TODAY Magazine

04/23/2026

Do you have a story to tell?

04/13/2026

Power of 100
Lois Wipperling

Exciting groups of women are making an amazing difference in nonprofit organizations around the world, including Red Wing, Minnesota. This success story started with Karen Dunigan in Jackson, Michigan. She learned of a need for portable cribs. Many new mothers were bringing their newborns home and using boxes, dresser drawers and their own beds to lay their babies because they could not afford a crib. Karen discovered $10,000 was needed to buy cribs, mattresses and blankets.
Karen decided she knew 10 women who could afford to write a $1,000 check, plus another 100 women she felt would be willing to give $100 each. She made phone calls and scheduled a meeting, which resulted in a $12,800 donation. The Center for Family Health used it to supply new mothers with cribs.
After her success in Jackson, she founded 100 Women Who Care, a philanthropic initiative in which 100 women donate $100 apiece to raise funds for local nonprofits. Her idea soon spread into 900 countries. The enterprise transformed into a broader concept, now known as the 100 Who Care Alliance with groups of women, men, kids and teens.
In the fall of 2023, Dee Whipple, who belongs to The Power of 100 group in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and has worked several years at the Musty-Barnhart Agency in Red Wing, was confident women in Red Wing would be interested in forming a similar group. Together with other volunteers, they each began calling 10 friends and acquaintances. In one day, 100 women committed to membership.
In April 2024, they convened their first event at the Elks Club in Red Wing. They wanted to limit the group, but women continued to request joining. Membership was opened with “The 100” representing the giving power of each member and not the number of women. As membership grows, so does the impact. The group currently has 245 members.
Red Wing’s giving circle is led by nine women ranging in age from 25 to 85. I recently met with three members of the leadership team to find out more about The Power of 100.
Every effort is made to inform as many nonprofit groups as possible that they may apply for an opportunity to share their stories and needs. About 15 to 20 typically apply. The leadership team identifies three nonprofits from the applications. The three selected attend the Power of 100 meeting where they share their stories and answer questions. Members record their votes on a tally sheet.
“It is very exciting, creating something in a very short time,” said Sandy Cunningham, a member of the leadership team. “It includes all ages; three generations of my family belong, and it is very inclusive of all ages. It also gives a voice to how my $100 is used.”
The group is blessed to have the Elks and St. James Hotel allow use their facilities along with providing a discount on food costs. Attendees also enjoy socializing.
The women write their $100 check directly to the winner. Members who are not present are notified where to send money. Winners are never shorted. Members may donate to the other presenters but are obligated to give $100 to the winner.
“Our events have really proven that there is power in connection,” said Nadia Sigler, a member of the leadership team. “We have women of all ages and backgrounds coming together and the energy is contagious. We turn shared excitement into action that makes our community stronger.”
Members are required to donate $200 a year, plus pay a $20 membership fee. Meetings are in April and October. A corporate sponsor helps reduce program costs. Expenses include webinars, tracking and communication, texting app, setting up guidelines, maintaining a membership list and dues. Musty Barnhart has generously provided office use and paper products. Corporate sponsor this year is Wells Creek Kennel, which donated $500.

Following are the four nonprofit winners:

April 2024 – Faith in Action
October 2024 – Hope Coalition
April 2025 – Red Wing Food Shelf
October 2025 – Hope and Harbor

The leadership team seeks to have more nonprofits apply. Organizations must serve Goodhue County. Power of 100 is proud to report it has raised $72,950 in two years.
It took only one woman in Jackson, Michigan, to see a need and discover a simple idea that has benefited families worldwide. Think of the difference any one of us could make.

04/08/2026

First Place Winner for Story Contest

God’s Fishing Hole
By Phil Jacobson

During my years as an executive with a manufacturing company, one of my favorite parts of the
day had nothing to do with production schedules or meetings. It was the early-morning
conversations I shared with Al, the night janitor, before he headed home.
We talked about our families, the outdoors and the various adventures that made up our lives.
Every so often, Al would bring a jar of jam he and his wife had canned. I came to treasure these
conversations – until one morning when he walked into my office with something else in mind.
“I think God wants me to tell you about my secret fishing hole so you and your son can go there,
and he wants you to use my family’s special lure,” Al informed me.
He pulled out a large, white bucktail lure and handed it to me. I asked Al how long the lure had
been in his family, and he replied, “Twenty years.”
My eyes widened. I told Al, “While I appreciate your generosity, I’ve lost enough lures over the
years to know I’m not risking losing a lure you’ve had in the family for 20 years.”
I added that I had a similar lure in my tackle box and would feel much more comfortable using
one I knew I could lose.
Al nodded, laughed and restated, “I really think God wants me to do this for you.”
Al went over the details of his fishing hole, explaining how he had targeted large northern pike
there for years. He also asked that I not share the location. I thanked him and expressed my
appreciation for his kindness.
A few days later, I called my college-age son and asked if he wanted to go fishing. He said he’d
love to go but his busy schedule wouldn’t allow it. I was disappointed but I understood and
decided to go alone the next day.
The lake was smooth as glass when I launched the boat. As I neared Al’s secret spot, I slowed
and dropped the trolling motor.
I tied on my white bucktail lure and smiled, thinking of Al’s big heart.
It only took a few casts.
A jolt shot through my rod, and the drag screamed as a heavy northern pike tore off on its first
run. After a spirited fight, I landed a thick fish just shy of 40 inches, snapped a quick photo, and
slipped it back into the lake. As it swam away, I rinsed my hands and said out loud, “Thanks, Al.”
The action didn’t stop with a few more nice pike making their way into my boat. I was enjoying
fishing in a picture-perfect setting.
Then I made a long cast near some emerging weeds.
Bang!
Another heavy strike. I set the hook and the fish made a strong sideways run, ripping line off my
reel. I worked the fish away from a few potential snags and could feel him beginning to tire. As I
got the fish to the boat, I could see this one was also a trophy. The fish saw the boat and made
another run for freedom.
I played the fish out and slowly got him to the boat. I landed him and took a quick picture,
knowing I needed to get him back in the water quickly after the strong fight.
It took a few minutes for the fish to recover. As I moved him back and forth to flush water over
his gills, I shook my head thinking of how Al related his motivation from God to share this
moment with me. Just then the hefty fish gave me a face full of water as he flipped his tail and
took off for deeper cover.
I grabbed my pole to resume fishing. Typically, there aren’t multiple pike in one spot, and
fishermen need to move around. However, for some reason, I decided to cast to the same spot
again.
Wham!
Another massive fish attacked my lure. My rod was nearly bending in half. I soon landed the
hefty fish and went through the process of releasing it to be caught again by someone else. My
lure was bent and twisted from the battles with the lake’s large predators. I straightened it out the
best I could and prepared to cast again.
“I wonder …,” I thought as I looked at the spot that had already produced two large northern
pike.
I flicked a few casts toward the same area and soon felt the now familiar tug as another large
northern pike hammered my lure.
“This is crazy,” I thought as I reeled in the fish.
I decided to drop the anchor, so I didn’t have to waste time maneuvering the boat back to the
honey hole after drifting during the fishing battles. I began catching big northerns one after
another.
I sent my son a string of pictures and texted the words: It’s a feeding frenzy!
He thought I was joking. “Are you sending pictures of the same fish?” he asked.
I kept sending him new pictures. I’ve fished in Canada and caught walleyes one after another,
but I’ve never had this happen with large northern pike.
One particularly heavy fish took longer to recover. As I leaned over the side of the boat gently
moving it back and forth in the water, a Bible story came to mind that I hadn’t thought about in
years:
“Jesus told the disciples, ‘Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’
The disciples could barely haul in their catch because of the number of fish.”
I smiled at the thought as the pike eased back into the lake.
The action eventually slowed, and I headed back to the landing. It had been an incredible
experience, and I couldn’t wait to tell Al.
The next day Al stopped by my office. I told him my son was unable to join me but that I had
visited his secret spot. I shared pictures and thanked him for his kindness.
Al’s face broke into a large smile. He said, “I just really felt God wanted me to tell you about it.”
As a footnote, I’ve returned to our secret spot a few times since, but I’ve never been able to
replicate that incredible morning. Maybe it was the timing, the weather, the water level – or
maybe that’s just how God wanted it.
My wife has a small sign hanging in our home: “Life is a series of tiny miracles; notice them.”
Let’s just say I noticed this one – along with the reminder to make time for people, and to pay
attention when grace shows up in ordinary places.

03/24/2026

03/19/2026

Called to Serve
By: Kathy Saunders

Father Brandon Theisen, a 36-year-old, sports-loving and charismatic priest, brings a
breath of fresh air to the Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing.

Born in C**n Rapids, Minnesota, to Michael and Giovanna Theisen, he is the
second of six children. He attended public school through second grade, Epiphany Catholic School in grades 3-8, and was homeschooled through high school. While in high school, he worked as a personal care assistant caring for children with disabilities. The experience taught him the value and dignity of every human life, filled him with gratitude, and planted the seeds of a life of service – a call that ultimately led him to the priesthood.

Throughout high school, Father Brandon felt drawn to the seminary. This desire grew out of the example of the priests of his home parish and childhood, whose approachable and faith-filled lives made priesthood appear real and attainable.

After graduation, he enrolled at the Saint John Vianney College Seminary on the campus of the
University of St. Thomas. Surrounded by other young men discerning God’s call, he found the prayerful and encouraging environment deeply enriching to his faith and personal growth.

Although he loved the seminary, after three years Father Brandon stepped away to experience a “normal” college life. He continued his college studies, focused on friendships, dating relationships and understanding the vocation of marriage. Yet, during this time, he often felt something was missing in his life, an absence he would only come to appreciate later.

Following college, he sought a community of faith-filled Catholic men and joined an
organization called Saint Paul’s Outreach. This commitment to daily prayer and
fraternity helped deepen his faith and clarify his calling.

“God always proposes and then invites.” – Father Brandon Theisen

Father Brandon realized he was most fulfilled when he said “yes” to God’s invitation. He
returned to seminary, this time at The Saint Paul Seminary, to prepare for diocesan
priesthood. He was ordained May 27, 2017, at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault,
Minnesota. There he celebrated his first Masses and sacraments, presided at funerals, and learned the importance of the ministry of presence. Whether at a football or volleyball game, a school concert or community event, he believes showing up is a powerful way to let people know their priest cares.

After four years at Divine Mercy, Father Brandon received the call from Archbishop Bernard Hebda to serve as pastor at the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing. Priesthood requires openness to the Holy Spirit, and Father Brandon responded with a joyful “yes.” He began his ministry in July 2021.

Though young and new to being a pastor, Father Brandon quickly embraced the Red Wing
community. He lives his ministry through presence – whether cheering at Winger
Homecoming, swimming with families at the Red Wing Water Park, or playing pickleball at Colvill Park. Red Wing has become his home, and, God-willing, he hopes to remain pastor for many years.

The Church of St. Joseph holds a special place in his heart. The parish taught him how to be a pastor and continues to affirm his vocation every day.

03/10/2026

Senior Olympics

Barb Haley was just 8 years old when she began her swimming journey. She just enjoyed swimming, had no plans to set any records.

“I started with the YMCA youth swim team; we swam against other Y teams around Minnesota,” she said. The years passed, and soon Barb entered high school. Title IX passed in 1972, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any education program including sports.

The federal law opened the door for Barb to compete in swimming during her years at Red Wing High School. Don Featherstone was the swimming coach; their friendship continues to this day. Barb contacted Don when she decided to swim competitively again. Don helped her practice her “turns and starts off the block.” She was and still is a proud Winger.

Although Barb never gave up swimming, life continued with further education, marriage and children. She became interested in politics and served six years in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

She also has a history of working with corporations and nonprofits. She and her husband, Tim, founded Haley’s Hope, a charity in honor of their triplet daughters. Although Barb’s accomplishments could fill many pages, her latest activity may be one of her “most unusual endeavors.” Barb said, “ As my kids said, 'Oh, Mom, what are you up to now?”

After Barb’s husband, Tim, unexpectedly died in 2022, she was faced with the grief of losing the love of her life. She turned to her love of swimming, going to the pool every day at the YMCA in Red Wing. “I did it to feel strong again.”

One day, she saw an ad for the Minnesota Senior Games. “I decided to register for the 2024 games and set that goal for myself,” she said. The games were held that August in St. Cloud. “I competed in two biking events and four swimming.”

The Minnesota Games are every summer and rotate between St. Cloud and Mankato. The National Senior Games are conducted every other year. Individuals must qualify in State Games to compete at Nationals.

The National Senior Games Association began with the founder of the Senior
Games Movement, Warren W. Blaney. His dream came to fruition in 1969 with the help of the Helms Athletic Association and the Los Angeles Times. The first Senior Olympics was in 1970 in Los Angeles with 33 multisport games.

A national competition was created in 1985 in St. Louis, Missouri; 2,500 seniors participated in 15 sports before 100,000 spectators. Success continued; today, the National Senior Games is the largest multisport championship for men and women 50 years and older.

Competing at the state level piqued Barab’s interest. Swimming every day had built her strength and stamina. She entered two biking events in the 2024 Minnesota Games: the 20K and 40K. She swam in four freestyle events: 50, 100, 200 and 500 yards. She placed second in her age group in each event.

Barb had two options: Stop or compete in the National Senior Event in Des Moines, Iowa. Barb decided to “go for it.” She didn’t enter the biking races due to a conflict.

The event was July 25-28 and drew 12,000 athletes ages 50-85. Participants competed in both team and individual events.

“It was motivating to see all shapes, sizes and ages,” Barb said. “It was such a positive experience; the tone of the Senior Games is for everyone to have fun, celebrate healthy aging, and be part of a community of athletes. I swam as a Winger, wearing a Winger swim cap and an old warm-up robe from the high school team.”

Her finishes in four swimming events were ninth place, two 10th places and one 11th place. “I was pleased because I swam my personal best in three out of four races.”

Barb encouraged others to look into the Minnesota Senior Games and National Senior Games. She also expressed her appreciation to the Red Wing YMCA.

“I feel very fortunate to have been part of the Y all my life. I think there are many examples of how the Y helps people stay healthy and heal – physically and mentally. I am an example of that. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to swim coach Don Featherstone, who helped me develop a lifelong love of swimming. I was on his first swim team and now am his first Olympian!”

03/02/2026

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02/18/2026

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02/11/2026

Precise Cuts
Jason Otto Carves His Path

By Lola Winchell

People pursue many hobbies to keep themselves busy whether knitting, baking or baseball. For Jason Otto, carving is one of his many pastimes. The lifelong Cannon Falls resident has been carving small figures in his spare time for the past few years.

Carving became a YouTube challenge in 2021. COVID produced more free time than normal, prompting the need for a new interest. Jason started with the basics. He took a limb off one of his pine trees and began with little knowledge. Looking back, he says his first project turned out surprisingly well. Over the years, he has only improved his technique.

Jason began by carving statues. After he found out he was going to be a grandpa, he thought his granddaughter would appreciate the carvings as toys. COVID allowed him ample time. Fast forward a few years, and Jason is a grandpa to three girls who enjoy Grandpa Jason’s handmade toys.

Carving isn’t expensive to begin, he noted. He has never taken a class, mostly learning by watching YouTube tutorials. Carving kits with supplies can be bought. Home Depot is one place to purchase the kit. Jason now gets his tools and wood from Woodcraft. He changed vendors based on size, sharpness and other factors, finding what worked best for his needs and preferences.

Jason specializes in animal figures. He would like to expand to other items, but for now, he focuses on animals, mostly bears. One time, he made a Santa and Mrs. Claus bear. He also tried the cartoon character Bluey. He said he was “not great at them.” He feels he may be ready to move on to humans soon. The faces are much harder and more advanced to carve.

Intricate carving, as well as staining and painting skills, are necessary for the hobby. “Staining comes before painting, and the paint makes it look realistic, colorful or distressed. The clothing is one of the harder parts of the craft because of the complex details such as the fineness of the wrinkles.”

Though Jason carves year-round, winter is the most prominent time; his workspace is usually his kitchen table. “Good lighting is key to successful carving.” Once he starts a project, he works on it weekly until it is finished, sometimes working on multiple projects at a time.

Each animal takes a few hours to complete. The length of the carving session determines how many days it takes. When does he know a project is finished? “Whenever I’m satisfied,” he responded. He fixes any mistakes along the way.

One day, Jason wants to create a satisfactory human figure.

One of his ambitions is to create a nativity scene. Accomplishing such an intricate project requires a great deal of time and precision, and he is certain he can achieve.

Rochester and Red Wing offer opportunities to learn and develop carving skills with others. “That would be a great place to practice, get tips from an instructor, and be around others who share the same interests. I keep thinking about joining.”

His current project is a rabbit, and he is excited to finish the final version. Jason completes his projects through time, practice and undeniable talent.

02/09/2026

sweet moments.

12/29/2025

It’s that time of year again.

12/10/2025

As I pass through various communities, the downtowns are decorated to enhance the holiday
season. The owners of businesses have outdone themselves with festive storefronts. The intimate
setting in the boutiques and gift stores gives such a warm and cozy feeling. Nothing beats small-
town shopping. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
I received a letter from a Rochester woman who bought a subscription to TODAY Magazine. She
expressed her fondness of the stories. She had one request, “Could you make the December issue
full of Christmassy stories? It is so fun to reminisce.”
Our busy staff granted her wish.
I believe as we celebrate all month long, we choose to reflect on holidays as a child. From many
years ago to even recent years. The various occasions flood our memories. If you read the stories
carefully, you will get a glimpse on how others spent time as a family creating special moments
in time.
Most families do not even realize they are accomplishing just that: Memories, and with their
loved ones. The cookies that are baked on a Saturday afternoon. The sleigh rides. Chopping
down the perfect tree. Making homemade ornaments that are continued treasures today. A
chance to drive around town choosing a favorite decorated house. Watching out the window for
Grandma, Grandpa and other relatives to arrive. Witnessing a home filled with love and laughter.
Most people become childlike again just for those few short days. I know it wouldn’t be
Christmas if I didn’t pause to remember the joy I felt with my older relatives who are no longer
with me. I am now the older relative. It has become my mission to carry on traditions past and
present so my children and grandchildren can relive the beauty of the season long after I am
gone.
As the TODAY staff closes another year, we have been gathering stories for the new year. Write
a story about an occasion in your life that you think of often. One that brings a smile. Enter it in
the TODAY Writing Contest. Perhaps you will win first place. The deadline is Feb. 15. The
clock is ticking.
To my faithful readers, so many of you have become good friends. I truly enjoy our lunches, the
telephone calls, the cards, letters and emails, even those who stop in to say hi, thank you. It is
amazing to me how words on a page can bring out the best in people. We need to continue to
work on being our best. All through the year.
From all of us at TODAY, Merry Christmas! Until next month, be kind.