inspire(d) fall 2014

POSITIVE NEWS FROM THE DRIFTLESS REGION.

DRIFTLESS MAGAZINE NO. 39 • Fall 2014

Inspire(d)free!

One Pan(ish) Wonders

EverTrue

The OK Factor

Vesterheim is Besterheim!

Making a

Scene

Self-Guided ART Tours: A Primer

Chef Ruth Hampton

Popcorn! infographic

Thanksgiving Finger

Puppets!

paper project

Pilot

Ridgeline

Civic

Crosstour

CR-Z

Odyssey

CR-V

Fit

Accord

Insight

www.hondamotorwerks.comPhone: 877-751-0179Check us out! Downtown La Crosse, WI at 4th and Cameron Streets

Fuel Efficient. Environmentally Sensible. You’ll Love More Miles Per Dollar!

03

...and more!

FALL 2014contents

iloveinspired.com \ Fall 2014

ON THE COVER:Did you get it right away? Movers and Shakers seemed appropriate for this issue - so many great people doing so many great things! Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols

What We’re Loving right noW

the oK Factor

SeLF-guided art tour Primer

Be a mover and a ShaKer

cheF on the BLocK: ruth hamPton

inSPire(d) reader SurveY

PaPer Project: Finger PuPPetS!

Brent grinna – evertrue

PoPcorn!

maKing a Scene

veSterheim iS BeSterheim

miSSiSSiPPi mirth

ProBit: Lorena eLLingSon

07

14

21

24

26

30

33

34

40

44

54

60

66

14

40

34

54

Saturday, September 13The Intergalactic NemesisTarget Eartha live-action graphic noveltickets on sale Sept 2.

thurSday, September 25Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!tickets on sale Sept 2.

Saturday, OctOber 4San Jose Taikotickets on sale Sept 11.

2014–15 Center Stage Sponsors

Grants

Luther CollegeDiversity Council

Media Supporters

Center Stage Series 2014-15

D ecorah N ewspapers

The

D ecorah N ewspapers The

Be at the

Center of It All

Get your tickets and join us! tickets.luther.edu (563) 387-1357

Friday, OctOber 4John Ball’s In the Heat of the NightL.a. theatre Workstickets on sale Sept 25.

thurSday, NOvember 6Anonymous 4 Grace and Glorytickets on sale Oct 10.

Friday, NOvember 14Sybarite5 tickets on sale Oct 16.

Preview all the artists on Youtube! Search for Center Stage Series 14–15.

A heartfelt ovation to all of our performance and media sponsors for investing in the arts for our community!

When the idea for the pun on the cover came to me, I couldn’t stop smiling. Those of you who know me (or have

liked Inspire(d) on Facebook), know I love a good pun. I, of course, love a good story too, and there are few better stories than those featuring folks out doing good stuff. You know: Movers and shakers. I was excited to get to interview one of the best of them. My childhood friend, Brent Grinna, is the founder and CEO of successful Boston tech start-up EverTrue. They develop mobile apps that help schools connect with alumni. It’s pretty cool. (The company just received $5.25 million in investment capital last year! Woo!) Benji was also in his element with his story, Making a Scene. He got to interview five regional leaders in the live production business – you know…the people making the scene! Inspire(d) intern Ingrid Baudler interviews a couple of literal movers and shakers too – Luther alums Olivia Hahn and Karla Dietmeyer of the musical duo The OK Factor (page 14). They’re on the road a lot, and living in separate states, but that doesn’t stop them from making great music and lots of plans. We hope you make lots of plans this fall too – maybe you’ll hit the road for all the artist studio tours? We put together a little infographic to help you prepare to enjoy it to the fullest. Chef Ruth Hampton knows a little – actually, probably a lot – about enjoying life to the fullest. I mean, good food is the secret, right? She puts together not only amazing dishes, but amazing experiences as well. You can read her Chef on the Block on page 26. And while we’re on the topic of food – make sure you check out Jim McCaffrey’s Mississippi Mirth this issue. It’s all about “Keeping it Simple”, and we couldn’t be more on board. He puts together a couple of great one pan (ish) wonders on page 60. Finally, we’d love for you to check out all the fun stuff going on around the region this season – especially all the great exhibits and events at Vesterheim Museum right here in Decorah. We put together some of our favorites in honor of one of their major fundraisers, Deck the Tables (page 54 – pssst: the enamel exhibit is amazing and you better make plans to see it!). So. Try to make a little time this fall for you. Pop up some popcorn (read about it on page 40), get your turkey finger puppets ready for the Thanksgiving table (page 33), and schedule a date night (might we suggest a the Pepperfield Diversity Dinners or the Northeast Iowa Montessori’s Around the World in Five Plates fundraiser?) before those crisp fall days turn quickly into winter (wah!).

Enjoy, my friends!

Looking forward,

Aryn Henning Nichols

From the Editor

05

Inspiremagazine

Who are we?

Co-founders:Aryn Henning Nichols / editor & designer

Benji Nichols / writer & advertising sales(& husband, support team, dinner-maker)

We couldn’t do it without:Sara Friedl-Putnam/ contributor

Ingrid Baulder/ contributor

Jim McCaffrey/ Mississippi Mirth

Inspire(d) Magazine is published quarterly by Inspire(d)

Media, LLC, 412 Oak Street, Decorah, Iowa, 52101. This is-

sue is dated Fall 2014, issue 39, volume 7, Copyright 2014 by

Inspire(d) Magazine.

Although Inspire(d) is free on the newsstands, you can have it sent to your door for only $25/year. Email

[email protected] for a membership or visit

theinspiremedia.com for more info.

Want to make a comment about something you read in

the magazine?Email

[email protected].

Interested in advertising? Contact Benji at

[email protected] call 563-379-6315.

Write inspire(d)

support inspire(d)

Visit our website:iloveinspired.com

“Like” Inspire(d) Media on Facebook!

iloveinspired.com \ Fall 2014 07

What We’re

Lovingright now

Driftless Area Art Festival Saturday, September 20

10:00—5:00 Sunday, September 21

10:00—4:00 Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin

Celebrating the Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts of the Driftless Area

80 Visual Artists Live Music Local Foods

Free Admission and Parking

www.DriftlessAreaArtFestival.com

driFtWard PreSSDecorah friends Cerrisa Snethen and Jeanine Scheffert

have launched a cool new project that we’re really excited about: Driftward Press. It is “an awesomely affordable regional art subscription.” They kicked the whole thing off with an Indiegogo fundraiser that pulled in more than double their goal! Their mission is to deliver great regional art AND writing, right to your mailbox each month– much like a CSA from a farmer, but this time for art! A subscriber – for about the price of a monthly Netflix membership – gets a lovely, frame-able work by a local artist, along with a totally unique piece of local writing. It’s a great way for an average person to build a local art collection (their radius will extend 150 miles around Decorah). Artist submissions may be entered for review at [email protected]. As the Driftward Press ladies say: “Art is good for you!”

LaneSBoro artS camPuSThe Lanesboro Arts Center

is on a mission to make this Minnesotan town – the entire town (population 743) – the perfect place to experience some creativity. After 21 years of bringing art to the community, the Lanesboro Arts Center is launching a new arts campus with three components: art in public spaces, buildings that house the arts, and pedestrian walkways. Instead of bringing the community to the arts center, they’re making the arts center the community! One of our favorite new projects this fall is parking poetry. What could be better than a drive-in haiku? Although, their surprise sculpture project comes close. Community members work together to create a sculpture and then display it in a public space for everyone and anyone to happen upon. And they keep it fresh – continually creating new work so they can switch out the old and bring in the new. Check out a Night of Poetry on September 13, Swingsation Gala Fundraiser November 8, or the Art Center’s year-round exhibition gallery!

PumPKin PatcheS/corn mazeSFall is an exciting time at Inspire(d) HQ – for lots of

reasons, but especially because we love all that the season brings with it! Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, bon fires, football games, hot chocolate, Oktoberfest beers – we could go on. Our friends at Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins just west of Decorah do it up big in the fall. Kick-off for the Pumpkin Patch and all of its glorious fun is Saturday, September 20 and runs through October 31st. Meanwhile, just east of Elgin, Iowa – the Maize Maze kicks into action each Saturday & Sunday through Halloween. This year’s theme is “Udderly Amazing” featuring a tribute to Iowa’s dairy producers. The Maize Maze is located at the Gilbertson Center, 22580 A. Ave. Elgin, IA. More information www.iowamaizemaze.org.

Fall 2014 / iloveinspired.com08

Uffda Fest

UFFDAFEST.ORG | FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Oct. 4-5Spring Grove

GAMES - MUSICNORWEGIAN FOODS FAMILY FUN!

133 W. Main, Spring Grove

507.498.DOCS

October 4, 2014(Early registration ends Sept. 26, 2014;

guarantee your t-shirt by Sept.18)

www.uffdafest.comwww.bluffcountryartistsgallery.org

Choose a 1 or 2 mile mowed trail, which is open all year that crosses meadows and deciduous woods going past ponds and streams.

Scan QR codes to hear bird songs on over 50 signs identifying local birds.

Fri 12-5 PM • Sat 9AM-4PM

VENDORS - DEMOS - SALES - UFFDAFEST.COM

OCT3-4

SPRING GROVE

FEST BLDG

hoLidaY LightS, magicaL nightS ceLeBrateS 10!Christmas time is a magical time, and so is the tradition of the

“drive-thru” lights at Decorah’s Pulpit Rock Campground each year. It’s fun, AND supports a good cause! But we also want to make sure you know about the annual Holiday Lights 5k Run November 29th – folks get to say “I’m not staying in yet” to winter, put on a holiday costume, and run it out. Families are encouraged to join in on the fun, awards, and bon fire. It’s pretty great.

This year, Helping Services of NE Iowa celebrates 10 years of Holiday Lights Magical Nights. The display opens Thanksgiving night (11/27) and runs through December 27. Santa makes nightly appearances, prizes are given away, and funds are raised for all that Helping Services provides to the region. Many opportunities for volunteering and donating in special ways to Holiday Lights also exist – check it all out: www.helpingservices.org

Sigmund ÅrSeth & giantS oF the earthGiants of the Earth in Spring Grove

will be celebrating a Giant in the Art World this fall: Sigmund Årseth. The legacy of this Norwegian artist is the highlight of the Giants of the Earth Bicentenary event October 18-19, 2014.

Arseth was one of the most well-known Norwegian painters of his time. Locally,his murals cover walls at the Spring Grove Heritage Center (above) and in Vesterheim buildings in Decorah. He was a renowned rosemaling artist and teacher as well. He passed away in 2012.

There will be receptions both days of Bicentenary Celebration, with performances by the Luren Singers and Thankful Brass. In addition to the unveiling of a life-size bronze sculpture of Årseth in the Enger Garden, an exhibit of art created by Sigmund Årseth students will be on display all weekend. (Call for artists and works deadline October 11 email: [email protected]).

Organizers are also reaching out to all artists who studied with Sigmund, encouraging them to come with their art and be part a documentary being prepared for the Årseth Family. The documentary filming of students and public recalling of Sigmund memories will occur throughout the weekend and then be presented to the Årseth family. Finally, a celebration dinner and auction of rare Sigmund works will cap off Saturday evening.

Complete schedule at: springgrovemnheritagecenter.org

DIVERSITY DINNERS AT PEPPERFIELD The Pepperfield Project partners with Seed Savers Exchange to offer educational, themed dinners at the Pepperfield Farm – this fall there will be three left you can attend! To celebrate the im-migrant origin of heirloom foods in America, they will be featuring ethnic themes: Vietnamese, Mexican and German cuisines (Italian was in August). Celebrate the rich bounty of these regional heir-

loom vegetables with these sev-eral course dinners paired with educa-tion about varieties grown in Pep-perfield gardens. While each meal will feature a type of meat, there will always be several vegetarian courses

available. Dinners start at 6pm, but guests are invited to come early to enjoy the gardens. Cost: $50 per person. Bring your own beverage of choice. Re-serve space by calling Pepperfield at 563-382-8833 or emailing [email protected].

September 13 – VietnameseThis menu will include many varieties unfamiliar to most Ameri-cans: mustard greens with tongue-twisting names such as Peking Ta Ching Koo Pai Sai, and Yu Choy Sum; yard-long beans; serpent, bitter, and winter melons; Pingtung Long and Laotian eggplants; Diakon radishes; edamame soy; Shishito and Thai Hot peppers; Kikuza and Hyuga winter squash; and a variety of lovely Oriental herbs. Fish and possibly other seafoods will be featured.

September 27 – MexicanHeld the same evening as Seed Saver’s Harvest Festival, there will be authentic recipes beyond the usual “Tex-Mex”. Heirlooms stars may include Poblano, Izeta, and Negro de Valle peppers; tomatillos and the ancient Mexican Ribbed tomato from the Zapotecs; Mitla Valley black beans and green dent corn from Oaxaca; hominy corn for posoli from Santo Domingo; and various styles of salsa. Pork in various forms will be the featured meat.

October 11 – GermanHappy Oktoberfest! A good hearty beef Sauerbraten and Ger-man sausage will usher in a fall harvest including winter squash, German cabbage and kale, leeks, German Butterball potatoes, ru-tabagas, Diane Whealy’s family German Pink beefsteak tomatoes, breads from our own wheat, and a variety of cheeses. They might even manage to brew a tasty German beer!

Decorah's Daily News

kdecradio.net

LET'S HAVE A PARTY!

2014 IOWA ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME STATION KDEC INVITES YOU TO THE WINK-I PEPSI PARTY

WITH THE QUEEN OF ROCKABILLY:

Friday, October 17doors at 6 / show at 7

Nob Hill, Decorah, IowaFeaturing the Memory Brothers, prizes, refreshments, swing dance lessons, KDEC employees past and present, fellow hall of famers and more!

Tickets at kdecradio.net, KDEC Station & the Hotel Winneshiek.

D.A.S.Y.

What We’re

Lovingright now


508 W. WATER ST. DECORAH . 563.382.5440

arthausdecorah.org

INSPIRE CREATE

classes

workshops

events

HOLISTICcare licensed massage therapist+ zone therapist & yoga instructor

theasatrom.com303.913.6326 BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES ONLINE & GET $5 OFF

Seed Savers Exchange3094 North Winn Road, Decorah, IA • 563-382-5990

full day of workshops including:

seed saving • planting garlic winter gardening • cider making

canning and fermenting*Registration Required

Visit seedsavers.org

September 27FALL HARVEST SCHOOL*

with re

120 WASHINGTON ST, DECORAH, IOWALunch & dinner Monday - Saturday • 563-382-3067

RESERVATIONS APPRECIATED

1. September 3: Saint Mary’s Page Series presents Rosanne Cash, Americana-roots singer-songwriter, daughter of legendary Johnny Cash, 7:30pm, Page Theatre, $30/$27, Winona. www.pagetheatre.org

2. September 13: Lanesboro Arts Campus Festival 2-6pm & Night of Poetry 7:30pm. Live bands, gyotaku (fish printmaking), refreshments, haiku poetry contest winners, stage performances - FREE! Lanesboro, MN www.lanesboroarts.org

3. September 14: The Awful Purdies (Iowa City) play a free afternoon show at Seed Savers! Pre-cursor to Spring 2015 Luther Center Stage “All Recipes Are Home”. 1pm-3pm, SSE rural Decorah, www.seedsavers.org

4. September 14: Oneota Co-op 40th Fall Frolic with the Foot Notes (AND PIE!) 6:00 pie serving begins 7:00-9:00 pm dance. Winn. Fairgrounds Community Building. $5 per person

5. September 19: ArtHaus Poetry Slam, 8pm at the Elks Lodge. Come share or just enjoy. $5/$3 students. Signup to perform at www.arthausdecorah.org Sponsored by Dragonfly Books

6. September 19: Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the lively Norwegian/American music of the FootNotes. $5 cover includes a beverage. Food available. See www.wwwinery.com for more information.

7. September 20: United Way Used Book Sale! Good Shepherd Church, Iowa Avenue, Decorah Support 18 local non-profits while snagging terrific used books/magazines for suuuuuper great prices. 8AM-12PM

8. September 21: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is returning to Northeast Iowa. Join us as we fight for the millions of people suffering from this disease. Winneshiek Medical Center – 1pm. www.alz.org/walk

9. September 25: Taste the Local Harvest at the Oneota Food Coop - meet local producers, sample local products. 4:30-6:30 pm. Free. www.oneotacoop.com

10. September 27: Decorah Rotary 3rd Annual Charity 5K/10K/Half Loop de Loop Marathon. Staggered start times, Trout Run Trail route, Decorah VFD pancake breakfast at finish. Visit www.decorahrotary.org

11. September 27: Chelsey & John Get Married!!! Welcome friends & family - we hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Decorah! Share memories using #CandJ2014

Check out these fun fall activities! In chronological order, each event’s number coincides with its number on the calendar!

Looking for more details about events on the calendars?

25W/$25B

6

78

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

10

18

19

20

21

22

23

17

25

26

27

28

29

30

24

Mon

day

Tues

day

Sun

day

Wed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFr

iday

Sat

urda

y

Sep

tem

ber

fun stuff to do

23

4

56

7

91

01

1

12

13

14

8

16

17

18

19

20

21

15

23

24

25

26

28

22

31

Mon

day

Tues

day

Sun

day

Wed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFr

iday

Sat

urda

y

1

29

30

Oct

ober

fun stuff to do

3 4

57

89

2

1

11

12

13

14

10

12

45

3

Ros

anne

Cas

h,

Pag

e Se

ries

, Sa

int

Mar

y’s

Uni

vers

ity,

Win

ona,

7

:30

pm

Lane

sbor

o A

rts

Cam

pus

Fest

ival

, La

nesb

oro

Aw

ful P

urdi

es

in C

once

rt,

Seed

Sav

ers,

1

pm-3

pm

FREE

One

ota

Co-

op 4

0th

Fal

l Fro

lic, F

ootN

otes

& P

ie,

Win

n. F

airg

roun

ds C

omm

unity

Bui

ldlin

g, 6

pm

Art

Hau

s P

oetr

y S

lam

, El

ks L

odge

, D

ecor

ah, 8

pm

Foot

note

s liv

e at

W

inne

shie

k W

ildbe

rry

Win

ery,

rur

al D

ecor

ah

Uni

ted

Way

U

sed

Boo

k S

ale,

Goo

d Sh

ephe

rd

Chu

rch,

D

ecor

ah,

8am

-12

pm

Wal

k to

End

A

lzhe

imer

’s,

WM

C, D

ecor

ah

Tast

e Th

e H

arve

st,

One

ota

Coo

p,

Dec

orah

, 4

:30

-6:3

0pm

Dec

orah

R

otar

y Lo

op

de L

oop

Hal

f M

arat

hon

Che

lsey

& J

ohn

Get

Mar

ried

! W

elco

me!

Ree

fuel

Sat

urda

y In

door

C

yclin

g C

lass

es E

VER

Y

Sat

urda

y, D

ecor

ah, 9

am

Art

Hau

s Fi

rst

Frid

ay,

Wor

ks b

y D

ave

Har

t,

Art

Hau

s D

ecor

ah,

7-9

pm

Oct

10

-12

– H

oot

on t

he

Roo

t M

usic

/A

rt F

estiv

al,

Lane

sbor

o, M

N

Cre

ole

Cho

ir

of C

uba,

Sa

int

Mar

y’s

U, W

inon

a,

7:3

0pm

6

15

Free

V

este

rhei

m

Firs

t Th

ursd

ay,

Ves

terh

eim

M

useu

m,

Dec

orah

Sep

t 5

-6:

La C

ross

e S

tory

Tel

ling

Fest

, Myr

ick

Par

k

Sep

t 5

-7:

Hes

per-

Mab

el S

team

En

gine

Day

s

The

Mow

gli’s

, Lu

ther

CFL

, 8

pmLa

nesb

oro

Live

, St.

Man

e 7

:30

pmJa

ybon

e B

ell &

Th

e R

estl

ess

Ligh

t,

Hay

mar

ket

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e, $

1

off S

unda

ys

12

-5pm

Civ

il W

ar

pres

enta

tion

w

ith

Dr.

Ed

Tebb

enho

ff,

Dec

orah

Li

brar

y,

7pm

Ove

r th

e B

ack

Fenc

e ra

dio

show

, St

. Man

e,

Lane

sbor

o,

7:3

0pm

Cha

rmin

gs,

Hay

mar

ket

SEP

T 1

3:

• The

Inte

rgal

acti

c N

emes

is, L

uthe

r C

FL, 7

:30

pm• T

he C

olor

Run

, La

Cro

sse,

WI

• The

Sex

Ray

s, E

d’s

No

Nam

e, W

inon

a

One

Yea

r La

ter,

The

W

areh

ouse

, La

Cro

sse

Mar

y G

auth

ier

&

Sam

Bak

er,

Engl

ert,

Iow

a C

ity, 8

pm

John

Ray

mon

d &

The

“R

oots

Tr

io”,

Roo

tNot

e,

La C

ross

e, 8

pm

Sep

t 1

8-2

1:

App

lefe

st, L

a C

resc

ent,

MN

Sep

t 2

0:

Win

ona

Zom

bie

Cra

wl!

Mar

k M

allm

an, E

d’s

No

Nam

e, W

inon

a

Sep

t 2

1-2

7: B

anne

d bo

ok w

eek!

Ups

tart

C

row

The

atre

wor

ks p

erfo

rms

all w

eek…

Pok

ey

LaFa

rge,

En

gler

t

Low

est

Pai

r,

Cou

rtya

rd &

C

ella

r

Rhy

thm

ic

Cir

cus,

Lut

her

7:3

0pm

Sep

t 2

5-2

8:

Boa

ts &

B

lueg

rass

Fe

stiv

al,

Win

ona,

MN

Nig

ht (o

ut) A

t Th

e M

useu

m,

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e

Am

os L

ee,

The

Engl

ert

Järv

elä,

Fi

ddle

W

orks

hop

4pm

, Con

cert

7

:30

pm,

Ves

terh

eim

, D

ecor

ah

Dee

Will

iam

s,

Tiny

Hou

ses!

, V

alde

rs

20

6, L

uthe

r,

6:3

0pm

SEP

T 2

0-2

1:

• NE

Iow

a C

yclin

g Ex

peri

ence

, Dec

orah

• NE

Iow

a A

ntiq

ue S

how

& F

lea

Mar

ket,

W

inn.

Co.

Fai

rgro

unds

SEP

T 2

7:

• Lov

e &

The

ft, G

lori

ana,

Lut

her

Reg

ents

Cen

ter

• Pru

denc

e Jo

hnso

n &

Dan

Cho

uina

rd,

Wid

eSpo

t A

rts

Cen

ter,

Sto

ckho

lm W

I, 7

pm

Ves

terh

eim

Free

Fir

st

Thur

sday

Oct

3-5

: Nor

thea

st Io

wa

Stu

dio

Tour

36

art

ists

at

28

lo

cati

ons

near

Dec

orah

, IA

!

Rus

ty O

lde

Cro

ws

Junk

&

Cra

ft S

how

, C

entr

al P

ark,

C

harl

es C

ity,

9am

-5pm

San

Jos

e Ta

iko,

Lut

her

CFL

, 7:3

0pm

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e, $

1

off S

unda

ys

12

-5pm

Hom

e Fr

ee,

Engl

ert,

Iow

a C

ity, 8

pm

Thea

trew

orks

U

SA

: Cur

ious

G

eorg

e, S

t M

ary’

s U

, Win

-on

a, 6

:30

pm

Mys

tery

A

utho

r W

illia

m K

ent

Kru

eger

, D

ecor

ah

Pub

lic L

ibra

ry

Joe

Art

z H

isto

ry

of t

he U

pper

Io

wa

Riv

er

Val

ley,

Dec

orah

Li

brar

y, 6

:30

pm

Oct

9-1

1: A

Thr

ead

In T

he

Dar

k, L

uthe

r Th

eatr

e &

Dan

ce

D.A

.S.Y

. 2

5th

Par

ty

w/

“B

lue

Mis

siss

ippi

” &

gue

sts,

In-

woo

d, S

pillv

ille

Sha

ron

Van

Ett

en,

The

Engl

ert

Los

Lobo

s,

The

Engl

ert,

Wan

da

Jack

son

w/

Th

e M

emor

y B

roth

ers

–

KD

EC W

ink-

I P

epsi

Par

ty!,

7pm

, Nob

H

ill, D

ecor

ah

Ral

ph N

uzum

: B

rain

y A

nim

als!

, K

icka

poo

Val

-le

y R

eser

ve,

La F

arge

, 6

:30

pmIA

Sta

te A

rcha

eolo

gist

El

izab

eth

Ree

tz o

n W

ater

Tr

ails

, DP

L, 6

:30

pm

In t

he H

eat

of t

he N

ight

, C

SS, L

uthe

r C

FL, 7

:30

pm

Oct

24

-26

: Fl

yway

Film

Fe

stiv

al,

Stoc

khol

m,

WI

Oct

25

:B

oo-S

eum

H

allo

wee

n P

arty

, Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of L

a C

ross

e, 5

:30

-7

:30

pm

Arc

hers

&

Illum

inat

ors,

Th

e W

areh

ouse

, La

Cro

sse

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e, $

1

off S

unda

ys

12

-5pm

OC

T 3

:• P

eopl

e B

roth

ers

Ban

d, H

aym

arke

t• A

utum

n N

ight

Ski

es, K

icka

poo

Val

ley

Res

erve

, 6:3

0 p

m

OC

T 4

: • B

luff

Cou

ntry

Art

ists

Gal

lery

Run

for

the

Art

s • K

icka

poo

Val

ley

Res

erve

Dam

Cha

lleng

e• L

anes

boro

Liv

e, S

t. M

ane

Thea

tre,

7:3

0pm

• Los

Lob

os, M

ayo

Civ

ic A

ud, R

oche

ster

, MN O

CT

17

:• W

inne

shie

k C

o. C

eleb

rati

on o

f Li

fe, T

-Boc

ks U

psta

irs,

4-7

pm• N

ight

(out

) At

The

Mus

eum

, C

hild

ren’

s M

useu

m o

f La

Cro

sse

Her

o Jr

, H

aym

arke

t

Ani

DiF

ranc

o,

Firs

t A

ve,

Min

neap

olis

Dav

id

Bro

mbe

rg,

The

Engl

ert,

8pm

Sca

ndin

avia

n M

oder

n D

esig

n:

Nor

weg

ian

Enam

el,

Ves

terh

eim

, –

runs

thr

ough

Sp

ring

20

15

OC

T 1

1:

• Tod

d S

nide

r w

/ E

lizab

eth

Coo

k,

The

Cav

alie

r, L

a C

ross

e • C

ryst

al C

ity,

Hay

mar

ket,

Dec

orah

OC

T 3

1:

Abs

olut

e H

oot,

T-B

ocks

Ups

tair

s, D

ecor

ahG

ener

al B

and

The

Wiz

/ A

li &

The

Sco

undr

els,

Ed’

s N

o N

ame,

Win

ona

Mar

jane

S

atra

pi D

ist.

Le

ctur

e,

Luth

er C

FL,

7pm

, Fre

e

Joni

Fin

nega

n ar

tist

dem

o,

Lane

sbor

o A

rts

Cen

ter,

1-4

pm

“Car

ved

by t

he R

iver

: Woo

dcut

P

rint

s by

Nic

k W

robl

ewsk

i”,

thro

ugh

Oct

ober

10

, MN

Mar

ine

Art

M

useu

m, W

inon

a, w

ww

.mm

am.o

rg

NE

IA

Mon

tess

ori

Aro

und

the

Wor

ld in

5

Pla

tes,

Hot

el

Win

nesh

iek,

5

-9 p

m

27

1

23

4

67

8

91

01

1

5

13

14

15

16

17

18

12

20

21

22

23

24

25

19

28

Mon

day

Tues

day

Sun

day

Wed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFr

iday

Sat

urda

y

26

27

Nov

emb

erfun stuff to do

25 W

ord

s/$2

5 Bu

cks

Cal

enda

r ti

me

is a

lway

s an

exc

itin

g ti

me

at In

spir

e(d)

Hea

dqua

rter

s. “

Just

how

muc

h ca

n w

e fit

on

ther

e th

is m

onth

?!?”

In r

ecen

t ye

ars,

wha

t w

e ha

d ch

osen

for

thes

e lo

vely

pag

es

had

been

ent

irel

y ed

itor

ial a

nd s

ubje

ctiv

e. W

e fig

ured

, hey

, you

like

our

mag

azin

e, s

o yo

u’ll

prob

ably

like

the

fun

stuf

f to

do t

hat

we

pick

out

from

aro

und

our

regi

on. B

ut w

e’re

ru

nnin

g ou

t of

spa

ce a

nd w

ant

you,

our

love

ly r

eade

rs, f

rien

ds, a

nd fe

llow

eve

nt p

lann

ers,

to

be

able

to

tell

us a

litt

le m

ore

abou

t yo

ur fu

n.

We

know

it’s

a t

ough

rac

ket

to p

ut o

n liv

e m

usic

, act

ivit

ies,

and

spe

cial

eve

nts,

so

we

wan

t to

giv

e yo

u a

chan

ce t

o ge

t th

e w

ord

out

wit

hout

bre

akin

g th

e ba

nk.

Thus

we’

ve im

plem

ente

d a

sim

ple,

exp

anda

ble

list

of e

vent

s fo

r th

e pa

ges

follo

win

g ou

r re

gula

r ca

lend

ars.

Tho

se w

ho a

re p

lann

ing

“fun

stu

ff t

o do

” ge

t a

guar

ante

ed s

pot

on t

he

cale

ndar

and

in t

hat

even

t lis

ting

by

purc

hasi

ng “

25

Wor

ds/

$2

5 B

ucks

.”

It w

orks

like

thi

s:1

. Go

to il

ovei

nspi

red.

com

and

clic

k on

the

25

W/

$2

5B

link

2. E

nter

you

r in

form

atio

n in

our

onl

ine

form

3. C

lick

thro

ugh

to P

ayP

al t

o co

mpl

ete

the

tran

sact

ion

Sim

ple!

We

get

an e

mai

l wit

h al

l you

r de

tails

exa

ctly

as

you’

d lik

e to

see

the

m in

the

lis

ting

, and

the

n w

e ad

d it

to

the

cale

ndar

!

See

- we

told

you

abo

ut o

ur a

maz

ing

fictio

nal p

arty

in le

ss t

han

25

wor

ds! O

n th

e vi

sual

cal

enda

r (li

ke t

he

one

at le

ft),

your

eve

nt w

ill be

list

ed a

long

with

a n

umbe

r th

at c

orre

spon

ds. P

eopl

e ca

n ju

st s

can

on o

ver

to t

he fo

llow

ing

page

s to

get

the

det

ails

!

56

7M

onda

yTu

esda

yS

unda

yW

edne

sday

Thur

sday

Frid

ayS

atur

day

34

21

Insp

ire(

d)

Wor

ld’s

G

reat

est

Par

ty

Dat

e (n

ot in

clud

ed in

wor

d co

unt)

: Wor

lds

Gre

ates

t P

arty

! 7-1

0

pm. I

nspi

re(d

) inv

ites

you

to

the

grea

test

par

ty e

ver!

We’

ll ha

ve

amaz

ing

amou

nts

of fu

n! S

ee y

ou t

here

! ww

w.w

ebsi

te.c

om1

1

25W

/$2

5B

Det

ails

at

ilove

insp

ired

.com

Que

stio

ns?

Emai

l ben

ji@ilo

vein

spir

ed.c

om

18 1

9

21

20

16

17

29

30

Tast

e of

the

H

olid

ays

fund

rais

er

dinn

er,

One

ota

Coo

p,

Dec

orah

WS

M: C

het

Bak

er, I

n a

Blu

e R

oom

. A

rtH

aus

Dec

orah

, 7

:30

pm &

9

:30

pm

DEA

R C

amp

at B

luff

C

ount

ry

Art

ists

Gal

-le

ry, t

runk

sh

ow, s

ales

, tr

eats

!

Rai

se t

he

Roo

f La

Cro

sse

Hab

itat

for

Hum

anit

y C

once

rt, C

ava-

lier

Thea

ter

Art

Hau

s P

oetr

y S

lam

, El

k’s

Lodg

e D

ecor

ah, 8

pm

Nov

22

-23

: Alla

mak

ee W

ood

Fire

d P

otte

ry H

olid

ay s

ale,

10

-4 S

at, 1

2-4

Sun

“Lov

e N

orw

ay X

” on

vie

w N

ov. 1

st,

Ves

terh

eim

Mus

eum

, Ves

terh

eim

.org

“Cla

ssic

Imag

es: A

nsel

Ada

ms

Pho

togr

aphs

” th

roug

h Ja

nuar

y 1

1, M

N M

arin

e A

rt M

u-se

um, W

inon

a, w

ww

.mm

am.o

rg

Thre

e M

issi

ssip

pi,

Wid

eSpo

t A

rts

Cen

ter,

St

ockh

olm

W

I, 7

pm

Nov

6:

Ano

nym

ous

4, C

SS,

Luth

er

Col

lege

CFL

, 7

:30

pm

Nov

7-8

: Ves

terh

eim

Dec

k Th

e Ta

bles

, Mul

tiple

eve

nts

Frid

ay &

Sat

urda

y, H

otel

W

inne

shie

k St

eyer

Ope

ra

Hou

se, V

este

rhei

m.o

rg

Nov

7: W

e ar

e Th

e W

illow

s,

Ed’s

No

Nam

e,

Win

ona

Syb

arit

e5,

CS

S,

Luth

er

Col

lege

C

FL,

7:3

0pm

ELF

the

mus

ical

, G

BP

AC

, C

edar

Fal

ls,

2pm

/7

pm

Yem

en B

lues

, C

edar

Cul

tura

l C

ente

r,

Min

neap

olis

Ros

anne

C

ash,

En

gler

t, Io

wa

City

, 8pm

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e,

$1

off

S

unda

ys

12

-5pm

Hap

py

Than

ksgi

ving

!N

ov 2

8-3

0:

Vic

tori

an

Hom

e fo

r th

e H

olid

ays,

Villa

Lo

uis,

Pra

irie

du

Chi

en

Leis

a Lu

is

Gri

ll A

rtis

t de

mo,

La

nesb

oro

Art

s G

alle

ries

, 1

pm-4

pm

Chi

ldre

n’s

Mus

eum

of

La C

ross

e, $

1

off S

unda

ys

12

-5pm

CO

MIN

G U

P:

“Chi

cago

Nor

ske

Klu

b” e

xhib

it o

pens

D

ecem

ber

6, V

este

rhei

m M

useu

m, D

ecor

ah

NO

V 8

:• B

reak

fast

in a

Vic

tori

an K

itch

en, V

illa L

ouis

, P

rair

ie d

u C

hien

• Mik

e M

unso

n &

Jac

k K

latt

, Hay

mar

ket

• DH

PT

Nig

ht M

ount

ain

Bik

e R

ace,

Dec

orah

Sw

ings

atio

n G

ala

Fund

rais

er, L

anes

boro

, 6pm

Ral

ph N

uzum

: B

obca

ts &

C

ouga

rs,

Kic

kapo

o V

alle

y R

eser

ve,

La F

arge

, 6

:30

pm

NO

V 1

5:

• Kid

s in

a V

icto

rian

Kit

chen

, Villa

Lo

uis,

Pra

irie

du

Chi

en• I

ntel

esco

pe, H

aym

arke

t, D

ecor

ah• B

egin

ner

Sta

rgaz

ing,

Kic

kapo

o V

alle

y R

eser

ve, L

a Fa

rge,

5pm

NO

V 2

1:

• Cha

rles

Wal

ker

Ban

d, H

aym

arke

t, D

ecor

ah• H

orse

Fea

ther

s, C

aval

ier

Thea

tre,

La

Cro

sse


Join us!1–day pass: $15

10–day pass: $90(valid for 60 days)

Monthly: $100Includes mail & package service, 24/7/365 access, website listing & access to 3rd floor break room.

opendecorah.com

opendecorah

coworking community

open for: Work. Collaboration. Fun. Convenience. 24 hours/day.

It’s like coming home......for a light breakfast or lunch, long coffee, or afternoon treat.

Now serving homemade bagels & English muffins!

400 W. Water St., Decorah • www.javajohnscoffeehouse.com563-382-5690 • See website for hours and daily specials

• Free wi-fi throughout• Indoor/Outdoor seating• From scratch pastries

&SO MUCH MORE!

Perfect for weddings, showers, birthdays, graduations... or just for you!

563.419.4016 . BeyondTheBarBakery.comJennifer Sullivan . Decorah, Iowa

contemporary women’s clothing

unusual gifts

RAYGUN TEES

RIEN DE NOUVEAU CONSIGNMENT

-from silly to frilly-

FANCY PANTS

411 W Water, Decorah

fancypantsonwater.com

12. Saturday Indoor Cycling Classes – EVERY Saturday (9am) at Reefuel: Indoor Cycling and Yoga Studio! All levels welcome. More info at Reefuel.biz

13. October 3: ArtHaus First Friday, Depth: Works by Decorah-native Dave Hart. Reception 7-9pm. FREE! Wine tastings compliments of the Oneota Community Co-op. Artwork on display throughout October. www.arthausdecorah.org

14. October 10-12: Hoot on the Root Music and Art Festival – three days of great music and art located at Smokey River BBQ on the Root River in Lanesboro – FREE admission. More info www.slantavenue.com

15. October 23: Saint Mary’s Page Series presents the Creole Choir of Cuba, ten member group w/musicians sing of their heritage, 7:30pm, Page Theatre, $27/$24, Winona. www.pagetheatre.org

16. November 6: “Taste of the Holidays” food pantry fundraiser/holiday meal at the Oneota Co-op. Register for meal by calling 563-382-4666. $20 suggested donation per person. www.oneotacoop.com

17. November 7: Water Street Music Series presents Chet Baker: In a Blue Room. Vivid new work for jazz trumpet, dance, and actor. Arthaus Decorah. 7:30pm & 9:30pm. $10 adults/$6 students. www.wsmsdecorah.org

18. November 8: DEAR Camp at BCAG Spring Grove! Hunt for bargains--5% off green artwork, hot cider and treats, and one-day jewelry trunk show with Bijoux artists! Check out www.bluffcountryartistsgallery.org

19. November 15: La Crosse Area Habitat for Humanity “Raise the Roof” benefit with The Smokin Bandits, T.U.G.G., Gregg Hall & the Wrecking Ball, and more. $10 advance/ $15 day of. www.cavaliertheater.com

20. November 21: ArtHaus Poetry Slam, 8pm at the Elks Lodge. Come share or just enjoy. $5/$3 students. Signup to perform at www.arthausdecorah.org. Sponsored by Dragonfly Books.

21. November 22- 23: Allamakee Wood Fired Pottery Holiday Sale. 10-4 Saturday, 12-4 Sunday. Find the perfect gift! Hundreds of pots & beautiful pieces for sale! Specials & holiday treats all weekend. www.allamakeewoodfiredpottery.com2121

Check out these fun fall activities! In chronological order, each event’s number coincides with its number on the calendar!

Looking for more details about events on the calendars?

25W/$25B

15

By Ingrid Baudler

is Gonna BeEverything

ok

Photos by Honor Heindl


16

TICKETS @ LUTHER COLLEGE BOX OFFICE 563.387.1357 & 1 HOUR BEFORE SHOW$12. ADULT $5. CHILDREN UNDER 12 Full 2014-15 season details at www.luther.edu/theatre

Theatre & Dance JEWEL THEATRE, CENTER FOR THE ARTS • DECORAH, IA

A THREAD IN THE DARK BY HELLA HAASSE . DIRECTED BY

GUEST ARTIST, COURTNEY KEARNEYTHEATRE!

IN THE NEXT ROOM

OCT 9: 7:30 PMOCT 10: 9:30 PMOCT 11: 1:30 & 7:30 PM

BY SARAH RUHL .DIRECTED BY DR. BOBBY VRTIS

NOV 13: 7:30 PM • NOV 14: 9:30 PMNOV 15: 1:30 & 7:30 PM • NOV 20: 7:30 PM NOV 21: 9:30 PM • NOV 22: 1:30 & 7:30 PM

+ DON’T MISS KEARNEY’S ONE WOMAN SHOW, TYPHOID FEVER. SEPT 12 . STUDIO 2: 7:30 PM

SPIN STUDENT THEATRE ONE-ACT FESTIVAL. STORRE THEATRE. SEPT 26: 7 PM & SEPT 27: 1:30 PM.

+

With the night’s gig all wrapped up, they grab their gear and hit the road, this time leaving Georgia in the rearview mirror. They head north, with shows in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Olivia usually does the driving while Karla navigates, but tonight it’s the other way around.

“I kind of like it,” Olivia says about all the traveling, “I feel like we’re paying our dues.”

For most of this past year, Olivia (O) and Karla (K) have had to operate from different states, but that hasn’t stopped them from making great music together. They meet up to perform at different venues, hold workshops, and have even been recording.

But it was Decorah that made everything OK.

Karla Dietmeyer (left) and Olivia Hahn (right) are the O and K that make up The OK Factor. (Photos by Honor Heindl.)

olivia hahn and Karla dietmeyer have come a long way since starting

cello/violin duo the oK Factor in 2012.

and yet the two Luther alums still have a long way to go.

Literally.

Fall 2014 / iloveinspired.com


211 W Water StreetDecorah, Iowa

M.T.W.Fr.Sat 9-5 Thurs. 9-8563.382.8940

NOW CARRYING

Good clothes take you great places

“the OK Factor was really an experiment,” Olivia says. “It was

something that we wanted to do but the community was really what spurred us forward. It’s amazing how talented and eclectic one small town can be.”

“No one ever told us no, and that was huge for us,” Karla adds. “I think it takes good people to really make great music and that is what we found in Decorah.”

Both women picked up instruments at an early age – Karla started the violin at five and Olivia was four when she first sat at a cello. They met at Luther College, where they majored in music performance, and formed The OK Factor in 2012 with the goal of “challenging their formal training.”

The duo has since found their way around the Midwest and the U.S., and from classical to bluegrass, jazz, and pop, finally arriving at a musical style they dub “alternative/progressive folk”.

“You can always hear a classically-trained musician in their tone or the way they play certain melodies,” Olivia says. “We don’t want to undo that. We like that aspect of our playing. We want to throw that into the mix with other genres. There’s a lot to explore there.”

Their first gig was part of the Water Street Music Series at ArtHaus in Decorah. Post-college, each was planning to go to graduate school for music performance and pursue a career as a classical musician, but all that changed after that first show.

“The combination of how extremely satisfied and full we both felt, as well as the overwhelming support and positive feedback we got from the audience – people whose opinions we trusted greatly – made us feel as though this was no longer something we ‘just did for fun,’ but something we could do more permanently,” Olivia says. “We couldn’t really believe we were considering taking a different path than we had envisioned, but we knew it was what we really wanted.”

The two had only written a few songs together before that performance, and they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them if it was going to work.

“I had very little experience in the music industry, but my passion for the DIY, grassroots movement really gave me confidence that The OK Factor had what it takes to go somewhere,” Karla says.

(Continued on next page)

Spend your special day in an elegant yet casual setting overlooking the Oneota Valley and the Upper Iowa River. Enjoy the Amish-built

post and beam barn and restored one room school house – along with spacious outdoor patios and beautiful gardens.

Decorah, Iowa . denovobarn.com . 563-419-8902

Northeast Iowa’s premier wedding destination venue!

They planned to move to Minneapolis the summer after graduation, and explored regional performance possibilities.

“I found applications to the Iowa State Fair and Stone Arch Bridge Festival,” Karla says. “We were both surprised to discover that by the end of our senior year we had been accepted to play at both events. This boosted our confidence to find other places to play throughout the summer.”

Cold calls and asking around landed them a full performance schedule for the summer of 2013. They had gigs lined up at jazz clubs, weddings, wineries, and more.

Next came the goal of recording a full-length album – with a writing method that isn’t exactly traditional.

“We just sit down and make it up,” Olivia says, only half joking. “We never write anything down.”

While they were still working on the album, Karla migrated from the Midwest back home to Georgia. Long-distance composition seems like it would be impossible, but, luckily, they worked it out.

“It’s not this way friendship-wise, but musically, we know exactly where the other fits in,” Olivia says, smiling.

“Musically, we can finish each other’s sentences,” Karla agrees.One of them brings up an idea and the other fills in their part.

“We send arrangements back and forth, piece by piece,” Olivia says. “Karla will start with the melody and I will add harmony and a baseline and Karla mixes it all on her computer.”

As a tribute to their beginning, they named their first album, released in February of 2014, after Decorah’s main drag: Water

Street. Most of the tracks – such as Switchback and Trout Run – are inspired by the area.

“Trout Run evokes the feeling you get when you think about Decorah – Trout Run Trail,

switchbacks over the cornfields, and that feeling of grandeur when you’re looking out

over the bluffs,” Karla says. “The beauty of the Driftless Region.”

It was this connection to the Driftless Region that kept the two connected.

“Water Street was really the glue that held us together

through the summer, and pushed us through the nine-month long distance

from Atlanta to Minneapolis this past fall,” Olivia says. Going forward, the two will continue to be

in different cities – Karla’s moving to Colorado and Olivia’s staying in Minneapolis – but don’t worry:

The OK Factor will be okay. They’ve already got gigs and plans set for the this fall, including a new EP and a music video.

“We trust our instincts and try every way possible to spread the word and get our music out there, because we believe in it. We also take risks and get out of our comfort zones, taking what would


250 artists. 7 days a week.

1 gallery.

For more information, visit us online or call Performance Center Box Officewww.pagetheatre.org(507) 457-1715

PAGE SERIES2014–2015

All tickets on sale now!9/3 Rosanne Cash9/12 Robot Planet: The Intergalactic Nemesis10/7 Theatreworks USA:

Curious George10/23 The Creole Choir

of Cuba1/15 Janet’s Planet 1/28 Hector Del Curto

Tango Quintet2/5 Monkey Mind

Pirates2/25 TU Dance

Company3/16 Cherish

The Ladies Rosanne Cash

Winona, Minn.

be ‘long shot ideas’ and going for them,” Olivia says. “Our motto has been, ‘If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.’”

The two, unknowingly, leave the obvious pun – and perfect life lesson – hanging: When you do ask, sometimes the answer is – what else? OK!

Ingrid is a recent Luther College graduate and has been inspired enough by Decorah to stay. She remembers Luther’s Chips newspaper covering The OK Factor’s first performance at ArtHaus and had a great time catching up on what they have been doing since.

to check out the oK Factor and listen to their music, visit theokfactor.com or theokfactor.bandcamp.com. Like and follow them Facebook and twitter to enjoy the sometimes silly things they post after long hours on the road.

Wanna hear more (LiteraLLY)?


It’s beautiful not only for its scenic vistas and lovely (fingers crossed) weather, but also because of all the amazing art we can view through open studio tours. Artists welcome you into their workspaces for these nifty behind-the-scenes tours. If you’re at all interested in art, road trips, or even just people in general, it’s something you really should experience. We’ve shared a lot about these tours in the past, but not so much about what YOU should do to enjoy the events to the fullest. So! We decided to (what else?) put together an infographic!

maKe Sure to marK Your caLendar For theSe art tourS thiS FaLL!

Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio TourWhere: Decorah, Iowa, and 35-mile surrounding regionWhen: October 3–5, 2014For more information: visit www.iowaarttour.com

Fresh Art TourWhere: Lake Pepin and the Chippewa Valley of WisconsinWhen: October 3–5, 2014For more information: visit www.freshart.org

Sheep and Fiber Farm TourWhere: Southeast MinnesotaWhen: October 11–12, 2014For more information: visit www.fiberfarmtour.com

Fall Art TourWhere: Southwest Wisconsin (Baraboo, Dodgeville, Mineral Point, and Spring Green) When: October 17–19, 2014For more information: visit www.fallarttour.com

coming uP thiS SPring:

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour Where: Winona, Minnesota, extending into Northeast Iowa and Southwest WisconsinWhen: April 25–27, 2014For more information: visit www.bluffcountrystudioarttour.com

BONUS: Not tours, but…The 2nd Annual Farm Crawl is sure to be lots of fun and follows the same mentality of the open studio tours.Where: Northeast IowaWhen: September 27, 2014For more information: www.iowafreshfood.com

If you’re into art…Driftless Area Art FestivalWhere: Beauford T. Anderson Park, Soldiers Grove, WisconsinWhen: September 20-21, 2014For more information: visit www.driftlessareaartfestival.com

The Self-Guided Art Tour: A Primer.

ART!Text and infographic by Aryn Henning Nichols

turn the Page For Some Fun art-on-the-go road triP tiPS! have Fun!

Fall in the DriFtless region shoulD be calleD Fall in love with the DriFtless region.

It’s always more fun to hit the road on an adventure

with a good friend.

Have your route plugged into your phone or gps, but just to be sure (service can be spotty out in the country!) bring along a paper map.

SNACKS AND BEVERAGES

Most likely the artists you’re visiting will have options for you to pay with credit card or check, but it’s always nice to make sure you’re covered (and it’s polite to pay for things under $10 with cash).

Stop by the local CVB or Chamber of Commerce & see what else should make it onto your tour!

Like cell service, you never know whenradio will get spotty. Make sure you have some jams that’ll keep it light & happy.

Sunglasses, baby wipes, sunscreen,

bug spray, a blanket, an umbrella…

AUTO CHECK THATMake sure your car is up to inspection, that you have a working spare tire, and gas in your tank.

While you shouldn’t take photographs of

artists’ work without first asking permission, you should definitely take time to pull over and

get that great photo of a beautiful valley or

flowery field. You never know – you might get an “art” shot yourself!

Your phone might spend a

lot of time searching for

towers, leaving you high and dry when you need

it most. Make sure you’re

covered with a back up!

You don’t want to get locked out… that will certainly spoil the fun!

MAPS

AREA INFO

TIP: Try taking screenshots of your directions!

TIP: A small cooler keeps chocolate from melting & cheese from squishing!

CASH!

SPARE KEYS

IT’S NICE TO HAVE:FUN MUSIC!

TIPS FOR THE FIRST TIMER

BACKUP BATTERY OR CHARGER

CAMERA

A BUDDY!


WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:

FALL IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION SHOULD BE CALLED FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DRIFTLESS REGION.

Stee

l Cow

Jean

ine

Sche

ffert

Kare

n W

oodb

ury

Alla

mak

ee W

ood

Fire

d Po

ttery

4 Negotiations: In general, we don’t live in an area that encourages negotiations on pricing. That said, if you’re looking at a piece but can’t afford to pay the price, be up front about it. See if there are any options for payment plans or if the seller might be willing to budge a smidge on the price. You’ll know quickly enough if they will. If not, move on and know you tried everything you could to bring the piece home. Make sure you are clear that you meant no offense, quite the opposite: you loved their work!

1 It’s okay not to buy anything! Don’t feel guilty, just enjoy the art and let the artist know that you’ve enjoyed it.

But if you DO want to buy something, don’t hesitate! This

art is the most “local” you’re ever going to get: You’re

standing in the artist’s studio!

2 PLEASE don’t be afraid to ask questions! You won’t look silly, we promise. In general, artists love to have folks interested in their work, processes, and studio. Everyone has a story, and – boy – stories are fun to hear (that’s why we started this magazine in the first place)!

3 Printed material is expensive! If an artist has cards, publications, or pamphlets out and you’re not seriously interested in putting it on your fridge/giving it to a friend/calling for more information, just pass on taking them – you’ll be doing the artist a favor!


It’s always more fun to hit the road on an adventure

with a good friend.

Have your route plugged into your phone or gps, but just to be sure (service can be spotty out in the country!) bring along a paper map.

SNACKS AND BEVERAGES

Most likely the artists you’re visiting will have options for you to pay with credit card or check, but it’s always nice to make sure you’re covered (and it’s polite to pay for things under $10 with cash).

Stop by the local CVB or Chamber of Commerce & see what else should make it onto your tour!

Like cell service, you never know whenradio will get spotty. Make sure you have some jams that’ll keep it light & happy.

Sunglasses, baby wipes, sunscreen,

bug spray, a blanket, an umbrella…

AUTO CHECK THATMake sure your car is up to inspection, that you have a working spare tire, and gas in your tank.

While you shouldn’t take photographs of

artists’ work without first asking permission, you should definitely take time to pull over and

get that great photo of a beautiful valley or

flowery field. You never know – you might get an “art” shot yourself!

Your phone might spend a

lot of time searching for

towers, leaving you high and dry when you need

it most. Make sure you’re

covered with a back up!

You don’t want to get locked out… that will certainly spoil the fun!

MAPS

AREA INFO

TIP: Try taking screenshots of your directions!

TIP: A small cooler keeps chocolate from melting & cheese from squishing!

CASH!

SPARE KEYS

IT’S NICE TO HAVE:FUN MUSIC!

TIPS FOR THE FIRST TIMER

BACKUP BATTERY OR CHARGER

CAMERA

A BUDDY!


WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:

FALL IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION SHOULD BE CALLED FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DRIFTLESS REGION.

Stee

l Cow

Jean

ine

Sche

ffert

Kare

n W

oodb

ury

Alla

mak

ee W

ood

Fire

d Po

ttery

4 Negotiations: In general, we don’t live in an area that encourages negotiations on pricing. That said, if you’re looking at a piece but can’t afford to pay the price, be up front about it. See if there are any options for payment plans or if the seller might be willing to budge a smidge on the price. You’ll know quickly enough if they will. If not, move on and know you tried everything you could to bring the piece home. Make sure you are clear that you meant no offense, quite the opposite: you loved their work!

1 It’s okay not to buy anything! Don’t feel guilty, just enjoy the art and let the artist know that you’ve enjoyed it.

But if you DO want to buy something, don’t hesitate! This

art is the most “local” you’re ever going to get: You’re

standing in the artist’s studio!

2 PLEASE don’t be afraid to ask questions! You won’t look silly, we promise. In general, artists love to have folks interested in their work, processes, and studio. Everyone has a story, and – boy – stories are fun to hear (that’s why we started this magazine in the first place)!

3 Printed material is expensive! If an artist has cards, publications, or pamphlets out and you’re not seriously interested in putting it on your fridge/giving it to a friend/calling for more information, just pass on taking them – you’ll be doing the artist a favor!

wagon rides topumpkin patch

corn maze • corn box

haunted attractions

big slides • tetherball

farm animals

goat walk

giant jumping pillow

pedal carts with track

pumpkin blaster

Your path toFall Family

Fun!

563-382-0010 • 2475 State Hwy 9 PintersGardensAndPumpkins.com

for seasonal hours

Sept 20 - Oct. 26Sat 9-5 Sun 9-4

concessions available all day plushomemade fudge, cupcakes and seasonal treats

TheBakery

4.5 miles west of Decorah, IA


312 West Water Street • Decorah563.382.4666 • www.oneotacoop.com

Monday-Saturday 8:00 am-8:30 pm • Sunday 10-7

C A T E R I N G

Water Street Caf éf r e s h . o r g a n i c . l o c a l .

decorah, iowa

40

ONEOTACOMMUNITY

FOODCOOPErative1974 2014

everyone can shop everyone welcome no membership required

grocery • bulk • produce café • meat • cheese bakery • wine/beer

supplements • body care We get a little excited about GoOD Food.

BE AMOVERAND

SHAKERTHIS FALL

Photo by Benji Nichols


OUTFIT YOURADVENTURE

WORLD FAMOUS GEARSMALL TOWN CHARM

406 W. Water St. • Decorah, Iowa • decorahhatchery.com

WILLOWGLEN

willowglennursery.com563-735-5570

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN DESIGNLINDSAY LEE & LEE ZIEKE

Trails of Winneshiek Bike Maps! Did you know a super-awesome pocket size trail map of both the Trout Run Trail and Prairie Farmer Trail is now available? Inspire(d) helped design the handy maps alongside Winneshiek County Conservation and the Winneshiek County CVB. You can pick up a copy at various locations in Decorah (hotels, restaurants, the Chamber/CVB/Visitor Information office) or just download a copy from our website at: iloveinspired.com/places/winneshiek-county-trail-map/

Saturday, September 13: The Color Run. La Crosse, Wisconsin. The original “Happiest 5K”! Benefits Children’s Museum of La Crosse. thecolorrun.com/la-crosse

Saturday, September 20: Bridge to Bismarks 5K/10K, Camp Tahigwa, Dorchester, Iowa [email protected]

Sunday, September 21: Tri-Quest Golf-Run-Bike, Drugan’s, Holmen, Wisconsin, benefits Children’s Museum of La Crosse, tri-quest.org

Saturday, September 27: Decorah Rotary 3rd Annual Loop de Loop Half-Marathon /5K/10K Run-Walk. www.decorahrotary.org

Saturday, October 4: Kickapoo Valley Reserve Dam Challenge. 7-mile paddle, 14-mile pedal, 3-mile run. La Farge, Wisconsin 608-625-2960 / kvr.state.wi.us.

Saturday, October 4-5: Annual Big Muddy Run, La Crosse Myrick Park. www.bigmuddyrun.org

Saturday, November 15: Children’s Immersion Workshop, Reg. deadline: 11/1. Ages 8-12. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge, 608-625-2960 / kvr.state.wi.us

Saturday, November 29: Holiday Lights 5K Run/Walk. Celebrate Helping Services 10th anniversary of Holiday Lights Magical Nights with a fall 5K! Costume contest, families welcome, awards, bonfire, and more! www.helpingservices.org/Holiday_Lights

Fall is really the perfect time of year. crunchy leaves underfoot, an earthen smell to the air, and (usually) cooler temps all make it a great time to be out and active in our region. From the trails of Winneshiek

county, to the Kickapoo valley reserve, to the ever-entertaining coulees of the mississippi river valley – the driftless region is full of fun ways to keep you moving this fall. Whether you’re considering your first 5K, are a seasoned marathoner, or are just keeping active, there are options for everyone. See you out under the beautiful autumn sky!

26

People you can trust.Quality you can

depend on.

Est. 1961

31 West Main StreetWaukon, Iowa

800.932-7028 • 563.568-3661

3 goldsmiths, a graduate gemologist, and a

watchmaker on staff!

elliottjewelers.com

Monday: 9am - 8pmTues - Fri: 9am - 5pmSaturday: 9am - 3pm


awesomecookery.comtroutrivercatering.comediblealien.com

Read more about Ruth and her food at the blogs and sites she runs, where she posts recipes and

tales of exciting catering and cookery.


VIDEO WEB

GRAPHIC DESIGNPHOTOGRAPHY

SOCIAL MARKETING

MODERNMARKETING

www.corbingroup.biz

ruth Hampton has been known for years around the Driftless Region as a

creator of good, honest, and delicious food. From her early days in Minneapolis at the Seward and Loring Cafés, to running the Oneota Co-op kitchen, to her adventurous journeys brought to life with the Edible Alien Theatre (her totally unique, local pop-up dinner theatre of sorts), on to her current gig as head of her own Trout River Catering company, Ruth has always brought amazing dishes to the lucky people sitting at her table.

The talented chef dubs Trout River Catering’s offerings as a “unique and delectable dining experience that is a dash eclectic, a splash elegant, and a dollop rustic…bohemian meets fusion cuisine meets Iowa farmgirl.” Her food has a focus on real, whole ingredients – local whenever possible – with flavors that stretch across boundaries, all while still being accessible to your grandparents.

We’d say Ruth Hampton is an artist of food, yes, but perhaps more importantly, she specializes in wonderful, memorable culinary experiences.

ruth hamPtontrout river cateringIntro and interview by Benji Nichols

(Continued on next page)

riftlessriftlessGardens

driftlessgardendesign.com

DesignMaintenance

InstallationPlant SalesHardscape

ConsultationEducation

Maintenance & Design

Jeff Scott . 563-379-1101

ch

eFON THEBLOCK

Photos by Ruth Hampton and Hannah McCargar


Special Orders Available • Try us at the Oneota Food Co-op!

Jo Iverson | [email protected]

Decorah, Iowa

ACUPUNCTURE • QIGONG • HERBAL MEDICINEacupuncturecenterdecorah.com • 563.382.9309 • 309 W. Broadway, Decorah

David J. Wadsworth • 563.419.0390 • wadsworthconstruction.com

SustainablyBeautifullyEfficiently

BUILDING HOMES

501 MONTGOMERY ST DECORAH, IA

563-382-4010 • 563-380-5851

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR OF ALL KINDS

Pick up & delivery available

QUICK & EASY OIL CHANGES!

Folkedahl Service We’ll take care of it!

Name: Ruth HamptonAge: 47Businesses: Trout River

Catering and Edible Alien Theatre

Number of years cooking: Since I was 14 years old? 33 years…

Formal training or live-and-learn?

Definitely live-and-learn. It started at Scattergood Friends School, a Quaker boarding high school near Iowa City where the students do all of the cooking and cleaning (yes, they even make the breakfast and bread!). I fell in love with stainless steel and cooking for others. Then I moved to Minneapolis where it was easy to find work in restaurants: first at the collectively run Seward Café, and then I had the good fortune of cooking with incredible cooks at the Loring Café (when it was still on Loring Park), many of whom went on to open their own restaurants. They were great guides to both the world of food, and how you work well in a kitchen.

Earliest or most significant memory of cooking?I remember finding a recipe for Chicken Cacciatore when I was

around 10 or 11. We mostly ate hearty farm comfort food, so this was a stretch. My mother helped me assemble the ingredients then let me cook the meal by myself for some kind of occasion, maybe Christmas eve. I’m sure she must have hovered in the background but it still required a lot of trust on her part to turn me loose in the kitchen, especially with a recipe that she did not know.

Why did you decide to become a chef?Not sure I really decided it, but when decades have passed I have

to give in to the fact that this is what I love to do. I’ve had a soft spot for commercial kitchens, seasonings and knives since cooking while at Scattergood School. I am most at home in the kitchen alone or with a small crew while the party is going on, behind the scenes prepping deliciousness for the enjoyment of the group.

But I also love other aspects of food. The theater of dining: taking people on little journeys in the performance-art dinners of Edible Alien Theatre (E.A.T.), and writing about food. I’m about to complete year three of my food blog AwesomeCookery.com and have discovered that I enjoy the process of writing and sharing about edibles.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever made?Hmm. Last summer for the wedding of a friend I slow-roasted

chuck roast (six hours) with North African seasonings like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, currants, lemon with zest, and nutmeg. The steer was from her parent’s farm, and six hours of roasting made it melt in your mouth tender and the flavor was incredible.

But a funnier quote was from a wedding guest many years ago. I served a vegetable and rice noodle salad with toasted sesame oil and Southeast Asian seasonings, and this well-lubricated guest kept repeating to me, “That salad was AWESOME – I could eat it ‘til I puke!!” I took that as a high compliment.


Thrift awesome clothing, books, & household goods!

THE DEPOT OUTLETMonday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-3

www.depotoutlet.org or find us on Facebook

563-382-2700• 510 Montgomery St, Decorah, Iowa

Check out our awesome new location!

small appliances . pots & pans . kitchen tools . glassware . dishes . accessories . gift registry . & more!

106 E. Water St Decorah, Iowa • 563-382-3544

130 W. Water St. Decorah, Iowa563.382.5761

Mon - Fri 9-5 Thursday 9-8Saturday 9-5

www.amundsonsclothing.com

Great brands, service, & prices: local shopping = local fun!

Sure... You’re buying that shirt for him.

But when it looks that good… we know it’s really for you.{ }

�oughtfully designed,

handcra�ed, timberframe

buildings.

www.wildrosetimberworks.com . 563 382 6245 . Decorah, Iowa

�oughtfully

Any monumental food fails?It was more like hanging by the thread of disaster. The first

wedding I ever catered on my own was in the spring of 2000. It was four hours away at a park near Okoboji for a family of lawyers from Cedar Rapids. The prepped food was incredible, but on the drive over my Bronco II (that was pulling the full trailer) overheated. I stopped and immediately two cars of friendly locals stopped to help, eventually discovering I had no transmission fluid. After first offering to use their pickup to haul us and the trailer the remaining two hours, they drove and bought more fluid, helped find the leak, and sent us on our way. We arrived at the park four hours late and with only an hour to prep and serve the evening’s pre-wedding meal for 125 people (did I mention they were lawyers?!?). All the guests showed up to help us unload and do whatever needed to be done. It was utter chaos, but we were able to serve the meal a little over an hour late – and the longer their happy hour was stretched the happier they got, so all turned out well.

That night they set up a pig roast and I would use the meat for the noon wedding meal. In the morning I discovered the spit had slipped out of its rotator during the night so half the pig was fully cooked and half was raw. I tried unsuccessfully to fix the spit using my car jack, and then proceeded to have a complete meltdown in the park – oh the poor morning joggers that had to listen to my colorful sobbing tirade! But help came, we turned the pig over, and it was fully cooked in time for the wedding lunch. It’s amazing that I

continued to cater after that! How about secret food indulgences?

Burgers. Big fat juicy burgers. I love stopping at little diners when traveling and having a burger with lots of ketchup, mustard and pickles. That has been probably the most difficult part of living gluten free, that I can’t have my indulgences sated at these little greasy spoons in small towns…or at least not with the bun. But I still eat burgers.

What’s your favorite:Ingredient: Parsley. Such an underdog, this potent green bitter

gives both depth and brightness to any dish. A close second and third would be nutmeg (which I add to almost everything) and leeks for their savory-sweet creaminess. These three buddies make everything taste better. But then again…so does bacon!

Dish: It’s a tossup between real sauerbraten and a savory sweet potato pie with smoked cheddar. Though I’m pretty sure they would go well together.

Cookbook: Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison. I am by no means a vegetarian, but she has such simple and elegant combinations that have become some of my staples.

Random kitchen tool: I love my knife, but it is not random so next to that would be the food scoop ‘prep taxi’. I like to keep my gadgets to a minimum but I’ve come to love these little scoopers to transport a pile of chopped veggies from the cutting board to the pot or container.

Vegetable: Beets. Beets beets beets. Fabulous color with that deep rich earthy sweetness. Roasted or in salads with a little reduced apple cider syrup drizzled on top –divine!

Fruit: Raspberries – I’m not really a fruit person but I’ve been known to gorge myself during raspberry season. Raspberry puree can be served on nearly anything.


{CEDAR DREAMS INN}

The Norwegian Traveler

Soon-to-be

convenient sustainable lodging

521 W. Water St. Decorah . 563-277-1061 . cedardreamsinn.com

Decorah, Iowa • 563-382-9681 • vesterheim.org

On View August 22, 2014 - April 19, 2015

Featuring Norwegian enamel design

from the mid-twentieth century,

including designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen.

Sponsored by Mary Mills Dunea, Isabelle and R.L. Dyck, and Becky and Bob Shaw, with additional support.

Vesterheim The National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center

Seven years of positive news – wheee! As they say, time flies when you’re having fun, and we like to have fun. Here at Inspire(d), we’ve worked hard to make the magazine you are

holding (or reading online!) a unique piece of positive journalism. We’re also a very small, very independent company, so we can get away with a few more quirks here and there and let our fun-flag fly! That said, we are always eager to hear what you like, what you’d like to see different, and what ideas you have for us to make this magazine even better. So: Fire away! We’d love to have your feedback to this survey – fill out this page and mail it back to the home offices in East Decorah (412 Oak St.), or fill it out online (find the link at www.iloveinspired.com). Everyone who answers the survey will be registered to win a few amazing (but small) thank-you prizes! (Uff-Da mug? Gift certificate to the Courtyard & Cellar? Oneota Co-op goodies? You’ll have to fill it out to find out!)

Thank you to each and every one of our readers – and to our amazing advertisers. You all are the reason we are able to do this each quarter. Support local businesses, and they will support you! Thank you!

Aryn, Benji, & Roxie

hto the stars

Seven YearS!

reader SurveY

Thanks!

also available online! iloveinspired.com


www.northlandtravel.com

1-877-694-86872911 7th Ave. S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501

www.hawkeyestages.com

1-877-658-6948703 Dudley Street, Decorah, IA 52101

Sept. 9 Ames On Stage Alaska Show – 6:30pm Scheman Bldg., ISU Center, Lincoln WaySept. 11 Decorah Shows – 2:00 & 6:00pm Country Inn & Suites, Hwy 9Sept. 16 Cedar Rapids Shows – 2:00 & 6:00pm Best Western Coopers Mill, 100 F NWSept. 17 Cedar Falls Shows –2:00 & 6:00pm Clarion Inn University Plaza, 5826 Univ.Sept. 18 Rochester MN Shows – 2:00 & 6:00pm Country Inn & Suites South, 77 Woodlake SWSept. 23 Newton Shows – 2:00 & 6:00pm Hawkeye Stages Office, 300 E 17 St SSept. 24 Ft. Dodge Shows – 2:00 & 6:00pm Northland Travel Office, 2911 7 Ave S

Travel ShowsFREE!!

RSVP by 9/3!

Individual and Group Touring / Refreshments and Prizes

Email address:

Male or Female:

Age:

Zip code:

Highest level of school or degree you’ve received:

How did you hear about Inspire(d)?

Do you read Inspire(d) (check all that apply)

In print

Online

On Facebook

On Pinterest

If you read the print version, where do you get it?

What do you do with your Inspire(d) Magazine once you’re done reading?

Recycle

Put it on your coffee table

Return it to a rack

Give it to a friend

None of the above

If you do keep Inspire(d), how long?

Is there a section of Inspire(d) you love the most? (Check all that apply.)

Positive features

Calendars

Chef on the Block

Science, You’re Super

Mississippi Mirth

Paper Projects

Probituary

Do you notice the advertisements in Inspire(d)?

Do you find them interesting?

Have you purchased, visited or contacted an advertiser in Inspire(d) Magazine because of their advertisement?

Anything new you’d like to see in future Inspire(d)s?

What do you do for fun? (Check all that apply)

Traveling

Cooking

Reading

Exercising

Outdoor Adventure

Insert your own…

If you have a minute, would you like to give us a testimonial? Feel free to use additional paper if you’d like.Thank you!

Saturday, October 182:45PM GatherattheCinema;WelcomefromGiants IntroductionofSpecialGuests:EngerFamily•ÅrsethFamily RoyalNorwegianHonoraryConsulGeneralGaryGandrud WelcomefromHonoraryConsulGeneral IntroductionofSteveKemp,EngerGardenDesigner

3:15PM RibbonCuttingatEngerGardenGate DedicationRemarksbyIreneNavarre GardenTournarratedbySteveKemp

3:45PM IntroductionofCraigBergsgaard,Sculptor Unveilingoflife-sizebronzeofSigmundÅrsethbytheÅrsethfamily.

SigmundwaschosenbytheKingofNorwayasthemostreveredArtistof2010 CoffeeandNorwegiancookiesonthedecksoftheHeritageCenter ExhibitofartcreatedbySigmundÅrsethstudentsandreceptiontohonorthe

students.Filmingofstudentsrecallingtheirteacherandhisuniquemethodsofteachingpainting,tobedocumentedandpresentedtoIngebjørg.

5:45PM MusicbytheThankfulBrassontheDeck OpenCashBarandlighthorsd’oeuvres

6:30PM BicentenaryCelebrationDinnerwithtributeshonoringthelifeofSigmund:SallieDeReus,NormaWangsness

AuctionofRareSigmundCreations

Sunday, October 199:15AM WorshipatTrinity RecognitionofEngerandÅrsethGuests CoffeeFellowship

3:00PM BicentenaryCelebrationConcertatTrinityChurchbytheLurenSingers,oldestNorwegian-AmericanMaleChorusintheworld,directedbyDr.DavidJudisch

4:15PM ReceptionattheHeritageCenter Filmingofartistscontinues6:00PM ClosingofExhibitofartcreatedbySigmundÅrsethstudents

October 18 - 19

Giants of the Earth Heritage CenterDowntownSpringGrove,MN507-498-5070|sgheritage.org

CelebratingSigmundÅrseth’sLegacyinAmerica

Bic

ente

nary

Cel

ebra

tio

n

02iloveinspired.com \ Fall 2014 33

step-by-step instructions at

iloveinspired.com

PAPER PROJECT: FINGER PUPPETS!

Paper Project!

NEWSITE!

Talk turkey this Thanksgiving!


By Aryn Henning Nichols

Brent grinna

an intervieW With Postville, iowa native Brent Grinna, Founder

and ceo oF SucceSSFuL BoSton tech Start-uP, evertrue


Sitting at Pike’s Peak State Park in mcgregor, iowa, Brent grinna looks outwardly comfortable in his surroundings, despite his business-casual yellow

polo, flip-flops, and a tablet complete with evertrue branding on the back.

there were folks dressed in harley leather, others in yoga pants, and the requisite high-end hiking gear all strolling by, so to be fair: he isn’t really out of place.

in reality, though, the founder and ceo of evertrue – a Boston tech start-up that develops mobile apps to help schools connect with alumni – is right at home.

Some of the evercrew

Avatars by EverTrue’s Creative Director Pin-Bo Tsai


Brent graduated from high school in Postville, Iowa, in 2000. He grew up on a long gravel round just outside of tiny Frankville, Iowa (pop. 486). Summers were often spent at the River, while the rest of the year was filled with

studying, sports, and farming. He, like a good Midwesterner, is genuine. He’s smart, but humble.

It’s a background that has created the foundation for the EverTrue business.“The first slide in my investment presentation is a photo of me with my 4-H pigs,”

Brent says with a smile. “People like to know where I come from. They want to know – are you gonna quit? Are you gonna face the challenge? Where I’m from helps – investors realize I know how to work hard, and that I’ve come a long way.”

Neither of his parents had the privilege of going to college, so they encouraged their three boys – Brent being the oldest – to work hard, be smart, and plan ahead. Brent was a tremendous high school athlete, so, along with his good test scores and grades, he was recruited to play football at Ivy League Brown University.

“Brown football changed my life. And if it weren’t for its financial aid and donor contributions, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” he says. “That’s a huge reason why I want to help these non-profits with their fundraising. So that more kids like me can have these opportunities.”

Brown’s football program connects freshman with alumni who act as mentors and guides through their college experience.

“These people were 20 years down the road from us. They looked at resumes, helped navigate career paths,” he says. “It’s so hard to know what you’re going to do. I didn’t even know what options were out there, really.”

Post-graduation, the program helped to land Brent an investment-banking job with William Blair and Company in Chicago.

He didn’t know anyone in the Windy City, though, so he got involved with the Brown alumni chapter there, which led to his second job at private equity fund, Madison Dearborn Partners.

“I learned so much at both of these places. I was surrounded by brilliant people every day. And every day I was pushed beyond my comfort zone,” Brent says.

So why an MBA (masters of business administration)?“I mean, this is the stuff we’d talk about at lunch – everyone had an MBA. So

I decided to apply. I was fortunate to be accepted at Harvard,” he says. “The application part was really fun for me. I was able to reflect on my past, present, and future. I mean, coming from a farm, going to the East Coast… football… Chicago. I was 25 years old. I thought, ‘Where do I want to go from here’?”

Between his first and second years of business school, Brent worked a summer internship in Mexico exploring a way to get his backgrounds in language,

36

FARM

The 2nd Annual Farm Crawl will be held in Northeast Iowa area on Saturday, September 27, 1-5 pm.

Learn how local farmers grow your food and manage their farms on this self-guided tour. You might even find fun kids' activities and local foods to buy and cook up

for dinner! Visit the NE Iowa Food & Farm Coalition’s home page

(www.iowafreshfood.com) for a map and details about each

participating farm. Plus: Buy a VIP Pass for bonus

savings at each stop!

SATURDAY September 27, 2014

2ndAnnual

Map & details: www.iowafreshfood.com

CRAWL!

Taste of NE Iowa

Sponsored by NE Iowa Food and Farm Coalition and NE

Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative www.iowafreshfood.com

HI!


international business, and finance to work together in one career. He came back to the East Coast, uncertain that he wanted to make his home so far away from… well… home.

It was back at Harvard that Brent had the idea that would change the course of his career. He volunteered to help with his alma mater, Brown’s, reunion fundraising campaign. Simple enough. Unfortunately – or, perhaps, fortunately –much of the data given to him was out-of-date and inaccurate.

“There were so many opportunities for this important process to be more efficient,” he says. “These schools, these non-profit entities, they have two main avenues of income: tuition and endowments. People donate 300 billion dollars to non-profits annually. Brown has 90,000 alumni all over the world. It’s extremely difficult to keep track of them. There had to be a better way.”

Brent knew his idea of streamlining this process had to be mobile. For that, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. It was 2009. Mobile technology was ramping up – Facebook was maturing, along with other related social media – Twitter was relatively new, LinkedIn had become the new alternative to a rolodex.

“People were living their lives on social media, but there was this disconnect. I just felt like if

Minnetonka?

Try Minnetonkahhh!

128 W Water St, Decorah, Iowa • 563-382-9829 • Check current hours online

Men’s • Women’s • Kid’s | Clarks • Merrell • Keen • Sanuk • Haflinger • Dansko • Sperry Top-Sider • Birkenstocks • Wolky • New Balance • & More!

(Get it?)Socomfy . . .

you could connect the dots between what alumni did in school and who and where they are now, you could better segment how to approach them,” he says.

“The fundraising business hasn’t changed. What’s different is the amount of information available to do that kind of work,” he continues. “These people need resources. Say X College has a Facebook page – certainly they would. They share a beautiful photo there. People start liking it, sharing it. But fundraisers aren’t hearing them. They have people raising their hands, saying ‘I love it!’ But not donating yet.”


Thus, EverTrue was born. The mobile application is offered as an alumni-networking platform for colleges and high schools. Customers – those schools – send their data to EverTrue, where it’s put into a system to make it accurate and user-friendly. Alumni can then download the app for free to seek out mentors, reconnect with classmates, and learn more about what their fellow alums are up to. The app utilizes data from LinkedIn and Facebook. For schools, the complementary GivingTree app uses data to help connect fundraisers to donor databases.

Like Brent, EverTrue has come a long way. After just four years, the company has grown exponentially, and garnered millions of dollars in investment capital.

Things kicked off (football pun intended) through Techstars, the number one – and incredibly selective – startup accelerator in the world. Techstars offers seed funding and also provides three months of top-notch mentorship and perks, with the chance to pitch to investors at the end of the program.

“We had what they liked to call ‘good traction,’” Brent says. “At first we weren’t going to pitch… then we decided to try, with $500,000 in our minds. When we saw there was some interest, we bumped it up to $750,000. Then a million. We finally settled on $1.3.”

This is called seed money. It sets the ball rolling for a start-up.“We didn’t look at it like, now we’ve got all this money,” Brent

says. “We looked at it like, now we can invest in great people.”In 2011, they went on to win $50,000 at the startup

accelerator/competition, MassChallenge. More investors continued to become, well…invested. Angel investor Ty Danco wrote a passionate blog titled “Why I Invested in EverTrue” (goo.gl/OZMI3n), making it clear that he not only liked EverTrue, but the people behind it too.

“We’ve got these investors who invest not just because they see an opportunity to make money, but because they’re passionate about fostering new entrepreneurs,” Brent says. “The lines get a little blurry. They’re our friends, they’re our mentors, and they’re also our investors.”

Then, in the spring of 2013, they landed a 5.25 million investment from Bain Capital Ventures. They are now a 40-employee company – stocked with top talents – with an ever-growing roster of customers happy to relate their pleasure in working with the “EverCrew” team.

?

563-382-CELL (2355) • www.simstvandelectronics.com

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Thurs ‘til 8pm • Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 12-5pm

2 CONVENIENT SIMS LOCATIONS112 Winnebago St, Decorah • 121 N Vine St, West Union

Cost difference: $0. Added value:

Convenient in & out shopping, questions

answered, & no games or gimmicks.

Why shop anywhere else?

Apple Products. Apple Answers.

All in person.

Don’t ask the

internet. Ask us!

iPhonesiPodsiPads

Apple TVs Special order

Mac laptops & computersApple accessories

DACC: 90 years of loving local Decorah businesses! decorahareachamber.com

KEEPCALM

AND

CARRYSHOPPING BAGS

ON

local

NOV. 20-23: Holiday Open HouseNOV. 28: Day After Thanksgiving Doorbusters


For Him...

Online Mortgage Pre-Approvals at

decorahbank.com

It’s A Place To Be A Top Chef.

For You...It’s The Memories Of Him Like This.

Call Mike Huinker, Muriel Lensch or Wanda Walter!

563-382-0091

Got a great business plan?

Your New Business 5,000five thousand and 001100

Winn.Co. Development, Inc.Congratulations!

Nov. 1, 2013

You could win BIG!Enter the Biz Booster Contest

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 17Business must be located in

Winneshiek CountyMORE INFO:

Contact WCDI Director Randy Uhl563-382-6061 or

[email protected] www.thinkdecorah.com

“It’s amazing,” Brent says of his work. “There are highs and lows every single day. You just don’t know what it’ll hold. There are so many moving pieces…always something new. It’s not for everybody.”

“The emotions of parenthood are similar,” he says with a laugh. He and his wife – high school sweetheart, Katie – had their first son, Gunnar, in October of 2013. His schedule, while shifted, is still EverTrue through and through. There’s a reason it’s cliché to say “if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” Although most entrepreneurs will scoff at that, it really can be true. Brent surrounds himself with employees who are talented… and fun.

“Just like there are blurry lines with investors, the same thing applies with team members at the company. We all hang out outside of the office…which is great,” Brent says. “One of the worst things about the business getting bigger is that I don’t get to spend as much time with them. I like every single one of them so much.”

Looking back over the past five years with EverTrue, and the 15 years since Brent was in high school, it’s wild to think about how far everything, really, has come. Postville schools switched from typewriters to computers while Brent was attending. The Internet was born after he was. It would have been nearly impossible for Brent to say “I want to develop an app when I grow up.”

“You just can’t anticipate it,” Brent says, shaking his head.Coming back to the Midwest to visit family, Brent says he looks

around and sees opportunity everywhere. So what’s his advice for folks who want to launch a business, try something new, or pursue a supposedly far-fetched idea?

“For most people, it’s unrealistic to just quit your job and start a new venture, so I would encourage people to try it out first,” he says. “Test things on a small scale. Get feedback. And keep going until you’ve got something that works. The biggest risk is the one not taken… Inertia is a powerful force.”

For Brent, what was most surprising was that others really do want to see you succeed.

“When you put yourself out there, it’s amazing how many people are willing to help,” he says. “It makes me want to help others too.”

It would go right along with the EverTrue mission: “We are building relationships in pursuit of a better world. We are EverTrue.”

Aryn Henning Nichols and Brent were friends growing up. Our moms were close, and we were “neighbors” in the country; his family lived just a few short, gravel miles (!) away. We rode the same school bus for almost an hour, explored the countryside with our siblings, and were all pretty happy to be in 4-H (for the most part).


Science,You're super!


FASHION. FOR REAL LIFE. AFFORDABLE BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm | Thursday 9am - 8pm

115 Winnebago Street | Decorah, Iowa | 563.382.3600

Algerian &AmericanAppetizers & Entreés

VegetarianOptions

Sandwiches& Salads

DeliciousDesserts

SignatureCocktails

Connoisseur BeerSelection

Elkader, Iowa • 563-245-1992 • scheras.com

563-538-4228 • 359 Main St. Lansing, IA

safehousesaloon.com

UNIQUECRAFTBEERS!

GREAT PIZZA & HOT

WINGS!

GROWLERS TO GO!

FOODDELIVERY IN

LANSING!

Tues-Fri: 11 am – 5 pm, Sat: 10 am – 4 pmMonday: Drop In & Knit Night 6-8 pm563-517-1059 • [email protected]

Purl Up & Knit for a Spell

blueheronknittery.com

Yarn, Knitting & Fiber Art Supplies, Classes, & More!

Whether we’re enjoying a bucket at the movies or a bowl in front of the TV, popcorn is one of America’s favorite snack foods. Plus, it’s fun! Listening to the

pop, pop, pop on the stove, in an air popper, or in the microwave is one of coolest ways of cooking a grain. Ever.

And by ever, we mean forever. Popcorn has been popping up for thousands of years! About 8,000 years ago, maize was cultivated from teosinte, a wild grass that doesn’t much resemble the corn we know today at all. (5) Corn varieties – including popcorn – were cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America and Mexico, and by the Incas in South America. The oldest ears of popcorn were discovered in west central New Mexico in the late 1940s, estimated by archaeologists to be about 5,600 years old. (1)

Scientists’ best guess is that popcorn originated in Mexico. By the time Columbus discovered America, more than 700 types of popcorn were being grown on the continent. Popcorn’s role in American culture continued to grow when Charlie Cretors invented the first steam-powered automatic popper in 1885. Popcorn became a ritual part of many festivities, such as sporting events, fairs, and circuses. Folks found popping corn to be not only delicious, but entertaining too! (5)

By 1914, packaging of popcorn for home use had begun, and in 1925, the creation of the electric popcorn machine allowed theaters to begin popping corn. And finally, by the 1970s and ‘80s, hot air and microwave popcorn had emerged onto the marketplace, making homemade popcorn the norm. (2)

But what makes popcorn…pop? Native Americans believed that a spirit lived inside each kernel of popcorn and that, when heated, the spirit would become angered and eventually burst into the air as a puff of steam. Over time, folklore gave way to science, and the popcorn plant was named zea mays everta, identified as a type of corn (maize) as well as a member of the grass family. (3)

Scientists eventually discovered that popcorn is a whole grain with three main components: endosperm (startch), germ (the

POPCORN!

PoP PoP PoP PoPPoP PoP PoP PoPPoP PoP PoP PoP

By Sara Friedl-PutnamPhotos by Aryn Henning Nichols


Connie Arnburg Marilyn Wahlberg Jim and Karen Martin-

Schramm Steve and Katie Shepherd Will and Ruth Bunge Jeff and Sue Johnson John and Arlene Nelson Jenine Jordahl Pastor Melissa Bills Monica Koth Jim and Rita Friest Adrian Walter Helen Meehan Myrv and Anne

Christopherson Troy and Michelle

Whitehill Laurie Worchester Paul and Norma Dirks Diane Sadler Jackie Wilkie Steve Hubbard and

Lindy Borske-Hubbard Pastor Harris Hostager-

In memory of Luetta Hostager

“Be Not Forgetful to Entertain Strangers: for Thereby Some have Entertained Angels Unawares” Hebrews 13:2

Project Care says

“THANK YOU!” On behalf of First Lutheran Church of Decorah and the Project Care

Committee, We would like to extend our heart-felt thanks to all of the individuals, businesses, organizations, and families who joined together to make Project Care 2014 possible! The goal and mission of Project Care, is to recognize area students who are not only graduating from high school, but also “aging out” of Iowa’s Foster Care System. This

dedicated effort raised money to help equip 3 area young people in the next phase of life, that of independent living as well as host a wonderful

graduation celebration on May 22. Most everyone can relate to this overwhelming time for these young students, and can’t imagine

navigating this transition alone or with little assistance. These young people have endured much, persevered, and we wish them well in all that is ahead for them. We also hope that Project Care illuminates and brings

to light, the need of all children in the foster care system. This INSPIRING endeavor would not have been possible without

the kindness and generosity of those in our community listed below! We thank you for your support and

willingness to reach out and CARE!

Jud and Connie Barclay Steve and Jennifer Larson Gloria Carpenter Larry and Diane Grimstad Elwin and Helen Farwell Otter Dreaming Diann Martin David and Kirsten Heine Jeff and Marilyn Roverud Owen and Linda

Christianson Carol Birkland and Tom

Woxland John and Ann Glesne Ken and Ruth Nesset Jim and Sandy Hoeg Georgiann and Doug

Eckheart Grace Peterson Pat and Karen Trewin Roger and Jane Kolarich Pastor Chad and Cheryl

Huebner Jon and Mary Hart Dan and Carol Edmondson Ben and Padrin Grimstad Dan and Jenny Werner Heather Armstrong Spencer and Carol Bolson Olga Wangsness

Irene Lovstuen Adrienne Storm Steve and Patti Davis Peter and Linda Becker Dawn Deines-Christensen Andy and Brenda Rix Rich and Linda Svenson Luann Smith Mark and Mary Johns Francis and Marilyn

Peterson Marge Rix Dennis and Paula

Olejniczak Rita Tejada Jane Tollefson Dan Huebner Patricia McClure Sharon Lillie Martin and Mary Lou

Mohr Shannon Winkle Corey and Ann Landstrom Dennis and Carol Tack Allen and Janice Vik Jeff and Sue Johnson Jim and Sue Haemker Richard Simon

Hanson Dave and Brenda Carlson

Individuals and Familes that donated to Project Care 2014

Thank you to these businesses and community groups for their generous support of and assistance with Project Care.

Subway (West)- Kim Zweibohmer Whippy Dip-Rosie Carolan Culver’s Decorah Hatchery-Drew Stevenson

& Maria Jones Luther College Bookstore-Deanna

Casterton Gundersen Health System Decorah Bank Story People-Annette Laitenen Pizza Ranch-John Dambek Walmart-Mitch Link Winneshiek Medical Center Dough and Joe-Molly Pedretti Decorah PTO Friest and Associates Realtors Family Care Clinic-David Heine First Lutheran VBS and Sunday

school students

Kwik Trip Beta Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Caseys NICC JCPenney Davis Family Foundation Inspire(d) Magazine KVIK radio KDEC radio Decorah Newspapers Rubaiyat-Andy and Kim Bonnet Rockweiler Appliance & TV-Dean and

Heidi Rockweiler Ace Kitchen Place-Julie Spilde Decorah Greenhouses Decorah Area Photographers Westside Study Group Xi Zeta Omicron Sorority Decorah News

living part of the kernel), and the pericarp (hull). The hull is usually white or yellow in color, though the range of colors includes red, black, and many colors in between.

What makes popcorn unique among corn varieties is that hull: It has just the right thickness to allow it to burst. Every kernel of popcorn contains a small amount of water inside a circle of starch, and the kernel’s hard surface encases that starch. As the kernel heats up, the water inside the “starch bag” expands. At around 347 degrees Fahrenheit the pressure reaches roughly 135 pounds per square inch -- and that’s when it finally explodes. As the now-liquid-soft starch bag becomes inflated and spills out, the kernel turns inside out. As it quickly cools, it becomes what we know to be popped popcorn, measuring 40 to 50 times its original size. (3)

The vast majority of popcorn is grown in the cornbelt states – Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Illinois. It is a relatively cheap grain, so popcorn has – literally – exploded across the world market. These days, many folks don’t just pop plain popcorn in oil over the stove. In fact, flavor choices now abound for microwaveable popcorn (cupcake or beer-flavored popcorn, anyone?)--although it’s still fun to go old-school and watch those kernels pop, pop, pop on the stovetop!

Sara Friedl-Putnam has fond childhood memories of popping corn on the stovetop and dousing it with butter and salt. She admits that her flavor selections are not very adventurous, often settling on butter light. One day, however, she vows to get more adventurous with her palate and to try jalapeno-flavored popcorn.

SOURCES:1. www.popcorn.org/historyofpopcorn2. www.encyclopedia.com/popcorn3. www.popcorn.org/whatmakespopcornpop4. www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/popcorn.html5. www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-do-we-eat-popcorn-at-the-movies-475063/?no-ist

Take five this fall in

eight

Decorah

It’s the perfect season to get away!

Plan your trip atvisitdecorah.comor call 800.463.4692

Take a stroll through Phelps Park

Bike the Trout Run Trail or the area singletrack

Take a float down the Upper Iowa River

Catch the Winneshiek Farmers Market

Wednesdays & Saturdays

Take a class at ArtHaus or the Clay Studio

Take the NE Iowa Studio Artists’ Tour October 3-5

Pick a pumpkin at Pinter’s

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 No matter where you go, enjoy the leaves! Peak viewing is late September, early October!

44 Fall 2014 / iloveinspired.com

inSPire(d) intervieWS Five Movers & shakers in the

Live Production Biz


SCENEa

Photo by Bob Goodwww.warehouserocks.com


A brighter smile in only 20 minutes

563-382-3657 . 108 Fifth Avenue, Decorah, Iowa . www.westsidedentaldecorah.com

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

CROWNS

“ShameLeSS” jameS ronandance and StaY Young – daSY

in the past 25 years, James “JR” Ronan has had one mission: promote and support live music. Blues, rock,

reggae, rock-a-billy – you name it, DASY has touched on it in some way. A music-lover to the core, Ronan has helped bring countless regional and national acts to Northeast Iowa, including 14 Halloween shows with the Dustbowl Blues Band. From being the partnering force behind McCaffrey’s Dolce Vita nights – bringing great roots music to Twin Springs Road every Saturday night of the summer season, to having a huge hand in preserving Iowa’s ballroom culture, and promoting the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Ronan is shamelessly committed to “the scene.”

He’s claiming to be hanging up his promoting shoes with a 25th Anniversary DASY blowout this October 11th at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville – featuring “Blue Mississippi” – a conglomeration of the rock & roll hall of fame founding members of the Blue Band as well as the Mississippi Band. Other artists like Paul Kaye and the Blues Cartel and Lew Klemish will also be on the bill. If you know Shameless James, you know he won’t be able to sit still for long, but the word is out that this is (a lmost!) it for DASY. See you on the dance floor at the Inwood October 11th!

How’d you get into presenting events?I got bit by the bug early – helping other people out. John

Matter, Ear Food Magazine out of La Crosse, the radio stations – there weren’t that many venues, and artists needed and deserved to be treated well. So on Halloween 1989, I put the Dustbowl Blues Band in the Highlandville School House – costume show, the whole deal. They were my “good luck band” for 14 years in a row with Halloween shows. Highlandville, The Elks, Matters downstairs and then upstairs when it grew. But the name came from when I was just a kid, 10 or 12. I remember standing on the dance floor of a ballroom – and seeing “Dance and Stay Young” up on the wall. It stuck. “DASY”, shortened, didn’t come until later – but it seemed right. Dance and Stay Young - that’s how it started. Quality and class acts – that’s what I’ve always looked for.

We all know how great seeing a live performance can be, whether at a regional performing arts center, or your neighborhood tavern, but we don’t always think about the countless folks literally behind the scene, making those moments happen. of course there are the performers, their support crew, audio and lighting techs, publicity folks, bartenders, door staff, and so many others. But what about the people who are at the helm of deciding who and what shows to bring to our region?

inspire(d) caught up with five different leaders in the driftless region who are making some of these amazing performances happen. From fine art performances, to rockabilly queens, to alcohol-free rock and roll, and the Blues, these are the people who truly make it happen. hats off to these fine folks and the amazing people that work with them to “make a scene” – say thanks the next time you see them (just look for the wizard behind the curtain – or more likely running around making it all happen!). Better yet, buy a ticket and go see the shows!

By Benji Nichols

one of our goals here at inspire(d) is to help keep the arts “Scene” alive, and… well... kicking.

MAKIN

G a SCENE


Do you have a most “exciting” live moment?The biggest highlight of the last 25 years was Canned Heat at

the Inwood – I tried for months to put that together and didn’t get anywhere. Finally I got through to Skip Taylor and it clicked. There’s also a whole book’s worth on Commander Cody at the Inwood in 2007. Bringing David Honeyboy Edwards to Decorah – twice – is right up there too. He loved playing at Chase the Adventure – said it reminded him of the places

he started out in the south. That’s also how I met Paul Kaye, who’s come back several times and is playing on the show October 11.

If you could present one show with anyone in the world – past or present – who would it be, and why?

I’d love to see Tony Joe White come to Northeast Iowa. I saw him play on Beale Street for his birthday – just him and his drummer BoomBoom - and in Iowa City once years ago, opening for Richie Havens. He just doesn’t get out much anymore – doesn’t have to I guess.

What are you excited about in the near future?Oh man, I’m excited about the Blue Mississippi show at the

Inwood in Spillville. The Inwood is great – a lot of new life being put into that room. And I’m working on bringing some of the Matter’s nostalgia back to the Inwood – its just too bad that Matter’s is gone. But there are a lot of memories from there and we’re focusing a lot of energy on the Inwood now – it’s such a neat place. Most of all, though, I just have to thank the bands, all the local music lovers, and the countless businesses that have supported these DASY shows over the years. They’re the real reason any of this has happened – I can’t thank them enough for 25 years of Dancing and Staying Young!

47

FREE EVENT! Details at slantavenue.com

Photo by Tracey Martin Stumme


For over 40 years Helping Services, a local non-profit, has been serving children and adults in NE Iowa. Holiday Lights raises need dollars to support this local mission: ending domestic violence and child abuse; building healthy families and relationships; and reinforcing positive decision-making about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.

Cause

Thank you to our local and regional sponsors for making this event possible. Go online for the list of generous supporters.

Sponsors

www.helpingservices.org/holidaylights

Nov 29-Holiday Lights 5K

Dec 23-Santa’s Last VisitThanksgiving to Christmas Week5:30-9:00 p.m.|Freewill Donation

Logistics

27 28 29

S M T W Th F S

30

Nights Open

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

Visit with Santa every night before Christmas Eve.

Details: bitly.com/holiday5K

Drive-through Christmas Light DisplayPulpit Rock Campground, Decorah

BoB hoLtan - Kdec radio

kDEC FM 100.5 and KDEC AM 1240 have long been a part of the Decorah Community. Since the mid-90s, the stations

have been run by Bob and Colleen Holtan, along with their daughter Jeni (and David) Grouws. KDEC was inducted to the 2014 Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and will be throwing a Wink-I Pepsi Party with the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, on Friday, October 17 at Nob Hill near Decorah. The Memory Brothers and special guests will back Ms. Jackson in what will certainly be a memorable night of celebrating. Bob Holtan’s roots in live productions run deep in the Upper Midwest, and more than a bit of that has rubbed off on daughter / KDEC Morning Show host / talented performer Jeni Grouws, who

has spun the pieces together for the October 17 party! Find details at kdecradio.net

How’d you get into presenting events?I got into show promotion as a radio station manager at WAXX

in Eau Claire Wisconsin in 1976. I promoted Country music shows mainly (the list of artists runs about 100), and also several oldies and Standards shows (Glen Miller Band, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey Band, etc). I began with a Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell and Waylon Jennings Show in Eau Claire in 1976, when my then-boss moved to a new TV job in Austin Texas and I had to pick up the pieces. It was a great success, and I was hooked.

Do you have a most “exciting” live moment?Lots and lots of them. Maybe the best moment was 1991 when

I booked Brooks & Dunn in Fargo. I contracted them for $3500 in the spring, and when they got to the show in the fall they were on their third #1 Country song and were commanding a price of over $50,000. The Civic Center held 3000, and the atmosphere was electric! It was the first time I found scalpers at one of our shows.

Maybe the worst moment was when I had to come out on stage in the middle of his performance to tell country singer Johnny Rodriguez to quit singing to his piano player and turn around to face the audience or he wouldn’t be getting paid. It worked. He got his money and I never booked him again.

Another good and bad moment: I came out on the stage at UW-Eau Claire to introduce Johnny Cash. I was blinded by the spotlight and decided to walk directly out on a proscenium stage to the microphone, taking the shortest direct route. I stepped out onto thin air, dropped six feet, but landed right and bounced back up onto the stage before the audience quit gasping.


Tough question. Probably ABBA, since my wife continues to play their greatest hits 20 years later. We saw them on their final U.S. Tour in… I think 1979, at the St. Paul Civic Center. Of today’s artists, maybe Van Morrison. He’s still making great music 47 years after Brown Eyed Girl.


Michelle Giddings, Decorah

Read Michelle’s stoRy at gundeRsenhealth.oRg/suRgeRy

sMalleR incision. FasteR RecoVeRy.Gundersen Decorah Clinic surgeons perform many surgeries using minimally

invasive techniques through very small incisions. This means less pain, fewer

risks of complications and barely a scar. It also means a shorter hospital stay

and quicker recovery so you can get back to living your life sooner, just like

Michelle.

Surgery performed at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, Regional Health

Services of Howard County, Veterans Memorial Hospital and Winneshiek

Medical Center.

To schedule a surgical evaluation, call the Gundersen Decorah Clinic,

(563) 382-3140.

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. | Gundersen Clinic, Ltd. | 11555-1_0714

What are you excited about in the near future?

The Wanda Jackson show KDEC is producing at Nob Hill in mid-October. It’ll be a thank you show for fans, particularly of our AM station 1240 KDEC, following the station’s induction in the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame over the Labor Day Weekend. They don’t call her the Queen of Rockabilly for nothin’.

tanYa gertz – Luther coLLege center Stage SerieS / director oF camPuS Programming

the Luther College Center Stage Series has anchored the touring performing arts in Northeast Iowa for decades. Since

2005, Tanya Gertz has been the Director of Campus Programming, rounding up staff to juggle hundreds of events moving through various spaces each year. The 2014-15 Center Stage Series kicks off September 13 with The Intergalactic Nemesis, and continues September 25 with the tap-sensation Rhythmic Circus. San Jose Taiko brings the beat October 4, and LA Theatre Works presents “In the Heat of the Night” October 24.

A special primer concert with The Awful Purdies focusing on local food and farming will take place Sunday September 14 at Seed Savers exchange – the discussion after this show will be part of a theatrical production from the Working Group Theatre on the Center Stage Series this coming Spring entitled “All Recipes Are Home (April 11, 2015). There’s way more fun, Center Stage Series show info, and online tickets at: tickets.luther.edu

BoB hoLtan (cont)

MAKIN

G a SCENE

Make a reservation online at hotelwinn.com • 104 E. Water St. Decorah, Iowa • 1.800.998.4164

We’ll fix you something to eat!Come on in!

Winneshiek

HISTO

RIC

Join Chef Tom & his culinary team as they bring you locally-sourced,made-from-scratch dishes – three squares a day.

How’d you get into presenting events?I have been presenting events in this big, whole-hearted way

since I started at Luther. However, looking back, I should have seen the possibility long ago as I was often in leadership roles for special events at my high school and college. When I had very few funds in Chicago, I saw everything I could that was free and then all the theatre I could by volunteering anywhere that would take me!

Do you have a most “exciting” live moment? A few years back, the dance company Diavolo was at

Luther. They had this big ship-like set element and there was a moment a dancer intentionally flew off it and the entire audience gasped. It was pretty wonderful to experience that as a presenter – helping to create such a dramatic moment that everyone was connected.


Oh, this question! I care first and foremost about the experience and gifts from each artist to our series. But if I had to choose, it would probably be some kind special gathering of great artists like Dolly Parton, Joshua Bell, Aretha Franklin, Martha Graham, and some young inspiring folks with them like Abigail Washburn and/or Time for Three (who have been here)! And, then once we’ve all had our hearts filled to the brim with great art and our faces lit up with joy, they would come out and greet the great people in our audience!

What are you excited about in the near future?I am in love with the new series and the energy of it! I am very

excited to have San Jose Taiko here and offer not only the evening performance, but also a show for our local schools and multiple workshops in town and on campus. I love that they are the longest-running taiko group in the US, and that the artistic director is a woman. And, though it is next spring – I am unbelievably excited about our premiere of All Recipes Are Home… grown from the stories of the land, food, and farming in Iowa with the setting being at a Decorah family farm.


CRUSHED STONE PRODUCTS • SAND • GRAVEL AG LIME SPREAD • CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Serving communities in Iowa, Minnesota, & Missouri

BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS

building foundations

900 Montgomery St, Decorah, IA563-382-2933 . brueningrock.com

supporting communities

tom FaSSBender – BoatS & BLuegraSS FeStivaL

ten years ago Tom Fassbender threw together an idea to help promote a fledgling outfitter company – take some

great regional bands, have them play on the backwater of the Mississippi near Winona, schedule some paddle time…see what happens. What was created is a source of local magic that has magnified into one of the best small festivals in the Midwest: Boats & Bluegrass. The 2014 edition features more than 40 bands, plus paddling trips, family outings, and all the regular festival fun. Located on Prairie Island, with camping just a skip and a jump from the festival site, this event has grown to be a regional favorite. Boats and Bluegrass runs September 25-28, 2014. www.boatsandbluegrass.com

How’d you get into presenting events?I guess helping with events all started back in High School

with “field parties” on summer nights. So that puts me at about 25 years. I’ve always had a desire to make people happy. Music has always played a huge roll in that and in my life. I enjoy making places where people feel comfortable and can relax – so being able to present music really ties it all together.

Do you have a most “exciting” live moment? I have been blessed to see and be a part of many shows (good

and bad). I learned more from the bad ones than the good ones, but I would have to say the one that has stuck with me the most was one of my first experiences at a show. I was maybe 12 and fighting my way to the front at an Iron Maiden show. I bumped into a big guy with long hair who stood over six feet tall – he turned and looked down at me and gave me what I thought was a big thumbs up. I returned the thumbs up, but before I knew it he had picked me up and swiftly plucked me on his shoulders – turns out I had accepted his invitation. His desire to help a kid enjoy the show has stuck with me, and been a bit of a mantra for me.

boatsandbluegrass.com


SATURDAY, September 13

LANESBORO ARTS CAMPUS

{Art&POETRY}

FESTIVAL

Galleries & Art Lofts Lodging 103 Parkway N

St. Mane Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N

507.467.2446lanesboroarts.org

2-5pm bass pond parking lot - music by reina del cid and the cidizens / the Slick Newhouse Band, gyotaku fish printing, insta-poems, spoken word...5-7pm Gallery - live music, wine & cheese7:30pm St. Mane Theatre - “Night of Poetry” - Ed Bok Lee, local poets, Dave O’mara jazz...all FREE!

A Craft Show the way a craft show ought to be!

Saturday, Oct. 4th

9 am - 4 pmCentral Park, Downtown

Charles City, IA

Visit RustyOldCrows.com for more information!

Saturday, Oct 4thShop Charles CityWear your Wickedest Witchy Attire, Cackle

your best Cackle and put on your

most Hideous Pointed Hat and

Join us for a day of FUN!

Antiques, handmade and repurposed items

WitchFestWitchFest

Brought to you by Charles City Chamber


My first thought is Jerry Garcia, just on a selfish note. On a more practical note, I guess I would say Bill Graham (1960s promoting legend, owner of the Fillmore / Winterland /Fillmore East, etc). Over the course of his life he was able give the world the gift of music – not always in a way I necessarily agree with but I think he cared about the “show”. Today I think that can get lost, and it would be great to experience how he did things.

What are you excited about in the near future?This year’s 10th anniversary lineup is exciting. We are also

planning to release a live compilation album from this year’s Boats & Bluegrass festival to celebrate 10 years. I’m looking forward to working through this process and hope to release the album around the first of the year.

StePhen harmthe WarehouSe, La croSSe, WiSconSin

since 1992 the Warehouse in La Crosse has provided an alcohol-free venue for thousands of cutting-edge touring acts

like the All-American Rejects, Everclear, Mudvayne, Descendents, Static-X, Frank Black, Fall Out Boy, the Dead Milkmen, Veruca Salt, and many more. Over the years there have been many hands to help run the venue, but one person has kept the door at the bottom of the 49 steps on Pearl Street open: Steve Harm. Self-proclaimed “in-house talent buyer, soundman, poster-maker, and soda expert,” Harm has accomplished something in the past 20+ years that few others have. In fact, the Warehouse is one of the longest-running all-ages alcohol-free venues in the country. There are plans in process for the venue to become a 501c3 organization so The Warehouse Alliance can help promote and provide events, shows, workshops, classes, and learning opportunities to the greater Driftless Region. But like many things, the clock is ticking – the pressures of bills and real estate development continue to threaten the existence of this regional rock & roll resource. Fractured Atlas, a NYC based arts advocacy organization, has recently accepted the Warehouse Alliance as a fiscal sponsorship project, so if you’d like to help, your donations are tax deductible – check out more and find a schedule at www.warehouserocks.com

How’d you get into presenting events?I first started presenting shows when I was 15, in my first band.

Obviously young bands have to scramble to find places to play, and it just fell on me to find the room and make the arrangements. That was 1979.

Photo by Bob Good

117 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN507-467-2292 • www.bittersweetlanesboro.com

“An imaginative, eclectic store whose treasures �ll the nooks and

crannies of its warm, inviting walls.”

Bi�ersweet is an intimate boutique with a great selection of natural �ber clothing for women. Expressive, unique, yet simple & classic. Something for everyone. Browse the sassy

socks, �ip-�ops, handbags, vintage hats & unique harness bracelets. Create your own kind of style!

Bi�ersweet Boutique in Picturesque Lanesboro

In back: Great selection of antiques – furniture, porch beams, trunks. In front: Featuring Baggallini, Smart Wool, and much more!

Do you have a most “exciting” live moment?

After a 10-year hiatus, DESCENDENTS did their first show as a reunited band here in La Crosse at the Warehouse. Rolling Stone magazine sent a photographer and a writer. That was pretty exciting, watching a Rolling Stone photographer getting squashed in the front (we have no barricade) while trying to take usable shots (that was the film days – he had to make the shots count, not like digital photographers with their spray and pray), the band on stage after a decade, and people from all over the US who had come to the show going crazy.


I would love to do a Depeche Mode show at the La Crosse Center. They’re one of my top three favorite bands, and I have seen them around 20 times in the past 28 years. I’d love to see them and not have to leave town, for once!

What are you excited about in the near future?

We are really hoping to be able to expand our offerings here at the Warehouse, with expanded daytime hours, internship, a studio, and more. That hinges on getting our non-profit status. Our recent partnership with Fractured Atlas arts organization enables donations

to be tax deductible, just like contributions to the Boys & Girls Club, Pump House, or Community Theater in our city. (Details at www.warehouserocks.com)

Benji Nichols was bitten by the big-boom-audio-bug at a young age. He’s been professionally involved with noisy things since the mid 90s. He would like you to support live music by buying tickets, going to shows, and supporting venues wherever way you can.

Photo by Bob Good MAKIN

G a SCENE


VESTERHEIM IS BESTERHEIM!

We’re enamored with this enamel exhibit!

Story and Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols


VESTERHEIM IS BESTERHEIM!


2014-15ART

WORKSHOPS

1. Watercolor & Ink: October 25-26, 20142. Beginning Drawing-April 11-12, 20153. Watercolor-Beginning- June 13-14, 20154. Beginning Drawing - Sept. 12-13, 20155. Watercolor/Ink - Oct. 24-25, 2015

107 W. WATER ST, DECORAH, IOWAOPEN MON-SAT

10 AM - 5 PM

DRAWINGSPRINTS • OILSWATERCOLORS

EXHIBITS AVAILABLE

www.eckheart.com • 563-387-6782

MENTION THIS AD FOR 20% OFF

PeacefulSpringsWellness.comDoris P�ster �ompson, LMT, Owner

563-379-9700 •105 N Maryville St (Hwy 52) Calmar, Iowa

415 W Water St. Decorah, IA . 563-382-4646 . [email protected]

117 W. WATER ST., DECORAH, IA • 563.382.WINE

www.RubaiyatRestaurant.com

bar menu also available

RESERVATIONS APPRECIATED

DINNER: WED-SAT – OPEN AT 5 SUNDAY BRUNCH: 9-1

“Delicious food + great atmosphere = fun!”

Read reviews! Like us! Check in!

PLUS: CHECK OUT THE RUBAIYAT WINE SHOP!

BoY, do We Love veSterheim!

on a recent traipse through Vesterheim Museum (when you’re a member, it’s free entry, so you can totally traipse anytime), I

thought, “What a great little museum.” Then I stopped myself. No. It should simply be: What a great museum! Every fall there’s a major fundraiser for Vesterheim – Deck the Tables – so we thought it would also be a great time to share with you some of the things we love most about this wonderful place right under our noses. Are you a member yet? Sign on up! There are lots of great perks!

Vesterheim is Besterheim!

amazing rotating exhiBitS:We are, obviously, super excited about the Scandinavian Modern Design: Norwegian Enamel, exhibit. (Did you see that giant photo on the previous page?) Guest curator Kate Martinson helped source pieces from the area and beyond (and added some to her own personal collection) to put this exhibit together. Featuring artist Grete Prytz Kittelsen – known as the “Queen of Scandinavian Design” – the trendy designs are stunning by themselves, but especially cool en mass. And, lucky for us, they are a part of Norwegian history and thus perfect for Vesterheim! The exhibition will showcase enamel jewelry, cookware, and tableware. We’re enamored (groan)!

Flora Metamorphicae – on display through November 16, 2014 – is SUCH a cool exhibit! It’s hard to describe, so just check out the pictures at right. The project was created by a group of six contemporary Norwegian ceramic artists. They worked individually to shape their own ceramic flowers, that, once brought together, open in a carpet of 4,000 flowers. Vesterheim is one of the first venues in the United States to host an installation.

tradeWindGuys: There’s a giant boat inside Vesterheim. This is surely one of the first things folks will mention when Vesterheim Museum comes up, but rightly so. The 25-foot Tradewind is the smallest sailboat known to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean without assistance, but it still looks pretty big to me. You can’t get in it, but at the top of the stairs you can look through a telescope to see inside the cabin!

there are reaL houSeS You can WaLK into! INSIDE the museum. It’s like MTV Cribs for 1850s cabins. Sweet.

Decorah, Iowa • vesterheim.org • 563-382-9681

VesterheimThe National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center

Learn traditional Norwegian craftsat Vesterheim’s Folk Art School!

Revive the busserull! Sew a comfortable Norwegian

work shirt for men and women.

Visit Vesterheim’s Museum Storefor an amazing selection!

T-shirts • Jewelry Norwegian Sweaters

Recipe BooksFolk-art Suppliesand great gifts

Find a schedule at vesterheim.org.Call 563-382-9681 to register.

Sign up

today!

Learn the exceptional artistry of building a traditional

Scandinavian timber frame.

oPen air diviSionThere are also other houses and buildings surrounding the museum that you can explore. I always forget about this, so I’m reminding you here! Vesterheim’s Open Air Division is a collection of 12 historic buildings – such as a log school, blacksmith shop, pioneer houses, and a restored stone mill – located behind the main building. It is open from May 1 to October 31, and guided tours occur daily at 1:30 pm, included with admission (free for members!). These tours are subject to guide availability, though, so please confirm tour departure place and time with a Vesterheim desk attendant.

BaSementSpeaking of places I forgot / didn’t know about: Did you know you can visit the basement of Vesterheim? Anytime? It’s part of the museum! I didn’t know, so maybe you didn’t either. There’s a Christiansen altar, the WWII 99th Battalion exhibition, along with a lot of other interesting things. You can access it via the elevator or any stairs (huh, seems obvious now....).

While you’re taking the stairs…

oLe BuLL in the StairWeLLWe always make sure to go between the first and second floors via the south stairwell. There, you’ll find a giant painting of famous Norwegian violinist and composer Ole Bull! Say hi from us, please.

Do you love Vesterheim too? You can help support Vesterheim! While you can become a member any time, you could also take part in fun events and fundraisers! Learn more at Vesterheim.org.

(See events on next page)


Tradition of Deceit Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites Mystery # 5

From Kathleen Ernst, the bestselling author of Heritage of Darkness, comes the eagerly awaited sequel…

Curator and occasional sleuth Chloe Ellefson is off to Minneapolis to help out a former college classmate facing a monumental task.Together they must write a winning proposal for a controversial and expensive project: convert an abandoned flour mill complex, currently occupied by homeless people, into a history museum. When a body is found at the complex, stuffed down a grain chute, Chloe's attention turns from milling to murder. Back in Wisconsin, her love interest Roelke McKenna gets awful news. His best friend,a Milwaukee police officer, has been shot dead in the line of duty. Separated by hundreds of miles, Chloe and Roelke must sift through clues from the past and present. Alone, each takes risksthat threaten their growing trust in each other—and their very lives.

The Chloe series is for adults and mature teens who like books without explicit sex, violence, or gore. They are available from independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and publisher Midnight Ink as trade paperbacks and as e-Books for reading with iPad, Kobo, Nook, and Kindle apps and devices.

facebook.com/kathleenernst.author www.kathleenernst.com

decK the taBLeS: novemBer 7 and 8, 2014.

Friday evening – Blue Jeans and Bling 6 – 8 pm $12 door / $10 in advance.Tasty appetizers, raffles, silent auctions, door prizes, games.

Saturday morning – Open House 9 am–12 pm $12 door. No advance tickets.Carriage rides, raffles, door prizes, pastries and coffee, discounts to local stores, live music.

Saturday afternoon – Luncheon in the Lobby 12–2 pm$25. Advance ticket sales only. Reservations must be made by October 25, 2014.A lovely luncheon in the lobby of the Hotel Winneshiek, private viewing of the tables, raffles, door prizes, discounts to local stores.

Saturday evening – Gala Dinner and Live Auction 5–9 pm$50. Advance ticket sales only. Reservations must be made by October 25, 2014.Scrumptious meal at a distinctive and beautiful decorated table, live auction, raffle, door prizes.

“Deck the Tables” is a fundraiser for Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum organized by a volunteer committee. For more information contact Stephanie Johnson at [email protected] or call 563-382-9681, ext. 103.


www.dragonflybooks.com563-382-4275 • 112 West Water Street, Decorah

[email protected]

Knowledgeable staff • Great Gifts • Book Signings

Bestsellers plus special interest: gardening, Scandinavian, cooking, poetry, children’s books & more…even e-books!

Deck the TablesCelebrate the SeasonsNovember 7 & 8, 2014

at the Hotel Winneshiek

Deck the Tables

Like our Facebook Page — Deck the Tables Visit vesterheim.org for details

Blue Jeans & Bling Fri., Nov. 7, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Open House Sat., Nov. 8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon in the Lobby Sat. Nov. 8,12:00 - 2:00 p.m.(Reservations required for luncheon.)

Spark your decorating ideas with inspiring tablescapes.

Raffles, Home Décor Showcase, door prizes, auctions, carriage rides,

music, food, and more!

other eventS:Vesterheim hosts Free First Thursdays, which includes free museum admission and a special event on the first Thursday of each month. On September 4, there will be a presentation by Jane Nichol, Norse storyteller/Viking woman. On October 2, Glenn Borreson will present “The Significance of Ole Rølvaag for Today.” Järvelä Concert and WorkshopVesterheim is very excited to welcome back Finnish fiddler Arto Järvelä, this time with his cousin Antti on guitar and vocals. They will offer a musician’s workshop at 4 pm and a concert at 7:30 pm on September 29. They hail from the famous Järvelä family from Kaustinen, Finland, and have been making music together over many years with world-renowned JPP and other bands active in Nordic roots music. Knit-In: Get out your knitting projects and join Vesterheim on November 8 and 9 for a Knit-In. Everyone is welcome to knit, chat, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, and hear presentations about Norwegian and Norwegian-American knitting. The Knit-In is made possible by gifts in memory of Ann Swanson and Grace Rikansrud. Norwegian Christmas CelebrationOn December 6, Vesterheim shares Scandinavian holiday traditions with Norwegian Christmas Celebration. This festive one-day celebration features a variety of music, folk art demonstrations, and food.

60 Fall 2014 / iloveinspired.com

ONEPAN(ish)WONDERS

MISSISSIPPI MIRTH

61 iloveinspired.com \ Fall 2014

JUSTKEEP ITSIMPLE

By Jim McCaffrey Photos by Aryn Henning Nichols


Change your life today!

Contact Diane Sondrol for more information.

563.419.5420or [email protected] [email protected]

Movement for Health & Well-Being

Small group and private lessons available, all are welcome!

SALESSERVICE

PARTS

NOW is always the right time to tune up or upgrade your mower or blower!

We service all brands.

TOP-OF-THE-LINE BRANDS – TORO • CUB CADETLawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws, & More!

302 College Drive, Decorah, IA 563-382-4856 • M-F 8-5 • Sat 8-3

since 1983

563-382-4750 paulbauhs.com

Visit my new website!

Artistry in Cabinetry Kitchens Home offices Bars

Entertainment centers Fireplace mantles Cabinets & shelving

Remodeling Finished carpentry

my lovely wife, Brenda, and I have been hanging out together for nearly 36 years. Wow! Seems like only yesterday that we were making googly

eyes at each other while shooting pool at the Cavern bar on Winnebago street. Now there’s a blast from the past. Speaking of blasts, we used to entertain a lot. As a matter of fact, when I was writing my first cookbook, Midwest Cornfusion, there were people at our house every weekend for the better part of a year helping taste-test the recipes I had come up with during the week. Sometimes we would have 15 or 20 people show up on Sunday afternoon to indulge and voice their opinions. And perhaps partake in a favorite beverage or two. I have a friend, Eric, who was working on the road for three years. On weekends he would come with his son, Sern, and we would both cook for the kids and all of their friends for a couple of days. Young men growing up and having a couple of dads feeding and nurturing them: It doesn’t get any better than that.

Now, because of our crazy schedules at the restaurant, entertaining is virtually at a standstill. In fact, just making something at home for the two of us on our scarce time off can prove to be a challenge. I suspect that we are not the only rowers of the upstream boat-of-life who do not have time to lift the paddle out of the water, take a break, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. These days it seems everybody is working full time, raising two and a half munchkins, being soccer moms and dads, and – in other words –just being busy. So I decided we should look at making dinner a little less challenging. In other words: Let’s keep it simple, baby.

63 iloveinspired.com \ Fall 2014

I happen to follow the food blog Iowa Girl Eats. Kristin, the blogger, is a busy mom with a one-year-old son… same age as my grandson, Rowen. Brenda and I babysat him the other day for about six hours. Whew! I don’t know how young parents can manage all of that energy! Anyway, Kristin posted a wonderful recipe called One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Pasta. Everything cooked in the same pan – no muss, no fuss. I will pass it on to you at the end of this column. By the way, Kristin was recently diagnosed as having Celiac Disease, meaning she is on a gluten-free diet. Her recipe used Barilla gluten free penne. I have been working on a gluten-free mac and cheese for the restaurant and tried Barilla elbows. I liked them better than wheat noodles. The gluten free industry has come a long way, baby. Well, at least Barilla has. Be adventurous, try some. You may have a new road to follow. Back on the blasts from the past, Brenda and I traveled to Rome and Naples, Italy probably 10 years ago. We booked the trip through a company called Tourcrafters out of Chicago. The trip was for sightseeing but also to study making pizza in wood-fired ovens. So when Tourcrafters found out we wanted to stay in Naples, they got us a room at the Grand Hotel Oriental in the downtown area. Reasoning being we were coming in by train and apparently there was a lot of pick-pocketing activity at hotels near the train station.

So, after we got settled in, we went to the front desk and asked if there was a restaurant that served wood-fired pizza for lunch within walking distance. “Sure: Bellini’s.” They gave us a map and out the door we went. Around the corner

305 College Drive . Decorah, IA 52101

563.382.5511

Mani/Pedi • Waxing • Facials • Colors, Perms, & Cuts

Holistic Health Solutions: • Homeopathy • Herbal Remedies Quantum Biofeedback • ElectroAcupuncture • & More!

Naturally Unbridled WellnessPatti Bartsch, M.A., Ph.D.

www.NaturallyUnbridled.com . Onalaska, WI . 608-799-8326

Traditional Naturopath & BioEnergetic Practitioner

LLC

custom veils & accessories to match your style & budget

930 Division St., Cresco, IA. 563.379.7583 Open by appointment or chance

Great gift ideas!Watch for our June & Nov Open Houses

holistic, noninvasive anti-aging

NATURALBEAUTYLLC.NET ONALASKA,WI 608.783.0322

• Facial Services• Eyelash Extensions• Eminence Organic Skin Care


Banquet facilities - weddings, conferences, meetings, & more!

1101 Highway 9563-387-0300

www.oakssteakhouse.com

110 East Water St563-382-4297

www.mabespizza.com

Fine Casual Decorah Dining

GREATPIZZA!

GREATDINNERS!

Celebrating our 60th anniversary!

Two event spaces for small or large groups up to 200 people. Contact Lynnette - [email protected] – for details.

206 W. Water St. •563-382-5970 • tbocks.com

Burgers • Sandwiches • Salads • Appetizers • Breakfast • In-House Catering Locally Sourced Menu Options • Come watch your favorite games! • 22 Beers on Tap!

tommassmanconstruction.com

Specializing in

563.380.6712

Sustainable Home Builder

SolarHOME • FARM

BUSINESS

Hair salon + Manicures & Pedicures

Facials •Massages • Makeup

303 W. Water St • Decorah, Iowa •563.382.4941

Luxury salon & day

spa

eclipsdecorah.com

there was an old man standing on a doorstep with a single rose in one hand, ringing a doorbell with the other hand. All of a sudden, another man walks up behind him and picks the old man’s wallet right out of his back pocket. So much for downtown Naples hotels. We decided to grab a cab instead. Now you ask where am I going with this diatribe? Let me assure you there is a method to my madness. After returning from a wonderful meal and service at Bellini’s, we retired to our room to rest up for awhile. Later, when it was time to replenish our bodies with some Italian substance, we decided to try out the hotel dining room. It was stately, with fine white linens, plush white curtains, and the maître d’ was dressed to the nines in a three-piece white suit. Something told me we weren’t in McDonalds-country anymore, Dorothy. I honestly cannot remember what I ordered. And it doesn’t matter. Brenda’s discerning eye caught the hidden gem of our entire trip. It was a charming dish of risotto and asparagus tips. Neither one of us for some reason or another had ever had risotto. Brenda took her first taste and exclaimed “OMG Jim. You just will not believe this dish. Try it! Try it!” Who could resist that arm twisting? Ahhhh! Sheer bliss.

mediterranean chicKen PaSta

¼ cup olive oil2 large chicken breasts (cut into 1” chunks)Salt and pepper4 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups chicken broth15 oz can quartered artichoke hearts (cut in half)Pinch of red chili pepper flakes½ lb penne pasta2 Tbl lemon juice2 Tbl drained capers1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)1 cup parmesan cheese½ cup chopped fresh basil

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Salt and pepper chicken. Sauté until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Do not cook too thoroughly. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds more. Add chicken broth, artichoke hearts, red pepper flakes, ½ tsp salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add pasta and make sure it is all covered with broth. Place a lid on top and turn heat down to medium. Simmer for 2 minutes less than package directs. Remove lid and add lemon juice, capers, and tomatoes. Turn heat to high for 2-3 minutes to reduce sauce. Remove from heat and add in parmesan cheese and basil. Let set 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving.

RECIPE


IMMUNIZATIONS • FREE PRESCRIPTION MAIL OUTS • DELIVERIES

100% Employee Owned

702 Montgomery St.• Decorah, IA • 563-382-8765 • 866-382-8765Store Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30-5:30 • Saturday: 8:30-1:30 • Sunday Closed

Committed to thecommunities we serve,and to exceeding theexpectations of our

customers.

Specializing in wood-fired

pizza & International

Cuisine!

563.382.4723

2149 Twin Springs Road, Decorah, Iowa4-9 pm Wed – Fri | 11-9 pm Sat | 11-8 pm Sun

SORRY - NO RESERVATIONS

Friday:

Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, appetizers, homemade cheesecake & more!

Gift certificates available!

Wednesday:

Blackened Salmon

Spaghetti & meatballs / kids pizzas

Thursday: Chef’s Choice

Even

ing

Spec

ials!

Saturday: Steak of the Week

Check www.mcdolcevita.com

for special daily dishes!

NAMED BEST PIZZA IN

IOWA BY USA TODAY!

LemonY aSParaguS and ShrimP riSotto

5 cups chicken broth¾ lb asparagus, trimmed (Cut into 1 inch pieces)Extra virgin olive oil1 small onion, diced fine4 Tbl unsalted butter, divided1 ¼ cups Arborio rice¼ cup dry white wine¾ lb medium shrimp (peeled and de-veined)3 Tbl lemon juice¼ cup grated parmesan2 Tbl chopped parsley

Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Spread asparagus out on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and set under broiler at high heat for 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn. Set aside. Sauté onion in 2 Tbl butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan for 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add wine and continue stirring until absorbed. Add ½ cup of broth and briskly simmer, stirring often, until absorbed. Keep adding broth ½ cup at a time letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is creamy and tender but still a little al dente (about 18 minutes). There will be leftover broth. Stir in shrimp and cook until pink (2-3 Minutes). Add asparagus, butter, lemon juice, parmesan, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

So this is what nirvana is all about. I think I could immerse myself in this type of pleasure for a very long time. Risotto is made, most commonly, from a short, fat rice called Arborio rice. It has the unique ability to absorb a lot of moisture. The choice for that is usually a good chicken stock, preferably homemade. The result is a luxurious and creamy entrée that certainly is in my top ten faves. And the best part of the whole dish is that it is extremely easy and quick to prepare. You will never use Uncle Ben’s again! The Inspire(d) tasting-team comprised of Benji, Aryn, Brenda, Fawn, James Ronan, and myself. We had a leisurely lunch out on the restaurant patio – just what a busy crew needed. Do yourself a favor, keep cooking to a minimum, and just enjoy the experience of food, family and friends.

Jim McCaffrey is a chef, author, and co-owner with his family of McCaffrey’s Dolce Vita restaurant and Twin Springs Bakery just outside Decorah. He is author of humorous cookbooks “Midwest Cornfusion” and “Mississippi Mirth”. He has been in the food industry in one way or another for more than 40 years.

RECIPE


What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?Be honest and dependable.Do your job the best you can.

How about the worst?I don’t think I have ever been given any bad advice.

What did you want to be when you grew up?I have always wanted to be a teacher. I can remember (before I was 10 years old) that I wanted to be a teacher. I would play teacher with pretend students in one of our rooms in my mother’s home (Clara Barth).

What do/did you do?I was a teacher for 43 years and then substitute taught for

another 12 years. I started teaching when I was 18 and taught in many of the one room schoolhouses: Glenwood, Pleasant, and Springfield Townships. I then taught Special Education at Decorah High School and went on to teach third grade at John Cline School for 22 years.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?A Bible, paper/pen, paints – oh, and a friend!

Try to describe yourself in one sentence.I am an organizer, and a sharing and caring person.

If you could eat anything every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?Potatoes – as you can fix them in so many ways.

Name one thing you could not live without.Friends

Multiple choice: tell us about… Your favorite memory.My favorite memories are of all my travels with my family, which took me to Kino Bay, Mexico, the Phillipines, the Bahamas, Florida, and Norway!

Do you know someone you’d love to interview for this

page? Let us know! [email protected]

Vennehjem

Decorah’s Active 55+ Community 1102 Nordic Drive, Decorah IA 563-382-6521 email: [email protected] www.vennehjem.org

A Lifestyle Worth Living! Vennehjem is an easy living community for

today’s active, healthy seniors—enjoy a life of freedom, security and convenience!

Private, stacked ranch homes, 1 low monthly fee!Private, stacked ranch homes, 1 low monthly fee!Private, stacked ranch homes, 1 low monthly fee!

Lorena Ellingson: A life-long teacher, hard worker, and good friend.interview and introduction by daughter Wanda ellingson

ProBituarY – a notice oF LiFe!

For Lorena ellingson, teaching and service have been core principles in her life. Born the 12th of

13 children, she was the first to earn a high school and college degree. Lorena’s teaching career

has spanned 43 years with 12 more years as a substitute teacher. Starting with teaching in a one-room

schoolhouse where she met her husband, tilman ellingson, she then moved to town teaching special

education followed by third grade. She has touched the lives and minds of thousands of students and

their families and served her community in various capacities over the years.

305 EAST WATER STREET, DECORAH, IOWA

563-382-4279 decoraheye.com

eyecatcherframes.com

7:30-5:30 M, W, F 7:30-7:00 TUES & THURS8:00-3:00 SATURDAY

From glasses and contact lenses to treatment of eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration, Oneota Valley Family Eye Care helps bring health to your vision and eyes. Partnering with Mayo Clinic and Winneshiek Medical Center, we also provide local surgical services for minor lid procedures, cataracts, and now macular degeneration.

For healthy vision, say eye.Healthy Eyes. Healthy Vision.

Patient Online ServicesIntroducing...

901 Montgomery

563-382-2911

www.winmedical.org

Like us on Facebook

Learn More ▶ Create an Account ▶ Log In

www.winmedical.org

Decorah Ossian Mabel

See your medical records and results soon after your visit

Connect with your care team through our secure messaging system

Request an appointment with a Winneshiek Medical Center provider

Update your personal information at your convenience

200 W Water St Decorah, Iowa 563.382.5742 www.milkhousecandlesandgifts.comCandles, gifts, & so much more.

WHO NEEDS MIDNIGHT OIL WHEN YOU’VE GOT CANDLES?

Join our VIP Text List to receive 15% off a purchse! Text to: 36000 Message: DD586

inspire(d) fall 2014

Documents

great people

good story

good pun

great music

great things

14sybarite5 tickets

good stuff

sceneselfguided art