First grader Molly Brannon reads Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to 5-year-old golden retriever Willow and her owner, Jennifer Hicks at Minnewashta Elementary Thursday, Nov. 19. Willow and Hicks are part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. The program allows children who struggle with reading to read aloud to a therapy dog to improve their skills.

Second grader Jacob Aagaard, 7, reads Clifford's Christmas to Willow and her owner, Jennifer Hicks at Minnewashta Elementary Thursday, Nov. 19.

Pastor Daniel Carlson of Excelsior is being honored as a “Citizen” Hero by the Twin Cities Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Mount Calvary Lutheran Church official is one of fifteen heroes who will be honored during the fourth annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast presented by Target on May 17 at the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center.