Jordan Rasmussen
Published: May 19, 2009

GALENA, IL - Galena on the Fly is in their 9th season with Eagle ridge resort and spa. The hot air balloon launching site has lift off twice a day, sunrise and sunset. You can book your flight with pilot Andy Williams. Williams learned to fly with his Dad at a pretty young age and now has flown for 15 years. Williams is also an ordained minister and when he is in the sky, he has even performed weddings. Williams loves what he does and there is no place but the sky that he would rather be. Williams said, “I just love all of it, the people, the flying, the challenge that is in that, the weather, just all aspects of it, there’s no better way to make a living.”

Williams will go up on clear days; if there are 10mph winds then the flight is canceled and rebooked. The season started on Good Friday and will end in November. People from all over come to fly, four people from Chicago wanted to celebrate their birthdays and have a gift to remember. Rosemarie Orbell shares the same birthday with her grandson, and for Orbell she was a first time flier. Orbell says, “No I have never done this before but I have parasailed so I figured I would try this.”
For couples Dean and Mary who also had birthdays to celebrate they were excited to take flight and Dean couldn’t of been more pleased,” Well it is just a good time to get away, good weather, and Well we have never done this before so she brought me this ride for my birthday!”

The hot air balloon takes 10 minutes to be blown up with air. Williams offers a five-person basket or a basket that can fit 14. Once the balloon is up right the fliers step on in and with a couple pulls of flame the balloon lifts off. The rides last 45 minutes, and once the basket lands Williams wants to celebrate.

As a tradition, Williams pours champagne and gives a toast and tells stories of past flights. The sun goes down and the couples leave with a trip of their lifetime.

The balloon rides can be booked with Andy Williams at his local number (815) 777-2747 or visit the Galena on the Fly website at www.buyaballroonride.com . If you are around the tri-states for the summer don’t miss the Great Galena Balloon Race in July, all proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jordan can be contacted at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen, Dubuque                                                                                                                                                                      May 6, 2009

The 17th Annual Dubuque Heart Association Start Walk was held last Saturday at the River walk.  With over 700 people walking to raise awareness, a fourth of the walkers were survivors.

One of the survivors, Benjamin Kuhl led the opening ceremony and cut the red ribbon for a reason.  Ben was born with a missing ventricle, and thanks to tools and techniques of the American Heart Association, Bens life was saved.  Ben’s mother, Lisa Kuhl was there to walk with her son.

Kuhl says, “He is a very active little boy; you don’t know that he has a congenital heart defect, unless you see the very faint scare on his chest.”

The Kuhl family walked a mile along the river with other survivors, all supported by friends and family.  The start walk is just a start to make people aware of heart disease.  Director Jennifer Hernandez helps raise awareness of heart disease, and is always moving.

Jennifer said, “The start walk is-The call to American’s to get out, and move, just exercise, start moving, start today, start your life, start living healthier.”

The walk was for all ages.  People brought their dogs, pushed their children in strollers and some even jogged. The walk was a way to bring smiles to people’s faces.  For Jennifer, “It’s a survivor’s event and people come out to support them and it’s amazing.”

After the walk, participants enjoyed lunch and listened to music.  Kuhl was happy with the turn out of the day and said, “There were so many people here, and it was just awesome to see everybody, and it was awesome we had such good weather, and it was just great to see the sea of people walking out here today.”

The Heart Walk is a great start to become aware and with just an hour of exercise, you are gaining two hours of life expectancy.  The heart walk raised $80,000, and for the next two weeks you can still donate by visiting the Dubuque Heart Walk website at www.heartwalk.kintera.org.

Thank you to everyone who donated and participated, the mission can’t be achieved without your help!  If you have any questions about the Dubuque Heart Start Walk, contact Jennifer.Hernandez@heart.org for more information.

Jordan Rasmussen can be contacted at jordan.rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 30, 2009

DUBUQUE - Manger Ed Gau works hard to keep the tradition of donuts going at the Donut-Boy in Dubuque. Gau says that the Donut-Boy is one of its kind, “We mix them up fresh every day, almost everyone out there, is making them frozen now, we are the only one left.”

The small store has been around for 50 years. Each day over 600 to 800 dozen donuts are made fresh. The donuts are sold every day till noon. The donut makers start baking at 5am every day and sometimes stay until 5 p.m.

Glazed, sprinkled, or stuffed with cream; there are so many kinds of donuts you will find one that fits your taste. The most popular donut is called the Persians. Sometimes customers all the way from New York City call the Donut-Boy to get dozens of Persian donuts.

Leroy Weiedmann, a regular at the Donut-Boy, comes twice a week to get a persuasion. He prefers it over every other donut.
“I tried all the other ones and this is my fancy,” said Weiedmann.

Stop in to share coffee with friends or get the donuts to go. Customers can even have them shipped to schools, churches, hospitals, and businesses. Gau would love more business from college students however.

“We would love to get more students in from the three local colleges, they are within five blocks, so we would love to have more of them come see us, said Gau. “It’s a friendly atmosphere and a nice place to stop and visit.

Employee Joyce Haudenshield has tried almost every donut. Haundernshield says there is something more to donut-boy then having great taste. Haundernshield has been friends with Gau for 30 years and she says the best part of working at the donut-boy is, “The people the customers; it’s like your family, you seen them every day.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at jordan.rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 15, 2009

DUBUQUE - For a year now Cindi Haugen has been hula hooping. She has noticed that her waist line has trimmed down significantly and wanted to make others aware of the benefits of hooping.

Haugen and her friends at the YMCA all wanted to hoop so Haugen came up with an idea to have a hula hoop class for adults to get in on the fun. The hoops are very expensive so Haugen decided to make them for a cheaper price.

Haugen said, “I have been making them sense last August and all the money that we raise goes to Resurrection Catholic School.”

The hoops are made at her home and then distributed to places around the tri-states such as Free Flight, Second Chances, Body and Soul, Butterfly Life, LA Weight Loss, Shapes, HyVee, Jazzercise, and Women’s Wellness Center. The hoops cost $15 and all proceeds go to Resurrection School.

Haugen teamed up with Carol Collins and brought her hula hoops to the youth from the community in gym class and during recess. Collins got asked by Haugen to start a class, Collins said,” You know it would be really cool if we could have a hoop class here, I use to hula hoop when I was in the 3rd grade it was my favorite toy, so I’ll do that.”

The class is a 30 minutes work out and it tones your body, works on your balance and coordination, and helps generate laughter. Haugen says,” The best part of the hoop project is the support from the Dubuque community.”

Haugen and friends have made over 3,500 hoops and have raised 35,000 dollars for Resurrection School.

If you would like to learn more about Haugen’s hoop making contact her by email at haugenhouse@aol.com and to sign up for classes at the YMCA go to their website at www.dubuquey.org

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 9, 2009

Dubuque - Secretary of the Loras physical education and sports studies club, Kristine Mason, is in love with soccer. She has been organizing and fundraising to put on a three on three soccer tournament at Loras called Grassroots Soccer.

Mason said that,” Grassroots soccer is an organization in South Africa where they combine soccer with the education of AIDS, because it is such a huge epidemic there.”

Teams could sign up to play in the event for 30 dollars and could purchase t-shirts for five dollars more, with all of the money going directly to the KICKAIDS foundation in Africa.

The goal of the days was to bring people from all over the Dubuque community to play.

“Soccer is such a huge part of the whole Dubuque community, especially at Loras College; just everyone in the community is really soccer excited,” said Mason.

The tournament took place on Sunday, April fifth with snow falling and strong winds, but that didn’t hamper the spirits of those who participated.

“We won our first game, it was fun, it’s really cold out, but, you know it was fun, that’s what it’s all about today, it’s not really about who’s winning or losing, but just getting out for a good cause and playing soccer,” said Luke Schweitzer, a Loras athlete.

The day ended with over 21 teams and 104 participants coming together to show off their soccer skills for one great cause. All together the participants raised $1, 550 from donations, t-shirts sales and registration fees. The club still plans on continuing to raise money.

“We are always going to except donations and continue to make this grassroots soccer event an annual one.” Mason said

To learn more about grassroots soccer:
www.grassrootssoccer.org

FIFA produced video on the program: Grassroots Soccer Video

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 1, 2009

GALENA - This past weekend was wine lovers weekend in Galena, Illinois. The celebration began Friday night, March 27th and ended with a brunch on Sunday morning. The events were held at Eagle Ridge Inn and Spa and after a weekend of drinking, it concludes with hitting golf balls on the course.

The celebration has spread the love to the entire town of Galena, Illinois. Don Pleau is in charge of food and beverage at the Inn and most of the events start out early, and for Pleau there’s nothing wrong with starting early.

“We are going to drink wine at 9:00 in the morning. Its 5:00 somewhere, so we have to start sometime in the day,” said Pleau.

He helps provide luncheons, entertainment, and wine testing from wine makers from all over the world. Pleau just made sure everyone was entertained and enjoyed there weekend.

There was a class that was taking place to discuss wineries and Greg Gauthier is a winemaker from Napa, California who came to Galena for one reason.

“It’s because people in Galena love good wine and I make good wine,” explains Gauthier.

Over the weekend you can relax, feel loved, and enjoy great wine. But remember it is all about your taste. Gauthier came to present his wine and discuss the winery business and what makes a good wine?

“My taste buds tell me. It’s very simple. If I like it it’s a good wine, if I hate it, it’s a bad wine,” said Gauthier. There were many locals who attended Wine lovers weekend and some from as far as Italy.

For Galena locals Jane and Mark, they live in Galena because of their love for the Inn. This was also their third year attending the wine lovers weekend.

“We learned a lot, and we enjoy wine even more than we thought,” said Jane. One of the biggest bottles of wine that was out for tasting was Pleau’s favorite and it is a ruffaford ranch cabernet, from Napa valley.

“I like it the most because it’s in a big bottle so there’s more to drink,” said Pleau.

You do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy a weekend with the Wine Lovers, it also offers lectures from professionals on how they make a wine taste so well and they also share their vineyard experience. The Inn has a great location that feels secluded and brings that piece of mind to the atmosphere. If you had to take one thing away from the weekend it was that it doesn’t matter if it’s the size of the bottle or 9 am. Wine lovers weekend is a time to enjoy great wine with the one you love.

Next year come on out to Eagle Ridge, take in the sights, relax, try the food, and taste and enjoy a good wine and you will know if it’s good if your taste buds tell you.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: March 12, 2009

DUBUQUE – On March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day will be celebrated worldwide.

St. Patrick’s Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick. It serves as a day to relax with friends while taking the time to eat Irish foods and drink a pint.

Thomas Miller is the owner of 180 main pub and restaurant, and Miller is expecting the 17th to be cheerful.

“Very inviting atmosphere, we will have Guinness flowing, and it’s just pretty casual more than anything else. It’s just a fun day, different than any other holiday,” said Miller.

Shamrock Imports on Bluff Street offers a little taste of Ireland in a city where many residents are Irish and for owner, Maureen Siegert, St. Patrick ’s Day has a deeper meaning.

“It’s a religious Holiday. To not go to St. Patrick’s mass on St. Patrick’s morning would not be a good thing for me,” said Siegert.

Maureen has time for fun on St. Patrick ’s Day, but always pays her respects. Even though Maureen left Ireland, her heart never left.

“St. Patrick’s Day for me brings me a little closer to Ireland,” said Siegert.

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, St. Patrick’s Day is a day to be Irish, even if you are not.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: February 25, 2009

The trappist monks of the New Mellery Abby is in Peosta, Iowa. The monks pray… and they work hard with their hands making caskets to fulfill their spiritual state of mind. The monks put their heart and soul into the each step in the making of the caskets.

Kelly Myers found her calling to the monastery five years ago, she says that the monks don’t only center on God. Myers states, “Their work day is focused around prayer, and then getting their resources from their own forest, is a very joyful day for them.” There are many different stations the monks work at; the wood is measured, ready for cutting, lined with padding, and then polished to have a nice shine to it.

General Manager, Sam Mulgrew has had experience in the casket making process, and then found his way to the head of the business. Mulgrew knows what it takes to balance prayer and work.

“A cooperate act of mercy for them, to make caskets, they pray why they’re making caskets, and they’re aware of the descendents that might be put in the casket, so these are all factors that are sort of unusual to the commercial world. “ Mulgrew says.

The monastery is significant in its own way, Myers feels, “Its diverse, you have people devoted to a day of prayer and then there are people like myself who are just able to come in and enjoy and sort of feed off of some other disciplined work environment.” For all who have died and been buried in the trappist caskets, their names lie in a spiritual book that is set in a chapel for worship.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: December 4, 2008

HAZEL GREEN - At Budden’s Tree Farm owner Dick Budden is an expert and he has been selling Christmas trees for seven years.

“We sell 2 to 300 every year. We are in the season right now selling Christmas trees as a matter of fact we have some costumers right now,” said Dick.

Dick went to help his costumers so I looked around to find that perfect real Christmas tree. I came across one that was too small, one looked like a Charlie brown tree, one was not green enough, one had no top to it, and one was so big I did not think I could cut it down myself.

When I finally found my tree,  Dick started to cut it down, then I tried but it was too hard, so Dick used his chain saw to cut down my tree.

Dick described the best Christmas tree.

“Some trees hold their needles better than others, of course the most popular Christmas tree is the Frasier Fur, and everybody wants a Frasier,” said Dick.

After cutting down my tree it was time to warm up with Kay Budden’s hot coco.

“Over the weekend over three days, I serve over 210 cups of hot chocolate,” said Kay.

It tasted amazing!

“I just don’t want to miss the joy on some of the kids faces, some of the kids look so happy, you no some kids are so glad to, we got a tree we got a tree, ya know,” said Kay.

It was now time to take my tree home and decorate it.

Budden Tree Farm is located at: 1908 Sinsinawa Road in Hazel Green, Wisconsin

There phone number is 608-748-4523.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: November 19, 2008

DUBUQUE- Every wonder how much time and dedication goes into being an Athletic Trainer? And why they do it? Jordan Rasmussen caught up with two seniors and got the scoop.

Adam Burke and Tara Squiers, our both Athletic Trainers. They find time to laugh and work, what’s the best part of the job?

“Being around the Athletics a lot, because a lot of them are really fun, and you just get to know a lot of people.” Squiers said. “Coming to practice every day, being a part of the team is a lot of fun, traveling to different schools.” Burke said

These trainers love what they do but there is a lot of time, work and dedication they spend with the athletes.

“We come like 1 to 2 hours early, depending on what sport it is, just to set up and get everything ready,” says Squiers.

“Athletes start coming in like a half hour before and we do all the taping take care of any injuries and do all the treatments they might need,” says Burke.

Training is more than taping and treatments. Sometimes injuries happen and Squiers is able to work under pressure.

When a huge injury happens. One example Squiers shared was, “During football season, one of the players collapse and we had to call the ambulance. We had to try to keep everyone else calm like all the football players and just kind of deal with the situation. “

Training can be difficult and exhausting… Burke always finds the fun in it, he says, “I just like coming everyday and spending time, especially with soccer, soccer has been a lot of fun, so I just like coming every day.”

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu