hosts
The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Elliana Broadbeck (right), greeted visitors during Dickens on Mill Street, as the Ghost of Christmas Yet
Come, played by Brandon Rude, added a foreboding presence to the
atmosphere. (Decorah Leader photos by Zach Jensen)
Members of Luther College’s various choral groups combined their voices at several points during this year’s Christmas at Luther performances. Choir members not only sang from the performance stage, but at times filed into the outer aisles and balcony spaces to surround audiences with sound. (Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes) Full article and photos can be found in the December 12 Decorah Leader.
TOP LEFT- The Luther College Jazz Combo performed during this year’s Christmas at Luther concerts, demonstrating their skills on guitar, bass guitar, saxophone and drums. The group, made up of (left to right) guitarist Christian Montover of North Liberty, drummer Simon McDonald of Northfield, Minnesota, saxophonist Ethan Grunewald of Fairmont, Minnesota, and bassist Michael Van Meter of Delhi, performed an upbeat arrangement of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
TOP RIGHT- A trio of soloists represented the three gifts of the magi — gold, frankincense and myrrh — during a combined performance of “March of the Three Kings” from the cantata “Hodie.” (From left to right) Luther College senior Carlie Prymek, an alto II from Iowa City, junior Noah Bowers, a tenor II from Altoona and senior Jacob Klingsten, a bass II from Waterford, Wisconsin, sang in harmony following their individual solos.
How some popular holiday traditions got their start
Will you be baking gingerbread or hanging stockings by the fireplace this holiday season? Perhaps you’ll be lighting the menorah or playing a game of dreidl? The holidays are steeped in tradition, some of which are older than celebrants may realize.
Individuals gather during the holidays and participate in various traditions that have withstood the test of time. Most people engage in these traditions or recognize symbols automatically, but it can be interesting to learn how these traditions came to be.
Christmas caroling
The British traditions of wassailing and mumming and the Slavic tradition of koliada were some of the precursors to more modern caroling. People would go door-to-door and recite poetry or sing with the hope of bringing about good fortune or influencing a future harvest, according to Rutgers University. Carolers spread hope and good tidings through song during a time of year when sunlight was limited.
Santa Claus Children who celebrate Christmas eagerly await the arrival of a jolly sort who goes by the name of Santa Claus. His origin story stretches back to the third century, when Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas was a monk in what is modern-day Turkey. It is said that he traveled helping the poor and the sick. History.com says he is believed to have saved three impoverished sisters from slavery by providing them with a dowry so they could be mar-
ried, and he also provided gifts to children.
Christmas trees Pagans once displayed evergreen branches as a reminder that spring would come again, while Romans placed them around temples to honor Saturn, the god of agriculture. Eventually the evergreen was used in conjunction with Christian Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, German Christians put trees inside their homes as symbols of everlasting life.
National Park film series at Effigy Mounds
Cayuse & the Whitmans at Waiilatpu
• Knife River Indian Villages
• Those Are My Ancestors: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
the
itor
will have the opportunity to watch one or all the films that will be showing. There will also be light refreshments available and an intermission halfway through the event.
Saturday, Jan.25, 1-3 p.m.
• Trail of Tears: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
• Ná Qc Tím̉íne Wisí X (Of One Heart): Nez Perce National Historical Park
• A Prophecy Fulfilled: The
Sunday, Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m.
• Casa Grande: House of Many Stories
• Castillo de San Marcos: A Long Legacy – An Effective Defense
• Tumacacori: A Cultural Crossroads
• Voyages of the San Salvador – Cabrillo’s Journey
Monday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.
• A Glorious Journey: John Muir National Historic Site
• Craters of the Moon: The Movie!
• Wilderness of Rock: Canyonlands National Park
• Shadows of the Past – Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
• Big Thicket: America’s First National Preserve
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including some in the shape of animals. The monument is located three miles north of Marquette and 22 miles south of Waukon on Highway 76. For more information call 563-873-3491 ext. 123 or visit www.nps.gov/effigymounds.
Menorah The menorah is a multibranched candelabra used in Jewish religious rituals. The menorah is first mentioned in the book of Exodus when the design of the lamp was revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. Many menorahs are seven-branched, but during Chanukah, an eight-branched menorah is used. The Chanukah menorah is modeled after the Tabernacle menorah that corresponds to the eight-day festival. It was used to celebrate the rededication of the Second Temple. The available oil supply was supposed to light the menorah for just one day, but the candles actually burned for eight.
Mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe is a holiday season tradition that can lead to some red faces when couples are caught be-
neath the plant. Norse mythology paved the way for kissing under the mistletoe. Legend has it the gods used mistletoe to resurrect Odin’s son, Baldur, from the dead. Baldur’s mother, Frigg, the goddess of love, made the plant a symbol of love and vowed to kiss anyone who passed under it. Mistletoe blooms under cold conditions, which is how it became associated with the holiday season.
Yule log Yule logs were once part of winter solstice celebrations to bring good luck and fortune, but America is where a yule log
really caught on as a holiday tradition. In 1966, the WPIX television station in New York City aired a continuous loop of a fireplace burning for three hours with holiday songs playing. It became an annual tradition, says History.com. Some people even serve a cake that looks like a yule log. The Bûche de Noël is a traditional Christmas cake that is especially popular in France. Holiday traditions continue in full force. Traditions are an endearing component of celebrations and help to unite people from all backgrounds during this special time of year.
The Bûche de Noël is a traditional Christmas cake that is especially popular in France. (Submitted photo)
Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service receives grant for new radio system
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service was awarded $18,000 by the Allamakee County Community Foundation last spring for the purchase of a new radio system, referred to as Ambulance Communication Interoperability Enhancement. The hospital matched the nearly $5,000 remaining dollars to purchase this new system, which has since been installed.
Three new Kenwood Viking mobile radios were purchased, one for each ambulance, which officials said enhance the communication ability of the Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service to communicate directly with local law enforcement, who began utilizing digital P25 radio technology in 2018. This upgrade also includes use of the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communication System as well as other regional networks used for emergency response in various scales of incidents. These installed radios have a remote mounted head installed in both the cab and the patient compartment to ensure immediate work area access when it is needed.
“Prior to this project’s completion, two of our three ambulances could not directly communicate with even our local law enforcement partners in Allamakee County, and our third ambulance that could monitor
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service was awarded $18,000 by the Allamakee County Community Foundation last summer for the purchase of a new radio system, referred to as Ambulance Communication Interoperability Enhancement. The EMS service has experienced great improvement in communicating with local law enforcement and neighboring EMS services, thanks to the upgraded radio system. (Photo submitted)
this digital traffic had outdated technology which often caused interruptions in communication,” said Jacob Dougherty, paramedic and EMS manager.
“Two of our neighboring counties have already upgraded or are in the process of upgrading their county-wide radio systems, meaning without the completion of this project, our EMS service would not have the ability to communicate with their systems directly. Often we are called upon to assist our neighbors, and on occasion we call upon their assistance as well, making seamless interoperable communication imperative.”
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service
continues to experience high call volumes each year. They ended the 2023 calendar year with a total of 1,051 requests for EMS service, which was a 22.2 percent increase over the 2022 calendar year. The ambulance service has experienced a 47.6 percent increase in EMS request volume over a five-year period — 2018-2023. Hospital officials said mutual aid requests from other neighboring EMS agencies increased by 300 percent from 2022 to 2023.
“Thanks to these funds granted by the Allamakee County Community Foundation, our EMS service has already experienced great benefit in having this upgraded equipment installed in each ambulance since June of this year,” Dougherty said. “Although the project is currently still ongoing with our being new users of the ISICS, our early benefits gained simply by having standardized equipment between trucks with the most current technology has been invaluable.”
VMH diabetes support group will not meet this month
Reservations open for WinnMed’s annual Christmas
Dinner
The public is invited to WinnMed in Decorah for the hospital’s annual Christmas Dinner. Dinner will be served on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25. The annual dinner will be a curbside pick-up event only, serving approximately 250 meals to the community. This year’s meal includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, stuffing, steamed carrots, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, dinner roll with butter and apple pie. Each meal is individually plated, and costs $12.
Orders for Christmas Dinner may be placed online by visiting https://winnmed.org/events. Payment is required at the time of the order and will not be accepted the day of pick-up. The deadline to order is noon on Friday, Dec. 20. Orders for pick-up are available every 15 minutes between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25 in parking lot E, door E-1 on WinnMed’s Decorah campus. There is limited availability for each time slot, and pick-up times may be selected online using the clock icon in the website’s checkout cart.
Did you know...
School sports participation continues to grow
Notable Chanukah traditions
Each year on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Did
you know...
Hanukkah and Chanukah?
Hanukkah and Chanukah are both correct spellings of the Jewish holiday: Hanukkah: The most widely used spelling. Chanukah: The more traditional spelling.
during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts. According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah.
BEEF FATS
Mark Hageman, Fort Atkinson Duane Leppert, Lansing Wes Hageman, Decorah John Reinke, New Albin Corey Nordheim, Decorah HOLSTEIN FATS Dean Schmitt, West Union Gary Elsbernd, Calmar Hummel FArms, Allison Glen & Grace Gerleman, Ft. Atk. Richard Hendrickson, Ossian Tom & paul Kreiner, Ft. Atkinson TOP COW Jamie & Joanne Bark, Bloomington Foresight Farms, Decorah Dennis & Nick Bohr, Ridgeway Bill Strein, Castalia
BULL Dan & Don Tollefsrud, Decorah
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will not hold its regular meeting this month. The group will again hold its regular monthly meetings beginning Thursday, Jan. 16. For more information on the diabetes support group, contact Angie Mettille, diabetes educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital, by calling 568-3411.
School sports participation continues to grow. According to the High School Athletics Participation Survey, conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 2022-2023 school year, participation in high school sports was quite high. A total of 7,851,833 girls and boys were involved in school sports during the 2022-2023 academic year. That number marked an increase of 232,779 participants from the previous school year. Among the surveyed participants, the most popular boys programs were football and outdoor track and field. For girls, the most popular programs were outdoor track and field and volleyball.
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really they were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed
Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan. Chanukah begins on December 25, 2024, and will last through January 2, 2025. It’s a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.
What was originally made from strands of
Keep Iowa Beautiful opens 2025 scholarship applications
Keep Iowa Beautiful awards three $1,000 scholarships each year to Iowa high school seniors who plan to enroll in an Iowa college or university. These annual scholarships honor important figures in Keep Iowa Beautiful history who have made significant contributions to Iowa communities.
“Keep Iowa Beautiful seeks to foster positive values in younger generations and reinforce them in older generations. We encourage respect for home, neighborhood, community and state,” said Keep Iowa Beautiful Executive Director
Andy Frantz. “These students have a passion for improving the communities where they live and work, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where their educational journey takes them.”
The Byers Scholarship High school seniors who plan to enroll and study environmental science, community development, landscape architecture or architecture — with a historical emphasis — or community planning and sustainability are eligible to apply for the Byers Scholarship. Keep Iowa Beautiful and the Byers family estab-
FOR SALE, WINNESHIEK COUNTY TIMBER LAND Charles Langland Estate
7.99 acres m/1 consisting of wooded timer located north of Bluffton, legally described as:
Lot One (1), NE 1/4 SW 1/4, Sec 33, Twp, 100N, R9W 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa. Parcel ID 023330000800
METHOD OF SALE: Submit written bids to the law office of Meyer, Lorentzen, and Nelson, P.O. Box 126, Decorah, IA 52101, postmarked no later than January 31, 2025 at 5:00pm. Bids must
lished the Byers Environmental Scholarship Fund in 2009 in memory of Bob Byers’ dedication to young people and environmental concerns.
scholarship honors William J.
a
The Schnepf Scholarship High school seniors who have a record of community service and a desire to continue supporting the enhancement of the place they live and work are eligible to apply for the Schnepf Scholarship. College programs may include community and regional planning as well as volunteer management. This scholarship honors Gerry Schnepf, founding executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful, whose career spanned 50 years.
The Fultz Scholarship High school seniors who plan to enroll and study communications, public relations and/or marketing are eligible to apply for the Fultz Scholarship. This
Keep Iowa
and
who started an advertising agency which became the largest agriculture advertising agency in the
Applications are due Jan. 31, 2025, and winners will be notified in April of 2025. For more information or to apply online, visit https://keepiowabeautiful.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships.
NOW HIRING
POSITION OVERVIEW
Decorah High School seeks a passionate and collaborative Social Studies Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. This position offers a unique opportunity to teach in one of Iowa’s top-ranked schools, where students are encouraged to think critically, engage deeply, and build the skills needed for success in college, careers, and civic life. As a Social Studies Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping students’ understanding of the world. You’ll guide them in exploring the complexities of the past, critically evaluating the present, and thoughtfully preparing for the future. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and civic responsibility, equipping students with the tools to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
WHY DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL?
SIGNMAN
There will be NO garbage pick-up on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24
There will
There will be NO garbage pick-up on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1
SECONDARY ROAD DEPARTMENT
WINNESHIEK COUNTY will be accepting applications for the position of “Signman” for the Secondary Road Department until 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 or until the position is filled at the office of the Winneshiek County Engineer, 201 W. Main, Decorah, IA 52101. Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html EOE
GARAGE SALES
For Sale: pickup load of firewood, delivered $80, you pick up $60. Spillville. Call or text 940-745-0895. 50-4-D-x-1
Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085 www.winneshiekcounty.org
NOW HIRING
FT/PT WORKERS & DRIVERS
WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING
Winneshiek County is accepting applications for Full and Part Time Recycling Workers & Drivers. Job descriptions and applications are available at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center and online at www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov. Send completed application to The Recycling Center, 2510 172nd Ave, Decorah, IA 52101 or email to eneubauer@co.winneshiek.ia.us. Deadline-December 16, 2024. EOE
49-4-LD-12
support to help students achieve their academic goals.
Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085 www.winneshiekcounty.org
All customers will be picked up on TUESDAY, DEC. 31 47-5-LD-12
• Monitor student progress, offering constructive feedback to foster growth and achievement.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with students to inspire confidence, motivation, and engagement.
Collaboration and Professionalism
• Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to align teaching practices with instructional goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all student, family, and staff interactions.
• Preferred: Coach or sponsor extracurricular activities to promote student engagement and connection.
Technology Integration
• Leverage technology and innovative methods to enhance teaching and student learning experiences.
• Utilize platforms such as Canvas and Power School to manage coursework and track student progress effectively.
Professional Responsibilities
• Contribute to school and district goals by participating in initiatives, events, and community activities.
• Model reliability, professionalism, and a positive attitude that reflects the values of Decorah Community Schools.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
• Valid Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain).
• 5-12 Social Studies endorsement(s); 5-12 All Social Studies (186) preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement. Desired:
• Ability to teach AP or NICC courses in Social Studies.
• Ability to coach or sponsor multiple athletic and/or extra-curricular activities.
Fultz,
founding
Beautiful board member
artist
world.
It’s cookie season
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.
“Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers
Makes approx. 20-24 cookies
1-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
The 24/25 Winter Sports Preview was published in the December 12 Decorah Leader.
The special section previews the
Sneak Peek
Thursday, December 19
5PM - 7PM
BIRTHING SUITE HIGHLIGHTS
The renovated and remodeled Obstetrics unit features six Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Post-partum (LDRP) suites, where the patient stays in one suite for her entire hospital stay.
Each private suite is designed with safety and comfort in mind. Suites include a private bathroom and whirlpool tub, home-like furniture, pass-through supply closets and serenity doors.
These features, along with sounddampening strategies built in throughout the space, work together to provide the patient a restful experience.
Standing in the nurses’ station of the new unit are some of the Obstetrics nurses and staff.
(Left-right): Brianne Leikvold, RN, director, Amanda McGeough, Health Unit Coordinator, Annika Anderson, RN, Rachel Pleggenkuhle, RN, Laurie Swatek, RN, Ellie Kuennen, RN, Olivia McGee, RN, Danielle Egan, RN, and Brittany Mashek, RN.
A Letter From Birthing Suite Donors David & Brenda Carlson
“We invite you to join us in helping WinnMed expand their campus to better serve individuals and families who live here in the Driftless area. We are blessed to live in this corner of the world which offers so much and one of those blessings is excellent healthcare. Now that we are personally “aged” and are needing more frequent care, we are even more aware of the specialties being offered right here at WinnMed. In order to add these physicians, nurses and staff, we need more physical space. To make this happen, we hope
you will consider a gift to the campaign which is now in progress. We have chosen to gift a birthing suite in honor of our six children who were all born here in Decorah.
WinnMed is leading with the vision of becoming a more regional medical facility than we currently have. We thank the Board, the Foundation and the medical professionals and staff for their hard work and dedication to all of us who depend on their care. With your support, the benefit of excellent healthcare will continue to grow right here in our backyard.”
To learn more about donating to the WinnMed Foundation and naming opportunies associated with the Transforming Tomorrow project, head online to winnmed.org/donate or scan the QR code at left.