Press Release

Lerner Publishing Acquires Gecko Press
Business

Business

(Minneapolis, MN) — Dec. 18, 2023 — Lerner Publishing Group announced today the acquisition of Gecko Press, an award-winning, internationally-focused publisher based in Wellington, New Zealand. Gecko Press specializes in distinct and well-reviewed picture books, board books and chapter books for children. With hand-picked titles by some of the best writers and illustrators in the world, Gecko Press publishes books of good heart and strong character, excellent in story, illustration,

Ryan Dodge Tavern Grill
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Business, Featured

(Twin Cities, MN) — December 18th, 2023 — For many, one of the biggest highlights each holiday season is the signature dish we know that special friend or family member will bring to the table. It isn’t just about the food, either. For many, cooking is an expression of love — which is why holiday recipes hold such a special place in so many families. For one Twin Cities chef,

MEA Releases Three Free Energy Sustainability Courses
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    We are delighted to introduce these courses which cover the foundational principles of each topic and help facilitate dialogue and understanding for those working in the energy sector”   — Deborah Kessler, MEA     (Bloomington, MN) — December 12, 2023 — MEA Energy Association recognizes the energy industry milestones of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Renewable energy plays an important role

International Touring Artist Pamela McNeill Joins Prestigious Roster of Music Legends In Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame
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Featured, Music | Podcast

  Photo credit Heidi Bargmann AC/Rock Balladeer McNeill Wraps Up Her Most Successful Year Yet (New Ulm, MN) — December 14, 2023  — Pamela McNeill, the internationally acclaimed, profuse songwriter and performer, is set to be inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2024. The induction ceremony will take place on April 19, 2024, at the New Ulm Conference Center in New Ulm, Minn., followed by the 2024

Bûcheron South Minneapolis Restaurant
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Business, Featured

(Minneapolis, MN) — Dec. 14, 2023  — Opening in the new year, neighborhood restaurant Bûcheron will offer elevated French-American dining in a charming, cozy atmosphere on a beloved corner of South Minneapolis. Inspired by the Bistronomy movement in Paris, co-owners chef Adam Ritter and hospitality director Jeanie Janas Ritter will bring decades of experience in highly regarded restaurants worldwide, all while staying grounded in their beloved home state of Minnesota. 

The GOD’S CHILD Project Guatemala
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GCP has raised and educated 83,000 impoverished and abandoned children in Guatemala. It also has a hospital for malnourished children that has served thousands. (Golden Valley, MN) — December 14, 2023 — Guatemala, with its population of 18.21 million people, stands as the largest economy in Central America. Yet, it bears the unfortunate distinction of having the lowest human development index in the region, a measure combining life expectancy, health,

Debra Lee Fader Launches "Acts of Kindness" Podcast, Advocating the Values of Giving and Generosity
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Debra Lee Fader, widely recognized as the “queen of kindness,” and president of Diversity-USA is set to launch her inspirational podcast, “Acts of Kindness.” (Glenwood, MN) — December 11, 2023 — Debra Lee Fader, the esteemed founder and president of Diversity-USA (formerly known as Cultural Diversity Council), is set to launch her inspirational podcast, “Acts of Kindness.” Widely recognized as the “queen of kindness,” Fader has dedicated her life to

Cannabis Education Certificate Programs
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Business, Featured

    These programs reflect [our] commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that all members of society are equipped with the knowledge & skills to participate fully & benefit equitably from [this] industry”  Deidra Peaslee, President of Saint Paul College (St Paul, MN) — December 13, 2023 — Saint Paul College has joined forces with Green Flower—the award winning cannabis education company—to launch three certificate program offerings in the fast-growing cannabis

Jennifer Barta Fractional CEO
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  CPG veteran brings focused executive leadership to Minnesota-based entrepreneurs launching mission-driven businesses   (Minneapolis, MN) —  December 13, 2023 – FINNOVATION Lab, a professional resource hub supporting impact-driven CPG startups, has welcomed industry veteran Jennifer Barta to lead as Fractional CEO. Barta joins the organization with 30+ years of experience in the consumer products industry, including directing and managing at industry titans General Mills and Land O’ Lakes.  

Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
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(St Paul, MN) — December 12th, 2023 — Charles M. Schulz brightened the world for over 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts Gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. Explore Schulz’s personal history and his role as the inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its beloved cast of characters. In this exhibit, follow Schulz

plastics recycling plant near Minneapolis
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Business, Featured

(Minneapolis/St Paul, MN) — Dec. 11, 2023  — A state-of-the-art facility designed to recycle flexible film, a widely used material that includes pallet wrap, shrink wrap, single-use shopping bags and some food packaging, has officially opened in Rogers, Minnesota. Myplas USA, a South Africa–based plastics recycler, opened its mechanical recycling and pelletizing plant near Minneapolis, marking a major milestone for a collaborative effort among leading global businesses to catalyze a

B the Light Laura Doyen
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(Mankato, MN) — November 30, 2023 – B the Light, a growing non-profit, dedicated to providing hope, support, and connections for breast cancer survivors in surrounding communities, proudly announces the appointment of Laura Doyen as its first Executive Director. Doyen brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously owned and successfully operated her own business. This, in combination with a rich history of community involvement, volunteerism, board

2024 Retailer of the Year
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(Minnesota) — December 5, 2023 — Seven Minnesota grocers who promote locally grown and produced products have been named a 2024 Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA). This year’s winners include: Northwest: Hugo’s Family Marketplace, East Grand Forks Northeast: Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone West Central: Elden’s Fresh Foods, Alexandria Southwest: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia Southeast: Nilssen’s Foods, Zumbrota Twin Cities: Kowalski’s Markets,

Iconic Gordon Parks Photographic Series
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(Minneapolis, MN) — December 5th, 2023 — The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will present a new exhibition of more than 50 documentary photographs by renowned photographer Gordon Parks exploring his unique photographic collaboration with Ella Watson. Organized by Mia in collaboration with the Gordon Parks Foundation, “American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson” will be on view only at Mia from January 6 to June 23, 2024 in the

Free Hugs & Legal Consults
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(St Paul, MN) — December 14, 2023 – Free Hugs is pioneering a unique event that blends thecomfort of the local community with professional legal consultations. This special gathering,hosted at Summit Brewery, promises an evening where warmth meets wisdom, and compassionintertwines with expert legal advice this holiday season. Why Combine Free Hugs with Legal Consultations? In a world that can sometimes feel distant and overwhelming, Kindness Legal Clinic championsthe transformative

Jostens Super Bowl LVII Ring
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Dec. 06, 2023  — Since 1959 the Clios have been regarded as one of the most recognizable international advertising awards, honoring innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design and communication. Jostens and the Kansas City Chiefs are proud to have been awarded a bronze-level distinction at the 2023 Clios for their collaborative work on the Super Bowl LVII Ring. “From the very beginning we knew that the

MnDOT’s Name a Snowplow Contest
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(Minnesota) — December 5th, 2023 — Back by popular demand,the Minnesota Department of Transportation is once again inviting the public to help name another round of eight snowplows – one for each MnDOT district. We encourage you to submit the most witty, unique and Minnesota- or winter-themed snowplow name ideas. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 15, at noon. Submit your name ideas This year’s contest includes a few

Minneapolis Most Generous Cities In America 2023
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(Minnesota) — December 5th, 2023 — GoFundMe released its 2023 Year in Help report, highlighting stories of resilience, the most generous communities, and fundraising data. The report reveals the impact of more than 30 million people who gave or received help on GoFundMe this year. People started fundraisers for various causes, including paying off student loans, keeping businesses open, caring for animals, and rebuilding after natural disasters. Also included was

Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit
Business

Business, Featured

Beginning Dec. 11, pepperoni and Bloody Mary lovers can purchase these limited-edition kits for friends and family (Austin, MN) —  Dec. 5, 2023 — The makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni, America’s No. 1 pepperoni brand*, are making the holiday season extra merry with the launch of an all-new, limited-edition** Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit. Whether fans are stocking up on flavorful beverages for holiday gatherings and gift giving, or getting ready for National Bloody Mary Day

Martha Bird Susan Hensel Gallery
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Artwork by Martha Bird created from 2022 – 2023 in the aftermath of a global pandemic and worldwide social uprising movement. ”  — Susan Hensel – Gallery Owner (Minneapolis, MN) —  December 4, 2023  — Susan Hensel Gallery welcomes back multidisciplinary artist Martha Bird with her new show In Sight/Sight In. The solo exhibition runs from October 15th to December 15th, giving audiences a look at Bird’s natural fiber work

Maestro Learning Music
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Featured, Music | Podcast

Maestro emerges as a breath of innovation in musical education, where traditional methods often fall short.”  — Lucy Bichakhchyan (Minneapolis, MN) —  December 3, 2023  — Today, Maestro, an initiative by “MAESTRO JAN” LLC, proudly introduces an app designed to redefine the way we learn music theory. With a mission to make musical education accessible and enjoyable, Maestro combines technology with the expertise of passionate educators. In a world where

Marc-André Fleury's Goaltender Mask
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Proceeds to Benefit the American Indian Family Center and the Minnesota Wild Foundation (Welch, MN) — Dec. 1, 2023  — A one-of-a-kind Dakota-inspired mask designed by Dakota artist and Prairie Island Indian Community member Cole Redhorse Taylor and worn by Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury has raised $35,100 at auction. Fleury, affectionately known as “Flower,” wore the mask during warmups before the Wild celebrated “Native American Heritage Night” at home against

New Folk Records Purple Heart Homes
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That song is a perfect selection for us as it completely echo’s our mission to honor those who have served”  — Purple Heart Homes founder and CEO John Gallina (Savage, MN) —  November 30, 2023  — New Folk Records is pleased to announce that Purple Heart Homes has chosen the title track of our album “That’s Why We Stand” as their official theme song. The song was written and sung

Holidays on the Hill
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Celebrate the season with holiday stories from the mansion’s past   (St Paul, MN) — November 16, 2023 – The James J. Hill Housewill bring back a historic holiday celebration this winter, giving guests a chance to experience seasonal festivities from the early 20th century. Visitors can get a glimpse of Christmas in 1910 — both upstairs and downstairs — at James J. Hill’s famous Gilded Age mansion. For this

Mad Dog Products and Excelsior Brew "Unleash" a Dog Friendly Holiday Gift Idea Supporting Charity
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Excelsior MN brewery teamed up with Mad Dog Products to offer custom logo dog leashes as a holiday gift option that supports the Hennepin County Humane Society.   (Chaska, MN) —  Nov. 29, 2023  — There is big business in being “Dog Friendly” these days with over 65 Million U.S. households owning one or more dogs. However, businesses that welcome dogs also require leashes for their owners “best friends”. Finding

Santa Claus Split Rock Lighthouse
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Free admission for kids and adults with donations December 9 & 16 (Two Harors, MN) — November 28, 2023  – From the North Pole to the North Shore, Santa will be making a few special stops at Split Rock Lighthouse this year! Families can get their photos taken with Kris Kringle in front of an epic wintry backdrop. Santa will be making his stops on December 9 and 16. Kids under

Best Addiction Treatment Centers
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The world-renowned Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.The org earned the three highest scores among all 360 treatment centers recognized Hazelden Betty Ford’s reputation starts with our demonstrated devotion to treating people with dignity and respect, consistently innovating, and keeping the focus on long-term recovery and well-being.” — Joseph Lee, MD, president and CEO (Center City, MN) –November 29, 2023 — To help patients and families find quality care

Mayo Clinic Redesign Rochester
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Business, Featured

(Rochester, MN) —  Nov. 28, 2023  — Mayo Clinic’s Board of Trustees has approved Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester, a multiyear strategic initiative that advances Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. strategy to Cure, Connect and Transform healthcare for the benefit of patients everywhere. It reimagines Mayo Clinic’s downtown Rochester campus and introduces new facilities with a combination of innovative care concepts and digital technologies that will give Mayo Clinic the ability to scale transformation in

B Social by Brick & Bourbon
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  Bloc has officially declared B Social by Brick & Bourbon in St Cloud as the most thrilling new venue opening in Minnesota for 2023. What the team at Brick & Bourbon have achieved with B Social is nothing short of genius. They’ve invested a lot of time and money into this space, especially in the barcade.” — Calum Ward – Bloc (St Cloud, MN) — November 29, 2023 —

Blue Cross and Blue Shield HCMC
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Business, Featured

Access now includes all HCMC facilities, clinics in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs    (Eagan, MN) —  Nov. 22, 2023 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) has expanded its statewide High Value Network for Medicare Advantage to include all locations of Hennepin Healthcare, including the hospital and hospital-based clinics located on the HCMC campus in downtown Minneapolis. The additions, which are part of a new three-year contract between Blue Cross and Hennepin

CHS Supports FFA
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(Minnesota) — November 14th, 2023 — The CHS Foundation is making a $4.3 million commitment to National FFA over the next three years, the largest gift in the foundation’s 75-year history. The grant will help fund FFA programs in 17 states, provide scholarships for attending conferences and contests, introduce students from all backgrounds to ag careers through the workforce development program, and support the National Association of Ag Educators in

Holiday Train Rolls Into Minnesota
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(Minnesota) — November, 2023 —  All aboard! The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in more than two-dozen Minnesota towns on its annual ride through the northern U.S., bringing live entertainment and Christmas cheer in exchange for donations to local food banks. The Holiday Train will be in Minnesota from Dec. 10-15, 2023. The Holiday Train is a great way to get into the festive spirit. The train is about

Free Park Day
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(Minnesota) — November 24th, 2023 — On four days each year, all 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone – no vehicle permits needed! Here are the fee-free dates in 2024: Monday, January 15, 2024 Saturday, April 27, 2024 Saturday, June 8, 2024 Friday, November 29, 2024 Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there’s a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a

Truterra Sustainable Farming
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Eight Minnesota organizations receive over $550K in one-time funding (Minnesota) — November, 2023 — As part of a continued effort to strengthen support available to Minnesota’s emerging farmers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced recipients of grant funding for organizations that provide business and technical support to farmers from historically underserved communities. Through the Emerging Farmer Technical Assistance Grant Program, eight organizations have received a total of $554,920

USPA Rescue Missing Teen Girls
Business

Business, Featured

  By allocating 50% of Black Friday Security Guard Service profits to rescue or locate missing teen girls, USPA aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these vulnerable individuals” — Daniel Manning, CEO BLOOMINGTON, MN, USA, November 21, 2023  — USPA Nationwide Security, a leading provider of security guard services in Bloomington, MN, is proud to announce their commitment to making a difference in the lives of

Kindred Tales AI Transcription Services
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Business, Featured

  Kindred Tale’s introduction of AI Transcription services is a perfect complement to our recently introduced AI Biographer, which is a sign of our commitment to delivering modern, easy-to-use tools.” — Nick Hern (St Paul, MN) — November 21, 2023  — Kindred Tales, a company that helps preserve your loved one’s life story in a beautiful keepsake book, proudly unveils its latest release: AI Transcription services. With the addition of

Jennie-O® Turkeys Pardoned Today by the President of the United States
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Liberty and Bell celebrate 76th annual Thanksgiving presentation with National Turkey Federation   (Willmar, MN) — Nov. 20, 2023 — The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand — a trusted brand for turkey products around the world — today announced that two of their turkeys, Liberty and Bell, were presented by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and formally pardoned by President Joseph R. Biden during the 76th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation on the grounds

Dr. Rassheedah Watts' 'Black Womb Dialogues': Poetry and Gratitude, from Minnesota to Scotland’s Slavery Apology
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  I like the use of the poetic and art to explore some of the difficult issues. It’s a great way of making it accessible because there’s power in language.” — Mosota, Edinburgh Slavery & Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Chair (Brooklyn Park, MN) — November 20, 2023  — Dr. Rassheedah Watts, an allyship and racial healing expert, embarked on a historic journey that echoes gratitude and empowerment. Her latest book,

Winnebago Industries’ Michael Happe Entrepreneur Of The Year
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(Eden Prairie, MN) — Nov. 14, 2023  — Michael Happe, president and CEO of Winnebago Industries, Inc., a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, has been named the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 National Overall Award winner by Ernst & Young LLP. The award elevates ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders who think big and act boldly. Happe was recognized for redefining the Winnebago brand from a single brand, product-oriented manufacturer to

Giftster Gift Wish Lists
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Business, Featured

(Minneapolis-St. Paul, Mn) — Nov. 15, 2023  — Today Giftster announces the release of the Giftster 6.0 App for iPhone & iPad, a 2-year development effort to give iPhone and iPad users a version of Giftster built just for their devices. Ron Reimann, Giftster CEO says “Apple customers are big fans of Giftster, so we built a dedicated version of Giftster from the ground up, just for them. I’m proud

Humor and Heartbreak Lead to Self-Acceptance in Laurie Boyle Compton's Free Verse Memoir The Denim Diaries
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Nov. 08, 2023 — This November Zest Books™, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group™, releases The Denim Diaries: A Memoir.  This poetic memoir traces Laurie Boyle Compton’s coming of age in rural Pennsylvania and New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Combating family issues, relationship troubles, and body image insecurities, Laurie finds ways to love and accept herself. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s was

Care Packages to Deployed Troops
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We are committed to helping organizations like Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon send care packages to our troops.” — Michelle Williamson (Forest Lake MN) —  November 14, 2023  — Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Great River Energy, and ShipThrifty have partnered to send care packages to deployed troops. Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is committed to supporting military members and their families with services and support wherever

Paul Metsa "Jack Ruby"
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  “Paul Metsa is America’s answer to Billy Bragg.” – NPR / “Paul Metsa is the other great folksinger from Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range.” – Huffington Post” — NPR / Huffington Post (Minneapolis, MN) —  November 8, 2023  — Award-winning songwriter, musician, author, radio host and cultural historian Paul Metsa is re-releasing his song “Jack Ruby” in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the JFK assassination and Lee Harvey Oswald

TopLine Financial Credit Union Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors
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(Maple Grove, MN) — Nov, 14, 2023 — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, employees have successfully completed Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) which provides employees with skills and knowledge to help guide members to sound financial decisions. TopLine employees who complete the course receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) designation. The program enhances employees’ financial knowledge and

Jostens Women’s Basketball National Championship Ring
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Nov. 09, 2023  — Jostens, the nation’s leading provider of custom, hand-crafted championship jewelry, has designed the National Championship Ring for Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball team. This showstopping ring was presented to the team ahead of today’s opening home game. “This LSU women’s basketball team was captivating to watch, and to bring home the first basketball national championship in LSU history is an incredible achievement,” said

United and Collegeville Institute Celebrate a Nearly Six Decade Connection
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    I chose to join the board of Collegeville Institute because of my appreciation for the time I spent there researching and writing.”    — President Molly T. Marshall     (St Paul, MN) — November 8, 2023  — Founded in the 1960s, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) and Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research (Collegeville Institute) have been knitted together throughout their histories. At a

Twin Cities Habitat The Heights
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(St Paul, MN) — November 10th, 2023 — Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is honored to be a major project partner in The Heights, an environmentally friendly redevelopment of the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course in St. Paul’s East Side. The Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA) is leading the redevelopment, which will include both housing and light industrial redevelopment with a minimum of 1,000 living-wage, low-barrier jobs and 1,000 housing

Golf Achievement Tattoos
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  (Burnsville, MN) —  November 9, 2023 — The Original Achievement Tattoo Co., known for its innovative approach to award-inspired temporary tattoos, is excited to announce the launch of Golf Achievement Tattoos. These enjoyable, skin-safe tattoos are perfect for commemorating both the highs and lows experienced on the golf course. According to the company, golf enthusiasts, along with coaches, parents, and friends, can now award accomplishments and humorous misfortunes of

Experience Life Magazine 2023 FOLIO
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Eddie and Ozzie Awards; Jamie Martin Named Editor of the Year and Life Time Talks is Top Consumer Health and Wellness Podcast (Chanhassen, MN) —  Oct. 26, 2023  — Experience Life, the print and digital magazine from Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand, was awarded four Eddies and Ozzies as part of the 2023 FOLIO: Awards, the most prestigious recognition program in the publishing community. The awards,

The Christmas City Express
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Weekends November 24th through December 17th   (Duluth, MN) — November 2023 — The Christmas City Express is a storybook experience recommended for families with children under 10 and the young at heart. The performance begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where you’ll be treated to a classic book reading of the new Christmas City Express story, enjoy carolers, and a visit from a special guest! Then climb aboard the