sara friedl-putnam

It is said the art of teaching is in leading others to discovery. And Molly Holkesvik, longtime English teacher at Decorah High School, has helped…

Patience: We all bloom in our own time. I totally hated the phrase “late bloomer” when I was a kid. I had two cousins – both…

It was mid-2015, and the contentious race for President of the United States had stirred up the emotions (and proverbial pens) of people of all…

Decorah’s Jane Kemp smiles easily and often.  Yet beneath that kind smile and unassuming demeanor lies a fierce advocate for community causes, and a strong…

Stop to chat for even a moment with Liang Chee Wee – Northeast Iowa Community College immediate past president – and you’re sure to walk…

Driving down Water Street, approaching Decorah from the west, peek left to see the giant wrap-around mural gracing Vesterheim Museum’s Mill Street wall. It’s a…

It’s 1964, and Pete Espinosa is five. He’s riding in the car, a little boy accompanying his mom and older brother Paul on the 80-mile…

The Summer/Fall 2020 Inspire(d) is all about finding ways to Keep Showing Up – for yourself, your community, and your world. Inside, you’ll find (so…

The Spring 2019 Inspire(d) is all about planting the seeds of hope for the future! Here’s what you’ll find: Puentes/Bridges • La Crosse Promise •…

The Fall 2018 Inspire(d) is filled with fun ideas for getting out of your comfort zone – we are so excited to share it with…

Lots of fun things to look forward to in the Summer 2018 Inspire(d): 4-H • Dunning’s Spring bridge / Stonemason Ted Wilson • Viroqua’s Growing…

Here’s what you’ve got to get excited about in the Spring 2018 Inspire(d): Westby Community Feature, National Eagle Center, States of America films – Beth…

Community Builder: Adam Wiltgen: Program Director, Lanesboro Arts By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Fall 2017 Inspire(d) There’s some serious pep in Adam…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam It’s early on a hot July night, but Lora Friest bounds into Java John’s Coffee House in downtown Decorah as if the…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam Illustrations by Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the summer 2017 Inspire(d) RAGBRAI is known for its seven fun-filled days, with upwards…

Here’s what’s happening in the Spring 2017 Inspire(d): Female Mountain Bikers (Rule) • Hannah Breckbill / Farmer • Anna Bolz / Chef • Lindy Weilgart /…

Winter is a wonderful time to cozy in and think about making life better. So we’re excited to bring you the new Winter 2016-2017 Inspire(d) Magazine,…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Summer 2016 Inspire(d) It’s the last Saturday in July, and thousands of men, women, and children –…

Inspired Magazine Summer 2016! Welcome to the 2016 ‘Summer’ issue of Inspire(d) Magazine! As always, the summer issue of Inspire(d) has a fun local food theme. This…

Photo by Kat Busse Have you visited the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette, Iowa, yet? It opened its doors in August 2013 with one…

Driftless Art Tours and Festivals are coming up! By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Fall 2013 issue of Inspire(d) Ahh…fall! For some it means once…

More than a hobby: Lori Biwer-Stewart, linocut printmaker Story and photos by Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Fall 2015 Inspire(d) Artwork by Lori…