Albert Lea March/April 2016 by Albert Lea Tribune

ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

march/april 2016

ways to exercise with your children

Balance: how to find it as a

busy mom VOL. 4 NO. 2

march/april 2016

couple enjoys life on the

lake

ith something as important and lasting as a new kitchen or bath, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart to do business with someone right here in our community who will stand behind their work. And you expect American-made, lifetime-warranty quality. Showplace cabinetry from Freeborn Lumber offers both.

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

FUN

We sell

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2120 Consul St., Albert Lea | 507-373-9000 www.northstarpowersports.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s an ongoing battle for balance as a mom

Editor Sarah Stultz colors with her two children, Landon, 4, and Sophie, 8.

Got ideas?

This is our fourth year! We at Albert Lea magazine want to hear what you think, and we need your brightest ideas for coming issues. Favorite musicians? Finest artists? Goofiest pranksters? Best storytellers? Local nightlife? We are openminded. Call Sarah Stultz at 3793433. Feel free to write a letter, too. Our address is on the right.

I’ll be the first to tell you that being a mom isn’t easy. As a married mother of two with a full-time job, a house to clean and other responsibilities to do in the community, sometimes it seems like there simply isn’t enough time in the day to get it all done. As soon as I seem to get a grasp on one part of parenting or on a job duty, I am surprised with a new challenge. While most of the time I enjoy the challenge, I’m always curious to learn from other moms who have gone through something similar. What tips do you have for finding balance in life? How do you get it all done and get it done to the best of your ability? And how do you become OK with doing your best, even if that is not perfect? I’m sure I’m not alone in this quandary, and for that reason and others, we set out to feature two mothers in this issue who lead equally busy lives and who are examples of being strong mothers and women. The two women we featured are making a difference — not only in their children’s lives, but in the community as well. This issue features public accountant Heather Benda, mother of two children, and stay-at-home mother Angie Johnston, who has three boys. We hope their examples can give other mothers, including myself, some inspiration — not only on how simply to get through all of the responsibilities but how to get through it all while always making sure your children know you love them, too. If you’re not a mother, we hope you can still learn from these two women’s examples, as we live in a fastpaced society these days and it is still important to achieve a balance in life. In addition to these two features, in this issue you will see a sneak peak of Albert Lean Sarah Hensley’s home on Lakeview Boulevard, which was built in the 1930s and has since been renovated. Along with that, Angie DenHerder of Hollandale teaches how to make a decorative banner to dress up your laundry room in our DIY story. You will see a few changes, as well, including a recipe feature from Amy Gauthier, who will rotate issues with longstanding recipe writer Jennifer Levisen. New in this issue we also have started a column called “Why I love Albert Lea,” in which a different person in the community will highlight why he or she chooses to live here. We hope you find this issue helpful, and, as always, please let us know if you have any ideas for the future. — Sarah Stultz

2 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Publisher Crystal Miller Editorial Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Kathy Johnson Crystal Miller Michelle Nelson Troy Irvine Sarah Stultz Sam Wilmes Kelly Wassenberg Contributing Photographers Colleen Harrison Sarah Stultz Crystal Miller Art Art Director Kathy Johnson Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Kelly Besco Michele Beyer Renee Citsay Angie Hoffman march/april 2016 Volume 4, Number 2 Editorial correspondence: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Online: albertleamagazine.com or facebook.com/ albertleamagazine © 2016 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.

OUR CONTENT. YOUR WAY.

www.albertleatribune.com

on the cover

ALBERT LEA â&#x20AC;ş march/april 2016

handling the chaos of life as a mom

Albert Lea mom Angie Johnston says staying organized, finding family time is key.

Making a home of their own Antiques and creativity put a personal touch on Sarah and Brian Hensleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house overlooking Fountain Lake.

performing A balancing act Heather Benda prioritizes family with work, community and other responsibilities.

4 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

features

ALBERT LEA › march/april 2016

contents Seen

A.l. Tribune chamber after hours

Albert Lea hockey tournament

fit for kids

The big freeze

Weddings & engagements

Departments

Dazzle: personalize your space

DIY: Decorative laundry room banner

Savor: Slow-cooker Tortelinni soup

Savor: Wine review

All the rest

scrapbook

travel advice

Dietitian’s digest

Events Calendar

Behind the Scenes

On the cover: Angie Johnston lives north of Albert Lea. The cover photo was taken by our own Colleen Harrison at Johnston’s home.

M&S

OutdOOr EquipMEnt Stihl, Exmark & Husqvarna Chainsaws, sharpening, lawn mowers and trimmers 519 Prospect Avenue Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-7705 march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 5

Spill it here.

Send your Letter to the Editor to: Albert Lea Tribune 808 W. Front St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or e-mail to: letters@albertleatribune.com To subscribe, call 507-379-3422 6 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

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you

to be

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SEEN â&#x20AC;ş Albert Lea Tribune Chamber After Hours

The Albert Lea Tribune and Fisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers collaborated to host the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Dec. 15 at Wedgewood Cove. (1) Kristi Hantelman and Sindi Fulton (2) Don and Mary Renchin and Judy Thorson (3) Sienna, Ayva, Charlie and Jon Murray (4) Monica McBee, Vicki Lunning, Michelle Sorensen and Lance Skov (5) Valerie Kvale, Bruce Polacek, Orrion Roisen and Barb Engebretson (6) Paula Juveland, Bev Torgerson and Irene Tandeski

5 8 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

jmondeel xperience” “Outstanding E hile service I had w The customer l as w w vehicle as el looking for a ne t ha w e was exactly buying a vehicl a n purchasing it should be whe ave ing through D vehicle. Financ ng yt breeze. Ever hi Syverson was a e th very well and was explained was extremely whole process g a pleasure doin smooth. It was . ave Syverson business with D

Chris Nelson me! e! Took care of Excellent servic m with a truck I le Had a slight prob ey took truck in and th e, er th d as purchase manner and u w is y el tim a in it th fixed d en m !! I’d recom back on the road ! ne place to anyo amietodd02 ney” “Buy Dodge Jour ence that we have peri Was the best ex so kind and was as w e ever had. Staff recommend Dav nds ill w y, ie never push fr y ert Lea to all m Syverson of Alb

ond Jean Sucha Vip 15 at 6:36pm September 8, 20 od folks at your go Shout out to the y! I had some da to er nt ce e servic trouble while en unexpected car to my home in ul route from St Pa they repaired my d an y da to e Omaha d me back on th ha d an y kl ic car qu gh ou th urs, even road in a few ho ed by” without pp ro “d I just sort of preciated! ap h uc M . warning

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changing one life CHANGES EVERYTHING 10 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.®

Find us on Facebook

Asparagus with Bacon and a Lemon Pepper Drizzle Methods 1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Marie’s Original Coleslaw Dressing, lemon zest, lemon juice and ground pepper until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use as the Lemon Pepper Drizzle.

Measure Ventura Foods Ingredient

1 cup

Marie’s Original Coleslaw Dressing

Measure Other Ingredients

Lemon zest

Freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp

Ground black pepper

1-2

Bunches of asparagus (about 1½- 2 lbs.)

Olive oil

4-8

Slices of center cut bacon

2. Clean and trim bottoms of asparagus and pat dry. Preheat oven to 400º F or warm grill to medium-high. Coat asparagus with a light drizzle of olive oil and separate into four equal bundles. Wrap each bundle together with one or two pieces of bacon. Secure with toothpick or cooking twine. 3. Bake in the oven on a grated broiler pan—or place on the grill and cover—for 10-12 minutes, turning once or twice, until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender. Place on a serving platter and top with the Lemon Pepper Drizzle.

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 373-2431 For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 11

SEEN â&#x20AC;ş Albert Lea Hockey Tournament

2 The Junior Gold B Hockey Tournament was Jan. 23 at Albert Lea City Arena. (1) Colton Bloomberg, Matt Campbell and Dan Bloomberg (2) Cody Yokiel, Markus Dempewolf and Casey Dempewolf (3) Gavin Nelson and Mason Studier (4) Ryan Nelson and Preston Roberts (5) Jaime Strom (6) Susan, Tia, Annika and Pat Page (7) Lisa and Alyssa Richards (8) Andrea Balow, Gayle Balcer, Leanne Montgomery, Krista Doyle and Tracy Martinez

8 12 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

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New Assisted Living, Dining & Living Room Area

Assisted Living /Secured Memory Care Opening May of 2016 Track Our Progress!

View photos of the work site at www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 13

SEEN â&#x20AC;ş Fit for Kids

Children 5 and under were entertained Jan. 23 at Fit For Kids in Northbridge Mall. Activities planned during the event were designed to help children get their muscles working. Fit For Kids took place on Saturdays during the month of January. Each week brought new activities, including an obstacle course, ball play and yoga. (1) Alexis, Malissa and Evan Nesse (2) Carter Miller, Abi Gerdes and George Gerdes III (3) Ellison, Dan and Emery Liebsch (4) Carlie and Morgan Loock (Bottom) Rick and Natalie Loock (5) Lorelai Atkinson

4 14 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

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Lumineers/Veneers • Sapphire Whitening • Restorative Periodontal • Root Canal Treatments • Laughing Gas Laser Check-ups • Crowns • VisiLite Plus (oral cancer screening) Dental Implant • Adults and Children Braces Botox Injections • Juviderm Dermal Fillers march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 15

SEEN â&#x20AC;ş The Big Freeze

Albert Leaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh annual winter festival known as The Big Freeze took place over the weekend of Feb. 6 at Edgewater Park. (1) Two participants brace themselves for the Blue Ice Plunge. (2) Participants in the Blue Ice Plunge react to frigid water temperatures. (3) A firefighter floats in Fountain Lake while waiting for participants to get ready for the Blue Ice Plunge. (4) A participant in the Blue Ice Plunge tries to get out of the cold Fountain Lake water as quickly as possible.

4 16 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

6 (5) Spectators watch as participants in the Blue Ice Plunge line up. (6) Chunks of ice taken out to make an opening for the Blue Ice Plunge made for fun climbing. (7) A snowmobiler pauses to watch the Blue Ice Plunge on frozen over Fountain Lake. (8) Children attempt to make snow angels in between patches of ice. (9) Children try building miniature snowmen. (10) Children hurry to make more snowballs during a snowball fight.

10 march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 17

SEEN â&#x20AC;ş Weddings and engagements

(1) Amber Schwartz and Spencer Elvebak (2) Vanessa Allison and Casey Arnold (3) Brittany Kelly and Blake Peterson (4) Chelsea Hill and Dustin Biggers (5) Heather Stegenga and Evan Swenson (6) Callan Jensen and Zach Neubauer

6 18 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

8 (7) Brenna Kelly and Scott Hoeg (8) Melissa Pratt and Benjamin Blaeser (9) Samuel McGinnis and Ariel Johnson (10) Emma Dahl and Brandon Bica (11) Alexandra Schmitz and Luke Grossman (12) Nicole Loyd and Justin Hansen

12 march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 19

Not feeling well? Call us

Get Mayo Clinic care by phone •

24/7 care for you and your family

•

Your guide to the care you need: self-care, an appointment or immediate medical advice

•

Prescriptions for some conditions can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice

Call 507-373-2384 (Albert Lea) or 507-433-7351 (Austin). Always call 911 in an emergency.

2352 Hendrickson Rd. Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507.373.8888 Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-5pm

405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 • (507) 583-2141 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060 • (507) 455-1000 3110 Wellner Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906 • (507) 536-7700 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 463-0502 287 St. Andrews Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 • (507) 720-0250 www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com 20 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Albert Lea magazine will continue to reward our Facebook friends with lavish gifts. Be sure to look for our Facebook page and click LIKE. Thanks for your comments on our wall.

u r o D Y e r v e i ams r D WITH

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Upholstery-Wizard.com • 507-438-4266 • 53924 270th St., Lansing, MN march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 21

DAZZLE â&#x20AC;ş Personalize your space

Shopping online can be local Check out what Simply Sublime out of Clarks Grove creates. Personalize vintage signs using your name or verbiage in place of the original text. Various designs. Choose from two sizes. Visit their online store at www.simplysublime.com. Simply Sublime, Clarks Grove, 12 inches by 18 inches, $59.95; 18 inches by 24 inches, $89.95

Things Give your space a pop of color This vibrant vase can brighten up any corner and give a little height to your decorating. The smooth shape varies slightly as it reaches the top. 23 inches tall. The Color Wheel, Albert Lea, $45

You

Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Know

You Wanted By Crystal Miller

Family memories start here A memory photo holder can have multiple purposes. Display your favorite snapshots and open the latch to find eight hooks. Perfect for concealing jewelry or keys. 13.5 inches by 17.5 inches by 2 inches. Accents, Alden, $35

22 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Mirror, mirror on the wall This art has five elliptical-shaped mirrors housed inside a rustic gold frame. At 50.5 inches tall it becomes the conversation piece of any room. The Color Wheel, Albert Lea, $65

Send a message Create an inspirational atmosphere with this decorative plaque made of tile. 13 inches by 13 inches, includes stand. Accents, Alden, $20

Personalize your space Finding the perfect little touches to make your house a home can be difficult. Here are some ideas to help you fill your space with a little charm.

A little detail goes a long way This table lamp features an embroidered shade that gives it an element of surprise. The base is brown with a rustic touch, total height is 30 inches. Slumberland, Albert Lea, $99

Set the mood for any setting Packed with charm, this metal lantern is a great way to decorate your home or garden. Suitable for hanging or use as a freestyle. 11.5 inches tall. Try it with a flameless candle for less fuss. Addieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floral and Gift, Albert Lea, $18.99 Flameless candle $10.99

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 23

BRIGHT IDEAS BRILLANT

SOLUTIONS

YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES A MARKETING PLAN, NOT JUST AN AD FOR THE WEEK.

507.379.3427 808 West Front Street • Albert Lea, MN www.albertleatribune.com

Bridal guide

Dawson Limousine Service would love to be a part of your special day! Perfect for weddings, birthdays, concerts, sporting events, transportation to casino or airport. New limo bus Special rates for extended rentals

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march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 25

DIY â&#x20AC;ş Creating beautiful home decor

story and photos by sarah stultz

DECORATIVE LAUNDRY ROOM

BANNER Working as a freelance illustrator for several large companies, Angie DenHerder of Hollandale has creative juices in her blood. Aside from her job, DenHerder enjoys refurbishing furniture and creating signs and chalkboards. She took us step-by-step through how to make this decorative banner to dress up your laundry room. This basic design can be used to make banners for holidays or other special occasions, as well.

Cut out a template of a swallowtail flag on a piece of cardboard. Use the template to cut four flags out of burlap using a cutting wheel or craft knife.

26 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need 1 1/2 yards of burlap Black acrylic craft paint Gold acrylic craft paint Tacky Glue Black marker Spool of hemp rope, 6 millimeters in size Assorted ribbons, string and

Put a piece of paper down to protect your workspace. Paint the edges of each flag with gold paint about one-fourth of an inch all of the way around. Wait for flags to dry.

rick rack (probably four to eight different types) Craft knife or cutting wheel Ruler Sheet of Cardboard Paint brush 2 clothes pins

Once the paint on the flags is dry, turn them each upside down. Place out the flags alongside the rope where you would like them glued. Measure about 2 inches in between each flag. Leave about 10 to 12 inches of rope on each end of the outer flags.

Flag shapes 101 This banner will work with any flag shape. Here are some of the most popular types: Rectangle

Glue the rope to each flag. Put the rope about an inch down from the top of each flag, put a strip of Tacky Glue on each side of the rope on each flag, fold the burlap over the rope and then pinch together until dry. Glue will dry clear.

Square Swallowtail

Burgee Pennant

Flip flags back over to the front. Use a stencil or draw freehand the letters in the word “wash” — one letter on each flag. Consider drawing the outline of each letter with a black marker before using black paint to color them in.

Swallowtail

Cut strands of string, ribbons and rick rack of various lengths ranging from 15 inches to 26 inches in length. Tie about eight strings and ribbons onto the rope in between each space. Repeat for all spaces between flags. Choose ribbons and strings of different colors, textures and designs for a variety. Use clothespins on each side for decoration. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 27

health & fitness

BY kathy johnson

Fit children of all ages into your fitness routine Kathy Johnson is the creative director for Albert Lea magazine and the Albert Lea Tribune. During her spare time she is a group fitness instructor at the Albert Lea Family Y. Everyone is so busy these days with work, school and raising a family. How is it possible to fit fitness into our busy lives? Here are five ways busy moms can fit fitness into every stage of your children’s lives: 1. When children are babies, this is super easy: Use them as weights. Situps are perfect for this. Have your baby facing you on your belly and resting his or her back on your bent thighs. When you come up for a rep, give the baby a kiss and then go back down, keeping your shoulders off the floor. Lunges are another wonderful way to work out with a baby. Holding your baby close to you (and facing you), he or she will help with added weight as you do lunges! Your baby will love going up and down with you and will think its a fun game! Push-ups would be another great workout to do with a baby. Lay your baby on his or her back and get yourself into push-up position. This can be on your knees until you feel

stronger. With your hands shoulderwidth apart, go down to the floor, kissing your baby and then push back up. You can change up the push-up by widening your arms. 2. As your child gets older and is more mobile, you can change up your workout a little. Children love to copy what their parents do. Set a good example by working out with them. Do simple exercises that they can do right beside you. Squats are good, as well as skipping, jumping rope and anything that will get you and your toddler moving and their heart rate up. Toddlers also love yoga; pop in a yoga video and do the workouts together. 3. The pre-teen years can be challenging to incorporate exercises that are fun and beneficial for their growing bodies. Lift weights with your child. This is a great time to teach proper lifting form and a good time to bond with them. You can either do this at your local gym or buy weights for your home. Either way, spend time doing these together. Set goals with your child and watch their confidence grow as they achieve the goals. Make sure that your preteen’s workouts stay varied and fun. They will be more likely to stick with it in the long haul if they enjoy it.

4. Working out with a teenager can be fun and good for both of you in many ways. There are days when you just can’t get your teen to open up to you about life. Working out together can help break that silence that sometimes happens between a parent and a teenager. Running, walking and biking together are great ways to get your heart rates up. Also, this is a wonderful time to chat with your teen about their life. Add music that your teenager loves to your workouts and just make the time together fun and a great way to bond with your teenager. 5. Yes, even as adults, your “children” still need to workout. You can both join a gym and take fitness classes together. This is a good way to hold each other accountable for your workout and a great way to spend time together. As we get older and busier, time is a rare item that is gone way too soon. Spend as much time being productive with your workouts and incorporate your kids as much as you can. Bottom line, just make being active and working out fun at any stage in your child’s life. They will be much more likely to stick with it through their life and hopefully pass on those good habits to their children.

Call today to visit our showroom

www.GranicreteMinnesota.com | 507-373-3547 | 2610 Y.H. Hanson, Albert Lea

Albert Lea Magazine will continue to reward our Facebook friends with lavish gifts. Be sure to look for our Facebook page and click LIKE. Thanks for your comments on our wall.

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 29

SAVOR › Slow-Cooker Tortellini Soup

by Amy Gauthier

Crock-pots can be a woman’s best friend

Tortellini Soup

Amy Gauthier is a mom, working and living in Albert Lea. She has lived in the city for two years and earlier this year became executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum.

Balance. If you’re anything like me, balance is a challenge. We have children to rouse, breakfast to serve and who can forget the never-ending search for that other mitten or winter boot on our way out the door? And that’s just the beginning. Let’s not forget our professional

challenges and events that require long hours away from home. So, this time of year, how do you balance time, nutrition and sanity in your everyday life? Behold, the Crock-Pot. I’ll share one of my first and favorite Crock-Pot dishes with you today.

Slow-Cooker Tortellini Soup Ingredients 1 3/4 cups diced carrots (3 medium) 1 3/4 cups diced yellow onion (1 large) 2 tablespoons olive oil 5 cloves garlic, minced 3 (28 ounce) cans whole Roma tomatoes 1 (32 ounce) carton vegetable broth 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus

more for garnish 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 16 ounce refrigerated three-cheese tortellini 3/4 cup heavy cream Parmesan, shredded, for serving

Directions Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion and sauté 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute longer. Pour mixture into a 6or 7-quart slow cooker, along with tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, bay leaves and sugar. Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves then puree mixture well with an emulsion blender or carefully in small batches in a blender. If your slow cooker doesn’t keep all the moisture in well while cooking, you may need to add in 1/2 cup water or so at this point so the soup isn’t too thick. Stir in tortellini, cover and cook on high heat 15 minutes longer (or until heated through). Reduce heat to warm. Stir in heavy cream. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Recipe Source: Cooking Classy “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of delicious scoops of minced garlic we use in our culinary masterpieces.” 30 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

SAVOR › Wine review

By crystal miller

An Albert Lea-based Pinot Grigio with lots of personality Any Pinot Grigio is a neutral wine intended to please a diverse crowd, as was apparent at the liquor store when I bought the last two bottles on the shelf. Although its popularity is evident by sales, it is not a favorite for the serious wine drinker, as it has mild flavor and not a lot of body. Three Oak Wines does it right. Its Pinot Grigio is perfectly rounded and easy to drink. It has personality. Not too sweet and not too dry. On the palate, this wine is slightly acidic with a mix of citrus and fruit. The finish is dry, and its flavors drift away nicely. This wine would pair nicely with any seafood. The best part of this wine is the fact that it is made right here in Albert Lea. Our culture is expanding, and it’s amazing to live in a community willing to embrace the fun things in life. What a treasure! Three Oak Vineyards and Winery is at the former iconic Wedge Nursery on the northwest side of Albert Lea. Its first wine was bottled in November 2014. The company is now up to 11 varietals — half are made with pure Minnesota grapes, half are made with Minnesota and California blends.

Owner Jay Enderson is excited to be available for events, such as corporate meetings and weddings. Look for a tasting event coming this spring. Three Oak Wines products are available for purchase in Albert Lea at Cheers Liquor and Hy-Vee Liquor.

HHH

Voted Best Liquor Store!

1617 W. Main St. • Albert Lea 507-379-2364 march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 31

taking the chaos out of

motherhood story by Kelly Wassenberg photos by colleen harrison

32 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Angie Johnston said she uses the Google calendar on her phone to help her stay organized.

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 33

Albert Lea mom says staying organized, finding family time is key to achieving a balanced life

very mom has her tricks of the trade to make her job a little bit easier. For hockey mom Angie Johnston, it’s keeping organized. Whether it’s finding time to spend as a family, fixing dinner and picking up and dropping off her children at school, hockey practice or games, there’s a lot to keep track of. Johnston, a stay-at-home mom in Albert Lea, utilizes a chalkboard at her home to help remind everyone of the schedule for that day, whether it be hockey practices for one of her three boys — Hayden, 14, Adler, 11, or Bryant, 9 — or something else that needs to get done that day. “If we have little chores or things that I need help with or they have thank you notes they need to write, I’ll put a little note up there so they’ll be reminded to do it,” she said.

Johnston uses a chalkboard to keep her children’s schedules organized.

34 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

She said the board helps alleviate the need for anyone to have to question the day’s schedule.

“I think no matter what kind of role models you have or who you’re around, you’re just out there doing the best you can, and some days you’re lucky to make it to bedtime. Some days are just hard, but you keep going, and it’s worth it.” — Angie Johnston

“They can just refer to the board,” Johnston said. “That’s been kind of helpful.” Another valuable asset Johnston uses to keep organized is her iPhone. “Google Calendar is amazing,” Johnston

said. “We color code each kid on the calendar so we can see who’s going where and who’s driving where and those types of things.” “I’m kind of quirky-weird that way,” she said. “I do like to organize. It helps me keep track of where I’m going and what I’m doing, and it allows me to sometimes — when I feel like I’m in a really big hurry or a rush — to prioritize what needs to be done and what can maybe be pushed to the next day. “I think prioritizing what is important is really key, and then if you know kind of what your order of importance is then it’s easy to let other things go,” she said. In the middle of a busy schedule, she said she thinks it is important to schedule downtime. As a stay-at-home mother, she is fortunate to sometimes do this while the boys are in school.

Johnston puts each of her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedules on a chalkboard in the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen each day.

Johnston and her husband, Alex, have three sons: Hayden, 14; Adler, 11; and Bryant, 9.

“If I was working full time, that would be really a big challenge, so we are very blessed with that,” she said. Her husband, Alex, also helps juggle the family’s busy schedule. “There is a lot of shuttling, lots of taxi driving,” she said. “It’s just kind of the regular hockey mom stuff — getting your kids to and from the practices, to and from the games, and any extra things around tournament time. Just keeping track of everybody’s schedule this year has been kind of interesting this year with three traveling teams, but we make it work.”

Like many moms, Johnston likes to create scrapbooks for each of her children.

To keep fees low with the hockey association, parent involvement is a requirement. This can include working concessions or helping with the scoreboard. Johnston also volunteers as a room parent and at Grace Lutheran Church, where she sings and helps with confirmation classes. Despite the routine that keeps her busiest from 3 p.m. to bedtime, Johnston still feels it’s important to find time to spend together. “In the evening we try to have a meal together, too, just because it gives us a time to touch base, just be together,” she

said. “Even if it’s quick and someone’s running off to practice quick or whatever.” Coordinating meals together can be quite difficult during the hockey season, though, as the older boys sometimes have practice four or five times a week and games a couple times per week. “We’re usually running out to the arena a few times per night,” she said. The boys are also active in football and golf. Amid the chaos, Johnston has been known to make extravagant cakes to celebrate special occasions with the family. They started out as her taking ideas from magazines and have blossomed into requests, such as a truck that looked like Mater from the movie “Cars.” “It’s just kind of evolved,” Johnston said. “I haven’t taken any cake decorating classes by any means, but I like to do creative things.” Special things such as making a unique cake are how she chooses to be a mom. “I think we all have different ways as moms that we show our love,” she said, noting that not everything has to be overthe-top and unnecessarily complex. “Sometimes it’s the things that you don’t even realize are really important,” Johnston said. “You know the small little gestures — the picking them up from school and asking them how their day is is just as important as baking them a big cake. Just the day-to-day thing — being around, listening, valuing what they’re saying and what they’re experiencing.” In Johnston’s case, she credits strong role models for helping her become the parent she is today. Her grandmothers were just a few that she mentioned alongside her parents. “Mom and Dad were always very supportive and always there to listen, there to care and laugh,” she said, noting she is still close to her family. “I think no matter what kind of role models you have or who you’re around, you’re just out there doing the best you can and some days you’re lucky to make it to bedtime,” she said. “Some days are just hard, but you keep going, and it’s worth it.” AL

Johnston used frosting and wooden skewers to create the effect of Reese’s pieces being poured out of the bag and onto the cake.

Johnston has received no formal training in cake decorating.

One of Johnston’s boys requested a cake of the character Mater from the “Cars” movie. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 37

making a

home

story by SARAH STULTZ photos by colleen harrison

38 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

of their own

Sarah Hensley refers to the room pictured as a “formal living room.”

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 39

40 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Antiques, creativity put a personal touch on house overlooking Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake

hen Alden native Sarah Hensley decided to move back to the Albert Lea area in 2013, she and her husband hoped they could find a home near Fountain Lake. Moving from Peoria, Illinois, the couple came back to the area to take over her mother’s business, Donna Nelson Insurance Inc. They loved the lake in Albert Lea and the trail around it. Because they wanted to invest time in starting a business, the couple didn’t have time for an extensive remodeling project. Hensley, 36, said there wasn’t a lot on the market that summer because the interest rates had been lower the previous couple years, but they ultimately found a house overlooking Fountain Lake at 1115 Lakeview Boulevard. Tucked off of Cedar Avenue, the house was built in 1932 and was previously owned by Becky and Steve Johnson. Though the house is more than 80

years old, it has had many upgrades since it was built. In the 1970s, an attached double-car garage and entryway into the kitchen were added, and the kitchen was remodeled in 2000 to include new cabinets and flooring. She believes the opening from the kitchen to the living room was also made a little larger.

“I knew we would enjoy it in the summer, but we really enjoy it year-round. I love to see the lake change.” — Sarah Hensley In 2007, a pergola replaced a screened-in structure on the side of the house closest to Lakeview Boulevard, and in 2008, a laundry room and bonus room were added over the garage. Hensley said when she and her

The Hensleys’ other, more informal, living room.

Hensley likes to sew and has made a few of the pillows in her home herself. The white sash on the front pillow pictured was originally a part of her wedding dress.

husband, Brian, 39, moved into the house, they touched up a few of the walls and did some painting. Otherwise, they haven’t made any other cosmetic changes to the house. “We loved that aspect of it,” she said. “Compared to some other houses that we looked at, we knew they would be timeintensive remodels.” Even the furniture from their old house, which was a completely different style of home, fit perfectly, she said. The house essentially has three

Hensley had some of her grandmother’s doilies incorporated into a quilt.

Hensley used leftover wallpaper from her last house to cover the back of some built-in shelving.

42 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

bedrooms — plus the large bonus room over the garage — and three and a half bathrooms. It has several large windows on all sides of the house, something Hensley said provides not only a great view of Fountain Lake, but also lots of light. “It’s bright; it’s cheery,” she said about their formal living room that overlooks the lake. “No matter what the weather’s like outside, it’s a good room.” The home is decorated with many antiques and old items from both of their

families and things Hensley, an avid sewer and quilter, has made, such as pillows. Hensley said they have enjoyed making the house their own. “I knew we would enjoy it in the summer, but we really enjoy it yearround,” Hensley said. “I love to see the lake change.” This spring, the couple plans to replace the house’s original wood siding with Hardie board siding. Hensley said she loves the house’s proximity to the walking path around

Fountain Lake, as she often goes walking or running with her two dogs and can get down to the trail by either walking down the hill from the house or taking the back way around to Lakeview Boulevard. She and her husband also enjoy being out on the water and going out on the lake in a boat with her parents. They enjoy traveling in the state and attending the activities of their two nephews in Alden. Hensley is a 1997 graduate of AldenConger High School. AL

The Hensleys have a “bonus room” where they sometimes watch TV and where extended family usually stays when in town visiting. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 43

balancing ACT

photos by colleen harrison story by SAM WILMES

44 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Heather Benda and her husband, Matt, have a son, Ashler, 14; and a daughter, Avery, 11. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 45

Local mother prioritizes family with work, community and other responsibilities

n Albert Lea accountant, volunteer and mom is making it all work with the help of her

family. Heather Benda, 43, is a certified public accountant and shareholder in Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda — an Albert Leabased certified public accounting agency. As an accountant, Benda provides bookkeeping, payroll, tax and auditing services for people, corporations, trusts,

46 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

nonprofits and government entities. Benda, who has been with the firm since 2000, said she enjoys interacting with clients and co-workers and has always enjoyed mathematics. “I’m a pretty social person, so I like to work with people,” she said. Benda is an Ivanhoe native who is married to lawyer Matt Benda. The couple has two children: Ashler and Avery.

Each family member assists in balancing a sometimes hectic work environment and a busy home schedule, and the couple helps each other with cooking and cleaning. Their children also help out, as the couple has taught them how to do laundry, dishes, garbage and assist in meal preparation. Despite her busy schedule, Benda makes sure she is home in time to tuck her children into bed. The couple shares in taking the children to their events. Ashler is in football and golf and Avery is in dance. In her spare time, Benda enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family, exercising and being part of the community. She said the family often visits her extended family in Apple Valley and Ivanhoe and her husband’s extended family in Jackson. The family also enjoys outdoor activities, including camping, biking, swimming and bonfires. They often visit Myre-Big Island State Park and navigate the Blazing Star Trail. Benda said she enjoys their busy schedule. To her, family is the most important thing. “My kids are getting older fast, and I want to be around,” she said. “I want to be there for them. I want to be an active parent and role model for them, so it’s very important.” She has also been involved with various community groups, including as Rotary Club president, on the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department’s advisory board, the gala committee for Riverland Community College, KSMQ’s board of directors and Naeve Health Care Foundation’s board of directors. Benda said being involved is crucial to Heather Benda, 43, is a certified public accountant and shareholder in Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda — an Albert Leabased accounting agency.

improving the community. “I believe if I’m going to be involved with the community, I need to actually be doing something,” she said. She emphasized that each of the boards she has served on has been familyoriented. She said she enjoys the community spirit and lakes of Albert Lea, and she has goals for the community. “I want it to be a community that grows and is young and vibrant and is a good place to live,” she said. “I believe in Albert Lea.” The family is part of St. Theodore Catholic Church. Matt Benda is president of St.

Benda is a certified public accountant based out of Albert Lea.

Theodore’s school council and Heather Benda is on the church’s finance council. She said St. Theodore has been a bedrock to the family.

“I want it to be a community that grows and is young and vibrant and is a good place to live. I believe in Albert Lea.”

— Heather Benda

“Both of us grew up attending Mass and going to church with our families,

and we think it helped teach us how to be responsible, ethical people, to contribute to the community,” she said. “We want to teach our children the same thing.” Heather Benda attended the University of St. Thomas for three years before graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to moving to Albert Lea in 1997, she lived in the Twin Cities, where she met her husband. She expressed appreciation for the support the community has shown her family. “It has been a welcoming community for us,” she said. AL

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 47

SCRAPBOOK

Photos courtesy of the Freeborn County Historical Museum

Motherhood from yesteryear Families have always been a big part of Albert Lea and Freeborn County life though many families are smaller in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age.

A family makes sauerkraut outdoors.

Mrs. Chris Hendrickson and family.

Mrs. Thostenson spinning yarn using a spinning wheel, circa 1900.

48 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

TRAVEL › Travel advice

Travel agents: Cutting edge or obsolete?

For 50 years, our company, 4 Seasons Vacations, has helped people make all kinds of travel arrangements, from simple airline tickets to aroundthe-world cruises. With the Internet becoming so popular and travel-oriented, many predicted the end of the travel agency business. We have found that, though initially popular, the Internet has actually encouraged people to use our services. Our clients are wanting someone like 4 Seasons to help them with the confusing and expensive choices to be made. The Internet travel sites are a good tool for information, but a travel agency is a valuable tool for knowledge. We have provided that knowledge to many, many thousands since 1967, and that is something that online travel services simply do not provide. For example, one of our tour directors has been on 13 Panama Canal cruises alone, and that’s just the Panama Canal. Think of the knowledge that exists with him and what knowledge he can provide for someone wanting to go on a Panama Canal cruise or who just wants to visit the area. That is only one of our tour

Tammi

Sara

directors, and we have several working here. At 4 Seasons you can almost be sure that no matter what your destination, someone that works here has been there or we have sent clients there in the past. I, myself, have visited Puerto Vallarta. Since they didn’t come to 4 Seasons to purchase their trip, they never got the chance to ask me the question that I could easily answer with several good restaurants that I know of and have been to. That is the difference between our travel agency and an online travel service — knowledge and the willingness to share it with our customers. We also have a relationship with travel suppliers that has existed for years. For instance, if you make a reservation for Delta Vacations online and you need extra help in a situation, who would you ask? Who would be your connection to the tour company? Four Seasons has worked with these suppliers for 50 years and has again sent thousands of clients their way, which translates into us being a very large customer for theirs. So we know who to ask and what to ask, and when we do they do all they can to help and provide

extra services since we have been working with them so long and provided them with so many clients. We are your spokesman and connection to suppliers for every trip you take. Our travel agents are always working hard on our clients’ behalf on every trip we sell. That means we are searching for the best price and the perfect vacation, tour or cruise every time. That is the personal touch we provide and one of the many reasons we are valuable in today’s marketplace. We provide tailored recommendations suited for every individual client and ask pertinent questions to assure that we are finding just the right thing, every time. Again, let me stress that our travel agents have visited the most popular destinations and help our clients find the specific activity, restaurant or ground package that suits them on each individual vacation. So is a travel agency or tour company obsolete? Not if they provide the valuable service that 4 Seasons does. Give us a call or an email the next time you are thinking about a vacation, and learn what good service and knowledge can do to make your trip the best one ever!

Louise

1-800-328-4298 or 507-373-4705 SINCE 1967 • 130 West Clark Street • Albert Lea, MN

www.4-seasonsvacations.com

David Nelson Owner & Tour Director

progress 2016 Review

Photo courtesy Jessica Phelps Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sneak peek of three stories in the Albert Lea Tribuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 Progress edition. The theme this year was Community Passion. The edition features dozens of area residents who are excited about living here and who are helping their communities grow. Visit the Tribune office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea for extra copies. 50 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

A home for her children Woman takes passion for Albert Lea online Story and Photos by Sarah Stultz

n top of her life as a busy That daughter, Maddie, is now 9, and “If someone loves their community, if mother and a homeschool they have since had three more children: someone loves what’s going on, I want to teacher, one Albert Lea woman check it out,” Russell said. “That’s what’s Naomi, 6; Titus, 6; and Timothy, 1. has made it her mission to promote her “Up until this last year, we were always going to grow Albert Lea.” hometown. in the mindset of moving,” she said. “The She has plans in the future for posts With a growing audience, Robin Russell about local entrepreneurs and why they year we had our twins was when Mark is spreading news about the good here said, ‘This is why we’re here.’” choose to be in Albert Lea. through social media. Since that time, the couple said they “I want to create a community that my committed themselves to Albert Lea and Committed to the Albert Lea kids don’t want to run away from — have been involved in several efforts, community where if my kids do go away and experiincluding the Idea Splash, an event where Russell was born and raised in Albert ence the world, they want to say ‘I want people could apply for grant dollars for a Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High to go home,’” Russell said. community project and a social media School. Her efforts started as a family blog breakfast. She completed a year and a half at online in 2009. In addition to their family and faith, Riverland Community College before Called “Russell’s Adventures,” it was they said they are passionate about homerealizing that the college life wasn’t for used as a means to keep her and her hus- her. She then asked her parents if she schooling. band’s family updated on the happenings Russell’s husband, Mark, has a business could take a year off and found a camp to with the family. titled Russell’s Creative Ventures. work at in Colorado. Since then, and particularly in the last That one year turned into several, and year, the blog has grown to where she has it was there she met her husband, Mark. Why Albert Lea? had more than 3,000 views on some of She said after they got married, they “We love the small-town feel, and we her posts. planned to come back to Albert Lea — love all that there is to do here. We love While she writes about the adventures but only for a couple years. how family-friendly our community is.” with her family and homeschooling, she “We didn’t know where we were going, — Robin Russell also writes about the happenings in but we weren’t going to stay,” she said. Albert Lea and the things she loves about “Then we had our oldest daughter.” the small-town community. She contacts businesses in Albert Lea and throughout the state to write about them, as well. She also writes reviews for professional blogger Donna Hup. One of Russell’s blog posts, titled “Revival of a Small Town,” was her first indication that people liked reading about Albert Lea and the many amenities the city has here. Some of the things she likes about Albert Lea are the downtown, the beauty of the city and the many things available to do for young families. “It feels like it’s causing people to remember that they loved living here,” she said of the blog. “It’s that small-town feel with the big-city opportunities.” She said she hopes her effort, along with the impact of others, will help attract oth- Robin Russell and her husband, Mark, play Legos with their children, from left, Naomi, ers looking to move to the community. Maddie and Titus. Not pictured is Timothy. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 51

progress 2016 Review

The Preschool on Wheels program comes to Debbie Baasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day care in Albert Lea once a week. The program helps preschool age children to identify shapes and colors, classify animals and recognize letters and numbers. 52 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

A preschool on wheels Kindergarten readiness a top priority Photos by Colleen Harrison Story by Kelly Wassenberg

hildren race to the door to see what is brought to them today. No, Grandma or Grandpa is not visiting; Mom or Dad isn’t coming back from a business trip. The children are excited because the Preschool on Wheels teacher has just arrived at their day care with a tote of early learning lessons and art projects. Through the Preschool on Wheels program, licensed teacher Jessie Bolinger visits 10 day cares and the Adult Basic Education child care room for 30 minutes each week to guide preschool-aged children through lessons geared toward kindergarten readiness. Skills taught include identifying shapes and colors, classifying animals and letter and number recognition. Debbie Baas is one of the local providers who utilizes the program. Baas said while many day care providers also work on these skills themselves, she thinks it’s important to strengthen these skills at every possible opportunity. The children thoroughly enjoy the program, she said. Baas said no one at her day care has to be prodded to take part in the lessons. The 3- to 5-year-olds do so enthusiastically, and younger children often follow suit. No one is excluded from participating based on his or her age. Younger children merely receive more guidance from the day care provider. The program, which is in its eighth year, is funded through the Early Childhood Family Education program with Albert Lea Area Schools, with a yearly fee paid by participating day care providers. Through the Preschool on Wheels program, licensed teacher Jessie Bolinger visits 10 daycares and the Adult Basic Education child care room for 30 minutes each week to guide preschool-aged children through lessons geared towards kindergarten readiness.

“To be very honest, it is a program that is not self-sufficient,” said Jenny Hanson, director of early learning with the school district. “We’ve always gone into the red running the program, but we feel it’s a very important piece of outreach and promotion.” The program is offered to all licensed day cares in Albert Lea. In addition to being able to offer their children the added benefit of Preschool on Wheels, day care providers can earn hours toward their licensure recertification through the program. Preschool-aged children who are pottytrained also have the opportunity to participate in center days. Six days a year, they are picked up by a bus at their day care and brought to the preschool room for a longer 1 1/2-hour day to help ease them into the transition from day care learning to learning in a classroom setting. Hanson said the program fills another niche in the community by bringing early

childhood and kindergarten readiness skills to children, making it easier for families to have their children participate in an early learning experience without having to worry about how to get their child to an actual preschool facility. Bolinger said she couldn’t be happier to be part of the program. Following her graduation from St. Cloud State University, she returned home to Alden where she worked in a day care. It was there she received a call from Hanson, offering her the position of Preschool on Wheels teacher. “I never actually thought I’d be working in Albert Lea as a teacher,” Bolinger said, noting the position is perfect for her because she loves the little ones. “I didn’t know if I would actually be able to find a job as a teacher.” It’s a position that Hanson can see Bolinger staying in. “I just see her growing in what she has been able to bring to the day cares,” Hanson said.

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 53

progress 2016 Review

54 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Giving back area woman finds joy helping at food shelf Photos by Colleen Harrison Story by Sarah Stultz

ive years ago, Karen Vanderploeg of Hollandale received what she described as a random phone

call. Vanderploeg had just retired, and she said she was looking for a way to give back to the community and to God.

Vanderploeg also volunteers for the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s food pantry once a week, in addition to being the board’s chairwoman.

“That call was really timely,” she said. On the other end of the phone was Albert Lea Salvation Army Advisory Board member Jan Jerdee, and Jerdee invited Vanderplog to be a part of the board. Vanderploeg agreed, and in the years since has become chairwoman of the board, developing a passion for lifting up families in need in the community. In addition to her duties on the board, she volunteers weekly at the Salvation Army food shelf, handing out food to needy families in the area. “That’s been my passion, working on the food shelf,” she said. “I love working there.” Clients begin the process of getting help with food by talking to a social worker. After this, the clients walk down to the

food shelf, where she and other volunteers give each family a box of about 30 pounds of prepackaged dry items, along with about 15 to 20 pounds of various fresh produce and other refrigerated items, depending on the size of the family and the donations. Larger families get more food. On top of that, people can get free bread everyday. On average, she said, she sees an average of 25 to 30 clients on a given afternoon she volunteers. “I think it’s my way of giving back to the community,” Vanderploeg said. “I see a real need. There’s a lot of poverty — a lot of real needs in our county.” She said she has been able to get to know some of the families who come in, and she worries about some of the families after they leave the building. She has been amazed to see God provide for the food shelf. Local businesses that give include Walmart, Kwik Trip, Hy-Vee, Marketplace Foods, Erbert & Gerbert’s and Pizza Ranch. During the summer months, people also bring in extra produce to give away.

She said she would love to get a new food shelf because the present location is hard for clients to use with the steps. In addition to the advisory board and food shelf efforts, Vanderploeg said she loves to plan the annual community Thanksgiving meal that usually more than 400 people attend. She said it is one of her goals to get all of the food donated for the dinner or at least enough money raised so that the organization does not have to use any of its own funds for the meal. In addition to her role with the Salvation Army, Vanderploeg said she helps organize a year-round food drive at Hollandale Christian Reformed Church. Each month the church members bring in a different food item, and the items get donated. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, going camping with her husband and refurbishing furniture. She said she loves to shop at the Salvation Army’s thrift store and encouraged others to do so as well. Vanderploeg has lived in the Hollandale area her whole life.

Karen Vanderploeg is the chairwoman of the Albert Lea Salvation Army board. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 55

healthy pets › Keeping your pet healthy

BY michelle nelson

Tips for dealing with shedding Michelle Nelson is the owner of Ranch & Pet Supply in Albert Lea.

Spring is a time for new growth, and that includes your dog’s hair coat. To make room for that new growth, the old coat needs to shed. Although most dogs shed year round, spring shedding is the heaviest. Here are a few basic grooming tips to make spring shedding easier on you and your pet. It all starts with brushing and knowing how to select the right brush as different types of brushes work best on different types of fur. Slicker Brush: Best for removing mats and tangles, curly hair, non-shedding coats. (poodle, Shih-Tzu) Combs with stiff bristles: Mediumhair dogs that shed. (retriever, Labrador) Short bristles/grooming gloves: Smooth-coated dogs (dachshund, boxer) Long-tooth combs: Long-hair dogs and those with an undercoat (collies, shepherds) Furminator brushes: A great deshedding tool for all coat lengths; cuts brushing time down immensely. Once you have selected the correct grooming brush for your dog’s hair type,

you need to brush, brush and brush again. The more you brush, the faster the old coat will come out. Always brush the same direction in which the hair lays. For undercoat hair, brush the opposite direction to pull out the undercoat and then smooth over the topcoat, brushing the way the hair lays again. If your dog has tangles, try to gently remove them with your fingers first instead of ripping through it with a brush. This will make the brushing experience more enjoyable for the dog and easier for you. Some tangles may need to be cut out, and in extreme cases, a complete body shave by a groomer may be needed. After your dog is brushed completely, now it’s time for a bath. Make sure you use a shampoo that is formulated for dogs, as human shampoos are too harsh for their skin, and, yes, that even includes baby shampoo. Dogs have a different pH than humans and their skin is also a different thickness. Human shampoos will strip your dogs’ hair of its’ natural oils, causing their hair coat to become dull and dry out their skin, making them itch. Also make sure your shampoo says “soap free” on the bottle, as soap shampoos leave a damaging residue

on the hair follicles and will also remove topical flea and tick treatments. When I bathe my dogs, I like to give them a complete fingertip massage. This allows me to feel any tangles I may have missed during brushing, catch any ticks that may be embedded or notice any unusual lumps that may need to be looked at by my veterinarian. Once your dog is completely rinsed, use a super absorbent towel, a Zip n’ Dri (check them out, they are awesome, www.dgspetproduct.com/pages/zip-n-dri) or a hair dryer on warm to completely dry your dog. Bathing your dog will accelerate the shedding process, causing the old hair to shed out faster, so you will need to brush your dog again after the drying process. Don’t forget to clean the ears, eyes and trim the toenails. Remember, a healthy dog will not shed excessively; they will have a shiny coat and be free of dandruff and greasiness. If this does not describe your dogs’ coat, then it’s time to talk to your veterinarian or pet specialty store representative. Simple things like changing up your dog’s diet or adding an Omega 3 supplement will make a world of difference in your pet’s coat. A healthy pet on the outside is a healthy pet on the inside.

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dietitian’s digest

BY Rachel Breneman

The good and the bad — finding a balance

Rachel Breneman is the Hy-Vee dietitian and a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The topic of dietary fats can be confusing, especially with conflicting headlines about dietary cholesterol and saturated fat. Fats are necessary in your diet to help you absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. They are involved in satiety, mental health and cell wall stability, and they help you form hormones. Picking healthier fats most of the time can help reduce risk of chronic disease and nourish your body and mind — literally. Saturated fats come from animal sources (meat, poultry, eggs, butter and milk products) with the exception of two plant sources: palm and coconut oils. Saturated fats may have a neutral effect on HDL, or good cholesterol, but do seem to raise LDL or bad cholesterol. This can increase your risk of heart disease, especially if you are not engaging

in other lifestyle factors that reduce your risk, such as exercising, keeping stress under control and maintaining a healthy weight. Originally added to foods to keep them very shelf stable, trans fats are a double whammy because they increase LDL and decrease HDL. You’ll find them in microwave popcorn, doughnuts, cookies, cake mixes, frostings, potato chips, margarines and shortenings. Before buying any packaged food, check the ingredient list for the word “hydrogenated.” This indicates there is trans fat in the product, even if the nutrient facts panel states “0 grams.” Labeling laws permit rounding down if there is less than half a gram per serving. In light of how detrimental artificial trans fats are for us, the FDA is actually enforcing a phase-out of using trans fats in foods. Polyunsaturated fats are the omega fats. These can improve cholesterol levels, keep inflammation at bay, help cell development and keep the immune system healthy. There are two types: omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 fats lower LDL and raise HDL. Aim for two servings of fatty fish per week: salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, mackerel or

herring. Plant sources like flax, chia and walnuts provide the precursor to omega3, called ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid. The conversion from ALA to omega-3 is only about 35 percent. Too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 fatty acids can lead to inflammation, so keep your intake balanced. Omega-6 fatty acid sources include nuts, eggs, dairy and oils such as canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower. Monounsaturated fats can also lower LDL cholesterol. They help cell development and keep your nerves and immune system healthy. Sources include olive oil, peanuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, avocado and pistachios. Keep fat portions to a thumb-sized amount with each meal unless the meal itself is prepared with lots of fat. If it has been awhile since you’ve checked your cholesterol, contact me for a screening. In about 15 minutes, you’ll know cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar with a fasting finger-stick test. Call or email for an appointment at rbreneman@ hy-vee.com or 507-377-2257. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 57

Finances › Investing with confidence

by TROY IRVINE

IRA contributions and making them count for 2015 Troy Irvine is the vice president of wealth management at Alliance Benefit Group. He can be reached at 507-369-9999 or at tirvine@investorscapital.com. April 18 is the deadline for your 2015 IRA contribution. If you did not contribute money to your IRAs during 2015 or contributed less than the maximum, you still have time to do so. For 2015, the maximum amount you can contribute to an IRA — or across multiple IRAs, if you have more than one — is $5,500. If you turned 50

during 2015, your contribution limit is $6,500. Beat the rush and make your contribution well before the deadline. If you make your contribution at the last minute, you risk being at the mercy of technology issues and you may not have time to address errors. The most common error people make is failing to specify the year of the contribution. Many IRA contributions are made in the weeks before the annual deadline, and as some IRA owners hurry to meet the deadline, they

fail to tell their IRA custodian that their contribution is for the previous tax year. If you do not indicate that your contribution is for the 2015 tax year on your check or deposit, the IRA custodian may apply it to 2016 instead, as 2016 IRA contributions have been allowed since the start of this year. Be sure to make that clear. If you would you like some help with your IRA contribution or more insight about all this, please call me or email me. I am ready to help you.

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why i love albert Lea

BY JennifeR Ordalen

Why I

L Albert Lea Jennifer Ordalen is a Nashville recording artist, musician, chairwoman of entertainment for Wind Down Wednesday, and a marketing consultant for Hometown Broadcasting Corp supporting local businesses. She and her fiancé Brody Paulson reside in Albert Lea. There are so many reasons I love Albert Lea. I have great memories of growing up here. After high school I moved away and lived a few other places, including Indiana and St. Paul/Minneapolis. I have also been blessed with opportunities to travel to many different places. Still, no matter where I go, I feel a great love for the town I grew up in and the town I live in now: Albert Lea. Growing up here, I was involved in many activities. I remember being involved in Odyssey of the Mind, 4-H, Albert Lea Figure Skating Club, FFA, show choir, theater, orchestra, art clubs, shooting leagues and of course, music lessons. Growing up here I was able to get involved in pretty much anything I had interest in. How awesome is that? In a town that isn’t all that big, there is something for everyone. As I got older, I complained that there is nothing to do in this town, but as I look back, I can see that I had many opportunities to be as involved as I wanted to be. I love the opportunities, clubs, organizations and activities that are available to residents. Sports, music, art, nature, theater, reading, sewing, dance, history, pool, darts — whatever — Albert Lea

probably has a club for it. When I lived away, coming back to Albert Lea was a treat. I loved being able to see the stars at night, even in the middle of town. When you live in larger cities you actually miss that. I loved the quiet, too, and being able to wake up in the morning and hear the birds instead of muffled traffic and horns. Coming home to Albert Lea became a great little vacation for me. It was then I started to really notice the great assets this town has. There are natural gems that we so often take for granted such as our lakes, trails and parks. Walking and biking around Fountain Lake and on the Blazing Star Trail are two of my favorite things to do. And there are parks everywhere! No matter where you are in Albert Lea, you can find a great park nearby — always groomed and ready for picnics and playtime. And then of course, there are our lakes. I love our lakes! I think it’s wonderful to be able to have access to so many different lakes for boating, skiing, canoeing, fishing and hunting. The natural beauty of Albert Lea offers so much! Really, what’s not to love about all of that? Albert Lea loves to celebrate! Yep, we even have a Celebrate Albert Lea festival! Throughout the year the city hosts all kinds of celebrations, festivals and events. In the summer, we get to enjoy Wind Down Wednesdays, Third and Fourth of July celebrations,

color runs, street dances and one of the best county fairs around! In the fall and winter, we get to enjoy the Big Island Rendezvous and The Big Freeze. Last time I checked, there were only two months out of the year that Albert Lea didn’t have a celebration or event scheduled. We really know how to party in Albert Lea! What I love most about Albert Lea are the people who live here. The passion we have to make our town great is amazing! Yes, there is always a debate about what the city should do and how they should do it, but no matter what, we all want the same thing. That is to make Albert Lea as great as it can be. We are always striving to grow as a community and support those in need, no matter what the situation. Albert Leans give from the heart. And we have passion — passion for who we are and what we do. With the entrepreneurship seen throughout the city, Albert Leans aren’t afraid to have a dream, start from scratch, build a solid business and sustain it. All over town you can find successful businesses and companies that have been around for decades and hold high reputations. They all started as entrepreneurs with a passion for what they do and to share it with others. Today, there is still that passion. Our city is growing and improving daily, all because of the passion that Albert Leans have to make this city a great place enjoy and live. march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 59

events calendar MARCH

10-12 Tigers’ Roar

When: 7 p.m. Where: Albert Lea High School auditorium Cost: $5 for students and seniors, $7 for adults More info: This is a 50-year-plus tradition of a student challenge show. The theme this year is “Rodeo Roar.”

Tonic Sol-fa When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $24 More info: One of the most in-demand vocal groups in the Midwest, Tonic Sol-fa began at St. John’s University in central Minnesota. The group reached national prominence with appearances on NBC’s “Today” and in Newsweek magazine and have shared the stage with Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy and Lonestar.

Jukebox Saturday Night When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $15 More info: This concert will be a great tribute to the jukebox era of the legendary ladies of rock ‘n’ roll, presented by Dylan Kaercher with his girl singers, Michelle, Lauren and Heather, and the DC Drifters.

march

Ray Sands and the Polka Dots When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $15 More info: Named one of the best polka bands around, Ray Sands and the Polka Dots will present a fun, old-time concert. This is the 67th year of the Polka Dots band, who still plays nearly every weekend! Most recently, the group played on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” to a capacity crowd at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. The band’s leader, Ray Sands, was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

april

Sinatra & Company: Tim Patrick and Girl Singers of the Hit Parade When: 7 p.m. Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $25

april

Taste of Heritage When: 1 p.m. Where: Northbridge Mall Cost: Free More info: Enjoy the heritage of many countries along with entertainment, food and fun. People from different countries will be represented.

More info: This night of entertainment will include Tim Patrick and his 10-piece Blue Eyes Band, along with Colleen Raye and Debbie Okeefe of the Girl Singers of the Hit Parade. The night features the music, humor and history of the Rat Pack Era. There will be songs made famous by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe.

april

16 Fountain Lake 5 and Tiger Trot When: 9 a.m. Where: Brookside Education Center Cost for Fountain Lake 5: $27 prior to April 10, $32 after Cost for Tiger Trot: $20 for adults, $10 for students prior to March 28; $30 for adults, $20 for students after. T-shirt only available for those who sign up before March 28 More info: The Fountain Lake 5 is a fundraiser by the Albert Lea Family Y for five miles around Fountain Lake. It traces what is without a doubt the most popular exercise routine in the city. The Tiger Trot is a 5-kilometer run/walk that serves as a fundraiser for Southwest Middle School. Both events start at the same location.

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 61

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Coming up... Sunday, March 6th

Hubbard Agency In Touch Doing More

Insurance

507-373-1688 • Fax: 507-373-2017 hubbardagency@deskmedia.com 62 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

Attack the Stack Pancake Fundraiser 8 am - 1 pm

at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home

Free Will Donation

Sunday, April 17th

Fundraiser featuring Music by Teddy Bear Band and Rich & the Resistors starts at 1 pm

at Wedgewood Cove

Contact Senior Resources for tickets

A winter sunset off of Freeborn County Road 101. Photo by Colleen Harrison

march/april 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 63

INSIDE ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

behind the scenes One of Sarah and Brian Hensley’s cocker spaniels, Cash, waits to be let back in after a bathroom break during Albert Lea magazine’s visit to the Hensleys’ house.

Sophie Stultz, Albert Lea magazine Editor Sarah Stultz’s daughter, snacks on an orange while coloring with her mom and brother.

It is Minions mania in Editor Sarah Stultz’s household lately, so we printed out some coloring sheets with different Minions on them for her children to color when they came in to take the Editor’s Note photo.

Like the Albert Lea Magazine page on Facebook for insider info, unseen photos and prizes! 64 | ALBERT LEA | march/april 2016

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