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Grand Opening sampling events all day Thursday through Sunday. Must be of legal drinking age, so please have I.D. ready. Call 563-419-8049 for more information or look for updates on our Facebook page.

Come and see 29 sprouting actors share the stories of Rapunzel and Cap-‘o-Rushes at the New Minowa Players Theatre. The show is written and directed by Rick Scheffert with music and lyrics by Sheryl Scheffert. Show times are: Thursday, October 19 and Friday October 20 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Oneota Community Food Co-op, online at newminowaplayers.org, or one hour prior to each performance. This show is full of fun!

There is an awesome power in the human voice and when uncommon voices are blended for he common good, they become a ‘vocal community’ at its best. Masterfully led by Dr. Ysaÿe M. Barnwell, singers and non-singers alike will share the common experience of learning in the oral tradition and singing rhymes, chants, traditional songs from Africa and the Diaspora, and a variety of songs from African American culture including spirituals, ring shouts, hymns, gospels, and songs from the Civil Rights Movement. The historical, social and political context will be provided as an introduction to the songs. Through out this experience, the group will explore from an African American world view, the values imbedded in the music, the role of cultural ad spiritual traditions and rituals, the ways in which leadership emerges and can be shared by and among community members, the nature of cultural responses to and influences on political and social struggle, and finally the significance of a shared communal experience in one’s personal life.

All that is required is a willingness to sing.

The workshop begins on Friday Oct. 20th with a session from 7pm-9pm. If you can only come for part of the workshop, this is it! Then, we’ll come together again with those who can stay the whole weekend, Saturday the 21st from 10-5 (with a lunch break from12:30-2) and Sunday the 22nd from 10-1.

How we’re paying for Ysaye’s time and travel:

• 3-Day Workshop (Fri Oct 20, Sat 21, Sun 22) $80-225, Pay what is affordable and generous for you.
• 2-Day Workshop (Sat Oct 21 and Sun 22) $70-200, Pay what is affordable and generous for you.
• Friday Night Only (Oct 20, 7-9) $5-20, Pay what is affordable and generous for you.

Your registration fee covers the workshop; food and lodging are separate. You may like to eat out at one of the many restaurants or the food co-op, all within a few blocks of the fellowship hall where we’ll be singing, or you may like to bring food along and prepare it in the lovely church kitchen.

Partial scholarships are available. Contact Liz Rog, 563-382-8013.

HOUSING

We are happy to house a number of people in local homes. Let us know if you’re interested in this option. If you’d like to rent housing at a hotel or bed and breakfast, look herehttp://www.visitdecorah.com/ and www.airbnb.com.

MORE ON YSAYE

TEDx TALK: The Power of Vocal Communities

THE FORTUNE’S BONES PROJECT

Barnwell Family Archives

Sweet Honey In The Rock

Washington Post Article: May 2, 2015

The Oneota Valley Community Orchestra opens it’s fourth season on Sunday, October 22 at 2:30 pm at the Decorah High School Auditorium (100 Claiborne Drive). The program features works for strings, brass and percussion, and a woodwind quintet with strings, in addition to a full-orchestral symphony. Concert is free and open to the public and is appropriate for all ages!

Program:
Fanfare for the Common Man – Aaron Copland
The Unanswered Question – Charles Ives
St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29 No. 2 – Gustav Holst
Symphony No. 5 in D major “The Reformation”, Op. 107 – Felix Mendelssohn

Oct. 9, 2017 For immediate release
Contact: Julie Shockey Trytten, Luther College director of Media Relations
Telephone: (563) 387-1865
E-mail: news@luther.edu

‘The Past Meets the Present: Strengthening Community through the “Visitatio sepulchri” Liturgical Drama’
DECORAH, Iowa – Examining a liturgical drama known as the Visitatio sepulchri or “Visit of the sepulcher” that was performed on Easter Sunday in churches and monasteries during the Middle Ages, Melanie Batoff, Luther College assistant professor of music, will deliver a lecture titled “The Past Meets the Present: Strengthening Community through the ‘Visitatio sepulchri’ Liturgical Drama” at 4 pm Sunday, Oct. 22, in the Choir Room of the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music on Luther’s campus.
In the Visitatio sepulchri, members of the clergy assumed the roles of the three Marys who traveled to Christ’s tomb, and the angels, who proclaimed the Resurrection. In the lecture, Batoff focuses on a version of the Easter reenactment performed at Salzburg Cathedral in the 12th century that combined centuries old Gregorian chant with newer chants. It even included a hymn in Old High German, which Martin Luther and his contemporaries later introduced into the Lutheran liturgy.
Batoff argues that this juxtaposition of old and new musical and textual elements helped strengthen the sense of community among the clergy and the laity, while the staging reinforced rigid social hierarchies.
At Luther, Batoff teaches music history classes and coordinates senior projects. She is a medieval musicologist, with secondary teaching and research interests in Renaissance music and ethnomusicology. Prior to her appointment at Luther, Batoff taught at Baldwin Wallace University.
Her research focuses on medieval plainchant, liturgical drama and theology. She has an article forthcoming in “Cantus Planus Proceedings” and has published a book review in “Plainsong and Medieval Music.”
Her work has been presented nationally and internationally at the American Musicological Society National and Midwest Conferences, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, The “Cantus Planus” Study Group of the International Musicological Society, and the Canadian University Music Society.
A doctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada supported the research and writing of her dissertation, “Re-envisioning the ‘Visitatio sepulchri’ in Medieval Germany.”
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, 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.

It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s the perfect night out. Join ArtHaus as we paint the town with a glass of somethin’ in our hand. You’ll bring home a painting to hang and plenty of memories. The first drink is on the house.

Described as “the health film that health organizations don’t want you to see,” filmmaker Kip Andersen will discuss topics related to his latest work “What the Health” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, in Valders Hall of Science Room 206 on the Luther College campus.
A book signing will follow the lecture. Both the lecture and the book signing are open to the public with no charge for admission, however a ticket is required for the lecture. Tickets can be acquired at tickets.luther.edu or via the Luther Ticket Office, (563) 387-1357 or boxoffice@luther.edu.
A screening of “What the Health” will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, in Valders Hall of Science Room 206. The film screening is open to the public with no charge for admission.
“What the Health” is an investigative documentary about the United State’s health organizations. The film looks into the link between diet and disease, and the billions of dollars at stake in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and food industries.
Andersen co-produced “What the Health” with Keegan Kuhn and the duo also worked together to produce Andersen’s first film “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.” Following his first film, he was invited to speak in front of the European Parliament.
He is the founder of A.U.M. Films and Media, a non-profit focused on creating films and media that promote compassion and harmony for all life. Andersen is also a serial entrepreneur and certified Jivamukti and Kundalini yoga teacher.
Andersen is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo school of business.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, 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.

Children 18 months to 3 years of age (with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver) are invited to join us Monday mornings, from 10:30 am– 11:00 am, for lively stories, classic songs, and fingerplays in the Public Program Room of the library. Older and younger siblings are welcome to attend. Families are encouraged to stay and play for an additional 1/2 hour after story time. Toys courtesy of Toys Go ‘Round.

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at (563)382-3717 or jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us.

Ages Middle School and Up

Children who experience the joy of learning to “control” their own bodies then take on the bigger challenge of moving with purpose in work and play. They grow up more comfortable in their own skin. They are being given the mindful tools to becoming people dedicated to their own personalized physical fitness or sport for the rest of their lives. Our children are the most important resource on our planet so let’s get moving!- (Pilates Programming
Kids Just Want to Have Fun!
by Larkin Barnett, BA, MA | pilates.com)

October 23-December 11th

8 weeks for $104

If you have recently felt the need to repeatedly stab something, then we have just the thing for you. Stitch and B*#@H is a social crafting club where subversive patterns are available and BYOB is perfectly acceptable. New this semester – embroidery techniques.

Arlin Falck Assisted Living, 911 Ridgewood Drive, Decorah, invites you to an evening presentation by professional organizer Michelle Whitehill at 7pm on Monday, October 23, 2017. Michelle will speak about the best ways to downsize your own or a loved ones’ belongings for moving into a smaller living space, or to make your current living space more manageable. Following the presentation, she will take your questions. Please join us at Arlin Falck Assisted Living for Michelle’s presentation. Light refreshments will be served, and there is no charge for admission. For more information, please call 563.387.3777.

Join us in an Open Educational Discussion about Medicare Part D Plans.
Tuesday, October 24th, 4:00-5:00 PM at the Decorah Public Library (Large Community Room)
Hosted by: Donlon Pharmacy, Thriftywhite Pharmacy, A&J Petersburg Agency, Group Benefits Partners/Midwest Group Benefits, and SHIIP.

For more information, call Donlon Pharmacy at 563-382-2626.

This is the first concert in the Porter House Museum’s Fall 2017 Concert Series. Hammers and Mallets by the Iowa Composers Forum will feature new music written by Iowan composers, performed by two of Iowa’s finest chamber musicians. Percussionist Matthew Andreini and pianist Sean Botkin, both professors of music at the University of Northern Iowa, will perform music by Scott Eiklenborg (student at Wartburg College), Ben Hippen (Decorah resident), Brooke Joyce (Luther College Composer-in-Residence), Logan Larson (Luther College graudate), Lisa Neher (faculty member at Coe and Grinnell Colleges), and Jillian Whitaker (UNI graduate).

The Iowa Composers Forum (ICF) was founded in March of 1987 in Des Moines by seven composers who wished to create an environment for the performance and dissemination of music composed by Iowans. This program by the Iowa Composers Forum will also be presented at Cedar Rock, The Walter House, a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Home, in Quasqueton on Saturday, October 7 at 5 pm.

This Fall Concert Series is offered as part of the Porter House Museum’s sesquicentennial celebration. 2017 marks 150 years since the historic home was built in 1867. The museum has a history of hosting live musical performers in its historic music parlor, a tradition that stretches back to Adelbert and Grace Porter (an accomplished pianist in her own right) entertaining recitals at their home.

Tickets for all three concerts in the Fall Concert Series will be available at $14 for each individual concert or $28 for the whole series. Tickets are first-come, first-served at the door. Members of the Porter House Museum may reserve tickets in advance, as a benefit of museum membership. Email the Porter House at porterhousemuseum@gmail.com for more information.

The series will be continued by composer and keyboardist Ben Hippen, who will perform Long Road Home: a journey for solo piano on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:30PM.
The final concert in the series on Thursday, November 9th at 7:30PM will be A Musical Harvest by Duo-B, featuring Hirono Sugimoto Borter on violin and Philip Lawrence Borter on cello.

Luther College elementary music methods students are offering a weekly Wednesday “In-service” with Luther at Decorah music class for students in grades three through six.

The WILD music class runs from 8-8:50 a.m. Wednesdays, from Sept. 6 through Dec. 6, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah. Classes will be taught by Luther juniors in elementary music methods, with supervision by Luther music educators Jill Wilson and Linda Martin.

Doors will open at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday mornings. Students will be released to walk to Carrie Lee Elementary or the Middle School at 8:50 a.m.

There is no cost for the class; however, there are only 60 spots available.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.luther.edu/music/academic-info/music-education/wednesday-inservice/. Contact Jill Wilson, wilsji01@luther.edu, with questions.

Local vendors sell a wide range of products, including baked goods, fresh fruit & vegetables, crafts, meat, eggs, jewelry, honey, plants, and lots more.

Live music most Saturdays and some Wednesdays!

Forms of payment accepted:  cash, credit cards, WIC, SNAP, gift certificates, FMC Senior Nutrition Program, and Food Bank Vouchers

Make a Halloween Costume for your own Calico Critter! Bring your own little friend and we will supply the materials to make them a little costume.

On Wednesday afternoons, from 3:30 pm—4:15 pm, children in kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to join us in the Public Program Room of the library for a magical hands-on STEAM-based project. Designed to stimulate creative exploration and problem solving, this program is guaranteed to spark your child’s interest in science,design, engineering, or art!

This program is free and is limited to 24 children. Please register, in advance, as space is limited.

For additional information, contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

Bountiful CSA boxes, brimming with color and freshness, may lure even the most meat loving among us to the vegetarian life. This class is designed to highlight the diverse number of vegetables available to us at market, at the co-op, and in our boxes, without relying on a main dish centered on meat. We’ll talk and eat, the one pot meal from veggies, cooking with alternative proteins (yay! beans!), and whip up something worthy of sharing with company. Each recipe allows the vegetable to shine! No need to be a committed vegetarian to attend (although, please, do come!); this class is accessible to us all!

Lead by Johanna Bergan, this is a demonstration-style class that is gluten-free and vegetarian friendly with a limit of 20 participants. Cost is $12 for Co-op Members, $15 for community members, and is eligible for CSA voucher redemption. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

How does one paint the entire world in front of them in 3 minutes? Using watercolors, ink and drawing materials, local artist John Snyder will show you the way with a contemporary, direct and energetic approach to the tradition of Zen painting.

School age children, who are reading independently, are invited to come to the library every other Wednesday to read aloud to certified therapy dogs and their trainers.

For additional information, please contact Kristin Torresdal or Joan Roach at Decorah Public Library at (563)382-3717.

The Luther College String Trio, in collaboration with Heather Armstrong, oboe, will present a recital at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music on the Luther campus.
The trio is comprised of Luther faculty members Igor Kalnin, violin; Spencer Martin, viola; and Philip Borter, cello.
Works performed include selections from Bach’s “Three Part Inventions,” Mozart’s “Oboe Quartet in F Major,” “Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings” by Benjamin Britten, and Astor Piazzolla’s “Two Tangos.”
The performance is open to the public with no charge for admission.
In addition to the performance at Luther, the group will travel to Des Moines and Minneapolis to perform and give masterclasses to pre-college students. They will perform at Luther Church of Hope in West Des Moines at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Both off-campus performances are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with six 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.

Winneshiek County Democrats will host a fundraiser on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Winneshiek Wildberry Winery with the theme, “ Leaves Fall, We Rise Up.”  The evening will feature hearty appetizers, desserts, coffee, a cash bar, and remarks by John Norris, a gubernatorial candidate. Mr Norris will speak at 6:15.

John Norris brings a wide range of experiences to the race. After receiving a law degree,  he served as Chief of Staff for both Congressman Leonard Boswell and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Under the last administration, he was a commissioner of the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission.  In the mid-80’s he was state director for the Iowa Farm Unity Coalition. His family farm is near Red Oak and rural issues are an emphasis of his campaign. He stated, “ We’ve got to create economic opportunities for folks in rural Iowa.”

All of the candidates for governor have been invited, but to date the others have not been able to commit. “ It’s our hope that before the June primary, Winneshiek Democrats will have an opportunity to meet and hear all of the candidates,” stated Matt Tapscott, Winneshiek County Democratic Chair. Supervisors John Beard, Mark Kuhn, and Dean Thompson will attend.  For further information, contact Matt Tapscott at tapscottdecorah@gmail.com

For further information, contact Matt Tapscott, 563 387 7413

Decorah Public Library staff are hosting three book discussions in October. All groups are open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested should call the library at 382-3717 to learn more or to reserve a book.

The History Book Group will discuss James Ledbetter’s “One Nation Under Gold” at 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 26^th on the 2^nd floor of the library. Gold has influenced American monetary policy and exerted an often outsized influence on the national psyche for centuries. Ledbetter explores the tumultuous history and larger-than-life personalities—from George Washington to Richard Nixon—behind America’s volatile relationship to this hallowed metal and investigates what this enduring obsession reveals about the American identity.

Speaker: John Norris, Former Chair, Iowa Utilities Board and former member, Federal Energy Regulatory Committee

Decorah Power invites the public, business community, and local leadership to a presentation by John Norris, former chair of the Iowa Utilities Board and former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee, Thursday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. at Luther College, Valders 362.

Decorah Power has asked Norris to focus on this question: If you had free reign to design a customer-owned utility from the ground up, how would you do it? Norris has titled his presentation, “A Clean-Slate, 21st Century Municipal Electric Utility in Iowa and in a National Context.”

John Norris is a partner and co-owner of the State Public Policy Group based in Des Moines, where he works with clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors providing issue management, research, advocacy, stakeholder outreach and facilitation, and project management services.  

Norris has over three decades of political, policy and administrative experience at the highest levels of state and federal government including extensive experience on energy and agricultural issues. He served as the Minister-Counselor for Agriculture for the United States Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, Italy.  He was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2009 and again in 2012 to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  In 1999, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack asked Norris to chair the Governor’s Working Group on Electric Restructuring.  The legislation resulting from his work made Iowa a national leader in wind generation.  Vilsack subsequently appointed Norris as Chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB).  
While Chairman of the IUB, Norris also was elected President of the Organization of Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) States and he chaired the Demand Response Working Group for the MISO.  He co-chaired the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission/National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Smart Grid and Emerging Issues Collaboratives, served on the Board of Directors of the National Regulatory Research Institute, was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Iowa Power Fund and served on the Advisory Council of the Iowa Energy Center. Norris has spoken extensively on energy, agriculture and regulatory issues both domestically and internationally.  

Four Luther College alumnae will speak on their professional careers and personal experiences as females in the workforce during a panel at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall.
A reception will follow the panel in the Center for Faith and Life Qualley Lounge. Both events are open to the public with no charge for admission.
The panel, titled “Women as Leaders: Luther Alumnae Perspectives on Talent, Power and Ethics,” is hosted by Luther’s economics, accounting and management department and is sponsored by the Dahl Endowment and the Kemper Ethics Grant. Panelists are Wendy Davidson, class of 1992; Shannon Duval, class of 1995; Kari Lyle, class of 1994; and Anjela Shutts, class of 1993. They will speak on their experiences in leadership, advancing on the career ladder, ethics in business and finding a work/life balance.
Davidson is the president of U.S. Specialty Channels for Kellogg, a Fortune 500 company. In addition to fostering growth within the company, she spearheaded the launch of the direct-to-consumer e-commerce business model of bearnakedcustom.com, along with IBM Chef Watson®. Prior to joining Kellogg in 2013, she served as the vice president, Consumer Food Manufacturing, U.S. and Latin America for McCormick & Company, Inc., and vice president, Custom Flavor Solutions, Industrial Foods America, for McCormick & Company, Inc. She spent 16 years on the executive team at Tyson Foods, Inc.
Duval is the president and chief development officer for Catholic Health Initiatives Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S. Duval spent six years as the president of the Mercy Medical Center Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. She also was the president of the St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation, part of Unity Point Health System in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While a student at Luther, she was the Jenson Medal recipient. She garnered the Distinguished Service Award in 2015.
Lyle is the managing director in the chief technology office at Deloitte Tax in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a position she’s held since July 2010. Prior to that, she worked in client service for Deloitte Tax. While at Deloitte Tax, she started a program in Hyderabad, India, that focused on the advancement of women in the company. She has held multiple service positions at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, currently serving as a member of the task force committee.
Since graduating from Drake University Law School in 1996, Shutts has practiced law with Whitfield & Eddy law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2003, she became a partner in the firm. Among her many accomplishments is being honored by Best Lawyers in America and Great Plains Super Lawyers for her work in family law matters. She focuses on domestic relations. She’s certified to mediate family law by the Iowa Supreme Court and is trained to practice collaborative law and divorce. She was awarded the Polk County Bar Association Award in 2017 and was a Jenson Medalist at Luther in 1993.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, 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 is hosting a Creative Arts Visit Day for prospective students Friday, Oct. 27. Activities for the day are geared toward prospective students interested in art, dance and theatre by providing an opportunity to explore visual and performing arts at Luther.
Registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 22.
The event begins at 9 a.m. in the Center for the Arts and should end by 3:45 p.m.
The day includes opportunities for prospective Norse to hear current students and Luther professors in the art, dance and theatre departments talk about their programs. In addition, there will be opportunities to participate in ceramics, drawing, painting, documentary filmmaking, theatrical performance, dance and performance workshops. Prospective students will also tour Luther’s campus and the student art studios.
High school senior participants have the option to audition for dance and theatre scholarships and receive a portfolio review with art faculty as part of the art scholarship application process. Admissions counselors are available for appointments throughout the day.
To learn about and register for the Creative Arts Visit Day and other Luther Admissions Events, go to www.visit.luther.edu/.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, 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.

Come sing together girlfriends, grandmas, mamas, sisters, and neighbors!

Mama-Cita is women coming together to experience the freedom, energy and pure magic of singing together. Come let’s do it! If you’ve got a young ‘un in your life, bring them along too for we’re better with them in our midst!

Whether you think of yourself as a non-singer, a pro, or anything in-between, you are so welcome here. Your voice matters to the whole and we’d love you to join us in this cozy, safe, nurturing space for women. There’s no spotlight, no audition, no performing; just an opportunity to step into present moment together, to sing in community, resting in the comfort of ‘we.’

Come on your own or bring a baby or toddler – whatever works for you. It’s fun and uplifting. I’ll teach all the songs by ear, and the power of learning in a group will take us where we want to go. Then, after the singing we’ll share tea together!

Come join the circle of women and learn songs to take home and weave into your days. We’ll sing easy-to-learn, playful, beautiful songs that speak the timeless themes of love, kindness, joy, power, creativity, grief. We’ll sing lullabies, songs in other languages, songs from long ago and songs from this time. You might just find yourself weaving these songs into your everyday life.

Humans are born to sing, but many of us have set singing aside since becoming adults. There’s nothing like the presence of children to make us eager to step into community song again! Whether you are 18 or 80 or in between, these songs are for you.

Come, let’s ever-keep becoming a singing world again. To do it, we need each other.
Children are welcome!

Your Friend in Song,
Liz Rog

Registration :(Friends, you can support the mental health of your organizers by registering soon instead of waiting! 🙂 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvh7pHSxoIHIqEZa6yszmeEZjdP_25wFyafTTYLGl3uvt2Ig/viewform?c=0&w=1
Money: on the first week you can make a one-time donation, suggested $15-$50/person. Thank you!

Club Dance is at it again! We are celebrating Halloween with some hip hop flare.  Learn Dances, Drink Margaritas, Costume Party! Photo Booth.  Winner of the contest earns $25 studio credit!  Mo money- mo twerking!

Have fun and enjoy a night of laughs and great dance moves!

$18

New Minowa Players and director Sheryl Scheffert are seeking actors for the January production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Auditions will be held Friday, October 27 at 7:00 at the New Minowa Players Theatre, 906 South Mill Street, Decorah, and are open to adults and youth age 12 and above. Please bring a prepared monologue of approximately 60 seconds and dress appropriately for movement. It is also important to bring a list of conflicts between November 5 and January 27 so that a viable rehearsal schedule can be constructed.

Performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be January 18-21 and January 26-27. Rehearsals are anticipated to be 7-9 p.m. with three rehearsals in November, six in December and Monday through Friday rehearsals in January. For more information or to schedule an alternative audition time, please call Sheryl at 563-379-5738 or email sherylscheffert@gmail.com.
Local sponsors for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are Decorah Bank and Trust, Family Table Restaurant, Gallery of Tops, Modish, Pizza Ranch, RocketDog Books, Rockweiler Appliance & TV, and Singing Hammers Construction.

There’s only one place to party Halloween style! T-Bock’s Upstairs! Friday October 27th. With The Avey/Grouws Band!

Cover is just $6. But only $5 if you decide to support the area food pantries just before the holidays. Just trick or treat your non-perishable item into our big Trick or Treat bag! T-Bock’s Sports Bar & Grill, KDEC FM 100.5 and Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Decorah, IA thank you for giving during the start of the holiday season!

Doors open at 8:30. Music starts at 9. Costume contest at 10:30! Get there early so everyone can vote for your costume before then! 18 and up.

The Avey/Grouws Band is a blues/roots/rock band from Eastern Iowa. Recent winners of the 2017 Iowa Blues Challenge, the band will go on to represent Iowa in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis January 17-20, 2018. But this is not a one note bad. This Halloween, you’ll hear blues, rock, classic rock, country, pop and more. Just wear shoes you can dance in! Check them out at www.aveygrouwsband.com

Local vendors sell a wide range of products, including baked goods, fresh fruit & vegetables, crafts, meat, eggs, jewelry, honey, plants, and lots more.

Live music most Saturdays and some Wednesdays!

Forms of payment accepted:  cash, credit cards, WIC, SNAP, gift certificates, FMC Senior Nutrition Program, and Food Bank Vouchers

The outdoor market is located east of the Decorah Post Office, in the parking lot just below the Oneota Food Co-op on River St and one block south of Water Street.

Student volunteers from the Luther College Student Congregation will take part in the annual fall “Luther Serves” day Saturday, Oct. 28.
Volunteers spend the day helping Decorah residents with yard work, planting, light housework, window removal and cleaning and other fall chores. The day’s volunteer work schedule gives priority to Decorah residents who are elderly or disabled, but any resident who is in need of the help may participate in the project.
Decorah residents may sign up by contacting Luther College Ministries at (563) 387-1040 or at ministry@luther.edu to request a morning or afternoon shift of student workers. While College Ministries will make every effort to accommodate all requests, they will be handled on a first come, first served basis. 
There is no charge for the Luther Serves services, but donations will be accepted. Any donations collected during the way will go to the Lutheran Disaster response to aid relief work for victims of the recent hurricanes, flooding and wildfires.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, 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.

The 32nd Annual Northeast Iowa Holiday Craft and Bake Sale, sponsored by the Decorah Music Boosters, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29 at Decorah High School. This is the largest craft sale of its type in this part of the Tri-State area featuring nearly 100 vendors. Doors will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. There is no admission charge.

This is a perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping without having to leave town to do so. There will be a wide range of crafts and gift ideas for early Christmas shoppers.

Raffle tickets for a TV will be available at the door for only $2 each.

The Decorah Music Boosters is a group that works to support the music programs of Decorah Community Schools. All proceeds from this craft sale will go toward student entrance fees and admissions to various music contests and festivals throughout the year

Protect your family, your community, and the environment by properly disposing of medications. Bring your unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to Thrifty White Pharmacy in Decorah or Walmart Supercenter parking lot in Decorah between 10 AM and 2 PM on Saturday, October 28th. This event is confidential, and no questions will be asked. For your safety mark out any identifying information on prescription bottles. Unidentified medications will be accepted.

We’re inviting partners to join us this month! We’ll talk about how breastfeeding affects both the mother and child and their larger communities of support. We’ll talk about difficulties and challenges and share how we meet them.

Bubbles are a family favorite and a source of amusement to everyone! Join us at Decorah Public Library on October 28, 2017, at 11:00 am, for an educational and entertaining program on the science and FUN of bubbles!

Why are bubbles always round? What is needed to create a giant bubble? Discover the answer to these questions and more with Emma Seehusen, Outreach Coordinator from the Grout Museum District.

This program is recommended for children of all ages. It is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Young Adult Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

This beautiful scarf is simple to knit and is elegant to wear!  It is a 4 stitch pattern and once you memorize it you will be able to knit without the pattern!

Materials needed:  1 skein Cascade Alpaca Lace, Size 6 needles with pointy ends

(note: all materials bought at the Blue Heron Knittery for this class are 10% off!)

Pattern will be provided at class.

Class date: October 28 at 1 p.m.

Class cost:  $10 per class to the instructor, Bev Bakkum

Let us delight your appetite with our brunch in Peace Dining Room on selected Sundays. Be our guest as you enjoy this delicious event while admiring the view to the west of the beautiful, meandering Upper Iowa River. Reservations are encouraged for all Peace Brunch Sundays. Call 563-387-1514 to make a reservation.

The most important fundraiser of the year for the Northeast Iowa Montessori School – Around the World in 5 Plates!
This event will take place on Sunday, October 29th from 5p-8p at the historic Steyer Opera House at the Hotel Winneshiek.

This fundraiser includes a dinner of five courses prepared by several different local chefs from cuisine’s around the world, silent auction with great local items and wonderful packages. The feel is fun, lively, and casual.

Our fundraising model is “choose you own donation” – this means that there is no up-front cost for the ticket. Guests get to decide on how much they would like to give the evening of the event as they leave.

Fundraising is a critical part o the Northeast Iowa Montessori Schools annual budget and we depend on funds to operate our school.

Please contact Rachel Brummel at 5platesdinner@gmail.com or Rachael Buresh at neimontessori@gmail.com and we can
get you tickets and your guests on the list as we need to get a head count to the chefs by October 18th.

Please plan to be apart of this wonderful event!

Children 18 months to 3 years of age (with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver) are invited to join us Monday mornings, from 10:30 am– 11:00 am, for lively stories, classic songs, and fingerplays in the Public Program Room of the library. Older and younger siblings are welcome to attend. Families are encouraged to stay and play for an additional 1/2 hour after story time. Toys courtesy of Toys Go ‘Round.

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at (563)382-3717 or jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us.

If you have recently felt the need to repeatedly stab something, then we have just the thing for you. Stitch and B*#@H is a social crafting club where subversive patterns are available and BYOB is perfectly acceptable. New this semester – embroidery techniques.

Luther College elementary music methods students are offering a weekly Wednesday “In-service” with Luther at Decorah music class for students in grades three through six.

The WILD music class runs from 8-8:50 a.m. Wednesdays, from Sept. 6 through Dec. 6, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah. Classes will be taught by Luther juniors in elementary music methods, with supervision by Luther music educators Jill Wilson and Linda Martin.

Doors will open at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday mornings. Students will be released to walk to Carrie Lee Elementary or the Middle School at 8:50 a.m.

There is no cost for the class; however, there are only 60 spots available.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.luther.edu/music/academic-info/music-education/wednesday-inservice/. Contact Jill Wilson, wilsji01@luther.edu, with questions.

Local vendors sell a wide range of products, including baked goods, fresh fruit & vegetables, crafts, meat, eggs, jewelry, honey, plants, and lots more.

Live music most Saturdays and some Wednesdays!

Forms of payment accepted:  cash, credit cards, WIC, SNAP, gift certificates, FMC Senior Nutrition Program, and Food Bank Vouchers

On Wednesday afternoons, from 3:30 pm—4:15 pm, children in kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to join us in the Public Program Room of the library for a magical hands-on STEAM-based project. Designed to stimulate creative exploration and problem solving, this program is guaranteed to spark your child’s interest in science,design, engineering, or art!

This program is free and is limited to 24 children. Please register, in advance, as space is limited.

For additional information, contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

Community leaders and citizens are invited to a conversation about “unconscious bias” on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. on the 2^nd floor of Decorah Public Library. Organized by the Decorah Human Rights Commission and facilitated by Melissa Koch, the event is free and open to the public.

The program will include a series of brief videos and group discussions and will be of interest to those familiar with the topic of unconscious bias, those who are challenged by it, and those who aren’t sure what the phrase “unconscious bias” means. The videos include a brief introduction to the concept, a personal testimonial about unconscious bias, and some basic steps to begin unlearning bias.

According to Decorah Human Rights Commission member Amalia Vagts “Unconscious bias is the result of natural brain processing that places similar items or people into groups. Based on information we receive from our families, the news, books, and popular culture we automatically make generalizations about these groups. Those generalizations can lead to negative consequences. Research has shown that the more aware we are of this bias, the more able we are to overcome it.”

Discussion facilitator Melissa Koch is an author of nonfiction children’s books and inventor of digital learning environments for children, educators, and adults. She specializes in developing materials that encourage youth from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her culturally-relevant STEM curricula activities have received recognition from the National Science Foundation, White House Science Fair, PBS, and others.

The Decorah Human Rights Commission was formed in 2006 following the passage of a city civil rights ordinance. The mission of the Decorah Human Rights Commission is to increase community awareness and appreciation of human diversity through educational programs and to investigate alleged claims of discriminatory practices and provide appropriate remedies where discrimination has been found to exist.

For more information about the Commission, visit http://www.decorahia.org/human-rights-commission.

Erin Buchanan, Energy Services Coordinator at Cedar Falls Utilities, will present, “The Power of Local Priorities: Energy Efficiency and Community Solar,” Thursday, November 2, at a noon brownbag at City Hall and again at 7:00 p.m. at Luther College in Valders 367.

Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) is owned by the community and enjoys some of the lowest utility rates in Iowa. CFU provides water, electricity, high speed internet and cable television services to the city of Cedar Falls. As CFU’s Energy Services Coordinator, Erin Buchanan helps provide resources to customers seeking to use less energy, purchase wind-generated electricity, buy units in a community-owned solar garden, or install small-scale wind or solar systems.

Last year, Buchanan was named by Midwest Energy News as one of two Iowans on a list of 40 Under 40 “emerging leaders working on America’s transition to a clean energy economy.” In 2011, she was named a “rising star in public power” by the American Public Power Association. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, with a B.S. in mathematical decision sciences. She also holds an M.S. in statistics from Iowa State University.

DECORAH COMMUNITY FREE MEAL
Building Community One Plate at a Time

Join with family, friends and neighbors for a FREE meal* served between 5 pm and 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month at First Lutheran Church in Decorah.
All ages are welcome.

The meal is served on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month beginning at 5 pm.

Main dishes are supplied by Sodexo at Luther College or by local restaurants. Salads and desserts are provided by volunteers from local community groups.

*Gluten free options are always available.
Donations welcome.

Erin Buchanan, Energy Services Coordinator at Cedar Falls Utilities, will present, “The Power of Local Priorities: Energy Efficiency and Community Solar,” Thursday, November 2, at a noon brownbag at City Hall and again at 7:00 p.m. at Luther College in Valders 367.

Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) is owned by the community and enjoys some of the lowest utility rates in Iowa. CFU provides water, electricity, high speed internet and cable television services to the city of Cedar Falls. As CFU’s Energy Services Coordinator, Erin Buchanan helps provide resources to customers seeking to use less energy, purchase wind-generated electricity, buy units in a community-owned solar garden, or install small-scale wind or solar systems.

Last year, Buchanan was named by Midwest Energy News as one of two Iowans on a list of 40 Under 40 “emerging leaders working on America’s transition to a clean energy economy.” In 2011, she was named a “rising star in public power” by the American Public Power Association. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, with a B.S. in mathematical decision sciences. She also holds an M.S. in statistics from Iowa State University.

This concert, Long Road Home: journey for solo piano, will feature composer and keyboardist Ben Hippen, whose appealing cinematic music will form the basis for a three-act concert journey. Ben Hippen grew up in Decorah and returned last year to write and perform music in Northeast Iowa. His web site is www.benhippen.com and his music can be found on Spotify, YouTube, and most online music stores. His music walks the line between the appeal of pop music and the challenging complexity of classical music. He is committed to writing and performing music that backs an immediate emotional appeal with a careful compositional technique that rewards repeated listenings.

This Fall Concert Series is offered as part of the Porter House Museum’s sesquicentennial celebration. 2017 marks 150 years since the historic home was built in 1867. The museum has a history of hosting live musical performers in its historic music parlor, a tradition that stretches back to Adelbert and Grace Porter (an accomplished pianist in her own right) entertaining recitals at their home.

Tickets for all three concerts in the Fall Concert Series will be available at $14 for each individual concert or $28 for the whole series. Tickets are first-come, first-served at the door. Members of the Porter House Museum may reserve tickets in advance, as a benefit of museum membership. Email the Porter House at porterhousemuseum@gmail.com for more information.

The series begins on Tuesday, October 24th at 7:30PM with Hammers and Mallets by the Iowa Composers Forum, featuring new music written by Iowan composers, performed by two of Iowa’s finest chamber musicians.
The final concert in the series on Thursday, November 9th at 7:30PM will be A Musical Harvest by Duo-B, featuring Hirono Sugimoto Borter on violin and Philip Lawrence Borter on cello.

New Minowa Players is pleased to announce a new offering this fall: an evening of three one-act plays. The Whole Shebang and Then Some, with 8 actors performing 3 short comedies is designed as an evening of laughter. Performances of will be held November 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30, and Sunday, November 5 at 2:00. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They are available online at newminowaplayers.org now and will be available at Oneota Community Co-op beginning October 23. The three one-acts will run one after the other, creating a show approximately 90 minutes long.

Lives of the Saints by David Ives portrays two older women preparing for a funeral luncheon in a church basement It has touches of humor and philosophy and contemplates the meaning of Polish jokes. Enigma Variations by David Ives tells of a pair of lookalikes who have come to a psychiatrist to solve a puzzling problem of duality. But can the psychiatrist solve the problem or will it just be made worse? The Whole Shebang by Rich Orloff is based on the premise that the earth is a science project of a student in an alternate dimension who is working on her Master of the Universe degree.

Sponsors for The Whole Shebang and Then Some are Decorah Bank and Trust, Family Table Restaurant, Pizza Ranch, RocketDog Books, Rockweiler Appliance & TV and Singing Hammers Construction. For more information contact one of the co-directors: Lauren Bird at birdlauren111@gmail.com or Sheryl Scheffert at sherylscheffert@gmail.com or 563-379-5738

Come sing together girlfriends, grandmas, mamas, sisters, and neighbors!

Mama-Cita is women coming together to experience the freedom, energy and pure magic of singing together. Come let’s do it! If you’ve got a young ‘un in your life, bring them along too for we’re better with them in our midst!

Whether you think of yourself as a non-singer, a pro, or anything in-between, you are so welcome here. Your voice matters to the whole and we’d love you to join us in this cozy, safe, nurturing space for women. There’s no spotlight, no audition, no performing; just an opportunity to step into present moment together, to sing in community, resting in the comfort of ‘we.’

Come on your own or bring a baby or toddler – whatever works for you. It’s fun and uplifting. I’ll teach all the songs by ear, and the power of learning in a group will take us where we want to go. Then, after the singing we’ll share tea together!

Come join the circle of women and learn songs to take home and weave into your days. We’ll sing easy-to-learn, playful, beautiful songs that speak the timeless themes of love, kindness, joy, power, creativity, grief. We’ll sing lullabies, songs in other languages, songs from long ago and songs from this time. You might just find yourself weaving these songs into your everyday life.

Humans are born to sing, but many of us have set singing aside since becoming adults. There’s nothing like the presence of children to make us eager to step into community song again! Whether you are 18 or 80 or in between, these songs are for you.

Come, let’s ever-keep becoming a singing world again. To do it, we need each other.
Children are welcome!

Your Friend in Song,
Liz Rog

Registration :(Friends, you can support the mental health of your organizers by registering soon instead of waiting! 🙂 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvh7pHSxoIHIqEZa6yszmeEZjdP_25wFyafTTYLGl3uvt2Ig/viewform?c=0&w=1
Money: on the first week you can make a one-time donation, suggested $15-$50/person. Thank you!

This fall, Decorah Public Library is excited to offer a new young adult program! Girls in 5th through 8th grades are invited to join CONNECT.

CONNECT is an adventure based program designed to cultivate smart, confident, and courageous girls. While participating in a variety of healthy and challenging activities, girls will have the opportunity to connect with their inner strengths, the natural world, and each other.

Designed to foster confidence and character in middle school aged girls, the CONNECT program encourages participants to disconnect from technology, try new activities, and build positive friendships.

The November CONNECT adventure is geocaching with Lilly Jensen from Winneshiek County Conservation. Did you know there are TONS of geocaches within walking distance of downtown !?!? Join us on an outdoor exploration and help place a geocache or two as a group.

Space is limited to 24 girls in 5th through 8th grade. Please register at www.decorah.lib.ia.us.

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

Dragonfly Books is pleased to host a reception celebrating The Driftless Reader with editor Curt Meine on Friday, November 3 at 5:30 pm. The Driftless Reader gathers writings that highlight the unique natural and cultural history, landscape, and literature of the Driftless Area. Local contributors include David Faldet, Robert Wolf, Kevin Koch, Lauren Louise Anderson, and Carl Homstad.

Everyone is invited to enjoy catered food and wine, hear a formal address from Curt Meine, and take a closer look at The Driftless Reader (University of Wisconsin Press 2017). The reception will begin at 5:30 pm and Curt Meine will give a formal address at 6:00 pm.

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)

ICAN of Northeast Iowa- supporting families affected by cesarean birth through education and advocacy. Join us at the First United Methodist Church in Decorah- 302 West Broadway St.

Our group meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome including those interested in birth/motherhood, women who are pregnant, hope to become pregnant, or are further along on their healing journey. Dads are welcome too!

Like us on Facebook!

We are cancelling October’s meeting, and the last meeting of 2017 will be November 7th, where we invite women to share their VBAC stories (or vaginal birth after cesarean stories).

Local vendors sell a wide range of products, including baked goods, fresh fruit & vegetables, crafts, meat, eggs, jewelry, honey, plants, and lots more.

Live music most Saturdays and some Wednesdays!

Forms of payment accepted:  cash, credit cards, WIC, SNAP, gift certificates, FMC Senior Nutrition Program, and Food Bank Vouchers

The outdoor market is located east of the Decorah Post Office, in the parking lot just below the Oneota Food Co-op on River St and one block south of Water Street.

This project is a beautiful two color shawl with a hood.  This is knit in the round and then steeked to turn it into a shawl.  It is a large project for intermediate to advanced knitters.  We are planning a knit along so you will be able to work at your own pace but have the advantage of working with other knitters on the same project.

Materials needed: pattern, yarn, needles, stitch markers (note: all materials bought at the Blue Heron Knittery for this class are 10% off!)

Class dates: July 15 @ 10 a.m., August 19 @ 1 p.m., September 16 @ 1 p.m., October 7 @ 10 a.m., November 4 @ 10 a.m., December 2 @ 10 a.m., December 30 @ 10 a.m.

Class cost:  $10 per class to the instructor, Bev Bakkum

Cost: $3-$10 Donation

Sponsored by: Corbin Group Video Production

Luther dance professor Jane Hawley presents Movement Fundamentals: Moving in Life & Art.  Join us for an hour presentation on Hawley’s research in the relationship of self.

Please join us for
Luther College Peace Brunch

November 5

10 am to 1 pm
Luther College Peace Dining Room
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Sunday, November 5

Reservations are encouraged for all brunches

Please call 563-387-1514 to make your reservations

It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s the perfect night out. Join Arthaus as we paint the town with a glass of somethin’ in our hand. You’ll bring home a painting to hang and plenty of memories. The first drink is on the house.

Requested by artists throughout the Driftless, ArtHaus hosts a series of nude model sessions for those who love life drawing, painting, or whatever your medium. Drawing supplies will be provided for those in need.

Children 18 months to 3 years of age (with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver) are invited to join us Monday mornings, from 10:30 am– 11:00 am, for lively stories, classic songs, and finger plays in the Public Program Room of the library. Older and younger siblings are welcome to attend. Families are encouraged to stay and play for an additional 1/2 hour after story time. Toys courtesy of Toys Go ‘Round.

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

John Bilsten, General Manager at Algona Municipal Utilities, will present, “Charting the Course for Algona’s Future: Jobs, Stewardship, and Energy Independence,” Monday, November 6 at a noon brownbag at City Hall.

Algona Municipal Utilities is a community-owned water, electric, cable television, high speed internet and telephone utility that serves Algona and the surrounding area. The organization is very active in renewable energy initiatives and owns a small, three-turbine wind farm. John Bilsten, who has served as General Manager since 1999, is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Public Administration.  Bilsten is a past President of the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU), served on the Advisory Council of the Iowa Energy Center, served on the Iowa Power Fund Board, and is a current member of the Board of the Iowa Public Power Agency; the IAMU Insurance Trust Committee; IAMU Legislative and Regulatory Committee; IAMU Energy Efficiency Committee; and the Board of the North Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association.

See what we learned about people and housing in our community; hear what we’d like to do to improve; tell us what you think!

If you have recently felt the need to repeatedly stab something, then we have just the thing for you. Stitch and B*#@H is a social crafting club where subversive patterns are available and BYOB is perfectly acceptable. New this semester – embroidery techniques.

For artists who need another eye, an encouraging word, or a new perspective. Get out of artist block with the help of other artists in the area. Bring whatever type of work you are working on and be prepared to share your helpful thoughts with others.

Families are invited to explore, play, think, and create in the Public Program Room of the Library. Drop in anytime between 3:15 pm—4:15 pm for a rotating schedule of fun-filled, hands-on art activities! This program is limited to 24 children on a first-come basis. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

For additional information, please contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717. This program is free and open to the public.

Luther College elementary music methods students are offering a weekly Wednesday “In-service” with Luther at Decorah music class for students in grades three through six.

The WILD music class runs from 8-8:50 a.m. Wednesdays, from Sept. 6 through Dec. 6, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah. Classes will be taught by Luther juniors in elementary music methods, with supervision by Luther music educators Jill Wilson and Linda Martin.

Doors will open at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday mornings. Students will be released to walk to Carrie Lee Elementary or the Middle School at 8:50 a.m.

There is no cost for the class; however, there are only 60 spots available.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.luther.edu/music/academic-info/music-education/wednesday-inservice/. Contact Jill Wilson, wilsji01@luther.edu, with questions.

On Wednesday afternoons, from 3:30 pm—4:15 pm, children in kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to join us in the Public Program Room of the library for a magical hands-on STEAM-based project. Designed to stimulate creative exploration and problem solving, this program is guaranteed to spark your child’s interest in science,design, engineering, or art!

This program is free and is limited to 24 children. Please register, in advance, as space is limited.

For additional information, contact Joan Roach, Children’s and Youth Librarian, at jroach@decorah.lib.ia.us or (563)382-3717.

Decorah Public Library staff are hosting three book discussions in November. All groups are open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested should call the library at 382-3717 to learn more or to reserve a book.

The Happy Hour Book Group will meet at Rubaiyat on Wed. Nov. 8th at 5:15 p.m. (please note time change) to discuss Dina Nayeri’s “Refuge.” An Iranian girl escapes to America as a child, but her father stays behind. Over twenty years, as she transforms from confused immigrant to overachieving Westerner to sophisticated European transplant, daughter and father know each other only from four visits over two decades. The longer they are apart, the more their lives diverge, but also the more each comes to need the other’s wisdom and rescue. “Refuge” charts the lifetime relationship between a father and a daughter, seen through the prism of global immigration.

Monthly Flyer - FINAL

Parenting in Today’s Sexual Climate  Being an “Ask-able” Adult
Information • Conversation • Communication

We are a group of parents concerned for children’s health and sexual well-being who have organized a series of workshops. Professionally facilitated, these workshops are meant to empower parents and caregivers of children to talk with their kids about health and sexuality. The focus is on body positivity, decision-making, and having a healthy understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. These monthly parent-oriented workshops* are being offered at no charge, September thru May, on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Decorah Middle School.

*Inspired by the nationally recognized program of lifespan sexuality education, Our Whole Lives (OWL), which offers curricula for all ages       http://www.uua.org/re/owl

Children frequently have misinformation about health, sexuality, drugs, and other critical topics. This program will help parents talk honestly and openly with their children to provide sound and accurate information.

We live in a time when kids of all ages are bombarded with age-sensitive material wherever they turn; “sexting” and bullying are on the rise at an increasingly younger age, and teen moms are “celebrified.” What is a concerned – and embarrassed – parent to do?

This program provides strategies to navigate this tricky terrain for any parent who wants to become and remain the most credible and influential resource about sexuality in their children’s lives. Parents and caregivers will gain skills to talk with their children about health and sexuality with body positivity. A part of wellness, something Decorah is well known for, this will assist boys and girls in having a healthy understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.

Questions? Contact Michelle Bloom Hockersmith at letstalkdecorah@gmail.com or 563.419.0990

School age children, who are reading independently, are invited to come to the library every other Wednesday to read aloud to certified therapy dogs and their trainers.

For additional information, please contact Kristin Torresdal or Joan Roach at Decorah Public Library at (563)382-3717.

Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To promote car seat safety, Winneshiek Medical Center and Culver’s are urging all parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat checks held the second Thursday of every other month beginning in January at the Winneshiek Medical Center East Entrance from 4:00 – 6:00 pm: January 12, March 9, May 11, July 13,September 14, November 9.

For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers should refer to the following guidelines for determining which restraint system is best suited to protect children based on age and size:

1. For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat – this can be up to 30 or 35 pounds depending on the seat.
2. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats, they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat – this is usually 40 pounds, although some 5-point harness seats are now rated up to 60-65 pounds.
3. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until their knees bend over the edge of the vehicle seat and their feet touch the floor while sitting all the way back.
4. When children outgrow their booster seats, they can use the adult seat belts in the back seat, if they fit properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).

For questions on car seat safety or to schedule an appointment, call the WMC OB Coordinator at 563-387-5361. For each seat inspected, Culver’s of Decorah will donate a coupon for a free small ice cream sundae.

Are you looking for a way to pep up your morning routine? Perhaps you’d rather sip on something with some veggies in the afternoon rather than a pop? Or are you constantly on the go without time to sit down for your midday meal? Smoothies may be able to play an important part of your diet. Join in this class for recipes (new! if you’re a returning student) and so many smoothie samples you’re sure to find something to enjoy. We’ll unpack the protein powder options available to boost smoothies as well as explore the world of superfoods that can easily be added into your blender.

Lead by Johanna Bergan, this is a demonstration class that is gluten-free and vegan friendly, with a limit of 16 participants. Cost is $15 for Member-Owners, $18 for community members. Call 563-382-4666, or register online at http://oneotacoop.com/education-events/ to reserve your seat.

The final concert in the Porter House Museum’s Fall Concert Series will be A Musical Harvest by Duo-B, featuring Hirono Sugimoto Borter on violin and Philip Lawrence Borter on cello. They will present a feast of ‘flavorful’ music from around the world. Familiar courses by Mozart and Piazzolla are carefully paired with selections by Kodaly and Schulhoff, creating a handpicked and uniquely curated menu that is sure to satisfy musical appetites.

Founded in 2009, Duo-B members Hirono Sugimoto Borter and Philip Lawrence Borter met at the Hochschule für Musik-Freiburg (Germany) and have since dedicated their performing careers to promoting the wealth of music for violin and cello duo. As winners of the prestigious Eastman Concerto Competition, they have performed across three continents including landmark performances in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Universität der Künste in Berlin, and Minatomirai Hall in Yokohama, Japan. Since its inception, Duo-B has championed a diverse and broad repertoire representing music from a great variety of genres and cultures.

This Fall Concert Series is offered as part of the Porter House Museum’s sesquicentennial celebration. 2017 marks 150 years since the historic home was built in 1867. The museum has a history of hosting live musical performers in its historic music parlor, a tradition that stretches back to Adelbert and Grace Porter (an accomplished pianist in her own right) entertaining recitals at their home.

Tickets for all three concerts in the Fall Concert Series will be available at $14 for each individual concert or $28 for the whole series. Tickets are first-come, first-served at the door. Members of the Porter House Museum may reserve tickets in advance, as a benefit of museum membership. Email the Porter House at porterhousemuseum@gmail.com for more information.

This is the final concert in the series.
The series begins on Tuesday, October 24th at 7:30PM with Hammers and Mallets by the Iowa Composers Forum, featuring new music written by Iowan composers, performed by two of Iowa’s finest chamber musicians.
The series will be continued by composer and keyboardist Ben Hippen, who will perform Long Road Home: a journey for solo piano on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:30PM.

Come sing together girlfriends, grandmas, mamas, sisters, and neighbors!

Mama-Cita is women coming together to experience the freedom, energy and pure magic of singing together. Come let’s do it! If you’ve got a young ‘un in your life, bring them along too for we’re better with them in our midst!

Whether you think of yourself as a non-singer, a pro, or anything in-between, you are so welcome here. Your voice matters to the whole and we’d love you to join us in this cozy, safe, nurturing space for women. There’s no spotlight, no audition, no performing; just an opportunity to step into present moment together, to sing in community, resting in the comfort of ‘we.’

Come on your own or bring a baby or toddler – whatever works for you. It’s fun and uplifting. I’ll teach all the songs by ear, and the power of learning in a group will take us where we want to go. Then, after the singing we’ll share tea together!

Come join the circle of women and learn songs to take home and weave into your days. We’ll sing easy-to-learn, playful, beautiful songs that speak the timeless themes of love, kindness, joy, power, creativity, grief. We’ll sing lullabies, songs in other languages, songs from long ago and songs from this time. You might just find yourself weaving these songs into your everyday life.

Humans are born to sing, but many of us have set singing aside since becoming adults. There’s nothing like the presence of children to make us eager to step into community song again! Whether you are 18 or 80 or in between, these songs are for you.

Come, let’s ever-keep becoming a singing world again. To do it, we need each other.
Children are welcome!

Your Friend in Song,
Liz Rog

Registration :(Friends, you can support the mental health of your organizers by registering soon instead of waiting! 🙂 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvh7pHSxoIHIqEZa6yszmeEZjdP_25wFyafTTYLGl3uvt2Ig/viewform?c=0&w=1
Money: on the first week you can make a one-time donation, suggested $15-$50/person. Thank you!

Fun, food, silent auction, live auction and door prizes all to benefit the Humane Society Love & Friendship Adoption Center! Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of ticket prices and auction proceeds go to support the dogs and cats in HSNEI’s care.

Tails & Treasures 2017 will be held from 5:30-8:30pm at the Oneota Country Club in Decorah. The evening will start with a social hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks and entertainment, and will culminate in an exciting live auction with our signature dog and cat statues decorated by local artists. It promises to be an enjoyable evening to support our homeless animals. Purchase tickets and see all the great silent and live auction items when posted at hsnei.org