TODAY Magazine

11/24/2025

11/19/2025

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season?

11/13/2025

In memory of Carol McNeary.

11/12/2025

Jerry Finch of Cannon Falls recently experienced the thrill of a lifetime. A terminally ill veteran of the United States Air Force, qualified for the Lone Eagle Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The program is designed for veterans to spend a short period of time in our nation's capital, visiting all the armed forces memorials as well as other notable locations. All of this, including flights, hotels, food, and snacks, is provided at no cost to the veteran.

His day began on Friday, September 19, at 4:30 a.m. With the early morning flight to Baltimore as his destination, Jerry arrived at the hotel, where he joined several dozen other veterans who were in attendance for the same purpose.

After a sound night's sleep, Jerry, along with the rest of the group, boarded two charter buses early on Saturday morning for the drive into D.C. The first stop on the agenda was the legendary Iwo Jima Memorial. Next on the agenda, located just west of the Pentagon, sits the Air Force Memorial. Jerry sat proudly with several other Air Force veterans for a series of photos.

A short drive to Arlington National Cemetery, Jerry, among others, observed in reverence and silence the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. The skill and discipline of those soldiers are nothing less than awe-inspiring. Jerry commented, "I don't think I've sat perfectly quiet for 25 minutes in my entire life."

After a brief lunch, everyone boarded the buses to head to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial near the National Mall. This particular stop had an interesting twist. The expanse of the area and the extensive use of stone for its construction had a local tie. A park ranger informed Jerry that all the stone came from Cold Spring, Minnesota.

As the tour continued, veterans were on their own for a while. Jerry and his guardian stopped at the World War II memorial. "I found a form of peace while watching the pool and fountains," Jerry commented. By this time of day, even in September, the heat began to rise. A long walk came next for the distance east to west of the reflection pond. Jerry talked about the history of that location with the protests of the sixties, "and this is where Martin Luther King gave his speech. Also, this is where they filmed 'Forest Gump.'

At the west end of the pool, the Lincoln Memorial is still under construction. To the north, set into the slope of the excavated land is the Vietnam Wall. This became a long stroll. Jerry wanted to stop to take a closer look at all the memorials laid at the base of the Wall. He demurred quietly, "Look at all the names, and most of them were my age when I joined the service," he said.

To the south, opposite the Wall, is the Korean War Memorial. The larger-than-life soldiers walking through a field provide a rather haunting setting. "Witnessing the memorial is kind of eerie."

The final stop of the long day for these men and women was having a BBQ supper at the Women's War Memorial near Arlington Cemetery. The people from Loan Eagle never missed a moment to make these veterans feel more appreciated. At the conclusion of supper came mail call, where all of the vets received a large envelope full of cards and letters from home. Somewhat surprised to have received letters, Jerry accepted his package with gratitude and a big smile. He read each letter twice.

On the bus back to Baltimore, full of pride, Jerry and the other tired veterans took a seat, acknowledging silently to themselves that perhaps their loyalty to the US military had made a difference.

The folks at Loan Eagle and Honor Flight should be commended. They are truly amazing people with only one goal: to ensure these veterans, of all ages, know they are appreciated for what they've done for their country.

Jerry sat at the airport waiting for his flight. He pulled out the packet of mail from his bag. He read those letters as if it were the first time he had seen them.

10/30/2025

Never too early to start Christmas shopping. A Today Magazine subscription is the perfect gift!

10/09/2025

When people talk about riding their animal, you may think they own a horse. For Patty Pepin,
she refers to riding a mule. “The mules we own bring our family so much enjoyment,” Patty
begins.
Definitely an intelligent animal, a good mule is a dream, while a disobedient mule is a
nightmare. Well-armed with front legs, they actually plan what and when they want to kick.
A mule has to see the sense of what you do, she says.
“I purchased a clipper to trim Buster, the mule I bought in November. I first showed him the
clippers, turned them on, and let him hear the various speeds. After a treat, I began clipping, and
he was fine.” Caring for a mule is similar to a horse, except you never whip the animal since he
or she will remember the person who performed the act.
A farrier explained that if you approach an angry animal, it won’t pick up its feet. However,
approaching a mule while you are frightened will cause it to respond to that emotion.
Patty’s first mule was a sweet 25-year-old female named Maude, who passed away in 2024.
“Young children could ride her, so I knew I could handle her and be safe.”
Mules are confident leaders. Like dogs, they form bonds with humans. They are also calm,
gentle and loving, making them perfect pets.
“Fifty years ago, when I had horses, mules weren’t around this area, instead more down south.
Seniors like the sure-footedness. If you get the right one, they are lower maintenance. Mules eat
less than horses. Hay can be used for feed similar to cattle.”
During feeding time, Patty and her family stand at the fence and hold out a cup of grain to get the
mules into their different spots. Each animal goes to its enclosure to be tied up, and the gates are
shut. The newest mule, Jeb, has joined the group without any problems.
“In 2024, my grandchildren took riding lessons on Jeb. He was very mellow. My oldest
grandchild, Cece, age 12, and Charlotte 8, love the opportunity to ride when they come to the
farm.”
What does a mule cost? Exceptional mules cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Jeb cost $4,000,
while a good riding horse costs $7,000.
Unfortunately, Jeb died this spring from opossum borne protozoan. Luckily, the disease was not
contagious to the other animals. Before his death, Patty was on the hunt for another mule to ride.

She bought one that came directly from the Grand Canyon where he hauled guests up and down
the gorge.
“Our mules are loved and well taken care of every day,” Patty says. “They bring joy to my
children, grandchildren, and, of course, myself.”

10/01/2025

It’s time to get your stories ready for our annual contest!

09/25/2025

08/04/2025

New magazine on stands now!

06/10/2025

We all see solar farms dotting the countryside and solar panels on home roofs. This product brings the same benefit to individual homeowners. The difference is it has the appearance of regular shingles.

Read more in the June issue of the TODAY Magazine.

06/03/2025

Amelia considers fishing with her grandpa Kim Korsten a bonding experience.

Read more in the June issue of the TODAY Magazine.