Events

DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz

Father Donald Hertges, Pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Decorah,  and Tyler Wheeler,  Pastoral Associate, will be our guests.  Fr. Hertges will offer background on himself, including his interests, previous assignments and priorities for his service at St. Ben's. Tyler will talk about the Evangelical Catholic Movement and its connection to the Parish. The Evangelical Catholic Movement is associated with a relatively recent, immersive spiritual development convention that commits to not only study the Catholic faith but also to share it with an evangelical zeal that is uncommon in traditional parishes.

DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz

In recognition of National Caregivers Day, Tina Jensen and Stacy Davies of Everlasting Home Healthcare, LLC will speak to our members on the positive effects of caregiving and the issue of caregiver fatigue. Ms. Jensen is a 1997 graduate of Decorah High School and has extensive training in the areas of communication, compassion, and disabilities. She is undergoing certification as an "End of Life" expert with an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease. Ms. Davies is a 2001 graduate from Guttenberg High School and has an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, Legal Assistant from Northeast Iowa Community College; and a Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Resources, with a minor in Psychology, through Upper Iowa University.  She is certified as an American Heart Association instructor for infants, children, and adults, and has a work history of management, communication, social worker, working with individuals of varying ages, and disabilities for over 14 years.

Everlasting Home Healthcare, LLC is dedicated to demonstrating compassion, quality, and respect for individuals and allowing clients to take control and make personal choices for their caregiving options. Their goal is to offer the quality of exceptional care comparable to that provided by immediate family.  

DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz

For some, coffee is a nice beverage to enjoy at the beginning, middle or end of the day. For others they drink it continuously throughout. The great thing about coffee is that it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. The emergence of coffeehouses has been one of the biggest impacts of coffee's growing popularity. Kelsy Ritner, owner of Magpie Coffeehouse in Decorah, will be leading a "noses on"  presentation about coffee, its joys and origins. She is a 2011 graduate of Decorah High School and assumed ownership of her business at 202 West Water Street in Decorah at the beginning of the 2018 calendar year.

Find out more about the history and offerings of Magpie via the following link: http://www.mymagpiecoffee.com

DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz

Mike and Angela LaBelle will speak to our members about the Decorah branch of Kaden's Kloset. Kaden's Kloset is a 100% volunteer and donation-run, non-profit organization that exists to provide tangible necessities for foster and adoptive children, plus families and children in need in our local communities. They will discuss the impact that Kaden's Kloset has already had in the few short months it has been up and running, and how the community of Decorah can cultivate a continued, positive partnership.

For more about Kaden's Kloset feel free to visit the organization's website at www.kadenskloset.com.

DRC Sponsor: Kurt DeVore

Lisa M. Radtke, Chief Administrative Coordinator,  will be speaking on the Winneshiek County Medical Center.

DRC Sponsor: Elliot Christen

Luther College Wrestling Head Coach and Instructor of Mathematics Dave Mitchell will be sharing his views and expectations on the current Wrestling Program at Luther College. Coach Mitchell carries an extremely long list of accolades and accomplishments. Among the most noteworthy are his being named NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year as voted by the NCAA Division III Wrestling Coaches Association in 2004, as well as being a five-time Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the NCAA Division III National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010. During his wrestling career, he was a two-time NCAA qualifier and placed 3rd in the NCAA Division III at 167 pounds earning All-American honors in 1993.

DRC Sponsor: Ward Budweg

Are you interested in your odds of winning compared to those of "the house?" Join us for a fun and enlightening program to hear our own DRC member and professional statistician Phil Iverson speak on (what may be the sobering) statistics of gambling. Find out ways to maximize your payout, or perhaps minimize your losses.

Phil is a Luther College graduate and received his MS and PhD degrees from Iowa State University. Since 2003 he has teleworked from Decorah for the research division at Eli Lilly and Company headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. He has also worked as an adjunct faculty member for Luther College teaching Applied Statistics emphasizing his experience in statistical experimental design, data visualization, Bayesian methods, statistical computing, and statistical applications in biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. In the fall of 2019 he will be transitioning to a full-time, tenure track faculty position in the Math Department at Luther. Phil's spouse Sarah is the proprietor of Blue Heron Knittery located in downtown Decorah. 

DRC Sponsor: Larry Grimstad

Please note the 1/29 meeting starts at noon rather than as an evening 5th Tuesday event.

Paul Roeder is a developer and owner of utility-scale, community-based wind power generation systems in the State of Iowa. He plans to speak to our club on aspects of the wind power generation industry and his experiences and insights into the wind energy generation business.

Iowa is #1 in the U.S. in wind power generation in terms of kilowatts per square mile, with wind generated electricity comprising over 35% of the total. That figure is expected to top 40% by the year 2020. In terms of total wind generating capacity, Iowa is second only to Texas. The wind energy industry employs between 8,000 and 9,000 Iowans, including manufacturing, operations and maintenance, design and engineering professionals. Wind energy accounts for at least $13.5 billion in capital investment in Iowa, according to the U.S. Wind Industry's Annual Market Report. Some of the largest technology companies in the world, including Google and Facebook, have identified the availability of low-cost wind energy as a leading reason to locate new facilities in Iowa.

DRC Sponsor: Don Arendt

Sean Snyder, Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator, will be on hand to provide our members with an interesting inside look into the operations and challenges of emergency and disaster mitigation, planning, response and recovery efforts in our area.

The Winneshiek County Emergency Managment Commission members, per Iowa Code, is defined as each Mayor from within the county, one member of the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff. The Commission provides coordination of all response and recovery agencies serving in the county, assists in agency development and training, and develops and maintains strategies to sustain local communities and a viable economic system that is safe from natural, technological, or human-caused threats or hazards.

Sean assumed duties as the first full-time Emergency Management Coordinator for Winneshiek County in 2015. The Coordinator, or his designee, is required to be available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to facilitate communications with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, local public safety personnel and key local officials.

DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski

Join us as fellow DRC member Dacia Monson shares about the Pony of America (POA) breed of horse that actually originated in Iowa. She will share her insight about growing up with horses and about this unique breed of horse.

In 1954 Les Boomhower, a Mason City attorney, saw a need for a “using type” pony for youth. His vision was to create a child’s size mount that was calm, intelligent, versatile, and sturdy enough to last all day. Les thought the Appaloosa type color would make them really stand out, and thus the POA breed was born. Now numbering over 55,000 registrations, POAs no longer have the “pony” look or movement. With an infusion of some of the finest bloodlines that the Quarter Horse and Appaloosa breeds have to offer, the modern POA looks and moves like their larger counterparts. Measuring up to 14 hands, they are the complete package for any horse lover.

DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski

The Winneshiek Idea House is a project coordinated by volunteers in collaboration with Winneshiek County Development, Inc. (WDCI) and supported by the Iowa Small Business Development Center. Kristin Eggen will be on hand to provide information to our members about the second annual event, Winneshiek Idea House 2019, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at the Decorah Elks Lodge.

Winneshiek Idea House is a space for local entrepreneurs to share their needs with a supportive community, with crowdfunding happening at the event in real time. The participants "invest" the resilience and sustainability of our local economy and community and show support for local entrepreneurs by valuing sustainable business ideas upon which communities thrive. The inaugural 2018 Winneshiek Idea House identified over $7,000 in direct and in-kind support for local entrepreneurs.

For more information on Winneshiek Idea House 2019 and to learn how to register for this unique event, please see the associated WCDI website using the following link: Winneshiek Idea House 2019

DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski

Nancy Sojka, Oneota Film Festival Board President, and Peter Scholl, Submitted Film Judge, will be on hand to inform our members of the details of this year's Oneota Film Festival scheduled for March 7 - 9, 2019.

The Oneota Film Festival was founded and is run by a group of representatives from Luther College and local film lovers who have formed a non-profit corporation to host the festival. The mission of the festival is to "build and sustain a community of film lovers through screenings and discussions." This will be the tenth year that the Oneota Film Festival has been held in Decorah. Inspired by Luther alumnus Walter Ordway, a world traveler and filmmaker, the Oneota Film Festival board has arranged a weekend of eclectic, artistic, and thoughtful films intended to delight a diverse audience.

More information and a full schedule of events is available using this link: Oneota Film Festival 2019

DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet

Luther College Senior Wyatt Anians will be on hand to share his experiences in Luther's Malta and the Mediterranean study abroad program. Students meeting the criteria for participation in the this program live, work, and study across southern Europe.

Luther’s Malta and the Mediterranean Program, currently in its 27th year, offers students the opportunity to spend a semester exploring Malta's rich history and traveling to other countries in the Mediterranean region. Coursework includes Paideia II: Ethical Issues in the Mediterranean, a Service Learning class, where program participants teach English to recent immigrants to Malta, Maltese History and Culture and additional classes taken at the University of Malta.

DRC Sponsor: John Anderson

Our club will be joined by Kristina Wiltgen, Executive Director of the Decorah Chamber of Commerce (DACC). She plans to provide our members with an update on the local Chamber and and associated events and initiatives around Decorah.

Kristina has been part of the DACC team for fifteen years. She earned an Associate of Arts from Northeast Iowa Community College in Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Upper Iowa University. She achieved her Institute for Organizational Management certification through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as the Executive Director of the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce in Lanesboro, Minnesota. Kristina is a native of Winneshiek County with an appreciation for all that the local area has to offer. She is active in several local organizations and has a passion for local business.

DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet

Joel Zook, a member of the Winneshiek Energy District, will join us to discuss some of the financial aspects of renewable energy. The current Calendar Year 2019 is the last year for homeowners to take advantage of the full 30% Federal tax credit for solar energy systems, which means anyone thinking about installing a solar system should be considering a near-term installation. Also, it appears the investor-owned utilities are seeking to eliminate net-metering policies meaning there is an opportunity for customers who install new systems can be grandfathered into existing rates.

The mission of the Winneshiek Energy District is to lead, implement, and accelerate a locally-owned, inclusive, clean energy transition in Winneshiek County. Their strategies include energy planning, market transformation, public engagement, policy advocacy, and readiness. They seek to demonstrate the viability of the energy district model and the growth of an energy district network throughout Iowa and beyond.

For more information feel free to visit their website: Winneshiek Energy District

DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet

Nina Taylor is the President of a relatively new local non-profit organization called Women Empowered (WE). As our guest speaker at this meeting, she will offer our members additional information and insight into WE.

Overwhelming interest in WE during focus groups conducted in the summer of 2018 provided an awareness of the possibilities for women of all ages to come together and generate enthusiasm for their individual and collective goals. As a non-profit (501(c)3) corporation, WE members work in partnership for the betterment of all women, providing support in business, personal growth, family, health, and community. Their network of members provides resources, education, and support for women to become independent, confident individuals. The organization seeks to bring women together from all walks of life to share and appreciate each other, connect them through mentoring or shadowing programs, create a revolving loan fund, hold an annual conference with recognition of "Women of the Year" and other achievements, as well as other objectives designed to promote the livelihood of women in our community.

DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow

Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx will be on hand to update our members on recent events and initiatives within the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office.

As Sheriff, Dan Marx serves as the chief law enforcement officer in Winneshiek County. Leading and managing the Sheriff's Office includes patrols, investigations, jail operations, civil processes, court orders, court functions and community/public relations. Sheriff Marx is a lifelong resident of Winneshiek County and has been involved with county law enforcement for the past 22 years. He was appointed to the position of Sheriff in 2015 and was elected to that position in 2016. He holds a degree in police science and criminal justice and is a member of Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association.

DRC Sponsor: Carson Eggland

Scott Searcy will be with us on behalf of Northeast Iowa Montessori School and the Driftless Discovery Trail Run. The Driftless Discovery Trail Run is an annual fundraiser Scott and his wife Kelly organize to raise funds for Northeast Iowa Montessori School, Decorah Human Powered Trails (the creators and caretakers of the trails) and the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department. Scott will discuss both the community impact of Montessori schools and the Trail Run. The Driftless Discovery Trail Run this year will be held on June 1st, and starts at Van Peenen Memorial Park.

More information on this year's Trail Run is available here: Driftless Discovery Trail Runs

DRC Sponsor: Gary Mineart

Our club will be joined at this meeting by David Lester, General Manager of the Oneota Community Cooperative (Co-op), along with Co-op Marketing Manger Nate Furler. They will be presenting information on their expansive remodeling effort already underway, including how the effort is being supported locally and the ways in which the refreshed store adds value to Decorah and the local community.

The Oneota Community Co-op started in 1972 as an informal group of people making trips to Iowa City and Minneapolis to purchase natural foods in bulk. The Co-op moved to the second floor of the Old Armory Building in 1978 and subsequently to three different Water Street locations in 1984, 1994, and 2088, ultimately landing at its present 312 West Water Street location. Today, the Co-op boasts a diverse membership of over 5,000 member/owners and annual sales in excess of $5.2 million. It features northeast Iowa's largest selection of bulk and local foods, as well as produce, nutritional supplements, organic foods, body care items, packaged and frozen foods; local, regional, and globally made fair trade items, sustainable gifts and publications, and a delicatessen.

For more information you can visit the Co-op website here: Oneota Community Cooperative, Inc.

DRC Sponsor: Kurt DeVore

Our club will be hosting students from the Decorah High School (DHS) Robotics Club. The DHS Robotics Club participates in a program called FIRST Tech Challenge. At the beginning of the year, teams comprised of 7th – 12th grade students from around the world are given an obstacle course scenario. Teams then design, build and program an 18 x 18 x 18 inch robot to compete with against other teams in an attempt to score as many points as possible within that scenario. This year’s robotics competition is called Rover Ruckus, based on the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon. The playing field this season includes two fake moon craters, moon “minerals” and a moon lander that teams can score points with. Both of the High School's Robotics teams were extremely successful in competitions this season and both teams qualified for the first time to participate in the Super Qualifier Event in Sioux City.