Month: November 2022
Rhymes With Decorah Podcast: RWD26 Christian Myrah – RockFilter Distillery
Christian Myrah comes from deep Spring Grove roots, and while his journey to distilling is anything but typical, his mission in tying together agriculture, community, and business is incredible. Through multiple generations, the Myrah family have been involved in agriculture and the region (just check the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center!). But when Christian returned to Spring Grove in 2006 after several years in the Navy flying fighter jets (and continuing in the Naval Reserves), a new vision appeared for an opportunity in Spring Grove – RockFilter Distillery.
“Planted, Tended, Milled and Distilled” from www.rockfilterdistillery.com
Upon his return, Christian had been working with his family to continue converting their acres to organic certified cropland. Christian also had the curiosity and support to try growing a few things out of the ordinary like open pollinated corn, triticale, barley, and hulless oats.
Map courtesy of www.rockfilterdistillery.com
Along with that, he knew that Schech’s Mill existed near Caledonia (MN’s oldest standing, functioning, water powered grist mill). Combine that with our regions karst topography, which filters groundwater through limestone, and what you have are the ingredients for making high quality, small batch organic bourbon and whiskey. (There are a – few – other details!)
RockFilter has even forged creative relationships with midwest Artists like Minneapolis based musician and writer Dessa, whom has had a series of bourbons come out in collaboration.
Join us for this show as we talk about Christian’s journey and all that RockFilter is doing – not only in producing incredible bourbon and whiskey, but helping shine a light on Spring Grove, MN.
This is the fourth show in a mini-series about Spring Grove, MN. Check out the shows below for more – and thanks for listening:
> Find the first episode featuring Spring Grove’s Economic Development Director, Courtney Bergey Swanson here.
> Find the second episode featuring Bill Fried of Giants of the Earth Heritage Center here.
> Find the third episode featuring Pat and Patrick Longmire of Red’s Hometown Market and Fat Pat’s BBQ here.
“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.
Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming
Livestream and on-demand tickets available for Christmas at Luther 2022
Luther College will present “Christmas at Luther 2022: The Gifts They Gave Emmanuel” Dec. 1–4 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Due to the excitement surrounding this year’s production, a limited number of in-person tickets remain available, but once again, there is an opportunity to watch the award-winning show from the comfort of home. Livestream tickets are available for the performance at 2:30 p.m. CST Sunday, Dec. 4.
Purchasing a ticket to the livestream allows unlimited views through midday on Dec. 6. On-demand tickets are also available and allow unlimited viewing from Dec. 9–31. Tickets are available at tickets.luther.edu.
“Christmas at Luther 2022: The Gifts They Gave Emmanuel” features unique elements including a life-like nativity scene, a Percussion Ensemble performance and three original pieces of music to be performed for the first time. Conductor Mark Potvin arranged a piece for the Norskkor choir and conductor Adrianna Tam wrote a custom composition for Collegiate Chorale to perform. In addition, a commissioned piece was written specifically for the candle lighting moment by composer Andrea Ramsey.
Not only is the excitement for Christmas at Luther growing among audience members, students are looking forward to this annual tradition as well.
“The momentum of learning the music, decorating the CFL and rehearsing together are the little things that make up the ongoing excitement for Christmas at Luther. Above all, the adrenaline, sentiment and power of so many people holding hands and making music together are what makes Christmas at Luther the event I look most forward to all year. The energy throughout the CFL during the performance is a feeling that is indescribable,” said Patrick Carew ’24, member of Nordic Choir.
About Luther College
Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Turkey Trot – Free Event!
Participate in Decorah Parks & Recreation’s Turkey Trot Thursday, November 24 thru Sunday, November 27!
Power of Attorney
Decorah Public Library is hosting a free presentation on power of attorney by staff of Iowa Legal Aid at 3:30 PM on Tuesday, December 13th. The presentation will take place in the library’s lower level meeting room.
This educational program by Iowa Legal Aid lawyers will cover topics related to power of attorney. “It can be hard to talk with our loved ones about what happens when we can’t make decisions for ourselves, but power of attorney is an important part of estate planning” said Zach Row-Heyveld, Decorah Public Library Assistant Director. “This program will help introduce people to some of the issues around power of attorney they might want to discuss further with their partners, children, parents, or siblings.” The presenting attorney can also answer questions about advance directives, and other civil legal topics related to seniors.
Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal assistance and advice to low-income and vulnerable Iowans. In addition to direct legal aid, they also provide educational programs on a variety of legal topics.
For more information, please contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library – zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by calling 563.382.3717.
Winter Program Registration begins November 15
Decorah Parks and Recreation fall program begins Tuesday, November 15. Registration can be completed online or in the Park-Rec Office.
The following programs will be offered by Decorah Parks & Recreation in November, December, January and February. A complete list of programs and our registration form can also be viewed in our winter brochure.
Turkey Trot – Free event! Run or walk the 5k or 1-mile loop that we have marked out in the Decorah Community Prairie anytime Thursday, November 24 thru Sunday, November 27. Submit your name using the form available Nov 24-27 at https://parks.decorahia.org and send a photo of you completing your turkey trot to decorahrec@gmail.com to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! This can be a fun challenge for individuals or for your entire household. The Decorah Community Prairie is located at the south end of Ohio Street (over the levy) in Decorah.
Biddy Basketball is open to children ages 3 thru 6. This program meets in the Carrie Lee Elementary Gym on Saturday mornings, January 21 thru February 11. Participants will learn the basic fundamentals of basketball and enjoy actual team competition. Teams are grouped according to age and game rules are modified to accommodate the lower ages and skill levels. Small baskets, balls and fun teaching techniques are used with special emphasis on sportsmanship. Each Saturday consists of a skills session followed by a game. Registration is due Wednesday, January 4.
Outdoor Adventures is open to students in Kindergarten thru 2nd grade. This program meets after school Thursdays, January 5 thru January 26. Each week will include a different activity to show off your creativity including building with Legos, arts and crafts, painting, outdoor winter games and more. Students will meet immediately after school in the John Cline Gym and this program will run 3:15 to 4:15 pm. Registration due Tuesday, January 3.
Adult Recreational Volleyball– A free drop in activity! Recreational volleyball is held in the Carrie Lee Elementary Gym (enter east doors off of Winnebago Street) on Tuesdays, January 31 thru March 28 from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. A schedule is posted in the gym and online.
Fly Fishing Workshop – Free, open – house event! The Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Decorah Parks & Recreation, and Winneshiek County Conservation will co-host this workshop on Saturday, February 4th from 10:00 am to noon in the Decorah High School Gym. Local casting instructors will discuss equipment, demonstrate basic casts, and work with participants on their fly casting skills. Participants can watch experts and learn how to tie their favorite flies. This workshop is free and open to anglers of all ages and levels of experience. This is a free event—no registration required—just show up!
Middle School Bowling is open to 5th thru 8th grade students. This program is held at Kingpin Entertainment Center on Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 10:30 to 11:45 am. Participants will receive instruction from members of the High School Bowling team and will bowl one to two games during each class. Registration due Friday, January 5.
The post Winter Program Registration begins November 15 appeared first on Decorah Park & Recreation Department.
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Decorah Public Library will be closed November 24th and 25th
SHIIP welcomes two new counselors in Winneshiek County
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free, objective program that supports Iowans in understanding Medicare, has welcomed two new volunteers in Winneshiek County.
Ron Onsager of Decorah is retired from the sales industry, working many years for Weis Buick. He has held numerous volunteer positions, and is currently serving on the Decorah Zoning Board of Adjustment. “I enjoy interacting with and helping others and like to have purpose when I volunteer. Helping seniors navigate Medicare is a needed service that I find rewarding.”
Julie Ohde, also of Decorah, chose to volunteer with SHIIP because she likes working with others and solving problems. She says, “We moved to the area five years ago, and I wanted to get more involved in my community. As a SHIIP volunteer, I can partner with others in this community to help them save money on prescriptions, along with many other Medicare issues.” Prior to moving to Decorah, Julie worked as the County Conversation Board Director in Louisa County (IA).
Ron and Julie each completed the State of Iowa SHIIP training in summer of 2022 and are seeing clients at Winneshiek Medical Center. They join current SHIIP volunteers Jim Sims and Karen McLean in serving clients seeking to better understand their Medicare options.
What is SHIIP?
The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is available to offer free, unbiased and confidential assistance to Iowans in this process. Volunteer counselors can help people understand their Medicare benefits by:
- Checking a client’s current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan to make sure drugs are covered at the lowest cost and with the least amount of restrictions
- Reviewing a client’s employer coverage and comparing it to other Medicare options
- Checking to see if clients are eligible for Part D “Extra Help”
- Providing education to help clients understand options if not currently on a drug plan
Local Medicare Help
SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company. To help you compare plans during the open enrollment period (now through December 7, 2022), volunteer SHIIP counselors are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah by calling 563-387-3036. In person, Zoom and telephone appointments are offered to clients.
For SHIIP support, call Winneshiek Medical Center at 563-387-3036.
Rhymes With Decorah Podcast: RWD25 Pat & Patrick – Reds Hometown Market Spring Grove
(This is the third show in a mini-series featuring the community of Spring Grove, MN – check out the links at the bottom for more!)
The Longmire family have been in the grocery business for many decades, but it was in 1989 that Pat bought a store in Spring Grove (when Patrick was just 2 years old!).
The original store in 1989.
In 2000 they built a brand new 15,000 square foot store from the ground up, offering the region a modern grocery experience without going to a larger city.
Since that time they have pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a “small town” grocery store – whether through community fundraising dinners out of their deli, starting Fat Pat’s BBQ Trailer (2017), adding a modern Coffee House and drive-through with Jo’s (2019), and eventually a brewery (2022) to match up with their now Friday night BBQ offerings.
Jo’s Coffee House, attached to Red’s.
Patrick (Jr) attributes his 7+ years in Austin, TX, playing and working and touring in the music business, with opening him up to more ideas for Red’s. Whether a Coffee Shop or Texas style BBQ joint – creativity is key to success keeping a small town business relevant, fun, and successful. In fact, Patrick has just purchased another building in downtown Spring Grove where Fat Pat’s BBQ will be opening in 2023. Pat & Patrick are amazing examples of keeping relevant in a rural economy and providing multiple services to not only their town, but our region.
A huge thanks to Pat & Patrick for taking the time to chat with us!
This is the third show in a mini-series about Spring Grove, MN.
> Find the first episode featuring Spring Grove’s Economic Development Director, Courtney Bergey Swanson here.
> Find the second episode featuring Bill Fried of Giants of the Earth Heritage Center here.
“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.
Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming
2022 Turkey Shoot Results
2022 Turkey Shoot Results