Coffee Conversation

Coffee Conversation: North of Nashville Fall Festival

SILVER BAY, Minn. — North of Nashville is coming to the Silver Bay Reunion Hall on Friday, October 13 for a Country Music Fall Festival. Musician Bo Allen joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the event and play some tunes live in-studio. North of Nashville is the Midwest’s connection to premier country music, talent, and entertainment….

Coffee Conversation: Bill Hinden Presents “The Great Jewish American Songbook” at Temple Israel

DULUTH, Minn. — Temple Israel will host a live presentation and performance by Bill Hindin of Songs and Stories of the Jewish Composers of Popular Music of the 20th Century. Temple Israel Board Member Jack Seiler joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the event and its purpose. Hindin uses multi-media, jokes, piano playing and song to…

Coffee Conversation: Animal Allies Fur Ball Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies 2023 Fur Ball Gala is taking place on Saturday, October 14 at Northland Country Club. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to help take care of the animals. This year’s event will feature mingling, eating, gaming and winning. Fundraising goal is set at $100,000.00. Click here for ticket information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

Coffee Conversation: 24th Annual Lester River Rendezvous in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The 24th Annual Lester River Rendezvous will take place this weekend (9/30) in the heart of Lester Park. Committee Chair Lindsey Whitlinger joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the event and its purpose. The fall festival will feature a range of vendor booths, food, fun and a rewarding school program that offers a…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Cider’s 5th Annual Big Bad Apple Bash

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Cider is cheers-ing to five years of cider making with its Annual Big Bad Apple Bash of Saturday, September 30. Duluth Cider Owner Jake Scott joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the celebration and its purpose. Bring your apples and your appetite, your friends and your family, your doggo and your dancing…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Ready North’ Helps Homeowners/Renters Prepare in Case of Disaster

DULUTH, Minn. –With the recent rain and flooding in Duluth and surrounding areas, the Ready North network is reminding renters and homeowners to be prepared in case of disaster. Members Karen Sunderman and Dan Williams joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the mission and purpose of Ready North. September also marks National Disaster Preparedness month, coinciding…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse Kicks Off New Season with ‘Young Frankenstein’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Playhouse is launching its 2023 – 2024 season with the musical comedy Young Frankenstein, running September 15 to October 1 at the historic NorShor Theatre. Duluth Playhouse Executive Director Wes Drummond joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the spooky, funny show and the rest of the season. Young Frankenstein is filled with…

Coffee Conversation: Local Authors to Participate in Discussions at Twin Ports Libraries

DULUTH, Minn. — The Twin Ports Perceptions project will host panel discussions with six local authors at Superior Public Library on September 26 and Duluth Public Library on October 10. Superior Public Library Programming and Partnerships Manager Leslie Mehle and Featured Author Jayson Iwen joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday, September 20 to talk about the upcoming events and their…

Coffee Conversation: Brain Injury Survivor Shares Story in Honor of ‘Walk for Thought’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance will host its annual Walk for Thought event on Saturday, Sept. 16 in Duluth and in the Twin Cities/New Brighton. Brain Injury Survivor and Walk for Thought Honoree Jon Wiggins shared his story of recovery on the FOX21 morning newscast. St. Luke’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Admissions Coordinator Amanda Johnson also weighed in…

Coffee Conversation: Zeitgeist ‘Spirit of the Times’ Annual Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist will hold its annual Spirit of the Times fundraiser on Superior Street in the form of a block-style party on Friday, September 15. Zeitgeist Executive Director Tony Cuneo joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Onsite will be live music and entertainment, local creative talent throughout the evening, unique…

Coffee Conversation: 10th Annual Light Duluth Teal Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is holding its 10th annual Light Duluth Teal Gala on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Ovarian Cancer Survivor and Light Duluth Teal Gala Chair Kristine Greer joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the gala. The event also marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and will benefit MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Harvest Festival at Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Lake Superior Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 9 to Bayfront Festival Park. The Harvest Festival is a project of the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association, and was founded as an educational outreach program aimed to showcase the local agricultural production of food throughout the Lake Superior region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Festival…

Coffee Conversation: 17th Annual Minnesota Mile Friday in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th Annual Minnesota Mile will take participants on a 1-mile course along the scenic Skyline Parkway in Duluth on Friday, September 8. Grandma’s Marathon Public Relations & Marketing Director Zach Schneider joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and the fall running season. The race is an excellent option for participants of all…

Coffee Conversation: UMD’s NRRI to hold Open House Focused on the Future

DULUTH, Minn. — University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute is opening its doors to the public (Sept. 16) to highlight research focused on the future. NRRI Marketing & Communications Manager June Breneman joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to discuss current areas of integrated research aimed at challenges today. The open house is taking place Saturday, Sept.16 from…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Bethel Celebrates 150 Years, Concert for Recovery Returns

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Bethel is celebrating 150 years with a two-day event, featuring the third annual Concert for Recovery. Executive Director Dennis Cummings joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the gathering and its purpose. This event is in celebration of mental health and recovery from substance abuse disorders sponsored by the Bethel and supporters. It’s free…

Coffee Conversation: 19th Annual Cornucopia Art Crawl

Cornucopia, WI — The Cornucopia Art Crawl is returning to the charming town for its 19th year on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Art Crawl Committee Members Nancy Moye and Dorothy Hoffman joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Over 40 artists are taking part, and that includes photographers,…

Coffee Conversation: Backpack Drive at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — School is right around the corner, and the Family Freedom Center: Neighborhood Youth Services will be giving out over 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at “Unity In Our Community,” a back-to-school event held by Duluth Public Schools on August 21. Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the backpack drive…

Coffee Conversation: Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ Third Annual Cancer Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ is preparing to hold its third annual cancer fundraiser to raise money for a Two Harbors woman, Tammy Churness, who is currently battling cancer. Owner Troy Fralich (Tig) and friend of Tammy, Brooke, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the fundraiser and its purpose. The benefit is taking place on…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Public Schools Back-to-School Event

DULUTH, Minn. — For the second year, Duluth Public Schools will host “Unity in Our Community,” a back-to-school event at Bayfront Festival Park on Mon. August 21 from 4-7 pm. On Mon. August 14, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Bonds joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Food, entertainment, vendors, and a large backpack giveaway…

Coffee Conversation: Twin Ports Fire Vs. Police Softball Charity Game

DULUTH, Minn. – The 14th Annual Northern Lights Badges & Ball Charity Softball Game is set to take place on Wed. August 9 at Wade Stadium in Duluth. The game features both Duluth and Superior Police & Fire Departments playing to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, a charity organization that provides financial support to families with children who…

Coffee Conversation: 9th Annual Operation K-9 Returns to Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — On Thursday, August 10, Operation K-9 returns to Superior for its ninth year to raise funds for the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation and shed light on the work these animals do with local law enforcement agencies. Board Member of the Northland K-9 Foundation Dana Kazel joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast Fri. August 4 to…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth TMS Treatment for Depression

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth TMS offers an FDA approved, non-invasive way to treat depression when medications fall short. Firstly, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS therapy uses strong, magnetic pulses to stimulate a localized region of the brain. According to Duluth TMS, this creates a clinical benefit without medication side-effects. As Duluth TMS explained, healthy brain function then returns over the…

Coffee Conversation: The Loneliness Epidemic Among Young People

DULUTH, Minn. — In a world of 8 billion people, the epidemic of loneliness continues to expand with, especially, young adults in its path. Dr. Jack Stoltzfus joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the causes of loneliness along with the role parents and society plays in a person’s experience with it. Stoltzfus further explained the importance of…

Coffee Conversation: Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th Annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival is returning Sat. July 15 to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Janna Dreher with the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival along with Performer Luciano from Jamaica joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Luciano gave a live in-studio performance. For…

Coffee Conversation: Spiritwood Foundation Concert at Veterans on the Lake

ELY, Minn. — Veterans on the Lake will host the Spiritwood Foundation’s first-ever Concert and 40th Anniversary of Veterans on the Lake Sat. July 15 starting at 7:00 pm. The event, ‘Under The Big Top,’ features the musical talent of Monroe Crossing, Ely Ledgerockin’ Chorus, Pat and Donna Surface by 7-time Minnesota State Fiddle Champion Mary LaPlant, Marina Whight, and Butch Schmidt….

Coffee Conversation: Overcoming Social Isolation Post-Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn — As we know, the pandemic disrupted “normal” living for everyone, but one group in Duluth is working on a new project to help people overcome social isolation post-pandemic, specifically, aging individuals and/or those living with disability, Social Worker Jessica Marquardt with Lighthouse Center for Vital Living, a disability/aging non-profit, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Visit Cook County’ Natural Attractions

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — FOX21 explored Cook County throughout this past waterfalls season, but wanted to dive deeper into the many natural attractions the North Shore has in the heart of summer. Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about Cook County and its current happenings. Being that the area is stomping…

Coffee Conversation: Benefits of Summer Scheduling & Routine for Kids

DULUTH, Minn. — On the morning show Friday, Essentia Health Pediatrician Dr. Marit Knutson sat down live with FOX21 to talk about the importance of summer schedules for kids and how they benefit from some level of structure. Knutson discussed the things parents can do to help implement structure within a flexible summer schedule for their kids, all the while navigating…

Coffee Conversation: Runner, Author, and Activist — Alison Mariella Désir

DULUTH, Minn. — Runner, Author, and Activist Alison Mariella Désir made the trek to Duluth from Seattle this weekend for Grandma’s Marathon, but her mission here runs much deeper than the physical race. Her book, ‘Running While Black’, is one avenue she’s used to shed light on people not traditionally included in the world of running. Désir joined FOX21 on…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Opportunities at GND Rec Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The heart of summer is on the horizon and many are itching to stay busy and fend off any summer boredom. The Gary New Duluth Recreation Area functions as a catalyst for community members of all ages to engage in programming, entertainment, exercise, group events, and more. ISD 709 Principal Nathan Glockle joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Programming at Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. — As schools let out for the summer, some parents look to bridge the learning gap that many kids experience while on break; the library can be a a great, free option to assist with that. Duluth Library Services Supervisor Brianna Belanger joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about a range of programs and learning opportunities…

Coffee Conversation: Mental Health Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

DULUTH, Minn. — The act of breathing is a natural process of the human body, but implementing diaphragmatic breathing with a focus on deep, controlled breaths, can help relax the mind and body in times of tension or crisis. Owner and Coach at Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk more about…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Rafe Carlson Embarks on Tour in Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson is back in the Northland, after spending time in Nashville for the past several months furthering his career in music. He’s set to take the stage at multiple venues across the region as part of his June tour. Carlson joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about his time in Nashville and…

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

DULUTH, Minn. — The deep sea of social media is vast and ever-evolving; and as experts report, it continues to impact the mental health of kids and teens. This leaving parents with one question: what to do next? Boundary-setting, balance, & mindfulness are potent to manage and combat the negative effects technology can have on its users, according to Licensed…

Connecting Principles: The Importance of Youth Programming Options in the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — As the 2023 school year comes to a close, kids are gearing up for summer break. However, most parents continue working through the summer months, and some families turn to youth programming options to help keep kids entertained, engaged, and in a structured environment at little-to-no costs. The Family Freedom Center / Neighborhood Youth Services is a…

Connecting Principles: Post-Pandemic Mental Health Impacts on Students and Staff

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Connecting Principles segment, we take a look at the increased trend of mental health effects post-pandemic on students and staff. Being an educator goes beyond just teaching academics. Educators play a vital role in student development and, right now, there’s a heightened need to connect and address student social, emotional, and behavioral needs post-pandemic….

Coffee Conversation: Growing Up Chester Fundraising Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. —  Chester Bowl is looking to expand and renovate its outdated Thom Storm Chalet by raising funds through the “Growing Up Chester” campaign. Chester Bowl exists to build community by helping people recreate outside in Chester Park. The Thom Storm Chalet is one of the necessary tools to put this mission into action. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated…

Coffee Conversation: Upcoming Flag Retirement Ceremony in Superior, WI

SUPERIOR, WI. — A flag retirement event will be held on June 10 at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Memorial Center featuring a flag exhibit, flag education, and a flag burning ceremony. The event will be hosted by the Lake Superior Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post #435. Group leaders, Mary Houk and Glen Erickson, joined…

Coffee Conversation: ‘EarthKry’ Jamaican Reggae Band Performs in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — EarthKry, a reggae band from Kingston, Jamaica, stopped by Duluth to perform while on their international “Dandy Shandy Tour.” Keyboard Player Philip Mcfarlane and Vocalist/Guitarist Aldayne Haughton stopped by the morning newscast to talk about reggae music and its impact. The Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival 2023 is coming to Duluth Saturday, July 15 2023. Categories: Coffee…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Dylan Fest Returns to Northland

DULUTH / HIBBING, Minn. — In honor of Minnesota born-and-raised Novel prize winner Bob Dylan, the 2023 Duluth Dylan Festival is set to return to Duluth and Hibbing on Saturday, May 20 through Sunday, May 28. Festival Volunteer Laura Whitney joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event + Bob Dylan’s impact. The festival will feature a…

Coffee Conversation: Denfeld Theater Presents First Production in 5 Years, “Chicago”

DULUTH, Minn. — After a five-year hiatus, the Duluth Denfeld High School Theater Dept. is back in the limelight; presenting a rendition of the classic musical “Chicago” (May 18-20.) Cast members Reagan Kern (Roxie) and Madi Watts (Velma) joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the departments renewed momentum + the upcoming performance. The storyline of Chicago is…

Coffee Conversation: Leadership Duluth Launches “Just Breathe 988” Awareness Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Leadership Duluth class has launched an area-wide campaign called “just breathe 988” to bring awareness to the new nation-wide 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Campaign Leader Jerry Thoreson and Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Owner Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the campaign and its mission. Thoreson says, the goal…