" in Iowa's very NE Corner. Located in Allamakee County, Lansing is a town of almost 1,000 people ideally tucked into a wooded valley along the Mississippi River.

Photo Courtesy of Main Street Lansing

On this show, we introduce the series, take a walk around town to meet a few local business owners, and hear a little bit about what makes this small town such a unique place.

Horsfall's Variety - Lansing, Iowa - Photo Benji Nichols

Special guests heard on this introduction episode include:

Paul Horsfall Jr - Horsfall's Variety
Dave Jansen - Lansing Hardware
Wendi Wilson-Eiden - Coffee on the River
Stan Fullerton - Lansing Transplant
Jeni Grouws - Musician, Avey/Grouws Band

Thee OP, Lansing Iowa - Photo, Benji Nichols

Join us as we roll out five new "Rhymes With Lansing" shows in the coming weeks - and better yet, start planning your trip at www.lansingiowa.com

Coffee On The River - Lansing, Iowa

Find the next episodes of "Rhymes With Lansing":

Lansing Entrepreneur Maryann Baldwin
Erin Cubbon, Allamakee County Conservation Naturalist and Driftless Visitors Center

"Rhymes With..." is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media - find us online at www.iloveinspired.com

Original music for the "Rhymes With Lansing" series by Benji Nichols.

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Valerie Reinke, Executive Director of Allamakee County Iowa Economic Development & Tourism joins us for this episode of "Rhymes With... Allamakee"

Iowa's most Northeastern County is a treasure trove of outdoor beauty, recreation opportunities, and some very dynamic communities. With just over 14,000 people, Allamakee County consists of six small towns: Waukon, Lansing, Postville, Harpers Ferry, New Albin, and Waterville.

Allamakee County is also home to Iowa's only National Monument, Effigee Mounds, as well as the 8,900 acre Yellow River State Forest (and Iowa's only firetower!).

Keep an eye out for our next mini-series of shows - “Rhymes With Lansing” – a 5 show series from Lansing, IA – airing through April into Spring featuring stories and organizations from Lansing, Iowa.

Get all the details and more about Allamakee County:

https://www.allamakeecounty.com/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Join us on this episode of "Rhymes With Decorah" as we take an awesome opportunity to talk with Decorah Community School District Nutrition Director and Culinary Specialist Chad Elliott.

With deep roots in the Decorah area, Chad brings a background in the commercial food service industry to what may be any communities most important food source - school meals! It takes a village to provide the necessary meals to the DCSD, including 6 different facilities in different locations that require multiple offerings on any given school day. And for that, Chad is quick to point out his incredible staff that pull this task off on a daily basis.

Local Foods have also been a huge part of Chad's influence and vision on making sure that our youngest consumers in the community have opportunities to experience farm to school table foods in their daily meals. Partnerships within the district have even led to incredible programs like Tim Haye's school garden program that provides thousands of pounds of fresh, grown on school grounds produce each year.

You can keep up with all that the DCSD Nutrition Program is doing via their "Viking Galley" Facebook Page found here.

A huge thanks to Chad and his crew for all of their work and vision to provide our most important resource with fresh, healthy, delicious daily meals while they are at school!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Cover image by Anne Butera / MyGiantStrawberry.com

Join the WHOLE fam on this show for a rundown on the Spring 2024 Issue of Inspire(d) Magazine! Here's Aryn's editors letter for this issue as well. Don't miss a tiny bit of this beautiful issue (inside and out!). Thanks for listening, reading, and supporting our mission of sharing positive news!

Find the new "Spring 2024" Inspire(d) Playlist here!

PATIENCE: WE ALL BLOOM IN OUR OWN TIME.I totally hated the phrase “late bloomer” when I was a kid. I had two cousins – both a little older and infinitely cooler – who said I was “just a late bloomer.” They didn’t say it with malice, but boy, did it sting.

Now, decades later, I want to tell that pre-teen: It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re working on you, you’ll get where you want to be – or where you’re supposed to be – eventually. Keep at it.

Of course, there are many things we’d tell our past selves if we could. The theme for this issue is a gentle reminder: We all bloom in our own time. All we need is just a little patience (thanks, Guns N’ Roses). I dive into this topic in my infographic, “Patience in Bloom,” which leads into our spring mental health article by Olivia Lynn Schnur. Olivia gives us tips for avoiding the comparison trap, so we can continue our paths at whatever pace necessary. Hint: We need to get clear on vision and values.

It was vision and values that led Anne Butera to art. The Viroqua-based artist taught herself how to paint with watercolors at age 34, and today she is a prolific artist, online art teacher, and the creative behind the website and blog, My Giant Strawberry. Anne’s gorgeous artwork is featured on this issue’s cover. Read her story on page 16.

Anne’s blog also inspired us to create the spring paper project: a Giant Strawberry Box! You can use it as a May Day basket, a favor box, or just because it’s cute!

We promise your name doesn’t have to be Anne, Annie, or Anni to be in Inspire(d) Magazine, but we happen to have all those names in this issue!

Annie Coleman was inspired by the summers she spent growing up at her grandparents’ Golden Horse Ranch resort north of Madison, Wisconsin. Decades later, she (along with some great help from her friends) opened Red Clover Ranch in rural Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, where folks can attend creative, enriching retreats, fun events, local dinners, and more (pg 48).

And last but most certainly not least in the “Anni list,” Anni Weilgart, former long-time Decorah resident and teacher, is featured as our Probituary (pg 66). Anni turned 100 in 2023, and as interviewer Lindy Weilgart says, “she has fewer ailments and healthier blood values than all of us.” I love the wisdom in these Q&As (see all of them here).

There’s a lot to be learned from our Driftless Community Builders as well. Ernie Johnson brings people together through vintage collectibles and cars – and with interesting conversation – at Ernie’s Garage in Whalan, Minnesota. In Decorah, Molly Holkesvik has taught, coached, and led students (and some adults) in various forms of self- and world-discovery for two decades through classes, theatre, and travel.

You don’t have to travel too far to embrace the season with our spring ideas for fun, from peony picking to maple syrup sampling (pg 44). And speaking of maple syrup, you can learn about Iowa’s longest running business in this issue’s Sum of Your Business. We feature a Q&A with Jeni (Green) Melcher, the sixth generation of Greens to tap maple trees on their farm in rural Northeast Iowa (pg 56). (Fun fact: I grew up just up the road from Greens’ Sugarbush!)

We’re lucky to have so many cool things to do here in the Driftless. As you get out there exploring, watch for the various insects and arachnids move around again. You can learn more about the latter in conservation writer Craig Thompson’s piece on spiders (pg 62). They really are amazing (but still…shudder)!

You really are amazing too, readers! Thanks for joining us for another year of positive news! You’re the best. Read the entire Spring 2024 Inspire(d) online here, or see the story list below!

Looking forward,

Aryn "Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Photo Courtesy of WinnMed

Emergency Management Services are often not thought of until there is a time of need. Police, Fire, Ambulance, First Responders – all provide essential community services, and face unique challenges in much of our rural regions. Steve Vanden Brink has been serving Decorah and NE Iowa for over 30 years as an EMT and Director of Ambulance Services at WinnMed in Decorah, as well as the Decorah Fire Department’s Public Education Officer.

While Steve’s story started as a young person, people of all walks find themselves called to serve in the EMS community. EMTs (Emergency Management Technicians) particularly serve a critical link in emergency health and response situations – and are also facing a shortage across the country, including the rural Midwest. Opportunities exist for everything from volunteer first responders to professional career EMTs and flight medics. In NE Iowa, NICC (NE Iowa Community College) has also partnered to help offer training and career paths in EMT services.

Image Courtesy of DFD

We offer up a huge thanks to those in the EMS world and especially to Steve for taking time to talk to us about his experiences and the opportunities available in the EMS world. If you’d like to find out more, reach out to Steve at WinnMed – 563-382-2911

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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The Oneota Valley Community Orhestra has been bringing incredible performances to NE Iowa for 10 years! Join founder and musical director Matt Cody, along with musician and board member Benjamin Kratchmer as we talk all things OVCO.

The organization, started in 2014, was brougth to life to present live classical music to the residents of the Oneota Valley, promote music education, and provide the opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to continue the lifelong study and performance of classical music. A decade in, the organization has covered a lot of ground, a lot of music, and is playing bright into the future.

Musicians interested in learning more about performing with the OVCO can submit their information online here.

The Orchestra is also always looking for engaged board members (musicians or not!), as well as those helping advance the organization in other volunteer rolls. Interested? Check out the details.

Each season of performances are unique, and often include special guests as part of the repertoire. Check out this season's schedule and more. Several performances are even available on the OVCO's YouTube Channel - which you can watch here.

You can also support the symphony by making a tax-deductible donation today. Your support helps continue bringing classical masterpieces to residents of Decorah and surrounding communities as well as provide opportunities for amateur and professional musicians to continue a lifelong study of classical music.

Lute by OVCO musician and craftsman Benjmain Kratchmer

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Liudmyla Skorlupina is a Ukrainian English teacher, currently living with her son Zhenia in the US. They are from Bucha, Ukraine, and were able to participate in the “Uniting for Ukraine” Federal humanitarian program, which allows them to spend up to two years in the US with a host sponsor family.

Liuda and Luther College Professor of Anthropology Maryna Nading have known each other since their upper schooling days in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. (Maryna is a past guest of the show – hear that episode here.) Through Nading’s work with the Luther College Paideia program, Liudmyla is visiting Decorah to present the Paideia lecture “Public Anthropology and the Common Good: Costly Lessons of Bearing Witness to War” on February 13, 2024 (An online link to the presentation may be found here).

Liuda Skorlupina

Liuda is a Ukrainian native, and has lived with her family in Bucha (Ukraine) for over a decade – a suburb of about 60,000 just 20 miles the Capital city Kiev.

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine ramped up in February of 2022, Bucha became a cross roads of invading Russian troops, with intense fighting now known as the “Bucha Massacre”. These brutal attacks on the people of Bucha led to hundreds of civilian and prisoner of war deaths, with documented torture, rape, and mass graves left in the wake of the Russian forces. When Bucha was retaken by Ukrainian forces in late March 2022, the full extent of the atrocities came to light, with US President Biden calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to face war crimes charges. An outrage across the world was sparked, marking even more severe sanctions against Russia by the US & Allies.

While many recovery efforts have been made in Bucha since the Spring of 2022 (as much of the fighting has moved into Eastern Ukraine), the City, along with Liuda’s family, are still facing many daily challenges. We thank Liuda and Maryna for helping share these stories with our listeners and our region – and hope that Liuda and Zhenia’s first trip to the upper Midwest was a positive one.

Maryna Nading

You can hear the previous episode of “Rhymes With Decorah” featuring Maryna Nading here. If you would like to connect with Maryna or help by donating funds to on-the-ground, grass roots organizations, please feel free to contact her at: bazyma01@luther.edu

The US Department of State also has an excellent Fact Sheet / web resource for informational sources about the conflict in Ukraine, as well as ways to support relief efforts for the Ukrainian people. Click here for international NGOs and Non Profit Organizations, as well as free resources and information on hosting, visas, mental health / trauma, and more.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Olivia Lynn Schnur is a writer, Mental Health Counselor, and yoga teacher, with roots in NE Iowa! You may have read some of Olivia's pieces in the pages of Inspire(d) over the past 4+ years, as she and Aryn have partnered to present various themes and topics throughout each issue. Olivia has a wealth of experience to draw from with her background as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist. Yoga is also part of Olivia's path, including becoming 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher and a Reiki Master, including additional training in trauma-sensitive yoga and yin yoga.

We can't thank Olivia enough for all her contributions to Inspire(d). We also invite you to look back at articles and issues from the past, including the "tear out" worksheets that you can download at the Inspire(d) website.

Find out more about Olivia's work at https://oliviaschnur.com/

Thanks for listening!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Decorah Native Kim Karr started her professional career in high school education, and quickly realized a need in the digital world - social media specifically, and the way that young people interact. Fast forward, and Kim has been the Executive Director of Digital4Good and #ICanHelp for a decade - making positive impact on a world wide audience.

Digital4Good and #ICanHelp are agents of change committed to creating awareness of the mental health and digital safety of students and adults. Their work is focused on youth digital empowerment, and preventing cyberbullying or other types of abuse, through education and the promotion of student leadership.

Digital4Good is a Non Profit entity that is powered by three goals: Educate. Engage. Lead.

Programs include:

Student Leadership through Internships, Volunteers, and Mentors.
Digital Citizenship Education via Curriculums, Courses, and Training.
Community Engagement in Social Media, Events, and Webinars.

You can support the work of Decorah Native Kim Karr and the Non Profit Digital4Good and #ICanHelp by learning more or donating here.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Decorah Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin joins us for this episode of "Rhymes With Decorah" to talk about his long family ties to Decorah, generations of educators, the successes and challenges our School district faces, and the perfect "Decorah" day!

Dr. Cronin's path found him attending Luther College for undergrad studies (and basketball!) before making his way to UW, and the University of Iowa where he completed his PHD. And while education was paramount in the Cronin Family, Tim found that his experiences and interests really led him to higher administrative positions and work. With more than three decades of experience - from elementary classroom teacher to principal, and being a superintendent (amongst many other positions), Cronin continues to look forward to guiding the DCSD.

We thank Superintendent Cronin for sharing his time with us for this show - and hope to have more conversations in the future.

Find out more about the Decorah Community School District here.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Welcome to 2024 - and welcome back to "Rhymes With Decorah"!

On this episode Roxie, Aryn, and Benji work to shake off the end of holiday school break while running down the "Winter 2024" issue of Inspire(d), and looking at 2024 bucket lists. This show is loose as a goose -and funky as a chicken, but we hope you enjoy it as a way to roll on into 2024 before we hit some harder topics and episodes.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Founded in 1988 by the late Bob Anderson, the Raptor Resource Project (RRP) is a non-profit that preserves and strengthens raptor populations, expands participation in raptor conservation, and educates people around the world about raptors and their habitats.

Photo courtesy of Raptor Resource Project

With the core goals of education, conservation, and research, RRP was at the forefront of peregrine falcon reintroduction to wild sites across the upper midwest, as well as some of the earliest web based "Bird Cams", including the Decorah Eagles Cam that went viral beginning in 2011 (the camera started as a still image updated every 2 mintues in 2009).

"DNF" Photo courtesy of Raptor Resource Project

While founder Bob Anderson was at the heart of everything that RRP did in it's first two decades, it took a village of friends and enthusiasts to grow the organization and do the physical work of the organization. One of those folks is Decorah falconer Dave Kester, who joins us on this show to talk about all things RRP.

RRP's Dave Kester with eyasses, 2021
Courtesy Raptor Resource Project

As a nonprofit, the Raptor Resource Project is governed by a board of directors, and depends on donors, research, and other programs for their annual budget. – You can support the incredible work of RRP at this link!

Find out more at:

https://www.raptorresource.org/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Since 1975, New Minowa Players (NMP) have been creating community through theatre in Northeast Iowa. From the founding days of friends Bette Greedy, Donalee Burns, and Helen Schmidt meeting up to present true community productions wherever they could find a space, to almost half a century later featuring an annual season of 6 productions, NMP has built a theatrical legacy in rural Iowa. Join us on this episode with NMP's Sarah Brandt and Molly Holkesvik to hear more about New Minowa Players and their 200th production!

NMP is celebrating their 200th production in November of 2023, with “Ye Olde Cabaret: New Minowa Players Throughout the Years”, a retrospective of productions and performers that have contributed over the past 48 years. The show is being directed by Molly Holkesvik and Alison Blake, with a cast of 25+ local performers telling stories about NMP, including a glimpse into its history from one of the founding "mothers", Donalee Burns. The show will be performed November 2, 3, and 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. and November 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the NMP Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under - available online or at the Oneota Community Food Co-op.

https://www.newminowaplayers.org/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Aryn Henning Nichols joins Benji for a rundown of the Fall 2023 issue of Inspire(d) Magazine - which also marks 16 years of Inspire(d)! Aryn likes to say the magazine is finally old enough to drive - even though it's been driving our lives for 16 years! Truly - we're grateful for everyone that has made this "experiment in positive news" possible - readers, advertisers, our amazing contributors, and so many others - A huge "Thank You"!

Listen in to hear about the great stories featured in this issue, including community builders like Laura Gentry, Julia Borgen, Caitlyn Konze, and Wendy Lickteig. We also have feature stories on Decorah Native Elena Rue and Storymine, our "Sum of Your Business" La Rana Bistro, Postville School Districts Therapy Dogs, a feature about all that is happening at the International Owl Center in Houston, MN, our conservationist feature on Biophilia, 16 tips on finding inspiration, and so much more!

Tune in, read on, and spread the word - thanks for being Inspire(d)!

Become a member of Inspire(d) to support our work today.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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On today’s show we welcome Liz & Jim Fritz, both (mostly!) “retired” music educators from Decorah, and longtime members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As it turns out, Liz & Jim also have a long track record of home improvement, efficiency, and sustainability projects, stemming from lifelong interests and opportunities to make their corner of the world a better place. Listen in to hear how they were able to help their hometown congregation forge the right partnerships to take on a major remodeling project while becoming a carbon neutral congregation! (Spoiler - it involves Mission Green LLC!)

The solution for this project came from many conversations. Jim and Liz worked first with their Congregation, and then with local sustainability mentors Larry Grimstad, Andy Johnson (Winneshiek Energy District), Joel Zook (Alliant Energy), Jim Martin-Schramm (Professor Emeritus of Religion at Luther College), Amy Bouska (Howard County Energy District), and others to brainstorm and dream about the possibilities for this project. They also worked to create and develop a business plan forming Mission Green LLC (a mission with a company).

Would a carbon-neutral project fit in with their ideas? Can you grow a business using a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)? Could this idea/business model allow Good Shepherd to lower energy bills and their carbon footprint? Could this include some of the ideas for a renewed outdoor space for the congregation?

The result of these conversations and questions was a proposal from Mission Green to enable a Carbon Neutral Project for Good Shepherd. Mission Green would create a business relationship with the Good Shepherd congregation, and see the successful project through, including:

Selling the congregation electricity at lower fixed costs through a PPA (purchase power agreement).
Eliminating their use of carbon-based fuels by installing and leasing heat pumps, while removing eyesores on the roof.
Providing an opportunity to fix water drainage problems of an unused outdoor space (French drain).
Update/upgrade all service entrances to the entire facility.
Providing solar panels for rooftop installation (21 kW, 52 bi-facial).
Creating a 37'x37' solar canopy (27 kW, 50 bi-facial panels) with a waterproof racking system on a Douglas Fir post and beam pergola.
Installing a permeable paver courtyard directly over the French drain, with sound and light amenities.

Photo Courtesy of Joel Teslow - Decorah Electric

Good Shepherd is now 100% electric. The gas meter was removed in February 2023. The Good Shepherd Carbon Neutral Project has replaced the fossil fuel HVAC system with four geothermal heat pumps, three air-to-air heat pumps, and a mini-split unit. It can heat/air condition the entire facility using solar electricity, all created onsite. LED lighting throughout the whole campus also reduces the overall electrical needs. Other efforts by the congregation to lower their Carbon Footprint include planting over 20 trees on the campus greenspace and considering adding a prairie wildflower/pollinator garden.

Once the PPA and lease are completed, the congregation can use previous energy dollars for mission dollars instead. We're proud of our combined efforts to Move the Needle in the fight against climate change.

To find out more about this work, visit:

Mission Green LLC - https://missiongreen.llc

Winneshiek Energy District - https://energydistrict.org/

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Run. Fish. Beer.

Help Benji reach his fundraising goal - Donate here to the Driftless Flyathlon <

Ryan Rahmiller and Scott Stimmel join us to talk about the Driftless Flyathlon – a favorite annual event of Benji’s that happens each fall at Yellow River Forest in rural Allamakee County, Iowa. Ryan and Scott are not only part of the six person planning crew of the Flyathlon event, but are also passionate fishermen, teachers, and cross country coaches! It’s this “intersection” of running, fly fishing, and a love of craft beer that has fueled the event since 2017 to raise tens of thousands of dollars for cold water conservation in NE Iowa. The original Flyathlon events have roots in Colorado with creator Andrew Todd and the Middle Creek Flyathlon, and then the beginning of the Driftless Flyathlon in 2016 by Brian Kouba – who can be seen in this 2017 piece from Iowa Outdoors.

The concept of the Flyathlon is quite fun – contestants line up at the starting line with their fly rods broken down. For the Driftless Flyathlon, an out and back trail run (approximately 4+ miles) happens along the Big Paint stream at Yellow River State Forest, with the requirement of catching a fish at any point during the run, and enjoying a nice craft beer at the end. It’s those three parts that make up the “Flyathlon”, but of course there is a fun “catch” the race as well – for each inch long of the (biggest) fish you catch, 2 minutes is taken off your running time. Catch a nice 12 inch brown? That’s 24 minutes off your running time – but catch nothing? That’s a 20 minute penalty! This can leave for some pretty fun strategy between fishing, running, and good ol’ luck!

Ryan Rahmiller - Driftless Flyathlon Organizer, fly fishing guide, teacher, and coach!

Since 2017, the planning team of Ryan and Amanda Rahmiller, alongside Clint and Angela Johnson (Ryan & Clint also making up part of the guiding team for Driftless on the Fly), have been organizing the event.

Scott Stimmel - Driftless Flyathlon Organizer, fly fisherman, teacher, and coach!

Scott Stimmel, a teacher and coach from the Iowa City area also joined the planning team after a couple years of competing, as well as Brad Rahmiller. The annual event takes months of preparation and planning – requiring the 75 participants to not only get in on one of the competitive slots for the actual race when registration opens in early Spring (it fills fast!), but for all participants to also fundraise for cold water stream conservation. Over the 7 years the event has been happening, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for cold water conservation projects in NE Iowa via the Driftless Flyathlon.

Click Here to check out the latest stream restoration project!

The non profit entity “Running Rivers” was started by the original Colorado founders as a way to handle fundraising and dispersing funds raised by the Flyathlon events, and has continued to be an amazing partner both in Colorado and Iowa – and more recently North Carolina. But the goal at the end of the day is the same – have fun, meet like minded people, and support cold water habitat conservation.

If you’d like to support the Driftless Flyathlon, Click on this link to visit Benji’s fundraising page for the 2023 Driftless Flyathlon (this page is powered by FlipCause) – or visit:

https://www.runningrivers.org/driftless-flyathlon-projects.html

Instagram: @driftlessflyathlon

www.runningrivers.org

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Jeff Abbas poses with agates and polishing equipment at his studio in rural NE Iowa. / Photo by Sara Friedl-Putnam

Jeff Abbas has been connecting communities, chasing passions, and picking up rocks for most of his life. A self proclaimed "agatographer", his passion for Lake Superior agates and photography have found him producing stunning images of billion-plus year old agates. His ability to connect friends through photography led to the creation of the "Morning Coffee Shots" Facebook group that proceeded to connect hundreds of friends and soon-to-be friends through the pandemic and beyond.

(You can read the entire feature on Jeff from the Summer 2023 issue of Inspire(d) Magazine here - special thank you to Sara Friedl Putnam for that profile, and the photos noted on this episode page).

Jeff Abbas holds a polished agate. / Photo by Sara Friedl-Putnam

An Iowa native, Abbas set across the US after school to see the country, and by the mid-1970s found himself in the US Navy, and then Central California. It was here that he found a passion for all that California offered - including the Sierra Foot Hills. Early jobs included using early generation digital cameras (a Sony Mavica to be exact), to capture wildflower images in the Sierra - an idyllic job in many ways that would send him out into the wilderness for a few days at a time. Jeff also had an interest in broadcasting, and a voice to back it up - but flipped a coin to decide if he should pursue education in broadcasting or culinary arts. The culinary path won, but his part time volunteer work at KUOP 93.1 FM in Stockton, CA would lead him into a career in broadcasting (including a short stint at a smooth jazz station - you'll have to listen to hear Jeff's on-air pseudonym!).

But the draw of the midwest, and the boom of California helped Jeff circle back to NE Iowa in the early 2000s. It was a chance opportunity to jump back into community radio at the now defunct KPVL 89.1 FM in Postville that put Jeff back on the air. There was no way to know it, but Jeff would be at the center of community information when the 2008 ICE Immigration raid of Agriprocessors (the largest ever immigration raid in the US at that time). That event would also connect him to his now wife, Mary, who was working with Catholic Charities in the aftermath of the raid.

Photo by Jeff Abbas Agate Photography

Although Jeff had been interested in agates his whole life, he credits the book "The Other Lake Superior Agates" by John D Marshall for sparking an even deeper appreciation and fascination with discovering the intricacies of these marvelous creations. Jeff describes an amazing intersection of "art and interest" in coaxing the almost magical designs and features of these billion-plus year old treasures. Tie in his love of photography and sharing with community, and Jeff has found at least another life's work in his passion for "agatography".

More information:

Full "Community Builder" Profile on Jeff Abbas from the Summer 2023 Issue of Inspire(d) Magazine
"Morning Coffee Shots" Facebook group
"Lake Superior Agate Life" Facebook group

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Tyler Wright of Wright Way Computers shares his story of building a full service computer and IT business out of his early interest in technology. Having just purchased a building and moved into their (second!) Water Street home (117 E Water St) in downtown Decorah, Tyler shares insights into business, technology, and the challenges -and benefits - of living in a rural area!

This conversation was sparked by a recent community conversation in which Benji and Tyler got to know each other - and talk over some of the benefits and challenges of living in rural NE Iowa. We hope you enjoy some of the insights into the challenges, benefits, and work that is to be done to see our region continue to thrive, as well as what it takes to find and keep employees for small businesses in rural Iowa.

Find Wright Way Computers at their new home - 117 E Water Street, or online https://www.wrightwaycomputers.com/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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There are certain things that are identified as true Decorah landmarks: Dunning’s Spring, Vesterheim, Luther College, Seed Savers Exchange… and Mabe’s Pizza, of course! (Ok, there are lots more, but…)

For 70 years, the White family has been providing square cut pizza slices and hometown hospitality to Northeast Iowa locals and visitors alike. Now a fourth generation family business, the Mabe’s legacy started with Mabel White, who at the age of 49 (!), opened “Mabel’s Lunch Room” in 1953 at the corner of College Drive and Leif Erickson Street.

Her proximity to Luther College was a winning choice from the start – they provided countless coffee, donuts, and eventually meals, to area residents and hungry students. It was one of those young patrons who asked Mabel about making a “pizza” – something she knew nothing about at the time, but would eventually make Mabe’s an iconic Decorah staple.

From forging partnerships with local breweries, to supporting an endless number of community groups and projects – Mabe’s is a true main street (or Water Street, in this case!) pillar.

Join them in celebrating 70 years of square cut pizza and four generations of family-run-business this summer – and keep an eye out for monthly specials and celebrations.

Also don't miss our full interview (with even more fun historical photos!) in the Summer 2023 issue of Inspire(d) Magazine. Click here to read the full interview from the magazine.

Find out more about Mabe's: https://mabespizza.com/

Thank You to the White Family for 70+ tasty years of Mabe's!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Lisa Lantz is the owner of The Getup in Downtown Decorah, a “carefully curated secondhand clothing boutique with gear for the whole family”. She is also an Iowa boomerang, who set out on a track in theater and costume design, followed her passion teaching in higher education to the East Coast before circling back to Decorah with her husband (and business partner) Scott Bassford. Two boys, a career shift, and two business locations later, The Getup shines bright at 212 West Water Street in Downtown Decorah, offering “Community Powered Sustainable Styles” for the whole family.

What does “Sustainable Style” mean though? And what sets The Getup apart from a thrift store? Dive in to this show to hear Lisa talk about all this and more – but we can tell you Lisa & Scott set out from the beginning to create a beautiful, well curated, fun, family friend, affordable experience. In fact, it was the closing of Decorah’s legacy JC Penney Store in 2017 that was one of Lisa’s “Ah-Ha!” moments of seeing the right timing and opportunity to launch their store. Originally, they thought perhaps The Getup would be just for young people, but they quickly figured out that there is a fantastic market for gently worn second hand clothing for all ages, body types, and styles.

Since launching their store, Lisa & Scott have since outgrown one downtown space, purchased and renovated a building (and apartment!) at 212 W Water Street, embraced and created technology that has helped them move their business forward, and also become even more woven into the fabric Downtown Decorah (Lisa even serves on the Decorah Chamber of Commerce board!). Lisa is also a recent graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10ksb Iowa program, which you can hear more about in our podcast here.

Check out The Getup's Instagram Feed!

Jump into this conversation – and then go check out the ever-changing inventory at The Getup – or better yet, clean out those high quality gently worn clothing items that you don’t wear anymore and sell them at The Getup! We are so grateful to have this amazing community resource on Water Street.

-- Community Powered Sustainable Styles --

Find The Getup at 212 W Water Street – Downtown Decorah

www.thegetupdecorah.com

@thegetupdecorah

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

Really, you should click this reel!

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Stephanie Henning has been helping create beautiful retail spaces since she was just old enough to unbox and arrange shoes on the racks of The Bootery (her Mom’s part time retail job.) Fashion and retail was the track that would give her inspiration and opportunity again and again, all while dreaming of what her own boutique would look like someday - Modish!

Fast forward three sons of her own, and a decade+ career in child care, Stephanie found herself with the opportunity to re-enter women’s fashion in Downtown Decorah via her friend and mentor Margaret Walter.

A chance opportunity would allow Stephanie to realize the dream of having her own boutique. She also realized her store needed to service the “real life” needs of her audience in a town of 8,000 people, an hour from anything that resembles a city. “It’s more than our tagline. It’s our mission. We have real bodies and real life budgets and we assume you do, too.”

Stephanie has been a ground level user of promoting her brick and mortar dream via tasteful and authentic social media use since day 1 of bringing her store to life – and those messages are also carry through her amazing team of stylists in her store. From 0/2 to 3X+, Modish works to model real life, and great fashion.

From tackling 100+ year old buildings with her Husband Mark, to carving out the time to attend fashion and buying events in urban centers, mentoring young stylists, and helping keep a rural main street thriving – Stephanie continues to bring life and light to Water Street in Downtown Decorah – stop by and see for yourself!

Find Modish on Instagram here.

Photos courtesy of Modish and Alacia Adrienne Photography.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Five plus years ago Eric Sovern left his job in the "corporate bike world" to pursue opening Cardboard Robot - a brick and mortar store that sells "Supplies to make things".

He and his wife Shannon (and son Jack) have built an epic destination for beautiful things that help you create more beautiful things - think high quality blank stationary, model and science kits for kids (of all ages!), art supplies, high quality writing utensils, rockets, 3D printed doodads, and so much more.

What would Decorah and the region be without Cardboard Robot?

We'd be much less fun, that's for sure.

Join us for a conversation with Eric as we cover:

Finding your way to living in Decorah.
Starting a business in a rural small town.
Loving Retail (Yes!).
The Theory of Miniatures (You'll have to listen...).
Why Salt Water Fish Aquariums are rad, but will rule your life.
How to support your rad rural downtown.
Going through the Goldman Sachs 10ksb Program
(Find our podcast on 10ksb here!)
So much more.

Find Cardboard Robot on Instagram here.

A huge thank you to Eric Sovern and Shannon Horton of Cardboard Robot for all they bring to downtown Decorah and our region.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Gail Bolson Magnuson started Agora Arts in downtown Decorah in 1992 with 33 regional artists represented in a gallery and artist workshop space. 30+ Years later, and a couple of moves, Agora still represents American Handcraft (and beyond) by over 200 artists, in a beautiful, welcoming retail space. On this episode we talk life paths, retail, starting a business, and keeping rural downtown main streets alive.

Gail (right) and her shop crew.
(Photo Courtesy Agora Arts)

Gail comes from four generations of NE Iowans, and grew up around the intergenerational family business – SB Bolson & Sons Painting and Wallpapering - artists and entrepreneurs in their right, of high end, award winning painting and papering in both commercial and residential settings.

Gail - second from left, as part of an International Women's Day Panel at Luther College 2023.

Gail had an interest in art from a young age, exploring many mediums, and having key influences along the way like retired Decorah Community School District Teacher Elizabeth Lorentzen, and Luther College fiber arts instructor Kate Martinson. Luther would also be how Gail found her husband Karl, and an amazing peer group that were a wave of creative and entrepreneurial young adults that chose to stay and make Decorah home in the late 1980s and 90s.

Gail and husband Karl
(Photo courtesy of Charlie Langton)

Agora continues into it's fourth decade in business, now in it's fourth location at 102 W. Water Street in Downtown Decorah (just next to the Hotel Winneshiek). Gail features the work of over 200 artisans including; jewelry, pottery, glass work, prints, cards, mugs and ceramic, as well as gifts specifically curated for gentlemen, and generally beautiful things to brighten anyone’s day.

Many thanks to Gail for taking time to share her story - and for all that she has provided our region for three decades and counting!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Decorah Native Kelly Ludeking might best be known as an “Ironmonger” – but his path as a professional artist is one of key mentors and moments. Join us on this show to learn more about Kelly's work, and the 20th Anniversary of the Down on the Farm Iron Pour located in Decorah, Iowa, and the many adventures of Kelly and his wife Diane.

Down on the Farm Iron our – 20th Anniversary 2023!

From Kelly’s website:

"Did you know my middle initial, the meat in the sandwich of KRL, stands for Renaissance? It doesn’t, actually, but it might as well. This one word best sums up my approach to life as a sculptor, fabricator & metal arts instructor. I reimagine the use of materials in order to realize solutions to challenging goals or problems. I renew interest in metal both as an industrial staple that shapes the world around us as well as its artistic influence, reshaping the world within us. I reignite the spark of creativity, curiosity & ingenuity in my students, expanding their horizons to new possibilities within metal arts & industry.

Growing up on a midwestern dairy & hog farm created a very real need to invent & reinvent tools and repair machinery in order to keep our livelihood moving in the right direction. I spent so much time with animals & machinery that I began to see one in the other: a tractor seat becomes a face for a gargoyle sculpture; a fuel tank becomes the body for a life-sized elephant sculpture; a garbage shoot becomes the body for a bull dog sculpture."

Iron Pours are an amazing community event, bringing artists together from across the country (and world!) to share their creative forces using one of the most primitive, but captivating artistic art forms in human history. Don't miss your chance to be a part of "Down on the Farm" 2023!

Down On the Farm Iron Pour takes place over a week, where you can arrive early, work in the sand studio, be part of or take in an all Iron art show, help create community, and be a part of the main event on Saturday night. Find all the details and how to plug in by visiting the DOTF Website!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Mike Bollinger and Katie Prochaska have an incredible story of connection to Decorah, Luther College, and the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE). As Mike settles into his roll as Executive Director of SSE, the almost 50 year-old organization looks to set its course well into the future of sharing heirloom seeds with all.

From the SSE Website:

"In the last century or so, the world has lost 75% of its edible plant varieties. That might be hard to perceive when many of us have enough food on our plates, but consider this: According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, only five cereal grains make up 60% of our calories. A system that depends so heavily on so few crops is quite fragile."

From growing up in South Dakota, to meeting his future wife (Katie) at Luther College, adventures in West Africa through the Peace Corps, and finding their way back to Decorah (and SSE – more than once!), Mike’s authentic connections and genuine care for “hands in the dirt” agriculture are the real deal. He and Katie still own River Root Farm, which they created to grow quality vegetables and food in our region, and was also key to helping grow SSE’s national plant sales business.

Seed Savers Exchange stewards Americaʼs culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.

As co-founder of an agricultural solutions company, Mike has also provided support to SSE on greenhouse design and organic production practices. Mike not only has a practical understanding of organic and sustainable growing practices, but he has also dedicated years of service as an active member on the board of directors for organizations focusing on farmer education services and local and regional food systems. We are so appreciative that Mike took time to tell us his story on this episode.

Seed Savers Exchange was founded in Missouri in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, with seeds brought by Grandpa Ott's parents from Bavaria when they immigrated to Iowa in 1884. Diane and Kent went on to form a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds. Today, with 13,000 members and 20,000 plant varieties, Seed Savers Exchange makes its home on 890 scenic acres in Winneshiek County, Iowa, at Heritage Farm.

Learn More about the Seed Savers Exchange here, including the return of SSE’s annual summer events, special offerings, and more.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Cindy Goodner
Development Director – Seed Savers Exchange
VP of the Decorah School Board

On today's show we talk with Cindy Goodner, Development Director for Seed Savers Exchange, and Vice President of the Decorah Community School District Board. Cindy is a nonprofit fundraising professional and holds a passion for helping people find joy in their philanthropic support. Raised on a 4-generation family farm in the Decorah area and often assisting both her mother and grandmother in the garden, she feels a close connection with the land and historic varieties at Seed Savers Exchange. She joined the development and membership team at Seed Savers Exchange in 2014.

Cindy's early professional and volunteer experiences led to her current positions via multiple board and fundraising experiences. Her husband followed professional opportunities back to NE Iowa, where Cindy found her calling at Seed Savers - having served 8+ years for the incredible nonprofit, and continuing to further the work of Seed Savers missions.

Join us as we talk about philanthropy, why anyone should run for public offices and boards, and the perfect Saturday in the Driftless!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Welcome to Spring 2023!

The "Spring 2023" Issue of Inspire(d) is out on stands (and online) now! The amazing Aryn Henning Nichols and I always enjoy running down the new issues, kibitzing in general, and laughing about whatever we can (because, gee-gosh-golly we could all use a good laugh.)

Our featured theme of "You Are Here" ties in nicely to cover artist, and MIBA Independent Book Store Map creator Kevin Cannon's artwork and our feature story on all things Independent Book Sellers (have we mentioned we LOVE book stores?!)

The stoke is real for spring around HQ - read Aryn's entire editors letter by clicking here, and thanks for listening to the show! If you have ideas for other folks you'd like to hear on "Rhymes With..." feel free to drop Benji a message here.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Many in the region know Molly Gallagher from her decade+ of teaching Iyengar Yoga (CIYT) in Decorah. But many may not know that Molly is a certified mediator - someone that, as a neutral third party, helps facilitate conversations to help find meaningful agreements. From court appointed cases, to intergenerational discussions, find out more about what this means on today's show!

The Mediator’s role, as a neutral third party, is to help support each person throughout their conversation during mediation, and allow individuals more control over the outcome of their decisions, and can help to save money in legal fees. Mediation is an opportunity for an enhanced conversation about issues that clients want or need to discuss. The process of mediation can help clients gain clarity about themselves, their situation, and each other. It may also allow them an opportunity to arrive at a mutually agreed upon decision.

Molly mediates in the following areas: divorce, family, parenting disputes, business disputes, workplace conflict, real estate affairs, farm succession planning, and more.

Mediation is completely confidential, can save time and money, and fosters lasting and meaningful agreements. Let go of the stress and anxiety of seeing a person you’re in conflict with, or the potential of a lawsuit, so you can move on with your life

Contact Molly at: 319-270-4592

https://mollygallaghermediation.com/

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(This is the third show in a short series focused around Eagle Bluff and Fillmore County in SE Minnesota. To hear about Eagle Bluff Outdoor Environmental Learning Center Click Here. To hear our show about the MN Driftless Hiking Trail project Click Here. Thanks for listening!)

On this episode of "Rhymes With..." we feature Alayna Sobieniak and Lance Prado - owners and operators of the Root River Rod Company in Lanesboro, MN. (Alayna also works at Eagle Bluff in their outdoor pre-school program!).

The story of the Root River Rod Co starts where any good fly shop starts - with the founder and past owner Steve Sobieniak (Alayna's Dad). We tell Steve's story on this show, partly as a memorial to a really kind and fun fisherman and a world class split bamboo rod builder. An aggressive form of cancer took Steve to the great streams of the beyond in September of 2022, but his family is carrying on his legacy.

Alayna, Lance, and baby Finn (held in the pic above by Adelyn) joined us to record this show on site at Eagle Bluff in the late winter of 2023. Their young family is continuing on the legacy and community that Steve built through Root River Rod Co by continuing to offer a fantastic selection of fly fishing gear, tying supplies, guiding and float services, and bamboo rod specialties.

Find them on Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro - just across from Pedal Pushers and the High Court Pub - and tell them we sent you!

Root River Rod Co - https://rootriverrodco.com/

Facebook / Instagram

RRRCo also has a great YouTube Channel - check it out here!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is a concept for a 100 mile foot path running through the incredible scenery of SE Minnesota from Chatfield, MN to the Mississippi River. "Chief Instigator" of this project, Marty Walsh, joins us for a conversation about the vision and history of the project, and where things are headed (currently in the spring of 2023).

A group of volunteers are currently working with state, county, and private landowners to acquire access to properties that will allow the through-hiking style trail to traverse the hills and valleys of the region for human powered users. The backcountry style hiking trail is inspired by the Appalachian Tail, Superior Hiking Trail, Ice Age Trail, and others, providing opportunities to share the region at a human scale with all.

Find out more about the project on this show, and how to get involved or donate by visiting https://www.mndriftlesshikingtrail.org

Find the project on social media:

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Eagle Bluff is an environmental learning center, serving people of all ages, just outside of Lanesboro, MN. Join us for a conversation with Executive Director Colleen Foehrenbacher to learn all about how this amazing place came about (decades ago - shiitake mushrooms! Haha!), and all that is does to serve youth to seniors in our region.

Eagle Bluff operates with the guiding principle of "Connecting People to nature through education & transformative outdoor experiences" - and we love that! From educational field trips and overnight school camps, to summer (and Winter!) camps and programs for students AND families - this amazing center helps put people in the outdoors.

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a year-round environmental learning center, they provide accredited education programs & outdoor adventures to over 16,000 children, adults, and families each year.

Through hands-on learning in nature, Eagle Bluff aims to give people experiences that inspire them to become lifelong stewards of the environment by:- Fostering a sense of respect, stewardship and community- Imparting life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving- Increasing environmental awareness & academic literacy- Promoting positive outdoor experiences- Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

The Center offers beautiful, modern, indoor lodging, high ropes courses, an awesome indoor climbing wall, a full modern dining facility, and their Discovery Center space for presentations like "Dinner on the Bluff" and more.

Dinner on the Bluff is one of our favorite ways to get a "taste" of Eagle Bluff. This Winter/Spring series makes presentations by outdoor connected speakers through a dinner and presentation format that makes for a great night out! Show up early for a walk around before fellowship and beverages, enjoy a dinner, followed by a short walk down to the Discovery Center for desert and presentation.

(Check out upcoming dates still in 2023; March 25 with Doug Duren speaking about Sharing the Land, and April 22 with Bill & Mary Bailey presenting “A Farm, a Forest, a Little Blue Bird, and the Future or What Happens When a Forester Marries a Bluebirder”.)

We're also huge fans of the "Become an Outdoor Family" camp series, open climbing dates, Halloween High Ropes offerings and more - check it all out!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Oneota Film Festival - March 2-5, 2023

On this episode of "Rhymes With Decorah" we welcome Oneota Film Festival Creative Director Elise Skellenger, and Board President Nancy Sojka. Join us as we talk about everything from the early inspiration of the festival (shout out Kyrl and Walter!) to special additions and regional showings for the 2023 OFF.

OFF Creative Director Elise Skellenger

OFF Board President Nancy Sojka

Held among the spectacular rivers and bluffs of the Driftless Region in Northeast Iowa, the Oneota Film Festival brings compelling, innovative, and inspiring films and filmmakers to Decorah from around the globe. Through films that illuminate the human condition, OFF aims to engage a large and diverse audience in the critical issues of our time.

We are so happy to have this awesome community festival continue to bring amazing film culture to NE Iowa. Find the 2023 Festival schedule, volunteer opportunities and all the Festival info at the following link. We hope you enjoy this interview - and will be inspired to help support the Oneota Film Festival!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

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Maryna (Bazylevych) Nading has been a professor at Luther College since 2010, focusing on the topics of medical anthropology, body and health, and post-socialism. She was born in Ukraine and first visited the US while participating in English studies programs as a young adult. Those roots lead to her eventual return to the US in higher education. Maryna's work now supports students in Anthropology studies as well as Luther College’s Global Health Major.

From growing up in urban Khmelnytskyi Ukraine (living with a great dane!) to making her way to Indiana, graduate work in upstate New York, and eventually to Luther College - Maryna's story is rich and meaningful. Much of Maryna's family and many friends are still living in present day Ukraine, and living through the Russian invasion and ongoing war.

In the Spring of 2022, Maryna helped Luther College Students organize "The Ride for Ukraine" fundraiser, a 75-mile bike ride from Rochester, Minn., to Decorah. Luther Graduate ('22) Anita Tamang organized the event with the help of Luther College ('23) Souk Sengsaisouk ’23. The event raised $7,000. for an oncology clinic where Maryna's mother works.

(Photo courtesy of Anita Tamang and Souksakhone Sengsaisouk)Anita Tamang (‘22, left), Professor Maryna Bazylevych Nading (middle) andSouksakhone Sengsaisouk (‘23, right) organized a 75-mile bike ride in order to advocate for peace in the country of Ukraine.

A benefit concert was also organized in the Fall of 2022 with several Luther College Faculty and community members including Brooke Joyce, Decorah Middle School orchestra members, and more. The concert featured music about or from Ukraine, and also raised over $2,000. for another localized organization in Ukraine.

Nading continues to speak with family and friends in Ukraine on a regular basis, and also help connect resources. Her parents both work in health care, and while her hometown has generally not yet been in the immediate high-danger areas of attacks, the influx of those fleeing the war torn regions have been very real. Shortages of many basics exist, while power and cell services are frequently lost as attacks occur in close by regions. She continues to connect with on-the-ground organizations that are supporting the Ukrainian efforts.

Nading translated a piece from a friend that was run in the Des Moines Register in March of 2022 that gives many glimpses into the day to day life in Ukraine.

If you would like to connect with Maryna or help by donating funds to on-the-ground, grass roots organizations, please feel free to contact her at: bazyma01@luther.edu

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Nick Zielinski is a Decorahan, a drummer, and musical improviser with Mid Western roots. Nick’s work also provides all of the music for this podcast!

Growing up with a parent who was also a Methodist Pastor, Nick found himself living in multiple different communities through his early years, but finding percussion and drums became a consistent focus. Nick found himself following many of the traditional paths of orchestral and classical training – but also knew he wanted to explore more of the “edges” around improvisation and styles. It was his time in Ann Arbor Michigan that allowed a path further into this world – which would shape his creative process and many partnerships.

Eventually landing in the Minneapolis / St. Paul region, Nick had several formative years getting to take in the rich and diverse scene that continues to come out of this Midwest beacon. Nick studied with other improvisers like drummer Dave King of the Bad Plus, and continued forming groups and partnerships like the Banzat Trio, ARP of the Covenant, and more.

All of the original music that you hear on the “Rhymes With” podcast is the creative work of Nick. One of the world’s that he has dove deep into since moving to Decorah in 2021 has been creating, programming, and playing electronic elements with his drumming and percussion work. These “little robot friends” are a collection of technology that continues to expand and open doors and windows into new worlds of improvisation.

But don’t take our word for it – listen to the show to check it all out.

Nick also teaches Drum, improvisation, and electronic music lessons, and can be contacted through his website.

Don’t miss the ArtHaus “Improvisers Orchestra” series that runs once a month all Spring long. Check out the details for events in February, March, April, and May 2023 by clicking here.

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"Rhymes With..." (Decorah!?) is back for another season, featuring stories about communities you love, from people you trust!

Jump in as Aryn and Benji (that's me!) shake out how 2022 ended on a high note, and where we're headed in 2023. Themes, stories, and series ahoy...

One of the wildest things that happened at the end of 2022 was that we were featured on a national broadcast of Marketplace (Business News) on NPR. The "My Economy" segment features Aryn and Benji telling their story - which aired to a national audience on December 30, 2022. Click here to listen!

Read Aryn's column "Looking Back / Looking Forward" (It's worth it!)

Check out the Iowa Writers Substack.

We have some big plans for the show in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep tabs on upcoming shows wherever you like to listen to podcasts. You can leave a review or rating on iTunes as well, which helps the show get to a larger audience.

Visit all things Inspire(d) by clicking here!

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To close out our first season of “Rhymes With Decorah” we’re featuring a conversation with Decorah Community Food Pantry director Matt Tapscott and President of the DCFP Board Steven Zittergruen. This incredible resource, based in Decorah, is a faith-based, non-profit charity organization, serving thousands of clients who need food and other basic essentials each year in NE Iowa.

Find out how to access the Decorah Food Pantry Here. (Or call 563-202-0872)

Learn how to donate to the Decorah Community Food Pantry by clicking here.Or Mail a check donation to*:

Decorah Community Food PantryPO Box 26Decorah, IA 52101

(*Monetary donations are by far the most impactful way to support the organization, as they are able to multiply those donations in bulk purchasing, but staple food donations are always welcome, including; Pasta, Peanut Butter, Flour, Cooking Oil, Sugar, Cereal, Butter, etc. Unopened toiletry and sanitary items are also always welcome donations.)

The Decorah Community Food Pantry offers high quality food for clients at no charge, 5 days a week from their location at 110 Railroad Street (on the “back” side of the Spectrum Network building). The volunteer-driven organization operates through the support and structure of more than 20 area faith communities that have combined forces over the years to provide this incredible regional resource.

The organization originally started as a ministry of First Lutheran Church in 1996 and has grown leaps and bounds since through a collective effort. In 2017 the Food Pantry was incorporated as an independent 501C3 non-profit organization, with a full board of directors who share the mission of eradicating hunger and food-access issues in our Community.

We are very grateful not only to Matt and Steven for taking the time for this conversation, but for all of the volunteers, visionaries, and businesses that support this valuable community resource.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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"Winter 2022-2023" Inspire(d) - Cover Art by Diane Knight of Whalan, MN.

Aryn Henning Nichols and host Benji Nichols run down the "Winter 2022-2023" issue of Inspire(d) Magazine on this episode of "Rhymes With Decorah". Join us for a fun half hour highlighting the articles that are keeping us inspired this winter, as well as a few other sidetracks along the way!

From Aryn's Editor's Letter in the "Winter" issue:

"Lagom. It’s a Swedish word meaning “just the right amount.” “Not too much, not too little.” “Just enough.” The Swedish proverb “Lagom är bäst” literally means “the right amount is best,” and is also translated as “enough is as good as a feast.” Enough is as good as a feast! Leave it to the Scandinavians to have just the right phrase to encompass my feelings for this winter.In a time and world where the mantra is so often more, more, more, I encourage you, this season, to say, “Better, not more.” Make choices that count – shop local, show up for your community, be present with your loved ones. Define what’s enough for you.A lot about defining enough is being creative with your resources."

Read the whole piece here - as well as the whole "Winter" issue online, or find it at your favorite location across the region.

We are truly excited to share this issue's stories with you, and hope that they provide a sense of community and inspiration to you this winter season.

In this issue, you’ll find:

The Tlou House: Finding Joy in Decorah

Seamus Schwaba + Sugarloaf Theatre

Community Builders:

Diane Knight - MN Artist – Shaundel Spivey - Co Founder of BLACK La Crosse – Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley - Let's Shine Coffee

Mental Health: Defining Enough + Hierarchy of Needs

Great-horned Owl

Sum Biz: Gabi Masek + Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs

Chinese Winter Wellness Tips

Dream Boards

Probit: Hazel Grotegut

and more!

Thank You for listening - and thank you for being Inspire(d)!Want to support our work? Become a member or give a gift membership to Inspire(d)!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Decorah Nordic Dancers, Photo: Erika Skogg

Erika Skogg is a National Geographic Explorer, documenting and sharing culture through the lens of photography. Born and raised in Green Bay (WI), Erika is a recipient of National Geographic's Early Career Grant which fueled her photography project documenting Scandinavian-American culture.

Through this cultural preservation project, Erika also hopes to encourage others to become more interested in their family’s genealogy and immigration stories, fostering an appreciation for the myriad of unique sub-cultures within the U.S. with renewed understanding and respect of the continued immigration stories of today.

Photo: Erika Skogg

Erika’s early career began with outdoor guiding on the white waters of Colorado, and mountains of Big Sky, Montana as a Ski Instructor. Graduating from Montana State University with a degree in photography, Erika blended her love of the outdoors and guiding with her photography education to join National Geographic Expeditions designing and guiding photography trips around the world.

Photo: Erika Skogg

She has led photography workshops in Morocco and Cuba with National Geographic Expeditions, on board National Geographic/Lindblad ships through the Arctic and Alaska, and has led National Geographic Student Expeditions through Tanzania, Iceland, Tuscany, Peru, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Ecuador & The Galapagos.

The “Scandinavian American” exhibit at Vesterheim depicts the lifestyle, celebrations, and traditions of Americans of Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish ancestry in the communities of Decorah, Iowa; Hancock, Michigan; Ephraim, Wisconsin; Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; and Lindsborg, Kansas. The stunning collection of unique and personal photographs captures modern takes on the traditions that have been preserved by generations of families that identify with Scandinavian immigration.

"Tusen Takk" to Erika for making time to talk with us for this show while she was in Decorah in the late fall of 2022.

See more about the Vesterheim Exhibit here.

Visit www.erikaskogg.com to see more about Erika’s work and international travels.

Erika with Decorah resident and local artist Norma Wangsness

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(If you missed one of our earliest episodes - #5, click here to hear Helping Services Director – Carson Egglang!)

Ben Krouse-Gagne is the Director of Community Engagement with Helping Services, and as part of that work also helps coordinate all of the efforts that equal the annual Holiday Lights! Located at Decorah’s Pulpit Rock Campground, the drive-through show features over 80 displays nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas night.

Holiday lights is one of the largest fundraising events to support the work of Helping Services, who provide resources to the 8 county area of NE Iowa. Since 1973, the organization has providedd everything from substance and drug use prevention, domestic abuse resources, opportunities for new parents, youth mentoring programs, and much more.

Through the past 18 years, Holiday lights has engaged the region with a special opportunities to help usher in the Holidays. Each year on the night before Thanksgiving, the campground is open to walking traffic only, and also features special entertainment, soup, cookies, hot cocoa, and more. As part of Holiday Lights there is also an annual fireworks show (Friday, Dec. 9 at 6:30pm in 2022!) that takes place near the Decorah High School football stadium. The lights are then open every night from Thanksgiving to Christmas for drive through from 5pm-9pm.

Over 400 volunteers each year help make this community effort come to life in support of Helping Services. Find out more on today’s show – and find out more at www.helpingservices.org or 563-387-1720 for more details!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Christian Myrah comes from deep Spring Grove roots, and while his journey to distilling is anything but typical, his mission in tying together agriculture, community, and business is incredible. Through multiple generations, the Myrah family have been involved in agriculture and the region (just check the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center!). But when Christian returned to Spring Grove in 2006 after several years in the Navy flying fighter jets (and continuing in the Naval Reserves), a new vision appeared for an opportunity in Spring Grove - RockFilter Distillery.

“Planted, Tended, Milled and Distilled” from www.rockfilterdistillery.com

Upon his return, Christian had been working with his family to continue converting their acres to organic certified cropland. Christian also had the curiosity and support to try growing a few things out of the ordinary like open pollinated corn, triticale, barley, and hulless oats.

Map courtesy of www.rockfilterdistillery.com

Along with that, he knew that Schech’s Mill existed near Caledonia (MN’s oldest standing, functioning, water powered grist mill). Combine that with our regions karst topography, which filters groundwater through limestone, and what you have are the ingredients for making high quality, small batch organic bourbon and whiskey. (There are a - few - other details!)

RockFilter has even forged creative relationships with midwest Artists like Minneapolis based musician and writer Dessa, whom has had a series of bourbons come out in collaboration.

Join us for this show as we talk about Christian's journey and all that RockFilter is doing - not only in producing incredible bourbon and whiskey, but helping shine a light on Spring Grove, MN.

This is the fourth show in a mini-series about Spring Grove, MN. Check out the shows below for more - and thanks for listening:

Find the first episode featuring Spring Grove's Economic Development Director, Courtney Bergey Swanson here.

Find the second episode featuring Bill Fried of Giants of the Earth Heritage Center here.

Find the third episode featuring Pat and Patrick Longmire of Red’s Hometown Market and Fat Pat’s BBQ here.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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(This is the third show in a mini-series featuring the community of Spring Grove, MN - check out the links at the bottom for more!)

The Longmire family have been in the grocery business for many decades, but it was in 1989 that Pat bought a store in Spring Grove (when Patrick was just 2 years old!).

The original store in 1989.

In 2000 they built a brand new 15,000 square foot store from the ground up, offering the region a modern grocery experience without going to a larger city.

Since that time they have pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a “small town” grocery store – whether through community fundraising dinners out of their deli, starting Fat Pat's BBQ Trailer (2017), adding a modern Coffee House and drive-through with Jo’s (2019), and eventually a brewery (2022) to match up with their now Friday night BBQ offerings.

Jo's Coffee House, attached to Red's.

Patrick (Jr) attributes his 7+ years in Austin, TX, playing and working and touring in the music business, with opening him up to more ideas for Red’s. Whether a Coffee Shop or Texas style BBQ joint – creativity is key to success keeping a small town business relevant, fun, and successful. In fact, Patrick has just purchased another building in downtown Spring Grove where Fat Pat’s BBQ will be opening in 2023. Pat & Patrick are amazing examples of keeping relevant in a rural economy and providing multiple services to not only their town, but our region.

A huge thanks to Pat & Patrick for taking the time to chat with us!

This is the third show in a mini-series about Spring Grove, MN.

Find the first episode featuring Spring Grove's Economic Development Director, Courtney Bergey Swanson here.

Find the second episode featuring Bill Fried of Giants of the Earth Heritage Center here.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Welcome to our second show in a mini-series from Spring Grove, MN!

In this episode we visit with Bill Fried from the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center.

Founded in 2009, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center is a nonprofit historical society that is dedicated to honoring, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of the people from Spring Grove’s Norwegian Ridge (Minnesota's oldest Norwegian settlement!) in southeastern Minnesota.

Drawing on a rich cultural history, the Center records and reflects the achievements of indigenous peoples and immigrants to the Spring Grove area, while also providing a gathering place and a sense of community and identity. The framers of Giants of the Earth Heritage Center were inspired by the great author Ole Rølvaag, who’s work described the early pioneers’ trials and tribulations.

The historical structure that houses Giants of the Earth also has a special place in downtown Spring Grove, having had many uses over the years, but originally built in the 1890s as a hotel. The building has undergone an incredible full restoration, including an elevator that services all floors, and is also home to several excellent Sigmund Årseth murals.

A very sincere thanks goes out to our special guest for this episode, Bill Fried. To find out more about the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, visit:

https://giantsoftheearth.org/

The Center welcomes visitors year round in downtown Spring Grove, Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm.

This is the second in a series of a four show mini-series from Spring Grove, MN. You can find the first show, featuring Spring Grove Economic Development director Courtney Bergey Swanson at this link.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Welcome to the first in a series of shows featuring -- (Not Decorah!) -- Spring Grove, MN! A huge part of our goal in starting this companion podcast to Inspire(d) has been to have another format that we can help tell the stories of our region. Despite the name "Rhymes With Decorah" (or perhaps because of it!?), the show is not just about Decorah - but all those that work to make our region a great place. And Spring Grove is a Great Place! Join us for the next 4 episodes as we feature profiles from this great SE Minnesota community. First up is Spring Grove's Economic Development Director - Courtney Bergey Swanson!

Courtney Bergey Swanson grew up on a farm near rural Lanesboro, MN, and returned to Southeast Minnesota after studying Art and Communication Studies at Luther College. Before joining CEDA in 2016, she served as Director of Advancement for Lanesboro Arts. Her position with CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) is Vice President of Development and Collaborative Services - which also includes being the Economic Development Director for Spring Grove.

Courtney's work in SE Minnesota has helped implement several community and economic development projects, including public space improvements, historic renovation, cultural tourism efforts, and strategic planning for community growth.

Courtney is fueled by the belief that rural areas have the potential to advance their narrative, embrace innovation, and make creative pathways towards a sustainable future. She is also a Mom, Wife, fiber and ceramic artist, and enjoys sharing her talents through teaching.

Join us for our first show in this series featuring the community of Spring Grove!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Join Inspire(d) founder and Editor in Chief Aryn Henning Nichols along with Benji Nichols for this episode of “Rhymes With Decorah”, as they talk about 15 years of Inspire(d), the Fall 2022 issue (#70!), a new website, and so much more.

October 2022 marks 15 years of Inspire(d), which launched with it’s first issue on October 4, 2007 (hear a fun story about that day on the show!).

Through it all Aryn and Benji are so grateful for the support of the readers and advertisers that have made this “experiment in positive news” possible. Thank you!!!

A big shout out to Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah for their early support of “Rhymes With Decorah”. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring this show email Benji @ iloveinspired.com

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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RWD #21 Ross Evelsizer – NE Iowa RCD

Ross Evelsizer is the Natural Resource Projects Director for NE Iowa RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development) - a Decorah native, avid outdoorsman, husband, Dad, and even a part time chef! But the heart of Ross’s work is in the form of projects that focus on the health of our region’s watersheds, through many channels obvious, and less obvious.

Ross’s work has most recently been recognized through a 2022 “New Voices in Water Quality Award” from ISU Extension and Outreach’s Conservation Learning Group. The award celebrates the commitment to advancing conversations, taking action and advocating for water quality improvements that benefit all Iowans.

“Each of these individuals was nominated by peers and recognized for their efforts, achievements and passion for improving and restoring water quality,” said Jacqueline Comito, Conservation Learning Group program director with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Evelsizer’s contributions to protecting and improving Northeast Iowa’s waters are wide-ranging. He has facilitated watershed and landscape resiliency planning for the Turkey, Upper Iowa, and Wapsipinicon watersheds, leading to the installation of dozens of best management practices that have reduced the impact of flooding and improved water quality in the region. He has also been instrumental in helping Northeast Iowa farmers expand their agricultural production through multi-cropping, working with growers to implement cropping systems that protect soil heath, reduce flooding, and improve water quality while expanding market opportunities by planting and harvesting multiple crops from the same field in the same growing season.

These contributions are not only valuable for the long vision of NE Iowa’s agriculture systems, but for the sustainability and well being of everyone who lives in our region.

Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development works with partners from throughout our region to explore natural resource based economic development opportunities while at the same time protecting and enhancing natural resources. Their mission is to “recognize opportunities and provide leadership to make Northeast Iowa a vibrant, place-based model for the nation!”

A huge thanks to Ross for sharing his time with us for this show - and for his continued work to make NE Iowa an even better place to live, work, and play.

Learn more:

NE Iowa RCD: https://northeastiowarcd.org/

New Voices in Water Quality awards: https://newvoicesinwater.org/

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On this episode of "Rhymes with Decorah", we tell the incredible story of geologist Jean Young and the discovery of the Decorah Impact Crater. Long time educator and NE Iowa native Birgitta Meade joins us to tell the story of Jean, who she also called a friend, right up to her passing in 2010. We dedicate this episode to all those who are willing to follow a hunch in life, and take action in their beliefs, no matter what others may say.

Jean Young was indeed, a "character" - a well educated geologist, regarded local artist, and fan of dragons. Jean was also a founding member of the Oneota Coop, served as a board member of Ryumonji Zen Center, and lived a simple, but fascinating life surrounded by rocks! While many locals likely found Jean's eccentricities and lifestyle a bit out of place in NE Iowa, Jean had many friends and her scientific hunches were something of absolute genius. Jean's work in discovering the Decorah Crater could very easily have never happened - and we are all the benefactors of it.

Flowers And Falling Hearts, by Jean Young

In 2004-2005 a team including Jean Young, Robert McKay and H Paul Liu from the Iowa Geological Survey helped discover the Decorah Impact Crater – and particularly the ancient layer of shale (The Winneshiek Shale) that would provide some incredible geologic discoveries.

470 million years ago, the eastern edge of what is now Decorah was hit by a 650-foot meteorite. At that time, much of North America, including what is now Iowa, was covered in ancient oceans, and it was sediment from those oceans that filled in the crater basin creating layers of shale.

It was these layers of shale that led to the discovery of the meteor crater by citizen geologist and artist Jean Young. One of Jean’s jobs over the years was studying well-drillings for the state of Iowa to help present information on the most efficient (water) well locations. It was within these samples from around the Decorah area that she started noticing unusual patterns – including shale – which should not have geographically been there in comparison to the surrounding area. After contacting friends and acquaintances at the Iowa Geological Survey Jean’s hunch proved correct – that the shale layer represented an impact crater below the surface of Decorah.

Eventually the Iowa Geological Survey mapped the samples, outlining the crater’s basin. Scientists tested the layer of material underneath the crater for shocked quartz (shattered crystals) and conducted rock density and electromagnetic aerial surveys, confirming the impact structure.

Not only did the shale layer confirm the impact crater, but to everyone’s great surprise, the layer also held incredible fossils – many of which had never been seen before and entirely different from the surrounding geography. The most incredible of these discoveries (so far) is Pentecopterus Decorahensis, a six-foot-long sea scorpion that pre-dated the oldest known sea scorpion by 10,000 years.

Pentecopterus rendering by Patrick Lynch, Yale University

To get at the fossils, inconveniently located underneath the Upper Iowa River, scientists temporarily diverted the river from the excavation site, recovering more than 5,000 specimens, including plants, shrimp-like animals, and the oldest known fossils of jawless fish. These discoveries have led to new insights into what life was like during the Ordovician period, and all because of Jean Young’s hunch.

Birgitta and others are in the early stages of documenting Jean's work in the discovery of the impact crater, and are already working to share this story and the science behind it with children and adults across the region through presentations and information. The group hopes to have a full website in the future with information, additional discoveries, and more.

You can visit this page for more information on the basics of the Decorah Impact Crater or a more in depth 2015 article from the Iowa Science Interface. We would like to offer a sincere thank you to Birgitta Meade for helping tell the story of Jean Young and this incredible discovery in our region.

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Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum has roots that go back to the 1800s and a collection of artifacts that was first formed at Luther College in Decorah. Those items became the roots for what is now the most extensive collection of Norwegian American Artifacts (33,000 and counting!) in the World.

On today’s show, we talk with Vesterheim President and CEO Chris Johnson about the old and new of Vesterheim, as well as his roots to NE Iowa and life long connections to Decorah.

Norway's US Ambassador Kåre Aas & Vesterheim's Chris Johnson

Vesterheim encompasses not just an amazing collection of artifacts though, it is also home to a beautiful outdoor campus, an amazing Folk Art School with classes for all ages, a research library and archive. Simply put, Vesterheim is not just a museum or destination, but a community of members from across the World who recognize the immigrant experience and importance of immigrant stories to our culture.

The “Strong Roots, Bold Future” Campaign has been the work and vision of many involved with Vesterheim to continue making not only a fantastic destination, but also re-think how Vesterheim can continue to reach new audiences near and far through online programming, and interactive opportunities. The five pillars of the campaign include:

Grow the campus around a new, world-class gathering and exhibit addition;
Connect the historic collection with contemporary art and social movements;
Expand the digital reach of the folk art / collection, enrichment opportunities;
Engage audiences from near and far, and of every background searching for meaningful cultural experiences;
Draw people together into community, both in person and virtually to share stories of their journeys.

Exciting outcomes of this project have already included the reconstruction of Vesterheim’s outdoor campus as “Heritage Park” – a beautiful outdoor setting connecting the historic structures of the campus. And the new “Vesterheim Commons” building which will act as the new “front door” and meeting place to the Museum and so much more.

We can’t thank Chris enough for taking the time talk with us today to share his stories and vision for Vesterheim.

Find out more about Vesterheim, see virtual galleries, class offerings, become a member, or donate and support the museum by visiting vesterheim.org

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The Good Dog Center, located just north of Decorah, started as the dream of two friends – Carmen Hurley and Beth Einck – and a leap of faith into creating a business to not only train dogs, but build a community of “dogs and their people” from across the region.

Good Dog Center's Carmen Hurley after a great day in the ring!

Over the years, Beth moved on to retirement (as planned) and long-time GDC students and training professional Julie Wittry and Ann Grimstad joined the roster to offer additional classes and services. It wasn’t long before the business outgrew its space on Short Street in Decorah, as dog ownership and training interest continued to increase. Carmen recruited Pam Long, a friend and professional trainer from Atlanta, Georgia with 40+ years of experience, to move to Iowa and help with the expanded services. Ellen Drewes Stoen, Vicki Armstrong, Shirley Richards, and others rounded out the teaching staff as interest grew.

Only half of Carmen's Furry Family showing off their ribbons.

The group began looking for a space in the Decorah area that was large enough to accommodate two regulation-sized obedience rings, room for grooming, retail, boarding, and more. The former Nob Hill Supper Club north of Decorah offered an attractive location on a hard surfaced road with ample green space, as well as abundant indoor space to meet the needs, and the group decided it was a perfect fit. In keeping with the history of Nob Hill - nods to the former occupant abound at the "Pupper Club", even with the occasional "Yappy Hour"!

The Grimstad Pups show off their loot!

Learn about our friends at the Good Dog Center and all that they provide for four legged friends near and far on this episode!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Kristen Underwood has called Decorah home for decades, but found her way to the upper Midwest from the San Francisco Bay Area as a professional actor and creative. It was a chance performance with the actor and Commonweal Theatre founder Eric Bunge that led her to Lanesboro, MN, where Kristen spent a decade acting professionally.

Her connections to Luther College came in multiple ways through this time, both with guest faculty and directors, as well as opportunities to interact with fledgling actors in the region through her own Upstart Crow Theatreworks company, and as a co-founder of ArtHaus in Decorah. Little did Kristen know that a couple decades later Luther would present her with the opportunity as Director of Campus Programming, and the Luther College Center Stage Series.

The 2022-23 Luther College Center Series kicks off in September 2022, with a series of 6 professional touring shows at the Luther College Center for Faith and Life.

September 22, 2022 - Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass October 13, 2022 - Jaerv + The OK Factor October 24, 2022 - The Lightning Thief (School Performance) November 5, 2022 - Ailey II (Dance) February 9, 2023 - Ladama (World Vocal Quartet) March 31, 2023 - Empire Wild (Riveting Trio) April 4, 2023 - The Ugly Duckling (School Performance) April 15, 2023 - Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space (Physical theatre)

Subscribe to all 6 shows and save %15 off!

Call 563-387-1357

https://tickets.luther.edu/

Thank you to Kristen for all of the creative energy and light that she brings to our region through the performing arts and beyond!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Nordic Fest was started in 1967 by a dedicated group of Decorah civic leaders and volunteers to celebrate the spirit of community and spotlight the town’s connections to Scandinavian heritage. For over 55 years, it has served as the high mark of Summer in Decorah, welcoming visitors from across the world to Water Street to experience our community. This sense of volunteerism and community pride are what keep Nordic Fest alive each year for all to enjoy.

On this episode we feature Alyssa Ritter, Past President, and Brian Solberg, 2022 Nordic Fest President for a conversation on what it takes to make The Fest happen, favorite activities, food, memories, and looking forward.

From street food, to performers of many traditions, “Sporting” events, a Viking encampment at Vesterheim Museum (and much more), Scandinavian arts & crafts - and the less “traditional” - Nordic Fest offers a great, family friendly environment to enjoy.

Find the full schedule by picking up the official Nordic Fest Program and Button ($5) at the Decorah Chamber of Commerce, or by looking online.

Velkommen til Decorah - ALL DIRECTIONS POINT NORSE!

Listen to this episode to get the full story behind this "poem" given to Benji during an interview with Ernest "Pokey Pete" Peterson for Inspire(d) Magazine.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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(Kristin Eggen, Photo by Charlie Langton)

Farmers Market season is just hitting it’s stride as we record this episode of “Rhymes With Decorah” with special guest Kristin Eggen. Kristin has been the Decorah Farmers Market Manager since 2020, but was a part of the Market community years before that! In fact, it was the power of a ukulele and the will to share her musical endeavors with a Market crowd that originally connected her to the scene.

After graduating from College at UW Stevens Point, Kristin connected with a friend who was a member of Green Iowa Americorps, working with the Winneshiek Energy District. Through a chance opportunity, she connected to an open position and finally found herself coming back to NE Iowa and Decorah!

When Kristin received the opportunity to take the reigns in 2020 from long time Market manager Steve McCargar, she jumped at the opportunity – even realizing the challenges that may come, and has ran with the opportunities.

Over the years the Market has grown and flourished through the hard work of vendors, customers, and of course managers – from adding electronic payment methods and supporting WIC and other programs for senior citizens, the Market has worked to be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

But of course a Market is only as good as its products – and our region is incredibly fortunate to have goods from so many high quality farmers and producers. Market season is just hitting it’s peak, so don’t delay – Wednesdays from 3-6pm, and Saturdays from 8-11am, in the parking lot behind the Oneota Coop.

Thanks to Kristin for all her work to help make our market such a fun and great place to shop for local goods.

(Josh Dansdill, Kristin Eggen, Brad Crawford, photo by Charlie Langton)

Find out more about the Decorah Farmers Market:

https://visitdecorah.com/farmers-market/

https://www.facebook.com/DecorahFarmersMarket

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Michelle, of Savvy History, or Michelle Lynn as many of us have known her over the past several years is a writer, musician, educator, presenter, and one of the main influences of how “Rhymes With Decorah” got started! It’s true – but you’ll have to listen to this show to hear that story!

Michelle grew up on a century farm here in NE Iowa, found her way musically to the guitar, and started writing songs as a teenager. That love of music found her playing across the region as a young musician, and eventually moving to Austin, TX before returning to NE Iowa and meeting her future husband. Five albums later, and a lot of life experience, Michelle realized her passions could also help shape the lives of young people as an educator, while pursuing her writing, and growing a family! These opportunities have lead to opportunities in online teaching and mentoring young people across the country, all from her home here in Decorah.

Savvy History is the creation that has housed much of Michelle’s melding of old and new work in writing. A lifelong interest in biographies helped spur some of the concepts of Savvy History, along with her studies in Creative Psychology, history, and a love of telling those stories through writing and music.

One of the series that Michelle worked on through her blog was the “First Creative Dollar”, profiling figures from Frederick Douglas and Louisa May Alcott, to Rachel Carson, and the cult fan favorite painter Bob Ross (their stories are all fantastic!).

Along the way she quit Social Media entirely for 6 years – and eventually found her way back on her terms. You can hear that story on the show, and also read about it on the Savvy History Blog.

We’d like to thank Michelle for not only being a guest on the show, but for also planting the seed that this show should be a reality – a true example of the power of people talking and sharing ideas in a small community.

Find our more about Michelle and her work:

https://www.savvyhistory.com/

https://www.instagram.com/savvyhistory/

*You can catch Michelle live on Thursday July 7th (2022) as part of Decorah's Lawn Chair Night - Live on Washington Street series - 5:30pm, Washington Street, just outside of Impact Coffee.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Adam Wiltgen is a Harmony, MN native who’s work in connecting communities through the arts spans our greater region. Currently, Adam and his family live in Red Wing (MN) where he is the Program Director at the Anderson Center at Tower View, and also a member of the City of Red Wing’s Arts & Culture Commission.

One of the things that we’ve learned in creating a regional publication for almost 15 years, is that it takes a lot of actual hard work and creativity to make rural places shine. Artistic endeavors and fostering creative community are often at the heart of what makes an authentic feeling community, and Adam’s work across our region in the past decade has absolutely been in helping places weave that creative fabric.

Join us as we talk about some of the projects that Adam has been involved in over the years – from the transitional days of KPVL Radio, to guiding the programming and being part of the creative team at Lanesboro Arts that continued the work of making this SE Minnesota gem not just a tourist destination, but a living arts “campus”. Through his work, Adam has also had the opportunity to be a part of larger national and international conversations that showcase the importance of the arts in communities.

In his roll at the Anderson Center at Tower View in Red Wing, Adam is also a key team member in not only helping events and programming happen at and around the historic campus, but also fostering the Center’s artists-in-residence program.

The Anderson Center serves creative people of all kinds - writers, poets, visual artists, sculptors, composers, dancers, archaeologists, anthropologists, scholars, and others. The interdisciplinary nature of the Center inspires creative dialogue among the disciplines and places the Center at the forefront of thoughtful exchange.

Since 2014, the historic venue has also been home to the Deaf Artist Residency Program at the Anderson Center – helping create artistic and organizational networks that support the development of the Deaf Arts as a distinct cultural area within the larger context of American Culture. Founded by local Deaf Artist and activist Cynthia Weitzel, the program has grown since its inception in 2014. With the addition of the 2022 cohort, the Deaf Artist Residency Program has connected and supported 28 artists. The Deaf Artists Residency Program is supported in part through an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and partnerships with Gallaudet University and Deaf Spotlight.

In addition to 20 on-site artist studios, the Center offers a black-and-white equipped dark room, an outdoor kiln, glass blowing studio, blacksmith shop, printmaking facilities, and a press-in-residence.

The Red Wing Area Studio Tour will take place July 30-31, 2022. See the work of 36 Artists across 12 locations around the Red Wing area while exploring all that the historic town offers. The tour is a collaborative effort of Red Wing Arts and the Anderson Center, with a community reception on Saturday evening, July 30 from 6-8 pm with live music and refreshments on the Anderson Center’s recently renovated Rooftop Deck.

We graciously thank Adam for taking the time to talk with us for this show, and for the work that he and many others do to support the arts across the many communities of our region.

https://www.andersoncenter.org/

https://www.redwingareastudiotour.org/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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The "Summer 2022" issue of Inspire(d) Magazine "With Intention..." is on stands now and special guest, and editor-in-chief Aryn Henning Nichols joins us to talk all things Inspire(d)! We look forward to making these quarterly (or more often!?) chats about the new print issues of the magazine and all that goes into creating each issue.

Topics that we cover:

Dad Jokes
Summer!
The beautiful cover image and feature on artist Lauren Bonney
Community Builders: Maryann Baldwin, Stephanie Fromm, and Terri Wolfram (aka The Paperback Rider!)
Linda Tacke's recumbent bike ride across America
Sum of Your Biz feature: Country View Dairy
Starlite 14 Drive In - Richland Center
Dyersville Daytrip!
Fireflies!!!
Probituary: Viola Linderbaum

You can read the Summer 2022 Issue of Inspire(d) online here.

Big shout out to the USPS in Decorah who helps us reach some of our far away distribution locations across the region!

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Humble Hands Harvest is a worker-owned co-operative farm located just outside of Decorah (Iowa). Founded in 2013, Humble Hands grows 2+ acres of organic vegetables, in addition to grass-finished sheep, pastured pork, and fruit and nut trees, all distributed through annual CSA (community supported ag shares) as well as at the Decorah Farmers Market. Today’s guest Hannah Breckbill, along with farm partner Emily Fagan, found the farm’s long-term home in 2017 just 10 miles from Decorah, on ancestral lands tracing back to Sauk, Meskwaki, Lakota, and Ho-chunk tribes, and began functioning as a worker-owned co-operative that same year.

While Humble Hands main work has been responsible food farming, it just so happens that they are also helping grow a revolution in agriculture, connection communities from across the country with the Queer Farmer Network and Queer Farmer Convergence. Hannah talks on this episode about the need to find people should could relate to, leading her to starting the instagram account @queerdirt – which lead to an annual gathering on the farm in Iowa each fall, with an inclusive focus for QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) to help share vision and stories of diversity in farming.

Humble Hands Harvest has been featured for this work in many ways, including an April 2021 feature in YES! Magazine, being awarded the MOSES (now Marbleseed) 2021 Changemaker Award for building Queer Farmer community and her advocacy for beginning farmers’ land access, being featured on MN Public Radio’s “Flyover 2020” series, and more.

Support Humble Hands Harvest by shopping their incredible vegetables at the Decorah Farmers Market, on the Iowa Food Hub, or by donating at their website.

Resources:

https://humblehandsharvest.com/

https://www.instagram.com/queerdirt/

https://www.queerfarmernetwork.org/

🌈 Venmo: @queerfarmerlove

Rhymes With Decorah is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Local food can mean a lot of different things to different people – from picking a garden fresh herb or tomato, to creating a full on farm creamery to produce world-class yogurt. And while most grocery lists are purchased at a well lit, climate controlled store, connecting a regional market for locally grown foods can be a bit more complicated. The Iowa Food Hub, created in 2012, works to connect those dots between local producers – and consumers! Join us on this show as we talk with Peter Kraus, General Manger of the Iowa Food Hub.

From IowaFoodHub.com, “The Iowa Food Hub (IFH) is an innovative business working to connect farmers, families, and food grown close to home. IFH manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products from local and regional producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail, and institutional demand.”

Some of those connections and services look like connecting food producers with Farm to School markets, developing new markets for institutions and retail stores, and also handling direct to consumer sales. The Iowa Food Hub offers an online market, where you can go online Monday through Wednesday to shop the week’s offerings, place an order, and pick it up on Friday’s in Decorah. (There are other regional options too - Check it all out here!)

We love supporting our incredible local producers, and the Iowa Food Hub has become one of the crucial pieces of infrastructure in making sure that those food growers can get their products to users efficiently – and while their products are at peak freshness.

http://iowafoodhub.com/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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In 2012 Scott & Kelly Searcy found their way back to NE Iowa, chasing pursuits in using their passion to help guide people to better lives through exercise. That would eventually lead to their business, Body Logics, but it was in those earlier years of exploration that Scott discovered Decorah’s extensive soft trail (single track) system. He also found a love for trail running, and helping others experience this awesome local resource. He got involved in the trails community, met up with several volunteers who were involved with Decorah Human Powered Trails, and found a love for spending time running in the woods.

Kelly and Scott also have 4 amazing daughters, so when the NE Iowa Montessori school was looking for a new fundraising project in 2014, the Searcy Family brought the idea of a trail race to the table. That was the beginning of The Crater Trail Run - a highly anticipated annual race for endurance runners from across the mid-west and beyond. Although the event has grown over the years, the community vibe stands strong – with a 1 mile kids race, a 5k and 10k option, as well as a 25k and 50k option. The event is now even recognized as part of the No Coast Trail Series - a loosely organized annual circuit of trail running events across Iowa.

Check out our conversation, and also how this event supports NE Iowa Montessori, Decorah Human Powered Trails, and Decorah Parks & Recreation.

Also a big shout out to the Decorah Hatchery for being one of the major prize sponsors of the Crater Trail Run. Stop by and say “howdy” to the fantastic crew at the Decorah Hatchery for all of your outdoor gear needs!

Rhymes With Decorah is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Rhymes With Decorah #08 Features Josh Dansdill and Jared Nielsen from Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D).

NE IA RC&D works with partners from throughout our region to explore natural resource based economic development opportunities while at the same time protecting and enhancing natural resources. Their mission is to recognize opportunities and provide leadership to make Northeast Iowa a vibrant, place-based model for the nation!

The organization of about a dozen people uses a bottom-up approach to economic development and natural resource enhancement that involves and empowers citizens rather than a top-down approach that dictates solutions. Northeast Iowa RC&D stands beside partners, first empowering them and recognizing their talents, gifts and knowledge, and then providing expertise.

Check out our fun conversation about recent projects, what RC&D does, and where things are headed for future projects in NE Iowa!

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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On Episode #07 of Rhymes With Decorah we welcome Jacki Boldt, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Iowa Executive Director, alongside Inspire(d)'s Aryn Henning Nichols.

Jacki is the Executive Director for 10,000 Small Businesses Iowa and has been at Des Moines Area Community College since 2008. She joined DMACC Business Resources as a Business Consultant in 2012 where she currently works with clients in Polk county on workforce development and employee training initiatives.

Decorah was represented in a big way this spring (2022) at the Goldman Sachs Iowa 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Aryn Henning Nichols, of Inspire(d) Media, and Lisa Lantz, of The Getup, were both selected from a pool of entrepreneurs across the state for Cohort 7 of "10Ksb". These two women each have a vision for their businesses that they have both explored and refined through the intensive 12-week growth-focused program.

Designed by Babson College, the nation’s top-ranked entrepreneurship school, the 10,000 Small Businesses curriculum focuses on practical business skills that can immediately be applied by small business owners, including negotiation, marketing, and employee management. Participants develop an actionable growth plan for their business with the help of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa’s entire community college system partners with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses to offer Iowans access to the program, providing scholars with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. To date, more than 10,000 business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Inspire(d) Media, founded in 2007, publishes Inspire(d) Magazine each quarter, featuring positive news about the great people, places, and things in the Driftless Region of NE Iowa, SE Minnesota, and SW Wisconsin. Inspire(d)’s mission is to connect communities, build regional pride, and inspire readers through it’s “experiment in positive news.”

The Getup, founded in 2018, offers high-quality and affordable secondhand clothing and gear for the entire family – newborn to adult. Customers can shop at their brick and mortar in downtown Decorah, or from anywhere through their online store thegetupdecorah.com. The Getup’s mission fosters community and sustainability through local outreach and by emphasizing a circular economy rather than a one-way track to the landfill.

Find out more about both of these businesses, as well as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative on this episode - as well as at the following links – and keep your eyes open for updates from both of these awesome female Iowa entrepreneurs!

https://www.iloveinspired.com/

https://thegetupdecorah.com/

https://10ksbapply.com/

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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On episode 6 of Rhymes With Decorah we welcome special guest and Executive Director of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, Jessica Rilling!

Jessica and her husband Justin are both NE Iowa "Boomerangs" (as we like to call them), having graduated from ISU, followed pursuits across the state, and returned to the Decorah Area in late 2020. Most recently, Jessica served as Executive Director for the Iowa Valley RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development), before finding the opportunity that would help bring her family back to NE Iowa - The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.

In 2024 the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 100th year in existence, providing support and promotion of businesses across Decorah and beyond. The Chamber is a trusted resource in the local business community for advocacy, collaboration, and education.

We talk programs and programming new and old with Jessica, recent awards and accolades that our town has seen, the power of great board members, and much more.

Many thanks to Jessica for being on RWD, and for all of her work, as well as the work of many members and partners of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce who help make Decorah the great place it is.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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On episode 5 of Rhymes with Decorah we talk with Carson Eggland, Executive Director of Helping Services for Youth & Family.

Since 1973, Helping Services has been a resource for Iowans to turn to for help. Originally set up as a crisis-line service, the organization has broadened it's scope over the years to provide services to clients of all ages - ranging from new parents, to youth mentors and mentoring, to substance and drug use prevention, and domestic abuse resources.

Helping Services for Youth & Families serves 8 counties in northeast Iowa. They are here to help your friends, family, and neighbors find resources in difficult and challenging times - focusing on promoting positive solutions in our communities.

Previous to Carson and his Wife Chauncy moving to Decorah, he spent 12 years working at the Ronald McDonald house of Iowa City, assisting thousands of families and children in need while receiving medical care. These days the Eggland Family has grown, and is on the run - literally some days! Catch them on the trails or out for a neighborhood walk.

Thank you to Carson and amazing staff of Helping Services for all that they provide in our region!

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Diversity, rural Iowa, and yoga are words that are sometimes not thought of in the same sentence. But we're here to share a story that doesn't just dabble into diversity, but an event that has been honored as the 2022 winner of the Iowa Tourism Award for Outstanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - The Driftless Yoga Festival!

We remember the moment well from almost a decade ago - hearing about someone that was opening a spinning and yoga studio here in Decorah, and being so excited to have this option landing here in our small town. Laree Schouweiler (she/her), was the founder of ReeFuel in 2013, steadily growing a crew of teachers and a studio following. But it was the studio setting that taught Laree just what the inequalities of the modern yoga world are - and she wanted to find another path. This led to the first Driftless Yoga Festival in the summer of 2019 in Decorah.

Three babies, a studio, and a pandemic later, it was a trip to Asheville to participate in Michelle Cassandra Johnson's (she/her) Skill in Action Training that has led to the latest version of the Driftless Yoga Festival. (Read the whole story here!)

This year's Fest will be June 23-26, 2022 at Will Baker Park in Decorah. Everyone is welcome to explore immersions, yoga classes, and workshops centered on yoga, equity, and nature - all in a beautiful setting. Passes are available on a sliding scale system with a limited amount of scholarships available. Find all of the info online at: www.driftlessyogafestival.com

Rhymes With Decorah is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media, hosted by Benji Nichols. Find out more at www.iloveinspired.com

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If there is an entity (or entities) in our region that Aryn and I both get truly excited about, it would be LIBRARIES! Yes - we are that geeky! It might seem obvious that public libraries are incredible resources - windows to the world, amongst other things, that serve every sector and demographic of a region. But libraries provide so much more than books and reading material. Who better than to talk libraries with than our friendly, local Decorah Public Library staff!?

Join us as we catch up with three of the Decorah Public LIbrary staff, talk about the summer ahead, the challenges of recent years, all of the fantastic amenities of the DPL, and how to support the library!

Rhymes With Decorah #03

On this episode:

Kristen Torresdal, DPL Library Director

Rachael Button, DPL Children's & Young Adult Librarian

Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Administrative Coordinator

https://www.decorahlibrary.org/

Rhymes With Decorah is a companion podcast project of Inspire(d) Media. Find our quarterly magazine on stands across the Driftless Region or visit us at: https://www.iloveinspired.com/

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One of our goals of "Rhymes With Decorah" is to highlight people and organizations in our region that are tackling the challenges of our times. When we talk with folks on a state level, the same challenges come up - housing, jobs, workforce, broadband, education - and child care.

Stephanie Fromm is a Decorah "boomerang" who returned to Winneshiek County in 2015 to become the Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, or as many know it (WCDI Winneshiek County Development Inc.)

One of the first challenges that she and her Husband (and Decorah teacher, Zach Fromm) realized was that of an acute shortage of Child Care in Winneshiek County. As part of our interview with Stephanie, you can hear how her first hand experiences helped shape one of WCDI's major economic development initiatives - the Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center.

This new facility is in final planning and fundraising stages (as of June 2022) with real estate and bidding processes in place. Once completed, the project will offer up "state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor child development and play areas that encourage learning through high quality care, creative design, shared services, and innovative STEAM learning spaces." Pledge a donation to the Decorah Discovery Center to the project, or check out a fantastic video about this project.

Child Care isn't the only thing that Stephanie and WCDI do though (far from it!). Hear all about what WCDI does and why economic development matters for Winneshiek County and NE Iowa, and how she was appointed to the Governor's Growing Iowa Task Force in 2021!

Many thanks to Stephanie for being on RWD, and for all of her work, as well as the work of many partners and board members that help make NE Iowa the amazing place it is.

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

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Show Number One!

Welcome to Rhymes With Decorah, a project of Inspire(d) Media and companion to Inspire(d) Magazine. We'll be using this platform to feature the positive stories of our region, explore big challenges from across the upper midwest, and talk with folks who are working to make their communities stronger. Stories about communities you Love - By people you trust = Rhymes with Decorah.

There didn't seem to be a better way to kick off the podcast party than with a fun conversation between Benji (that's me!) and Founder + Editor-in-Chief of Inspire(d), Aryn Henning Nichols. We'll be jumping on the podcast periodically, when a new issue of the magazine comes out, or when we have something exciting to talk about. In this episode, Aryn takes us back to the early days of Inspire(d), catches up on the amazing Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses program that she Off-fishally(!) just completed, and more.

30 minutes to make your day more fun - thanks for listening, and a huge thanks to Aryn for being Guest #1. Also a huge thanks to drummer and Decorah'n Mr. Nick Zielinski for the amazing music and beats heard on this podcast. Find Nick on Instagram at @indicative_of_drumming

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Rhymes With Decorah!

A podcast project from Benji Nichols of Inspire(d) Media. We'll be telling the stories of people and places, and looking at the challenges as well - to make positive IMPACT. Stories about communities you love, by people you trust. Rhymes With Decorah - Season 1. Coming soon from Inspire(d) Media.

Rhymes With Decorah: Recent Episodes

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