ALBERT LEA
MAY/JUNE 2018
magazine
An eye for
DESIGN GARDENING issue
LIVE YOUR LIFE OUTDOORS The deck life, where memories are made and where family and friends can relax. Freeborn Lumber Co. | 917 Plaza Street W | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-377-4284
EDITOR’S NOTE
Get out there and get your hands dirty
Editor Sarah Stultz lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Jason, and son, Landon. She loves interior decorating and gardening.
Every year in April I start getting antsy. Typically in April, the snow has melted, the perennials have begun breaking their way through the soil and some are even blooming. Though spring was slow to show its face this year, I still have had that same antsy feeling because I know it won’t be too long until I can get out into the dirt and plant my vegetable garden. I typically plant in mid- to late May, though there’s a few years that has extended into early June, depending on the weather. I gained my love of gardening from my father, who I remember gardening with as a child. As an adult up until this year, I have gardened in a community garden plot owned by the city because we haven’t had a house with a large back yard. I’ve gardened at all three of the different community garden locations over the years — on Spark Avenue, Margaretha Avenue and Brookside — with my favorite being Brookside. This year — because we moved into a new house last fall with a big backyard — we will be able to have a garden in our own yard, and I am thrilled. I know many others who enjoy gardening here in Albert Lea — whether it’s vegetable gardening or flower gardening. Because of this, we decided to have a gardening issue for Albert Lea Magazine, talking with seasoned gardeners who plant fruits and vegetables either at their own homes or in the community gardens like I did. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or one who is starting out, I think there is much that can be learned in this issue. And of course we can’t have a gardening issue without some amazing recipes for you to try out with your fresh produce. This summer, get out there and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the benefits — whether it’s relaxation, exercise or even a better mood. Though it is a lot of hard work, it’s a lot of fun, too! — Sarah Stultz
2 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers David Cheeks Linda Evenson Jessica Glassel Sarah Kocher Crystal Miller Michelle Nelson Emily Schmidt Carolyn Smith Sarah Stultz Sam Wilmes 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 MAY/JUNE 2018 Volume 6, Number 3 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.
Plan a weekend trip today!
## | ALBERT LEA | Spring 2013
Spring 2013 | ALBERT LEA | ##
ALBERT LEA | MAY/JUNE 2018
on the cover MAKING IT THEIR OWN Woman’s skills for design are on display in renovated town home.
40
features GROWING FOOD AND COMMUNITY
WATCH THEM GROW
Residents reap benefits of community gardens.
Family cultivates fresh produce, memories in backyard garden.
34
48
4 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
ALBERT LEA | MAY/JUNE 2018
contents
8
Seen 8
WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENTS
10
WINDSYNC
12
DRIVING MISS DAISY
14
TIGERS ROAR
17
LOCAL GARDENS
Departments
17
20
DAZZLE: GARDENING SUPPLIES
22
DIY: TERRARIUM
26
SAVOR: ZUCCHINI SUSHI
All the rest
20
30 54
BOOKS: GREAT READS
56
DIETITIAN’S DIGEST
60
EVENTS CALENDAR
64
WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA
LOOKING BACK
ALBERT LEA
MAY/JUNE 2018
magazine
26
On the cover: Cyndy Bartness stands in the kitchen of her remodeled home on Campus Lane.
M&S
OutdOOr EquipmEnt An eye for
DESIGN GARDENING issue
For the Precision Cut you Expect
519 Prospect Ave. • Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-7705 MAY/JUNE 2018 | 5
AllIEd HOME HEAltH, INC OffERS COMpREHENSIVE SERVICES tO INdIVIduAlS Of All AGES RANGING fROM pEdIAtRICS tO SENIORS
From Home Cleaning to Complex Skilled Nursing Services. Soon to come, NonEmergency Medical Transportation and Housing Options!
Traditional Home Health Services, Skilled and Private Duty Nursing, Traveling Health Care and Pediatric Services, Respite and Companionship Services, Hospice Support, Dementia Care, Home Health Aide and Homemaking/Chore Services, Nurse Consulting, Advocacy, Concierge and Navigation Services, Sick Child Care and Assisted Living/Housing with services.
COMING SOON!
Now accepting client names for potential residency at our upcoming Housing with Services locations in Albert Lea, MN.
CAll tOdAY fOR YOuR fREE CONSultAtION PHONE: (507) 668-4024 FAX: (507) 668-4023 WWW.ALLIEDHOMEHEALTHINC.COM
“It feels good to know I matter” speaks volumes to us at Allied Home Health, INC. We never want our Clients to feel as if they are just a number. You matter and we care!
- Victoria McGill, RN Administrator/CEO
SEEN | WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
1
2
3 (1) Caleb Gaudian and Sage Hintnaus (2) Suzie Marin and Robert Colace (3) Skyler Anderson and Darik Weigel (4) Taylor Nelson and Brad Weisenbeck (5) Jay Sipple and Nick Goslin (6) Makayla Vangen and Cody Darcy (7) Stephanie Beighley and Kaleb Ruehling
6 8 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
4
7
5
A.L. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
LOCAL EVENTS SUDOKU
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
HOMETOWN FORUM
DILBERT
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
SALE EVENTS AL BATT
COUPONS
CAMPUS NOTES BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
What’s on your doorstep?
To subscribe, call 507-379-3422
Assisted Living and Memory Care Helping Hands Built-in Oak Park Place features assisted living apartment homes with licensed nursing staff on call 24-hours. Planned activities and amenities are customized to individuals needs. A wide range of floor plans are available, from cozy studios to deluxe two-bedroom apartment homes. Secure memory care studio apartments available. To learn more about our Assisted Living and memory care options and to schedule a personal tour, Call (507) 373-5600 or visit albertleasales@oakparkplace.com.
Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.
ALBERT LEA: 1615 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.OakParkPlace.com MAY/JUNE 2018 | 9
SEEN | WINDSYNC
1
2
3
5
4
6 10 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
Many people from all around the area came to Albert Lea High School to watch WindSync on March 17. WindSync is a woodwind quintet featuring a flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. The band tours nationally and internationally featuring classic quintet numbers and new works by American composers. (1) Otto and Betty Volkert (2) Selma Engebretson and Gen Montei (3) Dorothy Killian and Tom and Elaine Trotman (4) Duane and Sonja Troe (5) Larry, and Mary Lahs, and Val and Woody Hestness (6) Jan Zehnder, Judy Menssen, Irma and Gerhard Kleih and Hildy Vallevand
SEEN | “DRIVING MISS DAISY”
1 Happy for That Theater Co. presented “Driving Miss Daisy” March 15-16 at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. The play spanned 25 years of a life. The audience met Daisy in her early 70s and saw her through her 90s. (1) Barb Lange and Bonita Moeller (2) Phyllis Hagen, Jean Amley and Katherine Tollefson (3) Allen and Tap Christensen (4) Cindy Golbuff and Mary Thompson (5) Steve Pflaum and Scott Golbuff (6) Pat Goldman and Liz Skov (7) Selma Engebretson and Gen Montei
2
3
5
6 12 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
7
4
Our supper club offers a varied menu including seafood, pasta, prime rib, steaks and burgers. Starfire also serves a vast array of red and white wine, tap and bottle beer. Starfire Grill Reservations:
507-833-8756
Starfire Grill Hours:
Tues & Wed: 4pm - 9pm Thurs: 4pm - 9pm Fri & Sat: 4pm - 10pm Sun: 9am - 1pm
The Starfire Event Center is a venue with a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. We can accomodate up to 400 people. We also have smaller venues available for you to rent for your event.
Club 57 is the life of the party. Club 57 was honored by Southern MN Scene Magazine as having the best beer selection in Southern Minnesota. The atmosphere is unmatched the dining room that seats 150 guests. For those who like to enjoy their meals and drinks, outside find your way to our patio. Club 57 Hours: Sunday: 11am-11pm Mon - Thurs: 3pm-11pm Friday: 3pm-1am Saturday: 11am-1am Phone: 507-833-4700
Enjoy our gourmet coffee, speciality coffee drinks (lattes, frappes, espressos and more) or delicious lunch Jonnie Beans Hours: 6am to 3pm Mon-Sat Phone: 507-833-7540
For more information or to book your next event Contact Mindy: 507-461-1387 or
mindyjohnson@wasecama.com
206 2nd Ave. SW, Waseca, MN | www.millerarmstrong.com
Follow us on
SEEN | TIGERS ROAR
1
2 At Tigers Roar, high schoolers hit the stage to celebrate talents showcased by instrumentalists, comedians, vocalists and dancers. Organizer Diane Heaney said this year’s Tigers Roar featured several new faces. The show, grouped under the theme “Fairy Tale Roar,” had 21 acts and ran March 22, 23 and 24. (1) Hailey, Sara and Kaidin Barnes (2) Kristine and Elisa Brink (3) Mary and Roger Jemming (4) Heather Robran, left, Lori Nelson, Kallie Thompson and Claire Robran, front (5) Paula Thomas and Jim Barkema (6) Collin, Wesley, Marcie and Caden Forman
3
4
5 14 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
6
7
8
9
10
11
(7) Karina and Everett Thompson (8) Ruth Lewis, left, Claire Lewis and Stephanie Redman (9) Kendall and Kristi Kenis (10) Holly, Rod and Linda Tovar (11) Evaristo and Alma Guerra (12) Adam, Lisa, Carter and Tanner Conn (13) Bridget, Danica and Cael Pestorious and Kelsey and Brittany Schreiber
12
13 MAY/JUNE 2018 | 15
P R ESEN T I NG
THE CLASS OF 2018 MAY 11
Riverland Community College, a member of Minnesota State, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission | ncahlc.org. Copyright Š 2018 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.
Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Online | riverland.edu
SEEN | LOCAL GARDENS
2
1 Gardeners throughout Albert Lea put a lot of work into their gardens, whether large or small. When Albert Lea Magazine asked readers to share some of their garden photos, they responded. Here are just a few of those submitted. (1) Submitted by Carol Hegel Lang (2) Submitted by Therese Claussen (3) Submitted by Rick Mammel (4) Submitted by Lou Jean Ingham (5) Submitted by Rick Mammel (6) Submitted by Beverly Hart (7) Submitted by Therese Claussen
3
4
6
5
7 MAY/JUNE 2018 | 17
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
18 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
On Fountain Lake
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
www.stjohnsofalbertlea .org MAY/JUNE 2018 | 19
DAZZLE | GARDENING SUPPLIES
BY CRYSTAL MILLER AND JESSICA GLASSEL
1
THINGS
YOU
DIDN’T KNOW
YOU
WANTED The Midwest winter has left us ready to get our hands dirty with gardening and yard work. Get energized for your work with some clever new tools and supplies.
2 3
1. Won’t kink under pressure | Flexzilla Garden Hose was engineered with a lightweight flexible hybrid polymer to lay flat and eliminate kinking under pressure. Exclusive SwivelGripTM redefines flexibility and uncoils effortlessly. Various lengths available. 50 feet 5/8 inches shown. Raleigh’s Ace Hardware, Albert Lea, $49.99 2. A gardener’s companion | Weeding will never be easier with the use of this tool to get to the root. But wait — there’s more. This uniquely designed multi-tool can also hammer, cut, saw, cut twine, open bottles, dig and measure. This Barebone Living Ultimate tool carries in a durable waxed canvas sheath. Raleigh’s Ace Hardware, Albert Lea, $49.99 3. Transform your deck | Grow flowers, vegetables and herbs on your deck or patio with this self-watering deck planter. The unique notched base fits two sizes of deck rails to enhance your outdoor setting. 27 by 12 inches. Albert Lea Seedhouse, Albert Lea, $29.99
20 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
4 7
5
6 4. Back-breaking jobs made easier | The Easy Shovel has a unique step-in-the-middle technology to make digging easier and more efficient. The wide grip handle allows for more torque while transferring the load from your spine to your shoulders. Easy and safe for gardeners of all ages, even children. Albert Lea Seedhouse. Albert Lea, $26.99 5. Handy meets high tech | This lightweight chainsaw is a big help with landscaping, featuring Easy2StartTM technology and quick chain adjuster. One pull and you’re ready to work, and no tools are necessary to adjust the chain. The MS 180 is incredibly easy to use, yet strong enough to keep up with your woodcutting chores. 16-inch chain, 6.1 pounds total weight. Raleigh’s Ace Hardware, Albert Lea, $239.95 6. Let’s get dirty | If you pray for rain, you have to deal with the mud. With durable rubber uppers and strong sturdy soles designed to step through practically any puddle, you’ll stay dry in even the most inclement of weather. These Western Chief rain boots are available in assorted styles and sizes. Bomgaars, Albert Lea, $32.99 7. Of course, you need another mason jar | There is no such thing as too many mason jars, and this piece is the icing on the cake as the biggest you can own. No crafting required. This swing top mason jar planter emulates a wide mouth mason jar. Made of terra cotta and available in rustic white, brown cream and dotted blue. 15 inches wide by 15 inches tall. Bomgaars, Albert Lea, $129.99 MAY/JUNE 2018 | 21
BY SARAH KOCHER
DIY | TERRARIUM
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS
INDOORS
What you will need: Glass container of your choice (If you’d like your terrarium to act like a greenhouse, mimicking Earth’s environment by creating condensation from the water that filters through the soil and rocks, choose a container that has a lid or uses only a small opening.) Rocks Activated charcoal Sterilized potting soil Small plants (succulents encouraged) Moss (optional)
For those who want to know that their carbon dioxide is being converted into oxygen inside the comfort of their own homes (or for those with an affinity for houseplants), your terrarium can serve as a small-scale indoor garden. It’s ideal for those who like a low-maintenance, living centerpiece or a little pop of green hanging around.
1
Start with a clean glass container. Add approximately an inch-worth of rocks to the bottom. The rocks help with soil drainage.
22 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
2
Top the layer of rocks with approximately 1/2 inch of charcoal. If you’d like conveniently powdered activated charcoal, consider ordering it online. For the impatient creatives, your best bet is to purchase activated charcoal capsules from the vitamin or pharmacy section and pull them open in true DIY fashion. Warning: this is both tedious and messy, so I would suggest doing this over newspaper. The activated charcoal acts as a filtration layer.
3
The next layer is your potting soil. I used potting soil aimed specifically for cacti and succulents, but you have options here. Fill your terrarium up to half full, and make sure to give your plants plenty of root space. It’s plant time! Make sure you allow your plants some room to breathe and grow when spacing.
4
It’s plant time! NASA Climate Kids recommends teasing the roots apart as you plant to remove some old soil and ensure the plants fit well in the terrarium.
5
Excavate little indentations for your plants and pat down the surface after they’ve been swaddled in soil. Be careful! Succulent leaves are hardy plants, but delicate when handled. If you use moss, this is the time to fill in space with that material. You can also add additional decorations.
6
Water your plants and place them in indirect light.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 23
SHOP DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA
find everything you need, locally
Sandals, Sandals & More Sandals We have What you need for this summer!
Albert Lea Art Center
Create, Educate, Promote & Showcase the arts
Become a Member Today! Several categories to choose from. Call us, visit our website or facebook page. Thanks for supporting ALAC!
129 South Broadway Ave Downtown Albert Lea (507) 373-6793
Check out our new website! Plymouthshoestore.com
Like us on Facebook!
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-2pm 507-373-5665 web: www.thealbertleaartcenter.org
226 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 facebook: Albert Lea Art Center
WILD LIFE Adventure Tree House
120 S. Washington Ave. 507-373-5469
122 S. Broadway Ave. Downtown Albert Lea 507.373.7746
Mon-Fri 4:30am-1pm Sat 4:30am-11am
Addie’s Floral & Gifts
507-377-2081 | 216 South Broadway | Downtown Albert Lea
WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED BANK Serving the Community Since 1926!
20% OFF
ANY REGULAR PRICED ITEM Excludes special orders. Expires 6/15/18
Flavor & Quality That
Make the Cut
Conger Meat Market Quality Meats All Locally Raised Two Locations to Choose From
Produce State Bank
146 William St. E doWntoWn albErt lEa and 100 William avE. congEr
• 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
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
Lake Superior Sentiments
Hand Crafted Lake Superior Stone Jewelry
Unique women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor. 144 S. Broadway Downtown Albert Lea 507-473-2111
Stones thoughtfully selected from the shores of Lake Superior
info@lakesuperiorsentiments.com Visit our Etsy Shop: Lakesentiments | www.lakesuperiorsentiments.com
Caring Hands Enhancing the quality of lives at home.
507-369-5701 204 S. Washington Ave., Suite 100 Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.embracehomecarellc.com
Larry
Arline
Georgia
Jeanne
Kathy
Kay
202 S. Broadway Albert Lea 507-373-3925
Celebrate NatioNal Nurses Week May 6-12th!
Don’t Overmedicate Your Symptoms US Patients consume 80% of the Global Opioid Supply Source from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Try Chiropractic First!
WeWe Carry & Redline RedlineBicycles Bicycles CarryRaleigh, Raleigh, Felt Felt &
WeWe Repair AllAllBrands BikeRental RentalAvailable Available Repair Brandsof of Bikes Bikes -- Bike
SHOFF CHIROPRACTIC Promoting Health & Wellness Since 1950
OpenOpen Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am-5:30 till7:00 7:00pm, pm,Sat. Sat. 9:00 am-3:00 Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am-5:30pm, pm,Thurs. 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 Dr. Christopher Shoff
Located in Historic Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-7054
Lisa Evans
2016
RealtoR®
2016
RE/MAX Properties 412 E William St. • Albert Lea, MN 507-461-3790 www.remax.com
ExquisitE food & finE winEs A first class dining establishment that reflects the influence of classic french & italian cuisine, and current California trends. we offer a diverse selection of over 100 imported & domestic wines. full cocktail service also available. we feature usdA Prime beef & fresh seafood open thursday, friday and saturday evenings at 5:30 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Regularly changing menu, see our website at www.cresendodining.com
507-377-2425
118 s. Broadway Ave, Albert Lea
Look your best for less New To You CONSIGNMENT
123 North Broadway | Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-0388 Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
SAVOR | ZUCCHINI SUSHI
BY SARAH STULTZ
A FRESH TAKE ON
SUSHI
Sarah Stultz enjoys cooking and likes checking out new recipes that she can use the vegetables she grows in her garden each year.
It seems like sushi is all the craze these days, so what better way to try it out then with lots of fresh vegetables this summer. Enjoy this colorful recipe as a fun appetizer for your summer parties, as a simple snack or on a quiet night of relaxation at home. It is crunchy and refreshing, and even has a little bit of a kick — thanks to the Sriracha.
Zucchini sushi Ingredients
2 medium zucchini 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon Sriracha 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 cup lump crab meat 1/2 carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
1/2 avocado, diced 1/2 cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
Using a vegetable peeler, slice each zucchini into thin flat strips, peeling until you reach the center. Place zucchini on paper towel-lined plate to sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Sriracha and lime juice. Mix until smooth. On a cutting board, lay zucchini slices down horizontally (so that the long side is facing you). Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top of zucchini, then top the left side with a pinch each of crab, carrots, avocado and cucumbers. Starting from the left side, tightly roll each zucchini slice. For an optional garnish, sprinkle with sesame seeds.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 27
Casual Outdoor Living 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
Amish made only at Brick Furniture of Albert Lea 225 Broadway Ave • 507-373-2514 28 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
contact Brenda Reed, Family Service Coordinator blreed@alchildrenscenter.org 507-373-7979
At New Richland Care Center we offer a physical/Occupational and Speech Therapy room, outdoor gazebo area, comfortable lounge areas, televisions and cable service in each resident room, a cheerful sun porch, and a large beautiful Chapel as well as both private and semiprivate resident rooms. Our team provides the following services: Administrative, Nursing, Social Services, Activities,
Culinary, Beautician/Barber, Environmental Services, Local van transportation, Chaplain, Volunteers, Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy. The Care Center team, comprised of the resident, staff and family members, work closely together to develop a plan of care that will be designed to meet the needs of the resident.
New Richland Care Center 312 1st St. NE, P.O. Box 477 | New Richland, MN 56072 507-465-3292 | www.newrichlandcarecenter.com
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 29
BOOKS | GREAT READS
BOOKS YOU
CAN’T
LIVE WITHOUT “Unbroken” By Laura Hillenbrand
Biographical nonfiction “Unbroken,” written by Laura Hillenbrand (author of “Seabiscuit”), is a novel chronicling the life of Louis Zamperini, from his time as a rambunctious youth to that of an Olympian and eventually as a prisoner of war during World War II. The young adult version of this popular novel includes pictures and documents tied to Louis’s life, adding additional interest for readers and making the story even more meaningful. Louis Zamperini was a boy growing up in an Italian family in California. He spent the majority of his young life getting into trouble and could never find something he liked enough to focus on. That is until his older brother, Pete, introduced him to running. This hobby led him to the U.S. Olympics in Berlin in 1936. He had big dreams, but it was all interrupted by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Zamperini became a member of the United States Air Force and continued running while on base in the Pacific until his plane went down. This began a period of 47 days in which Zamperini and two other men struggled to survive the harsh elements of being on a raft in the middle of the ocean: weather, sharks and Japanese air attacks. Eventually, Zamperini and one of the other men are rescued, but by the Japanese. They are made prisoners of war and suffer terribly in the hands of their captors. This story truly is one of a survivor and shows us how strong one’s will to live can really be.
Summer is a great time to get some reading done, whether you are sitting on a beach, the back porch or snuggled in bed. Reading with a high schooler is a wonderful time to bond and an opportunity to get to know one another better. To support summer reading, Albert Lea High School students are able to check out books over summer break. If a few books aren’t enough for you, make sure you check the school web page as there will be a day in July in which students can return books and check more out. These books are recommendations written by media specialist Jane Bute and English teachers Erin Brackey and Jennifer Henschel.
“Salt to the Sea” By Ruta Sepetys Historical fiction
Ruta Sepetys is an author who specializes in finding little moments in history that most people don’t know about and telling the stories of the people who lived them; “Salt to the Sea” is a prime example. This novel surrounds the story of a yacht turned German military vessel called “The Wilhelm Gustloff.” In 1945, it was sunk by the Russians in the Baltic Sea while carrying civilians who were trying to escape the advancing Russian (Red) Army. More people lost their lives during the sinking of this ship than that of the Titanic. In “Salt to the Sea,” Sepetys honestly portrays the lives of four teenagers trying to escape the brutal
30 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
reality of civilian life while caught between two military giants. Their stories are told in alternating perspectives where each of the characters takes turns narrating a chapter: Joanna is a young girl from Prussia, Florian is a Prussian art restorer, Emilia is a 15-year-old Polish girl who was raped by Russian soldiers and Alfred is a German who believes in Hitler’s propaganda. Each of these people are living with the nightmarish horrors inflicted upon refugees of World War II. They are all trying to reach the Baltic Sea and safety. “Salt to the Sea” is an award-winning novel that portrays the horror and brutality of war while also keeping in mind what is appropriate content for a young adult to read. This is one of the most popular books at Albert Lea High School.
6 READS YOU
SHOULDN’T MISS Realistic fiction:
“The Outsiders” By S.E. Hinton
“The Outsiders” is a classic book in which two groups of people fight to maintain their images. The Soc’s are the rich society kids who need to make sure everyone knows that they are the elite group. The Greasers are the kids who are living in poverty and fighting to survive, while holding tight to their dignity. Ponyboy and Johnny (Greasers) get into a deadly fight with a Soc with deadly results, so they must flee. Unlikely heroes are born in a tragedy that shakes everyone’s world and questions what makes someone a hero? This book was first published in 1967 but remains popular with young adults. Humor:
“Laura Ingalls is Ruining My Life” by Shelley Tougas
Charlotte Lake doesn’t like anything, according to her family. It’s not that she doesn’t like anything, it is just that her family moves a lot, and she has learned to be cautious about trusting anyone. When her mother decides to move the family to Walnut Grove, to write a book in the spirit of “Little House on the Prairie,” Charlotte is not happy and family ties are soon tested. The story follows Charlotte as she struggles making friends while her twin brother begins to put down roots and create his own identity. This novel explores family relationships, but also introduces historical tidbits tied to westward expansion and Minnesota settlers. Charlotte’s character grows as she faces many challenges, creating a story in which young adults can relate to their own experiences. It is not a laugh-out-loud humorous book, but Charlotte’s could make you smile.
Nonfiction:
“Dead Air: The Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit” By Beth Bednar
Early in the morning on June 27, 1995, local newswoman Jodi Huisentruit disappeared from her apartment building in Mason City. The case went cold and remains cold to this day. This book looks at multiple suspects and scenarios as to how someone could disappear so completely. This is a fabulous book with ties to our local community as Albert Lea is mentioned in conjunction with one of the theories of her disappearance. This book is written in a very easy-to-read format where the ideas and stories flow together. Steampunk: (mix of history/sci-fi/mystery):
“The Clockwork Scarab” (Stoker & Holmes series)
By Colleen Gleason Turn of the century Victorian England, with a touch of sci-fi, is a popular setting for Steampunk books, so add a pinch of mystery and you have a great adventure to follow. Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes are young ladies born into famous families who fight evil forces. Ms. Stoker hunts vampires and Ms. Holmes solves mysteries, but strangely, the two do not meet until they are called on to solve a baffling mystery. Since they are both quite smart and strong-willed, the pair struggle to trust each other at first. Young society girls are disappearing, so they must work together to investigate with only a strange Egyptian scarab as a clue. If you enjoy a good mystery, with two tough female protagonists and a few vampires to vanquish, this is a great dive into steampunk genre.
Sports fiction:
Dystopian:
“Deadline”
“Scythe”
By Chris Crutcher Ben Wolf is an 18-year-old senior from Trout, Idaho. He’s got some great ideas on how to make his senior year the best ever. About a month before school starts, Ben finds out he has a very strict deadline. He only has one year to live. He decides he doesn’t want to burden his family with the stress of a disease that has no cure. This cross country running superstar decides he is going to become a football start, get the town drunk to stop drinking and try to get the girl of his dreams to fall in love with him. How long is too long to wait to tell his family he is dying?
By Neal Shusterman Imagine a perfect world: a world where everyone is happy, has enough to eat, there is no war, no poverty, no disease. When people get old, they reset to whatever age they want to be. However, in this perfect world where life has no ending, there has to be a way to keep the world population under control. Scythes are commanded to kill people of their choice. Citra and Rowan are two teenagers who are chosen to be apprentice scythes even though neither wants to be one. What happens when scythes go bad? When they take pleasure in cruelty? Shusterman’s book is a masterpiece of creativity and social issues that will have you begging to read the sequel, “Thunderhead.” MAY/JUNE 2018 | 31
SUMMER YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR
EVENTS
June 9th – Summer Treasures Fest & Downtown Farmers Market June 22nd – Friday Night Out with music from the Mockingbirds June 30th – BRAM (Bike Ride Around Mitchell County) July 4th – 4th of July Parade, Town & Country BBQ & Mitchell Co. Farm Bureau’s 100th Anniversary Celebration July 13-15 – Ridiculous Days
July 20th – Friday Night Out with music from Jesse Allen August 1-5th – Mitchell County Fair August 11-12 – Cedar Valley Memories Power Show August 26th – Main to Main Marathon, ½ Marathon & 10k First Saturday of Month, June - September 8 a.m. – Noon – Downtown Farmers Market
SKIRT STEAK TACOS These tacos are so quick to throw together, and yet their flavor goes beyond their simplicity. They are sure to be a weeknight favorite.
30 mINS PREP 10 30 mINS COOK 8-10 TACOS Measure Ventura Foods Ingredient
2 tbsp
LouAna® Coconut Oil or LouAna® Organic Coconut Oil
Measure Other Ingredients
1 lb 1 tsp 1/2 tsp 8-10 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup
Skirt steak Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper Small corn totillas White onion, finely diced Cilantro, chopped Avocado, chopped Cotija or other favorite cheese
Lime wedges
919 East 14th Street • Albert Lea
507-373-2431
For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com
DIRECTIONS 1 Sprinkle the 1. pepper and minutes at Meanwhile, toppings.
steak with salt and allow to sit for 30 room temperature. prepare all the
2 After 30 minutes, add coconut oil 2. to a cast iron or favorite skillet and preheat over high heat until smoking slightly. Add steak and allow to cook, untouched, for 5 minutes on either side on medium. Allow to rest 15 minutes before dicing into 1/4- to 1/2-inch size pieces. 3 Warm corn tortillas on a flat-top 3. or in the oven. Top with chopped steak, sprinkle of onions, cilantro, avocado and cheese. Serve with a wedge of lime. Alternatively, serve beef and toppings at the table and let everyone build their own.
We Get It. Cele bra
rs a e ting 115 Y
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.
www.hillsgarden.com 2512 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-7253
Albert Lea Tribune MAY/JUNE 2018 | 33
GROWING FOOD AND
COMMUNITY City garden plots encourage good health, interaction with others Story by SAM WILMES Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON
34 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
T
hroughout his life, Albert Lea resident Steve Ball did not eat many vegetables. Today, thanks to community gardens in the city, Ball and other residents have found their passion in growing and eating fresh vegetables. Ball and fellow Albert Leans Peggy Havener and Nick Kruse garden in close proximity to each other at the Brookside community garden. Ball gardens a 20-by-40-foot space consisting of russet, red and purple potatoes; red and yellow onions; eight types of peppers, as well as tomatoes, carrots, peas, ground cherries and squash.
“
I enjoy the time down there. I didn’t eat vegetables, very few vegetables growing up, and I actually enjoy eating them now.” — Steve Ball
”
“I enjoy the time down there,” he said. “I didn’t eat vegetables, very few vegetables growing up, and I actually enjoy eating them now. The satisfaction of putting the seed in the ground and watching it grow, honestly.” In addition to Brookside, community gardens are also on Spark Avenue behind Lou-Rich and on Margaretha Avenue. The
Steve Ball gardens a 20-by-40-foot space consisting of russet, red and purple potatoes; red and yellow onions; eight types of peppers; as well as tomatoes, carrots, peas, ground cherries and squash.
introduction of those sites came with the advent of the Blue Zones Project in 2009. Ball said he enjoys gardening. “The satisfaction — you did it all,” he said. “I kept potatoes. I’ve got a lot of potatoes, and I put them in a 5-gallon bucket, and they were good until February.” Sometimes during the summer, Ball will go to the gardens in the afternoon, and he views the $20 nominal fee he pays as well worth the investment. Ball sometimes trades vegetables with other growers. “We’re always trading,” he said. “It’s an area to grow vegetables and fruits that are good for you, for one thing. It gives you a pretty big area.” Havener grows tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leeks and squash. Some years she grows spaghetti squash. She said she began gardening at Brookside when the Blue Zones Project began in 2009. Having a plot the first time turned into “the best thing for me,” Havener said. She sometimes gardens for hours at a time while listening to audio books. “It’s a very good time just to breathe and relax,” Havener said. “It’s just a very pleasant time.” Albert Lea Recreation Department Director Bob Furland said 51 people had plots last year at Brookside, along with 24 combined at Sparks and Margaretha locations. Furland, who used to operate a community garden, said they allow
Mike and Renee Lee decided to use community gardens about 10 years ago because of the insufficient soil at their residence. 36 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
Steve Ball, Peggy Havener and Mike Lee have been planting in Albert Lea community gardens for years.
Community gardens around Albert Lea have grown over the years.
Gardeners at the Brookside community gardens can rent 20-by-20-foot garden plots for the summer.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 37
users to eat healthy vegetables, socialize and exercise. The city typically sends letters to previous garden spot renters in February. They then have until March 31 to renew their lots. Brookside and Margaretha locations allow for 20-by-20-foot plots for $20. It is $15 to rent a 10-by-13 plot on Spark. Approved fertilizers and insecticides can be used. Herbicides are prohibited. Anyone interested in having a community garden is advised to call the city at 507-377-4370.
“
Health benefits of gardening
It’s socializing, being a part of community, and then also the fact they are eating healthy vegetables.
”
— Albert Lea recreation program supervisor Jennifer Davis
“It’s healthy for the community to be out doing things, meeting people out there,” Furland said. “It’s socializing, being a part of community, and then also the fact they are eating healthy vegetables,” said Albert Lea recreation program supervisor Jennifer Davis. “Typically, that’s good for their diet, I guess.” Albert Lea residents Mike and Renee Lee planned to have two plots this year at the Spark location. The couple comes from a long line of gardeners and spoke highly of the high-quality ground at the community garden at the Spark location. They decided to use community gardens about 10 years ago because of the insufficient soil at their residence. “I grew up on a farm, so it’s kind of getting back to my roots,” Mike Lee said.
36 11 30 percent
Amount gardening can lower the risk of dementia, according to AARP.
pounds
Average weight lost by women who garden, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The average is 16 pounds for men.
percent
Amount gardening can cut the risk of a heart attack or stroke and prolong life, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The couple grows tomatoes, potatoes, peas, peppers, onions, carrots and other items at their garden. Community gardens allow Mike Lee to pull weeds and enjoy the community atmosphere of the gardens. “I highly recommend gardening,” Renee Lee said. “I think it makes your happy factor go up.” AL
Gardens are tilled ahead of the season, and gardeners have access to water at all three community garden sites.
Bountiful begins here. Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 (across from Marketplace Foods)
377-2372
Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4
Thorne Crest
Senior Living Community
“Live longer & stay stronger!”
“Our programs improve fitness levels, mobility, balance and more!”
Over 25 flavors available! Ice Cream For Sale at The Color Wheel April 28th from 11:00am - 3:00pm
Place your orders for Mother’s Day!
R en
ee-Made
~ 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! 1201 Garfield Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-2311
I c e Cre a m
Renee Citsay 507-402-5664 Text or Call
Special Orders Only Contact for Pricing or Sizes
It’s not just homemade It’s ReneeMade
Thorne Crest Sen ior L i v i ng C om munit y
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.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 39
MAKING IT THEIR
OWN
Woman uses hard work, skills in design to remodel twin home Story by SARAH STULTZ Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON 40 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 41
E
very house Albert Lean Cyndy Bartness has ever lived in, she has remodeled. So it came as no surprise when she and her husband, Lynn, decided to purchase a house on Campus Lane last year that she would do the same there. “My background is I just re-do stuff all the time,” she said. “I’ve loved to do it.” The Bartnesses took possession of the house at 2810 Campus Lane, formerly owned by Herb and Barb Anderson, in June of last year. They said they sold their 5,000-square-foot house in Lake Mills — along with all of their old furniture — and moved into the the 2,000-square-foot twin home. Their old house, they said, was too large and had too big of a yard. “We were going to build a new house, but when I came here, I thought there’s something about it that’s right to me,” Cyndy Bartness said. They liked that the new house was on one level and that the yard was smaller — and the fact that it overlooks White Lake was a bonus. “When you get too much space you get too much stuff,” she said of the benefit of starting over in a new home. Before they bought it, however, she said she called a carpenter and asked if the home would still be structurally sound if they removed one of the walls separating the front entryway and the kitchen. Once that was approved, they moved forward with the purchase. After she and her husband bought the house, Cyndy Bartness said the carpenters couldn’t come for a month, so she started ripping out walls herself. She jokes the project went over well as she “didn’t get electrocuted and there wasn’t water squirting out anywhere.” Without the wall, the space is now open — from the front entryway to the kitchen, the living room and then the porch overlooking the lake. Hickory wood floors greet visitors from the front of the house to the back. “It has a nice, open feel,” she said. The kitchen was completed with the help of Broadway Home Design. A promoter of re-using when she can, she said the old cabinets have been renovated and are in other parts of the house, including the garage and bathroom. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, a double oven, two induction burners, a Galley sink and HanStone quartz countertops on the kitchen island. The appliances and televisions in the home came from Sorenson’s Appliance in Geneva. Cyndy Bartness said she used wood from a 150-year-old barn that belonged to the family farm of a friend’s husband, which had fallen down, as accents throughout the house. There are wood beams along the ceiling in the kitchen where the wall was taken down, framing on 42 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
Cyndy and Lynn Bartness bought their house on Campus Lane in Albert Lea last June and have since renovated it.
Cyndy Bartness did the stonework on the fireplace in the living room.
This area in between the kitchen and the living room is dedicated to the three Cs, according to Cyndy Bartness — candy, cocktails and coffee.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 43
the wooden countertops underneath the cabinets and in other locations throughout the house. The same wood is used for their fireplace mantel and as an accent with a piece of art on the wall. She power-washed the wood and said she purposely left some of the imperfections in it. Her handyman, Ruben Falcon, used some of the wood to make a sofa table. He also made sliding barn doors and installed them.
“ ”
The Bartness’ bedroom overlooks White Lake.
We really enjoy the area, the neighbors. — Lynn Bartness
Cyndy Bartness said they had a large dining room in their old house but only sat in there a couple times a year. Instead of having a dining room that would go unused at their new house, they said they wanted to have a large island with a big counter, where their guests can be seated around the island while she cooks and entertains. One feature in the island that accommodates the entertaining is a space she can either fill with ice and drinks when entertaining, insert a custom-made fireplace or otherwise grow wheat grass. There is also a bar area with a separate refrigerator for drinks, where the Bartnesses can set each shelf to a different temperature and a space for growing herbs. Cyndy Bartness joked it was her area for cocktails, coffee and candy. In the living room, she renovated the fireplace, adding new stacked stone and a wood mantel. The master bedroom is painted a light shade of blue, which provides a calming feel, and one wall she painted birch branches on. She has also renovated one of the bathrooms and is working on
The rooms along the back of the house all boast expansive views of White Lake. 44 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
the second. When asked about her style, she described it as contemporary, with “a little bit of everything.” She joked that while her husband has many talents, construction isn’t one of them. “It’s better if I just stay out of the way,” Lynn Bartness said with a laugh. “Cyndy, for sure, is the designer and did a wonderful job on detail.” He said he and his wife enjoy their new neighborhood. Lynn Bartness, who has worked for Cafourek Insurance in Albert Lea for 34 years, said he and his wife were already familiar with the city but are enjoying the recreational opportunities available here now. AL
A tray cutout with a drain inside of it by the kitchen sink can house wheat grass Cyndy Bartness is growing, ice for drinks during parties and a fireplace.
Prompt and Courteous Service Exclusive Warranties FREE Consultation
Rows of herbs sit on shelves in the corner of the Bartness’ kitchen.
Want a fresh new look for spring?
FREE Installation
Your Only Locally Owned and Operated Blind Professionals
507-373-8535
Toll Free 1-877-373-8535 sales@coolwindowshades.com
310 1st Ave S Albert Lea, MN www.budgetblinds.com MAY/JUNE 2018 | 45
3.79%
APR on loans up to 72 months, secured by a titled vehicle including classic/collector cars, with minimum advance of $7,500.
430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea 507-377-1616 • www.unitedecu.com
46 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
There’s Always Something New at Skyline Plaza
Attending a special event?
Shop Boutique Etcetera For the Look You'll Love
ETC Etcetera Tanning & Clothing
Boutique
507-377-TANS (8267) 1663 W. Main Skyline Plaza
Celebrating 49 Years of Service to Our Community! Day Trips, Billiards, Bingo, Yoga, Aerobics, Bone Builders, Zumba Gold, Support Groups, 500/Bridge, Computers, Red Hat Society, Monthly Newsletters and More! $30 Annual Membership Fee Monday 8-12p.m., Tues.-Fri. 8:30-4:30p.m.
Albert Lea Senior Citizen Center
373-0704
1739 W. Main, Albert Lea, MN
Albert leA brIDe
American. Hearing. Excellence.
Skyline Plaza 1701 W Main St • Albert Lea Call us today (507) 369-2063
ALBERT LEA BRIDE Friday, January 13, 2017
ALBERT LEA BRIDE Friday, September 23, 2016
Real weddings • Local couples Modern Inspiration A must-have
wedding to-do list
20
interview questions for a photographer
Local couple share their
Wedding Day memories
Look for new issues every January, May and September. MAY/JUNE 2018 | 47
WATCH THEM
GROW
Parents, boys cultivate fresh produce, family memories in backyard garden Story by SARAH KOCHER Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON
48 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 49
T
here’s a direct line of site from the backyard garden through a window to the wall where the Levisens have a print hanging in their home. It’s created around a quote by Iowa-born writer Brian Andreas: “There are things you do because they feel right and they make no sense and they make no money and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other and to eat each other’s cooking and say it was good.” Back out the window are the raised garden beds Jennifer, Jens, Anders and Dag Levisen tend together, which they plant as a salad garden, Jennifer Levisen said — with cherry tomatoes, onions, herbs and sugar snap peas. Jens Levisen grew up with gardening parents. “I think that as a kid, I just took it for granted, the fresh produce,” he said. Their own garden was started in part due to “a taste consideration.” It’s something they are passing on to their
Jens Levisen’s father made Anders his own garden box, which he has enjoyed picking tomatoes out of, as seen in this picture provided by Jennifer Levisen.
“
Both boys like to get out and get in the mud ... once (the starter seeds are) ready to get out and be planted, both boys like to help just get in the mud and get everything all wet and gross and muddy. Both boys really enjoy that.
Dag, the Levisens’ youngest son, is just starting to be introduced to planting and gardening.
50 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
— Jennifer Levisen
”
Anders and Jens Levisen use a pencil to make holes in pods to plant seeds in.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 51
two sons, Anders, 6, and Dag, 3. “(Anders is) very aware of what a tomato should taste like,” Jennifer Levisen said. She also suspects the gardening has something to do with their boys’ adventurousness in trying things grown in their backyard and in their grandparents’ garden. “I think it’s totally the process, because they won’t eat the cherry tomatoes from the grocery store,” she said. But in addition to the fresh produce, the garden is a chance for the boys to see their dad get excited about things, to do something as a family and to spend time outside. When the weather is nice, the group will eat out back on the backyard patio. “We spend a lot of time surrounded by our garden,” Jennifer Levisen said. Their two boys have grown up using that time to check progress, she said. Now, Anders Levisen has his own garden, also in a raised bed in the backyard. Jens Levisen’s father — Anders’ grandfather — built it for him when Anders was around 4 years old. It’s a place for the boy to have a different role in the fruits of his labor: plant selection.
And fruits is what Anders Levisen wants. The first thing he wanted to grow was apples, Jens Levisen said, but the family settled on strawberries, supplemented with cherry tomatoes and carrots. The strawberries don’t last from year to year in the raised
“ ” I think that as a kid, I just took it for granted, the fresh produce. — Jens Levisen
bed because the plant freezes out in the winter, Jens Levisen said, but Anders Levisen said he wants to give it a go again this year.
In this photo provided by Jennifer Levisen, Dag and Anders check the progress of their plants with their dad, Jens, last year.
“And that’s why I have my own little garden — to plant whatever I want and wherever I want it to be,” Anders Levisen said. Jens Levisen said the family tries to garden only things they know they will eat when it is ready, as the family doesn’t can or preserve. They don’t have the soil for an in-ground garden, so they do their growing in beds that are 2 or 3 feet off the ground. “It’s been a great use of our yard,” Jennifer Levisen said. According to Jennifer Levisen, the garden provides an opportunity to see a project through to the end, and to see the results of that project: something that, as adults, doesn’t always happen. “With gardening you’re responsible from start to finish,” she said. That, and it is a little bit of fun along the way. “Both boys like to get out and get in the mud ... once (the starter seeds are) ready to get out and be planted, both boys like to help just get in the mud and get everything all wet and gross and muddy,” Jennifer Levisen said. “Both boys really enjoy that.” AL
Bruschetta Fresh tomatoes Fresh basil Fresh garlic Olive oil Salt and pepper
Chop the tomatoes and basil. Finely chop the garlic and mix it with the tomatoes and basil. Add olive oil to coat the mixture, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the bruschetta sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving. A note from Jennifer Levisen: If you would like your bruschetta to be a little less soupy, don’t include the tomato seeds, where the tomato tends to be more mushy and liquid. Levisen said this choice is purely personal preference; she recommends it either way.
Gardening tips from the Levisen family: • Start with something you know you will want to eat, Jens Levisen recommended. Grow something you are familiar with. • Keep the quantities reasonable for what you and your family can eat. “When produce is ready, it’s ready,” Jennifer Levisen said. • Use your resources. Ask someone who is growing it. Jens Levisen said he has found people at the community garden willing to share about what they’re growing and how. There are also businesses in town with employees who will have expertise to share.
minutes, stirring halfway through. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Gently toss tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt in large bowl. Transfer to colander and set over bowl; set aside to drain for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally. Whisk remaining 6 tablespoons oil, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into reserved tomato juices. Add bread pieces, toss to coat and let stand for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally. Add tomatoes, cucumber, shallot and basil to bowl with bread pieces and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Italian Bread Salad (Panzanella)
Recipe from America’s Test Kitchen Serves 4 6 cups rustic Italian or French bread, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces (1/2 to 1 pound) 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced thin 1 shallot, sliced thin 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil The success of this recipe depends on ripe, in-season tomatoes and a fruity, high-quality olive oil. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss bread pieces with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt; arrange bread in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Toast bread pieces until just starting to turn light golden, 15 to 20
One of the recipes the Levisens like to make with their summer gardening harvest is bruschetta.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 53
LOOKING BACK | FARMERS MARKET
Described as the most attractive booth at the street fair, the Potato Palace was designed by Will Jensen. It was displayed in front of Nelson Brothers at 244 S. Broadway.
ALBERT LEA STREET FAIR FEATURED ARRAY OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES By LINDA EVENSON Photos courtesy FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM In 1899, Albert Lea celebrated with a street fair on Broadway. The purpose was to give farmers an opportunity to display their produce. Artistic booths were constructed in front of the businesses and stores. Nearly 40 exhibit booths lined both sides of Broadway. The booths featured an array of fruits and vegetables: potatoes, beets, mangel wurtzels, sugar beets, pumpkins, squash, melons, onions, turnips, rutabagas, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, parsnips, beans, apples, grapes and plums. Area merchants provided premiums for the best in each category. A prize of $3 for the largest and heaviest head of cabbage went to C. F. Lund. The best peck of yellow onions 54 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
belonged to C. L. Hill. An award of $7 in merchandise was given to Peter Hanson for the largest pumpkin. George Jennings won first prize for the best Concord grapes. Best half peck of plums was awarded to Frank Sipple with $3 in a merchandise prize. Many premiums for fruits and vegetables were awarded during the festivities. People were entertained at the street fair by area musicians, bicycle races, foot races, firemen hose team races and baseball games. The street fair colors of red, yellow and green were prevalent. Streamers, flags, lanterns and strings of colored electric lights hung from every possible location added to the festive atmosphere.
Simon Strauss provided the premiums for the best in the cabbages class. The exhibit displayed cabbages on a pyramid of evergreens and stood in front of Strauss Clothing, 132 S. Broadway.
The 1899 street fair featured displays of fruits and vegetables on South Broadway. In the background, is the Opera House and the Case Corset factory at the East Clark Street intersection.
Apples populated this exhibit booth near D. Hurd & Sons Grocery store, 140 S. Broadway.
Gage, Hayden & Co. (Big 4) hosted the pumpkin and corn exhibit in front of their building at 225 S. Broadway.
Squash was featured in the booth outside Skinner Mercantile Co. at 144 S. Broadway.
MAY/JUNE 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.
Want to be healthier? Eat more fruits and veggies
With warmer months comes an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables — from a variety of seasonal produce in the grocery stores and farmers markets to growing your own at home in the garden. This is the perfect time of year to eat more of these healthy foods. Not only do they add fresh taste to your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables greatly benefit your health. May reduce risk of chronic diseases. Evidence continues to build that a diet higher in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease. Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients found in produce not only help you to feel your best now, but also have potential for preventing or delaying certain diseases and medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Improved digestion. Bowel regularity partially depends on fruit and vegetable intake. If you have issues with digestion, increasing your intake of these foods may help. Other foods that are high in fiber — whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds — can also aid in digestion. Beneficial for weight management. In addition to aiding digestion, fiber is very filling. Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate, which means it doesn’t provide calories. In excess, calories are what can contribute to weight gain. Weight loss is easier to achieve when you eat more fruits and vegetables due to their low calorie content. One 56 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
common myth is that fruit causes weight gain and is high in calories. Although fruit does contain natural sugar, there is still a large amount of fiber and other nutrients that make it not as much of a concern compared to added sugar. Additionally, the sugar in fruit does not necessarily mean a high calorie amount. For instance, one cup of berries is around 50 calories, compared to around 200 calories for one cup of pasta. Colorful and delicious addition to meals and snacks. Beyond the health benefits, fruits and veggies also provide great balance to your meals and snacks with various colors, textures and tastes. Aim to eat the rainbow and buy or grow many different colors of produce. Everything from white cauliflower, onions and potatoes to purple eggplant and green spinach and asparagus provide great sources of nutrients. Each color group of these plantbased foods has different beneficial properties, so it is important to rotate the colors you eat. I encourage you to try new fruits and vegetables this summer and make sure to incorporate them in different ways. Eat them raw, either plain, with dips or in fresh salads. Steam, bake or grill vegetables or fruit, like pineapple, to preserve nutrients and optimize fiber intake. Whether you’re aiming for fresh, frozen or canned (no salt added), it’s hard to go wrong with fruits and vegetables of any kind.
HEALTH & FITNESS | BY DAVID CHEEKS
David Cheeks is the youth, fitness and aquatics director at the Albert Lea Family Y.
6 strategies to achieve 6-pack abs and a lean body
1. Look to lose body fat, not weight. Muscle is absolutely essential for maintaining basal metabolic rate. Basal metabolic rate accounts for over two-thirds of the calories burned at rest, and more than half of BMR can be accounted for by the amount of muscle a person has. Loss of muscle will make it hard to burn calories and hard to maintain or achieve a lean body. 2. Eat more fat Healthy fats are an essential part of our dietary requirements. Fat is also essential for maintaining a healthy hormone balance and is largely involved in our skin and hair health. Plus, fat keeps us fuller for longer. That said, not all fat is created equal. Try to avoid typically fatty foods like fast food, hamburgers and fried foods. Instead, opt for healthy sources of fat like avocados, olives, fish, nuts and seeds. 3. Increase vegetable consumption Vegetables are nutrient-dense, meaning they pack maximum nutritional value with minimal calories, leaving you more full on fewer calories. Consume five servings a day of veggies, whether as a snack, on a sandwich or on the side of a chicken breast. Order your next meal with fresh vegetables instead of fries. 4. Sleep longer Studies have shown that inadequate sleep affects our ability to lose body fat by up to 55 percent. There are many reasons to sleep longer, including better muscle recovery and less stress. The
most influential factor appears to be the presence of a hormone called ghrelin, which is triggered by a lack of sleep. An increased level of ghrelin causes us to be hungrier and reduce our energy expenditure. We’re also more likely to make bad food choices when fatigued. 5. Avoid stress Stress is extremely detrimental to our health; it should be avoided at all costs. Stress releases cortisol, which makes you unmotivated and fatigued for workouts and also has an extremely detrimental effect on other hormone levels — hardly ideal for fat loss. Of course, stress isn’t always something that you can control. 6. Focus on heavy strength training It is an error for treadmills, cross trainers and rowers to be the main focus of a fat-loss training plan. The real focus should be on strength training. Utilizing big compound lifts should be your priority when seeking fat loss. Low rep ranges (three to eight reps) instruct your body to maintain your existing muscle mass even when you’re operating on a calorie deficit. This kind of training also raises your metabolism, increases your lean mass and keeps your hormones at optimal levels. Tracking your strength training workouts help give you a good idea of how successfully you are at targeting your fat stores. If you can’t make strength gains or maintain your strength you had when you started your fat loss plan, that’s a pretty sure sign that you are losing your muscle mass and need to address your nutritional intake. MAY/JUNE 2018 | 57
FINANCES | BY EDWARD JONES
ADVERTISEMENT CONTENT
Questions to ask before taking Social Security Social Security can be an important part of your retirement income. So, before you start making decisions about your payments, you’ll want to know what questions to ask. Here are a few to consider: How soon can I start collecting Social Security? You can begin receiving Social Security as early as age 62. However, your payments, as well as the survivor benefits payable to your spouse, will be significantly lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely to be between 66 and 67. Can I wait until I’m past full retirement age to begin collecting payments? Yes. Your monthly benefits will continue to rise until you reach 70, at which point they will max out. Which is better: taking smaller payments for more years, or larger payments for fewer years? There’s no simple answer to this question. If you are in good health and have a family history of longevity, you may decide it’s worth your while to wait as long as possible before collecting benefits. Also, if you enjoy working and don’t immediately need the Social Security payments, you may choose to wait. On the other hand, if your health is questionable, or if you would rather retire than continue working, you might want to start taking payments earlier. And, of course, if you simply need the money to help support yourself, you may not be able to wait. Additionally, don’t forget potential implications for your spouse. Since the survivor benefit is based on the size of your retirement benefit, it may make sense to delay and maximize your retirement benefit, which could help provide the maximum benefit
58 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
for your surviving spouse. If I’m still employed when I begin taking Social Security, will my monthly checks be reduced? If you’re working, and you start collecting benefits before you reach full retirement age, your payments could be reduced if you earn more than the Social Security earnings limits, which are adjusted each year. Once you pass your full retirement age, though, you can earn as much as you like without having your payments reduced (although they could still be taxed). Will I be taxed on my Social Security benefits? Social Security benefits can be taxable at any age, whether you’re employed or not. To understand your tax liability, consult with your tax advisor. Can I claim Social Security benefits based on my spouse’s earnings? Yes, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings and Social Security record. This benefit is available if your full retirement benefit is less than half of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. The spousal benefit is only available if your spouse has already filed for benefits. These aren’t all the questions you may need to ask about Social Security, but they can give you a good idea of what you should know before taking action. So, take your time, get the professional advice you need and make the right choices. You’ve contributed to Social Security your entire working life, so you’ve earned the right to maximize your benefits. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.
ADVERTISEMENT CONTENT
HEALTHY PETS | BY MICHELLE NELSON
Michelle Nelson is the owner of The Pet Authority in Albert Lea.
Will you survive or thrive — the choice is all yours
A myriad of health problems stem from the foods our pets eat on a daily basis. From obesity, arthritis and diabetes to dental disease, cancer and allergies, our pets are what they eat. Our pets, dogs and cats alike, are carnivores by nature. Their teeth are designed to rip and shred their food. They have a short digestive tract that is designed to quickly break down raw meat. They are scavengers that would have eaten a different protein each meal, duck, pheasant, venison, chicken, etc. Basically 99 percent of their time on earth has been spent eating what we call an “ancestral diet” and now we are feeding them a processed-dry kibble. By evidence of the exponential increase in health-related issues in our pets, we can easily come to the conclusion that this new, “Convenient for the owners” dry kibble diet is not beneficial for our pets. As pet owners, we are responsible for what our pets eat — they unfortunately do not get to choose. I realize every pet owner is not ready to revert back to an ancestral diet, but every pet owner does have the ability to analyze what is in the bag of dry food they are giving to their pets and make better choices. There is a huge difference in the quality of dry kibble on the market today. Nearly all dry foods meet the nutritional requirements according to AAFCO standards (the guys who make the rules), but many pet food companies do so with sub-standard quality and potentially toxic ingredients, causing both short- and long-term consequences. Here are some things to look at if you are feeding a dry kibble to your pets. 1. Chemicals and preservatives: Bad — Ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, BHA and BHT (studies show to cause kidney and liver failure); good — Vitamin E, mixed with tocopherols or no preservatives.
2. Food dyes: Bad — Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6 (result in behavioral issues and cancer); good - Dyes from vegetables 3. Ingredients: Bad — Meat meals, meat and bone meal, byproducts, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat and soy flour; good — whole meats (chicken, beef, turkey, salmon), organ meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, chickpeas, sweet potato. (These are the most commonly seen ingredients) Did you know that the majority of dry kibble is 50 percent carbs? Did you know that neither dogs nor cats have any dietary requirement for carbohydrates? Unfortunately it is impossible to make a dry food without using carbohydrates, so we need to at least look at minimizing the amount of carbs and using lower-glycemic carb options, like peas and lentils. Here is a simple formula to figure out the carbs in your pets food: 100 percent minus protein percent minus fat percent minus moisture percent minus ash percent (use 6 to 8 percent) equals carbs. For those of you who decide you want to feed a diet that more resembles our pets’ ancestral diet, it really is much more simple than you may think. As a former dry kibble feeder myself, I started out by top-dressing a little bit of raw on Reggie’s food here and there. Eventually I worked my way up to one meal of raw and one meal of dry each day. The changes I saw in his energy, his coat, his teeth — and then there was his sheer disappointment when I fed him dry instead of the raw — I eventually made the change to a full raw diet and have not regretted making that change since. Remember, you decide what your pet eats everyday. You ultimately are in control of what affects her overall health the most. Your pets are what they eat, are they going to thrive or just survive — the choice is yours.
Does your pet suffer from food allergies, have a dull, flaky coat, or is always overweight no matter what you do? Your pets are Carnivores by nature, making Raw the Perfect Diet 100% Complete & Balanced, Just Thaw and Serve...It’s that EASY!
“Paws Down, Raw Wins!”
Benefits When Feeding Raw Shinier, Healthier Skin & Coat Strengthened Immune System Reduction of Allergy Symptoms Cleaner Teeth and Fresh Breath Better Weight Control Increased Mobility in Older Pets Improved Digestion Harder, Smaller, Less Smelly Stools
RAW FEEDING EXPERTS
“9 year Raw Diet Eater”
2014 E. Main, Albert Lea
507-373-2505
www.thepetauthority.co MAY/JUNE 2018 | 59
EVENTS CALENDAR MAY
MAY
5
25
RUN LIKE HELL — AMERICA’S PREMIER PINK FLOYD SHOW When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $25 More info: Back by popular request, this Minnesota band is a group of six accomplished vocalists and musicians who meticulously recreate the sound and visual show of Pink Floyd. Relive all the hits from classic albums, such as “Dark Side of the Moon,” “The Wall,” “Animals,” “Wish You Were Here” and others.
ZENON DANCE COMPANY When: 7 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students
MAY
24
13TH ANNUAL THORNE CREST CLASSIC CAR SHOW When: 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Cost: Free More info: In addition to the car show, there will be free entertainment and activities. Bruno’s corn dogs and treats will be available for purchase. Parking of classic cars will begin at 2:30 p.m. Gift bags will be handed out for the first 100 cars. For more information, call 373-2311.
More info: Since its first performance in 1983, Zenon Dance Co. has grown to be one of the nation’s premier contemporary dance companies. Celebrating the innovative works of American choreographers, Zenon commissions and performs both modern and jazz works created by emerging New York and Twin Cities choreographers, as well as internationally renowned masters.
MAY
31
JUNE
7, 14, 21, 28 THURSDAYS ON FOUNTAIN
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. each Thursday in the summer. Where: Fountain Lake Park Cost: Free More info: Returning a second year, Thursdays on Fountain offers free entertainment each week at Fountain Lake Park in an event organized by the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department and the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Community Boathouse will bring in equipment such as canoes and kayaks once a month for people to use. 60 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
JUNE
22
H2WHOA! When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Where: Wedgewood Park Cost: Free More info.: Head over to Wedgewood Park to slip and slide on a huge slip’n’ slide in this event hosted by the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department.
JUNE
9
EDDIE COCHRAN WEEKEND CAR SHOW AND CRUISE When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. car show, 4 p.m. cruise Where: downtown Albert Lea on Broadway Cost: free to spectators, $10 to enter a car More info: This will be the 32nd annual Eddie Cochran Weekend car show. The event invites classic car enthusiasts to display their vehicles for a chance to win several awards. Events begin the night before, on June 8, with a cruise-in social at 6 p.m. at Country Inn & Suites.
JUNE
20
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Broadway in downtown Albert Lea Cost: Free 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. People interested in participating in Wind Down Wednesday as a vendor, artist, entertainer or volunteer should visit www. winddownwednesday.com or email wdw. albertlea@gmail.com.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | 61
Come meet the
great community of
CrossFit InnerDrive
and give it a try!
DESIRE DISCIPLINE DRIVE Experience the InnerDrive difference... and try a FREE class! www.crossfitinnerdrive.com | 2610 YH Hanson Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007
BREATHE. Laser Therapy helps
YOU quit in 3 sessions…Or your money back. DOW CHIROPRACTIC Natural Health Clinic 152 East Pearl Street • dowchiro.com CALL TODAY! 507.451.1691
PARTING SHOT
Lens and Shutter Club member Alison Witter of Albert Lea took this photo in June 2017 of a lighthouse on Gasparilla Island in Florida.
WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA | BY CAROLYN SMITH
Why I
L Albert Lea Carolyn Smith is the retired director of the STARS mentoring program, regularly volunteers and is involved with numerous other organizations in the community. Driving southbound on Interstate 35 from Minneapolis/St. Paul, I breathe a sigh of relief. Around Lakeville, traffic thins, and I release my vice grip on the steering wheel and then turn on the radio. I am on my way home. I love to visit the Twin Cities with all its entertainment opportunities — shopping, sports, theater and especially my two youngest grandsons — but I wouldn’t want to live there. For me, Albert Lea provides a sense of calm, comfort and community. I’m proud to take my visitors around town. The lakes are beautiful. I love the leaves of fall, the icehouses, the flowering trees of spring and the farmers market. Our well-groomed parks and walking trails give us places to enjoy the outdoors and stay healthy. I enjoy the charming downtown and say thanks to all those who make it inviting and enjoyable for residents and visitors. I’m really looking forward to the beautiful hanging flowers along Broadway this summer. Shopping wise, we can get almost anything we need right here. I really enjoy the increasing diversity of the people in our community. I like meeting people from different cultures and learning about their lives. I think we grow as people by embracing and honoring our differences and recognizing our many commonalities. One advantage of living here is that my adult children and their 64 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
families live within a two-hour drive, which I consider a perfect distance — close enough that we can enjoy and be there to help each other, but far enough that I’m not meddling in their lives. I’ve got friends here. Good friends are worth so much. We care about each other and help each other when needed. I can’t imagine going somewhere and starting over in the friendship department. I’d want to bring them all with me. I never lack for things to do in Albert Lea. My church is a big part of my life here and gives me opportunities for spiritual growth. My friends and I like to go to movies, cook for each other, play games, walk and they are trying to get me on a bike. I’m thinking about it. We eat out a lot. You can get just about anything here — except Italian. Could someone please bring in an Italian restaurant? Albert Lea is not without its challenges. A drive around town reveals that we have the same poverty here that other communities face, and with poverty comes discontent. We need to keep addressing the issues of food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, transportation and our current health care provider concerns. Many are addressing these issues, but also many of us are complacent. We can do better! Thankfully, Albert Lea has a wealth of volunteer opportunities. The opportunities I have embraced have greatly enriched my life, and I encourage everyone to find some way to be part of the answer. Choosing Albert Lea for my retirement years was the right thing to do. It’s where my church is, it’s where my friends are and it’s where my heart is.