EvEnts
PeeWee Hockey Tournament Western Entertainment 4 K Run Bean Bag Tournament Ice Sculpting 10th, 11th 12th Ice Golf Ice Curling MIKE FILZEN MEMORIAL RIDE Family Movie Night Card Tournaments Snowmobile Events Brunch & Ride @ Farmamerica Kruger Memorial Vintage Snowmobile
DinnEr & DancE Dinner: Feb 13, 5-7:30 p.m. - $14 at VFW Dance 8:30 - Close, Gold Star Band
FEstival QuEEns Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter Drew Trahms Miss Teen Sleigh & Cutter Megan Lentz Miss South Central Alyssa Crum Miss South Central Teen Annika Kovar
Sleigh & Cutter chilDrEn’s DrEam catchEr Annual fundraiser March 26, 2016 at 2:00pm at BOTTOMS UP. Bingo, meat raffles, silent and live auctions.
» C OME JUDGE
for Yourself.
GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.
THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL is home of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic on the Senator Course September 18 to 24, 2014. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.
FEATURE S February 2016 Volume 11, Issue 2
14
Cure for cabin fever Ideas to beat the winter blues
18
Getting away
For some, the best way to whether a Minnesota is by getting far away from it.
22
Canis Mythicus
North Mankato author Terry Davis brings us a tale of Man and Dog.
About the Cover Free Press photographer Trevor Cokley accompanied some folks taking a snowshoeing class last month. Front and center among them was Mary Robinson, right, Becky Volk, middle and Stan Schipreth, left. MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 3
DEPARTMENTS 6 From the Editor 8 This Day in History 9 The Gallery
9
Jason Knudson
10 Beyond the Margin The beauty of eagles 12 Day Trip Destinations Rochester’s WinterFest 29 Food, Drink & Dine 30 Food
Speedy Singh’s delivery
32 Wine
Wine blends
33 Beer Winter warmers 34 Happy Hour
12
Barful of bubbles
36 What’s Cookin’? Turmeric 40 Then & Now The ice man used to cometh 42 Living 55 Plus
34
40
66 That’s Life Waiting for the Dream House 68 Garden Chat Know what you’re growing 70 Your Style Downtown style 72 Coming Attractions 73 Faces & Places 76 From This Valley Storms of ‘82
Coming in March
70 4 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
76
Our annual photo issue! Think you’ve got some great shots? Send them to us and see if they make the cut. Send electronic files only to Robb Murray at rmurray@ mankatofreepress.com. High resolution jpeg files only, please. And include your name and where the photo was taken. --And GOOD LUCK!
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Mankato Clinic joins us in raising awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer and the importance of continued support for breast cancer research.
307 McKinzie Street So. Mankato, MN 56001 507-345-4828 507-289-4874 www.paape.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 7
This Day in history By Jean Lundquist
Fall in Love with our Printing
Monday, February 27, 1964 Lake Poisoning Effective Many anglers love to hate rough fish, such as carp and bullheads. In Waseca in the mid 1960s, steps were taken to purge rough fish from Clear Lake, even though in the process, all game fish were killed as well. This report was published after the poisoning had occurred: “With the thermometer in the middle of Clear Lake bankrupt of degrees Sunday afternoon, a black-suited skindiver grinned at the crowd of gaping onlookers and said ‘I’ll be glad to get in the water. It’s a heck of a lot warmer there.’ Then, he adjusted his face mask, and calmly slithered into the black icy water of Clear Lake as nonchalantly as calling a poker race. With a gurgle of bubbles, he disappeared into the four-foot hole, and flippered off under the ice in search of fish, living, or dead.” The lake was poisoned in October with something called Toxifine, which was also poured into Loon Lake in Waseca. It apparently worked. Three days after the poisoning, a quarter of a million pounds of fish were taken from the shores of the lakes. The Sunday afternoon check showed no living fish, only dead carp “lying much on the bottom of the lake.” Game fish stocking was scheduled for the following summer. Game Warden Lloyd Billiar had directed operations for sawing the holes in the lake for the divers. Monday, February 18, 1901 Chief Good Thunder Dead at Redwood Falls The Dakota Chief Good Thunder, for whom a city is named south of Mankato, had played a role in the Dakota War in 1862, then known as the “Sioux Uprising.” He had served as a scout for General Sibley during the war. He died of pneumonia at his home near Redwood Falls. According to the report, “He was about 85 years old ... Chief Good Thunder was a protégé of Bishop Whipple for many years.”
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Tuesday, February 18, 1913 River Under His Farm A farmer south of Janesville, identified as Mr. Leinke, was digging a well on his farm when he discovered an underground river beneath his farm with “a rapid current.” He had dug down about 60 feet when water filled his well. He lowered a bottle with a long rope, and the bottle was carried 100 feet. The report stated that “attempts to pump it (the well) were unsuccessful.” Monday, February 24, 1913 Want Ads “Wanted: Girls, Wysong Laundry “Wanted: Kitchen girl at William George’s restaurant “Wanted: Apprentice girls, Elite Millinery 624 North Front street “Wanted: Cello in good condition, Minnesota Lake, MN “Wanted: Girl for housework. Only competent help need apply. Mrs. Dave Richards 216 Byron” Friday, February 26, 1925 A Housewarming Event “A surprise Housewarming was tendered Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Weber at their home, 528 North Fourth Street by a large number of their neighbors and friends last evening. The guests brought with them several dainty refreshments, served by the visiting ladies. Progressive 500 was played at four tables.” Mrs. Freida Heidle and Mr. Nick Harris won high honors at their tables, with Mrs. Fred Hillman and Mr. Charles Steiner winning “foot prizes. Valentines were used as tally cards.”
The Gallery: Jason Knudson Story by Nell Musolf
A lucky guy W
hile growing up in Highland, California, Jason Knudson spent his time going to school, skateboarding and working as a dishwasher to support his punk/ metal vinyl habit. When his family moved to Minnesota when he was 17, he experienced something of a culture shock. “I eventually found the skate punks and learned there were record stores and awesome bands in Mankato, so college at MSU was the obvious choice once I was miraculously accepted,” Knudson said. Knudson graduated from Minnesota State University in 1999 with a BFA in graphic design and a focus in painting. Knudson recalled stumbling from major to major for his first couple of years until he took his first studio classes and found something that he had a passion for that didn’t require math. During college and shortly afterward, Knudson painted frequently. Since then his artwork has become primarily illustration and design. “Quite a bit of my visual focus goes toward my day job,” Knudson said. “I think it’s more of a logistical shift. I don’t have a studio and it’s just easier for me to break out a sketchbook and sit at the drawing table or computer than it is to find a space and materials to paint. I like to work big and listen to music really loud while making a terrible mess. I’m positive that someday when I have more time and fewer deadlines
painting will find its way back into my life.” Knudson works at Fun.com as the graphic design department manager. He also plays the drums in the local rock band, Let it Breathe, and volunteers with Midwest Art Catalyst raising funds for arts and music in southern Minnesota. He has designed posters, shirts and album covers for many regional bands and venues. When describing his artistic style, Knudson said that he tries to stay flexible with what he creates based on its purpose. “My illustration tends to be more cartoony while my typography ranges from rigid to classic to aggressive— whatever fits best with the message of the piece,” he said. Knudson has been influenced by skateboard/surfboard graphics, heavy metal and punk album artwork, comic illustration and cartoons and said his work can range from clean to dirty or funny to serious depending on his mood or what’s called for. A few of the artists who have inspired him from his early days as an artist to the present include: Derek Hess, John Kricfalusi, Jim Phillips and Raymond Pettibon. For Knudson, the most important part of being an artist is to continue to have fun. “Just like any artist I’ve suffered through ruts that I thought would never end,” Knudson said. “I’ve stressed out over deadlines so hard that the project has failed. Because of these experiences
I’m trying harder and harder to avoid those situations by simply taking it easy and letting inspiration hit when it hits.” When working on a new project, Knudson typically begins the process by sketching ideas out and looking through books, magazines or online for reference photos and examples. He may also spend time at the computer assembling a rough concept collage to draw from although he said that more often than not he’ll use pencil and paper to flesh out the idea. Next he either inks the final drawing on paper or scans the sketch and uses a Wacom tablet pen or Photoshop to do the final rendering. Knudson feels that his artwork has become more “finished” over time. “From years of designing and paying close attention to balance, font choices, line weight and color I’d say that regardless of the subject matter, surface or medium, I pride myself more than ever on producing a piece that ‘looks finished,’” he said. Knudson said that he’s at a good point in life. “I’m now 44 years old, a graphic designer, artist, rock drummer, vol u n t e e r, a n d a ve r y c a re f u l skateboarder. I exist happily here in Mankato with my wife, Heather, my son, Charlie and my daughter, Liberty surrounded by many wonderful, inspiring and creative friends in a caring and supportive community,” Knudson said. “I’m a lucky guy.”
MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 9
Photo by Pat Christman 10 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • )(%58$5< • 11
Day Trip Destinations: Rochester’s WinterFest By Leticia Gonzales
A GIVING festival Rochester’s WinterFest helps area nonprofits
W
hile most winter festivals are centered on making the most of the cold weather by providing activities and entertainment, Rochester’s WinterFest takes the concept a step further by making their annual celebration a way to support charitable organizations in the community. “It’s unique in the sense that every event has a unique cause behind it, so we are reaching every facet of society,” said Kevin Torgerson, sheriff of Olmsted County. Torgerson has served on the festival’s executive council committee since its inception 13 years ago, when he initially organized the Polar Plunge event to raise funds for the Special Olympics. The festival developed due to the need to streamline local winter events. From a skyway golf tournament and frozen goose 10K run, to a snowball softball tournament and a ritzy gala, the list of winter events in Rochester continued to grow. “The idea was, we had these six different non-profit organizations kind of competing in a sense, for some
12 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
of the same sponsorships, some of the same media attention,” said Torgerson. The organizations were also vying for the mayor’s involvement and endorsement of these activities. “We were all asking him to come to our event and be our starter, our kickoff guy, or join us and participate,” Torgerson said. With the countless requests for Mayor Ardell Brede to be a part of yet another fundraiser, he decided it would benefit everyone if the community hosted a festival that would incorporate all of the winter events. Despite being in the middle of winter, Torgerson said the event continues to draw people outdoors when many suffer from cabin fever. “We had 32 different events last year, over 18 days,” he said. The event has also increased from two weekends to three, raising more than $350,000 each year. “Every event has a cause, a feel-good piece to it that’s different from a lot of other things, and that’s
what really brings the people out,” Torgerson said. Whether it’s the Boogie Night Dance Party, which raises money for the intellectually disabled at Hiawatha Homes, the Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos, which benefits the Rochester Senior Center, or cardboard sled races that support the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester, Torgerson said, “There are so many great causes in every community who need a little boost, who need a little help.” With more than a decade of events, Torgerson said WinterFest has made “a tremendous impact.” “The impact is that they are able to raise money and they are able to continue to do the great things they do in the community,” Torgerson said. WinterFest provides a great amount of funding for non-profits such as the Special Olympics and Hiawatha Homes. Referring to the clients served, Torgerson said “if it wasn’t for their organization, they wouldn’t be leading the life that they are able to lead and participate in activities in the community.” Togerson encourages festival attendees to get more involved in their communities as a result of what they see at WinterFest. “People who participate in these events, many of them might turn around and may volunteer the next time around,” he said. “It’s easy to just sit in your house and just sit in your own group of friends and not participating, but getting out and getting involved in these things, and helping people out, is really a good feeling.” Tracy McCray, a WinterFest volunteer, first got involved with the festival to raise money for a new playground at her son’s school. Together with other PTA members, McCray helped start BaconFest. “We just had all kinds of bacon type foods available, and some not so typical bacon things, just bacon added into them,” said McCray. “We had macaroni and cheese and bacon, potato soup with bacon, and then we had bacon bloody marys and we just had bacon island, which is just lots of different flavors of bacon in shaping dishes.” McCray said BaconFest at WinterFest brought in about $10,000 its first year, paying for the school’s new playground. Because of the event’s success, the school continues to participate in the annual event to raise funds for other school activities because “it’s a little different from selling cookie dough or gift wrap.” With the combination of winter fun and supporting more than one good cause, McCray said WinterFest visitors are bound to find an activity either indoors or outdoors that appeals to everyone, no matter their age. “Some of them are fancy, like the arts and diamonds gala for the Ronald McDonald House; some of them are outdoors and cold like the Lions Club ice fishing thing, so there are all sorts of different options,” she said. “It’s just about being part of winter in Minnesota.”
Go If you
What
WinterFest XIII Rochester, MN
When January 28 - February 14
Admission Admission varies per event Visit www.rochesterwinterfest.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 13
14 • January 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Cabin Fever Story by Robb Murray | Photos by Pat Christman, Trevor Cokley and Jessica Bies
Y
ou’re getting antsy, aren’t you? You’ve been indoors, for the most part, since November. And now you’re really, really hoping to someone swoops in with a magic wand and transports you to May. Or maybe June. Ahhhh, June. Remember June? Green everywhere ... Leisurely strolls through your neighborhood that don’t require Thinsulate ... Pools are open ... Shorts. Well here’s something else you might remember: This is Minnesota. Do we sit here and complain about the cold and wish we were someplace else? No, we do not. Are we whiners, content to binge watch “Lost” and count the days until the local meteorologist tells us it’s OK to go outside again?
No, we are not. And will we submit to the cold, give up our rights as citizens of this planet and vacate some of the most beautiful terrain in the world all because it’s a little brisk? OK, that might be overstating things but the point is that NO, NO WE WILL NOT. So, having whipped you into a go-get-’em frenzy, you might need some advice on where to unleash all that energy. That’s where we come in. We’ve come up with a few primo ideas to get you started. We’re blessed in this part of the world with TONS of things to do outside year around — and with people who have the gusto to take advantage of them no matter what the calendar says.
Here’s your list. You’re welcome. MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 15
■ Go snowshoeing
You know you’ve always wanted to give this a try. So: If not now, when? Snowshoeing is one of those “I didn’t know how cool it would be until I tried it” kind of things. Call Bent River Outfitters to get started. Or, page through the Mankato Community Education booklet and take the next snowshoeing class. You’ll be glad you did.
■ Sleigh and Cutter Festival in Waseca, Bock Fest in New Ulm, Winterfest in St. Peter
■ Visit the bison
Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Watch big mammals slowly meander throughout a fenced-in area ... Mmmm. But think again. And actually get out of the house and check them out at Minneopa State Park. The bison are majestic and carry a spiritual vibe that will make you feel one with the earth. Not to get all Lion King on you, but there’s a circle of life kind of energy that is evoked by a creature whose ancestors roamed southern Minnesota plains for millennia (I’m guessing). It’ll do your soul good to hang with the bison for an afternoon. Grab a Starbucks. Find your zen. Enjoy their girth.
■ Get your skis on
Unless you’ve got kids, you’re probably not hip to the wonders of Mt. Kato. I know, I know — calling it a “Mt.” is slightly laughable, especially to our transplant friends from the Colorado area or the East Coast. But what else are you going to call it, Hill Kato? It’s preposterous. It’s also irrelevant. The point is that Mt. Kato offers a world of fun if you’re brave enough to check it out. Not sure about that goofy snowboarding? Then strap on some skis. Don’t even want to go that far? They’ve got tubing which, for people whose parents were too cheap to let them ever try skiing, is apparently (I was always told) just as fun as skiing anyway. It’s not the cheapest date, but Mt. Kato can be a blast if you let it.
■ Try ziplining
Have you braved the crazy zipline course near Hendeson, yet? It sounds amazing. And if you thought it was only open during the summer months, think again. They’re open all year, and if adventure is what you seek, it’s worth a look.
16 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Minnesota must be home to the most small-town festivals and events anywhere. Even in the dead of winter, there are plenty of parties happening. Look no farther than Waseca to find a place that truly embraces the idea of living it up in the winter. Card tournaments, chili cook-offs, ice sculptures, ice plunges, peewee hockey tournament, Miss Sleigh and Cutter pageant, medallion hunt and so, so much more. Across the region in New Ulm, that’s where you can warm the cockles of your heart with some of the finest beer ... ANYWHERE. Schell’s Brewery’s Bock Fest attracts thousands because it’s a plain old German good time. And in St. Peter, Winterfest includes a medallion hunt, Polar Bear Plunge, ice fishing contest, hairy legs contest, poker walk and more.
■ Lace ‘em up
Both Mankato and North Mankato have a number of outdoor skating rinks. Don’t have skates? Borrow some. Or buy a cheap used pair. When you were a kid didn’t you used to head down to the local rink and skate outdoors in the middle of winter? Of course you did. So why can’t you now? Remember the crisp wind racing past your cheeks, heart pumping ... It was great to be alive! And you can relive that feeling. It’s free. It’s five minutes away. What are you waiting for? Oh, and if watching people lacing up their skates and having a great time is more your speed, the Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament takes place this month at North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park.
■ Take a walk
It sounds like a lame idea on a list full of gems, but think about this for a moment. There are so many prime locations in our area to simply put one foot in front of the other. The sculptures are still downtown, the Linnaeous Arboretum would LOVE to have you come visit, and there’s always Bluff Park in upper North Mankato. Get out there and have fun, folks. It won’t be long before we’re all saying, “It’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity!” MM
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John & Lorraine Busch 18 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Flying
south for the winter
For some, the best thing about a Minnesota winter is marveling at it from some place very, very warm
B
By Nell Musolf
lizzards. Sub-zero temperatures. Ice storms. What’s not to love about winter in Minnesota? While some people do indeed love battling the elements, there is another segment of the population that loves getting away from our winter wonderland and heading to more temperate climates. A few of those lucky folks shared what it’s like to be a so-called “snowbird,” and be able to fly south or west or anyplace warmer for the winter.
John and Lorraine Busch
John and Lorraine Busch have been traveling from Mankato to Fort Myers, Florida, for five years. They purchased a house in Fort Myers that has become a winter getaway for them as well as a gathering place for their children and grandchildren. Fort Myers is located on the Gulf side of Florida toward the southern tip of the state, a location that is a guarantee of beautiful weather as well as beautiful scenery. “Our families come in and we all enjoy the warm climate,” John Busch said. “There’s a lot to do in Fort Myers and if you’re a Twins fan, that’s where they have their spring practice.” The couple typically leaves for Florida in November, returns to Mankato for Christmas and then goes back south in early January before returning to Minnesota in the spring. “The climate is great,” John said. “The warmer weather is especially nice now that we’re a little older. There’s a lot of traffic and that takes some getting used to, but there is always something going on. It’s very nice, it really is.” After escaping the dark winters up north for a few months, John and Lorraine return to Mankato rested, refreshed and ready to enjoy Minnesota again. “I grew up in Mankato so it’s always good to come home,” John said. “It’s nice to get away and it’s nice to come home.” MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 19
Charlie and Barb Thompson
“Then we started coming back in April but you know what? There can still be snow in April,” Charlie Shortly after Labor Day, Charlie and Barb said. “Finally, I said, ‘let’s make darn sure that there’s Thompson leave their lower North Mankato no chance that there will be any snow on the neighborhood and head for Panama City Beach, ground!’ So now we come back closer to Memorial Florida. Panama City Beach is located in Day.” northwestern Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. The The best thing about coming home is returning to town is known for beautiful beaches as well as being their closely knit neighborhood, a place the a lure for college students everywhere come spring Thompsons have lived since 1978. break. “We have a lot of great neighbors,” Barb said. “It’s “I don’t like to rake leaves as much as I don’t like always good to come back home and see all of them to shovel snow,” Charlie Thompson said, explaining again and find out what happened while we were why the couple departs from Minnesota well before gone. I also am happy to see the kids and the the snow flies. “We used to go down later in the fall grandkids.” but we decided that we might as well head down earlier so we wouldn’t have to deal with the leaves Jo and Del Cornick either.” Jo and Del Cornick have been leaving the snowy Barb Thompson agreed. and frigid confines of southern Minnesota for more “Not having to rake leaves, shovel snow — just not than 20 years. At first they spent their time as being out in the cold, that’s the nicest thing about snowbirds traveling in fifth wheels to being a snowbird,” Barb said. different areas around the country The Thompsons first visited the Panama visiting national and state parks, City Beach area back in the 1970s because Corps of Engineers areas and Barb’s sister lived there. For many years commercial parks before finally they rented a condominium on the staying two to three months in beach but as the spring break crowds one recreational vehicle park. grew bigger and bigger – and the “When we found that we were beach grew more and more crowded repeatedly heading straight for – they decided it might be nicer to Rincon Country West RV move a little bit inland. That is when Resort in Tucson, Arizona, we they found their current snowbird’s decided to buy a permanent home away from home, a townhouse park model with a side room, they purchased in 1999. deck and shed,” Jo said. “We “We’re about three-quarters of a have been in our park model mile away from the beach now,” about 10 years.” Charlie said. “Still close enough to The Cornicks cite the wintry enjoy it but away from all of the weather as the main reason they spring break crowds.” decided to become snowbirds – When asked why the couple decided although there were other reasons to become snowbirds (other than the Charlie & Barb as well. desire to avoid raking and shoveling,) Thompson “We go to Arizona for the sunshine Charlie was quick with his response. but also for the many activities in our “Oh, it was most definitely because of the 55-plus resort community and the Tucson snow and the freezing temperatures in Minnesota metro area,” Jo said. during the winter. I retired in 1999 and I didn’t want The Cornicks typically leave Mankato in late to have to deal with that anymore.” October or early November and return in late April, In addition to enjoying miles of beaches, stopping off in Oklahoma to spend time with their innumerable restaurants and almost continuous daughter and family on both the trek out west and sunshine, the Thompsons have also found many the return home. friends among other snowbirds from Wisconsin, Among the things they appreciate about getting Michigan and Canada. away, in addition to the delightful change in “We get together all the time, usually at weather, is the change in scenery. dinnertime. We don’t do anything special, just bring Said Del, “It’s always nice to see the change of whatever is leftover in our refrigerators and put it all region. In Arizona we have mountains and desert. on the table for everyone to enjoy,” Charlie said. We also appreciate the cultural variety of ‘The Old “The snowbirds flock together.” Pueblo.’” The Thompsons also keep themselves busy with Jo added, “I love the variety of hiking in Arizona hobbies such as woodworking and quilting. and especially enjoy going to and volunteering at “I have a workshop where I can do woodworking the Tucson Book Festival in the spring.” projects, and we have a bedroom that we turned into Upon their return to Mankato, they enjoy being a sewing room. I do a lot of quilting, too,” Charlie back in the valley. said. “It’s always great to see how green everything is in Barb is a quilter, too. She also does a lot of reading the valley,” Del said, “and to discover how much has and takes daily walks. been built in Mankato while we were away. And it’s The Thompsons used to return to Mankato in always good to be back with friends and neighbors March but stopped that practice when they realized again.” MM that there is often still snow on the ground at that time.
20 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
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(944) 412-7949 | OrthoEdgeMN.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 21
ay Ess
Canis Mythicus (A story of dogs, man and God)
O
nce upon a time, back in my teaching days at Minnesota State University in Mankato, the chair of the Agronomy Department, Dr. Mohammed Azad, lived in the modest white stucco house clinging to the James Avenue hillside like the American middle-class clutching by its bloody fingernails to its disintegrating economic status. Mo had two Ph.D.s – agronomy and hydrology – so I called him Dr. Dr. I often queried him in the words of Harry Nilsson: “Doctor, Doctor, ain’t there nothin’ I can take, Doctor, Doctor, to relieve this belly ache?” I’m an atheist; Mo was a Bangladeshi Muslim in recovery. He’d come whistling down the sidewalk on his way to catch the bus, swinging the oldfashioned leather briefcase his father bought in London when he was a student and given to Mo when Mo moved to the States. I’d be sitting on the porch reading, and I’d hollar, “Yo, Mo!” would stop and poke his head through a thin spot in our hedge and reply “Thank you, come again.” Then he would nail me with an insult: “Is that Miss Teresa Dave-Ass on his porch daveno reading like one little girl!” In a moment of weakness induced by Mo’s post“Simpsons” martinis, I had revealed how the kids in junior high teased me about my name. 22 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Before you call me a bigot and admonish me for not allowing this man the dignity of his name, let me say that we grew to be friends watching “The Simpsons.” He didn’t specify the show when he invited me over to meet his favorite TV character. He told me he’d blend me up one chutney squishee. I didn’t know what chutney was, let alone something called a chutney squishee. When I wasn’t reading student work, all I watched on TV were the animal shows. Mo’s favorite “Simpsons” character was Apu, the Indian from India, who runs the Kwik-E-Mart. I know what you’re thinking: “How is it that a cultivated fellow like Dr. Mo Azad, a guy with two Ph.D.s, would tolerate -let alone enjoy -- a cultural stereotype like Apu?” The answer is that Mo didn’t have a gram of pretense or political correctness in him. I suppose the answer could also be that Mo was Muslim and Apu is Hindu. Yes, Mo was in recovery, but the residue of any monotheist delusion is tough to shed. I prefer to believe that Mo’s expansive heart had room for a good laugh on anybody. What Mo’s heart did not have, however, was room for dogs. This was the only character flaw I observed Mo to suffer; it clung as tenaciously as a devout dingleberry. So, of course, I went right for it. This was a golden time for Becky and me and the kids, who were still in middle school. One February Snickers gave birth to six pups in a big cardboard
box in the dining room. As the trees filled out and the cattails grew so high we couldn’t see the marsh across Stoltzman Road, we did get to see the momma ducks lead their ducklings across the road creating traffic back-ups that were fine with everybody. It’s hard to find a duckling hater anywhere. The pups were now knee-high and ready to give away, except for Norton the runt, who -- at that stage of his evolution -- looked more like a possum than a dog and barked like a seal. We decided that Norty’s utterance wasn’t a bark at all; we called it a barp. Norty barped like a seal forever, and one day a few years later at a gas pump west of Sturgis, South Dakota, a few days before the gigantic Harley-Davidson rally, his barp aroused the attention of the famous actor Peter Fonda, who walked over to my desperately rusty old Ford 4X4 with me, peered into the cab at Norton, and refused to acknowledge that my Dear Nort was a dog at all. It was Fonda’s contention that Norty might be the infamous Chupacabra. Gawd, I hated it when people said that about my Nort. Snickers was a Siberian husky-Golden retriever mix, and the puppies’ father was a Golden; the pups themselves were beautiful, wonderful American mutts, except our beloved oxygen-deprived, alwayslast-to-the-tit mutant Norton, with whom I identified most closely, and who seldom left my side for twelve years rich to overflowing with love as true as dear friends of any species. I would gather my attack pups around me on the porch and wait for Mo. I’d hear his door open and close, then the leather soles of his wingtips on the sidewalk. “All right, muttskis,” I’d say. “We are the Old-World colonial power, and that guy up there is a wog dipped in ham juice. GO GET ‘IM! And off they’d go a hikin’, Yodi with his grown-up bark leading the pack, and Norton chugging along behind, barping, wondering what his brothers and sisters were up to at such a frenetic pace. The Nort’s right hip never worked as a hip should, and he had to throw his leg out in a wide arc to get up any steam. He also suffered a lack of balance: he’d walk along the edge of the porch and fall into the bushes. That could have been his lousy eyesight, too. We figure an animal possesses all kinds of animal litheness and cunning and communion with nature. But nature shortchanged Norty: He was flompy and guileless. With each example I observed of nature’s gifts denied, the more I loved him. Norton’s brothers and sisters had received their names first, mostly from Nikki: Yoda, Coda, Bolshoi (Yes, Nik was a musician and a dancer), Walter, Custer. We learned later that she meant Custard because of his color. My enduring terror of copyright infringement prompted the change from Yoda to Yodi. Josh named Nort after our old British motorcycle: he was Norton Commando Davis. That was his name, but you know how it goes with the names of creatures and people we love: Josh began calling him Nortskur; one of us shortened that to Skur, it evolved to NortskurBear, Skurbear, Skurbeary. We found good homes for Coda, Bolshoi, Walter and Custer, and Yodi found a home with the Everywhere Spirit whom our friend Jim Petersen said must have needed a good dog over there
beyond the third bank of the river. Mo expressed his condolences about Yodi, and we knew he was sincere. But he was also glorifying in the absence of our gang of muttskis gamboling at his heels twice daily for a solid block, nipping his pant cuffs and breaking off their milkteeth in those little round holes in his shoes. I was teaching the young Nortberry to catch biscuits when Mo walked down the sidewalk one stunning afternoon in May. Every tree and plant was budded out, and the earth was redolent, as the poet says, with the assurance of new life and continuing possibility. I sat on the porch couch, and Norton sat with his front paws at the toes of my boots; he always sat a few degrees off-kilter because of his bad hip. He was ringed by biscuits whole and in pieces, and a film of light brown biscuit dust accented his muzzle like nutmeg on a latte. Mo peeked through the hedge and announced himself – “Thank you, come again.” – then walked up the steps and extended his hand at the moment I tossed yet another biscuit. So far I had not motivated Nort to open his mouth, or even move his snoot, let alone catch a bisky: This one landed on his head equidistant between his ears and stayed there. Mo and I shook hands as we always did. He looked down with heightened disdain at my poor addled Skurbeary with the biscuit on his head. Norty’s little black eyes, which were always slightly crossed, seemed to acknowledge the weighty presence above them. I grabbed the biscuit off Norty’s head and Mo sat down. Then Norty trundled his way to all-fours, climbed onto the couch and lay his head in my lap. I held the biscuit under his nose; He opened his mouth and I shoved it in. He pondered a moment; then he chomped away with vigor and determination. I smiled pridefully. “Yo,” I said, “Mo. What are you doing flouncing down my sidewalk on this beautiful Minnesota afternoon?” I knew he was headed to campus for his night class. I also knew that I and my Skurbeary were in for a battle of wits where we’d be miserably outnumbered. “It is you who is the big flouncer, Miss Teresa DaveAss, here on her porch daveno with her creature of indeterminate specie.” “I abide no blaspheming of My Dear Skurbeary,” I replied. I rubbed Norton under his ear. He chomped away. A drool spot the diameter of a soup bowl had appeared on the crotch of my overalls. Biscuit chunks adorned it like mini-croutons. “I have come to reveal to you the origin of this...” Mo looked down at Norton as though my happily chomping Skurbear were something floating by in the yearly Ganges flood. “... this dog,” he said in Jack Nicholson’s voice as Nicholson refers to Greg Kinnear’s little pooch in “As Good As It Gets.” He then gave me a viciously knowing look and told me I couldn’t handle the truth. Then he switched back to Apu: “After which I am offering to blend you up one aubergine squishee.” I allowed him to glory in what he assumed was my ignorance of the word. Aubergine is – of course -the French word for eggplant. And I don’t even have one Ph.D. Ha! “Reveal away, Doctor, Doctor,” I replied. I gave Nort another bisky and settled back. MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 23
“When God made Adam, Mo said, “the devil was furious because God looked upon Adam as His finest creation. God had made the devil of fire, and Adam of earth. The devil claimed that fire was a superior material, and that he was, therefore, superior to Adam. The harder the devil pressed his claim, the more his hatred for Adam grew. One day the devil and Adam were arguing, and he spit on Adam, right in the center of his belly. God was outraged to see the best of his handiwork defaced in this way. He reached down, pinched away the piece of flesh and threw it on the ground. An indentation remained in Adam’s belly and in the bellies of all of Adam’s offspring where God removed the flesh the devil had defiled. It looks like a little button.” I nodded. I appreciate a good belly-button myth as much as the next guy. “I thought you said this was a dog story.” Mo stood. He glanced down at Norty and didn’t crack a smile. Then he turned his eyes back to me. “God looked at the little piece of flesh on the ground and did not want even one such small piece to go to waste,” Mo said. “And so out of this profaned scrap of flesh God made the dog, whose duty it would be to clean up scraps forever.” He turned, walked down the steps and then peeked back through the hedge: “Thank you, come again.” “Come visit the Kwik-E-Mart later, and I am blending you up one mongoose squishee and one roadkill squishee in a to-go cup for your friend.” “We’ll be there!” I yelled after him. Wonderful, I thought. Brilliant. All my poor Skurbeary needs is a vicious dose of anti-dog myth from the colon of the Koran to squash his self-esteem forever. I looked down: Nort’s narrow black eyes perched over his dry and cracking parody of a dog nose like an out-of-office response that said NO ONE HOME ... EVER. How could I tell if my dear SkurBear had been undone by this attack of species bigotry? The only time Norty had ever taken on a different expression was when he had a baby raccoon in his mouth, and that expression was astonishment. That Norty was awake was about all you could ever discern of his relationship to his environment. My dear friend Norton was a vessel of indeterminate content in whom I invested more love than I knew I possessed. I rubbed under his ear and told him the true story of how his ancestors came to be. “Skurbear,” I said, “everybody thinks Adam was full of confidence because he was God’s favorite creation. But he wasn’t as confident as everybody thinks. The truth is that Adam was lonely in the enormous new world all around him. Plus, the devil picked on him all the time. And plus again, the devil glowed ferocious with flames and brilliant shiny shimmers of heat, because he was made of fire, and Adam was made of the brown earth. The truth was that even though the devil was bad, he was beautiful, and Adam didn’t feel beautiful. “Once the devil saw that Adam felt inferior his hatred for him grew. One day he was bullying Adam and his contempt boiled over. He spit on Adam – as all the stories tell – right in the center of his belly. “But here’s where all the stories get it wrong. 24 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
“The devil’s spit was volcanic, and it burned that hole in Adam’s belly. Why didn’t God blow on it to cool it off? Because God wasn’t around right then, that’s why. And the devil knew it. That’s something else the other stories get wrong: God isn’t always around. “When God came back he found Adam sitting on a smooth round rock staring into the fiery sunset. Adam was feeling that everything in the world was brighter and stronger than he was. This wasn’t true, but that’s how Adam felt. God looked into Adam’s heart and saw all of this. “God walked with Adam far from the devil’s radiance and roar. God reached into Adam’s heart and excised a little piece. He pointed to a patch of earth where flecks of gold lay on the surface like tiny leaves. My son, God said, I am going to make a new creature who will always love you. God scraped up a palm full of earth and mixed it with the piece of Adam’s heart. He wrung his hands together and molded the heart-earth into a ball the color of caramel. He rolled the ball out on the ground. It sprouted four legs, a tail, pointed ears, a bright, curious face radiant of love, and a noble snout. The dog ran up to Adam and licked his foot where Adam had stepped in something nasty. In a few licks Adam’s foot was clean. Adam smiled. The dog smiled. God smiled. And Adam had a friend forever.” I thumbed the switch on the thrift-store floor lamp that stood beside the porch couch, grabbed the stack of student stories from off the milk crate we used for an end table, and set to the work I loved and that allowed me to feel of use in the world. Becky and Snickers got home from their run then. Snickers took a long drink from the dishpan of water there on the porch, then climbed up and curled beside Norty. Beck went in for her shower, but she popped out later with the giant comforter we all snuggled under when we watched TV; we called it our comfort mountain; it was, of course, layered with dog hair. She covered the three of us, then went back in to read her papers. I was comfy as could be under the comfort mountain with Norton and his mom in that beautiful evening in that golden time. I was still reading when Mo came walking up the sidewalk. I set the stories on the milk crate, clipped ropes on Snicker’s and Norty’s collars, covered them with my part of the comforter and tucked the edges under them. “Doctor, Doctor!” I called to Mo. “Doctor, Doctor, I need one aubergine squishie.” I hustled out to the sidewalk and caught up to him. “And one roadkill squishie to go.” “Thank you, come again,” was his reply. The squishees that Mo and I pounded ‘till after midnight were actually concocted of gin, vermouth and jumbo green olives, as they always were. I remember our handshake that night, as I remember that golden time with the dense weight of years welded with regret. I tottered down the sidewalk to that wonderful big old house with the covered porch at the dead end of James Avenue. Snickers and Nort and the comfort mountain were inside when I got back, and Becky, Nikki and Josh were in bed. Anissa was starting high
school in Spokane with her mom, and Pascal was in his last year of prep school with his mom in Paris. It was like waking up from anesthesia when I looked around one day twelve years later and everybody but Norty was gone. I never cried as much in my life as I did when Beck and I stood beside the table and held Norty as the vet slipped the needle in the big vein in his leg with a gentleness that still touches me all these years later. As great as the vet’s generosity of heart was Becky’s act of friendship in taking Norty in with me. We weren’t about to let our dear Norty spend on more minute in pain from his cancer. I can’t spend any amount of time behind the wheel of my hideously rusted old Ford F-250 without feeling Norty’s head on my thigh. How many miles we traveled across this great land in those golden days. MM
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the Wayne Gretzky of seasons
T
Enjoy! — Robb Murray, Associate Editor, Mankato Magazine
southern mn style
here is plenty of evidence throughout this issue of Mankato Magazine of how Mother Nature – whether vicious or benevolent – plays a leading role in our lives. During the summer we bask on warm beaches and flock to sun-drenched baseball games. During fall we marvel with wide eyes at the myriad colors found in the vegetation around us. In spring, when new life is everywhere, we can’t wait to get back outside. But it is during winter that Mother Nature does her most dominant work. She’s the Michael Jordan of seasons. Or, perhaps more appropriately, she’s the Wayne Gretzky of seasons. Everything about our game changes when the MVP shows up. She can be brutal. It can be enough, sometimes, to make you want to curl up on your couch and simply order takeout until the mercury heads north. Luckily, if that’s you, Mankato Magazine has an answer. Our food writer, Sarah Johnson, has stumbled upon a start-up business in town that will deliver anything. Speedy Singh’s adds “delivery available” to the menu of ANY restaurant. So you can literally sit on your couch binge-watching “Making a Murderer” and eat a dozen Perkins cookies, or a shawarma pizza, or a Dairy Queen Blizzard, delivered to your door. You wouldn’t even need to press pause on Netflix. Elsewhere in Food, Drink & Dine, you’ll learn about winter warmer beers, the hidden wonders of turmeric and the truth about wine blends.
food, drink & dine
Winter …
MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 29
Food southern mn style
“Speedy Singh’s Delivery Service” By Sarah Johnson
P
icture yourself sunk deep into your couch on a bitterly cold evening, enjoying all the cozy comforts of central heating in the midst of a deep Minnesota freeze. Your stomach begins to growl, and you search your mental cupboard for supper ideas, but come up as empty as Mother Hubbard. And there’s no way in H-double-toothpicks you’re going to go outside in those temperatures again. In fact, H-double-toothpicks sounds downright warm and toasty right now. Sigh … guess it’s pizza delivery, AGAIN. But what if you could enjoy those amazing fajitas from Mazatlan’s delivered to your door? Or the pork lo mein with a side of steamed dumplings from Hunan Garden? Or shepherd’s pie and Ruebens from the Bicker Inn? Chicken vindaloo from India Palace? Ice cream delights from Cold Stone? Anything you want from any restaurant in town. If it’s a restaurant in the Mankato area you’re itching for, Speedy Singh’s Delivery, an independent restaurant delivery service (RDS), will get that itch scratched. For a reasonable fee, dispatchers will take your order, send professional drivers to pick up and deliver your food, and handle all the financial 30 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
arrangements, all over the phone or Internet. You can even order from multiple restaurants if your family, like mine, can never agree on what to eat. Mankato Magazine caught up with owner Sunny Singh, who cheerfully answered our questions in between orders for chicken wings and barbecue. In 2014, with the business acumen of a four-restaurant family behind him, the dream of Speedy Singh’s Delivery became a reality. Mankato did not have an RDS at the time, and it was sorely needed. Someone had to step up to the plate. “We said, ‘Let’s just make it happen,’” Singh said. Modeled after RDSes like BiteSquad, GrubHub and Takeout Taxi, Speedy Singh’s handles breakfast, lunch, dinner and anything in between. It’s an entirely mobile business entity, utilizing the powerful technology of smartphones, computer tablets, GPS systems and the Internet. Although Singh often uses his family’s India Palace Restaurant as a home base, he can operate his business from anywhere, so most of the traditional overhead costs of brick-and-mortar setups are not applicable. A couple of dispatchers and a half-dozen drivers are all that’s needed by way of staffing. It’s a sleek and
modern business model with built-in speed and adaptability. Senior citizens, parents of young children, college students, non-drivers, partiers, folks who just hate to drive in snow – they all love the service. Singh says his database includes hundreds of “regulars” and the list is growing each day. “We’re doing pretty well for a start-up, and it’s only going to get better,” Singh noted. One big customer base? Nurses, who often can’t get away from their jobs to get meals. (Talk about a dedicated field of workers!) And another large chunk of revenue comes from business meetings. Here’s the process: Either call or go online, place your order (with help from online menus), and sit back while Speedy Singh’s relays your order, figures the price (including service fee if applicable and driver’s tip), and dispatches a driver to pick up and deliver the food. You can search online by restaurant, food type or even a specific dish. Many restaurants have an order minimum (usually about $10). Sp e e dy S i n g h’s a l s o d o e s catering for family gatherings, office meetings, parties and anyplace else that needs food delivered in large quantities. Singh looks at his job as a passion. “It’s been an adventure,” he said. “I get to help people out, and I enjoy having the freedom to work my own hours and control how I want to run things.” (And since he’s also a real estate agent, perhaps someday he will help “deliver” you a new house.) He believes top-notch customer service is the key to keeping his business successful. He recounted a story about a woman who forgot all about her anniversary until she came home to a homemade seafood dinner prepared by her husband. The next day she called Speedy Singh’s with a special request: Her darling loves Popeye’s Chicken, and only Popeye’s will do for this marvelous man. So Singh calculated a little extra gas, drove the 80 miles to Eden Prairie and made one lucky lady and her husband very, very happy. Just another contented customer, Singh said.
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 31
Wine & Beer
wines
By Leigh Pomeroy
An American blend trend I
southern mn style
t has been with welcome relief that I have witnessed the coming of blended wines from California — that is, wines with proprietary names and not just the varietal name of the principal grape in the wine. While varietals are fine, blends allow the winemakers to do so much more. In France the great whites and reds of Bordeaux are all blended, as are many of the wines from the southern Rhône region, the Côtes du Rhônes and Châteauneuf-du-Papes, for instance. These wines are allowed up to 18 grape varieties, but the most predominant are grenache, syrah and mourvèdre for the reds and roussanne, marsanne, viognier and grenache blanc for the whites. In Italy most of the wines of Tuscany are also place named, like Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. These are all sangiovese based, but also can contain canaiolo and traditional French grapes like cabernet sauvignon and merlot. These wines all bear the name of the place where they originate, identifying terroir (the interaction of soil and climate) rather than the grape. In California before the wine boom began in the 1960s, blended wines with European names — called generics — were mostly the only choice that wine drinkers had and bore the names Chablis and Rhine or Burgundy and Claret. Varietal wine names came about in the U.S. to indicate not only the primary grape in the wine but also a higher level of quality than the generics. Due to industry lobbying, the varietal requirements set by the federal government were fairly loose. If the wine was non-vintaged — a rarity today — it needed only be composed of 51 percent of the named grape on the label. If it was vintage dated, that variety needed only be 75 percent of the blend.
32 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
This is still true today, though if varietal wines also carry specific appellations or vineyard names, the percentage requirements become more stringent. Today, among domestic offerings, varietal wines are the most prominent on store shelves and restaurant wine lists. Yet American blends are making a comeback, though not with European names — which is fortunately now illegal, except for “champagne” — but with proprietary names dreamed up by enterprising winemakers and winery owners or, in the case of large wine conglomerates, devised by marketing gurus and honed in focus groups. That’s why we have blends like Conundrum (owned by Napa Valley’s Wagner family, producers of the deservedly famous Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon); Apothic (Gallo); Ménage à Trois Red (Trinchero); Phantom (Bogle); Gnarly Head Authentic Red (Delicato); The Prisoner (Huneeus Family); and Old Vine Red (Marietta), among countless others. Most of these are made from grapes coming from various locations in California, but other smaller wineries are producing blends that reflect a particular growing area or even vineyard. As well as its everyday-drinking Old Vine Red, Marietta Cellars offers a Rhône-style blend from syrah, grenache, petite sirah and viognier called Christo. They also make a Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and malbec called Armé. Both are sourced from Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Ridge Vineyards has long been known for its varietal Zinfandels and Cabernets, but it also offers blends featuring the style of a given area, for example the zinfandel-based Geyserville and Lytton Springs bottlings and the single-vineyard, cabernet-based Monte Bello.
Minnesota vintners too have been experimenting with blends. Chankaska Creek Winery in Kasota features a Creekside White (currently a mix of riesling, gewürztraminer and chardonnay) and Creekside Red (combining marquette, sangiovese, zinfandel, petite sirah and saint croix). Morgan Creek Vineyards in Cambria features the dry Saint John Reserve and the slightly sweet Red Tail Ridge, both red blends of French-American hybrid grapes. And Indian Island Winery east of St. Clair offers a proprietary Island Smoke, a semi-dry white blend from the prairie star and Louise Swenson varietals developed at the University of Minnesota. All in all, blended wines are becoming a greater component in the wine scene today. I encourage wine lovers to experiment: Reach for that unknown label. If in doubt, ask the wine expert in the store. She or he will gladly offer up any suggestion they have.
Mankato Magazine will try to keep you updated on wine events by local wineries. This month we’re featuring Indian Island Winery. These are some of their upcoming events: • Paint and Sip classes (throughout the year) • Valentine’s Dinner (Saturday, February 13) • Spring Fling Floral Design (to be announced, but sometime before Easter) • Pink Ribbon Ride and Cancer Benefit ( June) To learn more, go to indianislandwinery.com or call (507) 234-6222.
Leigh Pomeroy is a Mankato-based writer and wine lover.
Beer
By Bert Mattson
On wanting winter warmer I
t’s easy to fall into complaining about winter weather. I realized this on a recent work trip to the West Coast. We went around the dinner table sharing something about ourselves. The groupleader shuddered, literally, as my mention of Minnesota impressed itself upon his imagination. Making no move to correct him, I even nodded an assent. At first, I attributed that reaction to Minnesota Nice – that odd intolerance for any conversational discomfort. Eventually, I came to accept it as a force of habit. I once lived in Florida long enough to grow impatient with palms, and pine for midwestern trees, how they signify changing seasons. I actually really enjoy our weather. Dissecting the impulse to imply unhappiness about our winters (to an outsider!) struck a vein of memories. I saw my self ice-skating after dark, until little toes throbbed cold. I remembered rising pre-dawn to beat traffic on the slopes. To ski while stingy winter daylight burned, then, from the lift, watch snowflakes flutter under artificial light like moths. I remembered Mom peeling from me layers sopping from sweaty effort spent tunneling snow forts or scaling sled hills… the smell of wet wool. I smiled. I smiled from nostalgia, sure, but also because… could I even explain my feelings about our weather, anyway? Trying might take a philosophical turn too intense for dinner table talk: Could a steaming cup of hot cocoa be truly appreciated without wind-burned cheeks? Isn’t a fireplace superficial without a frost? Cold and snow contrast our experiences, defining them, making small things meaningful. Odds are I had
made a sufficiently eccentric impression without getting into all that. Besides, I’m OK with it if others don’t understand the relationship we have with our weather. So, I segued to beer instead. Our weather earns us a good Winter Warmer. A hallmark of the style is strength –the warming effect elevated alcohol levels have on the palate. Winter Warmers are traditionally on the malty-sweet side and often dark. Hop bitterness is usually balanced, though American versions vary. Reflecting release dates around the holidays, some examples are spiced. Bad Weather Brewing Company ‘s Midwest Warmer, Ominous, bates winter weather with notes of toffee, dark fruit, and cocoa. It soothes with smooth, rich, roasty-oatsy character. An overstuffed chair by a crackling fire never looked better than while framed by frigid weather… unless, perhaps, you add a pint of Ominous to the picture. On the other hand, dried fruit and chocolate come through Indeed Brewing Company’s Winter Ale, Stir Crazy, because pulverized raisins and cocoa nibs are added as a part of the process. Brown sugar is added also, fortifying malt sweetness. And, as if that wouldn’t be enough to whet one’s wonder, it’s hit with a hint of vanilla. The contrast between these cozy ales and cold weather is what makes them tick, but with food try something complementary. Stuff dates with a blend of goat and cream cheeses and roll them in roasted almonds. You should hear no complaints. Bert Mattson is a chef and writer based in St. Paul. He is the manager of the iconic Mickey’s Diner. bertsbackburner.com
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 33
Drinks
Happy Hour:
By M. Carrie Allan | Special to the Free Press
southern mn style
A bar full of bubbles lets you
enjoy the party
F
or the cocktail lover, this season of festivities can be full of temptation. Specifically, the temptation to gift your friends and family with the fruits of your bibulous labors: to tinsel up the place, invite friends and start mixing craft cocktails. But good cocktails take attention and focus, the very gifts you might prefer to bestow upon your guests. When I spoke to bartending legend Dale DeGroff for a recent column, I asked him about what makes a great bartender. He emphasized that one of the keys is to get to know your recipes so well you don’t even have to think about them, so you can make drinks and charm your guests at the same time. He might as well have told me the key was taking a dose of unicorn powder every morning. Having driven the same commute for 10 years now, I arrive at work some mornings and cannot remember any of the details it took to get there, but the day I can cocktail on automatic pilot is still a long way off. For me, one of the worst moments of hosting a party is that early stage when guests arrive and want to catch up while I’m trying to focus on their drinks. The chances of someone’s receiving a Manhattan with a blue cheese-stuffed olive in it go up exponentially. The classic (and excellent) solution to this mix-ormingle stumper is to make punch, festive and convivial, the flowing bowl around which guests can gather. But it’s not the only option. While a punch can be made before guests arrive, a DIY champagne cocktail bar brings the bubbles t h a t l i f t s o m a ny w i n t e r celebrations and creates a shared activity for guests to socialize over. You don’t want to be stuck churning out eight separate craft cocktails, but eight maids a-mixing is plain old fun. What’s more, this is a case where you don’t need to use the greatest of wines. In fact, you shouldn’t, because who wants to obscure a really wonderful champagne with other flavors? A decent brut-style sparkler will suffice. The Post’s wine guru, Dave McIntyre, suggested two cavas, Jaume Serra Cristalino and Segura Viudas (each available for around $10), and Domaine Ste. Michelle and Piper Sonoma as inexpensive
34 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
but unembarrassing domestic options. Go pricier if you choose, but it’s not a necessity here. An ideal setup would be a tallish round table allowing guests to gather and converse around it. Set out an assortment of liqueurs, mixers and garnishes, and an ice bucket in the middle to keep the champagne chilled. Keep the glasses chilled, too, if you have room in your freezer. Leave out a few recipes and let your guests enjoy themselves. The recipes should help the newbies feel more confident, while allowing the more adventurous to play around. After a champagne cocktail or two, the newbies will probably join the more adventurous set. I’ve highlighted six options here, but there are many more champagne cocktails; if you have a favorite, bring it into the mix. You can go modest with a few liqueurs and mixers, or go big with a wider range. Most of the ones here result in a lovely range of holiday reds and golds. Just throw in some candles to catch their colors, and your drinks become part of your decor. ••• • Spiced Cranberries in Champagne: This sweet, tart drink makes use of the season’s favorite fruit in a beautiful, seasonal quaff from “Good Things to Drink with Mr. Lyan & Friends,” the new cocktail book by Ryan Chetiyawardana, the man behind much-loved London bars White Lyan and Dandelyan. The cranberry and orange liqueur are a perfect pairing. • Champagne Cocktail: Jerry Thomas provides a recipe for this drink in his “How to Mix Drinks,” but there’s no mention of cognac. Then again, he also recommends shaking it. Such a prescription with a sparkling wine would leave your guests wet, sticky and grumpy. This is one case where you don’t want to follow Jerry’s lead. With the cognac, it’s worth quaffing; without, there’s not a ton to recommend this drink beyond the pretty trail of bubbles created by a bittered sugar cube. • Negroni Sbagliato: With bittersweet, appetite-stimulating Campari on board, this is a particularly good option if you’re planning to feed people after they cocktail. “Sbagliato” is essentially Italian for “messed
up” or “botched”; supposedly this drink was created when a bartender grabbed a bottle of champagne instead of gin while making a Negroni. The story may be a myth, but the drink is the real deal. • French 75: A classic - tart, light, refreshing. If you’ve got cognac on offer, too, you can suggest your guests try subbing in equal parts of cognac for the gin. • Kir Royale: Some people make this with Chambord, a raspberry liqueur. I’m not a fan, and it’s not true to the drink’s history; it evolved from a crème de cassis and white burgundy drink popularized by a French Catholic priest/resistance fighter named Felix Kir - an amusing origin for what’s become known as a “girly” drink. I’ll take on the politics of “girly drinks” when I have more space for yelling, but since you’re throwing a party, this is a fun recipe to set your guests loose on. If you have other fruit liqueurs on hand, a dollop of apricot or pear is a nice variation.
Nightly Dinner Features!
Allan is a writer and editor. Follow her on Twitter: @Carrie_the_Red.
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CITY CENTER MANKATO www.pub500.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 35
Food
What’s Cooking By Sarah Johnson
southern mn style
Get to know turmeric You’ll be glad you did
S
pare me your spinach, keep your kale, and pishtosh on your pomegranates: Everybody’s latest favorite superfood isn’t something chewy. It’s a mere sprinkling of spice!
Turmeric:
Devotees liken it to a miracle, calling it a powerful antiinflammatory that fights cancer and Alzheimer’s disease and nearly everything in between. Arthritis. Crohn’s disease. Ringworm. Cuts and burns. Depression. Hearthburn. Diarrhea. Gas. Bloating. Jaundice. Eye infections. Mouth sores. Headaches. Leech bites. Loss of appetite. Bronchitis, Colds. Fibromyalgia. Fever. Menstrual pain. Water retention. Intestinal worms. Kidney problems. And don’t forget leprosy, if you have any lepers hanging around. The National Institutes of Health is wary of most claims, citing a lack of clinical-trial evidence. (It does say turmeric could be effective for upset stomach and pain relief.) And sellers of turmeric products are wary of making specific health claims, too, because the FDA would not approve, tut tut. But that matters not to the ranks of the fanatics buying up turmeric juice, lotion and soap, or sprinkling 36 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
ground turmeric on their scrambled eggs and in their morning smoothies, or snapping up Indian cookbooks, with their multitudes of turmericbased curries. To them, what matters is a more general notion of well-being that turmeric is said to promote. It’s an all-around wonder drug. “If you have this in your life, you’ll feel better, clearer; you’ll have more energy and a more enriched lifestyle,” claims Daniel Sullivan, owner of TurmericALIVE, a beverage company featuring, guess what … turmeric. Vague claims indeed, but enticing nonetheless. Who’d have thunk a mere spice could be so powerfully alluring? A relative of ginger, turmeric is from the root of a perennial plant that grows 6 feet high in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, mostly India. Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color. How can you get more turmeric into your diet? Tablets and capsules are available wherever they sell health products; another way is to indulge more in curried dishes at home or in restaurants. You can brew your own turmeric tea with hot water and a teaspoon of turmeric; add honey if you like it sweet. It’s better to use straight turmeric in recipes rather than curry powder, as the amount of turmeric in curries varies widely, with some containing very little. • Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow color. • Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews and season with turmeric, cumin and coriander. • Add a little extra turmeric when preparing curries. • Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils. • Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric powder to them. • Cut cauliflower florets in half and sauté in with a generous spoonful of turmeric for five minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Sarah Johnson is a cook, freelance writer and chocolate addict from North Mankato with three grown kids and a couple of mutts.
Turmeric Spiced Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa
Dress in
This colorful grilled chicken and garden-fresh salsa could be the foundation of a flavorful buildyour-own taco bar, perfect for easy entertaining. Serves 8
Comfort…
Chicken: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
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Tomato Avocado Salsa: • 6 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks (2 1/2 cups) • 2 avocados, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (1 1/2 cups) • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric Tacos: • 2 cups shredded lettuce • 8 flour tortillas (8-inch) • For the chicken, mix oil, garlic powder, sea salt, turmeric and red pepper in small bowl. Place chicken in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor. • Meanwhile, for the salsa, mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve. • Remove chicken from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Grill chicken over medium-high heat six to eight minutes per side or until cooked through. Cut chicken into thin strips. • Place 1/4 cup lettuce on each tortilla. Fill with chicken and salsa. Fold sides of tortilla over filling and roll up to serve.
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 37
Reflections By Pat Christman
38 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
I
ce fishing is a foreign concept for folks that don’t live where the lakes freeze. The idea of walking (or driving) on a frozen lake to sit in front of a heater and try to catch fish through a small hole in the ice seems ludicrous. Those of us who live in northern climates regard ice fishing as something unique to our way of life. The badge of honor that comes from bringing up a fish from a frozen lake is something to be applauded and celebrated. Beating the winter doldrums by dragging a sled onto a frozen lake is considered a victory over winter here. Walking out on a lake to fish has a magical quality to it. It’s something normal people shouldn’t be able to do, which maybe explains some of its allure. MM MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 39
Then & Now: Ice Harvesting By Bryce O. Stenzel
This 1931 photo shows the Mankato Ice Co., which used six buildings to store ice. The company closed up shop for good in 1954.
The ice man used to cometh
I
t may seem strange to regard ice as a cash “crop,” in the same way as wheat, corn and soybeans are produced in the summer and fall months. However, in the years prior to mechanized refrigeration (late 19th and early 20th centuries), harvesting ice from the frozen lakes, rivers and ponds of southern Minnesota in January and February — for use in meatpacking, brewing and home consumption — was big business. In fact, the widespread use of “iceboxes,” which resembled a modern refrigerator but operated on the same principle as a modern picnic cooler, remained a common household, appliance well into the 1930s and 40s. 40 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Harvesting ice was timeconsuming, p hys i c a l l y demanding, cold and often dangerous work. It began with locating an appropriate “ice field,” in which the ice was thick enough to support the weight of the men and horses required to cut the ice into blocks and to haul it away. Although horses wore special shoes to help pull equipment and to cut down on slippage, it was still common for them to fall through the ice. According to one history of the industry, horses wore ropes around their necks so that if a horse fell in, the driver could pull the rope tight, cutting off air and causing the horse to stop struggling. Once the horse had calmed down, other horses would
pull the animal (and driver) out. Another factor in choosing an appropriate ice field was to locate an area of shallow, slow moving water, which would form solid, clear ice. Ponds were often avoided because the water didn’t move enough to provide aeration and formed what was called “pond ice,” murky ice with holes in it that was of poor quality for cooling purposes. Once the ice field was located (to avoid unwanted competition, ice dealers had specific fields they used year after year), it was important to keep it clear of snow — a natural insulator — that slowed down the freezing process. The first step in harvesting ice was to mark or “score” it with a
specially designed, horse-drawn “ice marker,” which cut lines several inches deep into the ice. Many harvesters cut blocks about 2 feet wide by 6 feet long. While these blocks could be cut into an assortment of sizes, depending on their intended use, uniformity was important for storage purposes. The next step was to cut nearly through the ice using a horsedrawn “ice plow.” The harvester would then cut through the rest by hand, using a kind of cross-cut saw with a handle on only one end. Two people (or one really strong one) were needed to do the actual cutting, because sawing ice was a laborious task. The blocks were then broken apart, floated down a channel specifically cut for the purpose, and lifted out of the water with heavy rope cables attached to a horse-powered block and pulley system. Later, larger companies that could afford it used a steampowered conveyor. Then the blocks of ice were stacked onto wagons and hauled to specially built “ice houses,” where they were stored, awaiting use. The harvested ice was kept
frozen by its sheer bulk: The more that could be tightly packed together, the longer it stayed cold. Ice houses, where stock could be stored year-round, had double outer walls separated by an insulator such as sawdust. An opening at the top vented the latent heat released by melting and water drained at the bottom. Because nature purifies water as it freezes, dirt and bacteria were forced into the water below, leaving the natural ice cut from rivers and lakes pure. Ice harvesting eventually became the victim of its own success. By World War I, harvesting ice had largely switched to mechanical methods both to make ice and refrigerate shipments. Home delivery of ice continued for a long time. In the 1920s, apartment buildings were still constructed with ice doors opening into each kitchen. In the 1930s, electric refrigerators replaced iceboxes in most city households. Some non-electrified rural areas relied on ice deliveries until the 1950s, but eventually that business also melted away with scarcely a trace. The Mankato Ice Company was founded in 1900 by Charles W. (C.W.) Miller, and was located between the 500 blocks of Owatonna Street and Hubbell Avenue—the present location of the exit ramp off of Highways 169 and 60 to the Mankato YMCA. The company had additional ice houses for storage in LeHillier and Lake Street near Spring Lake in North Mankato. These buildings were filled each winter with ice cut from the Blue Earth River and Spring Lake. The ice harvest took place in January of each year, and provided seasonal work for many townspeople and farmers alike, who were hired to prepare the ice field, cut the large blocks of ice (some weighed as much as 300-400 pounds), elevate Mankato Ice Co. employees (from left) John Ballman, Jr., Gordon Ballman and Ernest Hoffman.
the cakes of ice out of the river on to sleighs or trucks, and haul them to the company’s ice houses. There, the blocks would be stacked, covered in sawdust, and allowed to “sleep” until summer came and the blocks of ice were loaded into the vehicles of the delivery men and transported to local businesses and neighborhoods throughout the city. Harvesting, storing and selling ice this way remained a lucrative business until 1952, when Gordon Ballman (he purchased the Mankato Ice Company in 1948) decided to install artificial ice-making equipment at the Owatonna Street location. The old storage houses were removed and a modern ice plant was built. At peak capacity, this plant could produce 24 tons of ice in 400-pound cakes every 24 hours. Storage rooms capable of storing 600 tons of ice were also built. Demand for ice shifted from residential consumption to that of several processing plants in the area. Railroads had long used ice to refrigerate their box-cars carrying produce. They used it to cool their passenger cars as well. With the advent of semi-trucks to haul produce, the Mankato Ice Company was a regular stop on their routes. Mankato even had the distinction of having the only artificial ice-making plant in the state outside of St. Paul. Ballman died in 1958, the same year that highways 169 and 60 were built through Mankato. The ice plant was removed to make room for this new highway, as well as the approaches to the new bridge over the Minnesota River. Two years after the plant was razed, its ice-making equipment was sold and moved to New Ulm. An era had ended. The arrival of the “ice man” on hot summer days was once an eagerly awaited occasion for many Mankato children. They would watch with anticipation as the cake of ice was cut to fit their mother’s ice box. Any leftover ice chips would be theirs to do with as they pleased. Another forbidden pleasure was for them to play in the cool ice houses, where the ice blocks still “slept,” covered in sawdust.
MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 41
Living
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At 8 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the group meets at Fitness for 10. They’ve been getting together regularly for 35 years.
Commit to fitness T
By Joe Tougas
he personal earplugs are in. Your personalized training app is on, alternating spoken instructions along with your personally chosen music mix. You fix your gaze straight ahead, shut the world out and begin your exercise for the day. There’s a lot of resources, tech and otherwise, that allow a person to get entirely self-absorbed in the world of fitness and exercise. It’s as though a new trend were emerging that says the more you shut out the world, the more successful you’ll be. To that, Gail Mikkalson and about 15 of her friends would probably do what they seem to enjoy doing every five minutes or so when they’re together: Burst into laughter. 44 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
Since the days when Ronald Reagan restaurants. With one decaffeinated The longtime fifth grade teacher was a seventy-something Commanderholdout in the group, coffee has been retired from work at Monroe In-Chief, this group of women friends the liquid love that’s kept this group Elementary around 1990 and decided who began aerobicizing at the YWCA buzzing for decades. that was a good time start into an have remained committed to two basics They’ve become experts on where exercise regimen. A couple of her as a group. to get decent coffee and where you friends were getting involved in this The first is working out together can still get it in a matter of dimes, not group that was meeting every other as a group. They’ve been doing it for dollars. They’re all avowed fans of the weekday, and that seemed a fine idea to 35 years, starting with classes at the less-than-a-buck cups of coffee available her. former YWCA at the corner of South at Hardee’Hardeess and McDonald’s. “They’re just wonderful people and Second and Cherry Streets. The It’s the same quality between those and they’re someone you can count on if classes met three time a week: Monday, the national coffee chains, they say, you need something,” she said in a car Wednesday and Friday. where you’re paying mostly for prestige. just outside Palm Springs. Though gone Joyce Stier had been taking those Nobody here minds walking around for the season, she’s getting plenty of classes even earlier, since around 1975. with a Hardee’s cup, they said. workouts with her water aerobics class “I started when I became a grandma Regardless of where they go for every morning, she said, and looks for the first time,” recalled Stier, who coffee, it’s provided the means to get to forward to every gathering of her group at age 91 has the distinction as THE know one another. back in Mankato. senior member of her group of friends. “We really are a therapy group for “We just love sharing with each “My daughter was a new mother, so she each other,” Mary Holland said at a other — about our families, our needed to take a little weight off so she recent party at group member Charlene grandchildren. They are all someone came with me. This was down in who’ll be there for you if you the gym of the YW, then we’d come need them.” up and sit in the dining room and have coffee or in the little niche, in Winnie Busing does most that tower and have coffee.” of her exercise separate from In the course of 35 years, the the group, as she lives in St. bulk of these friends have been Clair. But she made it for the meeting every Monday, Wednesday Christmas party. and Friday at one exercise facility “We’re all different or another. When the YWCA left professions,” she said. the Second Street building, they “Somme have husbands moved around en masse looking for and some don’t. Some have an exercise home. significant others.” About four months ago, armed “Who?” Somebody asks, with free passes, they walked into prompting another gust of the 16,000 square foot Fitness for laughter at the table. $10 on Madison Avenue. They’re all pleased with the General manager Chad Ziemke newness and cleanliness of Party time for the group, hosted by Charlene Ubl, standing in back. the Fitness for 10 facility, the said it took a couple of hours Photo by Joe Tougas to show 15 women around and latter of which is a BIG deal, Ubl’s home in Mankato. It was a few answer their questions. But it ended they say. They also dig the staff and weeks before Christmas, and 12 of the up being a nice match for all parties. fellow fitness people. group were sampling Ubl’s long array of It might have been a small gesture on “We have a lot of young people with Ziemke’s part that did the trick. baked goods and coffee. us old ladies… guys with all the tattoos,” “When they were leaving, they went As Frank Sinatra crooned on the said Mary Holland..”It’s good to see over to that new Hardee’s,” Ziemke said, radio, and the group offered a number other people working out and being “and I called over quick and I could hear of views on the hows and whys of their good at what they do.” camaraderie. Versions and dates varied, them in the background. I called to tell At Fitness for 10, Ziemke says the but the basics were the same: They’ve them to put their coffee on a (tab) and group makes his day — three times a been there for each other in sickness I’d pay for it when they were done.” week. and in health — and they’re especially When it was announced Chad was “They’ll tell you we bring a lot of there if one doesn’t show. picking up the tab, they erupted. energy to them, but they bring a lot to “I could hear them all in the “I guess you’d call it support,” said us,” he said. background hooting and hollering, Mary Lou Haldorson, “Because we have “I have 15 employees that work under saying ‘I’m getting everything on the so many people who exercise, you don’t me and the biggest thing I stress is a menu.” want to miss. If you don’t show up they welcome hello every time and ‘Have a call you. What’s up today? Get your Which brings us to the second strong good day’ to everyone who leaves, with buns over here? Or where’s Mary Lou? commitment these women have. The a big smile. And with this group, it’s bonding power of coffee. It’s a very motivating factor to have this definitely reciprocal. No exercise gathering has been big group.” “I look forward to going to work complete without talk over java A few have left town for winter, Monday, Wednesday and Friday more afterward, from the little coffee room among them Gail Mikkelson. Mikkelsen than Tuesday and Thursday.” in the YWCA, where they’d pitch in a is a relative newcomer to the group, dime, to the laminate tables of fast-food joining them about 15 years ago. Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 45
Advice for aging athletes R
etired professional athletes often speak about the difficult moment when they knew it was time to retire from professional competition. The transition can be easy for some but far more difficult for others. But aging amateur athletes know you need not be a professional to realize there comes a time when your body is telling you it’s time to ease up. Athletes are used to pushing themselves and stretching their limits, but some limits are best not pushed. Such is the case with the limits posed by aging. While athletes don’t have to completely fold up shop and hang up their cleats, tennis shoes or other athletic equipment as they approach senior citizen status, there are steps aging athletes can take to ensure they aren’t pushing their bodies too far as they grow older. • Recognize your new recovery time. Veteran athletes tend to have a sixth sense about their bodies, knowing how long they need to recover from common ailments like ankle sprains, knee pain, back pain and shin splints. Despite the body’s remarkable ability for recovery, it’s not immune to aging, and that recovery time will increase as the body ages. Whereas a sprained ankle might once have been as good as new after a few days or rest, aging athletes must recognize that the same ankle sprain now might require more recovery time. Returning too quickly from an injury can only make things worse for aging athletes, so don’t push yourself. • Take more time to warm up. As the body ages, its response time to exercise increases. This means the body needs more time to prepare itself for cardiovascular and strength training exercises. Increase your warmup time as you age, gradually increasing the intensity of your warmup exercises until your body feels ready for more strenuous exercise. • Focus on flexibility. The more flexible you are, the more 46 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
capable the body is of absorbing shock, including the shock that results from repetitive activities. But as the body ages, it becomes less flexible, which makes it less capable of successfully handling the repetitive movements common to exercise. Aging athletes should focus on their flexibility, stretching their muscles before and after a workout. In addition, activities such as yoga can work wonders on improving flexibility for young and aging athletes alike. • Don’t stop strength training. Some aging athletes mistakenly feel they should stop strength training as they get older. No longer concerned about building muscle, aging athletes might feel as if they have nothing to gain by lifting weights and continuing to perform other muscle strengthening exercises. But the body gradually loses muscle mass as it ages, and that loss puts the joints under greater stress when aging athletes perform other exercises. That stress can put people at greater risk for arthritis, tendinitis and ligament sprains. While you no longer need to max out on the bench press or challenge yourself on the biceps curl, it is important to continue to make strength training a part of your fitness regimen as you age. Aging athletes need not associate aging with ceasing their athletic pursuits. But recognizing your limitations and the changes your body is going through is an important element of staying healthy as your approach older adulthood. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 47
Exerciseand Arthritis A
cross the country, more than 50 million people are living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. So says the Arthritis Foundation, which projects that figure will rise to 67 million by the year 2030. Simply put, arthritis is a significant problem, one that can not only affect a person’s quality of life, but also his or her pocketbook, as the Arthritis Foundation notes that wokingage men and women (those between the ages of 18 and 64) who contend with arthritis are less likely to be employed than people of the same age who do not have arthritis. Arthritis is not only bad for employees, but also for employers, as it accounts for $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses. Exercise may be the last thing on many arthritis sufferers’ minds, but exercise can play a vital role in reducing the often painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Among its other benefits, exercise can strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints and help men and women maintain bone strength. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can make joints feel more painful and stiff, as a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately contribute to putting more stress on joints.
Upon being diagnosed with arthritis, patients should speak with their physicians about the best way to use exercise to combat and relieve their symptoms. Some patients may require physical therapy, while others might be able to work with their physicians to develop an exercise regimen that can help reduce the severity of their symptoms and any pain that accompanies those symptoms. The following are some types of exercises that figure to play a strong role in managing arthritis and improving quality of life.
• Aerobic exercises: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help arthritis sufferers alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health. Arthritis sufferers who have not exercised in awhile because of their pain may have gained weight as a result, and aerobic exercise is a great way to shed extra pounds. Losing excess weight is a great way to make physical activity less taxing on your joints as well. • Range-of-motion: Range-of-motion exercises are typically simple and don’t take much time, but when done correctly, such exercises can be very effective at relieving the stiffness associated with arthritis. A physician or physical therapist might advise you to do range-of-motion exercises each day, and you may even need to do them a few times each day. Adhere to this advice, continuing to perform the exercises as long as your doctor or physical therapists deems them necessary. • Strength training: As previously noted, arthritis sufferers may feel as though lifting weights will only exacerbate their existing symptoms. But strength training will strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing more support for those joints and ultimately reducing symptoms of pain. Speak with your physician or physical therapist about appropriate strength-training activities and the importance of rest. If you experience any pain during strength-training sessions, stop immediately and report the pain to your physician. More information about managing arthritis can be found at www.arthritis.org. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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48 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
Health benefits of meditation M
editation is often trumped as a means to reducing stress and restoring healthy function in the body. While meditation might once have been considered a New Age treatment, in recent years it has developed into a mainstream practice supported by both traditional and alternative medical providers. The Mayo Clinic says that anyone can practice meditation. A cost-effective treatment that does not require any special equipment or location, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and originally was developed to help people understand the mystical or spiritual forces of life. Although meditation for some may still have religious or spiritual connotations, in a medical sense it is typically used for relaxation and stress reduction. Various studies show that meditation can be associated with improvement of a variety of issues. Researchers describe meditationbased changes as ones that actually change the brain. Changes in the circuitry of the brain may affect the way a person responds to specific situations. The following are a few ways to put mindful meditation to use. • Strengthen cognitive function: Dr. Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, says meditation can help thicken the prefrontal cortex of the brain,
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helping to reverse the pattern of cognitive function decline as one ages. • Protect against heart disease: There is some indication that meditation can reduce concentrations of the marker C-reactive protein, which is associated with the development of heart disease. • Stimulate the immune system: A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation increases electrical activity in the areas of the prefrontal cortex that serve as the command center for the immune system. When these areas are stimulated, the immune system works more effectively. • Reduce blood pressure: The stress-boosting properties of meditation can help reduce hypertension. Researchers at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine attribute this to the increase of nitric oxide during meditation. Nitric oxide gas can expand blood vessels and open up blood channels. Some experts also say that meditation can decrease metabolism and improve breathing. Meditation may be a mind-body way to beat some of the conditions that affect people during daily life. Meditation is not difficult to learn, but it something that requires practice to master. Source: Metro Creative Connection
Our expert oncology team is committed to helping you and your family through every step of the cancer journey — physically and emotionally. At Mayo Clinic, we’re engaged in cutting-edge research and connected to unrivaled knowledge and resources, resulting in the best care options for you, right here in Mankato. Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato | 1025 Marsh St. mayoclinichealthsystem.org Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 49
When you become the parent of your parent M
edical advancements have enabled people to live longer. Though everyone wants to live longer, some people outlive their ability to care for themselves. In such instances, family members must make a decision regarding how best to care for an elderly relative. According to “Aging in Place in America,” a commissioned study by Clarity(R) and the EAR Foundation, 63 percent of Baby Boomers are actively involved in providing some kind of help or assistance to their elderly parents. Whether this is due to the rising cost of elder care or simply a feeling of obligation on the part of the child, many middle-aged men and women are responsible for caring for aging parents and young children.
Questions to ask Although taking on the care of an aging parent may seem like the best idea possible, particularly for a senior who is very afraid of losing his or her independence, it may not always be in either party’s best interest. Before anyone determines what will be done to help a relative, it’s best to answer a few questions as straightforwardly as possible. • What type of care does my parent need? • How soon into the future is that type of care bound to change?
The emotions that might result from caring for an aging parent are often mixed. Some people are happy to do their part to help make life a little easier for a person who devoted so much of his or her energy to raising them. Others in the sandwich generation can feel like this is a burden or guilty that they’re not doing enough for a parent.
• Can this care be handled by someone who comes into the house, such as a visiting nurse?
Signs an elder needs help
• What are my parent’s limitations?
When an older relative stops driving, this is often indicative that he or she needs assistance with daily living. There also may be signs that support and care is needed, such as if the house seems untidy, if he or she is having trouble maintaining personal hygiene, if the parent is getting hurt attempting to do things around the house or if he or she seems malnourished due to the inability to cook meals. Limited mobility or loss of mental faculties also may be indicative that it is time for a loved one to receive care.
50 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
• Will my parent feel comfortable with an outside person helping with day-to-day care?
• Am Icapable of handling this on my own? • Can I afford an adequate care facility? • What are my local facility options? • Will this type of care affect my own personal well-being? • Can Ihandle this emotionally and physically?
Historic Minneopa Cemetery Non-Profit & Non-Denominational Sitting on the bluffs of the Minnesota River next to Minneopa State Park, Minneopa Cemetery has been serving the needs of this area for more than 150 years. Plots are available both in the old cemetery (east side) and the new cemetery (west side). Visit our website for complete information or call 507-625-1673.
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Any person facing the prospect of caring for an aging parent can realize that there is help available, as well as many different people who can help guide a decision. The first resource is to ask siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to weigh in on the situation to help the family come to a consensus. There are also social workers who specialize in this sort of thing, as well as financial consultants who can spell out the pros and cons of different types of care and help determine the most affordable option. This can also go a long way toward helping determine the course of action. The burden of caring for a parent can take a physical and mental toll on a person. Knowing there is a support circle available can ease one’s mind and enable caregivers to make rational decisions that are in everyone’s best interest. Caring for a loved one who can no longer care for him- or herself is something that many Baby Boomers are facing on a daily basis. Although it may be a touchy subject, it is worth exploring what you will do before the situation becomes urgent. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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Shedding pounds
after 50
L
osing some weight is a goal for many people regardless of age. While youngsters and young adults might be able to get away with a few extra pounds without suffering any significant consequences, older adults carrying some extra weight might be putting their overall health at considerable risk.
Shedding weight after the age of 50 is not always easy. As a person ages, muscle mass tends to dwindle while body fat has a tendency to increase. Since fat burns fewer calories than muscle, weight gain as a person ages is bound to happen. But that doesn’t mean such weight gain is inevitable. In fact, men and women willing to make certain changes with regard to diet and exercise can shed pounds after 50 while preventing future weight gain.
Diet Men and women need fewer calories as they age. For example, men and women in their 40s may need as many as 200 calories more per day than they will when they reach their 50s. Counting calories might seem difficult, so men and women in their 50s and older who don’t think they can count calories can try to eat more low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
52 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
Consuming fewer calories often requires changing dietary habits, not only with regard to what you’re eating but also how you’re eating and even how you shop for food. Men and women used to dining out for lunch every day can start bringing their own lunches so they can gain greater control of their daily caloric intake. For those who find they’re frequently too exhausted to cook each night, they can prepare meals in advance to have healthy, homemade meals waiting instead of always ordering takeout or delivery. When shopping for food, people should avoid doing so on an empty stomach so they’re less inclined to buy unhealthy snacks.
Exercise Exercise is another essential component to shedding pounds after 50, though men and women over 50 should always consult a physician before they begin a new exercise regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that regular exercise can help older men and women prevent the onset of a host of ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the CDC notes that regular physical activity as one ages helps muscles grow stronger, which increases the chances that an individual will be able to perform necessary daily activities without the assistance of others. Maintaining that independence into older adulthood is a goal for many men and women, and it’s a goal that’s far more realistic for men and women who exercise than it is for those who don’t.
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Source: Metro Creative Connection When coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet, routine exercise can help men and women over 50 shed extra weight and keep the weight off once it’s gone. According to the CDC, older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 more days a week. These muscle-strengthening activities should work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. Musclestrengthening activities include lifting weights, working out with resistance bands, exercise such as push-ups and situps that use body weight for resistance, and yoga. Even gardening that involves digging and shoveling can be considered a muscle-strengthening activity. Weight gain is often an expected side effect of aging. But men and women don’t have to gain weight as they get older. Some simple dietary changes and a commitment to routine exercise is all it takes to shed weight after 50 and keep that weight off once it’s gone.
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Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 53
Let caution reign when beginning a
new exercise regimen E
xercise is an essential component of any plan to get healthier. Men and women who want to lose weight or change their lifestyles to reduce their risk of falling into poor health know that diet and exercise go hand in hand.
As intimidating as beginning a new exercise regimen can seem, it can also be dangerous, especially when individuals fail to approach physical activity with a degree of caution. Effective, long-lasting results won’t come overnight, so there’s no reason to throw caution to the wind when starting a new exercise regimen. Patience and prudence should reign at the onset, and there are several precautionary measures to take that can ensure a commitment to a healthier lifestyle starts off on the right foot. • Speak to a physician. No matter what is motivating you to get healthier, speak to a physician before beginning a new exercise regimen. Your physician will likely want you to get a full physical just to make sure you don’t have any existing conditions that might preclude you from certain activities. Part of proceeding with caution is knowing if you have any limitations, and certain health conditions can prove quite the hurdle to an exercise regimen. If the doctor detects any conditions, then the two of you can work together to devise an exercise regimen that’s both safe and effective. Another benefit to visiting the physician is that such a visit might reveal something that won’t necessarily preclude you from exercise, but help you gear your regimen toward addressing a certain situation before it progresses to something worse. For example, if the doctor finds you have high cholesterol, he might point you toward a regimen that includes more cardiovascular activity. • Be patient. Patience is essential when beginning an exercise regimen. Many people grow discouraged if their workout routine doesn’t produce jaw-dropping results overnight. But an effective and healthy exercise regimen will gradually produce results, leading to longterm health, as opposed to an overnight fix with minimal long-term effectiveness. When beginning the regimen, do so slowly and allow for gradual progress. As your body grows more acclimated to physical activity, you can begin to challenge yourself more and more, and that’s when the results are likely to be most noticeable. Learning to rest is also part of being patient. The body needs time to recover between workouts, so don’t expect to exercise every day at the start. Initially, you should be giving your body at least one day to recover between
workouts, and then you can take less time off between workouts as your body grows more acclimated to exercise. Discuss certain dietary tips with your physician to determine if there’s anything you can eat after a workout to aid in muscle recovery.
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• Work with a professional. Personal training sessions can be costly, but they’re also worth it for beginners who have never worked out before or who haven’t seen the inside of a gym in a while. Technology is constantly changing, and weight training and cardiovascular machines are included in those changes. You may very well enter a gym and not recognize any of the machines, much less know how to use them. A personal trainer can walk you through these machines and help you tailor your workout to match your goals. Many gyms offer free or discounted personal training sessions to new members, so take advantage of those offers when starting out. If a personal trainer is simply beyond your budget, then solicit a friend or family member for help, ideally one who works out regularly. This person can accompany you to the gym and act as a spotter or just go with you to make sure you stay committed. The buddy system is highly effective among people hoping to get healthier, so don’t be shy to ask for help. • Focus on form. The right form when performing certain exercises can make all the difference, while poor form can greatly increase your risk of injury. When beginning an exercise regimen, particularly one that involves weightlifting, master the form of each exercise with low weights. At this point in the routine, the primary goal should not be to strengthen your muscles, but rather to master the form of each exercise. Form includes everything from how you breathe during the workout to your posture to how smoothly your body moves during the exercise. Master the form first, even if it means lifting without any weight, before you start focusing on adding more weights and strengthening your muscles. Caution should reign supreme for men and women beginning a new exercise regimen. Source: Metro Creative Connection
• 4 small neighborhoods • Very cozy home-like community • Accessible gated courtyard with circular walking path • Intimate family style dining • Creative caregiving approach • Hospice care available to assist with end of life
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Enriching lives. Supporting families. To learn more about our quality care and home-like environment, please call 507-345-8787 300 Bunting Lane | Mankato, MN | cottagewoodseniorcommunities.com
As a licensed Medicare agent, I can help you find the plan that best meets your needs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has been helping people with Medicare since the program began. Contact me today.
Sheri K. Fedson 226 N. Broad Street Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-4322 (866) 806-8846 TTY 711
Blue Cross offers Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. You can also call Blue Cross for plan information or to enroll. Call 1-877-662-2583, TTY users call 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Central Time daily.
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Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 55
These are not your grandmother’s
retirement homes A
s the Baby Boomer generation enters retirement age, there has been an increased demand for services that meet the needs of this segment of the population. Amenities such as active-living communities that boast topof-the-line features typically are the first things individuals seek. Age-restricted, 55-plus communities cater to what the name implies -- people who are age 55 and older. However, these home developments are a far cry from what they used to be. Now they rival some of the best resorts in their features and are designed entirely around the needs of a group of active, amenity driven people. Plus, considering there now are more Americans age 65 and older than in any other point in history, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, developers understand the benefits of catering to this group of people. Therefore, there are more high-end active-living communities now than ever before. There are many choices with regard to active adult retirement communities. Many of these developments boast everything from detached, single-family homes to villas to condominiums. These residences are built with the active adult in mind. Here are some of the benefits that these communities boast.
Community companionship
Due to the age-restricted nature of active-adult-homedevelopments, the residents are all in a similar age range, and may have similar interests. At a time in life when friendships from work may waver due to retirement, and older children may be busy with their own lives, these communities can help foster new friendships. Whether through community-sponsored activities or just through home proximity, residents can enjoy one another’s company and never worry about feeling lonely into their retirement years.
Low- or no-maintenance living
One of the biggest attractions to active-adult living is that these homes are built to provide worry-free living. Included in the home ownership fees are provisions to take care of much of the interior and exterior maintenance. That means should a pipe leak or the lawn needs mowing, maintenance staff rather than the homeowner will handle the problem. This peace of 56 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
mind enables residents to pursue interests rather than worry about the upkeep on their homes. Many times the community is expertly manicured, helping to create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Activity-based fun
Many communities build activities into the living plan. Therefore, there may be a workout room, the game center, exercise classes, movie nights, and many other attractions to keep residents busy. Active-adult communities may be similar to all-inclusive vacations and cruises in that they have their own activities coordinator on staff. Should residents prefer solo activities, the property on which these homes are built are often created with recreation in mind. There can be walking paths or areas for cycling. Pools and spas are often part of the living package as well.
Security
Individuals who are no longer bogged down with work requirements may be more likely to take vacations or go visiting. In a traditional home, there may be worries about leaving the home unattended for a period of time. However,
in 55-plus residences, homes may be in gated communities or have security patrols. Also, the sheer number of homes in a townhouse-style building can camouflage homes that are currently vacant, easing the minds of those who are planning on going away.
Concierge services
Some of the more exclusive communities may have staff who can help with everything from booking vacations to helping with moving details. There also are developments that offer transitional homes, and someone may be available to help with the transition from an active-style home to one that has nursing staff or assisted living offerings at that time in life when it is needed. Active-living communities offer many of the features that recently retired people seek in homes that do not compromise on amenities. Individuals who are looking for comfortable, maintenance-free homes often seek out these developments for the convenience and services they offer. Source: Metro Creative Connection
Primrose Assisted Living is designed for people who want the privacy of an apartment home with the security of 24-hour care and service. Primrose offers amenities and supportive services such as: • • • • • • •
Weekly Housekeeping Services 24-hour personal assistance by health care staff Wellness Programs Reassurance Checks Three home cooked meals served daily Fireplace lounge Bistro with Wi-Fi
For more information, or to schedule a tour of our beautiful community, call Karen at 866-447-9636 and come see why we say… ®
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Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 57
Heart health tips no matter the
T
weather
he weather and temperature outdoors can have a large impact on energy levels and motivation to exercise. Warm, sunny weather can beckon one outdoors, while cold or rainy weather could keep one hibernating inside -- which is not good for the spirit or the body, including cardiovascular health. Staying active when the weather seems to be pitted against you can be challenging. However, there are many things you can do to make the best of things and still get the exercise needed for a healthy heart. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
58 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
• Head outdoors: Instead of the regular workouts you
do, consider something that makes the most of the weather outdoors. If it’s hot outside, consider walking by the seaside where the ocean mist can keep you cool, or having your feet in the laps of water reaching the sand. Unless you are the Wicked Witch of the West, a little rainfall will not make you melt. Don a raincoat and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. If it’s cold outdoors or if there’s an residual snow sledding or skiing remain fun ways to burn calories. All of these activities count as moderate to vigorous exercise, which is recommended daily for most people.
• Workout indoors: This
doesn’t necessarily mean heading to the nearest gym. It’s possible to get recommended exercise at home or at another location. Walking briskly around a mall is good exercise and you can window shop in the process. Lift heavy items around the house in place of dumbbells. Doing regular household chores with more vigor is another way to get blood flowing and your heart pumping.
• Eat right: It’s far too easy to
indulge in comfort foods, but they tend to be fattening. Eating the right foods to maintain a healthy weight goes a long way toward protecting the heart. Be sure to eat breakfast every day, and choose fruits and vegetables as snacks over sweet and salty items. Canned varieties are just as healthy as fresh produce and can offer a variety of flavors when certain foods are not in season. Be sure to include plenty of foods high in fiber. Not only will they help keep cholesterol levels in check, but it will also help you to feel full faster and longer.
• Dress appropriately:
Weather is often unpredictable. Therefore, dress in layers so you can remove or add clothing as needed to remain comfortable. Children and older adults are more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. According to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, when temperatures are low your heart works harder to keep the body warm. Dressing warmly can help avoid taxing the heart. The same caution applies when the temperature is extremely warm. It’s easy for the elderly to overheat and become dehydrated. Dress in light clothing and remember to drink plenty of water.
Before starting any exercise regimen, it is important to discuss your plans with a physician. He or she can determine if you are physically capable of moderate exercise or if any illnesses may impede your ability. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 59
How to make
exercise more enjoyable
S
edentary lifestyles can be dangerous to human health. Numerous studies have linked sedentary lifestyles to various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But in spite of those connections, sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both men and women are engaging in physical activity a lot less frequently than in years past. The survey, which examined data between 1988 and 2010, found that women who reported not engaging in physical activity rose from 19 percent to 52 percent, while figures for men rose from 11 percent to 43 percent. Many men and women find physical activity unenjoyable, which may make it difficult for them to include exercise in their daily routines. The following are some approaches men and women living sedentary lifestyles can take to make physical activity more enjoyable. • Find activities you like. Physical activity is not limited to working out in a gym. Many adults find gyms great and motivational places to get in shape, while others are bored by strength-training or intimidated by gyms. Finding a
60 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
physical activity you enjoy increases the chances that you will make exercise a part of your daily routine. Yoga, walking and cycling are just a few of the many physical activities that can help you live a less sedentary life. • Get a workout buddy. Another way to make exercise more enjoyable is to enlist a friend to workout with you. Friends can supply motivation on those days when you don’t feel like working out while also making workouts more enjoyable by sharing a few laughs as you lift weights, walk around the neighborhood or engage in whatever physical activity you do together. • Set specific goals. Exercise also becomes more enjoyable when you establish specific goals that give you something tangible to work toward. You are more likely to enjoy what you’re doing if you reach your goals along the way than if you don’t set any goals and simply go through the motions. You also can reward yourself for reaching certain goals, which will undoubtedly make your efforts more enjoyable.
• Involve other interests in your exercise routine. If exercise truly bores you, find ways to incorporate your other interests into your workout routine. Rather than spending 30 to 60 minutes simply running on a treadmill, take your tablet along with you and stream your favorite television shows. If possible, catch up on reading while you ride the exercise bike. Combining your workout routine with other passions can make your exercise routines more enjoyable, making you more likely to commit to them on a regular basis.
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• Sign up for classes. Gyms are more than just weight rooms and cardio machines. Many gyms now offer classes like Zumba, kickboxing and yoga, which can make exercise more communal and fun. If the weight room isn’t your thing, find a gym that offers classes you’re likely to embrace. Exercise need not be dull, and men and women looking to be less sedentary can look for ways to make working out more fun in an effort to reach their fitness goals. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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507.934.2200 www.ecumenstpeter.org Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 61
Women must work harder than men to lose weight I
t’s widely assumed that men and women lose weight differently. Diet product advertisements tend to suggest that all men have to do is give up sugary drinks or bread and the pounds will fall off. Women, however, do not see such immediate results. But is there any truth to the assumption that women have a harder time losing weight? That depends on who you ask. In his book, “The Complete Guide to Walking,” Mark Fenton quotes a study that found women who tried to lose weight by cutting their caloric intake by 500 calories per day didn’t lose as much weight as women who dieted away 250 calories and walked away 250 calories. That’s because the walking toned and built muscles. Muscles, it seems, are the key to more efficient weight loss. Men tend to have more muscle mass than women, who have a greater percentage of body fat and about half the amount of muscle mass than a man of the same size. The higher fat percentage plays a role in pregnancy and nursing, and tends to be concentrated for women in the
62 • Living 55 PLUS • February 2016 • Special Advertising Section
hips and thighs. Experts say it is more difficult to lose fat from these areas than the stomach, an area where men tend to gain weight. Information found in the study, “Sex Differences in Exercise Metabolism and the Role of 17-Beta Estradiol,” by Mark A. Tarnopolsky, as published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, says that the estrogen in a woman’s body predisposes her to store and retain fat more readily than a man. Women also oxidize more lipids rather than carbohydrates and protein during exercise. As a result, women will have to work harder to lose weight at the same rate as men. Even when exercise is factored in, a woman’s body may still store fat and attempt to slow metabolism in an effort to preserve body fat for reproduction. The way the female body is programmed to hold on to fat and the fact that women have less testosterone and do not produce the same level of muscle mass as men (muscles help to increase metabolic rate) are the main reasons why women may have a harder time losing weight than men.
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Just because there are physical differences between men and women that can affect the rate by which both sexes shed pounds, that doesn’t mean women are incapable of losing weight. Increasing exercise in addition to cutting calories will help speed up metabolism. By building lean muscle, women can help their bodies more actively shed pounds. Source: Metro Creative Connection
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There is another factor that may play a role in weight loss as well. Men have a 25 to 30 percent greater lung capacity than women because males are taller and more broad-chested than females. This means that when women and men are exercising side-by-side, men may have an endurance advantage because they are breathing in more oxygen. Women may feel more winded and tire more easily when exercising, particularly if they are not conditioned for it. This may shorten workouts for women.
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A1C, glucose, complete metabolic panel, lipid panel and more. www.REHC.org/DirectAccessLab for more information Visit riversedgehealth.org/service/direct-access-lab for more and a information andand a full list of tests and pricing. full list of tests pricing.
Special Advertising Section • February 2016 • Living 55 PLUS • 63
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ÕØÊ è Ø Â )ÊèÜ èÃ Ø ÊèØ ¨Ø«ÜãÂ Ü ãØ ʈ , ¢Êã Âú Ø ó â ú Õ¼ ú«Ã¢ Êèã Ü Ã Ø«ÊÜ ô¨ Ø Ø « ô Ü ùÕ ¼¼ ¡ÊØ ã«Ã¢ ¨ Ø ÕÜú ¨Ê¼Ê¢ú ÕØÊ¡ ÜÜÊØ Ã ¨ ãÊ ã ¹ ¶Ê ã 㨠ÜÊ Ü¨ÊÕ ÊØ Ø « ØÊÕÕ Êèã Ê¡ ʼ¼ ¢ ãÊ ¶Ê«Ã ÊÂÂèà à ô ó ÕÊà ¨ÊÜ ¡ÊØ ¼«ó«Ã¢ʈ ,ã ãÊʹ ¼Êâ ã«Â èã ÃÊô , à èà ØÜã à ô¨ ã Âú ÂÊã¨ Ø ô Ü ã¨«Ã¹«Ã¢ ô¨ à ܨ ÊÕã ¡ÊØ ã¨ ÊØÂ Ü ã «ÃÜã Ê¡ ã¨ Ø Â ¨ÊèÜ ʈ ,ã ÂèÜã ¨ ó à ÕÕ Ø Ãã ¡ØÊ à ؼú ¢ 㨠㠼¼ , Ø ¼¼ú ô Ãã ãÊ Ê ô«ã¨ Âú ¼«¡ ô Ü ¹ ¹ Ü «Ã à } ¹ Hó à ʛ ÃÊã¨ Ø ãÊú , à ó Ø ¢Êãʜ à ÕØ ã à ãÊ «ØÊà Êèã ÕØ ã à ôثù¼ Ü ô«ã¨ Âú ÕØ ã à «ØÊÃʈ ,à ¨ Ø Üè ã¼ ô ú ܨ ô Ü ãã ÂÕã«Ã¢ ãÊ ¢ Ãã¼ú Ø «Ãô ܨ ¨ Ø úÊèâ Üã ¨«¼ «ÃãÊ Ø ¼«ÿ«Ã¢ 㨠㠫ã «¢¨ã ¢ÊÊ « ãÊ ¨ ó Ø Ø ã¨ ã ôÊè¼ Ã ¼  ãÊ ÜèÕÕÊØã ÂúÜ ¼¡ à 㨠㠫ã ÕØÊ ¼ú ô ÜÃʰã 㨠ث¢¨ã Üã Õ¼ à ãÊ ô «ã ¡ÊØ 9 Ãʏ Ê ú Z¨ Ø à ó Øú 뢨㠡ã Ø ÜÕ Ã «Ã¢ à Ãã«Ø ú ô ã ¨«Ã¢ ÜÊ Õ ÊÕ Ø Ü ÊÃ Ø Ê Ø ã ¼ ó«Ü«ÊÃ Ü Ø Ãʈ , Êüú ô«Ü¨ 㨠ã , ¨ èà ØÜãÊÊ ¨ Ø ÂÊã«ó Ü ô ú ¹ ô¨ Ãʃ èã , « Ãʰãʈ BÊô , èà ØÜã à ʈ èã «Ã Âú ¨ Øã Ê¡ ¨ ØãÜ , ¼ÜÊ ¹ÃÊô 㨠㠢«ó à Âú Øè㨠ØÜʃ «ãʰÜ Ü㫼¼ ã¨ Ø Â )ÊèÜ ¼¼ 㨠ô úʈ ; ã A« ¢ ÊØ Z¹«ÕÕ Ø ¢Ê ãÊ Ê¼¼ ¢ ʈ Aú Ø « ¼ÊÃ¢Ü ÜÃ袼úʃ ÜÂ袼ú à ¨ ÕÕ«¼ú «Ã ¨ Ø ¼«ó«Ã¢ ØÊÊ ô «ã«Ã¢ ¡ÊØ 9 Ãʏ Ê ú Z¨ Ø à ãÊ Õè¼¼ «ÃãÊ ã¨ Ø«ó ô ú ô¨«¼ ܨ ô ã ¨ Ü ʭ# Ã Ø ¼ )ÊÜÕ«ã ¼ʮ Êà ¨ Ø Ø Ê Ø ã ¼ ó«Ü«ÊÃ Ü ãʈ Nell Musolf is a mom and freelance writer from Mankato. She blogs at: nellmusolf.com
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 67
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Jean Lundquist is a master gardener who lives near Good Thunder.
Live the Lifestyle Orthopedic care for your child Mayo Clinic offers pediatric and adolescent orthopedic services right here in Mankato. Todd Milbrandt, M.D., cares for patients with a variety of needs, including: • • • •
Cerebral palsy Clubfoot Hip disorders Spinal disorders
• Sports injuries • Scoliosis • Spina bifida
Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Call 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) to schedule an appointment.
Southern MN’s largest boat show on now at the Madison East Center in Mankato
www.mapletonmarine.com 4.95”x4.95”
Mankato Magazine January
MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 69
Your style
By Ann Rosenquist Fee
Downtown Style: A Guide for
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Gentlemen on the Town
here are plenty of resources out there for tourists and townies seeking wardrobe guidance for a Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap in Cloquet, a moonlight snowshoe hike at New Ulm or a long weekend at Lutsen Mountains. You can get that kind of high-quality all-weather style advice from any of the fine salespersons at Scheels All Sports. They know their stuff and they dispense advice very well, with class, without ever making you feel like a pansy for not knowing your R-values. But, what about the sportsmen who choose the warm and neighborly indoors for their wintertime recreation? Men who prefer the friendly, climate-controlled, low-volume nightlife of Greater Mankato as their chosen getaway? What have we for the stylish stay-cationer? Such decisions make all the difference between a smooth night of feeling ready for anything, and the kind of night where people cut wide circles around you on their way to the bathroom just to not to have to talk to you about your tennis shoes. Which are for tennis. Not for tonight. Not for on-thetown, even your own town. Alrighty? Your Style is here to help.
THE OUTERWEAR
Opt for dark. Opt for quilted. Not puffy, just enough padding and stitches to show you know damn well what climate you’re in. You’re in a harsh one. And this is what you’re doing about it, you’re doing the snowsuit equivalent of a tuxedo. Warm and timeless.
THE SECONDARY OUTERWEAR
Here again, go dark. Go with fleece or flannel-lined knit. Why? Because such pieces say, “If I had a martini in my right hand, and my coat was out of reach, no problem, because I would be just fine to walk outside in this fleece alone, and balance my martini whilst scraping my windshield with the left hand, not a drop spilled.” Obviously that’s fantasy. A person should not exit an establishment with a martini in hand, frosted window or not. Point being, there’s an air of preparedness and stamina established by such cozy indoor style statements, just about as warm and sturdy as the
70 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
statement made by the outerwear noted above. Your Style endorses it wholeheartedly.
THE HEADSUIT
And here is where the 56082 starts gaining on the rest of Greater Mankato. The men of St. Peter are notably the most confident in their use of
adventuresome headwear. We’re talking about driving caps, stocking caps, man-buns. Man-buns fastened with chopsticks. Man-buns with tendrils. It is beyond the scope of this study to unearth the socioeconomic foundations of this difference, but intuition suggests the St. Peter Food Co-Op & Deli is a causal factor. I don’t know if they sell chopsticks. I do know that the environment and the wildly friendly personnel make a person feel like any headsuit is fine, as long as it feels good and does no harm. The Co-Op is a fashion force. A health and wellness and tastiness source, of course, but a fashion force as well.
THE FLAIR
Here again, St. Peter takes it. Beads, silver, hemp. More silver. More beads. Captured on an average Wednesday night at Patrick’s on Third, people. St. Peter takes it.
THE FOOTWEAR
This is the hardest part to talk about. I’ll be frank: Men, the footwear draws a line. It signals a strong “either/or.” Your footwear either says “I’m ready for anything” (e.g., leather, nubuck, GORE-TEX ®) or “I’m ready for nothing except tennis, which I have no intention of playing, not with you in the south of France, not with my buddies at the West High courts, with no one because it’s the dead of winter and these
Ann Rosenquist Fee is executive director of the Arts Center of Saint Peter and a vocalist with The Frye. She blogs at annrosenquistfee.com.
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were simply the first things I found on my way out the door and they’re the color of dirty snow and that’s about where my joie de vivre is at right now.” See? See how that doesn’t help the mood of your fellow tavern-goers, and by extension doesn’t improve our sense of community or our local economy? Tourists, locals, this is a tough time of year. We can use all the joy and solidarity we can get. I don’t care how clear your own personal sidewalks are. Regardless, tennis shoes are not ok. Not right now. Not even your Converse All-Stars. “Yes” to down, fleece, flannel, caps, hats, beads and manbuns. “No” to defeated dirty white rubber telling our souls to give up on style until the spring. Because we can’t even. We just cannot even.
MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 71
Coming Attractions: February 3-7 MSU Theatre: Antigone
7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday— Andreas Theatre — Minnesota State University — $16 regular, $14 discount, $11 current MSU students — 507-389-6663 — www.mnsu.edu/theatre
4 The Scottie Miller Band
7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $15 general, $13 current MSU students — 507-389-5549
6 Bockfest
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.— Schell’s Brewery — 1860 Schell’s Road — New Ulm — 21+ event — $10 — www.schellsbrewery.com
6 Bockfest Before and After Party
12-4 p.m. and 9 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. — New Ulm Event Center — 301 20th St. S. — New Ulm — $5 Before Party, $10 After Party — 507-354-4673
6 Crown Jewels: A Tribute to Queen
8 p.m.— Kato Ballroom — 200 Chestnut St.— Mankato — $22 advance, $25 day of show — 507-635-7553
9 The Barley Jacks
7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $15 general, $13 current MSU students — 507-389-5549
12 Cole Swindell
8 p.m.— Verizon Wireless Center — $34.50 advance, $39.50 day of show — www.ticketmaster.com
13 Amore Affair: Art and Craft Fair
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Henderson RoadHaus — 510 Main St. — Henderson — 952-200-5684
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Valentine’s Day Dance featuring The Beginnings Band 7 p.m.— Waseca American Legion Club — 700 S. State St. — Waseca — 507-833-9935
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The Gustavus Choir Home Concert 7:30 p.m. — Christ Chapel — Gustavus Adolphus College — St. Peter — free — 507-933-7013
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Recital with Douglas Ashcraft and David Viscoli 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $12 general, $11 current MSU students — 507-389-5549
Mankato Symphony Orchestra: Symphonic Series “My Funny Valentine” 3 p.m. — Mankato West High School — 1351 S. Riverfront Drive — Mankato — $15, $20, $25 adults, $5 students — www.mankatosymphony. com
MSU Music: University Concert Bands 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $9 general, $7 students — 507-389-5549
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25 MSU Music: Contemporary Vocal and
14 Amy Lavere and Will Sexton
Mankato Symphony Orchestra: Pops at the Kato- Charles Lazarus 7 p.m. — Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St. — Mankato — $50 sponsorship table (seats 4-10), $23.50 general admission, $13.50 students — www.mankatosymphony.com
The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and Gustavus Jazz Lab Band International Tour Home Concert 3:30 p.m. — Bjorling Recital Hall — Gustavus Adolphus College — St. Peter — free — 507-933-7013
7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $12 general, $11 current MSU students — 507-389-5549
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Bunny Just Piano Festival: Jon Cleary, New Orleans piano 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $15 general, $13 current MSU students — 507-389-5549
18-20, 25-28
MSU Theatre: Rumors 7:30 p.m. 18-20 and 25-27, 2 p.m. 27-28 — Ted Paul Theatre — Minnesota State University www.mnsu.edu/threatre
19-21 River Hills Home and
Lifestyle Show 10 a.m.-9 p.m. — River Hills Mall — 1850 Adams St. — Mankato — 507-387-7469
19-21, 26-28 Love’s Labour’s Lost
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday — Anderson Theatre — Gustavus Adolphus College — St. Peter — $9 adults, $6 seniors and students — 507-933-7353
72 • feburary 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
21 Bunny Just Piano Festival Two- Piano
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Instrumental Ensembles 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $9 general, $7 students — 507-389-5549
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Sirens and Stardust; The Odd Life; Glory Horse 8:30 p.m. — What’s Up Lounge — 701 N. Riverfront Drive — Mankato — 21+ — $5 — 507-625-9710
28
MSU Music: University Choral Groups 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $9 general, $7 students — 507-389-5549
29
MSU Music: University Choral Groups 7:30 p.m.— Elias J. Halling Recital Hall — Minnesota State University — $9 general, $7 students — 507-389-5549
Faces & Places: Photos By Sport Pix
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
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1. Santa even made an appearance on the holiday train. 2. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train could be seen coming from miles away. 3. Spectators gathered around bon fires waiting for the show to start. 4. Live bands played from a boxcar attached to the train. 5. Members of the band Doc Walker entertain the crowd in Janesville. 2 6. The train went on both Canadian and American tours during the holidays. 7. Canadian country artist Kira Isabella was a big hit with the crowd in Janesville.
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 73
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Faces & Places: Photos By Sport Pix
Kiwanis Holiday Lights 1. Live reindeer were a popular attraction at Sibley Park this year. 2. Santa’s house was covered in snow at Sibley Park. 3. An ice sculpture was a new addition to the park this year. 4. Snowmen greeted visitors on the CHS side of the park. 5. Old Man Winter was one of the new lights displays this year for Kiwanis Holiday Lights. 6. The view from an 80-foot lift shows the 1.2 million lights used for this year’s display. 7. Children gathered with popcorn and hot chocolate to watch participants run through Sibley Park.
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MANKATO MAGAZINE • february 2016 • 75
From this Valley By Pete Steiner
Storms of ’82:
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What’s in a Name?
o my wife’s consternation, I save old newspapers. But, expected as I am to reflect on how things used to be, I need source material. The pain of the piles is occasionally eased when a check arrives in the mail for a piece based on what I uncover in those old clippings. After this winter’s first snow, I went down into the dungeon and discovered a large manila envelope marked “early ‘80’s…” It weighed about two pounds and offered up a musty odor as I reached inside. Much of the first handful I quickly discarded for recycling. But then came the things I’m glad I saved: several copies of The Free Press and St. Paul Pioneer Press from December 9 and 10, 1980. Yes, you remember: the days right after John Lennon was assassinated. Had it been 35 years? Re-reading the stories, it didn’t seem so long ago, how dark December can be made even darker by senseless human actions. Then, the day after I jotted these notes came San Bernardino. Imagine.
Maybe it’s because they came with such regularity – you couldn’t call any one, “the January storm of ’82.” None was associated with a major calendar event, like New Year’s Day. I’m guessing a majority of the readers of this column have vivid recollections of the Halloween Blizzard of 1991. A smaller faction will recall what many say was the most crippling blizzard of the century, the three-day onslaught of the Super Bowl Blizzard of 1975. But the early storms of ’82 were also doozies! Then in December of that year came yet another: the December 27th storm brought 16” of snow and 40-mph winds, numbers close to the Halloween Blizzard. Free Press writer Brian Ojanpa wrote, “Mark it well. Your grandchildren will want to know…” And yet, when was the last time you mentioned it? Maybe if it had come just two days earlier, it would have been “The Great Christmas Blizzard.” In weather too, timing is everything.
••••
A recurring theme in this space has been “places that are no more.” I saved Bill Altnow’s Free Press photos from April 7, 1983, of the demolition of the tall brick smokestack of the old MSU lower campus phy-ed building. That vast structure, with its art deco touches, wide stairways, granite floors and massive support columns, and labyrinthine passageways, was magical to me as a boy when my dad coached Loyola basketball games in the big gym there. A great place for a kid to wander. As with the earlier destruction of the magnificent IOOF building just a few blocks farther downtown, again came the question: Why could that historic structure not have been preserved and re-purposed?
Next I found some photos and stories about the winter of 1982. I often reported in real time on the radio about bad weather, but for posterity, I saved the written word from that bitter January: “wind chill hits -60!” “…dozens of stalled and stranded vehicles…” Three consecutive snowed-out weekends that month were too much for one of my all-time favorite Mankato establishments to survive. “Friendlies,” a basement club on old Front Street where the civic center now stands, had booked some high-priced bands from the Twin Cities. With hardly anyone venturing out that month, the club’s revenue was too little to cash flow the operation any longer. It’s interesting that the storms of ’82 are rarely mentioned, at least among those I hang with. 76 • february 2016 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
••••
•••• In the early ‘80s, one of our area’s early alternative publications was the Gathering Post. I had saved a column by Joe Tougas, from before he joined The Free Press. Dated November 1984, it was titled, “Farewell to City Mouse.” The musical rodents (disclaimer: my brother’s band) were playing the old Square Deal on South Front Street: “City Mouse was saying goodbye… This may be their final farewell…” I might have to frame that and give it to Brother Bill. Like the Phoenix, they rose from the ashes, re-forming shortly thereafter. In fact, the 1985 version of City Mouse, still intact 31 years later, is planning a 45-year celebration of the band’s legacy a couple of months from now. I didn’t get all the way through that ‘80’s envelope of saved clippings. Maybe in a year or so, there’s another article to be mined there.
Peter Steiner is host of “Talk of the Town” weekdays at 1:05 p.m. on KTOE.