From the arts to the outdoors, check out all a Mower County fall has to offer
Warming up for a cool autumn By Eric Johnson
Index
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center..................................................... 2,3 CVB director highlights key fall events....................................... 4,5 Paramount packed with events.................................................... 6 Art classes are good for the soul................................................... 7 Riverland theater: On with the show............................................ 8 A Handmade Christmas moving to HHH............................... 10,11 Farmer John’s: The Great Pumpkin Patch.................................... 12 Jen Haugen: Recipes for the season............................................ 13 Old Oak Retrievers and Kennel: A love for dogs...................... 14,15 HHH & Historical Society: Opening a door to history............. 16,17 Hunting habitat guide, season schedule..................................... 18 Bruins turn the page.................................................................. 20 Area camping guide.................................................................. 21 School concerts cued up............................................................ 22 Must-see fall sports matchups.................................................... 23 Area apple orchards................................................................... 24 Rohler Rink: Still rolling strong................................................... 25 BP Holiday Dazzle; Clippity Clop Riding Center.......................... 26 LeRoy set for Christmas, fall; Sola Fide Observatory..................... 27 Autumn colors should be grand....................................... 28,29,30 Autumn road trips..................................................................... 31 Adams archery range................................................................ 32
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As summer slowly gives way to fall and the colors of the season change over to the bright oranges and reds we’re all used to, attention turns once again to what the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center offers during this time of year. As it has in previous years, the nature center is offering a whole host of events to keep visitors busy during the autumn months and those days leading up to it. “There’s certainly lots of things to do whatever you might like to do outdoors,” Jay C. Hormel Nature Center naturalist Larry Dolphin said. Among the events planned include the very popular, two-night Halloween Warmup. Entering its 32nd year, the warm-up is one of the nature
center’s most popular events of the fall season and includes actors with the Matchbox Children’s Theatre. Part of the charm is its mix of fear and entertainment. “It’s fear being a little bit scared,” Dolphin said. “Doing something at night, walking a trail that’s lit with candles that takes you from one skit to another. It’s fun for the kids to be in the skits and it’s fun for the adults.” Another big event comes toward the tail-end of the season. The 13th annual Thanksgiving Feast is a fundraiser that includes dinner, a live auction and short program. It’s a big source of income for the nature center in terms of what it can offer the public. “This is what pays for our interns and our programming out here,” Dolphin said.
Other events include walking meditation, an expert on monarch butterflies, former intern Sammie Peterson and bird watching. People still have the opportunity as well to utilize the nature center’s canoes and kayaks until the end of September. “There’s certainly lots of things for whatever you might like to do outdoors,” Dolphin said.
Fall Events
•Oct. 3: Friends-only mushroom class with Sammie Peterson. This class for Friends of the Nature Center members, led by Peterson, will help people become familiar with the assorted mushrooms in the area. This event is free and is limited to 30 participants. Registration is required by Oct. 2. •Oct. 9-10: 32nd annual Halloween Warm-up. The woods of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center become haunted for two nights as families can hike through the dark to listen to skits performed by creatures, critters and spirits. First hike is 6:50 p.m., last hike is
The first group of the night heads into the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for the second night the nature center’s Halloween Warm-up last year. Herald file photo 9:10 p.m. each night. Cost is $6 per person and includes apple cider and a cookie. Tickets available from Sept. 9 through Oct. 9 and can be purchased at Super Fresh Produce, Bakery & Garden Center. •Oct. 21 and 24: Beginning Birding Class with the Austin Audubon. This class is split into two parts with the first part on Oct. 21 being an informative session in the Ruby Rupner Audi-
torium followed by part two on Oct. 24 that includes a morning bird walk in the nature center. Call 507-470-1700 to register or call Pete Mattson at 507-5672570 or Leslie Meyer at 507433-2615. Class is for 16 and up and is limited to 20 participants. Cost is $5. •Nov. 14: 13th annual Thanksgiving Feast. 5 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. dinner is served, 7:30 p.m. short program
and live auction. Tickets on sale now and are $35 per person for Friends of the Nature Center and $40 for non-members. Call the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center at 507-437-7519 or contact event committee chairs Rich and JoAnn Aho at 507-433-6928 or Finn44@charter.net. •Nov. 22: James Keelaghan — Canadian folk singer-songwriter. Show is at 7 p.m. RSVP by Nov. 20.
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Mark the calendars CVB director outlines 5 key autumn events
Eat Like Royalty in Austin
Did you know that Highlands are the beef animal of choice by the British Royal Family, who keeps a large herd of Highlands at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland? Now, you’re invited to experience the North Central Highland Cattle Association Regional Show that will be held Oct. 3 at the Mower County Fairgrounds. This free event will give you the opportunity to watch a very unique breed of cattle known for their rugged characteristics and A pair of highland cattle rest longevity. tied up in the cattle barn at It is anticipated that there will the Mower County Fairgrounds be more than 50 animals in attenduring a previous North Central dance. Highland beef is lean, but Scottish Highland Cattle Regional well-marbled and flavorful with Show. Herald file photo little outside fat.
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Nancy Schnable Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau Director
If desired, you can visit the food booth and enjoy a tasty 100 percent highland hamburger. This show is sanctioned by the American Highland Cattle Association and must abide by the same rules. For more information, contact Mark Schulz at 507-4817367 or North Central Highland Cattle Association website at NCHCA.org
‘And That’s My Story’
Storytellers from the tri-state area will gather at the Hormel Historic Home, 208 Fourth Ave. NW in Austin, Oct. 30-31 for an event called “And That’s
My Story.” The Oct. 30 event is open to the public starting with 5:30 p.m. social hour and entertainment, a 6:30 p.m. dinner and a 7:30 p.m. show. Oct. 31 will feature a history workshop for storytellers. Storytellers were chosen for their talent and inspiring stories. Rose McGee’s repertoire includes her story of sweet potato pie as the sacred dessert of the black culture. Chuck Suchy’s ballads describe the rugged beauty of the great plains and the people of North Dakota. August Rubrecht blends stories of his unusual Ozark childhood, folklore, graduate school, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professorship. Jack Koppa’s lively concertina music brings smiles to the faces and rhythm to the footsteps of guests as they arrive.
include tour, refreshments and entertainment. For more information contact the Hormel Historic Home at 507-433-4243.
Bev Jackson Cotter brings her compassion for people and her love of art and history to her stories. Michael Cotter shares 140 years of family history on the Minnesota farm, his strict Catholic upbringing and Irish sense of humor Attend for stories, music, food and fun. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the HHH at 507-433-4243
Merry Tuba Christmas
For the Love of Music
Everyone is invited to join Caravan du Nord for a free music workshop at the Austin ArtWorks Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 14 featuring the Peter Jacobs Jazz combo, Har Mar Superstar and Reina del Cid. A wide variety of music will be highlighted as they will be celebrating Minnesota-based independent musicians. Then get a chance to meet the artists at Dusty’s from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This Historic Paramount Theatre is one of only a few “atmospheric theatres” remaining in
Dana Woeste plays her double-belled, 1908 euphonium at the annual TubaChristmas concert last year. Herald file photo Minnesota. An unique venue for an incredible show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Austin Area Commission for the Arts at 507-434-0934
Holiday Tea and Shopping Spree
The stockings will be hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that guests will soon would be there; Christmas trees will be decorated just right; and the Hormel
Historic Home will be a marvelous sight. Enjoy some scrumptious cranberry cake with butter sauce while listening to the Austinaires and Second Edition from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Hormel Historic Home. Holiday Shopping Spree will also be available featuring Creation Crafts, Keep Collective, Young Living Essential Oils, Pampered Chef, Longaberger Baskets and More. Tickets are $10 per person and
Join the Austin Community for the sixth annual Austin Merry TubaChristmas featuring nearly 50 tuba and euphonium players at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Historic Paramount Theatre. This is a free concert for the community for more information, contact the Austin CVB at 507-437-4563. The original Merry TubaChristmas is celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2015. Created by Harvey Phillips, Merry TubaChristmas concerts will be presented in over 280 cities throughout the United State and in several foreign countries. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect and perform a tribute to all the great artist/teachers who have embraced these noble instruments, all players are welcome to register. Every Merry TubaChristmas performance feature traditional Christmas carols.
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Paramount packed with events By Jason Schoonover The Austin Area Commission for the Arts is mixing the old with the new at the Paramount Theatre for its fall and winter season. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming up at Austin’s historic theater and at the Austin ArtWorks Center:
A
ustin native and fan favorite Charlie Parr is returning to Austin near the end of a busy stretch of shows to promote his latest album, “Stumpjumper.” “He has a great following being from Austin,” Austin Area Commission for the Arts Director Jennie Knoebel said. “Always puts on a great concert.” Parr is looking forward to returning home to play, though he has been back recently to visit his mother. “I’m always grateful to
Charlie Parr 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $5 for children. Tickets will likely be general admission.
Caravan
T
du
Nord:
he Caravan du Nord is returning for another goaround in Austin. The Caravan is a tour put on by the Minnesota Music Coalition to help support Minnesota music and bring small town residents a taste of affordable music they may not normally get outside the Twin Cities. “Definitely one of the missions is to expose people to new music,” said Ellen Stanley, the coalition’s executive director. Austin Area Commission for the Arts Director Jennie Knoebel
A new-look Christmas to focus on homegrown talent
Musicians to join forces at the ArtWorks Center
Musicians have a new chance to jam their way to new connections this fall.
Featuring: Har Mar Superstar,Reina Del Cid
described the event as a safe place for area music fans to experience something new in an affordable way without leaving the area. “It’s an opportunity for a community to take a chance on some artists,” Knoebel said, without having to drive to the cities. She was excited to have Har Mar Superstar bringing his unique blend of R&B and pop to the Paramount. “He’s a great performer,” Knoebel said. “Puts on a
After the popular Veldman and Friends show ended last year, the Paramount is turning to three sets of local performers this holiday season. First on Nov. 27, the Jane Taylor Academy of Dance will return to the Paramount to present scenes from “The Nutcracker.” The Christmas in the City show moved last year as the Paramount was unavailable, but the show will return downtown.
get to come back to Austin,” he said. Parr last played the Paramount as Part of the Caravan du Nord show in 2013, and he played at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Club last year. Parr has been on the road a lot since releasing his 13th album, “Stumpjumper,” on April 28, but he’s had a lot of help this time around. After several years touring largely on his own, Parr released “Stumpjumper”
good show.” Organizers will also host workshops that Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The first will focus on promotions, and the second will focus on booking gigs. Both shows will feature a panel discussion the issues with artists. “We really encourage any aspiring musicians to attend,” Knoebel said. Then around 4 p.m., the musicians are invited to a social hour at Dusty’s Lounge, 422 N. Main St. in Austin.
At 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, the annual TubaChristmas show, formerly held at Oak Park Mall, will oompha its way to the Paramount. Tuba, sousaphone or euphonium players are welcome to attend and perform. In past years, registration has started at 11 a.m. Saturday and cost was $10. The Paramount’s main holiday show, Christmas at Home, will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19, along with a 2 p.m. show on the 19th. The shows will be a musical
The first ArtRocks Jam Session was slated to be held recently at the center and more are planned Oct. 30 and Nov. 20 as a way to bring musicians together.
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and the
Peter Jacobs Trio
7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for students. Tickets will likely be general admission. Pictured right: Har Mar Superstar
review featuring musicians from several student groups at Austin Public Schools. Each performance will likely feature a different set of acts, like solos and ensemble groups. “Every show will be slightly different,” Knoebel said. Knoebel was excited to fill the Veldman slots with local talent, as Knoebel said traveling holiday groups haven’t been as popular in the past. “It’s exciting that it will be another homegrown show,” she said.
“It’s a chance for musicians to make connections,” Knoebel said. Knoebel said the events were still a work in progress, but she said each will fea-
through St. Paul-based Red House Records. “It’s been great,” Parr said. “It’s been pretty busy, but having this record label on my side has been pretty amazing as far as getting extra support.” He said this show will likely be a solo show, and he expects to mix in some older material with some of his new stuff. Parr is already working on material for a new album, but he doesn’t have specific recording dates yet.
ture a house band and will be a chance for musicians to come together and spark interest. The public is also invited to check out the events.
Other Paramount Theatre events
Oct. 15: Adam Wayne, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16: Comedy Night featuring Chris Anderson, M/C (from Austin), Jeff Larson, Jeff Pfoser and Mike Lester, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-Nov. 8: Matchbox Children’s Theatre will perform the “The Far-Fetched Fable of the Frog Prince: How a Prince Became A Frog and Starred in the School Play.”
ArtWorks Center events
Oct. 3: Music @ the Bank with Anthony Williams Oct. 9: Gallery opening from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring Carol Bender and Barb Cafourek. Gallery runs through Nov. 21. Nov. 27: Gallery opening from 5 to 7 p.m. during Christmas in the City for the annual Members-Only Holiday Show.
The arts make life more bearable ArtWorks classes offer outlets for rewarding creativity
In my freshman year of college I signed up for an improv class, which is maybe the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done. The instructor was called Trules — just Trules — and you can imagine how we whispered it in the moments before class began each week: hoarse-throated and with the full force of terror behind this simple one-syllable utterance. The man himself could smell fear on his students and was merciless with those who tried to skirt his attention. Exercises began with roll call — each of us was directed to respond immediately with both a full-bodied gesture and a noise. We looked and sounded like a handful of Sendak’s Wild Things, but without any of the bestial ferocity. If your response wasn’t loud enough, or willful, or smacked in the slightest of hesitation, he demanded another response. And
Grace Heimsness
Austin ArtWorks Education and Marketing Coordinator
another, until you got it right. After roll call, which left most of us dazed with a curious exhaustion, we stood, crawled, shimmied, yawped, and otherwise verbed (I still haven’t found actual verbs for most of what we did) until Trules was satisfied. It was both the shortest and longest two hours of the week in any of my eight semesters in school. I would trudge back to the dorm, spent but elated, fall asleep with a lightness humming warm in my chest, and immediately begin dreading next week the moment I woke up the following morning. I don’t regret a minute of it. Not until the end of the semester did I understand why Trules was so iron-fisted with improvisation
— a pursuit which has been established as frivolous at best. It comes back to Vonnegut, as things often do. In “A Man Without a Country,” he writes: “The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” Trules knew what we were risking and what we had to lose in that room every Tuesday evening. To risk full expression is to risk suffering judgment. Not from each other; nothing fosters support quite like being forced to push, pull, climb on, stare and be stared at by 14 other people while acting out what you imagine a bull in a china shop must actually look like. The judgment lives much nearer than that. It goes thump in the
night, when those other people are safely in their own beds. ”You’re not good enough,” goes the thump. But Trules also knew what we had to gain. Not an Oscar, certainly; that’s not what it was about. No, he knew what those two hours meant for the thump in the night. He knew the lightness we would feel when our heads hit the pillow. Rest assured that fall classes at the ArtWorks Center, which started Sept. 19 and run through Dec. 19, will not involve Trules in any way, shape, or form. But if you feel a slight pinch of nerves when a little voice wonders what would happen if you signed up for John Sullivan’s Beginners’ Wheel Throwing, or Mary Nordeng’s Devore Silk Scarf Dyeing, or Julie Fjetland’s Bob Ross Landscapes, I hope you think of him. I hope you give yourself that enormous reward. For the full class schedule, visit at austinareaarts.org/create, or pick up a hard copy at the ArtWorks Center.
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Jodie Bratager rehearses a scene from “Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein” last season at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridge’s Theatre. Last season saw cast and crews pushing the boundaries and this year is no different. Herald file photo
On with the show
By Trey Mewes
Area audiences are in for an exceptional theater season at Riverland Community College, according to Riverland officials. Challenging plays, comedies galore and more are part of the 20152016 Riverland Theatre season. “I really felt that this year, we have such a strong crop of returning students, we had such a strong crop of community members,” Riverland Director Lindsey Duoos Williams said. The season opens Oct. 7 with the Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” The musical combines popular fairy tales as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, a childless baker and his wife all head into the woods to pursue their wishes. “’Into the Woods’ is one that I’ve been wanting to do for a
Riverland 2015-16 season Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 10; 2 p.m. Oct. 11
Dancing at Lughnasa 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18, 19, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 22 Much Ado About Nothing 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, 25, 26, 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28 Young Frankenstein 7:30 p.m. April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30;
very long time,” Williams said. “This is a show that I’ve loved since I was young.” The musical’s recent popularity stems from last year’s movie starring Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep, but Williams believes the show’s true strength is its theatrical background. “There’s nothing quite like seeing it onstage,” she said.
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The fall season continues with “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel, playing Nov. 18-22. This play tells the story of five unmarried sisters living out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. The sisters struggle to make ends meet as they each negotiate their hopes and dreams throughout numerous obstacles. The classic William Shakespeare comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” will be the first production of 2016, opening Feb. 24. “Much Ado About Nothing” is a classic tale surrounding the unlikely couple Beatrice and Benedick, whose love blossoms with every insult they hurl at each other. By the same token, a wonderful wedding among nobles is threatened by political scheming and silly policemen. “We had talked about doing a Shakespeare this year, and
2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death,” Williams said. “So we thought it would be the perfect time. Riverland’s season will finish with the Broadway musical “Young Frankenstein,” by comedic legend Mel Brooks. Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick and a leggy lab assistant, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s, with hilarious results. “It’s a really beautiful play and one that we’ve never done at Riverland,” Williams said. “It really is probably the funniest movie ever made. All of us around here have been saying we can recite the movie from start to finish.”
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Austin Symphony Orchestra 2015-16 concert schedule
T
he Austin Symphony Orchestra is abut to kickoff its 59th season of music and music education in Austin. Here is what’s coming up:
Pictures at the Orchestra
2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium Featuring: Jacob Dalager on trumpet. Pieces: “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky/Maurice Ravel, “Trumpet Concerto” by Alexander Artiunian,“Stars of the Velvet Sky” by Herbert Lincol Clarke, “Fugure in G Minor” by Bach/Stokowski and “Trumpet Concerto in D” by Giuseppe Torelli.
Handel’s Messiah
2 p.m. Dec. 13 at St. Augustine Catholic Church Featuring: Austin Symphony Chorus and soloists.
A Russian Spectacular
2 p.m. Feb. 18, 2016, at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium Featuring: Konstantin Soukhovetski on piano. Pieces: “Procession of the Nobles from Mlada” by Rimsky-Korsakov, “Piano Concerto No. 1” by Tchaikovsky and “From the Steppes of Central Asia” by Borodin.
Opera Festiva!
2 p.m. April 17, 2016, at the Paramount Theatre Featuring: soprano Elizabeth Hunter Ashley and tenor Rick Penning. Pieces: “Candide Overture” by Bernstein, “Die Meistersinger Overture” by Wagner, “Triumphal March from Aida” by Verdi, “Barber of Seville Overture” by Rossini and more.
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Back for the holidays A Handmade Christmas moving to HHH By Jenae Hackensmith A Handmade Christmas is returning for its third year, but this year the Indie craft sale is moving to the Hormel Historic Home on Dec. 11 and 12. “We are really excited, because we’re really going for a Christmas party type of vibe,” Anna Otto, co-coordinator for the event, said. Otto and friend Kristy Rooney organize the show, which they brought to Austin about three years ago. This year’s will feature more than 20 craft vendors. Previous years have featured vendors from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.
“Really from all over the Midwest, which is really exciting,” Otto said. Several vendors from Austin and surrounding areas will also participate, as Otto said one goal is to promote small, local businesses. “We really try to give priority to people from Austin as far as vendors because we want to support the community, but we also like to bring in new things so it’s a new shopping experience each year,” Otto said. Many of the vendors are found either online or through other craft shows, and Otto said she and Rooney try to find new vendors each year to blend with returning favorites to keep the shopping experience fresh.
“Every year we like to keep about half of our vendors new from year to year to keep shopper interest,” she said. Other new things this year include a cash bar, more space for people to spread out and look at different booths and more. “We have a lot of surprises up our sleeves,” Otto said. She was excited to hold the show at the Hormel Historic Home for several reasons. It’s closer to downtown Austin, and Otto hopes the new location will help promote and support other local, downtown businesses and restaurants. She hoped people would enjoy the show for its unique characteristics and quality, handmade items. “It’s definitely unique for Austin, but it’s also exciting because it’s the one time all year that these really high quality, handmade artists come together,” she said. “And so if you miss it, you really miss a huge opportunity to support small businesses and local, handmade people.” Admission for the show is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets can be pre-purchased at
Amarilys Henderson paints at her booth during A Handmade Christmas indie craft fair last year. Herald file photo ahandmadechristmas.com. “I hope people get unique Christmas gifts for their friends and family, that you couldn’t
pick up from a local big box store,” Otto said. “And really we hope that it’s a tradition for people. It’s starting to become
Call or visit us today!
a local tradition for people to come and shop with their friends and kind of make a day out of it.”
“SERVING SOUTHERN MINNESOTA”
203 North Main Street Austin, MN
507-437-4503
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The great pumpkin patch Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch open through Halloween By Jenae Hackensmith Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch has become a tradition for many families, and its 27th year is underway. Farmer John’s opened Sept. 19 and will continue from 12 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. John Ulland and his wife, Jan, started the pumpkin patch, located at 90537 273rd St. northwest of Austin, unintentionally in the 1980s after a friend wanted to bring his grandchildren to see the pumpkins that Farmer John planted to control weeds. The Ullands started selling pumpkins to area stores, mostly to get rid of them. Through word of mouth, others started to get interested in seeing the farm. “We’re here to offer a good experience,” John previously told the Herald. “We’re just here so that people can enjoy.”
Farmer John Ulland and his wife Jan opened their farm to visitors for the 27th year in September. Herald file photo John said he and his wife aren’t in the entertainment business, but rather the experience business. “Pictures,” he said. “More people come here for pictures than anything else.” The farm features tractor wagon rides from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, antique farm equipment, animals — dogs, cats and chickens — broom corn, gourds, and about eight acres of pumpkins. The pumpkin patch is family-friendly
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and has options for children’s entertainment, although John said the children are most drawn to the silo. Inside the barn, children can enjoy games and learning opportunities, and groups can make reservations to tour the pumpkin patch. Groups from area preschools and schools also show up to learn about the pumpkin patch. The patch features about 40 kinds of pumpkins, and John said there are many options for people
to decorate their yards. There are also opportunities for people to pick their own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. There is an old pickup-truck, an old tractor that’s been repainted and an old snowmobile sitting outside. Families also get a free pumpkin for every baby born after Oct. 15 of the current year. “Families come out here for just a nice peaceful day in the country, they can find a pumpkin and there’s no pressure,” John said.
Directions: To Farmer John’s, 90537 273rd St. Austin, MN 55912. NOTE: Some online GPS services often lead to the wrong location. From Highway 218, turn west onto 270th Street at The Corners, continue onto the Mower-Freeborn Road, turn west onto 273rd Street and continue a half mile. From Highway 251, turn south at Corning onto the Mower-Freeborn Road, go 3/4 of a mile, turn west onto 273rd Street and continue a half mile.
Recipes to celebrate the season right Apple, Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad
Serves 6 Ingredients •1 (10 oz) bag leafy Romaine blend •2 Sweet Tango apples, cored and chopped •1/3 cup gorgonzola crumbles •1/4 cup walnuts •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/2 cup poppy seed dressing Directions 1. In a large bowl, toss Romaine, apples, gorgonzola, walnuts and cranberries. 2. Add dressing, toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Smoked Turkey and Apple Sandwich Serves 4 Ingredients •2 tablespoons butter, softened •8 slices French bread •1/3 cup apple butter •1/2 pound smoked deli turkey slices, divided •4 slices Havarti cheese •1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (Braeburn, Granny Smith or Honey crisp)
Directions 1. Preheat nonstick pan or Panini grill. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Lay four slices buttered side down on heated pan or Panini grill. Spread apple butter mixture evenly on four bread slices. 2. Top each of 4 bread slices with 2 ounce smoked
turkey, slice of Havarti cheese and apple slices. Spread apple butter on sandwich tops and lay onto sandwich butter side out. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Slice each sandwich in half and serve.
Cream of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Serves 4 Ingredients •1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil •2 cups sliced mushrooms (about 4 ounces) •3/4 cup chopped celery •3/4 cup chopped carrots •1/4 cup chopped onions •1/4 cup all-purpose flour •1/4 tsp salt •1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper •4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth •1 cup quick-cooking or instant wild rice •3 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken (12 ounces) •1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream •2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Jen Haugen, RDN, LD – Downto-Earth Dietitian – www.jenhaugen.com Jen is an award-winning, nationally recognized, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with over 14 years of experience including clinical, supermarket and school nutrition. Jen’s unique “down-to-earth” approach encourages moms to connect with their families over food from the fields, to the garden, in the kitchen and at the table to create the recipe to a nourishing life. Jen lives in Austin with her husband and two children. You can find Jen at www.jenhaugen.com and on Twitter @jenhaugen.
Directions 1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. 2. Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in turkey (or chicken), sour cream and parsley and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more.
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Rick McConico goes through fetching techniques with Bond, left, and Magnum at Old Oak Retrievers and Kennels, west of Blooming Prairie. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
‘We just love dogs’
Blooming Prairie couple dedicates lives to training pups Story by Jenae Hackensmith Rick and Andrea McConico love dogs, and that love helps guide the way they run Old Oak Retrievers and Kennels. “We just love dogs,” Rick said. “I’ve always liked dogs,” Andrea added. “… I just like working with them, doing what they were meant to do.” Rick and Andrea started their dog training and boarding businesses Old Oak Retrievers and Kennels, just west of Blooming Prairie, about nine years ago, moving to the area because there weren’t any other elite training kennels, according to Rick. The business boards and trains on average 25 dogs a month, brought for all types of training, including simple obedience, hunting, gun dogs, competition and more. The length of the dogs’ stay depends on the type of training they receive.
Training the trainer
Rick trained under Jim Benson at Benson’s
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Fairhill Kennel in Buffalo, Minnesota. In fact, Rick and Andrea met at Benson’s Fairhill Kennel and were married a few years later. He has trained dogs on and off for about 28 years and he remembers Benson as a perfect mentor. “I was so lucky to have trained under this guy, because he had basically the same mentality as us,” Rick said. “We train dogs, we don’t beat them.” There is a small amount of force in all training, according to Rick, but his techniques focus more on teaching, showing a dog how to do something, and repetition. He said many trainers use more force than necessary, and although he admitted sometimes without that force some dogs won’t reach certain levels, at the end of the day the dogs haven’t been destroyed. Rick explained while training a dog using “force fetch,” the dog learns when the owner says fetch, it must go fetch. Rick noted many trainers will be more brutal in the training, pressing a bottle cap or tack to the
dog’s ear or using a pliers to make it fetch. Instead, Rick said he uses his fingernail and only presses enough to irritate the dog, instead of hurt it. Once the dog learns to fetch, Rick said the fun part starts. “Now we turn it into a game,” Rick said. “We’ll take it and hold it behind your back and say, ‘Are you ready, are you ready, fetch!’ and BOOM, they grab it. By instinct they go and grab it.” Rick runs the training business, and Andrea works at Mayo Clinic in Rochester as a research technologist. The couple owns about 15 dogs of their own, which are used for a variety of things besides being a pet. “These dogs are our pets,” Rick said. “I use them for breeding, I use them for guide dogs, they’re a little bit of everything.”
The training
Rick does most of the training with his assistant trainer Chuck Anderson, and Andrea also helps out with the training sometimes.
There is also one full-time employee who helps with cleaning and feeding, and Rick is looking for a part-time employee to help out in the evenings. Every dog that comes for training goes through obedience training first. “Whether you want your dog to be just obedience trained to be able to just live with it, or you want your dog to be a competition dog, it’s the same level of obedience,” Rick said. When the dogs first arrive, the training is only about 15 to 20 minutes per day. Rick explained the problem with going longer is you “run out of dog,” where the dog becomes mentally spent and doesn’t retain any more information after that. “Most dogs that come in are young, under a year of age, and if you would equate them to a human child, we’re talking a kindergartener or first grader, whose attention span and capability of really listening and paying attention and letting things sink in is limited,” Andrea said. “And once you pass that limit, it really doesn’t matter.” As the dog starts to learn the basics, the training becomes longer and more often each day. “Now the training isn’t so boring, and the training isn’t all repetition and discipline, now it becomes fun stuff,” Rick said. “So the training gets longer and longer.” Dogs can stay at the training facility anywhere from six to eight weeks for obedience, eight to 12 weeks for hunting training, five months for hand signal training, and many competition
Rick and Andrea McConico pose with four of their dogs, Finley, from left, Bond, Magnum and Teya. dogs will stay at the facility for two years. The business also boards cats, as Rick also loves cats and owns two of his own.
The facility
The McConico’s training facility has the only technical water in the area, according to Rick, which are specifically designed swimming areas to teach the dogs things such as swimming, getting back on land, and jumping back into the water to find the bird their hunter may have shot. The facility also has indoor kennels connected to outdoor kennels, with a door between and garage doors on the outside to keep out the cool or warm temperature, depending on the season. Each kennel also has a cot, though with in-floor heating Andrea said the dogs sometimes prefer the warmth of the floor. There are also puppy kennels where puppies are house-trained. The build-
ing, which Rick designed himself, is equipped with a geothermal heating and cooling system, in-floor heating, forced air heat and air conditioning, and an air-exchange machine that changes air out once an hour, to combat animal smells and dampness. The couple lives in an apartment built into one side of the training facility. “One construction project was plenty to start off with,” Andrea laughed. People come from all over the United States to train their dogs at the facility, as Rick noted many people from the South can’t train dogs during the summer because of the heat. Dog owners and trainers come from the surrounding area as well as all over Minnesota, and Georgia, Luisiana, Illinois and more. Rick said a few people lease property and stay for long periods of time to train their own dogs, with some staying for a week or two and some staying the whole summer. “It’s almost a party here every night because we’ve got so many people here,” he laughed. “People coming down from the cities to train with us, people from all over the state come to train with us, and we get done training at night and we sit back on the patio out back and start up the grill.” For more information, visit www.oldoakretrievers.com. Jenae Hackensmith can be reached at jenae. hackensmith@austindailyherald.com
Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 15
Opening a door to history Historical society, Hormel Historic Home offering new programs By Jason Schoonover With Labor Day and students returning to school unofficially closing out the summer’s busy slate of events, two local organizations are still offering a variety of programs coming up, many of them with a historical twist. The Hormel Historical Home and Mower County Historical Society are offering several history, culture, health and food based programs that have gained a following in recent years. “I do think there’s definite
The audience at a recent Lunchbox History Series listens to John Isch during a presentation at the Mower County Historical Society. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
interest,” HHH Executive Director Holly Johnson said.
Mower County Historical Society
One of the Mower Coun-
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ty Historical Society’s most prominent programs is expanding thanks to recent success. While the Lunchbox History Series programs have
traditionally gone April through September, this year Haymond is expanding the program into October, November and December. “They’ve been very popular, there’s been lots of interest in them,” Executive Director John Haymond said. At 1 p.m. Oct. 22, attorney Paul Spyhalski will discuss a book he wrote about railroad history, and he’ll discuss the role of railroads in Mower County. The November and December programs aren’t yet locked in, but Haymond noted he may arrange November’s program to focus on the history of Jesse James in Minnesota. Haymond said the aim is to make the programs unique, engaging and entertaining — not just a dry rendition of the facts.
Haymond has aimed for variety in the historical society’s programs, which can focus on local history, statewide history, things people never heard of and more local, familiar topics. Attendance for the program ranges from 30 to 100 people, and Haymond said the most attended program was on the former state school in Owatonna, which drew about 100 people. But history isn’t limited to the historical society’s site at the Mower County Fairgrounds. In fact, Haymond is looking to reach out to community groups. Haymond was asked to give a program at the Mower County Senior Center, and the programs have become a monthly occurrence at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. “That’s something that’s now pretty much a permanent monthly thing,” Haymond said.
Hormel Historic Home
Programming is taking on a little different look starting this month at the Hormel Historic Home. The home changed its Social Concerns program to the new Hearth & Home series after feed-
back the former name didn’t properly describe the slate of programming. “It’ll be conversation and discussion meant to … educate and inspire guests,” Johnson said. Hearth & Home kicked off Sept. 1 with a program from author Peggy Keener, who is also an Austin Daily Herald columnist. Next, historical society curator Jaimie Timm will give a program titled “Buggy Rides and Parlor Visits” on the history of courting and how it happened in the past. On Nov. 3, Mayo Clinic Health System Dietitian Emily Schmidt will speak. The programs are on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Johnson said the programs help meet their goals of pro-
moting history, culture, arts and entertainment in Austin. “We’re just trying to be part of the community and offer things where people can enjoy the program and see the home,” Johnson said. The programs aren’t entirely on history, as they look to mix in modern topics like food, health, wellness and financial planning, with Johnson noting food and health programs are often favorites. “When food’s involved it’s pretty popular,” she said, noting they often feature sampling and cooking demonstrations at programs. Johnson said they try to keep programs focused on topics that are relevant, informative and entertaining, according to Johnson. “It’s edu-tainment,” Johnson said.
Along with Hearth & Home, the Hormel Home will continue its History Happy Hour programs on the second Monday of each month with a social hour for snacks and drinks at 5:30 p.m., and the program is at 6 p.m. On Oct. 12, Dean Ulland will speak about “Prohibition in Mower County.” Peter Ausenhus from Worth Brewery in Northwood, Iowa, will also be speaking at the Oct. 12 Happy Hour. History Happy Hour is co-sponsored by the home, the historical society and the Friends of the Austin Public Library. Members of each group can attend the programs for free, otherwise non-members pay $5. The Hormel Historic Home will also be hosting its Best Bartender Contest at 6 p.m. Oct. 21. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the cost is $5. JT Thompson will provide live music. From 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 21, the HHH will host its annual Holiday Open House. Jason Schoonover can be reached at jason.schoonover@ austindailyheraldcom
Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 17
Area offers rich hunting habitat By Rocky Hulne While some area hunters like to make a trip across the state come hunting season, there are also plenty of places to go near Austin. Justin Hanson, a Pheasants Forever volunteer, said the Schottler Wildlife Management Area, which is located south of Austin, is a great local place for hunters. The Schottler WMA was formerly a farm that used to grow row crops and it now offers hunting options for deer, small game and doves. “There aren’t a lot of trees and it has a lot of different kind of cover,” Hanson said of Schottler. “It’s a fun one to walk. In some ways it’s like stepping back in time two hundred years ago.” Hanson said that there are plenty of suitable hunting grounds near Austin. “Some are smaller, but they offer a great opportunity for hunting,” he said. Of course, no matter where hunters go, it’s important for them to keep track of their sur-
Minnesota hunting and trapping seasons
Sept. 1-Oct. 31: Crow hunting (third season) Sept. 1-Nov. 9: Mourning Dove season Sept. 1-Oct. 18: Bear season Sept. 1-Nov. 2: Snipe and Rail hunting season Sept.5-Sept. 22: Early Canada Goose season Sept. 10: Antlerless Deer and Special hunt lottery deadline Sept. 12-Oct. 18: Sandhill Crane season-NW Zone Sept. 19-Dec. 31: Deer hunt (archery season) Set. 19-Feb. 29: Small game - rabbits and squirrels Sept. 19-Jan. 3: Ruffed and Spruce Grouse, Hungarian Partridge season Sept. 19-Nov. 2: Woodcock season Sept. 26: Waterfowl season opener Sept. 26-Oct. 4: Prairie Chicken season Oct. 3-Nov. 1: Fall turkey season 2015 Oct. 10-Jan. 3: Pheasant season Oct. 15-Oct. 16: Deer Hunt, Camp Ripley Archery Hunt, first season Oct. 15-Oct. 18: Deer Hunt- Special Youth Deer Hunt season Oct. 17-March 15: Racoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Badger, Opussum (North) hunting and trapping Oct. 24-May 24: Furbearer trapping: beaver (north zone) Oct. 24-Feb. 29: Furbearer trapping: Mink and muskrat (north zone) Oct. 24-March 15: Raccoon Red Fox, Gray Fox, Badger, Opossum (south) hunting and trapping Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Deer Hunt, Camp Ripley Archery hunt, sec-
roundings. Safety is alway a first. “Make sure you’re looking out for other people,” Hanson said. “We just want people to be aware
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ond season Oct. 31-May 15: Furbearer trapping, beaver (south zone) Oct. 31-Feb. 29: Furbearer trapping: mink and muskrat (south zone) Oct. 31-Jan. 3: Furbearer trapping: otter (south zone) Nov. 7-Nov. 22: Deer hunt, firearm season - 1A Nov. 7-Nov. 15: Deer hunt, firearm season - 2A and 3A Nov. 21-Nov. 29: Deer hunt, firearm season - 3B Nov. 28-Dec. 13: Deer hunt, muzzleloader season Nov. 28-Dec. 3: Fisher and Pine Marten- north of I-94 and US Hwy 10 only Nov. 28-Jan. 3 Bobcat - hunting and trapping - north of I-94 and US Hwy 10 only Dec. 15-Dec. 31: Crow hunting (fourth season) —Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
WMAs
Wildlife management areas in Mower County: Cartney (deer, small game, pheasants and waterfowl); Cary Creek (deer, small game, pheasants); Deer Creek (deer, small game, pheasants); Lena Larson (deer, small game, pheasants); Leroy (small game, pheasants); Lyle-Austin (deer, small game, pheasants); Mentel (only open to archery hunting and trapping) (deer, small game, turkey); Ramsey Mill Pond (deer, small game, pheasants, waterfowl, turkey); Red Cedar River (deer, small game, forest birds, pheasants, waterfowl, turkey); Rose (deer, small game, pheasants, turkey); Rustic Retreat: (pheasants); Schottler: (deer, small game doves); Schrafel (closed to trapping and firearms hunting) (deer); Schwering Creek (deer, small game, pheasants)
of what’s around them.” To get to the Schottler WMA, go four and a half miles south on U.S. Highway 218 from Austin,
then a mile east on County Highway 4, then a half a mile south on 560th Ave. to the WMA on the left.
Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 19
Austin Bruins 2015-16 schedule
Bruins turning the page
Oct. 2...............................at Brookings, 7:30 p.m.
By Rocky Hulne
Oct. 3..............................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 9..........vs. Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 10..........at Minnesota Wilderness, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16..................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 17..................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 23..............................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 24...........................at Abderdeen, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 30....................................at Minot, 8:05 p.m. Oct. 31....................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. Nov. 5.................at Minnesota Magicians, 7 p.m. Nov. 6......................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 7............................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. Nov. 13..............................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 14 .............................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 20............................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 21............................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 25..........................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. Nov. 27..................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 28..................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 4..............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 5..............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 18........vs. Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 19.........................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. Dec. 31...................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 7............at Minnesota Wilderness, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8...............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 9...............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 15............................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 16.............................at Brookings, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22.....................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 23.............................at Brookings, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29.........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 30................at Minnesota Magicians, 7 p.m. Feb. 5.............................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 6.....................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 12.........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 13.....................at Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 19..............................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 20...............................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 26.........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 27.........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. March 2........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. March 4............................at Brookings, 7:30 p.m. March 11.........................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. March 12.........................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. March 18........................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. March 24............at Minnesota Magicians, 7 p.m. March 25..........................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. March 26..........................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. April 1.....................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. April 2.....................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. April 8..............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. April 9..............................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m.
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The Austin Bruins are turning the page this season as they turn to a new head coach. Kyle Grabowski will begin his tenure as the second head coach in Bruins’ history this season, and he’s looking to get the best team possible on the ice. The Bruins’ home opener is Oct. 3, when they host Brookings, but the team began play against Bismarck on Sept. 18. Grabowski said a lot would happen before the team hit the ice for game action. The Bruins have to cut their roster down and find out if they will be getting any players from the United States Hockey League. “There’s a ton of moving pieces,” Grabowski said. “We have a good core group, but a lot could change.” Grabowski is enjoying his start as head coach of the Bruin, and one of the reasons he came to coach the Bruins is because of
the support the community gives to the team. “It’s been really good,” Grabowski said. “I have a great staff behind me and we’re all on the same page.” Grabowki grew up in Oakdale, Minnesota, where he played goalie for Tartan High School, before manning the crease at Marion University from 2003-07. His coaching career began in 2010 as an assistant for the Idaho Junior Steelheads of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL). After spending three years as an assistant, Grabowski was named head coach and general manager of the Steelheads in 2013-14, where he led Idaho to a 39-5-2 record and a runner-up finish for the Tier III National Championship. Grabowski made the jump to the NAHL last year where he was the assistant coach of the Brookings Blizzard, working alongside head coach Dan Daikawa.
Get out and
camp
T
ime to hit the road and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re looking for a campground to enjoy some good times, look no further than these area stops to get your outdoor fix.
Brookside Campground 52482 320th Street Blooming Prairie 507-583-2979 Ready for some relaxing fun? Brookside has plenty of amenities, from wagon rides to volleyball, a heated pool to an arcade and movie rentals. It’s got fishing, canoeing, volleyball and plenty of picnic tables, fire rings, and camp space for a summer getaway.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Beaver Trails 21943 630th Avenue, Austin 507-584-6611 Come down to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort for good old fashioned fun. There’s camping, a pool (complete with waterslide), volleyball, a giant jumping bag and a theme every weekend this summer perfect for a family outing.
Lake Louise State Park 1.5 miles north of LeRoy 507-352-5111 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ parks/lake_louise/index.html Lake Louise has got campgrounds, swimming beaches, bike trails and more. Connected to the as-yet-unfinished Shooting Star Trail, this camp also has horse trails.
Austin-Albert Lea KOA 84259 County Road 46 Hayward I-90, Exit 166 507-373-5170 A great place for RVs and cabin rentals. There’s a large pool, a game room, theme weekends, a nine-hole golf course and driving range next door, not to mention a spacious meeting hall.
Oakwoods Trails Campground 23614 890th Ave Austin 507-437-6165 There’s large campsites for tenting and RVs, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, fishing and hiking trails, electric hookups, and showers and bathrooms.
River Bend Campground 13380 State Highway 105 Lyle 507-583-2979 Take a trip to the River Bend Campground for a picturesque camping experience. Offers basic amenities, firewood and playground at wooded sites along the river. Myre — Big Island State Park 19499 780th Avenue Albert Lea 507-379-3403 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ parks/myre_big_island/index.html Make time this summer for hiking, camping, canoeing and even a little geocaching at Albert Lea’s own state park, just three miles southeast of town.
Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 21
Cued up for concerts School music schedules A
rea schools are underway, and music classes are already preparing for upcoming concerts. Whether band, choir, orchestra or jazz music, there are tunes in the air and pleasant sounds coming to the community with these scheduled concerts for this school year.
Austin
Nov. 2: Fall concert, 7 p.m. Nov. 5: Fall prep concert, 7 p.m. Nov. 19, 20, 21: Fall musical, 7 p.m. each day Dec. 14: Holiday concert (all choirs), 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 19: Christmas at Home, including featured district small groups, faculty, and alumni, at the Paramount Theatre, Dec. 18 is at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 is at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14: Paramount jazz concert, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 1: Winter concert, 7 p.m. March 3: Winter prep concert, 7 p.m. April 7, 8, 9: Austinaires show, 7 p.m. each day April 29: Big Nine Festival at Rochester John Marshall, all day May 12: Orchestra spring concert, 7 p.m. May 13: Jazz show (Vocal Jazz), 7 p.m. May 16: Band Blast, 7 p.m. May 24: Spring choir concert, 7 p.m.
Southland
Dec. 7: High school band and choir concert, auditori-
um, 7 p.m. Dec. 14: Middle school band and choir concert, auditorium, 7 p.m. Feb. 8: High school band and choir solo and ensemble recital, band in the auditorium, choir in the board room, 4 to 8 p.m. March 2, 3, 4: Spring musical, the final dress rehearsal on March 2 after school is open to the public, March 3 will be at 9 a.m. for Southland Elementary and 6:30 p.m. for the public, March 4 will be at 1 p.m. for Southland Middle and High School and 6:30 p.m. for the public. March 21: Grades sixth-12th band and choir Spring Showcase Concert, gymnasium, 7 p.m., 6:30 p.m. solo and ensemble highlights May 11: High school band and choir concert, auditorium, 7:30 p.m. May 16: Middle school band and choir concert, auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
Blooming Prairie
Oct. 19: Seventh- and eighthgrade choir concert, 7 p.m. Oct. 23: Band concert, 7 p.m.
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Oct. 27: Zumbro Education District choir concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 7: Winter choir concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 14: Band concert, 7 p.m. March 7: Choir concert, 7 p.m. March 22: Band concert, 7 p.m. May 9: Choir concert, 7 p.m. May 18: Band concert, 7 p.m.
Grand Meadow
Dec. 14: Junior and senior high school band and choir concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 7: Elementary concert, 7 p.m. March 17: Junior and senior choir and band spring concert, 7 p.m. April 8: Elementary program, 1:30 p.m. May 12: Band and choir Pops Concert, 7 p.m.
LeRoy-Ostrander
Dec. 7: Elementary band and choir concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 14: Middle and high school band and choir concert, 7 p.m.
Brownsdale-Hayfield
Dec. 7: High school and junior high choir concert, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3: Hayfield Elementary band and choir concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 10: Brownsdale Elementary band and choir concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14: High school and junior high band concert, 7:30, March 14: Spring High school and junior high choir concert, 7:30 p.m. March 31: Brownsdale Elementary spring concert, 7 p.m. April 7: Hayfield Elementary spring concert, 7 p.m. May 12: High school and junior high choir concert, 7:30 p.m. May 16: High school and junior high band concert, 7:30 p.m
Lyle
Dec. 14: Kindergarten through sixth-grade winter concert, K-6 general music and fifth- and sixth-grade band Dec. 16: Seventh- through 12th-grade band and choir winter concert May 11: Seventh- through 12thgrade band and choir spring concert May 18: Kindergarten through sixth-grade spring concert, K-6 general music and fifth- and sixth-grade band
Big sports match-ups for fall
T
he fall sports season got underway in August, but there are still plenty of big games and meets coming in October. Here are some key sports events coming up:
The Superlarks are aiming for a third straight Class Nine Man state football title this season, but to do that they’ll have to win their fourth straight Section 1 title. For the last four years, Spring Grove and Grand Meadow have been two of the top teams in the section, so this regular season meeting could decide who gets the top seed in the section tournament. The Superlarks and Lions are sure to play a hard hitting, highly contested game.
Football: Oct. 2. Red Wing at Austin, 7 p.m.
The Packers will host the Wingers in their final game of the regular season in what will be their homecoming game. It is the first time the Packers will be playing a homecoming game on its new artificial turf. The Packers have a strong senior class this season and a win on homecoming could be the spring-board the squad needs heading into the playoffs.
NAHL hockey: Oct. 3. Brookings at Austin Bruins, 7:05 p.m.
The Austin Bruins first home game of the season will feature Austin head coach Kyle Grabowski coaching against his
Jason Stoulil turns downfield after a catch in the first quarter against Winona at Art Hass Field. The Packers host Red Wing for homecoming this year on Oct. 2. Herald file photo former team. Grabowski, who is in his first year as Bruins’ head coach, was an assistant coach for Brookings in 2013-2014.
Football: Oct. 8. Southland at Hayfield, 7 p.m. The Rebels and Vikings are both in Section 1A this season and this game could go a ways
towards which team has a higher seed in the playoffs. Southland has been slowed down by injuries in past seasons, but the Rebels are hoping they can finally stay healthy and make a run this year.
Football: Oct. 9. Grand Meadow at Spring Grove, 7 p.m.
Cross Country: Oct. 20. Big Nine meet at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.
The Packer girls cross country team will be competing for its third straight Big Nine title. Austin’s program has been on the rise over the past few seasons with a young core of runners who have stepped up. Austin earned its first ever team trip to the Class AA state meet and it has high hopes again this year.
Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 23
Get out and pick your own apples Looking for a good apple or two this fall? Check out these regional apple orchards for all of your fruit-picking needs. Stop by for a bushel, an apple pie or more.
1. Johnson Oakside Orchard
9824 SW 75th Street Ellendale, 56026 Steele County Phone: 507-4658398 Open Sunday afternoons Open on Sunday afternoons from noon to five, the Johnson Oakside Orchard is up and running with Paula Reds, Zestar and more than 12 kinds of apples ripe for the picking. They’ve got apples, homemade caramel, popcorn and delicious caramel apple sundaes ready for eager travelers.
2. Pine Tree Apple Orchards
County Road 17 Preston, 55965 Fillmore County Phone: 507-765-2408 Directions: On-farm sales outlet located 1/2 mile northeast of Hwy 52 in Preston on County road 17. Open: August - December; Seasonal hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily There are many varieties of apples, cider, apple bakery with pies, breads, donuts, caramel apples, apple gifts and gift baskets, jams and jellies. Tours are available from September through October by reservation. Pine Tree is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house on Oct. 5 with ice cream, apple pie and door prizes. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides through the orchard.
3. Preston Apple and Berry Farm
645 Hwy 16 and Hwy 52 E Preston, 55965 Fillmore County Phone: 507-765-4486 Directions: Located on the south edge of Preston across from rest area. Open: 9 a.m.-6p.m. daily, March - December. There’s free samples of 28 varieties of apples and cider. Fresh frozen apple pies,
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baked pies, other bakery products, caramel apples, honey, maple syrup, jams, popcorn, cheese and Watkins Products. Locally grown Christmas trees. April and May garden seeds and bedding plants. Apples available August through December. Website: www.prestonappleberryfarm.com
4. Sekapp Orchard
3415 College View Road E Rochester 55904 Olmsted County Phone: 507-282-4544 Directions: Orchard sales room located one mile east of Rochester on County road 9. Open: July 15-December 31; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Fresh vegetables in season including sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes. Squash, pumpkins, apple cider, honey, jams and maple syrup. Website: www. farmtours.com/sekapp. html Open every day from Aug.1 through
Christmas and weekends in January and February, this family-owned venture has been around since 1962. There’s plenty of things to pick, whether it’s apples during weekends through the orchard or pumpkins, squash, pears and plums, tart pie cherries in August, and lots of summer vegetables.
5. Northwoods Orchard
Oronoco 1 mi W of Douglas on Olmsted Cty Rd 14, then 1/2 mi N on 75th Ave. 507-280-0591 September: Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays, 1-6 p.m. October: Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays, 1-6 p.m. anorthwoods@gmail.com http://www.northwoodsorchard.com Northwoods Orchard’s fall activities include corn mazes, hayrides and farm animal interaction area. Apples and fall ornamentals are available in season, pre-picked or pickyour-own. With advance reservation, Northwoods offers several group activities, such as wagon rides around the farm and apples, gourds and small pumpkinds.
Rolling through to fall Rohler Rink open all season By Jenae Hackensmith Things are still rolling at a Brownsdale staple. Brownsdale’s Rohler Rink is open to groups and individuals looking to take a trip down memory lane or for some new experiences this fall and winter. The rink is open for skaters from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays during summer hours, which run from June 1 to Nov. 1. The rink is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays during winter hours. Admission is $6, and skate and blade rentals are $2. The rink is closed on holidays. Brett and Ronda Rohl bought the Brownsdale community staple in 2005 and renamed it
Rohler Rink. “Ronda wanted to buy it,” Brett Rohl told the Herald previously. “She likes skating, her and the kids do.” The first roller rink at the site was built in 1955, but it burned down and was rebuilt larger by original owner Mark Staples. After several years in operation, the building was empty for more than two years before the Rohls took it over. Now, it operates and invites roller skaters in regularly. The rink gets about three or four large groups per month, many of which are school groups. Rohl said the groups come from Mankato, Owatonna, Rochester, Fairbault, Stwartville, Dodge Center, Southland, Grand Meadow and others. Rohl estimated about 50 to 60 people skate each Friday. Much of the business is also teens and chil-
dren coming to skate on the weekends or holding birthday parties. Rohl said they also rent the rink for wedding receptions. “A lot of people thank you for still being open and still having the place,” Rohl said. Rohl said the rink’s success has also been in part due to the many memories made years ago. About 650 pairs of skates came with the building, but that wasn’t enough for the skaters. The Rohls also purchased many pairs of roller blades, and both are available to rent. The Rohls try to keep the rink with the times, playing newer music with the music videos and keeping the building up to date. Someday they hope to add on and create more skating space. Yet Rohl said the town is happy they are there, and the business sustains itself, so they will keep on skating. For more information, visit www.rohlerrink. com/party-packages.
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BP’s the place for the holidays By Trey Mewes Blooming Prairie will get into the season this Christmas with its annual Holiday Dazzle. This year’s downtown event will take place Friday, Dec. 4, and will feature a lot of familiar activities — Mr. and Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, child bands playing music throughout the streets and more. “it’s just a time for us all to get together and celebrate the Christmas season,” said Becky Noble, executive director of the Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Downtown businesses will soon meet to discuss more Holiday Dazzle events, which means even more fun family activities. “We always love to get people downtown and be together,” Noble said.
Other BP events:
Students walked around playing Christmas music during the Holiday Dazzle in Blooming Prairie. Herald file photo
Center offering riding lessons Clippity Clop Riding Center: Angela Grant. 28442 Mower-Freeborn Rd, Austin, MN 55912, USA. Phone: 507-440-6397. Email: 1angelaa1a@gmail.com By Jenae Hackensmith The kids may be back in school, but a rural Austin stable is still offering riding lessons into the fall. For some, learning to ride can be a daunting pastime to take up. But at Clippity Clop Riding Center, instructor Angela Grant can help that fear disappear by sharing her passion for horses with others. “I’ve been with horses since I was 3 years old,” Grant said. “And I just love being around them and seeing other people be around them and learn to be comfortable and gain confidence.” Clippity Clop Riding Center provides riding lessons and training to new and accustomed
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riders, along with boarding for horses. The farm has six ponies and 10 horses for riding and training. She works with students on all levels, and some are even learning to jump. The center teaches both English and western styles of riding. The riding center offers single lesson classes and packages for more than one lesson, along with the option for a group lesson.
Nov. 5: Wine tasting at the Servicemen’s Club, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19: Annual banquet at the Servicemen’s Club, 6 p.m. Dec. 16: Business After Hours at Farmers & Merchants State Bank
A dazzling display of the stars Looking for a dazzling sight this fall? Try the Sola Fide Observatory, just a few miles south of Austin on Highway 105. Austin’s premier stargazing opportunity is owned by the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. The observatory is open on select Saturday nights throughout the fall, which means people can get a great view most weekends. The observatory will open at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 24, 8 p.m. Nov. 7 and 14, and 8 p.m. Dec. 5.
LeRoy autumn calendar of events S
ome great things are coming up in LeRoy this fall, and it’s not too early to start marking the calendars for these great events. Many annual events will return this year, from Christmas in LeRoy to the Fall Festival. For more information, visit: www.visitleroy.com/commevents.html Presbyterian Church Bazaar and Meatball Dinner: 9 a.m. bazaar, 11 a.m. dinner, Oct. 3 This annual event brings in a good crowd of people every year, offering a good meal for a good price. With several rooms of crafts, needlework, and a bake sale, it’s an event many will want to mark on the calendar and plan to attend. Fall Festival: Oct. 2 and 3 The annual Fall Festival will feature citywide garage sales on Oct. 2 and 3, and the downtown business district will get the chance to compete in a scarecrow and decoration contest. All decorations must be put up by Oct. 3. Weather-permitting, the decorations can stay up for several weeks after. St. Patrick’s Fall Dinner: Nov. 1 This annual turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings will be put on by the Catholic church again this year.
Miles out on the trail
about 30 years and has performed a couple times a year. Cub Scout Pancakes: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 15 Cub Scout Pack 84 is sponsoring a pancake breakfast at the community center in LeRoy from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas in LeRoy: Dec. 5 Take a cookie walk, visit the craft sale and eat at the soup luncheon at the LeRoy Public Schools Commons area for the annual Christmas in LeRoy event. Theater Production: Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., LeRoy Community Center The LeRoy Community Theater will have a Christmas theme with this new performance, which will be comprised of local talent.
Theater Production: Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., LeRoy Community Center The LeRoy Community Theater will perform the annual production comprised of local talent. The company has been around for
Work to connect the Shooting Star Trail to Austin was bumped back to spring 2016, but local cyclists still have at least 37 miles of paved trails to explore in Mower County: —The Shooting Star Trail, 22 miles from LeRoy to Rose Creek along Highway 56. For more, check out www.shootingstartrail.org. —The city of Austin, at least 15 miles of trail across town. For more, check out a map at www.ci.austin.mn.us/ park-recreation/bike-trail-map.
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A grand display of colors By Andy Rathbun St. Paul Pioneer Press
This could be a great year for fall color in much of Minnesota. Thanks to a healthy dose of rain, most of the state is neither abnormally dry nor in drought — a good sign for those hoping for bright yellows, oranges and reds
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in the trees. “For right now, we’re on track to have a great fall color year,” said Val Cervenka, forest health program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. While decreasing daylight largely drives the timing of fall color, hydrology and weather conditions can affect its intensity.
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PARADE OF PROGRESS
Drought, for example, can mute what would otherwise be bright colors. As of Sept. 1, there was no drought in the state and the only area considered abnormally dry was a pocket along the North Shore, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The dry conditions near Lake Superior might have an effect on the leaves, but not if there are significant rains over the next few weeks. Along with rain, temperature can play a role in color intensity. “Warm sunny days, followed by cool,
but not freezing, nights are what will give us the best color,” Cervenka said. “And this is still pretty darn early for that. We’re still going to get the warm sunny days, but we’re nowhere near the really cool nights we need.” It’s also too early to tell for sure what fall color will be, as the weather over the next few weeks could end up negatively affecting the colors. “It can change, if say, all of a sudden we didn’t get rain for a month,” Cervenka said. “It’s kind of localized, too.”
A hard freeze would also have an effect, causing leaves to fall. On the other hand, a light frost could help intensify color, said Cervenka, calling it “a fine line.” It’s unclear exactly when peak fall color will hit various parts of Minnesota, but it usually begins along the Canadian border in mid- to late-September and ends in southeastern Minnesota in early to mid-October, according to the DNR.
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PARADE OF PROGRESS
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Check fall color conditions
One way to check fall color conditions is through the DNR’s fall color map, found at dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html. The map is continually updated with fall color reports from Minnesota’s state parks. As of Friday, only two parks — Bear Head Lake State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Camden State Park in southwestern Minnesota — were reporting fall colors.
Southeast Minnesota typically sees fall colors peak around early to mid-October, while the Twin Cities metro usually sees peak color in late September to mid-October. Some leaves can be spotted already changing, but those colors are coming prematurely due to dryness and other stressors. The color changes normally come when a tree determines that it’s time to shut down for winter. Chloroform, a key ingredient of photosyn-
thesis, is continually breaking down in leaves, but in the fall, the chloroform stops getting replaced and the green pigments its responsible for disappear, revealing the yellows, or-
anges and reds made by other biochemicals.
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—Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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here’s no better time to get away for a bit than a nice fall day. If you’re looking for a quick vacation, fear not: Southern Exposure has you covered. From a quick campout to a night at the blackjack table, there’s plenty to do in our area. Diamond Jo Casino 777 Diamond Jo Lane Northwood, Iowa 877-323-5566 www.diamondjo.com The premier entertainment hotspot is ready to entertain at any time. The casino features a variety of acts this fall, including the 57 Chevy Band, the Endless Summer Band, and Denny & the DC Drifters.
Oakenwald Terrace 218 Winona St. Chatfield, MN 507-867-3806 www.oakenwaldterrace.com Built in 1897, Oakenwald Terrace is one of the best bed and breakfasts around. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, take a drive to Chatfield and book yourself a room in this quaint home away from home in Bluff Country. Myre-Big Island State Park Albert Lea 507-379-3403 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/myre_big_island/ index.html Why not enjoy a hike through nature before the snow starts to fall? The trails at Myre-Big Island State Park southeast of Albert Lea take visitors through wet lowlands, oak savanna and grasslands. The park features canoeing, camping and hiking opportunities, plus a 116-acre island. Mystery Cave/Forestville State Park Fillmore County 507-937-3251 Up for a little spelunking? How about taking a scenic tour at Mystery Cave, a one-hour guided exploration of the pools and long, linear corridors of the 13 miles caves. The tour involves 3/4 mile walking, and is ADA accessible. $10 for adults, $6 for children through Oc tober.
Autumn road trips These famous quarries house more than just sacred pipestone. Demonstrations, trails, waterfalls and more await visitors who visit this national park.
Wineries and Breweries
Rochester 507-251-1946 This Napa Valley transplant has built quite a reputation for great wines straight from a nearby vineyard. Mankato Brewery 1119 Center Street North Mankato 507-386-2337 This recent brewery has a huge selection of brews, beers and ales to try, along with tasting hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Whitewater Wine Tours 10832 Fischer Hill Drive Plainvew 507-534-1262 Want to sample a little fine wine near the bluffs of the Whitewater River? Call and schedule a tour of the winery and even the production area.
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery 78757 MN-16 Spring Valley 507-346-7300 The biggest winery in Minnesota is continually expanding its offerings and men. The best part of this award-winning winery could be how close it is. Indian Island Winery Tour 18018 631st Ave. Janesville 507-234-622 This farm winery was built on a former Native American hunting camp, which once was surrounded by water. Not only is the wine good, the experiences and potential artifacts are perfect for a daytime adventure. Post Town Winery 4481 North Frontage Road, Suite No. 6
National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Ave. Wabasha, MN 55981 651-565-4989 www.nationaleaglecenter.org An eagle may be the national bird, but how much do you know about the animal? Spread your wings and take a trip to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha to sit in on a live presentation by an experienced raptor handler, among other treasures. Amish Tours Lanesboro www.lanesboro.com/what-to-do/ A variety of Amish tours show visitors Amish shops and farms, all while educating them on Amish culture. Enjoy baked good and brush up on your history. Some tour companies even offer a horseand-buggy ride through the country. Minnesota Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Drive Winona 507-474-6626 If you’re ready to view paintings by Monet, Renoir, or see how water has shaped plenty of art over the years, head to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for a look at local, national and global art. Pipestone National Monument 36 N. Reservation Ave. Pipestone 507-825-5464 Austin Daily Herald | Southern Exposure 2015 | 31
Range Turbines under the
By Rocky Hulne
When Peter Torkelson gets bored, he gets on his bike or walks the three blocks to the archery range in Adams and he is suddenly on cloud nine. Torkelson lines up his bow and he pictures himself like Legolas, the elven archer in the Lord of the Rings, and he takes aim. When Torkelson pictures the target in front of him as a larger elephant from the movie, he lets it fly. You wouldn’t know it by watching, but Torkelson, who is a junior at Southland High School, hadn’t even touched a bow three months ago and the archery range, which is located in Adams Park, south of the campground, didn’t even exist until this summer. Torkelson has picked up archery pretty quick and he visits the range at least three times per week. “It’s fantastic. I love this place. Every time I come out here I get a little bit better,” Torkelson said. “I can be at home and be like ‘I’m bored,’ but there’s an archery range three blocks away so why I am I bored?” The archery range in Adams became a possibility last year when Mike Gehrke, who is the chief of police in Adams and an ambulance director, subscribed to Outdoor News Magazine and he noticed an ad for grants for archery ranges through the Minnesota DNR. Gehrke, who has lived in Adams for seven years, suggested the range to the city council and they approved it, but he had the responsibility of writing up the grant and deciding where everything would go. Gehrke spent 30 hours getting google satellite images of the campground and surrounding area and he had to work out where everything was going. “I had never written a grant in my life and there was a lot of work that went into it,” Gehrke said. Once Spring arrived, Gehrke was able to get the range built with the help of Paul Kirtz of Diamond Dozing, who bull dozed the parking lot and Mark Anderson, the mayor of Adams, who helped put up the targets. In all, with the help from the community, it took just 20 hours of work to build the range. Gehrke said he felt that Adams needed an archery to provide activities for area youths like Torkelson. “Adams needed something for the older kids, young adults and adults,” Gehrke said. “They have a great football field, a new baseball field and a beautiful park area. I wanted 32 | Southern Exposure 2015 | Austin Daily Herald
Peter Torkelson of Adams lets fly with an arrow at the new archery range in Adams. something that the teens and young adults could come out in the afternoon and utilize. This is my home and i thought this is one thing that I can do to help the community.” The range in Adams, which opened June 1, is the only free non-membership range in Mower County and it has drawn archers from Albert Lea, Rochester and Austin. The range is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. are there are some basic rules posted. The range will be open as long as weather allows, but it won’t be plowed in the winter. During the warmer months, Archers are free to shoot whenever it most convenient for them and that is a big draw for kids like Torkelson, who didn’t even know what an arm guard was when he started going to
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the archery range. Torkelson recalled how bad his arm hurt the first time the bow string snapped against it and he was quick to buy an arm guard after that. Since then, he’s learned a lot more about archery. “It’s really peaceful and tranquil and I like how it is now,” Torkelson said. “I didn’t know a lot of things about archery, but I picked some stuff up.” Gehrke said archery is growing in southeast Minnesota as Southland, Grand Meadow and LeRoy-Ostrander recently added archery to their physical education to their curriculum thanks to a DNR grant. “I built this range to get the younger kids out of the house in the summer time and have them enjoy the outdoors,” Gehrke said.
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