The 2018-19 academic year has marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Luther College Black Student Union. To celebrate this milestone, Luther has engaged in a yearlong celebration that will culminate with a BSU Reunion Weekend, April 25-28. Through four days of public events, the reunion weekend will bring the entire campus and broader Decorah community together to honor BSU founders and celebrate 50 years of BSU presence at Luther College.

Like many BSUs across America, the Luther College BSU was founded during a tumultuous time by students who craved a space to celebrate their culture and accomplishments and lift up black struggles. During the year 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Robert Kennedy was assassinated, and race riots were ripping America apart; the Luther BSU was established that fall.

In honor and recognition of those founding pioneers and all of the students who have followed in their footsteps, the Luther BSU has worked in collaboration with several administrative offices, academic departments and programs across Luther’s campus to sponsor a yearlong series of film screenings, campus lectures, performances and forums. Many of these events have involved bringing black alumni to speak and engage with current students.

“These alumni visits serve as a way of highlighting the presence, contributions and achievements of black Luther College graduates as well as a way of promoting campus dialogue and conversations regarding best ways of recruiting, retaining and (most importantly) supporting racially underrepresented students at Luther,” says Guy Nave, Luther professor of religion and longtime faculty advisor for Luther’s BSU.

The BSU Reunion Weekend will include a biology colloquium, the Don Kemp Memorial Lecture, a one-woman performance, a book signing, Chapel and Sunday worship–all featuring Luther black alumni.

The weekend will also include a final screening of “Agents of Change” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Valders Hall of Science Room 2016 on the Luther campus. A discussion following the film will be led by the film’s co-director and co-producer, Frank Dawson, who will speak to the making and significance of a film that honors more than 50 years of Black Student Union activism on historically white colleges and universities in America. Both the screening and discussion are open to the public with no charge for admission.

A BSU 50th Anniversary Gala event will be held the evening of Saturday, April 27, in the Dahl Centennial Union on Luther’s campus. The gala is open to the public and will begin with a reception and Luther student performance at 5:30 p.m. in the Adams Lounge. The reception will be followed by a semiformal dinner at 6:15 p.m. in Peace Dining Room with a cost of $35 per person and reservations required by Monday, April 22. The evening will conclude with a celebration at 7:45 p.m. in Marty’s. Dinner reservations can be made at luther.edu/alumni/events/bsu/reunion/gala-rsvp.

The Luther College Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Luther alumnus Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, during the Gala Dinner on April 27. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Amoo-Gottfried graduated from Luther College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and has a master’s degree in business administrations from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He is currently Vice President and Commercial Leader in Cargill’s Agriculture Supply Chain North America business and serves as board director for Partner in Food Solutions.

For a complete schedule of events for the BSU 50th Anniversary capstone event, visit luther.edu/alumni/events/bsu/reunion.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,005, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.

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Exploring various climate-related issues through lectures, a water walk and performances, the Luther College presents Climate Justice Week April 25-May 2.

The week’s events begin with a lecture presented by Jim Martin-Schramm, Luther professor religion and director of the Center for Sustainable Communities, titled “Luther’s Path to Carbon Neutrality,” at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, April 25, in Peace Dining Room.

A lecture by Eric Baack, Luther associate professor of biology, and Jodi Enos-Berlage, Luther professor of biology, titled “What is in our water? Testing for disease-causing organisms in Winneshiek County’s springs, streams and private wells” The lecture will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 29, in the Decorah Public Library Meeting Room and will discuss research done in summer 2018 by a team of Luther faculty and students, and scientists from the U.S. Geological Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Luther’s annual David J. Roslien Lecture on Science and Leadership will be presented by world famous climate scientist, James Hansen, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Hansen’s lecture is titled “Shape Your Future: Energy, Climate and Human Rights.” The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission. A question and answer session and book signing will follow the lecture.

In partnership with the Decorah Middle School, members of the Luther community will participate in the Decorah Walk for Water, a water-awareness walk to the Upper Iowa River at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 2, beginning in the Olin parking lot on Luther’s campus. Buckets of water will be collected and carried through town, emulating the effort it takes for most of the world’s population to get their water. The walk is part of a fundraising effort, in concert with the ELCA group Water to Thrive, to build a well at a site in Tanzania.

The week’s events will conclude with a performance by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, hip-hop artist and Earth Guardians youth director, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in Bentdahl Commons on the Luther campus. Martinez was the youngest person ever to speak before the United Nations and now at the age of 18 he travels the world energizing young people to address climate change. He has worked locally to get pesticides out of parks, coal ash contained, moratoriums on fracking and is currently a plaintiff in a youth-led lawsuit against the federal government for its failure to protect the atmosphere for future generations.

Martinez’s performance is open to the public with no charge for admission. The Luther Center for the Arts atrium will serve as a rain location.

Climate Justice Week is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement and the Center for Sustainable Communities. For more information on Climate Justice Week and a complete schedule of events visit luther.edu/climate-justice-week/.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,005, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.

Your child may have noticed the large windmill in Decorah, but now they have the opportunity to explore what wind can really do. Youth will spend this session designing wind powered vehicles, mobiles, and putting art in the air with handmade kites. (10 Student Max)

NOTE: Registration after March 22 will cost $75. Materials fee will remain $30.

AGE: 4 – 6 years

DATES: April 11 – May 16

TIME: Thursdays, 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Pederson

COST: $65+ $30 materials fee

LOCATION: ArtHaus Studio

Join us for a fun, interactive story time featuring books, rhymes, music, and crafts.

For children ages 3 to 6, and their favorite adult. No registration necessary.

Join Laree Schouweiler, owner of Reefuel Indoor Cycling and Yoga Studio, for a fun and playful storytime!

For children 18 mos – 5 years of age with an active adult

Participation is limited to 15 children. Pre-registration for the winter session is required by January 1, 2019, at: https://www.decorah.lib.ia.us/event-directory/yoga-for-the-little-ones-2

Join us Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th for our 2019 Northeast Iowa Greenhouse Tour! We have worked together with over 40 Greenhouses to bring you a weekend of fun.

Connect with local producers on a self-guided greenhouse tour across the seven counties of Northeast Iowa. Participating greenhouses will be selling produce, fresh flowers, shrubs, succulents, seeds, trees, and a variety of gardening supplies.

Hours vary by location.

Click for Facebook
Link

Click for Greenhouse
Tour Map

In this class for experienced artist blacksmiths, you will create a ring latch based on examples on medieval Norwegian church doors.  This project could serve as a door latch, a door knocker, or a combination of both. You will forge ring handles with a pair of dragon or creature heads on either side of the swivel post. A raised escutcheon will prevent the ring from swinging against the door surface and make grasping the ring easier. Accomplished students should be able to finish the latch bar, staple, and keeper to complete the set. Some may prefer to spend the time decorating the ring handle by stamping and filing.

April 26-28, 2019 with Tom Latané

A 50% discount is available (on a standby basis) for Winneshiek County residents.

Do you have a piece of woodenware or carving that you’re not sure how to decorate or enhance? Come and learn three simple techniques of surface decoration to make your wood look grand! Kroting is cutting lines into wood after the object has been painted or stained. Svidekor is burning small patterns and symbols into wood with a heated tool. Kolrosing is incising fine lines into the wood surface and brushing with a colored pigment. You will need to bring or purchase woodenware (or bring your own carved pieces). There is a small materials fee, payable to the instructor.

April 26-28, 2019 with Darlene Fossum-Martin and Rebecca Hanna

Youth ages 14-17 receive a 25% discount with participating adult.  A 50% discount is available (on a standby basis) for Winneshiek County residents.

Come join the group as we continue to explore back-pain free, time saving, and self empowering meditation for the whole family. Get comfy and drop any expectations – curiosity is the most important attitude that will reveal your personal meditation style. My daily practice, The Alexander Technique, and Life Coaching tools have given me insights into how much meditation can bring calm and lightheartedness back into my life. Join me for a low key evening of exploration and mindfulness.

Lead by Andrea Miller, this is an active lecture-style class with a limit of 24 participants. Cost is $10 for Co-op Members, $12 for community members. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

Have you been patiently waiting for the next Poetry Slam?!?!  Well, it’s finally here and it is a big one.

Back at the Elk’s Lodge, the ArtHaus Poetry Slam is the not-to-be-missed poetry event of the year (Friday, April 26 at 8 pm). Anyone can participate in the non-competitive “Original Voices” (3 minutes or less of your own poetry) and the “Slam” (a good-natured competition complete with prizes and Applause-o-Meter). Admission to the event is a $5-$10 sliding scale donation and free to those who sign up to share their poetry before the event, so sign-up today to participate.

Sign up here!

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will bring live rays in a traveling touch tank! Learn about adaptations these critters have to survive, their importance to the ecosystem, and how you can help with conservation efforts. You can even get your hands wet and touch one of these amazing animals!

Two Programs: 11am & 1pm

Registration is REQUIRED at:

https://www.decorah.lib.ia.us/event-directory/ocean-odyssey-stingrays

For the health and safety of the rays, participants will be limited to 100 at each show. Please bring your ticket for admission at the door.

On Saturday. April 27^th, the 29^th Annual Decorah Time Trials will be held on mountain bike trails in the Decorah Park System. The Time Trials have been held since 1990 and is the longest running mountain bike event in the state of Iowa. The course winds through the rolling wooded areas of the Decorah Parks system and includes lots of technical single track. Entry fee is $30, and all proceeds will go to projects and maintenance in the park system.  There will also be a free Kids Race.

There is no pre-registration, but you may download a fillable registration form to bring the day of the race.  Race headquarters is the grass area across from the Dunning’s Spring Park Entrance.  Kids race registration is from 11:15 am to noon; Time Trials registration is from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm.  There is a mandatory pre-race meeting for the Trials at 12:45. For forms and more information on the race, go to www.decorahmtb.com .

Lanesboro Arts is proud to present Minnesota’s award-winning Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre at the St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro on Saturday, April 27th at 7:30 p.m. Returning to the St. Mane following a memorable 2013 performance, Zorongo company dancers will be joined on stage by singer José Cortés Fernández, guitarist Juanito Pascual, and dancer Jesús Muñoz. Renowned for bringing the power, passion and virtuosity of the art of flamenco to audiences throughout the country, Zorongo regularly collaborates with internationally recognized guest artists. This evening of traditional Spanish flamenco dance and music illustrates the emotional range of this dynamic art form and will run approximately 70 minutes.

Zorongo dancers are also offering a “Beginning Flamenco” workshop at 4 p.m. on Sat, April 27 in the studio at Coffee Street Fitness and Dance. Registration is $5 and participants will have fun learning flamenco movements and rhythms while experiencing the Spanish culture. Limited space is available and no dance experience is necessary. Participants can learn more and register for the workshop by visiting lanesboroarts.org.

For the evening performance of “Café Flamenco,” patrons are invited to experience the exotic and sultry ambiance of the early 1900s when flamenco dancers, singers and musicians performed for glamorous patrons in Spanish cabarets. Flamenco is a form of folk music and dance from the region of Andalucia in southern Spain.

Artistic Director & Choreographer Susana di Palma founded Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre in 1982 and it is one of the few American dance companies that present both traditional flamenco programs, as well as original productions. The essence of Zorongo Flamenco’s work combines passionate and soul with a lively and innovative spirit that relates to contemporary audiences in a way that few companies do.

This concert is presented by LANESBORO ARTS and sponsored by Inspire(d) Magazine, Commonweal Theatre, Granny’s Liquor, High Court Pub and Wisconsin Public Radio. Tickets are $15 / $12 for Lanesboro Arts members and are sold online at www.lanesboroarts.org; at Lanesboro Arts Gallery, 507-467-2446; and at the St. Mane Theatre box office beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the performance. The St. Mane Theatre is located at 206 Parkway Ave N in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

In
the
Access
Bars^®
Class
you
will learn:

• How
  to “run” Bars^®;
  

• Tools
  and techniques to create change in whatever area of your life you
  are looking for;

• Receive
  two Bars^®
  sessions; Gift
  2 sessions.

For
your $350
you will also receive:

• A
  Manual
  of questions, techniques and a new toolbox of change;

• Your
  Access Bars^®
  Practitioner’s Certificate;

• On-line
  resources for support and continued learning.

You
will be qualified to give Access Bars^®
to others including
family, friends and/or clients.

Breathe.
Relax. Be empowered!

No prerequisites are required
– just the willingness to learn something new

8
NCBTMB CE’s and
IA Complementary Skill Set CEs
available
for Massage
Therapists. 

Children are welcome to participate along with their adult friend or parent. Teens ½ price

Register at www.accessconsciousness.com/victoriaoestmann

Victoria Oestmann, MA, LMT, Certified Bars Facilitator 563-419-7776

In this class, we will discuss the appropriate Bach Flower remedies for emotions related to women’s issues. We will learn about remedies that can help our everyday emotions including the challenging feelings that advancing years bring. We will also discuss the emergency remedy: the Five Flower Formula (Rescue) Remedy, what it is for, and how it is applied. The Bach flowers heal emotional pain and the 5 Flower Formula has many uses for adults, teens, little ones, animals, and plants to heal stressful and upsetting situations. They are safe, herbal, non-toxic, side-effect free remedies which are used all over the world.

Lead by Lalie Madriguera, this is a lecture-style class with a limit of 10 participants. Cost is $12 for Co-op Members, $15 for community members. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

Stop by from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Vesterheim’s Bruening Visitor Center, 502 W. Water Street, to learn a tune, share a tune, jam with us, or just come to listen.

Bring any instrument you play and join in. This informal music collaboration is great fun for all levels and happens the fourth Sunday of each month.

Drop in whenever it works in your schedule. No charge. Recording device advised.

For more info contact Martha Griesheimer at mgriesheimer@vesterheim.org.

The Allamakee County Historical Society is planning an all-county rural school reunion on Sunday, April 28. The reunion will be from 1 to 4 and held at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. Treats, coffee and lemonade will be served.

The reunion is open to anyone interested in history. It is hoped that people will come celebrate and share memories, stories, newspaper clippings and pictures of their educational years. The historical society will have equipment available to scan photographs of students and teachers (even if they are not identified, no matter the condition); poems; stories; school souvenirs; certificates for attendance, reading, spelling; or anything pertaining to the one-room schools in Allamakee County that you would like to have preserved to share with future generations.

Photographs and other school-related items from the Allamakee County Historical Society and Genealogy Center will be on display at the pavilion.

This year seemed an appropriate time to do the reunion as it is also the 145^th birthday of the Little Red School. Originally known as Franklin #3, it is now located at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. It will be open for tours during the reunion.

For more information on the reunion,  please contact Carolyn Clark at (563)568-3807 (forestmillsquilts@gmail.com) or Marcia Rush at (563)880-3014 (mrush@acegroup.cc)  or the historical society at info@allamakeehistory.org.

Oneota Valley Community Orchestra

Americana and Brahms

At Decorah High School Auditorium

Sunday, April 28th at 2:30 pm

Season Sponsor: The Marion E. Jerome Foundation, The Depot Outlet

Everyone is invited to join the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra for their season finale concert on Sunday, April 28th at 2:30 pm.  This wonderful concert featuring a new work by composer Joshua Reznicow, narrator Robert Wolf, and soprano Diana Stoic will take place at Decorah High School Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

The OVCO will begin with A Symphonic Overture: Themes of the American Spirit, a new composition by Joshua Reznicow. This exciting piece celebrates and brings to life the spirit of America.

A native of the Twin Cities, Joshua Reznicow holds a BM in string education and composition/theory from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Masters in Arts and Teaching from Coe College. Reznicow is currently Director of Orchestral Activities for the Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion, Iowa as well as adjunct faculty at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. As a composer, Reznicow has written several works for professional and young groups alike including pieces for film, piano, various ensembles, orchestral, band, and choral works. He has been performed and commissioned by the Iowa All State Orchestra, the Iowa Composer’s Forum, the All-Kingdom Music Festival Orchestra in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the National High School Music Institute at Northwestern University, SCIBA Band Association, the Austin Chamber Music Center, the Houston School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the Fort Dodge Symphony.

The OVCO continues with Knoxville: Summer of 1915.  This richly textured piece by Samuel Barber sets music to the prose poem of the same name and depicts an evening in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The OVCO is proud to welcome soprano Diana Stoic.

Described as “utterly luminous”, soprano Diana Stoic is a versatile performer who has been seen across the Midwest and Chicago-area. Ms. Stoic performs with many local opera companies in the Chicago-area, most recently with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble.  She has sung extensively with Des Moines Metro Opera and has sung with many musical organizations including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Illinois Philharmonic, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Chicago Sinfonietta, DuPage Symphony Orchestra, Musica Lumina, Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra, Petite Opera Productions, Chicago Fringe Opera, The Lira Ensemble, Light Opera Works, and The Savoy-aires.  Among her highest achievements, Ms. Stoic appeared in the ensemble of The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel.

Ms. Stoic is passionate about introducing young audiences to opera and educating them about classical music. She participated in outreach programs with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Opera Santa Barbara, OPERA Iowa, Opera for the Young, Chicago Opera Playhouse and was a teaching artist with Chicago Opera Theater’s Education program Opera for All. She has received numerous awards from the Bel Canto Foundation, and co-winner of Opera Idol in Evanston.

For the past three years Diana has been sharing her voice through the Songs By Heart Foundation, aiming to improve the quality of life of persons with memory loss through the language and joy of music.  She works as an interactive performer at five different locations in the NW suburbs of Chicago, impacting many people. This important work has been among the most rewarding of her entire performing career.

Ms. Stoic completed her Masters of Music from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and received her Bachelor of Music from Simpson College.  She currently lives in Mount Prospect, IL with her husband, Bass-baritone Dan Richardson and sons, Maxwell and George.

Continuing with Lincoln Portrait by American composer Aaron Copland, the OVCO invites narrator Robert Wolf to perform this classic work featuring excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s famous documents.

A former Chicago Tribune columnist, Robert Wolf has roamed America for most of his life, writing his version of the American story and getting others to write theirs. In 1990, he established Free River Press, a nonprofit publishing house whose mission is to document contemporary America through writing workshops with people from all walks of life. The press’s workshops and publications have been featured on “CBS News Sunday Morning,” National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition,” and in virtually every major daily newspaper in the country.

In 1994 the Society of Professional Journalists awarded Wolf the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Radio Editorial for his six-part essay, “On Developing Regional Rural Economies.” His most recent book is Building the Agricultural City.

After a brief intermission, the OVCO concludes with Symphony No. 2 in D Major by Johannes Brahms.  This virtuosic piece was composed during a visit to a small town in an Austrian province.  Brahms’ second symphony is a lovely four-movement piece sure to be an excellent conclusion to the OVCO’s fifth season.

Founded in 2014 under the direction of Matthew Cody, the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra presents free live classical music to the residents of the Oneota Valley, promotes music education, and provides the opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to perform great masterpieces of music. The fifth season of the OVCO is sponsored by the Marion E. Jerome Foundation and The Depot Outlet.

The OVCO is a 501(c)3 non-profit through the state of Iowa and the federal IRS. All donations are tax deductible.  For more information about the OVCO, visit www.ovcorchestra.org.

Age: Adult

Date: Sunday, April 28

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Instructor: Mary Jorgensen

Cost: $35

Mary Jorgensen, Decorah author, educator, life and wellness coach, will facilitate an interactive workshop, called “Living by Design: 5 Steps to the Artful Life,” representing Jorgensen’s work in psychology, personal practice, and living with intention. Participants will interact with Jorgensen’s 5 key essentials: intention, barriers, strengths, creativity, and inspired action. This guided process will engage all participants with inner awareness that leads to living the life we choose. It’s recommended to bring a journal or sketch book. No art experience is necessary. Min 4, Max 12.

Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Spruiell White to give lecture at Luther College April 28

Discussing the benefits of a liberal arts education, Spruiell White, Luther class of 1967, will give the address at this year’s induction ceremony for new members of the Luther College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. White will present a lecture at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28 in the Noble Recital Hall of Luther’s Jenson Noble Hall of Music.

The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission.

White’s visit helps to mark the 50th anniversary of the Black Student Union at Luther College. White retired in 2011 from the MacArthur Foundation as a Senior Program Officer in the U.S. Program after fifteen years of service. Prior to his foundation appointment, he served in a number of executive leadership positions at the Chicago Jobs Council, the Illinois Area United Negro College Fund and Urban League affiliates in San Francisco and Seattle.

White will relate how what seemed like instances of “bait and switch” ended up creating important opportunities in his career and personal life. He will draw lessons from four examples including: the decision to matriculate at Luther; the first job after graduating; the job from which he retired; and how majoring in English provided skills and abilities that undergirded each career posting.

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the country. The organization honors the students with the highest academic achievement in liberal arts and sciences from 286 top schools across the nation through a selective, merit-based invitation process. 37 members of the class of 2019 will be inducted.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,005, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for attending our meetings is a desire for healthy and loving relationships – with ourselves and with others.

Not sure if you are co-dependent? Some patterns are:

– using indirect communication, such as hinting, to try to head off conflict (real or imagined);

– becoming resentful when our advice, help, or gifts are declined or unappreciated;

– not expressing our own feelings, beliefs, or opinions when they differ from others;

– have difficulty admitting a mistake, or re-hashing old mistakes over and over;

– perfectionism;

– perceiving ourselves as totally unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others, and wishing others could see how much we do for them…

The list of patterns goes on.

We invite you to explore what it is like to LIVE life rather than to merely survive life. There is hope for a new day with CoDA! It is suggested that newcomers try six basic meetings before deciding if CoDA is right for them.

We also have an in-depth discussion on Sundays from 4:00-4:30pm to which anyone is welcome. (The basic meeting starts immediately afterwards, and both occur at NE Iowa Peace & Justice Center, 119 Winnebago Street.)

All attendees are anonymous. Who attends and what is said stays absolutely confidential.

Director Jennaya Robison welcomes you to the Luther College Gospel Choir , a choir focused on bringing peace, justice, and joy through music.  We rehearse Sundays from 5-6pm whenever Luther is in session, in the Choir Room at the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.  Come whenever you can–there is no registration, no obligation, and no experience necessary. The group is open to ALL singers high school through adult (including staff, faculty, community members.)  There will be some performance opportunities, but singers don’t need to feel obligated to attend performances that don’t fit in their schedules.

Hello Expectant Mama.  If you are looking for some tender loving movement work while you are building a little human inside, you have found the right person.

Choose between Private, Personal, 1 to 1 work or join other mamas (in varying stages of their pregnancy journey) for a Prenatal Pilates Class on Sundays @ Anytime Fitness of Decorah, 5:30 p.m.!

Private Sessions, in-home studio, are by appointment only.
Decorah Pilates w/ Kelly Searcy
516.672.7306 | reachme@kellysearcy.com

Join us for a free, laid back Euchre Tournament at The Courtyard & Cellar! Free to join, sign in as an individual. All skills are welcome! There will be snacks and prizes! See you there!

Come enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of reading in your child. Aimed at children under 5, however, older siblings are welcome to attend.

This class is sure to spark interest in all youth who love to add a little science to their art. Students will learn circuits while creating light up paper cards, add conductive thread and LEDs to wearable items, and even create glow in the dark paintings.  All a little light to the gray days of winter and join us for Light it Up!

NOTE: Registration after March 22 will cost $75. Materials fee will remain $30.

AGE: 6 – 9 years

DATES: April 8 – May 20 (No class April 22)

TIME: Mondays, 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm

INSTRUCTOR: Jane Busch

COST: $65+ $30 materials fee

LOCATION: ArtHaus Studio

Dragonfly Books is partnering with Robey Memorial Library in Waukon, IA to host New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf with her new mystery Before She Was Found. A Dragonfly Books fan favorite, Heather will share her stories, talk about Before She Was Found, and sign copies of her books on Monday, April 29 at 6:00 PM at Robey Memorial Library, 401 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA. Dragonfly Books will be at the event with Gudenkauf’s books available for purchase.

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden and Not A Sound.

Luther College professors, Eric Baack and Jodi Enos-Berlage will give a public lecture entitled “What is in our water? Testing for disease-causing organisms in Winneshiek County’s springs, streams, and private wells” at 7pm in the meeting room of Decorah Public Library. In the summer of 2018, a team of Luther faculty and students, with scientists from the US Geological Service and US Department of Agriculture, tested for disease-causing microbes in various water sources in Winneshiek County using a relatively new DNA technology. Come and hear them discuss their findings.

7:00-8:15 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 302 W Broadway St, Decorah, IA

We are a meditation practice and study group that gathers each week for a variety of meditation teaching videos/readings, group discussion, and guided and silent meditations. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and go weekly as fits your schedule. (There is no requirement to attend every week.)

We generally use curriculum from Tergar, an international meditation community dedicated to making the practice of meditation accessible to the modern world. We sometimes add in teachings from other meditation teachers connected to Tergar. The meditation and study is based on Buddhist teachings, but is presented in a secular manner and suitable for people of all faiths, as well as both beginning and experienced meditators.

We have relatively comfortable chairs for our meditation, but you are always welcome to bring a cushion or mat or anything you’d find more comfortable, and there will be space to sit on the floor if you wish.

The group is volunteer led. We are grateful for the use of the space at the Methodist Church. Please bring a couple dollars donation for the church if possible, but it’s not necessary.

Together we are learning the essentials of meditation. It’s easier than you think!

In meditation we explore the landscape of the heart and mind with awareness. What we discover is a true and lasting happiness that does not depend on the outer conditions of our lives. With this relaxed, spacious approach to meditation, we learn to use every experience in life as an opportunity to awaken.

Contact us for more information:
Becky Idstrom 563-379 9446 and beckyidstrom@gmail.com
Alicia Trout 563-419-7610 and alicia.jw.trout@gmail.com

Dragonfly Books is partnering with Caledonia Public Library to host New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf with her new mystery Before She Was Found. A Dragonfly Books fan favorite, Heather will share her stories, talk about Before She Was Found, and sign copies of her books on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at Caledonia Public Library, 231 E. Main St., Caledonia, MN. Dragonfly Books will be at the event with Gudenkauf’s books available for purchase.

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden and Not A Sound.

Join us in learning about the work of NAMI – Northeast Iowa and the importance of discussing mental health. We will also be discussing the Children’s Mental Health Bill, introduced by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and writing letters to our representatives advocating for the bill.

Snacks and letter-writing materials provided!

Are you increasingly worried about climate change, and ready to do something? Join Winneshiek Energy District staff from 6-8 pm Tues. April 30 at Decorah Public Library for a free interactive workshop that will help attendees understand current individual impacts and how to reduce them.

The first half of the workshop will focus on measuring the carbon footprint of an individual household. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring data about annual home energy use (electric, gas, propane, etc.) as well as transportation (car and air) for the most accurate measurement.

The second half of the workshop will provide practical guidance about how to reduce a household’s carbon footprint, as well as effective and important advocacy opportunities.

For more information, contact Kristin Eggen at kristin@energydistrict.org or 563-382-4207 ext. 4.

DGA SPECIAL EVENT

The Decorah Genealogy Association is hosting a special guest lecture by Iowa Historian Michael Luick-Thrams on the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918. Please join us at the Decorah Senior Center on April 30th at 7pm.  

Luick-Thrams:  “The killer came from Kansas – or was it China?  In any case, he was a world traveler: Before he returned to the Midwest, he trekked via France and Africa to Britain, then back to the American Heartland aboard a ship through Boston Harbor.  Before he ceased his killing spree, in a matter of a few weeks he claimed the lives of more than 6,000 Iowans. A microscopic leveler, the influenza virus that unleashed the pandemic of 1918 that took 675,000 American lives and an estimated 50 million worldwide, was the greatest disaster to decimate humankind in modern times.”  

Luick-Thrams will outline suspected and documented origins of that cataclysm, as well as chart and map the infection’s rates, routes and tolls.  Articles, photos and other print-media documentation of the disease and its vast impact, and a short related film will bring the story together focusing on Iowans’ responses to it, both measured and hysterical, effective and useless.”

Luick-Thrams will speak to the impact of the pandemic in Iowa.  What was the impact on Winneshiek County?

A more local view of the pandemic will be given by Birgitta and Marguerita Meade of rural Decorah.  Their grandfather and great uncle were students at Luther College during that time and wrote home to their family about the impact of the flu on the Luther community. They will read from their family letters.  

Statistics given in a Washington Post article from September 27, 2018 state that the flu killed and hospitalized more people in the United States during the previous winter than any seasonal influenza in decades.  Influenza killed about 80,000 people in the 2017-2018 season according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 180 children. Only the 2009 swine flu pandemic, which killed 358 children, was worse.  It is virtually impossible to predict the coming flu season, but looking at the statistice, the estimates have ranged from a low of 12,000 deaths during 2011-2012, to a previous high of 56,000 during 2012-2013. Are we in for another pandemic like the one in 1918?  Are we ready?

Decorah Genealogy Association invites you to join us for the evening to learn more about the Pandemic of 1918.  Perhaps you have stories to share. The Decorah Senior Center is handicap accessible and has plenty of parking available.  Everyone is welcome.

Many of us have noticed and discussed poor air and water quality in Decorah.

If you are interested in turning this talk into action to protect our air and water now and for future generations, please join us. If you are or know of doctors concerned with water and/or air quality in our community, please attend. Yes, there may be a special role for these medical professionals!

Luther College’s music department presents the Luther College Jazz Band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther College campus.

This event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Directed by Jon Ailabouni, Luther adjunct faculty of music, the performance will include the “Boogie Stop Shuffle” by Charles Mingus, “Katie” and “Basie Straight Ahead” by Sammy Nestico, “Linebacker” and “Riverscape” by Fred Sturm, “Yardbird Suite” by Charlie Parker and “Black and Tan Fantasy” by Duke Ellington.

Along with Jazz Band, two jazz combos, Free Time and Gimme Moore, will perform at the concert.

In addition to conducting Jazz Band and the jazz combos at Luther, Ailabouni teaches improvisation, jazz theory and arranging, jazz history, studio improvisation and trumpet lessons. He also performs with the Luther College faculty brass quintet. Before teaching at Luther, Ailabouni taught at Western Michigan University and served as co-director of the Western Invitational Jazz Festival. Ailabouni has toured internationally in France, Puerto Rico and Brazil and performed domestically at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, the Detroit International Jazz Festival and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.

A great way for kids to begin their Wednesday mornings! This series is geared toward k-2nd grade students, and is a collaborative effort between Green Iowa AmeriCorps and the Oneota Community Food Co-op. Children will gather for a snack and environmental story time, accompanied by discussion and activities to get the day started right. Green Iowa will provide a walking school bus to John Cline Elementary following class.

Lead by Gracie Engle and the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team, this is a FREE class series and is limited to 20 students. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for attending our meetings is a desire for healthy and loving relationships – with others, and with ourselves.

Not sure if you might be co-dependent? Some patterns are:

– thinking we can take care of ourselves without any help;

– difficulty making decisions, or second-guessing the decisions we made;

– believing we are unworthy;

– trouble setting boundaries – yet feeling resentful when others overstep those unstated boundaries;

– fear expressing our own opinions;

– offering advice or help without being asked;

– losing rest – or even sleep – worrying or obsessing about others and their problems;

– harshly judging ourselves and others… The list of patterns goes on.

We invite you to explore LIVING life rather than merely getting through life. There is hope for a new day with CoDA! It is suggested that newcomers try six basic meetings before deciding if CoDA is right for them.

We meet Wednesdays from 1-2pm at the Lingonberry, enter at 218 W Water Street. All attendees are always anonymous. Who attends and what is said stays absolutely confidential.

This class is geared toward 3rd and 4th graders who would like to learn more about where our food comes from, and is a collaborative effort between Green Iowa AmeriCorps and the Oneota Community Food Co-op. Class will include mapping our pantries, a tour of the Co-op, and discussions about pollinators and food, growing our own plants for a garden, and the importance of local agriculture. Please indicate whether your child will be participating in the walking school bus from Carrie Lee Elementary when registering for this class.

Lead by Gracie Engle and the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team, this is a FREE class series and is limited to 20 students. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

We have the Legos… bring your creativity!

Each week we’ll have a different theme. All finished builds will be displayed.

Children in 1st through 4th grades. Limited space available – Preregistration is required at:

https://www.decorah.lib.ia.us/event-directory/curious-kids-lego-challenge

Join us for a FREE MEAL and a community walk on Wed May 1st. This spring celebration is being held in conjunction with Screen-Free Week, an annual event where children, families, schools, and communities are encouraged to rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen!

Event details:
4:45-5:15-Appetizers at Carrie Lee Elementary School Park
5:15- Walk to John Cline Elementary School
5:30-6:15-Walking Tacos at John Cline School Park
6:15-Walk to Decorah Public Library
6:30-Dessert at the Library
*Families are welcome to walk ahead of schedule if needed.
*Water will be available at each location; please bring your own water bottle or cup.

The event is open to the public thanks to the following partners: Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC), Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative, Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Decorah group, Decorah Public Library, Decorah Community School District, the Luther College Women’s Basketball Team, and Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Many local donors contributed food and supplies and will be recognized at the event.

For more information, contact UERPC’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator April Bril at: abril@uerpc.org

The students of Jonah Elrod, visiting assistant professor of music, will debut their original compositions at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, in the Noble Recital Hall of the Jensen Noble Hall of Music on the Luther campus.

The recital is open to the public with no charge for admission. The performance will also be live-streamed to those outside of a 30-mile radius of Decorah, and available as a delayed stream to all 48 hours after the concert at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/luthermusic/.

Developed during the spring 2019 semester, this recital will feature music composed by Luther senior Jamie Swartley, junior Brooke Prohaska, sophomores Julia Ferris and Jacob Southerland, and first-year Eric Bacon. The pieces feature a string quartet, viola and piano, solo flute, solo violin and electronic music.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation with five choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.

Learn to design and carve decorative embellishments on a porch post, door surround, or a mantel beam. Take home a work of art that will be a family heirloom for years to come. On day one, we will focus on layout and design, moving to physical carving on days two and three. On day four we will include a discussion of various finishing options. An appropriate post for the project may be purchased from Vesterheim. There will be an optional sharpening session the evening before the class begins. There is a small fee for this session, payable to the instructor.

May 2-5, 2019 with Jock Holmen

Youth ages 15-17 receive a 25% discount with participating adult.  A 50% discount is available (on a standby basis) for Winneshiek County residents.

On Thursday May 2nd at noon we will come together for our local observance on the Courthouse steps to pray for our nation, state and communities. The theme of this year’s event is “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”, John 13:34. This event was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1952. A diverse group of local leaders will join to pray over the spheres of influence. Everyone encouraged to join us to agree and pyay. We are simply Americans coming together to pray. This is not a political event and is not specific to any one church or group

Alliant Energy has filed applications proposing to increase retail electric for its Iowa customers. The rate requests include an increase of 24.45 percent to the base rate for residential electric customers beginning in 2020. Base rates account for approximately 66 percent of a residential electric bill. 

The Iowa Utilites Board (IUB) has scheduled ten public comment meetings in April and May regarding the rate requests. The meetings, scheduled throughout Alliant’s Iowa service territory, provide an opportunity for Alliant customers to express their views about the proposed rate increases. Representatives of Alliant, the IUB, and the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) will be present at the meetings to hear public comments and answer questions.

The Escalation Workshop is a film-based discussion that opens people’s eyes to the warning signs of relationship abuse. The workshop consists of a short film, Escalation, followed by a guided discussion led by a trained facilitator from Helping Services.

This is a free conference with no registration.  Come and go as you like!  The sessions are Thursday at 7pm, then Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:30am, 2pm, and 7pm each day.

American rapper, singer, songwriter and record-producer T-Pain will perform in concert on the Luther College campus at 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the Regents Center. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the performance are $45 and can be purchased at tickets.luther.edu or via the Luther Ticket Office, (563) 387-1357 or boxoffice@luther.edu. The Ticket Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; with extended hours on Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The name on the ticket must match the ticketholder’s ID for entry into the concert.

With 60 hit songs under his belt and two Grammy trophies on his mantle, T-Pain has cemented himself as one of the most influential artists of all time. But even he needed a bit of time to himself to reload. After a run of number one hits, albums, tours and a plethora of cameo appearances, T-Pain took some time off to enjoy the fruits of his labor and perfect his craft.

T-Pain returned to the public spotlight in 2018 according to Paradigm Talent Agency, by launching an “Everything Must Go” campaign in August to clear out his vault of unreleased music as a gift to his dedicated fans. He is currently starring in the hit television show on Fuse titled “T-Pain’s School of Business,” as the dean of his very own “school”—Wiscansin University— and has an album slated to come out in early 2019. T-Pain is showing no signs of slowing down and is attempting to prove that he only gets better with time.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, T-Pain joined the rap group Nappy Headz in 2004. After being signed to the Konvict Muzik label, he recorded his debut album “Rappa Turnt Sanga.” He released his fifth album “Oblivion” in 2017 and the albums “Everything Must Go”, volumes one and two, in 2018. Recent singles on his 2019 album 1Up include “Getcha Roll On” and “All I Want” with Flipp Dinero. T-Pain’s “1UP” tour featuring Tony Lanez begins Feb. 16.

The performance is sponsored by Luther’s Student Activities Council Concerts Committee.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,005, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.

Luther College Ringers Handbell Ensemble will present its annual spring concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 in the Noble Recital Hall of Luther’s Jenson Noble Hall of Music.

The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission.

The program is titled “Seasons” and includes music by Antonio Vivaldi, Paul O’Neill and Robert Kinkel, Fred Gramann, Sandra Eithun, Jason W. Krug, Lee J. Afdahl—Luther class of 1971—Lennon and McCartney and Alex Guebert. A special feature will be a handbell solo performed by senior Landon McNamer.

Luther Ringers is conducted by Gregory Peterson, Luther professor of music, college organist and Luther alumnus from the class of 1983. Founded in 2008, the ensemble performs at Christmas at Luther, chapel services and area churches. Luther Ringers performs on a six-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells and a six-octave set of Malmark Handchimes, donated by Blanche Kangas of Spokane, Washington.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation with five choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.

Dragonfly Books is pleased to present an evening of poetry and conversation with Anders Carlson-Wee and Elijah Burrell. Everyone is invited to this free event featuring two midwest poets. Carlson-Wee and Burrell will talk about their new books and share their poetry on Friday, May 3 at 7:00 PM at Dragonfly  Books.

For more information visit https://www.dragonflybooks.com/event/burrellcarlsonwee.

Nick-less is coming back to the Cellar for a fun, FREE night of bluegrass tunes! The Cellar serves beer, wine, soda, and cocktails along with pizza and other bar snacks. See you on Friday May 3rd!

Dragonfly Books is thrilled to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Children’s Book Week with a special Story Time in the Park! On Saturday, May 4 at 10:00 AM, children of all ages and families are invited to Phelps Park for stories with Dragonfly Books, outdoor activities, and special guests Elephant and Piggie!

To learn more about this and other events at Dragonfly Books, please visit www.dragonflybooks.com, or contact us at events@dragonflybooks.com or 563-382-4275.

Mindful Living Workshop – 101

Whether facing a life challenge or just curious about all the talk of mindfulness, here’s the place to begin!

This 2-hour workshop explores the basics of mindfulness: What is it? Who is it for? Why practice it? What are the benefits?

This workshop is an invitation to. . .

1) Recognize the importance of self-care & identify mindfulness & meditation as self-care tools,

2) Gain a basic understanding of mindfulness,

3) Learn about formal & informal mindfulness & meditation practices for daily use.

The Mindful Living 101 Workshop will be offered four different dates:

Saturday, May 4, July 13, Sept. 14, or Nov. 9

10 A.M. – Noon

$25 / Person

For more Information or to Register, Contact

319.325.5878 or mindfully.onward@gmail.com

Registration Deadline – April 27

Mindful Living Workshop – 102

Making new behaviors into habits requires intention, attention, and supportive attitudes. This 2-hour workshop examines the foundational attitudes of mindfulness (Beginner’s Mind, Trust, Patience, Non-Judgment, Non-Striving, Acceptance, and Letting Go) and offers guidance on best ways to establish a regular mindfulness practice. (Pre-requisite: Mindful Living 101 or equivalent).

This workshop is an invitation to . . .

1. Highlight the foundational attitudes of mindfulness
2. Review &  practice formal meditations & informal techniques for use in daily life
3. Identify ways to develop & sustain a regular practice

ML Workshop 102 will be offered four different dates:

Saturday, May 4, July 13, Sept., 14, or Nov. 9

1:30 – 3:30 P.M.

$25 / Person

Kids and their parents, guardians, or mentors are encouraged to come together to learn about where all of the ingredients for a cookie come from, including ingredients that may come from far distances. We will follow up with learning about local options for food supplies and making cookies together in class. This class is a collaborative effort between Green Iowa AmeriCorps and the Oneota Community Food Co-op.

Lead by Gracie Engle and the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team, this is a hands-on class limited to 20 children. Cost is $5 per child, with accompanying adults FREE. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

With final exams around the corner, discover a system to help manage academic stress and anxiety. This class is an introduction to the Bach Flower Remedies, particularly the 5 Flower Formula which is the “rescue” formula and a part of the 38 Bach Flower repertory. Bach flowers heal emotional pain and the 5 Flower Formula has many uses for adults, teens, little ones, animals, and plants to heal stressful and upsetting situations. They are safe, herbal, non-toxic, side-effect free remedies which are used all over the world.

Lead by Lalie Madriguera, this is a lecture-style class with a limit of 10 participants. Cost is $12 for Co-op Members, $15 for community members. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

Come enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of reading in your child, then stay and play for an additional half-hour.

Aimed at children under 5, however, older siblings are welcome to attend. No registration necessary.

Taekwondo is a fun family activity and great for students of all ages! Students will improve their coordination, balance, strength and agility, memory, and flexibility. Training includes training in bully prevention, advanced self-defense, use of nunchuk, board breaks, and other advanced concepts. Classes are held at 4Kicks Family Taekwondo, 308 College Drive in Decorah (next to Subway).

Classes are offered every Monday night 5:00-6:00 and Tuesday night 4:30-5:30.  Students may participate on one or both nights each week.  Cost is $45 (same price to participate one or both nights).  Family rate: $90.

Classes are taught by Patricia Young, a 3rd degree Black Belt and Nationally Certified Instructor of the American Taekwondo Association with over 20 years of instruction experience.

To register, email MsYoung1434@hotmail.com with the names and ages of all participants.

Taekwondo is a fun family activity and great for students of all ages! Students will improve their coordination, balance, strength and agility, memory, and flexibility. Students aged 8 and older all train together, with everyone being challenged – Great for families!  Training includes training in bully prevention, advanced self-defense, use of nunchuk, board breaks, and other advanced concepts. Classes are held at 4Kicks Family Taekwondo, 308 College Drive in Decorah (next to Subway).

Classes are offered every Monday and Tuesday night 6:00-7:00.  Students may participate on one or both nights each week.  Cost is $65 (same price to participate one or both nights).  Family rate: $130.

Classes are taught by Patricia Young, a 3rd degree Black Belt and Nationally Certified Instructor of the American Taekwondo Association with over 20 years of instruction experience.

To register, email MsYoung1434@hotmail.com with the names and ages of all participants.

Taekwondo is a fun family activity and great for students of all ages! Students will improve their coordination, balance, strength and agility, memory, and flexibility. Training includes training in bully prevention, advanced self-defense, use of nunchuk, board breaks, and other advanced concepts. Classes are held at 4Kicks Family Taekwondo, 308 College Drive in Decorah (next to Subway).

Classes are offered every Monday 5:00-6:00 and Tuesday night 4:30-5:30.  Students may participate on one or both nights each week.  Cost is $45 (same price to participate one or both nights).  Family rate: $90.

Classes are taught by Patricia Young, a 3rd degree Black Belt and Nationally Certified Instructor of the American Taekwondo Association with over 20 years of instruction experience.

To register, email MsYoung1434@hotmail.com with the names and ages of all participants.

Taekwondo is a fun family activity and great for students of all ages! Students will improve their coordination, balance, strength and agility, memory, and flexibility. Students aged 8 and older all train together, with everyone being challenged – Great for families!  Training includes training in bully prevention, advanced self-defense, use of nunchuk, board breaks, and other advanced concepts. Classes are held at 4Kicks Family Taekwondo, 308 College Drive in Decorah (next to Subway).

Classes are offered every Monday and Tuesday night 6:00-7:00.  Students may participate on one or both nights each week.  Cost is $65 (same price to participate one or both nights).  Family rate: $130.

Classes are taught by Patricia Young, a 3rd degree Black Belt and Nationally Certified Instructor of the American Taekwondo Association with over 20 years of instruction experience.

To register, email MsYoung1434@hotmail.com with the names and ages of all participants.

Steinway artist, frequent concert soloist, avid chamber music performer and dedicated educator, Lei Weng will come to perform at Luther College. He will perform at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, in the Noble Recital Hall of the Jensen Noble Hall of Music on the Luther campus. The performance is open to the public with no charge of admission.

Weng’s performance will include Franz Schubert’s Piano Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960 followed by a short intermission. The intermission will be followed by Frederic Chopin’s Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 and George Gershwin’s “Three Preludes.”

Weng enjoys a successful international career as an accomplished pianist, teacher and sought-after adjudicator and clinician. He has been hailed as “a colorist of exemplary control” by the New York Concert Review for his sold-out Carnegie Hall debut and has performed at a number of prestigious venues around the world. Weng has been invited to perform and teach at a variety of music festivals including Tanglewood Music Festival, Saarburg Festival, Breckenridge Festival. As a frequent soloist and avid chamber performer, Weng has worked with several well-known conductors, such as Gerhardt Zimmerman, Steven Smith and many others.

Currently, Weng serves as the Keyboard Area Head at the University of Northern Colorado, where he recieved the 2015 College of Performing and Visual Arts Scholar of the Year Award. Weng has been invited to serve as a guest professor by major conservatories around the world, including the Royal College of Music in the UK, China Central Conservatory and many universities in the United States. He is the founder and director of the Colorado International Piano Academy and Colorado Piano Festival, two intensive summer piano programs that take place annually at UNC.

Weng has a Bachelor of Music from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.