Recent content from Katy Read
![Viva Froeming, left, touched the face of friend Virginia Goering as her twin sister Vera Sims looks on. The three ladies, all 101 years old, have been](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZRFTXJFYUVHBTFGD4UNQNYTEGI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria
Virginia Goering, Vera Sims and Viva Froemming have stayed friends for 80 years.
Minnetonka teenager singlehandedly organizes nonprofit and travels to Tanzania to coach girls in running
Maya Mor decided to use her "gap year" constructively.
![Jenny and Kyle Mekemson and their children Graham and Clara find some of their favorite rocks in their Kindness Rock Garden.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/TRR6XU7CJNAQNCXM3QSVXFM33E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
This rocks! Minnesotans are painting stones with kind messages to spread cheer.
Brightly decorated rocks in yards across the state are part of a "kindness rock" trend.
![Annie Lees, a chaplain at Catholic Eldercare, leads a rosary and Bible study for residents at Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/T47UP3YTTRAG3N7MTRL454XEH4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
For Minneapolis assisted-living chaplain, residents' stories are 'a gift'
Annie Lees went from Los Angeles actress to chaplain at Catholic Eldercare so she could spend time talking to people.
![Vigilance Safety team members Jake Hoversten, Rushil Khadilkar, Anuj Kakkad and Neev Zeroni show off their system in 2023 at Wayzata's J. J. Hill Days](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7RUQSRM6ZFDHRHFP444MZ3RSBM.jpeg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Could a system developed by Minnesota high school students reduce school shootings?
Vigilance Safety, a system designed by Wayzata High School students to detect guns, has receive praise from police, educators and even a gun dealer.
![Elizabeth Orme developed Creatively Focused to support special-education teachers.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GYJTR44YMBFBFD5OCTF4LQWWDA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota company helps special-ed teachers around the country
Creatively Focused helps educators organize paperwork and connect with other teachers.
![Executive Director Zachary Robinson ambitiously calls Spark-Y's Minneapolis base its 'World Headquarters.'](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EMAEZTCKPNFGRPYYGIMYRWTG2M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis program sparks youth careers through community projects
Spark-Y offers hands-on classroom learning, internships and apprenticeships to help kids achieve their "destiny."
![Pat Leseman and Rosemary Fagrelius sit side-by-side hugging their sons, Mike and John.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EXIAZ7C5F5AIBDOT7UV7GKIVUY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
St. Paul club offers 'a lot of fun stuff' for people with developmental disabilities
The Highland Friendship Club was organized by the moms of two members.
![Macalester student Vyen Hayag sits with patient Michael Casalenda at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul.
Students from Macalester who are taking](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6Q64NM64I5FBZDPCQ3RCITBAY4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Volunteering in hospice helps Macalester students contemplate death's mysteries up close
"Just being there" can be a comfort to people in their final days.
![Nicholas Gaudette from Edina High School warms up backstage with other music educators before Saturday's concert.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QYVGXXXUW5FILKXANI5GRPAIJI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota music teachers play alongside Minnesota Orchestra members in special concerts
Each of 54 educators sat beside an orchestra member playing the same instrument for a performance of Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" during season sampler concerts.
Two die in Wyoming, Minn., crash
Two others were injured when a vehicle crossed the center line.
![Mike Waldron hugs a man in a stars and stripes outfit while standing on a stage.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UZHEL77UXVHYPFO6PVJ736PVHI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota veteran makes 1,000-mile 'gratitude walk' for program that helps vets
Daniel Crawford hiked in honor of 23rd Veteran, a Duluth program that turns trauma triggers into positive vibes.
What are the financial pros and cons of retiring in Minnesota?
The state has higher taxes. But it is also important to look at the "whole picture."
![Barbara Swartwoudt sits in a chair donating blood while Cindy Anderson accompanies her.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QWCEQHS32FBSBMJH7E5AA2BV2U.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
At 90, Northfield woman looks back on 57 years of blood drives
Cindy Anderson helped recruit volunteers and set up the spaces.
Service dog helps Minneapolis high-school counselor cope with MS
Fortunately, Lambeau's name was no problem for Nora Guerin, an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
![Bill Crane, 60, talks with his guardian Christy Marchand in front of his untitled artwork as part of an "I AM” show on display in the lobby of the U](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/U4EVAOZQLBDEFCO5AGC3HAJ4P4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Twin Cities exhibit traces 'Unfinished Journey' for people with developmental disabilities
From lifelong confinement to voting rights: Some of the milestones providing more opportunities and independence are disturbingly recent.
![Photographer Kathleen Sheffer takes a photo of herself in a mirror with her shirt unbuttoned, showing a line of scars from a heart and lung transplant](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DKU3I5OOHNDLXGJ6UNTX2FDOY4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Artists offer ideas for improving the health care system
What sounds like a monumental task is doable if lots of people get involved, they say.
![Dogs gathered in one of the two play areas where dogs are separated by size at Adventure is Barking in Hopkins on March 7. The business has opened a �](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/L7UN3FERRRF5HNBHUPVBDB7UCA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Owner of Hopkins doggie day care shares tips for helping pups learn good manners
Every dog has its day at Adventures in Barking.
Twin Cities program helps parents celebrate their babies with Down syndrome
Jack's Basket counters "insensitive" delivery of the news with baskets of baby gifts and family resources.
![Picture of Katy Burke, executive director of TeamWomen, speaking at a podium.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HJE2AA6ULJHXHA265QN3KAZRRY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Women in Twin Cities group help each other develop their careers
TeamWomen's members, representing a variety of career levels and industries, get together to share experiences and strategies.
![Piero Soria, a data analyst for global services operations, stands at his desk as he works at Groupon in Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. The stor](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/25RZLEARZDQOOT4R5E6MELFF7E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
University of Minnesota researcher studies health effects of sit-stand desks
A University of Minnesota professor partnered with a colleague from Arizona State University to study how sit-stand desks affect workers' health.
![Portrait of Dick and Polly Bramer in which Dick is wearing glasses with a small device on the right lens.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/C5N3CU3IXNFIRDGPRTTARHS6B4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Little-known devices restore vision to people who can't be helped by regular glasses
Bioptic telescopic glasses can help people read, walk and see loved one's faces, but hardly anyone has heard of them.
![Photo of Jessalyn Akerman-Frank giving two thumbs up.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/C6ISGJP2HNEZDIHA6YQEAOUGZ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
St. Paul woman advocates on behalf of access and equity for other deaf people
Jessalyn Akerman-Frank has won awards for creating innovative programs for the deaf community.
![Jim Henderson in his AI portrait studio.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7CYRFOOAT5CG3OEDFAUPYP3RUU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Eden Prairie photographer creates portraits of dogs using AI
Is artificial intelligence a threat to artists or a useful tool? Maybe both, Jim Henderson says.
![Kristen Helton, Herself Health’s CEO, explained the clinics and their services at a recent open house.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RZ5SSW4VCPOH323XG7ASJWGOG4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Twin Cities area clinics offer holistic care to women over 65
Herself Health focuses on women's health and wellness from a perspective that's different from the one used for men.
![St. Paul consultant helps 'solo seniors' deal with dilemmas of aging](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CWWE73HLQ7FGNYBKHKSSMT3YMI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
St. Paul consultant helps 'solo seniors' deal with dilemmas of aging
Linda J. Camp is working for systemic change to help those without close relatives or friends to deal with health care, financial challenges and more.
![Toni Kay Mangskau visited the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on her way to watch Gov. Tim Walz sign the law launching paid family and medical lea](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZZEKATPJPZSIO3WGWF3QEZIGGY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Rochester woman turns stories of her own struggles into advocacy for others in need
Caregiving challenges, homelessness, chronic disease, drug addiction and lack of medical insurance are among the problems Toni Kay Mangskau's family encountered.
![Brian McNeill, president of Dignity Twin Cities, spoke in support of Pope Francis’s statement approving blessings of same-sex couples.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ODLEZ7S2YZRZPCCYGSA5UEUEJQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Local leaders welcome pope's statement on LGBTQ couples
Archbishop Hebda says it's a reminder "that all of us are loved by God." Dignity Twin Cities calls it a "landmark decision."
![Members of the writers’ group at the Waters in Edina include (from left) Anne Franco, volunteer leader Kathleen Novak, Sally Stein, Mary Ann Hansen](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BHKYLCFOI32GU2N3YPHAPSK5PM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Residents of Edina senior housing meet monthly to write, read, remember
A writing group at the Waters has published four books that share their stories.
![Mike Day and his wife, Laura, hiking the lava field of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, which erupted in 2021, one of the adventures recounted i](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3GG2223IEJ6MLGOYDL7D6TN5KA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
An Imax producer shares his travel secrets
"The World Has a Big Backyard," by former Science Museum executive VP Mike Day, is part travel memoir, part advice book.
![Maddy Loch displays a couple of the free items available at Twin Cities Pride’s Rainbow Closet.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4D56FJBPGDEM7HN4AKCXXTDGNE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota LGBTQ organizations offer support to newcomers seeking trans refuge
With a new Minnesota law making the state a refuge for people seeking gender-affirming care, local organizations are offering support to transgender and nonbinary arrivals.
![Brothers Brian (left) and Byron Hendrickson examined an item at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where their own art hangs in a different gallery.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RLFAHOLUGGAP6PN6SVDIBEDDT4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Formerly homeless Minneapolis brothers develop passion for drawing in Mia class
Through the Vitality Arts projects, they explored their range of interests, from mythology to World War II to Taylor Swift.
![Chaz Sandifer founded Stories Behind the Menu to start conversations across cultures.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AB5G2WHEUFWFEABTIFE3QUEPXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Dinners by top Minnesota chefs serve up 'courageous conversation'
Stories Behind the Menu founder Chaz Sandifer wants people to form connections across cultures by breaking bread together.
![Bethel University’s 2021 graduates include students with disabilities in the school’s inclusive Build program.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NEVSSRJTNVZMSKMTNRHMU6L4HY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Exhibit shows progress in lives of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities
Once labeled "feeble-minded" and institutionalized, people with disabilities now have more control over their lives and choices.
![Carole Johnson, a resident of the Pillars of Prospect Park, tries out virtual reality tennis with personal trainer Ian Williams of FitVive.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VYO66PHYCKOI6BCXKYRJ37BRWE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota therapists use virtual reality to help patients conquer fears
Whether it makes you feel like you're playing an enjoyable game or confronting your worst fears, VR is gaining interest as effective therapy.
![Hamze Jama, a former member of a Futsal Society team, served customers at Fawkes Alley Coffee, where he works and receives mentoring.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/FXJKULRDYANNFOWZO3WFOZ3EJA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
9 Minnesota coffee shops that pour profits back into the community
These coffee shops have missions that extend beyond their brews.
![High school senior Taara Verma said teens can use the Feel Now app to log and track their emotions.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HKZLYV6EQJYNQ7ZAIYD73MK2T4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Edina teens create free app that lets kids track their emotions
Users of Taara Verma's Feel Now get a reminder each day to log their moods.
Minneapolis woman's introspective memoir examines the emotions of caregiving
Savita Harjani's "Postcards From Within" isn't a how-to book as much as a personal journal about what it meant.
![Some of the 2022 Minnesota State Fair scholarship recipients, and State Fair Board members.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IXLDDNRFNNTULSZ62VSQLQDEMY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
New $2,000 Minnesota State Fair scholarship aids study of skilled trades
Lex Lewison of Owatonna will use his scholarship to learn increasingly complex automotive service technology.
![Catherine Squires leads a “Cozy Yoga” class at Reviving Roots, a mental health therapy and wellness center for Black people.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YPVJDQZVPFSOU7XOD2RDWV6GVY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis wellness center offers Black people a space where others 'get it'
Reviving Roots offers an all-Black staff and therapy designed for the Black community.
![“She’s hitting times that would be impressive on a traditional [nondisabled] high school swim team,” said coach Adam Warden.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZG3CEQBSIG3JLHMN43MGS5MH24.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota teen swimmer has broken more than 100 bones, but her spirit is unbreakable
After winning gold in a national tournament, Sophia Nohre wants to compete in the 2028 Paralympics — among other things.
![Jennifer Trebisovsky, aka Jennifer Universe, published “Make it a Good Day” in 2018 and published its sequel, “Make it a Good Night,” this yea](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4QIPK7R7ESU4YT7NYPMVJHVBXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis author tells kids how they can make their days and nights 'good'
"Make it a Good Day" and "Make it a Good Night" offer young readers tips for making things go well.
![James Page spoke to a support group at Grace Temple Church in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WUO646IYTARVMUBTULO5DQQ7V4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
St. Paul man wins national recognition for helping others through recovery
Writer, speaker and mentor James Page Jr. developed a set of inspirational cards he named "Spiritual Apples."
![Everett Forbes (right) had a stroke while having brain surgery when he was 3, leaving his right side weaker than his left. Nevertheless, climbing was](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/L2MKNCSYBLWDY2UOXXX7TAVZXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota gets $5 million donation for Camp Oz
The gift is by far the largest the organization has ever received.
![Tom Fugleberg (far left) and Brian Kroening (holding guitar) got together with collaborators at Drum Farm Studio in rural Menomonie, Wis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OLE543RYYA6PJUAKT7U2KBAUHA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota dads harness 'power of music' to help kids with mental health struggles
The Twin Cities duo wants to raise money to help children struggling with anxiety and depression.
Minnesota father and son develop app to monitor loved ones with dementia
Scott and Paul Carpenter created BoundaryCare after finding little available to protect family members — including their own.
![Tony Drews founded Nashke Games — including MiiGwech, a card game — as a fun way to learn about Ojibwe language and culture.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QPWV5NDPV2Q4PIQYCOI2MAUU6I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota man develops games to help kids learn Ojibwe culture and language
Cards and puzzles give Native American youngsters a chance to speak Ojibwe.
To help his riders, Twin Cities Uber and Lyft driver goes the extra mile
Mark Daigle of Minnetonka pays for people's rides, gets them to safety if needed — and more.
![Jean Cerisier, known as Ms. Jean, greets students during a school carnival.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5TEP6D7H2YOZYWOJ4WXBYMEPXI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Retiring Minneapolis teacher 'Ms. Jean' has offered a living lesson in caring
School to salute "Ms. Jean" Cerisier, who is "respected and revered" by her peers and students alike.
![Michael Hewitt (third from right, orange shirt) hangs out with Effective Altruism practitioners at a local Meetup event.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZG5KYUVOLB6A7DI37LPZHEXDSQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
How do you decide how to give? These Minnesotans practice Effective Altruism
The practice aims to save lives using logic — but why is it so controversial?
![At a Vikings alumni weekend, Maya Washington took a selfie with her father Gene, left, along with Clinton Jones, a college and NFL teammate.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5HRDS6WJ3L5N5UAKN4MG3WNF2Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Former Vikings star's daughter wants to help other families tell their stories
Filmmaker and author Maya Washington has designed a program on making a creative project.
![Donna Traefald, center, surrounded by kids and grandchildren.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/V2PS7OMLU7HKIMKZ6BBMYB4NJ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Lakeville mom has more than 100 kids: 'If there's room in the heart, there's room in the home'
Donna Traefald raised nine adopted children and fostered more than 100, much of that time as a single mother working full time.
![In Open Studio sessions, participants are invited to help themselves to assorted art materials and make whatever they like.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EDGOOMRJPLLRV4AMYLFSWOT74A.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Curiosity Studio in Minneapolis offers open-ended approach to art therapy
Programs include Open Studio, in which participants can create whatever they want while interacting with others.
![Names of people lost to suicide are listed on a memorial wall inside the SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) offices in Bloomington.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3SHEJJXDXC42CSA6MMFDBTITWE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Why has Minnesota's suicide rate been steadily rising?
This heartbreaking public health trend has mirrored a similar increase across the country.
These Minnesotans channeled their grief into 'a force for good'
For some people, a project offers a way to cope with grief and honor the memory of a loved one.
Blaine mom helps school understand son, other kids with Down syndrome
Sana Soussi hopes the program she organized will lead to more acceptance and inclusion of kids with special needs.
![Registered nurse Chris Niederer with SoleCare for Souls gives a hug to Brian Campbell after working on his feet Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the Cathol](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VQOJ4SCJVEAK3PDMOF3GVGF7UQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
16 Minnesota volunteers discuss the rewards of giving time
During March, the Star Tribune explored volunteering, from how to find opportunities to how helping others can make your life better. Each week, four volunteers explained how they give back and why they volunteer.
![These Minnesotans volunteered to help others. They ended up helping themselves.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/F42BNFVMIUUG2PZGK7CNVH265Y.png?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
These Minnesotans volunteered to help others. They ended up helping themselves.
Folks who participated in the Star Tribune's Volunteer Challenge talk about the joys of helping others.
'Isn't that cool?' White Bear Lake artist's autism helps shape his futuristic work
Michael Engebretson's paintings and drawings reflect his fascination with advanced technology and other universes.
![Volunteers say helping others helps them, too: 'It's a two-way street'](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KQEU32AHBAV7OMKRTEUL3XYJIU.png?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Volunteers say helping others helps them, too: 'It's a two-way street'
When you improve other people's lives you might wind up improving your own.
![As numbers decline, the nature of volunteerism is changing](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YICFKSPAZ2FYAPSBIMKLTV2DCE.png?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
As numbers decline, the nature of volunteerism is changing
The pandemic opened new avenues for serving while closing others.
![Irene Ford, 68, of Minneapolis, spends time with infants as one of the foster grandparent volunteers at the Catholic Charities Northside Child Develop](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BPSKESXAW4JRQCJWPS6GHO2XX4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota volunteers say they get more than they give: Take our annual reader challenge
This year's installment of our annual Reader Challenge series invites you to join the 35.5% of Minnesotans (more than 1.5 million) who volunteer.
![Teresa McClain, a lawyer and former labor and delivery nurse, shows how she would explain a birth problem to a jury.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UY6VVTMMZMWTVRZCD7TRGBTD6M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis nurse turned lawyer fights on behalf of children injured at birth
In evaluating cases, Teresa McClain uses knowledge acquired as a labor and delivery nurse.
![Memory Mission organizer Jan Haeg celebrated a wall of stuffed and tied bottles.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/S2YUZAPT52RCZSGBMHEBKNKNBY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Eden Prairie company organizes trip to build school in Guatemala out of plastic bottles
Employees of Eden Prairie-based Lifetouch, accompanied by educators, helped expand a school using pop bottles stuffed with discarded plastic bags.
![Dylan and Hayden Moan, born extremely prematurely, are now lively fourth-graders.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/T7VPX4M36T222TGGKWETEUWXDA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota mom's gift of Potato Heads comforts other parents of 'micro-preemies'
Kristin Moan liked measuring her tiny daughters' growth with Potato Heads and decided to share that comfort through her nonprofit Potato Head Project.
![Mike Nordberg, a senior account executive at the John Roberts Co., shows the Rev. Erich Rutten of St. Odilia’s parish pages of the Heritage Edition](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IJ2HOWWCJ63ICJQX5E5KEM3MTI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Coon Rapids printing company donates valuable reproduction of St. John's Bible
The printed version is a careful achievement of state-of-the-art printing technology.
![In “The Way We Play,” young animals cheerfully accept each other’s different levels of ability.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/F3CX5SZBJ4KRPHK5G665D4OGYI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota medical student has message for kids: It's OK to be bad at some things
Eden Prairie native and friend published children's book "The Way We Play" to help combat ableism.
![Crafters Gerri Broome, Nancy Benson and Lorraine Purcell at the counter of The Landing Shop in Minnetonka.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YZK5RR6AEHEZWSGBHIIVNBHKZA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnetonka's Landing Shop sells items made by residents ages 55 to 96
"As we get older, we want something to do," one crafter said.
![Anne Emerson placed an ornament on a tree honoring those who have had drug-related deaths.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6P6ALK4USWMHENU3SO4TYDLH3E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Christmas trees at Brooklyn Park treatment center honor loved ones lost to drugs
Wanting to commemorate her fiancé, Anne Emerson put up a Christmas tree at Valhalla Place in 2018 — and the project is still growing.
![Jordyn Brennan.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YXC73PA7RCACBK43OTAZY6AROA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis artist focuses on the 'positive, beautiful experience' of caregiving
Artist Jordyn Brennan's MCAD master's thesis was based on firsthand experience.