Current Issue

Current Issue

Marlene Fenstermann

Caring…for barns, flowering plants, and, most importantly, people, has been the mission and passion of longtime Decorah resident Marlene Fenstermann. Her husband Duane talked her…

What is Inspire(d)?

Here at Inspire(d) HQ, we value positive news. Friends, family, neighbors who do good things. Ideas that make us think. Optimism. We believe that people are, as a whole, good, and that tiny changes can turn into big, world changes.

Paper Projects

Paper Heart Wreath
Fill-In Thank You Cards
Road Map Lanterns
DIY Gnome Photo Props
Leaf Crowns
DYI Paper Gift Bows
Gratitude Garland
Cross Stitch Gnome Card
DIY Mini Megaphones
Mother’s Day Mini Magazine
Make It: Paper Boats!
Heart Mobile!
Earth Paper Seed Hearts
Make It: Sun Bookmark!
Make it: Paper Crowns!
Pumpkin Surprise Balls!
Make Paper Butterflies!
Paper Project: Unicorn Present!
How to Make Paper Plants
How To: Make Paper Flowers!
Winter Break Project Ideas
DIY Play Dough!
How to Make a Paper Wreath
11 Paper Projects for Summer!
How to Make a Unicorn Piñata
Download a Love Letter!
How to Make a Paper Bird!

Community Builders

A community is defined as a unified body of individuals. You can build community in a neighborhood, city, region, state, nation… world, at any level. It doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. Building community is one of the most important things we can do on this planet. Connecting with others helps us connect with our humanity, and realize we’re all in this together.

Community Builders

Caitlyn Konze

The Bronze Dragon is a one-of-a-kind, welcoming place for people who don’t or can’t drink, that is safe for the queer community, and accessible for all.

Community Builders

Laura Gentry

From her big smile and zealous laugh, to her colorful outfits and statement glasses, anyone who comes across Rev. Laura Gentry can feel her warm energy and contagious joy.

Luke Zahm

Community Builders

Luke Zahm

Luke Zahm pursues his passion for food & cultivates identity for the Midwest as a chef, at his restaurant, Driftless Café, and now through Wisconsin Foodie.

Greg Wennes

Community Builders

Greg Wennes

Greg Wennes, a recovering alcoholic himself, helped found Sunrise Care Facility in 1988. It was among the first of its kind in this part of the Driftless.

Adam Wiltgen

Community Builders

Adam Wiltgen

There’s some serious pep in Adam Wiltgen’s step as he leads a tour of the arts campus in Lanesboro, a small, but vibrant, community in Southeast Minnesota.

Red’s IGA

Community Builders

Red’s IGA

Meatball suppers, spaghetti feeds, pancake breakfasts: Fundraisers are a beloved Midwestern tradition. Spring Grove's Red's IGA takes it a step further!

Lora Friest

Community Builders

Lora Friest

NE Iowa RC&D's Lora Friest says she never tires of visiting with people about their ideas and helping them realize that they can actually achieve them.

Lissa Carlson

Community Builders

Lissa Carlson

Community Builder: Lissa Carlson / Coulee Parenting Connection By Aryn Henning Nichols • Photos courtesy Lissa Carlson Originally published in the Fall 2017 Inspire(d) When…

John Condon

Community Builders

John Condon

John Condon has shaped an industrial tech program at Decorah High School that focuses projects less on the individual and more on the wider community.