During this time of uncertainty, Mayo Clinic Health System remains committed to providing the care you and your family need. Whether it’s through a virtual or an in-person appointment, we offer convenient and safe options to receive care, when you need it. For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.
NEEDYOUWHENCAREIT.
Eric Johnson, Austin Living Editor
Along the way Swing through Todd Park and check out how successful the trout stocking has been. Two different stockings left 900 trout in Wolf Creek and many people have found success. And if you crave positivty, our features will not disappoint. Each story focuses on special people doing special things that we hope will bring a smile to your face.
Of course, we are not abandoning Austin Expression.
Wishing for old normal
2 | Austin Living | July-August 2020
Living we feel incredibly fortunate to still be able to tell good stories from within the community despite everything going on about us. It’s sometimes not the easiest task in the world, what with a world that has been shut down, but there is a chance for optimism here as businesses begin opening up and in turn, allowing humanity to open up a little bit as well.At the same time, some of the more attentive among you may notice that something is different in this issue. Maybe something that isn’t here that should be. That would be Austin Expression, our annual arts issue that celebrates those creative souls that help make up our readership. Over the years, this section has always been well received with plenty of Generally,submissions.AustinExpression has come in this July-August issue, but as with so many things COVID-19 has thrown us off our game a bit.
PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIALEditor Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Rocky Hulne Eric MichaelJohnsonStoll Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Eric Johnson SALES & PROMOTION Sales & Marketing Manager Heather Ryks Sales Representatives Heather Biwer BrendaHeatherLandherrRyks MARCH-APRIL 2020 Volume 8, Number 2 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Austin Living 310 2nd Street NE Austin, MN 55912 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-434-2237. To purchase advertising, call 507-434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ AUSTINLIVINGMAGAZINE CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK! EDITOR’S NOTE It just keeps getting stranger doesn’t it? Clearly, I don’t need me to tell you that COVID-19 is still a part of our lives and continues to upset most aspects of it. We’re all a little tired of social distancing, Zoom, face masks and so many other things. We, of course, are a resilient people, finding ways to still be with each other or getting outside for some exercise or maybe a walk with your pooch and despite everything, the people of Austin and Mower County have been relatively positive and that’s something we like to see. That’s not to say we would not like the “normal” normal back rather than continuing to deal with the “new”Herenormal.atAustin
Start pulling your works of art together and keep an eye out for more information and how to submit those pieces. For this year, Austin Expression will be run in the September-October edition. Like every year, we look forward to seeing the creativity that makes up Austin.
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 3
time in history WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 56
hike. LOOKING BACK 52
Disc
to have paid off. 31
Eskens
BOOK REVIEW 55
Featured Artist: Dorothy Krob. 26 HORMEL INSTITUTE Right tool for the right job. OUT & ABOUT 28 ON THE FLY effort to stock Wolf Creeks appears NATURE NOTES feeding THROWING A ROUND golf is a fun way to get outside in the midst of COVID-19. GOING FOR A HIKE State parks big and small can be a destination for a TEACHER WITH AN EYE FOR THE LAND CONFLICTS OF THE DAY book visits a difficult A CITY WITH SO MUCH TO DO Radloff
Sue
and attractant bans expand. 30
Latest
explains her love for Austin. 4 | Austin Living | July-August l 2020
TRAVEL 50
Deer
JULY-AUGUST 2020 SEEN 6 ALL DRESSED UP Prom may have been missed, but it couldn’t stop the glam of these fabulous teens. 9 A FAMILY THAT ROCKS A family comes together to see their name in lights. AREA HAPPENINGS 9 THE BIGGEST UPCOMING EVENTS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS 11 COMING ALIVE Flowers add color to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. THE LIST 12 MAKIN’ TRACKS Get away from COVID-19 on the state’s bike trails. AREA EATS 16 EXPLORING MAIN STREET PIZZA Michael Stoll shamelessly devours some unique pies. HOME & HEARTH 20 JEN HAUGEN Growning a passion for cooking. 22 SMOKIN! Local outdoor cooks get caught up in the world of smoking foods. 25 AUSTIN ARTWORKS CENTER
Three stories of people working to make their community a better place.
July-August | Austin Living | 5
Nurses and healthcare workers are a source of pride in the fight against COVID-19.
Austin teacher is using social media platform to lift spirits.
40 A DESIRE TO GIVE
34 TIK TOK TIME
Austin senior chooses to hold food drive in place of a traditional graduation celebration.
44 ON THE FRONT LINE
Seeking the postive
All dressed up 1 23 54 76
One of the most special of nights for any high school teen is prom. It’s a chance to dress up and feel like they are walking the red carpet in Hollywood. However, this year that was taken from these students thanks to COVID-19, which has played a part in ruining so many special moments, but that didn’t stop high schoolers from making the best of it and still dressing up in their formal best. We’re honored to be able to share these pictures here with you.
6 | Austin Living | July-August 2020 SEEN
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 7
9. Junior Catie Haag (left) and Senior Taylor King, Austin High School. Photo provided by Amber King
12.
6. Hunter Guyette and Madisyn Busker. Photo provided by Madisyn Busker
3. Lucas Evenson (12) and Eliana Bentley (11), Austin High School. Photo provided by Kellie Evenson
11. Senior, Justin Miller, Austin Senior High School. A band uniform had to stand in for a late tux. Photo provided by Kellie Miller Jordan Ransom (grade 11) and Samantha Krueger (grade 10). Photo provided by Samantha Krueger
8. Guenther Johnson, Bryah Moore, Makai Hughson, Allie Hughson, Brynn Hughson and Asia Moore got together for a fun afternoon at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Names are in no particular order. Photo provided by Shay Condit.
1. Top row, left to right: Karli Hulet, Grace Bailey, McKenzie Eliot, Sydnee Brandt. Bottom: Maggie Klingfus, Madison Morse, Sophia Kvam. Photo provided by Michelle Brandt
2. Chloey Camerer, senior of Austin High School with her friend Nakeita Neitzell homeschooled senior. Photo provided by Holly Camerer
5. Senior McKenzie Elit. Photo submitted by Cathy Elit
4. Senior Kylie Oliva-Gehring, Austin High School. Photo provided by Denise Norris
7. Grace Bobby and TJ Oldfather. Photo provided by Madisyn Busker
10. Senior Mackai Hughson, Austin High school. Photo provided by Angie Hughson
8 9 10 11 12
8 | Austin Living | July–August 2020 13. Junior HighRamos,MariahAustinSchool. 14. Junior Santellanes,DuenesSarai Austin High School. 15. Sisters Chidester.provided(senior).Oliviajunior),TschannAlayna(gradeleft,andTschannPhotobyLyna 1413 15
• July 8: Family Bumblebee Bungalow Woodworking Workshop, 4-6 p.m.
For a donation to The Paramount Theatre people were able to have names and messages featured on the marquee.
• July 18: Canvas & Cookies “Aloha” Kids Painting, 1-2:30 p.m.
A family that rocks
• July 14: Kids Art History Camp - Gustav Klimt “Golden Portrait,” 10:30 a.m. to noon
Lunchbox History Series: Henry Sibley’s 1841 Expedition to Mower County
• July 16: Kids Art History Camp - Claes Oldenburg “The Big Cone Drawing,” 10:30 a.m. to noon
• July 14: Junior Rangers Day 1 with Alison Jennings, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• July 14: Teen Drawing Class - Still Life Charcoal, 1:30-3 p.m.
July–August 2020 | Austin Living | 9
Pictures with and without facemasks were taken all the while the family stayed spaced apart.
On Friday, May 8, the photo with this message showed on the Paramount’s Facebook page. Lisa works nearby so she stopped to check it out. Her husband took a photo of her in front of the sign, and it was then posted to show her relatives. Once a few saw it they started messaging that they should all get together to take a picture and on a Saturday afternoon members ages 90 plus to 39, including 11 aunts, uncles and cousins showed up, as well as a cousin and his wife, who came from Albert Lea.
• Aug. 5: Junior Naturalists Day 1 with Alison Jennings, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Aug. 6: Junior Naturalists Day 2 with Alison Jennings, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• July 28: Monarch Magic, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• July 23: Monarch Magic, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.
• July 15: Kids Art History Camp - Kara Walker “Story Time Cut Outs,” 10:30 a.m. to noon
• July 21: Fused Glass Suncatcher, 6:30-8 p.m.
• July 1: American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m.
• Aug. 7: Pristine Prairies: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and Serengeti (5-6 years) Day 2 with Julie Hecimovich, 6-7 p.m.
• Aug. 26: Family Monarch Tagging, 4-6 p.m.
When: Noon Where: Pioneer Building, Mower County Historical Society Join guest speaker Dean Ulland as he presents “Henry Sibley’s 1841 Expedition to Mower County.” The event is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch and bring a friend to learn more about history. For more information, visit mowercountyhistory.org or call 507-437-6082.
• July 16: Teen Painting Class - Life Painting with Acrylic, 1:30-3 p.m.
Everyone’s lives are so busy, most of the time it wouldn’t be possible to do a spur of the moment get together like this, but the family was thankful that they took advantage of it. And of course, a few of them couldn’t resist stopping at The Tendermaid afterwards.
• July 15: Junior Rangers Day 2 with Alison Jennings, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Austin ArtWorks Center For more information, call 507-434-0934.
• Aug. 6: Water Wonders - Streams to Oceans (2-4 years) Day 1 with Julie Hecimovich, 10-11 a.m.
• July 10: Bumblebee Survey, 9-11 a.m.
• July 17: Kids Art History Camp - Takashi Murakami “Mixed Media Group Project” 10:30 a.m. to noon
Lisa Dunlop’s cousin, Dan Judd, saw this on Facebook. He lives near the Twin Cities and decided to surprise his Judd relatives and have this message posted on the marquee “ The Judd Family Rocks”.
• Aug. 25: Monarch Tagging (ages 10-12), 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Aug. 6: Pristine Prairies: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and Serengeti (5-6 years) Day 1 with Julie Hecimovich, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 27
• Aug. 7: Water Wonders - Streams to Oceans (2-4 years) Day 2 with Julie Hecimovich, 10-11 a.m.
With any luck, COVID-19’s time will have passed and residents in and around Mower County will be able to have fun with these events. All dates, times, and locations subject to change.
10 | Austin Living | May–June 202010 | Austin Living | July–August 2020 We know that our locally owned businesses are the life blood of our community. We also want you to know that as your hometown paper, we want to assist you with getting back to business. We are here to help with 90-Day match advertising value. Call today to find out more! HEATHER RYKS: 507-434-2225 BRENDA LANDHERR: 507-434-2226 HEATHER BIWER: 507-434-2222 CRYSTAL MILLER: 507-434-2220
May–June | Austin Living | 11July–August 2020 | Austin Living | 11 THE PERFECT GIFT FOR OCCASIONANY Give the gift of a one-year subscription to Austin Livingper$17.99magazine.yearThe recipient will get 6 issues of Austin door!directlymagazineLivingmailedtotheir Austin Daily Herald 310 2nd Street Northeast • Austin, Minnesota CAll 507-434-2220
12 | Austin Living | July–August 2020 WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Coming Alive P hoto by E ric J ohnson The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center comes into bloom in the early part of May. If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at 14Resolutionphotodesk@austindailyherald.com.mustbe300DPIandatleastincheswide.
July–August | Austin Living | 13
With COVID-19 dominating most every aspect of life, biking is one of those activities that can still be safely accomplished with proper social distancing. Minnesota is primed and ready to meet your biking desires with trails winding through most all parts of AccordingMinnesota.toexplore Minnesota, there are over 4,000 miles of paved trails throughout the state taking riders through the various scenic environments that make up our state — more than 100 miles of which are mountain bike trails. Here in southeast Minnesota we have a a wide variety of trails including the Shooting Star Trail right here in our backyard, and rides past open farm land and prairie. There’s the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails that after just a short drive will have you pedaling through all that Bluff Country has to offer. Cycling is a great way to take you through nature, so if you are itching for a ride, be sure to check out those destinations we’ve included in this edition of The List. B y E ric J
COVID-19 got you feeling shut in? Get the bike out and head out to these great trails in SE Minnesota
14 | Austin Living | July-August 2020 THE LIST
Biking on the Root River bike trail in Lanesboro over an old railroad bridge. Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism Tracks
ohnson
Makin’
Our own Shooting Star Trail starts in LeRoy, taking riders through Lake Louise State Park and rolls along next to Highway 56 to Austin. The trail was recently completed last year, connecting completely with Austin and goes through Rustic Retreat Wildlife Management Area, Shooting Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Taopi Prairie Interpretive Area and the Mower County Natural and Scenic Area.
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/rootriver_harmonypreston.pdf
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/shooting_star.pdf
Environment: Native wildflowers and grasses
Douglas State Trail
Shooting Star Trail
Environment: Wetlands, oak savanna, big woods and prairie http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/blazing_star.pdf
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/douglas.pdf
Connecting Albert Lea Lake with Myre-Big Island State Park, the Blazing Star Trail will ultimately connect up with Hayward and Austin. This trail, that includes a 1.5 miles section between Hayward and Township Road 290 in Freeborn County, will also connect to form one large bike trail with the Shooting Star and the Austin trail system.
Environment: rural scenery and agricultural land.
Another multiple use trail, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail begins near Highway 14 in Mankato and merges with the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato. The 39-mile trail stretches west to east coming to an end east of Interstate 35 in Faribault. Take note, riders will have to use street signs to guide their way through Waterville. Again, it have been developed across an abandoned rail road grade and includes asphalt for bikes and natural for horseback riding, hiking and snowmobiling.
From Rochester to Pine Island, the Douglas State Trail is a 12.5 mile multiple use trail that has been developed on an abandoned railroad grade including asphalt surface for bicyclists and a natural surface used for horseback riding and snowmobiling in the winter.
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
Root River and HarmonyPreston Valley State Trails
Environment: Picnic grounds, boat access, hiking trails and lakes are available along the way. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/sakatah.pdf
One of the most scenic trails in this part of the state, the Root River Trail spans 42 miles from Fountain to Houston and connects with the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail running 18 miles from Harmony to Preston. Along the way, take advantage of the picnic and rest areas as well as private campgrounds that place you close to the trails.
Blazing Star Trail
Environment: Bluff Country and several historic towns.
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 15
S tory and P hoto S by M ichael S toll
I fancy myself a pizza connoisseur. Why? I am so glad you asked! I have loved pizza ever since I was a little kid, and while my tastes changed over the years, my love for pizza has remained ever present. It was fitting that my first job in high school was at the Lilburn, Georgia, location of Papa John’s Pizza. The pay wasn’t glamorous, nor were many of my fellow employees, but it was my first introduction into the art of making pizza. Yes, I said art. It may look simple, but hand-tossing a consistent crust with I
S
Exploring Main
16 | Austin Living | July–August 2020 AREA EATS
o it appears that my hope expressed in the previous issue of Austin Living did not come to fruition. If you need reminding, I had hoped by this point the COVID-19 situation would have subsided enough to allow me to do my usual Area Eats article where I write about the delectable offerings from one of the dining options in Austin and the surrounding area that have not previously been featured in the magazine.
That is clearly not the case, but when given lemons, I have opted to make the metaphorical lemonade. It’s easier then throwing them back and demanding oranges. That is why I have decided to have this particular Area Eats feature focus on my favorite food: Pizza.
PizzaandSteve’spiesthedevourshamelesslymostuniquefromPizzaGeorge’s
July–August 2020 | Austin Living | 17
So this is my small connection to fame, and it is all thanks to pizza
Street Pizza as few air pockets as possible takes practice. If you ever see footage of competitive pizza making (yes that is a thing), you’ll see some serious talent from serious pizza makers. Papa John’s was just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout college I held jobs at various pizza shops, from inside cook to delivery driver to assistant manager. Some were chains, like Donatos and Sbarros, while others were local mom-and-pop shops you couldn’t find anywhere else. The last pizza restaurant I worked at was Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw, Georgia. Fans of the Travel Channel show “Man vs. Food” might be familiar with that name as that was where original host Adam Richman did his eating challenge – a 30inch, 11-pound Carnivore Pizza that needed to be consumed in an hour (with a partner, not alone). This was after college, when I was a broke historian looking for extra work. Fortunately, I knew owners Dirk Tendick and Chris Day from another local pizza restaurant we all worked at together. Although Richman and partner Drew Middlebrooks failed the challenge, Big Pie’s business skyrocketed after the episode aired and Day asked me if I was still looking for extra work.
So of all of these pizzas, which one is my favorite? I am so glad you asked again!
I have no doubt you have been wondering which pizza that I, the overly opinionated (and rather rude) Area Eats writer for Austin Living, believe is the best among all of the offerings (don’t roll your eyes and deny it). Whose restaurant reignsI’msupreme?onlygoing to write this once. My favorite pizza, which from here on out decides who is the best among the two, is ... We’re sorry; the ending of this article was lost at sea before it was sent to print. As author Mike Stoll said previously, he would only write the name of the winner once and in true divalike fashion has refused to type the name again. Based on ocean currents, we believe the ending is somewhere around the Korean Peninsula, possibly being investigated as American propaganda by Kim Jong-Un.
Enter Steve’s Pizza and George’s Pizza. When discussing these two long-time Main Street landmarks with locals, it was apparent there was a divide.
And with a $1,000 price tag, I never will.
While some liked both, others were fiercely loyal to one or the other. With this in mind, I had to see what I thought.
18 | Austin Living | July–August 2020
On the adjoining page are my top three picks from both.
Bottom line, I love pizza. So it was only natural when my wife and I moved to Austin in 2016 that I should seek out, you guessed it, the local pizza restaurants.
So that is my small connection to fame, and it is all thanks to pizza.Inmy travels, the first thing I tend to look for is whether or not my destination has a local pizza shop. I have eaten thousands of slices in many states throughout my life, from New York style to Chicago style, from stuffed crust to Sicilian crust, from conveyor belt ovens, brick ovens and wood-fired ovens. I have consumed everything from your hole-in-wall greasy pies to unorthodox creations. I have yet to consume the Bellissima Pizza, which features lobster and caviar, from Nino’s Bellisima Pizzeria in New York City.
When I peruse a menu at a new pizza restaurant, the first thing I look for is the list of specialty pizzas. In the case of George’s and Steve’s, I decided to focus on their most unique creations in determining my favorites. For the purposes of this experiment, I eliminated any specialty pizzas commonly found elsewhere (such as Supreme, Veggie, Meat, etc.) and any specialty the two had in common (such as Taco and Bacon Cheeseburger).Withtheparameters set, I proceeded to try the remainder.
Greek Chicken – As previously stated, I love feta cheese. This pie comes with onions, red and green peppers, chicken and Kalamata olives with a feta sauce in place of traditional tomato sauce. I cheated a bit and ordered mine sans olives because, to be blunt, I despise olives. That being said, the sweetness of the onions and peppers balances well with the saltiness of the feta.
The Greek Special – I am a feta cheese addict. While some think its sharp, salty taste is too strong, I find it to be a good accompaniment to various dishes, pizza included. Throw on top of that gyro meat, a unique pizza topping in its own right, and you’ve got a top-notch savory pie. This one was only slightly beaten out by my favorite pizza from George’s. That distinction goes to …
The Beckel Special – Like the aforementioned Pesto Chicken, the Beckel forgoes traditional tomato sauce and opts instead for George’s homemade hot sauce. Then comes the meat: beef, bacon and ham. How this combination of hot sauce and meat came to be, I don’t know, but it works. I can hear some of you now: “Oh no! Hot sauce! It’ll be too hot!” And you would be … wrong. The hot sauce is there simply to impart flavor, not make you sweat. The other toppings help balance it out, so even those with a low heat tolerance can enjoy this one.
1
2Bacon and Ranch BLT – This one was a surprise. Topped with bacon, lettuce and tomato (obviously), this wouldn’t seem like much. But then its creator made the decision to use ranch as the sauce base, changing the flavor profile in a very good way. Genius or mad scientist, whoever came up with this one deserves credit.
2
The Pesto Chicken – If you’ve never had pesto as a sauce option, you really should. This pizza features a pesto base with chicken, red onions, green peppers and tomatoes. The first bite gives you a hit of basil and garlic with saltiness from the Parmesan cheese.
3
George’s PizzaSteve’s Pizza
3
1Buffalo Chicken (and then some) – I can only set the stage for you on this one by telling you the online menu did not include a list of toppings. From what I could tell, it appeared to be buffalo chicken atop bacon, ground beef, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese. It seems an odd combination, until you bite into it and are greeted by a blend of spicy buffalo sauce contrasted with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. You will want more. Oh yes, you will want more.
July–August 2020 | Austin Living | 19
3. My kids are actually quite creative in the kitchen. Both of them have been more interested in cooking, partially because a high school foods class required it, but probably more so because there has been more time to do it and they have enjoyed the challenge. I won’t forget my birthday where my kids prepared a restaurant-vibe at home with the food, music and fun that they literally cooked up on their own.
1. Meal planning is your ultimate best friend in the kitchen. While I have known this for a while, what’s excited me most is that I have gotten really efficient at it. I have been planning our meals two weeks at a time and shopping for those meals twice a month. I’ve created a daily theme schedule (like Italian one day of the week, Mexican food on Mondays or favorite recipe Fridays) with a list of meals that fall into that theme. Then I just slot meals into my weekly dinner plans and build a shopping list. If you want to save hours of your life — do this as soon as possible.
4. Everyone needs to have a job. Just like we all need to know what’s expected of us, it’s a great thing to have designated jobs. I like washing the dishes. My husband likes to(well, I don’t know if it’s actually a like!) dry the dishes. My kids empty the dishwasher and put dishes away. Everyone plays a part and it reduces the stress of having it be all on one person for sure!
What is the main reason you cook? Is it to save some money? Eat healthier? Have better control of ingredients? Is it a passion? Is it because it’s convenient to gather the whole family in one place? Or is it because it’s just a habit, something you have to do? For me, it’s a combination of passion, health and saving money. While we all have been cooking more at home than ever before, here are a few things I have learned that I hope you can try too!
Surprisingly, only 13 percent of people surveyed in the 2020 U.S. Home Cooking Survey, revealed that they have a passion for cooking. The majority of people who cook at home do so because it saves money and is healthier. Any way you slice it, 98 percent of American’s actually do prefer cooking at home. I hope these tips have helped you too!
About Jen Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, is a mom on a mission to making everyday cooking easier so you can live your dreams. She’s a local small business owner, author and registered dietitian nutritionist. She owns her own business as a Pampered Chef consultant where she loves teaching how to make cooking fast and easy and healthy. If you would love to gather your friends for a fun evening of cooking together with tools that get the job done quicker, and learn simple cooking tips to make everyday cooking easier, then call Jen to set up your date:Want507-438-7109.dailytips?
Around the Table
5. Technology can be a part of the table. I used to believe in tech free table time. But when I think back to how we celebrated birthdays or holidays with everyone at the virtual table, now I think having tech at the table is actually a good thing. What a great way to connect even when we can’t all be together. Thanks to the pandemic, we have had a few online dinners with family and it’s been a great way to connect while we are all sitting and eating together (virtually). Why did we wait so long to do this?
HOME & HEARTH B y J en H augen , RD n , LD Thai BowlNoodle 20 | Austin Living | July-August 2020
2. Cooking is so much easier when you know where that favorite recipe is. One day I was looking for my favorite fettuccine alfredo recipe to make in my pressure cooker. I thought I had saved it to Pinterest but didn’t and I started googling for it. Well, that wasted TONS of time. I’m now printing off any recipe I like and putting them into a binder only if I’ve made them and they worked for our family. And guess what, more time savings because it’s organized!
Find Jen on Instagram: blog:PackageRealJenHaugenRDFacebook:com/JenHaugenRDwww.instagram.andonwww.facebook.com/AndgrabherMeals,RealMomsRecipebysubscribingtoherwww.jenhaugen.com
Growing a passion for cooking
Thai Noodle Bowl Yield: one Ingredientsserving • 2 oz. (60 g) spaghetti • 1 cup (250 mL) water • 1 tbsp (15 mL) creamy peanut butter • 1½ tsp (7 mL) reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1½ tsp (7 mL) honey • ½ lime, juiced • 1½ tsp (7 mL) water • 1 carrot, peeled • ½ red or green pepper • Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts Directions • Combine the pasta and water in the Microwave Pasta Cooker. Cover with the lid and microwave on HIGH for 6 •minutes.Inasmall bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and water. • Grate the carrot with the Veggie Strip Maker. Cut the bell pepper into thin strips. • Remove the bowl from the micro wave; add the sauce and vegetables then cook, covered, for 2 minutes. • Top with cilantro and peanuts. Let it stand for 2–3 minutes. Nutrients per serving U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 380, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 410 mg, Carbohydrate 64 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugars 17 g, Protein 13 g Recipe source: com/pws/jenhaugenwww.pamperedchef. Cook’s Tip: Using frozen fruit will yield a thicker, colder smoothie. When you use frozen fruit, add at least double the amount of liquid and omit the ice. Survey research accessed May 18, 2020: htmlinsight/americans-cooking-habits.www.reportlinker.com/ July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 21
22 | Austin Living | July-August 2020
“I’ve smoked mac and cheese,” Kunze said as he and Steinbrink watched over Steinbrink’s smoker filled with three pork butts and an entire top shelf of bacon-wrapped jalapeños. “That’s probably one of my favorite things to smoke. Not everybody thinks of that right away. I’ve done smoked desserts before.”
“I literally go up and down the aisles, thinking, ‘hmm, wonder if I can smoke that?’” he added.
Along the way, Steinbrink started asking questions and talking more with Kunze about the process and what goes into it. As Steinbrink tells it, it was Kunze who first opened the smoking door wide for him, reminding Kunze of how it went.“How it all started is you had bought your smoker from Ace and then I commented on your Facebook post and you said, ‘hey, I got this old one,’” Steinbrink told him.
Kunze’s journey into the world of smoking began after he purchased a pellet smoker last year. It didn’t take long for it to take hold. He would cook in all sorts of weather, including the snow and the cold, and as he smoked he would take pictures and post them on Facebook.
Local outdoor cooks get caught up in the world of smoking foods
From there the two friends, who have known each other during their time living in Lyle. In fact Kunze was Steinbrink’s football coach when he was a freshman.
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 23
For others, however, winter is that green light, especially when you find a passion for a new way of cooking.
S tory and P hoto S by E ric J ohn S on It’s summer time and for many that’s the green light for cooking out as much as possible.
Josh Kunze and Cody Steinbrink are two such people and their passion has taken them deep into the world of cooking through smoking.
Smokin!
Kunze said. “I would have never thought to look at a pork butt and cut it open to see what kind of smoke ring you have. People like the bark a certain way. Some people like it crispy, some people don’t.
24 | Austin Living | July-August 2020
A fun side product, which highlights the versatility of smokers, is that a person who is into smoking doesn’t have to give up grilling. While it may take a little longer, it’s still possible to enjoy a piece of meat as if it were cooked on a regular charcoal grill.
Smoke pellets are what gives the food being smoked the lovely
tastes.Josh
Kunze, who made the move to smoking last year, shows off Cody Steinbrink’s smoker. It was Kunze who helped get Steinbrink into the culinary art.
“I would constantly try and smoke on my charcoal grill, but it was never what I wanted,” Steinbrink said. “They would be edible, but they were not what you’re desiring. I fell into that thing and his old smoker and I did my first rack of ribs on there and I was like ‘wow.’ I was doing it so wrong on this charcoal grill.”
There’s so many different ways to do the pallet. Everybody has a different idea of what barbecue is. You can see that at a national level too. Nashville barbecue vs. North Carolina barbecue and it means a totally different thing.”
When Steinbrink got his first smoker from Kunze, it was smaller and held a limited amount of food, but it was a first step and far better than what he had been trying before that.
“We’ve been kind of bouncing ideas and things off each other,” Kunze said. “I kind of used a buddy’s Pintrest as my source of inspiration and recipes. Cody got into some Facebook groups and got some really good feedback from those.”
“Whattastes.youdo is appreciate it more,”
This entire process has given both men a heightened appreciation for cooking, the techniques and the styles used to cook the food. It also opened up so many things that neither of them knew or thought possible. That understanding is made easier considering the wide spectrum of barbecue
“This is 10 times better than all that,” Steinbrink continued. “It’s actually, honestly turned into kind of an addiction. What can I cook next? How can I make it better? I use Facebook — smoking is totally a trial and error thing. I’ve wrecked stuff, I’m not even going to lie. I wrecked a rack on that last smoker — easily.”
“We text each other and show each other pictures of smoking,” Kunze said. “We have a blast with it, especially now with the virus. It’s something to do. You can still distance with each other and have a good time. It’s kind of a familyForevent.”Steinbrink, it’s just been another added enjoyment for somebody who likes cooking outdoors. “It’s been fun. Honestly, almost as much as I enjoy cooking. I enjoy cooking for people,” Steinbrink said. “I get a joy out of that. Even if I was cooking and I didn’t eat, I get almost as much joy out of that as if I ate what I cook.”
Artwork currently priced at $3.75 for cards, $2.50-$4.50formagnets
Featured Artist Dorothy Krob
Cody Steinbrink shows off the first smoker he ever used before moving up to his current rig.
The entire process of smoking, and most importantly the food after it is all said and done, has been a worthwhile endeavor for both Kunze and Steinbrink. It’s been a way to not only enjoy good food, but keep in contact as well.
“How convenient is it to have your ribs going or a pork butt going and you’re out at Runnings and you are at the point where you see it and you want to bump the temp up?”
My love of photography began as a child. My father had a darkroom in the basement. He developed all his photos of the trains that passed through Austin, photo Christmas cards, and photos for the Austin Police Department. He was also the projectionist at the Paramount. The color and light of the movies always fascinated me. I am an Austin native. My husband, Steve, and I have three grown daughters and five grandchildren.After27years of teaching, I now devote my time to seasonal and regional photography. We are fortunate to travel frequently in our retirement, so many of my cards have snapshots from places far and near. All of the photos on the cards are taken with my Canon Rebel. I also contract to take photos for websites.Florals in spring and in summer, fall leaf color, winter frosted trees, and ocean sunrise and sunset scenes are my favorite subjects. I also have a line of cards depicting Austin churches, schools, and businesses. Especially popular are the graduation cards for Austin High School and Pacelli. All the cards are blank inside, giving the buyer room to write a sincere message. The location where the photo was taken, is written on the back of each card.
However, those who get into the practice of smoking need to be prepared for a wait. Meals can take anywhere between eight to nine hours and both have made practices of cooking more than they need at that moment in order to save some and freeze it for later. But smokers these days will often make things easier for the cook in that technology lends a hand in the process.
Steinbrink asked.
“You can crank these things up high enough to sear a steak on,” Kunze confirmed. “It does take away from the smoking, but like I said, you can still use it as a heat source to do what you need to do.”
Austin ArtWorks Center
Steinbrink’s smoker can connect through wifi so that he can monitor the device from a distance if need be.
B y T he h ormel I ns TIT u T e
Dr. Sergio Gradilone –Cancer Cell Biology & Translational Research
COVID-19 brought new normals to The Hormel Institute like it did for all organizations - no large meetings or conferences yet, social distancing maintained in the work place, the wearing of personal protective equipment and a “sun rise plan” for returning to work in labs or on site.
The Hormel Institute adds powerful new microscope in the continuing battle against cancer
Several scientists have research projects lined up, ex cited to use the new confocal microscope and a few of these are highlighted below:
Developing resistance to lung cancer therapy is a major problem. To combat this problem, discoveries are needed to learn how to better kill cancer cells and prevent them from evading the effects of therapy. Our research group will use the new confocal microscope to test how lung cancer cells might become resistant to therapy. Such basic science advances have the potential to serve as a foundation for the development of new strategies to fight the deadliest of can cers.”
Dr. Luke Hoeppner – Cancer Biology
Right tool for the right job
Just like any industry or profession, having the right tools gets the job done better and faster. Such is the case with the “cancer fighting tools” provided to researchers at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota.
“Lung cancer is the leading cancer related cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. Unfortunately, many individuals are diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer, and fre quently therapies become ineffective within one year.
“It improves on a regular microscope by using a system of pinholes to remove light resulting in sharper, higher qual ity images. It helps researchers show co-localization (events happening in the same cell) to get a sharper image of very smallTheobjects.”newconfocal microscope replaces an older, outof-date model and will be housed in the Shared Instrument Core Facility, part of the International Center for Research Technology (ICRT). The Shared Instrument Core is an area where any researcher can go to use instruments needed for research. The confocal microscope will be available to all researchers after they complete training sessions interspersed with many hours of using the microscope to become adept at acquiring desired images. The ICRT houses some of the world’s most important technologies used to further cancer research discoveries. In addition to the new confocal microscope, the ICRT includes the CryoEM lab, mass spectrometer, flow cytometers, and over 50 different instruments. The ICRT was developed in 2008 with an IBM supercomputer.
Hormel Institute
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“Primary cilia, from the Latin word ‘eyelashes’, are cel lular organelles that are present on almost all type of cells of the body. The cilium contains a microtubule scaffold which protrudes from the cell, and is ideally positioned to sense and interact with the cellular environment, compa
For Todd Schuster, maintaining safety in the Shared Instrument Core is achieved by limiting the number of peo ple that can be in a room at a time, providing gloves and masks for each researcher and disinfecting after each use.
Thanks to support from The Hormel Foundation and University of Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research office, The Hormel Institute added an exciting new instrument to accelerate research: A Zeiss LSM 900 confocal microscope with 3 high sensitivity GaAsP detectors and an Airyscan super resolution detector. The 600-pound instrument was shipped from Germany, arriving in four wooden crates holding the precious discovery-accelerating equipment.“This type of microscope allows scientists to image very small or weakly fluorescent objects with the resolution to distinguish between small objects very close together,” said Todd Schuster, manager of the Instrument Core Facility at The Hormel Institute UMN. Schuster joined The Hormel Institute in 2004 and operates, maintains and oversees a diverse array of scientific instruments and equipment to en sure their safe and proper use.
many tumors lose primary cilia. It has been proposed that the primary cilium may work as a tumor suppressor organelle. Many cancer cells have developed mechanisms to inhibit ciliogenesis and stimulate ciliary disassembly. The loss of primary cilia is linked with increased proliferation. Therefore, efforts to stimulate restoration of cilia on tumor cells are underway. The ability to follow and photograph the formation of cilia, offered by the new confocal microscope, provides us a new tool to assess novel therapeutics to restore the expression of the cilium in malignant cells and decrease tumor growth.”
Dr. Rebecca Morris – Stem Cells & Cancer
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The Morris laboratory studies tissue morphology and pathology to determine the role of bone marrow cells in skin cancer. Hence, we make major use of quantitative light microscopy and photomicrography. Confocal microscopy is a major tool for these studies due to its features of optical dissection and super resolution that increase our understanding of cellular interactions that cause skin cancer.
In addition to the Ariscan Super-resolution, the confocal’s ability to “tile” or to sew together multiple images into one larger image will enable us to increase our knowledge of the tissue microenvironment by facilitating seamless study of serial sections at all magnifications. The Morris lab is overjoyed to welcome this essential tool to our microscopy suite.
Todd Schuster standing next to the boxes and crates containing the new confocal microscope at The Hormel Institute. Photo provided
rable to an ‘antenna’. Its function is to sense the extracellular environment through its abundance of receptors and linked signaling pathways. The importance of cilia becomes evident when there are defects in ciliary structures. These ciliary defects can lead to diseases that have been denominated cil iopathies.Inparticular,
On The FlyStocking trout in Wolf Creek finds success, now vision turns to the future S tory and P hoto S by E ric J ohn S on 28 | Austin Living | July-August 2020 OUT & ABOUT
Isaiah Wright fishes Wolf Creek on the trout opener in Todd Park. For the first time since the 1980s trout were stocked in the creek.
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Earlier on the morning of April 18, a drive through Todd Park might have revealed a little something different.
In all, 900 trout were stocked, turning Wolf Creek into a put-and-take creek, a phrase which means that it’s unlikely that trout would ever become a stream with a self-sustainable trout population and instead would need to be stocked year after year with ready to harvest fish.
The habitat proved good for the fish according to Craig Soupir, Waterville Area Fisheries Supervisor.
All of this paints an optimistic future for the trout and the stream as an active fishing source. Stocking for the year has come to an end, but reports are still coming in that people are catching trout meaning they haven’t left the area.
“The fish handled the stocking well and were actively feeding and being captured by anglers right away,” Soupir said. “So that is what we want to see.”
Up and down Wolf Creek, which winds its way through Todd Park and eventually links with the Cedar River, anglers were casting a line in the hopes of catching a few of the newly stocked trout.
To help that along officials are looking at things that can be done to further improve habitat up and down the length of the stream. Freshly stocked trout swim near the shore of Wolf Creek in April.
According to Soupir, plans are already in place to stock the creek again in 2021.
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“It was really busy,” said Watershed Technician James Fett. “My wife and I got there in the afternoon and there were a dozen or so people fishing when I got there. We heard it was a lot busier in the morning.” Fett was one of many working to bring trout into the stream. In 2017 he started the proces including putting an eye to temperatures of the river and found that the habitat was right for Aftertrout.acouple years of research it was decided that the DNR would stock Wolf. Those stockings came in two different waves: the first not long before the opener and the second coming after the opener.
And by all appearances it was a success.
The season opener revealed a fishing opportunity that hadn’t been attempted for years, but work between the Cedar River Watershed District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was able to put trout once again into the ribbon of a creek.
Locally, Mower, Olmsted, Steele and Dodge counties are all on the list of the ban on deer feeding.
Deer feeding and attractant bans expand as part of CWD response
“To prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, it’s important to limit close contact among deer,” said Michelle Carstensen, DNR’s wildlife health program supervisor. “By keeping feed and attractants out of our backyards, Minnesotans can discourage the congregation of deer that spreads this deadly disease.”
Information Find more information on feeding and attractant bans on the DNR website at www. dnr.state.mn.us/cwd/feedban.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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All of this combined with preveious work the CRWD has done in order to enhance water quality within the watershed is providing an opportunity and in turn shows what good work can come of such efforts.
Currently 31 counties in north-central and southeastern Minnesota have deer feeding and/or attractant bans in place. The bans in five of those counties will be removed on July 1. So, with six counties being added and five removed, a total of 32 counties will have feeding and/or attractant bans in place on July 1.
“I think it’s been really exciting seeing that conservation upstream can lead to something this great,” Fett said.
While this first year has been successful, looking forward there are some areas that officials are looking carefully at.
In counties where deer feeding is banned, people need to remove any grains, fruits, nuts and other food placed in ways that could entice deer. People who feed birds or small mammals need to make sure that deer cannot access the food. The feed should be kept at least 6 feet above ground level. Normal agricultural, forest management or wildlife foodplanting practices are allowed.
In areas where the attractant ban is also in place, people must remove any liquid food scents, salt, minerals and other natural or manufactured products that attract deer.
That’s work already being eyed by Fett who is only just looking at the tip of the iceberg in terms of what can be done, however, he’s also coping with limitations from the COVID-19 pandemic that seems to be limiting everything these days.
Another area to keep track of are stretches of the stream that are unavailable to anglers. There are more springs located downstream of Todd Park that anglers can’t reach and should the trout find their way to these springs then they may not leave.“We always hope to work with landowners in situations with unique angling opportunities like Wolf Creek,” Soupir said. Sometimes we can secure fishing access easements, which may be a possibility in the future upstream or downstream. That said, even if we can’t pursue additional access for anglers along Wolf Creek, Todd Park provides a great stretch of stream for this trout fishery and we hope that the successes we achieved in 2020 can be extended well into the future.”Allinall, the future is looking pretty good for continued fishing in Todd Park. “I think things are looking really positive now,” Fett said. “Folks have been catching fish between stockings. The next thing we would look at pursing is enhancing habitat for those trout. We’ll continue to evaluate how fishing is going. If the trout stick around and people can still catch them then it’s looking like it’s been success.”
Following the discovery of chronic wasting disease in a wild deer in Dakota County in March, the willNaturalDepartmentMinnesotaofResourcesexpandcurrent deer feeding and attractant bans to include Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Scott and Washington counties beginning July 1.
Drought conditions are one of those things. Currently, the ground water tables are ample Soupir said, but should conditions become drier then ground water infiltration would be affected leading to rising water temperatures in streams that are generally cold-water streams and good for trout.
Nature Notes News from the Minnesota Department of Natural Reources
Current deer feeding and attractant bans
“Although water temperatures are adequate to support rainbow trout throughout the year in Wolf Creek, there is still a great opportunity to improve the habitat throughout the stretch of stream that runs through Todd Park,” Soupir said. “For example, in-stream habitat including weirs to focus flow and create scour (which helps develop deeper pools that trout need to over-winter), coarse woody habitat projects that provides cover and feeding habitat, and even lunker structures (undercut bank structures that provide over-head cover and resting areas) would all be possible in this stretch of the stream, but would need to be designed appropriately.”
“Typically, we want to be creating more ripples and pools and also some different habitat structures,” he said. “It gives the fish a place to lie low so stressed fish can hide, but we haven’t really looked into any specifics yet. With COVID19 there might be some grant limitations. I’m not sure were potential dollars could come from.”
32 | Austin Living | July-August 2020 Throwing A RoundS tory and P hoto S by r ocky h ulne Disc golf is a fun way to get outside in the midst COVID019of Aaron Knoll of Austin fires a disc at a basket in Driesner Park.
Hector Hernandez WHERE TO PLAY
• Driesner Park in Austin is an 18-hole course that is located in the middle of
• Willows Disc Golf Course in Winona is a 18-hole course that is near East Lake Winona. A nine-hole course is on West Lake.
thebeautiful.andthrowdisc.throwwhensatisfyingveryyouyourIt’stheyouwantitjustlooksThat’sbestfeeling.
It’s a nice afternoon in Driesner Park and a baseball player, a swimmer, and a soccer player have all found something they can do Aarontogether.Knoll, a senior who was one of Austin’s top swimmers this past season, Dawson Mills, an Austin grad who played third base for the state qualifying baseball team in 2019 and Hector Hernandez, a senior who played on Austin’s summer soccer team the past few years, have found that disc golf can be exactly what they need to keep them balanced — before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
•town.Todd Park in Austin offers a 27-hole course that wraps through a forest and into a hilly area with a river.
• Grand Meadow School Disc Golf Course has nine holes and runs through a line of smaller trees.
The group of friends have been playing together since last year and they’ve especially enjoyed discing together in a time where they’ve spent more than enough time locked inside in front of a computer screen for distance learning.
“It’s one of the cheapest sports to get into when you’re out of high school,” Knoll said. “You could do regular golf, but then you have to pay for clubs and pay for a golf membership. That doesn’t even cover the extensive amount of disc golf courses in the state. Most of them are free. All you really need is a driver, a mid-range and a putter. A combo of those can go for thirty bucks and then you’re set until you lose a disc or break one.”
• Slatterly Park in Rochester offers a chance to play nine quick holes.
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Knoll, Herandez and Mills have been just a few of the many disc golfers who have flocked to Driesner this spring as it has been one of the few activities that never faced any restrictions.
• Bear Cave Park in Stewartville has 18 holes that run through a wooded area.
“When I first started I couldn’t throw farther than 50 feet. Now I can kind of hit 300,” Hernandez said. “It’s very satisfying when you throw your disc. It’s the throw you want and it just looks beautiful. That’s the best feeling.”
“It’s just nice to get some fresh air and clear my mind,” Knoll said. “It’s a lot when you’re trying to sit at home and isolate. It takes a toll on your mental health and you get really bored. Getting out and enjoying the weather is really nice. It’s nice to be able to disc golf.” Disc golfing has grown in popularity in Austin and beyond in the past decade and it is the perfect sport to play while social distancing. Competitors can play alongside each other without making physical contact and they can also carry on a face-to-face conversation while playing.
There is also the mental relief of being in nature as many disc golf courses are built in scenic parks throughout the state.
Knoll started to encourage his friends to play disc golf after school last year and he’s been out plenty of times this year. Knoll said there are plenty of benefits to disc golfing as it is a good way to get moving and have fun.
It’s
“You get outside and out in the woods. You get to see nature,” Mills said. “There’s something about watching that disc fly through the air that is relaxing.” Disc golf is usually played casually, although players naturally improve the more they throw. Herandez has made big strides since he started playing last year.
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TimeTik Eric JohnSon
Tok Austin teacher using social media platform to lift spirits Story and photoS by
“My kids got me into it first because they wanted me to do this dance with them,” Carlson said. “I thought, ‘this is stupid, I don’t want to do this.’ But then it was ‘oh my gosh, this is great!’”After that it was off to the races as her children quickly became accomplices to Carlson and her videos.
For those not acquainted with Tik Tok, the social media platform allows people to upload videos in short-form, usually in the vein of 15 seconds, although they can be strung together to create 60-second long videos. Videos often reflect dances, funny encounters or artistic endeavors.“Thisis the highlight of my day,” Carlson said. “I always told my sister I was funnier than her, now I have proof.”
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Sometimes, to create something positive all you really need is a cell phone and a goat — and Tik Tok.
On a warm and windy day in May, IJ Holton Intermediate School special education case facilitator Jessica Carlson handed her daughter Haven her phone and began singing to that Asgoat.she did this, Haven recorded her and what was it for? To spread a little positivity during a time when positivity is a hard thing to come by.
On many of the days since COVID-19 closed the schools and everything else Carlson has taken the time to create short videos for the social media platform Tik Tok in order to create something fun for those watching.
At any one time Carlson has used her own children, which includes Haven, Boone and Hollis, her parents DeDee and RJ Bergstrom and a plethora of farm animals.
In fact, it was because of her children that Carlson started making the videos, not that she was overly thrilled to do it.
Jessica Carlson and her daughter Haven lead a pair of goats out into the yard of Jessi ca’s parents farm. Goats are often featured in her Tik Tok videos. Below, Jessica leans in to say “hi” to a student during a reverse parade at Ellis and IJ Holton schools.
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“It lets me take a step away from the stress,” she said. “It might be making a fool of myself, but it let’s me forget about things for that 15 seconds I’m on Tik Tok. It’s been a great way to connect with my own children and even staff.”
“We made a Tik Tok together with ‘Smooth Criminal’ (Annie, are you okay?) because so many of us are praying our kids are okay,” Carlson said.
And now we’re back to the Tik Tok videos. It turns out it’s more than just creating something funny to lift the spirits of others.Carlson has found it lifts her spirits as well.
Many of Carlson’s videos take place on her parent’s farm in rural Freeborn County, but Tik Toks have been known to break out anywhere including in her car or even a Zoom meeting with Austin Public Schools special education teachers.
Like most teachers, the loss of the school year was a hard one to bear. The teachers routinely acknowledge how hard it’s been being separated from the students they spend so much timeEvenwith.though distance learning had been put into effect, it didn’t make up for not having students in the classroom.
“Knowing the world would be a huge undertaking, I became a special education teacher,” Carlson said. So it’s no surprise that Carlson and other special education teachers are maybe missing their kids a little more because of the close proximity they have with their students, oftentimes in one-on-one settings.
Carlson’s path to teaching was a destiny of sorts, that as her mom tells it she was out to save the world.
Jessica Carlson
“ All I want to do is make people happy because we’re in such a time of uncertainty. I just want to bring smiles and laughter.”
“It’s been challenging just because you’re not there as a physical presence with students and staff,” Carlson said, who has been with the school district since 1998 and at IJ Holton since 2013. “You’re almost in mourning. You’ve lost something. I have moments … I just don’t know how much longer you can do that. We miss that connection so badly.”
Even though Carlson’s videos have been well received, it’s really more about the fun they create and, by extension, a little bit of positivity.
curious about the videos Carlson has made, go to Tik Tok and look up: aloldhorselady.
I don’t think I’m looking for any celebrity status,” she said. “All I want to do is make people happy because we’re in such a time of uncertainty. I just want to bring smiles and laughter.”Forthose
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“The state hasn’t really lightened the special ed load at all and the teachers are responsible for contacting the students,” Carlson said. “If you’re having a hard time reaching the faculty and now throw in language barriers, it’s very taxing.”
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A Desire to Givesenior chooses to hold food drive in place of a traditional graduation celebration PhotoS by Eric JohnSon
Story and
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Austin
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Katie Lillemon puts donated food on a table already filled with food items.
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She’s has been involved in a number of school activities including Student County Youth Leadership, National Honor Society, Math League, Go Green Club, Austinaires and Choralaires just to name a few.
Well, maybe sacrifice is too strong of word. Instead, Katie wanted to find somewhere in between where she could celebrate her milestone as well help others.
There is no denying Austin graduate Katie Lillemon is driven.
She uses technology to keep up with friends, but it’s hardly the same and it doesn’t make the loss of memories every senior takes with them any better.
Katie has followed in her family’s footsteps, who donated their time to help.
“It’s definitely been a difficult adjustment,” she said. “Being so involved it was hard to step away from that. You don’t get to see these people that I’ve seen every day of my life. It’s hard not to be with those people.”
Katie is just one of so many students across the country that had their final year of high school taken from them and while she understands why, she’s no less candid when she talks about her disappointment.
“It’s been hard because we’ve been on the journey with her that whole time,” Diane said. “You’re thinking it’s as much for the parents as the kids when you follow your kids through sports, academic honors and musical productions. You get to know not only your child and what they are doing but you see others as However,family.”Katie was determined not to let the year go to waste and while COVID-19 wasn’t in the cards initially, two worlds came together in a rather fortuitous way. Pitching in When Katie came to her parents with the plan to hold a drive-thru food drive as her graduation party it just seemed natural. By this point they were used to it.
“I wasn’t shocked, because Katie has been doing this her whole life,” Diane said.
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Katie’s thinking has been that not only has the year been wiped away, the journey has been altered in a way. And it hasn’t been any easier for her parents.
“She comes from a long line of volunteers,” Diane said. “Her grandparents were avid volunteers. Grandma Lillemon received a pin for 20,000 hours of service for volunteering. When she was through as a registered nurse, she went back to volunteer at the hospital and through the church. David’s dad worked along side her.”
The school year that never was
But she’s just as driven outside of the classroom and filled with a desire to help those people she can, so it was no surprise to her parents David and Diane Lillemon when she unveiled a plan to help those less fortunate, even if it meant sacrificing her graduation party.
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“The first time I noticed it in Katie, we were heading to preschool when she was four,” Diane said. “We were going to meet the teachers and Katie comes out of bedroom with her backpack with school supplies and another packed backpack. She said she was taking one with her school supplies and then the other one filled with school supplies was for somebody else in case somebody forgot theirs. It’s kind of gone from that pointFastforward.”forward to the 2019 senior class and Katie, as a junior, was starting to formulate another plan and it came to her as she was visiting the parties of graduating friends. She realized quickly she didn’t want a regular party.
There were a number of things Katie wanted to try, but COVID-19 found a way to get in the way with all of that. She thought about hosting a food packing party where an organization like Hope for the Hungry provide the ingredients and groups can package the food, which in turn are sent overseas to those countries in need.
It didn’t take a whole lot of time to notice Katie’s penchant for helping people. Diane was eager to tell a story of the first time she noticed Katie’s willingness to give.
“Last year, when I was going around to graduation parties, I knew I didn’t want a traditional graduation party,” Katie explained. I knew there was so much I needed to do. I came to my parents after the graduation parties and asked if they would be okay with having a service project rather than a party.” But what to do
It’s not new for Katie and something she has taken part in
before at her church, St. Olaf Lutheran Church. After some thought and looking hard at what would have the most impact on the community, Katie and her family focused on a food drive. She partnered with her church to hold it in the parking lot of St. Olaf as well as partnering with Thrivent to get the resourcesThen,together.onSunday, May 31, proper social distancing protocols were put into place and the party started. Not too long after noon vehicles were lining up to wish Katie well and drop off their donated food supplies. In total Katie and her family collected 1,655 items that included items from well-wishers as well as food donated to her by Jim’s Marketplace and St. Olaf.
“I think this is just a great opportunity to give back to a community the gives me so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities because of the people who lived here and supported me. It’s just a really great opportunity come together and celebrate Austin.”
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Katie Lillemon (red mask) talks to visitors to her food drive at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in the end of May.
Katie said she is still receiving monetary gifts so at present she’s unsure how much will be given out of that collection to causes in the area. Katie has taken much out of this exercise of giving, but most of all she’s just happy to be able to give back to a community that has been such a part of her life.
Austin, the Riverland Community College food shelf in both Austin and Albert Lea and the Little Cedar Lutheran Church food shelf in Adams.
Those donations were split between the Salvation Army in
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Medical staff put on protective clothing at the newly set-up drivethru clinic for COVID-19 testing in March.
Herald file photo
Nurses and healthcare workers are a source of pride in the fight against COVID-19 F rom the very beginning, COVID-19 put the world in a tailspin. Schools and businesses were shut down, social gatherings were brought to a halt and life as we know it was changed for the foreseeable future.
In particular, those making up the largest numbers of healthcare workers — nurses — would be challenged from hospital to hospital as they worked against an increasing number of cases.
On Frontlinethe
There were questions coming from all over as experts and medical professionals raced to try and get a leg up on the novel coronavirus that has done so much damage.
But while many struggled with what came next, there was absolutely no question that healthcare workers were going to be on the front line of a very difficult battle.
However, through the struggle people began to realize just how selfless these men and women were. In particular, you can look at the drive-thru testing location in Austin, which was up and running by MarchThe17.turnout by those volunteering to work the testing tent was inspiring from the beginning.
That’s been a common theme throughout the United States. Healthcare workers that step in to provide care to those that have come down with this incredibly contagious disease. That doesn’t mean it was easy. Mayo began drive-thru testing on March 12, in Rochester and just a few short days later, opened them up at its satellite sites in Austin, Albert Lea, Mankato, Red Wing and Owatonna.Itwasn’t easy. B y E ric J ohnson , P hotos P rovid E d
“I think overall, the response to the drive-thru happened extremely fast,” said Kristy Grunzke, MAN RN, Primary Care Nurse Manger in Austin. “They came in at a time when we didn’t have a lot of understanding around COVID. They came in understanding that there is a high risk volunteering for this work. They did it anyway.”
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to increase testing. On a national level thre were delays in testing, but Mayo stepped in with Heather Bowling, LPN hands out education materials at the drive-thru testing site. Below: Connie Adams takes a swab from Heather Bowlin in the PPE gear at the drive-through testing area.
Connie Adams, LPN
“I feel like everybody has done a really great job,” said Katie Kuchera, BSN RN, Primary Care Nurse onkeychainfieldsadvisoryofficialsisn’ttestingMayo’sconvenienceaanythinghavestressful,set“GettingSupervisor.everybodyupwasalittlebutstaffsteppedup.Adrive-thrucandenotecertaineaseandanddrive-thruinalotofwaysanydifferent.Earlyon,publicinbothandmedicalhighuptherealizedthatatogettingaholdthecoronaviruswas
“As nurses we don’t like to make people wait. It makes us anxious to make them wait. (Patients) don’t really know what they are driving in to so we try to calm their fears as much as possible.”
It’s easy to see why patients would become antsy. The process to test starts with a phone call. As cases started going up hospitals, including Mayo, limited who would come into the building and how long they stayed as a precaution for other patients within the hospital. This put a system in place that had people on the phone before coming in.
“It can be overwhelming I think at times just knowing that people are waiting,” said. Connie Adams LPN, a clinic nurse that has worked the site in Austin. “As nurses we don’t like to make people wait. It makes us anxious to make them wait. (Patients) don’t really know what they are driving in to so we try to calm their fears as much as possible.”
In the long run, you’re going to be hard pressed to find a nurse or healthcare worker who’s not proud of the work they and their coworkers have done in very difficult circumstances.We’reafew months into this now, and there are still a lot of unknowns, but these healthcare workers, like so many globally are still dedicated to doing the work that needs to be done.“I’m very impressed with my staff, who looked at this very dangerous situation straight on and do what it took to get the job done,” Kuchera said. “So many volunteers stepped up.”
Many in the medical field will urge people to look at the healthcare field as a whole, not just as separate entities.
“First, the patient will talk with the COVID-19 triage line and then they will drive to the testing site,” explained Alieshia Strand RN. “They pull up first for registration and once the information is in place, another nurse has been putting on PPE. They go to the vehicle, talk with the patients, explain the procedure, swab and give them education material. The swab is given to another nurse who is collecting it, then it’s on to the next patient.”
“I think I want to say the first couple of days were very
“You have to remember back in March when the white fluffy stuff was here,” said Lesa Anderson, BSN, MA, RN Primary Care Nurse Administrator. “Staff went out in those conditions. If it’s still raining and the wind is blowing, we don’t shut this tent down unless it’s so bad. Our employees have met this challenge on a regular basis.”
If you ask them, it’s a full team effort.
surreal,” Grunzke said. “Our knowledge is not what it is today. It felt very foreign, very different. That isn’t the life we imagined ourselves to be in.”
Regardless, that is the life they are in now and it’s worth remembering that it wasn’t always sunny and nice out. There were days when adverse conditions played a role in the job at hand.
Healthcare workers at the drive-thru tent, from left: Kya Zahradnik, Bobbi Tabbert, Connie Adams, Heather Bowling, Alie Strand.
It’s not always a constant flow of testing as the nurses see the numbers fluctuate. Still, the testing has come a long way from those early days.
a test that determined very quickly if somebody had COVID19. From there, testing gradually picked up speed, but with increased testing it was a given that cases would go up. It just madeThatsense.still didn’t take away from the fact that people were forced to wait for their test results, something nurses are inclined to dislike.
“We want to make sure we’re thanking everybody involved,” Grunzke said. “Not just nurses, but registration, security, everybody working for us. We’re a massive team behind the scenes getting all of these accomplished to make this happen.”
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 49
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Gretchen Miller, who is the District 8 supervisor in the Division of Parks and Trails for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said that there are plenty of options for Minnesotans to get out and enjoy the parks, as long as they maintain social distancing protocol.
“This is a great opportunity to reconnect or to first explore a state park if you haven’t done it,” Miller said. “I wish more people knew the amazing resources we have in our own backyard. There are some amazing opportunities to hike.”
When it comes to a temporary escape from a world turned upside down, southeast Minnesota has it covered with a variety of state parks that have remained open this summer. There are at least five state parks within two hours of Austin and all of them would provide a day trip that includes a place to picnic, hike and bask in the wonder of nature.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park, which is near Caledonia, offers a unique experience for the visitor as it features a crystal clear trout stream that runs through a scenic valley. The park is covered in trees and it is home to a wide variety of migrating birds. There are also options for nature that are much closer to Austin. Lake Louise in LeRoy offers a chance to get away from the noise and find a bit of nature in a kid friendly environment, Myre Big Island offers a nice view of the wetlands and the Shooting Star Trail gives anyone a chance to get out on a bike ride and see the countryside.
Minnesota state parks big and small can be a destination during the summer S tory and P hoto S by r ocky h ulne
50 | Austin Living | July-August 2020 TRAVEL
Whitewater State Park, which is located near Saint Charles, has been immensely popular this spring as the park has drawn about three times the average of visitors for this time of year. Whitewater offers a variety of trails that cut through and around a hilly area, offering a majestic view of the Whitewater River from above.
here is nothing like a little bit of sunlight and a walk through the woods to shake away the COVID-19 blues.
State parks have adapted to changing times as park permits can be bought online or by registering through envelopes at the park. The parks have only been open during the day time and many signs encouraging social distancing have been placed on the trails.
Parks near Austin
In 2019, Gooseberry Falls was the most visited state park in Minnesota with 756,704 visitors but that number is likely to be exceeded this summer with the popularity of parks. Miller said that it has been tough to keep the parks going as the staff has been reduced to a third of its normal level.
Myre Big Island, 19499 780th Avenue Albert Lea, MN With trails around wetl lowlands and a maple/basswood forest, the park has something for all visitors. Lake Louise, 123857 766th Avenue LeRoy, MN With a nice mix of lake and wooded trails, the park also offers an option for horseback riders to get out and explore.
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 51
“There’s a lot of work that needs to get done and try not to burn out our staff,” she said.
Great River Bluffs 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona MN With bluff trails overlooking the Mississippi River, the park offers a variety of views and lots of wildlife.
“We have a plethora of trails, from paved to gravel,” Miller said. “We’re looking for people to stay close to home and maintain six feet of distance.”
For those who don’t want to make a trip out of town, the Hormel Nature Center, which features a three-story tower, and the trails that run through Austin also provide relief for those who are looking to get outside and get
Forestville/Mystery Cave 21071 County 118 Preston, MN Besides the wonders of Mystery Cave, the park also includes a restored 1800s village and a variety of trout streams. Whitewater Park 19041 Highway 74 Altura, MN Perhaps the jewel of southeast Minnesota, the park offers plenty of hiking, a swimming beach and plenty of wildlife.
“The best thing the southeast has going for it is the bluff lands and the amazing topography,” Miller said. “Those rolling bluffs (by Winona) are amazing. To somebody that’s grown up here, it’s an unappreciated resource.”
B y J aimie T imm , m ower C oun T y H is T ori C al s o C ie T y • a ll p H o T os C our T esy of TH e m ower C oun T y H is T ori C al s o C ie T y
William’s wife, Mary. Mrs. Mandeville joined the Ladies’ Floral Club in 1875.
As a well read and educated man, William also continued his teaching career in Austin and taught the first term of school in February 1866, in Austin’s first real school building.
William T. Mandeville as a young man.
52 | Austin Living | May-June 202052 July-August 2020
LOOKING
A teacher by trade, William re turned to West Union, Iowa, that year to teach the winter term and returned to his claim, for good, in 1857.
William T. Mandeville was an early settler in Mower County. He arrived in March 1856, with Alfred Richardson, Hugh Mills and Pliny Conkey. All four men came from Iowa with 40 covered wagons and claimed land in what would later become Windom Township.
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Mandeville’s claim was located in the southeast quarter of Section 30. He continued to improve his land and was very keen to stay upto-date on the current agricultural trends.William’s obituary stated, “He was a close reader of the agricultural trend of the age and was especially well posted on all pertaining to this subject. He always had a fine garden and found intense pleasure in growing things. Always a great reader he kept posted on all general topics of the age and while never an active politician, was well informed on all matters relating to the nation, state, and city…”
William married Clarissa Davidson (the wife of J. L. Davidson, another early Mower County settler) in 1858 and they had two daugh ters. Unfortunately, all three women died and William married again in 1863. This time, he took J. L. Davidson’s daughter, Mary Adella, as his wife and they had five children — Phoebe, William, Harry, Clara, and Eunice.Sometime in the 1860s, perhaps after his second marriage, William moved to Austin and bought the livery and stable business started in 1864 by A. B. Davidson and William Brown. He also built a brick house on First Street Southeast. William passed away in 1916, “only those closely associated with him recognized his true worth. He loved his home and his family.” BACK An early settler to Mower County, William T. Mandeville was known as a man of quality
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 53
Above, The Man deville family home on First Street Southeast, then called Chatham Street.
Right,AprilTranscriptCountyon16,1902.AnadvertisementintheMowerCountyRegisterinMay1868announcingMr.Mandeville’spurchaseoftheliverybusiness.
Left, A photograph of W. T. Mandeville pub lished in the Mower
Finding the perfect products for your new puppy can be so much fun, but it can also be very confusing. there are literally thousands of items to choose from, and the average pet owner quickly becomes overwhelmed by all the options. and that is exactly why you shop at your locally owned, independent pet stores like store like the Pet authority, and they will guide you through the sea of products to start your new puppy off on the right pa w.
July/August 2020 | 53 advertisement CO ntent
Grooming products: Purchasing the appropriate grooming tools is very important, especially if you have a long-haired, doublecoated or any type of a doodle. begin the daily routine of br ushing and regular bathing (only use a dog-formulated shampoo) with your pup from day one. it is much easier to start when they are small instead of fight them when they are full grown and a matted mess. if you have a dog that will need to be groomed by a professional, make sure you schedule your pup ’s first appointment before they are 4 months old.
Michelle Nelson is the owner of The Pet Authority. healthy pets | by mi C helle nels On
1. Collar and leash: a must-have when you pick up your new pupp y. start with an adjustable collar as you r pup will grow quickly and the collar will continuously need to be sized up. the collar should be snug, allowing only two fingers to fit between the collar and the pup’s neck. a good quality leash with sturdy hardware is all you need. Please avoid retractable leashes until your pup learns to walk without pulling on a regular 6-foot leash.
54 | Austin Living | July-August 2020
3. Water and food bowls: stainless, ceramic or glass are my choice. Plastic bowls leach toxic chemicals back into your pet’s food and water over time — not the ideal choice for the health of your new pup.4.
5. toys: start with a variety of toys and swap them out each day to prevent boredom. rope toys to tug, stuffed animals, toys that squeak, balls to retrieve, treat-dispensing toys are all must-haves for your new pup. make sure you have toys they play with by themselves and also interactive toys so you can play together.
2. Crate: i highly recommend crate training, even if you don’t plan on crating your dog long-term. this will make traveling, boarding and vet visits easier, and sometimes they just need some alone time. your pup only needs enough room to turn around and lay down.
6. Chews: i have never met a puppy that doesn’t love to chew; therefore, selecting safe, easy-to-digest chews is essential. Please avoid any rawhide and hard bones with your new pup. my favorite puppy chew is a lamb ear — super soft, long-lasting and easy on their tummies. Oh, and dogs love them. don ’t forget to throw in a bully stick, cow ears or beef cheek roll as they gro w.
8. high quality puppy food: i saved the most important item for last. your pets food is the foundation for good health. talk to your favorite pet store and let them show you what your best options are. and no matter what you do for food, add fresh veggies and fruits, along with raw or cooked meat, for the best natural sources of essential amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and the protein your pup needs.
7. treats: my dog ’s ears perk up every time he hears the “t” word. treats are a must-have to reward your pup during the training process. my favorite are freeze-dried treats. soft, small treats that are gentle on their tummy with only one to three ingredients. Cooked chicken is great also.
8 must-have products for success with a new puppy
Conflicts of the day
“The Guise of Another” The first book featuring police detective Max Rupert. “The Heavens May Fall” Detective Max Rupert returns with attorney and the adult Boady Sanden. “The Shadows We Hide” Sequel to the “The Life We Bury” featuring Joe Talbert Jr. TURN THE PAGE If you like this book by Allen Eskins, you will also enjoy these books by him.
Thomas, the new neighbor boy, and Boady develop a strong friendship in spite of both boys’ unconscious prejudices. They are willing to learn from each other, their similarities stronger than their differences. They share work, recreation, romance, and danger. In their wandering exploration of the rural area, they share the discovery of the murdered body of Linda Poe. Did this black bookkeeper embezzle the money and die for it or is her death an additional mystery?
As a rural transfer from a nearby town, Boady lacks connections as a freshman in a new school. When he interferes with an abusive attack on a Black girl, he incurs the revenge of the school’s bully, the son of the plant’s previous manager who is stirring racial unrest to protect himself. Boady helped the girl not because she was black girl, but because his character made him respond to cruelty.
July-August 2020 | Austin Living | 55
B y B ruce r ichardson R
Allen Eskins’ latest offering is a look at youth during a diffcult period of history
Eskins has published four other books since coming to Austin and “The Life We Bury” is also set in the 1960s. The Ozark setting was where Eskins grew up. The book captures the conflicts of youth, traditions, family loyalties, and social change.
eaders of this column might have noticed that Page Turner reviewers have occasionally recommended books by the same authors that they have brought to Austin in previous years. It’s because these writers continue to produce books that win recognition as national best sellers and by the Minnesota Book Awards nominations. Such is the case of Allen Eskins’ “Nothing More Dangerous,” one of this year’s nominees.Usually, Eskins writes crime novels, and several crimes occur in this story as the central character eventually learns what happened to Linda Poe, a missing woman whom the authorities have claimed has embezzled thousands from the company.manufacturinglocalBut the book is more a “coming of age” story of Boady Sanden, a 15-year-old boy discontent with loneliness and school. He is planning to run away. Boady lives in a rural area of a small Missouri town with his widowed mother. A handicapped, retired neighbor is his chief friend until a boy his age moves in across the road. Eskin’s book title comes from a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., “Nothing is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Boady lives in a dangerous time and place. He lives in rural Missouri in the 1960s. Race relations are tense as the white community undergoes historic changes. Boady’s new neighbor is the son of an African American family from Minnesota. This boy’s father has become the new manager of the town’s major production plant where the theft occurred. The boys friendship is tested when Boady uses insensitive racist expressions that offend the new neighbor. Boady is a product of his culture’s racial attitudes and isolation.
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 56 | Austin Living | July-August l 2020
B S R • P
First of all, Austin is a wonderful place to raise a family. Our two daughters had a terrific education here, attending Banfield, Ellis, Austin High School and Riverland Community College. They were nurtured by many outstanding teachers and programs in the district. Their music experiences were very plentiful, aiding them in their life work.
ue
A city with so much to do
I was fortunate to have a long teaching career with Austin Public Schools, as well as part-time with Pacelli Catholic Schools, and now MacPhail Music Center. This has enabled me to work with so many young students and their families, a core joy for me. The Austin schools are wonderful places to work, and they employ many competent and friendly faculty and administrators.Austinisblessed to have many active churches, representing diverse denominations, as well as fine service clubs. I have been fortunate enough to become acquainted with many members of these groups. and know that they do great things for the community. Being a member and choir director at Westminster Presbyterian Church has certainly been a joy for me. I also participate in the Noon Lions Club, which sponsors a pancake feed, provides concessions at football games, provides eyeglasses for the needy, and gives donations to many organizations.Myfavorite organization in town is the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The group is made up of musicians from the Austin area. It gives four or five concerts per year, sometimes including one at the band shell for the Fourth of July Celebration. One concert yearly usually includes the symphony chorus, and one or more features well known artists and outstanding musicians from our area as soloists. It encourages young students to participate and experience the symphonic literature.
I must mention the great restaurants that Austin has. I try to get take out from different ones at least once per week. I look forward to going to them again in person. The food is superb, wait staff very helpful, and prices reasonable.
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Other things that I love to participate in here are: Austin Area Arts Center, Paramount Theater, Hormel Historic Home, Mower County Historical Society, Riverland Theatre, Summerset Theatre, Matchbox Theatre, and the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
Having grown up in Austin and graduated from Pacelli High School, I moved away for a few years to attend college and work. My husband Bob, an Austin High School graduate, purchased a business in 197l, which brought us here again. After living in a few other cities, I have learned to truly appreciate Austin.
Probably the greatest reason I love Austin is for the people who live here. This has been driven home to me by the restrictions of the past two months due to the coronavirus Many of the activities I enjoy have been canceled or postponed, leaving me with abundant free time to walk, bike, and work in the garden. People are still friendly, but I greatly miss that closer contact that comes through all the wonderful activities of Austin’s organizations and having friends come to my home. But if one must choose a place to be confined, Austin is definitely the best!
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