TODAY Magazine

08/05/2026

From Eyes on The Inside: Elvis
By: Paulette Hanson

Larry Geller became Elvis Presley’s personal hairstylist in 1964. He prepared Elvis for movies, concerts and photo shoots, crafting the iconic jet-black pompadour and razor-sharp sideburns. Beyond scissors and hairspray, he introduced Elvis to books on spirituality, philosophy and religion, and spent hours talking about life, faith and purpose.

Larry spoke about his deeper connection with the legendary musician adored worldwide on the eve of Elvis Week, an annual celebration every August at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Thousands of fans gather to honor the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

“During the closing months of his life, we explored ways for Elvis to transform his body and revitalize his spirit. A plan soon emerged: We would go to one of his favorite places, Hawaii,” Larry said. “We even had the perfect house in Oahu picked out. Elvis was burnt out after years of touring the country and was excited by the prospect of taking a year or so off, if that was what it might take to turn everything around. He knew he had to deal with his drug use and weight problem.”

The idea of kicking back and relaxing, finally cutting out junk foods and getting off “all those damn pills they give to me,” really inspired him, Larry said, lifting Elvis from the boredom and the rut he fell into. “Larry, just one of my doses would wipe out an elephant. Man, if you were in my body, you’d feel like a wrecked jalopy right from a demolition derby. Believe me, I know exactly what’s at stake.”

Approaching the breaking point, Elvis was determined to fight for and transform his life, Larry explained. Elvis knew he was entering uncharted waters and the road ahead would be difficult, even turbulent. He finally woke up to the painful reality of his situation and acknowledged that, without dramatic changes in his personal and professional life, he would not survive.

Elvis trusted Larry deeply, often turning to him during some of his toughest moments. Larry stayed by Elvis’ side until the very end, loyal and protective. To the world, Larry Geller shaped the King’s image. To Elvis, he shaped his peace.

Tabloid gossip and so many untruths deeply affected Elvis, especially stories about his mother’s death and his failure to recover from it.

Larry remembers one afternoon in 1966, upstairs in Elvis’ bedroom at Graceland, when they were talking about his mother’s passing in 1958. It was the most tempestuous, unsettled and confusing time in his life. Drafted into the Army, Elvis was leaving a career that exploded two years earlier, and he worried about what the future would bring.

“Man, you can’t believe what I was goin’ through back then. I mean everything just crashing in on me at once, every dream I ever had. Just when everything was going my way the Army calls me. My career came to a screeching halt; all the movies I was starring in, TV, my records, everything. I actually thought nobody would remember me after I served my time, that I’d be a flash in the pan. The first thing they do when I’m inducted is buzz off my hair!”

Elvis shook his head incredulously, Larry said. “Can you imagine that, my hair? Then, when I’m struggling to deal with everything, my mom suddenly died! Lawrence, I hope you never have to grieve like I did. My mom was the light of my life, my best friend; I mean, she’s the one I could always go to...man, that’s a blow you can never really get over.”

Elvis became very quiet, lost in his memories, Larry said. “You know me, Lawrence. I always had an inquisitive mind; I want to know what’s behind everything. Even when I was a little kid, I would always be askin’ my mom about my brother Jesse, you know, why he never had a chance to live. I can still hear her voice telling me just like it was yesterday, ‘Honey, God took your little brother back home to heaven ’cause it was part of his plan. He has a plan for everybody: for your daddy, for me…and for you too, Elvis. Someday I’ll be goin’ back home, and someday daddy’s gonna go home. Even someday – a long, long time from now – God’s gonna bring you home, too. An’ then we’ll all be together again, all of us back home in heaven.’”

Elvis looked at Larry intently. He leaned forward, and with conviction in his voice, said, “That’s exactly what I believe, Lawrence; we’re all going back home…someday.”

Elvis’ drug problem circulated regularly in the media. If Elvis had a serious addiction, that was hard to judge without seeing what went on. Larry blames Elvis’ tragic pharmaceutical dependency on rampant over-prescriptions by physicians, isolation and a medical system that managed his grueling schedule with medication rather than proper rest.

“Elvis felt he could not function without the medicine his doctors supplied to him” Larry said. “A typical druggie? No way!”

“Managers and money unfortunately dictated Elvis’ schedule,” Larry said. “His health took a back seat.”

“I sat in his suite one afternoon. Elvis and his doctor were in his bedroom. A loud bang on the door made me jump, but I answered it, and in came the Colonel, the King’s manager. He asked, ‘Where is he?’ Of course, I said in the bedroom. He marched in and left the door open. The doctor had Elvis’ head in a bucket of ice water. The Colonel came out and said to me, ‘The only thing that matters is he is performing tonight. Understand?’ I realized that day, Elvis was only a money machine for the sharks swimming around him.

‘Fans remained loyal,” Larry said. “Elvis became trapped, unable to exist in the everyday world. Despite serious health problems, he felt a tug to continue performing, bringing pleasure to those who bought his records and attended his concerts.”

The conversation ended with Larry, talking in a sullen voice about the day Elvis died. “In August, 1977, Elvis went to bed late and decided to read a spiritual book in his bathroom. One I gave to him. His then-girlfriend, Ginger Alden, called downstairs, saying she needed help right away. He passed away. Medical attention did not change the outcome.”

Elvis Presley’s father, Vernon, yelled out for Larry’s attention. “He was hysterical, asking me to go to the mortuary to prepare his hair since the viewing would be at Graceland for fans to pay their respects.

“I stood there having flashbacks of my conversations with Elvis, listening to his wants, hopes and his strong faith that grounded him. I looked at his hair, realizing his natural hair grew revealing gray and white roots. I borrowed another mortician’s mascara and worked for over two hours to ensure he looked exactly like others would expect. I never did anyone’s hair again.”

During Elvis Week, August 8-16, people from around the world make their way to Graceland to honor the King. “I plan to attend this year,” Larry said. “I spend my days writing books and allowing people to have a better understanding of the real Elvis Presley. He was a human being searching for peace.”

07/13/2026

Masterpieces of Originality
by: Mary Ayshford

The Mantorville Art Guild is not your typical art gallery and gift shop. Everything about it is unique. One of the
main differences is that the artists have a sense of loyalty to one another and serving the community.
Mantorville is a small town, rich in history. The Art Guild recognizes they not only play an important role in
sharing the history, but also take ownership for carrying its story forward, creating today’s history as well.
It’s fair to say that in today’s economy many communities are struggling — businesses, organizations and
individuals alike. The Art Guild is committed to its mission of bringing art to Mantorville and the surrounding
area. In today’s fast-paced world, often filled with uncertainty, art and creativity is needed now more than
ever. It inspires hope and lifts the spirit.
The Mantorville Art Guild is an artist co-op with 20 plus members. It is a nonprofit organization strictly
operated by volunteers and has no paid staff. All the art and handmade gift items are created by local
artists and artisans. Walking into the Guild is a special experience in itself. There are no modern lines, no hard
finishes or sterile atmosphere, but rather a feeling of warmth and a friendly welcome. Housed in a pre-Civil
War building located within the 12-block historic district of Mantorville, the Guild bridges the old with the new,
making for a unique shopping experience for visitors.
Original artwork displayed in the gallery can feature a charming more traditional watercolor floral next to a
modern abstract painting. While another art piece created by one of our senior artists shares space alongside
a young student member’s work. Creativity is celebrated at every turn.
Each summer the Guild offers a series of art camps for kids from June to August. Seasoned Guild artists
teach classes which range from watercolor journaling, paper mache creations, ceramics, cartoon and
charcoal drawing, pour painting and more. The camps are unique and kept to small class sizes in order to
provide more individual instruction and to encourage interaction and camaraderie among students. Inspiring
youth to express themselves through their creativity is another important role of the Guild’s mission.
Partnering with the public schools and working with the art teachers in several surrounding communities,
the Art Guild hosts an annual student art show during the month of March. The quality of work is always
impressive. A reception is held for the student artists who proudly point out their masterpieces to family
members and friends who attend the event. The student show runs for the entire month and is proof that the
future of art making is in good creative hands.
Along with hosting gallery-related events, the Guild supports and takes part in community-based celebrations
and initiatives. Whether it’s inviting the public to hand paint pumpkins during the community Fall Festival, or
welcoming guests to decorate a free holiday ornament as part of the Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration
— the Guild supports our town and neighbors. We have discovered working closely with local entities such as
the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, the Mantorville Restoration Association, as well as others, can provide
many benefits of living in a smaller community where relationships can be established and your mission
understood and respected. Businesses supporting one another in this day and age is truly a unique concept.
To inspire the public to visit Mantorville and in particular the Art Guild — live, free music concerts have been
added to multiple Sundays during the summer. Folks are welcome to bring chairs or blankets and listen to
music on the lawn. The series is called Music on Main Street coordinated by one of our Guild artists who also
is a musician.
So if you’re looking for a special place to visit, we invite you to explore Mantorville. Start by taking in the
art gallery and gift shop, then perhaps enjoy a Sunday matinee melodrama at the old Opera House, located
just around the corner, followed by a Music on Main Street concert. Or you may wish to shop in one of the
several antique shops in town and find that perfect treasured piece. You can treat yourself to a delicious meal
at the famous historic Hubble House restaurant, then top it off with a tasty morsel from the Mantorville
Chocolate Shoppe — a favorite stop.
The Mantorville Art Guild invites you to visit our unique community. Hope to see you soon!

06/29/2026

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Stay cool!

06/08/2026

Homestead
by:Leon Hanson

Family history and family pride shape who we are. For many, the very idea of uncovering the stories of those who came before us stirs a sense of wonder and connection. The ancestors we may never have met are just as vital to our identity as the relatives we gather with each holiday season. Their legacy lives on in our traditions, values, and the stories we pass down.

The Hoverstad family of Dennison, Minnesota, embodies the spirit of cherishing one’s roots. Generation after generation, they have held tightly to their heritage, never allowing the family’s past to fade away. Their story begins in the mid-1800s, when determined young immigrants left their European homelands, hearts full of hope, seeking a fresh start in America.

These brave souls possessed a courage that is difficult to imagine today. The Norwegians of the Hoverstad lineage were raised on rugged mountainside farms, dreaming of brighter futures across the ocean. Together, they drew strength from each other, banding together with friends and neighbors from their Norwegian homeland to settle as a united community in America.

Anders Hovestad, the family patriarch who started it all, arrived in the United States in 1854. Like so many others from his homeland, he journeyed from bustling New York City, traveling hundreds of miles before finally homesteading in the heartland of Minnesota and Iowa. His first American home was in Decorah, Iowa, but by the next year, he had journeyed onward to western Goodhue County, Minnesota, in search of new opportunities.

That first winter tested Anders and his fellow young Norwegians to their limits as they endured the biting cold, huddled together for warmth in a cave. Despite the harsh conditions, their bonds grew stronger as they worked side by side—not only building homes from scratch, but also tending to the unforgiving fields that would sustain their future.

Anders’ home was built sturdy and strong of oak logs. In 1856 or 57, the log home was completed, and, believe it or not, no nails were used in its construction. He used dovetailed logs and skillfully used wooden pegs. The logs used to build the cabins were more than likely cut from nearby woods. Once the logs were cut, they were hauled to the various locations by oxen. The farmhouse's kitchen was the original log cabin. Several additions were made to the house over the years.

An uniquely interesting story that goes hand in hand with the original cabin is that Anders returned to Decorah, Iowa, in 1857, where he asked Ingeborg Estrem to marry him. At the time, he also carried with him a letter from another Norwegian man to give to Ingeborg, asking her to marry him! Needless to say, she chose the man who asked her in person.

Anders’ home was a marvel of strength and craftsmanship, built from solid oak logs without a single nail. By 1856 or 1857, the log home was complete—its kitchen still the original cabin at the heart of the farmhouse. Over the decades, new additions grew around that core, but the log cabin endured for over 125 years, always watched over by a member of the Hoverstad family. Even after most of the house was taken down in 1998, the original cabin survived.

Its history and legacy, lovingly preserved through stories and memories, now live on at Steve Bauer’s Little Log House Pioneer Village near Hastings, Minnesota, where it remains in good hands for future generations.The Pioneer Village has been operational for 35 years and is run by Steve and Sylvia Bauer. “Back when I was young, five or six years old, and growing up on the family farm. I have vivid memories of the neighbors getting together to help thrash crops.” The story of the Haverstad home has similar circumstances of friends and neighbors helping each other. “Back in 1954, my dad had a very serious auto accident. All of the neighbors came together to help thrash the crops so they all were harvested on time,” said Steve Bauer.

That memory never left Steve, “I started to do a little thrashing to bring the family together along with neighbors and more relatives. I guess, that would have been the start of the whole process. One thing led to another and ended up to where we’re at today.”

Whether it is the Hoverstad house or one of the other buildings on the property, it all comes together by reputation. “Most of the stuff I have here comes from folks who heard about us and want their property to be saved for future generations to enjoy. The event comes once a year in July and with good or mild weather, we’ll bring in 10,000 people in just one weekend. People see all this stuff on a road up here that we call Memory Lane. As people walk through, the memories really do come to life. They’ll say to us, ‘oh by the way, we got one or my uncle has something like this, and then it turns into a lead.”

Ultimately, the families don’t have the resources to maintain an old building, and they really want to find a home for it where the structure will be cared for and preserved for future generations. “Right now we have fifty-four buildings there, and thirty-eight of those were headed for the landfill.”

It is clear that Steve could easily be considered the caretaker of history. “I don’t know what you want to call it, but I guess you could say that. Quite often, when we get prepared to move an old house, we’ll tear into the newer additions to get down to the original structure. That can be pretty amazing at times. We find things, newspapers, articles, old calendars, you just don’t know what you’re going to find. I guess you can say, ‘the walls do talk.’”

Steve says the Hoverstad house has one bedroom, a kitchen, and no bathroom. It never had a furnace or running water. To the best of his knowledge, the last time this home was occupied was shortly after World War II.

To move a house like this, they make a device that's exactly the height of a power line and put it in the back of a pickup. If the device hits the line, then they know the house has to be lowered. “The first thing we do is map out the route we have to take to move the building or home.”

The Hoverstad house’s story is tough. Immigrants settled in a land resembling Norway, building honest lives with determination and a strong work ethic. They created homes from nothing, honoring values for the right reasons.

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