Fergus Falls the Magazine Summer 2019

FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE

Celebrating the lives of lake area residents

OPEN AIR LIVING

LAZY RIVER RIDE SADDLE UP Daily Journal media SUMMER 2019

Let us take care of the rest.

Home Care

by KNUTE NELSON

218.736.4098 | knutenelson.org

Mike Alt Jr.

.

Financial Advisor

Extending World-Class Courtesy and Hospitality

Janelle Hawkinson Kristi Floersch Sarah Thorson Sr Branch Office Admin Sr Branch Office Admin Branch Office Admin

www.edwardjones.com/mike-alt

Lexie Jensen Branch Office Admin

We’d like to meet YOU .

Courtesy is practiced by everyone on our team, and courteous behavior is viewed as the foundation for every interaction.

We treat each other with respect and honor, in turn we give the same to our clients.

1100 N Union Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-736-6000 TF 866-736-6001

.

Connected

We’re proud to be part of the communities we serve. We value our customers and our relationships. And we’re dedicated to the growth and success of this region as we mindfully ensure a vital, connected future.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 1

Why wait to schedule your

APPOINTMENTS? OPENINGS AVAILABLE Gwen

Physical Therapist

We treat

Jen

Physical Therapist

Kelsey

Speech Therapist

• BACK PAIN • KNEE PAIN • NECK PAIN • SHOULDER PAIN

Shawn

Desiree

Physical Therapist

We of fer

Occupational Therapist

• PHYSICAL THERAPY • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • SPEECH THERAPY

WE TREAT PATIENTS OF ALL AGES. ALL MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED Fergus Falls Office • 218-998-2980 322 N. Tower Rd. Breckenridge Office 218-641-7725 Hankinson Office 701-242-7323 Fargo Office 701-532-1655

n EDITOR’S NOTE

W

hether it’s tubing down a river, tending in the garden or enjoying a local town festival, summer is the right time to get out there and play.

Play can mean a bunch Zach Stich of different things to different people. For children, play can be running around with family and friends, traipsing through the sprinkler, playing summer sports or going on a bike ride. For adults, play could be hitting the open water with a boat or jet ski, having a cold beverage by the lakeside or taking a trip to see the sights either locally or out of state. Still others find their version of play in art, reading or just enjoying the warm weather.

In this edition of Fergus Falls The Magazine, we look at tubing down the Otter Tail River, visit with Town and Country Club about their equine activities, talk and listen to the Heart O’Lakes Community Band, and take a look into the Brissos home on the Otter Tail River.

As always, Sandy Thimgan provides a summer twist on a family favorite, a stop by The Daily Journal’s Deb Erickson at Carlos Creek Winery, a look at the 1919 cyclone that struck Fergus Falls and much more.

As the summer months begin to heat up, don’t forget to include this edition of Fergus Falls The Magazine on your next day of play for a quick, relaxing read.

NEVERE

miss an issue

B I R C S B SU AY! TOD

SSU U UG G GA AR A R

Have FERGUS FALLS, THE MAGAZINE delivered to your home

ONLY $10/YEAR

FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE

CALL 218-739-7015 OR 218-736-7511

Kitchenware • Kids & Games • Home Accents • Bath & Body • Specialty Groceries

Something for Everyone....

Including Yourself! www.marketfergusfalls.com

120 S. Union Ave • Fergus Falls • 218-998-3663 | 122 S. Lake Ave • Battle Lake • 218-864-2555 SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 3

SUMMER 2019 | contents

FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE

community scene

18 WINE KNOT 10 RUNNING WILD TRAIL RUN 12 SUMMERFEST

10

style + flair

14

SALES & PROMOTION Assistant Sales Director Mary Sieling Sales Representatives Tom Grout Amanda Childs Jim Sturgeon

OPEN AIR LIVING

CIRCULATION Stacy Hanson SUMMER 2019 Volume 5, Number 1 Fergus Falls The Magazine is printed four times a year: spring, summer, fall, winter.

food + drink 22 24

ALL HANDS ON DECK SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE EVIDENT AT 22 NORTHMEN

22

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS isn’t just about a diet or program.

It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that changes in daily eating & exercise habits.

801 Pebble Lake Rd, Fergus Falls • 800-736-7547 fergusfalls–chiropratic.com 4 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

EDITORIAL Katrina Mouser Johanna Armstrong Melissa Reiss Deb Erickson Sandra Thimgan Brian Hansel Joan Vorderbruggen Emily Hermes Missy Hermes

ART Art Director Deb Erickson Graphic Designer Emily Hermes

dwell well

18

EDITOR Zach Stich

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Broten Galloping Dreams Photography Mathew Holding Eagle Daniel Thimgan Joan Vorderbruggen

14 WEDDINGS + ENGAGEMENTS 16 HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

18

PUBLISHER Ken Harty

Theresa Anderson Certified Diet Coach

TO SUBSCRIBE $10 annually Send check to: Fergus Falls The Magazine Circulation 914 E. Channing Ave. Fergus Falls, MN 56537 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Write to: Fergus Falls The Magazine Editor 914 E. Channing Ave. Fergus Falls, MN 56537 © 2019 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the editor or publisher.

To give comments, suggestions or story ideas or to subscribe, call 218­-736­-7511.

The Daily Journal media

THE FUN PLACE TO SHOP!

Life is just MORE FUN in a

!

Accessories.

Stationery Bath & Body and more.

Live your best adventure behind the wheel of a Jeep.

Downtown Fergus Falls 736-5433

218-998-8878 • 2228 College Way, Fergus Falls www.nelsonfergusfalls.com

M-F 8-5:30 • Thur ‘til 7 • Sat 9-5

Finance your

dreams!

Talk to one of our lenders today to find a solution to meet your dream goals.

LOV E T H E L I FE YO U L I V E .

L I V E T H E L I FE YO U LOV E .

Chris Marvel

Business Banker

Mill Street

RESIDENCE

A LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

218.739.2900 millstreet.org 8 02 S M I LL ST F E RGU S FALL S

NMLS #504048

Dustin Morris

Ag & Business Banker NMLS #504051

117 S. Mil 117 Milll St St..

Ferg Fe rgus us Fal F alls alls, ls, , MN 5 565 56537 6537 37 117 S. Mill St. (218 (2 18)) 73973Falls, 9-33 3377 77MN • (88 (888) 8) 3 389 89-3 -337 3377 377 7 Fergus 56537 (218) 739-3377 (888) 389-3377

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 5

SUMMER 2019 | contents

features 26 THINKING THREE

DIMENSIONALLY NATURAL

FOR LOCAL SCULPTOR 30 SOMEWHERE DOWN THE

LAZY RIVER 34 RIVERSIDE COMFORT 40 SADDLE UP WITH THE

TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB 44 PASSION FOR MUSIC SUSTAINS ENSEMBLE 52 FROM OVERWHELMED

TO ORGANIZED

34

in every issue Three Delicious Meals a Day Housekeeping & Laundry Services Daily Activities Appointment Transportation Massage, Salon & Much More!

50

43 46 50 54 56

EDITOR’S NOTE WOMEN IN HISTORY WHAT’S NEW IN NUTRITION COMING ATTRACTIONS WHY I LOVE ...

FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE

Celebrating the lives of lake area residents

OPEN AIR LIVING SUMMER 2019

Kelly Carney and Meranda Schmaltz leisurely float down the Otter Tail River from a popular tubing site.

See Page 30

FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE

on the cover

LAZY RIVER RIDE SADDLE UP

6 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

VOL. 5 NO. 1

parkgardensfergusfalls.com

Daily Journal media SUMMER 2019

contributors Missy Hermes works for Otter Tail County Historical Society as museum educator. She and her husband, Paul, have two sons.

Katrina Mouser enjoys sorting through the evidence to help the public understand nutrition more clearly.

She and her husband and four children live on a farm outside Fergus Falls, raising pastured pigs and grass fed lambs.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Melissa Reiss moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a year ago where she is a professional organizer. Melissa is actively involved with her church and assists in Ransom Recovery, a group helping others deal with hurts, habits or hangups.

She is excited to see what Sioux Falls has in store for her family.

Sandra Thimgan is a big fan of grilled pizza!

She and her official food-taster husband, Dan, have grilled pizzas for many years and their freezer always has a half-dozen grilled crusts, ready to be thawed and turned into brick-oven pizzas. This party idea is so much fun – it really gets people talking and laughing.

Joan Vorderbruggen finds immense satisfaction in designing and assisting others to experience a greater sense of well-being, especially in those spaces where humans and nature meet. She is an architect, designer, artist, and a guide for Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).

Visit her websites at studiobirke.com or bircheart.com

Fergus Falls the Magazine welcomes your story suggestions.

Please email zach.stich@fergusfallsjournal.com or deb.erickson@fergusfallsjournal. com - or visit our Facebook page.

Fergus Falls • Battle Lake • Underwood • Rothsay

WWW.CLINELAW YERS.COM

introducing

BY NORTHERN CONTOURS

Soft-touch Nanotech Matte, featuring anti-ngerprint and self-healing properties. northerncontours.com

J.J. Cline

Paul S. Jensen

Dorothy P. Bradley

125 South Mill St. Fergus Falls, MN 56537

116 ½ N Lake Ave Battle Lake, MN 56515

115 Main Street Underwood, MN 56586

451 Center St. Rothsay, MN 56579

218-998-4088

866-344-8132

Nikki Kaasa

218-826-6858

218-862-6300

218-867-3016

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 7

n COMMUNITY SCENE Wine Knot On May 9, the Fergus Falls community headed to the Bigwood Event Center for the first Wine Knot event.

The event showcased an unlimited sampling of wine, hors d’oeuvres and dazzling jewelry. Door prizes were also handed out with a couture shoes giveaway. The three-hour event allowed attendees to sample over 30 different wines and look at a variety of vendors.

Stephanie Theisen (left to right), Breanna Hokanson and Tara Trout enjoy wine and chatting in front of the beauty LED lights set up to take the perfect selfies at the Wine Knot event at the Bigwood Event Center, May 9.

Stacy Kolle gets a bit of wine to try from Justin Turek of Breakthrough Beverages.

Patti Dillon tries some wine from Paustis Wine Co. with her friend, Karen Ward.

8 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

We asked our readers how they “play” in the summer months, and here are some of their responses.

Golf, Spikeball (a lot of the hockey and golf boys play on the regular), anything surfing or wake boarding, fishing too.

Addie Shol My kids still go on our trampoline and they are 13 and 15. Some of the pics we have are pure joy on their faces.

Jayna Johnson

Spike all has become one of our favorite game! We also love water sports - surfing, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, and fishing!

Sheri McKeever

I WISH I could bring my dogs to a Dog Park! That’s what I did a lot in WI, and what I do anytime I’m traveling out of town. Other than that, it’s crafts at home, and the beach. Occasionally camping.

Jessica Diane Makowski

“

“

We all love the Y! It’s a quiet place for our familyy to study and exercise.

-The Garvins

FERGUS FALLS AREA 1164 N Friberg Avenue | Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-4489 | www.FergusFallsYMCA.org FAMILY YMCA

PIONEERcare Providing Christ-like care for those we serve for over 90 years.

PioneerCare Center

Innovative short term therapy and long term care

Pioneer Cottages

Exceptional memory care

Pioneer Pointe

Apartment housing with services for seniors

PioneerLink

At-home safety and assistive technology solutions

You have a choice.

Make it PioneerCare.

218.998.1500 | www.pioneercare.org An equal opportunity provider and employer

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 9

n COMMUNITY SCENE Running WILD Trail Run While many people enjoy competing and participating in local running events, one that really adds an outdoors twist is the Running WILD Trail Run at Maplewood State Park.

On June 8, topline runners, nature-lovers and families hit the trails at the state park looking to compete in the 7K trail run. Running WILD is one of Health Resources Center‘s largest fundraising events of the year.

While over 200 runners competed in the traditional 7K event, 58 participants also tackled the 1-mile run. Both events saw runners enjoy a beautiful June day and take in the landscape of Maplewood State Park.

The start of the 2019 Running Wild Trail Run 1-mile (June 8). This year’s event had 274 participants in the 7K (216 runners) and 1-mile (58 runners) navigate the course through Maplewood State Park.

Fargo’s Karena Thurlow receives a well-earned water after crossing the finish line for the 1-mile run.

Maverick Peterson posted the fastest 1-mile time (8:08) for the Running Wild Trail Run. 10 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Julie Kalamaha from Minot, North Dakota, was one of many outof-state runners to participate in the June event.

Young runners like Leo Frazier had no problems completing the course.

Playing allowed with waterproof coretec luxury vinyl flooring

20% OFF

YOUR TOTAL BILL Come visit us at our new location

We are your premier flooring and tile contractors

421 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN

218-998-5900 Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm By appointment only on the weekends

Present this coupon to the cashier at the time of sale and receive a 20% discount off your total bill (including entrees, drinks, side items and dessert). *Not valid with Seniors’ Menu, Great Plates or Bakery.

OPEN 24 HOURS

623 Frontier Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 218-739-2241

20/20 Optical

Back-to-School

SUPER SALE

30

%

OFF

already specially priced Kids Frame and Lens Packages*

These deals make now the perfect time to schedule your back-to-school eye exams. *Sale runs August 1-30. Restrictions may apply.

2020optical.lrhc.org

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 11

n COMMUNITY SCENE Summerfest In the continued tradition, the Fergus Falls community hosted its annual Summerfest parade on June 8. With excitement for the festival, those in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area came out in droves to kick off summer 2019.

With events happening Friday and Saturday at the Regional Treatment Center grounds, the parade capped the beginning of the summer event. Families and community members enjoyed seeing local marching bands, floats, music and more.

The parade made its way west down Lincoln Avenue and headed North on Union Avenue.

The night would culminate with fireworks as the festival’s organizers put on a show.

U.S. Rep. Colin Peterson greets parade-goers.

John Carlson leads the way as part of Boots on the Gound, 2019’s Summerfest grand marshal.

Amanda Wach passes out Fergus Falls Tae Kwon Do flyers during the event.

Fergus Falls Youth Wrestling Club assistant head coach T.J. Roberts signals to one of his wrestlers during the Summerfest Parade.

12 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

y Hair Clinic l i m a F Realty Professionals REAL ESTATE

Buying?

Selling?

Call, text or email!

218 West Lincoln Ave, Downtown Fergus Falls 218-736-4583 Open 7 Days a Week M-Th 9 am-8 pm • Fri 9 am-6 pm • Sat 9 am-5 pm • Sun Noon-5 pm

POSITIVE

PERSONAL

PROFESSIONAL

MARY PETTIT 218-205-7086 marypettit@kw.com

WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS LIKE NEIGHBORS

BECAUSE THEY USUALLY ARE.

SENIOR DAY

Monday & Tuesday

20 OFF %

Excluding Special Services

Enjoy EVERY

MOMENT INVESTOR MONEY MARKET $0.01 to $9,9999.00 $10,000.00 to $24,999.99 $25,000.00 to $49,999.99 $50,000.00 to $99,999.99 $100,000 or greater

APY

0.15% 0.75% 1.50% 1.75% 2.00%

To learn more, visit anbmn.com, stop by our Fergus Falls location, or call 218.739.3221.

RATE

0.15% 0.75% 1.49% 1.74% 1.98%

• Minimum opening deposit of $2,500.00 • Interest compounding quarterly • Annual Percentage Yield • Rates are current of June 10th, 2019 and are subject to change.

Olson

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE 711 Pebble Lake Rd • Fergus Falls 218-736-7586 • 800-530-8937 OlsonFuneralHome.com SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 13

n ENGAGEMENTS + WEDDINGS

From t his day forward Katherine Jean Hohman and Nicholas Allen Irwin plan a July wedding in Port Gamble, Washington.

14 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Kristina Mae Fritz and Aaron Michael Gunter were united in marriage on November 3, 2018, at Bluestem in Moorhead.

Nicole Weiss and Shane Hanson, both of Fergus Falls, were joined in marriage on June 1 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

Amy Mandelke and Nate Westerberg are happy to announce their marriage on May 4, 2019, in Fergus Falls.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 15

n STYLE + FLAIR

Hot Fun in the Summertime Area stores are packed with a variety of summer fun favorites.

By Emily Hermes

Looking for an edge on bumpy country trails?

Want a bike that can endure the cracked pavement of city streets? Get the Northwoods 24 inch Road Bike and you’ll sail over any terrain with speed, control and comfort.

Fleet Farm • Fergus Falls • $179.99

Bring more fun to your next pool party with a floating pool toy that doubles as a surface to play party pong complete with water-cup holders.

Lake Affects • Battle Lake • $28.99 16 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Bring your favorite refreshment with you in the pool with a drink floatie and keep it cool in this stainless-steel tumbler.

Lake Affects • Battle Lake Drink Floatie (set of 3) $12.99 • Tumbler $24.99

Take your favorite dice games outdoors.

Perfect for outdoor events such as parties, barbeques, tailgating, camping, and much more! Provides fun for the whole family.

Lake Affects • Battle Lake • $40

A home away from home, this tent boasts enough room to comfortably sleep up to 10 people. Great for family, guests, or any outdoor sport adventure camping.

Dunham’s • Fergus Falls • $149.99

The ultimate tangle-free travel rod for those spontaneous fishing trips. This Micro Pocket Combo can be stored virtually anywhere and is even perfect to use on your kayak or canoe.

Fleet Farm • Fergus Falls • $29.99

Delivering longer distance on all shots, it’s the softest feeling Titleist and provides superior distance through low spin on long shots and increased short game spin for stopping power on the green.

Dunham’s • Fergus Falls • $21.99

Serve it. Set it. Spike it. The Spyderball Pro from Franklin Sports is the perfect outdoor game for beach or backyard play.

Fleet Farm • Fergus Falls • $29.99

Hang out and relax for memorable summertime fun. Features a mesh bottom with two built-in coolers, four cup holders, backrests and more.

Dunham’s • Fergus Falls • $139.99 SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 17

n DWELL WELL

OPEN AIR

Living

18 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

My house feels so… LARGE! Have you ever uttered those words upon returning home after camping in a small RV or tent, or staying in a tiny cabin?

You realize that during the past week or so of vacation, you were living with much less “domestic” space and significantly fewer possessions, yet during that time, your life felt more … expansive.

It prompts the question … “How much house – how much stuff – do we really need?” And maybe the second question becomes, “Does all this house – this stuff – enhance or diminish my sense of freedom, play and well-being?”

For those who have camped in a tent, small RV or van, or even stayed in a quaint cabin during vacation, you know it’s true: You can get along with much less. For some, this can be an emancipating realization, and at some point the “big purge”

of excessive possessions results. For others, the recognition of having too much stuff is there, yet we find plenty of reasons why we think we need all the items we’ve accumulated over the years.

Interestingly, and not coincidentally, this article is mostly being penned from the deck of a 200-square-foot cabin in the woods – a writer’s hut, as one might consider it – though some summers we’ve lived in it for months at a time. It has no plumbing and no electricity. We use lanterns and candles for light. The wood stove, campfire, or a camp stove allows us to make our meals, coffee, and hot water. We “refrigerate” with a large cooler. We use a composting toilet. In this style of rustic living, nothing is instantaneous, every move is intentional, and our rhythms begin to synch to the natural world. It’s pure bliss,

Article and photos by Joan Vorderbruggen Left: Traveling in a small teardrop camper allows for more options in campsites, while still providing everything one or two people need! Above: The tiny blue camper looks like a child’s toy in size compared to the other two RV’s in the parking lot, but it actually contains a queen-size bed, and plenty of storage for clothing, camping gear, kitchen supplies and food! Plus, it barely affects the car’s gas mileage and is easier to park!

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 19

Outdoors is where the real action lies! once we settle into the slowed down lifestyle!

My husband and I have a real affinity for camping small, traveling small, and even living small(ish), mostly because we find that the less stuff we have, the more richly life opens up to us. When staying “in” a tiny cabin, camper, tent, van, or other small dwelling, you will most likely do a good deal of your living outside. From my current vantage point as I write, I’m being entertained simultaneously by frogs, a beaver, and a multitude of birds. I’m not really caring what’s on TV The cabin in the woods is only a little more than 200 square feet in size – not much more than a or posted on Facebook at nice sized bedroom. Yet the author has lived in it for months at a time in the summer. the moment! Outdoors is where the real action lies!

It’s no surprise that the nature-loving Scandinavians emleast on weekends or during vacations, and many businesses brace a way of life that is all about enjoying and being outeven encourage their employees to get outside over their lunch doors, and the Norwegian term “friluftsliv” (free-loofts-liv) break – not quite the eat-at-your-desk practice some of us have is used to describe their inherent and deep love of living in willingly or unwillingly experienced! nature. The word translates to “free (or open) air living” and is There is an enormous and growing body of evidence that more a simple lifestyle choice than anything related to outdoor reveals how connecting frequently with the natural world, adventure seeking. This is a culturally innate understanding even if it’s just 20 minutes in a city park on a regular basis, that nature is good for you – body, mind and soul. Outdoor liv- can provide lasting healing and health benefits. Time in nature ing might be considered a priority for many Nordic people, at has been found to increase mental focus, reduce stress, en-

20 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Flexibility and multiple uses for furniture and other items are essential to small, clutter-free living. The table folds down when not in use and the stools are also used as small tables.

Connecting frequently with the natural world...can provide lasting healing and health benefits

hance physical health, and even foster a kinder, gentler, more compassionate population. Children with ADHD and other behavioral issues have been found to respond positively to nature “therapy,” and some schools are designing curriculum, play areas, and even buildings to allow for more nature-based connections. Even the tech industry and corporate world are embracing the data that their employees are happier and more creative if they have some sort of nature connection at or near their place of employment. And of course, practices in service to mindfulness while in nature, such as forest bathing, naturebased yoga, and even the forest church are seeing a surge in devotees.

Adversely, the rising level of urbanization, time on social media, and sitting in front of electronic devices are all found to contribute to deteriorating mental health such as depression and mental illness, as well as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. My husband and I have camped in many locations over the years, and it has been a common occurrence to camp in the site near a huge RV that carries the so-called luxuries of home, encouraging its occupants to stay inside and watch TV or movies the entire time they’re in the campground. Meanwhile their adjacent picnic table and campfire ring sit completely unused, the nearby gurgling creek goes unexplored, and the bountiful sounds of birdsong and wind through the trees goes unnoticed. That’s where living, camping and vacationing small can provide greater health benefits! Other than when we’re sleeping or there’s a heavy downpour, when in a tiny dwelling, we’re practically forced to be outdoors. As the saying goes … “There’s no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes!”

Reaping the health benefits of outdoor living, or embracing the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv is relatively easy and uncomplicated.

There is no need to acquire a lot of new and/or expensive equipment or strive to create “glamping” images to post on Instagram, both of which can actually create barriers between us and a more authentic nature connection.

To dwell well in a more minimalist way can lead to a deeper communion between humans and the wilder nature of which we’re all a part of. It takes a shedding of the mindset that more space and stuff makes us happier, and a desire to be present of the richness of the natural world around us!

Outdoor living at its finest!

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 21

n EAT + DRINK

All Hands on Deck!

Your deck, that is, and the entertainment is...grilling pizza!

By Sandra Thimgan Photos by Daniel Thimgan

Grilling season is here! Forget the humdrum brats and burgers. You can grill pizza – that’s right grill pizza – featuring that “stone oven” look and taste right on your deck with your gas grill. With grilled pizza, the crust is the star, so give the homemade dough a spin. Choose a few simple toppings to showcase the smoky flavor and the crispy crust!

Once you see those grill marks and that charring on your crusts, you will be a grilled pizza convert and “takeout” pizza may become a meal of the past!

Of course, you can use any dough you wish – refrigerated, frozen dough (thawed), or fresh dough from a local pizza place – but you really must give homemade a try! If you don’t have a bread machine, you can make this same recipe with a mixer or food processor, let it rise until doubled, and continue with the process.

Bread Machine Pizza Dough

(Makes 5 - 7” rounds) Put ingredients into your machine as directed by your manual. Use the “dough” cycle on your ma22 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

chine. This usually takes about 1½ hour, then your dough is ready to shape and grill.

• ¾ + 2 T. water • ¾ tsp. salt • 2 T. olive oil • 2½ cups all purpose flour​ • 2 tsp. sugar • 1 pkg. or 2 tsp. active dry yeast Fresh herbs of choice, optional

Preparing Crusts for Grilling

Divide dough into five equal portions (4 oz. each or about the size of a baseball), shape into rounds, either stretching them by hand or using a rolling pin. Each round should be no more than ¼ inch thick - the thinner, the better - and 7” is a good personal sized serving.

Make all the dough rounds at once. Stack together by coating parchment squares with olive oil, and layering the dough rounds between the papers.

(Paper, oil, dough,oil: repeat.)

Heat the covered gas grill to 350°.

Take your stack of rounds to the grill on a sheet pan, along with tongs or a spatula for turning.

Open the cover, pick up the paper under each round, then flip the dough onto the grill, then remove paper. Put 2-3 crusts on at once, depending on grill size. Work quickly putting the crusts on the grill to conserve heat.

Close the cover and grill about two minutes, rotate crusts 180°, grill another one-two minutes, until you have good “grill marks”, flip, grill one minute on second side, and remove.

Dressing and Grilling Your Pizzas

Have all your crusts, cheeses, cooked meats, and toppings at room temperature, laid out, and ready.

You will be “dressing” the darker side of the crust that has the charred “grill marks”. Dress each pizza sparingly, as it will only be on the grill long enough to melt the cheese, heat the toppings, and crisp the crust.

Return the dressed pizzas to a covered grill until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through. Once they are back on the grill, watch carefully so you don’t burn the bottom crust.

Charred crusts are tasty. Burned crusts? Not so much.

Depending upon the heat of the grill and the size of your pizzas, this should take about three minutes. If you go longer, watch carefully, your nose will be your guide!

Throwing a Grilled Pizza Party!

Now that you mastered the technique, it’s time to throw an “event pizza party!” You will be this year’s creative hosts of the neighborhood, all without heating up your oven or your kitchen. Turning your deck into a pizzeria is a unique, interactive party idea where the preparation and grilling ARE the entertainment. The hands-on technique of guests customizing their own “brand” of pizza provides unlimited opportunities for conversation, opinion polls, some friendly banter, sharing and/ or judging the finished products. Prep can be done well in advance so everyone, including the hosts, can simply enjoy the fun. Whether it is a small family gathering or a larger party of friends, it’s time to shout, “All hands on deck!” and start grilling those pizzas!

Pizza Party Hints • Prepare as many crusts as needed in advance and freeze. Bring out the day of the party to thaw.

• Pre-cook toppings like sausage, grilled chicken, ground beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms.

• Have all crusts, cheeses, sauces, and other toppings at room temperature.

• Dress crusts SPARINGLY! Don’t overload or they won’t get hot before the crust burns.

• Sauce ideas: marinara, pesto, Alfredo, olive oil, or dipping oils.

• Unique toppings: spinach, fresh herbs, olives, capers, or sun dried tomatoes.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 23

n EAT + DRINK

Scandinavian heritage evident at 22 Northmen “Let’s see if we can squeeze one more adventure into this chock-full weekend,” my husband proposed. We had already spent all day Saturday at the Back to the ‘50s car show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, enjoyed a Carribean-themed dinner in Hudson, Wisconsin, toured Prince’s Paisley Park on Sunday morning and shopped at Albertville Premium Outlet.

What more did we require?

When he suggested a stop at the newly opened Northmen 22 Brewery on the Carlos Creek Winery grounds, I was all in.

About the name According to www.22northmen.com, in 1362, 22 Northmen traveled thousands of miles from the land of the Vikings to Alexandria. They traveled far, risked much, overcame great obstacles and arrived with a powerful thirst. As Viking descendants, the brewery is honoring the 22 Northmen and their

“Beerventurous” spirit.

About the building The brewery shares ownership with Carlos Creek Winery and is located next to the wine tasting room. The building, called a longhouse, is inspired by 12th-century Viking architecture, blending old Scandinavian building elements such as steep pitched roof and extended eaves. The interior walls are reclaimed wood from a 200 year old church and a large twosided stone fireplace dominates the entry presenting a Vikingstyled communal experience. On warmer days you’ll be tempted to imbibe outside on the large patio, play bocce ball or try garden chess.

About the beer 22 Northmen currently has nine beers on tap, with plans to expand the selection. Head brewer Keith Hefley aims to craft

Article and photos by Deb Erickson 24 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

boasts subtle fruit and delicate spice notes with an ABV of 5.6%. Brown Porter, (5.4% ABV) the darkest beer on the current lineup, delivers coffee and roasted caramel characteristics. Norwegian Farmhouse Ale at 5.9% ABV was adapted for Minnesota. It uses a Finnish malt and Kveik yeast strain (Kveik - pronounced “kwike” means “yeast” in a particular Norwegian dialect. It’s the hottest new centuries-old beer yeast you’ve never heard of. For generations, Norwegian brewers have been quietly passing down the yeast that ferment their unique, characterful farmhouse ales between family and friends (draftmag.com). A stone fruit character pairs with pine and citrus hops. My daughter, a Rhode Island resident, informed me that one doesn’t see many Norwegian Farmhouse Ales in New England! Rounding out the flight was American DDH-IPA, with layered hop notes of pine, citrus and fruit. (ABV 7%).

beer inspired by Scandinavian traditions along with innovative, yet tasteful selections.

Due to the intriguing menu, we were unable to narrow our selection to one flight (four 2-ounce tastings). Instead, we ordered two flights plus the one extra, which turned out to be a great decision – discovering that any of the beers singularly would be an excellent choice. The Norse Lager (4.2% ABV) is light and crisp – a good starter beer for a craft beer newbie. At 5% ABV, the Kolsch is also crisp, with a tasty malted body and slightly hoppier than the Norse. Sommer Lager (4.4% ABV), my personal favorite, is on the sour spectrum infused with lime and sea salt. German Pilsner, classic malt balanced with Saez hops, makes for easy drinking with alcohol by volume of 5.2%. Scottish 70, darker in color with the lowest ABV of 3.8%, has a distinct malty sweetness. The Belgian Pale Ale

NOW OPEN SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 25

T hinking natural for local sculptor The ‘three-dimensional’ aspect of Mary Williams’ thought process has always come naturally to her.

By Brian Hansel Photos by Dan Broten

26 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Sculptor Mary Williams is well known in lakes area as a practitioner, exhibitor and teacher of sculpture.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 27

M

ary Williams will tell you she has “a three-dimensional brain.”

While that may sound quite unusual to some it is a great advantage to the sculptor from Stuart Lake.

Williams was teaching a clay sculpting class at the Landmark Center in Henning recently and got her usual kick out of doing it.

The real fun for Mary was seeing how her class reacts to their own creative effort.

“They’re doing something they didn’t think they could do,” Williams said.

For three days Mary’s class worked with a female model in two different poses. The model was sitting in one pose and reclining in another.

In a tourist county like Otter Tail, where boats and jet skis, motorcycles, tubers, swimming, fishing and partying is typical summer fare, the art of sculpting offers pleasure of a very personal kind.

The “three-dimensional” aspect of Mary’s thinking has always come quite naturally to her.

“Geometry was one of my best subjects,” Mary said. “When I look at something I always walk around it.”

Sculptors have to keep turning their creation “so it looks right,” Mary said. Her clay sculpture class worked through “hollowing” their sculptures, a process by which the clay is removed from the inside. This allows the sculpture to dry faster.

“In a month, we’ll fire them in a kiln,” Mary said.

Mary Williams works with a student’s sculpture during her four-day workshop in Henning.

28 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

At the same time they are learning sculpting techniques, Mary felt like her class was learning to appreciate sculpturing more.

Mary has had a lifetime to enjoy her sculpting and carving pursuits. She attended the Chicago Art Institute in her youth to become a silversmith but found that sculpting was really “her thing.”

Mary insists that rock carving is her main interest. She has some of her pieces at Art of the Lakes in Battle Lake and others at the Lake Region Arts Council.

She enjoys working with alabaster, a soft stone which has a pretty grain and many different colors. She also does a lot of work with limestone.

While clay is malleable, stone is not.

“You make a mistake and you start over,” Williams said bluntly.

Retirement has been no hardship for Williams. She has always enjoyed experimenting with different materials.

“This summer I am working with paper clay,” Williams said.

In her working years, Williams made a living as an interior decorator and designer. Her father insisted on her having a profession that would support her.

While she has lived all over the United States and traveled to foreign countries with her husband, retirement has suited the sculptor right down to the ground.

“It’s wonderful,” Mary laughed. “All of a sudden you’re so busy you haven’t got time to do anything.”

Mary Williams helps one of her students during her Ceramic Figure Sculpture workshop at the Landmark Station in Henning.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 29

S

omewhere down the lazy river

30 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 31

River tubing is a favorite summer pastime One summer activity you can’t afford to miss is tubing down the river. Why pay a water park entrance fee when you can enjoy an all-natural lazy river ride down the Otter Tail River?

Bring your own beverages and check out the amazing wildlife that gathers along the river banks as you float along in a large, comfortable inner tube, hanging out with friends and family without the hassle and noisiness of a water park.

Two water tubing places in Detroit Lakes have all your needs covered: K&K Tubing and Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing. Both places can accommodate groups of any size, whether you want to ride alone or bring the whole family along, with large

group discounts for groups of 25 or more. The Otter Tail River is also safe for riders of any age and 90% of it is waist-deep for adults. Roger Klemm of K&K Tubing said, “Anybody can do it, we’ve had 2-year-olds going down with their mothers and 67-year-olds having fun going down there, too. It’s just a nice hour and a half, two hour joyful ride going down the river.”

“It’s just a nice, enjoyable ride,” adds Cathy Pihlaja of Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing. “There’s enough rapids to keep it interesting, nothing too serious.” If you’re concerned, though, both locations offer life jackets upon request.

The path of the river takes you through the trees and prairies

Article and photos by Johanna Armstrong

Take care not to let your tube float off without you when entering the water, or you’ll find yourself up the river like Grant Isaak (orange shorts). Luckily, his friends Jake Bottem (left) and Michael Nilles have an extra tube for him.

32 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Tubing is great for groups of all sizes, as rope is provided to tie everyone together. Nick Lepine (left), Ethan Cox (center) and Cyanna Davis (right) look forward to a few hours floating together with some drinks and snacks. of Detroit Lakes. “It’s a very curvy river, you see all kinds of scenery,” says Klemm. “You see the eagles having nests down through there, raising little ones, and there’s deer coming down to the water, all kinds of animals are next to the river.”

“People have seen deer and bears, fish, eagles, all kinds of birds,” says Pihlaja.

Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing offers the classic black rubber tube, while K&K Tubing has vinyl tubes, rubber tubes and clothcovered tubes for children. Groups can have their tubes tied together or float on their own, and there are tubes to accom-

IF YOU GO

modate coolers. Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing does not allow styrofoam coolers or glass containers, and there’s a $10 deposit which will be returned to you when you show that you have brought back all the items in the cooler that you left with.

“It’s a great way to spend a day on the water,” says Pihlaja, “and it’s not real expensive.” Tubers Kelly Carney from Wahpeton and Meranda Schmaltz from Rugby, North Dakota agree.

“It’s our day off and we wanted to have fun,” Schmaltz said.

They were especially looking forward to bathing in the sun and drinking.

K&K Tubing 33551 MN-34, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-5734 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. $7 a person, a second ride on the same day is free.

Discounts for large groups.

Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing 33503 MN-34, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-3258 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. $10 a person, 12 and under $5, discounts for large groups.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 33

34 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

RIVERSIDE COMFORT

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 35

Picturesque Otter Tail River home gives modern view

W

hen you think of summer in Minnesota it typically involves a nice warm evening near a body of water.

During the day, you expect to be out on the water with a boat or swimming, enjoying the cool water on a hot day. In the evening, sitting near a bonfire with a drink in a cozy watching the sun set on another beautiful Minnesota day.

For Judy and Michael Brisso, the home they had built in 2007 is just that.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home sits on the Otter Tail River and is located on the northeast side of Otter Tail Lake.

After spending several years at the home, the Brissos will be making a move, leaving this beautiful riverside home for another’s enjoyment.

Entering the home, you will notice the wood-faced, cathedral ceilings and rock-faced gas fireplace. There is a comforting feeling you get when entering the living room as you envision sitting near the fireplace during the winter and enjoying the

view of the river through the windows in the summer. The spot gives off a vibe that you could host family and friends for conversation, watch TV or relax while reading a book.

Taking a glance into the kitchen area, you see a setup that is ready to cook for company. The stainless steel appliances and spacious countertops allow family and friends to stop in, snack and head back outside for more fun.

With three bedrooms, the home allows enough room for a family or guests that stop in. The master bedroom is an ensuite with a large walk-in closet and a spa-like master bath with a double slipper tub and walk-in shower. The other bedrooms are spacious and give able opportunity for visitors to stretch out and make themselves at home.

On the lower level, is a dream for a creative person to make the house their own. Unfinished with 12-foot ceilings, the lower level offers a chance to make the space anything: family room, office, workbench space or add additional bedrooms.

By Zach Stich 36 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

The house also boasts high-end mechanicals such as a Lennox A/C and Lennox Healthy Climate System.

Exiting the home to the back deck, you will notice the amount of space to look on the river and take in nature.

The 48-by-12-foot deck with “sunsetter” auto-awning allows those sitting enjoying the Minnesota summer a chance to take in the breathtaking view.

In the front, a picturesque front porch gives you a view of the lush planted gardens. According to Mary Pettit, a realtor with Keller Williams, Judy was an avid gardener. The property has several raised garden beds that showcase a beautiful variety of perennials that adds that extra pop to the front of the home. On the home’s riverside, a hosta garden and plenty of foliage that provides shade for those hot summer days.

As the sun sets on the home, those that get the experience will be quite amazed with the view and the stunning interior that is presented by this modern home.

The ensuite master bedroom has a spa-like master bath with double slipper tub and walk-in shower.

Opposite page: The living room features wood-faced, cathedral ceilings and rock-faced gas fireplace.

Above: Stainless steel appliances and spacious countertops in the kitchen allow family and friends to stop in, snack and head back outside for more fun.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 37

A 48-by-12-foot deck with “sunsetter” auto-awning allows those sitting enjoying the Minnesota summer a chance to take in the breath-taking view.

38 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 39

Saddle Up with the

Town and Country Saddle Club 40 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Family-like atmosphere prevails at Town and Saddle Club arena

By Brian Hansel Photos by Galloping Dreams Photography

H

eather Westby goes looking for fun each Wednesday night in the summer at the Town and Saddle Club arena on Highway 210.

Located across from Wall Lake a couple of miles east of Fergus Falls, the club arena is the main hitching post for horse lovers in the area.

“Every Wednesday night in the summer we put on fun shows for members,” Westby said. “Every night is hosted by a different member family or member families.”

The average turnout for the summer frolic is around 50 kids

and adults. They participate in events that are either judged or competitive. They accumulate points and at the end of the year, they are recognized for the number of points they rack up.

The events might include showmanship, horsemanship, barrel racing, poles or a keyhole race. The club allows for the differences in age. The pee wee class is first followed by juniors, seniors and seniors plus.

The Town and Country Saddle Club is like an extension of Westby’s family.

Right: The 2019 Town and Country Saddle Club poses for a group photo.

Left: Katie Nolte running Jumping Figure 8.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 41

LeAnn Vetter of Perham competes during the Town and Country Saddle Club during their open WSCA show.

Joslyn Kent and Izzy Kent running Ribbon Race.

“We have some members in the club that have been members since they were little kids,” Westby said.

Westby has been around horses her entire life and they are a big part of her life.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Westby said. “Horses are a lot like dogs, they all have their own personalities.”

She has noticed that horses enjoy getting out of their own corrals, once they know what the “Fun Night” is all about.

42 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Olivia Westby jumping Figure 8 .

Club member Jenny Pesek is another rider who understands the swift and beautiful mounts she rides.

“They don’t speak (neither does a snowmobile) but you can tell what they want,” Pesek said, as she talked about horses.

“They are people animals and they want to be around people.”

In addition to the “Fun Nights” the club hosts four West Saddle Club Association events during the year. Three are held on weekends in the summer and the fourth is usually held on

a Sunday afternoon in early October.

Like many others who are around horses a lot, Pesek knows what being an owner means. It is not like owning a goldfish.

Horses not only have to be fed, watered and sheltered they also must be groomed and exercised. They are big animals and they demand a big commitment.

“You’ve gotta enjoy animals and you’ve gotta enjoy work,” Pesek said. “It takes a lot of practice and patience.”

Pesek likes the family-like atmosphere that prevails at the Town and Saddle Club when events bring them together. The member-driven organization is a good place to meet people and make friends. It is also supportive of young riders.

“We try to make it as fun as possible and encourage all riders to come out,” Pesek said.

Town and County Saddle Club events are free and open to spectators.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 43

Passion for music sustains ensemble Band members hail from numerous communities

By Johanna Armstrong Photos provided by JoAnn Orpen Heart of the Lakes Community Band was the leading musical performance at this year’s Fourth of July celebration in Fergus Falls’ Roosevelt Park. Based out of Battle Lake, the band is made up entirely of area community members who have a passion for music and sharing their talents.

JoAnn Orpen has been the director of Heart of the Lakes Community Band for 17 years and was excited to play as part of the holiday celebration, the band’s only 44 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

summer performance this year. Typically they only play two concerts a year, in the winter and spring, at the Battle Lake School, but have also performed in various local parades and the Battle Lake LACC summer concert series. For Memorial Day, the band combines with students from Battle Lake to play for the Memorial Day program. Headlining the Fourth of July was something new and exciting for them.

The band’s roster is frequently changing, as members

move in, move away, graduate, pass away, become parents or are otherwise swept away by the ebb and flow of life, but typically there are 20-odd players.

They range from as young as 11 to as old as 92, with playing experience ranging from one year to 80 years.

“It is a unique collection of people with the common interest of music. They love to make music together - period,” says Orpen. “There is no pay. There is no glory. The audiences for their concerts are usually small, but they work hard to give the best possible performance each and every time.”

Band members come from all over the area, including Fergus Falls, Underwood, Detroit Lakes, New York Mills, Richville and Perham. “They come in all kinds of weather, while facing health issues, when they could be sleeping in, etc., when it would be so much easier to stay at home,” says Orpen.

Saxophonist Jane Wasvick began playing in the band when she was in the fifth grade, but became too busy with work and family to continue. After being challenged by some friends to give it another shot, she went ahead and has been playing ever since. “The great friendships I’ve made along with the stress relief of concentrating on something outside of work and family is priceless,” she says. “I play in several bands as each challenges me in a different way and enjoy every minute of it, even the butterflies when I have an important part in a song that has to be just right.”

Typically, the band plays standard concert fare, a march, a Broadway tune, something jazzy, something novel, along with a featured solo or ensemble. For the Fourth of July, they stuck with the theme of the holiday, playing patriotic songs and Americana.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 45

n WOMEN IN HISTORY

Through Sorrow and Suffering*: Lives Lost in the Fergus Falls Cyclone

By Missy Hermes Photos courtesy of Otter Tail County Historical Society

T

his year Fergus Falls commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1919 cyclone. The Otter Tail County Historical Society’s cyclone exhibit examines the timeline of the storm and maps out the path of destruction.

If the Fujita scale existed back then, it likely would have registered as an EF5 twister. It is the second deadliest tornado in Minnesota history and the loss of life is shocking. Modern early warning systems send us to shelter but the 60 residents of Fergus Falls who perished in 1919 really didn’t have a chance.

Photographers like W. T. Oxley captured the aftermath of the storm with shocking clarity. The few photographs we have of

the cyclone victims are sobering as well. Thanks to the efforts of the historical society staff and dedicated volunteers like Steve Johnson, who grew up here and now lives in the Twin Cities, we can look into a few of the faces of deceased cyclone victims.

The tragedy echoes with stories of devastated families. F. Martin Johnson was himself a photographer with a studio on Lincoln Avenue and his business logo is visible on the photo he took of his infant son, Wilbur. The two of them along with wife Esther and 3-year-old daughter Mabel were all found on the lawn of their destroyed home at 730 N. Vine St. The studio

St. Luke’s Hospital, Fergus Falls. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

46 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

downtown was lost as well.

Frank and Minnie Pennick also had a downtown hair salon and shoe shine shop. Frank had been instrumental in planning for the new African-American Central Baptist Church. In addition to their five children, a teenaged niece named Leona Strader from Aitken was at home on Stanton Avenue when the tornado struck. Minnie, Frank and toddler daughter Dona were hospitalized at St. Luke’s Hospital. Dona was among the youngest to perish from her injuries.

Like Dona, Jens Fossen made it to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. His wife Kerstine was found in the debris of their home at 321 E. Vernon Ave. A photo of them in front of their porch is in the museum archives.

In post-World War I Fergus Falls families came home after church to eat a meal together and visit on a shady porch.

Selma Kjono of Rothsay had likely come to Fergus Falls to visit her half sister, Emma Johnson, and nephew Eddie. Funeral services for the trio were held at Hedemarken Church.

Alma Haugberg, age 16, and her family lived on what is now called Seventh Avenue. She had shielded her younger brother from the impact of the falling timbers from their house. Her funeral and that of Marie Crogan and her 10-year-old son Lohrenz Crogan, were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Alma Hauberg on the right with unidentified friend. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [66000].

Wilbur Johnson. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [48975].

Mabel Johnson. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [48972].

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 47

August and Amelia Palm family about 1915, L to R: August, Anna, Lorrill, Elsie, Amelia, Verna, Mabel. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [66298].

Esther and F. Martin Johnson. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [48973].

48 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

Jens and Kerstine Fossen. Photo from the collection of Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, Minnesota [66299].

August Palm had emigrated from Sweden in 1901 and began working as a foreman for John Lauritzen, the contractor of Fergus Falls landmarks such as the state hospital and post office.

Amelia Palm was a stay-at-home mom, keeping house along Lake Alice at 724 Lakeside Drive. The couple and their daughter Mabel also age 16 all died that day.

Although space does not allow for all the names of the victims to be printed here, a monument on Lake Alice lists the departed. On June 22, 2019 a memorial service was scheduled to remember the cyclone dead. All the church bells in Fergus Falls tolled to mark the hour 100 years ago when Fergus Falls lost so much. *from the prayer given by Rev. Zentz at the community memorial service on Sun., June 29, 1919.

Daily Journal media

SPORTS JOURNAL fall preview

cross country » football » soccer » swimming » tennis » bowling » volleyball

COMING You’ll score big with our readers when you advertise in this special magazine highlighting fall sports at area high schools and college.

IN

AUGUST 2019

Contact your Daily Journal Marketing Consultant Tom 739-7037 Mary 739-7021

Amanda 739-7018 Jim 739-7011 SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 49

n WHAT’S NEW IN NUTRITION

PLAY

WITH YOUR

FOOD

By Katrina Mouser, RD Photos by Mathew Holding Eagle Teaching table manners seems to be an ongoing challenge think outside the box and let kids play – as in design, create, for parents. Sit down. Sit up. Chew with your mouth closed. fashion, and form – with their food. Bring lunch outside to the Use your fork. Eat your veggies. Stop slurping. No picnic table or to the park, to make it even more relaxed WHAT burping! Don’t reach across the table! Where’s and fun – and leave the crumbs outside!

YOU NEED your napkin? DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR Prep all the food, place in small dishes in Veggies: green beans, FOOD! Ahhhhhh…..kids will be kids. the center of the table, and give each child peas, peppers, broccoli, cucumKids are so creative and carefree, a plate. Some kids will just dive in, some ber, cherry tomatoes – sliced where some of us (ahem! me!) get might need a kickstart. Giving them a Fruits: strawberries, grapes, berries, bound up by rules, that we forget to theme such as ‘zoo animals’, ‘underwater apple wedges, orange sections. make the routine parts of life more Use small cookie cutters to cut shapes into scene’, or ‘vehicle’ might help them get melons and pineapple. fun. Perhaps every now and then, we rolling. Look at Google images for ‘play Grains – crackers or pretzels with a could let kids be kids, and let them with your food’ or peek at Pinterest for variety of sizes and shapes, play with their food? some epic design ideas. There are even slice of bread, oatmeal flakes The effort that we put into meals is entire cookbooks written on this topic.

Protein – hardboiled eggs slices, determined by several things – time, pasNow that they’ve got their lunch made, it’s cheese cubes, nuts, Canadian sion for cooking, finances, or kitchen skills. time to eat! Somehow a green bean as a blade bacon, pepperoni And for a lot of people, meals are prepared out of grass or a pepper slice as a lock of hair goes of necessity so quickly become mundane and predictdown much easier than if they were just in a boring pile. able. No wonder kids get bored at the table!

Maybe even us adults should join the fun and play with our Summer is a great time to pick a meal once a week to food once in a while!

Right: Dane, 8 and Linnea, 6, enjoy playing with their food.

50 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 51

From Overwhelmed Keep your household running smoothly

By Melissa Reiss

S

ummertime is always busy. So many activities – from baseball games, camping, family barbecues and visits to the swimming pool – especially when you have little ones still in the house. Keeping children entertained will maintain your sanity, rather than “I feel like everything is out of control.”

Here are a few tips to preserve a little balance of organization in your home this summer.

Get a dry-erase marker calendar. Hang it where it will be seen so everyone knows what’s going on for the week and plan accordingly. What sporting events do the kids have?

What family activities are planned – a trip to the zoo, swimming at the pool or going to a park? Planning can even include what you’re having for lunch. It may seem like a lot at once, but believe me, it will give you clarity and a little peace by the end of the first week.

Organize your items in containers or totes. In the garage

52 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

or wherever you keep your camping and sporting equipment, individual containers or totes with lids will help keep everything in one area. When you’re ready to go camping, you can grab that tote or totes, load them up in the car (just don’t forget the kids!) and you are on your way. Have separate bags, such as a pool bag, where you keep sunglasses, sunblock, goggles, toys and beach towels (side note on the beach towels: Everyone should have their own – then they can be accountable for it). Whatever you feel that you need at the pool, keep it all in one bag. Same thing goes for a day at the zoo. If you need sunscreen for three different events buy three bottles and put one in each of the three bags that you have designated for the activity that your family loves to do on a regular basis. Just remember to make a schedule and stick to it. Believe me, everybody likes structure and stability – even children – they just don’t know it.

Here are a few additional tips you can do to maintain orga-

to Organized this summer nization in your home for the busy summer season.

Have a designated time at the end of the day. Make a game out of this:

M arketplace

Entertainment.

Shopping. Dining.

Services.

Everyone has to take 10 minutes and pick up the house. Count how many things they pick up or clean in that 10 minutes. Set a timer and when the buzzer goes off, everybody freezes and then whoever cleaned up the most at the end of the week and put the most away properly gets a prize out of the treasure box. (Go to a dollar store and spend $15 dollars. It’ll be the best $15 dollars you will ever spend. You can thank me later.)

Invest in a divider laundry basket. Laundry is never-ending, especially when the children are home for the summer. Teach the children how to sort by color. It will help when it comes to laundry day.

No matter how large or small a family, keeping an organized home takes

643 664 43 W W. FFirir Ave. Avee ■ Fergus Ferguss Falls Ferg Falls

218-998-5539

Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday by Appointment Sam Norman, Owner @TheBeeHiveTattooParlor

a little bit of effort but it is nothing compared to the effort it takes when the house gets away from you and everything is out of control. Remember – everything has a place and there’s a place for everything!

BUSINESS SERVICE OF FERGUS FALLS

Marsha Williams Enrolled Agent mwilliams@prtel.com

Marie Narimani

• Tax Preparation • Payroll • W-2s & 1099s • General Ledger • Quarterly Reports • Accounts Payable • New Business Set-up

marie.business.service@gmail.com

Ph: 218-998-9082 204 W. Lincoln Ave.

Fax: 218-739-9082 Fergus Falls, MN 56537

HARMONY STUDIOS Music Lessons: A Sound Investment PIANO • GUITAR VOICE • BAND LESSONS AVAILABLE ENROLLMENT OPEN ALL YEAR ALL AGES WELCOME Excellent Pre-school Piano Program 827 N Tower Rd • Fergus Falls • 218-998-4761

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 53

COMING ATTRACTIONS

ART IN THE PARK Where: Sherin & Peterson Parks, Pelican Rapids When: July 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Info: Come enjoy our awesome art festival this year including Home Decor, Jewelry, Lawn Items, Clothing, Perfectly Nuts, Food Spices, and Much More.

WENONGA DAYS Where: Battle Lake When: July 27 and 28 Info: The two day event will include 5k/10k race/walk, pancake and sausage breakfast, annual craft and vendor fair, turtle race, big parade (6 pm), teen dance and night games, street dance and much more. In addition, there will be kids carnival featuring dunk tank, inflatables, cones, snow, cotton candy and more.

OLIVER! Where: A Center for the Arts, Fergus Falls When: July 30-Aug. 4, 7 p.m. each night, except 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.

Fee: $22 adults, $10 children, 10% for groups 10 or more.

Info:Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, “Oliver Twist”. The Tony and Olivier Awardwinning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.

FLEKKEFEST Where: Elbow Lake When: Aug. 2-4 Info: Flekkefest is an annual celebration of everything Scandinavian held in Elbow Lake.

Flekkefest has been an ongoing tradition the first weekend of August since 1978. The tradition continues this year with fun filled jam-packed events, food, parade, and a great community celebration.

Some of the reoccurring events each year are the Crazy Days sales on Friday and Saturday at all the businesses, along with the craft vendors, and delicious food. There is also a community picnic on Friday night at Veterans Park known as Flekkefeast.

VERGAS LOONEY DAZE Where: Vergas When: Aug. 8-11 Info: Have a crazy good time at 2019 Vergas Looney Days.

With a plethora of craft and food vendors, there is something for the whole family. Watch the dog races or participate in the bean bag tournament or 5K walk/run. Enjoy the town’s parade on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit cityofvergas.com/events/vergas-looney-daze.

54 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019 DIXIE ON THE DOC

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FERGUS FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF SCRAMBLE Where: Pebble Lake Golf Course, Fergus Falls When Aug. 16, noon to 7 p.m.

Fee: Contact the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce at 218-7366951 for availability.

Info: Blast off for 18 holes of fun on the greens, games, prizes and extreme networking.

All systems go for the “OUTER SPACE OPEN” at Pebble Lake Golf Club on Friday, Aug. 16 for the 15th annual Fergus Falls Chamber Golf Scramble. Golfers have given this tournament a “Five-Star Rating” for the fun, games and top-notch prizes. This event is always a sell-out, so there’s still time to join the fun.

VINING WATERMELON DAY Where: Vining When: Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Info: The 47th annual Watermelon Day will be held on Aug. 17, 2019. It will include parade, 5K/10K run and walk, arts and crafts show, children’s petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, bingo, children’s games and drawings, music, food and lots more. Also enjoy free watermelons.

WISSOTA 100 Where: I-94 Speedway, Fergus Falls.

When: Sept. 11-14 Fee: $100 adult four-day pass, $20 children four-day pass.

For complete pricing visit wissota.org/wissota100/tickets.

Info: Fergus Falls will host the Speedway Motors WISSOTA 100 Race September at the I-94 Speedway. The 6,000 seat, high-banked 3/8 mile dirt track is well known for its Friday night races and is excited to host this racing event. The main divisions of race cars are the Midwest Modified, Street Stock, Late Model, Super Stock and Modified.

Y’S FOLKS ANNUAL FLAPJACKS, SAUSAGE AND EGGS SUPPER Where: Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA When: Sept. 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Info: Y’s Folks is an auxiliary of the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA will host its annual Flapjacks, Sausage & Eggs Supper.

The event is one of three annual fundraisers that the Y’s Folks schedule each year to support the Fergus Falls YMCA and benefit family and youth activities.

SUMMER 2019 • FERGUS FALLS • 55

Why I love to play...

Karoline Gustafson Lake Region Healthcare wellness coach Karoline Gustafson knows a thing or two about play. As a standout athlete at Fergus Falls High School, Gustafson turned her love for athletics into a career that has seen her coach at the high school level and train those in the community. When she isn’t in the gym or helping coordinate one of Lake Region’s many events, Gustafson enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and going on “adventures.”

What do you do for a living?

I am a wellness coach at Lake Region Healthcare.

What brought you to FF, or why have you chose to stay?

I was born at Lake Region Healthcare and raised south of town. While attending college I never had the intention of moving back to Fergus. Life has its way of aligning events which brought me back to town. I started coaching soccer in fall of 2007, left for my internship in Dublin, Ireland, shortly after the first season, and upon returning there was a job opening at the Mehl Center. I’ve been here ever since.

What do you do to “Play?”

A lot of things but being outdoors is one of my favorite. Running, biking, taking my kids on “adventures,” hunting, fishing, paddle boarding, or anything on a lake are my top ways to relax and play at the same time.

Some other hobbies include cooking for my family and reading.

Is there one time a year you are more active and why?

Definitely spring, summer, and fall. Winter gets long and it is hard to stay motivated and active in those months. When the weather is nice there are so many things in this area get out and do.

What do you like about living in FF/Otter Tail County?

The beauty of our county. Recently I loaded up my paddleboard and paddled down a river with friends.

As I was heading back home the sun was setting and the colors in the sky paired with the green of the trees and the fields was a sight to behold. I am so thankful to live in such a beautiful place! I also enjoy the change of seasons. Each one of the seasons allows us to mix up hobbies and keep things fresh.

56 • FERGUS FALLS • SUMMER 2019

What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current profession?

If I could choose anything it’d be really fun to be an adventure guide of sorts. Another area that has always been interesting to me is psychology.

As a personal trainer, how do you encourage people to be active?

To do what they enjoy. Some folks come in here with the assumption that they need to do something that they hate whether it’s joining classes, running, etc. It’s important to find a way to stay active by doing something enjoyable so it becomes a habit. If it’s not enjoyable it’s easy to find an excuse not to do it.

What are activities/hobbies that you do that people may not know about?

I can sew! I don’t do it often but I have a sewing machine and I actually cross-stitched a couple Christmas presents this past year.

HELPING FAMILIES FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

Accra provides support to families that need help in their homes for a loved one with a disability. We’ll help you navigate the different services available to you. One of our services, PCA Choice, allows you to choose a family member or friend to be your paid caregiver.

Non-Profit Home Care Agency We accept major insurance plans; Medicaid and private pay.

Call our Fergus Falls office and ask about the possibilities!

218-736-0246

SERVING PEOPLE STATEWIDE

www.accracare.org

once upon a time

TERRI’S HIP KEPT HER FROM TWIRLING WITH HER GRANDKIDS. Terri takes her job as “super nana” very seriously. When hip pain severely restricted playtime with her grandkids, she rewrote her story with an anterior hip replacement performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Rott.

The new procedure meant less pain, faster recovery and a better range of motion for Terri. Four weeks after surgery, “super nana” was back in action.

Rewrite your bone & joint story. Call 218.739.2221 for a consultation today.

Or learn more at LRHC.org.