May/June 2021 Albert Lea Magazine

ALBERT LEA

MAY/JUNE 2021

magazine

5

MUST-HAVE

SPRING JACKETS IT’S TIME TO

TEE UP STOP AND SMELL THE

ROSES

MAY 14 | 6:30 PM | riverland.edu/vc Please join us for our online commencement ceremony and help celebrate the academic accomplishments of the Class of 2021.

Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Online | riverland.edu

Riverland Community College, a member of Minnesota State, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Copyright © 2021 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.

V IRT UA L COMMENCEMENT

EDITOR’S NOTE

Spring and summer are A.L.’s time to shine

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

Got ideas?

This is our ninth 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? Beautiful home? Best storytellers? Local nightlife? We are open-minded. Call Sarah Stultz at 379-3433. Feel free to write a letter, too. Our address is on the right.

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As I get older, I love the spring more and more.

All the brown grass and leafless trees from winter transform into green grass and full trees with leaves. The weather gets nice outside, and it’s like a fresh new start.

But one of my favorite things about spring is gardening. Though I have done more vegetable gardening than flower gardening, I would like to get more into the flower end of things, too.

I was thrilled this issue to interview Lester Perschbacher, who lives on Richway Drive and is known for his flower gardens. Perschbacher, who is in his 80s, still works as a milk tester for a living but has beautiful flower gardens that he works on as a side hobby.

He first gained an interest in flowers through his late wife, Cathy, but has since taken on the hobby and grown it further.

Being someone who is interested in flowers and gardening, I am always inspired to talk to these types of people, and it makes me want to plant all types of new flowers in my own yard. Like Perschbacher told me, even if you’re a novice gardener, just get in there and give it a try. You’ll learn through trial and error what works and what doesn’t.

When I think of spring, I also think of getting back outside and taking part in all of the outdoor recreational opportunities, such as golf, that Albert Lea has to offer.

For this issue one of our reporters went out to Green Lea Golf Course to find out what goes into preparing the golf course each year for use.

Aside from the around-the-clock work the staff there does on the course during the spring and summer, they actually start in the fall preparing for the next year’s season. Both of Albert Lea’s golf courses look beautiful and that’s a tribute to the hard work of staff at both sites.

When you’re outside this spring, sometimes the weather is warm and sometimes it’s a little chilly, so for our last feature we went out looking for spring jackets at our area boutiques.

We came up with a nice variety that we hope you all will enjoy, too. Our local boutiques have so much to offer, and it was fun getting in them for this issue. I encourage you to get out and support them as much as you can and pick up a fun new jacket or other clothing item when you get a chance.

I hope you enjoy the season, which I believe is the start of Albert Lea’s time to shine.

— Sarah Stultz

ALBERTmagazine LEA PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Bill Bromeland Linda Evenson Meghan Jepson Tyler Julson Emily Schmidt Sarah Stultz Contributing Photographers Hallie Cantu Tyler Julson ART Layout Design Kim Ehrich SALES & PROMOTION Sales Representatives Chelsey Bellrichard Renee Citsay Daniel Gullickson MAY/JUNE 2021 Volume 9, Number 3 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 ONLINE: albertleamagazine.com or facebook.com/ albertleamagazine © 2021 All rights reserved.

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

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

To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427.

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422.

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ALBERT LEA | MAY/JUNE 2021

on the cover SPRING INTO FASHION Dress up your look with jackets from Albert Lea boutiques

28 features GETTING READY FOR A NEW SEASON Albert Lea golf course starts in fall to prepare for a new season

34 STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES Albert Lea man loves growing, sharing flowers with others

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ALBERT LEA | MAY/JUNE 2021

contents

Seen

12 16

8 9

10 12

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS HISTORICAL MUSEUM MEATBALL SUPPER ROCK YOUR SOCKS DISC GOLF

Departments 16 18

DIY: KOKEDAMA GARDEN SAVOR: LOUISIANA STYLE OXTAIL CREOLE GUMBO

All the rest 22 24 50 52 53 56

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BOOKS: GREAT READS STREAMING REVIEWS LOOKING BACK DIETITIAN’S DIGEST HEALTH & FITNESS WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA

M&S

56

On the cover: Alex Gutierrez wears a spring jacket from Leutholds. — Photo by Hallie Cantu

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SEEN | WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS

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(1) Nick Jepson and Meghan Ewing (2) Anthony Wacholz and Emily Goskeson (3) Katie Murgic and Alex Lair

HISTORICAL MUSEUM MEATBALL SUPPER | SEEN The Freeborn County Historical Museum had a meatball supper drive-thru fundraiser March 4 at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge.

(1) Jerry Meyer brings food out to a car. (2) Several people waited in their cars in line for the meatball supper. (3) Lisa Haney brings food out to a vehicle during the drive-thru supper. (4) Jolene Svendson, right, dishes up food during the supper as Patty and Natalie Peek prepare to bag the plates. (5) From left, Jim and Lisa Haney, Patty Peek, Jolene Svendsen, Stephanie Kibler, Jason Taylor and Jerry Meyer

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SEEN | ROCK YOUR SOCKS

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The Rock Your Socks 3.21-mile walk/run took place Saturday, March 20, starting at the Brookside Boat Landing. The event celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month with funds raised going to support a future inclusive playground in Albert Lea. (1) Julie and Paul Nafzger and Bobbi Gates (2) Laney and Ann Collier, Shelly Sipple and Carol Thompson (3) Family of Camdin Page (4) Becca, Rachel, Josiah and Jeff Schei (5) Friends of Clara Overland (6) Family of Clara Overland

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ROCK YOUR SOCKS | SEEN (7) Team Larissa Lunde (8) Family of Freya Sigsimondi (9) People begin the Rock Your Socks run/walk from the Brookside Boat Landing. (10) Family and friends of Sydney Pratt (11) Amber Kraft, Kathy Oothoudt and Cindy Haugsdal (12) Scott Nelson, Kara Paulson and Mya Heideman

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SEEN | DISC GOLF

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1 Area residents enjoy playing disc golf in Albert Lea. (1) Dylan Scherff and Teagun Sunde (2) Griffin Studier, Logan Busall, Joey Flores, Caleb Talamantes (3) Micah Hanson (4) Luke Johnson (5) Mallory Evans (6) Garrett Grandstrand, Garret Piechowsk, Dane Duenes (7) Lynzee Herfindahl (8) Jesse Dyvig (9) Theo Herfindahl (10) Teagun Sunde

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DISC GOLF | SEEN

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MAY/JUNE 2021 | 15

BY MEGHAN JEPSON

DIY | KOKEDAMA GARDEN

HOW TO MAKE A

KOKEDAMA Kokedama (Japanese for “moss ball”) is a style of plant potting in a ball of moss and displaying the plant in a dish or suspended in the air. The style comes from a centuries-old tradition exhibiting the exposed root ball of a bonsai specimen on a plate to highlight its elegant root system.

Meghan Jepson works remotely full time as a trainer for the Independent Testing and Validation Team with Wells Fargo. She lives in Glenville with her husband and son. In her spare time, she loves exploring her creative side and is eager to get her hands dirty when gardening season rolls around. Here she shares a DIY project that combines both of her passions.

What you will need: Plant Bonsai soil Peat moss

Water Sheet moss (preserved or living) Twine

When selecting plants, choose: • Plants that prefer shady environments and that have a small root system.

• Examples: waffle plant, balfour aralia, pothos, philodendron, asparagus fern, staghorn fern, polka dot plant, bird’s nest fern, “Rex” begonia.

How to care for your kokedama garden: • Watering options: Soak ball in water for 3-5 minutes once a week or more depending on the amount of light and humidity in your home • Display in bright, indirect light

1

Remove soil from plant’s roots.

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2

Mix peat moss and bonsai soil on a 7:3 ratio; moisten with water to form a clay, dough-like consistency.

3

Mold soil into a sphere — roughly grapefruit size, depending on plant size.

4

Crack the sphere gently; tuck plant roots inside. Add more soil if needed.

5

Cover ball with moistened sheet moss.

6

Secure moss by wrapping twine around the sphere, attach a piece of twine connected on both sides of the ball if suspending and display.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 17

SAVOR | LOUISIANA STYLE OXTAIL CREOLE GUMBO

18 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

BY CHEF JOHN LOWERY

A TASTE OF

THE SOUTH Louisiana Style Oxtail Creole Gumbo Chef John Lowery has 43 years of culinary experience and is a transplant to Minnesota from Florida. Over the years he has worked as a chef in various states, including Florida, Michigan and Minnesota.

He has prepared food for celebrities such as Adrian Dantley, Magic Johnson, singing group New Edition and boxer George Foreman. He lives in Conger with his wife, Kathy, and owns Conger Inn Victory Catering.

Ingredients 4 pounds beef oxtails salt and pepper 2 cups beef stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh rosemary 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme 1-2 fresh sage leaves 4 cups beef broth 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

1 tablespoon creole seasoning 1 1/2 cups diced andouille sausage 1 large onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced 7 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons minced garlic 3 cups sliced okra Rice

Directions Brown the oxtails on all sides in hot oil; transfer to large crockpot. Tie spices together with wine and place in pot on top of oxtails.

Pour beef broth, liquid smoke over oxtails and cook on high in slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours.

Remove oxtails and allow meat to cool before removing meat from the bones and set aside. Skim fat from top of the oxtail liquid.

Add onion, celery, bell pepper, green onions and minced garlic to boiling stock for 10 to 12 minutes. Add okra, one can diced tomatoes and green chiles (mild or hot).

Add reserved meat and sausage and stir well. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cool over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.

Prepare rice as directed on package. Adjust gumbo seasoning to taste and serve over rice.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 19

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BOOKS | GREAT READS

BOOKS YOU

CAN’T

LIVE WITHOUT “The Storyteller”

By Jodi Picoult Review by Wendy Bidne

Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. Two of the things I like about her books is that she writes about hot topics and she adds some kind of twist at the end. “The Storyteller” is unlike most of her books because it is a historical fiction, in that most of the book takes place during the Holocaust and the other takes place in current times. Sage Singer, a young woman who is struggling with her own personal issues, meets an elderly man named Josef in her grief support group and builds an unlikely friendship with him.

He tells her a story of Minka, a Jewish woman, imprisoned in a concentration camp in Europe during World War II. Minka’s life in the camp and her job working for a Nazi officer become a critical story within this book. This is a story of friendships, hardships, despair and resilience.

“From Tragedy to Triumph”

By John Vernon Smith

“I am not afraid of tomorrow, because I have seen yesterday, and I love today!”

Excerpt from the introduction written by his wife, Elaine Smith: “This book tells the story of how a family, who experienced in the early days the bondage of slavery, somehow managed to become free and to realize the dream of America. It is truly a story of tragedy turned to triumph. The author hopes that others reading this book can be influenced to find their

22 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

own way to achieve the American dream.

“My husband is now, as of this writing, 85 years old, and he looks back on his life with awe and nostalgia. He thinks about his childhood when he was raised by his single father. He wonders what his mother was like or what it would have been like to have a mother, since she died when he was just 2 years old. He remembers the “businesses” he organized as a child — “Johnny’s Delivery Service” and a haircutting service for smaller children whose parents couldn’t afford a barber. Even then, he was providing service to others.

“And, so, as he grew up and became an adult, he was always giving and doing for others and trying to make this world a better place.”

3 READS YOU

SHOULDN’T MISS “The Paris Wife”

By Paula McLain

Review by Kendra Hanson This is an historical fiction book that focuses on Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson, and their marriage during the 1920s. Ernest and Hadley marry and soon after move to Paris together so that Ernest can continue to pursue his writing career. The book is written mostly from Hadley’s point of view and tells of the difficulties of being married to Hemingway, who often has depression and is somewhat emotionally unstable. Hadley is often lonely and has given up much of herself to support and care for her husband, but she is also deeply in love with him. Hadley very much wants children, but Ernest does not.

When Hadley gets pregnant with their son, she focuses all her attention and loneliness on their child. Ernest stays and supports his wife and child but also resents them both for taking away focus on his career. The story continues until Ernest falls in love with another woman, and they divorce in 1927.

This was my first dive into historical fiction. I’ve always shied away from this genre because I didn’t think I would find it interesting, and I was happy to be proven wrong after I read “The Paris Wife.” I love this book because it gives you a glimpse of life of the roaring ’20s and what it was like to be married to someone deeply involved in a social circle of several soon-to-be famous writers and artists. It was a constant page-turner and told a story of a couple who lived a very interesting, yet challenging lifestyle and had a very “non-traditional” marriage. I found it completely fascinating. The book was written in a way that makes you feel as if you are right there living in Paris alongside the characters. The language is beautifully written, it shows the love story between Ernest and Hadley without being a romance novel. I was disappointed when I was finished with the book because I didn’t want it to end, but the author did a great job of ending the story in a way that did satisfy any lingering curiosities about the rest of their relationship.

Want to review a book?

We are looking for book clubs, workplaces or groups of friends who would like to review books for future issues of the magazine.

If you want to get involved, contact Michelle Rasmussen at 379-9850 or michelle.daveiga@albertleatribune.com.

“Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, No. 7)”

By Sarah J. Maas

Review by Jennifer Henschel It is a long series. There were times there seemed to be too much information shared and seemed to drag.

There were times I didn’t understand the point of certain characters; however, everything came to a brilliant conclusion in this book. The immensity of the plot for the series came together to create a beautiful story of redemption, sacrifice and friendship.

I absolutely love this series that follows Joseph Campbell’s “Hero Quest.” The “Harry Potter” series is one example of another brilliant series where everything that happens needs to happen. The “Throne of Glass” series is better and more fully developed than even the Potter series.

In a matter of hours, I was fist pumping, gasping, crying, sobbing, laughing, growling. This series makes you feel every emotion that is out there. I have a long waiting list for this series now in my classroom as my students saw me experience all these emotions.

Thank you, Sarah Maas, for the incredible journey of these beautiful characters.

“Legacy”

By Nora Roberts

Review by Julie Seedorf Family dynamics are never easy, and Nora Roberts portrays this perfectly in “Legacy.”

It’s a question we all ask ourselves at one time or another. Do we become our parents because of what is modeled to us, or are the traits that shape our character ones we can’t escape because they’re in our genes?

A traumatic incident with her father when Adrian Rizzo was a child set the pace for her life. When she decides to take a different path after the death of her grandmother, Adrian finds herself a new meaning of family in the community of Traveler’s Creek. Living with her grandfather, having friends near, she finds life would be perfect except for the poems and the letters anonymously sent to her, reminding her she has a stalker.

Nora Roberts does not disappoint her readers in “Legacy.” It’s a wellwritten mystery that will tug at your heart and leave you reading deep into the night or all day long. Though the mystery is compelling, I found the family and friends component, along with some romance, is what drew me in. Family changes, people evolve and the key is forgiveness. The message is clear in the dynamics of this book. It has my recommendation.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 23

STREAMING REVIEWS “The Last Kingdom” Available on Netflix Review by Kim Ehrich

Although it wouldn’t have been my first pick while scrolling on Netflix, I do have to point out that you should not judge a series by its preview photo. One episode and I was hooked. The storyline begins with the main character, Uhtred, as he witnesses his father and Saxon army being killed by Danish troops. He is captured and raised by a Danish family as Uhtred Ragnarsson, who later witnesses his surrogate family be burned alive. From then he becomes a great warrior who vows to avenge Ragnar’s death and reclaim his homeland in Bebbanburg. Along the way he is pulled between the sides of the Saxon and the Danes trying to prove his loyalty, claim land, get silver and fight in battles all while experiencing tragedy and more loss along the way. Each character has their perfect parts while supporting the main character that end up pulling you into the story more and more. You end up connecting with them just as much as the main character and find yourself asking what will happen to them next as well. There are four seasons total and a fifth on the way. Be ready to binge!

“Jane the Virgin”

Available on Netflix Review by Deanna Rochleau Centered around the Latino/Latinx community, “Jane The Virgin” is sometimes an homage to, and sometimes a spoof of telenovelas and their over-thetop soapiness. Jane Gloriana Villanueva lives with her mother and grandmother in

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Miami when she is accidentally artificially inseminated despite being a virgin.

Throughout the many twists and turns, Jane remains a good person inspiring those around her. At the core of the story is the relationship between the three intergenerational women. They tackle modern-day issues with sensitivity to older perspectives. With witty narration, magical realism and a very rootable love triangle, Jane is definitely worth a watch.

“The Challenge” Available on Paramount Review by Tyler Julson

“Freaks and Geeks” Available on Hulu Review by Tyler Julson

“The Challenge” should be known as America’s fifth major sport. Starting as a small reality competition show on MTV, it has quickly evolved into one of the network’s top shows.

It pits reality stars from numerous other TV shows, such as “The Real World,” “Survivor,” “Big Brother” and many others, against each other, competing for the top prize of $1 million. All the contestants live under the same roof, competing in challenges to gain advantages. Each episode two people are voted up for elimination and then compete one vs. one for the right to stay in the game. Picture the competition aspect of “Survivor,” the close living situation of “Big Brother,” and the drama/relationships of “The Bachelor” all rolled into one. Things get crazy, and it’s hard to take your eyes away.

When I think of shows that were canceled too soon, this is the first example that comes to mind. It’s an older show, but it stands the test of time. It focuses on a high schooler and her struggle to find a group where she belongs. She eventually finds a group of misfits she gets along with and shenanigans ensue. My favorite aspect, though, is the side story of the main character’s little brother and his group of nerdy friends. They are hilarious.

The cast is full of big names, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Jason Segel, Seth Rogan, Busy Philipps, among others. It was a shame this show got canceled before they realized what a hit it could be.

“Ginny & Georgia”

“Secrets of Sulphur Springs”

Available on Amazon Netflix Review by Chelsey Bellrichard Ginny, along with her brother, Austin, and mom, Georgia, move to a cute little town in Massachusetts after years of moving around.

They are hoping this will be their forever home, but we soon find out that the past is following them everywhere they go. Georgia is a single mom who is trying to take care of her two kids, while also making a name for herself. She soon finds herself with some highprofile people in town, and she uses her skills from the past to help her survive in this picturesque town.

Ginny is your normal high school girl, just trying to find her way in the world. Her dad is in and mostly out of the picture, so she considers herself stuck with Georgia. She has to become more of an adult to help her mom out with her brother, and we soon see Ginny is struggling more than she lets on.

This show is fun and fresh, and I really enjoyed watching them piece together all the story lines throughout the episodes. Season 1 is on Netflix now.

Available on Disney+ Review by Chelsey Bellrichard

If you are looking for a new show to watch as a family, this show is it!

I myself enjoy spooky things, so this show was right up my alley. It is about a young boy whose family just moved into an abandoned hotel. It kind of gave me “Haunted Mansion” vibes, and in the very first episode it pulls you right in as he and his new friend from school start to uncover clues about the mystery of the girl who disappeared in that very hotel.

While this show has a great spooky vibe to it, I feel it gives you just the right amount of spook to not scare the kids. Check out season one now on Disney+.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 25

CHANGE OF SEASONS Photography by HALLIE CANTU

Albert Lea has beauty at all times of the year. At right, the sun peeks through trees in the eastern side of town. At bottom, the sky is reflected in Pickerel Lake after the snow melted in March.

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MAY/JUNE 2021 | 27

Fresh Floral Ethyl floral spring jacket Leutholds $82

Grace plain fit jeans The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $60 Must Have gold necklace Ellen & Jane Boutique $16 And Lovely gold earrings BG Brick Girls $12

SPRING INTO FASHION Photography by HALLIE CANTU Clothes modeled by ALEX GUTIERREZ

If you’re looking for a jacket to add to your wardrobe this spring, there’s something for all tastes at the boutiques in Albert Lea. Whether you want something relaxed or something dressed up, these options will keep off that slight chill still in the air.

Casual Chic Tribal Jeans white jacket Between Friends Boutique $99 Bella Canvas T-shirt Between Friends Boutique $29 Grace plain fit jeans The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $60 Panache Accessories rose gold hoops The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $15

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Go Relaxed

Hem & Thread fleece-lined wind breaker $62 The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea Grace plain fit jeans The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $60 Panache Accessories rose gold hoops The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $15

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 31

Pretty in Plaid Davi & Dani plaid jacket Ellen & Jane Boutique $58

Grace plain fit jeans The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $60 Must Have gold necklace Ellen & Jane Boutique $16 Gold chain-linked bracelet BG Brick Girls $18 Panache Accessories rose gold hoops The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $15

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Simply Pink Love Tree light pink jacket BG Brick Girls $40

Grace plain fit jeans The Funky Zebras Boutique of Albert Lea $60 Must Have gold necklace Ellen & Jane Boutique $16 And Lovely gold earrings BG Brick Girls $12

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 33

GETTING READY FOR A

NEW SEASON

Albert Lea golf course starts in fall to prepare for a new season Story and photography by TYLER JULSON

Mike Elseth changes the cup location on one of the greens at Green Lea Golf Course. Elseth said he changes the cups about five to six times every week thoughout the season.

F

or many golfers, the onset of spring means the start of a new season — an opportunity to start with a fresh game and a chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

While it takes the casual golfer about an afternoon to get the clubs cleaned up and spruce up the golf cart, area golf course workers have already been hard at work for many weeks, making sure the course is ready to roll as soon as the spring weather permits it.

According to Green Lea Golf Course owner Jeff Elseth, the work preparing for the next season begins as early as the previous fall.

“For me it actually starts late fall in meeting with sales reps and prebooking merchandise,” Elseth said. “They’re always about six months ahead. So about October, November we start meeting with sales reps, they show us the new products, clubs, bags, apparel and we do all of our pre-booking.”

Also during a normal year in the offseason months, Green Lea 36 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Weather permitting, Green Lea Golf Course operates seven days a week from early spring until mid November.

On top of course maintenance, there is also work to be done in the clubhouse and on the business side of things, according to Jeff Elseth.

would host small parties as well as open the bar for a few hours periodically.

Once the spring starts to make its way in, Elseth said that’s when they start to put together plans for membership deals, getting the word out on golf leagues, contacting groups or individuals that had events at the course in the previous year, and many other small tasks around the clubhouse.

Elseth said the offseason also presents a time to educate golfers on some of the new products and services they offer. This past year it was about the new online booking system Green Lea implemented, which allows golfers to register for tee times right from their smartphone.

When it comes to outside work, keeping things in order also starts long before the first snow falls.

Mike Carlson, the head groundskeeper at Green Lea, said once the mowing stops in the fall, they take care of a few projects around the course before focusing on equipment maintenance.

“It’s some tree work, some cart path work,” Carlson said. “Things you look at all year and you want to do, but you don’t have time because the grass consumes you. Once we get past that, it’s strictly equipment issues.”

When the snow starts to melt, Carlson said it’s a lot of seasonal cleanup, blowing off and mowing the greens, and keeping an eye out for snow mold and other growths in the grass.

Jeff Elseth said Green Lea saw a large increase in rounds played in the 2020 season and predicts numbers to stay about the same this year.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 37

The turf at Green Lea Golf Course is made up of many differnet types of grasses. Greenskeeper Mike Carlson said it can sometimes be a challenge maintaining them all a different way.

“This was probably the easiest winter on the turf I’ve had here, and I’ve been here for 22 years now,” Carlson said. “Winter didn’t kick in until late. We did have that cold stretch, but we had snow cover by then. Everything was fine. You never know though, and that’s what scares you. What you do in the fall matters.”

When it comes to Minnesota winters though, it can be a bit difficult to tell just when the snow is going to stay away. Carlson said usually by mid-April they have gotten one round of mowing in, and

by May they are mowing greens every day and fairways and tee boxes three times a week.

Waiting to get on the course after a long winter can be a difficult test for many golfers, but Carlson said it takes about two weeks after the snow melts to have the course in top of the line condition.

“We have our own standards, we’re not going to open until we’re ready,” Carlson said. “We know golfers want to get out, and there are courses that will open as soon as it’s warm enough. But we won’t do that. We wait and we want to make sure the course is clean, the greens are clean, the sand traps are clean. We just want golfers to come out and have the best experience they can right away.”

Elseth said the course was able to open for play on March 26 this year, slightly earlier than normal. Weather permitting, he said the course will have business seven days a week from opening day to about mid-November most years.

He said the total rounds played at the course in 2020 was way higher than average, and he expects that trend to continue into this season.

38 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

After a long winter, seeing people back out on the course is the biggest reward for Carlson.

“Green Lea has a lot of character,” Carlson said. “We’ve got elevated greens and it’s just fun to be here taking care of it and see it when it looks good. And it comes back to the people. Seeing the members out here enjoying the course is one of the best parts.”

“

This was probably the easiest winter on the turf I’ve had here, and I’ve been here for 22 years now. Winter didn’t kick in until late. We did have that cold stretch, but we had snow cover by then. Everything was fine. You never know though, and that’s what scares you. What you do in the fall matters.

— Mike Carlson, head groundskeeper

Although mowing doesn’t get started until later in the spring, Mike Carlson said there is still plenty to do in order to prep the course for a spring opening.

STOP AND SMELL

THE ROSES

Albert Lea man loves growing, sharing flowers with others Story by SARAH STULTZ Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

Lester Perschbacher’s gardens include several types of flowers, including many lilies.

A

lbert Lean Lester Perschbacher loves talking about flowers.

But he’ll be the first to tell you he doesn’t think he has a green thumb.

“It’s a lot of trial and error,” the 87-year-old man says of his success with flower gardening.

“If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, don’t try it again,” he said.

The friendly flower enthusiast, who by profession is a milk tester for dairy herds all over the area, said he gained a love of flowers from his late wife, Cathy.

He said Cathy started the gardens in the backyard of their house off of Richway Drive, but he remembers he really got involved in October 1992 when they went to Edenvale Nursery south of Mankato. He and his wife liked to visit nurseries.

That day, he said, there was an auction — one for trees and one for

42 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

flowers. All the roses sold for $5 apiece, and they ended up buying $205 worth of flowers — mostly roses. They bought more than could fit in their vehicle to take home in one trip and had to go back the next day to pick up the rest.

The greatest share of the plants they purchased that day were hybrid tea roses, along with nine shrub roses, and such began his love, particularly, of roses.

At first, he said, he liked the red roses best, specifically one called “Hope for Humanity,” but when his wife died 11 years ago, he

“

It’s a lot of trial and error. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, don’t try it again.

— Lester Perschbacher

Some of Perschbacher’s favorite flowers are roses. He estimated he had at least 150 shrub roses.

Hydrangeas produce large balls of flowers.

received one called “My Girl,” which is now one of his favorites.

In addition to roses, he enjoys daffodils and tulips in the spring, and other flowers such as crocuses, hydrangeas, daisies, lilies, clematis and forget-me-nots, to name a few. He estimated he had over 200 daffodils, at least 150 shrub roses, 36 hydrangeas and probably about 60 lilies.

He works in the gardens around his milk-testing schedule — most days he is home around 2 or 3 o’clock. If he’s not working, then he can work as long as he wants in the gardens, though he does not do any yard work on Sundays.

Perschbacher said most of his flowers are perennials and grow back automatically every year, though he has some annuals that he brings inside during the winter, such as calla lilies, that stay in his basement until the weather gets warmer each spring.

He also has a room at the back of his house, which he calls his greenhouse room, where he has a series of plants, such as geraniums and other potted plants.

What does he enjoy from his hobby?

“The pure enjoyment of seeing them and seeing them bloom,” he said.

After his wife died, Perschbacher said he joined a widowers support group, and every year on the fourth Monday in June, the group’s members come and tour his gardens. There are usually about 30 to 40 people there, and he serves them ice cream or rootbeer floats.

He enjoys when people stop by to look at the flowers — he remembers one day there were two cars that stopped at the same time, one of which was a landscaper, who gave him a tip for his hydrangeas.

44 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Perschbacher estimated he has about 60 lilies.

Clematis can be seen growing up a trellis.

Perschbacher said though his gardens require a lot of work, he enjoys the time he spends in them.

Most of Perschbacher’s flowers are perennials.

It’s also not uncommon for him to thin out his plants and leave some on the curb for the taking, and they disappear quickly, he said.

Or, he doesn’t mind if people stop by and ask for a plant. He says if he only has one of the plant, he won’t give it away, but if he has multiples of something, he will divide them up for people at request.

“I enjoy it, I want people to have them, and you have to thin them out anyway,” he said.

Though Perschbacher has had a lot of success in the garden over the years, he said he has had his share of challenges over the years — he consistently battles deer and in the past has also struggled with slugs and Japanese beetles. In 2018, he had a mild stroke, though he was grateful not to have paralysis of any kind.

Though new gardeners will likely come across something along their gardening journey, too, Perschbacher encourages people just to dive in.

“You just gotta take a chance,” he said. AL 46 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Perschbacher said he enjoys giving out splits of his plants when he thins them out.

3.5” x 2”

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MAY/JUNE 2021 | 47

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LOOKING BACK | GOLF COURSES

Women golfers were active participants at local courses.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE COURSES

By LINDA EVENSON Photos courtesy FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM The arrival of spring signals a return to the golf links. In 1905, the Oaks Golf Club of Albert Lea was formed, uniting the golf and tennis clubs. The golf course faced some challenges as reflected in their local rule No. 2. It stated, “When a ball actually lies in a gopher hole within the course …, it may be lifted and dropped one clublength or more, directly behind the gopher hole without penalty.” In addition to gophers, the milkman’s cows were trespassing and grazing on the club’s course.

The Albert Lea Country Club was organized by memberstockholders in 1912. The nine-hole course was located at what is 50 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

known as Shoreline Heights. The Country Club moved to the northwest near Edgewater Park in 1922.

A nine-hole public course, the Recreation Golf Links, was established in 1931. The opening of a newly installed “floodlighted” night driving range was announced in 1938. This course closed at the beginning of World War II. Opening day at Green Lea Golf Course was April 21, 1949. Nine days earlier, a devastating fire destroyed the clubhouse. A temporary structure was ready for opening day. The public course planned to operate seven days a week.

The clubhouse at Albert Lea Country Club was built in 1922 by Tapager Construction Co. This 1931 photo was taken the same year a new course layout was introduced.

Many golf tournaments and events were hosted at the Albert Lea Country Club. This crowd was returning to the clubhouse.

Golfers enjoyed a spring day on April 18, 1937, at the No. 1 tee on the Recreation Golf Links.

The greens at the Recreation Golf Course were of the sand and oil variety.

Olson Manufacturing Co. of Albert Lea produced brass tee molds in the early 20th century. The golfer pressed wet sand in the mold, pushed the plunger and formed a tee.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 51

DIETITIAN’S DIGEST | BY EMILY SCHMIDT

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

Nutrient-dense sweet treats to enjoy in summer

You may have heard the term “empty calories,” but what does that mean? Essentially, it’s referring to a food or beverage that, although it provides calories — AKA energy — there are very few other nutritive benefits. Soda is a good example of a beverage that provides empty calories. There is energy from the added sugar, but other than that you aren’t getting any significant beneficial micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, or higher quality macronutrients such as fiber, protein or healthy fats. The same goes for alcoholic beverages, sugary beverages such as Kool-aid or high fructose corn syrup-based juices, and certain desserts or candies.

How can you satisfy that sweet tooth while also providing your body with nutrients that it needs to function at its best?

Incorporate healthier carbohydrates that contain fiber such as fruit, oats and whole wheat flour, as well as unsaturated fats such as nuts or nut-based oils. Additionally, spices and seasonings such as cinnamon or nutmeg can provide various antioxidants that may protect against aging and chronic health conditions.

The following Mayo Clinic-developed recipes are great examples of desserts that are more nutrient-dense and nourishing for your body. When natural and added sugars are combined with more micro- and macronutrients, your body can metabolize or break down these foods better. Although it’s fine to indulge in some of those “empty calories” for treats a few times per week, an excellent habit to form is varying your sweets with more nutrient-dense options. Enjoy the following delicious spring and summer options!

Summer fruit gratin

Dietitian’s tip: Although this dessert uses a mix of summer stone fruits, it can be easily adapted. In early summer, combine raspberries and apricots. In the fall, try a combination of apples and cranberries.

Number of servings: 6 52 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Ingredients For the filling:

1 pound cherries, pitted and halved 4 cups peeled, pitted and sliced mixed summer stone fruits, such as nectarines, peaches and apricots 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or firmly packed light brown sugar

For the topping:

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1/4 cup sliced (flaked) almonds 3 tablespoons whole-wheat flour 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or firmly packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons walnut oil or canola oil 1 tablespoon dark honey

Directions

Heat the oven to 350° F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine the cherries and stone fruits. Sprinkle with the flour and turbinado sugar and toss gently to mix.

To make the topping, in another bowl, combine the oats, almonds, flour, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

Whisk to blend. Stir in the oil and honey and mix until wellblended.

Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the oat-almond mixture evenly over the fruit. Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned, 45 to 55 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

HEALTH & FITNESS | BY BILL BROMELAND

Bill Bromeland is co-owner of Albert Lea’s Anytime Fitness in Northbridge Mall.

Exercise helps you feel better, make better choices

I’m not going to go on a long tirade about how exercise improves mental health because I think we all already know that. If you require proof, the first three links on Google when you search the heading are links to scholarly articles connecting exercise and mental health. What I will do is give you my personal experience of how interconnected the two are for me.

The following for me are cited as evidence that exercise improves my mental health: 1. My wife tolerates me much better after I’ve worked out.

Some of you know me and know that’s true.

2. Decisions I’ve made in the day prior to a workout, tend to be revisited (if they can be) post workout.

3. I went to college and there’s still no better high than a runner’s high.

4. I was at a point in my life before I rediscovered exercise where “fun wasn’t fun anymore.”

5. Fun is fun now.

6. I keep exercising. Why? 7. Friends!

8. Working out provides me direction when there seems to be none anywhere else.

9. My dog likes me better when I’m active and I’m sure yours does, too.

10. I can’t feel good about my parenting skills all of the time, but I can feel good that I’m setting a good example.

Feeling good is really what it’s all about, isn’t it? I can tell you one thing with absolute certainty: Exercise for me stopped being about looking a certain way a long, long, long time ago. Exercise for me, is a coping mechanism that I’m quite sure I would have a hard time surviving without and the people in my life undoubtedly agree with that sentiment.

In a world full of uncertainty, it is relatively certain that I will work out tomorrow, and also likely that it will make me feel good — as based on my experience, that’s what it tends to do. The cycle of better decisions and being nicer to people and feeling better continues. Exercise for me has never been about perfection, it has always been about improvement, and that improvement, today, settles between my ears.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 53

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PARTING SHOT

Lens and Shutter Club member Jim Wendel took this photo of a Scarlet Tanger feeding at a hummingbird feeder. He said he and his wife have fed birds for many years, and last spring was the first time they saw a Scarlet Tanager at their feeders.

MAY/JUNE 2021 | 55

WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA | BY HALEA PICHA

Why I Albert Lea Halea Picha has been a social studies teacher at Albert Lea High School for the past three years. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year two of those three years and coaches girls’ soccer, volunteers at high school basketball, softball and baseball games and track and field meets.

Though I am new to living in Albert Lea, I have called this town a second home since I was little. I grew up in Owatonna but traveled to Albert Lea at least once a week to visit family. My father grew up here and would also drive us around town talking about the “glory days” and what it was like to grow up in Albert Lea. My grandpa would treat my sister and me to breakfast at the B&B Cafe whenever he was watching us and then took us to one of the many parks in town. B&B Cafe was one of my favorite places to go and it still is.

I also spent many nights at the softball diamonds, watching my mom, dad and aunt play softball. At the time during my youth, the ballpark was the epicenter of the Albert Lea community. It was the place to be, and I loved the excitement in the air, the spirit of the community and the fact that everyone seemed to know each other — despite the competition between teams, teams cheered each other on. Each person was “somebody” and had a story to tell, and each story was listened to and the person felt respected. It was one big community of family members.

I feel that same camaraderie and family atmosphere today in Albert Lea. The center of the universe for the residents is the town of Albert Lea, which is loved by its residents and visitors alike. Similarly, Albert Lea Area Schools is loved by its residents, families, educators and students. The school district has taken the time to build a sense of community in and outside of the classroom with students and educators; inclusivity and equity is emphasized; and the focus is on doing the right thing for educating and meeting the needs of students while implementing positive changes. These are just a few of the reasons I applied for a teaching position at Albert Lea High School.

The Albert Lea public schools is a family of educators, and my 56 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

definition of an educator is any school employee or volunteer who touches the lives of children in some way. I see our educators touch the lives of students every day. Our educators believe that each student needs a bright smile every day greeting him/her at the door or in the hallway; that each student needs support and encouragement especially on those tough days; that each student needs to be believed in and cared for; and that each student (and the family members of each student) needs to feel the joy of individual success. That is what is embedded in the Albert Lea mission and core values. This work is hard, especially the 2020-21 school year, but if I ask any educator what keeps him/her returning each day with a smile, including me, it is an emphatic, “The kids need the best of me each and every day.”

Most importantly, I love Albert Lea because our students are the best! Each child in our school system is a gift who needs to be recognized for their strengths, feel believed in, cared for, empowered, encouraged, engaged with and heard. One of the most amazing things about teaching in Albert Lea is the fact that our students are also educators. I learn something new from them every day! Our students inspire me daily because they make me want to be better at what I do day in and day out. Our kids are passionate human beings who are forward thinkers when it comes to communicating, innovating and learning new things, which was especially true when we were in distance learning. Our students have helped me develop courage and confidence to work effectively as an educator no matter the situation. I’m not afraid to try new things and fail forward.

I am so honored and excited to have been nominated for Teacher of the Year by students two out of the three years I have worked at ALHS. It means that my focus of building relationships, passion for student success inside and outside of the classroom and bringing the daily joy of learning is making a difference for our kids, and that is what education is all about.

The Albert Lea school community has allowed me to do that. Our schools are a welcoming and safe place for students, staff and community to come together and learn, grow, collaborate and have fun. This is why I love being an Albert Lea Tiger!

CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea remains committed to providing the expert care you and your family need. Whether you are seeking routine or preventive care, or treatment for a more serious condition, Mayo Clinic Health System has convenient and safe options available, including virtual or in-person appointments.

Call 507-318-5230 to schedule an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org