Inspire(d) Fall 2023

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FALL 2023. #74 YOU ARE INSPIRED + FINDING INSPIRATION

AN EXPERIMENT IN POSITIVE NEWS

FOUNDERS

Aryn Henning Nichols / Editor-in-Chief + Designer

Benji

DRIFTLESS WE’RE ON A MISSION TO CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH POSITIVE NEWS, ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME.

Nichols / Head of Logistics + Advertising Sales (& husband, distributor, writer)

we couldn’t do it without

CONTRIBUTORS

Sara Walters / writer

Tallitha Reese / writer

Hooray for thesehumans!amazing

What’s the name mean?

Steve Harris / writer

Renee Brincks / writer

Lynsey D. Moritz / writer

Sammy Ferguson / writer

Olivia Lynn Schnur / mental health writer

Craig Thompson / conservation writer

Mary Thompson / conservation art

Bob Modersohn / photography

Clara Wodny / writing intern

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Interested in becoming a contributor? Email work samples to Aryn at aryn@iloveinspired.com, and we’ll chat!

Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine is headquartered & created in Decorah, Iowa. Big thanks to our HQ Community Partner, Visit Decorah. Say hi to these awesome folks in Downtown Decorah or online at visitdecorah.com

Learn more about Community Partnership opportunities by emailing aryn@iloveinspired.com

JOIN THE POSITIVE NEWS MOVEMENT

1. Buy local - We couldn’t make this magazine without our amazing advertisers and partners. Visit or shop with one (or many) of our advertisers, and let them know you saw them in Inspire(d)!

2. Become an Inspire(d) Member at iloveinspired.com/membership

3. Visit us online – website and social – and share with your friends and family!

find the gnome...

G-Gnome is hiding somewhere in this magazine! The first five people (no previous winners please) to send us his page location through our contact form at iloveinspired.com/contact-inspired gets a free Inspire(d) 7-Year Pen in the mail!

iloveinspired.com

facebook.com/iloveinspired

@iloveinspired

Inspire(d) – pronounced in-spy-erd... you know: inspired – stands for inspire and be inspired. The idea is that person one inspires person two. That person is now inspired. Then that person inspires person three (or person one again), who is now inspired. Then the cycle continues! That’s what those arrows around the (d) are about! We’re here to remind folks that people are good! Our mission is, ultimately, to change the world… starting with our own community. We like to call it an experiment in positive news.

Inspire(d) Magazine is published quarterly by Inspire(d) Media, LLC, 412 Oak Street, Decorah, Iowa, 52101. This issue is dated Fall 2023, issue 74, volume 17, Copyright 2023 by Inspire(d) Magazine.

Support Inspire(d)

We want Inspire(d) to be accessible for all, which is why it is free on stands across the Driftless! But you can support Inspire(d) through Membership! We’ll send the magazine in the mail, to you or a loved one, for $35/year. Visit the Membership page at iloveinspired.com for details, or send a check for $35 to Inspire(d) Magazine, 412 Oak St., Decorah, Iowa 52101. Thank you for your support, and for joining the positive news movement!

Want to make a comment about something you read in the magazine?

Email aryn@iloveinspired.com.

Interested in advertising?

Contact Benji at benji@iloveinspired.com or call 563-379-6315.

Happy 16th birthday, Inspire(d)!

This magazine is officially old enough to drive. Which is funny, because it’s been driving our lives since its inception.

I was first inspired to start Inspire(d) my senior year of college at the University of Iowa. It was 2003, I was 22, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, beyond writing. I was on track to graduate with a degree in English and journalism. But what next? That spring, I read a biography about a man named Dan Eldon (Dan Eldon: The Art of Life, by Jennifer New).

Dan had Iowa ties (his mom is from Cedar Rapids), was interested in telling stories (he was a photojournalist), but he was killed on assignment when he was 22. In his short, bright life, he did some wonderful things for his various communities. He raised money for neighbors in need. He aided friends at the drop of a hat. He helped organize a ragtag team of fundraisers, took them on a perspective-broadening safari in Africa, and donated the funds they raised - $20,000 – to a refugee camp in Malawi.

He documented his life through art-filled journals, focusing on photography and collage. The cover of this issue is inspired by his art, in fact, and is made up of a variety of past Inspire(d) Magazines (compiled by me)!

Dan’s story lit a fire inside of me. I was inspired. I wanted to tell more of these stories of people helping their communities. Stories that proved you could make a difference as a slightly responsible kid in their 20s or as an elderly grandma in her 80s. Relatable, “I could do that!” stories. Stories that inspired other people to want to make their world a better place as well.

After that spring, I spent one more semester finishing up college at a magazine program in Canada, one year teaching English in China, and finally, I came back to the US in 2005, thinking I had to get a “real job” before I could start the magazine that had been formulating in my head. I met Benji in 2006 and told him my idea, to which he said, “Let’s do it!” The first Inspire(d) Magazine rolled off the press October 2007.

I like to think we’ve made our world a little better with each issue, and this one in your hands is no exception. We have great Community Builders, inspiring people and businesses, and topics I think should always be at the forefront of our minds: conservation, mental health, and enjoying this one beautiful life we are given.

Every day is an opportunity to begin anew. Every day holds the potential of inspiration. Sometimes it’s hard to find it, though, and my hope is that this issue of Inspire(d), and every before and after, gives you a little spark of something you’re excited about.

Thank you for reading, friends. You ARE inspired.

Looking forward,

What is the driftless?

It’s a region in the Midwest – Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, Southwest Wisconsin, and a wee bit of Northwest Illinois – that was skipped by the glaciers in the last ice age, leaving the area “lacking glacial drift” – i.e. Driftless. The gist of that is we get to enjoy bluffs, valleys, coulees, and other fun geographical features that don’t typically occur in other parts of our states (the Mississippi River contributes greatly to the geography as well). It’s a lovely place to live and visit, and we’re happy you’re here!

rad cover art by...

ARYN + PAST INSPIRE(D) ARTISTS

This issue’s 16th birthday cover features a collage of past Inspire(d) covers! See some of those covers on the contents page (pg. 5). Shoutout to artists Lauren Bonney, Claire Sanderman, and Danielle Chargo for specific art pieces on this cover!

Aryn Henning Nichols

P.S. You can make your own super cool Inspire(d) birthday hat too! It’s this issue’s paper project (page 45)! Find the tutorial and download the template at iloveinspired.com!

What We’re Loving right now

A LITTLE LIST OF WHAT WE THINK IS AWESOME IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION THIS FALL...

LUTHER CENTER STAGE SERIES 2023-24

World class performances return to the Luther College Center Stage Series in 2023-24! Season tickets are now available for six exciting performances by international artists, presented at Luther’s Center for Faith and Life.

“I’m delighted to present these incredibly accomplished performing artists,” says Kristen Underwood, Director of Campus Programming. “This season highlights one of Luther’s core values: understanding ourselves and the world by being both grounded and global. I hope the cumulative effect of these six performances will be the feeling of having traveled the globe from the Center for Faith and Life.”

Both the series and its corresponding Center Stage Dinner Series (read more below) are available at a discounted price if ordered by September 29, so we recommend you jump on it – it’s worth it!

Check out this great 2023-24 lineup:

September 29: Multi-instrumental quartet Invoke

October 26: The Acting Company’s “Odyssey”

November 9: Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn

February 9: Langston Hughes’ jazz poem “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz,” featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet

March 7: tenThing Brass Ensemble

April 23: Small Island Big Song, featuring First Nation artists from the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands

The Center Stage Series also offers matinees for school groups and families. This year, both matinee performances will be in the spring:

February 15: Tomás and the Library Lady, recommended for grades K- 5 but open to all. Sponsored by Dragonfly Books.

April 23: Small Island Big Song, recommended for 5th grade and up but open to all. Sponsored by Decorah Bank and Trust.

To reserve matinee tickets, please contact Bradley Phillips at phillibr@luther.edu or (563) 387-1293. Community members are welcome as space allows.

Coming for an evening show? Add dinner to the outing! The Center Stage Dinner Series is an opportunity to pair each evening show with a gourmet three-course dinner in Peace Dining Room, overlooking lower campus and the Upper Iowa River. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Luther chefs can easily accommodate dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

The Luther Book Shop is also open for “Sip and Shop” from 6 to 7:15 pm on all performance nights. Ticketed guests receive a complimentary glass of wine while they browse the shop before the performance.

All regular Center Stage Series performances are held in the Center for Faith and Life at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets for all six shows before September 29 to waive any ticketing fees and receive 15 percent off – the same goes for the Center Stage Dinner Series too! Purchase tickets and find more information at tickets.luther. edu.

The Center Stage Series is made possible by the generous support of major season sponsors, including Gundersen Health System, WinnMed, Decorah Bank and Trust, the John W. Kurtich Foundation, Corey and Suzanne (Roverud) Mineck, and the Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies.

Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn, performing at Luther’s Center Stage Series on November 9.

DRIFTLESS VINTAGE MARKET

Explore some of the best vintage in the region at the first-ever Driftless Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Decorah Elks Lodge (105 River St, Decorah). The Market will feature amazing vintage vendors from region with clothing, accessories, and small housewares. The event is hosted by Erin Ryan, creator of Honeyhead Vintage, found on the regular at The Getup in Downtown Decorah.

“As someone who loves vintage clothes and a fellow vintage seller. I try to travel to as many of these markets as I can get to, and they all end up being three hours from here. A geographical oddity!” Erin says. “So, I thought to myself, ‘Well, why don’t I just do one?’ And here I am with the first Vintage Market (in my memory!) in Decorah!”

In addition to Honeyhead Vintage, vendors will include: Marcella’s Honeypot, Evergreen Wardrobe, Awkward Vintage, Obsession Vintage, The Vintage Gypsy, Kismet Vintage, Babes of the Woods, Kawaii x Thrifts, and more.

The Market has free admission, and will also feature music from the all-vinyl DJ Skintight Disco. To find out more about the various vendors and offerings, visit @driftlessvintagemarket on Instagram or email: honeyheadvintage@gmail.com

FUR AND FEATHERS!

Inspire(d) Media is proud to help present “Fur and Feathers,” an exhibit by artist Julie Fakler featuring more than 20 vibrant, one-of-a-kind domestic animal portraits at the Lanesboro Arts Center through October 15, 2023.

Julie’s love for animals began in 1994 when she visited her biological father’s hobby farm with her sister. She found joy in spending time with chickens, donkeys, and the other animals on the farm, and has been sharing her love for animals through her artwork since.

Fakler studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing. She is the current Visual Arts and Education Director at the Paradise Center for the Arts in downtown Faribault, Minnesota.

This exhibit is sponsored by Inspire(d) Media and made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. For more information visit www.lanesboroarts.org, call 507-467-2446 or email gallery@ lanesboroarts.org. Accessible and free to the public, the exhibition gallery is located at 103 Parkway Avenue North in Lanesboro, MN.

What We’re Loving right now

A LITTLE LIST OF WHAT WE THINK IS AWESOME IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION THIS FALL...

Hardanger fiddle, and the Luren Singers, plus tours of the historic buildings in Heritage Park. Check strongrootsboldfuture.org for complete event listings.

Can’t make it that week? Vesterheim is also offering free admission to the museum every second Saturday of every month, so visits are accessible for all!

Finally, be sure to mark your calendar for a very special concert on Wednesday, October 11, from 7 to 8:30 pm with the Danish folk duo Gangspil. Gangspil will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with old dance tunes and songs from every corner of their Scandinavian home country. Folks can attend live at Vesterheim Commons, but those not able to make it can also enjoy the concert livestreamed for Vesterheim’s online audience. Visit www.vesterheim.org for more information.

CARLSON PARK TRAIL FUND LAUNCHES!

Do you love Decorah’s parks and trails? Then get excited for new projects at Carlson Park! A group of Decorah Citizens have partnered with The Decorah Park and Recreation Department to establish the Carlson Park Trail Development Fund, a special project fund held with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The fund will support the development of bike-optimized trails and amenities for all abilities within the recently established Carlson Park on the south side of Decorah.

VISIT VESTERHEIM COMMONS!

The beautiful new Vesterheim Commons building in Decorah is open! Yippi!

Celebrate its completion during the week of September 23-30 with free admission to the museum, open daily 9 am to 5 pm, and save the date for a dedication ceremony Saturday, September 30, at 1:30 pm. Refreshments, demonstrators, and entertainment will follow from 2 to 4 pm, including the Nordic Dancers, Eden Ehm on

In 2019, the Dave and Rick Carlson families donated 110 acres of land to the City of Decorah to create Carlson Park. A formal planning process was completed in 2021 with the JL Bruce Company, the City of Decorah, and much public input.

“The next step of the Carlson Park development is to start funding the projects that are going to bring even more amenities and recreation opportunities to the Decorah area,” says Inspire(d)’s Benji Nichols, who is a member of the Decorah Park and Recreation Department Board and Carlson Park Trail Coalition. “There are many partners involved, including Decorah Human Powered Trails and the Decorah Rotary, and we’re excited to bring others into the fold to see the vision become a reality.”

Preliminary park projects include completing professional planning and construction of the NW Feature Trail, which will allow pedestrian and bicycle traffic into the park, as well as novice and intermediate trail systems. These trails may also lay the groundwork for an approved Scholastic (High School) Mountain Biking Course, as well as additional hiking, running, and snow sports trail systems.

So how do you get involved? Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are greatly appreciated, and accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613. Checks to the fund should be made payable to the Carlson Park Trail Development Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at fund.cfneia.org/carlsonparktrail (or scan the QR code above). Donors to the fund can take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Terry Gaumer, affiliate development director with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org

NE IA ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR 2023

For the past 26 years, the Northeast Iowa Artists Studio Tour has been offering visitors, art enthusiasts, and adventurers the opportunity to see inside the studios of incredible local artists. Join in all the fun of the annual Studio Tour September 29, 30, and October 1, 2023.

Thirty-eight artists at 28 locations will open their doors for a behind-the-scenes studio view not usually offered to the general public. A “drive-yourself” tour across the region offers experiences with many well-known award-winning artists displaying and selling pottery, paintings, woodcuts, baskets, jewelry, woodworking, kaleidoscopes, sculpture, collage, fiber arts, and more. Tour participants can set their own pace while driving from studio to studio.

Check the website www.iowaarttour.com for full tour information. Maps with GPS coordinates and lodging and dining are available as web downloads to print, or you can pick up a brochure from participating artists or lodging and dining partners. The tour is free of charge and the sites are all within 40 miles of Decorah. Workspaces are open from 10 am to 5 pm all three days. The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour (NIAST Inc.) is Iowa’s first and longest-running tour of artists’ studios in the state. For more information or for a brochure, call 563-382-6061, visit www.iowaarttour.com or email tour@iowaarttour.com.

Artist Jennifer Nahl

What We’re Loving

A LITTLE LIST OF WHAT WE THINK IS AWESOME IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION THIS FALL...

ARTHAUS RAINBOW RUN!

Get ready to experience a burst of color, laughter, and togetherness at the first-ever 5K Rainbow Run in Decorah on September 16 at 8 am, brought to you by ArtHaus.

The Rainbow Run is not your traditional 5K race; it’s an untimed journey that invites participants to immerse themselves in a world of color and joy. Whether you’re an experienced runner or simply looking to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends, the Rainbow Run is the perfect opportunity to do so.

This event is designed to be an inclusive and enjoyable experience for people of all ages and fitness levels. With no pressure to race against the clock, you can take in the scenery along the Upper Iowa

River and Ice Cave Road, all while being showered with a spectrum of colors from the sidelines that will turn your white-on-white shirt into a masterpiece.

Each registration – $30 for adults and $15 for students – includes a unique white-on-white shirt that becomes a canvas of colors as you progress through the 5K. The event, sponsored in part by Oneota Co-op, Inspire(d) Media, Kozi Pie, Stressless Tech, and Lulu and BB’s Pet Market. Register and find info at arthausdecorah.org/events

DRIFTLESS FLYATHLON 2023

The Driftless Flyathlon will once again take place October 6 to 8, 2023 at Yellow River State Forest in rural Allamakee County – and Inspire(d)’s Benji Nichols will be “competing”!

Founded in 2016, The Driftless Flyathlon is a unique trail running and fly-fishing race that hosts 70+ competitors from seven states. The event, which sells out each year, has a friendly air of competition as contestants run a four mile out-and-back trail along Big Paint Creek, with the requirement of catching a fish while on course and enjoying a craft beer at the end of the race.

“This is one of my very favorite events of the year,” says Benji. “Yellow River Forest is one of our region’s true gems, and the community of people that make up the Flyathlon are just fantastic. The best part is that we’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for cold water conservation over the past six years.”

The event is held with the purpose of raising funds for cold water

NICHOLAS C. ROWLEY COURTNEY ROWLEY DOMINIC PECHOTA JON SPECHT

LAURA THOMPSON KAREN ZAHKA

conservation projects – a goal that the group continues to wildly fulfill as the event has grown.

Benji hosted a recent episode of the “Rhymes with Decorah” podcast featuring two of the Flyathlon organizers, Ryan Rahmiller and Scott Stimmel. Find info on supporting the cause and listen to that episode by scanning the QR code (or go to decorah.fun). You can also learn more @driftlessflyathlon on Instagram or by visiting: www.runningrivers.org

MN ART & ARCHITECTURE TOURS

The Chatfield Center for the Arts is offering an exciting new series of “Art and Architecture Tours” in the coming months. The tours, leaving from Chatfield, visit classical and modern art exhibits in noteworthy buildings, and engage with working artists in their studios. Each event includes a pre-visit presentation/ discussion about the destination’s art and architecture on a separate day before the tour.

This low-cost, six-event series was created through a Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Support Grant. The program targets students in grades 7 to 12 and seniors (65+) with free admission, although people of all ages and physical abilities are encouraged to attend for a small fee (per grant guidelines). Details at www.chatfieldarts.org

Upcoming Art & Architecture events:

September 20-21: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

October 9-10: Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis

November 8, 12: Northrup King Art Attack, Minneapolis

February 14-15: Minneapolis Art Institute, Minneapolis

MAINSPRING YOUTH ART COLLECTIVE

Here at Inspire(d), we love art, and we love community, and we especially love organizations that bring those world’s together! Mainspring, a creative community organization in Caledonia, Minnesota, announced a free new program for creative rural youth: The Mainspring Youth Art Collective (YAC).

Mainspring will host a monthly gathering where teen artists can do hands-on art projects, learn from professional artists, and co-create programming and events. Mainspring will provide all art materials and snacks (woot!). Upcoming dates are: September 17, October 21, October 29, November 19, 2023, and January 28, February 25, and March 9, 2024. All teens are welcome at the free events, and registration is not required.

Mary Beth Magyar, professional artist and and educator with decades of experience working with teens, will lead the sessions. Magyar is the creator of smallärt, a series of mini galleries similar in size and stature to a Little Free Library. These galleries allow a lowcost entry point for emerging artists, and offer the public a free and accessible way to view a variety of art. Through the YAC program, teens will work with Magyar to install a smallärt gallery in Caledonia!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund. Learn more at mainspringmn.org/programs

BY RENEE BRINCKS

STORIES on PURPOSE

Life has a way of surprising us. Chance meetings turn into lifelong friendships. Magazine articles prompt spontaneous trips. Hobbies become unexpected careers.

That’s what happened for 1999 Decorah High School graduate Elena Rue. Her early photography interests set the stage for StoryMine, a North Carolina-based production company that creates video stories and strategies designed to cultivate change. As co-founder and creative director, Elena works on projects for clients like the National Audubon Society, New England Journal of Medicine, and New York Times.

Elena didn’t become an entrepreneur by following a calculated professional path. Instead, she simply pays attention to what engages and inspires her.

“I’ve always just followed what interested me. I thought that would help me land on something that fit, because I wasn’t really seeing it,” she says. “It wasn’t, ‘I want to be a lawyer,’ or ‘I want to be a doctor,’ or whatever. I didn’t really have a set goal.”

Decorah,

Iowa, native Elena Rue co-founded a video production company that harnesses the power of engaging stories, educating and inspiring others in the process.

Elena conducts a StoryMine interview. / Photos courtesy Elena Rue.

Elena interviews former US Attorney General Eric Holder for a project.

Elena Rue & Catherine Orr founded StoryMine, a company that marries strategy and creativity to create video projects with impact. / Photo by Sarah Der

Balancing work & family is a top priority at StoryMine. / Photos courtesy Elena Rue.

EXPLORING IN THE FIELD

Elena started experimenting with photography when she was young. Her father had given a film camera to her older sister, who eventually took photos for the high school yearbook. When Elena’s sister graduated, she encouraged Elena to step into the role.

Like many teenagers, Elena was finding her place at the time. She felt too shy for theater productions, and playing sports didn’t interest her. With photography – and yearbook work, in particular – she found an ideal match.

“It was great for me. It allowed me to go to all those events, cheer on my friends, and watch them do the things they were interested in, but from a different vantage point,” she says. “It also allowed me to be a fly on the wall, which I really enjoyed at that point. I’ve always loved observing things.”

Elena went to Kenyon College in Ohio, but she didn’t have a major in mind. After taking classes in different disciplines, she found herself captivated by anthropology.

“Looking back, I can see that I was drawn to the storytelling. At the time, I don’t think I saw it that way. I was just really interested in learning about different cultures and people and their stories,” she says.

While in college, Elena kept snapping photos for fun. She also dug into the work of American documentary photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, whose images for the Farm Security Administration highlighted the Great Depression’s real-life impact. That fascination led Elena to the Center for Documentary Studies, a Duke University affiliate that educates documentary artists. Through the center, she took classes, completed a fellowship with a nonprofit in Ethiopia, and outlined her next steps.

“By that point, I felt that I could only get so far into people’s stories with still imagery. I was curious about exploring video and audio and photos together, and that’s how I decided on journalism school,” Elena says.

ZOOMING IN

Elena joined a master’s program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though she studied journalism and mass communication, she wasn’t aiming for a conventional newsroom job. Instead, she wanted to expand her research, interviewing, and storytelling skills to better support nonprofits.

On the first day of orientation, Elena befriended a classmate named Catherine Orr. The two took many of the same classes, teamed up on projects, and spent hours discussing their parallel professional goals.

“We realized that if we didn’t work together, we were going to be each other’s competition,” she says. “That felt wrong, because we had been collaborating on so many things and we worked really well together.”

After graduating, the two friends started sketching business plans and website designs. Within a year, Elena and Catherine launched StoryMine.

“I had zero business experience. I didn’t take a single business class,” Elena says. “But the idea of being my own boss and doing things in the way that felt right to me has always resonated.”

A BUSINESS COMES INTO FOCUS

As they outlined their vision for StoryMine, Elena and Catherine prioritized two goals. The first was balancing work and family. Each co-founder now has two children and a spouse who works in academics, and their business gives them the flexibility to stay home with a sick child or plan travel around semester calendars.

Their second goal was to pursue projects that make a difference.

“We love the client work. We’re able to do what we feel are interesting stories. We create videos that serve a purpose, and hopefully create change or shift awareness or educate people in some way,” Elena says.

For example, the company produces videos with the New England Journal of Medicine to update medical professionals on research, clinical advances, patient care trends, and the social impact of their work. Related segments teach patients about specific health conditions and how the body works. StoryMine also creates content for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, an organization that champions research and awareness around this condition that triggers inflammation of the brain.

Continued on next page

Elena Rue / Photo by Sarah Der

And, recent StoryMine projects for the National Audubon Society aim to depoliticize and expand conversations about climate change.

“The stories about climate change and the stories about health feel very meaningful. They touch everybody,” says Elena, who gets especially excited to spotlight individuals fighting for the environment in their own small ways. “I think about those stories and the people we feature in those videos all the time. Their positive outlook is really inspiring to me.”

As they outline each project, Elena and the StoryMine team work closely with clients to uncover authentic stories that will engage viewers and build emotional connections.

“If you present a bunch of facts, people might think it’s interesting in the moment but it’s not really going to stick,” she says. “But if someone has an emotional connection to something, it might prompt them to think differently or move them to change.”

The tools created to forge those connections vary from one project to the next. For each client, the StoryMine team might produce fundraising videos, anniversary presentations, long- and short-form interviews, mini documentaries, still photographs, or compelling social media content. Whatever form the work takes, Elena says the investment of time and energy – from collaborating with clients and connecting with interview subjects, to outlining

More smiles per mile with electric pedal assist!

strategies and producing memorable visuals – makes each project feel like a miracle.

“It’s like we’re creating a piece of art with every one. Even if it’s a small project, so much goes into it and so many people give us the time to help,” she says. “Every video really does feel magical.”

Renee Brincks (reneebrincks.com) writes about travel, health, and sustainability, with a special focus on people driving positive change.

Elena and Catherine, both expectant moms at the time, take a break on set. / Photo courtesy StoryMine

FOUR QUESTIONS THAT SPARK BETTER STORIES

The people around us have so many important and inspiring stories to share.

Maybe you’re curious about the moment your grandparents met. Or your parents’ childhood hobbies. Or the mentor who changed a friend’s life. Or your children’s hopes and dreams.

What’s the best way to start those conversations and draw out details that truly matter?

“The top strategy that we use with any kind of storytelling is asking people about moments. And you want as specific an anecdote as possible,” says Elena Rue, co-founder and creative director of StoryMine. “We all have those memorable moments. We all have thoughts and feelings and things that we’re living through. When people can remember those moments, it creates a real connection.”

Focusing on specific memories and standout moments also makes big questions less intimidating. Asking about someone’s college experience, for example, might just land you a general list of the classes that led to a major.

“Instead, you might say, ‘Tell me about the moment that your parents dropped you off at college and what that was like.’ From that story, you can get all sorts of context, like someone’s relationship with their parents and where they were in their life,” Elena says.

When you’re ready to gather stories from friends and family, she recommends starting with questions like these:

1. Do you remember the moment when (event) happened?

2. Do you remember what you were thinking when (event) happened?

3. Tell me about the exact time when you realized (lesson)?

4. Tell me the story of this (event, discovery, or memory).

LEARN MORE

To see video samples and learn more about StoryMine’s work, please visit storyminemedia.com.

Elena Rue at a film screening. / Photo courtesy StoryMine

COMMUNITY BUILDERS Laura Gentry Lansing, IA

BY LYNSEY D. MORITZ

From her big smile and zealous laugh, to her colorful outfits and statement glasses, anyone who comes across Rev. Laura Gentry can feel her warm energy and contagious joy. In many ways, joy is her job. Known as Laughing Laura (LaughingLaura.com), she is a Master Teacher of Laughter Yoga, a type of yoga based on the belief that intentional, voluntary laughter provides similar mental and physical benefits as spontaneous laughter. She has presented laughter and motivational programs on six continents and was named a Laughter Ambassador by Laughter

About Community Builders

University in Mumbai, India. As Pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing, Iowa, and a Chaplain for Hospice at WinnMed in Decorah, Laura strives to bring joy to her entire congregation and beyond.

“It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been pastoring the Lutheran church in Lansing for 22 years,” Laura says. “I’ve watched a whole generation come up! I’m from Iowa but I had lived outside the Midwest for about a decade. In 2001, my husband and I moved to McGregor from Los Angeles. That was a bit of a change! Our California friends didn’t think we’d survive but we did, and we’ve found a way to thrive.”

A community is defined as a unified body of individuals. You can build community in a neighborhood, city, region, state, nation… world, at any level. But it doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. Building community is one of the most important things we can do in this life. Connecting with others helps us connect with our humanity, and realize we’re all in this together. Read more Community Builder stories at iloveinspired.com, and send us a note if you know someone we should feature here in the future!

Above: The Great Blue Heron Mural Project transformed this public bathroom. The art is inspired by the Mississippi River – featuring a great blue heron, flowing water, fish, insects, a painted turtle, and a leaping bullfrog. /

Photo by Lynsey D. Moritz

Above left: Laura poses in pink. / Photo courtesy Laura Gentry

A Luther College alum, Laura and her husband William now live off-grid on a property in the woods – with their pig, snapping turtle, cats, dog Fugi, and kids Paul, Vincent, and Eddy… who are all goats!

Growing up, Laura spent a lot of time on the river at her family’s summer cabin. She has long drawn inspiration from the natural beauty of the region’s unique scenery, migratory birds, fish, and wildlife. It has informed her art, ministry, and other creative pursuits.

“I spend a lot of time hiking my goats, cats, and dog around my property, just soaking in nature and thinking. It is in my alone time that new ideas are sparked,” she says. “By the time I bring ideas to the community, I am ready to engage the public from a place of spiritual fullness.”

In the spring of 2023, Laura had a spark of an idea to pitch to the Lansing City Council: “Let’s celebrate this exceptional place with art!” The hope was to transform an old public restroom building into public art with a bright and colorful mural.

“I got the green light from the council, but I had no idea if we could actually carry it off!” Laura says with a laugh. She has been doing large art projects for most of her life. Her first commission was a mural for her church when she was just 14. Yet this would be her largest project to-date and she had a brave plan: Invite the community to paint it with her in just four days, covering its three sides with artwork inspired by the Mississippi River, featuring a great blue heron, flowing water, fish, insects, a painted turtle, and a leaping bullfrog.

“I wasn’t even sure if it could be done,” Laura says. “But I found a chief organizer, Marsha Kurth of La Crosse, who convinced me we should go for it.” Marlene Duffy of Lansing also quickly jumped in to help. They raised money, bought supplies, established an online sign up for volunteers, delivered invitation letters to local businesses, churches, and organizations, and planned a celebratory gala for the first day of painting.

“The response was overwhelming,” Laura exclaims. “The spirit of community was just buzzing throughout the worksite as children, adults, and even nursing home residents showed up in the summer heat to share their support, time, ideas, and painting skills. New friendships were forged and frankly, it was a blast. It was everything

I had hoped for and more. I know that public art can do this, but I had no idea just how amazing it would be to watch it unfold!”

In the course of a week, 98 volunteers – approximately a tenth of the town – put in an estimated 262 hours of work, and the Great Blue Heron mural was born. (You can see a short video of the process at LansingLutherans.org.)

“What excites me is how bold this mural is,” Laura says. “Drive by it and you’ll be startled by the colors and patterns. It is not a work of realism but one that expresses the joy and wonder of the river and its inhabitants. I hope it engages people, making them think differently about the treasure that is ours here in Northeast Iowa. Even more exciting is that the community can say: ‘That’s our mural. Together we did that!’”

Shortly after the mural was completed, Laura was in a serious, life-changing car accident involving a med flight, orthopedic surgery on her foot, and a long recovery period, which she is still in as of this writing.

“I am grateful to have survived and to be surrounded by such loving people,” Laura says. “But it’s been hard to be the receiver of care instead of the giver. I’ve just never been in need like that before. That’s how community works, though. You give and give, but when you’re in need, you have to let others give to you. That’s why we need to keep building community so we can be there for one another, especially in a crisis.”

The world renowned author Maya Angelou once wrote: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Laura loves this quote and incorporated it into one of her earlier public art projects. Now that she’s being cared for by her community it has taken on new meaning.

“I am so grateful for what my community is giving me. These people I love are the shimmering colors breaking through my darkness!” she says. “It is teaching me so much. Isn’t it incredible that we all have the power to be rainbows?”

Laura plans to be back at it again soon, helping to shine a light on those rainbows, and fostering events that build community, like she’s done so often before, be it running Iowa’s first and longest-

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A total of 98 volunteers — children, adults, and even nursing home residents — put in roughly 262 hours of work in the summer heat to share their support, time, ideas, and painting skills! / Photo by Lynsey D. Moritz

Rev. Laura Gentry has been the Pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing, Iowa for the past 22 years. / Photo courtesy Laura Gentry

running laughter club, hosting group sound bath meditations with her growing collection of gongs, or launching a new public art project – the options for creating and connecting are endless.

“Throughout my life, I have tried to spend my time in meaningful ways,” she says. “I’m so blessed that my job as a pastor is also my mission. Whether at church or with an art project or in a laughter presentation, I am endeavoring to make the world a more happy and loving place where everyone and their gifts are welcome. When it comes down to it, you could say that bringing joy is my joy!”

Lynsey (left, with Laura) is a Decorah native who now lives across the Mississippi River from Lansing on an acreage with her husband and their dog. She enjoys exploring the Driftless, learning new skills, creating and supporting local art, traveling as much as possible, and being a part of this incredible community!

LANSING MURALS X 2

Coming to Lansing to see the Great Blue Heron Mural? Check out Lansing’s other new mural…

As part of Main Street Lansing’s revitalization of the Plaza space at the intersection of Main and 3rd Street, internationally known muralist Erik Burke (erikburke.com / @oupublicworks) painted a new mural on the west wall of the Winke Law building, overlooking the plaza. The 22’ x 48’ decorative mural, called “Reverse Effigy,” connects Lansing to the local environment and the spiritual character of the Driftless Region, and is a symbol of the continual renewal of Lansing’s Main Street.

A T-Mobile Hometown Grant, local donors, and other volunteers provided the funds and energy to help transform this neglected space into a new community space for events, gatherings, and arts!

Solar Financing so Great it M b P ed

Maya Angelou’s quote was used in a “Positive Sign Campaign” around Lansing. / Photo courtesy Laura Gentry

BY STEVE HARRIS

Julia Borgen of Lanesboro, Minnesota, loves community. It’s not a word she uses often or talks about very much. She won’t tell you that you should love it, too. Julia just does it.

“Community is important at any age,” she says. “It’s all intentionally reaching out to people, spending time with them, socializing, and working together to make the places you live even better.”

This year, as she celebrates turning 90, the way Julia does community sends a message much louder than words. People who want to stay healthy, active, and energetic as they get older usually prioritize healthy eating and regular exercise. Both are certainly essential. But so is staying connected to other people, she says, and you have to just do it.

Born and raised on a farm near Whalan, Minnesota, Julia was one of six kids. Later she married Ernest Borgen who had a farm near Lanesboro. Eventually they moved into town – “I wanted to be where people were,” she says – and she served as the secretary at Lanesboro Elementary School and for the school superintendent. “I did that for 25 years and it was wonderful,” Julia

says. “We had a strong school community. I loved those kids and still keep in touch with many of them.”

Following her retirement in 1998, Julia continued to keep busy by connecting with others in her small town. Earlier she became a volunteer leader in “ACT” (Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism), the precursor to what evolved into the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce. But probably the best way to appreciate Julia Borgen’s community-building skills is to see her “in action” as she reaches out to people in friendly conversation around town.

“I love learning about people who are visiting here,” she says. “There’s nothing too shy about me. It takes very little to get a conversation started, ‘Hi, where are you from?’ I especially enjoy talking with younger people. You’ll hear people complain about newer generations. I don’t do that. Young people are the same as they have always been, as special as ever. You just need to make the effort and take time to get to know them.”

Julia continues to be an active member of the Legion Auxiliary, and in recent years helped spearhead a volunteer push to keep a grocery store in town. She

Continued on next page

Julia and her son, Jim, dance at her recent 90th birthday party. / Photo by Richard Wolfgramm

has also been a lifetime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and helps with many local projects. One is especially near to Julia’s heart: the Coffee Street Walking Bridge.

“Before we were married, Ernest served in the Korean War (he was awarded a Bronze Sar) where he specialized in building temporary bridges. After the war, he worked for the state in that field as well,” she says. Lanesboro has an historic railroad bridge over the Root River that was built in 1893 by the Chicago Bridge Company. After a series of floods and years of wear, it needed major repairs to save it. “Some people thought it wasn’t going to work financially, but we organized fund-raising efforts to make it happen. Today the town’s ‘Coffee Street Walking Bridge’ offers a beautiful setting overlooking the river.” Construction was completed in 2003. One year later, in 2004, Ernest passed away. He and Julia were married for 50 years.

Now, 20 years later, staying active continues to be a big part of how Julia remains an active member of the community. Beyond visiting with folks on walks around town, she has participated for decades in bowling and golf leagues.

“Age is just a number,” she says. “It should not be a barrier. If you’re able to physically do activities you enjoy, do them! Don’t hold back.” This was something she saw firsthand in her own family growing up.

“My father first started playing golf when he was 75 years old,” she remembers. “He bought a set of second-hand clubs and enjoyed that for the last 14 years of his life. We have a family reunion/golf event each summer as part of Lanesboro’s Buffalo Bill Days called ‘The Johnson Open.’ Nearly 50 golfer – family members and friends – have played in it; we have a great time together.”

Here’s recent proof of that philosophy from this special lady’s life. In the spring of 2023, she celebrated her ninetieth birthday at a standing-room-only party at the Lanesboro Golf Course. Her friends and family (including her children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren) were part of the fun.

A few days earlier Julia did something else. The Lanesboro Golf Course sits atop a high bluff. The only way to get there is by traveling up the steepest road in town, a distance of at least 1000 feet with a grade of about 60 degrees. To mark turning 90, Julia decided to walk up that hill. “Everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me at the bottom, then we headed up!” she says with a smile. With family and friends holding hands, including her four-year-old old great- granddaughter, Kynlee, Julia made it just fine.

Just do it. Stay active, reach out to people, help build the community you love. According to Julia Borgen, it’s a formula that works across the ages.

Steve Harris, a free-lance writer and author of the book “Lanesboro, Minnesota,” recently joined Julia for a walk up Golf Course Hill and wonders if he will do it at 90.

Julia walks up Lanesboro’s golf course road with daughters Kathryn and Gwen, friend Dave, and greatgranddaughter Kynlee, age 4. / Photo by Sue Harris

Fall into fun in Lanesboro

Visit and create your own Lanesboro story

Fall in Lanesboro is packed with opportunities to have fun as an individual, a couple or a family.

• Take a scenic drive through the countryside, enjoying the bluffs, forests and truly unique vistas as the leaves turn bright red, yellow and orange.

• Ride the bike trail and get a view of the vibrant colors as you ride under the branches of trees that have been growing for hundreds of years.

• Explore the studios of many local artists as they showcase their work during the Lanesboro Area Art Trail.

• Check out Sylvan Brewery in Lanesboro and travel to nearby communities for wineries, distilleries and other breweries to find your perfect beverage.

• Take a scavenger hunt through our beautiful parks and outdoor recreational areas - taking in the wondrous natural resources of Bluff Country.

• If you happen to be in Lanesboro for Thanksgiving, don’t miss out on Turkey Bowling. It’s definitely an experience worth the drive to Lanesboro!

SEP 15-16 60-MILE GARAGE SALE Root

River Trail Towns | Go to www.rootrivertrail.org for complete map of garage sales in 10 communities throughout southeastern Minnesota.

SEP 15-16 | OCT 6-7 LANESBORO AREA

ART TRAIL Lanesboro | 10 am to 5 pm daily. Self-guided tour of various studios located within 10 miles of Lanesboro.

SEP 23 FALL CRAFT BEER & WINE

FEST Lanesboro | Enjoy seasonal fall beers and wine from Midwestern breweries and wineries at Lanesboro bars and restaurants. A punch card will be available with all the day’s specials.

SEP 23 FALL BOUTIQUE & BUSINESS

CRAWL Lanesboro | 12-4 pm. Featuring and showcasing samples, prizes and sales galore at Lanesboro’s finest retail shopping and dining establishments.

OCT 7 FALL INTO LANESBORO

Lanesboro | 9 am to 10 pm. Family fun events include wagon rides, scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, live music and more.

NOV 25 EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF LANESBORO Lanesboro | Kick off the holiday season in the welcoming and picturesque towns of Lanesboro and Whalan on Small Business Saturday. Family activities, holiday crafts, business specials and even a visit from Santa.

MINNESOTA BUILDING

CONTRACTORS Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm

Professional Roofing and Remodeling company in Lanesboro. This year we are offering a $500 discount on a full roof replacement. minnesotabuildingcontractors.com

BLUFF COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Lanesboro Mon-Sat 9am-5pm | Mention this ad and receive 10% off until November 1, 2023. Bluff Country Photography is available for all of your photography needs whether personal, professional, tourism or travel photography. bluffcountryphoto.com

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Fall field by Derrick Hongerholt; fall boat by Root River Rod; and downtown photos by Alison Leathers

Photo: Barb Jeffers, Bluff Country Photography

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Caitlyn Konze

La Crosse, WI

pretty early,” she says. “My husband and I would host Dungeons and Dragons games at our house, but space was tight. Mix all of that together, let sit for a hot minute, and we had the base for The Bronze Dragon baked.”

BY TALLITHA REESE

Caitlyn Konze had a vision for a new kind of space in the downtown business-scape of La Crosse, Wisconsin. A one-of-a-kind, welcoming place for people who don’t or can’t drink, that is safe for the queer community, and accessible to those with mobility issues.

So, in January of 2023, The Bronze Dragon, a geeky gamer themed bar, opened its doors in the riverside college town. The bar is completely non-alcoholic and serves as a community gathering space where patrons can celebrate various geekdoms and play games.

“Our rules are simple,” says Caitlyn, “1: Respect our space. 2: Respect the people around you. 3: Respect yourself. Anyone that can abide by those rules is welcome at The Bronze Dragon.”

Caitlyn had been previously working at the Viterbo University library, but after the death of a friend and co-worker, she found it difficult to stay. She began asking herself what she would do if she wasn’t working a typical 9-5 job.

“I started thinking about how of all the bars we have in La Crosse, none of them have a geek/nerd theme. And any places that non-drinkers might socialize (cafes, libraries, etc.), they all close

Caitlyn and her husband had fond memories of amazing gamer themed bars they’d been to in other locations, but at this point in their lives, neither drank much anymore, and they noticed that others their age had slowed down on social drinking as well. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s not much fun to be under 21 in college towns like La Crosse where most places won’t even let you walk through the door if you’re not of age, she adds.

“I wanted to remind people that you really can have a good time without alcohol. And you can drink delicious things that don’t contain alcohol too,” Caitlyn explains.

The Bronze Dragon opened with a soft launch in January, complete with custom gaming tables and its very own dragon head mascot adorning the wall – eventually named Noodles through a vote by patrons.

“When I wrote out my business plan for The Bronze Dragon, I included enough furniture startup cost to be able to order us a mascot,” says Caitlyn of the special effects dragon. “It was important for me to have a physical representation of the general geekdom of gaming.”

Currently the business is open Wednesdays through Sundays and hosts a variety of events from gaming tournaments to designated game specific nights (Wednesdays are for Magic the Gathering and Thursdays are TTRPG Nights –for tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons), open mic nights and live music, drag shows, and other events for the LGBTQIA+ community including a monthly Queer Coloring event.

Caitlyn Konze poses with The Bronze Dragon mascot, Noodles. / Photo by Tallitha Reese

Though Caitlyn says she had a lot of anxiety about the risk of starting a business –especially after putting all her savings into it and having to borrow money – she was more afraid of not trying at all than of trying and failing.

“Working with the Small Business Development Center at UW-La Crosse helped a lot,” says Caitlyn. “I had a lot of questions about whether or not this could work, and they helped me analyze potential situations and gave me lots of options to consider.”

Caitlyn has been amazed by the amount of support and excitement surrounding The Bronze Dragon.

“Our grand opening drag show in February was packed. Standing room only,” she says. “I never knew how many connections I’ve made in my life until I opened this bar. People have stopped by that I haven’t seen in over a decade. So many business owners have come in to talk about partnerships and events. The idea of The Bronze Dragon has been contagious. I thought owning a business would be a lot more competitive, but both people and other businesses and organizations have been super helpful and supportive.”

Besides Caitlyn herself, The Bronze Dragon team consists of a bartender, Kevin, who is the resident Magic and Street Fighter expert and has a talent for coming up with custom drinks that are featured as Mocktails of the Month, as well as a volunteer, Sharon, who gives new faces the grand tour and has provided a lot of the bar’s décor. She also led a cosplay workshop in preparation for La Crosse’s Coulee Con.

“Kevin’s bartending knowledge has been very helpful when it comes to our menu and bar set up…and Sharon is really excited about the inclusive community we are trying to cultivate; she’ll definitely be my next hire,” Caitlyn says. “I fill in the rest of the roles: bookkeeper, janitor, maintenance, event coordinator, media specialist. Eventually I hope to step back a bit and build up others to take more of a leadership role in the bar, but that won’t be for a while yet.”

The Bronze Dragon is also a tip-free bar because Caitlyn is adamant about paying employees a livable wage.

Top and left: The Bronze Dragon is all about welcoming everyone through its doors.

Above: Noodles breathes actual fire!

/ Photos by Tallitha Reese

“I have not yet given myself a paycheck, but I will not compromise on wages,” she says. “If I can’t pay a decent wage, I have no business being a business.”

There are many new things on the horizon at The Bronze Dragon, as well, like house-made pizzas, and NA taps. Watch for the launch of the official Bronze Dragon website as well as a Bronze Dragon guild monthly subscription service, which will connect people via a private Discord and offer special perks such as exclusive guild member events and showcase local artists and small business owners.

“We also have exciting plans for events like a vampire prom in October, holiday themed drag shows, pub theatre, and a Bizarre Bazaar geek craft show in November,” adds Caitlyn.

No matter what, Caitlyn and The Bronze Dragon plan to continue bringing people together through their geekdoms. Caitlyn notes that one of the biggest issues in geek and gamer culture can be gatekeeping, and The Bronze Dragon strives to move beyond that.

“Humans like to be proud of our skills and accomplishments, but sometimes we let that pride get in the way of community building,” she says. “I want to foster a welcoming atmosphere regardless of how much knowledge someone has in their geekdom…It’s important to me that everyone gets to play. Everyone gets to geek

out. It doesn’t matter how deep or shallow your knowledge level is. Prefer Scrabble over board games like Settlers of Catan? This is your space. Know enough about League of Legends to be able to provide blow by blow commentary to streamed tournaments? This is your space. Got so many tattoos you don’t remember what color your skin is underneath? This is your space. Want to play Apples to Apples with your kids? This is your space. The Bronze Dragon is a space for every face. And also, where designated drivers go to retire.”

Tallitha Reese is a freelance writer and content manager based in Cashton, WI. She owns Words By Reese and you can find out more about her and her work at www.wordsbyreese.com.

LEARN MORE

The Bronze Dragon is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 4-10 pm, on Saturdays from 2-10 pm and Sundays from 2-9 pm.

The Bronze Dragon is always looking to partner with businesses or individuals for events. To share ideas, reach out through Facebook, Instagram, email info@bronzedragonbar.com, or call 608-519-0076. The website, BronzeDragonBar.com will be launching soon!

Gamers unite at The Bronze Dragon! / Photo courtesy The Bronze Dragon

COMMUNITY BUILDERS Cresco, IA Wendy Lickteig

BY SAMMY FERGUSON

The Cresco Theatre and Opera House is so much more than a hometown theater.

The historic community landmark has been an anchor for entertainment and gathering – and the heart of memories and laughter – for this Northeast Iowa community since its opening in 1914. Wendy Lickteig fosters those moments and builds community through her role as the Cresco Theatre and Opera House manager.

After growing up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, then living near Chicago, and finally Rockford, Illinois, the move to Cresco in 2001 for a job as Youth Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church was definitely a new experience for Wendy. Adjusting to small-town life took some time, she says, but she quickly discovered the strength that lies in a tight-knit community, and fell in love with Cresco. She also met and fell in love with her husband, Dean, and they got married in 2004. And in 2014, when she began her job as Theatre and Opera House manager, she rediscovered her love of theater.

“Theater is something I have always been passionate about,” Wendy says. “When I was younger, my theater coach got us involved in different aspects, from sets to costumes to acting, and it turned into something I love.”

So, it’s especially fun for Wendy when the Cresco Theatre and Opera House has live theater on stage. But that’s not all they do. The Theatre hosts everything from big-screen movies to live music to fun tours around the building, plus family reunions and community events (and it allegedly hosts a ghost or two as well).

“There is nothing like the magic of watching a person walk through the theater for the first time,” Wendy says.

Over the years, many have walked through the historic building. “The theater holds a lot of memories for a lot of people,” Wendy says. “I hear it from all generations, things like, ‘I remember when we came in when I was a little kid, and we did this and that.’ I have someone coming in whose parents were in plays here.” Wendy even receives old playbills from the 50s and 60s that she’s planning to showcase in the Theatre.

Pulling history and current events together is just one of the many things Wendy does as the Theatre and Opera House manager.

Auny Pole Photography

DR. PETER J. BLODGETT • DR. LANA W. MCDERMOTT • DR. JOHN E. WILMES

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” Wendy says with a laugh. From hiring staff to planning events to writing grants to raise money for the betterment of the Theatre and its building, Wendy makes sure everything runs smoothly.

Of course, she gets help from the community.

“I work hand in hand with the Chamber of Commerce,” Wendy says. “They help with grant writing, connect me with people that want tours and want to come to the theater. We do a lot together with family fun nights. I can’t do what I do without them.”

Together with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cresco Theatre Commission, Wendy was able to secure grants to update the theater’s iconic neon marquee sign and its interior to allow for a more comfortable experience for its guests.

The Theatre also recently received exciting news: They were awarded one of five Community Catalyst Theater Remediation Grants from the State of Iowa for $100,000. They also received a Howard County Community Foundation Grant of $15,000.

With these grant funds, the city council and Theatre Commission are looking into the feasibility of building a new scene shop, with the hope of starting the project soon. The original scene shop was structurally unsound and had to be demolished in 2020.

“You know, as a 109-year-old building, it definitely has its quirks that make it unique,” Wendy says. “It’s quite the undertaking, but there’s no other place I’d rather be.”

Just as the city supports its projects as much as possible, the theater does its best to support other local businesses. When Wendy plans an event, specifically if tourists are coming to the

The Cresco Theatre & Opera House is a beautiful community anchor. Learn more at crescotheatreoperahouse.com / Photos courtesy Cresco Theatre & Opera House

theater, she makes sure to point out local restaurants and shops around Cresco

“We are only as strong as our neighbors,” says Wendy. “Our theater is so special because it is not just Cresco’s theater, it is everybody’s theater.”

No matter where you are from, the Theatre and the support of the Cresco community can make you feel as though you are home.

“It took me a while to find my place here,” Wendy says. “Because I was born a city girl. But Cresco really wants to be the best it can be. From the people that were born and bred here, to the people that have made it their adopted home, like myself, they want to stand up for themselves, they want to support each other.”

Sammy Ferguson, formerly an intern at Inspire(d), graduated from Luther College with an English degree in May of 2023. She is currently a freelance writer in Des Moines, Iowa, gaining life experiences and sharing stories. She is excited to see where this next step in her journey will take her!

What's the cutest season? Awww-tumn!

PHOTO BY DRIFTLESSMODE / BOB MODERSOHN FALL POSTCARD FROM THE DRIFTLESS - “There’s splashy color most years here — if you hit it right. Orange is the featured color in these trees over Mount Hosmer and the Lansing, Iowa riverfront. An S&S rental houseboat heading for the dock on the Big River’s main channel adds detail.

Photo made looking upriver from the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center south of Lansing at Columbus Road.”

Through Sept: Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5. Fri 4-9 pm Oct-Dec: Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5.

Voted Visit Bluff Country’s 2020 Best of the Best Winery!

September 1-4: Labor Day weekend!

Friday 4-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 11-5pm.

Food buffet all 3 days. Live music Sunday Sept. 3.1-4PM

Releasing fall wines: Apple Road, Crimson Cranberry & Midlife Crisis

September 9: Hero 5K Run at the winery, benefitting Waukon Fire Department

September 16: Oktoberfest Tap Takeover with 6 Oktoberfest beers from different breweries - 1 straight from Germany

September 29: Last Friday Night Open!

Made-to-order Prime Rib Sandwiches, Trivia starting at 6pm, free to join & lots of prizes

September 30: Chiller 5K Run at the winery, benefitting the Hospital EMS

October 7: Release Naked Iced Apple & Radiant Strength (Pink moscato- proceeds going locally to Breast Cancer)

November 4: Last Release of Limited Edition

Seduction,Night Temptation, Private Reserve & Berrylicious

November 22: Holiday Sip & Shop vendor show at winery 5-8pm

November 25: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – "It's a Horrible Life"

Advance tickets only at Eventbrite.com or by calling winery

November 26: Trivia starting at 2pm, free to join & lots of prizes

December 31: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater "Scooby Doom"

Advance tickets only at Eventbrite.com or by calling winery

Winery closed Jan 1- Feb 15, 2024

Empty Nest Winery Outside & Inside seating! Great Venue for your next event! emptynestwinery.com | 563-568-2758 1253 Apple Rd. Waukon, Iowa Like us for details!

Finding inspiration is, obviously, one of the main missions of Inspire(d) Magazine. We want to tell inspiring, relatable stories of our neighbors doing good things out there, so readers might feel inspired to do the same. (Inspire > Be Inspired = Inspire(d)!)

But sometimes, finding inspiration to move forward feels impossible.

For me, this Fall Inspire(d) in your hands was one of the hardest ones I’ve ever made.

INTRO & GRAPHIC BY ARYN HENNING NICHOLS

On August 1, I got the sad news that one of my favorite friends from college took his own life. Chris was a shining light to everyone who knew him – funny, smart, a good listener – but he struggled with mental health and finding a path forward. And ultimately, he didn’t see one.

It was hard to do anything for quite a while after that day. Just walking around the block felt heavy. But I knew I was at least taking some (literal) steps. I thought about being a shining light for others, just as Chris was with his friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

That got me going. That idea of spreading light was the thing that inspired me to take the next step, and then the next. Because not only did I see the light in Chris, I see it in myself, I see it in the people I love… and I see it in all of you. You are inspired. We could not make this magazine without you, out there, living this life in a way that inspires others around you.

For the days when you’re not feeling quite so lightfilled, there are some small (and bigger) things you can try in order to seek that spark of inspiration, and we dedicate the next several pages to this goal. I put together 16 ideas in honor of Inspire(d)’s 16th birthday, and our mental health writer, Olivia Lynn Schnur, dives into some of the more psychological aspects of finding inspiration, and reminds us that sometimes we might need a little help as well, and that’s the time to seek out a mental health counselor. Or call 988. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States.

You are important. This life is worth living. You are inspired. I hope you take the first step to finding inspiration - today. When you do, you’ll bring light not only to yourself, but to those around you. That is the magic of inspiration.

Turn the page for 16 big and little ideas for finding inspiration, and thank you so much for reading, friends. I am grateful.

XOXO - Aryn

3. Take a mindful walk through nature

2. Make an inspiring date

Carry with you the expectation that you’ll be inspired. With this beautiful world, it shouldn’t take long.

1. Build Momentum

Ask an inspiring acquaintance to get coffee or lunch! Spending time with friends who make you want to do and be more is one of the best ways to find inspiration.

Momentum is easier than motivation. Start with a small step, like texting a friend, and then take another small step.

5. Make a dream or vision board

Seeing your goals and dreams laid out like this can really light a fire!

7. Seek out inspiring resources

Grab an inspiring book. Watch a movie, video, or TedTalk, or listen to a podcast that has inspired you in the past. Don’t know where to start? Ask friends for recommendations.

8. Change the scene

It can be small or big –rearranging furniture, a day trip, a big trip, or even just a coffee shop work day.

4. Write a mantra that works for you

Heck, write several! Put them where you can see them frequently.

6. Pump up the jams

Listen to a playlist that makes you feel excited to move.

FINDING INSPIRATION tips for

11. Identify things to outsource

Leaf raking? Window washing? Dog walking? Sometimes removing something from your plate gives you space to find inspiration (and gives your neighbor’s kid a new job).

13. Take care of yourself

10. Nourish yourself

Cook a new healthy recipe. Pump your favorite cooking jams while you do so!

9. Get some cardio

of it Maybe have a “yes” day with your kids. Or get your college paints & easel back out (or your trumpet!). Jump in the leaves. See if you can get some laughs going.

fun

Do

something just for the

However that may look for you. Find a way to show yourself some love. Sign up for a class. Send a text to a friend to set up a date. Reserve that book at the library. Set up a therapy session. One step at a time.

12.

16. Plan one action step

Be

14.

acupuncturecenterdecorah.com Nothing like endorphins to make you feel like you can tackle your biggest dreams.

grateful Write gratitude notes to the people you love, reminding them and you how much inspiration lives around you already.

15. Journal

Look up prompts if you’re stuck. Ask yourself what your biggest dreams are. Then ask yourself why. Keep asking until you strike upon something that makes you want to take action.

YOU ARE INSPIRED in life

BY OLIVIA LYNN SCHNUR

Ordinary life may not feel inspiring all the time. In fact, many people think inspiration needs to jolt us out of nowhere, like a strike of lightning. But it’s often more of a spark. Sometimes we’re lucky, and that spark finds us. But usually, we’ve got to go looking for it. When life feels boring or even downright excruciating, looking for sparks of inspiration can help shift our mindsets to a place where anything feels possible.

FINDING YOUR SPARK

Think back to the last time you felt truly inspired. At first, it might seem random. But if you dig a little deeper there were likely some factors that created a spark.

A spark is anything that sets you up to become inspired. It’s often paired with feelings of joy, gratitude, hope, or excitement. Sparks can be both internal and external. External sparks are simple: the sight of a sunrise, the sound of rustling leaves, or the feel of a warm embrace. An internal spark can include positive or encouraging thoughts and feelings. And inspiration usually flows in that sweet spot between calm and excitement.

A spark is all it takes to light up your life. It can be as simple as a daily gratitude practice or noting your contentment, like when you savor a delicious meal, check in with a loved one, or enjoy a beautiful view.

Remember: Small things can lead to big inspiration.

CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF INSPIRATION

Before everything, we must first be open to the idea of being inspired. What you believe is generally mirrored back to you. If you go around assuming you’ll be disappointed by the world, you will very likely be disappointed with the world. But if you consider that you might be inspired by the world, it’s very possible you will be inspired!

One of the simplest ways to find inspiration is by engaging with the environment and community around you. For more extroverted types, that might mean joining a group based on shared interests or attending a community event. If that group or event doesn’t exist (and you’re feeling especially energetic), use your inspiration to create it! For more introverted types, inspiration might look like connecting with nature, watching the birds, or reading something inspiring (oh look, you’re doing that already).

Mental health counselor Olivia Lynn Schnur offers ideas for finding sparks of inspiration to shift mindsets.

We will have more success at finding sparks of inspiration when we reduce distractions. When we are distracted, we miss opportunities to experience beauty or goodness. Imagine you’re out walking but instead of noticing a smile from a kind stranger or the beauty of a sunset, you’re distracted by your phone. We can get so caught up in routine and habit that we miss the people and places that could inspire us.

Once you tune into this act of seeking sparks of inspiration, make it a practice to be mindful of those opportunities. It’s never too late to look up and notice what is happening around you. The more attuned we are to our environment, the more likely we are to become inspired.

YOU ARE INSPIRED

Think about everything you have overcome and achieved in the past to get to this very moment, right now. It’s easy to assume some things happened by chance. Maybe you were given an opportunity that changed the course of your life or met your life partner in line for coffee. But consider for a moment that it wasn’t chance that led you to change, it was inspiration.

In a 2003 American Psychological Association publication, psychologists Todd M. Thrash and Andrew J. Elliott proposed that inspiration requires three parts: evocation, motivation, and transcendence.

One of the simplest ways to find inspiration is by engaging with the environment and community around

- Olivia Lynn Schnur

It is not enough to evoke the feeling of inspiration; we also need to be motivated to act on that inspiration, otherwise we just let the moment pass us by. This might be the only situation in which acting on impulse can be beneficial. That is because inspiration is often caused by something beautiful or good. And when that force combines with your natural talents or purpose, the possibility for greater goodness is exponential.

Inspiration allows you to transcend beyond what you previously thought were your limits. You are very clearly in the driver’s seat. The most inspirational moments of your life did not happen due to chance. It was a combination of your unique insights, abilities, and decisions that got you where you are today.

Now, think about that present version of yourself. What or who currently inspires you? How can you use that inspiration to transcend further at the next opportunity that comes your way? Allow that vision of your future self to inspire you.

ACT INSPIRED

Here is a fun idea: Act as if you’re already inspired. Behave as if inspiration is moving through you. What would you do? Where would you go? Who would you become?

And when inspiration strikes (or should we say, sparks) – act on it! It doesn’t need to be a life-changing act. Sketch out a scene you can’t get out of your head. Write down a line of poetry that comes to you –then write down a few more lines.

Sing or hum a tune bouncing around your head. Get up and dance when the beat is calling you to move. Go for a walk on a starry night. Call a friend. Whatever it is, let that feeling of inspiration move you to act. One step at a time, goodness will flow from your action.

STAYING INSPIRED

It’s unlikely that every day will feel inspiring. There may also be times when we simply do not like the person we see in the mirror. That is when it is most crucial that we take time to honor our progress, however small. A therapist can also help if a mental health condition is preventing you from feeling inspired, so that the next time you look in the mirror, you might see the spark of your potential.

Take a moment to think about all the people and experiences that have inspired you or are currently inspiring you. It might be someone you know personally, a famous person, a life-changing trip, or an amazing book. Write them down here.

What qualities in other people or things inspire and motivate you? Why?

How many of those qualities have you adopted in your life? How could you adopt more?

Equally important, allow yourself to become inspired by the past version of you. What were you doing? What decisions have you made that inspire you? How can you use that inspiration to make inspiring decisions now?

What settings can you put yourself in to be more open to sparks of inspiration? Clubs? Books? Movies? Social media accounts? E-newsletters? Write down possibilities here, and steps you can take to make the inspiration connection.

Put it in action: Set a timer for 5 minutes and allow yourself to act inspired. You can do whatever that means to you. But here are a few ideas: make a gratitude list, write out some goals that have been floating around in your head, sit and meditate, dance to an upbeat song, or find a place to sit and watch the sunset.

When life feels boring or even downright excruciating, looking for sparks of inspiration can help shift our mindsets to a place where anything feels possible.

MAKE IT:

Birthday

It’s Inspire(d) Magazine’s 16th birthday (count the candles if ya don’t believe it)! Celebrate with us by making your very own Inspire(d) birthday hat! You can use an old magazine, or any other cardstock / paper you’ve got on hand. Thanks for being Inspire(d)...for 16 whole years!

step-by-step instructions at ILOVEINSPIRED.COM

SUM BUSINESS

OF YOUR

INTRO & INTERVIEW BY ARYN HENNING NICHOLS

An Q&A with founding owners of Decorah’s La Rana Bistro, Joanie Sheahan and Mark Smeby, and new owner, Carina Cavagnaro

Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols

Lovers of La Rana Bistro can breathe easy: the legacy of local food at this gem of a restaurant in Decorah, Iowa, will continue for many years to come. Founding owners, Joanie Sheahan and Mark Smeby, have officially passed the torch, selling the business to Joanie’s daughter, Carina Cavagnaro, as of summer 2023.

Mark and Joanie, partners in business and married in life, were pioneers of the Decorah farm-to-table food scene when they first started La Rana in September of 2002. And like any pioneer – and any business owner – there was a lot of risk involved in launching a brandnew venture.

“When we went into this, we dumped in everything we had,” Mark says. “We knew it could be successful and great and we also knew we could lose everything – it came pretty close sometimes, but here we are. There’s a lot I don’t know how we pulled off.”

Now, more than 20 years later, the reputation is fully established –if you dine at La Rana, you’re going to get amazing food – like a tartine with local beets and microgreens, or duck confit with goat cheese polenta – prepared with local produce always in mind. Drinks are crafted with fresh-squeezed juice and high-quality ingredients – like Luxardo cherries muddled in the tasty Old Fashioneds, or mojitos made with local mint and fresh limeade. And definitely save room for the delicious scratch-made desserts.

Plus, the whole vibe of the restaurant is cozy, charming, and cool.

“The space fosters love and camaraderie among people; it’s special, it’s full of stories and memories, it’s had an impact,” Joanie says. “We didn’t want to open a big place – we wanted something small and intimate.”

Indeed, the restaurant’s intimate setting – there’s room for just 34 diners, including the bar – is the perfect place to get to know the community. At the bar, handmade by Mark himself, you never know who you’ll get to chat with in the next seat over. And on the menu, you might find your future CSA supplier. A meal at La Rana fosters connection.

“People said you can’t open up a place that small, you can’t make any money,” Mark says. “But we made it work.”

Entrees lined up for serving.

/ Photo courtesy La Rana Bistro

“Restaurants fail all the time,” Joanie continues. “Steadfastness and perseverance got us here. We’re really proud of what we built.”

Many years of restaurant experience surely helped them along the way. Joanie worked in restaurants since she was a teenager, paying her way through school and life, and Mark was the breakfast cook for years at Decorah’s iconic (now defunct) Cafe Deluxe.

Carina’s first job was busing tables at age 14. She would work weekend nights with Joanie at Old Village Hall in Lanesboro, Minnesota. When the Hotel Winneshiek opened in Decorah, Carina worked there for her three remaining high school years, serving, and saving money for an international travel gap year. And restaurant gigs – serving/ bartending/managing – took her across the U.S. – from Iowa City to the San Fransisco Bay area to Colorado. She was also the chef/ co-owner of Decorah’s former Dug Road Inn for a year and a half, and the chef/co-owner of whisk&spoon, a pastry pop-up, for five years. Now, she’s rooted in La Rana.

Keeping ownership in the family is a dream come true for all involved.

yoga-inspired studio in the heart of downtown Decorah!

Walk-ins welcome. Mats & props provided.

The La Rana bar is a great spot to enjoy a meal. Below, Joanie & Mark in the summer of 2023, and when they first opened in 2002. / Photos courtesy La Rana Bistro

“I have no words to describe how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to work with my family, to build this dream with and for them,” Carina says. “I’m also beyond thankful for the encouragement of this community – we love feeding anyone who walks through our doors, but a shout out to our regulars for your constant support and familiar presence. To our diners, our producers, our staff, our friends, our family – I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Names: Mark Smeby, Joanie Sheahan, Carina Cavagnaro

Business: La Rana Bistro

Year established: 2002

Address: 120 Washington St, Decorah, Iowa

Online: laranadecorah.com • facebook.com/laranabistro • instagram.com/laranabistro

MARK & JOANIE

1. Tell us about the “leap” moment. When/how did you decide to jump in and become your own boss?

Mark: It was never about being our own bosses; it was about the dream of opening a restaurant in this town. I wanted to open a restaurant 40 years ago, but I was starting a family. Twenty years later, that calling was still there, and so was the need in this town for more good restaurants.

Joanie: It was also inspired by when we met. We put our restaurant experience and ideas together, and we wanted to start our own thing. The experience of working in restaurants isn’t easy; it sort of drives you to want to open your own, on your own terms.

2. What was the best thing about being your own boss?

M: You can work as much and as hard as you want to, on your own schedule. You don’t have to answer to anyone, you can make your own decisions.

Continued on next page

J: Being able to make our own calls, to take creative liberties, to try new things. It was a lot of trial and error. We tried everything; we didn’t have a clear vision. The original concept for the place was a tapas bistro – we served small, shared plates. People at the time didn’t quite understand the concept. We had to adapt to the public. But it was our place, we could adjust to a more approachable style.

3. Was there ever a hurdle where you just thought, “I can’t do this?” How did you overcome it?

M: Early on, six months in, I made a very expensive administrative mistake. I didn’t think we were going to be able to come back from that.

J: Money was always an issue those first few years.

M: I thought then that that was it, but I woke up the next day, changed my perspective, and came up with a plan. We figured it out, we didn’t give up.

4. What’s one thing you wish you’d known before you started?

M: The sometimes unpleasant side of dealing with financial institutions. Small businesses are preyed upon by credit companies and scams all the time, it’s unfortunate.

J: Accounting and bookkeeping – neither of us really knew what we were doing at first, we just sort of hoped one of us would figure it out. It was a steep learning curve.

5. How does it feel to be handing the torch to the next generation?

J: Fantastic. We couldn’t have handed it over to anyone else.

M: People have tried to buy it for years and we’ve always said no. If it weren’t for Carina taking over, it probably would have been the end of the line for the place.

J: It feels very rewarding to have my daughter Carina want to take this business forward with fresh ideas and perspective. She was 17 when we opened and worked with us on and off through the years. And after all, she’s the one who came up with the name La Rana.

Both the lunch and dinner menus include amazing salads like this one. / Photo courtesy La Rana

6. Have you known since you came back to Decorah and La Rana that you would like to eventually continue the La Rana legacy?

I’ve known that I wanted to continue the La Rana legacy since Mark and Joanie first opened the bistro doors over 20 years ago. When I moved back to Decorah in 2018 and took on the Head Chef role, that dream started to become a reality for all of us, and we began working toward the eventual transition. Part of me still can’t believe it’s finally happened, and at the same time I’ve had my heart set on this goal for most of my adult life.

7. What’s at the top of your mind now that the papers are signed, you’ve purchased the business, and are officially the La Rana Bistro boss?

I look forward first and foremost to celebrating and maintaining the restaurant’s quality and reputation that have been cultivated with so much hard work and care over the years. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants, and now I finally get to take the reins, to put my mark on the business and bring it into the next decades with my own passion and vision.

8. What are you most excited about?

We already have excellent relationships with our local farmers and growers, and I’m eager to continue to build on those and to find

ways to collaborate even more closely. I’m also honored and thrilled to be able to empower my staff (both seasoned and new) through dedicated leadership, as well as to mentor new generations of culinary professionals.

9. Thoughts on the life/work balance? Do you think it exists?

Burnout in this industry is high, and I’m hyper conscious of that fact as I move into this role. A top priority for me is finding that work/life balance – for myself so that I can be a more effective leader and business owner, and for my staff so they have every opportunity to succeed and flourish. I also believe in the importance of delegation, so that I can have time to cultivate my own interests and hobbies outside of work – tending my garden, traveling, staying active, etc. I’m very lucky to have a staff that’s so trustworthy, competent, and reliable.

10. What’s inspiring you right now?

The sheer abundance of unbelievable local vegetables available in our area. Everyone just constantly marvels at the fresh salad greens, the lushness of these lettuce mixes and tomatoes. We get three or four deliveries a week of this stunning, just-picked produce of all kinds, and it’s so rewarding to have the opportunity to put that harvest bounty on the plate.

Scenic Views

Carina Cavagnaro / Photo courtesy La Rana

ARTWORK BY MARY THOMPSON

BIOPHILIA

OUR GATEWAY TO NATURE

BY CRAIG THOMPSON ARTWORK BY MARY THOMPSON

In 1984, as parachute pants landed in clothing outlets and floppy discs took the then nascent computer world by storm, the late, great Harvard biologist Dr. Edward Wilson popularized a term that recalibrated our relationship with the natural world: biophilia. Humans have an innate desire to connect to and interact with nature, Wilson surmised in his book “The Biophilia Hypothesis.” Everyone, he asserted, has “biophilia” embedded deep within their DNA. Simply put, we are hardwired to love nature.

Growing up in rural Alabama, young Wilson had ample opportunities to collect bugs and chase frogs. Deeply influenced by the biological richness of Alabama’s wild places, Wilson would go on to become one of the world’s great theoretical ecologists. His work examining the extinction of species ultimately led him to assume the mantel of ardent conservationist, inspired by nature and concerned for its future.

Perhaps it was biophilia that, in 1872, inspired President Ulysses S. Grant to establish Yellowstone as the world’s first National Park, setting the stage for a conservation movement that would lead to protection of America’s most iconic landscapes. By the early 1900s, America’s national park system was not only rousing legions of citizens to connect with wildlands, it also served as a model for the protection of nature globally. One hundred years hence, in 2008, the citizens of Ecuador voted overwhelmingly to create a new constitution that explicitly recognizes the inalienable right of nature “to exist, persist, and be respected.” Biophilia writ large?

Closer to home, “tiny” backyard experiences that play to our biophilia can also inspire. Who isn’t moved by the radiant symmetry of a sunflower, yellow-orange petals blazing against an azure sky? Likewise, a sprouting seed inspires the promise of possibility. It boggles the mind to realize a 200-year-old white oak originated from a quarter-sized acorn. Surely it is biophilia that sparks our desire to both connect to and steward nature. A mother robin feeding a nest full of bright eyed young above the front door can inspire pride. Many a neighbor has been heard proudly stating, “our robins just had babies.”

Nature is a potent tonic. It not only inspires, it’s also good for our health. Numerous studies have demonstrated exposure to nature, whether picnicking in a city park or backpacking in a mountain wilderness, can relieve stress, elevate mood, and boost the immune system. Research published in Scientific Reports in 2022 demonstrated a relationship between birds seen or heard and an improvement in mental well-being.

Worried about that job interview? A meditative stroll through the woods can center you. Seeking inspiration for your next artistic endeavor? Butterflies dancing across a sunny meadow will hit the spot. Feeling blue about the state of affairs? A dawn chorus from our feathered friends is just what the doctor ordered.

Let your biophilia intuitively guide you to nature and unlock the awe and inspiration that resides within. After all, according to Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gary Snyder, “nature is not a place to visit, it is home.”

Mary and Craig are avowed biophiliacs. They’ve launched a “local biota rescue” and can be found ferrying spiders, beetles, and moths out of the house and back into the surrounding woods using old sauerkraut jars.

UPCOMING EVENTS

World Owl Conference - La Crosse, WI - Oct 23-27, 2023

Festival of Owls - Houston, MN - March 1-3, 2024

PUTTING THE OWL IN KNOWLEDGE

BY SARA WALTERS

Karla Bloem fosters a close-knit community (or should we say parliament?) of owls at the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota. And though this small Southeast Minnesota town has a population of 983, the much larger community of owl-lovers that’s fostered there expands far beyond its borders.

As the Executive Director of the International Owl Center, Karla fills many roles, but one of the most time consuming is driving a van dubbed “The Owl Mobile.” The International Owl Center, in its current state, can’t house the owls, so they’re forced to live off-site.

The lack of space for the owls in the Center’s historic storefront in downtown Houston is a problem that impacts not only the birds, but the staff and visitors, as well. This has been a driving factor for Karla and her team as they work to open a new, much larger International Owl Center facility, slated to be built on land adjacent to Houston’s Trailhead Park.

A concept rendering of the future International Owl Center. See details, more plans, and ways to contribute at www.internationalowlcenter.org/future

“I am most excited that the owls will be able to live on-site so I don’t have to commute them back and forth to work every day,” says Karla. “This will free up my personal life tremendously. Plus, it will be far less stressful on the owls, and we’ll have many more owls so it will be way better for visitors, too.”

Right now, there are seven owls under Karla’s care. A couple have reached retirement age (Alice and Iris, both Great Horned Owls) and though some aren’t particularly interested in showing up to work (Uhu the Eurasian Eagle Owl can be particularly owly), a visit to the International Owl Center will likely allow you to get up close and personal with feathered-friends like Ruby, Piper, JR, and Bea.

The new facility has been years in the making. According to the International Owl Center website, the main building will house a rotating exhibition of children’s owl art from around the world, biological and cultural displays, program rooms, a prep room for food and specimens, and a gift shop. Ambassador owls will live in aviaries that have natural vegetation to attract critters for them to watch. Four to six species of owls that are not adapted to the Driftless climate will live free in twopart aviaries – one climate controlled, one ambient, so the owls can choose their preference. There will also be several aviaries in the park that will allow visitors to view owls from within the enclosures. The future hope is to offer the opportunity for people to spend select evenings with the owls, after dark, so visitors can experience these nocturnal birds’ hooting, tooting, and trilling.

The future building site required the purchase of five different properties. All the land owners were willing to sell in their own time, and the last purchase was finalized in November 2020. Agreements are still in progress with the City of Houston for the property that will be the site of new walk-through aviaries. Concepts for the main building are being wrapped up, with designs for the aviaries on the docket next.

Having a proper facility for the birds will relieve Karla of her Owl Uber duties, and just as importantly, it will support the educational opportunities the center provides to the community.

“Owls are top predators and can be a good indicator of environmental health,” explains Karla. “If the owls aren’t doing well, then there are likely problems in the environment/food chain.”

Teaching about owls and their impact is vital to their health and preservation in the Driftless Region. Currently, the Owl Center is closed to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays so they can provide educational group programs for schools, libraries, and other organizations.

Karla Bloem bands an owlet. / Photo by Chris Sargent

The general public is encouraged to visit Friday-Monday and learn about these fascinating animals. Karla suggests catching one of their hour-long programs, where you’ll get a chance to see a few of the Owl Center’s stars. There are usually three to four live owls on display at the center, in addition to mounted specimens, spread-wing silhouettes, owl art, and gifts. If you want to keep the owl fun going, you can take a “Parade of Owls” art tour around town, and evening visitors can order an owlshaped pizza from SubZero Pizza.

Once the new center is built, there will be a myriad of benefits for patrons, some simple, some more complex.

“I am super excited that we will have enough restrooms! It seems ridiculously basic, but we only have one toilet in our current facility and no way to add more,” Karla says. “We’ll also be able to be open seven days a week since we’ll have two program spaces, so we will be able to accommodate school and other groups while we’re also open to the public, unlike now.”

The Owl Center’s fundraising committee has been hard at work to get things off the ground. They hosted an event called “Lunch for the Owls” in July 2023 that raised over $47,000, but that’s just a start on the estimated $14 million needed to complete the project. Folks can check out new Center plans, watch for updates, and learn how to donate at internationalowlcenter.org/future.

The big plan for this new Owl Center isn’t the only big owl energy in the Driftless this fall. On October 23-27, researchers from across the globe will attend the World Owl Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “This is the first World Owl Conference to ever be hosted in the USA,” says Karla. “It’s a big deal, especially since these are only held every three to 10 years.”

Karla serves as the lead organizer for the event, along with a committee that includes a seat filled

People you can trust. Quality you can depend on.

Artwork submitted by Andrii Anikushyn, age 6, from Ukraine for a children’s art contest at the International Owl Center. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the team realized they had about 300 pieces of art from children in Ukraine in storage. After a series of online auctions, and the sale of card sets and prints, the Center raised more than $250,000 to send to UNICEF, earmarked to help the children of Ukraine.

by her husband, Hein. Karla actually met Hein at the 2007 World Owl Conference in the Netherlands. Now they get to work together to bring this exciting event to their own backyard. The conference consists of research presentations – Karla is presenting on her work documenting Barn Owls in Minnesota and Wisconsin using acoustic monitoring – workshops, and field trips, including one to the Owl Center in Houston.

And this isn’t the only international owl connection. As part of their annual Festival of Owls in 2003, the Owl Center started hosting a children’s art contest. With the growth of the internet, more international submissions started to come in. Then, in 2019, someone shared the contest on social media in Russia. The Owl Center received around 2,000 entries from children in Russia and former Soviet states. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Karla and her team realized they had about 300 pieces of art from children in Ukraine in storage.

“We shared some on social media and people wanted to purchase them. So, we did a series of online auctions, created 400 sets of blank cards from some of the art, and made prints of some,” she shares. “Altogether, we raised a net of over $250,000 that we were able to send to UNICEF earmarked to help the children of Ukraine.”

The International Owl Center is definitely doing its part to support the people in their communities, far and wide. All Karla asks in return is that people strive to live “owl-friendly” lives that protect the birds and their habitats.

“People have a way of loving owls too much because it’s hard to find them,” she says. “And often when a nest is made public, the owls get swarmed with photographers and people who want to see them, and it isn’t in the best interest of the owls.”

She suggests trapping rodents instead of poisoning them, leaving dead trees standing when it’s safe to do so, taking down unused barbed wire, keeping cats indoors, and less mowing to preserve native plant species as other ways people can coexist safely with owls.

It’s these little things that will continue to help the Driftless Region protect and promote its owl population. With your help, and the help of experts like Karla and her team at the International Owl Center, there will hopefully be plenty of feathered-friends to admire in the future.

Sara is a mom and writer living in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She has been an Inspire(d) contributor since 2018.

OWL PROWL NIGHTS!

Head to SE Minnesota to learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette, and sound at a night-time Owl Prowl. Following an indoor program, participants drive their own vehicles, following staff to three-to-four known owl territories in and around Houston, Minnesota, to call and listen for Eastern Screech-Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horned Owls.

The Center only does owl prowls in fall and winter to avoid bothering the owls while they’re raising their young.

Participants must be able to stand quietly in the cold for at least 10 minutes at a time. Owl prowls are not recommended for kids under 12. Follow the International Owl Center’s Facebook page or sign up for their e-newsletter for updates.

Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and usually sell out quickly. 30 people max for each date. Registration is only open for one owl prowl at a time. Find details and plan your visit at internationalowlcenter.org

DATES FOR FALL/WINTER 2023-2024

September 30, 6:00 PM - Tickets on sale August 30

November 4, 5:00 PM - Tickets on sale October 1

November 25, 4:00 PM - Tickets on sale November 5

December 30, 4:00 PM - Tickets on sale November 26

January 27, 4:30 PM - Tickets on sale December 31

Ruby the Great Horned Owl with educator Jo Severson.

/ Photo by Mike Poeppe

A HELPING Paw

HOW

BY CLARA WODNY

When words fail, what can take their place? For the Postville Community School District, the answer is therapy dogs. Mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, continue to rise world-wide, especially among younger generations. This means that schools are dealing with far more issues and concerns than ever before.

Students gather around Milo, the library therapy dog at Postville Community School District.

/ Photo courtesy Lindsay Salinas

In Postville, Iowa, these issues have been stacked on top of the negative ripples caused by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid of 2008. Considered one of the largest ICE workplace raids in history, the fallout continues to affect all generations.

Teachers often struggle to provide a solid education when the kids have so many needs, beyond academics, that aren’t taken into consideration by the traditional school system.

This is where Postville’s two new therapy dogs, Milo and Marshall, have stepped in. They offer a sense of safety and comfort that staff alone could not.

“There’s so much research to prove that animals are very helpful with kids regulating their emotions,”says Manon Bushman, Marshall’s owner and handler. “And I don’t think it’s any secret that our kiddos are struggling,”

“Therapy dogs are linked with several social-emotional benefits, including the calming effect,” Lindsay Salinas, Milo’s owner, adds. With the help of a therapy dogs’ presence, children can work through feelings on their own terms. Once calm, they are more likely to find a trusted adult to seek the help they need.

FROM IDEA TO REALITY

Marshall, a 100-pound “gentle giant” golden retriever, and his owner, Manon, then Postville’s elementary guidance counselor, were the driving force behind the initial creation of Postville’s therapy dog program in the fall of 2021.

Milo, a standard poodle, mostly black with a few white spots, was added to the program in March of 2023. He works with Lindsay in the school library.

Manon had observed the benefits of therapy dogs first-hand in her former role as the Success Coordinator in the South Winneshiek School District.

Together with the South Winn guidance counselors, Manon connected with Dr. Merrill of Critter’s and Such Pet Care in Decorah, Iowa, who had two certified therapy dogs of her own. They set up a volunteer therapy dog program one day per week that had great success.

“Sometimes we overlook the simple things that are necessary,” says Manon. “The dogs help create a warm, safe environment that is so beneficial when kids are struggling with big feelings and emotions.”

When Manon started as a guidance counselor at Postville in 2016, she thought therapy dogs would be a good fit there as well.

“I think the whole structure of how our education system is right now needs a revamping. . . a lot of schools don’t necessarily create safe spaces for kids who have mental health issues or struggles,” she says. “Postville prioritizes social-emotional learning, and we just can’t have enough of that – kids learning to express their emotions in a way that they don’t feel judged.”

Luckily, therapy dogs were already written into school board policy. With superintendent approval, they were good to move on to the next step.

First up: Introducing the idea to parents and the larger school community. The goal was to answer as many questions and be as proactive as possible, in order to generate interest in the program and answer any potential concerns.

Much to Manon’s surprise, the resistance was minimal. Plus, students were given the option to opt out if desired. Manon and the other staff wanted to make it clear that interaction with the dogs wouldn’t be forced on anyone; it would just be another available resource.

Next, Manon needed a certified therapy dog.

Marshall and Manon. / Photo courtesy Manon Bushman

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She heard Dr. Merrill was thinking about breeding her female therapy dog. Manon immediately “claimed” one, and Marshall joined Manon, her husband, and their three dogs in early summer 2019.

Marshall is just as much a farm dog as a therapy dog. He is very active, always wanting to play fetch with his favorite squeaky ball and expecting to be taken on exactly three walks per day. He also likes to be spoiled – one of his favorite pastimes is going for Jeep rides to get pup cups at the Culver’s or Dairy Queen drive-through.

At 10 weeks old, Marshall began his training process at the Good Dog Center in Decorah, Iowa, with basic obedience training, just like any other dog.

After that, the training to become a certified therapy animal becomes more specialized. The dogs must complete the rigorous American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen training program and pass the subsequent test, successfully performing skills such as sitting politely for petting, walking through a crowd, and properly reacting to distractions. Before becoming fully certified, therapy dogs need to be at least one year old.

After certification, the dogs and their handlers undergo a yearly review process in order to keep their official license.

EXPANDING THE PROGRAM

Lindsay Salinas began working at the Postville School District in 2010, first as a title-1 teacher, then the K-12 Tech Integrationist –something she still helps with – and in 2022, Lindsay took on her new role as Teacher Librarian in the school library.

Although the library serves the entire K-12 school, it is located in the elementary building. This can cause some disinterest from middle and high school students, since it isn’t convenient or part of their daily routine.

“I would think, what can we do to make more kids want to be in the library?” says Lindsay. “It is the heart of the school, and we really wanted to make it more inviting.”

Lindsay saw how successful Marshall and Manon’s first year of the program was, and was inspired by the positive response from students.

She reached out to Ann of Wild Paw Doodles in Postville in the Spring of 2022, and started learning what it would take to get a therapy dog of her own. She chose a poodle, since they are more hypoallergenic, and when Milo’s litter was born, they picked him over all their other puppies, saying he had the perfect temperament for the job. Milo came to live with his new family – Lindsay, her husband, two kids, and their four other dogs – at 10 weeks old.

Lindsay and Milo. / Photo courtesy Lindsay Salinas

Milo loves going for walks, checking out new friends, and soliciting pats from as many people as he can. One of his special traits is being able to intuitively tell exactly when someone needs them. While he comforts you, he also likes to make his own demands, pawing you until you’ll agree to hold his paw while he rests his head in your lap.

After completing his training at the Good Dog Center, just like Marshall, Milo received his therapy dog certificate and began working in the library. There was some uncertainty around how the kids would react to a new dog, especially since he’d be available to the entire student body, but the option to opt out is always available.

“There have actually been several students who, at first, chose to opt-out of the program and not interact with the dogs, that have later been won over,” says Lindsay. “Kids who maybe had a traumatic experience or feel nervous around dogs will talk to him from a distance and enjoy his presence, even if they don’t want him to get too close.”

Over the past year, Lindsay has implemented many activities to make the library more attractive: a lego wall, a puzzle table, periodic school-wide events and contests. So far, Milo has been the biggest draw.

Now, kids get excited to come see Milo, and subsequently get exposed to the other benefits of the library. One big side effect that Lindsay has noticed is how Milo provides common ground for kids to connect. The library has become a space where kids from all grades and backgrounds are able to come together, forging a stronger, safer school community.

Milo’s position in the school ensures that all students have access to these helpful resources.

“Though Milo’s main role is in the library, he will sometimes visit the middle and high schools as well,” says Lindsay. “When I’m called to a classroom for a tech-related reason, Milo will come with. . . sometimes I’ll even get a call from a teacher, asking if I can bring him by to help a specific student.”

Although one might think these types of classroom visits would be distracting, they really aren’t.

“The whole class will smile when they see him, but it is never really disruptive,” Lindsay says. “He just offers this calmness and bright spot in the students’ days, and they continue class with renewed energy.”

Milo loves to have his paw held by students. He’s a favorite helper at the Postville School Library. / Photo courtesy Lindsay Salinas

BENEFITS FOR ALL

The dogs aren’t only benefiting the students, either. Manon smiles as she recalls one of her favorite stories.

“Teaching. . . education is not an easy profession,” she says. “We have had some of the coolest interactions with staff. One of the lunch ladies calls herself Marshall’s grandma, and we’ve built this whole relationship and connection point that wouldn’t have existed without him.”

Manon and Lindsay are hopeful that the groundwork they laid down in these first years of the therapy dog program will be built upon to serve as many people as possible. The two seasoned educators are always searching for new, effective ways to support students and boost learning, and both agree it would be great to see another dog join the program in the future – one that could be more involved in the high school.

“For the High School kids it is almost more important. . . they tend to be more closed off with adults and the dogs have really helped with that,” says Manon, whose role in the Postville school district will look much different starting with the 2023-24 academic year.

“I am shifting out of education and into the mental health field,” she says. Marshall and Manon will return to Postville one day per week, this time as private mental health providers. In this new position, Manon and Marshall will be able to offer more specialized and long term care, both to students and other clients.

“There needs to be more of these services in place beyond the scope of school counselors, who are trained to manage behaviors short term. Mental health providers are trained to work on long term healing and coping skills,” Manon explains. “Those outside supports in school make success more likely.”

Although it is difficult to quantify a measure of overall well-being, it is clear that Marshall and Milo have been a huge force for building community and making school a safer, more welcoming space for the students. Both Manon and Lindsay have heard repeatedly from students that the thought of seeing one of the dogs made them excited to come to school on days that they otherwise might not have.

“The dogs can communicate with and comfort the kids in such a special way,” says Lindsay. “Their connection transcends what we, as teachers, are able to do with our words and conversations. Sometimes we just don’t know what else to do.”

Clara Wodny is a junior at Luther College, studying English and Visual Communications. When not writing or studying, she is likely teaching swim lessons, baking, or making pottery at ArtHaus in Decorah.

Despite Marshall’s tolerant look, he loves cheering on the Pirates! / Photo courtesy Manon Bushman

My mother, Vonnie Linnevold, is a thoughtful and generous 98-year-old with an amazing memory. She was born and raised in Florida, and survived the hurricane of 1928 when her family home was totally destroyed. Like many who were young adults during WWII, her life trajectory was dramatically altered by the War. She became a wife, mother of three children, and provided constant support for my father’s career, her family, and for the community and the church. Her many batches of Norwegian meatballs and glazed carrots for Nordic Fest and church dinners are memories for us all. She supported the Decorah Community Concert Association (which Dad chaired for years) by hosting performers in our home and other homes. She delights in describing the evenings with Harry Belafonte, Fred Waring, and other notable performers who were beneficiaries of the hospitality of local couples for post-concert meals and conversation. Her life is a story of honesty, integrity, and just “being there” for her family.

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mother was the one who taught me to always treat others the way you would want to be treated. She reinforced that by living that advice in her own life. I was an only child who missed having sisters and brothers, but I always enjoyed my parents’ company.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I don’t really recall aspiring to have any particular career, but I think my mother had hopes that I would be a singer. I started voice lessons at about five years old and did performances at church very soon after that. My seamstress, in addition to being a very good cook, made lovely dresses for many of the performances. She also taught me to sew, and I later made many of my daughter Becky’s clothes. After high school I attended Stetson College, participating in music there. I recall having a significant singing part in “Hansel and Gretel.” After college, I continued performing, sometimes for USO events during WWII in the Palm Beach area. One evening I was invited to a dance for officers in the Marines where I met my future husband, Willard Linnevold. I wasn’t scheduled to perform that evening, but I sang along with the band as we were dancing. I think he decided he liked my voice!

What do/did you do? Willard proposed and we were married in September of 1944. We were married for the next 71 years, until his death in 2015. After we moved to his hometown of Decorah, and had three children, I found many opportunities to use my vocal training over the years. There were weddings, funerals, choirs, and even a women’s trio that sang mostly Norwegian folk songs. I am not Norwegian, but I managed to learn!

If you could eat anything every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Probably Raisin Bran and cantaloupe

Name one thing you could not live without: My family

Do you know someone you’d love to interview for this page? Let us know!

aryn@iloveinspired.com

Tell us about your wedding

Our wedding was unusual for several reasons. WWII was still raging; couples didn’t know what lay ahead. Willard (Bill) had used up most of his leave time from his active duty in the Marines while getting to know me and my family in West Palm Beach, Florida. We also made a trip to introduce me to his family in rural Decorah. We didn’t have much time left for a wedding after all that travel, which meant we were married on the Marine base rather than in my home town. My mother made my wedding dress in two weeks. It had satin covered buttons down the back, and it was time consuming to make. Bill planned the wedding in my absence, due to time constraints. My maid-of-honor, my cousin, my mother, dad, and I made the trip on the train from my hometown, West Palm Beach, to New Bern, North Carolina, where we were married in a Baptist church on September 23, 1944. We had music, and the pastor’s wife generously hosted the wedding reception in their home. Most of the guests were Marines and service couples who didn’t know me. My only family in attendance were my maid-of-honor and my parents. Bill’s family could not attend because the travel was too challenging from Decorah. The next day Bill went back to work on the base, and I started out on foot to search for an apartment to replace our one-room place.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence? I am generally quiet but sociable, and happily adjusted to life in a community with strong Norwegian heritage, without having an ounce of Norwegian in me!

Interviewed by her daughter, Becky Shaw