At Hormel Foods, we are on a journey – Our Food Journey.TM We believe that food has the power to bring people together. To heal hearts and minds. To feed our souls. To inspire us to create, solve problems and to be intentional as we create a better world for this generation and future ones. We believe in a just and equitable country and world, and we want to contribute to that vision while doing what we do best: making great food. Our team of inspired people, 20,000 strong, is a collection of innovators and foodies, scientists and entrepreneurs, advocates and ambassadors, working together to build a distinctly different type of company, one that truly understands our position in the world and the difference we can make in it. And making a difference we are – from food security to food waste and environmental stewardship, we are taking on causes and issues that matter most to our customers, our fans and this planet. We are fueling ideas and partnerships – using our resources to be the changemaker we know we should be. And while we are at it, we are sharing some love with those who need it the most. After all – food is love.
Thank you for all you do to make this company one of the most admired food companies in the world.
2 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
The arts of Austin
For as long as I can remember, from the time I was a young boy into my 30s, my grandpa, Glenn Johnson, would come and spend Christmas with us. I looked forward to my grandpa spending the holidays with us, usually amounting to just under a week. Every holiday, I would hear about the people from his hometown Bertha, Minnesota. They were people I was aware of, but didn’t know real well. Nonetheless, I always felt like I had lived my whole life with them, such were the stories grandpa told.
As a boy, one rarely speaks up and tells those around him they want text books for Christmas (hang in there, there’s a message at the end), but that’s just what happened.
As had become a familiar feeling, I awoke the next day that year with a giddiness for the present opening. Not long after waking up we all hit the tree, taking turns opening our gifts and enjoying the moment.
However, the moment became weird when I opened grandpa’s gifts of two English and two algebra text books. A boy wants basketballs, baseballs, Transformers, bikes and the like — but textbooks?
One of those stories comes to the foreground most every year. The year I received text books as a gift from my grandpa.
I didn’t know how to react. Of course I thanked him, but both mom and dad and probably grandpa, realized the look on my face for what it was — disappointment.Asakidof46,
At no time during the year are memories created so frequently than Christmas and Thanksgiving. Those two holidays are bring families together and when families come together ... memories are made. Similar to many of you, I have built plenty of my own memories over the years during the holiday season. Naturally, there are presents — both given and received. There’s telling stories and hearing stories.
I tell that story because it is now a favorite memory of my grandpa. Not because he was a boring man — he was anything but — that believed in near constant education, but because he was looking out for what was best for me. That is one of the greater gifts of the season, knowing that there are people watching out for us whether that be friends or family. This may not be the best year and it’s doubtful we will come to remember it fondly, but with this final edition of 2020, we do sincerely wish you the happiest of holidays and once again thank you for joining us in the pages of Austin Living Magazine. Eric Johnson, Austin Living Editor
Each year I was allowed to open a certain amount of gifts on Christmas Eve, but had to wait for the bulk of them the next morning, as well as the full stockings. We didn’t have a fireplace so dining room chairs played the part and eventually when I was older I would take part in the tradition, waking up sometime in the morning to sneak into the kitchen and place my items for others and hoping I didn’t run into somebody else at the same time. It also required avoiding taking a peak at my own stocking.
PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIALEditor Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Rocky EricMichaelHulneStollJohnson Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Eric Johnson Graphic Designers Eric CrystalJohnsonMiller SALES & PROMOTION Heather Biwer Mike BrendaDelhantyLandherr 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
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WHAT’S SEENNovember-DecemberINSIDE2020 10 BACK TO SCHOOL In an annual tradition, parents share photos of their student’s first day of school. WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS 14 AUTUMN SPLENDOR A glimpse of all on a brisk morning. AREA EATS 18 ‘WE HAVE GOOD TIMES HERE’ Angela and Bob Carr have taken ownership of Racine’s Carr’s Bar N’ Grill THE LIST 22 FROM OURS TO YOURS Austin Living staff share their holiday memories and traditions. THE HORMEL INSTITUTE 24 CREATIVITY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 Hormel Institute scientists continue moving forward. HOME & HEARTH 26 JEN HAUGEN Create your own kitchen memory. 28 THE CENTER OF ATTENTION Sisters provide their centerpiece creations to the HHH. 31 AUSTIN ARTWORKS CENTER Featured Artist: Jennifer Forbes. OUT & ABOUT 32 FINDING A WAY TO PLAY Austin Symphony Orchestra ready to move forward. 33 NATURE NOTES Small game harvest numbers up in 2019 despite fewer licenses being sold. LOOKING BACK 48 END OF THE LINE AREA HAPPENINGS 47 THE BIGGEST UPCOMING EVENTS TRAVEL 50 THE HUNT IS ON Get into the Christmas spirit by finding the right tree. BOOK REVIEW 52 A JOURNEY TOWARD UNDERSTANDING Debby Irving’s book guides the reader through self discovery WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 56 A COMMUNITY OF LOVE Linda LaVallie is grateful for a giving community. 4 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
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40 WISHES OF JOY McRaes use little gestures to push forward kindness.
36 A FAMILY OF GOD Programs a chance for Pacelli, St. Augustine and St. Edwards to help out their neighbors.
For a Community
3 stories of people stepping in to volunteer in Austin.
44 IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY What started out as a meal to give people a place to go Christmas Day has turned into a community effort.
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2. Parker Farrell (7) and Bentley Farrell (8), second and third grade at Southgate Elementary. Parents are Amy Mullenbach and Luke Farrell
3. Justin Miller, left, freshman, Riverland Community College and Jaime Miller, right, junior, Austin High School. Parents are Dan and Kelli Miller
10 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
1. Anna Stump, left, first grade, Pacelli. Parents are Brad and Corey Stump. Lily Hilgers, right, first grade, Pacelli. Parents are John and Kelsey Hilgers
It’s a year of uncertainty for area parents, their students and the schools themselves in the era of COVID-19. After school was called early in March, there were instantly questions on whether or not there would be school this year, but as situations evolved, schools and the state drew up plans and the kiddos are back in the classrooms with these pictures showing the happy faces that headed back to their studies.
4. Ayden Sorenson, fifth grade at IJ Holton Intermediate School and Zoee Sorenson, seventh grade at Ellis Middle School. Parents are Jim and Elizabeth Sorenson.
Back to School 1 2 3 4 SEEN
14. Zoey and Oliver Schmidt chose distance learning from Neveln Elementary while Blake Schmitt is distance learning from IJ Holton Intermediate School. Parents are Kellie and Oliver Schmidt.
8. Romeo Orozco, third grade, Southgate Elementary. Parents are Wendy and Jose Orozco.
13. Hudson Schaefer, second grade, Southgate Elementary. Parents are Bryan and Kylene Schaefer.
9. Eli Bumgardner, second grader at Neveln Elementary and Emery Bumgardner, preschooler at Apple Lane. Parents are Alex and Michelle Bumgardner.
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5-7. Aubrey Howard (5) freshman at Austin High School. (6) Skyler Ingram, fourth grade and Violet Ingram, first grade at Southgate Elementary (7) Quillan Ingram, Montessori P5 at Applelane Child Care Center. Parents are William and Angela Ingram.
12. Kaydence Schaefer, fifth grade, IJ Holton Intermediate School. Parents are Bryan and Kylene Schaefer.
11. Jacob Schmidt, Blooming Prairie Public Schools. Parents are Kellie and Oliver Schmitt.
10. Alex Hanson, second grade at Banfield Elementary. Parents are Adam and Jenn Hanson.
Limited time offer!
14 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Autumn Splendor P hoto by E ric J ohnson The sun shines through the changing leaves of a tree at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at photodesk@austindailyherald.com. Resolution must be 300 DPI and at least 14 inches wide.
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16 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
Seeking Austin Bride is looking for recent brides to share the details of their wedding to inspire others walking down the isle. “Austin Bride” is a themed special edition of Austin Living Magazine that will publish January 2021. To be considered, contact Eric Johnson at 507-434-2237 or email at eric.johnson@austindailyherald.com
Brides
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 17 Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of a subscription.one-year The recipient will get 6 issues of Austin Living magazine mailed directly to their door! Only 507-434-2204Callper$17.99yeartoday!
18 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 ‘WE HAVE GOOD TIMES HERE’
W hen Mike Ward, owner of Racine’s The Bar and Grill, announced in November 2019 that he intended to close the doors, regulars and townspeople alike were saddened by the news. Prior to The Bar and Grill, the converted gas station and truck stop had been serving food under previous names, such as The Stupid Loon and Mama D’s. Under Ward’s ownership, The Bar and Grill became known for its food. Closing down meant Racine would be losing one of its favorite places. But the Racine community would only have to wait a few days before receiving good news – The Bar and Grill would be re-opening as Carr’s Bar N’ Grill, named for the restaurant’s new owners, Bob and Angela Carr.
Angela and Bob Carr have taken ownership of Racine’s Carr’s Bar N’ Grill S tory and P hoto S by M ichael S toll
“We’re looking to add a few things and remove a few things, but all in all, people come here for that food,” Angela said.
For the Carrs, giving back isn’t just about giving out free food. The Carrs held outdoor movies to raise proceeds for the Grand Meadow food shelf and the fire departments in Stewartville, Grand Meadow and Spring Valley. They hosted an FU Cancer Ride that benefited a young Chatfield girl with cancer and recently hosted the Hot Lunch 100, which raised $31,000 for kids in need of lunches in the Stewartville-Grand Meadow-Spring Valley area. They are also proud supporters of Bikers Against Child Abuse.As the wereoverwhelming;to-go.andcominghadAngelareallydown,restaurant.partcommunityprogressed,pandemicthediditstosupportthe“Duringtheshuteverybodywassupportive,”said.“WealotofpeopleinheregettingfoodItwasveryweverysurprised.”“Wehavesuch
“The VFW donated a large amount of money to feed all of the truckers,” Angela said. “When the pandemic first broke out, people weren’t welcoming truckers because they were going all over and people thought they were spreading the virus. We wanted them to know that they could come here to eat and have a free meal, so we partnered with the VFW to do that.”“We’ve had great donors throughout the pandemic,” Bob said. “We gave free meals to different groups; one week it was kids, the next week it would be veterans, then the next week it would be to all of the Mayo and Olmsted Medical employees.“
“It was a Sunday that (Ward) announced to the employees that he was shutting the doors,” Bob said. “Monday night, we met with Mike at our house and discussed some options. Wednesday afternoon, we made the official announcement on Facebook. We posted that Angela and I were taking over.
“We’re working on a new menu right now.”
But instead of closing shop and calling it quits, the Carrs decided to take the pandemic as an opportunity to give back and began working with other organizations to do so.
The Carrs also used the shut down as an opportunity to expand the restaurant’s interior.
Bob works construction full-time, restaurant ownership was not too far of a stretch for the Carrs given Angela’s experience. Their children, Katie, Brooke and Blake, have also had restaurant experience, giving them a good core group.Shortly after taking ownership in November 2019, a new challenge arose in the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many businesses, Carr’s Bar ‘N Grill was affected by the shut downs and restrictions caused by the pandemic.
Angela worked for Ward before taking over ownership of the restaurant.“OnedayI came in for an employee meeting and [Ward] said he was closing the doors,” she recalled. “Bob and I discussed it and decided maybe we would give it a try. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for pretty much my whole life and it’s always been in the back of our heads.”
“We’ve added a few more options, like keto meals and a shrimp dinner, but it’s basically stayed the same,” Bob said.
It was within five minutes of that that our phones just blew up in support from locals, other business owners and people we knew who told us how happy they were that the place was going to keep going. We’re fortunate we could keep it going and not ever have to shut“Wedown.”had a lot of people telling us that they were trying to think of a way to keep the place open, so they were very thankful that we did it because they didn’t want to put in all of the work,” Angela added.Although
Carr’s Bar N’ Grill sits in a con verted gas station and truck stop.
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“There’s a lot of empty space that was just used for storage, so we got together with some of the local construction guys, got a game plan and we started tearing walls down and expanded by about 20 percent,” Bob said. “We thought it was an opportunity for when this was all said and done, people would come back in and be like, ‘Oh wow!’ We had custom black walnut tables made, all new chairs put in the“Weplace.”wanted to give it a fresh look,” Angela said.
overwhelming support in the Racine-Stewartville-Grand Meadow-Spring Valley area,“ Bob added.
“During the pandemic, it was difficult keeping the prices the same and keeping our same product coming in,” Bob said. “Everybody is used to our same product.”
The interior is not the only thing that has expanded. While the Carrs have tried to keep the menu similar to what diners had at The Bar and Grill, there have been a few changes.
“We have an excellent Angus ground chuck burger that we handpatty daily,” Bob said. “It’s never frozen. Our food is what everybody comes here for. We have great food and great service.” “I love all of our chicken,” Angela said. “The grilled chicken is wonderful; it’s juicy and we get a lot of compliments.”Carr’sBarN’
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• Traditional (Bone-in) Chicken Wings a classic bar appetizer, Carr’s chicken wings are crispy and meaty. There are multiple sauce options; try them with a side of Carr’s house-made ranch dressing.
• Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich – your choice of juicy grilled or crispy chicken topped with ham, pineapple and Swiss cheese. If you don’t know whether you want something sweet or savory, this gives you both.
If you’re a first timer at Carr’s Bar N’ Grill and you don’t know what to order, here are some suggestions from Bob and Angela. A full menu can be found at carrsbarandgrill.com.
Grill’s nightly specials include Monday Burger Night, Tuesday Taco and Bingo Night (where anyone who wins Blackout under 60 numbers gets $1,000), Wednesday Wing Night, Thirsty Thursday, Friday Fish or Shrimp Night and Saturday Rib or Porterhouse Dinners. They also post daily lunch specials on the Carr’s Bar N’ Grill Facebook page.
• The Gambler Burger – my Gambler came with a burger patty topped with bacon, pepper jack cheese, corned beef, lettuce and chicken tenders. Note that I said “my Gambler,” because there is no guarantee yours will come the same way. The Gambler is purely the cook’s choice; you have no say in what goes on it. As a rule, no two Gamblers at a table can be the same. Heed Angela’s warning: “This is not for picky eaters.”
The Carrs said that burgers and chicken are their best sellers.
• Reuben Sandwich – you can’t go wrong with this classic sandwich consisting of corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Carr’s provides a few twists, adding a slice of cheddar cheese, using thousand island dressing instead of Russian dressing (yes, I’m aware they’re similar, but they are not the same) and serving it on pumpernickel instead of rye.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap – the name alone is its own selling point. You choose between grilled or crispy chicken, which is then paired with Cherrywood smoked bacon, ranch dressing and shredded cheddar-jack cheese. It also contains vegetables (onion, lettuce and tomato) and is therefore healthy… right?
Carr’s Bar N’ Grill is located at 10 East Main St. in Racine. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Food is served until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They can be reached at 507-378-3300. “We enjoy being part of this community and we’re glad everybody welcomed us,” Angela said. “Come to Carr’s Bar N’ Grill because we have awesome food, great service and friendly staff. We have good times here.”
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 21 mrsgerrys.com | Albert Lea, MN | 800-642-9662 MASHED POTATOES • GRAVY MACARONI & CHEESE • SEASONAL ITEMS POTATO SALADS • PASTA SALADS • COLESLAWS
Heather Biwer
22 | Austin Living | November-October 2020 THE LIST
Our family tradition was always to put up our tree shortly
asfluttersexcitementanthatThanksgivingafterandbroughtforthanticipationofthatputinmyheartachild.Icanstill
To this day, my family gathers together on Christmas Eve and the celebration features a reading from the bible and the joy of everyone opening their gifts - one at a time so they can thank the giver. One gift that stands out above all others was when me and my two older brothers received a Nintendo that came with the game Mario Bros. I still can hear my oldest brother Robert shout out “This is the Best Christmas Ever!”After the presents, my family would either go to Christmas Eve mass or Christmas Day Christmasmass. remains my favorite holiday, but it is not because of the physical gifts we all give and receive. It is because of the gift of family, friendship, and goodwill towards men and women. The spirit of Christmas lives strong in my heart to this day and I still get butterflies when I watch my own children’s eyes glow with delight when they gather around that Christmas tree. Rocky Hulne If there is any family that defines Christmas tradition its my family. We’ve been doing many of the same things for years and years, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. While there have been plenty of memories that have carried me through the years that I remember fondly, I’m somewhat surprised to find that a recent memory comes to involve Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. About a year after we purchased our first home, I officially took over cooking and hosting duties for Thanksgiving and in doing so have discovered that I thoroughly enjoy it. In our Thanksgivingfamily,isn’t overly complicated or all that involved. Mostly my parents come to visit us and away we go, but it’s the idea of being directly involved in the meal that I’ve really come to enjoy. The smells may remain the same, but the memories are brand new.
From Ours to Yours
Austin Living staff share their holiday memories
The Christmas Tree’ as my dad’s face glowed with delight while he placed the star on our Christmas tree, which was always a Once the tree was up and our manger scene was placed in the living room, me and my brothers would take peeks under the tree to see if any new presents were added to the pile. As the days until Christmas grew fewer and fewer, we would flock to our family television and watch “Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Now, as adults, we play dirty BINGO and unwrap gifts that are wrapped in saran wrap while wearing an oven mitten (or sock). Also very fun! Then, there is Christmas Eve, spent with the same loved ones at my dad’s house with my brother and his family. Christmas Day- it’s lasagna for a late lunch as the family continues to love and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a wonderful time of year.
hear Bing Crosby singing ‘Round and Round
Eric Johnson I love Christmas time and spending it with my four children, now adults, and their significant others and my grand-daughter, Dakota Biwer and Emily, Jacob Biwer and Tabatha and Isabelle, Nick Biwer and Amanda, and Hannah Biwer. We have many traditions that we have continued over the years. We celebrate Christmas three days and nights in a row! The one I would like to share is making the night before Christmas Eve - “Christmas Eve Eve” - last longer by playing games where the “winner” gets to open a present first.
When the children were younger - the game was Bop It! If you haven’t tried it, you should. It’s fun!
When I was younger and presents would first start appearing under the Christmas tree, I was naturally excited. My dad, however, would tell my sister and I not to get too excited because our gifts were “just a bunch of bricks.” But, come Christmas morning, we would open our gifts and sure enough, there would be no bricks.
I’m just kidding… about the cynicism and betrayal, not about the brick; that story is 100 percent true.
In retrospect, the red flags were there. Yes, I was told it was a brick, but since my dad had been crying wolf like that for years, I naturally didn’t believe him. There was also my sister’s name was on the gift tag. My sister reluctantly got me a gift every year out of obligation, thus there was little to no chance she would willingly go in on a second gift for me.
Chris and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family. I’m sure things will change as the years go, but the memories will always be with us.
We are still blessed to have my parents and Chris’s mom with us today. Now that our family has grown, we have taken on new traditions. Jill married Kevin and they have two children, Beau and Addison. Adam married Crystal and have two children, Mason and Emma. If Christmas is a long weekend, they come the night before Christmas Eve and stay until Christmas day. A couple years ago, the kids commented that they always loved our big tree, so we purchased another one. With as much work as it is, I decided we would enjoy it more then Christmas so now we have a Thanksgiving Day tree that we decorate for fall. We have so much fun when we get two nights to celebrate. It used to be hours of opening gifts and we have changed that into a gift of a two night stay in a hotel. We have gone to the Wisconsin Dells, the Cities for a trampoline park and last year was a day at Top Golf and a day of skiing. Naturally the grandkids still get gifts, but it’s nice as adults to enjoy them and not worry about getting gifts for each other.
The real fun is finishing the day by making homemade vanilla to give as Christmas gifts to friends. There are only two ingredients for making vanilla, vodka and Madagascar
The pestering of my parents continued until finally they relented and agreed that I could open one gift: the one from my dad and sister. I whole-heartedly tore off the wrapping paper and beheld my gift: a brick from the backyard.
Michael Stoll Brenda Landherr Crystal Miller
Also, there was the fact that the gift was heavy and brickshaped.With that, the flicker of the Christmas spirit burned out inside me and burst into a flame of holiday-inspired cynicism that would invade my thoughts every year as a reminder of the sinister betrayal that was that cruel prank.
The year was either 1994 or 1995. As Christmas got closer and the gifts began appearing under the tree, I found I was particularly eager to open them, more so than I had been in previous years. My parents can attest I pestered them relentlessly about opening a gift. Then one day, a joint gift from my father and sister appeared under the tree for me. It was given the usual treatment as every other gift –“Don’t get too excited, it’s just a brick.”
My family’s Thanksgiving tradition is that this holiday is spent preparing for the “main event” holiday. Yes, Thanksgiving really is just our backdrop for planning Christmas. Of course we have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but then we roll our sleeves up and set the stage for Christmas. We plan the food and what sort of gift exchange or donation the adults will do. The children exchange names for gift giving. When I was a kid, there was a great lottery amongst my 32 cousins to exchange names; now it’s just my sister and I swapping kids.
Christmas has always been our family favorite holiday. We have celebrated in many different ways through the years. My husband Chris and I have two children, Jill and Adam. On Christmas Eve we would stay home and celebrate in our home with their great-grandparent coming to enjoy a meal and watch them open their gifts.
Vanilla Beans. The fun part is decorating bottles and the wait. The vanilla beans must soak for two months. Label each bottle with a “wait to use” date. No need to splurge on vodka; the alcohol is going to absorb the flavor of the vanilla beans. Feel free to grab a cheap bottle of vodka and it will get the job done. Although, to give it a special touch, I like to use a vodka made in Minnesota, such as Gray Duck Handcrafted Vodka, which is available at liquor stores in Austin. Alternately, you can use bourbon, rum or brandy instead.
As the night winds down the grandkids get their Christmas PJ’s on that we gave them on Thanksgiving and we settle in to watch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Some don’t make it to the end but, it’s a great way to end our night.
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Communicating with other scientists is a critical part of research and faculty at The Hormel Institute regularly con nect with their colleagues to further research through these important connections.
Lab section leaders, who are used to working remotely as their work is required to nearly constantly analyze data, write grants and articles, and plan future experiments, were able to quickly and easily transition to working from home. For these section leaders, work is more like a mission, far beyond any 9-5 workday schedule.
Scientists from The Hormel Institute had to continue research around the challenges of COVID-19.
For the first few months, mandates from University of Minnesota prevented new research projects from starting, but existing research was allowed to continue, with scientists wearing safety protection equipment in labs, and scientists rotating their time to reduce numbers in each lab.
The Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament ran an online auction this year and allowed would- be golfers to
The last eight months have been like nothing any of us could have anticipated, and the same rings true for cancer researchers at The Hormel Institute.
24 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 CREATIVITYinthetimeofcovid-19
During the pandemic, The Hormel Institute’s scientists have been presenting their discoveries via virtual seminars throughout the United States.
Cancer research fundraising groups became equally creative in their response to COVID-19. Many of the fundraisers that take place each year in the summer and fall months, as well as newly planned events like those planned for the tenth anniversary of Paint the Town Pink, were not able to continue as planned due to restrictions on public gatherings.Thatdidn’t keep some who support The Hormel Institute from pivoting to raise important research dollars in new ways to further the life-saving and life-extending re search. These imaginative events will help to bridge the gap in funding left by those that have had to cancel.
Hormel Historic Home
B y T he h ormel I ns TIT u T e • P ho T os P rov I ded
donate their typical registration fees. The Dutchtown Jumpers, the highest donating and best dressed Plunging for Pink team for many years, organized the “Longest Day of Golf” with Senator Dan Sparks and donors could pledge dollars that would be donated depending on how many total holes the group of six could complete in four hours. Greater Mower County Paint the Town Pink has organized drive-through cookouts and silent auctions. These donations fund critically important pilot research grants that allow scientists to pursue innovative research ideas. The majority of research at The Hormel Institute is funded by large, national grants and scientists must go through an incredibly competitive process to receive those funds as the national agencies that fund cancer research, like the National Cancer Institute and Department of Defense, want to ensure the research dollars go to the most promising projects.The internal pilot grants allow scientists at The Hormel Institute to start work on their innovative ideas and get pre liminary data - early results that show whether or not their idea could lead to a new discovery or treatment. Scientists can then use that preliminary data to apply for larger grants with some proof that their research ideas are worth funding further.Recently community grants as small as $35,000 have led to nearly $3 million in larger federal research grants that were awarded. Last year, Dr. Rendong Yang, head of the Computational Cancer Genomics lab, was able to use preliminary data funded by a prostate cancer pilot grant to receive almost $1 million in additional grant funding from a large national organization. Community donations make this possible.
Kurt Potach, Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament
Since 2017, twenty-eight grants pilot grants have been awarded at The Hormel Institute to support innovative ideas. Every dollar came from community gifts and fundraisers.
As hard as things have been for most people and businesses during COVID-19, we know cancer research must continue. Every dollar funds research that is funded only because of all of us working together. It makes progress against cancer possible. “ ”
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Dr. projects.tivetheirgrantsthereceivedhaveDr.AslanidiFrench.andJudyJeremyAslanidi,GeorgeOlson,Enright,Dr.JarrodDr.andFrenchbothPaintTownPinktofundinnovaresearch
Jeremy Olson, Dutchtown Jumpers
The dollars we have raised over the years have made an incredible impact in research discoveries and in the lives of the children — and their families — going through cancer treatment. I can’t wait to see what our community will continue to do this year and into the future.
The impact of the money raised
“ ”
The year ahead will have its share of challenges, but the faculty and staff look forward to seeing what other creative ways the community will find to support their cancer research. If the last few months have been any indication, there will be more exciting ideas and plenty of support to look forward to.
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5. What about the Deluxe Air Fryer? Cooking made faster and easier because there is no preheating, it has multiple levels of cooking for up to 6 people at a time, you can roast, bake, air fry, dehydrate, make your own rotisserie chicken and kebabs as well as reheat. Healthy eating was never so easy!Holiday shopping should be fun and easy - and the gift should be a source of joy all year long. I hope these ideas inspire you with kitchen memories. To see a full catalog, or make a purchase, visit mepamperedchef.com/pws/jenhaugenwww.orcallandIwillhelpyou:507-438-7109.
What are the best gifts for the holidays?
Around the Table
Find Jen on Instagram: blog:PackageRealJenHaugenRDFacebook:com/JenHaugenRDwww.instagram.andonwww.facebook.com/AndgrabherMeals,RealMomsRecipebysubscribingtoherwww.jenhaugen.com
Ideal for family meals, soups, stews, chilis and pasta dishes. It goes from stove top to oven in a cinch and I love the gray exterior. The wide handled lid makes it easy to grip with an oven mitt (perfectly planned, I know!) and the lid has small bubbles to provide for self-basting while cooking (genius!). It also comes in a 1 quart and 2 quart baker size.
It’s the ones you can use all year round and you will be reminded of who gave that to you when you use it — do you agree? For example, there are a lot of kitchen items and tools that have a special meaning to me because of who gave them to me, like the china we received from my mom and grandma as a wedding present. Or the pizza stone that has provided endless pizza nights for our family over the years. I love being in the kitchen to make meals, and even more, when my family is making those meals with me. I want to help you pass on those special kitchen memories too with Jen’s Top 10 Gift Ideas for this season:
1. The Pizza Stone. The new stoneware is now made with Stone Fusion — meaning it can go now in the dishwasher, can be preheated in a hot oven and has all the great even baking qualities as before! Plus — you can now put it under the broiler! Using a stone is the best way to bake for evenly baked crusts, and crispy crusts for the Best. Pizza. Ever. I also love to make cookies on it too!2.
Cooking Inspiration, delivered with the TasteBuds subscription. This is a brand new subscription service to solve the “What’s for dinner?” dilemma. If you have ever spent hours scrolling for recipes only to make the same chicken dinner you make every week, this is for you. You get can cooking inspiration delivered to your door each month. I am SO excited for this!
3. The new Enameled Cast Iron cookware is a true legacy piece of cookware!
Create your own kitchen memory Ziti with Sausage
26 | Austin Living | November-Decemberl 2020 HOME & HEARTH B y J en H augen , RD n , LD Baked
4. Numbers and Letters Cake Pan Set. You can make any celebration memorable by spelling anything, or using numbers to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Spell out the graduate’s name, do something special each month for each holiday like Halloween or Christmas. You will have so much fun with this set. The Easy Accent Decorator adds all your decorative flair too — use it for cupcakes, cookies, deviled eggs, and even twice baked potatoes!
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?
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Baked Ziti with Sausage 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil 1 medium onion 1 lb. (450 g) ground Italian sausage 2 garlic cloves, pressed 2 cans (14.5 oz./411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (8 oz./250 g) tomato sauce 2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste 2 tsp (10 mL) Italian Seasoning Mix ¼ tsp (1 mL) red pepper flakes 3 cups (750 mL) water 1 lb. (450 g) ziti pasta 1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese oz. (30 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup/125 mL) Preheat the oven to 475°F (240°C). Heat the oil in the 6-qt. (5.7-L) Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
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Directions 1.
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3. Cook the sausage for 1–2 minutes, then break into crum bles. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
Nutrients per serving U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 440, Total Fat 16 g, Sat urated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 850 mg, Carbo hydrate 52 g, Fiber 3 g, Total Sugars 6 g (includes 0 g added
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4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stir ring occasionally. Add the water and pasta; cook until the pasta is almost al dente, about 10 minutes. (Since the pasta continues to cook in the oven, it’s best if not cooked all the way through.) Cut the mozzarella into small cubes. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Top with the remaining mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, about 7–8 min utes.
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2. Finely chop the onion in the Manual Food Processor
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28 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
Sisters provide their centerpiececreations to the HHH
For a number of years, the pair have been part of the decorating team at the HHH, but primarily focus on the centerpieces.
“We kind of volunteered our services,” Ulwelling said. “We got started and it was like, ‘what are we going to do next?’”
And among the festive fun of the home are the centerpieces. Behind the centerpieces are sisters Anita Ulwelling and Becky Renchin.
Each year, from November through December, the Hormel Historic Home dives full steam into the holidays, decking out the house in holiday flare as well as hosting several events that provide historic memories for many.
The sister’s decorations at the Hormel Historic Home go back a number of years when the rooms of the HHH were decorated by vendors.
At the Hormel Historic Home, the centerpiece helps accentuate the holidays in what could be considered one of the centerpieces of Austin’s holiday scene.
Anita Ulwelling and her sister Becky Renchin, right, bring their talents to the centerpieces of the Hormel Historic Home. S tory and P hoto S by E ric J ohn S on
The Center of Attention
November-December | Austin Living | 29
A good centerpiece can set off a dinner engagement most any time of the year, but during Christmas it can take on a starring role.
It included decorating rooms like Jay C. Hormel’s bedroom and the bathroom. Primarily though they decorate places like the servants nook, “because it’s that’s another place setting, another centerpiece,” Ulwelling said. The centerpieces the sisters come up with take on a variety of different looks, sometimes following themes.One year the style might be freshly cut greens and cranberries, flowers in tea pots or a lantern with a miniature Christmas tree complete with lights that grow.Many of the centerpieces the sisters design come from things they already own, which they say makes it easier when designing because they know what’s available.Italso helps that they break up the workload to specialize in different areas.
“You can go natural,” Renchin said. “Greens snipped from the tree; you can bring things from the outside. That’s actually popular now — a lot of rustic.”The centerpieces have worked well with programs the HHH has held during the holidays, including the tea luncheon and card party, which has become very popular in recent years. During that time, Ulwelling and Renchin have been able to add their flare to the festivities, even if there is some repeating from time to time.
“My sister Becky, she’s very good with detail and she usually puts the centerpiece together,” Ulwelling said. “I give the idea and get the material.”Partof the designing detail possessed by Renchin comes from several years in retail. Another aspect that makes their designs so eye catching is how they go about designing and bringing everything together. It’s something many people can take home to their own dining room tables and includes two key areas.
30 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
“I think balance and eye appeal,” Ulwelling said. “For a while, the HHH was mashed with so much stuff because vendors brought in all they could. It gets Aslost.”far as those things used in creating a meaningful centerpiece for your holiday celebration, it’s simply suggested to keep an open mind.
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creations.byaccentuatedownplacealsoterpiecesrations.yearspartHome,HistoricHormelAtcircumstance.inholidaycancenterpiecegoodsetoffamealmostanytheitisofeachdeco-Cencanfindainyourhome,yourown
“I don’t know how, but every year we say, ‘that doesn’t look too bad,’” Ulwelling said. “And we can also get kind of punchy. When you’re tired and you’ve been working with all these arrangements … we’ve had some good laughs.” Either way, the addition of these centerpieces both at HHH and in your own home can provide that little something extra to make your holiday party something to remember.
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 31 I took my first (and only!) wheel throwing pottery class at the Austin ArtWorks Center in 2017 and knew I was going to be hooked. At the time, I was working in glass fusing and didn’t feel I had time for both “hobbies.” Times changed, and a year after taking that class I found myself obsessed with all things clay. Building on the foundation from that first class, I watched countless YouTube videos and found an amazing community of potters on social media to answer all of my questions and cheer me on. I spent an infinite number of hours in the “Clay Cavern” at AAC throwing clay until I figured it out! I am driven to make functional pieces that you want to pick up, use and enjoy. Pieces that serve a purpose, have a function and that would bring a smile to your face. I love to try new techniques and find myself exploring, testing and learning daily! I am still very much a work in progress and am excited to see where this takesme.JForbes Pottery aka JenniferForbes Artwork currently priced at $10-$65 Featured Artist Austin ArtWorks Center
With the knowledge that the first show of the new season will be a go, organizers are hoping for the best in regard to the rest of the“We’reseason.still trying to figure out what we want to do and what we can do,” Lukes said.
• Dec. 13: A Hometown Christmas with Michael Feldman & Friends, 2 p.m.
Withseason.afullslate of concerts slated, only one performance stands out as being a go and that’s the first one. Thanks to donations to the ASO, the orchestra was able to purchase a Fazioli Model F308 Grand Piano for the Knowlton stage. In partnership with KSMQ Public Television, the first show will be recorded in October and be broadcast on Nov. 1. It will feature Italian pianist Roberto Plano.
The Austin Symphony Orchestra will start their season virtually with the use of Fazioli Model F308 Grand Piano
Austin Symphony Orchestra ready to move forward
• April 19: An Evening with Marc-Andre Hamelin, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Roberto Plano Broadcast, 2 p.m., Knowlton Auditorium
32 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 OUT & ABOUT
And that’s the hard part of most everything in terms of planning. Including the Plano recital, there will be a total of five shows complete with a Christmas, winter and spring concert. ASO will be following Minnesota Department of Health recommendations, but it also has to look out for its own performers as well as those coming to support and watch the concerts.
broadcasting it several times,” said ASO President Kiven Lukes said.
Setting anything in stone these past few months is never easy, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra is not different, but it has hopes that it will be able to pull off it’s 2020-21
“There will be no public audience and they will be
Finding a way to play
S tory and P hoto S by E ric J ohn S on 2020-21 season
• Feb. 28: Winter Concert featuring David Hays, 2 p.m.
• April 18: Spring Concert featuring Marc-Andre Hamelin, 2 p.m.
Kiven Lukes, ASO President “
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 33
The survey covers estimated harvest and number of hunters for two dozen species, and most showed increases compared to 2018. The complete small game hunter survey report is on the DNR website.
Small game harvest numbers up in 2019 despite fewer licenses being sold
Learn more about wolves during International Wolf Center webinars
presstoNothingourWe’veaLukesmusicandyearexcitedplanned.showsaboutpeopleaccommodate.What’smore,areexcitedtheupcomingthatare“I’mextremelysincelastgotcutshortverylittleliveisavailable,”said.“There’shungeroutthere.allhadfillofZoom.compareslivemusic.”Asoftime,theschedule on the ASO website (www. austinmnsymphony.org/ ) is the 2020-21 lineup, but it could change depending on circumstances from the pandemic. Check back to their website for changes. Roberto Plano will kick off the ASO’s season by playing the first virtual show. Photo provided Austin piano.playsAkkermandirectorchoirKallethenew
Webinarsisp.m.scheduledEachCenterInternationaltheWolfthismonth.webinarisfor5-6andregistrationrequired.willcover:•Minnesota’swolf population, with John Erb, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources research scientist, on Wednesday, Oct. 7;
Nature Notes
• Living with wolves and wolf depredation in Minnesota, with John Hart, district supervisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services program, on Monday, Oct. 19; and
News from the Minnesota Department of Natural Reources
• More information and registration for these and other webinars can be found on the International Wolf Center website.
I’m extremely excited since last year got cut short and very little live music is available. There’s a hunger our there. We’ve all had our fill of Zoom. Nothing compares to live music.”
Anyone who wants to learn more about wolves in Minnesota is invited to join webinars hosted by
The small game hunter mail survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimated that slightly fewer small game licenses were sold in 2019 than the previous year, continuing a downward trend in overall license sales for the past 20 years.
“We have a number of our musicians and audience members that are susceptible to complications,” Lukes said. “It’s reallyWhatdifficult.”theASO does have going for it is that Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School is a big performance space and wouldtoadmittanceaudiencereducing50percentbeeasy to
Despite fewer ruffed grouse and ring-necked pheasant hunters, hunters harvested more grouse and pheasants in 2019 and successful hunters put more birds in their bags. The survey also showed a 38 percent increase in duck hunters and a 72 percent increase in Canada goose hunters from 2018 to 2019, leading to a higher harvest estimate compared to 2018.
•The interrelationships between wolf, moose and deer in Minnesota, with Glenn DelGiudice, a DNR research scientist, on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
For A Community stories of people stepping in to volunteer in Austin
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November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 35
Pacelli students Avari Drennan and Sam King have both taken part in Pacelli’s annual Christmas Basket program.
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Kylee Christopherson wraps a present from the Christmas Basket Program.
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 37
It was making sure everybody had Christmas presents under the tree because to me that would be the worst feeling as a kid.
A Family of God
Each year, not long before Christmas, a parade of students file into St. Augustine, arms laden with presents to be blessed by Steffes.The gifts are placed at the altar at the front of the church and serve as a reminder of the caring and good being done by the students of Pacelli. This is the end result of the Christmas Basket and it puts the students center stage in ensuring others are creating Christmas memories.
“It was making sure everybody had Christmas presents under the tree because to me that would be the worst feeling as a kid,” said Pacelli Activities Director Laura Sheedy. “Some of the people the kids shop for are toddlers or two-yearolds and that would be
Armed with a list of goodies, the students march up and down the aisles, playing the part of Santa“ItClaus.feels like it’s something natural to do during the Christmas season because I’ve done it so much,” said junior Sam TheKing.Christmas Basket is an old event with the school dating back as far as the 80s. Sheedy, herself a graduate of Pacelli, remembered going when she was a student and she remembers the fun she and other students had taking part.
A family will come together when the need is great and that is highlighted each year with the combined efforts of the Christmas Basket and Giving Tree programs.Thetwo programs are a team effort between the Catholic churches of St. Augustine and St. Edward as well as Pacelli Catholic Schools. Both programs ensure that there is a Christmas for everybody.“It’smore about the family of God that some of us are blessed in different ways and able to give more,” said Father James Steffes. “We’re all brothers and sisters so we help each other out. It’s the gospel message. Love your neighbor and there’s different ways to do that.”
fundraiserBasketheartbreaking.”TheChristmasstartsasaandwith the money raised, students simply go shopping, usually around Dec. 7.
“It was fun. You got out of school, you went out into the community and it’s cool to see other people while you’re shopping,” she said. “I remember that too. ‘What are you guys doing, what are you doing here?’ We got to explain we’re from Pacelli out for the Christmas Basket Project.”
Christmas Basket and Giving Tree a chance for Pacelli, St. Augustine and St. Edward to help out their neighbors B y E ric J ohnson • P hotos P rovid E d B y L aura s h EE dy Pacelli students bring up presents for the Christmas Basket Program to the front of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where Father James Steffes later blessed them.
The Christmas Basket
Laura Sheedy Pacelli Activities Director “ “
“I hope it makes people want to go out and do it, through the church or just through anything,” Drennen said. “Just go out and help people.”
“I think it helps us to realize that we do need to help people in need and that we need to try our best to help everybody when we can,” said freshman Avari Drennan.
Across the street, Steffes sits in a recently added area outside the church and thinks about the start of the Giving Tree and its humble beginnings.
Giving Tree
“We started the Giving Tree in 2012 with one family we were helping,” he said. “I’m not sure we called it the Giving Tree at that point, but that’s what it grew out of.”
a real big town so going out and helping people you may even know feels pretty good.”
From these beginnings quickly grew something that came to encompass the congregations of St. Augustine and St. Edwards.Inthe second year, the growth was very noticeable.
“I think it grew substantially the next year, 10-12 families,” Steffes said. “Last year we helped 44 families.”
Part of what makes the Christmas Basket so popular is the ownership the students take and the willingness they show in helpingTheothers.students thrill in being able to help with shopping for all ages.“They are literally upset sometimes that they don’t get the babies,” Sheedy said. “Another thing that’s great is sometimes the sixth and seventh graders will be shopping for somebody their age. It puts them in another person’s shoes and at the same time it’s great because they have to do the math, they have to work as a team. It’s a life skill.”
38 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
The Giving Tree works off … well, a Christmas tree. People can take an ornament, complete with a list of presents Kristen Koopal, Gahvin Schaefer, Larry Ketchum, Frank DeLuna and Grace Schara on a shopping trip for the Christmas Basket Program
These messages aren’t lost on the students themselves. They are aware of not only the need to provide a happy Christmas for others, but follow in Christ’s footsteps as they do.
The weight of the situation and what the students are trying to do is not lost on them.
“I think it’s a pretty good honor,” King said. “Austin’s not
“Christmas is about helping others, not necessarily what you’re going to get under the Christmas tree,” Sheedy said. “But making sure everybody has something under the tree. Linda Keenan goes through gifts to orga nize at St. Augustine Catholic Church last year for the Giving Tree. Above: Presents are ready for delivery.Austin Daily Herald photos
The tree became so popular that people were disappointed when the ornaments ran “Sometimesout.people get upset when there’s no more ornaments on the tree,” Steffes said. “We have learned not to put them all on at once. Every week we put more on so if somebody isn’t around one weekend they have the opportunity to buy gifts as well.”
It’s all part of a greater spirit that permeates the congregations.“Peoplelove it, especially around Christmas,” Steffes said. “There’s always the giving spirit. There’s so many people that love to buy for children. People love to bring joy to others, especially around Christmas.” There’s another aspect that comes out of the Giving Tree that lends itself especially well to the holidays. During the span of the Giving Tree, there have been some that once needed help and support that were able to put themselves in a situation to in turn be the ones to buy the that brings with it a special feeling of happiness.
Both programs carry with them a lasting impact, whether it’s from the lessons imparted on those helping or the gifts, delivered to families in need. This year will represent another challenge in the form of COVID-19, but thanks to the power of what both the Giving Tree and the Christmas Basket are doing, there is little concern they will continue forward.
for a family. The gifts are purchased and then about a week before Christmas they are delivered to the homes of those in need.
“No, I don’t think so, I don’t have any fear of that,” Steffes said. “People are going out if they are not they are buying things online. People are looking for things to do.”
“For me, it’s a great joy because I know they feel so good about giving back,” he said. “I often have that with our food pantry and our Good Samaritan Fund. People are always in need and they feel badly asking, especially of their own parishioners. Some of them then are able to give back and it’s a great feeling.”Those gifts that are purchased are oftentimes toys for children, but gifts also include winter coats, gloves, boots and more.
Just as important is the message.
presents.ForSteffes,
The lasting impact
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 39
40 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
Callie, Collin and Carter ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
Right: Josh and Cori McRae show off a receipt after paying off a random layaway.
McRaes use little gestures to push forward kindness
B y E ric J ohnson • P hotos P rovid E d
Cori and Josh McRae and their three children, Callie, Collin and Carter, have been doing what they can to improve their corner of the world and taking us along for the ride.It is a Advent style acts of kindness, where for a full month they do little things here and there each day to forward said kindness to other people. These acts branched from Cori’s time as a language arts teacher at IJ Holton Intermediate School.
This holiday season, if you are walking back to your car after a long day and find a candy cane hanging from the handle of your vehicle with a little note, then neverYou’vefear. been candy caneIt’sbombed.allaneffort by the McRae family of Austin to ensure that acts of kindness find their way into the world.
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 41
As an example, Cori vowed that she would go out and do an act of her own in an effort to show the students just how easy it is to make an impact on somebody else’s life.
WishesofJoy
“All of a sudden it just turned into a ‘let’s do this every single day between Thanksgiving and Christmas,’” Cori said. “It gets stressful at times because our nights are short, but we’re determined to get it done anyway. We have it all planned out.”
“We had an acts of kindness essay contest that we had our sixthgraders doing,” Cori said. “We asked them to go out and do an act of kindness. We game them a two-week window to complete it and their essay was based on that experience. Reflect on what they had done.”
It had an unforeseen impact for Cori and her family’s own life.
It’s clear that the entire family is willingly along for the ride. Even the kids, who were very young when they first started this about four to five years ago.
For Cori and Josh, the idea of involving the children so extensively in the planning of each year’s kindness run is important because it leaves them invested in the acts of kindness“Afterthemselves.acoupleyears
now, they’ve had one they like better than others, then they will say, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if we did this instead’ or ‘maybe we should go and do this,’” Josh said. “That’s been more fun because they take ownership of it. A better understanding of it and they appreciate it more.”
42 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
The family has even made it a tradition to pay for somebody who has put gifts on lay-away; however, what the family has noticed is often times it’s the littler acts that have some of the biggest affects.
Collin, Callie and Carter hold up awards for Christmas lights that they handed out to some of the best displays.
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“I think I expected them, the kids, to be upset … not upset, but whiny about it and not wanting to participate,” Cori said. “I was a little surprise that after the first couple they started seeing what we were doing.”
“For our own kids, the hope is to raise them in the world you want to have Josh McRae
The acts themselves can come in a variety of forms, whether it’s paying for a coffee for the person behind them in line, the aforementioned candy cane bomb or simply the act of giving somebody a flower.
“When she says, ‘we have it planned out,’ she means she has it planned out and then right after school have everybody ready to go,” Josh said with a laugh. “She’s got it all laid out and we’re just along for the ride. It’s fun.”
During the holidays we all want to be better people and to be better people is to share with others and try to carry that along down the line to others.
“Christmas is generally the big time people are giving,” Cori said. “Just because it’s the most stressful time of the year for people, we can still stop and do something kind for others.”
One thing is for sure, the acts themselves are meant as nothing more than hoping to make somebody else’s day a little better. When Cori posts these types of things to her Facebook page, it is meant as nothing more than a hope that kindness will keep traveling to others. But it also has another intent and that’s to continue investing their children in doing the right thing and to be the best they can. “I think there’s two reason this gets posted,” Josh explained. “First, you try to spread around. We’ve heard back from other people when they’ve seen us do it, then they go out and do something. That’s part of it, to spread that idea of spending time with other people.”“The other thing for our own kids is to show them, hey, we need to be empathetic,” he continued. “We need to care about other people. We need to share with other people there’s love in the world still. For our own kids, the hope is to raise them in the world you want to have. If this is the world you want to have, you have to be a part of it.”
Many of what the McRaes do are simple and little acts of kindness
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 43
“Some of them are simple,” Josh said. “You just go up to somebody and give a random person a flower and say, ‘hey, I hope you’re having a good day.’ Some of those simple ones have the biggest impact.” This year will ring uncertain for the McRaes, just as it has everybody feeling uncertain.Theyhaven’t been able to volunteer at places like the Mower County Humane Society, which is a favorite destination. They remain unsure as to whether they will be able to ring bells for the Salvation Army.It comes down to what can they give to others and what can’t they give?
44 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
What started out as a meal to give people a place to go Christmas Day has turned into an event by all
Over time, Peter’s spirit continues to drive the family and it has become second nature to take part every year. For the family, it’s just their way of celebrating the season.
At the same time, it was a chance to do something on Christmas to honor the holiday and its spirit, something that Klein had become frustrated with over how the holiday was being carried out each year.
Shannon Bartholomew sets out silverwear for the annual Christmas Day dinner at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in 2013.
“At that point it was just to keep us sane,” said Kim Madson, one of four sisters who take part in the annual Christmas Day dinner at St. Olaf.
“He was really frustrated with the materialism of Christmas,” Melodee Morem, another sister said. “He was very vocal about that, so we did that to honor him.
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 45
It’s Communityabout
What began as a family’s desire to remember their brother and son has turned into community effort to ensure people are not alone at Christmas.
S tory and P hoto S by E ric J ohn S on
Since 1998, the Morem family has been hosting a dinner which set out to honor Peter Klein, who had passed away. It was also an effort to help in the grieving process.
“Peter is still talked about in our family as he was the day he died,” Madson said. “He’s talked about a lot and I think my kids and my nieces and nephews, I don’t think it’s talked about, commercialism. This is about my aunts and my uncles. I think the reason is Peter.”
There is a question as to whether this year’s meal will be held, or in what form if it is, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In turn, when the word ‘family’ is brought up, it tends to encompass so much more than those putting on the meal each year.To be able to host these people and provide them with a Christmas has become the prime reason for serving it each year.
Over time it has also included donations of pies and salads and donations from businesses. St. Olaf Lutheran Church continues to allow the family to host the dinner.
“We have had some of the same people return for 20 plus years and I think this is now their Christmas as well,” said Val Kruger. “So many do so many things for our community.”
“It depends on the governor’s order and the peacetime emergency,” Kruger said. “We’ll have to decide in a month or so, but I don’t know what it will look like.
Despite the uncertainty, the matter of community and of the meal being more of a story of Austin than of anything else is what continues to push it forward now and makes the effort worthwhile.Fromthose who help out with the Christmas Day gathering, to those that take part in it, it truly is a story of Christmas at its heart.
“That’s so important,” said Jackie Gappa. “Even though we happen to be there on the day preparing and serving, we wouldn’t be able to do it without all the people who contribute.”
Sisters Kim Madson, Jackie Gappa, Val Kruger and Melodee Morem pose for a photo with their mother Gladys Bliss. Below: Visitors to last year’s dinner. Photos provided
Over time, Peter’s spirit continues to drive the family and it has become second nature to take part every year. For the family, it’s just their way of celebrating the season.
46 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
Even though the family works and hosts the dinner, which has been at St. Olaf Lutheran Church over the decade and more, it has expanded and reflected the help of so many others.“Ithink another piece of that is that I can’t believe how many people contribute,” Morem said. “Some people, they won’t even eat if they can’t contribute monetarily to the dinner.”
That first year, there were about 80 people who attended the dinner, but as the dinner grew and the family became bigger, it changed; it became a reflection of a community that works hard to support its own.
• Nov. 12: History Happy Hour - Historic Treasuresr by Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society Curator, 5:30 p.m., Hormel Historic Home. Register by calling 1-507-433-4243
Where: Mower County Historical Society Items must be pre-ordered by Nov. 20. Visit www.mowercountyhistory.org or call 507-437-6082 for an order form.
Dec. 11-12
Where: Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to make changes for our annual Meatball Dinner by making it a drive-thru dinner. You do not have to get out of your car; just place your order, drive up and they will bring it out to you. A free will donation will be collected. For more information, call the church office at 507-5823185.
• Nov 3, 17: pen Studio, 5:30-7 p.m., free for members, $5 for guests
Christmas Crafts
• Nov. 7: Fantastic Florals, 1-5 p.m. Cost is $60
• Nov. 6: Member’s Gallery Opening, 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 8
Where: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Registration begins on Nov. 2.
When: 1 p.m. (Nov. 30, Dec. 2 and 5) and 6 p.m. (Dec. 1 and 3)
Nov. 20
November-December | Austin Living | 47
• Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28: $5 Kids Studio, 10:30 a.m.-noon
• Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26: $5 Kids Studio, 10:30 a.m.-noon
HHH Open House When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Hormel Historic Home The HHH will offer three tour packages: $7 to view house-live music and coffee/ tea included, $10 includes a piece of take home cranberry cake with butter sauce, or $15 includes all of the above and take home tea luncheon meal. For more information, call 507-433-4243.
When: 2 p.m. Where: Facebook Live Tickets available from any MCHS board member or by contacting the MCHS Office at 507-437-6082 or director@mowercountyhistory.org. Tickets are $1 per chance. Grand prize is an 80x95 handcrafted quilt, “Feedsack Reproductions,” made by Virginia Bissen. Hormel Historic Home For more information, call 507-433-4243.
Christmas in the County Drive Thru Christmas Bake Sale When: 2-5 p.m. (Dec. 11) and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Dec. 12)
Nov. 21 A Visit to Santa’s Workshop Where: Hormel Historic Home Will feature outdoor attractions, photo opportunities, a visit with Santa, and take home snacks and activities. $6 per person; children under 2 are free. For more information, call 507-433-4243. D ue to the C o VID-19 s I tuat I on , all D ates , t I mes , an D lo C at I ons are subje C t to C hange
• Dec. 14: History Happy Hour - History and Adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 5:30 p.m., Hormel Historic Home. Register by calling 1-507-433-4243
Nov. 30-Dec. 3 and Dec. 5
COVID Meatball Dinner Drive-thru and Pick-up
Christmas in the County Raffle Drawing
Dec. 12
Austin Artworks Center For more information, call 507-434-0934.
Nov. 14 Part Time Ex’s When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Cost is $5 at the door.
In July 1957, the No. 4 Steam Engine completed its final journey from the Milwaukee Road rail yard to its new home at the Mower County Historical Society. In service for over 50 years, the engine traveled millions of miles and holds the distinct honor of being the last active steam locomo tive for the Milwaukee Road. Our locomotive’s life began at the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, where she was built September-October 1901. Originally numbered No. 394 and classified as a B-4, the ten-wheel locomotive was part of the largest and most power
ful class of engines. At the time, the Milwaukee Road ordered 25 of the B-4’s and No. 394 was the fourth of that order. The engine served all over the country but was mostly running routes in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in the late 1920s. A complete overhaul came in 1920 and a reclassification to G-8 saw the newly renumbered No. 4 assigned to Austin’s rail yard in 1939. Even though the railroad used larger and more powerful locomotives by the 1930s, the No. 4 (and many of her fellow ten-wheelers) continued to be active.
LOOKING BACK End of the Line 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 The No.JourneyFinalofthe1004SteamEngine
48 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
The ten-wheel locomotive was very “flexible” in its service, meaning it could be used for a variety of tasks that the newer diesel engines couldn’t handle. Things like restricted bridges, flooded tracks, and sub-zero temps were no match for No. 4. Although the Milwaukee Road executives began to phase-out the steam powered en gines in 1948, the No. 4 remained in service. The railroad staff and mechanics in Austin became quite fond of the engine and con tinued to find reasons to justify keeping the locomotive long after other steam engines were “retired.”
January–February 2020 | Austin Living | 49
Finally, No. 4 ran her last “of ficial” route in March 1957 when she filled in on the run to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Later that summer, a group of Austin railroad fans (including Harold Davison, William Sucha, Gus Moes and P.J. Holland) along with the MCHS, approached the Milwaukee Road about donating the engine to the historical society’s display. Many orga nizations were involved in the plan to move the locomotive, including the Milwaukee Road, the Chicago Great Western Railroad, the Minnesota Highway Department, Martin Bustad Construction Co., the Austin Police Department, Mayor Baldy Hanson, City Hall, and the Mower County Historical Society. After lots of planning, the No. 4 was towed and pushed from the Milwaukee Road yard to the crossing near downtown Austin at First Avenue in July 1957. The track was cut so temporary curved track pieces could be placed to move the train onto a more temporary track on the road.
The move required quite a large crew — including many former and current Milwaukee Railroad employees who donated their time and knowledge. Here, you can see the crew working to lay the track to move the engine onto the road and the large crowd that gathered along the route. Moving the old steam engine became a community event as people watched its final journey.
Almost there! No. 4 comes down 12th St. SW and passes in front of Christ Episcopal Church on the Mower County Historical Society’s
The Minnesota Highway Department sent a telegram to temporarily halt the move fearing damage to the roads and wanted all the temporary track to be laid on top of a foot of sand. However, the engine was already off the track and the sand would take time and cost extra money. P. J. Holland (a state senator) made a few phone calls and the move resumed. Compressed air powered the engine all the way to MCHS for the three day Afterjourney.the arduous trip, the No. 4 steam locomotive was a popular attraction during the 1957 Mower County Fair. The 119-yearold engine is still a popular attraction at the historical society — especially at the Christmas in the County fundraiser, where an air compressor once again helps bring the engine to life and guests can “blow” the whistle (much to our neighbor’s chagrin). The No. 4 continues to help MCHS preserve and share the important role played by the railroad in the history of Austin and Mower County.
No.grounds.4continues her slow journey away from the Milwaukee Road’s rail yard to the fairgrounds.
Get into the Christmas spirit by finding the right tree
Both the Wittlief Christmas Tree Farm and Zumbro Valley Christmas Trees are welcoming locations that offer a family atmosphere to find your Christmas tree.
I
Dave got the idea of running a tree farm from his uncle, who has kept a tree farm going near Little Falls, Minn. for 40 years. ZVCT begins selling trees in the week before Thanksgiving and they go until Christmas.
Dave said that his entire family has stepped up to the plate to keep the tree farm operational.
Travel
50 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
B y R ocky H ulne • P H otos PR ovided
“It’s always a fun time because people are in the Christmas spirit. Everyone’s always in a good mood, which is great,” Dave said. “Some people come out every winter to select a tree and bring it home. It’s a great opportunity for people to get out to a real farm.”
A walk through a tree farm like Zumbro Valley Christmas Trees can get even the most owly of Scrooges into the Christmas Spirit.
ZVCT, which is located about 12 miles north of Rochester, features a group of farm animals that includes goats, chickens, llamas and cats. Guests are often treated with hot chocolate as their selected tree is tied to their vehicle.
Dave Blissenback, owner of ZVCT, runs the tree farm with his wife Jan and their three kids. They do the planting, the growing and the raising of the trees.
f the image of Clark Griswold overloading his family with a giant pine tree that doesn’t fit in his home is your idea of what it’s like to grab a real Christmas tree this year, you may want to reconsider your thoughts. Think a little smaller There are plenty of area farmers who have turned their scenic land into a one-stop location for anybody looking to reconnect with family while walking through the woods on a brisk, winter Southeastday.Minnesota offers plenty of tree farms where families can hand-pick a tree that will give their home the finishing touches on a cozy Christmas setup.
The Blissenback’s have been at it for five years and they’ve seen their annual sales go from about 50 trees in their first year to several hundred in the last couple of years.
The hunt is on
The sales at WCTF usually begin on the day after Thanksgiving and run until Christmas.WCTF has been up and running for 10 years and it sold a dozen trees in its first season. Last year, it sold 425 trees, which is the most it has done in a season.There are plenty of options for visitors and Wittlief has recently started selling wreaths in bulk for fundraising efforts. However, the trees are still what bring most visitors to the farm. “We have all different sizes,” Wittleif said. “We give you a saw and they come back into the house, they have some cider and cookies and we bail the tree up and tie it to the car for them.” Christmas tree farms can be more than just finding that right tree. At Wittlief Christmas Tree Farm, people are treated to hot apple cider and cookies once the heavy work is done finding your own tree. 12th Sledding (6300
hills, Schmidt Park
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 51
Block of 24 Avenue NW) and Judd Park (3rd Street & 36 Avenue NW) If you’re looking for Christmas trees, you might as well get on a sledding hill and Rochester has two locations to try.
Street SW Suite 632. Rochester, MN 55902. If the weather is chilly and your kids need to get moving while learning, then Spark is a worthy stop. 5.
ZVCT offers pre-cut trees, it has a small gift shop and sleds and saws are available for those cutting down trees.
“Everybody who comes out here has a super time,” owner Clint Wittlief said. “Our kids help out with it and the house is centrally located, with farmland on all sides.”Wittlief has learned to recognize some of his customers over the years, especially the ones who come in big groups.“There’s a lot of excitement,” Wittlief said. “We have one family that always brings six to nine vehicles and they usually take four to six trees. They have kids as young as three and adults as old as 80. Some people even bring their babies out here. Family and friends usually come together and they pretty much invade us.”
Zumbro ChristmasValleyTrees 58588 County Rd. 7 Zumbro Falls, MN Phone: 1-507-601-7305 Website: christmastrees.com/zumbrovalley Wittlief Christmas Tree Farm 3628 110th St. NW Oronoco, MN Phone: 1-507-367-2519 Website: wittlief-christmasericwittlief.wixsite.com/ Five things to do 1. Rochester City and Mayo Historical Trolley Tour, Rochester Trolley & Tour Company 972 14th Ave SW. Check out the city of Rochester with one of the many unique tours through town. Tours go weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from Oct. 1 until Dec. 16. 2. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, 4731 County Road 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920. Get a close look at Minnesota wildlife as over 30 species of animals dwell in the woods with drive through access. The zoo and park are 572 acres. 3. Godz Graj, 111 8th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. The venue offers a welcome community for people who want to rock on in a sober environment. 4. Spark, at Apache Mall. 1201
“Each spring, we plant around 1,000 new seedlings and that’s a family adventure as well,” Dave said. “Throughout the summer, we’re searing and trimming the trees. Then in the fall, we get ready for the selling season. We’ve had selling days where it’s been 70 degrees and sunny and other times were its below zero and freezing.”
The Wittlief Christmas Tree Farm, which is located one mile from the Post Office in Oronoco, is also a family business as the 15 acre plot of land offers trees of all shapes and sizes. Guests are treated to hot cider and cookies, and they’re also offered assistance if it is needed.
52 | Austin Living | November-December 2020
Though Page Turners usually review books by living Minnesota authors, last fall the committee decided to make an exception. We decided to review a book that has been read by various Austin church groups and the Austin Public School administration. In addition, the author, Debby Irving, is scheduled to make a virtual presentation on Nov. 10, 2020. Watch the local media for more information on her presentation. Since Page Turners made this decision, the tragic manifestations of violent racism have come to a tipping point, making this book even more relevant.Debby Irving’s “Waking up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” is a story of self-discovery.
THETURNPAGE Other books about racism that I would recommend. Between the World and Me – Tanehisi Coates This book is a discussionpoignant between a father and son regarding a black man’s place in the world. How to Be an AntiracistIbram X. Kendi This is an examination of why past civil rights movements have not achieved racial equity. An antiracist looks at changing systems for racial equity. RFragilityWhite–obin Diangelo This book puts forth a way to discuss racism. A Good Time for the Truth, Race in Minnesota –Sun Yung Shin, ed. This is a collection of essays written by Minnesotan people of color, chronicling their experiences and thoughts.
Long ago Copernicus said, that knowledge is knowing what we know and knowing what we don’t know. It is that search for knowledge that lead Debby on her journey toward understanding race. In her introduction she acknowledges that she thought of herself as a good person who wasn’t racist. However, at the same time, she acknowledges that she never considered her own race. White wasn’t a race, “just plain, normal, the one against all others were measured (xi).”
According to Irving, it is this common mindset of white people that is at the root of why we have not made progress toward racial equity. Growing up, each person takes on their family’s values, and stories as the norm. Children are further influenced by media. Irving gives the example of Native Americans being portrayed as savage drunkards in movies and on TV. As children, many accept this image never realizing that it is a biased, incomplete picture of this race. This is how stereo types of races become unconsciously entrenched during youth. Other races just didn’t measure up. Irving’s epiphany started when she was 48 and starting a master’s program in special education. In a class, a pivotal experience happened while she watched a film called Race: The Power of Illusion. During the film, she learned that most black veterans did not have access to the GI bill to purchase housing or to pay for college education. You can read her book to learn how this example of systemic racism worked. It was at this point that she became aware that different races had different game rules in our country. Throughout the book Irving examines white privilege as well as other unconscious reasons for racism. Her understanding of racism slowly evolves as she examines history, culture, social constructs, perspective, and concepts like exclusiveness, inattention, and minimalism. At the end of each of her chapters, Irving invites the reader to answer reflection questions designed to help each reader examine his/ her own feeling toward race and each of the concepts that she explores in her book. It is very enlightening. B y T heresa B ecker e rsland P ho T os P rovided Debby Irving’s book guides the reader through self-discovery
PAGE TURNERS
A Journey Understandingtoward
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 53 Get the go-to local guide for brides! “Austin Bride” is a themed special edition of Austin Living Magazine filled with photos, ideas, inspiration and valuable local advertising to help you plan the day of your dreams. Don’t miss your copy of this essential special section, coming in the January issue of Austin ToLiving.subscribe to Austin Living call 507-434-2204. Get in front of brides for 2021. Call your Marketing Representative at the Austin Daily 507-434-2222austindailyherald.comheather.biwer@Heather507-434-2226austindailyherald.combrenda.landherr@BrendaHerald:LandherrBiwer Getting Married? Attention Businesses!
Of course we all know that following the t hanksgiving feast comes the Christmas goodies. my dogs have about as much will-power as i do when it comes to resisting yummy holiday treats — absolutely none! i know you have your favorite cutout recipe — here is one to add for your pups. p eanut butter cutouts
Michelle Nelson is the owner of The Pet Authority. pets by mi C helle nels
2. add turkey and liver in a large skillet. Cook on medium-high heat until done. Chop veggies or pulse in food processor and then add to turkey mixture.
2 1/2 cups wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg 1 cup natural peanut butter 1 cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1. Preheat over to 350°F. 2. in a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and egg until well blended. add peanut butter, water and honey and mix until you have a stiff dough. you may need to use your hands or paddle attachment on your mixer.
Try these howl-day recipes
healthy
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2-inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to make fun shapes for your pets to enjoy.4.Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes or until lightly brown. What a fun recipe to make with your kids or grandchildren. and perfectly safe if they want to share a cookie with the dog when they are fresh out of the oven. don’t forget to leave some out for santa
On my favorite time of the year is here! Fabulous food, time with loved ones and maybe a present or two if i am good. i will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen the next two months whipping up some of my favorite holiday recipes, like sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, mouth-watering pumpkin pie and my favorite norwegian food, lefse — so yummy! but do you have any yummy recipes for your pets? if not, you are in luck. here are a couple your pets will drool over. i don’t know about you, but my family is not a fan of liver, so what do you do with the turkey liver come t hanksgiving? you make a minnesota hotdish for your pets of course! t his recipe can be enjoyed by dogs and cat alike.
Paws on Christmas eve! happy t hanksgiving and merry Christmas! may God bless you and your family this holiday season!
54 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 54 | ALBERT LEA mAgAzinE advertisement CO ntent
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turkey & Veggie h otdish 2 pounds lean ground turkey 2 tablespoons turkey liver (or chicken) 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped 1 cup green beans, diced 1 cup cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1. add 1 1/2 cups of water to double boiler. Place veggies in steam basket over the pot and cover. heat until boiling, then reduce heat to a low boil and steam until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. add olive oil to veggie/meat mix and toss. a llow to cool and divide into freezer safe containers.
November-December 2020 | Austin Living | 55
I am the executive director of Rachel’s Hope, the pregnancy and family resources center in Austin, and through my work here over the last five years, I have truly been blessed to be an active part of this community. Rachel’s Hope has been serving families in need in our community for 23 years and is just one example of how our community comes together to support our residents.
At Rachel’s Hope, we provide families with pregnancy and parenting education, as well as assistance with necessities for their children, including diapers, clothing, baby furniture, food and more. We also partner with many other wonderful community agencies and charities so that we can, together, meet the needs within our community.
However, those are not what come to mind first when I think about our community. Rather, it is the community itself that comes to mind. I love Austin for the sense of community we all have together, and how we come together to create and nurture a community that cares for one another.
When you ask someone what they love about their town, they might say the schools, the entertainment and recreation, the shopping and tourism, the people — and those are all great assets in any community.
When I think about what I love about Austin, I could include a lot of those things. We have so many beautiful parks, an incredible new Recreation Center, a fantastic Olympic-sized pool, the Paramount Theatre, brand new stores and restaurants popping up, and of course, the Spam Museum — truly unique tourist destination! Personally, my family loves the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, with its year-round activities such as hiking, skiing and canoeing.
We are currently serving people who have come from all over the world to make Austin their home, and it is incredible to see what a melting pot Austin truly is. We have over 75 countries represented in Austin, and I have been blessed to be able to work with so many of them over the years.
My work with Rachel’s Hope reflects what I love about Austin; through our programming, we encourage our clients to get out and participate within the community. Austin has so much to offer in continuing education for adults, English classes, beautiful parks and community events that bring us all together — truly, so many ways that we can ALL be part of our community — and that’s why I love Austin.
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 56 | Austin Living | November-December 2020 A community of love B y L inda L a V a LL ie • P hoto B y e ric J ohnson
mayoclinichealthsystem.org. NEEDYOUWHENCAREIT.
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HAVE A BALANCE.PORK-LIFEBETTER
