July 29, 2025 by Decorah Leader

(Decorah Leader photo by Roz Weis)

MEDITATION IN MOTION

NEI3A

aging specialist to teach local seniors tai chi to improve arthritis, prevent falls

(Find the full version of this article by Zach Jensen in the July 24 Decorah Leader. Find past editions of the newspaper at decorahleader.com)

Area seniors will soon have the opportunity to learn a martial art as a method to ease the effects of arthritis and help themselves stay on their feet.

Hallie Evans, an aging specialist in nutrition with the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging will be leading the class “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays from Aug. 4 through Oct. 2 at the Vennehjem independent living community — 1102 Nordic Dr. in Decorah.

Traditional tai chi is a martial art dating back to 13th century China, which combines gentle physical movement, controlled breathing and meditation to promote physical and mental wellness, according to information from Harvard Medical School. It involves a series of slow, flowing movements and is often practiced for health benefits like improved balance, flexibility and stress reduction, Harvard’s information said.

“‘Meditation in motion’ has been used to describe tai chi, because you are really focused on your body and what you’re doing, and your breathing is slow and relaxed, which helps with concentration,” said Evans, a 1997 Luther graduate and owner of Root River Yoga.

“This class is evidence-based,

“This

class is evidence-based, which means if you follow the curriculum

and participate in the class, it’s been proven to help with balance, mobility and stability.”

-Hallie Evans

which means if you follow the curriculum and participate in the class, it’s been proven to help with balance, mobility and stability.”

Prior to earning her certification in tai chi, Evans was a certified Iyengar yoga instructor for eight years.

“There are a lot of similarities between yoga and tai chi,” Evans said. “There’s awareness, control of movement, the mindbody connection and mindfulness. It’s been a fun journey of learning and becoming certified in different evidence-based classes.”

Evans became interested in tai chi as part of her job with NEI3A, and she said the practice was interesting to her because of how its similarities to yoga.

“It really does improve balance and stability, muscle strength and flexibility,” Evans said. “One nice thing with tai chi is that people can really stay within their comfort zone — especially in a tai chi class for seniors for arthritis and fall prevention. Coming into it, we’re assuming that their bodies

WinnMed Auxiliary book sale to beneﬁt Reach Out and Read

The WinnMed Auxiliary will be hosting a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 in WinnMed’s lower-level conference rooms. The Auxiliary is accepting donations of used books through Aug. 8 for the sale. Donations may be made at WinnMed’s main entrance or by calling Karla Bakken at 563-387-3036. All genres of books are welcome. The sale will support Reach Out and Read, a national non-profit which partners with clinicians and “leverages the well-child visit, using books and shared reading to support caregivers in fostering early literacy and healthy relationships with infants and young children.” The WinnMed Auxiliary’s used book fundraiser will provide funds to purchase new books for families with young children who receive care at WinnMed. For more information about Reach Out and Read visit reachoutandread.org. For more information on the WinnMed Auxiliary, call Bakken in the Volunteer Services Department at 563-387-3036.

more space for the internal organs and helps you feel more mentally positive and stronger. That helps with mood, your emotions and a positive spirit.”

might hurt a little bit or might be in need of a little TLC. Tai chi really helps people, and you can do it seated, or you can do it standing.”

The only difference between seated and standing versions of tai chi, Evans explained, is the seated version doesn’t incorporate as much leg movement as standing. She said participants can remain seated throughout the session, use a chair for standing stability or sit down when they need to take a break from standing.

“The leg movements help teach weight transference and being aware of how you’re standing, how you’re moving, and that improves leg strength and balance overall,” she said.

“In our movements, we work a lot with moving against a gentle resistance. So, instead of fast movements, there are slow, smooth and continuous movements, and that really strengthens the internal body structures like the deep stabilizer muscles — the muscles that support the spine — to help you stay upright. We focus on keeping an upright posture, which provides

Evans said she’ll teach participants how to be more aware or mindful of how they move. She said people don’t often pay attention to how they walk, and as they age, that can lead to falls — especially if someone is distracted or trying to do too many things simultaneously.

“This style of tai chi involves smaller movements, so we never fully extend the joints,” she said. “Instead, we always maintain a slight bend in our arms and legs, which helps to prevent injury to the joints as well. Another nice thing about of this type of tai chi is that you can visualize yourself moving to that full position.”

Tai chi also helps practitioners improve their memory, Evans said.

“As we age, it gets harder to remember things, so there is a memory component of this as well,” she said. “Remembering forms so you can practice on your own strengthens your brain, which improves your quality of life, because we feel good when we can remember things.”

The tai chi class is sponsored by NEI3A and is offered for a $4 per class suggested contribution for participants age 60 and older and, for participants under age 60, each class will cost $4. To register, call Evans at 563277-6014, or email hevans@ nei3a.org by July 28.

lowa Airstream Club to hold August rally in Spillville

The lowa Airstream Club will hold a rally Aug. 8-9 in Spillville’s Riverside Park. The club holds monthly rallies around lowa during warm-weather months, and organizers said the August rally will be the first to be held in the region for many years — it is also the first to be held in Spillville.

Members will tour the Bily Clocks/Antonin Dvorak museum in Spillville and Vesterheim Museum in Decorah before touring Toppling Goliath Brewery in Decorah, where members will also have lunch. Saturday

evening, club members will gather at the Riverside Park Shelter House 2 for a potluck meal with smoked pork provided my Spillville Mayor Paul Wermers. lowa Airstream Club is affiliated with Airstream Club International, which was founded 70 years ago by Wally Byam. Byam led International Caravans for Airstream travel trailer owners, including “around-the-world” caravans and caravan trips across all of North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

NEI3A aging specialist in nutrition Hallie Evans demonstrates one of the movements she’ll be teaching seniors as part of a class entitled “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.” The class will be held Mondays and Thursdays from Aug. 4 through Oct. 2 at Vennehjem in Decorah. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

With the new school year just around the corner area health officials are reminding parents to ensure children are up-to-date on all immunizations. They recommend scheduling vaccination appointments now before the back-to-school rush. (Photo submitted)

Area health providers recommend updating vaccinations before back-to-school rush

Veterans Memorial Hospital, Allamakee County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are reminding all parents to ensure their children are up to date on all immunizations, as the new school year approaches.

“Back to school is one of the busiest times of year for families, which is why we urge everyone with school-age children to schedule appointments now to get the necessary vaccines,” said registered nurse Sheryl Darling-Mooney.

“Due in large part to decreasing vaccination rates, the U.S. is experiencing outbreaks of diseases such as

measles and whooping cough. Keeping kids up to date on vaccines, helps them stay safe from potentially life-threatening illnesses.”

In the state of Iowa, all children in licensed childcare, elementary and secondary schools — including middle and high school — must be adequately immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, polio, varicella and hepatitis B. Prior to the start of seventh grade, students are also required to be immunized for meningococcal and receive a Tdap booster to help prevent pertussis. Before 12th grade, a

second dose of the meningococcal vaccine is required. Parents and guardians can find additional information about immunizations required for childcare and school online at HHS.Iowa. gov/immtb/immunization.

“If you have questions about your child’s immunizations and what’s required, talk with your family healthcare provider or public health,” said Darling-Mooney. “Healthcare providers and public health are there to provide information and help navigate which vaccines are required.”

To schedule a vaccination with Allamakee County Public Health, call 563-568-5660.

Decorah Library invites community to book discussion on ‘The Anxious Generation’

Decorah Public Library invites parents, educators and youth advocates to join a twopart book discussion of Jonathan Haidt’s new best-seller “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.”

Both discussions will take place at 7 p.m. The Landing Market in Decorah. The first session will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and will cover the first three parts of the book. The second session will be on Tuesday, Aug. 12, focusing on the final part of the book and discuss practical next steps for families

and communities.

Haidt’s book examines the surge in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges among young people — linking much of the change to the rise of smartphones and social media.

Organizers said the discussion will provide space for adults to connect with one another, share insights and identify supportive strategies for managing screen time and fostering healthy development in kids and teens.

“This book club is more than just a discussion of ideas — it’s a chance for parents and educators to come together, reflect on what we’re seeing in our homes

Registration for Decorah United Soccer Club is open

Registration for the Decorah United Soccer Club’s upcoming fall soccer season is open until July 31. Youth players of all skill levels are invited to join. Programs are available for players ages 4-18. New this fall, the club will also be offering training for high school age players during the week as well as an optional Sunday training session for students in grades

seven through 12 who are enrolled in school athletics during the fall season. The fall season will kick off Aug. 25 and run through Nov. 8, with weekly practices and training sessions. Competitive games may start as soon as Sept. 6 for U7 to U15 teams. Registration may be completed online at decorahunitedsoccer.com/club-progam.

and schools, and begin building a stronger foundation for the kids we care about,” said Zach Row-Heyveld, assistant director at Decorah Public Library. Copies of “The Anxious Generation” are available to borrow from the library. Participants are encouraged to read the first three parts of the book before the first meeting. Registration is required and may be completed online at decorahlibrary.org. For more information or to register, contact Row-Heyveld at zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary.org.

Hunter education course to be offered in Calmar

Cookbook to celebrate 100 years of 4-H in Winneshiek County

Winneshiek County Conservation staff will lead a hunter education course from 1-5 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6 at the Calmar Fire Station. Participants must attend both days in full and pass the final test to receive certification. Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign-up may be completed online through the Iowa DNR by visiting license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=3471. Hunter education is a required program to obtain an Iowa hunting license. The course is designed to introduce students to life-long skills, including basic survival, first aid training, water safety, wildlife identification, basics of wildlife management, hunting laws and firearm/archery safety. Hunter education courses also stress the importance of individual responsibility and outdoor ethics. Learn more at www.winneshiekwild.com or by calling 563534-7145.

Local 4-H organizers are seeking recipe submissions for a cookbook celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Winneshiek County. Submissions are due by Aug. 1 and may be completed on a submission form available at bit.ly/100Winn4-H. Recipes may also be dropped off at the Winneshiek County Extension Office. Those interested in reserving a copy of the cookbook may also do so through the same link. Organizers hope to have the cookbooks printed in time for Christmas this year. Questions may be directed to the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949.

Robey Memorial Library to host info session on pet adoption

Registration for WinnMed Auxiliary card marathon opens next month

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites the community to attend an informative session on pet adoption with “Homeward Bound: Pet Adoption Basics” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31 in the library’s lower level community room. The session is part of the library’s Live and Learn series.

Both men and women are invited to join the WinnMed Auxiliary’s afternoon card marathon. The deadline for registration is Aug. 8. Bridge and 500 will be played from September through May. The cost is $10 per person or $20 per couple — couples are asked to register as such. Participants will play with a different couple each month. Registrations may be sent to Gerry Sorenson at 502 Sunrise Blvd., Decorah, Iowa 52101. Participants may also call 3822669 to register. Schedules will be mailed out in late August, and play will begin in September.

The event, presented by the Northeast Iowa Humane Society, covers essential aspects of pet adoption, including the adoption process itself and available volunteer opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear success stories from local community members. Attendees will also discuss practical considerations, such as adoption costs, ongoing expenses and beginning care. Registration is recommended but not required. For more information or to register, contact Robey Memorial Library at (563) 568-4424 or visit waukon.lib.ia.us.

Decorah native featured in

‘Hand of the Huldra: The Silver Filigree Jewelry of Liz Bucheit’ opens Aug. 16

Decorah native Liz Bucheit’s upcoming jewelry exhibit “Hand of the Huldra: The Silver Filigree Jewelry of Liz Bucheit” opens Saturday, Aug. 16 at Lanesboro Arts Gallery in Lanesboro, Minnesota. From 6-8 p.m., Bucheit will be on-site along with special music from Kristin Eggen and Michael McGrath and refreshments from Lanesboro favorite Clara’s Eatery. The exhibition will run from Aug. 16 through Oct. 19, 2025.

“Adornment is personal – a connection between art and the wearer,” said Bucheit. “My work travels with the wearer throughout the legacy of their lives.”

Bucheit was born in Decorah where she grew up visiting the silver collection room at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. The silver collection, which housed cases of traditional bridal crowns, belts and Sølje brooches, inspired her to create her own jewelry with its own connection to the tradition.

After completing her master’s degree in Metalworking and Jewelry at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, she took several trips to Raulandsakademiat Folk School in Telemark Norway to study and construct the traditional styles of silver (sølje) jewelry worn with the regional folk dress (bunad). While she draws much of her expertise from traditional techniques like delicate filigree and engraving, she is always looking to expand her voice within and throughout the margins of traditional Norwegian silversmithing.

“I was haunted by fairy tales of the mountain king stealing the bride on her wedding day. The silver jewelry she wore was supposed to protect her and only the most beautifully crafted pieces would ensure her safe delivery to the church.”

This exhibition takes Bu-

“Fiddlehead Tiara” by Liz Bucheit

cheit’s love of traditional Norwegian folktales and handcraft and melds it with contemporary concepts of jewelry-making.

This creates a stunning blend of style and quality craftsmanship that leaves the viewer wanting to see and learn more. Mixed with the imagery and the stories of the Huldra, Bucheit’s work is sure to inspire a feeling of being lost in the mystical woodlands of Norway. Accessible and free to the public, the gallery is located at 103 Parkway Ave N., Lanesboro, and is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The organization provides yearround arts programming and serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development, by providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages. For more information, visit www.lanesboroarts.org.

This activity is made possible by a sponsorship from F & M Community Bank as well as the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition to be held this spring

The Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition is returning both statewide and nationally in Des Moines next spring. Participating students will attend a mock trial and write a news piece according to what they see. Organizers said the goal of the event is for students to write a fair and informative piece, and they will be graded on the clarity of the article, how newsworthy and relevant their piece is as well as how engaging the story is for a reader.

In order to register for the Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition, stu-

dents must be current high school students and must register two weeks before the competition. The state competition will be held on March 27-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, while the national high school mock trial championship will be held during May 7-9. For more information on the state-level Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition visit iowabar.org/?pg=CourtroomJournalistCompetition. For more information on the national competition, visit nationalmocktrial.org.

PATRICIA “PAT” McCORMICK, 86, of Decorah, died Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Barthell Eastern Star in Decorah. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, with Father Daniel Knipper presiding. Burial will be in the St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah. There will be no visitation prior to the service at the church Wednesday.

needed to know Everything I ever By Ole

Winter

(Retired Lutheran Pastor Ole Winter reminisces on his 90plus years of life, sharing past experiences and life lessons with Driftless readers.)

Vultures in Iowa?

Recently, members of my family came for a visit to Decorah and stayed in a VRBO on the hillside just east of the Oneota golf course. They soon realized that a rookery of turkey vultures surrounded that house. I told them that this variety of bird, keeping the roadkill cleaned up, is a comparative newcomer to northeastern Iowa. I was able to tell them that the white tail deer now proliferating here, were rarely seen since the days of the Native Americans. And the bald eagle, or our national symbol, was extremely rare for years. Now the coyotes howl at night in Winneshiek County and are driving out our native red foxes. We heard none of these yelps in my formative years. That also made me recall

that I have not seen or heard a meadow lark for decades. Or what about the bobolink that flew out of the meadow and sang its unusual song while hovering in the air? We old timers miss them; they have disappeared from the hayfields and pastures of Iowa. What’s happening? Climate change has happened. Our changed methods of agriculture have happened; some creatures decided it was too hard to make a living. The science departments of Luther College can tell us more about these changes in the natural world. The rest of us simply marvel that all these wild creatures simply know how to live off the land. We can only appreciate those newcomers and mourn those who got out of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

WinnMed offering free Welcome to Medicare seminar

WinnMed will host a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. The in-person, twohour seminar, offered by the WinnMed Senior Health Insurance Information Program — or SHIIP — counselors, will be held in WinnMed’s lower-level conference rooms. The free seminar will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit — or

Part D — Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Participants should park in Lot E and enter through the E-1 door on the WinnMed campus. Registration is required by Monday, July 28. Please register online at WinnMed.org/events or by calling 563-387-3036.

Milestones

50th wedding anniversary

Larry and Roxanne Hauber are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 2. They are the parents of Chris Hauber, Rachel Hauber, Keith Hauber, Chad Hauber and Kerry Tantillo.

Langlands to celebrate 75th anniversary

Walter and Adeline Langland are celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Help them celebrate by sending a card to wish them well. Cards may be sent to: Walter Langland, 4 Ohio Street, Room #102, Decorah, IA 52101.

Public invited to Dinosaur Detectives

Families are invited to dig into science during Dinosaur Detectives, a hands-on assembly program presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota. This event will take place at both 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Decorah Public Library mezzanine. Registration is required, and space is limited to 100 participants per session. The program is geared toward elementary-aged students and their families. Through interactive demonstrations and fossil exploration, participants will uncover how paleontologists use evidence to learn about creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. To reserve a spot in one of the sessions, visit or contact Decorah Public Library. For more information, visit decorahlibrary.org/events.

Books and Literature

Denise

52101

editor@decorahleader.com

denise.lana@decorahleader.com

roz.weis@decorahleader.com Zach

zach.jensen@decorahleader.com Becky

AUCTION CALENDAR

CLOSING MONDAY, AUGUST 4 -

be closing at 4 p.m. Large Online Antique, Collectible and Household Auction. Auction Preview Saturday August 2nd 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563568-2464.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 - Macherinery Consignment Auction, Waukon, IA. Call Today to Cosign, 563-568-2464. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-5682464. Seth