Al magazine July?August 2018

ALBERT LEA

magazine

Style trends for the

SEASON

SUMMER ENTERTAINING

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Have some fun this summer in Albert Lea

Editor Sarah Stultz lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Jason, and son, Landon. She loves interior decorating and gardening.

Albert Lea is a great place to be in the summer.

Whether you’re trying out one of the many events in the community or taking part in a recreational activity on or around one of our lakes, there’s lots to do. More events are being created every year.

July and August have some of the area’s most prominent events of the year. There are events such as the Third of July Parade, Rock-N-Roll, the Lakes bike cruise, Wind Down Wednesday and Chapel Con — and of course the Freeborn County Fair, to name a few.

These events offer the chance to come out for some entertainment, socialization and usually some good food, too.

In case you want to do things on a smaller scale and throw your own summer get-together, this issue can help you with that.

We interviewed Dean and Jessie Rasmusson on North Lane, who have the perfect home for entertaining. The Rasmussons have owned their home for 19 years and last fall renovated their kitchen for a second time. Aside from their kitchen, they have an impressive deck and patio space overlooking Fountain Lake.

We also went to several local stores to pick up a handful of items to help you dress up and show off your own backyard space for guests.

Want to make some killer recipes to share with your guests? We’ve got those, too.

We hope your get-together is a success!

In addition to summer entertaining, in this issue we also highlight some of the women of Albert Lea Community Theatre — how they got into acting and what their favorite roles have been thus far. These women are familiar faces both off and on the stage, and it was fun to talk to them more.

We are lucky we have a vibrant community theater.

Overall, this is a fun issue, and I hope you enjoy it!

Let’s enjoy this warm weather while we have the chance.

— Sarah Stultz

2 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Linda Evenson Jessica Glassel Angie Hanson Sarah Kocher Brittni Lair Crystal Miller Michelle Nelson Emily Schmidt Sarah Stultz Contributing Photographers Colleen Harrison ART Art Director Kathy Johnson Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen SALES & PROMOTION Sales Representatives Renee Citsay Jessica Glassell Daniel Gullickson Lucas Lee JULY/AUGUST 2018 Volume 6, Number 4 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 ONLINE: albertleamagazine.com or facebook.com/ albertleamagazine © 2018 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission.

For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-379-3433.

To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427.

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422.

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ALBERT LEA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

on the cover DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN Home offers everything you’d need for a perfect get-together.

40

features WOMEN OF THEATER

SUMMER STYLE TRENDS

What five Albert Lea Community Theatre women enjoy about acting.

Check out these fashion finds from 2 area stores.

32 4 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

48

ALBERT LEA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

contents Seen

14 20

10

ALBERT LEA LAKERS

12

ALBERT LEA FARMERS MARKET

14

THURSDAYS ON FOUNTAIN

17

THORNE CREST CAR SHOW

Departments 20

DAZZLE: BACKYARD ESCAPES

22

DIY: LETTER DISPLAY

26

SAVOR: WATERMELON JICAMA SALAD

28

SAVOR: AVOCADO RECIPES

All the rest 30 54

BOOKS: GREAT READS

56

DIETITIAN’S DIGEST

60

EVENTS CALENDAR

64

WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA

LOOKING BACK

26 ALBERT LEA

JULY/AUGUST 2018

60

magazine

On the cover: Dean and Jessie Rasmusson sit on the back patio of their home. Photo

by Colleen Harrison.

M&S

OutdOOr EquipmEnt Style trends for the

SEASON

SUMMER

For the Precision Cut you Expect

519 Prospect Ave. • Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-7705

ENTERTAINING

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 5

THE

PERFECT END

TO A LONG

DAY

A

GOURMET Destination 318 Central Ave. N. Fairbault, MN 55021 507.334.3988

Store Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 10am-7pm, Fri.-Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun.-Monday Closed

* Home of custom Caves of Faribault Artisan Cheeses. * Road trip destination for cheese and wine pairing – located in Historic down town Faribault * June is Dairy Month – enjoy some cheese

225 Broadway Ave Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-2514 www.brickfurniturealbertlea.com

We Get It. You are told you can’t complain because you didn’t go to the government meeting, the community occasion or you didn’t volunteer your time. Read about those happenings in the Albert Lea Tribune. We go to the events that you don’t have time for. Don’t miss a day or you will miss a lot.

Automatic withdrawal payments start at $9.50/month.

Call 507-373-3421 to subscribe.

Albert Lea Tribune

Independence, Security, Caring and Community 805 to 1035 Square foot apartments available

• Independent Living • Garage Availability • Beauty Salon • Residents Garden • Scheduled Transportation • Daily Coffee Hour • Birthday Socials • Monthly Residents

Meeting And much more...

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507.684.3026

903 Calverly Court | Ellendale, MN 56026

(Northwest Edge of Ellendale, Just off Hwy. 30)

Come out this summer to help us celebrate the following events CAR SHOW July 22nd, 10am-2pm

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER DOG SHOW August 25th, 2pm

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 9

SEEN | ALBERT LEA LAKERS

1

2

4

3 The Albert Lea Lakers are back in town to start their second season in the Pioneer Baseball League. Many people from around the area gathered at Hayek Field on June 1, as the Lakers held their first home game against the Bancroft Bandits. The Lakers lost the game, but they gave the fans an exciting outing to keep them coming back.

(1) Jerry and Monica Nelson (2) Frank Flores, Jodi Nolette and Mark Calderon (3) Rachel Schmidt, Joseph Calderon and Nicole Calderon (4) Diane Heaney, Clyde Buendorf and Jack Buendorf (5) Eric Cochlin, Amber Brackey and Jason Hoiseth 10 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

5

TWO lOcaTiOns:

James Ave. and St. Johns Lutheran Community

The first non-profit child care center and preschool in Minnesota www.alchildrenscenter.org

Servicing Children 6 weeks - 4th grade

507.413.0654 Primary

507.215.2249

Other Services Offered:

Boat Detailing | Motorcycle Detailing Headlight Restoration | Paint Correction

contact Brenda Reed, Family Service Coordinator blreed@alchildrenscenter.org 507-373-7979

1770 Mosher Ave. Owatonna, MN 55060 Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-7pm | Sat. 9am-3pm | Sunday Closed

SEEN | ALBERT LEA FARMERS MARKET

1

2

Shoppers gathered June 6 at the North Broadway parking lot in downtown Albert Lea for a farmers market.

(1) Amanda Dierenfeld and Dan Jacobs (2) Susan Kalis, Oliver Hall and Sammy Kalis (3) Lisa, Ella, Jaxon and Colton Pederson (4) Mindy and Saxson Christenson (5) Leslie and Dana Farrell (6) Mikayla Hovey and Laurie Behrends (7) Bonnie Ashpole and Carol Thistlethwaite (8) Ellen, Matt, Lillian, Luke and Lauren Raleigh and Olivia Bordeau

6 12 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

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R O B E RT H O F F M A N

DANIEL GULLICKSON

BROKER | REALTOR | PROPERTY MGR. 507.402.4692 | 212 Broadway Ave. S. | Albert Lea, MN robert@roberthoffmanrealty.com Licensed in Minnesota | #40230933 • #40229984

REALTOR 507.456.4667 daniel@roberthoffmanrealty.com MN #40449989

Beat the heat with Custom Blinds

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Toll Free 1-877-373-8535 sales@coolwindowshades.com

310 1st Ave S Albert Lea, MN www.budgetblinds.com

SEEN | THURSDAYS ON FOUNTAIN

2

1

3

Community members gathered for the first Thursdays on Fountain of the season May 31, which kicked off with a performance by the Albert Lea Community Band. Viewers gathered in the shade on lawn chairs, picnic benches, blankets and the steps at Fountain Lake Park to listen to the band’s hour-long set. Thursdays on Fountain will occur weekly from 6 to 7 p.m. this summer, with the exception of July 2, until August 30.

(1) Cliff Wuerflein, Cindy Wuerflein, Becci Anderson, Blake Anderson, Olivia Wuerflein, Carly Anderson and Makayla Anderson (2) Carrie Rahn and Jean Enstad (3) Eleanor and Steve Bauman (4) Bob and Marilyn Sasser (5) Alana Skarstad and Deann Loge (6) Brennan Robeck, Heidi Robeck, Mary Ann Hanson and Jacy Robeck

4

5 14 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

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(7) Chloe Jefferson and Hannah Scott (8) Eleanor Martinez and Samantha, Cale and Cora Klukow (9) Chuck Stock and Diane Green (10) Dick and Marlys Webber (11) Dustin and Sheila Petersen (12) Rita and Brian Amundson and Gary and Cherryl Reichel

12 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 15

ON THE ROAD

to ALDEN & WELLS

LeVerne Carlson Fitness Center

Located at the Alden-Conger Public School

Alden, MN

Affordable and flexible membership options for everyone.

Let’s Do Lunch!

You Betcha Cafe & Ice Cream Shoppe ALL DAY BreAkfAst • suBs Burgers • Ice creAm EAT IN OR TO GO

102 N Broadway, Alden, MN 507.402.1066

Contact Jenny at 507-874-3240 or jhovendick@ac242.us

Tues.-Fri. 7am-6pm • Sat. 8am-2pm

ANTIQUES OF THE MIDWEST LLC

507 -5 5 3 -6 0 4 8

57534 110th St. • South of Wells

TU ES - SAT 9 : 3 0 - 4 : 3 0 SUNDAY & MONDAY

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Wells Bake shop Doughnuts, BreaD & More

200 s Broadway Wells, MN Tues.-saT. 7am - noon

After hours call: 507-456-3699

Spaces to rent, coffee to drink...

The Bean Stay Fresh Roasted Coffee on Site www.airbnb.com/ rooms/25378019 135 S Broadway, Wells, MN 507-679-1013

www.TheBeanWells.com Find us on Facebook!

Local service.

Wells Insurance Agency 53 1st SW | Wells, MN 56097 | 507-553-6644

Great insurance.

SEEN | Thorne Crest Car Show

2

3 1 Thorne Crest Senior Living Community hosted its annual car show on May 24.

4

(1) Lynn Pederson, Emily Goskeson and Beth Reinfels (2) Lacey DeBoer and Jackie Williamson (3) Robert Fjelbroten and Dan Davis (4) Mark Hendrickson and Bob Lee (5) Jody and Scott Boyum (6) Matt Larson, Carrie Enser, Abel Larson, Erica Larson, Tyler Larson and Eve Larson (7) Craig Rosell, Robyn Wilder and Jennifer Boots

5

6

7 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 17

Thorne Crest

Senior Living Community

“Live longer & stay stronger!”

“Our programs improve fitness levels, mobility, balance and more!” ~ Wellness Director Leah Atz

“ The indoor pool helps to keep me limber and active.” ~ Thorne Crest resident Mary Stiles

Limited Independent Living Apartment Homes available now! Call today for a tour!

Thorne Crest

1201 Garfield Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007

Senior Living Communit y

507-373-2311

www.ThorneCrest.net

Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

Albert Lea Community Theatre

Sponsored by:

presents

JERK-FRIED CHICKEN Capture the tropical flavor of the islands with this tempting dish.

25 mINS

4 SERvINgS

Measure Ventura Foods Ingredient

1 1/2 gal LouAna® Southern Fry Oil Measure Other Ingredients

1 tbsp 1 cups 1 tbsp 2 tbsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 2 tsp 2 cups 2 large 1 whole

Salt, divided All-purpose flour Ground Allspice Garlic salt Sugar Dried ground ginger Cayenne pepper Buttermilk Eggs Fryer chicken, cut into 6 pieces

DIRECTIONS 1.

1 Place LouAna Southern Fry Oil in a large fryer, Dutch oven, or another thick-walled iron cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid; heat to 350°F. 2 Combine 4 teaspoons salt, flour, 2. allspice, garlic salt, sugar, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish, stirring well with a whisk.

3 Combine buttermilk and eggs in a 3. shallow dish, stirring well.

4 Season 4. chicken evenly remaining 2 teaspoons dredge in flour mixture.

919 East 14th Street Albert Lea, MN

507-373-2431 For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com

5 Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture; 5. dredge in flour again.

6 Fry chicken in hot oil 15 minutes 6. or until done; remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

WHAT’S ON YOU

DOORSTEP? A.L. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

LOCAL EVENTS SUDOKU

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

DILBERT

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

July 12, 13, 14, 15(M), 18, 19, 20, 21(M) & 21 Performances at 7:30 p.m.

July 15 & 21 Matinees (M) at 2 p.m.

Adults $20 / Students $10

SALE EVENTS AL BATT

COUPONS CAMPUS NOTES BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center 147 N. Broadway, Albert Lea www.actonbroadway.com 1-877-730-3144 (toll-free)

This show is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural fund.

18 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

with salt;

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

On Fountain Lake

Bountiful begins here.

You’ll find a HOME in Our Community!

Independent Living • Assisted Living Secured Memory Care Skilled Care • Short Term Rehab 901 Luther Place • Albert Lea, MN St. John’s Lutheran Community 1861 Eagle View Circle • Albert Lea MN St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake 507-373-8226 • www.stjohnsofalbertlea .org

Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 (across from Marketplace Foods)

377-2372

Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4

ALBERT LEA BRIDE ALBERT LEA BRIDE Friday, January 13, 2017

ALBERT LEA BRIDE Friday, September 23, 2016

A must-have

wedding to-do list

20

interview questions for a photographer

Real weddings Local couples M ​ odern Inspiration Look for new issues every January, May and September.

Local couple share their

Wedding Day memories

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 19

DAZZLE | BACKYARD ESCAPES

BY CRYSTAL MILLER AND JESSICA GLASSEL

THINGS

YOU

DIDN’T KNOW

YOU

WANTED After hanging outdoor lights and scattering a few pillows, you need just a few more details to make your backyard escape warm and welcoming. Here are a few items around Albert Lea to help you.

1

2 1. An interesting focal point | Take your rock cairn to a new level with an oval stone ring. This rock ring is sure to wow your guests at 18-by-8-by-30 inches. Available in other shapes and towers starting as low as $29.99. Garden Diva, Hayward, $144.99 2. Mix faux with real | Supplement your outdoor pots and flowers with faux greens. This boxwood ball helps to add green to your space and is cost effective when used for years to come. 10 inches in diameter.. Garden Diva, Hayward, $19.99

20 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

The finishing touch for creating a relaxing ambiance is the music. Check out our list of recommended songs or listen to our extended give-hour playlist now. Just type https://bit.ly/2sS0vRp into your URL on any computer, tablet or smart phone.

4

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3 3. For the garden or patio | A sphere lantern is versatile by adding lights or placing within your garden. This sphere could be used to accentuate your patio, yard or garden with its adaptable distressed finish. 16 inches in diameter.. Garden Diva, Hayward, $69.99 4. Versatility beyond your imagination | This 20-inch folding holder gives endless decorating options when you use your imagination. Hang it from something high or just set it on a side table. Add just about anything that fits your aesthetic. We recommend adding the boxwood ball or Glowing Wick candle featured on these pages. Hills Garden, Albert Lea, $34.99 5. Worry-free candle light | Candles set the mood for your backyard escape but can be dangerous and hard to keep lit with the breeze. A Glowing Wick candle is a convincing solution with its full-body soft glow, realistic uneven edges and vanilla scent.

Each candle has real wax and an LED flickering light. Built with a five-hour timer, this candle is 3-by-6 inches and includes two AA batteries to get you started. Hy-Vee, Albert Lea, $6.99

“Shambala,” Three Dog Night “Can’t You See,” The Marshall Tucker Band “Green Onions,” Booker T. & The MG’s “Coconut,” Harry Nilsson “Got To Give It Up, Part 1,” Marvin Gaye “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” Bobby McFerrin “Sugar, Sugar,” The Archies “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” Leo Sayer “The Promise,” When In Rome “Morning Train,” Sheena Easton “Say Hey (I Love You),” Michael Franti & Spearhead “Don’t Worry Baby,” The Beach Boys “Something’s Got a Hold On Me,” Etta James “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” Sam Cooke “Hey, Boy! Hey, Girl!” Louis Prima & Keely Smith “Jump in the Line,” Harry Belafonte “Fannie Mae,” Buster Brown “Charlie Brown,” The Coasters “Maybellene,” Chuck Berry “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding “Everyday,” Buddy Holly “Gimme Some Lovin’,” The Spencer Davis Group “Yellow Taxi,” Counting Crows “Walking On Sunshine,” Katrina & The Waves “Cruel Summer,” Bananarama “What’s Up,” 4 Non Blondes “Dancing in the Street,” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Captain & Tennille “Hey! Baby,” Bruce Channel “Walk Like a Man,” The Four Seasons “Don’t You Wish It Was True,” John Fogerty

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 21

BY SARAH KOCHER

DIY | LETTER DISPLAY

A SHOW AND SPELL

DISPLAY What you will need: Craft paint, color of your choice Mod Podge (I used a matte finish, but either finish will work) Foam brushes (at least 2) Fine grain sandpaper Scissors A utility knife or box cutter Photos of your choice (plan for three to four per letter if you’re printing 4-by-6 photographs) Cardboard letters, 8 inches or bigger, spelling a word of your choice

Although the process itself won’t change much from person to person, I love how customizable this craft is based on what pictures you choose and what word you land on — there are so many good ones out there. This is a clever way to display vacation photos, wedding pictures or favorite family snapshots through the years.

1

Pick your photos. It seems pretty self-explanatory, but think twice about every photo you pick. You will be cutting them out into some interesting shapes, so think about what it will take for the subject of your photo to fit on the letters you’ve picked. Consider pictures with a decent amount of backdrop that you can cut away. You could also order photos as wallet prints, which takes the size of the whole photo down to fit better.

22 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

2

Paint the sides of your letters with a color of your choice. I did not paint the backs of my letters, because I knew I would be hanging them on a wall. If you would like to display your letters standing, consider painting their backs.

3

Plot out how you’d like your photos to appear on your letters. Trace around the letter onto the back of your photos. Make sure you don’t accidentally trace a letter backwards before cutting them out. If you create a word with only symmetrical letters, like “Wow” or “Yay” this won’t be a problem for you. In awkward, small spaces, I filled in with scraps from other photos.

4

Using Mod Podge, adhere the photos to the front face of your letters. It was helpful for me to do this in a “step three, step four” rhythm: cut, paste, cut, paste. Wash your hands after about every two letters to keep the glue from picking up dirt or fragments that will gunk up your photos. Let your word dry, then trim each letter as close as possible with a box cutter or utility knife.

5

Sand your photos as they meet the edges of your letters. Brush clean. (This step is optional.)

6

Put Mod Podge over the top of your pictures. Follow the universal rule of glue: Less is more. Use it sparingly, as it doesn’t take much to seal the photos on and create the finished effect. Your brush strokes will show up, so the less glue you have to create those lines, the smoother the finish.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 23

SHOP DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA SAVE THE DATE

ART & GARDEN TOUR 122 S. Broadway Ave. Downtown Albert Lea 507.373.7746

Friday, July 13th 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, July 14th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Albert Lea Art Center | For more info call 507-373-5665

Unique women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor.

120 S. Washington Ave. 507-373-5469

144 S. Broadway Downtown Albert Lea 507-473-2111

Mon-Fri 4:30am-2pm; Sat 4:30am-11am

WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED BANK Serving the Community Since 1926!

COOL OFF THIS SUMMER WITH Renee-Made ICE CREAM ee-Made Ren Ice Cream

Pick up 8 oz. cups, pints and quarts at The Color Wheel.

Monday-Saturday from 11-3 pm 122 W Main St. Downtown Albert Lea

ReneeMade@yahoo.com 507.402.5664

Produce State Bank 109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale (507) 889-4311 Member

FDIC

220 E. William St. Albert Lea (507) 373-5500

2401 Brige Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-8600

www.producestatebank.com

Don’t see a flavor you like?

Call or Text

507-402-5664 to order!

find everything you need, locally Caring Hands Enhancing the quality of lives at home.

Larry

Arline

Georgia

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Thurs. till 9:00 am-3:00 pm pm S. Broadway Ave.| |Downtown Downtown Albert 114 114 S. Broadway Ave. AlbertLea Lea| |507-373-2060 507-373-2060

2016

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507-377-2425

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Kathy

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WeWe Carry & Redline RedlineBicycles Bicycles CarryRaleigh, Raleigh, Felt Felt &

Jeanne

Conger Meat Market Quality Meats All Locally Raised Two Locations to Choose From

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• Fresh and Frozen Meats • Many Homemade Sausages • Custom Processing • Venison Processing • Meat & Cheese Trays monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

albert lea: 507-377-1556 • conger: 507-265-3340

25% OFF

any One item Excludes special orders, fresh flowers & plants.

Expires 8/31/18

Addie’s Floral & Gifts 507-377-2081

216 South Broadway Downtown Albert Lea

SAVOR | WATERMELON AND JICAMA SALAD

BY BRYAN CUNNINGHAM

A SPICED-UP SUMMER

FAVORITE

Bryan Cunningham has been a chef for nearly 20 years. He loves learning new skills in the kitchen and experimenting with different ingredients. When he’s not in the kitchen, he is watching shows featuring his favorite chefs or spending time with his wife and three children. He is proud of living in his native town of Albert Lea and is working on building his new catering business, Yankee Catering.

Summer is upon us — and with it comes picnics and parties and grilling out with family and friends. I love to enjoy a delicious watermelon with my summer meals, and it’s even better when spiced up just a bit with some jicama and mint. If you happen to get a bland watermelon, this is the perfect recipe to bring out the flavor each and every time. I hope you enjoy this summery salad as much as my family and I do.

Watermelon and Jicama Salad Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon lime zest 2 tablespoons honey 1 tsp ground black pepper

Kosher salt 1 jicama, skinned and shaved 4 cups watermelon, cut in 1- or 2-inch pieces 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions

In a large bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, lime zest, honey, pepper and salt. Whisk together.

Add jicama, watermelon and mint to bowl. Stir again to combine. Chill for at least an hour for the best flavor.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 27

28 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

JAM-PACKED WITH

NUTRIENTS Something about avocado just screams summer. High in healthy fats, the fruit is known to have many health benefits, including improving digestion, decreasing risk of depression and protecting against cancer.

Want to incorporate them into your diet? Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Tangy cucumber and avocado salad Ingredients

2 medium cucumbers, cubed 2 avocados, cubed 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons minced green onions (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt Black pepper to taste 1/4 large lemon 1 lime

Directions

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, avocados and cilantro. Stir in garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon and lime over the top, and toss. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

— Recipe from www.allrecipes.com

Caprese Avocado Toast Ingredients

1 large avocado, halved and pitted 1/2 lemon Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 thick slices sourdough, toasted 1/2 halved cherry tomatoes 1 cup Mozzarella balls (such as Ciliegine) Flaky sea salt 2 fresh basil leaves, finely sliced Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Directions

Remove avocado halves from skin and place in a medium bowl.

Immediately squeeze some lemon juice over the avocado. Season avocado with kosher salt and pepper and mash with a fork. Taste for seasoning, adding more lemon juice if desired.

Spread mashed avocado mixture onto toast. Top with cherry

tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, garnish with basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

— Recipe from www.delish.com.

Avocado smoothie Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted 1 cup milk 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 3 tablespoons honey 8 ice cubes

Directions

Combine the avocado, milk, yogurt, honey and ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth.

— Recipe from www.allrecipes.com

Avocado hummus Ingredients

2 cups canned chickpeas 2 ripe avocados, cored and peeled 1/3 cup tahini 1/4 cup lime juice 2 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving 1/4 teaspoon cumin Kosher salt 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, for garnish Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Directions

Combine chickpeas, avocados, tahini, lime juice, garlic, olive oil and cumin in the bowl of a food processor and season with salt. Smooth until smooth.

Pour mixture into serving bowl, and garnish with cilantro and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired, and serve.

— Recipe from www.allrecipes.com

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 29

BOOKS | GREAT READS

BOOKS YOU

CAN’T

LIVE WITHOUT “Safe Haven”

By Nicholas Sparks

HHHHH Review by Teanna Wiertzema

Safe Haven is about a troubled woman who had to leave her abusive husband. Katie fled to a new town and new place. While she was there, she started fixing up the house she bought. She went to the store and bought different paint colors. There was a little girl there who was helping her; she was the owner’s daughter. This little girl led her to her father, Alex. He came over to her place to help her paint her house and they started connecting. Alex had a little boy and a little girl, and their mother was not around anymore. Katie started hanging out with him and his children more and more frequently. Then one day her ex-husband found where she was and went straight to her house. He started getting aggressive and trying to take her away from her new family.

They had to figure out a way to escape.

I really enjoyed this book. I was happy for Katie to find a new family and leave her past behind. When the husband found her, it made me afraid for her. I had to keep reading to see what was going

The July/August book reviews were provided by staff members of The Children’s Center. If your business/staff would like to be considered for book reviews, please call Michelle Rasmussen at 379-9850 or email michelle.daveiga@albertleatribune.com.

to happen to her and her new family. I hoped for the best. There is also a movie on this book as well. It was very suspenseful and kept me reading. I wanted it to have a happy ending.

“Suzanne’s Diary For Nicholas”

By James Patterson

HHHH

Review by Samantha Register

Katie has found the love of her life, a writer and a painter named Matt. Matt leaves Katie without a word, but soon she gets a diary in the mail from Matt. It’s a diary that Matt’s late wife, Suzanne, wrote for their son Nicholas. The diary talks about how Suzanne survived a heart attack and how in love she was with Matt. She pours

30 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

out her heart to her son, Nicholas, about how Suzanne and Matt fell in love. The book goes back and forth between the love letters to Katie and leaves Katie wondering what happened to Matt and where did he go.

This is not your typical James Patterson novel where there is a murderer that Alex Cross is trying to find, but instead it shows Patterson’s soft side. An easy read that you can’t put down. Get your Kleenex ready!

4 READS YOU

SHOULDN’T MISS “The Fault in our Stars”

By John Green

HHHHH Review by Maddy Reed

Hazel Grace suffers from Stage 4 thyroid cancer and is encouraged to attend a cancer support group. Augustus Waters is also attending the cancer support group with his friend Isaac. Hazel and Augustus meet at the support group and thus begins the most romantic, breathtaking, heart wrenching and haunting love story. This book follows the love story of two cancer survivors who are hopelessly in love and fighting for their lives. I loved how the story brought me joy and faith in epic romance but then crushed my heart and soul at the end. Hands down, one of my favorite books — ever!

“Columbine”

By Dave Cullen

HHH Review by Stephanie English

What really happened on April 20, 1999? Dave Cullen was one of the first reporters on the scene after the incident. Most of what we know about what happened that day is wrong! Dave dug through all of the evidence and statements and even the killers’ own words to truly find out what happened. It wasn’t about the jocks or Goths. It’s about two polar opposite killers who joined forces, leaving horror and shock across America, and after 19 years, it is still referenced in school shootings. I really enjoyed how Dave took the time to honor and respect not only the families that lost someone but the survivors also. It also goes into depth about what truly could have been going on in the killers’ minds that day and the weeks leading up to it. It’s a very interesting read, and it will make you think about different situations that face America today.

“Demian: The Story of Emil Sinclair’s Youth”

By Hermann Hesse

HHHH Review by Hannah Horejsi

A journey of Emil Sinclair’s youth as he struggles with what he wants to believe about the world. Emil struggles with how the world he lives in is fake because of the rules and illusions of it. He much prefers the world of spiritual truth and he goes on a journey to find out what he wants his truth to be. It presented concepts about the world in a new way that allows one to actually think about whether or not they share that view.

“Hillbilly Elegy”

By J.D. Vance

HHHHH Review by Sue Loch

J.D. Vance grew up dirt poor in Appalachia in Kentucky. As a young boy, his family moved to Ohio, in hopes of a better life. It turns out, you can move to a new community, but it is extremely difficult to shed the culture from past generations. This book was eye-opening for me because I grew up privileged and naïve in a middle-class neighborhood in a very safe, middle-class town. I was amazed at J.D. Vance’s story, oftentimes stunned to learn how difficult life is for so many. He overcame so many difficulties to get himself out of poverty. He was ostracized for becoming educated and moving away. It is a very complicated story of extreme pride in a native son, yet also there is bitterness and jealousy for J.D. Vance’s success. Until reading this book, I always believed if there is a will, there is a way. Now I’m not so sure. This book illustrates how poverty, addiction and the culture it creates is an extremely difficult thing to break out of.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 31

WOMEN OF

THEATER

‘It’s just kind of fun to play someone else for a while’ Story by SARAH KOCHER Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON Actresses come to Albert Lea Community Theatre with different back stories. Some found the theater in adulthood, while others have been at it since almost birth. Among five of the regulars on stage at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, there is a hodgepodge of plays, successes, behindthe-scenes stories and jobs within a production that translate to pinpoints on the timeline of ACT. But despite what makes them different, there is one thing that makes them the same. “It’s just kind of fun to play someone else for a while,” actress Teresa Wilson said.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 33

Lisa Sturtz

For Lisa Sturtz, who has been in between 45 and 50 Albert Lea Community Theatre productions, finding the theater was finding a home.

When she moved to Albert Lea, the theater was doing a production of the “King & I.” She said she had always thought she would like to give theater a try.

“And I thought, ‘Oh, that looks fun,’” she said.

“And it was. It’s where I belong.”

Sturtz said participating in theater helped her establish an identity in town, meet people and served as an outlet during the time she was a stay-at-home mom.

When she’s not in the theater, Sturtz is a bookkeeper at Goldman, Sturtz and Halvorsen law office. She also manages Hillcrest Cemetery.

For the photo, Sturtz dressed as Chris Harper from “Calendar Girls,” her favorite character to play and also her favorite production to be in.

She said the show involved many people who are very special to her.

“I love the story of the solidarity of those women, that group of friends,” she said of the play.

In addition to “The Calendar Girls,” Sturtz has also appeared in “Don’t Hug Me, We’re Married,” “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Love, Loss and What I Wore.”

Raquel Hellman

Thanks to a shift in her job that gave her the time, Raquel Hellman’s foray into Albert Lea Community Theatre was a return to an art she had already developed a love for. She said she tries to participate in one to two ACT productions a year.

“It’s just fun,” she said — fun to take a breather from everyday life, and to step into someone else’s. She said she has made some close friends through the theater.

But Hellman is also in it for the challenge: The lines don’t memorize themselves.

The stage doors don’t open themselves, either.

Her most embarrassing moment on stage came during a production of “Rumors,” when she was supposed to enter the stage as if coming from a bathroom. Her cue was a knock on the door.

“She had to knock about five or six times,” Hellman said, before she realized she was supposed to be on stage.

Still, Hellman’s favorite character was the one she portrayed in that play: Claire Ganz from ACT’s production of “Rumors.”

“It’s just a funny play,” Hellman said. “It’s always fun to use physical comedy and to make people laugh.”

She has participated in seven productions with Albert Lea Community Theater, including “Twelve Angry Jurors,” “Calendar Girls,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Fox on the Fairway.” Hellman is an anchor and producer at KIMT.

Teresa Wilson

Teresa Wilson is not the first in her family to take the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center stage. Her parents were in productions there in the 1980s. For both Wilson and her sister, it was a dream to honor them by making it onto the same stage her parents performed on. When she came to ACT, she continued the family theme by participating with both her sister and her daughter.

“Since then, it just kind of snowballed,” Wilson said.

Although her on-stage count hits six, Wilson said she has helped, in some way, with every production but two since 2005. She also works as the building clerk at Lakeview Elementary School.

“It’s just been a lot of fun to be around a great group of people, and feeling like you are making it special for other

people,” she said.

That “great group of people” includes her now-fiance, Jason Howland, whom Wilson met through ACT. Through theater, Wilson has also become more outgoing and gained self-confidence.

Theater also gave her a chance for rotator cuff surgery.

After being doused with a bit more water than usual during one performance as the witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” Wilson fell going down the trap door and injured her rotator cuff.

Although the Wicked Witch of the West is not Wilson’s favorite character she has played, she chose it for this photo because it is her most iconic role with ACT to date.

Wilson has also appeared in “Annie,” “Calendar Girls,” “Midlife! The Crisis Musical” and “Don’t Hug Me, We’re Married.”

Kristan Dye

In the approximately 13 plays Kristan Dye has participated in, there’s a running thread.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play women with very strong attitudes,” she said.

The most recent addition to her list of favorite characters is Cassie Cooper from “Rumors.”

“I liked her personality and her attitude,” Dye said.

Dye started with ACT the summer after she first moved to town. She has stuck with it because she enjoys it.

“Where else can you pretend you’re somebody else and people aren’t going to lock you up?” she said.

Dye said she is also working to challenge herself. As vice president of Albert Lea Community Theatre, she is able to pick productions that include challenges for actors involved. Her next challenge is to attract a younger demographic to the theater, she said.

At work, her job is as a receptionist at Dave Syverson Auto Center. At the theater, her job is to entertain. Her goal is to let people forget about their problems. As a comedic actress, sometimes, that includes herself. Through at least two of the productions she was a part of, she underwent some difficult personal experiences.

“You have to shut yourself off, open and just close your mind, and be funny,” she said.

Before every production, Dye said she has at least one dream in which she can not remember her lines for the performance.

“It’s the ultimate high out there, because it’s live,” she said.

“Whatever happens, happens.”

Among other plays, Dye has performed in “The Fox on the Fairway,” “Gypsy,” and “Calendar Girls.”

Sue Jorgensen

When Sue Jorgensen stuck with theater, she really stuck with theater.

“I sang my first solo in church when I was 4 years old, and I was hooked,” Jorgensen said.

After participating in several school plays in high school, she went on to get a degree in theater from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

“I just love the theater,” she said. “It’s, it’s an art form that you, you can step into another character and be someone else — be somebody kind, be somebody mean, be somebody that you’re not, and entertain people. People laugh, people smile, people applaud, people accept. It’s a wonderful medium.”

Jorgensen has directed approximately 25 shows for ACT and performed in about another 25. She also spent several years as a director for Austin High School and for Albert Lea High School, as well as pitching in in Alden as well. Between ACT, those three schools and Minnesota Festival Theatre, Jorgensen said she has participated in some way in well over 100 plays since she moved to Albert Lea in 1972. Her first show was “Kiss Me Kate,” performed in the 1980s.

One highlight from her time with ACT was the opportunity to perform as the “second banana” to Marion Ross in “Chapter Two.” Through that time, Jorgensen has played Glenda four times. Her most recent performance was for the ACT production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which she said had a marvelous director — Steve Kinney — and cast. “(Theater) has given me a creative outlet that has enabled me to be a much happier, well-rounded person,” Jorgensen said.

Jorgensen said she will likely perform with ACT until she retires. She works three part-time jobs: as a guardian ad litem for the district court, as a piano teacher and as the music and choir director for First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. She said she has no plans to retire.

Jorgensen’s time with ACT has included performances in — to name a few — “Oklahoma!,” “Annie,” “Camelot” and “The Sound of Music.”

A.L. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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To subscribe, call 507-379-3422 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 39

DESIGNED TO

ENTERTAIN Home offers everything you’d need for a perfect get-together

Story by SARAH STULTZ Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

40 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 41

W

hether indoors or outdoors, Dean and Jessie Rasmusson’s home on North Lane was updated with entertaining in mind.

With features such as a spacious kitchen with island seating and the million-dollar view from their back deck and patio, the home has an inviting feel from the minute you step through the front door.

The Rasmussons, who have been married for 49 years, have owned their home on North Lane for 19 years, after living on Oakwood Drive for 17 years.

Dean Rasmusson started and owned Dras Cases in Lake Mills for

Windows along the back part of the house showcase the view of Fountain Lake.

42 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

23 years, and Jessie Rasmusson worked for Edward Jones for 20 years with the company. They are both now retired.

“ ” Every room has been remodeled.

— Jessie Rasmusson

They couple said the home, which was built in 1950, has gone through multiple renovations to make it their own since they bought it. At one point a few years ago, they even considered moving and building a new home; however, because there are few lake lots

Storage and space was key during the remodeling of the Rasmussons’ kitchen.

JJULY/AUGUST 2018 | 43

The Rasmussons took out a dining room near the front entrance of their house while remodeling in order to expand their kitchen.

available, they decided remodeling was a better option for them.

The 4,000-square-foot structure used to be walled off for each room but has since has been opened up on the main level to create an openconcept feel with a kitchen, dining room and living room flowing from one room to the next. The couple renovated their kitchen last November for a second time since they’ve owned the house.

“Every room has been remodeled,” Jessie Rasmusson said of how the house looks today compared to when they bought it.

They said they designed the space, along with the help of their daughter, Amy Petersen. Jessie Rasmusson said they walked around and tried to picture where they would like the different parts of the kitchen to be and then designed based on their vision.

Jessie Rasmusson called the kitchen one of the most important rooms in the house, as this is where everyone usually flocks when they have guests over.

“You do all the entertaining in the kitchen, you don’t even really need the other rooms,” she said with a laugh.

“ ” You do all the entertaining in the kitchen, you don’t even really need the other rooms.

— Jessie Rasmusson

The kitchen includes a large island with Cambria countertops perfect for entertaining, along with a double oven and warming drawer and separate bar area with a beverage drawer, to name a few of the features. The kitchen also includes fresh, white cabinets and abundant storage.

The main level is connected by white oak hardwood floors throughout, and the windows along the back of the house offer a generous view of Fountain Lake, with plentiful natural light making the entire house feel bright and alive.

Off of the kitchen is a porch area, which has been updated to accommodate year-round use, and which Jessie Rasmusson said is one of her favorite places in the whole house and where she can sit, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Outside the porch area, off the back of the house, is a deck and large patio area that provide the perfect setting for a summer party or gettogether.

She said they had a speaker system installed both inside and outside to play music, and there are numerous seating areas with umbrellas, a grill and even a bar area.

Performance Landscaping updated the landscaping, and Dean Rasmusson also had a system installed to water the array of ferns and red geraniums there.

The couple said they have been lucky to be able to use some of Dean Rasmusson’s experience at Dras Cases and incorporate his cabinetry into their home. He played a large role in many of the early remodeling projects.

Though much has changed since they first moved in, some features remain the same — only updated.

When you walk in the Rasmussons’ front door, there is wainscoting

The Rasmussons have an expansive backyard with multiple tiers and seating options.

46 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

on a wall that came from an old church. They contemplated whether to take it out — it used to be black — but instead decided to freshen it up with white paint.

The Rasmussons have another home in Anthem, Arizona, where they spend a lot of time during the winters, along with several of their

other friends from the area. They also have a cabin on Cedar Lake in Rice County.

Dean Rasmusson said he and his wife enjoy attending car shows and usually take part in a Corvette trip each summer.

They love that they can see their daughter’s home across the lake. AL

Jessie Rasmusson said people usually congregate around the kitchen, so the Rasmussons made sure there was plenty of space added when they remodeled their kitchen.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 47

Sleeveless top, $20, Maurices Ruffled overalls, $58, BG Loft Long necklace, $12, BG Loft

48 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Romper, $40 Belt, $12 Tassel earrings, $12 Heels, $30 All items available at BG Loft

Floral maxi dress, $49 Earrings, $10.50 Sandal heels, $39 All items available at Maurices

SUMMER STYLE

TRENDS Check out these fashion finds from 2 area stores Styling by ANGIE HOFFMAN Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 49

Floral jacket, $44 Tank top, $6 Plaid shorts, $24 Necklace, $14 Sandals, $24 All items available at BG Loft Brianna Meyer lives in Albert Lea with her fiance, Joey Neely, and daughters Leora and Hayden. She has a background in nursing and is opening a new business, WonderWild Community Childcare and Learning Center.

50 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Denim shirt, $24, BG Loft Floral top, $30, BG Loft Shorts, $29, Maurices Hoop earrings, $8.50, Maurices Shoes, $24, BG Loft Holly Jackson resides in Albert Lea and is the director of the Albert Lea program for Just for Kix and also the member service manager at Village Cooperative of Albert Lea. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, biking and planning her Sept. 1 wedding to fiance, Christopher Rahn.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 51

Party dress, $50 Heels, $30 Both items available at BG Loft Paige Larson lives in Clarks Grove with her husband, Jesse, and teaches kindergarten at McKinley Elementary School in Owatonna.

Her idea of relaxing involves repurposing furniture, walking her dog, Rosie, playing volleyball and spending time with friends.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 53

LOOKING BACK | JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS

In 1915, employees of Albert Lea Publishing Co., 101 W. College St., posed for a photograph. The building was decorated for the Independence Day observance.

ALBERT LEA SPARKLED DURING JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS

By LINDA EVENSON Photos courtesy FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM In 1885, a local newspaper declared, “the grand anniversary of American Independence is at hand.” That July Fourth, the city woke early to the boom of a cannon followed by firecrackers. A parade formed at the courthouse, went up Broadway to Water Street and then west several blocks.

Marching in the parade were members of the Robson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Later in the day, several races were held. Many competed in the foot, potato, sack and wheelbarrow races. In the heat of the afternoon, a baseball game between Mankato and Albert Lea was played. The 2,000 people in attendance witnessed only four innings before the 54 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Mankato club was compelled to take the 5 o’clock train home.

The score was 5 to 4 in favor of the visitors. The day closed with a display of fireworks on the baseball grounds and the firemen’s ball at the skating rink.

Thirty years later, July Fourth fell on Sunday. City festivities were held on Monday, July 5, 1915. Stores were closed but the restaurants and saloons had a thriving business. People enjoyed the two baseball games, a carnival, the Broadway theater and several public dances. Three bands performed throughout the day. Flags and pennants were draped from buildings and across Broadway, creating an inspiring sight.

The Albert Lea Municipal Band, under the direction of Oscar Dahl, marched in this parade during the late 1930s or early 1940s. The background buildings are on the west side of the 300 block of South Broadway.

Boys gathered to fire the cannon salute on July 4, 1885.

Photo is taken looking west at the intersection of East William Street and South Broadway Ave. (The dry goods store on the left is the current site of Fisher’s Jewelers, 202 S. Broadway.)

Henry Stenerson and his daughter, Mabel, participated in the July Fourth parade in the late 1890s. Stenerson operated a sales and repair shop for bicycles, guns and sewing machines in the 100 block of East Main Street.

Gulbrandson Hardware, 314-320 S. Broadway, was draped with flags and pennants for the Independence Day festivities in 1915.

Members of the Gulbrandson, Smeby, Jenson and Strom families — plus some friends — gathered on the grounds of Luther Academy to enjoy Independence Day in 1899.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 55

DIETITIAN’S DIGEST | BY EMILY SCHMIDT

Albert Lea resident Emily Schmidt is a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. She enjoys writing, cooking and spending time with her son and family.

It is possible to eat healthy while camping

There is no doubt that one enjoyable part of going camping is the food, whether in an RV, tent or somewhere in-between. Many people tell me when they go on camping trips of any type or length of time, they are concerned they won’t eat as healthy as they should, especially if they are trying to make habit changes to manage their diabetes, weight, heart health or other health conditions. Cooking over the campfire, barbequing on the grill, fresh and cool side dishes, and beverages are all aspects of camping that can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Life should be enjoyed, and food can be a part of that without guilt no matter the situation.

Campfires can be a fun way to cook and be creative. Are you familiar with “pudgy pies”? Many avid campers use a pie iron, a type of cooking gadget that allows you to make “pies” over the campfire. These can consist of various ingredients and are typically sandwich-like, and for many are a delicious camping staple. Try some healthy twists — make a pizza pie using whole grain bread (spray cooking spray in the pie iron first), pizza sauce, part-skim mozzarella cheese, vegetables such as green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives and some turkey pepperoni. Think outside the bread and make a pudgy pie quesadilla. Use small corn tortillas and fill with beans, cheese, seasonings of your choice (try cumin and chili powder), and when it’s hot and melty, top with salsa or low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

When it comes to grilling, there are plenty of things you can do to improve nutrition. To reduce saturated fat, which in excess can be detrimental for heart health, go for skinless chicken breasts, fish fillets — including fresh fish that you’ve caught — lean cuts of beef or pork (look for words such as loin, sirloin, round, choice or select). Although processed meats should be limited due to the increased risk for cancer, turkey dogs or sausage are great lower fat 56 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

and lower calorie alternatives to pork-based hot dogs or brats.

These leaner protein choices are also lower in calories, which is beneficial if you’re trying to manage your weight. Keep things interesting with a variety of seasonings, low sodium marinades and brushing olive or canola oil on protein sources such as chicken or fish.

Side dishes or food items such as potato salad, chips and baked beans can be complemented by watermelon, fresh berries, grilled vegetable kebobs or grilled pineapple, corn on the cob (just go light on the butter and salt) or a mixture of vegetables and potatoes in an aluminum foil packet to be cooked either over the campfire or on the grill. In these foil dinners, try asparagus, any variety of potatoes (yes, potatoes in moderation can be healthy), zucchini, mushrooms or any other of your favorite vegetables in olive oil or small amount of butter or soft tub margarine, and season to your liking with herbs and spices.

Finally, drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages such as regular soda, juice, sports drinks (unless going for a hike or doing other strenuous activity), lemonade or sweet tea. Of course, some of these beverages are fine in moderation, but balance them out with larger amounts of water, whether it’s flavored, carbonated or just good old plain ice water. Be careful of higher calorie alcoholic beverages such as wine coolers or hard liquor mixed with regular soda or juice and switch to drinks such as wine, light beer or liquor mixed with low calorie and sugar-free mixers such as sparkling water, diet soda or light reduced-sugar juices.

It is possible to make healthier nutrition choices while camping, yet still enjoy yourself and incorporate a variety of your favorite treats or indulgences — the key is balance. Additionally, try to stay as active as you can with hiking, biking, swimming or anything else that keeps you moving on your camping excursions, and have fun!

HEALTH & FITNESS | BY BRITTNI LAIR

Brittni Lair is a physician assistant in orthopedics in Albert Lea. She owns CrossFit InnerDrive with business partner Bryce Becker. In her few minutes of free time, she also coaches figure skating and enjoys hanging out with her family and boyfriend.

Benefits of training in a full range of motion

Have you ever seen the person at the gym that is doing partial range of motion exercises or cutting their range of motion short to increase their speed? This is a common mistake people make when they are unfamiliar with exercising. What exactly are the benefits of training with full range of exercises?

1) Full range of motion exercises force muscle synergy.

Everyday tasks require a combination of multiple muscle groups working at the same time. Training your body in the fullest range of motion prepares the body for daily living. An example of this is a standard crunch versus an ab-mat sit up. A standard crunch is a simple exercise in one plane with limited movement. The ab-mat sit up begins in a hyper-extended spine position with the legs externally rotating. This starting position puts the body in an ideal position for wider range of motion. The execution of this movement requires extra muscles to work synergistically which is extremely beneficial.

2) Full range of motion exercises increases proprioception and coordination. As a joint completes full range of motion, the body’s center of gravity changes and forces a persons’ core to stabilize. This forces a person to perform movement’s core to extremity. Beginning a traditional pull-up with the elbows bent puts emphasis on the biceps and smaller muscle groups. If the movement is started in the correct position with elbows fully extended, then the core is recruited to assist along with other muscle groups.

3) Creating functional flexibility. Many people sit at a desk 40 hours a week and develop tight hip flexors, weak glutes

and a weak core. If time is spent training your body in full range of motion, your flexibility will increase. This in turn will help lessen the muscle imbalances people develop over time. Performing an air squat to only above parallel may be a good place for people to start, but attempting to achieve an air squat with hip crease below the knee should be the goal for most people. This mobility will increase overtime and help people’s joints in the long run.

4) Increasing longevity of activities of daily living. One of the main goals of a fitness program is to help make everyday tasks easier along with bettering a person’s health. Full range of motion exercises like squats and pressing overhead are all things that make the day-to-day tasks easier. Ensuring people have all the right tools to remain as independent as possible is key.

Here is an example of a full body workout with movements achieving full range of motion: (Complete as many rounds as possible in 15 minutes) 25 air squats with hip crease below the knee (make sure knees do not track over toes) 20 alternating lunges with back knee touching the ground each time 15 full sit-ups 10 pushups with chest and thighs touching the ground each time 5 burpees with chest and thighs touching the ground each time I encourage everyone to begin training with full range of motion exercises if your body will allow. If your body is not ready for that yet, have that be your goal.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 57

FINANCES | BY EDWARD JONES

ADVERTISEMENT CONTENT

You can still gain tax benefits from your charitable donations Like most people, you probably know several organizations worthy of your philanthropy, and you may well have contributed to them, perhaps on an annual basis. In the past, when you’ve made charitable donations, it has been a win-win: You were able to provide support to a worthy organization and you received some valuable tax benefits. But with the passage of the new tax laws, things may have changed considerably for many people. Are there still tax benefits to making a charitable donation?

Here’s some background: Previously, you may have been able to deduct your charitable donations if you itemized deductions on your income tax return. So, for example, if you were in the 25 percent tax bracket and you gave $1,000 to a qualified charity, you may have been able to deduct $250.

But under the new tax laws, the standard deduction is almost doubled for 2018, to $24,000 for joint filers, and $12,000 for single filers. As a result, far fewer people are likely to itemize their deductions. If you’re in this group, you may find that you have less incentive, at least for tax reasons, to make charitable gifts.

However, receiving a tax deduction is not the only tax benefit of making a charitable gift. If you own an IRA and you’re 70 1/2 or older, you generally must start taking withdrawals — technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your traditional IRA. (Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs until after the death of the owner.) If instead of withdrawing the money, the IRA owner decides to transfer the funds directly to a qualified charity, the distributed

58 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

amount can be excluded from the IRA owner’s income. So, in effect, you can get a sizable tax benefit from your generosity. In fact, you may be able to move up to $100,000 from your IRA per year to an eligible charity and have it count as your RMDs, even if the amount donated is more than the required minimum withdrawal.

Even if you aren’t 70 1/2 yet, you might still gain some tax benefits from certain types of charitable donations. When you itemized, and you donated appreciated stocks, you were generally allowed a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stocks on the date of the transfer, even if your original cost was only a fraction of that value. Now, if you don’t itemize, that charitable contribution is not deductible, but you can still avoid the capital gains taxes you’d have to pay if you sold the securities, rather than donating them.

Finally, you could name a qualified charity as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k). This can allow the assets to pass free of income tax to the charitable group.

Given the increased standard deduction resulting from the new tax laws, many charitable groups are worried about the potential loss of contributions. Nonetheless, as we’ve seen, you can still find ways to get some tax benefits from your own charitable gifts. And you’ll still get the same satisfaction from supporting a good cause.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

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HEALTHY PETS | BY MICHELLE NELSON

Michelle Nelson is the owner of The Pet Authority in Albert Lea.

The dreaded “C” word

Did you know that more than one in two dogs and one in three cats will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime? Dogs have the highest rate of cancer of any animal on the planet. They are four times more likely to get breast cancer, eight times more likely to get bone cancer and 35 times more likely to get skin cancer than humans. Cancer is no longer just a disease, it has become an epidemic. Studies now show that only 10 percent of cancer is genetic — the other 90 percent results from lifestyle. So the real question is, “What do I have control over to minimize the adverse things my pet is exposed to every single day?”

First, we need to understand that cancer is not the tumor, the tumor is just a response to the cancer within the body. Conventional treatments like surgery, chemo and radiation target the tumor and not the cancer itself, and then we just sit and wait. We wait for it to come back, whether it’s six weeks or six months. As a pet parent I don’t want to wait, I want to be proactive and do everything I can to minimize that 90 percent, by making important lifestyle changes for my pets. I refuse to let my pet be a statistic.

It all starts with our homes. Think about it, our dogs and cats are walking on our floors, running in our lawns and then they come in and lick their feet clean, ingesting toxic chemicals you are using. What are you using to clean your floors, fertilize your lawn or how about weed prevention (there is a 90 percent increase in the risk of cancer when using yard herbicides)?

Did you know that bleach is considered the most toxic household cleaner? Did you know that plug-in air fresheners use toxic chemicals that our indoor pets are exposed to day after day?

We live in an area where ticks, fleas and heart worm are a threat three-fourths of the year. Topical treatments for flea, tick and heart

worm and all low-dose toxins when used repeatedly month after month, year after year, can have an adverse effect on your pet. There are many great natural products on the market that are very effective that can be used solely or even intermittently with other products to reduce the toxic load.

Over-vaccination — yes there is such a thing. I am a firm believer in vaccinating, but I don’t vaccinate my children every year for the same thing, so why would I my pets? Yearly vaccinations are against the national policy of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, so why are vets still recommending them yearly? For rabies vaccinations, the same dose is given to a 150-pound Saint Bernard that is given to a 5-pound Chihuahua. Crazy, right? I choose to opt for a titer test (blood test to measure anti-bodies) to see if revaccination is necessary.

What fuels cancer? Sugar. Did you know that the average dry kibble is 50 percent carbohydrates (sugar)? If you want the perfect cancergrowing diet, then feeding dry kibble is exactly what you will get. I know you want something that is easy, convenient and reasonably priced, so let me assure you that feeding a raw diet can be easy and convenient and it will cost a whole lot less in the long run than treating your pet if they get cancer, and you cannot put a price on the pain your pet will go through.

Are any of these things going to cause cancer after one use?

Absolutely not, but it is the the chronic, low-dose exposure to these carcinogenic, cancer-promoting things that over time slowly compromise our pets’ immune systems and then BANG, one day you have cancer. The choice is yours, do you want to be proactive or reactive?

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www.thepetauthority.co JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 59

EVENTS CALENDAR JULY

12-15 JULY

18-21

JULY

3

THIRD OF JULY PARADE When: 6 p.m.

Where: Bridge Avenue and Fountain Street in Albert Lea Cost: Free More info: The Third of July Parade is easily one of the biggest events of the summer outside of the Freeborn County Fair. The sides of Bridge Avenue and Fountain Street will be packed with people young and old with floats, marching bands and politicians parading down the road.

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” When: 7:30 p.m. on all days except for 2 p.m. matinees July 15 and 21 Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students More info: Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic. The story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed. This play is filled with spectacular costumes and musical theater at its best.

JULY

14

ROCK-N-ROLL THE LAKES BIKE CRUISE When: Check-in starts between 8 and 10 a.m.

Where: Starting at North Broadway Cost: Prices vary More info: Bust up those “Summertime Blues” and cruise around the beautiful lakes of Albert Lea during a 10-, 30- or 50-mile bike ride. All three courses hug picturesque lake shores and offer a variety of southern Minnesota scenery. Enjoy food, drinks and music at rest stops on each course.

JULY

18

AUGUST

15

WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Broadway in downtown Albert Lea Cost: Free to enter More info: Wind Down Wednesday returns to downtown Albert Lea for its seventh year. The festival will be set up like an outdoor market with food, drinks, live entertainment and vendors selling arts and crafts. The event will be once a month, and different bands and singers will perform.

60 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

AUGUST

30

CRUISE TO THE COVE When: 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Cost: Free More info.: Cruise to the Cove will showcase vintage vehicles. All years and models are welcome. Food and drinks will be available, and music from the 1950s and 1960s will be provided.

JULY

21-22 CHAPEL CON

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 22 Where: Albert Lea City Arena Cost: General admission tickets $25 at the door; other ticket packages are available; children under 7 are free More info: A comics and entertainment convention first held in 2017 returns this year with a number of celebrities in the pop culture community, as well as comic creators, artists and other industry professionals. There will also be a variety of comics, entertainment and other pop culture vendors in attendance for several panels and interviews.

AUGUST

11

ALBERT LEA FLOATS When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Golden Point Launch on Albert Lea Lake Cost: Free More info.: Enjoy free kayak, canoe and paddle board use on Albert Lea Lake from Golden Point Launch. Started in 2014, the event also includes other water sports and activities for children, along with food vendors.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | 61

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PARTING SHOT

Lens and Shutter Club member Linda Eisterhold took this photo in New Denmark Park.

WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA | BY ANGIE HANSON

Why I

L Albert Lea Angie Hanson lives in Albert Lea with her son, Clayton. She teaches special education in the Southland School District and is on the school board for Albert Lea Area Schools. She is active in the Freeborn County DFL Party and Save Our Hospital.

I love Albert Lea. It is a wonderful place to raise a family. We have strong traditions and a dedicated community. Walking around the lake with all the trees in bloom, I was reminded of just how beautiful Albert Lea is.

I have always loved summers in Albert Lea the most. Growing up on the south side, my summers were spent riding my bike to the pool every day with my best friend with an Esprit bag slung over my shoulder. My family had many campouts at Myre-Big Island State Park. We used to catch fireflies and put them into juice jugs to make night lights. I have walked and rode my bike around the lake and the bike trail more times than I can count. Each summer, I still wait in anticipation for the Freeborn County Fair. The fair has always felt like the last big hurrah of summer. As a mother, I get to do all the things with my son that I enjoyed growing up, as well discover new things Albert Lea has to offer.

I feel a strong sense of pride in our community and our traditions.

Every year by July 1, blankets and chairs fill the boulevards saving favorite parade spots. We take parade-watching seriously in Albert Lea. Albert Lea has the best Fourth of July fireworks around. Many have tried, but nobody can convince me otherwise. Guess that’s where my community pride comes in.

My first experience with the Eddie Cochran car cruise was just as 64 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

memorable as my son’s. I was leaving Edgewater Park with my friend in my dad’s Bronco II wondering why there was so much traffic. I ended up somewhere among the old-time cars. It took me a bit to realize I was in the middle of the car cruise. My son’s first time watching the cruise, long after it ended, we remained sitting on the curb on Bridge Avenue. He loved watching the traffic go by, thinking it was all a big parade that never ended.

I have rarely missed the Big Island Rendezvous. As a child, we camped overnight at the state park. Now my son and I take the bus from the fairgrounds every year.

My son just graduated from my alma mater, Halverson Elementary School. He had great teachers, learned a lot and made good friends. I hope he will keep his Halverson friends into adulthood, just as I did mine.

Albert Lea wouldn’t be what it is without a dedicated community that works together. They keep our traditions alive while ensuring opportunities for enriching family experiences and lasting memories.

If that weren’t enough, members of our community continue to work hard to make Albert Lea even better. We now can enjoy music at Thursdays on Fountain, and children can cool off and have fun at the splash pad. The biggest hit of last summer for our family was Chapel Con. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who makes Albert Lea such a wonderful place to raise a family, keeps our traditions alive and helps instill a sense of pride in our community. For those of you who think Albert Lea can or should be even better, I challenge you to get involved and do just that. Make Albert Lea even better!

WHEN EVERYBODY IS AN OWNER

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Freeborn Lumber Co. | 917 Plaza Street W | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-377-4284