The Decorah Family, Educator, and Community Organization (FEC) recently hosted their first ever Elementary Family Dance Party. Over 415 participants joined the fun between the lower elementary (preschool through second) and upper elementary (3rd and 4th grade) dance parties. The event was made possible with the support of several Decorah High School students who assisted with balloon animals and face painting as well as the Luther Football Team who also kept the party fun and exciting.
Four Decorah High School students earned distinguished honors–and the highest designation earned by a team from Iowa–in the 2022 High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM). The team of Lucas Arendt, Gabriel Hiner, Anders Lovstuen, and Aidan Nalean-Carlson earned a Finalist designation, which places them in the top 7% and secures them an invitation to participate in the 9th International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM2C).
A total of 854 teams, with up to 4 students each, representing 362 schools and 18 countries/regions competed in the 2022 HiMCM, made possible by the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP). All teams worked at their own schools within the contest window of November 2-15, 2022. Each high school team chose from two modeling problems offered, and then they constructed their solutions. The judges were impressed with all the teams’ creativity and ingenuity in mathematical modeling as well as their ability to explain their strategies and problem-solving techniques in clear terms. Results of the contest were recently released.
Decorah High School had a total of 23 students participate. Earning recognition as Successful Participants include Jacob Magner, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Stravers and Max Wilson; Elsa Christman, Mason Myers and Isabella Sailor; Justin Berlage, Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers and Henry Weis; Elayna Hook, Hayley Stowe, Nathan Swarbrick and Abbie Valkosky; and Tommy Hammel, Reid Kuehner, Brenna Parker and Amelia Wadsworth.
This year all six teams chose to address the same question: “The Need for Bees (and not just for honey).” Requirements were to develop a model to determine the population of a honeybee colony over time, conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine which factors have the greatest impact on colony size, model and predict how many hives are needed to support pollination of a 20-acre parcel of land containing crops that benefit from pollination, write a technical paper communicating their solution, and create a blog or infographic sharing their information.
Four Decorah High School students earned distinguished honors–and the highest designation earned by a team from Iowa–in the 2022 High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM). The team of Lucas Arendt, Gabriel Hiner, Anders Lovstuen, and Aidan Nalean-Carlson earned a Finalist designation, which places them in the top 7% and secures them an invitation to participate in the 9th International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM2C).
A total of 854 teams, with up to 4 students each, representing 362 schools and 18 countries/regions competed in the 2022 HiMCM, made possible by the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP). All teams worked at their own schools within the contest window of November 2-15, 2022. Each high school team chose from two modeling problems offered, and then they constructed their solutions. The judges were impressed with all the teams’ creativity and ingenuity in mathematical modeling as well as their ability to explain their strategies and problem-solving techniques in clear terms. Results of the contest were recently released.
Decorah High School had a total of 23 students participate. Earning recognition as Successful Participants include Jacob Magner, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Stravers and Max Wilson; Elsa Christman, Mason Myers and Isabella Sailor; Justin Berlage, Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers and Henry Weis; Elayna Hook, Hayley Stowe, Nathan Swarbrick and Abbie Valkosky; and Tommy Hammel, Reid Kuehner, Brenna Parker and Amelia Wadsworth.
This year all six teams chose to address the same question: “The Need for Bees (and not just for honey).” Requirements were to develop a model to determine the population of a honeybee colony over time, conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine which factors have the greatest impact on colony size, model and predict how many hives are needed to support pollination of a 20-acre parcel of land containing crops that benefit from pollination, write a technical paper communicating their solution, and create a blog or infographic sharing their information.
Sponsor Allysen Lovstuen shared, “Once again, I am proud of all of the students who participated. This contest requires interdisciplinary thinking and perseverance. The students demonstrated strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and research and writing skills. That we had so many students willing to spend two days taking on this challenge speaks highly of them.”
The team who earned a Finalist designation (highest of any team in Iowa) l-r: Gabriel Hiner, Lucas Arendt, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, and Anders LovstuenPictured: all the students who competed in the contest. Front row (l-r): Nathan Swarbrick, Elayna Hook, Abbie Valkosky, Hayley Stowe, Brenna Parker, Elsa Christman Middle Row (l to r): Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Justin Berlage, Ethan Stravers, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Lucas Arendt, Amelia Wadsworth, Isabella Sailor Back Row (l to r): Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers, Daniel Skrade, Gabriel Hiner, Max Wilson, Jacob Magner, Reid Kuehner, Mason Myers, Tommy Hammel
Decorah High School has named Justin Berlage as the recipient of the Norman C. Bradish Scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year. He is the son of Jodi Enos-Berlage and John Berlage.
Berlage is currently deciding where he will attend college, but he plans to major in mechanical engineering, with special interests in computer science and robotics. He has applied to Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin.
He has been very active at Decorah High School and in the Decorah community. He has successfully completed a multitude of college credit and AP courses and was named a National Merit Semifinalist. He has been involved in Robotics (League Championship winner), Envirothon (2nd place in the state competition), High School Mathematical Competition in Modeling (HiMCM), soccer, National Honor Society, and chorus. He is also a member of the Madison 4Hers 4H club.
Berlage attended summer programs at NYU-Tandon School of Engineering and Carleton College Summer Program in Computer Science/Robotics. He shared that these were high impact programs and only possible through generous support from the Decorah Community School District Foundation.
Decorah High School has named Justin Berlage as the recipient of the Norman C. Bradish Scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year. He is the son of Jodi Enos-Berlage and John Berlage.
Berlage is currently deciding where he will attend college, but he plans to major in mechanical engineering, with special interests in computer science and robotics. He has applied to Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin.
He has been very active at Decorah High School and in the Decorah community. He has successfully completed a multitude of college credit and AP courses and was named a National Merit Semifinalist. He has been involved in Robotics (League Championship winner), Envirothon (2nd place in the state competition), High School Mathematical Competition in Modeling (HiMCM), soccer, National Honor Society, and chorus. He is also a member of the Madison 4Hers 4H club.
Berlage attended summer programs at NYU-Tandon School of Engineering and Carleton College Summer Program in Computer Science/Robotics. He shared that these were high impact programs and only possible through generous support from the Decorah Community School District Foundation.
Norman Bradish created a scholarship to be awarded to a male graduate of Decorah High School who possesses high academic ability and curiosity, is liked by peers and adults, and displays high standards of character. The recipient must agree to attend a non-religious college outside the state of Iowa. In addition, the student must remain unmarried until finishing his studies.
During the month of February, Luther College alumna Vanessa (Grima Baldacchino) Frazier ’90 is leading the United Nations Security Council as its president. In 2020, Frazier was named the permanent representative of Malta to the United Nations, the first woman to assume that title.
On Feb. 2, 2023, Frazier led an in-person civil society dialogue. Hosted by the World Federation of United Nations Associations, the discussions were between civil society representatives and the UN Security Council. During the event, Frazier highlighted Malta’s priorities surrounding women’s peace and security, sea level rise as a security risk and children in areas of conflict.
On Feb. 2, Frazier wrote, “Today I assumed, on behalf of Malta, the Presidency of the UN Security Council. As a young girl and later as a young diplomat, never did I imagine that I would have the privilege to utter these words. I hope that by my actions I can inspire girls to dream big!”
Frazier graduated from Luther in 1990 with degrees in French and business management and went on to receive her master’s degree in diplomatic studies from the University of Malta.
Her career began as a student diplomat in 1992. Since then Frazier has held appointments in Washington, Rome, London and Brussels.
Among Frazier’s many awards and accolades, she is most praised for her role in Malta’s humanitarian response to the Libyan revolution in 2011. She worked to create the Humanitarian Hub in Malta which proved to be one of the most impactful Maltese efforts in resolving the Libyan crisis.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students 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.
From the federal to the local level, taxes are a very real part of our world. Typically, taxes support infrastructure like roadways, bridges, or law enforcement assistance; or social expenses like public education, Medicaid support and others.
Iowa Code Chapter 347A allows for county or municipal hospitals to levy taxes to help cover unreimbursed expenses. As a county-owned not-for-profit health care facility, Winneshiek Medical Center is legally able to set a tax levy and collect property taxes from the citizens of Winneshiek County. Each March, the elected Winneshiek Medical Center Board of Trustees decides on a rate, or levy, of property tax dollars to go to the hospital. For the Fiscal Year 2024 budget (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024), Winneshiek Medical Center leadership will propose a budget to the Board of Trustees that includes a tax levy of 1.08 per $1000 assessed valuation. This is an increase from 0.77235 per $1000 assessed valuation from last fiscal year. The proposed budget will be discussed at the March 1, 2023 board meeting at the medical center.
Why is WMC considering a tax levy increase?
Most health care revenue comes from dollars reimbursed to the organization from insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid. Organizations like WMC are unable to negotiate a reimbursement rate with most companies and accept the rate they provide. For some services, the reimbursement rate is below the facility’s cost, especially for critical EMS services WMC provides Winneshiek County. Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center says, “In an emergency situation, skilled, experienced paramedics arrive in a fully equipped ambulance to provide life-saving care. However, the expense of purchasing, equipping and maintaining three ambulances, plus wages and benefits for 24/7 EMS staff, are only partially covered by the payments we receive for their services.” In fiscal year 2022, WMC experienced a deficit of $682,000 in the EMS/Ambulance service line. Slessor says, “We are proud to provide this service with our exceptional staff, and it does come at an expense to the organization.”
Slessor further explains, “The business of health care is a bit different than other industries. For example, a restaurant can increase their menu prices when food and labor costs go up. In health care, most insurance companies only pay the set reimbursement rate, regardless of what we charge. Expenses, including salaries, equipment and supplies and other infrastructure costs are increasing at a faster rate than they have in decades.”
The revenue generated from the proposed tax levy increase will bring in an anticipated additional $437,000 (estimated) to the medical center. Slessor says these dollars will help cover increasing labor costs. “It is vital for WMC to maintain a strong workforce, and as everyone knows, salary expenses are increasing across all markets and industries. The additional tax dollars will cover far less than half of the expected salary adjustments we must make to retain and recruit skilled health care workers as we grow in services and specialties for our region.”
What will the increase mean for families?
At the proposed rate of 1.08 per $1000 assessed valuation, a resident within Decorah city limits with a $200,000 assessed land/building/dwelling would see an increase in annual taxes of $77. A resident living in rural Winneshiek County would see an annual increase of $56. The new rate will move Winneshiek Medical Center from the sixth lowest tax levy to the eleventh lowest out of the 43 county-owned hospitals in Iowa.*
Slessor says, “WMC has a deep respect for the communities we serve, and the Board thoughtfully considers the tax levy rate each year. We do not assess taxes we do not need and every dollar that comes into the medical center, including tax dollars, is reinvested in the medical care that we provide to Winneshiek County citizens and the broader region.” He adds, “If the Board of Trustees approves the FY 24 budget to include a tax levy increase, we will use those dollars to continue to ensure the needs of our patients come first.”
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:
Individuals/families who generally make $60,000 or less;
Persons with disabilities; and
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
The regional VITA sites are staffed by volunteers who have IRS tax law training, passed IRS certified tax law exams, adhere to procedures to protect taxpayer privacy and confidentiality and operate the VITA sites that meet the IRS quality review standards.
Taxpayers who qualify for this service can call the message phone for NEIVITA at 563-277-7246 or email neivita.assist@gmail.com to request an appointment. A VITA volunteer will return your call to verify your qualification for the program and schedule a future tax appointment.
All taxpayers need an appointment.
The VITA locations in Northeast Iowa are the:
Waukon ISU Extension Office
Decorah ISU Extension Office
Decorah Spectrum Kitchen
Cresco Public Library
Postville Public Library
Elkader ISU Extension Office
Appointment times and days of the week vary for each location.
Almost all of the Volunteers who serve through VITA completing tax returns are members of the Northeast Iowa RSVP Volunteer Program. We expressed an interest in this program and then were referred to VITA. There are many volunteer opportunities available through RSVP as long as you are 55 years old or better. With RSVP, you can choose which opportunities work the best for you.
Need more information? Leave a message at NEIVITA 563-277-7246.
On this episode of “Rhymes With Decorah” we welcome Oneota Film Festival Creative Director Elise Skellenger, and Board President Nancy Sojka. Join us as we talk about everything from the early inspiration of the festival (shout out Kyrl and Walter!) to special additions and regional showings for the 2023 OFF.
OFF Creative Director Elise Skellenger
OFF Board President Nancy Sojka
Held among the spectacular rivers and bluffs of the Driftless Region in Northeast Iowa, the Oneota Film Festival brings compelling, innovative, and inspiring films and filmmakers to Decorah from around the globe. Through films that illuminate the human condition, OFF aims to engage a large and diverse audience in the critical issues of our time.
We are so happy to have this awesome community festival continue to bring amazing film culture to NE Iowa. Find the 2023 Festival schedule, volunteer opportunities and all the Festival info at the following link. We hope you enjoy this interview – and will be inspired to help support the Oneota Film Festival!
Amy Nam, Luther College adjunct faculty in music, is one of nine composers selected by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) for the 2023 EarShot Readings in New York. Nearly 400 composers across the country submitted pieces in hopes of securing this coveted opportunity in the contemporary music world.
“This program supports new music creation and living composers,” said Nam. “This opportunity is especially helpful for those of us who have never had a professional orchestra play our music. You can’t get better at writing music unless you hear it performed by a large ensemble. I am so grateful that there are opportunities like this and that my music has been selected.”
In June, Nam, a composer and harpist, will travel to New York where the American Composers Orchestra will workshop her written score. The full orchestra, along with their conductor and Nam, will work together to bring the piece to life; a piece that holds very special meaning to its composer.
“When I was growing up, my grandmother, who I called Mimi, made up a song for me,’” said Nam. “Her song provided the foundation and inspiration for the score, so the piece is called ‘Mimi’s Song.’ I have many fond childhood memories of spending time with Mimi in her garden. I wanted to capture the feelings of timelessness, nostalgia, and joy that these memories evoke and convey a sense of the emotional depth of our relationship.”
ACO’s EarShot Readings will be conducted by Tito Muñoz, with mentor composers Derek Bermel, Mary Kouyoumdjian and Daniel Bernard Roumain. Two events will be open to the public including a working rehearsal on Thursday, June 1, and a public reading of the works on Friday, June 2, at the New School Tishman Auditorium on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Amy Nam is a faculty member at Luther College and teaches at Mt. Calvary Academy of Music in Excelsior, Minnesota, as well as Blessings Academy of Arts and Music in Hastings, Minnesota. As a soloist, she has appeared with the McGill Contemporary Ensemble, the Vanderbilt University Orchestra and the Sewannee Summer Festival Orchestra. Nam holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (B.M.), McGill University (M.M.) and the Eastman School of Music (M.M.). As an educator, Nam aids students in developing creative problem-solving abilities, musicality, critical listening skills, confidence, joy and curiosity.
The ACO is committed to the creation and development of new orchestra music, and to the next generation of composers. For over a generation, EarShot Readings have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising emerging composers. Readings alumni have won every major composition award, including the Pulitzer, Grammy, Grawemeyer, American Academy of Arts & Letters, and Rome Prizes.
About Luther College Music
Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.
You’re invited: to celebrate the library and to share your voice and vision as we move forward into the coming year! Join us at Impact Coffee for coffee and tea, light refreshments, and a facilitated community conversation. Registration required. Use form below to register.
What to expect: Facilitated conversation with lots of opportunity for collaboration and connection! Notes from this conversation will help library staff as we continue to develop programs, space, and collection to serve the community. Annual reports will be available for interested library users. Although Impact will be closed during out meeting, coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be provided by the library.
Kristin Torresdal, Director & Zach Row-Heyveld, Assistant Director
Board of Trustees:
Andrea Beckendorf (President), Andrew Hageman (Vice President), Shanna Putnam Dibble (Secretary, Rural Representative), Scott Fjelstul, Shannon Horton, Elliott Johnson, Maria Leitz, Cheryl Pellet (Friends of DPL Liaison), & Allie Scott
Our mission at Decorah Public Library is to be an all-encompassing resource center that provides materials and programs for the leisure, entertainment and life-long learning of the citizens of Decorah and the Winneshiek County area.
In July 2022, library staff enthusiastically launched a new three-year strategic plan focused on advancing this mission though five main themes:
1 Engaging Community
Build a thriving library by building a thriving library community
In 2022, we expanded our reach beyond the walls of the library by offering diverse programming and outreach in the county. Staff also created programs like Coffee + Creativity and Stroller Walks specifically designed to provide individuals and organizations opportunities to connect and build relationships with each other.
2 Equitable Access Remove barriers to participating in
the library
Library staff partnered with Iowa Workforce Development to conduct an accessibility audit of the building and will
use that information to make the space more accessible to all county residents, regardless of physical or mental abilities. Staff also started ensuring website and social media posts are compatible with screen readers and other assistive technology. We offered one-on-one tech help sessions for library users who needed a hand setting up their device, and front-desk staff regularly help library users access e-books and audiobooks on their mobile devices.
3 Exceptional Experiences
Provide opportunities for discovery, exploration, and transformation though innovative programs, services, and hospitality.
In 2022, Winneshiek County residents grew oyster mushrooms, touched sharks, toured the fire station, biked on trails, learned about ax murders, shared food at potlucks, participated in over 60 book discussions, and made a huge number of crafts, among many other things. DPL program attendance and building traffic are both at five-year highs. In order to provide the best possible experience for library users, frontline staff have prioritized hospitality in their onboarding and training. Policies and procedures have also been evaluated from a “library user first” perspective to offer unparalleled service to the public.
4 Empowering Staff
Invest in individuals and teams that achieve organizational goals
The management team has expanded continuing education requirements for all positions beyond what is required by either the City or the State, and have increased opportunities for all staff members to participate in continuing education events. Staff have also begun work on a cross-training program for multiple technical positions to ensure continuity of service for library users.
5 Enticing Spaces
Create dynamic physical and digital spaces that serve the needs of library users.
From huge paper airplanes suspended above the bookshelves, to snowflakes around the building, library staff created fun, whimsical displays to keep the space changing with the seasons. Staff also created rotating book displays highlighting everything from cozy reads (in partnership with Inspire(d) magazine) to Mental Health Awareness Month. These curated displays help users find something new to read at their own pace.
The management team has been working on creating long range facilities maintenance and capital improvement plans that will guide future project and funding prioritization. Staff are also evaluating and overhauling the layout and traffic flow of the library building in order to most efficiently use the space to meet the needs of current and future library users and staff.
Wow, what a year! After pivoting in 2021 to serve our community during building renovations, 2022 was a year of creating welcoming spaces, celebrating time together, and collaborating with folks throughout our community to offer one of our fullest, busiest, most well attended program schedules. Some highlights include:
Offering over 66 programs for more than 3,000 participants during our two-month summer reading program
Presenting to almost 100 other librarians about our place-based and community centered work at “The Back in Circulation Again” conference
Starting new library programs… including a Naturebrary program outdoors, monthly Baby Dance parties, summer books and hammocks hangouts, and fall process art in the park
Bagging up take-and-make art and science projects for over 4,700 participants over the course of the calendar year
Offering weekly family yoga throughout the summer and fall
Co-hosting book clubs with the Decorah Home School Program, Decorah Middle School, and Decorah High School
Hosting a skating party with Decorah Parks and Recreation and collaborating with them later in the year to offer kids who completed our summer reading challenge a free visit to the pool
Hosting winter field trips with Winneshiek County Conservation and Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School—which offered kids the opportunity to explore their communities, try cross country skiing and ice skating, and connect with library staff
Outreach visits to the School Lunch Club and John Cline’s Meet the Parents Night
Having our biking field trip program (that we co-host with Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School) featured on The League of American Bicyclists’s website
Deepening our relationship with our community, implementing community feedback and collaborating with city, county, and regional organizations to offer kids and families exceptional library experiences
STATISTICS
Library Staff and Population Served:
Library staff: 14 (10.68 FTE)
RSVP staff: 2 (1.4 FTE)
Library users: 7,274 (up 7% from last year)
Circulation:
122,689 (up 28% from last year)
Interlibrary Loan:
We lent 738 items to other libraries and borrowed 794 items for our patronsLarge Print Collection:
16,679 items were checked out to local patrons, care facilities, and 106 libraries across the state
Programming and Outreach:
330 programs (up 25% from last year) with 10,260 attendances (up 55% from last year)
Technology:
15,200 internet sessions (public computers/wired and wireless combined)
Usage of BRIDGES (free digital audio books and e-books) continues to increase- on average 508 library users checked out nearly 2704 items per month (4% circulation increase)
Community Services:
The Northeast Iowa Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for which DPL serves as host and fiscal agent has grown to more than 600 volunteers; these volunteers meet critical community needs at 70 nonprofit stations in a 3-county area (the majority in Winn. Co.). Volunteers served over 32,000 hours this
Certified Notary Public services available free of charge (Mon-Fri 8-5, by appointment)
Long Distance Learning test proctoring available free of charge
Local Public Access TV – the library runs the TV channel which assists local municipalities, schools, and nonprofits with publicizing local events and broadcasting programming (i.e. City Council meetings and local church services)
On Feb. 2, Frazier wrote, “Today I assumed, on behalf of Malta, the Presidency of the UN Security Council. As a young girl and later as a young diplomat, never did I imagine that I would have the privilege to utter these words. I hope that by my actions I can inspire girls to dream big!”
