TODAY Magazine

05/27/2026

05/20/2026

Timing is Everything
Theater is where Dean Holt’s Spirit Lives

By: Meghann Winchell

Cannon Falls native Dean Holt headed to college in 1990. His life plan was to become a pilot. After one year at St. Cloud State University, goals changed. He transferred to Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and needed to declare a major.

“Unsure what to do, my adviser asked which class I enjoyed. My response: Theater.” With little to no experience, Dean never imagined being a theater major, but that quickly became his reality.

Shortly after transferring, Dean tried out for a play and landed a lead role. “In high school, I tried every single sport. I’m just not a competitive person, but I loved the social aspect. I remember Mr. Fogarty had our class do a 10-minute skit in elementary school. I really enjoyed all aspects of that. As I got older, I watched ‘Saturday Night Live,’ thought that’d be cool to be part of one day, so deciding on a theater major quickly began making sense.”

Through skill and “divine intervention,” Dean’s acting career quickly flourished at college where he enjoyed all aspects of theater. “As part of my major, we had to work in all of the departments, not just acting. I found all parts fascinating. It gave me love and greater support for the people whom I work with, and appreciate the people whom I interact with daily.” Within the first semester, Dean knew where he belonged. “Theater people are warm and embracing. I found my community.”

After college, Dean received a one-year performing apprenticeship at the Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis. “I worked at Theatre de la Jeune Lune in college; they had connections in the Twin Cities.” With little knowledge of what he had signed on for, he relocated to Minneapolis to start his new role.

Dean’s plan always included graduate school. He assumed after his one-year apprenticeship he’d continue his education. However, after his first year, the Children’s Theatre asked him to become a permanent member. He accepted and remains to this day.

Throughout his 31 years, he played incredible parts from an evil stepsister in “Cinderella” to parts in “Robin Hood,” “Huck Finn” and a beloved fan favorite, Dr. Seuss' “The Grinch.”

During the past couple of years, with changes in artistic directors, Dean took a chance by offering his hand for the position. “I had this feeling I'd love to give it a shot. I figured it was worth asking if there was an opportunity for me to direct ‘The Grinch.’” Given the chance, Dean directed and acted in 2024.

“I directed some in college and loved it. Following my gut, I worked endlessly, studying film, analyzing every aspect of the play. I’m extremely familiar with ‘The Grinch,’ but still had nerves going into this new chapter of directing. Everything made sense in my head, but I worried I wouldn’t be able to put it into motion.”

Dean worked hard to be respectful of his fellow actors while also directing. He never wanted to be impulsive with decisions and was always open to suggestions from peers. “I learned directing from on stage versus in the audience is very different. Things don’t always work on stage, and because I’m also performing, I hope that creates a greater sense of trust.”

Dean was incredibly nervous leading up to his opening show. However, once on stage, he felt better.

“I learned so much in my first year directing. I felt very fortunate to be given the chance to direct ‘The Grinch’ again last year. I made some adjustments, continued to analyze every performance and hope to direct more in the future.”

One of his favorite aspects of directing is mentoring the younger child actors. “I know the impact that was for me, and I try to help them. I’m so proud of what they accomplish. To watch them find their spark and creative voice is pretty amazing.”

Timing has been everything throughout Dean’s career. “I know I bring something to the table. However, I’m so thankful I was in the right place at the right time, which landed me at the Children’s Theatre for my entire career. Day after day, working here, it’s a beauty. It feels good to know I’m at the right place.”

For now, Dean is starring as the scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz,” a hit play that will run through mid-June. No matter the role or the number of times he played a certain character, you will always see Dean working at his highest level, giving his best for each performance. “Theater is where my spirit lives. I’m just so thankful to be here.”

Photo by: Minnesota Children's Theatre Company

05/04/2026

Jump for joy, a new issue is on stands now!

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

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.