July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 1
EDITOR’S NOTE
I
t’s been awhile since I had a so-called “summer break,” but I can remember how energized and excited I felt as a youth for all the fun possibilities summer had to offer. When I was young, it felt like anything could happen during the summertime. Summer always feels transformative, like it’s the perfect time to go ahead and chase dreams. That’s what Austin Living is all about. We’ve got many dreamers and achievers, all of whom have success stories to share. That’s how guys like Andy Hull take a great hobby like building motorcycles and turn it into higher art. Hull is responsible for one of the biggest new installations at the upcoming Austin ArtWorks Festival, after all. The Spare Arts motorcycle show will exhibit dozens of amazing motorcycles when the festival takes place in August, but you can read all about its mastermind on Pg. 42. Matt Cano dreamed of one day playing baseball in Marcusen Park. He achieved his dream and then some. After a successful minor league career, Cano came back to Austin and is now the head coach and player for the Austin Greyhounds. Cano shares his journey back to Austin on Pg. 46 You can transform your yard into a picture-perfect paradise this year. People are getting more creative with their property, according to Randy Berg of Berg’s Nursery. Berg knows all the tricks to get the most out of a lawn and he’s willing to give tips on Pg. 22. With summer still so young, there’s plenty of time to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be. Heck, don’t just wait until the summer: There are plenty of success stories in Austin all year long. So kick back with a nice, cool drink — you can get a few drink ideas on Pg. 28 — and get a little inspiration from Austin Living.
Got ideas?
We at Austin Living magazine want to hear what you think, and we need your brightest ideas for coming issues. Favorite musicians? Finest artists? Goofiest pranksters? Best storytellers? Local nightlife? We are openminded. We are heading into our warm months, which should bring out how visually appealing Austin is. Call Trey Mewes at 507-4342214. Feel free to pen a letter, too. Our address is on the right.
PUBLISHER Jana Gray EDITORIAL Editor Trey Mewes Contributing Writers Rocky Hulne Trey Mewes Jason Schoonover Jenae Peterson Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Colby Hansen Graphic Designers Susan Downey Colby Hansen Kathy Johnson Kristin Overland SALES & PROMOTION Advertising Manager Jana Gray Sales Representatives Heather Ryks Ben Ankeny Brenda Landherr Merry Petersen JULY-AUGUST 2014 Volume 2, Number 4 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editors, 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 507-434-2214. To purchase advertising, call 507-434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication
CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK!
Trey Mewes, Editor 2 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ AUSTINLIVINGMAGAZINE
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 3
what’s inside JULY–AUGUST 2014
on the cover
OUTSTANDING OUTFITS Get inspired by these breathtaking summer looks featuring model Erin Dankert
34
features AN ARTISTIC ENGINE A motorcycle aficionado brings his creative engine to Austin
42
KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARK
An Austin Greyhounds coach shares his exciting career
4 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
46
departments
42
30
8 22
24 SEEN 6 TASTE OF NATIONS
Thousands of Austin residents share their cultures with each other
8 BLACK & WHITE BALL
Relay For Life volunteers raise money with a good time for all
10 AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL PROM
AHS students make memories
12 POWER OF THE PALLET
The second annual Women’s Leadership Initiative fundraiser is a hit
50 A PURPOSE TO TRAVEL
HOME & HEARTH 14 NEW HOUSE, OLD STYLE
One woman’s nonprofit expertise brings her to Africa
This couple creates an antique style in a new home
20 IN THE CLOUDS
Cloud Cult’s winding road brings the band back to Austin
22 LOVELY LANDSCAPES
Improve your property with these tips
OUT & ABOUT 28 DRINKS UNDER THE SUN
TRAVEL
46
Check out the season’s hottest drinks with this area alcohol expert
30 A CHANCE TO EXPLORE
Austin has plenty of trails to offer enterprising residents
32 SUMMER MEMORIES AND MISHAPS
Chef Elizabeth Diser on a not-so-fun vacation and a few burger secrets
extras 24 WHAT’S IN STORE
Outdoor flair, outdoor fun
26 HEATLHY LIVING
An area scientist shows how staying fit could prevent cancer
54 LOOKING BACK
The history behind Austin Greenhouses
56 BEHIND THE SCENES
Another look at Austin Living
58 AUSTIN LIVING MARKETPLACE
60 AREA HAPPENINGS
The biggest upcoming events in Austin
62 BOOK REVIEW
“The Rag Man” by Pete Hautman
64 WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
An Austin writer on that hometown feeling July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 5
SEEN | Taste of Nations The fifth annual Mower County Taste of Nations was another rousing success this year. Held annually inside Oak Park Mall, volunteers from all walks of life dedicated their Saturday, April 26, to show residents all the cultures that make up our area. More than 50 cultures are represented through food, dance and other activities to promote diversity in our community.
1
2 4
3
5
(1) Members of the Native American Center of Southeast Minnesota get the public involved during a demonstration at the Taste of Nations in April (2) Kevin Echeverria, Kayne Salinas, Jennifer Villalpando, Kayli Gonzalez, Samantha Villalpando, Jasmine Valladares and Ingred Morales (3) Francisco Torres dishes up tostados (4) Riverland Community College president Adenuga Atewologun talks with Virginia Larsen, left, and Kathy Stutzman (5) Oak Park Mall was a busy place in late April for the annual Taste of Nations (6) Anthony Matzke, Jim Wilson and John Bruzek of the Native American Center of Southeast Minnesota begin playing during a demonstration (7) Wendy L. Roy sells Ojibwe custom beadwork during the Taste of Nations. Roy lives on the White Earth Reservation (8) Austin High School band instructor Bradley Mariska leads the jazz band during their performance (9) Yesenia Mendoza 6 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
6 8
7
9
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 7
SEEN | Black & White Ball Members of IBI Data’s Relay For Life team brought in more than $10,000 at the fifth annual Black and White Ball April 25. More than 200 attendees celebrated in style through a large meal, live music, silent and live auctions, and more — all while dressed to the nines, of course. The event raises money for the annaul Mower County Relay for Life, which is set to take place on July 26 this year.
1
2
3 4
(1) Niki Kvam, Erica Frank, Geoff Smith and Susan Smith (2) Alex Smith and Trista Akkerman (3) Jodi and Faith Attig (4) Dani Heiny, Jennifer Honetschlager, Gabrielle Smith and Deb Schulz (5) Heather and Brooklyn Weller (6) Jodi Carney and Lisa Hegland (7) Snow White and Ariel (8) The Fairy Godmother and Cinderella (9) Fred and Dana Hale (10) Ron and Shelley Vogel (11) Yosselin Xicara and Cynthia Xicara (12) Amanda and Mary Ann Ruhter (13) Wayne and Jill Dietrich 8 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
5
6
7 8
10
9
11
12
13
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 9
SEEN | Austin High Prom Families and friends watched as Austin High School students once again celebrated their youth at this year’s Prom Grand March. More than 200 students dressed for the occasion, which featured dozens of new dress styles and plenty of excitement. This year’s theme was “The Great Gatsby.”
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
(1) Payge Hegna and Cody Boley (2) Alex Smith and Christopher Ingersoll (3) Emma O’Connor and Tyler Rysavy (4) Lauren Kittreidge and Logan Miland (5) Jake Vandezande and Briana Jensen (6) Maria Zarate and Joe Grabau (7) Carlos Vera and Summer Landa (8) Katie Price and Logan Hegna (9) Matt Kasel and Kelly Paredes (10) Lydia Ehret and Erik Anderson (11) Tyler Amick and Katie Maxa 10 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 11
SEEN | Power of the Palate Area residents came together one more for area children at the Women’s Leadership Initiative’s second annual Power of the Palate fundraiser on May 3. More than 150 residents learned about the WLI’s mission to help feed area children through backpack programs at Southgate and Woodson Elementary Schools, along with other schools in Mower County. The event raised more than $12,000 this year, or about 3,800 meals for Mower County children in need.
2
1
3
4 5
6
7
(1) Cindy Molhusen, Julie Kremin, Tammy Coffey and Julie Snyder (2) Kim and Randy Juhl (3) Gita Kazokaitis and Vickie Spyhalski (4) Garrett and Erinn Mueller (5) Steven Rothenberg, JoAnna Rothenberg, Jessica Asleson and Brett Asleson (6) Sherri Willrodt, Hiedy Morey and Kathy Byram (7) Dave and Sharry Watkins (8) Jen Dao, Dustin Wayne, Sarah Wayne and Nicole Reid (9) Jana Haynes, Jennifer Werner and Julie Kramer (10) Sharon Hyland and Bonnie Erickson (11) Chris Grev and Diane Baker (12) Sue Apold and Phyllis Sammon 12 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
8 10
11
9 12
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 13
HOME & HEARTH
NEW HOUSE
OLD STYLE By Trey Mewes • Photos
by
Eric Johnson
Tom and Mary Graff sit out on their back deck.
14 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Tom and Mary Graff put old-fashioned sensibilities into a breathtaking new home
The Graffs created their own pond and now have a vareity of waterfowl making use of it along with a canoe.
Tom and Mary Graff have a deep-seated appreciation for the past. It’s evident just a step into their gorgeous ranchstyle home, from the cherry wood that makes up much of the kitchen to the traditionalist oil paintings and pictures adorning the walls. The Graff’s passion for the past is little surprise once they share the little details that make up their humble house. The Graffs used to live just up the hill from their cozy house at the 2600 block of Fourth Street Southeast in Austin. Lifelong Austinites, they spent years and years at their former home, built in 1892. Yet old homes take a lot of work, and Tom, 64, and Mary, 60, had talked about building a new home for several years. Continues on page 16
The Graffs own a quarter horse and pony that add to the quaint country feel.
The backyard of Tom and Mary Graff’s home opens to a large lot.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 15
The Graff’s dining room, which features open space and a simple design. A door used for the pantry in the Graff home features an intricate design that includes images of wildlife.
Continued from page 15 They finally worked up the ambition to move forward on a new home in 2006, when they worked with Anderson Construction and Jones Cabinetry — where Mary had worked for a number of years — to build themselves the perfect place to spend their days. “We didn’t have an architect or anything,” Tom said. “We just sat down and planned it out.” Mary knew she wanted to make the kitchen the highlight of the home, and it shows. The Graff kitchen has plenty of amenities, from a pantry near the refrigerator to a granite-top island in the center of the room. “This is where I can usually be found,” Mary said with a laugh. All of that comes with a little extra space for a small table and a bay window overlooking the backyard, which the Graffs landscaped into a pleasant glen complete with a creek, pond and lots of trees. “We wanted to look out there,” Tom said. “How can you beat that?” The Graffs are particularly proud of several pieces in their kitchen, including an old stagecoach box from the 1850s that Mary inherited from her parents, Andy and Joyce Anderson. Tom and Mary used to run Barn Swallow Antiques, an antique shop, with Mary’s parents before they closed the business about 15 years ago. Continues on page 18 16 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Mary Graff stands in the entry from kitchen to living room.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 17
Continued from page 16 That doesn’t mean the Graffs have lost their eye for precious antiques. They included the best part of their old home in the middle of their kitchen: An ornate front door etched with wildlife in a glass panel and decorated with trappings elsewhere. The door, which used to be part of their 1892 home, now serves as the gateway to the Graffs’ pantry. “A friend of mine bought the old house,” she said. “I said, ‘I’m sorry, but this is going with us.’” Mary also incorporated an old panel into the kitchen stovetop. She had the panel for a while and told Jones Cabinetry she wanted to use the decorated panel somewhere within the kitchen. “It turned out to be cherry and it matched the rest of the cabinets,” she said. The kitchen, located on the east end of the comfortable 1,800-square-foot home, leads to a large living room to the south, followed by a dining room overlooking the road to the west of the living room. From there, the Graffs put in a master bedroom tucked comfortably behind the kitchen, guest bedroom and main bathroom. The master bedroom is where
they keep portraits of their grandchildren, as well as a large photo of Mary’s relatives taken in Denmark in the early 1900s before they emigrated to the U.S. Tom and Mary also have their own private bathroom, where they incorporated an old sink-basin into the plans. The Graffs also put plenty of work into their basement, which has become a haven for their grandchildren. There are plenty of toys, another living room with a bar for treats, and guest bedroom with two large beds. The Graffs also have room for another bathroom, which Tom said they’ll eventually finish over the next few years. The Graffs are happy with the fine craftsmanship that has gone into their home, from a gorgeous lawn and rockbeds to little details like a carved owl post with a crow for Mary. They use a barn that was already on the property to house their horses, and Tom and Mary also like to watch ducks, geese, huron and even a painted turtle use the stream and pond they built. After all, that’s one of their favorite activities to do with Gracie, their lovable, friendly springer spaniel. “It’s nice and peaceful,” Mary said. “We absolutely love it.”
The Graffs’ living room.
18 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
The Graffs’ dog Gracie lays under the couple’s dining room table.
Tom Graff stands in the kitchen of his home on the south edge of Austin.
The Graff’s sink in the bathroom features a very oldtime feel.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 19
HOME & HEARTH
In the clouds This area-inspired band is coming back to the Austin ArtWorks Festival after a memorable 2013 By Jason Schoonover
Cody York Photography
loud Cult received a warm reception when the popular Minnesota band performed at Marcusen Park during the Austin ArtWorks Festival last year. Several young fans crowded up front against the stage to dance and jump to the music, many other fans were content to watch from lawn chairs, and the show even ended with a bang — literally — with fireworks. But the show proved special to the band for a reason most of the 1,100 people in the audience didn’t see. For most of Cloud Cult, last year’s concert was a homecoming with close to 100 family members and friends in the audience. It’s part of the reason why Cloud Cult will join Pert Near Sandstone to
c
20 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
play at this year’s festival. Most people knew violinist Shannon Frid-Rubin returned to a hometown Austin crowd, and she enjoyed signs that read “Welcome home, Shannon.” The rest of the band was also well-represented, according to singer-guitarist Craig Minowa. “It’s really rare that we’re able to do a show that is familyfriendly back on that home turf,” Craig said. Craig and his wife, Connie, who’s one of the band’s artists, grew up in Owatonna and have family in the Austin area. Artist Scott West also grew up in Owatonna, while cellist Daniel Zanzow and bassist/trombonist Shawn Neary are from northern Iowa.
“For a lot of them, it was their first time seeing us,” Craig said. Everyone wanted to come back, according to Frid-Rubin. “We all had a really good time,” she said. Frid-Rubin’s parents treated the band to a home-cooked chili dinner before the show, which Frid-Rubin said was great — even though there were a few embarrassing moments. “My mom whipped out the baby book, so there were some embarrassing pictures,” she said with a laugh. Along with family, last year’s show attracted many outof-towners, something Austin Area Commission for the Arts Executive Director Jennie Knoebel hopes happens again. “I know that there were people who traveled hours to see the show last year,” she said. But this year’s concert will be far from a carbon-copy of 2013. Cloud Cult’s undergone a transformative year, where they recorded a live acoustic album, “Unplug,” and performed acoustic sets the band said has brought them closer together. Minowa called the experience the biggest change he’s seen in the band in 14 years. Along with the members coming together to arrange songs from the band’s catalog into acoustic versions, the acoustic shows also brought the band closer. “It was very much a bonding experience — creating it and now performing it too,” Craig said. The band typically uses in-ear monitors for electric sets, which Frid-Rubin said can make them feel closed off. With the acoustic set, the band sits in a semi-circle and just uses stage monitors. “I feel like the lines of communication are more open with the other band members,” she said. Austin could get a taste of the band’s acoustic set in August, as Craig said the band will likely play half an acoustic show before switching to the full electric set for the second half. Frid-Rubin agreed the band has come closer together through the experiences. “I feel like we have been able to spend more time together,” Frid-Rubin said. That will also transfer to the recording studio. Traditionally, Craig has written material for albums before the band comes to his and Connie’s Viroqua, Wis., studio to record. This year, the band will come together over a few weekends to collaboratively work on the album. The band plans to start recording in July with the hope of releasing an album in the spring of 2015. The band has been busy since recording “Unplug” last last year and released this spring. They’re showing no signs of slowing down. “I feel like things have definitely picked up, which is exciting,” Frid-Rubin said. The band was busy on tour this summer and was even scheduled to perform in the Czech Republic in July. Things won’t slow down after ArtWorks. Cloud Cult will tour the West Coast in September. Mark Allister is writing a biography on the band called “Chasing the Light,” which is due out in September as well, as is the DVD version of “Unplug.” July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 21
HOME & HEARTH
Randy Berg, owner of Berg’s Nursery. Photo by Eric Johnson
Randy Berg digs out tips to improve your lawn By Jenae Peterson • Photos The right landscape for your home can seem like a lot of work, but with a little planning, your lawn can transform into the kind of yard you’ve always dreamed of. Randy Berg knows that all too well. As the owner of Berg’s Nursery in Austin, he’s watched landscape trends move from elaborate to functional and everything in between. “It’s designed just like a room in your house,” Berg said. “It’s like putting an addition on your house.” Nowadays, people tend to add little touches such as grills, countertops and even sinks to their yard. These 22 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
provided by
Berg’s Nursery
conveniences can make it easier to entertain guests. But not all designs work well with space constraints. Smaller landscapes can’t fit too much in them without potentially looking overcrowded. So what’s out there for small landscapes? A lot, as it turns out. “Small gardens are the neatest ones to design and build,” Berg said. The key to a successful landscape is to identify what you want to do with the space, according to Berg. Once a decision is made, the owner can start to show reflections of his or her personality,
through the colors of flowers to the outdoor furniture. There are a range of items you can put in your garden or yard to add personality, from lawn furniture and birdbaths to flowers and trellises. The first step is deciding how much of the space you want to use. Just because you have space, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Identify the space you want to keep clean and cut, and the space where weeds and dandelions can grow. There are many ways you can split up your yard to clearly define which space is which. You can use a buffer, or plant flowers or shrubbery to separate
the good grass from the wild area. You can also use hedging or fencing in either curved or lineal lines, Berg said. The next step, regardless of how much space you have to work with, is to ask advice. Finding a local landscape designer is a good way to start a project with many aspects to think about. Property owners need to do their homework and make sure their landscaper has training, however. Even if you decide not to hire a landscaper, it’s still important to ask for advice, according to Berg. Berg has had to fix a lot of mistakes made by owners and so-called experts alike, such as improperly installed brick works, poorly done patio work and badly designed retaining walls. “Advice and talk is free,” Berg said. “[People] could gain time and money by asking advice.” It’s good to get guidance on even the smallest details, such as choosing and planting flowers and other plants. Berg has found many people plant improperly, because they don’t know where to plant their flowers, how big the plants will get or even if the plant will live in the Minnesota climate. “I enjoy teaching [people] how to get the best out of their space in this very abbreviated Minnesota weather,” Berg said. Now plans can start coming together for the perfect landscape. Berg suggests working with the landscape designer on preliminary drawings of what you want your space to look like. Without a plan, people can spend a lot of money and time on something that may not turn out in the end. Things don’t have to come together all at once. It’s common for people to split the work up over several years, so they can get exactly what they want. More people are seeking out landscaping businesses like Berg’s Nursery for ways to spruce up yards. It’s not just about the business for Berg, however. “We’re creating a space for people to live, and we’re creating experiences,” Berg said. “We’re not just building a fireplace, we’re making memories.”
“Every project has a really different need,” Berg said. Sonja Larson’s landscape features many bright, colorful flowers, as well as a nice space with just grass. The three trees she had create a nice shady area. Berg’s Nursery put in Larson’s landscape about seven years ago.
Since then, Larson has also had her front yard redone. It took landscapers about a day and a half to place stonework leading up to the stairs, the stone stairs, and move in some boulders. Larson was unsure about adding a water element, but now she loves it. It’s a “huge attraction for birds,” according to Randy Berg. It also helps to drown out noise coming from the freeway. Once the water was added, it changed the whole dynamic of the project, Berg said.
Lars a “h out who
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 23
WHAT’S IN STORE
Gazing Globe $55.99 – Dolan’s Landscape Center These globes come in metal, glass and wicker materials. You can also find them in mosaic and blown glass. They come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, yellow and clear. You can also get one-color or changing-color lights that fit inside the globes to add a different look.
Fairy Statue $49.99 – Berg’s Nursery This majestic fairy statue is perfect for an empty corner, near a water element, or among flowers and plants. Statues like this are versatile and fit many different decor options. She would look great hidden in flowers or surrounded by climbing ivy.
Welcome Frog $29.99 – Berg’s Nursery This welcome statue is made of resin. The bright green frogs are designed to help add color to your garden, or can match a specific color scheme. They can be placed by the front door or in the garden. The welcoming frogs are sure to make you feel right at home.
Ceramic Stand
24 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
$64.99 – Dolan’s Landscape Center This ceramic stand is just one of many you can choose from. Different stand materials include ceramic, metal and resin. There are also solar-powered stands available that light up the glass globes.
Summertime means fun times when it comes to landscaping your home. Whether it’s a nice little statue to accent your lawn or a large accessory to bring a little fun to your property, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your yard By Jenae Peterson • Photos
by
Eric Johnson
Pottery $34.99 – Berg’s Nursery This large ceramic pot is great for planting flowers, shrubs or trees. This type of pottery can come in many different sizes and colors to match anything your decor calls for.
Garden Accent Rocks $29.99 – Dolan’s Landscape Center This particular accent rock is made by KayBerry. These are nice on lawns or near water elements. Finding just the right saying can really add a personal touch to your garden.
Mini Birdbath, Pink Lady $24.99 – Berg’s Nursery Birdbaths are great places for birds to land. Birdbaths come in many different shapes and colors birdbaths. This is one of the smaller versions. If you enjoy birdwatching, you can place it outside a window and watch as birds visit your garden.
Gnome Window Trellis $69.99 – Dolan’s Landscape Center These tall topiaries can be placed anywhere in a garden, even in potted plants. They are great if you have a plant that likes to climb. Flowers in the photo sold separately.
$5.99 – Dolan’s Landscape Center This ceramic window goes great on the front of a pot or the side of a tree. They look really cute on a big tree. These also work well with a small pathway leading up to them, and there are many kits filled with small furniture and items to help you in your fairy garden. July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 25
Keep fit, Keep cancer away
Dr. Margot Cleary on ways you could decrease cancer risk The Hormel Institute continues to gain international acclaim for its cutting-edge discoveries in cancer prevention research. Between achievements published in the world’s top cancer research journals and earning major cancer research grant awards, Institute work is accelerating answers to cancer.
Dr. Margot Cleary
26 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
There are some 200 different diseases called “cancer.” While not all diseases are preventable, Dr. Margot Cleary, Professor of the Nutrition & Metabolism Lab took time to share her research and lifestyle factors that could affect cancer progression.
Q: What was your education path. Why did you choose the field of research? A: I majored in chemistry in college (Regis College outside of Boston) and next went to Columbia University — Institute of Human Nutrition for graduate work in nutrition. There, I studied the effect of body weight on growth of adipose/ fat depots with respect to cell number and size. My studies included normal weight as well as genetic obesity. Q: What trends have you seen develop in nutrition research over your career? A: Between the time of beginning my master’s program and completing my doctorate, the emphasis in the field of nutrition went from studying malnutrition in third world countries to obesity in the U.S. It was a marked difference in where the focus of research was directed. Q: When did you start at The Hormel Institute? What are some significant discoveries of your work? A: I started here in 1982 and, from the beginning, studied nutrition and metabolism. Most cells in a fat pad are not actually fat cells, but other types of cells. We found calorie restriction in obese rats did not reverse the excess body fat stores — body weight was reduced at the expense of lean body mass. I continued the study of DHEA and its anti-obesity effect — the presence of this hormone generated a different reaction than calorie restriction. The result was loss of body fat and preservation of lean body mass. Another research finding identified a protein made in fat tissue — leptin — which acted as a growth factor in breast cancer cells. This discovery is critical because it is at least a partial explanation of why obesity is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer (and, perhaps, other cancers as well). As body fat increases, the levels of leptin also increase, resulting in cell proliferation — in other words, promotes cancer growth. An additional study that was significant involved the way we consume calories. We found that intermittent calorie restriction — periods of 50 percent reduction in intake followed by re-feeding — is more protective than chronic restriction, or 25 percent fewer calories consumed on a regular basis. More disease was prevented despite the fact that the same overall amount of calorie intake was experienced over the same period of time.
Q: What is the focus of your current research? A: We are now studying the effect of metformin (an antidiabetic drug, Glucophage), which has been reported to have anticancer effects. The thought is it may work in a manner similar to calorie restriction (the most effective anticancer intervention known). We are directly comparing the effects of metformin vs. calorie restriction (25 percent reduction) in a mouse model of breast cancer. The mice are fed a moderately high fat diet to induce obesity for 20 weeks before the interventions are started. We will follow the mice until they are 90 weeks of age. We will determine age of tumor detection, number of mice with tumors and the weight of tumors in the mice that have them. Q: What are your thoughts about taking supplements? A: Talk with your healthcare provider first. Some can be helpful if there is a way to monitor the results (for example, the vitamin D level can be measured in the blood.) I believe, for the most part, it’s a big waste of money. Supplements are not regulated and there is no way to guarantee the active ingredient is even in the product. There is also a safety issue — generally, there hasn’t been enough research to determine all the effects of taking a supplement and some can cause harm. Q: What do you do yourself that you’ve learned from your research? A: One of the top things is trying to maintain a healthy body weight. People should focus more on the importance of a healthy body weight to help prevent cancer and other diseases. Also: — Get mammograms and colonoscopies as recommended by primary care physician. — Use sunscreen. —Walk and be physically active in daily life as much as possible. — Try not to overeat … I don’t take second helpings and I try to wait and see if I’m still hungry. Q: If there were three things to do related to nutrition to prevent/avoid cancer, what would they be in your opinion? A: Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if overweight. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Be active. The human body was not designed to sit around all the time! —Submitted by The Hormel Institute
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 27
s k n i r D under n u s e th
OUT & ABOUT
It’s time to crack a beer or mix a cocktail and take in some rays of sunshine. When it comes to summer drinks, it’s all about ease and sharing for Cheers Liquor manager Stephanie Gerber. “You’re sharing with your friends,” she said. “You want to bring everybody together.” Many summer drinks tend to be fruit-flavored. Each sunny season, Gerber sees one flavor that sticks out. This year it’s passionfruit and mango. Margaritas are popular in the summer, especially with pre-made drinks like the Bud Light Rita line for people who don’t want to mix. Hard ciders like Johnny Appleseed or Redd’s Apple Ale at also popular summer drinks. These can be mixed with hard liquors too. Mixing a hard cider with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky makes a drink called “Angry Balls.” Leinenkugel’s line of summer beers is another popular choice, as some have taken to mixing the beers together for new flavors. “It’s all about that mixology and trying to experiment with some of the things that are out there right now,” Gerber said. Gerber prefers to savor her summer drinks. “I’m more of a patio sipper,” Gerber said. Gerber likes a good mascato, a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio as great summery, citrus-forward wines. To help take in the Minnesota summer, Gerber compiled a list three drinks, all made with many of the same ingredients. Several summer drinks use the same base ingredients: Malibu Coconut Rum, a clear or lite rum like Biccardi or Blue Charbay, a vodka like Grey Goose or Ultimate, pineapple juice, grenadine Leinenkugel’s and some other juices. has become an “Realistically, the ingredients we increasingly favorite drink for have up here will work for all three of summertime parties these,” Gerber said.
Check out the season’s hottest drinks with this area alcohol expert By Jason Schoonover Photos by Eric Johnson
and barbeques.
28 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Bikini Martini
Summer Drinks
Gerber: “It’s going to be fruity.” Simple drink. Ingredients: 1 fluid ounce coconut rum ¾ fluid ounce vodka 1 fluid ounce pineapple juice 1 dash grenadine syrup Directions: Combine rum, vodka and pineapple juice in a drink shaker. Shake firmly until frothy. Pour in a martini glass, add a touch of grenadine in the middle. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Cherry Bomb
Gerber: “That’s going to be more your lime-driven with some grenadine for color and a hint of sweetness.” Ingredients: 4 fluid ounce rum 1 liter lime soda 4 fluid ounce grenadine syrup 1 lime juiced 1 lime sliced 4 maraschino cherries Directions: In a mixing glass combine rum, lime soda, grenadine and lime juice. Mix well and pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with lime slices and cherries.
Summer Afternoon
Gerber: “You’re going to chill yourself down on the patio.” Easy to make and share. Ingredients: 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate 1 can passion fruit frozen concentrate 6 fluid ounces light rum 2 lime 4 cups crushed ice 1 orange, sliced into rounds 4 maraschino cherries Directions: Chill four glasses until frosty. Prepare frozen concentrate juices in separate pitchers using half cans of water rather than two. Refrigerate. Before serving, fill each glass with crushed ice. Divide rum evenly between glasses then add passion fruin juice and lemonade in equal amounts. Squeeze half of lime into each to top. Stir and garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherries. Recipes from www.allrecipes.com
Stephanie Gerber mixes the drinks to help you get into the summer mode. Recently she showed us a Summer Afternoon.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 29
OUT & ABOUT
A chance to explore Take a walk, run or ride on these trails this summer By Rocky Hulne • Photo You just had a bad day, it’s not getting better and you need to find a place to relax. We’ve all been there before. A great way to blow off some steam and recharge your batteries is a walk or a bike ride, and there are plenty of places to go in our area. The city of Austin has 14 miles of trails in and around the city limits. There’s a wooded trail that starts at the band shell and runs all of the way to Todd Park that can be used for bikers and walkers. The main trail covers the Roosevelt Bridge and East Side Lake. “The Austin trails are really great,” Vision 2020 Trail Committee Chairman Steve Kime said. “I think our city has done a great job of pursuing that and developing them.” There’s a shorter trail that runs from the Austin Country Club to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, where you can spend an afternoon wandering the woods and prairies. The Hormel Nature Center, while paved, is only for hikers as bikes are not allowed. “It’s a nice, easy walk and there’s lots of wildlife to see
30 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
by
Eric Johnson
and hear,” Larry Dolphin, director at the Nature Center, said. “It’s very relaxing.” The Nature Center also offers canoe rentals, where you can canoe on a pond at the nature center or canoe from Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake. Beginning July 19, there will be free rentals for canoes on Thursdays. If you’re in the mood for an adventurous hike, you can take the DNR trail that starts near the railroad tracks by Ramsey Golf Course. The trail, which is mainly for hiking, runs along an old railroad grid on a 12-mile path from Austin to Brownsdale to Dexter. Another option is to head out to the Shooting Star Trail, which runs 22 miles and begins just a few miles outside of Austin on Highway 56. The trail goes through Lake Louise State Park and runs all the way to LeRoy. If you’re into horseback riding, Lake Louise State Park offers 10 miles of trails that are great for horses to get around. No matter where you decide to go in Mower County, chances are you’ll get an hour or two of relaxation and you’ll come back with a refreshed mind. “It’s a great way to get out and just enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s walking, biking or jogging,” Kime said. “It’s a great way to get out with family or individually and get outside.”
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Executive Director Larry Dolphin is an avid canoer who makes use of the opportunities provided at the Nature Center to get out on the water. People can canoe on both Dobbins Creek and the ponds at the Center.
OUT & ABOUT
Summer memories and mishaps By Elizabeth Diser, Hy-Vee
chef
The smell of a campfire and food sizzling on the grill always brings up fond memories, but not all of them are great. One that comes to mind for me is attempting to cook macaroni and cheese with a butane torch and damp firewood in a record high heat wave. Another is recovering after a four-and-a-half hour drive with the AC barely keeping up, and the car packed to the gills with supplies and luggage strategically placed so the dog could still have a seat. We had traveled down what felt like the millionth gravel road with a constant light reminding us we are dangerously low on fuel. The windows were down to help with the stifling heat while we searched for the one and only gas station within 20 miles. Someone wouldn’t listen to the idea that we should fill up before we drove into the middle of nowhere. We were about to draw straws to find out who gets to walk to pick up gas, when we finally spotted the gas station. We made a sharp left turn and the tower of luggage finally gave. It toppled over onto the dog, who in turn tried to jump out the window to avoid being crushed. There I am in the middle of the intersection clinging onto her collar, trying to drag her back to safety. Even with all that happened, the driving mishaps and the park selling us damp firewood, we wouldn’t change it, because nothing can compete with food cooked over a campfire or grill. We love grilling so much that even in the dead of winter you will see us grilling brats and burgers. My family has all the fun toys for our camping trips grills, burners, and Dutch ovens to name a few. But most of the time all you need is a fire and tin foil to cook a really great meal.
Foil Packets
AKA Hobo Pouches Ingredients: 1 pound hamburger, shape into 4 patties 2 pounds baby carrots 3 potatoes, washed and sliced thin 1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced thin 1 box of onion soup mix, ½ packet per pouch 1 1/2 sticks of butter, evenly divided into 4 Aluminum foil, 8 sheets of foil torn into 1 foot sections
32 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Directions: – Cook over a campfire or on the grill over medium high heat. – Divide vegetables into 4 and place 1 sheet of foil down put the vegetables, meat, onion soup mix and butter into foil and seal the ends of the foil together. – Take a 2nd sheet of foil and seal the pouch again this will help with the juices leaking out. – Place the pouches on the grill or campfire flip occasionally let cook for about an hour or until vegetables are soft and the burger is cooked through.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 33
Styling by Heather Ryks Photos by Eric Johnson
34 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Summer is about freedom The freedom of being outside on a beautiful sunny day. The freedom of a cool night under the stars. It’s also the freedom of enjoying the weather with fun, light and colorful clothes. A summer wardrobe can be all of these things as well as a chance to be fun and inspiring, whether it’s an afternoon with friends, a day out shopping or a night out. As winter gives way to spring and summer comes on a warm breeze, recent Austin High School graduate Erin Dankert shows us what you can do to make this a summer to remember. —All clothes courtesy of Maurice’s
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 35
Almost out the door •Cage Back Print Top - $29 •I Am Smart Black Shorts - $34 •Braided Bracelet - $16 •Lucy Ghille Wedge - $34
Lighting it up •White Basic V Tee - $15 •Crinkle Lace Cami – Blue Grass - $20 •Multi Color Stripe Maxi Skirt - $34 •Necklace - $12 •Regan Gladiator Sandal – Pewter - $29
36 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
A night out •Blazer - $49 •Button Front Peplum Tube Top - $29 •Silver Tuesday Jeans - $89 •Pearl Collage Necklace - $24 •Lucy Ghille Wedge - $34
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 37
Stunning color •Dip Dye Ombre Dress – Pink/Purple - $44 •Reya Gladiator Sandal - $34 •Necklace - $16
38 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 39
Confidence •Chevron Sweater Tank - $26 •Wedding Lace Leggings - $18 •Shield Stone Necklace - $16 •Shield Stone Bracelet - $16 •Raven Sling Wedge - $34
40 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 41
By Jason Schoonover • Photos by Eric Johnson
motorcycle aficionado Andy Hull brings his creative
wheels to Austin 42 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 43
A
ndy Hull can’t fit a car in his garage because it’s filled with a workbench, a full-size chalkboard, a neat row of disembodied tires, and of course, his 10 motorcycles. "I just like the human feel of something built the Many of his bikes are in pieces way I do it. I just like seeing something that’s kind as Hull has started to work to of been sculpted and it’s got little imperfections customize them. Other parts — Andy Hull here and there. " are stored here and there. “It looks like a bone yard,” brings a new sensibility to bikes, like one he bought that was Hull said. ridden by farm kids and left for the junkyard. The garage is representative of Hull’s passion for motorcycles “I bought it for $300 and now it’s a completely different — especially for rebuilding motorcycles. Hull and Austin bike,” he said. “It brought new life into it.” ArtWorks Festival organizers are looking to help people share To Hull, a stock motorcycle is like a canvas and customizing that passion this August. After a successful, small-scale bike the bike is like a painter taking the brush to a surface, ready to show fundraiser in March, organizers are bringing back the Spare Arts Bike Show during ArtWorks Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to explore the work’s potential. Last year, Hull finished a 1979 Yamaha XS400 he built to 6 p.m. on a larger scale. resemble Steve McQueen’s Triumph from “The Great Escape.” Though Hull admitted in May he’s going from three weeks Though it turned out better than he expected, the engine blew to three months of planning, the ArtWorks Festival Spare Arts after he rode it throughout much of last summer, so he worked show will be a different animal. It will transition from inside on rebuilding the engine over the winter and spring. He the ArtWorks Center with limited space to a much larger expects to take it to the show in August. outdoor venue. Volunteers will block off Main Street from He changed the suspension, shortened the frame and gave it Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue — Steve’s Pizza down to the a more offroad stance. He also customized the tank and painted ArtWorks Center. the frame. The motorcycle show will be similar to a car show, with “It doesn’t have a whole lot of stock parts on it,” Hull said. an artistic bent. The show will be open to all motorcycles — When working on his bikes, Hull flies by the seat of his custom, stock and vintage. Hull also invited people to bring pants. Many people sketch out plans and make precise motorized scooters. blueprints and measurements, but Hull works more through “It’s really comparable to a car show, but we’re going to try trial and error and by feel, partially because he can’t draw the to put a little different spin on it,” Hull said. “It’s got a lot of blueprints. potential.” He compares his approach to sculpting. “I just like the human feel of something built the way I do Hull, an Austin native who works at Hull Painting with it,” he said. “I just like seeing something that’s kind of been his father, started to work on bikes at an early age. The first sculpted and it’s got little imperfections here and there.” motorized vehicle Hull ever had was a 1984 Tomos pedal-start When he finished the build after about two years, he even moped. He started working on it to keep up with his friend’s surprised himself. newer, faster models. People have asked Hull to build them bikes, but he plans to “It kind of spun off into bigger motorcycles,” he said. just keep it as his own hobby. Hull continues to rebuild his own bikes, mainly Japanese To people like Hull, even stock motorcycles are a form of art. models like Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis, though he’s He also owns a stock 1971 CD350 Honda. looking for British motorcycles. Hull isn’t alone as more people of all backgrounds customize “It’s a bit of an obsession,” Hull said, adding with a laugh that motorcycles. Hull has seen a recent boom for motorcycles as a he could be considered a bike hoarder. cheaper form of transportation. Customization gives many riders a chance to ride brag“The whole culture has changed a lot,” Hull said. “It’s not so worthy bikes without breaking the bank. focused on if you have a Harley Davidson or you ride a Honda “You don’t have to have a ton of money to build a bike,” Hull or a sport bike or a cruiser of some sort. It’s very open.” said. Tinkering with a motorcycle, to Hull, is more accessible than Hull rarely buys a new motorcycle. To Hull, customization working on a car or hot rod.
‘New life’
44 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
‘A blast’
After Hull attended an invite-only motorcycle show in Milwaukee, he was impressed with the fun community feel. He ran his idea for a bike show as a fundraiser for the ArtWorks Center past Austin Area Commission for the Arts, and she urged him to make it happen — sooner than he’d planned, back in March. Though the show only came together in about three weeks, dozens of people turned out to check out the bikes. “The show turned out to just be a blast,” Hull said. The show attracted about 250 to 300 people and raised $2,000 for the ArtWorks Center. With Spare Arts returning, Hull hopes it could be a way to boost downtown Austin during the festival, as Hull plans to work with some businesses to offer specials as the bike show will draw people from the Austin Utilities plant downtown. The ArtWorks Spare Arts Show may be a fundraiser again, but that’s not decided yet. In this area, there aren’t many motorcycle shows. Several are paired with car shows, and there are several motorcycle shows in the Cities, though Hull said there are fewer in August. Unlike the Milwaukee show, Spare Arts will be open to anyone. “Anybody who wants to bring their bikes can come,” he said. With an outdoor show, they’re at the mercy of the weather, so it’ll be rain or shine. Hull asked people showing their bikes to arrive about an hour before the show. They’d prefer people to stay the whole time, but organizers are keeping it open. July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 45
B
ehind
the
Swing Photos
By Rocky Hulne by E ric J ohnson
Matt Cano’s baseball roots run deep in Austin
I
t was 1978 and Matt Cano was 5 years old. As he walked into Marcusen Park for the first time, during the annual American Legion state baseball tournament, all he could feel was awe. Cano was taken back by the energy from the crowd. He dreamed of what it would someday be like to play at Marcusen. Cano achieved his dream and then some. This summer, Cano will be 41 years old, in his 12th season with the Austin Greyhounds, the same team he has managed with John Frein for the past 11 years. Cano has stayed involved with the Hounds while balancing his work life and his family life around about 30 nights per summer on the baseball diamond. For a lifetime baseball player, Cano is
46 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
surprised he’s still at it. “I take it day by day,” Cano said. “If you would’ve told me in 2003 that I would’ve been managing in 2014, I definitely would’ve said probably not. It’s hard to commit for the next year, but we’ll see how I feel. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning.”
Matt Cano played in college and in the minor leagues before returning to Austin.
" “They were all good experiences.”
Cano’s baseball journey has been a long one. The 1991 Austin High School graduate played on the last Packer baseball team to make it to the state tournament. Austin lost to Cretin Durham Hall 2-0 in the state title game in 1990. That team, which played its home games in Marcusen, had a sense of joy just playing together as teammates learned how to play at a high level. “I grew up competing in All-Stars and our age group took pride in it,” Cano said. “It was a good time, because I was playing with the kids I grew up with and some of them are still good friends of mine.” Cano went on to play for Riverland Community College for two years, where he excelled. He became an All-Conference player for two years at St. Cloud State University after that. Cano hit the minor league circuit after college and he had
a Twins game it starts at 7 and gets done at 10, but in reality those players have been there since noon taking batting practice in the cage or on the field. There is a lot of preparation and work done behind the scenes. It’s an experience that I would definitely do again in a heartbeat.” When Cano was at AHS, he also played football and hockey, which helped him become a better baseball player because he became a better athlete. “I really believe in cross training,” Cano said. “I think it helped me become a better athlete. I know sometimes they specialize in sports, but I would encourage kids to keep playing different sports. I’m 100 percent in the belief that if you’re a good athlete, you’re not going to be overlooked by a school.” Now, Cano’s most difficult part of training is getting ready
The Austin Greyhounds’ Matt Cano takes batting practice at Marcusen Park. To stay on top of his game, Cano spends plenty of free time to work on staying the best player he can be.
plenty of stops. He played in Mexico for a season and a half, in Evansville, Ind., for a couple of years and in New York. In Cano’s final minor league season, he played in three separate cities. He started the year in New Jersey, but was traded to Winnipeg when they needed a third baseman for a key series against Fargo, N.D. He then ended up in Lincoln, Neb., with a coach who once coached Cano in New York. Cano could’ve played another year with Lincoln, but he decided to give up on his professional career and begin his amateur career with the Austin Greyhounds. He still looks back fondly on his time in the minors. “They were all good experiences,” Cano said. “You go from college right to a professional league and it’s kind of eye opening how hard professionals work. When you go to
to compete with much younger players on the baseball diamond when summer rolls around. The Hounds usually take their time before they push themselves too hard, and it takes a bit of a process for a man in his early 40s to get ready to play with guys that are still in their 20s. “We have to work harder to keep up and I think keeping up is just trailing behind. The old guys still want to compete and they have to be ready or they’re going to be left behind,” Cano said. “The first few games, there’s usually a few aches and pains and it’s hard to get through the first few weeks. We like to focus on our section games and we use the season to get ourselves ready.” Continues on page 48 July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 47
Continued from page 47
on the responsibility of setting up schedules and adding players to the roster. They don’t mind doing all of the hard work if it means area players can continue playing competiCano still enjoys playing with the Hounds, but the team tive baseball after college and high school. gives him a chance to teach the game to younger players as The Hounds also try to boost the well. The Hounds, who won state titles community as much as they can. Their in 2002 and 2003, have recently made SpamTown Tournament brings in players a youth movement as the team added a from all over the Midwest that fill up the few high school players and recent gradhotels and restaurants in town. uates to its roster. Cano sees the future When Cano looks at Marcusen Park of amateur baseball in Austin when he now, he doesn’t necessarily think of the looks around the Hounds’ dugout. past. He thinks of the future. “The Greyhounds’ focus is always to He thinks of the future generations of win a state championship. The big core kids who will look at it the same way of the Greyhounds that won the state he did when he was 5 years old, and he championships have kind of retired or hopes they get a chance to play on it just are on the tail end of their career,” Cano The Spamtown Challenge highlights the like he did. said. “There’s going to be a day where “It’s really a tremendous asset to the we pass it along to someone who’s ready charm of Marcusen Park, a park Cano holds a great affection for. community and it would be hard to build to take it over and I could see us being another Marcusen Park with that amateur baseball stadium behind the scenes to make it easier for whoever takes over. feel,” Cano said. “We understand that it’s going to get floodWe’ve got a lot of young players and they’re really the future. ed, we just know it’s going to take a little more labor to get it There’s a good nucleus and I see Austin fighting for a state cleaned up again. I just want to make sure that kids growing title for a good 10 years at least.” up have a chance to play down at the park.” As part of running the Hounds, Cano and Frein have taken
“ We have to work harder to keep up and I think keeping up is just
trailing behind. The old guys still want to compete and they have to be ready or they're going to be left behind ”
48 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 49
TRAVEL
A purpose to travel By Trey Mewes Photos provided
by
The sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Coast, Ghana, where the volunteer work team enjoys a day of relaxation.
Kathy Stutzman
Kathy Stutzman’s world travels brought her to Ghana to help nonprofits
Kathy Stutzman gets help while learning how to carry water on her head.
50 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
It’s not often you get to “travel with a purpose” like Kathy Stutzman. The 56-year-old nonprofit consultant has traveled all over the world to help organizations get on track and reach goals. She has stories from South America, Africa, Asia — plenty of destinations and many experiences with nonprofits looking for a strategic vision. Yet her work comes with rich experiences and fun memories. That’s exactly what Stutzman found during her latest trip to Ghana earlier this year. “It was just so much fun,” she said. Stutzman is no stranger to Ghana or West Africa. She took the opportunity to travel to Africa in 2003, where she spent six weeks working with various organizations funded by the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the U.S. That was how she met with representatives from Street Girls Aid, a nonprofit dedicated to helping girls and young mothers living on the streets of Accra, Ghana’s capital. “We call it traveling with a purpose,” Stutzman said. “It’s an opportunity to engage and learn from people of other countries and cultures traveling openly, humbly and flexibly. It’s kind of a cross between traveling as a tourist and traveling as a missionary. We don’t have any particular agenda except to go and engage in relationships.” Continues on page 52
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 51
The team took a field trip to Meet Me There Lodge and learned about community-based compostable toilets. This is a view from the lodge.
Street Girls Aid workers and clients let volunteers practice carrying babies. Cathy Smith had a special bonding experience with one of the babies.
Continued from page 50 It was that relationship building through the Austin Rotary Club, as well as the Rotary Foundation, that led to a phone call in 2011 from Stutzman’s friend who was working with Street Girls Aid. The organization had hit a crisis in 2009 and 2010 during the economic recession, when funding priorities shifted for many international organizations. Stutzman, no stranger to strategic planning and the vision process for large organizations, accepted an offer to be part of a team to volunteer their services in Ghana and help Street Girls Aid workers revamp their process. “It made sense, rather than direct aid, to help this organization develop a plan whereby they could have the tools to succeed,” Stutzman said. Stutzman and a group of Rotarians traveled to Ghana three times between September 2011 and February 2014. Stutzman and other volunteers helped Street Girls Aid analyze its organization during the first trip, and acted as consultants during the second trip, when Street Girls Aid workers moved to restructure its programs. That second trip stuck out to Stutzman, as she watched when Street Girls Aid workers got feedback from its clients in 2011. That led the organization to extend its services to women up to age 20, to help them find shelter and train them to work, to help women take care of themselves and their children. “The things they learned about what the girls were saying changed what they do,” she said. The last trip may have been the most fun for Stutzman. She and a few other Rotarians from the Rotary Club’s regional district traveled to Ghana on Jan. 24 to help test several workshops Street Aid Girls hoped to create for Ghana’s booming tourism opportunities. “One of the things that Street Girls Aid knew it needed to do was to generate income aid,” Stutzman said. “They knew they wanted to connect with that tourism industry.” To that end, Street Girls Aid created four small classes for tourists to take, from learning how to batik clothing — in essence, to dye cloth according to West African tradition — to discovering Ghanan customs and manners. The manners class was a crash course for Stutzman, who learned how
Kirsten Lindbloom plays with the children at Kinbu Crèche, the Ghanan version of a child care center.
52 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Ghana’s typical greeting, “Ago,” meant several things depending on the context. For someone looking to join a meeting, “Ago” was a way to ask permission to enter. Out on the street, a person shouting “Ago” was asking people to get out of the way while he or she moved something heavy. “For years I had heard that on the street, and I thought they were saying hello,” Stutzman said with a laugh. “Oh my goodness gracious, of course I need to know that in order to have that stronger tie and cultural relation with people. “It’s the type of thing where you don’t want to ask that and appear rude, but if you don’t have that, you’re going to appear even ruder,” she added. Other classes included a cooking class and a course on how to properly carry items on your head, which is normally done using a cloth wrap as a buffer. That class also involved tying together wraps to carry a baby. “We also took that same tie, and learned how to carry babies like the women do on their backs,” she said. “So the girls brought some of their babies in, and we got to tie their babies to our backs.” There’s a rich tradition involved in tying wraps to carry babies. It can vary depending on how old the baby is, whether it’s baptized, and other small indications. “There’s different colors and different traditions on how you carry a baby,” she said. For Stutzman, the trip was a definite success. Street Girls Aid workers will likely have several classes to offer tourists, as Stutzman and the other volunteers were impressed by everything they learned about. Stutzman even plans to offer her own batiking and wrap classes soon. “All of [the workshops] are marketable, they were replicable, they were fun and interactive and our team provided some ideas for modification and marketing them a little bit better,” Stutzman said. “The amount of income that Street Girls Aid can generate from these workshops can house a number of girls in refuge while they learn work skills.” Stutzman and the other volunteers left Ghana on Feb. 9, but the trip felt too short for her. She’s excited to work with other organizations soon, including nonprofits in India and Nicaragua. “I follow my passion and I follow where I’m asked to serve,” she said.
The moms at Street Girls Aid learn vocational skills while living at the refuge. This sewing machine was purchased through a grant funded in part by the Austin Rotary Club. Kathy Stutzman learns how to pound fufu, a food staple in Ghana, during a cooking class at Street Girls Aid.
Holly Callen works with moms at the Street Girls Aid refuge to put book plates in the books purchased through donations and a Rotary Foundation grant.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 53
LOOKING BACK
A greener Austin Provided
by the
Mower County Historical Society
Mower County Transcript, 1893 & 1984
Kinsman’s Greenhouse, ca. 1900 MCHS photograph
A.N. Kinsman, 1911 Mower County History Book
An energetic and honest businessman, A. N. Kinsman (1854-1942) purchased S. H. Harrison’s greenhouse in 1890. He expanded it from one small shop on the southwest side of Austin to Austin Greenhouses, a more than 100,000-square-foot, centrally located greenhouse that supplied chic floral shops in the Twin Cities and shops across the U.S. and Canada. By 1896, the florist moved his business to St. Paul and Lansing Avenues (First Street and First Drive Northwest) where he built six greenhouses with 7,000 feet of glass. He produced a variety of flowers, green plants, and vegetables and specialized in roses in an environment controlled with steam heat. By 1923, Kinsman had expanded to 100,000 square feet and promoted the greenhouse by inviting customers into a wonderland of flora and fauna. Kinsman employed 25-30 regular employees and added seasonal workers during peak seasons, making Kinsman’s one of the largest greenhouses in Minnesota.
54 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
en ho us e, 19 08 K in sm an ’s G re Ph ot og ra ph M CH S
A. N. Kinsman survived the storm that produced hail, high winds, a tornado and a flood in June 1908. At one point, all eight greenhouses were under water. Area businessmen gifted him about $6,000 to rebuild his greenhouses, without obligation to repay. One year later, resilient and prosperous, he repaid them with interest. Austin Greenhouses was also hit by a 1928 tornado. Again, Kinsman rebuilt and returned to business.
Kinsman’s Greenhouse, 1908 MCHS Photograph
Kinsman’s Business Card, ca. 1950-1960
In total, Austin Greenhouses operated for more than 100 years. A. N. Kinsman handed the operations of the Austin Greenhouses to his son, Calvin, who passed it on to his brother-in-law, Charles Ashton, followed by M. B. Erwin and R. B. Erwin. They later sold the business to John Johnson of Roseville in 1966. Johnson operated the business as Johnson Floral until 2013.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 55
INSIDE AUSTIN LIVING
One of our favorite — and most popular — features in Austin Living is the fashion photoshoots we line up for each issue. This one was special to photographer Eric Johnson, however. Johnson had long wanted to work with then-Austin High School senior Erin Dankert and had an idea for a perfect shoot inside AHS. That’s how Johnson, marketing representative Heather Ryks and writer Jenae Peterson found themselves with Dankert inside the high school on a Wednesday night in early May. Johnson used the light to his advantage here, as AHS’s older windows provided the perfect lighting for a variety of shots. Of course, it takes a lot of work to create such gorgeous artwork for each issue, as Ryks knows all too well. Here she is adjusting Dankert’s hair before a series of photos. 56 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
Behind the scenes
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 3532 Hwy 63 South • Rochester, MN 55904
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 57
AUSTIN LIVING AUTOMOTIVE HOLIDAY CARS OF AUSTIN: 2701 West Oakland Ave., Austin, MN www.holidaycarsaustin.net www.holidayford.net (888) 267-1356 Holiday Cars of Austin is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in the area. From the moment you walk into our showroom, you’ll know our commitment to Customer Service is second to none. We strive to make your experience with Holiday Cars a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to purchase, finance, or service a new or pre-owned vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. DAVE SYVERSON AUTO CENTER: 2310 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN www.davesyverson.com (507) 373-1438 Experience the difference with Dave Syverson’s non-commissioned sales team. Visit your local Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, LINCOLN, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ram dealership serving Albert Lea and surrounding areas. Access the most upto-date internet car buying tools on their website.
DINING TORGE’S LIVE: 1701 4th St. NW, Austin, MN (507) 433-1000 www.torgeslive.com Torge’s has the best regional entertainment and the coldest beer in Austin! Enjoy 22 flat screen HDTV’s, a large outdoor patio with fire pit, live music, and daily food and drink specials. Torge’s Live Sports Bar and Grill is Austin Minnesota’s best nightclub!
EDUCATION
JOYOUS EVENTS PHOTO BOOTH: (507) 437-0043 www.joyouseventsphotobooth.com Joyous Events Photo Booth Rental Service is a newly developed company serving southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. We rent mobile photo booths for all events including weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, and bar mitzvahs. Our professional service is guaranteed to add a high level of entertainment to your event! Please call us with any questions, we look forward to helping you with your memorable event!
FINANCIAL ACCENTRA CREDIT UNION: 400 4th Ave. NE, Austin, MN (507) 433-1829 www.accentracu.org Open to anyone who lives, worships, works or attends school in Mower, Olmsted, Freeborn or Winona County. Check us out for home, auto, business or personal loans. Credit unions have better rates and fewer fees. Mobile banking available 24/7. Become a member today. Locations in Austin and Albert Lea.
HOME IMPROVEMENT AREN’S HEATING: 101 3rd St. SE, Austin, MN (507) 433-5652 www.arensheatingandcooling.com Steve and Penny Arens working hard to make “Our Furnace Company Your Furnace Company” for 30 years since 1983. Selling “Top Rated” Bryant Equipment. We will service any make or model. 24 HR Emergency Service. Free Estimates. Call Today (507) 433-5652.
NIACC: 641-422-4245 1888-GO-NIACC www.niacc.net NIACC has a history of providing quality post-secondary opportunities. Ranked #14 in the nation for student success, NIACC offers a long list of opportunities: Adult/Developmental education, Career/Technical education, the first step to your bachelor’s degree, & Workforce development.
BUDGET BLINDS: 310 1st Ave. S., Albert Lea, MN (877) 373-8535 www.budgetblinds.com/AlbertLea We proudly serve the local community by offering high quality and stylish window coverings for any occasion. Our lavish selection of window treatments includes shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and even window film. Call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation. Looking forward to helping you beautify your home!
PACELLI CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: 311 4th St. NW, Austin, MN (507) 437-3278 www.pacellischools.org A tradition of excellence that spans over 100 years in the city of Austin. Our core values have always been Faith, Service & Scholarship. Small class sizes and flexible grouping allow for individualized education. Affordable tuition for all. Please give us a call for more information.
CUSTOM DRAPERY & BLINDS BY MICHAEL ESCH: 1120 Aspen Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337 Voice: (952) 895-0618 www.cdabbyme.com Custom Drapery and Blinds by Michael Esch is one of the leading window coverings businesses in the area. Our mission is to provide a top quality product at value oriented pricing with the strongest customer warranty in the business.
ENTERTAINMENT
FREEBORN LUMBER COMPANY & DESIGN CENTER: 971 Plaza Street West, Albert Lea, MN www.freebornlumber.com (507) 377-4284 A family owned business that began in 1946. Stop in and visit their new facility and design showroom. Freeborn Lumber features quality building materials, new home design, kitchen remodels, cabinet design, agricultural buildings and outdoor living spaces.
AUSTIN AREA COMMISSION FOR THE ARTS envisions a vibrant and successful community enriched by diverse arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. We oversee the Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin ArtWorks Festival, and the Austin ArtWorks Center. The Historic Paramount Theatre is a high quality performance venue. The Austin ArtWorks Festival is a citywide event to celebrate the visual, performing, media, and literary arts created and cultivated in our area. The Austin ArtWorks Center is a place to cultivate our creative community through education, creation and exhibition. AUSTIN MINNESOTA FREEDOM FEST: This multi-day event is held annually around Austin in conjunction with the Fourth of July. Events and activities celebrate the community and Independence Day, including entertainment, a parade, concessions, crafts, and fireworks. 58 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
HOME SOLUTIONS: 603-1st Ave. S., Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-3435 www.homesolutionsmidwest.com Update your home with windows, siding, sunroom, gutters, Gutter Helmets, sunshades, or metal roofing. We make homes new again.
MARKETPLACE INSURANCE
SERVICES
LISA HINES AGENCY - AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE: 701 W Oakland Ave. Austin, MN 55912 (507)-433-2160 As your American Family Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy. Stop in for a free insurance quote.
AUSTIN UTILITIES: 400 Fourth St. NE, Austin, MN (507) 4338886 www.austinutilities.com Austin Utilities is offering great rebates to residential customers who purchase energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment. Look for products with the ENERGY STAR label that meet our Minimum Efficiency Requirements (MER)*. When you purchase your energy saving equipment, ask for a rebate application, fill it out, attach your receipt, and send it to your utility! CONSERVE energy for the environment and SAVE money for yourself.
THOMPSON INSURANCE, INC.: 507 1st St. NW Suite A., Austin, MN (507) 437-9025 Thompson Insurance, Offering Better Solutions through Atlas Insurance Brokers. We compare rates from over 50 insurance companies including AAA, Progressive, Travelers, The Hartford, Met, Safeco, Integrity, West Bend, Selective and many more. This allows us to provide you a customized, comprehensive and cost effective insurance plan for your Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Business Insurance, Life Insurance and Health Insurance needs.
SHOPPING MEDFORD OUTLET CENTER: 6750 W. Frontage Rd., Medford, MN (507) 455-4111 www.medfordoutletcenter.com Our shopping destination continues its 20 year commitment of offering an exciting shopping experience of your favorite famous brands to southern MN and traveling tourists. We are located on Interstate 35 at exit 48 with close by dining and lodging.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 59
Enjoy summer with the many fun adventures, events and happenings that Austin has to offer! All event details, including date, times and location, are subject to change.
June 26–29
July 15
When: All day Where: Marcusen Park and Riverland Baseball Complex The annual baseball tournament features 16 teams from several states, as well as our own Austin Greyhounds. A special Marcusen Park Block Party will take place on June 28 with guests The Tracy Blake Project. For more information, visit www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com
When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Plager Building, Mower County Fairgrounds. Held annually the third Tuesday in July, this event promotes agri-business in the Austin Area and establishes links between agriculture and the business community. The event also supports the National Barrow Show, 4-H Ribbon Auction, Dairy Princess, Pork Ambassador and similar programs.
n 10th Annual SpamTown Challenge
July 3–6
n Austin Freedom Fest When: All Day July 3-6 Where: Downtown Austin This multi-day event is held annually in conjunction with the Fourth of July. Events and activities celebrate the community and Independence Day, including entertainment, a parade, concessions, crafts and fireworks.
July 8-12
n “God of Carnage” When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College Summerset Theatre presents a modern classic involving the parents of two children who got into a fight and the societal ills that plague the modern family.
July 8
n Peace Garden Tour When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Hormel Historic Home Enjoy a morning exploring the Hormel Historic Home garden. For more information, call 507-433-4243.
July 13
n The Hormel Institute Public Open House When: 4-6 p.m. Where: The Hormel Institute, 801 16th Ave NE The Hormel Institute will host a public open house to showcase its world-renowned cancer research, cutting-edge technology and upcoming expansion. Tours start at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free Admission. No RSVP required. Call 507-437-9601 for information. 60 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
n Ag Appreciation Cookout
July 17–19
n Austin Water Festival When: All day Where: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. New event highlighting the importance of water to our community, and reinforcing our connectedness with water and our environment. Activities will include canoeing, pond scooping, water testing quality, water survival, water geocaching, kayaking, fishing, crayfish hunting, dunk tank, river clean-up, sewage treatment tours, the opportunity to earn prizes and more. For more information, call 507-437-7519 or go to info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
July 24
n Lunchbox History Series “History of the Owatonna Orphanage” When: noon-1 p.m. Where: Pioneer Building, Mower County Historical Society Meet and hear the story of one man’s journey through the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children in Owatonna. Harvey Ronglien will talk about what he experienced in what has become known as the Owatonna Orphanage and how he joined with others to preserve the campus’ history. For more information, call 507-437-6082.
July 26
n BOSS (Bikers of Student Success) Ride When: All day Where: Riverland Community College, Austin Campus Fundraiser for Riverland Community College student scholarships. All motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome. Day-long ride begins at RCC campus. Call 507-433-0630 for more information.
July 26
August 23–24
When: 3 p.m. Where: Veteran’s Pavilion/ Bandshell Park The annual cancer fundraiser features fun events, including games, live entertainment, a silent auction and more. The Luminaria begins at dusk and an opening ceremony will start at 6 p.m.
When: All day Where: Downtown Austin Utilities plant Features visual, performing, media and literary artists with ties to the Austin region. Join us for a true celebration of the arts, because art works! For more information, go to www.austinartworksfestival.org.
n Relay for Life
July 29–August 2
n “The Odd Couple” When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College Summerset Theatre presents Neil Simon’s classic play, “The Odd Couple.” The show is recommended for all ages. For more information, call 507-433-0595 or go to boxoffice@riverland.edu.
August 5–10
n Annual Mower County Free Fair
n Third Annual Austin ArtWorks Festival
August 22–24
n Matchbox Children’s Theatre presents “The Princess With No Name” When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Paramount Theatre Matchbox Children’s Theatre will present “The Princess With No Name,” a fantasy story about a princess who meets several several fairy tale characters along her journey to remember who she is. For more information, email info@matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or Call Cindy Bellrichard at 507-433-1931.
When: All day Where: Austin Fairgrounds, 700 12th Street Southwest, Austin Youth and open livestock shows, free stage entertainment, grandstand events, arts/crafts, horticulture, children’s farmyard, games, midway and your favorite fair foods. Go to www. mowercountyfair.com or call the fair office at (507) 433-1868 for more information.
August 13
n Calle Sur When: 7 p.m. Where: The Paramount Theatre The Paramount Theatre partners with Riverside Concerts in Rochester to bring the band Calle Sur to town. Come here the unique sound of urban and rural music combined in one sound.
August 20
n Grand Blackwood Writing Workshop When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Austin Public Library, large meeting room Author Grant Blackwood will share his writing secrets and techniques in this one-day workshop sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration fee is $25, which includes the workshop and lunch. Limited to 30 participants, so register early.
August 21–23
n Hallinglag Convention When: All day Where: Holiday Inn Showcasing and celebrating southern Minnesota’s Norwegian roots. Contact Chelsea at 507-433-8000 for more information. July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 61
BOOK REVIEW
FROM RAGS TO RICHES
As the Austin Page Turners committee plans for the 2015 Page Turners author, committee members are taking time to share some of their favorite Minnesota books with Austin Living. Peggy Benzkofer is a Page Turners committee member and is reviewing “The Rag Man” by Pete Hautman. By Peggy Benzkofer “The Rag Man” by Pete Hautman is a romp through a few weeks in the life of Mack McWray, a good man until he meets up with Lars Larson. Lars convinces Mack to open a clothing manufacturing business with him. Mack will be the Rag Man and handle the manufacturing side of the business while Lars will be the money man. Mack puts all of his savings into the business as well as all the money he can find, including a large loan from his wife’s parents. Mack trusts Lars to handle the money with the help of a woman Lars hired. Then one day, Lars and the woman disappear with all of the company’s assets. Mack is faced with bankruptcy and disgrace as well as the loss of the business. Mack follows Larson to Mexico where he confronts him and watches him fall to his death, refusing to attempt to save him. This traumatic event changes Mack and gradually he finds himself doing things that were unimaginable to him before. He impersonates Lars in order to get his money back and returns to the U.S. with more than $300,000 in cash. Mack blackmails his cousin, who is also his banker, to reopen his line of credit in order to restart his business. He also threatens people to get what he wants and rides roughshod over anyone in his way. Of course, many factors arise to get in his way and the pace of the book picks up to breakneck speed. Mack’s wife 62 | Austin Living | July–August 2014
tries to understand him and confides in her best friend. This isn’t a wise move, since it inspires her friend to begin an affair with Mack. That relationship seems to show just what Mack has become. He is definitely no longer a nice guy. A person on the fringes of the story is a policeman named Pleasant who is pursuing Lars and then switches his interest to Mack after he learns Lars is dead. Pleasant explains that he believes there are key crooks who are the “Typhoid Marys of bad guys.” They create crooks by being successful. He says, “Anytime you have a successful crook, just about everybody they rub up against starts breaking laws.” The proof of his theory is brought out by the tragic ends that befall just about everyone. Pleasant is left to prove the theory or remain an honest cop. Hautman is a longtime Minnesota writer who has written many young adult books. This, however, is definitely an adult book with adult themes and graphic scenes of sex and violence. The book takes place in the metro area of the Twin Cities, but we only know this by the place names. It doesn’t have a real Minnesota vibe. This would be a good beach read, although perhaps not at the Mexican resort of Isla Mujeres.
July–August 2014 | Austin Living | 63
By Grace Heimsness They say you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. I think it’s also true that you can choose your town but you can’t choose your home. I’ve had the luxury of not wanting to choose either. But it wasn’t always that way. I grew up with more than a few voices in my ear telling me to leave this place. So I did — I split for the coast and spent four years in a city that rarely dropped below 50-degree temperatures and was capital “C” crowded. When I would come home to visit over Christmas, my high school classmates would groan in jealousy. But I spent those four years missing real winters (I know, I know), among other things. For example, the particular conundrum of getting yourself stuck in a snowbank, the more particular grace of being dug out by a stranger, having a 45-minute conversation with said stranger, and inviting former-stranger-turned-new-best-friend to dinner. I missed the stars that only show themselves to small-towners and other nonmetropolitan folk. I missed skating at Sherman Park. I missed “uff da.” So I came back to Austin. I stopped missing those things and started being grateful for them. Now I thank my lucky — and now visible — stars for conversations with perfect strangers on Main Street. I’m glad for free parking, and for being able to say “pop” without worrying the server will think you mean your dad or the sound a tire makes when it goes flat. And I’m grateful that the diversity of a big city has made its way here, and for what it means for Austin’s culture. These days it seems as if there’s no such thing as a small town — the Internet has brought the world into our homes, for better and for worse. But Austin, Minn., hasn’t been completely plugged in — the stars and the smell of burning leaves and a bike ride through quiet, dusky streets are just a few of the things that make us unplugged in the best way. Sure, we can leave this place. But coming back is sometimes even better, when you know what you’re missing. 64 | Austin Living | July–August 2014