July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 1
EDITOR’S NOTE
Oh, how I have longed for summer. The bright days, the warm nights, the drive to go out and do things is what summer is all about. Summer has a freeing feeling about it, as though we’re given permission to really let loose and get creative. The summertime has always been my favorite time of year. There’s possibility in the air, ready and waiting for enterprising people to snatch it and embark on a brand new venture. For me, it was theatrical productions in the summer. There was always a community theater play to take part in where I grew up, and I loved the opportunity to make and experience art as much as I wanted to during the days when I didn’t have any other commitments. We wanted to capture these feelings for area residents with this issue of Austin Living, which we’ve dedicated to the arts. Beginning with this July/August issue, we’re giving people a chance to express themselves through Austin Expression, a literary section filled with reader-submitted content which we’ll publish every July/ August moving forward. It’s an exciting tradition we’re glad to introduce and we’re thankful so many people shared their poetry, fiction, paintings, drawing, sculptures and other art not only with us, but with the community at large. You can read our top picks on pg. 32. What’s truly inspiring is how many artists are in our midst who find time for the passions after work, family and other everyday responsibilities. Jason Schoonover highlighted several amateur artists who follow their passions whenever they have the chance, from an art teacher who loves music to a doctor who can’t get enough of photography. Take a look at these engaging artists on pg. 40. Of course, there’s plenty of other things to do in the area, from touring our community (on pg. 24) to taking a lovely horseback ride through the area (find out more on pg. 46). Yet we hope everyone can get a little more inspired to pursue their creative impulses this summer. After all, that’s part of what makes Austin Living so great — all the wonderful people who contribute to our community’s culture.
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 open-minded. Call Trey Mewes at 507-434-2214. Feel free to pen a letter, too. Our address is on the right.
EDITORIAL Editor Trey Mewes Contributing Writers Trey Mewes Jason Schoonover Jenae Hackensmith Eric Johnson Rocky Hulne Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Colby Hansen Graphic Designers Susan Downey Colby Hansen Eric Johnson Kathy Johnson Kim Ehrich SALES & PROMOTION Advertising Manager Jana Gray Sales Representatives Heather Ryks LeAnn Fischer Brenda Landherr Merry Petersen JULY–AUGUST 2015 Volume 3, 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
Trey Mewes, Editor 2 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
PUBLISHER Jana Gray
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July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 3
WHAT’S INSIDE
JULY–AUGUST 2015
features AUSTIN EXPRESSION
Celebrating the talents of Austin’s homegrown artists
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THE JOY OF CREATION
Take a look at Austin’s artistic side with these amateur artists
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SADDLING UP
A first-person look at an equine hobby
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SEEN 6 BREW, BEARD, BULLS#IT
The first-time event was a smash hit
8 BLACK & WHITE BALL
The annual gala raised $9,500
9 TASTE OF NATIONS
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There was plenty of good food this year
10 POWER OF THE PALATE
Hundreds helped area children get food
12 AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL PROM
High schoolers show off at the dance
HOME & HEARTH
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16 GIVING A LESSON
This Hormel Institute scientist loves to teach others
18 GARDENING WITH FAIRIES
Nursery owner Randy Berg shares the secrets behind fairy gardening
OUT & ABOUT 22 MR. FREEDOM FEST
Jeff Baldus is the man behind Freedom Fest’s best attractions – the inflatables
24 DISCOVER AUSTIN
The CVB’s Nancy Schnable on a little hometown tourism
28 A CRAFTED BREW
Craft brews await customers at Dusty’s
extras 31 WHAT’S IN STORE
ArtWorks Wonders
50 A HELLO KITTY ADVENTURE
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This marketing whiz got an education in Hello Kitty during a convention trip
54 LOOKING BACK
A look at the Austin Candy Company
56 BEHIND THE SCENES
A look at the making of some of this issue’s stories
58 AUSTIN LIVING MARKETPLACE
60 AREA HAPPENINGS
The biggest upcoming events in Austin
62 BOOK REVIEW
“The House of Tomorrow,” by Peter Bognanni
64 WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
The friendly atmosphere and community spirit July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 5
SEEN | Brew, Beard, Bulls#!t It’s no bull — more than 100 people came together to celebrate beards, beer and shooting the breeze at Brew-Beard-B.S. on April 19 at the Holiday Inn. A panel of judges examined some of the best beards around and awarded several prizes to some of the best beards and mustaches around. In addition, residents got to sample beers from seven craft breweries, including many brews typically not seen in Austin. Event organizers say the event will come back next year.
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6 (1) Todd and Jude Waller of Adams, Ashlee and Rob Blahak of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Ashley Holdgrafer of Adams (2) Katie Gabrielson, Crystal and Justin Steinbach, and Danielle and Travis Weidert, all of Austin (3) Ryan Heath of Austin and Ben Heath of Northfield (4) Terra Gorman and Sam Callahan, both of Austin (5) Lindsey Haney of the Style Lounge trims Shawn Martin’s beard at Brew-Beard-B.S. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center (6) Ben and Liz Ankeny (7) Whalen and the Willows perform (8) Ryan Hines, Jason and Katie Gabrielson, and Lindy and Adam Shamp, all of Austin (9) Tom Butusov and Chris and Maria Anderson, all of Austin (10) Scott and Jennie Knoebel, both of Austin (11) Catherine Haslag and Shawn Martin, both of Austin 6 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
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SEEN | Black and White Ball The IBI Data Relay For Life team’s annual fundraising gala was a huge hit as the Black and White Tie Ball brought in more than $9,500 for Relay for Life. Hundreds of people attended the ball and subsequent auctions. This year’s event was held in dedication to Mike Simmons, a longtime IBI Data team member who served as an inspiration during his own fight with cancer.
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(1) Maleficent, Dylan Kaercher, Marilyn Monroe and Belle (2) Zhera Paaverud and April Collins (3) Jenna Grabau and Isaac Smith (4) Jeff and Cheryl Irvin (5) Amy and Dave Navratil (6) Maddy Navratil and Colton Hammond (7) Heidi Olson, (Heidi’s mom) Elaine Williams, Katie Bissen (Elaine’s second daughter) (8) Molly and Nathan Garvey (9) Ron and Shelley Vogel (10) Timothy and Stephanie Putzier (11) Pat Jensen and Julie Clayton (12) Nicole Sturgis and Hunter Pfiefer 8 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
SEEN | Taste of Nations The sixth annual Taste of Nations shook the El Parral Ballroom this year as hundreds of Austin residents experienced some of the cuisines from cultures around the world, all represented here in Austin. The Taste of Nations moved from its longtime venue at the Oak Park Mall to El Parral and still managed to pack in plenty of live music, dancing demonstrations, tasty food and more all under one roof, with more than 40 countries represented at the annual affair.
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(1) Liliana Jimenez dances with David Ibarra (2) Barb Chromy takes a reusable bag from Adrianne Noyola (3) Michelle Braun and Laura Ackerwold (4) Marco and Robin Garcia (5) Scott Anderson, Karla Conradt and Janet Anderson (6) Kristi Smith and Kyle Easley (7) Aleyda Vargas performs a song (8) Danela Higgins prepares a drink (9) Darren Grimm, Monica Grimm and Amoe Sato (10) Florian Muller, Yesenia Mendoza, Ghyslain Sossoukpe, and Comlan Mahoukpu July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 9
SEEN | Power of the Palate This year’s Power of the Palate brought in hundreds of people to support elementary school students across Mower County on May 1. The third annual event, put on by the Women’s Leadership Initiative, raises money to support the WLI’s weekend backpack program. Each week, the WLI packs food for the weekend for more than 300 disadvantaged youths across six schools within the county. The group also gives personal care items at area schools.
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SEEN | Austin High School Prom Prom season was upon Austin in May, with plenty of fashionable dresses and dapper tuxedos on display during the Austin High School Grand March on May 2. Hundreds of AHS students showed off to a room of more than 1,500 residents during the Grand March. This year’s prom theme was “Around the World” and featured famous landmarks as decorations. Find more Prom pictures on page 14
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(1) Bridget Hanson, Brady McDermott, Lukes Klabunde, Gabrielle Bauer, Jacob Burkha, Payton Merritt, Tristen Bauer and Hannah Noble (2) Riley Wagner, Trista Akkerman, Alex Smith, Quoc Lee and Connor Sheehan (3) Mitch Tebay, Logan Tischer, Rachel Quandt and Connor Klapperick (4) Jora Bothun and Gage Ramsey (5) Kendra Wagner and Nathan Wagner (6) Miranda Bergemann and Ethan Morey (7) Crystal Bowlin, Michaela Finnegan and Dominique Lenway (8) Nyajuok Puok, Jackie Krueger, Montgomery Dye and Morgan Wills (9) Tori Gardner and Juan Rodriguez (10) Dallas Shoden and Taylor Tauchnitz (11) Olivia Leuer and Shannon Lysne (12) Mike Rembao and Autumn Huehn (13) Jackie Krueger and Jon Tolman (14) Kelsey Sederquest and Jake Reinartz (15) Katie Maxa, Heather Hultman and Madeline Strobel (16) Crystal Bowlin, Payge Hegna, Nick Andera, Bailee Brooks, Chanda Ounkong and Nicholas Ross 12 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
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(17) Mary Apiou, Hannah Perez, Matt Retterath, Ben Walker and Keely Zynda (18) Kelsey Sederquest and Jake Reinartz (19) Max Deyo and Zeke Peters (20) Donna Nibaur and Allison Braaten (21) Callie Bumgardner, Christina Hernandez and Dorothy Stevens (22) Matthew Knoll, Bailee Brandt, Matthew Anderson and Josh Irvin (23) Steven Saltou, Samantha Cross, Christina Bos and Tanner Bergstrom (24) Hmilo Kpa, Jorge Morales, Jessica McQueen and Aaron Duenes 14 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
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HOME & HEARTH
By The Hormel Institute
giving a lesson
Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe and his wife, Gretchen Erickson
Ted Hinchcliffe and his family support education throughout the community Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe can easily talk about mitotic spindles, cytoplasmic extracts, aneuploidy and microtubule cytoskeletons. With the same ease, he can translate complex research he performs with high-tech microscopes at The Hormel Institute to understandable examples for non-scientists, whether they be middle-school students or state business leaders. To give perspective on the complexity of cell biology work, he often compares a human cell to a machine made up of 20,000 parts with no owner’s manual on how it all works. He describes what happens in cancer to cells having a defective fail-safe trigger like the one at intersections that prompt flashing red lights to prevent accidents when there’s a system error. “I do enjoy — particularly when talking to community members — seeing them get it,” Hinchcliffe said. Education is a major priority for Hinchcliffe and his wife, Gretchen Erickson, who met when Erickson was a classroom 16 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
teacher in Minneapolis. To them, it’s not just something important for themselves and their middle-school twins, Henry and Eleanor, but also for their community. And they believe Austin supports education very well, leading to today’s strong school district. “As a classroom teacher, you realize that you need a lot of support. Schools cannot do it alone,” said Erickson, who, like Hinchcliffe, has a parent who was a teacher. “The success of your schools depends on the support of your community and your families.” Since moving to Austin in 2008, Hinchcliffe and Erickson have been heavily involved in promoting and working to improve education, especially in the areas of science and reading. Hinchcliffe joined The Hormel Institute that year as an associate professor at the cancer research center, where he leads the Cellular Dynamics section studying how normal and cancerous cells work.
Hinchcliffe gives a speech to Ellis Middle School students each year.
As part of the Institute’s extensive educational outreach, Hinchcliffe speaks to seventh-graders throughout the day during an annual visit he makes to Austin’s Ellis Middle School to excite young people about science and talk about his work. He mentors a college undergraduate every summer as well as part of the Institute’s internship program. Hinchcliffe also annually gives presentations at the Institute to groups, including Leadership Minnesota and Leadership Austin. In 2014, he gave one of the “TEDx Talks” presentations at a first-time Austin event at The Hormel Institute. Teaching and presenting are nothing new for Hinchcliffe. He taught for 10 years in the analytical and quantitative light microscopy course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts and taught for seven years at the University of Notre Dame while he ran his research lab. He enjoyed teaching, but it was difficult to do with his research. “So this is my outlet to do that — to talk to community groups,” said Hinchcliffe, who also serves as the leader of the Austin Public Schools’ Gifted & Talented Advisory Committee.
Erickson works at the school district’s Community Learning Center with children in Early Childhood Family Education classes. She previously worked for AmeriCorps on preparing Austin preschoolers for kindergarten. Her passion for getting books into kids’ hands also led Erickson to bring the Little Libraries idea she had seen in the Twin Cities to Austin, starting with one in her front yard atop Skinners Hill. Her initiative since has led to nearly a dozen Little Libraries in Austin outside of schools and homes. Erickson, whose garage is filled with donated books, said the Little Libraries’ success is one example of Austin’s great support for education and children. She’s also now entering her fourth year of volunteering as coordinator of the school district’s Reader’s Café, a program at its free, summer lunch program Mondays through Thursdays. It offers books, games and projects. “Reader’s Café really is about reading, for sure, but also building relationships with people,” she said. It takes two months in advance to prepare for it and then many volunteer hours to run Reader’s Café with other helpers. “It’s a lot of work,” she said, “but I enjoy it.” July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 17
HOME & HEARTH
Brianna Baldus puts plants in her fairy garden during a class at Berg’s Nursery. Randy Berg, opposite, conducts the class.
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Gardening with fairies
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Build your own creative fairy garden with tips from Randy Berg By Jenae Hackensmith • Photos
usan Smith didn’t know she was going to feel like a kid again when she signed up for a miniature gardening class at Berg’s Nursery in April. “It’s almost like when you were a kid and you got to play with your dollhouse. This is almost like an adult version,” she said. “It’s fun.” Miniature fairy gardens can be found on porches, resting on front steps or sitting in backyards throughout the region. For newcomers, it’s gardening on a manageable scale. For experienced gardeners, it can be a new twist on an old hobby. No matter what the reason for starting a miniature fairy garden, there are a few tricks to keep in mind. Miniature fairy gardens became popular around seven years ago, but they have been around for far longer, according to Randy Berg, owner of Berg’s Nursery in Austin. Miniature gardens became popular in the 12th century in China, and many people would recognize miniature zen gardens and bonsai trees. “This kind of gardening has been around for a long time,”
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Eric Johnson
Berg said. “It’s not new, it’s just kind of being revisited. People are rediscovering it. And a lot of people enjoy this because they don’t want to garden on a large level, but something little like this is very easy to manage and they can take care of it.” For Smith, the class was a challenge to make a nice miniature garden on her own, but she was glad she tried something new that turned out to be fun. “I think you should try it,” Smith said. “You don’t know until you try.” The first step to creating a miniature garden — and a big part of the fun according to Berg — is choosing the container to hold the garden. Berg has seen many items used, such as pots, old whiskey barrels, broken pottery, an old drawer and even a tire swing. Filling the container with good soil will set the garden’s foundation. Berg suggested using a potting mix, such as Fafard potting mix. He advised against soil like Miracle Grow, which has too much peat moss and locks in moisture. Continues on page 20 July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 19
Kathy Green, from right, Sherri Iverson and Sue Stark talk about the kind of plants they want to put in their fairy gardens at Berg’s Nursery.
Fairy gardens can utilitze a variety of elements to make it come alive.
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Continued from page 19 “It really points to success or failure,” he said. “If you use crappy ground, you’ll get crappy results.” After the soil is in, it’s time to get creative. Berg advised placing main features before doing anything else. “Right away I want to decide, ‘Where are my houses going to go?’” he said. Everything can be set on one level, or there can be multiple levels. Berg can demostrate how to create a river near the fairy home by removing some of the soil from one corner of the container. He then filled the bottom of the ditch with blue pebbles — or blue aquarium rocks — to signify water. He also set up a retaining wall with river rocks to keep the ditch from caving in. After that, he decided to add steps leading to the house from the ditch, which he did by placing flat pieces of flagstone. “Steps are kind of hard; you’ve got to get just the right pieces,” he said. After placing main features, the plants get placed. Berg suggests a taller plant to give the garden more levels and more ground space. Yet any plant that grows slowly will do well in a miniature garden, though some will need to get trimmed at times. Additions such as benches, fairy, people or animal
Fairy gardens can be easy to assemble and add a spark to both outdoor and indoor spaces.
figurines, bird-baths, bridges and many more can be added to create the miniature garden. Berg advised against putting too much in the garden as it could get cluttered and have too much going on. When it comes to watering, gardeners should use a spray bottle with a stream spray instead of a mist, so as not to damage or overwater the garden. “When you water, instead of taking a water can or something — because it will disrupt everything — you want to spray,” Berg said. “And when you first build it, you want to clean everything. So you’re cleaning it off with the spray, making sure the mulch and everything is where it’s supposed to be.” Miniature fairy gardens are about self-expression, according to Berg. He said many people choose things that remind them of their home, or bring up other memories or feelings. “It’s a self-expression thing,” he said. “It’s an artistic thing. You can create what you want and you can do it in a fashion that conjures up memories of the past. Some people do barnyards and farm areas, others do almost a scene like their home with a tire swing and things like that. Other people just enjoy that they’re actually able to garden with not just plants but other things as well, little ornamentation and that.”
An example of a fairy one could put in a fairy garden.
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OUT & ABOUT
t s e F m o d Mr. Free Jeff Baldus turned a fun opportunity to improve his business into a passion for giving fun to the community during Freedom Fest By Jason Schoonover • Photos
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Eric Johnson
Jeff Baldus looked at his computer in his spacious office near the back of the 110 First Ave. SE building this spring and fought the urge to add to his collection. Even with the Balloon Typhoon in his garage awaiting its Freedom Fest debut, Jeff was already eying the next piece to add to his slate of inflatables. Jeff watched a video and looked at pictures promoting an inflatable game, The Jungle Jumperoo, which looks like an inner tube that children could jump on while holding onto railings extending from the center for balance. “I’m fighting myself,” Jeff said of the urge to purchase one. A few hours later, Jeff had an
Jeff Baldus has done a lot for Austin’s Freedom Fest including Baldy’s Games, an assortment of fun activities that include inflatable play areas for kids. 22 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
admission: He’d just bought a Jungle Jumperoo online. It will be in Bandshell Park during Freedom Fest this year. Jeff is a well-known face around Austin. Currently the director of the Austin Area Foundation, he was a Hardees regional manager, the original owner of Austin’s Culver’s, at one time worked for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and has served as Freedom Fest director since 2006. But a part of his contribution to the annual celebration is easy for the public to overlook. Jeff has purchased all of the inflatable games used at Bandshell Park during the Day in the Park and the Fourth each year, and he, along with a group of volunteers and workers, does
much of the work setting them up and organizing the park festivities. While Jeff admits it can sometimes be difficult to justify the expense, he described his work with Freedom Fest and buying the inflatables for the park as his hobby. “It’s a lot of work, and people don’t realize that,” Jeff said. “But what keeps me doing it year after year is just the kids. The smile on their face; they’re all having a good time.”
Hopping on a hobby
It started with the Deluxe Burger Hopper. The hopper, Jeff’s first inflatable, predates his Freedom Fest involvement. Jeff purchased the inflatable to use at Hardees locations when he was regional manager for a company franchise. Once the franchise unit disbanded, Jeff kept the Deluxe Burger Hopper as part of his severance package, he jokes. Jeff went on to open Culver’s, which he eventually sold. The hopper sat in his garage for a few years before it was put to use in 2005 when Jeff first got involved in the Fourth of July festivities. He brought the Deluxe Burger hopper that first year, which was used with a few games, but Jeff said there weren’t many things for children to enjoy. So that winter, Jeff got to work. He researched online and started building his own games. He constructed several, and sought ways businesses could participate and contribute prizes. At a convention for Culver’s, Jeff saw a model cow kids could milk as a game and learning tool. “I’m like, ‘Man, that’s cool. I need one of those for my store here,’” Jeff said. “And so then I took that to the festival a couple years and used that as a little contest with the kids.” In recent years, the games have been removed, as just offering inflatables is simpler for Jeff and his crew. This year will likely feature Captain Kirby, a pedal pull and horse wagon rides in the park, the National Guard will bring its climbing wall again, and there may be a selfie booth. Festival organizers are also adding a free activities tent for children. As always, the center of the park activities will be the bandshell
entertainment and Jeff’s inflatables. “It’s a hobby; I do it for the good of it,” he added. Baldus has received some money/ rental fees for Freedom Fest, but it often just covers a portion of his costs, which includes winter storage. Jeff’s wife, Kris, said her husband isn’t “one to toot his own horn,” but added he does it because he enjoys giving back the community. “He likes to do it for the kids,” she said. “He likes to see the smile on their faces.” Kris didn’t envision Jeff’s involvement in Freedom Fest lasting this long, but she noted it’s hard for Jeff to give up a project once he takes it one. “He always goes full bore,” she said. Now when he asks her opinion about a new piece, Kris says she shakes her head and says, “Do what you think the kids will enjoy.” Jeanine Nelson, who took over Baldus’ former job coordinating member relations/major events for the commerce, described Jeff as a enthusiastic and as a great festival director. “Jeff brings a lot,” she said. “He brings a lot of energy for one thing.”
‘It’s worth it’
But the work isn’t always easy. It can be time-consuming over the Fourth — especially when set up, teardown and cleanup comes into play — and it keeps Jeff and Kris away from their summer RV at Hidden Meadows RV Park & Campground in Pine Island. For Jeff, one of his favorite parts of the festival each year is to be able to sit back at the end of the day with a cold beverage to enjoy the fireworks. Hearing the crowd’s reaction to the fireworks brings a smile to his face. “I just think we put on a phenomenal fireworks display,” Jeff said. After the festival is done, Baldus and his crew are still busy cleaning and packing things up from the festival. “After all of it’s done and you get a chance to catch up on your sleep, then it’s like, ‘Alright, let’s just get ready and do it again next year,’” Baldus said. “You know what, it is worth it,” he added. July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 23
OUT & ABOUT
Discover Austin Nancy Schnable shows how fascinating Austin can be with these fun activities By Trey Mewes • Photos
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Eric Johnson
Digging into Austin’s culture, heritage and attractions is like discovering hidden treasure. At least, that’s what Nancy Schnable thinks. As the Austin Covention and Visitors Bureau executive director, Schnable gets to pore through Austin’s interesting history, sights, sounds and experiences on a daily basis. For her, uncovering a new draw for Austin is a thrill and a joy. “We’ve got a lot of fun history here in Austin,” she said. Want to know how much fun? Schnable has suggestions by the boatload (or rail car-load) for residents looking to tour their native community. Austin has a rich culture few towns can lay claim to, which is why Schnable recommends many exciting activities for people to enjoy.
Be a tourist in your own hometown The eponymous challenge is an annual contest designed to bring Austinites a little closer to the city they live in and love. Residents explore the town on a self-guided tour to hit up some of Austin’s best restaurants, important landmarks, historical sites, entertainment venues and more. Schnable and the CVB created the contest last year as a way to get out and about through a dining challenge, but this year’s contest is a little different. By visiting 20 locations around Austin, residents can fill out their “Blackout Bingo” card to win a chance for $100 in chamber bucks. Yet the prize isn’t the real reward. It’s the knowledge people gain about their hometown that makes the contest special.
Nancy Schnable, executive director for the Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is photographed at Worlein Park, one of the many places in Austin that give residents a chance to be a tourist in their hometown. 24 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
Sculpting history If you’re in a more artistic mood, you could always visit Austin’s architecture. No, really — there’s all sorts of intriguing sculptures and monuments throughout the area. “You could go on a sculpture tour if you wanted,” Schnable said. “We’ve got a lot of impressive sculptures in the area.” The CVB offers its own version of a sculpture tour, but there are plenty of landmarks around town. There’s the Burning Flower at Ellis Middle School, the Mower County Veterans Memorial, the gorgeous statues at the plaza near Marcusen Park. And then there’s Buffy. Every longtime resident knows all about the history of Buffy the Cow, arguably Austin’s most famous landmark. The lovable cow was commissioned by the Ankeny family in the 1940s and sat on the roof of Ankeny’s warehouse for a number of years. More than 5,000 people took part in naming the cow, and someone even stole Buffy’s horn once. “Everybody loves Buffy,” Schnable said with a laugh. Nowadays, people can find Buffy near the entrance to the Mower County Fairgrounds, which is Buffy’s home as of 2012, when Mike Ankeny donated her to the Mower County Fair Board. Continues on page 26
Buffy the Cow, as seen outside the Mower County Fairgrounds.
The fallen soldier sculpture at the Veteran’s Memorial.
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One of the most popular attractions at the Mower County Historical Society, the steam train.
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Along the rails You wouldn’t know it now, but Austin had something of a history with trains. The city was once one of the biggest way stations in Minnesota for the Milwaukee Railroad Company. According to Schnable, more than 500 people were employed here at the railroad’s heyday in the early 20th century. “It was a huge part of Austin,” she said. As the railway dried up, jobs moved elsewhere, and today there are few remnants of the company’s time here in Austin. Residents can see the last railway car the Milwaukee Railroad Company put through Austin at the Mower County Historical Society, where it serves as part of the society’s exhibits and festivities each year.
A walk in the park — Marcusen Park You’d be surprised how versatile some of Austin’s parks are. While Todd Park may be the destination for Parks and Recreation events, Austin’s got a gem by the water in Marcusen Park, according to Schnable. “It’s amazing, everything that’s down there,” she said. Not only is Marcusen home to amateur baseball throughout the summer, it’s also a Historical Marcusen Park represents a fun place to watch a baseball game with several chances during the summer for baseball fans to see their favorite team.
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portage to the Cedar River. It’s also the site of a huge concert each year — the Austin ArtWorks Festival’s showcase event on a Saturday night toward the end of August. For the past few years, the stage has featured acts from Cloud Cult to Martin Zellar and the Hardways. This year has even bigger acts with Marty O’Reilly & the Old Soul Orchestra and Alex Rossi & Root City to celebrate Austin’s art.
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A crafted brew OUT & ABOUT
Dylan Nagle of Dusty’s Bar & Lounge pours out wisdom on craft beers By Rocky Hulne • Photos
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by
Eric Johnson
If you’re looking to kick back with a couple of craft beers this summer, Dusty’s Bar & Lounge has just the answer. While their flavors may change every once in a while, Dusty’s offers plenty of options for beer drinkers who like a little deeper taste than just a plain old light beer. After all, craft drinkers like a little variety, according to Dylan Nagle, owner and manager of Dusty’s. “It’s something different,” Nagle said. “You never know what you’re going to get. Whether you want hops or some fruit characteristics. If you’re only going to have a few, you might as well have a few good ones rather than a few light ones.” One of Dusty’s more popular beers in the summer is a Session Ale made by Founders Brewing Company. Nagle said that is kind of surprising Founders makes a Session, because they usually make beers that are heavier in alcohol. “Every summer they get better and better because the brew masters figure out how to do it better,” Nagle said of Founders’ Session. “They lighten up the alcohol content so you can have a few more and not be too messed up. If you’re outside and sweating, it’s going to get to you pretty quick if you’re drinking 6 or 8 percent beer.” Another popular summer beer is Shenanigans Summer Ale by Indeed Brewery, an American wheat ale. “It’s not like Blue Moon wheat, but it’s got some wheat characteristics and it’s got some more citrusy flavors,” Nagle said. For customers who are looking for a little bit more of an expensive taste, Dusty’s offers Dark Horse, which is based out of Michigan. Nagle said Dark Horse makes a quality raspberry ale, along with other good products. “It always sells and it’s always good beer, but it’s at the maximum price point for what we can sell in Austin,” Nagle said. “They make some great beers.” Great Lakes Company out of Cleveland, Ohio, also makes plenty of good beers. “Every beer they make is good, but it’s just a matter if it makes sense for what we need right now. If it’s hops, or amber or a porter,” Nagle said. “Their amber tastes better than any amber I’ve ever had. There’s so much going on.” There’s good drinks to be found in the Land of 10,000 Lakes too. Dusty’s also offers beers from a pair of Minnesota breweries. Surly Brewing Company makes a beer called Furious that is very hoppy and popular. Brow Brothers, which is based out of Marshall, Minnesota, and Fulton, which is based out of Minneapolis, also help keep Dusty’s taps filled. —Be sure to check out these beers and more at Dusty’s, but don’t delay — the bar rotates craft brews in and out of their menu.
Dylan Nagle, owner of Dusty’s pours an Indeed Brewing Company’s Shananigans.
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 29
WHAT’S IN STORE
ArtWorks Wonders By Jenae Hackensmith • Photos
by
Eric Johnson
There’s nothing quite like an artist’s original handiwork. Whether it’s functional like jewelry or pottery, or simply a decoration for the home, you’ll always know that these pieces will be unique. These artists are featured at the Austin ArtWorks Center, where they have more than 50 different artists’ work on display.
Rayna Gastier: These paintings are good for any decor with a warm color-scheme. The colors blending together can hang on any wall, and the artist offers similar paintings in several sizes. Small (either $20 for the lighter green and pink one, or $25 for the pink and darker blue one), long $35, large $30.
Al Honn: These vases are perfect for summer flowers. This artist subtly works in a variety of colors and makes sure to the glass piece looks like one full item. Large $420, small $160. Tom Blahnik: This artist uses wood in a variety of ways. These wooden bowls can be for decoration or functional art. Put them on a table, use them as a candy dish or place them on a shelf, these wooden bowls are sure to catch the eye. Small $70, smooth $75, with holes $300.
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Kayla Waletzke: Spruce up your look with this functional art in the form of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. With beads and small coins, these are sure to match many outfits and hit that perfect, one-of-a-kind look. Jewelry ranges from $10 to $50.
Nicole Fierce: Looking for a business-card holder? Work in some art at the office with this artist’s card holder and paperweights. Use the tumbler glass at parties, and don’t forget this bright splash of color to spice up any setting. Paperweight $28, card holder $28, orange vase $75, tumbler $22.
Margie Kline: These pieces can accent any color scheme, but are also functional. The wine chiller will fit most wine-bottles, and the mug is perfect for coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Cup on plates $39, mug $20, wine chiller $50.
Peter Waldman: Glass can be made into many different things, and for this artist glass is the inspiration for his many sculptures. He also does vases and makes other glass items. Gears $350, balloon animal $500 Lisa Truax: Pottery comes in all shapes and sizes. A blast from the past for many, this milk carton is a great way to remember the old school days. The pitcher and bowl are a nice touch to any kitchen or living room. Pitcher $68, blue bowl white inside $58, milk carton $18 and square plate $20.
John Kjome: This artist takes clay, stone, glass, metal and reclaimed wood to make beautiful works of art, such as the jewelry shown here. He makes a variety of work, though, as he also made the table shown here. Table $3,950, earrings green $35, earrings hoops $35, necklace copper $87.50, necklace stone $52. July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 31
“The City of Water” by Audrey Ferris
32 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
Celebrating the talents of Austin’s homegrown artists
A
ustin Living Magazine showcases astounding talent each issue as scores of residents share their passions, creativity, hobbies, designs and more with readers every two months. We’re a creative town full of artists of all kinds. To that end, Austin Living has decided to start a new tradition in line with the area’s annual Austin ArtWorks Festival. Austin Expression will feature art in all mediums — songs, poetry, longform reading, photography, paintings, etc. —
each July and August so our readers can enjoy a taste of just how our friends and neighbors express themselves through artistic endeavors. We are grateful to the many artists who submitted their works for this issue. Here is a collection of some of the best art we received. As time passes, we hope even more people will contribute to this communitydriven section of our magazine as Austin Living continues to showcase our lovely city for years to come.
es hurt ay and d s e h c t ht ca ..... then nig swallows.....
W
ed on hen lov
Pictured above are just some of the works featured in Austin Living’s inaugural Austin Expressions, a special feature that highlights and exhibits the extraordinary talents of artists and craftsmen from the area. Top going clockwise is an example of Kory Engelstad’s complex origami, a lion taken by Barb Houle, the beginning of a poem by Ronald Jensen, pottery by Joseph Sand and mixed media by Ashley Barber. July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 33
V
isions ird
d
un
Th
b er
Angry Birds
Kory Engelstad, origami
“Waterfront”
“Morning Dew”
Audrey Ferris
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Barb Houle, African bird
James Wegner,
Ashley Barber, “Daphne”
Molly Maschka “Off to Battle”
Sally Gerhart, Roosevelt Bridge
Joseph Sand, pottery
Sonia Larson
Matt Freechack Michigan color July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 35
W
ords
All The Way Down By Betty Benner It was December, sunshiny, below zero, Colder than sin. Four year old Ross wanted to go sledding. We walked the few blocks to Woodridge Park pulling a little red snow saucer. The snow squeaked as we climbed to the top of the hill. We stood a minute, watching chimney smoke rise straight up in thin white wisps. We could see across town to the highway. “Push me, Gram,” Ross said. He hopped on the saucer expectantly, holding onto the side handles. I gave him a push and off he went. Part way down he hit a bump, went off to the side into a clump of weeds. “Grandma, you pushed me crooked,” Ross shouted, jumping up and down, his face red with anger and cold. Pulling his cap down close to his eyes, he picked up the sled, slammed it down on the icy hill, throwing his little body face down on it with all his force. He went flying down, hanging on for dear life, straight down the middle of the incline— It was a long way down. At the bottom he stood up, turned around and waved his arms, shouting and jumping up and down. “Gram, I made it, I made it! All the way down!’
When loved ones hurt
By Ronald Jensen
36 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
At the top of the hill, I shouted and danced in the winter sun with him. You made it, Ross. All the way down. Let praise and joyful noises fill the crisp air. We were surrounded then, by an intangible something, a feeling, a spirit, that came from beyond the chimney smoke, beyond the distant highway, beyond the sun. We were enveloped by a force field of love. Ross smiled all the way home, and drank two celebratory cups of cocoa, with little marshmallows on the top.
Illustration by Eric Johnson
Mushroom Cloud By Amanda McKnight In the din of dragging feet along gravel paths, heading to a place where eulogies are epiphanies, I heard someone say your name. In hushed tones, a woman and man discussed your past and lack of future. I want to chime in — tell them about your apathy — how you would bait hooks for sport and exploit the girls who tore their mouths biting back. You are a mushroom cloud — like you always said. You pervert silence, dig graves and cover them in bone — (shattered like stained glass windows in a monastery).
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When loved ones hurt then night catches day and swallows, rain does not portend new life but floods the brain with pain full thoughts, and worries flit by thousands like bats from a peakèd roof at dusk.
You are a crematorium — no one gets out alive. The eulogy reverberates in my ears among whispers of your infidelity as the mourners crunch prints in gravel, and I can’t help but wish they were on their way to bury you.
Not to Let You Go By Grace Heimsness
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There is a sneaking suspicion in the deepest of my neurons that home is who you hang your thoughts on. Every day I seek a frame of reference, a frame of happening on whom to hang mine. But when I’m not strong enough to believe there might be someone who could bear the mind I bare, I mean on the nights when I shuffle home just wrung the hell out, the bluesmen are the ones who’re there. The blues are a compulsive suspension of disbelief. You don’t listen to the blues; you drag yourself on hands and knees into their embrace and hold onto them as tightly and for as long as you can. When your ribcage goes numb from the metronomic smack of that impulse to get gone, you find yourself curled up with their unrelenting lack like a drunk coming to on the cold tile floor, and wrestling the music into something that makes life gloriously livable once again. The blues are what you do with not being enough. It starts with a lopsided beat that speaks to the way nothing quite syncs up in your head. Uneven fits of instrumentation run flush and level together. The har-
monica caterwauls, the bluesman drags his voice through the mud, and together they scrape away the residue of outrage you feel toward the conveniences that have atrophied your will, and your own consequent insufficiency. Their hoarse runs pack every angry misgiving into that chasm between how things are and how they ought to be, compress the doubt you’ve hatefully cultivated into a pining for more and more and more until you cry uncle. The bridge hits. You’d better sit down now. You wrench your heartbeat into a matching arrhythmia to keep time with the crooked soul of syncopation, and when the piano wraps itself round the bass and the drums spot weld them together, when the beat hits that sweet spot– you know that spot– it uncoils over your shoulders in a convulsive roll. Before you can recover, the guitar keens, the horns and brass begin to wail these flattened chords that knock every stubborn burr off the spliced and soldered fragments of your heart, and the friction
from it breaks you down into a shaky, feverish shell. The weary rest between one beat and the next is enough to tell you that you cannot be for the ones you love, because they are not for you. You are all for yourselves, even while you resolutely seek something, someone, to be for. Despite your best efforts, here you are as home as you’ll ever be. But the inclement mercy of the blues is that you become okay with not being okay. A calm stems from the music’s disquiet, a euphoric release is borne on the musician’s rundown of letdowns. disconnected revelers congregate around the music that celebrates their malcontent and lionizes their fallibility. So hold on to those blues until your body is one big white-knuckled fist, and yell for more, always more. Hold on til they learn not to let you go. The most dangerous thing I know is that beats cling to rests, and rests to beats.
Love’s Bondage By Vicky King
I
Metro Creative Graphics image
hear whispers in the night stone cold memories cowardly shadows speak a familiar voice is it you? come to call? Howard’s End lays open washed in gray numbness while hollow legs fill this frayed cushion
a sweaty glass half-empty slowly fills with my tears strange... you should come now... in the candle’s warm flicker... to ignite my listless desire... I hear whispers in the night is it you? come to call? July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 37
Always a Bigger Fish ByTaylor Sharp The second time I had ever seen a grizzly bear was June 14, 2006. My dad had woken me up at 9 a.m. by tearing off my quilt and throwing a fishing pole on my uncovered body. We were going to go fly fishing, he said. In the grogginess of the early morning I slurped down some Cheerios and found myself in the van being crushed by tackleboxes and my dad's relentless enthusiasm. Our destination was the same spot he and his dad had gone fishing from his ninth year to his eighteenth, and I even had the extra honor of wearing the same waders he had worn when he hooked his first trout through the gill and flung the pole into the water in utter terror. It had been his first catch, and his first murder. Away we went to the lake, me with the sweaty boots making my sweaty feet even sweatier, and Dad busting out in random bouts of “Pop Goes the Weasel” and muttering half-conscious phrases like "It's been so long," and "trout,” more to hear himself say them than for me to hear them. We drove through green woods for two hours when at last we arrived at a small clearing that extended for a few feet before being completely overshadowed by a sparkling lake. I rubbed more grogginess out of my eyes to see how the morning sun flaked little stars all over the lake's surface. I sat down on a log and heard frogs croak, my own yawn, Dad's whistling, and Dad's grunt as he plopped a large charcoal grill in front of my sweaty feet. “This,” he announced, rubbing his hands together and smiling from ear-to-ear, “is the same cooker my dad brought along every time we went fishing. Of course, today I'm hoping to actually use it.” He put his hands on his hips and surveyed the twinkling water, almost like he was memorizing where the trout were rippling the waves. He thrust a pole into my hands and positioned me right at the rocky edge of the land, the same position his dad had stood in for the 10 years of watching his son catch a trout, then immediately letting it go with a weird little yelp. As I stood there he danced over to his usual spot, marked by a stick stuck in the ground decades ago, while humming “All around the mulberry bush…” and swinging his pole in pure giddiness. I was not giddy, and after three hours of nothing I became even less giddy and even more tired. By the time the last star disappeared on the lake's surface Dad's hand rubbing became less frequent and his whistling got more off-key. The grill was still unused, not only because a trout had yet to reach it, but because we had yet even to catch one. 38 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
When I told him I was hungry he plopped some hot dogs on it for me, watched them until they were thoroughly cooked, blew on them, put them on a plate, handed me the plate, and then returned to his pole. My pole was sitting forgotten on the ground while I ate my hot dogs and heard Dad's stomach rumbling in the distance. In the last throb of sunlight that hid the real stars I looked over to him. His pole hung limply in the uneventful lake and his arms hugged his knees like someone my age would do. It bummed me out, so I told him I wanted to go home. He sighed and agreed. Almost tripping over the smoky grill, I walked over to the dark area that held the car and threw my pole inside. I hadn’t closed the door before an ecstatic holler rang through the woods. I ran to the lake's edge and saw my dad there, singing “Pop Goes the Weasel” at the top of his lungs and dancing around. The dancing was making the trout caught on his line jiggle. “Aha! And I didn't even yelp this time!” he said, hopping in place, rubbing his empty hand on his soaking knee. But then he did yelp, which seemed out of place. Then he made a growling noise and I became confused even more. “Donny, don't move an inch!” he said. He dropped his pole and I heard the trout flap around. His hands were held up at me. Then I heard the growl again, which was so inconsistent with Dad's yelp because the growl was from a bear that was behind me. I didn't move. I couldn't move. I don't know how to move. All I could do was smell the hot dog aroma from the grill float into my nostrils before making its next stop at the grizzly bear's snout. Dad’s hands were vibrating but he still held them up. He focused on me. He looked down at the sand around his feet and then at the sand that had me glued in place. Then he made his second yelp of the night, the twelfth yelp he had ever made, and ripped his trout off the hook and threw it as hard as he could into the dark beyond. The bear's growl sputtered off into a low rumble and it barreled off into the darkness, where Dad and I heard the rumble turn more muffled and happy. “Leave the grill,” Dad said. He picked me up around the waist and threw me into the car with more tenderness than with he threw the fish. We drove in the dark for ten minutes in silence, but when the forest left our sight I begin to whistle “All around the mulberry bush…” very softly. Then I began humming. Then Dad began singing. And we were both singing “Pop Goes the Weasel” and our harmonizing drowned out what remained of the growling in my ear from the second grizzly bear. We didn't stop singing until we got home and the first grizzly bear tucked me into bed.
Bare feet dancing on the warm pavement, Skinned knees and warm breeze, the song to which we sing along. Tanned little hands covered in rainbow-colored dust, The rough canvas stretching before our eyes. Our burnt shoulders aching from yesterday’s sun and adventure Endless possibilities form in our heads, Colorful houses made of fruit, island shaped parks with mile-long slides. Rope bridges linking the gap between our homes, connecting the whimsical neighborhood, Crystal blue pools fill our yards, churches with
The Colored Calcium Carbonate City By Sarah Bachmeier
sky high steeples and iridescent stained glass. The multicolored metropolis taking shape in our driveway, Making roads and highways with our marvelous mediums. Racing through the newly formed streets, On our two wheeled razors we go. We run this town, My sisters and I. This simple and magical work of art, The chalk town that we created. We run it, My sisters and I.
Birdsong
By Joanne Hansen
By Darrell Larson
Metro Creative Graphics image
Finally, a day that’s cool and with a beautiful breeze Metro Creative Graphics image
I once read a book On why birds sing And if there’s a message In what they bring Do birds talk to their buddies Through a constant little twitter Do others understand the banter Of a brown and yellow Flicker? Do some sing their message In waltz, three-quarter time? If so, why don’t we see them Dancing ‘round their nest of vines? Can a Robin teach a sparrow How to pull a worm so tender?
Can a Night Hawk tell a larkspur He’s of another gender? Who cares if birds can sing their song So others understand? Who cares if humans comprehend A jazzy birdie band I, for one, am happy Just to watch an Eagle soar And to hear the chirpy singing of a Wren outside my door So let others study bird talk. Let others rate their song. I’ll just listen casually From outside their singing throng
Late August
And now I find myself About to sneeze, and sneeze, and sneeze! The Hydrangea is blue, deep blue as the sky It’s been blooming now for weeks My amazing surprise! The acorns are dropping with thuds on our deck, Tail blooming Sweet Williams Add the pastel effects. The Hostas send forth their lavender blooms And an odd Easter Lily Will bloom one day soon. The Moonflower threatens to take over more space We’ll have to watch closely To stay in its place.
Deep red Geraniums survived my un-green thumb Their huge blossoms steadily Replaced with opening buds. Vinca cover, green, with Purple Sage erect And herbs of which I do not know Survive, although suspect! Petunia vines adorn the ledge, purple, pink and white Moss Roses bloom in mid day sun And moonflower blooms at Night! Weeds intruded in my space and overwhelmed the beauty That’s what happens in real live, When I neglect a duty. Metro Creative Graphics image July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 39
Jcreation The
oy of
By Jason Schoonover • Photos
by
Eric Johnson
Art is a passion. Whether it’s music, painting, writing or any other medium, Austin has no shortage of skilled, creative individuals. But for many, art isn’t a career or a livelihood — it’s a passion, a hobby and simply a way of life. This Austin Living article celebrates four local artists whose creativity stems from their love of their respective mediums, not careers, fame or money.
Teacher by day, musician/artist by night, Jesse Smith picks at his custom steel guitar from his Austin home.
40 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 41
‘I wanted to play music forever’ J
esse Smith loves mornings. He loves the days when he can wake up early in his Fourth Street Northwest home when his family is still sleeping to play guitar. “That’s one of my favorite things to do,” he said. For Jesse, life is busy. He’s an Ellis Middle School art teacher, and he jokes he’s the chief cook at home for his wife, Laurie, and sons, Isaiah and Henry. But he still makes time for one of his first loves: music. “It’s exhausting sometimes,” Jesse said, “but I guess I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Jesse is an active singer/guitarist around Austin, playing several shows on Saturday mornings at the Coffee House on Main or for a string of bands, most recently Cosmic. It started at 16, when Jesse’s dad bought him a guitar and he started two years of lessons. “Before that I skateboarded, which I really loved too, but guitar — it took over,” he said. At the time, Jesse was into The Beatles, The Byrds, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors and Van Morrison, but he also started getting into more blues-themed music like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. About four months into guitar lessons, Jesse started performing. “I felt like guitar came pretty easy to me as opposed to everything else, which seemed harder,” he said. Jesse recorded with the band Fat Rudy, and then he went into carpentry and worked as a framer in Colorado. Soon after moving back to Austin, he walked off the job one day — a move 42 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
he calls the best decision he ever made. “I knew that I wanted to play music forever, whether it be just as a hobby or professionally — if it happened, it happened — but I didn’t want to jeopardize freezing my fingers,” he said. Jesse went back to school to become a teacher. Now at Ellis, Jesse prefers a hands-on approach, often demonstrating art to his students. Art, like music, centers on taking risks, and Jesse said it’s important for him to show students that he’s working with them too. “They respect somebody if the person is trying to take risks along with them, I think,” Jesse said. “You’re not just telling them to do something and then showing them that you’re not willing to try and stumble too.” While Jesse doesn’t always talk about his music with his students, he’ll tell them if he played a show over the weekend, and he typically keeps a guitar or two at school and will play in the mornings. Jesse recently played with two new musician: His sons. Isaiah plays bass and Henry plays wash board. “For me that’s been really cool,” Jesse said. Isaiah plays with his dad at the Coffee House on Main on Saturday mornings, but Henry is still a bit too shy to play in public. Still, Jesse says just playing with them at home has been a blast. “Being able to play with them is huge; it’s fun to see how good they get so fast,” Jesse said.
‘Let the dishes sit and do my artwork’
K
andee Feist spread vibrant green paint across a darker, dried green on a canvass recently and slowly thinned it, blending the colors together. Feist, a county employee for five years, was partway through painting an image of a cactus, which she photographed on vacation in Arizona and has been chipping away at since. “I like landscapes, flowers, and I’ve been kind of into different flowers — that’s a weed,” she said pointing to a painting on her kitchen wall. “But it’s beautiful. Sometimes the weeds are the most beautiful things. … When you look at them, they’re pretty intricate and kind of different.” Kandee’s passion for painting blossomed at Austin High School, and she took several art classes — many taught by Bruce Loeschen — and even ended up doing independent studies. She then studied visual communication, largely dealing in production, at Brown Institute. After starting a family and a few moves, Kandee now works in office support for Health and Human Services. But she’s still an avid painter despite balancing her job and a family of three children and step child: Alli, 15, Kaya, 15, Cora, 10, and Xhander, 1. “It’s pretty busy,” she
said. “I have to have a pretty good block of time to be able to paint with — you have to the cleanup or supper or all that fun stuff in between, so I don’t get to paint as often as I’d like.” But art overlaps with her career. For one, Kandee said her art helps promote problem solving skills, and it’s also been a way to connect with co-workers and the community as they’re eager to discuss their creative endeavors. “They’ll talk to you; they talk about what they painted,” she said. “It can be really great connection with everybody else in the community.” Kandee has taken several art classes with co-workers, and she planned to start having art nights rotating at a few co-workers’ homes late this summer. Though it can be challenging to find the time with family and work duties, Kandee says she paints for herself and the calm and relaxation that comes with it. “The main thing I notice if I’m not doing something kind of creative, it’s an anxious feeling, it’s almost like you get cabin fevery,” she said. “So if you’re not doing something kind of creative and that outlet, you feel like you get a little anxious sometimes.” Despite a busy schedule, she shows no signs of slowing down. “I want to paint more,” she said. “That’s my goal is to be more disciplined and get more time in. Let the dishes sit and do my artwork.” July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 43
‘It definitely is time well spent’
D
anielle Jondal tugged at the glittered end of an artificial branch. “This can totally live in a vase, which I think is where it was intended to be,” she said with a laugh. But Danielle, 24, made it the focal point of “L’hiver Vient — French for “Winter is Coming” — perched above textured whites and blues on an acrylic and mixed media painting. Danielle has painted for several years and displayed work at the ArtWorks Center and Festival and through Mayo Clinic shows, but she’s quick to note she doesn’t paint for money. That would take the joy out of it, she says. Danielle, a 2009 Austin High School graduate and a 2013 Concordia-Moorhead grad, lives in Austin and works in a Mayo Clinic interventional radiology research lab in Rochester and is thinking of going back to medical school. While she loves the sciences, Danielle — like many of her Mayo co-workers — enjoys coming home to focus on her creative side. To Danielle, science and art aren’t that far apart. She notes that advances and ideas in science require a deep creativity, and it’s good to engage both sides of the mind. Art and creativity can help spark new ideas and ways of thinking. “It’s amazing the crossover you find all the time of people who love science and that sort of thing but also find a lot of passion in art as a hobby,” she said. Despite showing her work at various events, Danielle’s mom, Mary Lou, calls her daughter a closet artist who doesn’t always
44 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
like to promote herself. “She does not brag about her art,” Mary Lou said. “I love to brag about her art.” Danielle admits she’s always done art for herself more than others, though she’s been thankful for the support she’s received. “I’m not an artist for the sake of putting it out there and having a message,” she said. “That’s not my ultimate goal. My goal is to make things I find visually appealing. So you know, a lot of these are things I do for myself.” Danielle typically paints acrylic and mixed media landscapes and draws people, either with charcoal or digitally. She’s also made jewelry, painted iPhone cases and dabbled in upcycled crafts. Several pieces tie to pop culture. She’s drawn Matt Smith from “Doctor Who,” Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, Gandalf from “Lord of the Rings,” Benedict Cumberbatch from “Sherlock,” Neil Patrick Harris from “How I Met Your Mother,” and composer Samuel Barber. “That’s a lot of where the portraits and things have come from — whatever story I’m addicted to at the time,” she said. She’s also done pieces emulating the work of Leonid Afremov, whose oil paintings feature vivid colors. With a busy schedule, finding the time for her art can be difficult, but she sees it as a way to give back to herself. “When you get the time, it definitely is time well spent,” she said.
‘I just happened to catch the moment’
D
r. Tim Rietz rode his bike to northeast Austin during a past Austin ArtWorks Festival to snap photos of the festivities and the downtown power plant. One of his favorite shots from that day — an image of two fishermen in a boat on Mill Pond — was a bit of an accident. “I didn’t know anything about it; I didn’t know who they were,” Tim said. “I just happened to do it.” When Tim displayed the photo at the Mower County Fair, he learned a deeper significance to it. The photo is of a father and son and the last time they went fishing together. The son is now stationed overseas, and the father passed away after an illness. “That was a touching story,” he said. “I just happened to catch the moment.” Tim and his wife, Bonnie, have become well-known community faces since moving to Austin in 1979, when Tim became a family practitioner at what’s now Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. But when Tim isn’t treating patients, he often has a camera in his hands — either his Sony a6000 or Nikon D300S. Tim bought his first single lens reflex camera, a Miranda single lens reflex, around 1973 from his medical school roommate. After his schooling, Tim and Bonnie moved to Madagascar, where Tim worked as a doctor for three years and where many of the kids from an American school near his hospital enjoyed photography. That helped spark Tim’s interest as well. “Going from North Dakota to this tropical island was an eye
opener, and I just found beauty all over the place,” he said. Tim started taking pictures of the beautiful sunsets and tropical islands, and he also took family pictures of his children, which he eventually used in videos when his children were married. Now, several of the images from Madagascar hang around the Rietz’s home, along with other shots Tim has snapped on various trips. He snapped one of his favorites a few years ago when he and Bonnie took a bike tour in Portugal, where he saw a man sitting against a wall after finishing a pilgrimage “This guy was just so expressive,” Tim said. “I just noticed him out of the corner of my eyes as we’re rushing across this huge area full, and I had my camera out and I took a shot. Never did see it again until I got home, and he’s got this beautiful look.” People in Austin became more aware of Tim’s photography hobby through ArtWorks. He’s taken several shots during the annual festival, and he took many shots during the transformation the old bank building into the ArtWorks Center. He’s also taken shots during Paint the Town Pink. As a doctor, Tim has had to deliver bad news to patients and has seen how that can drain the color from life, and he hopes some of his photos can bring back a bit of that color. “Most of the time I’m trying to portray things that adds value to life,” he said of his photography. Tim hopes his photos tell stories, and the soft-spoken photographer says he feels he can articulate some stories better through the images . “They’re kind of my babies; they have stories to them,” he said. “Pictures are like worth a thousand words.” July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 45
UP Writer Jenae Hackensmith grabs the reins to learn all about horseback riding By Jenae Hackensmith Photos by Eric Johnson
46 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
ling
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ne of the few horseback-riding memories I have is feeling my hair flow in the wind as the horse cantered along, then getting bucked off and hitting the ground while the horse stopped and looked at me as if to say, "Why are you on the ground, silly human?"
Riding horses can be a lot of fun, but for some it can be frightening, and if my cousin hadn’t made me get back on that horse all those years ago, I may not have gotten on Buck, an older horse who has seen many students-in-training at Clippity Clop Riding Center in rural Austin. Clippity Clop’s instructor and owner Angela Grant greeted me at her barn, which held several horses and a pony, along with some chickens. While dodging a few dogs, Grant explained a person needs to be comfortable with the horse while on the ground before they will be comfortable on the horse’s back. Grant has always had a passion for horses and started the riding center — located at 28442 Mower-Freeborn Road — when her children started going to school. “I’ve been with horses since I was 3 years old,” Grant said. “And I just love being around them and seeing other people be around them and learn to be comfortable and gain confidence.” Clippity Clop provides riding lessons and training to new and accustomed riders, along with boarding for horses. The farm has six ponies and 10 horses for riding and training. After showing how to approach the horse with a clicking noise, the safest ways to walk around and behind him without getting kicked, lead him out of the stall, put a halter on and brush him, I’d like to say I was ready to saddle him up and ride him off into the sunset. But there were a few tricks to learn before any riding was to be done. The saddle, which was so heavy Grant had to hoist it onto Buck for me, had ties and buckles to learn, and went through two safety checks before my foot touched the stirrup. “That is what keeps us from falling off unexpectedly,” Grant laughed. Grant went to Rochester Community and Technical
Angela Grant, owner of Clippity-Clop Riding Center, puts a bridle on Buck to prepare him for a riding lesson.
College to get an equine degree, and she has taught lessons and trained for more than 10 years. She received the Student of the Year Award, the Trainer of the Year Award and had a 4.0 throughout the program. She later opened Clippity Clop Riding Center, which she named after a horse at a horse expo. After going through the safety protocols, Grant explained the best way to lead Buck around in the paddock to help gain confidence on the ground. Continued on page 48 July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 47
er ng
Continued from page 47 While this was my first time working with Buck, it was not his first time with new students. Grant taught sessions with four riders in April and about seven in May, and lessons pick up in the summer. The lessons are for both beginners and more seasoned riders. She works with students on all levels, and some are even learning to jump. The center teaches both English and western styles of riding. My riding experience with Buck did not include any jumping, but we still had fun. After putting on my helmet — safety first — I placed my left foot in the stirrup and hoisted myself up. The landing wasn’t the best, but I made it to the horse’s back without falling off or getting stuck. I grabbed onto the saddle horn and was ready to go, until Grant handed me the reins and said holding onto the saddle horn was against the rules since it gives no control over the horse. It isn’t as safe as
it feels. We started walking around the fence-line, making right turns and stopping with a pull on the reins and a “whoa.” We even did a bit of trotting. After this, Grant showed me the most important skill while on a horse: the emergency stop. By reaching with both hands and pulling the reins to one side, Buck stopped fairly fast and I was able to get him under control — not that in my case he was ever out of control. While I had this skill down pretty well in the paddock, I secretly doubted whether I could make myself do it if Buck took off running. Luckily, we didn’t have to worry about that during the ride. After the ride, Grant said I did fairly well for a beginner. We brought Buck back to his stall, took off the gear and let him get back to chomping on Angela Grant hay, while Grant explained the main reason she loves doing this work is to see others gain confidence and a joy of being around horses. That confidence can carry over to other aspects of a rider’s life.
“I don’t know what it is about horses, but just people start connecting and getting better in life.”
Austin Living writer Jenae Hackensmith mounts Buck for her lesson at Clippity-Clop Riding Center.
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HorseLessons21.tif
Hackensmith learns the importance of grooming on Taz during a visit to Clippity-Clop Riding Center.
Grant has had several experiences with students who have bad grades in class or a short attention span, but she’s seen them become completely focused and hardworking when they are at their riding lessons. “I don’t know what it is about horses, but just people start connecting and getting better in life,” she said. The riding center offers single lesson classes and packages
for more than one lesson, along with the option for a group lesson. While we didn’t do any hardcore riding, I also didn’t end up on the ground. A bad experience with a horse can be overcome with the right instructor and the right horse. Lessons don’t have to be used to become the best horse-racer in the county — one can simply take a few lessons to help enjoy a nice ride through the park on a summer’s day. Angela Grant, owner of Clippity-Clop Riding Center, talks about what her center offers for those wanting to ride.
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 49
TRAVEL
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By Trey Mewes Photos submitted by Jackie Bumgardner
to o ll e h id a s r e n d r a g m u Jackie B on C ty it K o ll e H g in r u d Los Angeles
Er ik Es tra da ne r, lef t, po ses wi th Ab ov e: Jac kie Bu mg ard of CH iPS fam e. le dr ess ed n dr ew ple nt y of pe op Co ty Kit llo He e: sit Op po ty- ins pir ed ou tfi ts. up in am az ing He llo Kit
Jackie Bumgardner does not typically go to conventions. She also didn’t know much about Hello Kitty. And she certainly didn’t know about cosplaying, the act of dressing up as a fictional character. Even though the longtime Austin resident works with one of the biggest brands in Minnesota, she had no idea what she was in for when she stepped into Hello Kitty Con 2014 last fall. There were giant animal mascots, lots of Hello Kitty-related decorations and, of course, many people dressed up like their favorite Hello Kitty characters. “I said ‘We’re not in Austin, Minnesota, any more,’” Bumgardner said with a laugh. “We’re in L.A. I had never seen anything like this.” New experiences are part of the fun for Bumgardner, a marketing manager for Games People Play who works with Hormel Foods Corp. on merchandise opportunities. A chance meeting between Games People Play employees and an executive from Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, was the impetus behind her memorable travel to LA last year. Continues on page 52
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 51
Continued from page 51 The meeting ended with a potential idea: Why doesn’t Hormel bring some Spam products to the Hello Kitty 40th anniversary celebration? After all, Spam has found a huge following in many Asian countries. Japan, the birthplace of all things Hello Kitty, is also one of the biggest markets for Spam, a favorite in many Asian-inspired dishes. Bumgardner and a team of Hormel representatives arrived in LA shortly before Halloween to set up shop at what would prove to be a busy corner of the Geffen Contemporary for the Museum of Modern Art. The Spam team would be busy from the time they started at 9 a.m. on Oct. 30 through the end of Hello Kitty Con on Nov. 2. Thousands of people showed up to buy a Spam Musubi set made just for Hello Kitty congers. The kit contained two packages of Spam, as well as a Hello Kitty rice mold, which proved to be the popular draw. “We had lines stretching a city block back for hours until the end of the day,” Bumgardner said. “We would go back to
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our hotel rooms, eat and then go to bed so we could get back up and do it all over again.” That doesn’t mean Bumgardner spent the entire convention in a booth, however. She got to tour the convention hall to see just how much Hello Kitty — a multi-billion dollar brand — affected popular culture. There were Hello Kitty cakes, Hello Kitty rings, Hello Kitty outfits, kitchenware, pajamas, headphones, toys and more. Practically anything and everything a person can dream of bore the Hello Kitty banner. “I had no idea Hello Kitty was that popular,” she said. Multiple celebrities visited Hello Kitty Con. Katy Perry even got a Hello Kitty tattoo during the convention, and Bumgardner got to pose for a photo with ‘70s teen heartthrob Erik Estrada. Though she wasn’t able to see much of L.A., Bumgardner did get a taste of home at the convention — she visited with her nephews, who were in the area. Of course, Bumgardner found plenty of entertainment in taking photos of
everything at the convention, including the people who dressed up for the occasion. “That was a surprise,” she said with a laugh. “All of these people were dressed up in cat costumes and outfits. It was wild.” Though the trip only lasted four days, Bumgardner wasn’t done with Hello Kitty quite yet. She helped Hormel launch another Spam opportunity as a vendor for Hello Kitty’s touring convention, dubbed the Hello Kitty Supercute Friendship Festival 2015. The first stop on the festival tour? Minneapolis. “It was a good experience,” Bumgardner said.
Opposite: Hormel Foods Corp. and Games People Play brought a specialized Hello Kitty Spam Musubi kit to Hello Kitty Con. Below: Bumgardner poses for a photo with her nephews, who also attended the convention
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 53
LOOKING BACK
Inside the Austin Candy Company shop sometime after the renovations made in 1915.
A sweet business By Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society All photos courtesy of the Mower County Historical Society
Looking back at the Austin Candy Company 54 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
Enjoying an ice cream treat is often a favorite summertime activity. Beginning in the early 1900s, the Austin Candy Company was one of the places to go for delicious homemade candy or a wonderful ice cream sundae. One of Austin’s first Greek immigrants, George Kokalaris, opened the Austin Candy Company around 1902 or 1903. He first left Greece in 1897 and worked in Minneapolis for a few years before moving to Austin. At first, the store, located at 227 N. Main St., featured modest furnishings and homemade display cases with a board laid across two cabinets serving as the counter. In the early years, the Austin Candy Company sold homemade candy and had a fruit counter. It even survived a fire in 1910 — George spilled a kettle of boiling candy (he made much of the candy in a room above the shop) that started the fire. The fire department extinguished the flames but George burned both of his hands. By 1915, the business grew so much that George made $4,000 worth of renovations and improvements to the store. Leaded glass, gas light fixtures, and 130 new electrical lights (including four chandeliers with 16 globes each) all helped create one of the “most beautiful stores in Minnesota.” All the woodwork was birch with a mahogany finish and the wall behind the long counter was covered in mirrors with marble columns. New, marble-topped tables and metal chairs also allowed the store to seat 124 people at once. In 1913, George brought three of his nephews from Greece
to help work in and run the shop. At first, John and Angelos Kokalaris and William Lecakis served customers and helped their uncle as needed. In addition to selling homemade candy, George also featured ice cream, cigars and a soda fountain (he was known as a master malt mixer). In 1918, the Austin Candy Company began serving light lunches. The three cousins bought the business in 1924. The fruit counter closed in 1927 and a full kitchen was installed the next year. The shop quickly became much more than a confectionary — the opening of the café made it a popular gathering spot in Austin for many years. John said, “We always had a good business … Many days we made four and five batches of coffee before noon … serving 20 gallons in the morning alone.” Many businessmen and shoppers filled the tables in the cafe each morning and high school students took up residence in the afternoons. It was said that many business deals were closed with a handshake over a cup of coffee at the Austin Candy Company’s café. John Skinner, author of the “Pot Pourri” column in the Austin Daily Herald for many years was known to sit at the lunch counter for a few hours only to return to his office with enough material for several columns! Eventually, John and William sold the business in 1948 to the Giannou family (Angelos passed away in 1941). The restaurant continued to be a neighborhood institution until it closed on Sept. 13, 1958, after 54 years.
Above: A menu from the Austin Candy Company Based on the number of items available — including lunch-type sandwiches — this menu is likely from the 1930s after Angelos, John, and William took over the business from their uncle, George. Below: Main Street in downtown Austin. Notice the “Candy” sign for the Austin Candy Company Today, El Mariachi is located here (227 N. Main St.).
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INSIDE INSIDE AUSTIN AUSTIN LIVING LIVING
Behind the scenes It’s always fun and games for Austin Living writers who learn about the people, places, ideas and hobbies that make up Austin. Take, for example, getting an education in fairy gardening. Writer Jenae Hackensmith wasn’t sure about fairy gardens at first — she thought they didn’t look exciting or appeasing to build. She quickly changed her tune after attending a class put on by Randy Berg of Berg’s Nursery, where she learned all about the fun aspects of creating a specialized garden space filled with her imagination. It was so much fun, she went home to create her own fairy garden and recommends anyone who wants to create their own space to give it a try. Making an effort is a big part of creativity. There are plenty of amateur artists who go above and beyond for their hobbies, as writer Jason Schoonover found out. There are plenty of people in town with regular day jobs who pursue their passions outside of work and family. Despite having no shortage of interview subjects, Schoonover was surprised at how different, yet similar these artists were. Though they had unique perspectives in differing mediums, each artist shared a common bond in their dedication to their hobby. In this photo, Schoonover is interviewing Ellis Middle School art teacher Jesse Smith about his music just before Smith’s large, friendly dogs jump into the frame and temporarily derail the photo session. 56 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
Reporter Jenae Hackensmith mixes in with the ladies as they make their own fairy gardens at Berg’s Nursery.
Jason Schoonover interviews local artist Jessie Smith for an article on work artists.
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 57
AUTOMOTIVE 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 up-to-date internet car buying tools on their website. 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 preowned vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. DENTAL DRS. ELROD, GREEN & HYLAND, DDS: 800 1st Ave. SW, Austin, MN (507) 437-8208 www.yoursmileperfected.com Drs. Elrod, Green & Hyland is a modern, state-of-the-art practice offering patients a full-range of general and cosmetic dental services, from routine check-ups to complete smile makeovers. The doctors practice conservative, proactive dentistry utilizing the latest in dental technology. Our office works with numerous Insurance Carriers. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options. Call today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you for years to come! 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 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. FINANCIAL FIRST FARMERS & MERCHANTS: 128 N. Main St., Austin, MN (507) 433-3473 www.ffmbank.com First Farmers & Merchants Bank is a financial institution serving a number of southern Minnesota communities. We provide premium banking services, including agricultural and consumer loans, mortgage lending, mobile and online banking, small business banking, and deposit products. HOME IMPROVEMENT AREN’S HEATING: 103 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 32 years since 1983. Selling “Top Rated” Bryant Equipment. We will service any make or model. 24 HR Emergency Service. Free Estimates. 58 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
HOME IMPROVEMENT (CONTINUED) BRICK FURNITURE: 504 North Main St., Austin, MN (507) 433-8833 www.brickfurnitureaustin.com Locally owned. Specializing in great quality. Low sale prices every day. Top service after the sale. Name brands such as La-Z-Boy, Smith Brothers of Berne, Sealy, and Daniel’s Amish. Lots of wall decor. Many other varieties of decor to choose from! 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! 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. INSURANCE 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. SERVICES AUSTIN DAILY HERALD: 310 2nd St. NE, Austin, MN (507) 433-8851 www.austindailyherald.com The Austin Daily Herald is an award-winning daily newspaper that prides itself on its accurate and timely hyper-local news coverage. Herald readers are the most informed members of the Austin and Mower County communities, and have access to the best deals, promotions and coupons for local businesses. NEW DIMENSION ELECTRONICS: (507) 433-2122 Having been in business for over 35 years, providing your home entertainments needs with Dish Network, Directv, Antenna Service, and Home Theater. Visit our website at www..Newdimensionelectronics.net or Come See our showroom located next to Jim’s Super Valu at 209 11th St NE, Austin Mn. SMYTH COMPANIES: 1201 27th Ave. NW, Austin, MN (507) 434-5918 Smyth offers full-service design and prepress services to our commercial clients. From simple two-color flyers to complex layouts for annual reports or product brochures, we can do it all. Eight station presses enable the application of a world of colors along with gloss or matte coatings. Digital printing is also available for short run and prototype work. SHOPPING NORTHBRIDGE MALL: 2510 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-3185 www.northbridgemall.com Conveniently located just off the intersection of I-35 and I-90, Northbridge Mall features an arcade, movie theatre, book store, toy stores, and many dining and shopping opportunities. Open Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Some business hours may vary.
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This summer is filled with outdoor events to help soak up the sun and get more Vitamin D. From golfing to the ArtWorks Festival, learning about keeping water clean and Relay for Life, there should be no excuse not to get outside and find something fun to do — just don’t forget the suntan lotion! All dates, times and locations subject to change.
June 25-27
SPAMTown Challenge Baseball Tournament
When: All day Where: Marcusen Park Join the fun at the annual SPAMTown Challenge Baseball Tournament. Hit a homerun and run the bases down as each team competes to be No. 1.
July 3-5
Freedom Fest
When: All day Where: Austin This annual festival celebrates Independence Day with a parade, dances, music, games, vendors, food, fireworks and a lot of fun. For more information, call 507-437-4561.
July 4
SPAMTown Disc Golf Tournament When: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Todd Park Singles will play two rounds with a 9 a.m. sign-up at the Todd Park Northwest No. 1 Pavilion. For more information, call Deb or Greg Huckaby at 507-433-1611.
July 6-10
Annual Water Festival and Clean Water Festival events
When: All day Where: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Celebrate the importance of clean water with this free, family-friendly event. Discover how water works, what lives in it, how much everyone needs it and how to take care of it. Enjoy educational presentations, activities, games and fun throughout the festival and even earn prizes while participating. For more details, visit www.hormelnaturecenter.org or call 507-437-7519.
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July 10
Clean Water Festival: Clean Water Service Day
When: All Day Where: Various locations, Austin area Join the nature center staff and community volunteers to work towards keeping the water that’s sent downstream clean at this free, family-friendly event. By participating, each participant will earn a free kayak or canoe rental valued at $10 — pre-registration is required. For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
July 16
Snakes of Minnesota, with Jaime Edwards
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Jaime Edwards, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Specialist, will share interesting and helpful information about the snakes found in Minnesota, particularly in the southeast. She will talk about snake characteristics, how to identify different species, and which of the snakes are rattlesnake mimics. She will also have several live snakes at the presentation. This program is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
July 16
Gene Roden Memorial Track Meet
When: 6:15-9:45 p.m. Where: North Todd Park Complex This event is sponsored by the Austin Noon Kiwanis and open to anyone age 3 and over. Field events will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m. and running events at 6:30 p.m. The event is free of charge and all participants will receive ribbons. Bring family and friends for an evening of fun. For more information, call 507433-1881.
July 19
Banquet and auction
When: 6 p.m. Where: Hormel Historic Home The Austin Public Education Foundation will host a banquet and auction. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the silent auction will begin. Two drink tickets will be included with each ticket. Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m., and the program and live auction will begin. Hy-Vee of Austin donated the food and will cater.
July 20
Golf tournament
When: 11 a.m. Where: Austin Country Club The Austin Public Education Foundation will host a golf tournament. Registration opens at 11 a.m., and the putting contest will begin at 11:15 a.m. The shotgun start with foursome scramble format will begin at 1 p.m., and at 5:45 p.m. the awards presentation with a keg of beer and heavy hors d’oeuvres will take place. Lunch was donated by Papa Murphy’s Pizza and will be available between 11:30 a.m. and the start of play.
July 21
Aug. 11-16
When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Fairgrounds This annual event is hosted by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce in appreciation of the importance of agriculture to the area. A windsor pork chop dinner will be served.
When: All Day Where: Mower County Fairgrounds This wonderful adventure includes fair food, midway rides, grandstand events, entertainment, animals of all kinds, equestrian competitions, horticultural exhibits, arts and crafts displays, educational opportunities galore, and even more. The fair is free and open to the public. Don’t forget that the Mower County Historical Society buildings will also be open and free to visit. For more information, call 507-4331868.
Ag Appreciation Dinner
July 23
“Bison Man” Alex Watson
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Learn about bison with former intern Alex Watson, Austin native and Minnesota DNR regional naturalist. The morning senior special will focus on efforts to establish a conservation herd of bison at Minneopa. Hear about what it takes, who’s involved, and discoveries made as this park gets ready for bison. The program is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
Mower County Free Fair
Aug. 20
Tom Pease
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C.Hormel Nature Center With movement, sign language, humor and joy, Tom will create a concert that leaves audiences laughing and singing. This program is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormalnaturecenter.org. This concert is the finale to the 2015 summer entertainment season.
Aug. 21
Seventh Annual Doggy Dip
July 25-26
Mower County Relay for Life
When: 12 a.m. to all day July 25, 6 a.m. start time July 26 Where: Mower County Fairgrounds This annual fundraiser will raise awareness and money for cancer research. The Luminaria ceremony will take place at dusk.
July 31
Pecatonica String Quartet
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 7-8 p.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center This program is back by popular demand. From elegant Bach to classic rock, the quartet will set the tone for the Alzheimer’s fundraiser in memory of Don Deines. This is a free concert but a free-will donation will be accepted for Alzheimer’s research. RSVP by July 30. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
Aug. 6
Al Batt
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Enjoy storytelling at its best with Al Batt of Hartland. Batt is a writer, speaker, storyteller and humorist, writing humor and nature columns for many newspapers and magazines. He also writes a number of popular nationallysyndicated cartoon strips and is author of the book “A Life Gone to the Birds.” The program is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Austin Municipal Swimming Pool Treat the family dog to a refreshing romp in the pool. Cost is $2 for one dog and two human companions. Any additional human companions are $1. Memberships are not accepted. For more information, call 507-433-1881.
Aug. 22-23
Fourth Annual Austin ArtWorks Festival
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Downtown Power Plant and multiple locations in Austin Come celebrate art in all its forms at the Austin ArtWorks Festival. The event includes displays and exhibits, handson audience participation, seminars, and the opportunity to purchase unique items such as jewelry, pottery, water color and oil paints, photographs, furniture, clothing, and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-434-0934.
Aug. 22
Outdoor Concert
When: 7:30-10 p.m. Where: Marcusen Park This concert is part of the Austin ArtWorks Festival. The concert will feature Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra, plus Alex Rossi & Root City. For more information, call 507-434-0934. July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 61
BOOK REVIEW
R U O G N I EXPAND S E I T I N U COMM
BY PEGGY BENZKOFER
As the Austin Page Turners committee plans for the 2016 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 House of Tomorrow” by Peter Bognanni.
62 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
This quirky book was selected as a finalist for the Minnesota Book Awards and it is deserving of the honor as it is well written and thought provoking. Love comes in many forms and families often express it in unusual ways that are hard to recognize. Nestled in northeast Iowa is a geodesic dome, which is the only home Sebastian Pendergast has ever known. He lives with his eccentric grandmother who is a disciple of Buckminster Fuller. He is homeschooled in Fuller’s principles and interacts with the community only when people come to tour the dome. Meanwhile, heart transplant patient Jared Whitcomb also lives in the community of North Branch and has lived an equally isolated life due to his illness. The story of the friendship between these two unusual teenagers is the story of “The House of Tomorrow.” Jared works hard to teach Sebastian all he needs to know about punk rock, the first stirrings of teen love as well as “current” language. Playing a bass stolen from the Methodist Church, Sebastian learns about music, at least the type that Jared loves. Meanwhile, Sebastian develops a crush on Jared’s sister, Meredith, who has problems of her own. Jared’s mother has her own worries trying to control Jared and keep him safe while dealing with her husband’s desertion. Her kindness doesn’t keep us from realizing her responsibility for her husband’s leaving. Things come to a head when the boys decide to enter the church’s talent show with their band, The Rash. They heavily promote the band with Meredith’s help with hilarious results. Meanwhile, Sebastian struggles with leaving his grandmother and her history. We learn that his grandmother has her own secrets and needs Sebastian desperately. Almost every character in the book grows and develops, This book proves that no community is too small to have fascinating dramas unfolding before the residents’ eyes. My one quibble with the author is that there’s a taxi service in North Branch, something that is as scarce as hen’s teeth in small Iowa towns. The author, Peter Bognanni, is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in St. Paul.
July–August 2015 | Austin Living | 63
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
Belita Schindler with her husband, Dick, and children in a 2013 photo.
The friendly atmosphere and community spirit By Belita Schindler
What do I like about Austin? Why do I live here? It boils down to the people. Austin folks are the cream of the crop. When we first visited Austin in 1971, there were a couple silly things that stood out for us and were among the reasons we chose to live here. There was piped-in music outside on the sidewalk on Main Street. Or I should say “piped-out.” Why would anyone do that? Bonnie’s Hallmark shop made real live sweet, crunchy caramel corn in the front of the store … and then they vented those wonderful smells out the front of the store into the air on Main Street. You could hardly walk down the street and resist coming in and buying a bag of that warm caramel corn. Why would anyone do that? There was at least one police car that was a Volkswagen Beetle, and it had the big eyeball lights fastened to the roof. Looked like a frog on wheels. Why would anyone do that? It wasn’t the specific things that were so important, it was the kind of people who would think to do those things that made an impact for us. That was 43 years ago, and it was a good decision to move here. Folks still do remarkable things. They have supported a full symphony orchestra for 58 years. Who would do that? They have schools that are second to none. That takes a huge effort. Have you ever visited Woodson Kindergarten Center? It’s like being in a big building full of puppies. Their lawns are mowed and clipped and have flowers. Why would you bother to do that? We finance a huge nature center where anyone can go to take a walk or take a class or ski. We have a Y that is the only one in the nation to have $1 memberships for anyone under 18. 64 | Austin Living | July–August 2015
Our medical center is first rate. It’s a good place to be if you’re sick. Why go anywhere else? People jump into the lake in the winter. Now, you tell me why anyone would do that? World-class cancer research takes place here in our little Austin. How did they do that? People play softball here. I’m glad, even though I don’t like to play softball. We have a community college — no small feat for a town of 25,000, and we give lots of scholarships. We have people from all over the world that live here, enrich our lives and give us new viewpoints. Airplanes fly in and out of our airport. Tons of people swim in our municipal pool. We have theater, and art, and music, and singing, and games for kids, and a library with wonderful books. Ambulances, firetrucks and police cars arrive when we need them. We shoot off fireworks on the Fourth of July, and gather together in the cold and wind in the winter. We hang flowers from the light poles in the summer. There are bike trails for us to ride on and parks to relax in. Those people that live here make a public TV station happen. And “they” are working on 10 huge projects to make Austin a better place to live. Ten big things that are going to take a lot of people and a lot of money to make happen. Who ever heard of dreaming that those kinds of things could happen? Why would anyone do any of this? I guess they do it because it’s their home too, and that’s how you make a town a good place to live. That’s my kind of folks. I’m sure glad I live here.