FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE
Celebrating the lives of lake area residents
WINTER DATING IDEAS Finding cozy
in the depth of winter Downtown apartment
Timeless Beauty
Daily Journal media WINTER 2019
The best part is the relationships you form with the therapists. They make it so the therapy doesn’t feel like work. I can golf again thanks to them. - Dick E.
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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
Beauty of Winter color palettes
The
W E J U S T T R E AT P E O P L E L I K E FA M I LY. T H AT ’ S W H AT I T ’ S B E E N L I K E S I N C E DAY O N E .
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8 02 SOUTH MILL STRE ET F E RGU S FALLS , M N 56537
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2 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
15 d” x 12 d”, Charcoal, with 3 Magnets 102 East Lincoln Ave Fergus Falls 218-739-5295 www.coopersinc.com
n PUBLISHER’S NOTE
W
alking in a Winter Wonderland . . . I can recall spending many winters in Texas and every time I would hear this song I would break into tears. I honestly thought I missed winter. In 2002, I packed up my family and moved back up north. Guess what? Turns out I really had no reason to miss winter. I watched the first snowfall and thought how beautiful it was. By the third, it had lost its magic and now, some 16 years later, it not only holds no magic for me but it literally gives me a headache. The pressure in the air a week before it snows gives me a migraine. So I must admit I do not love winter. In fact, from the first snowfall, I begin counting the days until spring. My dad used to say “I don’t understand people who like snow; what’s wrong with the color of grass or flowers?” I get it now, however choosing to live in northern Minnesota we accept it is what it is and we need to find ways to enjoy our lives during the cold months. Knowing how I felt about winter, I asked my staff to spend some time looking for ideas on how to spend those bitter snowy days; ways to keep the kids entertained and how to keep the spark in your relationship until flowers once again
bloom in our area and we find ourselves playing in the 10,000 beautiful lakes we enjoy. Inside this edition Mitzi Moe of “Fergus Falls, The Magazine,” we offer up a couple of simple craft ideas for the family when the kids cannot go outside and get fresh air. We took a couple of our ideas to the local YMCA and had the staff try out the crafts with the kids. You will find a list of needed items and easy directions. We encourage you to try these as well as finding others. The time we have with them goes so quickly and it will be over before you know it. You will never regret the time you spend with them. We also offer up nine ideas on spending some quality time with that special someone; a spouse, a special friend or even if you take one of your kids on a date. Take a quick peek inside and we bet you can find something to fill your evenings for
the next month or so. Have you ever walked through downtown Fergus Falls and wondered what is upstairs in all those beautiful buildings? We found ourselves wondering that as well so we took a look upstairs at Olson’s Furniture and found four renovated apartments. Looking closely at one of the apartments, you will notice the historic beauty. The unit we are sharing with you is a south-facing unit that is listed on Airbnb. The Olsons not only share the beauty of the apartment but memories as well. Finally, this will be my last “Fergus Falls, The Magazine.” My husband and I have decided it is time for me to try retirement once again. I have enjoyed working with the staff and the community but it is time to spend time with my mother and my grandson. While this is my last “Fergus Falls, The Magazine” it certainly isn’t the last. Plans for your spring magazine have already begun. You can look forward to ways to freshen your rooms, “decluttering” and adding back the color the winter took away. Fergus Falls the Magazine welcomes your story suggestions. Please email zach.stich@ fergusfallsjournal.com or deb.erickson@fergusfallsjournal.com - or visit our Facebook page.
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 WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 3
WINTER 2019 | contents
FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE
community scene 18 10 12
EDITOR Zach Stich
CHRISTMAS ATTIC OTTER DAZZLE HOLIDAY TRAIN
12 14 ENGAGEMENTS + WEDDINGS 16 SHOP VALENTINE’S DAY
ART Art Director Deb Erickson Graphic Designer Emily Hermes
14 eat + drink
20
SOUP-ER BOWL III BEST SERVED HOT
BOWLING great family fun!
E TREME FUN FOR EVERYONE E CITING COMPETITIVE PLAY E TENDED SOCIAL REACH E CEPTIONALLY EASY AND RELAXING
4 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
EDITORIAL Alison Ajango Deb Erickson Emily Hermes Missy Hermes Katrina Mouser Sandra Thimgan Joan Vorderbruggen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicole Donley Mathew Holding Eagle Daniel Thimgan
style + flair
20 22
PUBLISHER Mitzi Moe
1419 COLLEGE WAY • FERGUS FALLS 218-736-3333
WWW.NALANES.COM
SALES & PROMOTION Assistant Sales Director Mary Sieling Sales Representatives Tom Grout Amanda Childs CIRCULATION Connie Knapp WINTER 2019 Volume 4, Number 3 Fergus Falls The Magazine is printed four times a year: spring, summer, fall, winter. 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
Finances | by Dorn & Co., Inc.
On the Road to Retirement, Beware of These 5 Risks
On your journey to retirement, you'll likely face many risks that have the potential to throw you off course. Following are five common challenges retirement investors face. Take some time now to review and understand them before your journey takes an unplanned detour. 1. Traveling aimlessly - Setting out on an adventure without a definitive destination can be exciting, but probably not when it comes to saving for retirement. As you begin your retirement strategy, one of the first steps you'll need to take is identifying a goal. While some people prefer to establish one big lump-sum accumulation amount — for example, $1 million or more — others find that type of number daunting. They might focus on how much their savings will need to generate each month during retirement — say, the equivalent of $5,000 in today's dollars, for example. ("In today's dollars" refers to the fact that inflation will likely increase your future income needs. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. They are not meant as investment advice.) Regardless of the approach you follow, setting a goal may help you better focus your investment strategy. In order to set a realistic target, you'll need to consider a number of factors — your desired lifestyle, pre-retirement income, health, Social Security benefits, any traditional pension benefits you or your spouse may be entitled to, and others. Examining your personal situation both now and in the future can help you determine how much you may need to accumulate. 2. Investing too conservatively - Another key to determining how much you may need to save on a regular basis is targeting an appropriate rate of return, or how much your contribution dollars may earn on an ongoing basis. Afraid of losing money, some retirement investors choose only the most conservative investments, hoping to preserve their hard-earned assets. However, investing too conservatively can be risky, too. If your investment dollars do not earn enough, you may end up with a far different retirement lifestyle than you had originally planned. 3. ...Or too aggressively - On the other hand, retirement investors striving for the highest possible returns might select investments that are too risky for their overall situations. Although you might consider investing at least some of your retirement portfolio in more aggressive investments to potentially outpace inflation, the amount you invest in such higher-risk vehicles should be based on a number of factors. Appropriate investments for your retirement savings mix are those that take into consideration your total savings goal, your time horizon (or how much time you have until retirement), and your ability to withstand changes in your account's value. Would you be able to sleep at night if your portfolio lost 10%, 15%, even 20% of its overall value over a short time period? These are the types of scenarios you must consider when choosing an investment mix. 4. Giving in to temptation - On the road to retirement, you will likely face many financial challenges as well — the unplanned need for a new car, an unexpected home repair, an unforeseen medical expense are just some examples. During these trying times, your retirement savings may loom as a potential source of emergency funding. But think twice before tapping your retirement savings assets, particularly if your money is in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA. Consider that any dollars you remove from your portfolio will no longer be working for your future. You may have to pay regular income taxes on distribution amounts that represent tax-deferred investment dollars and earnings. If you're under age 59½, you may have to pay an additional penalty tax of 10% to 25% (depending on the type of plan and other factors; some exceptions apply). For these reasons, it's best to carefully consider all of your options before using money earmarked for retirement. 5. Prioritizing college saving over retirement - Many well-meaning parents may feel that saving for their children's college education should be a higher priority than saving for their own retirement. "We can continue working, if needed," or "our home will fund our retirement," they may think. However, these can be very risky trains of thought. While no parent wants his or her children to take on a heavy debt burden to pay for education, loans are a common and realistic college-funding option — not so for retirement. If saving for both college and retirement seems impossible, consider speaking with a financial professional who can help you explore the variety of tools and options.
Larry Larry Dorn Dorn
Matthew Dorn Dorn Bonnie Bonnie Denzel Denzel Matthew
Dick Felstul Felstul Dick
216 East Washington Ave | Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | Direct: 218-739-5236 | Email: info@dornco.com
www.dornco.com Dorn & Co., Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable - we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018. Dorn & Co., Inc. is not affiliated with Broadridge Investor Communication Systems, Inc. Securities offered through Dorn & Co., Inc. Member FINRA|SIPC.
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 5
WINTER 2019 | contents
dwell 18
FINDING COZY IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER
18
features 26 WINTERIZE YOUR DATES 32 WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS 38 TIMELESS BEAUTY 52 WINTER ROAD TRIP
26 in every issue
48
43 44 48 54 56
PUBLISHER’S NOTE WOMEN IN HISTORY WHAT’S NEW IN NUTRITION COMING ATTRACTIONS WHY I LOVE FERGUS FALLS
FERGUS FALLS THE T HE M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
WINTER 2019
Isaac Daigle and Emily Carlson enjoy some outdoor time on the ice as one of the many options available for planning wintertime dates. See Page 26
FERGUS FALLS THE MAGAZINE
on the cover
Celebrating C elebrating the elebrating the lives lives of of lake lake area area residents residents
WINTER DATING IDEAS Finding cozy
in the depth of winter Downtown apartment
Timeless Beauty VOL. 4 NO. 3
6 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Daily Journal media WINTER 2019
contributors Alison Ajango is a recent Fergus transplant, passionate traveler, and proud bookworm. She currently works at Falls Baking Company. In her spare time she loves to cook, try new restaurants, find live music and hike.” Joan Vorderbruggen is a licensed architect and an artist, specializing in design for healthy and healing environments. Through her additional training and certification as a forest therapy guide (forest bathing), she finds immense satisfaction in assisting others in experiencing a deeper connection and sense of well-being that can be found where the natural and human dimensions meet. (Visit her website at bircheart.com)
Nicole Donley, photographer, loves the story a picture can tell. She lives in Weetown with her husband, three children, two dogs and a cat. Her favorite sessions are cake smashes and milk baths. 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.
Missy Hermes works for Otter Tail County Historical Society as museum educator. She and her husband, Paul, have two sons.
The weather of midwinter chases us ndoors, seeking warmth and shelter. Soups add comfort and coziness. Sandra Thimgan lives near Battle Lake with her husband, Dan, her food photographer and official taster.
20/20 Optical
BUY 1 COMPLETE PAIR GET THE 2ND PAIR 50% OFF
Use your new 2019 HSA/Flex dollars! Offer valid with any LRH eye clinic prescription. Some restrictions apply.
Fergus Falls Clinic 218.998.2020 WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 7
n COMMUNITY SCENE Christmas Attic In a kickoff to the holiday season, Grace Methodist Church in Fergus Falls hosted Christmas from the Attic on Nov. 3. The church hosted its annual holiday sale of pre-owned Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations. Addition to the sale of the items there was a Sweet Shoppe that featured candy, cookies, sweet breads, pies and snacks that were prepared for the holidays. There was also tea with a variety of rolls including caramel, cinnamon and orange served at the event. The proceeds from the tea were donated to the Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf. Erika, Kitty and Sonja Lahti
Women of Grace members (pictured, left to right): Janet Formo, Ann Newell, Neddie Jorgenson, Sharon Mann, Deanna Springer, Anne Halvorson, Kay Fosset, Garnet Muehlhausen and Deb Embretson
Ruth Dahl 8 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Mary Lou Bates and Sharon Henderson
Fergus Falls • Battle Lake • Underwood • Rothsay
Gift Giving
One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones is the gift of pre-planning your funeral. A funeral and burial plan allows your family to move forward confidently during a difficult time. It also lifts the burden of having to make numerous important decisions in a short period of time. Call today to visit with one of our funeral directors.
It only takes a little time to give a gift that means so much.
Olson
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE 711 Pebble Lake Rd • Fergus Falls 218-736-7586 • 800-530-8937 OlsonFuneralHome.com
WWW.CLINELAW YERS.COM
J.J. Cline
Paul S. Jensen
Nikki Kaasa
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
218-826-6858
218-862-6300
218-867-3016
WELCOME TO FERGUS FALLS’ ONLY FULL SERVICE HOTEL 925 WESTERN AVENUE, FERGUS FALLS
Realty Professionals Country Inn & Suites by Carlson is a leader in the upper mid-scale hotel segment. Our Fergus Falls location offers 96 guest rooms and suites. www.countryinns.com/fergus-falls-mn or 218-739-2211
REAL ESTATE
Buying? Selling? Call, text or email!
POSITIVE
Bigwood Event Center is Fergus Falls’ premier meeting, conference, event and wedding facility offering inviting, functional spaces and an outdoor patio. www.bigwoodeventcenter.com or 218-739-2211
PERSONAL
PROFESSIONAL
MARY PETTIT 218-205-7086 marypettit@kw.com
Z103 Bar & Grill is home to local and national acts, boasting fresh made food, drinks, service and fun. Monday-Saturday 11 am-1 am z103barandgrill.com or 218-998-7652 WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 9
n COMMUNITY SCENE Otter Dazzle Despit limited snowfall in December, community members came out in droves to enjoy Ottertail’s winter fesitval Otter dazzle. The festival had mutliple events including a pancake breakfast, a 5k fun run, multiple vendors, hay rides, raffles, a Christmas tree lighting and a special visit from the man in red — Santa Claus. It wasn’t hard to find someone that was enjoying holiday treats or enjoying the outside festivities. In the evening, Ottertail Mayor Myron Lueders lit 20 trees to celebrate the holiday season.
Katie (mom), (4), Tia (1), Mya (4) Bontvager.
Bode (baby) and Duke (brother) Lewis Stacy Olson
Caitlin Grimes Gracie and Maria (mom) Lindberg 10 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS isn’t just about a diet or program.
It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long term changes in daily eating and exercise habits. Theresa Anderson Certified Diet Coach
FOCUSED ON PEOPLE, NOT PROFITS Thrivent is a unique community, a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society. We’re also a Fortune 500 financial services organization. Our tradition of financial strength is driven by our focus on people, not profits.
20% OFF
YOUR TOTAL BILL 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).
Steven Gundersen 225 W Lincoln Ave. • Ste 101 Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2146 218-739-4452 Steven.Gundersen@Thrivent.com
*Not valid with Seniors’ Menu, Great Plates or Bakery.
OPEN 24 HOURS
623 Frontier Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 218-739-2241
THE FUN PLACE TO SHOP!
TAKE ON ANYTHING NATURE THROWS YOUR WAY
Accessories. Stationery Bath & Body and more.
3 OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE TRUCK BRANDS 218-998-8878 2228 College Way Fergus Falls
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Downtown Fergus Falls 736-5433
M-F 8-5:30 • Thur ‘til 7 • Sat 9-5
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 11
n COMMUNITY SCENE Holiday Train When Santa visits communities on Christmas Eve he uses a sleigh and reindeer. But when Santa looks to have a good time before his big day, he decides to take the holiday train! On Dec. 14, the train stopped in Elbow Lake for music and fun. Not only did Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome those in attendance, The Trews and Willy Porter took the stage for a rockin’ good time.
Throngs of community members came out for the annual Holiday Train Dec. 14 to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as here music by The Trews and Will Porter.
Santa and Mrs. Claus hand candy to children after greeting them at the Holiday Train in Elbow Lake.
Mrs. Claus takes in the festivities as she hands out candy canes to good boys and girls. 12 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Santa listens intently to the wish list of a child.
Colin McDonald, lead singer of The Trews, belts out some vocals during the holiday train’s concert.
A healthy smile is a beautiful smile
•General Dentistry • Dental Implants • Braces for Children and Adults • Cosmetic Dentistry
218.736.4000
www.northernlakesdental.com 1108 Western Ave., Fergus Falls
Scott Wagnild, DDS
Kelly Schroeder, DDS
otpco.com
It’s about balance With hometown understanding of the people and places we serve, we carefully balance each decision we make with the impact it has on our friends and neighbors.
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 13
n ENGAGEMENTS + WEDDINGS
HAND in HAND HEART to HEART
Erin Beske and Taylor Terpstra were married November 3, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Nichole Jorgenson and Jacob Boehland were married January 19 at The Cactus in Perham.
14 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Love Live!
Update your
where you
Spa
PARK GARDENS
Our O ur passion passion aand nd eexperience xperien makes us a great choice when building or renovating your home.
Independent Plus, Assisted Living & Memory Support
Come visit us at our new location
421 W. Fir Avenue
218-998-5900 Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm
By appointment only on the weekends
“
The Y is great for kids to play and moms to get a break!
“
– The Lemmers
FERGUS FALLS AREA FAMILY YMCA 1164 N Friberg Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-4489 www.Fergus FallsYMCA.org
215 E Skogmo Blvd, Fergus Falls For more information
parkgardensfergusfalls.com
or call Mona for a tour today: 281-998-4444 WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 15
n STYLE + FLAIR
Visit these local shops to find a unique gift for your Valentine or to add a special touch to your home décor. By Emily Hermes
This unique, artful mug with a cheery heart accent makes a cherished gift. The playfully decorated planter & saucer will lighten and brighten the spirit of the home. Lundeen’s • Fergus Falls Ceramic Pot and Saucer • $38.95 Mug • $19.95 A playful banner adorns this yarn wrapped wreath along with 4 soft stuffed hearts. Add some warmth to your door and welcome visitors with love. Walmart • Fergus Falls Valentine’s Day Wreath • $12.92
These 36 oz. printed tin candles are hand-poured in the USA. The authentic floral fragrance of peony is delicate, yet heady with peaceful, watery notes. The Market • Fergus Falls 3-Wick Printed Tin Candle • $31.95
16 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
A variety of unique gifts perfect for Valentine’s Day can be found while shopping at The Market. The Market • Fergus Falls Rectangle Dish with Lips • $13.95 Votive Holders • $3.95-$21.95 Valentine’s Towel • $18.95
Lend the kitchen some love with this dainty set of dish towels draped over an oven door. Sugary sweet without the extra calories, each one is a charming little reminder to a significant other that a special day is just around the corner. Lundeen’s • Fergus Falls Kitchen Towels • $17.95 Pie Plate • $23.95
This delightfully indulgent All Edible Candy Bouquet will delight the tastebuds of any chocolate lover. Walmart • Fergus Falls Candy Bouquet • $18.98 WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 17
n DWELL
Photo by Joan Vorderbruggen
Finding Cozy in the Depth of Winter Embrace the winter months with the simple joys of Scandinavian inspiration By Joan Vorderbruggen
A
bout this time of year, when the flurry of activity and emotions surrounding the holidays has subsided, we in the northern climates find ourselves staring into the depth of winter’s dark eyes, feeling its coldness penetrating to our very bones. We also recognize the expanse of winter’s breadth; the months left before the real spring (as opposed to the calendar spring) begins to peel off the thick hibernal blankets. In our quest for brightness, warmth, and perhaps even more substance in our lives during this time of year, we can learn much from those who live in places where the darkness occupies a larger portion of the day than does the light. The Scandinavians have a number of practices and philoso18 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
phies that enable them to deal with the long winter months, one of them encompassed in a word you’ve probably seen, but have been too shy to say out loud. Hygge (pronounced HUE-gah) translates into that joyful feeling of coziness one experiences, either when alone or in the company of people we enjoy. Credited as Danish, aspects of hygge have been around forever, particularly in, but not limited to, other Scandinavian cultures as well. Unfortunately, hygge has been exploited for marketing purposes in the last few years as many people have been eager to embrace warm and fuzzy in a time of uncertainty. The concept has been used to sell anything from comfy socks to a new
. . . we can enlist the power of our own intuition to know how to dwell well in our winter home.
home. As we welcome a more hygge way of being, it’s important to not overlook the point of what hygge is: being present enough to recognize the simple joy in the moment. Rather than relying on marketing or fashion prompts, we can enlist the power of our own intuition to know how to dwell well in our winter home. When it’s cold and/or dark outside, what would make us feel cozy and contented? In the classic book, “The Poetics of Space,” philosopher Gaston Surround yourself with people you enjoy while winter expresses itself outside. Provided Bachelard tells us, “A reminder of winter strengthens the happiness of inhabiting.” expressing itself outside. If the sun is shining, perhaps it proSometimes it’s in the contrast itself where the joyful moment vides a warm beam of light to bask in (our pets are great at taking advantage of these!). If it’s dark or cloudy outside, find resides: a warm bed to crawl into in an otherwise cool bedroom. a cozy corner with a chair and a lamp. Here are some simple, inexpensive, and authentic ways to • Keep your home heating a little cooler (beneficial for many approach winter dwelling in the spirit of hygge, to bring a reasons), and tap into your own body heat by insulating yourself with a blanket or a throw, by wearing something tactile sense of coziness, awareness, and hopefully joy into your life: like a flannel shirt or comfortable sweater, or even sinking • Reduce distractions and open your senses. Turn off or set down into a cushy chair. aside anything with a screen for a period or time. Eliminate • Brew a warm beverage, appreciate the flavor, and practice clutter in your home to feel more peaceful. • Delight in a place of contrast within your home, a warm spot being mindful of how the cup feels in your hands. Imagine the heat of the liquid flowing through you, melting away tension. where you can sit inside, watching and listening to winter WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 19
• Surround yourself with warm bodies… friends, people you love, your pets… There is a special social bond that occurs when we share a cozy space with those whose company we enjoy. • Curl up with a book you’ve been meaning to read. Share time with others by playing board games. • Turn off any harsh or overhead lighting and instead use lamps, small lights or candles to create pools of soft, intimate lighting - not unlike the fires our ancestors gathered around for comfort, warmth and conversation. • If you have a fireplace or wood stove, use it. Tend to it if it burns wood, feeling grateful for the many gifts that trees give us. Enjoy the stimulation of your senses: the smells, the flickering and crackling, the variety of air movement. These all join in concert to help us savor the present moment. • Create simple, healthy meals in your kitchen. Home used to be centralized around a hearth. Today’s equivalent would be the kitchen (not the TV!). Share in the process of cooking or baking. Use dishes that are made from natural materials instead of plastic or paper. Eat the food slowly, noticing the textures and flavors. Do the dishes by hand afterwards, and allow the warm water to feel like a luxurious bath.
Scandinavians live with a strong connection to the natural world . . . embracing each season’s aspects as fully and intentionally as they can – winter included. • Get outside! This seems counter-intuitive to being warm and cozy, but being out in the fresh air, then coming into a home that is comfortable and warm is a great way to accentuate the contrasts, while invigorating your spirit. Too much uniformity in our thermal experiences is unnatural, and lulls us into boredom. Many Scandinavians live with a strong connection to the natural world. From my personal observations while visiting there, they seem to embrace each season’s aspects as fully and intentionally as they can - winter included. By allowing this season’s slower pace to seep into our way of being and dwelling, we can open ourselves to rejuvenation and even to healing, making winter not only tolerable, but actually enjoyable. 20 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
This Danish birthday celebration expresses the warmth of hygge with beautiful natural wood used for the table and light fixture, which provide a cozy glow. Photo provided by Molly Everts Johnston
We can learn from our pets who bask in the sun’s warmth streaming through the window, or a just-vacated resting place. Provided
7 Ways to Stay Warm in a Cool House These suggestions are useful not only for saving money and allowing one to keep the thermostat lower, but also, for making the cold winter months more enjoyable; they add an element of coziness. #1: Wool socks and slippers. If you live in an uncarpeted house with hardwood floors, then wool socks and slippers are an absolute must. Each on its own is helpful, but the two together assure toasty feet all day long. #2: Hot drinks. Drink anything hot – lemon water with honey, broth in a mug, spiced apple cider, coffee, steamed flavored milk. It will raise your body temperature and boost your mood. #3: A heating pad or hot water bottle. Fill a sock or small cloth bag with
uncooked rice, and heat in the microwave for a warmth that keeps on giving. Other grains, such as barley, also work. An oldfashioned hot water bottle is a warming addition, also. #4: Flannel sheets and a duvet. Flannel sheets feel cozy the second you crawl in. Down-filled duvets adds incredible warmth without the weight of blankets. #5: Undershirts and sweaters. Having that extra thin layer against the skin makes a big difference and eliminates cool drafts. #6: Rugs and throws in strategic places. Putting rugs on cold tile and hardwood floors helps to keep heat in your body, especially if it’s in a place where you stand still. #7: Fireplace. Fireplaces increase the temperature in one room, while keeping the rest of the house cool. Not to be underestimated is the aesthetic appeal of a fireplace – a guaranteed mood-booster on dark winter days.
courtesy Katherine Martinko, www.treehugger.com
PIONEERcare Providing Christ-like care for those we serve for more than 90 years.
16th Annual
Tea Fundraiser
Saturday, February 16 M-State, Legacy Hall, Fergus Falls 10:30 am Doors open for Silent Auction Bidding 11:30 am Program, Tea Luncheon & Entertainment Featuring the Fergus Falls School of Dance & Fashion Show by The bric Tickets: Adults $25 Children 12 & Under $15 Tickets available at: 106 South Union Ave, Fergus Falls, MN or by calling 218-739-3486 Ext. 447 Space is limited
PioneerCare Center
Innovative short term therapy and long term care
Pioneer Cottages
Exceptional memory care
Pioneer Pointe
Apartment housing with services for seniors
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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
All proceeds go to support programs and services provided by Someplace Safe WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 21
n EAT + DRINK
Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Gouda
SOUP-ER B WL III By Sandra Thimgan Photos by Daniel Thimgan This is the third in a series of soup articles because there are always new soups to add to your playbook. Soup is probably the most versatile concoction in the culinary realm. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to the liquid base, the ingredients, and the seasonings. Take a “time out” from the ordinary and try an “end around” with some new ingredients and textures. Soothing, nourishing, adaptable, and satisfying, homemade soups belong on your kitchen gridiron. Suit up, it’s game time and the soup’s on! 22 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP WITH GOUDA This beautifully colored soup will be a perfectly completed pass in your game plan, then add a toasted cheese sandwich: SCORE! Aioli: In a food processor, mix and set aside: 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1/2 cup light mayonnaise 1 - 7 oz. bottle roasted red peppers, drained 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes Soup: Sauté in 1 T. butter and 1 T. olive oil: 3/4 cup onion, chopped 1 Roma tomato, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped Add to the soup mixture: 1 cup chicken stock 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 cup white sauce 1 7 oz. jar roasted red peppers 1 T. tomato paste Garnishes: Shredded Gouda cheese and croutons Use food processor or stick blender to puree soup mixture. Combine the aioli and the soup mixture. Heat, and serve with garnishes.
BLACK BEAN SOUP As hearty as a hefty linebacker, but with the finesse of a running back, this soup will make you take a time out to enjoy it. 4 cans black beans, drained 1/4 cup olive oil 3 medium onions, chopped coarsely 1 T. garlic, minced 1 T. ground cumin 4 celery stalks, chopped coarsely 2 carrots, peeled, chopped coarsely 2 bay leaves 2 T. parsley, chopped 1 ham bone or smoked turkey leg 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 cups chicken stock 2/3 cup sherry (NOT cooking sherry) Garnish: 2 hard boiled eggs, sieved Sauté onions in oil, until just golden. Stir in garlic, carrots, cumin, and celery — sauté until softened. Add chicken stock and hambone to this mixture and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Add bay leaves, parsley, salt and pepper to the beans. Combine the cooked
vegetables and hambone with the beans. Cover and cook until heated through. Remove bone. Working in batches, process half the bean mixture until pureed. Return this mixture to the pot, add the sherry and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve in bowls and add garnish.
“Soup is much like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor.” — Marge Kennedy
WILD RICE SOUP Tackle this Minnesota heritage grain for a truly spectacular play. Cook until tender: 1/2 cup raw wild rice 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup butter Sauté in 1/4 cup butter: 1 cup diced ham 1/2 cup minced onion 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup carrot, diced Add: 2 additional cups broth to sautéed mixture and simmer. Make a medium white sauce: Melt 3 T. butter and add 3 T. flour, whisking until slightly browned. Add 1 1/2 cups milk, continue whisking until thickened. Add 1/2 cup Cheese Whiz to the white sauce. Combine all ingredients and heat for serving. If too thick, additional milk may be added. WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 23
n EAT + DRINK
24 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Best served hot By Deb Erickson
Here in Minnesota, when winter chills to the bone, my beverage choices lean toward warm and steamy. Usually, hot buttered rum, hot apple cider, hot cocoa and spicy teas come to mind. Searching for something warm and festive so serve when hosting a casual dinner party, I came across mulled wine. Knowing our guests’ penchant for red wines, it was a foregone conclusion. Great Britain has deep cultural ties to mulled wine with recipes found in medival cookbooks. It was considered a lower class beverage – poorly stored wines required the added spices, as well as heat, to improve flavor. There are many different names for mulled wines the world over, as well as ingredients, but the most common ingredients include sugar, citrus (oranges, lemons and/or limes), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, star anise and cardamom. The Wine Enthusiast lists some of the monikers, countries and components as: Glühwein, Germany/Austria: brandy or rum; Vin Chaud, France: Cognac; Vinho Quente, Portugal/Brazil: Port and Madeira; Vino Caliente, Spain: Vanilla bean and Brandy de Jerez; Gløgg, Norway: Aquavit, raisins and sliced almonds; Greyano Vino, Bulgaria: Honey and peppercorn; Caribou, Quebec: Whiskey and maple syrup. Delicious without mulling spices, Carlos Creek Hot Dish Red nevertheless received some special treatment. The sweet, fullbodied blend of Minnesota grapes is unaged and unoaked with fruity notes of juicy blackberries and a hint of spice. It is also Carlos Creek’s best selling wine. When combined with the spices, it became a cozy, aromatic, belly-warming beverage. The mulled wine simmered in the slow cooker all afternoon
and our guests remarked on the amazing fragrance when arriving at our home. Not only does mulled wine warm you with its deliciousness, I came a cross a website that touted nine surprising health benefits of drinking mulled wine, in moderation, of course. I won’t list them all here, just my favorite: “3. Slowing down ageing. The resveratrol in red wine is also thought to help rejuvenate cells and slow the ageing process. A high concentration of resveratrol also helps fight against damaging free radicals in the skin, keeping you looking younger.” Just google it! Mulled Wine 4 cups apple cider 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine 1/4 cup honey 2 cinnamon sticks 1 orange, zested and juiced 4 whole cloves 3 star anise 4 oranges, peeled, for garnish Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes (or simmer in slow cooker). Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve. recipe courtesty Ina Garten | Food Network
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Winterize YOUR DATES As the temperature and hours of daylight simultaneously decline, everyday tasks like waking up, staying up, driving, walking, etc. become a bit harder. Among these falls dating. But never fear, the winter months don’t have to hinder our connections or time we spend with the ones we love. Winter is actually the perfect time for courting your partner. This season is when we most need someone to snuggle up with, after all. Whether you prefer to be indoors or out, active or cozy, here are some date night ideas for the winter months around Fergus Falls. By Alison Ajango Photos by Nicole Donley 26 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Groomed trails, and even lakes, provide optimal conditions for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Emily and Isaac put their hockey skills to the test before leisurely gliding around the rink.
IF YOU CAN’T BEAT IT, EMBRACE IT Winter is inevitable, meaning snow, ice, and cold temperatures. While not always a great combination, there are perks that come with these things, too. GET YOUR SKI ON Located a half hour from Fergus, Spidahl Ski Gaard is a cozy farmhouse nestled in a gorgeous ski area. The trail system ranges from beginner to expert, so no ski experience is required for this date. The park also offers ice skating, snowshoeing and hiking. Pack a picnic for you and your honey and enjoy it next to the wood-burning stove at the lodge.
Deb and Dennis consider snowshoeing on the lake a convenient way to beat cabin fever. WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 27
Scenic hiking trails are abundant in Otter Tail County.
Take advantage of a mild winter day for a relaxed walk in the woods.
Glendalough State Park also offers ski rentals and lovely winter views. ICE, ICE, BABY After ice thickness is approved, our 10,000 lakes transform into 10,000 ice skating rinks. Grab your skates (check Goodwill if you need some) and head to the nearest lake. If you prefer to be inside, the Community Ice Arena in Fergus or Kent Freeman Arena in Detroit Lakes offer public skating times and concessions. Keep an eye out for the Ice Hole and Otter on the Water, two bars that open on the lakes in winter, too. TAKE A HIKE Fergus Falls is surrounded by undeniable natural beauty. 28 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Glendalough and Maplewood State Parks offer a network of walking trails. The Central Lakes Trail, One Mile Lake Trail, and sections of the North County Scenic Trail are also nearby and a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your loved one. Bring a sled and combine picturesque hiking with another favorite winter activity, sledding. Also check out Andes Tower Hill in Kensington to tube down the slopes, evoking inevitable laughs and instant memories. VENTURE OUT Fergus is both full of, and surrounded by, fun places to visit and explore. Use this winter season to take advantage of all the places Otter County has to offer.
Zach and daughter Rachel enjoyed an evening of bowling at Northern Aire Lanes.
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This daddy and daughter date concluded with a precious moment. GO BOWLING As far as competitive sports go, bowling might be the best to partake in on a date. Visit Northern Aire Lanes and take a selfie on the scoreboard to see you and your partner on screen. Check out Cactus in Perham for a meal and a few games, or Shoreline Restaurant and Bowl in Battle Lake for a few rounds near the water. Bowling can be a great date night for you and your kids, your significant other or the entire family. TRY A NEW RESTAURANT Are there any restaurants in town that you’ve overlooked? Stop into Union Pizza for a woodfired ‘za, a drink, and homemade dessert. Check out Dining Car #423 for a chef-crafted weekend special and pair it with a cocktail. West-central Minnesota offers a plethora of restaurants; search for what you’re craving, dress to impress, and go on a mini-adventure somewhere new. FOLLOW THE MUSIC The Fergus area is a hub for the arts—and with that comes talented local artists. Union hosts Trivia on Tuesday nights and The Rusty Nail in Battle Lake has both live music and karaoke. 30 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
The Center for the Arts has various shows happening most weekends, and with snacks and adult refreshments, it’s a full date-night experience. M-State and Springboard for the Arts also offer fine arts experiences. Look up what’s happening around town and enjoy live performances for an entertaining date. COZY UP INSIDE If the last thing you want to do in the winter is step foot outside, you can enjoy plenty of dates within your well-heated four walls. Grab a couple of items to prepare, hunker in, and enjoy. MOVIE NIGHT A classic date that’s always a goodie, but consider spicing up the norm. Biffley’s downtown sells movies for almost as cheap as renting a Redbox for one night. Head into the store, browse an eclectic selection, and pick a movie you wouldn’t normally. Find a movie released the year you were born. Grab a film without even reading the description. Ask a friend to loan you one of their favorites. Then pick up some of your favorite snacks or take-out, and enjoy a night in.
Brandon and Jade share a laugh over dinner at Union Pizza. GAME NIGHT If there’s any time to learn a new game, winter is it. Look up two-player card games or teach your partner a game. Cribbage, scrabble, bananagrams, or even chess can be the perfect way to spend time with your partner. Pick up Codenames, and suddenly your lover is a spy you have to defeat. Whatever you do, don’t take it easy on them.
Overall, while our town might be little, there are many opportunities to make the most of these cold months. Like most things in the winter, a little extra effort goes a long way.
MAKE SOMETHING DELICIOUS For this date, make cooking, baking, or bartending (or all three) an activity you share. Dream up an elaborate meal and make it together. Winter is debatably the best time for a sweet treat; make a pie from scratch or get inspiration for winter desserts online. Craft a cocktail neither of you has tried. Next time you see a yummy drink on a menu, grab the ingredients you need to make it. Bartend for each other and try a variety of drinks, all within the comfort of your home. If you’re feeling spunky, challenge yourself with a “cooking show meal.” Go to the grocery store and get an ingredient from each aisle, or only buy items that start with the same letter and form it into a meal. It might be ridiculous, but with your partner, it should be fun. WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 31
Boredom Busters “I’m bored...” – is the phrase every parent dreads when kids are confined indoors during blustery weather. Why not have some fun craft ideas up your sleeve? You may even have the materials in your house – if not, stock up now to be prepared before those kiddos have a chance to make a fuss. Fergus Falls The Magazine recently teamed up with the after-school kids at Fergus Falls YMCA to try out some fun crafts.
DOILY SNOWMAN A quick and simple winter craft – this doily snowman is a great craft for toddlers, preschool and kindergarten. Each age group will have it’s own artistic take on it. By Deb Erickson Photos by Nicole Donley
32 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
You will need: • doilies – same size or different sizes If using two doilies that are the same size, trim one a little bit so it’s smaller than the other. • buttons for decorating • a sheet of construction paper for the background • orange construction paper for nose • any color construction paper for scarf • googly eyes • scissors • glue • marker Instructions: • Glue two doilies, smaller on on top, on the sheet of paper. Stick glue does a great job here as it doesn’t wrinkle up the doily. • Glue on buttons (you can also draw them or use other materials such as pom poms). • Glue on the nose that you have cut out of the paper (or draw it with an orange marker). • Draw mouth and add eyes (drawing eyes is OK, as well). • Last but not least, cut strips of construction paper to make a simple scarf.
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 33
PAPER SNOWMAN This paper snowman is fun to make and fun to bounce. You can even string the balls together to form a garland.
For more kids craft ideas, visit www.easypeasyandfun.com
34 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
You will need: • Two sheets of white paper (plain print paper will do although construction paper will work best. • paper in any other color for nose and scarf • black marker • glue • scissors • cupcake liner Instructions: • Start by cutting strips of paper in two lengths – cut one set along the length and one set along the width. 4 strips for the head and 4 strips for the body. • Assemble the paper balls. For the body, use the longer strips. Lay two strips down in a cross. Glue in the center. Glue the third strip on top, angling it between the arms of the cross. Glue the fourth strip on top, angling it between the other arms of the cross. • Glue the top strips together. • Repeat for the head. • Glue the body and head together. • Draw on the eyes and buttons. • Cut out and glue on the nose. • Cut out scarf and glue on. • Top off with a cupcake liner hat.
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 35
Nicole Donley Photographer
children | family | maternity | birth | fresh 48 | newborn | nature | animals | wildlife
320-362-1499 donleydesignsphotography@gmail.com facebook.com/donley.designs 36 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Progress The Daily Journal
FEBRUARY 2019
Watch for
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES in Progress 2019 TOM GROUT 218-739-7037
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MARY SIELING 218-739-7021
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Publishing Saturday, February 28, 2019 AMANDA CHILDS 218-739-7018
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TIMELESS
Beauty By Alison Ajango Photos by Mathew Holding Eagle
38 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 39
Downtown apartments showcase personality and historic charm
T
here’s something charming about an old radiator, and the history in original wooden floors. Some paint has been added and a few other details have changed, but four cozy apartments nestled above Lincoln Avenue tell a story of generations. Constructed at the turn of the 19th century, Olson Furniture used to be both a women’s clothing store and an insurance office. Four apartments sit above the historic store and offer a haven above downtown Fergus Falls, with so much beauty in the details. Within each unit, wooden moldings frame open-concept doorways and highlight large windows. An arched doorway between the apartments makes one stop and appreciate architecture that you don’t see much of anymore. Enormous windows—north-facing in one apartment and south-facing in the other— flood each unit with natural light. A claw-foot tub sits stoutly on its perch as it has for 100 years and maybe for 100 more. Antique decorations mixed with new touches create a feeling of enhancing history, not attempting to disguise it.
40 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Brown wood-paneled rooms were painted neutral colors like gray and white which enhanced the beautiful maple floors. WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 41
A new backsplash and full cabinets updated the kitchen. While the furniture store is on its fourth generation of family pizza maker at a local restaurant, an employee at the bakery, business, nearly the same can be said about the past residents contributing to the town’s community-centered charm. of the apartments upstairs. Current business Not much had been done to renovate the owner, Keith Olson, and his wife, Kim, lived in apartments until Kim and Keith viewed the the apartment in the early 1980s when they project as a chance to conserve their historic “I remember were first married. That wasn’t the first time beauty. They removed the carpeting, and we’d have Keith had been in the apartment, though; years sanded and refinished the floors themselves. prior, his grandmother’s sister lived in the unit. Other updates included a new backsplash in Easter dinner “I remember we’d have Easter dinner up there up there when I the kitchen, full cabinets, and painting several when I was a little boy, before we even owned rooms. The brown wood-paneled walls made was a little boy.” the rooms feel smaller, and took attention away this building,” Olson says. The tradition continued a generation further. Years after their own from the beautiful maple floors. Neutral colors – Keith Olson residency, two of Kim and Keith’s daughters like grey and white instantly cooled down the lived in the unit, as well as several nieces and rooms, enhanced the wooden accents, and nephews. These units have also housed an array of members enlarged the space. of the Fergus Falls community: a member of a local band, a Wanting to share these assets with the public, the Olsons 42 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
High ceilings and wooden moldings frame open-concept doorways and highlight large windows.
The cozy apartments tell a story of generations. A claw-foot tub sits stoutly on its perch as it has for 100 years. listed the south-facing unit on Airbnb. The primary tenet of a bed-and-breakfast is offering a homey space, and these apartments offer the feeling of “home,” no matter how temporary the stay. Change may continue, but these units will continue to offer sanctuary, hopefully for generations to come. The feeling
of “home” transcends time. Keith fondly reflects on his time spent living in the apartment to this day. “It was awesome. I’d go back and do it again. It was a wonderful place to live. Those things, growing up, creating that life, those memories are priceless to me.” WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 43
n WOMEN IN HISTORY
Agnes Pauline Moe Gunerius
FIRST LADY FLYING STUDENT By Missy Hermes Photos courtesy of Otter Tail County Historical Society 44 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
When pilot Gus Imm began giving flying lessons in 1931, Agnes was the first woman to sign up.
A
ccess to the Otter Tail County Historical Society archives can be dangerous. One minute I’m on track, then suddenly an interesting story sends me scampering down a rabbit hole. The headline above from the museum database recently sent me on a mission to know more about the woman who wanted to be the first female pilot in Fergus Falls. Her father, Paul Moe, was a Norwegian immigrant born in 1863. He came to the United States in 1876. He moved the family to Fergus Falls in 1897 right before Agnes was born. They lived at 608 W. Bancroft. Paul worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad until his death at age 44 from “brain fever,” now called encephalitis. Her mother, Mary Augusta Moe, took in boarders to support Agnes and her three siblings. The United States’ involvement in World War I brought
changes for the Moes. Agnes graduated from the Fergus Falls High school where she had captained the girls’ basketball team. The school then employed her as custodian in 1917. When her brothers Philip and Robert both enlisted in the military, the post office hired Agnes to work at the general delivery window providing income for her mother and younger brother, Thor, still in school. Robert served with the 173rd Aero Squadron in a flight school in France. Phillip, who worked in the Register of Deeds office in Fergus Falls and had prior military experience, rejoined the army. He served as second lieutenant and competed in the famous 1919 Inter-Allied competition in D’Auvours, France, the largest weapons contest ever held by the U.S. Army to that date. Robert’s proficiency in marksmanship and Phillip’s aviation experience hint at the origins of Agnes’ own love of adventure.
Northern Pacific Depot c. 1895 when it was located on the west side of Cascade Street and the freight depot was on the east side. [10167] WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 45
The Fergus Falls High School girls’ basketball team in 1916. Although the players and coach are not named, it is possible that Agnes Moe is seated front row on the left. [11008]
When pilot Gus Imm began giving flying lessons in Fergus Falls with his Curtiss-Wright Junior plane in 1931, Agnes was the first woman to sign up. (Imm was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 1990.) Agnes enjoyed music as well and performed with the Singing Legionettes under the direction of Lucy Lee. Agnes continued working at the post office after marrying Carl Gunerius, a golf pro at Riverside Links, the first golf course in Fergus Falls. The couple wed at Federated Church on Valentine’s Day 1937, the bride wearing a black and white satin gown and carrying a bouquet of red roses. Agnes Moe retired in 1957. The Fergus 46 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Mill Street bridge and Post Office, Fergus Falls before construction of the River Inn. The post office was doubled in size in 1933. [4112]
Interior of the Fergus Falls Post Office, Agnes Moe is standing next to the window on the far right, her face covered in ink. In an oral history in the Historical Society archives, her brother Thor said, “she had a hard time as the only woman, at first, but she was strong. She threw those mail bags around and never asked for any help with that. She was one of them then.” [36552] Falls Daily Journal reported, “she was guest of honor at a party when her co-workers presented her with a shotgun. It was not a strange gift for Agnes Gunerius who is an ardent sportswoman and a better marksman than many male hunters. Hunting and fishing will occupy much of her leisure time.” The couple owned a cottage on Swan Lake. Carl passed away in 1960. Agnes followed in 1980 and was buried in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church cemetery. Hopefully
people still remember Agnes Moe, “the friendly, accommodating clerk” who loved the outdoors and flying. Photos included in this article are not in the Public Domain. A copy may be requested from the Otter Tail County Historical Society using the number following the caption. Photos courtesy of the Otter Tail County Historical Society and may not be reprinted without permission.
Lucy Lee’s Singing Legionettes gained national attention when they won 2nd Place in the singing contest held at the St. Louis meeting of the American Legion and Auxiliary in 1935. Lucy Lee wearing white and Agnes Moe is in the back row, 5th from the left. [31071] WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 47
n WHAT’S NEW IN NUTRITION
Why Eat Well in 2019? Eating well provides benefits in addition to weight management
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e all know that eating well helps us to manage our weight, but that isn’t the only reason why we need to eat well. Sometimes losing weight is very difficult for people and causes them to give up on eating well when they don’t see results. Maybe some of these less visible reasons, but perhaps more important, will motivate for you to take your eating to the next level in 2019! Increase productivity Feeling behind and overwhelmed? That candy bar isn’t going to help. Studies show that people who eat well are up to 66 percent more productive than people who eat junk food. Reach for fresh fruit, veggies, or a snack bar made from whole foods (Larabars and some Kind bars are good choices) and start knocking things off of your to-do list. By Katrina Mouser, RD Photos by Mathew Holding Eagle Location Meadow Farm Foods 48 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
Good sleep is fueled by good food Increase energy Who doesn’t want to have more energy? Eating clean, whole foods without added sugars and preservatives will help your body run efficiently, letting the calories give you energy without making you feel sluggish. Sleep better Some people say sleep is overrated. It certainly is not! Sleep is perhaps one of the most underappreciated parts of our day, and good sleep is fueled by good food. Eliminate sugars and caffeine for at least the second half of your day to let your body relax easier in the evening. If you need to have something to snack on in the evening, enjoy a hot cup of herbal tea instead.
Decrease stress Life is full of stress and struggles, and that isn’t going to change unfortunately. By choosing foods with high omega-3s, we can help reduce some of that mounting stress. Salmon (or other deep sea fish), avocadoes, flax seed, and walnuts are some of the best sources of omega-3s. Decrease risk of Type 2 diabetes You don’t have to be overweight to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It has to do with your genetics, but it also has to do with your diet. Our food culture is centered on sugar, and the prevalence of diabetes continues to surge. Set a limit on how much sugar you eat daily, and you will reduce your risk of diabetes greatly.
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Good nutrition is one of the best gifts you could give your kids Reduces inflammation Inflammation has been blamed for serious illnesses like heart disease and some cancers, but also common problems like brain fog and stress. Whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and some spices like turmeric, cayenne pepper, and ginger can all potentially reduce your body’s inflammation. Good for your heart Your heart carries the stress of your body, literally. The better you take care of your body, including eating well, you reduce that stress, making it easier for your heart to function properly. Set an example for kids Your kids may not be making good food choices on their own just yet, but if they continue to see you making good choices, they will eventually make the connection and want
50 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
the same results as you. Good nutrition is one of the best gifts you could ever give your kids to set them up for a healthy future. Good for your gut ‘Being regular’ is something we all appreciate and what you eat has a huge impact on your digestive tract! When you eat well by choosing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you are also healthy amounts of fiber to keep your gut functioning as it should. Improve your game Are you reaching for a fitness goal? Want to improve your personal record? Try making some small improvements to your diet, and start reaching those goals. Nutrition matters when it comes to performance, and high performance isn’t only for the pros!
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WINTER 2019• FERGUS FALLS • 51
Bundle up for a Winter Road Trip While the summer months present local festivals every weekend – sometimes multiple events – winter activities tend to wane, especially after the holidays. Sometimes the urge to “just go someplace” and be around other people surfaces. Enjoy some of the winter festivities that Minnesota has to offer. 133RD SAINT PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL January 24-February 3, 2019 Kellogg Mall Park, 62 W Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, MN www.wintercarnival.com Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. Through city-wide special events, fun activities and more, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation celebrates winter like only Minnesotans can! Most events are FREE, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. • Enjoy live entertainment, walk through the ice sculpture garden, watch the ice carvers create frozen masterpieces, visit vendor booths, and more! • Hot mulled wine, beer, and other beverages are available the Ice Bar in Kellogg Mall park. JOHN BEARGREASE DOG SLED MARATHON January 25-January 30, 2019 Duluth, MN (various locations) https://beargrease.com Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. World class mushers face off against other seasoned competitors as well as the extremes of northern Minnesota weather and the deceivingly rugged terrain of the trail. The “Beargrease” is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. • January 25 – KQDS Mini Sled Dog Races, Canal Park Brewing Co, Duluth • January 25 – BEERgrease at Glensheen • January 26 – Cutest Puppy Contest, Fitger’s • January 26 – Opening Ceremonies Dinner, Advance Ticket $20, Lake Superior College • January 27 – RACE DAY. Meet the Mushers, 10:00 am, Billy’s (3502 W. Tischer Rd, Duluth,MN) • January 27 – Race start, 12 noon, Billy’s, Duluth 52 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
POLAR FEST February 7-February 18, 2019 Detroit Lakes, MN http://polarfestdl.com Polar Fest is held annually in February during the week and weekend of President’s Day. Polar Fest is created and run by an independent, all-volunteer committee of people who think living in northwestern Minnesota is a ball, well, a snowball! • February 8 – Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance • February 9 – Poles ‘n Holes Fishing Derby • February 15 – Ice Tee Golf • February 16 – Freeze Your Buns Run • February 16 – Boys & Girls Club Polar Fest Plunge • February 16 – Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos • February 16 – Frozen Fireworks 26TH ANNUAL GRUMPY OLD MEN FESTIVAL February 22-February 23 Wabasha, Minnesota www.wabashamn.org/grumpyoldmenfest Live music, ice fishing contest, costume contest, Grumpy Plunge and much more! If it’s good enough for “Grumpy Old Men”, then it’s good enough for you. Come see the town that started it all. Flannel, fishing, food and fun, come visit during our 26th Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival and spend the day experiencing a little piece of film history BOCK FEST Saturday, March 2 August Schell Brewing Company 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm, MN 56073 www.schellsbrewery.com/events/bock-fest Sip Some Bock And Pray For Spring! While the beer doesn’t always speed the arrival of Spring, it will at least keep you warm. Come beckon warmer weather with a mug full of Bock, dancing and food. Seven Bocks of Winter are hiding around the brewery and in Flandrau State Park, waiting for brave festers to venture out and capture them. Armed with completely useless clues and Bock beer, hunters will comb the park in search of these elusive bocks. Our two human St. Bernards, with kegs of Bock beer strapped to their backs, are ready to be dispatched at a moments notice of the first signs of thirst. Oft-repeated tales depict their heroic exploits, finding festers roaming the woods at wits end, searching for another glass of Schell’s Bock beer. Once they receive nourishment, they find the strength to go forth and continue their search for the stealthy bocks. Legend has it if all Seven Bocks of Winter are captured and brought back to the brewery, winter will release its icy grip on Minnesota, and bring an early spring. (This has never been scientifically proven and is widely disputed among scholars to this day.) Admission $10 (21 plus event. ID’s required) • 10:30 – Gates open for advanced ticket holders only! • 11:00 – Gates open for cash purchase • 11:00 – The first keg is tapped and the music begins • 4:30 – Gates close
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
February
FROSTBITE FESTIVAL WHEN: Feb. 1-3 WHERE: Multiple venues, Fergus Falls MORE INFO: Fergus Falls will host its annual Frostbite Festival Feb. 1-3 with events going on throughout the city all day. Friday’s events will kickoff with an artist exhibit, “The Faces of Change,” at the Otter Tail County Historical Society at 9 a.m. and events will continue to go throughout the evening. Saturday will see several events go on throughout the afternoon including a broomball tournament (Cleveland Rink), dart tournament (Eagles), outdoor ice skating (Lake Alice, Channing and Cleveland rinks) and Fergus Falls Chamber Battle of the Business Bowling Tournament (Northern Aire Lanes). On Sunday, Kiwanis will host its annual pancake Breakfast at the YMCA (8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and Sertoma will hold its 40th annual ice fishing derby and raffle (Pebble Lake) from 1-3 p.m. OTC — ON ICE! WHEN: Feb. 8-9 WHERE: Otter Tail Lake TIME: 3:30-11:30 p.m. COST: $50 two-day pass, $25 for a day MORE INFO: OTC-ON ICE! 2019 features The 4onthefloor Band & Aaron Simmons, Friday Feb. 8. Pert Near Sandstone, Tigirlily & Dirt Road Dixie, Saturday Feb. 9. From more information visit ottertaillakescountry.com. TRANSIT AUTHORITY WHEN: Friday, Feb. 15 WHERE: A Center for the Arts (Fergus Falls). TIME: 7:30 p.m. COST: $24 adults, $8 students TICKET INFORMATION: fergusarts.org MORE INFO: Since performing their very first shows together in the early spring of 2004, Transit Authority has become known throughout the U.S. as the premier tribute and to the iconic group Chicago. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, this eight member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Transit Authority’s mission is to recreate the excitement of the original Chicago’s sound with each and every performance. Transit Authority has assembled some amazingly talented musicians who meticulously capture all the nuances of the original recordings and will honestly make you believe you are witnessing the real thing.
March
CRAFT BEER TOUR WHEN: Saturday, March 23. WHERE: Bigwood Event Center TIME: 1-5 p.m. COST: VIP $40, General Admission $30 TICKET INFORMATION: www.craftbeertours.com More Info: This event is a craft beer, hard cider, & malt beverage sampling event that is four hours long. The first hour is for VIP attendees, who will receive: a sampling mug, t-shirt, custom beer tour swag, extensive program, and an additional hour of sampling. The remaining three hours are open for everyone.This is a 21+ event, no exceptions. 54 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
April
HILLCREST INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WHEN: April 5-6 WHERE: Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Gym, Kennedy Secondary School Gym, Cleveland School Gym. TIME: TBD COST: $250 per team. MORE INFO: Hillcrest Lutheran Academy announces the 51st Annual Hillcrest Invitational Basketball Tournament for Lutheran Brethren churches, Hillcrest alumni, and their families to be held on the weekend of Friday and Saturday, April 6-7. Division I (College age/ability) | Avg. team age 19-28 Classic (Older players - traditional LB church teams ) | Avg. team age 25-37 Division II (High school age/ability) | Avg. team age 16-22 Division III (Just for fun/girls/45+ men/junior high) | Avg. team age 12-16, 45-60 Registration and entry fee of $250 per team must be processed by Hillcrest Academy before March 24. FEMME FATALE WHEN: Sunday, April 14 WHERE: A Center for the Arts TIME: 3 p.m. COST: Adult $24, Student $8 TICKET INFORMATION: fergusarts.org MORE INFO: Music, Movies & Mayhem, starring Laura Ellis, is a multimedia show combining song, dance and vintage film clips to create a one of a kind experience. Film noir comes to the musical stage in Femme Fatale, a show simmering with the music of silver screen sirens, set in a mixed-media story line of intrigue and double-cross. Starring singer Laura Ellis and characters depicted on film, Femme Fatale evokes the times of black and white movies rife with con artists, gullible marks, and memorable music. A blend of cinematic wizardry and live performance, Femme Fatale is a clever homage to the Film Noir genre and its sultry singers, Rita Hayworth, Ida Lupino, and Jane Russell. Femme Fatale is the brainchild of lead performer, Laura Ellis, veteran of stage and broadcast performances.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS WHEN: Friday, March 29 WHERE: A Center for the Arts TIME: 7:30 P.M. COST: Adult $24, Student $8 TICKET INFORMATION: fergusarts.org MORE INFO: “One Night in Memphis” is a rocking concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Created and directed by John Mueller from the highly acclaimed show Winter Dance Party®, this show has met with the same accolades: sell out shows and standing ovations.
Why I love Fergus Falls...
Netia Bauman Netia Bauman has a lot of roles in the community of Fergus Falls. When she isn’t working with the Greater Fergsu Falls Corporation or Fergus Falls Downtown Riverfront Council, Bauman is coaching cheerleading at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and USAG XCEL gymnastics for the Fergus Falls Gymnastics Academy. Bauman enjoys her time in Fergus Falls as the lakes and nostalgia of the downtown area have kept her captivated. What do you for work? I recently took a full-time position at Greater Fergus Falls Corp. I do some part-time work with the Fergus Falls Downtown Riverfront Council, as well. In my “spare time” I coach cheerleading at Hillcrest and USAG XCEL gymnastics at Fergus Falls Gymnastics Academy. What do you like to do for fun? I’m a true crime junkie, so I read quite a bit, listen to a ton of podcasts. How long have you lived in Fergus Falls? My family moved here in 2016. Why did you choose to come to Fergus Falls? Specifically so that my daughter could attend Hillcrest. We absolutely love it! Why do you love most about Fergus Falls and the surrounding area? The proximity to the lakes and the nostalgia of the downtown area. What is something about this area and Fergus Falls that most people don’t know, but should? As a fairly recent transplant to the community, I learn something different every day. I’m not sure I know any secret spots! What do you envision the future of Fergus Falls looking like? I would love to see Fergus Falls become a destination in the Midwest. Whether it be visiting art galleries or touring craft breweries, there is going to be a myriad of opportunity in the coming months and years! 56 • FERGUS FALLS • WINTER 2019
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. PCA Choice is one of our services, that 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!
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Call 218.739.2221 or visit lrhc.org/services to learn more.