ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
A rock star recycler Fashion on a whole new level
FALL 2013
7
fragrances to fawn over
VOL. 1 NO. 3
Extraordinary women
FALL 2013
We feature three powerful business leaders
Shop for the entire family at more than 30 stores.
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www.HomeSolutionsMidwest.com moreinfo@HomeSolutionsMidwest.com
Call for your free on-site estimate!
EDITOR’S NOTE
A true inspiration
Kelli Lageson, Editor
We want to hear what you think! Call Editor Kelli Lageson at 507-379-3439 or email her at kelli.lageson@ albertleatribune.com. Write us a letter about what you like and don’t like about what you read. And be sure to like our page on Facebook for behind the scenes information and chances to win prizes. Thanks for reading!
2 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Picking the theme of Women in Business for our Fall issue was an easy decision because I knew it wouldn’t be hard to find talented, bright women to feature. I was lucky enough to get to interview Tami LaCanne, a manager at Lou-Rich, about her day-to-day work and how she got to where she is. I was impressed by her no-nonsense attitude and how she continually pushes herself to learn more, to do more, to be more. As a woman in business, I know that it’s not always easy, and I know how important education is. Luckily, my parents never even gave me the option to skip college; it was always assumed that was the next step after high school. But that’s not always the way it goes for everyone. Tami was a good example of that. She did get her associate’s degree, but then started working and gaining experience. There’s value in that, too. She taught herself by taking new challenges, reading new books and doing whatever else she could think of to learn more. I think it’s admirable that she got to where she is without having a four-year degree. And she could have just stopped there. As a manager at Lou-Rich, she’s gained even more experience and those credentials could take her many places. But she still has that zest for learning, so she decided to go back to college to obtain her four-year degree. I look up to Tami for her continued pursuit of knowledge, and I hope that I too can continue to better myself throughout my career. We feature three lovely ladies in this issue, and I think you’ll learn something from each one. Happy reading!
Publisher Crystal Miller Editorial Editor Kelli Lageson Contributing Writers Quinn Andersen Micah Bader Angie Barker Tim Engstrom Brandi Hagen Jennifer Vogt-Erickson Jennifer Levisen Erin Murtaugh Amy Pleimling Sarah Stultz Contributing Photographers Brandi Hagen Tim Engstrom Kelli Lageson Jens Levisen Erin Murtaugh Micah Bader Art Art Director/Story Layout Kathy Johnson Graphic Designers Kristin Overland Colby Hansen Susan Downey Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Michele Beyer Catherine Buboltz Renee Citsay Clay Culbertson Angie Eggum Fall 2013 Volume 1, Number 3 Editorial correspondence: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-379-3439. To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427. To subscribe, call 507-379-3422.
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Live, Work & Play
In the Land Between the Lakes August 23 - 24 Big Island BBQ Freeborn County Fairgrounds
September 7 - 8 Ryan Truesdell Memorial Sports Weekend Snyder Fields
September 15 Autumn in the Village Freeborn County Historical Society
September 2 Bayside Skiers Labor Day Show Edgewater Bay, Fountain Lake
September 14 Fountain Lake Powerboat Races Fountain Lake
October 5 - 6 Big Island Rendezvous Bancroft Bay Park
Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce • 2580 Bridge Ave • (507) 373-3938 • www.albertlea.org Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau • 102 W. Clark St. • (507) 373-2316 • www.albertleatourism.org Albert Lea Economic Development Agency • 2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave • (507) 373-3930 • www.growalbertlea.com
ALBERT LEA | fall 2013
features
Women in business Tami Lacanne Tami LaCanne has worked her way up at Lou-Rich and is now furthering her education.
Sue loch Sue Loch didn’t expect to stay in Albert Lea, but she’s loving being part of the family business.
Aimee struck A hobby turned into a career for this dancer turned studio director.
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We turn your sensible work outfits into stunning out-on-the-town getups.
on the cover
From work to play
contents
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28
34
54 59
Seen
30
In every issue
6 ‘i do’ weddings and engagements 10 Eddie Cochran car show
26 things you didn’t know you wanted 56 Ask the expert
13 Wind down wednesday
58 Book review
16 vintage style show
59 Scrapbook
“It’s an investment, and it’s something you’ll never lose.” — Kim Danner, Page 34
60 final word Departments
62 Events calendar A rock star recycler
28 Move: 5 bike routes for the enthusiasts
Fashion on a whole new level
30 SAVOR: Lasagna rolls 34 CREATE: prepPing for post secondary 37 CREATE: Dietitian’s digest 54 essay: Making my own way
On the cover 7 fragrances to fawn over 20 A rock star recycler 38 Extraordinary women 40
7
fragrances to fawn over
Extraordinary women
FALL 2013
We feature three powerful businesswomen
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 5
SEEN | Area Weddings & Engagements
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8 (1) Kaitlyn Hutchins and Willie Huebner (2) Alyssa Klund and Anthony Wittmer (3) Emily Thomsen and Jordon Olson (4) Miranda Vogt and Nathan Olson (5) Christine Balsley and Kurt Fredenberg (6) Jessica Cagle and Evan Guenther (7) Jenna Klingson and Zane Bauers (8) Michelle Sward and Russell Felt (9) Kristina Hinton and Juan Torrez Jr. (10) Lauren Cliff and David Everhard
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16 (11) Candace Gulbrandson and Rick Fuzesy (12) Andrea Smither and Brad Brua (13) Jacqueline Delano and Michael Shirley (14) Krystal Falk and Dustin Lennie (15) Angela Wagner and Andrew Larson (16) Megan Thompson and Michael Rauenhorst (17) Shelly Sturm and Benjamin Froehling 17 Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 7
Stop
Experience the Difference
in and
with
our non-commissioned Sales Team!
Mark Christopherson
Home of the $12.95 oil change
Dave Villarreal
Kerby Lodin
Kade Vershey
Chad Cahill
Greg Hanson
Travis Stortroen
Doug Conn
George Gonzalez
Craig Loehr
Christopher Balfe
Kathy Henderson
Mike Holzman
Voted #1 Place to Buy an Automobile in the 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards www.davesyverson.com
DO IT SMART... DO IT SIMPLE... DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S 1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 • 2310/2320 E. Main • Albert Lea, MN
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 9
SEEN | Eddie Cochran Young and old came out Saturday, June 8, for the car show during Eddie Cochran Weekend in Albert Lea. The show was all day at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, and people from cities all over Minnesota and Iowa came to show off their classic rides. The show was followed by a car cruise around Albert Lea.
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8 (1) Don Blake, of Albert Lea, with his 1956 Chevy Bel Air (2) Buzz Kendall, of Waterville, with his 1939 Chevy (3) Dave Klingfus, of Austin, with his 1949 Chevy pickup (4) Burdette Janssen, of Dumont, Iowa, with his 1931 Ford (5) Jim Papouchis, of Mason City, Iowa, with his 1951 Ford panel truck (6) Kendall Petersen, of Mason City, Iowa, with his 1954 Mercury Monterey (7) John Meyer, of Mason City, Iowa, with his 1963 Ford Fairlane (8) Ron Lukes, of Mason City, Iowa, with his 1930 Ford Model A (9) Randy Stull, of Owatonna, with his 1960 Chevy Impala (10) Rick Kendall, of Waterville, with his 1938 Chevy
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Albert Lea Magazine contributing writers Quinn Andersen Quinn is a junior at Albert Lea High School and lives in Albert Lea with her parents. Micah Bader Micah enjoys sports and working on his motorcycle and Jeep. Angie Barker Angie is an avid book reader who lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Josh. Tim Engstrom One of Tim’s hobbies is disc golf. He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Forrest and Jasper.
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery!
Brandi Hagen Brandi enjoys photography. She lives with her boyfriend, Nick and dog, Molly. Jennifer Vogt-Erickson Jennifer is a writer living in Albert Lea with her husband, Jeshua, and kids, Axel and Trixie. Kelli Lageson Kelli enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Clarks Grove. Jennifer Levisen Jennifer works at Mayo Clinic. She is married to husband, Jens. They have a son, Anders.
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Erin Murtaugh Erin is an aspiring photographer. She lives with her dad, Mike, and sister, Tierney. Amy Pleimling Amy is a registered dietitian who enjoys writing about healthy living. Sarah Stultz Sarah enjoys gardening. She is married to Jason and has two kids, Sophie and Landon.
Signature___________________________________________________ Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 11
Available September 27th in the Albert Lea Tribune Plan to read about local businesses in the Albert Lea Tribune’s annual focus on the local economy. This special publication will take an in-depth look at the area’s industry, retail base, construction and education... examining what direction the area is doing and what is being done to protect our future growth and development.
To subscribe, call 507-379-3421 12 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
SEEN | Wind Down Wednesday On June 26, Wind Down Wednesday was held at Central Park in Albert Lea. Various artists, vendors, musicians and food stands were available for the public to enjoy.
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6 (1) Danielle and Bobbie Pothier (2) Sandy and Clint Nelson (3) Larry Holcomb, Kayla Moen and Brianna Oftedahl (4) Angel Hogate and Ryan Heath (5) Jeena, Moti, Reva and Adit Vishwakarma (6) Robin Brown, Krystal Falk and Raissa Byer (7) Melissa, Ashton, Max and Josh Ausen (8) Priscilla Douglas and Pam Schmidt (9) Mike and Karen Henry
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During Construction, use our front, side & back doors!
We buy scrap gold! Use our side door. 507-373-8925 or 1-800-339-7115
Put yourself in our shoes. 507-373-6793
free consultations - call today! 507.446.9000 Owatonna, MN
We deliver, and YES, we are open! 507-377-2081
For Straight Teeth WITHOUT Braces
507.424.3632 Rochester, MN
Keep calm and party on! 507-373-7746
Custom picture framing since 1983. 507-377-0848
Group tours and vacations for people going places! 507-373-2473
Used appliances, sales & service. 507-373-6020 or 507-440-9388
See Sue at
Putting our clients first. 507-377-6062
M&S
Outdoor Equipment 519 Prospect Avenue • Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-7705
Exmark • Husqvarna • Stihl Don’t forget to eat during construction! Free Delivery • Breakfast all day Open Mon-Fri 4:30am-2pm, Sat 4:30am-11am 14 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
With something as important and lasting as a new kitchen or bath, it’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 Acme Kitchen & Bath offers both. Stop in and talk in over with us soon. And ask us about special factory-direct savings.
971 Plaza St, Albert Lea 507-377-4284 freebornlumber.com M-F 7:30am-5pm; Thurs ‘til 7pm
Holiday 2013
Deadline - September 29
Distributed - October 22
Winter 2013
Deadline - November 15 Clay Culbertson 379-9851 clay.culbertson@ albertleatribune.com
Renee Citsay 379-3430 renee.citsay@ albertleatribune.com
Distributed - December 10 Michele Beyer 379-9852 michele.beyer@ albertleatribune.com
Angie Eggum 379-3429 angie.eggum@ albertleatribune.com
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 15
SEEN | Vintage Style Show On June 22, the Threads of Love Style Show Brunch was held at First Lutheran Church as a fundraiser for the Freeborn County Historical Society expansion project. Models wore outfits from the 1920s to the 1980s.
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Vintage Style Show
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(1) K Adamec (2) K Adamec (3) Jeannie Schermer (4) Joan Graham (5) Stephanie Larson
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(6) Stephanie Larson (7) Jessika Starry (8) Amy Wasson (9) Shalin Hoelsher (10) Tep Christensen (11) Gwen Groskurth (12) Tep Christensen (13) Joan Holt
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Fall Home Decorating Sale
20% Off entire order
Offer good thru November 30, 2013
PLUS FREE Top-Down/ Bottom-Up Cordless on all Honeycomb Shades - Fashion Tech and Graber Installation with trusted local installer Jeff Fjelstad.
Call Susan at 507-330-0960 for your appointment! Susan Batchelder, Consultant www.cdabbyme.com by Michael Esch
18 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
48 John Albert Drive • New Richland • $498,000 Rare opportunity to own this 1.65 Acre, 2 parcel lake property on spectacular Beaver Lake. Home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Tiki bar, deck, in-ground pool, triple garage, 332 feet of shoreline & much more.
Up to 5 quarts oil & new filter. Synthetic oil, blends & diesel extra. Present at time of write-up. Nat valid with other offers. Exp. 9/2/13.
Present at time of write-up. Nat valid with other offers. Exp. 9/2/13.
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 19
DAZZLE | Perfume
fragrances
Photos and story by Kelli Lageson
Fawn
over these
Hints of florals mixed with fruits, wood and spices are hot this fall. Jill Fuller, Clinique counter manager at Herberger’s, can help you pick out the right fragrance for your personality. She recommends you try any one of these seven scents for a whole new level of sophistication.
TrĂŠsor Midnight Rose This musky scent features raspberry, rose, cedar and vanilla hints. $58 for 1.7 ounces
Elizabeth Arden Red Door
Clinique Happy Heart This fresh fragrance has subtle hints of sandalwood, mandarin and cucumber. $49.50 for 1.7 ounces
This sensual fragrance blends red roses and orchids with honey and spice. $65 for 3.4 ounces
Marc Jacobs Dot
Coach Poppy
Coach Love
A charming scent that has hints of red berries, dragonfruit and honeysuckle. $89 for 3.4 ounces
This whimsical scent mixes notes of citrus and water lily petals. $65 for 1.7 ounces
A romantic aroma that blends florals and a touch of woodlands. $92 for 3.4 ounces
20 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Vera Wang Lovestruck This rich floral scent will leave you hating all your other perfumes. $68 for 1.7 ounces
AMMO Shortage? Not here! Save your gas... try us first
18322 US Highway 69 Albert Lea (507) 377-0201
M
y name is Spenser Brackey. I grew up on a farm just north of Lake Mills, IA. Upon high school graduation, I took general education courses at Minnesota State University at Mankato. Later, I transferred to the University Of Minnesota, where I pursued a degree in Mortuary Science. I officially graduated May 17, 2013. I am looking forward to working alongside the great staff at Bonnerup Funeral Service, as well as getting to know and serving all of the wonderful people in Albert Lea, New Richland, Ellendale and the surrounding areas!
308 7th Avenue • Ellendale, MN • (507) 684-2881 2210 East Main St. • Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-2461 217 West Division St. • New Richland, MN • (507) 465-8015
www.BonnerupFuneralService.com
www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org 901 Luther Place • Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507-373-8226 Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 21
DAZZLE | Day to night outfits
From work to play
Styling by Crystal Miller and Kelli Lageson Model: Annie Ladwig
Follow these simple tips for turning your day-time outfit into a getup that’s perfect for going out: Throw on this great cuff bracelet to add some sparkle. $12, Maurices These great heels, with a zipper on the heel, make this outfit perfect for the dance floor. $59, Herberger’s Swipe on this lipstick for a dramatic new look. Maybelline Red Revolution, $7.49, discount stores Day outfit: Dress, $42, Ezra at BG Loft, blazer, $54, A. Byer at Herberger’s, necklace and earrings, $18, Ella at BG Loft, flats, $20, Maurices. 22 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Photos by Brandi Hagen
Meet our model Annie Ladwig, 18, lives in Albert Lea with her parents Jodi and Steve. Ladwig has three siblings, Josh, 33, Matt, 31, and Kat, 24. Ladwig will be a senior this fall at Albert Lea High School. She plays volleyball and is involved in Ahlahasa, track and field and Link Crew. Ladwig also helps out at the organic dairy farm owned by her parents.
She enjoys hanging out with Stanley. Ladwig loves to travel, and so far her favorite place to visit has been Italy. friends and her cat,
SEEN | Day to night outfits
Ditch those flats for these great suede heels. $29, Maurices
These jeans add some bling and completely change the look of the outfit. $109, Miss Me jeans at Leuthold’s A sparkly clutch like this will hold your necessities. $12, Maurices Day outfit: White camisole, $20, Maurices, black skirt, $18, Maurices, gold top, $34, Maurices, bracelet, $12, Maurices, heels, $29, Maurices.
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Nothing says out on the town like wearing heels. $69, Nine West at Herberger’s Swap the sweater for this jean jacket — perfect for cool fall nights. $88, Kut from the Kloth at Leuthold’s These deep hues will accent your eyes for a dramatic night look. Maybelline Stylish Smokes, $5.99 at discount stores Dress, $64, A. Byer at Herberger’s, gray sweater, $20, Maurices, purse, $70, Bueno Glazed Parchment at Herberger’s, shoes, $24, Maurices.
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Money is our Business
Bacon Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese This grown-up mac and cheese is an All-American favorite taken to the next level, adding on smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, blue cheese, and creamy white gravy.
• Yield: 6 servings
We can help with money you may need or provide a safe place for money you already have, earning higher dividends. NCUA insured.
610 S Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN • 377-1863
www.tradesandlabor.com
Ventura Foods Ingredients Measure SunGlow European Style 6 tbsp. Butter Blend, unsalted Classic Gourmet® Reserve 2/3 cup Deluxe Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Other Ingredients Measure Shallots, large, sliced 3 cups 2 cups Elbow Macaroni, small Half & Half 1 1/4 tsp. Cholula Hot Sauce 2 1/2 tsp. White Cheddar Cheese, grated 2 cups White Gravy Mix 2 1/2 tsp. Smoked Bacon, cooked 1 cup
Methods: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F. 2. Grease 11x7x2 inch glass baking dish. 3. Melt 3 tbsp. SunGlow in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. 4. Add shallots; sprinkle with salt and pepper. 5. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium. 6. Cook, covered, until shallots are deep brown, stirring often, about 6 minutes. 7. Meanwhile, cook macaroni in large saucepan of boiling salted water u ntil just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well. 8. Reserve pan. Bring half and half and hot sauce to simmer in same saucepan over medium heat. Toss cheddar cheese and gravy mix in medium bowl to coat. 9. Add half and half mixture. Whisk until sauce is smooth and just returns to simmer, about 2 minutes. 10. Mix in pasta and blue cheese dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Spread pasta mixture in prepared dish and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.
919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 373-2431 For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com
Professional nail care for the entire family
Our Services: Manicure, Spa Pedicure, Acrylic Nails, Gel Nails, Pink & White (Solar Nails), Waxing, Bridal Party Packages
507-373-1076 Located inside the Northbridge Mall 2536 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN Visit us online at: www.KayNailsandSpa.com Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 25
DAZZLE | Staff Picks
Things
You Didn’t Know
You Wanted
Enjoy your home away from home The average American spends almost nine hours at work each weekday. Since so much time is spent at work, it should be a place that can be enjoyed. Try surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good like these local finds.
Pencil in time to smell the roses Hy-Vee’s award winning florist Cheryl Overland created this pencil-covered vase that doubles as a pencil holder. It’s outlined with classic No. 2 pencils and is sure to be a conversation piece. Hy-Vee, Albert Lea. $16.99
A tisket, a tasket, a yellow wire basket Super-size your inbox or use this basket to organize space with a chic style. These wire baskets are available in a variety of colors. Sterling Drug Store, Albert Lea. $19.99
Coffee, it’s what’s for breakfast Unless you’re Lutheran of course, then coffee is for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy gourmet coffee flavors at work with these K-Cups that complement a Keurig coffee maker. These K-Cups are available in a variety of flavors and can be delivered with next day service. Four Seasons Coffee, Albert Lea. Starting at $16.95 26 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Add a personal touch to your notes Dream up designs, use your company logo or just your name as your design base for these personalized notepads. Each notepad is 4.25 x 5.5 inches and makes a perfect gift for your co-workers. Arrow Printing, Albert Lea. $1 per pad with qualifying order.
Everyone should believe in something We believe in having another cup of coffee. These hand-painted coffee cups with vintage brooches are sure to brighten any day. Local artisan Pam Schmidt can customize glassware of your choice or you can choose a cup already created by visiting local vendors: Prairie Wind Coffee, Unbridled Boutique, the Albert Lea Art Center or Sugar Chic. Pam’s Puttin’ on the Glitz Glassware, Albert Lea. Starting at $15
A Note From
Josephin
e
Professionalism hits a new height Make an impression with these high quality photo business cards. They are printed in full color and laminated for high attention and durability. Church Offset Printing, Albert Lea. 500 for $70
(507) 373-6485 Fax: (507) 373-2716 1731 Margaretha Avenue /P.O. Box 988 Albert Lea, MN 56007 nick_kruse@churchoffsetprinting.com www.churchoffsetprinting.com
NickSales Kruse
Put your best chair forward The reception area at your place of business is your first impression to your customers and community members. Make this impression count with a stylish accent chair. This blue chair, from the Maravu collection, features inconspicuous pattern with wood arms. Slumberland, Albert Lea. $429
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 27
MOVE | Health & Fitness
5 bike routes for the enthusiasts
Scott Martin owns Martin’s Cycling & Fitness in Albert Lea and is an avid cyclist.
Plus 4 must-have accessories
Bontrager Circuit This helmet is designed with enhanced vents for maximum airflow, according to the maker. The helmet comes in small, medium and large, and the fit system allows it to adjust fairly easily. $99.99
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Photos and story by Tim Engstrom
Bontrager Ion 1/Flare Lightset This set has a 15 lumens headlamp and an 8 lumens taillamp, though the maker refers to them as ion and flare, respectively. The ion offers 270 degrees of visibility and has high and flash modes. The flare has high, flash and random modes. Be sure to check that the clamps fit your handlebars. $37.99
Albert Lea has a group of about 10 riders who get together every Wednesday evening during the warm months to ride their bicycles. Martin’s Cycling & Fitness owner Scott Martin said they don’t just go for little 5-mile jaunts around the lake, either. These are road cyclists, the kind who like rides into the countryside and back. They pedal 20, 30, even 40 miles when they get on two wheels. They gather at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the bike shop, 1137 S. Broadway Ave. The bike shop is right at the bend where South Broadway becomes Southeast Broadway, near Hardee’s. Martin, 51, has owned the store since it opened in 1981 and has been riding bikes since he was a boy. He has been into road biking for about a decade. Martin’s Cycling & Fitness has hosted the Wednesday night rides for seven years. Martin said he looks forward to the completion of the Blazing Star Trail to Hayward. Presently, the trail is a 6-mile dead end. After the work is finished in 2014, the trail would become a pleasant addition to the routes the road bikers enjoy taking. He shared the group’s favorite routes, starting from the bike shop:
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• South on Southeast Broadway, east on Freeborn County Road 19 (South Shore Drive), south on County 26, west on County 13 through Glenville and continuing past the Poet ethanol plant and over Interstate 35, north on County 18, which leads to South Broadway and the bike shop. The ride is about 20 miles.
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• South on County 18 (South Broadway), east a half mile at County 5, continue south on County 18 to State Line Road, west on State Line Road past State Lake Lake to Emmons, north on County 14, east on County 17 (Conger Road), north on County 18 back to bike shop. The ride is about 31 miles.
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• South on County 18, east a half mile on County 5, continue south on County 18, west a half mile on State Line Road, south into Iowa on Wheelerwood Road, which takes a couple of curves before reaching Diamond Jo Casino. Go back the same way, and it is a 30-mile total.
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Bontrager Trip 1 This computer comes with a 63 cm heavy-duty wire to connect to a monitor on the fork that reads wheel rotations by detecting a spoke magnet. The computer tells current speed, maximum speed, time, elapsed time, trip distance and odometer mileage. People often have the experts at the bike shop install computers. Higher-end models have wireless versions. $28.99
• North on Broadway to Fountain Lake, west on Fountain Street, north on Lakeview Boulevard around Fountain Lake, west on County 20 (Richway Drive), continue as it curves northward (becoming the Bath Road), west on County 25 through Manchester to Oak View Golf Course, then go back the same way. It is about 29 miles in all. • North on Broadway to Fountain Lake, west on Fountain Street, north on Lakeview Boulevard around Fountain Lake, west on County 20, continue as it curves northward, west on County 14, continue across Highway 13, south on County 14, east on County 17, north on County 18 to bike shop. This ride is about 22 miles.
Polar Bottle This company by the same name offers a 24-ounce bottle with the motto, “Colder tastes better.” Made in the USA, it offers a BPA-free and phthalate-free container ideal for long rides. $13.99
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 29
SAVOR | Lasagna rolls
By Jennifer Levisen Photos by Brandi Hagen and Jens Levisen
Score one for the home team At the end of August I become, what I endearingly call, a soccer widow. I lose my husband, the coach, to practices and games, and our 2-year-old and I are left to our own devices. For the most part it’s not a big deal, but it gets tricky at dinnertime. On a good day I’m able to leave work, run home, get the car, pick him up from day care and get back home by 5:30 p.m. Which leaves a grand total of 15 or so minutes for me to make dinner and still have him eating on schedule. Anyone with young children knows how important those schedules are. You get too far off track and you’re just going to
Lasagna rolls se they tear) Ingredients ook 1 extra in ca (c s le od no a gn • 9 lasa • 1 egg cheese rt skim ricotta pa es nc ou 16 • esan cheese • 1/4 cup Parm alian herbs • 1 teaspoon It lt finely chopped • 1 teaspoon sa li, cooked and co oc br or h ac • 1 cup spin well) ed and drained aw th , en oz fr (I used eese ed mozzarella ch • 1/2 cup shredd bake: When ready to sauce a ar eese and grated • 1 cup marin ed mozzarella ch dd re sh g lin nk • Spri se Parmesan chee
Recipe adapted
30 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
from weelicious
.com.
pay for it later. And that’s not fun on a Tuesday night. Too many guilt-inducing peanut butter and banana sandwiches had me thumbing through my cookbooks for inspiration, and I stumbled upon this wonderful creation — lasagna rolls. Carbohydrate, vegetable, protein and dairy all wrapped up in yummy, perfectly porportioned rolls that I can make and freeze ahead of time. So when I run home to get the car, I can preheat my oven and pop one in. Our son gets a warm, nutritious meal on time, and I feel like I scored one for the home team!
less than Preparation water 2 minutes d lte sa in s le a nood ld water. 1. Cook lasagn d rinse with co an r fo ll ca ns io Parmesan, package direct ricotta, 1/4 cup g, eg e th sk hi or spinach 2. In a bowl w lla and broccoli re za oz m p cu 2 lt, 1/ Italian herbs, sa . on each lasagna to combine ricotta mixture e th of p cu 3 3. Spread 1/ e. up jelly roll styl cookie sheet noodle and roll side down on a am se lls ro a gn 4. Place the lasa es. zer for 30 minut and place in free future use. freezer bag for 5. Place rolls in to 375 degrees. 1/2 cup 6. Preheat oven king dish with ba l al sm of 7. Cover bottom ng dish, de down in baki marinara sauce. si am se ll ro a lasagn nkling of 8. Place frozen sauce and a spri a ar in ar m ng ni se. top with remai d Parmesan chee an se ee utes covered ch lla re mozza bake for 45 min d an il fo ith w sh 9. Cover the di covered. un es ut and 15 min 10. Serve.
Autumn Artistry September 21 in Osage, Iowa
The scent of applies, cinnamon and nutmeg from freshlybrewed cider and fresh-from-the-oven pies waft through the air. The sight of maple leaves turning deep hues of reds, yellows and orange pepper the sky. A cornucopia of handcrafted harvest items line Main Street in Osage, Iowa, already known for its unique boutique-like shopping experience.
September 21 Autumn Artistry
September 27-29
Cedar River Rendezvous and Outdoor Days Mitchell County Conservation Center
October 4-6
Fox River Mills Sock Sale CRC Event Center, Mitchell County Fairgrounds
Welcome to north Iowa’s premier fall festival, Autumn Artistry. Autumn Artistry has blossomed into a beautiful fall tradition in the City of Maples. The annual event, slate for Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Osage, will feature more than 100 area artisans and vendors, showcasing an array of quality handmade goods – from home décor to girts, jewelry, pottery, baked goods, quilts and much more. “Osage is so pretty in the fall with all our beautiful maples changing colors,” said event founder and co-organizer Marsha Stricker, who also owns The Flower Gallery. “It really sets the foundation to build this event on, which makes this so beautiful and special each year.” Many new items will be featured at this year’s Autumn Artistry, including pottery, handmade soaps and lotions, metal sculptures, feather hair extensions, woodcarving, quits and wool pennyrunners, and custom pet accessories, just to name a few. Delight in the selection of freshly picked pumpkins and gourds. Let your taste buds guide you through the selection of homemade baked goods and pies. Additional exhibits, crafters, artists and harvest goods will be on display and for sale at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds, along with a variety of activities, including Blacktop Cruiser’s 11th Annual Car Show. Enjoy additional food vendors and a beer garden, as well.
Find it in Osage! Shopping Dining Nature Events Recreation
Plan your trip to the City of Maples!
To make sure those in attendance can see all that Autumn Artistry has to offer without the stress of driving across town, shuttle service will be provided between Osage’s downtown area and the Fairgrounds with stops at Arts Shoes, Home Trust, the Osage Public Library, Renee’s Loving Care and the Fairgrounds. Autumn Artistry is sponsored by the Osage Lions Club. For more information about this event, please call 641-732-3294.
OsageChamber.com 641-732-3163
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 31
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CREATE | Tips for freshmen
Story and Photo by Micah Bader
Prepping Kim Danner is a guidance counselor at Albert Lea High School.
K
im Danner helps high school students prepare for college, and she wants to offer some simple tips to readers. “My personal goal is that every senior has a plan when they walk across that stage and graduate from high school,” said Danner, a guidance counselor at Albert Lea High School. “Whether that’s going to college, going to the military or to work right away, they’re going to want to have a plan.” Danner has occupied her position at ALHS for three years. Her favorite part of the job is working with the students. “It’s fun helping them figure it out,” she said. “They start self-discovery, and they get excited about their future.” Laying the groundwork for post-secondary education isn’t something a student can easily do over the course of one year. Danner suggested that eighth-graders begin preparing for college 34 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
as soon as they enter high school by choosing elective classes wisely. “Not all the classes may be fun and giggles, but I encourage kids to have a good balance,” she said. “You don’t want a full day of lecture, so you can shake it up a bit.” College visits and fairs, as well as research on the Internet, can help students find the right school. Despite the time and effort, the research can be worth it. “There are so many opportunities,” Danner said. “We have two to three college representatives weekly who stop in from all over the Midwest.” Students and parents also are encouraged to explore campuses in session and out of session. However, the multitude of choices can be daunting. “There are so many options, that a lot of students and families can get overwhelmed,” she said. “But it’s an investment, and it’s something you’ll never lose.” Danner had personal experience with the selection process when she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Dubuque and a master’s degree at Winona State University. She went through the process with her daughters Sara, 28, and Kelli, 24, too. Although GPA, ACT scores and class rank are important, they’re not the only factors a college recruiter will use to consider an applicant. “I’ve been seeing colleges pay attention
for
to what students are doing outside of school,” Danner said. “Are they involved with the school? Are they in sports? Are they in fine arts? Are they volunteering in the community? Do they work part time? They’re looking for the whole person, not just the GPA.” With a struggling economy, the field is competitive for students to get accepted to their college of choice. Along with graduating high school seniors, many nontraditional students are headed back to school. Danner mentioned that only 5,000 of 45,000 applicants were accepted to the University of Minnesota this fall. ALHS partnered with the University of Minnesota on a new initiative called Ramp-Up to Readiness. Through the program, students will attempt to grow in six areas: academic, admissions, career, financial, personal and social readiness for college.
7
tips for high school seniors:
1. Keep grades up 2. Stay involved with extra-curricular activities 3. Get letters of recommendation ready for applications and scholarships 4. Take or re-take the ACT 5. Make final campus visits 6. Attend college fairs 7. Complete FAFSA application for financial aid
post secondary Colleen Thompson, 19 Hometown: Clarks Grove College: University of Sioux Falls
Q A
What is one thing or experience that surprised you during your first year of college? I was pleasantly surprised by how easy of a transition it was! College is kind of like an adventure, in a way, and my whole first year was full of new experiences. I also couldn’t believe how fast I bonded with the girls in my dorm, and I loved how close we became. I found myself getting my homework done faster so we could go out and do something!
Q A
What was one thing you could have done to prepare yourself better for college? I probably should have gotten more background information in the field I was interested in to make sure I knew what I was getting into. Now that I’m set in a double major, I can start taking required classes that I’ll need to graduate.
Q A
Why did you choose the college you’re at? Would you do it again? I chose USF because it’s a small, Christian college and my faith is very important to me. It’s just the right distance away from home, and Sioux Falls has a ton of hangout spots and restaurants. (There’s honestly two of every kind of restaurant you could ever want.) I also liked it because of all the cool activities that the campus has to offer, like intramural sports, Humans vs. Zombies, Harry Potter Week and Summer and Winter Olympics, to name a few! The students and faculty all genuinely care about each other, and I love the way I feel when I’m there! After finishing my first year there I know I made the right decision.
Q A
Is there any other advice you can give to high-schoolers who are thinking about college? I’d say the best way to go into college is with an open mind. Try things that you never were able to before because you might find that there’s things out there that you really love! Meet new people, go to events, try out for things and just get involved. College is where you really find out who you are, and it can be the best years of your life if you let it.
Colleen Thompson is attending the University of Sioux Falls.
Photo by Brandi Hagen Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 35
405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 • (507) 583-2141 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060 • (507) 455-1000 3110 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906 • (507) 536-7700 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 463-0502
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He did the dishes, Rubbed my feet, Surprised me with tulips, Took me to musicals even though he didn’t like them, Carried my bags while I did the shopping, Held my hand.
He died of cancer four years ago.
Because he loved me,
I can stay in our home. I can be here for our children. I can afford to pay for their college education. I can worry about the other things in life besides money.
He still loves me. And he still shows it.
Nancy Vanderwaerdt, Agent, LUTCF, FSS 505 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea 377-0227 www.nancyvw.net 36 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Coupon good through 10/20/13
DIETITIAN’S DIGEST | By Amy Pleimling
Finding long-lasting healthy behaviors As a working mother, I often wonder if I can manage it all — maintaining a career, being a good mom and wife, and eating healthy while exercising regularly. There are days, even weeks, that can be overwhelming. Not to mention the fact that as a registered dietitian I know that regular sleep patterns are directly related to my overall health, so cutting hours there is not the best option. Everybody says we need to take time for ourselves, but where is that time going to come from? Can working moms do it all? Can we bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan, as they say? (OK, first we should probably change that to turkey bacon.) Our country is fast-paced, and this is not likely to change anytime soon. It is easier to pick up food on the way home for dinner than it is to make it at home. It is easier to eat lunch out with co-workers than it is to plan, shop and pack your lunch from home. After work and dinner are done, it is a lot easier to sit on the couch than to take a bike ride. But let’s face it, these repeated habits can be unhealthy, and we know that we feel a lot better about ourselves when we do eat healthy and exercise. Since we probably can’t do it all, how can we manage our busy lives so that we can make room for healthy eating and regular physical activity? Here are some ideas that make it easier for me:
Let go of the all-or-nothing mentality I see this type of thinking far too often. If you mess up and eat too much at lunch time and/or eat a bar (or two) from the pan in the break room, you don’t have to overeat at supper and then get ice cream just because you were off-track. This mentality is going to do you no good. You should plan to derail frequently; how you handle it is what matters. The other part of letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality is facing the fact that perfect eating and exercising rarely exist. It doesn’t need to be perfect to be healthy. Small, repeated efforts will make the most difference.
Accept that small efforts make a huge difference I think we still have a hard time letting go of the quick-fix thinking. If you are going to make efforts in losing weight for a few weeks and you don’t lose, why continue? Switch that thinking to accept that it takes time — a lifetime. Too many large changes at once won’t work for very long. Being healthy
doesn’t mean you need to completely change your lifestyle from top to bottom. Keep the things that you really love, but make efforts where you know you can. Something as small as a healthier breakfast can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Keep a positive attitude In efforts to stay healthy, we tend to set up strict guidelines for ourselves. What happens then is a negative cycle of thoughts and feelings. You might declare “no sweets or sugar in my diet,” and from this comes thoughts and cravings for something sweet. Which leads to indulging, which leads to feelings of guilt. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts and you will get much further. Instead of thinking about the doughnut you can’t have, think about how much more satisfied you feel when you eat oatmeal in the morning and be proud of yourself for making small, positive lifestyle efforts. A woman I once worked with on managing her weight had a routine of eating dinner with her mother at McDonald’s once a week. She found a way to cut calories and ordered a plain, grilled chicken sandwich with honey mustard on the side instead of a breaded chicken sandwich. This is a great example of a small effort that made huge improvements in her health. Finding what works is going to be different for everyone. I don’t think we can do it all, but we can find healthy behaviors that work for us and make us feel better. Because we all know when Mama ain’t happy, then no one is happy!
Amy Pleimling is a registered dietitian living in Albert Lea. Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 37
CREATE | A rock star recycler
Photos and story by Erin Murtaugh
Angel Hogate works on turning a pair of jeans into Recycled Rockstars. Hogate has been in business since April.
A rock star recycler Angel Hogate inherited this sewing machine from her grandmother. 38 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Angel Hogate has been making her own jeans since age 14. “I don’t like to look like anyone else,” Hogate said. Hogate would take worn jeans and repair them, turning them into something completely different. When her friend, Ryan Heath, saw what she could make, he suggested she could try to sell them. Since April, the two have started up AR Customs Recycled Rockstars. AR stands for Angel and Ryan. They went back and forth between a name for the business. The name Recycled Rockstars came from Hogate’s catch phrase, “Be a rock star.” She said she has been using that phrase for a long time, and it just fit. To make a pair of Recycled Rockstars, Hogate starts with a pair of jeans that the customer already owns. She said usually it’s their favorite pair of jeans. Sometimes they are too torn to wear anymore but often people just want the look of Recycled Rockstars jeans. After inquiring what the customer is looking for as far as colors and designs, Hogate begins the three-hour process that goes into each pair. After coming up with a design, she shreds the jeans and sews them with fabric, ribbon and other embellishments. The last step of the process is adding her logo to the jeans. The pants can be made for all ages, and jeans aren’t the only thing AR Customs is making now that it has become popular. Hogate also makes T-shirts, shorts, jackets and overalls. Hogate has recently received a new sewing machine. Hogate’s grandma has been sewing for her entire life, and after seeing what Hogate can do, she decided to pass down her sewing machine. “Everyone has been super supportive,” said Hogate. Hogate has made jeans for people all over the world. From Florida to California and to Italy, where her brother is stationed in the military. Hogate started working in Heath’s photography studio, but has moved to her house where she can open up all the windows and crank up music while she works. Heath also helped Hogate turn AR Customs into a limited liability company. “Without Ryan I wouldn’t be selling,” said Hogate. “He does a lot for the company.” She planned to hire two interns, because she often has a monthlong backlog of orders. Hogate still does all the design for each pair, but found she needed help with the amount of sewing needed in the process. Hogate has looked into mass production, but she doesn’t want to lose any of what makes her jeans unique. She’s still considering the possibility of opening a store someday where she could sell pre-made jeans, but for now she’s happy with her customer-by-customer basis.
1. Angel Hogate stands in her work space. Hogate spends about three hours on each pair of jeans. 2. A pair of jeans hangs from Recycled Rockstar’s booth at Wind Down Wednesday. Each pair is made to be one of a kind. 3. Jeans stand at the ready to be made into Recycled Rockstars. 4. Angel Hogate uses lots of colors to make her unique creations.
1
2
3
4 Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 39
ALBERT LEA | FEATURE
Story by Kelli Lageson Photos by Brandi Hagen
Tami LaCanne poses for a photo on the factory floor at Lou-Rich. The device she is leaning on is made up of about 500 parts that LaCanne orders or the factory manufactures itself.
Passionate
about
innovation
40 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
F
inding a way to use her accounting credentials without having to be an accountant completely changed the course of one woman’s career. Tami LaCanne, 40, strategic sourcing manager at Lou-Rich, worked at various local companies before starting in customer service at Lou-Rich and working her way up to where she is now, in a job that she genuinely enjoys.
Abandoning accounting, somewhat LaCanne’s associate’s degree in accounting from Kaplan University in Mason City, Iowa, helped her find her way to her first professional jobs, one as a financial assistant at Owatonna’s hospital, and another at Hormel’s corporate office. There she worked for seven years, starting in accounting and transitioning to customer service and logistics. Moving from accounting to other areas of business was exactly what she needed. “I didn’t want to sit in a cubicle all day,” LaCanne said. Her accounting credentials have continued to help her in each position she has held, but she prefers working with people and avoiding crunching numbers all day. After working at Hormel, a job in customer service opened up at Lou-Rich, and LaCanne started that position in 2002. From there, she worked in various capacities, including a time in engineering where she got used to how materials worked and how the company purchased everything it needed. She noticed price quotes and buying patterns, which piqued her interest. “I said, ‘We need to have someone take a look at these prices,’” LaCanne said. “And I sort of reverted back into accounting.” But not for long.
said. “I do like it.” And with all those contracts comes a lot of negotiation. LaCanne enjoys the deliberations and has worked hard to make sure it’s something she’s good at. “I absolutely love the negotiation part,” LaCanne said. She’s constantly researching commodities like fuel, nitrogen and steel to make sure the company is buying its supplies when they’re not at their most expensive price. “From plastic to metal to electronics, it’s a lot to keep track of,” LaCanne said. “We have well over 1,000 suppliers.” Another challenge for LaCanne is that Lou-Rich is such a diverse company, fabricating parts and finished products for anything from the agriculture field to the medical field. One medical product Lou-Rich is making has 500 different parts to it.
Managing strategically In 2009, LaCanne became the company’s strategic sourcing manager. The title means she’s in charge of finding and auditing suppliers, working with customers and continuing to find creative ways the company can get its supplies quickly and in the most cost-efficient way. LaCanne also manages six employees. “I’m in charge of all of the purchasing, negotiation and pricing of contracts,” LaCanne
This copper tubing is just one of thousands of items Tami LaCanne orders and keeps track of at Lou-Rich.
Tami LaCanne
• Age: 40 • Title: strategic sourcing manager at Lou-Rich • Hometown: lives northeast of Albert Lea, grew up by Hayward • Hobbies: She enjoys travel, playing kickball with her family, snowmobiling and playing bean bags. • Family: husband, Chris, children, Trevor, 9, Miranda, 9, and Keira, 7 • Training: Kaplan University in Mason City, Iowa, and now attending Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wis. • Inspiration: LaCanne is inspired by both her family and Dr. Seuss, especially the book “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” “My kids inspire me to keep going and pushing for my goals, so they can see anything can be done and my husband fully supports anything I want to try or accomplish,” LaCanne said.
LaCanne’s job is to purchase 200 of those and to make sure to buy the supplies for the 300 parts that Lou-Rich makes in house. “It’s anything from contracting half-cent bolts all the way to securing a contract with multimillion-dollar companies,” LaCanne said. “This position is so vast; I enjoy the variety.”
42 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
And while purchase orders need to be completed for every single item or commodity, LaCanne rarely does those anymore. She manages the employees who work on those, but she’s all about the big picture and finding new ways to make the company innovative. “There’s a lot of changes to how we’re doing things,” LaCanne said. “The company has grown an amazing amount.”
Tami LaCanne examines pipes on the factory floor at Lou-Rich. Part of her job is to inspect shipments.
One innovation in her area is the is working on at any given time. So one automation of purchase orders. The way to save space is to make blanket company has a system that can detect which orders to have a supplier bring 500 parts products need to be ordered based on new each week, instead of all at once bringing projects that come in from its the 5,000 Lou-Rich will eventually need. customers. It also looks at the company’s “We try to find the best way for both of inventory so it wouldn’t automatically order us, because it is a partnership,” LaCanne parts it knows the company has on hand. said. “That gives us more time to work on And even though LaCanne worked her quality prices,” LaCanne said. way up to her current position, she still While she’s always finding new feels like something is missing. That’s why suppliers for new projects, much of what she finally decided to complete a four-year LaCanne does is degree. She is now work with suppliers attending Cardinal “Where there’s a will to make sure Stritch University, there’s a way,” — Tami LaCanne Lou-Rich is getting in Milwaukee, Wis. the best price, which “I think it’s really in turn gives its good for my kids to customers the best price. LaCanne has see,” LaCanne said. “I want to be a good also made sure Lou-Rich has chosen a role model for them.” primary and secondary supplier, and for LaCanne married her husband, Chris, in some special instances, even a third November. Their children include Trevor, supplier they could use if necessary. 9, Miranda, 9, and Keira, 7. Her role as a “And monthly we do a supplier mother and wife are fulfilling, and she scorecard that looks at on-time delivery, feels accomplished at the end of the work defective parts per million and more,” day. Juggling the two can sometimes be LaCanne said. difficult. She doesn’t like to call it babysitting, “Lou-Rich is a good company, and they’re but she has had to go out to factories and very understanding about family demands,” make sure suppliers are running efficiently LaCanne said. “As a mother I do sometimes and not telling her they can get something feel guilty about going to work.” to her in two weeks when it really might That guilt is relieved somewhat by her only take one. enjoyment of the tasks she gets to do at “It might be a little over the top, but if work. And though she is so glad she’s not they feel like they can’t maybe I can help an accountant, she knows that training them,” LaCanne said. “I’ve got to have the has helped her get to where she is. parts or my customer is going to override “The balance sheet is totally affected by me and go ask that supplier what’s wrong.” what I do,” LaCanne said. That knowledge, plus everything she has taught herself over the years by trying new things or reading new books and all the knowledge she’s getting while LaCanne has enjoyed finding new ways pursuing a business management degree, to be innovative at Lou-Rich. Even though will continue to help this determined the factory is spacious, space gets limited woman try whatever she feels like trying. with large equipment and the sheer “Where there’s a will there’s a way,” number of different projects the company LaCanne said. AL
Continuing her love of learning
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 43
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ALBERT LEA | FEATURE
Story by Sarah Stultz Photos by Brandi Hagen
An unexpected
career in banking
Sue Loch is the president at Clarks Grove State Bank.
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 45
A
fter starting from the bottom and working her way “I wear so many hats that it’s super exciting and challenging up, Albert Lean Sue Loch knows the ins and outs — and sometimes a little bit overwhelming,” Loch said. “It’s a of running a bank. full-time job to keep up with the regulations that are being Sixteen years ago, her father, Joe Narverud — passed.” who has owned the State Bank of Clarks Grove since 1972 — She attends several regular meetings, but a lot of her time is approached her and asked her if she wanted to work for him spent helping customers who stop into the bank — what she at the bank. described as her favorite part of her job. At the time, Loch was the director of The Children’s Center She recalled a customer who was retiring and wanted to buy at Riverland Community College, but Narverud’s partner was a house in Arizona, a mother who needed a little extra money retiring and her father needed some help. for her daughter’s wedding and a person who was starting a “I thought, ‘Yeah, why not,’” she said. “I trusted my dad. I new business. She was able to help them all. thought I would learn a lot and try.” “I love being able to make things happen for people,” Loch Though she had no formal training in the banking industry, said. “Those are by far the greatest parts of my job.” she began as a teller at the bank’s Outside of work, she and her Clarks Grove branch, also taking on husband, Brad, and her children can lesser responsibilities such as mopping often be found at different sporting “I’m completely shocked that floors and watering plants when events. She is a member of the Naeve I ended up where I am today. I needed. Health Care Foundation and teaches didn’t expect to be living here. “That was a huge gift because now I Sunday school at First Lutheran I just never thought that was in the understand the workings of the bank,” Church, where she is on the church’s cards.” — Sue Loch she said. youth commission. She worked as a teller for several She said she has learned to leave her years before becoming vice president. work at the bank instead of bringing it She then was named president in 2008 after Narverud stepped home with her. down. “When you’re in a small town, you see people in town or at church who aren’t paying their loans,” Loch said. “You have to Loch said she was also a part of the construction of the just let that go, or it will drive you crazy. I try to leave that at bank’s Albert Lea branch, as well as the subsequent closing of the door.” the Clarks Grove branch.
As she looks back over her time with the bank, she said she is inspired by her father, who celebrated his 50th year in banking last year. “He is an inspiration because he worked his way up,” she said. “He bought the bank from his uncle, and he has always tried to look out for the little guys. I think that’s hugely important for our world of banking. The people who don’t have money are just as important as the people who do.” She said she tries to remember that every day.
A balancing act A mother of three, Loch has learned to balance her family life, her community commitments and her work responsibilities. She is at the office most days. As president, she oversees all of the operations of the banks, writes loans, conducts financial risk ratings and completes any regulatory reports. 46 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
The challenges of banking in a small town When Loch started at the bank she said there were no debit cards and no Internet banking. To have banking needs met, people needed to come into the bank. “Our world has changed with technology that you don’t have to go to the bank anymore,” she said. “It’s become very challenging in a smaller town to have a bank because of the environment right now with the low rates and the economy.” Add that in with new regulations, and she said she is concerned that more and more community banks are going to close. She is working hard to make sure that never happens to her bank. “We have so much to offer for the guy that doesn’t fit the ‘numbers’ of the bigger banks,” Loch said. She credited her staff of six employees who she described
as “the face of the bank.” time with information technology She also talked about treating there. customers like family. From the Though it’s not where she beginning, the State Bank of Clarks thought she would end up 20 Grove has been a years ago, Loch family affair. said it has been She said her para pleasure to “I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?’ I ents still own a live in Albert trusted my dad. I thought I would majority of the Lea and meet learn a lot and try.” — Sue Loch bank, and she, her the people she sister and brother has. also own a “I’m completely shocked that I portion. ended up where I am today,” she While she is president, her sister, said. “I didn’t expect to be living Julie Johnson, is vice president of the here. I just never thought that was in bank. Her brother worked for a short the cards.” AL
Sue Loch
• Age: 48 • Title: president of State Bank of Clarks Grove • Hometown: lives in Albert Lea and was born in Clarks Grove • Hobbies: playing golf, attending spinning classes at the Albert Lea Family Y, walking around Fountain Lake, reading and cooking • Family: husband, Brad, children, Luke, 22, Brady, 16, and Emma, 12 • Training: attended University of Minnesota-Duluth • Inspiration: her father, Joe Narverud
Sue Loch helps a customer at Clarks Grove State Bank. Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 47
You are my sunshine... From the moment she was born I promised to love her, to support her and all her dreams and to always provide for her, no matter what. That’s why I bought Life Insurance, because from the moment I held her I wanted to secure her future in case I couldn’t always be there for her. Because it’s not about my life, it’s about hers. Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Rory Mattson
October 10, 11, 12, 13M, 16, 17, & 18 Auditions: August 26 & 27
The Fox on the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics. A charmily madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with... golf.
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center 147 N. Broadway • Albert Lea • 377-4371
“The Fox on the Fairway, The (Ludwig)” is presented by special arrangment with Samuel French, Inc.
48 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
WELLS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Wells, MN • 507-553-6644
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.
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 49
ALBERT LEA | FEATURE
Dancing a
Story and photos by Brandi Hagen
dream
Aimee Struck turned her favorite hobby into a career.
50 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
A
hobby an Albert Lea woman started when she was programs. In her first year she estimated she had 75 dancers. just 3 years old has turned into a career that most Now, she has about 325 to 350 dancers. days doesn’t feel like work. One of her goals is to someday reach 400. “This is better than what I dreamt of doing,” said “It’s important to always strive to be better and do better,” Aimee Struck, the program director for Just for Kix in Albert Struck said. “To not settle and get into a common routine, but Lea. “Things work out how they are supposed to.” to instead have goals and dreams and to reach your potential Forty-three-year-old Struck danced from her toddler days all and I don’t feel I’m there yet.” through her teenage years, even acting as a teacher’s assistant and As a program director, Struck doesn’t just teach dance lessons. running her own classes when she was in high school. Right out She has to stay organized while making phone calls, sending of high school Struck wanted to have her own studio but instead emails and completing other tasks involved in having a business. went to Mankato State University to get a degree first. In doing so, Struck has a large support system. In the local Once in Mankato, Struck chose to pursue a degree in program she has two head instructors and three assistants. Then sociology and corrections. While in college, she took dance she has her family members who help with announcing, setup, classes and even wrote a paper about the stepping stones of life logistics and T-shirt sales at competitions. And finally, on a and personal goals. One of the goals she wrote about in her larger scale, Struck said the Just for Kix company, which was paper was someday owning her own studio, started by Cindy and Steve Clough in 1981, a paper she found again just a couple is a network full of directors who go out of months ago. their way to help each other. “This is better than what I dreamt After graduating from Mankato State “Everyone wants to step up to the plate and of doing.” — Aimee Struck University in 1993, Struck still didn’t pursue help out,” Struck said. her own dance studio. She began working as Struck shared how she one time stepped in a paraprofessional at Lakeview Elementary School in Albert Lea, to help out a director who needed to be gone from her program staying there for three years until she saw an ad in the paper for in South Dakota. Once a week for a couple of months Struck the opportunity she had been dreaming of. The ad was for Just drove to Sioux Falls, S.D., to teach what remained of a season for Kix, which was looking to open a program in Albert Lea. and put on the final show. Struck met with Marny Rohr, the Just for Kix director in “That’s what you do,” Struck said. Austin, in the fall of 1996 and began her very own studio as a And Just for Kix doesn’t let the efforts of their directors go franchise of Just for Kix. unnoticed. Since then, Struck has been in a handful of different locations. For helping out in South Dakota, Struck was presented the The first place the program called home was two different Above and Beyond award. Over time she has been presented locations in Northbridge Mall. Then it was moved to the with other awards including the Good Growth Award and in upstairs lounge at the City Arena. Three years ago, the studio 2001 was named Director of the Year. was moved to its current location, 1360 W. Main St. “That’s the award everyone wants,” Struck said. “It was a cool Struck said her program is one of the largest Just for Kix moment for me having my hard work acknowledged.” Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 51
Running her own program hasn’t been completely easy, though. One of the things Struck has had to learn is how to develop a thicker skin and not take things too personally. “It’s hard because you put so much into your program; it’s like your baby, it’s your heart, your soul and you’d do anything for your dancers,” Struck said. “It’s hard when you can’t please everybody. But, as long as you’re doing the best you can and if your heart is in the right place, it’s all you can do.” Struck said there have been stressful situations over the years, but to overcome the tough times she talks to her husband and other directors who have had similar experiences. “They talk you through it,” Struck said. And, for the most part, she finds her job very rewarding. “My dancers make me happy,” Struck said. “Working with kids is the best. I feel very fortunate to not only see these kids every week and watch them improve their dancing, but
to watch them grow up.” Struck shared a special moment that happened earlier this year with a little girl in her class. “It actually brought tears to my eyes,” Struck said. “We were stretching, and she said to me, ‘Aimee, you’re the best.’ It just choked me up the way she said it. You’re such a role model to these kids, and I think it’s pretty cool you can have an impact on someone’s life, even if it’s in a small way.” Struck said that the relationships she had with her own dance teachers, especially Cathy Lieske, had an impact on her and may have influenced where she is at in her career today. Struck said she used to dance as a release and a way to express herself, but her feelings have shifted over time. “Now it’s not so much about what I feel dancing,” Struck said. “It’s about taking that passion and that joy you have and sharing it with others. Teaching my dancers, watching them develop and seeing that passion in their faces. That’s more rewarding to me now than myself dancing.” AL
Aimee Struck works with Presley Duenes, the daughter of Joni and Jose Duenes.
Aimee Struck
• Age: 43 • Title: program director for Just for Kix • Hometown: Albert Lea • Hobbies: reading, riding bike, watching movies, shopping with friends and spending time with her husband and kids • Family: husband, Tim, 44; children, Alek, 20, Jaden, 15, and Landon, 11 • Training: sociology and corrections from Mankato State University • Inspiration: Her dancers and Cindy Clough, the executive director of Just for Kix 52 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
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Personal loans, commercial loans, agricultural loans, checking accounts, debit cards, savings accounts, internet banking.
www.producestatebank.com Serving the community since 1926 Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 53
ESSAY | A budding photographer
By Erin Murtaugh
Making my own way Growing up with a journalist for a mom was probably different than most children’s upbringings. My mom wrote for the Albert Lea Tribune under the name Geri McShane for 24 years. Some nights consisted of her writing stories at home, others going to interviews or covering events. Being the curious child I was, I would sometimes go with to wherever she was headed. I would carry her camera bag for her and bring with my very own pink Barbie film camera. When we got to our destination, I would proudly announce, “I’m the photographer!” I guess photography intrigued me even as a toddler. Five years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was just finishing up sixth grade when we got the news. She went through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. After finishing treatment, she was given a clean bill of health. I was so thankful for this news. Three years ago, my life changed forever. In July of 2010, my mom started complaining of vision problems along with other health issues. My dad and I were scheduled to leave on a mission trip shortly after these problems started. While we were gone, my mom had what was probably a stroke and was taken to St. Marys
54 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Hospital in Rochester. After that, she never came home. Losing my mom has been very hard but has also taught me a lot about myself as a person. When I was younger, I would have never imagined being where I am today. I never would have guessed I would be looking for colleges that are known for photography. Sure, I’ve always been interested in it, but until recently, I never would have thought of it as a career. I always thought I would be going to school to be a pharmacist or a lawyer or something along those lines. In 10th grade, my whole perspective on careers changed. My first semester of my sophomore year, I took a black and white photography class and fell in love with the art all over again. Instead of taking a regular English course that year, I took journalism instead. When we put out our own newspaper, the Sophisticate, in the spring, I was hooked on writing and taking photos. This coming year, I will be one of three co-editors of the Ahlahasa, our student newspaper. No, I don’t plan on going into journalism just like my mom did, but I do plan to go to school for photography. I just seem to enjoy the photo aspect much more. Maybe I’ll end up doing photojournalism. What I do know is that without my mom and her career, I never would have become as interested as I have become in journalism and photography.
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127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 56007 507-373-0751 • 877-727-1995 Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 55
ASK THE EXPERT | Laura Lunde
Story by Quinn Andersen Photo by Brandi Hagen
Suggestions for your
job search
Manpower Branch Manager Laura Lunde Manpower Branch Manager Laura Lunde offers tips for job seekers. Lunde has been the branch manager of Manpower since 2009. In her position she helps 25 to 50 people per month find long-term positions, and she finds it rewarding to help people market themselves and find the perfect job match. “I think people see job searching as a scary thing and reaching out eases some of the fear for them,” Lunde said.
Research and self-analysis: “The key to figuring out what you want to do is research,” Lunde said. Look on the Internet or ask people already in the workforce. Know what you like, and know what’s available. Know your strengths and more importantly, your weaknesses. Finding a way to display a weakness in a positive light is important.
offers tips for your job search
Cover letter and planning for the interview: A cover letter clearly states what you’re applying for, how you heard about this opportunity, your qualifications and your follow-up plan. Select business attire the night before. Make sure it’s well pressed, clean and fits well. Wear sensible shoes and minimal accessories so it won’t be a distraction. Bring along multiple copies of your resume.
Meet and ask questions: A firm handshake and good eye contact set the tone for the meeting. You should be familiar with your resume and be able to give specific examples to display your qualities. Sometimes you have to take notes in an interview, so it’s good to have a portfolio along. Have questions prepared for the the person conducting the interview beyond benefits, pay and vacation days. Though these things may be brought up it’s important to ask about the goals of the company and a typical day in the workplace.
Networking and a good resume: You can have a huge network of possibility with Facebook and LinkedIn. You simply need to learn to build on it. Use it as a way to let people know you’re looking for work or to find references. Experience and great qualities displayed in that experience make a good resume. Include community activities as well as work history. “If they don’t have any experience, they need to go get it,” Lunde said.
Organize and dive in: Use spell check, power words and action verbs. “Most importantly have at least three people look over everything that you do — you need to get new eyes on it,” Lunde said. Start your application submittal process. Make sure to carefully read and clearly understand the directions for each submittal process. It’s important to complete every part of the submittal process. 56 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
Saying thank you and sticking to the plan: Send a thank you note after every interview to thank them for their time and considering you for the position. Send the thank you within the first 48 hours after the interview. Then move on to the rest of your follow-up plan. The cover letter presented to the interviewer should have explained a follow-up plan. It is important that this plan be followed exactly as written.
Austin08-20-13_Layout 1 7/23/13 9:17 AM Page 1
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952-934-1525 800-362-3515 CHANHASSENDT.COM
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Facebook.com/TheUnbridledBoutique Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 57
CONSTANT READER | Book review by Angie Barker
Studying the
true face of grief I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My parents, grandparents and a smattering of aunts, uncles and cousins have all started businesses that include car dealerships, a bar, construction and concrete companies, tax preparation, a thrift shop and even a tanning salon. Growing up surrounded by self-employed individuals, owning a business became a normal part of my life. I saw nothing bold or adventurous about starting a business. My family is not full of risk takers. They believe in thorough insurance coverage, sunscreen and card games. My grandfather even bought cemetery plots in his late 40s in bulk because they were a better deal. Just to reiterate, we are descendants of a man who proudly BOGO’d cemetery plots. I also come from a family of predominately stay-at-home moms, including myself, but a better label might be “stay-at-home entrepreneurs.” These moms have started in-home businesses like childcare, music lessons, foreign language tutoring, photography, confection catering and property management. The women in my family have found ways to balance both the home and commerce by making a profit from their interests. Whether it be music, baking or design, they get to spend all day surrounded by the people they love while engaging in the activities they love. Rachael Hanel, author of “We’ll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down: Memoirs of a Gravedigger’s Daughter” says “A career brings enjoyment, is closely intertwined with identity; it’s who you are… In a career, you bring your skills and talents to the table, a career allows you to pursue them and use them to make money.” After witnessing three generations of women doing exactly that, I couldn’t agree with Ms. Hanel more. Rachael (Hager) Hanel, born and raised in Waseca, is also familiar with being a part of an entrepreneurial family. Though, as the title of her book suggests, her experience was more interesting. She was the daughter of Digger O’Dell, the local gravedigger, and her parents were the groundskeepers for numerous cemeteries. Death was the family business and Hanel’s childhood was spent riding her bike along gravel paths, sunning herself on granite and reading Dr. Seuss beside floral wreaths. Her writing does two things that 58 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
make this book worth reading (and recommending): 1. Hanel perfectly explains the difference between death and grief from an insider perspective. Growing up in cemeteries, Hanel became familiar with death and its rituals. Her observations are transposed from her childhood innocence into a nostalgic understanding of her own past. As part of her father’s business (and as part of life growing up in a small town), she was in constant attendance at wakes and funerals. She calls attention to the staged settings, the costumes and makeup, the intentional lighting and the scripted dialogue of funerals. It is only after tragedy strikes her own home that she asks, “What was the true face of grief?” Hanel isn’t passing judgment on the stoic Midwesterner but trying to understand her own grief within a sociological context. 2. Hanel nails the nuances of growing up in southern Minnesota. Yes, she relies on her own memories, but she includes her family history going back three generations. Hanel’s work as a journalist shows in her research capabilities as she brings the past to life through vivid details. Her grandfather lost both parents and his newborn brother to influenza within a day of one another. He is raised by his godparents, doing their Christian duty, and forever bares a hunched back and limp caused by picking and carrying large stones from his uncle’s fields before his muscles and bones were fully developed. He was the lucky one though. His siblings went to an orphanage. Just as heartbreaking is Hanel’s telling of her great-grandmother’s struggle of finding burial clothes for her two daughters; she ends up using the one dress that has no practical use — her wedding dress. Whenever the subject of death is discussed it is usually broached with a gentle, almost hushed reverence that causes people to literally and figuratively step softly. Hanel demystifies death by using this default reaction to make the reader feel like a co-conspirator as she whispers both trade and small town secrets into her pages. While her stories are local and personal, her writing style makes them feel like your own. Albert Lea resident Angie Barker is an avid reader and has a degree in English literature from MSU-Mankato. Email her at zoller@hotmail.com.
SCRAPBOOK
Workers at the Id ea
l Cafe, at 325 S. Br
oadway, pose for
a photo around th
e year 1916.
Albert Lea has seen many women in business throughout the years. Shown here are just a few of the occupations women have held in the past.
This photo of Free born taken between 19 County State Bank was 08 an Jewelers now occu d 1923. Fisher’s pies the space. 5 E. 4th St., msey School, at 20 r in 1913. Ra at s er ad gr trs Fi with their teache pose for a photo
Photos courtesy of the Freeborn County Historical Museum Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 59
FINAL WORD | By Jennifer Vogt-Erickson
An outstanding mom “Life on the farm is impossible. Mom is never in the house.” — my sister JoLynn, at age 9, describing to one of her friends what it’s like to move to a farm. I shared similar sentiments with my sister when our mother jumped into business ownership with our father, buying a potato farm in Aitkin County in 1987. None of us was in the house much. While pretending I was on a chain gang in a thistle patch during the first summer, I sliced a chunk of skin out of my heel with a sharpened hoe. I may have been swinging it too haphazardly, but that detail is fuzzy. What is crystal clear is my memory of hobbling down the field road to my mother on a bloody flip-flop, expecting her usual sympathy and an offer to bandage it. Instead, she yelled at me over the noise of her tractor to dress it myself and then put potatoes on to boil for lunch. As I limped back to the house alone, I sniffled to myself with righteous indignation that I had become little better than an orphan. Of course, my two sisters and I eventually adjusted to our mother’s new schedule. I recently asked my mom to reflect on her 28 years of experience in the potato business while we were on an 800-mile road trip. My mother could out-talk Rush Limbaugh, so this is a substantially abridged version of her responses. Things that prepared her for business ownership: She and my dad both grew up on farms. She worked with many types of machinery as a teenager, so she was comfortable around equipment. She also gained experience hiring and training people when she worked as a camp director. Best advice she received from other women when entering the business: Learn how to operate all the labor-saving machinery you can. Women can run levers as well as men can, but women aren’t as physically strong as men are when it comes 60 | ALBERT LEA | Fall 2013
to manual labor. Save your back. Advice she would give to a woman entering the business today: It’s a lot more common for women to handle the books now. If the woman does the bookkeeping, she should make sure her partner knows the financial picture for the business before the partner makes any major purchases or decisions, and she should put her foot down when necessary. This sometimes upsets my dad, but he reluctantly admits it’s better than spending money he doesn’t have. Best things about the business: She and my dad have dozens of local customers who come back year after year, and they highly value the farm-to-consumer relationship. They feel good about selling a nutritious product. They have also worked with many great employees over the years. They try to be good stewards of the land by reducing their use of chemicals and building up the soil naturally. They like being independent but also have to be prepared to take the lean years in stride. It takes a lot of faith. Things she has done that she never expected she would do: Rebuilding the potato warehouse in her mid-60s after the original one burned down in 2009. (Her daughters also did not expect this.) Things she would do differently if she had to do it over again: She would have worn hearing protection from day one. She also would have switched to computerized payroll right away, and she would have hired somebody to do the farm taxes for the first couple years until she felt comfortable with it. She would have encouraged my dad to update machinery faster instead of repairing old machinery that kept breaking down, often at the most inconvenient times. Jennifer Vogt-Erickson’s mom, Markell Vogt, poses for a photo in her tractor.
There are new farming methods and marketing techniques that would have been appealing to them when they were younger. They have met people who now grow a variety of vegetables using high tunnels, which allow for a longer growing season. My parents would have been interested in selling at farmers markets and expanding on-farm sales. Finally, my mom wishes she would not have worked her daughters so hard. (Much as we have tried, my sisters and I have yet to discover any psychological injuries from our parents overworking us as juveniles. We should probably admit this to her.) What she is hoping to accomplish: She wants to get back into local grocery stores with five- and 10-pound bags of potatoes, if she and Dad can replace the expensive bagger they lost in the fire. Retirement is not on the list yet because Dad thinks he’s just getting the hang of farming. Twenty-eight years later, Mom still isn’t in the house. Jennifer Vogt-Erickson taught social studies in Albert Lea for more than six years before staying home to raise children. She lives with her husband, Jeshua, and their two young children, Trixie and Axel. She wrangles toddlers by day and writes by night.
marketplace
Dave Syverson Auto Center
2310 East Main Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-1438 www.davesyverson.com. Experience the difference with Dave Syverson’s non-commissioned sales team. Visit your local Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, LINCOLN, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ram dealership serving Albert Lea and surrounding areas. Access the most up-todate internet car buying tools on their website.
Good Samaritan Society
75507 240th Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.good-sam.com (507) 379-0683 Located on the north side of Albert Lea, Minnesota. The people they serve delight in the peace and quiet of the countryside while appreciating the convenience of being just a few miles from downtown Albert Lea.
Home Solutions
603-1st Ave. S. Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507)373-3435 www.homesolutionsmidwest.com Update your home with windows, siding, sunroom, gutters, Gutter Helmets, sunshades, or metal roofing. We make homes new again.
Medford Outlet Center 6750 West Frontage Road Medford, MN 507-455-4111 www.medfordoutletcenter.com Our shopping destination continues its 20 year commitment of offering an exciting shopping experience of your favorite famous brands to southern Minnesota and traveling tourists. We are located on Interstate 35 at exit 48 with close by dining and lodging.
NIACC 641-422-4245 1888-GO NIACC www.niacc.edu NIACC has a history of providing quality post-secondary opportunities. Ranked #14 in the nation for student success, NIACC offers a long list of opportunities: Adult/Developmental education, Career/Technical education, the first step to your bachelor’s degree, & Workforce development.
Trades and Labor Federal Credit Union 610 SO Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1863 www.tradesandlabor.com Discover the credit union difference. You’ll like our friendly personal service, low rates on loans, and no monthly fees on checking. Visit our website for all of our services. Trades & Labor has been providing financial services since 1958. NCUA insured.
Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 61
events calendar Thursday, Aug. 22-24
Wednesday, Aug. 21
“Cinderella, Cinderella”
Wind Down Wednesday
• Clark Street in Albert Lea • When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 Where: Central Park Cost: Free More info: Artists of all kinds, live entertainment, food vendors and demonstrations.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Echoes From
the
Past
• Wedgewood Road, Albert Lea • When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 Where: Graceland Cemetery Cost: $5 More info: The Freeborn County Historical Museum hosts this event that share the stories of the lives of individuals who resided in Freeborn County and who featured prominently in its history.
• 147 N. Broadway, Albert Lea • When: 7 p.m. Aug. 22-24 Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $10 More info: The show is for children and includes audience participation.
Saturday, Aug. 23-24
Big Island BBQ • 1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea • When: All day Saturday and Sunday Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds More info: The public is invited to taste all kinds of barbecue at this state championship event. The grand champion will be placed in the draw for
the Jack Daniels World Championship.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Shortstop Golf Tournament • 101 E. Richway Dr., Albert Lea • When: Starts at 7 a.m. Aug. 31 Where: Green Lea Golf Course More info: The 86th annual Shortstop Golf Tournament starts Aug. 31 and is a three-day match-play tournament.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Crazy Days Event • 6750 W. Frontage Road, Medford, Minn. • When: Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Where: Medford Outlet Center Cost: $18 for adults, $10 for students More info: Free and open to the public.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Cruise
to the
Cove
• 2200 W. 9th St., Albert Lea • When: 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club More info: The event is a car cruise-in from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. There will be food and ’50s and ’60s music by Megaforce Sound & Light Show. The cruise-in is open to all classic cars and specialty vehicles. Door prizes will be given away for registered participants.
All types of barbecue are featured at the Big Island State Championship BBQ competition, held each year at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. 62 | ALBERT LEA | Summer 2013
The Upper Midwest Powerboat Association held its first annual Fountain Lake Powerboat Races in Albert Lea in 2012. The event returns this year.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Sunset Saddle Club horse show • 1031 Bridge Ave. • When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 8 Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds More info: There is no admission to watch the all-day event. Many equestrians compete. You will see many breeds of horses and compete in Halter classes, English & Western Riding classes and timed events classes.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Civic Music Tribute to the Beach Boys and Broadway • 2000 Tiger Lane, Albert Lea • When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 Where: Albert Lea High School
Saturday, Sept. 14
Upper Midwest
Powerboat
drag races
• Albert Lea • When: 1 p.m. Sept. 14 Where: Edgewater Bay
Cost: Free to watch, $40 entry fee to race More info: The drag boat races are returning for the second year in a row. Tentatively the races are scheduled for 1 p.m., but if there is a high boat count, the event will begin at noon. The course the boats will run is a straight 1,000-feet side-by-side course that starts at Edgewater Bay and will finish in front of the pavilion at Edgewater Park.
Where: Behind Northbridge Mall Cost: $5 More info: This event includes drag racing, snowmobile swap, an auction and food.
Sunday, Sept. 15
• 2200 W. 9th St., Albert Lea • When: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club More info: A social starts at 6:30 p.m., and hors d’oeuvres will be served all night. Entertainment is by the Mod Squad. For ticket information call 507-377-6380. The Naeve Health Care Foundation’s sole purpose is to support Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.
Autumn
in the
Village
• 1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea • When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 15 Where: Freeborn County Historical Museum and Village Cost: Admission is $5 for adults, $1 students 12 to 18, members and children 11 and under are free. More info: The event includes demonstrations, hands-on activities, music food and exhibits in the historical village.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Vintage Pride
Snowmobile
event
• 2510 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea • When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21
Saturday, Sept. 21
Naeve Health Care Foundation Gala
Saturday, Oct. 5
The Metropolitan Opera Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) • 147 N. Broadway Ave. • When: Noon, Oct. 5 Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Fall 2013 | ALBERT LEA | 63
INSIDE ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE
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Fresh cut or silk flowers Reception decorating Rentals If you can dream it, we can do it! Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden • 507-874-3425
200 North Broadway Avenue • Albert Lea Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220 www.iscfinancialadvisors.com Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC ISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities.
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