Austin Living Magazine • January-February 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A year of possibilities and stories to tell If you are anything like me, the first of the year sometimes seems more like a chore than anything else.

We’re all coming off of a busy holiday season, where the months of November and December were a blur — nonstop comings and goings that defined the holiday season.

And now here we are. January is just around the corner at the moment you pick up this edition of the magazine and the idea of even forming a quality New Year’s resolution seems like a mountain to be climbed.

One of the things I personally look forward to the most, however, is the idea of having a full year lying ahead. It’s like a big old box of opportunity that can be filled with most everything.

I would like to think that’s how we all here at Austin Living magazine see the upcoming year. We had a good year this past year, filled with an incredible assortment of fun and interesting stories.

And that’s a trend I certainly hope we can continue throughout 2019.

Admittedly, the winter months aren’t always an easy Eric Johnson, time to come up with stories. We want to give you life Austin Living and color, but in a time of year largely defined by gray, I Editor daresay the struggle is real.

But I’m happy to say, we’ve loaded this first edition of the year with quality content that we hope our faithful readers will agree is a fantastic way to kick off 2019 and in the process, hope we pick up some new readers.

After all, this magazine is a reflection of you and the world that surrounds us in our little corner of Minnesota.

So, I invite you during these coldest days of the year to pick up this January-February edition of Austin Living, make yourself a hot beverage, throw a warm blanket over your legs and read about your hometown and the surrounding area.

We’re happy as always to have you along for the ride and we hope the road through the new year with us is another enjoyable one.

Enjoy the convenience of home delivery!

Sign up for a one-year subscription at the special rate of only $17.99 to receive 6 issues of Austin Living magazine mailed directly to your door!

Call 507-434-2220 to get your subscription started today!

Austin Daily Herald ~ 310 2nd Street NE, Austin, MN 55912 2 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

PUBLISHER Jana Gray EDITORIAL Editor Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Rocky Hulne Eric Johnson Deb Nicklay Michael Stoll Hannah Yang Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Colby Hansen Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen Eric Johnson Kathy Johnson SALES & PROMOTION Sales & Marketing Manager Heather Ryks Sales Representatives Mike Delhanty Brenda Landherr Brodie Long Heather Ryks JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 Volume 7, Number 1 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Austin Living 310 2nd Street NE Austin, MN 55912 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission.

For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-434-2237.

To purchase advertising, call 507-434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication

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January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 3

WHAT’S INSIDE JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2019

SEEN

OUT & ABOUT

6 SCARY GOOD TIMES

26 COLLEGE INTERNS BECOME FULL-TIME SCIENTISTS

Austin showed us how it celebrated Halloween.

8 LADIES NIGHT OUT

A night for the ladies and for education.

10 ON THE BIG STAGE

A pair of area teams competed at the state level.

WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS 12 A PEACEFUL WINTER DAY

A snow-covered path winds its way through the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

AREA EATS 14 TOP CHEF-WINNING FOOD

Ostrander’s Wolf’s Den has been feeding diners since 2004.

THE LIST 18 SNOW DAY, FUN DAY

A cancelled school day doesn’t mean students still can’t have fun at home.

HOME & HEARTH 20 AROUND THE TABLE

Traditions to start the new year.

22 HUDDLE UP AROUND THE TABLE

For the big game, food can make all the difference.

4 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Participants jump in with both feet to help fight cancer.

28 CELEBRATING LIFE, LOVE

The Hormel Historic Home’s Wedding & Event Showcase is a one-stop shop for planning.

TRAVEL 56 A TOUR TO BANK ON

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the Minnesota Vikings.

LOOKING BACK 58 SERVICING AUSTIN AUTOS

Archie Moreland’s Service Station a first of it’s kind in Austin.

AREA HAPPENINGS 60 THE BIGGEST UPCOMING EVENTS

BOOK REVIEW 62 PLACES BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN

Minnesota author weaves stories throughout her own state.

WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 64 TOUTING THE FOUNDATIONS OF AUSTIN

City offers several unique opportunities.

FEATURED 34 MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Sandy Forstner leaves Chamber with a strong voice for Main Street.

42 ‘THE WAY GOD INTENDED’

Holly Dalager and the oboe have been a marriage made in heaven.

52 FINDING SOMEHTING FROM NOTHING

Mike Ankeny creates lamps out of whatever he can find.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 5

Scary good times

SEEN

Austin embraced the Halloween spirit this year as both young and old dressed in costumes to delight and fright.

As Austin Living has done, we asked people to sends us their best spooky pics and our readers didn’t disappoint. Enjoy these photos sent into us from this year’s Halloween extravaganza.

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1. Ethan Larson, 2. Keagan Larson and 3. Max Larson are photographed with a witch created by their grandmother Wendy Larson. Every year Wendy creates a witch with a theme and invites her family and friends to pose with her. This year’s theme was “duets.” Photos submitted by Wendy Larson 4. Ashton Lamaack, 7 years old, as “Jason” from “Friday the 13th.” Photo submitted by Misty Lamaack.

5. The Trevino family. Photo submitted by the Trevinos 6. Lila (3) and Jax Skelton (1.5). Photo submitted by Lora Skelton.

6 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

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7. Kenny Heimer dressed as a chicken with his great-grandson Aidan Schneider as his escort. Kenny is a resident at St Mark’s Nursing Home, where the residents passed out candy to all the trick-or-treaters this October. Photo submitted by Judy Mullenbach.

8. Resident Evelyn Heimer hands out candy at St Mark’s Nursing Home. Her daughter, Cheryl Schneider, stands behind assisting with keeping the residents’ candy buckets full. Photo submitted by Judy Mullenbach.

9. Ryler Battin as “The Flash.” Photo submitted by Cassandra Battin.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 7

October on the beach: Ladies Night Out Photos provided by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce It might have been October, but the ladies of Austin were ready for the beach during this year’s Ladies Night Out, held at the Holiday Inn & Austin Conference Center in October under the theme of Beach Party.

This night of fun and food is a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds going to Riverland Scholarships for non-traditional female students.

More than 300 women attend.

Next year’s event is slated for Oct. 10, 2019 with the theme of Patriotic Pride.

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Bremer Bank.

Trish Wiechmann Table.

Raymond James Financial Services.

Maurices.

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6.

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Farmers & Merchants State Bank.

Primrose Retirement Community.

Greg Meyer State Farm Insurance.

AmericInn Lodge & Suites.

9. Mayer Funeral Home.

10. Sterling Beauty Salon.

11. Home Federal Savings Bank.

12. CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 9

On the big stage

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This fall the Austin area had two teams make it to state tournaments with the Austin Boys soccer team making it to the Minnesota Class A Boys State Soccer Tournament semifinals and then just up the road in Blooming Prairie, the Awesome Blossoms made it to the Minnesota Class A State Football Tournament semifinals.

Unfortunately, both teams lost their respective games, but along the way, they provided plenty of excitement.

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5 1. Blooming Prairie students finish a cheer during the first half of the Minnesota Class A State Football Tournament seminfinals against BOLD at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

2. Blooming Prairie’s Dylan Nirk holds the ball after recovering a fumble against BOLD. 3. Blooming Prairie fans welcome the Blossoms onto the US Bank Stadium field.

4. Blooming Prairie cheerleaders lead the fans in a cheer.

5. Blooming Prairie head coach Chad Gimbel celebrates after Gabe Hagen scored the game’s first touchdown in the second quarter against United South Central in the Minnesota Class A State Football Tournament in New Ulm. 10 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

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6. Dylan Hanegraaf with control of the ball in the Minnesota Class A Boys State Soccer Tournament semifinals against Blake at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

7. Henry Tolbert steps up on the ball.

8. Julio Hernandez leans into a kick to move the ball forward.

9. Kevin Ortiz flies through the air to knock the ball down.

10. Andres Garcia redirects the ball.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 11

WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

12 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

A peaceful winter day Photo by Eric Johnson A snow-covered path winds its way through the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at photodesk@austindailyherald.com. Resolution must be 300 DPI and at least 14 inches wide.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 13

AREA EATS

Diners have a wide variety of food choices, including top chef award-winning pizza, at Wolf’s Den Saloon and Restaurant, located at 413 Main Street in Ostrander.

14 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Top chef-winning food Owner Royal Dempewolf can usually be found behind the bar.

Ostrander’s Wolf’s Den has been feeding diners since 2004 Story

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Photos

In the small town of Ostrander one will find the Wolf’s Den. That would be Wolf’s Den Saloon and Restaurant, more precisely.

Sitting in what used to be the Stop Light, the Wolf’s Den was opened in 2004 by owner Royal Dempewolf.

“Back in 2004, we were debating about what to call the place,” he said. “Our last name has ‘wolf’ in it, so we thought ‘what about Wolf’s Den?’ The name stuck.”

Dempewolf, who lives four miles away in Spring Valley, had no prior restaurant ownership or management experience.

“My wife had done some cooking and had been in restaurants part time and I started bartending when I was 21, so I had the bar experience,” he said. “We’d been around to other places and thought, ‘Well, we can do better

by

Michael Stoll

than that.’ Fourteen years later, we’re still here.”

The exterior near the entrance boasts a sign bearing a wolf’s face. Upon entering Wolf’s Den, visitors are presented with two doors. Entering on the left will bring you into the bar side, while entering on the right will bring you into the dining room. According to Dempewolf, the bar represents the original section of the restaurant.

“When we first started, it was more of a bar and grill, with some hamburgers and steaks,” Dempewolf said. “That was for the first three to four years. There was an older building that was attached that did not work. The floor was caving in, so that got moved off in 2006. It took us until 2012 to add (the dining room) edition with new bathrooms that are handicapped accessible.”

Editor’s note: This is the third and final story in a series exploring eating establishments in and around Ostrander.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 15

The dining room was added to the restaurant in 2012.

“We’ve probably got some of the best bathrooms in bars and restaurants in Fillmore County,” he said with a laugh.

Upon opening the menu, diners have numerous options of appetizers, soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and desserts. Those looking for an adult beverage can take their pick from beer, liquor and mixed drinks.

Then, there is the category for which Wolf’s Den has become known: pizza. Despite it’s popularity, however, Pizza was a later addition to the menu, Dempewolf said. It was added not only because he missed the pizza he grew up with, but also partially out of necessity.

“After 2008, they banned smoking indoors and that kind of hurt the bar business,” he said. “We used to be wall-to-wall on Friday and Saturday nights with the bar crowd, and the food wasn’t that much.”

From there, Dempewolf worked to find a pizza recipe that worked for him.

“It took me about two years of playing around with the pizza menu, crusts and different ways of cooking them before we finally came up with the pizza we have,” he said.

And the recipe has not gone unnoticed. Dempewolf has entered Wolf’s Den into the Arc Mower County’s annual Taste of Mower County event for the past three years, taking home top chef awards in 2017 and 2018.

16 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Given the size of Ostrander, having been in business for 14 years stands as a testament to Wolf’s Den’s popularity.

“There’s not enough people in Ostrander to support one restaurant, let alone two,” Dempewolf said. “It’s a driving community that comes over, so we had to find something that everybody likes. I have no culinary skills; it’s all self taught.

I’m nowhere near a five star chef, more of a short order cook.”

Bartender “But, people like my cooking, Jenise Hebigfor some reason,” he added with a Stier tops a drink with a laugh. “There’s always regulars that cherry. patronize the place really good.”

With a space capable of seating about 100, Wolf’s Den also hosts special nights, such as their Wednesday night Burger Night, where diners can get burgers for cheap prices, and their Friday Night Fish Fries.

When asked why diners should come to Wolf’s Den, Dempewolf has a simple answer.

“Good food, good service, clean and friendly environment, and you’re not going to find any better pizza anywhere,” he said. “It’s a casual, friendly atmosphere and you’ll hear anything from country to pop music playing on the radio.”

Wolf’s Den Saloon and Restaurant is located at 413 Main Street (County Road 1) in Ostrander. Kitchen hours are 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday (bar hours vary). Sunday at Wolf’s Den is for private parties only. Wolf’s Den can be reached at 507-657-9653.

Tasty recommendations Never been to Wolf’s Den and don’t know what to eat? Here are a few suggestions from Wolf’s Den staff to fit any appetite.

Mini Tacos

This appetizer is exactly what it sounds like; small crunchy tacos that can be eaten in about two bites. Served with a side of sour cream and salsa, the ground beef offers just enough heat to get your palate ready for the main course.

Garlic Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

If you’re going to a place known for pizza, why not try this combination of chicken, bacon and cheese served not atop traditional tomato sauce, but a creamy garlicky ranch sauce? This pizza can be served as a personal, medium, or large size and comes in thin or thick crust, though staff recommends thick.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 3532 Hwy 63 South • Rochester, MN 55904

Den Chicken Sandwich

If pizza isn’t your thing, no worries. There are plenty of other menu items, including this sandwich creation featuring a chicken breast topped with bacon, lettuce, a slice each of American and Swiss cheese, lathered with BBQ sauce and mayonnaise and served on a bun. It’s an easy solution for those just looking to eat a good sandwich. And bacon.

Cookie Supreme

Somewhere under a mound of ice cream, whip cream and chocolate syrup served with this dessert is a made to order chocolate chip cookie that absorbs some of the ice cream, giving it an almost cookie dough-like consistency. It’s big enough to share, but no one would blame you if you didn’t.

Anything with Fried Onions/ Fried Mushrooms

This is a personal recommendation from Dempewolf, a self-proclaimed lover of all tube vegetables and fungi that have spent time in the deep fryer. One does not have to scan the menu for long before finding an item containing fried onions and/or fried mushrooms.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 17

THE LIST

SNOW DAY,

FUN DAY A CANCELLED SCHOOL DAY DOESN’T MEAN STUDENTS STILL CAN’T HAVE FUN AT HOME

By Eric Johnson • Stock Photography Inevitably, it’s going to happen.

The snow will come and eager young faces will press their faces to the window in hopes they will hear those magic words: School is closed.

Sure, two hours late is nice, but it doesn’t have the magic of a snow day, where suddenly school is gone, replaced by the familiarity of fun at home.

The question soon becomes though, how do you spend the day, where often times people can feel cooped up at home as winds blow?

Woodson Kindergarten Center teacher, and 2019 Teacher of the Year, Alisha Galle is pretty familiar with snow days. A teacher of 13 years, Galle has seen her fair share of days brought to stop by snow storms.

And as a mother of four with children ranging in age from two to 10 years old, she’s been faced with the challenge of finding something to keep her own kids busy.

Galle suggests that a good way to spend a snow day, especially with younger children in a day and age when technology is readily available, is find ways to let the imagination go.

“The biggest thing, sitting at home, is to find ways to be creative and imaginative,” she said. “Try

18 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

and build and foster imaginative play.”

It’s really not that different from how she teaches her classes.

“A lot of the time I find it’s using a lot of the skills I teach them in class,” Galle said.

To that end, Galle creates stashes of different creative materials around the house to ensure the kids having something to do on a moments notice.

This includes different colored paper, crayons, smelly markers.

“I’ve done this for so long, it’s pretty easy to pull this stuff out on the fly,” Galle said.

And even though the storm has brought the day to a halt and called off school, Galle stresses not to eliminate the idea of going outside.

“Snow days, you’re going to inevitably enjoy going outside,” Galle said. “Get some fresh air.”

That moment is also a chance for the adults to catch a breather.

“We get some calming time,” Galle said with a smile.

So, here are some ideas Galle suggests to keep your own children happy and active after the moment the call comes in: no school today.

FLASHLIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT Flashlight scavenger hunt Hide letters, numbers or word cards around the house and turn off the lights. Kids use the flashlights to locate the cards.

INDOOR SNOW FIGHT Crumple paper balls. To connect it to learning, you can write words, letters or numbers on the paper and set a timer. After the timer goes off, read the words/letters/ numbers/ on your side of the room.

BECOME AN ENGINEER Build towers out of marshmallows and toothpicks or build car ramps out of a stack of books and a cookie sheet.

STILL LOOKING FOR IDEAS? Try these out as well.

INDOOR PICNIC When the family gets outside in the summer, sometimes that includes a picnic. With the family home on a snow day, why not do the same thing, but instead spread a blanket out on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic.

d GoNoodle Dance videos: Helpful to get the wiggles out and its free. Go to www.goonoodle.com d “Would You Rather,” game: Pose funny questions to each other like would you rather live in Cinderella’s castle or eat ice-cream for breakfast for a month? d Indoor bowling: As easy as lining up plastic bottles or cups for pins.

d Snowflake catching: Catch snowflakes on a black piece of paper and see how each flake is different.

BUILD A FORT OUT OF BLANKETS Who hasn’t, as a child, pulled together the table chairs,

d Thank-you cards: Create a card for someone who has helped you during the week.

draped some sheets over them and claimed the living room with the fort as the centerpiece?

d Bring snow inside: Let kids play with snow in a bowl or in the bathtub.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 19

Multi-grain bread

HOME & HEARTH

Around the Table

By Jen Haugen, RDN, LD

Traditions to start the new year

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his past fall, my grandmother passed away, quite suddenly. While she was almost 90 years old and lived a very full life, I was still very unprepared for the emotions that came with this.

Yet, I was grateful that I could recall the memories from my childhood which started in the kitchen with her, the times we spent together making homemade bread and homemade pie.

We may not think these simple tasks are that important at the time, but I can tell you, I don’t remember one toy that she gave me for my birthday or for Christmas.

Instead, I remember the times she spent with me helping me develop a skill that I still use today. I think that is the greatest gift that can be given.

So, to honor my grandmother, I am sharing a homemade bread recipe that I enjoy making for my family today. It’s simple even for the busiest schedules and it uses my electric pressure cooker during the proofing stage (or rising stage). Anyone can do it and be successful. And the smell of it baking may take you back to your childhood. Here are some bread baking tips: •Baking is more of a science than an art and accurate measuring is key, especially with flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup, rather than compress the flour by scooping with the cup.

•Temp your water to 120-130 degrees in order for the yeast to activate.

•Proof it, or let it rise, in a controlled

20 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

environment. This is where I use my Quick Cooker pressure cooker which has a proofing setting, allowing the temperature to come up just the right amount without having to worry about drafts of air hitting the surface.

•Kneading can be the most gratifying part of making bread. While some bread recipes don’t require kneading, when you find one that does, it will be something that can be quite relaxing. Turning the dough onto a flat surface sprinkled with flour that is at a comfortable height for you, is where it begins. Flour your hands well, because the dough will be sticky at the beginning.

Fold the outside edge of the dough toward you on itself and push the the dough away gently with the heels of your hands. Turn the dough quarter turns each time, and repeat for three to four minutes, adding a sprinkle of flour if needed for stickiness.

When the dough is smooth, elastic and no longer sticky it is finished. The minutes can vary based on the recipe and the time of year with the humidity levels.

While the new year is upon us, what a time we have to re-focus and give something so meaningful to our families — the gift of our time and talents. I encourage you today to pick a task that you love to do and invite your children or grandchildren to do it with you as soon as you can. And when you take the bread out of the oven, slice it and serve with butter as my grandma did.

About Jen Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, is a mom, author and registered dietitian nutritionist. She owns her own business as a Pampered Chef consultant where she loves teaching how to make cooking fast and easy and healthy. She offers private inhome cooking experiences for hosts and their friends to gather in the kitchen and learn kitchen tips and recipes and use tools to make cooking fun. She specializes in culinary demonstrations, as well as private appointments. Like her Facebook Page, Jen Haugen RD, where she has a weekly cooking show. Follow her on Instagram at Jen Haugen RD. And subscribe to her blog at jenhaugen.com.

Multi-Grain Bread 12 servings 2.5 hours total time

Ingredients •¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats, divided •1 package (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast •1 tsp salt •3½ cups bread flour, divided •1¼ cup warm water (120-130 degrees F) •¼ cup butter, softened •¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, divided •Oil for brushing

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup oats, yeast, salt and two cups flour. Add water, butter, and ¼ cup honey. Beat on low speed with electric mixer, until moistened, then beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

2. Add remaining flour and beat until batter is stiff and thoroughly mixed. Brush a ceramic pot with oil and place dough into pot.

Place in pressure cooker and set on proof setting for 30 minutes.

3. When timer is up, remove from pressure cooker, and scrape dough out into a bowl into a mound. Clean ceramic pot, rebrush with oil and then place dough back in pot.

4. Add remaining 2 tablespoons honey to small glass bowl and microwave for 10 seconds. Brush honey on top of dough, and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons oats. Put ceramic pot back into the pressure cooker and set again for proof for 30 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. When timer is up again on pressure cooker, remove the ceramic pot, and place it in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until top is deep golden brown.

Cool 10 minutes before removing from ceramic pot. Slice and serve.

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1201 27th Avenue NW • Austin, MN 55912 • cengelman@smythco.com January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 21

A good football party can sometimes be defined by its good food. If you’re eyeing a party this football season, jump on these ideas from Chef Kristine Wolner.

22 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

HUDDLE UP AROUND THE TABLE

FOR THE BIG GAME, FOOD CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE Story

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Photos

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Eric Johnson

In just a short amount of time, the NFL season will be deep into its playoffs, marching quickly up to the big game itself — the Super Bowl.

It’s one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world as fans will sit down on a Sunday night in February, regardless of their favorite team, to watch the spectacle of professional football’s pinnacle.

There will be parties and get-togethers and there will be food.

Man, will there be food.

If there is anything that goes hand in hand with the NFL’s premier game, it’s food. At parties and bars around the nation, people will be sitting down to eat a variety of goodies.

While not a football fan per se, Kristine Wolner, executive chef for Food Service at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin and Albert Lea, is certainly a fan of food and that’s enough to pique her interest.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 23

Whether it’s in the kitchen at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Albert Lea and Austin or at home, Chef Kristine Wolner will always have a great food idea for you. In this case she has three recipes for you to try this football season and especially for the big game — the Super Bowl — in Feburary.

“My husband is a huge football fan,” Wolner said one afternoon in the cafeteria at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. “I just show up for the food and drink.”

The idea of good food and a good game are common traits with most any sport. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship that heightens the fun.

“It gets you amped up a little more,” she agreed.

Unlike other social gatherings where the menu is planned and hashed out, Wolner doesn’t put a lot of time into her Sunday football plans.

On those days, it’s all about ease and convenience.

“You should have it prepped,” she advised. “Something like my chicken chili, it shouldn’t take any more than an hour and a half. Whatever is easiest.”

It goes well with the fly-by-the-cupboard attitude one would find in Wolner’s house on game days.

“Sundays are munchie days,” she said. “There’s no real meal plan. Just good food and good sports.”

When there is planning, Wolner suggests working with the situation rather than coming up with two different things. Look at what you have and then go from there.

24 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

“A lot of times, the day before, I’ll see what I have and pull it out,” she said. “If I have a plan I’ll work around it. With family-sized meals there are always going to be leftovers.”

Coming full circle, that’s where the leftovers come into play when coming up with speedy and convenient dishes.

So what does the Wolner family do?

“We do a lot of bacon-wrapped things,” she revealed.

“For bigger parties I’ll do a baked potato bar.”

The food you serve for the big game, though, is more than just taking care of appetites. There’s something about good food and a party that contributes to the human experience.

“For people like me it provides a little entertainment,” she said. “It’s coming together and sharing. Think of all the full bellies. The good and full bellies.”

“It’s a good excuse for loved ones and friends to gather together and share,” she finished.

RECIPES

To know Chef Kristine is to know that she will never let you leave without some great ideas for food.

This story is no different. Chef Kristine sent Austin Living magazine and its readers three delicious recipes to serve at your next football party.

Easy to make and filling, not one guest should go away disappointed after sampling these tasty morsels.

Chef Kristine’s Shrimp Spring Roll Chip Dip

Chef Kristine’s Smoked White Chicken Chili Makes 1 gallon

All You Need • 1 cup celery, sliced thin • ½ cup yellow onion, chopped • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • ¼ cup unsalted butter • 2 red peppers, diced small • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 2 cups chicken broth • 1 can (10.5 ounce) golden mushroom soup • 1 tablespoon chicken base • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 1½ tablespoons cumin • 2 tablespoons salt • 2 tablespoons white pepper • 2 pints heavy cream • 3 cans (15 ounce) Great Northern beans • 3 cans (15 ounce) red beans • 2 cups smoked chicken, shredded • 1 (8-ounce) bag pepper jack cheese • 8-ounce butterkase white cheddar cheese All You Do 1. Take a stock pot and put on medium heat with the ¼ cup butter added to pot. Add the first 3 ingredients and sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent. In a separate sauté pan melt the butter over medium-high heat, add peppers to sauté pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the red peppers are darkened. Add the red peppers to the stock pot with the rest of the sautéed veggies.

2. Add broth, golden mushroom soup, chicken base, thyme, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper to the stock pot, bring to a boil and then turn down to a low simmer. Simmer for about 30 minutes.

3. Add beans, chicken and heavy cream and let simmer for another 15 minutes. Add the cheese and cook for another 5 minutes or until cheeses are melted and blended. ENJOY!

All You Need • 1 pound pre-cooked shrimp • 2 teaspoons cilantro, minced • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 lime, juiced • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • 2 teaspoons ginger powder • 2 cups mayonnaise • ¼ cup sugar • 6 tablespoons white vinegar • ¼ cup green onion • ¾ cup grated carrots • 1 bag Riceworks sweet chili brown rice crisps or sea salt rice chips (gluten-free) Add shredded red cabbage to add more color All You Do 1. Rinse shrimp, and dice into small pieces.

2. Mix shrimp in a bowl with cilantro, lime juice, ginger, garlic and soy sauce; set aside.

3. Chop the green onion and carrots; add to shrimp mix.

4. In another bowl place mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar and mix well. Add to the shrimp mix and stir until blended. ENJOY.

Chef Kristine’s Dill Pickle Roll Up Dip Makes 2 cups

All You Need • 8-ounce package cream cheese • ½ cup pickle relish, drained well • 8 slices thin cut ham, diced small • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons sour cream • Plain bagels or Hawaiian bread All You Do 1. Drain the pickle relish from its juices as best you can, dice the ham, and then place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.

2. Rip your bagels apart, serve and enjoy.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 25

OUT & ABOUT

College interns become full-time scientists

26 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Participants jump in with both feet to help fight cancer Story

and

Photo By The Hormel Institute

The Hormel Institute’s educational outreach strives to inspire students to pursue careers in the sciences. Starting with inspiring elementary school science fair students through serving as research advisors for doctoral students, The Hormel Institute aims to develop the next generation of scientists for the world.

We are thrilled to have three of those students now employed at The Hormel Institute as staff researchers. Nick Hanson, Stephanie Holtorf and Seth Richard began as college SURE (Summer Graduation Research Experience) interns spending a summer working in a cancer research lab. Each learned the basics and have come full circle as employees to join in the fight to accelerate answers to cancer.

SURE interns work on research projects to expand their knowledge of basic research as well as learn about equipment and techniques that generally are not available in undergraduate academic programs. This paid, 10-week internship allows students to get hands on experience working in the lab, doing cancer research with scientists at The Hormel Institute.

Nick, Stephanie, and Seth grew up in the Austin area and returned for the opportunities The Hormel Institute offers.

“I thought and still think that this is such a cool job, to be able to work with cancer research and perform unique tasks that can have such a profound impact on peoples lives,” said Seth Richards. “I am constantly moving forward as there is always something new to do or learn.”

Seth returned to Dr. Sergio Gradilone’s Cancer Cell Biology and Translational Research lab, where he spent his SURE internship. Because of his work on liver cancer research in this lab, Seth’s name was included on the list of authors in a research article published in a top journal — a major accomplishment for a young scientist.

Stephanie Holtorf has known she wanted to work at The Hormel Institute since she toured the facility while in high school.

“It’s the only place I wanted to work, honestly,” said Stephanie.

She now works with Dr. Rebecca Morris in the Stem Cells and Cancer lab, although her SURE internship was in another lab. Learning about the different research techniques has been yet another reason she is glad she returned to The Hormel Institute — it has shown her that there’s many approaches to furthering answers to cancer and the experiences have given her new insights.

Nick Hanson has worked in Dr. James Robinson’s Cell SURE Internship 2019 Details Signaling and Tumorigenesis lab since his SURE internship ended.

The next SURE Internship program will run His responsibilities include general research lab duties and he also June 3, 2019 – Aug. 9, 2019 works on specific research projects. His position has allowed him to All application materials must be received pursue a master’s degree at University of Minnesota majoring in the

by March 1, 2019 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BICB) program. BICB Application details can be found here: bridges biology and technology to make new connections that push www.hi.umn.edu/opportunities/sure/ research forward. Nick’s vision for the future is to join his business Questions can be directed to Brenna Gerhart background with his scientific training to establish innovative, new at 507-437-9601 or bgerhart@umn.edu commercial medical startups.

There is a long future ahead for each of these young scientists at The Hormel Institute and none know exactly what opportunities Nick Hanson, Stephanie may be ahead. All three are unanimous in their gratitude for the experience gained at Holtorf and Seth Richard were The Hormel Institute and as they see it, the sky’s the limit for what’s ahead. this summer’s SURE interns at The Hormel Institute.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 27

The Hormel Historic Home is the perfect backdrop for weddings, whether it’s the ceremony or the Wedding & Event Showcase in January.

Midwest LifeShots Photography

28 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

CELEBRATING LIFE, LOVE Amanda Barber, Hormel Historic Home Operations and Wedding Coordinator, talks about the kind of atmosphere of hosting the annual Wedding & Event Showcase in January.

THE HORMEL HISTORIC HOME’S WEDDING & EVENT SHOWCASE IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PLANNING Photos

By Hannah Yang Provided and by Eric Johnson

Anna Hook married her love Wilbur Heimsness at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) building on Aug. 4, 1939.

Decades later, at what is now The Hormel Historic Home (HHH), the tradition of celebrating love and life’s biggest moments continues as couples from all over the area turn to the HHH for its wedding event planning needs, including the ninth annual Wedding & Event Showcase.

The HHH will host this year’s showcase from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 20. For a $5 admission fee (members of the HHH get in for free), guests can take a sip of complimentary champagne and wander through the floors of the HHH and encounter potential vendors from the area who help with planning weddings, graduations, birthdays, showers, anniversaries and reunions.

“We have vendors throughout the main floor,” said

Amanda Barber, operations manager and wedding coordinator. “They can then circle back and check out the vendors some more.”

On average, the Wedding & Event Showcase has 35 different vendors ranging from photographers to caterers to florists to boutiques to travel agencies (Barber hopes that a vendor who does stationery and invitations will come) would set up amid the historic backdrop of what was formerly the Hormel family’s home before the family donated the dwelling to the YWCA in 1927, which remained under the nonprofit’s care until 1992.

Here, those looking to find resources for planning big days other than weddings can also find a wealth of information at their fingertips.

“It’s such a fun event with planning,” Barber said. “There’s a lot of crossover, and couples can come and find something that they could put a fun twist on for their event.”

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 29

Hormel Historic Home Operations and Wedding Coordinator Amanda Barber shows off a vintage wedding dress that will be just one of several dresses on display at the annual Wedding & Event Showcase.

30 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

A HISTORY OF LOVE v

Although the HHH no longer hosts a fashion show displaying the various trendy wedding dresses brides could view for inspiration, there was still a plan that the Mower County Historical Society had up its sleeves involving “something old.”

Using a collection of old wedding dresses, the nostalgic exhibit that the historical society plans to display during the Wedding & Event Showcase for the first time come from different eras with love stories embedded in the intricate beading, the choice of fabric and more.

“We always talked about doing something with wedding dresses, and so, we’re taking the plunge,” said Jamie Timm, MCHS curator. “It’s always amazing to see our collection displayed in the Hormel Home. … I think it’s gonna be fun, and we’re bringing some dresses out.”

The MCHS had collected 15 wedding dresses from various eras throughout the area. They had so many donations that they started turning people away from donating them if they were too similar, according to Timm. Prior to the wedding show on Jan. 20, Timm plans to host a History Happy Hour at the home and do a presentation about past wedding customs, gifts and dresses at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14.

While these dresses are displayed during the event showcase, there’s hope that visitors will also get a sense of “nostalgia” from taking a trip back into time. Timm shared the story of a World War II soldier sending his fiancee a white silk parachute in 1946 that she ultimately transformed into a wedding dress, another of a velvet and rich burgundy dress worn by a bride in the 1930s with the help of a family friend who lived in town and designed the gown.

Midwest LifeShots Photography

The Hormel Historic Home’s booth is just one of many that will be at the Wedding & Event Showcase.

Photo provided

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 31

“A lot of people think about ‘way back when,’ especially in town,” she said. “They have thoughts about the 40s, 50s, and 60s, when Austin was in its heyday, Hormel was in its heyday and everything was so wonderful.

Weddings especially, how my grandma did and (brides), they want to wear something that reminds them of their family member, wearing their family member’s dress, or a veil that was something that was passed down. It’s a powerful influence.”

Interestingly enough, modern wedding dress trends have seen a shift in encompassing vintage-styled attire into the day. From the 20s, 30s, and 40s, there were dresses that showed a sleek silhouette and a bodice with traditional white colors. It wasn’t until a little bit later that wedding dresses started becoming more standardized with ball gowns, according to Timm.

“Some are white and lacy and more traditional looking,” she said of the dresses in the MCHS collection.

“There’s some that are just cotton are making due with what they had, or what they could afford. Some would just do a nice dress that they could rewear for other events.”

Yet, customs for weddings haven’t changed too much over the years.

“Honestly, the biggest change is now that anything goes,” Timm said. “It used to be that you have a meal of some kind, the bride wears white, and the bridesmaids in complementary colors, buy a gift for them, do this and that. Now, it’s more of ‘well, if you want that, then you can do that.’ That’s the big change, and it used to be a more structured thing, and now it’s very much about what the bride and groom like that’s personalized to their tastes and experiences.”

Those tastes were reflected in different weddings held at HHH, including a “Doctor Who” themed wedding, having cupcakes instead of a many-tiered wedding cake, according to Barber, or even the color of wedding dresses ranging from sparkly gold to blue. Some couples may opt for extravagance or for simple.

32 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

What better place to hold a wedding or the Wedding & Event Showcase than the Hormel Historic Home.

Bellegala Photography

However, the one thing that many couples share is the desire to celebrate love and each other. The MCHS and the HHH hopes to bring people down memory lane with the Wedding & Event Showcase.

“We always try to share stories and history of the county,” Timm said. “These dresses and their stories, I think, is a great way to relive those memories. We are happy and excited to see them out on display.”

IF YOU WANT TO GO v

WHAT: Hormel Historic Home Wedding & Event Showcase v

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 20 v

WHERE: The Hormel Historic Home 208 4th Avenue NW, Austin, MN v

ADMISSION: $5 (free for members)

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A voice for business in Austin, Sandy Forstner will be retring from the Austin Chamber of Commerce in January after 18 years.

34 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Man for all Seasons Forstner leaves chamber with a strong voice for Main Street

By Deb Nicklay • Photos

by

Eric Johnson

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 35

A

fter 18 years as the head of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, Sandy Forstner is headed for retirement — and he looks ahead to a lot of fishing and hunting trips.

One trip in particular has already got his blood pumping.

Forstner, 64, may be soon-retired, but he will still lead the local committee to plan and oversee the Governor’s Pheasant Opener to Austin in October 2019.

And why not? As executive director of the chamber, Forstner has worn many hats: organizer, advocate, lobbyist, cheerleader, confidante and pitchman for the chamber’s almost 400 local and area members. Those skills make him a good choice to lead the effort which welcomes crowds of media, government officials and hunters for the three-day event. And, as an avid outdoorsman, the opener is right up his alley, so to speak.

Actually, this is just one more example of how Forstner’s broad skill set has made him a go-to guy for many community missions, in or out of retirement.

At first glance, taking the chamber job might have seemed an odd pursuit for a man who spent much of his adult career as a newspaper publisher. The Pacelli High School grad, after earning his degree from St. John’s University, took turns as reporter and then editor in three Minnesota newspapers; in 1984, he took the step to ownership when he purchased the Stewartville Star.

And there he worked with his wife, Pam, who also served as office manager, for almost 20 years. Forstner directed news coverage of the community, sold advertising, took photos, covered sports and city council, and wrote editorials. He quickly established himself as a community leader, producing a quality paper that wasn’t afraid to tackle big issues — but also showed heart and a community spirit.

But at closer look, the chamber position, which he accepted in May 2000 following the sale of the Star, proved a natural move for him. Not only did he have homegrown familiarity with the Austin area, he came with first-hand knowledge of the challenges of being a small business owner.

He also had an abiding interest in the workings of government and how legislative decisions affect the state’s Main Street businesses.

It was that knowledge that drew the chamber search committee to hire Forstner. Rod Nordeng — who at that time worked with Mayo Clinic in Austin — was the head of the search committee. He said it was clear that Forstner “had the quality and character” the committee was seeking.

36 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Forstner pours pancakes onto a gridle at the 58th annual Lions Club Pancake Fundraiser at First United Methodist Church.

Forstner spent much of his time in the community, promoting it as best he could. Austin Daily Herald

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 37

“

In the end, no matter what people say, it’s private sector business that’s the foundation of our economy, our country — and they are the job creators, the main driver of this country’s economic growth.

And they deserve all the support we can give them. ­ Sandy Forstner

”

“He had worked with businesses of all sizes,” Nordeng said. “He knew what it meant to pay the bills, to make payroll.

And, he proved to be bright and hard-working with a high level of integrity. He has been liked and has the absolute respect of the community.”

Chuck Moline of AdvisorNet Financial in Austin agreed.

He has worked on various chamber committees for many years and has also served as a chamber board member.

“My involvement with the chamber goes back to the 1970s — I’ve worked with a lot of executive directors,” he said. “Sandy rises to the top … a director who is always looking out for the chamber membership. He has done just an outstanding job — and not just locally; his reach has extended throughout the state.”

Forstner, it is clear, is uncomfortable in the spotlight and doesn’t like talking about himself. However, he did say the move from being a newspaper publisher to a chamber executive director “seemed like a natural transition,” he said. “Both hold the belief that when businesses work together toward a common goal, everyone benefits. And I think people knew I could sympathize; I knew the challenges.”

Forstner said he, his staff, the chamber board and countless chamber volunteers have worked as a team. Val Schewe was already in her post as office manager when 38 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

he arrived; today, Jeanine Nelson, the chamber’s head of Member Relations and Major Events, and Kristen Olson, who leads the Community Concierge, round out the current staff. Together, “we have a collaborative process,” he said, supported by a strong chamber board and a supportive membership.

“You don’t do anything without great people — and I’ve had the best,” he said. “It’s not ‘my’ Chamber; we’re a member-based organization,” whose mantra has always been ‘businesses need a voice and that when businesses do well, communities prosper.’

“Our greatest strength is the collective talent and the resources we have.”

How to provide that voice and those resources has come in a variety of ways. Many of the 15 committees of the chamber — ranging from agriculture and education, to retail and government affairs — were in place when Forstner began as executive director, but some have been enhanced and strengthened over the years, he said.

Those changes come as the needs of business shift.

Not the least of those is outlined in the chamber’s number one priority: an educated and strong workforce. The growing number of baby boom retirees has left employers and businesses under pressure to recruit and retain new employees.

component, led by Olson, offers information, a variety of The chamber has met that challenge on several levels. resources, and even free tickets to one “Awesome Austin” Some of the newer initiatives include Leadership Austin, the event — in an effort to assure a positive experience for Mower CEO Program and AustinWorks. newcomers who sometimes face tough transitions when Leadership Austin, a partnership between Riverland they move to a new community. Resources are exhaustive in Community College and the chamber, offers a nine-session scope, including everything from help with job hunting and course that provides an intense and comprehensive study of finding daycare, to direction on how to enroll their students all that makes up the Austin community. Each class — from in school.

20-30 members, mostly professionals — tours businesses, Perhaps the least known among community members connects with other business leaders and studies the issues is the chamber’s emphasis on government affairs. Forstner facing Austin. became a familiar face advocating for business interests not The chamber is also a partner of the new Mower CEO only on the local and county levels, but at the State Capitol. program with local and area schools. It provides a year-long Jennifer Byers, vice president of grassroots and chamber learning opportunity to selected high school students who are relations for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, called mentored by members of the business community. Students Forstner “very engaged” in the Minnesota Chamber of visit other businesses, meet leaders, and learn about how to Commerce; the MCC’s federation, its advocacy arm; and its start and maintain a business. professional association of local chambers, the Minnesota It is clear Forstner is passionate about the program — Chamber of which he believes Commerce provides one more Executives. He way to grow local served as chairman entrepreneurs on of the group in 2014, Main Street. and during that term, “You know also served on the what’s great about it?

Minnesota Chamber You’re reaching out of Commerce Board to the young people of Directors. at a critical time in “One of his their life,” he said. strongest attributes “Teaching things they was his work in the don’t learn in school, area of advocacy and how to introduce public affairs on local yourself, how to and state issues for think like a business its members,” Byers owner … how am said.

I going to generate Moline agreed, income today? What but added it was differentiates my more than that. business from your “They (members business?”

From left: Chamber of Commerece Member Relations/Major Event Coordinator of the MCCE) looked Students connect Jeanine Nelson of the Austin Chamber of Commerece, Chamber Ambassoder Brenda to Sandy not only with 60-70 business Landherr and Executive Director Sandy Forstner at a past AMIGO Days.

Austin Daily Herald for input, but for leaders in their place direction, and his of work — a rare expertise,” Moline said. “The chamber has had someone who experience for that age. always had the appropriate vision for our community and he “You’re exposed to (the owners’) stories, their own had it from day one. Sandy will leave a chamber that is strong, pasts, how they got to where they are today, the challenges both in membership and financial footing. He has done, on all … you learn about the people and how they made it work,” fronts, a stellar job.” he added. “Kids not only learn about business, but about At its heart, the chamber’s longtime “Buy Local” stance is themselves. And when you give them those opportunities … enduring and hasn’t changed, but its profile has, Forstner said. you’re building a future workforce and awareness” of how “In the past, ‘Buy local’ meant, ‘don’t drive to Rochester businesses operate. to shop; shop here,’” Forstner said. “Now, it means ‘Don’t buy He praised the development of AustinWorks, unveiled online.’” by the chamber staff four years ago. “It’s the envy of the That’s just one of the challenges facing local business state,” he said, noting the program, which grew from owners, he said. Starting a new business today is “far more the Vision 2020 initiative, is a comprehensive welcome expensive and difficult than it was decades ago,” he said. program designed to help retain new residents. Its concierge January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 39

For 18 years Sandy Forstner has led the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Elaine Hansen has been hired to replace him in January.

It comes down to more of everything: bigger box stores, more franchises, more online purchasing. He praises those who have the courage to take the step to business ownership, “because it’s an ‘all in’ situation. You can risk everything you have.”

Forstner sees its new executive director, Elaine Hansen, as someone who will continue to work hard for local merchants.

“She is going to do an excellent job — she has a lot of experience and she’s going to hit the ground running,” Forstner said.

Forstner, on the other hand, will take some time to relax, travel and spend time with family. He and Pam have two sons: Jay, who lives in Rochester, and Corey, who lives in Missouri.

And then there are those four grandkids to spoil.

But, typical of this former small business owner and retired chamber executive, Forstner will continue to support business as a member of SCORE, a group of retired business professionals that provides mentorship to small business owners.

It’s the right thing to do, in Forstner’s mind. His support of business doesn’t end with retirement.

40 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

“

She is going to do an excellent job — she has a lot of experience and she’s going to hit the ground running.

Sandy Forstner on the hiring of Elaine Hansen

”

“In the end, no matter what people say, it’s private sector business that’s the foundation of our economy, our country — and they are the job creators, the main driver of this country’s economic growth. And they deserve all the support we can give them.”

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January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 41

Holly Dalager and the oboe have been a marriage made in heaven

‘The way God intended’

By Deb Nicklay • Photos

by

Eric Johnson

Holly Dalager, a member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, has taken her talents overseas, where she played in Granada, Spain.

42 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 43

Holly Dalager had a once in lifetime opportunity when she played in Granada, Spain, part of a world record attempt.

44 | Austin Living | January—February 2019

F

ew are as determined as Holly Dalager was when she was just a child in elementary school.

As she was attending her older sister’s band concert, she was mesmerized by the flute section.

“I could hardly wait to play, to get a flute; I can even remember how it smelled when I first opened the case,” said Dalager, 58, with a smile. The notes of her early enthusiasm play along the edges of the conversation as she sits in her Austin home.

Her intense love of music has not changed over time — well, except with one major difference: If she had affection for the flute — upon which, she admits, “I wasn’t very good” — her passion for the oboe became, and remains, all-consuming.

And she is a very, very good oboe player.

“When she played a selection at my ordination (as pastor),” said her husband, Karl, “our bishop said afterward, ‘Holly plays the oboe like God intended.’”

She was playing the flute in her school’s band when her band director asked if she could switch from playing the flute to playing the oboe. The band’s oboe player had moved to another town and there was a hole to fill.

“I started to play ... it just felt like me; felt like this was what I was supposed to play, who I was supposed to be.”

Holly Dalager “I thought, ‘Oh … what?’ Oh no,’” she said with a laugh.

“But I said I would try.”

It was serendipity. The minute she began to play the new instrument, she realized she had found her musical home.

“I started to play … it just felt like me; felt like this was what I was supposed to play, who I was supposed to be,” she said.

Dalager, who will be the featured soloist in the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s concert in February, doesn’t tell you this part: Playing the woodwind is no small feat. Oboes, a double reed instrument, are among the most difficult of instruments to play.

But when you love something so much, learning its challenges was — and continues to be — a joy, she said.

She has shared that talent in both classrooms and concerts. She is principal oboist and concert soloist for the ASO and also is principal with the Rochester Pops Orchestra.

She is a MacPhail Center for Music instructor and, through the center, has revived the band at Pacelli Catholic School.

Finally, she teaches about 25 private students in her home, instructing in piano, oboe and flute.

January—February 2019 | Austin Living | 45

Holly Dalager practices at home. Dalager played in the world record attempt held earlier this year in Granada, Spain.

Dalager showed promise early and had plenty of support in her musical journey. Her mother, the late Barb Swaningson, was a musician who played both piano and sax; she recognized early her daughter’s talent and love of music. Dalager at 15 began studies with Minnesota Orchestra oboist Carl Holub.

Her mother drove from their hometown of Long Lake, Minnesota, to Minneapolis for her lesson almost every week.

“There was my mom, sitting in the car for all those 45-minute lessons,” Dalager said with a shake of her head.

“She did that for years.”

Her parents were intent on providing opportunities for their talented daughter. She recalled how her dad was almost as excited as she when her first Loree oboe arrived from its studio in France. The instrument at that time cost about $2,000 — no small price for parents of modest means.

“I had a part-time job by then, so I could pay for half of it — and my parents saved for the other half,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, but we did it.”

Her training and commitment reaped rewards: At 18, she won a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Earning a scholarship and trip to an Interlochen summer music program was — and still is — a special honor reserved for the most talented musicians. It was just one of a slew of awards and scholarships earned over the years. Among the major awards was being selected finalist for the Women’s Association of the Minnesota Orchestra Young 46 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Artist Competition; the recipient of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts International Music Program Scholarship; and the University of Minnesota School of Music Scholarship.

Dalager’s goal was clear from the moment she picked up the oboe — she wanted to perform on the concert stage. She continued studying with Holub throughout her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota. Later, while working on her master’s degree in music performance, also at the university, she studied with two other musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra — including then-principal oboist, Rhadames Angelucci, and Ferald Capps, an oboist and English horn musician. During the course of her studies, she — like most serious oboe players — learned how to make her own reeds. While a painstaking process, she is able to customize the reeds to maximize her own sound. She also sells the reeds to fellow oboists.

Marriage to her husband Karl, a retired Lutheran pastor, took her talents all over the world. Karl’s work took him to Bogota, Colombia, where she not only taught music, she developed and directed the first-ever children’s choir in its Lutheran churches. In another charge, in India, she gave private oboe and flute lessons and taught music theory at an international school in Tamil Nadu, India.

But her first love has always been in performance, she said.

Cities — from the Minnesota Dance Theatre Orchestra “If I had the chance, I would perform, all day, all to Opera St. Paul. Other venues have included the La night,” she said. “I know how this sounds — but when I Crosse Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Dance Theatre and am playing, I know I am offering a gift. And it’s fun — you Summerset Theatre in Austin. On average, she performs about think, ‘Oh, I love this part and I hope you love it, too.’ You 25 times a year, between St. Olaf Lutheran during church want to share the joy you feel. I think most performers feel services, with ASO, and with the Rochester Pops Orchestra, that way.” she said.

One of those Her upcoming performers also has featured solo turn the name of Dalager. with the ASO is Her son, Jacob, plays exciting, she said. the trumpet and is She will perform actively pursuing Oboe Concerto No. his own music 1 by Ludwig Lebrun performance career at 2 p.m. on Sunday, — not too many Feb. 24, at St. Olaf measures off, you Lutheran Church. could say, from his Also on hand will mother’s intense love be the ASO Chorus of music. Dalager under the direction is excited about of Sonia Larson. performing with her The symphony son in Washingto, is celebrating its D. C. this spring in 25th year with one of six recitals Ramsey. With a required of Jacob theme of “A Season as he completes his of Jubilation,” the doctorate in music at ASO celebrates Catholic University “Close Friends” of America.

Holly Dalager on playing in the Guinness Book of with Dalager’s “He was World Records attempt in Granada, Spain performance. definitely committed She loves early on,” Dalager performing with the said. “He would get local symphony; up before school in fact, it was one to practice — and of the reasons the loved it.” Their other Dalager family came child, Anna, is also to live in Austin a musician — a permanently. The violinist — who family had lived in at times will play the community for with the ASO while a time during one of visiting her mom Karl’s appointments; and dad. in 1992, they Dalager has decided to settle into sought performance Austin permanently. venues throughout “I really loved her life, and they the music scene here, have been many. and the symphony,” She has served as she said. “Being principal oboe for able to solo is a real treat for me — and we have such great the University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, as well as musicians. It is a real honor to be featured. I truly love playing the St. Paul Civic Symphony, where she also was a concerto with the symphony.” soloist — and where she first met Stephen Ramsey, ASO’s And they enjoy playing with her, said Ramsey. conductor, who at that time was associate conductor of the St. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to Paul group. work with Holly; she sets the bar very high,” he said.

Add to that a wide range of performances in the Twin

“I thought, ‘I want to play in that!

It should be a blast!’ And you know — it was.”

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 47

Reed maker

Dalager not only plays the oboe with the Austin Symphony, but she also makes her own reeds, using them herself and then selling them as well.

48 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 49

Holly Dalager came back from her time in Granada, Spain, with a couple souveniers and a lifetime of memories.

In addition to her obvious musical gift, “she is a natural leader in the orchestra; others listen to her, and respond to her,” he added.

Fellow ASO musician Phil Burkhart agreed.

“Holly is one of the finest musicians I know; she plays with wonderful style and musicality — as if she was singing through the oboe,” he said. “She also has done so much for the cultural life of our community over these many years and for that, we’re all grateful.”

Cheryl Collins — another ASO musician who is also head of the local branch of MacPhail Center for Music — not only praised Dalager’s talent with the oboe, but for her teaching chops as well. Dalager’s ability to revive a band music program at Pacelli has been nothing short of astounding.

“Pacelli had not had a band for several years — so establishing one is a real challenge,” said Collins. Dalager, she added, has an intuitive sense of the right instrument for the right child, and an ability to positively encourage the youngsters while teaching them.

50 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

“She has done a fantastic job,” Collins said.

Dalager just recently discovered a new performance venue — one that she will not soon forget.

The Dalagers in August were able to travel to Granada, Spain, for the International Double Reed Society’s annual conference. In addition to enjoying the activities, Dalager joined over 500 other musicians in a concert, the largest group of double reed musicians ever gathered for a live concert. And the goal? The concert was held so it could be entered into the Guinness Book of World Records, she said.

“I thought, ‘I want to play in that! It should be a blast!”

Dalager recalled. “And you know — it was.”

The group played for over an hour — in addition to a portion of Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” the group played Spanish folk and love songs.

“The audience loved it,” Dalager said, smiling at the memory. “They really enjoyed it.”

And, like the passionate performer she is, added, “And we just crushed it.”

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January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 51

Mike Ankeny stands with one of his lamp creations, which was made from an outboard motor from the 50s.

52 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Finding

Something From Nothing Story

and

Photos

by

Eric Johnson

Mike Ankeny creates lamps out of whatever he can find

Ankeny uses to construct It’s no secret that his lamps are built from Mike Ankeny is well these kinds of things that known in Austin. he more or less finds He’s owner of one of either lying around or at the Ankeny Mini Marts in places like swap meets.

Austin and member of the Mower County In fact, it was nothing more than Board of Commissioners. In one way or happenstance that led him down this road. another, most people can probably place He would often walk past items at flea how they know Ankeny. markets or events like Gold Rush Days in However, the Austin ArtWorks Center Oronoco, Iowa. He would see these things might not be one of those places, unless and ask himself a pretty simple question: you are one of those who have happened What could he make with something? to purchase one of his lamps.

“I saw a gear once and thought it An assortment of ornamental lamps, would make a nice lamp base,” Ankeny built out of a variety of things some might said. call junk, are currently for sale at the It really took a jump on a trip to Kansas ArtWorks Center, and they have all been City about two years ago. While there, he constructed by Ankeny, who has added visited the warehouse district and an event artist to his repertoire. called First Fridays. There were galleries, “It’s just kind of fun,” Ankeny said as studios, artists on display, food and drink. we stood in the ArtWorks Center talking Ankeny said there was a whole about the pieces he had recently delivered.

The lamps Mike Ankeny makes are assortment of items to pick up and it was “In school I always enjoyed shop classes. built out of a variety of items from also the place he had the gear-lamp base People liked what I was doing and it’s faucet handles to metal piping. idea. pretty popular now.”

It got him thinking along the lines of On first inspection, each piece making more items like this. resembles nothing more than a lamp you might find out of Of the pieces currently on display downtown, a single the 1930s or earlier. And maybe that’s colored by some of piece stands out a little more than the others, and maybe it’s the items he uses. because it’s one of the first things you see when you enter the Look closer and you’ll see gears and levels and even center. things like old fire extinguishers. Almost all of the items January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 53

One of Mike Ankeny’s pieces is displayed in the window of the Austin ArtWorks Center, built out of an electric fencer.

An old outboard motor rests on a stand, looking like it was dragged right out of the 1950s. Attached to it are two blue light bulbs.

It’s among some of the bigger pieces he’s made, though the majority of lamps he makes look ready to find centerpiece status on a night stand or coffee table.

Another lamp appears to be affixed to a brass base, giving it a striking and bright appearance. The base is actually that of an old fire extinguisher.

However, everything on the lamps looks as if it belongs.

Some have no traditional switches to turn them on; instead, many rely on things like faucet handles you turn as if you are turning on water.

He’s made several pieces for family, friends and a couple businesses, including a floor-standing lamp for Little Thistle Brewing Co. in Rochester, though in terms of direction of the piece, he admitted with a grin: “I had no clue where I was going.”

Some of the unique finds in Austin that he’s used for his creations have come from the Downtown Utility Plant. Austin Utilities came to Ankeny asking if he could do something with parts from control panels and switches. Those works are currently displayed at the newer Austin Utilities building by Todd Park.

Whatever the piece, it’s clear Ankeny is largely doing it for himself as much as he is for potential customers. How fast he gets a project done sometimes depends either on materials on hand, how busy he is or if he even has a fully hashed-out idea.

“I’ll pick that stuff up and then leave it sit,” he said. “Then a couple days later I’ll walk by and think, ‘Maybe I should do something with this.’”

54 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Ankeny doesn’t really commit when asked how long it takes to finish a piece. In a way, it gets done when it gets done.

“It depends,” Ankeny said. “I could get it whipped out in an afternoon if I had all the stuff.”

While Ankeny will pick up items he needs from places like flea markets, he said the materials used on his lamps is a combination of buying and scavenging.

To date, Ankeny estimates he’s built about 50 lamps and with each lamp he tries to keep as close to original as he can.

He may buff and shine the items, but he likes leaving them alone as much as possible.

“I try not to do much painting,” he said.

He also doesn’t have much interest in going to art shows and things like that. In a lot of ways, creating these works of art is a hobby as much as it is to sell.

Instead, Ankeny keeps his lamps close to home, selling them mostly at the ArtWorks Center. This shows how much he wants to help the town he lives in.

“I don’t want to mess around with shipping,” Ankeny said. “I’m supporting something local.”

That being said, Ankeny has found and sold at least one piece that’s seen some travel. Across the pond to be exact.

A lady from London asked Ankeny about his lamps, but then feared she wouldn’t be able to get it home.

“She bought it anyway,” he said.

Ultimately, his interest in creating art out of everyday pieces, both modern and antique, has served as a neat way to pass time for Ankeny.

“It’s kind of fun,” he said. “People get a kick out of them.”

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TRAVEL

Tours to US Bank Stadium give people the experience of being on the field and of exploring one of the best-looking stadiums in the National Football League.

Tours get access to places most people don’t regularly get to go, including the lockerroom areas.

5 THINGS TO DO: n Mill City Museum, 704 Second St. S, Minneapolis. The museum, which features 12,000 feet of exhibit space, offers a look at how the flour industry triggered the growth of a young Minneapolis. n Sculpture Garden, 726 Vineland Pl. Minneapolis. The 11-acre spot is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country and is filled with iconic images. n Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave. S, Minneapolis. Take a trip back in time to the 1950s style movie theater that offers modern day movies. n Electric Fetus, 2000 Fourth Ave. S, Minneapolis. The well-known music store was once a favorite stop for Prince.

56 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

n Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. Get your laughs at the country’s oldest satirical comedy club.

A TOUR TO BANK ON

By Rocky Hulne • Photos

It’s one thing to watch a Minnesota Vikings game on TV or from the stands, but if you want the full appreciation for US Bank Stadium, it’s best to take a stadium tour and see all of the ins and outs of the modern 1.75 million square foot facility.

The 90-minute tour takes visitors all through the stadium, including a rare look inside the Viking locker room - which is available on most tour dates.

“A lot of places don’t allow visits to the locker room, but the Vikings are such an exceptional organization that they allow it,” said Toyya Lassere, the Guest Experience and Tours Manager at US Bank Stadium. “They allow fans to come in and see where the team gets ready to perform.”

Other highlights of the tour include the stadium’s giant hydraulic doors that catch the eye and the chance for fans to get on the field and touch the turf that their favorite players play on. There is also plenty of art throughout the stadium and tour guides will offer history of the Vikings franchise itself.

“You’re going to hear about the Purple People Eaters and all of the legends who played

provided by

US Bank Stadium

for the Vikings,” Lassere said. “It’s not just about the building. The building is just a shell without the history and the people that make it.”

Aside from the football aspect, fans will learn about the building itself.

They’ll here about the architecture behind the giant glass walls and they’ll learn fun facts, like how many hot dogs have been sold at the stadium. They’ll also get a chance to catch a sneak peak inside the luxury booths.

The tours began in August of 2016 and they’ve been wildly popular as so far to date, 130,000 visitors have come to see the stadium.

Tours are available seven days a week, unless a set up is taking place for a major event.

“It’s a lot of fun. Our tour guides are well trained and very personable,” Lassere said. “You get a lot of information about the Vikings and you’re able to go behind the scenes.”

USBank Stadium has 66,200 seats for football and it is nearly twice as large as the The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was.

Public tours can be booked by visiting usbankstadium.com/stadium-tours.

All tours begin at the Polaris Gate by the ticket office near Chicago Avenue and fourth Street.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 57

LOOKING BACK

Moreland’s garage.

Moreland’s first garage was also the first Ford agency in Austin.

58 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

Servicing Austin autos

By Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society • All In the early 1900s, the automobile swept across the country and changed the landscape of the nation.

In addition to vehicles, streets and roads, things like parking spaces, traffic signs, lights and signals also began appearing. Because automobiles also needed regular maintenance and repair, the service station became a familiar part of the American landscape. Service stations provided gas, oil, replacement parts, tires, batteries and garages.

As a young man, Archie appeared to be a kind of adrenaline junkie. In 1905, he was reported to have made a 14.75 mile trip by motorcycle in “just 45 minutes — no accident occurred.”

He had a motorcycle accident two years later in town when he was rounding the corner by the post office. Archie was thrown from his bike, scraped his face and was knocked unconscious.

Archie Moreland, ca. 1912.

Fortunately, Archie was a member Archie was also meof the volunteer fire chanically-minded and department in Austin. helped out in Al Hall’s machine shop until he opened his own bicycle repair shop around 1904. He sold the bike repair business and opened Austin’s first garage.

Later, he operated a service station with his brother-in-law, James Anker. After relocating from their first location, Moreland and Anker was located at 116 N. Main Street.

photos courtesy of the

Mower County Historical Society

Archie Moreland’s Service Station a first of its kind in Austin

Above, a May 23, 1917 advertisement for Archie Moreland’s service station.

Left, Archie Moreland’s business card.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 59

Don’t let the bitter cold keep you from enjoying these upcoming events in Mower County.

All dates, times, and locations subject to change.

Jan. 3

Feb. 15-17

When: 5 p.m.

Where: The Spam Museum Start off the new year at the Spam Museum by enjoying a movie with us.

For more information, call 507-434-6401.

When: 7 p.m. (15-17) and 2 p.m. (17) Where: Historic Paramount Theatre A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Enjoy the original 1808 version of this well-known fairy tale - what truly happened to Snow White, according to the Brothers Grimm. Will the Queen triumph or will Snow White’s prince still save the day? For more information, go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.

First Thursday Events - Movie Night

Jan. 19

VEX Robotics Tournament

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Austin High School Teams from around the state compete against each other with robots performing specialized tasks.

Jan. 20

Wedding & Event Showcase

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Hormel Historic Home Stop in to get a jump on your wedding and event planning, all under the roof of this one-of-a-kind venue. $5 admission and free to members of the Hormel Historic Home. For more information, go to www.hormelhistorichome.org

Jan. 25-27

Austin Youth Hockey Tyler Brady Memorial Pee Wee A, B, C Tournament Where: Riverside Arena/Packer Arena For more information, contact the Tournament Director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

Jan. 29

All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dumpling Soup/ Chili Dinner

When: 4-7 p.m.

Where: Mower County Senior Center Sponsored by The People First Aktion Club of Mower County. Enjoy chicken dumpling soup and/or chili, beverage and dessert. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-10, free for 3 and under. Tickets are available at The Arc Mower County office. For more information, call 504-433-8994.

Feb. 1-3

Austin Youth Hockey Bantam A, B Tournament Where: Riverside Arena/Packer Arena For more information, contact the Tournament Director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

Feb. 8-10

Calico Hutch Bahama Mama Quilters Retreat

Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center Three fun-filled days of quilting with friends, plus demos, massage therapists, show and tell, door prizes, games, and demos. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 507-377-1163.

60 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

“Snow White: The Queen’s Fair Daughter”

Feb. 21

Austin Artist Series - Paul the Beatle

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Third concert in Austin of the 75th season of one of the largest and longest running artist series in the Midwest! Subscription tickets available starting Sept. 4 through www.austinartistsseries.org. Tickets also include access to the season’s concerts in Osage and Albert Lea. For more information, call 507-440-6030 or 612-272-8653.

Feb. 23

Climate Storytelling Workshop

When: 1-3 p.m.

Where: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Interpretive Center Attend this workshop to get a better understanding of the issue of climate change and how it’s affecting the world around you. For more information, go to www. hormelnaturecenter.org/programs--events. Event is free.

Feb. 24

Austin Symphony Orchestra - “Requiem for the Living”

When: 2 p.m.

Where: St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin The Austin Symphony Orchestra joins forces with its own chorus for a contemporary reflection on the Requiem text set to music by Dan Forrest, then turns to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ powerfully melodic “In Springtime.”

Also featuring Principal Oboist Holly Dalager in a rarely heard and delightful work

by German composer Ludwig Lebrun. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.

Feb. 27-March 3

“The Game’s Afoot”

When: 7 p.m. (Feb. 27-March 2) and 2 p.m. (March 3) Where: Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College Danger and hilarity are non-stop in this murderously funny whodunit set during the Christmas holidays in 1936. Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role as Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. Season tickets $50 or $13 for this show. For more information, go to www.riverland.edu/theatre or call 507-433-0595.

Austin ArtWorks Center

Events at the Paramount

• Jan. 5. . . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Jan. 10-11. Clay Handled Mugs with John Sullivan (Parts 1 and 2),

5:30 p.m.

• Jan. 11. . . . Gallery Opening: Minnesota Black Fine Art Show, 5-7 p.m.

• Jan. 12. . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Jan. 12. . . . Family Art Studio, 1-3 p.m.

• Jan 19. . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Jan. 19. . . . Will Bjorndal and Prairie Clamor, 7:30-9 p.m.

• Jan. 24. . . . Clay Handled Mugs with John Sullivan (Part 3), 5:30 p.m.

• Jan. 25. . . . ArtRocks Open Jam Session, 7-9:30 p.m.

• Jan. 26. . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Feb. 2 . . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Feb. 3 . . . . Paramount Jazz, 2 p.m.

• Feb. 9 . . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Feb. 13 . . . Teen Hand Building Clay Class, 3-5:30 p.m.

• Feb. 16 . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Feb. 22 . . . ArtRocks Open Jam Session, 7-9:30 p.m.

• Feb. 23 . . . $5 Kids’ Studio, 10:30 a.m. to noon • Feb. 23 . . . Green Eyed Girls Painting Class, 1-5 p.m.

• Jan. 20. . . . Root River Jam, 3 p.m.

• Jan. 21. . . . Martin Luther King Day - Free Film, 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 27. . . . PBS Mayo Documentary, 2 p.m.

• Feb. 2 . . . . 2019 Harris Music Competition presented by the

Hormel Historic Home • Feb. 10 . . . MacPhail Music Spotlight - “The Roaring Twenties,” 3 p.m.

For more information, call 507-434-0934.

Austin Public Library For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Jan. 5. . . . . Book Arts, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Jan. 8. . . . . Game Night, 6 p.m.

• Jan. 12. . . . Open Art Hour, 10:30 a.m.

• Jan. 19. . . . Technology Circuits, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Jan. 19. . . . Technology Hour of Code, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Jan. 22. . . . Un-finished Object Club, 6 p.m.

• Jan. 26. . . . Book Arts Paper Folding, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Feb. 2 . . . . Book Arts, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Feb. 4 . . . . Screening of “Alice’s Ordinary People” with Filmmaker

Craig Dudnick, 6:30 p.m.

• Feb. 9 . . . . Open Art Hour, 10:30 a.m.

• Feb. 12 . . . Game Night, 6 p.m.

• Feb. 16 . . . Technology Circuits, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Feb. 16 . . . Technology Hour of Code, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Feb. 23 . . . Book Arts Paper Folding, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Feb. 26 . . . Un-Finished Object Club, 6 p.m.

Classic matinee movies every Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Library Tech Tutoring every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Thursday from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Hormel Historic Home

For more information, call 507-433-4243.

• Jan. 14. . . . History Happy Hour: “Wedding Fashions and Customs,

Early 1900s-60s,” 6 p.m.

• Jan. 26. . . . Murder at the Mansion, 6-8 p.m.

• Jan. 29. . . . Open House Reception with MarySue Hormel, 4 p.m.

• Feb. 11 . . . History Happy Hour: “History of the Hormel Institute,” 6 p.m.

• Feb. 16 . . . 2019 Foodie Throwdown, 5:30-9 p.m.

For more information, call 507-434-0934.

Movie Matinee and Movie Night at the Paramount Held every Wednesday at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise.

Tickets are $5; no advance ticket sales. For more information call 507-434-0934.

• Jan. 2. . . . . “Fail Safe” • Jan. 9. . . . . “Bullit” • Jan. 16. . . . “Jailhouse Rock” • Jan. 23. . . . “Spartacus” • Jan. 30. . . . “North by Northwest” • Feb. 6 . . . . “Mean Girls” • Feb. 20 . . . “Forrest Gump” • Feb. 27 . . . “Into the Wild”

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center RSVP for the following programs by phone at 507-437-7519, by email at info@hormelnaturecenter.org, or in person at the Interpretive Center.

• Jan. 19. . . . Cross Country Ski Lessons, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

• Jan. 19. . . . Friends of the Nature Center Annual Meeting and Chili Feed,

12:30-2:30 p.m.

Free Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Rental every Thursday (weather conditions permitting) from 3-6 p.m.

Austin Bruins Schedule Go Bruins! Schedule includes home games only, played at Riverside Arena.

Tickets available at the door, Hy-Vee, Games People Play, Holiday Inn and Jim’s Market Place. For more information, call 507-434-4978.

• Jan. 4. . . . . . . . .

• Jan. 11-12. . . . .

• Feb. 2 . . . . . . . .

• Feb. 15-16. . . . .

• Feb. 22 . . . . . . .

vs. Brookings Blizzard, 7 p.m. vs. Aberdeen Wings, 7 p.m. vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7 p.m. vs. Minot Minotauros, 7 p.m. vs. Minnesota Wilderness, 7 p.m.

Austin Masonic Lodge All You Can Eat Pancake Feed • Jan. 4. . . . . . . . . Proceeds benefit the Austin High School Orchestra

program, 9 a.m.

• Feb. 2 . . . . . . . . Proceeds benefit local organizations, 9 a.m.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 61

BOOK REVIEW

PLACES BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN MINNESOTA AUTHOR WEAVES STORIES THROUGHOUT HER OWN STATE

By Bruce Richardson, Austin Page Turners One of the pleasures of participating in the Page Turners’ work is reading books by Minnesota authors who set their novels in Minnesota.

Some create towns they reuse in book after book, while others locate the action in recognizable places that are crucial to the story. Author Mindy Mejia’s last two novels are examples of nonfictional and fictional Minnesota settings important to the plots.

The Boundary Waters and Duluth are the places in “Leave No Trace,” her 2018 book. The title references the demand that campers and others visiting the Boundary Waters leave nothing behind as they exit the wilderness. The novel begins with the sudden appearance of a young man who has not been seen by others

62 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

for 10 years. He and his father vanished in the vast forests, lakes, and rivers north of Ely. The boy refuses to say neither where his father is, nor how they have survived unseen for a decade.

Because of his silence and a crime, he is taken to a secure mental health facility in Duluth, where he becomes a patient of a speech pathologist who has had psychological issues herself. Two traumatic events have isolated her from normal relationships.

She’s a loner who sees the need to help the silent boy recover. She also has connections to Ely. Maya Stark, the central character, is the daughter of a tug boat captain who works in the shipping industry on Lake Superior. He is also looking for a sunken ship in its vast waters.

Mindy Mejia

Winter is coming soon to the remote settings. Traces of the past and of the abandoned may be lost in the frozen, snowy elements.

Mejia’s earlier novel, “Everything You Want Me to Be,” is set in a small town in southern Minnesota, perhaps St. Charles or Kenyon, but not a recognizable place. Rochester is mentioned, and one character wants to return to the metro area.

Nevertheless, place is important for the county is rural and the sheriff is the key figure investigating an unusual murder. The writer captures the atmosphere, culture and relationships where neighbors know neighbors (or believe they do).

A high school senior has been killed by a pond near an abandoned barn. The sheriff knows her personally. He is a close friend of the girl’s boyfriend’s father. The girl is popular, for she is a major actress in school plays and in area theater.

The sheriff is one of three characters who tell Hattie’s, the dead girl, story. Viewpoints also shift between Hattie and her high school English teacher. The shifting story tellers connect readers to the last year of Hattie’s life and the investigation.

Hattie is not what others want her to be. The internal conflicts of each story teller motivate them and deliver unique perspectives of the crime.

Both novels are plot driven, for a murderer must be found in one plot and the boy’s father rescued in the other. Resolutions in both depend on coincidental events, but they are plausible and result from the character’s ambitions and personalities.

Meija uses real and realistic settings in Minnesota to tell very different stories worth reading.

January–February 2019 | Austin Living | 63

WHY I LOVE AUSTIN

Dewey Schara is a long-time educator in Austin and currently is serving his first year as IJ Holton Intermediate School principal.

Touting the foundations of Austin City offers several unique opportunities

A

By Dewey Schara, I.J. Holton Intermediate School Principal Photo by Eric Johnson

ctivist Loretta Scott King once said: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

In our 20 years in this community, our family has come to appreciate the greatness of Austin. The list of what makes this community special is continuous, but I’d like to focus on three things: education, progression and diversity.

The educational opportunities in Austin are a primary reason our family chooses to live in Austin. I am the principal IJ Holton Intermediate School and my wife Heidi, teaches at Riverland Community College.

Our schools offer state-of-the-art technology and highly trained and skilled teachers. Our daughter, a junior at Winona State, was well prepared for college due to excellent educators and incredible opportunities such as earning college credit through Riverland while in high school.

Our son has also been supported by compassionate teachers who help him reach success even in areas of struggle.

We are so grateful he has the opportunity to access the unique educational benefit of the Assurance Scholarship, generously supported through the Hormel Foundation.

Rarely will you find, in a city this size a community as progressive as ours. From the incredible work of Vision 2020

64 | Austin Living | January–February 2019

to The Hormel Institute, we have world class opportunities.

Have you visited our Austin ArtWorks Center downtown to see the work of local artists? If nature is your thing than we have the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, where programming is continually expanding. Our community will continue to grow and prosper because our leaders work together for our community.

The most unique feature of our great city is our diversity.

I am proud to be on the board of the Welcome Center where I see firsthand all the ways we strive to help newcomers.

The cultural diversity in Austin is ever expanding. We have numerous restaurants and shops specific to different cultures from all over the world.

I am proud that my children grew up with friends from several countries.

Autism Friendly Austin shows the range of our compassion for inclusion. We are one of the only communities in the country to be recognized as Autism Friendly. So many in our community embrace the gifts offered due to a diverse citizenry.

The Austin community truly shows compassionate actions through excellent education, progressive thinking and diversity. These are what make Austin a great place to live. We are proud to call Austin home.

blame not the bard Bringing THE STORIES OF IRELAND TO LIFE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 | 7PM Frank w. Bridges theatre riverland community college $10 adult | $5 student

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