News

“CelebrAsian: An Asian/Pacific Islander Cultural Experience,” highlighting the foods and cultures of Asian and Pacific Islanders, will take place Tues., April 29, 5 -7 pm at The Landing Market.

This community building event, the third in a series, is for people of all ages. Sponsors are The Landing Market; the Asian Student Association and Allies (ASAA), a student group at Luther College; the college’s Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES); and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation. It coincides with Asian and Pacific Islanders month at the college.

The event, centering on “Eats, Education, Engagement,” will feature “Asia on a Plate,” a meal of Vietnamese Com Tam, a pork dish served with jasmine rice, eggs, cucumbers, carrots, and traditional spices; Filipino Maja Blanca, a corn pudding made with coconut milk, corn, and cheese; Indonesian Pisang Goreng ( fried bananas); and Thai Tea.

Cost is $10. For students (with ID) attending any college or university and for children 17 and younger, the cost is $5. No reservations are needed.

This event will also include a book giveaway featuring titles by authors of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation. Books will be available to attendees at no charge, one per person.

“We’re capping off Luther’s academic year with a creative event planned by enthusiastic Luther students,” says Landing owner Pete Espinosa. “Truly a joy to work with Luther on these community events.”

The Landing Market, located at 211 College Dr., in Decorah, opened in July 2020 as a food hall and community gathering spot.  Today The Landing is home to Justin’s (restaurant), The Buzz (coffee & cocktails), Root 43 (juices, smoothies, bowls), and Tandem which supports the disability community as well as Oneota Health Solutions chiropractic care and Nagle Signs.  For more information, email info@thelandingmarket.com or call (563) 277-1893.

NEWS RELEASE April 8, 2025
April 27: Northern Lights Women’s Chorus presents spring concert
The Northern Lights Women’s Chorus will present its spring concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Decorah Lutheran Church. The 49-member ensemble, composed of singers from Decorah and nine other communities, will perform a variety of beautiful choral music with the theme “Not Goodbye… Just a New Song.”
The concert start time was changed to 1 p.m. to avoid scheduling conflicts with a talk by Rick Steves at Luther College at 2:30 p.m. and the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra concert at 4:30 p.m.
The concert will be the last one conducted by Rachael Buresh, who began directing the chorus in 2018. A new artistic director will be named this spring. The program will include some of Buresh’s favorite songs from past concerts as well as new pieces. During intermission, a small group of chorus members will perform. A freewill offering will be taken at intermission, with a portion of the proceeds shared with a local nonprofit organization.
Reflecting on her tenure with the chorus, Buresh said, “For so many years, the Northern Lights Women’s Chorus has been more than just music—it has been love in harmony, commitment in every note, and a community woven together by song. Through laughter and joy, we have shared moments that will echo in our hearts forever. This is not an end but a beautiful new melody—one that carries on with the everlasting friendship and music that binds us all.”
Mary Beth Bouska serves as Northern Lights’ collaborative pianist.
The chorus would like to thank The Depot Outlet for a major grant to support its 2024-25 season, as well as the many businesses and individuals that contributed to its fall fund drive.
Decorah Lutheran Church is located at 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, Iowa. For more information, visit the Northern Lights Facebook event.
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